Performance and behaviour of Nellore steers on integrated systems

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate performance and behaviour of Nellore steers (Bos taurus indicus) in integrated systems. Treatments consisted of three different systems: livestock; crop-livestock; and livestock-forestry, with triple rows of eucalyptus trees. The experiment was carried out in Sinop, MT, Brazil, in a randomised complete block design with four replicates, during two seasons (dry-rainy transition and rainy). The experimental period was from 19 September 2015 to 10 January 2016. Nellore steers used in the experiment had an average initial weight of 344 kg ± 11 kg, in continuous stocking and variable stocking rate. Forage mass accumulation rate was evaluated and, independently of the system, had the highest values recorded during the rainy season. Microclimate was evaluated through temperature and humidity index, black globe temperature and humidity index and radiant heat load. Highest values were obtained from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the dry-rainy transition period for all systems. Animal behaviour was assessed every 10 min from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and averages were calculated for every 2 h. The longest grazing period was recorded from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then after 3:00 p.m., regardless of the system. Rumination occurred more frequently from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the rainy season, and also in the shade for the livestock-forestry system. Highest weight gains per area were recorded during the rainy season and for the crop-livestock system. It is concluded that the highest yields can be achieved with the inclusion of the crop component in livestock production systems, and that Nellore steers in silvopastoral systems prefer to ruminate and stay idle in the shade.

Forage and animal production on palisadegrass pastures growing in monoculture or as a component of integrated crop–livestock–forestry systems

“…While integrated systems may increase land‐use efficiency and, under favourable soil and climatic conditions (e.g., central Brazil), maintain productivity throughout the year, the proper arrangement of system components is fundamental for capitalizing on existing synergies and increasing animal productivity (Pedreira, Silva, Guimarães, Pequeno, & Tonato, ). In the Amazon biome, the radiant heat load varied ~ 250 W/m 2 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while in the shaded areas, the amplitude was 73 W/m 2 (Domiciano et al, ), supporting greater animal thermal comfort due to the reduction in the exposure to thermal stress and radiant thermal load (Pezzopane, Nicodemo, Bosi, Garcia, & Lulu, ). However, there are several arrangement possibilities (species of trees and planting density), which promsote contrasting understorey microclimate (Karvatte et al, ) and may affect pasture and livestock production.…”

Symbiotic interaction in forage crop cultivations: A review

“…Studies conducted by Domiciano et al (2016) and Oliveira et al (2014), showed that animal of the breed Nelore risen in agrosilvipastoral system presented great meat yield in this system. These results are connects to the quality of pasture that indicated more dry matter and protein content, furthering productive yield of the animals.…”

“…Moreover, this system optimizes the soil usage and forage species present better bromatological features. Animals in agrosilvopastoral system have better welfare and thermal comfort conditions when compared to animals risen in other types of traditional systems due to environmental variables (air temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed) indicated less magnitude on the effect of animal discomfort (Domiciano et al, 2016).…”

“…Agrosilvopastoral system, which integrates forest species production, cereals, grasses, leguminous and animals further atmospheric carbon sequestration to the soil as well as the re-covering of it with the deposition of organic matter coming from animal excretion and deposition of litterfall, that make the soils more attractive to production of forage plants (Ferreiro-Domínguez et al, 2016;Xu et al, 2017). In accordance to these conditions, implementation of intercropping of leguminous and grasses increases in better productive conditions of and benefits on the stability of forage to the animals (Doneda et al, 2012;Domiciano et al, 2016).…”

Social and ecological analysis of commercial integrated crop livestock systems: Current knowledge and remaining uncertainty

“…lime and fertilizers) and resown with desirable species become degraded quickly, often resulting in low animal productivity, land abandonment and combined with new deforestation to source more fertile soils (Balbino et al, 2011;Walker et al, 2000). In these places ICLS can serve an important role in livestock intensification by contributing to enhanced soil fertility and pasture productivity thereby improving forage quantity and quality and animal nutrition and by reducing direct costs of pasture reclamation (Domiciano et al, 2016). Among existing studies in Australia, Brazil, and the United States there is strong evidence that sheep and beef cattle meat production per unit of land (assessed via changes in daily animal weight gain) is at least equal to, if not substantially higher in ICLS than in pure pasture systems (de Moraes et al, 2014b;Dove et al, 2015;Faria, 2016;Sulc and Franzluebbers, 2014).…”