A new proposal for the use of the focal animal technique in buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon

Abstract

This study aims to present a proposal for using the focal animal recording technique to evaluate the welfare of buffaloes and to verify the association between each behavior and thermal comfort indices. The study was conducted in an experimental paddock located in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. A total of 10 female Murrah animals were used. The behavior of the animals was recorded during the day, with the use of three trained observers, for 72 consecutive h. Climatic variables were collected, and the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) and the practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Index (BCCCIp) were determined. The multivariate technique of principal components and Spearman’s correlation were employed. BCCCIp and THI were outside the thermal comfort zone at different times of the day. Grazing (P) was more frequent in the coldest hours of the day, while rumination occurred at different periods, mainly during the daytime and frequently in a lying position. There was a positive correlation between idle lying behavior and average temperature—Tmed (r = 0.583; p < 0.028), THI (r = 0.432; p < 0.034), and BCCCIp (r = 0.554; p < 0.049). There was a positive correlation between grazing and Tmed (r = 0.665; p < 0.0004) and BCCCIp (r = 0.583; p < 0.036). The standing idle behavior negatively correlated with Tmed (r = −0.718; p < 0.0001), THI (r = −0.522; p < 0.008), and BCCCIp (r = −0.8076; p < 0.0008). The lying ruminating behavior had a positive correlation with Tmed (r = 0.586; p < 0.002), THI (r = 0.477; p < 0.018), and BCCCIp (r = 0.8033; p < 0.0009). Furthermore, ruminating while standing correlated positively with Tmed (r = 0.680; p < 0.0003). The adaptation of the focal animal technique, with six observers evaluating each animal for 6 min through filming, proved to be efficient in pointing out the different behaviors of buffalo raised in Eastern Amazon fields under heat stress at different times of the day.

The Characterization of Pastures by Grazing Cycle and Evaluation of Supplementation with Agro-Industry Co-Products on the Performance of Buffaloes in the Humid Tropics

“…Recent findings could be examined in conjunction with physiological parameters such as core temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, surface temperature, and weather conditions. This approach would enable a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of a specific production system on animal performance [ 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ].…”

Effects of Climatic Conditions and Supplementation with Palm Cake on the Thermoregulation of Crossbred Buffaloes Raised in a Rotational Grazing System and with Natural Shade in Humid Tropical Regions

“…Furthermore, the fact that supplementation with palm kernel cake did not influence the thermoregulation of buffaloes in the eastern Amazon is an extremely important result ( Figure 3 ). As mentioned, the regions influenced by the Amazonian climate, generally, have six months of the year with high rainfall intensity [ 17 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ] as well as the availability of food in the pasture. However, the other six months are of low rainfall (dry period), where forage availability and quality is reduced.…”

A Review of the Nutritional Aspects and Composition of the Meat, Liver and Fat of Buffaloes in the Amazon

“…tarém Highway, it became common to transport animals to pastures planted on dry land (Figure 1B); 3-cultivated on dry land (Figure 1C); and 4-cultivated on dry land, in areas originally of forest confinement (Figure 1D). In the latter ecosystem, more productive forages with better nutritional value have been used in herds formed by animals with a better genetic standard [28]. Figure 1 The native pastures of the island of Marajó are very stable ecosystems that have been exploited by beef cattle in an extensive management system for more than 300 years, with reduced levels of degradation.…”

“…With the construction of the Cuiabá—Santarém Highway, it became common to transport animals to pastures planted on dry land ( Figure 1 B); 3—cultivated on dry land ( Figure 1 C); and 4—cultivated on dry land, in areas originally of forest confinement ( Figure 1 D). In the latter ecosystem, more productive forages with better nutritional value have been used in herds formed by animals with a better genetic standard [ 28 ]. Figure 1 shows the characterization of the three ruminant farming environments in the State of Pará and the map of ruminant rearing in the state of Pará.…”