Feed Trough Research Articles

The Posture Detection Method of Caged Chickens Based on Computer Vision.

At present, raising caged chickens is a common farming method in China. However, monitoring the status of caged chickens is still done by human labor, which is time-consuming and laborious. This paper proposed a posture detection method for caged chickens based on computer vision, which can automatically identify the standing and lying posture of chickens in a cage. For this aim, an image correction method was used to rotate the image and make the feeding trough horizontal in the image. The variance method and the speeded-up robust features method were proposed to identify the feeding trough and indirectly obtain the key area through the feeding trough position. In this paper, a depth camera was used to generate three-dimensional information so that it could extract the chickens from the image of the key area. After some constraint conditions, the chickens' postures were screened. The experimental results show that the algorithm can achieve 97.80% precision and 80.18% recall (IoU > 0.5) for white chickens and can achieve 79.52% precision and 81.07% recall (IoU > 0.5) for jute chickens (yellow and black feathers). It runs at ten frames per second on an i5-8500 CPU. Overall, the results indicated that this study provides a non-invasive method for the analysis of posture in caged chickens, which may be helpful for future research on poultry.

Epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of staphylococci on commercial pig farms in Cape Town, South Africa

Staphylococci are responsible for a wide range of infections in animals. The most common species infecting animals include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus intermedius. Recent increases in antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in animals highlight the need to understand the potential role of commercial livestock as a reservoir of staphylococci and antibiotic resistance genes. Nasal swabs were collected from 143 apparently healthy pigs and 21 pig farm workers, and 45 environmental swabs of feed and water troughs, from two commercial pig farms in the Western Cape, South Africa. Staphylococci were isolated, identified using mass-spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Illumina whole genome sequencing were performed. One hundred and eighty-five (185) Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained, with Mammalicoccus sciuri (n = 57; 31%) being the most common, followed by S. hyicus (n = 40; 22%) and S. aureus (n = 29; 16%). S. epidermidis was predominantly identified in the farm workers (n = 18; 86%). Tetracycline resistance was observed across all species, with rates ranging from 67 to 100%. Majority of M. sciuri isolates (n = 40; 70%) were methicillin resistant, with 78% (n = 31) harbouring mecA. M. sciuri isolates had genes/elements which were associated with SCCmec_type_III (3A) and SCCmec_type_VIII(4A) and were mostly observed in ST61 strains. ST239 strains were associated with SCCmec_type_III(3A). High rates of tetracycline resistance were identified among staphylococci in the pig farms in Western Cape, South Africa. This highlights the need for policy makers to regulate the use of this antibiotic in pig farming.

Маркування ведмедем (Ursus arctos) дерев у Чорнобильському біосферному заповіднику

For the first time in the Ukrainian Polissia and the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve (ChREBR), a concentrated linear distribution of bear-marked spruce trees was found at the abandoned estates of the village of Opachychi along the second terrace of the Prypiat River floodplain. Individual sightings of bears (Ursus arctos) in the Ukrainian Polissia have been known since the 1990s, but there are no reliable data on the reproduction of this species. The abundance of bears in Belarus has increased in recent years, which leads to the possibility of females coming to the Polissia from the north. Dried spruce trees without resin were not marked by the bear, and the animal moved on to live trees. Friction and more intensive marking of trees was recorded mainly in the eastern direction. Most of the marked spruce trees were upright with no branches to the height of the marking. The intensive marking behaviour of bears in 2023 in the ChREBR can be considered as the appearance of a female, as signalling to a female, and as a sign of dominance towards a male competitor. Two adult males were observed near one of the marked trees (data from amateurs). Special field surveys are needed to identify females with cubs to confirm or refute the hypothesis that the intensity of bear marking can be used in the event of the presence of a female bear in oestrus. Along the bear-marked trees in the village of Opachychi of the ChPEBR, an ecological trail and a visitor centre of large carnivores and herbivores should be created, which would be popular destinations. It is advisable to arrange a location for wildlife observations in an abandoned house for photo and video shooting, as is usually done in Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, and Spain. In such tours, the effectiveness of the observation is not guaranteed and only preliminary statistics of wildlife encounters are provided. For this purpose, it is advisable to create two feeding areas for predatory mammals with dry food, as well as a salt marsh and a feeding trough for ungulates. The majority of the ChREBR territory has a low incidence of markings. The bear in the Polissia, as elsewhere in Europe, is expanding its range naturally, but at a slow pace due to the low intensity of female dispersal. Tree marking by bears was also observed in Chernihiv Oblast, in the Mizhrichynskyi Regional Landscape Park. It is advisable to release several bears in the ChEBR to create a reproductive centre for this species in the Polissia.

Phage cocktail superimposed disinfection: A ecological strategy for preventing pathogenic bacterial infections in dairy farms

Bovine mastitis (BM) is mainly caused by bacterial infection that has a highly impact on dairy production, affecting both economic viability and animal well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted in dairy farms to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens associated with BM. The analysis revealed that Staphylococcus (49%), Escherichia (16%), Pseudomonas (11%), and Klebsiella (6%) were the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis. A significant proportion of Staphylococcus strains displayed multiple drug resistance. The use of disinfectants is an important conventional measure to control the pathogenic bacteria in the environment. Bacteriophages (Phages), possessing antibacterial properties, are natural green and effective disinfectants. Moreover, they mitigate the risk of generating harmful disinfection byproducts, which are commonly associated with traditional disinfection methods. Based on the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis in the investigation area, a phage cocktail, named SPBC-SJ, containing seven phages capable of lysing S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa was formulated. SPBC-SJ exhibited superior bactericidal activity and catharsis effect on pollutants (glass surface) compared to chemical disinfectants. Clinical trials confirmed that the SPBC-SJ-based superimposed disinfection group (phage combined with chemical disinfectants) not only cut down the dosage of disinfectants used, but significantly reduced total bacterial counts on the ground and in the feeding trough of dairy farms. Furthermore, SPBC-SJ significantly reduced the abundance of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in the environment of the dairy farm. These findings suggest that phage-based superimposed disinfection is a promising alternative method to combat mastitis pathogens in dairy farms due to its highly efficient and environmentally-friendly properties.

From Field to Feed trough: Examining the Drivers of Feed and Fodder Technologies Uptake among Pastoral Beef Farmers in Kenya

Adoption of technologies and effective management practices in the pastoral beef systems are necessary for improved productivity and resilient agricultural systems. This study examined the factors influencing the adoption of Technology Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) among pastoral beef farmers in Isiolo and Kajiado counties. Employing a cross-sectional approach and utilizing the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SURe) model, the research explores the intricate dynamics that shape farmers' decisions regarding three key TIMPs; planted fodder, feed supplementation, and fodder conservation. Using a systematic sampling technique, a sample size of 619 pastoral farmers was adopted. This research seeks to uncover the underlying motivations and barriers, understanding the complex relationships between resource accessibility, socio-economic considerations, and the role of extension services in facilitating technology adoption. The research underscores the importance of addressing specific barriers, including limited access to resources and socio-economic constraints faced by these farmers. The evidence-based strategies derived from this research paves the way for scientifically informed interventions to propel the livestock sector in Kenya towards a sustainable future. The study's recommendations emphasize the need for targeted policies that prioritize market accessibility, technology awareness and information access, thus effectively supporting the adoption of TIMPs among pastoral beef farmers. Implementing these recommendations contributes to strengthening of resilience of the livestock sector and the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in Kenya.

Acute post-orchiectomy pain does not reduce alpha rams' interest in feed resources.

Sheep pain is an animal welfare issue monitored based on behavioral responses, including appetite. Dominant (alpha) males have priority for accessing limited feed resources, however, the effects of pain on feed interest in members of a group with defined social hierarchy are unknown. Our objective was to investigate effects of acute post-orchiectomy pain on alpha rams' interest in accessing a limited feed resource. Eighteen rams were randomly housed in pens of 3 rams. After acclimation, the first 5-d (consecutive) battery of a behavior test was performed. In this test, 180 g of the regular diet concentrate was placed in a portable trough in the center of the pen; this feed was supplemental to the diet and represented a limited, albeit strongly preferable feed resource. Rams were filmed for 5 min after the feed introduction. Hierarchical levels (alpha, beta, and gamma) were defined based on the social hierarchical index according to higher initiator and lower receptor agonistic behaviors from the social network analyses. After 15 d, a second 5-d behavioral test battery was repeated. On the following day, alpha rams were castrated. Flunixin meglumine was given immediately before surgery and a final behavioral test was performed 8 h post-orchiectomy, concurrent with an expected peak in postoperative pain. For all recordings, the latency, frequency, and duration of time that each ram had its mouth inside the feed trough were recorded, and the Unesp-Botucatu sheep acute pain scale pain scale (USAPS) was applied. The social hierarchical index was highest in alpha rams, followed by beta and gamma. The pain scores were statistically equivalent across the 11 evaluation days for beta and gamma rams, whereas there was an increase in the final evaluation for alpha. There was no difference in latency, frequency, and duration between alpha, beta, and gamma rams across evaluations. We concluded that acute post-orchiectomy pain did not decrease alpha rams' interest in accessing limited feed. Routine feeding offers a valuable chance to detect pain-related behavior using the USAPS in rams. However, dominance may confound appetite-related behaviors in assessing acute pain, as alpha rams' interest in limited feed remained unaffected by the pain.

Ration particle size has different effects on digestive but not production parameters in higher-yielding (Holstein) compared to lower-yielding (Girolando) cows.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of total mixed ration particle size (length) and breed of cow on intake dynamics, animal performance and CH4 emissions, comparing high yielding Holstein and low yielding Girolando cows. The experimental design was 2 × 2 Latin Square arranged as a crossover factorial scheme with two diets (short particle size, SPS and long particle size, LPS) and the two breed compositions. The design comprised two periods of 26 d each, where all data collection was performed at cow level. No influence of the particle size occurred for the passage rate, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, performance and milk composition, methane emissions or ruminal fermentation parameters. Girolando cows had greater dry matter intake (DMI) when fed SPS, while Holsteins had the same (P < 0.05). Girolando cows had lower dry matter digestibility when fed LPS compared to SPS, while Holsteins had the opposite effect (P < 0.05). Also, the digestibility of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased in Girolando cows fed LPS, but not in Holsteins (P < 0.05). Girolando cows reduced DMI by 10.6% when fed LPS diet (P < 0.05). Girolando had an increased eating rate (+24 g of DM/min; P < 0.05) compared to Holstein cows, but Holstein cows had a lower CH4 intensity (by 29.7%: P < 0.05). Girolando cows increased the dry matter intake when fed a diet with short particle size, while the same did not happen in Holsteins. Dry matter digestibility increased in Holsteins when fed long particle size, while the opposite was observed in Girolando cows. Nutrient digestibility was reduced in Girolando cows when fed short particle size. Particle size did not influence eating time, eating rate, feed trough visits, visits with intake, milk yield and composition regardless of the breed. Reducing particle size increased CH4 intensity in both breeds.

Enhancing Smart Farming Capabilities for Small-Scale Cattle Farmers in Chiang Rai, Thailand

This research aims to develop an IoT-driven smart farming system for beef cattle management in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The system empowers small-scale farmers by enabling precise criteria for cattle care, optimized feeding, growth monitoring, breeding analysis, and cost estimation through WSN and cloud-based platforms. The sensors gather raw data on consumption from the feeding troughs and then transmit it to the cloud-based platform. Consumption data is then analyzed using Linear Regression Analysis. Key findings indicate a substantial correlation (0.995) between feed quantity and cattle weight gain, with a predictive capability of 99%. This system enhances precision and decision-making in cattle farming, offering significant benefits to small-scale farmers in the region.

Metagenomic insights into isolable bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance in airborne dust from pig farms.

This study aims to investigate bacterial communities and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in airborne dust from pig farms. Airborne dust, pig feces and feed were collected from nine pig farms in Thailand. Airborne dust samples were collected from upwind and downwind (25 meters from pig house), and inside (in the middle of the pig house) of the selected pig house. Pig feces and feed samples were individually collected from the pen floor and feed trough from the same pig house where airborne dust was collected. A direct total bacteria count on each sampling plate was conducted and averaged. The ESKAPE pathogens together with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus were examined. A total of 163 bacterial isolates were collected and tested for MICs. Pooled bacteria from the inside airborne dust samples were analyzed using Metagenomic Sequencing. The highest bacterial concentration (1.9-11.2 × 103 CFU/m3) was found inside pig houses. Staphylococcus (n = 37) and Enterococcus (n = 36) were most frequent bacterial species. Salmonella (n = 3) were exclusively isolated from feed and feces. Target bacteria showed a variety of resistance phenotypes, and the same bacterial species with the same resistance phenotype were found in airborne dust, feed and fecal from each farm. Metagenomic Sequencing analysis revealed 1,652 bacterial species across all pig farms, of which the predominant bacterial phylum was Bacillota. One hundred fifty-nine AMR genes of 12 different antibiotic classes were identified, with aminoglycoside resistance genes (24%) being the most prevalent. A total of 251 different plasmids were discovered, and the same plasmid was detected in multiple farms. In conclusion, the phenotypic and metagenomic results demonstrated that airborne dust from pig farms contained a diverse array of bacterial species and genes encoding resistance to a range of clinically important antimicrobial agents, indicating the significant role in the spread of AMR bacterial pathogens with potential hazards to human health. Policy measurements to address AMR in airborne dust from livestock farms are mandatory.

Saanen and Alpine goats experience neophobia when offered novel feeds

Feed neophobia is a reluctance to eat a novel feed that can last from minutes to days. While it can prevent animals from ingesting toxins, it may also have negative effects on growth and animal welfare. In ruminants, feed neophobia has mainly been studied in sheep and cattle, and only a few studies have focused on goats. This study assessed feed neophobia in goats and aimed to determine whether this is breed-dependent. Six-month-old Saanen (n = 18) and Alpine (n = 13) goats were repeatedly placed in an experimental environment, with a familiar feed, for 5 min per day (days 1–7). The familiar feed was then replaced by two novel feeds on consecutive days (d8-d9), and the second novel feed was offered a second time (d10). Saanen goats habituated better to the situation as, on the last day with the familiar feed, they consumed more, with a greater intake rate, and spent less time near conspecifics than Alpine goats. They also showed a higher approach index than Alpine goats, meaning that they spent more time head in the feed trough while being close to it. Breed however did not influence the behavioural responses of goats when they were exposed to novel feeds. When first exposed to the novel feeds and regardless of their respective palatability, the goats reduced their intake compared to when they received the familiar feed, though they sampled the novel feeds by eating small amounts. They also approached the novel feeds less and spent more time near conspecifics. At the 2nd exposure to the second novel feed, the main behavioural responses were reversed, as intake increased and the time spent near conspecifics decreased, to reach the levels recorded with the familiar feed. Only the approach index remained lower. Thus, our results highlight that goats of both breeds displayed feed neophobia when first exposed to different novel feeds, but the situation was reversed after only one short-term exposure. Further research using more novel feeds, different feed-presentation schemes and longer tests will help to improve the understanding of feed neophobia in goats.

The role of pre-disinfection measures in reducing the microbial load of pig house facilities

Premises for keeping animals and objects in them are constantly exposed to significant contamination with organic substances, substantially impacting the disinfection quality. To achieve its maximum effectiveness, it is essential to consistently perform pre-disinfection measures that create optimal conditions for the destruction of microorganisms. However, due to a lack of awareness, poor risk management, time and resource constraints, and lack of systematic controls, many livestock producers underestimate the importance of pre-disinfection measures, which include mechanical cleaning, detergent treatment, hydro-cleaning, and drying. Improper implementation or complete absence of pre-disinfection measures can create favorable conditions for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, which threatens the health and productivity of animals. The work aimed to establish the effect of pre-disinfection measures on the microbial load of piggery facilities. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that before the pre-disinfection measures were carried out at the facilities of pig farms, the total number of microorganisms in honey was from 5.12 ± 0.49 to 6.83 ± 0.54 log CFU/cm3 of washing. The least covered with microflora were feeding troughs, 5.5 % more feeders, 17 % walls, 19 % intercellular partitions, and 25.1 % floors. Carrying out mechanical cleaning of the researched objects of animal husbandry premises ensured a reduction of microflora on their surface from 1.6 to 8.1 % and treatment with the “Grass” agent – from 15.3 to 18.5 %. A decrease in the amount of microflora from 23.7 to 30.9 % on the floor, inter-cage partitions, walls, feeders, and drinking troughs was established after their hydro-cleaning with the high-pressure device “Aqua Master”, and the specified differences were probable (P &lt; 0.05). It has been proven that the proper implementation of all stages of pre-disinfection requirements leads to a possible (P &lt; 0.05) decrease in the microbial load, which was 28.7 % on the floor, 38.3 % on the intercellular partitions, 36.1 % on the walls, 32.0 % in the feeders, 8 %, and 34 % on water supply.

Effects of social housing on dairy calf response to novelty shortly after weaning and grouping

Dairy calf social development and responses to novelty are influenced by social contact, but longer-term implications of early life social housing for response to novelty in weaned calves are less clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of preweaning social housing on how dairy calves respond to novel feed and objects a few days following weaning and grouping. At birth, calves were alternately assigned to either individual (IH; n = 22 calves) or pair housing (PH; n = 18 pairs; 1 focal calf enrolled/pair). Following weaning (at 53.4 ± 2.0 d; mean ± standard deviation), calves were mingled between treatments and group-housed with calves born the same week (4 to 6 calves/pen; 12 total groups). Beginning at 56.4 ± 2 d of age, calves were exposed to 2 novel feed tests (sliced carrots and chopped red apples) conducted in the home pen on consecutive days. Following novel feed tests, a subset of calves (n = 11 IH and n = 9 PH calves, from separate paired pens) was exposed to a novel object test, conducted individually in a testing arena. During novel feed tests, the latency to contact the novel feed did not differ between treatments but previously IH calves spent more time at the feed trough (6.9 vs. 4.3 min/h, IH vs. PH, standard error = 0.25). In the novel object test, latency to contact the novel object and duration of contact did not differ between previous housing treatments but previously IH calves moved around the arena more. These results suggest that preweaning social housing had some carryover effects on behavioral responses during novel feed and novel object tests a few days following weaning and grouping, potentially reflecting differences in social feeding behavior and activity in a novel space, but avoidance of the novel object and feed were not affected.

Changes in Growth and Feeding Characteristics during Early Ontogenesis in Threadsail Filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer.

We investigated the growth and feeding characteristics of threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer, during early ontogenesis. The growth indices of hatchlings fed compound feed were measured from 0 to 50 days post hatching (dph). The absorption time of the yolk sac and oil globule, as well as the rate of first feeding were measured to characterise the early growth stage and determine the point-of-no-return (PNR). Feeding characteristics and rhythms were investigated under a light/dark cycle and under continuous light. Growth indices increased significantly at 24, 28, 30, 40, 45, and 50 dph. The yolk sac and oil globules were completely absorbed before 4 dph, indicative of a short mixed-nutrition period at 3-4 dph. Under starvation conditions, the first feeding rate was highest (86%) at 0.5 dph and then decreased to 53.3% at 1.5 dph and 26.2% at 2 dph, suggesting that the PNR occurs at 1.5-2 dph. The feeding peak appeared at 15:00-18:00 and under light conditions, while the feeding trough appeared at 0:00-3:00. Compound feed supplied adequate nutrition for early growth and development. The peaks and troughs of feeding times were indicative of daytime feeding behaviour. These results provide guidance for successful rearing of filefish seedlings and juveniles.

Influence of modified feed troughs on performance and feed cost of finisher broilers

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of modified feed troughs on the performance and cost of production of finisher broilers. A total of ninety (90) 4 weeks old birds were used for the experiment. They were divided into three treatments of thirty (30) birds each and replicated three times with ten (10) birds each, using a completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment groups were assigned with different feed troughs such that treatment 1 had the Conventional Feed Trough (CFT), treatment 2 had Beveled Edge Feed trough (BEF) and treatment 3 had the Partitioned Feed Trough (PFT). The birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric commercial diet. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data were collected on initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio. Carcass characteristics and economics of production were further used to calculate the performance of finisher broilers under the three treatments. The data obtained were subjected to analysis variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Birds fed with the (BEF) showed highest significant (p&lt;0.05) final body weight of 2853.33 g, total body weight gain of 1814.4 g per bird, total feed intake of 3122.96 g and best feed conversion ratio of 1.75 compared with birds under CFT and PFT. The results obtained for carcass analysis indicated that birds under BEF and PFT had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher weights of breast, wing, back, shank, heart and gizzard than CFT. The BEF gave the lowest unit cost of production of the finisher broiler (N1185.60) against the N1329.84 and N1324.47 for CFT and PFT respectively. The BEF is therefore adjudged best and recommended in controlling feed wastage and improving the performance of finisher broilers.

The relationship between feed efficiency and behaviour differs between lactating Holstein and Jersey cows.

In dairy production, high feed efficiency (FE) is important to reduce feed costs and negative impacts of milk production on the climate and environment, yet little is known about the relationship between FE, eating behaviour and activity. This research communication describes how cows differing in FE, expressed as daily energy corrected milk production per unit of feed intake, differed in eating behaviour and activity. We used data from a study of 253 lactations obtained from 97 Holstein and 91 Jersey cows milked in an automatic milking system. Automated feed troughs recorded feed intake behaviour and cows wore a sensor that recorded activity from 5 to 200 d in milk (DIM). We used a mixed linear model to estimate random solutions for individual cows for traits of steps, lying and eating behaviour and calculated their correlation with FE during four periods (5-35, 36-75, 76-120 and 121-200 DIM). Separate analyses were performed for each breed and period. We found that individual level correlations between FE and behaviour traits were stronger in Jersey than in Holstein cows. Eating rate correlated weakly negatively to FE in Holstein cows and more strongly so in Jersey cows, such that efficient Jerseys were slower eaters. The physical activity of Jersey cows was weakly and negatively correlated to FE, but this was not the case in Holstein cows. We conclude that eating rate was consistently negatively associated with FE throughout lactation for Jersey cows, but not for Holstein cows.

An assessment of awareness and practicing status regarding personal and animal hygiene among livestock farmers in semiurban areas of Barisal district, Bangladesh

The knowledge gap of livestock farmers on proper farm hygiene practices is one of the major concerns in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study was performed to assess the awareness and practicing status regarding personal and animal hygiene among livestock farmers in selected semi-urban areas of Barisal district, Bangladesh. A total of 202 farmers were interviewed to collect data randomly from four distinct suburban villages of Barishal district. SPSS software (version 25) was used to code and analyze the raw data. The research revealed that 68.3% of the farmers used tube well for supplying water to the animals. On the other hand, all the farmers were found to use tube-well for family use. 58.4% of farmers never used disinfectants regularly on their farms. Additionally, 40.1% of participants never practiced a routine deworming schedule. Attending seminars was found to have effects on washing and feeding troughs (p&lt;0.05) and the application of disinfectants on a regular basis (p&lt;0.01) Since a large percentage of livestock keepers are not still aware of animal and personal hygiene, the government and other non-government organizations should adopt necessary steps to disseminate knowledge among livestock owners for their animal and personal hygiene in order to prevent various zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases.

Welfare and performance of finishing pigs on commercial farms: Associations with group size, floor space per pig and feed type

Based on data from a field survey of 85 Norwegian farms, we aimed to investigate associations of group size, floor space per pig and type of feed with selected welfare- and performance indicators in finishing pigs. On each farm, we registered the number of pigs per pen, floor space per pig (m2), and the type of feed used (dry feed: n = 42 farms; liquid feed: n = 43 farms), once for every farm between 10:00–12:00 h within the last three weeks before slaughter. Ten pigs per pen from eight pens per farm were randomly chosen for sampling of welfare indicators (bite marks on ears, body and tail, hernia, and movement disorders, and a human approach test). A subsample of 44 farms recorded their production data in the Norwegian Ingris database. These farm level data included daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mean weight of the slaughtered pigs. The pen-level data were analysed using a using a mixed model, with group size and floor space per pig (m2) as fixed effects, type of feed (liquid vs. dry feed) as a categorical variable, and individual “farm” as a random effect. The farm-level data were analysed using a generalized model with Poisson distribution and the same fixed factors. The proportions of pigs with bite marks on ears (P < 0.001) and body (P < 0.001) and daily weight gain (P < 0.001) decreased with increasing group size whereas avoidance of a novel human increased (P < 0.001). The proportion of pigs with bite marks on the body (P = 0.019) decreased with increasing floor space per pig. Providing dry feed ad libitum in vertical feeders resulted in a greater proportion of pigs with bite marks on the ears (P = 0.010) and the body (P = 0.029) than providing liquid feed intermittently in long troughs, but daily weight gain was higher with dry feeding (P < 0.001). Overall, low proportions of pigs had hernias (1.1 ± 0.001%) and movement disorders (1.7 ± 0.2%). In conclusion, our findings indicate that except for an increased avoidance of a novel human in larger groups, the pigs had better welfare in larger groups in terms of lower proportion of bite marks. Finally, more floor space per pig and liquid feed in feed troughs were also associated with a lower proportion of bite marks. As our data were skewed towards smaller group sizes and densities were skewed towards the legislated minimum space allowance per pig, the implications are limited to the range of conditions presented in the study.

98 Environmental impacts and daily voluntary movement of horses housed in pasture tracks as compared to conventional pasture housing

Pasture tracks are a recent trend in equine management. Tracks are a way to increase movement by theoretically mimicking patterns of wild horses, though this has not been proven. To test movement patterns of horses housed in pasture tracks as compared with conventional pastures, a track (3.5m in width) was created around the perimeter of a rectangular 2.0 ha pasture with feeding troughs placed roughly equidistant around the track. Eight horses were paired and rotated between 3 treatment locations: the track (T), the small 2 ha pasture housed within the track (SP), and a larger 12 ha pasture on the same farm (LP). Movement was tracked using a GPS watch (Amazfit Bip U by Zepp Health) attached to the crown of a halter. Testing occurred over a 10-week period in which horses were randomly rotated in pairs to each location with testing in each location occurring simultaneously. Horses were acclimated to each location for 3 d and then tested over a 4-d period during which one horse in each pair would wear the GPS monitor for 2 d followed by the second horse. At the conclusion of the 10-week study, 4 horses on 2 additional farms with existing track systems were monitored for a one-week period to compare their movement patterns to those collected in the test location as controls. Environmental impact of the pasture tracksystem was evaluated by comparing erosion measurements of the track to the small pasture. Erosion was evaluated via quantification of vegetative cover (as measured by standing biomass) and sediment relocation (as measured using an adapted mesh-bag technique). Data was collected on days −7, 14, 33, 67, and 86 of horses being placed on the track. GPS data was analyzed using Minitab v.21 (State College, PA, USA) with housing as a treatment effect. Erosion measurements were run as a repeated-measures over time with location as the treatment effect. Results indicate no differences in daily distance traveled between T and SP (5.7 vs 5.4 km, P = 0.60) or between T and LP (5.7 vs 6.2 km, P = 0.36). Though not comparable, horses on the private farm tracks walked a similar daily distance of 6.1 ± 0.2 km/d avg. There was a decrease in vegetative cover on the track (P < 0.001) from beginning to end of the study, which resulted in sediment relocation (P = 0.013). Collectively, this data does not support the use of pasture tracks as a beneficial management practice to increase movement, and potential environmental impacts of the use of tracks should be considered.

Comparative advantage of improved feed trough and the traditional feeding material for efficient utilization of crop residue at small-scale farmers in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to reduce the high feed wastage by practicing the improved feed trough in the study area. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Koraro district Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Improved feed trough was constructed on a total of 20 interested farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected andanalyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the improved feed troughs reduced feed waste significantly in the study area. That is 4.13% and 25% feed loss respectively in improved and traditional feed troughs. The result from the farmers perception also shows that, the farmers were preferred the technology in its less feed wastage, reduces feed contamination, gives an opportunity for persons to do other task than keeping animals, comfortable for the animals, reduces feed competition among the animals; and protects the feed from rain and sun. But farmers are less preferred the technology in its cost for its construction. Therefore, based on the result it is recommended that the technology has to be popularized and promoted to the large number of the farmers of the area for the efficient crop residue utilization.

Effect of severe dietary restriction on growth and slaughter characteristics of non-selected growing rabbits

This work was carry out to study the effects of dietary restriction by limiting rabbit access to the feeder on fattening performance. A total of 44 weaned rabbits, of 32-35 days, were randomly divided into 2 groups, the control group (C) fed ad-libitum throughout the fattening period and the group with restricted access to the feed restriction (R). The weekly feeding program of the R group consisted of a restricted access time to the feed trough for 5 days (3h/d) and an ad libitum feed distribution for the weekend during the 5 weeks post-weaning. Two weeks before slaughter (10 to 12 weeks of age), the rabbits from the Group R were fed ad libitum. Results showed lower live weights for Group R at 10 weeks of age (R: 1084.7 g vs. C: 1510.7; p&lt;0.05) but similar at 12 weeks of age (R: 1557.2 g vs. C: 1800.9 g; P&gt;0.05). Different daily feed intakes throughout the fattening period and similar average daily gains (R:16.25 g/d vs. C:22.10 g/d; p&gt;0.05). The feed intake index at the end of fattening was significantly higher in control animals (C:4.15 vs. R:3.85, p=0.001). Carcass yield was similar (C: 68.07% vs. R: 65.70%; p&gt;0.05), peri-renal fat weight was higher in control rabbits (C: 27.17g vs. R: 13.67g; p=0.002).The results of the present study indicate the economic interest of using a feed restriction strategy that could be popularized in local rabbit farms.