Low fiber diets may influence unusual cattle behaviors
Cattle are known for chewing their cud, but some animals also display unusual behaviors such as tongue rolling, bar licking, and repeatedly licking objects. These actions are known as non-nutritive oral behaviors because they do not help the animal consume feed. Researchers believe these behaviors can provide clues about cattle health, diet, and management.
According to Morgan H. Herrema of Michigan State University Extension, dietary fiber and roughage can play an important role in reducing non-nutritive oral behaviors such as tongue rolling in cattle. The article summarizes findings from several studies investigating cattle nutrition and behavior.
Cattle are ruminants, meaning they have a four-compartment stomach. The largest compartment, called the rumen, acts as a fermentation chamber where microorganisms help break down fibrous feeds such as grass and hay. This unique digestive system allows cattle to use forages that many other animals cannot digest.
One of the most important natural behaviors of cattle is rumination, commonly known as chewing the cud. During rumination, cattle regurgitate partially digested feed and chew it again. This process helps reduce feed particles and improves digestion. Studies have shown that cattle spend more time ruminating when they consume higher levels of fibrous forage.
Modern cattle production systems vary widely. Some cattle graze pasture while others are raised in confinement systems where feed is delivered directly to them. Because cattle in confinement often spend less time eating and grazing, their daily behavior patterns can be different from those of pasture-raised animals.
Nutrition experts have suggested that these changes in feeding time and activity may contribute to the development of stereotypical behaviors. Stereotypical behaviors are repetitive actions that appear to have no clear purpose. Tongue rolling is one of the most commonly recognized examples of cattle.
Dairy calves and feedlot cattle are among the groups most often fed grain-based diets with limited forage. Dairy calves receive these diets to encourage rumen development and growth, while finishing cattle are feeding high-energy diets designed to promote efficient weight gain and market readiness.
Research has examined whether feeding practices influence the occurrence of non-nutritive oral behaviors. A review of multiple scientific studies found that diet frequently affects how often cattle display behaviors such as tongue rolling, object licking, ground licking, self-grooming, and cross-suckling.
One key finding from the research was the importance of roughage in cattle diets. Studies consistently reported that adding roughage reduced unusual oral behaviors, while removing roughage or limiting its availability increased these behaviors. Roughage provides fiber that supports rumen function and encourages natural chewing activity.
Recent research involving feedlot cattle evaluated diets containing different levels of cornstalks as a roughage source. Scientists observed differences in tongue rolling and bar licking among cattle fed varying amounts of cornstalks. However, researchers concluded that all diets may still contain relatively low fiber levels, making it difficult to fully explain the behavioral differences.
Researchers also continue to investigate factors beyond diet. Genetics and breed characteristics may also influence behavior. Studies have shown that different cattle breeds can display different patterns of non-nutritive oral activity. Some breeds have been observed engaging more frequently in tongue rolling and object licking, while others spend more time grooming themselves or interacting with other animals.
Although scientists are still exploring the exact causes of these behaviors, current evidence suggests that adequate dietary fiber is an important part of maintaining normal cattle's behavior. Providing appropriate roughage may support rumen's health, encourage natural rumination, and help reduce the occurrence of repetitive oral behaviors.
As researchers continue studying cattle's nutrition and welfare, producers can use this information to better understand animal behavior and develop feeding programs that support both productivity and wellbeing. Future studies examining different fiber sources and feeding strategies may further improve management practices across the beef and dairy industries.
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