Acknowledgements Book of abstracts - Publicaties - Vlaanderen.be

Book of abstracts of the 4th International Workshop on the 

Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level 

Ghent, 10-13 September 2008 

WAFL

Book of abstracts of the 4th International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal 

Welfare at Farm and Group Level (WAFL), 10-13 September 2008, Ghent, Belgium 

Copyright © WAFL 2008 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a 

retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, 

photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, 

the WAFL 2008 Organising Committee 

Edited by Paul Koene and the WAFL 2008 Scientific Committee 

Printed by Ponsen and Looijen, Wageningen, the Netherlands

Contents 

Welcome address 5 

Acknowledgements 6 

WAFL Sponsors 7 

Congress Venue 11 

Street map 12 

Final programme 13 

Workshops 17 

Keynote papers 19 

Oral papers 27 

Posters 71 

Workshop papers 175 

Detailed content, lists and indexes 189 

3

Welcome address 

One prerequisite for ensuring and improving the quality of life of animals is the development of 

scientifically robust methods for assessing their welfare. There is little doubt that a pet owner who 

pays a lot of attention to his individual animal may somehow know, almost intuitively, how this 

particular animal fares and feels. The specific criteria used to come to this evaluation are hard to 

pin-point. They tend to vary depending on the context, the animal and the pet owner. The emphasis 

of this congress, however, is on the assessment of animal welfare at the level of the population 

instead of the individual animal. For advising farmers on how to house and manage their animals, 

for drafting and implementing legislation and codes of practice for the keeping of laboratory 

animals, for improving the living circumstances of zoo animals, for labelling consumption products 

according to the animal welfare status during production, … scientifically robust methods for 

assessing the welfare of a group of animals are needed. The validity, reliability, applicability, 

strengths and weaknesses of these methods ought to be discussed, peer-reviewed and – hopefully – 

agreed upon by the relevant scientific community. The International Workshop on the Assessment 

of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level (WAFL) offers this opportunity. 

WAFL was organised first in Copenhagen in 1999, subsequently in Bristol in 2002 and in Vienna in 

2005. The number of congress participants increased from about 40 in 1999 to 100 in 2002 and 195 

in 2005 confirming the growing popularity of, and demand for this congress. With 28 oral 

presentations, 62 posters and a small working group session during a single afternoon only, WAFL- 

2005 continued to evolve from an international workshop to a proper scientific congress. 

Respecting the 3-year interval, the Animal Sciences (Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries 

Research - ILVO) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Ghent University - GU) joined forces to 

organise the 4th edition of WAFL in Ghent from 10 to 13 September 2008. An enthusiastic 

scientific committee was established including colleagues from other research institutes from 

Flanders (K.U.Leuven) and the Netherlands (Wageningen University - WU and Utrecht University 

- UU). The mission we set ourselves was to build on from WAFL-2005 by organising a low budget, 

but high quality, scientific congress on the development, improvement, validation and application 

of methods for assessing the welfare of farm, laboratory, zoo, and other animals housed and 

managed in groups. Four specific topics, linked to this central theme, were added to the scientific 

programme: Assessing emotional state and human-animal relations, Improving animal welfare by 

adapting animals to their environment, Assessing health status of groups of animals in relation to 

welfare, and Stakeholders’ views on animal welfare. 

The 2.5-day scientific programme includes 5 keynotes lectures, 41 other oral presentations, 5 

workshop sessions, and 102 poster presentations during which the current state of scientific 

developments concerning the assessment of the welfare of groups of animals will be presented and 

discussed. We realise that this scientific programme is packed to the brim but – given the specificity 

of its scientific theme – we opted to respect the tradition of not having parallel sessions during the 

congress. With the growing popularity of this congress (at least 230 participants) and the increasing 

number of researchers wishing to present their results, however, this format may have to be revised 

in future editions that will hopefully follow. 

We would like to welcome all participants and wish you all a very interesting and memorable 

congress that stimulates you in your current research or other interest in animal welfare. We also 

hope that next to the varied scientific programme, you will find ample time to talk to colleagues, to 

establish new contacts, … and to visit our wonderful hometown Ghent! 

Frank Tuyttens (Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Animal Sciences) 

Dominiek Maes (Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) 

5

Book of abstracts 

Scientific Committee 

Frank Tuyttens (chair) ILVO 

Harry Blom UU 

Rony Geers KUL 

Nicoline Geverink ILVO 

Paul Koene WU 

Dominiek Maes UG 

Frank Ödberg UG 

Bas Rodenburg WU 

Bart Sonck ILVO 

Production, 

Final Editing, 

Design and Layout, 

Cover Photo & Design 

Paul Koene WU 

Conference 

Local Organising Committee 

Dominiek Maes (chair) UG 

Karen Bekaert ILVO 

Stephanie Buijs ILVO 

Daniël De Brabander ILVO 

Sarne De Vliegher UG 

Jeroen Dewulf UG 

Nicoline Geverink ILVO 

Nadine Lenaerts UG 

Tom Meyns UG 

Griet Nijs ILVO 

Bart Sonck ILVO 

Margot Sprenger ILVO 

Frank Tuyttens ILVO 

Annelies Van Nuffel ILVO 

Karin Van Peteghem ILVO 

Els Van Poucke ILVO 

WAFL 2008 logo by Zomarr 

Acknowledgements 

6 

Referees 

In addition to the Scientific Committee, 

several persons have reviewed abstracts. 

We gratefully acknowledge the following 

referees: 

Johannes Baumgartner 

Xavier Boivin 

Liesbeth Bolhuis 

Eddie Bokkers 

Marc Bracke 

Oliver Burman 

Andy Butterworth 

Ingrid de Jong 

Sarne De Vliegher 

Sandra Edwards 

Lene Hegelund 

Suzanne Held 

Bernhard Horning 

Brian Jones 

Linda Keeling 

Ute Knierim 

Tina Leeb 

Joy Mench 

Suzanne Millman 

Lars Schrader 

Jan Tind Sorensen 

Kees van Reenen 

Isabelle Veissier 

Antonio Velarde 

Suzanne Waiblinger 

Beat Wechsler 

Francoise Wemelsfelder 

Becky Whay 

Christoph Winckler

WAFL Sponsors 

The organisers gratefully thank the sponsors of the 4 th WAFL 

7

Noldus Information Technology 

Nutreco 

Crédit Agricole 

Chamber of Agriculture of for the Province of East-Flanders 

Imperial Meat Products 

Institute for Pig Genetics 

Sponsor delegates at the congress 

Ann Vandeweghe (DSM) 

Mar Arteaga (DSM) 

Laurent Goby (Boehringer Ingelheim) 

Robert Boyce (ICE Robotics) 

Antonia White (ICE Robotics) 

Nicola Blackie (ICE Robotics) 

Parimal Rajkondawar (Boumatic) 

Russ Cavanagh (Boumatic) 

Wim Van Dommelen (Noldus) 

Paul van Gasselt (Fort Dodge) 

10

Aula 

Congress Venue 

The oral and poster presentations, as well as one of the five workshops, of the WAFL-2008 

conference, will all take place at the Assembly Hall of Ghent University (AULA). The ‘Aula’ of the 

University of Ghent was built in neo-classical style by Louis Roelandt (1786 -1864), architect of the 

city of Ghent. It was finished in 1826 as a free and decorative interpretation of classical style, 

inspired by the architecture of ancient temples. Remarkable are the monumental front with huge 

colonnade and triangular pediment, the peristyle modelled on the ancient thermae, the stately 

stairway in black marble, and the amphitheatre with a dome supported by 18 Corinthian columns. 

All lunches and coffee breaks will take place in the large “Peristilium” in front of the main room, in 

the middle of the exhibition area. 

Het Pand 

Four of the five workshops on Friday afternoon will take place at ‘Het Pand’ (at 5 min walk from 

the Aula). This building is an old Dominican monastery located in the heart of the city on the banks 

of the river Leie, near the medieval port with the guildhalls as its remnants. 

In 1963, the Board of Management of the University of Ghent decided to acquire the building of the 

list of classified premises as they were very much convinced of its value. It was decided to arrange 

'Het Pand' as the cultural center of the university, and the Direction of the Buildings was entrusted 

with its renovation and restoration. Works were started in 1971 and accomplished in 1991. 

Het Groot Vleeshuis 

The welcome reception will be held at 'Het Groot Vleeshuis' on Wednesday 10 September. 

This medieval building was designed by Gillis De Sutter and constructed between 1407 and 1419. 

Meat houses were covered markets where sales were centralised in order to check the meat's 

freshness and quality. Private sales at home were forbidden. Sixteen tripe stores were built onto the 

south-eastern side of the Groot Vleeshuis between 1542 and 1543. For reasons of hygiene, these 

separate stores had to be used for the sale of entrails, skin, and other remains from slaughtered 

animals. 

The Groot Vleeshuis has a splendid and remarkable truss. A chapel with three large pointed arch 

windows was constructed in the building between 1446 and 1448. The chapel contains a 15th 

century wall painting which depicts a Worship Service. 

From the end of the 19th century, it was also possible to sell meat at home. The Groot Vleeshuis 

was then used for various other purposes; it became a post office, storage depot, exhibition area, 

and a banquet hall in that order. It is now used as a covered market for regional tourism and 

products. 

11

Street map 

Aula (Voldersstraat 9 9000 Ghent Belgium) 

Het Pand (Onderbergen 1 9000 Ghent Belgium) 

Het Groot Vleeshuis (Groentenmarkt 7 9000 Ghent Belgium) 

Boattrip starting point ("Watertourist" - Graslei 7 9000 Ghent Belgium) 

Het Pand 

Boattrip starting point 

12 

Het Groot Vleeshuis 

Aula

Wednesday, 10 September 2008 

Final programme 

18h00–20h00 Welcome reception & registration (Groot Vleeshuis) 

The welcome reception is kindly sponsored by the Chamber of Agriculture of 

East-Flanders. You will have the opportunity to register for the congress and 

collect your congress bag while having a drink with fellow researchers. 

Thursday, 11 September 2008 

08h00-12h00 Registration (Income hall) 

09h00-09h35 Opening, Welcome speeches and opening of congress (Aula) – speakers D. Maes, 

H. den Brabander, B. Sonck, F. Tuyttens 

09h35-10h20 Keynote lecture, The integration of human-animal relations into animal welfare 

monitoring schemes - Paul Hemsworth (Chair: Frank Tuyttens) 

10h20-11h00 Coffee break 

11h00-12h30 Oral presentations in session 1, Development, validation and automated 

measurements of indicators of animal welfare - Chair: Isabelle Veissier (Aula) 

11h00 Continuous recording of deep body temperature to assess stress in livestock - 

Malcolm Mitchell 

11h15 A multi-disciplinary approach to assess the effect of tail biting on pig welfare - 

Mhairi Sutherland 

11h30 Accelerometer can be used to recognise behaviour pattern in loose-housed dairy 

cows - Paula Martiskainen 

11h45 Automated measurement of foot pad lesions in broiler chickens - Ingrid de Jong 

12h00 Shade availability influences the behaviour and physiology of dairy cattle - Karin 

Schutz 

12h15 Can cattle welfare be assessed using a pre-collected register data? - Charlotte 

Hallén Sandgren 

12h30-14h00 Lunch & Posters (detailed poster topics see p189 – p197) 

13

Thursday, 11 September 2008 

14h00-16h00 Oral presentations in session 2 Assessing emotional state and human-animal 

relations - Chair: Susanne Waiblinger (Aula) 

14h00 Keynote lecture: Animal passions and beastly virtues: minding animals and 

increasing our compassionate footprint - Marc Bekoff 

14h30 Veal calves generalize their response across familiar and unfamiliar persons in a 

repeatable on-farm fear of a human test - Eddie Bokkers 

14h45 Repeatability within and agreement between temperament tests in group-housed 

finishing pigs - Jennifer Brown 

15h00 Play behavior as an indicator of animal welfare: disbudding in dairy calves - 

Cassandra Tucker 

15h15 Can stroking during milking decrease avoidance distances of cows towards humans? 

- Ines Windschnurer 

15h30 Human/horse relationship quality: a same perception of humans for horses reflected 

in different situations - Fureix Carole 

15h45 Influence of the feeding distance and social separation on cardiac activity in 

domestic goats - Janine Aschwanden 


16h30-18h00 Oral presentations in session 3 Improving animal welfare by adapting animals to 

their environment - Chair: Marie Haskell (Aula) 

16h30 Keynote lecture: Improving animal welfare by adapting animals to their 

environment - Johan Van Arendonk 

17h00 Genetic opportunities for pork production without castration - Jan Merks 

17h15 Genetic relations between the group effect for average daily gain and post-mixing 

aggression and skin lesions in swedish pigs - Laurianne Canario 

17h30 Genotype rather than non-genetic behavioural transmission determines the 

temperament of merino lambs at weaning - Dominique Blache 

17h45 Effect of selection on low morality on plumage and body condition in laying hens - 

Bas Rodenburg 

Friday 12, September 2008 

08h30-10h15 Oral presentations in session 4 Assessing health status of groups of animals in 

relation to welfare - Chair: Jeffrey Rushen (Aula) 

08h30 Keynote lecture: Assessing health status of groups of animals in relation to 

welfare - Cate Dewey 

09h00 Does breed interact with rearing conditions to influence cortisol release, immunity 

and health of growing pigs? (preliminairy results) - Armelle Prunier 

09h15 Behaviour analysis and colonization of layers housed in a battery cage, an enriched 

cage and aviary after experimental infection with Salmonella enteritidis - Jantina De 

Vylder 

09h30 Peripartum health and welfare of Holstein-Friesians in a confinement-TMR system 

compared to a pasture-based system - Gabriela Olmos 

09h45 Risk factors for hock lesions in cubicle housed dairy cows in Germany and Austria - 

Christine Brenninkmeyer 

10h00 Keel bone damage of laying hens kept in non-cage systems in Austria - Knut Niebuhr 

14

Friday 12, September 2008 (cont.) 


10h45-12h30 Oral presentations in session 5 Development and improvement of welfare 

assessment protocols - Chair: Linda Keeling (Aula) 

10h45 Validation of an animal needs index, using test theory - Tuomas Herva 

11h00 Overall assessment of cow welfare - strategy followed in Welfare Quality® - 

Raphaëlle Botreau 

11h15 The development of qualitative behaviour assessment as an on-farm welfare 

inspection tool - Francoise Wemelsfelder 

11h30 Cowel: a decision support system for welfare scoring of new husbandry systems for 

dairy cattle - Nanda Ursinus 

11h45 On-farm welfare assessment in cattle. Quo vadis - Ute Knierim 

12h00 Evaluation of a prototype welfare monitoring system for sows and piglets (Welfare 

Quality® project) - Kamara Scott 

12h15 Cage design effects on ammonia levels in laying hen houses: an epidemiological 

approach - Joy Mench 

12h30-14h00 Lunch & Posters (detailed poster topics see p189 –p197) 

14h00-15h45 Workshops (see p17) 

Workshop 1 The welfare of riding horses - Frank Ödberg (Aula) 

Workshop 2 Assessment of zoo animal welfare - Paul Koene (Het Pand) 

Workshop 3 Do extensive production systems provide high welfare for the animals 

in those systems? – Pete Goddard (Het Pand) 

Workshop 4 Reliability of categorical versus continuous scoring of welfare 

indicators - Annelies van Nuffel (Het Pand) 

Workshop 5 The effect of feed measurements to overcome current and future 

problems on farm level with implementation of animal welfare 

legislation – Arno van der Aa (Het Pand) 

16h00-17h00 Oral presentations in session 6 Free topics - Chair: Elisabetta Canali (Aula) 

16h00 Assessment of pain perception in double muscled Belgian Blue cows following 

delivery per vias naturales versus caesarean section - Iris Kolkman 

16u15 Postnatal piglet survival indicators in conventional and alternative farrowing 

systems - Emma Baxter 

16h30 Asymmetry in grazing behaviour in groups of feral, riding and professional sport 

horses - Paul Koene 

16h45 Effect of cross-wise perch designs on perch use in laying hens - Ester Struelens 

17h00-18h30 Poster session (detailed poster topics see p189 –p197) combined with beer 

reception (Aula) 

19h30-24h00 Congress dinner (Het Pand) 

Join your colleagues for the congress dinner in the wonderful medieval 

surroundings of 'Het Pand'. This 13th century Dominican monastery, located on 

the banks of the river Leie in the heart of the historical centre of Ghent, guarantees 

an enjoyable evening in a magnificent scenery. 

15

Saturday 13, September 2008 

09h00-10h30 Oral presentations in session 7 Stakeholders' views on animal welfare - Chair: 

Hans Hopster (Aula) 

09h00 Keynote lecture: Stakeholder and consumer interests in farm animal welfare: 

when differentiation and satisfaction potential matter - W. Verbeke 

09h30 Assessment of cattle welfare on farm: an example of cooperation with consumers - 

Luc Mirabito 

09h45 Application of an animal welfare assessment system for policy evaluation: does the 

farm investment scheme improve animal welfare in subsidised new stables? - Angela 

Bergschmidt 

10h00 Consumer attitude towards the surgical castration of piglets and immunocastration 

as a possible alternative: a flemish preliminary study - Filiep Vanhonacker 

10h15 A consultation of pig farmers on the inclusion of some welfare outcome assessments 

within UK farm assurance - Siobhan Mullan 


11h00-12h15 Oral presentations in session 8 Application of welfare assessment protocols - 

Chair: Joy Mench (Aula) 

11h00 The use of qualitative behavioural assessment to investigate cow welfare on organic 

and non-organic dairy farms - Fritha Langford 

11h15 How can farmers make use of welfare assessment schemes? A case study - Rikke 

Ingemann 

11h30 Welfare assessment in 82 pig farms: effect of age of animals and floor type on 

behaviour and injuries of fattening pigs - Valérie Courboulay 

11h45 Application of the Welfare Quality® protocol at pig abattoirs - Antoni Dalmau 

12h00 An analysis of animal-based versus resource-based comments in state animal welfare 

inspection reports - Linda Keeling 

12h15-12h30 Closing session 

18h45-23h00 Boat trip & pub-crawl 

An evening boat trip on the Lys (the Leie, also known as the Golden River) … 

During this boat trip through the heart of Ghent, you can taste two of Ghent gins 

(or softdrinks) … followed by a guided tour and pub-crawl. During this tour, we 

will pass all major monuments. On the way we will visit some typical pubs, each 

of them having their own speciality. Meeting point is 18h45 at the Graslei along 

the jetty of Ghent Watertoerist. A limited number of places are still available. 

Please register at the registration desk. 

16

Workshops 

Workshop 1:Welfare of riding horses 

Organisers/moderators: Frank O. Ödberg and Marc Pierard 

During the first 30 min of the workshop a short illustrated survey of the horse welfare problems explained in 

the two first abstracts (housing and schooling) will be presented. During the next 30 min people from the 

horse industry will be given the opportunity to react to this and to explain which strategy they suggest in 

order to improve the horse welfare situation. We are therefore setting up a “responding” panel. After the 

panel’s first reactions, workshop participants will be encouraged to join the discussion during the remaining 

45 min. 

Workshop 2: Assesment of zoo animal welfare 

Organiser/moderator: Paul Koene 

The workshop is introduced (30 min maximum) by the moderator who introduces the problem of assessment 

of zoo animal welfare shortly (5-10 min) and the other members of the discussion panel (Jose Kok of 

Ouwehand Zoo and Ros Clubb from the RSPCA). Jose and Ros as experts in the theme of interest present 

present their different points of view (10 min each). A secretary will take notes during the entire event. The 

moderator will open the session for questions and discussion between the workshop participants and the 

panel (60 min). Finally, the outline of an article is made, that documents the current status and future of 

assessment of zoo animal welfare, based on the workshop contributions and discussion (30 min maximum). 

Workshop 3: Do extensive production systems provide high welfare for the animals in those 

systems? 

Organiser: Cathy Dwyer, Moderator: Pete Goddard 

Pete Goddard gives an introduction (total 25 min) to the topic and illustrates potential welfare conflicts (5 

mins). Beata Kupiec presents the consumers’ view of welfare in extensive systems and impact of markets to 

affect animal welfare (10 mins). Kate Phillips presents the farmers’ point of view and constraints to welfare 

provision in extensive systems (10 mins). Open discussion between workshop participants and panel follows 

during 60 mins. Notes are taken of the entire discussion by Cath Milne. A summary of the final conclusions 

to questions proposed in an abstract and outline of article documenting current status and future of 

controversy about welfare in extensive production systems. 

Workshop 4: Reliability of scoring cow lameness 

Organiser/moderator: Annelies Van Nuffel 

A general introduction on the automatic system to measure cow gait variables and presentation of the 

Welfare Quality 3-point scale will be given by Annelies van Nuffel (5 min). Margot Sprenger continues with 

an explanation on categorical versus continuous scoring and presentation of the continuous scale (10 min). 

Then, there is a 10 min training of the scoring system based on a first set of videos. There is a short résumé 

and participants are grouped for participation in a short experiment (part 1). At 15h00 there is a short break 

of 5 minutes, followed by a second experiment (part 2). The workshop ends at 15h45 after a 15 min 

discussion. 

Workshop 5: The effect of feed measurements to overcome current and future problems on 

farm level with implementation of animal welfare legislation 

Organiser/moderator: Arno van der Aa 

After a short introduction of the moderator, Jens Hoffmann will talk about prevention of footpad burns by 

using clay minerals (10 mins). The 2nd speaker is Teun Veldkamp; he will speak about reduction of 

ammonia levels within animal farms as result of feed measurements (e.g. low protein diets, probiotic 

inclusion, effects of clay minerals) in about 10 min. After a short summary and statements in a discussion of 

an hour a number of sub questions will be covered. Each sub question is introduced with 1 or 2 slides about 

independent, published research, to get the discussion going and to see whether new ideas come up as well. 

17

Overview of workshop introductions 

Workshop 1 Frank Ödberg 

(Aula) 

The welfare of riding horses 

Workshop paper 1 Housing and management problems - Frank Ödberg 

Workshop paper 2 Schooling problems - Frank Ödberg 

Workshop paper 3 Implementation of welfare science into practice - Marc Pierard 

Workshop 2 Paul Koene 

(Het Pand) 

Assessment of zoo animal welfare 

Workshop paper 4 Setting the scene - Paul Koene 

Workshop paper 5 Appraisal of zoo animal welfare - Jose Kok 

Assessment of zoo animal welfare: the view of the RSPCA – Ros 

Clubb 

Workshop 3 Pete Goddard Do extensive production systems provide high welfare for the 

(Het Pand) 

animals in those systems? 

Workshop paper 6 Setting the scene - Pete Goddard 

Workshop paper 7 The farmers’ perspective - Kate Phillips 

Workshop paper 8 The consumer perspective - Beata Kupiec-Teahan 

Workshop 4 Annelies van Nuffel 

(Het Pand) 

Reliability of scoring cow lameness 

Setting the scene - Annelies Van Nuffel 

Workshop paper 9 Reliability of categorical versus continuous scoring of welfare 

indicators: lameness in cows as a case study - Margot Sprenger 

Workshop paper 10 Can people see cow gait irregularities? – Annelies Van Nuffel 

Workshop 5 Arno van der Aa The effect of feed measurements to overcome current and 

(Het Pand) 

future problems on farm level with implementation of 

animal welfare legislation 

Workshop paper 11 Introduction - Arno van der Aa 

Workshop paper 12 Prevention of footpad lesions in broiler chickens using 

clinoptolites as feed additive - Jens Hoffmann 

Workshop paper 13 Reduction of ammonia levels on poultry farms as results of feed 

and litter measurements - Teun Veldkamp 

18

Keynote papers 

19

21 

Keynote paper 1 

Paul Hemsworth presents Keynote paper 1 

Related to the sessions 1) Development, validation and automated measurements of indicators of animal 

welfare, 5) Development and improvement of welfare assessment protocols and 8) Application of welfare 

assessment protocols 

Thursday, 11 September 2008 from 9h35-10h20 in the Aula chaired by Frank Tuyttens 

THE INTEGRATION OF HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONS INTO ANIMAL 

WELFARE MONITORING SCHEMES 

P.H. Hemsworth 1,2 , J.L. Barnett 1 

1 Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 

2 Department of Primary Industries, Parkville, Victoria, Australia 

There are increasing international and local pressures for farm animal welfare monitoring schemes. 

Housing of farm animals is a contentious issue for many, although the impact of the housing system 

may be overestimated by some. In contrast, the topic of stockmanship has received relatively little 

attention, even though research has shown that animal carers or stockpeople have a major impact on 

the welfare of their livestock. While welfare monitoring schemes are likely to improve animal 

welfare, the impact of such schemes will only be realised by recognising the limitations of 

stockpeople, monitoring stockperson-animal relationships and providing specific stockperson 

training to target key aspects of stockperson-animal relationships. 

Several job-related characteristics of the stockperson have been shown to affect animal welfare. The 

attitude of the stockperson can affect animal welfare in two main ways, firstly by influencing the 

stockperson’s behaviour and in turn the animal’s fear of humans and secondly by affecting 

inspection and prompt intervention when welfare problems arise. High and consistent standards of 

animal welfare will also rely on a combination of motivation, technical knowledge and skills; any 

deficiency in these job-related characteristics will limit animal welfare. 

Level of competency as demonstrated by completion of professional development courses in this 

area can be verified in welfare monitoring schemes. Screening aids such as attitude and job 

motivation questionnaires may identify both weakness in individual stockpeople and thus 

limitations on animal welfare, as well as targeted training necessary for these individuals. 

Monitoring the behaviour of the animal in a standard manner to measure fear of humans may be 

useful in identifying deficiencies in behaviour of the stockperson and thus complement the use of 

attitude questionnaires in predicting stockperson behaviour. 

Contact information: Paul Hemsworth or email phh@unimelb.edu.au 

Complete address: Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, The 

University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 

Species: General

Marc Bekoff presents Keynote paper 2 

In session 2: Assessing emotional state and human-animal relations 

Thursday, 11 September 2008 from 14h00-14h30 in the Aula chaired by Susanne Waiblinger 

22 


ANIMAL PASSIONS AND BEASTLY VIRTUES: MINDING ANIMALS AND 

INCREASING OUR COMPASSIONATE FOOTPRINT 

M. Bekoff 

Department of Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA 

Research in cognitive ethology, evolutionary biology, and social neuroscience, along with common 

sense, clearly shows that animals are emotional and empathic beings and that they display moral 

sensibility. 

What we observe when animals interact with one another tells us a lot about what's happening 

inside their heads and hearts. Animals' lives are very public, not hidden, private, or secret, and the 

privacy of mind argument that we can never know what animals are thinking or feeling is over-used 

and goes against solid arguments based on evolutionary continuity. It's not that difficult to assess 

the emotional state and well-being of animals. I'm incredulous that some skeptics actually question 

whether animals feel anything (and even if they think). 

To make my case about animal morality, what I call "wild justice", I will focus on the details of 

social play behavior - the many ways in which animals play fairly and honestly. When animals play 

they carefully signal their intentions to cooperate and to play, they trust that playmates will obey the 

rules of fair play, and they forgive and apologize to one another so that play can continue as play 

and not escalate to aggression. 

Individuals fine-tune their interactions "on the run" by paying attention to what is happening from 

moment to moment. 

We owe it to all individual animals to make every attempt to come to a greater understanding and 

appreciation of who they are - emotional, empathic, and often moral beings. When we're not sure 

about what they're feeling, we should leave them alone. Quite often "good welfare" isn't "good 

enough". We can always do better. By minding animals we can increase our compassionate 

footprint and make the world a better place for all beings. 

Contact information: Marc Bekoff or email Marc.Bekoff@Colorado.edu 

Complete address: Department of Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA 

Species: General

Johan Van Arendonk presents Keynote paper 3 

In session 3: Improving animal welfare by adapting animals to their environment 

Thursday, 11 September 2008 from 16h30-17h00 in the Aula chaired by Marie Haskell 

23 


IMPROVING ANIMAL WELFARE BY ADAPTING ANIMALS TO THEIR 

ENVIRONMENT 

J.A.M. van Arendonk, P. Bijma, T.B. Rodenburg 

Animal Breeding, Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands 

Selective breeding can strongly influence behaviour and welfare of farm animals. Strong selection 

pressures on production traits (fast growth, high milk yield, high egg yield) in the past, have 

resulted in farm animals that are highly productive, but at the same time are more at risk for 

developing health and welfare problems. Therefore, animal breeding organizations are shifting their 

emphasis from selection for high production to selection for more robust animals: animals that are 

able to cope with challenges in their environment while maintaining a high efficiency of production. 

Implementation of these programs requires knowledge of genetic variation in health and welfare 

traits and of the degree of antagonism between health, welfare and production traits. 

A second aspect that recently attracts attention at present is how to deal with the social environment 

of the animal. Increasingly, farm animals are kept in large group housing systems, in which the 

social environment can have a profound effect on production, health and welfare of the animals 

(food competition, damaging behaviour). Understanding how to reduce competitive interactions 

through artificial breeding is critical to improve animal welfare. Recently, methods have been 

developed to estimate the genetic parameters of traits affected by social interactions. Analysis of the 

chicken and pig populations revealed a substantially greater heritable variation and potential 

response to selection than estimated by classical methods. 

Genomic information offers a unique opportunity to increase our understanding of the genetic 

background of complex phenotypes. This will enable us to better select for complex phenotypes (for 

instance: low feather pecking laying hens), by selecting for a specific set of markers that are 

associated with this phenotype. Using a functional genomics approach, we can also learn more 

about the expression of genes involved in specific behaviour- and welfare issues. 

In conclusion, selective breeding provides various promising ways to contribute to livestock 

production in modern group housing systems that meet high animal welfare standards. 

Contact information: Johan van Arendonk or email johan.vanarendonk@wur.nl 

Complete address: Animal Breeding, Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The 

Netherlands 

Species: General

Cate Dewey presents Keynote paper 4 

In session 4: Assessing health status of groups of animals in relation to welfare 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 8h30-9h00 in the Aula chaired by Jeffrey Rushen 

24 


ASSESSING THE HEALTH STATUS OF POPULATIONS OF ANIMALS IN 

RELATION TO WELFARE 

C.E. Dewey 

Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 

The welfare of a population of animals may be measured by welfare of the one animal in the 

population with the poorest welfare condition. There is a wide spectrum of “health” that ranges 

from the clinically healthy animal that is expressing its full potential for health, growth, play and 

wellbeing to the animal that is dead. In between these we will find animals that are sub-clinically 

ill; those that show no measurable signs of illness but may have an infectious disease and are not 

fully well, to those with measurable clinical abnormalities, to moribund. A population with an 

infectious disease will include animals at each level of this spectrum. 

Many tools are used to determine the health status of a population including serological profiling to 

determine when the population is becoming infected with a disease agents and conducting post 

mortem evaluations on animals that have died. Next, we establish treatment, management and 

prevention protocols to reduce the welfare implications of the infectious diseases. Finally, we 

evaluate whether our recommended treatments improve or reduce the welfare of the animals. Field 

trials on commercial farms including thorough follow-up of the animals enable us to evaluate our 

interventions. 

Poor health is often a direct consequence of management decisions. Data collected for production 

practices may be used to research these associations. This is particularly useful for rare events such 

as in-transit deaths (0.16%). Multiple variable modeling provides the foundation for the strength of 

this research. Hierarchical dummy variables may be used to identify thresholds of parameters, such 

as temperature, above which in-transit losses increased. 

In conclusion, health represents a wide spectrum of welfare states. Understanding the health of a 

population enables us to determine the welfare of the animal most adversely affected. 

Contact information: Cate Dewey or email cdewey@ovc.uoguelph.ca 

Complete address: Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, 

Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 

Species: General

Wim Verbeke presents Keynote paper 5 

In session 7: Stakeholders' views on animal welfare 

Saturday, 13 September 2008 from 9h00-9h30 in the Aula chaired by Hans Hopster 

25 


STAKEHOLDER AND CONSUMER INTERESTS IN FARM ANIMAL 

WELFARE: WHEN DIFFERENTIATION AND SATISFACTION 

POTENTIAL MATTER 

W. Verbeke 

Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium 

Animal welfare and its improvement is a task and a joint responsibility of many stakeholders 

involved in the agro-food chain. Commercial actors from the supply side of agro-food chains, such 

as livestock producers, food industries and retailers pursue economic goals whereas consumers – on 

the demand side of the chain – strive for obtaining satisfaction through aligning product experience 

with expectations formed during the purchasing stage. 

This presentation departs from the consumer side of the food chain, where I will discuss the 

potential role of animal welfare as a credence product attribute that creates quality expectations and 

therefore may impact consumers’ purchasing intentions. I will provide empirical evidence of the 

conceptualisation and meaning of animal welfare by different stakeholders, and of the perceived 

importance of animal welfare relative to other product attributes among consumers. Whether animal 

welfare as a credence quality attribute has an influence on consumers’ choices depends on whether 

this particular quality can be perceived, and if perceived, whether this perception triggers a 

favourable response when evaluated against other product attributes and socio-cultural interests. 

From the food supply and policy perspective, labelling is the most common vehicle for signalling 

credence qualities to consumers. Therefore, I will discuss the potential role of animal welfare 

labelling as a means of product differentiation for producers and as a distinct quality sign for 

consumers. Furthermore, following upon the citizen-consumer duality, I will illustrate the often 

debated gap between citizen attitudes and consumer behaviour and discuss the marketing challenges 

that result from this duality. 

Throughout my presentation, I will make use of recent and primary empirical data that have been 

collected through several national and international studies, combined with reported evidence from 

secondary data and existing literature. Besides the classical array of farm animals in agricultural 

production, also parallels with aquatic farm animals are discussed. 

Contact information: Wim Verbeke or email Wim.Verbeke@UGent.be 

Complete address: Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B- 

9000 Ghent, Belgium 

Species: General

Oral papers 

27

Malcolm Mitchell presents Oral paper 1 

In session 1: Development, validation and automated measurements of indicators of animal welfare 

Thursday, 11 September 2008 from 11h00-11h15 in the Aula chaired by Isabelle Veissier 

29 

Oral paper 1 

CONTINUOUS RECORDING OF DEEP BODY TEMPERATURE TO 

ASSESS THERMAL STRESS IN LIVESTOCK DURING ROAD 

TRANSPORTATION 

M.A. Mitchell 1 , P.J. Kettlewell 2 , M. Villarroel-Robinson 3 , M. Farish 1 , E. Harper 4 

1 SAC, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0PH, UK 

2 ADAS, Boxworth, Cambridgeshire CB3 8NN, UK 

3 Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agronomos, Madrid, Spain. 

4 Livestock Transport Consultant, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0JT, UK 

During road transportation livestock are exposed to a range of potential stressors that may 

compromise severely their welfare and lead to increased mortality. European regulations, 

implemented through national law in European member states, have defined specific thermal 

envelopes for the “safe” transport of livestock. A major problem is the transport thermal microenvironment. 

The validity of the legislation during commercial transport and in the pertinent 

thermal conditions has not been determined. In order to assess the physiological consequences of 

thermal challenges in transit it is necessary to monitor the animal deep body temperature (DBT) 

continuously with minimal human intervention. Both radio-telemetry and physiological data 

logging represent potential methodologies to achieve these objectives. 

In the present study both techniques have been employed to monitor and record deep body 

temperature responses of pigs and lambs (8 animals per journey) during transportation under hot 

weather conditions typical of those encountered in southern and central Europe in summer. The 

journeys employed were of 8 hours duration and are typical of those associated with the 

transportation of animals to slaughter. Four journeys were undertaken with pigs and two with 

lambs. On pig journeys the load consisted of 180 animals and for lambs 600 animals consistent with 

commercial practice. 

The patterns of DBT observed indicate that despite elevated ambient temperatures (mean 

temperatures up to 32°C and maxima of 38°C) during the journeys the DBT values for both pigs 

and lambs did not increase and may decrease. Mean control and during-journey values for 

DBT(±SD) indicate no significant change or significant decreases (p

Mhairi Sutherland presents Oral paper 2 



30 

Oral paper 2 

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF TAIL 

BITING ON PIG WELFARE 

M.A. Sutherland, P. Bryer, N. Krebs, J.J. McGlone 

Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA 

Tail biting in pigs is a behavioral problem that is a welfare and economic concern for producers. 

The objective of this research was to assess the effect of tail biting on pig welfare. 

At 6 days of age, piglets were either tail docked using a cautery iron (Caut; n=20), using cutters 

(Cut; n=20), or their tails were left intact (Con; n=40). At 3 weeks of age, pigs were weaned and 

moved into nursery pens with woven wire floors. Ten pigs were housed in each pen. Blood samples 

were taken from pigs at 3 and 7 weeks of age to measure the acute phase protein C-reactive protein 

(CRP); an indicator of infection, inflammation, and tissue damage. Tail biting lesions were scored 

at 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age. Pig body weights were recorded at 3 and 7 weeks of age. Finally, 

behavior was recorded for 72 hours once tail biting broke out amongst the Con pigs at 7 weeks of 

age. 

Tail biting lesion scores were similar among treatments at 3 and 5 weeks of age, however at 7 

weeks of age lesion scores were greater (P < 0.001) among Con compared with Caut and Cut pigs. 

At the end of the study, body weight was lower (P < 0.001) among Con compared with Caut or Cut 

pigs and CRP was elevated (P < 0.05) in Con compared with Caut and Cut pigs. Furthermore, there 

was a positive correlation (r=0.51; P < 0.001) between CRP concentrations and the severity of the 

lesion score. The majority of tail biting occurred while pigs were lying in the pen (48 %) or 

standing at the feeder (30 %). 

Tail biting is a stressful experience which causes a reliable stimulation of the acute phase response 

and a reduction in performance among young growing pigs. Poor welfare was associated with 

severity of lesion, level of CRP, and pig body weights, each of which was predictive of welfare 

status. 

Contact information: Mhairi Sutherland or email mhairi.sutherland@ttu.edu 

Complete address: Texas tech University, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Lubbock, TX 

79409, USA 

Species: Pig

Paula Martiskainen presents Oral paper 3 



31 

Oral paper 3 

ACCELEROMETER CAN BE USED TO RECOGNISE BEHAVIOUR 

PATTERNS IN LOOSE-HOUSED DAIRY COWS 

P. Martiskainen 1 , M. Järvinen 1 , J.-P. Skön 2 , J. Tiirikainen 2 , S. Tissari 2 , P. Tuunainen 1 , L. 

Jääskeläinen 1 , R. Suutari 1 , S. Ruuska 1 , M. Kolehmainen 2 , J. Mononen 1 

1 Department of Biosciences, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland 

2 Department of Environmental Science, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland 

Modern technology has enabled automatic monitoring of various aspects of animal production, such 

as milk quality and animal health. Behaviour monitoring has also been achieved on activityinactivity 

level. We studied the possibilities of using an accelerometer to automatically recognise 

different behaviour patterns of loose-housed dairy cows. 

An accelerometer (ADXL330, Analog Devices) was attached to the neck of 32 dairy cows’ collars. 

Three-dimensional acceleration was measured at a 10Hz frequency. Observations were collected 

directly and from video recordings of cows walking normally (959/3.9h, number of 

observations/total duration), walking with a severe limp (427/1.8h), standing (1455/25.3h), lying 

(1164/35.3h), lying down (1129/2.1h), standing up (1052/2.0h), lying ruminating (1222/19.0h) and 

feeding on silage (1475/10.5h). Corresponding accelerometer measurements were classified with k- 

Nearest Neighbour algorithm (Matlab) in four pre-processed data sets consisting of a combination 

of two data transformations (equalization and variance scaling) and two time windows (5 and 10s). 

The goodness of the classification was assessed using positive predictive values (PPV). 

Best behaviour pattern recognition was achieved with variance scaling and 5s window for walking 

normally (72±6.3%, PPV±S.D.), lying ruminating (73±0.6%), feeding (80±0.6%), lying down 

(44±3.0%) and standing up (66±7.0%). Standing (71±1.0%) and lying (82±0.9%) were best 

classified with variance scaling and a 10s window, and walking with a severe limp (73±14%) using 

equalization and a 10s window. Out of all behaviour patterns, models for feeding, lying down and 

standing up yielded notably differing results depending on the used window and data transformation 

(e.g. feeding 38-80% PPV). 

In conclusion, classification results of behaviours depend on the chosen windows and data 

transformations. The PPV values were poorest for short duration behaviours (i.e. lying down and 

standing up), which indicates that even a shorter window could be used to obtain more accurate 

results. Overall, we gained promising results in recognising various behaviour patterns in dairy 

cows. The method could be further developed to e.g. monitor animal health in loose-housed cattle. 

Contact information: Paula Martiskainen or email paula.martiskainen@uku.fi 

Complete address: University of Kuopio Department of Biosciences P.O.B. 1627 FI-70211 Kuopio 

Finland 

Species: Dairy cattle

Ingrid de Jong presents Oral paper 4 



32 

Oral paper 4 

AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT OF FOOT PAD LESIONS IN BROILER 

CHICKENS 

I.C. de Jong 1 , M. Gerritzen 1 , H. Reimert 1 , E. Fritsma 2 , C. Pieterse 2 

1 Animal Production Division, Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen UR, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

2 Meyn Food Processing Technology BV PO Box 16, 1510 AA Oostzaan, The Netherlands 

It is likely that foot pad lesions will be included as welfare parameter in the European Council 

Directive for the protection of broilers in the near future. Thus far, foot pad lesions are measured at 

the slaughter plant by trained veterinarians. 

Video imaging is an existing technique to monitor aspects of carcass classification at the slaughter 

plant, like bruises and breast blisters. This technique has not been applied for automatic monitoring 

of foot pad lesions in broilers yet. The objective of the current project was to develop a prototype of 

an automated system to measure foot pad lesions in broilers at the slaughter plant, using the existing 

video imaging technique. 

It turned out that the existing video imaging system was not suitable for measuring foot pad lesions. 

Therefore, a new camera system was developed. The best position of the system was after removal 

of feet, just before the feet are automatically de-shackled. A prototype was installed in-line and 

images were made from 51 flocks. From each flock, 100 feet were selected and scored by a trained 

researcher according to the Swedish scoring method. 

From these 51 flocks the prototype system photographed 95.8% of the foot pads. The percentage of 

agreement with our scoring was 85.6% for score 0 (intact foot pads), 16.7% for score 1 (moderate 

lesions) and 77.8% for score 2 (severe lesions). 

The prototype of the system is successful with respect to the percentage of foot pads that can be 

photographed and scored. Missing images were caused by empty shackles, a wrong position in the 

shackle or feathers on the foot pads. However, the software is still being improved, as especially it 

fails in scoring foot pads with moderate lesions. This project showed that it is possible to use video 

imaging for automatic scoring of foot pad lesions at the slaughter plant. 

Contact information: Ingrid de Jong or email ingrid.dejong@wur.nl 

Complete address: Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen UR PO Box 65 8200 AB Lelystad The 

Netherlands 

Species: Broiler

Karin Schütz presents Oral paper 5 



33 

Oral paper 5 

SHADE AVAILABILITY INFLUENCES THE BEHAVIOUR AND 

PHYSIOLOGY OF DAIRY CATTLE 

K. Schütz 1 , A. Rogers 1 , Y. Poulouin 2 , N. Cox 1 , C. Tucker 3 

1 AgResearch Ltd, Ruakura Research Centre, East Street, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand 

2 University of South-Brittany, Campus de Tohannic, Rue Yves Mainguy, 56000 Vannes, France 

3 University of California, Department of Animal Science, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA 

The objective was to understand how the availability (quantity) of shade (shade cloth blocking 99% 

of solar radiation) influenced behaviour and physiology of Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle managed 

on pasture. We compared behaviour, body temperature and respiration rate of cattle provided with 

one of three treatments for five days (10:00-16:00 h): no shade, 2.4m 2 or 9.6m 2 shade/cow (n=4 

groups/treatment, 10 animals/group). Group averages were compared using ANOVA. 

Cows spent twice the time in shade in the 9.6m 2 treatment (2.4m 2 : 24.2% versus 9.6m 2 : 47.0% of 

observations, S.E.D.: 1.6, p

Charlotte Hallén Sandgren presents Oral paper 6 



34 

Oral paper 6 

CAN CATTLE WELFARE BE ASSESSED USING A PRE-COLLECTED 

REGISTER DATA? 

A. Lindberg 1 , C.H. Sandgren 1 , L. Keeling 2 

1 Swedish Dairy Association, Kalmar, Sweden 

2 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Uppsala, 

Sweden 

The aim of this study was to investigate if herds being at risk of a ”welfare deficiency” could be 

identified via pre-collected data on production, fertility, disease/health and culling. 

In 55 randomly selected dairy herds, animal-based measurements of cleanliness, body condition (in 

cows, calves and young stock), injuries, lameness and rising behaviour (in cows only) were 

recorded. A herd was a case of ”welfare deficiency” if it had a score among the 10% worst on ≥2 of 

these measurements. 

Sixty-six potential welfare indicators were identified from the register data and reduced by 

multivariable methods to identify indicators with a significant effect on one or more of the animalbased 

measurements. The performance of each indicator in classifying case herds was evaluated at 

three cut-offs corresponding to its 80th, 90th and 95th percentile. At each cut-off the minimum set 

of indicators that could identify most case herds was identified (optimising sensitivity). 

In a second step, the same procedure was performed on these selected minimum sets, while 

optimising on specificity. The resulting model contained three different fertility parameters as well 

as calf mortality, and correctly classified 85% of the herds. Sensitivity was 69%. For credibility 

reasons, cow and young stock mortality were added. The final model, comprising three different 

fertility parameters and three different mortality parameters, correctly classified 85% of the herds 

with 85% sensitivity. 

The results indicate that fertility and early mortality data provide valuable information about 

welfare by their broad ability to reflect stockmanship and management in the dairy herd. We 

believe that consistently high mortality rates and/or poor fertility may be an indication of failure in 

monitoring and/or acting on signals of animal performance. 

Contact information: Ann Lindberg or email charlotte.sandgren@svdhv.org 

Complete address: Swedish Dairy Association, P.O. Box 932, SE-391 29 Kalmar, Sweden 


Eddie Bokkers presents Oral paper 7 



35 

Oral paper 7 

VEAL CALVES GENERALIZE THEIR RESPONSE ACROSS FAMILIAR 

AND UNFAMILIAR PERSONS IN A REPEATABLE ON-FARM FEAR OF 

HUMANS TEST 

E.A.M. Bokkers 1 , L.F.M. Heutinck 2 , M. Wolthuis-Fillerup 2 , C.G. van Reenen 2 

1 

Animal Production Systems, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research Centre, 

Wageningen, the Netherlands 

2 

Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Lelystad, the Netherlands 

Fear of humans is recognised as an important welfare component in veal calves. Responsiveness of 

calves to a fear of humans test, therefore, may be a relevant characteristic to include in a welfare 

monitoring system. We assessed the repeatability of an adapted on-farm fear of humans test in 

group-housed veal calves. Since cattle may discriminate between different people, we also 

examined the relationship between calves’ responses to unfamiliar (observer) and familiar (farmer) 

persons. 

On 23 veal farms the response of individual calves being approached by an unfamiliar and a 

familiar person (always in this order) was measured twice in the same eight pens, with a 1-2 day 

interval between repeated tests. In each four-stage test the person: (1) made eye contact with a 

stationary calf at approximately 1.5 m distance, (2) made one step towards the calf, (3) made a 

second step, and (4) touched the snout. At any stage, as soon as the calf moved a foreleg backwards 

the test was ended. The score obtained equaled the stage that was completed (1 to 4). Calves unable 

to make eye contact with, received score 0. Average scores per farm (familiar and unfamiliar person 

on two occasions) were analysed. 

Repeatabilities (Spearman rank correlations) between days were 0.93 and 0.94 (p

Jennifer Brown presents Oral paper 8 



36 

Oral paper 8 

REPEATABILITY WITHIN AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN 

TEMPERAMENT TESTS IN GROUP-HOUSED FINISHING PIGS 

J. Brown 1 , C. Dewey 2 , I.B. Mandell 1 , P.P. Purslow 3 , A.B. Robinson 1 , J. Squires 1 , T. Widowski 1 

1 Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada 

2 Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada 

3 Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada 

Despite similarities in genetics and experience, pigs show large variation in stress responses during 

pre-slaughter handling. If this variation is due to differences in behavioural tendencies, then onfarm 

assessment of responses to humans or novel situations may be predictive of the stress response 

at transport and slaughter. This study looked at behavioural testing of group-housed finishing pigs, 

with the objective of validating tests which could be applied in commercial settings. 

Behavioural responses of pigs to three temperament tests were studied using 118 finishing pigs at 

approximately 6 months. Pigs were housed in 8 pens with 7-8 pigs per pen, in two replicate trails. 

Tests included a human approach test (HAT), novel object test (NOT) and open door test (ODT), 

and were performed in the home pen on three days. Animals were scored on their latency to contact 

the human or object, or to leave the pen. On each day, the HAT was performed twice by different 

observers. Repeatability within-test was evaluated using repeated measures mixed model with pig 

as a random effect nested in pen and replicate, and agreement between days, observers and tests 

was evaluated by partial correlation coefficient after removal of replicate, pen and day effects. 

For all three tests, latency differed between days (p

Cassandra Tucker presents Oral paper 9 



37 

Oral paper 9 

PLAY BEHAVIOR AS AN INDICATOR OF ANIMAL WELFARE: 

DISBUDDING IN DAIRY CALVES 

C.B. Tucker 1 , M. Stewart 2 , A.R. Rogers 2 , J.M. Stookey 3 , J.R. Webster 2 

1 Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, USA 

2 Food and Health,, AgResearch Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand 

3 Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada 

Play behavior may be reduced during negative experiences (e.g. pain) and serve as an indicator of 

animal welfare. To test this prediction, we examined the effects of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory 

drug (NSAID) and a local anesthetic (LA) on play behavior of calves after hot-iron 

disbudding (DB). 

Forty-six calves were assigned to six treatments: control, LA, NSAID, DB, DB+LA and 

DB+LA+NSAID. Play behavior, including bucking, running and kicking, was measured for 10 min 

in pairs of calves (1 experimental animal + companion) in a 7.4x3.1m pen three and 27 hours after 

disbudding (day 1 and 2). All calves played at least once during the experiment. 

Three hours after disbudding, both control and calves given full pain relief spent more time playing 

than the other treatments (control: 46 sec, LA+NSAID: 46 sec, DB+LA+NSAID: 33 sec vs. DB: 11 

sec, LA+DB: 15 sec, LA: 18 sec/10 min; SE: 10 sec/10 min, p=0.01). The LA would have likely 

worn off by the time of testing: play was 67% lower in LA+DB calves relative to controls. 

Interestingly, calves given only LA also spent less time playing (61% on day 1, p

Ines Windschnurer presents Oral paper 10 



38 

Oral paper 10 

CAN STROKING DURING MILKING DECREASE AVOIDANCE 

DISTANCES OF COWS TOWARDS HUMANS? 

I. Windschnurer 1 , K. Barth 2 , S. Waiblinger 1 

1 Institute of Animal Husbandry and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria 

2 Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural 

Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Trenthorst, Germany 

We tested if short-time stroking in daily farm routine could improve the cow-human relationship 

and consequently decrease avoidance distances, and whether this effect lasted at least one month. 

32 cows were allocated to a treatment=STROKING or CONTROL group (balanced according to 

age, calving, breed). STROKING: Over a 5-day period (treatment1), each animal was stroked 

during morning and evening milking by an unfamiliar person (experimenter) for 3 min. Treatment2 

(3.5-day period) was performed 4 weeks later. One cow was excluded from STROKING due to 

aggressive behaviour. CONTROL: animals could observe the experimenter during milking. Before 

and after treatment, the experimenter recorded avoidance distances of cows (distance of first 

withdrawal when approached frontally) at the feeding place (AVOIDfeed) and in the barn 

(AVOIDbarn). Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were used for data analysis. 

Before treatment1, CONTROL- and STROKING-animals did not differ in AVOIDbarn (Z=–1.57, 

p>0.05) or AVOIDfeed (Z=–0.78, p>0.05). 

AVOIDbarn of STROKING-animals decreased (Z=–2.01, p

Fureix Carole presents Oral paper 11 



39 

Oral paper 11 

HUMAN/HORSE RELATIONSHIP QUALITY: A SAME PERCEPTION OF 

HUMANS FOR HORSES REFLECTED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS 

C. Fureix, P. Jego, M. Hausberger 

Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Université de Rennes1, France 

We assume that, in horses, frequent negative interactions can reflect a general negative perception 

of humans, that can induce a chronic stress and damage horses’ welfare. Several behavioural tests 

have been used to evaluate HHR but no study compare horses’ reactions between these tests. This 

study aims at knowing if horses generalize their reactions to humans from one to another context or 

if HHR quality depends on context assessment. 

Four tests have been performed on 60 horses: a “passive presence test” (the experimenter entered 

the box and remained motionless during 5 minutes), a “slow approach test” (the experimenter 

approached slowly and tried to touch the horse in the box), an “saddle-approach test” (experimenter 

showing a saddle to the horse) and a “bridge test” (the experimenter led the horse and tried to make 

it cross a mattress). The behaviour of the horse, the time required to touch and to cross the bridge 

were recorded. Non parametric analyses were performed to compare horses’ reactions between 

tests. 

The horses that were the most difficult to touch in their box also a) stayed the farthest away from 

the motionless human (Spearman ρ= -0.41, p=0.002), b) were the most aggressive when approached 

with a saddle (Fisher, p=0.01) and c) were the most reluctant to cross the bridge (Mann-Whitney, 

U=74, p=0.002). Similarly, the most agressive horses when approached with a saddle a) were also 

the most reluctant to cross the bridge (Fisher, p=0.04) and b) the most threatening towards the 

motionless human (Mann-Whitney, U=169, p=0.007). 

In conclusion, an altered HHR is reflected in different contexts, that could warm on a daily 

perception of humans as stressful for these horses. As we assume that an altered HHR can impair 

welfare, we are now comparing the HHR with other behavioural and physiological data, to relate 

HHR and welfare. 

Contact information: Fureix Carole or email carole.fureix@univ-rennes1.fr 

Complete address: Ethologie Animale & Humaine UMR 6552 Campus de Beaulieu, bâtiment 25 263 

avenue du général Leclerc 35042 Rennes Cedex France 

Species: Horse

Janine Aschwanden presents Oral paper 12 



40 

Oral paper 12 

INFLUENCE OF THE FEEDING DISTANCE AND SOCIAL SEPARATION 

ON CARDIAC ACTIVITY IN DOMESTIC GOATS 

J. Aschwanden, L. Gygax, B. Wechsler, N.M. Keil 

Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Agroscope Reckenholz- 

Tänikon Research Station ART, Ettenhausen, Switzerland 

Heart-rate variability is increasingly used to assess stress in farm animals. In this study we 

investigated whether cardiac activity in terms of heart rate (HR) and root mean square of successive 

beat-to-beat differences (RMSSD) is influenced in domestic goats by rank within the group, feeding 

distance and social separation. 

HR and RMSSD were recorded in five goat pairs each of eight different groups with known rank 

relationships while feeding side-by-side at two hayracks positioned at a “far” (the pair‘s freely 

chosen distance, known from a previous study) or a “near” (the pair’s minimum distance not 

eliciting agonistic interactions) distance in an experimental pen away from the group. Baseline 

values measured before the feeding tests as well as the differences between the baseline and test 

values (Δ) in HR and RMSSD were analysed with linear mixed-effects models with crossed random 

effects. Furthermore, Δ-values of HR and RMSSD obtained by measuring baseline prior to socialseparation 

tests and test values during social separation carried out with the same individuals were 

compared to the Δ-values of HR and RMSSD obtained in the feeding tests. 

Goats with a high rank within the group had higher levels of baseline-RMSSD and lower levels of 

HR than goats with a low rank within the group (p

Jan Merks presents Oral paper 13 



41 

Oral paper 13 

GENETIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR PORK PRODUCTION WITHOUT 

CASTRATION 

J.W.M. Merks, K.A. Engelsma, S. Bloemhof, E.F. Knol 

IPG, Institute for Pig Genetics B.V., Beuningen, the Netherlands 

Quality of food in terms of health and taste has high priority in our society and consumers do not 

accept off-flavour meat. Therefore, in most countries, male pigs are castrated shortly after birth to 

prevent the production of meat with the so called ‘boar taint’. However, castration is a surgical 

intervention which is of growing concern in the society and becoming an animal welfare issue. In 

addition pork production with entire males is 5-12% more efficient than pork production with male 

castrates. 

The main responsible compounds for boar taint are androstenone and skatole but these substances 

do not explain the perception of boar taint in taste panels completely. The genetic aspects of the 3 

main boar taint components, androstenone, skatole and indole were investigated in purebred 

animals of a commercial sire line; more than 1300 fat samples from the neck were collected of pigs 

with an average live weight at slaughter of 125 kg and analyzed for these 3 compounds. Average 

values (minimum and maximum) were for androstenone; 1.59 µg/g ( 0.01 - 10.15), for skatole 

0.075 µg/g (0.01 - 0.93) and for indole 0.05 µg/g (0.01 - 0.68). 

Heritabilites for the boar taint compounds ranged between 0.25 and 0.75. The genetic correlations 

with production traits were close to zero or favorable like with backfat and lean meat%. For female 

reproduction traits only androstenone showed clearly negative genetic correlations with litter 

mortality (-0.59), interval weaning - 2 nd insemination (-0.44), and with age at first insemination (- 

0.24). Genetic correlations with the male reproduction traits (volume, motility, longevity of semen) 

were also close to zero. These results clearly indicate the genetic opportunities to lower 

concentrations of the main compounds of boar taint, which on long term may enable production of 

entire male pigs without the problems of boar taint. 

Contact information: Jan Merks or email Jan.Merks@ipg.nl 

Complete address: IPG, Institute for Pig Genetics B.V., PO Box 43, 6640 AA Beuningen, the 

Netherlands 

Species: Pig

Laurianne Canario presents Oral paper 14 



42 

Oral paper 14 

GENETIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE GROUP EFFECT FOR AVERAGE 

DAILY GAIN, AND POST-MIXING AGGRESSION AND SKIN LESIONS IN 

SWEDISH PIGS 

L. Canario 1 , R. Bergsma 2 , R.B. D'Eath 3 , A.B. Lawrence 3 , R. Roehe 3 , N. Lundeheim 1 , L. 

Rydhmer 1 , E. Knol 2 , S.P. Turner 3 

1 Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Dept of Animal Breeding, Genetics, Uppsala, Sweden 

2 Institute for Pig Genetics, P.O. Box 43,6640 AA Beuningen, The Netherlands 

3 Scottish Agricultural College, Bush Estate, Edinburgh, EH26 0PH, UK 

Intense aggression after mixing pigs is common and can affect performance and welfare. It also 

results in skin injuries which increase the risk of infection. 

Selective breeding on the group effect for average daily gain (ADG) (i.e. genetic potential of one 

individual to favour the growth of its pen-mates) could simultaneously increase the genetic progress 

in individual growth and limit aggressiveness, thus improving the welfare of pigs in social 

situations. 

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible consequences for aggressive behaviour and skin 

lesions from this indirect selection on the genetic effect on ADG of pen-mates. 

Parameters for direct and group effects for ADG were estimated previously on Dutch pigs and used 

to obtain estimated breeding values (EBV) for ADG in the study population (96 groups of 15 pigs). 

Aggressive behaviour recorded continuously for 24h post-mixing included durations of 

involvement in injurious and non-injurious fighting, and delivery and receipt of non-reciprocated 

bullying. Skin lesion counts 24h and 3 wks post-mixing were also available. For all traits, the 

statistical model included the fixed effects of sex, line, litter size at birth, mixing weight and the 

random effects of litter at birth, mixing group and pig for all traits, plus a group effect for the trait 

ADG. Genetic analyses were carried out with ASReml software. 

Correlations between EBVs showed that pigs with a beneficial group effect for ADG initiated fewer 

(r=−0.23, p

Samantha Bickell presents Oral paper 15 



43 

Oral paper 15 

GENOTYPE RATHER THAN NON-GENETIC BEHAVIOURAL 

TRANSMISSION DETERMINES THE TEMPERAMENT OF MERINO 

LAMBS AT WEANING 

S. Bickell 1 , P. Poindron 2 , R. Nowak 2 , A. Chadwick 1 , D. Blache 1 

1 School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA., Australia 

2 UMR 6175 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras 

Nationaux, Nouzilly, France 

Merino ewes can be selected, over generations, for calm (C) or nervous (N) temperament using an 

arena test and isolation box test. However, the temperament of individuals of each line could be 

influenced by their genotype and/or the behaviour of their mother. We investigated the relative 

contributions of those two factors on the temperament of Merino lambs using a cross fostering 

procedure. 

Ninety multiparous ewes selected for calm (45) or nervous (45) temperaments were artificially 

inseminated with semen of a sire of the same temperament. At birth, in each temperament line, 15 

lambs of a given temperament line were cross fostered to ewes from the other line (CxN, NxC), 15 

lambs were cross fostered to ewes from the same line (CxC, NxN) and 15 lambs were left with their 

birth mother (C, N), to control for the effect of fostering. The temperament of the progeny was 

assessed at 1 week after birth in an open field test (OFT) by measuring locomotor activity. At 

weaning, a temperament index was calculated by adding standardised values of the locomotor 

activity (squares crossed) during the arena test to the agitation score measured during an isolation 

box test. 

There was a genotype effect but no maternal or fostering effect on the lamb temperament at oneweek 

(CxN; 22.6±4.3, NxC: 50.3±6.5, CxC: 21.1±3.5, NxN: 48.9±5.4, C: 16±2.4, N: 46.3±6.1 

squares crossed/5min, Genotype: p0.5 ANOVA). Similarly at weaning, only a 

genotype effect was found on the temperament index (CxN; -0.9±0.3, NxC: 1.0±0.2, CxC: -0.9±0.3, 

NxN: 0.9±0.4, C: -1.3±0.3, N: 1.0±0.4, Genotype: p0.7 ANOVA). Therefore, 

up to weaning, temperament in Merino sheep is mainly determined by the genetic transmission of 

the trait across generations rather than behaviours learned from the mother. 

Contact information: Samantha Bickell or email dbla@animals.uwa.edu.au 

Complete address: School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 

Australia 

Species: Sheep

Bas Rodenburg presents Oral paper 16 



44 

Oral paper 16 

EFFECT OF SELECTION ON LOW MORTALITY ON PLUMAGE AND 

BODY CONDITION IN LAYING HENS 

T.B. Rodenburg, K.A. Uitdehaag, E.D. Ellen, J. Komen 

Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands 

Feather pecking and cannibalism are major welfare problems in laying hens. Genetic selection for 

low mortality in group housing may provide tools to reduce feather damage and the incidence of 

wounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selection for low mortality on 

plumage and body condition of laying hens. 

Birds in the experiment were either selected for low mortality in group housing and for egg 

production (low mortality line) or for egg production only (control line) for two generations. These 

lines originated from the same population. Twenty groups of 10 birds from each line were used. 

They were reared in floor pens in stable groups from 0 to 42 weeks of age. At 42 weeks of age, 

plumage and body condition (wounds to the comb, vent, footpads) of all birds was assessed using 

the method described by Tauson et al. (2005). Additionally, incidence of toe wounds was recorded. 

Data were analyzed in SAS using the GLM procedure (plumage and body condition), with group as 

experimental unit. The incidence of toe wounds was analysed using a χ 2 -test. 

There were no differences in plumage condition between the treatments and plumage damage was 

limited. A major problem in this experiment was wounding due to toe pecking. In the control line, 

the percentage of birds wounded due to toe pecking was higher than in the low mortality line (35 vs. 

20% ; χ 2 =4.09, P < 0.05). Birds from the control line also had a lower comb score than birds from 

the low mortality line (3.0 vs. 3.2; F1,33= 4.85; p

Armelle Prunier presents Oral paper 17 



45 

Oral paper 17 

DOES BREED INTERACT WITH REARING CONDITIONS TO 

INFLUENCE CORTISOL RELEASE, IMMUNITY AND HEALTH OF 

GROWING PIGS - PRELIMINARY RESULTS 

E. Merlot, J.Y. Dourmad, B. Lebret, A. Prunier 

INRA, UMR1079, Systèmes d'Elevage Nutrition Animale et Humaine, F-35590 Saint Gilles, France 

Housing conditions and breed of pigs are known to influence behaviour, cortisol release, immunity 

and health. Whether genotype influences the responses to housing is less known. In this work, we 

evaluated the effects of housing (slatted floor=SF vs. deep litter with an outside run=DL) in two 

breeds of pigs (Large White=LW vs. Basque=B). Animals (10 per group) were assigned to 

treatment around 40 kg liveweight. One blood and 4 saliva samples were collected during rearing to 

determine blood formula, lymphocyte proliferation and cortisol (C) levels. At slaughter (140 kg 

liveweight), blood was collected for C analysis and viscera were examined for pathologies. The 

ANOVA analysis included the mains effects of breed and housing and their interaction. 

Except for some data relative to blood formula, the interactions breed x housing were not 

significant. Breed influenced hormone, health and immune measures. Plasma cortisol was higher 

during rearing (p

Jantina De Vylder presents Oral paper 18 



46 

Oral paper 18 

BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS AND COLONIZATION OF LAYERS HOUSED IN 

A BATTERY CAGE, AN ENRICHED CAGE AND AN AVIARY AFTER 

EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS 

J. De Vylder 1 , J. Jennings 2 , S. Van Hoorebeke 3 , R. Ducatelle 1 , F. Pasmans 1 , F. Haesebrouck 1 , 

T. Cogan 2 , J. Dewulf 3 , T. Humphrey 2 , F. Van Immerseel 1 

1 Department of Pathology, Bacteriology, Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

2 School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, England 

3 Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

Conventional cages have been criticised because they restrict the layers’ natural behaviour. As a 

result of welfare concerns the EU has issued the Council Directive 1999/74/EC prohibiting housing 

in conventional cages from 2012. 

It was unclear what the consequence of this decision was on Salmonella infections. A study was 

designed in which the effect of the housing system (under controlled environmental conditions) on 

infection with Salmonella and on behaviour of the animals was examined. 

Therefore layers were housed in three different housing systems: (1) 72 layers in a conventional 

cage, (2) 60 in an enriched cage and (3) 60 in an aviary. All animals were orally inoculated with 

109 cfu of Salmonella. Behavioural observations were performed over a three-day period. Measures 

included feather pecking, walking, body shaking, dust bathing, litter pecking, feeding, preening and 

ground scratching. At day 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 post-infection cloacal swabs were taken of all layers. 

At 3 weeks post-infection all hens were euthanized and the organs were analysed. 

The first week post-infection faecal shedding of Salmonella was significantly lower (p

Gabriela Olmos presents Oral paper 19 



47 

Oral paper 19 

PERIPARTUM HEALTH AND WELFARE OF HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS IN A 

CONFINEMENT-TMR SYSTEM COMPARED TO A PASTURE-BASED 

SYSTEM 

G. Olmos 1,2 , L. Boyle 1 , J.F. Mee 1 , J. Murphy 1 , A. Hanlon 2 

1 Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland 

2 School of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine, UCD, Dublin, Ireland 

The biggest cow’s health challenge is at peripartum [(-10 to 10 days relative to calving (DRC)] 

where nutrition and management impacts greatly the peripartum health outcomes. 

We compare cow peripartum health and welfare in two contrasting dairy production systems; were 

46 Holstein-Friesian spring-calving cows were randomised [parity, weight, calving date and 

predicted milk yield] and allocated to two management systems: HOUSED (cubicle housing with a 

total mixed ration (-60 to 300 DRC)] vs. GRASS [cubicle housing with grass silage (-60 to -1 DRC) 

pre- and rotational pasture with concentrate post-partum (0 to 300 DRC)]. Given the constant 

perception that health and welfare is better achieved in more natural environments; it was 

hypothesised that cows at GRASS would have positive peripartum outcomes. 

Blood samples (-15, 0 and 15 DIM) were analysed for acute phase proteins [(APP) haptoglobin and 

serum amyloid A], cortisol and white blood cell (WBC) differential; as non-specific indicators of 

sub-clinical ill-health. Reproductive welfare [(dystocia, retained placenta (>24hrs) and puerperal 

metritis, 0-10 DIM)] was recorded. Individual daily monitoring of rectal temperature (RT) and 

rumen fill score [(RF) 1-hollow to 4 –highly distended)] was used to monitor nutritional welfare. 

Mixed models for repeated measures were used in continuous variables; proportions were analysed 

using Chi-square and score data using the Mann-Whitney test. 

No differences (p>0.05) were found between treatments for APP, cortisol or WBC differential. 

However, GRASS cows tended to have a lower incidence of reproductive disorders (17.4 vs. 

47.8%, p=0.06) and overall lower RT (38.4ºC, se= 0.07 vs. 38.7ºC, se=0.07 p=0.022) than 

HOUSED cows. Although, both treatments showed an increase in RF from day 0 to 10; HOUSED 

cows had a higher RF (p

Christine Brenninkmeyer presents Oral paper 20 



48 

Oral paper 20 

RISK FACTORS FOR HOCK LESIONS IN CUBICLE HOUSED DAIRY 

COWS IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA 

C. Brenninkmeyer 1 , S. Dippel 2 , J. Brinkmann³, S. March³, C. Winckler 2 , U. Knierim 1 

1 Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel,Witzenhausen, Germany 

2 Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural 

Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria 

³ : Research Centre for Animal Production, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Vechta, Germany 

High prevalences of hock lesions are common in dairy herds. They may be painful, reflect 

restrictions in the cows lying comfort and furthermore impair welfare by increased disease risks. 

We examined various potential risk factors for hock lesions, plus 5 possible interactions, using an 

epidemiological approach.. Factors included fourteen cubicle characteristics, duration of lying down 

movements, and eight management aspects. 105 cubicle farms with Holstein or Simmental cows 

(herd size: 28 to 156 cows) were visited once during winter as part of the Welfare Quality® project. 

Housing details were measured or scored directly, management information gathered in an 

interview, and 3691 cows examined. Analysis consisted of three steps: bifactorial regression, 

regression trees and multiple linear regression. 

Average prevalence of hock lesions (scabs, wounds, swellings at tarsus or tuber calcis) was 

50%±33, ranging from 0 to 100%. In the final linear regression model, the presence of a curb was 

the most influential factor. It accounted for a prevalence reduction of 21% (p=0.0005), probably due 

to keeping a minimum amount of litter in the cubicle. Additionally, there were fewer hock lesions 

in cubicles with deep bedding ( 19%, p=0.0012) compared to those with raised cubicle base. Further 

significant factors were: softness of lying surface (-17% for soft versus hard, p=0.0012), lying area 

length (+20 cm relating to -6%, p=0.05), and clear height under cubicle partitions (+10 cm relating 

to –4%, p=0.0433). 

Thus, cubicle design had a strong effect on hock lesion prevalences. In order to reduce the high 

prevalences found, cubicle beds should be soft and contain sufficient bedding material. Longer 

cubicles and sufficient free space underneath partitions are also beneficial, though unwanted effects 

of increased soiling or risk of cows getting stuck underneath cubicle partitions need to be addressed. 

Contact information: Christine Brenninkmeyer or email brenninkmeyer@wiz.uni-kassel.de 

Complete address: Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, 

Nordbahnhofstraße 1a, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany 


Knut Niebuhr presents Oral paper 21 



49 

Oral paper 21 

KEEL BONE DAMAGE OF LAYING HENS KEPT IN NON-CAGE 

SYSTEMS IN AUSTRIA 

K. Niebuhr, A. Lugmair, B. Gruber, K. Zaludik 

Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria 

Recently keel bone damage in laying hens housed in furnished cages and especially in non cage 

systems has gained considerable attention. Alterations of the keel bone in many cases seem to be 

the consequence of fractures. Although the occurrence of alterations is considered a valid indicator 

of animal welfare, little is known about the prevalence of breast bone alterations in practice and 

factors possibly influencing the occurrence of these alterations. Therefore the aim of this study was 

to evaluate data gathered in several studies performed in Austria to gain new insights into this 

welfare problem. 

For the evaluation data obtained during farm visits of 310 laying hen flocks (age 18-83 weeks) kept 

in free-range (n=243) and deep litter systems (n=67) were used. During these visits, system and 

management characteristics were recorded. Breast bones of 20 hens in each flock were inspected by 

palpation and the percentage of hens with breast bone alterations (deviation, fractures) was 

calculated. Data were analysed with the help of SAS software using the procedure GLM, 234 

complete datasets were available. 

Breast bone alterations could be found on median in 10 % of hens per flock (STD: 18.26 %, Min: 0 

%, Max: 75 %). Nevertheless relatively few factors showed a significant influence in the final 

model (R 2 =0.37). Regarding housing conditions, only the width of perches (cm; b=-0.116, 

p=0.0496) showed a positive influence. Flocks reaching 50 % laying rate at higher ages showed less 

alterations (week; b=-0.047, p=0.0168), as did younger flocks (week; b=0.010, p

Tuomas Herva presents Oral paper 22 

In session 5: Development and improvement of welfare assessment protocols 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 10h45-11h00 in the Aula chaired by Linda Keeling 

50 

Oral paper 22 

VALIDATION OF AN ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX, USING TEST THEORY 

T. Herva 1 , O.A.T. Peltoniemi 2 

1 Department of production animal medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland 

2 Department of production animal medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland 

Animal welfare can be compared with humane quality of life. Neither is a directly measurable 

quantity, but rather a concept, which can be estimated by summated scales. Criteria to evaluate 

quality of life assessments in human beings are well described. 

In this study, coverage and validity of an ANI (Bartussek 1999) based A-Index were considered 

during the modification of the Index for Finnish beef production. All together, 45 items evaluating 

locomotion abilities, lying area, social environment, management, feeding and health of animals 

over six months up to slaughter were formed. Index scorings were done on 237 farms to which 13 

738 calves were delivered during the year 2003. 

Items were evaluated using item difficulty and correlation to the summated index. The best items 

were chosen to build a most reliable subscale. Reliability was tested using Crohnbach’s alpha. 

Responsiveness and sensitivity of the index were evaluated by a GLMM model describing 

relationship between welfare and daily carcass gain and body fat at slaughter. Confounding effects 

of various variables derived from animal delivery and slaughter data were checked for. One to one 

relationship between the subscale and losses was described. 

Crohnbach's alpha for the A-index was 0.82 and 0.87 for the subscale including 18 items evaluating 

locomotion abilities, lying area, management and health of animals. A positive relationship was 

found between the A-Index and daily carcass gain and a significant negative relationship between 

both scales and body fat. Losses were 5.5% for calves with low subscale, 4.4% with medium 

subscale and 2.0% with high subscale. 

Based on our observations, methods used for quality of life indexes seem to be suitable for animal 

welfare assessment. Welfare statements based on direct measurements of animal welfare using 

summated scales could be argued theoretically more justifiable than statements based on 

measurements of separate behavior and health parameters. 

Contact information: Tuomas Herva or email tuomas.herva@atria.fi 

Complete address: Department of production animal medicine, University of Helsinki, Mikkolantie 

16 90310 OULU, Finland 

Species: General

Raphaëlle Botreau presents Oral paper 23 



51 

Oral paper 23 

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF COW WELFARE – STRATEGY FOLLOWED 

IN WELFARE QUALITY® 

R. Botreau 1,2 , I. Veissier 1 , J. Capdeville 2 , P. Perny 3 

1 INRA, UR1213 Herbivores, Site de Theix, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France 

2 Department Institut de l’Elevage, BP18, F-31321 Castanet Tolosan, France 

3 Laboratoire Informatique de Paris 6, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 104 avenue du Président Kennedy, 

F-75016 Paris, France 

Animal welfare is a multidimensional concept. Hence, its assessment need rely on complementary 

measures which cover all dimensions. In Welfare Quality®, we explored methodologies developed 

in multicriteria decision-aiding to build a model for the overall assessment of welfare of cows. A 

hierarchical structure, where several principles are constructed and then aggregated to obtain an 

overall evaluation at farm level, is proposed. 

Four welfare principles (good feeding, good housing, good health and appropriate behaviour), 

subdivided into 12 criteria (eg absence of hunger and thirst for good feeding) were defined. They 

are supposed to cover all important aspects of welfare while not overlapping with each other. The 

first stage of the model is the construction of criteria from the measures taken on the farm. Each 

criterion is assessed on a utility scale from 0 (the worst situation) to 100 (the ideal situation), where 

50 represents a moderate situation. The calculation of criterion-scores depends on the number of 

measures to be aggregated, their nature and precision (weighted sum associated to a non-linear 

function, decision-trees…). To aggregate criteria into principles, we use a method that can attribute 

weights to criteria while limiting compensations between them. The procedure thus encourages 

farmers to improve the most problematic points. To produce an overall assessment from principles, 

we use a comparison to predefined reference profiles which delimit four welfare categories 

(Excellent, Good, Basic, Not classified). At each stage, the evaluation model is parameterised using 

experts' opinion. For the construction of principles we consulted animal scientists, and for the final 

overall evaluation we additionally considered stakeholders and social scientists' views. 

The information remains available at each stage of the model that avoids "black boxes". The model 

can be used for several purposes: identifying problems on a farm to advise farmers on possible 

improvements, checking compliance with certification schemes, etc. 

Contact information: Raphaëlle Botreau or email rbotrea@clermont.inra.fr 

Complete address: INRA de Clermont-Ferrand - Theix URH - ACS 63122 - Saint-Genès- 

Champanelle FRANCE 

Species: Cattle

Francoise Wemelsfelder presents Oral paper 24 



52 

Oral paper 24 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT AS 

AN ON-FARM WELFARE INSPECTION TOOL 

F. Wemelsfelder 1 , U. Knierim 2 , G. De Rosa 3 , F. Napolitano 4 , S. Haslam 5 

1 

Sustainable Livestock Systems, Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh, UK 

2 

Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany 

3 

Department of Soil, Plant, Environment and Animal Production Sciences, University of Naples "Federico 

II", Portici, Italy 

4 

Department of Animal Production Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy 

5 

School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK 

The aim of this collaborative project was, as part of EU-project Welfare Quality®, to develop fixed 

scoring-lists for the Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) of pigs, cattle, and poultry, and to 

test the inter-observer reliability of these lists. QBA is a method for the assessment of animal body 

language using descriptors such as ‘relaxed’, ‘anxious’, ‘content’ or ‘distressed’. Previous work 

with pigs, cattle, poultry and sheep has demonstrated the scientific validity of this approach, for 

both individual and grouped animals. 

Based on previous research and consulted expert opinion, six QBA scoring-lists of 20 speciesspecific 

terms were selected for pigs, laying hens, broilers, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and veal calves. 

The lists for hens, dairy, beef and veal were tested by teams of 3-4 assessors on 21-23 farm-units 

spread throughout Germany (hens), Italy (dairy/veal) and Scotland (beef). The lists for broilers, 

pigs, and dairy were tested by 4, 11 and 14 assessors respectively, from 15-17 video-clips of 

animals in different housing systems. Individual assessor scores were analysed using Principal 

Component Analysis (PCA - covariance matrix, no rotation), and assessors’ main PCA-dimensions 

were correlated using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W). 

Correlations between assessors’ separate qualitative descriptors showed variable strength, however 

assessors’ main PCA-dimensions showed remarkably similar emergent patterns of animal 

expression. PCA-1 generally distinguished between positive and negative mood, with W-values of 

0.74 (pigs), 0.83 (hens), 0.78 (broilers), 0.38 (dairy-onfarm), 0.73 (dairy-video), 0.73 (beef), and 

0.64 (veal), all significant at p

Nanda Ursinus presents Oral paper 25 



53 

Oral paper 25 

COWEL: A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WELFARE SCORING OF 

NEW HUSBANDRY SYSTEMS FOR DAIRY CATTLE 

W.W. Ursinus 1 , F. Schepers 1 , R.M. de Mol 2 , J.H.M. Metz 1 , M.B.M. Bracke 2 , H.W.J. 

Houwers 2 , P.W.G. Groot Koerkamp 1,2 

1 

Farm Technology Group, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 

The Netherlands 

2 

Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

Animals have various behavioural and physiological needs that are important to meet their welfare. 

Fulfilment of needs in husbandry systems results from the quality of the housing (hardware), the 

management (stockman) and animal characteristics (genotype & phenotype). The objective of this 

study is to develop a model to assign welfare scores to potential husbandry systems based on 

scientific results, thereby supporting the design of new welfare-friendly systems. 

A literature survey, including approximately 500 international sources, resulted in over 2500 

statements on dairy cattle welfare. These statements form the basis of the COWEL model, a 

computer-based decision support system developed to provide welfare scores for husbandry 

systems. 

COWEL contains attributes, that regard the main housing and management conditions and their 

various levels, ranging from best to worst concerning welfare. Each statement contains information 

about animal-based parameters (welfare aspects, e.g. lameness) that is linked to an attribute (e.g. 

floor type) and its level (e.g. concrete). Subsequently, statements are weighed depending on the 

impact they have on welfare, using weighting categories such as the occurrence of pain, illness and 

natural behaviour. A weighting factor is calculated that determines which attributes are most 

important for welfare. Finally, new husbandry systems are described in terms of attributes and 

levels, so that a general welfare score can be calculated. 

Currently, the model is tested on several husbandry systems (two tie-stalls, two cubicles, one straw 

yard and one pasture-based system) while the management attributes are set at the same level. The 

welfare scores correspond with the expectations that a tie stall receives a very low and a pasturebased 

system a very high welfare score. 

We conclude that the COWEL model can be used to rank new husbandry systems on a welfare 

scale, and is a useful tool to develop new sustainable and welfare-friendly systems for dairy cattle. 

Contact information: Nanda Ursinus or email nanda.ursinus@wur.nl 

Complete address: Postal address: P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Visiting 

address: Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands 


Ute Knierim presents Oral paper 26 



54 

Oral paper 26 

ON-FARM WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN CATTLE – QUO VADIS 

U. Knierim 1 , C. Winckler 2 

1 Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, Germany 

2 Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences 

Vienna, Austria 

Welfare Quality® aims to develop feasible and scientifically sound on-farm welfare assessment 

systems with a focus on animal-based measures. After three years participation in this work 

regarding cattle, we take a brief look on achievements and remaining challenges considering the 

central criteria validity, reliability and feasibility. 

Many welfare measures selected such as lameness or agonistic interactions have convincing face 

validity. However, often information is lacking on degrees of welfare impairment, e.g. of different 

lesion types. Other measures such as social licking were found doubtful as indicator of positive 

emotion, as it might merely alleviate poor welfare. 

Reliability issues were largely neglected in the past. Welfare Quality® revealed the difficulty for 

many measures to achieve acceptable inter-observer reliability. Moreover, generally accepted limits 

(R≥0.7, PABAKs≥0.4) may mean substantial deviations between results form different observers. 

Clearly, recording methods need to be further improved and tested. Another aspect is consistency of 

results over time. If a farm’s general welfare level shall be certified, a similar ranking at different 

times must be achieved save there were major changes. Numerous highly welfare relevant measures 

that occur infrequently (e.g. abnormal or play behaviours) cannot consistently be detected in shortterm 

observations. This dilemma needs further efforts to be solved. 

For feasibility the main constraint is available time. Currently e.g. the dairy assessment takes on 

average about 6 net hours, varying depending on herd size. About one third of measures are 

behavioural, taking about 3 hours, one third clinical, taking 2.5 hours, and one third management- 

and resource-based, taking less than 0.5 hours. If the assessment shall seriously focus on animalbased 

measures and be scientifically sound, it will be difficult to reduce the time needed. 

First essential steps in the development of a welfare assessment system have been taken. In the 

future validity and reliability issues need further attention. 

Contact information: Ute Knierim or email knierim@wiz.uni-kassel.de 

Complete address: Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, 

Germany 


Kamara Scott presents Oral paper 27 



55 

Oral paper 27 

EVALUATION OF A PROTOTYPE WELFARE MONITORING SYSTEM 

FOR SOWS AND PIGLETS (WELFARE QUALITY PROJECT®) 

K. Scott 1 , G. Binnendijk 2 , S.A. Edwards 1 , J.H. Guy 1 , M. Kiezebrink 2 , H. Vermeer 2 

1 School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

2 Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands. 

Purpose This research was carried out as part of the Welfare Quality® project, which aims to 

develop a European on-farm welfare assessment standard for pigs, as well as cattle and poultry. 

Using a combination of information available in the scientific literature and preliminary pilot 

studies, separate prototype welfare monitoring protocols were developed for sows and piglets 

(breeding herd), fattening pigs (finisher herd) and pigs at slaughter. 

Methods The prototype welfare assessment protocol was devised using a combination of animal- 

(e.g. skin lesions, health measures, behaviour) and resource-based measures (e.g. stocking density, 

environmental enrichment provision) to assess pig welfare. Pilot studies are being carried out on a 

wide variety of farming systems (e.g. outdoors, deep-straw, organic, fully-slatted, stalls) in order to 

assess how practical the measures are, their prevalence, and to develop a large database so that 

typical scores can be bench-marked. Data from a total of 90 farms (allocated equally between the 

UK and the Netherlands) are in the process of being collected. 

Results Approximately 50 farms have been visited so far. Preliminary data analysis indicates the 

prevalence of severe vulval lesions, body lesions, bursitis and extremely poor body condition for 

individual dry sows as 1.8, 1.0, 0.7 and 0.2% respectively, with a range of 0-13.3, 0-16.7, 0-6.7 and 

0-6.7% prevalence respectively for individual farms. System comparisons can only be reliably 

made once the full data set has been collected. System design affects practicality of some measures; 

for example, on outdoor farms, it is often difficult to achieve close proximity to the sows due to the 

large paddock sizes typically found, and to carry out behaviour observations in poor weather. 

Conclusions The complete data set will enable a refined final on-farm welfare monitoring system 

for sows and piglets to be developed and benchmarks established. 

Contact information: Kamara Scott or email Kamara.Scott@ncl.ac.uk 

Complete address: School of AFRD Agriculture Building Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne 

NE1 7RU and School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle 

University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK 

Species: Pig

Joy Mench presents Oral paper 28 



56 

Oral paper 28 

CAGE DESIGN EFFECTS ON AMMONIA LEVELS IN LAYING HEN 

HOUSES: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH 

J.P. Garner 1 , A. Kiess 2 , J.A. Mench 3 , P.Y. Hester 1 , R.C. Newberry 4 

1 Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Indiana, USA 

2 Poultry Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, USA 

3 Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA 

4 Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Washington, USA 

Many potential animal welfare problems are difficult to manage because they are influenced by a 

complex interaction of factors. This interaction is difficult to study in a conventional experiment 

where only one or two factors can be manipulated. Epidemiological approaches, which take 

advantage of the variation between farms, provide a potential solution to this dilemma. Using 

ammonia as an example, we illustrate the potential of such approaches to reveal complex 

interactions and to identify previously unknown factors. 

We visited 188 laying hen houses across the US, and recorded approximately 50 variables 

describing the house, 50 describing the flock, and 25 describing cage design. Atmospheric ammonia 

was recorded and averaged from 9 standardized locations in the house. For analysis, we prioritized 

the variables to examine; removed variables without sufficient variation or those with missing data; 

and identified highly correlated variables and condensed them into single summary variables. 

Finally using GLM, we identified a statistical model that best described the variance in ammonia 

levels. 

GLM analyses explained 52% of the variation in ammonia between producers and 57% within 

producers. Removing manure more effectively reduced ammonia in vertically stacked than in Aframe 

cage systems (p=0.007). Cooled houses had less ammonia (p

Iris Kolkman presents Oral paper 29 

In Session 6: Free topics 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 16h00-16h15 in the Aula chaired by Elisabetta Canali 

57 

Oral paper 29 

ASSESSMENT OF PAIN PERCEPTION IN DOUBLE MUSCLED BELGIAN 

BLUE COWS FOLLOWING DELIVERY PER VIAS NATURALES VERSUS 

BY CAESAREAN SECTION 

I. Kolkman 2 , S. Aerts 3 , H. Vervaecke 1 , J. Vicca 1 , G. Opsomer 2 , D. Lipsa 3 

1 Department of Agro- and Biotechnology KaHo Sint-Lieven, Belgium 

2 Department of Reproduction, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

3 University of Leuven, Centre for Science, Technology and Ethics, Kasteelpark Arenberg Leuven, Belgium 

In the present study the behaviour of Belgian Blue (BB) cows in the peri partum period was 

assessed. In total 30 multiparous cows (17 CS, 13 vn), all belonging to the same herd were closely 

observed at D-30, D1, D3 and D14 after parturition. Main behavioural indicators of pain were 

alertness, restlessness, aggressive behaviour, vocalisation, rumination quality, reaction to pressure 

on the left flank or the vulva, breathing frequency and eye white percentage. These indicators, 

together with overall activity and activity budget, were registered (Observer® software) and 

statistical analysed (Wilcoxon and Fisher-test, mixed models, χ 2 -test). 

Main (significant) differences on D1 were a lower overall activity (CS: 214±126; vn: 349±192; P 

Emma Baxter presents Oral paper 30 



58 

Oral paper 30 

POSTNATAL PIGLET SURVIVAL INDICATORS IN CONVENTIONAL 

AND ALTERNATIVE FARROWING SYSTEMS 

E.M. Baxter 1,2 , S. Jarvis 1 , A.B. Lawrence 1 , S.A. Edwards 2 

1 Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Sustainable Livestock Systems, Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh,UK 

2 Newcastle University, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Agriculture Building, Newcastle 

upon Tyne, UK 

Improving piglet survival is an important challenge within the pig industry. The farrowing 

environment represents a continuing dilemma: the piglet's needs must be matched with those of the 

sow and farmer. Farrowing pigs in less restrictive systems facilitates natural behaviour and 

enhances sow welfare. In order to improve survival in these alternative systems piglet survival 

indicators could be identified that will assist in developing genetic selection strategies targeting 

mortality. 

Piglets (n=1347) from 111 sows were studied in three different farrowing environments 

(Conventional=Crate, Alternative=Outdoor and Indoor Loose-housed). Generalised Linear Mixed 

Models were used to identify behavioural and physiological indicators of piglet survival and to 

determine interactions with farrowing environment. 

Regardless of farrowing environment, birth weight was the most important postnatal physiological 

survival indicator (W1=52.35, p

Paul Koene presents Oral paper 31 



59 

Oral paper 31 

ASYMMETRY IN GRAZING BEHAVIOUR IN GROUPS OF FERAL, 

RIDING AND PROFESSIONAL SPORT HORSES 

P. Koene, C. Munsters, J. van Leeuwen 

Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands 

In a recent study it was shown that horses with longer legs and smaller heads have more difficulties 

in reaching the ground for grazing. As a consequence they may show asymmetrical grazing 

behaviour. Asymmetry and lateralisation in behaviour may also be related with asymmetry in 

physical characteristics. This is often called fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and may be indicative of a 

variety of stress and genetic factors. 

The purpose of this study was to record differences and asymmetries in lateral grazing behaviour 

and morphology in horses. The asymmetry was investigated on an individual and on a population 

level. Four groups of twenty horses were studied: koniks, normal riding horses, professional sport 

horses (dressage and jumping horses). Per horse fifty grazing steps were recorded with a digital 

video camera and analyzed for differences in standing and lifting up duration of the forelimbs. Back 

asymmetry was measured with a back gauge, but not in koniks. 

No FA and lateralisation in grazing behaviour at the population level was found. Konik horses 

showed less behavioural asymmetry in protracting, lifting up and standing time of both forelimbs 

than the horses of the other three groups (Chi-square=8.98, df=3, p

Ester Struelens presents Oral paper 32 



60 

Oral paper 32 

EFFECT OF CROSS-WISE PERCH DESIGNS ON PERCH USE IN LAYING 

HENS 

E. Struelens 1 , E. Van Poucke 1 , L. Duchateau 2 , F. Ödberg 3 , B. Sonck 1 , F.A.M. Tuyttens 1 

1 

Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

2 

Department of Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, 

Belgium 

3 

Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent 

University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

Directive 1999/74/EC requires 15 cm perch length per hen but no further recommendations about 

perch arrangements are given. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cross-wise 

perch designs on perch use in laying hens. 

During a period of 5 weeks 8 groups of 6 hens were exposed to 4 perch arrangements: a straight 

perch of 60 cm (P60), a 30 cm perch crossing the middle of another perch of 30 (P30+30), 45 

(P45+30) or 60 cm (P60+30). Number of hens on the perches and their behaviours were recorded 

during day, evening (15 min period starting from light dimming) and night. Statistical analyses 

were performed using a mixed model (group as random factor, period and perch arrangement as 

fixed factors). 

Perch occupancy (mean number of hens using the perches) of P30+30 (day: 0.87±0.06, evening: 

1.87±0.13, night: 2.01±0.15) was significantly lower compared to the other perch arrangements 

during daytime (P60: 1.06±0.09, P60+30: 1.21±0.05, P45+30: 0.98±0.04), evening (P60: 

3.38±0.19, P60+30: 3.16±0.11, P45+30: 2.61±0.14) and night (P60: 3.58±0.21, P60+30: 3.50±0.17, 

P45+30: 2.90±0.10). Perch occupancy was lower for P45+30 as compared with P60+30 during 

daytime (p

Luc Mirabito presents Oral paper 33 



61 

Oral paper 33 

ASSESSMENT OF CATTLE WELFARE ON FARM : AN EXAMPLE OF 

COOPERATION WITH CONSUMERS 

Institut de l’Elevage, Paris, France 

L. Mirabito, J. Capdeville, A.C. Dockès, F. Kling, A. Brulé 

Animal welfare (AW) is a multidimensional concept with ethic and scientific dimensions. In the 

objective of a routine assessment of cattle welfare, we developed a research program associating 

scientific studies with expression of consumer point of view. 

During the first step, consumers were questioned, in focus-groups, on their representation of AW 

and how to monitor it. Consumers made spontaneously a relation between welfare and 

“feeding/housing” conditions. After reinforcement, they raised several measures of welfare 

(quietness, good human-animal relationship, “not too fat, not too thin”, physical aspect, social 

behaviours). These first results were then used, concomitantly, with bibliographic elements to list 

measures (about 15) which represented the dimensions of the five freedom (FAWC). 

During the second step, the measures were tested for reproducibility, repeatability and the 

variability was estimated in 70 farms. 

Then, a new meeting with consumers was organised. They had to comment, without any 

information, video/photography which illustrate the 5 measures finally selected (injuries, body 

condition, cleanliness, lameness, human-animal relationship) after the scientific phase. It was rather 

difficult for consumers to define and interpret the criteria (except human-animal relationship which 

was easily understood) but they globally succeed. Then they were given more information by 

experts. There was a general agreement with list of criteria and with the idea of routine monitoring 

of welfare based on “animals’ results” but they pointed out the lack of behavioural criteria and 

insisted on the need to banish, simultaneously, what they called “unacceptable practices”. 

In conclusion, this research program, based on a mix between ethical concern of consumers and 

technical results, has shown the possibility of a collaborative approach and the limits of a consensus 

on the list of criteria. The next step should be the common definition of the minimum level required 

for each criteria. 

Contact information: Luc Mirabito or email luc.mirabito@inst-elevage.asso.fr 

Complete address: Institut de l’Elevage, 149 rue de Bercy, 75595 Paris Cedex 12, France 

Species: General

Angela Bergschmidt presents Oral paper 34 



62 

Oral paper 34 

APPLICATION OF AN ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR 

POLICY EVALUATION: DOES THE FARM INVESTMENT SCHEME 

IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE IN SUBSIDISED NEW STABLES? 

A. Bergschmidt 1 , L. Schrader 2 

1 Institute of Farm Economics, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural 

Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Braunschweig, Germany 

2 Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Celle, Germany 

The National Assessment Catalogue for Animal Husbandry (NACAH) is an approach for a 

combined assessment of the effects of housing systems on the environment and on animal welfare. 

Indicators are used to evaluate the effects on animal behaviour. They are classified related to the 

restriction of normal behaviour in each of the selected housing systems and then aggregated into 

three categories (A to C). The aggregation follows criteria adapted for the purposes of this study. 

In Germany, many stables are constructed with subsidies from the Farm Investment Scheme (FIS), 

a measure of the EU Rural Development Programme. The FIS contains numerous goals including 

the improvement of animal welfare. 

We applied the NACAH to evaluate the effect of the FIS on animal welfare. Information on animal 

housing conditions before and after the investment was gathered in a telephone survey carried out in 

2007. The farms were selected in a random disproportional sample, stratified according to the 

federal states. The sample sizes amount to 18% of the population of assisted dairy farms (n=320) 

and 32% of assisted fattening pig farms (n=210). 

The application of the NACAH revealed important differences in the behavioural aspect of animal 

welfare between dairy and pig farms. Before the investment, dairy housings received a much better 

rating than those for fattening pigs. In the new stables, the aspect behaviour: 

• did not change for 24% of the dairy and 44% of the pig farms, 

• deteriorated in 7% of the dairy and 38% of the pig farms, 

• improved in 69% of the dairy and 18% of the pig farms. 

As ameliorations in the dairy farms are mainly attributed to the abandonment of tethered-stalls, the 

FIS does not achieve distinct improvements of animal welfare at the farm level. 

Contact information: Angela Bergschmidt or email angela.bergschmidt@vti.bund.de 

Complete address: Institute of Farm Economics Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute (vTI) Federal 

Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries Bundesallee 50 38116 

Braunschweig Germany 


Filiep Vanhonacker presents Oral paper 35 



63 

Oral paper 35 

CONSUMER ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SURGICAL CASTRATION OF 

PIGLETS AND IMMUNOCASTRATION AS A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE: 

A FLEMISH PRELIMINARY STUDY 

F. Vanhonacker 1 , F. Tuyttens 2 , W. Verbeke 1 

1 

Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, 

Belgium 

2 

Department of Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

In the large majority of European countries, piglets are being surgically castrated due to the 5 to 

10% chance on boar taint in pork from uncastrated boars. In addition, castrated pigs are less 

aggressive and express less sexual behaviour. With the exception of some countries, castration is 

performed without anaesthesia. Due to a growing societal concern, this practice suffers from a high 

level of opposition. Moreover, also the farmers experience the castration as an unpleasant task. 

Also in Belgium, surgical castration of piglets without anaesthesia is subject to a lot of criticism. A 

lot of research is currently done on possible alternatives, among them immunocastration. This 

technique consists of a vaccine that inhibits the production of the hormones that cause boar taint, 

and is applied through two consecutive injections with an interim time of two weeks. One of the 

possible problems with this technique could be consumer acceptance. In order to gain insights in 

consumer knowledge, attitude and acceptance of immunocastration, a web-based questionnaire was 

spread to Flemish consumers. 

Results are based on a preliminary sample of 212 respondents. 47.6% indicates to be aware of the 

routine practice of piglet castration. With regard to the level of concern of this practice, an average 

neutral score was found, with 15% indicating to be not at all concerned and a similar percentage 

expressing a very high concern. 60% of the sample perceived immunocastration more positive 

compared to chirurgical castration without anaesthesia, an opinion which was most strongly based 

upon the perception of better standards of animal welfare, pork quality and farmer’s labour. Also, 

different messages informing about immunocastration were tested for their impact on consumer 

attitude and acceptance. Full results and conclusions will be presented at the conference. 

Contact information: Filiep Vanhonacker or email filiep.vanhonacker@ugent.be 


9000 Gent, Belgium 

Species: Pig

Siobhan Mullan presents Oral paper 36 



64 

Oral paper 36 

A CONSULTATION OF PIG FARMERS ON THE INCLUSION OF SOME 

WELFARE OUTCOME ASSESSMENTS WITHIN UK FARM ASSURANCE 

S. Mullan 1 , H.R. Whay 1 , A. Butterworth 1 , S.A. Edwards 2 , D.C.J. Main 1 

1 Department of ClinicalVeterinaryScience, University of Bristol, UK 

2 School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, University of Newcastle,UK 

Farm assurance has been a part of the UK pig industry for more than a decade and provides 

assurances to the market over food safety, animal welfare and environmental concerns. Current UK 

pig farm assurance is a resource based assessment and assures 92% of pigmeat produced in the UK. 

There has been a suggestion from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, a UK government advisory 

body, and Compassion In World Farming that farm assurance could improve its level of welfare 

assurance by inclusion of welfare outcome measures made on the animals themselves. 

As part of a consultation process with the major stakeholders that would be affected by the 

incorporation of welfare outcome measures into farm assurance, a questionnaire was designed to 

elicit the opinions and attitudes of farmers to such changes. 

Fifty six pig farmers who attended a pig health seminar completed the questionnaire. In answer to 

open questions, the pig farmers were most commonly proud of the productivity (27.5%) and 

welfare (23.5%) of the pigs on their farm, and the welfare of pigs in the UK industry as a whole 

(26.1%). The most common thing the pig farmers wanted to tell consumers about was the good 

welfare of the pigs (55.8%), followed by their own personal qualities such as being caring, the 

quality of the meat and the safety of the meat (all 13.5%). 

In answer to closed questions, 66% of farmers stated they would be either quite willing or very 

willing to perform welfare self-assessments as part of farm assurance and 66% would be quite or 

very willing to be anonymously benchmarked on the welfare of their pigs. 

This support for welfare outcome assurance by farmers, who ultimately bear the burden of farm 

assurance, is essential for the continuing success of a farm assured industry. 

Contact information: Siobhan Mullan or email siobhan.mullan@bris.ac.uk 

Complete address: Department of ClinicalVeterinaryScience, University of Bristol, UK 

Species: Pig

Fritha Langford presents Oral paper 37 

In session 8: Application of welfare assessment protocols 

Saturday, 13 September 2008 from 11h00-11h15 in the Aula chaired by Joy Mench 

65 

Oral paper 37 

THE USE OF QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENT TO 

INVESTIGATE COW WELFARE ON ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC 

DAIRY FARMS 

F.M. Langford, K.M.D. Rutherford, M.C. Jack, L. Sherwood, F. Wemelsfelder, A.B. 

Lawrence, M.J. Haskell 

Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Sustainable Livestock Systems, SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, U.K. 

This study aimed to investigate relationships between health and welfare on twenty organic and 

twenty non-organic UK dairy farms. Organic and non-organic farms were paired for housing type, 

herd size and cow genetic-merit. On each farm, a number of qualitative and quantitative (e.g. 

lameness-score, body-condition-score) welfare measures were recorded. 

A list of twenty-one qualitative assessment terms to describe each herd (e.g. ‘happy’, ‘irritable’ and 

‘overall-welfare’) was generated based on previous research. Two experimenters independently 

scored these terms on 125mm lines after spending 2.5 days on each farm. Data were analysed using 

linear mixed-models and correlations. Additionally, video-clips were collected of a humanapproach-test 

on three cows from each farm. Twelve observers used Free-Choice-Profiling to 

generate qualitative terms for the video-clips. Data were analysed with Generalized Procrustes 

Analysis. 

Experimenters showed excellent reliability for 13 of 21 terms. From these terms, experimenters 

scored organic herds as more ‘sociable’ (Wald=7.5, p

Rikke Ingemann presents Oral paper 38 



66 

Oral paper 38 

HOW CAN FARMERS MAKE USE OF WELFARE ASSESSMENT 

SCHEMES? - A CASE STUDY 

R. Ingemann 1,2 , P. Sandøe 1 , B. Forkman 1 

1 

Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 

Denmark 

2 

Danish Cattle Federation, Danish Agricultural Advisory Service, National Centre, Aarhus, Denmark 

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the use of welfare assessments by producers or their 

organizations. A welfare assessment scheme developed by Danish Cattle Federation (DCF) is 

chosen as a case. This scheme is allegedly intended to improve animal welfare, farmers’ economy, 

and dialogue with consumers. 

The welfare definition endorsed by DCF is that "Animal welfare consists of the positive and 

negative experiences of the animals”. DCF’s welfare measures are: cleanliness, body condition, 

skin, wounds, health, hoofs, rising behavior, human-animal relationship, and lameness. 

The presentation is carried through as a case study where DCF’s measures of welfare are compared 

to the chosen definition of welfare and discussed on the basis of results of farmer’s answers to a 

questionnaire, comments from welfare inspectors, and a comparison with three other welfare 

schemes. 

There is a discrepancy between DCF’s definition of welfare and measures of welfare. Measures of 

frustration and of positive experiences are absent in the scheme. Farmers find the measures of 

welfare relevant and agree that good animal welfare improves their economy. The welfare 

inspectors report counter-intuitive results of the scheme. For example heifers in a small pen with a 

slatted floor and heifers kept on a short chain can get a good score. Compared to the other schemes 

DCF’s scheme has few measures, and it is the only scheme without any resource based measures. 

DCF’s definition of welfare is broad but the measures of welfare are much more limited. This may 

not be a problem if the goal is to improve farmers’ economy. If the goal is to improve welfare, the 

limited measures are problematic, and this may undermine the third stated goal: to improve 

dialogue with consumers. If the two last goals are to be pursued in a serious way, better measures of 

welfare must be included. 

Contact information: Rikke Ingemann or email rii@landscentret.dk 

Complete address: Udkærsvej 15, 8200 Århus N, Denmark 

Species: General

Valérie Courboulay presents Oral paper 39 



67 

Oral paper 39 

WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN 82 PIG FARMS : EFFECT OF AGE OF 

ANIMALS AND FLOOR TYPE ON BEHAVIOUR AND INJURIES OF 

FATTENING PIGS 

V. Courboulay, A. Eugène, E. Delarue 

IFIP Institut du Porc, BP 35104, 35651 Le Rheu Cedex, France 

A welfare assessment method was built, based on criteria related to behaviour, lesion scores and 

human/animal relationships, and thereafter tested in two types of farms differing by their type of 

floor: either concrete slatted floor (C, n=42) or straw bedding (S, n=40). 

Observations were carried out on 40 to 60 pigs per room at the following periods: 

- P1: at least ten days after the animals arrival (i.e., 90 days of life) 

- P2: at the middle of the fattening period (i.e., 130 days of life) 

- P3: at the end of the fattening period (i.e., 162 days of life) 

The behaviour was assessed through five scans with a two minutes interval between two successive 

observations. Each behaviour was expressed in relation to the total amount of active behaviours. 

Injuries (scratches, wounds, tail and ears lesions, lameness) were scored on a three levels scale 

(none, mild, severe). The score of the farm (or at each period per farm) was the proportion of pigs 

classified in each level. The effect of the period was analysed in fifty one farms presenting the three 

periods. The effect of floor type was analysed from the whole sample. 

Social behaviour was significantly more important at P1 than at P2 and P3 (16.4 vs 12.7 and 11.1%, 

respectively, p

Antoni Dalmau presents Oral paper 40 



68 

Oral paper 40 

APPLICATION OF THE WELFARE QUALITY® PROTOCOL AT PIG 

ABATTOIRS 

A. Dalmau, P. Rodríguez, P. Llonch, A. Velarde 

IRTA, Finca Camps i armet s/n, Monells(17121), Girona, Spain 

A validation study of the Welfare Quality® protocol was carried out in 9 pig slaughterhouses in 

Spain. At arrival, the incidence of pigs that were dead, sick (measures of absence of disease) and 

panting (thermal comfort) was assessed in 1064±77.2 pigs per abattoir. During unloading and in the 

same animals, the percentage of pigs that slip, fall (measures of ease of movement), showed 

reluctance to move and turning back (measures of general fear) and were lame (measure of absence 

of injuries) was also assessed. In the lairage pens, the stocking density and the percentage of pigs 

that were painting, shivering, and huddling (measures of thermal comfort) were assessed in a total 

of 346±81.0 pigs per abattoir. Stunning effectiveness (measure of absence of pain induced by 

management procedures), slaughter checks and fresh skin lesions (measures of absence of disease 

and injuries, respectively) were also assessed in 60 animals per abattoir. 

At arrival, 0.17% of the pigs were dead (range from 0 to 3%), 0.3% sick (range from 0 to 0.7%), 

and 1.1 % panting (range from 0% to 5.9%). During unloading, 3% (range from 0 to 6%) showed 

reluctant to move, 7.6% (range from 0 to 20%) turning back, 28% (range from 8 to 59%) slipped, 

and 3.6% (range from 0.4% to 13%) fell. 2.3% of the pigs were moderately lame (range from 0.6 to 

3%) and 0.2% (range from 0% to 0.8%) severely lame. Between 22±0.9 and 120±21.8 pigs were 

lairage in each pen, with a stocking density between 0.32 and 0.88 m 2 per animal. In 7 abattoirs the 

incidence of incorrect stunning was between 0 and 2%, in 1 abattoir 8% and in another 31%. The 

incidence of pleuritis was from 0% to 10%, pneumonia from 15% to 45%, white spots in the liver 

from 0% to 40%, pericarditis from 0% to 7% and the worst scoring in terms of fresh skin lesions 

was assessed in 8% to 40% of pigs. 

Contact information: Antoni Dalmau or email antoni.dalmau@irta.es 

Complete address: Finca Camps i Armet s/n 17121, Monells, Girona, Spain 

Species: Pig

Linda Keeling presents Oral paper 41 



69 

Oral paper 41 

AN ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL-BASED VERSUS RESOURCE-BASED 

COMMENTS IN STATE ANIMAL WELFARE INSPECTION REPORTS 

L.J. Keeling 

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Box 7038, SE- 

750 07 Uppsala, Sweden, Linda.keeling@hmh.slu.se 

This study analysed the free use of phrases related to animal-based and resource-based indicators of 

animal welfare in Swedish state animal welfare inspection reports on conventional (C) and organic 

(O) farms. From 244 reports by 35 inspectors, 88 were analysed as matched pairs of C and O farms 

(same inspector, species and size of farm) using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. They were analysed 

‘blind’ for negative comments referring to the animals or to the resources (buildings and facilities). 

The total number of general (non-compulsory) comments was similar for O (n=86) and C (n=90) 

farms. But the number of specific (compulsory) requirements for change to comply with legislation 

was almost twice as high for O (n=73) than for C (n=37) (p

Posters 

71

73 

Poster 1 

Cécile Arnould presents Poster 1 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 1: Development, validation and automated measurements of indicators of animal welfare 

RELATION BETWEEN A SIMPLE MEASURE OF ACTIVITY, LAMENESS 

AND PODODERMATITIS IN MEAT TYPE CHICKENS 

C. Arnould, L. Colin 

INRA, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France 

Under commercial condition, the activity of broilers could be an indicator of their welfare. 

However, no simple measure of activity exists at the moment. This study aims to test the relations 

between 1. a simple measure of activity and 2. lameness and pododermatitis. 

Data were obtained from high and low growth rate broilers reared under commercial conditions 

(n=17 and 15 flocks respectively). Bird activity was assessed on 16-36 birds per flock chosen at 

random and observed from the moment they leave the drinkers until they lie down. The latency to 

lie down, the number of steps and the distance traveled before lying down were measured. 120-260 

birds per flock were assessed for gait score (Kestin et al., 1991 Vet. Records) and 50-100 birds for 

pododermatitis (10 points scale, Allain et al. in revision). Struggling during assessment of 

pododermatitis (pad cleaning) was noted to evaluate which scores induced pain. Data were analyzed 

using Spearman rho test, except for relation between pododermatitis and struggling where Pearson 

Chi-square test was used (n=1296). 

The 3 variables of activity were highly correlated (r≥0.90). The number of steps was selected for the 

rest of the study as correlation with the two other variables was ≥ 0.95. Activity and gait score were 

significantly correlated (r=-0.66, p

74 

Poster 2 

Claudia Bahr presents Poster 2 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


DAIRY COW HOOF MOVEMENT ANALYSIS BY VISION TECHNIQUES 

C. Bahr 1 , A. Koppenol 1 , A. Pluk 1 , X. Song 1 , W. Maertens 2 , A. Van Nuffel 2 , J. Vangeyte 2 , B. 

Sonck 2 , D. Berckmans 1 

1 M3-BIORE), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium 

2 Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research Technology & Food Unit - Agricultural Engineering, B- 

9820 Merelbeke, Belgium 

Early detection of dairy cow lameness is important for effective treatment and ailment prevention. 

Most of the lameness cases are caused by infectious and non-infectious diseases in hoof region. 

Therefore, the hoof movement is one of the first indicators to show that cows become lame. The 

objective of this research is the analysis of hoof movement by using vision techniques to detect 

lameness in dairy cows in an early stage. 

First experiments with video data acquisition were done on a commercial farm with 108 milking 

cows. The recording of hoof movement was done using a Guppy F036C camera with a SV-03514 

lens. The locomotion of all lactating Holstein cows was scored in the barn visually by one expert. A 

scoring method with a scale of 1 (sound), 2 (moderately lame) and 3 (severe lame) was applied. The 

focus in the experiment was on the image parameter “ankle angle”, which contains information 

about the way a cow places the hoofs on the ground. The ankle angle was calculated two times for a 

step of each hoof: first in the image taken just before the hoof touches the floor (touch angle) and 

secondly in the image taken just after the hoof is released from the floor (release angle). 

First results are based on 46 cows with gait score 1, 12 cows with gait score 2 and 5 cows with gait 

score 3. From these results it can be seen that the mean touch angle differs in between the hoofs 

from 54, 5○ to 63, 4○ and the release angle differs from 102, 7○ to 125, 5○. In case of occurring 

lameness, a decrease of touch and release angle is expected. In conformity with this expectation the 

results show a trend of decrease in touch and release angle within an increasing gait score especially 

in the hind hoofs. 

Contact information: Claudia Bahr or email claudia.bahr@biw.kuleuven.be 

Complete address: Division of Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholieke 

Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30 - B3001 Leuven, Belgium 


75 

Poster 3 

Nicola Blackie presents Poster 3 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAMENESS AND LYING BEHAVIOUR OF 

ZERO-GRAZED HOLSTEIN DAIRY CATTLE RECORDED USING AN 

ACTIVITY MONITOR 

N. Blackie, E.C.L. Bleach, J.R. Amory, J.R. Scaife 

Centre for Equine, Animal Science, Writtle College, Lordship Road, Chelmsford, Essex, UK 

The following studies have been conducted using IceTag activity monitor on a 500 cow dairy 

farm. Data obtained from this monitor includes time spend lying, standing and active as well as 

length, distribution and frequency of lying bouts. 

59 dairy cows (balanced for parity and stage of lactation) showed that lame cows spent significantly 

longer lying down (p

76 

Poster 4 

Luigi Calamari presents Poster 4 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


SIMPLE METHOD TO EVALUATE FEEDS AND DIETS WITHIN THE 

MODELS OF WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN DAIRY FARMS 

S. Caré, L. Calamari, P. Bani, A. Minuti 

Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Agraria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 

The feeds and diet characteristics are important factors affecting productive, reproductive and 

sanitary aspects in dairy herds, and that consequently can affect the animal welfare. Nevertheless, 

the proposed models to assess welfare in dairy farms do not generally include relevant parameters 

of feeds and feeding. 

Aim was to propose a simplified method to evaluate feeds and diets in dairy farms, and to validate 

the method comparing the results with reference methods. The method, that was used in 8 farms 

(one set of observations per farm) a) estimates the chemical and nutritive characteristics of each 

forage from a sensory evaluation (sight, smell and feel of physical characteristics); b) estimates dry 

matter intake and diet characteristics (crude protein: CP; Net Energy: NEl; starch; and neutral 

detergent fibre: NDF) for dry and lactating cows, from the field collected data on diet composition 

and the characteristics of commercial feeds, together with the forages estimated characteristics; c) 

evaluates the adequacy of dry and lactating cow’s diets, comparing supply with requirements. Feeds 

samples were also collected and analyzed to calculate diet characteristics using reference methods. 

The results obtained with simplified and with reference method were processed using linear 

regression. 

The diet characteristics estimated with the simplified method were very close to the results obtained 

using reference method, with RSD values, for dry and lactating cow’s diet respectively, of 4.8 and 

3.2% for NEl, 8.7 and 8.0% for NDF, and 14.7 and 10.0% for starch. The RSD values for CP was 

4.3% for lactating cow’s diet and 22.0% for dry cow’s diet indicating some difficulties to estimate 

CP in some forages, that represent the main components of the dry cows diets. 

In conclusion the proposed method seems adequate to evaluate feeds and diets in the models of 

welfare assessment in dairy farms. 

Contact information: S. Caré or email luigi.calamari@unicatt.it 

Complete address: Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Agraria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 

Via Emilia Parmense, 84 29100 Piacenza, Italy 


77 

Poster 5 



PRELIMINARY STUDY TO DEVELOP A REFERENCE TOOL TO 

VALIDATE THE MODELS OF ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN 

DAIRY FARMS 

L. Calamari, S. Caré, A. Ferrari, G. Bertoni 

Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Agraria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 

The objective assessment of the animal welfare in dairy farms is a very complex and controversial 

task. The main problems are related to the choose of the indicators to include in the models of 

welfare assessment and to the aggregation of the scores obtained for each indicator in a weighted 

overall welfare score. Then, the models have to be validated, but a gold standard does not exist. 

The aim of this study was to compare the results obtained with the application of our model of 

welfare assessment (IDSW: Integrated Diagnostic System Welfare) with more objective welfare 

assessment based on cortisol and some metabolic parameters. The IDSW, used in 8 dairy farms, 

considers indirect and direct indicators and calculates a standardized (0-100 scale) overall welfare 

score (OW). Blood samples were collected, using standardized procedure to avoid stress at 

sampling, from 10 cows (30-120 days in milk) per farm. On samples the basal level of cortisol and 

the parameters of the Piacenza Metabolic Profile were measured. Farms were subdivided in two 

groups according to OW (75 as threshold) and blood parameters were processed using analysis of 

variance and principal components analysis (PCA). 

The OW was acceptable in 4 farms (greater than 75) and ranged between 70 to 75 in the other 4 

farms. The latter farms showed greater values of cortisol (10.04 vs. 6.99 ng/ml; p=0.08) and glucose 

(4.40 vs. 4.09 mmoL/L; p

78 

Poster 6 

José Campo presents Poster 6 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


HETEROTIC EFFECTS ON FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY OF 

DIFFERENT BILATERAL TRAITS IN THREE SEX-LINKED CROSSES OF 

CHICKENS 

J.L. Campo, M.T. Prieto 

Departamento Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional Investigación Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, 

Spain 

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heterosis on the fluctuating asymmetry of 

various bilateral traits. Fluctuating asymmetry is used as an indicator of animal welfare and 

environmental and genetic stress. 

Five bilateral traits (middle toe length, leg width, leg length, wing length, and wattle length) were 

measured in 20-week-old birds of three sex-linked F1 crosses of chickens (Black Castellana x 

Black-barred Andaluza, Quail Castellana x Silver Quail Castellana, and White Prat x White 

Leghorn) and their parents. The sample sizes were 116, 124, and 139, respectively. Birds were not 

deliberately disturbed in any way, husbandry conditions being standard. The relative fluctuating 

asymmetry was defined by the absolute difference between right and left sides divided by the mean 

of the right and left sides. 

There was considerable heterosis for relative fluctuating asymmetry in all traits and crosses. 

Heterosis percentage was significant (P < 0.05) for the relative fluctuating asymmetry of wing 

length (-23%) and wattle length (+75%) in the Black Castellana x Black-barred Andaluza cross, the 

relative fluctuating asymmetry of toe length (+63%) and wattle length (+115%) in the Quail 

Castellana x Silver Quail Castellana cross, and the relative fluctuating asymmetry of toe length 

(+26%), wing length (+66%) and wattle length (+65%) in the White Prat x White Leghorn cross. 

Heterosis percentage for the combined relative fluctuating asymmetry of the five traits was 

significant in the Black Castellana x Black-barred Andaluza and the White Prat x White Leghorn 

crosses (+57% and +36%). 

These findings are consistent with the notoriously low heritability estimates found for the 

fluctuating asymmetry of bilateral traits. They also indicate that sometimes there are positive 

relationships among levels of heterozygosity and morphological asymmetry and sometimes there 

are negative relationships, and that nonadditive genetic effects and heterosis are important in terms 

of animal welfare. 

Contact information: J.L. Campo or email jlcampo@inia.es 

Complete address: Departamento Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional Investigación Agraria 

y Alimentaria, Apartado 8.111, 28080 Madrid, Spain, jlcampo@inia.es 

Species: Laying hen

79 

Poster 7 

Tamsin Coombs presents Poster 7 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


THE EFFECTS OF PRENATAL UNDERNUTRITION ON STRESS 

REACTIVITY IN LAMBS: USING ACTIVITY AS AN INDICATOR 

T.M. Coombs, C. M. Dwyer 

Animal Behaviour & Welfare group, Sustainable Livestock Systems, Scottish Agricultural College, 

Edinburgh, Scotland 

In the UK seasonal differences in food availability may mean that extensively farmed sheep suffer 

from nutrient deprivation during early pregnancy. Whilst this in itself is a welfare issue for the ewe 

it may also have implications for the welfare of the unborn lamb through prenatal programming of 

stress reactivity. 

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of early prenatal undernutrition on lamb stress 

reactivity, as indicated by activity during routine handling, in two British breeds of sheep (Suffolk 

and Scottish Blackface) with the hypothesis that prenatal undernutrition will result in lambs with 

heightened stress reactivity. 

Control ewes (n=30) were fed 100% of requirements for maintenance and foetal growth throughout 

pregnancy (C) while restricted ewes (n=30) were fed 75% of requirements from days 1 to 90 of 

pregnancy and 100% thereafter (R). At 24 hours old lambs were scored for movement whilst held 

and at 8 weeks old lambs were weighed and stress reactivity was measured by recording amplitude 

of movement in a weighing crate using an accelerometer. At 24 hours, Blackface R lambs struggled 

significantly more whilst restrained than Blackface C lambs (χ 2 = 6.892, p

80 

Poster 8 

Mariana deCarvalho presents Poster 8 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


MEASURING THE WELFARE OF DAIRY GOATS THROUGH SALIVARY 

CORTISOL AND SOMATIC CELL COUNTS (SCC) 

M. deCarvalho, E. Simensen, N. Fjerdingby, S. Larsen, A.J. Zanella 

Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norway 

High SCC can impair milk quality in goats. In this study we hypothesized that stress and 

consequent activation of HPA-axis increase SCC in goats. We characterized the activity of the 

HPA-axis, measuring salivary cortisol, and SCC profile in milk samples. 

Samples were harvested from 20 goats in the morning and afternoon during 7 days in location 1, 

L1- summer farm, and 7 days in location 2, L2-winter housing. During the 380 km transfer from L1 

to L2 we monitored cortisol levels before, during and 2 hours after unloading. 

Saliva samples were collected before (08:10h) and after (10:40h) loading, half-way through the 

journey (15:40 h), at arrival on L2 (18:15h) and two hours post-arrival (20:15h). Milk samples were 

collected before and after transportation. Saliva was collected using cotton buds. Samples were 

assayed using an ELISA technique. SCC was assayed by means of the Fossomatic principle. Area 

under the curve for cortisol was calculated using the trapezoidal method. Repeated measures 

ANOVA was used to test for changes within the group and between periods. 

Before and after transportation cortisol levels were significantly higher (p

81 

Poster 9 

Beatriz Zapata presents Poster 9 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


IDENTIFICATION OF RELIABLE BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS TO 

ASSESS WELFARE IN FARMED GUANACOS IN CHILE 

I. De Freslon 1 , C. Bustos 2 , G. Cubillos 3 , B. Zapata 4 

1 Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile 

2 Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Chile. 

3 Unidad de Bienestar Animal, Zoológico Nacional, Santiago, Chile. 

4 Departamento de Fomento de la Producción, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad 

de Chile, Santiago, Chile 

Guanacos are wild South American camelids which are being raised in farms in Chile and 

Argentina. Stress measurements have been conducted in this species to identify the impact of 

routine procedures; nevertheless a system to assess their welfare had not been developed so far. The 

aim of this study is to identify reliable parameters to measure the welfare of farmed guanacos. 

We studied a group of 132 guanacos in a commercial farm (140 ha) and 9 guanacos in the National 

Zoo (0.2 ha). Percentages of the more relevant activity budget (AB: ruminating, standing, resting 

and foraging) and agonistic behaviors (AGB: threat, attacks and fights) were recorded in two 

occasions with 3 weeks interval. Flight distance (FD) to human also was measured in the Zoo in 

three occasions. T-paired test was applied between consecutive sampling times and Kendall’s 

coefficient of concordance test (W) was used to analyze the repeatability among sampling points 

(four paddocks and Zoo enclosure) and three consecutive sampling times. 

The percentage of AB were statistically similar between sampling times (p>0.05) and the 

repeatability among paddocks was significantly high (W=0.66, p0.05), however FD Kendall’s coefficient was low 

and not significant (W=0.4, p

82 

Poster 10 

Sandra Edwards presents Poster 10 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


CHANGES IN WATER INTAKE PATTERNS AS AN AUTOMATED EARLY 

INDICATOR OF PIG WELFARE PROBLEMS 

H.G. Crabtree 1 , N. Bird 1 , L. Ravn 2 , S.A. Edwards 3 

1 Farmex Ltd., Pingewood Business Estate, Pingewood, Reading, RG30 3UR, UK 

2 BPEX, PO Box 44, Winterhill House, Snowdon Drive, Milton Keynes, MK6 1AX, UK 

3 Newcastle University, School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

The advent of relatively inexpensive process control technology has made possible remote data 

capture systems for pig buildings. A range of performance data can be collected on batches of pigs 

including feed and water intake, humidity and air quality as well as local weather conditions. 

Routed to a central data processing centre through the internet, this system provides real-time 

management information and a window through which changes in animal behaviour and 

performance can be viewed. 

Longitudinal data profiles for individual batches of pigs on different farms have been plotted to 

analyse patterns of water intake using an in-line meter (+ 2% accuracy). Automated logging of 

meter readings over sequential 15 minute periods has demonstrated that consistent patterns of water 

intake, both within and across days, can be established. Absolute water usage varies with drinker 

type but shows a linear regression with time over the growing period (e.g. Drinker A: 

litres/pig=3.34+0.077 x day; drinker B; litres/pig=2.17+0.046 x day, R 2 =0.959) Changes in intake 

associated with environmental stressors, such as equipment failure leading to thermal challenge or 

feed interruption, are immediately apparent by deviation from boundary values of + 1 standard 

deviation. In a number of case studies, retrospective analysis has shown that changes in water intake 

associated with outbreaks of disease could be identified, by deviation from previous intake pattern 

for that group, as early as one week prior to observation of clinical symptoms in the animals. 

This technology for recording real time water intake, in combination with statistical models to 

identify significant deviations from normality, offers the opportunity to develop decision support 

tools which will provide automated alerts to circumstances of impending welfare challenge. 

Contact information: Sandra Edwards or email sandra.edwards@ncl.ac.uk 

Complete address: Newcastle University, School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, 

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK 

Species: Pig

83 

Poster 11 

Iris Kolkman presents Poster 11 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICACY OF THE RICE PELVIMETER BY 

COMPARING PELVIMETRICAL MEASUREMENTS WITH 

MEASUREMENTS ON THE CARCASS AFTER SLAUGHTER OF DOUBLE 

MUSCLED BELGIAN BLUE COWS 

I. Kolkman 1,2 , G. Hoflack 2 , S. Aerts 3 , G. Opsomer 2 , D. Lips 1,3 

1 Department Agro- and Biotechnology, KaHo Sint-Lieven, Sint Niklaas, Belgium 

2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd 

Health, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium 

3 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Centre for Science, Technology and Ethics, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001 

Leuven, Belgium 

Selection for the double muscled conformation in the Belgian Blue (BB) breed has created 

incompatibility between the fetus and the pelvis of the dam. As a result, there is a high incidence of 

caesarean section which poses serious ethical questions. In this breed, the size of the birth canal has 

been stated to be a limiting factor in determining the ease of calving. In the present study we 

examined the efficacy of the Rice pelvimeter in BB cows by comparing these measurements with 

measurements performed on the carcasses after slaughter. 

To this purpose, the pelvis of 466 BB cows (2-10 years old) was measured approximately 12 hours 

prior to slaughter (pelvimeter) and within 2 hours after slaughter (carcass). The mean difference for 

pelvic width was -0.2 cm (95% limits of agreement -2.5 - 2.1 cm) and for the pelvic height 1.2 cm 

(95% limits of agreement -1.8 - 4.1 cm). The Pearsons correlation coefficient between the 

measurements was moderate albeit significant, for pelvic width, height and area (r=0.56; r=0.46; 

r=0.59; P < 0.001, for pelvic width, pelvic height and pelvic area respectively). An influence of the 

age of the animals was only found on pelvic height (P

84 

Poster 12 

Helene Leruste presents Poster 12 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


ASSESSMENT OF FEAR OF HUMANS IN VEAL CALVES: COMPARISON 

OF 2 TESTS 

H. Leruste 1 , J.L. Rault 2 , C.G. van Reenen 3 , J. Lensink 1 

1 Institut Supérieur d’Agriculture (ISA) Lille, CASE, Lille, France 

2 Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA 

3 Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen-UR, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

On-farm animal welfare monitoring systems currently developed integrate, amongst others, 

assessment of the fear of humans. This criterion is generally assessed by two measures: voluntary 

approach of the human by the animal or reaction of the animal to an approaching human. Our 

objective was to identify if two tests assessing those two components generate similar outcomes. 

Thirty five veal farms with in total 144 pens of 5-6 calves were studied. A human approach test 

(HAT) was performed on 13-week-old calves. Their latency to touch a non-familiar person, 

standing at the fence and the number of calves that touched the human within 3 min were recorded. 

On the same day a calf escape test (CET) was performed. The calves’ reaction to the approach of 

the same human in their home pen was assessed using a 5 points scale (0=no approach possible, 4= 

calf can be touched). 

On average, 50.51%±2.08 calves touched the human during the HAT with a mean latency of 

62.84±3.36s. The mean CETscore was 1.88±0.05 and 17% of the tested calves could be touched 

(score 4). At individual level (n=748 calves) latency to touch the human was negatively correlated 

with the CETscore (r=-0.30; p

85 

Poster 13 

Fabio Luzi presents Poster 13 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


PROCEDURES FOR ANALYSES OF SEQUENCE OF THERMAL IMAGES 

IN WELFARE STUDY OF RABBIT 

F. Luzi 1 , N. Ludwig 2 , M. Monzani 2 , M. Gargano 2 , C. Ricci 3 , V. Redaelli 1 , M. Verga 1 

1 Department of Animal Science – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy 

2 Institute of Applied General Physics. Faculty of S.M.F.N., University of Milan, Italy 

3 Institute of Biometry and Medical Statistic Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy 

Among the main physiological stress indicators, the evaluation of body surface temperature is very 

important. Its magnitude is due to the possibility to measure it without directly interacting with the 

animal by using infrared termography. In fact, the main problems to measure body and skin 

temperatures are associated to the difficulty to assess them without inducing other stress reactions 

due to handling by humans. Thus thermography may be used to remotely assess body and skin 

temperature, due to the radiated heat in the infrared spectrum, without interfering with the animal’s 

behavioural reactions. Over the last three years, the trials showed that skin temperature differences 

between stressed and non-stressed rabbits ranged between 0.5 and 1 °C. Our analysis concerned 

thermographic data management and surface area selection for temperature measurements. 

To avoid any stress due to human presence during the shooting in no-stressed condition (basal), 

thermographic measurements have been performed remotely, allowing the rabbit to move freely in 

an open cage. 

In rabbit, the best site to check a stress condition was the ear skin, due the vasoconstriction process, 

as showed by other authors. 

We compared three methods for the analysis of thermographic images and also for the statistical 

analysis of thermographic data. The main technical points to develop the measurement of skin 

temperature were: to follow the hot spot during rabbit’s movement (tracking function), to perform a 

separate analysis for different body’s areas and to distinguish body’s thermographic signals from 

thermal interferences. 

We are working to develop a brand new software able to select the hot areas. The next step will be 

to compare our software’s performances to commercial ones in order to standardise the 

methodology and to develop an automatic system for monitoring the body surface temperature. 

Contact information: Fabio Luzi or email fabio.luzi@unimi.it 

Complete address: Dipartimento di Scienze Animali - Sezione di Zootecnica Veterinaria. Via G. 

Celoria, 10 - 20133 Milano, Italia 

Species: Rabbit

86 

Poster 14 

Tine Rousing Nielsen presents Poster 14 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


TIME BUDGETS OF DAIRY COWS HOUSED IN SMALLER GROUPS 

DURING THE FIRST 30 DAYS OF LACTATION 

T.R. Nielsen, E. Burow, P.T. Thomsen, S. Østergaard 

Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, University of Aarhus, Tjele, Denmark 

The first 30 days after calving dairy cows are to adjust to a very high milk production and are at 

increased risk of health problems. 

In the context of animal welfare it is hypothesised that early lactating dairy cows in big loose 

housing systems will benefit from separation from the rest of the herd by housing in so-called 

'attention’ groups. One aspect of this hypothesis is that ‘attention group’ housed cows may show 

less strained resting time budgets and less idle standing. 

One ‘attention’ group was established in every one of 3 Danish dairy farms with loose housing 

cubicle systems. Further farm characteristic: 125 to 185 Danish Holsteins and milking in parlours. 

Immediately after calving cows were distributed to either 30 days’ housing in ‘attention’ group or 

housing for the rest of the lactation in control group (normal housing procedures) by systematic 

random sampling. The average group size of the ‘attention groups’ varied from 7.7 to 11.8 between 

farms. For the control group the average group size varied from 49.0 to 187.2 animals. During the 

summer of 2007 a total of 94 animals (48 attention housed and 46 control housed cows) were 

observed using direct and manual point sampling with 8 sessions of 24 hours divided into 10-min 

sample points. 

Preliminary results (where proportion of sampling points are converted into proportion of time 

spent) shows that for a 24 hour period attention group housed cows on average tended to rest more 

(9.7 vs. 9.0 hours, p=0.13), tended to stand more in cubicles (6.3 vs. 5.6 hours, p=0.09), and stood 

less idling (1.9 vs. 2.5 hours, p=0.04) than the control cows. 

Results support partially that dairy cows in early lactation will benefit from housing in smaller 

groups with better access to resources. 

Contact information: Tine Rousing Nielsen or email tine.rousingnielsen@agrsci.dk 

Complete address: University of Aarhus, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Animal Health, 

Welfare and Nutrition, P.O. Box 50, DK- 8830 Tjele, Denmark 


87 

Poster 15 

Gudrun Plesch presents Poster 15 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


RELIABILITY TESTING CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR AROUND RESTING 

IN DAIRY COWS 

G. Plesch 1 , N. Broerkens 1 , S. Laister 2 , C. Winckler 2 , U. Knierim 1 

1 Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany 

2 Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences 

Vienna, Austria 

Common measures concerning behaviour around resting are often time-consuming to record and 

therefore not suitable for on-farm welfare assessments. The aim of the study was to identify feasible 

and reliable measures of resting comfort in terms of inter-observer reliability (IOR) and consistency 

of results per farm over time. 

As part of the Welfare Quality ® project 18 different measures of resting that were considered to be 

welfare relevant were taken during three farms visits (approximately 60 and further 120 days apart) 

on 35 farms in Austria and Germany with cubicle, deep litter and tied systems. 

Some measures, e.g. ‘cows lying on side’, occurred too infrequently (

88 

Poster 16 

Tatjana Schmidt presents Poster 16 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


AUTOMATED VOCAL TYPE CLASSIFICATION AS A TOOL TO 

IDENTIFY STRESS IN PIGLETS DURING AN OPEN-FIELD TEST AND 

DIFFERENT CASTRATION PROCEDURES 

T. Schmidt 1 , B. Bünger 2 , T. Horn 1 , E. von Borell 1 

1 Institute of Agricultural- and Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany 

2 Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Federal Research Centre for Animal Health, Friedrich- 

Loeffler-Institute, Celle, Germany 

Previous investigations proved that the automatic detection of high frequency stress-calls in pigs 

serves as reliable tool in welfare research. Our approach focuses on the automatic classification of 

the different classes of piglets' vocalisations - grunting, squealing and screaming. We hypothesise 

that this differentiation serves essential functions in pig communication and thus might reveal 

information about their well-being. 

In a first experiment, 3, 285 vocalisations from 42 piglets (German PIC; 7, 13, 19d) and in a second 

experiment 11, 089 vocalisations from 22 piglets (German Landrace; 24 to 27d) were analysed for 

23 different vocal characteristics. A discriminant function for the three vocal types was derived 

from recordings made under laboratory-like conditions during castration procedures. A second 

discriminant function based on 12 vocal characteristics was derived from non-calibrated 

measurements of the relative energy content. The comparison of the two classifications showed an 

86.7% agreement. Differences in the vocal type distributions between the piglets castrated with and 

without anaesthesia remained significant (χ2-test, p

89 

Poster 17 

Margot Sprenger presents Poster 17 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


MEASURING THIRST IN BROILER CHICKENS 

M. Sprenger, F. Tuyttens 

Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

While freedom of thirst has long been considered as of paramount importance for animal welfare, a 

feasible animal-based indicator to assess thirst on-farm or at-slaughter is not available. 

The aim of this experiment is to develop a behavioural and physiological parameter to assess thirst 

in broiler chickens. A total of 128 birds were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (0, 6, 12, 

or 24 hours of water deprivation). After the deprivation period, water was offered to all groups in a 

mobile drinker. Water consumption was measured after 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. To asses 

whether familiarity with the drinker type influenced water consumption, the drinkers were placed in 

the home pens of half of the groups one week before testing. Other behavioural and physiological 

parameters measured were drinking behaviour, dry matter content of faeces and intestine content 

and several blood parameters. 

Data from the first replicate of this experiment show that with longer deprivation periods, water 

consumption increased (18.8, 51.9, 100.2 and 148.6ml/animal/120 min for 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours of 

deprivation respectively). Familiarity with drinker type influenced water consumption; birds that 

were familiar with the drinker drunk more than birds unfamiliar with the drinker. This effect 

appeared to decrease with increasing deprivation periods and with time during testing. For 12h and 

6h deprived groups, unfamiliar birds started drinking later (after 30 min) than familiar birds (within 

30 min). 

These preliminary findings illustrate the potential of very simple animal-based measures such as 

water consumption over time to assess thirst in chickens. For application on-farm, the influence of 

familiarity with the test drinker ought to be taken into account and further validation tests are 

warranted. The potential of the other behavioural and physiological measures for on-farm or atslaughter 

assessment of thirst will also be discussed at the conference. 

Contact information: Margot Sprenger or email margot.sprenger@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

Complete address: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) Animal Sciences - 

Animal Husbandry & Welfare, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle 

Species: Broiler

90 

Poster 18 

Emily Tamminga presents Poster 18 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


VALIDATION OF THE THERMOCRON IBUTTON DATA LOGGER FOR 

USE IN MARKET SWINE 

E. Tamminga 1 , C. Dewey 2 , T. Crowe 3 , R. Bergeron 4 , T. Widowski 1 

1 Department Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada 

2 Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada 

3 Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada 

4 Alfred Campus, University of Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, Canada 

Thermal stress is a major cause of fatigue and mortality during transport. Therefore methods for 

continuous measurement of core body temperature during transport studies are highly useful. The 

objective of this study was to validate the Thermocron iButton temperature data logger (Dallas 

Semiconductor, TX, USA) for use in market pigs. 

Six market-weight swine (99.6±3.91 kg) in each of 4 repetitions were restrained and orally 

administered two iButtons for each of three 24-hour periods when fasted and exposed to ambient 

temperatures of 33 (High), 23 (Neutral) and 13°C (Low), over a twelve day trial in a Latin square 

design. Pigs were kept in groups of three in raised deck pens in a self-contained, insulated 

environmental chamber (3.7L x 5.5W x 2.9H m). During the experimental periods hourly readings 

of rectal and tympanic temperature were taken on each individual. Forty-eight hours after the end of 

the last temperature treatment the pigs were humanely slaughtered on site. Viscera were dissected in 

order to recover the iButtons. 

One hundred and thirty-nine data loggers were retrieved with readable data, 7 were not recovered 

and 2 were found having been eructed by the animal. Slightly more than one third (37% ;51/139) of 

the readable iButtons were found in the stomach, 21% (29/139) were in the colon, 13% (18/139) 

were in the cecum and 28.06% (39/139) were in the manure, having been passed sometime between 

60 hours and >7.1 days. 

Readable data were downloaded from the data loggers using dedicated proprietary software into a 

data spreadsheet. Preliminary descriptive statistics were performed using the MEANS procedure of 

SAS. The mean temperature readings were 40.12°C±0.13, 39.67°C±0.09, 39.71°C±0.11 from the 

iButtons, 39.78°C±0.05, 38.95°C±0.04, 38.47°C±0.09 from the rectal thermometers and 

39.07°C±0.08, 38.33°C±0.06, 37.47°C±0.55 from the tympanic thermometers for the High, Neutral 

and Low treatments, respectively. The effects of ambient temperature on temperature measurements 

from data loggers, rectal and tympanic thermometers will be reported. 

Contact information: Emily Tamminga or email etoth@uoguelph.ca 

Complete address: Department Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, 

Canada 

Species: Pig

91 

Poster 19 

Susanne Waiblinger presents Poster 19 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


RELIABILITY OF OBSERVATIONS OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS IN 

DAIRY GOATS 

S. Waiblinger, C. Graml, J. Pemberger 

Institute of Animal Husbandry and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria 

On farm studies on social behaviour of dairy goats are scarce. Such studies require reliable and 

feasible assessment of social interactions. The aim of this study was to look for inter-observer 

reliability and short-term repeatability of assessment of agonistic and socio-positive interactions in 

herds of dairy goats. 

10 farms with herd size of 48 – 165 dairy goats were visited on two consecutive days. For 

repeatability between days, the frequency of social interactions were recorded on each farm two 

hours after the end of morning milking and two hours in the afternoon on both days (one observer). 

The barn was divided into segments to allow for continuous behaviour sampling. To test for interobserver 

reliability, observations were performed in parallel by two observers for a total of 2 h on 7 

farms (12 segmental 10min observations per farm, n=84). Reliability was tested by calculating 

Spearman rank correlations coefficients and testing for observer bias by Wilcoxon tests. 

Inter-observer reliability was high for agonistic behaviours with body contact (rs=0.92; p=0.000; 

n=84) and without body contact (threatening; rs=0.91; p=0.000) as well as for socio-positive 

behaviours (rs=0.86; p=0.000). No observer bias was detectable. Most of the single agonistic 

behaviours showed somewhat lower correlations, ranging from rs=0.51 to rs =0.87. Repeatability 

between days (n=10) was moderate for socio-positive behaviour (rs=0.697; p=0.025), the frequency 

of agonistic interactions was not repeatable (rs

92 

Poster 20 

Jim Webster presents Poster 20 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


NON-INVASIVE DETECTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF AUTONOMIC 

RESPONSES TO PAIN IN CATTLE 

J.R. Webster 1 , M Stewart 1 , A.L. Schaefer 2 , K.J. Stafford 3 

1 AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand 

2 Agriculture, Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C & Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada 

3 Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand 

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is seldom used to study pain in cattle, as measurement is 

difficult and costly. We tested a novel combination of eye temperature (ET) and heart rate 

variability (HRV) to non-invasively detect pain-related ANS activity and its practical use is 

described in a related abstract. Infrared thermography detects heat emitted from superficial 

capillaries around the eye as blood flow is regulated under ANS control. ET drops rapidly and HRV 

indicators of elevated sympathetic tone (increased low/high frequency ratio) during the first 5 min 

after disbudding, which is followed by an increase in ET. A fall in ET was also found after an 

electric prod or a fright. This study aimed to confirm the role of the ANS in ET responses. 

Surgical castration (SC, n=6) or sham handling (n=8) and saline (n=8) or epinephrine infusion (EPI, 

n=8, 4 µg /kg/min) effects on ET and cardiac responses were examined in calves. ET and cardiac 

measurements were recorded continuously and blood samples collected via jugular catheter for 

catecholamine measurement. 

During the first 2 min following SC a small drop in ET coincided with increased catecholamines 

(p

Johannes Baumgartner presents Poster 21 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 2: Assessing emotional state and human-animal relations 

93 

Poster 21 

HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP IN ORGANIC FARMS WITH GROUP 

HOUSING OF LACTATING SOWS 

J. Baumgartner 1 , S. Waiblinger 1 , W. Hagmueller 2 , C. Simantke 3 , E. Aubel 3 , B. Frueh 4 

1 University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria 

2 Institute of Organic Farming and Farm Animal Biodiversity, Wels, Austria 

3 Beratung Artgerechte Tierhaltung e.V., Witzenhausen, Germany 

4 Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Frick, Switzerland 

Group housing of lactating sows (group suckling) appears to be an adequate system for organic 

pork production from an animal welfare point of view and for economic reasons. A good humananimal 

relationship is a basic requirement for group suckling systems. 

The aim of our study was to describe the status quo of organic farms with group suckling (n=31) in 

Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Special emphasis was given to human-animal relationship. In 

the approach test (n=21 farms) an unfamiliar person entered the group suckling pen, stood 

motionless for 30 seconds and classified the behaviour of sows and piglets in ten behaviour patterns 

ranging from approach to flight. In the handling test (n=24 farms) the stockperson had to move the 

group suckling sows from the pen area to the outdoor run. Vocal and physical communication of the 

stockperson with the animals was assessed with respect to single behaviours (e.g. talking friendly) 

as well as rated on two 7-point semantic differential scales (calm - nervous; gentle - harsh). Finally 

the stockpersons (n=24) filled in a questionnaire inquiring a self description of own handling 

behaviours (e.g. talking and physical contact to animals). Spearman correlations between 

corresponding results in the handling test and in the questionnaire were calculated. 

In 75% of the farms sows and piglets behaved ‘fearless’ in the approach test. In the handling test 15 

of 24 stockpersons acted calmly and gently, 6 were nervous and harsh and 13 talked to the sows in a 

friendly way. Correlations between handling test and questionnaire were found in the dimension 

‘calm/nervous’ (r=0.50, p=0.025) and in ‘talking to the animals’ (r=0.66, p=0.001). 

Despite of methodical problems our assessment scheme provided plausible results indicating a good 

human- animal relationship in most of the investigated organic farms with group suckling of 

lactating sows. 

Contact information: Johannes Baumgartner or email johannes.baumgartner@vu-wien.ac.at 

Complete address: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute of Animal Husbandry and 

Animal Welfare, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria 

Species: Pig

Xavier Boivin presents Poster 22 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


94 

Poster 22 

THE RESPONSE OF BEEF LIMOUSINE CALVES TO HUMANS DURING 

WEIGHING REVEALS FARMERS’ PROFILES 

X. Boivin 1 , A. Juzeau 2 , N. Prevost 2 , G. Trillat 1 , J. Godet 2 , P. Boulesteix 3 , A. Brulé 4 

1 INRA UR1213, Unité de recherche sur les herbivores, St-Genés Champanelle, France 

2 ISARA Lyon, 23 rue jean-Baldassini, F-69364, Lyon, France 

3 France Limousin Sélection, Pôle de Lanaud, 87220 Boisseuil, France 

4 Institut de l’Elevage, 35652, Le Rheu, France 

Human-animal relationship is an important aspect of farm animal welfare. So far on-farm studies in 

beef suckling herds and test methodologies for measuring welfare are lacking. This study aimed to 

interview limousine farmers about husbandry practices and their attitudes towards animals to relate 

them to calves’ behaviour supposed to reflect human-animal relationship. 

In 23 loose-housing farms, 890 calves (470 females and 420 males, balanced within farm) aged 5- 

10 months, were observed once during weighing and with a human standing 10s in front of the 

scale after weighing. Due to their distribution, behavioural observations generated three categories 

of calves: QUIET calves with no brisk movements, AGITATED calves with one or two brisk 

movements, EXCITED calves with more brisk movements. 

Farmers (aged 36-50 years) were interviewed using a semi-directive method. 

Factor analysis on calves’ behaviour revealed four groups of farms: 7 farms with a large majority of 

QUIET calves (Q), 6 farms with less then 50% of QUIET calves but less then 20% of EXCITED 

calves (QA), 8 farms with 30% of each category of calves (QAE) and 2 farms with more than 50% 

of EXCITED calves (E). 

Farmers’ interviews were analysed depending on these groups of farm and revealed some general 

trends independent of herd size. Q farmers were more specialised (6/7) in limousine production than 

the others (5/16, p

Antonio Velarde presents Poster 23 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


95 

Poster 23 

FACTORS AFFECTING BACKTEST OR TONIC IMMOBILITY TEST 

RESULTS IN PIGLETS OF TWO PURE BREEDS 

X. Fernàndez 1 , Q. Casellas 2 , J. Tibau 1 , A. Velarde 3 , E. Fàbrega 1 

1 Centre Avaluació Porcí IRTA-Monells, Monells, Spain 

2 Genètica i Millora Animal IRTA-Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain 

3 Centre de Tecnologia de la Carn IRTA-Monells, Granja Camps i Armet, 17121, Spain 

The Backtest and Tonic Immobility (TI) tests have traditionally been used in experiments with 

piglets in order to assess behavioural strategies or coping styles. Some authors have shed doubt 

upon these methodologies, since it may be difficult to correlate the response in the backtest or TI 

with those seen in other behavioural tests carried out at other ages. Some of the drawbacks for the 

backtest are to standardize aspects like the pressure applied to the piglets or to try to disentangle the 

potential effect of body weight. 

The present study aimed at evaluating the response towards a test based both on the backtest and the 

TI test in piglets of two pure breeds (Landrace and Large White). A total of 119 piglets (64 

Landrace, 55 Large White) were subjected to this test consisting of placing the piglet on its back 

with a small sack on its throat (similar to TI test) but maintaining it when the piglets remained 

immobile. Piglets were weighed at three and six weeks of age and classified as TI or non-TI piglets 

according to their response to the test at three weeks of age two days after weighing them. The 

latency until the first attempt to turn or until the moment the piglet managed to turn completely after 

the worker removed his hands was recorded. 

The data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlations (r). Weight of 

piglets correlated with total time until piglets managed to turn completely (r=-0.35; p

Claudia Schmied presents Poster 24 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


96 

Poster 24 

TESTING THE ANIMAL-HUMAN RELATIONSHIP OF CALVES AND 

HEIFERS ON DAIRY FARMS 

C. Schmied, K. Soucek, S. Waiblinger 

Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria 

Different tests assessing animal-human relationship (= AHR) were applied to young dairy cattle and 

their feasibility and convergent validity were investigated. 

On 33 farms, all rearing animals (single-calves, group-calves, loose housed heifers) were tested in 

their voluntary approach to an unknown motionless test-person standing outside the barn. 

Parameters were percentage of animals approaching to contact (= sniffing or licking) with person 

(%CONT) and percentage of animals possible to touch by the test-person afterwards (%TOUCH). 

In group-calves, heifers and cows the avoidance reactions to an unknown approaching human were 

tested at the feeding place, parameter was the median (=AR-MED in m). In calves, reactions to 

human approach and touch during bucket-feeding were scored (Lensink 2001). For analysis 

Spearman-rank-correlations were used. 

Within age classes, in the approach-test high correlations were found between %CONT (single: 

100%; group: 80%) and %TOUCH (100%; 35%) of calves (N=31, r>0.81, p

Susanne Waiblinger presents Poster 25 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


DEVELOPMENT OF TESTS FOR ASSESSING DAIRY GOATS’ 

RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANS 

S. Waiblinger, C. Graml, M. Knosp 

Institute of Animal Husbandry and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria 

97 

Poster 25 

Animals’ relationships with humans have considerable impact on welfare. We aimed at developing 

feasible, reliable and valid tests assessing the relationship of the animals to humans in dairy goat 

herds based on tests used in other species. Short-term repeatability and feasibility of three tests were 

investigated as well as inter-test correlations as first information on validity. 

10 farms with herd size of 48–165 dairy goats were visited on two consecutive days. Reactions of 

the goats towards an unknown experimenter were recorded on both days in three tests: test with a 

stationary person (approach-test – APP: experimenter stands motionless for 15 min), and two tests 

with a moving person (AVOIDF: Avoidance distance at the feeding place; AVOIDB: Avoidance 

distance in the barn). Tests were performed in late morning, after the experimenter and another 

unknown person had been in the barn already for two hours recording social behaviour to avoid 

strong neophobic reactions of the goats. Spearman rank correlations coefficients were calculated 

(n=10). 

Moderate to high repeatability was found for the tests. In APP the number of animals approaching 

within arm length of the experimenter showed very high repeatability (rs =0.90; p=0.005), the 

latency for the first goat to approached until touching correlated highly between days (rs =0.71; 

p=0.02), as did the median of AVOIDF (rs =0.79; p=0.006). The median of AVOIDB as well as the 

number of animals that could be touched in AVOIDF and AVOIDB correlated moderately (rs =0.65 

to 0.66; p=0.04). The tests inter-correlated moderately to highly (rs=0.68 to 0.71, p=0.03 to 0.02). 

Regarding feasibility, AVOIDF was sometimes hard to perform due to the constructional situation 

or high amounts of feed stored in this area. The other two tests were feasible on all of the farms. 

In summary, all tests are promising due to good repeatability as well as convergent validity but this 

accounts especially for APP. However, on some farms AVOIDF may not be practicable. Further 

evaluations of validity and reliability are necessary. 

Contact information: Susanne Waiblinger or email Susanne.Waiblinger@vu-wien.ac.at 

Complete address: University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria 

Species: Goat

Beat Wechsler presents Poster 26 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


98 

Poster 26 

ETHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF EMOTIONAL VALENCE IN 

SHEEP 

B. Wechsler 1 , L. Gygax 1 , F. Bütikofer 1,3 , N. Reefmann 1,2 

1 Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Federal Veterinary Office, Tänikon, Switzerland 

2 Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany 

3 Physiology and Behaviour, Institute of Animal Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland 

With the final aim to judge negative and positive emotional valence from an animal’s perspective, 

this study recorded ear postures and respiratory frequency in sheep exposed to situations likely to 

induce negative and positive emotional states. 

Fourteen sheep were trained to expect the delivery of standard feed. After several weeks of training, 

each sheep was exposed to expected positive-negative contrasts: animals were either offered the 

familiar standard feed (control treatment), unpalatable wooden pellets (negative treatment), or 

energetically enriched feed mixed with preferred feed items (positive treatment). Rate of earposture 

changes, proportion of passive ear postures and respiratory frequency were recorded 

continuously during 6 minutes prior to the delivery of feed (anticipation phase) and for 6 min 

during the delivery of either standard feed, wooden pellets, or enriched feed. Data were analysed 

using linear mixed-effect models. 

The rate of ear-posture changes was high during the wooden-pellets treatment and clearly reduced 

during the delivery of standard and enriched feed (interaction F2,37=20.47; p < 0.001). Likewise, the 

respiratory frequency was higher during the delivery of wooden pellets than when sheep were given 

standard or enriched feed (interaction F2,33=5.82; p=0.007). The proportion of passive ear postures 

showed an inverse pattern, with passive ear postures occurring mainly during the standard and 

enriched-feed treatment (interaction F2,37=8.73; p < 0.001). 

The results of this study indicate that situations inducing negative emotional states may coincide 

with frequent ear-posture changes whilst passive ear postures might correlate with situations likely 

to induce positive emotional states. Ear postures and respiratory frequency showed analogous 

patterns. 

In conclusion, the negative treatment was clearly differentiable from the control and the assumed 

positive treatment using observations of ear postures and respiratory frequency, and these measures 

may help to assess emotional valence from a sheep’s perspective. 

Contact information: Beat Wechsler or email Beat.Wechsler@art.admin.ch 

Complete address: Agroscope Research Station ART, Tänikon CH-8356, Ettenhausen, Switzerland 

Species: Sheep

Laurianne Canario presents Poster 27 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 3: Improving animal welfare by adapting animals to their environment 

99 

Poster 27 

GENETIC TRENDS FOR FARROWING BEHAVIOUR IN FRENCH LARGE 

WHITE SOWS FROM 1977 TO 1998 ESTIMATED BY USE OF FROZEN 

SEMEN 

L. Canario 1 , L. Rydhmer 2 , J. Gogué 3 , J.P. Bidanel 1 

1 INRA UR337 Station de Génétique Quantitative et Appliquée, Jouy-en-Josas, France 

2 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Dept. of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Uppsala, Sweden 

3 INRA UE332 Domaine expérimental de Bourges, Osmoy, France 

In pigs, the consequences of selective breeding are assessed on production traits recorded in the 

selection herds. However, possible changes in behaviour are not estimated. 

Over the last 30 years, French Large White pigs have been genetically improved for lean growth 

efficiency, meat quality and, since 1990, litter size. The progress in prolificacy was achieved at the 

expense of higher stillbirth and losses in lactation. 

The aim was to compare farrowing in two genetic groups of sows (G77 and G98) that were 

obtained by inseminating sows with semen from boars born either in 1977 or in 1998. Sows were 

housed in crates with floor covered with a thin layer of straw. 2 nd Generation sows were considered. 

Direct observations were performed on ∼60 parturitions in each group; those from 23 G77 and 21 

G98 sows (including fifteen 2 nd -parity sows in each group) were analysed using video recordings. 

Genetic differences were estimated with linear or generalized linear mixed models. Litter size and 

number of stillbirths of video recorded sows were similar in both groups. 

G98 sows started farrowing more frequently outside of staff working hours (p=0.04). Both groups 

reacted similarly to first piglet handling (postural and vocal reactions). 

From video recordings, we found that G77 and G98 sows spent the same amount of time lying over 

the first 6 hours and their activity drastically decreased over time. At the beginning, G77 sows spent 

more time standing (p

Jiqiu Cheng presents Poster 28 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


100 

Poster 28 

ESTIMATION OF GENETIC COMPETITIVE EFFECTS IN PIGS: A 

SIMULATION STUDY 

J. Cheng, S. Janssens, N. Buys 

Division of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, K.U. Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium 

Restriction of resources (e.g. space, access to food and water) might increase competition between 

livestock which may impair welfare. Competition, the effect of an individual on its penmates, is 

partly genetically determined so selection could be used to change the competitive “characteristic” 

of a population. To achieve this, the competitive genetic value of each pig should be estimated from 

datasets with performance records. Models in livestock breeding consider only direct genetic effects 

(the effect of genes on an animal’s own performance). Thus a competitive genetic effect was added 

to the model and algorithms were adapted. 

Model and algorithm were validated by simulating datasets for average daily gain in pigs. Five 

generations were simulated and in each generation 25 sires were mated to 300 dams randomly. 

Litter size followed a normal distribution varying from 2 to 20. Variations were introduced for 

assignment of pigs to pens (random mixing of pigs, some full sibs in the same pen or keeping litters 

together) and for group size (5 or 10 pigs/pen). These variations resulted in datasets with different 

genetic relationship structures (family relations within and between pens), with possibly effects on 

the estimation. Also, the genetic correlation between direct & competitive effect was set at 3 

different values: -0.5, 0 or 0.5. In total, 18 combinations were considered and each was replicated 

30 times. 

Results indicated that non-mixing of pigs, i.e. keeping littermates or full sibs in the same pen, 

generated data structures that were unsuitable for estimation. Therefore, mixing of pigs from 

different litters is required to obtain a dataset in which direct and competitive genetic effects can be 

disentangled (i.e. estimated unbiased). By combining these “estimated” genetic values, breeding can 

be balanced towards a productive and less competitive pig. 

Contact information: Jiqiu Cheng or email jiqiu.cheng@biw.kuleuven.be 

Complete address: Division of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, K.U. Leuven, Arenberg 

30 - bus 2456, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium 

Species: Pig

Daniela Zucca presents Poster 29 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


101 

Poster 29 

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT AND HANDLING ON 

DOES AND THEIR LITTER 

D. Zucca 1 , V. Bonazza 3 , E. Heinzl 1 , F. Luzi 1 , C. Ricci 2 , M. Verga 1 

1 Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Milano, Italy 

2 Istituto di Statistica Medica e Biometria, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Milano, Italy 

3 Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario della Regione Lombardia - Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale 

della Lombardia e dell' Emilia Romagna,Brescia, Italy 

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of two different types of environmental 

enrichment on the performance and behaviour of does and the effects of regular daily handling in 

pups, during the first week after birth, on their fear reaction towards a new environment and 

humans. 

Thirty-six commercial hybrid rabbit does and their litters (9 pups each, chosen randomly) were 

used. The cages were enriched with a wooden stick (Robinia pseudoacacia) (n=12), or with a plastic 

slatted floor mat for paw-rest, that covered half of the floor (n=12), or without enrichment (n=12). 

Half litters were handled and the others ones were not handled (control group). Behaviours of the 

does were video recorded 3 days before and 3 days after parturition, 24 hours/day. The weight gain 

of the pups was recorded during the pre-weaning period. The fear of pups towards a new 

environment and towards humans was assessed through two behavioural tests: emergence and tonic 

immobility test carried out at the ages of 14 and 33 days. The results have been evaluated by a 

Generalized Linear Model for repeated measures, by interpolation of a Multinomial Model and by 

Principal Components Analysis of correlation matrix. 

As regards the does, the environmental enrichment affected some behavioural characteristics; the 

principal components analysis shows that the enrichment with the wooden stick is associated to 

locomotion reduction, to increase lying activity and self grooming. Concerning the litters, we found 

no difference among the two groups regarding their weight gain and the tonic immobility test. 

During the emergence test a statistical significant difference (p

Stefano Marelli presents Poster 30 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


102 

Poster 30 

ASSESSMENT OF BREED DIFFERENCES IN GERMAN SHEPHERD AND 

BELGIAN MALINOIS DOGS’ REACTIVITY: A PILOT STUDY. 

S.P. Marelli 1 , J. Riva 1 , E. Sforzini 2 , L. Stella 1 , W. Di Mari 3 , F. Luzi 1 , M. Verga 1 

1 

Department of Animal Science, Sect. Zootecnica Veterinaria, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Milan 

University, Milan, Italy 

2 

DVM, MS behavior and welfare of domestic animal, Broni (Pavia) 

3 

Direzione di Veterinaria e Cinofili - IV Reparto del Comando Generale della Guardia di Finanza, Roma 

The effect of dog domestication process and selection choices is displayed by the hundreds of dog 

breeds nowadays worldwide recognized. German Shepherd (GS) and Belgian Malinois (BM) are 

worldwide known utility breeds for military purposes. The social importance and functions of drugs 

detection dogs are well known. Considering the effectiveness of the work of these dogs and the long 

period required for drug detection training, the aim of this study was to investigate breedcharacteristic 

reactivity in GS and BM (N= 5+5) to identify powerful tools for early attitude 

evaluation for breed choice. 

A basic point was the standardization of environment, diet, management and handling for all the 

scored dogs, a very difficult condition to obtain in family or kennel dogs. Dogs behaviour was 

evaluated one month before training sessions started. Behaviour was scored according to a modified 

standardized working test for sheepdog established to evaluate natural dog attitudes. Dogs’ 

reactions to tests were scored from 0: over reactive/fearful/aggressive to 3: sociable/curious/playful. 

The test included 11 situations: new environment (A), handling by a stranger (B), dog at leash (C), 

dog-handler interaction (D), dog-foreign people group interaction (E), visual stimulations and space 

limitation (F), acoustic stimulation (G), dog-stranger playful interaction (with handler) (H), dogstranger 

playful interaction (without handler) (J); handler’s call (K), dog-dog interaction (L). The 

data were analyzed by a non parametric Kruskal-Wallis one way ANOVA (SAS®, 2006). 

Statistically significant differences were found: GS obtained higher scores (P≤0.001; P≤0.01; 

P≤0.05) in most situations. Higher scores for sociability and playfulness related traits were recorded 

in GS, as well as a lower level of fearfulness related traits. 

The recorded traits may be a useful and objective tool in dog behaviour analysis. The applied test 

showed high ability in evaluating breed differences in reactivity. Breed reactivity differences have 

been demonstrated. 

Contact information: Stefano Marelli or email stefano.marelli@unimi.it 

Complete address: DSA Zootecnica Veterinaria via Celoria 10 20133 Milan Italy 

Species: Dog

Travis Murray presents Poster 31 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


103 

Poster 31 

SELECTION FOR CALM TEMPERAMENT IMPROVES THE MILKING 

BEHAVIOUR OF EWES 

T. Murray 1 , R. Bencini 1 & D. Blache 1 

1 School of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western 

Australia, Perth, Australia 

The selection of dairy sheep on temperament can increase production, reduce stress and improve 

welfare. Milking is a highly stressful procedure for both animal and handler, particularly when the 

ewes are inexperienced and not yet familiar with the routine. Although sheep are reluctant to be 

milked, they gradually habituate to this procedure. However, some do not submit and have to be 

removed from the flock as they are likely to cause injury to themselves, their flockmates or their 

handlers. We investigated whether ewes selected for calm (C) temperament would habituate quicker 

to the milking procedure and be easier to manage than nervous (N) ewes. 

Thirty-four Merino ewes genetically selected for calm (22) or nervous (12) temperament on their 

response to two social challenges, were introduced to the milking procedure two weeks after 

lambing, Their behaviour during machine milking in a commercial dairy parlour was then recorded 

on fourteen occasions over three weeks. 

There was no overall difference between calm and nervous ewes in their reluctance to enter the 

milking parlour (C= 1.66±0.06, N= 1.81±0.12; p>0.05, arbitrary score, log linear model [LLM]), 

although calm sheep tended to be much easier to load onto the platform during the initial milkings. 

Furthermore, over the whole period of study, calm ewes required significantly less intervention by 

their handlers during milking and it took less time to attach the milking cups (C= 5.94±0.23sec, 

N=6.80±0.24sec; p0.05 GLMM), but nervous ewes 

were more difficult to remove from the platform (C= 1.24±0.10, N=1.51±0.24; p

Marie Haskell presents Poster 32 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 4: Assessing health status of groups of animals in relation to welfare 

104 

Poster 32 

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF FARMER’S RECORDS OF HEALTH IN 

ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC DAIRY COW HERDS IN GREAT 

BRITAIN 

M.J. Haskell, M. Jack, F.M. Langford, L. Sherwood, A.B. Lawrence, K.M.D. Rutherford 

Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, 

UK 

The records that farmers make on the ocurrence and treatment of disease in individual animals are 

often used as part of welfare assessment schemes. However, we need to determine whether farmerproduced 

health records are an accurate representation of levels of disease on the farm. As part of a 

study comparing the health and welfare of cows on forty organic and forty non-organic farms in 

Great Britain, farmer health records were collected for a standardised year (2004). 

Thirty-four organic and thirty-three non-organic farms had health records available for copying. 

The health records proved to be very variable in the detail and consistency of the information 

recorded. Based on the amount of detail provided, the records were rated from good to poor. For 

organic farms, 5 were rated as good, 28 as fair and 1 as poor. For the non-organic farms this was 5, 

20 and 8 respectively. The number of cases of mastitis and the number of repeated cases of mastitis 

were calculated using good and fair farm records. The results showed that there were more 

treatments for mastitis made on non-organic farms than on organic farms (t44=-3.87, p0.05). No effect of any of the farm management variables 

fitted could be detected. 

The national regulations stipulate that farmers must record antibiotic use, and it appears that many 

limit their recording to this type of treatment. Other treatments, such as alternative or homeopathic 

treatments for mastitis or remedial foot-trimming for lameness are not recorded consistently across 

farms. 

We conclude that, in general, dairy farmers’ health records in the UK do not always provide a 

reliable estimate of disease levels. 

Contact information: Marie Haskell or email marie.haskell@sac.ac.uk 

Complete address: Sustainable Livestock Systems Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains 

Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK 


Christine Leeb presents Poster 33 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


105 

Poster 33 

LUMBAR AND STERNAL BODY CONDITION SCORE FOR DAIRY 

GOATS 

R. Wolf 2 , B. Patiss-Klingen 2 , J. Böhm 2 , H. Prosl 2 , C. Leeb 1 

1 Institute of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural 

Resources, Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria 

2 Teaching, Research Farm of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria 

The assessment of body condition using various scoring systems is a management tool widely used 

in sheep and dairy cattle to monitor herd health. It is a measure of animals lipid and protein reserves 

used in late gestation, early lactation and environmental adversity. It is also a function of frame and 

reflects clinical disease, nutritional deficiencies and level of endoparasites burden. 

As goats store their fat in omentum and perirenal region to a greater extend than other species, an 

assessment of the lumbar region alone could be misleading. Therefore it was decided to use a 

scoring system, which was based on a score described by Morand-Fehr (1989) and includes 

palpation of the lumbar and costo-sternal region. However, this system was never validated, which 

this study is aimed at. 

During three visits to three dairy goat farms 200 animals were scored by three trained people using 

the lumbar, sternal and a visual score. Additionally each animal was weighed, the length of withers 

and heart girth measured, thickness of body fat between Tuber coxae and the femur head was a 

measured using ultrasound and a brief clinical assessment was carried out. Additionally faecal 

samples were taken individually. 

Preliminary results show very good on farm practicability and satisfactory inter-observer 

repeatability. Using Spearman Rank test significant correlation (p

Piera Anna Martino presents Poster 34 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


106 

Poster 34 

AN HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAMME IN A GROUP OF DOGS 

P.A. Martino 1 , F. Luzi 2 

1 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Hygiene and Public Health, Milano, Italy 

2 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Milano, Italy 

The health of animals is always at risk from a variety of infections. Diseases in animals used for 

research, whether clinically manifest or subclinical, produce effects that change the outcome of the 

experiments. Depending on the specific infection, various biological parameters may be affected 

such as welfare, behaviour, growth rate, etc.. All the infections, also in healthy carrier animals, are 

likely to increase biological variability. 

For these reasons, an animal health monitoring programme is important because it can detect an 

healthy carrier of microorganisms, also decreasing the risk of pathogenic and/or zoonotic infection 

and adding to the reliability and reproducibility of research data. 

The aim of this work is to evaluate the healthy status of a group of dogs used for behavioural 

studies by means of a monitoring plan. 

Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 10 Beagle dogs, free of pathogenic bacteria 

according to FELASA guidelines, randomly selected, every three months. The dogs were bred for 

using in behavioural survey in a research facility in Italy. The speciments were streaked on selective 

media for identifying the pathogenic bacteria we have defined to monitor (Bordetella 

bronchiseptica for pharyngeal swabs; Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia spp. and 

Campylobacter spp. for rectal swabs). The samples were incubated at 37 °C and at 42 °C (for 

Campylobacter isolation) for 24-48 hours under different atmosphere. The results, recorded as 

positive or negative, were reported in the health monitoring report. 

All the swabs result positive for the normal bacterial flora and always negative for the pathogenic 

strains we search in our health monitoring protocol. These negative results are successful and are 

very important because these dogs, free of pathogenic bacteria at the beginning of the research, 

must persist negative during the behavioural trials. So, the health monitoring programme allows us 

to control this “healthy” status. 

Contact information: Piera Anna Martino or email piera.martino@unimi.it 

Complete address: Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, Sezione di Zootecnica, Veterinaria Università 

degli Studi di Milano via G. Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italia 

Species: Dog

Laura Boyle presents Poster 35 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


107 

Poster 35 

REPRODUCTIVE WELFARE OF SPRING CALVING DAIRY COWS IN A 

CONFINEMENT OR PASTURE- BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

M. Palmer 1 , G. Olmos 2 , J. Mee 2 , L. Boyle 2 

1 University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Scotland 

2 Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland 

Reproductive welfare of housed cows can be compromised compared to cows at pasture. This study 

compared one aspect of reproductive welfare, estrus expression, as measured by radiotelemetry 

(HeatWatch) and visual observations, between Holstein-Friesian cows kept at pasture (PASTURE 

treatment) and those kept indoors in cubicle accommodation (HOUSED treatment). 

The study lasted 9 weeks from 26 th March 2007 and used 46 spring-calving cows (mean calving 

date February 28 th 2007) divided equally between the two treatments. Visual observations (20 

minute sessions) of mounting and other sexual behaviours were carried out three times daily and all 

cows were fitted with HeatWatch transponders. Milk progesterone (MP4) profiles were used to 

estimate dates of ovulation. The breeding season began on 23 rd April. 

Silent ovulation (ovulation indicated by MP4 profile but without any behavioural signs or 

HeatWatch mounts received) occurred in 8 HOUSED and in 4 PASTURE cows (p>0.05). Subestrus 

events (ovulation indicated by MP4 profile but with only some behavioural signs and only 

one or two HeatWatch mounts received within 4 hours) occurred in more HOUSED (9) than 

PASTURE cows (3) (Chi-square=4.06, p=0.044). In contrast, standing estrus events (ovulation 

indicated by MP4 profile followed by three or more HeatWatch mounts received within 4 hours 

and/or the animal observed standing to be mounted) occurred in more PASTURE (21 cows, 91%) 

than HOUSED (12 cows, 52%) cows (Chi-square=8.68, p=0.003). When standing estrus occurred, 

there was no difference between the two treatments in the duration of standing estrus (measured by 

HeatWatch) (PASTURE 5h 26min, HOUSED 4h 24min) or the median number of mounts received 

during standing estrus (PASTURE 7.5, HOUSED 4.0) (p>0.05). 

These results highlight biologically plausible reasons for compromised reproductive welfare in 

cubicle-housed cows where estrus expression may be characterised as of short duration and low 

intensity thus reducing the probability of conception. 

Contact information: M. Palmer or email gabriela.olmos@teagasc.ie or laura,boyle@teagasc.ie 

Complete address: Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork, 

Ireland 


Matthias Wiemann presents Poster 36 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


108 

Poster 36 

REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF DIARRHOEA IN CALVES BY 

SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE PROBIOTIC STRAIN E.FAECIUM NCIMB 

10415 TO MILK REPLACER OR FULL MILK FEEDING 

M. Wiemann 1 , H.-J. Kunz 2 , W. Steinberg 1 , R. Brugger 1 

1 DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Animal Nutrition and Health, Basel, Switzerland 

2 Landwirtschaftskammer Schleswig Holstein, Research Center Futterkamp, Blekendorf, Germany 

On modern dairy cattle farms the mortality of calves due to enteric diseases is a severe problem 

which affects profitability and animal welfare. Supplementation of probiotics to calves feed during 

the milk feeding period promotes development of a protective microflora in the digestive system 

and therefore reduces pathogen microorganisms which cause diarrhoea cases. 

The probiotic feed additive CYLACTIN®LBC contains a live strain of Enterococcus faecium 

NCIMB 10415. Two studies on farm level have been conducted measuring the impact of 

CYLACTIN®LBC on the health status of calves. In the first trial the feeding system was based on 

milk replacer while in the second one full milk was fed to the calves. CYLACTIN®LBC was 

supplemented via the milk replacer or directly to the full milk. Both trials have been conducted with 

Holstein-Frisians calves housed in individual outdoor cages. The numbers of diarrhoea cases and 

applied veterinarian treatments per group have been counted. 

The first trial based on milk replacer was conducted on the research station Futterkamp (D) with in 

total 64 newborn calves (32 animals per group) over 70 days. In this trial the control group counted 

8 cases of diarrhoea and 12 treatments while the CYLACTIN group counted 4 cases and 4 

treatments respectively. 

The second trial based on full milk was conducted on a practical farm in Mecklenburg (D) with in 

total 184 newborn calves (92 animals per group) over 56 days. In this trial the control group 

counted 19 cases of diarrhoea and 32 treatments while the CYLACTIN group counted 5 cases and 7 

treatments respectively. 

Overall the two studies confirmed that supplementation of the probiotic CYLACTIN®LBC reduced 

the incidence of diarrhoea of young calves in feeding systems either based on milk replacers or on 

full milk. It can be claimed that an improved enteric health status of calves promotes animal welfare 

on farm level. 

Contact information: Matthias Wiemann or email matthias.wiemann@dsm.com 

Complete address: DSM Nutritional Products Europe, PO Box 2676, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland 


Lesley Wiseman-Orr presents Poster 37 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


109 

Poster 37 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE 

INSTRUMENT FOR USE WITH FARMED PIGS 

M.L. Wiseman-Orr 1 , E.M. Scott 1 , A.M. Nolan 2 , D.A. Sandercock 2 

1 Department of Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK 

2 Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK 

Modern pig farming methods such as tail docking and mixing of ‘unfamiliars’ may have health and 

quality of life (QOL) consequences for adult pigs. A project was undertaken to investigate such 

impacts, with the development of a suitable QOL measurement tool. At the outset, it was necessary 

to define the construct to be measured in the context of groups of animals. 

The contemporary focus in QOL measurement for people and animals is on individuals’ experience 

of their circumstances. However, objective indicators of those circumstances are also important, in 

order that habituation to poorer environments does not mitigate poorer provision. Objective 

indicators for QOL in farmed animals are framed in the ‘five freedoms’ and detailed in relevant 

animal welfare legislation that provides criteria against which provision can be measured. However, 

for the valid measurement of QOL it is essential also to identify appropriate subjective indicators 

that capture the individual’s experience. Scores on both then compose the measured QOL for an 

individual. Where standard husbandry practices are applied to a group of phenotypically similar 

individuals, limited variability in QOL should result. However, illness or injury may have a 

significant impact, so the term health-related quality of life, (HRQL) is appropriate, where objective 

indicators include health status. 

Consequently, we define the construct to be measured - HRQL of farmed pigs - as a combination of 

the individual’s circumstances, which include health status, and its affective response to those 

circumstances; group-level measurement is achieved by the distribution of HRQL scores for 

individuals in that group. 

A psychometric approach to instrument development was taken, with interviews conducted with 

experienced farmers and stockpersons (1 female, 20 male). Analysis provided details of relevant 

observations, and descriptions of potential subjective indicators of HRQL, including behaviour 

relating to appetite, activity, social interaction with pigs and stockpersons, playfulness and 

demeanour. 

Contact information: Lesley Wiseman-Orr or email l.wiseman@stats.gla.ac.uk 

Complete address: Department of Statistics, Mathematics Building, University Garden,s University 

of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QW, UK 

Species: Pig

Stef Aerts presents Poster 38 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 5: Development and improvement of welfare assessment protocols 

110 

Poster 38 

STOCKMANSHIP AS A HIGH-IMPACT FACTOR INFLUENCING ANIMAL 

WELFARE: DEVELOPMENT OF A STOCKMANSHIP ASSESSMENT 

FRAMEWORK 

S. Aerts 1 , D. Lips 1,2 

1 

Boerenbond Chair Agriculture & Society, Centre for Science, Technology & Ethics, Katholieke Universiteit 

Leuven, Leuven, Belgium 

2 

Ethology & Animal Welfare group, Department of Agro- and Biotechnology, KaHo Sint-Lieven/Association 

K.U.Leuven, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium 

Most welfare assessment schemes (for labelling, control or other purposes) have been developed, or 

are being developed, based on environment- or animal-based parameters. While animal-based 

parameters have the advantage of focussing on the endpoint of the welfare process, the animal 

itself, environment-based parameters offer information about causes and possible remediation of 

problematic situations. 

The stockholder is another important factor when making a complete on-farm animal welfare 

assessment. A stockholder’s attitude is critical as "good stockmanship can often compensate for 

deficiencies in a livestock production system, but the converse is never true" (FAWC). Contrary to 

this pivotal role, little research has focused explicitly on the stockholder and therefore, few systems 

focus on stockholder assessment. 

The influence of stockholder behaviour has been confirmed both for functional and feelings-based 

interpretations of animal welfare. Positive treatment typically induces production increases (sow 

reproduction, milk yield, veal calf growth, feather pecking, egg production, pig growth rate) of 4- 

13%; in one experiment gilt pregnancy rate improved to 266%. The percentage of negative stimuli 

(tactile, visual, auditory) relates to fearfulness (flight distance, avoidance behaviour) and even very 

short (

Marc Bracke presents Poster 39 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


111 

Poster 39 

RISK ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL WELFARE CAN BENEFIT FROM 

SEMANTIC MODELLING APPROACH: THE CALF WELFARE CASE 

M.B.M. Bracke 1 , S.A. Edwards 2 , B. Algers 3 

1 Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University, Research Centre, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

2 School of Agriculture, Food, Rural Development, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

3 Department of Animal Environment, Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of 

Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is developing risk assessment of animal welfare. A 

first EFSA report on this subject concerned risk analysis of calf welfare. This report was analysed 

from a semantic modelling perspective in order to formulate points for improvement. In addition, a 

survey was conducted eliciting expert opinion on calf welfare in order to ‘validate’ (some points 

from) the analysis. 

Based on a structural similarity between concepts used in risk assessment and in semantic 

modelling points for improvement were formulated related to the specification of definitions, 

methodological procedures, underlying values and the translation of scientific information into the 

Risk Assessment output. In particular, a need was identified to include positive (behavioural) 

aspects of welfare and overall welfare assessments. The survey subsequently revealed (partial) 

support for the suggested points, especially for the latter recommendations. 

The experts gave the lowest scores to veal calves kept individually in so-called "baby boxes" or in 

small groups, and to feedlots, while a suckler herd on pasture was rated as best for calf welfare. 

According to the experts main hazards were related to underfeeding and to deficiencies in 

colostrum intake, stockperson education, space, roughage, iron intake, ventilation, flooring and 

bedding. More importantly, only a low concordance was found among experts on overall calf 

welfare in different housing systems and on the importance of different hazards (Kendall’s W 0.18- 

0.29, p



112 

Poster 40 

IMPROVEMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN DAIRY FARMS USING A 

MODEL TO HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN CRITICAL POINTS 

L. Calamari 1 , S. Caré, R. Lombardelli 

1 Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Agraria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 

Many methods to assess animal welfare in dairy farms were developed in the last few years. Some 

methods include, as goals, the diagnosis of welfare problems and provision of advice to the farmers. 

The aim was to use our model of welfare assessment to improve animal welfare in dairy farms, and 

to evaluate the response using the model in comparison to the basal plasma cortisol indicator. Our 

model was used in two farms (A and B, 200 lactating cows each) with 3 series of visits during a 

year per each farm. It considers indirect and direct indicators, included in three clusters 

(environment, feeding and animal response), and calculates a standardized (0-100 scale) overall 

welfare score (OW). For cortisol evaluation, blood samples were collected in each visit from 10 

lactating cows (30-120 days in milk) using standardized procedure to avoid stress at sampling. The 

data obtained with our model were analyzed and some advices were formulated. Substantial 

refinements of stalls (neck rail height and floor comfort), diets and milking management were 

suggested in farm B. 

The OW in the first visit was greater in farm A (71.2) than B (68.2), together with lower level of 

plasma cortisol (4.3±2.3 in A and 12.8±7.6 ng/ml in B). Only slight increase in OW was observed 

in A (71.6 and 72.3 in the 2 nd and 3 rd visit respectively). In B a greater increase of OW was 

observed (72.0 and 77.1 in the 2 nd and 3 rd visit respectively), not only as consequence of the 

increased score of indirect indicators but also as greater score of some direct indicators (better 

animal response). In this farm the cortisol decreased in the 2 nd visit (7.5±4.1 ng/ml), but later 

increased (11.1±6.8 ng/ml). 

In conclusion the proposed model seems promising to highlight some critical points in order to 

improve animal welfare. 

Contact information: Luigi Calamari or email luigi.calamari@unicatt.it 

Complete address: Istituto di Zootecnica Facoltà di Agraria Via Emilia Parmense, 84 29100 

Piacenza 


Michaela Minero presents Poster 41 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


113 

Poster 41 

ITALIAN DAIRY FARMERS’ ATTITUDES AND HANDLING PRACTICES 

AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES ON HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP 

M. Minero 1 , R. Pagliari 1 , D. Baroli 1 , S. Waiblinger 2 , E. Canali 1 

1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy 

2 Institute of Animal Husbandry and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Wien, Austria 

Herd size can affect the human-animal relationship by decreasing the interactions between 

stockpersons and animals, however few studies have investigated this assumption, moreover human 

animal-relationship are also affected by motivation and attitudes of the stockman. 

Aim of this study, part of work package 3.1 of the EU funded project Welfare Quality®, was to 

relate the practices and the farmers’ attitudes to animal behaviour towards humans in dairy farms 

rappresentative of the Italian avarage situation.. 

Based on the results of a questionnaire regarding handling practices during potentially sensible 

periods (first month of life, heifers) 20 farms (10 farms with high positive human contact= (HP) and 

10 farms with low positive human contact =LP) were selected for the on farm study. The behaviour 

of the milkers towards the animals was observed. The cows’ relationship towards humans was 

assessed by measuring their reactions to humans in standardized tests: forced approach (FAT) to 

known and unknown person. 

Behaviour of animals of the two groups of farms (HP or LP) was analysed with univariated 

Analysis of Variance or Mann-Whitney test according to the distribution of data. The same analysis 

were used to compare milkers’ behaviour. Spearman’s correlations between the results of tests and 

farmers’ attitude and milkers’ behaviour were calculated. 

In HP farms cows showed a significant lower avoidance distance when tested in the herd (F=5.77 

p

Daniela Baroli presents Poster 42 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


114 

Poster 42 

VARIABILITY ON HANDLING PRACTICES IN ITALIAN DAIRY FARMS 

D. Baroli 1 , M. Minero 1 , D. Zucca 1 , S. Waiblinger 2 , E. Canali 1 

1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Italy 

2 Institute of Animal Husbandry and Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine Wien, Austria 

In dairy cows production, farmers’ practices can show a great variability according to the rearing 

systems (tied or loose housing), the management (small or large herd) which can imply the presence 

of employees beside the farmer. 

Objectives of Work Package 3.1 of the EU funded Welfare Quality® project were to determine the 

variability of the farmers’ practices within the same type of production systems and their underlying 

motivations and to determine the associated animal reactions to humans in two EU Countries: 

Austria and Italy. 

This is the first study in Italy where a systematic questionnaire survey investigated farmers’ 

attitudes, handling practices and the cow-human relationships in Italian dairy farms, the latter ones 

are not discuss here. 155 dairy farms (loose housing) were randomly chosen in Northern Italy. A 

questionnaire was handed over to the farmers by the technicians of the Breeders Association and the 

main stockperson responsible for the cattle on the farm filled it. 

The data of the 155 questionnaires were analysed to obtain descriptive analysis regarding the 

variability of farm characteristics, housing, handling practices and specific attitudes of the farmers. 

Many farmers have often contacts with their calves, besides feeding, during the first month of life, 

while these contacts diminish when the calves grow. 66 % of the farmers never talked their heifers, 

while many of the farmers are accustomed to use voice with their cows. 

Farms with large herd size (120 lactating cows as average) are usually run by a farmer although 

other employees do part of the job, however most of the farmers always did trimming (62%), heat 

observations (69%) and inseminations (72%) on cows. Milking is done always by a milker in 44.5% 

of these farms. Heifers are kept on deep litter (81% of the farms) and 64.5% of the farms have 

paddocks. 

Contact information: Daniela Baroli or email daniela.baroli@unimi.it or elisabetta.canali@unimi.it 

Complete address: Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, Veterinary Medicine, Milan, Italy 


Jonathan Guy presents Poster 43 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


115 

Poster 43 

EVALUATING PROTOCOLS TO ASSESS THE VALUE OF DIFFERENT 

ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT ITEMS FOR PIGS 

J. Guy, Z. Banks, S.L. Trickett, S.A. Edwards 

School of Agriculture, Food, Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

Two studies were undertaken to evaluate different protocols for assessing environmental 

enrichment for pigs and specifically (1) the extent to which a short term evaluation could reliably 

assess relative enrichment value of items, (2) whether relative use in short term choice tests reflects 

longer term attractiveness, (3) whether providing items in rotation rather than individually 

influences use and (4) whether simultaneous access tests reflect relative object-directed behaviour 

with single object presentation. 

Study 1 used 36 pigs (35 kg liveweight) in groups of 3 in part-slatted housing. Four enrichment 

items with different properties were compared – 2 hanging objects (sisal rope, metal chain) and 2 

foraging substrates provided in a trough (sawdust, wood shavings). Items were presented in pairs, in 

all combinations, with each group of pigs exposed to one combination for 5 days then the other 2 

items for another 5 days. Study 2 used 250 pigs (8 kg liveweight) in groups of 10 in fully-slatted 

housing. Five treatments were compared – continuous access to suspended rope, continuous access 

to a wood block on the floor, alternating weekly access to rope then wood, alternating weekly 

access to wood then rope, or continuous access to both items simultaneously. The response variable 

was time interacting with each enrichment item. 

In the first study, some items were consistently used more than others irrespective of combination 

(e.g. rope: 0.08, sawdust: 0.02; sem 0.015, p

Bernhard Hoerning presents Poster 44 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


116 

Poster 44 

SUITABILITY OF RESTING BEHAVIOURS OF DAIRY COWS FOR ON- 

FARM WELFARE ASSESMENTS 

B. Hörning 

Department of Organic Livestock Farming, University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde, Eberswalde, 

Germany 

An overview is given about ca. 40 resting behaviours of dairy cows based on an extensive literature 

review (Hörning, B., 2003, Nutztierethologische Untersuchungen zur Liegeplatzqualität in 

Milchviehlaufstallsystemen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung eines epidemiologischen Ansatzes, 

Professorial dissertation, Univ. Kassel, Witzenhausen) and on own investigations on 64 commercial 

farms with different loose housing systems and on two experiments. One experiment compared 

three housing system (cubicles, straw yard, bedded sloped floor), the other 4 cubicle types (3 with 

flexible partitions). Suitability of resting behaviours for an on-farm welfare assessment is judged 

mainly according to validity and feasibility because information about repeatability is very limited 

in the literature. 

In the contribution, resting behaviours are shortly described and illustrated with photos. The 

following behaviours are included. Behaviours with an asterisk are recommended for welfareprotocols. 

Recommendations are given concerning the observation methods of those behaviours. 

Lying: latency of entering lying area until lying down, duration of lying area control, number of 

stepping before lying down*, interruptions of lying down*, lying down with hindlegs first, duration 

of lying down*, hitting cubicle partitions while lying down*. 

Standing up: interruptions of standing up*, standing up with forelegs first*, movements of head 

sideward, duration of standing up*, latency of urinating or defecating after standing up, hitting 

cubicle partitions while standing up*, standing up forced by another cow*. 

Lying: lying synchrony*, number of lying periods, duration of lying periods, cubicle turnover rate, 

standing with hindlegs in the alley*, lying with stretched forelegs respective hindlegs*, position to 

neighboring cows, lying at the rear curb*, lying with head backward, lying with head uplifted, lying 

in the alley, ruminating while lying. 

Contact information: Bernhard Hoerning or email bhoerning@fh-eberswalde.de 

Complete address: Department of Organic Livestock Farming, University of Applied Sciences 

Eberswalde, Eberswalde, Germany 


Stella Huertas presents Poster 45 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


117 

Poster 45 

EVALUATION OF SOME WELFARE ISSUES IN DAIRY CATTLE IN FREE 

GRAZING CONDITIONS 

S. Huertas 1 , E. De Torres 1 , X. Manteca 4 , D. César 1,2 , J. Piaggio 1,3 , A. Gil 1,3 

1 Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay 

2 Instituto Plan Agropecuario, Uruguay 

3 Unidad de Epidemiología, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Uruguay 

4 Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, España 

Uruguay has 730 thousand dairy cattle in free grazing conditions and in 2007 exported milk was 

worth 250 millions dollars. Dairy production has increased substantially causing different types of 

diseases that compromise animal welfare. 

The objective of this study was to assess the welfare of dairy cattle through trained observers using 

animal based parameters (WQ® Project). We visited 35 farms located in the dairy zone of the 

country looking for the presence of integument alterations, lameness, cleanliness, body condition 

score (BCS), nasal/ocular discharge, increased respiratory rate and diarrhoea. The sample size of 

studied cows was done according to WQ® protocols. 

From a total of 1770 cows leaving the milking parlour, 6, 8% (120) were lame and 8, 3% (10) of 

them were severely lame. In 9 of 26 visited farms (35%) cows slipped either entering or leaving the 

milking parlour. According to BCS and to make observation easier, a BCS of 3 (tailhead, hip bones, 

spine and ribs a little prominent) was the cut off point. Cows with a BCS equal to or below 3 

(unacceptably thin) accounted for 30, 8% (544) of the total. 

From a total of 29 farms, 3 (10, 3%) had animals with ocular discharge and 4 (13, 8%) animals with 

nasal discharge. One third of the farms had animals with diarrhea, but no increased respiratory rate 

or integument alterations were observed. 

Looking at leg cleanliness inside the milking parlour, 297 of 1258 cows (23.6%) were acceptable 

(no dirt), 961 (76.4%) presented some dirt and 255 (26.5%) of these were severely dirty. 

In conclusion, indicators such as lameness, BCS, cleanliness and sanitary aspects -never taken into 

account before in the country- were identified as critical points. They were relatively easy to 

measure and assess, and should be improved in order to develop better conditions in Uruguayan 

dairy cows. 

Contact information: Stella Huertas or email stellamaris32@adinet.com.uy 

Complete address: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, 21 De Setiembre, 3065 

APTO 701, Montevideo, Uruguay 


Fabio Napolitano presents Poster 46 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


118 

Poster 46 

ON FARM ASSESSMENT OF SHEEP WELFARE: INTER-OBSERVER 

RELIABILITY OF SOME ANIMAL RELATED VARIABLES 

M. Caroprese 1 , A. Braghieri 2 , A. Sevi 1 , G. De Rosa 3 , F. Napolitano 2 

1 Dipartimento PRIME and Istituto BIOAGROMED, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy 

2 Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni animali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy 

3 DISSPAPA, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Portici, Italy 

Intensive sheep farming systems have recently spread through the northern countries of the 

Mediterranean basin and specialized dairy flocks have increased in size, potentially reducing the 

welfare of animals. As no on-farm assessment protocol is currently available, the development of a 

monitoring scheme for sheep is needed. 

In the present study the inter-observer reliability of some animal related indicators, which have been 

reported to be relevant to sheep welfare, was evaluated using the Spearman’s coefficient of 

correlation (rs). The following variables were recorded: animal dirtiness (major splashing or distinct 

plaques of dirt at hind quarters and udder) as indicator of animal comfort, lameness (any sign of 

abnormal gait) giving information on housing and management, lesions (swellings, wounds and 

scabs), hoof overgrowth (at least one overgrown claw) and integument alterations (skin damages 

due to ectoparasites, wool-less patches, hyperkeratosis) indicating damages received by the animals. 

Parameters were scored on the basis of their prevalence (number of affected animals/number of 

observed animals). Two trained observers performed assessments in forty sheep dairy farms on at 

least 20% of lactating animals. 

A significant correlation between observers was observed for all parameters (p0.10). Integument alterations (rs =0.85), hoof overgrowth (rs=0.82), lameness (rs =0.81) 

and dirtiness (rs =0.84) showed coefficients higher than 0.7, whereas it was much lower for lesions 

(rs =0.22). This latter result may be due to the fact that lesions were often small and hidden by the 

fleece. The problem could be approached by monitoring only wide and evident lesions, while 

observers should also perform more training. 

Although more studies are needed to test the validity (meaningfulness with respect to animal 

welfare) of these variables in sheep, most of them proved to be reliable, thus representing a 

preliminary list of candidate parameters to be included in a scheme for on-farm assessment of sheep 

welfare. 

Contact information: M. Caroprese or email m.caroprese@unifg.it or fabio.napolitano@unibas.it 

Complete address: Dipartimento PRIME and Istituto BIOAGROMED, Università degli Studi di 

Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy or Dipartimento di Scienze delle 

Produzioni animali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo 

Lucano 10, Potenza, Italy 

Species: Sheep



119 

Poster 47 

INTER-OBSERVER RELIABILITY OF CLINICAL SCORING AND 

AVOIDANCE DISTANCE IN BUFFALOES 

F. Napolitano 1 , F. Grasso 2 , A. Bilancione 2 , G. Migliori 2 , M. Spadetta 2 , C. Winckler 3 , G. De 

Rosa 2 

1 DISPA, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Italy 

2 DISSPAPA, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Italy 

3 Division of Livestock Sciences/Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems - University of Natural 

Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria 

In order to develop a welfare monitoring system specific to dairy buffalo within the Welfare 

Quality® project the inter-observer reliability of some animal related variables was studied. The 

selection of the variables was mainly based on what has been proposed for dairy cattle in the same 

project with appropriate adaptation to the peculiar needs of buffalo. 

The research was carried out on 42 loose-housed buffalo farms located in central-southern Italy. 

The number of lactating buffaloes ranged from 30 to 230. A total number of ∼1700 animals was 

observed. Observations were at the same time but independently performed by two observers. For 

each farm and each observer the median value of the avoidance distance at manger was computed, 

whereas for clinical scoring the prevalence of each variable was used. Inter-observer reliability was 

computed using the Spearman correlation (rs). 

Avoidance distance at manger (median value =0.25m), evaluated by an assessor walking (1 step/s) 

toward each animal until signs of withdrawal, showed a high coefficient of correlation (rs=0.91; 

p

Seo Tetsuya presents Poster 48 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


120 

Poster 48 

IMPROVED ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX (ANI) RELATED TO MILK 

PRODUCTIVITY AND COW HEALTH ON JAPANESE DAIRY FARMS 

T. Seo 1 , Y. Ono 1 , F. Kashiwamura 1 , S. Sato 2 

1 Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan 

2 Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Osaki, Miyagi, Japan 

Purpose: An Animal Needs Index (ANI) has been proposed as a welfare assessment system that 

mainly reflects housing environmental parameters. Although much research suggests that animalbased 

parameters are useful, ANI has few parameters. The allotment of points overly emphasizes 

outdoor areas; consequently, the welfare level of herds without outdoor areas is extremely low as 

assessed by this system (Seo et al. 2007). Therefore, we improved ANI by adding some animalbased 

parameters (e.g. BCS, rising behaviour, stall standing index, avoidance reaction, neck injury) 

and by lowering the allotment of points for outdoor areas. We then assessed Japanese dairy farms 

using the improved system. This study is intended to investigate whether relations exist between the 

improved ANI data and some indicators such as milk productivity and animal health. 

Methods: In all, 27 dairy farms with free-stall (12 farms) or tie-stall (15 farms) barns were assessed 

using the improved ANI (ANI35L/2000-cattle). Milk productivity and veterinary treatment records 

were used to calculate the correlation between the total score and each of five category scores using 

Spearman’s rank correlation. 

Results: The total score assessed by improved ANI correlated with productivity such as the average 

milk price per litter (rs =0.47, p

Tsuyoshi Shimmura presents Poster 49 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


121 

Poster 49 

A PROPOSAL OF OVERALL WELFARE ASSESSMENT FOR LAYING 

HENS - COMPARISONS OF OUR SCIENCE-BASED WITH 

ENVIRONMENT-BASED AND ANIMAL-BASED ASSESSMENT - 

T. Shimmura 1 , S. Hirahara 2 , Y. Eguchi 1 , K. Uetake 1 , T. Tanaka 1 

1 

Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, 

Sagamihara, Japan 

2 

Swine and Poultry Research Group, Livestock Engineering Division, Kanagawa Prefectural Livestock 

Industry Technology Center, Ebina, Japan 

To increase the validity of evaluations and facilitate expansion and maintenance of assessment 

systems, we have started a database of studies on the welfare of laying hens around the world. On 

the basis of it and Bracke’s model, we have devised a science-based overall welfare assessment for 

laying hens. We also evaluated the usefulness of the assessment system by comparing it with values 

of Animal Needs Index (ANI) and animal-based measurements assessed a same farm with our 

model. 

First, applying the methods of Bracke et al. (J. Anim. Sci., 81: 1819-1834. 2002), we devised a 

system for assessment of laying hens, which consisted of six processes: 1) Collection of scientific 

knowledge (information shown by a paper), 2) collection of scientific declarations (doubtless 

information shown by some papers; n=498), 3) selection of measurements for evaluation (n=29), 4) 

setting levels in each measurement, 5) weighting each measurement, and 6) assignment of these 

measurements to the five freedoms to show the advantages and disadvantages of housing systems 

clearly. Second, housing systems for laying hens were scored by using ANI and our model, and 

these assessments were compared. Third, correlations between the scores of ANI or our model and 

the values from animal-based measurements were analyzed. 

Our model clearly showed the advantages and disadvantages of the housing systems from the 

viewpoint of the five freedoms. While freedom from injury, pain, and disease and from discomfort 

was more secured in the cage system, non-cage systems scored better for natural behavior and 

freedom from fear and distress. Assessment using our model seemed to be more sensitive than ANI. 

A significant strong-positive correlation was found between the animal-based assessment and the 

total scores of ANI (rs=0.94, p

Elsa Vasseur presents Poster 50 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


122 

Poster 50 

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERVENTION STRATEGY TO IMPROVE 

WELFARE OF REPLACEMENT ANIMALS IN CANADIAN DAIRY FARMS 

E. Vasseur 1 , J. Rushen 2 , D. Pellerin 1 , D. Lefebvre 3 , A.M. de Passillé 1 

1 Laval University, Quebec, Canada 

2 AAFC, British Columbia, Canada 

3 Valacta, Quebec, Canada 

The welfare of dairy calves is often overlooked. In an intervention strategy to improve calf welfare, 

we surveyed management practices on 115 farms in Quebec. We collected management- and 

animal-based data through visits, interviews and a questionnaire. Height critical points and 

associated welfare problems were identified : 1) Around calving: 51% of producers used tie stall as 

main calving area; 2) First care to newborn: 37% of producers never disinfected calf’s navel; 3) 

Colostrum management: producers gave only minimum recommended quantity (3.0L within 12h); 

4) Cow-calf separation: 68% of producers let cow and calf together for more than 2h; 5) Milk 

feeding: 34% of producers gave non pasteurised waste milk; 6) Weaning: 12% of producers used 

abrupt weaning; 7) Calf housing: only 12% of producers used group housing; 8) Health: average 

mortality at birth was 8.8%. 

We studied producers’ perceptions of and attitudes to calf rearing and found some relationships that 

explain a low interest in calf welfare: 50% of producers under-estimated rearing costs by 20%, calf 

mortality was under-estimated by 20-50%, 94% of farmers perceived that calf mortality as not a 

problem, and 50% of producers had no specialised degree in agriculture. 

We then developed a scoring tool based on the critical points identified in our epidemiological 

survey and we added two other points: 9)Post-weaning feeding and 10)housing. We tested our tool 

in 25 farms for feasibility and repeatability between two observers. In addition, colostrum samples 

were collected and the quality of colostrum was checked. Blood samples were collected and tested 

to check passive transfer of immunity. Mortality and morbidity were recorded during a six-month 

period. An interview with the farmer was conducted as a debriefing on the implementation of our 

on-farm welfare tool. 

Identifying critical points and producers’ perceptions and attitudes are essential steps to construct a 

tool adapted to our population. 

Contact information: Elsa Vasseur or email elsa.vasseur.1@ulaval.ca 

Complete address: Pavillon Paul Comtois, 4131 Dpt Sciences Animales, Québec (QC) G1K 7P4, 

Canada 


Isabelle Veissier presents Poster 51 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE: VARIOUS 

OBJECTIVES, VARIOUS METHODOLOGIES 

I. Veissier 1 , R. Botreau 1,2 

1 INRA, UR1213 Herbivores, Site de Theix, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France 

2 Institut de l’Elevage, BP18, F-31321 Castanet Tolosan, France 

123 

Poster 51 

This paper focuses on the choice of methods for assessing animal welfare on farms according to the 

objective of the assessment. 

An on-farm welfare assessment may be performed with a view of producing statistics (eg at 

national level), identifying risk factors in epidemiological studies, highlighting problems on a farm 

before advising the farmer on remedial solutions, checking that farms comply with requirements for 

certified productions (eg Freedom foods) or legislation (EU directives for cross-compliance). An 

overall assessment of animal welfare may also be necessary for choosing between alternatives 

during the conception and evaluation of innovative systems. 

Some assessment tools rely on design criteria (food, housing, management…) while other focus on 

performance criteria (animals’ condition, health, behaviour, stress…). In general these tools cover 

main welfare dimensions, eg good health, physical comfort, lack of stress, expression of behaviours 

and the information is synthesised at farm, system, or population level. 

The appropriateness of criteria and method to synthesise the information depends on the objective 

of the welfare assessment: 

- design OR performance criteria can be used to produce descriptive statistics (frequencies, 

means, SD); 

- epidemiological studies require design AND performance criteria, multivariate statistics can 

help summarising information on performance criteria which can then be explained by 

design criteria (regressions); 

- advice to farmers require performance criteria to highlight problems AND design criteria to 

find causes; 

- checking compliance can be based on design OR performance criteria depending on the 

scheme, a mathematical model for the overall assessment is necessary to take decisions (see 

Botreau et al., WAFL2008); 

- innovative systems should be checked with performance criteria, an overall assessment is 

needed but it may not be compulsory to build a mathematical model for this exact purpose. 

In any case, the objective of a welfare assessment need be set clearly before methods are decided. 

Contact information: Isabelle Veissier or email veissier@clermont.inra.fr 

Complete address: INRA, UR1213 Herbivores, Site de Theix, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, 

France 

Species: General

Deborah Temple presents Poster 52 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


124 

Poster 52 

DEVELOPING A WELFARE ASSESSMENT TOOL WITHIN THE 

WELFARE QUALITY® PROJECT: THE CASE OF WEANERS AND 

GROWING PIGS 

D. Temple 1 , A. Dalmau 1 , V. Courboulay 2 , M.C. Meunier-Salaün 3 , A. Velarde 1 

1 IRTA, Finca Camps i armet s/n, Monells(17121), Girona, Spain 

2 IFIP, Institut du porc, BP 35104, 35651 Le Rheu cedex, France 

3 INRA, UMR SENAH, Domaine de la Prise, 35590 Saint Gilles, France 

An on-farm welfare assessment protocol was developed for weaners and growing pigs according to 

the 4 animal welfare principles of the Welfare Quality® project. Eleven criteria related to good 

feeding, good resting, good health and appropriate behaviour were defined and appropriate 

measures elaborated. 

Most of the criteria were assessed with animal-based measures, except absence of prolonged thirst 

and ease of movement, that were environmental-based. The validity and repeatability between 

observers of the measures were previously assessed. 

Most measures were scored at pen/group level according to a three-point scale ranging from 0 

(good welfare) to 2 (poor or unacceptable). According to the measure, pen score were established 

directly (scouring, fear of humans) or took into account the proportion of pigs with scores 0, 1 and 

2. Considering the lack of on-farm reference in some measures (behaviour, environmental 

measurements), those are expressed as a sum of occurrence (behaviour, qualitative assessment) or 

as a description (environment). 

The welfare assessment protocol was carried out by one trained assessor on an average of 150 pigs 

per farm, housed in 10 different pens/groups. Sixty farms, from extensive to intensive layout, 

located in Spain and France were visited to assess the validity of the protocol. Around 8000 pigs 

were directly assessed with the protocol for health measures, 9000 for qualitative behaviour 

assessment, coughing and sneezing and 9000 for social and exploratory behaviour (from a total of 

130 000 present in the farms). The visit of the farm lasted around six-eight hours. 

This poster presents the preliminary results of this survey and the range of the different measures, 

which may help in ¿proposing/amending? the scoring system and simplify the protocol. 

Contact information: Deborah Temple or email antonio.velarde@irta.es 

Complete address: Finca Camps i Armet s/n 17121, Monells, Girona, SPAIN 

Species: Pig

José Wavreille presents Poster 53 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


125 

Poster 53 

MEASUREMENT OF REPEATABILITY OF SALIVARY CORTISOL IN 

GROUPS OF PREGNANT SOWS 

J. Wavreille 1 , V. Planchon 1 , G. Breteau 2 , V. Remience 3 , J. Sulon 3 , N. Bartiaux-Thill 1 

1 Animal production and Nutrition Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Gembloux, Belgium 

2 National Veterinary College of Toulouse, Toulouse, France 

3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium 

Whereas the repeatability of salivary cortisol measurement has been established in the laboratory, 

pre-analytical factors such as the sampling method, operator, animal and time, may account for the 

variability of the results. It is therefore considered important to test the salivary cortisol sampling 

methodology for use as a suitable stress assessment indicator in sows. 

Repeatability and reproducibility are estimated on the basis of standard ISO 5725-2:1994. 

According to that standard, the Cochran and Grubbs tests have to be run firstly to detect and 

exclude outliers. The standard deviations of repeatability and internal reproducibility are then 

obtained from estimation of variance components of the model studied (S.A.S. version 9.1.3.); 

repeatability and reproducibility are then calculated from the respective standard deviations. The 

experimental design planned to determine repeatability and reproducibility consists of two operators 

taking samples twice in succession from ten sows housed in two groups. Sampling was done with 

the aid of cotton bud. Half of the sows were 5 or 10 weeks pregnant. Salivary cortisol levels were 

determinated in duplicate by a similar direct radioimmunoassay. 

The standard deviation of repeatability and the standard deviation of internal reproducibility 

estimated are respectively 25.79 ng/100 ml and 27.18 ng/100 ml. The limits of repeatability and 

reproducibility are very high: 71.5 ng/100 ml and 75.3 ng/100 ml. When the same operator takes 

two samples from the same sow, the maximum range of dispersion around the result can therefore 

be 71.5 ng/100 ml in 95% of cases. If two operators take samples from the same sow, the maximum 

range of dispersion is 75.3 ng/100 ml. 

As reproducibility and repeatability are very similar, it means that the variability of the 

measurements is due to the sows and not to the effects of operators. Two operators can then take 

samples equally during experimental trials. 

Contact information: José Wavreille or email wavreille@cra.wallonie.be 

Complete address: Animal production and Nutrition Department, Walloon Agricultural Research 

Centre, 8, rue de Liroux - 5030 Gembloux, Belgium 

Species: Pig

Becky Whay presents Poster 54 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


126 

Poster 54 

INDICATORS OF PAIN IN WORKING DONKEYS: EVALUATING 

BEHAVIOURAL REPERTOIRE AND CONSISTENCY OF BEHAVIOURS 

OVER TIME 

F.H. Regan (nee Ashley), A.E. Waterman-Pearson, H.R. Whay 

Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, North Somerset, BS40 

5DU, UK 

Donkeys in the Developing World work long hours in harsh conditions and many aspects of their 

welfare are routinely compromised. The high prevalence of serious welfare problems indicates 

these animals are likely to experience considerable pain. However, signs of pain in donkeys are not 

well defined and go largely unrecognized by clinicians and owners. 

A behavioural ethogram was developed as the first step in identifying behaviours that may be 

indicative of either pain or absence of pain in working donkeys. Step two, as described here, was to 

identify which of these behaviours were influenced by gender; time of day; or differed between 

days. Future steps include validation through administration of analgesics and association between 

observed behaviours and clinical examination. 

The frequency and consistency of postural and event behaviours were measured in 21 adult working 

donkeys normally used for pulling carts (12 females; 9 males). While held in an observation pen 

direct focal sampling measured postural, maintenance, resting, feeding and investigative behaviours 

at hourly intervals for ten hours on two consecutive days. A modified avoidance test was used to 

score fear behaviour and heart and respiratory rates were also recorded. 

Donkeys were consistent in many of the behaviours observed over time both within and between 

days. Standing, lying, and rolling behaviours were affected by time of day (p

Sara Barbieri presents Poster 55 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 6: Free topics 

127 

Poster 55 

DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACH TO IDENTIFY 

POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS AFFECTING FISH WELFARE 

A. Afonso, D. Candiani, T. Grudnik, F. Berthe, O. Ribó, E. Aiassa, S. Barbieri, S. Correia, F. 

De Massis, S. Dhollander, P. Have, J. Serratosa 

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW), Parma, Italy 

Fish welfare is currently a topic with growing public interest but also a subject of considerable 

controversy since the assessment of the animal’s welfare status is complicated often by ethical 

considerations. The European Commission requested the AHAW Panel of EFSA to issue a 

scientific opinion on the animal welfare aspects of husbandry systems for farmed fish. The mandate 

was divided in 5 different questions covering the most relevant farmed species in Europe: i) 

Atlantic Salmon, ii) Rainbow and Brown trout, iii) Common Carp iv) Gilthead Sea bream and Sea 

bass and v) European eel. The development of the five scientific opinions is still in progress. 

The life cycle of farmed fish and the production systems were described and a list of production 

inputs or conditionings with their potential welfare impact was identified based on the published 

literature. A risk assessment approach based on the Codex Alimentarius (WHO) methodology was 

developed to assess the potential risks for fish welfare. 

In this assessment a hazard is a production factor with a potential to cause an adverse welfare effect. 

Several categories of factors/hazards were evaluated, such as environmental conditions (abiotic and 

biotic factors), food and feeding, husbandry and management, genetic, diseases and impact of 

disease control measures. The assessment takes into consideration the different production systems 

for each of the life stages of farmed species. A semi quantitative approach was used to estimate risk 

taking into account using expert opinion. 

A risk in animal welfare can be described as a function of the probability of a negative animal 

welfare effect and the severity of that effect, consequential to the exposure to a hazard(s). The 

methodology used allows the ranking of potential factors taking advantage of a logical approach to 

describe both the severity of the effect and the population’s probability of exposure. 

Contact information: Ana Afonso or email ana.afonso@efsa.europa.eu 

Complete address: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW), 

Largo N. Palli 5/A, 43100 Parma, Italy 

Species: Fish

Laura Boyle presents Poster 56 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


128 

Poster 56 

EFFECT OF STAGE OF GESTATION ON LYING BEHAVIOUR OF SOWS 

IN CRATES 

L.A. Boyle 

Teagasc, Pig Production Development Unit, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland 

Although gestation crates will be banned in the EU from 2013 they will still be permissible for 28 

days post service. Furthermore, crates are still widely used around the world. Sow body size has 

increased dramatically in recent years and this could have negative implications for sow welfare in 

crates. 

The lying behaviour of 105 pregnant sows in gestation crates was scored based on observations 

lasting 60 minutes from the start of feeding. Behaviour was categorised as: still standing (SS) at end 

of observation; sow lay down with no difficulty (ND); one or more failed attempts (FA) to lie and 

sow lay down by lowering the hindquarters (LH) instead of knees first. Sows were in three stages of 

pregnancy: (1) 1-40 days post-service (n=37); (2) 40-80 days post-service (n=30) and (3) 80-110 

days post-service (n=38). Chi-square tests (SAS) were used to analyse the data. 

There were no differences in the proportion of sows that were categorised as SS between the three 

stages of pregnancy (stage 1=0.27; stage 2=0.33 and stage 3=0.40; p>0.05). The proportion of sows 

in stages 2 (0.27) and 3 (0.18) that were categorised as ND was lower than in stage 1 (0.51) (p

Eric Froidmont presents Poster 57 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


129 

Poster 57 

EVALUATION OF THE BEHAVIOUR AND THE STRESS EXPERIENCED 

BY DAIRY HEIFERS AT FIRST CALVING 

E. Froidmont 1 , J. Sulon 2 , N. Bartiaux-Thill 1 

1 Animal Production and Nutrition Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Gembloux, Belgium 

2 Departement of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medecine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium 

The aim of this pre-study was to evaluate the stress experienced by heifers at first calving and the 

need to integrate these animals into the dairy herd before this critical period. 

The experiment was conducted on 4 animals (two groups of two synchronized heifers). One heifer 

of each group was introduced for 10 days into the dairy herd, 1 month before the expected calving 

date; the other one remained with the young animals. After calving (d0), the behaviour of the 

animals was observed at the beginning (d1–d7) and at the end (d78–d85) of the experiment from 

8h00 to 16h00 (1 photograph every 5 minutes). The cortisol content was measured in the milk and 

saliva samples taken on d1 to d14, d27–d28, d59–d60 and d82–d85. 

The data were analysed using Minitab’s GLM procedure, with ‘treatment’, ‘day after calving’ and 

‘group’ as the main effects. The means were compared using the Tukey test. 

The results suggest that the integrated animals spent more time lying down (29 vs 19% of the time, 

p=0.002) and remained for longer in the straw area (53 vs 34% of the time, P < 0.001) at the 

beginning of the experiment compared with the non-integrated animals. This difference cannot be 

fully attributed to the integration because the live weight of integrated animals at calving was 20% 

higher. 

The cortisol content in saliva was lower for integrated animals (73.6 vs 93.0 ng/ml, p=0.011) on d1 

to d7, and similar to non-integrated animals afterwards. No significant difference was observed in 

milk cortisol content. 

Behaviour and saliva cortisol results suggested that heifers did not experienced the same level of 

stress with integration into the dairy herd prior to calving but this needs to be confirmed by a largerscale 

study. 

Contact information: Eric Froidmont or email froidmont@cra.wallonie.be 

Complete address: Rue de Liroux 8 5030 Gembloux Belgium 


Charlotte Hallén Sandgren presents Poster 58 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


130 

Poster 58 

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF GOOD WELFARE IN 

SWEDISH DAIRY HERDS 

C.H. Sandgren 1 , A. Lindberg 1 , L.J. Keeling 2 

1 Swedish Dairy Association, Kalmar, Sweden 

2 Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Uppsala, 

Sweden 

The positive association between good animal welfare and sound economy is considered to be a 

strong motivating factor for farmers to work constructively with improving welfare. The aim of this 

study was to investigate associations between production economy and potential indicators of 

animal welfare. Annual accounting data from 160 Swedish dairy farms for the years 2002-2004 

were studied. 

Economic outcomes investigated were the contribution margin per cow and year, and underlying 

cost/income items, e.g. income from milk and from other sources (including slaughter) as well as 

costs related to feed, labour, veterinary care, advisory services and artificial insemination. Sixty-six 

potential welfare indicators from pre-collected register data, representing the life span of a dairy 

cow, were identified and expressed as annual herd-level incidence rates, -risks and prevalences. 

Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate and quantify effects on the economic 

outcomes. Estimates with p

Alexandra Harlander presents Poster 59 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


131 

Poster 59 

DO FEATHER PECKING HENS HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR DIFFERENT 

REGIONS OF FEATHERS? 

A. Harlander-Matauschek, U. Feise, W. Bessei 

Department of Small Animal Ethology and Poultry Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany 

Feather pecking is positively associated with feather eating in laying hens. Feathers share a 

common overall structure and can be divided into the following structural regions: the end of a 

feather, called calmus (part of the shaft closest to the bird body), the middle (shaft with outer and 

inner vane) and the top of the feather (part of the shaft with vane furthest from bird body). In the 

present study, the laying hen response to the three different regions of the feather presented to test 

birds in a choice situation was investigated. 

Ten White Leghorn laying hens with a high propensity to peck at feathers were used in the present 

experiment. Birds were individually given access to three identical plastic lids. Four pieces of 

feather from the calmus, middle or top of the feathers, with a length of 2 cm each, were inserted 

into small holes in the respective plastic lid (i.e. one lid for the calmus, middle or top feather 

regions, respectively). The number of feather pieces eaten from each lid was recorded. Birds were 

tested over a period of 10 days on a daily basis. Contour feathers were used and plucked from 

slaughtered birds in the present experiment. 

There was a significant difference between the amount of feathers eaten from the three feather 

regions (p < 0.001). A rank ordering of preferred feather regions using the number of pieces eaten 

gives a sequence of the top, middle and calmus of the feathers. 

The results may indicate that structural regions of feathers play a role in feather pecking / eating 

behaviour in laying hens. 

Contact information: Alexandra Harlander or email harland@uni-hohenheim.de 

Complete address: Department of Small Animal Ethology and Poultry Science, University of 

Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17-470c, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany 

Species: Laying hen

Gudrun Illmann presents Poster 60 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


132 

Poster 60 

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PIGLET-SOW BEHAVIOUR DURING LYING 

DOWN TO PREVENT PIGLET’S CRUSHING 

G. Illmann, M. Šimečková, K. Neuhauserová, H. Chaloupková, Z. Pokorná, P. Kratina 

Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic 

This study focused on the flexibility of sows pre-lying behaviour and her reactivity to piglet’s 

vocalization during lying down, both of which are supposed to be crucially linked to piglet 

crushing. We assess (i) whether sows modify their pre-lying behaviour in relation to the piglets’ 

location and/ or clustering and its effect on piglets’ behaviour and (ii) whether the sows reacted to 

playbacks and real scream vocalization of crushed piglets during lying down. 

18 Sows were videotaped 24 h post-partum (pp). A pre-lying score was calculated involving 

sniffing, rooting and pawing. Playbacks with trapped screams were provided during birth, 12 h pp 

and 24 h pp in 15 sows. (i) Sows changed their pre-lying behaviour independently from the time 

period but not from piglet position as sows showed more and longer pre-lying behaviours (GLMM, 

F1,138=18.09, p < 0.001) when piglets were in the sow area and/or when piglets were already 

clustered at the start of the pre-lying behaviour, independent of where they clustered. Although the 

pre-lying behaviour increased the probability of clustering (NLMIXED, T17=3.6, p < 0.01), it did 

not affect the probability that piglets moved from the sow to the creep area immediately before 

lying down (NLMIXED, T17=-0.96, NS). (ii) Playbacks and real screams were similarly effective in 

evoking a response (NLMIXED, T14=0.03, NS). However, sows reacted only in 50 % towards 

screams of crushed piglets. There was no significant association between the sows’ pre-lying 

behaviour (NLMIXED, T17=-0.5, NS) nor responsiveness to screams of trapped piglets on piglet 

mortality (NLMIXED, T13=-1.31, NS). 

In conclusion the results emphasize that sows are flexible in the pre-lying behaviour during this 

early piglet age. Further research should focus on sow and piglet’s communication during pre-lying 

behaviour and the sound characteristics of piglet screams related to the sows’ response. 

Contact information: Gudrun Illmann or email Illmannova@vuzv.cz 

Complete address: Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic 

Species: Pig

Gabriella Jekkel presents Poster 61 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


133 

Poster 61 

EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF WIRE NET FLOOR WITH STRAW 

LITTER AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE REARING PERIOD ON THE 

PRODUCTION AND SLAUGHTER TRAITS OF GROWING RABBITS 

G. Jekkel, G. Milisits 

Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science, Kaposvár, Guba Sándor, Hungary 

The aim of this study was to analyse the production and slaughter traits of growing rabbits (n=240 

in two replicates) reared in pens (50x170 cm) on wire net floor for the whole fattening period and 

that of rabbits placed to straw litter at various ages. Based on the type of floor four experimental 

groups were created: 1. rabbits were reared on wire net floor from 5 to 11 weeks of age (n=60); 2. 

wire net floor was changed to straw litter at 7 weeks of age (n=60); 3. wire net floor was changed to 

straw litter at 9 weeks of age (n=60); 4. rabbits were reared on straw litter from 5 to 11 weeks of 

age (n=60). In each group three different stocking densities (8, 12 and 16 rabbits/m 2 ) were used. 

It was established that the feed consumption of rabbits on the wire net floor was 8.0-10.7% higher 

than that of rabbits on the straw litter, but the differences were statistically not significant (p=0.086- 

0.156). The weight gain of the rabbits during the whole experimental period was as lower, as longer 

they were reared on straw litter (39.2, 38.5, 37.3 and 36.9 g/day). The feed conversion ratio 

increased with increasing the time of rearing on straw litter (3.13, 3.14, 3.20 and 3.24 kg/kg). In the 

slaughter traits no significant differences were observed – except the ratio of liver to the chilled 

carcass – between the animals reared in different conditions. 

In the case of stocking density no unequivocal tendencies were observed in its effect on the 

production and slaughter traits of the rabbits. 

Based on the results it was concluded that rearing on straw litter decreases the feed consumption 

and the weight gain of the rabbits, increases the feed conversion ratio, but it has no significant effect 

on the slaughter traits. 

Contact information: Gabriella Jekkel or email jekkel@citromail.hu 

Complete address: Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science H-7400 Kaposvár, Guba Sándor 

u. 40. Hungary 

Species: Rabbit

Gabriella Jekkel presents Poster 62 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


134 

Poster 62 

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVE REARING METHODS ON THE 

PRODUCTION TRAITS AND SLAUGHTER CHARACTERISTICS OF 

GROWING RABBITS 

G. Jekkel, G. Milisits 

Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science, Kaposvár, Guba Sándor, Hungary 

The aim of this study was to analyse the production and slaughter traits of growing rabbits reared in 

different size of cages (30x33 cm) or pens (50x170 cm and 100x170 cm), on different types of floor 

(wire net or straw litter) and at different stocking densities (8, 12 or 16 rabbits/m 2 ). The experiment 

took place between 5 and 11 weeks of age while rabbits were fed ad libitum with a commercial 

pelleted diet. 

It was established that the feed consumption of rabbits reared on wire net floor was 5.9-11.6% 

higher than that of rabbits reared on straw litter. During the whole experimental period the daily 

weight gain of rabbits on the wire net floor was significantly higher than that of rabbits on straw 

litter (44.6 vs. 42.2 g/day). The feed conversion of the rabbits reared on straw litter seemed to be 

better every week, but the between group differences were statistically not significant. 

The ratio of hind part to the chilled carcass was significantly higher in rabbits reared on straw litter 

than in those kept on wire net floor. The ratio of the scapular fat was 1.37 times, the ratio of the 

perirenal fat 1.15 times higher in rabbits on wire net floor than in those on the straw litter. From the 

edible organs the ratio of the heart and lungs, from the non edible parts of the body the ratio of the 

skin and the gastrointestinal tract was significantly affected by the type of floor. 

The stocking density and the size of cage or pens had no significant effect on the production and 

slaughter traits of the rabbits. 

Based on the results it was concluded that decreasing the stocking density and using pens instead of 

cages does not affect the production and the slaughter value of growing rabbits. 

Contact information: Gabriella Jekkel or email jekkel@citromail.hu 

Complete address: Kaposvár University, Faculty of Animal Science H-7400 Kaposvár, Guba Sándor 

u. 40. Hungary 

Species: Rabbit

Violeta Juškienė presents Poster 63 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


135 

Poster 63 

THE IMPACT OF LYING AREAS CONSTRUCTIONS ON THE WELFARE 

OF SUCKING PIGS 

V. Juškienė, R. Juška, 

Department of Animal hygiene and Ecology, Institute of Animal Science of LVA, Baisogala, Lithuania 

Thirty-six litters of sucking pigs from birth till 55 days of age were used in trial to determine the 

impact of lying areas of different constructions on the welfare and growth rate of piglets. 

The lying areas for the experimental pigs were fitted with 0.9m 2 area creep boxes having 0.34m 2 

holes and made from wood fibre slabs. Four groups of sucking pigs were used in this trial. Group 1 

had access to the box the opening of which was covered with synthetic tarpaulin. Group 2 had 

access to the box the top of which was covered with transparent polyethylene and group 3 - with air 

conductive material – polypropylenes fabric. The holes for Groups 2 and 3 were covered with ultra 

curtains. Group 4 was a control one and piglets of this group were heated with infrared lamps from 

birth till the end of the trial and had no boxes installed. 

The study indicated that the temperature in the lying areas of all three experimental groups was on 

the average 4.2-5.60C (p

Paul Koene presents Poster 64 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


136 

Poster 64 

PET RABBIT HOUSING AND WELFARE IN THE NETHERLANDS 

P. Koene, B. Beerda, F. Schepers 


There is no research investigating the behaviour and welfare of the one million pet rabbits in the 

Netherlands. The aim of this study was to initiate such research in relation to behaviour and welfare 

of pet rabbits in relation to housing conditions in Dutch households. 

In an internet-survey housing systems, general care given to and behaviour of pet rabbits was 

investigated. The answers of 919 respondents were analyzed. Observations of 90 rabbits were done 

at 90 people’s homes. The rabbits were observed during a contact test (contacts made by the rabbit 

with the observer’s hand) and a handling test (resistance against the observer lifting the rabbit). 

After these tests rabbits were observed for an hour in their home cage. 

The survey revealed that the average lifespan of the rabbits is three years (maximal lifespan is eight 

to twelve years). About half of the respondents housed their rabbit(s) solitary, while the majority 

housed them in a small cage. 

Solitary housed rabbits made more contacts (9.8 per hour) than rabbits housed together (2.1; M-W, 

p

Pol Llonch presents Poster 65 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


137 

Poster 65 

AVERSION TO THE INHALATION OF NITROGEN AND CARBON 

DIOXIDE MIXTURES USED FOR STUNNING IN PIGS 

P. Llonch 1 , A. Dalmau 1 , P. Rodríguez 1 , J.L. Ruiz de la Torre 2 , X. Manteca 2 , A. Velarde 1 

1 Finca Camps i Armet s/n. 17121 Monells, Girona, Spain 

2 School of Veterinary Science, Edifici V, Campus Unisersitari UAB, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 

Barcelona, Spain 

In the CO2 stunning system, pigs are loaded into a crate which is then lowered into a pit prefilled 

with high concentration of CO2. However, the inhalation of concentrations above 30% CO2 by 

volume in atmospheric air causes aversion in pigs. The objective of the study was to assess the 

aversiveness of alternative N2 and CO2 (up to 30% by volume in atmospheric air) mixtures to stun 

pigs 

The aversion to the inhalation of 85% nitrogen and 15% CO2 (85N15C), 80% nitrogen and 

20%CO2 (80N20C), or 70% nitrogen and 30% CO2 (70N30C) were assessed in 3 different trials of 

10 pigs each, using aversion learning test and behavioural studies. Pigs entered the crate 

individually and descended into the pit during 6 consecutive sessions. During the first 3 sessions the 

pit contained atmospheric air and the following 3 sessions it contained the gas mixture. The 

following behavioural parameters were recorded: time to cross the raceway and enter the crate, 

presence and time taken to perform the first retreat attempt, escape attempts, gasping as sign of 

breathlessness and loss of posture as sign of unconsciousness. Proc MIXED and Proc GENMOD 

statements of SAS were used for the variable “time to cross the raceway and enter the crate” and for 

the ordinal data, respectively. 

After the training sessions, pigs were well adapted to the facilities. For 85N15C and 70N30C 

groups, the time taken to cross the raceway and enter the crate increased after the first exposure to 

the gas (p0.05) were found between treatments on 

the aversive behaviour into the crate, pigs took less time (p

Luc Maertens presents Poster 66 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


138 

Poster 66 

ENRICHMENT OF CAGE HOUSING OF FEMALE RABBITS WITH 

DIFFERENT GNAWING BLOCKS: EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE, 

CONSUMPTION OF BLOCKS AND BEHAVIOUR 

L. Maertens 

Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Animal Science Unit, Melle, Belgium 

The objective of the present study was to evaluate different experimental gnawing blocks as cage 

enrichment in rabbits. Eighty pregnant rabbit does housed in conventional wire cages were 

distributed according to their parity number in 4 homogenous groups. Does received during one 

complete reproductive cycle no enrichment (controls) or a gnawing block (based on wood powder, 

wood powder + 15% chicory pulp or wood powder enriched with inulines), hanged up with a wire 

at the wall of the cage. 

Weight development during the lactation was comparable except in does that received the wood 

powder blocks. These females had a significant lower weight (p

Stephanie Matheson presents Poster 67 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


WELFARE ASSESSMENT OF NEONATAL LAMBS 

S.M. Matheson, C.M. Dwyer 

Animal Behaviour & Welfare group, Sustainable Livestock Systems, SAC, Edinburgh, Scotland 

139 

Poster 67 

Two welfare problems within the sheep production industry are the issues of low vigour lambs and 

high levels of birth intervention. Lamb survival is dependent upon the expression of appropriate 

behaviours from both mother and offspring, and lamb vigour, i.e. the speed at which the lamb 

stands, finds the udder and sucks. Lambs that require assistance at birth are slower to perform 

neonatal behaviours than unassisted lambs, and are less active for the first three days after birth. 

Accurate assessment of lambs (and ewes) identifies which individuals need extra care/observation. 

Recording lambing difficulty allows for selection of breeding animals with easy lambing 

characteristics. 

However, there are many reasons why behavioural data are difficult to collect on farm, e.g. farmers 

are unskilled in behavioural data collection which can only occur at specific times of the year, at an 

already busy time; management systems are not amenable for data collection. Therefore, the 

objective was to develop proxy methods (Scoring Systems) in order to assess the level of birth 

difficulties and lamb vigour on farm. Scoring data is also relatively easy for the farmer to collect. 

Data from over 1, 000 lambs were assessed to create criteria for 4 scores: Lamb Vigour, Sucking 

Assistance, Birth Assistance and Lamb Mortality. The behaviour scoring systems were then 

validated in an experimental flock, 80 greyface ewes scanned with twins (total lamb N=160), by 

recording both scores and the latency to perform specific behaviours (i.e. stand, seek the udder and 

suck). Vigour scores (taken at 5 minutes of age) were compared with the latency from birth to 

standing (H=47.15, p

Petra Philipps presents Poster 68 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


140 

Poster 68 

EFFECTS OF 25-HYDROXY-CHOLECALCIFEROL AND A PENIOPHORA 

LYCII PHYTASE ON THE TIBIA QUALITY IN BROILER CHICKENS 

P. Philipps 1 , R. Aureli 1 , F. Fru 1 , M. Wiemann 2 , G. Weber 2 

1 

DSM Nutritional Products France, Research Centre for Animal Nutrition, Health, Saint Louis Cedex, 

France 

2 

DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, P.O. Box 2676, CH-4303 Kaiseraugst, Switzerland 

Modern broilers are selected for rapid growth which is linked with increased muscle growth while 

the skeleton remains more or less unchanged. Therefore skeletal disorders do occur more often in 

modern broiler production and impact animal welfare as mobility of the birds is reduced. The 

supplementation of broiler diets with feed additives such as phytase or 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol 

could influence bone metabolism resulting in better bone quality. Improved bone resistance is 

important for improving animal welfare at farm level with the aim to avoid leg problems and 

mortality. 

Therefore effects of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and a phytase on growth performance, utilization of 

Calcium /Phosphorus and bone mineralization in broiler chickens fed basal diets low in phosphorus 

content (4.1 g/kg feed) were studied in a short term trial from day 8 to 22. 

576 male ROSS chickens were fed pellet diets based on maize and soybean meal. Three different 

basal diets were prepared with 200, 500 and 2000 IU of vitamin D3/kg (ROVIMIX D3-500), 

respectively. Beside the control treatments, the animals received the basal diets supplemented with 

69 µg 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (Hy•D®), 750 U Peniophora lycii phytase (RONOZYME® 

P5000) per kg feed or a combination of both products, respectively. Each treatment was replicated 

with 6 groups. 

At levels of 200 IU and 2000 IU vitamin D3 per kg feed, the inclusion of both 25-hydroxycholecalciferol 

and the combination of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and phytase significantly 

(p

Virginie Remience presents Poster 69 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


141 

Poster 69 

OCCUPATION OF AN OUTDOOR SPACE BY GROUPED PREGNANT 

SOWS ON STRAW-BEDDED LITTER 

V. Remience 1 , J. Wavreille 1 , B. Canart 2 , M.C.N. Bartiaux-Thill 1 , B. Nicks 2 , M. Vandenheede 2 

1 CRA-W, Department of Animal Productions and Nutrition, rue de Liroux 8, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium 

2 Ulg-FMV, Department of Animal Productions, Boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000 Liège, Belgium 

The European Union has changed its legislation about pig welfare. By 2013, sows will have to be 

grouped-housed with a space allowance of 2.25m 2 /animal. But would a larger space allowance 

represent a significant improvement of the welfare conditions of the sows? The aim of this study 

was to characterize the utilization of an outdoor space by dry sows kept in groups on straw-bedded 

litter. 

Dry sows kept on straw-bedded litter were given an indoor space allowance of 2.25m 2 /sow and had 

the possibility to use an outdoor courtyard which provided them with a supplementary space of 

0.75m 2 /sow. Observations of the outdoor space occupation were realized on 4 groups of 34 sows 

each during a summer period. Videos were recorded during 23 days. A freeze-frame was made 

every 10 minutes to count sows outdoors. A presence time of 10 minutes was counted for each 

visualization of a sow outdoor. An occupation rate was calculated, considering that 100% 

corresponded to the permanent presence of 11 sows (1 sow/ 2.25m 2 - outdoor courtyard of 25.5m 2 ). 

Climatic parameters were also recorded during the observation period. 

The outdoor space was occupied by at least one sow for 46% of the diurnal period and only 1% of 

the nocturnal period. The mean number of sows simultaneously outdoor was 2.07. The mean total 

duration sows spent outdoors was 26.7 min per day. The mean occupation rate of the outdoor space 

during the diurnal period was of 8.7%, with a maximum between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The mean 

values of the climatic parameters that were recorded during the 23 days of observation were 13.9°C 

and 19.0°C respectively for the outdoor and indoor temperatures, 6.4 m/s for the wind speed, 39% 

for the sunshine duration and 0.071 L/m 2 and per day for the pluviometry. None of the correlations 

calculated between the daily means of the climatic parameters and the daily occupation rates of the 

outdoor space were significant. 

In conclusion, sows given an indoor space allowance of 2.25m 2 /animal seemed to be little disposed 

to increase it by occupying an outdoor space. 

Contact information: Virginie Remience or email v.remience@cra.wallonie.be 

Complete address: Rue de Liroux - 8 5030 Gembloux, Belgium 

Species: Pig



142 

Poster 70 

A SPECIFIC RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACH TO IDENTIFY ADVERSE 

WELFARE EFFECTS DURING KILLING AND SKINNING OF SEALS 

O. Ribó, E. Aiassa, S. Barbieri, J. Serratosa 

Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy 

EFSA provides independent scientific advice on existing/emerging risks associated with food and 

feed, including animal health and welfare. The European Commission requested EFSA to issue a 

Scientific Opinion (SO) on the welfare aspects of seals killing and skinning. An international WG 

of experts (including two risk assessors) was established to compile all available scientific 

information. The different killing methods and their practical use were evaluated, and conclusions 

and recommendations were drawn in the SO, which was adopted by the AHAW Panel in December 

2007. 

In parallel, a specific Risk Assessment (RA) for the identification of the adverse welfare effects 

during seals killing and skinning was carried out. Hazards (n=25) were identified and scoring 

categories for hazard characterisation and exposure assessment were used. The magnitude of an 

adverse welfare effect was defined by the combination of duration and intensity. Qualitative values 

and tentative scores were given by the experts. 

The RA showed no consistent differences between weather and habitat conditions. In netting, there 

was a high probability that a seal trapped does not escape and, if escapes, major injuries occur. For 

hakapik, the probability of an adverse effect after an effective/ineffective hit and its magnitude was 

very variable; the probability of an effective re-stunning was very high causing negligible-minor 

suffering. With firearms, there was a high probability to effectively shot a seal with negligible 

suffering. Bleeding and skinning an unconscious or dead seal was very likely but when ineffective 

monitoring and bleeding occurred (very likely) the consequences are variable. 

Due to the limited amount of quantitative data, the qualitative RA was based on expert opinion; 

therefore RA conclusions were not considered in the SO. The methodology used does not give a 

numerical estimate of the risk but the outputs might be used to rank the problems and designate 

areas of research. 

Contact information: Oriol Ribo or email oriol.ribo@efsa.europa.eu 

Complete address: Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) Unit, European Food Safety Authority 

(EFSA), Largo N. Palli 5/A 43100 Parma, Italy 

Species: Seal

Sandra Rose presents Poster 71 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


143 

Poster 71 

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ANIMATION AND SPACE OFFERING ON 

ACTIVITY BEHAVIOUR OF HORSES 

S. Rose 1 , U. Brehme 1 , S. Klaer 2 

1 

Leibniz-Institute for Agricultural Engineering, Department of Engineering for Livestock Management, 

Potsdam, Germany 

2 

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Humboldt University of Berlin, 

Germany 

Often housing conditions do not meet horses' natural needs. German and Swiss studies it is shown 

that only 16 % of the total horse stock is kept in group systems while 84% remain in single boxes. 

Objective of our investigations was to quantify whether horses show more activity in stables with 

different options for movement and functional areas. So called activity stables allow horses to live 

within a herd, to have individual feeding with regards to horses’ needs and to have lots of agitation 

and fresh air. 

Data from seven horses kept in single boxes (A) were compared to data from three different open 

barns (B) and two activity stables (C) with five horses each. Activity-Lying-Temperature- 

Pedometers mounted on the rear legs of all horses were used for measuring activity and resting 

periods. Animal data were recorded throughout the complete test period of ten days per stable using 

measuring intervals of ten minutes. The periods of the day when horses had exercises were 

excluded from evaluation. Differences between the stables were tested with the Kruskal-Wallis- 

Test. 

The results show that the median of activity of horses in stables A is 26 activity impulses per ten 

minutes. In stables B this increases to a median of 30, while stables C reach a median of 69. These 

differences are significant at an error level of α=0.05. Thus the well-being of horses will be better 

and arthropathies can be reduced in open barn systems. 

These investigations support other studies' results that activity of horses is dependent on their 

movement possibilities and incentives. A stable's construction and placement of functional areas 

have considerable effects on a horse's activity level. It is useful to integrate different functional 

areas to an open barn and not to keep horses in conventional individual stables. 

Contact information: Sandra Rose or email srose@atb-potsdam.de 

Complete address: Leibniz-Institute for Agricultural Engineering, Department of Engineering for 

Livestock Management, Potsdam, Germany 

Species: Horse

Radka Šárová presents Poster 72 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


144 

Poster 72 

THE EFFECT OF SEPARATION AND EARLY HOUSING ENVIRONMENT 

ON WEIGHT GAIN IN DAIRY CATTLE 

R. Šárová 1 , I. Stěhulová 1 , M. Špinka 1 , P. Firla 2 , L. Máchová 1 

1 Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Pratelstvi 815, Praha 104 00, Czech Republic 

2 Experimental Farm, Institute of Animal Science, Pratelstvi 815, Praha 104 00, Czech Republic 

Prevailing practice in Czech dairy herds is to separate the calf from the mother immediately after 

birth and then house them individually for several weeks. It would be more natural to leave the 

calves with their mothers for a few days and then house them in groups, but real welfare benefits of 

these alternatives are not well understood. 

We evaluated the effect of calves’ age at separation and housing of calves after separation on their 

weight gain. Forty dairy calves were randomly allocated to one of 4 treatments in a crossed design. 

The calves were either separated on Day 0 or Day 4; and housed either individually or in groups of 

four animals between Day 7 and Week 8. (All calves were housed in individual pens between 

separation and Day 7). 

We found that calves kept with mothers had significantly higher weight gain (5.58±0.77 kg, 

mean±S.E.) up to separation than calves separated immediately (0.96±1.05 kg) (F1,30=13.19, 

p

Simone Schehka presents Poster 73 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


145 

Poster 73 

ACOUSTICAL EXPRESSION OF AFFECT INTENSITY IN DISTURBANCE 

CALLS OF TREE SHREWS 

S. Schehka 1 , E. Zimmermann 1 

1 Institute for Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany 

Comparative research on mammal vocalizations may contribute to explore potential universal 

coding rules in vocal expressions of specific emotions across species. The goal of this study was to 

explore to which extent tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) convey changing intensities of an affective 

state acoustically. 

Tree shrews are especially well suited to biomedical stress research, because they display external 

signs of the body’s activation in stressfull situations. When confronted with new stimuli of the 

environment, they utter disturbance calls, named chatter. In the present study, we used a disturbance 

paradigm to evoke chatter calls in captive tree shrews. Subjects (n=10) were removed from their 

respective home cage and placed in a new environment for the duration of 30 min. 

To determine the intensity of the affective state of an animal, we looked for a behavioral indicator 

of arousal in tree shrews, the tail position. The frame-by-frame video analysis revealed that tree 

shrews had their tail significantly longer in an upright position at the beginning of a session (state 

1), reflecting a high arousal state, compared to the end of a session (state 2). We acoustically 

analyzed one chatter call per state of session per individual (n=20) to explore whether the arousal 

state affect the acoustic quality of chatter calls specifically. The multiparametric sound analysis (17 

acoustic parameters) showed that variations in acoustic parameters of chatter calls convey the 

arousal state of a signaller reliably (Fishers Omnibus Test). 

Higher arousal states are expressed by a higher number of syllables per call, by longer syllable 

durations, by upward shifts in the fundamental frequency and by a less consistent acoustic structure 

(Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). Comparable results in mammals, including humans suggest that 

generalized rules may exist in mammals to communicate the intensity of an affective state. 

Contact information: Simone Schehka or email Simone.Schehka@tiho-hannover.de 

Complete address: Institute for Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 

30559 Hannover, Germany 

Species: Tree shrew

Jeroen Stevens presents Poster 74 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


146 

Poster 74 

THE EFFECT OF BEHAVIOURAL ENRICHMENT ON THE BEHAVIOUR 

OF A SCHOOL OF ARCHER FISH (TOXOTES JACULATRIX) 

J.M.G. Stevens 1 , R. Goos 2 , W. Van der Elst 1 , H. Vervaecke 2 

1 Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium 

2 Kaho Sint Lieven/ Association University of Louvain, Agro- & Biotechnology, Ethology Group, Sint Niklaas, 

Belgium 

Environmental enrichment is commonly applied to increase the welfare of zoo animals. While 

much attention in enrichment studies goes to large mammals, enriching the lives of the lower 

vertebrates has received less attention. Providing archer fish with live prey is common practice in 

many zoos and aquaria, primarily as an educative display, but it may also enrich the lives of the fish 

involved. The actual impact on the behaviour and welfare of these fish is still unknown. 

We evaluated the effect of feeding live crickets on the behaviour of a school of archer fish (N=25) 

at Antwerp Zoo. We compared the behaviour of the school of fish on 5 test day conditions (live 

crickets are fed) to that of 5 days of control conditions (no crickets fed). We used randomization 

sampling and Monte Carlo simulations to analyse the data, in blocs of 30 minutes. 

The enrichment was effective in enticing the fish to spit. Up to 53 spitting bouts were recorded in 

the first 5 minute interval. Spitting continued at high rate up to 30 min post-feeding. Hereafter, 

spitting fluctuated around about 10 bouts per 5 minute interval. Even 150 min post feeding, spitting 

was still observed. In non-enriched conditions, aggressions occurred at a rate of about 9.7 

aggressions per 5 minute interval. In the enriched condition, this was 4.4 aggressions per 5 minute 

interval. Detailed statistical analyses showed a significant decrease of aggression during the 2 

observation blocks of 30 minutes (p

Jeroen Stevens presents Poster 75 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


147 

Poster 75 

VISITOR EFFECTS ON VIGILANCE BEHAVIOUR AND VISIBILITY OF 

CAPTIVE HARBOUR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) 

J.M.G. Stevens 1 , A. Thyssen 2 , H. Vervaecke 2 

1 Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium 

2 Kaho Sint Lieven/ Association University of Louvain, Agro- & Biotechnology, Ethology Group, Sint Niklaas, 

Belgium 

Research into the effects of visitors on the behaviour and welfare of wild animals in captivity has 

increased in the last decades. One of the concerns is that the presence of visitors causes stress in 

zoo-animals, but studies have largely focused on primates. Here we investigate whether the 

behaviour of harbour seals in a zoo is influenced by the number of visitors present around the 

exhibit. 

The behaviour of a group of 8 harbour seals (4 males, 4 females), housed at Antwerp Zoo, Belgium 

was followed during six weeks. We conducted three observation bouts of each 10 minutes per day, 

totaling 61 samples or 30, 5 observation hours. Every thirty seconds, we used instantaneous scan 

sampling to count the number of visitors present alongside the pool (1 meter above water level), and 

the number of seals engaging in each of the following behavioural categories: swimming 

underwater; resting on land; swimming; visually scanning the environment; engaging in social 

behaviour (such as play or aggression). For the analyses, visitor numbers were grouped in 5 

categories: no visitors present (apart from the observer); 1-10; 11-20; 21-30; 31-40. We analysed 

data by Kruskal Wallis ANOVA, with post hoc Mann Whitney U tests. 

Statistical analyses showed significant effects of visitor numbers on all behaviours scored (p

Mairi Stewart presents Poster 76 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


DETECTION AND ALLEVIATION OF ACUTE PAIN DUE TO 

CASTRATION IN CALVES 

148 

Poster 76 

M. Stewart 1 , A.L. Schaefer 2 , K.J. Stafford 3 , G.M. Worth 1 , K. Clark 1 , J.R. Webster 1 

1 AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand 

3 Agriculture, Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C & Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada 

4 Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand 

Acute pain increases autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, which has potential for pain 

assessment in cattle and its alleviation using local anaesthetic (LA). This study used a novel 

combination of eye temperature, heart rate and variability (HR and HRV) and catecholamines to 

detect pain-related changes in ANS activity after castration. Four-month-old calves (n=30) were 

randomly assigned to treatments: 1) H=sham castration 2) SC=surgical castration (scrotal incision 

and traction of the testes), 3) LA+H and 4) LA+SC. Maximum eye temperature (oC), measured 

using infrared thermography, HR and HRV were recorded (Polar S810iTM) pre and post-castration. 

Differences between treatments were detected by ANOVA and changes from baseline by t-test. 

HRV was analysed in approximately 5 min blocks (512 interbeat intervals). Catecholamine 

concentrations (noradrenaline and adrenaline) were determined in plasma collected via jugular 

catheter, before and after SC and H. 

During the 20 min after H, SC and LA+SC, eye temperature increased (0.10, 0.47 and 0.28oC 

respectively, p

Ana Strappini presents Poster 77 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


149 

Poster 77 

PRESENCE OF BRUISING IN CATTLE BEEF CARCASSES IN CHILE 

A.C. Strappini 12 , K. Frankena 3 , J.H.M. Metz 4 , C. Gallo 2 , B. Kemp 1 

1 Adaptation Physiology Group, 3 Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, 4 Farm Technology Group, 

Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands 

2 Institute of Animal Science, Meat Technology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile 

While studying the presence of cattle beef bruised carcasses in slaughterhouses provide useful 

information about the stressful situations the animals endure during the pre-slaughter period. 

Bruises have serious economic losses every year to the Chilean meat industry. Epidemiological 

information is limited. This present study aims to generate information based on the data of Chilean 

abattoirs. 

The data was obtained from cattle beef carcass register in 138, 418 animals slaughtered in one year 

by two slaughterhouses located in Southern Chile. Animal effect like (sex, age, and weight), 

environment variation, source in which animals were purchase (market, dealer, and farm) and lair 

age time on bruises occurrence (as scored by meat inspectors) was analyzed using logistic 

regression. First, univariable analysis of each predictor variable and potential confounder was 

carried out. Subsequently, a multivariable analysis was performed. 

Prevalence of carcass bruises was 8.6% (n=99, 942) in one slaughterhouse and 20.8% (n=36, 156) 

for the other. Carcasses were downgraded due to presence of bruises grade 2 (affecting 

subcutaneous tissue and muscle) and grade 3 (affecting subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bones) 

accounting 1.1% in one abattoir and 0.9% in the other. 

Presence of bruises differed between sexes, presenting female a higher risk of developing bruises 

than males (OR 2.1; CI 2.0-2.2). Older animals developed bruises more than younger ones (OR 3.9; 

CI 3.6-4.1). A significant positive correlation between sex and age was found (r=0.45). 

Animals through livestock markets presented more risk for bruises than animals transported directly 

from farms (OR 2.1; CI 2.0-2.3) or sold through livestock dealers (OR 1.7; CI 1.5-1.9). 

Final results of the multivariable analysis will be presented at the conference. 

Differences in prevalence of bruises between slaughterhouses may be due to different criteria used 

by meat inspectors to grade bruises. 

Delivering old female animals directly to the slaughterhouse might reduce the likelihood of injuries. 

Contact information: Ana Strappini or email ana.strappini@wur.nl 

Complete address: Adaptation Physiology Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The 

Netherlands 

Species: Beef cattle

Vincent Van de Perre presents Poster 78 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


150 

Poster 78 

WELFARE AND FOOD QUALITY IMPLICATIONS AT HARVEST IN 

MEAT PRODUCING ANIMALS 

E. Szücs 1 , A. Ceustermans 2 , V. Van de Perre 2 , R. Geers 2 

1 Faculty for Agricultural, Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Páter K.u.1. Hungary 

2 Laboratory for Quality Care in Animal Production, Zootechnical Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 

Lovenjoel, Belgium 

Consumers require that meat producing animals are bred, reared, handled and slaughtered in ways 

that promote a good welfare status. Critical points within the pre-slaughter period are (1) loading, 

(2) transport, (3) lairage, (4) stunning. 

Recommendations for good handling of farm animals are (Grandin, 2005): (1) move small groups, 

(2) do not overcrowd the collecting yard, (3) handlers should be aware of basic concepts of flight 

zone and point of balance, (4) facilities must have non-slip flooring, (5) keep animals calm and (6) 

duration of (un)loading must be as short as possible. Transport vehicles have to be equipped with 

appropriate loading facilities, non-slip floors and good ventilation. 

To prevent hyperthermia in warm weather, holding areas must be ventilated. Lairage has to be 

equipped with a misting system to cool and calm down animals. Spraying animals with cold water 

(9-10 ºC) has the following advantages: (1) cooling, (2) reducing aggresive behaviour, (3) 

improving welfare status, (4) reducing the load on the cardiovascular system and (5) improving 

meat quality. 

Stunning is mandatory before bleeding to reduce the animal’s activity, pain and suffering during 

slaughter. Persons carrying out stunning should be properly trained and competent, so that (1) the 

animal is adequately restrained; (2) animals in restraint are stunned asap; (3) the equipment used for 

stunning is maintained/operated properly; (4) the instrument is applied correctly; (5) stunned 

animals are bled out as soon as possible; (6) do not stun animals when slaughter is to be delayed. 

The relative importance of stress during the immediate pre-slaughter period as a major determinant 

of ultimate meat quality is recognized. In the ante mortem period, good welfare usually results from 

careful handling of animals that reduces stress and trauma. In contrast, poor ante mortem handling 

leads to stress and results in poorer meat quality. 

Contact information: Endre Szucs or email Szucs.Endre@mkk.szie.hu 

Complete address: Faculty for Agricultural, Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, H- 

2103 Gödöllő, Páter K.u.1. Hungary or Zootechnical Centre, Katholieke 

Universiteit Leuven, Bijzondere Weg 12, B-3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium 

Species: General

Jeroen Van Rooijen presents Poster 79 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


ASSESSING DUST BATH QUALITY AT FARM LEVEL 

J. van Rooijen 

Retired, Churchillweg 37 c, 6707 JB Wageningen, The Netherlands 

151 

Poster 79 

It is sometimes stated that in traditional systems male broiler breeders prevent females from dust 

bathing. In a pilot experiment scan sampling revealed that hens frequently performed dust bath 

behaviours on litter. The quality of dust baths of hens was investigated on a commercial farm, using 

focal animal technique. 

A camera was vertically attached to the ceiling of a litter/slatted floor system, at 2, 5 m above the 

litter. The stable contained 4398 Cobb hens and 324 Cobb males, aged nine months. During 52 

hours, over 13 days, video recordings were made. At maximum 12 hens bathed simultaneously 

within camera reach. During baths hens often left this observation area. Therefore, only “complete 

baths “ (baths that, within this observation area, were preceded by scratching behaviour and ended 

with two minutes without bath behaviours) were analysed. The mean lipid percentage of 10 

samples, each containing breast feathers of five randomly chosen hens, was established with the 

NEN3443-method. 

Almost 40% of the 38 observed “complete baths” were disturbed because of: a grain gift (6x), 

general running, probably in reaction to sounds associated with the grain gift (5x), feather pecking 

by a hen (2x), two fighting males (1x) and only one male copulatory attempt with the bathing hen 

(1x). In 92% of the 38 baths all behaviour patterns belonging to phase I (“shaking in”) were 

performed and in 71% of the baths the side rubbing behaviour, belonging to phase II (“rubbing”), 

was noted. As expected, disturbed baths more often showed only phase I (75% of the disturbed 

baths). The mean lipid percentage was normal (1.5%). 

Our, preliminary, conclusion is that, although disturbances were common, broiler breeder hens may 

frequently perform normal baths in a commercial traditional system. The developed method can 

easily be applied to assess dust bath quality on other farms. 

Contact information: Jeroen Van Rooijen or email jeroenvrooijenAkira@hotmail.com 

Complete address: Churchillweg 37 c, 6707 JB Wageningen, The Netherlands 

Species: Laying hen

Hilde Vervaecke presents Poster 80 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


152 

Poster 80 

DEVELOPMENT OF HIERARCHY AND RANK EFFECTS IN WEANED 

FATTENING RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNNICULUS) 

H. Vervaecke 1 , L. De Bonte 1 , S. Vennens 1 , F. Tuyttens, L. Maertens 2 , J.M.G. Stevens 3 

1 KaHoSL, Hospitaalstraat 21, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium 

2 Department of Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

3 Centre for Research and Conservation, K. Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium 

Given the rank-related fitness benefits found in other rabbit studies, we can theoretically expect the 

development of a linear hierarchy by puberty (around 12 weeks). We describe the development of a 

hierarchy in four mixed-sex groups formed after weaning at four weeks of age. The relationships 

between rank and aggressiveness, weight, sex and wound count were examined. 

To balance possible genetic effects each group contained four full sibling dyads (n=8) with the male 

and female coming from the same litter (total n=32). Each group had a mesh wire cage of 0.72 m 2 . 

The groups were observed at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. 1324 focal samples were carried out (total 

220.67 hrs) with live scoring of all activities of the focal individual (The Observer, Noldus, 

Wageningen). Simultaneously, agonistic interactions among all group members were sampled ad 

libitum. For rank order analysis (MatMan) submissive behaviours shown after an agressive 

behaviour were used. 

Females were heavier than males (3.2 kg vs 3.0 kg: wk 12) and this difference became significant 

from the sixth week (Anova, F=4.437, p=0.044, df=1). Two of the four groups developed 

significantly linear hierarchies from the tenth and twelfth week on (i.e. they showed h’ indexes with 

significant P values, MatMan, Noldus, Wageningen). Frequency of aggression increased with age in 

three groups. Rank order did not correlate with weight (Spearman: n=27, rs =-0.015, p=0.93), nor 

did both sexes show significantly different rank positions over the different groups (MWU, 

Nmale=14, Nfemale=16, Z=-0.1467, p= 0.9). Aggressiveness increased with decreasing rank number 

(Spearman: N=30, rs =-0.50, p=0.005), i.e. high ranking individuals (with low rank number) were 

most aggressive. The wound count did not correlate with rank (Spearman: n=30, rs =-0.02, p=0.92). 

Thus, there is some evidence that rabbits can form linear hierarchies, but with few rank effects at 

the early stage studied here. 

Contact information: Hilde Vervaecke or email hilde.vervaecke@kahosl.be 

Complete address: Hospitaalstraat 21, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium 

Species: Rabbit

José Wavreille presents Poster 81 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


EFFECTS OF TWO-STAGE WEANING ON CALF BEHAVIOUR 

J. Wavreille 1 , P. Pochet 2 , E. Winance 2 , D. Cloet 1 , N. Bartiaux-Thill 1 

153 

Poster 81 

1 Animal production and Nutrition Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre, Gembloux, Belgium 

2 General Direction of Agriculture, Walloon Region Ministry of Belgium, Libramont, Belgium 

Among suckling cattle, the calf and its mother vocalize repeatedly in the three to four days 

following weaning. On the calf’s part, lowing shows a state of stress and indicates distress due to 

the sudden cessation of suckling and contact with its mother. The aim of two-stage weaning is to 

sever the bond between cow and calf without causing stress to the calf. The method involves 

attaching an anti-sucking device (nose-flap) to the calf’s nose (stage 1) for four to seven days before 

the physical separation from the mother (stage 2). The calves learn to stop suckling while remaining 

in contact with the mother. 

The behaviour of 2 x 5 calves aged about 6 months was compared in two-stage versus conventional 

weaning, using pedometers and in situ observations of the calves before and after separation, 

respectively during 7 days in pasture and 3 days in livestock buildings. The behaviour was observed 

1 hour in the morning and afternoon (1 observation every 3 minutes). The data were analysed 

according to a single fixed factor analysis of variance using Minitab’s GLM procedure 13.31. 

The nose-flap was not wholly effective: some successful attempts of suckling were observed. The 

calves fitted with a nose-flap spent significantly less time grazing (9% of the time compared with 

18%; p

Wiebke Wellbrock presents Poster 82 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


154 

Poster 82 

PIG WELFARE IN CROATIA: A CRITICAL REFLECTION ON THE EU 

WELFARE DIRECTIVES 

W. Wellbrock 1 , S.J. Oosting 1 , B.B. Bock 2 

1 

Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, 


2 

Rural Sociology Group, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The 

Netherlands 

Binding EU directives aim to ensure a basic and uniform standard of pig welfare throughout the 

European Union. Also EU candidate countries must comply with European welfare standards. The 

EU directives are designed to ensure pig welfare in intensive housing systems but in candidate 

countries, such as Croatia, non-intensive, smallholder farms often prevail. Croatia does not yet 

comply with EU welfare standards. The aim of this study was to investigate how and why pig 

welfare in Croatia does not conform to EU welfare directives. 

In this explorative study, seven smallholdings (< 10 pigs), five middle sized farms (10-99 pigs) and 

four large farms (≥100 pigs) were purposively selected throughout Croatia to investigate pig 

welfare by using direct and indirect measures of farm animal welfare. Direct assessment tools 

included e.g. lesion, cleanliness and fear scores and indirect measures included e.g. pen size, 

flooring and ventilation scores. Results were analysed using non-parametric tests for correlation and 

independence. To understand the present welfare conditions, semi-structured interviews with 17 

farmers and eight representatives of public authorities gave insight into pig welfare perceptions 

while legislative differences between Croatia and the EU were addressed with a literature study. 

Results of the welfare assessment question whether divergences of EU directives at small and 

middle sized farms are an indication of lower animal welfare. For instance, cleanliness of the pigs 

increased and frequencies of lesions decreased with decreasing farm size. Also, provision of 

bedding increased with decreasing farm size and was positively correlated with cleanliness and 

negatively correlated with lesion frequency. 

EU welfare directives and scientific assessment tools may not be suitable to account for a general 

assessment of pig welfare in EU candidate countries. Different approaches to animal welfare 

assessment may be necessary to ensure a basic standard of animal welfare in Croatia and other 

(European) countries with predominantly smallholder farming systems. 

Contact information: Wiebke Wellbrock or email wiebke.wellbrock@wur.nl 

Complete address: Department of Animal Sciences, Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen 

University, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands 

Species: Pig

Lindsay Whistance presents Poster 83 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


155 

Poster 83 

TRAINING OF ELIMINATIVE BEHAVIOUR IN YEARLING DAIRY 

HEIFERS 

L.K. Whistance 1 , D.R. Arney 2 , L.S. Sinclair 3 , C.J.C. Phillips 4 . 

1 Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Tjele, Denmark 

2 Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia, 

3 Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, UK 

4 University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia. 

Soiled bedding influences cleanliness and disease levels in dairy cows. If cows were trained to void 

on concrete, a cleaner bed could be maintained. 

Thirteen group-housed, 14-16-month-old Holstein-Friesian heifers, were clicker trained with heiferrearing 

nuts as a reward. Phase 1) association of reward with clicker, criterion: 34/40 correct 

responses. Phase 2) simple task (nose-butting a disc) to reinforce phase 1 association, criterion: 

17/20 correct responses. Phase 3) association of eliminative behaviour with reward where criterion 

was four sessions with only one incorrect response: criteria for each heifer were set using binomial 

tests. Phase 4) shaping eliminative behaviour to occur on concrete. Possible responses were, 

eliminating on concrete-(C) or straw-(S), or moving from one substrate to another immediately 

before eliminating: C→S, S→C. If learning occurred, C should increase as C→S decreased and 

S→C should increase as S decreased: tested with Spearman rank correlations. 

All heifers achieved criterion by day four of phase 1 (p=0.001); day one of phase 2 (p=0.001) and 

day ten of phase 3 (p

Nicole Bartiaux-Thill presents Poster 84 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 7: Stakeholders' views on animal welfare 

156 

Poster 84 

DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND STAKEHOLDERS’ 

ARGUMENTS 

N. Bartiaux-Thill 1 , P. Stassart 2 , C.l. Lamine 3 , J. Wavreille 1 , Y. Beckers 4 , A. Théwis 4 

1 

Centre Wallon de Recherches agronomiques, Département Productions et Nutrition animales, Gembloux, 

Belgium 

2 

Département des Sciences et Gestion de l’Environnement, Université de Liège, Arlon, Belgium 

3 

Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon, France 

4 

Faculté universitaire des Sciences agronomiques de Gembloux, Unité de Zootechnie, Gembloux, Belgium 

The aim of the study is to explore the issue of animal welfare in an attempt to go beyond the 

standard, very sectorial treatment and take account of the different stakeholders’ views. 

Methodology consists of a comprehensive survey based on individual interviews with players 

concerned, whether acting in an official capacity (animal welfare bodies, consumer associations, 

professional agricultural organisations, institutional players, welfare council, etc.) or stakeholders 

actively involved in the issue (farmers and consumers). 

As was to be expected, definitions of animal welfare vary greatly between the players involved. 

They fall into two opposing categories: according to the first, animal welfare can be objectivized; 

according to the second, it is a philosophical and ethical question that cannot be objectivized. A 

third, midway position considers it a matter of acceptability. In the face of all these concepts, 

animal welfare ought to be regarded as a political issue, in the wider sense, which should lead to a 

review of standards and knowledge, again in the wider sense. 

Different arguments are put forward by the various stakeholders. 

Where consumers are concerned we note that their arguments intersect with those of other 

stakeholders. On the one hand, they share questions with animal welfare bodies about the future of 

the agricultural system and its link with the environment and, on the other hand, they are concerned, 

along with producers and middlemen, about the cost of animal welfare measures and about meat 

quality. 

The comprehensive survey and exploration of the animal welfare arguments are a preliminary step 

that will pave the way for subsequent participation in a joint initiative by all the stakeholders. 

Contact information: Nicole Bartiaux-Thill or email bartiaux@cra.wallonie.be 

Complete address: 8, rue de Liroux, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium 

Species: General

Andrew Butterworth presents Poster 85 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


157 

Poster 85 

CREATING THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS FOR A ‘MARKET LINKED’ 

ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM. 

A. Butterworth 1 , L.J. Keeling 2 , I. Veissier 3 , M. Miele 4 , H.J. Blokhuis 2 

1 

Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, N Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK 

2 

Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, 

Sweden 

3 

INRA, UR1213 Herbivores, Site de Theix, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France 

4 

University of Cardiff, School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff, UK 

This paper describes how WelfareQuality® (WQ), in collaboration with a commercial 

normalization company, has been creating an animal welfare assessment system for ‘market linked’ 

use, addressing the key areas of feeding, housing, health and appropriate behaviour for pigs, poultry 

and cattle, on farm and at slaughter, arranged as 4 principles (and 12 criteria). The technical 

documents for this system have the following structure; 

A general document which outlines the background to the WQ measures and a ‘scope’ document 

which describes the intended uses and areas where the techniques cannot be used. 

‘Terms and definitions’ – descriptions which assist the user (both assessor and producer) to be clear 

about what is being assessed. 

The ‘basic principles’ underlying the assessment methods and a description of the techniques used 

for each assessed measure for each species. 

A document also describes the overall process leading to creation of reports and scores, and an 

annex containing a questionnaire on farm information which can be used to provide management 

support to the producer, along with links to training, reference and background material (for 

example photographic scales of hygiene scores, lesion scores or video of lame animals). 

The technical documents can be updated to enable changes, improvements and new knowledge to 

be incorporated. 

The paper concludes with discussion on the potential for ‘harmonised protocols’ to give increased 

confidence, through use of a structure in line with agreed standards for assessment systems (such as 

EN45011) to help to ensure that both the assessed and the assessor are aware of what will be 

covered during a farm inspection. 

Additionally, the potential for producers to use this information to enable them to use their skills 

and innovation to make positive changes is discussed. 

Contact information: Andrew Butterworth or email andy.butterworth@bris.ac.uk 

Complete address: University of Bristol, Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, N Somerset, BS40 

5DU, UK 

Species: General

Luc Mirabito presents Poster 86 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


158 

Poster 86 

CONSUMERS AND CATTLE FARMERS FACE THE ISSUE OF ANIMAL 

WELFARE 

A.C. Dockès, L. Mirabito 1 , F. Kling 

Institut de l’Elevage, 149 rue de Bercy, 75595 Paris Cx 12, France 

The animal welfare issue is becoming increasingly central to the debates between the agricultural 

world and the global society as well as the regulations (at the national or EU level). Some of the 

main issues are, for example, to build relevant tools to assess the level of animal welfare on farms 

and to know whether it is more important to improve animal welfare on every farm, or to develop 

quality schemes with welfare specifications. To tackle these issues several research projects are 

being carried out, such as Welfare Quality®. They study the views of farmers, consumers and 

scientists. 

In this paper we compare the perceptions and views of French cattle farmers (dairy, beef and veal 

farmers) and consumers based on the results of face-to-face and group interviews, analysed by the 

content analysis method. We also use results from sample surveys conducted by the European 

commission or at a national level. 

Farmers and consumers often come to the same conclusion. They agree that the central role of the 

farmer is to guarantee the welfare of his animals. He must look after them and provide them with 

satisfactory living conditions. Both groups agree that regulations are necessary to prevent 

mistreatment and that quality schemes exclusively based on animal welfare specifications are 

unnecessary. 

Cattle farmers feel that animal welfare is the natural result of “normal” farming practices. In 

contrast consumers think that animal welfare is implicitly a part of the quality of the products. They 

focus on the quality of the animal feeding, the absence of tethering and the necessity for the young 

calf to be with its mother. Farmers don’t emphasize these aspects. 

Improving the communication between farmers and consumers should improve mutual knowledge, 

understanding and acceptance. Both groups frequently express the need for better communication. 

Current experiments should help to improve this dialogue. 

Contact information: Charlotte Dockès or email anne-charlotte.dockes@inst-elevage.asso.fr 

Complete address: Institut de l’Elevage, 149 rue de Bercy, 75595 Paris Cx 12, France 


Marlene Kirchner presents Poster 87 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


159 

Poster 87 

PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES OF BEEF FARMERS TOWARDS THE 

WELFARE QUALITY® ASSESSMENT SYSTEM 

M. Kirchner 1 , H. Schulze Westerath 3 , E. Tessitore 2 , G. Cozzi 2 , U. Knierim 3 , C. Winckler 1 

1 

Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural 

Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Austria 

2 

Dairy and Beef Cattle Nutrition, Management and Welfare, Department of Animal Science, University of 

Padova, Italy 

3 

Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany 

The Welfare Quality® system (‘WQ®-system’) aims at assessing farm animal welfare using mainly 

animal-based parameters. The information collected may be translated into product information but 

also be used for feedback given to the farmer on probable causes for the current welfare status of 

the animals in order to improve the welfare state. In order to determine appropriate mechanisms for 

implementing the WQ®-system on beef farms, we studied perceptions and attitudes towards the 

WQ®-system on in total 90 beef farms in Austria, Germany and Italy. 

Using questionnaire-guided interviews, the farmers’ view on animal welfare, aspects concerning the 

on-farm application of the WQ®-system, preference for feed-back of information to the farmer, 

expected benefits of the assessment and willingness to address weak points raised by the WQ®system 

were assessed. Preliminary analysis included data from 51 farms in Austria and Germany 

with an average herd size of 200 bulls. 

75% of the farmers mentioned “improvement of animal welfare” as an incentive for a possible 

implementation of the WQ®-system, and 51% rated the detection of deficiencies in housing and 

management as “important”. 90% of the farmers were willing to join the WQ®-system. 79% rated 

it “important” or “very important” to obtain advice on identified problems and 72% were prepared 

to implement changes. Farmers would on average accept on-farm visits of about 7 hours. 84% 

agreed to provide data regarding management, housing design and health records. Analysis will be 

continued regarding e.g. country, farm size, husbandry systems and marketing strategy. 

We conclude that a majority of the interviewed beef farmers are open to the general approach of the 

WQ®-system. The modalities of the assessment system were accepted and farmers would be 

prepared to actively participate in order to achieve welfare improvements. This will be considered 

in an implementation study currently being carried out. 

Contact information: Marlene Kirchner or email marlene.kirchner@boku.ac.at 

Complete address: G. Mendelstr. 33 A - 1180 Wien Austria 




160 

Poster 88 

INFORMATION ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE, PRODUCT LIKING AND 

CONSUMER WILLINGNESS TO PAY 

F. Napolitano 1 , A. Carlucci 2 , M. Caroprese 3 , A. Braghieri 1 

1 Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni animali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo 

Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy, fabio.napolitano@unibas.it 

2 Smell & Taste Association, Bella (PZ), Italty 

3 Dipartimento PRIME, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy 

This study aims to evaluate the effect of information about animal welfare on product liking and 

consumer willingness to pay (WTP). 

Three products (lamb, beef and yogurt) were used in three different experiments involving 84, 80 

and 104 consumers, respectively. Each experiment was planned in three tests. In the first test the 

consumers were offered the product, and asked to taste it and rate their liking receiving no 

information (perceived liking). In the second test the subjects received the information concerning 

farming conditions and their effects on animal welfare. They were asked to read the information 

and give their liking expectation for that product (expected liking). In the third test consumers were 

given the product along with the information sheet. They were instructed to read the information 

before tasting the sample and express their liking score (actual liking). Consumers rated the 

products on a nine-point hedonic scale. Only for yogurt, a second-price sealed-bid auction was used 

to assess consumer WTP according to the level of welfare of the animals used in the production 

process. 

Results from the three experiments showed that expectations induced by the information on animal 

welfare affected quality perception. Thus, if expectations were either positively (the liking score of 

the product tasted without external information was higher than expected) or negatively 

disconfirmed (the product was worse than expected), the assimilation model is generally applicable, 

which means that hedonic ratings moved towards the expectations when external information on 

animal welfare was given compared to tasting without information. Conversely, the information 

concerning high standards of animal welfare was able to affect expected WTP but had an effect on 

actual WTP only when the most acceptable yogurt was offered to the consumers. 

In conclusion, information about animal welfare can be a major determinant of animal-based food 

liking and consumer WTP. 

Contact information: Fabio Napolitano or email fabio.napolitano@unibas.it 

Complete address: Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni animali, Università degli Studi della 

Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy 

Species: Multispecies

Pazotboum Arouna Ouedraogo presents Poster 89 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


161 

Poster 89 

FRENCH STAKEHOLDERS’ ATTITUDES TO SURGICAL CASTRATION 

OF PIGS AND ALTERNATIVES 

1 INRA 

2 CNEVA (France) 

A.P. Ouedraogo 1 , A. Prunier 1 , V. Courboulay 2 , M. Bonneau 1 

Surgical castration of piglets embodies genuine welfare issues: it is painful and it entails painful 

physical manipulations. However, this a routine practice now in the horizon of professional cultures 

and national or regional traditions all over Europe, with the result that dealing with it in the 

perspective of the animals’ welfare reveals to be a tough matter. This paper, originated by research 

undertaken in the frame of a Specific Support Action in the 6th Framework Programme of the EU 

and called PIGCAS (for Pig castration), aims at analysing the French stakeholders’ attitudes to pigs’ 

welfare in the frame of castration issues. Stakeholders concerned with the PIGCAS study include 

pig producers (both main stream and niche producers), feed companies (including breeding 

companies, slaughterhouses and meat industries, and wholesalers), administration (including 

Government and Public bodies), Veterinarians (mainly commercial ones), consumers and retailers, 

and animal welfare NGOs. 

On the whole, when the opinion of the European stakeholders is considered, surgical castration with 

anaesthesia is the best option for consumers, followed by raising only females. NGOs’ best option 

was raising entire males and the less preferred option surgical castration without anaesthesia. For 

the producers (main stream) surgical castration with or without anaesthesia are the most preferred 

options. However producers’ (niche) most preferred option was surgical castration with anaesthesia 

and raising only females and immunocastration the less preferred. The Government stakeholder 

presented higher scores for surgical castration with anaesthesia and lower scores for surgical 

castration without anaesthesia. Slaughter plants’ best option was surgical castration with 

anaesthesia and immunocastration was the worst option. Finally veterinarians presented higher 

scores for surgical castration with anaesthesia. 

However, the smallness of the sample of surveyed stakeholders did not help much to get an insight 

on the determinants of stakeholders’ attitudes towards alternatives to surgical castration. 

Consequently, we are undertaking semi-structured interviews mainly with mainstream pig 

producers and animal welfare NGOs (n=15) with the purpose of drawing an exhaustive picture of 

the determinants and/or constraints which make intelligible the stakeholders’ attitudes to the 

different alternatives to surgical castration. 

Contact information: Pazotboum Arouna Ouedraogo or email arouna.ouedraogo@ivry.inra.fr 

Complete address: INRA-ALISS, 65 Boulevard de Brandebourg 94205 Ivry/Seine, France 

Species: Pig

Armelle Prunier presents Poster 90 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


162 

Poster 90 

ATTITUDES ABOUT SURGICAL CASTRATION OF PIGS AND 

ALTERNATIVES: VARIATION BETWEEN STAKEHOLDERS AND 

COUNTRIES ACCORDING TO THE EXTENT OF THE PRACTICE 

A. Prunier 1 , M. Font i Furnols 2 , A.P. Aouedraogo 3 , K. Lundstrom 4 , F.Tuyttens 5 , W. Migdal 6 , 

M. Bonneau 1 , M.A. Oliver 2 

1 INRA, UMR 1079, 35000 Rennes, France 

2 IRTA Monells, Girona, Spain, 

3 INRA, Ivry, Paris, France, 

4 SLU, PO Box 7051, Uppsala, Sweden, 

5 ILVO, Melle, Belgium, 

6 ARK, Mickiewicza 21, Cracow, Poland 

Within the EU project, PIGCAS, the attitudes of stakeholders towards piglet surgical castration and 

alternatives (castration with anaesthesia, immunological castration after vaccination against 

reproductive hormones, raising entire males, raising only females after sperm selection), was 

investigated in 24 European countries. A total of 472 answers were collected from representatives 

of Pig producers, Slaughterhouses, Consumers, Animal welfare organizations, Veterinarians and 

Administration. 

When ranking from 1 to 5, the surgical castration and the various alternatives, use of anaesthesia 

prior to castration was the preferred solution for all stakeholders except for the Animal welfare 

representatives that preferred raising entire males. Raising only females was also well accepted, 

being the 1 st , 2 nd or 3 rd preferred solution according to the stakeholders group. However, pig 

producers gave very close ranking to surgical castration with and without anaesthesia and to raising 

only females. Animal welfare representatives differed markedly from other stakeholders and 

especially from the pig producers in putting more emphasis on animal welfare and less on costs and 

eating quality. Immunocastration was the less preferred solution for producers being very close to 

raising entire males but having an intermediate position for other categories. Comparing countries 

where a significant percentage of pigs (> 20%) are not castrated (UK, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, 

Spain, Portugal) with other countries, the differences that were the most obvious concerned surgical 

castration without anaesthesia that received a much higher score by representatives of pig 

producers, slaughterhouses and veterinarians in countries where castration is the “rule” as could be 

expected. Castration under anaesthesia was better scored by representatives of welfare 

representatives from the same group of countries probably because it is seen as an improvement. 

Finally, raising only females was much better scored by representatives of the veterinarians and of 

the consumers in the “non-castrating” countries than in other countries. 

Contact information: Armelle Prunier or email armelle.prunier@rennes.inra.fr 

Complete address: UMR SENAH Domaine de la Prise 35590 Saint-Gilles France 

Species: Pig

Filiep Vanhonacker presents Poster 91 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


163 

Poster 91 

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE THROUGH THE EYES OF CITIZENS AND 

PRODUCERS: SIMILARITIES AND DISSIMILARITIES 

F. Vanhonacker 1 , W. Verbeke 1 , E. Van Poucke 2 , F. Tuyttens 2 

1 


Belgium 

2 


Farm animal welfare has become a topic of interest throughout the entire livestock production 

chain. Together with an increased interest in the issue, debates between the different stakeholders 

are stimulated. However, differences in the interpretation of the concept of farm animal welfare 

between and within stakeholder groups aggravate the debate. This study anticipates on this different 

view by mapping the similarities and dissimilarities in the view of the stakeholders at both ends of 

the chain, i.e. consumers and producers. 

Quantitative cross-sectional data was collected through a questionnaire in April 2006 in Flanders, 

including a representative consumer sample (n= 579) as well as a substantial producer sample (n= 

204). A total of 72 aspects that are related to and considered as exhaustive for farm animal welfare 

were presented to both groups. 

In a first phase, the respondents were asked to indicate how important a positive condition of each 

of the aspects was for an acceptable level of animal welfare. Secondly, they were asked to evaluate 

the state of each aspect in current Flemish livestock production. 

Regarding the first question, rather analogous perceptions appeared for both groups, with the 

perception of the producers being more fine-grained. The largest differences concerned aspects 

related to the expression of natural behaviour of the animals (higher importance among consumers 

versus producers). 

Concerning the second part, stronger perceptional differences were found. Whereas producers 

reported no major welfare problems with current Flemish livestock production practices, 

consumers’ perception was generally negative. This discrepancy seemed related to the different 

criteria used by both groups for evaluating farm animal welfare (performance characteristics versus 

image transfer from human health and welfare), to aspects subjected to high media coverage and to 

a lack of practical based knowledge at consumer level. 

These findings provide a valuable basis for facilitating the debate and bridging across any 

potentially conflicting opinions. 




Species: General

Filiep Vanhonacker presents Poster 92 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


164 

Poster 92 

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCY OF SPACE ALLOWANCE IN 

COMMUNICATING FARM ANIMAL WELFARE TO THE CONSUMER? 

F. Vanhonacker 1 , E. Van Poucke 2 , F. Tuyttens 2 , W. Verbeke 1 

1 


Belgium 

2 


Farm animal welfare is of increasing societal concern. Space allowance is one of the issues 

contributing to the level of farm animal welfare. Many efforts have already been carried out to 

assess the impact of space allowance on production parameters and animal welfare, and to 

implement better standards. Given the current demanded-driven global economy, it is also 

important to verify if space allowance is of actual importance and under concern at consumer level, 

in absolute values as well as relative to other animal welfare related issues. 

Cross-sectional survey data were collected independently from each other via self-administered 

questionnaires in Flanders in four different years (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2006), resulting in a total 

net response of 980 Flemish consumers. Space allowance was represented in terms of ‘stocking 

density’, ‘pen size’ and ‘group size’. The consumers’ perceived importance as well as their 

evaluation of these issues in current Flemish livestock production were probed for and compared to 

other welfare issues. Linear regression models were used to estimate the impact of pen size and 

group size on stocking density. 

Study results confirmed the importance of space allowance at consumer level, indicating stocking 

density and pen size among the most important issues in realising an acceptable level of farm 

animal welfare. Group size was attributed less importance. Additionally, people considered the 

current practice of stocking density and pen size in Flemish livestock production considerably 

problematic, yielding high concern for these issues. Hence, addressing efforts by the different 

stakeholders to these issues seems justified. 

Finally, product differentiation focused on pen size rather than group size appears most promising 

to downgrade consumer concern about the issue of space allowance, to realise the highest 

opportunities to increase the revenues to cover the higher production costs, and to be competitive on 

the market where animal welfare is a non-trade concern. 




Species: General

Maria Krautwald-Junghanns presents Poster 93 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 

Session theme 8: Application of welfare assessment protocols 

165 

Poster 93 

RESEARCH CONCERNING THE ANIMAL WELFARE OF TURKEYS 

(MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO F. DOM.) UNDER VARIOUS HUSBANDRY 

CONDITIONS 

R. Ellerich, K. Cramer, T. Bartels, M.-E. Krautwald-Junghanns 

Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Germany 

Twenty commercial turkey farms with varying housing conditions were examined under field 

conditions to determine the welfare of turkeys (B.U.T. Big 6). In each farm 60 female or male 

turkeys were systematically examined (especially plumage condition, alterations of integument and 

locomotory system) and weighed during fattening at approximately 6, 11 and 16 weeks of age using 

a standardized protocol. Data were analysed by use of SPSS- 15. The Spearman correlation 

coefficient was determined. 

Preliminary results show that foot and breast health represent a current animal welfare problem 

affecting each of the 20 flocks. In particular the severity and prevalence of pododermatitis is largely 

homogenous within single flocks; considerable differences are, however, observed when comparing 

various farms at a given phase of fattening. 

There are no differences in the prevalence of pododermatitis between the two sexes (r=0.059, 

p



166 

Poster 94 

WELFARE ASSESSMENT USING THE ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX TO 

IMPROVE THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION IN ITALY 

S. Barbieri 12 , F. Chiesa 1 , S. Lolli 1 , V. Ferrante 1 

1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Italy 

2 Seconded to the European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy 

Assessing animal welfare at farm level for labelled and especially for organic livestock production 

has been the object of scientific and public concern in many countries. During recent years, 

different approaches have been followed to find a reliable and feasible system, which can be 

applicable in various farming systems. In this context, the Animal Needs Index (ANI), developed 

by Bartussek, demonstrates to be an efficient tool to control and certify Austrian organic 

production. In Italy, the project E.QU.I.ZOO.BIO aims to develop the organic production, covering 

different fields of activities; one of its topics is to investigate the possibility of applying an index 

system, mainly based on ANI, to some Italian organic farms. 

The scoring system tested during the first step of the project contains mainly resource based 

parameters, including environmental and management factors that are widely recognised to 

influence the animal welfare. To assess the animal welfare on farm, five category scores according 

to ANI are used, including locomotion; social interaction; flooring; light, air and noise; and 

stockmanship. An additional category based on closed ended questions was introduced to evaluate 

the attitude of the farmers towards the organic principles - such as respect of biodiversity, 

“extensive” management - using some resource-based parameters, e.g. adequacy of breed to the 

farming system. 

After a pre-testing phase, training courses were organised for illustrating the index system to 9 

organic technicians employed by the main organic certification bodies in Italy. At the second step 

of the project, the category scores will be validated by them directly on farm. 

From the results, it can be determinate whether the scores assessed by this modified version of the 

ANI system represent a valid tool for the organic certification scheme in Italy, through the potential 

integration to some private organic standards. 

Contact information: Sara Barbieri or email sara.barbieri@unimi.it 

Complete address: Department of Animal Science Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of 

Milano Via G. Celoria, 10 20133 Milano, Italy 

Species: General

Dorothée Bizeray-Filoche presents Poster 95 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


167 

Poster 95 

HOW DOES AUTOMATIC MILKING SYSTEM IMPACT ON DAIRY COW 

WELFARE? 

D. Bizeray-Filoche 1 , M.C. Prevost 1 , L. Bouton 1 , J.F. Rey 1 , B.J. Lensink 2 

1 

Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, Équipe Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Élevage (CASE), 

Beauvais cedex, France 

2 

ISA Lille, Équipe Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Élevage (CASE), 48, Lille cedex, France 

Currently, automatic milking systems (AMS) for dairy cattle are getting popular. This study 

evaluated the welfare of Holstein cows changing from a traditional two-times-a-day milking to 

AMS. Two herds (H1 and H2) of 35 cows each were studied during 3 periods: P1 (13 months 

before changing system), P2 (5 months of adaptation to the new system), and P3 (8 months after 

adaptation). During P1, H1 cows were housed on straw bedding, H2 cows in cubicles. During P2 

and P3, all cows were housed in cubicles, both herds being separated in the same barn, with two 

separated lying and feeding areas and one common waiting area including the AMS. 

Individual welfare assessment was performed monthly by two observers on 5 criteria: human 

fearfulness (voluntary approach), presence of hock lesions and body injuries, body condition score, 

lameness (1: normal gait; 5: very lame), and cleanliness (1: clean; 12: very dirty). 

The proportion of cows voluntary approaching a human decreased with time (H1: 18% during P1, 

10% during P2, 13% during P3; H2: 31%, 26%, 19% respectively). Percentages of cows with hock 

lesions were the highest during adaptation period (H1: 0%, 9%, 6%; H2: 2%, 16%, 12%). Body 

injuries increased with time (H1: 15%, 20%, 35%; H2: 19%, 20%, 32%). Body condition score was 

not clearly related to periods. Percentages of clean cows increased with time (H1: 23%, 66%, 72%; 

H2: 44%, 81%, 75%), as well as the proportion of lame cows (score>2) (H1: 8%, 6%, 10%; H2: 

4%, 12%, 7%). 

The change of milking system was also associated with a change in housing system. The increase in 

injuries and cleanliness are probably caused by this change. However, the decrease in voluntary 

approach of humans is probably mainly related with the lower level of time spent in human contact 

in AMS system. 

Contact information: Dorothée Bizeray-Filoche or email dorothee.bizeray@lasalle-beauvais.fr 

Complete address: Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, Équipe Comportement Animal et 

Systèmes d'Élevage (CASE), Rue Pierre Waguet, BP 30313, 60026 Beauvais 

cedex, France 


Chris Draper presents Poster 96 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


168 

Poster 96 

THE ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN UK ZOOS – RESULTS 

AND LIMITATIONS OF OFFICIAL INSPECTIONS 

Born Free Foundation, Horsham, UK 

C. Draper 

UK zoos have been regulated under the terms of the Zoo Licensing Act since 1984. These 

regulations do not generally stipulate quantitative standards (e.g. enclosure sizes), relying instead on 

qualitative assessment of a zoo’s animal welfare standards and other mandatory undertakings by 

Government-appointed zoo inspectors at periodical or licence renewal inspections (3 - 6 years). 

Inspectors are expected to assess the welfare of individual animals directly, and by assessing the 

animals’ environment, husbandry and zoo management. The study aimed to evaluate the results of 

official inspections, to indicate the state of animal welfare in UK zoos. 

Official report forms for inspections carried out between 2005 and 2007 at 120 zoos (approx. 30% 

of the national total) of several types (e.g. farm parks, general collections etc.) were analysed. Zoos 

failed to meet, or required mandatory improvements to attain, minimum standards for assessed 

criteria (“substandard”) under broad animal welfare requirements as follows: provision of food and 

water (29 zoos substandard on one or more of 8 criteria); provision of a suitable environment (52 

zoos substandard, 13 criteria); provision of animal health care (74 zoos substandard, 22 criteria); 

provision of an opportunity to express most normal behaviour (11 zoos substandard, 1 criterion); 

and protection from fear and distress (5 zoos substandard, 3 criteria). Type of zoo was significantly 

related to substandard criteria under provision of animal health care (p

Paul Koene presents Poster 97 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


169 

Poster 97 

FELINE WELFARE IN THE ZOO: FROM INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT TO 

ZOO LEVEL 

P. Koene 


Felids are predators with a large repertoire of appetitive hunting behaviours. In captivity this 

repertoire of appetitive behaviours is not performed when food is provided for free to the animals. 

This is one of the main causes of the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour. By making the food less 

easy to obtain the animal has to work for its meal. 

In this paper we give an example of the evaluation of carcass feeding in a number of zoo housed 

large felids on the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour. Evaluation is done on an individual level 

using single-case randomization tests (SCRT). Results obtained on an individual level are combined 

on zoo level using meta-analysis. 

Subjects were two Amur panthers (Panthera pardus orientalis), one snow panther (Panthera uncia) 

and two Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica). On each of the 17-20 experimental days food was 

presented to the individual animal according to a predetermined schedule. Days with normal food 

(pieces of meat), days without food (fasting), days with experimental food (carcasses) were pseudorandomly 

varied. Stereotypic behaviour was measured using instantaneous scan sampling during 2 

hrs after feeding (direct effect) and during 2 hrs in the evening (indirect effect). 

Significant effects of the feeding schedule were found on several behaviour elements using singlecase 

analysis. Overall, carcass feeding decreased resting and increased exploration (SCRT, 

p0.05). On fasting days 

overall more stereotypic behaviour was recorded (meta-analysis, p

Ferenc Pajor presents Poster 98 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


170 

Poster 98 

EVALUATION OF WELFARE BASED ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND 

BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES OF TSIGAI LAMBS UNDER FATTENING 

CONDITION 

F. Pajor 1 , A. Murányi 1 , A. Szentléleki 1 , Á. Bodnár 2 , J. Tőzsér 1 , P. Póti 1 

1 Szent István University, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Hungary 

2 Szent Istvan University, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary 

This study combined a temperament test with stress measurement to evaluate of welfare in fattening 

situation. Assessment of welfare in animals is related to changes in meat production levels, 

technology and management systems. The fattening technology could result higher welfare risks 

and stress responses in more temperamental animals. 

This study concerned with evaluating temperament of Tsigai lambs (n=20) using temperament test 

(temperament scores, spending 30 seconds on the weighing scale: score1= calm, no movement; 

score2= calm, occasional movements; score3= calm, more movements without scale shaking; 

score4= abrupt episodic movements, scale shaking; score5= nervous, permanent episodic 

movements, scale shaking). Temperament scores were identified and blood samples were collected 

two times under test (first at on-test (age: 88 day), second at off-test (age: 129 day)), after weighing. 

Level of cortisol and non-esterised fatty acid (NEFA) was measured from blood samples. The 

lambs were fed on ad libitum concentrate for 41 days. Data were evaluated by ANOVA and 

Spearmens’ correlation tests. 

The temperament score, cortisol and NEFA concentration are showed a significantly increased 

(p

Dan Prendiville presents Poster 99 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


171 

Poster 99 

ANIMAL WELFARE INDEX (AWI), AN ON-FARM SURVEY OF BEEF 

SUCKLER HERDS IN IRELAND 

D.J. Prendiville, M. Mazurek, B. Earley 

Teagasc, Grange Beef Research Centre, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland 

Improving animal welfare is an increasingly important aspect of livestock production systems. The 

objective of the study was to determine the welfare status of Irish beef suckler herds using a 

modified animal welfare index (AWI). 

Two hundred and twenty beef suckler farms were visited throughout 13 counties, once at housing 

and once at pasture. The data collected on a questionnaire evaluated 66 parameters (p), in 10 

categories. The categories at housing were; housing (13 parameters; p), environment (9p), facilities 

(8p), water (5p), social (5p), stockmanship (5p), health (11p) and husbandry practices (2p). The 

categories at pasture were: field (9p), grass quality (3p) and water quality (5p). Three other 

parameters regarding the size of the farm were also collected (illustrative parameters). 

The AWI ranged from 77% to 99% of the total score (Mean 89%, s.d =4.11). Housing scores were 

lower (p

Britta Scholz presents Poster 100 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


172 

Poster 100 

DIFFERENT HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYING HENS: A META- 

ANALYSIS OF SELECTED WELFARE AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS 

B. Scholz 1 , S. Rönchen 2 , H. Hamann 2 , O. Distl 2 

1 Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Celle, Germany 

2 Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, 

Germany 

The objective was to assess selected welfare and behavioural traits of four layer strains kept in 

different housing systems by applying the tool of meta-analysis. 

The study was carried out from 1999 to 2006 at two experimental farms and included data of ten 

laying periods (15 studies), comprising 4, 553 hens in total. Data were collected by different authors 

using identical methods. Housing systems tested were conventional cages (CC), furnished cages 

(FC), small group systems (SGS), an aviary (AV) and an intensive free range system. Least square 

means of the traits bone strength, mortality (all systems), keel bone status, foot pad health, plumage 

condition, exploratory behaviour (pecking against objects/pecking in dust baths), 

standing/walking/dustbathing on wire floor and perch use (standing or sitting, resting) were chosen 

for meta-analysis. LSM given by the included studies were weighted with their squared, reciprocal 

standard errors and meta-analysis was conducted using a linear weighted least square model. 

Housing system significantly effected humerus and tibia bone strength, sole pad hyperkeratosis, 

mortality and dustbathing on wire floor (p

Ferenc Pajor presents Poster 101 during the poster sessions in the Aula. 


173 

Poster 101 

ASSESSMENT OF TEMPERAMENT OF DAIRY COWS INDICATING THE 

ANIMAL WELFARE ON A HUNGARIAN FARM 

A. Szentléleki 1 , S. Merész 2 , F. Pajor 1 , Á. Bodnár 3 , J. Tőzsér 1 

1 Szent István University, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Gödöllő, Hungary 

2 Újmajor Dairy Farm, H-2161 Csomád, Hungary 

3 Szent István University, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary 

Measuring temperament during milking may be an important way to determine welfare problems 

relating to udder health, milking techniques and quality of handling routines in a herd. The 

objectives of the present study were to observe the effects of month and season on the temperament 

of dairy cows scored before and during milking and to calculate correlations between temperament 

measured at the two moments in the whole lactation. 

Seventeen primiparous Holstein Friesian cows starting their lactation within 85 days were chosen 

for the experiment. The investigations were carried out once each month of the lactation, during 

morning milking in a herringbone-type milking parlour. Temperament was assessed using a 5-point 

scale before and during milking (1: very nervous, continuous and vigourous stepping and kicking, 

5: very quiet, no leg movements). Data were processed with SPSS. 14.0 statistical program package 

(Friedman ANOVA test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation test). 

Results revealed improving, significant changes in temperament directly before milking during the 

lactation; both of the month and season had some effects on this trait (Chi-square (df: 11)= 25.884, 

p

174

Workshop papers 

175

Frank Ödberg Frank presents Workshop paper 1 

In workshop 1: Welfare of riding horses 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Aula chaired by Frank Ödberg 

176 

Workshop paper 1 

THE WELFARE OF RIDING HORSES: HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT 

PROBLEMS 

F.O. Ödberg 1 , M. Pierard 2 

1 Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, 

Merelbeke, Belgium 

2 Geelstraat 30, Sint-Truiden, Belgium 

Abnormal behaviours such as weaving or cribbiting are considered since several decennia as 

consequences of inadequate management and housing and not as simple illnesses of the nervous 

system (Brummer, 1978; Fraser, 1974; Kiley, 1977). Furthermore, all epidemiological and 

developmental studies agree about a series of factors associated with increased probability of 

developing abnormal behaviours, amongst which the most recurrent are: high proportion of 

concentrated feed, low proportion of fibrous feed, limited social contact, few exercise, long time 

spent stabled, higher temperament, breed differences, weaning procedure (e.g. Bachmann et al., 

2003; Christie et al., 2006; Luescher et al., 1998; McGreevy et al., 1995; Redbo et al., 1998; Waters 

et al., 2002). 

Although development of ethologically improved stabling for single and group housed horses 

started since the eighties (Piotrowski, 1992; Pirkelmann, 1993), their application is still rather scant 

in the quite conservative horse world. Horses have been kept in stables and tethered for centuries, 

but time spent working was much higher as they represented the most important mean of travelling 

and the main source of power. Less exercise and high temperament in modern horses require 

adapted housing. 

Positive effects of alternatives have been reported in stable groups on e.g. fertility of mares 

(Benhadjali, 2007) and training (Sondergaard and Ladewig, 2004). Adequate designs should be 

developed when turnover is high (Furst et al, 2006). Some precise aspects still need to be optimized. 

E.g. adaptation of computer-controlled feeding stations to the specificity of horse behaviour 

(Vervuert and Coenen, 2002), use of different species of forages as a source of variation (Goodwin, 

2007) and palatability of flavours in concentrates (Goodwin, 2005). 

Individual isolated stabling will always be necessary in some cases (e.g. quarantines, particular 

veterinary treatments). However, in many stables, a progressive switch to a more ethological sound 

management is possible. 

Contact information: Frank Ödberg or email frank.odberg@ugent.be or pierardmarc@hotmail.com 

Complete address: Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary 

Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

Species: Horse

Frank Ödberg presents Workshop paper 2 



SCHOOLING PROBLEMS 

F.O. Ödberg 1 , M. Pierard 2 

177 





It is difficult to obtain precise information about the relation between wastage and behavioural 

problems, as people whose horse is slaughtered at a young age are more inclined to justify it by a 

physical problem than a behavioural one. Various studies on riding horses yielded rather alarming 

data in Germany and France: average age of death being 8, 5 years (von Butler and Armbruster, 

1984) and 10, 31 years (Ödberg and Bouissou, 1999). Sweden scored better with medians between 

14 and 16 years for males (Wallin et al., 2000). However, behavioural problems were never 

mentioned explicitly as reason for culling. Twenty-five percent of the horses in the German study 

were slaughtered without reason given. One can wonder about the share behavioural problems have 

in that group. 

The main purpose of schooling is to re-establish equilibrium after the rider’s weight has been added 

in such a way that more weight is transferred on the hind legs. The degree of collection needed 

depends on the use made of the horse, i.e. from simple hacking to high school. According to 

academic principles as settled in the 18th century, this should only be obtained through gradual 

gymnastics. However, modern riders all too often recur to coercive methods (Henriquet and 

Durand, 1996), a.o. the consistent use of different sorts of drawing reins. According to Karl (2006) 

even FEI dressage rules were changed in order to suit growing incompetence. True collection and 

lightness is rarely seen. One reason is probably that basic principles of learning theory, which had 

been intuitively understood by the old masters, are now seldom applied during schooling. 

Presenting animals with unclear or contradictory stimuli leads to chronic stress and eventually 

reactions that can be dangerous for the rider and the horse (McGreevy and McLean, 2005). A series 

of frequent errors will be reviewed. 

Contact information: Frank Ödberg or email frank.odberg@ugent.be or pierardmarc@hotmail.com 

Complete address: Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary 

Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium 

Species: Horse

Marc Pierard presents Workshop paper 3 



178 


IMPLEMENTATION OF WELFARE SCIENCE INTO PRACTICE 

M. Pierard 1 , F.O. Ödberg 2 




Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that current management systems for horses are at least 

suboptimal and cause for welfare concerns. Fundamental change depends on 3 parties involved: 

government who regulates and supports, sector organisations who educate and regulate and, of 

course, the people in the field who have to implement improved techniques. Due to the diversity 

within the horse world and the fact that more applied research is necessary to refine new systems, 

legislation will only be able to set minimum standards and provide leverage to convince people to 

change. Equine organisations will have to incorporate existing and ongoing scientific knowledge in 

their regulations and in the education programmes for trainers, officials and riders. They shouldn’t 

wait for new legislation, but they should start immediately. Besides positive effects on welfare of 

horses and prevention of injuries to horse and rider/handler, it will be beneficial for the 

performances of the horses and for the economic viability of the horse sector. 

A study screening the horse industry leading to practical checklists is fundamental in order to 

monitor that sector in an efficient and credible way in the future (Vernaillen, s.d.). Ideally speaking, 

the industry itself should take her future in her own hands and warrant for quality before the 

legislator imposes his rules. A recent Australian study demonstrated that a vast majority of coaches 

and trainers possess insufficient knowledge of basic principles of learning theory (Warren-Smith & 

McGreevy, 2008). Formal training and public information should be more evidence-based and 

traditional methods have to be objectively verified and optimized. Science can and should be 

integrated in daily practice. More extensive, constructive cooperation between scientists and 

practitioners would be mutually beneficial and would certainly make daily practice more horse 

friendly. 

Contact information: Marc Pierard or email pierardmarc@hotmail.com or frank.odberg@ugent.be 

Complete address: Geelstraat 30, Sint-Truiden, Belgium 

Species: Horse

Paul Koene presents Workshop paper 4 

In workshop 2: Assessment of zoo animal welfare 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Paul Koene 

179 


ASSESSMENT OF ZOO ANIMAL WELFARE: SETTING THE SCENE 

P. Koene 


Welfare of zoo animals may vary largely dependent on species, enclosure size and number of 

conspecifics present. Inspection of animal welfare in zoos may therefore be complicated and is not 

done systematically in most countries. Large differences exist in regulations for zoo animal welfare, 

from no standards to generally defined minimum standards. Furthermore, the environment-based 

assessment of welfare, the animal-based assessment and zoo-based approach each imply advantages 

and disadvantages. 

And, nowadays not only arguments concerning suffering in animals but also concerning pleasure in 

animals are important in overall welfare assessment. Inspection using minimum standards or 

inspection based on behavioral needs, natural behavior and behavioral opportunities may differ 

largely in outcome, especially for the animal. 

In this workshop a modern zoo point of view making explicit the intention to measure zoo animal 

welfare in a transparent way discusses with the critical approach towards keeping animals and 

actual realized animal welfare in zoos. The goal of the discussion is to find ways towards objective 

assessment of animal welfare in zoo animals focused on the range between suffering and pleasure. 

An outcome is sought that guarantees the welfare of zoo animals, but also satisfies zoo managers, 

the public and other critical parties. This workshop stimulates to find a new approach and new 

methods to assess zoo animal welfare for the coming decades. 

Contact information: Paul Koene or email paul.koene@wur.nl 

Complete address: Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 

PG Wageningen, the Netherlands 

Species: Zoo animal

José Kok presents Workshop paper 5 

In workshop 2: Assessment of zoo animal welfare 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Paul Koene 

APPRAISAL OF ZOO ANIMAL WELFARE 

J. Kok 1,2 , J.H. van Weerd 3,4 

180 


1 Ouwehand Zoo Rhenen, Grebbeweg 111, 3911 AV Rhenen, The Netherlands 

2 Alertis, PO Box 9, 3910 AA Rhenen, The Netherlands 

3 Artis Royal Zoo. Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

4 Dutch Zoo Federation (Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen), P.O. Box 15458, 1001 ML Amsterdam, 


Animal welfare is the Achilles-heel of zoos. Whatever the raison-d’être zoos may claim, if welfare 

of the animals in their care is compromised, their very existence becomes subject of debate. 

It is therefore in the interest of zoos to safeguard the welfare of the animals in their care. Unlike 

domestic livestock, animals in zoos are perceived to be the living representatives of their wild 

counterparts. The animals’ welfare is therefore often judged in conjunction with their - captive – 

environment, and emphasis is put on the animals natural behavior. Stereotypies, functional as they 

may be for an individual animal to cope with adverse circumstances and once acquired difficult to 

lose, are the more obvious under zoo circumstances and viewed as proof that the artificial 

environment is inadequate. 

The Netherlands have only recently introduced legislation to safeguard a certain measure of quality 

in zoos. In 2002 the European Zoo directive of 1999 was made into Dutch law. Typically, the 

legislation mention species-specifity and the possibilities of the artificial zoo-surroundings to allow 

for this, viz. locomotion, climate and biorhythm, social behavior, mating behavior and excretion. 

Dutch zoos are exploring possibilities for self-evaluation and quality control and have developed 

their own protocols for professional ethics. Also in these, the possibility for allowing as much as 

possible for species specific life processes is pivotal. At the same time, the European zoos as a 

whole have laid down minimum standards for keeping species in husbandry guidelines. These 

mostly apply to the physical aspects of the zoo environment. 

Animal welfare or its absence is difficult to ascertain under zoo circumstances. Minimum standards 

in this respect do nothing more than attempting to safeguard the absence of suffering. Zoo standards 

should be aiming at increasing the animals wellbeing, by not only providing the minimum physical 

circumstances, but also by eliciting species specific behavior and characteristics. 

Contact information: José Kok or email jose.kok@ouwehand.nl 

Complete address: Ouwehand Zoo Rhenen, Grebbeweg 111, 3911 AV Rhenen, The Netherlands 

Species: Zoo animal

Pete Goddard presents Workshop paper 6 

In workshop 3: Do extensive production systems provide high animal welfare? 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Pete Goddard 

181 


DO EXTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS PROVIDE HIGH WELFARE 

FOR THE ANIMALS IN THOSE SYSTEMS? SETTING THE SCENE 

P. Goddard 1 , C. Dwyer 2 

1 Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK 

2 Scottish Agricultural College, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, UK 

The freedom of extensively-managed animals to express more of their behavioural repertoire than 

animals within intensive systems has generated the assumption that animals in extensive systems 

enjoy high welfare status. Yet extensively-managed animals may experience a number of 

challenges: prolonged periods when food and water are scarce; climatic extremes; untreated disease 

or injury; and possibly high levels of fear and stress, during handling. In providing good welfare, 

the farmer in extensive systems faces additional challenges: e.g. access to land to inspect animals. 

Decisions about whether to gather all the animals to treat a small number at welfare risk is a 

significant farming decision with high costs to the farmer, and welfare risk to other animals that are 

gathered and handled. Stock inspection can differ in extensive systems; welfare standards are often 

vague in terms of requirements and recognised good practice. Trade-offs must be made by the 

farmer, depending on his personal, animal welfare and economic goals, and these may differ from 

the genuine welfare needs of the animal. 

This workshop will challenge different stakeholder perspectives on the welfare of animals in 

extensive systems since it is clear that all players, but primarily the consumer, the farmer and the 

welfare assessor or lobbyist, might hold differing views on the welfare of animals kept under 

extensive conditions. 

Consumers may be reluctant to pay more for welfare benefits in a system that they already believe 

provides good welfare. This could act as a constraint that might prevent farmers from achieving 

welfare objectives, as the expressed consumer behaviour would not reward these efforts. 

Reaching a consensus view on the current welfare state of animals in extensive systems will help to 

benchmark and assess whether and by what means animal welfare in these systems can be 

improved. 

Contact information: Pete Goddard or email p.goddard@macaulay.ac.uk 

Complete address: Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK 

Species: General

Kate Phillips presents Workshop paper 7 


Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Aula chaired by Pete Goddard 

ADAS, Ceres House, 2 Searby Road, Lincoln, UK 

THE FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE 

K. Phillips 

182 


Sheep and cattle are a key part of the natural landscape of Europe and ‘natural’ systems of 

production help to promote lamb and beef to the wider population, but is the welfare of animals in 

extensive/hill systems any better than welfare in intensive systems of production? 

Extensive systems of sheep and beef production allow animals greater opportunity to exhibit normal 

behavior, for instance freedom to choose where to give birth or freedom to seek out shelter, aspects 

valued by members of the public. Conversely these systems do not allow easy access for human 

intervention and allow far greater opportunity for misadventure (predators etc). The hill 

environment can be extremely inhospitable in terms of weather conditions and nutritional supply 

and in the absence of significant food inputs by stock keepers, ‘nature would take its course’ and 

many animals would perish. In these situations, ‘natural’ may not be synonymous with good 

welfare. A compromise is reached where the stockman steps in to protect his animals from disease 

(e.g. vaccination) and starvation (provision of forage and/or concentrates) in order to secure a 

financial return from the enterprise. The stockman is often working in extreme weather conditions 

and over difficult terrain and hill farming demands significant specialized knowledge and 

dedication. 

Hill sheep and cattle are naturally adapted to their environment, can make use of poor quality 

forage, are excellent mothers and can support a single lamb/calf on hill pastures with limited 

support from the stockman. Breed selection is therefore a crucial decision in hill farming. 

The welfare of animals in extensive systems is a trade off between environmental and nutritional 

limitations on the one hand and economic production on the other. The two are inextricably linked 

if we are to have a viable hill farming sector in the future. 

Contact information: Kate Phillips or email Kate.Phillips@adas.co.uk 

Complete address: ADAS, Ceres House, 2 Searby Road, Lincoln, UK 

Species: General

Beata Kupiec-Teahan presents Workshop paper 8 


Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Aula chaired by Pete Goddard 

CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE 

B. Kupiec-Teahan 

183 


Food Marketing Research, Land Economy Research Group, Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh, UK 

Ethical consumerism has been in the public focus for years and developed into a broad spectrum of 

topical areas supported by the view that consumption and purchase decisions of consumers can 

influence wellbeing of societies and environment. These early trends were later used to segment and 

add value to food products in a form of extrinsic, intangible attributes sought by socially 

responsible, ethical consumers. 

In the UK, animal welfare in the applied market context was introduced in 1994 to indicate the 

proportion of market with ethical attitudes. The first independent labeling scheme, Freedom Food, 

was established to provide reassurance to consumers concerned with animal welfare and encourage 

better welfare standards in food production. Now industry considers animal welfare aspects of 

consumer demand as both strength and opportunity for the meat sector. Increasing media coverage 

of animal welfare issues, access to information and broadening set of product alternatives creates an 

opportunity to market product attributes that relate to a natural, "green" environment. Thus, natural 

conditions are seen by consumers as best for animal welfare. Meat consumers can "reconnect" with 

farmers when relating to extensive systems of production which are perceived as traditional and fit 

well into the moral self of contemporary customers. This is important as consumers often sever 

cognitive links between the animal and meat to avoid conflict with their value system. Images of 

animals living free, in native environments, can be also projected onto food; e.g. in a 2008 study the 

majority of consumers agreed with the statement that pasture-raised products are healthier. 

The undisputable, in the eyes of most consumers, contribution of industrial farming systems to poor 

animal welfare creates an opportunity to present extensive farming systems as an alternative which 

offers better animal welfare and quality of food on top of benefits to environment and the 

countryside. 

Contact information: Beata Kupiec-Teahan or email b.kupiec@sac.ac.uk 

Complete address: Food Marketing Research, Land Economy Research Group, Scottish Agricultural 

College, Edinburgh, UK 

Species: General

Margot Sprenger presents Workshop paper 9 

In workshop 4: Reliability of scoring cow lameness 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Annelies van Nuffel 

184 


RELIABILITY OF CATEGORIAL VERSUS CONTINUOUS SCORING OF 

WELFARE INDICATORS: LAMENESS IN COWS AS A CASE STUDY 

M. Sprenger 1 , A. Van Nuffel 2 , W. Maertens 2 , S. Van Dongen 3 , K. van Reenen 4 , F.A.M. 

Tuyttens 1 

1 Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

2 Technology and Food Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, Belgium 

3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium 

4 Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

Many welfare problems that are assessed by means of welfare assessment protocols vary on a 

continuous scale. Nevertheless, it is common practice to score such welfare indicators using a small 

number of discrete categories rather than on a continuum. The rationale for doing so presumably 

relates to the desire to simplify scoring methods and to increase the likelihood of observers 

allocating the same score to the same observation in order to improve data reliability. On the other 

hand, when scores between observers do not match, the magnitude of the error is likely to increase 

when the number of classes on the scoring scale is reduced. 

Lameness in cows will be used as a case study for testing which of these two opposing effects has 

the greatest influence on data reliability. Using a first set of video images, participants will be 

trained to score the severity of gait irregularities using the Welfare Quality 3-point scale. 

Subsequently, consensus will be sought on where all 3 discrete scores should be situated on a 

continuous scale. The participants will then be divided in two groups (A and B). A second set of 

videos will be scored using the 3-point scale by group A, and using the continuous scale by group 

B. The inter-observer reliability of both scoring methods will thus be compared. 

Participants will discuss their experiences when using the different scoring methods and whether or 

not findings from this experiment are likely to apply to other welfare indicators. The results may be 

used for simulating statistical power and performance of both scoring methods for differentiating 

farms or experimental treatments. 

Contact information: Margot Sprenger or email margot.sprenger@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

Complete address: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO) Animal Sciences - 

Animal Husbandry & Welfar,e Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium 

Species: Broiler

185 


Annelies Van Nuffel presents Workshop paper 10 

In workshop 4: Reliability of scoring cow lameness 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Annelies van Nuffel 

CAN PEOPLE SEE COW GAIT IRREGULARITIES? 

A. Van Nuffel 1 , M. Sprenger 2 , W. Maertens 1 , F.A.M. Tuyttens 2 , B. Sonck 2 

1 

Agricultural Engineering, Technology and Food Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, 


2 

Animal Husbandry and Welfare, Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Melle, 

Belgium 

Gait scoring is being widely used as a tool to detect cattle lameness. Most of the current scoring 

systems (e.g. Winckler et al.2001, Sprecher et al. 2002) are based on the ability of a human 

observer to visually detect lame behavior. This might very well be a global impression of the cows 

condition and movement but it is often based on specific classifiers (e.g. irregular foot fall, head 

bobs, arched back) described in the scoring system used. It is known that scoring systems and 

human observation in general have subjectivity issues, consequently extensive training is needed. 

Furthermore, it is not clear which classifiers described in the scoring systems are most easy to 

observe unambiguously. 

It is our goal to see to which extent, one or more very specific cattle gait features (e.g. difference in 

stance time between all 4 hooves, difference in step length, etc.) can be detected by human 

observers. 

At ILVO, a measurement system has been developed to measure most cattle gait variables using a 

pressure sensitive position mat. It measures all spatial and temporal variables with respect to the 

hoof imprints at up to three consecutive gait cycles. A set of video recordings of cows walking over 

this mat with a different degree in the irregularity of their footfall pattern (as measured with the 

automatic system) will be shown twice to all participants. Prior to the experiment, all participants 

will be trained to score the severity of gait irregularities using the Welfare Quality 3-point scale. 

During this experiment participants will not only score cow gait, but also point out on which visual 

gait irregularity this score is based. 

Combining these results with the data measured by the automatic system, the degree of irregularity 

that is needed before humans can detect it, can be found. 

Contact information: Annelies Van Nuffel or email annelies.vannuffel@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

Complete address: Agricultural Engineering, Technology and Food Unit, Institute for Agricultural 

and Fisheries Research, Merelbeke, Belgium 

Species: Cattle

186 


Arno Van der Aa presents Workshop paper 11 

In workshop 5: The effect of feed measurements to overcome current and future problems on farm level with 

implementation of animal welfare legislation 

Friday, 12 September 2008 from 14h00-15h45 in the Het Pand chaired by Arno van der Aa 

THE EFFECT OF FEED MEASUREMENTS AND ADDITIVES TO 

OVERCOME PROBLEMS WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF ANIMAL 

WELFARE LEGISLATION 

A. van der Aa 

Orffa Additives BV, Werkendam, The Netherlands, aa@orffa.com 

Much research has been performed to prove the impact of feed additives such as prebiotics, 

probiotics, essential oils and β-1, 3/1, 6-Glucans on animal health, which is closely linked to animal 

welfare. The implementation of current and future legislation concerning animal welfare may 

stimulate additional nutritional applications. Last year EU Directive 2007-43-EC regarding the 

minimum rules of protection for chickens kept for meat production has become effective. 

Especially within intensive kept animals, welfare issues are currently under negotiation, e.g. Sixth 

EU Framework Programme to assess animal welfare in cattle, pigs and poultry, which also include 

feed composition and strategy. 

Within the poultry industry many examples of effective use of feed additives to improve welfare 

can be shown by research. The incidence of footpad lesions may be controlled using feed strategies 

including addition of biotin or clinoptilolites. Ammonia levels in the stable can be controlled using 

clay minerals, enzymes, low protein diets supplemented with specific amino acids and finally gut 

flora stabilizers such as probiotics and essential oils. Heat stress can be prevented adding betaine 

and bicarbonate to the diet. Also for prevention of feather pecking in layers and body weight control 

in broiler parent stock feed strategies have been researched. 

In other animal species feed measurements have also been implied to improve animal welfare. 

Lowering maximum levels of trace elements have been issued several times, in accordance with 

legislation of environmental concerns. In practice, the use of amino acid chelates seems ideal to 

comply with legislation and keeping animal welfare in respect by preventing for instance lameness 

in dairy cattle and sows. 

More insight in interactions between animal nutrition and welfare is necessary. In this way, tools 

can be given to farmers within the EU to comply with legislation concerning animal welfare, as 

well as keeping up durable, competitive production. 

Contact information: Arno Van der Aa or email aa@orffa.com 

Complete address: Orffa Additives BV, Werkendam, The Netherlands 

Species: Broiler

187 


Jens Hoffmann presents Workshop paper 12 




PREVENTION OF FOOTPAD LESIONS IN BROILER CHICKENS USING 

CLINOPTILOLITES AS FEED ADDITIVE 

J. Hoffmann 1 , E. Hangoor 2 , A. van der Aa 3 , S. Borgijink 3 

1 Agroproduct Qualitätssicherungs GmbH, Bestensee, Germany 

2 Provimi BV, Rotterdam, The Netherlands 

3 Orffa Additives BV, Werkendam, The Netherlands 

Footpad lesions are closely linked to litter quality. Litter quality can be improved using clay 

minerals (clinoptilolites) as feed additive. Clinoptilolites can bind water and ammonia, leading to 

dryer litter and reduced footpadburns caused by ammonia. 

Two field trials were performed in Germany in two identical stables containing 26, 500 birds each. 

In 2003 on top addition of clinoptilolites improved litter quality numerically with 0.5 (scale 1-6). In 

2005 litter quality improved numerically by 0.67 (scale 1-6) at 1% clinoptilolite inclusion. Footpad 

lesions were scored in 994 birds, scores tended to be positively influenced by clinoptilolites. 

In 2007 a trial was performed at Provimi Research Facilities, The Netherlands. Clinoptilolites were 

added on top at 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% in starter, grower and finisher diet respectively compared to a 

negative control diet. Both treatments contained 120 male birds divided over 6 replicates. Birds fed 

clinoptilolite tended to grew faster (+54 grams) in 35 days, although not significant (p> 0.05). 

Corrected Feed Conversion was similar in both treatments. Litter scores were measured weekly on a 

scale from 1 (dry) to 5 (wet). From day 21 onwards, litter scores improved numerically for birds fed 

clinoptilolite. Footpad lesions were scored from 1 (no lesions) to 4 (severe lesions) per bird at days 

28 and 35. Adding clinoptilolite to broiler diets numerically improved average footpad lesions, from 

1.7 to 1.5 at day 28 and from 1.3 to 1.1 at day 35 for respectively control and clinoptilolite diets, 

even while four out of six replicates of the control group required extra wood shavings compared to 

only two clinoptilolite replicates. 

Clinoptilolite inclusion improves litter and footpad quality with at least comparable technical 

results, even with “on top off” addition, which results in dilution of nutritional composition. 

Clinoptilolites may therefore be a cost effective way to improve broiler welfare. 

Contact information: Jens Hoffmann or email info@agroproduct.de 

Complete address: Agroproduct Qualitätssicherungs GmbH, Bestensee, Germany 

Species: Broiler

188 


Teun Veldkamp presents Workshop paper 13 




REDUCTION OF AMMONIA LEVELS ON POULTRY FARMS AS RESULT 

OF FEED AND LITTER MEASUREMENTS 

T. Veldkamp, J. van Harn, M.M. van Krimpen, A.W. Jongbloed 

Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen UR, Business Unit Animal Production, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

Directive 2008/1/EC is the main legislation to reduce pollution on poultry farms. Directive 

2007/43/EC regarding minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production, sets 

limits for parameters affecting animal husbandry. One parameter is the maximum ammonia 

concentration (20 ppm measured at the level of chickens’ heads). In practice peak concentrations 

are often higher. 

Ammonia may irritate mucous membranes in eyes and respiratory system and can increase the 

susceptibility to respiratory diseases. It may also negatively affect feed intake, feed conversion 

efficiency and growth. 

Nitrogen (N) is excreted in poultry waste as undigested protein (30%) and uric acid (70%). After 

excretion, undigested protein and uric acid may quickly convert to ammonia by microbial 

transformation and disappear to the environment. Ammonia emission may be reduced in several 

ways: e.g. by breeding, housing, management, nutrition and litter. 

The nutritional approach is mainly focused on decreasing the nitrogen excretion. The supply of 

nitrogen in the diet should closely match the requirement. Therefore, phase feeding and selection of 

highly digestible protein feedstuffs are successful strategies. Improved efficiency of feed utilization 

by adding probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids or enzymes is an important tool and adding ammonia 

binders to the diet may also affect ammonia emission. 

Regarding litter treatments, three pathways are described: (1) inhibition of microbial growth and 

urease production; (2) clays which adsorb ammonia and reduce ammonia volatilization by 

absorbing moisture; (3) acidifiers that convert ammonia (NH3) to non-volatile ammonium (NH4+). 

Ammonia emission may be reduced changing diet composition. Low-protein diets supplemented 

with free amino acids are a powerful tool. Conversion of amino acids into uric acid should be 

reduced by optimizing the gut flora. Possible gut flora stabilizers are probiotics, prebiotics, organic 

acids, phytogenics and enzymes. Ammonia in the gut or litter should be bound to for example clay 

minerals. 

Contact information: Teun Veldkamp or email teun.veldkamp@wur.nl 

Complete address: Animal Sciences Group of Wageningen UR, Lelystad, The Netherlands 

Species: Broiler

Detailed content, lists and indexes 

DETAILED CONTENT 

Welcome address 5 

Acknowledgements 6 

WAFL Sponsors 7 

Congress Venue 11 

Street map 12 

Final programme 13 

Workshops 17 

Keynote papers 19 

Keynote paper 1 21 

THE INTEGRATION OF HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONS INTO ANIMAL WELFARE 

MONITORING SCHEMES 21 

P.H. Hemsworth, J.L. Barnett 21 


ANIMAL PASSIONS AND BEASTLY VIRTUES: MINDING ANIMALS AND INCREASING OUR 

COMPASSIONATE FOOTPRINT 22 

M. Bekoff 22 

189


IMPROVING ANIMAL WELFARE BY ADAPTING ANIMALS TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT 23 

J.A.M. van Arendonk, P. Bijma, T.B. Rodenburg 23 


ASSESSING THE HEALTH STATUS OF POPULATIONS OF ANIMALS IN RELATION TO 

WELFARE 24 

C.E. Dewey 24 


STAKEHOLDER AND CONSUMER INTERESTS IN FARM ANIMAL WELFARE: WHEN 

DIFFERENTIATION AND SATISFACTION POTENTIAL MATTER 25 

W. Verbeke 25 

Oral papers 27 

Oral paper 1 29 

CONTINUOUS RECORDING OF DEEP BODY TEMPERATURE TO ASSESS THERMAL 

STRESS IN LIVESTOCK DURING ROAD TRANSPORTATION 29 

M.A. Mitchell, P.J. Kettlewell, M. Villarroel-Robinson, M. Farish, E. Harper 29 


A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF TAIL BITING ON PIG 

WELFARE 30 

M.A. Sutherland, P. Bryer, N. Krebs, J.J. McGlone 30 


ACCELEROMETER CAN BE USED TO RECOGNISE BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS IN LOOSE- 

HOUSED DAIRY COWS 31 

P. Martiskainen, M. Järvinen, J.-P. Skön, J. Tiirikainen, S. Tissari, P. Tuunainen, L. Jääskeläinen, R. Suutari, 

S. Ruuska, M. Kolehmainen, J. Mononen 31 


AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT OF FOOT PAD LESIONS IN BROILER CHICKENS 32 

I.C. de Jong, M. Gerritzen, H. Reimert, E. Fritsma, C. Pieterse 32 


SHADE AVAILABILITY INFLUENCES THE BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY OF DAIRY 

CATTLE 33 

K. Schütz, A. Rogers, Y. Poulouin, N. Cox, C. Tucker 33 


CAN CATTLE WELFARE BE ASSESSED USING A PRE-COLLECTED REGISTER DATA? 34 

A. Lindberg, C.H. Sandgren, L. Keeling 34 


VEAL CALVES GENERALIZE THEIR RESPONSE ACROSS FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR 

PERSONS IN A REPEATABLE ON-FARM FEAR OF HUMANS TEST 35 

E.A.M. Bokkers, L.F.M. Heutinck, M. Wolthuis-Fillerup, C.G. van Reenen 35 


REPEATABILITY WITHIN AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN TEMPERAMENT TESTS IN 

GROUP-HOUSED FINISHING PIGS 36 

J. Brown, C. Dewey, I.B. Mandell, P.P. Purslow, A.B. Robinson, J. Squires, T. Widowski 36 


PLAY BEHAVIOR AS AN INDICATOR OF ANIMAL WELFARE: DISBUDDING IN DAIRY 

CALVES 37 

C.B. Tucker, M. Stewart, A.R. Rogers, J.M. Stookey, J.R. Webster 37 


CAN STROKING DURING MILKING DECREASE AVOIDANCE DISTANCES OF COWS 

TOWARDS HUMANS? 38 

I. Windschnurer, K. Barth, S. Waiblinger 38 


HUMAN/HORSE RELATIONSHIP QUALITY: A SAME PERCEPTION OF HUMANS FOR 

HORSES REFLECTED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS 39 

C. Fureix, P. Jego, M. Hausberger 39 

190


INFLUENCE OF THE FEEDING DISTANCE AND SOCIAL SEPARATION ON CARDIAC 

ACTIVITY IN DOMESTIC GOATS 40 

J. Aschwanden, L. Gygax, B. Wechsler, N.M. Keil 40 


Genetic opportunities for pork production without castration 41 

J.W.M. Merks, K.A. Engelsma, S. Bloemhof, E.F. Knol 41 


GENETIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE GROUP EFFECT FOR AVERAGE DAILY GAIN, AND 

POST-MIXING AGGRESSION AND SKIN LESIONS IN SWEDISH PIGS 42 

L. Canario, R. Bergsma, R.B. D'Eath, A.B. Lawrence, R. Roehe, N. Lundeheim, L. Rydhmer, E. Knol, S.P. 

Turner 42 


GENOTYPE RATHER THAN NON-GENETIC BEHAVIOURAL TRANSMISSION DETERMINES 

THE TEMPERAMENT OF MERINO LAMBS AT WEANING 43 

S. Bickell, P. Poindron, R. Nowak, A. Chadwick, D. Blache 43 


EFFECT OF SELECTION ON LOW MORTALITY ON PLUMAGE AND BODY CONDITION IN 

LAYING HENS 44 

T.B. Rodenburg, K.A. Uitdehaag, E.D. Ellen, J. Komen 44 


Does breed interact with rearing conditions to influence cortisol release, immunity and health of 

growing pigs - Preliminary results 45 

E. Merlot, J.Y. Dourmad, B. Lebret, A. Prunier 45 


BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS AND COLONIZATION OF LAYERS HOUSED IN A BATTERY CAGE, 

AN ENRICHED CAGE AND AN AVIARY AFTER EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH 

SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS 46 

J. De Vylder, J. Jennings, S. Van Hoorebeke, R. Ducatelle, F. Pasmans, F. Haesebrouck, T. Cogan, J. Dewulf, 

T. Humphrey, F. Van Immerseel 46 


PERIPARTUM HEALTH AND WELFARE OF HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS IN A CONFINEMENT- 

TMR SYSTEM COMPARED TO A PASTURE-BASED SYSTEM 47 

G. Olmos, L. Boyle, J.F. Mee, J. Murphy, A. Hanlon 47 


RISK FACTORS FOR HOCK LESIONS IN CUBICLE HOUSED DAIRY COWS IN GERMANY 

AND AUSTRIA 48 

C. Brenninkmeyer, S. Dippel, J. Brinkmann³, S. March³, C. Winckler, U. Knierim 48 


KEEL BONE DAMAGE OF LAYING HENS KEPT IN NON-CAGE SYSTEMS IN AUSTRIA 49 

K. Niebuhr, A. Lugmair, B. Gruber, K. Zaludik 49 


VALIDATION OF AN ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX, USING TEST THEORY 50 

T. Herva, O.A.T. Peltoniemi 50 


OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF COW WELFARE – STRATEGY FOLLOWED IN WELFARE 

QUALITY® 51 

R. Botreau, I. Veissier, J. Capdeville, P. Perny 51 


THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT AS AN ON-FARM 

WELFARE INSPECTION TOOL 52 

F. Wemelsfelder, U. Knierim, G. De Rosa, F. Napolitano, S. Haslam 52 

191


COWEL: A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WELFARE SCORING OF NEW HUSBANDRY 

SYSTEMS FOR DAIRY CATTLE 53 

W.W. Ursinus, F. Schepers, R.M. de Mol, J.H.M. Metz, M.B.M. Bracke, H.W.J. Houwers, P.W.G. Groot 

Koerkamp 53 


ON-FARM WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN CATTLE – QUO VADIS 54 

U. Knierim, C. Winckler 54 


EVALUATION OF A PROTOTYPE WELFARE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR SOWS AND 

PIGLETS (WELFARE QUALITY PROJECT®) 55 

K. Scott, G. Binnendijk, S.A. Edwards, J.H. Guy, M. Kiezebrink, H. Vermeer 55 


CAGE DESIGN EFFECTS ON AMMONIA LEVELS IN LAYING HEN HOUSES: AN 

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH 56 

J.P. Garner, A. Kiess, J.A. Mench, P.Y. Hester, R.C. Newberry 56 


ASSESSMENT OF PAIN PERCEPTION IN DOUBLE MUSCLED BELGIAN BLUE COWS 

FOLLOWING DELIVERY PER VIAS NATURALES VERSUS BY CAESAREAN SECTION 57 

I. Kolkman, S. Aerts, H. Vervaecke, J. Vicca, G. Opsomer, D. Lipsa 57 


POSTNATAL PIGLET SURVIVAL INDICATORS IN CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE 

FARROWING SYSTEMS 58 

E.M. Baxter, S. Jarvis, A.B. Lawrence, S.A. Edwards 58 


ASYMMETRY IN GRAZING BEHAVIOUR IN GROUPS OF FERAL, RIDING AND 

PROFESSIONAL SPORT HORSES 59 

P. Koene, C. Munsters, J. van Leeuwen 59 


EFFECT OF CROSS-WISE PERCH DESIGNS ON PERCH USE IN LAYING HENS 60 

E. Struelens, E. Van Poucke, L. Duchateau, F. Ödberg, B. Sonck, F.A.M. Tuyttens 60 


ASSESSMENT OF CATTLE WELFARE ON FARM : AN EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION WITH 

CONSUMERS 61 

L. Mirabito, J. Capdeville, A.C. Dockès, F. Kling, A. Brulé 61 


APPLICATION OF AN ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM FOR POLICY 

EVALUATION: DOES THE FARM INVESTMENT SCHEME IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE IN 

SUBSIDISED NEW STABLES? 62 

A. Bergschmidt, L. Schrader 62 


CONSUMER ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SURGICAL CASTRATION OF PIGLETS AND 

IMMUNOCASTRATION AS A POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE: A FLEMISH PRELIMINARY STUDY 

63 

F. Vanhonacker, F. Tuyttens, W. Verbeke 63 


A CONSULTATION OF PIG FARMERS ON THE INCLUSION OF SOME WELFARE OUTCOME 

ASSESSMENTS WITHIN UK FARM ASSURANCE 64 

S. Mullan, H.R. Whay, A. Butterworth, S.A. Edwards, D.C.J. Main 64 


THE USE OF QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENT TO INVESTIGATE COW 

WELFARE ON ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC DAIRY FARMS 65 

F.M. Langford, K.M.D. Rutherford, M.C. Jack, L. Sherwood, F. Wemelsfelder, A.B. Lawrence, M.J. Haskell 

65 

192


HOW CAN FARMERS MAKE USE OF WELFARE ASSESSMENT SCHEMES? - A CASE STUDY 

66 

R. Ingemann, P. Sandøe, B. Forkman 66 


WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN 82 PIG FARMS : EFFECT OF AGE OF ANIMALS AND FLOOR 

TYPE ON BEHAVIOUR AND INJURIES OF FATTENING PIGS 67 

V. Courboulay, A. Eugène, E. Delarue 67 


APPLICATION OF THE WELFARE QUALITY® PROTOCOL AT PIG ABATTOIRS 68 

A. Dalmau, P. Rodríguez, P. Llonch, A. Velarde 68 


AN ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL-BASED VERSUS RESOURCE-BASED COMMENTS IN STATE 

ANIMAL WELFARE INSPECTION REPORTS 69 

L.J. Keeling 69 

Posters 71 

Poster 1 73 

RELATION BETWEEN A SIMPLE MEASURE OF ACTIVITY, LAMENESS AND 

PODODERMATITIS IN MEAT TYPE CHICKENS 73 

C. Arnould, L. Colin 73 

Poster 2 74 

DAIRY COW HOOF MOVEMENT ANALYSIS BY VISION TECHNIQUES 74 

C. Bahr, A. Koppenol, A. Pluk, X. Song, W. Maertens, A. Van Nuffel, J. Vangeyte, B. Sonck, D. Berckmans 

74 

Poster 3 75 

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAMENESS AND LYING BEHAVIOUR OF ZERO-GRAZED 

HOLSTEIN DAIRY CATTLE RECORDED USING AN ACTIVITY MONITOR 75 

N. Blackie, E.C.L. Bleach, J.R. Amory, J.R. Scaife 75 

Poster 4 76 

SIMPLE METHOD TO EVALUATE FEEDS AND DIETS WITHIN THE MODELS OF WELFARE 

ASSESSMENT IN DAIRY FARMS 76 

S. Caré, L. Calamari, P. Bani, A. Minuti 76 

Poster 5 77 

PRELIMINARY STUDY TO DEVELOP A REFERENCE TOOL TO VALIDATE THE MODELS 

OF ANIMAL WELFARE ASSESSMENT IN DAIRY FARMS 77 

L. Calamari, S. Caré, A. Ferrari, G. Bertoni 77 

Poster 6 78 

HETEROTIC EFFECTS ON FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY OF DIFFERENT BILATERAL 

TRAITS IN THREE SEX-LINKED CROSSES OF CHICKENS 78 

J.L. Campo, M.T. Prieto 78 

Poster 7 79 

THE EFFECTS OF PRENATAL UNDERNUTRITION ON STRESS REACTIVITY IN LAMBS: 

USING ACTIVITY AS AN INDICATOR 79 

T.M. Coombs, C. M. Dwyer 79 

Poster 8 80 

MEASURING THE WELFARE OF DAIRY GOATS THROUGH SALIVARY CORTISOL AND 

SOMATIC CELL COUNTS (SCC) 80 

M. deCarvalho, E. Simensen, N. Fjerdingby, S. Larsen, A.J. Zanella 80 

Poster 9 81 

IDENTIFICATION OF RELIABLE BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS TO ASSESS WELFARE IN 

FARMED GUANACOS IN CHILE 81 

I. De Freslon, C. Bustos, G. Cubillos, B. Zapata 81 

Poster 10 82 

CHANGES IN WATER INTAKE PATTERNS AS AN AUTOMATED EARLY INDICATOR OF 

PIG WELFARE PROBLEMS 82 

H.G. Crabtree, N. Bird, L. Ravn, S.A. Edwards 82 

193

Poster 11 83 

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICACY OF THE RICE PELVIMETER BY COMPARING 

PELVIMETRICAL MEASUREMENTS WITH MEASUREMENTS ON THE CARCASS AFTER 

SLAUGHTER OF DOUBLE MUSCLED BELGIAN BLUE COWS 83 

I. Kolkman, G. Hoflack, S. Aerts, G. Opsomer, D. Lips 83 

Poster 12 84 

ASSESSMENT OF FEAR OF HUMANS IN VEAL CALVES: COMPARISON OF 2 TESTS 84 

H. Leruste, J.L. Rault, C.G. van Reenen, J. Lensink 84 

Poster 13 85 

PROCEDURES FOR ANALYSES OF SEQUENCE OF THERMAL IMAGES IN WELFARE 

STUDY OF RABBIT 85 

F. Luzi, N. Ludwig, M. Monzani, M. Gargano, C. Ricci, V. Redaelli, M. Verga 85 

Poster 14 86 

TIME BUDGETS OF DAIRY COWS HOUSED IN SMALLER GROUPS DURING THE FIRST 30 

DAYS OF LACTATION 86 

T.R. Nielsen, E. Burow, P.T. Thomsen, S. Østergaard 86 

Poster 15 87 

RELIABILITY TESTING CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR AROUND RESTING IN DAIRY COWS 87 

G. Plesch, N. Broerkens, S. Laister, C. Winckler, U. Knierim 87 

Poster 16 88 

AUTOMATED VOCAL TYPE CLASSIFICATION AS A TOOL TO IDENTIFY STRESS IN 

PIGLETS DURING AN OPEN-FIELD TEST AND DIFFERENT CASTRATION PROCEDURES 88 

T. Schmidt, B. Bünger, T. Horn, E. von Borell 88 

Poster 17 89 

MEASURING THIRST IN BROILER CHICKENS 89 

M. Sprenger, F. Tuyttens 89 

Poster 18 90 

VALIDATION OF THE THERMOCRON IBUTTON DATA LOGGER FOR USE IN MARKET 

SWINE 90 

E. Tamminga, C. Dewey, T. Crowe, R. Bergeron, T. Widowski 90 

Poster 19 91 

RELIABILITY OF OBSERVATIONS OF SOCIAL INTERACTIONS IN DAIRY GOATS 91 

S. Waiblinger, C. Graml, J. Pemberger 91 

Poster 20 92 

NON-INVASIVE DETECTION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF AUTONOMIC RESPONSES TO 

PAIN IN CATTLE 92 

J.R. Webster, M Stewart, A.L. Schaefer, K.J. Stafford 92 

Poster 21 93 

HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP IN ORGANIC FARMS WITH GROUP HOUSING OF 

LACTATING SOWS 93 

J. Baumgartner, S. Waiblinger, W. Hagmueller, C. Simantke, E. Aubel, B. Frueh 93 

Poster 22 94 

THE RESPONSE OF BEEF LIMOUSINE CALVES TO HUMANS DURING WEIGHING 

REVEALS FARMERS’ PROFILES 94 

X. Boivin, A. Juzeau, N. Prevost, G. Trillat, J. Godet, P. Boulesteix, A. Brulé 94 

Poster 23 95 

FACTORS AFFECTING BACKTEST OR TONIC IMMOBILITY TEST RESULTS IN PIGLETS OF 

TWO PURE BREEDS 95 

X. Fernàndez, Q. Casellas, J. Tibau, A. Velarde, E. Fàbrega 95 

Poster 24 96 

TESTING THE ANIMAL-HUMAN RELATIONSHIP OF CALVES AND HEIFERS ON DAIRY 

FARMS 96 

C. Schmied, K. Soucek, S. Waiblinger 96 

194

Poster 25 97 

DEVELOPMENT OF TESTS FOR ASSESSING DAIRY GOATS’ RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANS 

S. Waiblinger, C. Graml, M. Knosp 97 

Poster 26 98 

ETHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF EMOTIONAL VALENCE IN SHEEP 98 

B. Wechsler, L. Gygax, F. Bütikofer, N. Reefmann 98 

Poster 27 99 

GENETIC TRENDS FOR FARROWING BEHAVIOUR IN FRENCH LARGE WHITE SOWS 

FROM 1977 TO 1998 ESTIMATED BY USE OF FROZEN SEMEN 99 

L. Canario, L. Rydhmer, J. Gogué, J.P. Bidanel 99 

Poster 28 100 

ESTIMATION OF GENETIC COMPETITIVE EFFECTS IN PIGS: A SIMULATION STUDY 100 

J. Cheng, S. Janssens, N. Buys 100 

Poster 29 101 

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT AND HANDLING ON DOES AND THEIR 

LITTER 101 

D. Zucca, V. Bonazza, E. Heinzl, F. Luzi, C. Ricci, M. Verga 101 

Poster 30 102 

ASSESSMENT OF BREED DIFFERENCES IN GERMAN SHEPHERD AND BELGIAN 

MALINOIS DOGS’ REACTIVITY: A PILOT STUDY. 102 

S.P. Marelli, J. Riva, E. Sforzini, L. Stella, W. Di Mari, F. Luzi, M. Verga 102 

Poster 31 103 

SELECTION FOR CALM TEMPERAMENT IMPROVES THE MILKING BEHAVIOUR OF EWES 

103 

T. Murray, R. Bencini & D. Blache 103 

Poster 32 104 

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF FARMER’S RECORDS OF HEALTH IN ORGANIC AND 

NON-ORGANIC DAIRY COW HERDS IN GREAT BRITAIN 104 

M.J. Haskell, M. Jack, F.M. Langford, L. Sherwood, A.B. Lawrence, K.M.D. Rutherford 104 

Poster 33 105 

LUMBAR AND STERNAL BODY CONDITION SCORE FOR DAIRY GOATS 105 

R. Wolf, B. Patiss-Klingen, J. Böhm, H. Prosl, C. Leeb 105 

Poster 34 106 

AN HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAMME IN A GROUP OF DOGS 106 

P.A. Martino, F. Luzi 106 

Poster 35 107 

REPRODUCTIVE WELFARE OF SPRING CALVING DAIRY COWS IN A CONFINEMENT OR 

PASTURE- BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 107 

M. Palmer, G. Olmos, J. Mee, L. Boyle 107 

Poster 36 108 

REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF DIARRHOEA IN CALVES BY SUPPLEMENTATION OF THE 

PROBIOTIC STRAIN E.FAECIUM NCIMB 10415 TO MILK REPLACER OR FULL MILK 

FEEDING 108 

M. Wiemann, H.-J. Kunz, W. Steinberg, R. Brugger 108 

Poster 37 109 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE INSTRUMENT FOR USE 

WITH FARMED PIGS 109 

M.L. Wiseman-Orr, E.M. Scott, A.M. Nolan, D.A. Sandercock 109 

Poster 38 110 

STOCKMANSHIP AS A HIGH-IMPACT FACTOR INFLUENCING ANIMAL WELFARE: 

DEVELOPMENT OF A STOCKMANSHIP ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK 110 

S. Aerts, D. Lips 110 

Poster 39 111 

RISK ANALYSIS OF ANIMAL WELFARE CAN BENEFIT FROM SEMANTIC MODELLING 

APPROACH: THE CALF WELFARE CASE 111 

M.B.M. Bracke, S.A. Edwards, B. Algers 111 

195

Poster 40 112 

IMPROVEMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN DAIRY FARMS USING A MODEL TO 

HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN CRITICAL POINTS 112 

L. Calamari, S. Caré, R. Lombardelli 112 

Poster 41 113 

ITALIAN DAIRY FARMERS’ ATTITUDES AND HANDLING PRACTICES AND THEIR 

CONSEQUENCES ON HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP 113 

M. Minero, R. Pagliari, D. Baroli, S. Waiblinger, E. Canali 113 

Poster 42 114 

VARIABILITY ON HANDLING PRACTICES IN ITALIAN DAIRY FARMS 114 

D. Baroli, M. Minero, D. Zucca, S. Waiblinger, E. Canali 114 

Poster 43 115 

EVALUATING PROTOCOLS TO ASSESS THE VALUE OF DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL 

ENRICHMENT ITEMS FOR PIGS 115 

J. Guy, Z. Banks, S.L. Trickett, S.A. Edwards 115 

Poster 44 116 

SUITABILITY OF RESTING BEHAVIOURS OF DAIRY COWS FOR ON-FARM WELFARE 

ASSESMENTS 116 

B. Hörning 116 

Poster 45 117 

EVALUATION OF SOME WELFARE ISSUES IN DAIRY CATTLE IN FREE GRAZING 

CONDITIONS 117 

S. Huertas, E. De Torres, X. Manteca, D. César, J. Piaggio, A. Gil 117 

Poster 46 118 

ON FARM ASSESSMENT OF SHEEP WELFARE: INTER-OBSERVER RELIABILITY OF SOME 

ANIMAL RELATED VARIABLES 118 

M. Caroprese, A. Braghieri, A. Sevi, G. De Rosa, F. Napolitano 118 

Poster 47 119 

INTER-OBSERVER RELIABILITY OF CLINICAL SCORING AND AVOIDANCE DISTANCE IN 

BUFFALOES 119 

F. Napolitano, F. Grasso, A. Bilancione, G. Migliori, M. Spadetta, C. Winckler, G. De Rosa 119 

Poster 48 120 

IMPROVED ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX (ANI) RELATED TO MILK PRODUCTIVITY AND COW 

HEALTH ON JAPANESE DAIRY FARMS 120 

T. Seo, Y. Ono, F. Kashiwamura, S. Sato 120 

Poster 49 121 

A PROPOSAL OF OVERALL WELFARE ASSESSMENT FOR LAYING HENS - COMPARISONS 

OF OUR SCIENCE-BASED WITH ENVIRONMENT-BASED AND ANIMAL-BASED 

ASSESSMENT - 121 

T. Shimmura, S. Hirahara, Y. Eguchi, K. Uetake, T. Tanaka 121 

Poster 50 122 

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERVENTION STRATEGY TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF 

REPLACEMENT ANIMALS IN CANADIAN DAIRY FARMS 122 

E. Vasseur, J. Rushen, D. Pellerin, D. Lefebvre, A.M. de Passillé 122 

Poster 51 123 

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE: VARIOUS OBJECTIVES, VARIOUS 

METHODOLOGIES 123 

I. Veissier, R. Botreau 123 

Poster 52 124 

DEVELOPING A WELFARE ASSESSMENT TOOL WITHIN THE WELFARE QUALITY® 

PROJECT: THE CASE OF WEANERS AND GROWING PIGS 124 

D. Temple, A. Dalmau, V. Courboulay, M.C. Meunier-Salaün, A. Velarde 124 

Poster 53 125 

MEASUREMENT OF REPEATABILITY OF SALIVARY CORTISOL IN GROUPS OF 

PREGNANT SOWS 125 

J. Wavreille, V. Planchon, G. Breteau, V. Remience, J. Sulon, N. Bartiaux-Thill 125 

196

Poster 54 126 

INDICATORS OF PAIN IN WORKING DONKEYS: EVALUATING BEHAVIOURAL 

REPERTOIRE AND CONSISTENCY OF BEHAVIOURS OVER TIME 126 

F.H. Regan (nee Ashley), A.E. Waterman-Pearson, H.R. Whay 126 

Poster 55 127 

DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACH TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL RISK 

FACTORS AFFECTING FISH WELFARE 127 

A. Afonso, D. Candiani, T. Grudnik, F. Berthe, O. Ribó, E. Aiassa, S. Barbieri, S. Correia, F. De Massis, S. 

Dhollander, P. Have, J. Serratosa 127 

Poster 56 128 

EFFECT OF STAGE OF GESTATION ON LYING BEHAVIOUR OF SOWS IN CRATES 128 

L.A. Boyle 128 

Poster 57 129 

EVALUATION OF THE BEHAVIOUR AND THE STRESS EXPERIENCED BY DAIRY HEIFERS 

AT FIRST CALVING 129 

E. Froidmont, J. Sulon, N. Bartiaux-Thill 129 

Poster 58 130 

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF GOOD WELFARE IN SWEDISH DAIRY 

HERDS 130 

C.H. Sandgren, A. Lindberg, L.J. Keeling 130 

Poster 59 131 

DO FEATHER PECKING HENS HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR DIFFERENT REGIONS OF 

FEATHERS? 131 

A. Harlander-Matauschek, U. Feise, W. Bessei 131 

Poster 60 132 

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PIGLET-SOW BEHAVIOUR DURING LYING DOWN TO PREVENT 

PIGLET’S CRUSHING 132 

G. Illmann, M. Šimečková, K. Neuhauserová, H. Chaloupková, Z. Pokorná, P. Kratina 132 

Poster 61 133 

EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF WIRE NET FLOOR WITH STRAW LITTER AT DIFFERENT 

STAGES OF THE REARING PERIOD ON THE PRODUCTION AND SLAUGHTER TRAITS OF 

GROWING RABBITS 133 

G. Jekkel, G. Milisits 133 

Poster 62 134 

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVE REARING METHODS ON THE PRODUCTION 

TRAITS AND SLAUGHTER CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWING RABBITS 134 

G. Jekkel, G. Milisits 134 

Poster 63 135 

THE IMPACT OF LYING AREAS CONSTRUCTIONS ON THE WELFARE OF SUCKING PIGS 

135 

V. Juškienė, R. Juška, 135 

Poster 64 136 

PET RABBIT HOUSING AND WELFARE IN THE NETHERLANDS 136 

P. Koene, B. Beerda, F. Schepers 136 

Poster 65 137 

AVERSION TO THE INHALATION OF NITROGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE MIXTURES 

USED FOR STUNNING IN PIGS 137 

P. Llonch, A. Dalmau, P. Rodríguez, J.L. Ruiz de la Torre, X. Manteca, A. Velarde 137 

Poster 66 138 

ENRICHMENT OF CAGE HOUSING OF FEMALE RABBITS WITH DIFFERENT GNAWING 

BLOCKS: EFFECTS ON PERFORMANCE, CONSUMPTION OF BLOCKS AND BEHAVIOUR 138 

L. Maertens 138 

Poster 67 139 

WELFARE ASSESSMENT OF NEONATAL LAMBS 139 

S.M. Matheson, C.M. Dwyer 139 

197

Poster 68 140 

EFFECTS OF 25-HYDROXY-CHOLECALCIFEROL AND A PENIOPHORA LYCII PHYTASE ON 

THE TIBIA QUALITY IN BROILER CHICKENS 140 

P. Philipps, R. Aureli, F. Fru, M. Wiemann, G. Weber 140 

Poster 69 141 

OCCUPATION OF AN OUTDOOR SPACE BY GROUPED PREGNANT SOWS ON STRAW- 

BEDDED LITTER 141 

V. Remience, J. Wavreille, B. Canart, M.C.N. Bartiaux-Thill, B. Nicks, M. Vandenheede 141 

Poster 70 142 

A SPECIFIC RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACH TO IDENTIFY ADVERSE WELFARE EFFECTS 

DURING KILLING AND SKINNING OF SEALS 142 

O. Ribó, E. Aiassa, S. Barbieri, J. Serratosa 142 

Poster 71 143 

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ANIMATION AND SPACE OFFERING ON ACTIVITY BEHAVIOUR 

OF HORSES 143 

S. Rose, U. Brehme, S. Klaer 143 

Poster 72 144 

THE EFFECT OF SEPARATION AND EARLY HOUSING ENVIRONMENT ON WEIGHT GAIN 

IN DAIRY CATTLE 144 

R. Šárová, I. Stěhulová, M. Špinka, P. Firla, L. Máchová 144 

Poster 73 145 

ACOUSTICAL EXPRESSION OF AFFECT INTENSITY IN DISTURBANCE CALLS OF TREE 

SHREWS 145 

S. Schehka, E. Zimmermann 145 

Poster 74 146 

THE EFFECT OF BEHAVIOURAL ENRICHMENT ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF A SCHOOL OF 

ARCHER FISH (TOXOTES JACULATRIX) 146 

J.M.G. Stevens, R. Goos, W. Van der Elst, H. Vervaecke 146 

Poster 75 147 

VISITOR EFFECTS ON VIGILANCE BEHAVIOUR AND VISIBILITY OF CAPTIVE HARBOUR 

SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) 147 

J.M.G. Stevens, A. Thyssen, H. Vervaecke 147 

Poster 76 148 

DETECTION AND ALLEVIATION OF ACUTE PAIN DUE TO CASTRATION IN CALVES 148 

M. Stewart, A.L. Schaefer, K.J. Stafford, G.M. Worth, K. Clark, J.R. Webster 148 

Poster 77 149 

PRESENCE OF BRUISING IN CATTLE BEEF CARCASSES IN CHILE 149 

A.C. Strappini, K. Frankena, J.H.M. Metz, C. Gallo, B. Kemp 149 

Poster 78 150 

WELFARE AND FOOD QUALITY IMPLICATIONS AT HARVEST IN MEAT PRODUCING 

ANIMALS 150 

E. Szücs, A. Ceustermans, V. Van de Perre, R. Geers 150 

Poster 79 151 

ASSESSING DUST BATH QUALITY AT FARM LEVEL 151 

J. van Rooijen 151 

Poster 80 152 

DEVELOPMENT OF HIERARCHY AND RANK EFFECTS IN WEANED FATTENING RABBITS 

(ORYCTOLAGUS CUNNICULUS) 152 

H. Vervaecke, L. De Bonte, S. Vennens, F. Tuyttens, L. Maertens, J.M.G. Stevens 152 

Poster 81 153 

EFFECTS OF TWO-STAGE WEANING ON CALF BEHAVIOUR 153 

J. Wavreille, P. Pochet, E. Winance, D. Cloet, N. Bartiaux-Thill 153 

Poster 82 154 

PIG WELFARE IN CROATIA: A CRITICAL REFLECTION ON THE EU WELFARE DIRECTIVES 

154 

W. Wellbrock, S.J. Oosting, B.B. Bock 154 

198

Poster 83 155 

TRAINING OF ELIMINATIVE BEHAVIOUR IN YEARLING DAIRY HEIFERS 155 

L.K. Whistance, D.R. Arney, L.S. Sinclair, C.J.C. Phillips. 155 

Poster 84 156 

DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF ANIMAL WELFARE AND STAKEHOLDERS’ ARGUMENTS 156 

N. Bartiaux-Thill, P. Stassart, C.l. Lamine, J. Wavreille, Y. Beckers, A. Théwis 156 

Poster 85 157 

CREATING THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS FOR A ‘MARKET LINKED’ ANIMAL WELFARE 

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM. 157 

A. Butterworth, L.J. Keeling, I. Veissier, M. Miele, H.J. Blokhuis 157 

Poster 86 158 

CONSUMERS AND CATTLE FARMERS FACE THE ISSUE OF ANIMAL WELFARE 158 

A.C. Dockès, L. Mirabito, F. Kling 158 

Poster 87 159 

PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDES OF BEEF FARMERS TOWARDS THE WELFARE QUALITY® 

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM 159 

M. Kirchner, H. Schulze Westerath, E. Tessitore, G. Cozzi, U. Knierim, C. Winckler 159 

Poster 88 160 

INFORMATION ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE, PRODUCT LIKING AND CONSUMER 

WILLINGNESS TO PAY 160 

F. Napolitano, A. Carlucci, M. Caroprese, A. Braghieri 160 

Poster 89 161 

French Stakeholders’ Attitudes to Surgical Castration of Pigs and Alternatives 161 

A.P. Ouedraogo, A. Prunier, V. Courboulay, M. Bonneau 161 

Poster 90 162 

ATTITUDES ABOUT SURGICAL CASTRATION OF PIGS AND ALTERNATIVES: VARIATION 

BETWEEN STAKEHOLDERS AND COUNTRIES ACCORDING TO THE EXTENT OF THE 

PRACTICE 162 

A. Prunier, M. Font i Furnols, A.P. Aouedraogo, K. Lundstrom, F.Tuyttens, W. Migdal, M. Bonneau, M.A. 

Oliver 162 

Poster 91 163 

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE THROUGH THE EYES OF CITIZENS AND PRODUCERS: 

SIMILARITIES AND DISSIMILARITIES 163 

F. Vanhonacker, W. Verbeke, E. Van Poucke, F. Tuyttens 163 

Poster 92 164 

WHAT IS THE RELEVANCY OF SPACE ALLOWANCE IN COMMUNICATING FARM 

ANIMAL WELFARE TO THE CONSUMER? 164 

F. Vanhonacker, E. Van Poucke, F. Tuyttens, W. Verbeke 164 

Poster 93 165 

RESEARCH CONCERNING THE ANIMAL WELFARE OF TURKEYS (Meleagris gallopavo f. 

dom.) UNDER VARIOUS HUSBANDRY CONDITIONS 165 

R. Ellerich, K. Cramer, T. Bartels, M.-E. Krautwald-Junghanns 165 

Poster 94 166 

WELFARE ASSESSMENT USING THE ANIMAL NEEDS INDEX TO IMPROVE THE ORGANIC 

CERTIFICATION IN ITALY 166 

S. Barbieri, F. Chiesa, S. Lolli, V. Ferrante 166 

Poster 95 167 

HOW DOES AUTOMATIC MILKING SYSTEM IMPACT ON DAIRY COW WELFARE? 167 

D. Bizeray-Filoche, M.C. Prevost, L. Bouton, J.F. Rey, B.J. Lensink 167 

Poster 96 168 

THE ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN UK ZOOS – RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS OF 

OFFICIAL INSPECTIONS 168 

C. Draper 168 

Poster 97 169 

FELINE WELFARE IN THE ZOO: FROM INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT TO ZOO LEVEL 169 

P. Koene 169 

199

Poster 98 170 

EVALUATION OF WELFARE BASED ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL 

RESPONSES OF TSIGAI LAMBS UNDER FATTENING CONDITION 170 

F. Pajor, A. Murányi, A. Szentléleki, Á. Bodnár, J. Tőzsér, P. Póti 170 

Poster 99 171 

ANIMAL WELFARE INDEX (AWI), AN ON-FARM SURVEY OF BEEF SUCKLER HERDS IN 

IRELAND 171 

D.J. Prendiville, M. Mazurek, B. Earley 171 

Poster 100 172 

DIFFERENT HOUSING SYSTEMS FOR LAYING HENS: A META-ANALYSIS OF SELECTED 

WELFARE AND BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS 172 

B. Scholz, S. Rönchen, H. Hamann, O. Distl 172 

Poster 101 173 

ASSESSMENT OF TEMPERAMENT OF DAIRY COWS INDICATING THE ANIMAL WELFARE 

ON A HUNGARIAN FARM 173 

A. Szentléleki, S. Merész, F. Pajor, Á. Bodnár, J. Tőzsér 173 

Workshop papers 175 

Workshop paper 1 176 

THE WELFARE OF RIDING HORSES: HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS 176 

F.O. Ödberg, M. Pierard 176 


SCHOOLING PROBLEMS 177 

F.O. Ödberg, M. Pierard 177 


IMPLEMENTATION OF WELFARE SCIENCE INTO PRACTICE 178 

M. Pierard, F.O. Ödberg 178 


ASSeSSMENT OF ZOO ANIMAL WELFARE: SETTING THE SCENE 179 

P. Koene 179 


APPRAISAL OF ZOO ANIMAL WELFARE 180 

J. Kok, J.H. van Weerd 180 


DO EXTENSIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS PROVIDE HIGH WELFARE FOR THE ANIMALS IN 

THOSE SYSTEMS? SETTING THE SCENE 181 

P. Goddard, C. Dwyer 181 


THE FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE 182 

K. Phillips 182 


CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE 183 

B. Kupiec-Teahan 183 


RELIABILITY OF CATEGORIAL VERSUS CONTINUOUS SCORING OF WELFARE 

INDICATORS: LAMENESS IN COWS AS A CASE STUDY 184 

M. Sprenger, A. Van Nuffel, W. Maertens, S. Van Dongen, K. van Reenen, F.A.M. Tuyttens 184 


CAN PEOPLE SEE COW GAIT IRREGULARITIES? 185 

A. Van Nuffel, M. Sprenger, W. Maertens, F.A.M. Tuyttens, B. Sonck 185 


THE EFFECT OF FEED MEASUREMENTS AND ADDITIVES TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS 

WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION 186 

A. van der Aa 186 

200


PREVENTION OF FOOTPAD LESIONS IN BROILER CHICKENS USING CLINOPTILOLITES 

AS FEED ADDITIVE 187 

J. Hoffmann, E. Hangoor, A. van der Aa, S. Borgijink 187 


REDUCTION OF AMMONIA LEVELS ON POULTRY FARMS AS RESULT OF FEED AND 

LITTER MEASUREMENTS 188 

T. Veldkamp, J. van Harn, M.M. van Krimpen, A.W. Jongbloed 188 

Detailed content, lists and indexes 189 

Detailed Content 189 

Author index 201 

Species index 204 

Subject index 205 

List of Participants 207 

Aerts, S., 57, 83, 110 

Afonso, A., 127 

Aiassa, E., 127, 142 

Algers, B., 111 

Amory, J.R., 75 

Aouedraogo, A.P., 162 

Arney, D.R., 155 

Arnould, C., 73 

Aschwanden, J., 40 

Aubel, E., 93 

Aureli, R., 140 

Bahr, C., 74 

Bani, P., 76 

Banks, Z., 115 

Barbieri, S., 127, 142, 166 

Barnett, J.L., 21 

Baroli, D., 113, 114 

Bartels, T., 165 

Barth, K., 38 

Bartiaux-Thill, N., 125, 129, 

141, 153, 156 

Baumgartner, J., 93 

Baxter, E.M., 58 

Beckers, Y., 156 

Beerda, B., 136 

Bekoff, M., 22 

Bencini, R., 103 

Berckmans, D., 74 

Bergeron, R., 90 

Bergschmidt, A., 62 

Bergsma, R., 42 

Berthe, F., 127 

Bertoni, G., 77 

Bessei, W., 131 

AUTHOR INDEX 

Bickell, S., 43 

Bidanel, J.P., 99 

Bijma, P., 23 

Bilancione, A., 119 

Binnendijk, G., 55 

Bird, N., 82 

Bizeray-Filoche, D., 167 

Blache, D., 43, 103 

Blackie, N., 75 

Bleach, E.C.L., 75 

Bloemhof, S., 41 

Blokhuis, H.J., 157 

Bock, B.B., 154 

Bodnár, Á., 170, 173 

Böhm, J., 105 

Boivin, X., 94 

Bokkers, E.A.M., 35 

Bonazza, V., 101 

Bonneau, M., 161, 162 

Borgijink, S., 187 

Botreau, R., 51, 123 

Boulesteix, P., 94 

Bouton, L., 167 

Boyle, L.A., 47, 107, 128 

Bracke, M.B.M., 53, 111 

Braghieri, A., 118, 160 

Brehme, U., 143 

Brenninkmeyer, C., 48 

Breteau, G., 125 

Brinkmann³, J., 48 

Broerkens, N., 87 

Brown, J., 36 

Brugger, R., 108 

Brulé, A., 61, 94 

201 

Bryer, P., 30 

Bünger, B., 88 

Burow, E., 86 

Bustos, C., 81 

Bütikofer, F., 98 

Butterworth, A., 64, 157 

Buys, N., 100 

Calamari, L., 76, 77, 112 

Campo, J.L., 78 

Canali, E., 113, 114 

Canario, L., 42, 99 

Canart, B., 141 

Candiani, D., 127 

Capdeville, J., 51, 61 

Caré, S., 76, 77, 112 

Carlucci, A., 160 

Caroprese, M., 118, 160 

Casellas, Q., 95 

César, D., 117 

Ceustermans, A., 150 

Chadwick, A., 43 

Chaloupková, H., 132 

Cheng, J., 100 

Chiesa, F., 166 

Clark, K., 148 

Cloet, D., 153 

Cogan, T., 46 

Colin, L., 73 

Coombs, T.M., 79 

Correia, S., 127 

Courboulay, V., 67, 124, 161 

Cox, N., 33 

Cozzi, G., 159 

Crabtree, H.G., 82

Cramer, K., 165 

Crowe, T., 90 

Cubillos, G., 81 

D'Eath, R.B., 42 

Dalmau, A., 68, 124, 137 

De Bonte, L., 152 

De Freslon, I., 81 

de Jong, I.C., 32 

De Massis, F., 127 

de Mol, R.M., 53 

de Passillé, A.M., 122 

De Rosa, G., 52, 118, 119 

De Torres, E., 117 

De Vylder, J., 46 

deCarvalho, M., 80 

Delarue, E., 67 

Dewey, C.E., 24, 36, 90 

Dewulf, J., 46 

Dhollander, S., 127 

Di Mari, W., 102 

Dippel, S., 48 

Distl, O., 172 

Dockès, A.C., 61, 158 

Dourmad, J.Y., 45 

Draper, C., 168 

Ducatelle, R., 46 

Duchateau, L., 60 

Dwyer, C.M., 139, 181 

Earley, B., 171 

Edwards, S.A., 55, 58, 64, 82, 

111, 115 

Eguchi, Y., 121 

Ellen, E.D., 44 

Ellerich, R., 165 

Engelsma, K.A., 41 

Eugène, A., 67 

Fàbrega, E., 95 

Farish, M., 29 

Feise, U., 131 

Fernàndez, X., 95 

Ferrante, V., 166 

Ferrari, A., 77 

Firla, P., 144 

Fjerdingby, N., 80 

Font i Furnols, M., 162 

Forkman, B., 66 

Frankena, K., 149 

Fritsma, E., 32 

Froidmont, E., 129 

Fru, F., 140 

Frueh, B., 93 

Fureix, C., 39 

Gallo, C., 149 

Gargano, M., 85 

Garner, J.P., 56 

Geers, R., 150 

Gerritzen, M., 32 

Gil, A., 117 

Goddard, P., 181 

Godet, J., 94 

Gogué, J., 99 

Goos, R., 146 

Graml, C., 91, 97 

Grasso, F., 119 

Groot Koerkamp, P.W.G., 53 

Gruber, B., 49 

Grudnik, T., 127 

Guy, J.H., 55, 115 

Gygax, L., 40, 98 

Haesebrouck, F., 46 

Hagmueller, W., 93 

Hamann, H., 172 

Hangoor, E., 187 

Hanlon, A., 47 

Harlander-Matauschek, A., 

131 

Harper, E., 29 

Haskell, M.J., 65, 104 

Haslam, S., 52 

Hausberger, M., 39 

Have, P., 127 

Heinzl, E., 101 

Hemsworth, P.H., 21 

Herva, T., 50 

Hester, P.Y., 56 

Heutinck, L.F.M., 35 

Hirahara, S., 121 

Hoffmann, J., 187 

Hoflack, G., 83 

Horn, T., 88 

Hörning, B., 116 

Houwers, H.W.J., 53 

Huertas, S., 117 

Humphrey, T., 46 

Illmann, G., 132 

Ingemann, R., 66 

Jääskeläinen, L., 31 

Jack, M., 104 

Jack, M.C., 65 

Janssens, S., 100 

Järvinen, M., 31 

Jarvis, S., 58 

Jego, P., 39 

Jekkel, G., 133, 134 

Jennings, J., 46 

Jongbloed, A.W., 188 

Juška, R., 135 

Juškienė, V., 135 

Juzeau, A., 94 

Kashiwamura, F., 120 

202 

Keeling, L.J., 34, 69, 130, 157 

Keil, N.M., 40 

Kemp, B., 149 

Kettlewell, P.J., 29 

Kiess, A., 56 

Kiezebrink, M., 55 

Kirchner, M., 159 

Klaer, S., 143 

Kling, F., 61, 158 

Knierim, U., 48, 52, 54, 87, 

159 

Knol, E.F., 41, 42 

Knosp, M., 97 

Koene, P., 59, 136, 169, 179 

Kok, J., 180 

Kolehmainen, M., 31 

Kolkman, I., 57, 83 

Komen, J., 44 

Koppenol, A., 74 

Kratina, P., 132 

Krautwald-Junghanns, M.-E., 

165 

Krebs, N., 30 

Kunz, H.-J., 108 

Kupiec-Teahan, B., 183 

Laister, S., 87 

Lamine, C.l., 156 

Langford, F.M., 65, 104 

Larsen, S., 80 

Lawrence, A.B., 42, 58, 65, 

104 

Lebret, B., 45 

Leeb, C., 105 

Lefebvre, D., 122 

Lensink, B.J., 84, 167 

Leruste, H., 84 

Lindberg, A., 34, 130 

Lips, D., 57, 83, 110 

Lipsa, D., 57 

Llonch, P., 68, 137 

Lolli, S., 166 

Lombardelli, R., 112 

Ludwig, N., 85 

Lugmair, A., 49 

Lundeheim, N., 42 

Lundstrom, K., 162 

Luzi, F., 85, 101, 102, 106 

M. Dwyer, C., 79 

Máchová, L., 144 

Maertens, L., 138, 152 

Maertens, W., 74, 184, 185 

Main, D.C.J., 64 

Mandell, I.B., 36 

Manteca, X., 117, 137 

March, S., 48

Marelli, S.P., 102 

Martino, P.A., 106 

Martiskainen, P., 31 

Matheson, S.M., 139 

Mazurek, M., 171 

McGlone, J.J., 30 

Mee, J.F., 47, 107 

Mench, J.A., 56 

Merész, S., 173 

Merks, J.W.M., 41 

Merlot, E., 45 

Metz, J.H.M., 53, 149 

Meunier-Salaün, M.C., 124 

Miele, M., 157 

Migdal, W., 162 

Migliori, G., 119 

Milisits, G., 133, 134 

Minero, M., 113, 114 

Minuti, A., 76 

Mirabito, L., 61, 158 

Mitchell, M.A., 29 

Mononen, J., 31 

Monzani, M., 85 

Mullan, S., 64 

Munsters, C., 59 

Murányi, A., 170 

Murphy, J., 47 

Murray, T., 103 

Napolitano, F., 52, 118, 119, 

160 

Neuhauserová, K., 132 

Newberry, R.C., 56 

Nicks, B., 141 

Niebuhr, K., 49 

Nielsen, T.R., 86 

Nolan, A.M., 109 

Nowak, R., 43 

Ödberg, F.O., 60, 176, 177, 

178 

Oliver, M.A., 162 

Olmos, G., 47, 107 

Ono, Y., 120 

Oosting, S.J., 154 

Opsomer, G., 57, 83 

Østergaard, S., 86 

Ouedraogo, A.P., 161 

Pagliari, R., 113 

Pajor, F., 170, 173 

Palmer, M., 107 

Pasmans, F., 46 

Patiss-Klingen, B., 105 

Pellerin, D., 122 

Peltoniemi, O.A.T., 50 

Pemberger, J., 91 

Perny, P., 51 

Philipps, P., 140 

Phillips, K., 182 

Piaggio, J., 117 

Pierard, M., 176, 177, 178 

Pieterse, C., 32 

Planchon, V., 125 

Plesch, G., 87 

Pluk, A., 74 

Pochet, P., 153 

Poindron, P., 43 

Pokorná, Z., 132 

Póti, P., 170 

Poulouin, Y., 33 

Prendiville, D.J., 171 

Prevost, M.C., 167 

Prevost, N., 94 

Prieto, M.T., 78 

Prosl, H., 105 

Prunier, A., 45, 161, 162 

Purslow, P.P., 36 

Rault, J.L., 84 

Ravn, L., 82 

Redaelli, V., 85 

Reefmann, N., 98 

Regan (nee Ashley), F.H., 126 

Reimert, H., 32 

Remience, V., 125, 141 

Rey, J.F., 167 

Ribó, O., 127, 142 

Ricci, C., 85, 101 

Riva, J., 102 

Robinson, A.B., 36 

Rodenburg, T.B., 23, 44 

Rodríguez, P., 68, 137 

Roehe, R., 42 

Rogers, A., 33 

Rogers, A.R., 37 

Rönchen, S., 172 

Rose, S., 143 

Ruiz de la, J.L., 137 

Rushen, J., 122 

Rutherford, K.M.D., 65, 104 

Ruuska, S., 31 

Rydhmer, L., 42, 99 

Sandercock, D.A., 109 

Sandgren, C.H., 34, 130 

Sandøe, P., 66 

Šárová, R., 144 

Sato, S., 120 

Scaife, J.R., 75 

Schaefer, A.L., 92, 148 

Schehka, S., 145 

Schepers, F., 53, 136 

Schmidt, T., 88 

Schmied, C., 96 

203 

Scholz, B., 172 

Schrader, L., 62 

Schulze Westerath, H., 159 

Schütz, K., 33 

Scott, E.M., 109 

Scott, K., 55 

Seo, T., 120 

Serratosa, J., 127, 142 

Sevi, A., 118 

Sforzini, E., 102 

Sherwood, L., 65, 104 

Shimmura, T., 121 

Simantke, C., 93 

Šimečková, M., 132 

Simensen, E., 80 

Sinclair, L.S., 155 

Skön, J.-P., 31 

Sonck, B., 60, 74, 185 

Song, X., 74 

Soucek, K., 96 

Spadetta, M., 119 

Špinka, M., 144 

Sprenger, M., 89, 184, 185 

Squires, J., 36 

Stafford, K.J., 92, 148 

Stassart, P., 156 

Stěhulová, I., 144 

Steinberg, W., 108 

Stella, L., 102 

Stevens, J.M.G., 146, 147, 152 

Stewart, M., 37, 148 

Stookey, J.M., 37 

Strappini, A.C., 149 

Struelens, E., 60 

Sulon, J., 125, 129 

Sutherland, M.A., 30 

Suutari, R., 31 

Szentléleki, A., 170, 173 

Szücs, E., 150 

Tamminga, E., 90 

Tanaka, T., 121 

Temple, D., 124 

Tessitore, E., 159 

Théwis, A., 156 

Thomsen, P.T., 86 

Thyssen, A., 147 

Tibau, J., 95 

Tiirikainen, J., 31 

Tissari, S., 31 

Tőzsér, J., 170, 173 

Trickett, S.L., 115 

Trillat, G., 94 

Tucker, C.B., 33, 37 

Turner, S.P., 42 

Tuunainen, P., 31

Tuyttens, F.A.M., 60, 63, 89, 

152, 163, 164, 184, 185 

Uetake, K., 121 

Uitdehaag, K.A., 44 

Ursinus, W.W., 53 

van Arendonk, J.A.M., 23 

Van de Perre, V., 150 

van der Aa, A., 186, 187 

Van der Elst, W., 146 

Van Dongen, S., 184 

van Harn, J., 188 

Van Hoorebeke, S., 46 

Van Immerseel, F., 46 

van Krimpen, M.M., 188 

van Leeuwen, J., 59 

Van Nuffel, A., 74, 184, 185 

Van Poucke, E., 60, 163, 164 

van Reenen, C.G., 35, 84, 184 

van Rooijen, J., 151 

van Weerd, J.H., 180 

Vandenheede, M., 141 

Vangeyte, J., 74 

Vanhonacker, F., 63, 163, 164 

Cat, 95 

Cattle, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 

47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, 61, 

62, 65, 74, 75, 76, 77, 83, 

86, 87, 92, 94, 96, 104, 107, 

108, 110, 112, 113, 114, 

116, 117, 120, 122, 129, 

130, 144, 148, 149, 153, 

155, 157, 158, 159, 167, 

171, 173, 182, 185, 186 

beef, 52 

calf, 34, 35, 37, 50, 52, 84, 92, 

94, 96, 108, 110, 111, 114, 

122, 130, 144, 148, 153, 

158, 182 

cow, 33, 34, 38, 47, 65, 74, 75, 

76, 116, 120, 122, 130, 153, 

185 

dairy, 33, 52, 53, 74, 96, 105, 

108, 117, 119, 167, 186 

heifer, 66, 96, 113, 114, 129, 

155 

Vasseur, E., 122 

Veissier, I., 51, 123, 157 

Velarde, A., 68, 95, 124, 137 

Veldkamp, T., 188 

Vennens, S., 152 

Verbeke, W., 25, 63, 163, 164 

Verga, M., 85, 101, 102 

Vermeer, H., 55 

Vervaecke, H., 57, 146, 147, 

152 

Vicca, J., 57 

Villarroel-Robinson, M., 29 

von Borell, E., 88 

Waiblinger, S., 38, 91, 93, 96, 

97, 113, 114 

Waterman-Pearson, A.E., 126 

Wavreille, J., 125, 141, 153, 

156 

Weber, G., 140 

Webster, J.R., 37, 92, 148 

Wechsler, B., 40, 98 

Wellbrock, W., 154 

Wemelsfelder, F., 52, 65 

SPECIES INDEX 

Holstein, 48, 74, 108, 130, 

167, 173 

Chicken, 23 

broiler, 89, 140, 151, 186, 187 

broiler breeder, 151 

hen, 23, 44, 46, 49, 52, 56, 60, 

78, 113, 121, 131, 151, 172 

layer, 23, 44, 49, 52, 56, 60, 

99, 121, 131, 172 

Dog, 102, 106 

Donkey, 126 

Fish, 127, 146 

Goat, 40, 97, 105 

Horse, 39, 59, 143, 176, 177, 

178 

Pig, 23, 29, 30, 36, 42, 55, 58, 

62, 64, 67, 68, 82, 88, 100, 

109, 110, 141, 154, 161, 

162 

boar, 41, 63, 99 

gilt, 110 

204 

Whay, H.R., 64, 126 

Whistance, L.K., 155 

Widowski, T., 36, 90 

Wiemann, M., 108, 140 

Winance, E., 153 

Winckler, C., 48, 54, 87, 119, 

159 

Windschnurer, I., 38 

Wiseman-Orr, M.L., 109 

Wolf, R., 105 

Wolthuis-Fillerup, M., 35 

Worth, G.M., 148 

Zaludik, K., 49 

Zanella, A.J., 80 

Zapata, B., 81 

Zimmermann, E., 145 

Zucca, D., 101, 114  

  

  

  

  

  

piglet, 58, 63, 95, 99, 132, 135, 

162 

sow, 55, 58, 93, 99, 110, 125, 

128, 132, 141, 186 

swine, 90 

Poultry, 52, 55, 157, 186, 188 

Rabbit, 85, 101, 136, 138, 152 

Seal, 142 

Sheep, 43, 52, 79, 98, 103, 

105, 118, 139, 182 

ewe, 79, 103 

lamb, 29, 43, 79, 139, 160, 

170, 182 

Tree shrew, 145 

Turkey, 165 

Water buffalo, 119  

 

Abnormal behaviour, 136, 176 

Activity, 40, 43, 57, 73, 75, 

79, 80, 81, 92, 99, 101, 109, 

136, 143, 148, 150, 172 

Age, 30, 38, 41, 44, 49, 83, 95, 

96, 132, 133, 134, 135, 139, 

144, 149, 152, 165, 170, 

177 

Aggressive behaviour, 22, 38, 

42, 57, 146, 147, 152 

Agonistic behaviour, 91 

Animal welfare, 21, 23, 25, 

37, 41, 42, 43, 44, 49, 50, 

51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 

62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 69, 76, 

77, 78, 84, 86, 89, 93, 94, 

99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 108, 

109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 

114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 

119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 

124, 125, 126, 127, 130, 

140, 154, 156, 157, 158, 

159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 

164, 165, 166, 168, 171, 

179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 

186, 187, 188 

Assessment, 36, 39, 50, 51, 

52, 54, 61, 62, 64, 65, 73, 

77, 84, 89, 91, 93, 105, 110, 

115, 118, 121, 123, 124, 

125, 127, 139, 142, 148, 

154, 157, 159, 168, 179 

Asymmetry, 59, 78 

Automatic milking system, 

167 

Avoidance distance, 38, 113, 

119 

Backtest, 95 

Behaviour 

assessment, 124 

Biology, 22, 43, 98, 103, 184 

Biotechnology, 57, 83, 110, 

121, 146, 147 

Boar taint, 41, 63 

Body size, 128 

Breed difference, 102, 176 

Breeder, 151 

Cage, 46, 49, 56, 85, 121, 134, 

136, 138, 145, 152 

Cannibalism, 44 

SUBJECT INDEX 

Castration, 41, 63, 88, 92, 148, 

161, 162 

Catecholamine, 148 

Certification, 51, 166 

Chronic stress, 39, 177 

Communication, 88, 93, 132, 

158 

Concepts of, 150 

Consistency, 36, 54, 87, 104, 

115, 126 

Constraints, 161 

Consumer demand, 183 

Coping style, 95 

Cortisol, 45, 47, 77, 80, 112, 

125, 129, 170 

Definition of, 61, 66 

Demand, 25 

Density, 55, 68, 133, 134, 164 

Deprivation, 79, 89 

Development, 21, 54, 108, 

109, 118, 126, 127, 138, 

152, 176 

Distance, 35, 38, 40, 60, 73, 

81, 97, 110, 119 

Dustbathing, 172 

Emotion, 54 

Enrichment, 101, 115, 138, 

146 

Environment, 23, 41, 42, 43, 

44, 45, 58, 62, 87, 99, 100, 

101, 102, 103, 110, 112, 

124, 145, 147, 149, 156, 

168, 171, 180, 182, 183, 

188 

Environmental enrichment, 

55, 101, 115 

Ethology, 22 

Evaluation, 49, 51, 76, 77, 81, 

85, 102, 112, 115, 121, 123, 

143, 164, 165, 169 

Exercise, 176 

Familiarity, 89 

Farm level, 51, 62, 108, 119, 

140, 166, 186, 187, 188 

Fear, 21, 35, 68, 84, 92, 101, 

121, 124, 126, 154, 168, 

173, 181 

Feather pecking, 23, 46, 110, 

131, 151, 186 

Feed additive, 140, 186 

205 

Feeding, 31, 38, 40, 46, 49, 

50, 51, 61, 76, 91, 96, 97, 

108, 112, 113, 114, 122, 

124, 126, 127, 128, 143, 

146, 157, 158, 167, 169, 

176, 188 

Flock, 49 

Floor, 30, 44, 45, 53, 66, 67, 

74, 99, 101, 112, 115, 116, 

133, 134, 150, 151, 155, 

172 

Fluctuating asymmetry, 59, 78 

Foraging behaviour, 146 

Free range, 172 

Furnished cage, 49, 172 

Gender, 126 

Gene, 23, 100 

Genetic selection, 58 

Genetics, 36 

Genotype, 43, 45, 53 

Grooming, 101 

Group, 23, 33, 38, 40, 42, 44, 

45, 46, 57, 60, 79, 80, 81, 

82, 86, 93, 96, 99, 100, 101, 

102, 106, 108, 109, 110, 

115, 122, 124, 129, 133, 

134, 135, 138, 139, 143, 

147, 152, 155, 158, 162, 

164, 172, 176, 177, 184, 

187 

housing, 23 

size, 86, 100, 164 

Group-level, 32, 33, 35, 53, 

55, 84, 93, 104, 111, 121, 

135, 144, 146, 147, 149, 

154, 164, 183, 184, 188 

Growth, 23, 24, 42, 73, 79, 99, 

106, 110, 135, 140, 144, 

170, 188 

rate, 73, 106, 110, 135, 170 

Handling, 36, 56, 79, 85, 92, 

93, 99, 101, 102, 113, 114, 

136, 150, 173, 181 

Health, 23, 24, 31, 34, 41, 45, 

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 

64, 65, 66, 69, 81, 86, 104, 

105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 

111, 120, 123, 124, 130, 

142, 157, 159, 163, 165, 

168, 171, 172, 173, 186

Heart rate, 40, 92, 148 

Herbivores, 51, 123, 157 

Heritability, 41 

Hierarchy, 152 

Housing, 21, 44, 45, 46, 47, 

49, 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 65, 

80, 81, 86, 87, 93, 111, 114, 

115, 116, 118, 120, 121, 

122, 123, 136, 143, 144, 

154, 157, 159, 165, 167, 

171, 172, 176, 188 

Housing system, 21, 46, 52, 

62, 87, 111, 116, 121, 136, 

154, 167, 172 

Human-animal relationship, 

61, 66, 93, 94, 101, 113 

Hunger, 51 

Husbandry, 53, 78, 92, 94, 

109, 127, 159, 165, 168, 

171, 180, 188 

Immobility, 95 

Immunity, 45, 122 

Immunocastration, 162 

Lactation, 75, 86, 99, 105, 

138, 173 

Lameness, 34, 53, 54, 61, 65, 

66, 67, 73, 74, 104, 117, 

118, 167, 185, 186 

Learning, 137, 155, 177, 178 

Light, 60, 166 

Locomotion, 50, 74, 75, 101, 

166, 172, 180 

Locomotor behavior, 101 

Loose-housed, 58, 86, 114, 

116 

Lying, 30, 31, 33, 48, 50, 73, 

75, 87, 99, 101, 116, 126, 

128, 129, 132, 135, 155, 

167 

Management, 24, 34, 47, 48, 

49, 50, 53, 54, 68, 82, 85, 

91, 102, 104, 105, 112, 114, 

118, 122, 123, 127, 139, 

157, 159, 166, 168, 170, 

176, 178, 188 

Market, 183 

Maternal 

behaviour, 58, 99 

Methodology, 85, 94, 111, 

125, 127, 142 

Milk, 23, 31, 47, 75, 77, 80, 

86, 108, 110, 112, 117, 120, 

122, 129, 130 

production, 86, 120 

yield, 23, 47, 110 

Motivation, 21, 113 

Non-invasive, 92, 148 

Novel object test, 36 

Novelty, 103 

On-farm welfare assessment, 

54, 55, 73, 87, 116, 123, 

124 

Open field test, 43 

Open-field test, 88 

Outdoor, 55, 93, 108, 120, 141 

Pain, 37, 53, 57, 68, 73, 92, 

121, 126, 148, 150 

Parturition, 57, 101 

Pathology, 46, 106 

Perch, 49, 60, 172 

Personality, 110 

Physiology, 33 

Preference, 159 

Production, 23, 24, 25, 31, 34, 

41, 44, 47, 50, 63, 93, 94, 

99, 103, 110, 114, 117, 125, 

127, 130, 133, 134, 139, 

140, 153, 160, 163, 164, 

166, 170, 171, 181, 182, 

183, 186, 188 

Radiotelemetry, 29 

Restraint, 150 

Risk assessment, 111, 127 

Risk factor, 48, 123 

Rooting, 132 

Season of the year, 107, 173 

Selection, 23, 42, 44, 85, 99, 

100, 102, 103, 119, 121, 

139, 162, 170, 182, 188 

Sexual behaviour, 63, 107 

Shade, 33 

Social, 22, 23, 40, 42, 50, 51, 

54, 61, 67, 88, 91, 97, 102, 

103, 109, 124, 147, 166, 

171, 176, 180 

behaviour, 42, 61, 67, 91, 97, 

147 

contact, 176 

environment, 23, 50 

Space, 48, 100, 102, 111, 128, 

141, 164 

allowance, 141, 164 

Stereotypy, 169, 180 

Stock, 181 

Strain, 106, 172 

Stress, 36, 40, 46, 59, 77, 78, 

79, 80, 85, 88, 90, 103, 112, 

123, 125, 129, 145, 147, 

150, 153, 170, 181, 186 

Substrate, 155 

206 

Suckle, 139 

Suckling, 93, 94, 153 

Survey, 53, 62, 106, 111, 114, 

122, 124, 136, 156, 164 

Tail, 30, 67, 109, 126, 145 

biting, 30 

docking, 109 

Temperament, 36, 43, 103, 

170, 173, 176 

Tonic immobility, 101 

Training, 21, 98, 102, 110, 

118, 137, 157, 166, 176, 

178, 185 

Transport, 29, 36, 90, 150 

Validation, 68, 89, 126 

Vision, 74 

Vocalisation, 88, 93, 99, 145 

Water consumption, 89 

Weaning, 41, 43, 94, 119, 122, 

152, 153, 176 

Weight, 30, 41, 42, 47, 58, 83, 

95, 101, 105, 129, 133, 134, 

135, 138, 144, 149, 152, 

165, 170, 177, 186 

Welfare, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 

29, 30, 32, 34, 35, 39, 42, 

44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 

51, 53, 54, 55, 58, 59, 61, 

64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 73, 

75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 

87, 88, 92, 94, 97, 100, 102, 

103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 

108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 

117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 

122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 

128, 130, 135, 136, 139, 

141, 142, 144, 146, 147, 

150, 154, 156, 158, 159, 

160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 

165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 

170, 171, 172, 173, 178, 

179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 

184, 186, 187 

Welfare assessment, 54, 55, 

65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 76, 77, 

88, 104, 105, 110, 111, 112, 

120, 121, 123, 124, 154, 

165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 

170, 171, 172, 173, 179, 

184 

Welfare research, 88 

Well-being, 22, 24, 88, 143, 

180, 183 

Wild, 22, 81, 147, 180  

 

  

  

1 - Abbott, Anthony 

UK 

anthony_abbott@hotmail.com 

2 - Aerts, Stefan 

KU Leuven, Belgium 

stefan.aerts@biw.kuleuven.be 

3 - Arnould, Cecile 

INRA, France 

cecile.arnould@tours.inra.fr 

4 - Aschwanden, Janine 

Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Switzerland 

janine.aschwanden@art.admin.ch 

5 - Bahr, Claudia 

KU Leuven, Belgium 

claudia.bahr@biw.kuleuven.be 

6 - Barbieri, Sara 

University of Milan, Italy 

Sara.Barbieri@efsa.europa.eu 

7 - Baroli, Daniela 


Daniela.Baroli@unimi.it 

8 - Bart, Sonck 

ILVO, Belgium 

bart.sonck@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

9 - Bartiaux-Thill, Nicole 

CRA Wallonie, Belgium 

bartiaux@cra.wallonie.be 

10 - Baumgartner, Johannes 

University of Veterinary Medicine, Austria 

johannes.baumgartner@vu-wien.ac.at 

11 - Baxter, Emma 

Scottish Agricultural College, UK 

emma.baxter@sac.ac.uk 

  

  

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 

207 

12 - Bedossa, Thierry 

Ecole veterinaire Alfort, France 

tbedossa@yahoo.fr 

13 - Bekaert, Karen 

ILVO, Belgium 

karenbekaert@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

14 - Bekoff, Marc 

University of Colorado, USA 

Marc.Bekoff@Colorado.edu 

  

15 - Bergschmidt, Angela 

Federal Resarch Institute (vTI), Germany 

angela.bergschmidt@vti.bund.de 

16 - Bertoni, Giuseppe 

UniversitaĆattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy 

giuseppe.bertoni@unicatt.it 

17 - Bickell, Samantha 

University of WA, Australia 

bickes01@student.uwa.edu.au 

18 - Bizeray, dorothee 

Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, France 

dorothee.bizeray@lasalle-beauvais.fr 

19 - Blackie, Nicola 

Writtle College, UK 

nicola.blackie@writtle.ac.uk 

20 - Boivin, Xavier 

INRA, France 

xavier@clermont.inra.fr 

21 - Bokkers, Eddie 

Wageningen University, Netherlands 

eddie.bokkers@wur.nl 

22 - Bos, Jacqueline 

Wageningen UR, Netherlands 

jacqueline.bos@wur.nl

23 - Botreau, R. 

INRA, France 

rbotrea@clermont.inra.fr 

24 - Boyle, Laura 

Teagasc, Ireland 

laura.boyle@teagasc.ie 

25 - Bracke, Marc 


marc.bracke@wur.nl 

26 - Brando, Sabrina 

AnimalConcepts, Netherlands 

sbrando@animalconcepts.eu 

27 - Brenninkmeyer, Christine 

University of Kassel, Germany 

christine@brenninkmeyer.name 

28 - Bright, Ashleigh 

FAI Farms Ltd, UK 

ashleigh.bright@faifarming.plus.com 

29 - Brooke, Phil 

Compassion in World Farming, UK 

phil@ciwf.org.uk 

30 - Brouwer, Henriëtte 

Animal Health Service Ltd., Netherlands 

h.brouwer@gddeventer.com 

31 - Brown, Jennifer 

University of Guelph, Canada 

jennifer@uoguelph.ca 

32 - Brscic, Marta Brscic 

University of Padua, Italy 

marta.brscic@unipd.it 

33 - Buijs, Stephanie 

ILVO, Belgium 

Stephanie.Buijs@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

34 - Butterworth, Andrew 

University of Bristol, UK 

andy.butterworth@bris.ac.uk 

35 - Calamari, Luigi 

UniversitaĆattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy 

luigi.calamari@unicatt.it 

208 

36 - Campo, Jose 

Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agricola y 

Alimentaria, Spain 

jlcampo@inia.es 

37 - Canali, Elisabetta 


Elisabetta.Canali@unimi.it 

38 - Canario, Lauriane 

INRA, France 

laurianne.canario@jou.inra.fr 

39 - Carole, Fureix 

Universite Rennes, France 

carole.fureix@univ-rennes1.fr 

40 - Cazaux, Geertui 

Division for Agriculture and fisheries, Belgium 

geertrui.cazaux@lv.vlaanderen.be 

41 - Cheng, jiqiu 

KULeuven, Belgium 

jiqiu.cheng@biw.kuleuven.be 

42 - Claes, Dorien 

Sint-Jozefinstituut Geel (Kogeka), Belgium 

dorien.claes@telenet.be 

43 - Clubb, Ros 

RSPCA, UK 

rclubb@rspca.org.uk 

44 - Coombs, Tamsin 


tamsin.coombs@sac.ac.uk 

45 - Cooper, Marc 

RSPCA, UK 

mcooper@rspca.org.uk 

46 - Cornou, Cécile 

Copenhagen University, Denmark 

cec@life.ku.dk 

47 - Courat, Michel 

Eurogroup for animals, Belgium 

M.Courat@eurogroupforanimals.org

48 - COURBOULAY, Valérie 

IFIP, France 

valerie.courboulay@ifip.asso.fr 

49 - Dalmau, Antoni 

IRTA, Spain 

antoni.dalmau@irta.es 

50 - de Carvalho, Mariana 

Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Norway 

Marianade.Carvalho@veths.no 

51 - de Freslon, Ines 

Universidad Mayor, Chile 

mav2468@hotmail.com 

52 - de Jong, Ingrid 


ingrid.dejong@wur.nl 

53 - De Paepe, Karlien 

FOD VOlksgezondheid, Belgium 

karlien.depaepe@health.fgov.be 

54 - de Passille, Anne Marie 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada 

depassilleam@agr.gc.ca 

55 - De Vylder, Jantina 

Ghent University, Belgium 

jantina.devylder@ugent.be 

56 - Decaesteker, Eddy 

POVLT West-Vlaanderen, Belgium 

eddy.decaestecker@west-vlaanderen.be 

57 - Deimel, Mark 

University of Goettingen, Germany 

mdeimel@uni-goettingen.de 

58 - Devlieger, Sarne 


sarne.devliegher@ugent.be 

59 - Dewey, Cate 


cdewey@ovc.uoguelph.ca 

60 - Dewulf, Jeroen 


jeroen.dewulf@UGent.be 

209 

61 - Draper, Chris 

Born Free Foundation, UK 

chris@bornfree.org.uk 

62 - Duncan, Jennifer 

University of Liverpool, UK 

jsduncan@liverpool.ac.uk 

63 - Dwane, Andrea 

University College Dublin, Ireland 

andrea.dwane@ucd.ie 

64 - Edwards, Sandra 

Newcastle University, UK 

sandra.edwards@ncl.ac.uk 

65 - Ferrante, Valentina 


valentina.ferrante@unimi.it 

66 - Flower, Frances 

Whole Foods Market, USA 

frances.flower@wholefoods.com 

67 - Fockedey, Martin 

Vedanko bvba, Belgium 

martin.fockedey@vedanko.be 

68 - Fraas Johnsen, Pernille 

Danish Veterinary & Food Administration, 

Denmark 

pfjo@fvst.dk 

69 - Froidmont, Eric 


froidmont@cra.wallonie.be 

70 - Gawron, Jana-Christina 

University of Goettingen, Germany 

cgawron@uni-goettingen.de 

71 - Geverink, Nicoline 

ILVO, Belgium 

nicoline.geverink@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

72 - Goby, laurent 

Boehringer Ingelheim animal Health, Germany 

laurent.goby@boehringer-ingelheim.com

73 - Goddard, Pete 

The Macaulay Institute, UK 

p.goddard@macaulay.ac.uk 

74 - Guy, Jonathan 


j.h.guy@ncl.ac.uk 

75 - Hallén Sandgren, Charlotte 

Swedish Dairy Association, Sweden 

charlotte.sandgren@svdhv.org 

76 - Halverson, Marlene 

Animal Welfare Institute, USA 

marleneh@awionline.org 

77 - Hanlon, Alison 

University College Dublin, Ireland 

Alison.Hanlon@ucd.ie 

78 - Harfeld, Jes 

Aarhus University, Denmark 

jeh@teo.au.dk 

79 - Harlander-Matauschek, Alexandra 

University of Hohenheim, Germany 

harland@uni-hohenheim.de 

80 - Haskell, Marie 


marie.haskell@sac.ac.uk 

81 - Hemsworth, Paul 

University of Melbourne, Australia 

phh@unimelb.edu.au 

82 - Henriksen, Britt I.F. 

Bioforsk, Norway 

britt.henriksen@bioforsk.no 

83 - Herron, Adrienne 

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, 

Canada 

adrienne.herron@gov.ab.ca 

84 - Herva, Tuomas 

Atria ltd / University of Helsinki, Finland 

tuomas.herva@atria.fi 

210 

85 - Heynickx, Sofie 

Sint-Jozefinstituut Geel (Kogeka), Belgium 

sofieheynickx@hotmail.com 

86 - Hoel, Kristian 

Norwegian Scientific Commitee for Food Safety, 

Norway 

kristian.hoel@animalia.no 

87 - Hoffmann, Jens 

Agroproduct Qualitätssicherungs GmbH, 

Germany 

info@agroproduct.de 

88 - Hopster, Hans 


hans.hopster@wur.nl 

89 - Hörning, Bernhard 

Univ. Appl. Sci. Eberswalde, Germany 

bhoerning@fh-eberswalde.de 

90 - Huertas, Stella Maris 

Faculdad de Veterinaria, Uruguay 

stellamaris32@adinet.com.uy 

91 - Huisman, T.R. 


tjalling.huisman@wur.nl 

92 - Hultgren, Jan 

Swedish Univ. Agric. Sci., Sweden 

jan.hultgren@hmh.slu.se 

93 - Hum, Steven 

DPI, NSW, Australia 

steven.ihum@gmail.com 

94 - Illmann, Gudrun 

Resaech Institute of Animal Science, Czech 

Republic 

Illmannova@vuzv.cz 

95 - Ingemann, Rikke 

University of Copenhagen & Danish Cattle 

Federation, Denmark 

rii@landscentret.dk 

96 - Janssens, Steven 


steven.janssens@biw.kuleuven.be

97 - Jekkel, Gabriella 

Kaposvár University, Hungary 

jekkel@citromail.hu 

98 - Johnson, Janeen L. Salak 

University of Illinois, USA 

johnso17@illinois.edu 

99 - Juskiene, Violeta 

Institute of Animal Science of LVA, Lithuania 

violeta@lgi.lt 

100 - Keeling, Linda 

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 

Sweden 

linda.keeling@hmh.slu.se 

101 - Kirchner, Marlene 

University of Natural Resources and Applied Life 

Sciences, Austria 

marlene.kirchner@boku.ac.at 

102 - Knierim, Ute 


knierim@wiz.uni-kassel.de 

103 - Koene, Paul 


paul.koene@wur.nl 

104 - KOHARI, Daisuke 

Ibaraki university, Japan 

kohari@mx.ibaraki.ac.jp 

105 - Kok, José 

Ouwehand Zoo, Netherlands 

jose.kok@ouwehand.nl 

106 - Kolkman, Iris 


iris.kolkman@ugent.be 

107 - Krautwald-Junghanns, Maria 

University Leipzig, Germany 

krautwald@vmf.uni-leipzig.de 

108 - Kupiec Teahan, Beata 


BEATA.KUPIEC@SAC.AC.UK 

211 

109 - Laitat, Martine 

University of Liège, Belgium 

mlaitat@ulg.ac.be 

110 - Langford, Fritha 


fritha.langford@sac.ac.uk 

111 - Leeb, Christine 

University of Natural Resources and Applied Life 

Sciences, Austria 

christine.leeb@boku.ac.at 

112 - Leruste, Helene 

Institut Superieur d''Agriculture, France 

h.leruste@isa-lille.fr 

113 - Llonch, Pol 

IRTA, Spain 

pol.llonch@irta.es 

114 - Luzi, Fabio 

Universita Studi Milano, Italy 

fabio.luzi@unimi.it 

115 - Maertens, Luc 

ILVO, Belgium 

luc.maertens@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

116 - Maes, Dominiek 


dominiek.maes@UGent.be 

117 - Malleau, Anne 

Whole Foods Market, USA 

anne.malleau@wholefoods.com 

118 - Manteca Vilanova, Xavier 

School of Veterinary Science, Barcelona, Spain 

xavier.manteca@uab.es 

119 - Martiskainen, Paula 

University of Kuopio, Finland 

paula.martiskainen@uku.fi 

120 - Matheson, Stephanie 


stephanie.matheson@sac.ac.uk

121 - Melotti, Luca 


Luca.Melotti@bristol.ac.uk 

122 - Mench, Joy 

University of California, USA 

jamench@ucdavis.edu 

123 - Merks, Jan 

IPG, Instiitute for Pig Genetics BV, Netherlands 

Jan.Merks@ipg.nl 

124 - Merlot, Elodie 

INRA, France 

elodie.merlot@rennes.inra.fr 

125 - Meyns, Tom 


tom.meyns@UGent.be 

126 - Michalopoulou, Eleni 


e.michalopoulou@liv.ac.uk 

127 - Miedema, S.O. 


sietse.miedema@wur.nl 

128 - Mikkonen, Taina 

Finnish Food Safety Authority, Finland 

taina.mikkonen@evira.fi 

129 - Milne, Cath 


Cath.Milne@sac.ac.uk 

130 - Mirabito, Luc 

Institut de LÉlevage, France 

luc.mirabito@inst-elevage.asso.fr 

131 - Mitchell, Malcolm 


malcolm.mitchell@sac.ac.uk 

132 - Moons, Christel 


christel.moons@ugent.be 

133 - Mullan, Siobhan 


siobhan.mullan@bris.ac.uk 

212 

134 - Murray, Travis 

University of WA, Australia 

murrat01@student.uwa.edu.au 

135 - Nadine, Lenaerts 

, Belgium 

nadine.lenaerts@ugent.be 

136 - Napolitano, Fabio 

Università della Basilicata, Italy 

fabio.napolitano@unibas.it 

137 - Niebuhr, Knut 

Veterinary University Vienna, Austria 

Knut.Niebuhr@vu-wien.ac.at 

138 - Nygaard, Christina 

Danish Agricultural Council, Denmark 

chn@agriculture.dk 

139 - Ödberg, Frank 


frank.odberg@ugent.be 

140 - Ohm, Sabine 

PROVIEH VgtM e.V., Germany 

bruessel@provieh.de 

141 - Parkes, Kate 

RSPCA, UK 

kparkes@rspca.org.uk 

142 - Pflanz, Wilhelm 

Landesanstalt für Schweinezucht Boxberg, 

Germany 

wilhelm.pflanz@lsz.bwl.de 

143 - Philipps, Petra 

DSM Nutritional Products France, France 

petra.philipps@dsm.com 

144 - Phillips, Kate 

ADAS, UK 

Kate.Phillips@adas.co.uk 

145 - Phythian, Claire 


C.J.Phythian@liverpool.ac.uk

146 - Pierard, Marc 

Geelstraat 30, Sint-Truiden, Belgium, Belgium 

pierardmarc@hotmail.com 

147 - Plesch, Gudrun 


plesch@uni-kassel.de 

148 - Prendiville, Dan 

Teagasc, Ireland 

dan.prendiville@teagasc.ie 

149 - Prunier, Armelle 

INRA, France 

armelle.prunier@rennes.inra.fr 

150 - Radka, Sarova 

Research Institute of Animal Science, Czech 

Republic 

sarova.radka@vuzv.cz 

151 - Redaelli, Veronica 


veronica.redaelli@unmi.it 

152 - Remience, Virginie 


v.remience@cra.wallonie.be 

153 - Rizvi, Sophia 

Defra, UK 

sophia.rizvi@defra.gsi.gov.uk 

154 - Roca, Xavier 

Assessors en Benestar Animal, Spain 

assbenestar@terra.es 

155 - Rodenburg, Bas 


bas.rodenburg@wur.nl 

156 - Rogerson, Iain 

Soil Association Certification Ltd, UK 

irogerson@soilassociation.org 

157 - Roose, Eveline 

Belgium 

eveline.roose@lne.vlaanderen.be 

213 

158 - Rose, Sandra 

Leibriz-Institute of Agricultural Engineering, 

Germany 

srose@atb-potsdam.de 

159 - Rousing Nielsen, Tine 

University of Aarhus, Denmark 

tine.rousingnielsen@agrsci.dk 

160 - Rushen, Jeffrey 


rushenj@agr.gc.ca 

161 - Schehka, Simone 

Institute of Zoology, Germany 

Simone.Schehka@tiho-hannover.de 

162 - Schepers, Femke 


femke.schepers@wur.nl 

163 - Schindler, Jürg 

Swiss federal Veterinary Office, Switzerland 

juerg.schindler@bvet.admin.ch 

164 - Schmid, Erik 

Federal Government County Vorarlberg, Austria 

erik.schmid@vorarlberg.at 

165 - Schmidt, Tatjana 

Martin Luther University, Germany 

tatjana.schmidt@landw.uni-halle.de 

166 - Schmied, Claudia 

University of Veterinary Medicine, Austria 

claudia.schmied@vu-wien.ac.at 

167 - Scholz, Britta 

Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Germany 

britta.scholz@fli.bund.de 

168 - Schouten, Willem 

Catalina, Netherlands 

wgp.schouten@planet.nl 

169 - Schutz, Karin 

AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand 

karin.schutz@agresearch.co.nz

170 - Schwartzkopf-Genswein, Karen 


gensweink@agr.gc.ca 

171 - Scott, Kamara 


Kamara.Scott@ncl.ac.uk 

172 - Segers, Ludo 

Orffa Belgium Feed NV, Belgium 

segers@orffa.com 

173 - Seo, Tetsuya 

Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary 

Medicine, Japan 

seo@obihiro.ac.jp 

174 - Shimmura, Tsuyoshi 

Azabu University, Japan 

tsuyoshi_shimmura@yahoo.co.jp 

175 - Sørensen, Jan Tind 

Aarhus University, Denmark 

jantind.sorensen@agrsci.dk 

176 - Sprenger, Margot 

ILVO, Belgium 

margot.sprenger@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

177 - Stevens, Jeroen 

Centre for Research and Conservation, Belgium 

jeroen.stevens@kmda.org 

178 - Stewart, Mairi 

AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand 

mairi.stewart@agresearch.co.nz 

179 - Strappini, Ana 


ana.strappini@wur.nl 

180 - Struelens, Ester 

Hogeschool Gent, Belgium 

ester.struelens@hogent.be 

181 - Sutherland, Mhairi 

Texas Tech University, USA 

mhairi.sutherland@ttu.edu 

214 

182 - Temple, Deborah 

IRTA, Spain 

deborah.temple@irta.es 

183 - Tessitore, Elena 

Italy 

elena.tessitore@unipd.it 

184 - Toth Tamminga, Emily 


etoth@uoguelph.ca 

185 - Tucker, Cassandra 

University of California, USA 

cbtucker@ucdavis.edu 

186 - Tuyttens, Frank 

ILVO, Belgium 

frank.tuyttens@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

187 - Ursinus, Nanda 


nanda.ursinus@wur.nl 

188 - van Arendonk, Johan 


johan.vanarendonk@wur.nl 

189 - Van de Perre, Vincent 


vincent.vandeperre@biw.kuleuven.be 

190 - Van dee Reijd, Paula 

Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein, Netherlands 

paula.vanderreijd@wur.nl 

191 - van der Aa, Arno 

Orffa Additives, Netherlands 

aa@orffa.com 

192 - Van Nuffel, Annelies 

ILVO, Belgium 

annelies.vannuffel@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

193 - van Reenen, Kees 


kees.vanreenen@wur.nl 

194 - Van Rooijen, Jeroen 

Retired, Netherlands 

JeroenvrooijenAkira@hotmail.com

195 - Van Tilburgh, Eric 

FOD VOlksgezondheid, Belgium 

eric.vantilburgh@health.fgov.be 

196 - Van Weerd, Hans 

Artis Zoo Amsterdam, Netherlands 

h.vanweerd@artis.nl 

197 - Vandekerchove, Dominique 

Contractueel Onderzoek, FOD VVVL, Belgium 

Dominique.Vandekerchove@health.fgov.be 

198 - Vanhonacker, Filiep 


Filiep.Vanhonacker@Ugent.be 

199 - Vanpoucke, Els 

ILVO, Belgium 

els.vanpoucke@ilvo.vlaanderen.be 

200 - Vasseur, Elsa 

University of Laval, Canada 

rushenj@agr.gc.ca 

201 - Veissier, Isabelle 

INRA, France 

isabelle.veissier@clermont.inra.fr 

202 - Velarde, Antonio 

IRTA, Spain 

antonio.velarde@irta.es 

203 - Veldkamp, Teun 


teun.veldkamp@wur.nl 

204 - Verbeke, Wim 


Wim.Verbeke@UGent.be 

205 - Vervaecke, Hilde 

KaHoSL, Belgium 

hilde.vervaecke@kahosl.be 

206 - Vig Tamstorf, Trine 

Danish Pig Production, Denmark 

tvt@dansksvineproduktion.dk 

215 

207 - von Holleben, Karen 

BSI schwarzenbek, Germany 

kvh@bsi-schwarzenbek.de 

208 - Waiblinger, Susanne 


Susanne.Waiblinger@vu-wien.ac.at 

209 - Wavreille, José 


wavreille@cra.wallonie.be 

210 - Weaver, Alison 


Alison.Weaver@bris.ac.uk 

211 - Wechsler, Beat 

Federal Veterinary Office, Switzerland 

beat.wechsler@art.admin.ch 

212 - Wellbrock, Wiebke 


wiebke.wellbrock@wur.nl 

213 - Wells, Kimberly 

Brooke hospital for animals, UK 

kimberly@thebrooke.org 

214 - Wemelsfelder, Francoise 


Francoise.Wemelsfelder@sac.ac.uk 

215 - Whay, Helen 


Bec.Whay@bristol.ac.uk 

216 - Whistance, Lindsay 

University of Aarhus, Denmark 

LindsayK.Whistance@agrsci.dk 

217 - White, Antonia 

Icerobotics Ltd., UK 

awhite@icerobotics.com 

218 - Wiemann, Matthias 

DSM Nutritional Products Europe, Switzerland 

matthias.wiemann@dsm.com 

219 - Winckler, Christoph 

BOKU Vienna, Austria 

christoph.winckler@boku.ac.at

220 - Windschnurer, Ines 


Ines.Windschnurer@vu-wien.ac.at 

221 - Wiseman-Orr, Lesley 

University of Glasgow, UK 

lesley.wiseman@stats.gla.ac.uk 

Notes: 

216 

222 - Zapata Salfate, Beatriz 

Universidad de Chile, Chile 

bzapata@uchile.cl

Acknowledgements Book of abstracts - Publicaties - Vlaanderen.be

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?