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Kliphuis S, Manet MWE, Goerlich VC, Nordquist RE, Vernooij H, Tuyttens FAM, Rodenburg TB. Effects of lighted incubation and foraging enrichment during rearing on individual fear behavior, corticosterone, and neuroplasticity in laying hen pullets. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103665. [PMID: 38569241 PMCID: PMC10999657 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during incubation and rearing can influence stress responsivity of laying hen pullets throughout their lifespan, and therefore have important implications for their welfare. In this study, a 12:12h green LED light-dark cycle during incubation and larvae provisioning as enrichment during rearing were tested as strategies to optimize early-life conditions and thereby decrease stress responsivity in ISA Brown laying hens. A combination of parameters was measured to indicate neuronal, physiological, and behavioral changes that may affect fear and stress. The proteins calbindin D28k (calbindin1), doublecortin (DCX), and neuronal nuclein protein (NeuN) were quantified after hatch as a proxy for brain plasticity. Plasma and feather corticosterone levels were measured after hatch and at the end of the rearing phase, and fearfulness was investigated through a series of behavioral tests (i.e., voluntary approach, open field, tonic immobility, and manual restraint tests). No effects of light during incubation were found on calbindin1, DCX, or NeuN. Neither of the treatments affected corticosterone levels in blood plasma and feathers. Light-incubated pullets showed less fearfulness towards humans in the voluntary approach test, but not in the other behavioral tests reported in this study. Larvae provisioning had no effect on behavior. Our study showed minor effects of light during incubation and no effects of enrichment during rearing on stress responsivity of laying hen pullets. The small effects may be explained by the enriched rearing conditions for all birds in this experiment (low stocking density, natural daylight, and 24/7 classical music). Given the promising results of lighted incubation in other studies, which were mostly performed in broiler chickens, and evidence regarding the positive effects of enrichment during rearing, the potential of these strategies to improve laying hen welfare needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kliphuis
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Maëva W E Manet
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian C Goerlich
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Lardy R, Botreau R, de Boyer des Roches A, van Eerdenburg FJCM, de Graaf S, Haskell MJ, Kirchner MK, Mounier L, Kjosevski M, Tuyttens FAM, Veissier I. Improvement of the Welfare Quality scoring model for dairy cows to fit experts' opinion. Animal 2023; 17:101018. [PMID: 37948890 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
After several years of implementation, the original Welfare Quality scoring model for dairy cows appears to be highly sensitive to the number and cleanliness of drinkers and not enough to the prevalence of diseases, and as a consequence may not fit the opinion of some animal welfare experts. The present paper aims to improve the Welfare Quality calculations for the criteria 'Absence of prolonged thirst' and 'Absence of disease' in dairy cows, so that the results are more sensitive to input data and better fit experts' opinion. First, we modified the calculation of 'Absence of prolonged thirst' by linearising the calculation for drinkers' availability to avoid threshold effects. Second, we modified the calculation of 'Absence of disease' by applying a Choquet integral on the three lowest spline-based scores for each health disorder to limit compensation between health disorders. Third, we performed a global sensitivity analysis of the original and the alternative scoring models. Fourth, we compared the results obtained with the original and the alternative models with eight experts' opinions on two subsets composed of 44 and 60 farms, respectively, inspected using the Welfare Quality protocol and on which experts gave their opinion on the overall level of animal welfare. Results show that the alternative model significantly reduced the 'threshold effects' related to the number of drinkers and the compensation between health disorders. On the first subset, the alternative model fits the experts' opinion slightly better than the original model (P = 0.061). On the second subset, the models performed equally. In conclusion, the proposed refinements for calculating scores are validated since they significantly reduced 'threshold effects' and the influence of measures related to drinkers. It also reduced the compensation between health disorders by considering only the three lowest scores and thus increasing the influence of measures related to health disorders, and slightly improve at overall score level the accordance with experts' opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lardy
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
| | - R Botreau
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - A de Boyer des Roches
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - F J C M van Eerdenburg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S de Graaf
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M J Haskell
- SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M K Kirchner
- FOUR PAWS International, Linke Wienzeile 236, 1150 Vienna, Austria
| | - L Mounier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - M Kjosevski
- Animal Welfare Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - I Veissier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
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Ipek N, Van Damme LGW, Tuyttens FAM, Verwaeren J. Quantifying agonistic interactions between group-housed animals to derive social hierarchies using computer vision: a case study with commercially group-housed rabbits. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14138. [PMID: 37644059 PMCID: PMC10465565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, computer vision has contributed significantly to the study of farm animal behavior. In complex environments such as commercial farms, however, the automated detection of social behavior and specific interactions between animals can be improved. The present study addresses the automated detection of agonistic interactions between caged animals in a complex environment, relying solely on computer vision. An automated pipeline including group-level temporal action segmentation, object detection, object tracking and rule-based action classification for the detection of agonistic interactions was developed and extensively validated at a level unique in the field. Comparing with observations made by human observers, our pipeline reaches 77% precision and 85% recall using a 5-min tolerance interval for the detection of agonistic interactions. Results obtained using this pipeline allow to construct time-dependent socio-matrices of a group of animals and derive metrics on the dominance hierarchy in a semi-automated manner. Group-housed breeding rabbits (does) with their litters in commercial farms are the main use-case in this work, but the idea is probably also applicable to other social farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusret Ipek
- Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth G W Van Damme
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Verwaeren
- Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
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Kliphuis S, Manet MWE, Goerlich VC, Nordquist RE, Vernooij H, Brand HVD, Tuyttens FAM, Rodenburg TB. Early-life interventions to prevent feather pecking and reduce fearfulness in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102801. [PMID: 37343352 PMCID: PMC10404761 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe feather pecking, the pulling out of feathers of conspecifics, is a major welfare issue in laying hens. Possible underlying causes are fearfulness and lack of foraging opportunities. Because early life is a crucial stage in behavioral development, adapting the incubation and rearing environment to the birds' needs may reduce fearfulness and prevent the development of feather pecking. In a 2 × 2 factorial design study, we investigated whether a green light-dark cycle throughout incubation, which resembles natural incubation circumstances more than the standard dark incubation, and foraging enrichment with live larvae during rearing reduce fearfulness and feather pecking and increase foraging behavior of laying hen pullets from an early age onwards. In this 2-batch experiment, 1,100 ISA Brown eggs were incubated under either 0 h of light/24 h of darkness or 12 h of green LED light/12 h of darkness. After hatching, 400 female chicks (200 per batch) were housed in 44 pens (8-10 chicks per pen). During the entire rearing phase (0-17 wk of age), half of the pens received black soldier fly larvae in a food puzzle as foraging enrichment. We assessed fear of novel objects and humans, feather pecking, plumage condition, foraging behavior, and recovery time after a 3-fold vaccination (acute stressor). A slight increase in the number of foraging bouts was only seen with larvae provisioning (rate ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.29, P = 0.008). Neither lighted incubation nor larvae provisioning affected fearfulness, feather pecking, plumage condition or recovery time after vaccination. In conclusion, the present study showed no effects of light during incubation and minor effects of foraging enrichment during rearing on the behavior of laying hen pullets. Further research is recommended on other welfare aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kliphuis
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Maëva W E Manet
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivian C Goerlich
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Van Damme LGW, Ampe B, Delezie E, Tuyttens FAM. Effects of group size and cage enrichment on social behaviour and skin injuries of breeding rabbits housed part-time in group. Animal 2023; 17:100850. [PMID: 37263128 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Housing of breeding does in group pens can result in skin injuries and stress due to maternal protective behaviour and hierarchy fights. Aggression can be partly reduced by using single-litter cages during the first weeks of the reproductive cycle and by delaying the grouping of does with their litters until the kits are older. Hierarchy fights do still occur in these part-time housing systems, however. The present study evaluated the effect of group size and cage enrichment on doe and kit skin injuries and on doe social behaviour. During four cycles, groups of either three or four does with their 22-day-old kits were housed in group pens for 13 days. Pens were assigned one of the following treatments (n = 12 pens per treatment): group of four does with no additional enrichment, four does with additional cage enrichment, three does with no additional enrichment and three does with additional cage enrichment. Cage enrichment was comprised of plastic pipes and elevated platforms. As pen size remained constant, a change in group size also implied a proportional change in stocking density. The number and severity of skin injuries were monitored before grouping and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 13 days after grouping. Video recordings from all group pens were scored continuously for doe behaviour during the first 24 h after grouping in the first and second reproduction cycle and for the first 8 h in the third cycle. Four severely injured does needed to be removed after grouping. During the first day after group housing, respectively, 72.6 and 13.0% of the does and kits acquired at least one new skin injury with respect to the onset of group housing. Compared with groups of four, does in groups of three had lower averaged skin injury scores (9.41 versus 8.40, P = 0.004). Of all observed postgrouping social behaviours, submissive behaviour was most frequently observed (42.8%), followed by aggressive behaviour (29.8%), engaging behaviour (25.1%) and non-aggressive social contact (2.3%). Does used the enrichment during 11.1% of the total observation time, during which the platforms were more frequently visited (97.2%) in comparison to the plastic pipes (2.8%). As shown by the percentage of injured animals on the last day of grouping (does: 61.9% and kits: 18.4%), postgrouping aggression remains a problem that appears difficult to reduce to acceptable levels by reducing group size (and stocking density) or by providing cage enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth G W Van Damme
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Van Damme LGW, Delezie E, Maertens L, Ampe B, Tuyttens FAM. Effect of group size and escape enrichment on reproductive performance of breeding does in part-time group housing. World Rabbit Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2023.18616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Societal demands for group housing of social farm animals such as rabbits are increasing due to animal welfare concerns. When breeding does are housed in groups, maternal protective behaviour negatively affects the reproductive performance of the does. In part-time group housing, does are housed in single-litter cages starting shortly before parturition until the first part of lactation and then group housed for the second part after their protective behaviour has diminished and the kits are more resilient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of breeding does in a part-time group housing system with provision of escape enrichment and different group size (and concomitant different stocking density, as pen size remained unchanged). For each of the four consecutive reproductive cycles, 42 does with their kits switched at 22 d post-partum (pp) from single-litter to group housing for a total period of 13 d in pens of 200×102 cm by removing walls between four adjacent single-litter cages. Newly created group pens (N =12 pens per treatment) varied in group size, stocking density and enrichment: groups of either three or four does were divided over same-size pens with or without escape enrichment (2×2 factorial design). The escape enrichment was comprised of two sets of PVC pipes and two extra elevated platforms. Does were weighed and kits counted at parturition, after which kits were cross-fostered. Kits were counted and weighed again 22 and 35 d pp. Results for mean doe fertility (90.0%), number of kits (9.1 kits/litter) and kit weight (1037.3 g/kit) at weaning were comparable with professional farms using single-litter cages. No significant effects of group size and escape enrichment were found for any of the reproductive parameters. While housed in group, seven does were removed from the experiment, from which four does were severely injured. Post-grouping kit mortality was rather low (6.7%), but three kits were euthanised due to severe injuries. In conclusion, provision of escape enrichment and altered group size (and stocking density) had no profound effect on the reproductive performance of part-time group housed does.
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Bonnefous C, Collin A, Guilloteau LA, Guesdon V, Filliat C, Réhault-Godbert S, Rodenburg TB, Tuyttens FAM, Warin L, Steenfeldt S, Baldinger L, Re M, Ponzio R, Zuliani A, Venezia P, Väre M, Parrott P, Walley K, Niemi JK, Leterrier C. Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems: A review based on literature and interviews. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:952922. [PMID: 35990274 PMCID: PMC9390482 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.952922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Collin
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Vanessa Guesdon
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, Lille, France
| | | | | | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank A. M. Tuyttens
- ILVO, Instituut voor Landbouw-, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Sanna Steenfeldt
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Martina Re
- AIAB, Associazone Italiana per l'Agricultura Biologica, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Zuliani
- Veterinari Senza Frontiere Italia, Sede c/o Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie viale dell'Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Venezia
- Veterinari Senza Frontiere Italia, Sede c/o Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie viale dell'Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Minna Väre
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Bioeconomy and Environment, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Keith Walley
- Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom
| | - Jarkko K. Niemi
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Bioeconomy and Environment, Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Christine Leterrier
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
- *Correspondence: Christine Leterrier
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Souza APO, Tuyttens FAM, Taconeli CA, Biscarra JC, Molento CFM. Ordinal or visual analogue scales for assessing aspects of broiler chicken welfare? J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35929917 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2105648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
When the gradation of animal welfare is scored through ordinal scales and equidistant tags are used, empirical data between tags tend to be non-equidistant. Ordinal rate scales (ORS) and visual analogue scales (VAS) were tested for the assessment of contact dermatitis on breast and abdominal areas (CD), footpad dermatitis (FP), hock burns (HB) and bird soiling (BS) in broiler chickens. Calculations regarding the inter-rater reliability, the correlation between VAS and ORS and amongst the welfare indicators measured with both scales, and the equidistance of ORS categories in relation to values measured using VAS, were made. A total of 1,303 broiler chickens from 10 flocks was assessed on-farm by three raters using both scales. Inter-rater reliabilities of CD and HB were higher when using VAS compared with ORS, but FP was lower. Correlations between scales varied between 0.90-0.97 and 0.77-0.95 (P<0.001), considering mean and individual values. Low-to-moderate correlations were observed between the four indicators using the scales. Tags on VAS that best represented ORS were non-equidistant. Results suggest both scales were reliable assessing the selected broiler chicken welfare indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula O Souza
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agricultural, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Cesar A Taconeli
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Carla F M Molento
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Watteyn A, Garmyn A, Ampe B, Jacobs L, Moons CPH, Tuyttens FAM. Comparison of Methods for Individual Killing of Broiler Chickens: A Matter of Animal Welfare and On-Farm Feasibility. Front Anim Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.892186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The humane killing of individual broiler chickens on-farm requires a minimum of suffering. In this regard, rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness are important determinants. This can be verified by cerebral and spinal reflexes. Also, on-farm feasibility determines whether producers will apply the method. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness and animal welfare impact of two different methods for killing individual broilers of varying ages (2, 4, and 6 weeks): manual cervical dislocation (CD) and captive bolt (CB). The evaluation of CD and CB was based on effectiveness and on time to onset (convulsions) or cessation (pain response, pupillary light reflex, convulsions, heartbeat) of non-invasive indicators. In addition, a pilot study was conducted on-farm to assess the feasibility of two alternative methods, CB and nitrogen gasification (N2), and to survey farmers’ opinions on them. The onset of convulsions was almost immediate for both methods in the first study. No differences between CD and CB were observed for the cessation of pain response for chickens at age of 2 weeks (5.0 and 7.5 s, respectively) and 6 weeks (14.0 and 14.1 s, respectively). However, at 4 weeks a longer pain response was measured after CD (11.3 s) than after CB (4.7 s). For the three age categories, the pupillary light reflex disappeared later after CD (54.9 - 80.7 s) compared to CB (8.3 - 13.7 s). The same was observed for cessation of convulsions in 2- and 6-week-old chickens (185.3 and 172.0 s for CD and 79.0 and 82.9 s for CB). This suggests that brain death occurred faster after CB compared to CD. No difference between the methods was found for the cessation of the heartbeat. After the pilot study, the producers preferred N2 over CB in terms of animal-friendliness, time-efficiency, ease of use, and effectiveness. However, both methods were found rather expensive and required some experience. CB and N2 are good killing alternatives to CD due to rapid and irreversible insensibility. However, more information and support for chicken producers will be needed for these to become routine killing methods.
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Tuyttens FAM, Molento CFM, Benaissa S. Twelve Threats of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) for Animal Welfare. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:889623. [PMID: 35692299 PMCID: PMC9186058 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.889623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Research and development of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is booming, partly due to hopes and claims regarding the benefits of PLF for animal welfare. These claims remain largely unproven, however, as only few PLF technologies focusing on animal welfare have been commercialized and adopted in practice. The prevailing enthusiasm and optimism about PLF innovations may be clouding the perception of possible threats that PLF may pose to farm animal welfare. Without claiming to be exhaustive, this paper lists 12 potential threats grouped into four categories: direct harm, indirect harm via the end-user, via changes to housing and management, and via ethical stagnation or degradation. PLF can directly harm the animals because of (1) technical failures, (2) harmful effects of exposure, adaptation or wearing of hardware components, (3) inaccurate predictions and decisions due to poor external validation, and (4) lack of uptake of the most meaningful indicators for animal welfare. PLF may create indirect effects on animal welfare if the farmer or stockperson (5) becomes under- or over-reliant on PLF technology, (6) spends less (quality) time with the animals, and (7) loses animal-oriented husbandry skills. PLF may also compromise the interests of the animals by creating transformations in animal farming so that the housing and management are (8) adapted to optimize PLF performance or (9) become more industrialized. Finally, PLF may affect the moral status of farm animals in society by leading to (10) increased speciesism, (11) further animal instrumentalization, and (12) increased animal consumption and harm. For the direct threats, possibilities for prevention and remedies are suggested. As the direction and magnitude of the more indirect threats are harder to predict or prevent, they are more difficult to address. In order to maximize the potential of PLF for improving animal welfare, the potential threats as well as the opportunities should be acknowledged, monitored and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A. M. Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Frank A. M. Tuyttens
| | | | - Said Benaissa
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, Ghent, Belgium
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11
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Jacobs L, Melick S, Freeman N, Garmyn A, Tuyttens FAM. Broiler Chicken Behavior and Activity Are Affected by Novel Flooring Treatments. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102841. [PMID: 34679862 PMCID: PMC8532823 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to determine broiler chicken behavioral differences in response to novel flooring treatments. Broilers (n = 182) were housed in 14 pens (a random subset from a larger-scale study including 42 pens), with 13 birds/pen. One of seven flooring treatments were randomly allocated to 14 pens (2 pens per treatment). The flooring treatments (provided from day 1 {1} or day 29 {29}) included regularly replaced shavings (POS), a mat with 1% povidone-iodine solution (MAT), and the iodine mat placed on a partially slatted floor (SLAT). In addition, a negative control treatment was included with birds kept on used litter from day 1 (NEG). Behavior was recorded in weeks 1, 2, 5, and 6. In week 5, treatments affected the behavioral repertoire (p ≤ 0.035). Birds in POS-1 showed more locomoting, preening and activity overall compared to MAT and/or SLAT treatments. Birds in POS-29 showed more drinking, foraging, preening and overall activity than birds in MAT and/or SLAT treatments. In week 6, birds in the POS-1 treatment spent more time foraging compared to birds in all MAT and SLAT treatments (p ≤ 0.030). In addition, birds in the POS-1 treatment spent more time preening than birds in the MAT-1 treatment (p = 0.046). Our results indicate that access to partially slatted flooring and/or disinfectant mats does not benefit broiler chicken welfare in terms of their ability to express highly motivated behaviors. Access to clean, regularly replaced litter is beneficial for broiler chicken welfare in terms of their ability to express their normal behavioral repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Jacobs
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.M.); (N.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-540-231-4735
| | - Shawnna Melick
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.M.); (N.F.)
| | - Nathan Freeman
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.M.); (N.F.)
| | - An Garmyn
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.G.); (F.A.M.T.)
| | - Frank A. M. Tuyttens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (A.G.); (F.A.M.T.)
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
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12
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Sans ECO, Tuyttens FAM, Taconeli CA, Rueda PM, Ciocca JR, Molento CFM. Welfare of broiler chickens reared under two different types of housing. Anim Welf 2021. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.30.3.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We compared closed- and open-sided industrial houses with respect to the welfare of broiler chickens in southern Brazil. Ten flocks from each design were evaluated and measures divided into the following categories: i) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas,
bird soiling, foot-pad dermatitis, hock burn, lameness, fractures, bruising, scratches, dead on arrival, diseases; ii) environmental measurements: relative humidity, temperature, air velocity, ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), light intensity, litter moisture; iii)
behaviour: bird behaviour, touch test; and iv) affective states: qualitative behaviour assessment. Closed-sided houses showed worse contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, lower exploratory behaviour prevalence, higher NH3 (11.2 [± 6.8] vs 7.5 [± 3.9]
ppm) and CO2 (1,124.9 [± 561.5] vs 841.0 [± 158.0] ppm), lower light intensity (6.9 [± 6.3] vs 274.2 [± 241.9] lux), while open-sided houses had a higher prevalence for scratches and panting behaviour, and lower air velocity (2.1 [± 0.7] vs 1.1
[± 1.0] m s–1). Stocking densities of 13.9 (± 0.4) and 12.0 (± 0.3) per m2 for closed- and open-sided houses, respectively, likely influenced some results. All values shown are means (± SD). Even though open-sided houses presented fewer
animal welfare restrictions (according to five indicators as opposed to three for closed-sided houses), both revealed important welfare problems, evidenced by poor environmental indicators, behavioural restrictions and injuries.
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13
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Tahamtani FM, Ivarsson E, Wiklicky V, Lalander C, Wall H, Rodenburg TB, Tuyttens FAM, Hernandez CE. Feeding live Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) to laying hens: effects on feed consumption, hen health, hen behavior, and egg quality. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101400. [PMID: 34438328 PMCID: PMC8390523 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of insects in animal feed has the potential to reduce the demand for soybean production and reduce the deforestation and loss of natural resources. In particular, the black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae have received attention due to their ability to convert organic waste into high-value biomass. Several studies have investigated the effects of providing BSF larvae to both broilers and laying hens. However, knowledge gaps regarding hens’ voluntary intake of live larvae and the effects of larvae consumption on egg production still remain. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the consumption of 4 different amounts of live BSF larvae on laying hen feed consumption, hen health and fearfulness, and egg production and quality. To this end, 40 Bovans White laying hens were housed individually and provided with 0, 10, 20% or ad libitum daily portions of live larvae from 18 to 30 wk of age. The larvae consumption and concentrate consumption, hen weight, egg production, and egg quality were monitored. Overall, differences were found between the hens given ad libitum access to larvae compared to the other treatments. Ad libitum hens, consumed 163 ± 41 g larvae/hen/day, consumed less concentrate (P = 0.03) and gained more weight (P = 0.0002) than all other treatments. They also had an overall higher consumption of protein, fat and energy (P < 0.03). There was no effect of larvae consumption on egg production, egg weight, shell thickness, shell breaking strength, or Haugh unit (P > 0.05). There was also no effect on hen behavior toward a novel object or in an open field test. This study is the first to provide different amounts of live BSF larvae, including an ad libitum portion to laying hens. The 20% diet could promote sustainability in the egg industry and be economically advantageous if BSF larvae can be bought in bulk for less than 40% of the cost of the concentrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Tahamtani
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Emma Ivarsson
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Wiklicky
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lalander
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Wall
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ethology and Animal Welfare Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carlos E Hernandez
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Tuyttens FAM, de Graaf S, Andreasen SN, de Boyer des Roches A, van Eerdenburg FJCM, Haskell MJ, Kirchner MK, Mounier L, Kjosevski M, Bijttebier J, Lauwers L, Verbeke W, Ampe B. Using Expert Elicitation to Abridge the Welfare Quality® Protocol for Monitoring the Most Adverse Dairy Cattle Welfare Impairments. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:634470. [PMID: 34124214 PMCID: PMC8193125 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.634470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Welfare Quality® consortium has developed and proposed standard protocols for monitoring farm animal welfare. The uptake of the dairy cattle protocol has been below expectation, however, and it has been criticized for the variable quality of the welfare measures and for a limited number of measures having a disproportionally large effect on the integrated welfare categorization. Aiming for a wide uptake by the milk industry, we revised and simplified the Welfare Quality® protocol into a user-friendly tool for cost- and time-efficient on-farm monitoring of dairy cattle welfare with a minimal number of key animal-based measures that are aggregated into a continuous (and thus discriminative) welfare index (WI). The inevitable subjective decisions were based upon expert opinion, as considerable expertise about cattle welfare issues and about the interpretation, importance, and validity of the welfare measures was deemed essential. The WI is calculated as the sum of the severity score (i.e., how severely a welfare problem affects cow welfare) multiplied with the herd prevalence for each measure. The selection of measures (lameness, leanness, mortality, hairless patches, lesions/swellings, somatic cell count) and their severity scores were based on expert surveys (14–17 trained users of the Welfare Quality® cattle protocol). The prevalence of these welfare measures was assessed in 491 European herds. Experts allocated a welfare score (from 0 to 100) to 12 focus herds for which the prevalence of each welfare measure was benchmarked against all 491 herds. Quadratic models indicated a high correspondence between these subjective scores and the WI (R2 = 0.91). The WI allows both numerical (0–100) as a qualitative (“not classified” to “excellent”) evaluation of welfare. Although it is sensitive to those welfare issues that most adversely affect cattle welfare (as identified by EFSA), the WI should be accompanied with a disclaimer that lists adverse or favorable effects that cannot be detected adequately by the current selection of measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium.,Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sophie de Graaf
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium.,Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Frank J C M van Eerdenburg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marie J Haskell
- Scotland's Rural College, Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marlene K Kirchner
- Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Luc Mounier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Miroslav Kjosevski
- Animal Welfare Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Jo Bijttebier
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ludwig Lauwers
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium.,Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium
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15
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Sans ECDO, Tuyttens FAM, Taconeli CA, Rueda PM, Ciocca JR, Molento CFM. Welfare of broiler chickens reared in two different industrial house types during the winter season in Southern Brazil. Br Poult Sci 2021; 62:621-631. [PMID: 33769158 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2021.1908519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
1. The following trial compared broiler chicken welfare in closed-sided (CS) versus open-sided (OS) industrial house types during the winter season in the South of Brazil.2. Ten flocks in each house type were evaluated as follows: a) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas (CDE), bird soiling (BSO), footpad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn (HBU), lameness (LAM), fractures (FRA), bruising (BRU), scratches (SCR), dead on arrival (DOA), and diseases (DIS); b) house environmental measurements: relative humidity (RHU), temperature (TEM), air velocity (AVE), illuminance (ILL), ammonia concentration (NH3), and carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), and c) bird behaviour and affective states: bird behaviour (BBE), touch test (TTE), and qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA).3. Statistical analyses were based on regression models for CDE, BSO, FPD, HBU, LAM and generalised linear models for DOA, FRA, BRU, SCR, and DIS. The Mann-Whitney test was used for RHU, TEM, AVE, ILL, NH3, CO2, and the t-test for TTE and LMO, with a specific regression model for BBE data and Principal Component Analysis for QBA.4. According to odds ratio for worse scores for CS relative to OS, birds were less likely to have severe scores for CDE (P = 0.040 and P = 0.007), BSO (P = 0.031, P = 0.016, and P = 0.038), and HBU (P = 0.017), and had higher median values for AVE (2.3, 0.0-7.8 m s-1 vs. 0.0, 0.0-4.3 m s-1), lower NH3 concentration (9.0, 0.0-64.0 ppm vs. 12.0, 0.0-60.0 ppm) and TTE scores (98, 96-100 vs. 67, 25-100). Worse results were observed in CS houses for higher stocking density (13.8 ± 0.2 birds/m2 vs. 12.0 ± 0.2 birds/m2), RHU (74.5, 50.7-99.9% vs 72.3, 47.4-99.9%), and TEM (23.9, 14.6-29.2°C vs. 21.7, 12.9-30.1°C), lower ILL (16.0, 1.0-60.0 lx vs. 161.0, 8.0-2380.0 lx), less drinking (P = 0.007), more inactive behaviour (P < 0.001) and lower positive emotions, according to QBA (P = 0.028).5. In the studied region and season, CS houses seemed to offer fewer welfare problems in terms of the health indicators; however, OS houses showed fewer behavioural restrictions and higher positive emotional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C D O Sans
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Melle, Belgium.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C A Taconeli
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - P M Rueda
- Department of Farm Animals, World Animal Protection, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J R Ciocca
- Department of Farm Animals, World Animal Protection, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C F M Molento
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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16
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Heyrman E, Millet S, Tuyttens FAM, Ampe B, Janssens S, Buys N, Wauters J, Vanhaecke L, Aluwé M. On-farm prevalence of and potential risk factors for boar taint. Animal 2021; 15:100141. [PMID: 33573941 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Boar taint is an unpleasant taste and odor that can occur in entire male pigs and is caused by androstenone, skatole, and to a lesser extent indole accumulating in fat tissue. In the present observational study, we evaluated an extensive list of such potential risk factors which influence boar taint: social hierarchy and puberty attainment, housing, health, preslaughter conditions, season, feed, carcass composition, slaughter weight or age, and breed. Details on these factors were collected by interviews with the participating farmers, observations on each farm by trained observers and farmers, as well as slaughterhouse data. Twenty-two farms (in West- and East-Flanders, ranging from 160 to 600 sows, selected on suitability) raising entire male pigs were included in the study to evaluate the link between boar taint and potential risk factors related to the farm and slaughter batch (114 slaughter batches and 16 791 entire male pigs in total). Average olfactory boar taint prevalence was 1.8 ± 0.8%. Boar taint prevalence varied also within farms up to a maximum range between slaughter batches of 9.1% which suggests an effect of factors varying between slaughter batches such as season or other variables varying between slaughter batches. Less aggressive behavior at the end of fattening as well as lower skin lesion scores at fattening as well as at slaughter could be associated with less boar taint. The same might be said for sexual behavior, though less convincingly from this study. Measures that reduce aggression and stress have therefore have the potential to lower boar taint prevalence. The same might be said for sexual behavior, though less convincingly from this study. Furthermore, boar taint prevalence was generally higher in winter than in summer, which is relevant from a planning perspective for the slaughterhouses to seek alternative markets. Finally, increased CP gave significantly lower boar taint prevalences. This may to some extent be explained by the negative association between boar taint and lean meat percentage, as increased dietary CP levels promote the carcass lean meat percentages which can then be associated with lower boar taint levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Heyrman
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium; KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - S Millet
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - S Janssens
- KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - N Buys
- KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - J Wauters
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Vanhaecke
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Aluwé
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
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17
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Watteyn A, Jacobs L, Ampe B, Moons CPH, Garmyn A, Tuyttens FAM. Killing individual poultry on-farm-a survey among veterinarians and farmers. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4132-4140. [PMID: 32867956 PMCID: PMC7598116 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, information about reasons to select and kill poultry on-farm and which method veterinarians and poultry producers preferably use is scarce. Little is also known about their knowledge of the legislation regarding on-farm killing methods and of methods alternative to the one(s) they use, as well as their perception of those alternatives. In this study, Flemish poultry veterinarians (n = 13), broiler chicken producers (n = 27), and turkey producers (n = 4) were surveyed on killing methods they currently use in practice and alternative methods, on their opinion about what constitutes an appropriate method for on-farm killing of poultry, and on their reasons for killing. All poultry veterinarians and chicken producers who filled out the survey kill poultry by manual cervical dislocation (CD), whereas some turkey farmers also indicated killing by percussive blow to the head (n = 1) or exsanguination (n = 1). Turkey producers seem to be more inclined not to kill animals with injuries or symptoms of disease as compared to veterinarians or chicken producers, such that moribund turkeys are more likely to remain in the flock. Veterinarians considered the following properties of a killing method important: animal friendliness, applicability inside the stable, a high success rate, and time efficiency. Producers ranked the properties similarly, but for them, ease of performance and cost-efficiency were more important than applicability inside the stable. Producers scored those killing properties rather positively for manual as well as mechanical CD. Veterinarians and chicken producers considered the captive bolt method to be easy to perform, to have a high success rate, to be feasible to perform in the stable, and to be animal-friendly. Turkey producers, however, had doubts about the latter 2 properties. Gas, injection, and electrocution were inferior methods to kill poultry according to producers. In conclusion, manual CD is the most common method for killing broiler chickens and turkeys, and knowledge of, and experience with, alternative methods is very limited, both among veterinarians and producers. Informing them about legislation and training for the use of alternative killing techniques are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneleen Watteyn
- Animal Sciences, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Melle, Belgium.
| | - Leonie Jacobs
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Melle, Belgium
| | | | - An Garmyn
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Melle, Belgium; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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18
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van Riet MMJ, Vangeyte J, Janssens GPJ, Ampe B, Nalon E, Bos EJ, Pluym L, Tuyttens FAM, Maes D, Millet S. On-Farm Claw Scoring in Sows Using a Novel Mobile Device. Sensors (Basel) 2019; 19:s19061473. [PMID: 30917567 PMCID: PMC6470472 DOI: 10.3390/s19061473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Claw lesions and lameness in sows are important problems in the industry as they impair sow welfare and result in economic losses. Available scoring techniques to detect claw lesions are all limited in terms of collecting data during all reproductive phases and recording all claws. The Mobile Claw Scoring Device (MCSD) was designed to address these limitations. After considering different practical situations and a design phase, two prototypes were constructed and tested. Improvements were incorporated into a final aluminium apparatus, consisting of two cameras with light-emitting diode (LED) lights mounted in a two-segment aluminium box and covered with laminated tempered glass plates. The operating system slides underneath the claws and takes video images. This final prototype was optimised and validated in an experiment with 20 hybrid sows, comparing scores for soiled claws using the MCSD against scores for clean claws using the Feet First© sow chute (as gold standard). Fifty percent of the scores differed between both scoring tools, with mainly medial claw digits deviating, but this seemed biologically irrelevant. The MCSD seems to be an appropriate alternative for on-farm claw scoring and is distinguishable from other claw scoring techniques; however, it needs further optimisation to improve the similarity between the two techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam M J van Riet
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jürgen Vangeyte
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 115, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Geert P J Janssens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Bart Ampe
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Elena Nalon
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Emilie-Julie Bos
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Liesbet Pluym
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 115, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Sam Millet
- Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Buijs S, Heerkens JLT, Ampe B, Delezie E, Rodenburg TB, Tuyttens FAM. Assessing keel bone damage in laying hens by palpation: effects of assessor experience on accuracy, inter-rater agreement and intra-rater consistency. Poult Sci 2019; 98:514-521. [PMID: 30768146 PMCID: PMC6376219 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate assessment is essential when evaluating keel bone damage. Palpation is commonly used to assess keel bone damage in living hens. However, there is little information on the accuracy of assessment of deviations and fractures on different parts of the keel, and on the consistency within, and agreement between, assessors. Crucially, although the importance of experience is commonly emphasized, knowledge on its effect is scarce. Ten assessors with or without prior experience palpated the same 50 75-wk-old hens for deviations, medial fractures, and caudal fractures (scored as present/absent). Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and negative predictive value were determined by comparing palpation scores to post-dissection assessment, and then compared between experienced and inexperienced assessors. To determine the effect of the experience gained during the experiment, hens were subsequently re-assessed. Consistency within, and agreement between, assessors were also determined. Assessors with prior experience were more accurate (proportion of accurately assessed deviations: experienced 0.83 vs. inexperienced 0.79±0.01, P = 0.04; medial fractures: 0.82 vs. 0.68±0.03 in session 1 only, P = 0.04; caudal fractures: 0.41 vs. 0.29±0.03, P = 0.03), and inexperienced assessors classified medial fractures more accurately in session 2 (session 1: 0.68 vs. session 2: 0.77±0.04, P = 0.04). However, effect sizes were small for deviations and even experienced assessors lacked accuracy when assessing caudal fractures. Unexpectedly, deviations tended to be assessed more accurately in session 1 than in session 2, regardless of assessor status (1: 0.83 vs. 2: 0.79±0.01, P = 0.06), suggesting that prolonged assessment contributes to errors. Prior experience decreased specificity and precision of fracture assessment (more unfractured keels were classified as fractured) even though overall accuracy was greater. Intra-rater consistency was fair to good (0.55 to 0.67) for deviations and medial fractures, but poor to fair (0.36 to 0.44) for caudal fractures, and unaffected by prior experience (P = 0.49 to 0.89). In conclusion, experience improves accuracy to a limited extent but does not guarantee high accuracy for all types of damage. Future research should determine if other training methods (e.g., comparison to post-dissection scores or to radiographs) improve accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.,Bristol Veterinary School, Langford House, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom.,Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Large Park, Hillsborough BT26 6DR, United Kingdom
| | - J L T Heerkens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.,Aeres University of Applied Sciences, De Drieslag 4, 8251 JZ Dronten, The Netherlands
| | - B Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - E Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - T B Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
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Heyrman E, Millet S, Tuyttens FAM, Ampe B, Janssens S, Buys N, Wauters J, Vanhaecke L, Aluwé M. On farm intervention studies on reduction of boar taint prevalence: Feeding strategies, presence of gilts and time in lairage. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:508-516. [PMID: 29758535 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the challenges in the production of entire male pigs is the occurrence of boar taint. We separately tested the effect of 3 management strategies to reduce boar taint on respectively 2, 3, and 6 Flemish pig farms: 1) adapted feeding strategies, 2) presence of gilts in the compartment, and 3) varying lairage duration at the slaughterhouse. A commercialized feed concept resulted in a significant reduction of olfactory boar taint prevalence when fed for 2 weeks (T2W) compared to control (T-CON) (P = 0.030). For T2W and when fed for 3 weeks (T3W), androstenone (AND) (P = 0.002 for T2W, P = 0.029 for T3W) and skatole (SKA) (P < 0.001 for T2W and T3W) were significantly reduced compared to T-CON. Olfactory boar taint prevalence was significantly reduced when feeding 5% dried chicory roots (FI5%) (P = 0.032), but not for 3% dried chicory roots (FI3%) (P = 0.958). SKA concentration was significantly lower when feeding FI5% (P < 0.001) and when feeding FI3% (P = 0.034). Rearing entire male pigs separately from gilts and increasing lairage duration from <1 h to >3 h did not significantly affect boar taint.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Heyrman
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium; KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - S Millet
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - S Janssens
- KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - N Buys
- KU Leuven, Livestock Genetics, Department of Biosystems, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - J Wauters
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Vanhaecke
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Aluwé
- ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food), Animal Sciences Unit, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
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Graaf SD, Ampe B, Buijs S, Andreasen SN, Roches ADBD, Eerdenburg FJCMV, Haskell MJ, Kirchner MK, Mounier L, Radeski M, Winckler C, Bijttebier J, Lauwers L, Verbeke W, Tuyttens FAM. Sensitivity of the integrated Welfare Quality® scores to changing values of individual dairy cattle welfare measures. Anim Welf 2018. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.27.2.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S de Graaf
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Buijs
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - SN Andreasen
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - FJCM van Eerdenburg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - MJ Haskell
- SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - MK Kirchner
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - L Mounier
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, UMR1213 Herbivores, 69280 Marcy-L’Étoile, France
| | - M Radeski
- Animal Welfare Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - C Winckler
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - J Bijttebier
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Lauwers
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - W Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - FAM Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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22
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Veissier I, Van Laer E, Palme R, Moons CPH, Ampe B, Sonck B, Andanson S, Tuyttens FAM. Heat stress in cows at pasture and benefit of shade in a temperate climate region. Int J Biometeorol 2018; 62:585-595. [PMID: 29150763 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1468-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Under temperate climates, cattle are often at pasture in summer and are not necessarily provided with shade. We aimed at evaluating in a temperate region (Belgium) to what extent cattle may suffer from heat stress (measured through body temperature, respiration rate and panting score, cortisol or its metabolites in milk, and feces on hot days) and at assessing the potential benefits of shade. During the summer of 2012, 20 cows were kept on pasture without access to shade. During the summer of 2011, ten cows had access to shade (young trees with shade cloth hung between them), whereas ten cows had no access. Climatic conditions were quantified by the Heat Load Index (HLI). In animals without access to shade respiration rates, panting scores, rectal temperatures, and milk cortisol concentrations increased as HLI increased in both 2011 and 2012. Fecal cortisol metabolites varied with HLI in 2011 only. When cattle had access to shade, their use of shade increased as the HLI increased. This effect was more pronounced during the last part of the summer, possibly due to better acquaintance with the shade construction. In this case, shade use increased to 65% at the highest HLI (79). Shade tempered the effects on respiration, rectal temperature, and fecal cortisol metabolites. Milk cortisol was not influenced by HLI for cows using shade for > 10% of the day. Therefore, even in temperate areas, cattle may suffer from heat when they are at pasture in summer and providing shade can reduce such stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Veissier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, F-63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
| | - Eva Van Laer
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christel P H Moons
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Bart Sonck
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Andanson
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, F-63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090, Melle, Belgium.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Benaissa S, Tuyttens FAM, Plets D, de Pessemier T, Trogh J, Tanghe E, Martens L, Vandaele L, Van Nuffel A, Joseph W, Sonck B. On the use of on-cow accelerometers for the classification of behaviours in dairy barns. Res Vet Sci 2017; 125:425-433. [PMID: 29174287 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Analysing behaviours can provide insight into the health and overall well-being of dairy cows. Automatic monitoring systems using e.g., accelerometers are becoming increasingly important to accurately quantify cows' behaviours as the herd size increases. The aim of this study is to automatically classify cows' behaviours by comparing leg- and neck-mounted accelerometers, and to study the effect of the sampling rate and the number of accelerometer axes logged on the classification performances. Lying, standing, and feeding behaviours of 16 different lactating dairy cows were logged for 6h with 3D-accelerometers. The behaviours were simultaneously recorded using visual observation and video recordings as a reference. Different features were extracted from the raw data and machine learning algorithms were used for the classification. The classification models using combined data of the neck- and the leg-mounted accelerometers have classified the three behaviours with high precision (80-99%) and sensitivity (87-99%). For the leg-mounted accelerometer, lying behaviour was classified with high precision (99%) and sensitivity (98%). Feeding was classified more accurately by the neck-mounted versus the leg-mounted accelerometer (precision 92% versus 80%; sensitivity 97% versus 88%). Standing was the most difficult behaviour to classify when only one accelerometer was used. In addition, the classification performances were not highly influenced when only X, X and Z, or Z and Y axes were used for the classification instead of three axes, especially for the neck-mounted accelerometer. Moreover, the accuracy of the models decreased with about 20% when the sampling rate was decreased from 1Hz to 0.05Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Benaissa
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Laboratory for Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, D8, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - David Plets
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Toon de Pessemier
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens Trogh
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmeric Tanghe
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Martens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Van Nuffel
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 115 bus 1, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/imec, iGent-Technologiepark 15, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Sonck
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Jacobs L, Delezie E, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Vermeulen D, Buyse J, Tuyttens FAM. Fit for transport? Broiler chicken fitness assessment for transportation to slaughter. Anim Welf 2017. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.26.3.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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de Graaf S, Ampe B, Winckler C, Radeski M, Mounier L, Kirchner MK, Haskell MJ, van Eerdenburg FJCM, des Roches ADB, Andreasen SN, Bijttebier J, Lauwers L, Verbeke W, Tuyttens FAM. Trained-user opinion about Welfare Quality measures and integrated scoring of dairy cattle welfare. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:6376-6388. [PMID: 28571983 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Welfare Quality (WQ) protocol for on-farm dairy cattle welfare assessment describes 27 measures and a stepwise method for integrating values for these measures into 11 criteria scores, grouped further into 4 principle scores and finally into an overall welfare categorization with 4 levels. We conducted an online survey to examine whether trained users' opinions of the WQ protocol for dairy cattle correspond with the integrated scores (criteria, principles, and overall categorization) calculated according to the WQ protocol. First, the trained users' scores (n = 8-15) for reliability and validity and their ranking of the importance of all measures for herd welfare were compared with the degree of actual effect of these measures on the WQ integrated scores. Logistic regression was applied to identify the measures that affected the WQ overall welfare categorization into the "not classified" or "enhanced" categories for a database of 491 European herds. The smallest multivariate model maintaining the highest percentage of both sensitivity and specificity for the "enhanced" category contained 6 measures, whereas the model for "not classified" contained 4 measures. Some of the measures that were ranked as least important by trained users (e.g., measures relating to drinkers) had the highest influence on the WQ overall welfare categorization. Conversely, measures rated as most important by the trained users (e.g., lameness and mortality) had a lower effect on the WQ overall category. In addition, trained users were asked to allocate criterion and overall welfare scores to 7 focal herds selected from the database (n = 491 herds). Data on all WQ measures for these focal herds relative to all other herds in the database were provided. The degree to which expert scores corresponded to each other, the systematic difference, and the correspondence between median trained-user opinion and the WQ criterion scores were then tested. The level of correspondence between expert scoring and WQ scoring for 6 of the 12 criteria and for the overall welfare score was low. The WQ scores of the protocol for dairy cattle thus lacked correspondence with trained users on the importance of several welfare measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S de Graaf
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C Winckler
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Radeski
- Animal Welfare Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Lazar Pop-Trajkov 5-7, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - L Mounier
- UMR1213 Herbivores, L'Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA), VetAgro Sup, Clermont Université, Université de Lyon, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - M K Kirchner
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M J Haskell
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - A de Boyer des Roches
- UMR1213 Herbivores, L'Institut national de la recherche agronomique (INRA), VetAgro Sup, Clermont Université, Université de Lyon, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - S N Andreasen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Bijttebier
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Lauwers
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - W Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Burg. van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Bos EJ, van Riet MMJ, Maes D, Millet S, Ampe B, Janssens GPJ, Tuyttens FAM. Effect of rubber flooring on group-housed sows' gait and claw and skin lesions. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:2086-96. [PMID: 27285705 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of floor type on sow welfare in terms of lameness, claw lesions, and skin lesions. In a 2 × 3 factorial design, we have investigated the effect of rubber coverings on concrete floors and the effect of 3 levels of dietary zinc supplementation on locomotion and claw and skin lesions in group-housed sows. Six groups of 21 ± 4 hybrid sows were monitored during 3 successive reproductive cycles. The sows were group housed from d 28 after insemination (d 0) until 1 wk before expected farrowing date (d 108) in pens with either exposed concrete floors or concrete floors covered with rubber in part of the lying area and the fully slatted area. During each reproductive cycle, locomotion and skin lesions were assessed 4 times (d 28, 50, 108, and 140) and claw lesions were assessed twice (d 50 and 140). Results are given as least squares means ± SE. Locomotion and claw scores were given in millimeters, on analog scales of 150 and 160 mm, respectively. Here, we report on the effect of floor type, which did not interact with dietary zinc concentration ( > 0.10 for all variables). At move to group (d 28) and mid gestation (d 50), no differences between floor treatments were seen in locomotion ( > 0.10). At the end of gestation (d 108), sows housed on rubber flooring scored 9.9 ± 4.1 mm better on gait ( < 0.001). Regarding claw disorders, both parameters "heel overgrowth and erosion" (difference of 4.6 ± 1.8 mm; = 0.01) and "heel-sole crack" (difference of 3.1 ± 1.5 mm; = 0.04) scores were better for sows on rubber flooring at mid gestation (d 50). However, sows on rubber flooring scored worse for "vertical cracks in the wall horn" (difference of 3.4 ± 1.7 mm; = 0.04). At the end of lactation (d 140), both "white line" (difference of 2.9 ± 1 mm; = 0.02) and "claw length" (difference of 4.7 ± 1.4 mm; < 0.001) had better scores on rubber flooring. No differences for skin lesions were observed between floor treatments. The improved scores for gait toward the end of gestation and some types of claw disorders at mid gestation suggest that rubber flooring in group housing has a beneficial effect on the overall leg health of sows. The documented increase in vertical cracks in the wall horn at d 50 requires further investigation.
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de Graaf S, Ampe B, Tuyttens FAM. Assessing dairy cow welfare at the beginning and end of the indoor period using the Welfare Quality® protocol. Anim Welf 2017. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.26.2.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Jacobs L, Delezie E, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Tuyttens FAM. Broiler chickens dead on arrival: associated risk factors and welfare indicators. Poult Sci 2016; 96:259-265. [PMID: 27702922 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pre-slaughter phase of the production process has potentially important animal welfare implications, including mortality (recorded as "Dead on Arrivals"; DOA: ). To reduce DOA%, specific risk factors need to be identified. DOA% can also be used as a first and quick screening of pre-slaughter broiler welfare under commercial conditions. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for DOA% in commercial broiler flocks and to find associations between DOA% and animal-based indicators of broiler welfare during the pre-slaughter phase. Eighty-one transported flocks to five slaughter plants were assessed. Farmers provided information on the flock and observers gathered data on pre-slaughter factors. DOA% was recorded by slaughter plant personnel. The association between risk factors and DOA% was tested using linear mixed models, with slaughter plant as the random effect. Mean (± SE) DOA% was 0.30 ± 0.05% and median was 0.19% (range 0.04 to 3.34%). Two risk factors for DOA% were identified, both related to flock health status during the production phase. Higher DOA% was found when farmers did not check chick quality upon arrival (P = 0.011), although one extreme DOA% caused this significant effect. In addition, on-farm mortality during production (including selective culling) was negatively associated with DOA% (P = 0.011), potentially due to the selective culling on farm. Further research is needed on the impact of on-farm health status on welfare during the pre-slaughter phase, as the current study provided some evidence that on-farm factors are linked to mortality during the pre-slaughter phase. No specific characteristics of the pre-slaughter phase could be identified as risk factor for increased mortality. DOA% was positively associated with five welfare indicators, including indicators of thermal stress, which indicates the potential to use DOA% as a quick, cost-efficient screening tool for those welfare aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Jacobs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Klara Goethals
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Bos EJ, Maes D, van Riet MMJ, Millet S, Ampe B, Janssens GPJ, Tuyttens FAM. Locomotion Disorders and Skin and Claw Lesions in Gestating Sows Housed in Dynamic versus Static Groups. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163625. [PMID: 27680675 PMCID: PMC5040397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lameness and lesions to the skin and claws of sows in group housing are commonly occurring indicators of reduced welfare. Typically, these problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Group management type (dynamic versus static) and stage of gestation influence the behavior of the animals, which in turn influences the occurrence of these problems. The present study compared prevalence, incidence and mean scores of lameness and skin and claw lesions in static versus dynamic group housed sows at different stages of gestation during three consecutive reproductive cycles. A total of 10 Belgian sow herds were monitored; 5 in which dynamic groups and 5 in which static groups were utilized. All sows were visually assessed for lameness and skin lesions three times per cycle and the claws of the hind limbs were assessed once per cycle. Lameness and claw lesions were assessed using visual analogue scales. Static groups, in comparison with dynamic groups, demonstrated lower lameness scores (P<0.05) and decreased skin lesion prevalence (24.9 vs. 47.3%, P<0.05) at the end of gestation. There was no difference between treatment group regarding claw lesion prevalence with 75.5% of sows demonstrating claw lesions regardless of group management. Prevalences of lameness (22.4 vs. 8.9%, P<0.05) and skin lesions (46.6 vs. 4.4%, P<0.05) were highest during the group-housed phase compared to the individually housed phases. Although the prevalence of lameness and skin lesions did not differ three days after grouping versus at the end of the group-housing phase, their incidence peaked during the first three days after moving from the insemination stalls to the group. In conclusion, the first three days after grouping was the most risky period for lameness incidence, but there was no significant difference between static or dynamic group management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie-Julie Bos
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68. 9090 Melle, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and herd health, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and herd health, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Miriam M. J. van Riet
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68. 9090 Melle, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sam Millet
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68. 9090 Melle, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68. 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Geert P. J. Janssens
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frank A. M. Tuyttens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68. 9090 Melle, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Heerkens JLT, Delezie E, Ampe B, Rodenburg TB, Tuyttens FAM. Ramps and hybrid effects on keel bone and foot pad disorders in modified aviaries for laying hens. Poult Sci 2016; 95:2479-2488. [PMID: 27143777 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-cage systems provide laying hens with considerable space allowance, perches and access to litter, thereby offering opportunities for natural species-specific behaviors. Conversely, these typical characteristics of non-cage systems also increase the risk of keel bone and foot pad disorders. The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to investigate if providing ramps between perches (housing factor) reduces keel bone and foot pad disorders and 2) to test for genetic predisposition by comparing 2 different layer hybrids. In a 2 × 2 design, 16 pens were equipped either with or without ramps between perches and nest boxes (8 pens/treatment), and housed with either 25 ISA Brown or Dekalb White birds per pen (in total 200 birds/hybrid). Keel bone injuries and foot health were repeatedly measured via palpation and visual assessment between 17 and 52 wk of age and daily egg production was recorded. The relationships between the dependent response variables (keel bone and footpad disorders, egg production) and independent factors (age, ramps, hybrid) were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and corrected for repeated measures. Ramps reduced keel bone fractures (F1,950 = 45.80, P < 0.001), foot pad hyperkeratosis (F1,889 = 10.40, P = 0.001), foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 20.48, P < 0.001) and bumble foot (F1,395 = 8.52, P < 0.001) compared to pens without ramps. ISA Brown birds sustained more keel bone fractures (F1,950 = 33.26, P < 0.001), had more foot pad hyperkeratosis (F1,889 = 44.69, P < 0.001) and laid more floor eggs (F1,1883 = 438.80, P < 0.001), but had fewer keel bone deviations (F1,1473 = 6.73, P < 0.001), fewer cases of foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 19.84, P < 0.001) and no bumble foot as compared to Dekalb White birds. Age, housing and hybrid showed several interaction effects. Providing ramps proved to be very effective in both reducing keel bone and foot pad problems in non-cage systems. Keel bone and foot pad disorders are related to genetic predisposition. These results indicate that adaptation of the housing systems and hybrid selection may be effective measures in improving laying hen welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L T Heerkens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - E Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - T B Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Jacobs L, Delezie E, Duchateau L, Goethals K, Ampe B, Lambrecht E, Gellynck X, Tuyttens FAM. Effect of post-hatch transportation duration and parental age on broiler chicken quality, welfare, and productivity. Poult Sci 2016; 95:1973-9. [PMID: 27143763 PMCID: PMC4983684 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Broiler chicks are transported to production sites within one to 2 d post-hatch. Possible effects of this transportation are poorly understood and could vary among chicks from breeder flocks of different ages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of transportation duration and parental flock age on chick welfare, productivity, and quality. After hatch in a commercial hatchery, 1,620 mixed-sex chicks from 29-wk old (young) and 1,620 chicks from 60-wk old (old) breeders were subjected to transportation of 1.5 h or 11 h duration. After transportation, 2,800 chicks were divided among 100 pens, with each pen containing 28 chicks from one transportation crate (2 or 3 pens per crate). From the remaining chicks, on average 6 chicks (min 4, max 8) per crate (n = 228) were randomly selected and assessed for chick quality, weighed, and culled for yolk sac weighing (one d). Chicks that had not been assigned to pens or were not used for post-transportation measurements, were removed from the experiment (n = 212). Mortality, ADG, BW, and feed conversion ( FC: ) of the experimental chicks were recorded until 41 d. Meat quality was measured for breast fillets (n = 47). No interaction effect of parental age and transportation duration was found for any variables. BW and yolk sac weight at one d were lower for chicks transported 11 h than 1.5 h and for chicks from young versus old breeders. The effect of parental flock age on BW persisted until slaughter. Additionally, parental age positively affected ADG until slaughter. Chick quality was lower in chicks from old versus young breeders. Chick quality and productivity were not affected by transportation duration. Mortality and meat quality were not affected by either parental age or transportation duration. To conclude, no long-term detrimental effects were found from long post-hatch transportation in chicks from young or old parent flocks. Based on these results, we suggest that 11 h post-hatch transportations under similar conditions do not impose long-term welfare or productivity risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Jacobs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Klara Goethals
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Evelien Lambrecht
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Gellynck
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Vanhonacker F, Tuyttens FAM, Verbeke W. Belgian citizens' and broiler producers' perceptions of broiler chicken welfare in Belgium versus Brazil. Poult Sci 2016; 95:1555-1563. [PMID: 26976912 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New EU regulations require more stringent country-of-origin labeling, while imports of broiler meat from non-EU countries are increasing. In light of these trends, we have studied citizens' and producers' perceptions of broiler meat originating from Belgium versus Brazil and their perception of broiler production in Belgium versus Brazil. A particular focus was the association between country of origin and perceived level of animal welfare. We also investigated the perception of scaling-up and outdoor access in terms of perceived level of animal welfare. Cross-sectional survey data was collected among Flemish citizens (n = 541) and broiler producers (n = 114). In accordance with literature on general farm animal welfare, both stakeholder types claimed to allocate great importance to broiler welfare and generally agreed with the Welfare Quality model of broiler welfare. Citizens disagreed with the producers that 1) consumers are not willing to pay more for higher welfare products, 2) that broilers suffer little, 3) that broiler welfare in current Belgian production units is generally non-problematic, 4) that scaling-up production units would not have a positive impact on profitability nor a profoundly negative impact on broiler welfare, and 5) that the impact of providing broilers with outdoor access is negative for consumers, farmers, and broilers. Country of origin had a strong influence on the perception of both broiler production and broiler meat. Belgian citizens, and producers (much more than citizens) considered nearly all aspects related to broiler production and broiler meat to be significantly superior for chicken produced in Belgium compared to Brazil. Further research should focus on how these perceptions influence purchase intentions and production decisions. Future avenues for research are to quantify market opportunities for country-of-origin labeling and to investigate to which extent stakeholders' perceptions correspond with reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vanhonacker
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Biosciences, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Federici JF, Vanderhasselt R, Sans ECO, Tuyttens FAM, Souza APO, Molento CFM. Assessment of Broiler Chicken Welfare in Southern Brazil. Rev Bras Cienc Avic 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/18069061-2015-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - ECO Sans
- Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
| | - FAM Tuyttens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Belgium; Ghent University, Belgium
| | - APO Souza
- Federal University of Paraná, Brazil
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Heerkens JLT, Delezie E, Rodenburg TB, Kempen I, Zoons J, Ampe B, Tuyttens FAM. Risk factors associated with keel bone and foot pad disorders in laying hens housed in aviary systems. Poult Sci 2015; 95:482-8. [PMID: 26628344 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aviary systems for laying hens offer space and opportunities to perform natural behaviors. However, hen welfare can be impaired due to increased risk for keel bone and foot pad disorders in those systems. This cross-sectional study (N = 47 flocks) aimed to assess prevalences of keel bone and foot pad disorders in laying hens housed in aviaries in Belgium to identify risk factors for these disorders and their relation to egg production. Information on housing characteristics and egg production were obtained through questionnaire-based interviews, farm records, and measurements in the henhouse. Keel bone (wounds, hematomas, fractures, deviations) and foot pad disorders (dermatitis, hyperkeratosis) were assessed in 50 randomly selected 60-week-old laying hens per flock. A linear model with stepwise selection procedure was used to investigate associations between risk factors, production parameters, and the keel bone and foot pad disorders. The flock mean prevalences were: hematomas 41.2%, wounds 17.6%, fractures 82.5%, deviations 58.9%, hyperkeratosis 42.0%, dermatitis 27.6%, and bumble foot 1.2%. Identified risk factors for keel bone disorders were aviary type (row vs. portal), tier flooring material (wire mesh vs. plastic slats), corridor width, nest box perch, and hybrid. Identified risk factors for foot pad disorders were aviary type (row vs. portal), free-range, and hybrid. Percentage of second-quality eggs was negatively associated with keel bone deviations (P = 0.029) at the flock level. Keel bone and foot pad disorders were alarmingly high in aviary housing. The identification of various risk factors suggests improvements to aviary systems may lead to better welfare of laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L T Heerkens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - E Delezie
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - T B Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - I Kempen
- Experimental Poultry Centre, Poiel 77, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - J Zoons
- Experimental Poultry Centre, Poiel 77, B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - B Ampe
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Stadig LM, Ampe BA, Van Gansbeke S, Van den Bogaert T, D'Haenens E, Heerkens JLT, Tuyttens FAM. Survey of egg farmers regarding the ban on conventional cages in the EU and their opinion of alternative layer housing systems in Flanders, Belgium. Poult Sci 2015; 95:715-25. [PMID: 26574025 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
On 1 January 2012, conventional cages for laying hens were banned in the European Union (EU); all egg farmers must now use alternative hen housing systems. In total, 218 Flemish egg farmers were surveyed in 2013 to 2014 regarding which housing systems they currently use, their degree of satisfaction with the system, and how they experienced the transition from conventional cages to an alternative system. The response rate was 58.3% (127 respondents). Of these, 43 (33.9%) were no longer active as an egg farmer, mainly due to the ban on conventional cages. The respondents who were active as egg farmers both before and after the transition (84, 66.1%) mainly judged the ban as negative for their own finances and for the competitive position of the Belgian egg industry, but were neutral or positive regarding the general consequences for their own business. Most respondents' hens were housed in either aviary systems (47.7%) or in alternative cage systems (38.2%). When choosing a new system, the fit into the farm and consumer demand were the most important factors. Consumer demand was the main reason for choosing a system with free-range access. In general, egg farmers were satisfied with the system they chose, although this differs between systems. When asked to compare the alternative systems to conventional cages, alternatives were judged to be better for hen welfare and consumer demand, but similar or worse for all other aspects, especially labor. Egg farmers previously using conventional cages judged alternative systems more negatively than those who had no prior experience with conventional cages. Farmers who had experience with free-range systems judged these more positively than those without this experience, e.g., for egg consumer demand, profitability, and hen welfare. These results can possibly be extrapolated to other EU countries in which conventional cages were the most common housing system until 2012, and lessons can be drawn from the farmers' experiences when implementing other animal welfare legislation that may require similar far-reaching adaptations for primary production.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Stadig
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B A Ampe
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - S Van Gansbeke
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 70 bus 101, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - T Van den Bogaert
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 70 bus 101, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - E D'Haenens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - J L T Heerkens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Van Laer E, Moons CPH, Ampe B, Sonck B, Vangeyte J, Tuyttens FAM. Summertime use of natural versus artificial shelter by cattle in nature reserves. Anim Welf 2015. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.24.3.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Van den Broeke A, Aluwé M, Tuyttens FAM, Ampe B, Vanhaecke L, Wauters J, Janssens S, Coussé A, Buys N, Millet S. An intervention study demonstrates effects of MC4R genotype on boar taint and performances of growing-finishing pigs. J Anim Sci 2015; 93:934-43. [PMID: 26020871 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-8184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asp298Asn polymorphism of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in pigs is known to affect economically important traits such as growth rate and backfat thickness. We have assessed the possible use of this polymorphism as a molecular marker to perform genetic selection toward lower boar taint levels without compromising growth performance and carcass and meat quality in commercial boars and gilts. Homozygous boars and gilts of the AA genotype and GG genotype were compared in an intervention study with a 2 × 2 design to assess main effects and possible interactions between sex and genotype. The concentrations of the 3 boar taint compounds androstenone ( = 0.044), skatole ( = 0.049), and indole ( = 0.006) were significantly higher in fat of AA boars compared to GG boars. However, no effect on the sensory analysis of the fat samples could be observed. Between 20 and 115 kg BW, AA pigs showed higher ADFI than GG pigs ( < 0.001). An interaction between genotype and sex was observed for ADG ( = 0.044): AA boars had a significantly higher ADG than GG boars but there was no significant difference between the gilts. Daily lean meat gain tended to be higher in boars compared to gilts ( = 0.051), independent of genotype. Similarly, boars showed higher G:F compared to gilts ( < 0.001), without effect of genotype. Genotype and sex affected several carcass quality parameters but there was no interaction. Pigs of the AA genotype displayed a lower dressing percentage ( = 0.005), lower ham width ( = 0.024), lower muscle thickness ( = 0.011), and higher fat thickness ( < 0.001), resulting in a lower lean meat percentage ( < 0.001) in comparison with GG pigs. Gilts had a significantly higher dressing percentage ( < 0.001), higher muscle thickness ( < 0.001), higher ham width ( < 0.001), and lower ham angle ( < 0.001) compared to boars. Other than the boar taint compounds, meat quality was not affected by genotype. Pork of gilts was darker ( = 0.014) and less exudative during cooking ( < 0.001) and contained more intramuscular fat ( = 0.013). These results indicate that genetic selection against boar taint is possible using this marker. This will also result in lower feed intake and ADG and, consequently, better carcass quality.
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Schroyen M, Janssens S, Stinckens A, Brebels M, Bertolini F, Lamberigts C, Bekaert K, Vanhaecke L, Aluwé M, Tuyttens FAM, Millet S, Buys N. The MC4R c.893G>A mutation: a marker for growth and leanness associated with boar taint odour in Belgian pig breeds. Meat Sci 2014; 101:1-4. [PMID: 25462375 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Since surgical castration of male piglets without anaesthesia is under heavy societal pressure, finding a sustainable solution to reduce boar taint has become urgent. One way to circumvent this animal welfare violation is raising entire male pigs whilst selecting against the tainted phenotype through marker-assisted selection. Since slaughtering at a lower weight is often suggested to reduce boar taint, selection using a marker for that trait could be a promising strategy. Therefore, in this study a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutation, frequently described in different pig breeds as marker for fat content, weight gain and feed intake, was examined in relation to boar taint in pig breeds used in Belgian pig farms. Although results suggest an association between this mutation and a boar taint odour score assigned by experts, no association was found between the mutation and the concentration of the individual chemical boar taint components androstenone, skatole and indole.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schroyen
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - S Janssens
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - A Stinckens
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - M Brebels
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - F Bertolini
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - C Lamberigts
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - K Bekaert
- Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Aluwé
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - S Millet
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - N Buys
- Livestock Genetics, Department Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
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Vanderhasselt RF, Goethals K, Buijs S, Federici JF, Sans ECO, Molento CFM, Duchateau L, Tuyttens FAM. Performance of an animal-based test of thirst in commercial broiler chicken farms. Poult Sci 2014; 93:1327-36. [PMID: 24879682 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-based measures of thirst are currently absent from animal welfare monitoring schemes due to the lack of a well-validated indicator applicable for on-farm use. In the present study, an on-farm test based on voluntary water consumption from an unfamiliar open drinker was validated in a (semi-)commercial setting. To investigate the effect of thirst on water consumption, we subjected 4 flocks of 1,500 broilers to either 0 or 12 h of water deprivation and subsequently measured the amount of water that small subgroups consumed after the deprivation period (first experiment). Broilers that were water deprived before the test drank more than control broilers (P < 0.001). In a second experiment, a similar test was performed using 20 commercial broiler flocks in Belgium and Brazil. After a pretreatment water consumption test, the birds were subjected to 0 or 6 h of water deprivation, and a posttreatment water consumption test was conducted. Only in Brazil, deprived birds drank significantly more than controls in the posttreatment water consumption test (P < 0.001). A tendency for a difference was found in Belgium (P = 0.083). Pre- and posttreatment water consumption was higher in Brazil than in Belgium (P < 0.001). Stocking density and temperature influenced, respectively, the pretreatment and the control's posttreatment water consumption in Brazil, but not in Belgium. These results indicate that the water consumption test is sufficiently sensitive to discriminate between control and 12 h deprived flocks, and in Brazil even between control and 6 h deprived birds. The location of the test within the house did not affect the amount of water consumed in either experiment, suggesting that this variable does not have to be standardized. However, the amount of water consumed by broilers able to drink freely for a long period depended on indoor climatic variables (in Brazil only) and possibly genotype. This suggests that these variables need to be considered when interpreting the test outcome in terms of the thirst level experienced by the broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Vanderhasselt
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - K Goethals
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - J F Federici
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540 CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - E C O Sans
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540 CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - C F M Molento
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540 CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - L Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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40
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Ott S, Soler L, Moons CPH, Kashiha MA, Bahr C, Vandermeulen J, Janssens S, Gutiérrez AM, Escribano D, Cerón JJ, Berckmans D, Tuyttens FAM, Niewold TA. Different stressors elicit different responses in the salivary biomarkers cortisol, haptoglobin, and chromogranin A in pigs. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97:124-8. [PMID: 24957408 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most commonly, salivary cortisol is used in pig stress assessment, alternative salivary biomarkers are scarcely studied. Here, salivary cortisol and two alternative salivary biomarkers, haptoglobin and chromogranin A were measured in a pig stress study. Treatment pigs (n = 24) were exposed to mixing and feed deprivation, in two trials, and compared to untreated controls (n = 24). Haptoglobin differed for feed deprivation vs control. Other differences were only found within treatment. Treatment pigs had higher salivary cortisol concentrations on the mixing day (P < 0.05). Chromogranin A concentrations were increased on the day of refeeding (P < 0.05). Haptoglobin showed a similar pattern to chromogranin A. Overall correlations between the salivary biomarkers were positive. Cortisol and chromogranin A were moderately correlated (r = 0.49, P < 0.0001), correlations between other markers were weaker. The present results indicate that different types of stressors elicited different physiological stress responses in the pigs, and therefore including various salivary biomarkers in stress evaluation seems useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ott
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Soler
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C P H Moons
- Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M A Kashiha
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Bahr
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Vandermeulen
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Janssens
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - A M Gutiérrez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - D Escribano
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - J J Cerón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - D Berckmans
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - T A Niewold
- Biosystems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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41
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Nalon E, Maes D, Piepers S, van Riet MMJ, Janssens GPJ, Millet S, Tuyttens FAM. Mechanical nociception thresholds in lame sows: evidence of hyperalgesia as measured by two different methods. Vet J 2013; 198:386-90. [PMID: 24055221 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a frequently occurring, painful condition of breeding sows that may result in hyperalgesia, i.e., an increased sensitivity to pain. In this study a mechanical nociception threshold (MT) test was used (1) to determine if hyperalgesia occurs in sows with naturally-occurring lameness; (2) to compare measurements obtained with a hand-held probe and a limb-mounted actuator connected to a digital algometer; and (3) to investigate the systematic left-to-right and cranial-to-caudal differences in MT. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were investigated, of which 14 were moderately lame and 14 were not lame. Over three testing sessions, repeated measurements were taken at 5 min intervals on the dorsal aspects of the metatarsi and metacarpi of all limbs. The MT was defined as the force in Newtons (N) that elicited an avoidance response, and this parameter was found to be lower in limbs affected by lameness than in normal limbs (P<0.05). Forelimbs had higher MTs than hindlimbs (P<0.001). The hand-held probe systematically yielded lower values than the actuator (P<0.001), and the MT differed between morning and afternoon testing sessions (P<0.001), as well as between days (P<0.001). The findings provide evidence that lame sows experience hyperalgesia. Systematic differences between forelimb and hindlimb MT must be taken into account when such assessments are performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nalon
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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42
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Aluwé M, Langendries KCM, Bekaert KM, Tuyttens FAM, De Brabander DL, De Smet S, Millet S. Effect of surgical castration, immunocastration and chicory-diet on the meat quality and palatability of boars. Meat Sci 2013; 94:402-7. [PMID: 23567143 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates 1) carcass quality, meat quality and palatability for barrows, immunocastrates and boars and 2) the effect of chicory supplemented feed during 10 days before slaughter on boar meat quality. At comparable carcass weights, estimated carcass lean meat percentage was higher in immunocastrates and boars than in barrows. Muscle thickness was higher for immunocastrates and barrows compared to boars, while fat thickness was lowest for immunocastrates and boars. Barrows, immunocastrates and boars differed in water holding capacity and boar taint. Home consumer panels were conducted to evaluate palatability. The consumers did detect differences in tenderness and juiciness, but not for boar taint. The chicory feed supplemented in boar feed decreased skatole concentration in backfat, without largely influencing meat quality or palatability. Not only boar taint, but also carcass and meat quality should be considered when evaluating alternatives for surgical castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aluwé
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
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43
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Bekaert KM, Aluwé M, Vanhaecke L, Heres L, Duchateau L, Vandendriessche F, Tuyttens FAM. Evaluation of different heating methods for the detection of boar taint by means of the human nose. Meat Sci 2013; 94:125-32. [PMID: 23403304 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
No automated detection system for boar taint detection is currently available, thus boar taint at the slaughterline can currently only be assessed using the singeing method (olfactory scoring). This study compares several heating methods (microwave, soldering iron and pyropen) and evaluates the effect of habituation, cleaning the soldering iron, singeing the fat twice in the same place, and variations in the technical procedures. All methods seem to be suitable for detecting boar taint but the choice of heating method for sensory scoring of boar taint depends on habituation of the trained assessor and specific conditions applied. The pyropen seems to be most suitable because it does not contact the fat and is easy to handle (wireless). Finally, the intensity score may also be influenced by: contamination from not cleaning the soldering iron, singeing the fat twice in the same place, and the effect of habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Bekaert
- Ghent University, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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44
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Buijs S, Van Poucke E, Van Dongen S, Lens L, Baert J, Tuyttens FAM. The influence of stocking density on broiler chicken bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry. Poult Sci 2012; 91:1759-67. [PMID: 22802165 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because broiler chickens are juvenile animals undergoing physical development, stocking density during rearing may influence this development. Some of these physical changes may cause welfare problems, for example, decreased bone quality, which may lead to fracture during catching and transport. Others do not influence welfare directly but can be used as indicators of the animal's ability to cope with its environment (e.g., fluctuating asymmetry). The present study evaluates the effect of stocking density on bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry. Birds were stocked at densities of 2.4, 5.8, 8.8, 12.1, 13.6, 15.5, 18.5, and 21.8 birds/m(2) from 1 until 39 d of age. Increased stocking density had a negative effect on some aspects of bone quality (tibia curvature and shear strength). Tibias were shorter at high density, possibly due to increased curvature. Several other bone quality aspects (tibia weight, torsion, and dyschondroplasia, and femur curvature and epiphysis shape) remained unaffected. Middle-toe length was the only character that showed a significant increase with increasing density when each character was analyzed separately. Nevertheless, a composite index of fluctuating asymmetry, which combined data on all 11 measured characters, tended to increase with stocking density. Such increased fluctuating asymmetry may indicate decreased welfare. However, one of the assumptions of fluctuating asymmetry is that the animal is subjected to the same environmental influences on both sides. This assumption may not be fulfilled when leg deformations occur, as these may lead to asymmetric changes in bone growth by altering the division of force over the 2 legs. In addition, leg deformations decrease the accuracy of bone length measurements made in a straight line. This raises some concerns on the applicability of fluctuating asymmetry measurements on broiler chicken legs, especially because stocking density did not effect the asymmetry of the head.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
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45
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Buijs S, Van Poucke E, Van Dongen S, Lens L, Tuyttens FAM. Cage size and enrichment effects on the bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry of fattening rabbits. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:3568-73. [PMID: 22585793 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the effect of increased cage size on different aspects of bone quality (bone strength, diameter, weight, and length) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Such characteristics may indicate improved animal welfare, as greater bone quality may decrease fracture incidence during handling, whereas decreased FA has been suggested to signal decreased stress. As stress is likely not only influenced by the quantity of space, but also by its quality, we also studied the effect of environmental enrichment. Groups of 8 rabbits were housed in wire open-top cages of 0.40, 0.46, 0.53, 0.64, 0.80, 1.07, and 1.60 m(2) from weaning until slaughter. All cages of 0.40 and 0.46 m(2) (12 cages/size) were left barren to allow sufficient mobility. One-half of the larger cages were enriched with a wooden-enrichment structure that could be used to gnaw on, hide in, or lie in (6 cages per size × enrichment treatment). Increased cage size led to an increase in tibiofibula diameter (P = 0.008), a tendency for increased tibiofibula weight (P = 0.051), and decreased FA (P = 0.010), suggesting improved welfare. Bone length and strength were not affected by cage size (P > 0.1). Enrichment did not affect FA (P > 0.1), in contrast with our expectations based on previous glucocorticoid analysis. This discrepancy between indicators may be due to sensitivity to other types of stressors or different sensitive periods. In summary, rabbits housed in larger cages had wider, heavier bones, but the absence of changes in bone strength indicate that this is unlikely to result in decreased fracture incidence. In larger cages, FA was lower, suggesting a favorable effect on welfare, whereas no effect of enrichment was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, B-9090, Melle, Belgium.
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Buijs S, Keeling LJ, Rettenbacher S, Maertens L, Tuyttens FAM. Glucocorticoid metabolites in rabbit faeces--influence of environmental enrichment and cage size. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:469-73. [PMID: 21605575 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in rabbit faeces has been suggested as a non-invasive indicator of stress. In the present study, GCM concentrations were measured in faeces of fattening rabbits kept in groups of eight, at seven different stocking densities (between 5 and 20 animals/m(2)), with or without environmental enrichment (a wooden structure used mainly for gnawing and resting). Transport (30 min) was used as an acute novel stressor to assess the glucocorticoid response to stress under the different housing conditions. GCM concentrations were elevated post-transport (P<0.001). Whilst cage size had no influence on GCM, enrichment reduced GCM concentrations before as well as after transport (P=0.007 in both cases). Effects of cage size and enrichment on growth characteristics were negligible, whilst enrichment decreased cage manipulation and social contact. The results indicate that even short transport durations may be stressful for rabbits, and that enrichment may decrease housing stress. They suggest that measuring baseline GCM concentrations in faeces is a useful tool to evaluate chronic stress in rabbits, whilst measuring the response to a novel stressor did not provide additional insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
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47
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Bekaert KM, Tuyttens FAM, Duchateau L, De Brabander HF, Aluwé M, Millet S, Vandendriessche F, Vanhaecke L. The sensitivity of Flemish citizens to androstenone: influence of gender, age, location and smoking habits. Meat Sci 2011; 88:548-52. [PMID: 21396787 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Skatole and androstenone are the main boar taint compounds. Whereas nearly everybody is sensitive to skatole, the sensitivity to androstenone is genetically determined and differs between countries. In this study the methodology for testing androstenone sensitivity was refined and applied to 1569 consumers that were approached at six shopping malls in Flanders. Participants were asked to smell the contents of four bottles (three were filled with water and one with androstenone solved in water) and to identify and describe the odour of the strongest smelling bottle. This test was performed twice. 45.3% of the respondents were classified as sensitive to androstenone (i.e. the percentage of participants that identified the correct bottle in both tests minus a guess correction). Sensitivity differed between sexes (men: 38.3%-women: 51.1%, P<0.001), according to age (older people were less sensitive, P<0.001), and between the test locations (P<0.001), but not between smokers versus non-smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Bekaert
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Tuyttens FAM, Vanhonacker F, Langendries K, Aluwé M, Millet S, Bekaert K, Verbeke W. Effect of information provisioning on attitude toward surgical castration of male piglets and alternative strategies for avoiding boar taint. Res Vet Sci 2011; 91:327-32. [PMID: 21300388 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pork consumers know little about boar taint and the methods used to avoid it. As such, relevant information is necessary to assist consumers to judge the acceptability of different strategies to avoid boar taint. The effect of basic (T1) or extensive (T2) written information or T2 with supplementary audio-visual information (AV) on the opinion concerning immunocastration (IC), raising entire male pigs (EM) and surgical castration with anaesthesia (SA) as compared to castration without anaesthesia (SC) was investigated in a student population. Overall, IC was significantly preferred over SC. The information condition influenced the preference for IC and EM as compared to SC. Participants exposed to AV were more positive to IC than participants exposed to T1 and T2, and more positive to EM than participants exposed to T2. The impact of information condition was not affected by gender, farming experience, knowledge about the boar taint issue or personal relevance of pig welfare. Potential effects of providing background information and media campaigns on public surveys ought to be considered. Supplementary audio-visual information increased the impact of information provisioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank A M Tuyttens
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, ILVO, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
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Tuyttens FAM, Van Gansbeke S, Ampe B. Survey among Belgian pig producers about the introduction of group housing systems for gestating sows. J Anim Sci 2010; 89:845-55. [PMID: 21036931 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a global move from individual to group housing of gestating sows. In the European Union, individual gestating stalls will be banned by 2013. Just like in other industrialized regions, these stalls have been the standard housing system for intensively kept sows from the 1960s onward in the Flemish region of Belgium. Because the socioeconomic consequences for the pig industry may be far-reaching and because farmer attitude may influence the realization of the hoped-for improvement in animal welfare in practice, we conducted a survey from 2003 until 2009 among representative samples of Flemish pig producers every 2 yr. The share of farms with group housing increased from 10.5% in 2003 to 29.8% in 2007, but then dropped to 24.6% in 2009. It appears that after 2005 users of old group housing systems in particular stopped farming. Because sow herd size increased more on farms with vs. without group housing and because the proportion of the herd that was group-housed also tended to increase between 2003 to 2009, the change to group housing took place faster when expressed at the level of the sow (from 9.1% in 2003 to 34.1% in 2009) instead of farm. The percentage of farmers planning to convert to group housing within 2 yr was 4.1% in 2003, and 6 to 7% thereafter. These were typically young farmers (P = 0.006) with a large sow herd (P < 0.001) and with a likely successor (P = 0.03). Free access stalls were the most common group housing system (31% of farms, 37% of sows). Their popularity is expected to increase further at the expense of electronic feeding stations, ad libitum feeding, and stalls/troughs with manual feed delivery. User satisfaction was generally high but depended on whether or not all gestating sows were kept in group (P < 0.001), the provisioning of environmental enrichment (P = 0.057), and the age (P = 0.012) and type (P = 0.016) of system. The main criteria for choosing a certain group housing system were the investment costs and sow health and welfare. The importance of economic reasons (P = 0.007) and type of labor (P = 0.043) decreased with the age of the system. In 2003 and 2005 the main reason for not having converted to group housing was that farmers would stop keeping sows by 2013. In 2007 and 2009 the reasons mainly concerned uncertainty about the future and maximally delaying the conversion. Belgium is one of the European Union countries where the pig industry is expected to undergo drastic changes during the few years remaining before the ban on individual housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A M Tuyttens
- Animal Husbandry and Welfare, Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Scheldeweg 68, 9090 Melle, Belgium.
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50
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Aluwé M, Bekaert KM, Tuyttens FAM, Vanhaecke L, De Smet S, De Brabander HF, De Brabander DL, Millet S. Influence of soiling on boar taint in boars. Meat Sci 2010; 87:175-9. [PMID: 21074948 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that skatole, one of the main compounds responsible for boar taint, can be lowered by keeping pigs clean, as skatole can be absorbed through skin and/or lungs (Hansen, Larsen, Jensen, HansenMoller & Bartongade, 1994). With this experiment, we further investigated this hypothesis by comparing extremely clean with extremely dirty animals with regard to the occurrence of boar taint. One group of boars was washed daily and pens were mucked on and littered down daily (CLEAN), a second group of boars was rubbed with faeces daily (DIRTY) and a third group of boars was kept in control conditions (CONTROL). The treatment was performed during the last four weeks before slaughter. According to the standardised consumer panel evaluations, boars subjected to extra soiling had a higher concentration of boar taint than boars that were kept extra clean. In contrast, expert panels judged general meat flavour to be inferior in CLEAN than CONTROL pigs. The home consumer panel, the hot iron method, and laboratory analyses, i.e., the presence of indole, skatole and androstenone in fat and serum, all showed no significant differences. So no clear indications towards skatole reduction by improving cleanliness of pigs were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aluwé
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
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