scholarly journals Reduced Stocking Density and Provision of Straw in a Rack Improve Pig Welfare on Commercial Fattening Farms

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Schodl ◽  
Lisa Wiesauer ◽  
Christoph Winckler ◽  
Christine Leeb

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reduced stocking density in combination with provision of additional enrichment material on pig welfare on-farm. On three growing-finishing farms in Austria, in total 974, 413, and 70 pigs were kept at 1 m2/pig and straw or hay in a rack as additional enrichment material (improved pens, IP; n = 6–38 pens per farm) or in pens complying with the minimum legal requirements of 0.7 m2/pig (control pens, CP; n = 6–37 pens per farm). Behavior as well as skin, tail and ear lesions and pig soiling were assessed at the beginning and in the middle of the fattening period, while performance data were recorded at the end of the fattening period. Data analysis was performed for each farm separately using generalized linear and linear mixed models or Mann-Whitney U-Test. Pigs in IP less frequently manipulated pen mates' ears (Farm 1: Ptreatment*assessment = 0.002; Farm 2: P = 0.002) and body (Farm 1: P = 0.021; Farm 2: P = 0.015) than in CP. Prevalence of skin, tail and ear lesions and soiled pigs did not differ between treatments. In only one farm, average daily weight gain was higher in IP than in CP (Farm 1: P = 0.003). Our findings indicate that increased space allowance and provision of substrate can improve aspects of animal welfare within existing pig fattening systems, without requiring irreversible constructional modifications to the system.

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda D'Alessio

<p>The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a weight gain benefit and earlier achievement to full feedings in the single family room NICU design compared to the multi-bed NICU design.</p> <p>A retrospective chart review of infants less than 1000 grams born during a three month time frame in both the multi-bed unit and single family unit was conducted. The study compared average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings in the multi-bed unit and single family room unit. Findings concluded there was a slight difference in the average daily weight gain and achievement to full feedings occurred several days earlier in the single family room unit.</p> <p>In the single family unit the advanced practice nurses are able to promote a family-centered environment by encouraging rooming in, Kangaroo care, and breastfeeding, all of which were nearly impossible for the parents to accomplish in the multi-bed unit due to lack of space and pr1vacy.</p>


2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1643-1648
Author(s):  
S. Lilic ◽  
D. Sefer ◽  
S. Dimitrijevic ◽  
T. Ilic ◽  
S. Ivanovic ◽  
...  

In this paper are presented the growth performances (live weight, average daily weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio) of broilers Hybro G+ provenience. Feeding, zoohygienic and zootechnical measures met technological normative for this provenience. Broilers were fed with the complete feed mixtures (producer ?Dren?, Novi Sad) with added anticoccidial salinomycine in the amount of 66 mg/kg up to 35. day of fattening. In last week of the fattening period, salinomycine was not added (drug waiting period is 5 days). Live weight of broilers at the end of trial was 1959.74 g to 2750.48 g (average 2340.62 g). During the fattening period, average daily weight gain was 54.70 ? 5.03 g; it was in the range 45.71-64.39 g. Average daily feed consumption was 87.97 g for all fattening period and feed conversion ratio was 87.97 g.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aman Gudeto ◽  
Tesfaye Alemu T ◽  
Ashebir Worku ◽  
Frehiwot Mesele ◽  
Genet Dadi ◽  
...  

Evaluation and demonstration study was conducted at Kemo-Gerbi kebele of Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha district on Borana bulls with the objectives of evaluation and demonstration of bulls fattening technologies at on-farm level. One farmer’s research extension group (FREG) was formed for fattening the bulls. Twenty bulls were purchased from Borana zone by farmers for the fattening trials. Two feeding treatments (T1= Grazing + 20% crushed maize grain + 45% wheat bran + 35% Noug cake and T2 = Grazing + 65% wheat bran + 35% cotton seed cakes) were evaluated. The animals were randomly assigned for dietary rations and data on live weight change of the animals were taken using weight chart tape (developed by JICA project).  Final body weights, total weight gain and average daily weight gain of the bulls were not significant (P>0.05) among the treatments. Bulls fed on treatment one attained an average daily weight gain of 0.83 kg per bull ; while bulls fed on treatment two gained 0.76 kg per bull per day. Total gross margin of treatment one (53,154.5 ETB) was higher than treatment two (49,467.75 ETB). Cost-benefit analysis indicated that feeding option number one (T1) is more economical as compared to bulls fed on T2.  However, fatteners can use any of the feeding options depending on availability of the ingredients in their area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Radkowski ◽  
Iwona Radkowska ◽  
Jan Bocianowski ◽  
Adrian Cyplik

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the different proportion of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the meadow sward on its fodder value and daily weight gain of Highland cattle. The research was carried out on meadow sward with natural undergrowth that was cultivated by sowing perennial ryegrass. When preparing the sward for sowing, around 40% of it was damaged with a rotary tiller. The sowing rate for perennial ryegrass seeds was varied and amounted to 5, 10 and 15 kg ha−1. As a result, the following treatments of meadow sward were obtained and distinguished: semi-natural sward without sowing as the control, and three experimental treatments with approximately 18, 36 and 55% share of perennial ryegrass in the meadow sward. The animals were kept in a cowshed. In the nutritional part, the impact of feeding the obtained sward on the daily weight gain of Highland bulls and heifers was assessed. The obtained results showed higher gains in both bulls and heifers fed with sward from grasslands with a greater proportion of perennial ryegrass. The weight gain of the animals resulted from the nutrition, i.e. the quality of the feed obtained from the experimental objects. During the control fattening period, the bulls’ average daily weight gain ranged from 649 g to 714 g, while for heifers 556 g to 598 g. Statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05) in body weight gains in both bulls and heifers was shown already at 36% of perennial ryegrass in the meadow sward.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Michaela Projahn ◽  
Jana Sachsenroeder ◽  
Guido Correia-Carreira ◽  
Evelyne Becker ◽  
Annett Martin ◽  
...  

Cefotaxime (CTX)-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are still an ongoing challenge in human and veterinary health. High prevalence of these resistant bacteria is detected in broiler chickens and the prevention of their dissemination along the production pyramid is of major concern. The impact of certain on-farm interventions on the external bacterial contamination of broiler chickens, as well as their influence on single processing steps and (cross-) contamination, have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated breast skin swab samples of broiler chickens before and during slaughter at an experimental slaughter facility. Broiler chickens were previously challenged with CTX-resistant Escherichia coli strains in a seeder-bird model and subjected to none (control group (CG)) or four different on-farm interventions: drinking water supplementation based on organic acids (DW), slow growing breed Rowan × Ranger (RR), reduced stocking density (25 kg/sqm) and competitive exclusion with Enterobacteriales strain IHIT36098(CE). Chickens of RR, 25 kg/sqm, and CE showed significant reductions of the external contamination compared to CG. The evaluation of a visual scoring system indicated that wet and dirty broiler chickens are more likely a vehicle for the dissemination of CTX-resistant and total Enterobacteriaceae into the slaughterhouses and contribute to higher rates of (cross-) contamination during processing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6074
Author(s):  
Esther Khayanga Sumbule ◽  
Mary Kivali Ambula ◽  
Isaac Maina Osuga ◽  
Janice Ghemoh Changeh ◽  
David Miano Mwangi ◽  
...  

The acceptance of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as sustainable alternative protein ingredient in poultry feeds continues to gain momentum worldwide. This study evaluates the impact of BSFLM in layer chick and grower diets on the growth, carcass quality and economic returns. Mean weekly weight gain and total live weight per chick and grower varied significantly. The highest final weight gain was achieved when birds were provided diet with 25.6% BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG) and overall weight gain of the chick varied significantly, except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For grower birds, ADFI, ADG, FCR and overall weight gain did not vary significantly across the various feeding regimes. The weight of the wings and drumsticks had a quadratic response with a maximum weight obtained at 33% inclusion of BSFLM. The weight of the internal organs were not significantly affected by dietary types. Positive cost–benefit ratio and return on investment was recorded for diet types with higher BSFLM inclusion levels (>75%). Diets with 25% and 100% BSFLM inclusion were the most suitable and cost-effective, respectively. Thus, BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used in the poultry industries.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 217
Author(s):  
Eleanor Brooke Collins ◽  
Nicola Blackie

The majority of lamb losses occur within the first two weeks of life, with cold stress being a major cause of lamb morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the effect of insulating lamb jackets on newborn lambs. One hundred and four newborn lambs were randomly allocated by birth date to two treatment groups, (a) non-jacketed (n = 52) or (b) jacketed (n = 52), for fourteen days after birth. The live weights of lambs were recorded regularly up to 21 days, and average daily weight gains were calculated from these data. For the first two days after recruitment to the study, surface and body temperatures of lambs were also recorded. The jackets significantly increased the lambs’ surface temperatures, providing a warmer microclimate and reduced cold stress for jacketed lambs. There was no significant effect of the insulating jackets on estimated body temperatures, live weights or average daily weight gain of the lambs in this study. There were no detrimental effects of the jackets, and no rejection of lambs occurred.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Md Sirazul Islam ◽  
M Mamnur Rashid ◽  
Mohammad Shamsul Arefin ◽  
Pronab Naha ◽  
Md Rokanuddula

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of three most commonly used growth promoters from different pharmaceutical companies on growth performance of hybrid walking catfish (Clarias batrachus × Clarias gariepinus). The experiment was done in the wet laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, BAU, Mymensingh, with a total of 10 aquaria and 160 fish having mean initial weight of 6.3 ± 0.48 g. The three growth promoters, “Charger gel” from Fishtech (BD) Ltd., “Growth gel” from Advance Agrotech (BD) Ltd. and “Hepaprotect-aqua” from Renata Animal health Ltd., were used in separate nine (9) aquaria at recommended, lower dose and higher dose respectively. One aquarium was used as control (diet without any growth promoter). The fish were fed with paragon nursery floating feed at 20% of body weight in each aquarium for 28 days. Doses of Charger gel were given as 80, 60 and 100 mg/20 g feed/day, that of Growth gel, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.16 ml/20 g feed/day and of Hepaprotect-aqua, 30, 15 and 50 mg/20 g feed/day. Re-circulatory system was used throughout the experimental period. By applying recommended, lower and higher dose of “Charger gel”, mean final weights were found as 23.0, 21.9 and 35.9 g; average daily weight gain as 0.60, 0.56 and 1.06 g and specific growth rate (SGR) as 2.01, 1.93 and 2.70% respectively. For “Growth gel”, mean final weights were found as 22.8, 17.3 and 31.1 g; average daily weight gain as 0.59, 0.39 and 0.88 g and SGR as 1.99, 1.57 and 2.48 % respectively. For “Hepaprotect-aqua”, mean final weights were found as 24.2, 17.5 and 28.2 g; average daily weight gain as 0.64, 0.40 and 0.78 g and SGR as 2.09, 1.58 and 2.32% respectively. In all the cases survival rates were 100%. All the three growth promoters showed better results at their higher doses in comparison to their results in lower and recommended doses. However, in average Charger gel showed the best result than the other two growth promoters. This information on the efficacy study of growth promoters needs to be disseminated to the farmers for improved fish production.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 103-108


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Ferdous ◽  
MM Ali

The experiment was conducted to optimize the dose of 17?-methyl testosterone (MT) during masculinization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Five treatments were designed with various doses of hormone to find out the most effective one. The treatments were designated as T1 (0 mg MT/kg), T2 (40 mg MT/kg), T3 (50 mg MT/kg), T4 (60 mg MT/kg) and T5 (70 mg MT/kg). MT was administered orally by using nursery feed and Ethanol (as hormone carrier solvents) diet to tilapia fry for 28 days in hapa. After completion of the trial period of 28 days nursing of the experimental fry was continued for further 2 months with commercial feed. At the end of experiment the sex ratio was      determined by examining gonad after dissecting the fish. Growth performance was monitored by recording the morphometric characteristics i.e. weight gain (g), average daily weight gain (g). The analysis of growth data showed significant variation in weight, % weight gain, SGR (% /day) of fish among the different treatments. SGR increases with the increase of hormone dose. The present study demonstrated that all MT receiving treatments showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher male proportion (94.28%) than control (48.57%). The dose of 60 mg MT/kg of feed resulted in maximum male population (94.28%). The result indicated that the optimum dose of MT hormone was 60 mg /kg with a feeding period of 28 days after hatching.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11052   J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 359–364, 2011


2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1077-1084
Author(s):  
I. del C. García-Osorio ◽  
J. Oliva-Hernández ◽  
M.M. Osorio-Arce ◽  
G. Torres-Hernández ◽  
J. A. Hinojosa-Cuéllar ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the influence of gender on pre-weaning growth, yield and weight of primal cuts of the carcass of Blackbelly x Pelibuey lambs. 16 twin lambs were used. The lamb gender was the fixed factor. The variables evaluated were: body weight at birth and at weaning, average daily weight gain, weight and yield of carcass and primal cuts: neck, arm, thorax, abdomen and leg. Gender did not affect (P>0.05) body weight at birth. However, the pre-weaning average daily weight gain and body weight at weaning were affected (P<0.05) by the gender. Hot carcass yield and weight and primal cuts were not affected (P>0.05) by the gender of the lamb. Nevertheless, the area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle and cavity fat were different between males and females (P<0.05) 11.5±0.73cm2 and 198±0.05 g vs 9.3±0.73cm2 and 282±0.05g, respectively. In conclusion, in twin lambs Blackbelly x Pelibuey males had greater average daily weight gain and body weight at weaning than females. Carcass yield and weight and primal cuts were not affected by the gender of the lamb. However, males had greater area of the L. dorsi muscle than females and these in turn had a greater amount of cavity fat than males.


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