| 1. |
- 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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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- 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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| 4. |
- 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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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- 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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| 7. |
- 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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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- 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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| 10. |
- 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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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- 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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| 15. |
- 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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| 16. |
- 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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| 17. |
- 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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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- 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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| 21. |
- 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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| 22. |
- 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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| 23. |
- 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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| 24. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Targeting environmental and technical parameters through eco-efficiency criteria for Iberian pig farms in the dehesa ecosystem
- 2022
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In: Agriculture. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0472. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Eco-efficiency could be defined as the simultaneous ability to achieve acceptable economic results with the least possible environmental degradation. Its analysis in crop and livestock production systems has become a hot topic among politicians and scientists. Pig pasture production systems are in high commercial demand because they are associated with high quality and environmentally friendly products. This work aimed to assess the eco-efficiency of pig farms and subsequently explore the determinants of inefficiency in the dehesa ecosystem in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Farmers from 35 randomly selected farms were interviewed to obtain farm-level data. The eco-efficiency level was calculated through a joined data envelopment analysis (DEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Subsequently, a truncated Tobit model was applied to determine factors associated with inefficiency. The results of the research revealed that Iberian pig farms are highly eco-efficient. The estimated average eco-efficiency score is 0.919 and ranges from 0.479 to 1, suggesting that the average farm could increase its value by about 8.1%. This means that the aggregate environmental pressures could be reduced by approximately this proportion (8%) while maintaining the same input level. The determinants related to social and demographic characteristics that positively affected eco-efficiency were the number of children, while years of farm activity and educational level had a negative effect. On the other hand, farm’s characteristics and the type of management, the percentage of own surface area, the percentage of livestock use, and the high proportion of pigs fattened in montanera, positively affected the eco-efficiency level.
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| 25. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Understanding consumers' perceptions towards Iberian pig production and animal welfare
- 2020
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In: Meat Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0309-1740 .- 1873-4138. ; 172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Spanish market offers a greater variety of Iberian pork products. The aim of this paper is to determine the perception of consumers of several aspects of Iberian pig production and animal welfare depending on the consumers' characteristics. Consumers from two Spanish regions (n = 403) answered a questionnaire about their beliefs and the importance of pig production, their purchase intentions and their willingness to pay. Consumers were segmented according to their level of knowledge about Iberian pig production. The results of this work indicate that consumers have poor knowledge about Iberian pig production. Even so, consumers show a remarkable preference for Iberian products, especially when the animals are reared freely and in natural conditions, giving great importance to animal welfare. Consumer preferences indicate the importance of emphasizing Iberian traditional pig product characteristics on the label to promote their purchase choices.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Welfare implications on management strategies for rearing dairy calves: A systematic review. Part 1–feeding management
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-1769. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Calves are very susceptible to stress in the early stages of life, and it is necessary to ensure maximum welfare. Feeding management has been identified as a major risk factor for calf health and welfare at this stage. However, the management protocol for calf rearing and its impact on animal welfare is unclear. A systematic review of dierent management strategies for rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare was conducted using an electronic search strategy. In this review, management strategies were studied to identify scientific gaps, to know the welfare problems of these animals in order to prioritize actions and future research and to study the interpretive approach of this management from the three welfare spheres. Methods: A protocol was used to analyze and extract information from the studies. Of the 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria for the management or welfare of calves’ items. Results: The publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups feeding and socialization, based on the main topic of the publication. The main topics that emerged from the search in the feeding management group were milk replacer, colostrum, and weaning, divided into the three main areas of biological functioning and health, natural life and aective states or cognitive judgement. Discussion: The main issues to be addressed were the dierent types of feed consumed by animals from birth to weaning and the weaning management. It has been found that the most researched issues are colostrum and solid starter feed management. Unresolved issues were highlighted, such as the lack of a clear protocol for the administration of milk replacers to reduce hunger and the best management of weaning to reduce stress.
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| 29. |
- Blanco Penedo, Isabel
(author)
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Welfare implications on management strategies for rearing dairy calves: A systematic review. Part 2 – Social management
- 2023
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In: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - 2297-1769. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Raising a healthy calf up to puberty is essential for optimal farm performance. It is therefore, it is necessary to promote animal welfare from the three spheres during this short period. Social management has been postulated as essential in lowering stress and consequently improving calf welfare during this period. Only the health sphere has been studied for a long time, but more recent studies have recently promoted positive experiences and emotional states from affective states or cognitive judgment and natural living spheres. A systematic review of different management strategies in rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare has been conducted using an electronic search strategy.Methods: The analysis and extraction of information from the studies were performed according to a protocol. From 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria.Results: The publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups, feeding and social management, based on the main topic of the publication. This review provides an overview of social management, understood as the calf’s interaction with others around it.Discussion: Primary social management issues that emerged were social housing with congeners, separation from the mother and human-animal interaction, distributed in the three broad spheres of animal welfare. The review highlights unresolved questions about how social management practices affect the three spheres of animal welfare at this life stage and the need to standardize good socialization practices for this stage. In conclusion, all the information shows that social housing has improved animal welfare from affective states, cognitive judgment, and natural living spheres. However, gaps in research were identified in relation to the optimal time to separate the calf from the mother, the optimal time to group with conspecifics after birth and group size. Further research on positive welfare through socialization are needed.
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| 30. |
- Emanuelson, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Animal Health in Compost-Bedded Pack and Cubicle Dairy Barns in Six European Countries
- 2022
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In: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary Dairy barns with compost-bedded pack housing systems are relatively new in Europe. They have housing systems that are vastly different from traditional tie-stall or cubicle housing and provide possibilities for improved animal welfare. However, it is important to investigate how actual cow health is influenced. We used readily available data from 32 dairy herds throughout Europe, half of which had compost-bedded pack housing and half cubicle housing, to investigate differences in dairy cow health. We found that herds with compost-bedded packs had poorer udder health than did herds with cubicles, while they seemed to have fewer problems with reproductive disorders. Our conclusion was that there were few, relatively minor differences between the systems. This knowledge is valuable for farmers interested in applying new housing systems for dairy cows and for consumers who want to stay informed about production conditions in dairy herds. The purpose of this study was to compare animal health in compost-bedded pack (CBP) and cubicle housing (CH) systems using data from dairy herd improvement associations. Thirty-two commercial dairy farms located in Austria, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Slovenia, and Sweden were included in the study. A matching design (pairing CBP and CH within country) according to herd selection criteria was used. We explored the following health indicators: somatic cell counts (SCC), high SCC, new high SCC, ketosis risk, prolonged calving intervals, dystocia, and stillbirth. Traits for culling and culling-related issues, such as length of life and length of productive life, were also included. We used multivariable (mixed) linear and logistic regression models to evaluate differences between the systems. Udder health, as measured by SCC, was inferior in CBP, although the geometric means were low in both systems. The incidence of stillbirths was higher in CBP, while prolonged calving intervals were fewer, indicating that there were fewer reproductive disorders. There were no differences in longevity between the systems, although CBP had lower proportions of first calvers. Overall, we conclude that there were few and minor differences in health and longevity between the CBP and CH systems in the European context.
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| 31. |
- Emanuelson, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Freewalk - internationale Untersuchungen zum Kompoststall als innovatives Rinderhaltungssystem mit freier Liegefläche
- 2021
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Erstmals wurden Kompoststallsysteme länderübergreifend genauer analysiert. Das EU-Projekt „FreeWalk“ konnte hierzu wichtige Ergebnisse in verschiedensten Arbeitspaketen darlegen und das richtige Management eines solchen Systems beleuchten. Die Funktion dieses Stallsystems unter intensiver Betrachtung des Tierwohles wurde dabei dem Stand der Technik des Liegeboxenlaufstalles gegenübergestellt. In 44 Pilotbetriebe aus 6 Ländern (Österreich, Deutschland, Italien, Slowenien, Schweden und die Niederlande) welche sich in 21 Kompoststallsysteme und 20 Liegeboxenlaufställe gliederten, wurden zahlreiche Analysen durchgeführt. In diesem Beitrag wird eine Auswahl der Projektergebnisse in Zusammenarbeit internationaler Wissenschafterinnen und Wissenschaftern unter Einbeziehung der Ergebnisse aus den Betriebsbesuchen im österreichischen Teilprojekt als Kurzbeitrag dargestellt. Weitere Ergebnisse können dem Projektabschlussbericht sowie einer Reihe von wissenschaftlichen Publikationen entnommen werden.Im Bereich des Systemmanagements werden Kompoststallsysteme manchmal für ein arbeitsintensives System gehalten, wobei die Ergebnisse gezeigt haben, dass das Management in diesen, deutlich weniger Zeit (d.h. Arbeit) benötigt als in vergleichbaren Liegeboxensystemen. Die Einsparungen, die mit der Reduzierung des Arbeitsaufwands verbunden sind, können jedoch die signifikant höheren Einstreukosten, die bei Kompoststallungen festgestellt wurden, nicht kompensieren. Hinsichtlich Tierwohl gab es eine große Variation in der Prävalenz von tierbezogenen Indikatoren zwischen den untersuchten Herden und innerhalb der Haltungssysteme. Zwischen den beiden untersuchten Haltungssystemen zeigten sich jedoch Unterschiede bei den klinischen Indikatoren (Lahmheiten, Integumentschäden, Sauberkeit der Tiere, etc.) und im Liegeverhalten. Gute und schlechte Managementpraktiken gibt es in beiden Systemen, aber der Kompoststall hat das Potenzial, das Wohlbefinden von Milchkühen zu verbessern. Bakterienanalysen im Hinblick auf die Milchqualität zeigten größere Mengen an Sporen von XTAS in der Einstreu, wenn die Temperatur hoch und die Feuchtigkeit in der Einstreu niedrig ist. Eine feuchte Einstreu kann XTAS verringern, wobei die Empfehlung vor allem auf eine trockene Einstreu ausgerichtete ist. Das Einstreumanagement sollte eher auf einem niedrigen Feuchtigkeitsgehalt (40 bis 50 °C) ausgerichtet sein, da eine trockene Einstreu die Beine, das Euter und die Zitzen sauber hält sowie die Risiken für Mastitis minimiert.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Grundin, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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”The Swedish experience” – a summary on the Swedish efforts towards a low and prudent use of antibiotics in animal production
- 2020
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In 1986, Sweden, as the first country in the world banned all use of antibiotics as growth promoters in food animal production. Today Sweden has the third lowest sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents for food producing animals in Europe. In 2018, total sales of antibiotics for animal use in Sweden were 10 042 kg active substance as compared to 53.4 tonnes in 1984 (before the ban). The low use of antibiotics in animals and the comparatively favorable situation in Sweden with regards to antibiotic resistance are the results of decades of inter-sectorial collaboration and work on disease prevention and animal health. This review is a quick summary of the Swedish work towards a low and prudent use of antibiotics, including figures on antibiotic use in Swedish production animals and a discussion about important success factors as well as lessons learned.
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| 34. |
- Gröndal, Hedvig, et al.
(author)
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Restrictive but not restricted: perspectives on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance among Swedish dairy veterinarians
- 2021
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In: Veterinary Record Open. - : Wiley. - 2052-6113 .- 2399-2050. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aimsIn Europe, the antimicrobial use (AMU) for food-producing animals has decreased rapidly. However, studies indicate that a too strict policy, with too restrictive AMU, is potentially problematic for veterinarians because it threatens animal welfare and creates tensions between farmers and veterinarians. The AMU in Sweden is among the lowest in Europe, and regulation of AMU in farm animals is strict. The aim of our study was to explore how Swedish veterinarians describe the relations between (1) being restrictive with antibiotics due to the risk of AMR and (2) concerns for animal welfare and/or the veterinarian-client relationship.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 21 veterinarians, working with dairy cattle, were performed. The transcripts were analysed, and a number of dominant patterns which recurred in all, or most of, the interviews were identified.ResultThe interviewed veterinarians described AMR prevention and tackling the threat AMR poses towards public health, as central for their profession and as influencing their everyday practice and decisions on AMU. Importantly, veterinarians described accounting for AMR in everyday practice as fairly unproblematic, both in relation to animal welfare as well as in relation to farmers. The veterinarians generally perceived that they could treat animals with antibiotics when justified, and being restrictive with antibiotics was described as an expression of professional skill and not as challenging as animal welfare. Moreover, they stated that restrictive AMU seldom or never caused conflicts with farmers.ConclusionStrict AMU policy and restrictive AMU do not necessarily put veterinarians in a problematic position where they are caught between conflicting demands and risks.
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| 35. |
- Gröndal, Hedvig, et al.
(author)
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Trust, agreements, and occasional breakdowns: Veterinarians' perspectives on farmer-veterinarian relationships and use of antimicrobials for Swedish dairy cattle
- 2023
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In: Journal of Dairy Science. - : American Dairy Science Association. - 0022-0302 .- 1525-3198. ; 106, s. 534-546
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studies have shown that farmer-veterinarian relationships influence antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock, though how they do so is unclear. On the one hand, research shows that well-established veterinarian-farmer relationships are positive for implementation of antibiotic stewardship and restrictive AMU. On the other hand, studies also show that farmer demands can increase antimicrobial prescribing and that prescribing antimicrobials can strengthen the veterinarian's relationship with farmer clients. In the present study, we focus on veterinarians' perspectives on the relationships between dairy cattle farmers and veterinarians in Sweden and explore what characterizes these relationships when restrictive AMU is described as unproblematic and when AMU becomes a matter of tension or conflict. The study draws on semistructured interviews with 21 veterinarians working with livestock in Sweden. Interviews were analyzed thematically. The study shows that from the perspectives of veterinarians, well-established veterinarian-farmer relationships generally facilitate restrictive AMU in 3 slightly different but related ways: (1) they create trust in the veterinarian and their prescribing decisions; (2) they create shared understanding concerning when antimicrobials are needed and not needed; and (3) they facilitate constructive discussions between veterinarians and farmers on AMU. To make the farmer feel listened to and to come to an agreement on AMU was described as central for the veterinarians. However, the veterinarians described agreements on restrictive AMU as sometimes requiring strategic work, such as discussions to motivate the farmer and leave the door open for antimicrobials later if needed. Such work takes time and energy and is easier within well-established relationships according to the veterinarians. We also identified examples where veterinarians explained that they occasionally make compromises with farmers concerning antimicrobials—compromises that, according to the veterinarians, facilitate the relationship with the farmer, which in turn facilities restrictive AMU in the longer term. The examples in our interviews where antimicrobials became a matter of tension and even conflict between veterinarians and farmers could, with a few exceptions, be traced to absence of well-established relationships. However, some veterinarians also described AMU as a matter of tension within well-established relationships, especially with older farmers who do not trust new treatment strategies. We also found a small number of examples where disagreements on antimicrobials made a relationship with specific farmers impossible. Thus, even though the interviewed veterinarians generally meant that their restrictive antimicrobial prescribing did not threaten the relationship with the farmer, our study also, to some extent, confirms research showing that restrictive AMU can harm the relationship with some clients who simply choose another, less restrictive, veterinarian. In summary, our study supports that decisions on AMU cannot be reduced to the individual prescriber's behavior, nor to a strict medical judgment. Antimicrobial use for dairy cattle needs to be understood as taking form in relationships in which both veterinarians and farmers are active parts.
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| 36. |
- Obanda, Vincent, et al.
(author)
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Livestock Presence Influences the Seroprevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus on Sympatric Wildlife in Kenya
- 2021
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In: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 21:10, s. 809-816
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic viral disease with the potential of causing public health emergencies. However, less is known about the role of wildlife and livestock in spreading the virus. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the interactions between African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle may influence the seroprevalence of CCHF across livestock-wildlife management systems in Kenya. The study included archived sera samples from buffalo and cattle from wildlife only habitats (Lake Nakuru National Park and Solio conservancy), open wildlife-livestock integrated habitats (Maasai Mara ecosystem and Meru National Park), and closed wildlife-livestock habitats (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) in Kenya. We analyzed 191 buffalo and 139 cattle sera using IDvet multispecies, double-antigen IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence toward Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was significantly higher for buffalo compared to cattle (75.3% and 28.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). We obtained the highest seroprevalence among buffalo of 92.1% in closed wildlife only systems compared to 28.8% and 46.1% prevalence in closed-integrated and open-integrated systems, respectively. The regression coefficients were all negative for cattle compared to buffalo in both closed-integrated and open-integrated compared to wildlife only system. Our results show that CCHFV circulates among the diverse animal community in Kenya in spatially disconnected foci. The habitat overlap between cattle and buffalo makes cattle a "bridge species" or superspreader host for CCHFV and increases transmission risks to humans. The effect of animal management system on prevalence is depended on tick control on the cattle and not the animal per se. We conclude that buffalo, a host with a longer life span than livestock, is a reservoir and may serve as a sentinel population for longitudinal surveillance of CCHFV.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Åkerfeldt, Magdalena, et al.
(author)
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Health and welfare in organic livestock production systems—a systematic mapping of current knowledge
- 2021
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In: Organic Agriculture. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1879-4238 .- 1879-4246. ; 11, s. 105-132
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This review aimed to systematically map and summarize the status of animal health and welfare in organic production. The prevalence of diseases and behavioural effects in organic dairy cow, beef cattle, sheep, pig, laying hen and broiler chicken were discussed in the context of the organic values and current knowledge on animal health and welfare. In total 166 peer-reviewed scientific publications between 2008 and 2020 were included. No strong evidence for neither inferior nor distinctly higher animal welfare in organic compared with conventional production could be supported. The welfare status of organic livestock is in general good in relation to the OIE definition of animal health and welfare. However, organic systems are still facing several challenges related to animal health and the arising of goal conflicts due to management and practical implications. Greater possibilities to perform species-specific behaviours in organic production systems, however, indicate that the organic standards offer a good framework for high animal welfare management. For organic dairy farmers, the main health problems are similar to those of non-organic farms; especially mastitis and lameness need improvement. Parasites, together with mastitis and lamb mortality, are important welfare issues in organic sheep production. Piglet mortality, leg problems, parasite load and increasing respiratory problems are of major relevance in organic pig production. For organic laying hens, major health challenges relate to feather pecking and cannibalism, parasites and possibilities to express species-specific behaviours. For organic broilers, dermatitis of footpads, hocks and breast are reported as main health issues.
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