Ingestive behavior of Morada Nova ewes during the last third of pregnancy fed different levels of metabolizable energy

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy (2.2, 2.8, and 3.4Mcal/kg DM). Twenty-one Morada Nova breed ewes at the final third of pregnancy were submitted to visual observation in order to assess their ingestive behavior. The animals were observed every five minutes, during 24 hours, to determine time spent on feeding, rumination and idleness. The behavioral events of the ewes evaluated were: time for feeding (TAL), time for rumination (TRUM) and time of idleness (TOCIO). The ruminating chews of 18 ewes was determined, thus estimating the number of chews and quantity of ruminated boli per unit of time. The average number of defecation and urination, water intake (L/day) and frequency of water intake were also determined. Ewes fed diets with different levels of energy showed no differences in dry matter, crude protein and organic matter intake, however, the intake of dietary fiber constituents reduced and the intake of ether extract increased. There was no effect (P>0.05) of dietary energy levels on the activities of defecation and water requirement, but treatment effect (P<0.01) on urination was detected. No treatment effect (P<0.05) on time spent on feeding, rumination and idleness was observed.