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

A Review of the Nutritional Aspects and Composition of the Meat, Liver and Fat of Buffaloes in the Amazon

Thus, this review aims to deepen the understanding of buffalo farming in the Amazon, presenting the quality and nutritional value of buffalo meat and liver. This information serves as a subsidy to improve practices related to the breeding system, nutrition, health and sustainability associated with aquatic buffaloes. For this, a review of the databases was carried out using the descriptors "nutritional value of buffalo meat", "nutritional value of buffalo liver" and "buffalo breeding in the Amazon". Thus, the consumption of foods derived from aquatic buffaloes has important nutritional value for human consumption. In view of this, it is possible to conclude that the nutrition of these animals is influenced by the biodiversity of the Amazon, giving unique characteristics to its products, also highlighting the importance of carrying out research that aims to value the potential use of this species and strengthen the economy of the region.

Thermal Comfort of Nelore Cattle (Bos indicus) Managed in Silvopastoral and Traditional Systems Associated with Rumination in a Humid Tropical Environment in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil

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.

Effect of transportation distance and lairage time on selected behaviors and carcass parameters in zebu cattle-a study using the animal focal sampling method

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transport distance and lairage time on behavioral indicators of zebu beef cattle in the resting pen of a slaughterhouse using the focal animal technique. Eight lots of male zebu cattle, Nelore, aged approximately 4 years old, weighing on average 500 ± 28.5 kg-1, from different municipalities, transported by land, were evaluated. The lots were grouped into two categories: short distance (> 500 km) and long distance (> 500 km). Five focal animals per evaluated lot were used in each cycle of behavior observation, randomly chosen, and visually identified. The animal focal sampling method was used, with instantaneous recording, every 5 min per animal/h. A video camera was used and placed at a fixed point in the corral. After slaughtering, bruises and carcass pH were evaluated. The respiratory rate (RR) was measured in two moments, 30 min after unloading (RR_I) and 1 h before slaughtering (RR_F); behavioral data were divided into four lairage periods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) equally and evaluated as repeated measures over time. The lairage time lowered the behaviors of headbutting (NCHBs), pushing (PsH), mounting (MT), and chasing away (CA), (p = 0.0001), and these behaviors were more evident in animals transported for short distances in the initial resting times, decreasing as they remained in the resting pen. There was effect of distance on the initial and final pH of the carcass, being greater in the short distance (p = 0.047). There was no effect of distance or lairage time on initial or final RR (p > 0.05). In addition, animals transported over long distances showed less carcass injuries, which were observed during post mortem inspection. It is concluded that animals transported over short distances present a greater number of agonistic behaviors, such as NCHBs, MT, PsH, and CA, predisposing to higher rates of bruising during lairage and more accentuated changes in the final pH of the meat.

Effects of Climatic Conditions and Supplementation with Palm Cake on the Thermoregulation of Crossbred Buffaloes Raised in a Rotational Grazing System and with Natural Shade in Humid Tropical Regions

In ruminants, diet composition has a positive correlation with heat production, which can influence thermoregulation, energy expenditure and, consequently, animal performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. The research was carried out at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (01°26' S and 48°24' W), Belém, Pará, and lasted 12 months (representing the entire year). Twenty-four buffaloes, females, with initial age and an average weight of 54 ± 7 months and 503.1 ± 23 kg, respectively, non-pregnant, non-lactating and clinically healthy were used, divided into four treatments based on the supplementation content of the palm cake (%DM) in relation to their body weight (%): 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0. The animals were kept in paddocks with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu), in a rotating system, with water to drink and mineral salt ad libitum. Equipment was installed to record environmental data (temperature and relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet bulb and black globe) and physiological data: rectal temperature (RT); respiratory rate (RR); and body surface temperature (BST), recorded twice a day, always in the morning (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) shifts, and were used to calculate the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI). Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation (p > 0.05). However, there were differences in the GTHI between the shifts, with higher means in the afternoon shift, especially in the less rainy period of the year, where the GTHI reached 92.06 ± 2.74 (p < 0.05). In all periods of the year, the mean values of RT, RR and BST were higher in the afternoon shift (p > 0.05). The respiratory rate (RR) is associated with the annual seasonality of the thermal waters, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation for rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature indicated that buffaloes respond to thermal elevations in the atmosphere (afternoon period) and, consequently, reflect on the GTHI. Supplementation does not influence thermoregulation; the changes observed occurred in response to the region's thermal and rainfall conditions (mainly in the afternoon shift), with higher GTHI values.

Evaluation of the Composition of the Cholesterol, Tocopherols, β-Carotene and Fatty Acids Profile of the Liver Tissue of Male Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Managed in Different Ecosystems of the Eastern Amazon

The diet offered to animals has a great influence on the composition of tissues and, consequently, the quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Amazonian ecosystems, in the dry and rainy periods of the year, on the composition of cholesterol, tocopherols, β-carotene and the fatty acid profile of the livers of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reared in the Eastern Amazon, in an extensive or intensive system. Total lipid content was influenced by the location and time of year (p < 0.05). Ninety-six male water buffaloes were used (12 per sampling period), aged between 24 and 36 months, with average weights of 432 kg (end of the rainy season) and 409 kg (end of the dry season). Total cholesterol, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol influenced the relationship between extensive vs intensive ecosystems, location, periods and the interaction between the location and period of the year (p < 0.05). Animals raised in a pasture ecosystem had the highest values of omega-3, and those raised in confinement, the highest values of omega-6 (p < 0.05). The proportions of n-6/n-3 and hypocholesterolemia (7.14) and hypercholesterolemia (3.08%) (h/H) were found in greater amounts in animals raised in confinement (p < 0.05). The atherogenic index (AI) had a higher value in the rainy season, in animals raised in Santarém (2.37%), with no difference between pasture and feedlot ecosystems, except in animals raised in the rainy season in Nova Timboteua, with a lower AI (1.53%). The thrombogenicity index (TI) was higher in the livers of confined animals (0.32%) and lower (0.18%) in those raised in Nova Timboteua (rainy season). Amazonian ecosystems influence the nutritional values of buffalo liver, with the best nutritional values in animals in the extensive system.

The Challenge of Global Warming in Water Buffalo Farming: Physiological and Behavioral Aspects and Strategies to Face Heat Stress

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.

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

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

Strategies and Mechanisms of Thermal Compensation in Newborn Water Buffaloes

Hypothermia is one of the principal causes of perinatal mortality in water buffaloes and can range from 3% to 17.9%. In ruminants, factors affecting hypothermia in newborns may be of intrinsic (e.g., level of neurodevelopment, birth weight, vitality score, amount of brown fat, skin features) or extrinsic origin (e.g., maternal care, environmental conditions, colostrum consumption). When newborn buffaloes are exposed to cold stress, thermoregulatory mechanisms such as peripheral vasoconstriction and shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis are activated to prevent hypothermia. Due to the properties of infrared thermography (IRT), as a technique that detects vasomotor changes triggered by a reduction in body temperature, evaluating the central and peripheral regions in newborn buffaloes is possible. This review aims to analyze behavioral, physiological, and morphological strategies and colostrum consumption as thermal compensation mechanisms in newborn water buffalo to cope with environmental changes affecting thermoneutrality. In addition, the importance of monitoring by IRT to identify hypothermia states will be highlighted. Going deeper into these topics related to the water buffalo is essential because, in recent years, this species has become more popular and is being bred in more geographic areas.

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

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

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

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

The effect of birth weight and time of day on the thermal response of newborn water buffalo calves

During the 1st days of life, water buffalo calves, especially those with low birth weight, are susceptible to hypothermic mortality due to scarce energy reserves provided by fats. This means that monitoring the thermal state of newborns is essential. The objectives of the present study were to apply infrared thermography (IRT) in 109 buffalo calves to detect differences in the surface temperatures of six thermal windows -lacrimal gland, lacrimal caruncle, periocular region, nostrils, ear canal, pelvic limbs-, and determine their association to birth weight during the first 6 days of life. The calves were divided into four categories according to their weight (Q₁, 37.8-41.25 kg; Q₂, 41.3-46.3 kg; Q₃, 46.4-56.3 kg; Q₄, 56.4-60.3 kg). The thermographic images were recorded in the morning and afternoon. Results showed that the animals in Q₄ registered the highest temperatures in all the thermal windows, and that these were higher in the afternoon (p < 0.0001). When considering the thermal windows, those located in the facial region recorded the highest temperatures; in contrast, the temperatures at the pelvic limbs remained below the average values of the other windows (33.41 and 33.76°C in the morning and afternoon, respectively). According to these results, the birth weight of water buffaloes is a factor that alters their thermoregulation during the 1st days of life, a condition that can be partially compensated by colostrum intake to promote development of an efficient thermoregulatory mechanism in water buffalo calves.

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

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