1
|
Cowie S. Human social enrichment is linked with reduced mortality in artificially reared ewe lambs. Anim Sci J 2024; 95:e13913. [PMID: 38228316 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Growth of lambs in an artificial rearing system is key to the economic success of sheep-milking farms. Social enrichment in the form of quiet human contact has been shown to increase growth rates of lambs after weaning, perhaps by reducing stress and enhancing immune function. One hundred fourteen artificially reared dairy ewe lambs were assigned either to a Social condition receiving quiet human company in three 20-min segments per day, or a Control condition without quiet human contact. Feeding and housing conditions were otherwise identical. Starting weights for the Social (M = 6.29 kg; SD = 1.19 kg) and Control (M = 6.38 kg; SD = 0.93 kg) lambs were the same, as were their weights after 3 weeks (Mcontrol = 8.89 kg, SD = 2.55 kg, Msocial = 8.63 kg, SD = 2.16 kg). Mortality rates were significantly lower (p = 0.041) in the Social condition (0%) than Control (8%). Thus, social enrichment may be important for the wellbeing of lambs and for economic viability in lamb-rearing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cowie
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Science Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Han L, Liu J, Kang L, Zhao L, Cui K. Yeast Peptides Improve the Intestinal Barrier Function and Alleviate Weaning Stress by Changing the Intestinal Microflora Structure of Weaned Lambs. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2472. [PMID: 37894129 PMCID: PMC10608930 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Early weaning stress in lambs leads to decreased feed intake, damage to intestinal morphology, changes in the microbial flora structure, and subsequent complications. Yeast peptides are antimicrobial peptides with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bacteriostasis effects. To study the effects of yeast peptides on relieving weaning stress in lambs, 54 lambs were randomly divided into three groups: ewe-reared (ER), yeast-peptide-treated (AP), and early-weaned (EW) lambs. The body weight and dry matter intake did not significantly differ among all groups. After weaning, the daily gain and feed conversion rate decreased significantly (p < 0.01), but AP showed an upward trend. In the EW group, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels changed significantly post-weaning (IgG decreased; IgA and IgM increased); the villi shortened, the crypt depth increased, and the villi height/crypt depth decreased (p < 0.001). The abundance and diversity of microflora among all groups were not significantly different. A column coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the intestinal microbial structure between the AP and EW groups. Lactobacillus, Aeriscardovia, Ruminosaceae_UCG-014, and Catenisphaera may play key roles in alleviating weaning stress in lambs. Our study provides new clues for alleviating weaning stress in lambs by describing the influence of yeast peptides on the intestinal microflora during weaning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (L.H.); (J.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Lulu Han
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (L.H.); (J.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (L.H.); (J.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Lingyun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (L.H.); (J.L.); (L.K.)
| | - Ling Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Kai Cui
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (L.H.); (J.L.); (L.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tüfekci H, Sejian V. Stress Factors and Their Effects on Productivity in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2769. [PMID: 37685033 PMCID: PMC10486368 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Products obtained from sheep have an economically important place in the world. Their adaptability to different climatic conditions, their ease of care and feeding, their high utilization of poor pasture areas with low yield and quality, the ease of flock management, their high twinning rate, and their short intergenerational period are some of the advantages of sheep production. Sheep production has the ability to adapt better to environmental stress factors, as can be understood from the presence of sheep in different geographical regions at a global level. However, the changes in environmental conditions and production cause some negative results in animals. All these negative results expose animals to various stress factors (heat, cold, transport, treatment, nutritional, shearing, weaning, etc.). All stress factors that directly and indirectly affect sheep production ultimately lead to compromised performance, decreased productivity, increased mortality, and adverse effects on the immune system. In order to cope with the current stress parameters in animals and to achieve optimum production, a holistic approach is needed according to the environmental conditions and available resources. It is important to consider the factors involved in these responses in order to manage these processes correctly and to develop adequate strategies and improve sheep welfare. This review aimed to reveal the importance of some stress factors in sheep and their effects on sheep productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hacer Tüfekci
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat 66100, Turkey
| | - Veerasamy Sejian
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Kurumbapet, Pondicherry 605009, India;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alary J, Schaal B, Chotro G, Patris B, Destrez A. Mother’s scent for motherless neonates: Responses of artificially reared lambs to ewe’s inguinal wax odor. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
5
|
Effects of Extending Milk Replacer Feeding during the Fattening Period on the Behaviour and Welfare of Lambs: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010085. [PMID: 36611694 PMCID: PMC9817768 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010085] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of information on the behavioural and welfare effects of sustaining artificial milk feeding in fattening lambs. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the effects of prolonged artificial milk feeding during fattening with a high concentrate diet on the behaviour of lambs. The behaviour of 16 non castrated male lambs of the Manchega sheep breed (eight lambs were in the group that were fed daily a bottle of milk, and the other eight were in the weaned group) was recorded with four fixed cameras just before bottle feeding (~8:30 a.m.) of the unweaned group till four hours later, every day for 7 weeks. The solid diet (pelleted concentrate plus cereal straw) and housing conditions were the same in both groups. Solid feeds were offered ad libitum. There were no differences between groups in time spent eating nor in drinking, playing, scratching and oral activity behaviours (p > 0.05), but resting episodes were longer in weaned lambs (p < 0.05). Weaned lambs presented a higher frequency of self-grooming behaviour (p < 0.05), while the unweaned group performed a higher frequency of interaction behaviour (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behaviours of lambs that were fed daily a bottle of milk during the fattening period did not substantially differ from the weaned individuals.
Collapse
|
6
|
Effect of weaning and feed provision times on the performance and several behavioural traits of post-weaning lambs. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:366. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
7
|
Atkinson L, Doyle RE, Woodward A, Jongman EC. Exposure to humans after weaning does not reduce the behavioural reactivity of extensively reared Merino lambs. Behav Processes 2022; 201:104709. [PMID: 35878682 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human-directed fear in extensively reared sheep is often high due to the aversive nature of common husbandry procedures and infrequent interactions with humans. This study investigated whether additional human exposure provided to weaned lambs reduced human-directed fear and behavioural reactivity. Ninety Merino lambs were either exposed to low or moderately stressful human exposure sessions, or had no additional human contact, and their fear responses and behavioural reactivity to humans, a startle stimulus and confinement were tested. Overall, the imposed interventions did not reduce behavioural reactivity during these tests, suggesting fear towards humans had not been altered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Atkinson
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Level 3, Building 400, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Rebecca E Doyle
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Level 3, Building 400, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Woodward
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen C Jongman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Level 3, Building 400, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ledezma-Torres R, Sánchez-Dávila F, Rodríguez-Miranda D, Luna-Palomera C, Grizelj J, Vázquez-Armijo J, López-Villalobos N. Sexual performance and semen quality of pubertal lambs treated with different weaning methods. Arch Anim Breed 2022; 65:259-265. [PMID: 36035875 PMCID: PMC9399914 DOI: 10.5194/aab-65-259-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the
weaning method on lamb stress, body weight, sexual behavior, and semen
quality of Saint Croix male lambs. The present study was carried out during
the late spring and summer of 2018 in the northeast of Mexico. Sixty male
lambs born as twins or triplets (3.2 ± 0.6 kg birth weight) and
weaned at 60 d of age (19.21 ± 1.8 kg weaning weight) were divided
into two weaning methods: complete separation from the dams (CS; the lambs
were moved to a pen that was at 500 m of distance from the dams) and
separation with contact from the dams (SCD); the lambs were physically
separated by a steel mesh that prevented the lambs from having the
possibility of sucking milk from their mothers, but they maintained
permanent visual and auditory contact. Cortisol levels were determined
3 d before and 7 d after weaning. Lambs were evaluated as 3-month-old lambs for sexual behavior and semen quality for 9 weeks. The
effects of the weaning method (M), week (W), and the interaction M × W were
significant on body weight and cortisol levels (P<0.001). The SCD
lambs had higher cortisol levels at 3, 5, and 7 d after weaning than CS
lambs (P<0.001). The CS lambs had higher body weight during the
first 4 weeks after weaning than SCD lambs (P<0.001). The weaning
method had no effect on scrotal circumference, sexual behavior, and semen
quality traits, except for progressive sperm motility, being better for the
lambs that were completely separated (P<0.05). The results from
this study show that complete separation of lambs and ewes at weaning is an
effective method to reduce lamb stress and improve lamb growth after
weaning, but it did not have long-term effects on sexual behavior and semen
quality of Saint Croix male lambs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Alejandro Ledezma-Torres
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria
y Zootecnia, Posgrado Conjunto FA-FMVZ, General Escobedo, CP
66050, Mexico
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Dávila
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Agronomía,
Posgrado Conjunto FA-FMVZ, Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Unidad
Académica Marín, Marín, CP 66700, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos Luna-Palomera
- Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Villahermosa, Tabasco, CP 86280, México
| | - Juraj Grizelj
- Universidad de Zagreb, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Nicolás López-Villalobos
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de
México, Centro Universitario Temascaltepec, Temascaltepec,
CP 51300, Mexico
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North
4442, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rearing goat kids away from their dams 2. Understanding farmers’ views on changing management practices. Animal 2022; 16:100548. [DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
10
|
Han L, Tao H, Kang L, Wang S, Diao Q, Han D, Cui K. Transcriptome and iTRAQ-Based Proteome Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Intestinal Injury Induced by Weaning Ewe's Milk in Lambs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:809188. [PMID: 35548050 PMCID: PMC9082421 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.809188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early feeding regime has a substantial lifelong effect on lambs and weaning ewe's milk can lead to the intestinal injury of lambs. To explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of intestinal injury of lambs under weaning stress, the jejunum was conducted transcriptome and then integrated analyzed with our previous proteome data. A total of 255 upregulated genes and 285 downregulated genes were significantly identified. These genes showed low overlapping with differentially expressed proteins identified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). However, according to their functions, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins with the same expression trend were enriched for the similar Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, such as intestinal lipid absorption, urea cycle, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, the DEGs, including FABP2, ACSL3, APOA2, APOC3, and PCK1, might play essential roles in intestinal lipid absorption and immune response through the PPAR signaling pathway and ferroptosis. This study could provide new insights into early lamb breeding at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Han
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyu Diao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Deping Han
- College of Veterinary Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Deping Han
| | - Kai Cui
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Kai Cui
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Freitas-de-Melo A, Orihuela A, Hötzel MJ, Ungerfeld R. What Do We Know and Need to Know About Weaning in Sheep? An Overview of Weaning Practises, Stress and Welfare. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.823188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial weaning is the separation of the mother and her lamb, involving the forced ending of suckling and milk supply by the ewes to their lambs. Artificial weaning time varies depending on the purpose of each sheep farm and the characteristics of the lambs, including age and weight of the lambs, and their ability to eat solid food. Artificial weaning is performed from 24 h postpartum until around the age of natural weaning (up to 12 mo of age). Artificial weaning results in the breaking of the ewe-lamb bond, the end of suckling and the complete replacement of milk by solid food, frequently added to changes in both the physical and social environment. It triggers behavioural, physiological and immunological changes that generate negative consequences on the health of both ewes and lambs, as well as on the growth of the lambs, rising animal welfare concerns. As artificial weaning is considered one of the most stressful situations in the life of farm mammals, it is important to consider the factors involved in those responses to develop adequate strategies and improve sheep welfare at weaning. The most frequently used method is the abrupt separation of the ewes and their lambs. However, the adaptation of the animals after weaning can be improved by alternative weaning methods (e.g., progressive, two-steps weaning and mixed regimes), hormonal treatments (e.g., administration of progesterone), and pre- and postweaning management (e.g., the use of creeping feeding, and the presence of conspecifics or humans after weaning). This review presents and summarises information on the stress response and animal welfare issues at artificial weaning in sheep and some management practises that can be used to reduce these problems. The major points included are the ewe-lamb bond at birth and during the lactation period; the stress response at weaning; the factors involved in the stress response at weaning; the different types and weaning methods and their repercussions on animal welfare; and some strategies that can be used to improve sheep welfare at weaning. Lastly, we propose directions for research needed to develop practical alternatives to minimise sheep's stress response at weaning.
Collapse
|
12
|
The effects of accustoming to handling during the finishing period and weaning status on stress responses to transport, and carcass and meat quality in Kivircik lambs. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
13
|
|
14
|
Weyl-Feinstein S, Lavon Y, Yaffa Kan N, Weiss-Bakal M, Shmueli A, Ben-Dov D, Malka H, Faktor G, Honig H. Welfare Issues on Israeli Dairy Farms: Attitudes and Awareness of Farm Workers and Veterinary Practitioners. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020294. [PMID: 33498914 PMCID: PMC7912428 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animal welfare science embraces all factors that might affect the physical and emotional state of the animal, its ability to cope, and its overall quality of life. In recent years, awareness of farm animal welfare has increased among veterinary practitioners—a major professional figure influencing a farm’s routine, farm workers, consumers, and the general public. In particular, the farm worker’s knowledge of animal welfare is an essential component of the rearing system. The aim of this study was to examine attitudes toward and awareness of select animal welfare issues among farm workers and practitioners. A survey was performed based on anonymous questionnaires filled out by dairy farm workers and veterinary practitioners. The results demonstrated that farm workers’ enjoyment of their work is of great importance, as is their cows’ welfare. The survey showed the farm workers’ awareness of their influence on the cow during milking, the effects of stress on milk production, and the possible effect of human behavior on heifers and cows. The main areas where animal welfare might be improved were farmers’ awareness of learning, memory, and pain masking in cattle, and knowledge transfer from veterinary practitioners to the farm workers. The survey answers further emphasized the crucial importance of communication and understanding between farm workers and their practitioners. Abstract Attitudes toward practical dairy cow welfare issues were evaluated based on a questionnaire answered by 500 dairy farm workers and 27 veterinary practitioners. Primarily, the effect of demographic characteristics on attitudes toward cattle welfare was tested. Professionally, five themes were identified: effect of welfare awareness on productivity, knowledge of cattle’s senses and social structure, effects of man–animal interactions on milk yield, pain perception and prevention, and knowledge transfer from veterinary practitioners to farm workers. Farms with a higher welfare awareness score also had higher annual milk yield, with an annual mean difference of 1000 L of milk per cow between farms with higher and lower awareness scores. Veterinary practitioners showed high awareness of cows’ social structure, senses, and pain perception. Farm workers were aware of the influence of man–animal interactions during milking and stress effects on milk yield, and the possible effect of man’s behavior on heifers and cows. Practitioners and farm workers had different views regarding pain perception, mostly involving mutilation procedures. All veterinary practitioners advocated the use of pain alleviation in painful procedures, but only some of them instructed the farm workers to administer it. The survey results emphasize the variation in welfare knowledge and practical applications across farms, and the interest of both the animals and their managers to improve applied knowledge of best practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Weyl-Feinstein
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel; (M.W.-B.); (A.S.); (D.B.-D.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.-F.); (H.H.)
| | - Yaniv Lavon
- Israel Cattle Breeders’ Association, P.O.B. 3015, Caesarea Industrial Park 38900, Israel;
| | - Noa Yaffa Kan
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 37, Midreshet Ben Gurion 84990, Israel;
| | - Meytal Weiss-Bakal
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel; (M.W.-B.); (A.S.); (D.B.-D.)
| | - Ayelet Shmueli
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel; (M.W.-B.); (A.S.); (D.B.-D.)
| | - Dganit Ben-Dov
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel; (M.W.-B.); (A.S.); (D.B.-D.)
| | - Hillel Malka
- Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 30, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel;
| | - Gilad Faktor
- Hachaklait Veterinary Services Ltd. Corporation, Bareket St. 20, Caesarea 3097020, Israel;
| | - Hen Honig
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan, Hamakabim St., Rishon Letzion 7519701, Israel; (M.W.-B.); (A.S.); (D.B.-D.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.-F.); (H.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cognition and behavior in sheep repetitively inoculated with aluminum adjuvant-containing vaccines or aluminum adjuvant only. J Inorg Biochem 2019; 203:110934. [PMID: 31783216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2019.110934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sheep health management strategies often include the use of aluminum (Al)-containing vaccines. These products were associated with the appearance of the ovine autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome), which included an array of ethological changes in the affected animals. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate cognitive and behavioral changes in sheep subjected to a protocol of repetitive inoculation with Al-containing products. Twenty-one lambs were assigned to three groups (n = 7 each): Control, Adjuvant-only, and Vaccine. Vaccine group was inoculated with commercial Al- hydroxide containing vaccines; Adjuvant-only group received the equivalent dose of Al only (Alhydrogel®), and Control group received Phosphate-buffered saline. Sixteen inoculations were administered within a 349-day period. Ethological changes were studied in late summer (7 inoculations) and mid-winter (16 inoculations). Animals in Vaccine and Adjuvant-only groups exhibited individual and social behavioral changes. Affiliative interactions were significantly reduced, and aggressive interactions and stereotypies increased significantly. They also exhibited a significant increase in excitatory behavior and compulsive eating. There were increased levels of stress biomarkers in these two groups. In general, changes were more pronounced in the Vaccine group than they were in the Adjuvant-only group. Some changes were already significant in summer, after seven inoculations only. This study is the first to describe behavioral changes in sheep after having received repetitive injections of Al-containing products, and may explain some of the clinical signs observed in ovine ASIA syndrome.
Collapse
|
16
|
Edwards GL, Azain MJ, Parks A. Agricultural Animals as Biomedical Models: Occupational Health and Safety Considerations. ILAR J 2019; 59:161-167. [PMID: 30476116 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of agricultural animals in biomedical research is increasing. Their overall size and metabolic rate, organ size, longer gestation period, and other physiological similarities make them good candidates for animal models of human disease. There are a number of special considerations for use of traditional farm animals for biomedical research. Differences in physical plant infrastructure, handling equipment, training of personnel, and potential zoonoses are some of the important considerations when traditional farm animals are used in biomedical research. This article provides an overview of some of the special considerations for using traditional agricultural animals in biomedical research. With the growing need for improved translational research, it is reasonable to predict significant growth in these animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaylen L Edwards
- Department Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Michael J Azain
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Athens, Georgia
| | - Andrew Parks
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Freitas-de-Melo A, Ungerfeld R, Pérez-Clariget R. Behavioral pattern in Texel x Corriedale terminal crossbreeding: Maternal behavior score at birth, lambs’ feeding behaviors, and behavioral responses of lambs to abrupt weaning. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
18
|
Harrap MJM, Hempel de Ibarra N, Whitney HM, Rands SA. Reporting of thermography parameters in biology: a systematic review of thermal imaging literature. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181281. [PMID: 30662737 PMCID: PMC6304129 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Infrared (IR) thermography, where temperature measurements are made with IR cameras, has proven to be a very useful and widely used tool in biological science. Several thermography parameters are critical to the proper operation of thermal cameras and the accuracy of measurements, and these must usually be provided to the camera. Failure to account for these parameters may lead to less accurate measurements. Furthermore, the failure to provide information of parameter choices in reports may compromise appraisal of accuracy and replicate studies. In this review, we investigate how well biologists report thermography parameters. This is done through a systematic review of biological thermography literature that included articles published between years 2007 and 2017. We found that in primary biological thermography papers, which make some kind of quantitative temperature measurement, 48% fail to report values used for emissivity (an object's capacity to emit thermal radiation relative to a black body radiator), which is the minimum level of reporting that should take place. This finding highlights the need for life scientists to take into account and report key parameter information when carrying out thermography, in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie Hempel de Ibarra
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Heather M. Whitney
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Sean A. Rands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Asín J, Pascual-Alonso M, Pinczowski P, Gimeno M, Pérez M, Muniesa A, Pablo-Maiso LD, Blas ID, Lacasta D, Fernández A, Andrés DD, María G, Reina R, Luján L. WITHDRAWN: Cognition and behavior in sheep repetitively inoculated with aluminum adjuvant-containing vaccines or aluminum adjuvant only. Pharmacol Res 2018:S1043-6618(18)31373-2. [PMID: 30395948 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Asín
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | - Marina Gimeno
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Muniesa
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lorena de Pablo-Maiso
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, CSIC-Public University of Navarra, Mutilva Baja, Navarra, Spain
| | - Ignacio de Blas
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Damián de Andrés
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, CSIC-Public University of Navarra, Mutilva Baja, Navarra, Spain
| | - Gustavo María
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramsés Reina
- Institute of Agrobiotechnology, CSIC-Public University of Navarra, Mutilva Baja, Navarra, Spain
| | - Lluís Luján
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Mixto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cui K, Wang B, Zhang N, Tu Y, Ma T, Diao Q. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of alterations in the intestine of Hu sheep under weaning stress. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200680. [PMID: 30024939 PMCID: PMC6053177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
When Lambs are weaned off ewe's milk, metabolic, structural, and functional changes often occur in the small intestine. Because information on the effects of weaning stress on the proteome of the intestine is limited, an animal model was established with eight pairs of twin lambs divided into artificially reared and ewe-reared groups, which was followed by proteome analysis using iTRAQ technology. Changes occurred in the morphology of the intestine and 5,338 proteins in three biological replicates with less than a 1.2% false discovery rate were identified and quantified. Among them, a subset of 389 proteins were screened as significantly up- (143) and down-regulated (246) in artificially reared compared with ewe-reared. According to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, the differentially expressed proteins that were strongly down-regulated were enriched in immune system processes, biological adhesion, and metabolic processes. The up-regulated proteins were enriched in gene expression, cellular biosynthetic processes, ribosome and RNA binding in response to weaning stress. A series of proteins associated with intestine morphology and immune function were identified, and levels of the mRNAs encoding these proteins were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The results of this study increased our understanding of the response of lambs weaned off ewe's milk and helped to determine the mechanisms underlying weaning stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Cui
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Naifeng Zhang
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Tu
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyu Diao
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pullin AN, Pairis-Garcia MD, Campbell BJ, Campler MR, Proudfoot KL, Fluharty FL. The effect of social dynamics and environment at time of early weaning on short- and long-term lamb behavior in a pasture and feedlot setting. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
22
|
Low pasture allowance until late gestation in ewes: behavioural and physiological changes in ewes and lambs from lambing to weaning. Animal 2016; 11:285-294. [PMID: 27405791 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116001427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Low pasture allowance during gestation affects ewes' BW at parturition, the bond with their lamb, lamb development, and thus also may affect their responses to weaning. The objectives were to determine if native pasture allowance from before conception until late pregnancy affects ewe-lamb behaviours at lambing, ewes' milk yield, lambs' BW, and the behavioural and physiological changes of ewes and lambs at weaning. From 23 days before conception until 122 days of pregnancy, 24 ewes grazed on two different native pasture allowances: high (10 to 12 kg of dry matter (DM)/100 kg of BW per day; HPA treatment; n=12) or low (5 to 8 kg of DM/100 kg of BW per day; LPA treatment; n=12). Thereafter, all ewes grazed on Festuca arundinacea and received rice bran and crude glycerine. Ewes' body condition score (BCS) and BW were recorded during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Milk yield was determined on days 32, 41 and 54 after lambing. Lambs' BW was recorded from birth until 72 days after lambing. Latency from parturition until the ewe licked her lamb, maternal behaviour score (a test that evaluates maternal attachment to the lamb) and latency for lamb to stand up and suckle were determined. The behaviour of the lambs and ewes was recorded before and after weaning (at 65 days). The ewes' serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations were measured before and after weaning. The HPA ewes presented greater BW (P<0.005) and BCS (P<0.005) than the LPA ewes during pregnancy and postpartum (P<0.04), and had a greater milk yield than the LPA ewes (P<0.03). Treatments did not influence any behaviour at lambing, lambs' BW, neither the ewes' behavioural and physiological changes at weaning. HPA lambs paced and vocalized more than LPA lambs (P<0.0001). The variation of albumin concentration before and after weaning was greater in the HPA lambs than in the LPA lambs (P<0.0001). In conclusion, although ewes' BW, BCS and milk production were affected by pasture allowance until late pregnancy, this did not affect the behaviours that lead to the establishment of the mother-young bond, nor the ewes' behavioural responses at weaning. Lambs reared by ewes that grazed on low pasture allowance during pregnancy presented fewer behavioural changes and a lower decrease of albumin concentration after weaning. Lambs' BW was not affected by the feeding received by their mothers.
Collapse
|
23
|
How Farm Animals React and Perceive Stressful Situations Such As Handling, Restraint, and Transport. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:1233-51. [PMID: 26633523 PMCID: PMC4693213 DOI: 10.3390/ani5040409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An animal that has been carefully acclimated to handling may willingly re-enter a restrainer. Another animal may have an intense agitated behavioral reaction or refuse to re-enter the handling facility. Physiological measures of stress such as cortisol may be very low in the animal that re-enters willingly and higher in animals that actively resist restraint. Carefully acclimating young animals to handling and restraint can help improve both productivity and welfare by reducing fear stress. Some of the topics covered in this review are: How an animal perceives handling and restraint, the detrimental effects of a sudden novel event, descriptions of temperament and aversion tests and the importance of good stockmanship.
Collapse
|
24
|
Aguayo-Ulloa L, Pascual-Alonso M, Olleta J, Sañudo C, Miranda-de la Lama G, María G. Effect of a screen with flaps and straw on behaviour, stress response, productive performance and meat quality in indoor feedlot lambs. Meat Sci 2015; 105:16-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|