Effect of heat stress mitigations on physiological, behavioural, and hormonal responses of Buffalo calves

Gastrointestinal Microorganisms and Blood Metabolites in Holstein Calves with Different Heat Stress Responses in the Same Hot Environment

This study investigated differences in gastrointestinal microbiota and blood metabolomes in calves with different heat stress (HS) responses in the same hot environment. Ten high (H) and ten low (L) HS response preweaning Holstein calves were selected based on their heat stress level (respiratory rate and rectal temperature), jugular vein blood samples and ruminal and fecal samples were collected. Notable variations were observed in the serum levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and IL-2 between the two calf groups (p < 0.05). In group H, rumen and fecal microbiota synergism was disrupted. In the H group, the host metabolome exhibited enrichment in pyruvate metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (p < 0.05). Key factors bridging the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota and serum metabolites included the rumen bacterial genus g__Ruminococcus, serum HSP-70, malic acid, and fumaric acid. These hubs served as potential indicators for distinguishing the response to heat stress in calves (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study identified the relationship between gastrointestinal microbiota characteristics and different HS responses of the host, thus providing evidence and new directions for future studies aimed at understanding HS in individual calves (gut microbiota-host interactions).

The behavior and welfare of neglected species: some examples from fish and mammals

Animal welfare is the state of an animal's body and mind and the level to which its requirements are satisfied. Animal welfare is affected by human decisions and actions. Numerous decisions concerning animals are driven by human desires to enhance their own lives, and some of these decisions may be influenced by self-interest or a strong emphasis on economic factors. How to assess the welfare state of animals is a central issue in animal welfare science. Two critical questions can be used to address animal welfare: first, is the animal healthy, and second, does the animal have what it needs? Both of these questions can potentially be answered using the study of animal behavior. The development of behavioral methodologies is crucial for evaluating welfare in contexts where concern for animal welfare is often highest, such as on intensive modern farms and sites where working animals are used. Herein, we discuss animal welfare by focusing on some of its major concepts and explanations. Later, to illustrate key aspects of animal welfare, we chose to examine the information that is available for some 'neglected' livestock species, which are commercially important on a global basis and found in large numbers: buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), camels (Camelus dromedarius), donkeys (Equus asinus), mules (Equus asinus × Equus caballus), and lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus). We chose these species because there are major ongoing concerns about their welfare, and more research is required to help solve the various problems. Overall, there are strong imbalances in terms of the species that are usually studied in terms of animal welfare research, and we call for greater attention to those that have traditionally been neglected.

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

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.