1
|
Martinez A, Donoso E, Hernández RO, Sanchez JA, Romero MH. Assessment of animal welfare in fattening pig farms certified in good livestock practices. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:33-45. [PMID: 38314792 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.2021532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Commercial swine producers are responsible for implementing changes in their production systems to ensure animal welfare. The objective of this study is to evaluate the levels of animal welfare on rearing and fattening farms certified in good animal husbandry practices using the Welfare Quality® protocol. Eighty-one certified commercial farms (n = 2,150 pigs), distributed in six geographical areas of Colombia, were evaluatedby six trained veterinarians. . A multilevel analysis was performed to identify variables associated with the animal welfare/farm rating and to identify behavioral variables. Farms evaluated had an enhanced (n = 68, 83.9%), followed by excellent (n = 7, 8.7%) and acceptable (n = 6, 7.4%) level of animal welfare. Variables significantly associated with the overall protocol rating (R2 = 0.37) were temperature comfort (OR: 1.05, p = 0.008), absence of disease (OR: 1.06, p = 0.02) and absence of pain (OR: 1.06, p = 0.0001). Significant differences in behavioral measures were observed across farms (P < 0.05). The high animal welfare scores of certified farms suggest changes in producers' understanding and attitudes towards production and animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martinez
- Porkcolombia Association-FNP. Animal Welfare Program, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Eliana Donoso
- Porkcolombia Association-FNP. Animal Welfare Program, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Rick Obrian Hernández
- Cienvet Group. Faculty of Agrarian and Animal Sciences, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Jorge A Sanchez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Animal Sciences, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Marlyn H Romero
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Animal Sciences, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sanz-Fernández S, Díaz-Gaona C, Borge C, Quintanilla R, Rodríguez-Estévez V. Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model of Management for Weaned Piglets and Its Relations with Farm Performance and Veterinary Medicine Consumption. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3508. [PMID: 38003126 PMCID: PMC10668820 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaned piglets, being immature, demand careful handling to mitigate post-weaning stress in order to avoid immunosuppression and the use of antimicrobials to palliate the effects of disease outbreaks due to poor management. The objective of this work is to design a quick scan calculator or multi-criteria evaluation model of management for weaned piglets, founded on 10 critical indices covering post-weaning management aspects based on hygienic measures and management of facilities and animals. These include pre-weaning handling, batch management, biosecurity, water management, feed management, health program, stockmen training, temperature, ventilation, and floor conditions and density to relate handling and hygiene practices with farm performance and the consumption of veterinary medication. Each index carries a maximum score of ten, with evaluations derived from different management factors that make up each index (from three to eight factors were evaluated per index). Their cumulative score reflects the degree of adequacy of on-farm management. Therefore, a perfectly managed farm would achieve 100 points. The calculator underwent testing on 23 intensive farms with a total population of close to 16,000 sows and more than 400,000 weaned piglets, revealing the highest mean scores in floor conditions and density (8.03 out of 10) and pre-weaning handling and health programs (6.87 and 6.28, respectively). Conversely, the lowest scores corresponded to temperature, ventilation, water management, and stockmen training (4.08, 4.32, 4.81, and 4.93, respectively). The assessed farms averaged a global score of 56.12 out of 100 (from 37.65 to 76.76). The calculator's global score correlated with key post-weaning productivity and piglet health indicators, such as the feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, and piglet production cost, with r values of -0.442, -0.437, and -0.435, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, it negatively correlated with medication costs per piglet (r = -0.414; p < 0.05) and positively with annual farm productivity (r = 0.592; p < 0.01). To enhance management, hygiene, and prevention, farms should prioritize addressing indices with the lowest scores, thereby reducing medication consumption and enhancing productivity and health outcomes. Additionally, this quick scan calculator can be used for benchmarking purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santos Sanz-Fernández
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Cipriano Díaz-Gaona
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Borge
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Quintanilla
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, UIC Zoonoses and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Agrifood Campus of Excellence (ceiA3), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Evaluation of Two Practical Tools to Assess Cognitive Impairment in Aged Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243538. [PMID: 36552458 PMCID: PMC9774186 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is the most common cause of cognitive decline in aged dogs. Early diagnosis is crucial because the sooner treatment is implemented, the greater the chance of slowing the progression of the disease. Assessment tools to assess cognitive decline may differ depending on the environment in which the dogs live. The aims of this study were threefold, first, to describe two feasible methods to evaluate cognitive impairment in aged dogs living in different environments: (i) a Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS) for dogs living in a home environment and (ii) a practical cognitive test (PCT) potentially useful for dogs not living in a home environment (NHE); second, to assess the effect of age on the outcome of both tools and, finally, to compare the results of the CCAS with those of the PCT. Both methods were found to be practical to perform. Age was found to significantly predict the score obtained by the CCAS (p = 0.0011) and the outcome of the PCT (p = 0.009). However, the reversal phase from the PCT did not significantly predict the outcomes of the CCAS (p = 0.97). Taken together, these findings suggest that the CCAS is a practical method to evaluate age related cognitive changes in owned dogs. The fact that the PCT has not been proven to be related with the CCAS calls into question the use of the PCT as a sensitive tool to assess cognitive impairment. Further studies in this field are suggested.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kang HJ, Bae S, Lee H. Correlation of Animal-based parameters with environment-based parameters in an on-farm welfare assessment of growing pigs. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:539-563. [PMID: 35709106 PMCID: PMC9184699 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nine pig farms were evaluated for the welfare quality in Korea using animal- and
environment-based parameters (particularly air quality parameters) during the
winter of 2013. The Welfare Quality® (WQ®)
protocol consists of 12 criteria within four principles. The
WQ® protocol classifies farms into four categories ranging
from ‘excellent’ to ‘not classified’. Each of these
criteria has specific measures for calculating scores. Calculations for the
welfare scores were conducted online using the calculation model in the
WQ® protocol. Environment-based parameters like
microclimate (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, air speed, and particulate
matter), bacteria (total airborne bacteria, airborne total coliform, and
airborne total Escherichia coli), concentration of gases
(carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide) were measured to investigate the
relationship between animal- and environment-based parameters. Correlations
between the results of animal- and environment-based parameters were estimated
using spearman correlation coefficient. The overall assessments found that five
out of nine farms were ‘acceptable’, and four farms were
‘enhanced’; no farm was ‘not classified’. The
average score for the four principles across the nine farms, in decreasing
order, were ‘good feeding’ (63.13 points) > ‘good
housing’ (59.26 points) > ‘good health’ (33.47 points)
> ‘appropriate behaviors’ (25.48 points). In the result of the
environment aspect, the relative humidity of farms 2 (93.4%), 3 (100%), and 9
(98%) was much higher than the recommended maximum relative humidity of 80%, and
four out of the nine farms had ammonia concentrations greater than 40 ppm.
Ammonia had negative correlations with ‘positive social behaviors’
and positive emotional states: content, enjoying, sociable, playful, lively,
happy and it had positive correlations with negative emotional states: aimless,
distressed. The concentration of carbon dioxide had negative correlations with
positive emotional states; calm, sociable, playful, happy and it had a positive
correlation with negative emotional state; aimless. Our results indicate that
the control of the environment for growing pigs can help improve their welfare,
particularly via good air quality (carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen
sulfide).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Center for Animal Welfare Research (CAWR),
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary
Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sangeun Bae
- Communication and Advisory Services in
Rural Areas Institute of Social Sciences in Agriculture, University of
Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Hang Lee
- Center for Animal Welfare Research (CAWR),
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary
Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Corresponding author: Hang Lee, Center for Animal
Welfare Research (CAWR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute
for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea. Tel:
+82-2-880-1240, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stygar AH, Krampe C, Llonch P, Niemi JK. How Far Are We From Data-Driven and Animal-Based Welfare Assessment? A Critical Analysis of European Quality Schemes. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.874260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the European Union, there is no harmonization of farm animal welfare quality schemes for meat and dairy products. Instead, there are several industry-driven initiatives and voluntary schemes that seek to provide information on animal welfare for attentive consumers. This study had two aims. First, we quantified how selected industry-wide quality schemes cover the welfare of pigs and dairy cattle on farms by comparing the evaluation criteria selected by schemes with the animal-, resource- and management-based measures defined in the Welfare Quality protocol (WQ®). Second, we identified how these quality schemes use the data generated along the value chain (sensors, breeding, production, and health recordings) for animal welfare assessments. A total of 12 quality schemes, paying attention to animal welfare but not necessarily limited to welfare, were selected for the analysis. The schemes originated from eight European countries: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Spain. Among the studied quality schemes, we have identified 19 standards for certification: nine for dairy and 10 for pig production. Most of the analyzed standards were comprehensive in welfare assessment. In total, 15 out of 19 standards corresponded to WQ® in more than 70%. However, this high correspondence was obtained when allowing for different information sources (environment instead of animal) than defined in WQ®. Compared to WQ®, the investigated schemes were lagging in terms of the number of measures evaluated based on the animals, with only five standards, out of 19, using predominantly animal-based measures. The quality schemes mostly applied resource-based instead of animal-based measures while assessing good health and appropriate behavior. The utilization of data generated along the value chain by the quality schemes remains insignificant as only one quality scheme allowed the direct application of sensor technologies for providing information on animal welfare. Nevertheless, several schemes used data from farm recording systems, mostly on animal health. The quality schemes rely mostly on resource-based indicators taken during inspection visits, which reduce the relevance of the welfare assessment. Our results suggest that the quality schemes could be enhanced in terms of data collection by the broader utilization of data generated along the value chain.
Collapse
|
6
|
Maher CJ, Gibson A, Dixon LM, Bacon H. Developing a Reliable Welfare Assessment Tool for Captive Hibernatory Bear Species. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3090. [PMID: 34827822 PMCID: PMC8614556 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare assessments are essential for the identification of welfare hazards and benchmarking of welfare improvements, though welfare assessments for zoo species are lacking. Bears are commonly housed in zoos but currently no composite welfare assessment tool exists for captive bears. This study describes the development of such a tool for use across hibernating bear species. A draft tool was developed using indicators derived from the literature and a modified Delphi analysis with an international group of bear keepers. A total of 18 bear keepers from 12 zoos were recruited to trial the tool on 24 brown bears and American black bears. The participating keepers assessed their bears three times across a period of nine days. Intraclass correlation coefficients analysis was used to analyse inter-, intra-rater and item reliability. The inter- and intra-rater reliability showed good to excellent levels of agreement (>0.7, p < 0.05). Item reliability was also assessed and showed good to excellent levels of agreement (>0.75, p < 0.05). The resulting bear welfare assessment is an important step in identifying and understanding challenges to bear welfare in captivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J. Maher
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Angela Gibson
- The Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA;
- The Bear Care Group, P.O. Box 7174, Alexandria, VA 22307, USA;
| | - Laura M. Dixon
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Heather Bacon
- The Bear Care Group, P.O. Box 7174, Alexandria, VA 22307, USA;
- The School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pessoa J, McAloon C, Rodrigues da Costa M, García Manzanilla E, Norton T, Boyle L. Adding value to food chain information: using data on pig welfare and antimicrobial use on-farm to predict meat inspection outcomes. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:55. [PMID: 34649629 PMCID: PMC8518164 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00234-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using Food Chain Information data to objectively identify high-risk animals entering abattoirs can represent an important step forward towards improving on-farm animal welfare. We aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of classification models, using Gradient Boosting Machine algorithms that utilise accurate longitudinal on-farm data on pig health and welfare to predict condemnations, pluck lesions and low cold carcass weight at slaughter. RESULTS The accuracy of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC). The AUC for the prediction models for pneumonia, dorsocaudal pleurisy, cranial pleurisy, pericarditis, partial and total condemnations, and low cold carcass weight varied from 0.54 for pneumonia and 0.67 for low cold carcass weight. For dorsocaudal pleurisy, ear lesions assessed on pigs aged 12 weeks and antimicrobial treatments (AMT) were the most important prediction variables. Similarly, the most important variable for the prediction of cranial pleurisy was the number of AMT. In the case of pericarditis, ear lesions assessed both at week 12 and 14 were the most important variables and accounted for 33% of the Bernoulli loss reduction. For predicting partial and total condemnations, the presence of hernias on week 18 and lameness on week 12 accounted for 27% and 14% of the Bernoulli loss reduction, respectively. Finally, AMT (37%) and ear lesions assessed on week 12 (15%) were the most important variables for predicting pigs with low cold carcass weight. CONCLUSIONS The findings from our study show that on farm assessments of animal-based welfare outcomes and information on antimicrobial treatments have a modest predictive power in relation to the different meat inspection outcomes assessed. New research following the same group of pigs longitudinally from a larger number of farms supplying different slaughterhouses is required to confirm that on farm assessments can add value to Food Chain Information reports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pessoa
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland. .,Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland. .,M3-BIORES-Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Conor McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodrigues da Costa
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland
| | - Edgar García Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland.,Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Tomas Norton
- M3-BIORES-Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evolution of welfare indicators of pigs housed in deep bedding systems during growing and finishing phases: assessment of good health principles and housing conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:483. [PMID: 34570280 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to monitor the evolution of welfare indicators of pigs throughout growing and finishing phases housed in a deep bedding system by principles of good health and housing. In all, 16,500 animals, distributed in 15 facilities, were evaluated over a 4-month period. Three assessments were carried out in each facility by a single evaluator, according to the following time distribution: phase one (75 to 85 days old), phase two (86 to 161 days old), and phase three (162 to 180 days old). Only the parameters related to good health and good housing were considered. Data were analyzed by logistic regression for longitudinal data. Poisson distribution was used on the coughing and sneezing data, with subsequent chi-square analysis. There were no cases of poor body condition, shivering, panting, huddling, tail biting, pumping, twisted snout, rectal prolapse, lameness, and skin conditions. The final evaluations were associated with greater chances of hernia and bursitis, with greater prevalence in males than in females. The prevalence of wound and manure on the body parameters was influenced by the interaction of the evaluation and animal category. The incidence of coughing and the number of animals presenting this symptom gradually increased, becoming considerably higher in the final stage of evaluation. Health-related problems change throughout the production cycle. The evaluation of a broad and reliable view on animal welfare allows for the most appropriate management of production systems using deep bedding.
Collapse
|
9
|
Racewicz P, Ludwiczak A, Skrzypczak E, Składanowska-Baryza J, Biesiada H, Nowak T, Nowaczewski S, Zaborowicz M, Stanisz M, Ślósarz P. Welfare Health and Productivity in Commercial Pig Herds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1176. [PMID: 33924224 PMCID: PMC8074599 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there have been very dynamic changes in both pork production and pig breeding technology around the world. The general trend of increasing the efficiency of pig production, with reduced employment, requires optimisation and a comprehensive approach to herd management. One of the most important elements on the way to achieving this goal is to maintain animal welfare and health. The health of the pigs on the farm is also a key aspect in production economics. The need to maintain a high health status of pig herds by eliminating the frequency of different disease units and reducing the need for antimicrobial substances is part of a broadly understood high potential herd management strategy. Thanks to the use of sensors (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders), the images, sounds, movements, and vital signs of animals are combined through algorithms and analysed for non-invasive monitoring of animals, which allows for early detection of diseases, improves their welfare, and increases the productivity of breeding. Automated, innovative early warning systems based on continuous monitoring of specific physiological (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can provide an alternative to direct diagnosis and visual assessment by the veterinarian or the herd keeper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Racewicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Protection, Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Ludwiczak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Ewa Skrzypczak
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Joanna Składanowska-Baryza
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Hanna Biesiada
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Protection, Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Nowak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Nowaczewski
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Maciej Zaborowicz
- Institute of Biosystems Engineering, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marek Stanisz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Piotr Ślósarz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland; (A.L.); (E.S.); (J.S.-B.); (S.N.); (M.S.); (P.Ś.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ceballos MC, Góis KCR, Sant’Anna AC, Wemelsfelder F, Paranhos da Costa M. Reliability of qualitative behavior assessment (QBA) versus methods with predefined behavioral categories to evaluate maternal protective behavior in dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
11
|
Friedrich L, Krieter J, Kemper N, Czycholl I. Feasibility and reliability of a German guideline for farm's self-monitoring in sows and piglets. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5905428. [PMID: 32926161 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study's aim was to test a German guideline for farm's self-monitoring in sows and piglets for its feasibility as well as its interobserver and test-retest reliability. The study was performed between September 2016 and April 2018 on 13 farrowing farms in Northern Germany. Contrary to the guideline, the testing was not carried out by the farmers themselves but by 2 observers with experience in pigs representing common farmers. For the interobserver reliability study, the observers performed 20 joint farm visits independently assessing the same animals. For the test-retest reliability study, each farm was visited 5 times by 1 observer (day 0, day 3, week 7, month 5, month 10). Farm visit 1 (day 0) was used as reference and compared with the remaining farm visits. The reliability was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (RS), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and limits of agreement (LoA). As results, the guideline's feasibility was limited. The indicators' reliability also presented divergent results: All indicators in piglets revealed acceptable to good interobserver reliability (RS 0.64 to 0.77 ICC 0.33 to 0.48 LoA between the intervals -0.02 to 0.13 and -0.02 to 0.00). Contrarily, interobserver reliability was low for indicators in sows (e.g., claw alterations: RS -0.41 ICC 0.00 LoA -0.97 to 0.68). Overall acceptable test-retest reliability could be assigned to all indicators although no exact agreement existed but only the pursuit of trends is indicated. On the basis of the present results, the guideline in its present form cannot be recommended for farms' self-monitoring. Given the restricted applicability, it should be reconsidered whether it might not be more appropriate to use scientifically tested and generally accepted animal welfare assessment systems such as the Welfare Quality animal welfare assessment protocols, although their application is also time-consuming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Friedrich
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Irena Czycholl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pierozan CR, Dias CP, Temple D, Manteca X, da Silva CA. Welfare indicators associated with feed conversion ratio and daily feed intake of growing-finishing pigs. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Understanding the welfare indicators that affect animal performance can facilitate modifications that improve both animal welfare and profitability.
Aims
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of animal welfare indicators and quantify their possible associations with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and daily feed intake (DFI) of growing-finishing pigs (Sus scrofa).
Methods
Data from 46 farms were collected. The herds ranged from 360 to 2500 pigs, which were aged between 75 and 173 days, and were managed on an all-in all-out basis. The welfare indicators were evaluated once on each farm using the methodology of the Welfare Quality® assessment protocol for pigs. Multiple linear mixed models were used to assess the associations of welfare with FCR and DFI according to the production stage at which the pigs were evaluated on the farm.
Key results
The welfare indicators with the highest average prevalence were frequency of coughing (35.7%), moderate bursitis (31.1%), and moderate and severe soiling with manure (18.8 and 27.7% respectively). Most of the remaining indicators related to poor welfare had prevalence values of less than 1%. The mean prevalence of positive social behaviour (such as sniffing/nosing/licking) was 14.4% and that of negative social behaviour (NSB; such as aggressive interactions) was 3.1%. The average space allowance (measured in 460 pens) was 1.04 ± 0.13 m2/pig (ranging from 0.78 to 1.36 m2/pig). Better FCRs were associated with a low prevalence of NSB (P < 0.05), a low prevalence of coughing (P < 0.01), absence of lameness problems (P < 0.001), and small space allowances (P < 0.05). Lower DFI values were associated with a low prevalence of NSB (P < 0.05), a high prevalence of moderate hernias (P < 0.01), a low prevalence of other active behaviours (such as eating and drinking) (P < 0.001), and a high prevalence of animals with wounds on the body (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Few indicators related to the impairment of welfare were detected with a high prevalence, and the results suggest that the conditions related to poor welfare were associated with an impairment in animal performance.
Implications
The results of this study can provide the industry with comparative information to promote improvements in pig welfare. Some welfare indicators could be used on farm as predictors of performance variables; however, these indicators need validation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Pessoa J, Rodrigues da Costa M, García Manzanilla E, Norton T, McAloon C, Boyle L. Managing respiratory disease in finisher pigs: Combining quantitative assessments of clinical signs and the prevalence of lung lesions at slaughter. Prev Vet Med 2020; 186:105208. [PMID: 33310195 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the relationship between quantitative assessments of clinical signs of respiratory disease (recorded manually and automatically) and the prevalence of lung lesions at slaughter to validate the use of both in the management of respiratory disease on farm. This was an observational study where pigs (n = 1573) were monitored from 25 ± 5.3 kg (week 12) to slaughter at 114 ± 15.4 kg (week 24). Pigs were housed in eight rooms divided into six pens on a wean-to-finish farm. A manual pen-based coughing (CF) and sneezing (SF) frequency was recorded weekly, for ten consecutive weeks, and a SOMO box (SoundTalks®) was installed in each room, issuing a daily respiratory distress index (RDI) for 13 weeks. Lungs were individually scored for pneumonia, scarring and dorsocaudal (DC) and cranial (CP) pleurisy lesions at slaughter. Relationship between prevalence of lung lesions and weekly RDI and CF and SF was assessed using Spearman's rank correlations and multivariable linear and logit-normal models. Both coughing and lung lesions were largely pen-specific, which fit the disease presentation of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Results showed agreement between RDI and CF (rs = 0.5, P < 0.001), measuring higher levels of coughing at the beginning (weeks 13-14) and end (weeks 21-24, and weeks 21-22, respectively) of the finisher period. Positive associations were found between the prevalence of pneumonia and CF on week 21 and 22 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively) and RDI on week 21-24 (rs > 0.70; P < 0.050); the prevalence of DC and CP, and CF on week 22 (P < 0.001); and prevalence of scar lesions and CF on week 17 and 21 (P = 0.013 and P = 0.004, respectively), and RDI on week 21-24 (rs > 0.70; P < 0.050). In the earlier weeks of the finisher stage, coughing was recorded but was not reflected in a higher prevalence of lung lesions at slaughter. These findings highlight the benefit of including measurements of coughing frequency to complement post mortem findings, to improve the management of respiratory disease on farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pessoa
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; M3-BIORES-Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Maria Rodrigues da Costa
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Edgar García Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tomas Norton
- M3-BIORES-Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Conor McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Laura Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Teixeira DL, Salazar LC, Enriquez-Hidalgo D, Boyle LA. Assessment of Animal-Based Pig Welfare Outcomes on Farm and at the Abattoir: A Case Study. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:576942. [PMID: 33134359 PMCID: PMC7570229 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.576942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The study assessed the prevalence of animal-based pig welfare outcomes on one Chilean farm and one abattoir. A total of 198 pens of slaughter pigs (9,049 pigs) were observed on farm and 54 batches (8,843 pigs) were observed at the abattoir. All assessments were conducted from outside the pen on farm and from outside the corridor where pigs were unloaded from the truck at the abattoir. Batch size and number of pigs with ear, tail and skin lesions, hernias, rectal prolapse, bursitis, and lameness were recorded. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. There was a large variation among pens on farm and among batches at the abattoir for all outcomes. Bursitis was the most prevalent outcome recorded in both locations, followed by ear lesions recorded on farm and by tail lesions recorded at the abattoir. Ear lesions' prevalence was higher on farm (P < 0.001), while tail lesions, hernia, and bursitis prevalence were higher at the abattoir (P < 0.001). Ear lesions' prevalence on farm was higher in female and mixed-sex groups than in male groups (P < 0.01), but male groups tended to have a higher tail lesions' prevalence (P < 0.1). The results show a difference in welfare outcomes, suggesting that assessment of outcomes on farm could complement ante-mortem inspections at the abattoir. However, as the same animals were not inspected in the two locations and there is the possibility of a seasonal influence on the results, the findings should be interpreted with caution and further research is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Lemos Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, San Fernando, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Laura C Salazar
- Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Ciencias Animales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom.,Sustainable Agriculture Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, United Kingdom
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Statham P, Hannuna S, Jones S, Campbell N, Robert Colborne G, Browne WJ, Paul ES, Mendl M. Quantifying defence cascade responses as indicators of pig affect and welfare using computer vision methods. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8933. [PMID: 32488058 PMCID: PMC7265448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective states are key determinants of animal welfare. Assessing such states under field conditions is thus an important goal in animal welfare science. The rapid Defence Cascade (DC) response (startle, freeze) to sudden unexpected stimuli is a potential indicator of animal affect; humans and rodents in negative affective states often show potentiated startle magnitude and freeze duration. To be a practical field welfare indicator, quick and easy measurement is necessary. Here we evaluate whether DC responses can be quantified in pigs using computer vision. 280 video clips of induced DC responses made by 12 pigs were analysed by eye to provide 'ground truth' measures of startle magnitude and freeze duration which were also estimated by (i) sparse feature tracking computer vision image analysis of 200 Hz video, (ii) load platform, (iii) Kinect depth camera, and (iv) Kinematic data. Image analysis data strongly predicted ground truth measures and were strongly positively correlated with these and all other estimates of DC responses. Characteristics of the DC-inducing stimulus, pig orientation relative to it, and 'relaxed-tense' pig behaviour prior to it moderated DC responses. Computer vision image analysis thus offers a practical approach to measuring pig DC responses, and potentially pig affect and welfare, under field conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Statham
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Sion Hannuna
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bristol, Merchant Venturers Building, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Samantha Jones
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Neill Campbell
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bristol, Merchant Venturers Building, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK
| | - G Robert Colborne
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - William J Browne
- School of Education and Centre for Multilevel Modelling, University of Bristol, 35 Berkeley Square, Bristol, BS8 1JA, UK
| | - Elizabeth S Paul
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Michael Mendl
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Acceptance and Feasibility of a Guideline for the Animal Welfare Assessment of Fattening Pigs from Farmers' Point of View. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040711. [PMID: 32325872 PMCID: PMC7222739 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The German Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture has published the guide “Animal Welfare Indicators: Practical Guide—Pigs”, which is intended to help farmers to evaluate the welfare of pigs. Crucial for the acceptance of the guide by farmers is a high degree of feasibility of the contained indicators as well as the proposed procedure for recording them. To evaluate this, 40 farmers keeping fattening pigs were interviewed. The result is that, apart from faecal soiling and tail length, all the other eleven indicators are accepted for the assessment of fattening pig welfare by a majority of the interviewed farmers (between 57.5% and 90% acceptance per indicator). The feasibility of the individual indicators is overall assessed as positive. However, the study also shows a need for revision of the guide and makes suggestions for its improvement. Abstract The welfare of farm animals is being increasingly discussed in society and politics. To evaluate animal welfare, indicator systems are often used. Such a system has been developed by the German Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture and suggested in the publication “Animal Welfare Indicators: Practical Guide—Pigs”. The association’s aim is to provide farmers with a useful method for recording the welfare of pigs. Crucial for the acceptance of the guide by farmers is a high degree of feasibility of the recommended indicators as well as the proposed methods for their recording. To evaluate this, 40 farmers keeping fattening pigs were interviewed. The guided semi-structured interview was conducted on the farms after the farmers evaluated the welfare of their fattening pigs according to the guide. The results are: Apart from the indicators faecal soiling and tail length, all the other eleven indicators are accepted for the assessment of fattening pig welfare by a majority of the interviewed farmers (between 57.5% and 90% acceptance per indicator). Furthermore, the feasibility of the individual indicators was assessed as being positive. The relationship between time expenditure and benefit was rated on a five-point scale at an average of 3.1 (medium), which clearly shows that there is a need for further development of this guide. Some possible changes with a potential for improvement could be identified; for example, the aggregation of the results after the collection of the individual indicators to an overall result that can be compared and interpreted.
Collapse
|
17
|
Nienhaus F, Meemken D, Schoneberg C, Hartmann M, Kornhoff T, May T, Heß S, Kreienbrock L, Wendt A. Health scores for farmed animals: Screening pig health with register data from public and private databases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228497. [PMID: 32017788 PMCID: PMC6999879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are growing demands to ensure animal health and, from a broader perspective, animal welfare, especially for farmed animals. In addition to the newly developed welfare assessment protocols, which provide a harmonised method to measure animal health during farm visits, the question has been raised whether data from existing data collections can be used for an assessment without a prior farm visit. Here, we explore the possibilities of developing animal health scores for fattening pig herds using a) official meat inspection results, b) data on antibiotic usage and c) data from the QS (QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH) Salmonella monitoring programme in Germany. The objective is to aggregate and combine these register-like data into animal health scores that allow the comparison and benchmark of participating pig farms according to their health status. As the data combined in the scores have different units of measure and are collected in different abattoirs with possibly varying recording practices, we chose a relative scoring approach using z-transformations of different entrance variables. The final results are aggregated scores in which indicators are combined and weighted based on expert opinion according to their biological significance for animal health. Six scores have been developed to describe different focus areas, such as "Respiratory Health", "External Injuries/ Alterations", "Animal Management", "Antibiotic Usage", "Salmonella Status" and "Mortality". These "focus" area scores are finally combined into an "Overall Score". To test the scoring method, existing routine data from 1,747 pig farm units in Germany are used; these farm units are members of the QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH (QS) quality system. In addition, the scores are directly validated for 38 farm units. For these farm units, the farmers and their veterinarians provided their perceptions concerning the actual health status and existing health problems. This process allowed a comparison of the scoring results with actual health information using kappa coefficients as a measure of similarity. The score testing of the focus area scores using real information resulted in normalised data. The results of the validation showed satisfactory agreement between the calculated scores for the project farm units and the actual health information provided by the related farmers and veterinarians. In conclusion, the developed scoring method could become a viable benchmark and risk assessment instrument for animal health on a larger scale under the conditions of the German system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Nienhaus
- Field Station for Epidemiology Bakum, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Zeven, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Diana Meemken
- Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Working Group Meat Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Kornhoff
- Field Station for Epidemiology Bakum, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Zeven, Germany
| | - Thomas May
- QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabrina Heß
- QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Wendt
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Krugmann KL, Mieloch FJ, Krieter J, Czycholl I. Investigation of influence of growing pigs' positive affective state on behavioral and physiological parameters using structural equation modeling. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5718043. [PMID: 31999319 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the primarily positive affective state of fattening pigs influences various behavioral and physiological parameters such as the pigs' playing behavior, way of behaving in behavioral tests, body language signals, or diameter, and astroglia cell numbers of hippocampi, salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) content, or salivary protein composition. Additionally, the suitability of the variables mentioned was examined to assess the pigs' positive affective state in practice, which still constitutes a latent variable not itself measurable. For this, a dataset including behavioral and physiological data of 60 fattening pigs from 3 different farms with different housing systems was analyzed by the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. A hierarchical component model (HCM) was used including the pigs' positive affective state as a higher-order component (HOC) and the behavioral and physiological parameters as lower-order components (LOC). Playing behavior, body language signals, and behavioral tests were revealed, in this order, to be most influenced by the pigs' positive affective state since these resulted in the corresponding path coefficients (PC) of PC = 0.83, PC = 0.79, and PC = 0.62, respectively. Additionally moderate and weak R2-values occurred for the endogenous latent variables playing behavior (R2 = 69.8%), body language signals (R2 = 62.7%), and behavioral tests (R2 = 39.5%). Furthermore, the indicator of the "locomotor play" showed the highest indicator reliability (IR) (IR = 0.85) to estimate the latent variable of pigs' positive affective state. The results of the present study supplement the comprehension and assessment of the pigs' positive affective state in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja L Krugmann
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Farina J Mieloch
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Irena Czycholl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wegner B, Spiekermeier I, Nienhoff H, Große-Kleimann J, Rohn K, Meyer H, Plate H, Gerhardy H, Kreienbrock L, grosse Beilage E, Kemper N, Fels M. Status quo analysis of noise levels in pig fattening units in Germany. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
20
|
Contreras-Aguilar MD, Escribano D, Martínez-Miró S, López-Arjona M, Rubio CP, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ, Tecles F. Application of a score for evaluation of pain, distress and discomfort in pigs with lameness and prolapses: correlation with saliva biomarkers and severity of the disease. Res Vet Sci 2019; 126:155-163. [PMID: 31494378 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A score system was used to evaluate pain, distress and discomfort in healthy pigs and pigs with two different diseases: lameness and rectal prolapse. In addition, correlations between the results of this score and a panel of salivary biomarkers and severity of disease were studied. This panel included biomarkers of stress (cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), total esterase activity (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and lipase (Lip)), immunity (adenosine deaminase isozymes 1 (ADA1) and 2 (ADA2)) and oxidative status (uric acid (UA), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)). Based on their score, diseased animals were subdivided in those without and with evident pain. Lame pigs and prolapsed pigs with pain showed higher salivary levels of cortisol, sAA, TEA, BChE, ADA1 and ADA2 compared with the healthy pigs. In addition, the prolapsed pigs with pain showed higher levels of FRAS, AOPP and H2O2 compared with the healthy animals. Salivary cortisol, TEA, BChE, ADA isozymes 1 and 2, FRAS and AOPP correlated with the pain score. This five-point pain score system can be easily applied to lame and prolapsed pigs, and salivary biomarkers could be used as an additional tool for pain assessment in those pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Contreras-Aguilar
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Damián Escribano
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Miró
- Department of Animal Production, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marina López-Arjona
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camila P Rubio
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - José J Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Tecles
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krugmann K, Warnken F, Krieter J, Czycholl I. Are Behavioral Tests Capable of Measuring Positive Affective States in Growing Pigs? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050274. [PMID: 31137646 PMCID: PMC6562421 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study aimed at deriving potential indicators to assess fattening pigs’ positive affective state in order to be able to assess animal welfare more objectively. For this purpose, 297 fattening pigs from two different housing systems (a barren and an enriched environment) were subjected three times to the human approach test and novel object test (at the start, middle and end of fattening). The barren-housed pigs showed quicker approach latencies to come into contact with the unknown human and the novel object compared to the enriched-housed pigs (e.g., latency time in the human approach test at the end of fattening: barren housing system: 7.4 ± 1.1 s vs. enriched housing system: 57.1 ± 1.1 s, respectively 58.3 ± 1.3 s). They also indicated longer durations of contact in the human approach test but not in the novel object test (e.g., duration of contact in the human approach test at the end of fattening: barren housing system: 83.8 ± 1.1 s vs. enriched housing system: 6.3 ± 1.1 s respectively, 7.6 ± 1.3 s). However, taking the literature into account, interpretation of these results is not straightforward as the reasoning for these findings could be boredom, and thus a higher motivation to explore, or less fear. Hence, behavioral tests as solitary indicators are probably less useful in the assessment of an affective state. Abstract This study examined whether the human approach test (HAT) or novel object test (NOT), which are considered as suitable tests for assessing the level of fear or anxiety in animals, are suitable to detect a positive affective state in 297 fattening pigs from three different farms. The investigated farms consisted of a barren (farm 1, n = 160) and an enriched (farm 2, n = 106; farm 3, n = 31) husbandry. Each pig was subjected three times to the HAT and NOT during fattening (at the start, middle, and end of fattening). The pigs housed in the barren environment showed quicker approach latencies than the enriched-housed pigs (HAT: farm 1: 7.4 ± 1.1 s vs. farm 2: 57.1 ± 1.1 s, respectively, farm 3: 58.3 ± 1.3 s (end of fattening); NOT: farm 1: 4.5 ± 1.1 s vs. farm 2: 23.0 ± 1.1 s, respectively, farm 3: 9.0 ± 1.2 s (end of fattening)). The same pattern of behavior was observed for the duration of contacts in the HAT but not in the NOT (HAT: farm 1: 83.8 ± 1.1 s vs. farm 2: 6.3 ± 1.1 s, respectively, farm 3: 7.6 ± 1.3 s (end of fattening)). However, due to controversially discussed literature, it is difficult to conclude whether the described differences in the pigs’ behavior between the two housing systems might indicate useful indicators to detect their affective state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Krugmann
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Farina Warnken
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Irena Czycholl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Friedrich L, Krieter J, Kemper N, Czycholl I. Test-retest reliability of the Welfare Quality Assessment protocol for pigs applied to sows and piglets. Part 2. Assessment of the principles good feeding, good housing, and good health1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:1143-1157. [PMID: 30668710 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at testing the feasibility and on-farm test-retest reliability of the Welfare Quality Assessment protocol for pigs applied to sows and piglets. The study was conducted on 13 farms in Northern Germany, which were visited 5 times by the same observer, and included 2 experimental setups: first, the complete Welfare Quality Assessment protocol for sows and piglets was applied to the farms. Second, additional assessments in the gestation unit considered all sows. The complete protocol assessments were used to evaluate the feasibility of the protocol. Furthermore, the data were analyzed with regard to on-farm test-retest reliability. The present publication focuses on the Welfare Quality principles good feeding, good housing, and good health, which are based on individual indicators (IN). The second experimental setup was utilized to verify the test-retest reliability of IN in the gestation unit with an increased number of animals under assessment. The test-retest reliability was calculated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (RS), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), and limits of agreement (LoA). Farm visit 1 (F1; day 0) was set as a reference and compared with farm visits 2 to 5 (F2 to 5; day 3, week 7, month 5, month 10). The IN of the above-named Welfare Quality principles achieved mostly acceptable test-retest reliability (e.g., wounds on the body F1 to F4: RS 0.34 to 0.57, ICC 0.40 to 0.41, SDC 0.02 to 0.12, LoA [-0.03; 0.02] to [-0.09; 0.14]) in terms of the on-farm test-retest reliability. Poor test-retest reliability was detected for body condition score concerning the principle good feeding, for bursitis and panting in sows and for huddling and panting in piglets within the principle good housing, and finally for vulva lesions, metritis, and local infections in sows and for scouring and lameness in piglets in the principle good health. Variations among the farm visits, which resulted in poor test-retest reliability, may be explained by seasonal effects (panting), moving animals (bursitis, lameness, huddling), rare occurrences of diseases (metritis, local infections, scouring), and differently conditioned sow groups (body condition score). The second experimental setup confirmed the results for IN in the gestation unit. Thus, the reported test-retest reliability determines the Welfare Quality Assessment protocol for sows and piglets to be a reliable approach to assess welfare in sows and piglets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Friedrich
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Joachim Krieter
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Irena Czycholl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
van Staaveren N, Calderón Díaz JA, Garcia Manzanilla E, Hanlon A, Boyle LA. Prevalence of welfare outcomes in the weaner and finisher stages of the production cycle on 31 Irish pig farms. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:9. [PMID: 29599967 PMCID: PMC5869776 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on the most prevalent welfare problems for pigs in different production stages is required to improve herd management plans. Thirty-one farrow-to-finish pig farms were visited between July and November 2015 to assess the welfare of pigs using the multicriteria approach of the Welfare Quality® protocol. On each farm, 6 pens were selected using proportionate stratified sampling in the first weaner (S1, 4 to 8 wks), second weaner (S2, 8 to 13 wks) and finisher stage (S3, 13 to 23 wks), excluding hospital pens. Each pen was observed for 10 min and the number of pigs affected by different welfare outcomes was recorded. The percentage of pigs affected was calculated and ranked to identify the most prevalent outcomes within each production stage. Differences between production stages were analysed using generalised linear mixed models for binomial data with pen within stage and farm as a random effect. RESULTS Tail and ear lesions showed the highest prevalence; however, large variation was observed between farms. In S1 the most prevalent welfare outcomes (presented as median prevalence) were poor body condition (4.4%), lethargic pigs (1.5%), scouring (20.3% of pens) and huddling (3.7%). In S2 and S3 outcomes related to injurious behaviour (tail lesions: 5.9% [S2] and 10.5% [S3], ear lesions: 9.1% [S2] and 3.3% [S3], and flank lesions: 0.4% [S2] and 1.3% [S3]), lameness (0.8% [S2] and 1.1% [S3]), bursitis (3.9% [S2] and 7.5% [S3]) and hernias (1.6% [S2] and 1.8% [S3]) were more prevalent. CONCLUSIONS A large variation was observed for the recorded welfare outcomes corresponding to the different challenges pigs experience during the different stages of production on commercial pig farms. The prevalence of pigs affected by lesions caused by injurious behavior is a cause for concern and requires a collaborative approach to identify appropriate intervention strategies. This information could be used to further investigate appropriate benchmark values for different welfare outcomes that would assist the pig industry to develop appropriate health and welfare management plans to minimise welfare problems. At herd level such plans should include information on aspects of intervention, treatment, and the management of hospital pens as well as euthanasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke van Staaveren
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Julia Adriana Calderón Díaz
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
| | - Edgar Garcia Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Alison Hanlon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996 Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pandolfi F, Stoddart K, Wainwright N, Kyriazakis I, Edwards SA. The 'Real Welfare' scheme: benchmarking welfare outcomes for commercially farmed pigs. Animal 2017; 11:1816-1824. [PMID: 28249629 PMCID: PMC5607875 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare standards have been incorporated in EU legislation and in farm assurance schemes, based on scientific information and aiming to safeguard the welfare of the species concerned. Recently, emphasis has shifted from resource-based measures of welfare to animal-based measures, which are considered to assess more accurately the welfare status. The data used in this analysis were collected from April 2013 to May 2016 through the 'Real Welfare' scheme in order to assess on-farm pig welfare, as required for those finishing pigs under the UK Red Tractor Assurance scheme. The assessment involved five main measures (percentage of pigs requiring hospitalization, percentage of lame pigs, percentage of pigs with severe tail lesions, percentage of pigs with severe body marks and enrichment use ratio) and optional secondary measures (percentage of pigs with mild tail lesions, percentage of pigs with dirty tails, percentage of pigs with mild body marks, percentage of pigs with dirty bodies), with associated information about the environment and the enrichment in the farms. For the complete database, a sample of pens was assessed from 1928 farm units. Repeated measures were taken in the same farm unit over time, giving 112 240 records at pen level. These concerned a total of 13 480 289 pigs present on the farm during the assessments, with 5 463 348 pigs directly assessed using the 'Real Welfare' protocol. The three most common enrichment types were straw, chain and plastic objects. The main substrate was straw which was present in 67.9% of the farms. Compared with 2013, a significant increase of pens with undocked-tail pigs, substrates and objects was observed over time (P0.3). The results from the first 3 years of the scheme demonstrate a reduction of the prevalence of animal-based measures of welfare problems and highlight the value of this initiative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Pandolfi
- School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development,
Newcastle University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - K. Stoddart
- AHDB PORK, Stoneleigh Park,
Kenilworth, CV8 2TL, UK
| | | | - I. Kyriazakis
- School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development,
Newcastle University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - S. A. Edwards
- School of Agriculture Food and Rural Development,
Newcastle University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Clarke T, Pluske JR, Miller DW, Collins T, Fleming PA. Parity Influences the Demeanor of Sows in Group Housing. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2017; 21:17-26. [PMID: 28846031 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1363651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Across the globe, producers are moving from individual housing to group housing for sows during gestation. Producers typically group sows of a range of parities together, although the impacts are largely unknown. This study examined the behavioral expression at mixing for young, midparity, and older sows. Ten mixed-parity groups were filmed at mixing on a commercial piggery. One-minute clips were edited from continuous footage where focal sows of known parity could be identified, and scored for qualitative behavioral expression. Parity 2 and 6 sows were more calm/tired than Parity 4 sows, who were more active/energetic. Parity 2 sows were more curious/inquisitive than Parity 4 and 6 sows, who were more anxious/frustrated. Correlations between qualitative behavioral expression and activity indicated sows scored as more calm/tired spent a greater proportion of time standing, while sows scored as more active/energetic spent more time performing avoidance behavior. Different body language is likely to reflect physical or affective differences in how sows cope with mixing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taya Clarke
- a School of Veterinary and Life Sciences , Murdoch University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - John R Pluske
- a School of Veterinary and Life Sciences , Murdoch University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - David W Miller
- a School of Veterinary and Life Sciences , Murdoch University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Teresa Collins
- a School of Veterinary and Life Sciences , Murdoch University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Patricia A Fleming
- a School of Veterinary and Life Sciences , Murdoch University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Assessment of the multi-criteria evaluation system of the Welfare Quality® protocol for growing pigs. Animal 2017; 11:1573-1580. [PMID: 28219478 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare has become an important subject of public and political debate, leading to the necessity of an objective evaluation system for on-farm use. As welfare is a multi-dimensional concept, it makes sense to use a multi-criteria aggregation system to obtain an overall welfare score. Such an aggregation system is provided by the Welfare Quality® Network. The present paper focusses on the assessment of the multi-criteria evaluation model included in the Welfare Quality® protocol for growing pigs in order to aggregate the animal-based indicators first to criteria, then to principles and finally to an overall welfare score. Specifically, the importance of the indicators on the overall assessment of growing pig farms is analysed in a given population which consisted of a total of 198 protocol assessments carried out on a sample of 24 farms in Germany. By means of partial least squares modelling, the influence of measures in the calculation procedure is estimated by calculation and interpretation of Variable Importance for Projection (VIP) scores. Variable Importance for Projection scores revealed some meaningful, unexpected influences as the multi-criteria evaluation model of Welfare Quality® aimed at avoiding interferences and double-counting. Some of these influences led to the assumption that some measures might have potential as iceberg indicators, whereas others showed lesser importance. Thus, feasibility can be gained by the deletion and special weighting of indicators according to their importance. Altogether, the study is an essential contribution to the further development of the Welfare Quality® protocols as well as the application of multi-criteria decision systems in the field of animal welfare science in general.
Collapse
|
27
|
Clarke T, Pluske JR, Collins T, Miller DW, Fleming PA. A quantitative and qualitative approach to the assessment of behaviour of sows upon mixing into group pens with or without a partition. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/an15132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The behaviour of intensively managed sows is influenced by the design of their housing, with the physical structure of the pen affecting how sows spend their time. The first hour after unfamiliar sows are mixed into group housing is considered important in terms of their welfare due to high levels of aggression as they develop a hierarchy and investigate their new surroundings and pen-mates. This study compared the behaviour of sows on a commercial piggery at the point of mixing into 20 group pens (n = 15–18 sows each group), where half the group pens had a concrete partition (a short wall, 2 m long and 1.6 m high) running through the middle of the pen, and half did not have the partition. We predicted that the partition would improve the expression of behaviours during the first hour after mixing. Sows were filmed for 70 min post-mixing and the footage was analysed using quantitative behavioural profile for eight behavioural categories (i.e. time budgets). We found no significant differences in the incidence of aggression, but found less investigative behaviour for sows in pens with the partition; these sows also lay down sooner compared with sows in no-partition pens, and stopped eating/searching for food sooner. The difference between pen designs was most evident at 50–60 min post-mixing, and therefore we compared the behavioural expression of the sows using qualitative behavioural assessment for this time point. There was significant inter-observer reliability among the 17 observers, with 60.02% (P < 0.001) of the variation in their scoring using the Free Choice Profiling methodology explained by the consensus profile. Sows in partition pens were scored as more ‘calm/relaxed’ compared with sows in no-partition pens, which were scored as more ‘aggressive/tense’. There were also significant correlations between the time budgets and behavioural expression scores, with groups of animals described as more ‘aggressive/tense’ also showing more walking, aggression, and avoidance, but less lying. The sows described as more ‘sleepy/bored’ showed more lying and sitting. This study shows that even a subtle difference in housing design (in this case, retention of a concrete partition) can make a significant positive difference to the demeanour and activity patterns of sows. Identifying housing designs that have positive welfare outcomes can inform pen design and construction, and is particularly relevant where housing is being converted (e.g. from single pens to group housing) and decisions must be made around whether or not to keep existing structures.
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
|
30
|
Nannoni E, Sardi L, Vitali M, Trevisi E, Ferrari A, Barone F, Bacci M, Barbieri S, Martelli G. Effects of different enrichment devices on some welfare indicators of post-weaned undocked piglets. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
31
|
Rocha LM, Velarde A, Dalmau A, Saucier L, Faucitano L. Can the monitoring of animal welfare parameters predict pork meat quality variation through the supply chain (from farm to slaughter)? J Anim Sci 2016; 94:359-76. [PMID: 26812341 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the animal welfare conditions evaluated through the supply chain and pork quality variation. A total of 4,680 pigs from 12 farms-5 animal welfare improved raising system (AWIRS) and 7 conventional raising system (CON) farms-were assessed from farm to slaughter through a comprehensive audit protocol merging the European Welfare Quality, the Canadian Animal Care Assessment, and American Meat Institute audit guide criteria. At the abattoir, a subsample of 1,440 pigs (120 pigs/farm) was randomly chosen out of 24 loads (2 farms per wk) transported by 2 drivers (driver A and driver B) for the assessment of stunning effectiveness, carcass bruises, blood lactate levels, and meat quality traits. Meat quality was assessed in the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle 24 h postmortem by measuring ultimate pH (pHu), color (L*, a*, and b*), and drip loss. Data were analyzed by the MIXED, GLIMMIX, and NAPAR1WAY procedures of SAS. Spearman correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between audit scores and meat quality traits. Better animal welfare conditions, as showed by greater final scores for good housing (GHo; = 0.001) and good health ( = 0.006) principles, were recorded at AWIRS farms. Pigs from AWIRS farms handled by driver B displayed a greater percentage of turning back ( = 0.01) and slips ( < 0.001) during unloading and a greater ( = 0.02) frequency of falls in the stunning chute. A greater ( = 0.02) reluctance to move at loading was found in CON pigs loaded by driver A compared with driver B, whereas a greater ( < 0.001) reluctance to move was found in these pigs at unloading when they were unloaded by driver B. Drip loss was higher ( = 0.003) and pale, soft, and exudative pork percentage was greater ( < 0.001) in the LL muscle of the heavier AWIRS pigs. The GHO principle was best correlated with pHu ( = -0.75, = 0.01) and Minolta L* value ( = 0.87, < 0.001) of the LL muscle. Overall, drip loss variation in the LL muscle was correlated with the frequency of slips at unloading ( = 0.63, = 0.001) and in the restrainer area ( = 0.74, < 0.001). The results of this study showed that the quality of the raising system and truck driver skills as assessed by animal welfare audit protocols are important sources of variation in the behavioral response of pigs to preslaughter handling and may affect pork quality variation. However, the different live weight between CON and AWIRS pigs may have biased the meat quality results in this study.
Collapse
|
32
|
Czycholl I, Kniese C, Büttner K, Beilage EG, Schrader L, Krieter J. Interobserver reliability of the 'Welfare Quality(®) Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Growing Pigs'. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:1114. [PMID: 27478731 PMCID: PMC4949198 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present paper focuses on evaluating the interobserver reliability of the 'Welfare Quality(®) Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Growing Pigs'. The protocol for growing pigs mainly consists of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA), direct behaviour observations (BO) carried out by instantaneous scan sampling and checks for different individual parameters (IP), e.g. presence of tail biting, wounds and bursitis. Three trained observers collected the data by performing 29 combined assessments, which were done at the same time and on the same animals; but they were carried out completely independent of each other. The findings were compared by the calculation of Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (RS), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC) and Limits of Agreements (LoA). There was no agreement found concerning the adjectives belonging to the QBA (e.g. active: RS: 0.50, ICC: 0.30, SDC: 0.38, LoA: -0.05 to 0.45; fearful: RS: 0.06, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.26, LoA: -0.20 to 0.30). In contrast, the BO showed good agreement (e.g. social behaviour: RS: 0.45, ICC: 0.50, SDC: 0.09, LoA: -0.09 to 0.03 use of enrichment material: RS: 0.75, ICC: 0.68, SDC: 0.06, LoA: -0.03 to 0.03). Overall, observers agreed well in the IP, e.g. tail biting (RS: 0.52, ICC: 0.88; SDC: 0.05, LoA: -0.01 to 0.02) and wounds (RS: 0.43, ICC: 0.59, SDC: 0.10, LoA: -0.09 to 0.10). The parameter bursitis showed great differences (RS: 0.10, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.35, LoA: -0.37 to 0.40), which can be explained by difficulties in the assessment when the animals moved around quickly or their legs were soiled. In conclusion, the interobserver reliability was good in the BO and most IP, but not for the parameter bursitis and the QBA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I. Czycholl
- />Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Olshausenstr. 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - C. Kniese
- />Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Doernbergstr. 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany
| | - K. Büttner
- />Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Olshausenstr. 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - E. grosse Beilage
- />Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buescheler Str. 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - L. Schrader
- />Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Doernbergstr. 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany
| | - J. Krieter
- />Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Olshausenstr. 40, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Clarke T, Pluske JR, Fleming PA. Are observer ratings influenced by prescription? A comparison of Free Choice Profiling and Fixed List methods of Qualitative Behavioural Assessment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
34
|
Effects of stocking density and environmental enrichment on behavior and fecal corticosteroid levels of pigs under commercial farm conditions. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
35
|
Abstract
Production systems for fattening pigs have been characterized over the last 2 decades by rising farm sizes coupled with increasing group sizes. These developments resulted in a serious public discussion regarding animal welfare and health in these intensive production systems. Even though large farm and group sizes came under severe criticism, it is still unknown whether these factors indeed negatively affect animal welfare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of group size (30 pigs/pen) on various animal-based measures of the Welfare Quality(®) protocol for growing pigs under conventional fattening conditions. A total of 60 conventional pig fattening farms with different group sizes in Germany were included. Moderate bursitis (35%) was found as the most prevalent indicator of welfare-related problems, while its prevalence increased with age during the fattening period. However, differences between group sizes were not detected (P>0.05). The prevalence of moderately soiled bodies increased from 9.7% at the start to 14.2% at the end of the fattening period, whereas large pens showed a higher prevalence (15.8%) than small pens (10.4%; P<0.05). With increasing group size, the incidence of moderate wounds with 8.5% and 11.3% in small- and medium-sized pens, respectively, was lower (P<0.05) than in large-sized ones (16.3%). Contrary to bursitis and dirtiness, its prevalence decreased during the fattening period. Moderate manure was less often found in pigs fed by a dry feeder than in those fed by a liquid feeding system (P<0.05). The human-animal relationship was improved in large in comparison to small groups. On the contrary, negative social behaviour was found more often in large groups. Exploration of enrichment material decreased with increasing live weight. Given that all animals were tail-docked, tail biting was observed at a very low rate of 1.9%. In conclusion, the results indicate that BW and feeding system are determining factors for the welfare status, while group size was not proved to affect the welfare level under the studied conditions of pig fattening.
Collapse
|
36
|
Czycholl I, Büttner K, grosse Beilage E, Krieter J. Review of the assessment of animal welfare with special emphasis on the "Welfare Quality<sup>®</sup> animal welfare assessment protocol for growing pigs". Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-237-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. This paper discusses the arising need for an objective, but feasible, reliable and valid method for assessing animal welfare on farms. Animal welfare has become especially important since the industrialisation of animal housing after the Second World War and as public awareness and concern has increased. Simultaneously, alienation of the public from agriculture has taken place, as the population has moved increasingly from rural areas to towns. This has led to a very emotional discussion concerning the welfare of farmed animals, and thus a need for not only a clear definition but also a way of objectively measuring it has arisen. It is probably best defined as a total of the different conceptions health, natural behaviour and positive affective state. In the last few years, different methods for an objective assessment have been developed; however, all of them still face great challenges in their practical implementation and acceptance. The most promising method is probably the Welfare Quality® (WQ) approach, especially as it concentrates on animal-based parameters. The development of the WQ protocols emphasised not only the different conceptions of animal welfare but also especially the feasibility, reliability and validity of the parameters to be included. One of the main challenges of these protocols remains, however, the final aggregation of the results to a welfare score. Furthermore, a thorough cost–benefit analysis has not been carried out so far. Even more importantly, only a few studies have addressed the general reliability and validity of the complete protocols, and those studies that have addressed these issues have also revealed challenges concerning the interobserver and test–retest reliability of some of the included parameters. As an example, this is discussed in detail for the "Welfare Quality® animal welfare assessment protocol for growing pigs". In conclusion, the WQ approach can be seen as promising, but it has also revealed that there are still a considerable number of challenges that need to be addressed in further studies on the WQ protocols in order to achieve constant improvement. These challenges should be borne in mind in the application of these protocols, which should not be simply referred to as a gold standard.
Collapse
|
37
|
Kiddie J, Collins L. Identifying environmental and management factors that may be associated with the quality of life of kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
38
|
Renggaman A, Choi HL, Sudiarto SI, Alasaarela L, Nam OS. Development of pig welfare assessment protocol integrating animal-, environment-, and management-based measures. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2015; 57:1. [PMID: 26290721 PMCID: PMC4540295 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-014-0034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to increased interest in animal welfare, there is now a need for a comprehensive assessment protocol to be used in intensive pig farming systems. There are two current welfare assessment protocols for pigs: Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocols (applicable in the Europe Union), that mostly focuses on animal-based measures, and the Swine Welfare Assurance Program (applicable in the United States), that mostly focuses on management- and environment-based measures. In certain cases, however, animal-based measures might not be adequate for properly assessing pig welfare status. Similarly, welfare assessment that relies only on environment- and management-based measures might not represent the actual welfare status of pigs. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to develop a new welfare protocol by integrating animal-, environment-, and management-based measures. The background for selection of certain welfare criteria and modification of the scoring systems from existing welfare assessment protocols are described. Methods The developed pig welfare assessment protocol consists of 17 criteria that are related to four main principles of welfare (good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior). Good feeding, good housing, and good health were assessed using a 3-point scale: 0 (good welfare), 1 (moderate welfare), and 2 (poor welfare). In certain cases, only a 2-point scale was used: 0 (certain condition is present) or 2 (certain condition is absent). Appropriate behavior was assessed by scan sampling of positive and negative social behaviors based on qualitative behavior assessment and human-animal relationship tests. Results Modification of the body condition score into a 3-point scale revealed pigs with a moderate body condition (score 1). Moreover, additional criteria such as feed quality confirmed that farms had moderate (score 1) or poor feed quality (score 2), especially those farms located in a high relative humidity region. Conclusions The developed protocol can be utilized to assess welfare status in an intensive pig farming system. Although further improvements are still needed, this study is a first step in developing a pig welfare assessment protocol that combines animal-, environment-, and management-based measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anriansyah Renggaman
- Department of Agriculture Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong L Choi
- Department of Agriculture Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sartika Ia Sudiarto
- Department of Agriculture Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Laura Alasaarela
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ok S Nam
- Department of Agriculture Biotechnology and Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The sensitivity of QBA assessments of sheep behavioural expression to variations in visual or verbal information provided to observers. Animal 2015; 9:878-87. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114003164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
40
|
Morgan T, Pluske J, Miller D, Collins T, Barnes AL, Wemelsfelder F, Fleming PA. Socialising piglets in lactation positively affects their post-weaning behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
41
|
Kiddie JL, Collins LM. Development and validation of a quality of life assessment tool for use in kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
42
|
Siegford JM. Multidisciplinary approaches and assessment techniques to better understand and enhance zoo nonhuman animal welfare. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2014; 16:300-18. [PMID: 24079486 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2013.827914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nonhuman animal welfare is a complex concept that encompasses an animal's biological functioning, emotional states, and opportunities to experience a natural life, including the performance of natural behaviors. Further, animal welfare can be viewed as quality of life from the perspective of the animal and thus must consider the animal's subjective experiences. Therefore, assessing and enhancing animal welfare should include multidisciplinary, scientific ventures that strive to create a complete picture of how animals' bodies and minds respond to both aversive and pleasant situations. Practical assessment of animal welfare should include outcome-based measures from the animal that provide information about the individual's welfare as well as resource-based measures that can help identify causes of or risk factors for poor welfare. Increasingly, scientists are examining the emotional states of animals as well as the impact of pain, pleasure, and consciousness on animal welfare. This article discusses approaches such as preference testing, instrumental learning, examination of space and resource use, and qualitative assessments of animal welfare that might be useful and practical for assessing and enhancing welfare in zoo settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Siegford
- a Animal Behavior and Welfare Group, Department of Animal Science , Michigan State University
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
de Jonge J, van Trijp HCM. The impact of broiler production system practices on consumer perceptions of animal welfare. Poult Sci 2014; 92:3080-95. [PMID: 24235215 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This research explores the extent to which different farm management practices influence the perceived animal friendliness of broiler production systems, and how this differs between individuals. Using a conjoint design with paired comparisons, respondents evaluated broiler production systems that were described on the basis of 7 animal welfare-related practices. It was found that practices in the area of outdoor access, stocking density, and day-night rhythm were overall perceived to have a larger impact on perceptions of animal friendliness than other practices, such as transport duration or the type of breed used. However, individuals differed regarding the extent to which they believed the different farm management practices influenced the animal friendliness of the production system. Differences between individuals regarding their knowledge about and familiarity with livestock farming, degree of anthropomorphism, and their moral beliefs regarding animal welfare partly explained the relative importance individuals attached to farm management practices. The obtained insight into which welfare-related farm management practices, in consumers' minds, most strongly contribute to animal welfare, and the existence of differences between consumers, can be helpful in the development of animal welfare-based certification schemes that are appealing to consumers, as well as the positioning of welfare concepts in the market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janneke de Jonge
- Marketing and Consumer Behavior Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 8130, 6700 EW, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Temple D, Manteca X, Dalmau A, Velarde A. Assessment of test–retest reliability of animal-based measures on growing pig farms. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
45
|
Stockman CA, McGilchrist P, Collins T, Barnes AL, Miller D, Wickham SL, Greenwood PL, Cafe LM, Blache D, Wemelsfelder F, Fleming PA. Qualitative Behavioural Assessment of Angus steers during pre-slaughter handling and relationship with temperament and physiological responses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
46
|
The welfare of growing pigs in five different production systems: assessment of feeding and housing. Animal 2012; 6:656-67. [PMID: 22436283 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731111001868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ninety-one farms were visited over a 2-year period to assess the welfare of growing pigs in five different production systems found either in France or in Spain using the Welfare Quality® protocol. This study focused on animal-based measures as indicators of 'good feeding' and 'good housing'. Multiple Generalized Linear Mixed Models were performed for each measure to evaluate the differences between production systems and to detect possible causal factors. Pigs in the conventional system presented the lowest prevalence of poor body condition, whereas extensive Mallorcan Black pigs and extensive Iberian pigs were associated with a decreased prevalence of bursitis and pig dirtiness. The straw-bedded system presented a lower prevalence of bursitis, but poorer hygiene and more susceptibility of poor body condition than the conventional system. The age of the animals had a significant effect on the appearance of bursitis in the three intensive systems studied. The type of floor was a significant causal factor of bursitis and pig dirtiness in the conventional system and among intensive Iberian pigs. The feeding system was another causal factor of pig dirtiness on more than 50% of the body in the conventional system, whereas pig dirtiness on less than 50% of the body was influenced by the age of the animals. The prevalence of huddling animals in the conventional system was associated with the highest stocking densities and the lowest environmental temperatures. The results indicate that there were important differences between production systems based on animal-based indicators of the good feeding and housing principles. The recording of the age of the animals, type of floor, feeding system, stocking density and environmental temperature can be useful to predict the appearance of a given welfare measure of 'good housing' on a farm.
Collapse
|
47
|
Wickham SL, Collins T, Barnes AL, Miller DW, Beatty DT, Stockman C, Blache D, Wemelsfelder F, Fleming PA. Qualitative behavioral assessment of transport-naive and transport-habituated sheep. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:4523-35. [PMID: 22829616 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective and issue-neutral qualitative assessments of livestock behavior could provide a powerful assessment of welfare, augmenting quantitative measures such as autonomic and endocrine changes, which are often difficult to assess under many commercial livestock conditions. We set out to validate the use of qualitative behavioral assessment (QBA) in sheep using controlled experimental conditions (transport as a challenge) and comparing assessments against physiological variables. The behavioral expression of 14 Merino wethers, which had never experienced land transport, were assessed during their first road event (naïve to transport), and then again on their seventh event, 8 d later (habituated to transport). Blood samples were collected immediately before loading and after unloading, and heart rate and core body temperature were measured continuously throughout each event. Continuous video footage recorded during each event was used to provide clips of individual animals that were shown to observers for QBA. There was significant consensus (P < 0.001) amongst 63 observers in terms of their assessment of the behavioral expression of the sheep. Transport-naïve sheep were assessed as being more 'alert', 'anxious', and 'aware', whereas transport-habituated sheep were more 'comfortable', 'tired', and 'confident' (P = 0.015). Heart rate and heart rate variability, core body temperature and a stress leukogram were greater (P < 0.05) in sheep during the first (naïve) event compared with the habituated event, and were significantly correlated with the QBA scores (P < 0.05). In conclusion, QBA is a valid, practical and informative measure of behavioral responses to transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Wickham
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Murdoch University, WA 6150, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ortiz-Plata C, De Lucas-Tron J, Miranda-de la Lama GC. Breed identity and leadership in a mixed flock of sheep. J Vet Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
49
|
Temple D, Manteca X, Velarde A, Dalmau A. Assessment of animal welfare through behavioural parameters in Iberian pigs in intensive and extensive conditions. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
50
|
|