Effects of a long distance transport and subsequent recovery in recently weaned crossbred beef calves in Southern Chile |
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Authors: | Marianne Werner Christian Hepp Cristian Soto Paz Gallardo Hedie Bustamante Carmen Gallo |
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Affiliation: | 1. Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile;2. Centro Regional de Investigación Agropecuaria INIA_TamelAike, Región de Aysén-Patagonia, Chile;3. Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile |
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Abstract: | In Chile, prolonged transport of cattle is an important issue due to geographical conditions. This study describes the variation of body weight and some blood constituents related to stress response during one long distance transport (63 h) of recently weaned calves for fattening in the Chilean Patagonia. Results concerning blood variables related to stress showed that the whole process of rounding up, weaning and transport was stressful for the calves and that animal welfare was impaired. Cortisol values were significantly lower after unloading (1.0±0.4 μg/dl), as compared to before loading (1.5±0.4 μg/dl). The significant body weight loss from before loading (240±26.9 kg) to after unloading (210±24.2 kg), and the long recovery time, adds economic losses to the producers at destiny. As transport period cannot be shortened due to the typical Chilean geography in the Patagonian region and the scarcity of proper routes, it is recommended that conditions of transported calves should be improved by using specialized livestock vehicles that can provide more comfort, as well as access to water and food during the journey. |
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Keywords: | Transport Beef calves Blood variables Stress |
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