Subject: Health /Diseases

Positive welfare in dairy cows: role of the vet

Russell, A; Randall, L; Green, M; Thompson, J

Published in 2024

Article summarizing the tools available to veterinarians to assess and promote the positive welfare of dairy cows on farms.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal-based measurements, Societal issues, Welfare indicators

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Effects of changing veterinary handling techniques on canine behaviour and physiology Part 2: Behavioural measurements

Squair C, Proudfoot K, Montelpare W, Doucette T, Overall KL

Published in 2024

Study comparing application of a stress-reducing protocol during veterinary visits with standard care for dogs. Dogs cared for under the protocol had lower clinical stress scores, particularly during weighing and physical examinations. These results highlight the value of simple interventions to improve animal welfare in veterinary contexts.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Canine

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Anxiety, Fear, Human-animal relationships, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Effects of Using Mechanical Brushes on the Productive Performance of Dairy Cows

Li, H.; Zhang, R.; Li, H.; Yuan, H.; Zhang, R.; Ren, H.; Xiao, J.; Li, Z.; Wang, A.; Jin, Y.; Lin, P.

Published in 2024

Study showing that mechanical brushes are used differently by dairy cows at different stages of lactation, improving body cleanliness and milk production, particularly in multiparous cows.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords: Animal-based measurements,Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Enrichment, Lactation, Housing

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Welfare and stress of horses used for Equine-assisted services: A systematic review

Bethany H. Baxley, Howard Rodriguez-Mori, Nichole C. Anderson

Published in 2024

Systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the stress and welfare of horses involved in equine assistance services (EAS). According to the 28 articles identified, behavioral and health problems are those most frequently encountered in EAS centers, leading to a high turn-over of horses. The study reveals gaps in existing research and urges that more high-quality research should be carried out.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Working animals, Animal mediation, Livestock buildings, Human-animal relationships, Welfare indicators, Working animals, Living environment, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Closing the Gaps in Fish Welfare: The Case for More Fundamental Work Into Physical Enrichment

Helen C. Spence-Jones - Joachim G. Frommen - Nick A. R. Jones

Published in 2024

Summary of the various research studies carried out on use of physical enrichment in fish farming to improve fish welfare. Although research on fish welfare remains limited, the authors note an increase in publications on the subject. Efforts are still needed to diversify the range of welfare indicators used (beyond the common metrics of growth and behavior).

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Insights into Decapod Sentience: Applying the General Welfare Index (GWI) for Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei - Boone, 1931) Reared in Aquaculture Grow-Out Ponds

Pedrazzani, A.S.; Cozer, N.; Quintiliano, M.H.; Ostrensky, A.

Published in 2024

Study adapting the General Welfare Index (GWI) for shrimp Penaeus vannamei, integrating 31 specific indicators, to better manage their welfare in aquaculture.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Crustaceans

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Welfare indicators, Behavioural disorders

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Enhancing Welfare for Aquarium Fishes with an Ecologically Relevant Environment

Paul Rose

Published in 2024

Article highlighting the importance of  achieving a better understanding of the biology and behavior of domestic fish in order to provide them with appropriate care when raised in aquariums.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

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

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Perch shape and material affect perch use and health parameters of laying hens during the rearing and laying phase

Ariane Stratmann, Nadine Ringgenberg

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the influence of different types of perches on the behavior and health of laying hens, and showing that age, breed and type of perch affect their use.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Living environment, Behavioural disorders

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European animal breeders vision for 2030

EFFAB - European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders

Published in 2024

Document from the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB) stressing the importance of technological innovations to improve animal health, reduce environmental impacts and guarantee food safety.

Document types: Technical Paper

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

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Precision farming, Societal issues, environment, livestock farming system

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A review and future trends of precision livestock over dairy and beef cow cattle with artificial intelligence

Álvaro Michelena, Óscar Fontenla-Romero, José Luis Calvo-Rolle

Published in 2024

Sitrep on technological advances in precision farming (sensors and AI), now essential tools to  monitor herd health and detect anomalies at an early stage.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Precision farmingWelfare indicators, livestock farming systemBehavioural disorders

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