Field Test of Optimal Foraging with Cattle: The Marginal Value Theorem Predicts Patch Selection and Utilization

Presenter Information

Emilio A. Laca, University of California
R A. Distel, University of California
T C. Griggs, University of California
G Deo, University of California
M W. Demment, University of California

Publication Date

1993

Description

Grazers selectively forage within heterogeneous vegetation. Prediction of intake rate necessitates theoretical developments to understand site selection. We tested III optimal foraging model to predict patch selection by cattle in the field, Nine "grazing environments" (GB) consisting of 16 0.36 m2 patches each were created by mowing. Treatments were a factorial of 3 distances between patches and 3 sets of patch heights. Patch residence time (T,) was accurately predicted (r2=0.89), and increased linearly whh patch distance (P

Citation

Laca, Emilio A.; Distel, R A.; Griggs, T C.; Deo, G; and Demment, M W., "Field Test of Optimal Foraging with Cattle: The Marginal Value Theorem Predicts Patch Selection and Utilization" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 18.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session18/18