INGESTIVE BEHAVIOR OF DAIRY COWS GRAZING INTERCROPPED PASTURES IN WARM SEASON

Abstract This research aimed to study the behavior of Holstein lactating cows, during the warm-season on a pasture constituted by elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and spontaneous growing species intercropped with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) or forage peanut (Arachis pintoi Krap & Greg.). Evaluations were taken during three grazing in December, February, and April. Six cows between the second and fifth lactation month were used for each evaluation. The data were recorded at a 10 min-interval, from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M. and from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. The grazing time on elephant grass, on species established in space between lines, total grazing (elephant grass and species established in space between lines), rumination and idleness were the behavioral parameters observed. The average of grazing was 3h 48 min and 2h 9 min for pastures intercropped with white clover and forage peanut, respectively, being higher (P <0.05) for the first intercropped forage. The average of the grazing on elephantgrass was 5h 32 min and 6h 27 min for the respective intercropped pastures systems, with no statistical difference between them. The rumination and idleness were similar among the pastures.