Influence of Sward Height on the Mechanics of Grazing and Intake Rate by Racehorses

Indoor studies were conducted with harvested turfs to evaluate the effect of sward height on the mechanics of grazing and Intake rate of racehorses. Bile weight increased from 0.64 g DM at the lowest sward height of 13.1 cm to 1.29 g DM at the highest sward height, 29,2 cm. Bite rate declined from 57.9 bites/min at the lowest sward height to 37.4 bites/min at the highest. This decline in bite rate as sward height Increased reflected increasing depth of bite, bite volume and bile weight. Intake rate did not increase with increasing sward height, It was concluded that this study, conducced over short periods indoors, needs extension to the field situation for further appraisal during periods of extended grazing time.