Major Welfare Problem Research Articles

Phytochemical Study of the Anthelminthic Potential of Guadeloupean Plant Biodiversity.

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a major health and welfare problem in ruminants. Synthetic chemical anthelmintic drugs have led to the emergence of resistance in gastrointestinal strongyles, inducing the search for alternatives to control the infections that affect ruminants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of plant extracts against Haemonchus contortus Rudolphi. Three plants of the Guadeloupean biodiversity, Momordica charantia L., Carica papaya L. and Sargassum spp., were selected based on their high polyphenolic content and natural abundance. The phytochemistry of plants was explored, a biological assay against the parasite H. contortus was carried out, and several hypotheses about the way of action were proposed by an innovative electrochemical screening method.

Association between hoof trimming frequency in primiparous cows and hoof health and survival in second lactation

Lameness, mostly resulting from claw lesions, causes major welfare problems in the dairy industry. One way to prevent claw lesions is hoof trimming, but the overall effect and the optimal hoof trimming frequency are unknown. In a retrospective cohort study, we investigated the association between hoof trimming frequency in primiparous cows and hoof health and culling in second lactation. We based our analysis on breed, calving and culling data in the period 2015-2018 for 30,613 primiparous cows in 202 Swedish dairy herds. Of the cows enrolled, 20% were not hoof-trimmed, 30% were trimmed once, 34% were trimmed twice, 13% were trimmed 3 times, and 2% were trimmed ≥ 4 times. We used multivariable mixed-effect logistic and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models to investigate the association between trimming frequency and 2 outcomes: hoof lesions at first trimming occasion within 90 d from second calving and culling in second lactation within 300 d after second calving. In general, cows trimmed 2 or 3 times during first lactation were at lower odds of having claw lesions compared with cows that were not trimmed (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.62-0.71 and 0.60, 95% CI = 0.55-0.66, respectively) or cows trimmed once (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.75-0.85 and OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.66-0.79, respectively), and this beneficial effect was observed for most types of claw lesions. Moreover, cows trimmed 2, 3, or ≥ 4 times were at lower odds of being culled compared with cows that were not trimmed (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.65-0.77, 0.68, 95% CI = 0.61-0.76 and 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54-0.90, respectively) or trimmed once (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.71-0.83, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.66-0.82 and OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59-0.97, respectively). In particular, 2 trimmings, compared with 1 or no trimming, lowered the relative risk-ratio of dying or being euthanized on-farm, or being culled due to claw and leg disorders. More than 1 hoof trimming in first lactation also reduced the relative-risk ratio of being culled for other reasons. In conclusion, 2 or 3 hoof trimmings during first lactation were generally beneficial for hoof health in early second lactation and survival in second lactation. These findings can help improve animal welfare and production by reducing claw lesions, and thereby lameness among dairy cows, which would increase the longevity of dairy cows and the sustainability of the dairy industry.

Comparison of a 30-year trend of incidence, prevalence, and DALY due to low back pain in Iran with Low- and High-SDI countries; Based on GBD study 2019 Data.

Low back pain (LBP) represents the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major economic and welfare problem. This study aimed to report incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates of LBP in Iran by gender and different sociodemographic index (SDI) countries from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized LBP and incidence, prevalence, and DALY were extracted based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 in Iran for males and females, and low- and high-SDI countries during 1990- 2019. GBD 2019 data for LBP in Iran indicate a significant downward trend of incidence and prevalence from 1993 to 2019 in males, females, and both, except during the 1999-2002 period for females. A sharp reduction is seen in LBP incidence and prevalence from 1996 to 1999. Gender is not a determining factor in the LBP prevalence in Iran. Regarding the SDI categories, Iran had the highest incidence rate compared to countries with low- and high SDIs. High-SDI countries had the highest prevalence and DALY compared with Iran and low-SDI countries. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of LBP in Iran showed a downward trend, from 1993 to 2019, especially from 1996 to 1999. Comparing Iran with low- and high-SDI countries, a heavier incidence of LBP was observed in Iran and heavier prevalence and DALY were seen in high-SDI countries. Therefore, more therapeutic healthcare interventions are required to reduce the LBP burden more effectively.

An Empirical Study on Maltreatment of Children by Parents and its Effect on their Academics

Child maltreatment continues to be a major health and social welfare problem across the globe. In the Indias, millions of children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, across all ages, religions, and cultures are victims of child maltreatment every day and millions more are at risk. Research has consistently shown that exposure to child maltreatment in all its forms negatively affects the current and future educational performance and emotional and psychological well-being of children. The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature synthesis of the impact of child maltreatment on the educational and psychological well-being of students. Recommendations for educators working in school settings are provided.This paper discusses the maltreatment by parents among students. It discusses the pressure which students face during their academic years which leads them to problem. It discusses pressure due to peers, due to academics, financial pressures, parental expectations and other reasons for maltreatment. The aim of this research is to explore the primary reasons for maltreatment among parents and to analyze the awareness among the common people. The Empirical method was used to conduct this Non-Doctrinal research, using primary sources like questionnaires and surveys; and secondary sources like books and journals. The paper gives a deep understanding of the problems which students face which leads them to mental problems like depression and anxiety.

Susceptibility of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis Isolated from Pigs in Hungary between 2018 and 2021.

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) has been a major animal health, welfare, and economic problem in Hungary; therefore, great emphasis should be put on both the prevention and control of this complex disease. As antibacterial agents are effective tools for control, antibiotic susceptibility testing is indispensable for the proper implementation of antibacterial therapy and to prevent the spread of resistance. The best method for this is to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the broth microdilution method. In our study, we measured the MIC values of 164 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, 65 Pasteurella multocida, and 118 Streptococcus suis isolates isolated from clinical cases against the following antibacterial agents: amoxicillin, ceftiofur, cefquinome, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, tylosin, tilmicosin, tylvalosin, tulathromycin, lincomycin, tiamulin, florfenicol, colistin, enrofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Outstanding efficacy against A. pleuropneumoniae isolates was observed with ceftiofur (100%) and tulathromycin (100%), while high levels of resistance were observed against cefquinome (92.7%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (90.8%). Ceftiofur (98.4%), enrofloxacin (100%), florfenicol (100%), and tulathromycin (100%) were found to be highly effective against P. multocida isolates, while 100% resistance was detected against the sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim combination. For the S. suis isolates, only ceftiofur (100%) was not found to be resistant, while the highest rate of resistance was observed against the sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim combination (94.3%). An increasing number of studies report multi-resistant strains of all three pathogens, making their monitoring a high priority for animal and public health.

DECISION MAKING MODEL FOR MEASURING THE FEASIBILITY OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TPS3R AREA OF PRINGSEWU DISTRICT

Poverty is a major social welfare problem in Indonesia. Various efforts have been made by the government to overcome the main problems of social welfare in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2009 concerning social welfare, such as the provision of social assistance, social rehabilitation, social security, social empowerment, and social protection. In fact, various efforts made by the government in overcoming social welfare problems in Indonesia are considered not optimal. The lack of optimal distribution of government social assistance is affected by several factors, among others, the large number of data used as parameters and data collection and calculations that are still carried out simply and manually cause errors so that the results obtained are not on target. The study was conducted by examining the determining variables of eligibility for social assistance recipients using theSimple Additive Weighting method. To optimize the determination of the eligibility of beneficiaries in the TPS3R area of Pringsewu district, in this study the determining criteria will be applied to a system using the Decision Support System model. The decision-making system will be carried out by applying several variables as a basis for decision making including, Domicile, Family Economic Status, Employment, Income, Beneficiary Status Assistance, Number of Dependents and Home Conditions. By using the Decision Support system, poverty alleviation programs in the TPS3R area of Pringsewu district can be carried out quickly, effectively and efficiently and on target

Retrospective assessment of equine health problems in Hawa Gelan district, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Although equines contributed vital role in human livelihoods through direct and indirect contributions to financial, human and social capital, emphasis has not been given to study the welfare issue which include health problems and management requirement. A retrospective study and questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the health and the welfare problem of equines coming to the Gaba Arbii Veterinary clinic for treatment at the Hawa Gelan district, Geba robi Veterinary clinic, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data on 448 Equines from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed from the data record sheet kept by the clinic. Results: The most common case for wound occurrence were back sore 135(30.0%), chest wound 37(8.0%), bite 27(6.0%) and combined wound of both back and bite 14(3.0%). The finding indicated that the occurrence of wound in Equines having poor 170 (64.0%), medium 41(34.0%) and good 7(12.0%) body condition and this was found to be statistically significantly associated (p=0.000). Among the common health problems and abnormalities encountered in Equines back sore wound 135(30.0%), lameness 92(20.0%), parasitic infestation 60(14.0%), chest wound 37(8.0%) and signs of colic 34 (.0%) were the major problems encountered in Equines coming to clinic for treatment with there was no a statistically significant difference among different years. In addition to body condition, the occurrence of wounds was found to be statistically significantly associated with age category and work type. In addition, pack Equines experienced higher lameness occurrences as compared to cart Equines and it was statistically significant (p>0.05). In addition to health related problems, the questionnaire survey conducted also revealed welfare problems such as management condition, overloading, working hour, housing problems, and wounds due to harnessing were the major welfare problems of Equines in the study area. Conclusion: This retrospective study and questionnaire survey revealed the significant health and welfare problems of Equines that need to be addressed in order to improve welfare status, their health and working efficiency. Therefore, there should be immediate awareness creation for community, government, community, local service providers and policy makers on welfare issue of Equine and health management in the study area in particular and in the country in general.

Spatial behaviour of dairy cows is affected by lameness

Lameness is one of the major welfare problems on modern dairy farms, and additionally, it is difficult to control. Lameness is associated with changes in cow behaviour, and efforts have been made to automatically detect these behavioural changes. However, systems relying on a single behavioural variable are likely to fail. Indoor positioning could provide means to measure multiple behavioural variables with a single system. Our aim was to investigate how lameness affects the spatial behaviour of cows, measured with an indoor positioning system. In total, 71 lactating dairy cows were followed during a 7-month study period, with 48 cows in the study simultaneously. Cows were locomotion scored fortnightly with a 10-tier scale, and their daily time spent in the different functional areas of the barn, walking distance, and home range were calculated from the positioning data. Each locomotion score was merged with the 5-day average of the behaviour variables leading up to the scoring day, resulting in 376 observations in the final data. Linear mixed models were fitted with backwards stepwise elimination to test the associations between positioning-based daily behavioral variables and predictor variables comprising locomotion score, parity, lactation stage, breed and the proportion of missing positioning data. Increasing locomotion score was associated with increased time spent in the lying stalls (P = 0.0037) and decreased time spent in the alley (P < 0.0001). Positioning-based feeding time was confounded by parity (P = 0.011) as the model used to estimate the feeding time from the position data was less sensitive in classifying primiparous cows correctly as feeding or not feeding. Severe lameness was also associated with a shorter daily walking distance (P = 0.0447) and smaller core home range (P = 0.005). Proportion of missing positioning data affected only daily walking distance (P < 0.0001) and full home range (P = 0.0059), and distance-based variables seemed more sensitive to data quality compared to spatiotemporal variables. Our results show that indoor positioning of dairy cows has a potential to contribute to development of automatic lameness detection. However, reliability of positioning systems should be improved, and the amount of missing data should be minimised to improve the calculation of distance-based variables.

Freedom to Move: Free Lactation Pens Improve Sow Welfare.

Simple SummaryPigs in Ireland are reared in intensive indoor systems, with sows normally confined in farrowing crates for a period of five weeks each time they farrow. This practice presents major animal welfare problems, with permeant confinement being banned at all other stages of production due to the negative impact on welfare. This study identified positive effects on sow behaviour and welfare when housed in free lactation pens compared with conventional farrowing crates. Such pens allow sows greater freedom of movement throughout farrowing and lactation, and this resulted in decreased locomotion score impact for sows housed in the free lactation treatment. This could be beneficial with regard to both sow longevity and sow welfare.Farrowing crates present a major animal welfare problem. This study investigated the effects of temporary confinement at farrowing on sow welfare and aimed to determine whether this type of system could improve sow welfare through increased freedom of movement. Sows were housed in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments: conventional farrowing crates (Control) or free lactation pens (Free). Sows in the Control treatment were confined from entry to weaning, a period of five weeks. Sows in the Free treatment were temporarily confined from before farrowing (approximately 24 h) until day 4 post-partum, after which time the crate was opened, and they had increased freedom of movement. Sow physical measures (weight, back-fat thickness, hoof score, locomotion score and tear stain score) were measured at entry to farrowing accommodation and at weaning. Salivary cortisol concentration was measured throughout lactation. Farrowing duration and sow posture (Days 1, 3, 7 and 34 after entry) were recorded. Between entry and weaning, locomotion scores significantly increased for sows housed in the Control treatment compared with those housed in Free lactation pens (p < 0.01). Sows in the Free treatment were observed to use all orientations in the pen, showing that when more space is made available to them, they will choose to utilise the space. Tear staining under the left eye was found to be less in Free sows at weaning (p = 0.05), indicating reduced stress. However, salivary cortisol concentration was higher in Free sows overall; cortisol is affected by both positive and negative stimuli, and so, this may be due to factors other than stress, such as higher levels of activity and mental stimulation. These results suggest that free lactation pens can benefit sow welfare; increased freedom of movement throughout lactation can improve sow locomotory health, and as suggested by improved tear stain scores, sow stress levels may be reduced in this type of system compared with conventional farrowing crates.

Lameness changes the behavior of dairy cows: daily rank order of lying and feeding behavior decreases with increasing number of lameness indicators present in cow locomotion

Lameness is a major animal welfare problem in modern dairy farms. Although association between cow behavior and lameness is proven, functioning and reliable on-farm applications for automatic lameness detection is still lacking because large within and between farm variation in cow behavior exists. There were two aims in this study: 1) to investigate if a simple ranking of cows in an order based on their time spent on a specific behavior or number of behavior bouts could be used for normalizing behavior data, and 2) to study how daily lying and feeding behavior, and their rank order variables are affected by lameness. We followed in total 84 cows divided in two half-year trials (N = 45 and N = 49, ten cows enrolled in both trials). Cows were locomotion scored fortnightly and their lying,roughage feeding behavior, and step count were measured continuously with automatic sensors. In addition to using absolute values of daily behavior, animals were ranked in ascending order within experimental cows in the group for each day based on their absolute value (hours/number of bouts/number of steps) of the behavior in question. Daily behavioral and cow level factors were merged with temporally closest locomotion score. Two sets of linear mixed models were fitted: 1) to investigate the effect of trial on absolute and rank order values of behavior, and 2) to investigate effect of locomotion score, parity, breed and lactation stage on absolute and rank order values of behavior. There was a significant difference between the trials in lying behavior of the cows, but not in feeding behavior; cows spent more time lying down in the first trial (P= 0.0027). This difference was not evident in rank order values. Increasing the number of lameness indicators was associated with increasing lying time, increase in number of lying bouts, decreasing roughage feeding time and decrease in feeding bouts (P<0.0001). Similar differences were observed in rank order values of behaviors (P<0.0001). No consistent change in step count was observed with respect to increasing number of lameness indicators. Based on these data, ranking the cows within the herd based on their behavior did normalize the data between two trials, and rank order values behaved similarly to absolute daily behavior with respect to a cow's lameness status. Thus, using rank order variables could address some issues in development of automated lameness detection systems arising from within and between herd variability in dairy cow behavior.

Substance P concentrations in the blood plasma and serum of adult cattle and calves during different painful procedures and conditions – a systematic review

BackgroundPain in cattle is a major welfare problem, as cattle mask their pain. Subjective and objective parameters to assess pain in cattle have been described. Among the objective parameters to evaluate pain in cattle is substance P (SP). SP is a neurotransmitter, which is involved in the processing of noxious information to the brain; it seems to be a more objective indicator for nociception than cortisol, which has long been used as a biomarker for pain and stress in cattle. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the existing literature about SP during painful procedures, conditions, and diseases in cattle in form of a systematic review.ResultsFollowing the PRISMA statement, 36 out of 236 studies were included in this systematic review. Study design, grouping, age and weight of animals, processing of blood samples for the assessment of SP, and results were heterogenous. The largest number of studies originated from the United States of America and Canada and were published in 2018. A higher number of studies were done on calves (69.4%, n = 25) compared with adult cattle (30.6%, n = 11). Most studies were done to assess SP concentrations after administration of analgesics prior to husbandry procedures in calves.ConclusionsThere is a manageable number of studies assessing SP concentrations during painful procedures, conditions, and diseases in cattle. SP seems to be a suitable biomarker for nociception in cattle, but results of research work are heterogenous, and SP concentrations of calves and adult cattle differ throughout studies. Basic research work is missing and is needed to assess factors others than nociception which might influence the SP concentrations in the blood plasma.

Feather Pecking in Non-Beak-Trimmed and Beak-Trimmed Laying Hens on Commercial Farms with Aviaries.

Simple SummarySevere feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. SFP is a behavioral disorder and should not be confused with aggressive pecking. The aim of our study was to observe the pecking behavior of layers on farms with flock sizes common in practice and to identify possible influencing factors. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate varied widely between flocks. A low stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range (or both) had a positive effect and reduced SFP. Keeping mixed flocks of brown and white layers was a risk factor for SFP. SFP occurred mainly in the litter area and only rarely on perches. This finding emphasizes the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. Aggressive pecking and SFP were correlated, which may indicate a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. SFP remains a multifactorial problem, but in recent years, many risk factors have been identified and included in best-practice recommendations, allowing the housing of non-beak-trimmed layers.Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. It was the aim of this study to gain insight into the actual pecking behavior of laying hens kept on commercial farms with flock sizes common in practice. We observed aggressive pecking and SFP in non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed flocks of laying hens and investigated possible influencing factors. The study took place on eight conventional farms in Germany with aviaries, including three farms with a free range and a winter garden, one with a free range and one with a winter garden. Pecking behavior was observed during three observational periods (OPs): OP 1, at the peak of the laying period between the 28th and 33rd week of life; OP 2, in the middle of the laying period between the 42nd and 48th week of life; and OP 3, at the end of the laying period between the 63rd and 68th week of life in one laying period. Videos were analyzed using behavior sampling and continuous recording. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate differed significantly between the flocks. SFP correlated positively with the number of hens per square meter of usable area, with statistical significance in the litter area (r = 0.564; p = 0.045). The multivariate analysis revealed that access to a winter garden or free range significantly reduced the SFP rate on perches (p = 0.001). The stocking density (number of birds per usable square meter) had a significant influence on the SPF rate in the nest-box area (p = 0.001). The hybrid line had a significant effect on the SFP rate on perches and in the nest-box area (p = 0.001 each). Lohmann Brown hens in mixed flocks had a higher SFP rate (significant in OP 2) than those in homogeneous flocks, indicating that mixed flocks may be a risk factor for SFP. Lohmann Brown hens pecked significantly less than Dekalb White hens in the litter area (p = 0.010) and in the nest-box area (p = 0.025) and less than Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens in the litter area (p = 0.010). Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed increasing SFP rates during the laying period. All hybrid lines had significantly higher SFP rates in the litter area, followed by the nest-box area and perches. These findings emphasize the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. We found a significant positive correlation between aggressive pecking and SFP—in OP 1: rho (Spearman) = 0.580, p < 0.001; OP 2: rho = 0.486, p = 0.002; and OP 3: rho = 0.482, p = 0.002 (n = 39) —indicating that SFP may lead to a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. In conclusion, our data suggest a positive influence of a lower stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range for additional space. The hybrid line had a significant influence on the feather-pecking rate on perches and the nest-box area. Aggressive pecking and severe feather pecking correlated positively. We assume that vigorous and painful AP were an additional stress factor, especially in non-beak-trimmed flocks, leading to more SFP in due course. Beak trimming had a reducing effect on SFP. However, our results showed that non-beak-trimmed flocks could be kept without major outbreaks of SFP.

Keel bone fractures in Danish laying hens: Prevalence and risk factors.

Keel bone fractures (KBF) in commercial poultry production systems are a major welfare problem with possible economic consequences for the poultry industry. Recent investigations suggest that the overall situation may be worsening. Depending on the housing system, fracture prevalences exceeding 80% have been reported from different countries. No specific causes have yet been identified and this has consequently hampered risk factor identification. The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of KBF in Danish layer hens and to identify risk factors in relation to KBF in all major productions systems, including parent stock production. For risk factor identification, production data from the included flocks was used. In total, 4794 birds from 40 flocks were investigated at end-of-lay. All birds were euthanized on farm and underwent inspection and palpation followed by necropsy. All observations were recorded and subsequently analysed using the SAS statistical software package. In flocks from non-caged systems, fracture prevalence in the range 53%-100%, was observed whereas the prevalence in flocks from enriched cages ranged between 50–98%. Furthermore, often multiple fractures (≥4) were observed in individual birds (range 5–81% of the birds with fractures) depending on the flock. The localization of the fractures at the distal end of the keel bone is highly consistent in all flocks (>96%). Macroscopically the fractures varied morphologically from an appearance with an almost total absence of callus, most frequently observed in caged birds, to large callus formations in and around the fracture lines, which was a typical finding in non-caged birds. Despite being housed under cage-free conditions, parent birds had significantly fewer fractures (all flocks were 60 weeks old) per bird, than other birds from cage-free systems. The body weight at end-of-lay had an effect on the risk of having fractures, heavy hens have significantly fewer fractures at end-of-lay. The older the hens were at onset of lay, the lower was the flock prevalence at end-of-lay. Additionally, the daily egg size at onset of lay was of importance for the risk of developing fractures, the production of heavier eggs initially, resulted in higher fracture prevalence at depopulation. The odds ratio of body weight, (+100 g) was 0.97, age at onset of lay (+1 week) was 0.87 and daily egg weight at onset (+1 gram) was 1.03. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a very high prevalence of KBF in hens from all production systems and identified hen size, age at onset of lay and daily egg weight at onset of lay to be major risk factors for development of KBF in the modern laying hen. Further research regarding this is warranted to strengthen the longevity and enhance the welfare of laying hens.

Identification and Functional Annotation of Genes Related to Bone Stability in Laying Hens Using Random Forests.

Skeletal disorders, including fractures and osteoporosis, in laying hens cause major welfare and economic problems. Although genetics have been shown to play a key role in bone integrity, little is yet known about the underlying genetic architecture of the traits. This study aimed to identify genes associated with bone breaking strength and bone mineral density of the tibiotarsus and the humerus in laying hens. Potentially informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified using Random Forests classification. We then searched for genes known to be related to bone stability in close proximity to the SNPs and identified 16 potential candidates. Some of them had human orthologues. Based on our findings, we can support the assumption that multiple genes determine bone strength, with each of them having a rather small effect, as illustrated by our SNP effect estimates. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis showed that some of these candidates are involved in metabolic pathways critical for bone integrity. In conclusion, the identified candidates represent genes that may play a role in the bone integrity of chickens. Although further studies are needed to determine causality, the genes reported here are promising in terms of alleviating bone disorders in laying hens.

Gut capacity of broiler breeder hens

ABSTRACT 1. Broiler breeders are subjected to qualitative or quantitative feed restrictions to prevent obesity, which causes major health and welfare problems. Diluting their feed by adding inert or low nutrient, bulky materials can reduce obesity, but the capacity of the gut needs to be determined to apply this strategy successfully. Two trials were conducted to measure the bulk capacity of Ross 308 broiler breeders prior to and after the onset of lay. The trial was completely randomised, with nine individually-caged breeders, with each cage as a replicate, totalling 189 birds per trial 2. Birds were given ad libitum access to one of 21 maize-soyabean based feeds, an undiluted control or progressive dilution (10, 20, 30 and 40%) with either cellulose fibre, rice husk, sand, vermiculite or sawdust. Feeds were analysed for density, crude-, acid detergent- and neutral detergent-fibre, water-holding capacity (WHC), cation-exchange capacity and oil-holding capacity. 2. In general, feed intake (scaled to body weight0.67) increased and then declined as the proportion of each diluent increased. Intake increased linearly when rice hulls and sand were used as diluents. 3. Water holding capacity was the most appropriate measure to define the gut capacity of broiler breeders. 4. The trial data was used to estimate the maximum-scaled feed intake (SFImax) in broiler breeders, which was 240–56.1WHC + 4.34WHC2 g/kg0.67/d.

Freedom to Grow: Improving Sow Welfare also Benefits Piglets.

Simple SummaryThis study identified positive effects on piglet welfare and growth rates when housed in free lactation pens compared with conventional farrowing crates. Free lactation pens allow piglets unrestricted interaction with the sow and increased space allowance; this improved behavioural development of piglets thus resulted in fewer instances of damaging behaviour toward littermates in this study. Piglets also benefit from better access to the udder for feeding in free lactation pens, with those piglets reared in such pens having better growth rates than those in conventional farrowing crates.Piglet mortality, especially due to crushing, is a concern in pig production. While current systems use farrowing crates to reduce mortality, they present major animal welfare problems for the sow. This study investigated the effects of free lactation farrowing accommodation on the welfare of piglets born and reared in such accommodation when compared with conventional farrowing crates. Piglets were born to sows in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments and followed from birth to slaughter. Treatments were conventional farrowing crates (control, n = 24 litters) and free lactation pens, which were larger and allowed the sow freedom of movement both pre and post farrowing, (free, n = 22 litters) (675 total piglets). Individual weights were recorded from birth to slaughter. Hoof score was recorded at weaning. Behaviour was recorded during lactation and during the weaner stage. Pre-weaning percentage mortality was equal in treatments (free = 15.95 ± 2.31, control = 14.42 ± 2.15, p = 0.61). Final weight was influenced by treatment (p < 0.05) with pigs from free lactation pens significantly heavier at 114.73 kg compared to 110.82 kg for control pigs. Free pigs took fewer days than control pigs to reach the target weight of 105 kg (147.6 vs. 149.23 days). Throughout lactation, fewer instances of damaging behaviour (ear and tail biting) were observed in free pigs (p = 0.07). Improved growth rates and a decrease in damaging behaviours provide evidence to suggest that pigs from free lactation pens experience improved welfare when compared with control pigs.

Draft genome sequence analysis of a novel MLST (ST5028) and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (Kp4) strain 456S1 isolated from a pig farm in China

ObjectivesThe avian breeding industry is an important element in exposing bacteria to antibiotics. As one of the major animal welfare and economic problems for the poultry industry, multidrug-resistant Klebsiella spp. have become a substantial source of antibiotic resistance genes. In the present work, we reported the draft genome sequence of a novel multilocus sequence type (MLST) (ST5028) Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (Kp4) strain 456S1, which was isolated from a pig farm in China with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. MethodsClassical microbiological methods were applied to isolate and identify the strain, genomic DNA was sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq platform, and the reads were de novo assembled into contigs using CLC Genomics Workbench. The assembled contigs were annotated, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed. ResultsWGS analysis revealed that the genome of strain 456S1 comprised a circular chromosome of 5,419,059 bp (GC content, 57.8%), harbouring 12 important antibiotic resistance genes: aac(6')-ib-cr, aadA16, floR, dfrA27, fosA, tet(D), blaOKP-B-3, oqxA, oqxB, qnrB6, sul1 and arr-3. The Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (Kp4) 456S1 was also found to belong to a novel sequence type (ST5028) determined by MLST. ConclusionThe genome sequence reported herein will provide useful information for antibiotic resistance and pathogenic mechanisms in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae and will be a reference for comparative analysis with genomic features among different sources of clinically important multidrug-resistant strains, especially among bacteria of animal and human origin.

Can on-farm animal welfare explain relative production differences between dairy herds?

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate factors responsible for between-herd variation in milk production, when genetic variation is controlled. Quantitative information regarding farms’ production environment and animal welfare, as evaluated annually by veterinarians and health and feeding records, were the factors studied. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the production environment variables as well as the welfare data. Two linear regression models were devised. The first model used welfare indicators and veterinary treatments to predict the difference between herds’ observed and potential milk yield. The second model explained the residual of the first model by feeding and animal-based indicator data. Together, these two models explained 62% of the variance in milk yield differences between herds. Specifically, feeding of the herd was the most important factor, accounting for 67%, followed by the production environment/animal welfare (30%) and finally animal health, assessed through veterinary treatments, explained the remaining 3% of the variance. A poor welfare rating adversely affected milk production. Similarly, a low score for fatness at slaughter, poor milk quality and high mortality all showed a clear negative association with production. It was found that while feeding remains a major factor, production environment and animal welfare also have significant roles to play when it comes to production. Notably, those farms with major animal welfare problems were shown to display milk yield below the Finnish average.

Vitamin D Serum Level in Elderly Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Analysis from Cilento Region

Introduction: It is estimated that 46 million people in the world live with dementia and it is estimated that this number will increase 3-fold by 2050, being a leading cause of disability worldwide and major welfare and economic problem. The aging of the general population increase these problems, especially in regions, such as Cilento (Southern Italy), where we can register higher longevity. Preserving cognitive health is one of the most important aims of the current research, also through the identification of possible preventative life-style strategies. Recent meta-analyses suggest that low serum vitamin D concentrations could be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. The specific role of Vitamin D, however, is still controversial. There is a growing evidence of high rates of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly and there is still much uncertainty about the cause of AD and other forms of dementia. On the other hand, there is no definitive evidence is not conclusive and vitamin D could be involved in many other physiological and pathological mechanisms. Objective: Our aim is to investigate vitamin D serum levels in a small preliminary sample of AD patients from the Cilento area. Materials and Methods: Patients were recruited from the AD centre of the San Luca Hospital, in Vallo della Lucania (SA). We enrolled 25 consecutive patients, 13 women, and 12 men. The mean age was 78.5±8.3 years, the mean duration of the disease was 3.5±1.8 years. The average school-age of the patients was 6.1 +/- 3.5 years, the average disease age was 6.3 +/- 1.7 years, the average basal Mini-Mental Score Examination (MMSE) score was 17.6 +/- 3.6. We determined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in 25 consecutive AD patients. Results: The mean vitamin D serum level was 17.9+7.9 UI/ml, denoting a state of insufficiency. Among our 25 patients, only 3 had serum level above 30 UI/ml; most patients (17 out of 25) showed serum level among 10 and 30 UI, while in 5 patients, serum level was less than 10 UI. Conclusion: Our preliminary data showed that Vitamin D deficiency was, in our patients, independently associated with AD, even in a special population, high rate of centenarians, like Cilento people. However, our preliminary study has different limitations. The vitamin D deficiency has been evaluated through a single time-point of measurement (or in different periods of the year), that may be susceptible to bias. Even the differences in age and level of education should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, these data in the Cilento region are original (there are no similar reports to our knowledge). However, our results confirm the necessity of other study, and this result is an important opportunity to introduce a modifiable risk fact and, consequently, a new treatment for AD.

Handling Strategies and Mapping of People With Social Welfare Problems (PMKS): A Study in Pamekasan Regency

The research aims to analyze the strategy of handling people with social welfare problems (Penyandang Masalah Kesejahteraan Sosial/ PMKS) in Pamekasan Regency. Further, this study also aims to determine the most appropriate strategy in handling PMKS and determine the priority scale in PMKS policy making in Pamekasan regency. The foundation to determine the PMKS handling strategy is derived from the mapping outcome as reflected from its indicators which show a number of major social welfare problems that emerge in the region based on important scale. The strategy of handling social welfare problems is explored based on the root of the problem such as the emergence of abandoned child problems as triggered by the lack of job vacancy in Pamekasan Regency. The low employment rate is due to environmental conditions with limited resources in Pamekasan Regency. The PMKS handling strategies are through: increasing the awareness and responsibilities of parents on the obligations of their children for not neglecting their children, creating new jobs for abandoned children in various business fields, intensively providing counseling and social communication services to all levels of society to prevent more victims of drugs, raising funds associated with poverty alleviation, raising CSR funds from banks, cooperatives and others to care for people with social welfare problem, providing training and entrepreneurship skills, supporting the creation of a scavenger positive image as friendly and honest part of the society instead of thief, giving spiritual and mental guidance, providing CD4 testing program, as well as intensively providing counseling and social communication services to all levels of society about this problem.