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Ration Density as a Factor Controlling Food Intake in Ruminants¹

Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Missouri, Columbia

ABSTRACT

The voluntary food intake of ruminants is probably regulated by a complex mechanism involving a variety of stimuli. It is difficult to predict the voluntary food intake of ruminants with the present understanding of this mechanism. In an effort to relate to intake such factors as ration bulk and ration form ("natural," finely ground, pelleted, i.e.), ration density was studied. Nine rations with densities varying from 0.2 to 0.8 g/ml were fed to either cattle or sheep. The equation expressing the relationship between voluntary bulk intake and density of ration was X = 73^–1·20 (X = ml/wkg^3/4/day; = g/ml). This empirical relationship is not an all inclusive prediction of food intake of ruminants, but it may be useful in predicting intake of animals under similar conditions receiving widely varying rations.

¹ Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Journal Series no. 2971. Approved by the Director.

² Present address: School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts.