Notably, the rumination variables had smaller CVs than the eating
variables. Although the external conditions did not change noticeably
during the 10-day study period; the eating variablesweremore strongly
affected by external factors than rumination variables. Several health
disorders can affect feed intake in cattle but none occurred in this
study. Social interactions that could interfere with feeding are minimal
in cows kept in tie stalls. Individual animal factors and ration effects
must therefore be considered as causes for the variations. One individualwas
responsible for feeding the cows and endeavoured to keep the rations
consistent; however, the feed was not weighed and small