Indicadores de sanidade em sistema de confinamento de bovinos de corte no estado de goiás: análise SWAT

Abstract

The intensification of beef cattle production through feedlot systems has increased sanitary challenges related to beef cattle management, requiring efficient strategies for monitoring animal health. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate health indicators in a beef cattle feedlot system located in the state of Goiás, Brazil, correlating sanitary, nutritional, and operational management aspects with the occurrence of diseases and animal performance. The study was conducted through technical monitoring in a commercial feedlot, involving clinical observation of the animals, feed bunk evaluation, fecal scoring, water trough monitoring, necropsy procedures, slaughter monitoring, and analysis of the sanitary practices adopted within the system. Among the main challenges observed were respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, locomotor alterations, and cases of feed bunk refusal, as well as risk factors related to the adaptation period, environmental conditions, and feeding management. The findings highlight the importance of using health indicators as tools for early detection, decision making support, and reduction of productive losses in intensive production systems. It is concluded that continuous health monitoring, combined with the integration of management, nutrition, and clinical observation, constitutes a fundamental strategy for improving productive efficiency and sustainability in feedlot systems.