Nycterohemeral eating and ruminating patterns in heifers fed grass or corn silage: analysis by finite Fourier transform.

Average daily and within-day nycterohemeral patterns of eating and ruminating behavior were determined in six Holstein-Friesian heifers (average BW = 427 kg) given ad libitum access to either corn or grass silage in a two-period crossover design. Rhythm components (number of cycles/24 h) were characterized by finite Fourier transform of the 24-h mastication activities as measured during 4 d by continuous jaw movement recordings. Average daily voluntary intake of corn silage was 8.

[Quantitative analysis of the rythm of feeding and merycismal activities].

The nycterohemeral eating and ruminating patients were studied in 6 heifers given ad libitum access to grass or corn silage in a 2 period cross-over design. Rhythm components (no of cycles/24 h) were characterized by the finite Fourier transform of hourly means of the 24 h mastication activities. Rhythm components 1, 3 and 4 contributed considerably to explaining the total dispersion of 24 h eating and ruminating mastication series.