Ingestive behavior of dairy goats fed diets containing increasing levels of neutral detergent fiber and particle size using multivariate analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Erica Beatriz Schultz
  • Rafael Marzall Do Amaral
  • Leonardo Siqueira Glória
  • Fabyano Fonseca E. Silva
  • Marcelo Teixeira Rodrigues
  • Ricardo Augusto Mendonça Vieira

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of interaction between increasing neutral detergent fiber content and particle sizes on ingestive behavior of dairy goats. Forty-eight lactating, multiparous Saanen and Alpine goats, with average milk production of 1.4 ±0.57 kg d-1, around 60th ±12 day of lactation were distributed in a 3 x 4 factorial completely randomized design. The diets consisted: Three particles sizes (02, 05 or 15 cm) and four levels of neutral detergent fiber (34, 41, 49 or 57% NDFf) from forage (Tifton 85 hay). The ingestive behavior was monitored during 24 hours. A regression and a multivariate time series cluster analysis were performed. No interaction was found (p > 0.05) between treatments. Feeding time was different according to the particle size, having an increasing linear effect. Rumination and idle times were not affected (p > 0.05). The temporal feeding behavior was clustered into two groups according to the profile of particle size of the diet. Rumination peaks were randomly distributed with more intense activity before morning and afternoon meals. The increase in NDFf content in the diet did not change the ingestive behavior. The multivariate cluster analysis in a time series data is useful to interpret animal feeding behavior.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere45870
JournalActa Scientiarum - Animal Sciences
Volume41
Issue number1
ISSN1806-2636
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was partially funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, FAPEMIG. The scholarship of the first and second author was granted by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES, Brazilian Government.

Funding Information:
This research was partially funded by Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, FAPEMIG. The scholarship of the first and second author was granted by Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior ? CAPES, Brazilian Government.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, Eduem - Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringa. All rights reserved.

    Research areas

  • Animal behavior, Feed intake, Rumination

ID: 271549620