Estimation of the energy expenditure of the caprinos in the Santa Elena peninsula

Abstract

This study is closely related to feeding goats, weight gain and production; knowing that, for an animal to achieve good production yields a feed that covers maintenance energy requirements is necessary , after growth and weight gain or production a route was determined in units of displacement; then by using formulas of energetic measurement transform these to metabolizable energy which is a easily relatable unit with the energetic requirements of maintenance and production, 60 goats from different races were considered in this study, in which their weight and ages were recorded before forming part of the test. With the help of pedometers calibrated for use in goats, the usual route is determined. Pedometers were placed in one of his post-kneemembers, and retired after 24h, recording their movement and activities in search of food. Using Excel proceeded to the tabulation and organization of data, which were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of information, as a result of tours 5Km animal showed, aged 2.5 years average, similarly races more frequent goats were first Creole and secondly the Nubia; both breeds of animals did not differ in the way and weight, enabling use a universal way to estimate energy expenditure (0.49 kcal / kg / km) being able to determine which were involved in 24h 87,69Kcal activity.