Resumen

PATINO P, René M et al. Effect of Racial Group and Season on Behavior and Gain Weight of Confined Steers under Tropical Conditions. Rev. Fac. Cienc. Vet. [online]. 2017, vol.58, n.2, pp.75-85. ISSN 0258-6576.

The study was carried in a farm located in Monteria, Colombia, to study the effect of racial group and season on the diurnal feeding behavior and performance of steers of three racial groups managed in confinement. Forty-five steers of 260 (±10) kg, of three racial groups were used: Colombian Zebu (CC); CC crossing by Aberdeen Angus (CA) and crossbred steers (DP), from the dual purpose of the region. The study lasted 150 days, and behavioral variables (times of: food, water and mineral mixture intake, rest and rumination), in dry and rainy seasons, and daily gain (ADG) were studied. The ration provided 25% of concentrate. The DP animals spent more time (P<0.05) feeding, in the two periods, and resting, and less time (P<0.05) ruminating and drinking water, and in turn they had the highest GDP (P<0.05). The time spent walking was higher (P<0.05) in the CC. During the rainy season the animals spent more time (P<0.05) feeding and resting and less time (P<0.05) ruminating and drinking water. The ADG was 0.960, 0.850 and 0.790 kg for DP, CA and CC groups, respectively. The genetic group and season influenced the variables studied. The study of the ethological variables allowed concluding that the DP animals responded better handling in confinement, which resulted in higher ADG.

Palabras clave : Cattle; confinement; grazing; behavior; tropic.

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