<b>Intake behavior of lambs in three production systems on Tifton 85 pasture</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i3.6014

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake behavior of lambs on Tifton 85 pasture (Cynodon spp.) in three production systems: sixty-days-old weaned lambs kept on pasture; lambs kept with their mother on pasture; lambs kept with their mother on pasture in creep feeding. Systems were allocated in a completely randomized blocks design with three replicates and four lambs per replicate. Pasture sward surface height, forage dry matter, and morphological and nutritional characters were assessed. Intake behavior was observed from dawn to dusk. The study assessed the time animals spent in the following activities: grazing, ruminating, idling, suckling, and staying in creep feeding. Bite rate was also evaluated. Lambs spent most of their time grazing, but the supplemented ones spent less time (p < 0.05) in this activity. Non supplemented lambs spent more time grazing (p < 0.05) and less time (p < 0.05) ruminating and idling in the morning than in the afternoon. Supplementation in creep feeding altered (p < 0.05) distribution of grazing and rumination, indicating a substitutive effect of pasture by concentrate. Sheep production systems affected the intake behavior of lambs, but did not affect the bite rate.