Observations on the grazing habits of grade and zebu steers in a high altitude temperate climate

Abstract

1. Two series of observations are described on the habits of grade and zebu steers in an environment where maximum daily temperatures did not exceed 74° F. 2. No signs of heat stress were found in either group and the steers used were able to adopt a reasonable pattern of behaviour and graze throughout the day like cattle in other temperate regions. 3. Under wet conditions the zebus reacted to the cold much more than did the grades and did so by standing instead of Iying down. 4. There were considerable differences in the amounts of water drunk and it is suggested that these differences may result from the steers' efforts to maintain a homothermic state.