Natural shade as a strategy for the thermal environment of calves
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2965694X95485Keywords:
Thermal stress, Angus, Braford, SustainabilityAbstract
Thermal comfort is a critical factor for calf production, directly impacting their development, health, and future productive efficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the weight gain of Angus and Braford calves over a period of twenty-nine days, kept in two paddocks: one with natural eucalyptus shade and the other without shade. The 12 animals, six of the Braford breed (red coat) and six of the Angus breed (black coat), were maintained with their dams in paddocks for 29 days, from April 26, 2025 to May 24, 2025, during which time air temperature, body surface temperature, and weight gain (entry and exit of animals from the paddocks) were monitored. Natural shading was effective in reducing maximum air temperature by up to 13.1ºC and in attenuating surface body temperature (SBT) by up to 7.7ºC for Angus cattle and 4.4ºC for Braford cattle. The effect of shading on productive performance was more pronounced in Angus cattle, with an average weight gain 10 kg higher in this paddock, while Braford cattle showed greater tolerance to adverse thermal conditions, with an average weight gain 3 kg higher in the shaded paddock. Thus, the results indicate an interaction between environment and breed characteristics.
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