Key points for the thermal comfort of water buffaloes in Eastern Amazon

Abstract

This study presented relevant aspects about the Amazonian environment and how it impacts the thermal comfort of domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Eastern Amazon. Furthermore, strategies for monitoring and mitigating animal heat stress are presented, based on research results with the species. Although domestic buffaloes are considered adaptable animals, exposure to intense solar radiation causes thermal discomfort. This condition is expressed in biophysical indicators, in metabolic, endocrine, behavioral responses, and in body thermographic patterns. Therefore, the biometeorological monitoring of production is crucial to support decision-making regarding environmental management strategies, genetic selection of thermotolerant individuals, and increase in animal welfare. Lastly, the use of silvopastoral systems can help to provide higher thermal comfort, which is a condition that directly impacts the productivity of milk and meat buffaloes when they are raised in tropical regions, such as in the Eastern Amazon.

Thermographic Profiles in Livestock Systems under Full Sun and Shaded Pastures during an Extreme Climate Event in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil: El Niño of 2023

“…In addition, trees can become an extra source of income for landowners [ 93 ]. In a study involving buffalo, Garcia et al [ 94 ] and Brcko et al [ 3 ] pointed out that the inclusion of trees in tropical pastures promoted greater thermal comfort for the animals.…”

“…Ref. [ 94 ] and Brcko et al [ 3 ], in a study with buffaloes, observed that using trees in tropical pastures promoted greater thermal comfort.…”

Dynamics of Thermolysis and Skin Microstructure in Water Buffaloes Reared in Humid Tropical Climate—A Microscopic and Thermographic Study

“…Other studies carried out in the Amazon region have also indicated beneficial effects of shade on the physiological responses of buffaloes ( 69 – 75 ). In addition to seeking shade to rest and facilitate heat dissipation, buffaloes have the habit of wallowing ( 76 ). With this behavior, the animals lay on mud to favor body cooling via conduction, combined with the effects of convection caused by the wind and evaporation of the water in the mud ( 19 ).…”

Evaluation of thermoregulation of horses (Equus caballus) submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in hot and humid climate conditions, in the Eastern Amazon

“…In order to assess the ability of animals to adjust to the prevailing environmental conditions in regions with hot climates, there are methods that are classified as “adaptability measures,” as they allow verifying the ability of animals to maintain their homeothermy or dissipate heat ( 12 ). Such methods are based on the physiological variables of the animals, such as rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature ( 13 , 14 ). The evaluation of surface temperature through infrared thermography, a non-invasive technique that allows obtaining a distance image of a specific body region, represents a valuable tool to monitor the physiologic status, welfare and the stress responses of domestic animals ( 15 , 16 ).…”