RESUMO
The direct determination of carcass composition as experimental routine, despite being the most accurate method, is time consuming, laborious and expensive. Indirect methods have been developed to estimate on quick, simple, economical and reliable ways empty body composition of beef cattle. This study was performed with the objective of developing accurate regression equations to predict carcass composition of Nellore animals using 9-10-11th ribs chemical composition and performance measures as independent variables. Sixty-seven non-castrated Nellore bulls were randomly selected for finishing period in two consecutive years (2008 and 2009) and were finished in individual pens for approximately 100 days, until they reached four millimeters of subcutaneous fat thickness over Longissimus muscle. They were slaughtered at 540 days of average age and body weight at slaughter (BW) and carcass weight (CW) were taken. The 9-10-11th ribs cut was obtained according to Hankins and Howe (1946) and weighted (RW). The carcass composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling and analyzing the left side of the carcass. Chemical analysis of 9-10-11th ribs cut and carcass were carried for protein (RP and CP), fat (RF and CF), ashes (RA and CA) and water (RWt and CWt). Stepwise and Mallows Cp options were used in PROC GLMSELECT (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) to determine significant (
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate feed intake and behavior during feed efficiency test of Nellore males from different residual feed intake (RFI) classes. Data from 85 Nellore males, with initial average age of 270 ± 23 days and body weight of 239 ± 41 kg were used. The feed efficiency test was performed during 119 days, divided in four periods. The first period (adaptation) had 28 days, and the three subsequent periods had, respectively, 28, 28 and 31 days. Animals were fed ad libitum at GrowSafe System® with 10 feeders, which recorded bunk attendance (BA), frequency of visits (FV) and feed intake (FI) individual data. After test end, RFI was calculated by the difference between observed and predicted feed intake, based on average daily gain and metabolic body weight. Then, animals were classified into low ( mean - 0.5 standard deviation-SD), medium (± 0.5 SD from mean) and high (>mean + 0.5 SD) RFI. Statistical analyzes were performed by PROC MIXED (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC), including in the model effects of test period (1, 2, 3 or 4), RFI classes (low, medium or high) and interaction, being animal age considered as linear covariate. Feeding behavior pattern was not different among the efficiency test periods (P>0.05), however differences were detected among RFI classes inside the periods (P 0.01) (Figure 1). Low RFI animals, when compared to the medium and high RFI
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
This study was carried out to identify associations among carcass traits and residual feed intake (RFI) in young Nellore males feedlot finished. Data was obtained in four experiments, after the animals had been evaluated in individual pens and classified in low RFI( mean - 0.5 standard deviation), medium RFI (± 0.5 standard deviation from mean) and high RFI (> mean + 0.5 standard deviation). One hundred-sixteen non castrated males from low and high RFI classes, with 369 kg of initial body weight and 439 days of initial age, were used for finishing phase. Animals were distributed in individual pens for 100 days and weighed at the beginning and end of experimental period after 16 hours solids fasting. Animals were slaughtered with a minimum of 4 mm for subcutaneous fat thickness over Longissimus muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs. Slaughter was carried out in experimental slaughter houses following the normal procedures of Federal inspection. After slaughter, carcasses were weighed (hot carcass weight) and transferred to chilling room where they were kept at 2C for 24h. Dressing percentage was calculated as the ratio between hot carcass weight and slaughter body weight. After chilling, carcasses right halves were divided into carcass primary cuts: forequarter, hindquarter and spare ribs, which were also weighed. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure (SAS Inst
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency usually evaluated post-weaning, and according to available evidences in the literature is highly correlated to RFI measured at other ages. The objective of present study was examining the reclassification of RFI in Nellore bulls classified in two post-weaning tests. In post-weaning performance test 127 Nellore males (210 ± 45 days of age) in feedlot collective pens (GrowSafe Systems®) were evaluated. Data of dry matter intake (DMI, 7.23 ± 1.72 kg/day) and mean body weight (BW, 306.72 ± 7.54 kg) were collected during 112 days, and the animals were classified according to RFI. The RFI was estimated as multiple regression error of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic weight (BW0.75). Thereafter, a sample of 24 animals (408 ± 45 days old), 12 high (2.34 ± 0.24 kg DM/day) and 12 low RFI animals (-1.48 ± 0.24 kg DM/day) were reclassified after performance post-weaning test in feedlot for 84 days in individual pens. The diet was offered twice daily, contained corn silage (53.6% DM), Urochloa hay (10.0% DM), ground corn (21.8% DM), soybean meal (11.6% DM) and mineral supplement (3.0% DM). The experimental design was completely randomized. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC), fitting a model including the fixed effects of RFI class and the initial weight as linear covariate. Means were
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency usually evaluated post-weaning, and according to available evidences in the literature is highly correlated to RFI measured at other ages. The objective of present study was examining the reclassification of RFI in Nellore bulls classified in two post-weaning tests. In post-weaning performance test 127 Nellore males (210 ± 45 days of age) in feedlot collective pens (GrowSafe Systems®) were evaluated. Data of dry matter intake (DMI, 7.23 ± 1.72 kg/day) and mean body weight (BW, 306.72 ± 7.54 kg) were collected during 112 days, and the animals were classified according to RFI. The RFI was estimated as multiple regression error of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic weight (BW0.75). Thereafter, a sample of 24 animals (408 ± 45 days old), 12 high (2.34 ± 0.24 kg DM/day) and 12 low RFI animals (-1.48 ± 0.24 kg DM/day) were reclassified after performance post-weaning test in feedlot for 84 days in individual pens. The diet was offered twice daily, contained corn silage (53.6% DM), Urochloa hay (10.0% DM), ground corn (21.8% DM), soybean meal (11.6% DM) and mineral supplement (3.0% DM). The experimental design was completely randomized. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC), fitting a model including the fixed effects of RFI class and the initial weight as linear covariate. Means were
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
This study was carried out to identify associations among carcass traits and residual feed intake (RFI) in young Nellore males feedlot finished. Data was obtained in four experiments, after the animals had been evaluated in individual pens and classified in low RFI( mean - 0.5 standard deviation), medium RFI (± 0.5 standard deviation from mean) and high RFI (> mean + 0.5 standard deviation). One hundred-sixteen non castrated males from low and high RFI classes, with 369 kg of initial body weight and 439 days of initial age, were used for finishing phase. Animals were distributed in individual pens for 100 days and weighed at the beginning and end of experimental period after 16 hours solids fasting. Animals were slaughtered with a minimum of 4 mm for subcutaneous fat thickness over Longissimus muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs. Slaughter was carried out in experimental slaughter houses following the normal procedures of Federal inspection. After slaughter, carcasses were weighed (hot carcass weight) and transferred to chilling room where they were kept at 2C for 24h. Dressing percentage was calculated as the ratio between hot carcass weight and slaughter body weight. After chilling, carcasses right halves were divided into carcass primary cuts: forequarter, hindquarter and spare ribs, which were also weighed. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure (SAS Inst
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate feed intake and behavior during feed efficiency test of Nellore males from different residual feed intake (RFI) classes. Data from 85 Nellore males, with initial average age of 270 ± 23 days and body weight of 239 ± 41 kg were used. The feed efficiency test was performed during 119 days, divided in four periods. The first period (adaptation) had 28 days, and the three subsequent periods had, respectively, 28, 28 and 31 days. Animals were fed ad libitum at GrowSafe System® with 10 feeders, which recorded bunk attendance (BA), frequency of visits (FV) and feed intake (FI) individual data. After test end, RFI was calculated by the difference between observed and predicted feed intake, based on average daily gain and metabolic body weight. Then, animals were classified into low ( mean - 0.5 standard deviation-SD), medium (± 0.5 SD from mean) and high (>mean + 0.5 SD) RFI. Statistical analyzes were performed by PROC MIXED (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC), including in the model effects of test period (1, 2, 3 or 4), RFI classes (low, medium or high) and interaction, being animal age considered as linear covariate. Feeding behavior pattern was not different among the efficiency test periods (P>0.05), however differences were detected among RFI classes inside the periods (P 0.01) (Figure 1). Low RFI animals, when compared to the medium and high RFI
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The direct determination of carcass composition as experimental routine, despite being the most accurate method, is time consuming, laborious and expensive. Indirect methods have been developed to estimate on quick, simple, economical and reliable ways empty body composition of beef cattle. This study was performed with the objective of developing accurate regression equations to predict carcass composition of Nellore animals using 9-10-11th ribs chemical composition and performance measures as independent variables. Sixty-seven non-castrated Nellore bulls were randomly selected for finishing period in two consecutive years (2008 and 2009) and were finished in individual pens for approximately 100 days, until they reached four millimeters of subcutaneous fat thickness over Longissimus muscle. They were slaughtered at 540 days of average age and body weight at slaughter (BW) and carcass weight (CW) were taken. The 9-10-11th ribs cut was obtained according to Hankins and Howe (1946) and weighted (RW). The carcass composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling and analyzing the left side of the carcass. Chemical analysis of 9-10-11th ribs cut and carcass were carried for protein (RP and CP), fat (RF and CF), ashes (RA and CA) and water (RWt and CWt). Stepwise and Mallows Cp options were used in PROC GLMSELECT (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) to determine significant (
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The main factor that affects performance and animal efficiency is the feed intake. This trait is important for diets formulation, animal performance prediction, and planning and controlling yield systems. In addition, estimating digestibility values is essential to determine nutritional value of feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake and nutrient digestibility of beef cattle. The tests were performed at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte Instituto de Zootecnia - Sertãozinho-SP, on 2012 and 2013, with 95 Nellore animals. Forty-seven animals (25 heifers and 22 young bulls) were kept on Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha) paddocks in the dry season for 46 days. The forages NDF content on this period was 56.71% and 14.63% of CP. Forty-eight animals (24 heifers and 24 young bulls) were kept on feedlot system receiving a diet containing corn silage, grass hay, ground corn, soybean meal with a NDF content of 50.18% and a CP content of 13.98% for 70 days. After the feedlot period, the 48 animals that were in the pens were allocated on Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha) paddocks in the rainy season for 46 days, when the NDF content of the forage was 65.09% and the CP was 9.02%. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.2, the mixed model analysis included the fixed effects of sex and diet and the linear effect of covariate weight and the lsmeans were compared by F
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The direct determination of carcass and empty body composition as experimental routine, despite being the most accurate method, is time consuming, laborious and expensive. Therefore, indirect methods have been developed to estimate on quick, simple, economical and reliable ways for the compositions of carcass and empty body of beef cattle. This study aimed to obtain the correlations among the compositions of 9-10-11th ribs, carcass and empty body for protein, fat, ashes and water contents, expressed in percentage and kilograms, in young Nellore bulls. Sixty-seven non-castrated Nellore bulls were randomly selected for confining period in two consecutive years (2008 and 2009) and were confined in individual pens for approximately 100 days, until they reached a subcutaneous fat thickness of 4 mm over the Longissimus muscle. They were slaughtered at an average age of 540 days and body weight of 398 kg. Chemical analysis of the 9-10-11th ribs, carcass and empty body were carried for protein, fat, ashes and water. The 9-10-11th ribs cut was obtained according to Hankins and Howe (1946). Carcass composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling, analyzing and combining edible portions and bones. Empty body composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling, analyzing, and combining blood, hide, head + feet, viscera, and carcass. The correlation coefficients
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
This study was conducted to describe the ingestive behavior in Nellore and Bonsmara cattle during the feed efficiency test. The test was performed at the Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte Instituto de Zootecnia, Sertãozinho, São Paulo State. Twenty-three Nellore and 19 Bonsmara calves, aging 276 ± 19.2 and 278 ± 29.2 days and weighing 246 ± 26.7 and 273 ± 30.7 kg, on average, at the beginning of the test, respectively, were used. Animals were randomly located in individual pens, during four periods of 28 days, being the first period a pre-test adjustment period. Calves were fed twice a day, with the same diet. Daily the amount of food offered was adjusted in order to maintain 5 to 10% of refusals. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated by the difference between food offered and refusals. Animals were weighed each seven days. Average daily gain (ADG) was obtained by linear regression of weights in days in test. Feed conversion was obtained by the DMI:ADG ratio. Ingestive behavior was measured three times, every 28 days, excluding de pre-test period. Observations lasted 24 hours, with records at intervals of five minutes. The behavioral traits analyzed were: bunk attendance duration (BAD), rumination time (RT) and idle time (IT) expressed in minutes per day. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure (SAS 9.3). The model included the fixed effects of period, breed and weight
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
The technique of ultrasound is a noninvasive method performed in vivo. The technology has been used to measure carcass traits as longissimus muscle area (LMA), subcutaneous fat and marbling. It allows accurate data measures with no animal slaughter and a greater number of animals evaluated in a period, resulting in economic benefit. Some technicians recommend the use of the relation between longissimus muscle height and width as a better indicator trait of retail beef yield than LMA itself. The purpose of this study was to calculate the ratio between longissimus muscle height and width (RATIO) in order to estimate the simple correlation between RATIO, obtained in vivo, and dressing percentage (DP%), retail beef yield expressed in kg (YIELD_kg) and percentage of retail beef yield (YIELD_%), obtained after slaughter. A total of 116 Nellore bulls born between 2006 and 2009, with an average age and weight of 18 ± 1.10 months and 437 ± 60 kg at slaughter, which were raised and finished at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil, were used. Among 116 animals, 33 were slaughtered in 2008, 34 in 2009, 25 in 2010 and 24 in 2011. Before slaughter images were obtained by ultrasound between the 12th and 13th ribs, transversely over the longissimus muscle with immobilized animals in containment chamber, using the ultrasound machine Pie Medical 401347 - Aquila (Esaote Eu
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
Several studies have reported relationship between eating behavior and performance in feedlot cattle. The evaluation of behavior traits demands high degree of work and trained manpower, therefore, in recent years has been used an automated feed intake measurement system (GrowSafe System ®), that identify and record individual feeding patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between feeding behavior traits and average daily gain in Nellore calves undergoing feed efficiency test. Date from 85 Nelore males was recorded during the feed efficiency test performed in 2012, at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia, São Paulo State. Were analyzed the behavioral traits: time at feeder (TF), head down duration (HD), representing the time when the animal is actually eating, frequency of visits (FV) and feed rate (FR) calculated as the amount of dry matter (DM) consumed by time at feeder (g.min-1). The ADG was calculated by linear regression of individual weights on days in test. ADG classes were obtained considering the average ADG and standard deviation (SD) being: high ADG (>mean + 1.0 SD), medium ADG (± 1.0 SD from the mean) and low ADG ( mean - 1.0 SD). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure (SAS 9.3). The model included animal and residue as random effects and the fixed effects of ADG class (1, 2 and 3) and age at the middle of t
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
Several studies have reported relationship between eating behavior and performance in feedlot cattle. The evaluation of behavior traits demands high degree of work and trained manpower, therefore, in recent years has been used an automated feed intake measurement system (GrowSafe System ®), that identify and record individual feeding patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between feeding behavior traits and average daily gain in Nellore calves undergoing feed efficiency test. Date from 85 Nelore males was recorded during the feed efficiency test performed in 2012, at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia, São Paulo State. Were analyzed the behavioral traits: time at feeder (TF), head down duration (HD), representing the time when the animal is actually eating, frequency of visits (FV) and feed rate (FR) calculated as the amount of dry matter (DM) consumed by time at feeder (g.min-1). The ADG was calculated by linear regression of individual weights on days in test. ADG classes were obtained considering the average ADG and standard deviation (SD) being: high ADG (>mean + 1.0 SD), medium ADG (± 1.0 SD from the mean) and low ADG ( mean - 1.0 SD). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure (SAS 9.3). The model included animal and residue as random effects and the fixed effects of ADG class (1, 2 and 3) and age at the middle of t
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
In study of more efficient animals for food utilization, it is of great importance to know differences between genders. There are differences between male and female cattle in growing and body composition, mainly those related to the action of sex hormones. This study aimed to evaluate the sex effect on feed efficiency traits in young Nellore animals. Individual feed intake data from eight tests, performed from 2005 to 2012 at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte-Instituto de Zootecnia-Sertãozinho-SP were utilized. The tests began after weaning, when the animals had, on average, 286 days of age and 229 kg of body weight. The tests duration ranged from 56 to 112 days, depending on the year. Traits analyzed were final body weight (FBW), dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency ratio (FER), residual feed intake (RFI) and Kleiber ratio (KR). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the fixed effect age at the test beginning as linear covariate and the random effects: sex, facilities and year. Least square means were calculated and compared by t test. Males had greater FBW than females, what was expected, due to the action of male hormones which benefits the muscle deposition. Greater means of ADG and DMI were also detected for males, when compared to females, because heavier animals have higher gains and
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
Studies have shown associations between temperament traits and productivity on cattle industry, some results indicate that animals which adapt easily are less agitated, therefore there will be fewer losses in carcass due to the low incidence of hematomas and higher weight gain. The objective of this study was to associate the average daily gain in Caracu animals, subject to performance test (PT), with reactivity measured by flight speed test. The average daily gain was divided in three classes, considering 0.5 standard deviation below and above the average. The average gain classes 1, 2 and 3 was 1158.55 ± 89.48, 957.14 ± 54.77, 620.88 ± 127.41 g/day, respectively. The flight speed test (FS) measures how long the animal takes to cover a known distance after the release of the squeeze chute. Faster animals were considered more reactive. The study was performed at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte from Instituto de Zootecnia-Sertãozinho, SP, in which were used 109 flight speed records, of 56 animals, obtained in the beginning and at the end of PT. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED (SAS 9.3). The model of analyses included the fixed effects of average daily gain classes (1, 2 and 3) and measures (1 and 2), besides the random-effects of animal and residue. The interaction classes measures, even as age as covariate, were excluded from the initial model, because they didnt show sig
ês.
RESUMO
Studies have shown associations between temperament traits and productivity on cattle industry, some results indicate that animals which adapt easily are less agitated, therefore there will be fewer losses in carcass due to the low incidence of hematomas and higher weight gain. The objective of this study was to associate the average daily gain in Caracu animals, subject to performance test (PT), with reactivity measured by flight speed test. The average daily gain was divided in three classes, considering 0.5 standard deviation below and above the average. The average gain classes 1, 2 and 3 was 1158.55 ± 89.48, 957.14 ± 54.77, 620.88 ± 127.41 g/day, respectively. The flight speed test (FS) measures how long the animal takes to cover a known distance after the release of the squeeze chute. Faster animals were considered more reactive. The study was performed at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte from Instituto de Zootecnia-Sertãozinho, SP, in which were used 109 flight speed records, of 56 animals, obtained in the beginning and at the end of PT. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED (SAS 9.3). The model of analyses included the fixed effects of average daily gain classes (1, 2 and 3) and measures (1 and 2), besides the random-effects of animal and residue. The interaction classes measures, even as age as covariate, were excluded from the initial model, because they didnt show sig
ês.
RESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate digestibility and feeding behavior of Nellore heifers belonging to different classes of residual feed intake (RFI). Thirty-two heifers ranked high in RFI (0.491± 0.51 kg/d; n=15) and RFI low (- 0.447 ± 0.51 kg/d; n=17) with a mean age of 502 ± 23.61 days and average weight 364 ± 27.96 kg were kept in confinement for 48 days, with formulated diet based on Tifton 85 hay, corn, cottonseed meal and urea, and ratio of forage: concentrate ratio of 45:55%. The parameters analyzed were digestibility, ingestive behavior and their correlation. Animals low RFI showed higher digestibility of dry matter (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and cellulose that high RFI animals (49.14% versus 45.38%, 56.65% versus 49.88%, 49.96% versus 45.08%, 61.61% versus 56.40% for DMD, NDFD, ADFD, CELD, respectively). These results indicate that more efficient animals have better food utilization. No differences were found in the variables of ingestive behavior among classes of RFI. Changes in the RFI can be partly explained by the digestibility of nutrients, which is related to ingestive behavior of animals.
Avaliou-se a digestibilidade e comportamento ingestivo em novilhas Nelore pertencentes a duas classes de consumo alimentar residual (CAR) a fim de elucidar as fontes de variação envolvidas nas diferenças de eficiência alimentar observadas entre os animais. Trinta e duas novilhas classificadas em alto CAR (0,491± 0,51 kg de matéria seca/dia; n=15) e baixo CAR (- 0,447 ± 0,51 kg de matéria seca/dia; n=17), com idade média de 502 ± 23,61 dias e peso vivo médio 364 ± 27,96 kg foram mantidas em confinamento por 42 dias, com dieta formulada à base de feno de Tifton 85, milho moído, farelo de algodão e uréia, com relação volumoso:concentrado de 45:55%. Foram avaliados a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o comportamento ingestivo dos animais. Animais baixo CAR apresentaram maior digestibilidade aparente de matéria seca (DMS), fibra em detergente neutro (DFDN), fibra em detergente ácido (DFDA) e celulose (DCEL) que animais alto CAR (49,14% versus 45,38%; 56,65% versus 49,88%; 49,96% versus 45,08%; 61,61% versus 56,40% para DMS, DFDN, DFDA, DCEL, respectivamente). Esses resultados indicaram que animais mais eficientes têm melhor aproveitamento dos alimentos. Não foram detectadas diferenças nas variáveis de comportamento ingestivo entre as classes de CAR. As variações entre os animais mais e menos eficientes podem ser, em parte, explicadas pela capacidade de digestibilidade dos nu
RESUMO
In study of more efficient animals for food utilization, it is of great importance to know differences between genders. There are differences between male and female cattle in growing and body composition, mainly those related to the action of sex hormones. This study aimed to evaluate the sex effect on feed efficiency traits in young Nellore animals. Individual feed intake data from eight tests, performed from 2005 to 2012 at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte-Instituto de Zootecnia-Sertãozinho-SP were utilized. The tests began after weaning, when the animals had, on average, 286 days of age and 229 kg of body weight. The tests duration ranged from 56 to 112 days, depending on the year. Traits analyzed were final body weight (FBW), dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency ratio (FER), residual feed intake (RFI) and Kleiber ratio (KR). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the fixed effect age at the test beginning as linear covariate and the random effects: sex, facilities and year. Least square means were calculated and compared by t test. Males had greater FBW than females, what was expected, due to the action of male hormones which benefits the muscle deposition. Greater means of ADG and DMI were also detected for males, when compared to females, because heavier animals have higher gains and
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.
RESUMO
Several studies have reported relationship between eating behavior and performance in feedlot cattle. The evaluation of behavior traits demands high degree of work and trained manpower, therefore, in recent years has been used an automated feed intake measurement system (GrowSafe System ®), that identify and record individual feeding patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between feeding behavior traits and average daily gain in Nellore calves undergoing feed efficiency test. Date from 85 Nelore males was recorded during the feed efficiency test performed in 2012, at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia, São Paulo State. Were analyzed the behavioral traits: time at feeder (TF), head down duration (HD), representing the time when the animal is actually eating, frequency of visits (FV) and feed rate (FR) calculated as the amount of dry matter (DM) consumed by time at feeder (g.min-1). The ADG was calculated by linear regression of individual weights on days in test. ADG classes were obtained considering the average ADG and standard deviation (SD) being: high ADG (>mean + 1.0 SD), medium ADG (± 1.0 SD from the mean) and low ADG ( mean - 1.0 SD). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure (SAS 9.3). The model included animal and residue as random effects and the fixed effects of ADG class (1, 2 and 3) and age at the middle of t
O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.