Characterization of the Ruminal Microbiome of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Kept in Different Ecosystems in the Eastern Amazon.

Increasing the efficiency of rumen fermentation is one of the main ways to maximize the production of ruminants. It is therefore important to understand the ruminal microbiome, as well as environmental influences on that community. However, there are no studies that describe the ruminal microbiota in buffaloes in the Amazon. The objective of this study was to characterize the rumen microbiome of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the eastern Amazon in the dry and rainy seasons in three grazing ecosystems: Baixo Amazonas (BA), Continente do Pará (CP), Ilha do Marajó (IM), and in a confinement system: Tomé-Açu (TA). Seventy-one crossbred male buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used, aged between 24 and 36 months, with an average weight of 432 kg in the rainy season and 409 kg in the dry season, and fed on native or cultivated pastures. In the confinement system, the feed consisted of sorghum silage, soybean meal, wet sorghum premix, and commercial feed. Samples of the diet from each ecosystem were collected for bromatological analysis. The collections of ruminal content were carried out in slaughterhouses, with the rumen completely emptied and homogenized, the solid and liquid fractions separated, and the ruminal pH measured. DNA was extracted from the rumen samples, then sequenced using Restriction Enzyme Reduced Representation Sequencing. The taxonomic composition was largely similar between ecosystems. All 61 genera in the reference database were recognized, including members of the domains Bacteria and Archaea. The abundance of 23 bacterial genera differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the Tomé-Açu confinement and other ecosystems. Bacillus, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides had lower abundance in samples from the Tomé-Açu system. Among the Archaea, the genus Methanomicrobium was less abundant in Tomé-Açu, while Methanosarcina was more abundant. There was a difference caused by all evaluated factors, but the diet (available or offered) was what most influenced the ruminal microbiota.

Lambs supplemented with Amazonian oilseed co-products: Meat quality and fatty acid profile.

The Amazon has a wide variety of oilseeds that generate a huge amount of co-products with potential for use in animal nutrition. The objective was to use alternative resources (oilseed cakes) in the feeding of lambs to assign a sustainable destination to this biomass, and evaluate its influence on the quality and fatty acid (FA) profile of the meat. Twenty-four lambs, male, castrated, crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês, weighing 30 ± 1.3 kg of initial body weight, were distributed in a completely randomized design in 4 treatments (diets) with six replications (animals). The control diet (Control) contained corn and soybean meal as main ingredients, which were partially replaced in the other diets by cupuassu cake diet (Cup), palm kernel cake diet (Palm) and tucuma cake diet (Tuc). The inclusion of Amazon cakes influences the lipid (P = 0.02) and protein (P < 0.01) composition of meat (longissimus lumborum); reduces cooking losses (P < 0.01); influences the colors (L, a, b), chroma, and Hue Angle (P < 0.01); promotes changes in total FA composition and FA profile (P < 0.05); reduces hypocholesterolemic FA (h) (P = 0.01), but does not influence hypercholesterolemic (H) and indices h:H, AI and TI (P > 0.05). The inclusion of oilseed cakes influences the chemical composition, physical parameters, composition and fatty acid profile of the meat, but does not influence the indicators of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity and cholesterolemia.

A new proposal for the use of the focal animal technique in buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon.

This study aims to present a proposal for using the focal animal recording technique to evaluate the welfare of buffaloes and to verify the association between each behavior and thermal comfort indices. The study was conducted in an experimental paddock located in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. A total of 10 female Murrah animals were used. The behavior of the animals was recorded during the day, with the use of three trained observers, for 72 consecutive h. Climatic variables were collected, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and the practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Index (BCCCIp) were determined. The multivariate technique of principal components and Spearman's correlation were employed. BCCCIp and THI were outside the thermal comfort zone at different times of the day. Grazing (P) was more frequent in the coldest hours of the day, while rumination occurred at different periods, mainly during the daytime and frequently in a lying position. There was a positive correlation between idle lying behavior and average temperature-Tmed (r = 0.583; p < 0.028), THI (r = 0.432; p < 0.034), and BCCCIp (r = 0.554; p < 0.049). There was a positive correlation between grazing and Tmed (r = 0.665; p < 0.0004) and BCCCIp (r = 0.583; p < 0.036). The standing idle behavior negatively correlated with Tmed (r = -0.718; p < 0.0001), THI (r = -0.522; p < 0.008), and BCCCIp (r = -0.8076; p < 0.0008). The lying ruminating behavior had a positive correlation with Tmed (r = 0.586; p < 0.002), THI (r = 0.477; p < 0.018), and BCCCIp (r = 0.8033; p < 0.0009). Furthermore, ruminating while standing correlated positively with Tmed (r = 0.680; p < 0.0003). The adaptation of the focal animal technique, with six observers evaluating each animal for 6 min through filming, proved to be efficient in pointing out the different behaviors of buffalo raised in Eastern Amazon fields under heat stress at different times of the day.

Evaluation of the temperature and humidity index to support the implementation of a rearing system for ruminants in the Western Amazon.

The good productive and reproductive performance of the animals depends on multiple factors, including favorable climatic conditions, which are responsible for causing changes in the physiological and behavioral responses. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temperature and humidity index (THI) to support the implementation of a rearing system in ruminants in the Western Amazon, Brazil. Monthly temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Database for Teaching and Research (BDMEP) for the capitals Manaus (Amazonas), Boa Vista (Roraima), and Rio Branco (Acre), considering a historical series of 27 years (1993 to 2020), referring from January to December. In the capital Boa Vista, the months of January, February, May, June, and July showed an indication of mild stress and the months of March, April, August, September, October, November, and December had moderate stress. In Rio Branco, all months of the year presented the average THI in mild stress with variations of lower THI (73) and higher THI (77). In the capital Manaus, the months from January to July signaled mild stress, but from August to November, there was moderate stress, and in December, there was mild stress. It is possible to observe significant climatic variations during the months as well as the years of study, with the animals under thermal stress with THI > 72 or in a warning signal, with a gradual increase in temperature and humidity indices over the last 10 years. The importance of the breeding system and the consideration of environmental factors, such as the THI, are fundamental for the wellbeing and performance of cattle raised in the field. Our results support the adoption of heat stress mitigation strategies for ruminants in Western Amazon.

Evaluation of the quality of meat and carcasses from sheep fed diets containing three types of oils.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass and meat of lambs fed with different types of oil. Thirty male, uncastrated, mixed breed (Santa Inês × Dorper) sheep were used in this experiment and were distributed in random blocks with three treatments and 10 replicates per treatment, where each animal represents a replicated experimental unit. The three treatments were the following experimental diets: soybean oil in natura; soybean oil after use in frying, and palm oil (Elaeis guineensis). The oils were incorporated into the sheep diets at a level of 4%. Carcasses were evaluated for hot and cold yield, loss due to cooling, finish, conformation, internal fat concentration, morphometric measurements, tissue composition, and commercial cuts. The addition of soybean oil in natura, residual soybean oil from frying, and palm oil to the sheep diets did not alter any of the evaluated characteristics, which therefore can be interpreted as favoring the use of any of these three oils as a supplement to their diet, and the three oils imparted good characteristics to the carcasses and the meat.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, carcass traits and sensory analysis of meat from lambs fed with co-products of Amazon oilseeds.

Introduction: The increase in availability and nutritional composition of oilseed co-products has made it essential to study the use of this biomass. Methods: The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of including oilseed cakes on intake and digestibility, performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory in feedlot lambs. Twenty-four crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês lambs, with initial body weight of 30 ± 1.3 kg, male, castrated, aged 4-5 months, were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (diets) and six replications (animals), confined in individual stalls for 70 days. Results: The inclusion of tucuma cake (Tuc) reduced dry matter intake (p < 0.01) and diets with cupuassu cake (Cup) and palm kernel cake (Palm) reduced dry matter digestibility (p < 0.05). The Tuc diet also provided the lowest final body weight (p = 0.02); lower average daily gain (p = 0.03); lower feed efficiency (p = 0.03) and lower carcass weight (p < 0.01). However, diets did not influence carcass yield (%), fat thickness (mm) and loin eye area (cm2; p > 0.05). Meat from lambs on the control diet was rated as less fibrous and more tender (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The inclusion of tucuma cake does not influence digestibility, but reduces intake, performance and influences carcass characteristics and meat texture. Diets with cupuassu cake or palmiste cake reduced digestibility, however, intake, performance and carcass characteristics were similar to the control diet.

Evaluation of thermoregulation of horses (Equus caballus) submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in hot and humid climate conditions, in the Eastern Amazon.

In Brazil, the study on equine thermoregulation has not shown considerable advances, moreover, in the Amazon, this is a little explored aspect. This study aims to evaluate the thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at Centro Hipico, Ananindeua, Para, for 15 days. Ten male horses, castrated of the Brazilian breed, aged 13 years and with an average weight of 482.3 kg were used. Equestrianism, which was exercised with pre-established protocol in the arena and track, for 30 min. After the exercise, the animals were divided into two groups for application of the treatments, which were two cooling methods, such as a bath with water at room temperature (about 25°C) and a hiper cooling method (6-9°C). During the experimental period, air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) data were recorded and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. Data from the rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and Body surface temperature (BST) of the animals were also measured at three moments: before exercise, after exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The adaptability index used was the Benezra Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI). The BST was performed with the help of infrared thermograph, which were the left side of the neck, thorax, rump, and right side to the armpi, before the exercise, after the exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The statistical design was completely randomized. Analysis of variance was performed using the GLM Procedure of SAS 9.1.3. After the application of the cooling techniques in the animals, the AT and THI were higher and the highest RH values were found before the exercise (87.21%). The highest RT, RR, HR, BST, and BTCI values were observed after exercise. There was no significant dierence (P > 0.05) between cooling methods. There was a highly significant and positive correlation (P < 0.01) between all physiological variables (RT, RR, HR, and BST) and the Iberian Index with AT and THI and negative with RH (P < 0.01), thus demonstrating the influence of the environment on the thermoregulation of animals. It is concluded the evaluation of stress, welfare and thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon, demonstrated that the studied cooling methods showed to reduce the rectal temperature, the respiratory rate, the heart rate and the body surface temperature with equal efficiency. However, in terms of practical ease of use, the room temperature water cooling method has proven to be more practical.

Methane emission, intake, digestibility, performance and blood metabolites in sheep supplemented with cupuassu and tucuma cake in the eastern Amazon.

The use of co-products as a feed supplement for ruminants makes livestock sustainable and optimizes the use of available areas and animal performance. Furthermore, when cakes are used, the residual fat composition can influence ruminal metabolism and methane (CH4) production. This study aimed to assess the effects of a diet containing cupuassu (CUP; Theobroma grandiflorum) and tucuma (TUC; Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) cakes on intake, digestibility, serum metabolites, performance, and CH4 emissions in confined sheep in the Amazon. Approximately 28 animals, Dorper-Santa Inês, castrated, with an average initial live weight (ILW) of 35 ± 2.3 kg, were distributed in metabolic cages, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and seven replications: (1) Control (C40), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 40 g of ether extract (EE)/kg of dietary dry matter (DM); (2) CUP, the inclusion of the CUP cake and 70 g of EE/kg; (3) TUC, the inclusion of the TUC cake and 70 g of EE/kg; and (4) Control (C80), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 80 g of EE/kg of dietary DM, with roughage to concentrate ratio of 40:60. The use of the TUC cake as a feed supplement reduced the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), and EE compared to the inclusion of the CUP cake (p < 0.05); however, it increased the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by 32% (p < 0.01). The highest averages of DM (732 g/kg) and CP (743 g/kg) digestibility were presented in C40, while the highest digestibility of NDF was presented in TUC (590 g/kg). Albumin levels stayed above and protein levels were below the reference values, and the C40 diet also obtained below results for cholesterol, triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.05). Sheep fed CUP (91 g) and TUC (45 g) had lower daily weight gains (DWGs) than those fed with diets without the inclusion of cakes (C40 = 119 g; C80 = 148 g), and feed efficiency (FE) was also lower in CUP (84) and TUC (60) diets than in C40 (119) and C80 (137) diets. CH4 emissions were lower in animals fed TUC (26 L/day) and higher in C40 (35 L/day); however, TUC resulted in higher CH4 emissions in grams/body live weight (BW) gain/day (353 g/BW/day) vs. 183 g/BW/day (C40), 157 g/BW/day (C80), and 221 g/BW/day (CUP). The supplementation with cakes did not improve intake, digestibility and performance, did not compromise blood metabolites and did not reduce the enteric CH4 emission in confined sheep in the Amazon; however, the use of CUP cake showed similar results to the control treatments and did not increase CH4 emissions, as occurred with the inclusion of TUC cake.

Mineral Content of Liver of Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Reared in Different Ecosystems in the Eastern Amazon.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different production ecosystems, three in native and cultivated pastures (extensive), at two seasons of the year (dry and rainy), and one in confinement (intensive) in the Eastern Amazon, on the mineral content of buffalo liver raised on these ecosystems. Twelve male buffalo (n = 12), aged between 24 and 36 months, slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses, were used in each of the ecosystems considered: Marajó; Lower Amazon; Cultivated Pasture, and in confinement system, Pará, Brazil. Approximately 5 g of liver was collected, stored and frozen until lyophilization. Samples were analyzed for mineral content based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) readings. The relationship between extensive ecosystems and an intensive production system (p < 0.05) in the values of potassium (K), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and barium (Ba) was evaluated. The different ecosystems studied influenced (p < 0.05) the mineral values found in the liver of buffaloes raised in the ecosystems, for sodium (Na), K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and barium (Ba). The period of the year interacted with the values of Na, K, S and Cu; however, an interaction of local vs. period of the yer was observed for the values of K, Mg, P, S and Cu. It can be concluded that the buffalo liver is an excellent source of minerals and can be included in the human diet and that the ecosystem the animals are raised influences its content.

Animal welfare and effects of per-female stress on male and cattle reproduction-A review.

Thermal stress causes severe effects on the wellbeing and reproduction of cattle, including changes in oogenesis and spermatogenesis, generating great concerns, which last for decades. In cattle, the occurrence of thermal stress is associated with a reduction in the production of spermatozoids and ovarian follicles, in addition to the increase of major and minor defects in gametes or in their intermediate stages. In bovine females able to reproduce, a reduction in the rate of estrus manifestation and an increase in embryonic mortality has been observed. Therefore, keeping animals on good welfare conditions, with water supply and in shaded areas can favor the improvement of different reproductive parameters. For all this, the present study aimed to gather, synthesize and argue recent studies related to animal welfare, focusing on the effects of thermal stress on the reproduction of cattle, aiming to support possible strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of thermal stress in this species.

Muscle mineral profile of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reared in different production systems of the Brazilian Eastern Amazon.

Healthy food must have an adequate balance of macroelements, such as calcium or phosphorus and, microelements, such as iron, copper. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of three extensive systems, during the dry and rainy seasons, and an intensive (feedlot) system in the Eastern Amazon, on the muscle mineral profile of water buffaloes. In total, 12 male buffaloes, aged between 24 and 36 months, slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses, were used in each of the systems considered: Marajó island, Santarém, Nova Timboteua, and a feedlot. Approximately 5 g of muscle was collected, stored, and frozen, until freeze-dried. The samples were analyzed for the mineral profile using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) for concentrations of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe). Extensive and intensive systems showed significant differences (P < 0.05) for Na, Ca, S, Cu, and Fe concentrations. The season also influenced (P < 0.05) K, Ca, P, S, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The location and season of the year had a significant interaction (P < 0.05) for K, Mg, P, Zn, and Fe concentrations. The study showed that the different Amazonian production systems and the year season influenced the levels of minerals present in buffalo muscle. The values obtained were, in general, higher in extensive production systems, and Marajó Island stood out with higher mineral values in the dry season. Therefore, the meat from animals reared in these systems is a good mineral source for daily human needs.

Behavior and thermal comfort of light and dark coat dairy cows in the Eastern Amazon.

This study aimed to evaluate the behavior and thermal comfort of 20 Girolando cows (5/8-H/G), with light and dark coats, in the wettest period of the year, in Santarém, Pará, Brazil, in pasture with access to shade, and plenty of drinking water and mineral salt. Animal behavior categories were computed for 12 h a day, on 3 days in a row, by trained observers. Three day shifts were considered: Morning (6:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.), Intermediate (10:00 a.m. to 01:55 p.m.) and Afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 05:55 p.m.). The Temperature Index (TI), the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI) and the Comfort Index (CI) were calculated to measure thermal comfort. At all times studied, BGHI pointed that the environment was outside the thermal comfort zone. Dark-coated animals spent more 34.26% of the time in activities in the shade. The light-coated animals remained more 11.88% of the time in the sun, performing their natural behaviors. Both light and dark coat animals remained more 77 and 74.44% of the time in the sun, respectively. The behavior "in the sun while grazing" was the most evident, in both coats, in the studied shifts. The behaviors "in the shade while walking" and "in the shade while standing idle" were more evident (p < 0.01) in dark-coated cattle. The grazing behavior was higher in animals with dark coat (p < 0.05). In all evaluated shifts, there was a positive correlation between the behavior "in the sun while grazing" with the CI (r = 0.44211; p < 0.0305). Behaviors performed in the shade, such as "idleness while lying down," "ruminating while lying down and standing up," and behaviors "in the sun," "idleness while lying down" and "ruminating while lying down," were negatively correlated with CI. It is concluded that, even in the wettest period of the year, in the Eastern Amazon, Girolando dairy cows are exposed to hot environments, which causes thermal discomfort and changes in their natural behavior, as they spend more time standing in shaded areas, usually in rumination. Also, light-coated cows spend more time in the sun, while dark-coated cows spend more time in the shade. Thus, light-coated cows tend to have health and zootechnical performance negatively affected.

Thermoregulatory reactions of female buffaloes raised in the sun and in the shade, in the climatic conditions of the rainy season of the Island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil.

Buffaloes are well-adapted to hot, humid climates and muddy terrain, however they show signs of thermal discomfort when exposed to direct sunlight due to their specific structural features such as dark skin, small number of sweat glands/skin area and thick skin. Epidermis layer of the skin, making heat dissipation difficult. The study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of female buffaloes raised in traditional and silvopastoral systems, on the island of Marajó, Pará, during the rainy season of the year. The experiment was carried out in Cachoeira do Arari, Retiro Grande, Marajó, Pará (00°55'37.814424"S 48°43'48.143060"W). Twenty female Murrah buffaloes, aged between 2 and 3years and average weight of 282 ± 29 kg, were used. They were fed on pasture and divided into two groups: WS group (with shade) and NS group (without shade). The WS group (n = 10) remained grazing in a silvopastoral system, with access to the shade of red Jambeiro (Syzygium malaccense) trees. The NS group (n = 10) was kept in grazing, in a traditional system, without access to the shade of trees or shades. The physiological variables rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and body surface temperature (BST) (forehead, left side of the thorax and left flank) were measured at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. At the same times, data on air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed (WSP), solar radiation (SR) and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were also recorded. THI, WSP and SR were higher at 14:00 h (P < 0.05). At 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h there was difference of RT between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals of the NS group had the highest values. In the NS group, the highest value of RT was observed at 14:00 h (39.38 ± 0.43°C), when THI and SR were higher. At 10:00 and 14:00 h, BST was higher in the NS group (p < 0.05), of 34,55 ± 1.03 and 35.35 ± 1.51°C, respectively, and both groups had the highest value of BST at those same times. There was difference of the RR between treatments at 10:00 h and 14:00 h (p < 0.05), where the highest values were found in the NS group (33.71 ± 7.58 e 50.40 ± 18.41 mov./min., respectively). Even in the rainy season of the year, the climatic conditions of Ilha do Marajó are unfavorable to the welfare of buffaloes, especially at 2:00 pm, when the SR is higher. Thus, the use of the system with access to shade, such as silvopastoral, is recommended, in order to provide greater thermal comfort to animals and improve their productivity.

Feed intake, emission of enteric methane and estimates, feed efficiency, and ingestive behavior in buffaloes supplemented with palm kernel cake in the Amazon biome.

The use of palm kernel cake as an alternative to conventional ingredients, due to the presence of residual fat, can also reduce methane emissions. The objective of the study was to evaluate, in two different experiments, the effects of palm kernel cake supplementation on feed intake, enteric methane production and estimates, and the ingestive behavior of buffaloes in the Amazon biome. In experiment 1, to evaluate feed intake, methane production, and feed efficiency, 20 crossbred females, dry and empty, with a mean age of 34 months and an initial body weight of 514 ± 69 kg, were supplemented with palm kernel cake for 60 days. The supply was calculated in relation to body weight (BW) in four treatments: 0% (control); 0.25, 0.50, and 1% of palm kernel cake, distributed in a completely randomized design. In experiment 2, to evaluate the ingestive behavior, 24 mixed-breed, dry, and non-pregnant buffaloes supplemented with palm kernel cake were evaluated in the less rainy season (LR) and the wettest season (WS) of the eastern Amazon, distributed in a completely randomized in the same treatments as experiment 1. The inclusion of palm kernel cake in the supplementation increased the feed intake of dry matter and components (MM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE) (P < 0.01), reducing the production of enteric methane intake (P < 0.01), the ratio per kg of meat produced (P < 0.01) and feed efficiency (P < 0.01), and influenced the ingestive behavior (time grazing, rumination, and idleness) during the day. We suggest that further research be carried out to verify the results and improve the use of this co-product as a methanogenesis mitigator.

Production, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of milk from buffaloes fed with cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) cake and murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) cake in the Eastern Amazon.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation using by-products of the Amazonian industry on milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes. Twelve lactating buffaloes (544.5 ± 35.6 kg, 6.4 ± 2.2 years old, 59 ± 6 days in milk) were allotted in a pasture of Mombaça grass and managed under rotational grazing (4 days occupancy/28 days rest). A 3 × 3 Latin square was adopted, and each animal alternately received three supplementary treatments based on corn bran + soybean meal or cupuaçu cake or murumuru cake for 21 days per treatment. Murumuru cake increased the levels of lauric acid and myristic acid in the milk (p < 0.05). Murumuru cake reduced the unsaturated fatty acid contents in the milk compared with animals fed control diet or cupuaçu cake (24.27% vs. 25.24% vs. 25.08%). The n-6/n-3 ratio was 2.6, 1.97, and 2.0 in the control, cupuaçu, and murumuru groups, respectively. Based on this parameter, cakes made from cupuaçu as well as murumuru could be considered to be adequate for inclusion in dairy water buffalo feed. However, the murumuru cake addition requires some caution because its use induces the secretion of higher levels of lauric and myristic fatty acids that are related to human cardiovascular disease.

Water buffalo production in the Brazilian Amazon Basin: a review.

The Brazilian Amazon has witnessed, in the last decades, an increase in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) inventory, with interesting productivity results. As the Brazilian Amazon contains the main water buffalo population in the Americas, the aim of this work is to review its most relevant production systems and some peculiarities about meat and milk production in this territory. The opening section describes the Amazon Basin, the most common water buffalo breeds, a brief history of the local livestock farming beginning in 1644. Also, it presents how water buffaloes gradually replaced bovine herds, especially where the latter had a lower productive performance. The use of extensive or more intensified models is pointed out and the ecosystems in which buffaloes are raised are detailed since native or cultivated pastures can be used in floodplains or drylands. Buffalo raising is favored in the Amazon due to the climate, soil, genetic variability of forages, animal adaptability, and physical space. Thus, it is clear that buffaloes have a high potential for meat and milk production and are an alternative in the use of altered areas of the Amazon; and, in the recent past, the low profitability of buffalo farming in traditional production systems in the Amazon was the reason which made this activity economically unattractive. Most recent technologies as outdoor confinements and silvopastoral systems are pointed out as more suitable regarding land-use policies, and buffalo farming for meat and milk production fits perfectly in this context, with productivity and beneficial socioeconomic.

Thermoregulatory and Behavioral Responses of Buffaloes With and Without Direct Sun Exposure During Abnormal Environmental Condition in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the effect of thermal-hydraulic variables in female buffaloes with or without direct solar exposure in a year of strong El Niño through behavior responses and infrared thermography to reinforce the environmental comfort indicators, in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Cachoeira do Arari municipality and 20 female Murrah buffaloes were randomly assigned to two groups: Group WS (n = 10) was kept in pickets with native trees. Group NS (n = 10) was kept in crush squeeze with no shade. Data on air temperature (AT, °C), relative air humidity (RH, %), wind velocity (WV, m/s), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and body surface temperature (BST) were collected. Practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Condition Index (BCCCI), practical Buffalo Environmental Comfort Index (BECI), Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and Benezra's Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI) were obtained. Infrared thermography analysis was carried out with a FLIR T-series T640bx camera. Data on time spent grazing, ruminating, idleness, and in other activities were recorded. A significant difference in AT of ~1°C was found between the groups at 6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. THI indicated emergency conditions. Female buffaloes were at danger PBCCCI conditions at 2 p.m. There was also significant difference for RT between treatments at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., whose values were higher (P < 0.05) for animals from NS Group, with the highest mean time at 2 p.m. Pearson correlation was significant and positive (P < 0.01) between RT mean and VUL, TI and ORB mean, maximum and minimum temperatures. The total time given to grazing was 518.2 min for the group NS and 629.5 min for the group WS. Rumination was more pronounced in the afternoon shift for the group NS. Buffaloes kept in a system with trees graze, ruminate and perform other activities with more intensity than animals raised in systems without access to shade, and tend to hyperthermia, mainly at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., in Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil.

Innovative use and efficiency test of subcutaneous transponders for electronic identification of water buffaloes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of using transponders for the electronic identification of water buffaloes and compare their efficiency when used in animals of different age groups. Electronic transponders with RFID technology (2.1 × 12.2 mm) were implanted subcutaneously (D0) in the scutiform cartilage. The animals consisted of four groups: CLF-I (17 calves; 2.1 ± 1.9 months), CLF-II (20 calves; 5.1 ± 3.2 months), HFR (20 heifers; 22 ± 4.7 months) and STR (19 steers; 26.6 ± 6.7 months). The animals were kept under pasture grazing, a part of the year in the dryland and a part in the floodplain, and were monitored for up to 350 days. The average time required for individual transponder implant was 49.46 s, while the time required for reading the code was 3.76 s. The older calves required higher time for individual implant (P = 0.0001) and closer approximation of the reader in the D150 (P = 0.0001). The mean read distance was 2.98 cm in D0 and 1.94 cm in D150. The magnitude of the subcutaneous transponder migration was minimal, and was within an area of 17.2 mm2. A slight bleeding was observed in 15.79% of the animals during the implant. A decreasing incidence of edema was observed until D21, with the heifers being more sensitive until that time (P = 0.0099). Considering the results, it is preferred to implant electronic transponders in calves up to two months of age. The physical rate of transponder loss was 1.3% and the loss of functionality was 9.2%. High reading rate was achieved when animals were raised both in dryland (93.9%) and floodplain (97.2%). Thus, the electronic identification of water buffaloes is a technique capable of replacing traditional and rudimentary methods to identify buffaloes and can provide safe identification of animals.

Infrared Thermography to Assess Thermoregulatory Reactions of Female Buffaloes in a Humid Tropical Environment.

This study employed infrared thermography to assess the thermoregulatory responses of female buffaloes reared in a hot and humid climate as a function of variations in time and the thermal environment, and to correlate rectal temperature with that of different body areas. The trial was carried out at Embrapa Eastern Amazon (01°26'S and 48°24'W) in Belém, PA, Brazil. Twenty-four female buffaloes fed exclusively on pasture and exposed to the sun throughout the day in an open area were used. The animals were taken back to the corral at 6 A.M., 9 A.M., 12 P.M., 3 P.M., 6 P.M., and 9 P.M. for measurements of rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and body surface temperature (BST) using infrared thermography (IRT). Data on air temperature (AT), relative air humidity (RH), wind velocity (WV), and solar radiation (SR) were also recorded. A quadratic effect of AT, RH, SR, RR, and RT (P < 0.01) was found as a function of measurement time. Between 12 P.M. and 3 P.M., AT, SR, RR, and RT values were the highest, while RH values were the lowest (P < 0.05). WV was the highest between 12 P.M. and 9 P.M. A difference was found in RR and RT among the day's times, with the highest values at 12 P.M. and 3 P.M. (P <0.05). The IRTs have a quadratic effect as a function of day's times, with the highest levels between 12 P.M. and 6 P.M. and a reduction at 9 P.M. All IRTs are correlated with the physiological variables RR and RT, except for the IRT of the side of the back, which is not correlated with RT. The IRTs of the eye and cheek are correlated with RT (P < 0.01) and with RR (P < 0.05). IRT was efficient in evaluating the thermal stress of female buffaloes in hot and humid climates, and the technique can be used to evaluate the body temperature of these animals, since the RT was positively correlated with the temperature of the eye and cheek.

Thermal comfort indices of female Murrah buffaloes reared in the Eastern Amazon.

The study aimed to develop new and more specific thermal comfort indices for buffaloes reared in the Amazon region. Twenty female Murrah buffaloes were studied for a year. The animals were fed in pasture with drinking water and mineral supplementation ad libitum. The following parameters were measured twice a week in the morning (7 AM) and afternoon (1 PM): air temperature (AT), relative air humidity (RH), dew point temperature (DPT), wet bulb temperature (WBT), black globe temperature (BGT), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and body surface temperature (BST). The temperature and humidity index (THI), globe temperature and humidity index (GTHI), Benezra's comfort index (BTCI), and Ibéria's heat tolerance index (IHTI) were calculated so they could be compared to the new indices. Multivariate regression analyses were carried out using the canonical correlation model, and all indices were correlated with the physiological and climatic variables. Three pairs of indices (general, effective, and practical) were determined comprising the buffalo comfort climatic condition index (BCCCI) and the buffalo environmental comfort index (BECI). The indices were validated and a great agreement was found among the BCCCIs (general, effective, and practical), with 98.3 % between general and effective a.nd 92.6 % between general and practical. A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was found between the new indices and the physiological and climatic variables, which indicated that these may be used in pairs to diagnose thermal stress in buffaloes reared in the Amazon.