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).