Ingestive behavior of Nellore cows and their straightbred or crossbred calves

Abstract

This trial aimed to investigate the influence of calf genetic group on the ingestive behavior of Nellore dams and their offspring on pasture. Twenty one primiparous and multiparous Nellore cows were assigned to the experiment; 13 cows nursed straightbred Nellore calves; and eight cows nursed halfbred Simmental × Nellore calves. The observations started in the morning, as soon as identification of the animals in daylight was possible, and they lasted until after sunset, when identification became impossible. The observations were made at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 30 weeks after calving. The following events were continuosly observed: grazing, rumination, idleness, water and mineral intake, and suckling frequency and length.. The dams of straightbreds showed a shorter rumination time and longer idleness. Nellore calves showed shorter grazing time and higher suckling frequency. The ingestive behavior of Nellore cows on pasture is affected by the genetic group of their offspring, possibly because of the suckling frequency of the calves. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.