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Do citizens and farmers interpret the concept of farm animal welfare differently?

Posted in: Welfare by admin on January 1, 2008 | No Comments

This study provides a quantification of the similarities and differences between aspects relating to farm animal welfare as valued by farmers and citizens and tries to explain the findings based on differences in values, interests, knowledge, norms and convictions, constituting the frame of reference of the perception towards farm animal welfare. The interpretation of the complex and multi-dimensional concept of farm animal welfare has proven to be quite compatible from a citizen and farmer perspective. The main differences are found in the importance attached to animals’ ability to engage in natural behaviour and in aspects which require some basic understanding about production conditions and the way livestock is reared. Furthermore, citizens evaluated the current state of farm animal welfare rather negative with mean evaluative belief scores for almost all aspects below the mid-point of the scale, while a much more positive image was present among farmers. Discordance between citizen and farmer perception appeared to be the highest for aspects related to natural behaviour, pain, stress and availability of space.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci

Effects of season and distance moved during loading on transport losses of market-weight pigs in two commercially available types of trailer

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This study evaluated effects of trailer design and season on physical indicators of stress during loading and unloading and transport losses (dead and nonambulatory pigs) in market-weight pigs (BW = 129.6 ¡À 0.40 kg). A total of 109 trailer loads of pigs (n = 17,256 pigs) from 1 farm were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 ¡Á 4 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) trailer design (pot-belly vs. straight-deck) and 2) season (spring vs. summer vs.
fall vs. winter). A subset of loads (n = 42) was used to examine effect of distance pigs were moved during loading [short ( indicators of stress and transport losses. This study was conducted on 7 d per season at 1 farm with 4 loads (2 on pot-belly and 2 on straight-deck trailers) being transported each day to 1 commercial packing plant. Pigs from different farm groups were mixed on the trailer and provided with 0.45 m2/pig floor space during an approximately 4-h journey to the plant. The percentage of pigs exhibiting open-mouth breathing, skin discoloration, and muscle tremors was recorded during loading and unloading. Additionally, dead pigs on arrival at the plant and nonambulatory pigs at the farm
and at the plant were recorded. Effects of trailer design on open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration during unloading were dependent on season (trailer design ¡Á season interaction; P < 0.05). Pigs unloaded from
pot-belly trailers had a greater (P < 0.05) incidence of open-mouth breathing in the spring and summer and a
greater (P < 0.05) incidence of skin discoloration in the spring, summer, and winter than pigs unloaded from straight-deck trailers. The incidence of total nonambulatory pigs at the plant was greater (P < 0.05) in the winter than in the spring and summer. The long compared with short distance moved treatment resulted in a greater (P ¡Ü 0.001) incidence of open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration during loading and tended (P = 0.06) to increase the incidence of nonambulatory pigs at the farm. However, there was no effect of trailer design, season, or loading distance on total losses at the plant. In summary, physical indicators of stress (open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration) were increased with the long distance moved during loading treatment and were greater during unloading for
pot-belly than straight-deck trailers; however, trailer design, season, and loading distance had minimal effects on total transport losses.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

The effect of feeder type and change of feeder type on growing and finishing pig performance and behaviour

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Reduction in feed intake at weaning has been reported to result in a post-weaning ‘growth check’ (Pluske et al., 1997). This reduction in intake and growth rate is likely to be caused by a number of factors including the stress of being transported and mixed (Ekkel et al., 1995; Bilkei et al., 1997; Mardarowicz, 1985) and abrupt changes in both the diet and environment, for example, feed being offered from unfamiliar feeders (Pluske and Williams, 1996). A similar growth check is likely to occur when pigs are transferred to finishing accommodation. Despite the evidence to indicate that ‘wean to finish’ accommodation would be advantageous in terms of production performance (Ekkel et al., 1995; Bilkei et al., 1997; Mardarowicz, 1985), there are few units where pigs could be housed in the same accommodation from weaning to finish. Consequently producers aim to minimize the extent of change of diet and environment, thereby reducing the stress of transportation and re-housing and ultimately the ‘growth check’. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and behaviour of pigs offered feed in the same type of feeder from weaning to finish with those offered feed from two different types of feeder. A total of 640 pigs in 32 pens of 20 pigs per pen were used to investigate the effects of two feeder types and changing or not changing the feeder type at 10 weeks of age on growth performance and behaviour in the periods from 4 to 10, 10 to finish (22) and from 4 to finish (22) weeks of age, respectively. The two feeder types tested were a ‘wet and dry’ single-space (S) feeder and a ‘dry’ multi-space feeder (M). In the period 4–10 weeks of age feeder type had no significant effect on growth performance though pigs on the ‘dry’ multi-space feeder tended to exhibit significantly better feed efficiency from 4 to 7 weeks of age. In the first week after changing accommodation the growth rate of pigs on all treatments was depressed (compared to the last 3 weeks of the grower period) and was reduced a further 60 g/day when the feeder type was changed. However, the “feeder” effect was transitory and had no effect on overall finisher performance except for pigs changed from a ‘dry’ multi-space feeder to ‘wet and dry’ single-spaced feeder. These animals had significantly faster growth rate over the finisher phase.

For more information the full article can be found at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/anifee/issues

Synthetic lying mats may improve lying comfort of gestating sows

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A prototype lying mat as an alternative to straw bedding for improving sow lying comfort was evaluated
using a dynamic group of 47 gestating sows housed in a pen with 5 communal lying areas. Mats were
installed in 3 lying areas while the concrete floors of the remaining lying areas remained uncovered (period
1). After 5 weeks the position of the lying mats was rotated (period 2). It was concluded that under conditions of this experiment covering concrete floors with synthetic mats appeared to improve sow lying comfort. It is questionable whether this finding can be generalised to other (climatic) conditions.

For more information the full article can be found at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/applan/issues

Factors influencing farmers’ responses to welfare legislation: A case study of gestation sow housing in Flanders (Belgium)

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In this study a survey was conducted and revealed that Belgian pig production is likely to undergo drastic changes during the few years remaining before the 2013 deadline and the socio-economic consequences for the Belgian pork industry may be considerable. Although this survey was specific for the Belgian situation, many findings (such as concerning user satisfaction and factors which affect decision making) are clearly relevant to livestock scientists as well as pig farmers from other countries using or planning to convert to a group housing system for their gestating sows.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci

Mortality, death interval, survivals, and herd factors for death in gilts and sows in commercial breeding herds

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The objectives of this study were to measure death intervals and survival, to determine mortality rate and mortality risks, and to investigate the association of herd factors with mortality risk in individual female pigs. This study was conducted by obtaining female data with lifetime records of 65,621 females born between 1999 and 2002, and herd data with mean measurements of 5 yr from 2000 to 2004 in 105 herds. Annualized mortality rate was calculated as the number of dead females divided by the sum of life days in all gilts and sows, multiplied by 365 d. Mortality risk was calculated as the number of dead females divided by the number of surviving females at farrowing in each parity. Death interval in gilts was defined as the number of days from birth to death, and that in sows was the number of days from the last farrowing to death. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to obtain the survival probability by parity. Logistic
regression analyses were used to investigate the association of herd factors with mortality risk in individual females in each parity. Of the 65,621 females, the mortality risk was 9.9%, and the annualized mortality rate was 3.9%. Of the 6,501 dead females, death intervals in gilts and sows were 294.7 and 55.0 d, respectively. In gilts, survival probability rapidly decreased at 33 and 50 wk of age, around the first mating and the first parturition. In contrast, survival probability
in sows decreased at wk 1 after farrowing, and rapidly decreased at wk 20 and 21 after farrowing in all parity groups that were around a subsequent peripartum period. The percentages of death on wk 0, 1, and 2 after the last farrowing in all the dead sows were 6.5, 23.5, and 10.1%, respectively. Approximately 10% of deaths also occurred from wk 20 to 21 after the last farrowing. Death interval in parity ¡Ý5 was the shortest among all parity groups (49.2 d; P < 0.05). Mortality risks in parities 0 and 1 were 1.44 and 1.83%, respectively. As parity increased from 2 to ¡Ý5, mortality risk increased from 1.63 to 5.90%. Herd factors (greater herd mortality, less herd productivity, and smaller herd size) were
associated with greater mortality risk in individual females in parity 0 to ¡Ý5, parity 4 and ¡Ý5, and parity 1
to 4, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, females in peripartum periods, gilts, and high-parity sows are at
a greater risk of dying. Increased care should be implemented for prefarrowing females and early-lactating
sows.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

Prevention and treatment of tail biting in weaned piglets

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In most countries the tails of young pigs are docked to prevent tail biting later in life (McGlone et al., 1990). Tail docking is not only painful for the animals; it also conceals the presence of a more chronic animal welfare problem, namely behavioural deprivation and boredom. Several studies suggest that environmental enrichment, especially the provision of straw, reduces the chance of tail biting (Van Putten, 1969) and tail biting behaviour (e.g. Bøe, 1993; Petersen et al., 1995). However, most pig husbandry systems in Western Europe cannot be equipped with large amounts of straw, because this would block their slurry-based manure systems. Other enrichment devices were developed for these systems, such as the provision of iron chains, rubber hoses, car tires and wooden beams. Such ‘toys’ may provide some occupation and reduce general pen mate-directed behaviours (Sambraus and Kuchenhoff, 1992), but the degree depends on the provided materials. Van de Weerd et al. (2003) investigated 74 different enrichment objects during 5 days in order to find the characteristics that the favoured objects had in common. They found that the main characteristics for intense use were; among other things, ingestibility, chew ability and destructability. Zonderland et al. (2003) suggested that a combination of flexibility and destructability might be relevant material characteristics to attract the pigs’ attention. This may help to reduce tail biting as tail biting has been suggested to be redirected exploration behaviour (Van Putten, 1980). Since tail biting was regularly observed among the weaned piglets at the Pig Research Unit of the Animal Sciences Group in Lelystad, the Unit offered a unique opportunity to study tail biting directly. In addition to preventing tail biting, a need exists for more scientific information on curative treatments once tail biting has started to limit the negative consequences of a tail biting outbreak. Therefore, in this experiment the effects of two curative treatments (removing the biter and twice daily straw provision) were tested in pens subjected to four different preventive measures against tail biting (suspended chain, suspended rubber hose, straw rack and twice daily straw provision). Regarding the straw treatments, it was tried to combine partly slatted floors with the provision of small amounts of long straw without blocking the slurry-based manure system. In total, 960 undocked weaned piglets (10 piglets per pen) were observed during 5 weeks. Tail lesions (none, bite marks and wounds) were recorded daily. The incidence of pens with wounded pig tails was significantly lower when straw was provided twice daily (8% of pens) compared to the chain (58% of pens) and rubber hose (54% of pens) treatment, but did not differ significantly from the straw rack treatment (29% of pens). Tails with bite marks were significantly less common in pens with twice daily straw (16% of pens) compared to chain (88% of pens), rubber hose (79% of pens) and straw rack (75% of pens). No significant difference was found between the curative treatments. Both treatments showed a reduced incidence of red fresh blood on the tails at days 1–9 following curative treatment, compared to day 0. However, neither curative treatment eliminated tail biting entirely. In conclusion, this study indicates that tail biting is best prevented with a small amount of straw, provided twice daily, and to a lesser extent with a straw rack, compared to providing a chain or a rubber hose. Once tail biting has occurred, providing a small amount of straw twice daily and removing the biter appears to be equally effective.

For more information the full article can be found at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/applan/issues

Differential vocal responses to physical and mental stressors in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa)

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Focussing on vocal expressions of distress, the present study examined vocal responses of 10-week-old domestic pigs during a classical conditioning paradigm, where a neutral light stimulus (conditioned stimulus) was repeatedly followed by a short electric shock (unconditioned stimulus). It is concluded that vocalisation elicited during stressful situations can serve as a differentiated indicator of stressor quality and can be used for the instantaneous assessment of the internal states of pigs.

For more information the full article can be found at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/applan/issues

Effect of δ-aminolevulinic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and the immune response of weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

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In this study, the effect of dietary supplementation of ALA on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and
blood characteristics was assessed in weanling pigs. A secondary objective was to evaluate whether dietary
Delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) supplementation could improve immune responses during a period of inflammatory challenge. This study found that exogenous supplementation of δ- aminolevulinic acid in weanling pig diets resulted in
elevation of iron status and specific immune system parameters. Results suggest that δ-aminolevulinic acid has potential as a immunity enhancer in the diet of weanling pigs. This study was conducted under normal conditions (without iron deficiency); therefore, further research is necessary to evaluate the effect of δ- aminolevulinic acid on iron-deficient nursery pigs and its efficacy under commercial farm conditions where a greater disease challenge is present. In addition, the exact mechanism of δ-aminolevulinic acid action needs further investigation.

For more information the full article can be found at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/livsci

Exercising stall-housed gestating gilts: Effects on lameness, the musculo-skeletal system, production, and behavior

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Lameness in breeding-age gilts and sows is a major cause of culling, resulting in increased economic losses and welfare concerns. This study determined if exercise during gestation would affect the musculo-skeletal system, production variables, and behavior. Gilts were blocked by BW and assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: control (n = 10; no exercise), low exercise (n = 14; 122 m/d for 5 d/wk), and high exercise (n = 14; 122 m/d for 2 d/wk and 427 m/d for 3 d/
wk). All gilts were stall-housed during gestation, and gilts were exercised between d 35 and 110 of gestation.
Lameness score, BCS, BW, and blood were taken at multiple points before gestation, and during gestation
and lactation. Blood serum was analyzed for carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen. Sow lying behavior
was recorded for 3 d after farrowing. Farrowing data included litter weight and size at birth and weaning,
and preweaning mortality. After weaning, 38 sows were slaughtered and muscles and the bones of the
left fore- and hind-limbs were harvested. Bone density and quality were determined by computed tomography
(CT) scans, dual energy x-ray scans, and bone-breaking force tests. The control group took longer to lie down
than both exercise groups, and the low exercise group took longer to lie down than the high exercise group
(P < 0.05). The number of pigs weaned was greater in the high exercise group than the control group (P <
0.05). Piglet preweaning mortality was greatest in the control group compared with both exercise groups (P <
0.05). The low exercise treatments exhibited a greater bone density (CT) in the humerus, radius, and tibia
compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). The bone density (CT) of the humerus in the low exercise
group was greater than that of the high exercise group (P = 0.03). Breaking force in the humerus and femur
was greater (P < 0.05) in the low exercise group than the control group. Breaking force in the tibia of the
high exercise group was greater than the control group (P = 0.01). The tibia of both the low and high exercise
groups had a greater breaking force (P < 0.05) than the control group. Although there was no benefit of exercise
on lameness, differences in bone density and quality, lying behavior, and piglet survivability may provide
useful insight into alternative housing for sows.

For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/

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