Animal Welfare Issues Research Articles

Practice insights for the responsible adoption of smart farming technologies using a participatory technology assessment approach: The case of virtual herding technology in Australia

CONTEXTThe concept of responsible innovation is gaining traction in the Smart Farming field to address emerging socio-ethical issues such as power asymmetries between farmers and technology development companies in farm data ownership, and animal welfare issues arising from the automation of livestock management. Responsible innovation involves the democratisation of science and decision making for societal control of innovations. The application of responsible innovation principles to the adoption phase of Smart Farming technologies is an under explored area in terms of defining what responsible adoption practices are for Smart Farming, and with what effect. OBJECTIVEThis empirical research aims to provide insights into what responsible adoption practices might involve, based on application of a responsible innovation approach to designing a cross-industry adoption strategy for a virtual fencing technology in Australia. This case study also examines what responsible adoption practices mean for enacting responsible innovation of Smart Farming technologies more broadly. METHODSA participatory Technology Assessment (pTA) approach engaged a range of virtual fencing technology end-users (livestock producers) and stakeholders (agricultural advisers, natural resource managers, food retailers, a food processor, and state government department staff) (n = 80). The participants identified and considered the benefits and risks of implementing a specific virtual fencing product in various contexts. The engagement methods were 12 interactive workshops organized in peer/sector groups and one reflective and deliberative consultation process with 13 adoption specialists and practitioners to define an adoption pathway for virtual herding technology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe adoption of the virtual herding technology product requires multiple levels of support to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and generates private, industry and public goods. This prospective knowledge, built from the considerations of end-users and stakeholders, was integrated into a virtual herding adoption strategy, and accounted for animal welfare concerns, the empowerment of producers to lead their own adoption support network and the desire for some form of regulatory governance. The responsible adoption practices were limited by the lack of institutional pathways to mobilise the strategy beyond the life of the research project. SIGNIFICANCEThe research indicates that there is value in further pursuing the notion of responsible adoption practices for Smart Farming technologies. These practices need to be designed for understanding the complexity of the adoption situation, testing the assumptions about what the ‘right’ adoption pathway should be, and inclusive participation in the ongoing governance of adoption pathways.

Development of serum-free and grain-derived-nutrient-free medium using microalga-derived nutrients and mammalian cell-secreted growth factors for sustainable cultured meat production

Considering the amount of global resources and energy consumed, and animal welfare issues associated with traditional meat production, cultured meat production has been proposed as a solution to these problems and is attracting worldwide attention. Cultured meat is produced by culturing/proliferating animal muscle cells in vitro. This process requires significant amounts of culture medium, which accounts to a major portion of the production cost. Furthermore, it is composed of nutrients derived from grains and heterotrophic microorganisms and fetal bovine serum (FBS), which will impact the sustainability of cultured meat in future. Here, we developed a novel medium containing nutrients extracted from microalga and cell-secreted growth factors. First, rat liver epithelial RL34 cells were cultured by adding Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVE) to inorganic salt solution. The supernatant, containing the RL34 cell-secreted growth factors, was used as the conditioned medium (CM). This CM, with CVE added as a nutrient source, was applied to primary bovine myoblast cultures. This serum-free and grain-derived-nutrient-free medium promoted the proliferation of bovine myoblasts, the main cell source for cultured beef. Our findings will allow us to take a major step toward reducing production costs and environmental impacts, leading to an expansion of the cultured meat market.

Chemical composition of horse hooves with functional qualities for competing barefoot.

Barefoot racing is a common practice within the harness racing industry, but not all horses have hooves of sufficient quality to race sustainably without shoes. There is currently no objective approach available to assess whether a horse's hooves are suitable for barefoot racing, raising animal welfare issues if trainers misjudge the functional qualities of hooves. This study compared chemical composition of the hoof wall and fatty acid composition of the digital cushion in a group of horses that had raced barefoot often (RB) and a group of horses that could not race barefoot and therefore raced with shoes (RS). Trimmings from the hind hoof wall were collected from the lateral quarters in one sub-cohort post-mortem and in another sub-cohort of live horses and analysed for macro- and microelements, nitrogen, dry matter (DM), total and free amino acid content. For the post-mortem horses, samples of the digital cushion were also collected and analysed for total and free fatty acids. RB horses had lower concentrations of copper in the hoof wall (17.5 ± 3.9 vs 32.8 ± 4.7mg/kg DM, P=0.02) than RS horses. RB horses also tended (P<0.1) to have higher concentrations of nitrogen (164.2 ± 0.2 vs 163.5 ± 0.3g/kg DM) and sulphur (22.9 ± 0.2 vs 22.3 ± 0.3g/kg DM). RB horses had higher hoof wall concentrations of arginine (10.51 ± 0.05 vs 10.34 ± 0.06g/100g DM, P=0.03) and showed a trend (P<0.1) for higher hoof wall concentrations of cysteine (6.14 ± 0.10 vs 5.82 ± 0.13g/100g DM) and proline (4.62 ± 0.05 vs 4.49 ± 0.06g/100g DM). There were no differences between the groups for any other element or amino acid analysed. There were also no differences between the two groups in terms of fatty acid composition of the digital cushion. These results indicate that chemical composition, especially with respect to copper, arginine, nitrogen, sulphur, cysteine and proline, may be important for the functional qualities of the hoof capsule and the ability to race barefoot without wearing the hoof down. However, chemical analysis of hoof wall tissue and of the fat content of the digital cushion does not seem to be a definitive method for distinguishing horses that have hooves suitable for barefoot racing from those that do not.

An overview of traumatic reticulopericarditis in cattle

Traumatic reticulopericarditis is a serious condition that can lead to significant economic losses and animal welfare issues in cattle. The disorder is caused by the ingestion of foreign bodies that penetrate the reticulum and cause damage to the pericardium, resulting in traumatic pericarditis. The ingestion of foreign bodies is often associated with indiscriminate eating habits and the mechanization of food. The clinical signs of traumatic reticulopericarditis are similar to those of other diseases, which can make early diagnosis challenging. Tachycardia, distention of the jugular veins, muffled heart sounds, and submandibular, brisket and ventral edema are common signs. Laboratory findings such as anemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and elevations in serum enzyme levels can help confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasonography and echocardiography can help with the detection and characterization of effusions, and the use of cardiac biomarkers can aid in the early diagnosis of traumatic reticulopericarditis. Unfortunately, the prognosis for traumatic reticulopericarditis is generally unfavorable, and the treatment is often unsatisfactory. The proper management of the disorder is crucial to prevent significant economic losses and animal welfare issues. Overall, the importance of this disease in animal production and health highlights the need for continued research and progress in its prevention and treatment.

Section 2 - Species-related issues in animal welfare

Section 2 - Species-related issues in animal welfare

Implicit Determinants of Willingness-to-Pay for Animal Welfare Livestock Products

This study uses the Random Parameter Logit model and examines the determinants of consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) using Structural Equation Modeling to estimate WTP concerning the purchase of animal welfare livestock products. The study results show that consumers generally positively perceive animal welfare-certified pork. The results also suggest the importance of educating people, strengthening their attitudes that purchasing animal welfare-certified pork can effectively solve animal welfare issues, and raising awareness among consumers that their actions can contribute to animal welfare issues. Raising social awareness to evaluate ethical consumption positively would also be helpful.

Why can't the alternative become mainstream? Unpacking the barriers and enablers of sustainable protein innovation in Brazil

Animal agriculture and the meat industry raise serious concerns regarding environmental, social, and animal welfare issues. The alternative protein industry has progressed globally, driven by circular economy practices, but the innovations in this industry need to be understood for further advances in circularization. This study examines the key enablers and barriers influencing alternative protein innovation in Brazil—a uniquely positioned country that can lead the global food transition towards alternative proteins. We conducted online semi-structured interviews with 18 experts from organizations operating in the alternative protein sector. The results show that tax incentives, access to funding, and opportunity costs are important external factors that drive alternative protein innovation. Culture, especially related to eating habits and preferences can be used strategically to increase alternative protein consumption in line with the transition to bioeconomy. Human capital, specifically technical and soft skills, matters only when there is access to (financial) resources. Social capital can overcome some barriers by sharing resources, improving partnerships to explore biodiversity, and expanding the entrepreneur network. Many of the barriers and enablers identified takes the form of a public problem, in which the organizations and stakeholders should develop a shared understanding about the most sensitive and urgent topics requiring action. We contribute to the literature on sustainable food systems and circular agri-food chains by providing insights into how to incentivize and streamline the consistent development of innovative products and technologies in Brazil by informing both overarching public policies and sector practices.

Combined effects of supplementation of amino acids and immunocastration in first antler growth of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama)

Context Amino acid supplementation and immunocastration are two husbandry practices with an increasing interest in the worldwide growing industry of deer farming. Amino acids (AAs) optimise nutrition and feed costs and improve the quality of products such as venison, velvet or antlers. Immunocastration (IC) reduces agonistic behaviours, which produce carcass damage and reduced growth. Thus, both treatments have positive effects on body growth, but may interfere with hormonal regulation, subsequently affecting antler growth. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the combined use of both practices and their impact on body and antler growth. Methods Forty-four yearling male fallow deer, approximate 10 months old, were subjected to the following four combinations based on both treatments: control–control, AA–control, IC–control, and AA–IC. Immunocastration treatment started in March 2020 and was repeated after 50 and 130 days. All groups received 250 g per animal and day of grains, and those under AA supplementation received ruminally protected lysine 6.3 g and ruminally protected methionine 2.1 g per animal and day. Biometric data, antlers and metatarsus were collected at slaughter in November. Antlers and metatarsus were analysed through computer-tomography scanning and mineral spectrometry. Key results Supplementation of AAs scarcely affected antler growth, although an indirect effect through improved body condition cannot be rejected. Immunocastration showed significant but not dramatic effects: IC animals had lighter antlers, with a lower amount of cortical bone and less mineralisation (density and calcium and phosphorus concentrations) in the base of the antler than did control animals. In contrast, the effects were scarce at the top of the antler and the metatarsus. Conclusions The results suggest a reduction but not total suppression of testosterone, with almost negligible effects on body growth and internal bones, thus not raising animal welfare issues. Implications Both techniques can be used simultaneously in deer farming, especially in farms with venison-production goals. Future research should focus on optimising the vaccination schedule for the main farmed deer species to ensure that the welfare benefits are well balanced with productivity.

A Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) with alveolar echinococcosis bitten to death by a dog – a challenge for the forensic pathologist as an expert witness

We present a case that illustrates the complex contexts in which forensic veterinary pathology examinations may be carried out. A wild muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) had died after a putative bite attack from a domestic dog. Bite attacks by privately owned dogs on wild animals in Switzerland violate the Swiss civil (and/or hunting) laws, and dog owners are generally punished with a monetary fine; hence, this case appeared to be straightforward. However, the results of the subsequent post-mortem examination of the muskrat not only confirmed the presence of injuries related to the bite attack, but also detected alveolar echinococcosis (ie, infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis). Therefore, as an intermediate host of the parasite, the muskrat could have contributed to further spread of a severe helminthic zoonosis had it not been killed by the dog. It was probably an easy prey for the dog as it probably had been weakened by the disease. Furthermore, muskrats are considered as pests and invasive species, and are non-indigenous huntable game in Switzerland and other European countries in which programmes for the prevention of their further spread and endangerment of native wildlife are established. The role of the forensic veterinary pathologist in such a complex scenario is to adopt an unbiased approach and establish the facts, which in this case was to determine the cause of death and suspected perpetrator, identify any concomitant and/or underlying diseases and consider potential animal welfare issues.

Effect of Battery and Furnished Cages on Blood Viscosity and Erythrocyte Osmotic Stability of Laying Hens

As a result of animal welfare issues, the use of furnished cages has been proposed. Blood viscosity and osmotic stability can be used as an indication of oxidative stress. There has, however, not been any study investigating the blood viscosity and erythrocyte osmotic stability of laying hens reared in battery and furnished cages, hence the reason for this experiment. 790 laying hens were reared in large and small furnished cages and battery cages between 14 and 60 weeks. The whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte osmotic stability were determined at the end of the experiment. The study showed that there was no significant difference in the whole blood viscosity of laying hens reared in the three cage types, while hens reared in battery cages had the highest number of stable red blood cells. This could be an indication that the stress level in the three cages is similar, while birds are more osmotically stable in the battery cages.

Multiple‐trait and structural equation modelling approaches to infer genetic relationships between tail length and weight traits in Merinoland sheep

Tail docking is routinely conducted in long-tailed sheep breeds to prevent flystrike infections, but it is not in agreement with legal guidelines and animal welfare issues. Selection on short tails is a sustainable alternative in this regard, but side effects on other breeding goal traits are unclear. In consequence, the present study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for tail length (TL) at birth, birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and postweaning weight (PWW) at the slaughtering date considering single-trait (STM), multiple-trait (MTM) and structural equation models (SEM) with different random effects, and accordingly, different covariance structures. The SEM considered time-lagged recursive relationships among response variables in three different pathways. The first path pertained to the effect of TL on WW and of WW on PWW. The second path reflected the effect of BW on WW and of WW on PWW. The third path was the recursive effect of TL on PWW. The phenotypic data consisted of 2803 records for TL, 13,042 records for BW, 1556 records for WW and 3986 records for PWW from Merinoland lambs. Lambs were born in the period from 1995 to 2021 and kept at the university Gießen research station, Germany, with their naturally long tails. Genetic statistical model evaluation based on Bayesian and Akaike's information criteria suggested models simultaneously considering direct genetic, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects and respective covariances. For statistical models including the same random effects and covariance structures, SEM were superior over MTM. The direct heritability for TL from the best-fitting STM was 0.60 ± 0.08, indicating the potential for genetic reduction of tail length within a few generations. For growth traits, the direct heritabilities ranged from 0.16 ± 0.03 for BW to 0.31 ± 0.09 for PWW. The maternal heritabilities were 0.03 ± 0.03 for TL, 0.12 ± 0.02 for BW, 0.04 ± 0.03 for WW and 0.07 ± 0.03 for PWW, reflecting small, but the non-significant influence of uterine characteristics on the tail development. The direct genetic correlations between TL and all weight traits were positive and very similar to MTM and SEM but reflected antagonistic genetic relationships from a breeding perspective. Oppositely, the structural equation coefficients reflecting trait associations phenotypically were negative (favourable) for the time-lagged effects of TL on WW and on PWW. As an explanation, lambs with long and woolly tails have an increased risk for contamination with dirt and dust causing infections, which in turn impairs the body weight development. In conclusion, breeding on short tails should consider trait-associated environmental risk factors, for example, disease susceptibility, which can be mimicked via SEM approaches.

Veterinary nanomedicine: Pros and cons

In recent years, nanotechnology has improved life with continuous growth in different fields. Nanoparticles can be employed in industry, imaging, engineering, and various biomedical filed because of their special physicochemical properties like rapid, effective, highly specific solutions, higher stability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cost. In this line, veterinary medicine has been influenced by nanotechnology in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, cancer therapy, immunization, vaccine production, drug delivery, and health besides to related issues of animal production, maintenance, and welfare. The other important point is the interwoven linkage between animals and humans whether as a food source or as a companionship. Inorganic nanoparticles, polymeric, solid lipid, liposomal, nanocrystal, nanotubes, nanoemulsions, micelles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and dendrimers are kinds of nanoparticles that can be used widely. In this review, the impacts of nanotechnology on veterinary medicine have been summarized, criticized, and acknowledged as "veterinary nanomedicine" discipline.

Hazard and catch composition of ghost fishing gear revealed by a citizen science clean-up initiative

Ghost fishing, the continued catch of fishes and invertebrates by lost fishing gear, represents an animal welfare issue as well as a waste of both potential food and ecosystem resources. Fishing gear is lost by both commercial and recreational fishers, and management authorities often lack an overview of gear loss and subsequently potential impact on coastal populations. To investigate the hazard and catch composition of lost fishing gear along the Norwegian coast, recreational divers in collaboration with scientists conducted systematic reporting of retrieved lost fishing gear. Through this citizen science project, a total of 12,101 gear items were retrieved and reported, including traps, gillnets and fyke nets. Combining both data on the catch ratio of the gear and its relative quantity, we identified the five most hazardous gear types to be parlor traps, gillnets, fyke nets, wrasse traps and square collapsible traps. The parlour trap was the most hazardous trap, due to high catchability and quantity. The correct classification of gear type could not be confirmed in 2.8 – 6.1% of the pictures taken by divers, depending on reporting format, and divers reported the wrong gear type in 1.4% of the reports. Brown crab (Cancer pagurus) was the species most often found in retrieved gear. Furthermore, the vulnerable species European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were also common. These results can inform future clean up-initiatives and management responses to ghost fishing, including preventive measures against gear loss and gear restrictions and customization.

Limiting grazing periods combined with proper housing can reduce nutrient losses from dairy systems

Pasture-based and grass-fed branding are often associated with consumer perceptions of improved human health, environmental performance and animal welfare. Here, to examine the impacts of dairy production in detail, we contrasted global observational (n = 156) data for nitrogen and phosphorus losses from land by the duration of outdoor livestock grazing in confined, grazed and hybrid systems. Observational nitrogen losses for confined systems were lowest on a productivity—but not area—basis. No differences were noted for phosphorus losses between the systems. Modelling of the three dairy systems in New Zealand, the United States and the Netherlands yielded similar results. We found insufficient evidence that grazed dairy systems have lower nutrient losses than confined ones, but trade-offs exist between systems at farm scale. The use of a hybrid system may allow for uniform distribution of stored excreta, controlled dietary intake, high productivity and mitigation of animal welfare issues arising from climatic extremes.

Methods used by Canadian dairy farmers for on-farm euthanasia and the emotions associated with the decision and the practice of euthanasia

On-farm euthanasia is complicated in that farmers have to make the decision to end the life of an animal they are caring for. Studies have shown that some culling decisions are made too late, which results in animal welfare issues. However, information about on-farm euthanasia methods and the decision process leading to the euthanasia of an animal is limited. Additionally, emotions and feelings are involved in the decision and the act of euthanasia. The objectives of this study were to describe current practices related to on-farm euthanasia performed by Canadian dairy farmers and to assess the emotions and complex feelings surrounding the act. A cross-sectional study design was used to gather this information through an online questionnaire completed exclusively by Canadian dairy farmers. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, and associations between the participants' characteristics and their practices and emotions regarding on-farm euthanasia were assessed using logistic regression models. A total of 479 dairy farmers from 5 provinces answered the survey. The most commonly used primary method of on-farm euthanasia was a firearm (>70%). Unacceptable euthanasia methods, such as standard 0.22-caliber long rifle for adult cows or no adjunct method following the use of captive bolt, were used by 25%, 18%, and 58% of the participants for calves, replacement animals, and dairy cows, respectively. Ninety-four percent of the participants reported that the farm owner was the person who always or often made the euthanasia decisions. In addition, 32% of the participants reported that the veterinarian always examined the animal before performing euthanasia, 51% reported at least one person received training to perform euthanasia, and 16% reported having a decision tree for euthanasia. Some participants (17%) were troubled with the responsibility for ending the life of their animals, and 19% perceived other people on the farm to be uncomfortable with performing euthanasia. Half of the participants reported that people performing euthanasia on the farm felt at least one related painful emotion or complex feeling, and half reported they had at least one reason to feel anxiety or unease concerning euthanasia. The results of this study showed gaps such as the limited use of acceptable euthanasia methods and decision trees by Canadian dairy farmers, low availability of on-farm training for euthanasia, and variable involvement of veterinarians.

Issues Regarding the Welfare of Assistance Dogs

While the roles and efficacy of assistance animals have received attention in the literature, there has been less research focused on animal welfare issues regarding assistance animals. This is a pertinent area, given the burgeoning of types of assistance animals, situations in which they are employed, and access issues arising from increased assistance animal engagement. Animal welfare as pertains to assistance animals is discussed in this paper with respect to overall research on animal welfare concerns in a variety of contexts, training and access issues, and legal and regulatory concerns. Relevant examples from global contexts, as well as the specific Australian context, are offered. Conclusions include that while human quality of life is often considered and protected in laws and policies, this is much less true for assistance animals. Additional attention is required to ensure that the quality of life of both persons with disabilities and their assistance animals can be ensured. Support for a person to meet the needs of an assistance animal, as well as considerations for keeping such working dyads together in changed circumstances (e.g., following a move to an assisted living mode of accommodation), are recommended.

Moral Status and the Oversight of Research Involving Chimeric Animals.

The use of nonhuman animals in research has long been a source of bioethical and scientific debate. We consider the oversight and use of nonhuman animals in chimeric research. We conducted interviews with twelve members of embryonic stem cell research oversight committees, nine members of institutional animal care and use committees, and fourteen scientists involved in human-nonhuman-animal chimeric research in different areas of the United States. Interviews addressed animal welfare and conceptual issues associated with moral status and humanization of nonhuman animals that contain human cells. Our findings suggest that concepts of enhanced moral status and consciousness are not very useful in human-nonhuman-animal chimeric research in part because their meanings are not easily defined, which presents challenges to applying the concepts in research. Instead, scientists and oversight committee members we interviewed seemed to rely on standard assessments of changes in animal welfare when focusing on the ethics of human-animal chimeric research.

Consumer attitudes toward dairy products from sheep and goats: A cross-continental perspective.

This study aimed to assess consumer knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward dairy products from sheep and goats. A web-based survey was conducted in Latin America (Mexico and Chile), Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Denmark), and Asia (Bangladesh). From March to June 2021, adult participants answered an online survey available in 5 languages. In total, 1,879 surveys were completed. Categorical and ordinal data were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. To determine the relationship between the variables for purchasing and consumption behaviors of respondents who declared that they consume dairy products, a multiple correspondence analysis was carried out. Most completed surveys were from Mexico and Italy (30% and 33.7%, respectively). Most respondents were between 18 and 29 yr old, female, highly educated, and employed. The majority of respondents (70.8%) declared that they consume dairy products from small ruminants. Consumers preferred products from both sheep and goats (49.4%); however, it was observed that in Mexico, Denmark, and Bangladesh, more than 50% preferred goat dairy products. The most-consumed products were mature and fresh cheeses. Mature cheese was the most-preferred product in Chile; in Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Denmark, it was fresh cheese. Unlike the rest of the countries, in Bangladesh, dairy product consumption from small ruminants was observed by more than 30% of respondents. In Mexico, a higher percentage of people do not consume sheep or goat dairy products because they are unfamiliar with them. In Mexico, Chile, and Bangladesh, limited market availability was also a variable responsible for nonconsumption. In European and Asian countries, sheep and goat dairy products are not consumed because consumers dislike them, in addition to a greater awareness of sustainability and climate change issues. The multiple correspondence analysis defined 5 dimensions. Dimension 1 was associated with the geographic location of the respondent (country and continent), the type of milk (sheep or goat), and the consideration of well-being and health as characteristics associated with the consumption of dairy products from small ruminants. Dimension 2 was associated with the respondent's country of origin and the frequency of consumption. Dimension 3 was associated with gender, education, and employment status. Dimension 4 was associated with the respondent's age, the association of the "healthy" concept of sheep and goat dairy products, and the consideration of the nutritional benefits of dairy as responsible for considering them healthy. Dimension 5 was associated with a "strong smell and taste" of sheep and goat dairy products. This study showed that consumer attitudes toward dairy products from sheep and goats vary between continents. In conclusion, results showed consumer interest in animal welfare and environmental impact issues related to small ruminant farming as well as a general attraction to local products. It seems that these factors contribute to consumers' perception of the quality of dairy products, so the industry and select farmers should carefully consider incorporating them into their supply chain.

Evaluation of N-alkanes as Faecal Markers to Estimate Diet Composition, Feed Intake, and Digestibility in European Bison (Bison bonasus)

There is a lack of knowledge on the European bison (Bison bonasus L. 1758) foraging behavior that is essential to develop an appropriate feeding strategy for each specific situation (captive or wild). Utilization of faecal markers may allow us to fill this gap, accommodating animal welfare and intensive labour issues that are major limitations of traditional techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of n-alkane markers (C25 to C33) to estimate diet composition, feed intake its digestibility on three captive maleBison bonasus fed on known amounts of straw, and a beeswax labelled concentrate feed. Feeds and faecal samples were taken daily during 10 days. Prior to calculations, faecal concentrations were corrected for incomplete faecal recovery (FR). Results indicated that 4–5 days were sufficient for these markers to reach a steady concentration in bison faeces. Accurate estimates of diet composition and feed intake were obtained not differing from known values. Results suggest that faecal recovery of n-alkanes in bison are incomplete and tend to increase with carbon-chain length. Apparent dry-matter digestibility (DMDap) estimates were affected by the n-alkane (C27, C29,C31, and C33) used in the calculations. Estimates of DMDap obtained with application of FR corrections were 6.3% higher than those without correction. Results indicate that feeding a known amount of beeswax labelled supplement can be successfully used to estimate composition, feed intake, and its digestibility, requiring the application of n-alkane FR data.

What slaughterhouse workers' attitudes and knowledge reveal about human-pig relationships during pre-slaughter operations: A profile-based approach

Slaughterhouse workers are strategic capital for the meat industry in terms of operational and animal welfare issues; however, information about the attitudes of workers toward the human-animal relationship is limited. The main aim of our study was to identify the profiles of workers based on their attitudes toward pigs, occupational satisfaction, sociodemographics, and animal handling. The survey included 171 workers in 12 Colombian pig slaughterhouses. A factor analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis identified four segments or worker profiles. The first comprised workers who relate to animals and their work in a mechanical way, the second comprised professional workers who are emotionally close to animals, the third comprised those committed to animals and their work, and the fourth comprised workers who are apathetic toward animals and work activity. The human-animal relationship at the slaughterhouse level is multifaceted, but is influenced by dependent on work satisfaction and sympathy toward the animals.