Soil Ingestion by Cattle Grazing Crested Wheatgrass

Abstract

Soil ingestion rates were determined using four 350-kg esophageal fistulated heifers. Soil concentrations in feces, as determined indirectly by titanium analysis, averaged 14 and 20% in June and August, respectively. Calculated soil ingestion rates were 0.73 and 0.99 kg/animal-day for the two respective periods.