Phytogenic additive on diet of dairy heifers: Performance and behavior parameters

Abstract

This experiment evaluated the effects in the performance and behavior parameters of Jersey dairy heifers supplemented with herbal extracts. The experiment was conducted in Boapaba Ranch, Silveira Martins (RS), from July to September, 2004, utilizing 12 Jersey’s heifers. The animals were separated in two groups, with the same number of replications, considered a Control group (without addition of phytogenic additive) and a Treatment group (with inclusion of 500 grams of phytogenic additive per ton. of concentrate). The phytogenic additive utilized was a commercial blend of essential oils, flavonoids and mucilage. The animals received daily, divided in two feeding, 2 kg. of concentrate and, 3 kg. of alfalfa hay and 10 kg. of chopped fresh black oat and ryegrass. The performance parameters evaluated were initial weight, final weight, and daily average daily weight gain and feed conversion and behavior parameters analyzed were feeding behavior, time of intake for concentrate and roughage, rectal temperature, and cardiac frequency. There were not significantly differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for performance parameters in general analysis of data, but occurred significantly differences between treatments when analyzed the periods (P< 0.05). Significant differences could be observed in feeding behavior (P < 0.05), cardiac frequency (P < 0.05), and time of intake for concentrate (P < 0.002),. The authors leading to the conclusion that the herbal extract influence on the performance and behavior parameters of dairy heifers receiving this supplement.