o Supplementation during the mid-gestation period of Nellore cows: calf ingestive behavior

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of calves born to Nellore cows subjected to protein supplementation during the middle third of gestation. In phase I, 20 cows were used, and the study spanned the entire middle third of gestation. The cows were divided into two groups: supplemented and unsupplemented. The supplement contained 40% CP and 78% TDN, provided at 0.5 kg animal-1 day-1 to maintain a BCS between 5 and 6. Phase II began after calving and ended at 240 days postpartum. Ingestive behavior was evaluated for 24h on the 120th day of life, with observations made every five minutes. Data were statistically interpreted through analysis of variance and the F-test at a significance level of 0.05, in a completely randomized design, using the SAEG statistical software. Supplementation had no effect on the ingestive behavior of the calves. Discrete bouts and rumination parameters showed no differences; however, among the bite-related variables, biting rate and number of bites per day differed statistically. Protein supplementation during the middle third of gestation did not influence calf ingestive behavior, except for bite-related variables.