Maria Cristina Scaglione

Dr. Maria Cristina Scaglione


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 January 2023 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CGClaudia Giannetto
Claudia Giannetto
RCRaul Delmar Cerutti
Raul Delmar Cerutti
MSMaria Cristina Scaglione
Maria Cristina Scaglione
FAFrancesca Arfuso
Francesca Arfuso
MPMelissa Pennisi
Melissa Pennisi
AZAlessandro Zumbo
Alessandro Zumbo
Housing confinement, adaptation to different light/dark conditions, and social deprivation could modify the amount of total locomotor behavior of calves recommended for their psychophysical health. Total locomotor behavior was recorded by means of an activity data logger every 5 min for 6 consecutive days. To do that eight clinically healthy 30-day-old Holstein calves living in calf boxes under natural photoperiod and environmental conditions were enrolled. ANOVA (analysis of variance) showed a statistical effect of the day of monitoring and animal. In the temporal distribution of the resting–activity frequency, it was observed that the calves presented periods of total locomotor behavior with the existence of two peaks, one between 06:00–07:00 and another between 17:00–18:00, which corresponds to time of food intake. In all animals, a diurnal daily rhythm of total locomotor behavior was observed during time of monitoring. Intrasubject and intersubject variabilities were statistically different in mesor, amplitude, and robustness of rhythm. In conclusion, the total locomotor behavior showed a diurnal daily rhythmicity in 30-day-old calves. The characteristics of rhythm were different from individual to individual and from day to day. The recorded intersubject variability must be taken in consideration during the monitoring of farm animals and justifies the application of the device to each animal, as precision livestock farming suggests.