Il Benessere animale nell'allevamento intensivo del bovino da carne: correlazione tra spazio libero disponibile e parametri produttivi.

Abstract

The aim of this study was carried out using the productive method for animal welfare assessment in intensive beef-calf farming. In order to investigate average daily weight gain (ADWG) in different space-allowance environments, some Italian Friesian calves were penned in three groups, called A, B and C, made up of 10, 12 and 15 calves respectively. Each pen measured 25 square meters. Calves were individually weighed on arrival at the farm, and once every forty five days thereon. Weight data were examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). It evidenced statistical differences (P<0,001) among the groups. A and B Groups showed ADWG higher than that recorded in the ‘overcrowded’ Group C. Furthermore, all the calves were graded into 1st and 2nd commercial categories, during the last weight recording, to achieve an in vivo quality assessment. Commercial grading showed more 1st quality-calves in A and B Groups (9 and 8 respectively) than in Group C, where only four animals were graded as 1st category (P<0.05). Finally, conditioned pathology rate was higher in Group C. As a result, it could be significant for production increase to respect the minimum space-allowance, also considering 91/629/EEC directive