Comportamento ingestivo de caprinos Moxotó e Canindé, submetidos à alimentação à vontade e restrita

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake behavior of Moxotó and Canindé breed goats when offered a diet at two levels of intake.Twenty-four intact male kids (12 Moxotó and 12 Canindé) were used with an average age of four months and an initial average weight of 15kg. The kids were housed in individual pens, distributed using completely randomized design, and treated with a 2x2 factorial arrangement (two breeds and two levels of intake) in six repetitions. The levels of intake offered were: ad libitum (T1) and 30% restriction (T2 – where the level of restriction was determined in relation to the amount consumed by animals on ad libitum intake). Behavioral observations were made at five minute intervals during a 24hr period. Between animals of the Moxotó and Canindé breeds, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the observed behavioral variables. Feeding at the level of free-choice intake resulted in greater feeding and rumination activity, and less idle time. Urination, defecation, and timespent for water consumption were influenced by the time of day.