Desenvolvimento de um método de avaliação de bem-estar em frangos de corte, por meio de imagens reais

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in a commercial poultry farm with 1200 m², located in the Southwest region of Parana in São Jorge d'Oeste, during the months August-September 2011. The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology (photogrammetry) for the quantification of leg weakness in broilers, as well as the level of welfare of birds. It will be assessed 20 males and 20 females from the same origin and brand, randomly chosen, providing they have good mobility, and subsequently identified with rings. It was carried photographs of birds in the frontal, left and right side. These assessments were conducted weekly from 21 days of age of birds, all on the same day, totalizing four evaluations of locomotor problems (21, 28, 35 and 42 days). At each position of the birds were made three photographs in intervals for 1 minute each. The photographs were accomplished with a digital camera. The digital images obtained with resolution 1600 x 1200 pixels were stored on CDs for further analysis. The digital photographs were analyzed by the program Corel Draw, because it allows digitally trace the lines that determined the angular values and postural angeis in degrees. Three different assessors previously trained, no interaction between them,carried out the assessments at the same instant and the same birds using the same method. To validate the method of photogrammetry was performed correlation analysis between the angles measured, which showed significant results, stating that the proposed method is reliable. Later, the method was evaluated according to the reliability inter and intraevaluators, using the Genes software. The method of photogrammetry proposed for the quantification of postural asymmetry in broilers in order to identify problems locomotor presented acceptable reliability inter and intra-evaluators for the majority of the measures proposed regardless of age and sex of the birds.