Behavior of beef cattle and the microclimate with and without shade

Abstract

It was evaluated the intake behavior of Nellore steers in system without shade (WS), and silvopastoral system (SP) maintained in star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) in summer and winter. Twenty-four Nellore steers were used (12 in each system), mean age 18 months and weight of 294.5 kg. The design was completely randomized with two seasons, two treatments, 24 hours and 12 repetitions. The observations were conducted in three days, for 24 hours, with an interval of 15 minutes, with effect of the hour on the grazing behavior (GRAZ) with a maximum of 52.1% and lying ruminating (LYRUM) with a minimum of 12.3%, both at 14h. The lying idle (LYIDL) was influenced by hour with a minimum of 11,6%at 14h, and by season, with 23.9% in summer, and 13.9%, in winter. However, the standing ruminating (STRUM), without effect of hour, was affected by the interaction of season x system in summer (9.43%) and (6.19%), and winter (4.36%) and (8.27%), respectively, for SP and WS. Standing idle (OCEMP) was influenced by hour, with maximum 15.8% at 14h, and an interaction of system x season, in summer (20.10%) and (8.82%); and winter (9.05%) and (8.44%), respectively, for SP and WS. The SP system has changed the environment that affected the animal intake behavior.