ETHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF CREATED SHEEP IN THE SUN AND SHADE IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF PARAIBA

Abstract

Sheep breeding displays high potential, but, in order to maximize productivity, the exploitation of the entire genetic potential of these animals, combined with diets tailored to meet their nutritional requirements, is required. Knowledge on sheep ingestive behavior is important for diet evaluations, which allows for adjustments regarding dietary management, in order to obtain superior productive performance. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the interference of two distinct environments in the behavioral responses of Santa Inês and Dorper sheep breeding activities during the dry period at the Paraíba Cariri region. The study was carried out in the municipality of Caturité, Paraíba, with 20 male sheep, 10 Santa Inês breeds and 10 Dorper breeds. The animals were subdivided into four lots, containing five animals each, and placed in two different environments, in the sun and in the shade. Feeding behavior was determined by quantifying parameters for 10 hours/day, at 5 min intervals. A completely randomized design (CRD) in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme was applied, of two breeds and two environments, with three replicates. The data were analyzed by SAS, applying the chi-square test. The main daily sheep activities comprised alternate periods of feeding, rumination and idleness, and behavioral activities were exhibited the worse results in the sun environment.