LAUSR

The use of the entry time, chute score, and exit velocity as tools for the assessment water buffaloes (WB) temperament were used. Seventy-five non-castrated WB (390±32 days of age; 310±61.27 kg of initial body weight) of 3 genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah; n = 25 for each GG) were used. The WB arrived at research center (-28d) and were submitted to 28 days of adaptation period to the feedlot facilities, diet, and handling. On day 0, the temperament variables were collected, namely: entry time into squeeze chute (by chronometer); chute score (5-point scale:1=calm animals; 5=very reactive animals); and, exit velocity (by infrared sensors). Subsequently, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and analyzed for serum levels of cortisol using radioimmunoassay technique; and, rectal temperature was recorded. The individual temperament score (TSc) was calculated averaging entry time score (5-point scale:1=greater time spent, and 5=less time spent), chute score, and exit velocity score (5-point scale:1=lower speed; 5=higher speed). Data were subjected to a stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) using the STEPDISC procedure in SAS. The value of P < 0.01 was stipulated to consider and include the variable in the model. The respective data of the selected variables were submitted to multivariate analysis of variance using the GLM procedure in SAS. The GG were added to the model to test the possible effect. Correlation analysis was performed using CORR procedure in SAS. The SDA used three steps and selected only the entry time and exit velocity scores (Table 1). Positive correlations were verified between the TSc and cortisol (r=0.37; P = 0.02), and TSc and rectal temperature (r=0.36; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the entry time and exit velocity may be tools for the assessment of water buffalo temperament and their use should be tested in animals of different categories. Supported by FAPESP (#2018/25939-1; #2014/05473-7).