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European market regulates that poultry electronarcosis stunning in abattoirs must be performed with a minimal required current (mA per animal) and correlative frequency (Hz), to promote animal welfare and meat quality. In this way, Brazilian abattoirs must adjust the stunning parameters so that they can meet the requirements of that market. This study evaluated the effect of stunning parameters using frequency and duty cycle variables. For this, nine treatments were performed, whose results showed that the analyzed frequencies (700, 1100, and 1500 Hz) had a higher incidence of indicators of animal welfare (AW). Thus, stunning had low efficiency in AW terms. However, the 25% and 40% duty cycles had the best stunning efficiency. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) for pH 24 h, bruises, and drip loss. Color and pH 2 h were significantly affected (P < 0.05). The shear force was higher in birds subjected to higher frequencies and interaction between 1500 Hz and 15% and 25% duty cycles. Water-holding capacity was lower at 1100 Hz and in the 25% duty cycle interactions. The treatments affected the evaluated indicators, except for the 40% duty cycle, which had a positive influence. Therefore, the duty cycle applicability must be elucidated due to its direct influence on stunning efficiency.

O mercado europeu regulamenta que a insensibilização de aves por eletronarcose nos abatedouros deva acontecer com uma corrente mínima necessária (mA por animal) e frequência correlata (Hz), com corrente e frequência alta. O intuito é promover o bem estar animal e qualidade de carne. Desta forma, os abatedouros brasileiros devem ajustar os parâmetros de insensibilização para que possam atender este mercado. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos parâmetros de insensibilização usando as variáveis frequência e duty cycle. Foram realizados nove ensaios. Os resultados demostraram que as frequências avaliadas (700 Hz, 1100 Hz e 1500 Hz) apresentaram maior incidência nos indicadores de Bem Estar Animal (BEA). Assim, houve baixa eficiência na insensibilização das aves para este fator. Entretanto, o duty cycle 25% e 40% promoveu a melhor eficiência na insensibilização das aves. Não foi observada diferença significativa (P > 0,05) para pH 24h, hematomas e a perda por gotejamento. A cor e o pH 2h foram afetados significativamente (P < 0,05) nos ensaios avaliados. A força de cisalhamento foi maior nas frequências mais altas e na interação da frequência de 1500 Hz com o duty cycle de 15% e 25% A capacidade de retenção de água foi menor na frequência de 1100 Hz, e na interação duty cycle 25%. Os ensaios estudados apresentaram comprometimento dos indicadores avaliados, exceto a variável duty cycle a 40%, que demonstrou influência positiva nos indicadores avaliados. Portanto, a aplicabilidade do duty cycle deve ser elucidada devido a sua influência direta na eficiência da insensibilização.

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This study assessed the effect of strain and enriched cage stocking density on performance, egg size distribution, egg quality, and welfare status in laying hens. Lohmann brown (LB) and Lohmann LSL Classic (LW) strains at 20 weeks of age were allotted to different cage stocking densities, with 1016, 762, or 610 cm2 of cage floor area per hen. Live body weight at the age at sexual maturity and at 52 weeks of age, feather condition, and some egg quality parameters differed between hen strains and among stocking densities (p<0.01; p<0.05). However, age at sexual maturity, livability, egg production, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and duration of tonic immobility were similar between hen strains and among stocking densities (p>0.05). Furthermore, egg size distribution was similar between hen strains (p>0.05), but dissimilar among stocking densities (p<0.01). Rectal and comb temperatures differed between hen strains and among stocking densities, respectively (p<0.01; p<0.05). The age of hens influenced egg quality variables (except for egg weight and shape index), feather condition, and body region temperatures (p<0.01). These results suggest that an enriched cage floor area of up to 610 cm2 per hen does not compromise production performance and welfare status, except for the body weight of laying hens. Additionally, the two strains might be at similar levels regarding overall performance and welfare status, excluding body weight and feather condition.(AU)

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This work reviews the effect of environmental enrichments (perches, platforms, stocking density, outdoor access, bale, and dust bathing substrates) on the performance of fast and slow-growing commercial broiler strains. The performance of both slow and fast-growing commercial broiler strains under conventional production systems are generally poor, especially regarding the welfare status. One of the strategies to improve the performance of commercial broiler strains is by adding enrichment objects to production systems. The addition of enrichments to production systems should improve animal welfare, have no negative effect on production performance, and be both economically practicable and feasible to employ. Perches and platforms are the most common enrichments used to increase the activity of broiler chickens to improve leg conditions. The use of perches and platforms could lead to the reduction in the incidence of footpad dermatitis, hockburns and breast blisters, with subsequent effects on meat quality. Moreover, the provision of outdoor access could improve the biology responses of broiler chickens to various environmental stimuli, with a profound effect on performance and meat quality traits. Furthermore, another enrichment strategies that could increase the exploratory behavior and the general welfare of broiler chickens is the use of dustbathing and bale subtrates. Moreover, adjusting the stocking density provides broiler chickens with the necessary space for movement, reduces crowding, trampling and the associated agonistic behavior. However, the effect of some of these enrichments (perches, platform, bale) objects may vary depending on height, age, sex, and strain of the chickens.(AU)

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This experiment was conducted to evaluate the welfare and production performance of broilers reared under different stocking densities. A total of 1242 one-day-old Cobb500 broiler males were distributed randomly among four treatments with nine replicates each. The treatments consisted of different broiler stocking densities (10.41; 11.45; 12.50 and 13.54 birds/m²). The parameters evaluated were regadring production performance (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, uniformity, and carcass yield), animal welfare (cortisol, lactate, total protein, albumin, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid seric, and hemogram), and litter quality (temperature, humidity, and volatilized ammonia concentration). The broilers reared at 12.5 birds/m2 presented the best feed conversion ratio at 42 days of age. Neither the carcass traits nor the stress parameters studied were influenced by the stocking densities. It was concluded that the stocking density of 12.50 birds/m² results in the best feed conversion ratio among the studied treatments for the production cycle of 42 days.(AU)

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Livestock and poultry production are critical agricultural industries. Intelligence in the poultry industry has received increasing attention in recent years. An intelligent monitoring system was implemented to manage the poultry house and improve its feeding conditions. Experts can remotely diagnose the health of chickens using a monitor screen. An intelligent video surveillance system was used in this study to evaluate the physical appearance of broilers in a poultry house. Comb color was studied during the long chicken growth phase, and color changes were statistically analyzed. The video surveillance system includes meticulously color-calibrated cameras with an additional YOLOv4 algorithm for comb detection and color recovery. The image data was stored for up to 90 days and then analyzed to understand comb color behavior during growth. This study develops a technique for automatically extracting comb colors that can assist professionals in making color-related broiler health diagnoses in the future.(AU)

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The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different fasting times before transport to the slaughterhouse on blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Japanese quails. In total, 300 Japanese quails were used, with an average age of 14 months (discard age) and an initial body weight of 185.3 ± 7.3 g. The quails were distributed in a completely randomised design with six treatments and five replications of 10 birds each. The treatments consisted of different fasting periods on the farm: zero (control), 1 hour and 30 minutes, 3 hours, 4 hours and 30 minutes, 5 hours and 30 minutes and 7 hours. The quails showed higher blood glucose concentrations with increasing fasting time, but there was no increase in total proteins, albumin, lactate, creatine kinase, uric acid, globulin and the albumin/globulin ratio. The weight and yield of the hot carcass and the weight of the cold carcass decreased with increasing fasting time. Quails that fasted for 7 hours had lower hot carcass and cold carcass weights compared to quails that did not fast. There was no influence of fasting time on meat quality. A fasting period of 5 hours and 30 minutes before transportation is recommended to ensure proper emptying of the digestive tract and the maintenance of the carcass weight of Japanese quails.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tempos de jejum antes do transporte para o abatedouro sobre parâmetros sanguíneos, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de codornas japonesas. No total foram utilizadas 300 codornas japonesas, com idade média de 14 meses (idade de descarte) e peso corporal inicial de 185,3 ± 7,3 g. As codornas foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições de 10 aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes períodos de jejum na granja: zero (controle), 1 hora e 30 minutos, 3 horas, 4 horas e 30 minutos, 5 horas e 30 minutos e 7 horas. As codornas apresentaram maiores concentrações de glicose com o aumento do tempo de jejum, mas não houve aumento nas proteínas totais, albumina, lactato, creatina quinase, ácido úrico, globulina e relação albumina/globulina. O peso e o rendimento da carcaça quente e o peso da carcaça fria diminuíram com o aumento do tempo de jejum. Codornas que jejuaram por 7 horas tiveram menor peso de carcaça quente e carcaça fria em comparação com codornas que não jejuaram. Não houve influência do tempo de jejum na qualidade da carne. Recomenda-se um período de jejum de 5 horas e 30 minutos antes do transporte para garantir o adequado esvaziamento do trato digestivo e a manutenção do peso da carcaça das codornas japonesas.(AU)

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One of the main stages in bubalinoculture is breeding calves, because this phase is defined by the quality of the animals that will be the future property matrices. The breeding phase extends from birth to weaning, and is delicate and precise; consequently, attending to characteristics of extreme importance in dairy farming activity such as behavioral and health aspects will aid these animals to express all of their genetic potential. Since this life phase of the animal does not generate immediate economic return to the producer, it ends up not receiving the necessary attention, contributing to low zootechnical indices and high production costs. Adopting adequate management practices is essential for the productive development of the animal that will guarantee the future good productivity of the farm. In view of the above, the objective of this study is to present the management of buffalo calves through a literature review, emphasizing that proper feeding, correct management and disease prevention are fundamental to ensuring the well-being and health of calves. These factors, together with a clean and safe environment, can maximize the productive potential of these animals. It is therefore essential that producers are well-informed and prepared to properly care for these animals during this crucial phase of their lives.(AU)

Uma das principais etapas na bubalinocultura leiteira é a criação de bezerras, pois nesta fase é definido pela qualidade quais animais serão as futuras matrizes da propriedade. A fase de cria se estende do nascimento ao desmame, é delicada e precisa, consequentemente, atender as características de extrema importância na atividade leiteira como, aspectos comportamentais e sanitários, favorecendo com que esses animais expressem todo seu potencial genético. Devido ao fato dessa fase de vida do animal não gerar retorno econômico imediato ao produtor, ela acaba não recebendo a atenção necessária, contribuindo para índices zootécnicos baixos e custos de produção elevados. A adoção de práticas adequadas de manejo é essencial para o desenvolvimento produtivo do animal que garantirá no futuro a boa produtividade da fazenda. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se apresentar, por meio de revisão de literatura, o manejo de bezerras bubalinas, ressaltando que a alimentação adequada, o manejo correto e a prevenção de doenças são fundamentais para garantir o bem-estar e a saúde das bezerras. Esses fatores, juntamente com um ambiente limpo e seguro, podem maximizar o potencial produtivo desses animais. Portanto, é essencial que os produtores estejam bem informados e preparados para cuidar adequadamente desses animais durante essa fase crucial de suas vidas.(AU)

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Rats and mice are the most used experimental models in research. Globally, animal houses are subjected to parasite outbreaks. In Brazil, the parasitological profile is used to reflect the sanitary condition of laboratory animals and must be monitored frequently. The present study developed an integrative review of scientific studies on the parasitological profile of rats and mice in animal facilities in Brazil. It identified the most prevalent parasite species reported in animal facilities from different geographic regions of the country, as well as factors contributing to the perpetuation of these parasites, and proposed measures to help prevent such infections. Based on the guiding question "which endoparasites and ectoparasites have already been identified in rat and mouse colonies in animal facilities in Brazil?" and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 studies published between 1974 and 2021 were selected in four scientific bases. These studies covered facilities in 12 Brazilian States, describing 16 genera of parasites in mice and 18 in rats. Most of the facilities in the selected studies were of the conventional type and with few sanitary barriers, and these conditions may favor the recurrence of parasites. Efforts are, therefore, necessary for institutions to have animal facilities in accordance with the legislation and practice optimal methodologies. The measures proposed in this article can contribute to change the panorama of parasites in the national animal facilities, aiming to safeguard the quality of scientific data and animal welfare.

Ratos e camundongos são os modelos experimentais mais utilizados em pesquisa. Globalmente, as instalações de animais estão sujeitas a surtos de parasitas. No Brasil, o perfil parasitológico é utilizado para refletir a condição sanitária dos animais de laboratório e deve ser monitorado frequentemente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma revisão integrativa de estudos científicos sobre o perfil parasitológico de ratos e camundongos em biotérios no Brasil. A revisão identifica as espécies parasitárias mais prevalentes relatadas em biotérios de diferentes regiões geográficas do país, bem como os fatores que contribuem para a perpetuação desses parasitas, e propõe medidas para ajudar a prevenir tais infecções. Com base na questão norteadora "quais endoparasitas e ectoparasitas já foram identificados em colônias de ratos e camundongos em biotérios no Brasil?" e considerando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 28 estudos publicados entre 1974 e 2021 em quatro bases científicas. Esses estudos abrangeram instalações em 12 estados brasileiros, descrevendo 16 gêneros de parasitas em camundongos e 18 em ratos. A maioria das instalações dos estudos selecionados era do tipo convencional e com poucas barreiras sanitárias, e essas condições podem favorecer a recorrência de parasitas. Portanto, esforços são necessários para que as instituições tenham biotérios de acordo com a legislação e pratiquem metodologias otimizadas. As medidas propostas neste artigo podem contribuir para mudar o panorama das parasitoses nos biotérios nacionais, visando salvaguardar a qualidade dos dados científicos e o bem-estar animal.

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Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are fundamental for cattle breeding and sustainable food production. Together with genomic selection, these technologies contribute to reducing the generation interval and accelerating genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss advancements in technologies used in the fertility evaluation of breeding animals, and the collection, processing, and preservation of the gametes. It is of utmost importance for the breeding industry to select dams and sires of the next generation as young as possible, as is the efficient and timely collection of gametes. There is a need for reliable and easily applicable methods to evaluate sexual maturity and fertility. Although gametes processing and preservation have been improved in recent decades, challenges are still encountered. The targeted use of sexed semen and beef semen has obliterated the production of surplus replacement heifers and bull calves from dairy breeds, markedly improving animal welfare and ethical considerations in production practices. Parallel with new technologies, many well-established technologies remain relevant, although with evolving applications. In vitro production (IVP) has become the predominant method of embryo production. Although fundamental improvements in IVP procedures have been established, the quality of IVP embryos remains inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Improvements to facilitate oocyte maturation and development of new culture systems, e.g. microfluidics, are presented in this paper. New non-invasive and objective tools are needed to select embryos for transfer. Cryopreservation of semen and embryos plays a pivotal role in the distribution of genetics, and we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field. Finally, machine learning (ML) is gaining ground in agriculture and ART. This paper delves into the utilization of emerging technologies in ART, along with the current status, key challenges, and future prospects of ML in both research and practical applications within ART.

Resumo

For successful animal husbandry, farmers need to monitor the health status of animals on a daily basis, as well as ensure the safety and protection of animals. In this regard, the problem of choosing the optimal system for monitoring the condition of farm animals in the modern market is urgent. The practical value of the scientific article is to analyze the problems of stakeholders and, based on the needs, conduct a comparative analysis of various modern systems for monitoring the condition of small cattle using the weighted sum method. The object of the study was the process of monitoring the condition of small cattle using RFID tags, as well as the ability to monitor their health depending on the chosen approach. The subject of the study was a livestock enterprise that raises small cattle. It was found that the health of small cattle directly affects the financial stability of the farm. In the presented study, the authors analyze the problems of stakeholders and, based on the needs of stakeholders, conduct a comparative analysis of various modern systems for monitoring the condition of small cattle using the weighted sum method. The results obtained will help farmers make informed decisions in the future when choosing the most appropriate monitoring option for more effective and high-quality monitoring of the condition of small cattle, thereby reducing the risk of diseases and increasing profits for companies.

Para uma criação animal bem-sucedida, os agricultores têm de monitorizar diariamente o estado sanitário dos animais, bem como garantir a segurança e a protecção destes. A este respeito, o problema da escolha do sistema ótimo de controle do estado dos animais de criação no mercado moderno é urgente. O valor prático deste artigo científico é analisar os problemas das partes interessadas e, com base nas necessidades, realizar uma análise comparativa de vários sistemas modernos de monitoramento da condição de pequenos bovinos usando o método da soma ponderada. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os processos de monitoramento da condição de pequenos bovinos usando etiquetas RFID, bem como a capacidade de monitorar sua saúde, dependendo da abordagem escolhida. O assunto do estudo foi uma empresa pecuária que cria gado de pequeno porte. Verificou-se que a saúde dos pequenos bovinos afeta diretamente a estabilidade financeira da exploração. Os resultados obtidos ajudarão os agricultores, no futuro, a tomar decisões embasadas na informação, ao escolherem o sistema de controle mais adequado para uma monitorização mais eficaz e de alta qualidade da condição do gado de pequeno porte, reduzindo assim o risco de doenças e aumentando os lucros para as empresas.

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The use of antibiotics has been prohibited in many countries of the world, in response to concerns over the health and welfare concerns of humans and animals. For this reason, scientists have been working on antibiotic alternatives capable of enhancing the productivity and immunity of poultry birds against diseases, as well as the production of healthy and economical poultry meat and eggs. Various alternatives exist and have been used for several decades, such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytobiotics, essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, organic acids, and synbiotics. A relatively new term, "postbiotic," is used to refer to cell-free supernatants, metabiotics, biogenics, or simply metabolites. It has been suggested that postbiotics are non-viable bacterial products or metabolic byproducts secreted from probiotic microorganisms that have biologic activity in the host. While probiotics are sensitive to heat and oxygen, postbiotics are stable during industrial processing and storage. Postbiotics enhance poultry growth, improve feed efficiency, reduce intestinal pathogens, and promote overall health, making them valuable contributions for sustainable poultry production. They have many important biological properties, such as promoting immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Postbiotics improve intestinal villi, intestinal barrier functions, increase lactic acid production, and reduce Enterobacteriaceae and fecal pH, all of which lead to better immune reaction and health of the gut, as well as superior growth performance. Similarly, postbiotics reduce the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in birds. This review article presents the most recent research investigating the beneficial effects of postbiotics in poultry.(AU)

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This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of vitamin D3 in broiler diets on performance and bone health. A total of 360 one-day old male Cobb500® broiler chicks were subjected to five treatments of different levels of vitamin D3 in diets during two rearing phases: 0 IU/kg in both phases; 625 IU/kg in starter and 500 IU/kg in grower phase (25% of commercial inclusion); 1,250 IU/kg in starter and 1,000 IU/kg in grower phase (50% of commercial inclusion); 1,875 IU/kg in starter and 1,500 IU/kg in grower phase (75% of commercial inclusion); and 2,500 IU/kg in starter and 2,000 IU/kg in grower phase (100% of commercial inclusion). The traits studied weekly were feed intake, body weight, feed conversion, and viability. At 21 and 35 days of age, tibiae and femurs were removed, dissected, and evaluated for dry matter (DM), ash (%MM), calcium (%Ca), phosphorus (%P) and breaking strength. At 35 days of age, the bones were subjected to histopathological analysis for macro- and microscopic morphological evaluation. Data were subjected to regression analysis, using α = 0.05. The variables of percentage %MM, %Ca, %P, and breaking strength experienced a positive linear effect up to the supplementation levels of approximately 25% of inclusion. The histopathological analysis found that the group that received the diet with 100% inclusion of vitamin D3 presented lesions compatible with osteopetrosis and tibial dyschondroplasia. The observed results showed that for isonutritive diets, reduced levels of vitamin D3 guaranteed performance during the evaluated period while the use of 100% of vitamin D3, as commonly used, can cause bone diseases and harm the welfare of broilers.(AU)

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The objective was to evaluate whether space allowance during pre-slaughter transport of European breeding quail affects welfare, carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 248 quails (body weight = 344.90 ± 2.09 g) were used. During pre-transport, the quails were fasted for 5 hours and 30 minutes. The poultry were caught and placed in plastic transport crates with an area of 0.40 m2. The treatments consisted of a different space allowance in each crate: 22, 28, 34 or 40 quails per crate. Immediately upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, the quails were stunned. During bleeding, blood samples were collected. The carcasses were individually weighed. The meat quality was measured. Data were analysed using the effects of space allowance during transport of quails and pickup truck as dependent variables. Death on arrival increased as the space allowance in transport crates decreased (p=0.08). Glucose and uric acid levels were not significantly different between groups (p≥0.14). The cold carcass weight presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails (p=0.03). The meat pH, intensity of red, intensity of yellow and cooking losses were not different between groups (p≥0.12). The meat lightness value presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails (p=0.04). In view of the above, the number of European breeding quails transported in crates must not exceed 30 animals.(AU)

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The number of studies involving the use of animals has grown every year, as has the concern with ethical use, animal welfare, the quality of the results obtained, and the reproducibility of the studies. This work aims to demonstrate the development of the principle of the 3Rs, officially published in 1959, which has guided animal experimentation activities for over 60 years, as well as the other concepts that originated from them. The 3Ss (Good Science, Good Sense, and Good Sensibilities), the 3Vs (Construct Validity, Internal Validity, and External Validity), the 10F (Fundamental Principles), the 6P (Ethical Principles), and the 10Rs (the classic 3Rs related to animal welfare, the 5Rs related to scientific principles, and the 2Rs related to principles of conduct). All these tools have helped in conducting and ensuring the quality of studies involving the use of animals, as well as the ethical use and welfare of animal models.

O número de estudos envolvendo o uso de animais tem crescido a cada ano, assim como a preocupação com o uso ético, o bem-estar animal, a qualidade dos resultados obtidos e a reprodutibilidade dos estudos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar o desenvolvimento do princípio dos 3Rs, publicado oficialmente em 1959 e que norteia as atividades de experimentação animal por mais de 60 anos, bem como os demais conceitos que deles se originaram. Os 3Ss (Boa Ciência, Bom Senso e Boa Sensibilidade), os 3Vs (Validade de Construção, Validade Interna e Validade Externa), os 10F (Princípios Fundamentais), os 6P (Princípios Éticos) e os 10Rs (os clássicos 3Rs relacionados ao bem-estar animal, 5Rs relacionados a princípios científicos e 2Rs relacionados a princípios de conduta). Todas essas ferramentas têm auxiliado na condução e garantia da qualidade dos estudos envolvendo o uso de animais, bem como no uso ético e no bem-estar de modelos animais.

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The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and degree of discomfort in dairy cows and the risk factors associated by taking into account six animal welfare indicators included in the Welfare Quality® Protocol (WQ®): lying time, lying outside lying area, collision and cleanliness assessed on three body areas: udder, hindquarters and hind limbs. These indicators were carried out on 1,200 dairy cows belonging to 100 dairy farms in the province of Algiers, which 53% were kept in permanent tie stalls and 47% in partial tie stalls. Observation results showed a low average overall score of comfort (40.8 ± 10.62). This was mainly related to a long lying time (5.9s ± 0.89) of which 41.0% of the farms surveyed exceeded the alert threshold (>6.3s) and 39.0% the alarm threshold (>5.2s), a very high degree of dirtiness in udder (62.6%±21.9), hind quarters (60.6%±21.5) and hind limbs (60.6±21.4). As a result, the majority of farms exceeded the alert thresholds: 100.0% (udder), 86.0% (hindquarters) and 63.0% (hind limbs). Highly significant correlations were observed between the different aspects of comfort assessed (p < 0.0001). To reconcile dairy cows' welfare and productivity, it is essential to improve their comfort.(AU)

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The objective was to evaluate the performance, physical egg quality (weight and gravity), and economic index of laying hens reared in cage and cage-free systems. A total of 312 40-week-old Hy-line brown laying hens were distributed in a fully randomized design, split into two treatments (cage-free and cage) with 12 replicates in each system. We housed 144 birds in galvanized-wire cages (12 birds each) and 168 birds in a cage-free system in boxes with wood shaving bedding (14 birds each). The experiment lasted 112 days and divided into four 28-day periods. Regarding performance, feed intake (g) and feed conversion (g/g) of birds reared in the cage-free system were higher (p<0.0001) than the cage system, but no differences were observed (p>0.05) for the other performance parameters and also for egg quality. As for economic index, egg production in the cage-free system was higher (p<0.0001) than the cage system. In conclusion, birds reared in the cage-free system have higher feed consumption but worse feed conversion, increasing egg production cost compared to caged birds; however, there are no changes in egg production and physical quality.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, qualidade de ovos e índice econômico de poedeiras semipesadas criadas em sistemas cage-free e em gaiolas. Foram utilizadas 312 poedeiras da linhagem Hy Line Brown, com 40 semanas de idade, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado (DIC), em dois tratamentos (cage-free e gaiolas) com 12 repetições em cada sistema, sendo 144 aves alojadas em gaiolas de arame galvanizado com 12 aves em cada gaiola e 168 aves alojadas em sistema cage-free, em boxes sobre cama de maravalha com 14 aves em cada repetição. O experimento teve duração de 112 dias, divididos em quatro períodos de 28 dias. Nos parâmetros de desempenho, o consumo de ração (g/aves/dia) e a conversão alimentar (g/g) foi maior (P<0,0001) nas aves criadas no sistema cage-free comparado ao sistema de gaiolas, não sendo observado diferença (P>0,05) nos demais parâmetros de desempenho e também na qualidade de ovos. No índice econômico, a produção de ovos em sistema cage-free apresentou maior valor (P<0,0001) em relação ao sistema de gaiola. Conclui-se que as aves criadas em sistema cage-free apresentam maior consumo de ração, pior conversão alimentar ocasionando um maior custo nos ovos em relação às aves criadas em gaiolas, no entanto não há alteração na produção e qualidade dos ovos.(AU)

Resumo

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different pre-slaughter fasting times on live weight and meat quality of broiler chickens slaughtered at 35 and 42 days of age. Treatments consisted of four, eight, 12, and 16 hours of total fasting before slaughter. Eight birds of each sex were slaughtered at each time of fasting. Regression analysis indicated that the longer the fasting time, the greater the weight reduction in both males and females (35/42 days). However, analysis of variance highlighted no weight reduction (P>0.05) for four, eight, and 12 hours of fasting in males slaughtered at 35 and 42 days of age and in females at 35 days. However, females slaughtered at 42 days of age showed no differences (P>0.05) for four and eight hours of fasting. After 16 hours of fasting, both males and females slaughtered at 35 and 42 days of age showed higher weight reductions (P<0.05) than after the other fasting times. No live weight reductions (P>0.05) were observed for male and female birds of 35 and 42 days of age, respectively. Regarding meat quality, no changes (P>0.05) were found for CL and WHC in males and females at 35 and 42 days of age, respectively.

Avaliaram-se diferentes tempos de jejum pré-abate sobre redução de peso vivo e qualidade cárnea de frangos abatidos aos 35 e 42 dias de idade. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro, oito, 12 e 16 horas de restrição de ração. Foram abatidas oito aves de cada sexo em cada tempo de jejum. Análise de regressão indicou que quanto maior o tempo de jejum, maior é a redução de peso tanto em machos como em fêmeas (35/42 dias). A análise de variância indicou que não ocorreu redução de peso (P>0,05) entre quatro, oito e 12h de jejum nos machos aos 35 e 42 dias e nas fêmeas aos 35 dias, enquanto nas fêmeas aos 42 dias não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre quatro e oito horas de jejum. Com 16h de jejum, tanto em machos quanto em fêmeas aos 35 e 42 dias, a redução de peso foi maior (P<0,05) em relação aos demais horários. Não ocorreu diferença (P>0,05) na perda de peso na comparação entre 35 e 42 dias em machos e fêmeas nos respectivos horários de abate. Na qualidade cárnea, não houve alteração (P>0,05) na perda de peso por cozimento e na capacidade de retenção de água em machos e fêmeas nas respectivas idades de abate.

Resumo

Compost barn (CB), although recent in Brazil, is increasingly gaining popularity among the intensive breeding systems in the dairy sector. This system promises to offer several advantages to producers and animals: such as providing an environment in which milk production is increased and the physical integrity of cattle is improved, reducing mastitis episodes, and promoting thermal comfort for animals. Another factor that highlights CB concerning other intensive systems is the composting process, generated by the deposition of carbon-rich materials (bedding) with nitrogen sources (urine and feces) from animals. For the full benefits of this composting to be achieved, management, especially of bedding, must be carried out correctly, considering the development requirements of the compost, the use of quality organic material, adequate ventilation, and an ideal rate of animal capacity, so that the generation of heat occurs efficiently. However, there is a general lack of information about the CB system. Hence, there is an increasing need for data surveys of Brazilian regions to compare the diversity of materials used in bedding, assessing energy efficiency and performance over time. Therefore, this bibliographical review addressed the main points of the CB system approach, considering that studies such as this are consistently relevant for rural producers, facilitating decisions regarding the implementation and management of the CB system on their farms.

Resumo

Peixes, anfíbios, répteis, moluscos cefalópodes e crustáceos decápodes são sencientes, e por isso, procedimentos de cultivo e de abate desses animais precisam atender aos critérios de bem-estar. Protocolos de bem-estar têm sido propostos para espécies da aquicultura de relevância econômica trançando novos rumos para atividade, mas infelizmente na maioria das propriedades brasileiras, não são adotados. Nesta revisão, contém informações sobre o cenário atual e os métodos de avaliação de bem-estar dos organismos aquáticos disponíveis na literatura científica, a fim de contribuir para a implantação de métodos, processos e estruturas que garantam o bom estado fisiológico e comportamental durante a vida e morte dos animais em cativeiro. Os dados disponíveis indicam que o estresse, a sanidade, as condições nutricionais e os métodos de insensibilização são os principais indicadores de bem-estar na aquicultura. Portanto, é imprescindível garantir estruturas adequadas ao sistema de produção, protocolos de vacinação, dietas balanceadas compostas principalmente por fontes protéicas de qualidade, depuração pré-abate e métodos de insensibilização que levam à perda de consciência imediata.

Fish, amphibians, reptiles, cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans are sentient, so these animals' cultivation and slaughter procedures must meet welfare criteria. Welfare protocols have been proposed for aquaculture species of economic relevance, tracing new directions for the activity, but unfortunately, in most Brazilian properties, they are not adopted. This review contains information about the current scenario and the methods of evaluating the welfare of aquatic organisms available in the scientific literature to contribute to the implementation of methods, processes and structures that ensure a good physiological and behavioral state during the life and death of the animals in captivity. Available data indicate that stress, health, nutritional conditions and stunning methods are the main indicators of welfare in aquaculture. Therefore, ensuring adequate structures for the production system, vaccination protocols, balanced diets composed mainly of quality protein sources, pre-slaughter purification, and stunning methods that lead to immediate loss of consciousness is essential.

Resumo

The quality of life of animals can have a direct impact on the health of the community where they live, therefore, knowledge of the number of animals and the conditions in which they are found is fundamental to the development of actions focused on Unique Health. Aiming to carry out a population estimate of dogs and cats, domiciled and semi-domiciled, in the urban area of Barra-BA and to analyze the population's knowledge about the themes "responsible guarding" and "animal welfare", it was carried out, in the period of August to November 2019, the application of a questionnaire in 365 residences. The results showed that for each inhabitant there were about 0.152 dogs and 0.108 cats, thus, it is estimated about 6,341 domesticated and semi-domesticated animals, being 3,707 dogs and 2,634 cats. The analysis of notions of animal welfare and responsible guarding showed that most tutors do not satisfactorily practice responsible guarding, especially for cats that, when compared to dogs, had lower rates of deworming and vaccination, as well as average age below that of the canine population. The number of animals with free access to the street was higher for felines. In terms of reproductive control, between the two species, only 3.6% were spayed. At the end of the work, it can be concluded that the cat: inhabitant proportion in the studied region is consistent with the national proportion. In contrast, the dog: inhabitant relationship was shown to be inferior when compared to national values. Furthermore, there was a need for educational actions within the scope of responsible custody.(AU)

A qualidade de vida dos animais pode ter impacto direto na saúde da comunidade onde vivem. Portanto, o conhecimento do número de animais e das condições em que se encontram é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para a abordagem Saúde Única. Com o objetivo de realizar uma estimativa populacional de cães e gatos domiciliados e semidomiciliados na área urbana de Barra-BA, e analisar o conhecimento da população local sobre os temas "guarda responsável" e "bem-estar animal" foi realizado um questionário em 365 residências no período de agosto a novembro de 2019. Os resultados mostraram que para cada habitante havia cerca de 0,152 cães e 0,108 gatos. Assim, estima-se que existam cerca de 6.341 animais domesticados e semi-domesticados, sendo 3.707 cães e 2.634 gatos. A análise do conhecimento sobre bem-estar animal e guarda responsável mostrou que a maioria dos tutores não pratica a guarda responsável de forma satisfatória, principalmente para gatos. Quando comparados aos cães, os gatos apresentaram menores índices de vermifugação e vacinação e apresentaram idade média abaixo da população canina. O número de animais com livre acesso à rua foi maior para os felinos. Em termos de controle reprodutivo, entre as duas espécies, apenas 3,6% foram esterilizadas. Ao final do trabalho, pode-se concluir que a proporção gato por habitante na região estudada é condizente com a proporção nacional. Em contrapartida, a relação cão por habitante mostrou-se inferior aos valores nacionais.(AU)