| Penulis/Author |
Ir. Tristianto Nugroho, S.Pt., M.Sc., IPP. (1) ; DIYAN EKA HANTARI (2); Ir. Galuh Adi Insani, S.Pt., M.Sc., IPM. (3); Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, DAA., DEA., IPU., ASEAN Eng. (4); Ir. Panjono, S.Pt., MP., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng. (5); Ir. Tri Satya Mastuti Widi, S.Pt., M.P., M.Sc.,Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng (6) |
| Abstrak/Abstract |
The introduction of double-muscled Belgian Blue cattle through crossbreeding in a tropical environment poses challenges related to adaptability. The development of an ethogram is a crucial first step in assessing adaptability behavior. This study aimed to establish an ethogram for Belgian Blue crossbred calves raised in a loose-housing system under tropical conditions. Four Belgian Blue × Ongole Grade calves were monitored via CCTV cameras. Initially, an ethogram was drafted through ad libitum observations. Pilot observations were then conducted over two consecutive weeks (96 hours) to assess four selected behaviors: standing, lying, feeding, and drinking. As a result, 73 behaviors were categorized into three groups (posture, locomotion and activity, and social behavior) and empirically defined. The calves presented similar frequencies and durations of standing and lying. However, significant differences were observed: sex influenced meal frequency (P<0.01) and time per meal (P=0.01); observation week affected drinking duration (P=0.04); and individual differences influenced meal frequency (P=0.03) and time per meal (P=0.03). Calves spent more time standing between 5:00–9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with 42% of standing time allocated to feeding. The circular feeder was favored; nevertheless, the maximum feeding period occurred at the creep feeder. Calves exhibited a preference for shaded areas during the day and illuminated zones at night for resting behavior. This ethogram establishes a basis for evaluating the behavior of Belgian Blue crossbred cattle in loose housing under hot climate conditions. Future research on coping mechanisms for heat stress should account for sex differences to identify uncommon adaptability behaviors. |
