Agricultural Animal Husbandry Research Articles

Comparative coenological examinations on pastures of the Great Hungarian Plain I.

Two groups of coenological relevés were prepared in 1997 and 2005 on sandy, alkali areas near Hódmezővásárhely town. Areas situated inside and near (0 to 50 meters far from) an animal husbandry farm belong to the first group. Coenological relevés gained from areas situated 50 to 150 meters far from intensively used areas belong to the second group. Data evaluation was made with considering naturalness state in case of habitats; and on the other hand, according to relative ecological factors of occurring species. A significant change in species composition could be detected. Particularly, deterioration of areas could be experienced. These negative processes are extremely heavy inside and near the animal husbandry farm. Even aggressive, invasive plant species occurred. Among dominant grass species, dominance relations and covering rate of disturbance tolerant Cynodon dactylon and Lolium perenne species have increased, caused partly by overgrazing and trampling as well. Farther from the farm, rate of degradation showed by vegetation has decreased compared to the areas closer to the farm, however, it has increased even on the farther area between the two time periods. During the preparation of management plans for the grasslands, these data should be considered at a higher rate in favour of preserving natural values, especially because the biggest population of nature protected Trifolium subterraneum lives in this area.

A Simple Value-Distinction Approach Aids Transparency in Farm Animal Welfare Debate

Public debate on acceptable farm animal husbandry suffers from a confusion of tongues. To clarify positions of various stakeholder groups in their joint search for acceptable solutions, the concept of animal welfare was split up into three notions: no suffering, respect for intrinsic value, and non-appalling appearance of animals. This strategy was based on the hypothesis that multi-stakeholder solutions should be based on shared values rather than on compromises. The usefulness of such an artificial value distinction strategy was tested in a small series of experiments. The results demonstrate that the chosen concept to distinguish between values is effective in a stakeholder context. Farmers’ views on doing good to animals appeared to be largely based on their value to prevent suffering and predominantly focused on the provision of regular care. Their priority for this value is clearly shared with other stakeholders, providing a basis for joint solutions. The concept of intrinsic value does not play a discernable role in farmers’ considerations. Based on the varying views on welfare, it can be inferred that there is a gradual rather than a principal difference between government legislation and farmers’ values, whereas public perception and acceptance of farm practices remains complicated. Distinction between value groups and focusing on a selected notion (such as no suffering) proved to be effective in bringing representatives of stakeholder groups together, but is unlikely to bridge the emotional gap between commercial farm practices and public ideals.

POTENTIAL ELIGIBLE AND NON ELIGIBLE FARMS AFTER IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLITICS IN ROMANIA

Romania’s joining to the European Union presumes, from the Romanian government, assuming several strategic decisions in implementing the Common Agricultural Politics. These decisions mainly refer to the way in which the financial support shall be given, after joining, to the Romanian farms. The constraints concerning the eligible surface for payments shows that the most important non eligible group of farms in the decoupled financial system, that was adopted by the Romania, are the animal husbandry farms without land and the small agricultural exploitations. The main beneficiary of the financial support after joining the EU are the bigist agricultural exploitations specialized in cereal production.

Der Begriff Wohlbefinden in der Nutztierhaltung – Diskussion aktueller Definitionsansätze als Grundlage für praxisorientierte Forschung am Beispiel Mastschweinehaltung

Abstract. Title of the paper: Welfare in Farm Animal Husbandry – Current definitions and concepts as basis for practical oriented research with focus on fattening pig husbandry The paper reviews current definitions and concepts of "welfare" in farm animal welfare related literature, with focus on fattening pig husbandry. The respective concepts of welfare are analysed, and the concepts of explanation are categorised: reductionally, based on the animals’ adaptability, based on the animals’ feelings, comprehensive. In literature, "welfare" is used non-uniformly. Behind that, there are different concepts of welfare which reflect various attitudes towards animals. Furthermore, varying definitions also lead to differing traits and methods used to estimate welfare in farm animals. This, finally, ends in divergent interpretations of results of such studies even though they seem to pursue similar aims, namely to estimate or promote farm animal welfare. The present analysis shall contribute to the elucidation of backgrounds of interpretation of “welfare” in order to help outline practical oriented investigations dealing with welfare of farm animals, in a clear and well defined manner, in advance. It is emphasized that welfare is complex and any investigation of it, therefore, has to be carried out on a basis of manifold traits (indicators) and methods. Under the premiss of a clear concept and definition of welfare in which the limits are set clearly, too, estimation of welfare of pigs is possible using several indicators.

Dicrocoeliosis – the Present State of Knowledge with Respect to Wildlife Species

Duchaaek L., J. Lamka: Dicrocoeliosis ‐ the Present State of Knowledge with Respect to Wildlife Species. Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 613-626. The present paper summarizes contemporary knowledge concerning dicrocoeliosis (chronic disease of the liver caused by the lancet fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum) as to its spraed, etiology, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, therapy, prevention of dicrocoeliosis, and human infection. The major part of published data is connected with farm animal husbandry, dicrocoeliosis of wildlife species is examined to a limited extent only. Although dicrocoeliosis is intensively studied, numerous aspects of this trematodosis have to be verified. Control of dicrocoeliosis in domesticated and wildlife species is not fully effective at present. Dicrocoelium dendriticum, lancet fluke Dicrocoeliosis is a helmithosis caused by the lancet fluke Dicrocoelium dendriticum Rudolphi, 1819 (D. dendriticum, syn. D. lanceolatum, Dicrocoelidae, Platyhelminthes), parasitizing in the liver of ruminants as well as many other animals species including man. This parasitosis belongs to the six principal and economically most important pasture helminthoses of sheep and cattle‐trichostrongylidosis, dictyocaulosis, protostrongylidosis, moniesiosis, fasciolosis, and dicrocoeliosis (Hiepe 1994). Parasitosis accompanies man and farm animals breeding from time immemorial. The eggs of D. dendriticum were found in the coprolites and paleofaeces of the prehistoric human population in Central Europe. Nevertheless, it is not certain whether the lancet fluke D. dendriticum was a real parasite, or whether the found eggs indicate pseudoparasitism after consummation of animal liver (Aspock et al. 1999).

Modelling heavy metal and phosphorus balances for farming systems

Accounting for agricultural activities such as P fertilization in regional models of heavy metal accumulation provides suitable sustainable management strategies to reduce nutrient surpluses and metal inputs in agricultural soils. Using the balance model PROTERRA-S, we assessed the phosphorus (P), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) flux balances in agricultural soils of a rural region in Switzerland for different farm types and crop types. The P requirements of crops on arable farms were mainly supplied by commercial fertilizers and sewage sludge, while on animal husbandry farms P fertilizer demands were met by animal manure alone. Metal accumulation in soil was very different between the balance units. Estimated net Cd fluxes ranged between 1.0 and 2.3 g ha−1 yr−1 for arable farm types, 0.6 and 2.0 g ha−1 yr−1 for dairy and mixed farm types, and 9.1 and 17.8 g ha−1 yr−1 for animal husbandry farm types. Largest net Zn fluxes of 17.9–39.8 kg ha−1 yr−1 were estimated for animal husbandry farms, whereas for arable farm types net Zn fluxes of 101–260 g ha−1 yr−1 and for dairy and mixed farm types of 349–3360 g ha−1 yr−1 were found. The results indicate that P management is a primary factor determining the variation of these net Cd and net Zn fluxes. The latter were highly sensitive to the Zn/P concentration ratio in animal manure, atmospheric deposition and crop concentrations. Variation of net Cd fluxes resulted mainly from uncertainty in crop concentrations, atmospheric deposition, leaching parameters and uncertainty in Cd/P concentration ratio of commercial fertilizers. In addition, element balances were sensitive to empirical assumptions on fertilization strategy of farmers, such as the partitioning of manure between balance units.

Functional study of the central nervous system for farm animal husbandry

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this mini‐review is to describe the recent approaches for revealing the function of the central nervous system in farm animals. The sensory organs are the first sites to gain environmental information. The behavior of the animals is outputted as a result of changes in the integrated neuronal systems, and is largely influenced by the external environment. Therefore, it is necessary to know how farm animals catch and recognize environmental changes. To understand the mechanisms of sensing and behavioral output, approaches for analyzing the brain function are required. Neuroscientific approaches are able to give cues for resolving abnormal behaviors such as stereotypy, and may lead to the improved housing and management of farm animals.

Historical bank-breachings of the lower Yellow River as influenced by drainage basin factors

The Yellow River is famous for sediment-related disasters in history. The bank-breaching frequency of the lower Yellow River has been adopted as a proxy index to study the historical sediment-related disasters, and then it has been related to various indices describing the natural and human factors of the Yellow River basin. Consequently, some correlations have been established. Climate has profound influences on the bank-breaching frequency of the lower Yellow River. Before the Sui and Tang Dynasties (681–907 AD), natural vegetation in the middle Yellow basin was not yet significantly affected by man. With the increase in the humid index, growth of vegetation became greater and the bank-breaching frequency of lower Yellow River declined. After the 8th Century, however, the relation between bank-breaching frequency and the humid index became inverse, i.e., with the increase in the humid index, bank-breaching frequency also increased. This is because, to a great degree, the natural vegetation had been destroyed since the 10th Century. The bank-breaching frequency can be positively correlated to the frequencies of both large flood and drought disasters. The positive correlation between bank-breaching frequency and frequency of large droughts is because the Yellow River channel decreased in size during dry periods; when large floods came, bank-breaching was more likely to occur. Human activities are the major factor influencing sediment-related disasters in the lower Yellow River. Historically, the increase in population led to a higher bank-breaching frequency, and the periods of low population corresponded to the periods with low frequency of bank-breaching. The increase in the bank-breaching frequency of the lower Yellow River occurred in association with the northward shift of the agriculture–animal husbandry transitional zone, and when the agriculture–animal husbandry transitional zone shifted southward, the bank-breaching frequency declined.

Classification of sources of municipal solid wastes in developing countries

The existence of different classifications of municipal solid waste (MSW) creates confusion and makes it difficult to interpret and compare the results of generation analyses. In this paper, MSW is conceptualized as the solid waste generated within the territorial limits of a municipality, independently of its source of generation. Grounded on this assumption, and based on the economic activity that generates a solid waste with determinate physical and chemical characteristics, a hierarchical source classification of MSW is suggested. Thus, a connection between the source and the type of waste is established. The classification categorizes the sources into three divisions and seven classes of sources: residential, commercial, institutional, construction/demolition, agricultural–animal husbandry, industrial, and special. When applied at different geographical scales, this classification enables the assessment of the volume of MSW generated, and provides an overview of the types of residues expected to be generated in a municipality, region or state.

New Biotechniques and their Consequences for Farm Animal Welfare

ContentsThis paper considers (potentially) harmful consequences of new biotechnologies for farm animal welfare. The most important new biotechnologies that are currently used in farm animals breeding and husbandry include: multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) andin vitroembryo production (IVP). Cloning by nuclear transfer (NT) and transgenesis are still in development and mainly applied for experimental purposes with the prospect of a more widespread practical implemention in the future. Evidence is presented showing that generally accepted technologies such as MOET and IVP, relative toin vivoprocedures, can result in a host of deleterious side‐effects commonly known as the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Likewise, NT and transgenesis, which also typically include severalin vitroreproductive manipulations, have clearly been associated with the occurrence of LOS symptoms. It is argued that transgenesis may constitute one additional set of factors that may negatively affect farm animal welfare: the expression of the transgene and the concomitant synthesis and release of a protein. NT might lead to incompletely reprogramming of the transferred genome. It is suggested that the introduction of new biotechnologies into farm animal husbandry should be accompanied by scientifically valid and systematic studies into the effects on animal welfare, with the help of a comprehensive welfare protocol.

The pig: A model for discussing animal behaviour and welfare

In this contribution, the pig has been chosen as a typical example of a farm animal of which the wellbeing has been impaired by intensification of farm animal husbandry. Wellbeing principally refers to the individual animal. This does apply to pigs, but not, for instance, to chickens as these are generally only looked upon as a group. Other reasons for picking the pig are the large variety of housing systems and the large scale of behavioural and physical abnormalities, making this species a typical victim of intensive farming systems, closely confining sows in individual stalls. In the 1960s we were faced with three great problems: cannibalism, transport death due to stress and crushing of piglets; locomotion disturbances and reduced fertility were added. However, it was not until 1974 that welfare problems were openly discussed and only after 1980 could some practicable improvements be presented. Now, at the end of the 1980s, we are still facing a lot of problems regarding the welfare of pigs. There is the barren environment, the inability to groom themselves, the inability to prepare for farrowing in a proper way and the inability to practise the “five freedoms of movement” previously demanded by the Brambell Committee in 1965. Also, the number of diseases in pigs has increased considerably. Although we do know the reason for cannibalism, we restrict ourselves by reducing the symptoms; nearly all pigs in Europe have docked tails and clipped teeth! We have now arrived on the verge of introducing a new system in pig husbandry: group housing of sows. This development has been made possible by using computerized feeding systems with a transponder on each sow. At the moment, this system has not been properly sorted out. However, there are possibilities for improvements. Our ethical approach should be to regard it as our duty to solve the welfare problems of these new systems and not act as we did at the introduction of intensive farming systems; restricting ourselves to reducing the symptoms until the economic profits had been secured. The opportunities for really solving problems are still open, because of the interest of producers of computerized equipment and because of the interest of consumers who consider the method of production of animal products as a matter of quality. Both groups are prepared to pay for improvements. Research has a duty to respond to this challenge. Applied ethology, especially should use the knowledge obtained over the last 25 years for improving the husbandry systems which are introduced now. Thus the future for farm animals, in general, and for pigs, in particular, is more promising than it has ever been over the last three decades.

Genetic engineering and animal welfare

Transgenic engineering of animals has already caused animals to suffer and this was not anticipated by the researchers involved. As more animals are subjected to transgenic intervention, the probability of animal suffering increases. Types and sources of suffering include the following. 1. (1) Developmental abnormalities. Once the anticipated genetic changes have been accomplished and the new animal prototypes developed as foundation breeding stock, problems are to be anticipated and have already been shown to occur in transgenic animals. 2. (2) Deleterious pleiotropic effects. The term pleiotropism refers to multiple effects by one or more genes on the animal's phenotype. Pervasive suffering can arise from such genetic engineering. This is so in the case of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (U.S.D.A.'s) sickly transgenic pigs. Predictions and assurances as to the safety and humaneness of genetic engineering cannot be generalized from one animal species to other species. 3. (3) New health problems. Veterinary medical knowledge will be inadequate to deal with the special requirements of animals subjected to genetic reprogramming. Research will be needed to correct health problems and associated suffering. 4. (4) Disease resistance. Simply endowing an animal with resistance to a particular disease will not protect it from other pathogens or the stress factors and contingent suffering that make it susceptible to disease in the first place, such as transportation stress, overcrowding, etc. 5. (5) Genetic disorders. Following the successful insertion of the gene for human insulin into diabetic mice, their diabetes was cured. However, after several weeks the mice died of excess insulin. Simply stopping the practice of inbreeding and breeding defective animals is the best prevention. 6. (6) Productivity and suffering. Genetic engineering biotechnology to increase the productivity of farm animals (growth rates, milk or egg yield, etc.) will increase the severity and incidence of animal suffering. The term “production-related diseases” acknowledges that animal sickness and suffering are an unavoidable and integral aspect of modern livestock and poultry farming. 7. (7) Selective Breeding. Veterinary medical research has only recently begun to recognize that so many of the health problems of companion animals are genetic in origin. Few of the disorders that affect farm animals have been looked at from this perspective. The genetic engineering of farm animals for these same reasons will, therefore, have similar consequences. 8. (8) Suffering in the absence of disease. The stress and primary suffering that arise from the consequences of how they are selectively bred, raised and handled have led to dependence upon vaccines and other biologics to protect their weakened immune systems. With such artificial supports, primary suffering will increase as producers are able to adopt even more intensive methods of animal production. The absence of actual disease does not mean an end to animal suffering under current farm animal husbandry conditions. We should all ask why we need to genetically engineer farm animals, especially in these times of agricultural surpluses and chronic overproduction. Are the risks and costs of potential and actual animal suffering worth the benefits, and who will be the primary beneficiaries?

REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF BROWN-BREEDED COWS, DEPENDING ON GENOTYPE AND MILK PRODUCTIVITY

Reproduction along with milk productivity is one of the main indicators for improving the profitability of milk production, but one of the most labour-intensive industrial processes. Because of decreasing of animal fertility the farms have huge economic losses. Only from keeping dry cows with animal yield and milk undersupply the animal husbandry farms have billion-rouble losses. The reproductive features of animals in accordance with maximum productivity (yield of milk) were studied depending on the breeding methods, pedigree of upgrade breed (Brown Swiss breed of American selection), were estimated by the age of the first calving, service-, calving interval, the reproductive power coefficient (RPC). The results of studies have shown that to improve reproduction in the herd of APC "Druzhba" it is necessary to take into account the level of milk yield (5000 kg and above), the bloodiness of the improving breed (25.1% BS American selection), the pair selection of origin at the cross lines. These measures will reduce the level of open days and calving interval, which will have a positive impact on the coefficient of reproductive capacity and reproduction dynamics in general.

Continuous and Rotation Grazing of Alfalfa‐Brome Grass Pastured with Ewes and Lambs

Soil Science Society of America JournalVolume 6, Issue C p. 303-308 Joint Program with Subsection III of the Crop Section of the American Society of Agronomy Continuous and Rotation Grazing of Alfalfa-Brome Grass Pastured with Ewes and Lambs† C. M. Harrison, C. M. HarrisonSearch for more papers by this authorC. L. Cole, C. L. ColeSearch for more papers by this authorH. C. Rather, H. C. Rather Research Associate in Farm Crops, Research Associate in Aminal Husbandry, and Head, Farm Crops Section, respectively.Search for more papers by this author C. M. Harrison, C. M. HarrisonSearch for more papers by this authorC. L. Cole, C. L. ColeSearch for more papers by this authorH. C. Rather, H. C. Rather Research Associate in Farm Crops, Research Associate in Aminal Husbandry, and Head, Farm Crops Section, respectively.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 January 1942 https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1942.036159950006000C0054xCitations: 2 ‡ Joint contribution from the Sections of Farm Crops and Animal Husbandry, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, East Lansing, Mich., Journal Article No. 558, new series. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume6, IssueC1942Pages 303-308 RelatedInformation

OPENING OF THE McGARVIE SMITH ANIMAL HUSBANDRY FARM

Australian Veterinary JournalVolume 14, Issue 5 p. 215-216 OPENING OF THE McGARVIE SMITH ANIMAL HUSBANDRY FARM First published: October 1938 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1938.tb01196.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume14, Issue5October 1938Pages 215-216 RelatedInformation