Sequence and process of species selection by cattle in relation to optimal foraging theory on an old land in the Natal Sour Sandveld

Abstract

The sequence in which cattle grazed four grass species during a grazing period was monitored at four stages through the grazing season. Data collected revealed that: (i) species could be classed as being of preferred, avoided or intermediate acceptability, (ii) grazing of classes always proceeded in a set sequence; cattle first grazed preferred, then intermediate classes but largely resisted grazing avoided species, (iii) classes were grazed at different rates through the grazing period, (iv) utilization of intermediate and avoided classes was largely dependent on the extent of grazing of preferred species and exhibited a threshold relationship and (v) observed trends were in general agreement with those predicted on the basis of optimal foraging theory. The data suggests that non‐selective grazing systems may be based upon faulty grazing philosophy.