Influence of handling in corrals on the temperament of different breeds of beef cattle raised in Brazil

Author(s)

Freitas, Anielly de P. ; Lima, Maria Lucia P. ; Simili, Flavia F. ; Negrao, Joao A. ; Schenkel, Flavio S. ; de Paz, Claudia Cristina P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE; v. 101, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-03.

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 Guzera 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 Guzera. 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. Handling in the corral is stressful for bovines, and measuring blood parameters and behavioral traits is essential for decision-making. Adjustments in the handling of corrals are necessary when animals are stressed. Some scientific studies have shown the negative effect of poor handling on the welfare and temperament of animals. Furthermore, there is evidence that more reactive cattle present the highest blood cortisol concentrations indicative of stress. In our study, the objective was to evaluate and quantify the temperament of animals from three different breeds of beef cattle in a stressful situation handled in the corrals. Differences in behavior between breeds and sexes were also analyzed. Through a statistical method, such as principal component analysis, we verified that exit and chute scores are better behavioral indicators of animal stress, allowing the development of sound management practices, especially when passing through the corrals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/25355-6 - Influence of modification in handling facilities on behavior and blood parameters in beef cattle
• Grantee: Maria Lucia Pereira Lima
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/50339-5 - Institutional research development plan of the Animal Science Institute (PDIp)
• Grantee: Lenira El Faro Zadra
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 16/19222-1 - Profile of gene expression associated with heat stress in Nellore and Caracu
• Grantee: Claudia Cristina Paro de Paz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants