Are crossbred cattle (F1, Bos indicus x Bos taurus) thermally different to the purebred Bos indicus cattle under moderate conditions?

Moura, Gustavo André Bernado; Costa, Cíntia Carol de Melo; Fonsêca, Vinícius de França Carvalho; Wijffels, Gene; Castro, Patric André; Neto, Marcos Chiquitelli; Maia, Alex Sandro Campos

doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104457

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 37 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Bulls were also exposed to eight rainy days, during which the mean precipitation rate ranged from 0 to 0.25 mm h −1 . Based on our previous study with similar animals, feedlot cattle were outside their zone of least thermoregulation during the days classified as hot and very hot ( 8 , 37 – 40 ). Indeed, bulls stored more heat during hot and very hot days compared to the cooler days (i.e., rainy and cloudy days), especially the animals with dark hair coat and with no access to shade ( Figure 6 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, Lees et al ( 42 ) attested that both B. taurus dark hair coat (Black Angus) and B. indicus light hair coat cattle (Brahman) sought shade as the solar load increased, and panted less when they were in the shade. Considering that increments on respiratory rate and peripheral vasodilatation are positively correlated with mass and heat transfer through respiratory and cutaneous surface ( 8 , 43 ), bulls in shade trigger less heat dissipation to maintain thermal equilibrium compared to bullocks with no access to shade.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During these days, from 10:00 to 15:00h, mean solar radiation exceeded 600 W m −2 , black-globe temperature was above 40 • C, and air temperature was above 30 • C. In addition to hot conditions, bulls were exposed to 23 cloudy days, during which the mean solar irradiance remained below 600 W m −2 , and mean air temperature was below 30 • C. Bulls were also exposed to eight rainy days, during which the mean precipitation rate ranged from 0 to 0.25 mm h −1 . Based on our previous study with similar animals, feedlot cattle were outside their zone of least thermoregulation during the days classified as hot and very hot (8,(37)(38)(39)(40). Indeed, bulls stored more heat during hot and very hot days compared to the cooler days (i.e., rainy and cloudy days), especially the animals with dark hair coat and with no access to shade (Figure 6).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Artificial shade is in the forefront of environmental modification to mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress and to improve welfare of beef cattle, particularly in tropical environments where animals face high levels of short-wave solar radiation (1,2). The benefits of shade for animals come from reducing radiant heat gain (3,4), body heat storage (5), evaporative cooling through panting and sweating (6)(7)(8)(9) and by increasing the frequency of beneficial behaviors (e.g., lying down, ruminating, and playing (10)(11)(12).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Economically sustainable shade design for feedlot cattle

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Provision of shade reduces radiant heat load on feedlot cattle, thus reducing demand of water and energy for thermoregulation. While the positive effects of shade on animal welfare are widely known, the literature lacks data on the magnitude of its economic impacts. In this study, we propose the concept of novel shade design to prove that a correctly oriented and dimensioned roof structure, which optimizes shade to be displaced within the pens, motivates cattle to seek shade, protect them from short-wave solar radiation, and is resilient to counteract weather adverse conditions. The beneficial outcome is improvement in animal welfare and productive performance, as well as increments on financial return and sustainability. To attest these benefits, eight hundred B. indicus × Bos taurus bulls were randomly assigned in pens with or without shade from a galvanized steel-roof structure. Performance data (e.g., dry matter intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and hot carcass weight) and heat stress indicators (e.g., subcutaneous temperature, body-surface temperature, respiratory rate and water intake) were assessed along the study period. The economic outcomes derived from shade implementation were determined using the net present value. Meteorological variables were also monitored every 1 min, and grouped in a thermal comfort index for feedlot cattle, the InComfort Index (InCI). The shade structure efficiently reduced radiant heat load on cattle in pens with shade. According to the classification of the InCI, during very hot days (InCI > 0.6; around noon with mean solar radiation above 800 W m−2 and mean air temperature above 33°C), greater proportion (80%) of animals in shaded pens were using shade. Under such circumstances, cattle in shade had water intake reduced by 3.4 L per animal, body temperature was lower by 5°C, subcutaneous temperature was lower by 1°C and respiration rate was lower by 10 breaths min−1 compared to animals in pens without shade (P = 0.0001). Although dry matter intake was similar (P = 0.6805), cattle in pens with shade had higher average daily gain reflected in a heavier hot carcass weight (8 kg animal−1; P = 0.0002). Considering an initial investment of $90 per animal to build a structure that lasts 15 years, the expected payback time is four finishing cycles (~110 days per cycle). In conclusion, this study confirms that the proposed novel shade design is economically profitable, improves performance, and enhances animal welfare.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Economically sustainable shade design for feedlot cattle

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…First, heat output from cattle is reduced. Cattle generate about 2 W/kg (2.49 W/kg) [35][36][37] ; hence, a truck with 20 cattle with a mean weight 250 kg will generate about 10 kW. Second, water vapour output from the cattle is reduced, with the result that humidity declines and the cattle are cooler.…”

Section: Additional Factors To Be Consideredmentioning

confidence: 99%

Minimum space requirements for cattle: An approach based on photographic records

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background:The space requirements for accommodating cattle during confinement are based on assessment of both the physical space occupied by the animals and that needed for essential behaviours. The aim of this study was to estimate the area (m 2 ) occupied by cattle of different liveweights in the static standing (ST), recumbency (SR) and sleeping (SL) postures. Methods: The study was conducted in Chile. The area (m 2 ) occupied by 26 female beef cross cattle with liveweights between 45 and 642 kg was estimated in the ST, SR and SL postures through planimetry using overhead photographs. The allometric coefficient k value was obtained for each posture using linear regression equations from the measured weight (kg 0.66 ) and area occupied. Results: Less but more variable space was occupied by each individual in the ST posture compared to SR or SL posture, with clear correlations between weight and occupied area. The k values obtained were 0.014 (ST), 0.023 (SR) and 0.021 (SL), which are all less than international recommendations for the same postures. Limitations: The methodology needs refinement to reduce the distance to the object optical effect in the different postures. Further work is also needed to determine additional space requirements for behavioural needs and movements associated with each posture and change of posture, depending on the type of confinement. Conclusions:We provide a scientific basis on which to objectively establish absolute minimum static space requirements for cattle of different breeds, types, weights and anatomical conformations and calculate k values.

show abstract

Adaptive integumentary features of beef cattle raised on afforested or non-shaded tropical pastures

do Nascimento Barreto,

Jacintho,

Barioni Junior

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We aimed to analyze the seasonal acclimatization process of Nelore and Canchim cattle raised on two production systems (non-shaded, NS, and integrated crop-livestock-forest, ICLF), based on the dynamics of the morphological and functional attributes of the hair coat and skin during winter and summer. The study was conducted in Brazil, in a low-altitude tropical climate region. A completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted as follows: two production systems (NS and ICLF), two breeds (Nelore and Canchim) in a longitudinal structure, with measurements repeated over time through two stations (winter and summer). The experimental animals consisted of 32 Nelore ( Bos indicus ) and 32 Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus × 3/8 Bos indicus ) bulls. The animals were equally distributed between two intensive rotational grazing systems. In both breeds, the hair coat was significantly thicker in winter but longer in summer, which increased epidermal protection. The Nelore bulls had shorter, wider, and thicker hairs, which are attributes that promote heat loss via conduction. The Canchim bulls showed significantly lower hair density and higher epithelium distance to sweat glands, which resulted in higher core temperature and respiratory rate. In turn, Nelore bulls had higher serum concentrations of triiodothyronine and lower serum concentrations of cortisol. However, Canchim bulls more frequently and intensely activated their thermoregulatory system and markedly adjusted their hair coat and hair features to reduce heat gain, especially in summer. Therefore, the anatomical plasticity and functional integumentary characteristics of Nelore and Canchim bulls reflect their acclimatization to tropical conditions.

show abstract

Are crossbred cattle (F1, Bos indicus x Bos taurus) thermally different to the purebred Bos indicus cattle under moderate conditions?

Cited by 6 publications

References 37 publications

Economically sustainable shade design for feedlot cattle

Economically sustainable shade design for feedlot cattle

Minimum space requirements for cattle: An approach based on photographic records

Adaptive integumentary features of beef cattle raised on afforested or non-shaded tropical pastures

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About