<b>Association of the forage cactus with different types of forage in diets for lactating cows: ingestive behaviour and physiologic parameters</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i2.239

Abstract

The experiment was carried out from January to April 2005, evaluating the ingestive behaviour and physiologic parameters of lactating Holstein cows fed with cactus forage associated with different forage (sugarcane bagasse in natura, tifton grass hay, elephant grass hay, sorghum silage and sorghum silage plus sugarcane bagasse). Five cows were assigned to a 5 x 5 latin square design, after pre-experimental period of 14 days. Each experimental period lasted 14 days. The registration of the behavior variables was in a visual way, at five-minute intervals, in 24 hours. The ambient temperature was monitored every hour, from 6 am to 6 pm, through bulb dry and humid thermometer. Rectal temperature and respiratory frequency were registered at 9 am and at 6 pm. The water intake was measured at 5.30 am and at 5.30 pm. There was no difference (p > 0.05) among the forage, as for physiologic variables, behavior, defecation, urination and seek for water. Yet, there was difference (p < 0.05) among the treatments for the afternoon and total water intake. Under these conditions, the association of cactus forage with sugarcane bagasse, tifton grass hay, elephant grass hay, sorghum silage and sorghum silage plus sugarcane bagasse, did not influence behavior, physiologic variables, while it influenced water ingestion.