Animal Management Systems Research Articles

Feral cat control: improving Eradicat® bait efficiency and effectiveness for fauna conservation in the Southern Jarrah Forest, Western Australia

Context Toxic meat baits are the most effective broadscale method used for reducing the densities and impacts of feral cats (Felis catus) on vulnerable Australian native fauna when alternative prey is minimal. Aims Our aim was to assess the efficiency (proportion of baits removed by target animals) and effectiveness (proportion of target animals removed) of Eradicat® baits and to identify how their use may be improved in Southern Jarrah Forest ecosystems of Western Australia. We sought to determine how, when, and where best to deploy baits using the current Eradicat® bait prescriptions to maximise the reduction of feral cats. Methods Eradicat® uptake trials were conducted over a 15-month period using remote sensor cameras (RSCs) to observe animals interacting with the baits at 40 sites. Ten successive baiting trials were conducted, each involving four randomly selected sites (two replicates for each of two bait deployment methods: clusters and transects). Key results The fate of 5658 Eradicat® baits at 2000 bait locations was recorded during 54,361 camera trap nights. Despite occupancy rates being high for cat and fox (Vulpes vulpes), (92% and 84%, respectively), the efficiency and effectiveness of Eradicat® baits was low for both introduced predators (cat: 0.1% and 10–12%, respectively; and fox: <0.6% and 8–20%, respectively). There were no major differences in baiting efficiency in relation to bait deployment method or time of year. More than half (56–58%) of the baits were removed by non-target animals prior to an introduced predator being observed on camera at the bait location. Along transects, there were more cat and fox visits closer to tracks and surface water features. Foxes were also more likely to visit bait locations closer to private property. Younger cats appeared to be more interested and more likely to eat a bait than older cats. Conclusions Substantial improvements could be made by increasing bait availability (reducing non-target interference), detectability and attractiveness to cats. Implications Additional introduced predator threat abatement methods may be needed for the conservation and recovery of many threatened native mammals in the Southern Jarrah Forests and elsewhere in Australia. Feral cat baiting should be conducted within an integrated and holistic invasive animal management system.

The Role of Applied Behaviour Analysing in Zoo Management System for Animals

This study examines the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in animal management systems in zoos with an emphasis on how well it enhances animal wellbeing. The goals of the study were comparing ABA-based approaches to conventional zoo management techniques and evaluating the effect of ABA on stress reduction in captive chimpanzees. Over the course of a year, information was gathered from a chosen group of chimpanzees, including baseline and post-ABA stress levels. Following the use of ABA techniques, the data from Table 1 show a consistent trend among the chimpanzees, suggesting a considerable reduction in stress levels. Strong evidence for the effectiveness of ABA in lowering stress levels in the chimpanzees was given by statistical analysis of the data (Table 2). With a high t-statistic of 8.25, the mean baseline stress level of 7.7 substantially decreased to 3.5 post-ABA treatments (p 0.05), emphasizing the significance of this reduction. With regard to reducing stress, Objective 2 compared ABA-Based and Traditional groups. Compared to the Traditional group, the ABA-Based method had a reduced baseline stress level, according to the findings in Table 3. The ABA-Based group showed a significant reduction in stress levels following ABA sessions, while the Traditional group also showed a reduction in stress levels, albeit to a lesser extent. Both strategies significantly reduced stress, according to statistical analysis (Table 4), with the ABA-Based strategy having a greater degree of statistical significance (p 0.05). This study concludes by offering empirical proof that Applied Behaviour Analysis is a useful method for enhancing animal wellbeing in the context of zoo management. The findings imply that when compared to conventional management techniques, ABA therapies can significantly lower stress levels in caged animals.

1 Creating Sensor Systems for Real Time Animal Management

Abstract Sustainable animal production needs to consider all aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Important aspects include 1) waste and odor management, greenhouse gas emissions; 2) animal care and well-being, labor needs, worker safety, and satisfaction; 3) careful use of antibiotics, food safety, and foreign animal disease; and 4) all while the producer needs to make the business show a profit. New technological approaches for building management, animal monitoring, and care should be carefully considered to help satisfy these pressures and concerns. Increases in computing power, sensor systems, and modeling techniques lend themselves to technological advancements in animal agriculture. Research has shown promising results for implementing multiple sensor systems. Precision animal management systems use a variety of sensors to capture real-time data on individual animals and new modeling techniques to process the data into valuable information to aid management decisions. However, data streams from different sources can be problematic. This presentation aims to provide an understanding of current and future technologies and the advantages, difficulties, and pitfalls of processing and combining different types of real-time data. Current technologies used in precision animal management systems include sound, images, and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. Steps to a successful system include 1) evaluating the needs of the producers and the animals, 2) selecting appropriate sensors, and 3) understanding both the value and the limitation of the captured data and the data processing.

The Intelligent Animal Care and Management System Based on the Internet of Things

The Intelligent Animal Care and Management System Based on the Internet of Things

Predation research with electronic tagging

Predation is a fundamental aspect of ecology that drives ecosystem structure and function. A better understanding of predation can be facilitated by using electronic tags that log or transmit positions of predator or prey species in natural settings, however, there are special considerations that must be made to avoid biased estimates. We provide an overview of the tools available for studying predation with electronic tags including the tag types and analytical tools that can be used to identify where, when and how prey are killed by predators. We also discuss considerations for experimental design when studying predation using electronic tags, including how to minimize effects of capture and tagging procedures. Ongoing innovation and integration of sensors for tags will provide more detailed data about the performance of tagged predators and the fate of tagged prey. Where analysts can effectively resolve the timing of predation using state‐of‐the‐art tags and analytical tools, we foresee exciting advances in our understanding of animal demographics, evolutionary trajectories and management systems. Prospects to develop new tools and approaches for tracking predation while designing studies to more effectively limit bias are an important frontier for understanding ecosystems and addressing human–wildlife conflicts. Given great uncertainties about environmental change and intensifying conflicts between humans and predators, effective study designs integrating electronic tagging to study predation have a promising future in fundamental and applied ecology.

Development of a multi-use decision support system for scientific management and breeding of sheep

As the challenges of food insecurity and population explosion become more pressing, there is a dire need to revamp the existing breeding and animal management systems. This can be achieved by the introduction of technology for efficiency and the improvement of the genetic merit of animals. A fundamental requirement for animal breeding is the availability of accurate and reliable pedigreed data and tools facilitating sophisticated computations. Keeping this in view, Smart Sheep Breeder (SSB) was developed using the waterfall methodology and multiple programming languages. It is a multi-use online artificial intelligence (AI) based and internet of things (IoT) compatible decision support system (DSS). It is capable of automatic performance recording, farm data management, data mining, biometrical analysis, e-governance, and decision-making in sheep farms. A centralized database was also developed capable of ranking sheep across multiple farms based on genetic merit and effective dissemination of germplasm. The system in India is available as a web-based tool and android application which facilitates performance recording and generates customized reports on various aspects of sheep production. SSB uses artificial intelligence and biometrical genetic algorithms to calculate breeding values, and inbreeding coefficients, construct selection indices and generate pedigree, and history sheets as well as more than 40 types of custom-tailored animal and farm reports and graphs. The algorithms used were validated using on farms using farm data and also by comparison with established methods and software. Smart Sheep Breeder could thus prove to be indispensable for the present farming systems which could be used by sheep farm managers and breeders across India.

Industry 4.0 and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF): An up to Date Overview across Animal Productions.

Precision livestock farming (PLF) has spread to various countries worldwide since its inception in 2003, though it has yet to be widely adopted. Additionally, the advent of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) have enabled a continued advancement and development of PLF. This modern technological approach to animal farming and production encompasses ethical, economic and logistical aspects. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of PLF and Industry 4.0, to identify current applications of this rather novel approach in different farming systems for food producing animals, and to present up to date knowledge on the subject. Current scientific literature regarding the spread and application of PLF and IoT shows how efficient farm animal management systems are destined to become. Everyday farming practices (feeding and production performance) coupled with continuous and real-time monitoring of animal parameters can have significant impacts on welfare and health assessment, which are current themes of public interest. In the context of feeding a rising global population, the agri-food industry and industry 4.0 technologies may represent key features for successful and sustainable development.

3R Blackboard: A platform for animal and organ sharing.

Since the embedding of the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in national and international regulations on the use of animals, scientists have been challenged to find ways to reduce the number of animals in their research. Here, we present a digital platform, called '3R Backboard', linked to a laboratory animal management system, which facilitates sharing of surplus biological materials from animals (e.g. tissues, organs and cells) to other research teams. Based on information provided, such as genotype, age and sex, other animal workers were able to indicate their interest in collecting specific tissues and to communicate with the person providing the animals. A short pilot study of this approach conducted in a limited academic environment presented strong evidence of its effectiveness and resulted in a notable reduction of the number of mice used. In addition, the use of 3R Blackboard led to resource saving, knowledge exchange and even establishment of new collaboration.

Bovine Brucellosis and Its Public Health Significance in Ethiopia

Bovine brucellosis is endemic and widely distributed in Ethiopia. The country has already prioritized top five zoonotic diseases (rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza) in 2019 using reprioritization workshop. So brucellosis is one of the top five neglected zoonotic diseases in the country. According to several studies, the distribution and prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis in Ethiopia varies among regions in terms of animal production and management systems, community living standards and awareness levels. The disease has major zoonotic and economic implications for rural communities, particularly pastoralists. The aim of this article was therefore to review and summarize recent studies (2010–2021) on the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in animals and humans, with reference to Ethiopia. This review describes both bovine and human brucellosis reported from various geographical areas of the country. Reports between the years 2010 and 2021 indicated a prevalence rate between 1.2% and 22.5% at the individual level, and 3.3% and.68.6% at the herd level. However, the human brucellosis seroprevalence rate was 2.15%–48.3% between 2006 and 2021. This increase clearly indicates the expected future threat of this disease in the country. However, control measures and community awareness are lacking. Therefore, actual implementation of prevention and control measures, community awareness, further studies and continual review to provide compiled information for understanding the transmission dynamics of the disease are essential.

Livestock Presence Influences the Seroprevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus on Sympatric Wildlife in Kenya.

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic viral disease with the potential of causing public health emergencies. However, less is known about the role of wildlife and livestock in spreading the virus. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the interactions between African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle may influence the seroprevalence of CCHF across livestock-wildlife management systems in Kenya. The study included archived sera samples from buffalo and cattle from wildlife only habitats (Lake Nakuru National Park and Solio conservancy), open wildlife-livestock integrated habitats (Maasai Mara ecosystem and Meru National Park), and closed wildlife-livestock habitats (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) in Kenya. We analyzed 191 buffalo and 139 cattle sera using IDvet multispecies, double-antigen IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence toward Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was significantly higher for buffalo compared to cattle (75.3% and 28.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). We obtained the highest seroprevalence among buffalo of 92.1% in closed wildlife only systems compared to 28.8% and 46.1% prevalence in closed-integrated and open-integrated systems, respectively. The regression coefficients were all negative for cattle compared to buffalo in both closed-integrated and open-integrated compared to wildlife only system. Our results show that CCHFV circulates among the diverse animal community in Kenya in spatially disconnected foci. The habitat overlap between cattle and buffalo makes cattle a "bridge species" or superspreader host for CCHFV and increases transmission risks to humans. The effect of animal management system on prevalence is depended on tick control on the cattle and not the animal per se. We conclude that buffalo, a host with a longer life span than livestock, is a reservoir and may serve as a sentinel population for longitudinal surveillance of CCHFV.

Evaluation of tall fescue cultivars containing endophytes on pasture productivity and lamb performance

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh) is a valuable perennial pasture species, the productivity of which is increased by infection with endophytic fungi. However, toxins produced by the endophyte can cause fescue toxicoses, which are potentially detrimental to animal growth and health. It is desirable therefore, to develop non-ergot alkaloid producing endophytes which are not harmful to livestock. The purpose of this study was to compare cultivars of tall fescue with or without novel endophytes for their effect on lamb growth and productivity. Five tall fescue cultivar or endophyte treatments were sown into a randomised block design including three replicates. The treatments were Martin 2 (Mart; no endophyte, acting as a positive control), Kentucky-31 (KY-31; containing wild endophyte and acting as a negative control), Martin 2 with novel endophyte Protek™ (Mart Protek™), Tower with endophyte Protek™ (TowerProtek™) and DuraMax fescue with endophyte Series 9 (DuraMax 9). When established, composite lambs were allocated to the 15 plots and grazed the irrigated pastures in two successive periods of 42 (n = 150 lambs; summer) or 65 days (n = 150 lambs; autumn) between January and May 2012. Herbage quality was similar between treatments. Ergovaline was detected at low levels (<0.2 ppm) only in herbage from KY-31 plots. Lambs grazing novel endophyte treatments (Protek™ and Series 9) produced similar growth rates over both grazing periods to those grazing Martin 2 without endophyte (Mart). There were no treatment effects on the rectal temperatures of lambs within sampling dates. Plasma prolactin levels were lower (P < 0.05) for lambs grazing KY-31 (77 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL in the summer and autumn grazing periods, respectively) and DuraMax 9 (99 ng/mL and 13 ng/mL in each grazing period, respectively) treatments than those grazing other treatments, in both grazing periods. Endophyte Protek™ did not produce ergot alkaloids in sufficient quantities to limit lamb growth or suppress plasma prolactin levels. Based on plasma prolactin levels, the Series 9 endophyte may present a risk for fescue toxicoses, although further evaluation is required using genetic verification of endophytes. Lamb health and growth may not be reduced when grazing tall fescue with known toxic endophytes if weather conditions do not reach levels that induce heat stress. Some novel endophytes may pose toxicoses risk, so selection of pastures with an appropriate level of risk for the climate and animal management system will minimise risk.

Application of metabolomics to assess milk quality and traceability

Milk is a foodstuff widely consumed around the world originating from a variety of different species, animal management and production systems. In recent years, consumers have placed a much greater emphasis on the authenticity and origin of some food products often willing to pay a premium price for such products that is, for example ‘Grass-Fed Dairy’. Therefore, it is important to establish methods to assess both quality and authentication of milk and dairy products for increased food security and consumer protection. Accordingly, NMR-based, GC–MS-based, and LC–MS-based metabolomics have been established as useful tools in the analysis of dairy products, such as raw and processed milk. This short-review provides an updated and critical overview on the most useful metabolomics-based platforms and the most useful multivariate statistical tools available for metabolomic data interpretation.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE BLOOD MINERAL STATUS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP AND GOATS MANAGED UNDER EXTENSIVE AND SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

A total of eighty (80) animals comprising of forty (40) each of West African Dwarf sheep and goats, averagely weighting 25.33 ± 2.50kg and 15.13 ± 1.0kg, respectively were used in an experiment at the Small Ruminant Unit of the Teaching and Research Farms of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Olugbo village via Odeda in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State. The forty animals from each species were divided into two groups of twenty (20) animals each and were randomly selected and managed under extensive system (ES)and semi intensive system (SIS0. 10ml) of blood sample from individual animal was drawn from each animal and analyzed for their mineral concentration of Ca, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. The main effect of the system of management significantly influenced the concentration of both major and trace minerals of sheep and goats except P and Cu. Sheep and goats under ES had higher (P &lt; 0.05) concentration of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. The concentrations of K and Na were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in sheep and goats under SIS. No significant (P &gt; 0.05) interaction effect on Ca and P concentration was 0bserved, although goats raised under both systems exhibited higher Ca and P concentrations than sheep. However, significant interactions (P &lt; 0.05) of animal special and management systems was observed in the plasma concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn with no noticeable trend being following. It was concluded that irrespective of the animal species (Sheep or goats) and management systems, Ca and P supplementation is necessary to ensure optimum productivity of the animals

ИННОВАЦИОННОЕ СОДЕРЖАНИЕ И КОРМЛЕНИЕ ПОРОСЯТ-ОТЪЕМЫШЕЙ НА ОСНОВЕ НОВЫХ ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СРЕДСТВ

A set of equipment for an innovative animal management system based on advanced technological solutions is presented. The equipment set includes a pen for housing postweaning piglets, a vibration feed distributor, and a self-feeder. Rationale behind the use of the small-group nested housing technique for postweaning piglets is presented, and the viability of development of a new feed distributor and self-feeders is discussed. Information on experimental studies of a new (vibration-based) type of feed distributor is presented to demonstrate its operating efficiency and adequate performance.

123 Precision Animal Management – The Future of Animal Ag?

Abstract Sustainability in today’s animal production is more than economics – considerations need to include environmental concerns, animal well-being, hiring employees, worker safety and satisfaction, careful use of antibiotics, food safety, foreign animal disease, among others. In order to satisfy these pressures and concerns, new approaches should be carefully considered. In-depth evaluations of current animal facilities have and continue to identify new areas to apply technology. Research has shown promising results for implementing technology. The objective of this presentation is to provide an understanding of current and future technologies to help further discussion and develop creative solutions for sustainable animal production systems. Some of the specific areas that will be addressed include group housing systems for sows and grow-finishing swine systems. The development of precision animal management systems will create methods of capturing and utilizing real-time data to aid management decisions. Topics to be considered when developing these systems include sensor selection, method of data capture, and types of data processing. Current technologies that are being used in precision animal management systems include sound, images, and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The data processing methods for this type of data are continuing to change and improve, ensuring that the end product for precision animal management is information, not data alone. Among application examples will be the evaluation of individual animal data for pig weight, illness detection, and detection of lameness, and the errors associated with different components.

Design and Implement of Pets Management System using Mobile Phone

Products for companion animal management system using smart phone are rapidly expanding as the pet animal industry grows globally. In this paper, we tried to broaden the application by integrating various contents about companion animals. We aim to apply various contents related to companion animals such as information management, schedule, health care, QR code, SNS, shopping, and location information service to the application. As a result of this research, we found that the new synergy effect was achieved through the integration between the contents, and the application field of the contents was widened due to the increased connectivity. In this study, we have developed a synergy effect through the integration of various contents by adding various contents related to companion animals and studied the necessary parts to expand the application field by increasing the interaction and connection between functions. Improvements and differentiations include comprehensive content management and comprehensive information management and sharing through QR CODE SYSTEM. As a result of the production and execution of this PET-IN, the interactions between the respective contents smoothly complemented the disadvantages and the advantage was maximized. In addition, by creating synergy effect of new effects, various functions can be applied more than other applications, and it is wider and more efficient in function. The user's feedback is reflected, and more content is added to further expand the function and efficient linkage can lead to the user's use of the application and the high effect of the function linkage can lead to the satisfaction of the user. This implies that comprehensive content composition is required for companion applications and may be important data for composing contents of companion animal applications in the future.

Developing an Ethically Acceptable Virtual Fencing System for Sheep.

Simple SummaryVirtual fencing has the potential to be implemented in animal management systems where conventional fencing cannot be applied. Previous work has been conducted on cattle with virtual fencing technology that uses a collar that emits a warning audio when an animal approaches a GPS set boundary. If the animal continues walking towards the boundary an electric stimulus is applied. Less research has been conducted on sheep virtual fencing, so alternatives need to be explored to test the proof of concept on the application of virtual fencing with sheep. Using manually controlled training collars, 30 crossbred sheep were trained to respond to an audio cue in order to avoid receiving a low-level electrical stimulus.To ensure animal welfare isn’t compromised when using virtual fencing, animals must be able to associate a benign conditioned stimulus with an aversive stimulus. This study used an associative learning test to train 30, four-year-old, Merino x Suffolk ewes, to associate an audio cue with an electric stimulus. Collars manually controlled by a GPS hand-held unit were used to deliver the audio and electric stimuli cues. For the associative learning, when sheep approached an attractant at a distance of three m from the trough, an audio cue was applied for one s. If the sheep stopped or changed direction, the audio cue ceased immediately and no electrical stimulus was applied. If the sheep did not respond to the audio cue it was followed by a low-level electrical stimulus. Approaches to the attractant significantly decreased from day one to day two. It took a mean of three pairings of the audio cue and electrical stimulus for a change in behaviour to occur, after which sheep that approached the attractant had a 52% probability of avoiding the electrical stimulus and responding to the audio cue alone. Further research is required to determine whether sheep can be trained to associate an audio cue with a negative stimulus for use in group grazing situations.

A Study on Ubiquitous Environments Based on the Animal and Plant Management System in Green House

In this paper, we develop ubiquitous sensor network system that send alarm massage to users having portable devices such as mobile smart phone and its messages to detect the growth of such plants in the state farms in green house. As well, we develop the windows environment programs that can directly control the configuration environment through computer themselves from the farmers.

Comparison of process-based models to quantify nutrient flows and greenhouse gas emissions associated with milk production

Assessing and improving the sustainability of dairy production systems is essential to secure future food production. This requires a holistic approach to reveal trade-offs between emissions of the different greenhouse gases (GHG) and nutrient-based pollutants and to ensure that interactions between farm components are taken into account. Process-based models are essential to support whole-farm mass balance accounting. However, since variation between process-based model results can be large, there is a need to compare and better understand the strengths and limitations of various models. Here, we use a whole-farm mass-balance approach to compare five process-based models in terms of predicted carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) flows and potential global warming impact (GWI) associated with milk production at the animal, field and farm-scale. We include two whole-farm models complemented by two field-scale models and one animal-based model. A whole-farm mass-balance framework was used to facilitate model comparison at different scales. GWIs were calculated from predicted emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) and soil C change. Results show that predicted whole-farm GWIs were similar for the two whole farm models, ManureDNDC and IFSM, with a predicted GWI of 9.3 and 10.8 Gg CO2eq. year−1 for ManureDNDC and IFSM, respectively. Enteric CH4 emissions were the single most important source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing 47%–70% of the total farm GWI. Model predictions were comparable, that is, within a factor of 1.5, for most flows related to the animal, barn and manure management system. In contrast, predicted field emissions of N2O and ammonia (NH3) to air, N and P losses to the hydrosphere and soil C change, were highly variable across models. This indicates that there is a need to further our understanding of soil and crop N, P and C flows and that measurement data on nutrient and C flows are particularly needed for the field. In addition, there is a need to further understand how anaerobic digestion influences manure composition and subsequent emissions of N2O and NH3 after application of digestate to the field. Empirical data on manure composition before and after anaerobic digestion are essential for model evaluation.

O conhecimento de produtores rurais do município de Arealva, SP, Brasil sobre as regras de uso dos agrotóxicos

Since the 1970s, the environmental consequences of the intensive use of agrochemicals have aroused the interests and concerns of technicians, scientists, and government agencies because possible contaminations caused by these substances. However, a major problem to be considered is the correct destination of pesticide containers after the use of the products, a liability resulting from the intensification of the use of pesticides formerly treated as common waste, or even dumped in the environment. This paper discussed the results obtained in the work carried out in Arealva City in São Paulo State, approaching the importance of the GEDAVE System (Animal and Plant Protection Management System), from use to the return of empty packaging, promoting better monitoring of the use and minimizing risks of this products. It was observed that farmers know the general rules that involve the rational use of agrochemicals, however, they still have difficulties in the practical applications regarding the storage in the rural property and the logistics of returning empty containers. So it was observed the necessity of the itinerant gathering with frequency, like tool that will solve the logistic difficulties reported.