Effect Of Floor Type Research Articles

The Type of Floor and its Impact on the Growth, Physiological and Performance of Broilers

This study was conducted to find out the effect of floor type on the growth, some physiological characteristics and welfare standards for broilers. 120 unsexed one-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chicks were used. The study included two groups with three replicates (20 birds for each replicate). The first treatment, the birds were raised on the Rice husks litter, and the second treatment the birds were raised on a wire floor, 15 cm high. Feed and water were provided freely throughout the study period. The results showed that raising broilers on different floor type did not show significant differences in body weight, weight gain rate and feed conversion factor between groups, and significant differences were found in feed consumption in favor of the second treatment at the age of 21 days, and no significant differences appeared in the standards of productive performance. for broilers at the age of 38 days, and there were no significant differences in the percentage of dressing, the relative weight of the internal organs and the concentration of ammonia NH3 gas, while rearing on the wire floor reduced the concentration of carbon dioxide Co2 and raised the body temperature of the birds raised on the wire floor, there was a significant improvement in measures of well-being, the incidence of inflammation of the hock burn and footpad dermatitis. The biochemical and hormonal characteristics were not significantly affected when raising birds on wire floor, and there was an improvement in the level of antioxidants in the bird’s body through an increase in GSH. We conclude from this study that raising broilers on the wire floor did not affect the productive performance, but it improved the status of antioxidants and welfare standards for broilers.

Effect of floor types and seasons on feed and nutrient intakes of surti goats under stall-feeding system

A study was conducted to compare the effect of floor types on feed and nutrient intakes of Surti goats under stall-feeding system in cold, hot dry and hot humid seasons from December 2017 to October 2018. Adult dry Surti goats (27) were divided randomly in three treatment groups (T1earthen floor, T2-brick floor and T3-cement concrete floor). Total mixed ration (TMR) was offered daily in morning and afternoon in group feeding. The dry matter and nutrient intakes (g/d, body wt. % and g/kgW0.75) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats reared on earthen floor (T1) followedby cement concrete (T3) and brick (T2) floors. Similarly dry matter and nutrient intakes were significantly (P<0.05) higher in cold as compared to hot dry and hot humid seasons. Water intake (l/d, body wt. %, l/kgW0.75 and l/kg dry matter intake) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats reared on earthen floor as compared to goats on brick and cement concrete floors. The water intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in hot dry season as compared to hot humid and cold seasons. The results indicated that the earthen floor was better in terms of feed and nutrient intakes of goats followed by cement concrete and brick floors under stall-feeding.

Behaviour and reactivity of growing rabbits housed in collective pens: Effects of floor type and stocking density at different ages

At 33 d of age, 376 crossbred rabbits of both genders were housed in sex-mixed groups in 16 open-top collective pens (1.68 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) in a factorial arrangement, with 2 types of flooring (wooden slats &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; plastic grid, W &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; P) and 2 stocking densities (12 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 16 animals/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;). Behavioural recordings (time budget), reactivity towards unknown humans (tonic immobility and human approach tests) and environment (open-field and novel object tests) and hair and faeces sampling for corticosterone analysis were performed during the 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; wk of age and at a pre-slaughter age (during the 11-12&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; wk of age). The effects of age and gender were also taken into account. Rabbits housed in W pens rested more in the crouched position (41.4 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 35.5% of the observed time) (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001) and showed lower allogrooming (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;=0.05), running (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.01) and biting pen elements (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;=0.01) than those housed in P pens. The percentage of rabbits that interacted with humans during the human approach test (24.0 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 48.1% of rabbits in the pen; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.01) and number of rabbit-object contacts during the novel object test (on av. 50.4 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 87.2; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001) were lower for rabbits in W pens compared to those in P pens. During the open-field test, the percentage of rabbits that spontaneously entered the arena was lower for rabbits from W pens than for those from P pens (60.0 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 72.5%; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05). Finally, the hair corticosterone level was higher in the former than in the latter rabbits (on av. 14.0 &lt;em&gt;vs.&lt;/em&gt; 12.5 ng/g; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05). As the stocking density increased, only the time spent resting increased (66.7 to 69.1% observed time; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.01), and the percentage of rabbits that spontaneously entered the arena during the open-field test decreased (73.8 to 58.8%; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.01). When age increased, the rabbits were less active at the reactivity tests and interacted less with an unknown object or person. Differences according to gender were weak. In conclusion, the wooden slatted floor challenged the welfare of growing rabbits as it constrained their movement, conditioned their reactivity towards a new environment, and increased their stress level, whereas the increase in stocking density did not impair rabbit welfare.

Effect of floor type on performance, lying time and dirt scores of finishing beef cattle: A meta-analysis

Data from individual studies evaluating the effect of housing systems on performance, lying time and dirt scores of finishing beef cattle are conflicting. The objective of this study was to collate the data from previous animal housing studies and quantify, through meta-analysis, the effect of floor type on animal performance, lying time and dirt scores. From 38 peer-reviewed articles, published between 1969 and 2017, 18 were determined to be eligible for meta-analysis. Papers were included in the study if they contained information on the effect of floor surface on animal performance (average daily liveweight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass weight), lying behaviour or animal cleanliness. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in ADG, FCR or carcass weight between concrete slatted floors (CSF) and CSF overlaid with rubber mats (RM). Using RM had no effect (P > 0.10) on lying duration or dirt scores of cattle. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in the ADG, FCR, carcass weight, lying duration or cleanliness of cattle housed on CSF or straw bedding. It was concluded that using RM or straw instead of CSF had no effect on performance, lying time or dirt scores.

Effects of floor type and hanging type environmental enrichment on the behavior of growing pigs

Effects of floor type and hanging type environmental enrichment on the behavior of growing pigs

Effect of floor type on body surface temperature and their relationship with physiological variables in kids during hot dry period

The objective of study was to investigate the relationship between cardinal physiological responses with surface temperature (ST) at different anatomical sites in goat kids on two floor types. Twenty Jakhrana male kids (7–8 months, weighing 25.16±0.60 kg) were assigned equally to pen with soil floor (SOF) or slatted floor (SLF). The mean ST of kids in the morning were significantly lower at head and thigh (35.11, 35.24°C; P<0.01), shoulder and back (35.46, 35.67°C; P<0.05) in SLF as compared to SOF (35.93, 35.74, 35.83, 36.25°C). The ST at different body parts were similar during afternoon hours though, the ST of SLF was significantly (P< 0.01) lower than SOF (37.12 vs 41.51°C). ST of all body parts increased with an increase in the intensity of solar radiation in the afternoon. The magnitude of relationship of ST was high and positive with physiological responses except heart rate at a few sites on both floors. The study suggests that kids were equally comfortable in both slatted and soil floors based on ST and physiological responses, Therefore, the use of slatted floor in semi-arid regions of the country shall be recommended for goat farm, considering less manpower requirement and easy farm operations.

Effect of rubber flooring on group-housed sows' gait and claw and skin lesions.

This study evaluated the influence of floor type on sow welfare in terms of lameness, claw lesions, and skin lesions. In a 2 × 3 factorial design, we have investigated the effect of rubber coverings on concrete floors and the effect of 3 levels of dietary zinc supplementation on locomotion and claw and skin lesions in group-housed sows. Six groups of 21 ± 4 hybrid sows were monitored during 3 successive reproductive cycles. The sows were group housed from d 28 after insemination (d 0) until 1 wk before expected farrowing date (d 108) in pens with either exposed concrete floors or concrete floors covered with rubber in part of the lying area and the fully slatted area. During each reproductive cycle, locomotion and skin lesions were assessed 4 times (d 28, 50, 108, and 140) and claw lesions were assessed twice (d 50 and 140). Results are given as least squares means ± SE. Locomotion and claw scores were given in millimeters, on analog scales of 150 and 160 mm, respectively. Here, we report on the effect of floor type, which did not interact with dietary zinc concentration ( > 0.10 for all variables). At move to group (d 28) and mid gestation (d 50), no differences between floor treatments were seen in locomotion ( > 0.10). At the end of gestation (d 108), sows housed on rubber flooring scored 9.9 ± 4.1 mm better on gait ( < 0.001). Regarding claw disorders, both parameters "heel overgrowth and erosion" (difference of 4.6 ± 1.8 mm; = 0.01) and "heel-sole crack" (difference of 3.1 ± 1.5 mm; = 0.04) scores were better for sows on rubber flooring at mid gestation (d 50). However, sows on rubber flooring scored worse for "vertical cracks in the wall horn" (difference of 3.4 ± 1.7 mm; = 0.04). At the end of lactation (d 140), both "white line" (difference of 2.9 ± 1 mm; = 0.02) and "claw length" (difference of 4.7 ± 1.4 mm; < 0.001) had better scores on rubber flooring. No differences for skin lesions were observed between floor treatments. The improved scores for gait toward the end of gestation and some types of claw disorders at mid gestation suggest that rubber flooring in group housing has a beneficial effect on the overall leg health of sows. The documented increase in vertical cracks in the wall horn at d 50 requires further investigation.

Effect of floor type on the performance, physiological and behavioural responses of finishing beef steers.

BackgroundThe study objective was to investigate the effect of bare concrete slats (Control), two types of mats [(Easyfix mats (mat 1) and Irish Custom Extruder mats (mat 2)] fitted on top of concrete slats, and wood-chip to simulate deep bedding (wood-chip placed on top of a plastic membrane overlying the concrete slats) on performance, physiological and behavioral responses of finishing beef steers. One-hundred and forty-four finishing steers (503 kg; standard deviation 51.8 kg) were randomly assigned according to their breed (124 Continental cross and 20 Holstein–Friesian) and body weight to one of four treatments for 148 days. All steers were subjected to the same weighing, blood sampling (jugular venipuncture), dirt and hoof scoring pre study (day 0) and on days 23, 45, 65, 86, 107, 128 and 148 of the study. Cameras were fitted over each pen for 72 h recording over five periods and subsequent 10 min sampling scans were analysed.ResultsLive weight gain and carcass characteristics were similar among treatments. The number of lesions on the hooves of the animals was greater (P < 0.05) on mats 1 and 2 and wood-chip treatments compared with the animals on the slats. Dirt scores were similar for the mat and slat treatments while the wood-chip treatment had greater dirt scores. Animals housed on either slats or wood-chip had similar lying times. The percent of animals lying was greater for animals housed on mat 1 and mat 2 compared with those housed on concrete slats and wood chips. Physiological variables showed no significant difference among treatments.ConclusionsIn this exploratory study, the performance or welfare of steers was not adversely affected by slats, differing mat types or wood-chip as underfoot material.

Effect of floor type on hoof lesions, dirt scores, immune response and production of beef bulls

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of old and new concrete slats (CS) with or without rubber mats (RM) on animal performance, hoof health, dirt scores and health status of finishing bulls. Continental crossbred beef bulls (n=72; mean initial live weight=441 (s.d. 45.1) kg) were blocked by breed and live weight and randomly assigned by block to one of four treatments; (1) Old CS (2) New CS, (3) Old CS covered with RM, (4) New CS covered with RM. Each treatment had 3 pens of 6 bulls at a space allowance of 2.9m2 per animal. Bulls were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) of silage and rolled barley on a 54:46 dry matter (DM) basis for 148 days. Feed was weighed into each pen daily and refusals were weighed twice weekly. Bulls were weighed every three weeks to coincide with dirt scoring. Total leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, basophil and red blood cell number and haemoglobin concentrations were measured on day 0 and day 148. Bull's hooves were inspected for the presence of lesions at the start of the study and again at slaughter. After slaughter, carcass weight, carcass gain, conformation and fat score, kidney and channel fat and hide weight were recorded. Bulls on RM had a greater average daily gain (ADG) (0.16kg/day) (P<0.01), kidney and channel fat weight (KCF) (P<0.05), hide weight (P<0.01) and a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05) than those on CS. Floor type had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), slaughter weight, carcass weight, kill out percentage, conformation score or fat score. Bulls on RM had 44% more hoof lesions (P<0.01) than those on CS. There were slat×time (P<0.05) and mat×time (P<0.01) interactions for dirt scores. Bulls on slats were dirtier than those on mats on days 63, 84 and 126 (P<0.01) while bulls on new slats were dirtier than those on old slats on days 21 (P<0.01) and 42 (P<0.05). Floor type had no effect (P>0.05) on any of the haematological variables measured which suggests that the immunological status of the bulls was not affected by treatment. While there was no evidence of lameness in bulls on RM, the increased number of hoof lesions suggests that hoof health may be compromised in bulls housed on RM.

Effect of floor type on carcass and meat quality of pen raised growing rabbits

The aim of the experiment was to compare the carcass and meat quality traits of growing rabbits housed on different floor types. At the age of 35 d, rabbits (n=126) were randomly sorted into 3 groups and housed in pens with different floor types: plastic-mesh, deep-litter straw or wire-mesh. Slaughter weight, carcass and its parts’ weight, meat (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum [LL] muscle and hind leg) pH and colour, oxidative status and fatty acid profile were measured and correlations calculated. The deep-litter straw rabbits showed the lowest pHu and b* values of LL muscle and oxidation of the both muscles. The fatty acid profile of LL muscle of deep-litter straw rabbits showed a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and long chain n-3 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, whereas the content of 18:2n-6 and total PUFA was lower. We concluded that housing the growing rabbits on wire- or plastic-mesh floors showed no substantial differences, while housing rabbits on deep-litter negatively affected certain qualitative traits.

Effects of floor type, stocking density, slaughter age and gender on productive and qualitative traits of rabbits reared in collective pens

At 34 days of age, 376 crossbred rabbits of both sexes were housed in 16 open-top collective pens (1.68 m2) according to a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement with two types of pen floor (plastic v. wooden slatted), two stocking densities (12 v. 16 animals/m2) and two slaughter ages (76 v. 83 days). The rabbits were examined for growth performance, slaughter results and meat quality. The effect of gender was also examined. The percentage of rabbits with wounds due to aggression varied with stocking density (8.2% v. 26.2% for 12 v. 16 animals/m2; P⩽0.001), slaughter age (15.0% v. 22.0% at 76 v. 83 days; P⩽0.10) and gender (11.3% v. 25.8% for females v. males; P⩽0.001). Rearing rabbits on a plastic rather than a wooden slatted floor promoted slaughter weight (2795 v. 2567 g; P⩽0.001), dressing percentage (61.4% v. 60.9%; P⩽0.01), dissectible fat (2.4% v. 2.0%; P⩽0.01) and hind leg muscle-to-bone ratio (5.81 v. 5.35; P⩽0.001). Increased stocking density impaired daily growth (38.5 v. 35.9 g/day; P⩽0.05) and feed intake (140 v. 134 g/day; P⩽0.01) during the second period (55 days to slaughter) and decreased slaughter weight (2725 v. 2637 g; P⩽0.01). At the older slaughter age, the feed conversion ratio was impaired (2.98 v. 3.18; P⩽0.001); the slaughter weight (2574 g v. 2788 g; P⩽0.001), dissectible fat (2.0% v. 2.4%; P⩽0.01) and hind leg muscle-to-bone ratio (5.41 v. 5.75; P⩽0.01) increased; meat thawing losses, cooking losses and shear force decreased (P⩽0.05). The main differences between the females and males were found in the slaughter for transport losses (2.6% v. 2.2%; P⩽0.01) and longissimus lumborum proportions (13.0% v. 12.4%; P⩽0.01). In conclusion, the growth performance of pen-housed rabbits was largely determined by the type of floor and less affected by stocking density. The meat quality depended on ontogenetic factors, such as slaughter age and gender, and not on housing conditions. The differences in the percentages of wounded animals owing to experimental factors deserve further investigation from the perspective of animal welfare issues.

Effect of floor type on behavior and productive performance of growing rabbits

In this study the results of two experiments are presented. The aims of the study were to examine the location preference of growing rabbits depending on the floor types (plastic-mesh, wire-mesh and deep-litter) and temperature (low, medium and high; Trial 1), and to evaluate the productive performance of growing rabbits at medium room temperature (Trial 2). In Trial 1 at the age of 5 weeks, the rabbits were randomly placed in one of the three pens each with a basic area of 3.8m2 (43 rabbits/pen, 11.3rabbits/m2). The floor of each pen was 1/3 wire-mesh, 1/3 plastic-mesh and 1/3 deep-litter. The treatment was repeated in winter, spring and summer with the following room temperatures: 10–11°C (low, n=129), 17–20°C (medium, n=129) and 22–26°C (high, n=129), respectively. With infrared cameras, 24h video recordings were made once a week, between 5 and 11 weeks of age. The number of rabbits in each location in the pens was recorded at every 30min. The rabbits showed the lowest preference for deep-litter (P<0.001) at each age, regardless of the temperature. The preference for wire-mesh or plastic-mesh floor depended on the temperature. At lower temperature most rabbits preferred staying on plastic-mesh, however at medium and higher temperature more rabbits chose the wire-mesh floor during the final period of fattening. In Trial 2 the productive performance was examined. At the age of 35 days, the rabbits (n=126) were randomly sorted to three groups and were housed in pens with a basic area of 1.27m2 (14 rabbits/pen, 11rabbits/m2). The floor type of the pens was plastic-mesh, wire-mesh or deep-litter. The body weights of rabbits between the ages of 7 and 10 weeks were significantly higher in the group on wire-mesh and plastic-mesh compared to the rabbits on deep-litter. Twelve week-old rabbits showed no significant differences among the groups. No significant differences were found for feed intake, feed conversion ratio or mortality between the ages of 5 and 12 weeks, however significant differences were recorded between the plastic-mesh and deep-litter groups for the average daily weight gain. It could be concluded that rabbits do not prefer staying on deep-litter, their preferences between wire-net and plastic-mesh floor depends on the temperature and age. Housing the growing rabbits on wire- or plastic-mesh floors had no substantial differences, while housing rabbits on deep-litter negatively affected certain traits, but the alterations were smaller compared to the results of the relevant literature.

Effect of floor type and bedding system on sows lifespan

The paper studies two nucleus pig farms in the Great Plain region of Hungary which have same management, same feeding system but different breeding technology (Farm A had solid floor with straw and Farm B had slatted floor without straw). The genetics of sows were crossbred Dutch Large White and Dutch Landrace. The comparative examination was based on the causes of culling according to the different floor type. To the analysis of culling reasons was applied the methods of survival analysis.&#x0D; In the analysis there were used the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox Proportional Hazard model to the estimate the difference between the farms. The results of survival analysis showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between the lifespan of sows that caused the difference between the survival probabilities of sows culled due to lameness. Furthermore there was showed that the sows kept on solid floor with straw have stayed in production longer than on slatted floor without straw. The hazard ratio was 1.434 that means that the culling due to lameness is 1.434 times higher by the slatted floor without straw facing by solid floor with straw.

Influence of floor surface and access to pasture on claw health in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems

In this study, the effects on the claw health of dairy cows of three different floor types and access to pasture were investigated on 35 farms. The farms were fitted with a given floor type in the indoor walking area of a cubicle housing system: a solid rubber, mastic asphalt or slatted concrete floor. Because we chose farms on which the given floor type was in good condition, the data presented show what can be achieved on these types of floors under ideal circumstances. Cows on half of the farms per floor type had access to pasture during the grazing period. Each farm was visited three times at approx. 6-month intervals at the end of the winter indoor-housing period and at the end of the summer period, i.e. after the period with access to pasture on half of the farms. During each visit, the claw health of the same 10 cows per farm was assessed on the occasion of routine claw trimming. The proportion of cows with haemorrhages increased from mastic asphalt to rubber and slatted concrete floors. A lower proportion of cows kept on mastic asphalt was affected by white-line fissures and needed intermittent claw-trimming, an indicator for lameness. Cows housed in cubicle systems with slatted concrete floors were at the lowest risk of having heel-horn erosions. Access to pasture was associated with a lower incidence of slight white-line fissures and dermatitis digitalis. A higher proportion of cows with sole haemorrhages and sole ulcers were found on all floor types at the end of the summer period than at the end of the winter indoor-housing period. Floor type did not influence the presence of sole ulcers and deep white-line fissures. In conclusion, the effect of floor type on claw health was slight, and none of the investigated floor types was clearly superior to the others. Access to pasture was not effective in reducing the presence of most types of claw lesions associated with the floor type used in the indoor walking area.

Effect of floor type (dirt or concrete) on litter quality, house environmental conditions, and performance of broilers

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the use of concrete or hard-packed dirt floor in broiler houses. This experiment was carried out in two different phases. The following performance parameters were studied: live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality. Litter moisture, pH and temperature were measured. Litter residual contamination after cleaning and disinfection was also evaluated. A dry bulb thermometer, a wet bulb thermometer, and a black bulb thermometer were placed inside each broiler house at bird height and outside the broiler house for data collection. Environmental data were collected at 3h intervals from 00:00 to 24:00 hours during weeks 4, 5, and 6 of the grow-out. Based on the collected data, air relative humidity (RH) was determined, after which wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and Radiant Heat Load (RHL) were calculated. There were no differences in live performance parameters. However, total mortality and sudden death were higher in birds raised on dirt floor. On days 0, 14 and 35, litter pH was higher in the dirt floor as compared to the concrete floor, but at the end of the grow-out, this difference disappeared. There was a cubic effect of bird age on litter moisture, which increased up to day 28, and then stabilized or decreased. Litter coliform contamination was higher at the end of the grow-out as compared to that found at housing, but it was not influenced by floor type. The general thermal comfort of broiler raised on dirt floor was similar to that of broilers raised on concrete floor.

Effects of Enterococcus faecium supplementation and floor type on performance, morphology of erythrocytes and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens

1. The experiment was to study the effects of floor type and probiotic supplementation (Enterococcus faecium) on performance, morphology of erythrocytes and intestinal microbiota of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. 2. The experimental design was a factorial 2 × 2 with 6 replicates. The factors were floor type (wire floor versus wood shaving litter) and the presence or absence of probiotic. 3. Birds housed on wood shavings exhibited significantly improved weight gain and food intake. 4. Addition of E. faecium led to significantly decreased food intake and gizzard weight. Supplementation with E. faecium positively influenced the ileal and caecal microbiota, with a significant decrease in the population of Escherichia coli. 5. Erythrocyte length decreased and erythrocyte width increased in the birds housed on wood shavings.

Effect of floor type on the growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs

Using a factorial design: two full floor types, concrete vs. concrete waterproofed with resin (resin floor) and two slat types, concrete vs. metal, were used to house 72 pigs in four rooms (18 pigs/room). During the experimental period which lasted from 22.9 kg to 112.7 kg live weight the four groups of pigs received the same feed. Growth, water consumption and health status of the pigs as well as subjective odour level inside the rooms were studied. The resin floor with metal slats tended (P

The effect of floor type or relocation on calves’ pulsatile growth hormone and cortisol secretion

To examine if hard floor or relocation to a new room affects the pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) and cortisol in calves, we housed individually 12 calves on concrete floors and 12 on rubber mats for 67–74 days. Half of the calves in each pen were relocated to an identical but strange room. Serial blood samples were taken 24 h prior to and 24 h following relocation at 20-min intervals and were assayed for GH and cortisol. Both of the hormones had a clear ultradian pulsatile variation. We detected (mean±/se) 4.6±/0.6 GH pulses/24 h. GH concentrations peaked four times during the day and pulses were higher in daytime. Cortisol peaked 5.8±0.6 times/24 h. Cortisol concentrations were highest at feeding. No overall effects of flooring or relocation were found but calves on concrete floors had greater cortisol concentrations than on rubber mats, especially during the night.

Effect of floor type and dietary molybdenum content on the liver copper concentration at slaughter and performance of intensively finished lambs

A 3×2 factorial experiment was used to evaluate the effects of added molybdenum (Mo) at the rate of 0, 4 or 8 ppm in the diet and two floor types (straw bedding or galvanised expanded metal) on 92 Texel cross intensively fed lambs in relation to hepatic copper levels and lamb growth. The lambs had ad libitum access to a coarse commercial lamb concentrate. The mean crude protein (%), copper (Cu) concentration (mg/kg) and background Mo (mg/kg) of the diets as fed were 18.6, 9.7 and 0.92, respectively. The lambs were slaughtered when they reached 38 kg live weight. Following slaughter, the caudate lobe of the liver was removed for Cu analysis. There was no effect ( P>0.05) of Mo level or floor type on lamb growth rate (mean 411±7.2 g/hd/day) or kill-out proportion. The added Mo was more effective in lowering liver copper values when the lambs were housed on straw bedding especially at the 4 ppm inclusion level. For the 4 and 8 ppm Mo inclusion, the respective reduction in liver copper values was 21% ( P<0.05) and 43% ( P<0.001) when lambs were housed on expanded metal flooring and 52% ( P<0.001) and 62% ( P<0.001) when lambs were bedded on straw. There was an interaction between floor type and the level of molybdenum inclusion. Overall, when lambs were bedded with straw, the hepatic Cu liver value was 15% lower than on the expanded metal, while if the 0 level Mo inclusion treatments are excluded, the effect of the straw was to lower the liver copper value by 32%. At the 4 ppm Mo inclusion, there was a positive relationship between liver weight and liver Cu concentration, although the liver Cu concentration did not approach what might be considered potentially toxic values. In conclusion, high Mo inclusion did not affect lamb growth rate and there were significant differences in its effect on hepatic copper levels depending on inclusion level and floor type. For intensively fed lambs, liver Cu accumulation and risk from Cu toxicity may be reduced, without loss of performance, by housing lambs on straw bedding when Mo is added to the diet and it is also possible that the Zn coating, frequently applied to protect metal flooring, may also confer protective properties evidenced in the absence of Mo. These outcomes should be taken into account when designing strategies for minimising copper toxicity in intensively fed lambs.

The effect of floor type on ammonia emission, welfare, health and behaviour of growing pigs

AbstractIn order to reduce ammonia emissions from pig housing systems, the Council of Europe proposes the use of part slatted flooring in preference to fully slatted flooring, but the effects of such changes on the health and welfare of pigs in the UK has not been defined. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different floor types on the emission of ammonia, behaviour and welfare, physical performance and respiratory and enteric health of growing/finishing pigs. This involved three replications of five treatments: 1) UK fully-slatted, 2) UK fully–slatted with rubber matting over 50% of the slats, 3) UK fully–slatted with “structural” modifications which involved “paving” over 50% of the floor and partitioning off the slurry channel beneath the solid floor, 4) UK part–slatted, and 5) novel Dutch partslatted with UK pig stocking density. Groups of 10 pigs (balanced for gender) weighing approximately 40kg were on–test for 10 weeks.