Ethological behavior of Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and Caqueteño Creole cattle in three tree cover systems of Brachiaria decumbens paddocks at the Amazon foothills in Colombia

The study was conducted at the Amazon Research Center CIMAZ - MACAGUAL of University Amazonia, Colombia, with a tropical rain forest climate (Af). behavior Bos taurus, indicus, and Caqueteño Creole cattle, animals were observed in paddocks three levels scattered tree cover density. pasture composed Braquiaria decumbens 35 days regrowth. Direct observations made from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 10-minute intervals between recording activities. activity performed most often during day by all grazing under sun, those who are Creole, followed indicus and, finally, taurus. Ruminating second important having presented same tendency. In low level cover, more shade; this trend is relevant among B. taurus cattle. cattle dedicate less time water consumption rest, spending grazing, high medium levels, they interrupt noon for shorter compared taurus; after 2 p.m., creoles vertiginously increase grazing. At level, peak Creoles 9 1-1:30 while pasturing noon, 1:30 4:30 breeds 11 Only average did Caquetaño present similar peak. 9-9:30 4-5 substantially reduce rumination.