Species : Cows

Data-Based Variables Used as Indicators of Dairy Cow Welfare at Farm Level: A Review

Barbara Lutz, Sibylle Zwygart, Christina Rufener, Joan-Bryce Burla, Beat Thomann, Dimitri Stucki

Published in 2021

A scientific review of the use of data-based variables to detect animal welfare violations on farms, highlighting the fact that some of these variables are related to animal-based welfare measures. It recommends that the variables should be harmonised in light of the data they use, and that preference should be given to those that reflect the multidimensional nature of animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Precision farming, Welfare indicators, Livestock farming system

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A review of factors affecting the welfare of dairy calves in pasture-based production systems

Megan Verdon

Published in 2021

A scientific review identifying the following risk factors for poor welfare in pasture-reared dairy calves (common to all rearing systems): perinatal mortality, poor passive transfer of immunity, poor pain management during disbudding and insufficient milk in the feed.  In addition, separation from the mother and the culling of male calves reduces the public acceptability of dairy farming. It makes recommendations for improving farming practices.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Maternity, Living environment, Livestock farming system, Societal issues

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An evaluation of four private animal health and welfare standards and associated quality assurance programmes for dairy cow production

S.J. More, J. Marchewk, A. Hanlon, A. Balzani, L. Boyle

Published in 2021

A scientific paper evaluating four sets of private health and welfare standards and associated quality assurance programmes in dairy cattle from Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. It highlights transparency problems and calls for regulatory oversight of the use of these standards.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Societal issues, Livestock farming system, Welfare indicators

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Préparation complète des broutards : Un levier pour diminuer la fréquence des maladies respiratoires ?

Elise Vanberg, Marlène Guiadeur, Béatrice Mounaix

Published in 2021

Technical factsheet setting out an experimental protocol to prepare grazers, the measurable technical benefits, particularly in terms of health, reduction of stress, and weight gain, and the opinions of those working in the sector.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Antibiotic resistance, Housing, Livestock buildings, Livestock farming system, Pathogen transfer

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Le comportement des taurillons en engraissement – comprendre les animaux pour gérer leur bien-être

Béatrice Mounaix, Aurore Philibert and Agathe Chey

Published in 2021

Practical factsheet based on a summary of the literature and produced as part of the CASDAR BeBop project on the physiological and behavioural needs of fattening bullocks.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords: Human-animal relationships, Livestock farming system,Welfare indicators

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French Senate: Written answer to question n°19214: Dérogation à l’obligation d’étourdissement en label rouge « gros bovins de boucherie »

Question: Arnaud Bazin (Val-d'Oise - Les Républicains). Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Published in 2021

Written answer to a question on whether the derogation from the obligation to stun animals is applicable to the production of red label "large beef cattle". The answer is positive.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Consciousness, Pain, Societal issues, Stress

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Best Farming Practices for the Welfare of Dairy Cows, Heifers and Calves

Giulia Ventura, Valentina Lorenzi, Francesca Mazza, Gianfilippo Alessio Clemente, Claudia Iacomino, Luigi Bertocchi, Francesca Fusi

Published in 2021

Scientific paper describing the protocol to assess the welfare of dairy cattle in loose-housing systems using animal and non-animal based indicators that has been developed by the Italian Reference Centre for animal welfare. It uses the protocol to generate a list of 38 farming practices that will ensure a high level of welfare in dairy cattle.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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

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Dairy farmer, hoof trimmer, and veterinarian perceptions of barriers and roles in lameness management

E.M. Wynands, S.M. Roche, G. Cramer, B.A. Ventura

Published in 2021

Scientific paper reporting on the perceptions of farmers' hoof trimmers and vets concerning the management of lameness in dairy cows. Lameness is perceived as a complex, multi-factorial problem that is poorly understood and whose contributing factors are difficult to change. Those involved are resigned, believing that lameness is inevitable. Participants suggested that hoof trimmers and veterinarians should work together to send a consistent message to farmers.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Pain, Human-animal relationships

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The Relationship between Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Use in Italian Dairy Farms

Francesca Mazza, Federico Scali, Nicoletta Formenti, Claudia Romeo, Matteo Tonni, Giordano Ventura, Luigi Bertocchi, Valentina Lorenzi, Francesca Fusi, Clara Tolini, Gian Filippo Clemente, Federica Guadagno, Antonio Marco Maisano, Giovanni Santucci, Loredana Candela, Gianluca Antonio Romeo, Giovanni Loris Alborali

Published in 2021

Scientific paper to evaluate the relationship between levels of animal welfare and the use of antimicrobials in Italian dairy farms. No relationship could be found between these two factors. The use of category B antimicrobials and of intramammary treatments in dry cows were linked to levels of staff training.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Antibiotic resistance, Environment, Livestock farming system, Societal issues

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The effect of pair housing on dairy calf health, performance, and behavior

Katarína Bučková, Radka Šárová, Ágnes Moravcsíková, Marek Špinka

Published in 2021

Scientific paper comparing animal-based indicators for health, productivity and behaviour in individually and pair-housed dairy calves. Housing type did not affect health, feed intake or weight gain, but individually-housed calves placed in a new pen scored higher on movement behaviour than pair-housed calves placed in a new pen. This rebound effect indicates that the individual housing of calves results in activity deprivation.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Housing, Living environment, Stress, Livestock farming system, Welfare indicators

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