Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3×4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.

Ingestive behavior and infrared thermography of Holstein × Zebu crossbreed cows in the final third of gestation in different pastoral environments

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior and body surface temperature of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows that were non-lactating in the final third of gestation and managed in two pastoral environments. Forty F1 Holstein × Zebu cows divided into two pastoral environments were evaluated: signal grass (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk) deferred at the beginning of regrowth and pasture of xaraés grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés) in vegetative growth in four periods during the day (morning, afternoon, night and dawn), following the completely randomized design in a factorial scheme. Each cow is the experimental unit. The total grazing time was 32.22% higher in the signal grass than xaraés grass (averageof 479.50 minutes). There was an interaction between the pastoral environments and the times of day on the black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI). In the pasture of signal grass, the BGHI was 19.07% higher in the morning and afternoon periods than the average (68.95) verified during the night and dawn. F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing time in the final third of gestation is influenced by the pasture condition and not by the climate since they feed in a high BGHI environment.(AU)

Ingestive behavior and infrared thermography of Holstein × Zebu crossbreed cows in the final third of gestation in different pastoral environments

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior and body surface temperature of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows that were non-lactating in the final third of gestation and managed in two pastoral environments. Forty F1 Holstein × Zebu cows divided into two pastoral environments were evaluated: signal grass (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk) deferred at the beginning of regrowth and pasture of xaraés grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés) in vegetative growth in four periods during the day (morning, afternoon, night and dawn), following the completely randomized design in a factorial scheme. Each cow is the experimental unit. The total grazing time was 32.22% higher in the signal grass than xaraés grass (averageof 479.50 minutes). There was an interaction between the pastoral environments and the times of day on the black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI). In the pasture of signal grass, the BGHI was 19.07% higher in the morning and afternoon periods than the average (68.95) verified during the night and dawn. F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing time in the final third of gestation is influenced by the pasture condition and not by the climate since they feed in a high BGHI environment.(AU)

Ingestive behavior and infrared thermography of Holstein × Zebu crossbreed cows in the final third of gestation in different pastoral environments

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior and body surface temperature of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows that were non-lactating in the final third of gestation and managed in two pastoral environments. Forty F1 Holstein × Zebu cows divided into two pastoral environments were evaluated: signal grass (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk) deferred at the beginning of regrowth and pasture of xaraés grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés) in vegetative growth in four periods during the day (morning, afternoon, night and dawn), following the completely randomized design in a factorial scheme. Each cow is the experimental unit. The total grazing time was 32.22% higher in the signal grass than xaraés grass (averageof 479.50 minutes). There was an interaction between the pastoral environments and the times of day on the black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI). In the pasture of signal grass, the BGHI was 19.07% higher in the morning and afternoon periods than the average (68.95) verified during the night and dawn. F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing time in the final third of gestation is influenced by the pasture condition and not by the climate since they feed in a high BGHI environment.

Animal and workers' welfare during agricultural fairˆien

The animal welfare concept in the last years began to be implanted in the animal production scenario and in the environment where the workers are inserted. But, the animal breeders themselves know little about rational handling, the labor laws, and the positive effects that this practice can offer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the physiological parameters and the welfare conditions of the animals and the workers, during an agricultural fair in the Brazilian semi-arid. Questionnaires were applied to visitors, caretakers, and farmers, in order to verify the perception level regarding the adoption of rational handling and, animal and workers welfare. Subsequently, the handling and thermal environment were evaluated. The following physiological variables were collected: rectal and body surface temperature and, respiratory rate during shipment and landing of the beef cattle belonging to the elite category at the fair. Questionnaires data showed that the theme welfare and rational handling is known among visitors, caretakers and farmers, and that the practice is less stressful to animals. The physiological variables were within the recommended standards, indicating the animal thermoregulation and animal adaptation to the shipment, transport and landing. However, the handling adopted by the workers is still result on cultural issues, lack of information and awareness about the benefits of rational handling.(AU)

Animal and workers' welfare during agricultural fairˆien

The animal welfare concept in the last years began to be implanted in the animal production scenario and in the environment where the workers are inserted. But, the animal breeders themselves know little about rational handling, the labor laws, and the positive effects that this practice can offer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the physiological parameters and the welfare conditions of the animals and the workers, during an agricultural fair in the Brazilian semi-arid. Questionnaires were applied to visitors, caretakers, and farmers, in order to verify the perception level regarding the adoption of rational handling and, animal and workers’ welfare. Subsequently, the handling and thermal environment were evaluated. The following physiological variables were collected: rectal and body surface temperature and, respiratory rate during shipment and landing of the beef cattle belonging to the elite category at the fair. Questionnaires data showed that the theme welfare and rational handling is known among visitors, caretakers and farmers, and that the practice is less stressful to animals. The physiological variables were within the recommended standards, indicating the animal thermoregulation and animal adaptation to the shipment, transport and landing. However, the handling adopted by the workers is still result on cultural issues, lack of information and awareness about the benefits of rational handling.

Impact of microclimate on the physiology, hair coat and milk production of dairy cows at different seasons / Impacto do microclima sobre a fisiologia, pelame e produção de leite de vacas lactantes em diferentes estações do ano

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the climatic environment on the physiological responses, changes in the hair coat and milk production of F1 Holstein and Zebu cattle from different maternal bases in two different seasons of the year. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais, in municipality of Felixlândia Minas Gerais. Fifty  dairy cows were evaluated in two seasons of the year (autumn and spring) for 21 days, with 25 animals evaluated in each season, belonging to 5 genetic groups, each group being composed of 5 animals. Daily measurements of air temperature and relative humidity were made using continuous reading dataloggers, at 10-minute intervals. The following physiological parameters were measured using a stethoscope, digital clinical thermometer and portable digital infrared thermometer: respiratory and cardiac frequency, body surface temperature and rectal temperature. Measurements were performed before and after milking in the morning and afternoon, daily in both evaluated seasons. The design was completely randomized in factorial scheme 5 x 2 (5 genetic groups and 2 seasons of the year). The variables were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant to the F test, the means were compared by Tukeys test at 5% of probability.There was no variation for most of the studied physiological parameters among the genetic groups, being higher during spring and in the afternoon (mean values: 33.2 breaths per minute, 79.4 heart rate per minute, 33.7 °C body surface temperature and 38.7 °C rectal temperature). The environmental variables in the two seasons of the year caused no changes in the productive responses of the animals (40.1 °C and 44.8 °C maximum air temperature and 95.4 and 96.0 maximum globe temperature and humidity index during autumn and spring, respectively), indicating the adaptation and resistance of F1 Holstein and Zebu animals.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre as respostas fisiológicas, alterações no pelame e produção de leite de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu, de diferentes bases maternas em duas estações do ano distintas. O trabalho foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, no município de Felixlândia, Minas Gerais. Foram avaliadas 50 vacas em lactação em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera), com período de avaliação de 21 dias, com 25 animais avaliados em cada época, pertencentes a 5 grupos genéticos, sendo cada grupo composto por 5 animais. Foram feitas medições diárias da temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, com o uso de dataloggers de leitura contínua, em intervalos de 10 minutos. Foram mensurados com auxílio de estetoscópio, termômetro clínico digital e termômetro de infravermelho digital portátil os seguintes parâmetros fisiológicos: frequência respiratória e cardíaca, temperatura de superfície corporal e temperatura retal. As medições foram realizadas antes e após as ordenhas pela manhã e à tarde, diariamente, no outono e na primavera. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (5 grupos genéticos e 2 épocas do ano). As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância e, quando significativas pelo teste F, tiveram as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve variação para a maioria dos parâmetros fisiológicos estudados, entre os grupos genéticos, sendo estes mais elevados na época da primavera e no horário da tarde (média de 33,2 movimentos respiratórios por minuto, 79,4 batimentos cardíacos por minuto, temperatura de superfície corporal de 33,7 °C e temperatura retal de 38,7 °C).

Impact of microclimate on the physiology, hair coat and milk production of dairy cows at different seasons / Impacto do microclima sobre a fisiologia, pelame e produção de leite de vacas lactantes em diferentes estações do ano

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the climatic environment on the physiological responses, changes in the hair coat and milk production of F1 Holstein and Zebu cattle from different maternal bases in two different seasons of the year. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais, in municipality of Felixlândia Minas Gerais. Fifty  dairy cows were evaluated in two seasons of the year (autumn and spring) for 21 days, with 25 animals evaluated in each season, belonging to 5 genetic groups, each group being composed of 5 animals. Daily measurements of air temperature and relative humidity were made using continuous reading dataloggers, at 10-minute intervals. The following physiological parameters were measured using a stethoscope, digital clinical thermometer and portable digital infrared thermometer: respiratory and cardiac frequency, body surface temperature and rectal temperature. Measurements were performed before and after milking in the morning and afternoon, daily in both evaluated seasons. The design was completely randomized in factorial scheme 5 x 2 (5 genetic groups and 2 seasons of the year). The variables were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant to the F test, the means were compared by Tukeys test at 5% of probability.There was no variation for most of the studied physiological parameters among the genetic groups, being higher during spring and in the afternoon (mean values: 33.2 breaths per minute, 79.4 heart rate per minute, 33.7 °C body surface temperature and 38.7 °C rectal temperature). The environmental variables in the two seasons of the year caused no changes in the productive responses of the animals (40.1 °C and 44.8 °C maximum air temperature and 95.4 and 96.0 maximum globe temperature and humidity index during autumn and spring, respectively), indicating the adaptation and resistance of F1 Holstein and Zebu animals.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre as respostas fisiológicas, alterações no pelame e produção de leite de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu, de diferentes bases maternas em duas estações do ano distintas. O trabalho foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, no município de Felixlândia, Minas Gerais. Foram avaliadas 50 vacas em lactação em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera), com período de avaliação de 21 dias, com 25 animais avaliados em cada época, pertencentes a 5 grupos genéticos, sendo cada grupo composto por 5 animais. Foram feitas medições diárias da temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, com o uso de dataloggers de leitura contínua, em intervalos de 10 minutos. Foram mensurados com auxílio de estetoscópio, termômetro clínico digital e termômetro de infravermelho digital portátil os seguintes parâmetros fisiológicos: frequência respiratória e cardíaca, temperatura de superfície corporal e temperatura retal. As medições foram realizadas antes e após as ordenhas pela manhã e à tarde, diariamente, no outono e na primavera. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (5 grupos genéticos e 2 épocas do ano). As variáveis foram submetidas à análise de variância e, quando significativas pelo teste F, tiveram as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve variação para a maioria dos parâmetros fisiológicos estudados, entre os grupos genéticos, sendo estes mais elevados na época da primavera e no horário da tarde (média de 33,2 movimentos respiratórios por minuto, 79,4 batimentos cardíacos por minuto, temperatura de superfície corporal de 33,7 °C e temperatura retal de 38,7 °C). (AU)

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)

Thermal comfort of horses housed in different types of stalls / Conforto térmico de equinos alojados em diferentes tipos de baias

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions provided by two types of stalls on the physiological and behavioral responses of horses during agricultural exposure. The study was developed during 2014 and 2015 in an Agricultural Fair located in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Climatic environment, place of accommodation, physiological and behavioral variables of 114 Mangalarga Marchador horses, housed in individual metal and masonry stalls, were observed. Meteorological variables inside the metal and masonry stalls were monitored. Physiological variables were characterized by respiratory rate and body temperature. For behavioral analysis, the frequency of occurrence of defecation, urination, neigh, agitation, food and water intake were observed at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 14 pm, 16 pm and 18 pm. The thermal environment was classified as thermal discomfort from 10 am. Respiratory rate and body temperature were outside ideal values. The metal stall caused greater thermal discomfort for horses.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas proporcionado por dois tipos de baias sobre as respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de equinos por ocasião de exposição agropecuária. O trabalho foi desenvolvido durante os anos de 2014 e 2015 em Feira Agropecuária localizada na região do semiárido mineiro. Foi observado o ambiente climático, local de acomodação, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamentais de 114 equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, alojados em baias individuais de metal e alvenaria. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas no interior das baias de metal e de alvenaria. As variáveis fisiológicas foram caracterizadas por meio da frequência respiratória e temperatura corporal. Para análise comportamental, observou-se a frequência de ocorrência de ações de defecação, micção, relinchar, agitação, ingestão de alimentos e água, às 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h e 18 h. O ambiente térmico foi classificado como de desconforto térmico a partir das 10 h. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura corporal estiveram fora dos valores considerados ideais. A baia de metal proporcionou maior desconforto térmico para os equinos.

Thermal comfort of horses housed in different types of stalls / Conforto térmico de equinos alojados em diferentes tipos de baias

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions provided by two types of stalls on the physiological and behavioral responses of horses during agricultural exposure. The study was developed during 2014 and 2015 in an Agricultural Fair located in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Climatic environment, place of accommodation, physiological and behavioral variables of 114 Mangalarga Marchador horses, housed in individual metal and masonry stalls, were observed. Meteorological variables inside the metal and masonry stalls were monitored. Physiological variables were characterized by respiratory rate and body temperature. For behavioral analysis, the frequency of occurrence of defecation, urination, neigh, agitation, food and water intake were observed at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 14 pm, 16 pm and 18 pm. The thermal environment was classified as thermal discomfort from 10 am. Respiratory rate and body temperature were outside ideal values. The metal stall caused greater thermal discomfort for horses.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas proporcionado por dois tipos de baias sobre as respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de equinos por ocasião de exposição agropecuária. O trabalho foi desenvolvido durante os anos de 2014 e 2015 em Feira Agropecuária localizada na região do semiárido mineiro. Foi observado o ambiente climático, local de acomodação, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamentais de 114 equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, alojados em baias individuais de metal e alvenaria. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas no interior das baias de metal e de alvenaria. As variáveis fisiológicas foram caracterizadas por meio da frequência respiratória e temperatura corporal. Para análise comportamental, observou-se a frequência de ocorrência de ações de defecação, micção, relinchar, agitação, ingestão de alimentos e água, às 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h e 18 h. O ambiente térmico foi classificado como de desconforto térmico a partir das 10 h. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura corporal estiveram fora dos valores considerados ideais. A baia de metal proporcionou maior desconforto térmico para os equinos.(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)