The Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (CTVM) pulling its weight in the field of draught animal research

SummaryDraught animal research carried out by scientists at the Centre for Topical Veterinary Medicine (CTVM) in Edinburgh and overseas is reviewed and the major findings are reported. The remit for the work has been to provide basic information on draught animals which can be applied by researchers and extension workers to their own geographic situations. Instrumentation is described which has been designed and manufactured to assist in the measurement of draught animal performance, particularly work output and energy consumption. Energy requirements of cattle, buffaloes and equids for work and ways in which these can be met from feed intake and body reserves reported. Studies on heat stress and diseases, 2 of the constraints to work performance, are also described.RésuméLa recherche sur les animaux de trait, menée par les scientifiques de CTVM à Edimbourg ou à l'étranger est passée en revue et les principales conclusions sont données. L'objectif du travail a été de donner des informations de base sur les animaux de trait, qui puissent être utilisées par les chercheurs et autres professionnels selon leur situation géographique. Le materiel, qui a été conçut et fabriqué pour mesurer les performances des animaux de trait, est décrit ici, principalement en matière de rendement et de consommation d'énergie. Les besoins énergétiques du bétail, des buffles et des équidés pour le travail et les moyens utilisés à partir de la nourriture et des réserves du corps, sont ici présentés, de même que le recherche sur les vaches, les buffles et les croisements de boeufs qui conviennent le mieux pour le travail. Des études sur le stress thermique et les maladies, deux des facteurs limitant la performance du travail, sont aussi décrites.ResumenEl artículo ofrece una revisión de los principales resultados obtenidos en la investigación sobre el uso de animales de tiro, tanto en el CTVM como en otros centros. El objectivo del trabajo ha sido obtener información sobre el uso de animales de tiro que pueda ser aplicada por otros investigadores y extensionistas en sa proplo ambito gengrafico. Se describe el material que ha sido diseñado y construído para facilitar los estudios sobre el uso de animales de tiro, particularmente sobre su consumo de energía y su rendimiento en el trabajo. Se discuten las necesidades energéticas del ganado vacuno, équidos y búfalos utilizados como animales de tiro, así como la forma en que dichas necesidades pueden ser satisfechas a partir de las reservas corporales y del consumo de alimento. Finalmente, se describen los trabajos realizados sobre la capacidad de trabajo del ganado vacuno, búfalos y bueyes procedentes de cruces, asi como sobre sus principales enfermedades y sobre el efecto del estrés por calor.

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