Diego Fernandes Neves - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Diego Fernandes Neves
ABSTRACT The last 30 decades were marked by an intensive poultry production, which reached a sati... more ABSTRACT The last 30 decades were marked by an intensive poultry production, which reached a satisfactory level of production with the use of technology. These facts have allowed the country to stand out in a global setting, making the country the largest exporter and third largest producer of chicken meat in the world. Currently, projects related to rural equipment developed in Brazil have been studied only by Engineers and technicians, but could be optimized with the participation of Designers. This study aimed to compare three types of feeder for broiler chickens under the standpoint of management and preference of birds, examining the behavioral and duration of birds meals, and estimate the efficiency of the equipments. The evaluated feeders were: Tubular and Automatic, both currently marketed, and Fênix feeder, manual equipment proposed by a designer who is still undergoing tests. The study was conducted in a shed broiler commercial house that housed 14 thousand birds at a density of 16 birds m-2 at 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 and 24 days old. We used video footage to record the behavior and, based on these results and general knowledge on the subject, an assessment was preceded by the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), to estimate the efficiency of each feeder in accordance with three distinct types of consumers: C1 (small producer), C2 (large producer) and C3 (researcher). The results indicate a bird s preference to the Tubular feeder, in which the behavior of "eating" and the time of meal were higher, and this is the only one that did not have a partition grid on the food plate, which may have been determinant to the birds preference. The Fênix feeder indicated that it was more appropriate to the consumer C1 and Automatic for consumers C2 and C3. The Tubular came in third place for the three consumers, even as the favorite for birds. The Fênix feeder presented compatible characteristics with competitors, been more efficient than the Tubular indicating, after some adjustments the ability to be manufactured As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um nível satisfatório de produção com a utilização de tecnologia. Estes fatos permitiram que o país se destacasse dentro de um cenário global, tornando o país o maior exportador e o terceiro maior produtor de carne de frango do mundo. Atualmente os projetos relacionados a equipamentos rurais desenvolvidos no Brasil têm sido objeto de estudo unicamente por engenheiros e técnicos, mas que poderão ser otimizados com a participação dos Designers. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar de três tipos de comedouros para frangos de corte sob o ponto de vista de manejo e preferência das aves, analisando as atividades comportamentais e tempo de duração das refeições das aves, além de estimar a eficiência dos equipamentos. Os comedouros avaliados foram: Tubular e Automático, ambos comercializados atualmente, e o comedouro Fênix, equipamento manual proposto por um Designer que ainda encontra-se em fase de testes. O estudo foi conduzido em um galpão comercial de frangos de corte que alojava 14 mil aves, com densidade de 16 aves m-2 aos 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 e 24 dias de idade. Utilizou-se vídeo-filmagem para o registro dos comportamentos e, a partir destas análises e de conhecimentos gerais sobre o tema, foi procedida uma avaliação, através do método AHP (Analitic Hierarchy Process), para se estimar a eficiência de cada comedouro de acordo com três tipos distintos de consumidores: C1 (produtor de pequeno porte), C2 (produtor de grande porte) e C3 (pesquisador). Os resultados apontam uma preferência das aves pelo comedouro Tubular, no qual o comportamento "comendo" e o tempo de refeição foram maiores, sendo este o único que não dispunha de uma divisória sobre o prato de alimentação, fato que pode ter sido determinante na preferência das aves. O comedouro Fênix indicou ser mais adequado ao consumidor C1 e o Automático para os consumidores C2 e C3. O Tubular ficou na terceira colocação para os três consumidores, mesmo sendo o preferido pelas aves. O comedouro Fênix apresentou características compatíveis com os concorrentes, sendo mais eficiente que o Tubular, indicando, após alguns ajustes, a possibilidade de ser fabricado
Engenharia Agrícola, 2014
Pigs are more sensitive to high environmental temperatures explained by the inability of sweating... more Pigs are more sensitive to high environmental temperatures explained by the inability of sweating and panting properly when compared to other species of farmed livestock. The evaporative cooling system might favor the thermal comfort of animals during exposure to extreme environmental heat and reduce the harmful effects of heat stress. The purpose of this study was to assess the sensible heat loss and thermoregulation parameters from lactating sows during summer submitted to two different acclimatization systems: natural and evaporative cooling. The experiment was carried out in a commercial farm with 72 lactating sows. The ambient variables (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and sows physiological parameters (rectal temperature, surface temperature and respiratory rate) were monitored and then the sensible heat loss at 21days lactation was calculated. The results of rectal temperature did not differ between treatments. However, the evaporative cooling led to a signif...
This document describes the project conducted within the discipline of Information Management Pro... more This document describes the project conducted within the discipline of Information Management Project, Master's degree in Information Management, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. This project focused on the estimation of OD matrices for the users of a system of railroad transportation, with information from surveys conducted with questions like "from where" and "to where", with the aim to assess the statistical representativeness of the initial matrix in matrices by mode of transport, period of day, or other components that can characterize the passenger's journey. To this end a methodology has been developed that could serve as a basis to the analysis of the data obtained through the surveys conducted. This methodology focused on the analysis of the collected data in order to obtain indicators, relating to sampling error that could provide information about its distribution and its behavior by applying different extrapolation methods. Based on this analysis, and after obtaining relevant information, it was decided to simulate new samples of various sizes. This simulation aims to achieve a size that can be considered acceptable for the realization of similar studies.
Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola, 2014
Feed related costs are the main drivers of profitability of commercial poultry farms, and good nu... more Feed related costs are the main drivers of profitability of commercial poultry farms, and good nutrition is mainly responsible for the exceptional growth rate responses of current poultry species. So far, most research on the poultry feeding behaviour addresses the productivity indices and birds' physiological responses, but few studies have considered the biomechanical characteristics involved in this process. This paper aims to review biomechanical issues related to feed behaviour of domestic chickens to address some issues related to the feed used in commercial broiler chicken production, considering feed particle size, physical form and the impact of feeders during feeding. It is believed that the biomechanical evaluation might suggest a new way for feed processing to meet the natural feeding behaviour of the birds.
Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2015
ABSTRACT While feeding broiler chickens may exhibit different biomechanical movements in relation... more ABSTRACT While feeding broiler chickens may exhibit different biomechanical movements in relation to the physical properties of feed such as size, shape and hardness. Furthermore, the chicken's anatomical features at various ages, genders and breeds in conjunction with feed type and feeder design parameters may also have an influence on biomechanical movement. To determine the significance of these parameters during feeding, kinematic measurements related to the biomechanical motions are required. However, determining this information manually from video by a human operator is tedious and prone to errors. The aim of this study was to develop a machine vision technique which visually identifies the relevant biome-chanical variables attributed to broiler feeding behaviour from high-speed video footages. A total of 369 frames from three broiler chicks of 5 days old were manually measured and compared to the automatic measurement. For each bird six mandibulations (i.e. a cycle of opening and closing the beak) were manually selected, which were two different sequences of three consecutive mandibulations starting right after a feed grasping. The kinematics variables considered were: (i) head displacement (eye centre position ; x-and y-axis); (ii) beak opening speed (given in mm ms À1); (iii) beak closing speed (measured in mm ms À1); (iv) beak opening acceleration (given in mm ms À2); and (v) beak closing acceleration (given in mm ms À2). Results indicated that the highest error for eye position detection was 1.05 mm for x-axis and 0.67 for the y-axis. The difference between manual and automatic (algorithm output) measurements for the beak gape was 0.22 ± 0.009 mm, in which the maximum difference was 0.76 mm. Regression analysis indicated that both measures are highly correlated (R 2 = 99.2%). Statistical tests suggested that the primary probably causes of error are the speed and acceleration of the beak motion (i.e. blurred image), as well as the presence of feed particles in the first and second mandibulations right after the feed grasping (i.e. occluded beak tips by feed particles). The presented method calculated automatically the position of the eye centre (x-and y-axis) and both upper and lower beak tips distance in a high level of accuracy, but the model can be improved by using a camera with higher resolution, a higher acquisition rate, and infrared-reflective markers. The method has the potential to facilitate efficient and repeatable acquisition of biomechanical data of broiler chickens during feeding, and be used to benchmark the feed physical properties and its processing methods, likewise evolving knowledge for futures studies in feeders' design.
Revista Brasileira de Engenharia de Biossistemas, 2010
As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um níve... more As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um nível satisfatório de produção com a utilização de tecnologia. Estes fatos permitiram que o país se destacasse dentro de um cenário global, tornando o país o maior exportador e o terceiro maior produtor de carne de frango do mundo. Este texto faz uma revisão do tema de ambiente de alojamento de frangos de corte e apresenta características de equipamentos de alimentação. Atualmente os projetos relacionados a equipamentos rurais desenvolvidos no Brasil têm sido objeto de estudo unicamente por engenheiros e técnicos, mas que poderão ser otimizados com a participação dos desenhistas industriais.
Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola, 2010
This study compared three types of feeders for broilers: Fênix, Tube and Automatic feeders. Bird'... more This study compared three types of feeders for broilers: Fênix, Tube and Automatic feeders. Bird's feeding behavior and preference were considered in this the evaluation. Preference was assessed by examining birds' behavioral activities, such as eating, standing and lying around the equipments, and meal duration as function of the environmental variables. Data on the behavioral activities and meal size were collected in a broiler commercial farm using a portable video camera, and the direct footages were analyzed. The time spent in each activity, feeding bout duration and time spent near the trough were statistically analyzed using the test of means and medians. Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between ambient environmental data and the time of feeding. A prospective scenario was established and data were pair wised compared to it. There were interactions between environmental characteristics and feeding and lying down activities during the experiment. Eating behavior was more frequent in the area around the Tube feeder. The duration of feeding time was higher when the birds used the Tube feeder (214 ± 28s), followed by the use of the Fênix feeder (123 ± 17s) and the Automatic feeder (77 ± 29s). Birds preferred eating from the Tube feeder probably due to the absence of the partition grid above the feeder plate.
Engenharia Agrícola, 2014
After hatching, pullets are transported to brooding area and vaccinated. One day old chicks have ... more After hatching, pullets are transported to brooding area and vaccinated. One day old chicks have not already developed thermoregulation ability; thus, brooding temperature variations may affect pullet quality leading to broiler meat production losses. This research aimed to calculate sensible heat loss in one day old pullets in hatching area and vaccination room. Ten one day old pullets were randomly selected from hatching area of a commercial hatchery. Infrared images were used to calculate bird surface temperature. Exposure areas for the two conditions were quantified, and both air temperature and wind speed was recorded. Total sensible heat loss was calculated as heat loss by radiation plus heat loss by convection. It was found that heat transfer occurs in different ways at different bird body parts. Total heat loss found for hatching baskets was equivalent to 0.81 J s-1 while for vaccination room was 1.16 J s-1. Pullet nutrition is based on energy loss from brooding to farm, and...
Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, 2014
As instalações avícolas devem assegurar um ambiente de conforto térmico que proporcione ao animal... more As instalações avícolas devem assegurar um ambiente de conforto térmico que proporcione ao animal expressar todo o seu potencial genético para produção motivo pelo qual novas ferramentas estão sendo aplicadas para medir o conforto térmico animal destacando-se as câmeras termográficas. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a associação da temperatura superficial das aves com as das instalações e estimar a transferência de calor sensível. Para isto foram registradas as condições térmicas de alojamento em dois aviários com sistemas de ventilação distintos, no período de março a abril de 2011. Os aviários foram divididos em seis quadrantes para a coleta das temperaturas superficiais obtidas através de uma câmera termográfica infravermelho. Em cada quadrante também foram registradas temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa e velocidade do ar durante as coletas das imagens. Constatou-se que as temperaturas superficiais das aves estão associadas à temperatura superficial da instalação (cortina...
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT One of the biggest challenges of the meat industry is the provision of animal welfare. U... more ABSTRACT One of the biggest challenges of the meat industry is the provision of animal welfare. Under stress, several physiological changes in the animal organism as increased metabolism might occur, and that can cause change in skin temperature. Thermography allows measuring the surface temperature in a noninvasive manner, without any contact with the animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether it is possible to identify conditions of stress in pigs from thermography. Forty piglets in nursery phase photographed separately with the infrared camera of the 880 brands tested in five different situations: normal or stress-free, hungry, cold, thirst and pain. The pictures were analyzed in the Testo ® software. We obtained the maximum temperature, minimum and average area covering most of the back of the animal. ANOVA with Tukey's test (a
Scientia Agricola, 2010
Broiler chickens in Brazil are generally reared from 1 to 42 days when they are exposed to proced... more Broiler chickens in Brazil are generally reared from 1 to 42 days when they are exposed to procedures such as fasting, harvesting, crating and transport to slaughter. Maintaining homeostasis is of great importance for broiler survival under harsh environment especially prior to slaughter. Heat loss varies in the distinct parts of the body during the growth period, and it is related to the air temperature of the environment and to the amount of feather covering. This research aimed to study the surface temperature distribution using infrared thermographic image processing to characterize 42 day old broiler chicken surface temperature prior to slaughter. Broilers were reared for 42 days and prior to harvest and transport to slaughter the infrared surface temperature was recorded along the day. Data from the thermograms taken in feather and featherless regions were compared during the 42nd day of growth. High correlation between featherless regions and air temperature was found showing...
Revista Brasileira de Educação Médica, 2014
INTRODUÇÃO: Profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde atendem indivíduos deprimidos em situação... more INTRODUÇÃO: Profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde atendem indivíduos deprimidos em situação de crise e que tentam suicídio, e as atitudes em relação a esses pacientes podem ser determinantes na evolução dos casos. OBJETIVO: Verificar as atitudes de estudantes frente ao paciente suicida. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo com delineamento transversal realizado com graduandos da Faculdade de Medicina de Barbacena(MG) em 2013. Os estudantes foram divididos em dois grupos: pré-clínico e pós-clínico. O instrumento utilizado neste estudo foi o Questionário de Atitudes em Relação ao Comportamento Suicida. RESULTADOS: A comparação dos escores médios obtidos em cada grupo evidenciou diferença significativa, com maior escore apresentado pelo grupo pós-clínico (p=0,028). Esse achado indica que estudantes de períodos mais avançados exibem atitudes mais positivas em relação ao suicídio que alunos iniciantes no curso de Medicina. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que um contato maior com o paciente suicida e ...
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to classify different situations of stress from the voca... more ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to classify different situations of stress from the vocalization of pigs in the phase of motherhood. Vocalization of 40 pigs was recorded in different stress situations in the farrowing phase (without stress, heat stress, pain, restrained from nursing) . To capture the acoustic signals unidirectional microphone was used at approximately 15 cm from the mouth of the piglets. This microphone was connected to a digital recorder, and the signals were digitized at a frequency of 44,100 Hz. Sound signals were edited and analyzed using the Praat ® software. Each collected signal was divided into three samples, and from each sample, it was extracted the maximum and minimum amplitudes, the frequency of Pith; and the frequency of formants 1, 2, 3 and 4, was obtained using that attributes within the range of amplitude (the difference of the amplitudes maximum and minimum), and duration of the signal. The algorithm J48 of Weka ® software was used for determining the stress condition. It was possible to classify four levels of stress: no-stress, pain, cold and hunger from the vocalization of pigs to the farrowing phase, with 77.95% accuracy.
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm and aimed to evaluate the heat loss an... more ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm and aimed to evaluate the heat loss and thermoregulation parameters from lactating sows under two ventilation system (natural or evaporative cooling) and two diets (natural or adjusted electrolyte balance) in the summer. Variables related to performance and thermal regulation were recorded during the 20-day lactation. Respiratory rate was recorded along with the recording of skin surface temperature and rectal temperature in the afternoon. Calculations were performed considering the heat exchange balance. Data were analyzed using Minitab 15®. Evaporative cooling led to a reduction (p
Animals, 2013
This research aimed to analyze the possibility of assessing piglets' welfare using the records of... more This research aimed to analyze the possibility of assessing piglets' welfare using the records of their vocalization. The trial was done in a pig commercial farm, and we recorded the vocal signals from piglets in several stressful exposure situations. Data mining techniques were applied to the processed signals in order to obtain a stress classification using the recorded data. We found that, using the piglets' vocalization, it was possible to identify the most frequent stressful conditions at the farrowing phase, namely: pain, cold and hunger.
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
This research aimed to compare two female broiler breeder ages during the incubation period regar... more This research aimed to compare two female broiler breeder ages during the incubation period regarding management using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method (AHP). This method is characterized by the possibility of analyzing a multicriteria problem and assists a decision making. This study was carried out on a commercial hatchery located in São Paulo, Brazil. Two ages of broiler breeder (42 and 56 weeks) were compared relative to production rate. Production index data were the same in both ages and were submitted to multicriteria decision analysis using the AHP method. The results indicate that broiler breeders of 42 weeks presented better performance than those of 56 week-old. The setter phase (incubation) is more critical than the hatcher. The AHP method was efficient for this analysis and can serve as a methodological basis for future studies to improve the hatchability of broilers eggs.
... sistemas. Madrid: Pearson Educación. DUBIE, Denisse 2008 IT pros sound off on managing applic... more ... sistemas. Madrid: Pearson Educación. DUBIE, Denisse 2008 IT pros sound off on managing applications, The priorities and challenges involved with managing applications En: Network World (Online). Agosto 2008. FAZZINI ...
ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a Brazilian commercial farm using 72 sows DanBred ® br... more ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a Brazilian commercial farm using 72 sows DanBred ® breed from first to fifth parity, housed individually in farrowing crates during the summer. The study began at birth and was conducted during 21 days of lactation. The alternative technologies used for dietary assessment were: (1) level of natural electrolyte balance of 175 mEq kg -1 and (2) level of adjusted electrolyte balance of 275 mEq kg -1 . We used the Analytic Hierarchy Process multicriteria analysis. To establish the criteria and ponder its respective weigth we considered the visual observations, questionnaires and general knowledge on the subject since this technique allows a qualitative and subjective, converted into quantitative results. Results suggest a better adequation to natural electrolyte balance (57.9%) in relation to the adjusted electrolyte balance (42.1%). One fact that may explain the advantage of using natural electrolyte balance it was the highest weight for the main criterion "Piglet welfare". Among the secondary criteria, natural electrolyte balance also had better weights with the exception of the "Weaning weight difference" and "Feed intake sow per kg live weight piglet". It was equal both "Mortality" and "Body temperature". It is suggested that the natural electrolyte balance was better, mainly due to the higher weight at weaning and lower mortality of piglets to lactating sows fed this diet, when considering the welfare of sows and piglets.
ABSTRACT The last 30 decades were marked by an intensive poultry production, which reached a sati... more ABSTRACT The last 30 decades were marked by an intensive poultry production, which reached a satisfactory level of production with the use of technology. These facts have allowed the country to stand out in a global setting, making the country the largest exporter and third largest producer of chicken meat in the world. Currently, projects related to rural equipment developed in Brazil have been studied only by Engineers and technicians, but could be optimized with the participation of Designers. This study aimed to compare three types of feeder for broiler chickens under the standpoint of management and preference of birds, examining the behavioral and duration of birds meals, and estimate the efficiency of the equipments. The evaluated feeders were: Tubular and Automatic, both currently marketed, and Fênix feeder, manual equipment proposed by a designer who is still undergoing tests. The study was conducted in a shed broiler commercial house that housed 14 thousand birds at a density of 16 birds m-2 at 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 and 24 days old. We used video footage to record the behavior and, based on these results and general knowledge on the subject, an assessment was preceded by the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), to estimate the efficiency of each feeder in accordance with three distinct types of consumers: C1 (small producer), C2 (large producer) and C3 (researcher). The results indicate a bird s preference to the Tubular feeder, in which the behavior of "eating" and the time of meal were higher, and this is the only one that did not have a partition grid on the food plate, which may have been determinant to the birds preference. The Fênix feeder indicated that it was more appropriate to the consumer C1 and Automatic for consumers C2 and C3. The Tubular came in third place for the three consumers, even as the favorite for birds. The Fênix feeder presented compatible characteristics with competitors, been more efficient than the Tubular indicating, after some adjustments the ability to be manufactured As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um nível satisfatório de produção com a utilização de tecnologia. Estes fatos permitiram que o país se destacasse dentro de um cenário global, tornando o país o maior exportador e o terceiro maior produtor de carne de frango do mundo. Atualmente os projetos relacionados a equipamentos rurais desenvolvidos no Brasil têm sido objeto de estudo unicamente por engenheiros e técnicos, mas que poderão ser otimizados com a participação dos Designers. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar de três tipos de comedouros para frangos de corte sob o ponto de vista de manejo e preferência das aves, analisando as atividades comportamentais e tempo de duração das refeições das aves, além de estimar a eficiência dos equipamentos. Os comedouros avaliados foram: Tubular e Automático, ambos comercializados atualmente, e o comedouro Fênix, equipamento manual proposto por um Designer que ainda encontra-se em fase de testes. O estudo foi conduzido em um galpão comercial de frangos de corte que alojava 14 mil aves, com densidade de 16 aves m-2 aos 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 e 24 dias de idade. Utilizou-se vídeo-filmagem para o registro dos comportamentos e, a partir destas análises e de conhecimentos gerais sobre o tema, foi procedida uma avaliação, através do método AHP (Analitic Hierarchy Process), para se estimar a eficiência de cada comedouro de acordo com três tipos distintos de consumidores: C1 (produtor de pequeno porte), C2 (produtor de grande porte) e C3 (pesquisador). Os resultados apontam uma preferência das aves pelo comedouro Tubular, no qual o comportamento "comendo" e o tempo de refeição foram maiores, sendo este o único que não dispunha de uma divisória sobre o prato de alimentação, fato que pode ter sido determinante na preferência das aves. O comedouro Fênix indicou ser mais adequado ao consumidor C1 e o Automático para os consumidores C2 e C3. O Tubular ficou na terceira colocação para os três consumidores, mesmo sendo o preferido pelas aves. O comedouro Fênix apresentou características compatíveis com os concorrentes, sendo mais eficiente que o Tubular, indicando, após alguns ajustes, a possibilidade de ser fabricado
Engenharia Agrícola, 2014
Pigs are more sensitive to high environmental temperatures explained by the inability of sweating... more Pigs are more sensitive to high environmental temperatures explained by the inability of sweating and panting properly when compared to other species of farmed livestock. The evaporative cooling system might favor the thermal comfort of animals during exposure to extreme environmental heat and reduce the harmful effects of heat stress. The purpose of this study was to assess the sensible heat loss and thermoregulation parameters from lactating sows during summer submitted to two different acclimatization systems: natural and evaporative cooling. The experiment was carried out in a commercial farm with 72 lactating sows. The ambient variables (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and sows physiological parameters (rectal temperature, surface temperature and respiratory rate) were monitored and then the sensible heat loss at 21days lactation was calculated. The results of rectal temperature did not differ between treatments. However, the evaporative cooling led to a signif...
This document describes the project conducted within the discipline of Information Management Pro... more This document describes the project conducted within the discipline of Information Management Project, Master's degree in Information Management, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. This project focused on the estimation of OD matrices for the users of a system of railroad transportation, with information from surveys conducted with questions like "from where" and "to where", with the aim to assess the statistical representativeness of the initial matrix in matrices by mode of transport, period of day, or other components that can characterize the passenger's journey. To this end a methodology has been developed that could serve as a basis to the analysis of the data obtained through the surveys conducted. This methodology focused on the analysis of the collected data in order to obtain indicators, relating to sampling error that could provide information about its distribution and its behavior by applying different extrapolation methods. Based on this analysis, and after obtaining relevant information, it was decided to simulate new samples of various sizes. This simulation aims to achieve a size that can be considered acceptable for the realization of similar studies.
Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola, 2014
Feed related costs are the main drivers of profitability of commercial poultry farms, and good nu... more Feed related costs are the main drivers of profitability of commercial poultry farms, and good nutrition is mainly responsible for the exceptional growth rate responses of current poultry species. So far, most research on the poultry feeding behaviour addresses the productivity indices and birds' physiological responses, but few studies have considered the biomechanical characteristics involved in this process. This paper aims to review biomechanical issues related to feed behaviour of domestic chickens to address some issues related to the feed used in commercial broiler chicken production, considering feed particle size, physical form and the impact of feeders during feeding. It is believed that the biomechanical evaluation might suggest a new way for feed processing to meet the natural feeding behaviour of the birds.
Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2015
ABSTRACT While feeding broiler chickens may exhibit different biomechanical movements in relation... more ABSTRACT While feeding broiler chickens may exhibit different biomechanical movements in relation to the physical properties of feed such as size, shape and hardness. Furthermore, the chicken's anatomical features at various ages, genders and breeds in conjunction with feed type and feeder design parameters may also have an influence on biomechanical movement. To determine the significance of these parameters during feeding, kinematic measurements related to the biomechanical motions are required. However, determining this information manually from video by a human operator is tedious and prone to errors. The aim of this study was to develop a machine vision technique which visually identifies the relevant biome-chanical variables attributed to broiler feeding behaviour from high-speed video footages. A total of 369 frames from three broiler chicks of 5 days old were manually measured and compared to the automatic measurement. For each bird six mandibulations (i.e. a cycle of opening and closing the beak) were manually selected, which were two different sequences of three consecutive mandibulations starting right after a feed grasping. The kinematics variables considered were: (i) head displacement (eye centre position ; x-and y-axis); (ii) beak opening speed (given in mm ms À1); (iii) beak closing speed (measured in mm ms À1); (iv) beak opening acceleration (given in mm ms À2); and (v) beak closing acceleration (given in mm ms À2). Results indicated that the highest error for eye position detection was 1.05 mm for x-axis and 0.67 for the y-axis. The difference between manual and automatic (algorithm output) measurements for the beak gape was 0.22 ± 0.009 mm, in which the maximum difference was 0.76 mm. Regression analysis indicated that both measures are highly correlated (R 2 = 99.2%). Statistical tests suggested that the primary probably causes of error are the speed and acceleration of the beak motion (i.e. blurred image), as well as the presence of feed particles in the first and second mandibulations right after the feed grasping (i.e. occluded beak tips by feed particles). The presented method calculated automatically the position of the eye centre (x-and y-axis) and both upper and lower beak tips distance in a high level of accuracy, but the model can be improved by using a camera with higher resolution, a higher acquisition rate, and infrared-reflective markers. The method has the potential to facilitate efficient and repeatable acquisition of biomechanical data of broiler chickens during feeding, and be used to benchmark the feed physical properties and its processing methods, likewise evolving knowledge for futures studies in feeders' design.
Revista Brasileira de Engenharia de Biossistemas, 2010
As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um níve... more As últimas 30 décadas foram marcadas por uma intensiva produção avícola, onde se alcançou um nível satisfatório de produção com a utilização de tecnologia. Estes fatos permitiram que o país se destacasse dentro de um cenário global, tornando o país o maior exportador e o terceiro maior produtor de carne de frango do mundo. Este texto faz uma revisão do tema de ambiente de alojamento de frangos de corte e apresenta características de equipamentos de alimentação. Atualmente os projetos relacionados a equipamentos rurais desenvolvidos no Brasil têm sido objeto de estudo unicamente por engenheiros e técnicos, mas que poderão ser otimizados com a participação dos desenhistas industriais.
Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola, 2010
This study compared three types of feeders for broilers: Fênix, Tube and Automatic feeders. Bird'... more This study compared three types of feeders for broilers: Fênix, Tube and Automatic feeders. Bird's feeding behavior and preference were considered in this the evaluation. Preference was assessed by examining birds' behavioral activities, such as eating, standing and lying around the equipments, and meal duration as function of the environmental variables. Data on the behavioral activities and meal size were collected in a broiler commercial farm using a portable video camera, and the direct footages were analyzed. The time spent in each activity, feeding bout duration and time spent near the trough were statistically analyzed using the test of means and medians. Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between ambient environmental data and the time of feeding. A prospective scenario was established and data were pair wised compared to it. There were interactions between environmental characteristics and feeding and lying down activities during the experiment. Eating behavior was more frequent in the area around the Tube feeder. The duration of feeding time was higher when the birds used the Tube feeder (214 ± 28s), followed by the use of the Fênix feeder (123 ± 17s) and the Automatic feeder (77 ± 29s). Birds preferred eating from the Tube feeder probably due to the absence of the partition grid above the feeder plate.
Engenharia Agrícola, 2014
After hatching, pullets are transported to brooding area and vaccinated. One day old chicks have ... more After hatching, pullets are transported to brooding area and vaccinated. One day old chicks have not already developed thermoregulation ability; thus, brooding temperature variations may affect pullet quality leading to broiler meat production losses. This research aimed to calculate sensible heat loss in one day old pullets in hatching area and vaccination room. Ten one day old pullets were randomly selected from hatching area of a commercial hatchery. Infrared images were used to calculate bird surface temperature. Exposure areas for the two conditions were quantified, and both air temperature and wind speed was recorded. Total sensible heat loss was calculated as heat loss by radiation plus heat loss by convection. It was found that heat transfer occurs in different ways at different bird body parts. Total heat loss found for hatching baskets was equivalent to 0.81 J s-1 while for vaccination room was 1.16 J s-1. Pullet nutrition is based on energy loss from brooding to farm, and...
Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental, 2014
As instalações avícolas devem assegurar um ambiente de conforto térmico que proporcione ao animal... more As instalações avícolas devem assegurar um ambiente de conforto térmico que proporcione ao animal expressar todo o seu potencial genético para produção motivo pelo qual novas ferramentas estão sendo aplicadas para medir o conforto térmico animal destacando-se as câmeras termográficas. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a associação da temperatura superficial das aves com as das instalações e estimar a transferência de calor sensível. Para isto foram registradas as condições térmicas de alojamento em dois aviários com sistemas de ventilação distintos, no período de março a abril de 2011. Os aviários foram divididos em seis quadrantes para a coleta das temperaturas superficiais obtidas através de uma câmera termográfica infravermelho. Em cada quadrante também foram registradas temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa e velocidade do ar durante as coletas das imagens. Constatou-se que as temperaturas superficiais das aves estão associadas à temperatura superficial da instalação (cortina...
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT One of the biggest challenges of the meat industry is the provision of animal welfare. U... more ABSTRACT One of the biggest challenges of the meat industry is the provision of animal welfare. Under stress, several physiological changes in the animal organism as increased metabolism might occur, and that can cause change in skin temperature. Thermography allows measuring the surface temperature in a noninvasive manner, without any contact with the animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether it is possible to identify conditions of stress in pigs from thermography. Forty piglets in nursery phase photographed separately with the infrared camera of the 880 brands tested in five different situations: normal or stress-free, hungry, cold, thirst and pain. The pictures were analyzed in the Testo ® software. We obtained the maximum temperature, minimum and average area covering most of the back of the animal. ANOVA with Tukey's test (a
Scientia Agricola, 2010
Broiler chickens in Brazil are generally reared from 1 to 42 days when they are exposed to proced... more Broiler chickens in Brazil are generally reared from 1 to 42 days when they are exposed to procedures such as fasting, harvesting, crating and transport to slaughter. Maintaining homeostasis is of great importance for broiler survival under harsh environment especially prior to slaughter. Heat loss varies in the distinct parts of the body during the growth period, and it is related to the air temperature of the environment and to the amount of feather covering. This research aimed to study the surface temperature distribution using infrared thermographic image processing to characterize 42 day old broiler chicken surface temperature prior to slaughter. Broilers were reared for 42 days and prior to harvest and transport to slaughter the infrared surface temperature was recorded along the day. Data from the thermograms taken in feather and featherless regions were compared during the 42nd day of growth. High correlation between featherless regions and air temperature was found showing...
Revista Brasileira de Educação Médica, 2014
INTRODUÇÃO: Profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde atendem indivíduos deprimidos em situação... more INTRODUÇÃO: Profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde atendem indivíduos deprimidos em situação de crise e que tentam suicídio, e as atitudes em relação a esses pacientes podem ser determinantes na evolução dos casos. OBJETIVO: Verificar as atitudes de estudantes frente ao paciente suicida. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo com delineamento transversal realizado com graduandos da Faculdade de Medicina de Barbacena(MG) em 2013. Os estudantes foram divididos em dois grupos: pré-clínico e pós-clínico. O instrumento utilizado neste estudo foi o Questionário de Atitudes em Relação ao Comportamento Suicida. RESULTADOS: A comparação dos escores médios obtidos em cada grupo evidenciou diferença significativa, com maior escore apresentado pelo grupo pós-clínico (p=0,028). Esse achado indica que estudantes de períodos mais avançados exibem atitudes mais positivas em relação ao suicídio que alunos iniciantes no curso de Medicina. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que um contato maior com o paciente suicida e ...
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to classify different situations of stress from the voca... more ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to classify different situations of stress from the vocalization of pigs in the phase of motherhood. Vocalization of 40 pigs was recorded in different stress situations in the farrowing phase (without stress, heat stress, pain, restrained from nursing) . To capture the acoustic signals unidirectional microphone was used at approximately 15 cm from the mouth of the piglets. This microphone was connected to a digital recorder, and the signals were digitized at a frequency of 44,100 Hz. Sound signals were edited and analyzed using the Praat ® software. Each collected signal was divided into three samples, and from each sample, it was extracted the maximum and minimum amplitudes, the frequency of Pith; and the frequency of formants 1, 2, 3 and 4, was obtained using that attributes within the range of amplitude (the difference of the amplitudes maximum and minimum), and duration of the signal. The algorithm J48 of Weka ® software was used for determining the stress condition. It was possible to classify four levels of stress: no-stress, pain, cold and hunger from the vocalization of pigs to the farrowing phase, with 77.95% accuracy.
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm and aimed to evaluate the heat loss an... more ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in a commercial farm and aimed to evaluate the heat loss and thermoregulation parameters from lactating sows under two ventilation system (natural or evaporative cooling) and two diets (natural or adjusted electrolyte balance) in the summer. Variables related to performance and thermal regulation were recorded during the 20-day lactation. Respiratory rate was recorded along with the recording of skin surface temperature and rectal temperature in the afternoon. Calculations were performed considering the heat exchange balance. Data were analyzed using Minitab 15®. Evaporative cooling led to a reduction (p
Animals, 2013
This research aimed to analyze the possibility of assessing piglets' welfare using the records of... more This research aimed to analyze the possibility of assessing piglets' welfare using the records of their vocalization. The trial was done in a pig commercial farm, and we recorded the vocal signals from piglets in several stressful exposure situations. Data mining techniques were applied to the processed signals in order to obtain a stress classification using the recorded data. We found that, using the piglets' vocalization, it was possible to identify the most frequent stressful conditions at the farrowing phase, namely: pain, cold and hunger.
2012 IX International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES IX), 2012
This research aimed to compare two female broiler breeder ages during the incubation period regar... more This research aimed to compare two female broiler breeder ages during the incubation period regarding management using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method (AHP). This method is characterized by the possibility of analyzing a multicriteria problem and assists a decision making. This study was carried out on a commercial hatchery located in São Paulo, Brazil. Two ages of broiler breeder (42 and 56 weeks) were compared relative to production rate. Production index data were the same in both ages and were submitted to multicriteria decision analysis using the AHP method. The results indicate that broiler breeders of 42 weeks presented better performance than those of 56 week-old. The setter phase (incubation) is more critical than the hatcher. The AHP method was efficient for this analysis and can serve as a methodological basis for future studies to improve the hatchability of broilers eggs.
... sistemas. Madrid: Pearson Educación. DUBIE, Denisse 2008 IT pros sound off on managing applic... more ... sistemas. Madrid: Pearson Educación. DUBIE, Denisse 2008 IT pros sound off on managing applications, The priorities and challenges involved with managing applications En: Network World (Online). Agosto 2008. FAZZINI ...
ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a Brazilian commercial farm using 72 sows DanBred ® br... more ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a Brazilian commercial farm using 72 sows DanBred ® breed from first to fifth parity, housed individually in farrowing crates during the summer. The study began at birth and was conducted during 21 days of lactation. The alternative technologies used for dietary assessment were: (1) level of natural electrolyte balance of 175 mEq kg -1 and (2) level of adjusted electrolyte balance of 275 mEq kg -1 . We used the Analytic Hierarchy Process multicriteria analysis. To establish the criteria and ponder its respective weigth we considered the visual observations, questionnaires and general knowledge on the subject since this technique allows a qualitative and subjective, converted into quantitative results. Results suggest a better adequation to natural electrolyte balance (57.9%) in relation to the adjusted electrolyte balance (42.1%). One fact that may explain the advantage of using natural electrolyte balance it was the highest weight for the main criterion "Piglet welfare". Among the secondary criteria, natural electrolyte balance also had better weights with the exception of the "Weaning weight difference" and "Feed intake sow per kg live weight piglet". It was equal both "Mortality" and "Body temperature". It is suggested that the natural electrolyte balance was better, mainly due to the higher weight at weaning and lower mortality of piglets to lactating sows fed this diet, when considering the welfare of sows and piglets.