Thermal comfort and behavior of beef cattle in pasture-based systems monitored by visual observation and electronic device

Author(s):Show less -

Barreto, Andrea do Nascimento ; Junior, Waldomiro Barioni ; Pezzopane, Jose Ricardo Macedo ; Bernardi, Alberto Carlos de Campos ; Pedroso, Andre de Faria ; Marcondes, Cintia Righetti ; Jacintho, Manuel Antonio Chagas ; Romanello, Narian ; De Sousa, Marco Antonio Paula ; Costa, Leonardo Nanni ; Garcia, Alexandre Rossetto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE; v. 253, p. 11-pg., 2022-07-01.

Abstract

Understanding how the bioclimatic factors influence the animals homeothermy and behavior is essential to implement good practices for tropical livestock. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of the arboreal component in pasture production systems in a tropical environment on thermal comfort and to analyze the influence of the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system on the behavior of beef cattle. The study was carried out in Sa & SIM;o Carlos-SP, Brazil, region of tropical altitude subtype, for 13 months. Sixty-four Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) non-castrated males (26 months; 358 kg LW) were allocated to production systems with pastures in full sun (Group FS; n = 32) or with forested pastures (Group ICLF; n = 32). The microclimate of the pastures was permanently monitored by weather stations. The behavior of the animals was assessed through an observational method in monthly campaigns and a continuous electronic monitoring method based on the use of an accelerometer and acoustic sensor coupled to collars. Higher means of the black globe temperature index were registered in the morning and the afternoon, with a very challenging condition for the animals during the spring and summers, especially for the Group FS. The observational results showed that animals in the Group FS grazed longer in the morning than animals in the Group ICL, mainly in the warmer seasons (P < 0.05). The animals in FS remained lying down longer than the animals kept in the ICLF system, during rumination or resting (P < 0.05). The animals in the Group ICLF preferred the use of shaded areas within the forested system and their frequency of visits to the drinking fountain was reduced in the morning (-55 %) and afternoon (-26 %) shifts. Electronic monitoring showed that animals, regardless of the production system, spent 38.4 % of their time resting, 32.6 % in displacement, and 29.0 % in rumination. The animals in FS had a higher displacement time at night and dawn, and less time resting at night (22:00 h and 23:00 h) and dawn (2:00 h to 6:00 h), which affected their circadian rhythm and restricted the time devoted to restorative effects of rest. Therefore, the use of the arboreal component proved to be beneficial for obtaining a more favorable microclimate for raising cattle on pasture, being useful for increasing animal thermal comfort and for the expression of behavioral attitudes favorable to the maintenance of homeothermy in a tropical environment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/04528-6 - From the sky to the cells: a multidimensional study of thermal comfort of animals raised on crop-livestock-forest integrated systems (CLFS)
• Grantee: Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/26627-5 - Reproductive performance of beef cattle females (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) in intensive grazing areas with or without the presence of trees
• Grantee: Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants