scholarly journals Dairy cows welfare quality in loose vs tie housing system

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 975-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Ostojic-Andric ◽  
S. Hristov ◽  
Z. Novakovic ◽  
V. Pantelic ◽  
M.M. Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Dairy Animals ◽  
Welfare Quality ◽  
Cow Welfare ◽  
Lying Down

The subject of this research was to determine the effect of the housing system on quality of welfare of dairy cattle in Serbia. Study was realized on six farms, capacity of 30 to 900 cows, with loose and tie housing system. Assessment of the welfare quality parameters was done by using the Welfare Quality? Assessment Protocol for Cattle, 2009. Results of the research show that the welfare quality of dairy animals is under the significant effect of housing system, and that loose system has the advantage when it comes to comfort around resting, easy of movements and health condition of cows. Share of not lame cows (81%) and cows with no lesion (86%) was significantly higher (p<0.01) in loose system. Indicator values: duration of lying down movements (6.53 sec), lying down movements with collisions (18.7%) and lying outside lying area (28.4%) in tie system were significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to loose system indicating the inadequacy of the housing and lack of comfort. Analysis of indicators associated with cow hygiene (dirty legs and udder) and diseases (dystocia) points to significant gaps in management in both housing systems which represent significant threat to cow welfare quality.

scholarly journals Evaluation of bone strength, keel bone deformity and egg quality of laying hens housed in small group housing systems and furnished cages in comparison to an aviary housing system

2008 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Scholz ◽  
S. Rönchen ◽  
H. Hamann ◽  
C. Sürie ◽  
U. Neumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Bone Deformity ◽  
Bone Status ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Housing Systems

Abstract. The objective of the study was to assess bone breaking strength, keel bone status and egg quality parameters of Lohmann Silver (LS) and Lohmann Tradition (LT) layers housed in small group systems (SG) and furnished cages (FC) in comparison to an aviary system. At the end of the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th laying month, approximately 40 hens were randomly chosen from each housing system and slaughtered (478 hens in total). Humerus and tibia strengths were analysed using a three-point-bending machine. Keel bone status was evaluated on a scale from 1 (severe) to 4 (no deformity). Shell breaking strength was measured every four weeks, totalling 4,887 eggs. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Humerus and tibia strengths of LS layers housed in SG were significantly higher compared to LS hens kept in FC. Bone breaking strengths of humerus and tibia in LS and LT layers were highest in the aviary system and the differences to the other housing systems were significant. No significant differences in tibia and humerus bone breaking strengths were found between SG and FC for LT hens. Keel bone status was not significantly influenced by housing system or laying strain. For both hybrids, shell breaking strength was significantly lower in SG compared to FC and aviary system. The results showed that SG systems can significantly enhance bone breaking strength for LS layers in comparison to hens kept in FC. The lower shell breaking strength of eggs in SG might slightly impair economic aspects.

scholarly journals Welfare assessment for dairy cows in loose stalls

2011 ◽  
Vol 65 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 399-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavca Hristov ◽  
Zvonko Zlatanovic ◽  
Branislav Stankovic ◽  
Dusica Ostojic-Andric ◽  
Vesna Davidovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Quantitative Measurements ◽  
Welfare Quality ◽  
Cow Welfare ◽  
Insight Into

In this paper, welfare assessment using the methodology of the Welfare quality ? assessment protocol for cattle (2009) was performed for dairy cows maintained in the loose system of rearing on three dairy farms. This methodology includes quantitative measurements and qualitative evaluation of certain welfare parameters, criteria and principles of welfare, as well as assessment of the overall welfare of dairy cows. The results showed that the overall level of dairy cow welfare was acceptable on two farms, and was good on one. On two farms, the state of the cows? social behavior expression was unacceptable. Furthermore, on all three farms, the expression of other types of cow behavior was not acceptable. At one farm, it was determined that the result for the absence of prolonged thirst was unacceptable. Based on these results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to improve the quality of cow welfare on these farms. The applied methodology provides a multidimensional insight into the quality of cow welfare in the loose system.

scholarly journals Eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition in three laying hen genotypes housed in enriched cages and on litter

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ketta ◽  
E. Tumova
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
System Effect ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
System P

The objective of the present study was to compare the eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition of Lohmann Brown, Hy-Line Silver Brown, and Isa Brown layers kept in two different housing systems. The three laying hen genotypes were housed in enriched cages (100 hens, 750 cm<sup>2</sup>/hen, 10 hens/cage) and in littered pens (100 hens, 9 hens/m<sup>2</sup>, 10 hens/pen). The experiment was carried out in weeks 40–56 of hens age. Non-significant interactions of genotype and housing system for eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition were detected in this study. Egg weight was significantly affected by genotype (P ≤ 0.001) and housing system (P ≤ 0.043). The heaviest eggs were laid by Lohmann Brown, while the lightest eggs were produced by Hy-Line Silver Brown. Eggshell strength was not affected by genotype and housing system, however, genotype had a significant effect on eggshell thickness (P ≤ 0.033). Isa Brown eggs had thicker eggshells compared to Lohmann Brown and Hy-Line Silver Brown. However, a non-significant effect of housing system on eggshell thickness was observed. Eggshell percentage was significantly affected by both genotype and housing system. Genotype of laying hens had a significant effect on cuticle deposition; significantly higher cuticle deposition was observed in Lohmann Brown eggs (P ≤ 0.001). It could be concluded that genotype had a significant effect on eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition. However, the housing system effect was less important in these characteristics.

scholarly journals Combined Effect of Genotype, Housing System, and Calcium on Performance and Eggshell Quality of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2120
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ketta ◽  
Eva Tůmová ◽  
Michaela Englmaierová ◽  
Darina Chodová
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Individual Factor ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Factor Effect ◽  
Quality Response ◽  
Floor System

The objective of this study was to evaluate hen performance and eggshell quality response to genotype, housing system, and feed calcium (Ca) level. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted on 360 laying hens of ISA Brown, Bovans Brown (commercial hybrids), and Moravia BSL (traditional Czech hybrid). Laying hens were kept in enriched cages and on littered floor and fed similar feed mixtures with different Ca content (3.00% vs. 3.50%). In terms of hen performance, ISA Brown had the highest egg production (84.2%) compared to Moravia BSL (74.3%) and Bovans Brown (71.4%). Regarding eggshell quality, Bovans Brown showed the highest values of all eggshell quality parameters. Increasing feed Ca level augmented egg production (p ≤ 0.001) but had no effect on other performance parameters. Except eggshell thickness, all eggshell quality parameters were affected by the three-way interaction of genotype, housing, and Ca. Bovans Brown, which had the strongest eggshells (5089 g/cm2) when housed on a littered floor system and fed 3.00% Ca, while Moravia BSL housed on a littered floor had the weakest eggshells (4236 g/cm2) at 3.50% Ca. The study pointed out the importance of the interactions between studied factors on performance and eggshell quality compared to an individual factor effect.

scholarly journals Fattening rabbits in mobile arks: effect of housing system on in vivo oxidative status and meat quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mattioli ◽  
M. Martino ◽  
S. Ruggeri ◽  
V. Roscini ◽  
L. Moscati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Oxidative Status ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Longissimus Lumborum

<p>The aim of this trial was to study the effect of an alternative housing system on the oxidative status and meat quality of fattening rabbits. From May to June 2014, 60 rabbits of 35 d of age were reared in Mobile Arks (MA) placed on alfalfa grass and frequently moved for 40 d. To assess the health status of animals, blood samples were collected at slaughter in MA and in conventional cages (C). Meat quality parameters were also evaluated. Concerning the <em>in vivo </em>oxidative status, ark-reared rabbits showed higher thiobarbituric reactive substances values than C ones, probably for the higher motor activity due to the larger living area. The lipid percentage of <em>Longissimus lumborum </em>muscle was lower (1.22 <em>vs. </em>1.48%) in the ark group. There were no significant differences in the muscle pH, colour, water holding capacity and cooking loss. Given the higher intake of grass, rich in vitamins, carotenes, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the antioxidant content of meat was higher in ark-reared rabbits (7.42 <em>vs. </em>6.82 µg/g of retinol, 719.2 <em>vs. </em>683.3 ng/g of α-tocopherol, respectively). Even the fatty acid profile of MA rabbits reflected the higher intake of essential fatty acids from grass and the n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) were almost doubled. Our study suggested that the fattening of rabbits in ark system could be a possible alternative system to improve the meat quality of rabbits.</p><p><strong><br /></strong></p>

scholarly journals Comparing welfare indicators in dairy cattle under different loose housing systems (deep litter vs cubicle barns) using recycled manure solids for bedding

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. e0501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Molina ◽  
Estrella I. Agüera ◽  
Carlos C. Pérez-Marín ◽  
Francisco Maroto-Molina
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Welfare Quality ◽  
The Impact

Aim of study: Dairy farmers in Southern Spain are continuously investing in the modernization of their facilities and frequently ask technicians about the type of housing they should choose for their farms. Although some studies have analysed the economic impact of different housing systems, there are no reports evaluating the impact of these systems on animal wellbeing. To remedy this deficit, a study was carried out to analyse animal welfare status in two types of loose housing conditions: deep litter (DL) and cubicle (CU) barns.Area of study: This study was conducted in Cordoba (Spain).Material and methods: A total of 1,597 cows from nineteen commercial dairy farms were involved in this study, of which twelve had CU barns and seven had DL barns. Welfare Quality assessment was used to evaluate animal wellbeing, inn order to compare both housing systems.Main results: The study found some weaknesses for feeding and health indicators of animal welfare in both types of housing systems. The overall welfare assessment based on feeding, housing and health indicators showed no differences between farms with DL or CU barns.Research highlights: A good welfare status could be reached under any type of housing system.

scholarly journals Effects of Compost-Bedded Pack Barn on Circulating Cortisol and Beta-Endorphins in Dairy Cows: A Case Study

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3318
Author(s):  
Rosangela Odore ◽  
Ilaria Biasato ◽  
Giulia Gardini ◽  
Antonio D’Angelo ◽  
Claudio Bellino
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
Cow Welfare ◽  
Beta Endorphins ◽  
Over Time

The up-to-date literature suggests that the compost-bedded pack barn housing system is capable of remarkably improving productive and reproductive performance, as well as health status and welfare, in dairy cattle. However, there is currently limited knowledge available on the endocrine and biochemical changes in animals housed in such alternative systems. Therefore, this study aimed to measure blood cortisol (COR) and beta-endorphins (BE) in 22 two-year-old primiparae Fleckvieh cows, who were randomly allotted to the following two different housing systems: CB (n = 11) and FB (n = 11). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (T0) and every two months thereafter (T1, T2, and T3). The COR and BE were measured through an immunoenzymatic kit. With the only exception being T0, no differences were observed over time between the two groups, neither for COR nor for BE. However, the blood cortisol levels of the CB cows decreased over time, while a T1 peak was identified in the FB group. On the contrary, both the housing systems displayed numerically higher BE at T3 than at the other experimental times. Therefore, the overall data suggest that the compost-bedded pack barn did not significantly affect the studied parameters. Accordingly, cow welfare should be assessed using a wider panel of animal-based indicators.

Feedlot performance, carcass composition and meat quality of free-range reared pigs

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Sather ◽  
S. D. M. Jones ◽  
A. L. Schaefer ◽  
J. Colyn ◽  
W. M. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Wholesale Price ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Key Words Animal ◽  
Potential Benefits

The effects of the housing system (confinement versus free-range) and season (summer versus winter) on growth performance, carcass composition and meat quality were determined from commercial pigs with known NN genotype at the halothane locus. Free-range-housed pigs reared from 25 to 105 kg required 16 ± 1.2 (SEM) more days to reach market weight compared with confinement-housed pigs. Housing did not affect feed requirements during the summer, but food consumption increased by 13.7% for free-range pigs during the winter. Confinement-reared pigs had a 0.75 ± 0.28 kg heavier commercial carcass weight than free-range-reared pigs. While there was no difference in carcass fat thickness, muscle depth was 2.4 ± 1.02 mm greater in free-range-reared pigs with increased predicted lean yield from 59.1 ± 0.24% to 59.8 ± 24%. Free-range-reared pigs had heavier butts, loins and hams, and lighter bellies, which increased their wholesale carcass value by 2.9%. Furthermore, they had greater dissected lean in the picnic (2.0%) butt (4.0%), loin (4.5%) and ham (2.0%) with no compromise to pork quality. If the wholesale price is adjusted for the increased lean content of each cut by an additive or multiplicative model, apparent value was further increased to 5.7 or 8.1%. While these results suggest a beneficial effect on carcass merit when rearing hogs in outdoor facilities, they further suggest potential benefits to carcass grading using developing technologies that recognize differences in carcass conformation. Key words: Animal ethics, Landrace, carcass value, housing systems

scholarly journals Effect of cow cleanliness in different housing systems on somatic cell count in milk

2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
Wojciech Neja ◽  
Mariusz Bogucki ◽  
Małgorzata Jankowska ◽  
Anna Sawa
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Clinical Mastitis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Quality Of Milk

The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of the housing system (tie-stall vs free-stall) on cow cleanliness, and the effect of the degree of cow dirtiness on the milk somatic cell count. Over 33% of the cows were found to be clean, with more of them in the free-stall barn. Analysis of the cleanliness of body parts showed that the highest hygiene level was characteristic of the udders and underbelly (scores of 1 for 47% and 56% of the cows, respectively). In the free-stall barn, there were over twice as many cows with clean udders (58%) and almost twice as few cows with very dirty udders. Regardless of the housing system, the degree of udder dirtiness created differences (P ≤ 0.01) in the natural log somatic cell count. The natural log somatic cell count increased from 11.54 to 12.37 on average with increased dirtiness of the udder. Greater differences in the cytological quality of milk were found in cows housed in the free-stall system. When analysing the effect of overall dirtiness of the cows and the body parts on the percentage of SCC classes, it was found that highest quality milk (< 200 000 somatic cells/ml) was produced by clean cows (71.52%). The proportion of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis was found to increase with decreasing cleanliness of the udder, especially in the free-stall system. Overall, the proportion of cows with clinical mastitis increased from 2.51% (clean cows) to 14.29% (dirty cows).

scholarly journals Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of growing rabbits housed in cages or open-air park

2011 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Pinheiro ◽  
D. Outor-Monteiro ◽  
S. Silva ◽  
J. Silva ◽  
J. L. Mourão
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Fattening Period

Abstract. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of two housing systems on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of growing rabbits during the terminal fattening period. The rabbits were lodged in conventional cages between 35 and 59 days of age (growing period). At this age, they were moved into two different housing systems until they were 87 days of age (fattening period). During the fattening period, 48 rabbits were housed in 12 wire cages (0.5×0.6×0.35 m) and 48 rabbits were housed in one open-air pasture pen (20×9 m). At 87 days, 12 rabbits per treatment were slaughtered and the carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated. During the fattening period, the rabbits reared in cages had significantly higher live weights (3 062 vs. 2 705 g), weight gains (45.9 vs. 34.2 g·d−1) and feed intakes (163.4 vs. 110.2 g·d−1) than those reared in pens. The rabbits in the open-air group had a lower percentage of dissectible fat (1.35 vs. 4.19 %), a higher proportion of hind part (34.9 vs. 33.1 %), and less hind leg muscle (79.3 vs. 81.9 %) than caged rabbits. The m. biceps femoris of the rabbits in the open-air group had a higher cooking loss (3.64 vs. 3.02 %), Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (4.26 vs. 3.29 kg·cm−2), and myoglobin concentration (0.41 vs. 0.32 mg·g−1) than caged rabbits. The housing system had no effect on the dressing out percentage, viscera proportion, and ultimate pH. Open-air housing system reduces the growth of rabbits and the fat content of carcasses and increases the redness colour of meat.

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