ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the adoption of a set of good practices of handling on dairy calves welfare. Data were retrieved from the records of a commercial farm, considering three periods: Conventional handling (CH, 12 mo.), transitional period (TP, 4 mo.), and good practices handling (GPH, 12 mo.). During CH calves were kept in individual pens, milk-fed in open pails and subjected to abrupt weaning; while during TP and GPH they were kept in groups, milk-fed in nipple-pails, brushed for 5 min. once a day, and subjected to progressive weaning. TP was assumed as a training period necessary for GPH implementation. The percentages of calves treated with antibiotics and numbers of deaths per month were used as indicators of calves welfare. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to compare the number of deaths per month between CH and the other periods. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of animals treated with antibiotics per month. Results showed that CH had a higher risk of calf's death then TP and GPH, as well as a higher percentage of animals treated with antibiotics. In conclusion, the adoption of good practices of handling improved dairy calves welfare.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated lairage time effects on carcass and meat quality traits of Hereford steers. Thirty Hereford steers fed on pasture were assigned to two treatments according to lairage time: 3 h (n = 15) and 12 h (n = 15). Individual temperament was assessed using crush score and flight speed. pH decline, glycogen content, meat color, and shear force were measured. pH was not different between treatments at any time point, showing a normal decline rate. Meat color and shear force did not differ between treatments, but muscle glycogen was lower in treatment with 3 h, not enough to affect quality but suggesting a higher level of stress in 3 h lairage time. Temperament did not have any impact on carcass and meat quality traits. No differences were found in pH, color, and tenderness between treatments, but the lower muscle glycogen concentrations for the shorter lairage suggest a higher risk regarding meat quality.

RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para investigar as associações entre indicadores diretos e indiretos do uso do espaço por bovinos, além de avaliar o papel de algumas características ambientais na definição desses indicadores. O estudo foi conduzido em duas áreas, denominadas Nature Reserve (63,6 ha) e Private Area (30,4 ha), com 53 bovinos da raça Hereford em cada área. Observações comportamentais foram utilizadas como indicador direto do uso do espaço, enquanto as distribuições de trilhas feitas pelo gado e de placas de fezes foram utilizadas como indicadores indiretos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram: declividade, tipo de cobertura vegetal (florestas, pastagem com árvores isoladas, áreas abertas de pastagem), posição de cercas, fontes de água e sal. As correlações espaciais entre os três indicadores de uso do espaço foram baixas (r < 0,30). As características do ambiente tiveram baixo poder de predição da distribuição espacial dos animais, seguido pela distribuição das trilhas e maior para as placas de fezes. Concluímos que cada um dos métodos avaliados aborda um aspecto diferente do uso do espaço pelos bovinos. As características ambientais avaliadas foram úteis para predizer apenas a distribuição das placas de fezes, sendo menos úteis no caso das trilhas e observações diretas dos animais.

ABSTRACT. The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations among direct and indirect indicators of land use by cattle and to understand the role of some environmental factors on the definition of these indicators. The study was carried out in two areas, Nature Reserve (63.6 ha) and Private Area (30.4 ha), with 53 Hereford animals in each area. Daytime observations of animals’ location were used as direct indicator of land use; while cattle track and dung pat distributions throughout the areas were used as indirect indicators. Environmental characteristics recorded were: terrain slope, prevalence of woody vegetation cover (forests, isolated tress and open grasslands), as well as the position of fences, water sources and salt blocks. Spatial correlations among the three indicators of land use were low (r < 0.30). The environmental factors had lower predictive power of animals’ sightings distribution, followed by cattle tracks, and the highest predictive power occurred for dung pat distribution. We concluded that each one of the methods evaluated in this study addresses a different aspect of land use by cattle. The environmental factors assessed were useful to predict the dung pat distribution, but less valuable to predict the cattle tracks and animals’ sightings distributions.

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of three different intensive silvopastoral systems (ISPS) on cattle animal welfare (AW) in Colombia. The three ISPS differed in area, plant composition, and grazing periods as follows: ISPS1 - low plant diversity in paddocks of 1200 m2, with grazing period of 24 h; ISPS2 - middle plant diversity in paddocks of 600 m2, with grazing period of 12 h; and ISPS3 - high plant diversity in paddocks of 600 m2, with grazing period of 24 h. Animal welfare was assessed using a wide range of criteria, which were integrated using L-spline functions and Choquet integrals to generate overall values. It was found that AW was good in all ISPS; the highest scoring criteria was for food and water, with 99, 97, and 100 points from a maximum of 100 for ISPSs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Comfort showed values of 100 for all three systems, but good health was the most problematic criteria of the AW features with scores of 25, 40, and 36 for ISPSs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All three ISPS showed excellent scores for appropriate behavior (82, 88, and 89). The welfare problems shown here were not specific to the individual ISPS, but were common to all livestock systems in the region. Despite the differences in diversity of plants, size of paddocks, and grazing period among the three ISPSs tested, all of them provide cattle with sufficient resources and a diverse environment, ensuring a good state of welfare to them.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to propose behavioral-based definitions for the adjectives used in an observer rating method, and to use this approach to characterize temperament over time in cattle kept under rotational stocking method. We also analyzed the feasibility of the rating method under commercial cattle farming conditions. We evaluated the temperament evolution of 1,979 pure and crossbred Nellore young bulls over time on three commercial farms located in Northeastern Pará State, Brazil. All animals were kept under a rotational stocking method. The observer rating method included 14 behaviorally predefined adjectives for which we defined the minimum and maximum scores. The first factor was considered a qualitative temperament index (QTI) ranging from 'relaxed'/'calm'/'comfortable' to 'fearful'/'agitated'. According to the QTI, cattle temperament improved over time. For Farms A and B, QTI decreased over evaluations, and for Farm C, QTI did not differ from the first to the second evaluations, but decreased from the second assessment onwards. The observer rating method consisting of behaviorally pre-defined adjectives is an adequate indicator of cattle temperament that may be feasible under farm conditions. The method captures different aspects of cattle temperament and distinguishes between slight variations in cattle body language that successfully reveal temperament changes over time.

O objetivo desta nota é apresentar resultados preliminares sobre a avaliação do uso do espaço por bovinos, obtidos em um estudo piloto com o uso de Sistema de Informação Geográfico. O trabalho foi realizado em uma pastagem seminatural na Suécia, onde as posições geográficas de uma vaca foram registradas durante 25 dias consecutivos no verão. O animal, equipado com colar GPS, fazia parte de um rebanho de 53 bovinos da raça Hereford. Cada ponto de localização registrado foi considerado como uma unidade amostral (N=3.097). As distribuições espaciais do bovino, da declividade do terreno, das fontes de água, das trilhas formadas pelo gado e das classes de cobertura vegetal (floresta, pastagem com árvores e pastagem aberta) foram registradas. O processamento e análise de dados foram feitos com uso dos softwares Idrisi e GS+. Três zonas de ocupação foram identificadas em função da variação no uso do espaço pelo animal, caracterizando um padrão cíclico de ocupação, com deslocamento de uma zona para outra a cada cinco dias. Ficou claro também que a distribuição do bovino na área não foi aleatória nem uniforme, sendo influenciada por características ambientais, que atuaram como condicionadores do uso do espaço. Estes resultados preliminares sugerem que a definição de zonas de ocupação e de condicionadores ambientais são ferramentas promissoras para esclarecer o uso do espaço pelo gado

The aim of this note is to describe preliminary results on assessment of land use by cattle, obtained in a pilot study using Geographic Information System (GIS). The research was carried out on a semi-natural pasture in Sweden, where the geographic positions of one cow were recorded during 25 consecutive days during summer. The cow, wearing a GPS collar, was integrated in a herd of 53 Hereford cattle. Each location point registered for the animal was considered as a sampling unit (N=3,097). The spatial distribution of ground declivity, water sources, cattle tracks, and classes of woody vegetation cover (forest, grassland with trees and open grassland) were recorded. The storage, processing and data analysis were carried out using the Idrisi and GS+ softwares. Three occupation zones were identified in function of the variation in the space used by the animal, which were occupied in a cyclical pattern; with the animal moving from one zone to another in cycles of five days. It was also clear that the cattle distribution in the area was neither random nor uniform, and it was affected by environmental characteristics that act as conditioners on its distribution. These preliminary results suggest that definition of zones of occupation and the environmental conditioners are promising tools to understand the land use by cattle

The objective of the present study consisted of describing dam and calf suckling behaviour of Curraleiro Pé Duro cattle. In this study, 38 mother-offspring pairs and one mother-offspring-orphan trio were observed for 10 hours daily during three consecutive days spaced every four months over a period of one year. After identification, the animals were observed under field conditions where calf posture and the number of suckling episodes (NS), mean suckling duration (MSD), total suckling duration per day (TSD) as well as natural weaning of these animals were recorded. The model assessed the effects of calf sex and age as well as feeding time. Suckling episodes (70.6%) had a duration of one to five minutes and the calf that suckled in the inverted parallel position had greater chances of success during suckling (99.5%); the younger animals had a shorter mean suckling duration (4.0±0.6 minutes) than the older ones (7.5±1.2 minutes) but they showed a higher number of suckling episodes (6.29±1.00 vs. 1.33±0.04 feeds in 10 hours for young and older calves). Only the factor age in the first three months was significant for NS, MSD, and TSD; males and females had similar suckling episode length and distribution. While these animals show some traits similar to other cattle breeds such as feeding their calves early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the dams spend large periods of the day away from their calves and suckling is more frequent but for shorter periods of time compared with other breeds. Other unique features such as allo-suckling and formation of day-long crèches are observed in this breed.

O temperamento de quatro raças bovinas foi avaliado utilizando-se o teste de velocidade de fuga (FT) e o escore de comportamento (BST). FT foi definida como o tempo necessário para animais percorrerem uma distância de 2 m após a pesagem. BST foi baseada no comportamento dos animais na balança, amostrando-se quatro categorias de comportamento: movimentos, intensidade de respiração, vocalizações e coices. Os coeficientes de herdabilidade de FT e BST foram estimados com uso de um modelo de máxima verossimilhança restrita, considerando meio irmãos paternos. Caracu apresentou menores médias para BST do que as demais raças. Nelore apresentou resultados intermediários, seguida por Guzerat e Gyr com médias mais elevadas (p < 0,05). Resultados similares foram observados para FT, mas as médias de Caracu e Nelore não diferiram entre si. Observou-se baixa associação entre FT e BST (r p= -0,36; p < 0,01). A correlação entre rank de touros ordenados pelos seus valores preditos (p) para FT e BST foi moderada e negativa (r s = -0,63; p < 0,001). A herdabilidade de FT e BST foi de 0,35 e 0,34, respectivamente. A comparação de rebanhos Nelore com diferentes critérios de seleção para peso corporal mostrou que linhas de seleção podem modular positivamente o temperamento de Bos indicus.

The temperament of four beef cattle breeds were measured using a flight time test (FT) and a behavior score test (BST). FT was defined as the time taken by animals to cross a distance of 2 m after weight scale. The BST used a visual assessment of cattle behavior in which the results of four categories defined the score: movements, breathing intensity, vocalization and kicking. FT and BST coefficients of heritability were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood, considering half siblings. Caracu presented a lower BST value than the other breeds. Nellore presented intermediate results, followed by Guzerat and Gyr with similar and higher means (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed with FT, but Caracu and Nellore did not differ from each other. A low association between FT and BST was found (r p= -0.36; p < 0.01). The correlation between a sire's ranking, according to the predicted breeding values (p) estimated for FT and BST, was moderate and negative (r s= -0.63; p < 0.001). Heritability estimates for FT and BST were 0.35 and 0.34, respectively. Inside Nellore breed, herds with different selection criteria for weight were compared. Our results show that selection line based on weight might positively modulate temperament of Bos indicus cattle.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic effects that influence vigor at birth and preweaning mortality in Nellore calves. A total of 11,727 records of births that occurred between 1978 and 2006, offspring of 363 sires, were analyzed. Poor calf vigor at birth (VB) and preweaning mortality divided into stillbirth (SB), early mortality (EM) and total mortality (TM) were analyzed as binary variables. Generalized linear models were used for the evaluation of non-genetic effects and generalized linear mixed models for genetic effects (sire and animal models). The incidences were 4.75% for VB, 2.66% for SB, 5.28% for EM, and 7.99% for TM. Birth weight was the effect that most influenced the traits studied. Calves weighing less than 22 kg (females) and less than 24 kg (males) were at a higher risk of low vigor and preweaning mortality. Preweaning mortality was higher among calves born from cows aged <3 and >11 years at calving compared with cows aged 7 to 10 years. Male calves presented less vigor and higher preweaning mortality than female calves. Selection for postweaning weight did not influence preweaning mortality. The heritability estimates ranged between 0.01 and 0.09 for VB, 0.00 and 0.27 for SB, 0.03 and 0.17 for EM and 0.02 and 0.10 for TM. Stillbirth should be included as a selection criterion in breeding programs of Nellore cattle, alone or as part of a selection index, aiming to reduce preweaning mortality.

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do período de descanso (3, 5, 7 e 9 horas) dos suínos no frigorífico (PDF) e da localização dos suínos na carroceria do caminhão (PBO), quando transportados, no inverno ou verão, sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos avaliados em 64 fêmeas, com peso médio de 130kg para abate, durante o manejo pré-abate. Para a análise estatística, foram considerados, no modelo de análise da variância, os efeitos de bloco, PDF, PBO e da interação (bloco x PDF), entre outros. O PDF influenciou, significativamente, as concentrações de lactato no sangue e cortisol na saliva. Suínos que descansaram 5 e 7 horas apresentaram maior concentração de lactato em relação aos animais que descansaram 3 e 9 horas. No transporte, a freqüência cardíaca foi muito maior em relação aos demais locais avaliados. Concluiu-se que o incremento do PDF não promove mudanças na freqüência cardíaca, nas concentrações de glicose e CPK no sangue e cortisol na saliva, mas interfere na concentração de lactato no sangue dos suínos.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of pig lairage time (PDF=3, 5, 7 and 9 hours) and evaluate the effect of pig position into the truck (PBO) during transportation to slaughterhouse, in winter or summer conditions, on some physiologic parameters evaluated on 64 heavyweight females with mean liveweight of 130kg during pre-slaughter events. The following effects were considered in the statistical analysis of variance model: block (BL=summer farm or winter farm), PDF, PBO and interaction (Block x PDF), under other factors. The PDF influenced significativelly blood lactate and saliva cortisol levels. Pig submitted to 5 and 7 hours of lairage had higher levels of lactate when compared to pigs submitted to 3 and 9 hours of lairage. During transport the heart rate were higher than in other pre-slaughter events. It is concluded that increasing PDF above 3 hours had no effects on heart frequency, glucose and CPK levels and salivary cortisol levels but affects the blood lactate levels.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o tempo de jejum na granja e a posição dos animais na carroceria do caminhão durante o transporte ao abatedouro sobre o status hormonal e fisiológico de suínos de abate pesados visando obter melhorias no manejo pré-abate e reduzir perdas na qualidade de carne. Foram utilizadas 64 fêmeas com peso médio de 133+11kg, oriundas de duas granjas de terminação. Os tempos de jejum avaliados foram nove, 12, 15 e 18h, enquanto que as posições consideradas na carroceria foram box (frente, meio e atrás), piso (inferior e superior) e lado (lateral direita e esquerda). Ao abate, foram medidos os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no sangue. A concentração de cortisol na saliva (CCS) foi medida nas granjas (24 horas antes e após embarque) e no abatedouro (logo após o descarregamento e antes do abate). A freqüência cardíaca foi monitorada durante todo o manejo pré-abate. Foi observado o efeito da interação entre TJG e o local de avaliação sobre a CCS e a freqüência cardíaca. A CCS e a freqüência cardíaca aumentaram significativamente da granja ao desembarque no abatedouro em relação ao descanso pré-abate no abatedouro foi observada uma redução (P<0,05) nos valores. A CCS variou em função do TJG e o local de avaliação da seguinte maneira: suínos com 18 horas de jejum apresentaram menor (P<0,05) variação na CCS durante o transcorrer das diferentes etapas do manejo pré-abate do que suínos com TJG menores e, entre estes, os animais com TJG de nove horas apresentaram a maior (P<0,05) variação. Antes do abate, os suínos com TJG de nove horas apresentaram o maior valor (P<0,05) de CCS quando comparados aos outros TJG. Conclui-se que o TJG promove mudanças (P<0,05) nos valores do cortisol na saliva e na freqüência cardíaca no manejo pré-abate, mas não afetam (P>0,05) os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no abate dos suínos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time on the farm (TJG) and the position of the animals on truck compartment during transport to slaughterhouse in the hormonal and physiological status of heavy-weight swine in order to obtain future management improvements and to reduce meat quality downgrades. Sixty-four females obtained from two farms and averaging 133+11kg body weight were used. Fasting time evaluated on farms were 9, 12, 15 and 18 h while the positions considered in the truck were Box (front, middle, and back), Deck (under and upper level) e Side (right and left). Swine blood concentration of glucose, lactate and CPK were evaluated at slaughter. Cortisol concentration on saliva (CCS) was evaluated on the farm (24 hours before uploading and after loading) and at slaughterhouse (after downloading and before slaughter). Hearth frequency was continuously evaluated during pre-slaughter management. Interaction between TJG and moment of salivary cortisol sampling and heart rate data recording were observed. CCS and heart rate values increased from farm to truck downloading at slaughterhouse, while pre-slaughter resting reduced (P<0.05) the values. The CCS values ranged in a gradient fashion in function of TJG and moment of salivary cortisol sampling in the following manner: pigs submitted to 18 hours of fasting showed smallest changes (P<0.05) of CCS during the pre-slaughter management when compared with CCS of pigs submitted to lower fasting times and, between those, the animals with 9 hours of fasting showed the greatest (P<0.05) variations. Before slaughter swine submitted to 9 hours of fasting at farm presented the highest values (P<0.05) of CCS when compared with the other fasting times evaluated. It is concluded that pre-slaughter management conditions affect (P<0.05) the salivary cortisol levels and heart rate but the evaluated TJG had no effects (P>0.05) on glucose, lactate and CPK levels at slaughter time.

Em decorrência da elevada ocorrência (18%) de bezerros Guzerá que não mamaram por conta própria em suas mães (falha na primeira mamada), foram avaliados os fatores associados a estas falhas, sua influência na mortalidade e parâmetros genéticos para falha na primeira mamada (FPM). Dos 1.527 bezerros Guzerá nascidos de 1992 a 2004, 279 apresentaram FPM. Os efeitos fixos foram estudados utilizando o procedimento GENMOD-SAS com função de ligação probit. Parâmetros genéticos para FPM foram estimados por máxima verossimilhança restrita aproximada, ajustando modelo animal que incluiu efeitos genéticos diretos e maternos e de ambiente permanente da vaca. Verificou-se que os principais fatores predisponentes à FPM foram vacas com problema de úbere e tetos e bezerros pesando menos de 25 kg ao nascimento. FPM influenciou a mortalidade, com maior chance de óbitos para bezerros que falharam em comparação aos que mamaram naturalmente. A estimativa de herdabilidade do efeito materno foi baixa (0,08) e a referente ao efeito direto, nula. A estimativa de repetibilidade também foi baixa (0,17). Devido ao impacto de FPM na mortalidade de bezerros, sugere-se que a avaliação da conformação do aparelho mamário seja utilizada como um indicador para minimizar o problema. Entretanto, a baixa magnitude da estimativa de herdabilidade indica que progresso genético mediante seleção contra FPM poderia ser obtido somente a longo prazo.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects related to the high occurrence (18%) of Guzerá newborn calves that failed to suckle (FS) after birth. Data from 1527 births recorded from 1992 to 2004 were analyzed by a fixed effects model using the probit linking function with the GENMOD procedure of SAS®. An animal model including direct and maternal additive genetic and cow permanent environment effects was also used to estimate genetic parameters for FS by quasi-restricted maximum likelihood. Cows with udder and teat problems and calves weighting less than 25 kg at birth were the major effects associated to the occurrence of FS in newborn calves which were more susceptible to mortality than those that successfully suckled. Maternal and direct effects heritability estimates for FS were respectively 0.08 and null. The repeatability estimate for FS was 0.17. The evaluation of the conformation of the cow mammary system may be used as an indicator to minimize the occurrence of FS. Genetic progress by selection for reducing FS in Guzerá newborn calves may be expected only in the long term.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do tempo de jejum (9, 12, 15 e 18 horas) dos animais na granja (TJG) e da posição na carroceria do caminhão (PBO) durante o transporte da granja ao frigorífico sobre: a perda de peso corporal (PPC), o peso do estômago cheio (PEC) e vazio (PEV), o peso do conteúdo estomacal (PCE) e o escore de lesão na mucosa esofágica-gástrica (ELG). Foram utilizadas 192 fêmeas, com peso vivo médio de 134,51±11,80kg. No modelo, foram considerados os efeitos de bloco (estação do ano, BL), TJG, PBO e da interação entre BL x TJG. Verificou-se efeito significativo do TJG apenas sobre o peso do conteúdo estomacal. Não se observou efeito significativo da PBO sobre qualquer das variáveis avaliadas. Dos suínos avaliados, 90,3% apresentaram PEC menor que 500 gramas e 8,56% com PEC entre 500 e 800 gramas. A prevalência de suíno com ELG foi baixa (14,97%), sendo que, dos animais com ELG, 13,90% apresentaram lesão de grau 1 e 1,09% eram grau dois. Conclui-se que animais submetidos a jejum na granja de 15 horas apresentam menor peso do conteúdo estomacal ao abate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time period (9, 12, 15 and 18 hours) at the farm (TJG) and the pig’s position in the lorry’s livestock compartment (PBO) during the transport from the farm to the processing plant on: body weight loss (PPC), weight of stomach (full= PEC and empty= PEV), weight of stomach contents (PCE), and incidence of gastric ulcer (ELG). A total of 192 females with average 34.51±11.80kg of body weigh were used. The statistical model considered the effects of: block (season, BL), TJG, PBO and the interaction between BL and TJG. There was a significant effect of TJG only on stomach content. There was no effect of PBO on any of the evaluated variables. A PEC inferior to 500g was observed in 90.3% of the animals, while 8.56% of the pigs presented PEC between 500 and 800g. Incidence of ELG was low (14.97%), and among the ELG animals, 13.90% showed grade 1 lesion, and 1.09% grade two lesion. As a conclusion, pigs submitted to a fasting period of 15 hours have less stomach contents at the processing.

Com os objetivos de identificar os padrões comportamentais nas relações materno-filiais de bovinos da raça Nelore, de entender as interferências ambientais nesta relação e de propor soluções práticas de manejo, foram realizadas medidas de comportamento das atividades de 112 vacas e seus bezerros nas primeiras horas após o parto, em duas propriedades situadas em Sertãozinho e Brotas, no Estado de São Paulo. Foram analisadas as variáveis: tempo para ficar em pé (LP) e tempo para mamar (LM), em minutos, nos bezerros e tempo de contato com a cria (TCC) e tempo deitada (TD), em porcentagem, nas vacas. Foram registradas a temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar para o cálculo do índice de temperatura e umidade do ar (ITU), correlacionando-se esse índice com as variáveis comportamentais. Os resultados mostraram efeitos significativos (P<0,05) de propriedade e de local do parto em relação ao rebanho e ao ITU. A LP pode ser uma medida de vigor em bezerros e mostrou-se influenciada por diversos fatores ambientais. O TCC teve efeito significativo (P<0,05) na LP. A seleção de bovinos de corte deve incluir as características de agilidade dos bezerros recém-nascidos e do cuidado maternal das vacas como ferramentas para otimização e viabilidade econômica dessa exploração.

Aiming at identifing the behavioral patterns in the cow-calf relationship of the Nelore beef breed and how the environment can interfere in this relationship, and proposing practical solutions of manage, a study measuring behavior, by means of direct observations of the activities of 112 cows and their calves in the first hours after calving was conducted in two farms located in Sertãozinho and Brotas, State of São Paulo. The variables latency time to stand up (LP) and latency time to suck (LM) in minutes, in the calves, and time to contact the calves (TCC) and lying time (TD), in percentage, in the cows were measured and analyzed. Temperature and the relative humidity of the air were registered to generate the temperature and humidity index (ITU), which was correlated to the cow-calf behavior variables. The results showed significative effects (P<0.05) of farm, location of calving in relation to the herd and ITU. The LP can be a measure of calf vigor, and it was influenced by several environmental factors. The TCC had significant effect (P<0.05) on the LP. Beef cattle selection must include the characteristics of neonate calf agility and maternal care of the cows, as tools to optimization and economical viability of this exploration.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do modelo de carroceria (MC) (metálica dupla ou simples e simples de madeira) sobre a freqüência de diferentes tipos de lesões na carcaça (FLC) e sobre a qualidade da carne dos suínos. Foram utilizadas 360 fêmeas com peso vivo médio de 132,72±11,09kg. Para a análise estatística, considerou-se no modelo os efeitos de bloco (BL), o MC e a interação entre MC x BL. Verificou-se um efeito do MC sobre a freqüência de lesões na carcaça provenientes de briga e a freqüência total de lesões, sobre o pH1 do músculo Semispinalis capitis (SC), sobre o pH U dos músculos SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) e Semimembranosus (SM) e sobre a cor dos músculos LD e SM. Suínos transportados em carroceria metálica simples apresentaram maiores valores de pH e da cor dos músculos avaliados. Conclui-se que suínos transportados em carroceria simples apresentam maior prevalência de lesões na carcaça e que o transporte dos suínos em carroceria metálica teve efeito positivo sobre os valores de pH e da cor carne.

This experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of three truck-tier models (MC) (metallic simple tier, metallic duple tier and wood simple tier) on the frequency of different kinds of carcass lesions (FLC) and pork quality. For this study, three hundred and sixty gilts with an average body weight of 132.72±11.09kg were used. Statistic analysis of the data considered the effects of Blocks (BL), MC and the interaction MC x BL. MC had significant effect on frequency of lesions caused by fighting, on total frequency of injuries, on pH1 of muscle Semispinalis capitis (SC), on pH U of muscle SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) and on color of the muscles LD e SM. Pigs transported in simple metallic truck-tier showed increased values of pH and muscles color. As a conclusion, transportation of slaughter pigs in simple wood truck-tier affects animal welfare negatively, while metallic truck-tier showed positive effects on meat pH and color compared to.