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Energy Expenditure of Grazing Sheep

Abstract

THE results of several field experiments1 have indicated that the energy expenditure of sheep at pasture in equable climates is 1.1–2.0 times larger than that of stall-fed animals. The distances travelled by grazing sheep and the energy cost of locomotion have been measured2, and it appears that walking would increase the daily energy expenditure by 5–10 per cent. This leaves the energy cost of grazing per se and of the animal's reactions to its environment to be accounted for; the first measurements of the former can now be reported.

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References

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GRAHAM, N. Energy Expenditure of Grazing Sheep. Nature 196, 289 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/196289a0

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