Condições de bem-estar e comportamento de bezerros em fazendas orgânicas de produção de leite

Abstract

The growing concern in society regarding animal welfare is driving the demand for products from sustainable production systems that aim to provide a better quality of life for animals. The objective of this study was to survey the welfare conditions of dairy calves during the milk-feeding phase in organic production systems in the southeastern region of Brazil. Additionally, the study aimed to assess whether animal management practices comply with organic standards from birth or whether the animals are later transitioned into the organic system. The research was conducted on 13 organic dairy farms in southeastern Brazil, with the number of calves per farm ranging from 4 to 28. Data collection took place during the winter months of August and September in both 2022 and 2023. The welfare assessment was based on an adapted version of the Welfare Quality® Protocol, which included indicators related to the rearing environment, animal behavior, and physical health, as well as management practices evaluated through questionnaires administered to farm workers. The results showed variability among farms regarding the type of calf housing, with 38.5% of properties using group paddocks with covered areas. Concerning hygiene standards, 30.8% of the facilities showed the presence of dirt. Regarding bedding hygiene in systems housing calves in pens, 38.5% had visible dirt. Milk management varied between 4 and 8 liters per day, divided into two feedings (morning and afternoon), with gradual weaning being predominant (84.6%). In terms of physical health, shortcomings were observed in ectoparasite control (35.9% of calves), animal hygiene (33.9% of calves with dirty tails and 12.3% with dirt on their bodies), presence of injuries or swelling (14% of animals), use of anesthetics for pain management, and access to adequate veterinary care. As for behavior, the incidence of undesirable behaviors, such as cross-suckling, was low (observed in 0.1% of the calves assessed). It was found that, although producers demonstrate concern for animal welfare, there is still a need for improvements in management practices, hygiene of facilities and equipment, and greater compliance with current organic standards.