Space Allowance Research Articles

Structural characterization of piglet producing farms and their sow removal patterns in Finland

BackgroundThe main objectives of this observational, cross-sectional study were to characterize piglet producing farms in Finland and to investigate how farm profiles are associated with sow culling and mortality.The study was conducted on 43 farms during 2014. A questionnaire survey was administered in-person and supplemented with observations in the housing facilities. Annual removal figures and average monthly sow inventories were retrieved from a centralized animal data recording system (National Swine Registry) administered by the Finnish Food Authority. Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to explore the complex underlying data-driven patterns.ResultsSow removal varied markedly between farms with an overall average culling percentage of 38.0% (95% CI 34.1–42.0) and a relatively high average mortality percentage 9.7% (95% CI 7.9–11.5). We identified three farm clusters, which differed both in their typologies and removal patterns. Cluster 1 included farms with features indicative of a semi-intensive or intensive kind of farming, such as larger herd and room sizes, higher stocking density and more sows per caretaker. Most of the cluster 1 farms exceeded the investigated cut-off levels for culling and mortality. Cluster 2 farms were estimated to have the best animal welfare among the sample farms based on a combination of environmental indicators (e.g. amount of bedding, rooting and nesting materials, space allowance, pen cleanliness) and the lowest level of sow mortality as an animal-based indicator. Cluster 3 farms followed a strategy of a rather non-intensified system based on the predominance of smaller herd size, lower stocking density and less sows per caretaker, combined breeding and gestation rooms and rare use of farrowing induction. This cluster showed the lowest culling levels within the sample.ConclusionsThis study captures the diversity among Finnish sow farms and provides a baseline assessment of their practices and facilities. Our results support the notion that farm typologies are associated with sow culling and mortality. In summary, the control of suboptimal sow removal cannot be based on single improvements only, because of other limitations within the individual farm resources.

Cow Lying Behaviour and Bedding Quality Changes during Five Weeks on a Stand-Off Pad.

Simple SummaryNew Zealand dairy farmers place cows in uncovered off-paddock facilities for a part (e.g., 18 h) of the day to reduce their impact on pasture during winter. Lying time is a key indicator of whether these hybrid pasture systems are meeting welfare requirements. While it is easy to measure lying time in a research setting using accelerometers, it is not yet common to measure it on farm, and more convenient indicators are needed. We investigated the lying behaviour of dairy cows as bedding quality deteriorated over a five-week period to determine what measures may be useful as farmer-friendly indicators of cow welfare. The daily lying time of the two groups of cows on bedding according to normal farm practice (NFP) declined over the five weeks and was significantly less than that of cows on fresh bedding during the last 10 days of the trial. The fresh woodchip bedding contained less than 65% moisture throughout the trial. By week 3 and week 4, the moisture content of the lying surface exceeded 75% for NFP Group 2 and Group1, respectively. A bedding moisture threshold of 75% assessed by a ‘gumboot score’ and cows lying rather than grazing when on pasture may be useful farmer-friendly indicators of cow welfare because of their relationship with reduced lying time.Bedding quality and cow lying time were measured during five weeks in a normal farm practice (NFP) off-paddock system with no bedding refreshment. Two groups of 100 non-lactating dairy cows were compared to groups of 8 cows with fresh bedding (FB). The cows were on a woodchip pad for 18 h/d at a space allowance of 5.4 m2/cow, with 6 h/d on pasture for 5 weeks. Lying times were recorded continuously for 60 cows per group using accelerometers. Bedding moisture content was measured weekly. Data for each NFP group were analysed and compared with those of their respective FB group using repeated measures. The lying time declined over five weeks from 11.6 h/day during the first week to 5.6 h/day during the fifth week (SED = 0.3; F1,25 = 351.56; p < 0.001). The moisture content of the bedding increased over the five weeks and was significantly higher for both NFP groups (NFP Group 1: F5,59 = 8.33; p < 0.001; NFP Group 2: F5,61 = 5.54; p < 0.001) than those of the respective FB groups. The percentage of total time lying when in the paddock increased for the NFP groups, reaching 15% in the last week of the trial. During five weeks on a stand-off pad, bedding quality deteriorated, and cows lay down less, to such an extent that welfare was compromised.

Physiological and Behavioural Responses of Cattle to High and Low Space, Feed and Water Allowances During Long Distance Transport in the South of Chile.

Simple SummaryRegarding the topography of Chile, livestock have to travel for long distances (1240 km), including road and sea transport. During this journey food and water deprivation, overstocking and handling issues have been reported as common problems. The lack of adequate conditions onboard can produce adverse consequences for the welfare of livestock in transit. In the current study the physiological and behavioural implications of two different space allowances and the lack of food and water during the long-distance transport has been studied. The current space provided in Chile to the cattle onboard (1 m2/500 kg) appears to be detrimental to their welfare. Lack of room to allow postural adjustment in combination with limited access to food and water resulted in poor nutrition and dehydration. Behavioural responses to the low space were also affected. Cattle increased the time spend eating and ruminating when 30% extra space and more feed was provided. We conclude that, under the current Chilean standards for the long-distance transport, the welfare of the livestock is adversely affected. This research can provide valuable information for the reform of welfare standards for the transport of livestock in Chile.Long distance transport of livestock from Patagonia to central Chile involves both road and sea transport and has a potential impact on the welfare of animals. Fifty Bos taurus cattle of approximate age six months were exposed to a journey of four days, with both the sea and road components undertaken in a truck (roll-off roll-on system) with two pens of different dimensions. Thirty-two and eighteen cattle were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: Low and High welfare standards, which were provided 0.66 m2/head and 0.86 m2/head, respectively, and a fixed amount of feed and water daily to each pen, 1.25 kg hay/head and 3.1 L water/head in the Low welfare treatment and 2.22 kg/head and 5.6 L/head in the High welfare treatment, respectively. Low welfare animals had increased plasma total protein and albumin, which is suggested to be due to limited water availability, and also haptoglobin, suggesting inflammatory responses. Cattle in the High welfare treatment spent more time eating and ruminating than those in the Low space allowance, but they had increased cortisol at the end of the journey, perhaps reflecting increased fighting with more space. Cattle welfare in both treatments was adversely affected by the limited feed and water supplies, with increased beta-hydroxybutyrate at the end of the voyage; total protein was increased in just the low welfare standard group where low space allowance and less food and water was provided. Creatine phosphokinase also increased after the journey, compared with before, indicating bruising. Limiting feed and water availability to cattle in the low welfare treatment resulted in physiological evidence of undernutrition and low hydration status, but it also reduced the stress response, probably because there was less fighting.

On-farm broiler chicken welfare assessment using transect sampling reflects environmental inputs and production outcomes.

To evaluate the utility of transect sampling for assessing animal welfare in large chicken flocks, we quantified relationships between environmental inputs, welfare problems detected using transect sampling, and production outcomes. We hypothesised that environmental inputs including environmental complexity (i.e. number of environmental enrichment types provided), space allowance, underfloor heating (presence or absence), and photoperiod regimen (18 h continuous vs 16 h intermittent) would correspond to variations in welfare assessment findings, which would predict production outcomes. We conducted on-farm welfare assessment of Norwegian broiler flocks at approximately 28 days of age. We sampled four transects (rows between feeder and drinker lines) per flock to determine litter quality and the proportions of chickens with compromised welfare as indicated by visual signs of walking difficulties, illness, skin wounds and small bird size. Production outcome measures included mortality, reasons for carcass rejection at slaughter, footpad dermatitis, growth rate, feed conversion and an integrated production index. Greater environmental complexity was associated with a reduction in skin wounds and total welfare problems on the farm, lower mortality, fewer rejections due to wounds and underweight birds, and fewer rejections overall. Higher space allowances within levels of environmental complexity were associated with fewer walking difficulties and welfare problems overall, a reduction in rejections due to wounds, and a higher growth rate and production index. Underfloor heating was associated with a reduction in rejections due to leg deformity, and intermittent light was associated with lower illness and skin wound rates on the farm, and lower mortality. Furthermore, fewer welfare problems and better litter quality on the farm were associated with fewer carcass rejections at slaughter. Thus, data from transect sampling varied with environmental inputs and production outcomes, supporting the validity of transect sampling for practical, animal-based on-farm welfare assessment.

The Welfare of Cows in Indian Shelters.

Simple SummaryThe welfare of cows in traditional cow shelters (gaushalas), was assessed on the basis of the measurement of animal- and resource-based welfare parameters and description of the herd characteristics by the manager. A description of the condition of the cows and the resources provided to them is provided in this cross-sectional study. Small space allowance per cow, non-uniform flooring, little freedom of movement, and lack of access to pastures were the key welfare issues observed in the study. Very few cows were recorded as lame, but about half had carpal joint lesions and slightly less had lesions from interacting with shelter furniture. This study will inform the stakeholders about the concept of welfare auditing of the cow shelters, for better welfare and management of the cows in the shelters.Cow shelters (gaushalas) are unique traditional institutions in India, where aged, infertile, diseased, rescued, and abandoned cows are sheltered for the rest of their life, until they die of natural causes. These institutions owe their existence to the reverence for the cow as a holy mother goddess for Hindus, the majority religion in India. There is a religious and legal prohibition on cow slaughter in most Indian states. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the welfare of cows in these shelters, which included the development of a welfare assessment protocol, based on direct animal-based measurements, indirect resource-based assessments, and description of the herd characteristics by the manager. A total of 54 cow shelters in 6 states of India were studied and 1620 animals were clinically examined, based on 37 health, welfare, and behavior parameters. Thirty resources provided to the animals, including housing, flooring, feeding, watering, ease of movement, cleanliness of facilities, lighting, temperature, humidity, and noise levels in the sheds were measured. The study showed that the shelters contained mostly non-lactating cows, with a mean age of 11 years. The primary welfare problems appeared to be different to those in Western countries, as the major issues found in the shelters were facility-related—the low space allowance per cow, poor quality of the floors, little freedom of movement, and a lack of pasture grazing. Very few cows were recorded as lame, but about one half had carpal joint hair loss and swelling, and slightly less had lesions from interacting with shelter furniture. Some shelters also had compromised biosecurity and risks of zoonosis. These issues need to be addressed to aid in ensuring the acceptability of these institutions to the public. This welfare assessment protocol aims to address the welfare issues and problems in the shelters, by providing feedback for improvement to the stakeholders.

Effect of ventilation, floor space allowance and cooling arrangement of cattle shed on milk yield of local and cross breed dairy cattle in Ganjam

Effect of ventilation, floor space allowance and cooling arrangement of cattle shed on milk yield of local and cross breed dairy cattle in Ganjam

Effect of milking stall dimensions on upper limb and shoulder muscle activity in milkers

Increasing societal awareness for animal welfare can promote changes in legislation. Some of these changes may also affect the person that interacts with the animal in a shared workspace, such as in milking stalls. Swiss milking stalls were designed many years ago, when cows were smaller than they are today. A recent animal-based study indicated that welfare decreased in cows exposed to restricted space allowance in milking stalls, which had resulted from increasing body size without adjustment of milking stall dimensions. However, changing the milking stall dimensions without considering the milker may be detrimental. For many years, health issues, particularly of the upper limb and shoulders, have affected milking personnel. The current study investigated the effect of large and standard milking stall dimensions on muscle activity in milkers (as a measure of workload) during milking. This assessment is fundamental to ensure that legislation improving animal welfare does not jeopardize human health. The study took place in an experimental milking parlor that allowed for size adjustment of the individual milking stall. Nine milkers performed 2 shifts of milking in a herringbone and 2 shifts in a side-by-side milking parlor. The milking stall dimensions were large on one side and standard on the other side of the parlor; the 2 sides were switched between milking shifts. We used surface electromyography to monitor bilateral muscle activity of forearm (flexor carpi ulnaris), arm (biceps brachii), and shoulder (deltoideus anterior; upper trapezius) muscles. Statistical analysis was performed separately for the herringbone and the side-by-side parlor for each muscle using mean and maximum muscle activity as the target variables in a linear mixed-effects model. The analysis showed that the different milking stall dimensions did not consistently affect activity of the measured muscles. Our results suggest that milking stall dimensions are not a primary risk factor for poor ergonomics in parlor workers.

Space allowance influences individually housed Holstein male calves' age at feed consumption, standing behaviors, and measures of immune resilience before and after step-down weaning

Many dairy calves in the southwestern regions of the United States are raised in wooden hutches with 1.23 m2 of free space that house 3 calves individually. Producers claim that calves in hutch systems are not ready to wean and be placed in groups at the country-average age of 6 wk. Calves may remain in this individual housing system until as late as 10 wk of age. The objective of this study was to modify space allowance of hutches and evaluate weaning readiness using age at solid feed consumption, standing behaviors, and measures of immunity. Calves were randomly assigned at 4 d of age to conventional (CONV; 1.23 m2 of space; n = 18), moderate (MOD; 1.85 m2 of space; n = 17), or maximized (MAX; 3.71 m2 of space; n = 19) space allowance in hutches. These modifications also changed the number of calves housed per hutch from 3 (CONV) to 2 (MOD) and 1 (MAX). Calves were fed milk replacer via bottle twice daily until weaning and offered ad libitum feed throughout the experiment. Step-down weaning was initiated (Wi) at age 53 or 54 d by withdrawal of the p.m. bottle and was completed (Wc) 11 d later by removal of the a.m. milk replacer. Accelerometer data for standing behaviors were collected relative to Wi (3 consecutive days to represent -4 wk, -3 d, 3 d, and 3 and 5 wk). Blood samples were collected in the a.m. just before Wi (d 0) and at d 3, 11, 14, and 18 after Wi. Calves provided with more space (MOD and MAX) compared with CONV calves consumed feed at an earlier age and had slightly healthier erythrocytes, greater circulating glucose, and fewer circulating eosinophils. The CONV calves had haptoglobin (Hp) responses to the stressors of both Wi and Wc and had more IFN-γ from whole blood stimulated with phytohemagglutinin-P. The MAX calves had the least active neutrophils (phagocytosis and oxidative burst), but MOD calves' leukocytes secreted the most TNF-α from whole blood stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Just before and after weaning, MAX calves spent more time per day in the standing position than CONV and MOD calves and had an Hp response to Wc, but MOD calves did not have an Hp response to Wi or Wc. Based on these results, MOD calves were the most ready for weaning; therefore, they potentially can be moved to group housing at an earlier age than CONV calves, thus improving animal welfare concerns over space allowance and individual housing.

Effects of increased space allowance on animal welfare, meat and ham quality of heavy pigs slaughtered at 160Kg.

Sixty barrows (Body Weight–BW- range: 23.9–160 kg) were allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens of 5 pigs each): the control group was kept at a space allowance of 1m2/head; the second group was kept at 1.3m2/head. Behaviour, growth parameters, carcass and meat quality were assessed, as well as fat and cured ham quality. Results showed that pigs raised at 1.3m2/head spent more time laying (particularly in lateral recumbency, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) compared to pigs kept at lower space allowance. They also reduced the aimless exploration of the slatted pen floor (P<0.001) and increased overall expression of other, mainly active, behaviors (e.g., drinking, walking and standing, P<0.01). Pigs raised at 1.3m2/head showed higher final BW (P = 0.02), more favourable Average Daily Gain (ADG) and gain-to-Feed ratio (G:F) both during the last period of the trial (P<0.05 for both parameters) and over the entire trial (P = 0.01 for both parameters). No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass traits and the main meat quality attributes. Subcutaneous fat from green hams had higher α-linolenic acid content (P<0.01) in the group reared at greater space allowance. Green hams from this group lost less weight at trimming (P<0.01) and the resulting cured hams received better sensory evaluations (P<0.05). No difference was observed in fatty acid composition and unsaturation levels of the subcutaneous fat from cured hams. Our data suggest that heavy pigs intended for Parma ham would benefit from the adoption of higher individual floor space allowances, both in terms of animal welfare (increased possibility to rest) and of productive parameters, without having any detrimental effect on the suitability of the thighs for dry-curing or on the quality of the final product.

EFFECTS OF STREET FURNITURE TOWARDS THE LESSENING OF PEDESTRIAN AREA IN BRAGA STREET

Abstract- Bandung has revitalisation plans stretching throughout the city to promote “smart” and“sustainable” living. One of these projects falls on jl. Braga revitalisation project that has shown significantdifference in outlook and in visitor count.The popularity of the street may in return cause discomfort for visitors, as the space allowance perperson becomes smaller. This assumption has already been made by Carmona (2003) where he stated that “anunfriendly environment’s pedestrian flow may be increased significantly if the space becomes more pedestrianfriendly”.The aim of this study is to evaluate the physical changes made by the revitalisation process incorrelation to overcrowding. The discussion will begin by identifying elements withing the street that causeobstructions (obstacles), and a simulation of the circulation space acquired by the obstacle (or the activity itgenerates) is made in order to calculate the resultant circulation space and measure its overcrowding level.Overall, results show the overcrowding level of the street is constrained and congested. Witihin six outofseven obstructions analysed, it is proved that overcrowding is caused by the acquisition of space ofobstacles,whether by itself or by the activities it generates.Key Words: obstacle, obstruction, overcrowding, jl. Braga

EFFECTS OF STREET FURNITURE TOWARDS THE LESSENING OF PEDESTRIAN AREA IN BRAGA STREET

Abstract- Bandung has revitalisation plans stretching throughout the city to promote “smart” and “sustainable” living. One of these projects falls on jl. Braga revitalisation project that has shown significant difference in outlook and in visitor count. The popularity of the street may in return cause discomfort for visitors, as the space allowance per person becomes smaller. This assumption has already been made by Carmona (2003) where he stated that “an unfriendly environment’s pedestrian flow may be increased significantly if the space becomes more pedestrian friendly”. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physical changes made by the revitalisation process in correlation to overcrowding. The discussion will begin by identifying elements withing the street that cause obstructions (obstacles), and a simulation of the circulation space acquired by the obstacle (or the activity it generates) is made in order to calculate the resultant circulation space and measure its overcrowding level. Overall, results show the overcrowding level of the street is constrained and congested. Witihin six out of seven obstructions analysed, it is proved that overcrowding is caused by the acquisition of space of obstacles, whether by itself or by the activities it generates. Key Words: obstacle, obstruction, overcrowding, jl. Braga

The effects of floor space and nest box access on the physiology and behavior of caged laying hens.

Confinement housing appears to be at the forefront of concern about laying hen welfare. This experiment examined the effects of floor space during rearing (315 or 945 cm2/bird) and adulthood (542 or 1648 cm2/bird) and access to a nest box on the welfare of caged laying hens. Measurements of the normality of biological functioning, such as plasma, egg albumen and yolk and fecal corticosterone concentrations, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, behavioral time budgets, mortality and efficiency of productivity, and measurement of hen preferences, such as choice behavior in Y maze tests, were used to assess hen welfare. There were no effects of treatment on physiological measurements. Hens given less space during adulthood spent less time mobile, inedible pecking, drinking, and preening and spent more time resting and feed pecking and sitting (P < 0.05). Hens with access to a nest box spent more time resting (P = 0.046) and less time sham dust bathing (P = 0.044) than hens without access to a nest box. There were no effects of space allowance on choice behavior for space or a nest box over food; however, hens with access to a nest box chose the nest box over food more than hens without access to a nest box (P = 0.0053). The present experiment provides no convincing evidence that either reducing space allowance in adulthood from 1648 to 542 cm2/bird or eliminating access to a nest box results in disruption of biological function. Less space and no access to a nest box did not increase the choice for more space or a nest box, respectively, over food in the preference tests. However, reduced floor space reduced behavioral freedom and denying access to a nest box eliminated the opportunity for the motivated behavior of laying their eggs in a discrete enclosed nest box, both of which presumably provide hens with the opportunity for positive affective experiences.

Time of occurrence and prevalence of severe lameness in fattening Charolais bulls: Impact of type of floor and space allowance within type of floor

This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of lameness in a large number of batches of Charolais bulls housed in deep litter (DL) or fully slatted concrete (FSC) pens with different space allowance. Data from eight intensive beef farms located in Italy were recorded during 18 months. Five farms housed bulls in DL pens, with space allowance of 5.0 m2/head (two farms) and of 5.5 m2/head (three farms) respectively. Three farms housed bulls in FSC pens, with space allowance of 3.5 m2/head (two farms) and of 4.0 m2/head (one farm) respectively. Lameness events were categorized as: mild, when they did not impair the regular conclusion of the fattening cycle of the affected bull, or severe, when they imposed the early culling of the animal. Date and average body weight of each batch of bulls at arrival to farm and at slaughter were collected as well as those of severely lame bulls at the time of culling. The study analysed data of 314 batches for a total of 7201 bulls. Prevalence of bulls showing mild lameness was 1.23% and was similar between floor types. Severe lameness had a higher prevalence in bulls housed on FSC than on DL (1.86 vs. 0.56%; P < 0.001), and the relative risk of early culling in FSC pens was more than three times higher than in DL. An increased space allowance from 3.5 to 4.0 m2/head in FSC pens acted as a preventive measure against both mild and severe lameness. A wider space allowance from 5.0 to 5.5 m2/head in DL pens did not reduce the prevalence of severe lameness, which was always below 1%, however. Regardless of type of floor, severe lameness events were always recorded in the final part of the cycle (178 ± 28 (SEM) days of fattening) and their occurrence was unaffected by the space allowance within type of floor.

Effects of pigs per feeder hole and group size on feed intake onset, growth performance, and ear and tail lesions in nursery pigs with consistent space allowance

Objective: To determine the effects of varying the number of pigs per feeder hole and group size on feed intake onset, growth performance, and lesions in nursery pigs. Materials and methods: A total of 630 pigs were randomly assigned at weaning (mean [SD] age of 20.5 [0.9] d and weight of 5.59 [0.9] kg) to one of four treatments: 3.75, 5.00, 6.25, or 7.50 pigs per feeder hole, which was achieved by altering group size with 15, 20, 25, or 30 pigs per pen, respectively. Pigs were fed a meal diet containing 1% iron oxide dye for three days post-weaning. Rectal swabs were evaluated to assess the onset of feed intake. Pigs were weighed weekly and presence of ear and tail lesions were recorded. Results: Decreasing the number of pigs per feeder hole resulted in a decrease in onset of feed intake (P &lt; .001). Average daily gain tended to increase linearly as the number of pigs per feeder hole decreased (P = .06). No statistically significant responses were observed for average daily feed intake and feed efficiency (P &gt; .12). The lowest occurrence of tail lesions (P &lt; .05) was observed in the treatment with 3.75 pigs per feeder hole. The highest incidence (P &lt; .05) of ear lesions occurred in the treatment containing 7.50 pigs per feeder hole. Implications: Decreasing the number of pigs per feeder hole in the nursery period may result in faster onset of feed intake, improved growth performance, and reduced ear and tail lesions.

Health, behaviour and growth performance of Charolais and Limousin bulls fattened on different types of flooring

Intensive fattening of late-maturing breeds on concrete or rubberized slatted floors is the prevalent beef production system in mainland Europe. The rationale behind this study is that specific beef breeds with different slaughter weights might have a diverse response to different flooring systems. The study aimed at assessing whether growth performance, health, behaviour and claw condition of two beef breeds, Charolais (CH) and Limousine (LIM), would be affected by their housing on concrete (CS) or rubber-covered (RCS) fully slatted floor. A total of 228 CH (116 on CS; 112 on RCS) and 115 LIM (57 on CS; 58 on RCS) were housed in four and two commercial farms, respectively, in groups of 9.0 ± 2.1 animals/pen with an average space allowance of 3.1 ± 0.2 m2. Draining gaps of CS and RCS pens were 16.9 ± 1.7% and 11.6 ± 1.2% of the total surface, respectively. Bulls of both breeds had similar initial body weight (429.4 ± 31.5 kg for CH; 369.6 ± 31.7 kg for LIM), and they were slaughtered when they reached suitable finishing. Charolais had a higher final body weight (BW) than LIM (750.8 ± 8.6 v. 613.7 ± 10.9 kg; P < 0.01), and bulls of both breeds on RCS had higher average daily gain than on CS (1.47 ± 0.02 v. 1.39 ± 0.02 kg/day; P < 0.05). The percentage of bulls early culled or treated for locomotor disorders were reduced by RCS only for LIM, while RCS tended to prevent the occurrence of bursitis for both breeds. During two 8-h behavioural observations, bulls on RCS performed more head butt/displacements and chases than on CS, and they reduced the frequency of abnormal lying down events. The use of RCS increased mounts’ frequency only in LIM, while its reduced drainage capacity impaired only the cleanliness of CH. Postmortem hoof inspection showed longer claw dorsal wall and diagonal lengths, and sharper toe angles for CH on RCS than LIM on both floors. Results of this study point out that fully slatted floors, regardless of being rubberized or not, are not suitable for bulls finished at a final BW above 700 kg due to their detrimental effects on health and welfare. The use of RCS could be recommended as an alternative to CS only if bulls are slaughtered at a lower final BW (around 600 kg), like in the case of LIM breed.

Impact of space allowance on performance traits, brain neurotransmitters and blood antioxidant activity of New Zealand White rabbits

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of space allowance on performance, welfare-related parameters and the levels of brain neurotransmitters in growing male rabbits. In a cage housing system, a total of 96 weaned rabbits were accommodated on three space allowance conditions (S1 = 1425 cm2/rabbit; S2 = 850 cm2/rabbit; S3 = 625 cm2/rabbit), with 8 replicate cages per each group. Rabbits in the S1 and S2 groups showed better daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio compared with the high stocking density group (p = 0.004 and 0.018, respectively). Compared to the highest stocking density group (S3), rabbits in the S1 and S2 groups showed significantly lower serum cortisol, MDA and GSSH level (p = 0.026, 0.018 and 0.009, respectively). The concentration of dopamine in brain tissues was significantly decreased in the S3 group compared with other experimental groups (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant effect of space allowance on the brain AChE level (P = 0.277). Brain serotonin and GABA levels showed a significant decrease in rabbits reared with a limited space allowance (S3) compared with S1 and S2 groups (P = 0.001 and 0.038, respectively). The level of brain MDA was significantly increased in the S3 group compared with the S1 group (P = 0.006). However, there were no detectable differences in the brain ATP level in rabbits reared with different space allowance (P = 0.693). In conclusion, the current study indicates that the 850 cm2/rabbit stocking density has resulted in a better feed intake, and welfare-related conditions compared with the 625 cm2/rabbit. Furthermore, the limited space allowance may impair the most important brain neurotransmitters in male rabbits.

Behavioural response of crossbred (Landrace × Desi) pigs under different floor space allowances

Present investigation was carried out to study the behaviour of pigs at 33 and 50% reduced floor space allowances in relation to Indian standards (IS: 3916-1966) for housing of pigs. Crossbred (Landrace × Desi) barrows (36) were reared with 3 different floor space allowances (n = 4 (group size) × 3 (replications) = 12 each) i.e. group TIS (control) had floor space allowance as per Indian standards, while T2/3 and T1/2 treatment groups had 33 and 50% reduced floor space allocation per pig. Accordingly, during weaner (6–14 weeks), grower (15–22 weeks) and finisher (23–28 weeks) stages, 3 different floor spaces were provided. During each growth stage (weaner/grower/ finisher), activities of each unit (consisting of 4 animals) were recorded thrice in sessions of 2 consecutive hours (an hour before (preprandial) and after (prandial and postprandial) offering of second meal in afternoon). Total time spent in agonistic activities did not differ among the groups. However, parallel pressing agonistic activity was more in T1/2 group during grower and finisher stages at prandial and postprandial time while in TIS group during weaner stage at preprandial time. Time spent resting was higher in TIS group at prandial and postprandial time during weaner stage while it was higher in T2/3 group during grower stage. Exploratory activities and social interactions were maximum in T2/3 group during weaner and finisher stages and differed significantly from T1/2 group. From behavioural response, it can be concluded that suitable floor space allowance should lie in between 33 to 50% reduction in relation to IS specifications.

The effect of pen environment on pen-mate directed behaviour prior to feeding in finisher pigs with intact tails

Tail biting is one of the largest problems in intensive pig production among finishers. Currently, tail docking is performed to minimize tail biting, such as bleeding, sores, infection and amputation, however, due to legislation and consumer demand, there is a need for finding other alternatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pen environment on the prevalence of pen-mate directed behaviour prior to feeding in finishers with intact tails. Pigs were assigned to one of two pens. Compared to PEN1, PEN2 housed fewer pigs, had a higher space allowance per pig and a larger area of solid floor than PEN1, whereas the space per pig at the feeding trough was the same. Straw was provided in a straw rack in PEN1 and on the floor in PEN2. Recorded behaviour (tail directed, ear directed, aggression, feeding, belly nosing and other nosing behaviour) was observed continuously 30 min prior to the last feeding of the day by the use of video recordings in three focal pigs in a total of 30 pens. The hypothesis was that PEN2 would generate a lower prevalence of pen-mate directed behaviour compared to PEN1. However, there was a similar prevalence of tail directed, ear directed and other nosing behaviour between pens and a tendency of a higher prevalence in counts of aggression and belly nosing in PEN2, thus rejecting the hypothesis. Furthermore, there was a difference in feeding behaviour with a higher prevalence in PEN1 (P ≤ 0.01).

Survey on broiler pre-slaughter mortality in a commercial abattoir of central Italy.

The pre-slaughter mortality was investigated on broilers, in the Mediterranean climate condition, considering the most significant risk factors as the journey length, waiting time, season and the space allowance in cages. At first, the pre-slaughter mortality was studied considering the totality of birds and then by examining in detail three broiler categories: large, medium and small size. The average dead on arrival (DOA) recorded on the totality of birds throughout the year was 0.38% and the values obtained in winter, spring, summer and autumn were 0.52, 0.48, 0.31 and 0.22%, respectively. The mortality rate observed during the year was 0.52, 0.47 and 0.31% for large, medium and small broilers, respectively. In all three groups, the maximum values of mortality were obtained in winter, whereas the minimum ones were recorded in autumn, spring and summer for large, medium, and small size birds, respectively. The increase of journey length could cause a higher mortality rate whereas the increase of the waiting time in the facilities at controlled environmental conditions did not seem to be a risk factor, but rather a mean to reduce the number of dead animals (all P < 0.05). It is concluded that the resistance to the hostile weather conditions, long journeys and extended waiting times was strongly related with the body weight of broilers; therefore, the planning of the slaughtering activity should consider this aspect, in order to avoid animal suffering and the economic loss.

Road Transport of Farm Animals: Mortality, Morbidity, Species and Country of Origin at a Southern Italian Control Post.

Simple SummaryLong distance transportation is a welfare concern because it may cause sickness (i.e., morbidity) or death (i.e., mortality). Commercial transportation in Europe is regulated by the Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 which regulates the maximum journey in the different species. After this time animals must be unloaded for resting, watering and feeding at control posts (CPs) where Official Veterinarians (OVs) have to check their health. This study analyzed the surveillance reports filled by OVs at a CP in Southern Italy from 2010 to 2015. A total of 1391 trucks stopped at the CP, transporting a total of 111,536 animals. The average mortality and morbidity rates were 0.025% and 0.010%. Cases of mortality and/or morbidity were reported for only 11 out of the 1391 trucks (0.8%). In a truck transporting lambs, 14 dead on arrival (DOA) were recorded, and this represented 93% of all DOAs. This is the first study reporting the results of surveillance practices conducted by OVs on animals travelling from North Europe to a CP in Southern Italy in compliance with EC 1/2005. Further studies should be conducted comparing the implications of long distance transportation at different CPs along different routes.Statistics on animal transport and its implications for health and welfare are limited. This study documented the animals transiting through a control post and their welfare outcomes measured by mortality rate and the prevalence of animals considered unfit for further transport (i.e., morbidity). Reports filed by the director of the control post and Official Veterinarians from 2010 to 2015 were analyzed. A total of 60,454 (54.2%) sheep/goats, 45,749 (41.0%) cattle, and 5333 (4.8%) pigs travelled in 225 (16.2%), 1116 (80.2%) and 50 (3.6%) trucks, respectively. Trucks coming mainly from France (71.3%), Spain (14.0%), and Ireland (7.4%) went mainly to Greece (95.4%), which was also the most common nationality of the transport companies (44.6%). Cases of mortality and/or morbidity were reported for only 11 out of the 1391 trucks (0.8%). The average mortality and morbidity rates were 0.025% and 0.010%, with maximum values for transport of lambs (0.084%, and 0.019%). Species of animal being transported and space allowance were associated with the measured welfare outcomes (p < 0.05). Overall, this study provided statistics based on official surveillance reports, suggesting that small space allowance during long haul transportation of sheep/goats may affect their health and welfare.