Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate how different rearing systems (intensive or semi-extensive) and sexual hormones could affect stress parameters and the development of stress-related intramural coronary arteriosclerosis in Lidia bulls (n = 18) and Piemontese oxen (n = 17). At slaughter, hearts were sampled and submitted to histological investigations in order to evaluate coronary arteriosclerosis. Blood and hair samples were also collected to measure d-ROMS and 20β-dihydrocortisol levels, respectively. No significant differences were recorded for serum levels of d-ROMS between Piemontese oxen and Lidia bulls. On the contrary, Lidia bulls presented higher levels of hair 20β-dihydrocortisol compared to Piemontese oxen (p = .007). Arteriosclerosis was recorded in both the groups. In Lidia bulls, mild to moderate coronary arteriosclerosis was recorded in all the evaluated regions of the heart (right and left papillary muscle; interventricular septum; right and left ventricle free wall; right and left atrium). In Piemontese oxen, mild to severe coronary arteriosclerosis was observed, especially in the left papillary muscle. These results suggest that both cattle breed experienced stress during their rearing cycle. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of housing system and sexual hormones in the development of these subclinical vascular pathology. Highlights Rearing systems can affect animal welfare. Coronary arteriosclerosis, d-ROMS and hair 20β-dihydrocortisol levels can be affected by stress. Lidia bulls and Piemontese oxen experienced different levels of stress during their rearing cycle.
Highlights
Animal welfare means how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives and it is related to physical health
Lidia bulls showed a mean of 5.86 ± 2.76 ng/ g of 20b-dihydrocortisol in the hair, while the concentration in all the Piemontese oxen was below the detection limit (0.5 ng/g)
Non-significant levels of d-ROMs and hair 20b-dihydrocortisol were detected in Piemontese oxen, while Lidia bulls showed higher levels of hair 20b-dihydrocortisol
Summary
Animal welfare means how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives and it is related to physical health. In this context, an animal is in a good state of welfare if it is healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviours, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress (Broom 1988). Beef fattening systems may be divided into two main categories, intensive indoor and extensive or semiextensive grass-based systems involving winter accommodation (European Commission 2000). Intensive indoor systems characterised by insufficient space
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