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The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of snaplage on fecal characteristics, feeding behavior, and performance of finishing bulls. Seventy-two single-sourced Nellore bulls (initial body weight [BW] = 400 ± 27.4 kg; 2.4 years old) were randomly assigned to one of three treatments (three bulls/pen; eight pen replicates/treatment). Treatments consisted of finishing diets with the following sources of fiber and energy: corn silage, reconstituted corn grain silage, and dry-ground corn (control; inclusion of 22.9, 42.1, and 20.0% of dry matter (DM), respectively); snaplage (inclusion of 65% of DM) and dry-ground corn (SNAP65); and snaplage only (inclusion of 85% of DM; SNAP85). Bulls were adapted over a 15-d period and fed for a total of 86 d. Fecal samples were collected on days 42, 65, and 73. Feeding behavior was assessed on days 51 and 69. All data were analyzed as a completely randomized block design. No differences were obtained for initial BW, gain:feed ratio, hot carcass, and dressing. The SNAP85 diet had a greater intake, followed by SNAP65 and control diets (P = 0.02). There was a tendency of greater average daily gain and final BW (P = 0.07 and 0.08, respectively) for SNAP65 diet, followed by SNAP85 and control treatments. A tendency (P = 0.07) was also observed for greater ribeye area in bulls consuming SNAP65 (85 cm2), followed by control (81 cm2) and SNAP85 (80 cm2). Bulls consuming SNAP65 and SNAP85 spent more time chewing (on average, 249 min/d) than those consuming control diet (177 min/d; P = 0.01). Fecal starch was lower, and pH was greater for SNAP85 (P = 0.01 for both variables). Overall, snaplage is a suitable ingredient in high-starch diets for providing energy and physically effective neutral detergent fiber. The inclusion of 65% of snaplage and 20% of dry-ground corn (DM basis) showed a slight superior performance in Nellore bulls.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the increasing levels of inclusion of palm kernel cake (PKC) in the diet on the performance of feedlot heifers. Forty-eight Nelore heifers with an initial weight of 274 ± 4.58 kg, at 24 months of age, were confined for 98 days in a feedlot. The animals were allocated to the four treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of PKC levels of 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30% in the total dry matter of the diet. The roughage:concentrate ratio in the diets was 30:70. Ether extract intake increased, whereas the intakes of non-fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients decreased with the inclusion of PKC. The apparent digestibility of all nutrients decreased, as well as the amounts of nitrogen digested and retained. Microbial protein synthesis and its efficiency also declined. The inclusion of up to 20% PKC increased feeding time and reduced rumination time of heifers. Intake and rumination efficiencies decreased with the inclusion of PKC in the diet. Final weight and average daily gain did not change, but feed efficiency increased with the inclusion of PKC. The inclusion of up to 30% PKC in the diet of feedlot heifers is recommended.(AU)

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Supplementation strategies have been studied to increase animal performance and the quality of meat. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of different supplementation strategies on the performance, feed intake, digestibility and ingestive behaviour of crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha pasture, during the dry season. The experiment was performed in Bahia, Brazil, from August 2015 to January 2016, with a dry season of 203 days. Thirty-three crossbred steers with an average weight of 269.5 ± 41.8 kg were distributed in a completely randomised design with three treatments and 11 replicates per treatment. The results were analysed using an ANOVA and a Tukey test, with a 5% probability of error. The treatments were mineral salt with urea and the supplementation of protein based on the animals' body weight (BW), as follows: 0.1 and 0.2% BW. There was no effect of supplementation strategy on the initial and final body weights. Supplementation strategies did not influence (p > 0.05) the variables related to the intake of total dry matter. There was an effect (p < 0.05) on the dry matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients. For ingestive behaviour, feed intake, grazing time and idle time tended to be altered by the supply strategies (p < 0.05), but rumination was not affected (p > 0.05) by the evaluated strategies. In conclusion, the supplementation strategies used during the dry season resulted in a similar performance; therefore, the adopted strategy can be chosen according to the economic and regional conditions of the production system. Thus, the strategy adopted could be chosen according to the economic and regional conditions of the production.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion of crude glycerin (CG) derived from biodiesel production from residual frying oils, replacing corn, on intake, fermentation parameters, and rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). Four rumen-cannulated sheep were fed diets containing 0, 25, 50, and 75 g CG kg-1 of the total diet DM. A 4×4 Latin square design was adopted. To determine degradability, concentrate samples were incubated in the rumen at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h. Orthogonal contrasts were tested for linear and quadratic effects, which were considered significant when P < 0.05 and a trend when P < 0.10. The inclusion of CG did not influence the intakes of DM (average = 991.5 g day-1) or CP (average = 114.65 g day-1); however, ether extract (EE) intake increased linearly (P < 0.05), ranging from 20.8 to 36.7 g day-1, respectively, for the CG levels of 0 and 75 g kg-1 diet DM. There was no interaction effect (P > 0.05) between collection time and CG level on rumen pH or N-NH3. The lowest pH values were observed at 2 h (5.83) and 4 h (5.87) after feeding. Ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) showed a quadratic decrease (P = 0.02), with a minimum value of 8 mg dL-1 at the CG level of 41.5 g kg-1 DM. The "A" fraction of the concentrate DM decreased quadratically (P = 0.05), with the lowest value (19.7%) occurring at the CG level of 74.1 g kg-1 DM; the "B" fraction and effective degradability (ED; 8% h-1) decreased linearly (P < 0.05); and potential degradability (PD) tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with increasing CG levels. Crude glycerin did not affect the "c" fraction, lag time, or the ED (2% h-1) of concentrate DM. As regards CP, there was also no effect on fractions "A" (average = 41.5%), "B" (average = 51.0%), or PD (average = 92.4%); on the other hand, fraction "c" and ED increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas lag time decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing CG. In conclusion, the CG used in this study can be added up to the level of 75 g kg-1 of the total DM of the sheep diet.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão da glicerina bruta (GB) oriunda da produção de biodiesel, a partir de óleos residuais de frituras, em substituição ao milho, sobre o consumo, parâmetros de fermentação e da degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). Utilizou-se quatro ovinos canulados no rúmen, recebendo dietas contendo 0, 25, 50 e 75 g GB kg-1 da MS total da dieta. O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4×4. Para determinação da degradabilidade, amostras do concentrado foram incubadas no rúmen nos tempos 0h, 3h00, 6h00, 12h00, 18h00, 24h00, 48h00 e 72h00. Contrastes ortogonais foram testados para efeitos linear e quadrático, considerando estes significativos quando o P < 0,05 e tendência quando P < 0,10. A inclusão da GB não influenciou os consumos de MS (média = 991,5 g dia-1) e de PB (média = 114,65 g dia-1), no entanto, o consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05), o qual variou de 20,8 a 36,7 g dia-1, respectivamente, para os níveis de 0 e 75 g GB kg-1 MS da dieta. Não houve efeito da interação (P > 0,05) entre o tempo de coleta e o nível de GB para o pH e o N-NH3 ruminal. Os menores valores de pH foram observados 2 h (5,83) e 4 h (5,87) após a alimentação. O N-NH3 sofreu redução quadrática (P = 0,02), com valor mínimo de 8 mg dL-1 ao nível de 41,5 g GB kg-1 MS. A fração "A" da MS do concentrado reduziu de forma quadrática (P = 0,05), com menor valor (19,7%) ao nível de 74,1 g GB kg-1 MS, a fração "B" e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE; 8%h-1) reduziram linearmente (P < 0,05) e a degradabilidade potencial (DP) tendeu a reduzir (P < 0,10) com o aumento do nível de GB. Não foi observado efeito da inclusão da GB sobre a fração "c", o lag time e a DE (2% h-1) da MS do concentrado. Para a PB, não foi observado efeito paras as frações "A" (média = 41,5%), "B" (média = 51,0%) e "DP" (média =92,4%), por outro lado, a fração "c" e a DE aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,05), ao passo que o lag time diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,05) com o aumento do nível de GB. Conclui-se que a GB usada nesta pesquisa pode ser adicionada até 75 g kg-1 da MS total da dieta de ovinos.(AU)

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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.

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We assessed the effect of a flood pulse on the diet composition, trophic niche breadth, and feeding intensity of the mandi catfish Pimelodus blochii (Pimelodidae) in the middle Xingu River region, throughout different hydrological periods. Specimens were collected monthly between December 2020 and November 2021, using gillnets. Specimens were measured for standard length (cm) and body weight (g) and then eviscerated to remove the stomach, which was weighed and stored for content identification. In total, we analyzed 93 stomachs of P. blochii, with the species' diet predominantly composed of fish (86.5%) and terrestrial plants (6.9%). However, this dietary composition varied seasonally, particularly during the flood period when the species exhibited an omnivorous/carnivorous diet, as opposed to other periods when it had a carnivorous/piscivorous diet. Trophic niche breadth also varied, with the species showing a more specialist diet during the filling period. Finally, there was no difference in the amount of food (g) ingested during the hydrological periods. These results highlight the influence of the flood pulse on the feeding ecology of P. blochii, particularly regarding the diet composition. Our findings contribute to advancing the understanding of the relationship between abiotic dynamics and the life history of Amazonian fish species.(AU)

Avaliamos o efeito do pulso de inundação na composição da dieta, amplitude de nicho trófico e intensidade alimentar do bagre mandi Pimelodus blochii (Pimelodidae) na região do médio rio Xingu, ao longo de diferentes períodos hidrológicos. A coleta dos espécimes ocorreu mensalmente entre dezembro de 2020 e novembro de 2021, utilizando redes de espera. Os espécimes coletados foram mensurados quanto ao comprimento padrão (cm) e peso total (g) e, em seguida, eviscerados para remoção do estômago, que foi pesado e armazenado para identificação do conteúdo. No total, foram analisados 93 estômagos de P. blochii, sendo a dieta da espécie composta predominantemente por peixes (86,5%) e plantas terrestres (6,9%). No entanto, essa composição da dieta variou sazonalmente, especialmente durante a cheia, quando a espécie apresentou uma dieta onívora/carnívora, em contraste com outros períodos em que teve uma dieta carnívora/piscívora. A amplitude do nicho trófico também variou, e a espécie apresentou uma dieta mais especialista durante a enchente. Por fim, não houve diferença na quantidade de alimento ingerido (g) entre os períodos hidrológicos. Esses resultados evidenciam que o pulso de inundação exerce influência na ecologia alimentar de P. blochii, principalmente em relação à composição da dieta. Nossos achados contribuem para o avanço do conhecimento sobre a relação entre dinâmicas abióticas e a história de vida de espécies de peixes amazônicas.(AU)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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This study was conducted to assess the effect of two types of drinkers on water intake (WI) and two types of toys on behavioural observations of piglets in the nursery phase. A total of 72 crossbred entire male piglets (Landrace × Large White, Agroceres♂ and DanBred♀), weaned at 21 days of age, with an average initial body weight (AIBW) of 6.75 ± 0.19 kg were used. Two statistical models were fitted for WI. In model I, animals were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a split-plot in time, composed of six treatments (2 types of drinkers × 3 experimental phases), eight replications (days of sampling), and 36 animals/experimental unit (EU), without using AIBW as a covariate. In model II, animals were distributed in a CRD with two treatments (fixed or pendular nipple drinkers), eight replications (days of sampling) and 36 animals/EU, with use of AIBW as a covariate. For assessment of behavioural observations, the model was adjusted in a randomized block design, consisting of four treatments [two types of toys (metal chain and plastic bottle) × two daytime periods (morning and afternoon)], nine replications and three blocks constituted in time (days), totalling four pigs/ EU. The results indicated an effect on animal daily WI in the starter phase in model I (p < 0.000) and II (p = 0.006). There was an effect (p ≤ 0.05) of toy type for behavioural observations, in which pigs showed a greater proportion of fighting and belly nosing when they had the bottle toy. However, animals spent more time (p ≤ 0.05) eating, drinking water, overlapping, and playing with the toy when they had access to the chain toy. There was an increase (p ≤ 0.05) in sleeping behaviour in the morning period, as well as greater (p ≤ 0.05) behavioural activity in the afternoon period. In conclusion, WI of nursery piglets was positively influenced by growth phase, and the fixed drinker stimulated greater WI in piglets in the starter phase. In addition, the metal chain, as an environmental enrichment, promoted improvements in feeding behaviour and WI, reducing fighting events, and the afternoon period had increased behavioural observations overall.(AU)

Um estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar dois tipos de bebedouros e seus efeitos sobre o consumo hídrico (CH) e dois tipos de brinquedos sobre os eventos comportamentais de leitões na fase de creche. Um total de 72 leitões machos inteiros mestiços (Landrace × Large White, Agroceres♂ e DanBred♀), desmamados aos 21 dias de idade e peso corporal inicial médio (PCIM) de 6,75 ± 0,19 kg. Para o CH foram ajustados dois modelos estatísticos. No modelo I, os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) e esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, composto de seis tratamentos (2 tipos de bebedouros × 3 fases experimentais), oito repetições (dias de amostragem) e 36 animais/unidade experimental (UE) e sem utilização de PCIM como covariável. No modelo II, os animais foram distribuídos em um DIC aninhado com dois tratamentos (bebedouro tipo chupeta fixo ou pendular), oito repetições (dias de amostragem) e 36 animais/UE, com utilização de PCIM como covariável. Para a avaliação dos eventos comportamentais, foi ajustado um modelo em delineamento de blocos casualizados, constituído de quatro tratamentos [dois tipos de brinquedos (corrente de metal e garrafa plástica) × dois períodos do dia (matutino e vespertino)], nove repetições e três blocos constituídos no tempo (dias), totalizando quatro suínos/UE. Os resultados indicaram efeito no CH diário animal na fase inicial no modelo I (p < 0,000) e II (p = 0,006). Houve efeito (p ≤ 0,05) de tipo de brinquedo para as observações comportamentais, em que os suínos apresentaram maior proporção de brigas e empurrando a barriga quando tiveram o brinquedo de garrafa. Entretanto, os animais passaram maior tempo (p ≤ 0,05) comendo, bebendo água, montando outro animal e brincando com o brinquedo quando tiveram acesso ao brinquedo de corrente. Houve um aumento (p ≤ 0,05) no comportamento de dormir no período matutino, bem como os suínos apresentaram maior (p ≤ 0,05) atividade comportamental no período vespertino. Em conclusão, o consumo hídrico de leitões em fase de creche é influenciado positivamente pela fase de crescimento e o bebedouro fixo estimulou um maior consumo de água em leitões na fase inicial. Em adição, o tipo de enriquecimento ambiental corrente promoveu melhorias no comportamento alimentar e de ingestão de água, reduzindo eventos de brigas, bem como o período vespertino aumentou os eventos comportamentais em geral.(AU)

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The Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) is classified as an agricultural pest species. It feeds on plants and crops; hence, it is responsible for massive financial losses worldwide. The current study was conducted to assess the diet composition of Indian Crested Porcupine in District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). Thus, fecal samples were collected and examined from different sampling sites. Reference slides of the material collected from the study area were prepared for identification of dietary components in fecal pellets. A total of 80 fecal samples were collected and processed. Percent relative frequencies (P.R.F.) were calculated for each plant species recovered from pellets. Data revealed that Indian Crested Porcupine consumed 31 plant species in its diet, among them Zea mays (34.31±7.76) was the most frequently selected species followed by Rumex obtusifolius (15.32±2.57) and Melia azedarach (12.83±4.79). The study revealed that the greatest diversity of (n=20) plant species were consumed in summer season while minimum (n=13) species were used during winter. Among the parts of plants, stem was highly consumed in spring (57.2%) as compared to seed in fall (36.7%) while spikes and leaf were the least recovered parts from the fecal matter. The Berger-Parker diversity index showed highly diversified food (10.92) in the summer time of the year as compared to the autumn season (2.95). This study provides a baseline for the diet preference of this pest in the study area. Based on current findings, a detailed investigation on damage assessment, exploration, habitat use and management of Indian Crested Porcupine in AJ&K has been recommended.

O porco-espinho de crista indiano (Hystrix indica) é classificado como uma espécie de praga agrícola. Alimenta-se de plantas e colheitas; portanto, é responsável por enormes perdas financeiras em todo o mundo. O estudo atual foi realizado para avaliar a composição da dieta do porco-espinho de crista indiano nos distritos de Bagh, Azad Jammu e Caxemira (AJ&K). Assim, amostras fecais foram coletadas e examinadas em diferentes locais de amostragem. Lâminas de referência do material coletado na área de estudo foram preparadas para identificação dos componentes da dieta em pellets fecais. Um total de 80 amostras fecais foi coletado e processado. As frequências relativas percentuais (P.R.F.) foram calculadas para cada espécie de planta recuperada de pelotas. Os dados revelaram que o porco-espinho indiano consumiu 31 espécies de plantas em sua dieta, entre elas Zea mays (34,31 ± 7,76) foi a espécie mais selecionada, seguida por Rumex obtusifolius (15,32 ± 2,57) e Melia azedarach (12,83 ± 4,79). O estudo revelou que a maior diversidade de (n = 20) espécies de plantas foi consumida no verão, enquanto o mínimo (n = 13) espécies foi utilizado durante o inverno. Entre as partes das plantas, o caule foi muito consumido na primavera (57,2%) em relação à semente no outono (36,7%), enquanto a espiga e a folha foram as partes menos recuperadas da matéria fecal., O índice de diversidade de Berger-Parker mostrou alimentos altamente diversificados (10,92) no verão do ano em comparação com o outono (2,95). Este estudo fornece uma linha de base para a preferência alimentar dessa praga na área de estudo. Com base nas descobertas atuais, uma investigação detalhada sobre avaliação de danos, exploração, uso de habitat e gerenciamento de porco-espinho de crista indiano em AJ&K foi recomendada.

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Oceanographic fluctuations and changes in ocean productivity directly affect the abundance and distribution of prey species, which in turn, affect the population status of their predators. In order to have a better understanding of this predator-prey relationship, the aim of the present study was to analyze the diet of the South American Sea Lion Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800) in two rookeries of the San Matias Gulf, in northern Patagonia (Argentina). A total of 52 scat samples of O. flavescens were collected in the Promontorio Belén colony and 35 in Caleta de los Loros during the late spring of 2011. The analysis of the samples indicated that at both localities fish occurred in 100% of scats with prey remains, followed by cephalopods (32.3%) and crustaceans (21.4%). The fish Raneya brasiliensis (Kaup, 1856) constituted the main prey taxon, both in terms of occurrence and numerical abundance. The octopod Octopus tehuelchus (d' Orbigny, 1834) and squids of the genus Doryteuthis constituted the dominant cephalopod prey. It is concluded that sea lions focused their foraging activity on those species of demersal and benthic habits, associated with coastal and shelf waters. Furthermore, this study reports for the first time the feeding habits of the South American Sea Lion colony of Promontorio Belén, second in population size of Río Negro province.

Las fluctuaciones oceanográficas y los cambios en la productividad del océano afectan directamente a la abundancia y distribución de las especies presa, que a su vez afectan al estado de la población de sus predadores. Con el fin de tener una mejor comprensión de esta relación predador-presa, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la dieta del lobo marino de un pelo sudamericano Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800) en dos apostaderos del Golfo San Matias, en Patagonia norte (Argentina). Se colectaron un total de 52 muestras de fecas de O. flavescens en el apostadero de Promontorio Belén y 35 en Caleta de los Loros durante la primavera tardía de 2011. El análisis de las muestras indicó que en ambas localidades los peces ocurrieron en el 100% de las muestras con remanentes alimentarios, seguidos por cefalópodos (32.3%) y crustáceos (21.4%). El pez Raneya brasiliensis (Kaup, 1856) constituyó el principal taxón presa, tanto en términos de ocurrencia como de abundancia numérica. El octópodo Octopus tehuelchus (d' Orbigny, 1834) y los calamares del género Doryteuthis constituyeron los cefalópodos presa dominantes. Se concluye que los lobos marinos centraron su actividad forrajera en aquellas especies de hábitos demersales y bentónicos, asociado a aguas costeras y de plataforma. Además, este estudio analiza por primera vez los hábitos alimenticios de la colonia de lobos marinos de un pelo sudamericanos en el apostadero de Promontorio Belén, segunda en tamaño poblacional de la provincia de Río Negro.

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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)

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The objective of this study was evaluate whether pretransport feed withdrawal affects welfare, carcass, and meat characteristics of European quails. A total of 120 European quails were used, with an initial age of 15 days. Bird feed was removed before transport to the slaughterhouse at the following times, which characterised the different treatments: zero hours, three hours, six hours, nine hours and twelve hours. The transport took 54 minutes to cover 27 kilometres to a commercial slaughterhouse. The birds were slaughtered at 41 days of age. During bleeding, blood samples were collected. Blood glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and corticosterone concentrations were measured. The carcasses and meat characteristics were measured. Poultry body weight decreased and blood glucose concentrations increased with the increase in feed withdrawal time. The treatments did not affect carcass weights. Carcass yields after three hours fasting were similar to those in the six hours and nine hours groups, indicating that gastrointestinal tracts were empty after the third hour. Meat quality was negatively affected (pH, lightness, water holding capacity, cooking loss) by the increase in feed withdrawal time; integrated parameters that characterise dark, firm, dry meat. Pre transport feed withdrawal time should be three hours to empty the gastrointestinal tract and minimise losses in meat quality of European quails. It is necessary to adjust feed withdrawal so that it does not exceed this time, since there is no technical justification for supporting it.(AU)

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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)

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Preventing pigs such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa) from accessing the farm can be blocked by installing fences or repellent to make them feel reluctant to access the farm. Most wild pigs were captured to prevent crop damage and incidence of African swine fever (ASF). Still, there is a limit to capturing them due to the rapid population growth. A study was conducted using "To Nature" repellent with an active ingredient of Methyl anthranilate (MA) to assess the effectiveness of MA as a pig repellent and determine its effect on feeding behavior and production performance. A total of eight female pigs [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc] were randomly arranged and used in the experiment for five weeks. Each treatment was replicated four times, having one pig in every replication. The feeders' position with MA repellent was shifted weekly with a ratio of 0.25% and mixed with 10kg of feed. The number of approaches of pigs to the feeder was monitored daily using a full HD CCTV 5-megapixel camera. A significantly lower number of approaches, feed intake, and total time spent feeding in the feeding trough was recorded from the feeder with MA repellent mixed in the diet. Regression analysis revealed a positive relationship in the feeding behavior of pigs in the feeder mixed with MA repellent in the diet. Therefore, 0.25% MA repellent can be used as pig repellent without adverse effects on the production performance of growing pigs.

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This study aimed to evaluate forage yield, tiller population density, canopy height, nutritional value as well as cattle performance in alternate stocking from three tropical forage cultivars. The experiment followed a randomized block design, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme with three replications. Three forage cultivars (Marandu, Massai and Xaraés) distributed in nine hectares were evaluated in three dry season periods (transition wet/dry, dry, and end of dry season), with repeated measures over time. The following variables were evaluated: canopy height, leaf: stem ratio, forage mass, leaf mass, stem mass and dead material mass. Total digestible nutrients, crude protein and in vitro dry mass digestibility were evaluated regarding forage nutrition. Animal performance, using 36 eleven-month-old animals (half-blood Nelore), was evaluated by the daily average gain and weight gain by area. During pre-grazing, canopy height presented interaction among forage cultivars and the evaluated periods. The average daily gain showed no interaction among cultivars and period of the year the similarity in animal performance among the cultivars Marandu and Massai show that the Massai grass can be used as an alternative for forage diversification under an alternate management system.(AU)

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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)

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding and agonistic behavior of Quarter Horses kept in different types of stalls in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais. A completely randomized design with two treatments (two types of stalls) and seven replicates (seven days of evaluation) was used. Four Quarter Horse mares and four stallions were used per treatment. Behavioral observations were made at 10-minute intervals for 24 hours. The stall environment was characterized by the following variables: air temperature, relative humidity, and black globe temperature for subsequent estimation of the wet-bulb globe temperature. Feeding behavior variables included: time spent eating concentrate and time spent eating roughage (hours), bite rate (bites/min), and the number of daily bites (bites/day). Zinc-roofed stalls had higher air temperatures than clay-roofed stalls and the external environment, averaging 28.2, 27.0, and 27.4 ºC, respectively, while relative humidity was significantly lower in the external environment (65.80%). Horses housed in zinc-roofed stalls had longer feeding times (8.32 h) than animals kept in clay-roofed stalls (7.22 h). Approximately 94% of the total feeding time was spent eating roughage and 73% of the time was spent resting and walking, regardless of the covering type. Although environmental variables showed thermal discomfort, the roofing material did not alter the feeding behavior of stabled horses in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, suggesting an adaptation to the studied conditions. The feeding frequency should be increased to avoid a long resting time.(AU)

Resumo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding and agonistic behavior of Quarter Horses kept in different types of stalls in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais. A completely randomized design with two treatments (two types of stalls) and seven replicates (seven days of evaluation) was used. Four Quarter Horse mares and four stallions were used per treatment. Behavioral observations were made at 10-minute intervals for 24 hours. The stall environment was characterized by the following variables: air temperature, relative humidity, and black globe temperature for subsequent estimation of the wet-bulb globe temperature. Feeding behavior variables included: time spent eating concentrate and time spent eating roughage (hours), bite rate (bites/min), and the number of daily bites (bites/day). Zinc-roofed stalls had higher air temperatures than clay-roofed stalls and the external environment, averaging 28.2, 27.0, and 27.4 ºC, respectively, while relative humidity was significantly lower in the external environment (65.80%). Horses housed in zinc-roofed stalls had longer feeding times (8.32 h) than animals kept in clay-roofed stalls (7.22 h). Approximately 94% of the total feeding time was spent eating roughage and 73% of the time was spent resting and walking, regardless of the covering type. Although environmental variables showed thermal discomfort, the roofing material did not alter the feeding behavior of stabled horses in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, suggesting an adaptation to the studied conditions. The feeding frequency should be increased to avoid a long resting time.