Can cattle eat their own manure that is on grazing field?

Cattle will eat their own manure in certain circumstances. While it is not their preferred food source and they don't actively seek it out, there are times when cattle may ingest their own manure. It is important to remember that cattle are ruminants, meaning that they have a complex, multi-chambered digestive system that allows them to digest tough plant materials, such as grass and hay. Cattle regurgitate and chew their cud (regurgitated food) multiple times before swallowing it again, which helps to break down the plant material and extract nutrients. Although manure is not typically a part of their regular diet, cattle may ingest it if they are lacking certain nutrients or if the manure contains something they find palatable, such as undigested plant matter. In some cases, cattle may also eat their own manure if they are bored or stressed, as a form of self-grooming, or as a way to ingest beneficial bacteria that help with digestion. It's worth noting that while occasional ingestion of manure is generally not harmful to cattle, excessive consumption can lead to health problems such as digestive issues and nutrient imbalances. Therefore, farmers and ranchers typically manage their pastures and feeding practices to ensure that cattle have access to adequate and appropriate food sources.