Welfare Standards Research Articles

Impact of Nutritional Strategies to Prevent Post-Weaning Diarrhoea on Performance, Behaviour, and Microbiota in Piglets from Organic Farming.

Organic livestock farming is committed to high environmental and animal welfare standards, although pathologies such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) may appear. The main objective of this study was to assess nutritional strategies to prevent PWD in organic piglets. A total of 134 weaned piglets were fed one of three diets: high crude protein (17.8%, HCP), low crude protein (16.8%, LCP), and low crude protein supplemented with liquid whey (LCP+W). Piglets were assessed weekly for four weeks on the following parameters: diarrhoea incidence, additional health parameters, average daily gain, and behaviour. Faecal samples were taken to analyse the intestinal microbiota composition. Data were analysed using LMM and GLMM models and Shannon and Whittaker indexes. No significant effect of diet on diarrhoea incidence was found, but the LCP+W diet increased average daily gain. Pigs fed the LCP+W diet presented a lower percentage of drinking and negative social behaviour compared with the HCP diet, and LCP pigs presented higher exploration compared with HCP. In addition, LCP+W piglets showed a higher abundance of the beneficial genus Frisingicoccus. Although liquid whey did not reduce diarrhoea incidence, the benefits found in growth, microbiota composition, and reduced negative social behaviour indicate that it could be an optimal supplement to organic diets.

Health of Polo Horses.

This literature review analyzes the historical development of polo, its organizational structure, the course of the game, as well as the breeding, rearing, and training practices of polo horses. Frequently occurring ailments, such as musculoskeletal injuries, respiratory diseases, and internal illnesses, are highlighted. Lameness is a major problem, with injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon being the most common cause. Other notable diseases include exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), myositis, rhabdomyolysis, and equine infectious anemia (EIA). To ensure the welfare of polo horses, effective prevention and management strategies are crucial. These include proper training, the adaptation of the ground surface, appropriate shoeing, and compliance with animal welfare guidelines and association rules. Collaboration between associations, players, organizers, and veterinarians is crucial. Promoting responsible management practices and raising awareness among stakeholders can help ensure that polo continues to thrive while maintaining high animal welfare standards.

Animal Welfare Policies and Their Effect on Livestock Productivity and Trade

Purpose: This study sought to explore animal welfare policies and their effect on livestock productivity and trade. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to animal welfare policies and their effect on livestock productivity and trade. Preliminary empirical review revealed that implementing robust animal welfare policies significantly improved livestock productivity and enhanced marketability and trade. Improved welfare standards led to better animal health, reduced stress, and increased yields, translating to higher profitability for producers. Furthermore, products from high-welfare farms gained access to premium markets and fetched higher prices. However, the initial costs of adopting these standards and the need for more comprehensive studies on long-term economic impacts were identified as challenges. The study recommended policy support, financial incentives, and education to promote widespread adoption of high welfare practices Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Resource-Based View (RBV) and Stakeholder Theory may be used to anchor future studies on animal welfare policies. The study recommended integrating animal welfare into theoretical frameworks like Resource-Based View and Stakeholder Theory, emphasizing its strategic value and ethical importance. Practically, it suggested that livestock producers adopt comprehensive welfare practices to improve productivity and profitability. Policy recommendations included financial incentives and robust enforcement to support high welfare standards. It also highlighted the need for education and training programs for farmers and public awareness campaigns to drive demand for welfare-friendly products. Further research was advised to explore long-term economic impacts and the integration of welfare with sustainability frameworks. Keywords: Animal Welfare Policies, Livestock Productivity, Education and Training, Public Awareness, Sustainability Frameworks, Ethical Treatment, Compliance, Policy Support

Evaluation of non-penetrative captive bolt stunning as a method of slaughter for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

IntroductionPercussive stunning is a widely used and ethically supported method of stunning fish per welfare standards as part of a one- or two-step slaughter process. In this study, the use of a non-penetrative captive bolt (NPCB) gun was evaluated as an effective one-step method of improving welfare for juvenile and adult farmed white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) at slaughter.MethodsA Jarvis HPS-1 NPCB was operated at pressures of 120, 135, and 145 PSI (827.37, 930.79, and 999.74 kPa, respectively) for juvenile sturgeon (n = 3 sturgeon per operating pressure) and 175, 200, and 225 PSI (1206.58, 1378.95, and 1551.32 kPa, respectively) for adult sturgeon (n = 3 sturgeon per operating pressure). Following a single strike, fish were assessed for jaw relaxation and a somatic response before being exsanguinated and transferred to an ice slurry. An hour after slaughter, fish heads were collected, and a section of cartilage containing the brain was removed and fixed in formalin for histological analysis of brain death. To evaluate fish recovery, juveniles (n = 100) and adult female sturgeon (n = 65) were monitored for two hoursafter a single exposure to 145 and 225 PSI, respectively.ResultsHistology results showed there was an effect between operating pressure and intracranial hemorrhage in juvenile sturgeon (p = 0.024). There was a greater meningeal-to-cerebral hemorrhage at 135 PSI compared to the 120 PSI group (p = 0.020) and a trend towards increased tissue damage from 120 PSI to 145 PSI (p = 0.056). Adults showed no significant difference in meningeal hemorrhage at any operating pressure. When investigating recovery rates, NPCB successfully stunned 100% of juvenile sturgeon at 145 PSI, and 225 PSI stunned 90% of adult sturgeon without recovery.DiscussionThese results demonstrate that the use of an NPCB gun is an improvement in animal welfare compared to repeated strikes, but a single application did not produce histological brain death; further research should be conducted to determine optimal pressures that result in immediate brain death.

Tackling mosaicism in gene edited livestock

The farming of livestock has a critical role to play in global nutritional security and poverty alleviation. To meet these goals through more efficient, environmentally sustainable and animal welfare focused means, gene editing technologies could be integrated into current breeding programs. A common issue with gene editing in livestock zygotes is the high incidence of genetic mosaicism. Genetic mosaicism, characterised by a single individual carrying distinct genotypes in different cell lineages, can lead to inconsistent presentation of a desired trait phenotypically, or the absence of the intended genotype in the animal’s germline. This review explores the present status of genetic mosaicism associated with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in cattle, sheep, and pigs, and identifies four areas for refinement; (1) the type of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editor used; (2) the CRISPR-Cas9 formats and timing of gene editing during embryonic development; (3) the method used to deliver the genome editor and (4) the genetic screening strategies applied. We also discuss alternatives to direct zygote gene editing, including surrogate sire technology and blastomere separation, which circumvent the production of mosaic offspring. By exploring these avenues for reducing mosaicism, gene editing protocols in livestock could become more efficient and effective, which will ultimately pave the way for traits to be introduced that improve animal welfare standards and help address gaps in the security of global nutrition access.

Small-scale sheep and cattle enterprises in Scotland: Demographics, animal health, and biosecurity

Livestock keepers who operate on a small scale in the United Kingdom are often described as either smallholders or hobby farmers; however, this is not always the case. There is another distinct population in Scotland. The crofting system promotes the preservation of a way of life that is significant to the cultural heritage of Scotland, whilst at the same time utilising and maintaining marginal land that could otherwise be deemed of very low productive value. We developed two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys to gather descriptive data about individuals from two populations (crofters and smallholders) who kept sheep and/or cattle. Our aim was to explore demographics, animal health, husbandry, and biosecurity practices of these two communities, including how they may interact with other livestock sectors. Most respondents in each population kept sheep, with far fewer keeping cattle. There was a distinct geographical difference in the approximate location of respondents’ holdings. Movement of sheep was often local, temporary, and exempt from reporting to national databases. Visits from the vet were infrequent, but the vet remained an important source of animal health advice, alongside peer networks. The information from these surveys is valuable because policy decisions taken with predominantly larger, commercial-scale enterprises in mind also frequently apply to small-scale enterprises, even though these smaller enterprises may not have the same opportunity to influence those decisions or implement the requirements. Aspects of agricultural activity and food production at the scale explored in these surveys – including plurality of employment and diversification away from purely agricultural activities – are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable cities and communities, zero hunger and life on land. In this context, competent authorities should support this type of context-sensitive agriculture, alongside seeking to maintain animal health and welfare standards at the highest possible level on a national scale. Our surveys contribute to improved understanding of how these enterprises function and therefore will support policy makers when considering the breadth of keepers and circumstances affected by rules and regulations governing agriculture.

AABP Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle

For stockman, farmers, veterinarians and animal caretakers who choose to work with cattle there are many rewards, but there is also the responsibility to provide the animals in their care with a good a life, and when that is no longer possible, to alleviating the suffering of a slow and painful death. This is not just between farmers and their cattle it is also part of the social compact farmers have with consumers to produce the food that consumers purchase for their families in a way that is ethical. The requirements for humane euthanasia are also codified in industry animal welfare standards. But in reviewing recent studies on the number of cows and calves that die unassisted or were shipped to slaughter with serious ailments, the reali­ties on farm do not always live up to this expectation. To help to address this the AABP has developed and recently updated the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Guidelines for the Humane Euthanasia of Cattle as a tool to help bovine prac­titioners and farmers provide timely and humane euthanasia for the cattle to prevent needless pain and suffering.

Behavioral, physiological, and hormonal responses during pre-slaughter handling in goats: a comparison between trained and untrained handlers.

The livestock handler attitude and their handling of animals is crucial for improving animal welfare standards, minimizing stress, improving productivity and meat quality. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of training livestock handlers on behavioral, physiological, and hormonal responses during preslaughter handling in goats. A total of 6 handlers were divided into trained (trained in basic animal handling practices, animal behavior, and animal welfare), contact trained (not trained directly but interacted and saw the working of trained handlers), and untrained groups (no formal training). The handling experiment was conducted on 18 male goats by following a crossover design. The goats were moved from lairage to slaughter point by trained, contact-trained, and untrained handlers. Various behavioral, physiological, and hormonal parameters were recorded at the lairage before handling and at the slaughter point after handling the goats. The training of livestock handlers had a significant effect on behavioral, physiological, and hormonal responses in goats. The goats handled by untrained and contacttrained handlers were recorded with intense vocalization, significant (p<0.05) increase in heart rate and blood glucose, and catecholamines (adrenaline and nor-adrenaline), thereby indicating stress and poor animal welfare. The trained handlers were observed to use visual interactions (waving of hands or objects, blocking, hand raising, etc), and lower stress responses were recorded in the goats handled by this group. The present study highlights the importance of training to livestock handlers in improving animal welfare and minimizing stress in goats during pre-slaughter stress.

Navigating Pakistan's Maritime Industry potential in context of blue economy: An analysis of the necessity for ratification of maritime labour convention 2006

The maritime sector of Pakistan has a rich history and vast potential; however, it has yet to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC-2006). This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Pakistan's maritime sector, labour market, and an introduction to its potential in the context of the blue economy as a flag state, port state, and seafarers-supplying state. The study primarily focuses on why Pakistan needs to ratify the MLC-2006 to adhere to international standards for seafarer welfare and protection. The paper examines the impact of the MLC-2006 on the sector, along with the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of Pakistan ratifying the MLC-2006. The paper concludes that ratifying the MLC-2006 could offer significant benefits to the government, ship-owners, and seafarers in Pakistan by safeguarding their rights, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving the country's reputation in the maritime industry. Lastly, the paper suggests that the adoption of the MLC-2006 could greatly benefit Pakistan's maritime sector. It would enhance seafarers' rights, improve working conditions, promote high training standards, and create a transparent and accountable industry. This would attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and encourage youth participation in the profession. Compliance with the MLC-2006 would also secure Pakistan-flagged vessels and attract more international freight to its ports.

303 What’s next for animal welfare from a legal perspective?

Abstract California’s “Prop 12” indicated a significant change for animal agriculture generally, but for legally mandated animal welfare standards more specifically. This presentation will outline the general requirements of the law and aspects of the United States Supreme Court opinion finding it to be constitutional. It will also discuss the longer term and more widespread effects of the Supreme Court opinion on potential legislation in the United States. Finally, it will preview another Supreme Court case, heard this year and not yet decided, that may have an impact on the regulation of animal welfare.

Challenges and Opportunities in Ensuring the Welfare of Livestock during Transportation in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine challenges and opportunities in ensuring the welfare of livestock during transportation in Nigeria Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study identified challenges, ranging from overcrowding and rough handling to inadequate rest and water provisions, underscore the need for comprehensive interventions to address welfare concerns effectively. Additionally, contextual factors such as regulatory variability, transporter perspectives, and geographical disparities further complicate the landscape of livestock transportation welfare. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Planned Behavior &amp; Social Exchange Theory may be used to anchor future studies on challenges and opportunities in ensuring the welfare of livestock during transportation in Nigeria. Promote the adoption of innovative technologies, such as GPS tracking, real-time monitoring systems, and automated watering and feeding systems, to improve the welfare of livestock during transportation. Advocate for the harmonization of welfare standards and regulatory frameworks across different jurisdictions to promote consistency and accountability in livestock transportation practices.

Long-Term Effects of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on the Health and Productivity of Animals in Ethiopia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to long-term effects of assisted reproductive technologies on the health and productivity of animals in Ethiopia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that the long-term effects of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) on the health and productivity of animals in Ethiopia present both opportunities and challenges. ARTs have the potential to improve livestock breeding programs, enhance genetic diversity, and increase productivity, their implementation requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure sustainable outcomes. While these technologies offer the possibility of overcoming reproductive challenges and genetic limitations, they may also pose risks such as increased rates of reproductive disorders, stress associated with handling and manipulation, and potential transmission of infectious diseases. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of animal health and welfare are essential to mitigate any adverse effects and ensure the ethical use of ARTs in livestock production systems. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Life course theory &amp; epigenetic theory may be used to anchor future studies on long-term effects of assisted reproductive technologies on the health and productivity of animals in Ethiopia. Implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation programs to assess the long-term health, welfare, and productivity outcomes of animals produced through ART. Utilize comprehensive datasets to track indicators such as disease incidence, reproductive performance, growth rates, and longevity over multiple generations. Develop evidence-based guidelines and regulations governing the ethical and responsible use of ART in animal breeding programs. Establish standards for the welfare, monitoring, and management of animals produced through reproductive technologies to ensure compliance with ethical principles and animal welfare standards.

WELFARE AND RURAL WELL-BEING IN POST MAO CHINA (1978-88): A DEBATE

During the first decade of reform (1978-88) there was an impressive economic growth, change in the output growth pattern, shift in the structure of employment, and rise in the income and consumption level of the peasants. The number of those in absolute poverty declined significantly, though rural income inequality, both regionally and intra regionally, even at the village level increased significantly. In this context the question arises: did the growth of income and output per head due to economic reforms accompany a similarly improved performance with regard to non -income indicators of well -being? Based on available literature on rural reforms in post Mao China, this paper examines the debate on the above question. This question assumes importance because China in the pre-reform period had brought remarkable improvements in living conditions including the expansion of life expectancy, reduction infant mortality and illiteracy even with the slow and low growth in per capita income. From the Nolan and Sen it emerges that while policy and institutional changes meant for raising economic growth as well as per capita income were remarkably successful, the same instruments, however, undermined the public provisioning of social goods and services and affected the length and quality of' life of peasants in poorer households for whom market medicated access to health services were proving increasingly difficult. But while the pre-reform Maoist period, had strong egalitarian distributive mechanism in place, the welfare standards and quality of services were too low.

Studies on Benefits of Organic Food Products in Human Life during Covid-19

Organic food products have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. This comprehensive review examines the scientific evidence surrounding the advantages of consuming organic foods compared to conventionally produced counterparts. Firstly, organic farming practices emphasize the use of natural fertilizers and biological pest control methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Numerous studies have demonstrated that organic produce tends to have lower pesticide residues, reducing the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Moreover, organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Healthy soils are essential for nutrient-rich crops and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, organic agriculture typically utilizes crop rotation and intercropping techniques, which enhance soil fertility and resilience. Furthermore, organic livestock production adheres to stringent animal welfare standards, including access to outdoor grazing and the prohibition of routine antibiotic use and growth hormones. As a result, organic meat, dairy, and poultry products often contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In terms of nutritional quality, several meta-analyses have suggested that organic fruits and vegetables may have slightly higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown counterparts. While the differences may be modest, the cumulative effects of consuming organic foods over time could contribute to improved overall health outcomes. Beyond individual health benefits, supporting organic agriculture also has positive implications for environmental conservation and sustainable food systems. By minimizing chemical inputs and promoting biodiversity, organic farming helps mitigate soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional agriculture.

Current regulations in the Animal Welfare Act and the significance for animal research

Due to the legal implantation of the 3Rprinciple, the number of laboratory animals decreased significantly over the past 10years. In this article, the historical development of animal experiments over the last decade will be presented in the context of the current regulations of the Animal Welfare Act. It points out bureaucratic obstacles to the approval of animal experiments, which jeopardize Germany as aresearch location for both academia and industry. The article presents constructive proposals for solutions. This should be done in accordance with the DFG recommendation to ensure efficient biomedical research while maintaining the highest animal welfare standards.

The Importance of Animal Welfare and Country of Origin in Consumer Preferences: A Cross-National Study

Livestock husbandry systems are controversially discussed in society, politics and science. Since exporting countries such as Germany, the Netherlands or Denmark produce pork under higher animal welfare standards, the question arises if it will be competitive on the international market. We used a factor and cluster analysis to identify consumer segments in Japan, South Korea, Italy and Poland and to determine the instruments necessary to make animal welfare more popular. Each study country revealed three consumer groups: One group is interested in animal welfare and meat quality attributes but prefers domestically produced pork. Another group is price sensitive and without expectations. Finally, a third group is interested in animal welfare and accepts imported products. To address consumers in this group, informational campaigns and target market-oriented strategies are necessary.

PANDANGAN HUKUM PIDANA TERHADAP KASUS POLITIK UANG DALAM PEMILU TAHUN 2024

Political corruption is a prominent phenomenon in modern politics, influencing political processes in various countries, including Indonesia. This article delves into the evolution of politics in Indonesia post-reform, with a focus on the role of political parties and the practice of money politics in elections. The main discussion explores the phenomenon of money politics, highlighting its correlation with political corruption and the role of political parties in society. Additionally, the article examines factors influencing the practice of money politics, such as the lack of closeness between political parties and the public, individual education levels, and low welfare standards. This analysis provides deep insights into the dynamics of money politics.By summarizing findings and implications from the analysis, this article suggests that money politics poses a serious challenge to the integrity of democracy and political justice. Therefore, efforts to prevent money politics should be a priority in strengthening a cleaner, fairer, and more transparent political system. Thus, this article makes a significant contribution to understanding money politics and efforts to address it for the sake of a healthy and sustainable democracy.

Evaluation of current practices for dogs engaged in assistance and therapy support programs within Australia

Evaluation of current practices for dogs engaged in assistance and therapy support programs within Australia

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Tentang Tenaga Bongkar Muat (TKBM) dan Peningkatan Kesejahteraan di Pelabuhan Yos Sudarso Ambon Provinsi Maluku

The research was conducted to examine the implementation of government policy on charging frame energy (TCBM) as well as improving the well-being of staff at Yos Sudarso Ambon port. The results of the researchers' observations that the implementation of employee welfare standards has not been optimized in accordance with the regulations in force. Furthermore, wages paid to officials on the basis of boarding are not on the amount of income so it is still weak in the administration of financial administration. As for the research method used, it is qualitative descriptive by conducting in-depth interviews with the chosen informants. As for the findings of the research, (1). There's still recruitment of port workers based on the family system. Besides, there's still a weak motivation to do the hard work itself. (2). That the reality of a balanced and harmonious social life between the working groups in the port of Ambon can be used as an example of a good working relationship.

The South Korean Perspective on German Animal Welfare Certified Pork

Industry stakeholder requests for improved animal welfare practices in German meat production have steadily increased in recent years. A transformation of German animal husbandry systems would almost certainly result in higher production costs. Against this background, producers and the meat industry are concerned about losing their international competitiveness while implementing improved animal welfare practices. As South Korea is an established trading partner for Germany, the objective of this explorative study is to assess South Korean meat market trends with a special focus on meat quality and animal welfare in order to evaluate export chances for German pork produced under higher animal welfare standards. Using a triangulation, the results of semi-structured interviews (n=15) with South Korean pork supply chain stakeholders are combined with the results of an online survey of South Korean consumers (n=723). Results indicate that the market potential for German meat produced under higher animal standards is still low in South Korea. Stakeholders associate improved husbandry conditions with healthier animals, benefits to human health and rank animal welfare as a key element of sustainability. However, due to consumers’ lack of knowledge and their price sensitivity, animal welfare is neither a unique selling point, nor linked to meat quality.