Influência do sombreamento artificial no desempenho de vacas da raça Pitangueiras sob pastejo

Abstract

The research was carried out at “Pedra Preta” farm, Itambé-PE, and aimed to analyze milk production, milk composition, fatty acid profile,physiological parameters, and behavior of Pitangueiras cows under grazing conditions and submitted to the presence or absence of shade in the paddock. The environment was monitored daily using a meteorological station at the research site. A complete randomized experimental design was used and 20 lactating cows were allocated inpaddocks with shade or without shade. Milk daily productivity did not differ for cow s submitted to the presence (9.02 kg/cow) or absence of shade (9.03 kg/cow). There was no difference also in the fatty acid profile and milk composition. Cows with shade available stayed under the shade during periods where thermal comfort index was greater. Physiological responses did not show significant differences, however, differences were observed between morning and afternoon periods, with greater values observed for the afternoon period. The use of artificial shade favoured animals’ weight gain.