Welfare Implications Research Articles

Pharmacokinetics and safety of topical fluralaner in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Sarcoptic mange (etiological agent Sarcoptes scabiei) is among the most important parasitic diseases of some marsupial species and has been an emerging disease of koalas, causing welfare and conservation implications. Fluralaner (Bravecto® MSD Animal Health), an ectoparasiticide of the isoxazoline class, has been demonstrated as a long-lasting and efficacious chemotherapeutic agent against sarcoptic mange in multiple mammal species and may also be beneficial for impacted koalas. Here, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics and clinical safety of fluralaner in koalas. Healthy captive individuals were treated topically with 85 mg/kg fluralaner administered to the interscapular epidermis. Following treatment, fluralaner was detected in plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass-spectrometry over a 12-week period. The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 66.4 ng/mL; mean time was Cmax of 2.71 days; plasma elimination half-life (T1/2) was 30.91 days; and mean residence time (MRT) was 27.38 days. Haematological, blood biochemical, animal husbandry and clinical observations, over the same time period, demonstrated fluralaner was well tolerated. Overall, this research suggests fluralaner is a safe and long-lasting chemotherapeutic agent that may be efficacious against S. scabiei in koalas. Further research focussed on quantifying efficacy in captive and field settings, and across a range of disease severities would be valuable.

A multilevel lightweight fish respiratory frequency measurement method – Segmentation instead of detection

Respiratory frequency is an important physiological parameter for fish health. Traditional respiration detection methods have inherent frequency measurement error problems, and segmentation provides an innovative technique for respiration measurement. By shifting the focus from detection to segmentation, this approach provides robust and reliable support for measuring fish respiratory frequency accurately. However, the existing segmentation network models face challenges related to their large scale, high computational demands, and limited deployability at the edge. To overcome these challenges, this paper introduces an easily portable, high-precision segmentation method based on lightweight network and network slimming technique, named PM-YOLOv5s-seg (Prune MobileNetv3-YOLOv5s Segmentation). PM-YOLOv5s-seg utilizes the MobileNetv3 network as its segmentation backbone, enabling the extraction of essential fish mouth features. Simultaneously, it employs depth separable convolution to reduce network parameters and calculation amounts. Furthermore, the model undergoes additional sparsification via channel pruning, significantly improving its efficiency. Finally, respiratory frequency modeling is performed on the obtained fish mouth segmentation results, utilizing innovative techniques such as Ellipse fitting, Kalman filtering, and polynomial fitting methods. Comparison with the state-of-the-art methods demonstrates the superiority of the multilevel lightweight segmentation model PM-YOLOv5s-seg in terms of detection accuracy, computational efficiency, and model size. This model achieves an optimal balance between the speed and accuracy in fish respiratory frequency measurement, which holds significant implications for fish welfare as well as disease detection.

Live black soldier fly larvae as environmental enrichment for native chickens: implications for bird performance, welfare, and excreta microbiota

Dietary live insect larvae were recently proposed for use in laying hens and broiler−intensive chicken farming as an innovative form of environmental enrichment, but their use in native dual-purpose chickens has never been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of live black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as environmental enrichment in two autochthonous dual-purpose chicken breeds, namely Bionda Piemontese (BP) and Bianca di Saluzzo (BS), in terms of bird performance, behaviour, integument status, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECMs), and microbiota analyses. A total of 90 BP and 90 BS hens aged 308 days old were randomly distributed between two treatment groups (three replicates/group/breed, 15 hens/replicate). For the following 90 days, the control group (C) was fed a commercial feed only, whereas the BSF group was fed the commercial diet plus BSF live larvae calculated at 6% of the expected daily feed intake (DFI). Larva ingestion time, bird performance, integument scores, and behavioural observations were assessed at regular intervals, and excreta samples were collected to evaluate ECM and microbiota. The larva ingestion time became faster over the course of the experimental trial (P < 0.001). The DFI of BSF-fed hens was lower than that of C hens independently of breed (P < 0.001), whereas only in the BS hens, the live weight of the BSF-fed group was greater than that of the C group (P < 0.01). The BSF-fed BP hens showed a higher laying rate and feed conversion ratio compared with BSF-BS (P < 0.05). Better total integument scores were observed in BSF-fed BP hens compared with C-birds (P < 0.05). The BSF-fed hens displayed higher frequencies of preening, trotting, and wing flapping than C, as well as a lower incidence of severe feather pecking (P < 0.05). An increase in allopreening was only identified in BSF-fed BS hens with respect to the C hens (P < 0.001). No differences in ECM and faecal microbiota were observed between treatment groups. In conclusion, the administration of BSF live larvae as environmental enrichment has the potential to positively influence the welfare of both BP and BS chickens, by enhancing the frequency of positive behaviours whilst reducing severe feather pecking, without affecting their excreta microbiota. BSF larva administration also has the potential to improve the productive performance and the plumage status of the BP breed.

Industrial processing of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) for protein production

AbstractThe increasing global interest in plant‐based proteins stems from concerns about the environmental impact, sustainability, animal welfare, and health implications associated with consuming animal‐based proteins. In the frame of alternative protein sources, chickpea (Cicer arietinum) emerged as a rich source of dietary proteins besides containing good amount of carbohydrate, fat, and fiber. As a protein ingredient, chickpea is available in three forms, namely, flour, concentrate, and isolate. This chickpea protein can be extracted using both wet and dry fractionation methods where the former one includes wet extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation, while the later one indicates dry milling followed by air classification. However, different nonthermal emerging technologies have been seen to assist in extracting protein as well as modifying their functionalities. This review gives an outline of the recently available literature on composition, industrial processing and associated technological challenges, functionality, and application of chickpea protein ingredients. Furthermore, discussion on the modification/improvement of chickpea protein functionality with the assistance of emerging technologies and the potentiality of by‐products produced during chickpea protein processing are also included. Based on the available findings and discussion, it is seen that apart from being a comparable source of alternative animal‐based protein to extract, chickpea derived by‐products can also be a potential source of valued ingredients that might contribute to the circular economy.

328 Assessment of chronically ill or injured feedlot cattle populations at eight United States and nine Canadian feedlots and implications for cattle welfare

Abstract Cattle health management in the feedlot sector continues to evolve and improve cattle welfare by promoting an understanding of illness and injury to minimize their effects. Many papers have focused on treating individual ill or injured cattle in cattle feeding facilities. However, care, treatment, and outcomes for chronically ill or injured cattle (“chronic cattle”) have received little attention in the literature. The purpose of this descriptive study was to present demographics, diagnoses, and outcomes of chronic cattle in 17 feedlots in the U.S. and Canada and discuss potential risk factors and welfare implications. Individual chronic cattle information and treatment records from 17 feedlots (U.S.: 8; Canada: 9) over 7 yr (2014 – 2020) were retrospectively retrieved from a large feedlot consulting and data-management service (Feedlot Health Management Services, a division of TELUS Agriculture Solutions Inc.). Chronic cattle were defined as those that had spent time in a feedlot’s designated chronic pen. Descriptive results are presented as means ± standard deviations. U.S. feedlots averaged 31,280 ± 23,231 cattle/yr, had an average chronicity rate of 2.24 ± 2.42 % (median 1.53%), and contributed 52,709 chronic cattle to the dataset. Canadian feedlots averaged 21,913 ± 10,497 cattle/yr, had an average chronicity rate of 1.41 ± 0.82% (median 1.10%), and contributed 15,940 chronic cattle to the dataset. U.S. chronic cattle were sourced across all seasons primarily from auctions and ranches, had an average arrival weight of 163 ± 59 kg, and an average days on feed (DOF) of 362 ± 172 d. Canadian chronic cattle were primarily auction-sourced in the fall, weighed 272 ± 95 kg at arrival, and averaged 246 ± 141 DOF. Chronic cattle were treated at least once for respiratory issues (U.S.: 46.3%; Canada: 26.9%), bullers (U.S.: 34.5%; Canada: 5.8%), musculoskeletal issues (U.S.: 2.2%; Canada: 1.4%), lameness (U.S.: 1.7%; Canada: 28.1%), metabolic issues (U.S.: 0.5%; Canada: 4.5%), or other diagnoses (U.S.: 2.2%; Canada: 6.3%), with many cattle treated for multiple issues (U.S.: 12.5%; Canada: 27.0%). Outcomes for chronic cattle were shipped (U.S.: 73.1%; Canada: 52.5%), railed (U.S.: 8.1%; Canada: 20.7%), euthanized (U.S.: 0.7%; Canada: 9.9%) died unassisted (U.S.: 18.1%; Canada: 16.2%), or transferred (U.S.: &amp;lt; 0.1%; Canada: 0.8%). These results are some of the first to describe chronic cattle populations and present interesting trends for further analysis. For example, differences in buller and lameness rates could reflect actual differences but may be artifices of the dataset and feedlot definitions. Additionally, high marketed cattle rates (shipped and railed) indicate positive outcomes for most cattle, but variable mortality rates merit further scrutiny.

Statistical analyses of gender disparities in unpaid work in Georgia

Using data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) with a quarterly sample size of 6,400 households and the Georgia Time Use Survey (GTUS) covering 3,680 households nationwide, this article investigates gender disparities in unpaid work in Georgia and their impact on individual welfare. Employing international methodologies, we calculated new statistical indicators and refined existing ones, including the improvement of Sustainable Development Goal indicator 5.4.1 (SDG 5.4.1). Regression analysis identified education level as a significant factor influencing unpaid work. Our findings underscore significant gender disparities in unpaid work, leading to heightened workloads and temporary poverty for women. These disparities persist across various demographic factors. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of unpaid work and its implications for gender equality and welfare.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs.

Controversy surrounds the efficacy and welfare implications of different forms of dog training with several studies asserting that electronic shock collars have negative welfare impacts while not being more effective than non-aversive methods. However, these studies did not specify the schedule and intensity of punishment used or the effectiveness of the training method. In the current study, we attempted to train dogs across six sessions to desist from chasing a fast-moving lure in one of three randomly assigned conditions and then tested for retention and generalization in four further test trials. Group A was trained with e-collars; Group B was trained with non-aversive methods and the lure moving as with Group A; and Group C was trained as for Group B but with the lure initially moving slowly before its speed was progressively increased. All dogs in Group A stopped running towards the lure after one or two sessions, and none chased the lure in the first three tests: 67% of these dogs chased the lure in the final test in a novel arena. None of the dogs in the either Group B or C successfully refrained from chasing the moving lure in training or any test. Video behavior coding indicated few stress-related behaviors across the training groups.

The cage as an educational and therapeutic tool for dogs: Results of a dog’s owners questionnaire survey

IntroductionThe primary motivation for dog ownership is companionship, significantly enhancing the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. However, behavioral problems can strain this bond, leading many owners to resort to caging as a management strategy. This study aims to examine the frequency of cage use for educational and behavioral reasons, assess its efficacy in modifying behaviors, and explore potential welfare implications. Materials and methodsA 41-question survey was disseminated via social networks from January to June 2021, collecting data on various aspects related to dogs, including caging history, duration, type of cage, outcomes for training purposes, behavioral modification plans, and welfare impact. The survey, available in French, English, and Hebrew, gathered responses from 1305 dog owners across 23 countries. ResultsThe study found that 25.4 % of respondents used cages for their dogs. Neutered female dogs were more likely to be caged than their counterparts. The majority of caged dogs were puppies aged 6 months or younger, typically caged for training purposes. According to owners report, training goals were more easily achieved than behavioral goals, with dogs caged for behavioral conditions exhibiting more signs of distress. DiscussionThe findings highlight the prevalent use of caging for various purposes. If the study outcomes show an overall low level of discomfort for caged dogs, they also emphasize that signs of distress significantly increase when the cage is used for managing behavioral issues. The study underscores the need for enhanced education for veterinarians and trainers to reduce unnecessary caging and promote alternative management strategies. Future research should incorporate objective measures of behavior and welfare, explore the efficacy of alternative strategies, and investigate cultural factors influencing caging practices. ConclusionCrating can serve educational purposes with minimal welfare impact when used appropriately. However, it is ineffective and potentially detrimental when used for behavioral therapy in dogs with behavioral disorders. Owners should seek professional guidance and closely monitor their dogs for signs of distress when using crates. Using a crate as a personal and protected space can be beneficial if the dog retains control over its use.

Dying for a canape: the welfare implications associated with both traditional and “ethical” production of caviar from sturgeon

The farming of sturgeon to produce caviar is increasing globally, even though little is known about the welfare implications of aquaculture for these unique, long-living, and large animals. The use of non-lethal methods for egg harvesting is increasing, as these methods are thought to offer a more ethical alternative to traditional methods where the female is killed. However, these “non-lethal” methods raise significant welfare concerns including routine handling, surgical procedures, and painful procedures, and could potentially perpetuate suffering. Consequently, there is an urgent need for significant exploration and research into this field. This review presents and discusses some of the welfare concerns associated with producing caviar from sturgeon, including the traditional and non-lethal methods of egg harvesting and the concerns associated with rearing them in aquaculture systems. It concludes in stating that the welfare issues involved with non-lethal caviar production are too sizeable to warrant its description as an “ethical or humane” alternative to traditional caviar production.

Style over substance? Advertising, innovation, and endogenous market structure

While firms use both innovation and advertising to boost profits, markups, and market shares, their broader social implications vary substantially. We study their interaction and analyze their implications for competition, industry dynamics, growth, and welfare. We develop an oligopolistic general-equilibrium growth model with firm heterogeneity. Market structure is endogenous, and firms’ production, innovation, and advertising decisions interact strategically. We find advertising reduces static misallocation, but also depresses growth through a substitution effect with R&D. Although advertising is found to be socially useful, taxing it could simultaneously increase dynamic efficiency, contain excessive advertising spending, and raise revenue, while still reducing misallocation.

Demographic obstacles to European growth

The growth rates of the four largest European economies – France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom – have slowed in recent decades. The persistence of the slowdown suggests that a low-frequency structural change is at work. Longer life expectancy and declining fertility have led to gradually ageing populations. These demographic trends contribute to economic growth directly through aggregate savings and labor supply decisions and indirectly through distortionary taxes needed to fund pension systems. We provide a structural framework to quantify the demographic contributions to historical and future growth rates. Several reforms have been suggested to increase late-life labor supply and, through that, output growth. Our structural framework also gives a welfare measure to evaluate these proposed reforms. The welfare implications are heterogeneous across age, wealth, and income. Welfare heterogeneity offers some insights into the political economy of pension reforms and the opposition to their implementation despite the projected increase in aggregate output growth.

Comparative Analysis of the Budget of Sri Lanka and the State Budget of Punjab, India

This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the national budget of Sri Lanka and the state budget of Punjab, India. By examining the structure, revenue sources, expenditure patterns, fiscal deficits, and socio-economic priorities of both regions, this paper aims to highlight the differences and similarities in budgetary approaches and their implications for economic development and public welfare. The comparison sheds light on how a sovereign nation and a state within a federal structure allocate their financial resources to achieve their policy objectives. This paper also includes a statistical analysis of key budgetary figures to provide deeper insights into their fiscal health and management.

Carrot or stick? Environmental and welfare implications of sustainable aviation fuel policies

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) serves as a critical short-term measure for reducing aviation's carbon footprint. Two main policy tools, subsidy and quota, have been developed to support its usage. We build an economic model to compare the environmental and welfare impacts of these two policies. First, we find that if an airline uses the same portion of SAF under both policies, the subsidy approach results in reduced SAF costs, augmented airline output, and heightened emissions. Second, the subsidy policy is better than the quota policy in terms of consumer surplus, airline profits, SAF blender profit, and social welfare, if the traditional aviation fuel is sufficiently inexpensive and the emission regulation under the subsidy policy is adequately stringent. Finally, to demonstrate the empirical relevance of our theoretical framework, we have employed empirically-validated parameters for model calibration. Sensitivity analysis indicates that SAF production costs and market potential are pivotal factors influencing governmental policy formulation. With the reduction in SAF production expenses and the growth of the aviation sector, the government is positioned to adopt a more aggressive policy stance, characterized by higher SAF quotas and increased subsidies, to stimulate the uptake of SAF by airlines.

Analysis of Causal Factors and Impact of Legal Uncertainty on Building Rights from Management Rights

Legal uncertainty faced by holders of Building Rights (HGB) derived from Land Management Rights (HPL) in Indonesia is a pressing issue that creates difficulties in maintaining and changing the status of their rights, negatively impacting their welfare and the overall land system, which this study aims to examine and address. This study uses normative legal research methods with legislative, conceptual, comparative, and case approaches. Data were collected through literature studies and analyzed qualitatively and descriptively by considering interdisciplinary aspects. Factors that cause legal uncertainty include lack of legal protection, regulatory uncertainty, ineffective legal implementation, and reliance on third parties. This impacts the difficulty of maintaining HGB, the limitation of changing rights status, and implications for people's welfare. The findings indicate the need for legal reform, increased transparency, and strengthening institutional capacity. The implications of the findings encourage the improvement of a more fair, efficient, and legal system for HGB holders. This research is important to identify the root cause of the problem and formulate recommendations for improving the soil system. Further research suggestions include comparative empirical, interdisciplinary, and action research to implement solutions.

An automated separator to exclude lumpfish with deformed suckers

Salmon farming is threatened by sea lice infestations, which impact fish health, compromise welfare and reduce market value. The use of lumpfish as cleaner fish offers a natural solution for sea lice control, but the delousing efficacy of lumpfish can be hindered by morphological deformities, particularly in the ventral suckers (suction cups) of the fish. Sucker deformities increase mortality rates, hamper welfare and impose a substantial financial burden. Deformed lumpfish, therefore, are typically removed before they are deployed in salmon pens, but this is done manually by visual inspection, which is laborious and time consuming, prompting the exploration of alternative exclusion solutions. We tested a novel automated separator designed to sort juvenile lumpfish based on sucker deformities, aiming at streamlining production in lumpfish hatcheries. The prototype, featuring two chambers and an air-driven rotating drum, was tested across five trials involving 293 juvenile lumpfish with varying sucker deformities. The separator was able to separate 78% of lumpfish with good functional suckers, and to exclude 79% of deformed individual. Sorting was swift and ~50% of lumpfish were sorted within 2 minutes. Binary logistic regression indicates that the probability of being sorted decreased significantly with the extent of sucker deformity and with lumpfish size. Around 22% of lumpfish with good functional suckers were not sorted by the separator likely due to behavioural avoidance, which warrants further study. Given the welfare and financial implications of having to exclude deformed lumpfish, the use of an automated separator as described here may contribute to increase the sustainability of lumpfish production for sea lice control in salmon farming.

What Drives Demand for State-Run Lotteries? Evidence and Welfare Implications

Abstract We use natural experiments embedded in state-run lotteries and a new nationally representative survey to provide reduced-form and structural estimates of risk preferences and behavioural biases in lottery demand, and to explore the implications for optimal lottery design. We find that sales respond more to the expected value of the jackpot than to price but are unresponsive to variation in the second prize—a pattern that is consistent with probability weighting but is inconsistent with standard parameterizations. In the survey, we find that lottery spending decreases modestly with income and is strongly associated with measures of innumeracy, poor statistical reasoning, and other proxies for behavioural bias, which also decline with income. Regression predictions suggest that Americans would spend 43% less on lotteries if they were unbiased, while the remaining lottery demand is due to other factors such as anticipatory utility or entertainment value. We use these empirical moments to estimate a model of socially optimal lottery design. In the model, current multi-state lottery designs increase welfare but may harm heavy spenders.

Selling and abandoning legal rights

Legal rights impose concomitant legal burdens. This paper considers the valuation and disposition of legal rights, and legal burdens, when courts cannot be relied upon to perfectly enforce rights. Because courts do not perfectly enforce rights, victims suffer some loss in the value of their rights depending on the degree of underenforcement. The welfare implications of trading away and abandoning rights are examined. Victims do not necessarily trade away rights when and only when such trade is socially desirable. Relatively pessimistic victims (who believe their rights are weaker than injurers do) trade away rights too cheaply. Extremely pessimistic victims abandon their rights. Implications for the enforceability of waivers, discrimination in courts, and legal ethics are discussed.

Welfare and economic implications of universal child benefits

Universal child benefits are an important component of the social protection systems in many developed economies, particularly in Europe. When evaluating their impact, most studies tend to focus primarily on the empirical evidence and short-term effects. However, given their large-scale implementation, such programs can have sizable general equilibrium effects. The aim of this paper is to study the long-run implications of universal child benefits within a theoretical framework that can capture the complexities of household decisions regarding consumption, labor participation, and the timing of children. To this end, I develop an overlapping generations model with idiosyncratic earnings risk, infertility shocks, and endogenous temporal fertility. According to the model simulations, universal child benefits lead to a reduction in the spacing between children and, on average, lower maternal age at childbirth for all births. This, in turn, alleviates some of the negative aggregate effects typically associated with redistributive policies, but has a detrimental impact on the average quality of children. Finally, universal child benefits increase ex-ante welfare by 0.42% of lifetime adult consumption, significantly outperforming broad-based transfer policies not tied to the number of children.

Content of Biogenic Elements in Sheep Wool by the Regions of Slovakia.

The quality of nutrition and environmental pollution are crucial chemical indicators influencing animal health, reflected in element concentrations in animal tissues and coats. This study investigates the concentrations of biogenic elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron) in sheep wool from various regions of Slovakia to compare concentrations and identify possible correlations between individual elements. Samples were collected from six different regions, and concentrations of elements were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in element levels among the examined regions. Calcium concentrations ranged from 729.2 to 4065ppm, with the highest concentrations in the Kysuce region and the lowest in the Šariš region. Potassium concentrations ranged from 2315 to 3282ppm, with the lowest values in the Zemplín region and the highest in the Liptov region. Magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron also exhibited varying concentrations across the regions. Correlation analysis identified significant associations between several elements. The findings suggest that regional environmental differences influence element concentrations in sheep wool, highlighting the importance of monitoring biogenic elements for assessing environmental pollution and animal health. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms driving element accumulation in wool and its implications for animal welfare and environmental management.

Foreign Direct Investment and Technology Licensing in a Polluting Industry

We consider a firm’s incentive for foreign direct investment (FDI) and international technology licensing in a polluting industry. We explain the rationale and the welfare implications of complementarity between FDI and licensing, i.e., the firm’s strategy of “FDI and licensing” (FL), which is empirically relevant but ignored in the literature. When the environmental tax cannot be committed, the firm adopts the licensing strategy if the pollution intensity is not high, and the licensing strategy may create lower consumer surplus and welfare compared to both FDI and FL. However, if the pollution intensity is high, the firm undertakes FL, which provide higher consumer surplus and welfare compared to both licensing and FDI. When the government can commit to the environmental tax, the firm always prefers FL. The host-country welfare is higher but the consumer surplus and world welfare may be lower under the committed tax policy compared to the non-committed tax policy. These results hold under Cournot competition and Stackelberg competition. We further show that FL can be the equilibrium strategy of the foreign firm if there is fixed-fee licensing instead of a two-part tariff licensing, which is considered in the main analysis.