Animal-Based Measures for the On-Farm Welfare Assessment of Geese.

Carlo Tremolada,Elisabetta Canali,Valentina Ferrante,Michela Minero,Halina Bielińska,Sara Barbieri

doi:10.3390/ani10050890

Abstract

Simple SummaryThis paper aims to identify animal-based measures of geese welfare for birds raised in commercial meat production systems, and to assess the reliability of these measures. As with other livestock production systems, it is important that geese producers can demonstrate compliance with accepted welfare standards. Presently, there are no welfare measures that have been developed specifically for the geese meat industry. The results showed that plumage dirtiness, twisted wings, and broken/twisted wings are valid and reliable measures of goose welfare and can thus be included in on-farm welfare assessment protocols. Future studies should examine the reliability of other animal-based measures.Currently, no specific animal-based measures (ABMs) protocols are available for geese in commercial meat production systems. Following a critical review of the literature and consultation of experts, seven ABMs, potentially valid and feasible for the on-farm welfare assessment of geese, were identified and then tested in 12 farms in Poland to assess their inter-observer reliability. Two observers conducted the assessment, which was divided into two phases. First, a handling test assessed the human–animal relationship (HAR), and a 100% inter-observer reliability was achieved by the observers when evaluating the attitudes of stockpeople and the reactions of geese to humans. Next, an animal inspection was conducted, and the observers simultaneously and independently visually evaluated 100 randomly selected geese per farm and assessed whether the selected ABMs could be identified. In terms of inter-observer reliability, high correlation coefficients were found for plumage dirtiness (ρ = 0.745; p < 0.01), twisted wings (ρ = 0.890; p < 0.001), and broken/twisted wings (ρ = 0.858; p < 0.001). The results showed that plumage dirtiness, twisted wings, and broken/twisted wings are valid and reliable measures. Further research should address the reliability of ABMs of geese in other types of production systems.

Highlights

Social awareness of farm animal rearing conditions has increased in recent years [1], and animal welfare has become a prerequisite for companies that aim to develop high-quality and sound animal products for the global market [2].Animals 2020, 10, 890; doi:10.3390/ani10050890 www.mdpi.com/journal/animalsWelfare is a multidimensional concept that includes the consideration of both the physical and mental states of animals [3], so its assessment should be based on measures developed using species-specific parameters.Two broad categories of measures can be used to assess animal welfare at the on-farm level: Resource-based and animal-based (ABMs) [3]
The welfare measures were determined through two stages: A set of animal-based measures (ABMs) were first selected based on their validity and feasibility for on-farm use, and inter-observer reliability was tested after the observers were trained to use the ABMs
We investigate the use of species-specific animal-based measures for the assessment of goose welfare in commercial production systems

Summary

Introduction

Welfare is a multidimensional concept that includes the consideration of both the physical and mental states of animals [3], so its assessment should be based on measures developed using species-specific parameters. Two broad categories of measures can be used to assess animal welfare at the on-farm level: Resource-based and animal-based (ABMs) [3]. Rearing conditions have previously been evaluated using assessment methods mainly focused on resources (e.g., feeding systems, space availability, and housing) and on management factors [4]. ABMs relate directly to the animal rather than to its living environment [3], and can be obtained from various housing conditions and uniquely used to compare farming systems, enabling the standardization of evaluation methods. Valid, reliable, and feasible measures should be identified so on-farm welfare assessment protocols can be developed [5]

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