Residual feed intake and behavior of sheep: Besides being classified as 'nibblers' or ‘binge eaters', can they also be considered ‘low water drinkers' or 'binge drinkers'?

IF 2.2 2区农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE

Applied Animal Behaviour Science Pub Date : 2025-02-06 DOI:10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106547

Josiel Ferreira , Charleni Crisóstomo , Natana Mendes Marques , Letícia de Sousa Corrêa , Atteneri Luis González , Luis Alberto Bermejo Asensio , Fernando Casanova Lugo , Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Physical activity and feeding patterns influence feed efficiency. This study aimed to examine feed and water intake, residual feed intake (RFI), and associated behavioral aspects in young Texel ewes using a multivariate approach. Forty Texel ewes (mean age: 130 ± 7.54 days, mean body weight: 28.98 ± 3.22 kg) were fed at an automatic feed and water station (Intergado®) for 72 days and classified by RFI as low (RFI-), medium (RFI±), or high (RFI+). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess variable influence on the sample distribution. The effect of RFI group on animal behavior was tested via Euclidean distance-based permutational analysis of variance, with effect size calculated using Eta squared (η2). Pairwise post-hoc comparisons were conducted on significant factors. PCA explained 66.6 % of the total variance, identifying key behavioral components related to water and feed consumption. Ewes consumed twice as much water as feed and exhibited more frequent visits to the trough than the drinking fountain. RFI significantly influenced animal behavior, with RFI+ ewes displaying higher water intake and more frequent visits to different feeders compared to RFI± and RFI- ewes. Behavior was most differentiated by water consumption traits, with RFI+ animals showing distinct patterns from RFI± and RFI- groups. These findings highlight the importance of water intake behavior in feed efficiency classification.

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来源期刊

Applied Animal Behaviour Science 农林科学-行为科学

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

21.70%

发文量

191

审稿时长

18.1 weeks

期刊介绍： This journal publishes relevant information on the behaviour of domesticated and utilized animals. Topics covered include: -Behaviour of farm, zoo and laboratory animals in relation to animal management and welfare -Behaviour of companion animals in relation to behavioural problems, for example, in relation to the training of dogs for different purposes, in relation to behavioural problems -Studies of the behaviour of wild animals when these studies are relevant from an applied perspective, for example in relation to wildlife management, pest management or nature conservation -Methodological studies within relevant fields The principal subjects are farm, companion and laboratory animals, including, of course, poultry. The journal also deals with the following animal subjects: -Those involved in any farming system, e.g. deer, rabbits and fur-bearing animals -Those in ANY form of confinement, e.g. zoos, safari parks and other forms of display -Feral animals, and any animal species which impinge on farming operations, e.g. as causes of loss or damage -Species used for hunting, recreation etc. may also be considered as acceptable subjects in some instances -Laboratory animals, if the material relates to their behavioural requirements