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Individual differences in behavior affect total tract fiber digestibility: the example of collared peccary
R M Borges1, S L G Nogueira-Filho1,2, P L G Cairo1
1Laboratory of Neotropical Animal Nutrition, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rodovia Jorge Amado, km 16, Ilhéus, Bahia45662-900, Brazil.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|June 30, 2020
Summary
Individual collared peccaries exhibit distinct stress responses affecting nutrient digestibility. Calmer animals with fewer stress behaviors show improved digestion of acid detergent fiber (ADF), suggesting selection for calmness can enhance fiber digestibility.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Animal Behavior
- Nutrient Digestibility
Background:
- Variability in nutrient digestibility trials can stem from individual stress responses to novel conditions.
- The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) displays significant individual behavioral differences, making it a suitable model for studying stress and digestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of individual behavioral traits in nutrient digestibility in collared peccaries.
- To determine if behavioral distinctiveness influences the digestion of dietary fiber.
Main Methods:
- Assessed individual behavioral traits using behavioral coding and subjective ratings in 24 adult male collared peccaries.
- Recorded stress-related behaviors and reactions to challenge tests over 56 days.
- Determined nutrient digestibility, specifically acid detergent fiber (ADF), during a 26-day feeding trial with varying fiber diets.
Main Results:
- Individual calmness scores were negatively correlated with behaviors indicative of stress (BPIS/h).
- Both calmness and stress behaviors predicted total tract apparent digestibility of ADF.
- Calmer collared peccaries exhibited significantly higher ADF digestibility.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in calmness and stress behaviors significantly impact nutrient digestibility in collared peccaries.
- Selecting for calmer individuals may enhance their capacity to digest dietary fiber.
- Behavioral traits are a critical factor influencing digestive efficiency in livestock models.
