The adoption of good practices of handling improves dairy calves welfare: Case study

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the adoption of a set of good practices of handling on dairy calves welfare. Data were retrieved from the records of a commercial farm, considering three periods: Conventional handling (CH, 12 mo.), transitional period (TP, 4 mo.), and good practices handling (GPH, 12 mo.). During CH calves were kept in individual pens, milk-fed in open pails and subjected to abrupt weaning; while during TP and GPH they were kept in groups, milk-fed in nipple-pails, brushed for 5 min. once a day, and subjected to progressive weaning. TP was assumed as a training period necessary for GPH implementation. The percentages of calves treated with antibiotics and numbers of deaths per month were used as indicators of calves welfare. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to compare the number of deaths per month between CH and the other periods. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of animals treatedwith antibiotics per month. Results showed that CH had a higher risk of calf's death then TP and GPH, as well as a higher percentage of animals treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, the adoption of good practices of handling improved dairy calves welfare.(AU)

The adoption of good practices of handling improves dairy calves welfare: Case study

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the adoption of a set of good practices of handling on dairy calves welfare. Data were retrieved from the records of a commercial farm, considering three periods: Conventional handling (CH, 12 mo.), transitional period (TP, 4 mo.), and good practices handling (GPH, 12 mo.). During CH calves were kept in individual pens, milk-fed in open pails and subjected to abrupt weaning; while during TP and GPH they were kept in groups, milk-fed in nipple-pails, brushed for 5 min. once a day, and subjected to progressive weaning. TP was assumed as a training period necessary for GPH implementation. The percentages of calves treated with antibiotics and numbers of deaths per month were used as indicators of calves welfare. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to compare the number of deaths per month between CH and the other periods. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of animals treatedwith antibiotics per month. Results showed that CH had a higher risk of calf's death then TP and GPH, as well as a higher percentage of animals treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, the adoption of good practices of handling improved dairy calves welfare.

Efectos de la interacción humano-animal en el bienestar de rumiantes lecheros: una revisión / Effects of human-animal interactions on the welfare of dairy ruminants: a review / Efeitos da interação humano-animal no bem-estar de ruminantes leiteiros: uma revisão

O bem-estar dos animais de produção vem recebendo crescente atenção à medida que os consumidores têm se mostrado mais preocupados com a maneira como os animais de produção são tratados. Nesse sentido, a interação humano-animal tem importância na produção agropecuária, pois a preocupação com o bem-estar animal está diretamente relacionada à melhoria na rotina de manejo das fazendas. Além disso, é comprovado cientificamente que a relação humano-animal tem potencial para causar impactos positivos ou negativos na produtividade e no bem-estar das diferentes espécies dos animais de produção. Dessa maneira, a relação entre a interação humano-animal e o bem-estar dos animais de produção leiteira são discutidos nessa revisão, com o propósito de mostrar a importância da implantação das boas práticas no manejo de ruminantes leiteiros.

The welfare of farm animals has been receiving increasingly attention from consumers, as they have been more concerned about the way that farm animals are treated. In this sense, human-animal interaction has an important role in livestock production, since the concern about farm animal welfare is directly related to the improvement in the farm management routines. Additionally, it is scientifically proven that the human-animal relationship has the potential to cause positive or negative impacts on the productivity and welfare of farm animals. The relationship between human-animal interaction and the welfare of dairy ruminants is addressed in this review, with the purpose of showing the importance of implementing good practices of handling of dairy ruminants.

El bienestar de los animales recibe cada vez más atención por los consumidores, que están preocupados por cómo los animales de producción son tratados. En este sentido, la interacción humano-animal es importante en la producción ganadera, ya que la preocupación con el bienestar animal está directamente relacionada con la mejora en la rutina de manejo de las granjas. Además, está científicamente comprobado que la relación humano-animal tiene un impacto en la productividad y el bienestar de las diferentes especies de animales de producción. Por lo tanto, tratamos de discutir la relación entre la interacción humano-animal y el bienestar de los animales de producción de leche en esta revisión, con el objetivo de mostrar la importancia de la implementación de buenas prácticas de manejo en los sistemas de producción ganadera.

Efectos de la interacción humano-animal en el bienestar de rumiantes lecheros: una revisión / Effects of human-animal interactions on the welfare of dairy ruminants: a review / Efeitos da interação humano-animal no bem-estar de ruminantes leiteiros: uma revisão

O bem-estar dos animais de produção vem recebendo crescente atenção à medida que os consumidores têm se mostrado mais preocupados com a maneira como os animais de produção são tratados. Nesse sentido, a interação humano-animal tem importância na produção agropecuária, pois a preocupação com o bem-estar animal está diretamente relacionada à melhoria na rotina de manejo das fazendas. Além disso, é comprovado cientificamente que a relação humano-animal tem potencial para causar impactos positivos ou negativos na produtividade e no bem-estar das diferentes espécies dos animais de produção. Dessa maneira, a relação entre a interação humano-animal e o bem-estar dos animais de produção leiteira são discutidos nessa revisão, com o propósito de mostrar a importância da implantação das boas práticas no manejo de ruminantes leiteiros.(AU)

The welfare of farm animals has been receiving increasingly attention from consumers, as they have been more concerned about the way that farm animals are treated. In this sense, human-animal interaction has an important role in livestock production, since the concern about farm animal welfare is directly related to the improvement in the farm management routines. Additionally, it is scientifically proven that the human-animal relationship has the potential to cause positive or negative impacts on the productivity and welfare of farm animals. The relationship between human-animal interaction and the welfare of dairy ruminants is addressed in this review, with the purpose of showing the importance of implementing good practices of handling of dairy ruminants.(AU)

El bienestar de los animales recibe cada vez más atención por los consumidores, que están preocupados por cómo los animales de producción son tratados. En este sentido, la interacción humano-animal es importante en la producción ganadera, ya que la preocupación con el bienestar animal está directamente relacionada con la mejora en la rutina de manejo de las granjas. Además, está científicamente comprobado que la relación humano-animal tiene un impacto en la productividad y el bienestar de las diferentes especies de animales de producción. Por lo tanto, tratamos de discutir la relación entre la interacción humano-animal y el bienestar de los animales de producción de leche en esta revisión, con el objetivo de mostrar la importancia de la implementación de buenas prácticas de manejo en los sistemas de producción ganadera.(AU)

Percepção de ordenhadores sobre a interação-humano animal em fazendas leiteiras / Perception of stockpeople about the human-animal interactions in dairy farms

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção dos ordenhadores em relação às suas interações com as vacas leiteiras. A interação humano-animal foi classificada segundo a adoção de ações positivas (interações táteis agradáveis, escovação do pelo e presença enquanto os animais se alimentam) e negativas durante o manejo (gritos, ruído intenso durante a ordenha, batidas, uso de objetos impróprios para condução das vacas, como ferrões e paus). Foram entrevistados 55 ordenhadores, de 37 propriedades rurais, por meio de um questionário compreendendo 17 perguntas. A grande maioria (90,9%) dos ordenhadores demonstrou ter noção de que praticas negativas direcionadas às vacas no momento da ordenha podem aumentar o leite residual. No entanto, a maioria (mais de 80%) também declarou praticar algum tipo de ação negativa e, pelo menos, 30% deles declarou utilizar estas praticas mesmo sabendo que podem ser prejudiciais aos animais. O nível geral de saber dos ordenhadores variou em função do sistema de produção (P = 0,051), da raça do animal (P = 0,005), do tipo de ordenha em que trabalhavam (P = 0,005) e do sexo do ordenhador (P = 0,048). De modo geral, a percepção dos ordenhadores sobre suas ações durante o manejo foi considerada inadequada, refletindo um nível de conhecimento insuficiente para que apliquem boas praticas de manejo e de bem-estar das vacas leiteiras. Tais resultados alertam para a necessidade de treinamento desta importante categoria de trabalhadores com relação ao comportamento e boas praticas de manejo de vacas leiteiras.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of stockpeople about their interactions with dairy cows. The human-animal interactions were classified according to the adoption of positive (gentle tactile interaction, brushing and presence while animals fed) and negative actions during handling (shouting, loud noise during milking sessions, beats, and improper use of objects to drive the cows). Interviews were applied to 55 stockpearsons, who worked at 37 dairy farms, using a questionnaire composedof 17 questions. The vast majority of the stockpearsons (90.9%) have shown a notion that negative practices toward the cows during milking should increase residual milk. However, most of them (over 80%) also reported practicing some type of negative action, and at least 30% declared to use these practices even knowing their harmful effects to animals. The general level of knowledge of stockpearsons varied according to the production system (P = 0.051), animal breed (P =0.005), type of milking system of the farm (P = 0.005) and their sex (P = 0.048). In general, the perception of stockpearsons about their actions during handling was considered inadequate, reflecting a low level of understanding to perform good practices of handling and animal welfare. These results emphasize the need of professional training for this important category of worker in relation to behavior and good handling practices for dairy cows.

Gently handled foals generalize responses to humans

Equines perform tasks along humans, and there are evidencesand controversies that they are able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans. This study assessed whether foals can discriminate between humans in terms of familiarity and human experience in equine handling. Daily, in the first two weeks of life, 30 foals went through a short section of gentle handling. After about four months, a human forced approach test was carried out by 4 evaluators varying in the familiarity aspect and experience with equine handling. Data wassubmitted to the McNemartest (P<0.05). In 66.7% of the assessments, the foals accepted the human approach, and among the positive cases, 60.0% were characterized by seeking contact with the evaluators. Among the foals that accepted the human approach, 97.5% also accepted tactilestimulation. No differences were found regarding the familiarity of the evaluators (P>0.05) or their experience in equine handling (P>0.05). The individual variation was evident, which indicates that we must work with personalized training techniques, in which the behaviorof each individual is the main factor to be considered. Our results show that the adoption of good handling practices with foals favoredtheir relationship with humans, and it is possible to assume that such practices can improve animal welfare, as well as the safety of the humans that will have contact with them in the future.(AU)

Percepção de ordenhadores sobre a interação-humano animal em fazendas leiteiras / Perception of stockpeople about the human-animal interactions in dairy farms

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção dos ordenhadores em relação às suas interações com as vacas leiteiras. A interação humano-animal foi classificada segundo a adoção de ações positivas (interações táteis agradáveis, escovação do pelo e presença enquanto os animais se alimentam) e negativas durante o manejo (gritos, ruído intenso durante a ordenha, batidas, uso de objetos impróprios para condução das vacas, como ferrões e paus). Foram entrevistados 55 ordenhadores, de 37 propriedades rurais, por meio de um questionário compreendendo 17 perguntas. A grande maioria (90,9%) dos ordenhadores demonstrou ter noção de que praticas negativas direcionadas às vacas no momento da ordenha podem aumentar o leite residual. No entanto, a maioria (mais de 80%) também declarou praticar algum tipo de ação negativa e, pelo menos, 30% deles declarou utilizar estas praticas mesmo sabendo que podem ser prejudiciais aos animais. O nível geral de saber dos ordenhadores variou em função do sistema de produção (P = 0,051), da raça do animal (P = 0,005), do tipo de ordenha em que trabalhavam (P = 0,005) e do sexo do ordenhador (P = 0,048). De modo geral, a percepção dos ordenhadores sobre suas ações durante o manejo foi considerada inadequada, refletindo um nível de conhecimento insuficiente para que apliquem boas praticas de manejo e de bem-estar das vacas leiteiras. Tais resultados alertam para a necessidade de treinamento desta importante categoria de trabalhadores com relação ao comportamento e boas praticas de manejo de vacas leiteiras.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of stockpeople about their interactions with dairy cows. The human-animal interactions were classified according to the adoption of positive (gentle tactile interaction, brushing and presence while animals fed) and negative actions during handling (shouting, loud noise during milking sessions, beats, and improper use of objects to drive the cows). Interviews were applied to 55 stockpearsons, who worked at 37 dairy farms, using a questionnaire composedof 17 questions. The vast majority of the stockpearsons (90.9%) have shown a notion that negative practices toward the cows during milking should increase residual milk. However, most of them (over 80%) also reported practicing some type of negative action, and at least 30% declared to use these practices even knowing their harmful effects to animals. The general level of knowledge of stockpearsons varied according to the production system (P = 0.051), animal breed (P =0.005), type of milking system of the farm (P = 0.005) and their sex (P = 0.048). In general, the perception of stockpearsons about their actions during handling was considered inadequate, reflecting a low level of understanding to perform good practices of handling and animal welfare. These results emphasize the need of professional training for this important category of worker in relation to behavior and good handling practices for dairy cows.(AU)

Gently handled foals generalize responses to humans

Equines perform tasks along humans, and there are evidencesand controversies that they are able to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans. This study assessed whether foals can discriminate between humans in terms of familiarity and human experience in equine handling. Daily, in the first two weeks of life, 30 foals went through a short section of gentle handling. After about four months, a human forced approach test was carried out by 4 evaluators varying in the familiarity aspect and experience with equine handling. Data wassubmitted to the McNemartest (P0.05) or their experience in equine handling (P>0.05). The individual variation was evident, which indicates that we must work with personalized training techniques, in which the behaviorof each individual is the main factor to be considered. Our results show that the adoption of good handling practices with foals favoredtheir relationship with humans, and it is possible to assume that such practices can improve animal welfare, as well as the safety of the humans that will have contact with them in the future.

Indicators of land use by cattle: associations among methods and role of environmental factors / Indicadores de uso do espaço por bovinos: associação entre métodos e o papel de fatores ambientais

The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations among direct and indirect indicators of land use by cattle and to understand the role of some environmental factors on the definition of these indicators. The study was carried out in two areas, Nature Reserve (63.6 ha) and Private Area (30.4 ha), with 53 Hereford animals in each area. Daytime observations of animals location were used as direct indicator of land use; while cattle track and dung pat distributions throughout the areas were used as indirect indicators. Environmental characteristics recorded were: terrain slope, prevalence of woody vegetation cover (forests, isolated tress and open grasslands), as well as the position of fences, water sources and salt blocks. Spatial correlations among the three indicators of land use were low (r 0.30). The environmental factors had lower predictive power of animals sightings distribution, followed by cattle tracks, and the highest predictive power occurred for dung pat distribution. We concluded that each one of the methods evaluated in this study addresses a different aspect of land use by cattle. The environmental factors assessed were useful to predict the dung pat distribution, but less valuable to predict the cattle tracks and animals sightings distributions.

Este estudo foi realizado para investigar as associações entre indicadores diretos e indiretos do uso do espaço por bovinos, além de avaliar o papel de algumas características ambientais na definição desses indicadores. O estudo foi conduzido em duas áreas, denominadas Nature Reserve (63,6 ha) e Private Area (30,4 ha), com 53 bovinos da raça Hereford em cada área. Observações comportamentais foram utilizadas como indicador direto do uso do espaço, enquanto as distribuições de trilhas feitas pelo gado e de placas de fezes foram utilizadas como indicadores indiretos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram: declividade, tipo de cobertura vegetal (florestas, pastagem com árvores isoladas, áreas abertas de pastagem), posição de cercas, fontes de água e sal. As correlações espaciais entre os três indicadores de uso do espaço foram baixas (r < 0,30). As características do ambiente tiveram baixo poder de predição da distribuição espacial dos animais, seguido pela distribuição das trilhas e maior para as placas de fezes. Concluímos que cada um dos métodos avaliados aborda um aspecto diferente do uso do espaço pelos bovinos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram úteis para predizer apenas a distribuição das placas de fezes, sendo menos úteis no caso das trilhas e observações diretas dos animais.

Indicators of land use by cattle: associations among methods and role of environmental factors / Indicadores de uso do espaço por bovinos: associação entre métodos e o papel de fatores ambientais

The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations among direct and indirect indicators of land use by cattle and to understand the role of some environmental factors on the definition of these indicators. The study was carried out in two areas, Nature Reserve (63.6 ha) and Private Area (30.4 ha), with 53 Hereford animals in each area. Daytime observations of animals location were used as direct indicator of land use; while cattle track and dung pat distributions throughout the areas were used as indirect indicators. Environmental characteristics recorded were: terrain slope, prevalence of woody vegetation cover (forests, isolated tress and open grasslands), as well as the position of fences, water sources and salt blocks. Spatial correlations among the three indicators of land use were low (r 0.30). The environmental factors had lower predictive power of animals sightings distribution, followed by cattle tracks, and the highest predictive power occurred for dung pat distribution. We concluded that each one of the methods evaluated in this study addresses a different aspect of land use by cattle. The environmental factors assessed were useful to predict the dung pat distribution, but less valuable to predict the cattle tracks and animals sightings distributions. 

Este estudo foi realizado para investigar as associações entre indicadores diretos e indiretos do uso do espaço por bovinos, além de avaliar o papel de algumas características ambientais na definição desses indicadores. O estudo foi conduzido em duas áreas, denominadas Nature Reserve (63,6 ha) e Private Area (30,4 ha), com 53 bovinos da raça Hereford em cada área. Observações comportamentais foram utilizadas como indicador direto do uso do espaço, enquanto as distribuições de trilhas feitas pelo gado e de placas de fezes foram utilizadas como indicadores indiretos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram: declividade, tipo de cobertura vegetal (florestas, pastagem com árvores isoladas, áreas abertas de pastagem), posição de cercas, fontes de água e sal. As correlações espaciais entre os três indicadores de uso do espaço foram baixas (r < 0,30). As características do ambiente tiveram baixo poder de predição da distribuição espacial dos animais, seguido pela distribuição das trilhas e maior para as placas de fezes. Concluímos que cada um dos métodos avaliados aborda um aspecto diferente do uso do espaço pelos bovinos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram úteis para predizer apenas a distribuição das placas de fezes, sendo menos úteis no caso das trilhas e observações diretas dos animais.(AU)

Tempo de jejum dos suínos no manejo pré-abate sobre a perda de peso corporal, o peso do conteúdo estomacal e a incidência de úlcera esofágica-gástrica / Relation of fasting time during pre-slaughter management to weight loss, weight of stomach contents and incidence of gastric ulcer in pigs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do tempo de jejum (9, 12, 15 e 18 horas) dos animais na granja (TJG) e da posição na carroceria do caminhão (PBO) durante o transporte da granja ao frigorífico sobre: a perda de peso corporal (PPC), o peso do estômago cheio (PEC) e vazio (PEV), o peso do conteúdo estomacal (PCE) e o escore de lesão na mucosa esofágica-gástrica (ELG). Foram utilizadas 192 fêmeas, com peso vivo médio de 134,51±11,80kg. No modelo, foram considerados os efeitos de bloco (estação do ano, BL), TJG, PBO e da interação entre BL x TJG. Verificou-se efeito significativo do TJG apenas sobre o peso do conteúdo estomacal. Não se observou efeito significativo da PBO sobre qualquer das variáveis avaliadas. Dos suínos avaliados, 90,3 por cento apresentaram PEC menor que 500 gramas e 8,56 por cento com PEC entre 500 e 800 gramas. A prevalência de suíno com ELG foi baixa (14,97 por cento), sendo que, dos animais com ELG, 13,90 por cento apresentaram lesão de grau 1 e 1,09 por cento eram grau dois. Conclui-se que animais submetidos a jejum na granja de 15 horas apresentam menor peso do conteúdo estomacal ao abate.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time period (9, 12, 15 and 18 hours) at the farm (TJG) and the pig's position in the lorry's livestock compartment (PBO) during the transport from the farm to the processing plant on: body weight loss (PPC), weight of stomach (full= PEC and empty= PEV), weight of stomach contents (PCE), and incidence of gastric ulcer (ELG). A total of 192 females with average 34.51±11.80kg of body weigh were used. The statistical model considered the effects of: block (season, BL), TJG, PBO and the interaction between BL and TJG. There was a significant effect of TJG only on stomach content. There was no effect of PBO on any of the evaluated variables. A PEC inferior to 500g was observed in 90.3 percent of the animals, while 8.56 percent of the pigs presented PEC between 500 and 800g. Incidence of ELG was low (14.97 percent), and among the ELG animals, 13.90 percent showed grade 1 lesion, and 1.09 percent grade two lesion. As a conclusion, pigs submitted to a fasting period of 15 hours have less stomach contents at the processing.(AU)

Aspectos genéticos do comportamento de vacas jersey em pastagens

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