Bem-estar de novilhas leiteiras em sistema silvipastoril

Abstract

With the increase in world milk production and consumer concerns about the quality and ethics in the production system, the welfare of animals has gained more attention from the industry.The Brazil as the world'sthird largest producer has recently started the adequacy of the production system based on international protocols for animal welfare.In this context, considering the particularities of animal production systems in Brazil, and more specifically the state of Paraná, the aim of this study was to evaluate the conditions of well-being of dairy heifers in a silvopasturesystem in southwestern Paraná. The survey was conducted in January 2014 in the city of royalty, in two treatments: animals raised on pasture and silvopasturesystem.A methodology for assessing the welfare of dairy heifers was used, considering the following items: good health, easy and abundant access to food and water, positive human animal interaction, space intended for resting and shading that is sufficient and thermal quality all animals, and are evaluated for the thermoregulation of animals.With this information, it was concluded the silvopasturesystem contributes to a better level of animal welfare by providing better environmental conditions with milder temperatures compared to the outdoor system, improving the degree of thermal comfort for dairy heifers.