Qualitative und quantitative Beurteilung des Verhaltens von Jungsauen während eines freiwilligen Annäherungstests

Free farrowing systems are required by organic standards (Commission regulation (EC) 889/2008). However, not only adequate housing design and good management but also sows which are able to rear piglets successfully in those systems are important. Several studies show a relation between approach time during behavioural tests and reproductive traits. So far behavioural traits are not considered when selecting gilts in Austria. The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative and quantitative behavioural assessment during a voluntary approach test at two organic gilt producers which could provide practical tools for behavioural assessment when selecting gilts. A total of 44 gilts was tested in a 3x3m arena and observed when approaching a test person. Qualitatively three components were found: “emotional state”, “proactiveness” and “self-confidence”. The second and third components were significantly related to quantitative parameters. The component “emotional state” may provide additional information. However, it remains to be investigated if this information is related to reproductive performanc

Measuring work and workers: Wearables and digital assistance systems in manufacturing and logistics

The smart glove or smart data glasses: Digitalization of work means that technology is moving closer to the bodies of employees. It can make movements, vital signs and even emotions visible. Technologies which many people use privately to monitor their sporting activities or health opens up a new dimension of control in the workplace, but also the possibility of supporting employees in complex work processes. Based on case studies of companies in manufacturing and logistics as well as a survey of employees, this study provides insights into operational use cases of wearables and the assessments of employees. It reveals contradictory experiences and a high importance of co-determination and co-design of new technologies by employees and works councils as a condition for using new technologies for improving work quality

Predicting fadeout versus persistence of paratuberculosis in a dairy cattle herd for management and control purposes: a modelling study

Epidemiological models enable to better understand the dynamics of infectious diseases and to assess ex-ante control strategies. For Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), possible transmission routes have been described, but Map spread in a herd and the relative importance of the routes are currently insufficiently understood to prioritize control measures. We aim to predict early after Map introduction in a dairy cattle herd whether infection is likely to fade out or persist, when no control measures are implemented, using a modelling approach. Both vertical transmission and horizontal transmission via the ingestion of colostrum, milk, or faeces present in the contaminated environment were modelled. Calf-to-calf indirect transmission was possible. Six health states were represented: susceptible, transiently infectious, latently infected, subclinically infected, clinically affected, and resistant. The model was partially validated by comparing the simulated prevalence with field data. Housing facilities and contacts between animals were specifically considered for calves and heifers. After the introduction of one infected animal in a naive herd, fadeout occurred in 66% of the runs. When Map persisted, the prevalence of infected animals increased to 88% in 25 years. The two main transmission routes were via the farm's environment and in utero transmission. Calf-to-calf transmission was minor. Fadeout versus Map persistence could be differentiated with the number of clinically affected animals, which was rarely above one when fadeout occurred. Therefore, early detection of affected animals is crucial in preventing Map persistence in dairy herds

Contributions of enriched cereal-grain products, ready-to-eat cereals, and supplements to folic acid and vitamin B-12 usual intake and folate and vitamin B-12 status in US children: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003–2006

Background: US children consume folic acid from multiple sources. These sources may contribute differently to usual intakes above the age-specific tolerable upper intake level (UL) for folic acid and to folate and vitamin B-12 status. Objective: We estimated usual daily folic acid intakes above the UL and adjusted serum and red blood cell folate, serum vitamin B-12, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in US children by age group and by the following 3 major folic acid intake sources: enriched cereal-grain products (ECGP), ready-to-eat cereals (RTE), and supplements containing folic acid (SUP). Design: We analyzed data in 4 groups of children aged 1-3, 4-8, 9-13, and 14-18 y from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2006 (n = 7161). Results: A total of 19-48% of children consumed folic acid from ECGP only. Intakes above the UL varied from 0-0.1% of children who consumed ECGP only to 15-78% of children who consumed ECGP+RTE+SUP. In children aged 1-8 y, 99-100% of those who consumed \u3e200 ug folic acid/d from supplements exceeded their UL. Although \u3c0.5% of children had folate deficiency or low vitamin B-12 status, the consumption of RTE or SUP with folic acid was associated with higher mean folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations and, in some older children, with lower homocysteine and MMA concentrations. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the majority of US children consume more than one source of folic acid. Postfortification, the consumption of RTE or SUP increases usual daily intakes and blood concentrations of folate and vitamin B-12

Folic acid source, usual intake, and folate and vitamin B-12 status in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006

Background: US adults have access to multiple sources of folic acid. The contribution of these sources to usual intakes above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) (1000 ug/d) and to folate and vitamin B-12 status is unknown. Objective: The objective was to estimate usual folic acid intake above the UL and adjusted serum and red blood cell folate, vitamin B-12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine concentrations among US adults by 3 major folic acid intake sources - enriched cereal-grain products (ECGP), ready-to-eat cereals (RTE), and supplements (SUP) - categorized into 4 mutually exclusive consumption groups. Design: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 (n = 8258). Results: Overall, 2.7% (95% CI: 1.9%, 3.5%) of adults consumed more than the UL of folic acid. The proportions of those who consumed folic acid from ECGP only, ECGP+RTE, ECGP+SUP, and ECGP+RTE+SUP were 42%, 18%, 25%, and 15%, respectively. Of 60% of adults who did not consume supplements containing folic acid (ECGP only and ECGP+RTE), 0% had intakes that exceeded the UL. Of 34% and 6% of adults who consumed supplements with an average of \u3c400 and \u3e400 ug folic acid/d, \u3c1% and 47.8% (95% CI: 39.6%, 56.0%), respectively, had intakes that exceeded the UL. Consumption of RTE and/or supplements with folic acid was associated with higher folate and vitamin B-12 and lower homocysteine concentrations, and consumption of supplements with vitamin B-12 was associated with lower methylmalonic acid concentrations (P \u3c 0.001). Conclusion: At current fortification levels, US adults who do not consume supplements or who consume an average of \u3c400 ug folic acid/d from supplements are unlikely to exceed the UL in intake for folic acid

Validity of predictive equations for 24-h urinary sodium excretion in adults aged 18–39 y1–5

Background: Collecting a 24-h urine sample is recommended for monitoring the mean population sodium intake, but implementation can be difficult. Objective: The objective was to assess the validity of published equations by using spot urinary sodium concentrations to predict 24-h sodium excretion. Design: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted from June to August 2011 in metropolitan Washington, DC, of 407 adults aged 18–39 y, 48% black, who collected each urine void in a separate container for 24 h. Four timed voids (morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight) were selected from each 24-h collection. Published equations were used to predict 24-h sodium excretion with spot urine by specimen timing and race-sex subgroups. We examined mean differences with measured 24-h sodium excretion (bias) and individual differences with the use of Bland-Altman plots. Results: Across equations and specimens, mean bias in predicting 24-h sodium excretion for all participants ranged from2267 to 1300mg (Kawasaki equation). Bias was least with International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure (INTERSALT) equations with morning (2165 mg; 95% CI: 2295, 36 mg), afternoon (290 mg; 2208, 28 mg), and evening (2120 mg; 2230, 211 mg) specimens. With overnight specimens, mean bias was least when the Tanaka (223 mg; 95% CI: 2141, 95 mg) or Mage (2145 mg; 2314, 25 mg) equations were used but was statistically significant when using the Tanaka equations among females (216 to 243 mg) and the Mage equations among races other than black (2554 to 2372 mg). Significant over- and underprediction occurred across individual sodium excretion concentrations. Conclusions: Using a single spot urine, INTERSALT equations may provide the least biased information about population mean sodium intakes among young US adults. None of the equations evaluated provided unbiased estimates of individual 24-h sodium excretion. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01631240

Assessment of viability of new born piglets using an adjusted APGAR score

Since decades pig breeding goals have mainly focused on prolificacy. However, large litters can have implications on piglets’ and sows’ welfare. Due to increased litter size viability of piglets may decrease, leading to a higher number of stillborn piglets and increased suckling piglet mortality. Piglet viability can be assessed using an adjusted APGAR score. This score measures in the new born piglet indicators crucial for the ability to survive. So the aim of this paper is to investigate the main effects on piglet viability by using an adjusted APGAR score. For this purpose, 25 sows and 404 born piglets were assessed using an adjusted APGAR scoring system. Every live born piglet was evaluated directly after birth regarding the parameters skin colour, umbilical cord condition, latencies to respiration, first movement, first attempt to stand up and first teat contact. Each parameter was scored from 0 (bad) to 2 (good) according to predefined categories and summed up to an overall APGAR score. The influence of provision of oxytocin or manual intervention during farrowing, care of the new born by the farmer and obstetrics on viability was investigated. It was found, that new born care and the condition of the umbilical cord had the highest influence on piglet viability. Oxytocin and obstetrics had no influence on the viability of piglets and therefore on the APGAR score

Developing an optimized breeding goal for Austrian maternal pig breeds using a participatory approach

Due to economic and animal welfare related issues, the Austrian pig breeding organisations revised their breeding programs. Members of breeding organisations, breeders and academic staff were involved in a participatory process from the beginning. In several meetings and workshops, 11 new fitness traits regarding maternal abilities and piglet vitality were gathered. Therefore, breeders were asked to propose important traits regarding the sow maternal ability as well as piglet vitality. Calm behaviour, milk performance and conformation were mentioned as the most important traits for the sow and suckling behaviour, high birth weight and growth rate for the piglet, respectively. Prior to routine trait recording, feasibility of trait recording was tested under practical conditions. Subsequently, breeders were trained to record the fitness traits on their farms. It has to be emphasized that farmers were highly motivated to record traits comprehensively due to their participation during the process of defining the revised breeding goals. This motivation was also reflected in good data quality