Influence of modification in handling facilities on behavior and blood parameters in beef cattle

• Grant number: 13/25355-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2014
• End date: October 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Ecology of Domestic Animals and Ethology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Lucia Pereira Lima
• Grantee: Maria Lucia Pereira Lima
• Host Institution: Instituto de Zootecnia. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Nova Odessa , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Nova Odessa
• Associated researchers: Claudia Cristina Paro de Paz ; Temple Grandin

Abstract

Brazil has a process of reduction of countryside population and a lower number of workers in beef cattle ranch is happening. Most of the handling facilities were not built on the animal welfare principles. Measures of animal behavior and evaluation of blood parameters cortisol, lactate and glucose are good indicators of animal welfare. The objective of the research project is to modify existing corrals in order to improve animal welfare and study if the changes will modify the behavior and blood parameters of Nelore. 100 bovines will be evaluated on seven different ranches. Initially the animals will be handled in the original corral, collecting blood and behavior score. After the corral modifications the cattle will be back to the corral for blood collection and behavior evaluations, after 5 and 6 days. The principles used for changes in the corral are: block vision at certain points, out of the corners. To illuminate the dark environments where the animals go through and remove any reflection of light or color contrasts. The behavior information will be: entrance score, exit behavior, exit speed, behavior during restraint. Blood parameters will be cortisol, lactate and glucose. The results will show whether the changes in corrals may influence the behavior or blood parameters of cattle as well as indicate whether there is an increase in the efficiency of use of the worker's time. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FREITAS, ANIELLY DE P.; LIMA, MARIA LUCIA P.; SIMILI, FLAVIA F.; NEGRAO, JOAO A.; SCHENKEL, FLAVIO S.; DE PAZ, CLAUDIA CRISTINA P.. Influence of handling in corrals on the temperament of different breeds of beef cattle raised in Brazil. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, v. 101, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-03. (13/25355-6, 17/50339-5, 16/19222-1)

PEREIRA LIMA, MARIA LUCIA; NEGRAO, JOO ALBERTO; PARO DE PAZ, CLAUDIA CRISTINA; GRANDIN, TEMPLE. Minor corral changes and adoption of good handling practices can improve the behavior and reduce cortisol release in Nellore cows. TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION, v. 50, n. 3, p. 525-530, MAR 2018. (13/25355-6)