Definitions for "Animal unit"
Keywords:  cow, forage, livestock, swine, sheep
A unit represented by one mature cow or horse, or by as many animals as consume an equivalent amount of feed, such as 7 sheep.
A unit of measurement of livestock, the equivalent of one mature cow weighing 1,000 pounds. The measure is used in making comparisons of feed consumption and grazing.
One mature, dry cow (1000 lb/450 kg) or equivalent, based on forage requirement for maintenance of 18-20 lb (8-9 kg) dry matter per day. Varies some with forage quality and stage of pregnancy. Compare Livestock Unit Related terms: animal day