Animal welfare and biosecurity assessment: a comparison between Italian and Irish beef cattle rearing systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Francesca Fusi ◽  
Valentina Lorenzi ◽  
Giorgio Franceschini ◽  
Riccardo Compiani ◽  
Valeria Harper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Ideal Condition ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Ideal

Context European beef production is facing fresh challenges on various fronts: increasing public concern on animal welfare; declining EU meat consumption; and, conversely, expected growth in global demand for meat. The Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA) has developed an assessment protocol for collecting information about beef cattle welfare and biosecurity conditions, with the intention of better understanding animal needs and disseminating best practices. Aims The protocol was applied on Italian and Irish farms, and the results were used as a starting point for a specific statistical analysis for comparing animal welfare and biosecurity levels in the two countries. Methods The protocol consists of animal-based measures and non-animal-based measures (management-based and resource-based indicators) and has been designed to determine the major hazards and benefits that can influence cattle health and welfare, including the presence of biosecurity issues. The outcomes of welfare and biosecurity assessments conducted during November 2016–July 2017 of 40 Irish beef herds reared indoors were compared with those of 85 Italian beef units assessed over the same period. Differences obtained within each beef-unit distribution were calculated by the VARNC index (diversity index), and a distance estimate of the beef-unit distribution from a hypothetical ideal condition was calculated by using the distance from ideal (dfi) index. Key results The dfi index revealed that Irish farms were closer to the ideal condition for the measures ‘experience and training of stockpersons’, ‘water provision’, ‘handling facilities’, ‘restraint facilities’, and ‘temperature, humidity and ventilations conditions’. Italian farms were closer to the ideal condition for ‘diet calculation and feed quality’, ‘feeding management’, ‘feeding place dimension’, ‘cleanliness of water points’, ‘cleanliness of floors’, ‘type of floors’, ‘cleanliness of animals’, and ‘integument alterations’. In contrast to the Italian farms, there was particular awareness of the importance of biosecurity on Irish farms. Conclusions The results revealed intrinsic management and housing differences between the two rearing systems, although only few dissimilarities were found in the animal outcomes: in fact, the assessment of the animal-based measures gave very similar results for the two countries, except for ‘cleanliness of the animals’ and ‘integument alterations’. Implications In the face of global challenges affecting the pursuit of farming sustainability, farmers should be encouraged to improve safeguards for animal welfare and reduce the spread of animal diseases. This can be achieved by facilitating knowledge exchange internationally.

scholarly journals Identification of Suitable Animal Welfare Assessment Measures for Extensive Beef Systems in New Zealand

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Kaurivi ◽  
Richard Laven ◽  
Rebecca Hickson ◽  
Kevin Stafford ◽  
Tim Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Assessment Measures ◽  
Animal Welfare Assessment ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Cattle Systems

Farm animal welfare assessment protocols use different measures depending on production systems and the purpose of the assessment. There is no standardized validated animal welfare protocol for the assessment of beef cattle farms in New Zealand, despite the importance of beef exports to the country. The aim of this study was therefore to identify welfare measures that would be suitable for an animal welfare assessment protocol for use in extensive pasture-based cow–calf beef cattle systems in New Zealand. The proposed animal welfare assessment measures were selected from the Welfare Quality protocol and the rangeland-based UC Davis Cow–Calf Health and Handling assessment protocol. Measures that were deemed impractical and/or unsuitable were excluded from the protocol. After testing the applicability of selected measures at one farm, additional measures that were deemed to be practical to undertake in New Zealand were identified and incorporated into the protocol. The intention was to identify animal welfare indicators that were assessable in the yard during a single farm visit, a questionnaire guided interview, and a farm resource assessment visit that evaluated cattle health and management. Further testing of the 50 measures that were identified as being appropriate will be undertaken on commercial beef farms to develop a practicable welfare protocol for extensive pasture-based beef systems.

scholarly journals Best Farming Practices for the Welfare of Dairy Cows, Heifers and Calves

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2645
Author(s):  
Giulia Ventura ◽  
Valentina Lorenzi ◽  
Francesca Mazza ◽  
Gianfilippo Alessio Clemente ◽  
Claudia Iacomino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Worth Living ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Integrated Monitoring ◽  
Life Worth Living ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
High Level

The concept of animal welfare (AW) has many meanings. Traditionally, AW has been considered as freedom from disease and suffering. Nowadays, growing attention goes to the concept of “positive animal welfare” (PAW), which can be interpreted within the concept of quality of life (QoL), thinking about a “balance of positives over negatives” and a “life worth living”. In this vision, where the QoL represents a continuum between positives and negatives, the Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA), within the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), has developed a welfare assessment protocol for dairy cows, heifers, and calves in loose housing systems, including both animal-based and non-animal-based indicators, in which not only hazards but also benefits are identified. This protocol is part of an integrated monitoring system called “ClassyFarm”, belonging to the Italian Ministry of Health and developed by IZSLER. The aim of this paper is to extrapolate from the mentioned protocol, a list of 38 best farming practices (on managerial and equipment factors) for ensuring a high level of welfare in dairy cattle. All stakeholders (veterinarians, farmers, competent authorities, consumers, etc.) can benefit of these best practices as a guide or toolbox to ensure a life worth living for these animals.

scholarly journals The impact of huts on physiological stress: a refinement in post-transport housing of male guineapigs (Cavia porcellus)

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry L Walters ◽  
Cristobal Jose Torres-Urbano ◽  
Lee Chichester ◽  
Robert E Rose
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Experimental Science ◽  
Housing Environment ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Animal Use ◽  
Acclimatization Period ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Ideal

The ideal animal model would contribute no confounding variables in experimental science. Variables affect experimental design resulting in increased animal use or repeated studies. We demonstrated a simple refinement which may reduce the number of animals used experimentally while simultaneously improving animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine if the presence of a hut was an impact on physiological stress levels, as determined by faecal cortisol concentration, during a routine four-day acclimatization period of newly received male Hartley-Outbred guineapigs. We hypothesized that those animals provided with huts would have decreased physiological stress compared with animals not provided with huts. We examined this effect within both paired and single-housed animals. A between-subjects one-way analysis of variance revealed that pair-housed animals with a hut had significantly lower faecal cortisol concentration than pair-housed animals without a hut and the presence and absence of a hut had no significant impact on faecal cortisol concentration in single-housed animals. These findings show that presence of a hut is beneficial in reducing physiological stress when pair housing male guineapigs and does not appear to have an impact when single housing male guineapigs. In addition, we have shown that faecal cortisol, and therefore physiological stress, is still increasing on study day 4 suggesting a longer acclimatization period is necessary. A simple refinement in housing environment and acclimatization time can both reduce the number of animals used experimentally and improve animal welfare.

Theoretical determination of the structures of CaSiO3 perovskites

2006 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razvan Caracas ◽  
Renata M. Wentzcovitch
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Density Functional Theory ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Theoretical Determination ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Atomic Coordinates ◽  
The Ideal

Density functional theory is used to determine the possible crystal structure of the CaSiO3 perovskites and their evolution under pressure. The ideal cubic perovskite is considered as a starting point for studying several possible lower-symmetry distorted structures. The theoretical lattice parameters and the atomic coordinates for all the structures are determined, and the results are discussed with respect to experimental data.

scholarly journals Genome-wide association for heifer reproduction and calf performance traits in beef cattle

Genome ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everestus C. Akanno ◽  
Graham Plastow ◽  
Carolyn Fitzsimmons ◽  
Stephen P. Miller ◽  
Vern Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Snp Markers ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
And Performance

The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers that associate with variation in beef heifer reproduction and performance of their calves. A genome-wide association study was performed by means of the generalized quasi-likelihood score (GQLS) method using heifer genotypes from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and estimated breeding values for pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pregnancy rate (PR), calving difficulty (CD), age at first calving (AFC), calf birth weight (BWT), calf weaning weight (WWT), and calf pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Data consisted of 785 replacement heifers from three Canadian research herds, namely Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Ranch, Kinsella, Alberta, and Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta. After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 5% significance level, a total of 4, 3, 3, 9, 6, 2, and 1 SNPs were significantly associated with PBW, PR, CD, AFC, BWT, WWT, and ADG, respectively. These SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 5–7, 9, 13–16, 19–21, 24, 25, and 27–29. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 24 had SNPs with pleiotropic effects. New significant SNPs that impact functional traits were detected, many of which have not been previously reported. The results of this study support quantitative genetic studies related to the inheritance of these traits, and provides new knowledge regarding beef cattle quantitative trait loci effects. The identification of these SNPs provides a starting point to identify genes affecting heifer reproduction traits and performance of their calves (BWT, WWT, and ADG). They also contribute to a better understanding of the biology underlying these traits and will be potentially useful in marker- and genome-assisted selection and management.

Approaching to the ideal condition of plasma confinement by applying external resonant fields in IR-T1 tokamak

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakineh Meshkani ◽  
Mahmood Ghoranneviss ◽  
Mansoureh Lafouti
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Turbulent Transport ◽  
Edge Plasma ◽  
Ideal Condition ◽  
Plasma Confinement ◽  
Applied Bias ◽  
Inverse Results ◽  
Electric And Magnetic Field ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field ◽  
The Ideal

For understanding the effect of resonant helical magnetic field (RHF) and bias on the edge plasma turbulent transport, the radial and poloidal electric field (Er, EP), poloidal and toroidal magnetic field (BP, Br) were detected by the Langmuir probe, magnetic probe and diamagnetic loop. The poloidal, toroidal and radial velocity (VP, Vr, Vt) can be determined from the electric and magnetic field. In the present work, we have investigated the effect of the magnitude of bias (Vbias = 200v, Vbias = 320v) on Er, EP, BP, Bt, VP, Vr, Vt. Moreover, we applied RHF with L = 2, L = 3 and L = 2 and 3 and investigate the effect of the helical windings radius on above parameters. Also, the experiment was repeated by applying the positive biasing potentials and RHF's simultaneously. The results show that by applying bias to the plasma at t = 15 msec at r/a = 0.9, Er, BP and Bt increase while EP decreases. The best modification occurs at Vbias = 200v. By applying RHF to the plasma, both the electric and magnetic field vary. Er reaches the highest in the presence of RHF with L = 3. The same results are obtained for BP, Bt, VP and Vt. While the inverse results are obtained for EP and Vr. Finally, RHF and bias are applied simultaneously to the plasma. With applied bias with Vbias = 200v and RHF with L = 2 and 3, we reach to the ideal circumstance. The same results obtain in the situation with Vbias = 320v and RHF with L = 2 and 3.

Opportunities and Challenges for Practical Training in Public Health: Insights from Practicum Coordinators in Ontario

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Wegener ◽  
Marilyne Petitclerc
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Narrow View ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Training Opportunities

Dietetic educators and practicum coordinators (PC) play critical roles in preparing students for practice. Dietitians have made significant progress in the development of educational curricula, competencies, and other resources to support knowledge and skill attainment in public health. There are identified gaps in the literature concerning practical training in sustainable food systems and public health, creating barriers in knowledge exchange and improvements in practicum programs in Canada. This paper discusses the potential opportunities and challenges associated with the number of placements for practical training in public health based on interviews with PCs in Ontario. The findings are limited to the perspectives of 7 PCs with experience in practical training and are a starting point for ongoing evaluation. Identified opportunities within traditional and “emerging settings” for practical training in public health included: the uniqueness of the experience, the potential for students to learn outside their comfort zones, and greater possibilities for dietitians in new roles and settings. Challenges included the need for significant PC engagement with nondietetic preceptors and a narrow view of dietetic practice among some dietitians. Interprofessional teams, emerging settings, and flexible learning approaches may create and support practical training opportunities in food systems and public health going forward.

The Holistic and Policy-Focused Interpretation of Hypothetical Insurance

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Bamford
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Scheme ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Holistic Interpretation ◽  
The Ideal

AbstractThis paper argues that the best interpretation of Ronald Dworkin’s hypothetical insurance scheme is a holistic one that allows the parties to make choices between the policies that are available. This interpretation contrasts with the hypothecated and insurance-focused aspects that are traditionally understood as part of the procedure. The paper argues that the holistic interpretation better fits with the ideal of resource egalitarianism that people should have as much choice as possible from an equal starting point. It does so by allowing people a choice over the policies that will be used to achieve their insurance preferences.

scholarly journals Energy Dissipation in Solid Roller Bucket and Controlled Stilling Basin for Ogee Stepped Spillway

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 2109-2112
Keyword(s):  
Energy Dissipation ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Ideal Condition ◽  
Stepped Spillway ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Dimensional Parameter ◽  
Stilling Basin ◽  
Sequent Depth ◽  
Tail Water ◽  
The Ideal

Hydraulic jump type II stilling basin is generally preferred as an energy dissipator for ogee spillway but it is uneconomical due to longer structure. On the other hand, roller bucket uses relatively shorter structure over a sloping apron or horizontal stilling basin. In this study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of an ogee profile stepped spillway in combination with solid roller bucket and stilling basin type II for energy dissipation. Laboratory experiments are performed on a physical working model of ogee profile stepped spillway at discharge ranging from 0.0032 to 0.0069 m3 /s for a head of 1.5m, 4m & 7m and the results compared for energy dissipation (non-dimensional parameter (y c / h) = 0.69). The model results show that stepped spillway model without v-notch achieves 92.40 % energy dissipation. Thus this model is found to be more suitable to acquire the ideal condition of sequent depth and tail water depth in stilling basin for all the discharges.

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