Well-being of suckling calves reared in two systems in the central milking area of argentina: physiological and behavioral indicators

Abstract

Ten Holstein calves were utilized to determine well-being indicators, in two rearing systems: traditional stake system (TS) and modified system (MS). Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate and heart rate (HR) were recorded at 08:00, 14:00, 20:00 and 02:00, three non consecutive days. In different days, behavior was observed, between 08:00 and 18:00. Records included: standing, laying, eating and “other”. Physiological data were analyzed in a split plot in time design. Variables showing hourly fluctuations were subjected to cosinor analysis. Significant treatment effects were detected for the physiological variables (P<0.01). Significant hour effects were detected for TR and RC (P<0.01). Rectal temperature adjusted to circadian rhythms. For analyzing behaviors, contingency tables were built and data were analyzed by means of the 2 test. Significant effects of rearing system on behavior were detected (P < 0.01). The modification seemed to improve animal well-being.

Diez terneros Holstein se utilizaron para determinar indicadores de bienestar en dos sistemas de crianza: tradicional en estacas (TS) y modificado (MS). Se registraron la temperatura rectal (RT), ritmos respiratorio (RR) y cardíaco (HR) a las 08:00, 14:00, 20:00 and 02:00, tres días no consecutivos. En días diferentes se observó el comportamiento, entre las 08:00 y las 18:00. Los registros incluyeron: parados, echados, comiendo y “otras”. Los datos fisiológicos se analizaron en diseño en parcelas divididas en el tiempo. Las variables que presentaron diferencias horarias se sometieron al análisis de cosinor. Se detectaron efectos del tratamiento para las variables fisiológicas (P<0,01). Las horas presentaron efecto significativo para TR and RC (P<0,01). La TR ajustó a ritmos circadianos. Para analizar el comportamiento se construyeron tablas de contingencia y se aplicó una prueba de 2. Se detectaron efectos del sistema de crianza sobre el comportamiento (P<0,01). La modificación pareció mejorar el bienestar.