Tag Archives: animal welfare

1031-1046 O. Aleksandrova, A. Põder, M. Kukk, A.-H. Viira and H. Tamm
The role of ICT and animal welfare concerns in Estonian food purchasing channel preferences
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The role of ICT and animal welfare concerns in Estonian food purchasing channel preferences

O. Aleksandrova¹, A. Põder¹²*, M. Kukk¹, A.-H. Viira¹³ and H. Tamm²

¹Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Chair of Rural Economics, Kreutzwaldi 1a, EE51006 Tartu, Estonia
²Estonian Dairy Cluster, Aretuse 2, EE61406 Märja, Tartu, Estonia
³The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, Agricultural Research Department, J. Aamisepa 1, EE48309 Jõgeva, Estonia
*Correspondence: anne.poder@emu.ee

Abstract:

The modern consumer is now more attentive to animal welfare practices, and this is an important factor when making food purchasing decisions. Different levels of concern for animal welfare as well as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) affect consumer food consumption and purchasing decisions and information access. This study explored both consumer preferences for food purchasing channels by using principal component analysis and regression analysis as well as the interaction between ICT use and animal welfare concerns. To analyse consumer preferences for food purchasing channels, we utilised data from a survey on the use of various retail outlets, such as buying online, retail stores, local markets, directly from producers, and organic or specialised shops. We used the varimax rotation method in principal component analysis to find the main factors in consumer choices related to animal health and welfare. Results from five generalised linear models indicated that Estonian consumers are more willing to purchase products of animal origin directly from producers or in organic or specialised shops when they pay attention to animal health and welfare. Animal health and general welfare practices aimed at ensuring the safety of food in large-scale production and distribution are significant for retail shop users. More frequent ICT use does not translate to a preference for online food shopping over more traditional retail purchasing. Compared with other age-gender groups, younger women prefer to buy food directly from producers. Older individuals in particular favour purchasing food from traditional retail stores rather than online. Consumers who prefer to buy food online are more concerned about animal health and welfare.

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110-126 J.C. Ferreira, P.F.P Ferraz, G.A.S. Ferraz, F.M. Oliveira, V.G. Cadavid, G. Rossi and V. Becciolini
Spatial variability of methane and carbon dioxide gases in a Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system
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Spatial variability of methane and carbon dioxide gases in a Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system

J.C. Ferreira¹, P.F.P Ferraz¹*, G.A.S. Ferraz¹, F.M. Oliveira¹, V.G. Cadavid², G. Rossi³ and V. Becciolini³

¹Federal University of Lavras, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University Campus, PO Box 3037 - CEP 37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Genética Molecular (BIOGEM). Carrera 65 #59A-110, postal code 050034 Medellín, Colombia
³University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, 13 Via San Bonaventura, IT 50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: patricia.ponciano@ufla.br

Abstract:

The dairy sector significantly contributes to global food production, however, it is closely associated with environmental concerns, specifically the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The research problem focuses on the environmental impact of livestock farming, particularly in relation to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the spatial variability of CH4 and CO2, as well as the thermal environment through the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and of air velocity (V, m s-1) in a Compost Bedded Pack (CBP). The experiment was carried out in October 2023, in a commercial dairy cattle facility measuring 54×22×4.5 m (length×width×height) that housed 80 lactating cows. Measurements were collected at 75 points, 0.25 m above the bedding, for one minute in each point. To characterize the distribution of gases and the thermal environment, the data were underwent geostatistical techniques and kriging maps. THI values ranged from 72.4 to 78.4, categorizing the animals into two environments within the facility, comfort and alert to thermal conditions. The maximum recorded for CO2 was 713.60 ppm in the region with a low ventilation incidence. CH4 reached a ranging from 103.38 to 196.73 ppm in areas with low ventilation and higher temperatures. The use of geostatistics enabled the characterization of spatial variability of greenhouse gases CH4 and CO2, as well as THI and V. Analyzing these variables is crucial for implementing mitigation actions and developing an increasingly sustainable production system.

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1233-1245 G.L. Nepomuceno, D. Cecchin, F.A. Damasceno, P.I.S. Amaral, V.R. Caproni, G. Rossi, G. Bambi and P.F.P Ferraz
Compost barn system and its influence on the environment, comfort and welfare of dairy cattle
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Compost barn system and its influence on the environment, comfort and welfare of dairy cattle

G.L. Nepomuceno¹, D. Cecchin¹*, F.A. Damasceno², P.I.S. Amaral³, V.R. Caproni², G. Rossi⁴, G. Bambi⁴ and P.F.P Ferraz²

¹Federal Fluminense University, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Street Passo da Pátria, n. 156, Boa Viagem, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
²Federal University of Lavras, Agricultural Engineering Department, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, CEP 37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
³José do Rosário Vellano University, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
Rodovia MG-179 km 0, s/n - Bairro Trevo, BR 37130-000 Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁴University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, IT13-50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@id.uff.br

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the thermal environment on behavioral and physiological parameters of crossbred cows of different productivity levels confined in a compost barn system. For this, air temperature (Tdb) and relative humidity (RH) data were measured using sensors/registers and wind speed (Vair) was recorded with the aid of an anemometer. Subsequently, these data were used to calculate the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). Bedding material variables (pH and humidity) were also evaluated. The animals were evaluated for physiological variables (respiratory rate – RR and surface temperature – ST), scores (body condition, locomotion and dirt) and behavior. The analyses were carried out on two groups of cows (Group 1: high production vs. Group 2: medium and low production). The average pH of the bedding material was 8.5, within the recommended range. In the case of the physiological responses of the cows, the respiratory rate (RR) of Group 1 indicated better conditions of thermal comfort in the morning vs. the afternoon. The system was efficient in both groups based on body condition score, indicating favorable conditions for the health of the animals. Regarding the behavioral evaluation, Group 1 and 2 were statistically similar and had the longest rumination times, in relation to the other evaluated behaviors. Regarding active periods, medium production were the most active. Regarding idle time, low production spent more time idle than the other animals.

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1049-1057 R.R. Andrade, I.F.F. Tinôco, F.A. Damasceno, D.A. Valente, C.E.A. Oliveira, V.C. Oliveira, G. Rossi and M. Barbari
Analysis of environmental conditions in two different Compost Bedded Pack Barn systems for dairy cattle
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Analysis of environmental conditions in two different Compost Bedded Pack Barn systems for dairy cattle

R.R. Andrade¹, I.F.F. Tinôco², F.A. Damasceno³, D.A. Valente², C.E.A. Oliveira², V.C. Oliveira², G. Rossi⁴ and M. Barbari⁴

¹Federal University of Goiás, Department of Biosystems Engineering, College of Agronomy, BR74690-900, Goiânia, Brazil
²Federal University of Viçosa, Engineering Department, BR36570-000 Viçosa,
Minas Gerais, Brazil
³Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁴University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: matteo.barbari@unifi.it, rafaella.andrade@ufg.br

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to analyse and compare the thermal environment of dairy cattle facilities in an open compost bedded pack barn (CBP) with natural ventilation and closed CBP (without thermal insulation) and climate control system. The research was conducted in a property located in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During the summer and for different periods of the day, the following average environmental variables observed inside the facilities were measured: dry bulb temperature, relative humidity and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). The results were submitted to an analysis of variance to determine the significance of the variables in the different treatments. It was found that the closed and climate control system CBP promoted greater control of the facility’s internal microclimate, registering smaller thermal amplitudes and a greater reduction in the animals’ exposure time to stressful thermal conditions, compared to the CBP with natural ventilation. However, during summer afternoons, comfort indices indicated moderate stress. It is concluded that the closed CBP, regarding the analysed variables, indicated potential use, provided that a careful study of the climate of the region is carried out before implementation, the factors related to the ambient conditioning and better insulation of the construction are adjusted. The climatic variables inside the open CBP indicated a high stress condition for the animals, suggesting the placement of positive pressure fans and sprinklers properly distributed in the feed alley, to guarantee benefits to the entire area of the animal housing.

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1756-1762 P.F.P. Ferraz, V.G. Cadavid, G.A.S. Ferraz, J.A.O. Saraz, G. Rossi and M. Barbari
Decision three to predict respiratory rate of piglets submitted to cold conditions
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Decision three to predict respiratory rate of piglets submitted to cold conditions

P.F.P. Ferraz¹*, V.G. Cadavid², G.A.S. Ferraz¹, J.A.O. Saraz², G. Rossi³ and M. Barbari³

¹Federal University of Lavras, Agricultural Engineering Department, Campus
Universitário, PO Box 3037, CEP 37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Medellin, Facultad de Cuencias Agrarias, Departamento de Ingenieria Agricola y de Alimentos, PO Box 050034 Medellín, Colombia
³University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, 13 Via San Bonaventura, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: paricia.ponciano@ufla.br

Abstract:

Pigs subjected to thermal conditions outside their comfort zones may show altered physiological and behavioural responses, which may consequently cause productive losses. For these reasons, the aim of this paper is to develop a decision tree for the prediction of respiratory rate (RR, mov min-1) of piglets exposed to different thermal situations. The experiment was carried out in an experimental pig farm of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia Campus Medellin, located at the San Pablo Agraria Experimental Station located in the eastern sector of the department of Antioquia, during August 2019. A database containing the raw data for dry bulb temperature – tdb (°C), and relative humidity – RH (%) as input variables, and RR (mov min-1) of six piglets were assessed every two hours as output variable for piglets was generated. The experimental database was composed of 78 observed data. The decision trees were developed to conditions of tdb between 19.2 to 29.5 °C and RH between 50.2 to 88.4%. In the experimental period, RR of piglets submitted to tdb higher than 27.1 °C the RR was around 60 mov min-1, tdb smaller than 27.1 °C the RR varied from 36 to 46 mov min-1. These low values of physiological responses may indicate that the piglets are not in a comfortable situation, so their development, welfare and production can be affected. The decision tree developed can be useful to provide a quick understanding of the piglet’s welfare condition based on the environmental variables and physiological responses.

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1244–1254 P.F.P. Ferraz, V.C. Gonzalez, G.A.S. Ferraz, F.A. Damasceno, J.A.S. Osorio and L. Conti
Assessment of spatial variability of environmental variables of a typical house of laying hens in Colombia: Antioquia state Case
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Assessment of spatial variability of environmental variables of a typical house of laying hens in Colombia: Antioquia state Case

P.F.P. Ferraz¹*, V.C. Gonzalez², G.A.S. Ferraz¹, F.A. Damasceno³, J.A.S. Osorio² and L. Conti⁴

¹Federal University of Lavras – UFLA. Department of Agricultural Engineering – DEA- PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín. Departamento de Ingeniería Agrícola Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Código postal 050034 Medellín, Colombia
³Federal University of Lavras – UFLA. Department of Engineering – DEG- PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁴University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), Via San Bonaventura 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: patricia.ponciano@ufla.br

Abstract:

This paper aimed to analyze the magnitude and spatial variability of environmental variables: Temperature and Relative Humidity Index (THI), Radiant Thermal Load (RTL), Globe Temperature and Relative Humidity Index (BGTH) and Enthalpy (H), inside a house for laying hens, in the state of Antioquia (Colombia) during the month of August. A traditional Colombian poultry house with natural ventilation was used. All variables were manually measured at equally spaced 1.0×1.0 m points, totaling 99 data collection points inside the poultry house. Geostatistical techniques were used through semivariogram analysis, and isochore maps were generated through data interpolation by kriging. The semivariogram was fitted by the restricted maximum likelihood method. The used mathematical model was the spherical one. After adjusting the semivariograms, the data were interpolated by ordinary kriging. The semivariograms and the isochore maps allowed identifying the non-uniformity of the spatial distribution of all evaluated variables throughout the poultry house. The results show that THI, RTL, BGTH and, H presented values above the comfort limits in the most significant part of the poultry house during the observed period. It is possible to concluded that the use of natural ventilation alone was not sufficient to guarantee the homeothermy conditions for the layers. Thus, it is suggested that in addition to natural ventilation, secondary modifications should be used to improve farm productivity.

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783–796 C.E.A. Oliveira, F.A. Damasceno, P.F.P. Ferraz, J.A.C. Nascimento, G.A.S. Ferraz and M. Barbari
Geostatistics applied to evaluation of thermal conditions and noise in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems
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Geostatistics applied to evaluation of thermal conditions and noise in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems

C.E.A. Oliveira¹, F.A. Damasceno¹*, P.F.P. Ferraz¹, J.A.C. Nascimento¹, G.A.S. Ferraz¹ and M. Barbari²

¹Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000, Lavras - Minas Gerais, Brazil
²University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial distribution of thermal conditions and bed variables in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems, through the technique of geostatistics. The experiment was conducted in April 2017, in farms located in Madre de Deus, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three facilities were evaluated with different ventilation systems: natural (NV); mechanical of low volume and high speed (LVHS); and mechanical of high volume and low speed (HVLS). The interior of the premises was divided into 40 meshes equidistant points, in which air temperature, relative humidity and air speed were manually collected. Geostatistics technique was used to assess the spatial dependence of the variables. The results showed the occurrence of dependence and spatial variability of the variables evaluated. Based on thermal comfort indexes, it was concluded that dairy cows were under stress conditions during the hottest hours of the day in the three animal facilities evaluated. The results obtained allow us to understand that the thermal environment is more influenced by the ventilation system adopted.

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385–395 F.A. Damasceno, C.E.A Oliveira, G.A.S Ferraz, J.A.C Nascimento, M Barbari and P.F.P Ferraz
Spatial distribution of thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in compost dairy barn with climate control system
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Spatial distribution of thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in compost dairy barn with climate control system

F.A. Damasceno¹*, C.E.A Oliveira¹, G.A.S Ferraz¹, J.A.C Nascimento¹, M Barbari² and P.F.P Ferraz¹

¹Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial distribution of the thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in climate controlled compost dairy barn. The experiment was conducted in October 2017, in a farm located in the west of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For the study, the interior of the animal facility was divided into 120 meshes equidistant points, in which air temperature (tdb), relative humidity (RH), noise, illuminance, and air speed (Vair) were manually collected. The technique of geostatistics was used to evaluate the distribution and spatial dependence of variables. Spatial distribution maps showed the occurrence of high variability of attributes and content within the animal facility. Thermal environment variables showed alert situations throughout practically the entire facility. The noise and luminance levels were within the recommended values.

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704–710 P.F.P. Ferraz, G.A.S. Ferraz, M. Barbari, M.A.J.G. Silva, F.A. Damasceno, D. Cecchin and J.O. Castro
Behavioural and physiological responses of rabbits
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Behavioural and physiological responses of rabbits

P.F.P. Ferraz¹*, G.A.S. Ferraz¹, M. Barbari², M.A.J.G. Silva¹, F.A. Damasceno¹, D. Cecchin³ and J.O. Castro¹

¹Federal University of Lavras, Agricultural Engineering Departament, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
³Federal University Fluminense, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Campus Praia Vermelha, São Domingos, BR24.210-240 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
*Correspondence: patricia.ponciano@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The profitability of a rabbit farming system must consider the thermal environment that the animal will be exposed during the productive period. The goal of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses and behaviours of 26 New Zealand rabbits during seven days of their lives at three times a day. The experiment was carried out in rabbit house in the Federal University of Lavras at Lavras, Brazil. To characterize the thermal environment sensors were used to measure the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity at 48 points inside the rabbit house, at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In addition, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated. The respiratory rate and the superficial temperature of the rabbits’ ears were measured. Behaviour evaluations were monitored in punctual record, with duration of two min/cage. Later an ethogram was made with the main behaviours identified. Similar data of behaviour and data of physiological responses were identified by using Ward’s method of cluster analysis. It was observed the period of 6 a.m. showed more comfortable conditions of THI values than the others analysed. Besides, physiological responses presented better values at 6:00 a.m. in comparison to 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. Furthermore, in general, a similar behaviour was observed in the rabbits at 12:00 and 6:00 p.m., while at 6:00 a.m. was different. But rabbits demonstrated to be more comfortable at 6 a.m. maybe because at this time environment conditions were better than the rest of the day. Besides, it can be observed that rabbits were more active in sunrise and sunset than in the rest of the day.

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574–581 L. Leso, P. Pellegrini and M. Barbari
Effect of two housing systems on performance and longevity of dairy cows in Northern Italy
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Effect of two housing systems on performance and longevity of dairy cows in Northern Italy

L. Leso, P. Pellegrini and M. Barbari*

University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13. IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: matteo.barbari@unifi.it

Abstract:

The objective of the current study was to evaluate and compare performance of dairy cows housed in compost-bedded pack barns (CBP) and free stall barns, with a focus on longevity-related parameters. Study included 30 commercial dairy farms located in the Po Valley, Italy. Twenty farms had free stall barns, among which 10 used rubber mattresses (FSM) and 10 used deep straw bedding (FSS). The remaining 10 farms had CBP. Monthly dairy herd records were obtained from the Italian DHI association for each farm included in the study over a period of one year. All farms were visited to measure characteristics and dimensions of housing facilities. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association between housing system and the outcome variables. In CBP total available area was larger than both in FSM and FSS. However, space per cow over the bedded pack area in CBP (6.8 ± 2.4 m2 cow-1) was relatively low for this housing system. Milk production was similar among housing systems but somatic cell count and mastitis infection prevalence resulted to be higher in CBP than in FSM and FSS. Calving interval was lower in FSS compared with both FSM and CBP while no differences were found in number of services per pregnancy. Cows housed in CBP were older and had higher parities than those in FSM and FSS while no significant differences in herd turnover rate were detected among housing systems. Results confirm that CBP housing system may improve longevity of dairy cows, which is reported to be one of the most important motivations for building this kind of housing. Nevertheless, CBP housing can pose some challenges in achieving adequate udder health and high milk quality, especially with low space per cow.

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