Adaptation behaviour of local and rangeland cattle relocated to a temperate agricultural pasture
D. T. Thomas A B , M. G. Wilmot A , R. W. Kelly A and D. K. Revell A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A CSIRO Livestock Industries, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA 6913, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: dean.thomas@csiro.au
Animal Production Science 51(12) 1088-1097 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN11044
Submitted: 31 March 2011 Accepted: 30 September 2011 Published: 7 November 2011
Abstract
Relocating cattle from rangeland properties to agricultural pastures in southern Western Australia allows producers to improve year-round continuity of feed supply in their beef cattle businesses, and can reduce substantially the time taken to grow animals to meet market specifications. In this study the behaviour and growth of two groups of young cattle that were sourced from different locations was evaluated after they were transferred to a new extensive grazing system. In Experiment 1, 122 Limousin-cross heifers that were raised in the agricultural region of Western Australia (AR cattle) were transferred to the experimental site from a neighbouring property (~10 km away). In Experiment 2, 95 Brahman-cross heifers that were raised in the rangelands of Western Australia (RR cattle) were transferred to the experimental site. Animal growth and behaviour were analysed across time and differences in the time-course of behavioural changes between the groups were compared. Rate of liveweight gain in the AR cattle remained consistent (~1.2 kg/day) during the experiment. There was an increase in horizontal (16%; P < 0.001) and vertical (12%; P = 0.002) head movement in AR cattle over the first several weeks after relocation, indicative of increased grazing activity, but there was little change in other behaviours over the duration of the experiment. In contrast, the RR cattle had reduced growth during the first 4 weeks after relocation (P < 0.001). From weeks 2–4 weight gain in RR cattle was 0.31 kg/day, approximately one-quarter of their average daily gain attained 4 weeks later. During the first 6 weeks, RR cattle showed behavioural changes indicative of adaptation, including a 61% increase in horizontal head movements, suggesting more grazing activity. The paddock area utilised daily by RR cattle was 32% higher in week 6 compared with week 1, and during daylight hours (0600–1900 hours) they began to travel more (23%) and spent more time active (16%). We conclude that rangeland-raised Bos indicus heifers take from 4 to 6 weeks to adapt from their previous large paddocks/natural plant environment to a new temperate agricultural environment. Our results suggest that the cause of lost productivity in rangeland cattle when they are relocated to a temperate pasture is at least in part due to initial lower grazing activity as they become familiar with the new environment.
Additional keywords: adaptation, cattle trading, GPS, grazing behaviour, relocation, tilt sensor.
References
Arnold GW (1962) The influence of several factors in determining the grazing behaviour of Border Leicester × Merino sheep. Journal of the British Grassland Society 17, 41–51.| The influence of several factors in determining the grazing behaviour of Border Leicester × Merino sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Arnold GW, Dudzinski ML (1978) ‘Ethology of free-ranging domestic animals.’ (Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co.: Amsterdam, Netherlands) xi + 198 pp.
Arthington JD, Spears JW, Miller DC (2005) The effect of early weaning on feedlot performance and measures of stress in beef calves. Journal of Animal Science 83, 933–939.
Arthington JD, Qiu X, Cooke RF, Vendramini JMB, Araujo DB, Chase CC, Coleman SW (2008) Effects of preshipping management on measures of stress and performance of beef steers during feedlot receiving. Journal of Animal Science 86, 2016–2023.
| Effects of preshipping management on measures of stress and performance of beef steers during feedlot receiving.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXpt12htr4%3D&md5=f948aa07dd831674d56cb33c00909488CAS |
Bailey DW, Gross JE, Laca EA, Rittenhouse LR, Coughenour MB, Swift DM, Sims PL (1996) Mechanisms that result in large herbivore grazing distribution patterns. Journal of Range Management 49, 386–400.
| Mechanisms that result in large herbivore grazing distribution patterns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bailey DW, Thomas MG, Walker JW, Witmore BK, Tolleson D (2010) Effect of previous experience on grazing patterns and diet selection of Brangus cows in the Chihuahuan Desert. Rangeland Ecology and Management 63, 223–232.
| Effect of previous experience on grazing patterns and diet selection of Brangus cows in the Chihuahuan Desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Brennan GA (2005) Southern rangelands sustainable production systems project summary. In ‘Pastoral memo: Southern Rangelands. Vol. 11 (4)’. (Ed. M Alchin) pp. 12–17. (Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia: Perth)
Burritt EA, Provenza FD (1989) Food aversion learning: ability of lambs to distinguish safe from harmful foods. Journal of Animal Science 67, 1732–1739.
Cole NA, McLaren JB, Hutcheson DP (1982) Influence of preweaning and B-vitamin supplementation of the feedlot receiving diet on calves subjected to marketing and transit stress. Journal of Animal Science 54, 911–917.
Etschmann B, Suplie A, Martens H (2009) Change of ruminal sodium transport in sheep during dietary adaptation. Archives of Animal Nutrition 63, 26–38.
| Change of ruminal sodium transport in sheep during dietary adaptation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXotlygtw%3D%3D&md5=26ca482a9c76b58b925dc0c4daf699dcCAS |
Ganskopp D, Cruz R (1999) Selective differences between naive and experienced cattle foraging among eight grasses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 62, 293–303.
| Selective differences between naive and experienced cattle foraging among eight grasses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Garcia-Belenguer S, Palacio J, Gascon M, Acena C, Revilla R, Mormede P (1996) Differences in the biological stress responses of two cattle breeds to walking up to mountain pastures in the Pyrenees. Veterinary Research 27, 515–526.
Genstat (2007) ‘Genstat for Windows. Release 10.’ 10th edn. (Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Experimental Station: Hemel Hempstead, UK)
Guo Y, Poulton G, Corke P, Bishop-Hurley GJ, Wark T, Swain DL (2009) Using accelerometer, high sample rate GPS and magnetometer data to develop a cattle movement and behaviour model. Ecological Modelling 220, 2068–2075.
| Using accelerometer, high sample rate GPS and magnetometer data to develop a cattle movement and behaviour model.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gupta S, Earley B, Nolan M, Formentin E, Crowe MA (2008) Effect of repeated regrouping and relocation on behaviour of steers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 110, 229–243.
| Effect of repeated regrouping and relocation on behaviour of steers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Handcock RN, Swain DL, Bishop-Hurley GJ, Patison KP, Wark T, Valencia P, Corke P, O’Neill CJ (2009) Monitoring animal behaviour and environmental interactions using wireless sensor networks, GPS collars and satellite remote sensing. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) 9, 3586–3603.
| Monitoring animal behaviour and environmental interactions using wireless sensor networks, GPS collars and satellite remote sensing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Holroyd RG, Doogan VJ, Jeffery MR, Lindsay JA, Venus BK, Bortolussi G (2008) Relocation does not have a significant effect on the growth rate of Bos indicus cross steers. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 608–614.
| Relocation does not have a significant effect on the growth rate of Bos indicus cross steers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jeffrey SJ, Carter JO, Moodie KB, Beswick AR (2001) Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data. Environmental Modelling & Software 16, 309–330.
Keren EN, Olson BE (2007) Applying thermal imaging software to cattle grazing winter range. Journal of Thermal Biology 32, 204–211.
| Applying thermal imaging software to cattle grazing winter range.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Klein L, Baker SK (1993) Composition of the fractions of dry, mature subterranean clover digested in vivo and in vitro. In ‘Proceedings of the XVII International Grasslands Congress’. New Zealand. pp. 593–595. (New Zealand Grassland Association: Palmerston North, New Zealand)
Klieve AV, Holroyd RG, Turner AF, Lindsay JA (1998) Rumen bacterial and protozoal populations in cattle being relocated in tropical Queensland. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 49, 1153–1159.
| Rumen bacterial and protozoal populations in cattle being relocated in tropical Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Malechek JC, Smith BM (1976) Behavior of range cows in response to winter weather. Journal of Range Management 29, 9–12.
| Behavior of range cows in response to winter weather.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mannetje L, Haydock KP (1963) The dry-weight-rank method for the botanical analysis of pasture. Journal of the British Grassland Society 18, 268–275.
| The dry-weight-rank method for the botanical analysis of pasture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McIntyre B, Ryan W, Macintyre N (1989) Finishing cattle in the south-west. Journal of Agriculture – Western Australia 30, 58–61.
Mitchell AA, Wilcox DG (1994) ‘Arid shrubland plants of Western Australia.’ (University of Western Australia Press and Department of Agriculture, Western Australia: Perth)
Provenza FD, Villalba JJ, Dziba LE, Atwood SB, Banner RE (2003) Linking herbivore experience, varied diets, and plant biochemical diversity. Small Ruminant Research 49, 257–274.
| Linking herbivore experience, varied diets, and plant biochemical diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Reinhardt V, Reinhardt A (1981) Natural sucking performance and age of weaning in zebu cattle (Bos indicus) The Journal of Agricultural Science 96, 309–312.
| Natural sucking performance and age of weaning in zebu cattle (Bos indicus)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ryan W, Pratchett D, McIntyre B (1987) Alternative turnoff strategies for Kimberley beef cattle. 1. Live animal performance and carcass characteristics. The Rangeland Journal 9, 61–67.
| Alternative turnoff strategies for Kimberley beef cattle. 1. Live animal performance and carcass characteristics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schutt KM, Arthur PF, Burrow HM (2009) Brahman and Brahman crossbred cattle grown on pasture and in feedlots in subtropical and temperate Australia. 3. Feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of feedlot-finished animals. Animal Production Science 49, 452–460.
| Brahman and Brahman crossbred cattle grown on pasture and in feedlots in subtropical and temperate Australia. 3. Feed efficiency and feeding behaviour of feedlot-finished animals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sevi A, Taibi L, Albenzio M, Muscio A, Dell’Aquila S, Napolitano F (2001) Behavioral, adrenal, immune, and productive responses of lactating ewes to regrouping and relocation. Journal of Animal Science 79, 1457–1465.
Standing Committee on Agriculture (1990) ‘Feeding standards for Australian livestock. Ruminants.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne)
Swain DL, Friend MA, Bishop-Hurley GJ, Handcock RN, Wark T (2011) Tracking livestock using global positioning systems – are we still lost? Animal Production Science 51, 167–175.
| Tracking livestock using global positioning systems – are we still lost?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sweeney RA, Rexroad PR (1987) Comparison of LECO FP-228 ‘nitrogen determinator’ with AOAC copper catalyst Kjeldahl method for crude protein. Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists 70, 1028–1032.
Thomas DT, Wilmot MG, Alchin M, Masters DG (2008) Preliminary indications that Merino sheep graze different areas on cooler days in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 889–892.
| Preliminary indications that Merino sheep graze different areas on cooler days in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tucker CB, Rogers AR, Verkerk GA, Kendall PE, Webster JR, Matthews LR (2007) Effects of shelter and body condition on the behaviour and physiology of dairy cattle in winter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 105, 1–13.
| Effects of shelter and body condition on the behaviour and physiology of dairy cattle in winter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Umstätter C, Waterhouse A, Holland JP (2008) An automated sensor-based method of simple behavioural classification of sheep in extensive systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 64, 19–26.
| An automated sensor-based method of simple behavioural classification of sheep in extensive systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ungar ED, Henkin Z, Gutman M, Dolev A, Genizi A, Ganskopp D (2005) Inference of animal activity from GPS collar data on free-ranging cattle Rangeland Ecology and Management 58, 256–266.
| Inference of animal activity from GPS collar data on free-ranging cattleCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Veissier I, Le Neindre P, Trillat G (1989) The use of circadian behaviour to measure adaptation of calves to changes in their environment. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 22, 1–12.
| The use of circadian behaviour to measure adaptation of calves to changes in their environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wagner JJ, Lusby KS, Oltjen JW, Rakestraw J, Wettemann RP, Walters LE (1988) Carcass composition in mature hereford cows – estimation and effect on daily metabolizable energy requirement during winter. Journal of Animal Science 66, 603–612.
Wechsler B, Lea SEG (2007) Adaptation by learning: its significance for farm animal husbandry. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 108, 197–214.
| Adaptation by learning: its significance for farm animal husbandry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
White CL, Masters DG, Peter DW, Purser DB, Roe SP, Barnes MJ (1992) A multi element supplement for grazing sheep. I. Intake, mineral status and production responses. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 43, 795–808.
| A multi element supplement for grazing sheep. I. Intake, mineral status and production responses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK38Xkt1Gitbg%3D&md5=d19b98855f599d7b89f4ed44b76387faCAS |
Yan ZG, Holm AM, Mitchell AA (1996) The population dynamics of perennial shrubs in a Western Australian chenopod shrubland in relation to grazing and seasonal conditions. The Rangeland Journal 18, 10–22.
| The population dynamics of perennial shrubs in a Western Australian chenopod shrubland in relation to grazing and seasonal conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Young BA (1975) Temperature-induced changes in metabolism and body-weight of cattle (Bos taurus). Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 53, 947–953.
| Temperature-induced changes in metabolism and body-weight of cattle (Bos taurus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE28XivVOltg%3D%3D&md5=1228f62c9aa9445018ef8aff4c6c3dbdCAS |
