Thermal environment in mobile shelters with different cover types used for chicken housing at the semi-extensive rearing system.

In tropical climate countries, animal production faces a huge challenge, being the high solar irradiation levels an important factor that negatively influences the welfare and animal performance. The purpose of this research was to check the environment inside mobile shelters with different kinds of cover materials. This research has been developed at the State University of Goiás, Brazil, being used four different cover materials: DFPC, double-faced plastic canvas; PVC, polyvinyl chloride; VFB, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen; and VFBW, tiles made with vegetable fiber and bitumen being the outer face painted white. Covers were placed up mobile shelters with the following dimensions: 1 m length × 1 m width × 1 m height and cover pitch of 30°. The environment was evaluated through thermal comfort indexes: enthalpy (H), temperature and humidity index (THI), black globe and humidity index (BGHI), mean radiant temperature (MRT) and thermal heat load (THL), and the measurement of thermal environmental variables (temperature of external (EST) and internal (IST) surface of the cover, dry bulb temperature (Tdb), black globe temperature (Tbg), relative humidity (RH), and wind speedy (WS)). Data analysis was performed using PROC MIXED of SAS® by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test, at 5% of significance level. There was observed beneficial effect of the usage of shading, with a decrease in air temperature and thermal comfort indexes when compared with the unshaded environment. The materials presented different thermal behavior, with better results for PVC and VFBW, that presented lower internal (IST) and external surface temperature (EST), in addition to lower black globe temperature, thermal heat load, and black globe and humidity index. PVC and VFBW were the best types of covers evaluated, with significant decreased thermal comfort indexes.

Behavior of swine hosted in facilities with different construction typologies

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of pigs housed in facilities with different building typologies in terms of the floor and partitions. Two treatments were compared: a pen containing an area with a depth of water, and a pen floor with leaked on the sides. Data on swine behavior were collected over seven days, and the pigs’ positions (standing, sitting, and lying down) and activities (eating, drinking, digging, interacting, walking and idling) were observed for five animals in each pen. Data were collected via visual measurement every 10 minutes and an ethogram was constructed. Measurements of environmental data were taken (dry bulb temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity), and were used to calculate the black globe temperature and humidity index. Although the pens showed differences in terms of the dry bulb temperature, this temperature can be considered thermoneutral for creation in the growth and termination phases. Animals housed in the pens with an area of water depth stood for longer, possibly due to the environmental enrichment caused by the presence of the water slide.

Behavior of swine hosted in facilities with different construction typologies

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of pigs housed in facilities with different building typologies in terms of the floor and partitions. Two treatments were compared: a pen containing an area with a depth of water, and a pen floor with leaked on the sides. Data on swine behavior were collected over seven days, and the pigs positions (standing, sitting, and lying down) and activities (eating, drinking, digging, interacting, walking and idling) were observed for five animals in each pen. Data were collected via visual measurement every 10 minutes and an ethogram was constructed. Measurements of environmental data were taken (dry bulb temperature, globe temperature and relative humidity), and were used to calculate the black globe temperature and humidity index. Although the pens showed differences in terms of the dry bulb temperature, this temperature can be considered thermoneutral for creation in the growth and termination phases. Animals housed in the pens with an area of water depth stood for longer, possibly due to the environmental enrichment caused by the presence of the water slide.(AU)

Welfare in pig housing - brazilian and portuguese legislation

The Animal welfare is conditional on well-planned and well-managed exploitation, since the management of the animals strongly influences their behavior, their productivity and, consequently, the yield and quality of the final product. In this study, an investigative review was carried out of the literature, governmental databases and main institutions relating to animal welfare, seeking to highlight and discuss differences in legislation between Brazil and Portugal, in view of the interest and concern of the scientific community and the consumer market in relation to methods used for animal production. In Brazil, there is no specific legislation on the welfare of pigs and other related legislation is used as a basis. However, Portugal has more specific legislation on the subject. Considering the dissemination of knowledge and the growing concern with animal welfare in the European consumer market, it is noted that the need for its application standards that ensure animal welfare in production/breeding, possibly becoming a basic requirement in the coming years. However, Brazilian pig farms, like all other animal production activities, are still lacking specific legislation that is appropriate for Brazil, which ends up delaying the effective practice of welfare in productions, abstaining from the population of information about the activity. New studies are needed to ascertain the necessity and applicability of the legislation, and whether the legislation is effective in improving animal welfare or serves only to increase bureaucracy.(AU)

Welfare in pig housing - brazilian and portuguese legislation

The Animal welfare is conditional on well-planned and well-managed exploitation, since the management of the animals strongly influences their behavior, their productivity and, consequently, the yield and quality of the final product. In this study, an investigative review was carried out of the literature, governmental databases and main institutions relating to animal welfare, seeking to highlight and discuss differences in legislation between Brazil and Portugal, in view of the interest and concern of the scientific community and the consumer market in relation to methods used for animal production. In Brazil, there is no specific legislation on the welfare of pigs and other related legislation is used as a basis. However, Portugal has more specific legislation on the subject. Considering the dissemination of knowledge and the growing concern with animal welfare in the European consumer market, it is noted that the need for its application standards that ensure animal welfare in production/breeding, possibly becoming a basic requirement in the coming years. However, Brazilian pig farms, like all other animal production activities, are still lacking specific legislation that is appropriate for Brazil, which ends up delaying the effective practice of welfare in productions, abstaining from the population of information about the activity. New studies are needed to ascertain the necessity and applicability of the legislation, and whether the legislation is effective in improving animal welfare or serves only to increase bureaucracy.

Thermal environment in growing and finishing pig facilities of different building typologies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of growing and finishing pigs affected by the different constructive typologies of the installations regarding the floor and lateral partitions. Were evaluated the following pen types: pen with water pit, pen with partially slotted floor on the sides, and pen with partially slotted floor on the sides and in the center of the facilities. The following thermal variables were measured: dry bulb temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity. Based on these data, the temperature and humidity index, the temperature index of the globe and humidity, and the specific enthalpy were calculated. The pen with a water pit showed higher average relative air humidity and lower black globe temperature compared to the other pens. In the hottest period of the day, the temperature index of the globe and humidity presented mean values above that recommended for adult pigs, although there were no differences between pens. This indicates that animals, irrespective of the type of pen used, have suffered from thermal stress, which most likely affected their performance.

Thermal environment in growing and finishing pig facilities of different building typologies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal comfort of growing and finishing pigs affected by the different constructive typologies of the installations regarding the floor and lateral partitions. Were evaluated the following pen types: pen with water pit, pen with partially slotted floor on the sides, and pen with partially slotted floor on the sides and in the center of the facilities. The following thermal variables were measured: dry bulb temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity. Based on these data, the temperature and humidity index, the temperature index of the globe and humidity, and the specific enthalpy were calculated. The pen with a water pit showed higher average relative air humidity and lower black globe temperature compared to the other pens. In the hottest period of the day, the temperature index of the globe and humidity presented mean values above that recommended for adult pigs, although there were no differences between pens. This indicates that animals, irrespective of the type of pen used, have suffered from thermal stress, which most likely affected their performance.(AU)

Aerial environment and deep litter temperature in a swine building / Ambiência aérea e temperatura da cama sobreposta em instalação para suínos

This study objective was to assess the air quality by measuring gas concentrations, and assess the surface and inside temperatures of deep litter materials in a finishing swine building. The experiment was conducted during the months of June and July. It was compared three treatments: deep litter composed of shaving woods + sugarcane bagasse (M + B), deep litter composed of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and deep litter consisting of shaving woods (MAR). The installation stalls had a concrete floor under the deep litter. Measurements of instantaneous concentrations of ammonia, NH3 (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2 ppm) and carbon monoxide (CO, ppm) at the level of the animals were taken. Data relating to surface temperature and inside the deep litter for swine were collected at three different points within the stalls (center, in the frontal region and background of the stalls). It was observed that the "MAR" deep litter showed the highest average concentration of NH3 (2.88 ppm). The "BAG" deep litter showed the lowest values of NH3 for all time intervals evaluated. In the morning period was observed significant differences for all treatments. The highest CO2 concentration (1530 ppm) was observed in treatment "BAG" at 11 h 30 min. The surface temperatures of deep beddings showed no significant differences between the sampling points. The temperature inside the deep litter at the front of the stall treatment was higher (M+B) when compared to treatment (ABG) and (MAR). The concentration of CO, CO2 and NH3, measured, gases not reached levels that could cause harm to the health of animals.(AU)

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avalia r a qualidade do ar, por meio das concentrações de gases, e as temperaturas superficiais e no interior de diferentes materiais de cama sobreposta, em instalações para terminação de suínos. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante os meses de junho e julho. Compararam-se três tratamentos: cama sobreposta composta por maravalha+bagaço de cana (M+B), cama sobreposta composta por bagaço de cana (BAG) e cama sobreposta composta por maravalha (MAR). As baias da instalação possuíam piso de concreto sob a cama. Foram feitas medições das concentrações instantâneas de amônia (NH3, ppm), dióxido de carbono (CO2, ppm) e monóxido de carbono (CO, ppm) ao nível dos animais. Dados relativos à temperatura superficial e no interior da cama sobreposta de suínos foram coletados em três pontos distintos dentro das baias (no centro, na região frontal e no fundo das baias). Observou-se que a cama “MAR” foi a que apresentou o maior valor médio de concentração de NH3 de 2,88 ppm. A cama “BAG” apresentou os menores valores de NH3 em todos os horários avaliados, com o período da manhã apresentando diferença significativa em relação às outras camas. O maior valor de concentração de CO2 (1530 ppm) ocorreu no tratamento com cama “BAG”, às 11 h 30 min. As temperaturas superficiais das camas sobrepostas não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos de coleta. A temperatura no interior das camas na parte da frente da baia foi superior no tratamento (M+B), quando comparada ao tratamento (BAG) e (MAR). A concentração dos gases CO, CO2 e NH3, mensurados, não atingiram níveis que possam causar danos à saúde dos animais. (AU)

Aerial environment and deep litter temperature in a swine building / Ambiência aérea e temperatura da cama sobreposta em instalação para suínos

This study objective was to assess the air quality by measuring gas concentrations, and assess the surface and inside temperatures of deep litter materials in a finishing swine building. The experiment was conducted during the months of June and July. It was compared three treatments: deep litter composed of shaving woods + sugarcane bagasse (M + B), deep litter composed of sugarcane bagasse (BAG) and deep litter consisting of shaving woods (MAR). The installation stalls had a concrete floor under the deep litter. Measurements of instantaneous concentrations of ammonia, NH3 (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2 ppm) and carbon monoxide (CO, ppm) at the level of the animals were taken. Data relating to surface temperature and inside the deep litter for swine were collected at three different points within the stalls (center, in the frontal region and background of the stalls). It was observed that the "MAR" deep litter showed the highest average concentration of NH3 (2.88 ppm). The "BAG" deep litter showed the lowest values of NH3 for all time intervals evaluated. In the morning period was observed significant differences for all treatments. The highest CO2 concentration (1530 ppm) was observed in treatment "BAG" at 11 h 30 min. The surface temperatures of deep beddings showed no significant differences between the sampling points. The temperature inside the deep litter at the front of the stall treatment was higher (M+B) when compared to treatment (ABG) and (MAR). The concentration of CO, CO2 and NH3, measured, gases not reached levels that could cause harm to the health of animals.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avalia r a qualidade do ar, por meio das concentrações de gases, e as temperaturas superficiais e no interior de diferentes materiais de cama sobreposta, em instalações para terminação de suínos. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante os meses de junho e julho. Compararam-se três tratamentos: cama sobreposta composta por maravalha+bagaço de cana (M+B), cama sobreposta composta por bagaço de cana (BAG) e cama sobreposta composta por maravalha (MAR). As baias da instalação possuíam piso de concreto sob a cama. Foram feitas medições das concentrações instantâneas de amônia (NH3, ppm), dióxido de carbono (CO2, ppm) e monóxido de carbono (CO, ppm) ao nível dos animais. Dados relativos à temperatura superficial e no interior da cama sobreposta de suínos foram coletados em três pontos distintos dentro das baias (no centro, na região frontal e no fundo das baias). Observou-se que a cama “MAR” foi a que apresentou o maior valor médio de concentração de NH3 de 2,88 ppm. A cama “BAG” apresentou os menores valores de NH3 em todos os horários avaliados, com o período da manhã apresentando diferença significativa em relação às outras camas. O maior valor de concentração de CO2 (1530 ppm) ocorreu no tratamento com cama “BAG”, às 11 h 30 min. As temperaturas superficiais das camas sobrepostas não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os pontos de coleta. A temperatura no interior das camas na parte da frente da baia foi superior no tratamento (M+B), quando comparada ao tratamento (BAG) e (MAR). A concentração dos gases CO, CO2 e NH3, mensurados, não atingiram níveis que possam causar danos à saúde dos animais.

Compósito particulado de baixa densidade com casca de amendoim, fibra de coco verde e resina poliuretana à base de óleo de mamona para aplicação como forro de galpões avícolas / Composite particles with low density peanut shell, coconut fiber and castor oil polyurethane resin for application as castor lining of poultry houses

O presente trabalho considerou o potencial de utilização de resíduos da agroindústria como a casca de amendoim e fibra de coco verde com o intuito de agregar valor a este material, por meio da fabricação de compósito particulado de baixa densidade para uso como forro de galpões avícolas. Para a confecção do compósito foi utilizado à casca de amendoim, fibra de coco verde e resina poliuretana bi-componente à base de óleo de mamona. O material foi avaliado por meio de ensaios físico-mecânicos: a) densidade, b) inchamento, c) absorção, d) módulo de ruptura, e) módulo de elasticidade e f) adesão interna; durabilidade: a) envelhecimento natural e b) envelhecimento acelerado; térmicos: a) condutividade térmica; b) fator de ganho de calor solar. Considerando os resultados obtidos nessa pesquisa, conclui-se que o compósito apresentou propriedades físico-mecânicas compatíveis com as necessidades de uso do material. Os ensaios de durabilidade demonstraram que as propriedades mecânicas do compósito são reduzidas após aplicação de ciclos de umidade e temperatura, no entanto, essa avaliação foi rigorosa e não representa as condições reais de exposição do compósito, em uso como forro de galpões avícolas. O contato prolongado com fontes de umidade acarretou o desenvolvimento de fungos no material, evidenciando a necessidade de aplicação de produto impermeabilizante na superfície do material, para reduzir a absorção de água. Pelo ensaio de condutividade térmica foi possível determinar o fator de ganho de calor solar o qual demonstrou que quando o compósito é aplicado como forro, ocorre uma redução significativa da transferência de radiação solar para o interior do aviário, comprovando o potencial do material para esse uso.

This study considered the potential use of agro waste like peanut hulls and coconut fiber in order to add value to this material through the manufacturing of composite particles of low-density liner for use as poultry houses. To make the composite was used for peanut shell, coconut fiber and bi-component polyurethane resin-based castor oil. The material was evaluated by physical-mechanical tests: a) density, b) swelling, c) absorbing, d) modulus of rupture, e) elastic modulus and f) internal adhesion, durability: a) natural aging b) Accelerated aging ; thermal: a) thermal conductivity b) factor of solar heat gain. Considering the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that the composite possess physical and mechanical properties compatible with the needs of use of the material. Durability testing showed that the mechanical properties of the composite are reduced after application of cycles of humidity and temperature, however, the evaluation was rigorous and does not represent the actual conditions of exposure of the composite in lining use as poultry houses. Prolonged contact with sources of moisture caused fungal growth in the material, indicating the need for application of sealer to the surface of the material, to reduce water absorption. For the thermal conductivity test was possible to determine the factor of solar heat gain which demonstrated that when the composite is applied as a lining, there is a significant reduction in the transfer of solar radiation into the poultry, demonstrating the potential of this material for use.

Capture and treatment of goat manure / Captação e tratamento de esterco de caprinos

The appropriate management and disposal of feces and urine derived from goat production systems can help minimize the environmental impact of the activity reflecting in animal welfare, good sanitary conditions, viable indexes and increase revenue by aggregating the activity value of the manure generated. Aiming to take advantage of zootechnical installation already used for the manure in rabbits husbandry, it was carried out the suitability of a 15.40 m² pen (5.7 x 2.7 meters, filled with dirt) in the goat rearing of UPD Itapetininga/APTA-SAA being deployed on slatted floor system for capturing and processing goat manure. It was dug in the floor of the bay rectangular holes with 15 m² of surface and 80 cm of depth for capturing of the excrements, filled with layers of gravel (0.20 m), coal (0.20 m), medium sand (0, 15 m) and clay (0.05 m) being the surface in direct contact with feces and urine. The gap of 40 cm between the back of the slatted floor and the last layer allowed the accumulation of manure during the occupation of the stall. We used the pens for 10 consecutive months for the management of newly calved Saanen and crossbred Saanen/Boer goats for 10 to 15 days postpartum in controlled feeding and termination of 27 confined kids. The maintenance of the collection system and treatment of manure was done through constant sweeps in the slatted floor and periodical aplica

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Capture and treatment of goat manure / Captação e tratamento de esterco de caprinos

The appropriate management and disposal of feces and urine derived from goat production systems can help minimize the environmental impact of the activity reflecting in animal welfare, good sanitary conditions, viable indexes and increase revenue by aggregating the activity value of the manure generated. Aiming to take advantage of zootechnical installation already used for the manure in rabbits husbandry, it was carried out the suitability of a 15.40 m² pen (5.7 x 2.7 meters, filled with dirt) in the goat rearing of UPD Itapetininga/APTA-SAA being deployed on slatted floor system for capturing and processing goat manure. It was dug in the floor of the bay rectangular holes with 15 m² of surface and 80 cm of depth for capturing of the excrements, filled with layers of gravel (0.20 m), coal (0.20 m), medium sand (0, 15 m) and clay (0.05 m) being the surface in direct contact with feces and urine. The gap of 40 cm between the back of the slatted floor and the last layer allowed the accumulation of manure during the occupation of the stall. We used the pens for 10 consecutive months for the management of newly calved Saanen and crossbred Saanen/Boer goats for 10 to 15 days postpartum in controlled feeding and termination of 27 confined kids. The maintenance of the collection system and treatment of manure was done through constant sweeps in the slatted floor and periodical aplica

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Custo energético de construção de uma instalação para armazenagem de feno

The study objective was to estimate the energy involved in the construction of the structure to store hay bales in a animal production system. Data on energy coefficients published by Fundação Centro Tecnológico de Minas Gerais was used. The value of 587.09 MJ.m-2 was obtained, which is thoroughly different from those observed in the literature. In the total spent energy in the construction of the installation, the items walls, roof structure, floor and foundations represented 50.35, 27.71, 18.72 and 3.22%, respectively. Considering the whole alfalfa and coast-cross hay production system, the installation contributed with only 0.14 and 0.16% of the annual energy cost composition of these crops, respectively.

O trabalho teve como objetivo obter uma estimativa da energia empregada na construção de uma estrutura utilizada para armazenamento de fardos de feno, em um sistema de produção animal. Para tanto utilizaram-se os coeficientes energéticos levantados pela Fundação Centro Tecnológico de Minas Gerais (CETEC). O valor obtido foi de 587,09 MJ.m-2, o qual foi amplamente diferente daqueles observados na literatura. Da energia total empregada na construção da instalação os itens fechamentos, estrutura de cobertura, piso e fundações representaram 50,35, 27,71, 18,72 e 3,22%, respectivamente. Considerando o sistema de produção de feno de alfafa e "coast-cross" como um todo, a instalação contribuiu com somente 0,14 e 0,16% da composição do custo energético anual destas culturas, respectivamente.

Custo energético de construção de uma instalação para armazenagem de feno

The study objective was to estimate the energy involved in the construction of the structure to store hay bales in a animal production system. Data on energy coefficients published by Fundação Centro Tecnológico de Minas Gerais was used. The value of 587.09 MJ.m-2 was obtained, which is thoroughly different from those observed in the literature. In the total spent energy in the construction of the installation, the items walls, roof structure, floor and foundations represented 50.35, 27.71, 18.72 and 3.22%, respectively. Considering the whole alfalfa and coast-cross hay production system, the installation contributed with only 0.14 and 0.16% of the annual energy cost composition of these crops, respectively.

O trabalho teve como objetivo obter uma estimativa da energia empregada na construção de uma estrutura utilizada para armazenamento de fardos de feno, em um sistema de produção animal. Para tanto utilizaram-se os coeficientes energéticos levantados pela Fundação Centro Tecnológico de Minas Gerais (CETEC). O valor obtido foi de 587,09 MJ.m-2, o qual foi amplamente diferente daqueles observados na literatura. Da energia total empregada na construção da instalação os itens fechamentos, estrutura de cobertura, piso e fundações representaram 50,35, 27,71, 18,72 e 3,22%, respectivamente. Considerando o sistema de produção de feno de alfafa e "coast-cross" como um todo, a instalação contribuiu com somente 0,14 e 0,16% da composição do custo energético anual destas culturas, respectivamente.