Barnes Type Research Articles

Evaluation of Animal Welfare in Dairy farms in Kars Province for Barn and Breeding Conditions

This study was conducted in 54 dairy farms, including 48 tie-stall (TS) barns and 6 closed free-stall (CFS) barns, in two different types of farms registered to the TURKVET system in the city center and districts of Kars. The welfare level was determined based on the Animal Needs Index (ANI) 35L Model. Use of yard or pasture (days/year) among the criteria of the freedom of movement category according to barn types; space per animal (m2/500 kg), management of young and use of yard or pasture (days/year) among the criteria of the social interaction category; softness and cleanliness of the bedding space among the criteria of the floor condition category; the use of open space among the criteria of the light and air conditions category; and cleanliness of stables among the criteria of the stockmanship category; the condition of equipment, condition of integument, cleanliness of animals, and condition of hooves were found to be statistically significant (P < .05). The in-barn mean temperature, humidity and temperature humidity index (THI) were 23.76 °C, 37.83% and 68.73, respectively in the tie-stall barns, while the mean temperature, humidity and temperature humidity index (THI) were 22.20 °C, 38.13% and 66.98, respectively, in the closed free-stall barns and no statistical difference was found (P > .05). As a result of the research, 2.1% of the closed-tie barns were determined to be borderline suitable, 33.3% partially suitable, 37.5% largely suitable, 27.1% suitable in terms of animal welfare, while no unsuitable or very suitable enterprises were determined. While 16.7% of the closed free-stall barns were suitable and 83.3% were very suitable, no unsuitable, rarely, little, and fairly suitable barns were determined. The breeders and personnel working in relevant units should be trained on animal welfare to increase awareness on welfare.

Evaluation of changes in calf management from 2012 to 2022 on Austrian dairy farms using an online questionnaire.

Calf management is important for the development, health, and welfare of the animals. In this follow-up study, we evaluated calf management practices on dairy farms in Austria using an online questionnaire in 2021 and 2022. We tested the hypothesis that farmers changed calf management on their farm within these 10 years. The total amount of analyzable surveys in 2022 was 2,314. All variables changed significantly between years. Therefore, farms were chosen randomly by controlling for confounding changes in herd size (number of dairy cows), farm type (conventional vs. organic), and type of cows' barn (free stall vs. tied up). From 2012 to 2022, the median number of cows per farm increased from 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 30) to 22 (IQR 13 to 35), and the percentage of organic-producing farms increased from 23.9% (2012) to 30.6% (2022). The number of farms offering colostrum within 4 h after birth increased from 83.7% to 87.2%. This change was significant when subsampling was performed. The quantity of first colostrum offered to the newborns was mainly 2 to 4 L (69%), with an increased percentage of farms offering less than 2 L (13.3% vs. 18.3%). The percentage of farms testing colostrum quality using an objective method (hydrometer, Brix refractometer, outflow funnel) increased significantly by 4.9-fold and was 9.4% in 2022. On most farms (88.8% and 86.6% in 2012 and 2022), calves were housed individually after birth. A higher percentage stated to group calves at an earlier age than in 2012. In both years, mainly whole milk was fed (85.1% vs. 86.3%). The number of farms where non-salable/waste milk was fed to calves decreased significantly from 84.0 to 74.1%. Milk allowance increased non-significantly. Subsampling revealed that the age at weaning increased significantly between years. The most important health problem in calves was diarrhea (in 59.8% of the farms over 10% of the calves and in 27.4% over 25%), followed by respiratory tract disease (in 39.8% of farms over 10% of the calves and on 16.4% over 25%). Compared with 2012, in 2022, a significantly higher percentage of farmers stated that they had a calf diarrhea incidence of >10% (39.8% vs. 59.8%). In our study, weak points regarding calf management on farms were not offering enough first colostrum, missing testing for colostrum quality, not housing calves socially in the first weeks post natum, and feeding restricted amounts of milk. The median mortality rate of 3% (IQR 1 to 5) and increasing diarrhea incidence also show that calf management practices need improvement. Thus, it is still an open question of how to get farmers motivated to implement changes in their management in accordance with science-based recommendations.

A Survey Study on Management Practices Associated With Voluntary Waiting Period and Its Effects on Reproductive Performance of dairy cows in Iranian Dairy Farms.

Voluntary waiting period (VWP), housing systems and the presence of a veterinarian are effective factors on reproductive performance of a dairy farm. This study aimed to investigate the management practices associated with VWP and its effects on reproductive performance. A total of 136,943 records of 21,756 cows that calved between 1990 and 2013 were used. A questionnaire was also conducted with the farms involved to determine if they adjust the timing of insemination based on the body condition score (BCS) of the cows, postpartum health situation (PPHS) or environmental factors such as heat stress and season. The impact of changing the VWP selectively, the presence of a veterinarian and the type of barn on reproductive outcomes like days open (DO), number of services per conception (NSPC) and days to first service (DFS) was examined using a linear mixed model. This model considered animals and herds as random factors and management practices as fixed factors in the analysis. Among herds that reported altering the VWP based on heat stress, DFS significantly increased (61.68±0.68 vs. 58.4±0.83) while DO (119.70±1.86vs. 126.9±2.29) and NSPC (1.98±0.04vs. 2.48±0.05) reduced compared to herds that did not alter the VWP. Our results showed that farms with a full-time veterinarian had a better reproductive performance than those with part-time care (p < 0.05). Housing system was significantly associated with fertility traits, so that cows in free-stall barns were more fertile than those kept in open-shed barns. The obtained results from this study indicated that management decisions to selectively altering the VWP led to difference in DFS and improved reproductive performance.

Welfare assessment traits, milk quantity and quality, and profitability of Anatolian buffalo cows confined in closed-tied or semi-open free-stall barns can be affected by supplementary feeding at milking.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking on temperament (TS), udder hygiene (UHS) and body condition (BCS) scores, and milk yield per milking (MYM), milk quality traits, and profitability of primiparous Anatolian buffalo cows at 90 days of lactation confined in closed-tied (CB) or semi-open free-stall (OB) barns. In Experiment I, 108 cows were selected to encompass four treatments (OBOSF, OB-NSF, CB-OSF, and CB-NSF) of 27 cows, considering barn type (OB and CB) and supplementary feed (OSF and NSF) at milking. In Experiment II, 60 OB cows were selected to encompass one of five groups of 12 cows each: i) no supplemental feed (CON), ii) commercial concentrate (CC), iii) CC + corn silage (CCS), iv) CCS + alfalfa hay (CSA), or v) CC + ryegrass silage (CRS) at milking. The TS and UHS of the OB and OSF cows were lower (better) than those of the CB and NSF cows, respectively. The OSF increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat but decreased milk freezing point and electrical conductivity compared with the NSF. The MYM and milk fat of the OB-OSF cows were higher than those of the OB-NSF and CBNSF cows. The TS and UHS of the cows negatively correlated with MYM and some milk chemicals (fat, protein, and solids-not-fat), but BCS correlated positively. The TS and milk electrical conductivity of the CCS, CSA, and CRS cows were lower than those of the CON and CC cows, but BCS, MYM, and milk fat were higher. Partial budget analysis identified a higher net profit for supplemental feed-offered groups (OB-OSF, CCS, CSA, and CRS). Offering roughage with concentrates at milking for indoor primiparous buffalo cows is more conducive to well-being, milk yield, milk quality, and economy.

Udder Hygiene and Mastitis Indicators in Contrasting Environmental Conditions during Half-Time Confinement in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems.

This study aimed to compare the association between two types of housing, compost barns (CB) vs. outdoor soil-bedded yard (OD), and udder hygiene and mastitis indicators in Holstein dairy cows calving in autumn (n = 31) and spring (n = 27). After calving, cows were transferred to a pasture-based system with half-time confinement in one of two treatments: CB or OD. The udder hygiene score (UHS) was evaluated monthly and on days after rainfall over the entire lactation period. Individual somatic cell count (SCC) was determined throughout lactation, and the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) was estimated. Cows confined in OD presented higher UHS compared to cows in CB (p < 0.05) in both calving seasons. After rains, autumn-calving cows in OD were dirtier than on days without previous rain (OR = 1.85, CI 95%: 1.1-3.1; p < 0.02). However, no differences in IMI and clinical mastitis were found between OD and CB cows in either calving season.

Usage Opportunities of Tent Barn Type in Terrestrial Climate Conditions; Example of Yozgat Province

Yalıtımlı, havalandırması yeterli, kurulumu kolay ve ucuz olan modern çadır ağılların yaygınlaşmaya başlamasıyla koyun yetiştiricilerinin ağıl yapım masrafları azalmıştır. Bu kapsamda çalışmada, Yozgat ili çevresinde çadır ağıllarda koyunculuk yapan işletmelerde anket ve yerinde inceleme yaparak yetiştiricilerin sorunlarının irdelenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Ayrıca, çadır ağıl kullanımının olumlu veya olumsuz yönlerinin tespit edilmesi ile mevcut durumlarının ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Çadır ağıllarda koyun yetiştiriciliği faaliyetini sürdüren işletme sahiplerinin %90.48’i çadır tipi yetiştiricilikten ve çadır ağıldan yapısal olarak memnun olduklarını ifade ederken, %76.19’u işletmelerinde yoğuşma (nemlenme) olduğunu belirtmiş ve bu durumdan rahatsız olduklarını belirtmişlerdir. Çadır ağıl işletme giderlerini standart ağıldaki giderlerle aynı miktarlarda bulan işletmecilerin oranı %80.95, çadır ağılların standart ağıllardan daha az masraflı olduğunu düşünen işletmecilerin oranı ise %19.05 olmuştur.

Nonterminating transformations and summations associated with some q-Mellin–Barnes integrals

In many cases one may encounter an integral which is of q-Mellin–Barnes type. These integrals are easily evaluated using theorems which have a long history dating back to Slater, Askey, Gasper, Rahman and others. We derive some interesting q-Mellin–Barnes integrals and using them we derive transformation and summation formulas for nonterminating basic hypergeometric functions. The cases which we treat include ratios of theta functions, the Askey–Wilson moments, nonterminating well-poised ϕ23, nonterminating very-well-poised W45, W78, products of two nonterminating ϕ12's, square of a nonterminating well-poised ϕ12, a nonterminating W910, two nonterminating W1112's and several nonterminating summations which arise from the Askey–Roy and Gasper integrals.

Comparison of the Effect of Microbial Agent Spraying on Odor Reduction in Pig Farms by Farm Size and Barn Type

Comparison of the Effect of Microbial Agent Spraying on Odor Reduction in Pig Farms by Farm Size and Barn Type

Determination of Socio-Economic Characteristics, Farming Structures and Problems of Women Farmers Selling Milk and Dairy Products in Periodic Markets: A Case of Isparta Province

Çabuk bozulan niteliğe sahip bir ürün grubu olan süt ve süt ürünlerinde pazarlama oldukça önemlidir. Süt üretiminde küçük aile işletmeciliğinin yaygın olduğu ülkemizde kadın çiftçilerin gıda güvencesi ve güvenliğinin sağlanmasında önemli bir role sahip oldukları bilinmektedir. Semt pazarlarında süt ve işledikleri sütten elde ettikleri süt ürünleri pazarlamasında kadın çiftçiler önemli bir rol üstlenmekte ve aile ekonomisine önemli katkılar sağlamaktadırlar. Bu çalışmada, Isparta ilinde şehir merkezinde kurulan semt pazarlarında süt ve süt ürünleri pazarlayan kadın çiftçilerin sosyo-ekonomik özellikleri, yetiştiricilik yapıları ile yetiştiricilik ve pazarlama sorunlarının belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla; Isparta şehir merkezinde kurulan semt pazarlarında açık süt ve süt ürünleri pazarlayan 74 kadın çiftçi ile yapılan anket çalışmasından elde edilen veriler analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre, ortalama büyükbaş hayvan sayısı 7.36 baş, ortalama sağılan inek sayısı 6.81 baş, süt ürünleri üretmek için çalışılan ortalama saat 2.59 saat/gün ve üretilen ortalama süt miktarı 56.42 kg/işletme olarak saptanmıştır. İşletmelerin %87.80’ninde makine ile sağım yapıldığı, %59.46’sının kapalı ahır tipine sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Üreticilerin %93.20’sinin pazarda çiğ süt sattığı belirlenmiştir. Üreticilerin %50’sinin kazandıkları parayı hayvan yemi alımında kullandıkları tespit edilmiştir. Üreticilerin pazarda karşılaştığı en önemli sorunun yer bulma sorunu olduğu (%18.90) saptanmıştır. Güvenli gıda üretimi sadece üretim aşamasında değil ürünün pazarlama sürecini de kapsamaktadır. Bu nedenle Isparta ilinde geleneksel olarak semt pazarlarında satışı yapılan süt ve süt ürünlerinin gıda güvenliği açısından yeniden gözden geçirilmesi ve kadın çiftçilerin pazarlama koşullarının iyileştirilmesi önemlidir.

Kış Mevsiminde Yarı Açık ve Kapalı Barınaklarda Yetiştirilen Anadolu Mandalarında Barınak İçi Sıcaklık ve Nem Değerlerinin Süt Verimi ve Kompozisyonuna Etkileri

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effect of temperature and humidity values provided by the semi-open and closed barns in the winter season on milk yield and components and the somatic cell count (SCC) level in milk in Anatolian buffaloes, and for this purpose, to compare both barn types and to reveal their suitability for buffalo breeding. In the study, temperature and humidity values were determined between December 2020 and March 2021 in two types of barns with similar feeding conditions in Bafra district, Samsun, and milk samples taken from buffaloes raised in these barns were analyzed. Temperature Humidity Index (THI) values were determined as 61,09±0,211 and 51.08±0.173 for the closed and semi-open barn type, respectively. In the study, in which the type of barn and therefore the temperature and humidity values provided in the barn environment did not affect the amount of milk yield, the milk fat ratio was determined as 8.89±0.227% and 8.16±0.176% for closed and semi-open barns, respectively. While other milk components were not affected by the barn conditions, the logSCC of milk was lower (4.54±0.071) in the closed barns when compared to the semi-open barns (4.73±0.044). Although no statistical difference was determined in the other milk parameters discussed, it was noted that there is an increasing tendency in the closed barns. It was observed that the changes in temperature and humidity values in both barn environments during the period caused nonlinear changes in milk composition. While indoor conditions were more effective on solids-non-fat (SNF), protein and lactose in the closed barn, the highest effect was on the fat ratio and logSCC in the semi-open barns. As a result, it can be said that both types of barns can be used in buffalo breeding since there is no significant difference in milk yield and other components, although there is a slight difference in milk fat ratio and logSCC level in closed and semi-open barns of Anatolian buffaloes in the climatic conditions of the region where the study was conducted.

The Gelfand–Tsetlin basis for infinite-dimensional representations of

We consider the problem of determination of the Gelfand–Tsetlin basis for unitary principal series representations of the Lie algebra . The Gelfand–Tsetlin basis for an infinite-dimensional representation can be defined as the basis of common eigenfunctions of corner quantum minors of the corresponding L-operator. The construction is based on the induction with respect to the rank of the algebra: an element of the basis for is expressed in terms of a Mellin–Barnes type integral of an element of the basis for . The integration variables are the parameters (in other words, the quantum numbers) setting the eigenfunction. Explicit results are obtained for ranks 3 and 4, and the orthogonality of constructed sets of basis elements is demonstrated. For the kernel of the integral is expressed in terms of gamma-functions of the parameters of eigenfunctions, and in the case of —in terms of a hypergeometric function of the complex field at unity. The formulas presented for an arbitrary rank make it possible to obtain the system of finite-difference equations for the kernel. They include expressions for the quantum minors of L-operator via the minors of L-operator for the principal series representations, as well as formulas for action of some non-corner minors on the eigenfunctions of corner ones. The latter hold for any representation of (not only principal series) in which the corner minors of the L-operator can be diagonalized.

Samsun İli Ondokuz Mayıs İlçesi Süt Sığırcılığı İşletmelerinin Genel Özellikleri ve Bazı Yetiştiricilik Uygulamalarının Süt Verimi Üzerine Etkileri

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the structural properties and the effects of husbandry practices on milk yield in dairy farms of Ondokuz Mayıs district of Samsun. While the data were obtained by face-to-face surveys and observations in a total of 59 farms those had ≥10 head cattle between January and June 2018, environmental factors affecting daily milk yield (DMY) were separately evaluated. Important negativeneses were determined on the barn type, bedding material using, calving pens, weaning period of calves, claw care and udder cleaning in the farms. It was informed that local bazaars and cooperatives were commonly used for raw milk marketing, and high feed price was the most important problem. DMY was significantly affected by the experience of farm owner, number of the milking cows, amount of concentrate feed that given and milking type. It was concluded that farm properties and herd management methods have to be restored to elevate milk production in the investigated farms.

CERTAIN RESULTS OF GENERALIZED BARNES TYPE DOUBLE SERIES RELATED TO THE HURWITZ-LERCH ZETA FUNCTIONS OF TWO VARIABLES

In these researches we introduce a generalized Barnes type double series and then, discuss its convergent conditions. We obtain some of its results related to the known and new Hurwitz -Lerch zeta function of two variables and also derive Eulerian and Mellin- Barnes type integral representations of these functions and analyze various properties these functions

Evaporative Pad Cooling Impacts on Barn Environment and Finishing Pig Performance

HighlightsFirst study to evaluate evaporative cool cell pad impacts on finishing pig performance in commercial barnsThe cool cell pad reduced air temperature from 31.5°C by 3.9°C with a cooling efficiency of 52%Cool cell pads improved pig well-being by providing more cooling than sprinklers but pig performance was unaffectedTunnel ventilation (cool cells or sprinklers) improved daily weight gain over natural ventilation with sprinklersAbstract. Since heat stress reduces pig growth, cooling is required to optimize barn environment to maintain performance of modern lean-type swine. Hence, summertime barn environment and finisher pig performance were compared between tunnel ventilated barns with sprinklers (TUNNEL; n=3) and tunnel ventilated barns with evaporative cool cell pads (COOLCELL; n=2). Pig performance was also measured in naturally-ventilated barns with sprinklers and mixing fans (NATURAL; n=4). Evaporative cool cell pad performance was also quantified. Barns with identical dimensions and fully slatted flooring were located at the same commercial production site in eastern North Carolina and were monitored from 2014 to 2016. Barn temperature, relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), and thermal images to assess pig temperature were compared between the COOLCELL and TUNNEL treatments. Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), pig survival, culls, and medication costs were compared across all three barn types and seasons (SUMMER vs. NON-SUMMER) on 72 batches of pigs (46,459 total pigs). Between 12 noon and 1 p.m., the evaporative cool cell pads reduced temperature by 3.9°C and had a cooling efficiency of 52%. COOLCELL barn temperature and THI were significantly lower and RH was significantly higher than TUNNEL. There were no significant differences in pig performance or pig temperature between TUNNEL and COOLCELL. Pig ADG was significantly higher in TUNNEL and COOLCELL vs. NATURAL. SUMMER FCR and medication cost were significantly improved vs. NON-SUMMER. Despite lack of treatment effect on pig performance, COOLCELL improved thermal comfort vs. TUNNEL. Keywords: Growth, Heat stress, Pig, Temperature-humidity-index.

Design and Comparative Cost Analysis of Alternative Prefabricated Beef Cattle Barns with Conventional Barn Types

In this study, planning, design and cost analysis of prefabricated beef cattle barns carried out. Steel mesh was used to strengthen the foundation of the structure. Galvanized-sheet material was used as the carrier and cover material, and shaped like a trapezoid cross-section. The barns, which are planned in the form of tunnel cross-section and tie-stalls type, are designed for 10, 20 and 30-cattle to be particularly suitable for family enterprises. Polyurethane (PU) foam and extruded polystyrene sandwich panel (XSP) were used to provide heat and sound insulation. Cost analysis of the galvanized-sheet barns was compared with the barns constructed by the traditional production method. After analyses, we found that as the number of animals increased, barn cost per animal decreased. The cost reduction rates in the PU foam insulated galvanized-sheet barn were 30.1%, 32.7% and 30.6% for the 10, 20 and 30-cattle respectively. These values were 24.9%, 27.8% and 25.5% for the sandwich panel insulated galvanized-sheet barn. The most economical combination was the polyurethane foam insulation of galvanized sheets. Galvanized-sheet barns are technically sufficient, and economically advantageous than the conventional ones, so it can be recommended to both newly established enterprises and enterprises that want to improve their old barns.

In-barn heterogeneity of broiler chicken welfare in two industrial house designs and two seasons in Southern Brazilian subtropical climate

The science of animal welfare is key to improving the life quality of billions of chickens, by supporting decisions through the assessment of environmental and animal-based indicators in different conditions. Our goal was to assess the variation of bird welfare within the same barn and whether this variation depends on barn type or season. We described and compared the in-barn heterogeneity of broiler chicken welfare in four closed-sided (CS) and 13 open-sided (OS) industrial poultry houses, during two different seasons (summer/autumn and winter). The measures were divided into two categories: 1) environmental indicators: relative humidity, temperature, air velocity, ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and illuminance; 2) animal-based indicators: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, bird soiling, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, and lameness. The results of assessments in 30 equidistant locations, covering the whole inside area of each barn, were organized into kriging maps. Linear regression and generalized models were fitted, considering predictor variables and the interaction effect between them; the Tukey test was used for the multiple comparisons of means. We used geostatistical modelling for continuous and discrete data for environmental and animal-based measurements, respectively. In-barn heterogeneity was observed for the prevalence of environmental and animal-based problems. There was a pattern for the spatial distribution, heading from the house centre to the West end of both house types, with worse results for three environmental indicators (higher temperature, and NH3 and CO2 concentrations) and three animal-based indicators (higher prevalence of hock burn, bird soiling and footpad dermatitis). In CS, illuminance was very restrictive (4.4 to 6.7 lx) when compared to OS houses (119.8 to 145.3 lx); in both house types the prevalence of lameness was high (50.9 to 78.0%), even though both illuminance and lameness prevalence were evenly distributed inside all houses. The kriging maps allowed for the identification of worse welfare problems in the West direction, which in CS means near exhaust fans and in OS houses the direction of positive-pressure mechanical ventilation by fans. Our results show that attention is needed for the variation of bird welfare conditions inside each barn, and allow for the adoption of strategies to spread best conditions throughout the internal barn area in both house designs. Principally, the original findings on in-barn bird welfare heterogeneity suggest the relevance of constant bird welfare monitoring in key locations within the barns, minimally for the indicators with known different in-barn spatial distributions.

Generalizations and applications of Srinivasa Ramanujan’s integral associated with infinite Fourier sine transforms in terms of Meijer’s G-function

Abstract In this paper, we obtain analytical solutions of an unsolved integral 𝐑 S ⁢ ( m , n ) {\mathbf{R}_{S}(m,n)} of Srinivasa Ramanujan [S. Ramanujan, Some definite integrals connected with Gauss’s sums, Mess. Math. 44 1915, 75–86] with suitable convergence conditions in terms of Meijer’s G-function of one variable, by using Mellin–Barnes type contour integral representations of the sine function, Laplace transform method and some algebraic properties of Pochhammer’s symbol. Also, we have given some generalizations of Ramanujan’s integral 𝐑 S ⁢ ( m , n ) {\mathbf{R}_{S}(m,n)} in the form of integrals ℧ S * ⁢ ( υ , b , c , λ , y ) {\mho_{S}^{*}(\upsilon,b,c,\lambda,y)} , Ξ S ⁢ ( υ , b , c , λ , y ) {\Xi_{S}(\upsilon,b,c,\lambda,y)} , ∇ S ⁡ ( υ , b , c , λ , y ) {\nabla_{S}(\upsilon,b,c,\lambda,y)} and ℧ S ⁢ ( υ , b , λ , y ) {\mho_{S}(\upsilon,b,\lambda,y)} with suitable convergence conditions and solved them in terms of Meijer’s G-functions. Moreover, as applications of Ramanujan’s integral 𝐑 S ⁢ ( m , n ) {\mathbf{R}_{S}(m,n)} , the three new infinite summation formulas associated with Meijer’s G-function are obtained.

Prevalence, risk factors, and effects on fertility of cytological endometritis at the time of insemination in Norwegian Red cows

The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of cytological endometritis (CYTO), a nonsymptomatic inflammation of the endometrium, at first artificial insemination (AI) postpartum in Norwegian Red cows. Further, risk factors for CYTO manifestation and its effect on reproductive success and late embryo loss were evaluated. In total 1,648 cows located in 116 herds were included in the study. On mainly spontaneous estrus, endometrial cytology samples were collected using a cytotape technique, and a total of 300 representative epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were counted at 400× magnification. Vaginal mucus obtained by Metricheck (Simcro) and body condition score were recorded. Milk samples for progesterone analysis were collected at AI and 21 d later. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation or analysis of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Based on the constructions of a receiver operator characteristics curve, the cut-off level for PMN defined as CYTO was set to 3.0%, representing the level at which the PMN occurrence affected pregnancy outcome, with the highest summation of sensitivity (32.4%) and specificity (74.9%). Three logistic models with herd included as random factor were constructed. The outcome for the first model was the likelihood for CYTO based on the endometrial samples, in the second model pregnancy to first AI, and in the third model embryo loss. The proportion of CYTO was 28.0% (461/1,648). The average interval in days to first AI was 71.7 d (standard error ± 0.7) and the overall pregnancy incidence to first AI was 59.8% (866/1,449). The likelihood for CYTO at first AI was associated with AI personnel, calving to first AI interval, vaginal mucus characteristics, amount of red blood cells in sample, season, and barn type. Pregnancy to first AI was lower in CYTO-positive cows (odds ratio = 1.51, confidence interval = 1.17-1.94). Other factors affecting pregnancy to first AI were AI personnel, test day milk yield, barn type, and obstetrical conditions or fertility treatments before first AI. The proportion of late embryo loss and abortion was 8.6% (82/948) and 2.8% (24/866), respectively. Late embryo loss was associated with treatment against fertility disorders before first AI, but not associated with CYTO. Overall, our results suggest that even if Norwegian Red cows show a fairly high prevalence of CYTO in the endometrium at first AI, it does not seem to have a major effect on the reproductive performance. The Norwegian Red breeding program has emphasized fertility and health for decades, and a genetically advantageous uterine immunology might be one of the preserved mechanisms.

How do People look at Pictures of Pigs? Analyzing Fixation Duration Depending on Pig Expression and Barn Type using Eye-Tracking

Using eye-tracking, this study investigates fixation duration of students viewing pictures of pigs, which systematically vary in the facial expression of the pig and in the barn setting. The aim of this study is to analyze which picture elements are viewed and for how long, as well as how fixation times vary with a change of the expression of the pig and the barn type. The results show clear effects of picture composition: pig expression and pen type affect fixation durations of different areas of interest with the influence of the pig being considerably larger. Face regions are viewed longer in the “happy” pig, while floor/bedding and the eyes are viewed longer in pictures showing the “unhappy” pig which might be a hint for information search. The power of facial expressions, also for the depiction of farm animals, is a new finding of this paper, which might be of importance when selecting agricultural pictures for different purposes.

The Effect of Dairy Cattle Housing Systems on the Concentrations and Emissions of Gaseous Mixtures in Barns Determined by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and emissions of greenhouse and odorous gases in different types of dairy cattle housing systems with the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The study was performed in autumn and winter in four types of dairy cattle barns with different process and technical systems (free-stall, deep litter – FS-DL; free-stall, sub-floor manure storage – FS-SFM; free-stall, litter in stalls – FS-LS; tie-stall, litter in stalls – TS-LS) in northern Poland. Analyses of gaseous mixtures in barn air were conducted by infrared spectrometry with the multi-component Gasmet DX4030 analyzer. A total of 200 measurement spectra were acquired and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses with the Calcmet Professional program with a library of reference spectra for 200 chemical compounds. The results of the study indicate that housing systems and the technological solutions applied in barns exert a considerable influence on the production of greenhouse and odorous gases. Free-stall housing with slatted floors and sub-floor manure storage appears to be the optimal solution for reducing the animals’ exposure to the presence of the analyzed chemical compounds in air, improving animal welfare and minimizing GHG emissions to the environment (considering the optimal ventilation rate). It should be noted that the concentrations of other potentially harmful compounds, for which the maximum safe levels have been specified, were also relatively low in the remaining systems, which points to the observance of high sanitary standards and the use of efficient ventilation systems in the evaluated barns.