Animal Well-being Research Articles

The Diverse Pathogenicity of Various Babesia Parasite Species That Infect Dogs.

Babesia species infect a very wide range of mammal hosts across the globe, and zoonotic infections are of growing concern. Several species of the Babesia genus infect dogs, and some of these cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Apicomplexan parasite resides within the red cell and infections result in direct damage to the host through intra- and extravascular hemolysis. An exuberant inflammatory response by the host to some species of Babesia parasites also results in significant collateral damage to the host. Canine infections have been the subject of many studies as the well-being of these companion animals is increasingly threatened by the spread of tick vectors and an increasingly mobile dog population. There are currently no widely available and effective vaccines, and effective treatment can be challenging. Understanding disease pathogenesis underlies the development of new treatments. The varying pathogenicity of the various Babesia parasite species that infect dogs offers an opportunity to explore the molecular basis for the wide range of diseases caused by infection with this parasite genus. In this review, we focus on what has been reported about the clinical presentation of Babesia-infected dogs in an attempt to compare the severity of disease caused by different Babesia species.

Study on the Stability of Probiotic (Spirulina fusiformis) Incorporated Fish Diets

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world. The use of probiotics might be a good option to reduce the risk of disease and enhance fish productivity. Probiotics thus are opening a new era in the health management strategy for aquatic species including finfish and shellfish. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help in maintaining the well-being of the host animal. The development of non-antibiotic and environment-friendly probiotic feeds is one of the key factors for health management in aquaculture. The benefits of probiotic supplements include improved feed value, enzymatic contribution to digestion, and inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. Feed stability is of paramount importance in the manufacture of aquaculture diets. The water stability of the feed pellet depends on the individual ingredients that bind together. Hence the study was designed to investigate the stability of probiotic feeds in water. Probiotic Spirulina added feed samples were soaked in a glass beaker containing water and allowed to remain for time intervals ranging from 10 to 60 minutes to study the stability of feed. The results showed that the control feed pellet (40.00 + 1.00) was the least stable among the types of experimental feed (SF2 and SF3) in 60 minutes of immersion. The increased level of stability (71.66 %) was recorded in (2 & 3% inclusion) feed type.

A competitive analysis of human and animal well-being in Nigeria

This quantitative study analyzed determinants of human and animal wellbeing in Nigeria and explored correlations between associated factors. Statistical analysis of secondary data on 30 variables related to healthcare, income, education, safety, animal health, welfare policies, and environmental conditions revealed positive correlations between human life expectancy and healthcare access, income, employment, and safety. Animal health positively associated with nutrition. However, animal welfare legislation negatively correlated with human lifespan. While correlational analysis provides valuable insights, limitations include inability to determine causation and capture temporal dynamics. Findings emphasize the need for integrated policies that holistically address socioeconomic, cultural, and policy dimensions shaping human-animal relations in Nigeria. Further research can build on this empirical foundation to inform synergistic approaches to optimizing wellbeing.

VETERINARY AND SANITARY ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTENT OF TECHNOLOGICALLY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN MILK AND THEIR REMOVAL FROM THE ANIMAL BODY

Тhe unfavorable ecological situation in the zones of man-made pollution is due to non-compliance with the requirements for the treatment of plants with toxic chemicals, the uncontrollable excess of emissions from industrial enterprises and motor vehicles, man-made disasters caused by the war of liberation, etc. As a result, particularly toxic substances, compounds of lead, cadmium, mercury, strontium and other heavy metals enter the atmosphere. Heavy metals, which are part of herbicides and fungicides, medicines, fertilizers, plant growth stimulants and poisons for their protection, accumulate in the environment, in particular in feed, enter the atmosphere with combustion products, respectively, have a negative impact on the well-being of animals, quality and safety of livestock products, in particular milk. Therefore, the priority direction, under conditions of increased man-made load on the environment and animals, was and is the monitoring of heavy metals in the trophic chain: soil-plant-feed-animal-product-human. According to a number of authors, a significant amount of toxic substances, including heavy metals that enter the animal's body with feed, water and by air are removed from it through the alimentary canal, kidneys, skin and mammary gland. According to Kovalchuk I.I., Fedoruka R.S. (Kovalchuk, Fedoruk, 2006), the content of heavy metals in the milk of cows under conditions of increased technogenic load on the environment depends on the intensity of harmful emissions, the content of heavy metals in them, the set of fodder in the diet and its balance, as well as the season of keeping, the period of lactation and the level of productivity. Therefore, an important task should be a scientific and practical in-depth study of man-made environmental pollution, which would include various studies of heavy metals, toxic chemicals in soil and feed, means of correcting their impact on the metabolism of productive animals.

Leveraging Accelerometer Data for Lameness Detection in Dairy Cows: A Longitudinal Study of Six Farms in Germany

Lameness in dairy cows poses a significant challenge to improving animal well-being and optimizing economic efficiency in the dairy industry. To address this, employing automated animal surveillance for early lameness detection and prevention through activity sensors proves to be a promising strategy. In this study, we analyzed activity (accelerometer) data and additional cow-individual and farm-related data from a longitudinal study involving 4860 Holstein dairy cows on six farms in Germany during 2015–2016. We designed and investigated various statistical models and chose a logistic regression model with mixed effects capable of detecting lameness with a sensitivity of 77%. Our results demonstrate the potential of automated animal surveillance and hold the promise of significantly improving lameness detection approaches in dairy livestock.

Music and Tactile Stimuli during Daily Milking Affect the Welfare and Productivity of Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tactile stimuli and music during daily milking on the productive, physiological, well-being, and health parameters of dairy cows. The experiment, which lasted 39 days, was conducted on a commercial farm with forty crossbred cows (age: 36 to 42 months; weight: 350 to 400 kg) distributed in a completely randomized design (2 × 2) via the following treatments: (Con)—cows not exposed to stimuli, (Tac)—cows exposed to tactile stimuli before milking, (Mus)—cows exposed to music during milking, (Tac+Mus)—cows exposed to both stimuli. In this study, classical music with a slow (75 to 107 BPM) and moderate tempo (90 to 100 BPM) was played, and tactile stimuli was provided manually using a flexible stick in the posterior region and udders of the cows. Cows not exposed to any of the stimuli had up to 41% higher residual milk quantity compared to those exposed to one of or both of the stimuli. The sound stimulus promoted an increase in milk letdown before the start of milking. Cows exposed to stimuli showed higher serotonin levels, indicating a beneficial effect on animal well-being. However, cows exposed to pre-milking tactile stimuli showed an increase in somatic cell count. Combining both techniques may have positive effects on milk productivity and well-being. However, using music alone may be more recommendable as it does not pose health risks.

The Perception of the Body Condition of Cats and Dogs by French Pet Owners and the Factors Influencing Underestimation

Managing pet obesity relies heavily on the active involvement of owners; however, a key challenge arises from misperceptions about their own pet’s body condition. Given evolving societal dynamics like the body positivity movement, understanding owners’ perceptions is increasingly pivotal. To evaluate the differences in owners’ perception, this study compared the use of verbal and visual body condition score scales versus the established nine-point body condition score system. The factors linked to underestimation were further specifically investigated. Owners of healthy adult dogs and cats attending vaccination consultations in Veterinary Hospitals in France between 2020 and 2022 were recruited. They were required to assess their pets’ body condition initially using an oral description and then with the nine-point BCS visual scale. Their assessments were then compared with the BCS determined by veterinary health care personnel, considered the primary investigator. A total of 304 dogs and 270 cats were included in the study. It was observed that 27% of dog owners and 24% of cat owners underestimated their pets’ body condition. Among dog and cat owners, factors associated with the underestimation of body condition were the pets’ overweight status and having children. This discovery emphasizes the need for a holistic One Health approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of both humans and their pets. When it comes to pet owners evaluating their pets’ body condition, underestimation proved to be the predominant misperception. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive education to empower owners to recognize and comprehend their pets’ overweight status, a critical step for the overall well-being of companion animals.

Bionanotechnological strategies for the synthesis of quercetin conjugates with selenium nanoparticles for their targeting of the Wnt/Ca2+signaling pathway

One of the applications of nanotechnology is the synthesis of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and disease prevention. In the agricultural sector, nanotechnology holds great promise for improving animal health and productivity. The article discusses the advantages of «green» synthesis of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with the flavonoid quercetin and their potential in the prevention of bone diseases in broilers. Selenium is an important trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the regulation of bone metabolism. Its deficiency can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. On the other hand, quercetin, a naturally occurring plant compound, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, quercetin's bioavailability and stability are limited, making its therapeutic potential challenging to exploit. To overcome these limitations, we have developed bionanotechnological strategies for the synthesis of quercetin conjugates with selenium nanoparticles. This approach not only improves the stability and bioavailability of quercetin, but also allows for targeted delivery to specific tissues or cellular pathways. Functionalization of Selenium nanoparticles with the flavonoid quercetin promotes the effect of the nanoconjugate on the transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-kB, Wnt, key pathways that regulate the delicate balance of cellular redox status and responses to stress and inflammation, calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In this case, the target is the Wnt signaling pathway, a complex cascade of processes involved in bone metabolism. It has been found that the synthesized nanoselenium-quercetin bioconjugates modulate the Wnt signaling pathway in different ways. Firstly, they reduce the activity of the protein β-catenin, a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, and help maintain a balance between bone formation and resorption, thus preventing bone disease. Secondly, these bioconjugates increase the activity of LRP6, a Wnt receptor protein, which further enhances the effectiveness of the signaling pathway. Finally, they affect the expression of genes activated by the Wnt signaling pathway, thus regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, important elements for bone health. The potential of these bionanotechnology strategies is enormous, especially in the agricultural sector. By preventing bone disease in broilers, disease prevention and poultry productivity can be significantly increased. The use of nanotechnology advances can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, contributing to the overall health and well-being of animals. Thus, the «green» synthesis of quercetin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles offers a promising solution for targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and preventing bone disease in broilers. This bionanotechnology approach not only improves the stability and bioavailability of quercetin, but also enhances its therapeutic potential. By harnessing the potential of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector, we can improve animal health, reduce disease and increase productivity, ultimately benefiting both animals and humans. Key words: bionanotechnology, «green» synthesis, Nrf2 factor, NFkB, Wnt, β-catenin, Selenium, Calcium, Phosphorus.

Sensitisation, research and management for conservation within ESPOL University forests after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecuador

Non sustainable land uses are disturbing natural habitats and wild animals’ ecology worldwide. Nevertheless, the sensitisation of key actors combined with research and a consequent management can influence decision-making and improve animals’ well-being. COVID-19 has influenced the number of interactions with wildlife in urban environments and the ESPOL Polytechnic University is a university campus that holds forested areas in Guayaquil, Ecuador. We implemented an environmental education course with an empathetic approach for the security guards of the university. We used questionnaires to evaluate their attitudes and knowledge on wildlife before and after the sensitisation course. In addition, we registered the incidences of native fauna resulting from the guards’ collaborations and we designed management strategies according to the data gathered. The guards showed an improvement in their knowledge of the issues covered (n = 81–87; X̄ = 163.4%) and an increased preference for wild and native fauna after the sensitisation course (n = 67; 151.6%). Furthermore, the collaborations of guards with the Biodiversity Unit of the university concerning animal-human interactions increased, as did the supporting actions towards the well-being of native animals. Moreover, the information about direct and indirect interactions with wildlife included reports on traces of large to medium animal activity and a record of illegal hunting of Choloepus hoffmanni for bushmeat consumption. Obtained data sustained adaptive management actions such as signalling and restrictions in use. We recommend educating key actors with an empathetic approach, developing critical skills and promoting collaborations to reduce human impacts in wild areas.

The impact of armed conflict on animal well-being and welfare, and analyzing damage assessment on the veterinary sector: The case of Ethiopia's Tigray region

Tigray war broke out on November 4, 2020, and lasted until November 3, 2022. The war has caused a significant loss of human life and a catastrophic economic and humanitarian crisis. The war affected the food and water supplies to farmers to care their livestock and this led to animal death, malnutrition, and suffering. In addition, a significant number of animals have been subjected to flee the region and killed during the warfare. The veterinary sector is significantly damaged and animals became a victim. Veterinarians and animal health workers have fled the region because of the war, and this adds an extra burden to the sector. Although the impact of this war on animal life, welfare and overall, on the livestock infrastructure is significant, no study has been conducted so far. We analyzed the level of damage to the veterinary sector and number of animal loss following the war. Our analytical study showed the war has claimed a total loss of 2,487,047 cattle, 1,690,096 sheep, 3,803,860 goats, 610,976 donkey, 4,280,815 poultry, and 231,985 beehives. This caused an estimated total financial loss of 53.56 billion Ethiopian birr (∼1.01 billion USD). We also analyzed the destruction level of the veterinary infrastructures in percentage, and the associated financial loss due to facility damage and animal disappearances from the region. A complete destruction (100 %) of veterinary facilities was reported in 10 districts and this accounts to an estimated financial loss of 68.59 million Ethiopian birrs (1.3 million USD). In conclusion, Tigray war has caused an immense impact to animal welfare and veterinary sector and a collaborative effort between governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and professional bodies is required to restore the sector. This study also highlighted how the war jeopardize animal right and wellbeing. Thus, we believe this study will be an input for national and international policy makers working on international convention for animal protection and rights.

The antiplasmodial activity of the carboxylic acid metabolite of piperaquine and its pharmacokinetic profiles in healthy volunteers.

The long-acting antimalarial drug piperaquine can be metabolized into the carboxylic acid metabolite (PQM). However, the clinical relevance of PQM remains unclear. The pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics of PQM were studied. The antimalarial activity of PQM was studied in vitro (Plasmodium strains Pf3D7 and PfDd2) and in vivo (murine Plasmodium yoelii). The toxicity of PQM was evaluated in mice, in terms of the general measures of animal well-being, serum biochemical examination and ECG monitoring. The pharmacokinetic profiles of piperaquine and its metabolite PQM were investigated in healthy subjects after recommended oral doses of piperaquine. PQM showed no relevant in vitro antimalarial activity (IC50 > 1.0 μM) with no significant toxicity. After recommended oral administration of piperaquine to healthy subjects, the maximum concentration of PQM was less than 30.0 nM, and it did not accumulate after repeated dosing. With a low antimalarial potency, PQM should not contribute to the efficacy of piperaquine with clinically acceptable doses.

Social Network Analysis as a Tool in the Care and Wellbeing of Zoo Animals: A Case Study of a Family Group of Black Lemurs (Eulemur macaco).

Social network analysis (SNA) is an increasingly utilised technique in the literature examining the social structures and organisation of animals and understanding the bonds between groups and individuals. Using a case study as an illustration, the applications of SNA are explored, including the identification of dominance hierarchies and detection of sources of social pressure, with a particular focus on the applications of SNA to holistic assessments of animal welfare alongside other methods. Based on the examination of social dynamics in a family group of four black lemurs (Eulemur macaco), a primate whose social organisation is characterised by patterns of female dominance, it is demonstrated that SNA can be used to examine the affiliative and agonistic interactions between individuals living in human care. SNA showed species-typical forms of female dominance that were largely directed towards the two males, characterised by the initiation of aggressive interactions and male submission. More intricate relationships and consistent social roles across networks were revealed through the examination of SNA. It is concluded that SNA has wide-ranging benefits in the assessment of effects of environmental changes, such as informing social management decisions, developing enrichment and intervention programs, and guiding overall improvements to the housing and care of individual animals. SNA, as part of an animal welfare toolbox, could, therefore, be a pivotal technique for modern animal welfare assessment that considers individual animals and their social lives. By sharing a case study of the technique in use, it is hoped that animal collections may adopt similar modern and evidence-based assessment methods.

The Role of Applied Behaviour Analysing in Zoo Management System for Animals

This study examines the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in animal management systems in zoos with an emphasis on how well it enhances animal wellbeing. The goals of the study were comparing ABA-based approaches to conventional zoo management techniques and evaluating the effect of ABA on stress reduction in captive chimpanzees. Over the course of a year, information was gathered from a chosen group of chimpanzees, including baseline and post-ABA stress levels. Following the use of ABA techniques, the data from Table 1 show a consistent trend among the chimpanzees, suggesting a considerable reduction in stress levels. Strong evidence for the effectiveness of ABA in lowering stress levels in the chimpanzees was given by statistical analysis of the data (Table 2). With a high t-statistic of 8.25, the mean baseline stress level of 7.7 substantially decreased to 3.5 post-ABA treatments (p 0.05), emphasizing the significance of this reduction. With regard to reducing stress, Objective 2 compared ABA-Based and Traditional groups. Compared to the Traditional group, the ABA-Based method had a reduced baseline stress level, according to the findings in Table 3. The ABA-Based group showed a significant reduction in stress levels following ABA sessions, while the Traditional group also showed a reduction in stress levels, albeit to a lesser extent. Both strategies significantly reduced stress, according to statistical analysis (Table 4), with the ABA-Based strategy having a greater degree of statistical significance (p 0.05). This study concludes by offering empirical proof that Applied Behaviour Analysis is a useful method for enhancing animal wellbeing in the context of zoo management. The findings imply that when compared to conventional management techniques, ABA therapies can significantly lower stress levels in caged animals.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Monitoring of Animal Health and Welfare

Blackground: With the advent of AI technology, great strides have been made in the realm of animal healthcare. This article delves into the numerous uses of AI in veterinary medicine and demonstrates its revolutionary potential in the field. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have shown impressive skills in illness detection, using medical imaging analysis to help veterinarians discover and categorise diseases with greater accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, predictive analytics algorithms use various data sources, such as electronic health records and genetic profiles, to recognise trends and forecast illness outbreaks, allowing veterinarians to remotely monitor vital signs and act swiftly paving the way for preventative measures and individualised treatment. Methods: The purpose of this article is to offer a synopsis of the many ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve the health and well-being of animals. Understanding the effects of AI in animal healthcare and setting the stage for its further development will be accomplished via an examination of the present state of the subject. Results: It is evident that through mountains of data from studies and clinical trials, AI is helping to speed up the discovery of novel treatments and improve the understanding of animal health. A responsible and useful application of AI in animal healthcare requires the establishment of ethical concerns, data protection, and regulatory frameworks. Method: This document provides a synopsis of the many ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve the health and well-being of animals.

PSXII-13 The Design of Equipment That Combines a High-Pressure Jet and a Translational Scraper to Improve the Manure Treatment Efficiency of Pig Barn Cleaning Machine

Abstract Livestock farming generates a significant amount of manure, which must be effectively managed to prevent environmental pollution and ensure the health and well-being of animals. The cleaning machine is a commonly used tool for removing manure from pig barns: however, it often leaves behind residual waste that is difficult to remove. To address this issue, a new equipment design that combines a high-pressure jet and a translational scraper has been proposed. This design aims to improve the efficiency of manure treatment by weakening the adhesion and removing stubborn waste particles, making it easier for the cleaning machine to collect the manure. The high-pressure jet provides a powerful stream of water that can dislodge even the most stubborn waste particles. For high-pressure washing, a DC 10V/10A standard water pump and a 70L water tank are included. The translational scraper, on the other hand, can move left and right across the surface of the slatted floor, effectively scraping away any remaining waste. For this work, an actuator was installed to move the blade part and the hook type work part. These two components work together to improve the efficiency of manure treatment and reduce the amount of waste left behind. By improving the efficiency of manure treatment, this new equipment design can help to reduce environmental pollution and improve the overall health and well-being of pigs. In addition, it can also reduce labor costs and improve the profitability of pig farming operations. In conclusion, the design of equipment that combines a high-pressure jet and a translational scraper has the potential to significantly improve the manure treatment efficiency of a pig barn cleaning machine. This new design can help to address the challenges associated with manure management in pig farming and promote a more sustainable and efficient approach to livestock farming. This achievement was made by the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, R&D project(421044043HD030)

PSXIV-8 Comparison of the Effects of Hydroxy-Selenomethionine and Selenium-Enriched Yeast Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Abstract Superior bioavailability of organic selenium (Se) has been extensively studied. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of organic forms on intestinal redox potential to support gut health and animal well-being. Two experiments (Exp) were conducted to compare the effect of either hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) or Se-enriched yeast (Se-yeast) on ameliorating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in a rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6). A cell viability test was initially performed to validate the Se level (0.15, 0.3, 0.6 ug/mL) used for the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. In both studies, OH-SeMet or Se-yeast promoted cell viability and attenuated cell apoptosis indicating no negative impact on cell growth. However, the Se-yeast sources showed considerably greater effectiveness than OH-SeMet. To quantify redox potential, confluent cells were treated with DCFDA, an indicator of ROS production. Briefly, IEC-6 cells were seeded into 96-well plates (4 ×104 cells per well) with 3 replicates per treatment (Trt) and incubated with a fresh solution of DCFDA. The ROS production, in response to 30µM H2O2, was quantified by fluorescence emission at 485 nm. Data were analyzed with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. In both Exp, Se inclusion in all Se-Trts was 0.3 ppm. In Exp 1, Trts included: Non treated (cells only), H2O2, H2O2 + 2mM Trolox (Vit. E analog), H2O2 + sodium selenite, H2O2 + OH-SeMet, H2O2 + Se-yeast product A, H2O2 + Se-yeast product B. Cells treated with H2O2 had 4.6-fold increase (P < 0.05) in ROS production relative to non-H2O2 treated cells. Trolox reduced ROS 7.6-fold (P < 0.05) relative to H2O2 only cells, OH-SeMet and sodium selenite did not ameliorate (P > 0.35) the negative impact of H2O2 on ROS production. However, cells treated with H2O2 + Se-yeast product A or B reduced ROS production by 15% (P = 0.07) and 32% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with cells treated with H2O2 only. To validate the redox potential of OH-SeMet, Exp 2 included a pure form of selenomethionine. Treatments in Exp 2. were similar to Exp 1 with the inclusion of H2O2 + seleno-L-methionine. Selenomethionine, either as a pure source or the hydroxy analog, did not prevent (P > 0.40) H2O2-induced oxidative stress. However, Exp 2 confirmed the effectiveness of Se-Yeast products on reducing ROS production. More specifically, Se-Yeast product B (52% reduction, P = 0.04) was superior to product A (32% reduction, P = 0.17) in comparison to cells treated with H2O2 only. These findings suggest that the type of organic Se source differs in their ability to regulate intestinal redox potential, with Se-yeast sources being more effective than hydroxy analogs. Selenomethionine content in Se-yeast does not appear to be the main driver in reducing ROS in intestinal cells, suggesting that livestock fed Se-yeast can support better intestinal health during oxidative stress.

PSXI-1 A Case Study of the Environmental Footprint of Dairy-Beef Production in Catalonia: a Tool to Improve Sustainability

Abstract This study aims to assess the environmental impact of the dairy beef meat value chain in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, from cradle to distribution, using the methodology recommended by the European Commission’s in its Product Environmental Footprint (PEF; EC, 2021) initiative. Case studies and the construction of regionalized databases are needed, together with addressing the challenges when utilizing the PEF methodology in real-world applications, to address primary sector large variability. For that, the PEF methodology was applied in 2 beef farms which grow calves from 120 kg to 410 kg fed with 2 different feed compounds each (growing and finishing). Data gathering was performed at the distribution gate including the following stages: raw milk production at farm, transport to dairy centrals, milk processing and packaging, and transport to market and supermarket centrals. The contribution analysis showed that the farm was the life cycle stage with the major contribution to the environmental impact (65% or more in all 16 PEF indicators). Results at farm gate showed the overall importance of the feed production impact (between 30% and 90% of the impact at farm gate in all indicators). Looking specifically at climate change (CC), emissions produced at the farm from manure management and enteric fermentation (IPCC & EMEP/EEA, 2019) were a major contributor to the impact: 19 and 36% contribution to CC respectively. Results of this study showed an average final carbon footprint of 6.62 kg CO2 eq per kg body weight at farm gate, what corresponds to 12.00 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass at farm gate (55% carcass dressing). This value increases slightly to 12.7 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass meat at distribution gate. These results are considerably below the benchmark value found in literature of 32.5 kg CO2 eq per kg carcass meat sold to retailers (TS Red meat FCR, 2019). This benchmark is calculated considering an average mix of production systems and technologies using both dairy and beef enterprises (TS Red meat FCR, 2019). Currently, different feed alternatives are being studied with the aim to improve beef production sustainability, without compromising animal performance and wellbeing. These might include assessing alternative ingredients that are nutritionally equivalent to the major impact contributors, additives that reduce emissions, research for optimizing crop production rates, and assessing different geographical origin of ingredients where improved agronomic practices are used or where crop production is located in ecosystems with lower susceptibility to environmental impact.

1 Creating Sensor Systems for Real Time Animal Management

Abstract Sustainable animal production needs to consider all aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Important aspects include 1) waste and odor management, greenhouse gas emissions; 2) animal care and well-being, labor needs, worker safety, and satisfaction; 3) careful use of antibiotics, food safety, and foreign animal disease; and 4) all while the producer needs to make the business show a profit. New technological approaches for building management, animal monitoring, and care should be carefully considered to help satisfy these pressures and concerns. Increases in computing power, sensor systems, and modeling techniques lend themselves to technological advancements in animal agriculture. Research has shown promising results for implementing multiple sensor systems. Precision animal management systems use a variety of sensors to capture real-time data on individual animals and new modeling techniques to process the data into valuable information to aid management decisions. However, data streams from different sources can be problematic. This presentation aims to provide an understanding of current and future technologies and the advantages, difficulties, and pitfalls of processing and combining different types of real-time data. Current technologies used in precision animal management systems include sound, images, and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. Steps to a successful system include 1) evaluating the needs of the producers and the animals, 2) selecting appropriate sensors, and 3) understanding both the value and the limitation of the captured data and the data processing.

16 Evolutionary-Based Neurochemical Intersections of Microbiology and Neurobiology in the Gut Matter to Infection, Behavior and Nutrition

Abstract The gut contains a highly dynamic environment where elements of the neurophysiological, microbiological, and immunological systems interact, and which nutrition has an impact on those interactions. In endeavoring to understand the mechanisms governing such complex interactions an approach has been utilized that employs a common evolutionary-based language that unites all the systems. That common uniting element is a shared, evolutionary-based neurochemistry. Neurochemicals, which are ubiquitous throughout nature, first evolved in bacteria and ultimately through lateral gene transfer to animals as well as being found throughout the plant kingdom. Crucially, these neurochemicals, which share the exact same structure and often identical synthetic pathways, serve as a shared language between bacteria, plant and animal thereby forming the basis of the theory of microbial endocrinology. Critically, this approach is highly tractable allowing it to be employed as a mechanistic-based platform to devise new strategies to improve animal health including mitigating the effects of stress on the development of infectious disease. This talk will discuss the various aspects of animal health and well-being that may be influenced by microbial endocrinology-based mechanisms and ways in which it may be used to improve animal health and behavior.

The role of psychological food involvement in explaining the intention to reduce meat consumption

Meat overconsumption has increased significantly over the last few years. However, it has detrimental consequences for the environment, human health, and the well-being of animals. To address these issues, research that delves into the motivations behind reducing meat consumption is essential. Recent studies have revealed that food is acquiring symbolic value, making it even more crucial to explore this area. Thus, a new construct called Psychological Food Involvement (PFI) has been developed and validated to map the symbolic value people attribute to food. Although previous research has demonstrated that PFI predicts sustainable consumption behaviours, there is a lack of studies investigating its association with the intention to reduce meat consumption. To bridge this gap, the current study collected data by administering a questionnaire to 1007 participants, representative of the Italian population, with considerations for sex, age, profession, center size, and geographical area using stratified sampling. Employing descriptive statistics and a hierarchical regression model that accounted for socio-demographic and attitudinal variables, such as concerns for personal health, the environment, and animal welfare, the results revealed that PFI plays a pivotal role in understanding the intention to reduce meat consumption. Consumers who use food to control their public image and create a positive impression on others are more inclined to reduce their meat intake. On the other hand, those who utilize food to strengthen social bonds and achieve positive emotions are less likely to cut down on meat consumption. This study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural, social, and personal values associated with meat consumption while formulating future dietary recommendations and conducting research to foster healthy and sustainable eating habits.