Concrete Slatted Floor Research Articles

254 Mineral Source Matters for Cartilage Development to Support Structural Integrity

Abstract Lameness is a welfare issue generally associated with increased growth rate. Objectives of this study were to 1) compare efficacy of inorganic (ITM) and organic trace mineral (OTM) sources on lameness incidence and effects on bone and cartilage biomarkers, and 2) determine if the biologically relevant biomarkers were detectable in saliva. Dietary treatments were fed for 70 d and included: 1) ITM sulfates, Zn-Cu-Mn supplemented at 120-20-40 mg/kg diet, and three OTMs supplemented at 80-10-20 Zn-Cu-Mn mg/kg diet, respectfully. The OTM treatments included a non-specific amino acid complex (Trt 2 – OTM complex), a glycinate (Trt 3 - OTM glycinate), and a metal methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (Trt 4 – OTM MMHAC) supplied as MINTREX trace minerals (Novus International, Inc., St Charles, MO). The study consisted of 144 barrows (56 kg initial BW; 36 pigs/trt; 18 pigs/pen on slatted concrete floors). A source of ractopamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) was fed the last 28 d of the trial to induce increased growth rate. Measurements included gait scoring (0-4; GS ≥ 2 defined as lame) and serum and saliva bone synthesis (osteocalcin), bone degradation (CTX1) and cartilage synthesis (P2CP), and cartilage degradative biomarkers (CTX2, C2C) and synthesis:degradation ratios measured at baseline, d 7, d 36 and d 70. Individual biomarkers were logarithmically transformed (base 10). Proc Mixed GLM procedure of SAS was performed on log-transformed data and means were determined using LSD test. Nonparametric comparisons (% lameness) were tested using Chi-squared analysis. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant and P ≤ 0.10, a trend. As shown in Table, 1, lameness incidence was greatest for pigs fed ITM and OTM glycinate which was greater than OTM complex and MMHAC (P = 0.10). In general, there was good agreement between serum and saliva biomarkers, with pigs fed MMHAC having the greatest serum bone synthesis biomarker (osteocalcin) which differed from pigs fed OTM complex (P < 0.05). Cartilage synthesis concentrations (P2CP (serum and saliva); and P2CP/C2C and P2CP/CTX2 ratios (saliva) were also greatest for pigs fed MMHAC trace minerals (P < 0.05). Neither bone nor cartilage biomarkers were different between pigs fed ITM and OTM complex or glycinate. Osteocalcin was 10-fold less in saliva compared with serum. No treatment differences were observed in saliva for bone synthesis. The results demonstrated trace mineral source matters with respect to structural health. Significant differences between OTM sources were observed with MMHAC resulting in the highest bone and cartilage synthesis biomarker concentrations in serum and highest biomarkers for cartilage synthesis and synthesis:degradation ratios in saliva. Saliva appears to be a sensitive medium for measuring joint health biomarkers.

Economic impact of investment in animal welfare–enhancing flooring solutions – Implications for promoting sustainable dairy production in Sweden

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to assess the economic impact of investment in different animal welfare–enhancing flooring solutions in Swedish dairy farming.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a bio-economic model and used stochastic partial budgeting approach to simulate the economic consequences of enhancing solid and slatted concrete floors with soft rubber covering.FindingsThe findings highlight that keeping herds on solid and slatted concrete floor surfaces with soft rubber coverings is a profitable solution, compared with keeping herds on solid and slatted concrete floors without a soft covering. The profit per cow when kept on a solid concrete floor with soft rubber covering increased by 13%–16% depending on the breed. Practical implicationsPromoting farm investments such as improvement in flooring solution, which have both economic and animal welfare incentives, is a potential way of promoting sustainable dairy production. Farmers may make investments in improved floors, resulting in enhanced animal welfare and economic outcomes necessary for sustaining dairy production.Originality/valueThis literature review indicated that the economic impact of investment in specific types of floor improvement solutions, investment costs and financial outcomes have received little attention. This study provides insights needed for a more informed decision-making process when selecting optimal flooring solutions for new and renovated barns that improve both animal welfare and ease the burden on farmers and public financial support.

Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part I: Effects on behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining.

Commercial gestation housing systems for sows generally fail to cater fully for their needs in terms of comfort or the ability to perform highly motivated behaviours, which can lead to chronic stress and an impairment to welfare. We compared a typical gestation system (CONTROL) with an IMPROVED one as regards oral stereotypies, aggressive behaviour, skin lesions, locomotion, and tear staining. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group), 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and a length of manila rope in each feeding stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Direct observations of oral stereotypical (30 instantaneous scans per sow per day) and aggressive (all-occurrence sampling, 3 h per sow per day) behaviours were conducted 72 h post-mixing, in mid and late gestation. Skin lesions were counted 24 h and three weeks post-mixing, and in late gestation. Sows' locomotion (locomotory ability) was scored using a visual analogue scale in mid and late gestation. Right and left eye tear staining was scored in late gestation. Indications of better welfare in IMPROVED sows included performance of fewer oral stereotypies in mid and late gestation, and lower tear stain scores. These sows performed more aggression in late gestation, which was associated with access to enrichment, but skin lesion counts were not affected. Thus, the changes made in the IMPROVED treatment benefitted aspects of sow welfare.

Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part II: Effects on physiological measures, reproductive performance and health of the offspring.

Prenatal stress is the mechanism through which poor welfare of pregnant sows has detrimental effects on the health and resilience of their piglets. We compared two gestation housing systems (IMPROVED versus [conventional] CONTROL) in terms of sow stress and welfare indicators and sought to determine whether potential benefits to the sows would translate into improved offspring health. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group) 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying-stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and manila rope in each stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Saliva was collected from each sow on day 80 of pregnancy and analysed for haptoglobin. Hair cortisol was measured in late gestation. Sows' right and left eyes were scored for tear staining in mid lactation and at weaning. Numbers of piglets born alive, dead, mummified, and total born were recorded. Piglets were weighed and scored for vitality and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) at birth. Presence of diarrhoea in farrowing pens was scored every second day throughout the suckling period. IMPROVED sows had lower haptoglobin levels and tear-stain scores during lactation. IMPROVED sows produced fewer mummified piglets, and these had significantly lower IUGR scores, and scored lower for diarrhoea than piglets of CONTROL sows. Hence, improving sow welfare during gestation improved the health and performance of their offspring.

Effect of lameness on feeding behavior of zero grazed Jersey dairy cows.

The dairy industry faces major challenges with high levels of lameness, in parallel to an increased consumer focus on animal welfare. This encourages farmers to consider more robust breeds, such as Jersey cows. As little is known about the behavior of this breed under loose housing conditions, the present study sought to describe the feeding behavior of lame and non-lame Jersey cows in different parities. Such breed-specific information of behavioral changes is needed for breed-specific herd management decisions and may contribute to identifying animals that are susceptible to developing lameness in the future, thus reducing impacts on the welfare and production of cows. Feeding data from 116 Danish Jersey cows were collected using automatic feeders, and lameness status was assessed by technicians every second week. The cows were kept in a loose housing system, with cubicles, a slatted concrete floor, and automatic milking robots. Eating time per visit and per day, the number of visits per day, and intervals between meals were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effects models. The effect of lameness was not significant for any variable. Primiparous Jersey cows had significantly longer eating times per day, shorter meal intervals, and a lower number of visits per day than older Jersey cows. Week in lactation affected the eating time per visit and per day, the number of visits, and between-meal intervals. In conclusion, we found no differences between lame and non-lame Jersey cows but between parities, which disagree with previous research on other breeds, suggesting that Jersey cows not just differ in size and looks but also in their behavioral reaction when lame. Although data from only one herd of a research center were used, this study has demonstrated the need for further research about breed-specific differences and their implications for the health and welfare of the animals.

257 Effect of Drinker Design on Growth and Water Disappearance of Nursery Pigs

Abstract Changes in genetic potential and management practices may have altered the water requirements of nursery and other classes of pigs. However, there are few recent estimates of the water intake of nursery pigs or effects of factors such as drinker design on intake levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two Drinker Design treatments (Nipple vs. Cup) on the water disappearance of nursery pigs (weaning to 6 wk post-weaning; 6.4 ± 1.07 to 22.0 ± 3.39 kg live body weight). A RCBD was used with a total of 336 pigs, housed in 16 pens of 21 pigs in 2 rooms (8 pens/room). Pens had fully slatted concrete floors; floor space was 0.32 m2/pig; there was 1 feeder and 1 drinker per pen. Pigs were fed corn-soybean based diets (meal form) formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements (NRC, 2012). Pigs and feeders were weighed at the start and end of the study. Water disappearance was measured using water-flow meters fitted to the pipeline supplying the drinker in each pen. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS; models accounted for the fixed effect of Drinker Design and random effect of block. Drinker Design did not affect (P > 0.05) growth performance (Table 1). However, average daily water disappearance was 19.1% greater (P ≤ 0.05) for Nipple vs. Cup drinkers. Consequently, water:feed disappearance ratio was 15.8% greater (P ≤ 0.05) for the Nipple than the Cup treatment. In conclusion, these results suggest that water disappearance from nipple drinkers was greater than for cup drinkers. The lack of an effect of Drinker Design on pig growth performance suggests that this treatment difference was most likely due to greater water wastage for nipple drinkers rather than any effect on water intake per se.

Effect of a High Welfare Floor and a Concrete Slatted Floor on the Growth Performance, Behavior and Cleanliness of Charolais and Limousin Heifers: A Case Study.

Simple SummaryThe barn floor needs to provide a confident and comfortable walking surface while retaining durability and affordability. The floor of the barn is also important in order to achieve the best performance, health and welfare of the animals. Therefore, we compared a high welfare floor (HWF), which should offer higher comfort, to a concrete slatted floor (CSF), which is a standard housing system for cattle rearing. In the trials, Charolais and Limousin heifers were used testing the latter systems. We observed that heifers housed on an HWF tended to exhibit more species-specific behaviors, namely rubbing, grooming and aggression, and seemed to be cleaner than those housed on a CSF.Various floor systems are used in cattle housing with different characteristics in terms of roughness, abrasion, wetness, bedding material, ease of cleaning, etc. Thus, the activity and welfare of the animals are greatly influenced by the type of floor. The floor of the barn can influence the development of health diseases, technopathies and the production and quality of animal products. Therefore, in the present case study, we studied the effects of two different flooring systems on the performance and on some behavioral and cleanliness parameters in heifers. Two floor systems (concrete slatted flooring (CSF) and high welfare flooring (HWF)) and two breeds (Charolais and Limousin) were used in the experiment. Heifers on HWF tended to show a higher frequency of grooming, rubbing and aggression than those on CSF, but not of standing, lying, eating, drinking, rumination, resting, stereotypies and covering of the animals. In addition, animals housed on HWF also appeared to show higher cleanliness than those housed on CSF. Results indicated that animals housed on HWF exhibited more social and self-care behaviors, suggesting that animals housed on such floors show more species-specific behaviors and have higher welfare.

Do Rubber Floor Mats Prevent Lameness in Gestating Sows Housed in Large Groups? A Field Experiment on Three Commercial Farms in France.

Simple SummaryIn the European Union, gestating sows are housed in groups in pens that often have slatted floors. Slatted floor can cause injuries to the animals’ legs and hooves, leading to potentially painful lameness. The purpose of our study was to verify if the installation of rubber mats on their floors could limit the occurrence of injuries and lameness in gestating sows. Mats were installed on three commercial farms for use over two consecutive sow pregnancies. The mats limited the occurrence of inflammations around the sows’ leg joints but had no impact on the occurrence of lameness or leg and hoof injuries. The benefit of mats would be greater if they were available throughout the sows’ lives and not just during the gestation period. However, the mat design tested was unsatisfactory because manure did not drain well off the mat and sows were dirtied quickly.Lameness and foot disorders are major health and welfare issues in intensive swine production systems. They are exacerbated when sows are housed in large groups on slatted concrete floors during gestation. Our study aimed to assess the effect of rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pen on lameness and leg health in gestating sows housed in large pens in commercial conditions. The study was conducted on three commercial farms over two successive gestations. A total of 582 Large White × Landrace sows, housed in 10 static groups, were enrolled: 5 groups in pens with rubber mats and 5 groups on slatted concrete floors. Lameness, bursitis, leg injuries, claw growth defects and claw lesions were measured at the beginning, middle and end of each gestation period. The rubber mats decreased the risk of suffering from bursitis, but had no effect on the risk of lameness, leg injuries, claw growth defects or claw lesions. Sows housed on rubber mats were heavily soiled compared with those on slatted concrete floors because the mats were not perforated for slurry evacuation. Locomotion disorders and foot lesions remained prevalent despite the rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pens, but adding rubber mats in service rooms and farrowing crates may produce better results.

The effect of straw based housing on selected quality attributes of pork – a meta-analysis.

<b>The aim of the research was to estimate the effect of straw-based housing on selected quality attributes of pork, using a meta-analytical approach. Meta-analysis is statistical procedure that combines the results of individual, independent studies into one common treatment effect, called the effect size. Data were extracted from 17 independent studies (20 experiments) and analysed using a random-effect model to estimate the effect of straw-based housing on the pH (initial pH at 45 min post mortem and ultimate pH), drip loss, colour (L*, a*, b*) and Warner-Bratzler shear force of pork loins. The meta-analysis of the available results showed that pigs from straw-based systems may produce pork with a faster early post-mortem pH decline (pH45), higher drip loss, and greater lightness than those reared under barren conditions with concrete (slatted) floors. A subgroup analysis showed that greater space allowance for straw-housed pigs had a greater negative effect on initial pH (pH45), drip loss, and lightness than straw housing with normal/minimal floor space requirements.

In-barn measurements of surface roughness and friction of slatted concrete floors in sow gestation rooms

Claw injuries of pigs due to inadequate floor surface conditions are a major concern in pig operations. Rough and slippery concrete floor surfaces can result in claw disorders. In this paper, the surface roughness and dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of concrete floors used in two sow gestation rooms were studied. The first room had a slatted concrete floor with 105-mm wide slats and 19-mm wide gaps, and the second room had a floor with 125-mm wide slats and 25-mm wide gaps. A portable tester was designed and built to measure the surface roughness and friction of concrete floors. Measurements were conducted weekly during two gestation cycles for a total of 21 weeks. Based on the observations of sow activities, the floor in each room was virtually divided into four areas, namely dunging, high traffic, low traffic and sleeping areas. Surface roughness and friction were measured in the four areas in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the slats. The results showed that the length of time of floor usage by sows had a significant effect on the roughness and DCOF of concrete floors, with a sharp reduction in the DCOF after the first two weeks of use because manure stuck in the pores of the concrete surface reduced the interlocking between the asperities of the contact surfaces. No significant differences in the roughness and DCOF were found among different areas of floor (dunging, high traffic, low traffic and sleeping) or between the two floor configurations in the first 21 weeks of floor usage.

Effect of microclimatic variables in different flooring systems of pig sty

The influence of the flooring pattern on the thermal comfort of Large White Yorkshire weaned pigs was investigated in three different flooring systems. Three different flooring systems in conventional pig farming viz., solid concrete floor (T1), raised slatted concrete floor (T2) and raised slatted polypropylene floor (T3) formed the experimental housing design and three sty of equal sizes measuring 3.50 m x 2.90 m were taken. Pigs in the different housing systems are maintained in standard floor space of 0.8-1.0 m2 with similar feeding practices and management conditions. Under each treatment, 10 numbers (5 males and 5 females in each treatment) of weaned large white Yorkshire pigs are allotted with average body weight of 16.50±0.50 kg respectively. Microclimatic variables include air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity were recorded daily and statistically there was significantly (P

Mixing aggression intensity is associated with age at first service and floor type during gestation, with implications for sow reproductive performance

Aggression resulting from mixing to establish a dominance hierarchy is a major welfare concern for group-housed sows. The associated stress can negatively impact aspects of reproductive performance. Objectives of this study were to investigate associations between 1) age at first service (AFS) and mixing aggression intensity in first parity sows, 2) mixing aggression intensity and reproductive performance within and between parity one and parity two, and 3) mixing aggression intensity, floor type during gestation and reproductive performance. Gilts (n =160, hereafter referred to as sows) were mixed into stable groups of eight unfamiliar individuals approximately 4 days after artificial insemination, housed on fully slatted concrete (CON; n =80) floor uncovered or covered with rubber slat mats (RUB; n =80), and followed through two parities. Skin lesions (SLMIX; a proxy for the intensity of mixing aggression), were scored post mixing in each parity according to severity (0=no lesions to 5=severe lesions) on five body regions (ear, neck, hindquarter, rump, and belly) on the left and right sides, and at the tail/anogenital region. Total SLMIX score was calculated for each sow. Data on reproductive performance traits were acquired retrospectively from farm records for both parities. Two analyses were performed: 1) data from each parity were analysed separately and 2) SLMIX score in parity one was used to predict reproductive performance in parity two. Lower AFS was associated with a lower SLMIX score in parity one (P =0.031). There was no association between SLMIX score and reproductive performance in parity one, while sows with higher SLMIX score in parity two had a higher proportion of piglets dead during lactation (P =0.027) and a longer cycle length (P =0.003) in parity two. Sows with higher SLMIX scores in parity one had more non-productive days (P <0.001) in parity two. Concrete sows had a higher SLMIX score than RUB sows in parity one (P =0.015), but not in parity two. In addition, CON sows had a higher proportion of piglets born dead (P =0.013) compared with RUB sows in parity two. Mixing aggression has a negative influence on reproductive performance within parities, and it may also have a long-term negative carry-over effect on reproductive performance in subsequent parities. Serving gilts at younger ages could help to minimize the intensity of aggression at mixing, while housing on rubber flooring has beneficial implications for their reproductive performance.

Growth performance and hematological changes of weaned beef calves diagnosed with respiratory disease using respiratory scoring and thoracic ultrasonography.

This study investigated 1) the effect of clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and associated lung consolidations on growth performance and hematological profiles of recently weaned beef calves and 2) the relationship between clinical respiratory signs and lung consolidation detected by thoracic ultrasonography (TUS). One hundred and fifty-three weaned beef calves (209 days old [SD: 35.8] and 306 kg [SD: 26.3], at arrival) purchased and transported from auction markets were accommodated indoors in concrete slatted floor pens. Calves were weighed weekly from arrival until day 28 and on day 65 post-arrival. Assessment of BRD and blood sample collection for hematological profiles were performed on scheduled days (at arrival, on days 7, 14, and 28) and on other days upon BRD diagnosis. Animals were assessed for BRD using a total clinical respiratory score (CRS) of five clinical signs (rectal temperature, ear position, cough, nasal secretion, and eye secretion with each ranging from normal [0] to abnormal [3]) and TUS scores (normal [0] to lung consolidation ≥ 1 cm2 [2]). Based on CRS, 35% of calves were CRS+ (CRS ≥ 5) and 65% were CRS- (CRS < 5). Although no lung consolidations (TUS-) were detected at arrival, 34% of calves developed lung consolidation (≥1 cm2) (TUS+) during the first 28 d post-arrival. Only fever (>39.6 °C) and nasal discharge were weakly associated (r = 0.19, P <0.05) with lung consolidation. On the day of BRD detection, neutrophil number and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were 58% and 73% greater, respectively, in BRD calves with lung consolidation compared with healthy calves. From day 0 to 65, calf average daily gain (ADG) did not differ (P >0.05) between CRS+ and CRS- calves but was 0.09 kg/d lower (P < 0.05) for TUS+ compared with TUS- calves. Calves classified as BRD (CRS + TUS ≥ 5) with lung consolidation had lower (P < 0.05) ADG from arrival until day 28 than healthy calves and BRD calves without lung consolidation (0.11 ± 0.10 vs. 0.53 ± 0.07 vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 kg/d, respectively); however, no differences in ADG were observed from day 0 to 65. Conventional methods to diagnose BRD failed to detect calves with lung lesions. TUS is a useful tool to detect lung lesions and its implementation in combination with CRS should provide a more accurate and early diagnosis of BRD, which is fundamental to successful treatment, animal welfare, and growth performance.

Determining an effective slat and gap width of flooring for group sow housing, considering both sow comfort and ease of manure management

The majority of slatted concrete floors for group-housed sows are designed for ease of manure management. However, such floors can be associated with sows’ lying and walking discomfort, feet injuries and lameness. This study was designed to evaluate the impacts of a narrower slat and gap widths flooring on sow comfort and behaviour as well as manure management. Gilts were followed through two gestations housed on either a concrete floor with a slat width of 105 mm and gaps of 19 mm (Test; 1 group of 25 gilts) or a flooring with a slat width of 125 mm and gaps of 25 mm (Control; 1 group of 24 gilts) and fed with electronic sow feeders. Slat friction, air temperature, humidity and ammonia concentrations were recorded throughout. Floor and animal cleanliness were assessed weekly. For each sow gait score, limb weight distribution, postural behaviour, feet lesions, time budget of activities, body weight, backfat, and reproductive performances were measured at beginning and end of gestation. Air environment values remained within acceptable limits, with no significant (P>0.05) differences between Test and Control rooms. Floor and animal cleanliness were similar for Test and Control. The coefficient of friction of floors decreased markedly within the first week of occupancy then stabilized throughout gestation without differences between treatments. The overall incidence of lameness was similar for Test (16.7%) and Control (14.4%), but more Control sows required analgesic treatment. The severity of heel overgrowth and erosion was greater on front and rear feet and for wall cracks on rear feet of Control sows. Some effects were evident within one week of being on the Control floor and therefore may have been pre-existing. Control sows spent more time weight-shifting in late gestation and showed more variability in the weight applied on hind legs. Control sows spent more time standing at week 6, being awake passive at week 10 and in social interactions at the end of gestation 1 than Test sows. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in frequency of posture changes, sow body weight, backfat and reproductive performance between treatments. While results did not show marked differences in animal performances, sows on the wider (Control) slat and gap flooring had higher feet lesion scores and indicators of greater discomfort while standing. Therefore, the narrower slat and gap widths tested may provide benefits in terms of feet health and sow comfort without compromising manure management and air quality.

The effect of rubber mats on lesions and lameness in gilts housed in gestation stalls

Rubber mats have not yet been widely established in pig production. However, studies mostly focusing on lesions, lameness and behaviours of lactating and group-housed pregnant sows have reported favourable results. To the best of our knowledge, lesions and lameness in sows or gilts housed individually in rubber floor gestation stalls have not been previously investigated. This study was carried out on a commercial pigbreeding farm service unit during a 28-day production cycle in all seasons. Twentyeight gilts were divided into two equal groups, control and experimental groups, and observed for each cycle. The control group was housed in standard gestation stalls with concrete slatted floor, which in the experimental group was covered with an adjusted rubber mat. During each cycle, lesions were scored on days 1, 8, 15 and 28, and lameness on day 1 and upon gilt transfer from the service unit on day 29. Gilts in rubber floor stalls showed significant reduction (P&amp;lt;0.05) in lesions during the cooler period. Conversely, mats had no impact on lameness score in any season. No significant correlations were found between lesions and the percentage of gilts with a particular lameness score. Accordingly, rubber flooring may improve the welfare of gilts in gestation stalls through lower lesion incidence; however, ambient temperature should be taken into consideration when available.

Short communication: Reference intervals for claw dimensions of intensively finished Charolais and Limousin young bulls and heifers housed on different flooring systems

This study aimed at calculating reference intervals for specific claws dimensions of healthy feet originating from intensively finished Charolais (CH) and Limousin (LIM) young bulls and heifers. Moreover, within a given breed × gender combination, measurements of healthy and affected claws were compared to investigate how claw conformation might change in relation to the housing on different types of floor. A total of 2237 CH feet (1324 bulls; 913 heifers) and 595 LIM feet (459 bulls; 136 heifers) were analyzed post-mortem during 20 sessions in three slaughterhouses in Northern Italy. Four measurements were performed on lateral claws of each hind foot: dorsal wall (DW) and total hoof (TH) lengths, heel height (HH) and toe angle (TA). Afterwards, a veterinarian trimmed the sole horn and assessed claw health condition by looking for specific disorders. A foot with no claw disorder was classified as -“healthy”, whereas when at least one claw disorder of different etiology was observed, the foot was classified as “affected”. A reduced dataset considering only healthy feet was used to calculate 95% reference intervals (RI) for each claw dimension according to breed (CH/LIM) × gender (bulls/heifers) combination. Relevant batch variance was detected for DW, TH and HH of CH heifers and for DW and TH of LIM heifers. These calculated RI might be used to assess claw condition and its predisposition to diseases in finishing beef cattle belonging to the tested beef categories. Affected claws belonging to both CH young bulls and heifers showed greater HH than healthy claws. In presence of claw disorders, CH young bulls and heifers housed on deep litter had longer DW and TH lengths, but only heifers showed shorter TA compared to healthy ones. Longer claws and higher heels of CH should be carefully monitored as indirect indicators of the presence of some disorders, particularly when housed on less-wearing surfaces. Claw health condition had no effect on conformation in LIM young bulls or heifers housed on different types of floor. The housing of young bulls, regardless of breed, on concrete slatted floor showed the highest occurrence of feet affected by any claw disorders, confirming the harmfulness of this type of floor for finishing beef cattle.

Effect of overlaying rubber on fully slatted concrete floors on hoof health and lying postures in finishing dairy-origin bulls offered two contrasting diets

Fully slatted concrete floors are labour-efficient, cost-effective and thus common in beef cattle housing. However, the welfare of cattle accommodated on them has been questioned. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of floor and diet on hoof health and lying behaviours of housed dairy-origin bulls, from a mean age of 8 months to slaughter at 15.5 months old. Forty-eight bulls, which had a mean initial live weight of 212 (SD = 23.7) kg, were allocated to one of four treatments, which consisted of two floors and two diets arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The floors evaluated were a fully slatted concrete floor and a fully slatted concrete floor overlaid with rubber, while the diets offered were either a high concentrate diet or a grass-silage-based diet supplemented with concentrates. The mean total duration of the study was 216 days. Floor had no significant effect on claw measurements measured on day 62 or 139. However, bulls accommodated on slats overlaid with rubber had a tendency to have a higher front toe length measured pre-slaughter than those accommodated on concrete slats (P = 0.063). Floor had no significant effect on the net growth of toes or heels during the duration of the study. The number of bruises (P < 0.01) and the bruising score (P < 0.05) were significantly higher on day 62 in bulls accommodated on fully slatted concrete floors than on concrete slats overlaid with rubber, but there was no significant effect of floor on these parameters on day 139 or at the measurement taken pre-slaughter. There was a tendency for bulls accommodated on concrete slats to have a higher probability of having sole bruising at the end of the experiment than those accommodated on slats overlaid with rubber (P = 0.052). Diet had no significant effect on toe length or heel height, number of bruises, or overall bruising score at any time point of the study. There was little evidence in the current study to suggest that bulls lying on fully slatted concrete floors could not express lying postures similar to those on concrete slats overlaid with rubber.

Bench-Scale Pig Buildings: Validation of a Model for Studying Airborne Contaminants of Concern for Human and Animal Health

HighlightsBench-scale pig buildings are suitable for studying airborne contaminants of commercial pig buildings.Multi-replicate designed experiments are possible using bench-scale pig buildings (experimental chambers).Strategies to reduce airborne contaminants may be developed in a timely and cost-effective way using the chambers.Abstract. Pig buildings produce and emit large amounts of airborne contaminants into the environment. Odors, gases, dust, and bioaerosols are responsible for the emergence of infectious, toxic, and inflammatory diseases diagnosed in animals, workers, and surrounding communities. There is therefore a need for better characterization and mitigation of airborne contaminants in commercial pig buildings. Bench-scale pig buildings could be used for the development and evaluation of reduction strategies for airborne contaminants in a timely and cost-effective manner before scaling them up for commercial use. Six bench-scale pig buildings were designed for growing animals (commercial diet and fully slatted concrete floor) and for producing odors, gases, dust, and bioaerosols from various sources (e.g., feed, manure) and animal activities. The validation of the six identical, environmentally controlled, independently ventilated and sealed bench-scale pig buildings (7.1 m3, 42 air changes per hour) is reported here. The validation implied inter-building and longitudinal (between week) comparisons of concentrations of airborne contaminants. Environmental conditions, methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3), and airborne microorganisms (total bacteria and archaea, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli) were monitored for seven weeks in the six bench-scale pig buildings. The experiment was repeated three times. From week to week, data analysis showed that environmental conditions, gases, odors, and airborne microbial concentrations were non-statistically different between buildings. By the end of the seven-week experiment, concentrations of N2O, NH3, Enterococcus, E. coli, and archaea were higher than during week 1 in all buildings (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Airborne gases, odors, and microbial concentrations were equivalent to those found during the Canadian summer in commercial finishing pig buildings. In conclusion, the designed bench-scale pig buildings may serve for multi-replicate experiments and for studying airborne contaminants found in commercial pig buildings. Keywords: Airborne contaminant, Bioaerosols, Dust, Gas, Odor, Pig building.

PSII-6 Performance based NEm requirement adjustment for heifers fed during winter months in eastern South Dakota compared to the Texas panhandle

Abstract Crossbred beef heifers [n = 96; initial shrunk BW=238 kg (SD 21.5)] were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate climatic effects on feedlot heifer growth and efficiency. The study was conducted from November 8, 1991 to May 11, 1992. Heifers were assembled into groups at the Ruminant Nutrition Center (RNC) in Brookings, SD. One group (TX; n = 48) was shipped to New Deal, Texas and fed on slatted-concrete floors, and the second group (SD; n = 48), was shipped half-way to Texas, returned to the RNC, and fed on solid-concrete floors. Transit distance was 1,530 km. Pen was the experimental unit (6 to 8 head·pen-1); diets, health management, and implant programs were normalized across locations. The finishing diet was fed from d 33 to 185 at both locations and the energetics assessment was for the period from d 60 to 185. There were 18 d below -7.8°C and 102 d below 5°C in SD. Transit shrink, estimated empty body fat % (EBF), BW adjusted to 28% EBF (AFBW), and DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.10). Heifer ADG was 18% greater (P &lt; 0.05) in TX (1.40 vs. 1.16 ± 0.037 kg). Observed vs. predicted dietary energy differed (P ≤ 0.05), for NEm (0.97 vs. 0.87 ± 0.013) and NEg (0.97 vs. 0.84 ± 0.016) for TX and SD, respectively. Using calculated diet energy values based upon TX heifer performance as a reference, relative adjustments to metabolic rate were calculated. The estimated metabolic rate was elevated (P &lt; 0.05) for SD heifers (0.077 vs. 0.101 ± 0.0031 Mcal/MBS). These results indicate that heifers fed in South Dakota had a 31% increase in metabolic rate when compared to heifers fed in the Texas panhandle. More of these types of assessments are needed to improve projection and tracking models used in precision cattle feeding.

67 Structural conformation differences between show pigs and commercial genetic lines

Abstract Structural conformation differences between show pig and commercial genetic linesD.R. Obermier, Z.C. Peppmeier, M.T. Knauer North Carolina State University, Raleigh.The objective was to compare the structural conformation of pigs sired by boars from the show pig industry to those sired by modern commercial genetic lines. Data included 174 male pigs from 16 sires and 50 dams. Pigs were sired by Large White (LW) show pig sires (SHOW) or one of two maternal LW commercial genetic lines (W or P). Dams of all pigs evaluated were from line P. Pigs were reared in barns (0.74 m2 per pig) with natural ventilation and totally slatted concrete flooring. Two technicians visually evaluated pigs at five months of age for front leg side view (FSIDEVIEW), rear pastern angle (RPASTERN), rib width (RIB) and locomotion (LOCO). The traits FSIDEVIEW and RPASTERN were scored on a seven point scale where one was soft pasterns, four was normal and seven was buck-kneed and straight pasterns, respectively. Rib width was scored on a five point scale with five being wide ribbed. Locomotion was scored on a seven point scale where one was ideal. Correlations between technicians for FSIDEVIEW, RPASTERN, RIB and LOCO were 0.54, 0.66, 0.77 and 0.72, respectively. Males sired by SHOW had lower (P &lt; 0.01) FSIDEVIEW scores than those sired by W or P (2.2 vs. 3.3 and 3.6, respectively) and softer (P &lt; 0.05) RPASTERN (3.4 vs. 3.8 and 4.2, respectively). Rib width was wider (P &lt; 0.01) for SHOW when compared to W or P (3.7 vs. 2.6 and 2.4, respectively) Locomotion was superior (P &lt; 0.01) for SHOW when compared to W or P (2.6 vs. 3.4 and 3.6, respectively). Line W had lower (P &lt; 0.05) FSIDEVIEW and RPASTERN than P. Yet RIB and LOCO did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between W and P. Results suggest pigs sired by SHOW had softer pasterns, greater rib width and superior locomotion when compared to those sired by commercial genetic lines.