Effects of an acute stressor on fear and on the social reinstatement responses of domestic chicks to cagemates and strangers

Posted in: Welfare by admin on January 1, 2000 | No Comments

Broiler chicks remained undisturbed or were exposed to an acute stressor (mechanical restraint) before measuring tonic immobility and fear responses one hour later (experiment 1). Exposing the birds to the stressor significantly prolonged their tonic immobility response and most likely their underlying fear levels as well. In experiment 2, the response of the undisturbed control chicks and the stressed chicks were assessed by placing them each individually in a runway with a goal box containing either familiar or unfamiliar chicks of the same age. Findings of the study indicated that stressed chicks emerged from the start box sooner and spent a greater amount of time near the stimulus birds, suggesting that exposure to a frightening event increased social reinstatement motivation. Social affiliation was even stronger when the goal box contained familiar chicks rather than strangers, regardless of prior treatment. This indicates that broiler chicks housed in groups of twelve can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar cagemates when encountered in a novel situation. Therefore, sociality was positively associated with fearfulness and the chicks distinctly showed social discrimination in runway tests. Conclusions stated that fear and the capacity of social recognition in tests of social motivation were important to birds. Recommendations stated that exposure to frightening events before a test should be avoided and the identity of the birds in the runway goal box should be standardized and noted (i.e. familiar or unfamiliar).

The spontaneous qualitative assessment of behavioural expressions in pigs: First explorations of a novel methodology for integrative animal welfare measurement.

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Using spontaneous descriptive terms (such as ‘afraid’ or ‘calm’) to explain what animals are feeling and experiencing in different situations could be an efficient and useful way of interpreting their welfare states. However, there would have to be significant agreement shown to exist among different observers in order for this type qualitative evaluation to be useful. In this study, 18 observers with no experience with pigs were asked to independently and freely describe the behaviour of 40 growing pigs. Half the pigs were housed in an enriched environment, and half were housed in a barren environment. The observers were not aware of the different housing conditions. For the observations, each pig was moved from its home pen and observed individually in a test pen in response to the presence of a human. First, the observers watched each pig for four minutes, and then used their own words to describe the pig’s behaviour for three minutes. The results indicated that the untrained observers significantly agreed in their choice of terms to describe the behaviour of the pigs. The terms used by the observers tended to represent a continuum of behavioural expressions, eg. ‘friendly-relaxed-gentle-calm-tense-careful-cautious-restless’. The pigs that were housed in enriched pens were described as being friendly and inquisitive more than those housed in barren pens (this found in one part of the study and needs further research). The preliminary results suggest that spontaneous qualitative assessment could be a useful technique for assessing animal welfare, but further research is required.

Application of Electronic Management Tools

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This article is a summary of computer programs presented at a swine workshop. The workshop demonstrated several innovative computer programs and electronic technologies that are available to the pork industry. The computer programs address issues such as ventilation and heating rates, humidity levels, gas levels and animal temperature requirements.

Environmental Interactions with Agricultural Production

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Agricultural production uses land, fertilizers, pesticides, water, and other inputs that can have an impact on the environment and potentially harm human and ecosystem health. This Briefing Room describes agriculture’s interactions with environmental quality, and the policy responses for improving environmental performance.

Modifying stockperson attitudes and behaviour towards pigs at a large commercial farm.

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The behaviour and welfare of pigs is greatly influenced by the treatment they receive from the stockperson. This study evaluated the effect of the stockperson’s attitude towards pigs and their job satisfaction on how they treated the pigs in their care. The effect of attempting to modify the stockperson’s attitude and behaviour towards pigs was also examined. On a large commercial facility, 43 stockpeople became involved in the study. Some of the stockpeople participated in a training program to attempt to modify their attitudes and behaviour towards pigs, while the others did not receive any training. Some of the information provided during the training sessions included: details about the sensitivity of pigs, proper handling techniques, and how improper handling can negatively affect productivity Data was collected before and after training through questionnaires and direct observations with the pigs. Training resulted in improved attitudes towards pigs. The results from the questionnaires indicated changes in their beliefs about the importance of proper handling and that petting and talking to the pigs would have a positive effect. Direct observations showed that trained stockpeople decreased their negative behaviours towards the pigs. Pigs also tended to show less fear-related behaviour in the presence of trained stockpeople. The training procedure was successful in modifying the stockperson’s attitude and behaviour towards pigs. This indicates that training programs for employees in the pig industry would be beneficial.

FAT THICKNESS AND LOIN EYE AREA EFFECTS ON PORK CARCASS QUALITY MEASURES

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EVAPORATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL IN AN UNDISTURBED SOIL IRRIGATED WITH SURFACE DRIP AND SAND TUBE IRRIGATION

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Hudrogen Sulfide Production from Stored Liquid Swine Manure: A Laboratory Study

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The production of hydorgen sulfide from liquid swine manure is influenced by the manure settling characteristics and the initial sulfate concentration was studied in the laboratory. The manure was settled in a 30cm diameter x 120cm high column for 24 hours and then divided into three layers based on solids content. The manure from different layers was placed in separate closed jars and stored for 30 days a 22 degrees Cesius. The total sulfide, total solids, volatile solidds, pH in the manure, and hydrogen sulfide in the effluent gas stream was measured. The sulfide production rate was highest for all three manure layers during the first 5-10 days of storage. The top manure layer had the lowest solids content and the highest sulfide concentration. Howwever, due to the l;ower pH levels in the bottom layer, the concentrationof molecular H2S is higher in the bottom layer than the top layer. Mathematical equations for predicting H2S concentration and production rates in the different manure layers were derived. Three levels of initial sulfate concentration were used to test the effect of initial sulfate concentration in the liquid swine manure on sulfide production. Higher sulfate concentration in the manure resulted in higher sulfide concentration during the storage priod. From the observations made, it was confirmed that reducing the sulfate concentration in the water supply would help reduce the sulfide production in the pit.

A Strategy for Sustainable Manure Management in Saskatchewan

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Sustainable manure management is the application of sounds practices supported by scientific data over time. The impetus for research, development and extension activities will come from the industry, the public and federal and provincial agencies. To be successful, however, efforts must be co-ordinated, targeted to needs and delivered effectively.
What is clear is that single solutions are not the answer. We need to approach manure management from a systems perspective. The challenges identified under each of the strategic areas, although presented separately, are inter-related. Solutions must account for these relationships and evaluate the trade-offs that inevitably occur with decision-making. As a working document, this strategy brings together the challenges we face in manure management and allows stakeholders to see each component as part of a whole. It describes the objectives for each category, manure storage, manure application and use, manure odours, manure handling and transportation systems, manure treatment, environmental planning and communications and extension. It then describes the research being done in the area, the development of a strategy and the extension activities.

Biomass Cofiring Potential and Experiences in The Netherlands

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