Proposta de manejo de cama em baias para equinos

Abstract

The growth of the equine market, as well as the search for comfort and welfare for these animals, is increasingly associated with the need for appropriate environments and facilities. With the domestication of horses, stalls have become fundamental components in the breeding of these animals. However, the use of this facility is associated with a higher maintenance cost, due to the need for frequent changes of bedding material and increased labor. Even presenting environmental advantages to the animals, this system presents risks regarding the presence of gasesand disposal of bedding material. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a composting system in stalls for horses, as well as to evaluate the aspects of ambience and animal welfare of this system. To analyze the functionality, efficiency and environmental parameters of the system and characteristics of the bedding during the composting process. The project had four animals of the same sex, of similar age and weight, each having its own stall throughout the experimental period, where they spent the night periods, from 19:30 to 07:30. The project used four stalls, measuring approximately 4x4m and made of wood. In the control stalls the control was performed with common bedding management. In the other stalls the treatment was carried out, with the proposed management of composting the bedding along with the manure, during the period the bedding remains in the stall. Meteorological data were collected as air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%). Animal data such as surface body temperature (°C) and respiratory rate (mov. min-1) were collected. The levels of free Ammonia gas present in the litter were also recorded. The data were collected weekly, in two distinct periods, in the morning and at the end of the day, the collection at two distinct times aimed to obtain a greater number of data for comparison. Through the analysis it was possible to notice a trend towards positive results of the composting system of litter in stalls.