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Slayi M. Avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni and Boran cattle subjected to routine handling activities post relocation. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1188505. [PMID: 37483289 PMCID: PMC10359482 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1188505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni and Boran cattle during routine handling activities post-relocation, with a particular focus on the effect of breed, week, and waiting time. Methods A total of 20 animals, 10 from each breed, were subjected to handling activities at fortnight intervals post-relocation. The animals were observed for entry time (ES), chute score (CS), kicking score (KS), blood sampling time, cortisol, and glucose concentrations. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analysis. Results and Discussion Results showed that breed had a significant effect on avoidance-related behavioral responses (ES: p = 0.0032; CS: p = 0.0071; and EX: p = 0.0320), with Nguni cattle displaying more active avoidance behaviors compared to Boran cattle. Additionally, breed differences were observed in physiological responses, with Nguni cattle exhibiting higher cortisol and glucose levels compared to Boran cattle. Waiting time in the race had a greater impact on chute score (CS: p = 0.0037) and cortisol release (p = 0.0375) in the two breeds. Regression analysis revealed that the amount of time spent in the handling facility prior to sampling and the duration of blood collection significantly increased from week 3 to 15. Steers that waited in the race for more than 10 min had higher cortisol levels (p = 0.0031). These findings suggest that breed-specific management practices may be necessary to reduce stress-related responses and improve animal welfare during routine handling activities post-relocation. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the effects of breed, week, and waiting time when evaluating the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of cattle during routine handling activities. These factors play a significant role in understanding and addressing the stress and welfare concerns associated with handling procedures, particularly after relocation.
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Vicentini RR, El Faro L, Ujita A, Ceballos MC, Negrão JA, Sant’Anna AC. Effects of Training for First Milking Involving Positive Tactile Stimulation on Post-Calving Maternal Behaviors in Primiparous Gyr Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050921. [PMID: 36899778 PMCID: PMC10000114 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In dairy systems with Zebu breeds, calves are not immediately separated from their dams after calving; consequently, maternal care and protective behavior are important, influencing both productive performance and stockpeople's safety. Our objectives were to: (1) investigate the effects of a training protocol involving pre-calving positive stimulation, delivered prior to calving, on the maternal care of primiparous Gyr cows; and (2) evaluate the effects of this training protocol on maternal protective behavior towards handlers during the first calf handling. Primiparous dairy Gyr cows (n = 37) were allocated into two groups: training (n = 16) and control (n = 21). Animal behaviors were recorded in three periods: post-calving, first calf handling, and post-handling. Maternal protective behavior during calf handling was assessed from measures of aggressiveness, attention, displacement, and agitation. Calf latency to stand up (p < 0.01) and sex (p < 0.01) differed between the training and control groups. The training group had less touching (p = 0.03), more time not interacting with the calf (p = 0.03), tended to be less protective (p = 0.056), and moved less (p < 0.01) during the first handling of their calves. In conclusion, the primiparous dairy Gyr cows subjected to pre-calving training protocol displayed less maternal care and displacement during the first handling of their calves and tended to be less protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Ribeiro Vicentini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Lenira El Faro
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia (IZ)–Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (APTA/SAA), Sertãozinho 14160-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Aska Ujita
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia (IZ)–Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (APTA/SAA), Sertãozinho 14160-970, SP, Brazil
| | | | - João Alberto Negrão
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA), Departamento de Ciências Básicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Cristina Sant’Anna
- Núcleo de Estudos em Etologia e Bem-estar Animal (NEBEA), Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), CNPq Researcher, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, MG, Brazil
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Freitas ADP, Lima MLP, Simili FF, Negrão JA, Schenkel FS, de Paz CCP. Influence of handling in corrals on the temperament of different breeds of beef cattle raised in Brazil. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad300. [PMID: 37681983 PMCID: PMC10540815 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of handling in corrals on the stress of beef cattle of Nelore, Caracu, and Guzerá breeds through the analysis of the relationship between behavioral traits, growth, and blood parameters. A total of 778 records of entry scores, chute scores, exit scores, flight speed, cortisol, glucose, lactate, live weight, and body condition scores were collected on steers and heifers of the three breeds, born between September and December. The animals came from the Advanced Beef Cattle Research Center of the Animal Science Institute. The variance analyses were performed using the GENMOD procedure. The PROC CORR estimated Spearman correlation coefficients for all traits studied, and the principal components analysis was performed according to the procedure PRINCOMP. Heifers had higher reactivity than steers, with higher behavioral scores and blood parameters. Overall, Caracu individuals demonstrated lower reactivity in comparison to Nelore and Guzerá. However, they presented high stress when they were restrained. The principal component analysis highlighted that behavioral traits and blood parameters were contrasted with growth traits; thus, this analysis can help selectors (livestock farmers) understand the importance of selecting less reactive animals and more easily choose the animals they want to select for breeding. Our results indicate that handling in corrals could be considered a stressful event for bovines. For this reason, measuring blood parameters and behavioral traits can compose necessary decision-making tools regarding changes and adequacies while handling events to reduce stress and consequently improve the herd's reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anielly de P Freitas
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Animal Science Institute/APTA/SAA, Rodovia Carlos Tonani, Sertãozinho, São Paulo 14174-000, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia P Lima
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Animal Science Institute/APTA/SAA, Rodovia Carlos Tonani, Sertãozinho, São Paulo 14174-000, Brazil
| | - Flávia F Simili
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Animal Science Institute/APTA/SAA, Rodovia Carlos Tonani, Sertãozinho, São Paulo 14174-000, Brazil
| | - João A Negrão
- Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavio S Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Claudia Cristina P de Paz
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Animal Science Institute/APTA/SAA, Rodovia Carlos Tonani, Sertãozinho, São Paulo 14174-000, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
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Valente D, Stilwell G. Applying a New Proposed Welfare Assessment Protocol to Suckler Herds from Three Different Autochthonous Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192689. [PMID: 36230430 PMCID: PMC9558498 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The welfare of farm animals has become an increasingly important issue for society, especially for consumers of animal products. Currently, there is no standardized and validated protocol in Portugal for assessing the welfare of suckler cow herds in extensive systems. This work aims to study and apply previously used indicators, based on behavior, mental status, health, body condition, and interactions with the environment. Criteria and measures were adapted from protocols for cattle in other production systems (Welfare Quality®, WQ) or protocols set for pasture-based cattle in New Zealand. To the WQ measures, such as body condition, absence of injuries and diseases, positive emotional state and management indicators, we added behavior when in the chute, distance to water points, positioning of ear tags, and thermal comfort. The feasibility of the protocol was assessed in herds with cows belonging to three different Portuguese autochthonous beef breeds. The welfare of the herds was considered good or excellent, with only the behavior at the chute being negatively scored in the Brava breed. The application and validation of indicators to correctly assess animal welfare all along the production chain is crucial to achieve certification, and to the identification and correction of causes of poor welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - George Stilwell
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- CIISA—Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Vicentini RR, El Faro L, Ujita A, Lima MLP, Oliveira AP, Sant’Anna AC. Is maternal defensiveness of Gyr cows (Bos taurus indicus) related to parity and cows’ behaviors during the peripartum period? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274392. [PMID: 36084036 PMCID: PMC9462786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal care of cows can influence both the milk production and the performance of their calves, making this a topic of important relevance for the production industry that uses zebu cattle. The aims of this study were to 1) investigate the effects of parity on the behaviors of Gyr cows during the peripartum period; 2) characterize the maternal defensiveness of primiparous and multiparous cows towards handlers during the first handling of their calves; and 3) evaluate the relationships between cows’ behaviors at the peripartum period and maternal defensiveness. Thirty-one Gyr cows (primiparous and multiparous), from Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (Brazil), were used. The animals were placed in a maternity paddock monitored by video cameras. The behaviors of the animals were collected in four periods: Pre-calving, Post-calving, First handling of calf and Post-handling. Primiparous cows presented more pain signs, reflected in arched spine (P = 0.05), and tended to move more (P = 0.07) than the multiparous in the Pre-calving period. Trends were observed for both Maternal Composite Score (P = 0.06) and Maternal Protective Behavior score (P = 0.06), indicating that both primiparous and multiparous were protective, but only multiparous cows were aggressive toward the caretakers on the first handling of their calves. The most protective cows spent more time eating during the prepartum period (P = 0.03), while the least attentive cows spent more time lying down (P = 0.02) in the prepartum period. The cows who nursed and stimulated their calves more were also calmer (P = 0.02) and more attentive (P = 0.01). In conclusion, the peripartum behaviors of Gyr cows were related to maternal care and maternal defensiveness. Multiparous cows tended to be more aggressive than primiparous cows at the time of the first handling of their calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Ribeiro Vicentini
- Núcleo de Estudos em Etologia e Bem-estar Animal (NEBEA), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- * E-mail:
| | - Lenira El Faro
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia (IZ)—Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (APTA/SAA), Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aska Ujita
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia (IZ)—Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (APTA/SAA), Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Pereira Lima
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia (IZ)—Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios/Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (APTA/SAA), Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Penido Oliveira
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (EPAMIG Oeste), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Aline Cristina Sant’Anna
- Departamento de Zoologia, Núcleo de Estudos em Etologia e Bem-estar Animal (NEBEA), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico–CNPq Researcher, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Indarjulianto S, Nururrozi A, Sunu Datrianto D, Yun Fen T, Wicaksono Priyo Jr T, Maha Nugraha Setyawan E. Physiology Value of Breath, Pulse and Body Temperature of Cattle. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20224901007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Body temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse rate are required as the basis for determining the health status of cows. This study aims to measure the respiratory rate, pulse rate and body temperature of healthy beef cattle. A total of 25 mixed-breed beef cattle aged more than 1.5 years were used in this study. All cows were physically examined, their breath, and pulse frequency per minute were calculated, and their body temperature was measured by measuring rectal and vaginal temperature. The results showed that all the cows examined were in good health, characterized by a good appetite, and had normal activities. Cows had a respiratory rate of 20 ‒ 44 times/minute with an average of 32.6 ± 6.8 times/minute, and a pulse frequency of 76 ‒ 96 times/minute with an average of 84.2 ± 5.4 times/minute. Measurement of body temperature of cows per vagina was 37.9 ‒ 39.4 °C with a mean of 38.53 ± 0.42 °C, while per rectal showed 37.7 ‒ 39.2 °C with a mean of 38.49 ± 0.38 °C. The results of temperature measurements using the two methods did not show a significant difference. It was concluded that the respiratory rate of 20 ‒ 44 times/minute, pulse frequency of 76 ‒ 96 times/minute, and body temperature of 37.7 ‒ 39.4°C were the physiological parameters of the healthy mixed-breed cow.
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Grandin T. The Visual, Auditory, and Physical Environment of Livestock Handling Facilities and Its Effect on Ease of Movement of Cattle, Pigs, and Sheep. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.744207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The visual, auditory, and physical environment livestock are handled in will have an effect on the ease of movement through races and corrals that are used for veterinary treatment, loading trucks or at slaughter houses. When livestock refuse to move easily through a handling facility, people are more likely to use electric goads (prods) or other aversive methods to move them forward. This is a major animal welfare concern. Modification of the environment can improve livestock movement and reduce aversive handling methods. In existing facilities used for handling cattle, pigs or sheep, simple changes such as, adding a light to a dark race entrance or reducing loud intermittent noise may improve livestock movement. Eliminating distractions such as, a noisy truck near a lairage can also facilitate cattle movement and reduce stopping or turning back. In an outdoor facility, sharp shadows on the floor were more likely to be associated with cattle stopping compared to no shadows or soft faint shadows. The installation of small solid walls to prevent approaching animals from seeing either moving equipment, vehicles or people in front of them may also improve forward livestock movement. Non-slip flooring is essential to prevent slipping and falling during handling. Rebuilding or completely redesigning an existing facility is often not required. Outcome based indicators should be used to assess continuous improvements in handling. Some of the commonly used measurable of handling are slipping and falling, stopping, turning back, vocalization during handling and electric prod use. Collecting data both before and after an environmental modification can be used to determine its effectiveness.
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Ujita A, Seekford Z, Kott M, Goncherenko G, Dias NW, Feuerbacher E, Bergamasco L, Jacobs L, Eversole DE, Negrão JA, Mercadante VRG. Habituation Protocols Improve Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Beef Cattle Exposed to Students in an Animal Handling Class. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082159. [PMID: 34438617 PMCID: PMC8388410 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Students in agricultural programs have the opportunity to interact with animals during different teaching activities. However, students’ interactions with livestock may be distressing to the animals and can affect the students’ and animals’ safety. We investigate whether two human-animal habituation strategies, one with positive tactile stimulation and one without, would improve behavioral and physiological responses of beef heifers during a livestock handling class. Overall, heifers that received a habituation treatment had more positive behavior responses, and decreased physiological stress responses in comparison to heifers that were not exposed to habituation. Furthermore, the heifers exposed to the habituation with a positive tactile stimulation had the greatest improvements in behavior in comparison to control and non-stimulated heifers, exhibiting more positive behaviors when interacting with humans. Strategies to habituate cattle to human interaction with positive stimulation aligned with training humans that handle and interact with cattle on best practices and cattle behavior can improve behavior, reduce stress-related physiological responses and enhance safety for both humans and animals. Abstract Our objective was to determine the impact of different habituation protocols on beef cattle behavior, physiology, and temperament in response to human handling. Beef heifers were exposed to three habituation strategies: (1) tactile stimulation (brushing) in the working chute for seven consecutive days (STI; n = 18); (2) passage through the working chute for seven consecutive days (CHU; n = 19) and; (3) no habituation (CON; n = 19). Individual heifer respiratory rate (RR; n/min), internal vaginal temperature (VAGT; °C), and blood cortisol were measured. Further, behavior parameters were observed to generate a behavior score, and heifer interaction with students and their behavioral responses were recorded. Habituation with STI and CHU resulted in improved numerical behavioral scores compared to CON, and greater (p ≤ 0.05) handling latencies. Vaginal temperature was decreased in STI compared to CHU and CONT (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol concentration did not differ among treatments, but decreased (p ≤ 0.05) from the start of the experiment to 14 days after treatment initiation. Both habituation protocols showed benefits, but heifers that received the positive tactile stimulation in the chute had the greatest behavior improvements. Furthermore, these heifers responded more calmly during student-animal interactions in class, which is beneficial for the students’ and animals’ safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aska Ujita
- Basic Science Department, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil; (A.U.); (J.A.N.)
| | - Zachary Seekford
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Michelle Kott
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Guillermo Goncherenko
- Polo Agroflorestal CENUR-Noroeste, Faculdad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Melo, CL 91500, Uruguay;
| | - Nicholas W. Dias
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Erica Feuerbacher
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Luciana Bergamasco
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Leonie Jacobs
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - Dan E. Eversole
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
| | - João A. Negrão
- Basic Science Department, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil; (A.U.); (J.A.N.)
| | - Vitor R. G. Mercadante
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (Z.S.); (M.K.); (N.W.D.); (E.F.); (L.B.); (L.J.); (D.E.E.)
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech. Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
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Reist RM, Bath BL, Jelinski MD, Erickson NEN, Clark CR, Trask CM. Ergonomic assessment of veterinarians during performance of bovine reproductive examinations. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 258:1243-1253. [PMID: 33978445 DOI: 10.2460/javma.258.11.1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify potential ergonomic hazards associated with routine reproductive examinations of cattle. SAMPLE 7 bovine veterinarians. PROCEDURES Each veterinarian was observed and videotaped during 2 bovine reproductive examination appointments. During each appointment, a force-matching protocol was used to estimate the entry force used by the veterinarian to insert an arm into a cow's rectum. Veterinarian posture and repetitive movements and the work environment were assessed and quantified during review of the video recordings. Descriptive data were generated. RESULTS Of the 14 appointments observed, 9 and 5 involved examination of beef and dairy cows, respectively. For all veterinarians, an arm inclination ≥ 60° was observed during most reproductive examinations. The number of examinations performed per hour ranged from 19.1 to 116.8. The estimated entry force ranged from 121 to 349 N. During all 9 appointments involving beef cows, the veterinarian participated in other tasks (eg, operating overhead levers, opening gates, or assisting with cattle handling) that represented ergonomic hazards. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results confirmed that reproductive examination of cattle exposes veterinarians to various ergonomic hazards involving awkward positions and repetitive and forceful exertions that can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, particularly of the upper extremities (neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands). Veterinarians frequently participated in other tasks during reproductive examination appointments that exposed them to additional ergonomic hazards. Risk mitigation strategies should prioritize minimizing exposure of veterinarians to tasks not directly associated with the reproductive examination procedure to decrease their overall ergonomic hazard burden.
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C IBRAHEEMKUTTY, B BIBINBECHA, T VENKATACHALAPATHYR, C P ABDULAZEEZ. LRST model movable trevis: A novel method to restrain cattle in barns. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i11.111571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate and humane method of restraining the animals is essential to perform any type of clinical examination especially during the use of modern diagnostic equipments like ultrasound scanner. Procedures involving repeated screening of more number of animals make it difficult to move them for restraining in fixed facilities like chute/trevis outside the barn. The ongoing research project on impact of thermal stress on fertility of cows involve ultrasound scanning, blood collection and other observations on many cows almost every day over a period of one year and necessitate repeated restraining. Hence, the idea of fabricating a convenient movable trevis to restrain cows within the barns was initiated and the final device developed through step by step improvisation was named as LRST model trevis. The trevis could be rolled within the barn to enclose the animal in its standing space and was fixed in situ using the facilities provided. The removable metal tray was used for placing the ultrasound scanner/other equipments in a safe and convenient position. The trevis on wheels was found to be very useful for transrectal ultrasound scanning and other procedures as it causes minimum stress to the animal, comfortable for the examiner, trouble free for the helpers, ensures safety and cleanliness of the machine, time saving and facilitates more effective diagnostic intervention. Hence, the LRST model movable trevis can be adopted with minor changes to suit individual farms for convenient handling and clinical examination especially ultrasound scanning of large ruminants within the barns.
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Effect of positive tactile stimulation and prepartum milking routine training on behavior, cortisol and oxytocin in milking, milk composition, and milk yield in Gyr cows in early lactation. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Welfare Assessment on Pasture: A Review on Animal-Based Measures for Ruminants. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040609. [PMID: 32252331 PMCID: PMC7222824 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Welfare assessment in outdoor and extensive systems has rarely been investigated, and little is known about the most appropriate indicators. This study aimed at compiling a list of animal-based measures of welfare for domestic ruminants raised on outdoor/extensive systems by means of a systematic review. Out of 810 papers retrieved, 52 matched the inclusion criteria and went through an in-depth analysis. According to available literature, 45 indicators have been used to assess welfare on pasture, often following different methodologies. Most indicators were measured by observers even if the use of sensor technologies increased in recent years. Considering the growing interest in pasture-based or grass-fed products, it is suggested that welfare assessment in outdoor/extensive farming systems is carried out by following shared methodologies in order to provide evidence of the higher animal welfare claims that these products often imply compared to indoor systems. Abstract Outdoor and extensive farming systems allow animals to behave in a natural way and are often perceived as welfare friendly. Nonetheless, the natural environment poses multiple challenges to the welfare of animals, sometimes hampering their capacity to cope. Welfare assessment in outdoor and extensive systems has been rarely investigated, and little is known about the most appropriate indicators. The aim of this review was to identify animal-based measures of welfare to apply in extensive and pasture-based systems in domestic ruminants. Through the use of a dedicated software for systematic reviews, 810 papers were screened and a total of 52 papers were retained for in-depth analysis. ABM resulting from these papers were initially divided according to the species (cattle and small ruminants, including sheep and goats) and then to four principles: comfort, behavior, feeding and health. The results showed that welfare data were collected applying different methodologies, with an increasing use of sensors in recent years. The need to herd and restrain animals for individual data collection is one of the major constraints to data collection in extensive farming systems. It is suggested that welfare assessment in outdoor/extensive farming systems is carried out by following shared procedures in order to provide evidence of the higher animal welfare claims that these products often imply compared to indoor systems.
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Chen Q, Qu K, Ma Z, Zhan J, Zhang F, Shen J, Ning Q, Jia P, Zhang J, Chen N, Chen H, Huang B, Lei C. Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Genomic Loci Associated With Neurotransmitter Concentration in Cattle. Front Genet 2020; 11:139. [PMID: 32292413 PMCID: PMC7119242 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal neurotransmitter concentration is one of the factors that affect the health status, behavioral personality, and welfare level of animals, but the genetic basis of the abnormality is still largely unknown. The objective of this study is to identify putative genomic loci associated with neurotransmitter concentration in cattle. We measured serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), cortisol, glutamate (Glu), and ACTH concentrations in blood serum using double-antibody sandwich ELISA in 30 Brahman cattle and 127 Yunling cattle. Interestingly, we found that ACTH concentration was positively correlated with body weight, cannon circumference, and hip width (P < 0.05). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed with mixed linear models using autosomal SNPs derived from the whole-genome sequence. We identified five, five, two, three, and five suggestive loci associated with 5HT, DA, cortisol, Glu, and ACTH concentration, respectively. These 20 associated loci implicated 18 candidate genes. For Glu concentration, the most significant association locus was assigned to MCHR1, a G-coupled receptor that could modulate glutamate release. For dopamine concentration, a very strong association locus was located in the intron of SLC18A2, which is a critical mediator of dopamine dynamics. However, for ACTH concentration, a very strong association locus was assigned to HTR1F, a G protein-coupled receptor that can influence the release of ACTH. Other candidate genes of interest identified for neurotransmitter concentration were PRMT6, GADD45A, PCCA, ANGPT1, ACCS, LOC100336971, TNR, GSDMA, CNTN3, CARMIL1, CDKAL1, RBFOX1, PCDH15, and LGALS12. Our findings will provide targets for the genetic improvement of neurotransmitter-related traits in domestic cattle and basic materials for studying the mechanism of neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and transport in human and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Kaixing Qu
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, China
| | - Zhijie Ma
- Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingxi Zhan
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, China
| | - Fengwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jiafei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qingqing Ning
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Peng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jicai Zhang
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, China
| | - Ningbo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Bizhi Huang
- Yunnan Academy of Grassland and Animal Science, Kunming, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Edwards GL, Azain MJ, Parks A. Agricultural Animals as Biomedical Models: Occupational Health and Safety Considerations. ILAR J 2019; 59:161-167. [PMID: 30476116 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of agricultural animals in biomedical research is increasing. Their overall size and metabolic rate, organ size, longer gestation period, and other physiological similarities make them good candidates for animal models of human disease. There are a number of special considerations for use of traditional farm animals for biomedical research. Differences in physical plant infrastructure, handling equipment, training of personnel, and potential zoonoses are some of the important considerations when traditional farm animals are used in biomedical research. This article provides an overview of some of the special considerations for using traditional agricultural animals in biomedical research. With the growing need for improved translational research, it is reasonable to predict significant growth in these animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaylen L Edwards
- Department Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Michael J Azain
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Athens, Georgia
| | - Andrew Parks
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
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Lucy MC. Stress, strain, and pregnancy outcome in postpartum cows. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:455-464. [PMID: 32435289 PMCID: PMC7234163 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress affects the productivity and fertility of cattle. Stress causes strain and individual animals experience different amounts of strain in response to the same amount of stress. The amount of strain determines the impact of stress on fertility. Typical stresses experienced by cattle include environmental, disease, production, nutritional, and psychological. The effect of stress on the reproductive system is mediated by body temperature (heat stress), energy metabolites and metabolic hormones (production and nutritional stresses), the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and (or) the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The strain that occurs in response to stress affects uterine health, oocyte quality, ovarian function, and the developmental capacity of the conceptus. Cows that have less strain in response to a given stress will be more fertile. The goal for future management and genetic selection in farm animals is to reduce production stress, manage the remaining strain, and genetically select cattle with minimal strain in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Lucy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Animal Science Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA.
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16
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Crossing the divide between academic research and practical application of ethology and animal behavior information on commercial livestock and poultry farms. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Jorquera-Chavez M, Fuentes S, Dunshea FR, Jongman EC, Warner RD. Computer vision and remote sensing to assess physiological responses of cattle to pre-slaughter stress, and its impact on beef quality: A review. Meat Sci 2019; 156:11-22. [PMID: 31121361 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Pre-slaughter stress is well-known to affect meat quality of beef carcasses and methods have been developed to assess this stress. However, development of more practical and less invasive methods are required in order to assess the response of cattle to pre-slaughter stressors, which will potentially also assist with the prediction of beef quality. This review outlines the importance of pre-slaughter stress as well as existing and emerging technologies for quantification of the pre-slaughter stress. The review includes; i) indicators of meat quality and how they are affected by pre-slaughter stress in cattle, ii) contact techniques that have been commonly used to measure stress indicators in animals, iii) remotely sensed imagery techniques recently used as non-invasive methods to monitor physiological and behavioural parameters and iv) potential implementation of remotely sensed imagery data to perform contactless assessment of physiological measurements, which could be related to the pre-slaughter stress, as well as to the indicators of beef quality. Relevance to industry, conclusions and recommendations for research are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jorquera-Chavez
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Sigfredo Fuentes
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frank R Dunshea
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ellen C Jongman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn D Warner
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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18
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Impact of good practices of handling training on beef cattle welfare and stockpeople attitudes and behaviors. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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