Document type : Technical paper

The behavior of the sows: Can we predict it?

Paula Arroyo

Published in 2021

Technical article highlighting the importance of ethology in improving pig production. A better understanding of sow ethology can improve animal welfare, management, reproductive efficiency and, therefore, the profitability of the farm. The veterinarian has a new social and educational role to play in improving the welfare of sows and piglets. Staff also need to be trained in ethology, which will enable them to predict the behavioural profile of sows before the first farrowing, improve selection and reduce restraints on animal movement.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Lactation, Welfare indicators

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Ventilation in pig farms

Germán Bertsch

Published in 2021

This technical paper discusses ventilation as a critical factor for health and welfare in pig farming. It describes the different ventilation systems available and stresses that the choice of system depends on the needs of the individual pig farm. It recommends the use of natural ammonia-reducing additives as well as ventilation.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Housing, Livestock buildings

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Fewer, bigger, more intensive: EU vows to stem drastic loss of small farms

Fiona Harvey

Published in 2021

Article presenting the measures to be included in the new EU Common Agricultural Policy to support small farms and ensure better animal welfare.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines, Caprines, Equines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

Keywords: Societal issues, Livestock farming system

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The importance of observation in cattle handling

The Beef Site

Published in 2021

This article reminds us that good human-animal relationships require a good knowledge of and respect for the animal's needs and behaviour. A summary for cattle is provided of these, as defined by Temple Grandin, an internationally renowned behaviourist.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords: Animal-based measurements,Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Human-animal relationships

Impact of paper bedding on lying behaviour and welfare in lactating dairy cows

Helena F.M.Sobte, Stephanie Buijs

Published in 2021

Scientific paper comparing the effects of paper- and sawdust-based bedding on the welfare of lactating dairy cows, looking specifically at lying behaviour, activity, lameness, skin lesions, cleanliness and productivity and finding no significant difference between the two bedding types.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Enrichment, Housing, Livestock farming system, Pain, Welfare indicators

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Piglet castration with isoflurane inhalation anaesthesia in Germany

Pig 333

Published in 2021

Article providing an initial overview of the implementation of the regulation requiring general anaesthesia for piglet castration in Germany. Currently, the use of isoflurane anaesthesia is increasing, as this technique is permitted by the new regulations and farmers receive subsidies from the Federal Government for the purchase of isoflurane anaesthesia equipment.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Pain, Societal issues, Risk management, Mutilation, Livestock farming system

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Boiteries des bovins Les quatre facteurs pour des pieds sains selon J. Gonzalo, vétérinaire

Delphine Scohy

Published in 2021

Article outlining four criteria that should be considere to prevent lameness in cattle: foot hygiene to keep infection pressure low, regular trimming and feeding, early identification of lameness, sufficient space per animal in the exercise area and control of time spent in the holding area

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Pain, Welfare indicators, Livestock farming system

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