Behavior of swine hosted in facilities with different construction typologies

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of pigs housed in facilities with different building typologies in terms of the floor and partitions. Two treatments were compared: a pen containing an area with a depth of water, and a pen floor with leaked on the sides. Data on swine behavior were collected over seven days, and the pigs positions (standing, sitting, and lying down) and activities (eating, drinking, digging, interacting, walking and idling) were observed for five animals in each pen. Data were collected via visual measurement every 10 minutes and an ethogram was constructed. Measurements of environmental data were taken (dry bulb temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity), and were used to calculate the black globe temperature and humidity index. Although the pens showed differences in terms of the dry bulb temperature, this temperature can be considered thermoneutral for creation in the growth and termination phases. Animals housed in the pens with an area of water depth stood for longer, possibly due to the environmental enrichment caused by the presence of the water slide.(AU)

Behavior of swine hosted in facilities with different construction typologies

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of pigs housed in facilities with different building typologies in terms of the floor and partitions. Two treatments were compared: a pen containing an area with a depth of water, and a pen floor with leaked on the sides. Data on swine behavior were collected over seven days, and the pigs’ positions (standing, sitting, and lying down) and activities (eating, drinking, digging, interacting, walking and idling) were observed for five animals in each pen. Data were collected via visual measurement every 10 minutes and an ethogram was constructed. Measurements of environmental data were taken (dry bulb temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity), and were used to calculate the black globe temperature and humidity index. Although the pens showed differences in terms of the dry bulb temperature, this temperature can be considered thermoneutral for creation in the growth and termination phases. Animals housed in the pens with an area of water depth stood for longer, possibly due to the environmental enrichment caused by the presence of the water slide.

Welfare in pig housing - brazilian and portuguese legislation

The Animal welfare is conditional on well-planned and well-managed exploitation, since the management of the animals strongly influences their behavior, their productivity and, consequently, the yield and quality of the final product. In this study, an investigative review was carried out of the literature, governmental databases and main institutions relating to animal welfare, seeking to highlight and discuss differences in legislation between Brazil and Portugal, in view of the interest and concern of the scientific community and the consumer market in relation to methods used for animal production. In Brazil, there is no specific legislation on the welfare of pigs and other related legislation is used as a basis. However, Portugal has more specific legislation on the subject. Considering the dissemination of knowledge and the growing concern with animal welfare in the European consumer market, it is noted that the need for its application standards that ensure animal welfare in production/breeding, possibly becoming a basic requirement in the coming years. However, Brazilian pig farms, like all other animal production activities, are still lacking specific legislation that is appropriate for Brazil, which ends up delaying the effective practice of welfare in productions, abstaining from the population of information about the activity. New studies are needed to ascertain the necessity and applicability of the legislation, and whether the legislation is effective in improving animal welfare or serves only to increase bureaucracy.(AU)

Welfare in pig housing - brazilian and portuguese legislation

The Animal welfare is conditional on well-planned and well-managed exploitation, since the management of the animals strongly influences their behavior, their productivity and, consequently, the yield and quality of the final product. In this study, an investigative review was carried out of the literature, governmental databases and main institutions relating to animal welfare, seeking to highlight and discuss differences in legislation between Brazil and Portugal, in view of the interest and concern of the scientific community and the consumer market in relation to methods used for animal production. In Brazil, there is no specific legislation on the welfare of pigs and other related legislation is used as a basis. However, Portugal has more specific legislation on the subject. Considering the dissemination of knowledge and the growing concern with animal welfare in the European consumer market, it is noted that the need for its application standards that ensure animal welfare in production/breeding, possibly becoming a basic requirement in the coming years. However, Brazilian pig farms, like all other animal production activities, are still lacking specific legislation that is appropriate for Brazil, which ends up delaying the effective practice of welfare in productions, abstaining from the population of information about the activity. New studies are needed to ascertain the necessity and applicability of the legislation, and whether the legislation is effective in improving animal welfare or serves only to increase bureaucracy.

Thermo-acoustic environment of a pig farm facility with different superimposed bed materials

The objective of this work was to compare different bedding materials in swine production systems by evaluating noise and thermal environment indexes. The experiment was performed during June and July, in the finishing phase, in a pig farm facility using superimposed beds. Three treatments were compared: superimposed beds comprised of shavings + sugarcane bagasse (S + B), superimposed bed comprised of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and superimposed bed comprised of shavings (SHA); there was a concrete floor underneath all beds. Thermal comfort was evaluated by means of the black globe temperature (BGTI), temperature humidity index (THI), thermal radiation charge (TRC) and enthalpy (h) of the environment. The average noise level (dB) was also calculated. Significant differences between the BGHI means were observed between the evaluated treatments. The highest BGHI values occurred for treatment (S + B) in most time periods in relation to the other treatments. The lowest BGHI values were observed in the morning and evening, while the highest values occurred between 11:00 am and 03:00 pm. There was no significant difference between the treatments for the enthalpy values. The highest noise values were observed in treatment (SHA). However, in all treatments, noise remained below the levels recommended by the norm (NR- 15). The system with superimposed beds comprised by shavings provided highest thermal comfort for the animals in the finishing phase.(AU)

Thermo-acoustic environment of a pig farm facility with different superimposed bed materials

The objective of this work was to compare different bedding materials in swine production systems by evaluating noise and thermal environment indexes. The experiment was performed during June and July, in the finishing phase, in a pig farm facility using superimposed beds. Three treatments were compared: superimposed beds comprised of shavings + sugarcane bagasse (S + B), superimposed bed comprised of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and superimposed bed comprised of shavings (SHA); there was a concrete floor underneath all beds. Thermal comfort was evaluated by means of the black globe temperature (BGTI), temperature humidity index (THI), thermal radiation charge (TRC) and enthalpy (h) of the environment. The average noise level (dB) was also calculated. Significant differences between the BGHI means were observed between the evaluated treatments. The highest BGHI values occurred for treatment (S + B) in most time periods in relation to the other treatments. The lowest BGHI values were observed in the morning and evening, while the highest values occurred between 11:00 am and 03:00 pm. There was no significant difference between the treatments for the enthalpy values. The highest noise values were observed in treatment (SHA). However, in all treatments, noise remained below the levels recommended by the norm (NR- 15). The system with superimposed beds comprised by shavings provided highest thermal comfort for the animals in the finishing phase.

Thermal environment in growing and finishing pig facilities of different building typologies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of growing and finishing pigs affected by the different constructive typologies of the installations regarding the floor and lateral partitions. Were evaluated the following pen types: pen with water pit, pen with partially slotted floor on the sides, and pen with partially slotted floor on the sides and in the center of the facilities. The following thermal variables were measured: dry bulb temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity. Based on these data, the temperature and humidity index, the temperature index of the globe and humidity, and the specific enthalpy were calculated. The pen with a water pit showed higher average relative air humidity and lower black globe temperature compared to the other pens. In the hottest period of the day, the temperature index of the globe and humidity presented mean values above that recommended for adult pigs, although there were no differences between pens. This indicates that animals, irrespective of the type of pen used, have suffered from thermal stress, which most likely affected their performance.(AU)

Thermal environment in growing and finishing pig facilities of different building typologies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of growing and finishing pigs affected by the different constructive typologies of the installations regarding the floor and lateral partitions. Were evaluated the following pen types: pen with water pit, pen with partially slotted floor on the sides, and pen with partially slotted floor on the sides and in the center of the facilities. The following thermal variables were measured: dry bulb temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity. Based on these data, the temperature and humidity index, the temperature index of the globe and humidity, and the specific enthalpy were calculated. The pen with a water pit showed higher average relative air humidity and lower black globe temperature compared to the other pens. In the hottest period of the day, the temperature index of the globe and humidity presented mean values above that recommended for adult pigs, although there were no differences between pens. This indicates that animals, irrespective of the type of pen used, have suffered from thermal stress, which most likely affected their performance.

Injury scores and locomotor disorders of Holstein cows in a free-stall facility with different beds / Escore de lesões e transtornos de locomoção de vacas Holandesas em instalações free-stall com diferentes tipos de cama

The aim of the present study was to evaluate hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders in 36 multiparous Holstein cows confined in a free-stall model system with two types of beds at Embrapa Dairy Cattle in the city of Coronel Pacheco / MG. Rubber composite beds and sand beds were compared and the hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders were assessed for severity scores. There was no difference between the scores or hock lesions observed at the beginning and end of the trial period for knee injuries in both beds. The two beds offer the same conditions of comfort, injury rates, and hull health, at least in the short term.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar lesões de jarrete e joelho e transtornos de locomoção em 36 vacas Holandesas multíparas confinadas em sistema modelo free-stall com dois tipos de camas, na Embrapa Gado de Leite do município de Coronel Pacheco/MG. Empregaram-se camas de borracha composta e camas de areia. As lesões de jarrete e joelho e transtornos de locomoção foram avaliados em escores de gravidade. Observou-se que não houve diferença entre os escores observados no início e ao final do período experimental para as lesões de joelho em ambos os materiais de cama, o mesmo foi observado para lesões de jarrete, em animais alojados sobre cama de areia. As lesões se mantiveram com os mesmos escores durante o período estudado, demonstrando assim que as duas camas oferecem a mesma condição de conforto em relação a lesões e saúde do casco, pelo menos, em curto prazo de tempo.(AU)

Injury scores and locomotor disorders of Holstein cows in a free-stall facility with different beds / Escore de lesões e transtornos de locomoção de vacas Holandesas em instalações free-stall com diferentes tipos de cama

The aim of the present study was to evaluate hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders in 36 multiparous Holstein cows confined in a free-stall model system with two types of beds at Embrapa Dairy Cattle in the city of Coronel Pacheco / MG. Rubber composite beds and sand beds were compared and the hock and knee injuries and locomotor disorders were assessed for severity scores. There was no difference between the scores or hock lesions observed at the beginning and end of the trial period for knee injuries in both beds. The two beds offer the same conditions of comfort, injury rates, and hull health, at least in the short term.

Objetivou-se avaliar lesões de jarrete e joelho e transtornos de locomoção em 36 vacas Holandesas multíparas confinadas em sistema modelo free-stall com dois tipos de camas, na Embrapa Gado de Leite do município de Coronel Pacheco/MG. Empregaram-se camas de borracha composta e camas de areia. As lesões de jarrete e joelho e transtornos de locomoção foram avaliados em escores de gravidade. Observou-se que não houve diferença entre os escores observados no início e ao final do período experimental para as lesões de joelho em ambos os materiais de cama, o mesmo foi observado para lesões de jarrete, em animais alojados sobre cama de areia. As lesões se mantiveram com os mesmos escores durante o período estudado, demonstrando assim que as duas camas oferecem a mesma condição de conforto em relação a lesões e saúde do casco, pelo menos, em curto prazo de tempo.

Frequency of free-stall occupancy by dairy cows / Frequência de ocupação em free-stall por vacas leiteiras

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of dairy cows confined in free-stall systems. Eighteen Holstein cows were evaluated in this research. The following frequencies were evaluated at 10-min intervals: stall occupancy, corridor occupancy, feeding, moving and being milked. The free-stalls were covered with rubber mattresses. Thermal variables such as dry bulb temperature, humid bulb temperature, black globe temperature and air velocity were recorded hourly. The data collections were made for 13 days in May, during autumn. Dynamics of social hierarchy was observed for 18 animals. The animals preferred to occupy the stalls located in quadrant 1, between the north and east axis, where there was less movement of people, tractors and vehicles. The cows occupied the free-stalls during the early morning and feeding occupancy was higher during the morning. Higher temperatures in the afternoon caused the longer occupation of the corridors by the cows during this period. Some dairy cows housed in a free-stall barn expressed dominant and/or hierarchical behaviors.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de vacas leiteiras em confinamento tipo freestall. Dezoito vacas holandesas foram avaliadas nessa pesquisa. As seguintes frequências foram avaliadas aos 10 minutos de intervalo: ocupação da baia, ocupação do corredor, alimentação, movimentação e sendo ordenhada. As baias estavam recobertas com colchões de borracha. Asvariáveis ambientais, como temperatura de bulbo seco, temperatura de bulbo úmido, temperatura de globo negro e velocidade do ar foram registradas a cada hora. As coletas foram realizadas durante 13 dias em maio, durante o outono.A dinâmica da hierarquia social foi observada para 18 animais. Os animais preferiram ocupar baias localizadas o quadrante 1 entre o Norte e o eixo leste , onde havia menos movimentação de pessoas, veículos e tratores . As vacasocuparam mais as baias durante o período da madrugada e se alimentaram por mais tempo durante o período da manhã. Temperaturas mais elevadas no período da tarde fizeram com que as vacas ocupassem por mais tempo o corredor no período. Algumas vacas alojadas expressaram comportamentos dominantes e/ou hierárquicos. (AU)

Frequency of free-stall occupancy by dairy cows / Frequência de ocupação em free-stall por vacas leiteiras

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of dairy cows confined in free-stall systems. Eighteen Holstein cows were evaluated in this research. The following frequencies were evaluated at 10-min intervals: stall occupancy, corridor occupancy, feeding, moving and being milked. The free-stalls were covered with rubber mattresses. Thermal variables such as dry bulb temperature, humid bulb temperature, black globe temperature and air velocity were recorded hourly. The data collections were made for 13 days in May, during autumn. Dynamics of social hierarchy was observed for 18 animals. The animals preferred to occupy the stalls located in quadrant 1, between the north and east axis, where there was less movement of people, tractors and vehicles. The cows occupied the free-stalls during the early morning and feeding occupancy was higher during the morning. Higher temperatures in the afternoon caused the longer occupation of the corridors by the cows during this period. Some dairy cows housed in a free-stall barn expressed dominant and/or hierarchical behaviors.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento de vacas leiteiras em confinamento tipo freestall. Dezoito vacas holandesas foram avaliadas nessa pesquisa. As seguintes frequências foram avaliadas aos 10 minutos de intervalo: ocupação da baia, ocupação do corredor, alimentação, movimentação e sendo ordenhada. As baias estavam recobertas com colchões de borracha. Asvariáveis ambientais, como temperatura de bulbo seco, temperatura de bulbo úmido, temperatura de globo negro e velocidade do ar foram registradas a cada hora. As coletas foram realizadas durante 13 dias em maio, durante o outono.A dinâmica da hierarquia social foi observada para 18 animais. Os animais preferiram ocupar baias localizadas o quadrante 1 entre o Norte e o eixo leste , onde havia menos movimentação de pessoas, veículos e tratores . As vacasocuparam mais as baias durante o período da madrugada e se alimentaram por mais tempo durante o período da manhã. Temperaturas mais elevadas no período da tarde fizeram com que as vacas ocupassem por mais tempo o corredor no período. Algumas vacas alojadas expressaram comportamentos dominantes e/ou hierárquicos.

Aerial environment and deep litter temperature in a swine building / Ambiência aérea e temperatura da cama sobreposta em instalação para suínos

This study objective was to assess the air quality by measuring gas concentrations, and assess the surface and inside temperatures of deep litter materials in a finishing swine building. The experiment was conducted during the months of June and July. It was compared three treatments: deep litter composed of shaving woods + sugarcane bagasse (M + B), deep litter composed of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and deep litter consisting of shaving woods (MAR). The installation stalls had a concrete floor under the deep litter. Measurements of instantaneous concentrations of ammonia, NH3 (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2 ppm) and carbon monoxide (CO, ppm) at the level of the animals were taken. Data relating to surface temperature and inside the deep litter for swine were collected at three different points within the stalls (center, in the frontal region and background of the stalls). It was observed that the "MAR" deep litter showed the highest average concentration of NH3 (2.88 ppm). The "BAG" deep litter showed the lowest values of NH3 for all time intervals evaluated. In the morning period was observed significant differences for all treatments. The highest CO2 concentration (1530 ppm) was observed in treatment "BAG" at 11 h 30 min. The surface temperatures of deep beddings showed no significant differences between the sampling points. The temperature inside the deep litter at the front of the stall treatment was higher (M+B) when compared to treatment (ABG) and (MAR). The concentration of CO, CO2 and NH3, measured, gases not reached levels that could cause harm to the health of animals.(AU)

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avalia r a qualidade do ar, por meio das concentrações de gases, e as temperaturas superficiais e no interior de diferentes materiais de cama sobreposta, em instalações para terminação de suínos. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante os meses de junho e julho. Compararam-se três tratamentos: cama sobreposta composta por maravalha+bagaço de cana (M+B), cama sobreposta composta por bagaço de cana (BAG) e cama sobreposta composta por maravalha (MAR). As baias da instalação possuíam piso de concreto sob a cama. Foram feitas medições das concentrações instantâneas de amônia (NH3, ppm), dióxido de carbono (CO2, ppm) e monóxido de carbono (CO, ppm) ao nível dos animais. Dados relativos à temperatura superficial e no interior da cama sobreposta de suínos foram coletados em três pontos distintos dentro das baias (no centro, na região frontal e no fundo das baias). Observou-se que a cama “MAR” foi a que apresentou o maior valor médio de concentração de NH3 de 2,88 ppm. A cama “BAG” apresentou os menores valores de NH3 em todos os horários avaliados, com o período da manhã apresentando diferença significativa em relação às outras camas. O maior valor de concentração de CO2 (1530 ppm) ocorreu no tratamento com cama “BAG”, às 11 h 30 min. As temperaturas superficiais das camas sobrepostas não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos de coleta. A temperatura no interior das camas na parte da frente da baia foi superior no tratamento (M+B), quando comparada ao tratamento (BAG) e (MAR). A concentração dos gases CO, CO2 e NH3, mensurados, não atingiram níveis que possam causar danos à saúde dos animais. (AU)

Aerial environment and deep litter temperature in a swine building / Ambiência aérea e temperatura da cama sobreposta em instalação para suínos

This study objective was to assess the air quality by measuring gas concentrations, and assess the surface and inside temperatures of deep litter materials in a finishing swine building. The experiment was conducted during the months of June and July. It was compared three treatments: deep litter composed of shaving woods + sugarcane bagasse (M + B), deep litter composed of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and deep litter consisting of shaving woods (MAR). The installation stalls had a concrete floor under the deep litter. Measurements of instantaneous concentrations of ammonia, NH3 (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2 ppm) and carbon monoxide (CO, ppm) at the level of the animals were taken. Data relating to surface temperature and inside the deep litter for swine were collected at three different points within the stalls (center, in the frontal region and background of the stalls). It was observed that the "MAR" deep litter showed the highest average concentration of NH3 (2.88 ppm). The "BAG" deep litter showed the lowest values of NH3 for all time intervals evaluated. In the morning period was observed significant differences for all treatments. The highest CO2 concentration (1530 ppm) was observed in treatment "BAG" at 11 h 30 min. The surface temperatures of deep beddings showed no significant differences between the sampling points. The temperature inside the deep litter at the front of the stall treatment was higher (M+B) when compared to treatment (ABG) and (MAR). The concentration of CO, CO2 and NH3, measured, gases not reached levels that could cause harm to the health of animals.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avalia r a qualidade do ar, por meio das concentrações de gases, e as temperaturas superficiais e no interior de diferentes materiais de cama sobreposta, em instalações para terminação de suínos. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante os meses de junho e julho. Compararam-se três tratamentos: cama sobreposta composta por maravalha+bagaço de cana (M+B), cama sobreposta composta por bagaço de cana (BAG) e cama sobreposta composta por maravalha (MAR). As baias da instalação possuíam piso de concreto sob a cama. Foram feitas medições das concentrações instantâneas de amônia (NH3, ppm), dióxido de carbono (CO2, ppm) e monóxido de carbono (CO, ppm) ao nível dos animais. Dados relativos à temperatura superficial e no interior da cama sobreposta de suínos foram coletados em três pontos distintos dentro das baias (no centro, na região frontal e no fundo das baias). Observou-se que a cama “MAR” foi a que apresentou o maior valor médio de concentração de NH3 de 2,88 ppm. A cama “BAG” apresentou os menores valores de NH3 em todos os horários avaliados, com o período da manhã apresentando diferença significativa em relação às outras camas. O maior valor de concentração de CO2 (1530 ppm) ocorreu no tratamento com cama “BAG”, às 11 h 30 min. As temperaturas superficiais das camas sobrepostas não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos de coleta. A temperatura no interior das camas na parte da frente da baia foi superior no tratamento (M+B), quando comparada ao tratamento (BAG) e (MAR). A concentração dos gases CO, CO2 e NH3, mensurados, não atingiram níveis que possam causar danos à saúde dos animais.