Document type : Technical paper

Article on the nutritional, environmental enrichment and leg-health benefits of insect protein for poultry. A research centre has been established in Texas to investigate the sustainable production of insect proteins for human food and animal feed.

This article presents the results of a PINHS research project demonstrating that feeding black soldier fly larvae to Ross 308 broilers increases their activity levels at feeding time and their feed efficiency without affecting their performance or health status. However, this type of enrichment is currently too expensive.

Technical paper discussing the importance of heat stress in poultry farming, its impact on laying hens, and strategies to combat heat stress.

Article describing the history of how an experimental mobile abattoir system was developed by Emilie Jeannin in the Côte-d'Or.

News item on the results of a European project in which all stakeholders (farmers, all others in the sector, consumers)took part, to design an ideal pig farm building that incorporates both animal welfare and environmental protection measures.

Technical paper setting out the advantages and disadvantages of the two main techniques for socialising piglets housed indoors: one allows piglets to move freely between farrowing pens but not dams, and the other allows dams and piglets to interact freely. The outcomes of early socialisation are not only behavioural (more play, less aggression) but also physiological, with lower metabolic energy levels that could explain reductions in stress and aggression.

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.

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.

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

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.