Outdoor Access Research Articles

Prevalence of dirofilariasis in cats in the Kars province, Turkey

Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease which is zoonotic. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of dirofilariasis in indoor cats with outdoor access in the centre and districts of the Kars province. Blood samples were collected from a total of 150 cats, including 71 males and 79 females. The localities selected for sampling were the centre of the Kars province (n=78), and the districts Sarıkamış (n=30), Arpaçay (n=24) and Selim (n=18). Dirofilariasis seropositivity was 29.5% in the centre of the Kars province, 16.7% in Sarıkamış, 8.3% in Arpaçay and 5.6% in Selim. The seropositivity rate of the male cats (18.3%–13/71) was lower than that of the females (22.8%–18/79). The assessment of seropositivity for the different age groups showed that seropositivity was 22% in cats aged 1–2 years, 21.4% in cats aged 3–4 years, and 18.2% in cats aged 5 years and older. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the differences observed for sex and age were insignificant (P>0.05). The overall seropositivity rate was found to be 20.7%. This seroprevalence determined for dirofilariasis in cats in the Kars region suggests that prophylactic measures need to be taken against the disease in this area.

Antioxidant enzymes activity, GSH and MDA level in eggs from heritage breeds

The objective of the study was to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of GSH and MDA in yolk and albumen of hen’s eggs. The experiment was carried out with 99 hens of three heritage breeds (‘Greenleg Partridge’ – group I, ‘Sussex’ – group II, ‘Rhode Island Red’ – group III). Layers were reared in the litter system and had outdoor access. Birds were fed ad libitum standard diets based on concentrates for laying hens and had free access to water throughout the experiment. All the groups were managed under uniform environmental (air humidity and temperature, lighting programme) and feeding conditions. At 48 weeks of age, 6 eggs from each group were collected. In the samples of egg yolks and albumens the concentration of GSH and MDA, and activity of SOD, GPx and CAT were estimated. The results were statistically analysed by one-way analysis of variance and significant differences were estimated with Duncan’s multiple range test. The highest activity of SOD, the highest level of GSH and the lowest level of MDA were characterised by eggs from ‘Sussex’ hens, which may indicate their best quality. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the activity of antioxidant enzymes (mainly SOD) and the levels of GSH and MDA which occur in eggs may depend on the breed of hens.

Dairy cow preference for access to an outdoor pack in summer and winter

The aim of our study was to test the preference of freestall-housed dairy cows to access an outdoor deep-bedded open pack (versus remaining inside the freestall barn) in the summer and winter. A secondary aim was to investigate how preference for outdoor access influenced feeding, lying, and stall perching behavior. Eight groups of pregnant, lactating cows were tested in the summer and 9 groups in the winter. During both experiments, groups were allowed to stabilize for 5 d, followed by 2 d of baseline observations (baseline phase). Habituation to the outdoor pack took place for the next 2 d. Cows were then provided free access to the outdoor pack continuously for 5 d (choice phase). During the choice phase, in addition to feeding and perching behavior (recorded while cows were inside the barn), cow location (i.e., in the freestall pen or on the outdoor pack) was also noted. We used HOBO data loggers (Onset Computer Corp., Bourne, MA) to automatically record lying behavior during baseline and choice phases. Cows spent (mean ± standard error; minimum to maximum in parentheses) 25.3 ± 4.3% (8.0 to 44.5%) of their time outside in the summer and 1.8 ± 0.6% (0.1 to 4.1%) in the winter. In the summer, cows spent more time on the outdoor pack during night (50.0 ± 8.4% between 2000 and 0600 h) than during the day (3.3 ± 1.3% between 0600 and 2000 h). In the winter, we found no effect of time of day on time spent outside (day = 1.7 ± 0.7%; night = 2.1 ± 1.0%). Precipitation decreased the time cows spent outside during summer nights. During winter days, precipitation and increasing wind speeds decreased the time cows spent outside. In the summer, time spent feeding was higher during the baseline phase (18.7 ± 0.3%) than during the choice phase (17.4 ± 0.3%). During the winter, no difference in feeding time was found between the 2 phases (baseline = 18.7 ± 0.3%; choice = 18.4 ± 0.3%). During the summer, cows spent more time perching during the baseline phase (6.5 ± 0.5%) than during the choice phase (3.6 ± 0.5%) and this tended to be true during the winter (baseline = 5.5 ± 0.7%; choice = 4.5 ± 0.7%). Daily lying time did not differ between the baseline and choice phases in either the summer (baseline = 59.6 ± 0.9%; choice = 57.7 ± 0.9%) or winter (baseline = 63.0 ± 1.2%; choice = 62.6 ± 1.2%). When on the outdoor pack, cows spent 53.7% (±5.6) of the time lying during the summer and 4.7% (±2.5) during the winter. In conclusion, during the summer, cows displayed a partial preference to be outside on a deep-bedded open pack when given the opportunity, especially during the night, but in the winter, cows spent little time on the outdoor pack.

Leave No Trace bouldering ethics: Transitioning from the gym to the crag

Participation in bouldering has increased substantially over the past two decades, with indoor (gym) climbing and bouldering identified as the fastest growing sector of the climbing industry. Thus, for many, their experience with bouldering begins in the gym and then progresses to climbing outdoors. This raises questions regarding the extent to which those who initially learn in a gym setting are making a responsible transition to the outdoors by adopting behaviors that protect and preserve ecological and social conditions, thus ensuring the future of outdoor bouldering access. This article reports on bouldering research conducted in Rocky Mountain National Park, USA in the summer of 2015. The authors conducted an on-site visitor survey that examined attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of Leave No Trace-related bouldering practices, specifically comparing and contrasting indoor and outdoor learners, as well as self-reported ability, across these measures. A total of 227 boulderers completed the survey, the majority of which initially learned to boulder indoors. Indoor learners and those of novice ability reported less knowledge of Leave No Trace and generally held attitudes and perceptions less congruent with Leave No Trace recommendations. The authors recommend continuing and expanding minimum-impact outdoor bouldering programs designed to educate boulderers making the transition from the gym to the crag to support the long-term viability of outdoor bouldering on public and protected lands. Management implications●It is essential that recreation managers work in collaboration with emerging user-groups, such as boulderers, in developing management strategies that protect resources while maintaining quality recreational opportunities.●These findings confirm and provide support for continued and expanded efforts for collaborative work among the gym climbing industry, public land agencies, and bouldering interest and advocacy groups in the development and delivery of minimum-impact bouldering information and educational resources●This study identified significant differences in attitudes toward, and knowledge of, Leave No Trace practices depending on whether one initially learned to boulder indoors in a gym or an outdoor setting

Effects of diet composition on the energy balance of free-ranging organic broilers

In organic broiler production, one big factor in meeting the energy requirements of birds is through forage and concentrate feeds. In organic production, birds consume every kind of grass within the pasture. This study investigated the performance of slow growing broilers with an outdoor access, documenting the energy balance between slow growers in forage pasture. Four hundred slow growing broilers of Hubbard JA 957 strain were assigned to two Treatments. In Treatment 1, birds were placed in grass/white clover-covered plot and provided with 70 % concentrates adlibitum while in Treatment II, birds were placed in wheat stubble plot and received 35 % concentrate and 35% whole wheat. Each plot had an area of 25m × 10m and enclosed with nets. Results showed that slow growing broilers were not able to compensate their energy requirement resulting to poor weight. Nevertheless, the 70 % concentrates adlibitum diet in wheat stubble plot can be worthy recommendation for farmers since resulting growth rate showed optimistic outcome in terms of farm input due to manure accumulated by soil and an added income for farmers after harvest season.

Effect of outdoor access on quality of eggs from Sussex hens (S-66)

Effect of outdoor access on quality of eggs from Sussex hens (S-66)

Outbreak of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a cattery of Abyssinian cats in Italy.

Mycobacterium bovis is a re-emerging zoonosis; it was diagnosed in five Abyssinian cats in a breeding cattery in Italy. The infection entered the cattery with an imported kitten (cat A); it had a suspected bite wound on its leg that had been treated at a veterinary clinic in Kiev, Ukraine, which is probably where it became infected with M.bovis. When the kitten arrived in Italy, there were four cats in the cattery; an adult female, her two kittens and a kitten imported from Russia. These were all healthy, and had no outdoor access. All five cats developed tuberculous interstitial pneumonia; in cat A this occurred 6weeks after importation, the others were diagnosed 4-6weeks later. Three cats were euthanised with deteriorating pneumonia while two cats remained clinically well on antibiotic therapy (marbofloxacin, doxycycline and azithromycin). The latter cases were euthanised after 5weeks, as required by Italian law once M.bovis infection was suspected. Changes consistent with tuberculosis on gross post-mortem examination included mesenteric and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, and the presence of disseminated focal white lesions on the cut surface of the spleen, liver and lungs. Visible acid-fast bacteria (cats A, B and C) were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by PCR (cats A, B, C, D and E), refined to M.bovis (cats A, B and D), spoligotype SB0950 (cats A and D).

Hot and bothered: Public attitudes towards heat stress and outdoor access for dairy cows.

On many dairy farms cows are kept indoors. Providing outdoor access is often considered desirable, but housing can protect animals from aversive climatic conditions. For example, by providing shade and fans, indoor housing can protect cows from heat stress they might otherwise experience on open pasture. This study tested how public attitudes to cattle rearing varied when participants were experimentally assigned to different scenarios using a 2 x 2 factorial design varying pasture versus indoor housing with or without heat stress. Participants (n = 581) were randomly assigned to a single scenario, and attitudes in response to the scenario were measured using a Likert scale (1 = “strongly disagree” to 5 = “strongly agree”). We also asked open-ended questions allowing participants to explain their responses. Participants responded most positively to the scenario that provided both pasture access and protection from heat stress (Likert 4.1±0.08), and least positively to scenario with indoor housing and heat stress (Likert 2.2±0.08). However, when the different animal welfare attributes were in conflict (i.e. naturalness as provided by pasture, and biological functioning/affective state as associated with protection from heat stress), participants placed priority on the latter: they were more supportive of the scenario providing indoor housing that protected cows from heat stress (Likert 3.5±0.08), than they were of a pasture rearing system that exposed cows to heat stress (Likert 2.4±0.08). Open-ended responses indicated that participants viewed the lack of protection from heat stress as a failure in the farmer’s duty of care towards the cow. We conclude that participants valued both access to pasture and protection from heat stress for dairy cows, but prioritized protecting animal from heat stress when these features were in conflict.

Ocorrência de parvovirose e cinomose em cães no Planalto Catarinense

This study determined the occurrence of parvovirus and distemper in dogs treated at the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of Universidade Estadual de Santa Catarina (UDESC). For such, 3198 medical records filed in the HCV, from February 2013 to July 2015, were reviewed. From the records, 145 (4.53%) dogs were diagnosed with parvovirus (76 [2.38%]) or distemper (69 [2.15%]). The most common clinical signs of parvovirus were gastrointestinal signs (76 [100%]), having hematochezia as the most commonly observed (74 [97.37%]); for distemper, neurological signs (48 [69.56%]) were most frequently described and myoclonus had the highest occurrence (31 [64.58%]). Regarding complete blood count, the most observed variation in parvovirus was leukopenia by neutropenia and lymphopenia (20 [71.43%]). Distemper showed lymphopenia (28 [59.57%]). It was also observed that the occurrence of distemper and parvovirus were higher according to some selection criteria: breed, age, outdoor access, having contact with other animals and vaccination status. Young non-vaccinated dogs with outdoor access had the highest occurrence ratio. This study showed that viral infectious diseases presented low occurrence, and parvovirus was the most reported agent.

Citizens’ Perception of Different Aspects Regarding German Livestock Production

Farm animal husbandry and animal welfare still are of growing interest in our society. Studies show a mismatch of citizens’ expectations and the present situation in many countries. Therefore intensive livestock production systems seem to lose their societal acceptability. Especially modern pig and poultry production systems are criticized, but dairy farming is also affected. This can more and more be observed in Germany, one of the EU’s biggest livestock producing countries. Against this background, the Scientific Advisory Board on Agricultural Policy, Food and Consumer Health Protection at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture established guidelines to ensure prospective animal husbandry practices, accepted by the majority of the German society. In this paper we present the actual perception of German citizens and the importance of different husbandry aspects based on seven of these guidelines. Thereby, pig, cattle and poultry production systems are considered and the animal species fattening pigs, dairy cattle as well as laying hens are compared. An online survey with at all 2.400 respondents was conducted in 2017. The survey is based on a qualitative pilot study. Therefore citizens were invited for focus groups about the topics pig, poultry and cattle production in Germany. For each topic six focus groups (poultry: eight) took place in three (poultry: four) German cities. Participants discussed about their perception of actual animal husbandry with respect to housing systems, animal health and well-being, regarding the crucial points of the Scientific Advisory Board’s guidelines. Using content analysis, main present husbandry factors in participants’ perception were identified: flooring type, space per animal, fresh air supply, manipulable material, outdoor access and daylight. Using a ranking procedure with these husbandry factors, main criticism points as well as sideshows could be identified for each of the three production systems, in particular fattening pig production, dairy cattle production and laying hens production. The results will contribute to establish livestock production systems in consensus with citizens’ preferences. Furthermore, results will be important for the constructions of upcoming stables for all investigated animal species.

Morning and evening pasture access – comparing the effect of production pasture and exercise pasture on milk production and cow behaviour in an automatic milking system

Although pasture is low-cost feed, many farmers find it difficult to maintain high milk yield when using pasture for high-yielding dairy cows in automatically milked herds. Therefore, a seven-week experiment with 40 cows in early to mid-lactation was performed to evaluate a management model for including pasture in the diet without jeopardizing milk production. Within a part-time grazing system with morning and evening outdoor access, we compared a group with ad libitum grass silage indoors combined with access to a small grass-covered permanent paddock for exercise and recreation (group EX) with a group offered production pasture at a high allowance per cow and day combined with restricted grass silage allowance at night (group PROD). Both groups had the same outdoor access times and the same concentrate allowance based on pre-experimental milk yield. Milk yield and milking frequency were recorded daily in the automatic milking unit. Milk recordings and samplings for determination of milk composition took place weekly and outdoor behaviour of cows was recorded during pasture access hours on six observation days, evenly distributed over the experimental period. During the experiment, average metabolisable energy concentration was higher in the grass silage offered both groups than in pasture herbage. However, our results showed no significant difference in daily milk yield between treatments. Furthermore, no significant differences between treatments were found in energy-corrected milk, milk fat production, or body weight change. Milk protein production was, however, significantly higher in group PROD. In early lactation, no difference in milking frequency was observed between treatments while for cows in mid- to late lactation, milking frequency was significantly higher in group EX than group PROD. Over the entire experiment, group EX cows spent significantly less time outdoors than group PROD. In conclusion, offering high yielding dairy cows in automatic milking systems high-quality pasture at a high allowance for a few hours in morning and afternoon appears to be an interesting alternative to exercise paddock with full indoor feeding, as it can reduce costs for supplementary silage, facilitate natural behaviour, and encourage cows to spend more time outdoors, while maintaining milk production at a level comparable to that of full indoor feeding.

Effects of genotype and sterilization of chickens on growth rate, slaughter yield, whole poultry colour and physicochemical properties of poularde meat obtained from a hybrid breed of conservative chickens and meat roosters

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effects of genotype and sterilization on growth rate, carcass and meat quality. The subject of the study included hybrids obtained by crossing Ross 308 meat roosters with hens included in the genetic resource protection program in Poland, i.e. Yellow-Legged Partridge (Ż-33), Rhode Island Red (R-11) and Sussex (S-66). 8-week-old birds of each genetic group, i.e. ♂Ross 308x ♀Ż-33, ♂Ross 308 × ♀R-11, and ♂Ross 308x ♀S-66, were equally divided into pullets (K, control) and poulardes (P, experimental group). The sterilization procedure was performed in the 9 th week of life. The birds were fed ad libitum with whole-portion starter- and grower diets, and finisher mixes with 2% powdered whey addition. Beginning from the 11 th week, outdoor access was provided. The raising was completed in the 18 th week. The slaughter and meat quality assessment were performed based on 6 pieces from each group. It was found that poulardes obtained by crossing domestic general-purpose hen breeds with Ross 308 roosters achieved a slightly higher body mass, yet significantly higher content of pectoral muscles and deposit fat in the whole poultry, compared to pullets. Poularde whole birds were distinguished by higher colour saturation towards yellow, and pectoral muscles were lighter compared to pullets. Poularde meat was more tender and obtained better sensory evaluation results. The influence of hen genotype was noted in the case of body mass, musculature, whole poultry fat content and colour, as well as meat tenderness.

German Pig Farmers’ Attitudes towards Animal Welfare Programs and their Willingness to Participate in these Programs: An Empirical Study

In recent years, the image of intensive livestock production systems has been suffering from increasing public criticism. Many consumers express strong demands for higher farm animal welfare standards – especially in conventional livestock husbandry systems. This applies primarily to products from pork production, as consumers have criticized that the animals have not enough space in their stables and no possibility for outdoor access. Although pig farmers are key stakeholders for the implementation of animal welfare programs (AWPs) there is little evidence of their attitudes towards AWPs. Thus, the main objective of this investigation was to investigate pig farmers’ attitudes towards AWPs and to determine target groups for participation in AWPs. Therefore conventional pig farmers throughout Germany were questioned via an online survey. For statistical analysis an explorative factor analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were applied. Four factors and three farmer groups were identified which significantly differ regarding their attitudes towards AWPs and their willingness to participate in AWPs. For all groups of farmers the economic aspects are important for implementing AWPs. The orientation on the production process is strongly influenced by monetary aspects. This paper represents a starting point for the design of tailormade strategies to increase the market penetration of AWPs and to provide incentives for farmers to participate in AWPs. Further financial incentives are needed to transfer pig farmers attitudes into corresponding behaviour.

Review of LiFi Technology and Its Future Applications

Abstract In order to respond to the increasing demand of capacity and bandwidth caused by the high number of wireless applications and users, LiFi technology was introduced. It uses the visible light spectrum instead of the radio spectrum to transmit data wirelessly through the illumination of LED lamps. The main advantage of this technology is to provide wireless communications with high data rates. Other advantages include efficiency, availability, security and safety. Also, this technology uses free unlicensed spectrum, and it is cost-effective. Additionally, unlike RF systems, no multipath fading and the transmitter and receiver circuits are not complex. However, LiFi has several issues, which include high path loss, sensitivity to blockages and Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) situations. Probably, the biggest issue of LiFi is the uplink communication which is difficult to implement due to practical and cost reasons. Several future applications of this technology include places where RF is restricted such as hospitals and airplanes. Also, it can be used for traffic management, underwater communication, and outdoor access to the Internet. Moreover, it can be combined with WiFi technology either in hybrid technique or aggregated technique. It is found that later technique gives better results. Another possible application is the optical attocells. It is found that the hexagonal cells model is the best for deterministic deployments of optical APs, whereas the hard-core point process (HCPP) model is the best for random deployments. Furthermore, LiFi can be used for multiuser access with high data rate by using non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique. Due to the great features of LiFi, more applications and everyday life devices will adopt this technology in the future. However, Because of its limitations, it may not totally replace RF technology, but they will work collaboratively to achieve a better performance.

Lessons Learned in Developing a Commercial FIV Vaccine: The Immunity Required for an Effective HIV-1 Vaccine.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccine called Fel-O-Vax® FIV is the first commercial FIV vaccine released worldwide for the use in domestic cats against global FIV subtypes (A–E). This vaccine consists of inactivated dual-subtype (A plus D) FIV-infected cells, whereas its prototype vaccine consists of inactivated dual-subtype whole viruses. Both vaccines in experimental trials conferred moderate-to-substantial protection against heterologous strains from homologous and heterologous subtypes. Importantly, a recent case-control field study of Fel-O-Vax-vaccinated cats with outdoor access and ≥3 years of annual vaccine boost, resulted in a vaccine efficacy of 56% in Australia where subtype-A viruses prevail. Remarkably, this protection rate is far better than the protection rate of 31.2% observed in the best HIV-1 vaccine (RV144) trial. Current review describes the findings from the commercial and prototype vaccine trials and compares their immune correlates of protection. The studies described in this review demonstrate the overarching importance of ant-FIV T-cell immunity more than anti-FIV antibody immunity in affording protection. Thus, future efforts in developing the next generation FIV vaccine and the first effective HIV-1 vaccine should consider incorporating highly conserved protective T-cell epitopes together with the conserved protective B-cell epitopes, but without inducing adverse factors that eliminate efficacy.

Implementasi Jalur Komunikasi Global System Mobile (GSM) Untuk Kontrol Robot Jarak Jauh Berbasis Mikrikontroller Atmel89S52

Some of the previous research builds controlled robots using devices with limited distance. The remote controlled robot controls the control distance along the rays of the sender's Infrared (IR) ray is not blocked by a 20 meters long Infrared (IR) receiver. The blue tooth controlled robot has a control distance of 40 meters. The controlled Robot Wireless Fidelity controls the maximum range of range specifications of the Access point range used. Maximum coverage ranges for outdoor access points as far as 15 Kilometers. The next research have to do with a longer distance control than previous research.
 In this research is Built a robot controlled by utilizes of the Global System Mobile (GSM) communication line. This project uses two Hand phones as a sender and the other one to become receiver. Hand phone sender function is sends control signal to receiver phone. Signals sent are DTMF signals (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency). There are 9 signals control with difference function. Those functions are (1) Turn left (2) Right turn (3) Left rewind (4) Right rewind (5) Rear left (6) Rear Right (7) Stop (8) Move forward (9) Move backward. On the mobile phone receiver signal DTMF in the form of analog signal is converted by Integrated Circuit (IC) MT8870p become Signal Digital. Digital signal from IC MT 8870p is used to be input of Atmel89s52 microcontroller. Atmel89s52 output has not been able to be used for DC motor drive signal so that used transistors amplifier to control the relays. Relay as an electronic switch to connect and disconnect the DC voltage to the motor so that the DC motor can be two-way. DC motors rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. This rotation is used as a robot movement.
 The research results shown that 9 DTMF key tones can be used to control the robot through the GSM line. Long of distance control as far as location that is accessible GSM signal from BTS (Base Transceiver Station). Further research needs to be done to transmit video signals so that it can be done long distance visual monitor on the movement of the robot.

Epidemiological study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats from central Spain

BackgroundHemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) have been found infecting cats worldwide. However, studies about feline hemoplasma infections in Spain are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas and to characterize risk factors and clinical findings associated with these infections in a cat population from the Madrid area, Spain.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt) in blood samples from 456 client-owned and 138 stray cats from Madrid. In order to assess associations between these hemoplasma infections and epidemiological parameters, data regarding signalment, environment, prophylaxis measures, retrovirus status, clinical signs and laboratory findings were compiled, whenever possible.ResultsDNA of feline hemoplasmas was detected from the blood of 63 out of 594 cats (10.6%), with a prevalence of 3.7% (22/594) for Mhf, 8.1% (48/594) for CMhm and 0.5% (3/594) for CMt. Stray cats had statistically higher prevalences of feline hemoplasmas (15.9%) and, specifically, of Mhf (8.7%) than client-owned cats (9 and 2.2%, respectively). A total of seven cats (1.17%) were co-infected with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and M. haemofelis, two (0.33%) with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and “Candidatus M. turicensis” and another one (0.17%) with M. haemofelis and Candidatus “M. turicensis”. Male gender, collection of blood during warm months and FeLV/FIV positivity status were associated with hemotropic mycoplasma infection in cats from Madrid. Additionally, within the group of client-owned cats, hemoplasma infection was associated with adult age, outdoor access, and the existence of low haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration values.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological survey of feline hemoplasmas performed in central Spain (Madrid). Our study confirms that “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum”, Mycoplasma haemofelis and “Ca. Mycoplasma turicensis” are infecting client-owned and stray cats in this region of Spain, “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum” being the most prevalent species. More studies are necessary to help understand the role of the natural infection by these species of hemoplasma in cats.

Access to outdoor swimming pond during summer season improved Muscovy ducks performance and health status

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different outdoor swimming durations on the performance and health status of Muscovy ducks raised during the hot summer season in Egypt. One hundred and eighty (180) one-month old Muscovy ducks were randomly allotted to four treatments based on the outdoor swimming duration offered to birds as following control group (C) where birds were raised by using indoor system without outdoor water pond access. While, birds of the other 3 groups had an access to outdoor swimming pond as follow: birds of treatment one (T2h) had access to outdoor swimming pond for 2 h/day (10:00–12:00 h), birds of treatment two (T4h) had access to outdoor swimming pond for 4 h/day (10:00–14:00 h) and birds of treatment three (T6h) had access to outdoor swimming pond for 6 h/day (10:00–16:00 h). Each treatment includes forty five birds which divided into five replicates of 9 birds each. The results indicated that the different durations of outdoor swimming significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved the growth performance, dressed carcass, abdominal fat, meat quality (color, and flavor), lymphocyte, H/L ratio, body temperature, plumage conditions, keal bone length, body depth, breast blisters score and mortality rate of Muscovy ducks. Moreover, the effects of accessing Muscovy ducks to outdoor swimming pond for 4 h/day during hot summer were more significant than the others experimental durations. However, no significant differences in feed consumption, giblets, meat juiciness, shank length, hock discoloration and blood hematocrit values were recorded between different treatments. In conclusion, accessing Muscovy ducks to outdoor swimming pond for 4 h/day may be a good strategy to improve the ducks’ health status during the harmful hot summer conditions.

Field assessment of cats' litter box substrate preferences

Abstract Cats living inside a home without any possibility of outdoor access have to defecate in a litter box. To suit the cats' needs, several recommendations seem to be agreed upon. The litter box has to be clean and in a calm spot easily accessible to the cat. It has to be in a size that fits the cat. The number of litter boxes has to be correlated with the number of cats present at home as well as the size of the household. The box should contain a substrate that allows the cat to comfortably dig in it. The box should be of a size and the litter of a style that the cat can defecate without soiling itself in the process. The litter should be sufficiently absorbent and manage odor. Facing a great range of commercial possibilities, cat owners have to make a choice. There is no standard recommendation about substrate. The study sought to identify preferences of cats regarding a specific type of substrate by comparing clay granules, silica in microgranules, silica granules, and wood pellets. The study was divided into 2 phases. Eighteen cats were selected for the first phase that lasted 4 weeks. Three strictly identical and uncovered litter boxes were presented to the cats. Each box contained one of the substrates (i.e., clay granules, silica in microgranules, wood pellets). The cats demonstrated a significant preference for the clay or silicate substrates (no significant difference between them) as opposed to the wood pellets. In the second phase, 12 cats were observed during 2 weeks to compare their reaction to clay and silicate. Here, the same grain texture (i.e., granules) was used. The cats showed a significant inclination to defecate into the clay substrate, instead of the silica substrate.

Effects of a meal feeding regimen and the availability of fresh alfalfa on growth performance and meat and bone quality of broiler genotypes

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this study was to identify a feeding regimen that encourages good pasture use in slow (SG) and fast (FG) growing broiler genotypes under free-range management.2. SG and FG birds fed on either an ad libitum (ADB) or a meal feeding (MEF) programme were given free outdoor access with or without fresh alfalfa from day 22 to 72 and from day 22 to 45, respectively. In two consecutive trials, 800 birds of each genotype were included in a factorial design using groups of 40 birds replicated 5 times.3. Fresh alfalfa consumption did not improve growth performance and meat quality attributes, whereas the feeding regimen had significant implications. When compared with their ad libitum-fed counterparts, meal-fed birds showed a significantly lower body weight at a considerably lower feed consumption rate, leading to a more favourable feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the course of the experiment.4. The MEF regimen with a strong feed limitation significantly increased crop and gizzard weight in both genotypes. In FG birds, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss and pH 45 in the breast and thigh meat were adversely affected by MEF; however, feed restriction demonstrated benefits with significant decreases in muscle fat accumulation. In SG birds, decreases in protein and dry matter content of the breast and thigh muscle with meal feeding were conclusive.5. In both genotypes, there was no treatment-related effect on meat yield, mineral composition of the meat or bone mechanical properties.6. In conclusion, MEF, irrespective of alfalfa intake, may provide a viable method to decrease FCR; it may be able to contribute to the production of chickens with lean carcasses but it was not capable of improving overall meat quality.