By Jamie Martin
Tongue rolling is one of the most noticeable unusual behaviors observed in cattle. While it may appear harmless, researchers consider it a non-nutritive oral behavior that can provide important information about an animal's diet and environment.
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 rely on a complex digestive system designed to process fibrous feeds. Their rumen serves as a large fermentation chamber where microbes break down plant material and make nutrients available to the animal. This process allows cattle to efficiently utilize forage-based diets.
Healthy cattle spend a significant amount of time ruminating, or chewing their cud. Rumination is a natural behavior that helps improve feed digestion and supports normal rumen function. Higher fiber intake generally increases the amount of time cattle spend ruminating.
Changes in feeding systems have altered the daily activities of many cattle. Animals raised in confinement often consume feed more quickly than grazing cattle and spend less time searching for or harvesting forage. Some experts believe these differences may encourage repetitive behaviors that are less common in pasture-based systems.
Non-nutritive oral behaviors include tongue rolling, bar licking, object licking, bedding chewing, ground licking, and cross-suckling. Although the exact reasons for these behaviors remain under investigation, nutrition is considered one of the most important factors influencing.
Research reviewing numerous scientific studies found that dietary composition often affects the frequency of these behaviors. In many cases, cattle receiving diets with greater roughage content showed fewer non-nutritive oral behaviors than cattle consuming diets with limited forage.
Roughage is important because it supplies fiber and stimulates chewing and rumination. These activities support normal digestive functions and may help satisfy behavioral needs associated with natural feeding patterns.
Feedlot cattle and dairy calves are among the livestock groups for most fed grain-based diets. Feedlots use energy-dense rations to promote efficient growth and finishing performance, while dairy calf diets are designed to support early rumen development. However, these feeding programs may provide less roughage than forage-based systems.
Recent studies examining cornstalk inclusion in finishing diets have produced interesting results. Researchers observed differences in tongue rolling and bar licking among cattle fed at varying levels of roughage. The findings suggest that the effectiveness and amount of dietary fiber may influence behavior, although additional research is needed.
Scientists are also studying the role of genetics. Research indicates that breed of differences may affect how often cattle display certain repetitive behaviors. Some breeds appear more likely to engage in tongue rolling and object licking, while others spend more time grooming themselves or herd mates.
Understanding these behaviors is increasingly important as the cattle industry continues to focus on production efficiency and animal welfare. Observing cattle behavior can provide valuable insight into management, feeding practices, and overall herd wellbeing.
While tongue rolling does not always indicate a health problem, it may signal that feeding strategies should be evaluated. Ensuring cattle receive adequate effective fiber and opportunities for normal rumination may help encourage natural behaviors and support digestive health.
Ongoing research will continue to improve understanding of how nutrition, environment, and genetics interact to influence cattle behavior. The results could help producers refine feeding programs that promote both animal performance and welfare, creating benefits for the entire livestock sector.
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Categories: National