The duration of the outdoor rearing period of pigs influences Iberian ham characteristics

peer-reviewedThe effect of outdoor rearing duration (75 v 50 days) and rearing system (outdoor v indoor based systems) of Iberian pigs on the chemical composition (fatty acid composition of fat and intramuscular fat, moisture, salt, pigment concentrations and water activity of lean meat), the instrumental colour (CIEL*a*b* system) and the sensory characteristics (descriptive analysis) of dry-cured hams were investigated. The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat was weakly affected by outdoor rearing duration, but greatly affected by rearing system with the indoor hams showing larger proportion of saturated fatty acids than outdoor rearing. Rearing system also affected L* of subcut aneous fat (the indoor hams were lighter than the outdoor ones). The instrumental colour of lean was only affected by outdoor rearing duration (scores for a* and its derived variables were larger in the long-outdoor group than in the short-outdoor one). The effect of outdoor rearing duration on the sensory characteristics of Iberian hams was marked, 13 sensory characteristics being affected. Among them, odour intensity, flavour intensity, and flavour persistence were greater in the long-outdoor hams than in the short-outdoor ones, whereas these characteristics were not affected by rearing system. However, rearing system also had a large effect influencing 12 sensory characteristics

An empirical analysis of the cost of rearing dairy heifers from birth to first calving and the time taken to repay these costs

Rearing quality dairy heifers is essential to maintain herds by replacing culled cows. Information on the key factors influencing the cost of rearing under different management systems is, however, limited and many farmers are unaware of their true costs. This study determined the cost of rearing heifers from birth to first calving in Great Britain including the cost of mortality, investigated the main factors influencing these costs across differing farming systems and estimated how long it took heifers to repay the cost of rearing on individual farms. Primary data on heifer management from birth to calving was collected through a survey of 101 dairy farms during 2013. Univariate followed by multivariable linear regression was used to analyse the influence of farm factors and key rearing events on costs. An Excel spreadsheet model was developed to determine the time it took for heifers to repay the rearing cost. The mean +/- SD ages at weaning, conception and calving were 62 +/- 13, 509 +/- 60 and 784 +/- 60 days. The mean total cost of rearing was 1819 pound +/- 387/heifer with a mean daily cost of 2.31 pound +/- 0.41. This included the opportunity cost of the heifer and the mean cost of mortality, which ranged from 103.49 pound to 146.19 pound/surviving heifer. The multivariable model predicted an increase in mean cost of rearing of 2.87 pound for each extra day of age at first calving and a decrease in mean cost of 6.06 pound for each percentile increase in time spent at grass. The model also predicted a decrease in the mean cost of rearing in autumn and spring calving herds of 273.20 pound and 288.56 pound, respectively, compared with that in all-year-round calving herds. Farms with herd sizes100 had lower mean costs of between 301.75 pound and 407.83 pound compared with farms with <100 milking cows. The mean gross margin per heifer was 441.66 pound +/- 304.56 (range 367.63 pound to 1120.08) pound, with 11 farms experiencing negative gross margins. Most farms repaid the cost of heifer rearing in the first two lactations (range 1 to 6 lactations) with a mean time from first calving until breaking even of 530 +/- 293 days. The results of the economic analysis suggest that management decisions on key reproduction events and grazing policy significantly influence the cost of rearing and the time it takes for heifers to start making a profit for the farm

Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy farming in the Netherlands

In an on-farm experiment three calf rearing methods were compared: bucket feeding of milk replacer, bucket feeding of tank milk and suckling of mother or nurse cow up to three months of age. Aim was to determine whether the technical results of suckling systems in calf rearing were satisfactory. Calves reared in a suckling system reached significantly higher liveweights at weaning (90 days). Although the average growth rate between weaning and the age of 1 year did not differ significantly, liveweight at 1 year did still differ significantly. Compared to both bucket fed rearing groups, suckling did not have a significant effect on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of mothers. Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy production show satisfactory technical results. Calves have the potential to grow fast and no negative effect of suckling on SCC or general animal health were observed

Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy farming in the Netherlands

In an on-farm experiment three calf rearing methods were compared: bucket feeding of milk replacer, bucket feeding of tank milk and suckling of mother or nurse cow up to three months of age. Aim was to determine whether the technical results of suckling systems in calf rearing were satisfactory. Calves reared in a suckling system reached significantly higher liveweights at weaning (90 days). Although the average growth rate between weaning and the age of 1 year did not differ significantly, liveweight at 1 year did still differ significantly. Compared to both bucket fed rearing groups, suckling did not have a significant effect on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of mothers. Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy production show satisfactory technical results. Calves have the potential to grow fast and no negative effect of suckling on SCC or general animal health were observed

How often are clinicians performing genital exams in children with disorders of sex development?

Background: We sought to determine the frequency with which genital exams (GEs) are performed in children with disorders of sex development (DSD) and ambiguous genitalia (AG) during routine visits to the pediatric endocrine clinic. Methods: Medical records of children with DSD and AG seen at one large academic center since 2007 were reviewed. Data analyzed included diagnosis, sex of rearing, age, initial or follow up visit, number of individuals present and sex of the pediatric endocrinologist. Repeated measures analysis was performed to evaluate associations between GEs and patient/physician factors. Results: Eighty-two children with DSD and AG who had a total of 632 visits were identified. Sex of rearing was female in 78% and the most common diagnosis was congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (68%). GEs were performed in 35.6% of visits. GEs were more likely in patients with male sex of rearing (odds ratio [OR] 17.81, p=0.006), during initial vs. follow-up visits (OR 5.99, p=0.012), and when the examining endocrinologist was female (OR 3.71, p=0.014). As patients aged, GEs were less likely (OR 0.76, p<0.0001). Conclusions: GEs were performed in approximately one-third of clinic visits in children with DSD and AG. Male sex of rearing, initial visits and female pediatric endocrinologist were associated with more frequent GEs

Collection and rearing of earthworms

Earthworm experimentation requires a source of supply. This may come from field-collection, purchase from a supplier, or from breeding of stock. The mode of obtaining the animals may be determined by the type of experimentation, but must not compromise the experiment. Typical collection methods employ digging and hand-sorting of soil, addition of a vermifuge, application of an electrical current to the soil or combinations thereof. Each collection method has advantages and may target particular groups of earthworms more successfully than others. Rearing earthworms in the laboratory may be viewed as difficult but if control of factors such as soil type, moisture, temperature, food supply and stocking density are in place, it can be straightforward. Culture design will be determined by the experimental objectives

Dairy calves' preference for rearing substrate

Rearing substrate is an important component of the pre-weaning environment of dairy calves. Traditional substrate types, such as sawdust, are becoming difficult and/or expensive for farmers to obtain in New Zealand. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate alternative rearing substrates for dairy calves that that are economically viable for farmers, readily available and provide an acceptable level of animal welfare. The preference of dairy calves for four different rearing substrates and the effects on behaviour and physiology were evaluated. At 1 wk of age, 24 calves were housed in groups of four, in pens which were evenly divided into four rearing substrates: sawdust, rubber, sand and stones. During the first 3 d calves were given free access to all four substrates. Calves were then restricted to each substrate type for 48 h. In order to rank preference, calves were subsequently exposed to two surfaces simultaneously for 48 h until calves experienced all six treatment combinations. Finally, calves were given free access to all four substrates simultaneously for 48 h. Lying behaviour and location in the pen was recorded for 24 h at the end of each experimental period using handycams and accelerometers. Preference was determined based on lying times on each substrate. The insulating properties of each substrate were assessed using iButtons®. During the initial free choice period, the proportion of time spent standing (p < .001) and lying (p < .001) was influenced by substrate. Calves spent a higher proportion of time on sawdust (88%) than all other substrates (rubber: 6%, sand: 4% and stones: 3%). When restricted to each substrate, calves spent more (p .05) of rearing substrate on the frequency of jumps, buck/kicks, head to object and mount/frontal pushing. Calves spent more (p .05) of rearing substrate on the number and duration of lying bouts. We detected no effect (p > .05) of rearing substrate on concentrations of cortisol, lactate, glucose, or white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte count or the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. The insulating properties were greatest for sawdust and lowest for sand. During the pairwise choice period, calves had a strong preference for one substrate over another, spending on average, 89% of their time on the preferred surface. Calves preference ranking was for sawdust, rubber, sand then stones as determined by the proportion of time spent on each surface. At the end of the study, when given free access to all rearing substrates again, calves spent a higher proportion of time on sawdust (85%) than all other substrates (rubber: 5%, sand: 7% and stones: 3%). In conclusion, dairy calves showed a clear preference for sawdust over rubber, sand and stones. This preference remained consistent over the course of the study. The calves’ preference for sawdust may be associated with the physical and thermal properties in comparison to the alternative substrates. However, factors such as cost to the farmer, availability and practicality of alternative substrates need to be considered along with animal preferences before any recommendations can be made

Child-rearing With Minimal Domination: A Republican Account

Parenting involves an extraordinary degree of power over children. Republicans are concerned about domination, which, on one view, is the holding of power that fails to track the interests of those over whom it is exercised. On this account, parenting as we know it is dominating due to the low standards necessary for acquiring and retaining parental rights and the extent of parental power. Domination cannot be fully eliminated from child-rearing without unacceptable loss of value. Most likely, republicanism requires that we minimise children’s domination. I examine alternative models of child-rearing that are immune to republican criticism

Parental rearing style as a predictor of attachment and psychosocial adjustment during young adulthood

Parental rearing-styles are crucial for psychosocial adjustment both during childhood and adulthood. The current study examined whether: (a) parental rearing-styles predicted psychosocial adjustment in young-adulthood, (b) this relationship was mediated by attachment styles , and ( c ) gender differences occur in these relationships. Two hundred and forty (103 male and 132 female) university students completed measures assessing parental rearing-style , current attachment style, romantic relationship satisfaction, friendship quality, self-esteem, and social competence. Multigroup structural equation modelling, conducted separately by gender, revealed that parental rearing-style predicted psychosocial adjustment during young-adulthood. Further, there was also evidence of gender differences and that self-models and other-models of attachment mediated this relationship. Together, these findings reinforce the importance of perceived parental rearing-style for subsequent psychosocial adjustment