Search

The objective of the present study was to know the profile of Brazilian cat owners and their perceptions of responsible ownership and the veterinary care environment. The application of a semi-structured online questionnaire investigating the owner's socioeconomic level and perception of knowledge concerning health care and history of medical-veterinary care of their cats using the snowball method. A total of 5,213 participants were included, of which: 93% were women, 52% were single and lived in urban areas (96%). Fifty nine per cent of the owners answered that their cat is taken to the veterinary care service only when it shows a clinical sign and 65% of them feel anxious when they need to take their cats to the vet. Only 1% of the owner did not consider the cat as a family member. Concerning the veterinary care scenario, 40% of the owners answered that at least once, that their cat(s) had been handled inappropriately by veterinary service professionals, and they believed that low affinity with the species and excessive restraint were the main causes for this misconduct. Around 40% of the owners had already changed their veterinarian because of this inappropriate interaction/handling. Conclusion and relevance the data presented point to the importance of implementing and improving friendly and gentle care practices with cats and their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies related to the feasibility of using alternative materials to the copper black globe have been carried out, mainly due to the high price of copper. In view of this, it is justified to evaluate the efficiency of using an aluminum mug, with a capacity of 50 ml (model for a spray gun), as an alternative material to replace the copper black globe. The mug was painted with matte black paint in two layers and a mercury thermometer was inserted in the center. For the thermal behavior test, a copper black globe and an alternative black globe were placed side by side, at the Precision Animal Science Laboratory, Universidade Brasil. The temperatures of the globes were collected over five days in three periods (morning, afternoon and night) totaling 15 minutes/period with a 5-minute interval. For statistical analysis, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used, at a 5% significance level. The thermal behavior of the alternative black globe was similar to the copper black globe, proving to be satisfactory. However, during the experiment it was observed that the heating times of the materials in each globe differed, therefore, the study will be continued to investigate resistivity and hysteresis effects. It is concluded that the thermal behavior of the alternative black globe is similar to the thermal behavior of the copper black globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-being of laying hens raised in cages is affected due to the smaller space available for them, which is in line with the growing pressure from a large number of consumers concerned about the conditions in which these birds are raised. The consequence of this lower housing density on productivity and the quality of life of the bird and the eggs produced by them must be evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the production, egg quality, and welfare of laying hens reared in different housing densities in cages. At 28 weeks of age, 120 light Novogen White laying hens were distributed, after beak trimming, in 24 cages measuring 45 cm x 50 cm, in three different housing densities: 562.5 cm²/bird (four birds/cage), 450 cm²/bird (five birds/cage) and 375 cm²/bird (six birds/cage), with 8 repetitions each. The experimental diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic, based on corn and soybean meal. The trial period will comprise six cycles of 28 days each. The variables analyzed were: egg weight, yolk index, Haugh unit, yolk pigmentation, percentage of egg components and shell thickness (in millimeters). When the birds reached 44 weeks of age, the feather score was measured. Forty chickens per treatment were evaluated in four regions: chest, back, wings and hindquarters. This analysis consists of categorizing the birds according to three different scores, according to the size of the area without feathers in each region. It is expected that the reduction in the hen housing density in the cages will lead to higher production with better egg quality, also promoting better hen welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, evaluated the readability of electronic leg and ear tags in Saanen goats. Fifty-seven goats were identified with the electronic leg tags (ELT) and electronic ear tags (EET) from birth until the lactation period ends. Readability of ELT and EET was 96.30% and 90.55% respectively in static conditions at the end of 12 months. Foot and udder, with no infection rates for ELT and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. No infection rates of foot and udder for ELT and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. Tagging method and animal temperament was not statistically significant. As a result, low animal traceability with ear tags was determined by this study. Besides, it is suggested that smaller-sized tagging materials would be more accurate when the ankle was selected as a body area to place identification tags in goats. The resulting issue to be considered is that the leg tagging should not negatively affect the animal welfare and the foot and udder health. In the future, using a leg band in the identification of goats will become more widespread as it does not damage animals and has a high readability capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies related to the feasibility and efficiency of using alternative materials to Vernon's globe have been carried out, mainly due to the high price of copper, a component of the standard instrument. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of using an aluminum mug as an alternative material for replacing Vernon's globe. To make the prototype, an aluminum mug was used, used in a paint gun, with a capacity of 50 ml. The mug was painted with matte black paint, in two layers and a mercury thermometer was inserted in the center. Four pieces of equipment were used to carry out the tests (two Vernon globes and two alternative black globes). Previous temporal behavior tests were carried out. Once the time was established, the globes' temperatures were collected for seven consecutive days, in three periods of 15 minutes each. Temperature records were taken every five minutes, a total of 84 per equipment. Data were subjected to Pearson's correlation analysis. The results indicated a positive correlation with the r2 of 0.9927, establishing a strong correlation between the mean temperature results of the alternative black globe and Vernon's globe. It is concluded that the alternative black globe of the aluminum mug type proved to be efficient for measuring the temperature of the black globe in ambience studies, replacing the Vernon Globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out in order to provide the length-weight relationship (LWR) and the allometric condition factor (Ka), as well as its correlation with limnological variables, for Prochilodus lineatus from the middle Tietê River basin. Fish were collected using gill nets in two rivers with contrasting environmental conditions, totaling 46 specimens in the highly polluted Tietê River, and 37 in the Peixe River, a relatively well-conserved tributary. Environmental measures were obtained concomitantly to the fish capture. The results showed an isometric growth (b = 3.00) for the fish from Tietê River and a positive allometric growth (b = 3.23) for the fish from Peixe River. The mean value of Ka was unexpectedly higher for the main river (Ka = 2.63) when compared to its tributary (Ka = 2.42), being statistically different from each other. This can be explained by the much higher availability of organic sediments in the main river, resulting from a long-term eutrophication process. Nevertheless, the positive and statistically significant correlations with dissolved oxygen, for both rivers, as well as significant negative correlations with electric conductivity, nitrogen and chlorophyll a for Tietê River, indicate the negative effects of the water quality deterioration on the fish condition factor. The work contributes to the expansion of knowledge about P. lineatus, the most important commercial fish of the middle Tietê River basin, which is severely impacted by unsustainable human actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the need to establish animal welfare policies and public health promotion due to the importance of stray animals in the transmission of zoonoses, the objective was to study the population dynamics of homeless dogs in the city of Descalvado - SP, the perception of citizens related to the cause of animal protection and also to the current Federal, State and Municipal legislation. To account for the separation of urban and rural sectors, the Clip tool of the Qgis program was used, sectoring the municipality of Descalvado into North, South, East, West, Central and Industrial District. For the application of the questionnaires, 0.5% of the population from each established area of the municipality was selected and the findings were correlated with existing legislation and public policies, analyzing their effectiveness. As we can see, in summary, the interviewees demand from the local government for improvements, but also, greater responsibility of the population. In addition to the qualitative analysis through the reading and perception of the reports, an analysis of the repetition of key words was carried out, through the creation of the word cloud, an important tool that highlights the terms most cited by the people interviewed, of which "oversight, laws and awareness", revealing the need for public policy directions. The data lead us to conclude that despite the existence of legislation, there is still little application of penalties. In the city, the areas with the highest rate of stray dogs were West and South, peripheral regions and with low-income population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the human-animal bond has made significant progress. This progress includes increasing awareness of animal abuse, and recognizing it as an indicator of social and human welfare under the One Welfare approach. The goal of this study was to identify the citizen’s perception on cases of animal abuse published in the social networks of the District Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare (Idpyba, by its Spanish acronym) in Bogotá, Colombia. Netnographic tools were used to analyze the data to classify each case by type of abuse; to examine the interactions of the interested public, and to discern the intention of the most relevant comments. In a 1-year period, 42 cases were published on the Idpyba social networks. The most frequent types of abuse were negligence (52.4%; n: 22), abandonment (14.3%; n: 6), physical abuse (14.3%; n: 6) and emotional abuse (14.3%; n: 6). The most notable cases to the public were related to neglect and abandonment. The most one-click reactions were noticeable in cases pertaining to abandonment, and the cases which produced the highest amount of comments were related to emotional abuse. Upon examining the number of times the publications were shared, the greatest impact was represented by emotional abuse (94,2%; n: 565). Additionally, the most frequent viewer comment intent was to express an opinion on the subject matter (40%; n: 691), followed by comment intent for content support (34.8%; n: 600). Also, the data collected here show a general empathetic reaction of citizens to various forms of animal abuse. In addition, it is concluded that citizens perceive as an appropriate action that the custody of each animal is transferred to an animal care institution. It is proposed that sharing animal care practices with communities from a One Welfare approach, with direct impact on the mental and physical health of the people involved, emerges as an argument that can motivate change and improve the perception of animal sentience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estima-se que a população mundial deve chegar a 9,8 bilhões de pessoas em 2050. Para atender à crescente demanda por proteína dessa população está em andamento uma nova revolução no setor da produção animal. Biotecnologia, engenharia genética e zootecnia de precisão têm levado ao aumento da eficiência e produtividade especialmente na produção de aves e suínos. O aumento na produtividade, porém, está associada a prejuízos ao bem-estar animal resultando no aumento da incidência de doenças e piora na qualidade da carne. Esses problemas são registrados, em geral, nas regiões consideradas mais desenvolvidas onde os produtores rurais têm acesso à informação e tecnologia mais recente. A proximidade com o mercado consumidor/meios de exportação resulta em ganhos apesar dos eventuais prejuízos. O Brasil e outros países Neotropicais, contudo, apresentam diferenças regionais muito grandes, com regiões de florestas onde as condições locais impedem/ dificultam o desenvolvimento da pecuária tradicional. Adicionalmente, por viver em regiões distantes dos centros de produção animal, grande parte da população desses países não tem acesso à proteína animal de qualidade. Principalmente, devido aos altos custos desses produtos, resultando em elevada prevalência de insegurança alimentar. Como parte da resolução desses problemas, nessa apresentação descreverei sistemas de produção alternativos de algumas espécies Neotropicais. Começando pelo sucesso da criação de preás (Cavia porcellus) nos países andinos. Apresentarei em seguida os sistemas de produção de semiconfinamento e de ranching para a criação de capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Também mostrarei que é possível obter a produção anual de 1600 kg de caititus (Dicotyles tajacu) por hectare de floresta, alimentando esses animais com produtos e coprodutos agrícolas disponíveis localmente. Para ter sucesso na atividade, contudo, é preciso quebrar alguns paradigmas da produção animal tradicional. Precisamos estabelecer sistemas de produção que respeitem as características comportamentais das espécies. Caso contrário, haverá prejuízo ao bem-estar animal e fracasso na atividade. Alertarei também que para ter sucesso econômico na produção comercial, os produtores devem procurar se associar para viabilizar a comercialização de sua produção. Finalmente, mostrarei para que a atividade possa prosperar é necessário maior investimento em pesquisas científicas e formação de profissionais na área. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confined milk production systems can present several critical points with respect to animal welfare, which does not imply that they cannot be resolved. Housing dairy cattle in compost barns, with proper design and management, has been shown to improve cow health and longevity and, consequently, their productive performance. Based on the results carried out worldwide, the compost barn systems represent a friendly housing alternative with the well-being of the animals compared to other confinement systems. However, the number of investigations on the welfare of dairy cattle in these systems in Argentina and in the world is still scarce, so it would be advisable to add regional studies to be able to precede in terms of the real and potential impact on dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of poultry production systems has brought major changes in domestic fowls' physical and social environment. The management of these birds has received considerable attention in recent years due to new demands from consumers, especially those related to welfare. Behavior is the way that animals respond to the different stimuli they encounter in their environment. The behavioral expressions of poultry and the application of this knowledge in the care of the stock plays an important part in the maximization of the production efficiency of the poultry chain. Thus, defining ethical limits and guidelines for poultry production is essential to promote the development of new production practices, and by that ensure quality and productivity without putting bird welfare at risk. This review is based on scientific literature and highlights the main behavioral expressions of domestic chickens, including social, feeding, and reproductive expressions, in addition to stereotypes and strategies for social adaptation. Thus, it will promote to the reader and for the scientific community a better understanding about subjects that are not frequently discussed and by that help behavioral analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging paradigms on ethical consumption of meat and replacement alternatives require a bioethical reflection to understand the social relations between sentience and animal welfare. This study seeks to understand how Brazilian society represents animal production, meat consumption, and alternatives to replace its consumption. For this, an online survey was conducted with 330 participants from Brazil. The results suggest that variables such as age, sex, and education level influence the representation of meat consumption and demonstrate that Brazilian society believes that reducing consumption is more feasible than adhering to alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a review of critical points related to the production of foie gras, based on technical-scientific references, regarding the impacts of this type of production on the quality of life of the birds involved. As a subsidy to an analysis on the legitimacy of the activities related to the production and commercialization of foie gras in Brazil, specificities of the Brazilian legal system were considered, as well as problems in the field of animal ethics about exploitation activities that involve animal suffering. In this sense, an exploratory research was conducted on the details and legislation relevant to the production of foie gras from the survey of relevant publications on the subject in scientific articles, books and digital news portals in recent decades. The results of this research led to the categorization of the endorsement of foie gras production as an indefensible practice, for implying evident risks and damage to health, resulting in a low degree of welfare and absence of minimum conditions that allow a good quality of life for the birds. And, due to the identification of the raising of birds for the production of foie gras as incompatible with national standards and basic principles protecting animal dignity, this article concludes that this practice is unsustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry farming in Brazil has evolved significantly in the last decades, being still prominent, and contributing significantly to Brazilian agribusiness. One of the important factors for the success of poultry production is the efficient monitoring and control of the breeding environment, in addition to contributing to the promotion of a higher level of welfare for birds in confinement. However, the study of animal behavior is traditionally carried out through visual observations of animals, which consumes time and generates subjective decisions that are susceptible to human error. The general objective of this project is to elaborate an ethogram and to efficiently evaluate the behavior of laying hens housed in cages, through digital recordings. Birds of the commercial line Hisex Brown and Hisex White, 51 weeks old, reared in cages with capacity for two birds were used. An ethogram composed of 12 common events in this type of system was proposed to analysis the images. This ethogram recorded the following behaviors: "sitting", "eating", "drinking", "exploring feathers", "non-aggressive pecking", "aggressive pecking", "comfort movements", "stopping", "posture", "stereotype", "Open beak" and "open wings". From the evaluation of this ethogram, it was noticed that the "eating" behavior occupied most of the birds' time (58% of the time), being followed by the "stop" behavior (17.3%) and "comfort movements" (8.8%). In the ambience and temperature conditions that the experiment was carried out, the chickens showed "open beak" behavior 100% of the time in the afternoon, indicating a clear situation of heat stress. In this way, the ethogram functioned as an indirect measurement of the degree of ambiance of these animals, which directly reflects in the care for animal welfare, a fundamental requirement for modern egg production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperament often depends on the animals' reaction to people, social and environmental conditions. However, little is known about the influence of changes in the pasture environment on cattle temperament. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate if an animals' temperament changes in response to being kept in a silvopastoral system. This study evaluated the effect of the tree components in a pasture environment on the temperament of any grazing cattle in integrated crop-livestock systems. A total of thirty-two Angus steers were allocated to either a livestock (L) or livestock-forest (LF) system and observed from December 2019 to February 2020. Each animal was evaluated for their reactivity score, flight speed, and number of vocalizations. The statistical model established that the animals were random effects and that the treatments and periods were fixed effects using the MIXED procedure, and the means were compared using LSMeans. The flight speed and number of vocalizations were similar in both production systems, while the reactivity score was lower for animals kept in the LF system when compared to those in the L system. This suggested that the LF system interferes positively with the animal's temperament in relation to the L production system. However, additional research is needed to understand the influence of the production system on animal temperament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power relations between humans and animals in scientific experimentation have been investigated to test the hypothesis that certain concepts, such as discipline, biopolitics, and device, may help think about the reality of animals and humans in the laboratory context. It starts from the premise that powers are subtle rather than explicitly violent. First, we validated the hypothesis through an online focus group analysis of the discourse of lecturers, graduates, and bioethicists. Second, we noted the importance of affections, the notion of responsibility, and care. There is a human-animal relationship characterized by ambivalence: instrumental knowledge and practices, on the one hand, care, affection, and emotions, on the other. Therefore, animals have a double ontology since they are objects (they must be studied) and subjects (they must be respected). From this ambivalence, we discuss the guinea pig device, a set of discourses and practices that involve instrumentality and affectivity and transform animals into guinea pigs through its techniques. It is argued that this ambivalence, as vital as it is to keep the animal in the subaltern place of the guinea pig, also has the potential to create other forms of relationship, other forms of experimenting that escape the device, that is, the logic of sacrifice to produce docile and killable lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether behavior, reproductive and health parameters could differ between sows housed individually throughout gestation (Stall) or group-housed on days 3 to 5 (Pen5) or 38 to 42 (Pen42) after insemination. After insemination, 198 sows of a same commercial farm were randomly allocated to one of three housing treatments, namely Stall, Pen5 and Pen42 systems. There was interaction between the housing system and gestation time on behavior parameters. The prevalence of active sows was higher in the Stall system than in group-housing. Stall system sows displayed marked exploratory behavior than the sows in Pen5 system. Sows in Stall system showed lower prevalence of health disorders such as vulva and body lesions and manure on the body, but higher prevalence of rectal prolapse and constipation than group-housed sows. Sows in Pen42 system showed higher rates of live piglets at birth, total piglets born and shorter gestation period than sows in Stall System. Lower number of mummified fetuses and larger number of stillbirths and stillbirths type 2, were associated to sows in Pen5 system. Sows in Pen5 system presented a reduction in health problems such as rectal prolapse and bursitis and skin inflammation as well as colds, decreased the stress level of the sows that showed greater expression of positive social behavior and decreased stereotypic behaviors, as well as maintained the reproductive parameters similar to those in individual stalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the environmental and physiological aspects of 20 Girolando cows in the waiting corral, submitted to the shaded environment and the sun, from December 2018 to February 2019. It was carried out in the dairy sector of Faculdade Dr. Francisco Maeda - FAFRAM of the Educational Foundation of Ituverava-SP, located at Sítio das Acácias. Environmental measurements (ambient temperature, relative air humidity, black globe, globe temperature index and humidity), physiological measurements (respiratory frequencies and hair temperature) were collected. Collections were made twice a week at two times (7:30 am) in the morning and at 2:00 pm in the afternoon, before each milking. The data were elaborated by analysis of variance and as means compared by the Tukey test. The variances mean values in the waiting corral without shading, respectively for ambient temperature 38.16°C, relative humidity 40.82%, black globe temperature 38.50°C, black globe temperature index and humidity 87.60, respiratory rate 44, 17 (mov., - min-1); and fur temperature 37.74°C. It is concluded that Girolando cows exposed to the sun in the pre-milk milking evaluated during the summer months, were under thermal stress. During the evaluation of animals under shading, intermediate values in the waiting pen with shade, respectively for room temperature 35.64°C, relative humidity 37.67%, black globe temperature 35.62°C, globe temperature index and humidity 83, 94, respiratory rate 42.08 (mov., - min-1); and fur temperature 34.75°C. Certifying that in the face of the analyzes, the use of a non-corral waiting hatch in pre-milking was considered little considered effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the environmental and physiological aspects of a flock of sheep, exposed to the sun and natural shading, from March to May 2019, in the Ovinoculture sector located at Sítio das Acácias of Faculdade Dr. Francisco Maeda - FAFRAM, in the city of Ituverava - SP. Dorper and Santa Inês sheep, male and female, both half blood, exposed to the sun and natural shade were evaluated. Information regarding environmental conditions (ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature of the black globe), physiological aspects (respiratory frequency and temperature of the fur) were collected. Collection times were from 7:00 am to 8:00 am; 12:00 hours until 13:00 hours, and in the afternoon from 17:00 hours until 18:00 hours. The evaluation of the temperature of the fur was measured by means of a digital infrared thermometer with a laser sight at 5 cm distance, and the climatic parameters were measured by a black bulb thermometer. The collections were carried out at hourly intervals and the evaluations were carried out three times a week, at the same times previously described. It was concluded that the animals in the evaluated period were under thermal stress in the sun and shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef cattle kept in extensive systems are constantly exposed to the effects of the climate. In tropical and intertropical regions, the reproductive management of Bos taurus animals with B. indicus animals is an alternative for zootechnical improvement. The objective was to evaluate morphophysiological characteristics of heat adaptation of beef heifers on pasture. For this, fifty-four animals from four distinct genetic groups: (1) Nellore, (2) Senepol, (3) Angus x Nellore and (4) ¼ Brahman x ¼ Nellore x ½ Senepol (Tri-cross), with six months-old, were evaluated during the summer and autumn seasons of 2016. The morphological characteristics of the coat (length, diameter, thickness, density and number of hairs and coat color) and physiological (skin, hair and rectal temperature; sweat rate; respiratory and heart rate) were evaluated. The environment was evaluated using the temperature and humidity index, black globe temperature, humidity index and radiation thermal load. We observed that the production environment presented thermal discomfort for the animals. Thus, the animals' rectal temperature differed between seasons. All groups studied showed some adaptive characteristic to the tropical environment. Angus x Nellore heifers had the highest values for the morphological measures in the months evaluated, coinciding with thermal comfort indexes above those considered comfortable for cattle and the lowest value of respiratory rate when compared between the crossing. In conclusion, all genetic groups have at least three adaptive characteristics to the tropical environment when analyzing the physiological responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landrace and Large White hybrid swine females were housed in collective pens during the gestation phase and submitted to different feeding systems. In one of the housing was used the manual feeding system, with feed provided directly on the floor. In the other, the electronic feeding system in a cage with free access Gestal 3G was installed. Two groups, composed of three matrices each, were separated by housing. The females were allocated according to their Body Condition Score (ECC) and birth order, seeking the homogeneity of the lots. The objective was to evaluate the variation of Body Weight (PC), ECC and Thickness of Bacon (ET) up to 107 days of gestation. For this purpose, CP and ECC measurements were performed every two weeks. ET was evaluated each 21 days. The data were submitted to descriptive and regression analysis over time. It was observed at the end of gestation that the group housed in the pens with an electronic feeding system showed less unevenness in relation to the PC and greater control of ECC. These results, added to the reduction of hierarchical disputes and for food competition, are important for maintaining the welfare of these females. Thus, automated feeding system proved to be important allies on the creation of pregnant swine matrices in collective pens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian chicken import markets are becoming increasingly demanding in terms of adhering to the principles of animal welfare in raising and slaughtering chicken. Thus, adapting the poultry to such requirements requires preslaughter failures control, that are main animal welfare problems in broiler production is preslaughter management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish and quantify the main causes of losses related to pre-slaughter management in a commercial chicken slaughterhouse. In this way, abacuses were implanted next to the hanging in the three slaughter lines and the number of broilers eliminated or that were death on arrivals was recorded, for 10 days, in both slaughter shifts. 4.563.293 broilers were slaughtered in the experiment and the total number of boilers eliminated in the emergency slaughter were 14.039 birds (0.3%). The death on arrivals was the leading cause of elimination in emergency slaughter (80.56%), followed by small broilers (19.1%), injured broilers (0.18%) and fractured broilers (0.11%). It is concluded that to reduce preslaughter losses, efforts should be directed mainly to transport logistics and improvements in the waiting shed, aiming to decrease mortality losses in this stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to apply a protocol based on the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocols for small ruminants in Brazilian Northeast farms to evaluate the welfare of meat goat, comparing animals kept on semi-intensive (S) and extensive (E) farms. Fifteen farms located in the Metropolitan Region of Quixadá and Quixeramobim, Ceará, Brazilian Northeast, were recruited. Assessments were performed at group and individual level. Significant differences between S and E farms was set at P<0.05 to all tests. At group level, there was a significant difference between groups, with more goats from E farms affected by heat stress and more animals from S farms presenting oblivion. Resource-based indicators, type of drinkers and access to shelter, differed significantly between S and E systems, with goats on S farms allocated in places with access to water more frequently during night period and protected from wind. Type of facility was more complex for animals on S farms (n=2) than on all E farms due to internal divisions, with S farms presenting feeders, drinking fountains, salt shakers, and slatted or cemented floor. At individual level, abscess and ocular discharge were more frequently observed on S farms and ears lesions were more frequent on E farms, probably due to distinct management of goats. Similarities between results showed that farmers in both production systems faced problems related to heat stress, lack of forage and health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the benefits that massage can promote, this research aimed to apply the stroking massage in five adult goats (G1- G5) assessed in group and individually for ten days. Parameters related to massage, immune system, physiology and behavior of goats were observed. There was only significant difference (P<0.05) regarding behavior expressed in the presence of the masseur in G4 and G5, between week 1 and 2. Most goats accepted massage, except G2, with greater demonstrations of positive than negative behavior towards the masseur. Therefore, stroking massage promoted positive interactions between the masseur and goats, and should be explored as an alternative method to those existing in improving the relationship between humans and farm animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment that the experimental animal is found should be standardized as it may influence the results of the research. The existing technology, in addition to costly, does not includes in a single device all the necessary specifications for this purpose. To control and standardize, a prototype microenvironment was developed using the Peltier system, which is an alternative method of cooling, with control over temperature, humidity, lighting, and ventilation, and tested in an experimental study, comparing between control and experimental groups the parameters environmental, food and water consumption, and weight gain. They were analyzed by Student's t-test, SigmaPlot program, version 12.5, significance of 5%. The prototype is a differentiated product, far greater and efficient in the control of environmental variables, maintaining its stability, as well providing an adequate atmosphere to house animals and keeping them in a controlled and reproducible environment at low cost, accessible to animal houses and research groups deprived of large sums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared thermography is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging method that does not require animal restraint. This tool provides instant images in real time, even at great distances, being very advantageous for wild animals. The thermograph measures the frequency of infrared rays, it locates hot or cold regions in the body tissues, detecting physiological or pathological processes that modify body temperature. In the veterinary diagnosis of wild animals, thermal imaging is used to determine lesions, inflammation and the anatomical location that causes lameness. It also can be used to diagnosis infectious diseases, reproductive period or gestation and to measure animal welfare and stress levels. This research aimed to use infrared thermography as a tool for remote diagnosis in Brazilian canids and felids kept ex-situ at the Sorocaba Zoo, Brazil. During one year the images were recorded biweekly in 42 individuals (18 canids and 24 felids). No thermal change was noticed in the images taken biweekly. Twelve animals presented symptoms at different times, then images were taken immediately and recorded every 3 days to follow the evolution of the clinical signs and treatment. Atypical images were interpreted and correlated with the clinical signs. The method showed good sensitivity all over the body when applied to felids. In the canids there was good sensitivity for head and limb disorders, because these regions have shorter hair. It is concluded that thermography is an important diagnostic tool for canids and felids, being an examination carried out at a distance, without stress, non-invasive and painless, prioritizing animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of cats as a companion animal has been growing. Additionally, there is also an increase in the number of complaints regarding behavioral problems associated with the species. Behavioral problems interfere with the animal welfare and quality of people's lives that are living with them, and are one of the main reasons for abandonment and euthanasia in some countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of behavioral problems among cats with the help of veterinary practitioners in the city of Porto Alegre/Brazil. This evaluation was performed through a questionnaire in veterinary clinics and hospitals of small animals, which was answered by veterinarians responsible for clinical care. The study showed that most veterinarians (92.0%) have been sought to assist with behavioral problems and that dogs were the most consulted species (72.0%). Regarding cats, scratching was the most common owners' complaints (40.0%), followed by aggressiveness (39.0%), and inappropriate elimination of urine (38.0%). Aggression (73.8%) and scratching (56.9%) were the most frequent reasons that may lead to the abandonment or euthanasia of cats. Results of this research highlighted the importance of having a better understanding about the normal behavior of cats, and the fundamental role of the veterinarian in preventing behavioral problems and abandonment of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental enrichment consists of the enhancement of facilities by means of the necessary environmental stimuli to achieve animal welfare in psychical, physiological, and to improve quality of life conditions. In recent years welfare has been turning into one of the biggest challenges for modern production systems. There is a great pressure from civil society and international market claiming for production systems to respect animal welfare. This increases the need for studies that generate knowledge on how to raise pigs in order to ensure the profitability of the system and the maintenance of the quality of life for these animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of piglets in nursery phase subjected to environmental enrichment. A total of 12 pigs in the nursery phase were distributed into two treatments (with and without environmental enrichment). The following behaviors were evaluated: standing, laying, exploring, smelling, drinking, eating, idling, digging, defecating, urinating, sitting, walking, vocalizing, biting, playing, and fighting. Piglet behavior was recorded every 10 minutes during six days. Significant differences (p<0.05) between treatments were found for playing, eating and biting. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for fighting behavior regarding the treatments, days and animals. Animal behavior was affected by the presence of environmental enrichment, which decreased some undesirable behaviors in production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to better understand farmers' perceptions regarding sheep welfare and procedures concerning the tail docking of sheep in the state of Parana, Southern Brazil. The study was carried out via telephone interviews or personally with 146 sheep farmers. Twenty-eight farmers (19.2%) did not tail dock; the main reasons given were because they raised short-hair sheep breeds. One hundred and eighteen farmers docked their sheep tails (80.8%). The main reasons given were hygiene (61.0%), facilitated mating (42.4%), breed standards (29.7%), and esthetics (26.3%). Rubber ring was the main method used for tail docking. Although farmers in Parana recognized that sheep are sentient animals and that tail docking causes pain, anesthesia was used by only six (5.1%) farmers during the procedure of tail docking. Our results showed that farmers' opinions on sheep tail docking are divergent. Farmers who perform tail docking must be encouraged to use anesthesia and analgesia, and to ponder on the real need for the practice. This statement seems especially relevant considering the fact that some farmers reported the viability of maintaining wool sheep with undocked tails and that they recognized the suffering involved in this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examined dominant discourses in the debate about live animal transport and trade before reviewing trade figures from the UN Comtrade database. Between 1998 and 2015, the trade in cattle increased slightly, the trade in pigs increased by 76%, while the trade in poultry increased more than doubled. It is shown that an increased division of work is the driving force behind animal trade and that not even animal advocacy groups are effective in reducing the amount of trade. Largely independent of the ethical framework applied, in an environment that pays increasingly tribute to animal welfare, this is problematic. The paper concluded that animal trade results in externalities that should be internalized by governments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the health status, productive performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits housed in pen with litter and conventional cage. At 35 d, 54 crossbred rabbits (New Zealand White vs. Botucatu) were randomly housed in pen with litter (6 pens, 6 rabbits/pen, 2.3 rabbits/m²) or cage (6 cages, 3 rabbits/cage, 8.3 rabbits/m²) and kept until the age of slaughter at 77 d. To simulate farm conditions, the rabbits that were housed in pen have not been previously adapted to this system. There was greater intensity of dirt and mucus occurrence in the rabbits housed in pens in first period, but the mucus occurrence practically disappeared in the later period. For performance, the rabbits housed in cages had a higher live weight at 56 d (1714 vs. 1506 g; P<0.001), as well as BWG (46.4 vs. 36.7 g/d, P<0.001) and better FC (2.75 vs. 3.33; P<0.05) from 35 to 56 d. However, these animals did not show the best performance (P>0.05) in the posterior period (56 to 77 d). There was no effect (P>0.05) of housing system for carcass yield, dissectible fat and hind leg yield. It may be suggested that rabbits adapt to the floor over time. Therefore, it is indicated the adoption of this system for growing rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs transportation is a critical stage for their welfare and can directly influence the rates of carcass condemnation. The objective of this research was to study the injuries and condemnation data recorded in the Federal Inspection System (SIF) as potential welfare indicators during pig transport. In federally inspected slaughterhouses in the State of Paraná, Brazil, from january 2011 to December 2016, 1.4% (602,006) of carcasses were condemned, 15.0% (90,426) as a result of injuries related to transportation. From total condemnation cases, 12.1% (72,759) were due to traumatic injury, 2.5% (15,144) to PSE, 0.4% (2,327) to dead on arrival and 0.03% (196) to other transportation welfare indicators. There was no correlation between the condemnation rates and the meteorological data. The results exposed the need for improvement in pig transport conditions. In addition, this study allowed us to point out possible improvements in the collection of nosographic data into the SIF's Management Information System (SIGSIF), such as inclusion of other injuries associated with welfare restrictions, standardization of the terms that already exist in the system, improvement in the indicator measurements, development of regulations and training for professionals involved. Results suggested that SIGSIF data are useful for monitoring the welfare of pigs during transportation, with potential for refinement from improvements in data recording. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was conducted to evaluate whether different beak trimming methods and rearing systems affected the feed selectivity of laying hens. A total of 178 Hy-line Brown laying hens in the growing phase and 120 hens in the production phase were divided in a factorial arrangement (2 x 3), with two rearing systems (floor and cages) and three beak trimming methods: without beak trimming (control), hot-blade beak trimming, and infrared beak trimming, with four replicates. Laying hens were feed with isonutritive diets. Samples were collected from feed orts and feed provided, with a subsequent analysis of dry matter, crude energy, crude protein, mineral matter, geometric mean diameter and geometric standard deviation. The results were subjected to the error normality test, analysis of variance and the Fisher-Snedecor (P<0.05) and Duncan tests (P<0.05). The beak trimming methods evaluated were not sufficient to prevent feed selection in laying hens. However, in the growing phase, hot-blade beak trimming reduced feed selection capacity of laying hens more than did infrared beak trimming. The cage system favored feed selection, both in the growing and production phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated self-reported attitudes of 148 South Brazilian sheep farmers to animal welfare and sentience. Many farmers (73.0%) knew animal welfare superficially. Farmers that worked for longer in the sheep industry and that raised sheep for commercial purposes mentioned more commonly that they had knowledge about animal welfare (P<0.05). Terms related to freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition were the most used to define animal welfare, cited 24.9% of the times. The majority claimed that their animals experience good levels of welfare (93.2%), especially farmers that kept bigger flocks (P<0.05). However, many respondents believed that sheep welfare could be improved on their farms (71.6%), mainly farmers with less experience in the sheep industry (P<0.01). High scores of sentience were attributed to sheep by farmers with frequent contact with their animals (P<0.05). According to the farmers, castration causes the highest levels of suffering to sheep (32.4%) and shearing, the lowest (50.0%). South Brazilian farmer knowledge about animal welfare, attitudes to sentience and recognition of suffering need improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of urban areas, the unfamiliarity of people with wildlife, the spread of cities into wilderness and the loss of natural habitats cause animals and humans to live in close proximity in and around urban areas. This situation imposes many challenges to both parties and occasionally generates conflicts. When managing conflict situations, the traditional approach considers almost exclusively conservation, with little or no regard for animal welfare. This work aimed to discuss the concept of compassionate conservation and its application in practice by addressing three relevant wildlife conservation issues. The compassionate conservation approach unites conservation and animal welfare in an effort for more enlightened decision making and, consequently, improvement in animal and human welfare and environment aspects. In an overview of some wildlife management methods, the approaches are compared regarding strengths and weaknesses on animal welfare and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, AWIN Goat Protocol was published in Europe, with indicators that identify welfare level of lactating dairy goats; however, there are no welfare protocols for meat goat. Therefore, the objective of this study was to select animal and resource-based indicators to assess welfare in meat goat in different types of grazing systems in Brazilian semiarid Northeast. Eighteen indicators were selected to evaluate the welfare of meat goat. The knowledge of the welfare degree of these animals is the best way to make improvements and promote a better quality of life to meat goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between man and animals is more and more intimate, but this connection need special attention. Dogs and cats demand zeal, and for the possession of the animal to be responsible custody it is necessary that he owners carry out activities and have a management and behavior profile towards these animals. The aim of this study was to determine the tutors profile of dogs and cats in the city of Patos de Minas - MG, evaluating the aspects that support responsible custody, through a structured question applied to 300 tutors in six districts of the city, during two months, August and September of 2016. For the treatment of the collected data a descriptive statistical analysis was used by the software Bioestat version 5.3. The species most frequently found was canine (81%) (243/300). According to racial classification, non-breed animals comprised 57% (171/300) of all dogs and cats. Only 16.66% (50/300) of the animals were castrated. The tutors when asked about animal welfare, the option most referred by the interviewees was the supply of water and food making up 81.66% (245/300) of the answers. Maltreatment and neglect were related by 94% (282/300) of the tutors as a crime and 22.66% (68/300) of the tutors stated that they did not let their animals go out on their own. The investigated population is still uninformed about the grounds of the responsible, which reflects in challenge and demand for the responsible public organs and for the Veterinarians, in order to inform and educate the tutors about the real implications of having and maintaining an animal under his care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand, by domestic as well as international markets, for high-quality meat is growing exponentially, and as such it is essential to produce qualitative meat, in order for this product to remain competitive in the market. It is known that "antemortem" as well as "post-mortem" circumstances have an influence in the obtaining of qualitative meat, with acceptable levels of tenderness, palatability and succulence. This paper aims to define what is meant by quality beef and evidence through proper management from shipment until the time of slaughter and pre-slaughter how stress can influence the conversion of muscle to meat, implying negative effect on the quality of the obtained meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When trying to generate good productive and reproductive performance in swine livestock production, animal welfare is a transversal axis of great importance. The transportation phase is an essential step in swine production that affects meat quality and productivity. It is necessary to know the factors that may be affecting it, such as cargo density, duration of the journey, and vibration generated in the truck, floors, walls, and internal divisions, which favor stress situations in pigs. In these animals, when exposed to lack of food and water, an unfamiliar environment, with little space, and subjected to different methods of handling, there are increased losses in carcass weight due to injuries, death, and defective meat products, such as pale, soft, and exudative meat, or, conversely, tough, dry, and dark meat. It is necessary to create new evaluation and monitoring systems in the transportation of pigs, in order to reduce mortality and damage to carcass with interventions from animal welfare.e [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of 253 583 carcasses evaluated in period of january 2012 to december 2014, in partnership with the LAPBOV-UFPR and a slaughterhouse in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, estimated the annual loss of 45 tons of diseased meat, representing a monetary loss of R$ 309,00. The highest incidence of bruising occurred in the carcass from hindquarters region, resulting in even more significant economic losses contain the most valuable meat cuts in the market, while reducing the size, look and feel of courts as strip steak and top sirloin, reducing product quality. In relation to animal welfare, the results of the economic losses and carcass quality are reflections of inappropriate handling of animals before slaughter, and represented 10.3% of the evaluated carcasses containing at least one injury. The reflection of these values is impacting on the state economy, considering the 2014 slaughter throughout the state, the representative value of the loss would be an average of R$ 8.3 million each year. The impact is directed to the marketing of the product because consumers care about issues surrounding the quality of the products they consume, as the origin and animal welfare. The data collected in this study contributed to scale losses lesions in cattle carcasses, and it is possible to have a more humane preslaughter management, to ensure well-being of the animals, reducing the losses considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present a historical, medical and regulatory approach, within the Colombian context, around the assessment of certain surgical procedures regarded as aesthetic. The aim is to promote reflection on their suitability and applicability from science, considering the most recent events in relation to the prohibition of these practices. Description: A review and reflection analysis was performed on this practice, regarding recent questions about specific aspects of the techniques and cultural environment in which they are used. This environment is in turn influencing regulation from the technical and scientific fields, in which the health and welfare of patients should prevail. Point of view: Within medical science--a field that is in turn an art--, plastic surgery is a specialty branch of surgery and is subdivided into cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. From aesthetics, it is shown and discussed that ear cropping and tail docking do not have a scientific technical justification, unless there is a pathology or condition that requires them. Ear cropping and tail docking may have irreversible consequences on the communication and expression mechanisms of pets. Conclusions: Before performing any cosmetic surgery, animal welfare and the pros and cons of these procedures should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ractopamine intake at concentrations of 0 ppm (control), 10 ppm, 20 ppm and 40 ppm in the diet on the physiological and immunological parameters, through the analysis of hematological parameters and serum concentration of cortisol and lactate in 80 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of the GIFT strain, weighing 500 grams, randomly distributed in 16 water tanks with a capacity of 500 liters, with the density of 5 animals. Withdrawing from day 0 to 1 animal in each box, and every 20 days, 2 fish per box, totaling eight fish each treatment. They were collected blood samples for cortisol assay, lactate and haematological parameters (red blood cell count, white blood cells, total protein - PPT, packed cell volume. - VG, hemoglobin, lactate showed a significant decrease (p <0.05) at both times collection with 10 ppm (3.79 mmol / L to 20 days and 1.58 mmol / L at 40 days) and compared with the control (4.61 mmol / L at day 0, 4.78 mmol / L to 20 4.54 days and 40 days) and the same concentration differed compared with 40 ppm of ractopamine at 40 days (3.15 mmol / L) The parameters evaluated, cortisol, blood counts, white blood cells, packed cell volume. - VG, hemoglobin, showed no significant difference (p <0.05) between treatments and collection times. The results of this study did not demonstrate a physiological stress produced by ractopamine intake in concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 ppm for animals. However, more studies on the subject should be carried out so that the additive use is recommended securely on the welfare of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to collaborate to advances in knowledge about the positive impact of ethological interventions in dogs from municipal shelters. A behavioral assessment was performed with 25 dogs from the Zoonosis Control Center of Araucária, Paraná, Brazil, which aided the identification of appropriate management for each one and for strategies to reduce undesirable behaviors. There was an important reduction of excessive barking, jumping on people, pulling while in leash and aggression toward people and other dogs. The animals were trained exclusively with positive reinforcement. The commands "come" and "sit" were learned by 25 animals (100%). Give paw was taught to 16 animals (64%) and 13 animals (52%) learned to "lie down". It was possible to observe improvements in animal welfare, an increase in desirable behaviors and a reduction in inappropriate ones. These results motivate further research concerning the impact of handling on the adoption success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment with forage (as extra food) on the time spent in inactivity and expressing self-cleaning and abnormal behaviors by rabbits kept in cages. The study was conducted in 17 New Zealand multiparous females at the rabbit facilities in Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV-UNESP). Three species of forages were offered simultaneously as environmental enrichment, sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum sp.), mulberry (Morus alba) and ramie (Boehmeria nivea). Behavioral observations were carried out before and after enriching the environment; this was done in four observational periods for each condition, two in the morning (from 06h00min to 09h30min) and two in the afternoon (from 15h00min to 18h00min). Rabbits' behaviors where recorded by direct observation with instantaneous records (with 2min sampling interval) and using animal focal sampling. The time spent in six behavioral categories (I = inactivity, SC = self-cleaning, AB = abnormal behaviors, CI = concentrate and FI = forage ingestion, and OA = other activities) were recorded before and after adding the environmental enrichment. Data were compared using Wilcoxon test. Animals used the environmental enrichment in both periods of the day, and it reduced significantly (P<0.05) the time spent in AB and SC in the morning and I in the afternoon. We concluded that offering forage as environmental enrichment improves the welfare of rabbits kept in cages, as shown by the reduction in the time spent by them showing self-cleaning, abnormal and inactive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho, comportamento e características da carcaça de frangos de corte criados em cama de maravalha ou areia. 120 pintos foram distribuídos em 2 tratamentos com 6 repetições. Os dois tipos de cama avaliados não influenciaram o desempenho das aves. A criação em cama de areia resultou em maior frequência de comportamentos ingestivos, exploratórios e agressivos e menor de repouso, menores frequências de problemas locomotores, maior rendimento de peito, maior peso relativo de fígado, moela e intestino delgado em comparação á cama de maravalha. Concluiu-se que cama de areia é uma alternativa viável para substituição da cama de maravalha e aves criadas em cama de areia são mais ativas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and the influence of post-childhood garden stage and water slide in the welfare of weaners. Three hundred ten piglets weaned in commercial farm were used. Treatments directed to the piglets were wear and maintenance of the apex of the teeth of piglets suckling. The observation of the animals was carried out in a controlled manner over three hours, every five minutes, once every seven days for fifteen days. Data were analyzed by a completely randomized design with repeated measurements over time. He used a mixed model with treatment as fixed effect, shift, week and their interactions and trace random effect using the MIXED procedure of SAS (2008). Higher percentages of stereotyped behaviors were found not to use the treatment of tooth wear. For miores agonistic behavior were found for the treatment of media wear. Regarding evaluated bays, exploratory behavior had lower average percentage for the treatment of tooth wear. It follows that the piglets stay in the post-nursery period is important in the adaptation of animals to the next stage. The water slide is a way to enrich the enclosed environment pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to describe the procedures related to pre-slaughter management to enable the humane slaughter of pigs. The pre-slaughter management is defined as the set of practices for them from the property to the fridge. These procedures have received more attention from the moment that stress was diagnosed among the main responsibilities for losses related to meat quality and economy of the entire system. The shipment, transportation, landing, fasting, water diet, the types and adequacy of stunning and bleeding efficiency are factors that need training for producers, employees and others involved with the production chain for pigs to keep them from interfering with the welfare of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theme covers the use of Animal Welfare indicators due to concerns of animal protection organizations, some farmers, as well as the technical and scientific community, in relation to the welfare of farm animals. Welfare indicators can serve as a important information for sheep and goat production system, which seeks greater productivity without affecting the quality of life of animals, resulting in quality products for human consumption and ensure comfort, safety, health and optimizing the relationship man / animal / environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Separation Anxiety Syndrome (SASA) is defined as the set of undesirable behaviors manifested by dogs in response to having been left alone or removed from the reference person. The main presenting signs include excessive vocalization, destruction of objects, defecation and urination in inappropriate places. The animal's hyperattachment to the attachment figure is seen as a necessary condition for SASA. This study aimed to determine the incidence of the Separation Anxiety syndrome (SASA) in dogs treated at the Veterinary Clinic of the University Severino Sombra, between the months from February to July 2013. Were found 188 records of dogs able to study and, after telephone contacts, was obtained a total of 70 responsible for the sample of this study. The results showed that 31% (22/70) of dogs had behaviors that characterize hyper attachment to their tutors and 17.1% (12/70) were positive for SASA. It is concluded that in relation to other studies conducted in Brazil in recent years, the incidence of animals with SASA in the USS Clinic is relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in twenty sessions, and aimed to analyze the effect of some parameters of animal welfare in an indicator of meat quality in pigs, pH measured in longissimus dorsi 240 minutes post mortem. In parameters related to animal welfare, we studied: the duration of transport and stocking density; duration of fasting; waiting time and stocking density in lairage; vocalization; electrical stunning parameters and the time between stunning and bleeding; and muscular temperature. Given some of the results did not allow the establishment of relationships between all parameters studied, it was concluded that the study would need to cover a larger number of samples. Although we studied a small number of cases, this study showed that there is a tendency for factors associated with animal welfare to influence pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]