The grazing behaviors of Japanese Black Breed of Cattle (Wagyu), crossbred of Holstein Cow and crossbred of Arab Mare have been studied when grazed on the same pasture.
The following three groups were used : 4 Japanese Black Breed of Cattle (12-24 months old), 3 Crossbred of Holstein Heifers (12-24 months old) and 4 Crossbred of Arab Mares (5-10 years old).
The constant observation method for 24 hours was adopted for these investigtions in August 25 to 31, 1962.
The results obatined are summarized as follows :
1. Grazing time on pasture for 24 hours was 481 minutes on the average per head in Japanese Black Breed of Cattle, 574 minutes in Crossbred of Holstein Heifers and 893 minutes in Crossbred of Arab Mares, respectively. The grazing time in day time was longer than that at night in all groups and the grazing time of Crossbred of Arab Mares at night was the longest compared with other groups.
2. Ruminating time on pasture for 24 hours was 406 minutes on the average per head in Japanese Black Breed of Cattle, 440 minutes in Crossbred of Holstein Heifer, respectively, and the ratio of ruminating time at night was longer than that in day-time.
3. Resting time on pasture for 24 hours was 455 minutes on the average per head in Japanese Black Breed of Cattle, 349 minutes in Crossbred of Holstein Cow and 449 minutes in Crossbred of Arab Mare, respectively. The ratio of lying time at night was longer than that in day time and the ratio of standing time in day time was longner than that at night in all groups.
4. The total time spent in migrating and loafing on pasture for 24 hours was 98 minutes on the average per head in Japanese Black Breed of Cattle, 77 minutes in Crossbred of Holstein Heifer and 99 minutes in Crossbred of Arab Mare, respectively, and the variation of diurnal rhythm in them showed similarity.
5. The frequency of defecation and drinking per head per day showed similarity but the frequency of urination and salt lick showed variation in each groups.
6. The distance walked on pasture per head for 24 hours was 4.278 km on the average in Black Breed of Cattle, 5.668 km in Crossbred of Holstein Heifer and 13.091 km in Crossbred of Arab Mare, respectively.
7. The interaction among every groups was scarcely recognized on pasture.