Do changes of pen and penmate affect the behaviour of heifers?

We wanted to investigate if relocation affects behaviour of dairy heifers. In the study 32 Holstein heifers were housed in pairs until they were 13 months old. 16 heifers stayed in the same pen with the same penmate (control). The pen and penmates of 16 heifers were changed 16 times between 11 and 13 months of age

Optical study of the anisotropic erbium spin flip-flop dynamics

We investigate the erbium flip-flop dynamics as a limiting factor of the electron spin lifetime and more generally as an indirect source of decoherence in rare-earth doped insulators. Despite the random isotropic arrangement of dopants in the host crystal, the dipolar interaction strongly depends on the magnetic field orientation following the strong anisotropy of the $g$-factor. In Er$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$, we observe by transient optical spectroscopy a three orders of magnitude variation of the erbium flip-flop rate (10ppm dopant concentration). The measurements in two different samples, with 10ppm and 50ppm concentrations, are well-supported by our analytic modeling of the dipolar coupling between identical spins with an anisotropic $g$-tensor. The model can be applied to other rare-earth doped materials. We extrapolate the calculation to Er$^{3+}$:CaWO$_4$, Er$^{3+}$:LiNbO$_3$ and Nd$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$ at different concentrations

Selective optical addressing of nuclear spins through superhyperfine interaction in rare-earth doped solids

In Er$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$, we demonstrate the selective optical addressing of the $^{89}$Y$^{3+}$ nuclear spins through their superhyperfine coupling with the Er$^{3+}$ electronic spins possessing large Land\'e $g$-factors. We experimentally probe the electron-nuclear spin mixing with photon echo techniques and validate our model. The site-selective optical addressing of the Y$^{3+}$ nuclear spins is designed by adjusting the magnetic field strength and orientation. This constitutes an important step towards the realization of long-lived solid-state qubits optically addressed by telecom photons.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, supplementary material (3 pages

Development of social behaviour and importance of social relations in calves

We concluded that the preference for peers met at two weeks of age can be seen in proximity of the calves. However, calves can form stable relations at least until the age of 14 weeks. These relations reduce aggressive behaviour, activity and frequency of vocalization, and help calves to cope with new and potentially stressful situations

Animal welfare: at a cross road between biology, ethics, and animal productions

The protection of farm animal welfare is a society issue. It stems from the recognition that animals under our care are sentient beings. Recent scientific data on mammals, birds, and fish provide evidence that these animals can feel emotions. Indicators of animal well being, assessing their emotional status or the impact of farming conditions, are now available. Solutions are found to balance welfare and production requirements. However, science alone cannot fully address the issue of animal welfare, as it cannot define the limits of what is acceptable and what is not. Nevertheless, science must provide arguments for a constructive debate, such as indicators of welfare and of the impact of farming conditions. It can also help understand ethical reasoning, and include this data in welfare evaluation systemsLe respect du bien-être des animaux d’élevage correspond à une attente sociétale. Elle prend sa source dans la reconnaissance que les animaux qui vivent sous notre responsabilité sont des êtres sensibles. Les données scientifiques récentes, obtenues chez des mammifères, des oiseaux et des poissons, montrent que ces animaux sont capables de ressentir des émotions. On dispose désormais d’indicateurs du bienêtre des animaux, visant à décrire leur état émotionnel interne ou à apprécier l’impact de facteurs d’élevage. Des solutions sont trouvées pour concilier bien-être et production. Néanmoins, la science seule ne peut répondre à la question du respect du bien-être animal : elle ne peut pas fixer les limites entre ce qui est acceptable et ce qui ne l’est pas. Elle doit cependant fournir des éléments nécessaires à un débat constructif, tels que des indicateurs de bien-être et de l’impact des conditions d’élevage. Elle peut également aider à comprendre les raisonnements éthiques et construire des évaluations du bien-être sur la base de ces raisonnement

Intuitive versus scientific knowledge of cattle behaviour

The intuitive understanding of the behaviour of cattle by farmers and their practical knowledge of how cattle should be handled was studied and compared with knowledge from animal behaviour science

Implementation of the European legislation to protect farm animals: a case-study on French inspections to find solutions to improve compliance

In the European Union, at least 1% of farms are inspected every year and sanctions are applied to those that do not comply with the legislation on animal welfare. These on-farm inspections can result in measures to correct welfare problems detected. They can also highlight major risks that will require a focus of efforts and help prevent further non-compliances. Here, we analysed the reports from inspections of French cattle farms between 2010 and 2013 to check whether inspection stimulates improvement and to propose ways to improve how animal welfare legislation is implemented through the cross-compliance system. French inspectors use 32 items to assess overall compliance of farms inspected. We found that compliance improves on farms that are re-inspected but not in other farms (8% of severely non-compliant farms). Nine items do not influence the overall assessment whereas eight have a huge impact. The importance attributed to items varies from the first to the second visit to a farm. The major risks are absence of farm records, lack of basic care (practices or enclosures likely to harm animals, insufficient feeding) and inadequate skills (no veterinarian consulted, insufficient qualified staff). To improve compliance with EU animal welfare legislation and the efficiency of the inspection system, we suggest organising consultation between inspectors, ministry central services and welfare experts to: (i) refine the checklist and harmonise interpretations of item compliance; (ii) make sure all farmers are aware of the legislative requirements and the major risks of non-compliance; and (iii) define plans for a step-wise improvement of non-compliant farms