Beef cattle welfare: The role of Integrated Systems in animal adaptation and productivity

Daniela Maria Martin^1*Renata Franciéli Moraes²Barbara Elis Santos Ruthes²Leandro Bittencourt Oliveira²Anibal Moraes²

• ¹Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
• ²Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, Brazil

The domestication of cattle has shaped their adaptation to livestock environments, although management conditions often limit their welfare and productivity. This study evaluated whether integrated livestock-forestry (LF) systems improve the behavior, welfare, and productivity of beef cattle compared to conventional livestock systems (L). Eighteen Angus steers were monitored for ten consecutive months on continuous grazing, and welfare indicators were assessed using the welfare criteria of the Welfare Quality® protocol, but with measures adapted to the grazing conditions. The results showed that, although both systems ensured adequate feeding, health, and rest conditions, the animals in the LF system performed better in thermal comfort and human-animal interaction. Specifically, cattle in the LF system had a 2.5°C lower body surface temperature, a 63% smaller flight zone, and an 85% lower reactivity score than cattle in the L system. Average daily weight gain and body condition score did not differ between the systems, indicating that improvements in welfare did not compromise productivity. These results demonstrate that integrated systems improve adaptive behaviors and animal comfort, providing a sustainable approach to balancing animal welfare with production efficiency.