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| 2. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Analysis of the Sustainability of Fattening Systems for Iberian Traditional Pig Production through a Technical and Environmental Approach
- 2021
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In: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple SummaryIberian traditional pig production has been linked to the use of the natural resources of the dehesa ecosystem. In the last decades, the Spanish livestock sector has experienced a significant transformation towards the intensification of livestock systems. The intensification of the system combined with the increased demand for high-quality Iberian products resulted in a greater demand for feedstuffs as inputs into the Iberian pig production system. For these reasons, the Iberian pig exploitation in the dehesa ecosystem should be studied considering economic and environmental criteria to identify strategies for more sustainable livestock production. From the analyses carried out, the relationship between livestock management and environmental values obtained has been determined. Iberian traditional pig production has room for improvement in terms of economic and environmental values. In order to achieve this, appropriate fattening strategies should be implemented to optimize the use of available resources and improve economic-environmental performance for sustainable development. The importance of exploring sustainable management on this animal system derives because a sustainable Iberian traditional pig production has an important role in maintaining the population in rural areas through livestock activity as an economic engine.At present, two types of fattening are carried out in Iberian traditional pig production. The montanera is the fattening system where fatteners are fed on acorns and pasture in the dehesa, and cebo de campo is the fattening where the pigs are fed on compound feed and natural resources, mainly pasture. The aim of this paper is to analyze Iberian fattening production from an economic and environmental approach in order to identify fattening strategies to increase the sustainability of this traditional livestock activity. Based on technical-economic and environmental variables, the differences between Iberian farms according to the types of fattening were determined using discriminant analysis techniques. The model based on environmental variables showed a greater predictive ability than that found in the model based on technical-economic variables. Consequently, environmental variables can be used as reference points to classify the Iberian farms according to the type of fattening. Furthermore, canonical correlation analysis allowed to study the relationships between both sets of variables, showing that environmental values had a strong correlation with technical-economic variables. The results of this study show that it is possible to improve the sustainability of Iberian traditional pig production through fattening strategies in both types of fattening.
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| 5. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Assessing, and understanding, European organic dairy farmers’ intentions to improve herd health
- 2016
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In: Preventive Veterinary Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5877 .- 1873-1716. ; 133, s. 84-96
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Many believe the health status of organic dairy herds in Europe should be improved to meet consumers' and legislators' expectations to improve animal welfare. This paper reports on a study in four countries that examined dairy farmers' intentions towards improving the health status of their organic herds through the use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. It was found that farmers across the countries were positive about taking additional preventative measures to improve the health status of their herds. They believed this would not only improve herd physical performance, such as milk yield and fertility, but also achieve greater cost effectiveness and improved job satisfaction for them.Most study farmers would implement a tailored package of improvement measures designed by the study team with higher uptake most likely being by younger farmers, those who make greater use of veterinarians and professional advisory services, and those supplying specialist milk-marketing chains. Furthermore, farmers will be most likely to take-up additional health promotion if compatible with their everyday activities and if they have strong business performance goals aimed at maximising the physical performance of the herd.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Caracterización del bienestar animal en explotaciones de vacuno lechero de la raza Holstein del noreste de España
- 2022
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In: Itea-Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria. - : Asociacion Interprofesional Desarrollo Agrario (AIDA). - 1699-6887 .- 2386-3765. ; 118, s. 239-261
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to evaluate animal welfare, in Holstein dairy cattle farms in the northe-ast of Spain, to assess the influence of heat stress on welfare indicators and to analyse possible welfare differences between farm's typologies. For that purpose, The Welfare Quality (R) protocol was used in 26 farms, in winter and summer. Animal based indicators were assessed and information on resources, management and farm descriptors was collected. From a total of 52 farms visits performed, 67.3 % ob-tained the overall score of acceptable, 28.8 % enhanced and 3.8 % were not classified. Only 14.8 % of the animals did not present any type of integument alteration. Additionally, 73.1 % and 69.2 % of the farms do not use analgesia or anaesthesia respectively during dehorning. Most of the farms (92.3 %) used analgesia and anaesthesia for tail docking. Despite the absence of statistically significant (P > 0.05) dif-ferences in the score of the welfare principles between seasons were observed. On the other hand, sta-tistical differences between seasons (P < 0.05) were observed in the percentage of dirty udders and per-centage of animals with hampered respiration, associated with a higher level heat stress. Finally, no major differences in the welfare criteria were observed between different farm typologies. Most farms achieve the overall score of acceptable but attention is required to cow comfort and pain relief. In the context of climate change, it is important that on-farm welfare assessment protocols covers thermal comfort.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Challenges and priorities for modelling livestock health and pathogens in the context of climate change
- 2016
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In: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0013-9351 .- 1096-0953. ; 151, s. 130-144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate change has the potential to impair livestock health, with consequences for animal welfare, productivity, greenhouse gas emissions, and human livelihoods and health. Modelling has an important role in assessing the impacts of climate change on livestock systems and the efficacy of potential adaptation strategies, to support decision making for more efficient, resilient and sustainable production. However, a coherent set of challenges and research priorities for modelling livestock health and pathogens under climate change has not previously been available. To identify such challenges and priorities, researchers from across Europe were engaged in a horizon-scanning study, involving workshop and questionnaire based exercises and focussed literature reviews. Eighteen key challenges were identified and grouped into six categories based on subject-specific and capacity building requirements. Across a number of challenges, the need for inventories relating model types to different applications (e.g. the pathogen species, region, scale of focus and purpose to which they can be applied) was identified, in order to identify gaps in capability in relation to the impacts of climate change on animal health. The need for collaboration and learning across disciplines was highlighted in several challenges, e.g. to better understand and model complex ecological interactions between pathogens, vectors, wildlife hosts and livestock in the context of climate change. Collaboration between socio-economic and biophysical disciplines was seen as important for better engagement with stakeholders and for improved modelling of the costs and benefits of poor livestock health. The need for more comprehensive validation of empirical relationships, for harmonising terminology and measurements, and for building capacity for under-researched nations, systems and health problems indicated the importance of joined up approaches across nations. The challenges and priorities identified can help focus the development of modelling capacity and future research structures in this vital field. Well-funded networks capable of managing the long-term development of shared resources are required in order to create a cohesive modelling community equipped to tackle the complex challenges of climate change.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of Bovine coronavirus-specific and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus-specific antibodies in serum versus milk samples detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- 2014
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In: Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. - : SAGE Publications. - 1040-6387 .- 1943-4936. ; 26, s. 113-116
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bovine coronavirus (BCV; Betacoronavirus 1) and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are significant causes of enteric and respiratory disease in beef and dairy cattle throughout the world. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are widely used to detect serum antibodies for herd monitoring and prevalence studies. In dairy herds, milk is more readily collected than serum. Hence, in order to investigate the test agreement between serum and milk, both serum and milk samples from 105 cows in 27 dairy herds were analyzed in parallel for presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to BCV and BRSV. The Bland-Altman analyses of data demonstrated good agreement between serum and milk antibody titers for both viruses. The results indicate milk samples are sufficient for surveillance of antibodies to BCV and BRSV.
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| 12. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Comportamiento social en vacuno lechero, redes sociales y su influencia en la dinámica de granja
- 2021
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In: Albétiar. - 1699-7883 .- 2173-6480. ; , s. 4-7
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Las explotaciones son cada vez más grandes, por lo que existen nuevos desafíos estructurales que afectan a las operaciones de manejo e implican menos oportunidades de adaptación. Es necesario comprender bien el comportamiento de las vacas para que el sistema de alojamiento moderno satisfaga sus necesidades y beneficie al animal y al ganadero.
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| 13. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Contribution of non-genetic factors to the reproductive performance of Mirandesa cows
- 2018
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In: Archivos de Zootecnia. - 0004-0592. ; 67, s. 200-210
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Characterization of reproductive traits in Mirandesa beef cattle is important for breed improvement and conservation, mainly due to its little genetic diversity. Reduced individual and maternal performance is often associated with inbreeding depression, which could be further aggravate the environmental effects. In this study, 7386 herd records for Mirandesa were used to characterize the main reproductive traits, like age at first calving (AFC), pregnancy length (PL), calving interval (CI), yearly calving distribution (CD) and productive lifespan (PLf). The non-genetic effects were tested using non-parametric methods, as the target variables were not normally distributed. The median for AFC in Mirandesa was close to 32 months; AFC was affected by the production system, farm and by the year and season of birth. The mean for PL was 287±8.9 days, being affected by parity and calf gender. The median CI, of 378 days, was only affected by the breeding program, parity, season and year. Calving season was unevenly distributed over the year, showing different patterns after the production system. The mean productive lifespan of Mirandesa was 6.45 years, though 20% of the cows presented a PLf longer than ten years. The main non-genetic effects suggested that farmer´s decision and nutrition may constrain the expression of the reproductive traits in Mirandesa breed. This aspect needs to be addressed when designing any breeding programs which should prioritise for the increase in the number of calves per year along with a careful selection of reproducers to decrease reported inbreeding.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Development of a welfare assessment protocol for practical application in Argentine feedlots
- 2022
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In: Applied Animal Behaviour Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1591 .- 1872-9045. ; 253
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The intensification of livestock farming has led to the expansion of feedlots in many countries and Argentina is not an exception. As in any other husbandry context, there is a need to objectively adopt an evidence-based approach to monitoring animal welfare in feedlots. This research aimed to describe the stages that took part in the development process of Bienest.AR, a beef cattle evaluation protocol adapted to the different conditions of the national feedlots, respecting validity, reliability, and feasibility criteria. The process to achieve this goal included the following seven stages: 1- Identification of welfare indicators considering animal- (ABM), resource(RBM) and management-based measurements (MBM), by organising them according to the FAWC Five Freedoms, the Five Domains Model, and the welfare principles and criteria applied by Welfare Quality (R) and AWIN methods; 2- Validation of Gold Standards; 3- Evaluator's training and first reliability testing by Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient; 4- Selection of indicators through focus groups; 5- Field application on 25 farms; 6Feasibility and second reliability testing by Kendall Correlation Coefficient; and 7- Weighing of indicators and defining the classification method. Of the 150 candidate measurements initially obtained from the literature review, 57 were pre-selected and 28 were finally selected based on their validity, reliability and practicality to integrate the final protocol (18 ABM, 8 RBM and 2 MBM). In addition, the final protocol included information about: preliminary interview; sampling order; estimated evaluation time; sample size; equipment required; and steps to follow from arrival at the farm until completion of the evaluation. The protocol was applied in 25 feedlots and 54,238 animals, and required a minimum time of 290 min to a maximum of 495 min to be completed. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) concordance among the observers was found for all the selected ABM analysed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Given the simplicity for its evaluation, the reliability of RBM and MBM included in this protocol has not been evaluated. This research allowed the development of the first standard welfare assessment protocol for beef cattle feedlots in Argentina. Further applications of the described welfare assessment tool in many feedlots will reinforce the validation of the proposed measurements and allow the diagnosis of the global situation of animal welfare in feedlots in Argentina and other countries applying comparable fattening systems.
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| 16. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Do animal health models meet the needs of organic and conventional dairy farmers in Spain and the UK on disease prevention?
- 2022
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In: Veterinary and Animal Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 2451-943X. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Modelling plays an important role in assessing disease risks and the efficacy of preventative actions. However, the extent to which existing models meet the needs of different groups of dairy farmers around disease prevention is unclear. A questionnaire gathered information on disease prevention actions undertaken by organic and conventional dairy farmers in Spain and the UK, and on their information preferences and needs in relation to such actions. A systematic review of animal health modelling articles was undertaken to compare the expressed needs of dairy farmers for information on disease prevention, with the focus and outputs of existing models. Farmer groups differed in needs when planning disease prevention interventions. Most farmers sourced animal health information from veterinarians. Farmers preferred to use practical experience to judge the efficacy of change. To fulfil the expressed needs of dairy farmers, models need to address specific farming contexts and non-economic impacts of change.
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| 17. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Effect of Feeding Level and Breed on the Daily Activity Budget of Lactating Beef Cows Fed Total Mixed Ration
- 2020
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In: Agriculture. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0472. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two feeding levels and two breeds on the daily activity budget of indoor‐housed lactating beef cows fed total mixed ration (TMR). We used a total of 20 cows from Parda de Montaña (PA, n = 14) and Pirenaica (PI, n = 6) breeds. To evaluate the feeding level, PA cows were fed the TMR at the maintenance level and in a restricted amount. To evaluate the breed effect, PA and PI cows were fed at maintenance. All cows were video recorded for 24 consecutive hours at weeks 3, 8 and 13 of lactation. Scan sampling at 10‐ minute intervals was used to obtain information on their daily activity budget. The restricted feeding level did not affect the time standing or lying, but it reduced the time eating the TMR and increased the time exploring and/or eating straw bedding. Both breeds showed a similar daily activity budget, except for the time that they spent foraging straw, which was lower in PA than in PI breed. In conclusion, feeding level and breed of lactating beef cows fed on TMR during the indoor housing period did not affect the main contributors to the daily activity budget.
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| 18. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Effect of type of muscle and Cu supplementation on trace element concentrations in cattle meat
- 2011
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In: Food and Chemical Toxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0278-6915 .- 1873-6351. ; 49, s. 1443-1449
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Considering that meat is an important source of metals exposure to humans it is important to explore trace element concentrations in different types of muscles. Because of the demonstrated effect of Cu-supplementation on mineral status, the influence of Cu-supplementation was also evaluated. Samples of four different muscles (diaphragm, cardiac, semitendinous and pectoral, n = 120) from beef calves receiving typical commercial diets Cu-supplemented (15 mg Cu(2)SO(4)/kg DM) and non-supplemented were taken and acid digested. The levels of non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sn) and essential (Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn) elements were analyzed by ICP-MS. The statistical analyzes included two way Anova, post hoc DHS Tukey and Spearman correlations. The most active and less fat containing muscles showed in general the highest essential and the lowest non-essential trace element accumulation. As and Hg muscular residues are indicative of animal exposure, however, in situations of an adequate mineral status, essential trace element concentrations in muscle are irrespective of the mineral status of the animal and could be possibly related to their own particular muscular metabolism. Cu-supplementation significantly reduced As but caused a significant decrease of Se, which could have significance for the animal's health. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 19. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Effects of turning to 100% organic feed on metabolic status of Swedish organic dairy cows
- 2012
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In: Livestock Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 1871-1413 .- 1878-0490. ; 143, s. 242-248
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since January 2008 the ration for organic herds has been required to be 100% organic (Regulation No. 889/2008). However, this may not satisfy the high energy demands of early lactation cows. We thus investigated the possible effects of 100% organic feed on the energy balance in Swedish organic dairy herds as indicated by the following blood parameters (n = 739 observations): Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and insulin, and the occurrence of clinical ketosis (n = 8769 observations). Thirteen organic and 13 conventional herds were visited and blood samples from 81 cows around parturition ( >= 3 cows per herd) were used. The metabolic status of the same herds under the previous rules was available for comparison. The BHBA, NEFA and insulin levels were different before and after the change of legislation, but the effects were similar in organic and conventional cows. The incidence of clinical ketosis was not associated with herd type or the change of legislation. Thus the change in legislation did not appear to have had any detrimental effects on the metabolic profiles of organic cows in early lactation and there was no evidence that organic cows were metabolically more challenged or had a severe negative energy balance. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Exploring sustainable food choices factors and purchasing behavior in the sustainable development goals era in Spain
- 2021
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present study was (1) to investigate what consumers include within the concept of food sustainability and its link with sustainable consumption, by identifying meaningful consumer typologies from the concept of food sustainability and food choice factors framed by SDG 12, and (2) to know how different farm systems attributes affecting purchase behavior are associated with such typologies. Consumers from two Spanish regions (n = 403) answered a paper questionnaire to know their degree of knowledge of sustainability, and beliefs, behavior, attitudes and preferences towards food sustainability, and the importance given to product characteristics and shopping practices. A principal component analysis was conducted to identify groups with similar answers, to average some of the questions before the final analysis of variance, which includes demographic classes as fixed effects. A cluster analysis using the most representative questions identified two clusters. cluster 1 (68.4%) responded to more sustainability-related attributes, and cluster 2 (31.5%) presented a less-expanded concept of sustainability. The origin of the product and quality certification (local, organic) was important for food purchase practices. The place of residence and gender differences of the consumers were the most influential factors. In the conjoint study, regarding the purchase of Iberian pork, cluster 1 remained unwilling to sacrifice outdoor systems and local breed at the expense of the price, in the case of the Iberian pig production. The most important demographic differentiator was the region of residence of the consumer. In conclusion, consumers are not aware of the wider aspects included in the sustainability concept. Moreover, the concept of sustainability elicits different meanings to the segments of the consumers identified
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| 22. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Exposure to pasture borne nematodes affects individual milk yield in Swedish dairy herds
- 2012
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In: Veterinary Parasitology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-4017 .- 1873-2550. ; 188, s. 93-98
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The association between exposure to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasitism, indicated by elevated individual optical density ratio (ODR) to Ostertagia ostertagi, and individual milk production was analysed in dairy cows. The multivariable analysis also accounted for other sources of variation than exposure to GIN parasitism. Intra- and inter-herd variation in parasite exposure was also evaluated. Organic and conventional herds located in south-east Sweden (13 herds per system) were visited during the housing period 2009-2010. Levels of all major pasture-borne helminths in Sweden (O. ostertagi, Fasciola hepatica and Dictyocaulus viviparus) were determined in bulk tank milk, cow milk and serum (only for O. ostertagi). Their specific antibodies were detected using three different ELISAs (Svanova Biotech) and the optical density of the sample was expressed as ODR. Positive cases of Dictyocaulus and Fasciola were seldom found. Variation in ODR in serum samples for Ostertagia was higher within herds than between herds. Correlations between ODR for Ostertagia in serum and milk parameters were significant and negative. In the multivariable analysis, two models were performed separating data from primiparous and multiparous cows. Results from mixed models showed that daily milk yield was significantly influenced by Ostertagia ODR for multiparous cows. No interactions were found between Ostertagia ODR values and herd type. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 25. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Farm-specific failure costs of production disorders in European organic dairy herds
- 2019
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In: Preventive Veterinary Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5877 .- 1873-1716. ; 168, s. 19-29
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- On-farm decision support in animal health management requires a tailor-made failure costs (FCs) assessment of production disorders for the individual farm. In our study we defined a generic framework to estimate the FC of production disorders in dairy cows. We converted the framework to a practical tool in which the farm-specific FC of mastitis, ketosis, lameness and metritis were estimated for 162 organic dairy farms in four European countries. Along with the structure of the framework, the FC estimation required three distinct types of model input: performance input (related to herd performance parameters), consequential input (related to the consequences of the disorders) and economic input (related to price levels). Input was derived from official herd recordings (e.g. test-day records and animal health recordings) and farmers' responses (e.g. questionnaire replies). The average FC of mastitis, ketosis, lameness and metritis amounted to (sic) 96, (sic) 21, (sic) 43 and (sic) 10 per cow per year, respectively. The variation in FC outcomes was high among farmers and countries. Overall ranking of the disorders based on absolute values was the same for all countries, with mastitis being the costliest disorder followed in order by lameness, ketosis, and metritis. Farm specific estimates can be used to rank production related disorders in terms of their associated failure costs and thus provide valuable insights for herd health management. The practical calculation tool developed in this study should be considered by farmers or herd health advisors to support their animal health practices or advice.
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| 29. |
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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How is the association of teat-end severe hyperkeratosis on udder health and dairy cow behavior?
- 2018
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In: Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire. - 0035-1555. ; 169, s. 30-37
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The teat-end hyperkeratosis is a pathology which causes pain and discomfort in dairy cows, increasing the risk of infection of the mammary gland. A total of 2,957 dairy cows from 43 farms in Portugal were examined to evaluate the teat-end, degree of hyperkeratosis and callosity on 11,828 teats. Factors related to milking management, characteristics of the individual and udder health status with the most severe level of hyperkeratosis were evaluated. The link between stepping and kicking during milking and the levels of hyperkeratosis was also investigated. Most animals observed (70%) showed signs of hyperkeratosis and 12% showed the teat-end more serious types, thick and extreme. The incidence of severe hyperkeratosis was highly variable between farms (1-35%) and front teats showed twice the risk compared to back teats (P < 0.000). A trend towards higher levels of hyperkeratosis in cows with higher milk production was identified (P < 0.094). Hyperkeratosis increased with parity (P < 0.000) and for the period 61-180 days of lactation (P < 0.000). Over-milking influenced hyperkeratosis levels (P < 0.002). Higher levels of hyperkeratosis were observed on cows with a higher incidence of mastitis (P < 0.004). More steps (P < 0.025) but no kicks during milking were also associated with higher levels of hyperkeratosis. The results suggest that hyperkeratosis needs to be monitored in order to prevent and control this pathology, ensuring the udder health and welfare of dairy cows.
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| 33. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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How target-orientated is the use of homeopathy in dairy farming?-A survey in France, Germany and Spain
- 2019
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In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundVeterinary remedies are intended to support animals in their recovery from diseases. Treatment outcome depends not only on the general effectiveness of the remedies themselves, but also on other prerequisites. This is true for antibiotics, but even more so for treatments with homeopathic products which are characterised by their individualised approach. While the effectiveness of homeopathy has been addressed in various clinical control trials, the practical conditions under which homeopathic products are used on dairy farms have not yet been investigated. This study provides an initial insight into the existing prerequisites on dairy farms for the use of homeopathy (i.e. the consideration of homeopathic principles) and on homeopathic treatment procedures (including anamnesis, clinical examination, diagnosis, selection of a remedy, follow-up checks, and documentation) on 64 dairy farms in France, Germany and Spain. The use of homeopathy was assessed via a standardised questionnaire during face-to-face interviews.ResultsThe study revealed that homeopathic treatment procedures were applied very heterogeneously and differed considerably between farms and countries. Farmers also use human products without veterinary prescription as well as other prohibited substances.ConclusionsThe subjective treatment approach using the farmers' own criteria, together with their neglecting to check the outcome of the treatment and the lack of appropriate documentation is presumed to substantially reduce the potential for a successful recovery of the animals from diseases. There is, thus, a need to verify the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments in farm practices based on a lege artis treatment procedure and homeopathic principles which can be achieved by the regular monitoring of treatment outcomes and the prevailing rate of the disease at herd level. Furthermore, there is a potential risk to food safety due to the use of non-veterinary drugs without veterinary prescription and the use of other prohibited substances.
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| 34. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Impacto del cambio climático sobre el bienestar animal en los sistemas ganaderos
- 2020
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In: Itea-Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria. - : Asociacion Interprofesional Desarrollo Agrario (AIDA). - 1699-6887 .- 2386-3765. ; 116, s. 424-443
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- El cambio climático global afecta cada vez más a la producción agrícola y ganadera con un efecto negativo abrumador en la salud y el bienestar del ganado. El sector ganadero tiene la urgencia de ser más eficiente y sostenible y cumplir con estándares más altos de bienestar animal. Los efectos negativos del cambio climático sobre la salud y el bienestar de los animales son la consecuencia de los cambios combinados de la temperatura atmosférica, precipitaciones, y la frecuencia y magnitud de los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos que pueden ser tanto directos como indirectos. Las prácticas agroganaderas deben considerar la necesidad de adaptación continua (resiliencia) a un entorno en constante cambio que ofrezca soluciones para amortiguar los eventos extremos climáticos, la disponibilidad cambiante de nutrientes, la disponibilidad estacional de forraje, la epidemiología de las enfermedades, y otras tensiones que se sumarán a un entorno de condiciones heterogéneas. Esta revisión pretende documentar el conocimiento científico más actualizado sobre el impacto del cambio climático en la salud y el bienestar animal, las estrategias de adaptación de los sistemas ganaderos que pueden implementarse para reducir este impacto, así como identificar las oportunidades para investigar nuevas estrategias de adaptación.
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| 35. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Improving Animal Health on Organic Dairy Farms: Stakeholder Views on Policy Options
- 2020
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although ensuring good animal health is a stated aim of organic livestock farming and an important reason why consumers purchase organic products, the health states actually achieved are comparable to those in conventional farming. Unfortunately, there have been no studies to date that have assessed stakeholder views on different policy options for improving animal health on organic dairy farms. To address this deficit, stakeholder consultations were conducted in four European countries, involving 39 supply-chain stakeholders (farmers, advisors, veterinarians, inspectors, processors, and retailers). Stakeholders were encouraged to discuss different ways, including policy change, of improving organic health states. Acknowledging the need for further health improvements in organic dairy herds, stakeholders generally favoured establishing outcome-oriented animal health requirements as a way of achieving this. However, as a result of differing priorities for animal health improvement, there was disagreement on questions such as: who should be responsible for assessing animal health status on organic farms; and how to define and implement minimum health requirements. The results of the study suggest that future research must fully explore the opportunities and risks of different policy options and also suggest ways to overcome the divergence of stakeholders' interests in public debates.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Modeling heat stress under organic dairy farming conditions in warm temperate climates within the Mediterranean basin
- 2020
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In: Climatic Change. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0165-0009 .- 1573-1480. ; 162, s. 1269-1285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied the effect of heat stress on milk quality in Spanish organic dairy farms using published milk productivity equations. We collected data from 23 weather stations and 14,424 milk test-days for milk yield and milk fat and protein content for the period July 2011 to June 2013. As an indicator of heat stress, we used the maximum daily temperature-humidity index (THI) from 2 days before the milk test date. We fitted the data using hierarchical regression models stratified by farm, cow parity and monthly test-day milk records. The effect of THI was deemed low on biological costs through milk yield. However, the known negative relationship between milk yield and milk quality (protein and fat content) became even steeper when the THI increased, suggesting a significant negative correlation between heat stress and milk quality. Therefore, although the milk yield of cows in the organic farming systems analyzed appeared resilient to heat stress conditions, milk quality, a major selling point for organic dairy products, was negatively affected. The model presented here could be used to predict the potential impacts of different climate change scenarios on dairy farming, and to delineate adaptation strategies within organic systems.
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| 39. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Non-destructive evaluation of carcass and ham traits and meat quality assessment applied to early and late immunocastrated Iberian pigs
- 2021
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In: Animal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1751-7311 .- 1751-732X. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Castration is a common practice in Iberian pigs due to their advanced age and high weight at slaughter. Immunocastration (IC) is an alternative to surgical castration that influences carcass and cut fatness. These traits need to be evaluated in vivo and postmortem. The aims of the present work were (a) to determine the relationship between ham composition measured with computed tomography (CT) and in vivo ultrasound (US) and carcass fat thickness measurements, (b) to apply these technologies to early (EIP) and late (LIP) immunocastrated Iberian pigs in order to evaluate carcass fatness and ham tissue composition and (c) to assess meat quality on these animals and to find the relationships between meat quality traits (namely, intramuscular fat (IMF)) and fat depot thicknesses. For this purpose, 20 purebred Iberian pigs were immunocastrated with three doses of Improvac (R), at either 4.5, 5.5 and 9 or 11, 12 and 14 months of age (EIP or LIP; respectively; n = 10 each) and slaughtered at 17 months of age. Fat depots were evaluated in vivo by US, in carcass with a ruler and in hams by CT. Carcass and cut yields, loin meat quality and loin acceptability by consumers were determined. Also, IMF was determined in the loin and three muscles of the ham. Carcass weight was 14.9 kg heavier in EIP vs LIP, and loin backfat thickness (US- and ruler-measured) was also greater in EIP. Similarly, CT-evaluated ham bone and fat contents were greater and smaller for EIP vs LIP, respectively. Loin and ham IMF were also greater in EIP, but the other meat quality parameters were similar. The acceptability of meat by consumers was high and it did not differ between IC protocols. Correlations between several fat depots measured with the different technologies were high. In conclusion, all these technologies allowed fat depot measurements, which were highly correlated despite being obtained at different anatomical locations. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Animal Consortium.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Priorities and Future Actions for an Effective Use of Phytotherapy in Livestock-Outputs from an Expert Workshop
- 2018
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In: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-1769. ; 4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study reflects on the recognised need for more joined-up, high-quality research on phytotherapy that addresses the current societal challenges in finding alternatives to the use of antibiotics. The study applied a multidisciplinary participatory approach in an expert workshop exercise within the FP7 EU IMPRO project. Prior to this study, a literature review was elaborated on research in the field of phytotherapy as applied to farm animals, cooperation between research bodies and initiatives to reduce the use of antibiotics by using phytotherapeutic remedies. The review was delivered to the participants of the workshop so as to receive feedback on it and enrich the discussion. Different expertise, background in research or veterinary practice, and varying positions regarding phytotherapy were the criteria in targeting participants. A structured workshop was subsequently organised, with questions to experts addressing scientific validation of phytotherapy, effective treatment under farm conditions and necessary developments for the future. Challenges identified by the experts were as follows: poor study designs, lack of reproducibility of studies, poor standardisation of products, cost-benefit concerns, lack of veterinarian training and poor data availability. To overcome obstacles, the need for improved study designs for clinical trials was given priority in order to prove the efficacy of remedies and to implement a monitoring system which enables the assessment of the effectiveness of treatments in farm practice. Reflections in this report are intended to be a resource for scientists, policy makers and end users for an effective use of phytotherapy at farm level.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Schmallenberg virus in Poland endemic or re-emerging? A six-year serosurvey
- 2021
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In: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1865-1674 .- 1865-1682. ; 68, s. 2188-2198
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel arbovirus, called Schmallenberg virus (SBV), emerged in Europe in 2011 infecting domestic as well as wild ruminants. The virus was first detected in Poland during the 2012 vector season. In order to study the SBV post-epidemic period in Poland, over twenty-one thousand domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) were tested for SBV infection between 2013 and 2018. Samples were collected as part of the national Bluetongue virus (BTV) surveillance programme. Thirteen per cent of all samples were collected from animals between 6 months and one year of age. Overall, 37.5% of ruminants tested seropositive. The seroprevalence fluctuated yearly and was highest in 2014 and 2017; however, seroconversion was detected in younger animals throughout the study indicating continuous virus circulation during the 6-year study period. A significantly higher proportion of seropositive animals were detected among cattle and older animals. Uneven distribution of seropositive animals between provinces was identified and may be a result of different housing and breeding practices and/or meteorological conditions influencing local and regional vector abundances, rather than farm stocking densities. A small number of animals were identified as being exposed to both SBV and BTV; this is likely due to the fact that the same Culicoides species transmit these two viruses thus increasing the risk of co-exposure. Considering these results, in addition to virological and entomological studies carried out in Poland previously, it can be concluded that SBV is endemic in Poland with cyclical waves of virus circulation happening every 3-4 years.
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| 47. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in cattle across three livestock pastoral regions in Kenya
- 2021
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In: Dairy. - : MDPI. - 2624-862X. ; 2:3, s. 425-434
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.
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| 48. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Short communication: Identifying key parameters for modelling the impacts of livestock health conditions on greenhouse gas emissions
- 2021
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In: Animal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1751-7311 .- 1751-732X. ; 15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Improved animal health can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity in livestock systems while increasing productivity. Integrated modelling of disease impacts on farm-scale emissions is important in identifying effective health strategies to reduce emissions. However, it requires that modellers understand the pathways linking animal health to emissions and how these might be incorporated into models. A key barrier to meeting this need has been the lack of a framework to facilitate effective exchange of knowledge and data between animal health experts and emissions modellers. Here, these two communities engaged in workshops, online exchanges and a survey to i) identify a comprehensive list of disease-related model parameters and ii) test its application to evaluating models. Fifty-six parameters were identified and proved effective in assessing the potential of farm-scale models to characterise livestock disease impacts on GHG emissions. Easy wins for the emissions models surveyed include characterising disease impacts related to feeding.
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| 49. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Structural characteristics of organic dairy farms in four European countries and their association with the implementation of animal health plans
- 2019
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In: Agricultural Systems. - : Elsevier BV. - 0308-521X .- 1873-2267. ; 173, s. 244-253
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present study was to classify the diversity of organic dairy farms in four European countries according to their structural characteristics and investigate the association of these farm types with implementation of herd health plans. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), followed by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), was used to classify the farms. Data for the analysis came from a survey of 192 organic farms from France, Germany, Spain and Sweden and contained farm and farmer descriptions from which the typologies were derived. Herd health plans was agreed for each farm, via a participatory approach involving the farmers, their veterinarians and other advisors (e.g. dairy advisors) by the use of an impact matrix. The MCA yielded two principal component axes explaining 51.3% of variance. Three farm groups were identified by ARC using the factor scores derived from the MCA. Cluster 1, the most numerous group (56.7% of the sample), had medium herd sizes with moderate use of pasture and moderate intensity of input use. Cluster 2, representing 17.7% of the sample, were the most extensive system and mainly of very small farm size. Cluster 3 (25.5% of the sample and only found in Sweden), had an intensive management approach, but relatively low stocking rate. The analysis also showed that organic dairy farms adopted differentiated strategies towards economic assets and animal health status, according to group membership. The typology therefore provides insights into the potential for advisory strategies relating to husbandry practices, different housing, pasture management and intensity, etc. adapted to different groups of farms. Regarding herd health plan implementation, Cluster 1 was the group with most implemented actions and Cluster 2 with lowest rate of implemented actions. These results may be used as background for directing (tailored) advice strategies, i.e. different types of organic dairy farms (clusters) may require different types of advisory services and recommendations adapted to the specific farm situation in order to deliver future improvements in animal health.
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| 50. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Symposium review: Animal welfare in free-walk systems in Europe
- 2020
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In: Journal of Dairy Science. - : American Dairy Science Association. - 0022-0302 .- 1525-3198. ; 103, s. 5773-5782
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Providing more space per animal, soft bedding, and free roaming in animal housing systems is widely presumed to be beneficial for the welfare of the animals. This observational study aimed to investigate the basis of this assumption in free-walk housing systems (FWS) for dairy cows in Europe. The dairy cattle Welfare Quality assessment protocol was adapted for application to FWS, and the focus was on animal-based measures, from individual cow scoring to comfort around resting. The study was conducted on 41 farms [21 FWS and 20 cubicle housing (CH)] from 6 European countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Sweden) displaying a variety of management systems. A total of 4,036 animals were scored. We found differences in animal welfare under different management conditions. The hindquarters and lower hind legs of cows from FWS were dirtier than those of cows in CH, but we found no difference in the dirtiness of udders or teats. Cows from FWS showed fewer hairless patches in all body areas except the neck; fewer lesions in the lower hind legs and hindquarters; and less swelling in the lower hind legs, flanks, and carpus than cows from CH. The prevalence of sound cows appeared to be higher in FWS, and moderate lameness prevalence was lower compared with CH. We found no difference in the prevalence of severe lameness between systems. We conducted a total of 684 observation sessions of comfort around resting, consisting of 830 lying down and 849 rising up movements. Cows in FWS took less time to lie down, had less difficulty rising up, and had fewer collisions with the environment during both behaviors than cows in CH. Cows lay partly or completely outside the supposed lying area less frequently in FWS than in CH. Cows in FWS adopted comfortable lying positions more often compared with CH, showing a higher occurrence of long and wide positions than cows in CH. Short positions were more common in FWS, and narrow positions were slightly more common in CH. We found large variations in animal-based measures between study herds and within housing systems. However, the observed patterns associated with each system demonstrated differences in cow scoring and comfort around resting. This study shows that a wide range of good and bad management practices exist in FWS, especially related to cow hygiene.
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