The influence of tree nucleis on the distribution of cattle in pasture

Abstract

The present work had as objective to evaluate the influence of the tree nuclei of the Voisin
Silvipastoril system with nuclei (PRVnúcleos) on the spatial distribution of dairy cows inside
the pickets and to characterize the microclimate of three distinct regions of the picket: shaded
area around the core (SB), surrounding area of the nucleus but not shaded at the time of measurement
(ET), and picket area in full sun (SO). The work was carried out in the property of
Mr. Lauro Bloemer in the municipality of Santa Rosa de Lima -SC. For four consecutive days
a spatial distribution of the animals was recorded and microclimatic data regarding thermal
comfort animal. The results demonstrate that the PRVnucleus modified the microclimate in
the different areas of the picket making the animals preferentially remain in SB and ET. We
observed that the preference for the surroundings of the nuclei even under the sun is related
to milder climatic variables when compared to the areas of the middle of the picket in full sun.