Infrared Thermography in Large Ruminants

Infrared thermography is a clinically useful method for detecting physiopathological alterations in animals through microvascular changes. It has been adapted for applications with large species, as a support tool in evaluating animal welfare, and can also contribute to productive and reproductive evaluations. This review discusses the thermal windows currently in use and characterizes their differences and limitations as resources for early detection and diagnosis in cattle and river buffaloes

Description of Four Dual-Purpose River Buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) Production Systems in Tropical Wetlands of Mexico. Part 2: Sanitary Management, Milking, Zootechnical and Economic Indicators

The aim is to elucidate other key aspects of these dual-purpose systems in wetland areas, including labor, markets, the conditions of facilities, machinery and equipment indices, and zootechnical indicators. The health management values determined for production units (PU) PU2, 3, and 4 were similar (50%) but higher at PU1 (75%). Three scheduled milkings once a day (1x), but PU3 performed it twice a day (2x). Most workers are permanent, but PU1 and PU2 hire temporary laborers. The average workday was 7.69 ± 2.84 hours/animal unit at a mean wage of $11.43 ±$1.27. Unit prices per kg of meat from fattening animals and liter of milk were $1.83 ±$0.03 and $0.51 ±$0.08, respectively. Production variables showed an average calving interval of 371.25 ± 7.50 days, a mean parturition index of 89% ± 1%, and mean mortality of 1.8% ± 0.5% and 0.6% ± 0.8% for young and adult animals, respectively. Milk production per lactation was 1240 ± 211.66 liters. The mean daily production for sale was 5.17 ± 0.88 liters. Individual calves consumed 2.13 ± 0.63 liters of milk per day on average. Mean productive life was 17 ± 2.45 years. Average scores on the facilities conditions and machinery and equipment indices were 68% ± 14% and 57% ± 26%, respectively

Description of Four Dual-Purpose River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Farms in Tropical Wetlands in Mexico. Part 1: Social Aspects, Herd Distribution, Feeding, Reproductive, and Genetic Management

This article characterizes four dual-purpose river buffalo farms (DPBPS) in south-southeastern Mexico. The objectives were to obtain a broader profile of this system and capture values related to buffalo breeding in that area. The study identified a group of producers with high levels of education (17 ± 1.15 years) and years of experience in agricultural systems (28.75 ± 10.81), especially with buffaloes (9 ± 1.83 years). Land tenure is private, and the average surface area of ranches is 428.75 ± 245.57 hectares, located mainly (92%) in flatlands and floodplains with an average number of animals per hectare 2.03 ± 0.69 AU/h. The area has various vegetable strata (grasses, bushes, trees). Feeding is based on the consumption of vegetable species like Camalote grass (Paspalum fasciculatum), West Indian Azuche grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), and Aleman grass (Echinochloa polystachya), complemented with minerals. Production units (PU) 2 and 3 add a low proportion of balanced feed. The average number of animals per PU is 611 ± 50. Dams and calves represent the largest proportions in the herds. The main breed raised in these buffalo production systems is Buffalypso (58% ± 21%), followed by Italian Mediterranean (24% ± 5%) and Murrah (10% ± 14%). The data collected show that the reproduction methods most often utilized, in order of frequency, are fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), direct mounting (DM), and estrus-detected artificial insemination (EDAI). Proportions are 61% ± 18%, 24% ± 25% and 14% ± 17%, respectively. The DPBPS studied are distinguished by the presence of owners and managers with high levels of education, extensive experience in agricultural systems, and the capacity and willingness to implement new technologies that permit continuous improvement. However, their experience in buffalo production is still limited, so there is ample room for improvement

Scientific Findings on the Quality of River Buffalo Meat and Prospects for Future Studies

The objectives of this review are to detect scientific findings and areas of opportunity in the study of river buffalo meat from primary production through commercialization and to establish future areas of research linked to each step of the meat supply chain to strengthen and improve the production and quality of buffalo meat in the future. Recent studies show that buffalo meat is healthy and that the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is not related to intramuscular fat consumption. The current grand demand for food constitutes an ongoing challenge for agricultural production. Of course, this demand includes meat, but the animal species traditionally destined for human consumption are no longer capable of satisfying requirements. This review detected gaps in studies of the alimentary systems of this species (including its digestive tract) and a paucity of analyses designed to determine the optimum slaughtering age. Identifying –and correcting– practices that foster contamination, reduce the shelf life of buffalo meat, and suggest appropriate conservation and packaging methods during commercialization are two additional pending concerns. This study concludes that marketing buffalo meat represents a great challenge for producers and researchers, one that requires a multi- and interdisciplinary approach that examines in detail every step of the productive chain

Effects of human-animal relationship on animal productivity and welfare

This is a literature review of the effects of humans´ relationships with farm animals on animal productivity and welfare, including the following topics: definition of the concept and description of different tests that have been developed to measure human-animal relationship (HAR). Temperament and tameness, which have been considered as farm animal characteristics that are important in HAR, as are stockperson attitudes. Some international farm animal welfare protocols are also described, together with negative and positive stimuli that affect farm animal welfare and productivity. In addition to some factors affecting the quality of HAR. We conclude that even with improved precision farming and automation: a) a good HAR is still fundamental to improve farm animal welfare with associated health and production benefits and b) with the numerous tests assessing fear of humans, many are not commercially applicable.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Imprinting, Sucking and Allosucking Behaviors in Buffalo Calves

This paper provides a short review of the scientific literature, focusing on recent advances on the most representative events from birth to weaning, with special emphasis on the behavior and welfare of buffalo calves during the phases of imprinting, suckling and allosucking, based on the differences and similarities reported with dairy and beef cattle. The similarities include the facts that all 3 are gregarious animals whose dams separate from the herd prior to parturition to facilitate dam-calf bonding, and that maternal care fosters the ingestion of colostrum by the young. These species are also precocial and rely on mother - young mutual recognition for calf survival. In particular, mothers develop a selective bonding with their young soon after parturition, although buffalo cows seem to be tolerant to alien claves and are often engaged in communal nursing. In buffaloes and cattle negative emotions are induced by the stress brought on by early maternal separation. However, buffalo calves are more prone to express cross-sucking and contract neonatal diseases with higher mortality rates in intensive systems as compared to cattle. The review concludes that all three exhibit similar behaviors from parturition to weaning although the knowledge about the specific needs of buffalo calves should be increased and appropriate management practices implemented to improve their welfare state

Quality of Death in Fighting Bulls during Bullfights: Neurobiology and Physiological Responses

During bullfights, bulls undergo physiometabolic responses such as glycolysis, anaerobic reactions, cellular oedema, splenic contraction, and hypovolemic shock. The objective of this review article is to present the current knowledge on the factors that cause stress in fighting bulls during bullfights, including their dying process, by discussing the neurobiology and their physiological responses. The literature shows that biochemical imbalances occur during bullfights, including hypercalcaemia, hypermagnesaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperlactataemia, and hyperglycaemia, associated with increased endogenous cortisol and catecholamine levels. Creatine kinase, citrate synthase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels also increase, coupled with decreases in pH, blood bicarbonate levels, excess base, partial oxygen pressure, and oxygen saturation. The intense exercise also causes a marked decrease of glycogen in type I and II muscle fibres that can produce myoglobinuria and muscular necrosis. Other observations suggest the presence of osteochondrosis. The existing information allows us to conclude that during bullfights, bulls face energy and metabolic demands due to the high intensity and duration of the exercise performed, together with muscular injuries, physiological changes, and high enzyme concentrations. In addition, the final stage of the bullfight causes a slow dying process for an animal that is sentient and conscious of its surroundings.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Behaviour and Welfare of Dairy Buffaloes: Pasture or Confinement?

This review seeks to integrate recent scientific findings on the behaviour of buffalo cows in different production systems. These issues are discussed in relation to the level of welfare that buffalo cows experience under different production systems. In extensive conditions, the level of welfare is high because the animals are free to express natural behaviours related to feeding (grazing, ruminating) and rest. In contrast, intensified livestock-raising methods and techniques (machine-milking, artificial breeding etc.), first developed for dairy cattle are increasingly being used with water buffaloes in order to increase milk production. Greater knowledge of the biology of dairy buffaloes in aspects linked to physiology, behaviour, and health, together with needed adjustments to their production systems, will indicate options for improving the levels of comfort and welfare of these animals and contribute to increasing the efficiency of this type of dairy production. It is necessary to appreciate the importance of welfare within the entire chain of animal production since each of the scientific aspects considered in this manuscript reflects that animal welfare is not an absolute term, but multidisciplinary, with direct consequences on productivity. The welfare of animals in the production systems must be considered with the aim of ensuring an adequate nutritional, clinical, sanitary and behavioural status of the animals. When these aspects are achieved, production can be maximized and, for this reason, it is essential to maintain a balance between welfare and productivity

Alteração do epitélio vaginal em fêmeas crioulas com ovulação durante a lactação

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar mudanças do epitélio vaginal em fêmeas de "Cerdo Pelón Mexicano", que ovularam durante o lactação, estágio causado pelo efeito da presença de macho e retirada da leitegada. A avaliação do estro foi feita através de citologia de raspado vaginal, observação do comportamento das fêmeas e por determinação de 17 ß estradiol e de progesterona no 8º dia após o início de lactação. Foram formados quatro grupos de fêmeas: Grupo 1 não sofreu estímulo; Grupo 2 permaneceu com o macho; Grupo 3 foi separado sua leitegada por 4 h e grupo 4 recebeu ambos estímulos. Amostras de raspado vaginal foram coletadas a cada 24 horas durante 5 dias após o estímulo. ANOVA para amostras repetidas foi realizada durante os 5 dias do teste. O estímulo utilizado no Grupo 4 causou modificações significativas (P < 0·001) quando comparado aos Grupos 1, 2 e 3. Os níveis de estradiol foram mais altos que 30 pg/ml no Grupo 4 no 10º dia pós parto e 4.5 ng/ml de progesterona nos 11º e 12º dias pós parto. Ficou evidente que 100% das fêmeas nos Grupos 1, 2 e 3 não mostraram atividade de estro quando foi relacionado citologia vaginal com o comportamento estral e determinação hormonal da fase de lactação das fêmeas, ao passo que 100% das fêmeas no Grupo 4 apresentaram estro 72 horas após os estímulos e ovularam 24 a 36 horas do início do cio, o que foi comprovado pela determinações de estradiol e progesterona, respectivamente.The objective of this study was to identify changes of the vaginal epithelium in Mexican hairless sows, which ovulated during lactation, caused by the effect of the boar presence and the litter withdrawal. In order to determine the oestrus stage, an exfoliative vaginal cytology and 17b estradiol and progesterone determinations were carried out on the 8 day after the onset of lactation out accompanied with behaviour observations. Four groups of sows were used: Group 1 was not stimulated; Group 2, remained with the boar; Group 3 was separated from its litter for 4 h and Group 4 got both stimuli. Vaginal smear samples were collected every 24 h. for 5 days after stimulus. An ANOVA statistical analysis was performed for repetitive samples during the 5 days of the test. Stimuli used in group 4 caused significant modifications (P< 0·001) when compared to Groups 1, 2 y 3. Estradiol levels were higher than 30 pg/ml in Group 4 on day 10 post partum and 4.5 ng/ml of progesterone on day 11 and 12 post partum. It was evident that 100% of the sows in Groups 1, 2 and 3 did not show oestral activity when relating vaginal cytology with the oestral behaviour and hormone determination of the lactating sows, whereas 100% of the sows in group 4 presented oestrus 72 h. after the stimulus and ovulated 24 to 36 h after the oestrus onset, this was corroborated by estradiol and progesterone determinations, respectively

River Buffalo Meat Production and Quality: Sustainability, Productivity, Nutritional and Sensory Properties

One of the most important challenges facing today’s society is feeding a growing world population. This review aims to examine the available information to assess the potential of river buffalo as a meat producer with a focus on the sustainability of the supply chain and on meat quality in terms of nutritional and sensory properties. Traditionally, buffalo meat came from old, culled animals in rural agricultural regions where animals were slaughtered at the end of their productive life as dairy or draught animals. Therefore, the meat had low quality. However, when younger animals are used, buffalo meat is generally well appreciated by consumers. Buffaloes can adapt to different production systems and convert poor-quality high fiber feedstuffs into high-quality products, including meat, with a lower degree of competition with human nutrition. In addition, although requiring more land, extensive production systems may have lower environmental impacts due to the low inputs used in the productive process and show higher levels of animal welfare. Although weight gains and dressing percentages are generally lower than in cattle, the meat is characterized by better nutritional properties (low fat and cholesterol contents, high-quality protein, and unsaturated fatty acids). In addition, the use of appropriate production systems might improve its sensory properties. Therefore, buffalo meat may be considered a good option to meet the increasing demand for food for human consumption