Determination of static space requirements for finishing bulls based on image analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-314
Author(s):  
N Volkmann ◽  
J Stracke ◽  
SL Rauterberg ◽  
B Spindler ◽  
N Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Standing Position ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Space Requirements ◽  
Static Space

In Europe, conventional housing systems for finishing bulls (Bos taurus) tend to consist of group pens with a high stocking density. Up until now there have been no regulations in place defining bulls' space requirements, even although insufficient space allowance is considered to impair animal welfare. Our study aimed to measure the surface area that finishing bulls occupy in standing and lying positions. We observed 46 bulls on a German fattening farm. The animals from one pen were assigned to one of three weight classes (W1: < 450 kg; W2: 450–649 kg; W3: ≥ 650 kg), and two pens of each weight class were examined. For image recordings, a camera trap was installed above the pens. To analyse the covered surface, the recorded images (n = 242) were edited. Furthermore, the observed lying postures were differentiated in terms of lying position and stretched-out legs. On average, the areas covered by the bulls increased with class of bodyweight. A finishing bull covered up to 1.21 m2 in a standing position and up to 1.57 m2 in a lying position, the most space being needed in an outstretched position. The calculated values provide information only about the surface a finishing bull covered in different positions in the pen. In practice, additional dynamic and social space must be taken into account for recommendations on space requirements, in order to ensure adequate inter-individual distances, social interaction and characteristic behaviours to improve animal welfare.

scholarly journals Planimetric Determination of the Static Space of Cull Sows as the First Step towards a Recommendation of Loading Densities for Cull Sows during Road Transportation in the European Union

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Heidi Arndt ◽  
Birgit Spindler ◽  
Stephanie Hohmeier ◽  
Jörg Hartung ◽  
Nicole Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Social Dynamic ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Space Requirements ◽  
Cull Sows ◽  
Static Space

The available floor space is an important welfare factor for cull sows during transportation. Sows of modern genetics reach a size and weight far exceeding those of fattening pigs. In most countries, there are no binding, consistent regulations for the maximum loading densities, especially for sows during road transportation. As a first step towards such recommendations, the physical floor space requirement (static space) of 100 sows of a current breed, while standing and lying down, were determined using contrast-based planimetry. An average sow covered about 0.42–0.47 m2 (standing postures) up to 0.53–0.63 m2 (lying postures). The largest measured area was 0.72 m2 for a sow lying in the belly-chest position. We detected a significant dependency of the covered floor area and the live weight, which supports the common practice to derive space requirements and recommendations based on live weight. Also, our results suggest that especially heavy sows, under currently usual loading densities, are at risk of having insufficient floor space requirements during transport. The results cannot be used to define the space required by a sow to carry out movements or sustain the individual need for distance (social/dynamic space) but provide data on the static space covered by sows of current breeds.

scholarly journals Effects of Outdoor Stocking Density on Growth, Feather Damage and Behavior of Slow-Growing Free-Range Broilers

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 688
Author(s):  
Hannah N. Phillips ◽  
Bradley J. Heins
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
High Density ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Tail Feather ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Slow Growing

Access to pasture is a main benefit of free-range broiler housing systems, yet the level of outdoor stocking density on broiler animal welfare remains unsettled. The growth, feather damage, pasture ranging and behaviors were assessed for 150 mixed-sex, slow-growing Freedom Rangers from 5 to 11 weeks of age of with free access to either a high outdoor stocking density pasture (0.5 m2 per bird) or a low outdoor stocking density pasture (2.5 m2 per bird). The probability (mean, 95% CI) of tail feather damage was greater for the high-density (23.1%, 16.3 to 31.7%) compared to the low-density group (11.9%, 7.1 to 19.3%). The percent of observations resulting in sunbathing and aggressive attacks (i.e., pecking and fighting behaviors) were greater for the high-density (1.0%, 0.6 to 1.8% and 0.5%, 0.2 to 1.3%, respectively) compared to the low-density group (0.3%, 0.1 to 0.7% and 0.1%, 0.0 to 0.4%, respectively). Furthermore, an interaction between treatment and age indicated that birds in the high-density group displayed greater stretching (during weeks 7 to 10) and panting (during weeks 6 and 9). Results of this study suggest that additional outdoor pasture space may be positively associated with broiler welfare.

scholarly journals 31 Determination of Optimal Harvest Weight for Mangalica Pigs Using a Serial Harvest Approach to Measure Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 34-34
Author(s):  
Maegan A Reeves ◽  
Courtney E Charlton ◽  
Shannon R Wilkerson ◽  
John G Rehm ◽  
Terry D Brandebourg
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Carcass Parameters ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Optimal Harvest ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Growth Trial

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n=56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (p &lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (p &lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &lt; 0.0001), loin (P &lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

scholarly journals Potentiality of Periphyton-based Aquaculture Technology in Rice-fish Environment

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 624-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Saikia ◽  
D. N. Das
Keyword(s):  
Common Carp ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Fish Culture ◽  
Arunachal Pradesh ◽  
Gut Content ◽  
Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio ◽  
Feed Source ◽  
Rice Fish ◽  
Supplementary Feed

Periphyton is being used traditionally as rich aquatic feed for fishes throughout the countries like Cambodia, West Africa, Srilanka, India and Bangladesh. In waterlogged rice environment, it can be judiciously utilized as feed source introducing periphytophagous fish. Studies supported rice straw as suitable substrate for periphyton growth. The study of gut content of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) from a periphyton-based rice-fish culture system in Apatani Plateau of Arunachal Pradesh, India showed maximum of 60 genera of microflora and fauna with periphytic in nature. The farmers from this rice-fish culture practice are gaining an average fish production of 500kg ha-1 180 day-1 without employing any supplementary feed. Better selection and determination of appropriate stocking density of periphytophagous fish in waterlogged rice-fields might extend the rice-fish culture towards a sustainable and self-substrating periphyton based aquaculture (SSPBA) practice. Keywords: Periphyton; Sustainable agriculture; Rice-fish; Self-substrating; Common carp; Apatani plateau. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i3.2114              J. Sci. Res. 1 (3), 624-634 (2009) 

Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 924 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
J. R. Webster
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Dairy Management ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Cow Welfare

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.

scholarly journals Sustainability in the Canadian Egg Industry—Learning from the Past, Navigating the Present, Planning for the Future

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Pelletier ◽  
Maurice Doyon ◽  
Bruce Muirhead ◽  
Tina Widowski ◽  
Jodey Nurse-Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
The Past ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Face ◽  
Effective Decision Making ◽  
And Shifts ◽  
Societal Expectations ◽  
Management Changes

Like other livestock sectors, the Canadian egg industry has evolved substantially over time and will likely experience similarly significant change looking forward, with many of these changes determining the sustainability implications of and for the industry. Influencing factors include: technological and management changes at farm level and along the value chain resulting in greater production efficiencies and improved life cycle resource efficiency and environmental performance; a changing policy/regulatory environment; and shifts in societal expectations and associated market dynamics, including increased attention to animal welfare outcomes—especially in regard to changes in housing systems for laying hens. In the face of this change, effective decision-making is needed to ensure the sustainability of the Canadian egg industry. Attention both to lessons from the past and to the emerging challenges that will shape its future is required and multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives are needed to understand synergies and potential trade-offs between alternative courses of action across multiple aspects of sustainability. Here, we consider the past, present and potential futures for this industry through the lenses of environmental, institutional (i.e., regulatory), and socio-economic sustainability, with an emphasis on animal welfare as an important emergent social consideration. Our analysis identifies preferred pathways, potential pitfalls, and outstanding cross-disciplinary research questions.

Electrolyte supplementation of live export cattle to the Middle East

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. T. Beatty ◽  
A. Barnes ◽  
R. Taplin ◽  
M. McCarthy ◽  
S. K. Maloney
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Acid Base Balance ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Urine Ph ◽  
Live Export

Eighty Bos taurus crossbred steers sourced from southern Western Australia were monitored to assess the efficacy of electrolyte supplementation on board a livestock vessel travelling to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. Electrolytes (1.8 g/L NaHCO3 and 3.5 g/L KCl) were added to the drinking water of treatment steers (n = 39) allocated to three pens on the starboard side of the ship. Control steers (n = 40) were allocated to three pens on the port side of the ship. The combined area of the three treatment and three control pens was 61.1 and 63.6 m2 respectively, giving a stocking density of 1.57 and 1.55 m2 per steer, respectively. Steers were loaded in Fremantle, Western Australia and given 3 days to acclimatise to on-board conditions before being weighed (day 1), after which electrolyte supplementation began while the vessel docked at Port Headland, Western Australia. Feed and water were available ad libitum throughout the experiment. Steers were weighed again on day 18, before discharge in the Middle East. During electrolyte supplementation, wet bulb temperature ranged from 21.3 (day 2) to 31.8°C (day 18). Over the last 3 days of the experiment, wet bulb temperature ranged from 29.0 to 31.8°C with no diurnal variation or night-time cooling. No open-mouth panting was recorded in either group and although animals encountered periods of high heat and humidity (as indicated by increased respiratory rates), the steers were not considered clinically heat stressed during the experiment. After 18 days of electrolyte supplementation, treatment steers had a 2.9 ± 1.7% liveweight advantage compared with control steers (P < 0.001). Urine was collected on days 8 and 16 of the experiment and treatment steers maintained a higher urine pH compared with control steers on both days (day 8; 8.6 v. 8.2 and day 16; 8.2 v. 7.9; P < 0.01). Liveweight advantages and improved regulation of acid–base balance may provide welfare and economic benefits to the live export industry.

Applied Research on New Pig Housing Systems

1996 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Den Hartog ◽  
H. M. Vermeer ◽  
J. W. G. M. Swinkels ◽  
N. Verdoes ◽  
G. B. C. Backus
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Environmental Regulations ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Housing Systems

Developments In pig housing during the last decade have been influenced not only by economics but also by animal welfare and environmental regulations. Because the different requirements may cause conflicts for some aspects of pig housing, an integrated approach is necessary. Housing systems which partly or fully meet today's animal welfare and environmental regulations in the Netherlands are described.

scholarly journals Effects of a Partially Perforated Flooring System on Ammonia Emissions in Broiler Housing—Conflict of Objectives between Animal Welfare and Environment?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Carolin Adler ◽  
Alexander J. Schmithausen ◽  
Manfred Trimborn ◽  
Sophia Heitmann ◽  
Birgit Spindler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Ventilation Rate ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Nh3 Emission

A partially (50%) perforated flooring system showed positive effects on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators without affecting production performance. Ammonia (NH3) is the most common air pollutant in poultry production, with effects on animal welfare and the environment. The objectives of animal welfare and environmental protection are often incompatible. Therefore, this study addresses the question of how a partially perforated flooring system affects NH3 emissions. According to German regulations, three fattening periods were carried out with 500 Ross 308 broilers per barn (final stocking density: 39 kg m−2). The experimental barn was equipped with an elevated perforated area in the supply section, accessible by perforated ramps. The remaining area in the experimental barn and the control barn were equipped with wood shavings (600 g m−2). Besides the different floor types, management was identical. Air temperature (Temp), relative air humidity (RH), NH3 concentration, and ventilation rate (VR) were measured continuously. Furthermore, dry matter (DM) content, pH, and litter quality were assessed. Towards the end of the fattening periods, the NH3 emission rate (ER) of the partially perforated flooring system was higher compared with that of the littered control barn (all p < 0.001). This effect is mainly caused by the higher NH3 concentrations, which are promoted by the lack of compaction underneath the elevated perforated area and the increase in pH value under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the partially perforated flooring system offers different approaches for NH3 reduction that were previously not feasible, potentially contributing equally to animal welfare and environmental protection.

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