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This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep’s feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health.

Cow behavior is a crucial indicator for monitoring health, reproductive status, and welfare in livestock management. However, methods that rely on wearable devices often face significant challenges, including high costs, maintenance difficulties, and potential impacts on animal welfare. To address these limitations, this study explored the potential of using YOLOv8, a cutting-edge computer vision model, for noninvasive monitoring of cow behavior. The research methodology involved four key steps: data collection, preliminary data processing, model training, and validation. The findings reveal that YOLOv8 can accurately detect and localize key cow behaviors--lying, standing, eating, and ruminating--achieving a mean average precision of 0.778 at a 0.5 intersection over union threshold. Despite the promising results, the model's performance is notably affected by occlusion, which remains a primary challenge. Nevertheless, the outcomes indicate that YOLOv8 is a viable tool for recognizing cow behavior, offering a significant step forward in precision livestock farming and addressing the growing need for efficient and welfare-oriented livestock management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Different vegetable oils have been tested in ruminant diets to increase the energy concentration of the diet and improve the lipid quality of milk and meat. However, when we add vegetable oil to the diet, we change the ruminal fermentation pattern, which directly interferes with sheep's digestive behavior and selectivity. Furthermore, the increase in calories in the diet can change animals' thermoregulation, especially in tropical environments. In our study, it was evidenced that sheep showed better diet selectivity in flocks in which the oil used was canola oil with higher monounsaturated fatty acid content and that the canola oil + cashew nut shell liquid blend increased dietary energy content, improving selectivity due to a lower concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids intake. This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep's feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship among ruminating, affiliate stigma and post-traumatic growth in parents of autistic children. Methods: Totally 339 parents of autistic children were selected The Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), ERRI Intrusive Subscale (ERRI-Ⅰ) and ERRI Deliberate Subscale (ERRI-D) of Event Related Rumination Inventory (ERRI) were used to measure affiliate stigma, post-traumatic growth, intrusive ruminating and deliberate ruminating. SPSS macro program PROCESS was used to test the mediating role. Results: There were positive correlations among the scores of ASS, ERRI-Ⅰ and ERRI-D (r=0.39-0.72, Ps <0.01). The PTGI scores were negatively correlated with ASS scores (r=0.26, Ps <0.01) and positively correlated with ERRI-D scores (r=0.10, Ps <0.05). The ERRI-D scores played a partial mediating role in the relationship between ASS and PTGI scores (95% Cl: 0.01-0.07). The ERRI-Ⅰ scores and ERRI-D scores played a serial mediating role in the relationship between ASS and PTGI scores (95% CI: 0.03-0.14). Both mediation paths had suppression effect. Conclusion: In the negative correlation between affiliate stigma and post-traumatic growth in parents of autistic children, the deliberate ruminating plays a partial mediating role, while intrusive ruminating and deliberate ruminating play a serial mediating role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In Iran, corn silage is an important part of ruminant forage. Mechanical processing of corn forage can improve the properties of corn silage. In this process, chopped fodder is processed using toothed rollers. In this way, it is increased the digestibility of starch and cell wall. Barley starch has a fast ruminal fermentation, and while increasing the production of microbial protein, it can cause an increase in the incidence of digestive abnormalities in ruminants. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of sugar beet pulp is very digestible. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of two processing levels of corn silage and barley grain and sugar beet pulp on silage quality, feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, rumen parameters, and feed intake behavior of Kermani sheep. Materials and methods: In this research, four 2-year-old Kermani lambs with an average weight of 42 ± 2.8 kg were used in a 2x2 factorial experiment in the form of a Latin square design in four periods of 21 days. The experimental diets were: 1) processed corn silage + concentrate with barley seeds, 2) processed corn silage + concentrate with sugar beet pulp, 3) unprocessed corn silage + concentrate with barley seeds, 4) unprocessed corn silage + concentrate with sugar beet pulp. The daily diet was distributed in two equal portions on 8/00 and 18/00. Research data were stored in Excel software and statistically analyzed with SAS software. Results: Silage processing decreased the percentage of dry matter (DM) and NDF, increased NH3-N, pH (4.42 and 4.04, respectively, P=0.02), and sensory evaluation (15 and 18, respectively, P=0.02) score of silage. Feed intake was higher in the processed silage diets and the diet with barley grain. The digestibility of organic matter (OM) and NDF were higher in the diet containing sugar beet pulp. Ruminal NH3-N (mg/dL) (21.17 and 22.81, respectively, P=0.02) was higher in diets containing processed silage at two and eight hours after feeding, while it was lower in diets containing sugar beet pulp at 6 hours after feeding. The pH of the rumen fluid in the diet containing sugar beet pulp with processed silage was significantly higher than in other experimental diets at eight hours after feeding (P=0.01, 6.92), the population of rumen protozoa was higher in the unprocessed silage and barley grain diets. Feed intake time was higher in unprocessed silage diets. However, the most rumination time was related to the sheep fed processed silage diets. The highest chewing time was in barley seeds diets. Conclusion: Although corn fodder processing caused a decrease in the sensory evaluation score in the processed silages, it caused an increase in DM intake and OM intake in diets containing this type of silage. The effect of processing silage on animal responses was greater than that of barley grain or sugar beet pulp on these responses. It is recommended to process corn fodder with a dry matter of about 30 percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cancer and its treatments have the potential to significantly impact mental health, provoking feelings of anxiety, depression, and distress, which can last long after treatment is over. One of the most rapidly emerging influences in the healthcare field is mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs), which are designed to cultivate present moment awareness, attentional flexibility, compassion and acceptance, to reduce physical and psychological distress. However, there is limited research into the efficacy of MBIs or disease specific MBIs in shifting negative coping, ruminative thinking and fears of compassion as primary outcomes in individuals with cancer. Aims This exploratory study was designed to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐individual change in the management of negative coping, rumination and fears of compassion, following a cancer‐specific mindfulness‐based intervention. Methods and Results A single group, non‐experimental, repeated measures study of 22 participants across six cancer care centres explored the efficacy of an 8‐week Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer (MBCT‐Ca) course. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) examined reliable clinical improvement, deterioration, or no change in individuals on the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (MACS), the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS) and the Fears of Compassion Scale (FCS). About 82% of participants (n = 18) saw an improvement in at least one measure. A significant decrease in primary outcome scores was observed in negative coping, ruminating and fears of self‐compassion. There were significant correlations between the fear of self‐compassion and depressive ruminating, fear of accepting compassion from others and showing it to others pre and post intervention. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the MBCT‐Ca programme may significantly reduce negative coping, ruminating and fears of self‐compassion improving psychological health and wellbeing in cancer survivors.

Over the past decade, a plethora of research stressed the importance of understanding parental cognition, including meta-parenting. The existing literature echoed a wide range of parental variations accredited more to a child's psychological attainment and parental social cognition of implicit elements, such as beliefs, emotions, values, and culture. However, increasing contemporary research is warranted to diagnose deliberate and mindful parenting constructs. This topic has not been widely examined in Yemen and Arab countries. Given this gap, the main aim of this study was to assess the relationship between meta-parenting and non-meta-parenting and an inter-correlation among all dimensions. The comparison between mothers' and fathers' parental awareness concerning (1) age, (2) marital status, and (3) education using the version of the new relatively social cognition construct, meta-parenting (anticipating, assessing, reflecting, problem-solving) and non-meta- parenting (ruminating) scale of Hawk and Holden (2006). For data collection, cross-sectional survey research composed of 21-item was administered to a sample of 317 (mothers and fathers) aged 27 to 55. Unexpectedly, results denote a high level of parental cognition among Yemenis parents; it indicated positive correlations between the overall meta-parenting and non-parenting among Yemenis parents. Findings also revealed significant differences in problem-solving dimension and ruminating favoured fathers. Results indicated significant differences in all dimensions except anticipating, problem-solving, and ruminating, which favoured parents 31 years old and above. In addition, a significant correlation was found in overall meta-parenting except problem-solving and ruminating, which favoured the married group of parents and those with a university level.

Holstein × Gyr and Holstein are the primary dairy breeds used in tropical systems, but when rearing under pasture, feed intake, behavior, and performance might differ between them. This study aimed to evaluate the voluntary intake, nutrient digestibility, performance, and ingestive behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) heifers managed in a rotational system of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). The experiment was conducted during the summer season throughout four periods of 21 d. Two 8-heifers (four Holstein and four Holstein × Gyr) groups, averaging 258.6 ± 24.79 kg and 157.1 ± 24.99 kg BW, were used. Each group grazed a separate set of 16 paddocks, and all heifers received a concentrate supplement daily. Heifers were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Fecal, forage and concentrate samples were evaluated for their DM, CP, crude fat, ash, NDF, and indigestible NDF. Feeding behavior was evaluated through 24 h of live observation for 48 h of each experimental period. Grazing, ruminating, resting, and intake of concentrate times were recorded, and rumination criteria, bout criteria, mealtime, meal frequency, and meal duration were calculated. There was no difference in total dry matter intake (DMI), but forage DMI of Holstein × Gyr was 11.70 % greater than the Holstein heifers. The Holstein × Gyr heifers had greater NDF intake and feed efficiency tended to show greater CP and NDF digestibilities, consequently, they had greater average daily gain (ADG). Holstein grazed less than Holstein × Gyr heifers in the afternoon. Ruminating time was 18.43 % lower for Holstein than Holstein × Gyr heifers, and rumination criteria (i.e. longest non-feeding interval within a rumination event) were greater for Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers presented more prolonged rumination bouts and resting time than Holstein × Gyr heifers. Holstein × Gyr can ingest and ruminate greater amounts of fibrous material, and Holstein heifers needed to spend more time ruminating the cud. Overall, even though the behavior was not markedly different between breeds, rearing young Holstein heifers in tropical pasture conditions is less suitable than Holstein-Gyr because of their lower ADG. Therefore, this management condition seems appropriate for Holstein × Gyr but inappropriate for Holstein dairy heifers.

The natural behavior of animals can be disrupted by the techniques and materials of research methodologies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the equipment used in the SF6 tracer technique to estimate enteric methane emissions on the behavior of lactating dairy cows. The cows (n = 24) were allocated to one of two diets: CONTROL and experimental diet (MIX). Behavior was assessed through video recordings between milking times during four phases: 3 days before fitting the cows with the SF6 equipment (PRE), first 2 days after the cows were fitted with the SF6 equipment (ADAP), 3 days during methane emission measurements (MEAS), and 2 days after the SF6 equipment removal (POST). The behaviors recorded included eating, ruminating or idling, resting, and others. Affiliative or agonistic and discomfort behaviors (scratching or pushing the equipment) were also recorded. Lying time was recorded over 14 days using dataloggers fitted to the cows' leg. Milk production and feed intake were recorded daily. MIX cows ruminated more than CONTROL cows (P = 0.05). The cows ruminated more at MEAS than in any other phase (P < 0.01). Time spent idling gradually decreased from PRE to MEAS for MIX cows (P < 0.01). The cows were lying down longer in MEAS than in ADAP and POST (P < 0.01). The time spent lying with the head down was shorter during PRE and ADAP than during POST (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the occurrence of discomfort or agonistic behaviors (P > 0.05). Affiliative behaviors occurred more often in ADAP than in MEAS (P < 0.05). There was no difference between phases in daily lying time, number of lying bouts per day, or mean bout duration (P > 0.05). Milk production was not influenced by the SF6 equipment (P > 0.05). Dry matter intake was higher for CONTROL cows (P < 0.01), and it decreased from PRE to MEAS (P < 0.01). However, milk yield did not differ between cows wearing the SF6 equipment and those without it (P > 0.05). We conclude that the SF6 equipment had a minimal effect on dairy cow behavior.

A study was conducted to assess grazing behavior (GB), dietary value and performance of co-grazing sheep, goats, cattle and camels with initial body weights (BW) of 20.6 ± 2.09, 16.6 ± 0.97, 96.8 ± 3.43 and 162.3 ± 21.28 kg, respectively. Grazing lasted 16 weeks, using 6 growing animals per animal species. Animals co-grazed 6 ha of range containing grass, forb and browse species. GB observations for position and activity were made during day light. In weeks 4, 8 and 14 hand-plucked forages similar to that being selected by animal species were sampled for laboratory evaluation. BW was measured initially and at 28-days interval. Time allotted for feed consumption (grazing plus browsing), ruminating and idle was similar among animal species. However, camels and goats spent lower time grazing and higher time browsing than sheep and cattle. The CP content of hand-plucked forages was highest for camels (16.8%), intermediate for sheep (9.3%) and goats (10.2%) and lowest for cattle (4.5%); while NDF values took opposite trend. The IVDMD contents of forages took the trend of CP contents and were 55.8, 51.0, 43.6 and 72.8% for sheep, goats, cattle and camels, respectively. Daily BW gain was 34, 31, 94 and 358 g/day and BW change as percentage of initial BW was 19, 22, 11 and 26% for sheep, goats, cattle and camels, respectively, the former was higher for camels and the latter was lower for cattle. These results indicated reduced dietary overlap among animal species and consequently greater animal yield through co-grazing than perhaps could have achieved through mono-species grazing.

For ruminants, grazing and ruminating activities are essential in nutrient capture and ultimately animal performance however these activities can demand significant time and energy. This study evaluated the effect of three different pasture allocation frequencies (PAF’s; 12, 24 and 36 h) on the feeding behaviour of grazing dairy cows. Eighty-seven spring calving dairy cows were divided into three treatments. Animals were rotationally grazed with fixed paddock sizes of 0.14 ha, 0.28 ha and 0.42 ha paddocks for the 12 h, 24 h and 36 h treatments, respectively. Animals (14 per treatment) were fitted with behaviour halters that monitored feeding activity. Diurnal feeding patterns were evident for all animals irrespective of PAF, concentrating the majority of grazing during daytime (90%) and ruminating activity during night (73%). Treatment significantly affected feeding behavior patterns. Peak grazing activity coincided with fresh pasture allocation in the 12 h and 24 h treatments. In the 36 h treatment, grazing was more evenly distributed over each 24 h period with peak grazing activity witnessed daily between 17:00 and 19:00 regardless of fresh pasture allocation, suggesting lack of anticipation of fresh feed delivery. In the 12 h treatment primiparous animals exhibited greater grazing and ruminating activity relative to multiparous animals in the 12 h treatment highlighting the impact of competition for resources within each feed on lower dominance animals.

In the tropics, environmental conditions might induce different grazing patterns from those reported in temperate sheep breeds. However, scarce information has been generated on this topic, thus the present study was conducted to analyze the grazing behavior of Saint Croix sheep at 18° N in Mexico. The present study was carried out using ten adult ewes, 32.8±5.1 kg, stocked on a Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpurem) pasture maintained at a sward surface height of 30 cm. Observations were conducted during daylight hours (06:00-18:00) from May to April of the next year for three consecutive days every month of the following year. The highest (P<0.05) grazing activity was observed during September (38.9±11.4 min/h), while in May (27.1±14.3 min/h) was the month with least activity (P<0.05). Within days, the highest (P<0.05) grazing activity was observed at 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 h (34.9±12.0, 31.8±12.9 and 34.5±10.6 min/h, respectively), while 09:00 and 15:00 h (28.6±13.4 and 28.0±15.7 min/h) were the periods with least activity (P<0.05). A correlation of -0.74 (P<0.05) was obtained between environment temperature and grazing activity. It was concluded that Saint Croix sheep, showed monthly pattern throughout the year and displayed high grazing activity at noon along the year, denoting great heat tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Texel x Corriedale (TxC) crossbreed lambs grow faster than purebred Corriedale lambs (CxC). Thus, they should develop different feeding strategies, depending less on their mother, which should influence their behavioral response at weaning. The objective of this study was to compare the maternal behavior score at early postpartum, the feeding behaviors of TxC and CxC lambs before and after weaning, and the behavioral responses at weaning. Furthermore, we determined whether the sex of the lamb had any influence on those responses in pure or crossbreed lambs. Crossbreeding had no effect on maternal behavior score, milk yield, or ewe body weight postpartum. Crossbreed lambs were heavier than CxC lambs (P < 0.004) postpartum. During the lactation period, TxC lambs ruminated more frequently than CxC lambs (P = 0.002). There was no difference between groups in the frequency in which lambs grazed or in the number of suckling events. Crossbreed lambs ruminated more frequently than CxC lambs (P = 0.0009) on the day of weaning. Although TxC lambs were never observed pacing, CxC lambs were observed pacing one day after weaning (0.2 ± 0.2%). In conclusion, crossbreed lambs were more advanced in nutritional independence from their mothers, ruminating more than CxC lambs during the lactation period. This resulted in TxC lambs growing faster than CxC lambs, allowing them to cope better with a late artificial weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many early studies laid the foundation for our understanding of the mechanics of chewing, the physiological role of chewing for the cow, and how chewing behavior is affected by dietary characteristics. However, the dairy cow has changed significantly over the past decades, as have the types of diets fed and the production systems used. The plethora of literature published in recent years provides new insights on eating and ruminating activity of dairy cows. Lactating dairy cows spend about 4.5 h/d eating (range: 2.4–8.5 h/d) and 7 h/d ruminating (range: 2.5–10.5 h/d), with a maximum total chewing time of 16 h/d. Chewing time is affected by many factors, most importantly whether access to feed is restricted, intake of neutral detergent fiber from forages, and mean particle size of the diet. Feed restriction and long particles (≥19 mm) have a greater effect on eating time, whereas intake of forage neutral detergent fiber and medium particles (4–19 mm) affects rumination time. It is well entrenched in the literature that promoting chewing increases salivary secretion of dairy cows, which helps reduce the risk of acidosis. However, the net effect of a change in chewing time on rumen buffing is likely rather small; therefore, acidosis prevention strategies need to be broad. Damage to plant tissues during mastication creates sites that provide access to fungi, adhesion of bacteria, and formation of biofilms that progressively degrade carbohydrates. Rumination and eating are the main ways in which feed is reduced in particle size. Contractions of the rumen increase during eating and ruminating activity and help move small particles to the escapable pool and into the omasum. Use of recently developed low-cost sensors that monitor chewing activity of dairy cows in commercial facilities can provide information that is helpful in management decisions, especially when combined with other criteria. Although accuracy and precision can be somewhat variable depending on sensor and conditions of use, relative changes in cow behavior, such as a marked decrease in rumination time of a cow or sustained low rumination time compared with a contemporary group of cows, can be used to help detect estrus, parturition, and some illnesses. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the dietary, animal, and management factors that affect eating and ruminating behavior in dairy cows and presents an overview of the physiological importance of chewing with emphasis on recent developments and practical implications for feeding and managing the modern housed dairy cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effect of additives the basis of propolis and monensin on ingestive behavior (grazing – GRA, rumination lying – RLY, rumination in foot – RFO, rumination – RUM; idleness lying – ILY, idleness in standing – IDS, idleness – IDL, walking – WAL, posture standing – POS, posture lying – PLY, intake of supplement and water – ISW) of heifers in Tifton 85 grazing. The treatments were: no additive (NAD); propolis – PRO (33.24 mg animal-1 of total flavonoid in apigenin), and monensin – MON (100 mg animal-1). Were used five heifers treatment-1 for evaluation of ingestive behavior during 12 hours of total valuation, which was divided into three periods. Used a factorial design into 3 x 3 for evaluation of ingestive behavior as a function of the evaluation periods. Were utilized three paddocks of 2.9 acres of grass Tifton 85. The additives and mineral supplement (50 g animal-1) were provided with 200 g of corn meal to 17 hours. For all activities of the ingestive behaviors observed the effect of period on the time spent on of different activities. The activities of GRA and ISW were higher in the third period (15hours to 19hours) compared to the first period (7hours at 11hours). For IDL and PLY, there was a higher time in minutes for heifers treatment with PRO in the period of 7hours at 11hours, compared to other treatments (NAD and MON). Thus, it is concluded that the use of the additive based on propolis enables sodium monensin replacement, to heifers maintained on pasture without changing eating behavior as well as providing greater idleness during the day the without affecting animal performance.

The aim of this study was to validate the recordings of a commercial triaxial accelerometer (HOBO Pendant G data loggers) with respect to visual observations of grazing and ruminating time of dairy cows. Seven lactating Holstein cows with a mean body weight of 602 ± 45 kg were used for the study. Grazing and ruminating times were recorded using HOBO loggers (31.5 hours of total observations for grazing and ruminating) that were attached to the lateral-medial side of the jaw using a strap attached to the head of each cow in a position such that the X-axis was parallel to the ground, the Y-axis was perpendicular to the ground pointing upward, and the Z-axis was parallel to the ground pointing away from the sagittal plane; these relative positions were defined when the cow was in a natural head-up position. Median acceleration (m/s 2 ) readings in the X-axis >0.175 and <0.95 indicated grazing activity, whereas readings in the Z-axis >−0.275 and <0.0875 indicated ruminating activity. The degree of vertical tilt (° Y-axis) was used to determine grazing position (readings >0° and <61°) and ruminating (readings >0° and <25.8°). Results showed a significant ( P < 0.001) relationship of estimated grazing time against visual observations when acceleration (X-axis) was used only; nonetheless acceleration (Z-axis) was not significant ( P > 0.05) for estimating ruminating time. When acceleration and tilt were used for estimating grazing (X- and Y-axis) and ruminating (Z- and Y-axis) time, the slope in both showed a significant ( P ≤ 0.001) relationship. The prediction R 2 in both activities indicated that acceleration (X- and Z-axis) and tilt (Y-axis) of HOBO loggers explained 0.961 and 0.945 of the variance in visual observations per cow/day. Therefore, the validation of the HOBO loggers was successful on a per cow/day and per day basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of lipid residue of biodiesel originated in the processing of palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) in the diet on the digestibility of feedlot lambs. Twenty-five crossbred male castrated lambs, weighing 20±1.61 kg, were distributed in randomized blocks with five treatments and five replications. The experimental period lasted 22 days; 15 for diet adaptation, 2 for the adaptation to the indicator LIPE (lignin from Eucalyptus grandis isolated, purified and enriched, UFMG, Minas Gerais) and 5 for fecal sampling. Diets were formulated with 64% concentrate based on corn and soybean meal, 31% Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai) hay and 5% lipid supplementation from increasing levels of substitution of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of palm oil for biodiesel oil from palm residue. The lambs were offered two meals a day, at 7h00 and 16h00. There was linear effect of inclusion of the residue from palm oil biodiesel on dry matter intake. There was no change in digestibility of nutrients except for ether extract. The use of biodiesel from palm oil residue up to 100% replacement for the lipid supplementation of sheep positively influences the consumption without altering the digestibility of nutrients.

Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento ingestivo diurno de novilhos em pastagem de capim-braquiária submetidos a suplementação energética e proteica. Foram utilizados 40 novilhos Nelore, com peso inicial de 373,7 ± 14,9 kg e 26 meses de idade, distribuídos em quatro níveis de suplementação: mistura mineral, 0,3; 0,6 e 0,9% do peso vivo de suplementação energética e proteica. Os animais foram observados visualmente por dois períodos de 12 horas; das 6 às 18 h. Os tempos de pastejo, ruminação e ócio sofreram efeito quadrático, e o tempo de cocho efeito linear crescente. Os consumos de matéria seca total não foram alterados pelos níveis de suplementação. O consumo total de matéria seca oriunda da pastagem e todas variáveis relacionadas à fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido decresceram linearmente. O número de mastigações por bolo decresceu linearmente. O número de períodos de pastejo e o tempo por período de cocho aumentaram linearmente. O tempo por período de pastejo decresceu linearmente. O número de períodos de ruminação, número de períodos de ócio e tempo por período de ruminação sofreram efeito quadrático. O número de períodos de cocho sofreu efeito cúbico. A suplementação compromete as variáveis relacionadas ao comportamento ingestivo diurno, não só pela quantidade de alimento ingerido, mas também por sua composição e pela razão volumoso:concentrado, portanto, exige atenção no balanceamento de rações.The objective this study was to evaluate the diurnal ingestive behavior of Nellore steers on Brachiaria grass pasture submitted to protein and energy supplementation. It was used 40 Nellore steers, at initial weight of 373.7 ± 14.9 kg, and at 26 months of age, distributed in four levels of supplementation:mineral mixture, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9% of body weight of energy and protein supplementation. The animals were visually observed by two 12-hour periods from 6:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. Grazing, ruminating and idle times had a quadratic effect and the trough time had a linear increase effect. The total dry matter intakes were not affected by the supplementation levels. Total consumption of dry matter from pasture and all the variables related to neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased linearly. The number of chews per bolus linearly decreased. The number of grazing periods and time for feed period increased linearly. The time for grazing period decreased linearly. The number of ruminating periods, number of idle periods and time for rumination period suffered a quadratic effect. The number of trough periods suffered a cubical effect. Supplementation compromises the variables related to diurnal ingestive behavior, not only because of the quantity of ingested food but also because of its composition and because of the roughage:concentrate ratio, therefore, attention on meal balance is required.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o comportamento ingestivo e o consumo de forragem de cordeiros em sistemas de terminação a pasto. Os tratamentos foram: cordeiros mantidos junto às ovelhas em pastagem de azevém sem suplementação; cordeiros mantidos junto às ovelhas na mesma pastagem, suplementados em creep feeding; cordeiros mantidosjunto às ovelhas na mesma pastagem, suplementados em creep grazing com trevo branco. Foram realizadas três avaliações do comportamento ingestivo, verificando-se as atividades realizadas pelos animais (pastejo, ruminação, amamentação e outras atividades). Houve diferença (p < 0,05) no tempo destinado ao pastejo, à ruminação e a outras atividades, e os cordeiros não-suplementados tiveram maiores tempos de pastejo e ruminação e menor tempo dedicado às outras atividades. O creep feeding reduziu o tempo de pastejo (p < 0,05)provavelmente pelo fácil acesso e pela qualidade da ração concentrada. Os cordeiros em creep grazing tiveram redução (p < 0,05) no tempo de ruminação. A massa de bocado no creep grazing foi superior à dos demais sistemas (p < 0,05), provavelmente pela fácil colheita das folhas de trevo pelos cordeiros. O sistema de terminação interfere na estratégia alimentar dos cordeiros e a preferência pela leguminosa possibilita a utilização do creep grazing na terminação desses animais.The objective of this study was to evaluate intake behavior of lambs in pasture systems: (1) lambs kept with their dams in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) without supplementation; (2) lambs kept with their dams in the same pasture but supplemented in creep feeding; (3) lambs kept with their dams in the same pasture but supplemented in creep grazing with white clover. Three evaluations of intake behavior were performed to check the activities carried out by animals (grazing, rumination, suckling and other activities). Grazing, rumination and other activities times were different(p < 0.05) for non-supplemented lambs. For these lambs, grazing and rumination times were longer than other activities time compared to other systems. Creep feeding reduced grazing time (p < 0.05), probably due to easy access and quality of concentrate. Lambs in creep grazing had reduced (p < 0.05) rumination time. Bite mass in creep grazing was higher (p < 0.05), probably due to easy harvesting of leaves by lambs. It was concluded that the production system affects feeding strategy of lambs and the preference for legumes suggests the use of creep grazing for finishing lambs.

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar in natura (BIN), obtido por dois métodos de extração do açúcar, moagem convencional ou difusão, como fonte de fibra em dietas que continham bagaço tratado sob pressão e vapor (BTPV), como principal fonte de volumoso sobre o desempenho e o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos confinados. Para avaliação do desempenho, foram utilizados 84 machos não castrados das raças Nelore, Canchim e Holandesa, com média de peso inicial de 270kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. Para a avaliação do comportamento ingestivo, foram utilizados quatro garrotes da raça Nelore, em delineamento de quadrado latino 4 x 4. Os tratamentos consistiram na substituição do BTPV pelo BIN na matéria seca, constituindo as dietas experimentais: 5% BIN moagem convencional; 5% BIN difusão, 10% BIN difusão e 15% BIN difusão. O consumo de MS foi menor no tratamento com 15% de BIN obtido por difusão (BINdif), em relação ao teor de inclusão de 10%. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos para ganho diário de peso, conversão alimentar e peso vivo final entre os tratamentos. Os tempos despendidos com as atividades de ruminação (minutos/kg de MS) e mastigação (minutos/kg de MS ou de FDN) foram maiores (PThis study was conducted to evaluate effects of replacing steam pressure treated sugar cane bagasse by two types of raw sugar cane bagasse extracted through grinding or diffusion, on performance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle. Eighty four young bulls (Nelore, Canchim and Holstein) with 270kg of body weight at the beginning of the experiment were used in a randomized block design. Ingestive behavior was evaluated using four Nelore young bulls in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were the direct substitution of steam pressure treated sugarcane bagasse by raw bagasse (RB), corresponding to the experimental treatments: 5% RB from grinding; 5% RB from diffusion; 10% RB from diffusion and 15% RB from diffusion. Dry matter intake was lower in treatment with 15% of bagasse obtained by diffusion (BINdif) in comparison to 10% BINdif. There were no differences (P>0.05) among treatments for average daily gain, feed conversion and final live weight. Ruminating time (minutes/kg of DM) and chewing time (minutes/kg of DM or NDF) was greater (P>0.05) when BINdif was added at 15% level to diets. BINdif can be added up to 15% of the dietary DM with no detrimental effect on beef cattle performance.

The aim of the present study was to trace the feeding behavior of early weaned lambs deprived of roughage compared with lambs that were fed alfalfa hay ad libitum. The results showed that lambs deprived of roughage intake 10% more concentrated feed, compared to the animals of the second group, which received alfalfa hay. The lambs intake 12.5% more feed, compared to the animals deprived of roughage. The lambs deprived of roughage made fewer attempts to feed (P<0.05), which has reduced the total time for eating by 94.8 min, compared to the animals receiving alfalfa hay (P<0.01). The lambs in the group receiving alfalfa hay had 38.9% more ruminating periods, compared to the animals deprived of roughage, which has an insignificant influence on the total ruminating time. Deprived of roughage the lambs ruminate the intake dry matter (DM) faster, which affects the shorter chewing time (feeding and ruminating). The number of feedings in lambs deprived of roughage showed a high positive correlation (P<0.01) with the time of consuming 1 kg of DM and a high negative correlation with the DM intake speed (P<0.05). There was a linear effect between lying down ruminating in lambs receiving alfalfa hay, significant in lambs deprived of roughage, with the results being significant at (P<0.01). An increased locomotor activity (standing up and playing) was established in the hours around noon, when our observations were conducted. Light was the most intensive around noon and the temperature in the room was the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Due to climatic factors, heifers' ingestive behavior might be impaired in the tropics. • Holstein × Gyr and Holstein heifers were evaluated under the same conditions. • Holstein heifers' performance was impaired due to reduced intake and grazing time. • Tropical pasture conditions are appropriate for rearing Holstein × Gyr heifers. • Understanding the heifers' ingestive behavior changes can help in management definition. Holstein × Gyr and Holstein are the primary dairy breeds used in tropical systems, but when rearing under pasture, feed intake, behavior, and performance might differ between them. This study aimed to evaluate the voluntary intake, nutrient digestibility, performance, and ingestive behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) heifers managed in a rotational system of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). The experiment was conducted during the summer season throughout four periods of 21 d. Two 8-heifers (four Holstein and four Holstein × Gyr) groups, averaging 258.6 ± 24.79 kg and 157.1 ± 24.99 kg BW, were used. Each group grazed a separate set of 16 paddocks, and all heifers received a concentrate supplement daily. Heifers were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Fecal, forage and concentrate samples were evaluated for their DM, CP, crude fat, ash, NDF, and indigestible NDF. Feeding behavior was evaluated through 24 h of live observation for 48 h of each experimental period. Grazing, ruminating, resting, and intake of concentrate times were recorded, and rumination criteria, bout criteria, mealtime, meal frequency, and meal duration were calculated. There was no difference in total dry matter intake (DMI), but forage DMI of Holstein × Gyr was 11.70 % greater than the Holstein heifers. The Holstein × Gyr heifers had greater NDF intake and feed efficiency tended to show greater CP and NDF digestibilities, consequently, they had greater average daily gain (ADG). Holstein grazed less than Holstein × Gyr heifers in the afternoon. Ruminating time was 18.43 % lower for Holstein than Holstein × Gyr heifers, and rumination criteria (i.e. longest non-feeding interval within a rumination event) were greater for Holstein heifers. Holstein heifers presented more prolonged rumination bouts and resting time than Holstein × Gyr heifers. Holstein × Gyr can ingest and ruminate greater amounts of fibrous material, and Holstein heifers needed to spend more time ruminating the cud. Overall, even though the behavior was not markedly different between breeds, rearing young Holstein heifers in tropical pasture conditions is less suitable than Holstein-Gyr because of their lower ADG. Therefore, this management condition seems appropriate for Holstein × Gyr but inappropriate for Holstein dairy heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to compare the time budgets of high- and low-rank cows that were separated from their herd for grazing between milkings. Twelve cows with greater dominance indices (GR cows) and 12 with lower indices (LR cows) were selected from a herd of 107 Holstein cows. Each group of 12 cows was grazed in a half paddock of 1.5 ha, separated by an electric fence, from 0830 h to 1540 h over 5 days. The behaviours of these cows (grazing, ruminating, standing, lying or walking) were recorded using instantaneous sampling of individual cows within each group throughout the day. GR cows were observed grazing on fewer occasions and walking on fewer occasions (P= 0.0006 andP< 0.0001, respectively) than LR cows, but ruminated more (P< 0.0001). Thus the time budget of high- and low-ranked grazing dairy cows differed even when they grazed separately. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ability to monitor dairy cow feeding behavior and activity could improve dairy herd management. A 3-dimensional accelerometer (SensOor; Agis Automatisering BV, Harmelen, the Netherlands) has been developed that can be attached to ear identification tags. Based on the principle that behavior can be identified by ear movements, a proprietary model classifies sensor data as "ruminating," "eating," "resting," or "active." The objective of the study was to evaluate this sensor on accuracy and precision. First, a pilot evaluation of agreement between 2 independent observers, recording behavior from 3 cows for a period of approximately 9 h each, was performed. Second, to evaluate the sensor, the behavior of 15 cows was monitored both visually (VIS) and with the sensor (SENS), with approximately 20 h of registration per cow, evenly distributed over a 24-h period, excluding milking. Cows were chosen from groups of animals in different lactation stages and parities. Each minute of SENS and VIS data was classified into 1 of 9 categories (8 behaviors and 1 transition behavior) and summarized into 4 behavioral groups, namely ruminating, eating, resting, or active, which were analyzed by calculating kappa (κ) values. For the pilot evaluation, a high level of agreement between observers was obtained, with κ values of ≥ 0.96 for all behavioral categories, indicating that visual observation provides a good standard. For the second trial, relationships between SENS and VIS were studied by κ values on a minute basis and Pearson correlation and concordance correlation coefficient analysis on behavior expressed as percentage of total registration time. Times spent ruminating, eating, resting, and active were 42.6, 15.9, 31.6, and 9.9% (SENS) respectively, and 42.1, 13.0, 30.0, and 14.9% (VIS), respectively. Overall κ for the comparison of SENS and VIS was substantial (0.78), with κ values of 0.85, 0.77, 0.86, and 0.47 for "ruminating," "eating," "resting," and "active," respectively. Pearson correlation and concordance correlation coefficients between SENS and VIS for "ruminating," "eating," "resting," and "active" were 0.93, 0.88, 0.98, and 0.73, and 0.93, 0.75, 0.97, and 0.35, respectively. In conclusion, the results provide strong evidence that the present ear sensor technology can be used to monitor ruminating and resting behavior of freestall-housed dairy cattle. Our results also suggest that this technology shows promise for monitoring eating behavior, whereas more work is needed to determine its suitability to monitor activity of dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted in the laboratory of sheep-raising of the Federal University of Santa Maria aiming to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep breeds Texel and Ideal, finished in feedlot with diets containing different levels of soybean hulls in place of sorghum silage. Forty male uncastrated lambs were used, 20 from the Texel breed and 20 from Ideal breed, weaned approximately at 50 days and housed in individual pens were randomly divided into four groups according to the level of inclusion of soybean hulls in the diet: 0 %, 33.5 %, 66.5 % and 100 % of soybean hulls in replacement of sorghum silage. The time spent in feed activities, chewing time and the total time spent per meal decreased linearly, while the period of idleness and feeding efficiency of rumination increased linearly with increasing level of sorghum silage substitution by soybean hulls. Texel lambs remained more time on rumination activities and total chewing, spent more time per meal, spent less time in idleness and showed less rumination efficiency when compared with Ideal lambs when confined in the finishing phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In mechanized modern dairy facilities with competitive environments, monitoring behavior provides opportunities to manipulate and optimize the nutritional, health, and social status of high-merit cows. The objective of the current study was to determine seasonal and cow group effects on the eating, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors of dairy cows in large yards. Seasonal data on various behaviors of lactating cows in different production and lactation stages were collected continuously for 26 months, from December 2006 through February 2008. The herd had approximately 3000 dairy cattle housed in groups within specific yards. A total of 415 multiparous highproducing cows (MH), 166 multiparous medium-producing cows (MM), 166 multiparous low-producing cows (ML), 165 primiparous high-producing cows (PH), 83 fresh cows (FC), 82 fresh heifers (FH), and 82 cows with high milk somatic cell count (HSCC) were monitored. Seasonal eating, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors were recorded by 4 trained individuals at 1000 hours every week, on 4 days per week. Each activity was expressed as the proportion of cows exhibiting the activity relative to the total number of cows in the yard. Feed was delivered 6 times daily, 4 times as TMR at 0600, 1030, 1300, and 1800, just after milking and twice as alfalfa hay at nighttime. Across all groups, a greater proportion of cows were observed eating during winter (25.7%) than during spring (17.1%), summer (15.4%), and autumn (14.5%). The proportion of cows neither eating nor ruminating was lower in winter (48.1%) than in summer (58.9%) and autumn (58.6%), but similar to spring (53.7%). A greater proportion of cows in the PH (24.6%) and ML (21.3%) groups were observed eating, compared with the MM (15.2%), MH (16.6%), and FC (12.6%) groups. Lying was observed significantly more oft en in the FC (71%), MM (69.6%), HSCC (65.3%), and MH (64%) groups than in FH (54%), ML (55.7%), and PH (55.7%) groups. A greater proportion of cows were observed ruminating in the MM (31.7%), FC (31.3%), HSCC (28.7%), PH (27.2%), and MH (26.7%) groups, when compared to the FH (20.5%) and ML (22.9%) groups. The HSCC cows were less active in eating and more active in lying than the PH and ML groups. With the remarkably large sample size and prolonged study period, these findings reveal the determining effects of season alongside age, lactation stage, productivity, and--to some extent--mastitis on the eating, ruminating, and resting behaviors of dairy cows in large yard houses. The data suggests future research aimed towards developing local and global programs for monitoring and optimizing cow health and welfare based on social and feeding behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of milking frequency (MF) at two nutritional levels (NL) on grazing behaviour of dairy cows. Animals (n =48) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments from calving in a 2×2 factorial design for an entire lactation: once (OAD) or twice (TAD) a day milking at high (herbage allowance: 30.9kg dry matter/cow/day) or low (18.8kg DM/cow/day) NL. Grazing behaviour was recorded using IGER grazing behaviour recorders on three occasions at approximately 95, 157 and 208 days in milk. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure of SAS. OAD cows spent more time grazing than TAD cows (P <0.05), and had a higher number of grazing bouts (P <0.01). The initial grazing bout after morning milking was longer in TAD than OAD cows (P <0.001), and in low NL compared to high NL (P =0.01) cows. Twice daily milking disrupted grazing in the afternoon, indicated by shorter grazing bouts for these cows when initiated at 1300 (P <0.05) and 1400 (P <0.01). TAD cows initiated more grazing bouts at 1600 than OAD cows. Neither MF nor NL had an effect on time spent ruminating (P >0.05). As the grazing season progressed, cows increased the duration of the morning grazing bout, increased their bite rate, and decreased their mastication rate, probably as a result of decreasing grass quality. The additional time spent grazing after morning milking in the TAD and low NL cows likely reflects differences in hunger status between them and the OAD and high NL cows, respectively. The OAD cows had more time at pasture than the TAD cows and so were able to spend more time grazing than the TAD cows, and had less disturbance to their natural grazing pattern. This, combined with a lower milk production, could have resulted in them being less hungry. Although the behaviour of TAD cows was disturbed in the afternoon, cows were able to adapt to maintain daily grazing time budgets similar to OAD cows. This study provides valuable information about how dairy cows can adjust their grazing behaviour to cope with management strategies such as once a day milking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Simple Summary: In pasture based systems dairy cows spend more than 50% of their time grazing and ruminating, thus these behaviours require a lot of time and energy. Understanding the impact of management factors such as pasture allocation frequency on animal feeding behaviour will assist with the development of systems that support natural and efficient animal feeding behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of frequency of fresh pasture allocation, three treatments offering fresh pasture every 12, 24 or 36 hours on the grazing and ruminating behaviours of high-yielding dairy cows. Animals displayed diurnal feeding patterns, irrespective of treatment, concentrating the majority of their grazing activity during the day (90%) and their ruminating activity during the night (73%). Peak grazing activity coincided with fresh pasture allocation in the 12 h and 24 h treatments. However, in the 36 h treatment peak grazing activity did not correspond with the allocation of fresh pasture and grazing was more evenly distributed over each 24 h period, indicating the animals' inability to anticipate feed. Increased competition for resources in the 12 h treatment likely resulted in the greater grazing and ruminating times exhibited by primiparous animals, indicating greater overall energy expenditure on feeding behaviour. For ruminants, grazing and ruminating activities are essential in nutrient capture and ultimately animal performance however these activities can demand significant time and energy. This study evaluated the effect of three different pasture allocation frequencies (PAF's; 12, 24 and 36 h) on the feeding behaviour of grazing dairy cows. Eighty-seven spring calving dairy cows were divided into three treatments. Animals were rotationally grazed with fixed paddock sizes of 0.14 ha, 0.28 ha and 0.42 ha paddocks for the 12 h, 24 h and 36 h treatments, respectively. Animals (14 per treatment) were fitted with behaviour halters that monitored feeding activity. Diurnal feeding patterns were evident for all animals irrespective of PAF, concentrating the majority of grazing during daytime (90%) and ruminating activity during night (73%). Treatment significantly affected feeding behavior patterns. Peak grazing activity coincided with fresh pasture allocation in the 12 h and 24 h treatments. In the 36 h treatment, grazing was more evenly distributed over each 24 h period with peak grazing activity witnessed daily between 17:00 and 19:00 regardless of fresh pasture allocation, suggesting lack of anticipation of fresh feed delivery. In the 12 h treatment primiparous animals exhibited greater grazing and ruminating activity relative to multiparous animals in the 12 h treatment highlighting the impact of competition for resources within each feed on lower dominance animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring behavior of grazing animals is important for the management of grazing systems. We developed a new automatic classification system for eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle using a three-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. We fitted the accelerometer to a Holstein cow in a tie-stall barn and to a Japanese Black cow at pasture, and measured their under-jaw accelerations at 1-s intervals. The behavior of the animals was also video-recorded. The raw acceleration data was processed to create 12 variables: the mean, variance and inverse coefficient of variation (ICV; mean/standard deviation) per minute for the x-, y- and z-axis and the resultant. Quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was employed to classify eating, ruminating and resting activities, using 11 combinations of the variables as explanatory variables. In all axes and their resultant, approximately 99.6% of the raw acceleration values ranged between –19.6 m s−2 (–2 G) and 19.6 m s−2 (2 G), with an amplitude tendency of eating > ruminating > resting. Seven combinations of the variables produced total percent correct discriminations exceeding 90% in both tie-stalled and grazing cows. Overall, the highest discriminant score was obtained in the combination of the ‘Means and ICV’. Our results demonstrate that processing acceleration data with QDA is effective in statistically classifying eating, ruminating and resting activities of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Of the present estimated world population of 14.2 million yaks, approximately 13.3 million occur within Chinese territories (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2003). Although there is an extensive bibliography covering the species, few studies have been conducted in the area of foraging behaviour. The present study was conducted at pasture during the spring, transitional, summer and winter seasons to determine the daily temporal patterns of grazing and ruminating behaviour by yaks. During each study period, two 24h recordings were undertaken with each of six mature dairy yaks. One study period was conducted on each of the transitional, summer and winter pastures, whereas, due to the considerable changes occurring in the morphology of the spring pasture, three separate studies were completed during March, April and May. During the second of these studies (April), the effect of level of concentrate supplementation on grazing and ruminating behaviour was also examined. Behaviour recordings were made using solid-state behaviour recorders. Short-term intake rates (IR, gmin−1) were calculated by weighing yaks before and after approximately 1h of grazing, retaining the faeces and urine excreted and applying a correction for insensible weight loss. Yaks spent less time grazing during the dry season (the early period on the spring pasture) compared with the later green swards (the later period on the spring pasture, the transitional pasture and the summer pasture) (P <0.05). When the forage quality improved, but there was still insufficient mass (the later period on the spring pasture), the yaks extended their grazing time at the expense of other activities. During the early periods on the spring pasture, the short-term IR by yaks was up to 53gDMmin−1, significantly higher than at other times (P <0.05). The level of concentrate offered had little or no effect on grazing or ruminating time. The total eating time of the yaks offered 0.5 or 1.0kg concentrate was 2.9 and 4.5hday−1, respectively, significantly lower than unsupplemented yaks (6.8h) (P <0.05). In general, yaks can regulate their foraging behaviour according to the changes of sward conditions in order to achieve optimal grazing strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using heterogeneous vegetation in alpine grassland through grazing is a necessary component of de-intensification of livestock systems and conservation of natural environments. However, better understanding of the dynamics of animal feeding behaviour would improve pasture and livestock grazing managements, particularly in the early part of the spring season when forage is scarce. The changes in behaviour may improve the use of poor pastures. Then, enhancing management practices may conserve pasture and improve animal productivity. Grazing behaviour over 24h periods by yaks in different physiological states (lactating, dry and replacement heifers) was recorded in the early, dry and later, germinating period of the spring season. Under conditions of inadequate forage, the physiological state of yaks was not the primary factor affecting their grazing and ruminating behaviour. Forage and sward state affected yaks’ grazing and ruminating behaviour to a greater extent. Generally, yaks had higher intake and spent more time grazing and ruminating during the later part of the spring season, following germination of forage, than during the earlier dry part of the season. However, the live weight of yaks was less during pasture germination than during the early dry part of the season because the herbage mass is low, and the yaks have to expend much energy to seek feed at this particular time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of the physiological states of lactating vs. non-lactating (dry) on grazing behavior and herbage intake by yaks was examined in the summer season in the Qinghai alpine area under continuous stocking management. Intake rates were estimated over periods of 1 h by weighing the animals before and after grazing, retaining the feces and urine excreted, and applying a correction for insensible weight loss (the 1-h weight changes of yaks when non-eating before or after the intake rate measurement). It is hypothesized that the lactating yaks should eat more and spend more time eating than non-lactating yaks, because they expend more energy. In our experiment, there were no differences in the effect of physiological state (lactating vs. dry) of yaks observed on the rate of insensible weight loss, intake rate, grazing jaw movement rate, bites per grazing jaw movement, or bite mass. The dry yaks tended to eat more and spend more time eating than lactating yaks, but not significantly so. Compared with the dry yaks, the lactating yaks had a significantly lower bite rate and bites per bolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a nutritional-packet was evaluated on time spent ruminating, eating, and chewing (ruminating + eating) by intensively managed beef steers consuming a finishing diet during the final 65 d of feeding prior to slaughter. Furthermore, the influence of behavior on CH4 production was determined. Twentyfour Angus-crossbreed steers were distributed into pens with SmartFeed (C-Lock) technology in which they were treated with: control or nutritional-packet [0.29% DM basis; live yeast (8.7 Log CFU/g); Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg); Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg); NaCl (80 g/kg); KCl (80 g/kg)]. An ear tag containing multiple accelerometers (CowManager) was placed on steers, and such device continuously recorded rumination and eating time (min/day). Enteric CH4 emissions were measured for 15 d using the SF6 tracer technique. Feeding behavior data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. Steer was considered experimental unit. The GLM procedure of SAS was used for regressing behavior and CH4 production data. There were no differences between treatments for time (within 24 h) spent ruminating, eating, or chewing (P = 0.197). When nutrient intake was taken into account, no differences (P = 0.139) were observed between treatments for time spent ruminating, eating, and chewing per kg of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber intake, and acid detergent fiber intakes. The production of CH4 was not affected by time spent ruminating (0.93 g/min; R2 = 0.0003; P = 0.935), eating (3.34 g/min; R2 = 0.03; P = 0.409), or chewing (0.69 g/min; R2 = 0.006; P = 0.728). The feeding behavior of intensively managed beef steers during the final 65-d of feeding was not driven by the nutritional-packet supplied, neither was CH4 production associated with feeding behavior variables measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]