Handling, reactivity and price of beef cattle

Given the importance of cattle breeding for the Brazilian economy, as well as the growing concern with animal welfare, studies that clearly and objectively approach the way cattle are handled during auctions become necessary. This study aims, hence, at assessing the influence of cattle handling on the reactivity of animals at the time of arrival at the exhibition park. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of reactivity and visual aspects on the price for animals atauctions in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais. We observed 241 lots of commercial and 43 lots of pedigree cattle in loco, assessing the type of handling and the cattle's behavior when arriving at the exhibition park, accommodation in the corral and loading to the destination. Upon arrival, commercial animals were more reactive than pedigree cattle due to the change of environment exhibition park as opposed to their original habitat, and also to the number of visitors who induce stress and cause the animals to retreat. Commercial and pedigree females were more reactive than males upon arrival and loading, particularly when close to their offspring. Commercial animals that scored high in aggressiveness had smaller flight zones, for they run toward fences when threatened. Young commercial animals entered the auction ring with no external help due to anxiety and restlessness. The visual aspect influences the price in virtual markets.(AU)

Handling, reactivity and price of beef cattle

Given the importance of cattle breeding for the Brazilian economy, as well as the growing concern with animal welfare, studies that clearly and objectively approach the way cattle are handled during auctions become necessary. This study aims, hence, at assessing the influence of cattle handling on the reactivity of animals at the time of arrival at the exhibition park. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of reactivity and visual aspects on the price for animals atauctions in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais. We observed 241 lots of commercial and 43 lots of pedigree cattle in loco, assessing the type of handling and the cattle's behavior when arriving at the exhibition park, accommodation in the corral and loading to the destination. Upon arrival, commercial animals were more reactive than pedigree cattle due to the change of environment – exhibition park as opposed to their original habitat, and also to the number of visitors who induce stress and cause the animals to retreat. Commercial and pedigree females were more reactive than males upon arrival and loading, particularly when close to their offspring. Commercial animals that scored high in aggressiveness had smaller flight zones, for they run toward fences when threatened. Young commercial animals entered the auction ring with no external help due to anxiety and restlessness. The visual aspect influences the price in virtual markets.

Influência do ambiente térmico no comportamento e desempenho zootécnico de suínos / Influence of the thermal environment on the behavior and performance of pigs

Os modificadores ambientais, como o uso da lâmina dágua, são frequentemente utilizados na produção de suínos, com intuito de melhorar as condições de bem-estar e consequentemente, a produção. Diante dessa consideração, buscou-se avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre o ganho de peso e o comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação em baias com e sem acesso à lâmina dágua. O trabalho foi conduzido em uma granja suinícola localizada na cidade de Nova Porteirinha, localizada na região semiárida de Minas Gerais. Para avaliar o conforto térmico dos animais utilizou-se o Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade (ITGU) e para análise do comportamento dos suínos observou-se a frequência de animais, por período avaliado, bem como, o ganho de peso. No 3º bloco os valores de ITGU foram maiores havendo menor ganho de peso médio diário. Os tratamentos resultam em diferentes respostas comportamentais, sendo o comportamento LAM mais expressivo no período da tarde. O período de avaliação mostrou influenciar na TS e em temperaturas elevadas os animais apresentam menor GPMD. A lâmina dágua não influenciou no ganho de peso dos animais, entretanto, proporcionou melhores condições de bem-estar.

Environmental modifiers, such as the use of water blade, are often used to produce pigs in order to improve welfare conditions and consequently production. In view of this consideration, we sought to evaluate the effect of the climatic environment on the weight gain and the behavior of pigs in the finishing phase in stalls with and without access to the water blade. The work was conducted in a pig farm located in the city of Nova Porteirinha, located in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais. In order to evaluate the thermal comfort of the animals, the Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (BGHI) was used to evaluate the thermal comfort of the animals and to analyze the behavior of the pigs, the number of animals performing the activity, for the period evaluated, as well as the gain of weight were observed. In the 3rd block, black globe temperature and humidity index values were higher, with lower average daily weight gain. The treatments resulted in different behavioral responses, with water blade behavior being more expressive in the afternoon. The evaluation period showed that to influence surface temperature and at high temperatures the animals presented lower daily average weight gain. The water table did not influence the animals' weight gain, however, it provided better welfare conditions.

Influência do ambiente térmico no comportamento e desempenho zootécnico de suínos / Influence of the thermal environment on the behavior and performance of pigs

Os modificadores ambientais, como o uso da lâmina dágua, são frequentemente utilizados na produção de suínos, com intuito de melhorar as condições de bem-estar e consequentemente, a produção. Diante dessa consideração, buscou-se avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre o ganho de peso e o comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação em baias com e sem acesso à lâmina dágua. O trabalho foi conduzido em uma granja suinícola localizada na cidade de Nova Porteirinha, localizada na região semiárida de Minas Gerais. Para avaliar o conforto térmico dos animais utilizou-se o Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade (ITGU) e para análise do comportamento dos suínos observou-se a frequência de animais, por período avaliado, bem como, o ganho de peso. No 3º bloco os valores de ITGU foram maiores havendo menor ganho de peso médio diário. Os tratamentos resultam em diferentes respostas comportamentais, sendo o comportamento LAM mais expressivo no período da tarde. O período de avaliação mostrou influenciar na TS e em temperaturas elevadas os animais apresentam menor GPMD. A lâmina dágua não influenciou no ganho de peso dos animais, entretanto, proporcionou melhores condições de bem-estar.(AU)

Environmental modifiers, such as the use of water blade, are often used to produce pigs in order to improve welfare conditions and consequently production. In view of this consideration, we sought to evaluate the effect of the climatic environment on the weight gain and the behavior of pigs in the finishing phase in stalls with and without access to the water blade. The work was conducted in a pig farm located in the city of Nova Porteirinha, located in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais. In order to evaluate the thermal comfort of the animals, the Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (BGHI) was used to evaluate the thermal comfort of the animals and to analyze the behavior of the pigs, the number of animals performing the activity, for the period evaluated, as well as the gain of weight were observed. In the 3rd block, black globe temperature and humidity index values were higher, with lower average daily weight gain. The treatments resulted in different behavioral responses, with water blade behavior being more expressive in the afternoon. The evaluation period showed that to influence surface temperature and at high temperatures the animals presented lower daily average weight gain. The water table did not influence the animals' weight gain, however, it provided better welfare conditions.(AU)

Physiological alteration of swine matrices created in the climatic semiarid conditions of Minas Gerais / Alterações fisiológicas de matrizes suínas criadas nas condições climáticas do semiárido mineiro

Assim como se verifica em todo o território brasileiro, a região Norte de Minas cresce de forma significativa na produção de suínos, entretanto devido as altas temperaturas ao longo do ano, a região tem seu potencial de produção prejudicado. Diante isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos de matrizes suínas antes e após o parto. O experimento foi conduzido na Granja Araújo, localizada no Projeto Gorutuba, no município de Nova Porteirinha (MG). Foram utilizados seis animais, sendo 4 matrizes da linhagem comercial DB e 2 matrizes Agroceres. Nesta granja as matrizes ficam alojadas em baias individuais. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas na sala de maternidade, por meio do uso de 2 data loggers, instalados na altura dos animais, permitindo a caracterização das seguintes variáveis climáticas: temperatura de bulbo seco (Ts), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de ponto de orvalho (Tpo) e temperatura de globo negro (Tg). Os parâmetros fisiológicos foram caracterizados por meio da temperatura retal, frequência respiratória, batimento cardíaco e temperatura corporal. A coleta de dados ocorreu às 8:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 e 17:00h. Os valores das variáveis climáticas, do ITGU (Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade) e dos parâmetros fisiológicos foram avaliados por meio de médias horárias semanais.(AU)

The swine breeding in the Minas Gerais semiarid has an initial characterization, but there are prospects for growth, however due to the high temperatures verified throughout the year, production is reduced. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the climatic environment on the physiological parameters of swine matrices before and after farrowing. The experiment was carried out in a representative swine breeding farm located in the region of the Gorutuba Project, in Nova Porteirinha city, MG. Six swine matrices housed in individual bays were used. The climatic variables, air temperature, relative air humidity, dew point temperature and black globe temperature were monitored through the use of two dataloggers. The physiological parameters evaluated were: body surface temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature. The environmental and physiological variables were collected at 8am, 11am, 01pm, 03pm and 05pm. Data was submitted to analysis of variance, and when significant were submitted to the Tukey test at 5% probability for comparison between the means. With the data collected, it was observed that between 01pm and 05pm h and during the post-partum period, the animals were exposed to the thermal discomfort of the environment, being the responsible factor for the alteration in the respiratory rate, especially when associated with the ingestion of foods. The mean values (p<0.05) of body and rectal surface temperature were higher in the postpartum period, but did not express thermal discomfort of the swine matrices. The raising of these animals in the semiarid Minas Gerais is possible; however, it is necessary to adopt measures such as the use of ventilators and the use of curtains to minimize the animals caloric stress.(AU)

F1 Holstein x Zebu Cows in late pregnancy show physiological adaptation when raised in semiarid environment / Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação apresentam adaptação fisiológica quando criadas no ambiente semiárido

This study aimed to verify the adaptability of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows during the late pregnancy third, raised in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, by means of physiological responses. A total of ten cows were used, all in fourth pregnancy. To characterize the climatic environment, daily collections of air temperature, air relative humidity and wind speed were carried out to enable the calculation of the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI) and Radiant Thermal Load (RTL). The physiological parameters analyzed were: respiratory frequency, rectal temperature and surface body temperature, at 10 am and 3 pm. The adaptability tests used were Heat Tolerance Index (HTI) and Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC). The climatic environment was out of thermal comfort in the afternoon. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) for the values of the physiological parameters. However, these responses were within the comfort range recommended for crossbred animals. The adaptability tests confirmed that the animals show adaptation to the semiarid environment of Minas Gerais, showing differences (p < 0.05) on HTC between 10 am (2.52) and 3 pm (2.64), and the HTI showed an average of 9.64, a value that is very close to the index 10. It is concluded that the F1 Holstein x Zebu cows in the late pregnancy third are adapted to the climate in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, by not [...]

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a adaptabilidade de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação, criadas no semiárido mineiro, por meio das respostas fisiológicas. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas, todas de quarta gestação. Para caracterizar o ambiente climático foram realizadas coletas diárias de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento, para possibilitar o cálculo do Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU) e da Carga Térmica Radiante (CTR). Os parâmetros fisiológicos analisados foram: frequência respiratória, temperatura retal e temperatura da superfície corporal, às 10:00 e 15:00 horas. Os testes de adaptabilidade utilizados foram: Índice de tolerância ao calor (ITC) e coeficiente de tolerância ao calor (CTC). O ambiente climático esteve fora das condições de conforto térmico no período da tarde. Houve diferença significativa (p < 0,05) para os valores de parâmetros fisiológicos, contudo, essas respostas estiveram dentro da faixa de conforto recomendados para animais mestiços. Os testes de adaptabilidade confirmaram que os animais apresentam adaptação ao ambiente do semiárido mineiro, apresentando diferenças (p < 0,05), de CTC entre o horário das 10:00 h (2,52) e 15:00 h (2,64), e o ITC apresentou uma média de 9,64, valor aproximado do índice 10. Conclui-se que, as vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação são adaptadas ao [...]

F1 Holstein x Zebu Cows in late pregnancy show physiological adaptation when raised in semiarid environment / Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação apresentam adaptação fisiológica quando criadas no ambiente semiárido

This study aimed to verify the adaptability of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows during the late pregnancy third, raised in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, by means of physiological responses. A total of ten cows were used, all in fourth pregnancy. To characterize the climatic environment, daily collections of air temperature, air relative humidity and wind speed were carried out to enable the calculation of the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI) and Radiant Thermal Load (RTL). The physiological parameters analyzed were: respiratory frequency, rectal temperature and surface body temperature, at 10 am and 3 pm. The adaptability tests used were Heat Tolerance Index (HTI) and Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC). The climatic environment was out of thermal comfort in the afternoon. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) for the values of the physiological parameters. However, these responses were within the comfort range recommended for crossbred animals. The adaptability tests confirmed that the animals show adaptation to the semiarid environment of Minas Gerais, showing differences (p < 0.05) on HTC between 10 am (2.52) and 3 pm (2.64), and the HTI showed an average of 9.64, a value that is very close to the index 10. It is concluded that the F1 Holstein x Zebu cows in the late pregnancy third are adapted to the climate in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, by not [...](AU)

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a adaptabilidade de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação, criadas no semiárido mineiro, por meio das respostas fisiológicas. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas, todas de quarta gestação. Para caracterizar o ambiente climático foram realizadas coletas diárias de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento, para possibilitar o cálculo do Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU) e da Carga Térmica Radiante (CTR). Os parâmetros fisiológicos analisados foram: frequência respiratória, temperatura retal e temperatura da superfície corporal, às 10:00 e 15:00 horas. Os testes de adaptabilidade utilizados foram: Índice de tolerância ao calor (ITC) e coeficiente de tolerância ao calor (CTC). O ambiente climático esteve fora das condições de conforto térmico no período da tarde. Houve diferença significativa (p < 0,05) para os valores de parâmetros fisiológicos, contudo, essas respostas estiveram dentro da faixa de conforto recomendados para animais mestiços. Os testes de adaptabilidade confirmaram que os animais apresentam adaptação ao ambiente do semiárido mineiro, apresentando diferenças (p < 0,05), de CTC entre o horário das 10:00 h (2,52) e 15:00 h (2,64), e o ITC apresentou uma média de 9,64, valor aproximado do índice 10. Conclui-se que, as vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu no terço final de gestação são adaptadas ao [...](AU)