Comportamento de vacas da raça Girolando, confinadas ou à pasto, no Estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

The experiment was conducted from January to April 2010, in the city of Paudalho in Pernambuco with the purpose to verity the differences of behavior between 15 cows Girolando of the three genetic groups (1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 HG) under two production systems: confined and in pasture. The design was completely randomized with 3 treatment (genetic groups) and 5 repetitions. The animals were evaluated by the variables: food, grazing, rumination, rest, locomotion, water intake, demand and time in the shade, and other activities. During feedlot the group 5/8 HG spent more time feeding (p <0,05) (267,88 min) than the group 3/4 HG (245,55 min) and 1/2 HG (259,55 min). Idle time standing was higher (p<0,01) (204,66 min) for animals 3/4 HG compared to the other. In grazing, the animals 3/4 HG spent more time (p<0,05) in idle standing and lying (163,16 min and 98,00 min, respectively) than group 1/2 HG (60,33 min and 114,00 min, respectively) and 5/8 HG (136,5 min and 76,16 min). Grazing time was greater for group 1/2 HG (p<0,05) (259,16 min) compared with 5/8 HG and 3/4 HG (215,5 min and 200,16 min, respectively) which did not differ among themselves. There was statistical difference (p <0,05) for the length of stay in the shade in the pasture system. The meteorological data and the thermal comfort index recorded were correlated with animal behavior. Solar radiation and THI were the factors that more influenced the behavior of animals. It was concluded that the genetic groups 5/8 and 3/4 HG had a higher sensitivity to heat the than 1/2 HG.