Housing system and welfare of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cows

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Tripaldi ◽  
G. De Rosa ◽  
F. Grasso ◽  
G. M. Terzano ◽  
F. Napolitano
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Delayed Type Hypersensitivity ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Spontaneous Vegetation ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractTwenty-eight buffalo cows were used to evaluate the effect of housing system on a range of behavioural and physiological variables. Fourteen cows were group-housed in a loose open-sided barn with a concrete floor and 10 m2 per head as space allowance (group IS). Fourteen others were group-housed in a similar barn but they could also benefit from an outdoor yard with 500 m2 per head as space allowance, free access to potholes for wallowing and spontaneous vegetation (group TS). Animals were subjected to six sessions of instantaneous scan sampling at 10-day intervals. Behavioural variables were expressed as proportions of subjects observed in each category of posture and activity. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was used to perform a skin test based on non-specific delayed type hypersensitivity, whereas 20 mg of ovalbumin were injected subcutaneously to evaluate humoral immune response. Blood samples for evaluation of cortisol concentration were collected immediately prior to exogenous porcine ACTH injection and 1, 2 and 4 h after. The metabolic status of the animals and milk production were also monitored. The proportion of idling animals was higher in group IS than in group TS (P < 0.001). More IS buffalo cows were observed eating at the manger than TS animals (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of TS animals were observed in the sun (P < 0.001). Grazing and bathing activities were recorded only for TS animals. Our findings suggest that buffalo cows kept in intensive conditions and having no access to ample yards and potholes may extend their periods of idling with negative effects on the state of welfare. Immune responses, metabolite concentrations and milk production were not affected by treatment, whereas cortisol levels were higher in IS animals (P < 0.05). The provision of a housing system similar to natural conditions was able to improve the welfare of buffalo cows as indicated by the expression of some species-specific natural behaviours. Such conditions were also associated with lower adrenal cortex response to ACTH injection, possibly as a consequence of the higher degree of initiative allowed to TS cows.

scholarly journals PSXI-1 Effects of mineral supplementation during summer on physiological variables and milk production in Holstein dairy cows

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 389-389
Author(s):  
Andrea Dahnae del Rio-Aviles ◽  
Abelardo Correa-Calderon ◽  
Leonel Avendaño-Reyes ◽  
Milton G Thomas ◽  
R Mark Enns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Northwest Mexico ◽  
Mineral Supplementation

Abstract Summer season in northwest Mexico is characterized by hot-humid weather conditions that lead to heat stress and affect physiological and productive performance of lactating Holstein cows. Mineral supplementation has been proposed as strategy to alleviate negative effects of heat stress in dairy cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an injectable mineral supplement on physiological variables and milk production in Holstein cows managed during summer. Sixteen cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups: Mineral-treated (TRT; n = 8) or control (CON; n = 8). The TRT group received 3 injections of Fosfosan® (10 ml, i.m., Virbac, Uruguay), on days 0, 7 and 17, considering summer onset as day 0 (June 21st), whereas group CON was untreated. Physiological variables such as respiratory rate (RR), vaginal temperature (VT) and skin-surface temperature (SST), were registered twice a week (0500-1700 h) during 6 weeks. Ambient temperature and humidity were collected to calculate the daily temperature and humidity index (THI). Data were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures, which included fixed effects of treatment, time and treatment*time, and sire as random effect. According to the THI, Holstein cows were exposed to heat stress during the experiment (&gt;72 units). Cows in the TRT group showed higher (P &lt; 0.05) milk production than CON cows (17.93±0.47 vs 17.02±0.51 kg/day) and lower (P &lt; 0.01) VT (39.14±0.11 vs 39.46±0.15 °C). Relative to CON cows, treated cows also had lower RR (63.16±0.65 vs 64.47±0.76 breaths/min) and lower SST (33.75±0.15 vs 34.02±0.16 °C). All physiological variables showed a significant effect of time (P &lt; 0.01). In conclusion, mineral supplementation during summer appears to improve physiological and productive performance in heat-stressed milking dairy cows; therefore, we suggest to consider this management as strategy to reduce negative effects of summer and heat stress on the dairy industry in northwest Mexico.

scholarly journals The behaviour and productivity of water buffalo in different breeding systems: a review

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 181-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
LA De la Cruz-Cruz ◽  
I. Guerrero-Legarreta ◽  
R. Ramirez-Necoechea ◽  
P. Roldan-Santiago
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Silvopastoral Systems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Forage Plants ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Tropical Climates

This review examines the behaviour and productivity of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) under different breeding systems and in relation to meat and milk production. At present, the steady increment in the consumption of products and sub-products of this species has generated the need to increase the number of animals incorporated into production by progressively expanding the use of stabling systems, reducing the space available to these animals, and applying techniques developed previously for meat and milk production in bovines. However, because such adaptations often fail to take into account important biological and behavioural features of these animals, they may result in serious problems of animal welfare. On the other hand, it is known that water buffaloes adapt well to humid tropical climates, especially in systems that provide extensive, continuous pastureland. These species are highly susceptible to thermal stress, a fact that leads them to constantly perform wallowing behaviour. For all these reasons, open-air and, above all, silvopastoral, systems represent attractive options because they combine the presence of forage plants with trees that provide natural shade and serve as wind barriers, thus attenuating the negative effects of tropical climes. These measures help increase productivity by promoting greater forage consumption and fostering the expression of the species&rsquo; natural behaviours, but the reduction in human contact affects their welfare. Hence, this review concludes that welfare is a fundamental concept that must be taken into account in the development of systems for water buffalo production. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Morpho-Physio-Biochemical Attributes of Roadside Trees as Potential Tools for Biomonitoring of Air Quality and Environmental Health in Urban Areas

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Ha Na You ◽  
Myeong Ja Kwak ◽  
Sun Mi Je ◽  
Jong Kyu Lee ◽  
Yea Ji Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Lipid Peroxide ◽  
Platanus Occidentalis ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Sources Of Pollution ◽  
Species Specific

Environmental pollution is an important issue in metropolitan areas, and roadside trees are directly affected by various sources of pollution to which they exhibit numerous responses. The aim of the present study was to identify morpho-physio-biochemical attributes of maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba L.) and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) growing under two different air quality conditions (roadside with high air pollution, RH and roadside with low air pollution, RL) and to assess the possibility of using their physiological and biochemical parameters as biomonitoring tools in urban areas. The results showed that the photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiencies, and photochromic contents were generally low in RH in both G. biloba and P. occidentalis. However, water-use efficiency and leaf temperature showed high values in RH trees. Among biochemical parameters, in G. biloba, the lipid peroxide content was higher in RH than in RL trees, but in P. occidentalis, this content was lower in RH than in RL trees. In both species, physiological activities were low in trees planted in areas with high levels of air pollution, whereas their biochemical and morphological variables showed different responses to air pollution. Thus, we concluded that it is possible to determine species-specific physiological variables affected by regional differences of air pollution in urban areas, and these findings may be helpful for monitoring air quality and environmental health using trees.

scholarly journals SARS CoV-2 Might Exploit Cells of the Innate Immune System to Induce the Novel Acute Immune Dysrhythmic Syndrome (n-AIDS) and Para COVID-19 Syndrome.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina Kelleni
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Langerhans Cells ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Delayed Type Hypersensitivity ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Cytokines And Chemokines

In this manuscript, we combine our insights towards COVID-19 to present a hypothesis that might explain its pathogenesis and complications while presenting an interesting case report of post COVID-19 allergic cell mediated (dysregulated) delayed type hypersensitivity. Moreover, we confirm our call to reclassify it as novel acute immune dysrhythmic syndrome (n-AIDS) to include both cytokine storm and we suggest to describe post or long COVID and other autoimmune complications as para COVID-19 syndrome. We suggest that SARS CoV-2 might exploit monocytes, macrophages and tissue resident macrophages including skin Langerhans cells to induce dysregulated cellular and humoral immune response through known and yet to be discovered cytokines and chemokines to ultimately induce the cytokine storm and/or autoimmune responses.

Use of space, active and resting behaviour in fattening rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) housed in a combi park system: A case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-506
Author(s):  
S Kimm ◽  
SL Rauterberg ◽  
J Bill ◽  
J Stracke ◽  
N Kemper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Use Of Space ◽  
Continuous Sampling ◽  
Resting Behaviour ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

In this case study, a housing system for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was developed, complying with the new German Welfare Regulation, and evaluated on-farm with regard to the rabbits' behaviour during four fattening periods. The housing system was characterised by the large group size of fatteners (maximum 65 animals per group, 12 animals per m²) due to the merging of six former single units for does and their litters, post-weaning. A large elevated platform, a box with a roof (small elevated platform), a tube and gnawing materials were made available per unit. The aim being to assess the suitability of the housing system for rabbits with regard to animal welfare, based on behavioural analyses. Therefore, the use of space by the rabbits (n = 247) was investigated by video analysis (instantaneous scan sampling) during daytime. Additionally, the individual behaviour of 20 focal rabbits in different locations was assessed by continuous sampling. Results showed that rabbits preferred to huddle together in the outer units in the first weeks post-weaning. The highest animal densities were found under and in front of the large and on the small platforms. The large platforms were visited increasingly from the 10th fattening day onwards. Elevated platforms supported resting and comfort behaviours. Nonelevated open-top areas enabled upright positions and locomotor behaviours. Aggression and stereotypic behaviours rarely occurred. We conclude that the housing system supported species-specific behaviour and seemed to cater for the needs of rabbits in terms of welfare. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to ascertain the effects on animal health and performance.

Effects of abomasal fat infusion on dry matter intake, milk production and splanchnic metabolism in dairy cows at two stages of lactation

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 ◽  
pp. 21-21
Author(s):  
J.A. Benson ◽  
C.K. Reynolds ◽  
D.J. Humphries ◽  
D.E. Beever ◽  
S.M. Rutter
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Energy Concentration ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Fat Infusion ◽  
Fat Supplements ◽  
Two Stages

Fat is often fed to dairy cows as a means of increasing dietary energy concentration; however feeding fat often reduces feed intake. For many fat supplements this can be due to negative effects on rumen digestion, however feeding rumen inert fat and post ruminal infusions of fat can also depress intake although the mechanism by which this happens is not clear. The effect of fat on intake may also be influenced by stage of lactation as in early lactation fatty acid levels in the blood can be elevated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of fat infusion into the abomasum on dry matter (DM) intake, milk production and metabolism of splanchnic tissues (portal drained viscera (PDV) and liver) in early and mid lactation cows.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of claw lesions and lameness in pregnant sows in two types of group housing

2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Pluym ◽  
A. Van Nuffel ◽  
J. Dewulf ◽  
A. Cools ◽  
F. Vangroenweghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Group Housing ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Individual Housing ◽  
Claw Lesions ◽  
Locomotor Disorders

Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary.

Influence of weaning on carcass, fatty acid composition and meat quality in intensive lamb production systems

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 87-87
Author(s):  
C. Sanudo ◽  
I. Sierra ◽  
J.L. Olleta ◽  
L. Martin ◽  
M. Campo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid Composition ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Acid Composition ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Eating Quality ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Fat Quality ◽  
Mediterranean Countries

In Mediterranean countries weaning is an important decision both in meat and milk production systems. In previous work, using the Lacaune milk breed, unweaned lambs produced meat of better eating quality. In this study our aim was to determine the effect of weaning on carcass, meat and fat quality in a breed with a smaller milk production and in animals with free access to concentrate practically from birth.

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