The objective was to evaluate the infestation with flies in grazing cattle, and its relationship with some behaviors (tail butting, head butting, kicking and rubbing) that alter animal welfare, through direct observation and use of photographs. At two times (7:00 and 14:00 h) the variables were measured on thirty naturally infested cows and randomly distributed in two treatments: TS: control without deworming and TD: chemically dewormed. The fly infestation were higher (P<0.001) in TS cows (483.7 flies/animal), they also, expressed with greater intensity (P<0.001) and frequency of upset behaviors: tail-tapping (10.84 movements/min), head-butting (1.66), kicking (0.51) and rubbing (0.33) in order to drive away the annoying contact and aggression of the ectoparasite. It is concluded that the greater the fly infestation, the movements that alter the welfare of the animals increase; however, more research is required to know the physiological welfare consequences that the infestation of this parasite implies.

Most animal welfare (AW) assessment protocols have been developed for intensive production systems and European cattle, raising concerns about their applicability in the tropics. To compare the results obtained by using the welfare quality (WQ) assessment for fattening cattle in the dry tropics, relevant modifications were implemented in 20 cattle production units (PUs) during the dry (DS) and rainy (RS) seasons. Regarding the principle of good feeding, only during the RS, between 20% and 25% of the farms maintained their animals in the acceptable and good categories, compared to the DS, where all PUs were classified as unacceptable (p < 0.04). Under the “Appropriate Behavior” principle, only 15% and 60% of the PUs maintained their animals at good and acceptable levels, respectively, in the RS, but not in the DS (p < 0.001). Conversely, during the DS, better scores were obtained for the measures and criteria in the Good housing group, with 45%, 50%, and 5% of PU classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, respectively, while for the RS, only 15%, 30%, and 5% reached these levels (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, under the “Good Health” principle, better animal health scores were observed during the RS, with 20%, 30%, and 50% of farms classified as acceptable, good, and excellent, compared to the DS, where only 70% and 10% of farms maintained their animals at good and excellent levels (p < 0.01). It is concluded that better animal welfare (AW) indicators were recorded during the RS, and the adjustments we applied to the conventional WQ protocol comprised a modification for the criterion that included the prolonged absence of thirst as well as adding six new indicators (measures) to the principles of housing, health, and behavior, which are considered essential for evaluating AW in cattle that are managed under extensive conditions by season.

Background: Hormonal treatments are applied to rams to increase their reproductive parameters and characteristics during the sexual rest season. A hormonal alternative is the use of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), however, it has been evaluated for short periods in rams. Objective: To evaluate the long-term effect (63 days) of eCG administration on testosterone levels, sexual behavior, and sperm activity of rams during the sexual rest season. Methodology: 20 rams were randomly assigned to one of two groups, the treated group: GeCG, n=10; they were administered intramuscularly two doses of 1000 IU of eCG on days 0 and 4 of the experiment and testosterone levels, their service capacity, testicular and sperm characteristics were evaluated on days -14, -7, -1, 7, 14, 28 and 63. The group control: GCON, n=10; no hormones were administered, and they were evaluated in the same manner as the GeCG. Results: Testosterone levels and sperm numbers increased more in GeCG than in GCON, P = 0.0006 and P = 0.03, respectively. The reaction time to the first ejaculation decreased (P < 0.05) in the GeCG from 526.6 ± 101.6 to 199.8 ± 113.0 seconds. The number of ejaculations during the serviceability test in the GeCG increased twofold (P < 0.01). In the GCON, there were no statistical changes in any of the previous variables. Implications: The application of eCG in rams stimulates testosterone levels and increases sperm concentration and sexual performance during the sexual rest season, which could improve the productive rates of a herd. However, factors to consider include dose, frequency of administration, breed, and season of the year. Conclusion: The application of two doses of 1000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin at an interval of four days in rams during the sexual rest season (63 days) increases blood testosterone levels, sperm concentration, and the number of ejaculations, in addition to reducing reaction time.