Influence of energy supplementation on grazing ruminants: requirements and responses

Abstract

Energy requirements of grazing livestock seem to be poorly defined. Requirements generated from measurements in pen-fed animals present both theoretical and practical concerns when they are applied to grazing situations. In mature ruminants a majority of energy used for maintenance seems to be consumed by visceral tissues. Moreover, factors that affect visceral energy use are poorly understood. Energy supplementation to meet requirements and production demands is often practiced during periods of summer dormancy and in winter months. Source of supplemental energy varies widely and includes grains, readily digestible fiber sources, and high-quality forages. Intake and digestibility can be reduced or unaffected by energy supplementation. In some cases, lower levels of energy supplementation have been shown to increase utilization of grazed forage. Reductions in ruminal pH, often cited as the major cause of reduced fiber digestion, may not always explain reductions in intake and digestibility associated with energy supplementation. Livestock production is usually either enhanced or unaffected by energy supplementation. Additional research regarding energy requirements of grazing ruminants, visceral energy use, and mechanisms associated with reductions in intake and digestibility of grazed forage resulting from energy supplementation is warranted.