Livestock production in Latin America is strongly associated with deforestation. Silvopastoral systems are an alternative; however, the relation between animal welfare and tree coverage has been poorly studied. We hypothesized that a connection between these features exist and that its evaluation can influence system management decisions. A general assessment of tree coverage percentage and tree distribution in ten Mexican cattle ranches was performed using satellite images. Animal welfare indicators from the Welfare Quality® dairy cattle protocol measurable in extensive conditions were also assessed. Tree coverage percentage was highly variable and formed a gradient (52.42% in Ranch J2 to 2.00% in Ranch S1). The tree coverage percentage of two ranches was deemed as silvopastoral (between 22 and 35%). Body condition was better in ranches with high tree coverage compared to those with low (P < 0.05). The percentage of wooded grassland was negatively correlated with flight distance reductions (P < 0.05). Less integument alterations were present in high tree coverage ranches compared to low (P < 0.05). Our landscape analysis showed the presence of different vegetal compositions in silvopastoral systems of the Mexican tropics. This knowledge can be applied to improve management decisions and promote the use of silvopastoral systems in the area. Additionally, this is the first study proving a relationship between landscape structure and welfare indicators, since body condition and integument alterations were positively affected. Although our results need further research, similar analyses can be implemented to improve cattle well-being in production systems associated to trees. In conclusion, landscape analysis in combination with animal welfare measurements could increase productivity by identifying important links between cattle welfare and the presence of trees, as well as help to identify areas of further research for the implementation of silvopastoral systems in Mexico.
Con el objetivo de realizar una caracterización tecnológica del sistema productivo con bovinos criollos de Nunkiní en Campeche, México, se evaluaron diez unidades de producción (UP). Su nivel tecnológico (NT) se determinó con base en sus variables técnico-productivas y se clasificó como bajo (50%), medio (30%) o alto (20%). La edad, escolaridad y experiencia (años) promedio de los productores fue 62.3±3.2, 7.3±0.9 y 25.2±5.4, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de edad y peso al primer estro de las hembras bovinas fue 30.9±4.9 meses y 276.5 kg±17.3 kg, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de edad y peso al primer servicio fue 36.9±5.7 meses y 306.0 kg±28.8 kg, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de días abiertos y periodo interparto fue 205.0±38.1 días y 15.9±1.3 meses, respectivamente (p < 0.05). Los parámetros productivos variaron según el NT de la UP. Se observa rusticidad y precocidad en la raza. El núcleo criollo de Nunkiní se encuentra en peligro de extinción
The study evaluated the concentrations of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in intensively fattened beef cattle from a feedlot in a humid tropical environment. A total of 360 bulls weighing 271-371 kg were kept confined in pens from the start to the end of the fattening period (FP). At 24 h after arriving at the feedlot, cattle were distributed into the pens according to their live weight: 271-320 kg, 321-370 kg, and >370 kg. At the start of the FP, four pens of each weight group were randomly selected, and in each of them 10 faecal samples were obtained from 10 randomly selected bulls; this sampling was repeated in the same pens and in each weight group at the middle and end of the FP. The FCM were measured through enzyme immunoassay. The 271-320 kg group had higher FCM at the end of the FP (P < 0.05), the 321-370 kg group had similar FCM throughout the FP (P > 0.05), and the >370 kg group showed higher FCM at the start and end of the FP (P < 0.05). Higher FCM were observed at the middle of the FP in the 321-370 kg group, and at the end of the FP in the 271-320 kg and >370 kg groups (P < 0.05). Mean FCM obtained throughout the FP were within normal ranges for cattle, suggesting that appropriate management in feedlots in humid-tropical regions can provide bulls with a low-stress environment.
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