Marandu grass pastures with the same average height and different horizontal structures change the feeding behavior of grazing sheep? / Pastos de capim-marandu com mesma altura média e diferentes estruturas horizontais alteram o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos em pastejo?

The objective was to investigate the feeding behavior of sheep in marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures under continuous stocking with the same average height and different horizontal structures. The treatments were composed of less heterogeneous pastures (P-H, 24% coefficient of variation of plant heights and more heterogeneous pastures (P+H, 46% coefficient of variation of plant heights) and the locations of the picket, front and back, were also evaluated. A randomized block design was used, with split plots in space and four replications in two years. Crossbred lambs were used, managed under continuous stocking and variable stocking rate, to maintain average height of pastures at 30 cm. Greater masses of total forage, live leaf, live stem and dead material, and greater time of sheep in rumination, occurred in the front, in relation to the paddock background. In P-H, grazing time (GT) did not vary between regions. In P+H, GT was lower at the front than at the background. Idle time (IT) was similar between P-H and P+H. However, the animals remained more IT in the front than in the background. The feeding behavior of grazing sheep is modified in marandu grass pastures under continuous stocking with the same average height, but with different spatial variability of the vegetation.

Objetivou-se investigar o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos em pastos de capim-marandu (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) sob lotação contínua com mesma altura média e diferentes estruturas horizontais. Os tratamentos foram compostos de pastos menos heterogêneo (P-H, 24% de coeficiente de variação das alturas das plantas) e pastos mais heterogêneo (P+H, 46% de coeficiente de variação das alturas das plantas), também foi avaliado os locais do piquete, frente e fundo. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no espaço e quatro repetições em dois anos. Foram utilizadas borregas mestiças, manejadas sob lotação continua e com taxa de lotação variável, para manter altura média dos pastos em 30cm. Maiores massas de forragem total, folha viva, colmo vivo e material morto, e maior tempo dos ovinos em ruminação, ocorreram na frente, em relação ao fundo do piquete. No P-H, o tempo em pastejo (TP) não variou entre as regiões. No P+H, o TP foi menor na frente do que no fundo. O tempo em ócio (TO) foi semelhante entre os P-H e P+H. Porém, os animais permaneceram mais TO na frente que no fundo. O comportamento ingestivo de ovinos em pastejo é modificado em pastos de capim-marandu sob lotação contínua com mesma altura média, porém com diferentes variabilidades espaciais da vegetação.

Prediction of health disorders in dairy cows monitored with collar based on binary logistic analysis / Previsão de distúrbios de saúde em vacas leiteiras monitoradas com base em coleira sobre análise logística binária

The objective of this study was to analyze data on physical activity and rumination time monitored via collars at the farm coupled with milk yield recorded by the rotary milking system to predict cows based on several disorders using the binary Logistic regression conducted with R software. Data for metritis (n=60), mastitis (n=98), lameness (n=35), and digestive disorders (n=52) were collected from 1,618 healthy cows used to construct the prediction model. To verify the feasibility and adaptability of the proposed method, we analyzed data of cows in the same herd (herd 1) not used to construct the model, and cows in another herd (herd 2) with data recorded by the same type of automated system, and led to detection of 75.0%, 64.2%, 74.2%, and 76.9% animals in herd 1 correctly predicted to suffer from metritis, mastitis, lameness, and digestive disorders, respectively. For cows in herd 2, 66.6%, 58.8%, 80.7%, and 71.4% were correctly predicted for metritis, mastitis, lameness, and digestive disorders, respectively. Compared with traditional clinical diagnoses by farm personnel, the algorithm developed allowed for earlier prediction of cows with a disorder.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar dados sobre a atividade física e o tempo de ruminação monitorados através de coleiras na fazenda junto com a produção de leite registrada pelo sistema rotativo de ordenha para prever vacas com base em vários distúrbios utilizando o software de regressão logística binária realizado com o software R. Dados para metrite (n=60), mastite (n=98), manqueira (n=35) e distúrbios digestivos (n=52) foram coletados de 1.618 vacas saudáveis foram usados para construir o modelo de previsão. Para verificar a viabilidade e adaptabilidade do método proposto, analisamos os dados de vacas do mesmo rebanho (rebanho 1) não utilizadas para construir o modelo, e vacas de outro rebanho (rebanho 2) com dados registrados pelo mesmo tipo de sistema automatizado, e levamos à detecção de 75,0%, 64,2%, 74,2%, e 76,9% de animais do rebanho 1 previstos corretamente para sofrer de metrite, mastite, manqueira e distúrbios digestivos, respectivamente. Para as vacas do rebanho 2, 66,6%, 58,8%, 80,7% e 71,4% foram previstos corretamente para metrite, mastite, manqueira e distúrbios digestivos, respectivamente. Em comparação com os diagnósticos clínicos tradicionais feitos pelo pessoal da fazenda, o algoritmo desenvolvido permitiu a previsão antecipada de vacas com um distúrbio.

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.

Effect of replacing corn with cactus pear on the performance and carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot finished lambs / Efeito da substituição do milho pela palma forrageira sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados em confinamento

The aim was to evaluate the effect of replacing ground corn with spineless cactus from two species Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) and Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) in a total mixed ration for finishing lambs evaluating its effects on intake, ingestive behavior, performance, carcass traits, commercial cuts and physiochemical composition of the meat. Eighteen crossbred lambs with average body weight of 15.0 ± 2.32 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (OEM and Gigante spineless cactus and ground corn as control treatment) and six replications. Spineless cactus species replacing ground corn in lambs diets does not change the intake of dry matter (DMI), crude protein and neutral detergent fiber or time (min/d) of ingestion, rumination and idleness, or final body weight gain. Lambs fed with ground corn and "Gigante" cactus presented a higher total weigh gain (TWG) and average daily weight gain (ADG) when compared to OEM spineless specie. Ground corn diet promoted better hot and cold carcass yield in lambs receiving spineless cactus, regardless of species. Feed and total costs (kg/lamb) were higher for the ground corn diet. The replacement of ground corn with spineless cactus did not change moisture, protein, and ash meat contents, as well as water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and a* color intensity. However, there was an effect for the meat lipid content, b* and L* color intensity and color index, where the species of cactus Gigante on ground corn presented the highest lipid content and yellowness (b*) intensity and lower L* color compared to OEM. Spineless cactus species Gigante can replace ground corn as a source of energy in diets for finishing lambs because it significantly improves the financial income for the producer without changing the ADG, DMI, ingestive behavior and yield of commercial cuts.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho moído por duas espécies de palma forrageira, Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) e espécie Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) em uma ração completa para terminação de cordeiros avaliando seus efeitos sobre consumo, comportamento ingestivo, desempenho, características de carcaça, cortes comerciais e composição físico-química da carne. Foram utilizados dezoito cordeiros sem padrão racial definido com peso corporal médio de 15,0 ± 2,32 kg e foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (OEM e palma Gigante e grão de milho como controle) e seis repetições. As duas espécies de palma forrageira em substituição ao milho moído na dieta de cordeiros não modificaram o consumo de matéria seca (CMS) proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro nem o tempo (min/dia) de ingestão, ruminação e ócio ou ganho corporal final. Cordeiros alimentados com milho moído e palma Gigante apresentaram maior ganho de peso total (GPT) e médio diário (GMD) em relação à espécie OEM. A dieta com milho moído promoveu melhor rendimento de carcaça quente e fria comparando cordeiros recebendo palma forrageira, independente da espécie. Os custos com ração e total (kg/cordeiro) foram maiores para a dieta com milho moído. A substituição do milho moído pela palma forrageira não alterou os teores de umidade, proteína e cinzas da carne, bem como a capacidade de retenção de água, perda por cozimento, força de cisalhamento e intensidade de cor a*. No entanto, houve efeito para o teor de lipídios da carne, índice de intensidade de cor b* e L*, sendo que a espécie de palma Gigante e o milho grão moído apresentou o maior teor de lipídios e intensidade de amarelo (b*) e menor cor L* em relação ao OEM. A espécie palma forrageira Gigante pode substituir o milho moído como fonte de energia em dietas para cordeiros em terminação, pois melhora significativamente o rendimento financeiro do produtor sem alterar o GMD, CMS, comportamento ingestivo e rendimento dos cortes comerciais.

Feeding behavior of sheep in feedlot and fed with diets containing detoxified castor cake in substitution to the soybean meal

To evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep confined and fed with substitution levels of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC). We adopted a completely randomized design, with four levels of substitution (0; 33; 67 and 100%) with five replicates (sheep). We estimated the percentages of total times of intake of feed, time of rumination, in 'other activities', in idle agreed and in idle sleeping, dividing the day into eight periods (5h00 to 8h00; 8h01 to 11h00; 11h01 to 14h00; 14h01 to 17h00; 17h01 to 20h00; 20h01 to 23h00; 23h01 to 2h00 and 2h01 to 5h00). No interaction was observed between levels of substitution of the SM by DCC and period of the day to go. However, the isolated effect period of the day, there is more time to go from 8h00 to 11h00. The time rumination was not influenced by the levels of substitution of the SM by DCC. As for the variable other activities, the level of 67% DCC was superior to that of 100%. Regarding the variables idle agreed and idle sleeping, were not observed effects of substitution levels of SM by DCC. The DCC provides no changes in the behavior of the sheep, but the period of the day exerts influence on the behavioral pattern of such animals.(AU)

Chitosan combined with technical cashew nut shell liquid improves in vitro ruminal parameters and gas production kinetics

The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of chitosan (CHI) and technical cashew nut shell liquid (CNSLt) as natural feed additives in cattle diets on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and in vitro gas production kinetics. We conducted a completely randomized design with 5×4 factorial arrangement, with 20, 35, 50, 65, and 100% Tifton 85 hay and four additives, monensin (200 mg/kg DM), CNSLt (500 mg/kg DM), CHI (500 mg/kg DM), and CNSLt+CHI (500 mg/kg DM/each). Dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility showed a linear reduction according to forage levels. The highest DM digestibility was observed with CHI on cattle diets. Inclusion of CHI increased DM digestibility. The highest in vitro organic matter and crude protein (CP) digestibilities were observed for CNSLt+CHI. The in vitro dry matter digestibility increased linearly with concentrate in the diet. There was interaction of forage:concentrate ratio and the additives for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose digestibility. Chitosan, CNSLt, and CNSLt+CHI promoted the lowest acetate:propionate ratio compared with monensin. Total gas production showed interaction of the forage:concentrate ratio and additives. Lag time was lowest with CNSLt+CHI. Chitosan and CNSLt can be considered alternative fermentation modulators to ionophores by improving nutrient digestibility and increasing ruminal propionate concentrations.(AU)

Exogenous enzymes in sheep diet: nutritional and physiological parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding exogenous enzymes to the diet on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and rumen movement of ewe lambs. Five ewe lambs, Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred, with an average age of 7 ± 1 months, average weight of 36.40 ± 2.36 kg were assigned in a 5x5 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of adding exogenous enzymes to the concentrate: Allzyme, Fibrozyme®, Amaize®, Mix and Control. Analyses of variance were applied and means were compared by the SNK test, and non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test at 5% significance. The dry matter intake in relation to body weight, crude protein intake and nitrogen intake were higher with the use of amylolytic enzyme compared to the other treatments (p <0.05). Nitrogen balance was higher with the use of amylolytic enzymes and the Allzyme® enzyme complex (p <0.05). A longer time spent in total chewing was observed with the inclusion of fibrolytic and amylolytic enzymes without changes in rumen movement. The use of exogenous enzymes promotes better use of nutrients, with high digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude protein.(AU)

Effect of dietary protein level and corn processing on behavior activity of high producing dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of corn processing and protein level on the feeding, lying, and post milking standing (PMS) behavior in high producing cows. Eight Holstein cows were randomly assigned to diets containing either finely ground (FGC) or steam flaked (SFC) corn based on either low (LP) or high (HP) protein content. Cows receivingLP had lower milk yield than cows receiving HP with similar DMI. Moreover, FGC-fed cows had higher DMI than SFC-fed cows with similar milk yields. Eating and rumination time tended to be lower and chewing time was lower in HP-fed cows than LP-fed cows. Cows fed SFC tended to have higher laying rumination interval and lower lying rumination bouts than cows fed FGC. Total and average PMS were lower in cows fed HP than LP. Cows fed LP had higher chewing activity in the daytime than cows fed HP. Our results suggested that the protein level and corn processing affect the standing and lying behavior of high producing dairy cows, although, this effect is marginal. Results also indicated that probably any change in the diet that increases the rumination and eating times couldalso improve the PMS.(AU)

Evaluation of automated monitoring calving prediction in dairy buffaloes a new tool for calving management / Avaliação do monitoramento automatizado da previsão de parto em búfalos leiteiros: uma nova ferramenta para o gerenciamento de parto

Buffalo is one of the leading milk-producing dairy animals. Its production and reproduction are affected due to some factors including inadequate monitoring around parturition, which cause economic losses like delayed birth process, increased risk of stillbirth, etc. The appropriate calving monitoring is essential for dairy herd management. Therefore, we designed a study its aim was, to predict the calving based on automated machine measured prepartum behaviors in buffaloes. The data were collected from n=40 pregnant buffaloes of 2nd to 5th parity, which was synchronized. The NEDAP neck and leg logger tag was attached to each buffalo at 30 days before calving and automatically collected feeding, rumination, lying, standing, no. of steps, no. of switches from standing to lying (lying bouts) and total motion activity. All behavioral data were reduced to -10 days before the calving date for statistical analysis to use mixed model procedure and ANOVA. Results showed that feeding and rumination time significantly (P<0.05) decreased from -10 to -1 days before calving indicating calving prediction. Moreover, Rumination time was at lowest (P<0.001) value at 2h before the calving such behavioral changes may be useful to predict calving in buffaloes. Similarly, lying bouts and standing time abruptly decreased (P<0.05) from -3 to -1 days before calving, while lying time abruptly increased (P<0.01) from -3 to -1 days before calving (531.57±23.65 to 665.62±18.14, respectively). No. of steps taken and total motion significantly (P<0.05) increased from -10 to -1 days before calving. Feeding time was significantly (P<0.02) lowered in 3rd parity buffaloes compared with 2nd, 4th and 5th parity buffaloes, while standing time of 5th parity buffaloes were lowered (P<0.05) as compared to 2nd to 4th parity buffalos at -1 day of prepartum. However, rumination, lying, no. of steps taken and total motion activity at -1 day of prepartum was independent (P>0.05) of parity in buffaloes. Neural network analysis for combined variables from NEDAP technology at the daily level yielded 100.0% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In conclusion NEDAP technology can be used to measured behavioral changes -10 day before calving as it can serve as a useful guide in the prediction calving date in the buffaloes.(AU)

O búfalo é um dos principais animais produtores de leite. Sua produção e sua reprodução são afetadas por causa de alguns fatores, incluindo o monitoramento inadequado ao redor do parto, que causam perdas econômicas, como atraso no processo de parto, aumento do risco de natimorto, etc. O monitoramento adequado do parto é essencial para o manejo do rebanho leiteiro. Portanto, projetamos um estudo cujo objetivo foi prever o parto com base em comportamentos pré-parto medidos por máquina automatizada em búfalas. Os dados foram coletados de 40 búfalas prenhes de 2ª a 5ª paridade, que foi sincronizada. A etiqueta NEDAP de pescoço e perna foi fixada em cada búfala 30 dias antes do parto e coletava dados, automaticamente, durante a alimentação e a ruminação, em posição deitada e em pé, além do número de passos, número de mudanças de pé para deitado (período deitado) e atividade de movimento total. Todos os dados comportamentais foram reduzidos para -10 dias antes da data do parto para análise estatística usando o procedimento de modelo misto e ANOVA. Os resultados mostraram que o tempo de alimentação e de ruminação diminuiu significativamente (P<0,05) de -10 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, indicando a previsão de parto. Além disso, o tempo de ruminação apresentou seu menor valor (P<0,001) 2 horas antes do parto, e tais mudanças comportamentais podem ser úteis para predizer o parto em búfalas. Da mesma forma, o período deitado e o tempo em pé diminuíram abruptamente (P<0,05) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, enquanto o tempo deitado aumentou abruptamente (P<0,01) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto (531,57 ± 23,65 para 665,62± 18,14, respectivamente). O número de passos dados e o movimento total aumentaram significativamente (P<0,05) de -10 para -1 dias antes do parto. O tempo de alimentação foi significativamente (P<0,02) reduzido em búfalas de 3ª paridade em comparação com búfalas de 2ª, 4ª e 5ª paridade, enquanto o tempo de espera de búfalas de 5ª paridade foi reduzido (P<0,05) em comparação com búfalas de 2ª a 4ª paridade em -1 dia antes do parto. No entanto, ruminação, posição deitada, número de passos dados e atividade de movimento total em -1 dia antes do parto foram independentes (P>0,05) da paridade em búfalas. A análise de rede neural para variáveis ​​combinadas da tecnologia NEDAP no nível diário produziu 100% de sensibilidade e 98% de especificidade. Em conclusão, a tecnologia NEDAP pode ser usada para medir mudanças comportamentais -10 dias antes do parto, pois pode servir como um guia útil para prever a data do parto em búfalas.(AU)

Performance supplementation and ingestive behavior of sheep finished in continuous pasture in the period of water restriction

The objective was to evaluate the performance and ingestivebehavior of grazing sheep in the finishing stage, with supplementation in the period of water restriction. Fifteen male crossbred sheep were used in continuous pasture in Massai grass and supplied supplement formulated with 18% of crude protein in three levels (0.0; 0.3 and 0.6% of body weight), individually. Bromatological and fodder production analyses were performed, as well as foliar mass production, stem mass and senescent material mass. The performance and ingestive behavior of the animals were evaluated. The design was in four randomized blocks for the variables measured in the fodder. For the biometry, weight gain and behavior variables measured in the animals, the design was entirely randomized with five repetitions. The total forage mass production was 5512.41 kg ha-1, with 6.58% of crude protein, 79 38% of neutral detergent fiber and with 65% of foliar mass. The total weight gain and daily weight gain were higher in animals that received a supplement of 0.6% of body weight. In general, the animalsgrazed more in the morning period and the supplemented ones destined more time for rumination and leisure than the ones not supplemented.(AU)

Influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems and the recording interval of behavioral activities on the ingestive behavior of lambs / Influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento, e do intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais no comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros

The evaluation of the ingestive behavior of ruminant animals is important to identify the animal response to the particularities of the different production systems. However, the five-minute evaluation technique requires personnel, making it difficult to adhere to farms and research in more complex pastoral systems. Thus, this study objected to evaluating the influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems on the ingestive behavior of lambs and to defining the behavior recording interval in each of the systems. Twenty-four lambs were distributed in an experimental design in split plots. The plots were the production systems (pasture without shading - PS, silvopastoral - SS, and feedlot systems - FS) and the subplots were the behavior observation intervals (5, 10, 15, and 20 min.). In the pasture without shading and silvopastoral systems, the lambs were kept on Aruana grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pasture and supplemented with concentrate at 1.5% of body weight per day, on a dry matter (DM) basis. In the feedlot system, the lambs received a diet consisting of 200 g kg DM-1 of annual ryegrass hay (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and 800 g kg DM-1 of concentrate. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the production system and the recording interval of behavioral activities. The time spent on food intake was higher (P < 0.05) in the pasture (533 min d-1) and silvopastoral (513 min d-1) systems than in the feedlot (225 min d-1). In contrast, for water intake, time was higher (P < 0.05) in the feedlot (21 min d-1) and lower in the silvopastoral system (5 min d-1). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the systems for rumination and idle activities, of which daily averages were 378 and 587 min d-1, respectively. There was also no difference (P > 0.05) between the observation intervals for feed, water, rumination, and idleness activities. Lambs in pasture-based systems spend more time feeding, and feedlot lambs spend more time ingesting water. Feedlot lambs ruminate as much as grazing animals when fed hay, even though hay represents only 20% of the total diet. The recording interval of behavioral activities in these production systems can be up to 20 minutes.(AU)

A avaliação do comportamento ingestivo de animais ruminantes é importante para identificar a resposta animal frente às particularidades dos diferentes sistemas de produção. Entretanto, a técnica de avaliação usualmente utilizada, com intervalos de cinco minutos, requer mão de obra, dificultando sua adesão em propriedades e em pesquisas em sistemas pastoris de maior complexidade. Assim, este estudo foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar a influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento sobre o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros e definir o intervalo de registro do comportamento em cada um dos sistemas. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros distribuídos em delineamento experimental em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas os sistemas de produção (pastagem sem sombreamento, sistema silvipastoril e confinamento) e as subparcelas os intervalos de observação do comportamento (5, 10, 15 e 20 min.). Nos sistemas em pastagem sem sombreamento e silvipastoril, os cordeiros permaneceram em pastagem de capim Aruana (Megathyrsus maximus) e foram suplementados com concentrado a 1,5% do peso corporal ao dia em base de matéria seca (MS). No sistema em confinamento, os cordeiros receberam ração composta por 200 g kg MS-1 de feno de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e 800 g kg MS-1 de concentrado. Não houve interação (P > 0,05) entre sistema de produção e intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais. O tempo despendido para a ingestão de alimento foi maior (P < 0,05) no sistema de pastagem (533 min d-1) e silvipastoril (513 min d-1) em relação ao confinamento (225 min d-1), enquanto que para ingestão de água foi maior (P < 0,05) no confinamento (21 min d-1) e menor no silvipastoril (5 min d-1). Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os sistemas para as atividades de ruminação e ócio, cujas médias diárias foram de 378 e 587 min d-1, respectivamente. Também não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os intervalos de observação para as atividades de ingestão de alimento, água, ruminação e ócio. Cordeiros em sistemas à base de pastagem gastam mais tempo se alimentando, e cordeiros confinados mais tempo ingerindo água. Cordeiros confinados ruminam tanto quanto animais em pastejo quando alimentados com feno, mesmo que este represente apenas 20% da dieta total. O intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais nestes sistemas de produção pode ser de até 20 minutos.(AU)

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)

Productive performance and ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers in integrated livestock-forest systems

The present study aimed to assess the productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal condition of crossbred beef heifers in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system with different tree-planting designs. Seventy-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore heifers were divided in three treatments­conventional system (CS) without eucalyptus, integrated livestock system with 187 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-1L), and integrated livestock system with 446 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-3L)­, in the winter and summer. Total dry mass of forage (TDM), chemical analysis of Marandu palisadegrass, average daily gain (ADG), stocking rate (SR), weight gain per area (WGA), behavior, microclimatic variables, and thermal comfort indexes were evaluated. A higher percentage of crude protein and lower TDM and SR were observed in ILF-1L and ILF-3L, with no differences for ADG and WGA. Ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, black globe-humidity index, and radiant heat load were better in ILF-1L and ILF-3L. Heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L carried out grazing, resting, rumination, and other activities in the shade. In the summer, heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L spent less time resting and more time in rumination and performing other activities than those in the CS. In conclusion, the better forage quality in ILF-1L and ILF-3L does not alter the performance of heifers or WGA, despite the decreased TDM and SR. Furthermore, ILF-1L and ILF-3L provide better thermal comfort, and heifers that do not have access to shade decrease their activities as a strategy to reduce the use of energy for thermal regulation process.(AU)

Production, intake, and feeding behavior of dairy goats fed alfalfa via grazing and cassava

This study examined the replacement of maize and soybean meal with cassava chips and alfalfa grazing, respectively. Twelve lactating Anglo-Nubian goats were kept on a Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã pasture. The experiment was laid out in a Latin square design in which the following diets were tested: ground maize + soybean meal, cassava chips + soybean meal, ground maize + alfalfa grazing, and cassava chips + alfalfa grazing. The evaluated variables were feed intake, daily weight gain, milk yield and composition, and feeding behavior of the goats as well as production costs. Cassava chips and grazed alfalfa influenced the intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients. However, milk yield, body weight, and body score did not change. There was no diet effect on the proportions of protein, solids-not-fat, somatic cell count, or urea nitrogen in the milk. Treatments influenced the levels of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk, with the highest fat levels achieved with diets containing alfalfa. Grazing, rumination, and idle times and time spent interacting with other goats were not influenced by diets. The evaluated feedstuffs improved feed efficiency and reduced production costs. Therefore, cassava chips and alfalfa can replace certain ingredients without impairing the production performance of goats, but rather improving the profit of the producer.(AU)

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal / Consumo, digestibilidade, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-do-carmim

The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda ou orelha-de-elefante-mexicana (OEM). Trinta cabritos machos, castrados, sem raça definida, com idades entre 12 e 14 meses e peso corporal médio de 19,0±2,8kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos (controle - feno de tifton; miúda e OEM) e 10 repetições; o peso inicial foi considerado a covariável. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) foi maior no tratamento controle; enquanto a ingestão de CNF foi maior na dieta OEM. Tratamentos contendo palma forrageira apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades de MS, MO e CNF. Os animais alimentados com a dieta controle gastaram mais tempo em ruminação e em mastigação total, mas o tempo gasto com alimentação ou a eficiência alimentar e o desempenho não diferiram. A utilização de genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda e orelha-de-elefante-mexicana) na dieta de caprinos, na quantidade de 450g/kg de MS, não interfere no desempenho dos animais e melhora a digestibilidade de MO e CNF.(AU)

Use of the rumination profile through collar sensors for mastitis diagnosis in dairy cows

Background: Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, mostly associated with bacterial infections. Itis responsible for great economic losses due to decreased milk yield, discarded milk, milk composition alterations andtreatment costs, besides it impairs the animal health and welfare. The rumination time is an important behavioral markerand its assessment can be used as an early diagnosis tool, which can improve cure rate. Therefore, the aim of the presentstudy was to evaluate the sensitivity of behavior monitoring system collars in the diagnosis of mastitis and the averagerumination time (RT) of Holstein cows during the healthy period and affected by the disease.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted on a commercial property located in the municipality of RioGrande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The RT data from 39 multiparous Holstein cows with an average milk yield of 38.4 L/day was collected. RT monitoring was performed using C-Tech1 collars combined with CowMed® software, which assessbehavior data from the animals and emits warning signals when it finds abnormalities in any parameter. In order to verifywhether the animals were determined correlated with diseases, the sensitivity of the data was evaluated, when the systemhad given the alert to animals considered ill, they underwent to a further clinical evaluation performed by a veterinarian toconfirm the diagnosis. From the diagnosis, the cows were divided into subclinical mastitis (SM) and clinical mastitis (CM)groups. SM was detected by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and cows that were graded 1 (++), 2 (++) or 3 (+++) withoutthe presence of any other clinical sign were assigned to the SM group. CM was assessed by observation of abnormalitiesin milk such as changes in color and consistency, as well as the presence of lumps, clots or blood; and clinical examinationof the udder was performed for detection of hot, hard, swollen or painful quarters...

Use of the rumination profile through collar sensors for mastitis diagnosis in dairy cows

Background: Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, mostly associated with bacterial infections. Itis responsible for great economic losses due to decreased milk yield, discarded milk, milk composition alterations andtreatment costs, besides it impairs the animal health and welfare. The rumination time is an important behavioral markerand its assessment can be used as an early diagnosis tool, which can improve cure rate. Therefore, the aim of the presentstudy was to evaluate the sensitivity of behavior monitoring system collars in the diagnosis of mastitis and the averagerumination time (RT) of Holstein cows during the healthy period and affected by the disease.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted on a commercial property located in the municipality of RioGrande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The RT data from 39 multiparous Holstein cows with an average milk yield of 38.4 L/day was collected. RT monitoring was performed using C-Tech1 collars combined with CowMed® software, which assessbehavior data from the animals and emits warning signals when it finds abnormalities in any parameter. In order to verifywhether the animals were determined correlated with diseases, the sensitivity of the data was evaluated, when the systemhad given the alert to animals considered ill, they underwent to a further clinical evaluation performed by a veterinarian toconfirm the diagnosis. From the diagnosis, the cows were divided into subclinical mastitis (SM) and clinical mastitis (CM)groups. SM was detected by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and cows that were graded 1 (++), 2 (++) or 3 (+++) withoutthe presence of any other clinical sign were assigned to the SM group. CM was assessed by observation of abnormalitiesin milk such as changes in color and consistency, as well as the presence of lumps, clots or blood; and clinical examinationof the udder was performed for detection of hot, hard, swollen or painful quarters...(AU)

Babassu mesocarp meal for ewe lambs feeding: In vitro ruminal fermentation and in vivo apparent digestibility

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation (IVRF) and apparent in vivo digestibility (AIVD) of diets formulated with four inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp meal (BMM) (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) in ewe lambs. The IVRF test was performed through the "Hohenheim Gas Test" technique, following a randomized complete block design, with four blocks (rumen fluids from four different bovines). Gas production was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after incubation. For the AIVD trial, 20 ewe lambs were used in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The animals were housed in metabolic cages during the digestibility test. Diets with BMM showed lower fermentation levels than those without BMM. The BMM reduced the gas production per incubation time and dry matter effective degradability (DMED), possibly due to its chemical characteristics, or even to the influence of other factors, such as physical properties. The BMM negatively influenced the AIVD of DM. Thus, it can be stated that, despite being a starch source, BMM reduces ruminal fermentation parameters when included in ruminant diets, negatively interfering with diet digestibility. Therefore, its use should be cautious.(AU)

Subproduct of the Wine Industry to Replace Forage for Feeding Confined Ovine / Coproduto da Indústria de Vitivinificação como Substituto ao Volumoso na Alimentação de Ovinos Confinados

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep receiving alternative food with grape pomace to replace roughage, as well as its impacts on the rumen environment. It was observed that BU had higher TOC, TRAM and pH of the ruminal liquid, while there was less TRU (P < 0,05). As for the other parameters, no significant differences were found. In this study, just as the feeding time was not influenced due to the similarity of the concentrate: roughage ratio in the diet, the protozoan count did not change. This finding reinforces the possibility of using grape marc as a tool for formulating feed, reducing the risk of ruminal disturbances. It was observed that the group control had lower TRAM, indicating that the diet of this group promoted greater microbial activity and, consequently, greater digestibility, corroborating the already observed TOC. This result was the opposite of what was expected, since the grape pomace has probiotic properties, precisely because the fruits have more fungi and bacteria in their microbiota. This also confirms that the co-products of vitiviniculture can act as promoters of the intestinal health of ruminants, justifying further studies in order to improve this use. Therefore, the use of wine by-products is an alternative to reduce production costs, as its use in diets for confined sheep can improve the performance of the animals, increasing the total feed consumption and improving microbial activity.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos recebendo ração alternativa com bagaço de uva em substituição ao volumoso, bem como seus impactos no ambiente ruminal. Observou-se que a BU apresentou maiores COT, TRAM e pH do líquido ruminal, enquanto houve menor TRU (P <0,05). Quanto aos demais parâmetros, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas. Neste estudo, assim como o tempo de alimentação não foi influenciado pela similaridade da relação concentrado: volumoso na dieta, a contagem de protozoários não se alterou. Esse achado reforça a possibilidade do uso do bagaço de uva como ferramenta na formulação de rações, reduzindo o risco de distúrbios ruminais. Observou-se que o grupo controle apresentou menor TRAM, indicando que a dieta desse grupo promoveu maior atividade microbiana e, consequentemente, maior digestibilidade, corroborando o COT já observado. Esse resultado foi o oposto do esperado, já que o bagaço de uva tem propriedades probióticas, justamente porque os frutos possuem mais fungos e bactérias em sua microbiota. Isso também confirma que os coprodutos da vitivinicultura podem atuar como promotores da saúde intestinal de ruminantes, justificando novos estudos no sentido de aprimorar esse uso. Portanto, a utilização de subprodutos do vinho é uma alternativa para reduzir os custos de produção, pois seu uso em dietas para ovinos confinados pode melhorar o desempenho dos animais, aumentando o consumo total de ração e melhorando a atividade microbiana.(AU)