Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marlyn H. Romero, Jhoan Barrero-Melendro, Jorge A. Sanchez
Summary: Pasture-based livestock production is considered to be natural, ethical, and better for animal welfare. This study aimed to test the feasibility of proposed measures and methodology for evaluating animal welfare in fattening cattle under pasture conditions. The initial methodology was developed through participatory workshops with various stakeholders. The study was conducted in 24 commercial zebu cattle farms in Colombia. The methodology included animal-based, resource-based, and management-based indicators, and was applied through interviews, record reviews, direct observations, and individual evaluations. The findings demonstrated that there are feasible measures to assess animal welfare in pasture systems, and the active participation of producers is crucial for successful implementation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marika Vitali, Paolo Bosi, Elena Santacroce, Paolo Trevisi
Summary: The study aimed to assess the presence of ABM in Italian Heavy pig carcasses and their relationship with pre-slaughter factors, finding that skin and tail lesions were the main welfare issues, while ham defects may be useful indicators of pre-slaughter stress.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. A. Carrillo, Y. Bai, Y. He, Y. Li, W. Cai, D. M. Bickhart, G. Liu, S. M. Barao, T. Sonstegard, J. Song
Summary: The study found that grass-fed steers take longer to reach market weight and have lower average daily gain compared to grain-fed steers. Meat tenderness is low and similar in both treatments, but grain-fed carcasses are ranked higher in quality grade.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Patrick Schale, Armin O. Schmitt, Sven Daenicke, Jeannette Kluess, Angelika Gruempel-Schluter, Engel F. Arkenau
Summary: In response to social criticism of livestock farming, Germany established the Initiative Animal Welfare to improve pig farming conditions. The study found that farms participating in the initiative did not significantly outperform non-participating farms in terms of animal welfare. Negative evaluations were rare in both types of farms, indicating they were well-managed.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shari Cohen, Cindy Ho
Summary: Monitoring and assessing animal welfare is crucial for their health and well-being. Choosing appropriate welfare assessment indicators that are validated, feasible, and of multiple dimensions is important for identifying compromises or improvements in animal welfare. Animal welfare indicators can be either animal-based or resource-based. However, there is a lack of ideal constellation of indicators for animal-based welfare assessment in small mammals such as guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, and rats. This systematic review aims to identify and outline common animal-based indicators for animal welfare assessment in these species, providing a foundation for further research and improvement in animal welfare assessment, management, and strategies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Iris Schroeter, Marcus Mergenthaler
Summary: The study found that livestock farmers in Germany showed preferences for animal welfare schemes that are based on animal health, offer higher compensation levels, and have longer commitment periods. These preferences could be considered in the development of future programs to increase farmer participation and improve animal welfare.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Katriina Heinola, Tiina Kauppinen, Jarkko K. Niemi, Essi Wallenius, Satu Raussi
Summary: Animal welfare requirements are similar globally, but differ between welfare schemes, making it challenging for consumers to make informed choices. Harmonized labeling terminology and standards, increased use of animal-based measures, and open communication can enhance the reliability and transparency of labeling, providing standardized, animal-friendly products.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Bethany L. L. Krebs, Karli R. R. Chudeau, Caitlin L. L. Eschmann, Celina W. W. Tu, Eridia Pacheco, Jason V. V. Watters
Summary: Anticipatory behavior serves as a critical animal-based measure for assessing animal welfare under human care, as it is theorized to relate to animals' reward sensitivity. Animals living under human care often exhibit anticipation in locations related to anticipated events, and failure to identify anticipation may lead to misleading conclusions regarding animal behavior or welfare.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Peter Sandoe, Henning Otte Hansen, Bjorn Forkman, Peter van Horne, Hans Houe, Ingrid C. de Jong, Jorgen B. Kjaer, Soren Saxmose Nielsen, Clare Palmer, Helle Lottrup Halkjaer Rhode, Tove Christensen
Summary: There are two types of initiatives to ensure welfare in broiler production: welfare legislation and market driven initiatives. Sweden has higher legal standards, while market driven initiatives complement more welfare-limited Dutch legislation, improving broiler welfare.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Leisha Hewitt, Alison Small
Summary: This study aims to identify a toolbox of animal-based measures for assessing the welfare of farmed crocodilians. The potential measures have been evaluated and scored for validity and feasibility by a panel of experts. Future research will focus on confirming the reliability of the measures across different species and farming systems.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Oriol Tallo-Parra, Marina Salas, Xavier Manteca
Summary: Zoological institutions, such as zoos and aquariums, have made animal welfare a top priority, as it is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for fulfilling their roles in education and conservation. There is a need for science-based tools to assess and monitor animal welfare in these settings. However, assessing the welfare of zoo animals is challenging due to the diversity of species and lack of knowledge on their specific needs. This review aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of existing methodologies for assessing zoo animal welfare through: (1) A critical analysis of the main approaches to zoo animal welfare assessment; (2) A description of the most relevant animal-based welfare indicators for zoo animals with a particular focus on behavioural and physiological indicators; and (3) An identification of areas that require further research.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lance J. Miller, Sathya K. Chinnadurai
Summary: The article highlights the importance of an animal welfare program in modern zoological facilities. The program should be proactive in identifying areas for improvement and reactive in addressing concerns. It should utilize a modern framework and have a committee for staff to submit concerns. Ongoing monitoring should use positive and negative indicators, and staff should be trained in current science.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesca Bandoli, Jenny Mace, Andrew Knight
Summary: This study assessed the integrated impact of environmental conditions and human presence on the behaviour of zoo-housed Asian small-clawed otters. The otters displayed species-specific behaviours and generally had positive welfare states. However, they engaged less in locomotion, food-related and affiliative behaviours, and more in vigilance compared to previous captive studies. Visitor presence and background noise did not affect behaviour, but time of day and animal identity did. The results provide meaningful information for improving husbandry practices and highlight the importance of multivariate analysis to assess animal welfare.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Seung-Aee Ma, Hye-Jin Kang, Kyuyoung Lee, Sun-A Kim, Jin Soo Han
Summary: This study developed a simple, objective, and reliable welfare assessment tool for zoos in South Korea. The modified AWAG system showed high usability and objectivity, and could identify welfare differences between different grades of Korean zoos.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mariana Coelly Modesto Santos Tavares, Alessandra Arno, Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira, Idemauro Antonio Rodrigues de Lara, Maria Leticia Salvador, Silvia Maria de Freitas, Iran Jose Oliveira Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the thermoregulatory responses, lesion score, lameness, carcass traits, and meat quality of pigs with and without access to environmental enrichment in the finishing phase. The results showed that there was no significant effect of sex, environmental enrichment, and time on the head, back, leg, and average temperature of the pigs. However, the afternoon temperature was higher than the morning temperature. There was also no significant association between tail and ear injury and gender or environmental enrichment.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ricardo Z. Vaz, Jose Fernando P. Lobato, Joao Restle, Pablo T. Costa, Lidiane Eloy, Joao Luiz B. Costa
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of conception weight and gestational weight gain on performance and productive efficiency in beef cows and their calves. The findings showed that cows with high conception weight and high gestational weight gain produced heavier calves and had higher pregnancy rates in female calves. Cows with low conception weight and high gestational weight gain were more efficient in calf production.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rangel Fernandes Pacheco, Ricardo Zambarda Vaz, Joao Restle, Magali Floriano da Silveira, Liliane Cerdotes, Jullia Sehorek Teixeira, Lucas Milani, Paulo Santana Pacheco
Summary: This study found that the weight at the end of the breeding season is a good indicator of the reproductive performance of beef cows with early-weaned calves, with older age and earlier calving during the calving season resulting in a higher probability of pregnancy.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sheilla Madruga Moreira, Isabella Dias Barbosa Silveira, Luis Augusto Xavier da Cruz, Luiz Fernando Minello, Clodoaldo Leites Pinheiro, Eduardo Brum Schwengber, Joao Restle, Ricardo Zambarda Vaz
Summary: This study assessed the behavior of adult female cattle of Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus when exposed to different audio frequencies and correlated the effect of hearing on animal welfare. The results showed that Bos indicus cattle were more reactive to low and high frequencies, indicating better hearing ability compared to Bos taurus cattle. The evaluation included factors such as animal positioning, ear position, activity performed, vocalization, and group interaction. Bos taurus cattle had smaller auricles and greater interaural distance compared to Bos indicus cattle. The greater reactivity of Bos indicus cattle to sound is attributed to their superior hearing ability, which is reflected in their behavioral responses.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY BEHAVIOR-CLINICAL APPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
R. Z. Vaz, H. R. Silva, C. P. Ghedini, J. D. Lucas, M. M. M. Dutra, F. N. Vaz, N. P. Reis, J. Restle
Summary: This study investigated the effects of animal type, on-farm handling, and transport conditions on the temperament of pre-slaughter beef cattle. Temperament was evaluated based on the behavior of cattle when approached by humans. Excitable temperament was more likely in animals subjected to long transport time and distance and high loading density. Older animals and horned animals showed a higher tendency towards excitable temperament. Adequate handling and loading facilities and procedures at the farm contributed to proper cattle temperament prior to slaughter.
ARQUIVO BRASILEIRO DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA E ZOOTECNIA
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz, Jeniffer Danielle Lucas, Maryelen Medianeira Martins Dutra, Fabiano Nunes Vaz, Leonir Luiz Pascoal, Javier Alexander Bethancourt-Garcia, Dayana Bernardi Sarzi Sartori, Joao Restle
Summary: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral differences in cattle on bruising on different cuts and on carcass yield. The study found that 68.26% of slaughtered cattle had at least one type of bruise, requiring complete removal of the affected tissue. There was an interaction effect between sex and temperament on the occurrence of bruises on different cuts and on carcass yield. Females and more reactive animals have more bruises on their carcass.
SEMINA-CIENCIAS AGRARIAS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Aline Evangelista Machado Santana, Vera Lucia de Araujo Bozorg, Joao Restle, Ubirajara Oliveira Bilego, Wescley Faccini Augusto, Jose Neuman Miranda Neiva
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effects of soybean hulls and whole or ground corn on the intake, performance, blood indicators, and feeding cost of newborn crossbred dairy male calves. The results showed that the inclusion of soybean hulls increased the neutral detergent fiber intake but decreased the non-fibrous carbohydrates intake of the calves. Whole corn in the diet also reduced the non-fibrous carbohydrates intake. However, the total digestible nutrients content of diets did not vary, regardless of the factors analyzed. The inclusion of soybean hulls or the replacement of ground corn with whole corn did not affect blood indicators and was insufficient to reduce feed costs.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE ZOOTECNIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rangel Fernandes Pacheco, Diego Soares Machado, Joao Restle, Dayana Bernardi Sarzi Sartori, Pablo Tavares Costa, Ricardo Zambarda Vaz
Summary: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of subcutaneous fat thickness on beef quality through meta-analysis. The data from 13 studies conducted in Brazil were combined, involving 245 male bovine carcasses. The results showed that carcasses with subcutaneous fat thickness over 6 mm had higher intramuscular fat deposition and were perceived as more tender by evaluators. In contrast, carcasses with fat thickness below 3 mm produced tougher meat. Shear force increased when fat thickness was below the recommended threshold of 3 mm.
PESQUISA AGROPECUARIA BRASILEIRA
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Nathalia Pasi Reis, Jose Fernando Piva Lobato, Joao Restle, Rangel Fernandes Pacheco, Amoracyr Jose Costa Nunez, Dayana Bernardi Sarzi Sartori, Ricardo Zambarda Vaz
Summary: Determining the impact of environmental factors on pregnancy is crucial for beef cow herds. A logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental variables on pregnancy rate. Aging, lactation period, weaning time, and average daily gain were found to significantly influence pregnancy odds. Strategies such as calving season, calf-cow interaction, and post-calving performance can increase the chances of pregnancy in beef cows.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz, Jose Fernando Piva Lobato, Javier Alexander Bethancourt-Garcia, Rangel Fernandes Pacheco, Nathalia Pasi Reis, Dayana Bernardi Sarzi Sartori, Sabrina Amalia Jappe, Joao Restle
Summary: This study evaluated potential variables affecting the reproductive success of beef cows. The results showed that early-weaned cows had a higher pregnancy rate, with factors such as age, weight gain, and calving date influencing the chances of pregnancy. For late-weaned cows, the main influencing factors were weight at calving and weight gain.
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz, Liliane Cerdotes, Rangel Fernandes Pacheco, Dayana Bernardi Sartori, Jeniffer Danielle Lucas, Hilda Solange Souza Agner, Joao Restle
Summary: This study investigates the impact of body mass index (BMI) at calving on the development and postpartum efficiency of Zebu cows. The results indicate that cows with a lower BMI show better efficiency in calving, while higher BMI is associated with higher milk yield and heavier calves.
SEMINA-CIENCIAS AGRARIAS
(2022)