The results of the present trial suggest that there is
no serious disadvantage to tethering dry, non-pregnant
goats in terms of intake. It also seemed that the goats
were able to change their behaviour in response to
restricted access to grazing in order to maintain herbage
intake when tethered only during the afternoon. It
should be noted, however, that the animals used in the
present study were mature, with low nutrient requirements
and that growing, lactating or pregnant animals
may not be able to compensate sufficiently for
decreased access to feed.