Abstract:
Hay exporters are seeking an objective test to indicate animal preference, as this is particularly important to Japanese hay buyers. This is in addition to energy, protein and fibre content, which are the common measures of nutritive value. Currently the factors that influence preference are poorly defined and have not been compared across animal species. Feed intake rate, which is measured in short-term feeding studies may be a useful indicator of preference. The aim of this experiment was to undertake short-term feed intake rate tests using a range of cereal and legume hays offered to sheep, horses, beef and dairy cattle. The results were then compared to preference rankings obtained in a separate but associated study (Knott et al. 2002)
