Changes in dairy cows' behaviour, health, and production after transition from tied to loose housing

BackgroundTransition of dairy cows from a tied to a loose housing system may affect their behaviour, health and production. Such housing system changes have become more frequent in Estonia but knowledge is lacking on how cows adapt to a new system. The aim of this study was to evaluate how cows' behaviour, milk production and composition, and different aspects of their health changed after transition from tied to loose housing.ResultsA herd of 400 dairy cows was moved to a new system on the same farm, so that effects of transport were not confounding factors. Behavioural observations were made for approximately 4 months following transition. Milk production data were recorded from 12 months before to 12 months after transition. Examination for skin alterations and cleanliness, as well as body condition scoring were carried out before transition, and thereafter monthly throughout the study. Significant effects on behaviour were observed just after the transition, with increases in the behaviour indicative of poor welfare, such as vocalisation and aggression, and decreases in those indicative of a good state of welfare, such as ruminating, resting and grooming. These effects were of short duration, with most returning to a steady state after the first week. Milk production declined already before the transition but fell significantly after transition, and this fall lasted longer in older cows. Likewise, somatic cell counts were higher in all cows following transition, but older cows were affected significantly more than cows in the first lactation. The frequency of lameness and skin alterations increased on average after transition. Body condition scores fell after transition but recovered by the second month. Therefore, there were adverse effects on the behaviour, health and production of the dairy cows transferred, although, apart from older cows, of short duration.ConclusionThe transition from tied to loose housing first had negative impacts on the welfare of the cows, although by the tenth day the behavioural indicators had returned to normal values. Impacts were more severe in higher parity cows, indicating that the change was more of a challenge for older cows.The findings of this study suggest that animals' behaviour and health should be more carefully observed within about 2 weeks after transition. It is quite likely that more and more farmers in Estonia and elsewhere will recognize the benefits of keeping their dairy cattle in loose housing, aimed at improving animal welfare and the value of the production chain

Una mirada a las diferentes perspectivas de los negocios internacionales: estrategias, principios y casos de internacionalización

Este libro consolida resultados de investigación que permiten mirar los negocios internacionales a partir de diferentes perspectivas, proporcionando un aporte sistémico para la academia y el mercado. A partir de discusiones del punto de vista de relaciones internacionales, comercio exterior, logística, estrategias de internacionalización y negociación, esta obra discute aspectos actuales aplicables y relacionados a la actuación de las empresas colombianas en el mercado internacional, sus oportunidades y potencialidades competitivas. A lo largo de sus siete capítulos e introducción, el libro “Una mirada a las diferentes perspectivas de los Negocios Internacionales: Estrategias, principios y casos de internacionalización” presenta diferentes metodologías, herramientas, fundamentos y casos de referencia que pueden apoyar profesionales en el estudio y en la práctica de los negocios internacionales

Livestock housing : modern management to ensure optimal health and welfare of farm animals/ Edit.: Andres Aland; Thomas Banhazi

491 hal.: ill, tab.; 24 cm

47 Humane Transport and Slaughter of Farm Animals

Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agricultur

Livestock housing : modern management to ensure optimal health and welfare of farm animals/ Edit.: Andres Aland; Thomas Banhazi

491 hal.: ill, tab.; 24 cm

Human-Joystick VR Locomotion technique: An empirical approach

Virtual Reality (VR) has been successfully applied with a broad range of locomotion techniques. Many of these locomotion techniques have different challenges and benefits. In the following thesis, the Human-Joystick (or leaning based) technique is explored in depth. The aforementioned locomotion technique is explored through an empirical approach. This approach is used to assess the underlying challenges that can be present. For this, a prototype of a VR application aimed to assess speed of completion is conceived and tested. A total of 20 users tested the prototype during a two-trial period. Results showed that there is an increase in Speed of completion obtained by the users from the First try to the Second try. This results are to be expected and are well discussed and interpreted. Furthermore, results show that Human-Joystick technique is an efficient locomotion technique in terms of ease of use and speed. Moreover, a qualitative review is done based on the feedback provided by each participant. A significant contribution of the user testing lies in the proposed qualitative challenges that are explained. These qualitative challenges serve as opportunities for future game designers and developers to build upon. Many proposed future work recommendations are done which can benefit game designers, developers and enthusiasts alike

47 Humane Transport and Slaughter of Farm Animals

Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agricultur

44 Contemporary Issues in Farm Animal Housing and Management : Cattle Housing and Welfare

Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agricultur

47 Humane Transport and Slaughter of Farm Animals

Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Agricultur