Welfare assessment of Thoroughbred horses naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites in Southern Brazil: Quantifying the host-parasite relationship.

Horse welfare assessment (HWA) does not account for individual or herd parasite infection. This study investigated the connection between HWA and individual parasite fecal egg count (FEC) in 90 Thoroughbred horses. All horses were naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites and were evaluated for individual welfare indicators and FEC monthly, for 12 months. Horses were divided into three groups of 30 mares, 30 foals aged between 13 and 16 months (G2013), and 30 foals aged between two months and one year (G2014). A horse welfare protocol was developed and 1024 assessments were carried out by five trained assessors. FEC ranged from 0 to 5,760 with 98.8 % showing small strongyle eggs. Body condition scores were ideal in 94.4 % of the evaluations (n = 967), and 95.8 % of all horses had good clinical and behavioral indicators. Despite the variation in FEC, the data found no significant association between FEC and the behavioral indicators. The study suggests that FEC alone should not be used as a determinant of welfare when animals are managed with good nutritional and health management practices.

Welfare of broiler chickens reared in two different industrial house types during the winter season in Southern Brazil.

1. The following trial compared broiler chicken welfare in closed-sided (CS) versus open-sided (OS) industrial house types during the winter season in the South of Brazil.2. Ten flocks in each house type were evaluated as follows: a) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas (CDE), bird soiling (BSO), footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn (HBU), lameness (LAM), fractures (FRA), bruising (BRU), scratches (SCR), dead on arrival (DOA), and diseases (DIS); b) house environmental measurements: relative humidity (RHU), temperature (TEM), air velocity (AVE), illuminance (ILL), ammonia concentration (NH3), and carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), and c) bird behaviour and affective states: bird behaviour (BBE), touch test (TTE), and qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA).3. Statistical analyses were based on regression models for CDE, BSO, FPD, HBU, LAM and generalised linear models for DOA, FRA, BRU, SCR, and DIS. The Mann-Whitney test was used for RHU, TEM, AVE, ILL, NH3, CO2, and the t-test for TTE and LMO, with a specific regression model for BBE data and Principal Component Analysis for QBA.4. According to odds ratio for worse scores for CS relative to OS, birds were less likely to have severe scores for CDE (P = 0.040 and P = 0.007), BSO (P = 0.031, P = 0.016, and P = 0.038), and HBU (P = 0.017), and had higher median values for AVE (2.3, 0.0-7.8 m s-1 vs. 0.0, 0.0-4.3 m s-1), lower NH3 concentration (9.0, 0.0-64.0 ppm vs. 12.0, 0.0-60.0 ppm) and TTE scores (98, 96-100 vs. 67, 25-100). Worse results were observed in CS houses for higher stocking density (13.8 ± 0.2 birds/m2 vs. 12.0 ± 0.2 birds/m2), RHU (74.5, 50.7-99.9% vs 72.3, 47.4-99.9%), and TEM (23.9, 14.6-29.2°C vs. 21.7, 12.9-30.1°C), lower ILL (16.0, 1.0-60.0 lx vs. 161.0, 8.0-2380.0 lx), less drinking (P = 0.007), more inactive behaviour (P < 0.001) and lower positive emotions, according to QBA (P = 0.028).5. In the studied region and season, CS houses seemed to offer fewer welfare problems in terms of the health indicators; however, OS houses showed fewer behavioural restrictions and higher positive emotional states.

Spatial distance and reactivity traits alter the positive perception of brushing by ewes.

Gentle handling seems to elicit positive states in sheep. The study investigated whether spatial distance alters sheep responses to brushing and whether spatial distance is influenced by reactivity. Twenty Romane ewes were assessed in three sessions: in Sessions 1 and 3, one grid separated the test animal from pen mates, with no distance between them, and in Session 2 two grids separated the test animal from pen mates by a distance of about 1.7 m. Ewes had been genetically selected for low (R-) or high (R+) behavioural reactivity to social isolation. Body postures, head orientation, ear postures, closed and half-closed eyes, tail wagging and feeding behaviour, in addition to heart rate (HR) and HR variability, as the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), RMSSD/SDNN ratio and ratio between low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) powers (LF/HF) were assessed. Data were analysed using generalized linear models and linear mixed models. Session, genetic line and phase (pre-, brushing and post-brushing) were considered fixed effects. Increased distance in Session 2 might not have influenced ewes' responses. Fewer changes in ear postures were noted in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), suggesting that ewes were more relaxed in Session 3. The RMSSD/SDNN ratio was higher mainly during brushing in Sessions 1 and 3 (P<0.05), indicating that ewes were more relaxed during brushing, and at no distance between pen mates. However, spatial distance influenced R- and R+ ewes' responses; R+ ewes performed more asymmetric ear postures in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), and in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), indicating that spatial distance had a negative effect on R+ ewes. Low reactive ewes spent less time on horizontal ear postures in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), and R+ ewes spent more time on horizontal postures in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.01). Curiously, R- ewes spent more time eating and ruminating in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), and in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), whereas R+ ewes ate and ruminated more in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.05). Higher HR was found among R- ewes in Session 2 than 1 and 3, and in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01). High reactive ewes showed higher HR in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.01). The findings suggest that the social context might influence sheep responses to gentle handling, and the effects depend on their reactivity traits.

Características relevantes das instalações e da gestão de abrigos públicos de animais no estado do Paraná, Brasil, para o bem-estar animal / Relevant characteristics of facilities and management of public animal shelters in the state of paraná, Brazil, for animal welfare

Animais podem ser eventualmente recolhidos em abrigos públicos no Brasil e o ambiente de alojamento afeta diretamente sua qualidade de vida. Este trabalho estudou características relevantes das instalações físicas e da gestão dos estabelecimentos vinculados ao poder público municipal que abrigam cães, gatos e cavalos no estado do Paraná. Foram registrados 17 municípios com 20 abrigos, dos quais 18 participaram da pesquisa. Todos os municípios mantinham cães, sete (41,2%) mantinham gatos e oito (47,1%) mantinham cavalos. Todos os abrigos apresentavam recintos coletivos; dois (11,8%) de cães e cinco (71,5%) de gatos mantinham um animal por recinto; quatro (22,2%) mantinham recintos sem visualização além do próprio recinto; 11 (64,7%) realizavam limpeza adequadamente; cinco (29,4%) abrigos de cães e um (14,3%) de gatos não tinham área para quarentena ou isolamento sanitário; camas estavam disponíveis em 15 (88,2%), cinco (71,4%) e um (12,5%) dos recintos de cães, gatos e cavalos, respectivamente. Os abrigos de animais no Paraná devem banir recintos de isolamento social, incluir uma cama por animal e socializar os animais. Adicionalmente, há oportunidade de aumentar o grau de bem-estar animal por meio de melhorias no manejo dos animais e no manejo sanitário, as quais não dependem de reformas nas instalações.(AU)

Animals may be eventually collected by public shelters in Brazil and the shelter's environment directly affects their quality of life. This work studied relevant characteristics of the physical facilities and the management of establishments liked to the municipal public power that shelter dogs, cats and horses in the state of Paraná. It was registered 17 municipalities with 20 shelters, of which 18 participated in the research. All the municipalities maintained dogs, seven (41.2%) maintained cats and eight (47.1%) kept horses. All the shelters had social housing; two (11.8%) of dogs and five (71.5%) of cats housing one animal per pen; four (22,2%) there were pens that didn't have visualization for outside; 11 (64.7%) had cleaning correctly; five (29.4%) shelters that sheltered dogs and one (14.3%) that sheltered cats didn't have area for quarantine and isolation restroom; beds were available in 15 (88.2%), five (71.4%) and one (12.5%) of the pens of dogs, cats and horses, respectively. Animal shelters in Paraná should ban pens isolation, include one bedding per animal and socialize the animals. In addition, there is an opportunity to increase the animal welfare through improvements in animal management and sanitary management, which do not depend on the housing improvements.(AU)

Percepção de equipes laboratoriais quanto a questões de bem-estar animal / Perception of laboratory staff regarding animal welfare issues

As equipes laboratoriais controlam diversas características do ambiente dos animais utilizados em pesquisas. Portanto, suas atitudes têm grande influência no bem-estar animal (BEA) e nos resultados obtidos. Buscou-se verificar o conhecimento e a percepção dessas equipes em relação a questões de BEA. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário online composto por 22 questões abertas e 23 fechadas. As respostas são referentes a 62 participantes de diversas instituições de pesquisa brasileiras. Dezesseis (25,8%) não receberam treinamento para exercer suas funções, e 11 (18,0%) realizavam ou coordenavam procedimentos com potencial para causar dor ou morte. O principal fator limitante relatado para o uso de animais em pesquisas foi referente a questões éticas (38; 63,3%). Todos declararam conhecer o significado do termo BEA; porém, a maioria dos conceitos expressos foi de forma parcial (32; 64,0%). Tais resultados podem estar relacionados ao caráter optativo ou à indisponibilidade do ensino de BEA na maioria dos cursos de graduação no Brasil. Os animais vertebrados foram percebidos pelos respondentes como portadores de alto grau de senciência. Espécies em contato social e afetivo com os seres humanos foram vistas como mais sencientes que outros grupos. O número de respondentes interessados em um projeto de enriquecimento ambiental (34; 69,4%) sugere preocupação com o BEA. Os resultados apresentados podem subsidiar a localização de pontos críticos de BEA em laboratórios brasileiros e indicam possibilidades para melhoria no conhecimento científico de questões centrais relativas ao BEA.

Laboratory staff controls a series of environmental parameters affecting animals used in research. Therefore, staff attitudes influence both animal welfare (AW) and research results. This study aimed to verify the knowledge and perception of staff members on AW. Data were collected through a 22 open-question and 23 multiple-choice question online survey. 62 respondents from Brazilian institutions answered the survey. Sixteen (25.8%) participants did not receive training for their functions, from which 11 (18.0%) performed or coordinated procedures that may induce pain or death. The main limiting factor for the use of animals in research was ethical issues (38, 63.3%). All participants reported to know the meaning of AW, but most of the concepts given were partial (32, 64.0%). These results may be related to the unavailable or optional teaching of AW in most undergraduate courses in Brazil. Vertebrates were perceived by respondents as highly sentient. Species with a social and affective bond with human beings were seen as more sentient than other groups. There was interest in an environmental enrichment project (34, 69.4%) suggesting concern with AW. These results can collaborate in the identification of critical issues in AW in Brazilian laboratories and indicate opportunities to improve scientific knowledge of key issues related to AW.

Assessment of welfare of Brazilian and Belgian broiler flocks using the Welfare Quality protocol.

The Welfare Quality consortium has proposed a science-based protocol for assessing broiler chicken welfare on farms. Innovative features make the protocols particularly suited for comparative studies, such as the focus on animal-based welfare measures and an integration procedure for calculating an overall welfare status. These protocols reflect the scientific status up to 2009 but are meant to be updated on the basis of inter alia implementation studies. Because only few such studies have been done, we applied the Welfare Quality protocol to compare the welfare of broiler flocks in Belgium (representing a typical European Union (EU) country which implies stringent animal welfare legislation) versus Brazil (the major broiler meat exporter to the EU and with minimal animal welfare legislation). Two trained observers performed broiler Welfare Quality assessments on a total of 22 farms in Belgium and south Brazil. All of the farms produced for the EU market. Although the overall welfare was categorized as 'acceptable' on all farms, many country differences were observed at the level of the welfare principles, criteria, and measures. Brazilian farms obtained higher scores for 3 of the 4 welfare principles: 'good feeding' (P = 0.007), 'good housing' (P < 0.001), and 'good health' (P = 0.005). Four of the 10 welfare criteria scores were, or tended to be, higher on Brazilian than Belgian farms: 'absence of prolonged thirst' (P < 0.001), 'ease of movement' (P < 0.001), 'absence of injuries' (P = 0.002), and 'positive emotional state' (P = 0.055). The only criteria with a higher score for the Belgian farms than their Brazilian counterparts were 'absence of prolonged hunger' (P = 0.048) and 'good human-animal relationship' (P = 0.002). Application of the Welfare Quality protocol has raised several concerns about the validity, reliability, and discriminatory potential of the protocol. The results also call for more research into the effect of animal welfare legislation as broiler welfare on the south Brazilian farms appeared to be superior to that on the Belgian farms. Animal-based welfare assessments on a larger sample of farms are needed to evaluate to what extent these findings may be generalized.

Performance of an animal-based test of thirst in commercial broiler chicken farms.

Animal-based measures of thirst are currently absent from animal welfare monitoring schemes due to the lack of a well-validated indicator applicable for on-farm use. In the present study, an on-farm test based on voluntary water consumption from an unfamiliar open drinker was validated in a (semi-)commercial setting. To investigate the effect of thirst on water consumption, we subjected 4 flocks of 1,500 broilers to either 0 or 12 h of water deprivation and subsequently measured the amount of water that small subgroups consumed after the deprivation period (first experiment). Broilers that were water deprived before the test drank more than control broilers (P < 0.001). In a second experiment, a similar test was performed using 20 commercial broiler flocks in Belgium and Brazil. After a pretreatment water consumption test, the birds were subjected to 0 or 6 h of water deprivation, and a posttreatment water consumption test was conducted. Only in Brazil, deprived birds drank significantly more than controls in the posttreatment water consumption test (P < 0.001). A tendency for a difference was found in Belgium (P = 0.083). Pre- and posttreatment water consumption was higher in Brazil than in Belgium (P < 0.001). Stocking density and temperature influenced, respectively, the pretreatment and the control's posttreatment water consumption in Brazil, but not in Belgium. These results indicate that the water consumption test is sufficiently sensitive to discriminate between control and 12 h deprived flocks, and in Brazil even between control and 6 h deprived birds. The location of the test within the house did not affect the amount of water consumed in either experiment, suggesting that this variable does not have to be standardized. However, the amount of water consumed by broilers able to drink freely for a long period depended on indoor climatic variables (in Brazil only) and possibly genotype. This suggests that these variables need to be considered when interpreting the test outcome in terms of the thirst level experienced by the broilers.

Ensino de bem-estar e dor animal em cursos de medicina veterinária no Brasil / Teaching pain and animal welfare in Veterinary Medicine courses in Brazil

Currículos de medicina veterinária devem disponibilizar ferramentas para que os futuros profissionais atendam a demanda da sociedade, que inclui preocupações diretas com os animais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi traçar um perfil do panorama geral do ensino da medicina veterinária em relação a questões de bem-estar e dor animal. O método utilizado foi análise de documentos disponíveis online e coleta de dados via aplicação de questionários para coordenadores de curso de medicina veterinária. A descrição do curso, sua grade curricular e ementário foram estudados. Observou-se que 46% das 94 instituições estudadas apresentavam a disciplina de bem-estar animal e 26% ofereciam a disciplina de etologia. Houve evidência de que há uma pronta relação com a esfera física do bem-estar animal, sendo que as outras duas esferas, comportamental e psicológica, não recebem atenção similar ao longo dos cursos. Na avaliação do ementário, o termo "bem-estar animal" é empregado com caráter difuso e o termo "dor" encontra-se presente em 54% dos cursos estudados, relacionado principalmente a disciplinas de patologia, fisiologia, farmacologia e anestesiologia. Conclui-se que o ensino brasileiro de medicina veterinária enfatiza a esfera física do bem-estar animal, sendo importante o enriquecimento em relação às esferas comportamental e psicológica e ao ensino da dor.

The curricula of veterinary medicine should provide tools for future professionals to meet society demands, which include direct concerns for the animals. The overall scenario of education in veterinary medicine on issues of animal welfare and pain was studied. This study was conducted through the analysis of documents available online and via questionnaires to coordinators of veterinary medicine programs. The program description, its curriculum and course content descriptions were considered. Results show that 46% of the 94 institutions studied offer an animal welfare course and 26% offer an ethology course. We observed a direct relationship with the physical component of animal welfare; the other two components, the behavioral and psychological ones, do not receive similar attention throughout the programs. In the study of course contents of the veterinary programs, the term 'animal welfare' is used in a diffuse manner and the term 'pain' appears in 54% of the programs studied, mainly related to disciplines covering its pathology, physiology, pharmacology and anesthesiology. We conclude that in the teaching of veterinary medicine in Brazil there is an emphasis on the physical realm of animal welfare, and that there is room for improvement in the naturalness and psychological realms and in the teaching of pain.

Quail (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) welfare in two confinement systems / Bem-estar de codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) em dois sistemas de confinamento

The intensification of animal production systems presents a potential impact on the welfare of animals. The objective of this work was to assess the welfare of quail Coturnixcoturnix japonicain two maintenance systems: battery cages (BC),and enriched aviary (EA),with saw-dust bedding, sand-bathing area and nests. The experiment procedure involved eight animals per holding area and four repetitions per treatment, an overall of 64 quails. Welfare was assessed through behavioral freedom, sanitary freedom (feather condition and injuries), blood analyses and glicocorticoid metabolites measurement in droppings. Results are presented in the BC order, followed by EA. Water drinking behavior and agonistic behavior were different between treatments (P<0.05). Feather condition was adequate in both treatments, except for the head in BC quails. Blood data were statistically different forred blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood proteins, eosinophils, heterophils, lymphocytes and heterophil: lymphocyte ratio. Glicocorticoid metabolites levels were significantly different between maintenance systems. The behavioral and physiological welfare indicators showed higher welfare degree for quails in enriched aviary as compared to battery cages system.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o bem-estar de codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) em dois sistemas de manutenção: gaiolas industriais em baterias (BC) e aviários enriquecidos (EA) com cama de serragem, caixa de areia e ninhos. O procedimento experimental envolveu oito animais por área experimental equatrorepetiçõesportratamento, totalizando64codornas. O bem-estar animal foi avaliado por meio da liberdade comportamental e da liberdade sanitária -condição das penas e ferimentos -, análises de sangue e mensuração de glicocorticoides nas fezes. Atividade de beber água e comportamento agonístico foram diferentes entre os tratamentos (P<0,05). A condição das penas foi adequada em ambos os tratamentos, exceto para a condição das cabeças em codornas do tratamento BC. Os dados do sangue foram diferentes para eritrócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina, proteínas sanguíneas, eosinófilos, heterófilos e linfócitos e para a relação heterófilo:linfócito. Os níveis de metabólitos glicocorticoides foram significativamente diferentes entre os sistemas de manutenção. Os indicadores comportamentais e fisiológicos de bem-estar mostraramalto grau de bem-estar para as codornas no EA em relação às no BC.

Grau de bem-estar relativo de frangos em diferentes densidades de lotação / Broiler welfare in relation to stocking density

Avaliou-se o impacto da redução da densidade de lotação sobre o bem-estar animal (BEA) de frangas de corte, produzidas para abate precoce. Para isso, aos 12 dias de idade, 800 frangas, comerciais, foram distribuídas em baias de 4m²; sendo oito com 10 aves (17,0kg)/m² (DL10) e oito com 15 aves (25,5kg)/m² (DL15). As condições ambientais foram avaliadas utilizando-se o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU). Para avaliação de bem-estar, foi construído um etograma; hemograma e testes bioquímicos séricos, desempenho zootécnico e problemas locomotores foram avaliados. Em 43,6 por cento do tempo, o ITU ficou acima do recomendado, e não foram observadas diferenças comportamentais. Diferenças significativas foram observadas em relação aos basófilos, valores de 6,3±2,3 e 4,5±1,8 por cento; triglicerídeos, 158,9±32,9 e 186,3±43,9mg/dL; globulinas, 1,8±0,5 e 1,5±0,4 por cento. Menos peso final ocorreu em DL15, 1,65±0,28kg, 1,69±0,13. Problemas locomotores não diferiram entre tratamento. A consideração conjunta de menor peso final, maiores taxas de triglicerídeos e menores valores de globulinas sugere menor grau de bem-estar em DL15. Índices de ITU e relação heterófilo:linfócito acima do normal sugerem baixo grau de bem-estar em ambas as densidades.

The objective was to evaluate the impact of reducing box density on female broiler welfare (BEA). At 12 days of age 800 females Cobb-500® were weighed and distributed into randomized boxes of 4m²; being eight boxes with 10 birds (17,0kg)/m² (DL10) and eight with 15 birds (25,5kg)/m² (DL15). Environmental conditions were evaluated using the temperature and humidity index (ITU). Hematologic and biochemical tests were performed. Production data was registered and locomotion problems were evaluated. It was observed that for 43 percent of the time the ITU was above the recommendations. Statistical differences were observed in relation to basophils (6,3±2,3 and 4,5±1,8 percent), triglycerides (158,9±32,9 e 186,3±43,9mg/dl), globulins ( 1,8±0,5 and 1,5±0,4 percent), and lighter final weight in DL 15 (1,65±0,28kg in DL10 1,69±0,13 to DL 15.) No difference in locomotion problems was observed. Results of lighter final weight, higher value of triglycerides, and lower value of globulins suggest worse welfare in DL 15. ITU above recommendation and high values of H:L suggest low welfare degree in both densities.

Essential directions for teaching animal welfare in South America.

Both the public and the international institutions that regulate the veterinary profession have high expectations that veterinarians will understand and take the lead in issues of animal welfare. These expectations provide a powerful argument for the need to teach animal welfare. The objective of this paper is to share the experiences of animal welfare teaching in South America, examining which topics seem relevant and why. It builds upon the core international literature on teaching animal welfare to veterinary students, highlights priorities learned through direct experience of teaching this topic in South America, and has benefited from the experiences of other South American animal welfare professors. In addition, the authors discuss major challenges in the animal welfare field and propose the perceived best strategies. The overall conclusion of the authors is that it is not possible to work as a veterinarian and make a valuable contribution to society unless the main concepts and issues of animal welfare are thoroughly understood and incorporated into practice.

Effects of insulin, recombinant bovine somatotropin, and their interaction on insulin-like growth factor-I secretion and milk protein production in dairy cows.

This trial was designed to test the effects of insulin, recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), and their interaction on milk protein and selected blood parameters in dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows (86 +/- 10 d in milk) were divided in two groups and used in two replicates of a Latin square design with four animals, four periods, and four treatments: 1) intravenous infusion of saline, 2) infusion of saline and subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of rbST per day, 3) intravenous infusion of 12 mg of insulin per day coupled with glucose infusion, and 4) rbST administration combined with insulin and glucose infusion. The glucose infusion rate was adjusted to maintain euglycemia. Each experimental period lasted 14 d: treatments were administered during the first 6 d, and no treatment was administered during the following 8-d resting phase. The average daily amount of glucose infusion needed to avoid hypoglycemia was 2.8 kg/cow when only insulin was infused as opposed to 2.2 kg/cow when both insulin and rbST were administered, indicating that either rbST causes a peripheral resistance to insulin or rbST increased liver gluconeogenesis or both. Data from the last 3 d of infusion were analyzed by using the SAS system for mixed models. Percent protein of milk tended to be lower (2.84 vs. 2.79%) and milk urea content was lower (16.6 vs. 14.8 mg/dl) during rbST administration, regardless of insulin infusion. Insulin infusion increased percent protein (2.78 vs. 2.85%) and percent casein (2.36 vs. 2.46%) and decreased milk urea content (17.1 vs. 14.3 mg/dl) regardless of rbST administration. For milk yield, protein yield, casein yield, lactose percent, and lactose yield, there were significant interactions between insulin and rbST administration. For example, casein yield averaged 1.17, 1.12, 1.20, and 1.28 kg/d for saline, insulin, rbST, and insulin combined with rbST, respectively. Similarly, there was a significant interaction between insulin and rbST on IGF-I levels, which were 122.5, 181.3, 342.3, and 492.2 ng/ml for saline, insulin, rbST, and insulin combined with rbST, respectively. In conclusion, these results clearly demonstrated that insulin interacts with bST in early lactation to improve milk protein synthesis and yield in dairy cows. These effects are probably mediated through a combination of bST nutrient mobilization, bST-induced gluconeogenesis, bST-induced insulin peripheral resistance, and bST/insulin synergism on insulin-like growth factor-I secretion and on mammary epithelial tissue.