Spectral analysis of feeding and lying behavior of cattle kept under different feedlot conditions.
J Appl Anim Welf Sci
; 8(1): 13-24, 2005.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16004542
ABSTRACT
This study used spectral analysis in 2 separate experiments to examine feeding and lying behavior of Bos taurus steers under 2 housing treatments a feedlot yard stocked at 12.0 m2 per head with a dry, firm pen surface (NDF) and a "high density" (HDF) feedlot yard stocked at 6.0 m2 per head with a wet and muddy feedlot pen surface. The study conducted 1 experiment in Autumn, another in Spring. The study measured and analyzed ambient temperatures, relative humidity, and barometric pressure half-hourly onsite, using time series cross-correlations to determine whether steer behavior was associated with them. Both NDF and HDF groups showed similar lying and eating duration. HDF steers exhibited patterns of lying and feeding different from those of NDF steers. Spring observations found a number of correlations with temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. Health and production data showed no differences between treatments. The results indicate that cattle made successful, short-term changes to changed feedlot environmental conditions. However, confirming these findings requires further replication. Spectral analysis was shown to be sensitive enough to detect behavioral differences between treatments and thus has potential animal welfare assessment tool.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Conducta Animal
/
Bienestar del Animal
/
Vivienda para Animales
/
Crianza de Animales Domésticos
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Appl Anim Welf Sci
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA VETERINARIA
Año:
2005
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia