Projeto de "aguadas" artificiais para a bubalinocultura: estudo de caso

Abstract

The buffaloes are distinguished by the varied characteristics they possess, such as rusticity, adaptability, docility, precocity, among others, being considered as an alternative production, whether in the production of milk, meat, leather or aiding in agricultural activities. Many breeders have the misconception that these animals produce in any environment, placing them in precarious situations without shading and lack of water for bath, making it impossible to express their natural behavior, creating them as cattle. Buffaloes are animals that have few sweat glands, consequently their mechanism of thermoregulation is poorly developed, making them susceptible to thermal stress. Therefore the need to have an artificial "pond" or "pool" for these animals to dissipate heat, reducing stress and being able to express their natural behavior. The objective of this work was to present a methodology for the construction of artificial "pond" for the production of buffaloes, aiming to improve animal welfare, increasing their productivity in milk production/day, based on theoretical experiments in Italy, and with topographic equipment aids such as Total Station and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. This is the first project carried out with theoretical bases for the construction of artificial waterfalls in rural properties with buffalo production. The project was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Glória, belonging to the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), in the city of Uberlândia, MG.