Comportamiento alimentario de un rebaño de hembras bovinas lechereas en condiciones de producción en la provincia de El Oro

Abstract

Milk production based on pasture feeding, in silvopastoral and rotary systems of direct grazing, determine important behavioral adjustments that influence animal welfare. The objective of this work was to describe the feeding behavior of a herd of dairy bovine females in production conditions during the diurnal phase of the circadian period by chronologically observing behavioral actions to assess good management practices. The non-experimental, observational, descriptive and longitudinal research conducted in a livestock farm at San Antonio parish, Bellavista site, Santa Rosa Canton, El Oro province, was base in the method of chronological visual observation, 10 min intervals, for two days in a row between 08.00 and 16.00, 4 times with 15-day intervals in the months of June and July. The variables studied are relate to feeding, excretory, hygienic, playful, locomotion, posture, and thermoregulatory behaviors of the herd. The results, organized and tabulated in Microsoft. Excel, are presented in percentage ethograms of behavioral actions by frequency histograms. The results show the grazing of the herd in early and late hours of the day, drinking water in circadian peaks, 9.00-11.00 (21-32%) and 14.00-15.00 hours (36%) while rumination increased towards noon, 47 to 61% of animals between 11.00-14.00 hours and rest, in decumbency without preference on the side, in two peak moments, 10.00-11.00 and 14.00-15.00. The excretory behavior shows as average of 11% of animal defecating per hour with increase towards midday, 18% of them between 12.00 and 13.00 while micturition occurred along the day, not exceeding 14% of the herd. The hygienic and playful behavior, as an effect of social interrelation, occurred in 11 to 14% of animals, more preferably in the midday hours, relating to the rest activity, and grouping under the shade by trees found in the paddocks. The locomotor behavior, displacement or in situs, showed that animals, upon arrival at the paddocks, immediately initiate the transhumant intake to subsequently move to drink water, 80% of the herd, and then, search and stay in the shadow areas, in response to climatic aggression, where they develop rumination and rest activities, 50% standing, 25% in the right position and 19% in left position; it is interesting to note that a part of the flock was kept grazing (4%) or ruminating (2%) in the pasture without shade protection. The movement of the flock in the paddocks was characterize by an uneven route when comparing the two days of occupation since the animals selected different feeding sites, as well as on the second day they traveled more selective area as an influence of the grass conditions. It is conclude that behavioral activity of the dairy herd corresponds to a positive management, possession and feeding system that guarantees adequate adaptation to the environment.