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Sarubbi J, Martínez-Burnes J, Ghezzi MD, Olmos-Hernandez A, Lendez PA, Ceriani MC, Hernández-Avalos I. Hypothalamic Neuromodulation and Control of the Dermal Surface Temperature of Livestock during Hyperthermia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1745. [PMID: 38929364 PMCID: PMC11200636 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121745] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia elicits several physiological and behavioral responses in livestock to restore thermal neutrality. Among these responses, vasodilation and sweating help to reduce core body temperature by increasing heat dissipation by radiation and evaporation. Thermoregulatory behaviors such as increasing standing time, reducing feed intake, shade-seeking, and limiting locomotor activity also increase heat loss. These mechanisms are elicited by the connection between peripheral thermoreceptors and cerebral centers, such as the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Considering the importance of this thermoregulatory pathway, this review aims to discuss the hypothalamic control of hyperthermia in livestock, including the main physiological and behavioral changes that animals adopt to maintain their thermal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sarubbi
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Independência, Palmeira das Missões 3751, RS, Brazil
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Marcelo Daniel Ghezzi
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina;
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernandez
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Pamela Anahí Lendez
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Ceriani
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán (FESC), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Gouveia Júnior A, de Alvarenga ABB, Barbosa AVC, da Silva ÉBR, Pereira dos Santos MR, Lourenço-Júnior JDB, Camargo Júnior RNC, Silva AGME. A new proposal for the use of the focal animal technique in buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1266451. [PMID: 38026641 PMCID: PMC10663286 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1266451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to present a proposal for using the focal animal recording technique to evaluate the welfare of buffaloes and to verify the association between each behavior and thermal comfort indices. The study was conducted in an experimental paddock located in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. A total of 10 female Murrah animals were used. The behavior of the animals was recorded during the day, with the use of three trained observers, for 72 consecutive h. Climatic variables were collected, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and the practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Index (BCCCIp) were determined. The multivariate technique of principal components and Spearman's correlation were employed. BCCCIp and THI were outside the thermal comfort zone at different times of the day. Grazing (P) was more frequent in the coldest hours of the day, while rumination occurred at different periods, mainly during the daytime and frequently in a lying position. There was a positive correlation between idle lying behavior and average temperature-Tmed (r = 0.583; p < 0.028), THI (r = 0.432; p < 0.034), and BCCCIp (r = 0.554; p < 0.049). There was a positive correlation between grazing and Tmed (r = 0.665; p < 0.0004) and BCCCIp (r = 0.583; p < 0.036). The standing idle behavior negatively correlated with Tmed (r = -0.718; p < 0.0001), THI (r = -0.522; p < 0.008), and BCCCIp (r = -0.8076; p < 0.0008). The lying ruminating behavior had a positive correlation with Tmed (r = 0.586; p < 0.002), THI (r = 0.477; p < 0.018), and BCCCIp (r = 0.8033; p < 0.0009). Furthermore, ruminating while standing correlated positively with Tmed (r = 0.680; p < 0.0003). The adaptation of the focal animal technique, with six observers evaluating each animal for 6 min through filming, proved to be efficient in pointing out the different behaviors of buffalo raised in Eastern Amazon fields under heat stress at different times of the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazônia (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri Gouveia Júnior
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Adriano Braga Brasileiro de Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazônia (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | | | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazônia (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazônia (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
| | - André Guimarães Maciel e Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazônia (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Brazil
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Napolitano F, De Rosa G, Chay-Canul A, Álvarez-Macías A, Pereira AMF, Bragaglio A, Mora-Medina P, Rodríguez-González D, García-Herrera R, Hernández-Ávalos I, Domínguez-Oliva A, Pacelli C, Sabia E, Casas-Alvarado A, Reyes-Sotelo B, Braghieri A. The Challenge of Global Warming in Water Buffalo Farming: Physiological and Behavioral Aspects and Strategies to Face Heat Stress. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3103. [PMID: 37835709 PMCID: PMC10571975 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193103] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Water buffaloes have morphological and behavioral characteristics for efficient thermoregulation. However, their health, welfare, and productive performance can be affected by GW. The objective of this review was to analyze the adverse effects of GW on the productive behavior and health of water buffaloes. The physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics of the species were discussed to understand the impact of climate change and extreme meteorological events on buffaloes' thermoregulation. In addition, management strategies in buffalo farms, as well as the use of infrared thermography as a method to recognize heat stress in water buffaloes, were addressed. We concluded that heat stress causes a change in energy mobilization to restore animal homeostasis. Preventing hyperthermia limits the physiological, endocrine, and behavioral changes so that they return to thermoneutrality. The use of fans, sprinklers, foggers, and natural sources of water are appropriate additions to current buffalo facilities, and infrared thermography could be used to monitor the thermal states of water buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy (C.P.)
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Alfonso Chay-Canul
- División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86025, Mexico
| | - Adolfo Álvarez-Macías
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.Á.-M.)
| | - Alfredo M. F. Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Andrea Bragaglio
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Engineering and Food Processing, Via Milano 43, 24047 Treviglio, Italy;
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.Á.-M.)
| | - Ricardo García-Herrera
- División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa 86025, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), FESC, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.Á.-M.)
| | - Corrado Pacelli
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy (C.P.)
| | - Emilio Sabia
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy (C.P.)
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.Á.-M.)
| | - Brenda Reyes-Sotelo
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.Á.-M.)
| | - Ada Braghieri
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy (C.P.)
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Sandoval DF, Florez JF, Enciso Valencia KJ, Sotelo Cabrera ME, Stefan B. Economic-environmental assessment of silvo-pastoral systems in Colombia: An ecosystem service perspective. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19082. [PMID: 37636404 PMCID: PMC10448473 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19082] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cattle production in Colombia has an important social and economic role but causes considerable environmental impacts, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions by ruminants, particularly methane. Thus, technological innovations aimed at reducing these impacts must focus on both economic and environmental sustainability. Silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) offer productivity increases while generating environmental benefits and ecosystem services and are therefore at the center of debate around sustainable production alternatives. The objective of this article is to evaluate the economic-environmental performance of two proposed SPS for a cattle fattening system for the Colombian context: (i) Urochloa brizantha cv. Toledo and (ii) Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman, both in association with Leucaena leucocephala trees for browsing and shade provision. They are compared with the respective base scenarios of only using the grasses in monocultures. The study consists of a financial analysis, which estimates potential profitability increases in beef production in the SPS, and an environmental evaluation, which estimates the monetary values of microclimatic regulation and reduction of methane emissions. The value of methane emission reductions is then integrated into a combined economic-environmental evaluation. Results show that both SPS improve the profitability indicators of the production system and reduce the probability of economic loss. Likewise, the reduction of methane emissions in the SPS is estimated at US$6.12 per cattle, and the economic value of microclimatic regulation at US$2,026 per hectare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Fernando Sandoval
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages Program, km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Cali, Colombia
| | - Jesús Fernando Florez
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages Program, km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Cali, Colombia
| | - Karen Johanna Enciso Valencia
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages Program, km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Cali, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Efren Sotelo Cabrera
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages Program, km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Cali, Colombia
| | - Burkart Stefan
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages Program, km 17 recta Cali-Palmira, Cali, Colombia
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da Silva WC, Printes OVN, Lima DO, da Silva ÉBR, dos Santos MRP, Camargo Júnior RNC, Barbosa AVC, da Silva JAR, Silva AGME, Silva LKX, de Araújo CV, Britto EN, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Evaluation of the temperature and humidity index to support the implementation of a rearing system for ruminants in the Western Amazon. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1198678. [PMID: 37520006 PMCID: PMC10375705 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1198678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The good productive and reproductive performance of the animals depends on multiple factors, including favorable climatic conditions, which are responsible for causing changes in the physiological and behavioral responses. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the temperature and humidity index (THI) to support the implementation of a rearing system in ruminants in the Western Amazon, Brazil. Monthly temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Database for Teaching and Research (BDMEP) for the capitals Manaus (Amazonas), Boa Vista (Roraima), and Rio Branco (Acre), considering a historical series of 27 years (1993 to 2020), referring from January to December. In the capital Boa Vista, the months of January, February, May, June, and July showed an indication of mild stress and the months of March, April, August, September, October, November, and December had moderate stress. In Rio Branco, all months of the year presented the average THI in mild stress with variations of lower THI (73) and higher THI (77). In the capital Manaus, the months from January to July signaled mild stress, but from August to November, there was moderate stress, and in December, there was mild stress. It is possible to observe significant climatic variations during the months as well as the years of study, with the animals under thermal stress with THI > 72 or in a warning signal, with a gradual increase in temperature and humidity indices over the last 10 years. The importance of the breeding system and the consideration of environmental factors, such as the THI, are fundamental for the wellbeing and performance of cattle raised in the field. Our results support the adoption of heat stress mitigation strategies for ruminants in Western Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center of the Amazon (UNAMA), Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Oscar Vitor Nina Printes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center of the Amazon (UNAMA), Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Dagmar Oliveira Lima
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center of the Amazon (UNAMA), Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | - André Guimarães Maciel e Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudio Vieira de Araújo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Elton Nunes Britto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Institute of Pará (IFPA), Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
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Abeni F. Effects of extrinsic factors on some rumination patterns: A review. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1047829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The rumen and its activity, rumination, are the characterizing traits of the suborder Ruminantia, and it is accompanied by related feeding habits and consequent animal behavior. Several extrinsic (not related to the animal itself) factors affect rumination behavior; most are reflected in rumination timing (considering overall daily duration as well as circadian differences in rumination patterns): age, environmental factors, and diet. For these reasons, great efforts have been sustained at the research level for monitoring rumination patterns. Currently, some research outcomes are applied at the farm level; others are still at the experimental level. All of these efforts are finalized mainly for the use of rumination pattern recording as an effective prediction tool for the early detection of health and welfare problems, both in a single head and at the herd level. Moreover, knowledge of the effects of extrinsic factors on rumination physiology represents a great challenge for improving the efficiency of ruminant livestock management, from the diet to the housing system, from parasites to heat stress. The present review deals mainly with the worldwide raised ruminant species.
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da Silva JAR, Pantoja MHDA, da Silva WC, de Almeida JCF, Noronha RDPP, Barbosa AVC, Lourenço Júnior JDB. Thermoregulatory reactions of female buffaloes raised in the sun and in the shade, in the climatic conditions of the rainy season of the Island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:998544. [PMID: 36176704 PMCID: PMC9513356 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.998544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Buffaloes are well-adapted to hot, humid climates and muddy terrain, however they show signs of thermal discomfort when exposed to direct sunlight due to their specific structural features such as dark skin, small number of sweat glands/skin area and thick skin. Epidermis layer of the skin, making heat dissipation difficult. The study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of female buffaloes raised in traditional and silvopastoral systems, on the island of Marajó, Pará, during the rainy season of the year. The experiment was carried out in Cachoeira do Arari, Retiro Grande, Marajó, Pará (00°55'37.814424”S 48°43'48.143060”W). Twenty female Murrah buffaloes, aged between 2 and 3years and average weight of 282 ± 29 kg, were used. They were fed on pasture and divided into two groups: WS group (with shade) and NS group (without shade). The WS group (n = 10) remained grazing in a silvopastoral system, with access to the shade of red Jambeiro (Syzygium malaccense) trees. The NS group (n = 10) was kept in grazing, in a traditional system, without access to the shade of trees or shades. The physiological variables rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and body surface temperature (BST) (forehead, left side of the thorax and left flank) were measured at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. At the same times, data on air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed (WSP), solar radiation (SR) and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were also recorded. THI, WSP and SR were higher at 14:00 h (P < 0.05). At 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h there was difference of RT between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals of the NS group had the highest values. In the NS group, the highest value of RT was observed at 14:00 h (39.38 ± 0.43°C), when THI and SR were higher. At 10:00 and 14:00 h, BST was higher in the NS group (p < 0.05), of 34,55 ± 1.03 and 35.35 ± 1.51°C, respectively, and both groups had the highest value of BST at those same times. There was difference of the RR between treatments at 10:00 h and 14:00 h (p < 0.05), where the highest values were found in the NS group (33.71 ± 7.58 e 50.40 ± 18.41 mov./min., respectively). Even in the rainy season of the year, the climatic conditions of Ilha do Marajó are unfavorable to the welfare of buffaloes, especially at 2:00 pm, when the SR is higher. Thus, the use of the system with access to shade, such as silvopastoral, is recommended, in order to provide greater thermal comfort to animals and improve their productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamile Andréa Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Health and Production, Institute of Animal Health and Production, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belem, Brazil
| | | | - Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Department of Health and Production, Institute of Animal Health and Production, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belem, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Welligton Conceição da Silva
| | - Jean Caio Figueiredo de Almeida
- Department of Health and Production, Institute of Animal Health and Production, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belem, Brazil
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Bertoni A, Álvarez-Macías A, Mota-Rojas D, Dávalos JL, Minervino AHH. Dual-Purpose Water Buffalo Production Systems in Tropical Latin America: Bases for a Sustainable Model. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102910. [PMID: 34679931 PMCID: PMC8533014 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Buffaloes in the Latin American tropics have gained relevance in recent years thanks to the rusticity and productivity of this species and the potential of these ecosystems. Through a specialized literature review, the options were explored to promote efficient, profitable and sustainable dual-purpose production systems, which implied taking into consideration the characteristics of a fragile environment such as the tropics but with abundant forage resources. Buffaloes have distinctive characteristics with respect to cattle, such as a high fat milk content, ability to produce healthy and heavy calves from dairy cows and their need for thermoregulation, which implies the availability of water ponds and shade in grazing areas. Therefore, we propose the basis for designing intensive rotational grazing models and, under certain silvopastoral conditions, taking advantage of the gregarious behavior of buffaloes. These models require integral forms of management, including the organization and participation of producers in commercial channels, in order to value meat, milk and dairy products, given that their nutritional qualities allow them to be sold as differentiated products. There have been successful experiences in the region with this dual-purpose model, which, with the necessary adaptations, can be strengthened with buffaloes. Abstract Tropical regions of Latin America have been incorporated into development in recent decades, with extensive cattle ranching as one of the main economic activities but without adequate planning, drastically degrading the ecosystem. In recent years, buffalo production has been incorporated into the region, with possibilities for development in profitable and sustainable models. To study this option in depth, a broad bibliographic review was carried out focusing on the ecological characteristics of tropical zones and the physiological and productive characteristics of buffaloes. We also investigated the structure and functioning of dual-purpose systems that have worked in cattle and that can be optimized with this alternative animal species. The possibility of taking sustainable advantage of abundant forage resources in the region was detected through intensive grazing models, as well as agrosilvopastoral systems, due to the gregarious qualities of buffaloes and responding to their thermoregulation needs. In this way, the productive and regenerative capacities of the dual-purpose system could be increased, as well as the quality of meat and milk, which could be marketed as differentiated products, taking advantage of their outstanding nutritional qualities. Integral management of the dual-purpose system is proposed, retaking the bases of the original model of family characters, diversified and with low investments and risks, which with specific innovations can be an effective development option for producers in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Bertoni
- Master’s Program in Agricultural and Livestock Sciences [Maestría en Ciencias Agropecuarias], Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Adolfo Álvarez-Macías
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, Department of Animal Production and Agriculture (DPAA), Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence: (A.Á.-M.); (D.M.-R.)
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, Department of Animal Production and Agriculture (DPAA), Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence: (A.Á.-M.); (D.M.-R.)
| | - José Luis Dávalos
- Department of Economics, Administration and Rural Development, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino
- Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Santarém 68040-255, PA, Brazil;
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Water buffalo production in the Brazilian Amazon Basin: a review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:343. [PMID: 34089415 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02744-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The Brazilian Amazon has witnessed, in the last decades, an increase in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) inventory, with interesting productivity results. As the Brazilian Amazon contains the main water buffalo population in the Americas, the aim of this work is to review its most relevant production systems and some peculiarities about meat and milk production in this territory. The opening section describes the Amazon Basin, the most common water buffalo breeds, a brief history of the local livestock farming beginning in 1644. Also, it presents how water buffaloes gradually replaced bovine herds, especially where the latter had a lower productive performance. The use of extensive or more intensified models is pointed out and the ecosystems in which buffaloes are raised are detailed since native or cultivated pastures can be used in floodplains or drylands. Buffalo raising is favored in the Amazon due to the climate, soil, genetic variability of forages, animal adaptability, and physical space. Thus, it is clear that buffaloes have a high potential for meat and milk production and are an alternative in the use of altered areas of the Amazon; and, in the recent past, the low profitability of buffalo farming in traditional production systems in the Amazon was the reason which made this activity economically unattractive. Most recent technologies as outdoor confinements and silvopastoral systems are pointed out as more suitable regarding land-use policies, and buffalo farming for meat and milk production fits perfectly in this context, with productivity and beneficial socioeconomic.
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Galloso-Hernández MA, Soca-Pérez M, Dublin D, Alvarez-Díaz CA, Iglesias-Gómez J, Díaz-Gaona C, Rodríguez-Estévez V. Thermoregulatory and Feeding Behavior under Different Management and Heat Stress Conditions in Heifer Water Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) in the Tropics. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041162. [PMID: 33919609 PMCID: PMC8072766 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Silvopastoral systems can modulate the thermoregulatory behavior of buffaloes decreasing the heat stress and improving the animal welfare in the tropics. The objective of this study was to compare the behavior of heifer buffaloes in a silvopastoral systems with Leucahena leucocephala trees and a conventional system without trees under two heat stress condition (intense heat stress and moderate heat stress) in Cuba. The results show that despite intense heat stress conditions, the animals spent more time feeding in the silvopastoral system than in the conventional system. Besides, the silvopastoral system reduced the use of water in the wallowing areas. We conclude that pastures with trees increase fodder offer while improve grazing behavior and animal welfare for buffalo farming in tropical conditions. Abstract In the wake of climate change and global warming, the production systems of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are receiving increasing attention in the tropics, where the silvopastoral systems can improve animal welfare and production conditions. The objective of this study was to characterize the behavior of heifer buffaloes in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Leucaena leucocephala (600 trees/ha) and in a conventional system (CVS), under intense heat stress and moderate heat stress in Cuba. We observed nine animals, with an average weight of 167.9 kg at the beginning of the study, during the daylight period, from 6:00 to 18:00 h, at 10 min intervals, for 12 days. Activities recorded were grazing, ingestion of tree leaves, rumination, water intake, walking, lying, standing, sheltering in the shade of trees, and wallowing. Sheltering in the shade of trees and wallowing were collectively considered as thermoregulatory behavior (TB). TB was different in both systems and conditions of heat stress (p < 0.05), with 4.06 in CVS and 3.81 h in SPS in the intense heat stress period, while it was 2.91 and 1.08 h for SPS and CVS, respectively, during the moderate heat stress period. The wallowing activity showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the intense heat stress season with 1.18 and 2.35 h for SPS and CVS, respectively. Time spent on feeding behavior was highest in the SPS system (p < 0.05). Longer times of thermoregulatory and feeding behavior indicate the importance of trees in animal welfare for this species in tropical conditions, thus supporting avoided deforestation and the replanting of trees in existing production systems and landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maykel Andrés Galloso-Hernández
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary of Faculty, Córdoba University, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.D.-G.); (V.R.-E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mildrey Soca-Pérez
- Experimental Station: “Indio Hatuey”, Central España Republicana, Matanzas 44280, Cuba; (M.S.-P.); (J.I.-G.)
| | - Devon Dublin
- Language Department, Hokkaido University of Education, Program Advisor, Sapporo 060-8611, Japan;
| | | | - Jesús Iglesias-Gómez
- Experimental Station: “Indio Hatuey”, Central España Republicana, Matanzas 44280, Cuba; (M.S.-P.); (J.I.-G.)
| | - Cipriano Díaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary of Faculty, Córdoba University, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.D.-G.); (V.R.-E.)
| | - Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary of Faculty, Córdoba University, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.D.-G.); (V.R.-E.)
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Galloso-Hernández MA, Rodríguez-Estévez V, Alvarez-Díaz CA, Soca-Perez M, Dublin DR, Iglesias-Gómez J, Guelmes LS. Selectivity of Leguminous Trees by Water Buffaloes in Semi-intensive Systems. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:542338. [PMID: 33330683 PMCID: PMC7732525 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.542338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) manifest different levels of selectivity for different pastures and forages. Knowledge of feed selectivity is important to facilitate the design of efficient production systems that take into account optimal animal welfare. In this study, the selectivity of nine 18-month old female water buffaloes for Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Gliricidia sepium, and Moringa oleifera was evaluated. After 12 h of grazing Megathyrsus maximum, the animals were housed in individual shelters and 1.2 kg of leaves from each of the four tree species were offered to the animals simultaneously. The selectivity, measured as the intake of dry matter (DM), was highest for A. lebbeck (mean = 0.34 kgDM, SD = 0.05 kg), followed by L. leucocephala (mean = 0.30 kgDM, SD = 0.03 kg), M. oleifera (mean = 0.11 kgDM, SD = 0.05 kg), and G. sepium (mean = 0.10 kgDM, SD = 0.02 kg) (P < 0.01). The crude protein intake was highest for A. lebbeck and L. leucocephala. Notably, the less selected leaves were those of G. sepium and M. oleifera. This study suggests that the inclusion of A. lebbeck and L. leucocephala in silvopastoral systems may increase both the consumption and well-being of water buffaloes in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mildrey Soca-Perez
- Department of Research, Sustainable Systems of Animal Production, Experimental Station of Pastures and Forrage: Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, Cuba
| | | | - Jesús Iglesias-Gómez
- Department of Research, Sustainable Systems of Animal Production, Experimental Station of Pastures and Forrage: Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, Cuba
| | - Leonel Simon Guelmes
- Department of Research, Sustainable Systems of Animal Production, Experimental Station of Pastures and Forrage: Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, Cuba
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