Chewing behaviour of hay-fed cows given supplements of whole barley and oat grains

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Four hay-fed cows were used to study the effects on chewing behaviour of daily supplements of 3 kg whole barley grains, 3 kg whole oat grains or 2·2 kg rolled oats. Both whole grains increased the total time spent chewing by a similar small extent, probably due to a direct physical effect of the grain. The quantity of whole oat grains voided in faeces was lower than that of barley and it is concluded that the quality of chewing is more important than duration in breaking grains and ensuring their subsequent digestion.