Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3×4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.

Ingestive behavior of lambs fed relocated and inoculated whole-plant corn silage

We aimed to determine the effect of relocation of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) with different fermentation profiles on ingestive behavior of lambs. Twenty-four male Santa Inês lambs, were used in a completely randomized block design based on initial bodyweight (17.5 ± 1.8 kg) for the following treatments: CS: WPCS (not inoculated and not relocated); R-12h: WPCS relocated for 12h; IR-12h: WPCS inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarumand relocated for 12h; and R-24h: WPCS not inoculated and relocated for 24h. Ingestive behavior was observed as continuous (feeding, ruminating, and idling) and specific (urination, defecation, and water and salt access frequency) activities for 48h (3h intervals for a total of eight periods in 24h). The behavioral activities were affected only by periods (p = 0.0001). Feeding peaks was high at 8:00–11:00am(54.2%) and 5:00-8:00pm(54.9%) in compare to ruminating and idling at the same period. Rumination time was intense at night, at 63.7% (2:00–5:00am) and 69.7% (5:00–8:00am). Idling time (49.7%) was long after silage supply. The specific activities were intense during the morning periods. Supply of WPCS relocated up to 24h did not alter the ingestive behavior.(AU)

Ethological behavior of Bos taurus, Bos indicus,and Caqueteño Creole cattle in three tree cover systems of Brachiaria decumbenspaddocks at the Amazon foothills in Colombia / Comportamento etológico do gado Bos taurus, Bos indicuse crioulo Caqueteño em três sistemas de cobertura de árvores de Brachiaria decumbenspaddocks no sopé da Amazônia na Colômbia

The study was conducted at the Amazon Research Center CIMAZ -MACAGUAL of the University of Amazonia, Colombia, with a tropical rain forest climate (Af). The behavior of Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and Caqueteño Creole cattle, the animals were observed in paddocks with three levels of scattered tree cover density. The pasture was composed of Braquiaria decumbenswith 35 days of regrowth. Direct observations were made from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with 10-minute intervals between the recording of the activities. The activity performed most often during the day by all of the animals was grazing under the sun, and those who pasture the most arethe Caqueteño Creole, followed by the Bos indicusand, finally, the Bos taurus. Ruminating was the second most important activity performed by the cattle, having presented the same tendency. In the paddocks with a low level of tree cover, the animals pasture more in the shade; this trend is more relevant among B. taurus cattle.Caqueteño Creole cattle dedicate less time to water consumption and rest, spending more time grazing, in the high and medium cover levels, they interrupt the grazing at noon for a shorter time compared to B. indicusand B. taurus; after 2 p.m., the creoles vertiginously increase grazing. At the high cover level, the peak of grazing of the Caqueteño Creoles is at 9 a.m. and from 1-1:30 p.m., while at the medium tree cover level, the peak of pasturing was at noon, 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., at the high tree level of cover, the peak for the three breeds was at 11 a.m. Only at the average tree level of cover did the Caquetaño creoles and B. indicuspresent a similar peak. In 9-9:30 a.m. and 4-5 p.m., the breeds substantially reduce rumination.(AU)

O estudo foi realizado no Centro de Pesquisa Amazônica CIMAZ -MACAGUAL da Universidade da Amazônia, Colômbia, com um clima de floresta tropical úmida (Af). O comportamento do gado Bos taurus, Bos indicuse Caqueteño crioulo, os animais foram observados em cercados com três níveis de densidade de cobertura arbórea dispersa. A pastagem era composta de Braquiaria decumbenscom 35 dias de recrescimento. Observações diretas foram feitas das 9h às 17h com intervalos de 10 minutos entre o registro das atividades.A atividade mais executada durante o dia por todos os animais era o pasto sob o sol, e aqueles que mais pastam são os Caqueteñocrioulo, seguido pelo Bos indicuse, finalmente, o Bos taurus. A ruminação foi a segunda atividade mais importante desempenhada pelo gado, tendo apresentado a mesma tendência. Nos cercados com um baixo nível de cobertura arbórea, os animais pastam mais à sombra; esta tendência é mais relevante entre o gado B. taurus.O gado crioulo Caqueteñodedica menos tempo ao consumo de água e descanso, passando mais tempo pastando, nos níveis de cobertura alta e média, interrompem o pastoreio ao meio-dia por um tempo mais curto em comparação com o B. indicuse B. taurus; depois das 14 horas, os crioulos aumentam vertiginosamente o pastoreio. No nível de cobertura alta, o pico de pastagem dos Caqueteñocrioulosé às 9h e das 13h30, enquanto no nível médio de cobertura de árvores, o pico de pastagem era ao meio-dia, 13h30 e 16h30, no nível alto de cobertura de árvores, o pico para as três raças era às 11h. Nas 9-9h30 e16-17h, as raças reduzem substancialmente a ruminação.(AU)

IoT-Based pH monitoring for detection of rumen acidosis / Monitoramento de pH com base em IoT para detecção de acidose ruminal

Rumen acidosis is a fatal disease that reduces milk and pregnancy yield due to digestion of cattle and when not detected. Diagnosis of this disease can be achieved by monitoring the nutritional parameters of the cattle. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is a technology used in these kinds of processes such as monitoring and tracking within the scope of Industry 4.0. Thanks to the IoT, data collection, analysis, and data processing stages are carried out instantly over the internet. In this research, an IoT-based system has been developed that can be effective in diagnosing acute rumen acidosis disease in cattle and monitoring the control of data by recording nutritional parameters. Rumen pH and temperature values were measured with an IoT-supported microcontroller, and the data were recorded in the database on the server using. The circuit and software were first tested in the laboratory environment and then in the rumen of the cannulated cattle. The pH and temperature values of rumen were measured and recorded instantaneously at certain intervals (when the animal was ruminating, after drinks water, after eating dry food, and while at rest). When the device is removed from the rumen, it has been observed that the PLA-type plastic material used in the coating of the circuit does not wear. The device was useful in the early detection of acidosis disease of an animal fed with dry feed for more than 2 hours before it turns into epilepsy and provided early intervention in the regulation of the ration.

A acidose ruminal é uma doença fatal que reduz a produção de leite e a gravidez devido à digestão do gado e quando não é detectada. O diagnóstico desta doença pode ser alcançado através do monitoramento dos parâmetros nutricionais do gado. A tecnologia Internet das Coisas (IoT) é uma tecnologia usada neste tipo de processo, como monitoramento e rastreamento dentro do escopo da Indústria 4.0. Graças ao IoT, a coleta de dados, análise e etapas de processamento de dados são realizadas instantaneamente pela Internet. Nesta pesquisa, foi desenvolvido um sistema baseado em IoT que pode ser eficaz no diagnóstico da acidose ruminal aguda no gado e no monitoramento do controle de dados através do registro de parâmetros nutricionais. Os valores de pH e temperatura do rúmen foram medidos com um microcontrolador suportado por IoT, e os dados foram registrados no banco de dados no servidor usando. O circuito e o software foram testados primeiro no ambiente de laboratório e depois no rúmen do gado canulado. Os valores de pH e temperatura do rúmen foram medidos e registrados instantaneamente em certos intervalos (quando o animal estava ruminando, depois de beber água, depois de comer comida seca e enquanto estava em repouso). Quando o dispositivo é removido do rúmen, foi observado que o material plástico do tipo PLA usado no revestimento do circuito não se desgastou. O dispositivo foi útil na detecção precoce da doença de acidose de um animal alimentado com ração seca por mais de 2 horas antes de se transformar em epilepsia e forneceu intervenção precoce na regulação da ração.

Effect of replacement of forage sorghum silage with biomass sorghum silage in diets for dairy heifers / Efeito da substituição da silagem de sorgo forrageiro por silagem de sorgo biomassa em dietas para novilhas leiteiras

This trial aimed to analyze the replacement of forage sorghum silage (FS silage) with biomass sorghum silage (BRS 716 silage) in diets for heifers ¾ Holstein x » Zebu on their nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial production, feeding behavior, and animal performance. Eight heifers with average age 18±4 months (mo) and average body weight (BW) 271 ± 57 kg were used. The experimental design was double-Latin square, 4×4, being four diets, four experimental periods and four animals. Four experimental diets with 0, 33, 67 and 100% substitution of forage sorghum silage with biomass sorghum silage were used. The roughage:concentrate ratio in the total dry matter (DM) of the diets was 75:25. The fraction "b" of DM was higher in the BRS 716 silage. There was no difference (p> 0.05) for dry matter intake (DMI; p = 0.45) and total digestible nutrients intake (p = 0.76). The dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber increased linearly with the inclusion of BRS 716 silage. The feeding times, ruminating and idle have not been changed (p > 0.05). The replacement of FS silage with BRS 716 silage did not modify the average daily weight gain (ADG; p > 0.05; mean 1.30 ± 0.025 kg). Biomass sorghum silage can replace up to 100% forage sorghum silage in the diets of ¾ Holstein x » Zebu heifers.(AU)

Objetivou-se analisar a substituição da silagem de sorgo forrageiro (silagem FS) pela silagem de sorgo biomassa (silagem BRS 716) em dietas para novilhas ¾ Holandês x » Zebu sobre o consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes, balanço de nitrogênio, produção microbiana, comportamento alimentar e desempenho animal. Foram utilizadas oito novilhas com idade média de 18 ± 4 meses e peso corporal (PC) médio de 271 ± 57 kg. O delineamento experimental foi o quadrado latino duplo, 4 × 4, sendo quatro dietas, quatro períodos experimentais e quatro animais. Foram utilizadas quatro dietas experimentais com 0, 33, 67 e 100% de substituição da silagem de sorgo forrageiro pela silagem de sorgo biomassa. A relação volumoso: concentrado na matéria seca total (MS) das dietas foi de 75:25. A fração "b" da MS foi maior na silagem BRS 716. Não houve diferença (p > 0,05) para consumo de matéria seca (CMS; p = 0,45) e consumo de nutrientes digestíveis totais (p = 0,76). A digestibilidade da matéria seca (DMS), proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro aumentaram linearmente com a inclusão da silagem BRS 716. Os tempos de alimentação, ruminação e ócio não foram alterados (p > 0,05). A substituição da silagem FS pela silagem de BRS 716 não alterou o ganho em peso médio diário (GMD; p > 0,05; média 1,30 ± 0,025 kg). A silagem de sorgo biomassa pode substituir até 100% a silagem de sorgo forrageiro na dieta de novilhas ¾ Holandês x » Zebu.(AU)

Herbage intake by steers grazing in a natural grassland with predominance of Andropogon lateralis Nees managed under different canopy heights / Consumo de forragem por novilhos em área de pastagem natural com predomínio de Andropogon lateralis Ness manejada em diferentes alturas

ABSTRACT: The animal performance on pasture is directly correlated to canopy structure since this influences the herbage consumption. This study was evaluated the effects of four pre-grazing canopy heights (12, 20, 28 and 36 cm) of Andropogon lateralis Ness on herbage intake and feeding behavior of steers in a natural grassland under intermittent stocking management, using the same proportion of defoliation (40% reduction in pre-grazing height, i.e., post-grazing heights of 7.2, 12.0, 16.8 and 21.6 cm). The experiment was conducted on a total area of ​​14,000 m2, divided into sixteen paddocks of 875 m2. Thirty-two steers were used, divided into uniform pairs according to the live weight (LW) at the start of the experiment (244 ± 23.0 kg). Each paddock was subdivided into three plots of identical area; the first two plots were used for the adaptation period and the third for the assessment period. A randomized block design was used with four replicates and two assessment periods. Herbage mass and neutral detergent fiber content increased linearly (P < 0,001) with the increase of pre-grazing canopy heights. In contrast, was not affected by treatments, with mean values ​​of 75 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in the upper stratum and 83 g/kg of DM in lower stratum. The herbage intake was similar between treatments (P = 0.255), averaging 1.78% LW. Grazing time increased linearly in the upper stratum and decreased linearly in the lower stratum with increasing pre-grazing canopy heights. Total time spent grazing, ruminating, and idling did not differ between treatments, with means of 52.6%, 23.0%, and 24.2%, respectively. Pre-grazing canopy heights treatments, based on the predominant species A. lateralis, did not affect the daily herbage intake of steers.

RESUMO: O desempenho de animais em pastejo possui direta correlação com a estrutura do dossel forrageiro, uma vez que este influencia o consumo. Objetivou-se mensurar o consumo e o comportamento ingestivo de novilhos em pastagem natural "palha grossa", manejada sob lotação intermitente, com diferentes alturas de pré pastejo (12, 20, 28, 36 cm), aferidas na espécie predominante Andropogon lateralis Ness, com severidade de desfolha de 40%. O experimento foi conduzido em uma área total de 14.000 m2, dividida em dezesseis piquetes de 875 m2. Foram utilizados 32 novilhos, divididos em lotes uniformes conforme o peso vivo no início do experimento (244 ± 23,0 kg). Cada piquete foi subdividido em três parcelas de igual área, sendo utilizadas as duas primeiras para o período de adaptação e a terceira para o período de avaliação. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e dois períodos de avaliação. As metas de altura em pré-pastejo foram alcançadas em todos os tratamentos. A massa de forragem aumentou linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de pré-pastejo. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo, enquanto a proteína bruta foi semelhante (P=0,107) entre os tratamentos tendo valores médios de 75 g/kg de matéria seca (MS) no estrato superior e de 83 g/kg MS no estrato inferior. O consumo de forragem foi similar entre tratamentos (P=0,255), com média de 1,78% do peso vivo. A porcentagem de tempo que os animais pastejaram no estrato superior aumentou e a porcentagem no estrato inferior diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo. As porcentagens do tempo total destinado ao pastejo, ruminação ou ócio não diferiram entre tratamentos (P > 0,05), com médias de 52,6%, 23,0% e 24,2%, respectivamente. Alturas de pré pastejo entre 12 e 36 cm, baseadas na espécie predominante Andropogon lateralis Ness, não interferiram no consumo diário de matéria seca de novilhos em pastejo.

Herbage intake by steers grazing in a natural grassland with predominance of Andropogon lateralis Nees managed under different canopy heights / Consumo de forragem por novilhos em área de pastagem natural com predomínio de Andropogon lateralis Ness manejada em diferentes alturas

The animal performance on pasture is directly correlated to canopy structure since this influences the herbage consumption. This study was evaluated the effects of four pre-grazing canopy heights (12, 20, 28 and 36 cm) of Andropogon lateralis Ness on herbage intake and feeding behavior of steers in a natural grassland under intermittent stocking management, using the same proportion of defoliation (40% reduction in pre-grazing height, i.e., post-grazing heights of 7.2, 12.0, 16.8 and 21.6 cm). The experiment was conducted on a total area of ​​14,000 m2, divided into sixteen paddocks of 875 m2. Thirty-two steers were used, divided into uniform pairs according to the live weight (LW) at the start of the experiment (244 ± 23.0 kg). Each paddock was subdivided into three plots of identical area; the first two plots were used for the adaptation period and the third for the assessment period. A randomized block design was used with four replicates and two assessment periods. Herbage mass and neutral detergent fiber content increased linearly (P < 0,001) with the increase of pre-grazing canopy heights. In contrast, was not affected by treatments, with mean values ​​of 75 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in the upper stratum and 83 g/kg of DM in lower stratum. The herbage intake was similar between treatments (P = 0.255), averaging 1.78% LW. Grazing time increased linearly in the upper stratum and decreased linearly in the lower stratum with increasing pre-grazing canopy heights. Total time spent grazing, ruminating, and idling did not differ between treatments, with means of 52.6%, 23.0%, and 24.2%, respectively. Pre-grazing canopy heights treatments, based on the predominant species A. lateralis, did not affect the daily herbage intake of steers.

O desempenho de animais em pastejo possui direta correlação com a estrutura do dossel forrageiro, uma vez que este influencia o consumo. Objetivou-se mensurar o consumo e o comportamento ingestivo de novilhos em pastagem natural “palha grossa”, manejada sob lotação intermitente, com diferentes alturas de pré pastejo (12, 20, 28, 36 cm), aferidas na espécie predominante Andropogon lateralis Ness, com severidade de desfolha de 40%. O experimento foi conduzido em uma área total de 14.000 m2, dividida em dezesseis piquetes de 875 m2. Foram utilizados 32 novilhos, divididos em lotes uniformes conforme o peso vivo no início do experimento (244 ± 23,0 kg). Cada piquete foi subdividido em três parcelas de igual área, sendo utilizadas as duas primeiras para o período de adaptação e a terceira para o período de avaliação. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e dois períodos de avaliação. As metas de altura em pré-pastejo foram alcançadas em todos os tratamentos. A massa de forragem aumentou linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de pré-pastejo. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo, enquanto a proteína bruta foi semelhante (P=0,107) entre os tratamentos tendo valores médios de 75 g/kg de matéria seca (MS) no estrato superior e de 83 g/kg MS no estrato inferior. O consumo de forragem foi similar entre tratamentos (P=0,255), com média de 1,78% do peso vivo. A porcentagem de tempo que os animais pastejaram no estrato superior aumentou e a porcentagem no estrato inferior diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo. As porcentagens do tempo total destinado ao pastejo, ruminação ou ócio não diferiram entre [...].

Digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance in goat kids fed a diet containing dehydrated passion fruit residue

The objective was to determine the optimal dehydrated passion fruit pulp replacing ground corn in diets for goat kids. We used 24 crossbred castrated goat kids with initial body weight of 26.6±0.3 kg. The experimental period was 23 days, with 15 days of adjustment and acclimatization (mostly to the installation and diet). Kids were distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments of 0, 80, 160, or 240 g/kg of dehydrated passion fruit residue as a supplementary inclusion in the dry matter (DM) content of the diet. The statistical model considered the fixed effect of the included amount of residue from dehydrated passion fruit. Analysis of variance was conducted using the PROC GLM of SAS. Intakes of DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were not affected by residue inclusion. However, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake increased linearly. The inclusion linearly decreased intake of ether extract (EE) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC). Crude protein (CP) intake was quadratically affected, with a greater value under treatment of 160 g/kg passion fruit. Dry matter and NFC digestibility decreased linearly with the amount of passion fruit included in diet. Fecal N and total N excretion values (in g/d and %N intake) increased linearly. Nitrogen balance and N retained values showed a quadratic increase, with greater values under the 160 g/kg inclusion. Time spent ruminating, DM and NDF eating efficiency, and g DM/bolus chewed were affected quadratically by inclusion of passion fruit residue. The replacement of ground corn with dehydrated passion fruit residue at a level of 160 g/kg is recommended for diets of goat kids to improve their NDF and CP intake and their N balance without affecting DM and TDN intakes.

Herbage intake by steers grazing in a natural grassland with predominance of Andropogon lateralis Nees managed under different canopy heights / Consumo de forragem por novilhos em área de pastagem natural com predomínio de Andropogon lateralis Ness manejada em diferentes alturas

The animal performance on pasture is directly correlated to canopy structure since this influences the herbage consumption. This study was evaluated the effects of four pre-grazing canopy heights (12, 20, 28 and 36 cm) of Andropogon lateralis Ness on herbage intake and feeding behavior of steers in a natural grassland under intermittent stocking management, using the same proportion of defoliation (40% reduction in pre-grazing height, i.e., post-grazing heights of 7.2, 12.0, 16.8 and 21.6 cm). The experiment was conducted on a total area of ​​14,000 m2, divided into sixteen paddocks of 875 m2. Thirty-two steers were used, divided into uniform pairs according to the live weight (LW) at the start of the experiment (244 ± 23.0 kg). Each paddock was subdivided into three plots of identical area; the first two plots were used for the adaptation period and the third for the assessment period. A randomized block design was used with four replicates and two assessment periods. Herbage mass and neutral detergent fiber content increased linearly (P < 0,001) with the increase of pre-grazing canopy heights. In contrast, was not affected by treatments, with mean values ​​of 75 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in the upper stratum and 83 g/kg of DM in lower stratum. The herbage intake was similar between treatments (P = 0.255), averaging 1.78% LW. Grazing time increased linearly in the upper stratum and decreased linearly in the lower stratum with increasing pre-grazing canopy heights. Total time spent grazing, ruminating, and idling did not differ between treatments, with means of 52.6%, 23.0%, and 24.2%, respectively. Pre-grazing canopy heights treatments, based on the predominant species A. lateralis, did not affect the daily herbage intake of steers.(AU)

O desempenho de animais em pastejo possui direta correlação com a estrutura do dossel forrageiro, uma vez que este influencia o consumo. Objetivou-se mensurar o consumo e o comportamento ingestivo de novilhos em pastagem natural “palha grossa”, manejada sob lotação intermitente, com diferentes alturas de pré pastejo (12, 20, 28, 36 cm), aferidas na espécie predominante Andropogon lateralis Ness, com severidade de desfolha de 40%. O experimento foi conduzido em uma área total de 14.000 m2, dividida em dezesseis piquetes de 875 m2. Foram utilizados 32 novilhos, divididos em lotes uniformes conforme o peso vivo no início do experimento (244 ± 23,0 kg). Cada piquete foi subdividido em três parcelas de igual área, sendo utilizadas as duas primeiras para o período de adaptação e a terceira para o período de avaliação. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e dois períodos de avaliação. As metas de altura em pré-pastejo foram alcançadas em todos os tratamentos. A massa de forragem aumentou linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de pré-pastejo. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo, enquanto a proteína bruta foi semelhante (P=0,107) entre os tratamentos tendo valores médios de 75 g/kg de matéria seca (MS) no estrato superior e de 83 g/kg MS no estrato inferior. O consumo de forragem foi similar entre tratamentos (P=0,255), com média de 1,78% do peso vivo. A porcentagem de tempo que os animais pastejaram no estrato superior aumentou e a porcentagem no estrato inferior diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,001) com o aumento das alturas de manejo. As porcentagens do tempo total destinado ao pastejo, ruminação ou ócio não diferiram entre [...].(AU)

Sheep and goat feeding behavior profile in grazing systems

Feeding behavior analysis provides information about the relationships between animals and pastures. Therefore, this review aims to describe some aspects of the feeding behavior profiles of both sheep and goats in grazing systems. The structure of the pasture is a key factor in the feeding behavior of grazing animals. The amount of feed consumed in a given period of time is affected by the number of meals, duration and velocity of swallowing, changes in grazing time, bite rate, bite weight, and quality of ingested forage. The different phenological stages of forage also influence the animals strategies to optimize their intake, which consequently changes their behavioral activities. Sheep and goats tend to be more selective than cattle, and young animals are more selective than older animals; this selectivity characteristicis one of the most important aspects to be observed in pasture management. According to the degree of selectivity, the animals will intake forages of higher or lower nutritive quality. In addition, the intensity and distribution of their daily activities (grazing, ruminating, and resting)are influenced by several factors, such as the availability and nutritive value of the pasture, its management, the animal activity in the group, and the predominant climatic conditions of the region.(AU)

Sheep and goat feeding behavior profile in grazing systems

Feeding behavior analysis provides information about the relationships between animals and pastures. Therefore, this review aims to describe some aspects of the feeding behavior profiles of both sheep and goats in grazing systems. The structure of the pasture is a key factor in the feeding behavior of grazing animals. The amount of feed consumed in a given period of time is affected by the number of meals, duration and velocity of swallowing, changes in grazing time, bite rate, bite weight, and quality of ingested forage. The different phenological stages of forage also influence the animals’ strategies to optimize their intake, which consequently changes their behavioral activities. Sheep and goats tend to be more selective than cattle, and young animals are more selective than older animals; this selectivity characteristicis one of the most important aspects to be observed in pasture management. According to the degree of selectivity, the animals will intake forages of higher or lower nutritive quality. In addition, the intensity and distribution of their daily activities (grazing, ruminating, and resting)are influenced by several factors, such as the availability and nutritive value of the pasture, its management, the animal activity in the group, and the predominant climatic conditions of the region.

Ingestive diurnal behaviour of grazing beef cattle / Comportamento ingestivo diurno de bovinos de corte em pastejo

Three experiments were conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of supplementation (concentrate or mineral supplementation), supplementation strategy (continuous or strategic supplementation) and gender class on the ingestive and diurnal behaviour of grazing beef cattle. To evaluate the effect of the supplementation (Experiment 1) and the gender class (Experiment 3) on their diurnal behaviour, behaviour visualisations were performed by two people at observation stations outside the picket area with the aid of binoculars. The animal behaviour was classified as: supplement intake, grazing, water intake, standing ruminating, standing idle, lying ruminating, lying idle and walking. To evaluate the effect of the supplementation strategy on the ingestive behaviour of the supplement (Experiment 2), refusals of the supplement were weighed for six consecutive days at different times (20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 480 and 1,440 minutes) after the concentrate was supplied. The intake of concentrate per animal, at each observation time, was calculated by subtracting the weight of the scraps at that time from the total weight of the batch of supplement provided on the day, and dividing the result by the number of animals in each batch. Finally, a logistic model was adjusted for each treatment. A 10% significance level was adopted for all statistical procedures. Concentrate supplementation reduced the time that the animals spent grazing. The continuous supplementation strategy affected the uniformity of the supplement intake speed, without affecting the average speed or the total supplement intake. The gender class of the animals also influenced their diurnal behaviour, castrated males spent more time lying, compared to females. The specificities of cattle behaviour should be considered when delineating the supplementation of grazing cattle, since the type of supplement, previous supplementation and gender class interfere with their behaviour.(AU)

O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação (concentrada ou mineral), da estratégia de suplementação (contínua ou somente nas águas) e da classe de gênero dos animais sobre o comportamento ingestivo diurno de bovinos de corte em pastejo. Para avaliação do efeito da suplementação (Experimento 1) e da classe sexual dos animais (Experimento 3) sobre o comportamento diurno, foram realizadas visualizações do comportamento animal por dois observadores treinados em estação de observação ao lado dos piquetes onde encontravam-se os animais, com auxílio de binóculos. O comportamento animal foi classificado como: consumindo suplemento, pastejando, ingerindo água, em pé ruminando, em pé em ócio, deitado ruminando, deitado em ócio e caminhando. Para avaliação do efeito da estratégia de suplementação sobre o comportamento ingestivo de suplemento (Experimento 2), as sobras do suplemento foram pesadas durante seis dias consecutivos em diferentes horários (20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 480 e 1.440 minutes) após o fornecimento de suplemento. e, para cada tratamento, ajustou-se um modelo logístico. O consumo de suplemento concentrado por animal, a cada tempo de observação foi calculado subtraindo-se o peso das sobras naquele momento do peso total do suplemento fornecido ao lote no dia, e dividindo-se o resultado pelo número de animais em cada lote. Por fim, ajustou-se um modelo logístico para cada tratamento. Adotou-se um nível de significância de 10% para todos os procedimentos estatísticos. O fornecimento de suplemento concentrado reduziu o tempo de pastejo. A suplementação concentrada contínua afetou a uniformidade da velocidade de consumo, sem afetar a velocidade média ou o total consumido de suplemento. A classe de gênero dos animais também influenciou seu comportamento diurno, machos castrados despenderam maior tempo deitados quando comparados às fêmeas. As especificidades do comportamento de bovinos devem ser consideradas ao delinear-se a suplementação de bovinos em pastejo, uma vez que o tipo de suplemento, a suplementação prévia e a classe de gênero interferem com o comportamento dos mesmos.(AU)

The behavior of Etawah Grade goats in early and late pregnancyperiod in a tropical area

The objective of the study was to identify the different behavior of Etawah Grade does in early and late pregnancy period. This research using 14 head of Etawah Grade does in pregnant conditions with an age of fewer than 2 months as the early pregnancy group and gestational age of 4 to 5 months as the late pregnancy group in Farm of FacultyAnimal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The method usedwas direct observation. The goats were observed for 24 hours. The data observed were consisted of activities including time and frequency of feeding, ruminating, standing, lying, urinating and defecating. Data behavior of goats was analyzed using T-test. The results showed that the temperature and humidity of the study ranged from 25 to 31 ºC and 65 to 90%, respectively. The heart rate frequency in late pregnancy higher (P < 0.05) than in early pregnancy conditions. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) on the behavior of early and late pregnancy of Etawah Grade does, in terms of frequency of feeding (17.11±1.33 and 13.61±2.85 times/day), and average in once feeding (10.24±1.64 and 12.88±2.36 minutes), standing duration (15.05±0.83 and 11.45±1.34 hours/day), laying duration (9.01±0.71 and 12.54±1.34 hours/day), average in once laying (31.32±3.6 and 47.89±5.68), and frequency of urination (6.56±0.34 and 9.55±2.01). The conclusion of the study is the Etawah Grade does during early pregnancy and late pregnancy has different behavior, especially on the frequency of feeding, average on once feeding, standing duration, time and average of once lying, and frequency of urination.(AU)

The behavior of Etawah Grade goats in early and late pregnancyperiod in a tropical area

The objective of the study was to identify the different behavior of Etawah Grade does in early and late pregnancy period. This research using 14 head of Etawah Grade does in pregnant conditions with an age of fewer than 2 months as the early pregnancy group and gestational age of 4 to 5 months as the late pregnancy group in Farm of FacultyAnimal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The method usedwas direct observation. The goats were observed for 24 hours. The data observed were consisted of activities including time and frequency of feeding, ruminating, standing, lying, urinating and defecating. Data behavior of goats was analyzed using T-test. The results showed that the temperature and humidity of the study ranged from 25 to 31 ºC and 65 to 90%, respectively. The heart rate frequency in late pregnancy higher (P < 0.05) than in early pregnancy conditions. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) on the behavior of early and late pregnancy of Etawah Grade does, in terms of frequency of feeding (17.11±1.33 and 13.61±2.85 times/day), and average in once feeding (10.24±1.64 and 12.88±2.36 minutes), standing duration (15.05±0.83 and 11.45±1.34 hours/day), laying duration (9.01±0.71 and 12.54±1.34 hours/day), average in once laying (31.32±3.6 and 47.89±5.68), and frequency of urination (6.56±0.34 and 9.55±2.01). The conclusion of the study is the Etawah Grade does during early pregnancy and late pregnancy has different behavior, especially on the frequency of feeding, average on once feeding, standing duration, time and average of once lying, and frequency of urination.

Effects of Parkia platycephala on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses of lactating goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.(AU)

Performance of Holstein x Gyr dairy cows fed hydrolyzed sugarcane-based diets / Desempenho de vacas Holandês x Gir alimentadas com dietas baseadas em cana de açúcar hidrolisada

Twelve multiparous 7/8 Holstein x Gyr dairy cows were fed diets based on chopped sugarcane supplied in natura (control) or after being hydrolyzed (fresh matter basis) for 24 h with 0.5%, 1% or 2% calcium oxide (CaO). The voluntary consumption and digestibility of dietary nutrients, milk production and composition, and feeding behavior of cows were evaluated. A switchback design with three periods, four treatments and three blocks was used. The linear and quadratic effects of the treatments were analyzed using orthogonal contrasts, and the effects were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. Compared to the that in the control treatment, the Ca concentration increased by 297%, 570% and 1,083% in the diets including sugarcane hydrolyzed with 0.5%, 1% and 2% CaO, respectively, while the respective Ca:P ratios were 6.58:1, 10.70:1 and 19.77:1 (control Ca:P ratio: 1.55:1). The hydrolysis of sugarcane with increasing amounts of CaO promoted a linear reduction (P < 0.01) in the intake of dry matter (DM), nonfibrous carbohydrates, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) and ether extract. The intake of total digestible nutrients, acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, hemicelluloses and cellulose presented quadratic behavior (P < 0.01) in response to increasing CaO concentrations used for sugarcane hydrolysis. Increases in the amount of CaO used for sugarcane hydrolysis had no effect on the digestibility of NDFap (P > 0.05), but there were linear reductions (P < 0.05) in the digestibility of DM, OM and ADF; the production of milk corrected or not corrected to 4% fat; and the content of protein, lactose and total solids. Linear reductions (P < 0.05) were also observed in the production of all milk components. Only the milk fat content was not altered (P > 0.05) in response to the inclusion of hydrolyzed sugarcane in the diets. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of sugarcane hydrolysis with increasing amounts of CaO on the time the cows spent idle, ruminating and feeding, but there was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the minutes spent ruminating 1 kg of DM and NDF. Chopped sugarcane hydrolyzed for 24 h with 0.5% to 2.0% CaO should not be used as exclusive roughage in diets for Holstein x Gyr dairy cows with an average milk production of 10 kg day−1.(AU)

Doze vacas multíparas 7/8 Holândês x Gir foram alimentadas com dietas à base de cana de açúcar picada fornecida in natura (controle) ou hidrolisada (base da matéria natural) por 24 h com 0,5%, 1% ou 2% de óxido de cálcio (CaO). O consumo voluntário e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes das dietas, a produção e composição do leite, e o comportamento alimentar das vacas foram avaliados. Um delineamento em switchback com três períodos, quatro tratamentos, e três blocos foi utilizado. Os efeitos linear e quadrático dos tratamentos foram analisados por contrastes ortogonais e diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando P ≤ 0,05. Em comparação ao tratamento controle foram observados aumentos de 297%, 570% e 1.083%, respectivamente, nas concentrações de Ca nas dietas com cana de açúcar hidrolisada com 0,5%, 1% e 2% de CaO, enquanto que as respectivas proporções de Ca:P nas dietas foram de 6,58:1, 10,70:1 e 19,77:1 (controle = 1,55:1). A hidrólise da cana de açúcar com quantidades crescentes de CaO promoveu redução linear (P < 0,01) sobre os consumos de matéria seca (MS), carboidratos não fibrosos, proteína bruta (PB), matéria orgânica (MO), fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína (FDNcp) e extrato etéreo. Os consumos de nutrientes digestíveis totais, fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), lignina, hemiceluloses e celulose apresentaram comportamento quadrático (P < 0,01) em resposta ao aumento na inclusão de CaO na hidrólise da cana de açúcar. O incremento na quantidade de CaO na hidrólise da cana de açúcar não promoveu efeito sobre a digestibilidade da FDNcp (P > 0,05), mas houve reduções lineares (P< 0,05) nas produções de todos os componentes do leite, incluindo a gordura, cujo teor, no entanto, não foi alterado (P > 0,05) em resposta à inclusão de cana hidrolisada nas dietas. A hidrólise da cana de açúcar com quantidades crescentes de CaO não alterou (P > 0,05) os tempos despendidos pelas vacas em ócio, ruminação e alimentação, mas promoveu incremento linear (P < 0,05) sobre os tempos gastos com a ruminação de 1 kg de MS ou de FDN. A cana de açúcar picada e hidrolisada por 24 h com 0,5% a 2,0% de CaO não deve ser utilizada como volumoso exclusivo em dietas de vacas Holandês x Gir com produção de leite média de 10 kg dia-1.(AU)

Spatial distribution of dairy heifers dung in silvopastoral systems / Distribuição espacial de fezes de novilhas leiteiras em sistemas silvipastoris

Ruminants vary their walking trajectory according to the positioning of the trees in integrated systems, which can determine the concentration of dung deposition at certain locations. The aim of this study was to map the distribution of feces and the behavior of dairy heifers in sunny and shaded areas. This experiment was carried out in Mato Grosso, Brazil, where the main grazing conditioner is shade due to the presence of trees in the pastures. Shading levels used were: full sunlight (control), moderate shade (338 trees ha−1) and intensive shade (714 trees ha−1) in randomized complete blocks. The experimental period was divided into three evaluation periods based on rainfall distribution: rainy period = December 2012; transition period = March 2013 and dry period = June 2013. Animal behavior assessments and dung distribution mapping were performed. The full sunlight system displayed a higher concentration of feces patches at sites near the gate, cow drinkers and fences opposite the gate. Heifers picked shaded places for ruminating and idleness. The major concentration was reported in the central area and under trees, in shaded systems. There were places with greater feces concentrations, but when the pasture had trees, deposition did not only happen underneath trees but also in places under their influence. The distribution was more homogeneous when trees were present in large quantities. The shaded area available in pastures affects spatial distribution of dung, stimulating uniformity.(AU)

Os ruminantes variam a trajetória de sua caminhada de acordo com o posicionamento das árvores em sistemas integrados. A deposição de fezes pode estar mais ou menos concentrada em determinados locais, de acordo com a disposição desses condicionadores de pastejo que definem o caminhamento animal. O objetivo deste experimento foi mapear a localização e a distribuição de fezes de bezerras leiteiras de acordo com seu comportamento afetado pela disponibilidade de áreas ensolaradas e sombreadas. Este experimento foi conduzido em Mato Grosso, no Brasil. O principal condicionador de pastejo foi o sombreamento promovido pela presença de árvores nas pastagens. Foram impostos níveis de sombreamento: pleno sol (controle), sombreamento moderado (338 árvores ha− 1) e sombreamento intenso (714 árvores ha− 1) em blocos completos casualizados. O período experimental foi dividido em períodos de avaliação com base na distribuição das chuvas: Período Chuvoso = dezembro de 2012; Período de Transição = Março de 2013 e Período Seco = Junho de 2013. Foram realizadas avaliações de comportamento animal e mapeamento da distribuição das placas de fezes na área. Para atividades de ruminação e lazer, as novilhas preferiram os locais mais sombreados. O sistema pleno sol promoveu maior concentração de placas de fezes em locais próximos a porteiras e bebedouros, no lado oposto ao da porteira. Nos sistemas sombreados, a maior concentração foi na área central e sob sombra. Havia locais com maior concentração de fezes, mas quando havia árvore na pastagem, a deposição não acontecia apenas abaixo da árvore, mas também nos locais sob sua influência. A distribuição foi mais homogênea quando as árvores estavam em maiores quantidades. A área de sombra disponível no pasto afeta a distribuição espacial do esterco estimulando a uniformidade.(AU)

Nutrient digestibility and changes in feeding behavior of cattle fed cottonseed and vitamin E

High lipid concentration in ruminant diets often harms nutrient digestibility and feed intake; thus, a protected lipid and antioxidant source can be considered as an alternative for improving diet energy without putting animal production at a disadvantage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestibility and feeding behavior of cattle fed cottonseed and vitamin E. Six cannulated cows, non-pregnant, non-lactating were distributed in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Feed was offered ad libitum twice daily. Treatments were: 1) Control, 2) CS: 30 % cottonseed included; and 3) CSVitE: 30 % cottonseed plus 500 IU VitE included. Data were analyzed by SAS (Statistical Analysis System, v.9.3) and the significance was declared at p < 0.05. Diets with cottonseed had 22 % greater digestibility of ether extract and 9 % lower digestibility of non-fiber-carbohydrates compared to the control. Treatments with cottonseed had 13 % higher time eating, 48 % more ruminating, 34 % more chewing and 17 % lower time idling compared to the control. Molar proportion of propionate was 36 % higher and the butyrate and acetate:propionate ratio were 27 % and 30 % lower, respectively, for the cottonseed treatments compared to the control. Including cottonseed up to 30 % can be used to increase diet energy density leading to improvements in feeding behavior and ruminal parameters. The inclusion of Vitamin E did not result in benefits to cattle when it was combined with cottonseed. Further studies should be undertaken to evaluate vitamin E levels in association with different amounts and lipid sources.

Estrutura do dossel e comportamento ingestivo de caprinos em pastos de papuã manejados sob lotação contínua / Sward canopy structure and ingestive behavior of goats in Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a estrutura do dossel e o comportamento ingestivo de caprinos em pastos de papuã manejados sob lotação contínua. Os tratamentos corresponderam a quatro alturas de manejo (10, 20, 30 e 40 cm) mantidas através de taxa de lotação variável. As variáveis analisadas foram: composição morfológica, massa e densidade dos componentes; comprimento de lâminas foliares; valor nutritivo por simulação de pastejo; tempos de pastejo, ruminação e atividades complementares. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de contrastes de polinômios ortogonais. Os principais resultados foram: i) com o aumento da altura de manejo, houve um aumento da massa (total e dos componentes morfológicos) e uma inversão na composição morfológica (redução na proporção de lâminas foliares e aumento na de colmos + material morto); ii) o comprimento de lâminas foliares aumentou com a altura de manejo; iii) os animais dedicaram mais tempo ao pastejo com a redução da altura de manejo, embora aparentemente tenham abdicado do pastejo no tratamento 10 cm ao final do experimento. Baseado nos dados de estrutura do dossel e comportamento ingestivo, concluiu-se que pastos de papuã sob lotação contínua devem ser manejados próximos de 40 cm. As razões são discutidas ao longo do artigo.

The aim of this trial was to describe the canopy structure and grazing behavior of goats in Alexandergrass swards under continuous stocking. The treatments corresponded to four sward canopy heights (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm) maintained by variable stocking density. The following variables were accessed: morphological composition; nutritive value by hand plucking; mass and density of morphological components; leaf lamina length; Time spent grazing, ruminating, and idling. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and polynomial orthogonal contrasts. The main results were: i) following the sward canopy height increments, there was an increment in forage mass (and its morphological components), as well as an inversion in morphological compositions (leaf proportion reduction and stem + dead material increment); ii) leaf lamina length increased with grazing height increments; iii) time spent grazing was increased following sward canopy height reduction, although animals apparently abdicated to graze in 10 cm treatment at the final of the experiment. Based on sward canopy structure and grazing behavior, we concluded that Alexandergrass under continuous stocking should be managed around 40 cm. Reason are discussed throughout the manuscript.

Feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with detoxified castor bean meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal. Twenty-four non-castrated male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 25.34 kg and four months of age, were distributed in four treatments - 0, 7, 14 and 21% of the natural matter of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage. There was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in time spent eating and feeding and rumination efficiency (g MS and NDF/h) with the inclusion of castor bean meal in silage. However, there was a linear decreasing response for time spent resting (p < 0.05). Time spent ruminating, number of boluses per day and numbers of chews per day per bolus were not affected (p > 0.05) by the inclusion of castor bean meal. The addition of detoxified castor bean meal to sugarcane silage reduces time spent eating and increases feed and rumination efficiency in sheep.(AU)