Ambiência e bem-estar de ovelhas criadas em sistema agrossilvipastoril no semiárido cearense

Abstract

This study aimed to establish the physiological parameters of ewes reared in agrosilvopasture system in the northeast semiarid and hence assess environmental conditions offered by the system. Thus, 22 crossbred ewes were selected and evaluated during the dry and rainy seasons, considering the following physiological parameters: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), surface temperature (ST) and rectal temperature (RT) during shifts morning and afternoon. Six mini-stations and meteorological Data Loggers were used to record the data of temperature and relative humidity. It was calculated the Enthalpy Index of Comfort (EIC) for evaluating the thermal comfort. It was observed that the temperature was higher in the dry season compared to the rainy season and the RR presented significant difference (P <0.05) between the morning and afternoon during the rainy season. Statistical difference was observed (p <0.05) for both HR between the dry and rainy seasons, as between morning and afternoon shifts. As for the ST, a significant difference (p <0.05) was detected between the morning and afternoon and between the dry and rainy seasons. For TR, the data showed no statistical difference (p> 0.05) for the afternoon shift, between the two periods evaluated. The sexual behavior of animals was also monitored and, through an ethogram, the following parameters were evaluated: proximity to male (PM); urination (U); smells the male (SM); licks the male (LM); mounts the male (MM); remains immobile with the male sniffing (RIMS); wags/raises the tail (W/RT); mounts the females (MF); allows to assemble by females (AAF) and accepts the mount (AM). It was observed that PM, U, RIMS, SM and WRT showed a significant relationship (p <0.05) with acceptance of mount. The demonstration of the sexual conduct of females studied was not affected by the climatic parameters. The rectal temperatures were 38.1 °C for females that showed estrus during the morning and 38.7 ºC for the afternoon shift. The animals showed normal sexual behavior in estrus and the rectal temperature of ewes remained in the normal limits. Overall, the system agrosilvopastoral evaluated in this study ensured favorable conditions for thermal comfort and well being of the animals.