006 Use of Radio-frequency Identification Technology to Assess the Frequency of Cattle Visits to Mineral Feeders

• Published in: Journal of animal science 2016-12, Vol.95 (suppl_1), p.03-03
• Main Authors: Ranches, J., Arthington, J. D., Pardelli, U.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.2527/ssasas2017.006

Abstract A study was conducted from mid-June through July, 2016 to evaluate the effects of breed on behavioral characteristics of free-choice mineral supplements consumption. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology was constructed into custom-designed mineral feeders to accurately assess the frequency of individual animal visits. Twelve yearling heifers consisting of 3 breeds (Braford, Brahman, and White Angus (n = 4/breed) were fitted with RFID ear tags and placed in a “Jiggs” bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pasture with free-choice access to a single RFID-equipped mineral feeder. Over 47 d, a total of 1400 readings were recorded. Visits were reported in 8 h periods; morning = 05:00 to 12:59, afternoon = 13:00 to 20:59, and night = 21:00 to 04:59. During the evaluation period, visits were consistently distributed throughout the day. The afternoon period had a numerically greater number of visits (562 visits) when compared to the other two periods. The afternoon period was followed by the morning period (554 visits) in number of visits. The night period was the least frequented period with 284 visits. There were no differences (P = 0.85) on the number of visits when comparing morning and afternoon periods; however, both periods had a greater (P ≤ .001) number of visits when compared to the night period. Brahman heifers had a greater number of visits to the feeder in the mornings when compared to the White Angus heifers (P ≤ .001), however; when compared to the Braford heifers the difference was only numerical (P = 0.30). For the afternoon period, Brahman heifers had the greatest (P ≤ 0.01) number of visits when compared to Braford and White Angus heifers, which did not differ for Braford and White Angus (P = 0.55). The White Angus heifers, during the night period had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) number of visits when compared to the Brahman heifers, and tended (P = 0.10) to have a greater number of visits when compared to the Braford heifers. There were no differences (P = 0.22) among Brahman and Braford heifers for the number of visits during the night period. Mineral supplement intake was recorded and calculated by disappearance; intake ranged from 38.1 g/head to 129.9 g/head daily (average = 78.5 g/head daily). These results suggest a seasonality of visits to a mineral feeder during a 24 h period and also a variability of visits according breed; suggesting a greater number of visits by the Brahman heifers.