http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38444 2026-07-30T00:37:27Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40191 Title: Thermal Balance in Male Water Buffaloes Transported by Long and Short Journeys Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Daniela; Legarreta, Isabel; Chay-Canul, Alfonso; Hernandez-Avalos, Ismael; Napolitano, Fabio; Garcia-Herrero, Ricardo; Pereira, Alfredo M.F.; Dominguez-Oliva, Adriana; Casas-Alvarado, Alejandro; Reyes-Sotello, Brenda; Mota-Rojas, Daniel Abstract: Livestock transport is a stressor with potential physiological, psychological, and financial consequences that can alter animal welfare, particularly in water buffalo, a species that has certain anatomical characteristics that make them susceptible to heat stress. Stress-induced hyperthermia is frequently observed in mobilized livestock, making it a parameter that could help to evaluate this event. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a tool that non-invasively assesses the thermal state of animals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the surface temperature of water buffaloes monitored from the pasture to post-transport on short (SJs) and long journeys (LJs). When considering both groups, the highest temperatures were observed in the frontal-parietal region, while the lowest temperatures were registered in the nostrils. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed in all thermal windows. It is concluded that IRT can be used to accurately assess the thermal changes in buffaloes during transport. 2023-10-16T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40187 Title: The Challenge of Global Warming in Water Buffalo Farming: Physiological and Behavioral Aspects and Strategies to Face Heat Stress Authors: Napolitano, Fabio; De Rosa, Giuseppe; Chay-Canul, Alfonso; Alvarez-Macias, Adolfo; Pereira, Alfredo M.F.; Bragaglio, Andrea; Mora-Medina, Patricia; Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Daniela; Garcia-Herrero, Ricardo; Hernandez-Avalos, Ismael; Domigos-Oliva, Adriana; Paccelli, Corrado; Sabia, Emilio; Casas-Alvarado, Alejandro; Reyes-Sotello, Brenda; Braghieri, Ada Abstract: Global warming (GW) is a current challenge for livestock systems, including water buffalo farms. Buffaloes have anatomical traits such as thick skin and a high density of capillaries and arterioles to improve sensitive heat losses. However, they are exposed to high temperatures and tropical and humid climates that make them susceptible to heat stress. The present review aims to analyze the adverse effects that GW has on the productive performance and health of water buffaloes. The physiological, morphological, and behavioral characteristics of the species will be discussed to understand the impact of GW on buffaloes’ thermoregulation. Additionally, the effectiveness of implementing strategies such as a physical enrichment of the facilities or a thermal assessment through infrared thermography will be discussed. 2023-10-01T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40150 Title: Dog Neuter, Yes or No? A Summary of the Motivations, Benefits, and Harms, with Special Emphasis on the Behavioral Aspect Authors: Arroube, A.; Pereira, Alfredo M.F. Abstract: Neutering pet dogs is a decision that, at some point, most owners will consider and, in some countries, is even mandatory by law or highly recommended as part of responsible pet ownership. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the long-term effects of this common procedure on an animal’s physical and mental health. However, the existing literature does not allow us to draw a single conclusion, as both advantages and disadvantages of the procedure have been described. Recently, more attention has been placed on the negative aspects, particularly concerning behavioral outcomes. Stud- ies indicate that dogs may be at a heightened risk of developing fear, anxiety, and panic responses. Conversely, neutering, especially in males, is still recommended as a means of mitigating certain undesirable behaviors. Sexual hormones are interconnected with other hormones and neurotransmitters, such as cortisol, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Additionally, breed and sex also influence the effects of neutering. Demographic factors play a role, as well. More research is necessary to fully understand the implications of neu- tering and its intricate relationships. In the meantime, decisions regarding this procedure should be made on an individual basis, and alternative techniques for gonad removal may be explored 2025-04-05T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40088 Title: Utilization of Infrared Thermography in Assessing Thermal Responses of Farm Animals under Heat Stress Authors: Ghezzi, Marcelo; Napolitano, Fabio; Casas-Alvarado, Alejandro; Hernadez- Avalos, Ismael; Dominguez-Oliva, Adriana; Olmos-Hernandez, Adriana; Pereira, Alfredo M.F. Abstract: Heat stress is an event that causes health alterations and decreases the productive performance of farm animals. Therefore, it is important to establish methods that can help to evaluate the thermal state of animals noninvasively. According to the physiological response of vasodilation, when the brain detects an increase in body temperature, infrared thermography can be used to detect these peripheral changes and predict heat stress. The present review aims to analyze the neurobiological response associated with heat stress and how thermal imaging in different thermal windows can be used to recognize heat stress in farmed ungulates. 2023-12-18T00:00:00Z