Reactivity of Nellore steers in two feedlot housing systems and its relationship with plasmatic cortisol

Abstract

To evaluate reactivity to assess the temperament of Nellore steers in two feedlot housing systems (group pen or individual pen) and its relationship with plasmatic cortisol, 36 experimental units were observed five times at 28-day intervals of weight management during a 112-day feedlot confinement. A reactivity score scale ranging from 1 to 5 was applied when an animal was in the chute system. To the calmest animal, a reactivity score of 1 was ascribed and to the most agitated, 5. Blood samples were collected for cortisol analysis. No differences were found in reactivity and feedlot system. There was a relationship noted between reactivity and feedlot time in both housing systems (P b 0.01). There was a relation between reactivity and cortisol levels for group animals (P = 0.0616) and for individual ones (P b 0.01). Cortisol levels varied among housing systems (P b 0.01). Feedlot time influenced the cortisol levels (P b 0.09 individual; P b 0.01 group) and when variable time was included, these levels changed, decreasing in the group pen and increasing in individual pens. The continuous handling reduces reactivity and plasmatic cortisol, and group pen system seems to be less stressfully than individual pens.

Comparison of extensive and intensive pig production systems in Uruguay in terms of ethologic, physiologic and meat quality parameters

“…Intensive rearing conditions tend to foment competition for resources between pigs, increasing the occurrence and duration of negative social interactions (Temple et al, 2011). Space allowance is one of the possible causes, but OUT also had a much enriched environment which contributed to the reduction of agonistic behaviour, as reported by several authors (Beattie et al, 2000;van de Weerd et al, 2006;Morrison et al, 2007;van de Weerd & Day, 2009). In addition, the higher level of aggressions in IN while exploring suggests that the competence derived from the lack of space affects all the behaviours.…”

“…Samples were collected in 7 mL vacuum tubes without anticoagulant and immediately refrigerated and taken to the laboratory, where they were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min at 4 °C, as described by Titto et al (2010). Serum was then removed and transferred to eppendorf tubes (1.5 mL) for storage at -40 ºC until the analyses were performed.…”

The behaviour and productivity of water buffalo in different breeding systems: a review

“…Nowadays, buffaloes are often managed and fed in intensive systems (in feed-lots for fattening and slaughtered at 15 months of age, once they surpass 400 kg live weight) where the cows are kept loose in paddocks and milked mechanically twice a day (Borghese 2013). Although extensive systems are widely used in tropical climates, the corral approach for intensive fattening is an option that is often adopted for the final stage of the commercialisation process because it shortens the productive cycle (Titto et al 2010). Of course, this requires systems based on balanced feed administered in confinement, but it does foster greater daily weight gain and reduces slaughtering age, both of which impact meat quality and meat supplies positively during the down season (Jorge et al 2005).…”

“…In a comparison of male buffaloes and bovine cattle kept in stables, lower weight gain (g/day) during fattening was found (1245 vs. 1135, respectively) (Spanghero et al 2004). For cattle, Nelore Titto et al (2010) evaluated two housing systems used for fattening -group pen vs. individual pen -but found no relation between reactivity and feedlot systems, although cortisol values were higher in the animals held in the group pens (28.36 ng/mg) than in those kept in individual pens (18.79 ng/mg). Also, fattening time affected cortisol levels (P ≤ 0.09 individual; P ≤ 0.01 group).…”

Feeding behavior of early weaned lambs deprived of roughage

“…The occurrence of competition between animals is not always have a negative character as group feeding can increase feed consumption and improved the social behavior between animals in the group. According to O'connell et al (2004) and Titto et al (2010) the outcome of these group interactions often depends on number for the animals in the group. Feeding behavior is characterized through the duration (the time) of eating, rumination and break -time not eating (Penning et al, 1991) and is used as an indicator of the physical and chemical characteristics of the feed (Lee et al, 2008).…”