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The evaluation of the reactivity and distress of cattle during corral management, by means of subjective scores, aims at the standardization of behavioral indicators, through non-invasive methods, in addition to enabling the development of more appropriate management practices, thus promoting the comfort and well-being of these animals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the temperament and distress of cattle managed in a corral using behavioral indicators during the rainiest period. For this, the experiment was conducted on a property located in the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos, during the rainiest quarter (February-April). Thus, 30 male cattle, not castrated, approximately 29 months of age, clinically healthy, and weighing 310 + 20 kg, were divided into three rearing systems: silvopastoral (SP), traditional (SS), and integrated (SI) systems. There were 10 animals per system. Physiological parameters were collected to evaluate rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as body surface temperature (BST), through thermal windows (head and flank infrared temperature and rump infrared temperature). To evaluate temperament and reactivity, scores indicative of corral behavior were used, namely escape speed (ES), tension score (SS_1), tension score (SS_2), reactivity scale (RS), movement score (MS), and temperament scale (TS). The results showed that there was a thermal amplitude of 5.9 °C on average and 8.6 °C at maximum when comparing the structure of the corral and the trees. In addition, the comparisons between the production systems for the behavioral variables did not differ at the 5% significance level, except for ES, where the traditional system differed from the integrated system and the silvopastoral system, showing intermediate average values for both. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the variables RT and RR (r = 0.72; p < 0.01), RR and SS_2 (r = 0.38; p = 0.04), flank infrared temperature and MS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), rump infrared temperature and RS (r = 0.37; p = 0.04), SS_1 and RS (r = 0.41; p = 0.02), SS_1 and SS_2 (r = 0.39; p = 0.03), RS and SS_2 (r = 0.58; p = 0.00), RS and MS (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), RS and TS (r = 0.61; p = 0.00), SS_2 and MS (r = 0.51; p = 0.00), SS_2 and TS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), and MS and TS (r = 0.44; p = 0.02), and a negative correlation between ES and TS (r = -0.42; p = 0.02). The rainy season had a major influence on the evaluation of temperature and distress levels during handling in the corral, as evidenced by the association between physiological and behavioral parameters.

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of Nelore cattle (Bos indicus) managed in silvopastoral and traditional systems associated with rumination behavior in a humid tropical environment in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was carried out on a rural property in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, during the transition period of the year, from June to July 2023. Over these two months, six consecutive data collection days were held. We selected 20 clinically healthy non-castrated male Nelore cattle, aged between 18 and 20 months, with an average weight of 250 kg and body condition score of 3.5 (1-5). These animals were randomly divided into two groups: traditional system (TS) and silvopastoral system (SS). The physiological variables evaluated included RR, RT and BST. The variables were analyzed using the linear mixed model. For agrometeorological variables, higher values were observed between 10:00 a.m. (33 °C) and 6:00 p.m. (30 °C), with the highest temperature observed at 4:00 p.m. (40 °C). The RR showed interactions (p = 0.0214) between systems and times; in general, higher RR were obtained in the Traditional. The animals' RT showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the production systems, but there was a statistically significant difference in relation to the time of collection (p < 0.0001). In the BGHI, it was possible to observe that there was mild stress in the period from 22:00 at night to 6:00 in the morning and moderate stress in the period of greatest increase in temperature, from 10:00 in the morning to 18:00 at night. BST showed no statistical difference between the regions studied or between the SP (35.6 °C) and TS (36.25 °C) systems. RT in the TS showed a positive correlation with AT (r = 0.31507; p = 0.0477). RT in the SP showed a positive correlation with THI (r = 35583; p = 0.0242). On the other hand, RT in the SP (r = 0.42873; p = 0.0058) and ST (r = 0.51015; p = 0.0008) showed a positive correlation with BGHI. RR in the TS showed a positive correlation with BGHI (r = 0.44908; p = 0.0037). The greatest amounts of rumination were carried out by animals in the SP system, generally ruminating lying down (p < 0.05). With regard to rumination behavior in the morning and afternoon, there were higher numbers of WS and LD in the TS (p > 0.05). Most of the time, the cattle were LD during the morning and afternoon shifts, and at night and dawn they were WS in the TS. Therefore, the SP offers more thermal comfort advantages compared to the TS system.

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Variations in environments, including climate, diet, and agricultural practices, significantly impact the composition and microbial activity. A profound understanding of these adaptations allows for the improvement of nutrition and ruminant production. Therefore, this review aims to compile data from the literature on the rumen microbiota and molecular techniques for identifying the different types of microorganisms from the rumen fluid of ruminants. Analyzing the literature on rumen microbiology in different ruminants is complex due to microbial interactions, influenced by the environment and nutrition of these animals. In addition, it is worth noting that the genera of protozoa and fungi most evident in the studies used in this review on the microbiology of rumen fluid were Entodinium spp. and Aspergillus spp., respectively, and Fibrobacter spp. for bacteria. About the techniques used, it can be seen that DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing were the most cited in the studies evaluated. Therefore, this review describes what is present in the literature and provides an overview of the main microbial agents in the rumen and the molecular techniques used.

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The El Niño represents a substantial threat to pastures, affecting the availability of water, forage and compromising the sustainability of grazing areas, especially in the northern region of Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the thermographic profile of three production systems in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was conducted on a rural cattle farm in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, between August and November 2023. The experiment involved livestock production systems, including traditional, silvopastoral and integrated, with different conditions of shade and access to the bathing area. An infrared thermographic (IRT) camera was used, recording temperatures in different zones, such as areas with trees, pastures with forage and exposed pastures. The highest mean temperatures (p = 0.02) were observed in pastures with full sun from August to November. On the other hand, the lowest average temperatures were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (Bertholletia excelsa). The highest temperature ranges were found in sunny areas and the lowest were recorded in shaded areas. The highest temperatures were observed in the pasture in full sun, while the lowest were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (p < 0.0001). The interaction between the systems and treatments revealed significant temperature differences (p < 0.0001), with the native trees showing an average temperature of 35.9 °C, lower than the grasses and soil, which reached 61.2 °C. This research concludes that, under El Niño in the Eastern Amazon, areas shaded by Brazil nut trees had lower temperatures, demonstrating the effectiveness of shade. Native trees, compared to grasses and soil, showed the ability to create cooler environments, highlighting the positive influence on different species such as sheep, goats and cattle.

RESUMO

This study aimed to evaluate follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates in Nellore heifers submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols associated with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Nellore heifers (n = 259) were used, divided into two studies. Experiment I evaluated the ovarian follicular dynamics in 64 Nellore heifers submitted to different FTAI protocols (n = 32/group) using either FSH or eCG. In Experiment II, the pregnancy rate was evaluated in 195 heifers submitted to FTAI protocols and divided into two groups: FSH (n = 97) and eCG (n = 98). In Experiment I, the ultrasound examination showed that the maximum diameter of the dominant and preovulatory follicles and the ovulation time were similar between the FSH and eCG groups (p > 0.05). However, the ovulation rate was higher in the eCG group when compared to FSH (p = 0.014). In Experiment II, females that received eCG presented a higher pregnancy rate (58.1%) when compared to FSH (40.2%) (p = 0.012). The use of eCG in the FTAI protocol in Nellore heifers promoted a higher ovulation rate and increased pregnancy rate and may be the most suitable alternative to increase conception rates in animals that are raised in an extensive system under tropical conditions in the Amazon.

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O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o consumo de matéria seca (MS), desempenho, e viabilidade econômica de búfalos submetidos a dietas de grão total comparado como de dietas convencionais. Doze bubalinos foram alimentados em confinamento e os tratamentos dietéticos foram oferecidos por 63 dias de período de comparação. Os tratamentos consistiram em dieta com 100% de concentrado (Grão Total) e dieta com 70% de concentrado mais 30% de silagem de milho (Convencional) com base MS. Amostras dos ingredientes e das sobras alimentares de cada animal foram coletadas, para determinação da matéria seca, e pesadas, para cálculo do consumo individual e da eficiência alimentar. Foi realizada coleta de sangue, por dezoito horas, para determinação de NUP (Nitrogênio Uréico plasmático). O peso vivo (PV) dos bubalinos foi determinado no início do período experimental e a cada sete dias de comparação. O ganho diário de peso foi calculado para cada uma das nove semanas e a viabilidade econômica das duas dietas, através do custo alimentar, avaliada em uma planilha do Excel®. Animais alimentados com dieta grão total apresentaram menor consumo de matéria seca (CMS kg e CMS % PV) que animais alimentados com dieta convencional. O peso vivo final (PVF), o peso da carcaça, e o ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) dos animais em kg, não diferiram estatisticamente entre os tratamentos. Em relação ao rendimento de carcaça, animais alimentados com grão total diferiram estatisticamente. O NUP, após a primeira alimentação, foi maior em animais alimentados com dieta convencional. Os bubalinos alimentados com grão total apresentaram menor custo alimentar e maior rendimento de carcaça.

The objective of this work was to evaluate dry matter consumption, performance, and economic viability of buffaloes submitted to full grain diets compared to conventional diets. Twelve non-castrated buffalo of the Murah breed were fed in confinement. Dietary treatments were offered for a 63-day comparison period. The treatments consisted of a diet with 100% concentrate (grain exclusive diet) and a diet with 70% concentrate plus 30% corn silage (Conventional) based on dry matter. Samples of the ingredients and food leftovers from each animal were collected to determine dry and heavy matter, to calculate individual consumption and feed efficiency. Blood was collected for 18 hours to determine PUN (plasma urea nitrogen). The live weight (LW) of the buffaloes was determined at the beginning of the experimental period and every seven days for comparison. The daily weight gain was calculated for each of the nine weeks and the economic viability of the two diets, through the food cost was evaluated in Excel® spreadsheet. Animals fed with a grain exclusive diet had lower consumption of dry matter (DMI lb and DMI % LW) than animals fed with conventional diet. The final live weight (LLW), carcass weight, average daily weight gain (PDG) of the animals in lb, did not differ statistically between treatments. Regarding the carcass yield, animals fed with total grain differed statistically. The PUN after the first feeding was higher in animals fed with a conventional diet. The buffaloes fed with total grain showed lower food cost and higher carcass yield.

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We evaluated the factors associated with the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella abortus in buffaloes in the municipality of Santarém, Western Pará, northern Brazil. The study was conducted on 60 farms, representing 25.8% of the total buffalo farms in the region. From those farms, a total of 426 buffaloes were sampled, males of any age and females more than 24 months of age, to avoid a false-positive reaction in the serological test due to vaccination. The Acidified Agglutination Serum Test was carried out on serum samples using B. abortus strain 1,119-3 as the antigen. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the association between brucellosis and potential risk factors. Of the 426 tested buffaloes, 29 were positive, resulting in an overall animal prevalence of antibodies against B. abortus at the animal level of 6.8% (4.6-9.6; 95% confidence interval). The herd level prevalence was 30% (18 of 60) and seroprevalence range within farms was from 0% to 100%. At the animal level, buffaloes raised in the floodplains tended (p = 0.06) to present a higher seroprevalence (9.70%) of antibodies against B. abortus than buffaloes raised in dry land (4.98%) and cows tended (p = 0.054) to have a higher seroprevalence than male buffaloes. Multivariate herd-level analysis revealed association between farm type and brucellosis seroprevalence (p = 0.015); dairy farms were two times more likely to have seropositive buffalo than beef farms. Our survey demonstrated a high farm seroprevalence of B. abortus in buffalo raised in an Amazonian ecosystem with positive animals found in one third of sampled farms.

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O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros morfológicos do trato gastrointestinal de bubalinos submetidos a dietas de alto grão, pouco conhecida, e dieta convencional com adição de forragem. Dez bubalinos foram submetidos a 79 dias de confinamento, sendo 16 de adaptação e 63 de comparação. Avaliou-se dietas com 100% concentrado, utilizando milho grão inteiro e núcleo proteico e mineral, e dieta com 70% de concentrado, utilizando milho grão moído mais forragem e núcleo proteico e mineral. As dietas foram isoproteícas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados e os animais blocados por peso. Os dados avaliados foram: peso dos animais ao abate, peso de ruminorreticulo, peso do intestino grosso e delgado, área e comprimento de papila ruminal, número de papilas ruminais por cm², área de superfície de absorção de ruminorreticulo. Os dados foram analisados pelo Proc GLM do SAS considerando efeitos de blocos e tratamento. Uma correlação de Pearson com todas as variáveis analisadas foi realizada. O peso médio dos animais, peso do ruminorreticulo, peso do intestino grosso e área do rúmen foram de 394,3 kg, 7,65 kg, 5,85 kg e 9,41 m respectivamente. O peso de intestino delgado foi maior para os animais que receberam dieta de grão total (4,9 vs 4,7 kg, P=0,04). Houve correlação positiva entre peso vivo dos animais e peso do ruminorreticulo; área de papila e comprimento de papila; e peso do intestino grosso e papilas por cm². Dietas com alto grão para bubalinos em confinamento apresentaram redução do trato gastrointestinal, porém com pouca diferença estatística.

The objective of this work was to evaluate morphological parameters of the gastrointestinal tract of buffaloes submitted to high-grain diets, little known and conventional diet with addition of forage. Ten buffaloes were submitted to 79 days of confinement, 16 days of which were adaptation and 63 days of comparison. Diets with 100% concentrate were evaluated, using whole grain corn and protein and mineral nuclei, and diets with 70% concentrate, using milled grain plus forage and protein and mineral cores. The diets were isoproteic. The experimental design was in randomized blocks and the animals were put into each block by weight. The data evaluated were weight of the animals at slaughter, weight of ruminoreticule, weight of the large and small intestine, area and ruminal papillae length, number of ruminal papillae per cm2 surface area of absorption of ruritreticulum. The data were analyzed by SAS's GLP Proc. considering block effects and treatment. A Pearson correlation with all analyzed variables was performed. The mean weight of the animals, weight of the ruminoreticule, weight of the large intestine and rumen area did not differ statistically and were 394.3kg, 7.65kg, 5.85kg and 9.41m, respectively. The small intestine weight was higher for the animals that received a total grain diet (4.9 vs.4.7 kg, P=0.04). There was a positive correlation between live weight of the animals and weight of the ruminoreticule; papillae and length of papila; and weight of the large intestine and papillae per cm2 . High grain diets for buffaloes in confinement presented reduction of the gastrointestinal tract, but with little statistical difference.

Assuntos

RESUMO

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros morfológicos do trato gastrointestinal de bubalinos submetidos a dietas de alto grão, pouco conhecida, e dieta convencional com adição de forragem. Dez bubalinos foram submetidos a 79 dias de confinamento, sendo 16 de adaptação e 63 de comparação. Avaliou-se dietas com 100% concentrado, utilizando milho grão inteiro e núcleo proteico e mineral, e dieta com 70% de concentrado, utilizando milho grão moído mais forragem e núcleo proteico e mineral. As dietas foram isoproteícas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados e os animais blocados por peso. Os dados avaliados foram: peso dos animais ao abate, peso de ruminorreticulo, peso do intestino grosso e delgado, área e comprimento de papila ruminal, número de papilas ruminais por cm², área de superfície de absorção de ruminorreticulo. Os dados foram analisados pelo Proc GLM do SAS considerando efeitos de blocos e tratamento. Uma correlação de Pearson com todas as variáveis analisadas foi realizada. O peso médio dos animais, peso do ruminorreticulo, peso do intestino grosso e área do rúmen foram de 394,3 kg, 7,65 kg, 5,85 kg e 9,41 m respectivamente. O peso de intestino delgado foi maior para os animais que receberam dieta de grão total (4,9 vs 4,7 kg, P=0,04). Houve correlação positiva entre peso vivo dos animais e peso do ruminorreticulo; área de papila e comprimento de papila; e peso do intestino grosso e papilas por cm². Dietas com alto grão para bubalinos em confinamento apresentaram redução do trato gastrointestinal, porém com pouca diferença estatística.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate morphological parameters of the gastrointestinal tract of buffaloes submitted to high-grain diets, little known and conventional diet with addition of forage. Ten buffaloes were submitted to 79 days of confinement, 16 days of which were adaptation and 63 days of comparison. Diets with 100% concentrate were evaluated, using whole grain corn and protein and mineral nuclei, and diets with 70% concentrate, using milled grain plus forage and protein and mineral cores. The diets were isoproteic. The experimental design was in randomized blocks and the animals were put into each block by weight. The data evaluated were weight of the animals at slaughter, weight of ruminoreticule, weight of the large and small intestine, area and ruminal papillae length, number of ruminal papillae per cm2 surface area of absorption of ruritreticulum. The data were analyzed by SAS's GLP Proc. considering block effects and treatment. A Pearson correlation with all analyzed variables was performed. The mean weight of the animals, weight of the ruminoreticule, weight of the large intestine and rumen area did not differ statistically and were 394.3kg, 7.65kg, 5.85kg and 9.41m, respectively. The small intestine weight was higher for the animals that received a total grain diet (4.9 vs.4.7 kg, P=0.04). There was a positive correlation between live weight of the animals and weight of the ruminoreticule; papillae and length of papila; and weight of the large intestine and papillae per cm2 . High grain diets for buffaloes in confinement presented reduction of the gastrointestinal tract, but with little statistical difference.(AU)

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RESUMO

The aim of this study was to develop a resynchronization strategy before the return of oestrus in cows diagnosed as not pregnant after fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). A total of 839 cows, approximately 45 days post-partum, were synchronized using TAI. On day 0, intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices were inserted and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate was administered. Eight days later (D8), the progesterone-releasing devices were removed and oestradiol cypionate (0.5 mg, eCG [300 IU]) and prostaglandin (7.5 mg) were administered. All cows were inseminated between 48 and 56 hr after device removal (D10). Thirty days after TAI, cows that were not diagnosed as pregnant by ultrasound were immediately resynchronized and again inseminated at a fixed time. The hormonal protocol used in the first and second rounds of TAI was the same. The pregnancy rate after the first TAI was 52%, and after the second TAI, it was 49%. The increase in the total pregnancy rate (synchronization + second oestrous synchronization) compared to a single synchronization was 23.5%. In conclusion, resynchronization of oestrus and ovulation in zebu cows that had previously undergone TAI protocols is effective in increasing the reproductive efficiency.

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