Selectivity and feeding behavior of Saanen goats subjected to three nutritional levels

Helen Fernanda Barros Gomes,Bruno Biagioli,Izabelle Auxiliadora Molina De Almeida Teixeira,Kleber Tomás De Resende,Daiana De Oliveira,Samuel Figueiredo De Souza

doi:10.37496/rbz4920190095

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of selective feeding habits on the quality of the ingested diet and the effect of feed restriction on the selectivity and behavior of goats in feedlots. Differences were found only in the amount of feed given to the animals, with a difference in the amount of feed rejected as a function of the nutritional level. Higher levels of orts were measured for those animals that received the ad libitum diet. For the composition of orts, differences were measured only in the ether extract fraction. Animals fed the ad libitum diet increased their intake of ether extract and energy, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Thus, they had a preference for consuming the fibrous and energetic portions of the diet to the detriment of the mineral matter. The granulometry influenced the leftovers for the male and female treatments only in the diet that contained the 2.00- and 0.063-mm sized particles, with larger leftovers for the females. There were statistical differences as a function of feeding level for time spent in rumination, with stereotypical behavior, and in time spent standing up or lying down. As a function of sex, the differences were the same variables, including the time spent with agonistic behavior. Animals that received the ad libitum diet had a greater gain and final weight, whereas the animals that received the 60% restricted diet had the lowest performance, as did the females. Feed restriction changed the natural feeding behavior of goats, with smaller feed particles preferred. The feed restriction and sex also influenced the time spent on nonproductive activities, and the animals became more restless, with females having a higher social behavior than males.

Highlights

The feeding habit of goats is conditioned by an intrinsic behavior of the species and, according to Aguirre (1986), this is associated with several factors including the nature of the diet, the form of the feed offered, the organoleptic qualities, and the presence or absence of anti-nutritional factors, as well as the body size of the animals and the capacity of the digestive tract
Animals fed the ad libitum diet increased their intake of ether extract and energy, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber
In view of all the information about behavior that is necessary for the correct planning of goat production systems, and to complement the current literature, the present study focused on studying the effect of selective feeding habits on the quality of the ingested diet, and the effect of feed restrictions on the selectivity, behavior, and welfare of goats in feedlots

Summary

Introduction

The feeding habit of goats is conditioned by an intrinsic behavior of the species and, according to Aguirre (1986), this is associated with several factors including the nature of the diet, the form of the feed offered, the organoleptic qualities, and the presence or absence of anti-nutritional factors, as well as the body size of the animals and the capacity of the digestive tract. When the maximum opportunity for feed selection is provided, the nutritional value of the ingested feed and the amount ingested is higher, which positively affects performance. Selectivity and feeding behavior of Saanen goats subjected to three nutritional levels 2. The determination of particle size by granulometry can be used to study the selective habit of animals during feeding and is directly related to the amount of feed available. It can alter the feed intake pattern, and positively or negatively influence the performance of animals. Adequate quantities of orts stimulate increased intake and avoid unnecessary waste, achieving higher performance. The search for maximum productivity has given more attention to nutrition, breeding, and reproduction; essential aspects have been forgotten, including the behavior and physiology of animals

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Conclusion