Welfare assessment of conventional and organic broilers in Denmark, with emphasis on leg health

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (6) ◽  
pp. 192-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda M Tahamtani ◽  
Lena K Hinrichsen ◽  
Anja B Riber
Keyword(s):  
Contact Dermatitis ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Welfare Indicators ◽  
Tibial Dyschondroplasia ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
Gait Score

The aim of this study was to survey and report the walking ability in broilers housed in both conventional and organic production systems in Denmark. To this end, the authors assessed the walking ability, by using the Bristol scale, in 31 conventional broiler flocks and in 29 organic broiler flocks distributed across Denmark. In addition, assessment of contact dermatitis, leg abnormalities, scratches and plumage cleanliness, as well as postmortem analysis of tibial dyschondroplasia, was performed in conventional broilers. The survey found a prevalence of 77.4 per cent of impaired walking ability (gait score (GS) >0) in conventional broilers and 38.1 per cent in organic broilers. The prevalence of severe lameness (GS >2) was 5.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent for conventional and organic broilers, respectively. The prevalence of tibial dyschondroplasia in conventional broilers was 4.7 per cent. The results on other welfare indicators are also presented for conventional broilers. The results from the present and previous surveys indicate that the prevalence of impaired walking ability in broiler chickens in the Danish conventional production system is high, but the severity has been steadily decreasing over the last 19 years. Furthermore, the results from the survey of organic broilers suggest that lameness is less prevalent and severe in this system relative to conventional production.

Optimal seeding rate for organic production of lentil in the northern Great Plains

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Baird ◽  
S J Shirtliffe ◽  
F L Walley
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Northern Great Plains ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Economic Return ◽  
Conventional Production

Organic lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) producers must rely upon the recommended rate for conventional production of 130 plants m-2, but this seeding rate may not be suitable, as organic and conventional production systems differ in management and inputs. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal seeding rate for organic production of lentil considering a number of factors, including yield, weed suppression, soil nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, plant uptake of phosphorus, and economic return. A field experiment was conducted for 4 site-years at locations near Saskatoon, SK. Treatments included seeding rates of 15, 38, 94, 235 and 375 seeds m-2. Seed yield increased with increasing seeding rate up to 1290 kg ha-1. Weed biomass was reduced by 59% at the highest seeding rate as compared with the lowest seeding rate. Post-harvest soil phosphorus and nitrogen levels were similar between seeding rate treatments. Economic return was maximized at $952 ha-1 at the highest density of 229 plants m-2, achieved with a seeding rate of 375 seeds m-2. Organic farmers should increase the seeding rate of lentil to achieve a plant density of 229 plants m-2 to increase profitability and provide better weed suppression.Key words: Lentil, organic, seeding rate, weed suppression, economic return

scholarly journals How Are Information Technologies Addressing Broiler Welfare? A Systematic Review Based on the Welfare Quality® Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heitor Vieira Rios ◽  
Paulo Dabdab Waquil ◽  
Patrícia Soster de Carvalho ◽  
Tomas Norton
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Good Health ◽  
System Variable ◽  
Broiler Production ◽  
Farmer Adoption ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
Welfare Quality

This systematic review aims to explore how information technologies (ITs) are currently used to monitor the welfare of broiler chickens. The question posed for the review was “which ITs are related to welfare and how do they monitor this for broilers?”. The Welfare Quality® (WQ) protocol for broiler assessment was utilized as a framework to analyse suitable articles. A total of 57 studies were reviewed wherein all principles of broiler welfare were addressed. The “good health” principle was the main criteria found to be addressed by ITs and IT-based studies (45.6% and 46.1%, respectively), whereas the least observed principle was “good feeding” (8.8%). This review also classified ITs and IT-based studies by their utilization (location, production system, variable measured, aspect of production, and experimental/practical use). The results show that the current focus of ITs is on problems with conventional production systems and that less attention has been given to free-range systems, slaughterhouses, and supply chain issues. Given the valuable results evidenced by the exploitation of ITs, their use in broiler production should continue to be encouraged with more attention given to farmer adoption strategies.

scholarly journals Transmission of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in the Pork Production Chain from Farm to Slaughterhouse

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (17) ◽  
pp. 5444-5450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riikka Laukkanen ◽  
Pilar Ortiz Martínez ◽  
Kirsi-Maarit Siekkinen ◽  
Jukka Ranta ◽  
Riitta Maijala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Pork Production ◽  
Conventional Farms ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
On Farm

ABSTRACT The transmission of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in the pork production chain was followed from farm to slaughterhouse by studying the same 364 pigs from different production systems at farm and slaughterhouse levels. In all, 1,785 samples were collected, and the isolated Y. pseudotuberculosis strains were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The results of microbial sampling were combined with data from an on-farm observation and questionnaire study to elucidate the associations between farm factors and the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis. Following the same pigs in the production chain from farm to slaughterhouse, we were able to show similar Y. pseudotuberculosis genotypes in live animals, pluck sets (containing tongue, tonsils, esophagus, trachea, heart, lungs, diaphragm, liver, and kidneys), and carcasses and to conclude that Y. pseudotuberculosis contamination originates from the farms, is transported to slaughterhouses with pigs, and transfers to pluck sets and carcasses in the slaughter process. The study also showed that the high prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis in live pigs predisposes carcasses and pluck sets to contamination. When production types and capacities were compared, the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis was higher in organic production than in conventional production and on conventional farms with high rather than low production capacity. We were also able to associate specific farm factors with the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis by using a questionnaire and on-farm observations. On farms, contact with pest animals and the outside environment and a rise in the number of pigs on the farm appear to increase the prevalence of Y. pseudotuberculosis.

scholarly journals Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Organically Reared Broiler Chickens Depending on Sex

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3274
Author(s):  
Dorota Cygan-Szczegielniak ◽  
Joanna Bogucka
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Male Group ◽  
Slaughter Performance ◽  
Fat Level ◽  
Histological Characteristics

Given the growing interest of consumers in naturally produced meat, we decided to examine the muscles of Ross 308 broiler chickens kept in an ecological system, with the division into two research groups depending on sex. All the analyses were carried out using the appropriate methods recommended by the AOAC and in accordance with the Polish standards (PN), which are described in detail in the relevant section of the publication. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of sex on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality, as well as the fatty acid profile and histological parameters, of the pectoral muscles from organic broiler chickens. A total of 60 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens (half males and half females) were divided into two groups, according to the sex, and reared under organic conditions (Org.) until 82 days of age (ten birds, i.e., five males and five females in each of three pens; replications for experimental groups). Compared with the female group, the male group had a higher final BW and carcass weight (p < 0.05). The males had a better growth and slaughter performance than the females. The meat quality traits and fatty acids content were also affected by sex. The meat from females showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) protein, dry matter, fiber diameter and shear force and a significantly lower (p < 0.05) fat level than the male group. In this research, the suitability of these fast-growing broilers for natural and organic production systems has been researched with regard to the performance, meat quality and histological characteristics of the muscles.

scholarly journals Organic and conventional sweetpotato production in the Southeastern of United States: a comparative analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sochinwechi Nwosisi ◽  
Prabodh Illukpitiya ◽  
Dilip Nandwani ◽  
Ismail Tubosun Arebi ◽  
Obinna Nwosisi
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Economic Risk ◽  
Net Return ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Conventional Production

Abstract Background There has been a piqued interest in alternative agricultural production systems that are environmentally friendly due to concerns on how sustainable it is to grow conventionally. However, in the producer’s point of view, economic returns are an important issue in decision-making in adaptation. The purpose of this study is to assess the economic risk of conventional and organic sweetpotato production in the Southeastern US. The primary and secondary data were used for the analysis. We identified risk variables in stochastic profit function and performed Monte Carlo simulation in analyzing profitability and economic risk of conventional and organic production systems. Results Findings from the meta-analysis suggest lower sweetpotato yields and higher selling prices, are to be expected in the organic sweetpotato production systems compared with the conventional. A higher probability of having positive net return from organically grown sweetpotato compared to conventional production systems was observed. Conclusions Increase in unit cost leads to a decrease in net profit in both conventional and organic production systems. Sweetpotato price has more effect on net return compared to its yield in conventional production systems. The higher selling price, lower yield and lower unit costs provide a higher net profit return for the organic sweetpotato production systems. Unit cost in conventional production was noted to be higher in general, inferring conventional sweetpotato production could potentially experience a higher variability in net farm income. Despite the high production cost, however, farmers are encouraged to go into sweetpotato production as it appears to be profitable. Further studies should be conducted on conventional treatments without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers as these systems perhaps, may display lower external input costs that might make them more profitable similar to organic systems.

scholarly journals Performance of advanced potato genotypes in organic and conventional production systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Carlos Francisco Ragassi ◽  
Agnaldo DF de Carvalho ◽  
Giovani Olegário da Silva ◽  
Gabriel Emiliano Pereira ◽  
Arione da S Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Tuber Yield ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Conventional System ◽  
Potential Productivity ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Input Use ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
New Cultivars

ABSTRACT Potato is responsive to intensive agricultural input use; however, it can be produced in less intensive production systems (such as the organic system) by using appropriate production techniques and genotypes adapted to this system. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of advanced potato genotypes for tuber yield under conventional and organic production systems, in order to select potential genotypes to become new cultivars adapted to these systems. Fifteen advanced potato clones and two controls were evaluated under organic and conventional production systems, in 2016 and 2017, in Brasília-DF, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates and plots composed of two rows with 10 plants each, spaced 0.35 m between plants and 0.80 m between rows. Total (mass) and marketable (mass and number of tubers) productivities were evaluated. Variance analysis showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Despite the lower average tuber yield in the organic system, selecting genotypes with high potential productivity was possible in this system, such as F158-08-01 and F158-08-02, showing high marketable tuber yield, with values equivalent to the conventional system. Clones F102-08-04, F13-09-07, F-18-09-03, F-183-08-01, F-21-09-07, F31-08-05, F63-10-07 and F97-07-03 also outperformed the control cultivars in organic system. For conventional system, F158-08-01, F158-08-02 and F183-08-01 were superior, and F18-09-03, F21-09-07, F63-10-07, F97-07-03, PCDINV10 and PCDSE090 showed performance similar or superior to the most productive control (cultivar Asterix). Genotypes F158-08-01 and F158-08-02 were superior in both conventional and organic systems, with potential to become new cultivars recommended for both production systems.

scholarly journals Welfare assessment of three chicken breeds (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) under different production systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1705-1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Bozakova ◽  
V. Gerzilov ◽  
S. Popova-Ralcheva ◽  
V. Sredkova
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Chicken Breeds ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions

The objective assessment of welfare in poultry under different rearing systems has gained an increasing importance. In particular, organic rearing systems are examined in relation to improving poultry welfare and the quality of poultry production at a worldwide scale. The aim of the present study was to assess the welfare of parent flocks - White Plymouth Rock, Barred Plymouth Rock (Line F) and New Hampshire, reared under two production systems - indoor on a litter and organic (sleep houses and walk yards). The rearing and microclimatic conditions, the poultry behaviour and blood plasma corticosterone concentrations under both farming systems were examined. The welfare assessment score of White Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire and Barred Plymouth Rock, reared indoor on a litter was 60%, whereas in an organic production system - 90%. The higher welfare of birds reared organically was determined by the greater number of birds spending their time in dust bathing (P<0.01) and feather cleaning (P<0.05) as well as by fewer episodes of aggression (P<0.01) and plasma corticosterone levels (P<0.01), as compared to chickens reared indoor on a litter.

scholarly journals Detection of Latent Peronospora effusa Infections in Spinach

Plant Disease ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (9) ◽  
pp. 1766-1771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaitra S. Subbarao ◽  
Amy Anchieta ◽  
Lorena Ochoa ◽  
Nikhilesh Dhar ◽  
Sridhara G. Kunjeti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Downy Mildew ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Latent Infections ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
Spinach Leaf ◽  
Pathogen Dna ◽  
Field Plots ◽  
Spinach Leaves

Downy mildew disease of spinach, caused by Peronospora effusa, is managed in conventional fields by a combination of host resistance and scheduled fungicide applications. Fungicides are currently applied to prevent downy mildew epidemics regardless of the infection status of spinach crops. A more streamlined approach would be to develop methods to target either latent infections for fungicide application in conventional production systems or to hasten harvest in organic production. In this study, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect P. effusa DNA in symptomless spinach leaves in three spatially and temporally separated field plots, each containing four 2-m beds, 35 m in length. Spinach leaves were sampled weekly at 3-m intervals at 48 locations throughout each plot. Initial samples were asymptomatic and yet PCR enabled detection of P. effusa DNA extracted from sampled spinach leaves. Detection of latent downy mildew infection in spinach leaves was confirmed by PCR as early as 7 days prior to symptom development. The limit of pathogen DNA detection in spinach leaves was calculated at 10 pg using the conventional PCR approach. Quantitative PCR with TaqMan methodology revealed the presence of inhibitors from spinach leaf DNA extracts and affected amplification efficiencies, but not when diluted, enabling detection of P. effusa DNA at a concentration of <0.1 pg. In conclusion, detection of latent infections may enable management decisions for earlier-than-normal harvest of infected, symptomless organic crops, and for timing fungicide applications on symptomless plants in conventional production.

scholarly journals Performance of Modern and Traditional Spelt Wheat (Triticum spelta) Varieties in Rain-Fed and Irrigated, Organic and Conventional Production Systems in a Semi-Arid Environment; Results from Exploratory Field Experiments in Crete, Greece

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 890
Author(s):  
Juan Wang ◽  
Marcin Baranski ◽  
Recep Korkut ◽  
Hassan Ashraa Kalee ◽  
Liza Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Grain Protein ◽  
Bread Making ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Spelt Wheat ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
Semi Arid

Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production has expanded into semi-arid regions, where it was not traditionally grown. Methods: Here, we report the results of a factorial field experiment designed to compare the performance of four spelt varieties grown in rain-fed and irrigated, conventional and organic production systems in a semi-arid environment. Results: Irrigation resulted in 2.5-fold higher grain yields, a reduction in grain protein, taller plants and an increase in stem lodging. While yields of all varieties were similar and low in rain-fed production, the variety Züricher Oberländer Rotkorn (ZOR) produced the highest, Filderstolz and Oberkulmer intermediate and the variety Rubiota the lowest grain yields in irrigated systems. Organic production with chicken or sheep manure as fertilizer resulted in 15% higher yields that mineral NPK fertilizer-based conventional production protocols. Conclusions: Rain-fed spelt production results in very low yields and is therefore unlikely to be commercially viable. Results suggest that organic fertilization regimes and the variety ZOR will result in the highest yields in irrigated systems, while the two traditional spelt varieties Filderstolz and Oberkulmer will more reliably produce grain protein levels that comply with bread-making quality standards.

scholarly journals The effect of maturation stage and after-ripening on seed quality in organically- and conventionally-produced pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Kutay YILDIRIM ◽  
Ibrahim DEMIR
Keyword(s):  
Seed Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Maturation Stage ◽  
Pepper Plant ◽  
Fruit Maturity ◽  
Immature Seeds ◽  
Conventional Production ◽  
High Quality Seed

High quality seed production is essential in organic production as well as in conventional production. Fruit maturity can be observed at different times due to the continuous flowering of pepper plant. Consequently, seeds with different maturity are obtained as the fruits are collected during once over-harvesting period. Immature seeds collected in once over-harvest may cause quality losses in the seed lot. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effect of after-ripening on mature and immature pepper seeds produced in organic and conventional production systems. To see the effect of after-ripening treatment, seeds were harvested in two different periods (immature 45-50 day after anthesis(DAA) and mature 60-65DAA). After-ripening(AR) was performed by keeping the seeds in fruits for 7 days after harvesting the fruits. Effect of production systems and after-ripening on immature and mature pepper seed lots were assessed for four cultivars harvested in 2015 and 2016. After-ripening increased germination (AR:76.3%, C:28% for organic and AR:88%, C:53.8% for conventional), seedling emergence (AR:70.8%, C:44.3% for organic and AR:82.5%, C:53.8% for conventional) percentages and mean weight of 1000 seeds (AR:6.5, C:6.0g for organic and AR:6.5, C:6.2g for conventional) in both production systems of immature seed lots compared to control (C)(P<0.05) but did not have a similar effect on mature ones. Moreover, organically-produced seed lots have the same quality as conventionally-produced seeds. Consequently, obtained results indicate that after-ripening can be used to enhance the quality of immature seeds of pepper cultivars and seeds can be produced organically without any loss of quality.

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