Foraging Behavior of Criollo vs. Brahman x Criollo Crossbreds in the Bolivian Chaco: Case Study

Abstract

Diet selection and performance of Criollo Chaqueño and Brahman × Criollo Chaqueño were studied in three seasons in the dry forests of the Bolivian Chaco using direct observations. During the dry season (DS) and the rainy season (RS), the Criollo cattle diet consisted of a higher proportion (P < 0.05) of woody plants compared with the crossbreds, while the crossbreds included a higher proportion of grasses. Leaf litter was selected in the DS by Criollos but almost not by crossbreds (P < 0.05; 23% and < 1% of diet selection, respectively). Season (P < 0.001) had an overall effect on body weight change with a loss of weight in the DS. However, between the DS and the RS the body weight of the Criollos increased (P < 0.05), whereas it did not differ (P > 0.05) for the crossbreds. Other than for the Criollos, the body weight of the crossbreds decreased (P < 0.05) from the DS to the transition period. Especially during the DS, Criollos made more use of forage resources from shrubs and trees and thus, seem to be better adapted to year-round forest grazing compared with the crossbreds.