Subject: Health /Diseases

Is animal welfare better on smaller dairy farms? Evidence from 3,085 dairy farms in Germany

T. Lindena, S. Hess

Published in 2022

Scientific paper calculating an animal welfare index (AWI) of German dairy farms and comparing the results by size. It finds that the Ianimal welfare is slightly higher on larger farms, contrary to popular belief. However, the variation in the Ianimal welfare within classes is very high, and other factors would seem to affect the Ianimal welfare such as the skill level of the farm manager, and the time farmers spend with their animals.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Housing, Living environment, Livestock farming system, Welfare indicators

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Opportunities and Challenges in Applying the 3Rs to Zoos and Aquariums

Sabrina Brando, Mickey Gjerris 

Published in 2022

Scientific article examining the interest in using the 3Rs rule (replacement, reduction, refinement) applied in animal experimentation, to aid decision-making on the welfare of zoo and aquarium animals, in a context where practitioners in these sectors and society are asking for greater consideration to be given to animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Wildlife, Fish

Keywords:Societal issues, Housing, Human-animal relationships, Welfare indicators

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French National Assembly : réponse écrite à la question n°615 : conditions de transport des animaux vivants en période de canicule

Journal Officiel of the French Republic

Published in 2022

Answer to a question on whether the French Government intends to revise the July 22, 2019 order restricting the duration of the transport of animals during heat waves, which was deemed insufficient by the questioner

Document types: Regulation/Certification

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

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Societal issues, Stress, Transport

Does diet affect tail biting in pigs?

Samaneh Azarpajouh

Published in 2022

Technical article listing and explaining the dietary factors that impact tail biting in pigs: instestinal microbiota, diet composition, protein and amino acid imbalances.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Pain, Enrichment, Societal issues, Mutilation

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Chapter 4 of the book Husbandry interventions in suckling piglets, painful consequences and mitigation

Original chapter (English): A. Prunier, N. Devillers, M.S. Herskin, D.A. Sandrcock, A.R.L Sinclair, C. Tallet, E. von Borell. French translation: G. Aubin-Houzelstein for FRCAW. Proofreading: T. Bridgeman, A. Prunier

Published in 2022

Translation in French of Chapter 4 of the book Husbandry interventions in suckling piglets, painful consequences and mitigation

Document Types: Scientific work

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Pain, Mutilation, Human-animal relationships, Weaning, Stress

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Preslaughter handling and slaughter of meat animals - Chapter 4 : Horses

B. Driessen, D. Marlin, J. Buyse

Published in 2022

This book chapter addresses the welfare during transport of horses being taken to slaughter. It covers the suitability of animals for transport, handling prior to transport, loading, transport itself, unloading, stabling, stunning and slaughter.

Document Types: Technical work

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Carcass quality, Stress, Transport

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SECURIVO : L’essentiel de la biosécurité en élevage de veaux de boucherie

Magdéléna Chanteperdrix (Institut de l'Elevage), Marie Drouet (Institut de l'Elevage), Béatrice Mounaix (Institut de l'Elevage), Manuel Tourtier (AGESEM), David Le Goïc (SNGTV), Corinne Jaureguy (SNGTV), Philippe Briand (C.A. Ille et Vilaine (35)), Manon Coupin (Chamber of Agriculture Pays de la Loire), Anne Hemonic (IFIP), Nathalie Rousset (ITAVI)

Published in 2022

Dossier providing definitions of biosecurity, providing 10 technical sheets to help veal calf farmers improve biosecurity levels on their farms, and setting out the mandatory and recommended measures for each topic area.

Document Types: Good practice guide

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Environment, Risk management, Pathogen transfer

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Development of a Composite Pain Scale in Foals: A Pilot Study

Aliai Lanci, Beatrice Benedetti, Francesca Freccero, Carolina Castagnetti, Jole Mariella, Johannes P. A. M. van Loon, Barbara Padalino

Published in 2022

Scientific paper on the development and testing of a composite pain assessment scale in foals to enable the most rapid pain management response possible. The test demonstrated the inter- and intra-observer reliability of this pain assessment scale which needs to be validated using a larger number of animals and assessors.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Pain, Welfare indicators, Human-animal relationships

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Insect-repelling behaviour in horses in relation to insect prevalence and access to shelters

Janne Winther Christensen, Christina Gudim Strøm, Klára Nicová, Clotilde Lafaige de Gaillard, Peter S andøe, Henrik Skovgård

Published in 2022

Scientific article reporting on an investigation into discomfort levels in horses caused by the presence of biting insects. Discomfort was positively correlated with lack of access to indoor areas and the prevalence of insects. The paper concludes that free access to shelters or other indoor areas during the summer reduces the negative effects of biting insects and may thereby improve the welfare of horses.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Housing, Living environment

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Farm Environmental Enrichments Improve the Welfare of Layer Chicks and Pullets: A Comprehensive Review

Dan Xu, Gang Shu, Yanting Liu, Pingwu Qin, Yilei Zheng, Yaofu Tian, Xiaoling Zhao, Xiaohui Du

Published in 2022

Scientific review of the different types of environmental enrichment of caged laying hens and their effects on animal behaviours and welfare, but also on productivity and product quality. It emphasizes the need for farm staff to be properly trained to manage enrichment practices effectively.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Housing, Human-animal relationships, Stress

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