![]() With this information, cattle managers in semi-arid regions can better address animal performance needs and nutrient deficiencies. This third evaluation confirmed the ability of FNIRS:NUTBAL to predict future BCS within 0.5 BCS more than 75% of the time. Three NUTBAL evaluations were conducted to determine the likelihood of accurately predicting animal performance: one with typical user defined inputs one with improved environment and herd descriptive inputs and one with these improvements plus the use of metabolisable protein in the model. Faecal derived diet quality varied between a maximum of 10.75% crude protein (CP) and 61.25% digestible organic matter (DOM) in early August 2016, to a minimum value of 4.22% CP and 57.68% DOM in January 2017. During the midpoint of grazing in each pasture, 30 BCS and a faecal composite of 15 samples were collected. Standing biomass and botanical composition were measured before each grazing period, and relative utilisation was measured following each grazing period. BCS and faecal samples were collected from a Red Angus herd ( n = 82) at the Santa Rita Ranch (June 2016–July 2017). We aimed to test the ability of NUTBAL to predict animal performance as represented by body condition score (BCS) in cattle grazing on a semi-desert rangeland. ![]() When combined with a nutritional balance software such as the Nutritional Balance Analyser (NUTBAL), FNIRS can monitor nutritional status and estimate weight change. ![]() CC marks the stocking rate at which this sustainable grazing pressure is achieved. Near-infrared spectroscopy of faecal samples (FNIRS) is an accurate method used to determine diet quality in grazing animals. It is the range managers task to balance the regeneration of the plants and the grazing pressure of the livestock. Range cattle in semi-arid regions are commonly limited by lack of nitrogen and other nutrients from grazing low-quality forage, with managers needing to monitor diet quality to address nutrient limitations.
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