Daily rhythms of body temperature around lambing in sheep measured non-invasively

Fifteen ewes had data-loggers affixed under the tail, programmed to record temperature (T) every 5 min, storing up to 72 h of data. Ewes were monitored to identify time of lambing (time 0). Lambing period lasted 5 d; thereafter seven ewes which yielded data for 24 h before and after lambing were selected. Mean T (±S.E.M.) was 39.03±0.02°C. Mean T in the 24 h preceding lambing (38.68±0.02°C) was lower than it was in the 24 h following parturition (39.38±0.03°C) (P< 0.0001). T was lower in the 12 h preceding lamb birth (38.56±0.10°C) than it was in the previous 12 h (-24 to -12, 38.76±0.02°C) (P<0.0001); thereafter, T was lowest precisely at parturition (mean T = 38.18±0.03°C) and increases rapidly and peaked (mean T = 39.70±0.04°C) 2 h after lambing. In the 12 h following delivery (39.28±0.02°C), T increased, especially in the window +12 to +24 h (39.51±0.03°C). In conclusion, T of ewes changed around parturition, with a reduction 12 h before lambing, followed by a rapid increase in the hours following parturition. The data-loggers used proved a high degree of sensitivity to detect physiological T changes, which confirmed that they are appropriate for use in sheep studies

Perfiles de identidad en ovinos de raza Chamarita

publishedTomo I . Sección: Sistemas Ganaderos-Economía y Gestión. Sesión: Economía II. Ponencia nº 1

Cattle welfare assessment at the slaughterhouse level: Integrated risk profiles based on the animal''s origin, pre-slaughter logistics, and iceberg indicators

Detection of on farm and transport animal welfare problems at slaughterhouse level is a key issue for the meat industry; however, usually, the assessments do not include basic aspects of animal health. For that reason, it is necessary to develop an assessment method that has an integrative scope and identifies the risk profiles in an-imals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to detect cattle welfare indicators that can be implemented at the slaughterhouse level and to develop integrated risk profiles based on the animal''s origin, pre-slaughter lo-gistics, and animal-based indicators. We recorded the origin, commercial category, transportation details, and horn size of 1040 cattle upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Cattle welfare was measured based on individual scores for vocalizations, stunning shots, carcass bruises, meat pH, severe hoof injuries, and organ condemnations. To characterize operational and logistic practices from the farm to the slaughterhouse, a two-step cluster analysis was applied to the aforementioned variables (production system, cattle type, horn size, journey distance, vehicle type), which identified four clusters: small feedlot and free-range profile (C1, n = 216, 20.8 %), feedlot profile (C2, n = 193, 18.6 %), culled dairy cows profile (C3, n = 262, 25.2 %), and free-range profile (C4, n = 369, 35.5 %). The animal''s diet and environmental conditions might have influenced the development of hoof disorders in C1 animals (P = 0.023), the proportion of animals that were re-shot was highest in C2 animals (P = 0.033), and C3 and C4 animals were most likely to suffer injuries such as severe bruising (P = 0.001). In addition, the number of stunning shots, meat pH, carcass bruises, severe hoof injuries, and liver condemnations, explained a significant variation in the incidence of various health and welfare consequences based on an animal''s origin, which confirmed their importance as ''welfare iceberg'' indicators. The study provided detailed data that can be included into assessment methods for the welfare of slaughter cattle, which can be tailored to specific production systems

Welfare of horses from Mexico and the United States of America transported for slaughter in Mexico: Fitness profiles for transport and pre-slaughter logistics

Every year thousands of horses from Mexico and the United States of America (USA) are transported to slaughter in Mexico, but little is known about their welfare or pre-slaughter logistics. In this study, we recorded the origin, sex, age and condition of horses (121 journeys, 2648 animals) upon arrival to an abattoir in northern Mexico, including transport details. Horse welfare was measured indirectly via individual scores for body condition, coat quality, lameness, ocular and nasal discharge, as well as reactivity to a chute restraint test, all performed shortly after unloading. The average journey duration was 9.69 (±7.6) hours for horses from Mexico and 16.77 (±4.51) hours for horses from the USA (77 % of all journeys). The prevalence of ocular discharge, nasal discharge, skin wounds, lameness and diarrhoea, were 23 %, 12 %, 11 %, 9 %, 1 % (respectively) of all the horses observed, with no significant differences between Mexican and American horses (P = 0.05). During the chute test the American horses were calmer than the Mexican ones (P < 0.001), who were more restless and aggressive (P = 0.001). Likewise, vocalizations in their three variants during the restraint, neigh/whinny (P = 0.018), nicker (P < 0.001), and snort (P = 0.018), were more common in horses from Mexico. In order to help characterize fitness for transport, a two-step cluster analysis was applied using the welfare indicators, suggesting the existence of four clusters (C) evaluated on arrival at the abattoir (from good to very poor fitness): good (profile C4, n = 769, 29.1 %), average (profile C1, n = 799 horses, 30.2 %), poor (profile C3, n = 586, 22.1 %) and very poor (profile C2, n = 494, 18.6 %). In fact, the C4 best welfare group had 0% lame, 0% nasal discharge, 16.4 % ocular discharge, 7.9 % skin wounds. Instead, the C2 poorest welfare group had 45.8 % lame, 61.1 % nasal discharge, 42.8 % ocular discharge, and 19.9 % skin wounds. Results show potential for using nasal discharge, lameness and ocular discharge as key indicators of horse fitness and welfare on abattoir. The study provides detailed scientific data to help establish strategies regarding optimal days of recovery post-transport and fattening for homogenization of weights between animals of different origins, logistic planning, and optimization of logistic resources to minimize the biological cost of long-distance transport

Revisiting cattle temperament in beef cow-calf systems: Insights from farmers’ perceptions about an autochthonous breed

Understanding temperament is an important part of cattle production since undesirable temperament may cause serious problems associated with aggression, maternal care, and human safety. However, little is known about how farmers define or assess temperament, especially in autochthonous cattle breeds. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of farmers about the temperament of the Pyrenean cattle breed with special attention to beef cow-calf systems in Spain. The methodology used to obtain the information was focus group discussions (FGD). Farmers defined temperament as a behavioural response to challenging situations imposed by human handling. Specific terms used were related to active or passive reactions to fear (e.g., “strong”, “aggressive”, “nervous”, “fearful”). The speed of response to stimuli was also important. Female temperament was thought to become more docile with age while bull temperament was more variable. Maternal aggressiveness was highlighted as a potential human safety problem, but also desirable in an extensively bred animal who may need to defend calves against predators. Anatomical characteristics were seen as unreliable predictors of temperament, while behavioural indicators were more widely used, such as “alertness”, which was a general trait of the breed, and “gaze”, which, when associated with an alert expression, suggests a potential threat. Sensory acuity, such as sight and smell, were thought to be related with temperament in some FGDs but there was no overall agreement as to whether different behavioural responses were due to differences in sensory acuity. The results from the study could be useful during training programs or in the development of new genetic selection schemes and evaluation protocols involving cattle temperament

Consequences of long-distance transport on the behavior and health of young-bulls that may affect their fitness to adapt to feedlots

Some studies have shown that long distance journeys and the type of trailer compartment have consequences on farm animal welfare. However, there is little evidence to indicate how these consequences affect the fitness of young bulls to adapt to a novel and challenging environment such as an intensive industrial feedlot. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the consequences of long-distance transport and trailer compartment on the behavior and health of young bulls during the first 60 days after arrival to the feedlot. An evaluation protocol was conducted to record individual behavior (scan sampling) and health indicators of young bulls from days 1-10 and 51-60 after arrival. In addition, three ocular thermal images were taken per animal in a chute during weighing, one each on day 0, day 2 (48 h) and day 50. From our results, the thermophysiological profile, maintenance behaviors and health indicators suggest that there are two distinct groups of consequences affecting animal fitness during the first two months in the feedlot. The first was linked to post-transport fatigue (PTF) that seemed to disappear after the 10 days post-arrival at feedlot. The second was related to signs of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that began 6 days post-transport and persisted until day 60. In addition, the trailer compartments known as the belly and the deck were shown to be problematic for animal welfare, where the transport in the belly was linked to fatigue after transport, while transport in the deck was associated with respiratory problems. Our study underscores the importance of applying preconditioning practices in cow-calf rearing systems at least a couple of months prior to the long-distance journey, in addition to implementing good loading practices to select which animals are best suited for a given compartment. Our results may be useful to minimize the impacts of PTF and BRD, to propose best practices for livestock transport in countries with similar production systems and agroecosystems

Problemas productivos y reproductivos por deficiencias minerales en bovinos de algunas regiones tropicales de México

Los minerales son considerados nutrientes esenciales para el organismo. En las zonas tropicales de México, se presenta una problemática de calidad de los forrajes, su contenido de proteína y aporte de minerales son bajos. Las condiciones climáticas influyen en el contenido de minerales en el suelo, plantas y en los animales. Se reportan bajos contenidos de Ca, P, Zn, Se, I y Cu, en la relación suelo-planta-animal. La presencia de algunas enfermedades carenciales se refleja con baja producción de leche y carne, hay efectos negativos en la fertilidad, abortos, baja calidad de semen, retención de placenta, partos distócicos, entre otros. Es importante suplementar los minerales carenciales en el ganado, con el propósito de mejorar la eficiencia productiva. Se debe evitar el exceso de minerales para prevenir efectos contaminantes al ambient

Características de la carne de conejo y su vida de anaquel valorada con el perfil de aminas biogénica

En América latina, México tiene el primer lugar en producción de carne de conejo, principalmente el 95% se produce en&nbsp; pequeña escala, el otro 5% es por empresas. La carne de conejo acumula menos grasa (3 a 6 %) y contiene de 19 a 26 % de proteína. La carne es inaceptable para el consumidor cuando hay cambios físicos en el color, olor, textura y oxidación de lípidos, durante la descomposición se forman aminas biogénicas (AB), éstas son bases orgánicas de bajo peso molecular, caracterizadas por la presencia de un grupo amina. Las principales AB son Putresina, cadaverina, histamina y tiramina. La cromatografía liquida de alta resolución es una técnica confiable para la detección de las AB. Se realizó un estudio con 3 grupos de carne (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum): 1) grupo testigo (T), envasadas en bolsa de plástico, 2) Con empaque semipermeable (ES) y 3) Con empaque al vacío (EV), estas se conservaron en refrigeración, durante 4 tiempos de almacenamiento: Cero (menos de 12 horas de refrigeración), 7, 14 y 21 días. La putrescina incrementó drásticamente (P &lt;0.05) desde los 7 a 21d de almacenamiento. Todos los empaques presentaron un incremento de histamina conforme pasaron los días de almacenamiento.&nbsp; El tipo de empaque y el tiempo de refrigeración influyeron en la concentración de AB; principalmente el EV tuvo la más baja concentración de putrescina hasta los 21 días de almacenamiento

Sistema acuapónico con humedal subsuperficial para producción de carpa (Cyprinus carpio L.), fresa (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston) y canola (Brassica napus L.)

Objective: a greenhouse pilot aquaponic system was installed, operated, and evaluated to produce carps-strawberry-canola. Design / methodology / approach: the proposed aquaponics system was made of 4 modules: 1) module for the production of carp (Cyprinus Carpio comunis), 2) hydroponic module, deep flow type for the production of duckweed (Lemna minor L.) used to feed the carps, 3) hydroponic module for the strawberry production (Fragaria × ananassa), 4) hydroponic module with substrate (medium gravel) for the canola production (Brassica napus). The carps (Cyprinus carpio) had an average weight of 0.92 g at the beginning of the study (July 2018), the density was 500 carps/ 0.7 m3 of water. From September to December, a sample of 5% was taken to quantify their growth (length and weight) employing a Vernier, and a triple beam balance (OHAUS®). The carps were fed only with duckweed (Lemna minor L.). The carps were fed daily with 1.5% of duckweed as fresh matter concerning the average live weight of the 500 carps. Module 2 had an area of ??0.26 m2. The dry matter of duckweed was quantified using a PVC cylinder that had an area of ??0.010 m2, and then the fresh sample was weighed and dried at 105º C until constant weight. Module 3 (0.42 m2) had 23 plants in a vegetative state, the growth of 5 plants was evaluated by measuring the size of the root (cm), the height of the plant (cm), the length and width of the leaves (cm) and the foliar area (cm2). Module 4 had 0.42 m2, canola seed was sown at a density of 1.2 g/m2 that represented 185 seedlings. The growth of 9 plants was evaluated by measuring the same variables of strawberry plants. Results: in module 1, an average weight per carp of 17.7 g was obtained, representing an average weight increase of 16.8 g in the period from September to December. Module 2 produced 12 kg of duckweed in a fresh basis with 5.6% of dry matter. duckweed production was maintained using the nutrients from the effluent of module 1. In module 3, it was observed that strawberry plants presented an increase of 2.5 g in the fresh weight, 1 cm in root size, 0.9 cm in plant height, 0.2 cm in leaf length, 0.2 cm in leaf width and 0.4 cm2 in the leaf area. In module 4, there was an increase of 8.1 g in plant height, 0.2 cm in the leaf length, 0.2 cm in the leaf width and 0.1 cm2 in the leaf area. Limitations of the study/ implications: for the canola crop, only results of the vegetative growth were reported. For the carps, only three months were reported. However, there was evidence of the feasibility of the system. Findings/ Conclusions: an aquaponic system was installed, operated, and evaluated to produce carps-strawberry-canola. The duckweed was the only source of dry matter for carps. The effluent from the carp module provided nutrients for strawberry growth, bearing fruits of the right color. Canola plants developed adequately, although they had a purple color on the leaves, indicating a possible phosphorus deficiency.Objetivo: se instaló, opero y evaluó un sistema acuapónico piloto bajo invernadero para la producción de carpa-fresa-canola utilizando lenteja de agua como única fuente de alimento. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: el sistema acuapónico propuesto consistió en 4 módulos: 1) módulo para la producción de carpa (Cyprinus Carpio comunis), 2) módulo hidropónico tipo flujo profundo para la producción de lenteja de agua (Lemna minor L.) que se utilizó para alimentar a las carpas, 3) módulo hidropónico tipo raíz flotante para el cultivo de fresa (Fragaria × ananassa), 4) módulo hidropónico con sustrato (grava media) para el cultivo de canola (Brassica napus). En el módulo 1 se crio carpa (Cyprinus carpio) con peso promedio inicial de 0.92 g, a una densidad de 500 peces/0.7 m3 de agua en el mes de julio de 2018. De septiembre a diciembre del mismo año se tomó una muestra del 5% de la población para medir su crecimiento (longitud y peso) empleando un vernier de campo, y se obtuvo el peso (g) por carpa con una balanza granataria. Las carpas se alimentaron solamente con lenteja de agua (Lemna minor L.), se les ofreció 1.5% de peso fresco de Lemna con respecto al peso promedio de las 500 carpas. El módulo 2 tuvo un área de 0.26 m2, se cuantifico la producción de materia seca de la lenteja de agua mediante un cilindro de PVC con un área de 0.010 m2, la muestra fresca se pesó al momento del muestreo y posteriormente se secó a 105º C hasta peso constante. En el módulo 3 de 0.42 m2 se cultivaron 23 plantas de fresa en estado vegetativo, se monitoreó el crecimiento de 5 plantas mediante la medición del tamaño de la raíz (cm), la altura de la planta (cm), el largo y ancho de las hojas (cm) y el área foliar. El módulo 4 tuvo una superficie de 0.42 m2, se sembró semilla de canola a una densidad de 1.2 g/m2 que representó 185 plántulas. Se monitorio el crecimiento de 9 plantas y se evaluaron las mismas variables para las plantas de fresa. &nbsp; Resultados: en el módulo 1 se obtuvo un peso promedio por carpa de 17.7 g representando un incremento de peso promedio de 16.8 g en el periodo de septiembre a diciembre. En el módulo 2 se produjo 12 kg de lenteja de agua fresca en un área de 0.26 m2 con 5.6% de materia seca. La producción de lenteja de agua se mantuvo utilizando los nutrientes del efluente del módulo 1. En el módulo 3 se observó que las plantas de fresa se adaptaron al sistema hidropónico tipo raíz flotante. En promedio se cuantifico un incremento de 2.5 g en el peso fresco de la planta, 1 cm en el tamaño de raíz, 0.9 cm en la altura de planta, 0.2 cm en el largo de hoja, 0.2 cm en el ancho de hoja y 0.4 cm2 en el área foliar. En el módulo 4 se cuantifico en promedio un incremento de 8.1 g en la altura de planta, 0.2 cm en el largo de hoja, 0.2 cm en el ancho hoja y 0.1 cm en el área foliar. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: se reportan resultados del crecimiento vegetativo para la canola, para las carpas solamente se reporta el crecimiento en tres meses, no obstante, se muestra evidencia de la factibilidad del sistema. Hallazgos/conclusiones: se instaló, operó y evaluó un sistema acuapónico recirculante para la producción de carpa-fresa-canola. La lenteja de agua funcionó como la única fuente de alimento para el crecimiento de la carpa. El efluente del módulo carpa proporcionó nutrientes para el crecimiento de la fresa, dando frutos de buen color. Las plantas de canola se desarrollaron adecuadamente, aunque presentaron un color purpura en las hojas, lo que indicó una posible deficiencia de fosforo

Bioaccesibilidad de antioxidantes de origen vegetal micro y nanoencapsulados: perspectivas para su determinacion in vitro

Objetivo: Discutir las perspectivas utilizadas para la evaluación in vitro de la bioaccesibilidad de antioxidantes vegetales para identificar el alcance y las limitaciones de la micro y nanoencapsulación y los modelos de digestión. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Discusión analítica de la información obtenida de SCOPUS, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, google scholar con los términos antioxidante, micro/ nanoencapsulación, bioaccesibilidad, digestión, liberación. Resultados: Los sistemas de antioxidantes encapsulados evaluados privilegian el uso de extractos frente a moléculas purificadas, el aprovechamiento de subproductos y las tecnologías de amplia distribución. Los modelos estáticos in vitro son los más utilizados, con diferencias en los elementos y etapas de la digestión. El análisis de la experiencia acumulada proporciona evidencia alentadora en términos de resistencia a las condiciones gástricas y una mayor liberación durante la fase intestinal utilizando concentraciones logradas en una cantidad dispersable de micro o nanocapsulas. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Sistemas nuevos con características prometedoras para los que aún no se han realizado pruebas de simulación de la digestión se encuentran fuera del alcance de esta revisión. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Para trasladar la experiencia recopilada hacia&nbsp; la bioaccesibilidad real de los antioxidantes se requiere atender a las recomendaciones para la estandarización de los modelos de digestión in vitro de tipo estáticos,&nbsp; así como considerar las limitaciones derivadas de la pérdida inicial de antioxidantes durante la producción del sistema encapsulado, la poca información proporcionada respecto al tipo de liberación, su acumulación y los posibles efectos tóxicos, la determinación de la representatividad de las concentraciones evaluadas respecto a las necesarias in vivo.&nbsp