Abstract
The modification of the natural environment in beef production can induce behavioral changes in cattle. In order to assess the behavioral response based on indicators of animal welfare of beef cattle in feedlot in warm desert environmental conditions; a prospective observational study was conducted with a duration of four weeks. Behavioral guidelines, environmental temperature, relative humidity and temperature and humidity index (THI), were recorded at 8:00 h, 12:00 h, and 16:00 h. Environmental temperature, relative humidity and THI average was 28.7 °C, 24.1 %, and 72.8 units, respectively. During observational period, the beef cattle to be subject at comfort condition (THI≤74). By environmental effect at 12:00 h the usual indicators: eating and drinking, are inhibited (P≤0.01), and grooming decreased (8.2 vs. 13.2 x 100; P≤0.01) Agonist indicators: mounts, threats, Flehmen sign and bumps decrease significantly at 12:00 h (P≤0.01), when the ITH value is greater than 75 units. The highest panting rate (25 x 10000) was observed at 12:00. The diurnal behavioral response of cattle in feedlot on warm desert climate is due to biological rhythms to adapt to the environment that ensures their survival.
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