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Grass is an important source of nourishment for animals all over the world, from tiny insects to huge mammals. In Australia, kangaroos are the iconic mammals of the country and are known to be herbivores that depend on grasses for sustenance and hydration. This allows them to survive in the arid regions of the Australian outback. Grasshoppers, which are insects, also eat grass, including quackgrass, junegrass, Johnsongrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Other grass-eating animals around the world include cows, sheep, zebras, horses, and even pandas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals that eat grass in Australia | Kangaroos |
| Animals that eat grass in general | Rhinos, Pandas, Zebras, Horses, Cows, Sheep, Goats, Bison, Buffalo, Deer, Elk, Wildebeest, Grasshoppers, Elephants, Bears, Ostriches, Geladas, Llamas |
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Kangaroos
Eastern grey kangaroos and antilopine kangaroos are predominantly grazers, feeding on different wild grasses. Eastern grey kangaroos prefer young, green grasses, while antilopine kangaroos eat short, green grasses and occasionally long grasses that have been burned by bushfires. On the other hand, red kangaroos and western grey kangaroos are foragers, consuming grasses, leaves from shrubs and trees, and sometimes parts of flowering plants.
In captivity, kangaroos are often fed hay or alfalfa instead of wild grasses. Some zoos supplement their diets with fruits, vegetables, and pellet formulas designed for grazing mammals.
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Cows
In Australia, most cows' diets consist of grass, whether it is grazed or supplied as hay or silage. This is often supplemented with a small amount of grain and mineral supplements to ensure the cows receive a nutritionally balanced diet. Grass is considered the most cost-effective feed source for cows. However, grass production can be unpredictable, depending on the weather and the time of year. To combat this, farmers preserve excess grass by making silage and hay, which can be fed to cows when grass is scarce. Additionally, grains and legumes are used to provide extra nutrition when needed. On average, about 60-65% of an Australian cow's diet comes from fresh grazed grass over the course of a year.
While grass is the primary feed for most cows in Australia, there are some variations in their diets. For example, approximately 2% of farms provide their cows with a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) of silage, grain, and other feeds, which is supplied in a trough. This TMR provides a nutritionally balanced diet and is often used in climatically controlled environments.
Some farmers also choose to feed their cows a predominantly grain-based diet, particularly in feedlots, where cattle are intensively housed and fed grain to fatten them up quickly for slaughter. This practice has gained popularity due to its ability to meet market demands consistently. However, it deviates from the natural diet cows would traditionally find in nature, potentially impacting their digestion and welfare.
To market beef as "grass-fed", the Cattle Council of Australia's "Pasture Fed Cattle Assurance System" (PCAS) sets specific standards. These standards require cattle to have continuous access to graze pasture, with a diet derived solely from grass, forbs (like legumes), browse, or cereal grain crops before the grain state. This assurance system provides consumers with confidence in the grass-fed claims of beef products.
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Sheep
However, grass seeds can cause serious production and health problems in sheep. In Western Australia, grasses such as barley grass, brome grass, and spear grass can cause issues when their seeds are mature. Sheep with grass seed irritation may experience reduced feed and water intake, affecting their health. Grass seeds can also cause eye damage and wool affected by them is less valuable due to discolouration and matting.
Merino and Merino-cross sheep are the most affected by grass seeds due to the wool on their faces and crutches. Grass seed infestations can lead to eye infections and inflammation, attracting flies and contributing to weight loss and depressed growth due to reduced grazing. This can result in lower-quality and lower-value carcasses, which may be discounted in the market.
To prevent and control grass seeds' impact on sheep, various pasture and animal management techniques can be employed. One strategy is to run older wethers with young lambs, as the latter can learn from the former's experience to avoid seed heads. By implementing effective management practices, sheep farmers can maintain the health and productivity of their flocks while utilising grass as a valuable food source.
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Horses
Fresh grass is an important source of vitamins, proteins, and minerals for horses. However, the sugar levels in grass can vary from hour to hour, and too much lush grass in spring can lead to health issues such as laminitis. Therefore, it is important to monitor the amount of grass consumed and ensure access to a continuous stream of appropriate dried forage, such as hay or haylage, to maintain a healthy gut and satisfy the horse's dental and behavioural needs.
In addition to grass, horses can also eat fruits and vegetables in moderation. Carrots and apples are suitable, but certain vegetables like those in the cabbage family (e.g., turnips, cabbages, kale) should be avoided as they can cause discomfort and gas. It is also important to avoid feeding horses sugary foods like chocolate, bread, and cakes, as well as meat and certain members of the nightshade family, such as potatoes and tomatoes.
Domesticated horses may not always have access to natural grazing, so their diet may need to be supplemented with conserved feeds. However, this requires careful consideration of their nutritional needs, as vitamins and fatty acids may need to be supplemented additionally. Overall, it is important to ensure that horses have access to the right types and amounts of food to maintain their health and energy levels, regardless of their lifestyle or work demands.
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Zebras
Australia is home to a diverse range of grass-eating animals, including some unique species found nowhere else on Earth. One such animal is the zebra, which is an unusual but well-adapted grass consumer in the Australian environment. While zebras are typically associated with the African savanna, a small population of zebras has been introduced to Australia and thrives in the grassy plains and open woodlands of the continent.
The diet of zebras consists mostly of various grass species. They are selective feeders and will choose the most nutritious parts of the plant, including young shoots, leaves, and stems. Zebras have a strong sense of taste and tend to favor sweet grasses. In the Australian landscape, they often feed on native grass species such as kangaroo grass, wallaby grass, and spear grass. These grasses are abundant and provide the necessary nutrients for zebras to thrive.
In Australia, zebras face different environmental challenges compared to their African counterparts. They have adapted well to the climate and compete for resources with native herbivores, such as kangaroos and wallabies, which also rely on grass as their primary food source. The successful adaptation of zebras in Australia showcases the animal's ability to thrive in diverse habitats, making them an intriguing addition to the country's unique fauna.
Overall, zebras are fascinating grass-eating animals that have found a niche in the Australian ecosystem. Their presence in the wild showcases the adaptability and survival skills of a species typically associated with African grasslands, offering a unique twist to Australia's already diverse wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
Kangaroos are one of the iconic mammals of Australia that eat grass.
Elephants, rhinos, zebras, horses, and cows are some of the large animals that eat grass.
Grasshoppers and ostriches are some bird and insect species that eat grass.
Bears and geladas (a type of baboon) are some unexpected grass eaters.
