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Pedrazzani AS, Cozer N, Quintiliano MH, Tavares CPDS, Biernaski V, Ostrensky A. From egg to slaughter: monitoring the welfare of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, throughout their entire life cycle in aquaculture. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1268396. [PMID: 37808101 PMCID: PMC10551173 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1268396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) throughout their entire life cycle within aquaculture, spanning from reproduction to slaughter. The methodology was structured to identify welfare indicators closely aligned with the principles of animal freedoms defined by the Farm Animal Council, encompassing environmental, health, nutritional, behavioral, and psychological freedom. Notably, psychological freedom was inherently considered within the behavioral and physical analyses of the animals. To accomplish this, an integrative systematic literature review was conducted to define precise indicators and their corresponding reference values for each stage of tilapia cultivation. These reference values were subsequently categorized using a scoring system that assessed the deviation of each indicator from established ideal (score 1), tolerable (score 2), and critical (score 3) ranges for the welfare of the target species. Subsequently, a laboratory experiment was executed to validate the pre-selected health indicators, specifically tailored for the early life stages of tilapia. This test facilitated an assessment of the applicability of these indicators under operational conditions. Building on the insights gained from this experimentation, partial welfare indices (PWIs) were computed for each assessed freedom, culminating in the derivation of a general welfare index (GWI). Mathematical equations were employed to calculate these indices, offering a quantitative and standardized measure of welfare. This approach equips tilapia farmers and processors with the tools necessary for the continuous monitoring and enhancement of their production systems and stimulate the adoption of more sustainable and ethical practices within the tilapia farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silvia Pedrazzani
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nathieli Cozer
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Prestes dos Santos Tavares
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Zoology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vilmar Biernaski
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
| | - Antonio Ostrensky
- Wai Ora—Aquaculture and Environmental Technology Ltd., Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
- Integrated Group of Aquaculture and Environmental Studies (GIA), Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
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Chen X, Shu H, Sun F, Yao J, Gu X. Impact of Heat Stress on Blood, Production, and Physiological Indicators in Heat-Tolerant and Heat-Sensitive Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2562. [PMID: 37627353 PMCID: PMC10451866 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162562] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress affects production and health in cows severely. Since it is difficult to define heat-tolerant animals, studies of response to heat stress are important for understanding dairy cows' health and production. However, information on the impact of heat stress on various indicators in heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive cows is sparse. This study aimed to investigate the effects of heat stress (HS) on blood, production, and physiological indicators in heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive cows. A total of 43 dairy cows were used from 9 May to 7 August 2021, under Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) measurements that ranged from 65.9 to 86.7. We identified cows that were tolerant or sensitive to HS based on the slope of the response of physiological and production traits against THI during the HS period by using a clustering method. After HS, serum glucose (Glu), cortisol (COR), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of cows in the heat-tolerant group were lower than in the heat-sensitive group (p < 0.05). With THI as the predictor, the R2 for predicting respiration rate (RR) and body surface temperature (BT) in heat-tolerant cows was 0.15 and 0.16, respectively, whereas the R2 for predicting RR and BT in heat-sensitive cows was 0.19 and 0.18, respectively. There were low to moderate, positive correlations between RR, BT, and MY with THI, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.11 to 0.4 in the heat-tolerant group, and from r = 0.24 to 0.43 in the heat-sensitive group. There was a low positive correlation between VT and THI, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of r = 0.07 in the heat-sensitive group. The heat-tolerant dairy cows had lower MY losses and had lower MY (p = 0.0007) in mixed models. Heat-tolerant cows with low-stress levels, through upregulating RR rapidly, increased their adaptability to thermal environments. They have better thermoregulation capability; the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulated the thermoregulatory in animals by releasing a variety of neurotransmitters and hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.C.); (F.S.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China;
| | - Hang Shu
- Agricultural Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100086, China;
| | - Fuyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Junhu Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China;
| | - Xianhong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.C.); (F.S.)
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Cohen S, Ho C. Review of Rat ( Rattus norvegicus), Mouse ( Mus musculus), Guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus), and Rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) Indicators for Welfare Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2167. [PMID: 37443965 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132167] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The monitoring and assessment of animals is important for their health and welfare. The appropriate selection of multiple, validated, and feasible welfare assessment indicators is required to effectively identify compromises or improvements to animal welfare. Animal welfare indicators can be animal or resource based. Indicators can be collated to form assessment tools (e.g., grimace scales) or animal welfare assessment models (e.g., 5 Domains) and frameworks (e.g., 5 Freedoms). The literature contains a wide variety of indicators, with both types needed for effective animal welfare assessment; however, there is yet to be an ideal constellation of indicators for animal-based welfare assessment in small mammals such as guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus), mice (Mus musculus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and rats (Rattus norvegicus). A systematic review of grey and peer-reviewed literature was performed to determine the types of animal-based welfare indicators available to identify and assess animal health and welfare in these small mammals maintained across a wide variety of conditions. The available indicators were categorised and scored against a selection of criteria, including potential ease of use and costs. This review and analysis aim to provide the basis for further research into animal welfare indicators for these species. Future applications of this work may include improvements to animal welfare assessments or schemes, guiding better management, and implementing future strategies to enable better animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shari Cohen
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia
| | - Cindy Ho
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Animal Welfare Science Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
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Arfuso F, Zumbo A, Castronovo C, Giudice E, Piccione G, Monteverde V, Giannetto C. The housing system influences daily total locomotor activity (TLA) in dairy cows. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2098447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zumbo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Calogero Castronovo
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily, “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monteverde
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily, “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, Messina, Italy
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Arfuso F, Cerutti RD, Scaglione MC, Sciabarrasi A, Giannetto C, Piccione G. Evaluation of locomotor activity in female Chelonoidis chilensis (Testudinidae, Gray 1870) in response to artificial photoperiod and temperature treatments. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Turtles as many other reptiles are capable of orientating their bodies toward the sun. This conduct requires the presence of an internal biological chronometer in the organism that regulates this behavior. Thus, a description of the internal clock in these reptiles is of interest. The assessment of locomotor activity can be considered a reliable indicator of biological clock function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different artificial photoperiod and ambient temperature schedules on total locomotor activity of female Chelonoidis chilensis and its rhythmicity. Six C. chilensis specimens were exposed to different artificial photoperiods and temperature regimes each fixed for seven days. It was observed that the activity period during the different experimental schedules was close to the 24 hours indicating a daily rhythmicity. Moreover, all tortoises showed a similar total locomotor activity pattern displaying the most of motion during light phase. Under the condition of constant light tortoises exhibited a self-sustaining rhythm not entrained to light and temperature zeitgebers, thus, suggesting its possible endogenous periodicity. Though this study deepens the knowledge on the rhythmic system of C. chilensis, further investigations are needed to achieve a more detailed understanding of tortoise biological clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Raúl D. Cerutti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria C. Scaglione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Antonio Sciabarrasi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Pickering J, Moore S, Wray D. Changing human behaviour to improve animal welfare outcomes. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Galli MC, Gottardo F, Contiero B, Scollo A, Boyle LA. The changing face and associated drivers of research on welfare of the gestating sow. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.2002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Costanza Galli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Flaviana Gottardo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzioni e Salute, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Annalisa Scollo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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Raw Z, Rodrigues JB, Rickards K, Ryding J, Norris SL, Judge A, Kubasiewicz LM, Watson TL, Little H, Hart B, Sullivan R, Garrett C, Burden FA. Equid Assessment, Research and Scoping (EARS): The Development and Implementation of a New Equid Welfare Assessment and Monitoring Tool. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E297. [PMID: 32069910 PMCID: PMC7070371 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of animal welfare poses numerous challenges, yet an emerging approach is the consolidation of existing knowledge into new frameworks which can offer standardised approaches to welfare assessment across a variety of contexts. Multiple tools exist for measuring the welfare of equids, but such tools have typically been developed for specific contexts. There is no 'one size fits all' which means that resulting datasets are generally non-comparable, creating a barrier to knowledge-sharing and collaboration between the many organisations working to improve equid welfare around the globe. To address this, we developed the Equid Assessment, Research and Scoping (EARS) tool, which incorporates pre-existing validated welfare assessment methods alongside new welfare indicators to deliver a larger and more comprehensive series of welfare indicators than currently exists, creating a single resource that can be used to assess equid welfare in any context. We field-trialled three welfare assessment protocols within the EARS tool, and applied these to welfare assessment of equids in a variety of contexts across nineteen countries. The EARS tool proved a useful, versatile and rapid method for collecting welfare assessment data and we collected 7464 welfare assessments in a period of fifteen months. We evaluate the EARS tool and provide ideas for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Raw
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU, UK; (J.B.R.); (K.R.); (J.R.); (S.L.N.); (A.J.); (L.M.K.); (T.L.W.); (H.L.); (B.H.); (R.S.); (C.G.); (F.A.B.)
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Bertoni G, Trevisi E, Houdijk J, Calamari L, Athanasiadou S. Welfare Is Affected by Nutrition Through Health, Especially Immune Function and Inflammation. Anim Welf 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27356-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Petek M, Topal E, Cavusoglu E. Effects of age at first access to range area on pecking behaviour and plumage quality of free-range layer chickens. Arch Anim Breed 2015. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-58-85-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age on pecking behaviour and plumage quality of free-range laying hens during first access to range. Six hundred 16-week-old layer pullets obtained from a commercial company were housed in a experimental free-range house. The experimental house consisted of a slat-and-litter floor with range area and was divided into three similar pens. The pullets were randomly assigned to a control and two experimental groups according to age at first access to range area. The birds were allowed into the range area for the first time at 18, 20 and 22 weeks of age in the groups of treatment I, treatment II and control, respectively. Pecking behaviour and plumage quality of the birds were measured for 8-week intervals from 24 to 48 weeks of age. Total feather damage significantly increased with age in all groups (P < 0.040, P < 0.006, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, birds allowed into the range area earlier had less feather damage. The feather score of the tail body region in all groups was significantly greater (more damage) than in the others (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences for the total pecking behaviour of the birds in the groups at 24, 32, 40 and 48 weeks of age. Incidents of gentle feather pecking in every period were more frequent, while aggressive pecking was less frequent (P < 0.026, P < 0.007, P < 0.001). It can be said that access to range area as early as possible at the beginning of the laying period may be useful to reduce the negative effect of feather pecking in free-range layer chickens.
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Koene P. Behavioral ecology of captive species: using behavioral adaptations to assess and enhance welfare of nonhuman zoo animals. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2014; 16:360-80. [PMID: 24079489 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2013.827917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This project aimed to estimate a species' adaptations in nature and in captivity, assess welfare, suggest environmental changes, and find species characteristics that underlie welfare problems in nonhuman animals in the zoo. First, the current status of zoo animal welfare assessment was reviewed, and the behavioral ecology approach was outlined. In this approach, databases of species characteristics were developed using (a) literature of natural behavior and (b) captive behavior. Species characteristics were grouped in 8 functional behavioral ecological fitness-related categories: space, time, metabolic, safety, reproductive, comfort, social, and information adaptations. Assessments of the strength of behavioral adaptations in relation to environmental demands were made based on the results available from the literature. The databases with literature at the species level were coupled with databases of (c) behavioral observations and (d) welfare assessments under captive conditions. Observation and welfare assessment methods were adapted from the animal on the farm realm and applied to zoo species. It was expected that the comparison of the repertoire of behaviors in natural and captive environments would highlight welfare problems, provide solutions to welfare problems by environmental changes, and identify species characteristics underlying zoo animal welfare problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Koene
- a Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Member of Wageningen Centre for Animal Welfare and Adaptation (CAWA), Wageningen University and Research Center , Wageningen , The Netherlands
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de Jonge J, van Trijp HCM. The impact of broiler production system practices on consumer perceptions of animal welfare. Poult Sci 2014; 92:3080-95. [PMID: 24235215 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This research explores the extent to which different farm management practices influence the perceived animal friendliness of broiler production systems, and how this differs between individuals. Using a conjoint design with paired comparisons, respondents evaluated broiler production systems that were described on the basis of 7 animal welfare-related practices. It was found that practices in the area of outdoor access, stocking density, and day-night rhythm were overall perceived to have a larger impact on perceptions of animal friendliness than other practices, such as transport duration or the type of breed used. However, individuals differed regarding the extent to which they believed the different farm management practices influenced the animal friendliness of the production system. Differences between individuals regarding their knowledge about and familiarity with livestock farming, degree of anthropomorphism, and their moral beliefs regarding animal welfare partly explained the relative importance individuals attached to farm management practices. The obtained insight into which welfare-related farm management practices, in consumers' minds, most strongly contribute to animal welfare, and the existence of differences between consumers, can be helpful in the development of animal welfare-based certification schemes that are appealing to consumers, as well as the positioning of welfare concepts in the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke de Jonge
- Marketing and Consumer Behavior Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 8130, 6700 EW, the Netherlands
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