Observations on the grazing behaviour of beef cattle in tropical Queensland

Abstract

The results of a series of observations on the habits of Shorthorn steers grazing on improved tropical pastures at South Johnstone and Ayr, on the north-eastern coast of Queensland, are presented. The average times spent per day in various activities by a group of 16 cattle observed on a total of 15 days at South Johnstone were - grazing 7 .27 hours, loafing 6.52 hours, lying down 10.21 hours. The average times for observations made on 10 days at Ayr were -grazing 7.27 hours, loafing 6.33 hours, lying down 10.40 hours. It is concluded that high temperatures reduce the amount of daytime grazing, restrict the total grazing lime, cause long periods to be spent in shade, and restrict the time spent lying down.