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Feng W, Fan D, Wu H, Yuan W. Cow Behavior Recognition Based on Wearable Nose Rings. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1187. [PMID: 38672335 PMCID: PMC11047668 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081187] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study introduces a novel device designed to monitor dairy cow behavior, with a particular focus on feeding, rumination, and other behaviors. This study investigates the association between the cow behaviors and acceleration data collected using a three-axis, nose-mounted accelerometer, as well as the feasibility of improving the behavioral classification accuracy through machine learning. A total of 11 cows were used. We utilized three-axis acceleration sensors that were fixed to the cow's nose, and these devices provided detailed and unique data corresponding to their activity; in particular, a recorder was installed on each nasal device to obtain acceleration data, which were then used to calculate activity levels and changes. In addition, we visually observed the behavior of the cattle. The characteristic acceleration values during feeding, rumination, and other behavior were recorded; there were significant differences in the activity levels and changes between different behaviors. The results indicated that the nose ring device had the potential to accurately differentiate between eating and rumination behaviors, thus providing an effective method for the early detection of health problems and cattle management. The eating, rumination, and other behaviors of cows were classified with high accuracy using the machine learning technique, which can be used to calculate the activity levels and changes in cattle based on the data obtained from the nose-mounted, three-axis accelerometer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daoerji Fan
- School of Electronic Information Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; (W.F.); (H.W.); (W.Y.)
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Marzano A, Correddu F, Lunesu MF, Zgheib E, Nudda A, Pulina G. Behaviour Indicators of Animal Welfare in Purebred and Crossbred Yearling Beef Reared in Optimal Environmental Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:712. [PMID: 38473096 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050712] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to monitor the behaviour of purebred and crossbred beef cattle reared in the same optimal environmental conditions according to Classyfarm®. Thirty-yearling beef 11.5 months old, including 10 Limousines (LMS), 10 Sardo-Bruna (SRB), and 10 crossbred Limousine × Sardo-Bruna (LMS × SRB), balanced for sex and body weight, were used. Animals were evaluated for five months by two trained operators by SCAN ("sternal resting", "lateral resting", " central or peripheral position in the pen", standing", "walking", "feeding", "drinking", and "ruminating) and FOCUS ("displacement for space", "displacement for feed or water", "play-fighting", "self-grooming", "allo-grooming", "stereotyping", and "mounting") protocols. Feeding behaviour was monitored by a CCTV system. The application of the SCAN sampling evidenced that SRB animals preferred the "standing" activity over the LMS animals, while the LMS × SRB did not differ from them. The "standing" and " ruminating "activities were observed mostly in females than males (p < 0.05). For behaviour parameters assessed by the FOCUS methodology, the n-events of "allo-grooming" were higher (p < 0.05) in SRB than in LMS and LMS × SRB genetic types. Males showed higher (p < 0.05) n-events than females for "play-fighting". For feeding behaviour, the "eating concentrate" activity (expressed as n-events) was higher (p < 0.05) in SRB than LMS × SRB and LMS being intermediate (p < 0.05). The duration of "eating concentrate" (expressed in minutes) was higher (p < 0.05) in females than males. In conclusion, behaviour indicators of animal welfare did not evidence substantial differences among genetic types and between sexes reared in the same "optimal" environmental conditions. Female beef and the autochthon's cattle breed of Sardinia, although typically hardy, showed a wide behavioural repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Marzano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabio Correddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Elias Zgheib
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Anna Nudda
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pulina
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Dziki-Michalska K, Tajchman K, Kowalik S. Physiological response of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during stalking hunts depending on age. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:266. [PMID: 38071359 PMCID: PMC10709921 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03833-8] [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] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a species particularly reactive to all kinds of negative stimuli. Hunting activity is one of the most potent stressors that disturbs the welfare of wild animals. During stress, various endocrine responses are elicited to improve the physical performance of the affected individual. A commonly assessed hormone for overcoming stressful situations is cortisol (CORT). In this study, plasma CORT levels in roe deer were assessed during the season of the most intense stalking hunts in Poland (summer vs. late autumn), the sex of the harvested animals (males vs. females), and age of harvest animal. In addition, the health status of the roe doe was evaluated on the basis of selected indices of blood chemistry, which could be associated with circulating cortisol levels. RESULTS The mean cortisol levels were 58.066 ng/ml in the male group (summer) and 27.694 ng/ml in the female group (late autumn). Higher CORT levels were associated with a significantly lower of total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and uric acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean concentration of uric acid was negatively correlated with the level of CORT in the male and female groups (p < 0.05). Together with the increase in mean CORT level, the HDL cholesterol of all the tested animals increased significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Higher CORT in males during the summer than in females during the late autumn were most likely due to the arousal with the mating season. The level of CORT increased with the animals' age. Uric acid and age are both predictors of roe deer's serum CORT level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Dziki-Michalska
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin, 20-950, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Tajchman
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin, 20-950, Poland.
| | - Sylwester Kowalik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 12, Lublin, 20-033, Poland
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RSRIRANGA KR, RAO TKS, HARINI KR, SINGH RR, PATEL NB. Expression of parlour behaviour, temperament, welfare and approach test in postpartum Surti buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v93i1.127117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study was carried out at Livestock Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat to investigate the effect of parity on milking parlour behaviour, temperament and welfare of postpartum Surti buffaloes. Fourteen postpartum Surti buffaloes were selected and grouped based on parity as primiparous and multiparous (2nd to 5th lactation). The milking behaviour of experimental animals was observed on the day of calving, 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th and 80th day post-calving keeping in view the peak production of buffaloes. The primiparous animals showed higher milk let down time and milking time, and lower rate of milk flow as compared to multiparous animals. The frequency of incidences of urination, defecation, kicking and stepping were significantly higher in primiparous group. The primiparous animals exhibited more avoidance behaviour when approached by a test person, indicative of more agitation. During milking and in paddock, primiparous animals were more aggressive and restless as compared to multiparous animals which exhibited calmer and docile temperament. From the present study, it could be conferred that parity significantly influences the parlour behaviour, temperament and welfare in postpartum Surti buffaloes.
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Contribution of Precision Livestock Farming Systems to the Improvement of Welfare Status and Productivity of Dairy Animals. DAIRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the effects of human–dairy cattle interaction have been extensively examined, data concerning small ruminants are scarce. The present review article aims at highlighting the effects of management practices on the productivity, physiology and behaviour of dairy animals. In general, aversive handling is associated with a milk yield reduction and welfare impairment. Precision livestock farming systems have therefore been applied and have rapidly changed the management process with the introduction of technological and computer innovations that contribute to the minimization of animal disturbances, the promotion of good practices and the maintenance of cattle’s welfare status and milk production and farms’ sustainability and competitiveness at high levels. However, although dairy farmers acknowledge the advantages deriving from the application of precision livestock farming advancements, a reluctance concerning their regular application to small ruminants is observed, due to economic and cultural constraints and poor technological infrastructures. As a result, targeted intervention training programmes are also necessary in order to improve the efficacy and efficiency of handling, especially of small ruminants.
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Garrett K, Beck MR, Marshall CJ, Maxwell TMR, Logan CM, Greer AW, Gregorini P. Varied diets: implications for lamb performance, rumen characteristics, total antioxidant status, and welfare. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skab334. [PMID: 34788446 PMCID: PMC8668175 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive pastoral systems have moved away from diverse and varied diets towards overly simple monotonous diets. Feed choice through time is an obsolete way of providing forage to animals, as intensive management schemes generally allocate a single herbage or a dyad mixed sward. Monotonous feeding regimes impose nutritional repetition, which may impair animal performance and welfare. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of a diverse diet [DIV; free choice from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) at all times], a varied diet [VAR; choice from ryegrass and plantain in the AM (0700-1600 h), and chicory and alfalfa in PM (1600-0700 h)], and a single forage diet of alfalfa [SFA; alfalfa at all times], on DMI, performance, and welfare of lambs. Six-month-old Coopworth ram lambs (n = 21) were offered their respective fresh-forage treatment (n = 7) diet indoors for 20 d. The DIV lambs consumed 1.64 ± 0.03 kg DM/d (mean ± SEm), which was 6% more (P < 0.05; 1.54 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) than the SFA and were not different (P > 0.05; 1.59 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) to the VAR lambs. Average daily gain (ADG) of DIV (296 g/d) and VAR (378 g/d) was 30% and 67% greater (P < 0.05) than that in the SFA lambs (227 g/d), respectively. The VAR lambs had 28% greater (P < 0.05) ADG than the DIV lambs. Differences among treatments were detected (P < 0.05) for the proportion of the day spent conducting the following behaviors: eating, ruminating, idling, lying, and standing. In addition, the number of bouts of stereotypic behaviors recorded from the SFA lambs (13.2 ± 2.2) was 150% greater (P < 0.05) than the DIV (5.1 ± 1.0) and VAR (5.5 ± 1.0) lambs. Our results suggest that the varied diet offered can improve animal performance and welfare compared to a monotonous SFA diet. Feeding management to provide a varied diet can improve performance relative to giving lambs free choice from taxonomically diverse forage options. Moreover, performance is affected by more than the primary chemical composition of the diet consumed, but how the diet is presented through time and the herbage species and quantities of each that are consumed to reach that chemical composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konagh Garrett
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matthew R Beck
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Cameron J Marshall
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Thomas M R Maxwell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Chris M Logan
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew W Greer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 85084, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Effects of Compost-Bedded Pack Barn on Circulating Cortisol and Beta-Endorphins in Dairy Cows: A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113318. [PMID: 34828050 PMCID: PMC8614724 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Management and housing conditions have been reported to significantly affect the health and welfare of livestock species. Therefore, the adoption of novel, alternative housing systems (such as the compost-bedded pack barn, developed in the USA) requires extensive research to assess the implications for animal welfare. From a general point of view, animal welfare is typically assessed by means of animal-based (such as blood biochemical markers) and resource-based (such as management practices) indicators. Based on such considerations, the present study evaluated the fluctuation of circulating cortisol and beta-endorphins in dairy cows housed in a conventional freestall barn (FB) and in the alternative compost-bedded pack barn (CB). The results obtained suggest that the CB housing system did not elicit significant changes in either blood cortisol or beta-endorphins. Abstract The up-to-date literature suggests that the compost-bedded pack barn housing system is capable of remarkably improving productive and reproductive performance, as well as health status and welfare, in dairy cattle. However, there is currently limited knowledge available on the endocrine and biochemical changes in animals housed in such alternative systems. Therefore, this study aimed to measure blood cortisol (COR) and beta-endorphins (BE) in 22 two-year-old primiparae Fleckvieh cows, who were randomly allotted to the following two different housing systems: CB (n = 11) and FB (n = 11). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (T0) and every two months thereafter (T1, T2, and T3). The COR and BE were measured through an immunoenzymatic kit. With the only exception being T0, no differences were observed over time between the two groups, neither for COR nor for BE. However, the blood cortisol levels of the CB cows decreased over time, while a T1 peak was identified in the FB group. On the contrary, both the housing systems displayed numerically higher BE at T3 than at the other experimental times. Therefore, the overall data suggest that the compost-bedded pack barn did not significantly affect the studied parameters. Accordingly, cow welfare should be assessed using a wider panel of animal-based indicators.
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Daytime Grazing in Mountainous Areas Increases Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Decreases Cortisol in the Milk of Holstein Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113122. [PMID: 34827854 PMCID: PMC8614348 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113122] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of grazing lactating cows in mountainous areas for 12 and 24 h compared with the confined indoor system were evaluated by examining the overall milk fatty acid and cortisol. Twenty-one dairy cows were allocated to three treatment groups: (1) control (confined management system in a free-stall barn; TMR based), (2) grazing for 12 h (12 hG; TMR plus grazing pasture), and (3) grazing for 24 h (24 hG; pasture-based feeding system). Dry matter intake was higher in the control and 12 hG groups than in the 24 hG group. The yields of total milk and the 3.5% fat-corrected milk were the lowest in the 24 hG group. Milk fat was the highest in the 24 hG group and higher in 12 hG compared with the control group. Milk protein and lactose levels were the highest in the 12 hG group. The highest somatic cell count was observed in the 24 hG group. The saturated fatty acid levels were higher in the control group compared with the 12 hG and 24 hG groups. There was no difference in overall mono-unsaturated fatty acids between 12 hG and 24 hG groups. Poly-unsaturated fatty acids were higher in the 12 hG group compared with the control and 24 hG groups. There was no difference in omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids among the groups, and omega-3 fatty acids were higher in the 12 hG group than in the control group. Milk cortisol was the highest in the 24 hG group and higher in the control group compared with the 12 hG group. Taken together, grazing for 12 h is advisable for farms that have access to mountainous areas to improve the milk fatty acid profile and decrease the stress levels in high-yielding Holstein lactating cows.
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Precision Technologies to Address Dairy Cattle Welfare: Focus on Lameness, Mastitis and Body Condition. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082253. [PMID: 34438712 PMCID: PMC8388461 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The welfare of farm animals is a growing concern in the EU and across the world. In milk production, there is a strong need to assess the welfare of dairy cows. One of the most sound assessment initiatives has been practiced using protocols developed by the Welfare Quality project. These protocols mainly support the assessment of cow welfare with animal-based indicators. However, evaluating these indicators is time-consuming and expensive, so using precision livestock farming (PLF) solutions is a way forward and is becoming a reality in the dairy industry. This review presents advances in PLF solutions, particularly in the last five years, and for assessing the animal-based indicators of lameness, mastitis, and body condition in dairy cattle farming. Abstract Specific animal-based indicators that can be used to predict animal welfare have been the core of protocols for assessing the welfare of farm animals, such as those produced by the Welfare Quality project. At the same time, the contribution of technological tools for the accurate and real-time assessment of farm animal welfare is also evident. The solutions based on technological tools fit into the precision livestock farming (PLF) concept, which has improved productivity, economic sustainability, and animal welfare in dairy farms. PLF has been adopted recently; nevertheless, the need for technological support on farms is getting more and more attention and has translated into significant scientific contributions in various fields of the dairy industry, but with an emphasis on the health and welfare of the cows. This review aims to present the recent advances of PLF in dairy cow welfare, particularly in the assessment of lameness, mastitis, and body condition, which are among the most relevant animal-based indications for the welfare of cows. Finally, a discussion is presented on the possibility of integrating the information obtained by PLF into a welfare assessment framework.
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Verdon M, Langworthy A, Rawnsley R. Virtual fencing technology to intensively graze lactating dairy cattle. II: Effects on cow welfare and behavior. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:7084-7094. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Garrett K, Beck MR, Marshall CJ, Fleming AE, Logan CM, Maxwell TMR, Greer AW, Gregorini P. Functional diversity vs. monotony: the effect of a multiforage diet as opposed to a single forage diet on animal intake, performance, welfare, and urinary nitrogen excretion. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skab058. [PMID: 33624023 PMCID: PMC8115717 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of offering animals a multiforage choice (MF) of fresh herbages on dry matter intake (DMI), live weight gain, and animal welfare, in comparison with a monotonous diet of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Twenty ram lambs (30.5 ± 0.9 kg initial live weight; mean ± SEM), were randomly allocated to either a diet consisting of diverse MF choice or a single forage ryegrass (SF) diet (n = 10 per treatment) for 35 d. Both diets were fed ad libitum; however, the MF diet was composed of set dry matter ratios of 24% chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), 30% lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), 25% plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), and 21% ryegrass. The DMI of the MF lambs was 48% greater (P < 0.01) and the within animal day-to-day coefficient of variation (CV) of intake was 26% lower (P < 0.01) than the SF lambs. The average daily gain (ADG) of lambs offered the MF diet was 92% greater (P < 0.01) than the lambs offered the SF diet. The within-animal day-to-day CV of intake was negatively related to ADG (r = -0.59; P < 0.01). The MF lamb's urinary N concentration was 30% lower (P < 0.01) than that of the SF lambs. The SF lambs spent more time (P < 0.05) exhibiting stereotypic behaviors in the afternoon and spent more time observing other animals than the MF. Overall, allocating an MF choice of fresh herbages as opposed to a single forage diet of ryegrass increases DMI and thereby animal performance, while potentially reducing urinary N excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konagh Garrett
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matt R Beck
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Cameron J Marshall
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Anita E Fleming
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Chris M Logan
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Thomas M R Maxwell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Andrew W Greer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Lincoln 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
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12
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Beck MR, Gregorini P. Animal Design Through Functional Dietary Diversity for Future Productive Landscapes. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.546581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pastoral livestock production systems are facing considerable societal pressure to reduce environmental impact, enhance animal welfare, and promote product integrity, while maintaining or increasing system profitability. Design theory is the conscious tailoring of a system for a specific or set of purposes. Then, animals—as biological systems nested in grazing environments—can be designed in order to achieve multi-faceted goals. We argue that phytochemical rich diets through dietary taxonomical diversity can be used as a design tool for both current animal product integrity and to develop future multipurpose animals. Through conscious choice, animals offered a diverse array of plants tailor a diet, which better meets their individual requirements for nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and prophylactics. Phytochemical rich diets with diverse arrangements of plant secondary compounds also reduce environmental impacts of grazing animals by manipulating the use of C and N, thereby reducing methane production and excretion of N. Subsequently functional dietary diversity (FDD), as opposed to dietary monotony, offers better nourishment, health benefits and hedonic value (positive reward increasing “liking” of feed), as well as the opportunity for individualism; and thereby eudaimonic well-being. Moreover, phytochemical rich diets with diverse arrangements of plant secondary compounds may translate in animal products with similar richness, enhancing consumer human health and well-being. Functional dietary diversity also allows us to design future animals. Dietary exposure begins in utero, continues through mothers' milk, and carries on in early-life experiences, influencing dietary preferences later in life. More specifically, in utero exposure to specific flavors cause epigenetic changes that alter morphological and physiological mechanisms that influence future “wanting,” “liking” and learning of particular foods and foodscapes. In this context, we argue that in utero and early life exposure to designed flavors of future multifunctional foodscapes allow us to graze future ruminants with enhanced multiple ecosystem services. Collectively, the strategic use of FDD allows us to “create” animals and their products for immediate and future food, health, and wealth. Finally, implementing design theory provides a link between our thoughtscape (i.e., the use of FDD as design) to future landscapes, which provides a beneficial foodscape to the animals, an subsequently to us.
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Ghassemi Nejad J, Lee BH, Kim JY, Chemere B, Sung KI, Lee HG. Effect of alpine grazing on plasma and hair cortisol, serotonin, and DHEA in dairy cows and its welfare impact. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 75:106581. [PMID: 33189967 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Through the analysis of blood and hair samples, this study evaluated the effects of grazing in alpine areas on welfare indices and indicators of stress in dairy cows. Twenty-one Holstein dairy cows (body weight: 637 ± 21.5 kg; days in milk: 133 ± 17.7, and second parity) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control (nongrazing), 12 h of alpine grazing (12 hG), and 24 h of alpine grazing (24 hG). Blood samples for plasma collection were taken for 3 consecutive days at the end of the experiment. Hair samples were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment. Hormone measurements included cortisol, serotonin, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in both plasma and hair samples. Plasma cortisol and DHEA levels did not differ among the 3 groups, whereas the plasma serotonin level was higher in the 24 hG group than that in the other groups. The plasma cortisol to DHEA ratio was lower in the 24 hG group than that in the control and 12 hG group. The hair samples taken at the end of the experiment showed that the cortisol level was significantly higher in the control group than that in both of the grazing groups and also higher in the 12 hG than that in the 24 hG group. Hair DHEA and serotonin levels were highest in the 24 hG group. The hair cortisol to DHEA ratio was significantly higher in the control group than that in the 12 hG and 24 hG groups and in the 12 hG group than that in the 24 hG group. Our study showed that grazing dairy cows in alpine areas for 24 h improved their welfare, as indicated by increased serotonin levels in hair and plasma, increased hair DHEA level, and decreased stress indicators, including the hair cortisol level and cortisol to DHEA ratio. Farm facilities should allocate optimal grazing time for optimal welfare of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ghassemi Nejad
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Team of An Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - B-H Lee
- National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan 31000, Republic of Korea
| | - J-Y Kim
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - B Chemere
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Arsi University, P.O.Box: 193, Asella, Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - K-I Sung
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Gangwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - H-G Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Team of An Educational Program for Specialists in Global Animal Science, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Kaurivi YB, Laven R, Hickson R, Parkinson T, Stafford K. Developing an Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Cows in Extensive Beef Cow-Calf Systems in New Zealand. Part 1: Assessing the Feasibility of Identified Animal Welfare Assessment Measures. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091597. [PMID: 32911817 PMCID: PMC7552259 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is not feasible to transfer animal welfare assessment protocols developed for intensive systems to extensive systems or from rangeland- to pasture-based cattle because each system needs a different protocol. In a previous study, we combined selected measures from the Welfare Quality protocol for beef cattle and the UC Davis Cow-Calf Health and Handling protocol with additional measures specific to New Zealand to create a welfare assessment protocol for pasture-based cow–calf systems that had 50 measures. In this study, the feasibility of this protocol was assessed during routine yardings of cows and a questionnaire. Individual measures that were deemed unsuitable were eliminated or modified. At the end of the process, a robust, achievable protocol with 32 measures for use on pasture-based extensive cow–calf farms was created. Abstract Potential measures suitable for assessing welfare in pasture-based beef cow–calf systems in New Zealand were identified from Welfare Quality and UC Davis Cow-Calf protocols. These were trialled on a single farm and a potential protocol of 50 measures created. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the measures included in this protocol on multiple farms in order, to develop a credible animal welfare assessment protocol for pasture-based cow–calf farms systems in New Zealand. The assessment protocol was trialled on 25 farms over two visits and took a total of 2.5 h over both visits for a 100-cow herd. The first visit in autumn included an animal welfare assessment of 3366 cows during pregnancy scanning, while the second visit in winter included a questionnaire-guided interview to assess cattle management and health, and a farm resource evaluation. Through a process of eliminating unsuitable measures, adjustments of modifiable measures and retaining feasible measures, a protocol with 32 measures was created. The application of the protocol on the farms showed that not all measures are feasible for on-farm assessment, and categorisation of identified animal welfare measures into scores that indicate a threshold of acceptable and non-acceptable welfare standards is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Baby Kaurivi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (R.L.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-6350-5328
| | - Richard Laven
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (R.L.); (T.P.)
| | - Rebecca Hickson
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Management, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (R.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Tim Parkinson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (R.L.); (T.P.)
| | - Kevin Stafford
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Management, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (R.H.); (K.S.)
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15
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Heimbürge S, Kanitz E, Tuchscherer A, Otten W. Is it getting in the hair? - Cortisol concentrations in native, regrown and segmented hairs of cattle and pigs after repeated ACTH administrations. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 295:113534. [PMID: 32540492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress and induces the release of cortisol, which is commonly used as an indicator in stress and animal welfare research. In recent years, hair cortisol concentration (HCC) gained increasing importance as a promising retrospective indicator for stress in animals. Thus, the aim of our study was to validate HCC as a potential indicator of increased endogenous cortisol release in cattle and pigs by repeated ACTH administrations followed by cortisol analysis in different hair types. For this purpose, 34 cattle and 38 gilts were treated either with repeated i.m. injections of ACTH or saline every second day over a period of 4 weeks. Saliva samples were taken before and after injections once a week from selected animals to verify the endogenous cortisol response. At the end of the treatment (week 4) and after 8 and 12 weeks, samples of natural and regrown hair were taken from the caudo-dorsal region of the back and analyzed for cortisol concentrations. In addition, natural hair was sampled after 12 weeks and cut into segments prior to analysis. Treatment with ACTH revealed a significant increase in salivary cortisol after application in both species, although this increase was attenuated in pigs compared to cattle. In week 4, HCCs were significantly elevated in natural and regrown hair of ACTH-treated animals. In cattle, HCCs significantly increased after ACTH treatment in natural, regrown and segmental hair compared with control animals, indicating that HCC may be a promising indicator of stress, as cortisol levels in all hair types reflected the preceding period with increased cortisol release. In pigs, there were no differences in HCCs between treatments. This may be caused by the lower systemic cortisol response in pigs, but seasonally reduced hair growth and external cross-contamination of hair by saliva and urine under commercial husbandry conditions may also interfere with the validity of HCC in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susen Heimbürge
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Kanitz
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Winfried Otten
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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16
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Gladden N, Cuthbert E, Ellis K, McKeegan D. Use of a Tri-Axial Accelerometer Can Reliably Detect Play Behaviour in Newborn Calves. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1137. [PMID: 32635608 PMCID: PMC7401565 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, the welfare assessment of farm animals has focused on health and production outcomes. Positive welfare is, however, not merely the absence of negative welfare and is an important part of a life worth living. Play behaviour is widely considered to be an indicator of positive emotions because it is a "luxury" behaviour. Direct visual observation is considered the most accurate method of behavioural analysis, but it is time consuming and laborious. There is increasing interest in the use of remote monitoring technology to quantify behaviour. We compared the data output ("motion index" (MI)) from a commercially available tri-axial accelerometer fitted to newborn dairy calves to video footage of the same calves, with a focus on play behaviour. The motion index values over 48 h were positively correlated with both the duration of play behaviour and the number of play bouts. The motion index threshold in each sample interval with the optimal sensitivity and specificity for the identification of play behaviour was MI ≥ 2.5 at a 1 min resolution (sensitivity (Se) = 98.0%; specificity (Sp) = 92.9%) and MI ≥ 24.5 at a 15 min resolution (Se = 98.0%; Sp = 89.9%), but these values consistently overestimated the overall proportion of sample intervals in which play was observed. The MI that best reflected the results obtained from visual one-zero sampling was MI ≥ 23 for 1 min intervals and MI ≥ 62 for 15 min intervals-this may therefore be the basis of a more conservative approach to the identification of play behaviour from accelerometer-generated data. Our results indicate that accelerometer-generated data can usefully indicate the amount of play behaviour shown by newborn calves for up to 48 h, providing an efficient method for identifying this important parameter in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gladden
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Erin Cuthbert
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (E.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Kathryn Ellis
- Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Dorothy McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (E.C.); (D.M.)
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Beck MR, Gregorini P. How Dietary Diversity Enhances Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Grazing Ruminants. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:191. [PMID: 32373637 PMCID: PMC7179672 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminants evolved in diverse landscapes of which they utilized, by choice, a diverse arrangement of plants (grasses, forbs, and trees) for food. These plants provide them with both primary (carbohydrates, protein, etc.) and secondary (phenolics, terpenes, etc.) compounds (PPC and PSC, respectively). As no one plant could possibly constitute a “balanced-diet,” ruminants mix diets so that they can exploit arrangements of PPC to meet their individual requirements. Diet mixing also allows for ruminants to ingest PSC at levels, acquiring their benefits such as antioxidants and reduced gastrointestinal parasites, without overstepping thresholds of toxicity. Meeting dietary requirements is assumed to provide satisfaction through achieving positive internal status and comfort, thereby a sense of hedonic (happiness through pleasure) well-being. Furthermore, choice including dietary choice is a factor influencing well-being of ruminants in a manner akin to that in humans. Choice may facilitate eudaimonic (happiness through pursuit of purpose) well-being in livestock. Nutritional status plays an integral role in oxidative stress, which is linked with illness. Several diseases in livestock have been directly linked to oxidative stress. Mastitis, metritis, hypocalcaemia, and retained placenta occur in animals transitioning from dry to lactating and have been linked to oxidative stress and such a stress has likewise been linked to diseases that occur in growing livestock as well, such as bovine respiratory disease. The link between physiological stress and oxidative stress is not well-defined in livestock but is evident in humans. As dietary diversity allows animals to select more adequately balanced diets (improved nutrition), take advantage of PSC (natural antioxidants), and allows for choice (improved animal well-being) there is a strong possibility for ruminants to improve their oxidative status and thus health, well-being, and therefor production. The purposes of this review are to first, provide an introduction to oxidative and physiological stress, and nutritional status as effected by dietary diversity, with special attention to providing support and on answering the “how.” Second, to provide evidence of how these stresses are connected and influence each other, and finally discuss how dietary diversity provides a beneficial link to all three and enhances both eudaimonic and hedonic well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Beck
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Pablo Gregorini
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
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