What might a frantic, scattered grazing pace among Zebus during peak times suggest about the immediate forage quality?

That the feed quality is too low, requiring them to consume a large volume quickly to compensate for lower energy density.

Observing the collective 'grazing pace' of a herd provides practical insight into their satisfaction and nutritional status. When Zebus exhibit a steady, unhurried pace across decent forage, it typically indicates they are meeting their energy requirements satisfactorily. Conversely, if the herd displays a frantic, scattered movement, rapidly consuming feed or jumping to adjacent, poorer areas, it often signals that the current forage quality has a low energy density. To meet their baseline needs under these conditions, the animals must compensate by consuming a much larger overall volume quickly, as the material they are eating is not efficiently sustaining them at a slower intake rate.