Type Of Housing System Research Articles

ХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СОСТАВ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА МОЛОКА КОРОВ-ПЕРВОТЕЛОК ПРИ РАЗНЫХ СПОСОБАХ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯХ ДОЕНИЯ

Industrial milk production is based on high-tech processes at the current stage. Strong requirements imposed on milk quality are due to the quality of raw materials for producing a wide range of dairy products. The production of milk that meets sanitary and hygienic standards and the requirements of regulatory and technical documents (regulations and standards) is a priority in dairy cattle breeding. Analysis of the chemical composition of milk obtained from the control and experimental groups showed that the milk fat content was the highest (4.06 %) in the 1st experimental group and exceeded the control (3.93 %) and the 2nd experimental (3.94 %) groups. Under the loose housing system the mass fraction of protein was 3.15 %; the value was 0.02 points larger compared with the tie housing system. The milk density in the animal groups ranged from 1027.0 to 1029.0 kg/m3 , which meets the requirements of GOST 31449-2013. The largest mass fraction of dry solids in milk was found in the 2nd experimental group (12.58 %). The data analysis indicates that the housing system type and the milking technology of first-calf heifers have an effect on the number of milk fat globules per 1 cm3 and their diameter. The analysis of the quantitative and qualitative composition of fat globules has provided more complete data about the milk fat fraction, which is a crucial index in milk production. The milk obtained from the Holstein breed heifers in the studied groups can be used for cheese making. The third yogurt sample had a milky white colour, homogeneous throughout the mass; the consistency was homogeneous, with good curd tension and low viscosity; the sample had a pure, fermented milk flavour, without foreign traces.

EFFECTS OF VARIOUS HOUSING SYSTEMS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EQUINE BEHAVIOR IN THOROUGHBRED HORSE PAKISTAN

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of various housing systems on the development of equine stereotypies. N=120 x Thoroughbred Pakistan of three different groups (A=40 horses 2years not gelded, B= 40 age 3 years and C= 40 four years gelded) were kept in four distinct types of housing systems, (SHSNI) Single Housing System No Interaction, (SHSLI) Single Housing System Limited Interaction, (DHS) Double Housing System and (GHS) Group Housing. The study was conducted in four phases (Phase-I SHSNI, Phase-II SHSNI, Phase- III DHS and Phase- IVGHS were used) and each phase was comprised of 30 days duration. On every 10th day parameters were recorded, and three readings were recorded in every housing system. A comprehensive set of 12 readings recorded through video recording, personal observation and information provided by horse handlers and randomized complete block design was performed for statistical analysis. Housing systems had significant (p<0.05) impact on the development of stereotypies. The highest incidence of stereotypies 35.83% was found in SHSNI, followed by 29.13% in DHS, 18.31% in GHS and the lowest 16.63% in SHSLI. The maximum number of horses displayed weaving (7.29%), behavior followed by kicking (6.45%), biting (6.03%) and crib-biting (5.83%). The groups (non-gelding and gelding) were found non-significant (p>0.05). The study concludes that SHSLI is more suitable needed to be adopted, system has necessary social interaction, less stereotypies with limited injuries as compared to alternative housing systems.

Housing Systems Affect Eggshell Lightness and Free Amino Acid Contents of Egg Albumen in Tosa-Jidori Chickens: A Preliminary Research.

Many countries have gradually shifted to animal welfare-friendly housing systems for egg layers. However, there is still no consensus among researchers on whether the housing system affects egg quality traits. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of housing systems on egg traits and free amino acid contents of albumen and yolk using two types of housing systems, the conventional cage (cage) system and a floor rearing (litter) system. Tosa-jidori (n = 20) hens were divided into two groups. Experiments during the 7 weeks were performed twice by switching the housing systems (first and second stages). One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of housing systems on body weight gain, egg traits, albumen and yolk amino acid contents, and fecal corticosterone. We observed significant housing effects in body weight gain, eggshell weight, yolk weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell lightness, and several albumen amino acids (A_Gln, A_His, A_Met, A_Cys, A_Lys, A_Asp, A_Glu, A_Ser, A_Thr, A_Ala, A_Pro, and A_Phe). Notably, a robust effect was seen in eggshell lightness, even after switching housing systems. These results suggest that eggshell lightness and several egg traits, including albumen amino acid contents, can be changed by using the different housing systems.

Investigation of the Plumage Condition of Non-Beak-Trimmed Rhode ISLAND-Type Pedigree Hens in Cages and Alternative Pens

The extent of the feathers covering a bird’s body and the condition of the plumage largely determine the bird’s well-being and aesthetic condition. This investigation aimed to compare changes in the plumage status of laying hens in dissimilar housing systems in the egg-laying period. The experiment was carried out with 1460 non-beak-trimmed laying hens, provided by Bábolna TETRA Ltd., representing a part of the Rhode-type elite lines (Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Rhode Island White (RIW)) used for breeding brown layer hybrids. Hens were kept in the closed experimental laying house of MATE University (Kaposvár Campus), where the RIR and RIW hens were placed into three types of housing systems: EU standard furnished cage (EU) (7560 cm2; 10 hens/cage; 756 cm2/hen); Alternative pen (A) (5.52 m2, floor and litter combination, 53 hens/pen; 1040 cm2/hen); and Conventional cage (C) (3780 cm2; 6 hens/cage; 630 cm2/hen). The feathering status of the hens was examined at five body parts: neck, breast, wings, back and tail at 33, 45 and 61 weeks of age, which was evaluated on a four-grade scale by the same experienced scorer, and the cumulated plumage point (5–20) was calculated for each hen. The RIW genotype had a better plumage condition than RIR at each of the examined times (at the 33rd week: 19.0, 18.3; at the 45th week: 18.4, 17.4; at the 61st week: 17.2, 15.5). The status of the plumage of the RIR hens had deteriorated to a greater extent. As age progressed, the plumage condition of both genotypes significantly deteriorated in all the three housing technologies. The relatively high level of deterioration can be partly explained by the fact that the animals were non-beak-trimmed. At all test times, the total feather score of the birds in the alternative cage housing was significantly better (at the 33rd week: EU: 18.4, A: 19.1, C: 18.5; at the 45th week: EU: 17.6, A: 18.6, C: 17.4; at the 61st week: EU: 15.9, A: 16.9; C: 16.1). The condition of the neck plumage was better in group RIW than in RIR, and the best in the alternative housing at each test time. At the end, the high decomposition results were striking, since at the beginning there were values close to the maximum (3.98; 3.99). It can be concluded that the reason for the dominantly favorable aviary results is that the hens in this type of housing have to come into contact with fewer mechanical factors, their companions do not jump on their backs when changing places, they do not have to stick their heads out of the grid to collect feed, etc. In addition to all this, they also had a littered scratching area and a nest lined with artificial grass, where they could scratch and take a dust bath.

Comparison of Cattle Housing Systems Based on the Criterion of Damage to Barn Equipment and Construction Errors.

Simple SummaryAs a result of many years of use, dairy cattle barns are subject to gradual wear and degradation. Damage to technical equipment can be identified in many areas in the barn. These areas are used by dairy cattle, so it is important to recognize the problem of damage and the associated health risks for animals. The problem of damage to internal equipment (e.g., damage to the floor, partitions between lying stalls, feed ladders, drinking bowls) applies to both tie-stall and freestall barns, which are the most common in dairy farms. Such premises became an inspiration to compare barns with a tie-stall system, a freestall system and their individual areas (lying, feeding, milking and social) in terms of the amount of damage but also construction errors. Most damage per one barn was found in the feeding area of objects with a tie-stall housing system. More cow health problems (e.g., laminitis, hoof problems) were identified in the barns with the freestall housing system. Equipment failures and construction errors may disrupt efficient and animal-safe dairy production in the barn. The results of the research study may be an incentive for farmers to check the barns in terms of their technical wear.Dairy cattle housing systems are the subject of numerous studies, in which a strong emphasis is placed on the comparison of animal welfare, animal behavior, production indicators and labor inputs. Dairy cattle housing systems are linked to specific livestock buildings, which is a prerequisite for undertaking studies comparing barns and their technical equipment. The aim of the study was to compare barns with two types of housing systems, i.e., tie-stall and freestall, including the identification of technical wear in various areas used by animals. This objective was linked to the assessment of animal health problems in livestock facilities. The research covered 38 dairy farms, 19 of which kept cows in the tie-stall system and 19 in the freestall system. The barns in these farms were examined for technical damage and construction errors, assessed in four areas: lying, feeding, milking and social. The research results confirmed significant differences in the degree of damage to technical equipment in individual areas of barns and between barns with tie-stall and freestall housing systems. The conclusions indicate the need to link the degradation of barns and their technical equipment, as well as design errors with the evaluation of dairy cattle welfare in future studies.

The prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Norwegian dairy cattle farms: A comparison between free stall and tie stall housing systems.

AimsThis study explored how dairy farm operating systems with free‐stall or tie‐stall housing and cow hygiene score influence the occurrence of zoonotic bacteria in raw milk.Methods and ResultsSamples from bulk tank milk (BTM), milk filters, faeces, feed, teats and teat milk were collected from 11 farms with loose housing and seven farms with tie‐stall housing every second month over a period of 11 months and analysed for the presence of STEC by culturing combined with polymerase chain reaction and for Campylobacter spp. and L. monocytogenes by culturing only. Campylobacter spp., L. monocytogenes and STEC were present in samples from the farm environment and were also detected in 4%, 13% and 7% of the milk filters, respectively, and in 3%, 0% and 1% of BTM samples. Four STEC isolates carried the eae gene, which is linked to the capacity to cause severe human disease. L. monocytogenes were detected more frequently in loose housing herds compared with tie‐stalled herds in faeces (p = 0.02) and feed (p = 0.03), and Campylobacter spp. were detected more frequently in loose housing herds in faeces (p < 0.01) and teat swabs (p = 0.03). An association between cow hygiene score and detection of Campylobacter spp. in teat milk was observed (p = 0.03).ConclusionSince some samples collected from loose housing systems revealed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of L. monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. than samples collected from tie‐stalled herds, the current study suggests that the type of housing system may influence the food safety of raw milk.Significance and Impact of the StudyThis study highlights that zoonotic bacteria can be present in raw milk independent of hygienic conditions at the farm and what housing system is used. Altogether, this study provides important knowledge for evaluating the risk of drinking unpasteurized milk.

English

During winter season, when the environmental temperature goes below the thermoneutral zone, it affects the performance of dairy cows. The objective of current study was to evaluate the influence of various types of housing systems on productive and physiological performance of Sahiwal cows in winter season. For this purpose, Twelve Sahiwal cows almost same weight (363±5kg), milk yield (6±0.5Lday-1 ) and 2nd parity (mid-lactation) were assigned to three experimental groups with four cows in each group. These groups are specified as; conventional barn (CB), open shed+curtain (O+C) and open shed (O) reared cows. Temperature-humidity index values were 63.8, 61.1 and 57.9 in CB, O+C and O groups respectively. Results showed that various types of housing systems had a significant effect on the performance of Sahiwal cows. The intake of dry matter was significantly higher in O reared cows (11.2 kg day-1 ) followed by the O+C (10.3 kg day-1 ) and CB reared cows (10.2 kg day-1 ). The intake of water was maximum in CB reared cows (17.7 L day-1 ) and was minimum in open shed reared O reared cows(14.4 L day-1 ) cows. Similarly, milk yield was maximum in CB readed cows (7.8 L day-1 ) and was minimum in O reared cows(5.2 L day-1 ) cows. No differences were observed in the composition of milk in CB, O+C and O reared cows. The rectal temperature (101.6 °F) was significantly lower in O reared cows followed by O+C and CB reared cows. Similarly, respiration rate was also lower (17.06 breaths min-1 ) in O reared cows followed by O+C and CB reared cows. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (21.1 ng/ml) in O reared cows as compared to other dietary treatments. It was concluded that production performance and physiological norms of indigenous Sahiwal cows can be improved by keeping them in conventional closed barn during the winter season.

Improving Horse Welfare and Environmental Sustainability in Horse Husbandry: Linkage between Turnout and Nitrogen Surplus

A scientific consultation tool is currently being developed in Germany to assess, analyze, and improve animal welfare on site and simultaneously consider aspects of environmental sustainability in horse husbandry in order to contribute to a resource-conserving and responsible handling of natural resources and the welfare of living beings. To date, no study has assessed to what extent species-appropriate free-range locomotion possibilities are implemented on horse farms and to what extent turnout areas are affected by unwanted nutrient inputs from horse excretions. Using the indicators “species-appropriate turnout” (hereafter: “turnout”) and “unwanted nitrogen inputs in water bodies” (based on “nitrogen surplus”), we exemplarily examine animal- and environmentally relevant aspects of horse husbandry. We conducted 88 assessments on 46 horse farms (n = 2220 horses) to test literature-based indicators of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. We found that the indicator “nitrogen surplus,” used to assess an aspect of environmental sustainability, was mostly a problem in the wintertime (summertime = −4.24, range: −109.27–58.97; wintertime: mean: 12.01, range: −35.19–468.00 nitrogen surplus per hectare, n = 44 farms, p &lt; 0.001), when the horses had a reduced space allowance for free locomotion. On most farms, “turnout” was provided daily for several hours, but in many of the single housing systems, not all horses had the possibility for free locomotion (24.1 ± 20.4% of horses per farm), which is unacceptable in terms of animal welfare. Husbandry systems with a large enough space allowance for turnout (≥200 m2 per horse) were found to be measures with a valuable synergetic effect, providing a resource which is an opportunity both for an environmentally sustainable and welfare-friendly horse husbandry. Demanuring remarkably decreased the nitrogen surplus (p &lt; 0.001). Hence, based on the study, we recommend to daily demanure the pasture or paddock if the space allowance is less than 200 m2 per horse. In conclusion, regarding animal welfare, group housing is favorable, but regarding a site-specific environmentally friendly or even biodiversity-enhancing management, space allowance per horse is a crucial factor rather than the type of housing system. The two selected exemplary indictors demonstrate the need for a holistic and comprehensive decision support system that considers the linkage between horse welfare and environmental sustainability in order to assist peoples’ decision-making with horses under their care.

Animal-appropriate housing of ball pythons (Python regius)-Behavior-based evaluation of two types of housing systems.

Considering animal welfare, animals should be kept in animal-appropriate and stress-free housing conditions in all circumstances. To assure such conditions, not only basic needs must be met, but also possibilities must be provided that allow animals in captive care to express all species-typical behaviors. Rack housing systems for snakes have become increasingly popular and are widely used; however, from an animal welfare perspective, they are no alternative to furnished terrariums. In this study, we therefore evaluated two types of housing systems for ball pythons (Python regius) by considering the welfare aspect animal behavior. In Part 1 of the study, ball pythons (n = 35) were housed individually in a conventional rack system. The pythons were provided with a hiding place and a water bowl, temperature control was automatic, and the lighting in the room served as indirect illumination. In Part 2 of the study, the same ball pythons, after at least 8 weeks, were housed individually in furnished terrariums. The size of each terrarium was correlated with the body length of each python. The terrariums contained substrate, a hiding place, possibilities for climbing, a water basin for bathing, an elevated basking spot, and living plants. The temperature was controlled automatically, and illumination was provided by a fluorescent tube and a UV lamp. The shown behavior spectrum differed significantly between the two housing systems (p < 0.05). The four behaviors basking, climbing, burrowing, and bathing could only be expressed in the terrarium. Abnormal behaviors that could indicate stereotypies were almost exclusively seen in the rack system. The results show that the housing of ball pythons in a rack system leads to a considerable restriction in species-typical behaviors; thus, the rack system does not meet the requirements for animal-appropriate housing.

Characterization of smallholder pig production systems in the Western Cape, South Africa.

This study set out to characterize the farming and management practices of smallholder pig production systems in the Western Cape, South Africa. Data was gathered in three municipalities: Khayelitsha (27 farmers), Mamre (26 farmers) and Malmesbury (22 farmers) with the use of a structured questionnaire through both face-to-face and telephonic interviews. The study revealed that smallholder pig farmers in the Western Cape owned on average 37.4 ± 50.5 pigs. Majority of farmers (61%) made use of tattoo markings to identify their pigs, 6% made use of ear tags and 4% clipped the ears of their pigs. More than 25% of farmers did not use any method of identification to mark their pigs. More than half of the respondents (51%) do not have formal recordkeeping systems in place. Livestock theft was found to be a major problem amongst farmers. No differences were found amongst the three study areas and the type of housing system used (P > 0.05). The most popular materials pens were constructed of across the three areas were wood (40%), corrugated iron (16%) or a combination of the two (32%); other materials used were cement blocks (5%), polystyrene (1%) or plastic (1%). Pig farmers kept 43% Large White, 43 % crossbred and 14% Landrace across the three districts. Commercial feed was used by 61% of Mamre farmers whereas Khayelitsha farmers fed an equal amount of by-products (44%) and mixed (44%) feed to their pigs, whereas Malmesbury fed 44% mixed, 33% commercial and 24% by-products obtained from factories to their pigs. Piglet mortality due to the sow lying on her piglets was experienced by 47% of farmers interviewed, whilst 29% had experienced piglet mortalities due to the cold. Perturbingly, 76% of farmers did not send dead pigs for a post-mortem, stating that they could not rely on veterinarians or afford their services. Smallholder pig farmers in Malmesbury (68%) and Khayelitsha (70%) sold their pigs to the informal market, indicating that keeping pigs provided a source of revenue. Mamre marketed 88% of their pigs as weaners, Khayelitsha marketed 73% of their pigs as growers, whereas Malmesbury kept 32% of their pigs as breeding stock. Khayelitsha and Malmesbury marketed their growers at 63.3 ± 41.2 kg and 51.5 ± 30.2 kg, respectively, to the informal market. The study highlights the farming practices of smallholder pig farmers in three districts in the Western Cape. There a few differences in the practices of these farmers, but overall, there are similar limitations that hinder them from improved production, such as limited recordkeeping, theft, lack of infrastructure and finances for post-mortem examination. Smallholder pig farmers in the Western Cape are still mainly selling to the informal market. This informal market is not fully characterized yet in the Western Cape, and more studies are needed to further determine and investigate the benefits of only selling to the informal market.

17 Use of hair cortisol analysis to evaluate the influence of housing conditions on long-term stress in horses

Horses are kept in a variety of housing systems which often reflect the needs of both horses and their owners as well as available resources. Housing management practices not only impact horse health and performance but may also influence a horse's physiological and psychological stress. Traditional sampling methods using blood, saliva, urine, and feces are often utilized to evaluate stress in animals by measuring acute cortisol levels. Hair cortisol analysis allows for the quantification of long-term cortisol which may be a better indicator of prolonged periods of elevated stress. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of transitioning horses from outdoor group housing to individual box stalls on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) and determine the relationship between physiological and behavioral stress responses. Hair samples were collected approximately every 30 d from the same location on 11 Quarter Horses (5 mares, 6 geldings; 3.5 ± 1.3 yr) over a period of 180 d (90d group housing/90d box stalls). Hair cortisol production was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and horse heart rate (HR) and behavior were recorded throughout a series of novel object and sensory sensitivity tests. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and Pearson correlations in SAS v. 9.4. HCC ranged from 0.6 pg/mg to 3.0 pg/mg throughout the study with an average concentration of 1.3 ± 0.4 pg/mg. Overall, there was no difference in HCC due to the type of housing system. However, HCC increased during the 30-d period immediately following the transition from group housing to individual housing and then decreased during the next 30 d period ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that the horses in this study experienced an increase in physiological stress due to the change in housing system but were able to adapt to their new environment. Interestingly, HCC were influenced by the color of the horse's mane and tail ( P < 0.01). Analysis of the relationship between physiological and behavioral responses during the novel object and sensory sensitivity tests revealed mixed results. Horse HR and reactivity were positively correlated during both sound sensitivity tests ( P < 0.05). However, behavioral observations and reactivity during the novel object, smell, and taste sensitivity tests were influenced by the stimulus ( P < 0.05). As behavioral responses may not always reflect physiological responses and only provide short-term measures of stress, hair cortisol has the potential to serve as a biomarker of long-term stress in horses and provides a tool to monitor the effects of management practices such as housing systems.

Comparing welfare indicators in dairy cattle under different loose housing systems (deep litter vs cubicle barns) using recycled manure solids for bedding

Aim of study: Dairy farmers in Southern Spain are continuously investing in the modernization of their facilities and frequently ask technicians about the type of housing they should choose for their farms. Although some studies have analysed the economic impact of different housing systems, there are no reports evaluating the impact of these systems on animal wellbeing. To remedy this deficit, a study was carried out to analyse animal welfare status in two types of loose housing conditions: deep litter (DL) and cubicle (CU) barns.Area of study: This study was conducted in Cordoba (Spain).Material and methods: A total of 1,597 cows from nineteen commercial dairy farms were involved in this study, of which twelve had CU barns and seven had DL barns. Welfare Quality assessment was used to evaluate animal wellbeing, inn order to compare both housing systems.Main results: The study found some weaknesses for feeding and health indicators of animal welfare in both types of housing systems. The overall welfare assessment based on feeding, housing and health indicators showed no differences between farms with DL or CU barns.Research highlights: A good welfare status could be reached under any type of housing system.

Growth Performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared on deep litter and cages in the hot humid tropics of Southern Bénin Republic

The performance of male and female quails reared separately in cages and on deep litter was investigated. One hundred and eighty 3-week old quails managed for five weeks. There were three replicates per treatment with stocking densities of 120cm2/bird in cage and 180cm2/bird on deep litter and sex as a block factor. Data on weekly body weight, weight change, daily feed and water intakes, feed: gain, carcass yield and costs of production were analysed. Daily water consumed by quails between the housing systems (62.76±11.21mL/d on deep litter vs. 66.96±12.18mL/d in cage system, p&gt;0.05) were same. However, quails housed on deep litter consumed more feed from 43-56 days of age (25.34±1.77g/d vs. 22.99±1.55g/d). Quails reared on deep litter also grew faster during the first week of that period (3.33±1.70g/d vs. 0.69±0.87g/d). However, gain in body weight was noticed from day 22 to day 49 but a sudden decline thereafter for all quails regardless of sex and housing system. Carcass yield was not affected by housing system but values for thighs, empty gizzard and liver of quails kept on deep litter were higher (respectively 12.95±0.86% vs. 11.99±0.83%, 2.12±0.18% vs. 1.84±0.20%, 2.11±0.59% vs. 1.88±0.43%; p&lt;0.05). Production costs were the same (p&gt;0.05) whether on deep litter (3414.30±172.95CFA/kg) or in cages (3283.43±77.72CFA/kg). However, the production cost per kilogram of carcass of male quails was lower compared to females (3205.88±138.95CFA/kg vs. 3484.35±131.57CFA/kg, respectively) regardless of the housing system. Sex and age of quails affect performance and not the type of housing system.

Effects of rearing and adult laying housing systems on medullary, pneumatic and radius bone attributes in 73-wk old Lohmann LSL lite hens

We determine interactive effect of a combined model of housing systems for rearing pullets and raising adult birds on bone quality. The LSL-Lite pullets were reared in either an aviary system (A) or conventional cages (C). At week 16, the birds were transferred either to the same housing type through the adult stage (A-A or C-C, for rearing and adult phase, respectively) or to enriched system (A-E or C-E, respectively). In the rearing stage, C cages housed 16 pullets/cage (week 0 to 6) and 8 pullets/cage (week 6 to 16) with a space allowance of 145 and 290 cm2/pullet, respectively; the rearing aviary housed 756 pullets/enclosure allowing 285 cm2/pullet (week 0 to 6) and 754 cm2/pullet (week 6 to 16). In the adult phase, C cages were 58.4cm wide × 66.0cm deep (482 cm2/pullet, 8 pullets/cage). For adult A, a commercial multi-tier aviary provided a space allowance >1000 cm2/hen system with litter area. Enriched system housed 60 birds/cage at 750 cm2/bird with perches, nest, and scratch mat. Bone samples were collected from the adult phase (week 73) and analysed for bone quality indices including bone breaking strength (BBS), total bone weight (TBW), ash content of the medullary (femur and tibia), pneumatic (humerus and keel), and radius bones. The A-A hens had the greatest (P < 0.05) TBW for medullary (femur and tibia) and pneumatic (humerus and keel) bones compared with hens from other housing models with exception of C-E hens. In addition, ash content was heavier (P = 0.048) for both A-A and C-E managed birds compared to the other housing. Birds in C-C system had the least score (P < 0.05) for TBW and ash content in all bone types. Regardless of the housing system, BBS was correlated (r = 0.60; P < 0.01) with the amount of ash and TBW, particularly for humerus and tibia. The results provide an insight on the impact of type of housing system in rearing and production stages on late cycle bone quality.

Factors influencing public support for dairy tie stall housing in the U.S.

A number of studies have shown widespread public concern over housing animals in ways that restrict their ability to move freely. Dairy cows housed in tie stall barns are tethered continuously or for part of the day, but no study has assessed public support for this type of housing system. We report two experiments assessing public perceptions of tie stall housing for dairy cattle using a hypothetical referenda format. In Experiment 1, 65% of participants (n = 430) said they would support a ban on tie stalls. The probability of supporting a ban increased as the duration of time that cows were tethered increased. In Experiment 2, information about possible economic consequences was included. Relatively fewer (55%) participants (n = 372) indicated they would support a ban. Supporters of a ban were willing to pay an average dairy product price premium of 68% to see the ban enacted. Indirect measures of support indicated socially desirable responding was greater in Experiment 2 where the economic impacts of voting behavior were made explicit. In both studies, women and liberals were more likely to support a ban. The majority of participants in Experiment 1 (51%) and Experiment 2 (57%) said they had never heard or read anything about tie stalls before participating in our survey. We conclude that current knowledge of the use of tie stalls is low, but if this situation were to change there may be considerable public concern about the use of this housing method.

A comparison of the growth performance, carcass traits, and behavior of guinea pigs reared in wire cages and floor pens for meat production

To achieve efficient production of guinea pigs for meat, it is essential to determine the most suitable housing system. A total of 220 guinea pigs were maintained in either wire cages (n = 11, 10 animals per cage) or floor pens (n = 11, 10 animals per pen) containing a deep litter of woodchips, both housing systems having the same dimensions (2 × 1 × 0.4 m). Growth traits, food intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly and expressed as the difference between the two groups. After 77 days, the animals were slaughtered, and carcass traits were evaluated. Growth performance and carcass trait parameters, as well as mortality and behavior trends, were not affected by the housing system type. Nonetheless, the use of wire cages is recommended for raising guinea pigs since water, urine and feces pass through the wire floor, resulting in cleaner animals.

The Effect of the Type of Alternative Housing System, Genotype and Age of Laying Hens on Egg Quality

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of the type of alternative housing system, and genotype and age of laying hens on physical traits of egg shell and contents. It was demonstrated that alternative housing system type influenced egg weight and shape, and eggshell color and yolk color intensity. Eggs from free-range system were heavier and were characterized by more intense yolk color. No effect of alternative housing system type on albumen height, value of Haugh units (HU value) and presence of meat and blood spots was noted. Hen genotype had a significant effect on egg weight and eggshell color intensity in each of the alternative housing systems tested in this study. Hy-line Brown hens laid heavier eggs than hens of native breeds. Genotype was also observed to affect egg content traits (albumen height, HU values and presence of meat and blood spots). Independently of the type of alternative housing system, most blood and meat spots were noted in eggs of hens laying brown-shelled eggs, i.e. R-11 and Hy-line Brown layers. Laying hen age significantly impacted on egg weight, yolk percentage, eggshell traits (color intensity, weight, thickness and strength) and egg content traits (HU value, yolk weight and color intensity, presence of meat and blood spots). Older hens laid heavier eggs with a greater yolk percentage but with thinner eggshell.

Key determinants of pig welfare: implications of animal management and housing design on livestock welfare

The present review using the pig as a model has highlighted the importance of the design of the housing system on the welfare of farm animals. It has emphasised the need for research on animal welfare in new and modified housing systems, as well as current but contentious systems, to be attentive to the design contributions of these systems to animal welfare. The review has highlighted areas for future research to safeguard sow and piglet welfare, including the following: effective environmental enrichment for gestating sows in intensive, indoor and non-bedded systems; opportunities to increase foraging and feeding times in feed-restricted gestating sows; design features that allow both access to important resources, such as feed, water and a comfortable lying area, and escape opportunities to reduce aggression and minimise risks to the welfare of group-housed sows; and less confined farrowing and lactation systems. The review also shows that animal welfare problems may be less a function of the type of housing system than of how well it operates. The skills, knowledge and motivation of stockpeople to effectively care for and manage their animals are integral to the standard of welfare experienced by their animals. Attitudes influence not only the manner in which stockpeople handle animals, but also their motivation to care for their animals. Thus, training targeting technical skills and knowledge as well as the attitudes and behaviours of stockpeople should be a primary component of the human resource management practices at a farm. While public concerns and policy debates often focus on intensive housing systems, research indicates that the design and management of both indoor and outdoor housing systems is probably more important for animal welfare than is generally recognised.

Stratified evolution of urban residential spatial structure in China through the transitional period: A case study of five categories of housings in Chengdu

Since the reform and opening up, urban spatial organization in China has changed from a planned economy mode to a market driven economy. From 1978 to 2016, the cities in mainland China have developed five types of housing systems: commercial housing, new Danwei housing, affordable housing, demolition resettlement housing, and self-built housing. The reform of the housing system that was started in the 1990s allowed and led to a rapid growth of the commercial housing market, which also resulted in an obvious suburbanization trend. At the same time, the housing reform policy led to the gradual process of marketing individual Danwei within compound housing systems. The state allowed these properties the right to conduct market transactions. However, some policies from the planned economy period remained in place. The Danweis were allowed to retain right of residence and the original management of the Danwei's courtyard but without any trading rights. Demolition resettlement housing and affordable housing are low cost houses built by the local government for the demolished group and the protected group, respectively. The latter can carry on the market transactions after satisfying certain conditions. Self-build housing mainly refers to the rural collective construction of farmers under the ownership of the housing group. Based on the result of the institutional design and benefit game, the land on which the buildings were to be built was part of the structure of the marketing process. Land acquisition negotiations that ranged from simple to complex and profits that ranged from low to high, showed whether lands were being utilized well or were under-developed. These lands are designated as public lands, farmland, industrial lands, Danwei industry courtyards, farmer's homesteads, and institutional lands and courtyards. This has led to a more stable, multivariate, mosaic mixed hybrid urban residential spatial structure in Chinese mainland cities based on the institutional perspective. At the same time, due to the disadvantaged position of the demolition population in the political and economic environment, the location of demolition resettlement housing and affordable housing are gradually being pushed to the suburbs. It is a distinctly different urban residential spatial structure from the cities in Western countries and countries in transition. This embodies the logic of power operation, capital circulation and accumulation and its dual roles. This structure also reflects the complex feature of cooperation and games between different levels of power and social stratum.

Animal welfare and reproductive performance in two Piemontese housing systems

Tie-stall and loose housing are the main housing systems adopted in Piemontese cattle farms in Piedmont Region (North Western Italy). In this study, we used the ANI35/L2000 index to assess the cattle welfare in both types of housing systems, by studying 56 farms. Within each housing system, farms were classified as 'low', 'sufficient' or 'good' welfare farms, according to the score obtained, and this score was associated with reproductive parameters of cows. A higher welfare score was obtained in loose housing farms. Calving intervals and annual calf to cow ratio showed significantly better values in the loose housing system compared to tie stalls. Within tie stalls system, better reproductive performance has been recorded in farms with a higher welfare classification.