Keywords : Livestock farming system

Behaviour and welfare assessment of autochthonous slow-growing rabbits: The role of housing systems

Laura Ozella, Stefano Sartore, Elisabetta Macchi, Isabella Manenti, Silvia Mioletti, Barbara Miniscalco, Riccardo Crosetto, Patrizia Ponzio, Edoardo Fiorilla, Cecilia Mugnai

Published in 2024

Scientific article evaluating the effect of three housing systems (traditional single cages, group farming and a mixed system) on the welfare of slow-growing rabbits. Group-housed rabbits exhibited a wider range of behaviors, but were also associated with higher levels of salivary and hair corticosterone indicating stress. Younger rabbits were more active while mature rabbits displayed more agonistic behaviors.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Aggression, Aggressiveness, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress, Livestock farming system, Behavioural disorders

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Evaluation of candidate data-based welfare indicators for calves in Switzerland

Sibylle Zwygart, Barbara Lutz, Beat Thomann, Dimitri Stucki, Mireille Meylan, Jens Becker

Published in 2024

Article showing that the four principles of Welfare Quality that indicate good animal welfare, namely "good feed", "good housing", "good health" and "appropriate behavior", are not reflected in routinely available data on veal calf farms in Switzerland, even though data for health status assessment is available. If animal welfare is to be inferred from routine data, there is a need to adapt data collection strategies and animal identification methods.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Carcass quality, Livestock farming system, Behavioural disorders, Welfare indicators

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Animal behaviour and welfare research: A One Health perspective

James William Yeates

Published in 2024

A summary of the ethical principles proposed by the One Health program for research into animal behavior and welfare. Transdisciplinary and multisectoral in nature, such research should describe and apply a harmonious balance between the needs of humans, animals and the environment, and recognize the importance of the integrity of the ecosystem as a whole.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords: Adaptation of the animal to the environment,Adaptation of the environment to the animal , Biodiversity, Education, Environment, Experimentation, Risk management, One Welfare, Human-animal relationshipsLivestock farming system, Societal issues

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Dossier de presse du plan de filière du CNPO et d’Œufs de France

CNPO and Œufs de France

Published in 2024

The document describes the four strategic axes of the industry plan: guaranteeing France's food sovereignty, meeting societal sustainability challenges (including animal welfare), strengthening links between all participants in the industry, and promoting innovation to enhance the adaptability of the various links in the food chain. 

Document Types: Good practice guide

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords: Environment, One Welfare, Livestock farming system,Societal issues

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How is pig welfare assessed in studies on farrowing housing systems? A systematic review

Bianca Vandresen, Jen-Yun Chou, Maria José Hötzel

Published in 2024

Systematic review analyzing methods to assess the welfare of sows and piglets in different housing systems in the period around farrowing and lactation: it looks at conventional farrowing crates and alternative systems (loose farrowing pens, group housing, outdoor farrowing, hinged crates and ellipsoid crates).

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Adaptation of th animal to environment, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Lactation, Housing, Restraint equipment, Maternity, One Welfare, Stress, livestock farming system

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Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts?

A.K. Ruckli, S. Hörtenhuber, S. Dippel, P. Ferrari, M. Gebska, M. Heinonen, J. Helmerichs, C. Hubbard, H. Spoolder, A. Valros, C. Winckler, C. Leeb

Published in 2024

Scientific article showing that the provision of bedding or access to an outdoor run to improve pig welfare can have an impact on the environment through changes in feed efficiency and manure management.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Livestock buildings, Societal issues, Enrichment, Environment, Risk management, Welfare indicators, Housing, Pollution, livestock farming system

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European Parliament: written answer to Question E-001190/2024: Use of eggs in processed foods - a level playing field

Question: Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2024

Answer from the European Commission to an MEP's question on the provenance of eggs used in processed products and the tightening of regulations on the accurate labelling of these products.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Livestock buildings, Identification, Housing, Livestock farming system, Processing

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Understanding dairy farmers' trade-offs between environmental, social and economic sustainability attributes in feeding systems: The role of farmers' identities

Oyakhilomen Oyinbo, Helena Hansson

Published in 2024

Sociological survey of dairy farmers highlighting the trade-offs they face in adopting sustainable production practices. Farmers concerned about the impact of their feeding systems on the environment and society are motivated above all by their pro-environmental and pro-social identities. The strengthening of identity could be part of a political argument to encourage the adoption of grassland systems.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Biodiversity, Environment, Lactation, Living environment, One Welfare, Pollution, Societal issues, livestock farming system

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Consumers across five European countries prioritise animal welfare above environmental sustainability when buying meat and dairy products

Jeanine Ammann, Gabriele Mack, Nadja El Benni, Shan Jin, Paul Newell-Price, Sophie Tindale, Erik Hunter, Victoria Vicario-Modroño, Rosa Gallardo-Cobos, Pedro Sánchez-Zamora, Simona Miškolci, Lynn J. Frewer

Published in 2024

Analysis of a survey among meat and dairy consumers in five European countries showing that freshness, quality/taste and animal welfare are the characteristics considered to be most important. Environmental factors such as food miles, carbon footprints and organic production appear to bew less important, even if they are perceived as useful.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Bovines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

Keywords:Education, Carcass quality, Environment, Carcass quality, Pollution, Livestock farming system, Welfare indicators, Processing, Societal issues

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European Parliament: written answer to question E-003741/2023: Aid for poultry farmers who improve their flocks' environment 

Question: Annika Bruna (ID). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2024

Reply from the European Commission to a Member of Parliament on the insufficient aid provided for European poultry farmers trying to enrich  the living environment of their animals, and who must face foreign competition due to increased imports of poultry products not subject to European legislation.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal trade, Enrichment, Environment, Housing, Restraint equipment, Pollution, Livestock farming system, Transport, Societal issues

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