ABSTRACT The large majority of broiler houses use two types of systems: dark-house system - DHP, and tunnel with curtain system - ATC. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association and the prevalence of locomotion issues in the broiler commercial farming systems (DHP and ATC). For assessing the thermal environment and the litter quality, a completely random design was adopted using two factors (broiler houses, DHP and ATC) with 12 repetitions. To study the surface temperature of the broiler breast, and the locomotion ability (gait score) a completely randomized design was adopted in a double factorial scheme 2 × 2 (two houses typology vs. sex) with 24 repetitions. To verify whether the type of house and the sex were associated to broiler locomotion problems due to the lack in walking ability, and the presence of medular compression (spondylolisthesis) the logistic regression was applied to the analysis: odds ratio and relative risk. The chance of the poultry to present inability of walking was 3.80 times higher in the male population. The risk factor associated with the lack of walking ability of the poultry was correlated to the tunnel house with curtains, presenting a relative risk 1.58 times higher when compared to the dark-house with walls. There was not the relative risk of medular compression (spondylolisthesis) neither was found an association between the poultry’ sex and the type of house. The reduction in the male broiler locomotion ability might be associated with the rearing in the housing tunnel with curtains.

ABSTRACT The global animal production is increasing as expected to meet world demand for food, especially for meat products. This research aimed to investigate the effect of two types of roofs (clay and fiber-cement tiles) in a tropical area on the thermal comfort of farrowing sows and piglets. Twelve sows and forty-eight piglets were observed during summer in the Southeast region of Brazil. Climate variables, thermal comfort and surface temperature (sows and piglets) were assessed. The type of roofs clearly affected the piglets' surface temperature during all studied periods, but the results were not similar in the sows' surface temperature. Temperature and humidity index found was high in the building with fiber-cement tiles. The pen location in the housing also influenced the piglet surface temperature. Controlling temperature fluctuation in piglet housing is crucial; therefore, providing adequate rearing environment in tropical condition might help pig productivity as well as farmer profitability.

RESUMOA luz é importante fator ambiental para aves permitindo não só a visão, mas também influenciando as respostas fisiológicas, como a atividade comportamental e reprodutiva. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o impacto de diferentes cores de luz monocromática (LED) na produção de galinhas durante o segundo ciclo de postura. O estudo foi realizado em um galpão de postura experimental, durante 70 dias. Um total de 300 galinhas poedeiras da genética Isa Brown®, com idades de 95 semanas, no segundo ciclo de postura foi utilizado no estudo. As fontes de luz artificial utilizadas foram azul, amarelo, verde, vermelho e branco. O regime de luz era iluminação contínua de 17 h por dia (12 h natural: 5 h artificial), em regime de luz de 17L:7E (luz: escuridão). O delineamento estatístico adotado foi de quadrado latino, com cinco tratamentos (cinco cores), dividido em cinco períodos e cinco parcelas com seis repetições de dez aves em cada parcela. A produção e a qualidade dos ovos foram avaliadas. As diferentes cores de fonte de luz não afetaram os parâmetros de produção nem a qualidade dos ovos (p > 0,05). A fonte monocromática de luz LED pode ser considerada uma alternativa para a iluminação artificial em galinhas poedeiras durante o segundo ciclo de produção.

ABSTRACTLight is an important environmental factor for birds, allowing not only their vision, but also influencing their physiological responses, such as behavioral and reproductive activity. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of different colors of monochromatic light (LED) sources in laying hens production during the second laying cycle. The study was conducted in an experimental laying house during 70 days. A total of 300 laying hens Isa Brown® genetic strain, aged 95 weeks, in the second laying cycle were used in the study. The artificial light sources used were blue, yellow, green, red and white. The light regimen was continuous illumination of 17 h per day (12 h natural and 5 h artificial) in a daily light regimen of 17L:5D (light: dark). The Latin Square design was adopted with five treatments (five colors) divided into five periods, and five boxes, with six replicates of ten birds in each box. The production and egg quality were evaluated. The different colors of light source did not affect production parameters or egg quality (p > 0.05). The monochromatic light source may be considered as an alternative to artificial lighting in laying hens during the second production cycle.

Objetivo. Se realizó un estudio para evaluar el rendimiento y la concentración de urea en plasma (PUN) de los cerdos machos de medio potencial genético de carne magra en la canal sometidos a la inmunocastración. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 45 cerdos de 70 días de edad Landrace x Large White. Los animales se distribuyeron en un diseño completamente al azar con tres tratamientos: machos castrados, hembras y machos inmunocastrados. Cada tratamiento consistió en tres repeticiones, con cinco animales por réplica. El período experimental fue de 70 días, divididos en las etapas de crecimiento (70 a 110 días de edad) y terminación (111 a 140 días de edad). Los cerdos fueron pesados cuatro veces: al inicio del experimento, en la primera dosis de vacuna de inmunocastración (80 días de edad), en la segunda dosis de la vacuna de inmunocastración (110 días de edad) y antes de el sacrificio (140 días de edad). Las muestras de sangre se recogieron en el mismo día en que se pesaron los animales. Resultados. Entre 80 y 110 días de edad, hubo un aumento en la cantidad de PUN, sólo para machos castrados y hembras. No hubo diferencias en la ganancia de peso entre los grupos en ninguno de los períodos estudiados. Machos inmunocastrados tuvieron menor consumo de alimento que las hembras y éstas mostraron un menor consumo que los machos castrados. En 110 días de edad, los animales inmunocastrados mostraron la conversión de alimento similar a las hembras y mejor que los machos castrados. Sin embargo, después de la segunda dosis de la vacuna, la conversión alimenticia fue similar entre los grupos. Conclusiones. Los beneficios de inmunocastración son prominentes en animales con bajo a médio potencial genético.

Objective. A study was carried out to evaluate the performance and the plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) of male pigs of medium genetic potential for lean meat deposition in carcass, which underwent immunocastration. Materials and methods. Forty-five seventy-days old Large White x Landrace crossbred were used. The pigs were distributed in a randomized design in three treatments: castrated males, females and immunocastrated males. Each treatment group was replicated three times with five pigs per replicate. The trial period was of 70 days, divided into phases of growing (70 to 110 days old) and finishing (111 to 140 days old). The pigs were weighed four times: at the beginning of the trial, at the first immunocastration vaccine dose (80 days old), at the second immunocastration vaccine dose (110 days old) and just before slaughter (140 days old). Blood samples were taken on the same day that the animals were weighed. Results. Between 80 and 110 days old, there was an increase in PUN value, only for castrated males and females. No differences were found in weight gain between the studied groups within the periods. Immunocastrated males had lower feed intake than females and these had a lower feed intake than castrated males. To 110 days old, immunocastrated animals showed feed conversion ratio similar to females and better than castrated males. However, after the second dose of the vaccine, feed conversion was similar between groups. Conclusions. The benefits of immunocastration are prominent in animals with low to medium genetic potential.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del número de partos y el suplemento de aceite de coco en lechones recien nacidos. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 51 cerdas de diferentes partos y sus 642 lechones. Cada lechón se pesó y se identificó al nacer en orden secuencial. Fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos (CG = control y TG=tratamiento). Lechones TG tenían el primer acceso a una dosis de 3.0 ml de aceite de coco 12 horas después del nacimiento, y el segunda a las 36 h después de la primera. Los lechones fueron pesados a los 21 días. Con el fin de analizar el efecto de los suplementos de aceite de coco con relación al peso al nacer. Los lechones fueron agrupados de acuerdo con su peso (0.600 a 0.900 kg; 1.000 a 1.499 kg; 1.500 a 1.999 kg y 2.000 a 2.499 kg). Resultados. El número de partos afectó el peso y el número de lechones nacidos. Cerdas en cuarto, quinto y séptimo parto, tuvieron una camada mayor que las de segundo parto. Las cerdas de segundo y tercer parto tuvieron menor número de lechones y con peso mayor. No se encontró efecto del suplemento de aceite de coco en el desarrollo de los lechones recién nacidos. Conclusiones. Lo aceite de coco no es favorable para los lechones recién nacidos, tampoco para aquellos con el bajo peso al nacer, que normalmente presentan la energía corporal baja.

Objective. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sows' of different parities and the supplement of coconut oil for piglets, on the development of litter. Materials and methods. A total of 51 sows of different parities and their 642 piglets were used in the trial. Each piglet was weighed and identified at birth in a sequential order. They were randomly distributed in two treatments (CG=control group and TG=test group). TG piglets had the first access to a dosage of 3.0 ml of coconut oil 12 hours after birth, and the second at 36 h after the first. Piglets were weighed at 21 days. In order to analyze the effect of the coconut oil supplement as a function of the weight at birth, piglets were grouped according to their weight (0.600 to 0.900 kg; 1.000 to 1.499kg; 1.500 to 1.999 kg; and 2.000 to 2.499 kg). Results. Sows parity affected the number and weight of born piglets. Sows in 4th, 5th and 7th parity had a larger litter than those from the 2nd parity. Sows from 2nd and 3rd parity had a lower number of piglets but heavier litter. No effect of the coconut oil supplement on neonatal piglets' performance was found. Conclusions. The coconut meal was neither beneficial to neonatal piglets nor to those with low weight at birth, which usually present low body energy.

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de investigar a incidência de carne PSE (pale, soft and exudative) em suínos abatidos em um abatedouro comercial, localizado em Mato Grosso do Sul, no período de maio de 2009 a julho de 2010. A partir do banco de dados (n = 854 carcaças), aplicou-se a regressão logística múltipla com a finalidade de desenvolver um modelo para constatar a influência das variáveis selecionadas na probabilidade de risco de incidência de carne PSE. Desta forma, a variável dependente foi construída pela identificação de carne PSE em carcaças de suínos com valores de pH45 inferior ou igual a 5,8. Para obtenção do modelo com maior capacidade de predição foram aplicados o método de máxima verossimilhança para estimação de parâmetros e a técnica stepwise para seleção de variáveis explicativas. As variáveis selecionadas com maior poder de predição foram: temperatura de carcaça, tempo de embarque, velocidade média durante o transporte e o tempo de descanso médio dos animais nas baias. O modelo obtido apresentou capacidade de predição de 91,8%.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of PSE (Pale, Soft and Exudative) meat in pigs slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse located in the Mato Grosso do Sul, from May 2009 to July 2010. Based on a database (n = 854 carcasses), multiple logistic regression was applied for the purpose of developing a model to verify the effect of the selected variables on the probable risk of occurrence of PSE meat. Thus, the dependent variable was constructed through the identification of PSE meat in pig carcasses with pH45 values less than or equal to 5.8. In addition, the maximum likelihood method for estimation of parameters and the stepwise technique for selection of covariates were applied to obtain the model with the highest predictive ability. The variables selected with the greatest predictive capability were: carcass temperature, time of shipping, average speed during transport and the average resting time of the animals in the stalls. The obtained model presented predictive capability of 91.8%.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de identificar diferenças no padrão de vocalização em função do sexo dos animais e diferentes situações de estresse. Foram utilizados 150 animais machos castrados e 150 fêmeas (linhagem Dalland®), com 100 dias de idade. Os suínos foram submetidos a diferentes situações de estresse: sede (animais sem acesso à água), fome (suínos sem acesso ao alimento), estresse térmico (ITU superior a 74) e BEA (animais com alimento e água, com ITU abaixo de 70). Foram registrados os sinais acústicos a cada 30 minutos, totalizando seis coletas para cada situação de estresse. Posteriormente, os áudios foram analisados pelo software Praat® 5.1.19, gerando um espectro sonoro. Para a determinação das condições de estresse, os dados foram processados no programa computacional WEKA® 3.5, utilizando o algoritmo de árvore de decisão C4.5, conhecido como J48 no ambiente do programa computacional WEKA®, considerando validação cruzada com amostras de 10% (10-fold cross-validation). De acordo com a Árvore de Decisão, o atributo acústico mais importante para a classificação das condições de estresse foi a Intensidade do som (nó raiz). Não foi possível identificar o sexo dos animais pelo registro vocal, utilizando os atributos testados. Foi gerada uma árvore de decisão para reconhecimento de situação de fome, sede e estresse térmico em suínos, a partir de registros da intensidade do som, da frequência de Pitch e da Formante 1.

This study aimed to identify differences in swine vocalization pattern according to animal gender and different stress conditions. A total of 150 barrow males and 150 females (Dalland® genetic strain), aged 100 days, were used in the experiment. Pigs were exposed to different stressful situations: thirst (no access to water), hunger (no access to food), and thermal stress (THI exceeding 74). For the control treatment, animals were kept under a comfort situation (animals with full access to food and water, with environmental THI lower than 70). Acoustic signals were recorded every 30 minutes, totaling six samples for each stress situation. Afterwards, the audios were analyzed by Praat® 5.1.19 software, generating a sound spectrum. For determination of stress conditions, data were processed by WEKA® 3.5 software, using the decision tree algorithm C4.5, known as J48 in the software environment, considering cross-validation with samples of 10% (10-fold cross-validation). According to the Decision Tree, the acoustic most important attribute for the classification of stress conditions was sound Intensity (root node). It was not possible to identify, using the tested attributes, the animal gender by vocal register. A decision tree was generated for recognition of situations of swine hunger, thirst, and heat stress from records of sound intensity, Pitch frequency, and Formant 1.

Este trabalho objetivou investigar a influência do manejo pré-abate na incidência de carne PSE (Pale, Soft and Exudative), em suínos abatidos em um abatedouro comercial, localizado na região metropolitana de Dourados-MS. A partir do banco de dados (n=1.832 carcaças), aplicou-se análise multivariada integrada, com a finalidade de identificar, dentre as variáveis selecionadas, quais representavam maior relevância para o estudo. Os resultados da Análise de Componentes Principais indicaram que os cinco primeiros componentes explicaram 89,28% da variância total. Na Análise de Fatores, o primeiro fator representou as condições fatigantes e de estresse térmico para os suínos, durante o manejo pré-abate. De modo geral, o estudo indicou a importância das etapas do manejo pré-abate, evidenciando aquelas que representam maior estresse e ameaça ao bem-estar animal e à qualidade da carne suína, quais sejam: o tempo de transporte, de descanso médio nas baias, de espera no pátio, de descarregamento e ambiência.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the occurrence of PSE (Pale, Soft, and Exudative) meat in swine slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse located in the metropolitan region of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Based on the database (n=1,832 carcasses), it was possible to apply the integrated multivariate analysis for the purpose of identifying, among the selected variables, those of greatest relevance to this study. Results of the Principal Component Analysis showed that the first five components explained 89.28% of total variance. In the Factor Analysis, the first factor represented the thermal stress and fatiguing conditions for swine during pre-slaughter handling. In general, this study indicated the importance of the pre-slaughter handling stages, evidencing those of greatest stress and threat to animal welfare and pork quality, which are transport time, resting period, lairage time before unloading, unloading time, and ambience.

A utilização de lâmpadas de diodo emissor de luz (LED) tem-se destacado na avicultura por apresentar economia de energia e proporcionar viabilidade do processo de criação. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte expostos a diferentes cores de LED, em comparação às lâmpadas fluorescentes. Para isso, foram realizados dois experimentos (E1 e E2) utilizando 2.646 aves da linhagem Cobb®, em que, no experimento E1, as aves (machos) foram expostas à iluminação artificial (20 lux) com LED vermelho, amarelo, azul, branco e lâmpada fluorescente, e no experimento E2, as aves (machos e fêmeas) foram expostas à iluminação artificial (15 lux) com LED vermelho e azul, e lâmpada fluorescente. Como variáveis respostas, foram medidos o ganho de peso acumulado (kg), o consumo de ração (kg), a conversão alimentar, o peso de carcaça quente (kg), o rendimento de carcaça (%) e de peito, e a coxa-sobrecoxa (%). Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença (p > 0,05) entre os tratamentos para desempenho e rendimento de carcaça e cortes, no experimento E1. No experimento E2, houve diferença apenas entre os sexos (p < 0,05), com machos apresentando maior ganho de peso acumulado, maior consumo de ração, maior peso de carcaça quente e maior rendimento de coxa-sobrecoxa. Pode-se concluir que a utilização de LED, nas diferentes cores, apresentou o mesmo efeito das lâmpadas fluorescentes sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte.

Light emitting diode (LED) has been used in commercial poultry industry by presenting superior energy savings and providing feasibility on production process. The objective of this research was to evaluate performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens exposed to different LED colors compared with fluorescent lamps. For that, two experiments (E1 and E2) were performed and 2,646 Cobb® chickens were used. In experiment E1, male birds were exposed to 20 lux artificial lighting with red, yellow, blue, and white LED bulbs; and fluorescent bulb. In experiment E2, male and female birds were exposed to 15 lux artificial lighting with red and blue LED bulbs; and fluorescent bulb. Cumulative weight gain (kg), feed intake (kg), feed conversion, hot carcass weight (kg), carcass yield (%), and breast and thigh + drumstick yield (%) were used as response variables. Results showed no difference (p > 0.05) among treatments for performance, carcass yield, and cut yield in experiment E1. In experiment E2 there was only difference between genders (p < 0.05) and males showed higher total weight gain, feed intake, hot carcass weight and thigh + drumstick yield. Different LED color use had same effect as fluorescent lights on broiler performance and carcass yield.

A produção de frangos de corte é altamente dependente do uso de luz artificial. A fonte de luz pode influenciar a eficiência do ambiente de alojamento, devido ao aumento da temperatura ambiente e da concentração de gases nocivos. A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso de diferentes tipos de lâmpadas em aviários de frangos de corte, sobre o ambiente térmico, aéreo e acústico. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda comercial no Município de Dourados, MS, Brasil. Três aviários foram utilizados e dois lotes de frangos machos da linhagem Cobb® foram criados a partir do primeiro dia até o abate. Os aviários foram equipados com uma fonte de luz diferente, sendo cada um deles um tratamento adotado (A1 - lâmpada incandescente, controle; A2 - lâmpada de vapor de sódio misturado; A3 - lâmpada fluorescente). Os aviários foram divididos em nove quadrantes e os dados ambientais (temperatura ambiente de bulbo seco e umidade relativa), a temperatura da superfície da cama, as concentrações de CO2 e NH3 e o comportamento da pressão sonora de aves foram registrados dentro dos quadrantes. O aviário usando lâmpada incandescente apresentou maior temperatura do ar e da cama, bem como o aumento da concentração de gases, do que as alternativas testadas. Este também apresentou maior nível de pressão sonora na segunda semana do período de crescimento dos frangos, no entanto, desta idade até o peso de abate, não foi encontrada nenhuma influência da fonte de luz sobre os resultados do nível de pressão sonora das aves.

Broiler production is highly dependent on the use of artificial light. The light source may affect the effectiveness of housing conditions due to increasing ambient temperature and concentration of noxious gases. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different bulb types on the thermal, aerial, and acoustic environment of broiler aviaries. The experiment was carried out at a commercial broiler farm in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Three aviaries were used, and two flocks of male broilers from Cobb® genetic strain were reared from the first day to slaughter. Each aviary was equipped with a different light source, comprising the adopted treatments (A1 - incandescent light bulb, control; A2 - sodium vapor light bulb; A3 - fluorescent light bulb). The aviaries were divided into nine quadrants, and the environmental data (ambient dry bulb temperature and relative humidity), litter surface temperature, CO2 and NH3 concentrations, and bird sound pressure behavior were recorded in each quadrant. The aviary with incandescent light presented higher air and litter temperatures, and concentration of gases than the other tested alternatives. It also presented higher level of sound pressure in the second week of the growing period; however, from this period up to slaughter, there was no effect of the light source on the results of broiler sound pressure level.

Objetivo. La investigación se llevó a cabo para evaluar las principales razones de la condena de canales de cerdo, así como las pérdidas financieras causadas por estas en un beneficiadero comercial ubicado en Dourados, MS, Brazil. Materiales y métodos. Los datos relacionados con la condena de canales, para los años 2007 a 2009, se obtuvieron en un matadero comercial, situado en Dourados, MS, Brazil y fueron convertidos en porcentaje del número total de animales sacrificados durante el período. Se consideraron todas las causas de condena de canales observadas, total y parcial, y las principales (más frecuentes), fueron agrupadas por tipo (pleuresía + neumonía, enteritis, artritis, abscesos, fracturas / hematomas + contusiones + muerte). La pérdida financiera por parte del matadero se estimó utilizando los datos de condena. Resultados. El índice total de condena de canales fue bajo y se mantuvo estable a lo largo de los años (<0.45%). Las causas más frecuentes de condena durante el período de estudio fueron los abscesos y las muertes en el transporte, que en conjunto representaron el 40% de todas las condenas. Los problemas de salud relacionados con la condena tendieron a reducir o estabilizarse a lo largo de los años. Sin embargo, las condenas por problemas de manejo (abscesos, fracturas, contusiones y muertes) presentaron un aumento significativo. La pérdida promedio de la empresa, de acuerdo con la condena de canales fue superior a U$ 1.600.000 durante los años estudiados. Conclusiones. Los principales motivos de condena de canales provienen de fallas en la gestión. La suma anualmente de pérdidas de la empresa podría invertirse en la capacitación de mano de obra para reducir los índices de condena de canales.

Objective. The research was conducted to evaluate the main causes of carcass condemnation, as well as the financial loss caused by it, at a commercial slaughterhouse located in Dourados, MS, Brazil. Materials and methods. The data related to carcass condemnation, for the years 2007 to 2009 was obtained from a commercial slaughterhouse, located in the city of Dourados, MS, Brazil, and turned into a percentage of the total number of animals slaughtered during that period. The most frequent causes of carcass condemnation (total or partial) were grouped into classes (pleurisy + pneumonia; enteritis; arthritis; abscesses; fractures/hematomas + contusions + death). The financial loss by the slaughterhouse was estimated using the condemnation data. Results. The total rate of carcass condemnation was low and tended to stability (<0.45%). The most prevalent causes of condemnation during the study period were abscesses and death in the transport, which together accounted for approximately 40% of all condemnation. The condemnation due to health problems tended to decrease or to be stable over the years. However, the condemnations caused by management problems (abscesses, fractures, contusions and death) showed a significant increase. The average loss to the integrative company according to the carcasses condemnation was exceeding U$1,600,000.00 in the years studied. Conclusions. The main causes of carcass condemnation come from management failure. The annual loss by the company can be invested in the training of manpower in order to reduce the rates of carcass condemnation.

Foi conduzido um experimento para avaliar o comportamento, desempenho e parâmetros fisiológicos de suínos, em diferentes sistemas de produção. Foram utilizados 24 suínos em crescimento, distribuídos em delineamento casualizado, nos tratamentos: T1 - piso de concreto; T2 - cama sobreposta com maravalha; T3 - cama sobreposta com casca de café. Realizou-se observação do comportamento animal, por oito horas ininterruptas, ao longo de sete semanas. Foram caracterizadas as proporções de tempo dedicadas a cada comportamento, utilizando a composição de histograma de frequência. Foram mensurados parâmetros ambientais (ITGU), fisiológicos (temperatura retal e de superfície e frequência respiratória) e de desempenho dos animais (ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar) durante o período. Os sistemas de produção sobre cama proporcionaram maiores valores de ITGU. Não houve efeito dos sistemas avaliados sobre os parâmetros de desempenho. A temperatura retal foi superior nos animais criados sobre cama de casca de café, em relação ao piso de concreto. O uso de camas sobrepostas beneficiou o comportamento de leitões em fase de crescimento e reduziu o comportamento agonístico entre indivíduos.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the behavior, performance and physiological parameters of pigs in different production systems. Twenty four animals in the growth phase were distributed in a randomized block design in three treatments: T1 - concrete floor, T2 - deep bedding with wood shaving, and T3 - deep bedding with coffee husks. The behavioral study was carried out by observing the animal behavior for an uninterrupted period of eight hours throughout seven weeks. The proportions of time spent in each behavior were characterized using the frequency histogram composition. Environmental (IBGTH), physiological (rectal and skin temperature and respiratory rate) and performance (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion) parameters were measured in animals during the period. The production systems of deep bedding showed higher values of IBGTH. There was no effect of production systems evaluated on the performance parameters. Rectal temperature was higher in animals reared on deep bedding with coffee husks in relation to the concrete floor. The use of deep bedding benefited the behavior of piglets in the growth phase and it reduced the agonistic behavior among individuals.