In search of tropically adapted cattle: does size matter?Export / Share Pahl, L. (2017) In search of tropically adapted cattle: does size matter? In: 19th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, 25 to 28 September 2017, Port Augusta, South Australia. Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link. Article Link: https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/data/ARSC2017/2017... AbstractThe body size of individuals of a species of herbivore in the tropics can be half that of individuals of the same species in temperate zones. This occurs because the tropics do not have the large quantities of high quality, young, green grass leaves needed by large herbivores for growth, gestation, lactation and replenishment of weight lost during the dry season. Instead, the tropics have large quantities of tall grasses containing high levels of fibre and lignin. Herbivores take a long time to masticate and ruminate this, and they take a long time to digest it. This limits their dry matter intake, and consequently the energy and nutrients available to them.
Repository Staff Only: item control page |