Figure legends
Fig. 1. Conceptual
framework for the impact of harvest rate (HR) and relative energy
expenditure (EE) on feed conversion efficiency (FCE).
(a) To compare herbivores’ activity levels using ODBA in three distinct
types of grasslands located in Inner Mongolia: meadow steppe, typical
steppe, and desert steppe. At each of these sites, we selected sheep
equipped with sensors to monitor their foraging activity. To ensure
consistency, we maintained similar grazing densities and body weights
across all sites in the designated plots for each grassland treatment.
The methodology for calculating ODBA indicators was consistent with that
outlined in the main manuscript, specifically in section ‘2.3 Herbivores
Behavior Monitoring’.
(b) The dynamics of HR and EE relative to resource availability. When
resources are scarce (represented by a light green color, symbolizing
low resource availability), HR decreases due to limited food
availability, alongside an increase in EE due to intensified foraging
efforts. Conversely, in conditions of resource abundance (illustrated
with a deep green color, denoting high resource availability), HR
increases with a corresponding decrease in EE, as a result of reduced
needs for extensive foraging.
Fig. 2. Grazing Plot
Treatments and Herbivore Behavior Monitoring.
(a) Depiction of grazing plot treatments showcasing variations in
grazing density and herd composition. (b) Image showcasing the
experimental grassland area utilized in the study. (c) Comparative
analysis of grazing densities expressed in sheep units (SU) across
different treatment plots. (d) Dry ewes and lambs fitted with tri-axis
acceleration sensors for behavioral data collection. Grazing plot
treatments: LL, light grazing plot with lambs; LM, moderate grazing plot
with lambs; LH, heavy grazing plot with lambs; Mix, mixed plot with both
lambs and dry ewes; E, ewe grazing plot with dry ewes; Note:Grazing densities are standardized to a 50-kg sheep equivalent (SE) for
uniformity in measurement.
Fig. 3. Relationships
between harvest Rate (HR) and energy Expenditure (EE) in Lamb and Dry
Ewe groups.
Fig. 4. Herbivores’ FCE in relation to EE (a) and the HR (b).LL, Lambs in the light grazing plots; LM, Lambs in moderate grazing
plots; LH, lambs in the heavy grazing plots; Lmix, Lambs in the mixed
grazing plots; Emix, dry ewes in the mixed grazing plots; E, dry ewes in
the ewe grazing plots.
Fig. 5 . Predicted effect of HR and EE on FCE. The
effects on the Lamb group (a) and Dry ewe group (b).