The effects of stall surfaces and milk yield on the lying behavior of dairy cow

The importance of lying behavior to dairy cows and the feasible definition of lying has attracted many studies on the subject. Cattle show both behavioral and physiological stress responses when subjected to thwarting of their lying behavior. If cows are unable to lie down they later compensate for lost lying time when possible. Environmental factors such as housing and bedding systems have been noted to affect the time spent lying, but there is usually large variation in lying time between individuals. Internal factors such as the reproductive stage, age and health of cows affect their lying time and can cause variation. However, the effect of higher milk production on behavior has not previously been illuminated. The objective of this study was to provide data applicable for the improvement of resting conditions of cows. The preference of stall surface material, differences in normal behavior per unit time and various health measures were observed. The aim was to evaluate lying behavior and cow comfort on different stall bedding materials. In addition, the effect of milk yield on behavior was examined in a tie stall experiment. The preferences for surface materials were investigated in 5 experiments using 3 surface materials with bedding manipulations. According to the results, the cows preferred abundant straw bedding and soft rubber mats. However, they showed an aversion to sand bedding. Some individuals even refused to use stalls with sand when no organic bedding material was present. However, this study was unable to determine the reason for the avoidance, as neither the sand particle size nor thermal properties appeared critical. However, previous exposure to particular surface materials increased the preference for them. The amount of straw bedding was found to be an important factor affecting the preferences for stalls, and the lying time in stalls increased when the flooring softness was improved by applying straw or by installing elastic mats. Despite sand being the least preferred flooring material in preference tests, the health of legs improved during exposure to sand-floored stalls. Moreover cows using sand were cleaner than those that used straw stalls. Thus, sand bedding entailed some health benefits despite the contradictory results of preference tests, which more strongly reflected the perceptions of individual animals. Milk yield was observed to affect behavior by reducing the lying time, possibly due to factors other than longer duration of eating. High yielding cows seemed to intensify their lying bouts, as they were observed to lie with the neck muscles relaxed sooner after lying down than lower yielding cows. In conclusion, cows were found to prefer softer stall surface materials and organic bedding material. In addition, the lying time was reduced by a high milk yield, although the lying time seemed to be important for resting. Cows might differ in the needs for their lying environment. The management of dairy cows should eliminate any unnecessary prevention of lying, as even in tie-stalls high yielding cows seem to be affected by time constraints. Adding fresh bedding material to stalls increases the comfort of any stall flooring material.Eläimen käyttäytyminen kertoo usein kiinnostavimman tarinan sen hyvinvoinnista. Koska eläimet eivät puhu ihmisten kieltä on päätelmät niiden tarpeista ja mieltymyksistä tehtävä niiden käyttäytymisen perusteella. Käyttäytymisen tarkkailu sinänsä on yleensä yksinkertaista, vaikkakin aikaa vievää silmätyötä, joka perustuu eläimen eri käyttäytymismuotojen pikkutarkkaan sanalliseen kuvailuun ja numeeristen havaintojen ottamiseen tämän määritelmän perusteella. Erityisen kiinnostavaa on käyttäytymistulosten tulkinta. Eläinten käyttäytymistä tarkkailemalla on vahvistunut ymmärrys levon ja makaaminen tärkeästä merkityksestä lypsylehmien hyvinvoinnille. Riittämätön lepo myös altistaa lehmiä stressille ja rasittaa niiden jalkoja. Väitöstyön tarkoituksena oli selvittää lehmien makuuaikaan vaikuttavia tekijöitä, jotta niiden makuumukavuutta voitaisiin parantaa. Tutkimuksessa vertailtiin lehmien mieltymyksiä erilaisten makuuparren pohjamateriaalien suhteen. Lisäksi tarkasteltiin lehmien erittämän maidon määrää suhteessa niiden lepoaikaan. Tutkimuksen aikana havaittiin, että lehmät suosivat pehmeää lepopaikkaa, jolloin pehmeys oli aikaansaatu joko orgaanista kuiviketta lisäämällä tai käyttämällä joustavaa kumimateriaalia. Hiekka makuualustana osoittautui kiistanalaiseksi, sillä jotkin lehmät kerta kaikkiaan vieroksuivat sen käyttämistä, mutta toisaalta hiekka edisti jalkojen terveyttä. Maidon määrä vaikutti käyttäytymiseen siten, että runsas tuotanto vähensi lepoaikaa. Lisäksi runsaampi maidoneritys lyhensi nukahtamiseen kulunutta aikaa. Tutkimuksen kuluessa kävi selväksi, että lehmillä oli voimakkaita yksilöllisiä mieltymyksiä makuuympäristönsä suhteen. Orgaanisen kuivikkeen lisäämisellä voidaan parantaa parsien mukavuutta nopeasti. Korkeatuottoisten lehmien makuuolosuhteisiin on kiinnitettävä huomiota, jottei niiden riittävä levonsaanti navetassa vaarantuisi

The First Rehoming of Laboratory Beagles in Finland: The Complete Process from Socialisation Training to Follow-up

The fate of experimental animals represents an ethical dilemma and a public concern. In the EU, Directive 2010/63/EUallows the rehoming of former experimental animals instead of euthanasia.However, to our knowledge, there are no previous reports of rehoming Beagles in Finland. This study aimed to describe the process behind the first rehoming of laboratory Beagles at the University of Helsinki and evaluate its success. In total, 16 former laboratory Beagles were rehomed in collaboration with animal protection organisations and the University of Helsinki. The dogs had participated in animal cognition studies and had undergone minor procedures during the development of a veterinary drug. While the dogs were still in the laboratory, a socialisation training programme lasting several months was undertaken. Through surveying of the adoptive owners, and interviewing the various stakeholders involved (researchers, animal protection organisations and animal caretakers), the overall process was evaluated, including: the socialisation training programme; the comparative success of rehoming younger compared to older animals; the criteria that were used for the selection of the adoptive owners; and the eventual success of rehoming the dogswith the newowners. Themajority of the dogs adjustedwell to their newhomeenvironment. Euthanasia at the end of their experimental use would have been unnecessary and possibly against the objectives of European directives.Peer reviewe

Evaluating the effects of bedding materials and elevated platforms on contact dermatitis and plumage cleanliness of commercial broilers and on litter condition in broiler houses

1. Experiment 1, comparing wood shavings and ground straw bedding with peat, was performed on 7 broiler farms over two consecutive batches during the winter season. Experiment 2, assessing the effect of elevated (30 cm) platforms, was conducted in three farms replicated with 6 consecutive batches. 2. Footpad lesions were inspected at slaughter following the Welfare Quality® (WQ) assessment and official programme. Hock lesions, plumage cleanliness and litter condition were assessed using the WQ assessment. Litter height, pH, moisture and ammonia were determined. 3. Footpad condition on wood shavings appeared to be worse compared with peat using both methods of assessment and was accompanied by inferior hock skin health. WQ assessment resulted in poorer footpad and hock skin condition on ground straw compared with peat. Farms differed in footpad and hock skin condition. Footpad and hock lesions were not affected by platform treatment. Peat appeared more friable than ground straw. The initial pH of wood shavings was higher and moisture was lower than in peat, but at the end of production period there were no differences. Ground straw exhibited higher initial and lower end pH, and was drier in the beginning than peat. Litter condition and quality were not affected by platform treatment. 4. This study provides new knowledge about the applicability of peat as broiler bedding and shows no negative effects of elevated platforms on litter condition or the occurrence of contact dermatitis in commercial environments. The results suggest a complicated relationship between litter condition, moisture and contact dermatitis. Furthermore, it is concluded that the farmer’s ability to manage litter conditions is important, regardless of the chosen litter material. Peat bedding was beneficial for footpad and hock skin health compared with wood shavings and ground straw.Peer reviewe

Development of flank lesions in growing pigs after weaning : A case study

Flank lesions in pigs are a common yet poorly understood consequence of damaging social behavior. One group of pigs on a commercial farm with group lactation and late weaning, and with the history of flank lesions was studied. Skin lesions on the flanks, including linear and circular lesions, and tail lesions on 69 pigs were recorded six times during 5 weeks after weaning at the age of 9 weeks. Nosing behavior was scanned during six sessions with multiple scans. The associations of age, trunk whiteness, weight gain, sow parity, litter size, sex, and tail lesions with the number of circular and linear lesions were analyzed using linear mixed models. The number of linear lesions increased as pigs aged, and pigs with a higher weight gain had more linear lesions. Moreover, pigs with a whiter trunk color were scored with more lesions of both types. According to descriptive behavior data, nosing and biting behaviors were most frequent during weeks 2-4 after weaning at the age of 11-13 weeks. On average, seven circular flank lesions were found per pig during the experiment, at the age of 10-14 weeks. After the peak on day 17, their occurrence decreased. Skin lesion occurrence was related to a lighter skin color on the trunks of pigs. We recommend reporting skin color in connection with lesion scoring results. Nosing behavior and flank lesions both peaked from 2 to 4 weeks after weaning, suggesting that nosing behavior contributed to lesion development during this time

The age of surgical castration affects the healing process in beef calves

Castration is painful for calves. Castrating at an earlier age is often recommended, but little is known about how this affects the healing process or the pain experienced. We compared incision closure, swelling and pain sensitivity of beef calves surgically castrated at 3 (range 0 to 8 d; n = 16) or 73 (range 69 to 80 d; n = 15) d of age. Closure of the incision, as measured with a 5-point scale (1 = fresh wound, 5 = no longer visible), weight gain, and inflammation (skin temperature and swelling, as measured by scrotal circumference) were recorded on d 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, 18, 21, 25, 32, 39, 45, 61, and 77 after the procedure, until all incisions were fully healed. On these same days, pain sensitivity was assessed by applying a known and increasing force with von Frey hairs (0.02 to 300 g-force) at the edge of the castration wound and at a control site, approximately 2 to 5 cm anterior to the teats, until animals showed a behavioral response or the highest force was reached. The incisions of younger calves healed more quickly than older ones [fully healed, median (95% confidence interval); 39 (32 to 61) vs. 61 (61 to 77) d; P = 0.002], however, they had relatively more swelling in the days after castration (P < 0.001). Younger animals reacted to lighter pressure of von Frey hairs compared to older calves especially in the first stages of healing process (P < 0.001), and there were other signs indicative of inflammation processes in this region at this time. However, there was no difference in the control site for either age group. In addition, it took longer for older calves to recover their daily weight gain after the procedure (P < 0.001). Taken together, these results paint a mixed picture about the effects of age of surgical castration. Calves castrated soon after birth experience more tissue swelling and show more signs of pain, but their incisions heal sooner and their weight gain is less affected, when compared to animals castrated around 73 d of age.Peer reviewe

Sow and piglet skin, claw and nipple lesions on two concrete flooring materials during lactation period

The aim of the study was to investigate the skin, claw and nipple lesions of sows and their piglets while they were kept on two different flooring materials: concrete cement and concrete covered with polyurethane and graveled with sand (particles 0.5-1.2 mm)

Tuotantokaniinien pito-olosuhteet ja hyvinvointi Suomessa

Peer reviewe

Effects of Bedding Material on Equine Lower Airway Inflammation : A Comparison of Two Peat Beddings, Wood Pellet, and Straw Pellet

The effects of bedding material on air quality are important amongst horses worldwide. Respiratory diseases, especially equine asthma, are highly prevalent with air hygiene playing a major role on the pathophysiology of these diseases. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of four bedding materials on the respiratory signs, tracheal mucus score, and tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology in healthy adult horses. The study design was a prospective controlled cross-over study, and the subjects were healthy adult riding school horses (n = 32) from a single stable. Wood pellet, straw pellet, and loosely stored peat (Peat 3) were compared to peat packed in plastic-covered bales (Peat 2). Lower airway endoscopy and sampling (TW and BALF) for cytological examination were performed after each 35-day bedding period. The tracheal mucus scores (P = 0.014) and respiratory rate (P = 0.026) were higher during the straw pellet period compared to the Peat 2 period. The respiratory rate was lower during the wood pellet period compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.004). The TW neutrophil percentage during the straw pellet period was higher compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.0003). The BALF neutrophil percentage was higher during the straw pellet period (P = 0.005) and during the Peat 3 period compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.04). We conclude that baled peat (Peat 2) caused lower neutrophil percentages in the airway samples compared to straw pellet and loosely stored peat (Peat 3). No difference was observed between Peat 2 and wood pellet. The information gained from this study may assist veterinarians and horse owners in selecting appropriate bedding materials, especially for horses with equine asthma.Peer reviewe

Broilerin jalkapohjan kuntoon vaikuttavat tekijät ja jalkapohjavaurioiden arviointi – kirjallisuuskatsaus

Jalkapohjan tulehdus on broilerilla ja kalkkunoilla yleinen hyvinvointia heikentävä tekijä. Jalkapohjatulehdus on kontakti-ihottuma, joka syntyy huonokuntoisen pehkun tai muuten sopimattoman pohjamateriaalin kanssa kosketuksissa oleville ihoalueille. Lievimmillään se näkyy ihon värimuutoksina tai pinnallisena eroosiona. Pidemmälle kehittyneessä tulehduksessa iholla näkyy syviä haavaumia ja tulehdusreaktio myös ihonalaiskudoksessa. Jalkapohjavaurioihin vaikuttavia tekijöitä ovat muun muassa kuivikemateriaali, pehkun kunto, kasvattamon olosuhteet, eläintiheys, ruokinta, vesi sekä lintujen terveys, ikä ja perimä. Tärkeimpänä jalkapohjavaurioita ennaltaehkäisevänä tekijänä pidetään hyväkuntoista ja kuivaa kuivikepohjaa. Jalkapohjavaurioita käytetään paitsi parven tai yksilön hyvinvoinnin myös kasvatusolosuhteiden onnistumisen arvioinnissa. Monissa Euroopan maissa jalkapohjavaurioiden arviointia käytetään broilerin hyvinvoinnin kuvaajana broilerin hyvinvointidirektiivin (2007/43/CE) mukaan. Suomessa broilerin hyvinvointiasetuksessa jalkapohjatulehduksen arviointi on, kuolleisuuden lisäksi, toinen broilerin hyvinvointia kuvaavista tekijöistä. Hyvinvointiasetus edellyttää kaikkien teurasbroilerierien jalkapohjatulehdusten arviointia. Toistuvat huonot tulokset voivat johtaa siihen, että viranomainen edellyttää kasvatustiheyden vähentämistä.Peer reviewe

Effect of crate height during short-term confinement on the welfare and behaviour of turkeys

During transport from the farm to the slaughter house birds are often confined in crates with limited space. In this study we investigated how the confinement of male turkeys in crates of 40, 55 or 90 cm height for 6 h, affected the turkeys welfare. We used both behavioural observations and physiological measures and the study was carried out under experimental conditions. Thirty-six turkeys were placed singly in stationary crates for 6 h and during this time their behaviour was observed. The confinement for each bird was carried out twice on two separate occasions with around 1 week between confinements. The mean (±SE) weight of the birds in the first confinement period was 15.9 ± 0.2 kg and on the second occasion 17.3 ± 0.2 kg. Blood-samples were taken after the behaviour observations were finished and analyses of activities of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and lactate were carried out. The heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L) was also determined. The behaviour observations revealed that birds in the 40 cm crates did not perform any standing (standing with straight legs), whereas birds in 55 and 90 cm crates spent 35.4 ± 4.3 and 42.2 ± 5.8% of the time, respectively, in this position. Conversely, birds in the 40 cm crates spent significantly more time in a low standing position (standing with the legs bent) than birds in the 55 and 90 cm crates. More stepping, turning and preening was performed in the 55 and 90 cm compared to the 40 cm crates, whereas more rising attempts were made in the 40 cm crates. Crate height had no effect on the activity of ASAT or CK activity or H:L ratio. There was a significant effect of crate height on the lactate with birds in the 55 cm crates having significantly lower lactate concentrations than birds in 40 cm crates, but there was no significant difference in lactate concentration between 55 and 90 cm or between the 40 and 90 cm crates. This may indicate that there was a difference between treatments on the anaerobic activity, although the effect of sampling procedure cannot be completely excluded. Thus the degree of confinement in the crates had little influence on the physiological measures taken, although there was a large effect on the birds’ behaviour. The 40 cm crates decreased the birds possibility to move and change their positions, whereas the 55 cm crates allowed the birds to stand up and move around almost as much as if kept in free height, even if they were not able to stretch their necks while standing.During transport from the farm to the slaughter house birds are often confined in crates with limited space. In this study we investigated how the confinement of male turkeys in crates of 40, 55 or 90 cm height for 6 h, affected the turkeys welfare. We used both behavioural observations and physiological measures and the study was carried out under experimental conditions. Thirty-six turkeys were placed singly in stationary crates for 6 h and during this time their behaviour was observed. The confinement for each bird was carried out twice on two separate occasions with around 1 week between confinements. The mean (±SE) weight of the birds in the first confinement period was 15.9 ± 0.2 kg and on the second occasion 17.3 ± 0.2 kg. Blood-samples were taken after the behaviour observations were finished and analyses of activities of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and lactate were carried out. The heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L) was also determined. The behaviour observations revealed that birds in the 40 cm crates did not perform any standing (standing with straight legs), whereas birds in 55 and 90 cm crates spent 35.4 ± 4.3 and 42.2 ± 5.8% of the time, respectively, in this position. Conversely, birds in the 40 cm crates spent significantly more time in a low standing position (standing with the legs bent) than birds in the 55 and 90 cm crates. More stepping, turning and preening was performed in the 55 and 90 cm compared to the 40 cm crates, whereas more rising attempts were made in the 40 cm crates. Crate height had no effect on the activity of ASAT or CK activity or H:L ratio. There was a significant effect of crate height on the lactate with birds in the 55 cm crates having significantly lower lactate concentrations than birds in 40 cm crates, but there was no significant difference in lactate concentration between 55 and 90 cm or between the 40 and 90 cm crates. This may indicate that there was a difference between treatments on the anaerobic activity, although the effect of sampling procedure cannot be completely excluded. Thus the degree of confinement in the crates had little influence on the physiological measures taken, although there was a large effect on the birds’ behaviour. The 40 cm crates decreased the birds possibility to move and change their positions, whereas the 55 cm crates allowed the birds to stand up and move around almost as much as if kept in free height, even if they were not able to stretch their necks while standing.Peer reviewe