ABSTRACT. The objective was to identify the level of knowledge of animal protein consumers about the welfare of production animals, in Belém city, Pará State, Brazil. The survey was carried out in two supermarkets, using 401 structured questionnaires, with 10 closed questions, with a “Yes” or “No” answer, taking into consideration, for the formation of a socioeconomic profile, questions related to gender, age group, educational level and family income of the interviewees. Most consumers of animal protein from the municipality of Belém, Pará State, Brazil, recognize that these products are part of their daily diet, however, the interviewees have no knowledge about the topic, and are not willing to pay more for the product with a seal of quality, as well as showing no interest or concern with the way animals are reared or slaughtered. The age group of consumers influences the level of knowledge about the welfare of production animals, observing that consumers aged 40 to 50 years have more knowledge on the subject. Education was a decisive factor in determining the level of knowledge of animal protein consumers about the welfare of production animals, as consumers from high school had more knowledge about the subject.

Abstract Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,ω6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P<0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P<0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P<0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this research was to evaluate the behavior of twenty buffalo heifers reared during the dry season on Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The animals were distributed into two groups, those with shade (WS) and those without shade (WOS). The experimental day was divided into six shifts: morning (6:00 to 9:55 a.m.), intermediate (10:00 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.), afternoon (2:00 to 5:55 p.m.), evening (6:00 to 9:55 p.m.), night (10:00 p.m. to 1:55 a.m.), and early morning (2:00 to 5:55 a.m.). The WS group was kept in silvipastoral system paddocks, while the WOS group was kept in unshaded paddocks. Climatic data were registered and temperature and humidity index (THI) were calculated. Behavior data such as grazing, rumination, idle time, and other activities (walking, defecating, mounting, drinking water, urinating, eating salt) were evaluated. The results showed that the THI was higher in the WOS group. Grazing time was higher in the WOS group than in the WS group in the intermediate shift (p < 0.05), while in the afternoon, evening, and early morning shifts, the WS group spent more time grazing than the WOS group. In the intermediate and early morning shifts, the WS group spent more time ruminating (p < 0.05); the WS group ruminated more than the WOS group. The WOS group had more idle time, especially in the evening and early morning shifts (p < 0.05), while the WS group had more idle time in the intermediate shift (p < 0.05). We conclude that buffaloes graze and ruminate more intensely when they are reared in a shaded system on the island of Marajó.

RESUMO. A pesquisa objetivou determinar o índice de conforto térmico mais adequado para búfalos criados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil. Foram utilizados vinte búfalos Murrah. Foram registrados dados de variáveis climáticas e temperatura retal (TR), temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC) e frequência respiratória (FR), e foram calculados os índices: Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU), Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU), Índice de Conforto Térmico de Benezra (ICB), Índice de Tolerância ao Calor de Ibéria (ITCI), Índice de Condições Climáticas de Conforto para búfalos geral (BCCCIg), efetivo (BCCCIe) e prático (BCCCIp) e Índice de Conforto Ambiental para búfalos geral (BECIg), efetivo (BECIe) e prático (BECIp), nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. Foram observados valores de ITU, ITGU, TR, TSC, FR, ICB, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe e BECIp mais elevados à tarde. Os maiores valores de ITCI foram encontrados de manhã. Houve correlação positiva entre as variáveis fisiológicas e ITU, ITGU, ITCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIp, enquanto uma correlação negativa foi encontrada para TR e TSC com ITCI. Os índices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp e BECIp são eficientes para avaliar o estado de conforto térmico dos búfalos na Amazônia Oriental.

ABSTRACT. This research aimed to determine the most appropriate thermal comfort index for buffaloes reared in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil. Twenty male Murrah buffaloes were used, and data on climate variables, rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST), and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded. Subsequently, the following indices were calculated: Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), Global Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI), Benezra’s Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI), Ibéria’s Heat Tolerance Index (IHTI), the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Indices (BCCCIg, BCCCIe, and BCCCIp, respectively) and the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Environmental Comfort Indices (BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp, respectively) in the morning and afternoon. Higher values for THI, GTHI, RT, BST, RR, BTCI, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp were observed in the afternoon, and the highest IHTI values were found in the morning. A positive correlation was found among the physiological variables and THI, GTHI, BTCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, BECIp, while a negative correlation was found for RT and BST with IHTI. The indices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, and BECIp were determined to be very efficient to assess the thermal comfort status of buffaloes under the conditions of the present research.

RESUMO. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos do clima no período seco do ano, na Ilha de Marajó, Brasil, sobre as respostas termorreguladoras de vinte búfalas, divididas entre o grupo com sombra (CS) e o grupo sem sombra (SS). Os dados sobre temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar, velocidade do vento (VV), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC) foram registradas às 6h, 10h, 14h, 18h e 22h. Foram calculados o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU), índice de condições climáticas de conforto para búfalos prático (BCCCIp) e índice de conforto ambiental para búfalos prático (BECIp). Às 10h e 14 horas, a VV foi mais elevada. A FR dos animais, em ambos os tratamentos, diferiu apenas às 10h e 14h. Houve diferença na TR entre os tratamentos às 10h, 14h e 18h. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na TSC dos animais, em ambos os grupos, às 10h, 14h e 22h. O BECIp diferiu entre os grupos às 10h e às 14h, com valores maiores para o grupo SS. Os búfalos são propensos ao estresse térmico, particularmente entre 10h e 14h, quando são observados valores mais altos de TA, ITU e BCCCIp.

ABSTRACT. This research aimed to assess the effects of dry season climate variables on Marajó Island, Brazil, on the thermoregulatory responses of twenty female buffaloes, assigned to shaded (SD), and unshaded groups (US). Data on air temperature (AT), relative air humidity, wind velocity (WV), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), and body surface temperature (BST) were recorded at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. The temperature and humidity index (THI), practical buffalo comfort climatic conditions index (BCCCIp), and practical buffalo environmental comfort index (BECIp) were calculated. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., WV was the highest. The RR of animals in both treatments differed only at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A difference in RT between treatments was seen at 10 a.m., 2 a.m., and 6 p.m. Significant changes were seen in the BST of animals in both groups at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m. BECIp was different between the groups at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with higher values for the US group. Buffaloes are prone to thermal stress, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the highest values of AT, THI, and BCCCIp was observed.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify different market segments for buffalo meat with target groups defined in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. Paired samples of beef and buffalo meat were given to 447 volunteers, and a sensory analysis of the products was conducted. After the tasting, a questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic (age, educational level, marital status) and economic (household income) data as well as information on the habits of respondents and preferences regarding buffalo meat. The factors were estimated using the principal components method and the factors with characteristic roots greater than one were extracted. To check the suitability of the factorial model, Bartlett’s sphericity test and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test were used. A factor analysis was performed, identifying five factors with common variability dimensions. The study has helped identify four distinct market segments which, combined with a targeted marketing strategy, can be used to leverage the productive chain: I - Young and interested, II - Mixed and indifferent, III - Graduates and successful, and IV - Healthy women. All had positive responses to buffalo meat; clusters I and III stood out with regard to several indicators, especially those related to the preference for buffalo meat and the predisposition to purchase and include it in meals. The sensory analysis indicated that consumers showed a greater acceptance of buffalo meat based on the characteristics of flavour, colour, succulence and tenderness. The study helps to identify market segments with distinct features that, combined with a targeted marketing strategy, can be used to leverage the supply chain.

The hormonal responses of 20 female buffaloes raised under the sun (SS group) or in the shade (CS group) in Belém, Pará, Brazil, were assessed. The CS group (n = 10) was kept in a silvopasture system featuring Racosperma mangium, whereas the SS group (n = 10) was kept in paddocks without shade featuring Brachiaria humidicola, drinking water, and mineral salt. The following parameters were measured for each treatment: dry-bulb temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and black-globe temperature in order to calculate the globe temperature and humidity index (GTHI). Blood sample collections to quantitatively determine levels of cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were performed every 14 days, at 13.00 h. Different seasons of the year were also assessed: rainy (January-April), transition (May-July), and less rainy (August-December). Analysis of variance revealed that AT and the index of global temperature and humidity (GTHI) differed between groups; specifically, higher values were found in the SS group, which shows how important silvopastoral systems are in buffalo farming in tropical climates. Relative humidity was significantly different across seasons and particularly high in the rainy season. The treatments influenced cortisol such that higher values were observed in the SS group. The highest mean cortisol levels were recorded during the rainy and less rainy seasons, whereas the highest T3 and T4 levels were recorded only during the rainy season. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine were negatively correlated with AT and GTHI and positively correlated with RH. Silvopastoral systems provide thermal comfort to buffaloes, and the less rainy season is more likely to cause heat stress.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of lipid residue of biodiesel originated in the processing of palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) in the diet on the digestibility of feedlot lambs. Twenty-five crossbred male castrated lambs, weighing 20±1.61 kg, were distributed in randomized blocks with five treatments and five replications. The experimental period lasted 22 days; 15 for diet adaptation, 2 for the adaptation to the indicator LIPE (lignin from Eucalyptus grandis isolated, purified and enriched, UFMG, Minas Gerais) and 5 for fecal sampling. Diets were formulated with 64% concentrate based on corn and soybean meal, 31% Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai) hay and 5% lipid supplementation from increasing levels of substitution of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of palm oil for biodiesel oil from palm residue. The lambs were offered two meals a day, at 7h00 and 16h00. There was linear effect of inclusion of the residue from palm oil biodiesel on dry matter intake. There was no change in digestibility of nutrients except for ether extract. The use of biodiesel from palm oil residue up to 100% replacement for the lipid supplementation of sheep positively influences the consumption without altering the digestibility of nutrients.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de um sistema silvipastoril no conforto térmico de 20 búfalas Murrah, das quais 10 criadas em piquetes sem sombra (SS) e 10 com sombreamento (CS) de Racosperma mangium, em Belém, PA. Os animais foram alimentados em pasto, com Urochloa humidicola, com acesso livre à água para beber e sal mineral. A cada três dias, foram mensuradas: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de globo negro (TGN), temperatura retal (TR), frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), e a temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC), pela manhã (7h) e à tarde (13h). Os valores de TR, TSC, FR e FC foram maiores à tarde, especialmente no grupo SS. Mais altas no período menos chuvoso, a TR, TSC e FR apresentaram correlação linear positiva com a TA e o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITGU) e negativa com a UR. Tanto na estação mais chuvosa quanto na menos chuvosa, a FC apresentou correlações significativas positivas com a TA e ITGU e negativas com a UR, apenas no período mais chuvoso. A arborização da pastagem é eficiente para melhorar o conforto térmico das búfalas Murrah, principalmente à tarde.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a silvipasture system on the thermal comfort of 20 female buffaloes, from which 10 raised in under nonshaded paddocks (SS) and 10 in paddocks shaded by Racosperma mangium (CS), in Belém county, PA, Brazil. All animals were fed in pastures with Urochloa humidicola, and had free access to drinking water and mineral salt. Every three days, measurements were made for air temperature (TA), relative humidity ( UR ), black globe temperature (TGN), rectal temperature (TR), respiratory rate (FR), heart rate (FC), and body surface temperature (TSC), in the morning (7 AM) and in the afternoon (1 PM). The values of TR, TSC, RR and FR, mainly for the SS group, were higher in the afternoon. The TR, TSC and FR showed a significant and positive correlation with TA and the temperature and humidity index (ITGU), and a negative correlation with UR . These correlations were higher for the less rainy period. The FR showed significant and positive correlations with TA and ITGU, during both the most and the less rainy seasons, and negative correlations with UR only in the rainy season. The forestation of pasture areas is efficient to increase the thermal comfort for Murrah females, especially in the afternoon.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de sistemas silvipastoris como ferramenta de manejo para manter as características fisiológicas de búfalas leiteiras e promover mais altos níveis de conforto térmico. Foram avaliadas 56 fêmeas adultas (79±44,12 meses; 575±92,90 kg): 30 em sistema silvipastoril sem sombra útil e 26 em sistema silvipastoril com 19,9% de sombra útil. Foram mensuradas semanalmente: frequência cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal e índice de conforto animal. As médias foram comparadas por análise de variância e as variáveis meteorológicas e fisiológicas foram correlacionadas pelo método de Pearson. O sombreamento diminuiu significativamente a frequência cardíaca e a temperatura retal. Em 71,4% das observações, os animais mantidos em sistema silvipastoril com sombreamento apresentaram índices de conforto próximos ao ideal. O sombreamento mantém os parâmetros fisiológicos de búfalas leiteiras mais próximos da normalidade e melhora o índice de conforto animal. A adoção de sistemas silvipastoris na produção de bubalinos, na região tropical, pode evitar gastos energéticos com termólise.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of silvipastural systems as a management option to maintain physiological features of dairy buffaloes and to provide higher levels of thermal comfort. Fifty-six adult females (79±44.12 months; 575±92.90 kg) were evaluated: 30 in an unshaded silvipastural system and 26 in a silvipastural system with 19.9% of shaded area. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature and animal comfort index were evaluated weekly. Means were submitted to analysis of variance, and meteorological and physiological data were correlated by Pearson's method. Shading significantly reduced heart rate and rectal temperature. In 71.4% of the observations, the animals kept in the silvipastural system with shaded area showed thermal comfort index closer to the ideal level. Shading maintains the physiological parameters of dairy buffaloes closer to normal, and improves the animal comfort index. The adoption of silvipastural systems for buffalo production in tropical areas can avoid energy loss due to thermolysis.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Foram avaliadas as respostas hematológicas de 20 búfalas, criadas ao sol (grupo - SS) e à sombra (grupo - CS), em Belém, Pará. Os animais do grupo CS (n = 10) estavam em sistema silvipastoril, com Racosperma mangium e os do SS (n = 10), em piquetes sem sombra, em pastagem de Brachiaria humidicola, água para beber e sal mineral. Foram mensuradas temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR) e temperatura de globo negro, em cada tratamento. A coleta de sangue para eritrograma e número total de leucócitos foi realizada a cada 14 dias, às 13 h, durante o ano de 2009. Através da análise de variância constatou-se que em todos os períodos do ano, a TA e índice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) foram diferentes (P < 0,05), com níveis mais elevados no grupo SS. No período mais chuvoso, o grupo CS apresentou valores elevados de leucócitos, enquanto nos períodos de transição e menos chuvoso, foram maiores no grupo SS. No período menos chuvoso do ano, o grupo SS apresentou maiores valores de hemácias. O teor de hemoglobina teve maiores níveis (P < 0,05) nos períodos de transição e menos chuvoso. Somente a hemoglobina teve correlação significativa e negativa (P < 0,05) com a UR. Conclui-se que as novilhas búfalas Murrah estão sujeitas a um ambiente hostil e o período menos chuvoso é o mais propício a causar estresse térmico.

We evaluated the hematologic responses of 20 female buffaloes raised under full sun (group NS) and shade (group SG) at Belem, Para , Brazil. The animals in the SG group (n = 10) were maintained in paddocks under a silvopastoral system with Racosperma mangium, and the ones in the NS (n = 10), in paddocks with Brachiaria humidicola, with drinking water and mineral salt, but without access to shade. Air temperature (AT), relative air humidity (RH) and black global temperature (BGT) were measured for each treatment. Blood sampling for erythrogram and leukocyte count were undertaken at intervals of 14 days, and carried out at 1:00 p.m., during 2009. AT and black global temperature and humidity index (BGHI) were different (P < 0.05) throughout the year, and their highest values were observed in the NS group. During the rainier period, the SG group presented the highest values of leukocytes (P < 0.05), although in the transition and low rainy periods, the highest values were observed in the NS group. In the low rainy period, the erythrocytes count showed the highest values in the NS group. The highest levels of hemoglobin (P < 0.05) were observed during the transition and low rainy periods. Only hemoglobin presented a significant and negative (P < 0.05) correlation with RH. We concluded that the female Murrah buffaloes are subject to a hostile environment, and that the low rainy period is the most favorable for causing heat stress.

A pecuária é uma atividade de índices produtivos satisfatórios na região amazônica. Entretanto, alguns ruminantes são mantidos, na sua maioria, em pastagens implantadas em solos de baixa fertilidade, sujeitas a estresses climáticos, com reflexos negativos na disponibilidade e valor nutritivo da forragem produzida. Nesse aspecto, inovações tecnológicas adequadas à região, contribuirão para elevação dos padrões produtivos, através da intensificação no uso de suplementação alimentar, com leguminosas adaptadas. A leguminosa Pueraria phaseoloides apresenta diversas vantagens como cultura intercalar, destacando-se: melhor conservação do solo, alta produção de massa verde, alta concentração de proteínas nas suas folhas, dentre outras. Assim, essa leguminosa desponta como alternativa na suplementação alimentar de ruminantes, devido ao seu potencial forrageiro.

The animal production is a satisfactory index activity in the Amazon region. Ruminants are mainly kept on pastures cultivated, in soil of low fertility, submited to climatic stresses, with negative consequences on the availability and nutritional value of forage produced. In this aspect, technological innovations adjusted to the region will contribute to rise the productive standards of the cattle, by the intensification in the use of feed supplementation, with adapted leguminous. The Pueraria phaseoloides leguminous presents many advantages as a culture to intercalate, being distinguished as having better conservation of the ground, high production of green mass, high protein content of the leaf and other advantages. Thus, 'pueraria' is as an alternative for feed supplementation of ruminants, due to its forage potential.

Os sistemas agroflorestais são arranjos de técnicas alternativas de uso de solo, combinando espécies florestais, culturas agrícolas e atividades pecuárias. Os sistemas silvipastoris são alternativas menos impactantes, auxiliam na reversão de áreas alteradas e contribuem para elevar a biodiversidade. Eles exploram eficientemente os recursos naturais, controlam o processo erosivo, melhoram a estrutura do solo e equilibram a atividade dos microorganismos, promovem a formação de pastagens de melhor qualidade, além de que proporcionam ambiência animal em função do sombreamento das pastagens. Também servem como barreira contra os ventos, diminuindo o estresse térmico e melhorando o desempenho animal. Esta revisão bibliográfica descreve o sistema silvipastoril como estratégia de manejo de búfalos, visando elevar seu desempenho produtivo.

Agroforestry systems are alternative techniques for the soil used, involving forest species, agricultural crops and livestock. Silvopastoral Systems are a less aggressive alternative, contributing to the reversion of altered areas and to raise biodiversity. These systems explore natural resources, controlled erosive process, improve the soil structure and balance the microorganisms activity, promote better quality of the pastures, providing animal ambience, due to the efficient shade of pastures. Thus, provide barrier against the winds, decreasing thermal stress and improving animal performance. This review describes the silvopastoral system as a strategy for management of buffaloes, aiming to raise productive performance.