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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, de La Lama GCM, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of pigs during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07445. [PMID: 36092763 PMCID: PMC9449989 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of pigs during transport. The welfare of pigs during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of pigs during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 10 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for the welfare of pigs during transport based on the severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified, mainly relating to factors such as mixing of unfamiliar pigs, inappropriate handling methods and devices, the use of pick-up pens, inexperienced/untrained handlers, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport of pigs. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences are made. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions and minimum space allowance within means of transport. The development of the welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of cull sows and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.
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Abstract
The rising prewean mortality rates in swine production are a great economic and production burden to the swine industry. The thermal environment for a piglet is commonly adapted to the piglet's specific needs with a key factor of surface area impacting all modes of heat transfer. The current standard for pig dimensions was originally accepted in 1968 and has yet to be updated with clear data from piglets during lactation. The objective of this study was to collect and evaluate the dimensions of body weight, length, height and width of piglets during lactation. Eight litters from geriatric sows (commercial cross breds) were utilized in this study with data collected every day from birth to weaning (23–32 days of age). The evaluation of the dimensions with effects of litter size and sex showed that sex of the piglet does not have a significant impact on dimensions while litter size does. The piglets in this study were smaller than the standard at birth, likely attributed to changes in genetics and an increase in total born. The results of this study showed a slight difference in dimension at the heavier weights to a study with nursery pigs however there are differences in genetics. The data and equations presented in this study will be valuable for the design of creep areas and supplemental heat sources to accommodate the size of modern piglets during lactation.
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Vitali M, Nannoni E, Sardi L, Martelli G. Knowledge and Perspectives on the Welfare of Italian Heavy Pigs on Farms. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1690. [PMID: 34204037 PMCID: PMC8227195 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to give an overview of the most significant available information on welfare issues of Italian heavy pigs on farms. These animals, whose meat is used to produce typical products, are characterized by much higher body weights and age at slaughter (approximately 160-170 kg, and 9 months of age) than most pigs reared in Europe, resulting in peculiar behavioral and rearing-related needs. To highlight the main findings and the areas in which additional research is needed, the paper was organized by allocating the studies on the basis of the Welfare Quality four principles framework, i.e., good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior. The results indicate the possibility of improvement with regard to the management of feeding, watering, and some environmental parameters (light, thermal comfort, enrichments) and a lack of knowledge on the actual space requirements (and a corresponding regulatory gap). Moreover, deficiencies concerning the prevalence of injuries and disease and the relationship between lesions observed post-mortem and rearing conditions needs to be addressed. Lastly, the absence of research concerning the evaluation of the emotional state of animals has been highlighted. It is hoped that these findings will, in the future, serve as a basis for the development of specific policies for these animals in order to increase the ethical value of the entire production chain, in accordance with consumers' demand and expectation for high animal welfare standards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (M.V.); (L.S.); (G.M.)
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Jeppsson KH, Olsson AC, Nasirahmadi A. Cooling growing/finishing pigs with showers in the slatted area: Effect on animal occupation area, pen fouling and ammonia emission. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Nannoni E, Martelli G, Rubini G, Sardi L. Effects of increased space allowance on animal welfare, meat and ham quality of heavy pigs slaughtered at 160Kg. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212417. [PMID: 30768620 PMCID: PMC6377132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sixty barrows (Body Weight–BW- range: 23.9–160 kg) were allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens of 5 pigs each): the control group was kept at a space allowance of 1m2/head; the second group was kept at 1.3m2/head. Behaviour, growth parameters, carcass and meat quality were assessed, as well as fat and cured ham quality. Results showed that pigs raised at 1.3m2/head spent more time laying (particularly in lateral recumbency, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) compared to pigs kept at lower space allowance. They also reduced the aimless exploration of the slatted pen floor (P<0.001) and increased overall expression of other, mainly active, behaviors (e.g., drinking, walking and standing, P<0.01). Pigs raised at 1.3m2/head showed higher final BW (P = 0.02), more favourable Average Daily Gain (ADG) and gain-to-Feed ratio (G:F) both during the last period of the trial (P<0.05 for both parameters) and over the entire trial (P = 0.01 for both parameters). No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass traits and the main meat quality attributes. Subcutaneous fat from green hams had higher α-linolenic acid content (P<0.01) in the group reared at greater space allowance. Green hams from this group lost less weight at trimming (P<0.01) and the resulting cured hams received better sensory evaluations (P<0.05). No difference was observed in fatty acid composition and unsaturation levels of the subcutaneous fat from cured hams. Our data suggest that heavy pigs intended for Parma ham would benefit from the adoption of higher individual floor space allowances, both in terms of animal welfare (increased possibility to rest) and of productive parameters, without having any detrimental effect on the suitability of the thighs for dry-curing or on the quality of the final product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulia Rubini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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Arndt H, Volkmann N, Spindler B, Hartung J, Kemper N. Do Pigs Have Adequate Space in Animal Transportation Vehicles?-Planimetric Measurement of the Floor Area Covered by Finishing Pigs in Various Body Positions. Front Vet Sci 2019; 5:330. [PMID: 30687722 PMCID: PMC6335254 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00330] [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: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the floor area covered by individual finishing pigs in various body positions was measured using a contrast-based planimetric method for computer-assisted analysis of two-dimensional images. Two hundred and thirty-two finishing pigs were weighed during the last fifth of the fattening period and measured in different body positions using contrast-based planimetry. Thirteen body positions were defined based on characteristic directions of the head, legs and body. The lowest average covered floor area was found for body position A (pig standing up straight, nose touching the ground) with 0.288 ± 0.026 m2. The highest average covered floor area for a standing pig amounted to 0.335 ± 0.030 m2 in body posture ES (pig standing curved sideways, head raised above the dorsal line) and, for a lying pig, 0.486 ± 0.040 m2 (posture LL, pig lying in fully lateral recumbent position). The covered floor surface significantly depended on the weight of the animal and the body posture. Allometric estimations previously described for calculating the floor area physically covered by a pig's body are not consistently precise in depicting the actual areas covered. The minimal floor area offered in animal transportation vehicles, according to European legislation, is insufficient in the case of all pigs lying in the fully recumbent position simultaneously, without the pigs being forced to partially overlap one another. Therefore, both allometric formulas and legislation should be modified on the basis of these results and further studies with pigs of modern genetic origin should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Arndt
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Volkmann
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour (ITTN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Spindler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour (ITTN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Hartung
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour (ITTN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour (ITTN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Fels M, Konen K, Hessel E, Kemper N. Biometric measurement of static space required by weaned piglets kept in groups of eight during 6 weeks. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/an17445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Adequate space allocation is deemed to be an important criterion for animal welfare in modern pig farming. However, it is not a simple matter to determine how much space a group of pigs needs, and precise, animal-based data about the floor area needed by the body dimensions of group-housed pigs in different weight categories are currently lacking. So as to collect biometric data on the static space of weaned pigs kept in groups and to evaluate current spatial requirements, an automatic measurement of the floor area covered by the pigs’ bodies within groups was performed. Consequently, the resulting free space in a pen, available for (non-) locomotor behaviours, was calculated. In three batches, two groups of eight piglets each were formed after weaning. Using three-dimensional cameras that recorded a piglets’ pen from top view and a software for image analysis, the exact static space of a group considering different body positions was measured and specified in square centimetres. Measurements were taken weekly for a total period of 6 weeks per batch. The area covered by the bodies of a group of eight piglets increased almost linearly with increasing average bodyweight (R
2 = 0.99, n = 1645 images). The highest mean static space was measured in Week 6 (1.54 m2, average bodyweight: 25.2 kg) when 100% of piglets were lying with less than 50% huddling. When 100% of piglets within a group were lying, more than 50% huddling reduced the mean static space to 1.4 m2 (P < 0.05). When all pigs of a group were lying, significantly more space was covered than in situations when all pigs of a group were standing (1.54 m2 vs 1.36 m2, P < 0.05). Exclusively in Week 1, when piglets were lying with more than 50% huddling, the space covered by the group was slightly reduced compared with the situation when 100% of piglets were standing. By the automatic method, realistic results on the static space of piglets kept in groups were achieved. Space requirements of the largest animals in the most space-demanding body positions should be the basis for space recommendations for nursery pigs.
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Pezzuolo A, Milani V, Zhu D, Guo H, Guercini S, Marinello F. On-Barn Pig Weight Estimation Based on Body Measurements by Structure-from-Motion (SfM). SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:E3603. [PMID: 30352969 PMCID: PMC6263682 DOI: 10.3390/s18113603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Information on the body shape of pigs is a key indicator to monitor their performance and health and to control or predict their market weight. Manual measurements are among the most common ways to obtain an indication of animal growth. However, this approach is laborious and difficult, and it may be stressful for both the pigs and the stockman. The present paper proposes the implementation of a Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry approach as a new tool for on-barn animal reconstruction applications. This is possible also to new software tools allowing automatic estimation of camera parameters during the reconstruction process even without a preliminary calibration phase. An analysis on pig body 3D SfM characterization is here proposed, carried out under different conditions in terms of number of camera poses and animal movements. The work takes advantage of the total reconstructed surface as reference index to quantify the quality of the achieved 3D reconstruction, showing how as much as 80% of the total animal area can be characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pezzuolo
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Veronica Milani
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - DeHai Zhu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Hao Guo
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Stefano Guercini
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marinello
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
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Pezzuolo A, Guarino M, Sartori L, Marinello F. A Feasibility Study on the Use of a Structured Light Depth-Camera for Three-Dimensional Body Measurements of Dairy Cows in Free-Stall Barns. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:E673. [PMID: 29495290 PMCID: PMC5856155 DOI: 10.3390/s18020673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Frequent checks on livestock's body growth can help reducing problems related to cow infertility or other welfare implications, and recognizing health's anomalies. In the last ten years, optical methods have been proposed to extract information on various parameters while avoiding direct contact with animals' body, generally causes stress. This research aims to evaluate a new monitoring system, which is suitable to frequently check calves and cow's growth through a three-dimensional analysis of their bodies' portions. The innovative system is based on multiple acquisitions from a low cost Structured Light Depth-Camera (Microsoft Kinect™ v1). The metrological performance of the instrument is proved through an uncertainty analysis and a proper calibration procedure. The paper reports application of the depth camera for extraction of different body parameters. Expanded uncertainty ranging between 3 and 15 mm is reported in the case of ten repeated measurements. Coefficients of determination R² > 0.84 and deviations lower than 6% from manual measurements where in general detected in the case of head size, hips distance, withers to tail length, chest girth, hips, and withers height. Conversely, lower performances where recognized in the case of animal depth (R² = 0.74) and back slope (R² = 0.12).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pezzuolo
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Marcella Guarino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy.
| | - Luigi Sartori
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marinello
- Department of Agroforesty and Landscape, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
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10
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Planimetric measurement as a method for scientific assessment of space requirements of young suckling piglets in the creep area. Livest Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Zaninelli M, Costa A, Tangorra FM, Rossi L, Agazzi A, Savoini G. Preliminary evaluation of a nest usage sensor to detect double nest occupations of laying hens. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2015; 15:2680-93. [PMID: 25629704 PMCID: PMC4367327 DOI: 10.3390/s150202680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Conventional cage systems will be replaced by housing systems that allow hens to move freely. These systems may improve hens' welfare, but they lead to some disadvantages: disease, bone fractures, cannibalism, piling and lower egg production. New selection criteria for existing commercial strains should be identified considering individual data about laying performance and the behavior of hens. Many recording systems have been developed to collect these data. However, the management of double nest occupations remains critical for the correct egg-to-hen assignment. To limit such events, most systems adopt specific trap devices and additional mechanical components. Others, instead, only prevent these occurrences by narrowing the nest, without any detection and management. The aim of this study was to develop and test a nest usage "sensor", based on imaging analysis, that is able to automatically detect a double nest occupation. Results showed that the developed sensor correctly identified the double nest occupation occurrences. Therefore, the imaging analysis resulted in being a useful solution that could simplify the nest construction for this type of recording system, allowing the collection of more precise and accurate data, since double nest occupations would be managed and the normal laying behavior of hens would not be discouraged by the presence of the trap devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Zaninelli
- Faculty of Agriculture, Università Telematica San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Costa
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Maria Tangorra
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Luciana Rossi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Agazzi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Savoini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Kashiha MA, Bahr C, Ott S, Moons CP, Niewold TA, Tuyttens F, Berckmans D. Automatic monitoring of pig locomotion using image analysis. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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