The effect of different offers shading in the dispersion of the feces of cattle in the pasture

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different shading levels on fecal distribution through pasture. Frequencies of cow and feces distribution were measured in known areas into the paddocks following a 4x4 Latin Square design and the treatments: without shading (“sun”),“unique”shading, shading by woods and diffused shading. Considering all treatments, the observed frequencies of cows and feces were statistically different from the expected frequencies by qui-square test (p< 0.01), with exception of thefrequency of feces distribution in treatment of dispersed shading. The correlations between frequency of cows and amount of feces in the same quadrant were 79%, 49%, 62%, and 3%, for treatments: sun, unique, woods, and dispersal shading, respectively. In conclusion, with no shading there was a concentration of feces around the paddock exit; within shading treatments fecal accumulation occurred under shadows or near them. When it was dispersed, shadow  proportioned higher homogenization of feces distribution, which can affect soil fertility by nutrient recycling in mid or long term.