Academic Bibliography
https://biblio.ugent.be/
Ghent University Academic Bibliography2000-01-01T00:00+00:001monthlyThe closed-subpopulation method and estimation of population size from mark-recapture and ancillary data
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRRBYBCFCJ07Y8S439T
Tuyttens, Frank2000The algebraic relationships, underlying assumptions, and performance of the recently proposed closed-subpopulation method are compared with those of other commonly used methods for estimating the size of animal populations from mark-recapture records. In its basic format the closed-subpopulation method is similar to the Manly-Parr method and less restrictive than the Jolly-Seber method. Computer simulations indicate that the accuracy and precision of the population estimators generated by the basic closed-subpopulation method are almost comparable to those generated by the Jolly-Seber method, and generally better than those of the minimum-number-alive method. The performance of all these methods depends on the capture probability, the number of previous and subsequent trapping occasions, and whether the population is demographically closed or open. Violation of the assumption of equal catchability causes a negative bias that is more pronounced for the closed-subpopulation and Jolly-Seber estimators than for the minimum-number-alive. The closed-subpopulation method provides a simple and flexible framework for illustrating that the precision and accuracy of population-size estimates can be improved by incorporating evidence, other than mark-recapture data, of the presence of recognisable individuals in the population (from radiotelemetry, mortality records, or sightings, for example) and by exploiting specific characteristics of the population concerned.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRRBYBCFCJ07Y8S439Thttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRRBYBCFCJ07Y8S439Thttp://doi.org/10.1139/z99-218https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRRBYBCFCJ07Y8S439T/file/01HSE38X4T5PAY7SN322T5HYGRengCanadian Science Publishing, Nrc Research PressNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessCANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGYISSN: 0008-4301ISSN: 1480-3283Veterinary SciencesUNEQUAL CATCHABILITYCAPTUREMODELThe closed-subpopulation method and estimation of population size from mark-recapture and ancillary datajournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEvaluation of fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of broiler welfare
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/303393
Van Nuffel, AnneliesTuyttens, FrankLens, Luc2003https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/303393http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-303393eng15th Nordic Symposium of the International Society for Applied Ethology, AbstractsAgriculture and Food SciencesEvaluation of fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of broiler welfareconferenceinfo:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceObjectinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionOrdinal or visual analogue scales for assessing aspects of broiler chicken welfare?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GR1VZ6AE3CTSACEXJDRQ97QD
Souza, Ana Paula O.Tuyttens, Frank Taconeli, Cesar A. Biscarra, Jennifer C. Molento, Carla F. M.2024When the gradation of animal welfare is scored through ordinal scales and equidistant tags are used, empirical data between tags tend to be non-equidistant. Ordinal rate scales (ORS) and visual analogue scales (VAS) were tested for the assessment of contact dermatitis on breast and abdominal areas (CD), footpad dermatitis (FP), hock burns (HB) and bird soiling (BS) in broiler chickens. Calculations regarding the inter-rater reliability, the correlation between VAS and ORS and amongst the welfare indicators measured with both scales, and the equidistance of ORS categories in relation to values measured using VAS, were made. A total of 1,303 broiler chickens from 10 flocks was assessed on-farm by three raters using both scales. Inter-rater reliabilities of CD and HB were higher when using VAS compared with ORS, but FP was lower. Correlations between scales varied between 0.90-0.97 and 0.77-0.95 (P<0.001), considering mean and individual values. Low-to-moderate correlations were observed between the four indicators using the scales. Tags on VAS that best represented ORS were non-equidistant. Results suggest both scales were reliable assessing the selected broiler chicken welfare indicators.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GR1VZ6AE3CTSACEXJDRQ97QDhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01GR1VZ6AE3CTSACEXJDRQ97QDhttp://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2022.2105648https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GR1VZ6AE3CTSACEXJDRQ97QD/file/01GR1X4DM56NPVG8MVM1VT6Q7FengCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCEISSN: 1088-8705ISSN: 1532-7604Veterinary SciencesAnimal welfareanimal-based measurescategorical scalecontinuousscalepoultryQUALITATIVE BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENTFOOT-PAD DERMATITISSCORING SYSTEMPREVALENCELAMENESSPAINREPEATABILITYPERFORMANCEGAITOrdinal or visual analogue scales for assessing aspects of broiler chicken welfare?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersionPerformance, welfare, health and hygiene of laying hens in non-cage systems in comparison with cage systems
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJGNA2GGB8HC0A7VB66MTGJ
Hocking, Paul M.Sandilands, VictoriaRodenburg, T. BasDe Reu, KoenTuyttens, Frank2012This chapter compares the performance, welfare, health and hygiene of laying hens in different types of non-cage systems, focusing on barn, free range and organic systems. These non-cage systems are compared with each other and with cage systems. This comparison shows that both between barn, free range and organic systems and between non-cage and cage systems large differences can be identified. Moving from conventional cages to furnished cages, barn, free range and finally organic systems results in increasing environmental complexity, which is positive for some aspects of hen welfare, but also increasing risks for performance, health and hygiene, which is negative for other aspects of hen welfare. For the improvement of the welfare of laying hens in non-cage systems and furnished cages, we recommend that the focus should be on creating a better match between the animals and their husbandry environment. Good examples are the development of new housing designs that combine the benefits of non-cage systems with improved performance, health and hygienic status. Further, promising approaches in animal breeding and optimizing rearing environments are expected to yield major improvements in the welfare of laying hens in non-cage systems and furnished cages.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJGNA2GGB8HC0A7VB66MTGJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSJGNA2GGB8HC0A7VB66MTGJhttp://doi.org/10.1079/9781845938246.0210https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJGNA2GGB8HC0A7VB66MTGJ/file/01HSJGP81FX57WMM8HN3WK121VengCABINo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAlternative systems for poultry : health, welfare and productivityISBN: 9781845938246ISBN: 9781780640099Agriculture and Food SciencesVeterinary SciencesPerformance, welfare, health and hygiene of laying hens in non-cage systems in comparison with cage systemsbookChapterinfo:eu-repo/semantics/bookPartinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionWelfare, health, and hygiene of laying hens housed in furnished cages and in alternative housing systems
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJG947S794PP9HDJ89MCC3D
Rodenburg, T. BasTuyttens, FrankSonck, BartDe Reu, KoenHerman, LieveZoons, Johan2005The aim of this review was to compare welfare, health, and hygienic status of laying hens housed in furnished cages and in alternative systems. In alternative systems (floor housing and aviaries), birds have more freedom of movement and a more complex environment than in furnished cages. However, housing birds in much larger flocks in alternative systems leads to an increased risk of feather-pecking. Furthermore, air quality can be poorer in alternative systems than in furnished cages. This can affect health and hygienic status. There are only limited data on a direct comparison between furnished cages and alternative systems. Therefore, there is a need for an on-farm comparison of welfare, health, and hygienic status in these systems.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJG947S794PP9HDJ89MCC3Dhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSJG947S794PP9HDJ89MCC3Dhttp://doi.org/10.1207/s15327604jaws0803_5https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJG947S794PP9HDJ89MCC3D/file/01HSJGF8BGGWC7ZMXEEWF76KN2engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCEISSN: 1088-8705ISSN: 1532-7604Agriculture and Food SciencesVeterinary SciencesGeneral VeterinaryAnimal Science and ZoologyWelfare, health, and hygiene of laying hens housed in furnished cages and in alternative housing systemsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEvaluation of fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of broiler welfare
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJGT41F45K1ZAG8YXG5NQ6V
Weeks, Claire W.Butterworth, AndrewVan Nuffel, AnneliesTalloen, WillemSonck, BartLens, LucTuyttens, Frank2004https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSJGT41F45K1ZAG8YXG5NQ6Vhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSJGT41F45K1ZAG8YXG5NQ6Vhttp://doi.org/10.1079/9780851998053.0301engCABIMeasuring and auditing broiler welfareISBN: 9780851998053ISBN: 9780851990392Agriculture and Food SciencesVeterinary SciencesEvaluation of fluctuating asymmetry as an indicator of broiler welfarebookChapterinfo:eu-repo/semantics/bookPartinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionCage size and enrichment effects on the bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry of fattening rabbits
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3218045
Buijs, StephanieVan Poucke, ElsVan Dongen, StefanLens, LucTuyttens, Frank2012We studied the effect of increased cage size on different aspects of bone quality (bone strength, diameter, weight, and length) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Such characteristics may indicate improved animal welfare, as greater bone quality may decrease fracture incidence during handling, whereas decreased FA has been suggested to signal decreased stress. As stress is likely not only influenced by the quantity of space, but also by its quality, we also studied the effect of environmental enrichment. Groups of 8 rabbits were housed in wire open-top cages of 0.40, 0.46, 0.53, 0.64, 0.80, 1.07, and 1.60 m(2) from weaning until slaughter. All cages of 0.40 and 0.46 m(2) (12 cages/size) were left barren to allow sufficient mobility. One-half of the larger cages were enriched with a wooden-enrichment structure that could be used to gnaw on, hide in, or lie in (6 cages per size x enrichment treatment). Increased cage size led to an increase in tibiofibula diameter (P = 0.008), a tendency for increased tibiofibula weight (P = 0.051), and decreased FA (P = 0.010), suggesting improved welfare. Bone length and strength were not affected by cage size (P > 0.1). Enrichment did not affect FA (P > 0.1), in contrast with our expectations based on previous glucocorticoid analysis. This discrepancy between indicators may be due to sensitivity to other types of stressors or different sensitive periods. In summary, rabbits housed in larger cages had wider, heavier bones, but the absence of changes in bone strength indicate that this is unlikely to result in decreased fracture incidence. In larger cages, FA was lower, suggesting a favorable effect on welfare, whereas no effect of enrichment was shown.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3218045http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-3218045http://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2012-5141https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3218045/file/3218206engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCEISSN: 0021-8812Biology and Life Sciencesfattening rabbitbone strengthfluctuating asymmetrystocking densitywelfareMEAT QUALITYTRAITSGROWTHPARAMETERSBEHAVIORDENSITYSTRESSCage size and enrichment effects on the bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry of fattening rabbitsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionPreference of laying hens for nesting materials and nest box position in furnished cages
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRE6C0W88YWXX64G01Y
Struelens, E.Janssen, A.Ceunen, J.Tuyttens, FrankVranken, E.De Baere, K.Berckmans, D.Zoons, J.Sonck, B.2002application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRE6C0W88YWXX64G01Yhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRE6C0W88YWXX64G01Yhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRE6C0W88YWXX64G01Y/file/01HSGEJN14YFEXMN656BVG7TJJengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessBRITISH POULTRY SCIENCEISSN: 0007-1668Veterinary SciencesPreference of laying hens for nesting materials and nest box position in furnished cagesjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionVigilance in badgers Meles meles : the effects of group size and human persecution
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRKR86SHC8JGJ3B3HRS
Tuyttens, Frank Stapley, N Stewart, PD Macdonald, DW2001Potential costs to badgers Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) of living in groups may be offset by the ability of a group to either improve predator detection, or reduce the time each individual must be vigilant to attain a certain likelihood of predator detection. Using an infra-red video-surveillance system, we show that badgers emerge later from their dens in a population that has been repeatedly subjected to lethal control by humans as compared to badgers from a nearby, undisturbed population. We further illustrate that, despite the apparent lack of a visual or vocal alarm signal to alert group members to a threat, corporate vigilance increases and individual vigilance levels decrease as badgers aggregate in groups (up to 4). These results highlight the possibility that the role of (human) predation in badger social evolution has not been sufficiently considered.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRKR86SHC8JGJ3B3HRShttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRKR86SHC8JGJ3B3HRShttp://doi.org/10.1007/BF03192419https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRKR86SHC8JGJ3B3HRS/file/01HSE3FWTXY6106SWNFCVBEPCAengSpringerNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessACTA THERIOLOGICAISSN: 0001-7051ISSN: 2190-3743Veterinary SciencesMeles melescullingemergencegroup livingsocialityvigilanceEUROPEAN BADGEREURASIAN BADGERBEHAVIORMAMMALSVigilance in badgers Meles meles : the effects of group size and human persecutionjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEstimating group size and population density of Eurasian badgers Meles meles by quantifying latrine use
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRJ2JG83G25X3DHKXGJ
Tuyttens, Frank Long, B Fawcett, T Skinner, A Brown, JA Cheeseman, CL Roddam, AW MacDonald, DW20011. Conservation issues and a potential role in disease transmission generate the continued need to census Eurasian badgers Meles metes, but direct counts and sett counts present difficulties. The feasibility of estimating social group size and population density of badgers by quantifying their use of latrines was evaluated.
2. The number of latrines, or preferably the number of separate dung pits, which were known from bait-marking to be used by members of a social group, was positively correlated with adult group size estimated from mark-recapture studies at Woodchester Park and North Nibley (south-west England). In the latter study area both latrine-use measures were also significantly associated with total group size (i.e. including cubs and adults).
3. In spring 1997 and 1998, we quantified latrine use along strip transects, following linear features across four and five areas, respectively, in England, where badger density in summer was known from mark-recapture/resight studies.
4. Seven latrine-use measures were evaluated with regard to their potential to predict badger density. Each measure separately explained between 62% and 91% of the variation in population density in a given year. The simplest measures (latrines km(-1) and pits km(-1)) were most stable between years.
5. For these two simple latrine-use measures, a linear model without an intercept term explained the highest proportion of variation in population density. A stepwise procedure to produce the best model selected only one (latrines km(-1)) of the two measures as an explanatory variable., indicating that pits km(-1) is colinear with the former variable.
6. A badger census technique based on simple measurements of latrine use has great promise but needs to be validated across a wider range of badger populations, habitats, years, seasons and weather conditions.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRJ2JG83G25X3DHKXGJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRJ2JG83G25X3DHKXGJhttp://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2664.2001.00665.xhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRJ2JG83G25X3DHKXGJ/file/01HSE3J7MRN7CVNV08PBJ66D9GengWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGYISSN: 0021-8901ISSN: 1365-2664Veterinary SciencesMARK-RECAPTUREORGANIZATIONbait-markingcensusdemographyfaecal countpopulation sizeEstimating group size and population density of Eurasian badgers Meles meles by quantifying latrine usejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionDifferences in trappability of European badgers Meles meles in three populations in England
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRS9JYFFXPHD0JWJ95Z
Macdonald, DW Delahay, R Rogers, LM Mallinson, RJ Donnelly, CA Newman, CTuyttens, Frank19991. Many ecological studies on the European badger Meles meles, as well as certain programmes to control bovine tuberculosis, would benefit from a greater understanding of the factors that influence the probability of capturing this animal in cage-traps. We therefore investigated some of the factors that could explain differences in trappability between three badger populations in England: the high-density protected populations of Wytham Woods and Woodchester Park, and the low-density culled population of North Nibley.
2. Trappability (the percentage of all individuals known alive that were actually captured) did not differ between sexes or adult age classes, but significant differences were found between cubs and adults, study areas, seasons and years, and various interactions between these variables.
3. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the culling of badgers in North Nibley may have resulted in a decrease of adult trappability in the following year.
4. Adult badgers at Wytham Woods and Woodchester Park were significantly more likely to be trapped zero times ('trap-shy') or all three times ('trap-happy') in 1996 than predicted by the estimated capture probabilities under the assumption of equal trappability.
5. Wytham Woods differed from the other study areas in that trappability of its badgers was positively related to their body weight and its adult badgers were more likely to be trapped than cubs. These differences could be a consequence of differences in trapping procedures that were followed at Wytham (no prebaiting and fewer traps per badger).
6. Trappability of badgers was not associated with social group size. Although it is difficult to determine precisely the movement and tuberculosis status of badgers based on mark-recapture data, our analyses did not suggest that either variable affected the likelihood of being trapped.
7. Studies that compare demographic, biometric and epidemiological parameters based on data collected from badgers captured at different times or places ought to account for the observed differences in trappability.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRS9JYFFXPHD0JWJ95Zhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRS9JYFFXPHD0JWJ95Zhttp://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2664.1999.00462.xhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRS9JYFFXPHD0JWJ95Z/file/01HSG606XK0YBMT4FHPS6GQNQPengWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGYISSN: 0021-8901Veterinary Sciencescage-trappingcapture-mark-recapturecapture probabilityMycobacterium bovispopulation estimationMYCOBACTERIUM-BOVIS INFECTIONENUMERATIONESTIMATORSRECAPTUREELISADifferences in trappability of European badgers Meles meles in three populations in EnglandjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSpatial perturbation caused by a badger (Meles meles) culling operation : implications for the function of territoriality and the control of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis)
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRN1QP5JP0VKXGJC1CW
Delahay, RJ MacDonald, DW Cheeseman, CL Long, B Donnelly, CATuyttens, Frank2000I, The spatial organization of a badger population (North Nibley) is described before and after it was subjected to a UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food badger removal operation (BRO) intended to control bovine tuberculosis. Comparison is made with an undisturbed badger population (Woodchester Park).
2, The Woodchester Park population was organized in group territories with clearly defined boundaries that remained stable during the 3 years of study (1995-97). In North Nibley, however, the badgers' spatial organization was severely perturbed in the first year and, to a lesser extent, also in the second year after the BRO, with badgers using latrines further away from their setts. This resulted in enlarged social group ranges that were difficult to define and overlapped considerably.
3. The disturbance was observed in the removal groups, those immediately adjacent, as well as those at a distance of one or two social groups from the removal area, with an unexpected indication that the latter groups may have been the most affected.
4, The apparent increase in the size of the group ranges in North Nibley was likely to have been caused by an increased proportion of badgers making extra-group excursions in the aftermath of the BRO.
5. Initial recolonization was almost exclusively by females.
6, Although such perturbation might be expected to facilitate disease transmission between badger social groups, there was no evidence that any infectious animals had survived the BRO. However, there were further cattle breakdowns in the area.
7, The behaviour of badgers after the BRO also provided an opportunity to test predictions made by competing hypotheses about the main determinants of the badger's socio-spatial behaviour.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRN1QP5JP0VKXGJC1CWhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRN1QP5JP0VKXGJC1CWhttp://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2656.2000.00437.xhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRN1QP5JP0VKXGJC1CW/file/01HSE3DK9SYCC3WFTQWKW2QHZ6engWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGYISSN: 0021-8790ISSN: 1365-2656Veterinary Sciencesbait-markingdisease controlinfanticideradio-trackingspatial organizationEUROPEAN BADGERSLATRINE USEBEHAVIORDISEASEPOPULATIONINFECTIONMARKINGMAMMALSMODELELISASpatial perturbation caused by a badger (Meles meles) culling operation : implications for the function of territoriality and the control of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis)journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionFertility control : an option for non-lethal control of wild carnivores?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRW7NF0P2WGX6SEC7CZ
Macdonald, DWTuyttens, Frank1998Three types of fertility control, surgical sterilization, hormonal chemosterilization, and immunosterilization, ave reviewed with regard to their potential for controlling problematic populations of carnivores. The fertility control agent and delivery protocol of choice may vary considerably according to: (i) the reason for control; (ii) the degree, urgency and duration of population reduction required; (iii) concerns about ethics and public opinion; and (iv) the status, population dynamics, social structure, mating system, size, behaviour and reproductive endocrinology of the target animals. Although they are often perceived and advocated as more preferable methods of population control than lethal approaches, it is important that wildlife managers as well as members of the public realize that the ethical acceptability of the various fertility control techniques may differ considerably - and that numerous questions regarding their effectiveness, humaneness and ecological safety remain unanswered.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRW7NF0P2WGX6SEC7CZhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRW7NF0P2WGX6SEC7CZhttp://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600020911https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRW7NF0P2WGX6SEC7CZ/file/01HSE2BQKYMH3KDQWE5BDZRHX5engUniv Federation Animal WelfareNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfarecarnivorecontraceptionfertility controlpopulation controlwildlife managementVIRUS-VECTORED IMMUNOCONTRACEPTIONREMOTELY-DELIVERED IMMUNOCONTRACEPTIONPORCINE ZONAE PELLUCIDAEWHITE-TAILED DEERACTIVE IMMUNIZATIONEARLY-PREGNANCYPROSTAGLANDIN ANALOGTERMINATE PREGNANCYPOPULATION-CONTROLVULPES-VULPESFertility control : an option for non-lethal control of wild carnivores?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffect of group size and escape enrichment on reproductive performance of breeding does in part-time group housing
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG6KYWANJB610XVVEBGDVNX
Van Damme, Liesbeth Delezie, Evelyne Maertens, Luc Ampe, BartTuyttens, Frank2023Societal demands for group housing of social farm animals such as rabbits are increasing due to animal welfare concerns. When breeding does are housed in groups, maternal protective behaviour negatively affects the reproductive performance of the does. In part-time group housing, does are housed in single-litter cages starting shortly before parturition until the first part of lactation and then group housed for the second part after their protective behaviour has diminished and the kits are more resilient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of breeding does in a part-time group housing system with provision of escape enrichment and different group size (and concomitant different stocking density, as pen size remained unchanged). For each of the four consecutive reproductive cycles, 42 does with their kits switched at 22 d post-partum (pp) from single-litter to group housing for a total period of 13 d in pens of 200x102 cm by removing walls between four adjacent single-litter cages. Newly created group pens (N=12 pens per treatment) varied in group size, stocking density and enrichment: groups of either three or four does were divided over same-size pens with or without escape enrichment (2x2 factorial design). The escape enrichment was comprised of two sets of PVC pipes and two extra elevated platforms. Does were weighed and kits counted at parturition, after which kits were cross-fostered. Kits were counted and weighed again 22 and 35 d pp. Results for mean doe fertility (90.0%), number of kits (9.1 kits/litter) and kit weight (1037.3 g/kit) at weaning were comparable with professional farms using single-litter cages. No significant effects of group size and escape enrichment were found for any of the reproductive parameters. While housed in group, seven does were removed from the experiment, from which four does were severely injured. Post-grouping kit mortality was rather low (6.7%), but three kits were euthanised due to severe injuries. In conclusion, provision of escape enrichment and altered group size (and stocking density) had no profound effect on the reproductive performance of part-time group housed does.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG6KYWANJB610XVVEBGDVNXhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HBG6KYWANJB610XVVEBGDVNXhttp://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2023.18616https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG6KYWANJB610XVVEBGDVNX/file/01HBG87J1FBX75AC53SJRAA6TMengUniv Politechnica Valencia, Editorial UPVCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessWORLD RABBIT SCIENCEISSN: 1257-5011ISSN: 1989-8886Veterinary Sciencespart-time group housingreproductive performanceanimal welfarerabbitsbreeding doeskitsRABBITEffect of group size and escape enrichment on reproductive performance of breeding does in part-time group housingjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffects of group size and cage enrichment on social behaviour and skin injuries of breeding rabbits housed part-time in group
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG796766AH0Z1Y4TEG3TCYA
Van Damme, Liesbeth Ampe, Bart Delezie, EvelyneTuyttens, Frank2023Housing of breeding does in group pens can result in skin injuries and stress due to maternal protective behaviour and hierarchy fights. Aggression can be partly reduced by using single-litter cages during the first weeks of the reproductive cycle and by delaying the grouping of does with their litters until the kits are older. Hierarchy fights do still occur in these part-time housing systems, however. The present study evaluated the effect of group size and cage enrichment on doe and kit skin injuries and on doe social behaviour. During four cycles, groups of either three or four does with their 22-day-old kits were housed in group pens for 13 days. Pens were assigned one of the following treatments (n = 12 pens per treat-ment): group of four does with no additional enrichment, four does with additional cage enrichment, three does with no additional enrichment and three does with additional cage enrichment. Cage enrich-ment was comprised of plastic pipes and elevated platforms. As pen size remained constant, a change in group size also implied a proportional change in stocking density. The number and severity of skin inju-ries were monitored before grouping and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 13 days after grouping. Video recordings from all group pens were scored continuously for doe behaviour during the first 24 h after grouping in the first and second reproduction cycle and for the first 8 h in the third cycle. Four severely injured does needed to be removed after grouping. During the first day after group housing, respectively, 72.6 and 13.0% of the does and kits acquired at least one new skin injury with respect to the onset of group housing. Compared with groups of four, does in groups of three had lower averaged skin injury scores (9.41 versus 8.40, P = 0.004). Of all observed postgrouping social behaviours, submissive behaviour was most frequently observed (42.8%), followed by aggressive behaviour (29.8%), engaging behaviour (25.1%) and non -aggressive social contact (2.3%). Does used the enrichment during 11.1% of the total observation time, during which the platforms were more frequently visited (97.2%) in comparison to the plastic pipes (2.8%). As shown by the percentage of injured animals on the last day of grouping (does: 61.9% and kits: 18.4%), postgrouping aggression remains a problem that appears difficult to reduce to acceptable levels by reducing group size (and stocking density) or by providing cage enrichment.& COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Animal Consortium. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG796766AH0Z1Y4TEG3TCYAhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HBG796766AH0Z1Y4TEG3TCYAhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2023.100850https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG796766AH0Z1Y4TEG3TCYA/file/01HBG854GGQP471DMHG27SBTZMengElsevierCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311ISSN: 1751-732XVeterinary SciencesAggressionAnimal welfareDoesKitsStocking densityDOMESTIC RABBITSPERFORMANCEEffects of group size and cage enrichment on social behaviour and skin injuries of breeding rabbits housed part-time in groupjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffectiveness and efficiency of chlorophacinone poisoning for the control of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) populations
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRHF26HNFP5EBFSX6WT
Tuyttens, Frank Stuyck, JJJM2002A muskrat-poisoning campaign, using carrot baits containing the first generation anticoagulant chlorophacinone, was carried out by professional governmental trappers in a study area in Flanders (North Belgium). A single poisoning campaign in one half of the study area (2.07 km(2)) was carried out between 17 and 19 April 2000, while a similar campaign was carried out in the second half of the study area (2.66 km(2)) a fortnight later. The survival rate of radio-tagged muskrats was compared between the treatment group consisting of animals that were known to have been potentially exposed to the poison baits (because they were resident inside either study area half during, and at least 5 days after, the poisoning campaign), and the non-treatment group consisting of animals that had clearly not been exposed to the poison baits. The survival rates did not differ between the treatment and non-treatment animals prior to the poisoning campaigns. After the poisoning campaigns, however, the survival rate of the treatment animals dropped dramatically while that of the non-treatment animals remained constant. All treatment animals (first campaign: n=3; second campaign: n=7) died between the fifth and tenth day after the distribution of the baits in their environment, and all showed haemorrhage on postmortem. The majority of these animals (73%) had died above ground illustrating the danger of secondary poisoning. The study confirms that chlorophacinone, despite having been used for more than 30 years, still appears to be effective against muskrats. The labour required for both baiting campaigns, however, was substantially more than anticipated.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRHF26HNFP5EBFSX6WThttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRHF26HNFP5EBFSX6WThttp://doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2002.9518287https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRHF26HNFP5EBFSX6WT/file/01HSE3MJT64FE52E6FPBY658DYengTaylor & FrancisNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessNEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGYISSN: 0301-4223Veterinary SciencesanticoagulantKaplan-Meierpest controlpest managementpoisoningrodenticidewildlife managementEffectiveness and efficiency of chlorophacinone poisoning for the control of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) populationsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSocial behaviour and personality profiles of breeding does housed part-time in group
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG7PM3RS61D2Q3ZJPS57M2F
Van Damme, LiesbethAmpe, BartDelezie, EvelyneRommers, JorineTuyttens, Frank2023Housing breeding female rabbits in multi-litter instead of single-litter cages allows for more natural behaviour and social contact with conspecifics. Hierarchy fights among does, however, inhibit uptake on farms. Past focus on high reproductive performances in single-litter cages may have yielded rabbit breeds that are less suited to living in groups. For (part-time) multi-litter systems, it may prove beneficial to identify does with personality traits that are desirable for group-living and that promote the rapid formation and maintenance of a stable social hierarchy without grave injuries and prolonged stress. In this trial, we aimed to profile the personality of does by investigating the consistency of their social behavioural strategy when mixed in different groups. We further tested if strategy and personality of does were linked with skin injuries in the groups and if skin injuries could serve as a proxy to identify doe strategies and profiles. During three consecutive reproduction cycles, three or four does and their 22-day-old kits were housed in multi-litter cages for a period of 13 days (N = 51 does in total). Doe agonistic behaviour was recorded during the first 24 h (cycle 1 and 2) and the first 8 h (cycle 3) after grouping. Cluster analysis revealed two social behavioural strategies does adopted when a new group was formed: 'offensive' (36.8%) versus 'submissive/avoider' (63.2%). From all does that participated in the study for all three reproduction cycles (N = 32), 46.9% changed strategy at least once between cycles and were identified as an 'all-rounder' personality profile. Two other profiles were identified for does that did not change between cycles: 'consistently submissive' (40.6%) and 'consistently offensive' (12.5%). The presence of both 'stable' and 'unstable' does suggests that some does adjust their behaviour in response to their social environment. No significant correlations were found between injuries at both individual and group level and doe strategy or profile. Likewise, results could not confirm if skin injuries were a good proxy to identify doe strategy or profile. Future investigations could explore alternatives to identify 'sociable' does without relying on intensive behavioural studies (e.g. ano-genital distance of female kits at birth). Additionally, it needs to be ascertained whether removing offensive behaving does would indeed lead to reduced aggression and stress in group housing systems. Implications: Breeding female rabbits may benefit from group housing but aggressive behaviour compromises animal welfare and commercial uptake. To gain knowledge on the social dynamics between does, we investigated whether problematic agonistic behaviour could be a stable personality trait. This could facilitate selection towards 'sociable' on-farm doe groups. Results showed that social behaviour strategies (offensive or submissive/ avoider) were stable across three successive production rounds in half of the does. Other does showed more flexibility, possibly depending on group composition. Links between doe behaviour and skin injuries (including those of group mates), however, are missing which makes identification and practical uptake challenging.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG7PM3RS61D2Q3ZJPS57M2Fhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HBG7PM3RS61D2Q3ZJPS57M2Fhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.106064https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HBG7PM3RS61D2Q3ZJPS57M2F/file/01HBG7WPBAWR3GH1G240WSMTHJengElsevier BVCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesAnimal Science and ZoologyFood AnimalsSociabilitySkin injuriesAgonistic behaviourAnimal welfareRabbitSocial behaviour and personality profiles of breeding does housed part-time in groupjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionResponse to Delahay, Waldram, Mallinson, Spyvee, Handoll, de Leeuw and Cheeseman
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRDT0P374Q00N8S8TEJ
Macdonald, DW Roddam, AWTuyttens, Frank2003application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRDT0P374Q00N8S8TEJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRDT0P374Q00N8S8TEJhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S0952836903233562https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRDT0P374Q00N8S8TEJ/file/01HSE4HKWJ1WW6A48R5FZTPJWCengWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGYISSN: 0952-8369Veterinary SciencesBADGERS MELES-MELESSTRESSCONSEQUENCESCAPTUREWEIGHTResponse to Delahay, Waldram, Mallinson, Spyvee, Handoll, de Leeuw and Cheesemanmiscinfo:eu-repo/semantics/otherinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionMeasures of developmental instability as integrated, Aposteriori indicators of farm animal welfare : a review
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRB096NV9F8A627MYTA
Tuyttens, Frank2003Developmental instability, of which fluctuating asymmetry is the most commonly used and recommended measure, has recently been claimed to be an objective, integrated and retrospective indicator of animal welfare. The theoretical and empirical grounds for these claims are reviewed. In theory, carefully selected composite indices of fluctuating asymmetry are valid indicators of animal welfare in the sense that they reflect the ability of the developmental processes of an animal, with a given genetic constitution, to cope with environmental stressors. Relevant scientific experiments are scant and are mainly restricted to poultry, but they are on the increase and they largely support the application of developmental instability for assessing animal welfare. A scheme for monitoring farm animal welfare based purely on measures of developmental instability would have important advantages, but cannot be recommended yet. It cannot be ruled out that certain factors are clearly relevant to the welfare stants of an animal but do not notably/proportionally affect its morphogenesis. Moreover, such a monitoring scheme would not be appropriate for applications with an emphasis on problem analysis/management.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRB096NV9F8A627MYTAhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRB096NV9F8A627MYTAhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600026142https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRB096NV9F8A627MYTA/file/01HSE2V43YGY0QD30NAT2C0Z7EengUniv Federation Animal WelfareNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfaredevelopmental instabilitydevelopmental stabilityfarm animalfluctuating asymmetrypoultryCHICKENS GALLUS-GALLUSFLUCTUATING ASYMMETRYSTRESSTRAITSSTABILITYGROWTHSIZEMeasures of developmental instability as integrated, Aposteriori indicators of farm animal welfare : a reviewjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionApplications for methods of on-farm welfare assessment
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRA987KXKHE6MXC9AYJ
Main, DCJ Kent, JP Wemelsfelder, F Ofner, ETuyttens, Frank2003Animal welfare assessment at group level is a scientific discipline that is rapidly developing. The interest in welfare assessment systems is based on an ethical concern for the welfare of farm animals. The scientific community, plays an important role in delivering an appropriate repeatable, valid and feasible framework for these assessments. Consideration of the potential applications of these techniques is important,for deciding upon the requirements of specific assessment systems. This paper provides a brief overview of the different types of applications, which can be categorised broadly into research, legislative requirements (nonvoluntary), certification systems (voluntary) and advisory/management tools. These applications may have various goals: quantification of welfare, provision of welfare assurance or welfare management. Assessment systems vary in many characteristics, such as whether they are animal- or resource-based, and whether they are based on single or integrated scores. Different applications will require different elements of these features.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRA987KXKHE6MXC9AYJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRA987KXKHE6MXC9AYJhttp://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600026129https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRA987KXKHE6MXC9AYJ/file/01HSE2NDERXN9GDMB2B4B37R3SengUniv Federation Animal WelfareNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary Sciencesadvisoryanimal welfareapplicationscertificationlegislationwelfare assessmentApplications for methods of on-farm welfare assessmentjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffects of radio-collars on European badgers (Meles meles)
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRFESNGYFSTEP1DR3Y2
Macdonald, DW Roddam, AWTuyttens, Frank2002The relationships between radio-collaring/tracking and 12 biometric parameters in a population of badgers (Meles meles) that were live-trapped in south-west England were investigated. The length of time for which a badger had worn a radio-collar was selected as an explanatory variable in generalized linear models of three biometric parameters (body condition, body weight and testes volume) irrespective of whether or not age class was included as a variable in the analyses. There was evidence that badgers that had been carrying a radio-collar for 1-100 days had lower body condition scores both when compared to badgers that had not been collared and with those that had been collared for longer than 100 days, suggesting a post-collaring acclimation period. In addition, the time period between first and last capture was longer for radio-collared than non-collared badgers. It is unlikely that this was due to an effect of collaring on trappability or to non-random selection of badgers for collaring. Although testes size differed between non-collared badgers and badgers that had been tagged for > 100 days, the relationship between radio-collaring and reproductive output remained unproven. These results highlight not only the need to assess the welfare aspects of radio-collaring but also the potential intricacy of corollaries of collaring. Explorations such as that reported here are important to the validity of studies that make use of radio-telemetry.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRFESNGYFSTEP1DR3Y2http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRFESNGYFSTEP1DR3Y2http://doi.org/10.1017/S0952836902000638https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRFESNGYFSTEP1DR3Y2/file/01HSE3PSG5MFKCHDXEPTZQZRSVengWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGYISSN: 0952-8369ISSN: 1469-7998Veterinary SciencesPOPULATIONBEHAVIORbody conditionmortalityradio-telemetryreproductionsurvivalMeles melesEffects of radio-collars on European badgers (Meles meles)journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAssessing animal welfare impact of fourteen control and dispatch methods for house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus)
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H20Y0KF82GMJTAP4G70ENHS5
De Ruyver, CiskaBaert, KristofCartuyvels, EmmaBeernaert, Lies ALTuyttens, FrankLeirs, HerwigMoons, Christel2023Population control of the house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus) is common practice worldwide. Our objective was to assess the impact on animal welfare of lethal and non-lethal control methods, including three dispatch methods. We used the Sharp and Saunders welfare assessment model with eight experts scoring eleven control methods and three dispatch methods used on the three species. We presumed the methods were performed as prescribed, only taking into account the effect on the target animal (and not, for example, on non-target catches). We did not assess population control efficacy of the methods. Methods considered to induce the least suffering to the target animal were captive-bolt traps, electrocution traps and cervical dislocation, while those with the greatest impact were anticoagulants, cholecalciferol and deprivation. Experts indicated considerable uncertainty regarding their evaluation of certain methods, which emphasises the need for further scientific research. In particular, the impact of hydrogen cyanide, chloralose and aluminium phosphide on animal welfare ought to be investigated. The experts also stressed the need to improve Standard Operating Procedures and to incorporate animal welfare assessments in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The results of our study can help laypeople, professionals, regulatory agencies and legislators making well-informed decisions as to which methods to use when controlling commensal rodents.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H20Y0KF82GMJTAP4G70ENHS5http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01H20Y0KF82GMJTAP4G70ENHS5http://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2022.2https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H20Y0KF82GMJTAP4G70ENHS5/file/01H2QJFRN3MV92NM9NPS0CPXX3engCambridge University Press (CUP)Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286ISSN: 2054-1538Veterinary SciencesGeneral VeterinaryGeneral Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular BiologyAnimal Science and Zoologywelfare assessmentRattus rattusRattus norvegicuspest controlMus musculusanimal welfareAssessing animal welfare impact of fourteen control and dispatch methods for house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus)journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionThe effects of mild disturbances on sleep behaviour in laying hens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPR31V81279MX0VH7XP
Putyora, Endre Brocklehurst, SarahTuyttens, Frank Sandilands, Victoria2023The positive welfare of commercial animals presents many benefits, making the accurate assessment of welfare important. Assessments frequently use behaviour to determine welfare state; however, nighttime behaviours are often ignored. Sleep behaviour may offer new insights into welfare assessments. This study aimed to establish a baseline for sleep behaviour in laying hens and to then apply mild short-term disturbances and observe the subsequent effects. Twelve laying hens were divided into four batches and were surgically implanted with electroencephalogram (EEG) devices to record their brain activity. The batches were subjected to undisturbed, disturbed and recovery types of nights. Disturbed nights consisted of systematic sequences of disturbance application (wind, 90 dB noise or 20 lux light) applied one at a time for 5 min every 30 min from 21:00 to 03:00 (lights off period: 19:00-05:00). Sleep state was scored using EEG data and behaviour data from infrared cameras. Over all the types of night hens engaged in both SWS (58%) and REM sleep (18%) during lights off. When applied, the disturbances were effective at altering the amounts of wakefulness and SWS (Time x Type of Night, p < 0.001, p = 0.017, respectively), whereas REM sleep was unaltered (p = 0.540). There was no evidence of carry-over effects over the following day or night. Laying hens may be resilient to short-term sleep disruption by compensating for this in the same night, suggesting that these disturbances do not impact their long-term welfare (i.e., over days). Sleep behaviour potentially offers a unique means of assessing an aspect of animal welfare that, to date, has been poorly studied.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPR31V81279MX0VH7XPhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPR31V81279MX0VH7XPhttp://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071251https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPR31V81279MX0VH7XP/file/01HSE8AAYK8N88A4KNCK4HS6WNengMDPICreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMALSISSN: 2076-2615Veterinary Scienceswelfarerecovery sleepEEGSWSREM sleepwakefulnessFEATHER PECKINGTIME-BUDGETSMONOCULAR SLEEPGALLUS-GALLUSEEG SPECTRADEPRIVATIONWELFARELIGHTHOMEOSTASISPERCHESThe effects of mild disturbances on sleep behaviour in laying hensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEarly-life interventions to prevent feather pecking and reduce fearfulness in laying hens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPPDEBJBMVXP9FER4DF
Kliphuis, Saskia Manet, Maeva W. E. Goerlich, Vivian C. Nordquist, Rebecca E. Vernooij, Hans van den Brand, HenryTuyttens, Frank Rodenburg, T. Bas2023Severe feather pecking, the pulling out of feathers of conspecifics, is a major welfare issue in laying hens. Possible underlying causes are fearfulness and lack of foraging opportunities. Because early life is a crucial stage in behavioral development, adapting the incuba-tion and rearing environment to the birds' needs may reduce fearfulness and prevent the development of feather pecking. In a 2 & POUND; 2 factorial design study, we investigated whether a green light-dark cycle through-out incubation, which resembles natural incubation cir-cumstances more than the standard dark incubation, and foraging enrichment with live larvae during rearing reduce fearfulness and feather pecking and increase for-aging behavior of laying hen pullets from an early age onwards. In this 2-batch experiment, 1,100 ISA Brown eggs were incubated under either 0 h of light/24 h of darkness or 12 h of green LED light/12 h of darkness. After hatching, 400 female chicks (200 per batch) were housed in 44 pens (8-10 chicks per pen). During the entire rearing phase (0-17 wk of age), half of the pens received black soldier fly larvae in a food puzzle as forag-ing enrichment. We assessed fear of novel objects and humans, feather pecking, plumage condition, foraging behavior, and recovery time after a 3-fold vaccination (acute stressor). A slight increase in the number of forag-ing bouts was only seen with larvae provisioning (rate ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.29, P = 0.008). Neither lighted incubation nor larvae provisioning affected fear-fulness, feather pecking, plumage condition or recovery time after vaccination. In conclusion, the present study showed no effects of light during incubation and minor effects of foraging enrichment during rearing on the behavior of laying hen pullets. Further research is rec-ommended on other welfare aspects.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPPDEBJBMVXP9FER4DFhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPPDEBJBMVXP9FER4DFhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102801https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPPDEBJBMVXP9FER4DF/file/01HSE8JN2HR0Q39Q8EJYXK25WFengElsevierCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPOULTRY SCIENCEISSN: 0032-5791ISSN: 1525-3171Veterinary Sciencespulletchickenprenatalmaladaptive behaviorstressACUTE STRESSBEHAVIORLIGHTFEARRESPONSESINCUBATIONEXPRESSIONSTIMULATIONENRICHMENTASYMMETRYEarly-life interventions to prevent feather pecking and reduce fearfulness in laying hensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionQuantifying agonistic interactions between group-housed animals to derive social hierarchies using computer vision : a case study with commercially group-housed rabbits
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H9FS0ZRC0RBT1YQBEHNYR5R8
Ipek, NusretVan Damme, LiesbethTuyttens, FrankVerwaeren, Jan2023In recent years, computer vision has contributed significantly to the study of farm animal behavior. In complex environments such as commercial farms, however, the automated detection of social behavior and specific interactions between animals can be improved. The present study addresses the automated detection of agonistic interactions between caged animals in a complex environment, relying solely on computer vision. An automated pipeline including group-level temporal action segmentation, object detection, object tracking and rule-based action classification for the detection of agonistic interactions was developed and extensively validated at a level unique in the field. Comparing with observations made by human observers, our pipeline reaches 77% precision and 85% recall using a 5-min tolerance interval for the detection of agonistic interactions. Results obtained using this pipeline allow to construct time-dependent socio-matrices of a group of animals and derive metrics on the dominance hierarchy in a semi-automated manner. Group-housed breeding rabbits (does) with their litters in commercial farms are the main use-case in this work, but the idea is probably also applicable to other social farm animals.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H9FS0ZRC0RBT1YQBEHNYR5R8http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01H9FS0ZRC0RBT1YQBEHNYR5R8http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41104-6https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H9FS0ZRC0RBT1YQBEHNYR5R8/file/01H9FSHWE7X22TJ73XE5V3BKWDengCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessSCIENTIFIC REPORTSISSN: 2045-2322Veterinary SciencesMultidisciplinaryQuantifying agonistic interactions between group-housed animals to derive social hierarchies using computer vision : a case study with commercially group-housed rabbitsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionBrown and white layer pullet hybrids show different fear responses towards humans, but what role does light during incubation play in that?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPMAKTPZ9CTZX6AGNTA
Manet, Maeva W. E. Kliphuis, Saskia Nordquist, Rebecca E. Goerlich, Vivian C.Tuyttens, Frank Rodenburg, T. Bas2023Good early life conditions are increasingly recognized as essential to animal welfare later in life. The use of light during incubation might improve coping capacities and welfare in later life in poultry, by more closely approximating chicken natural environments compared to the current conventional incubation in darkness. Previous studies showed that lighted incubation resulted in more lateralized chicks, a more pronounced daily behavior rhythm, earlier onset of melatonin rhythms, and lower stress reactions to various stressors after hatching. Most existing research, however, has been conducted on broilers, and little information on lighted incubation is available for laying hens. In the current research, Dekalb White and ISA Brown eggs were incubated in complete darkness or in a cycle of green 12 L:12D throughout incubation, and five fear of human tests were performed on the 387 chickens during the rearing phase. We expected dark-incubated chickens to show stronger fear responses than light-incubated chickens. That was only the case for one of 15 behavior measurements taken during the tests (p < 0.05). In addition, white layer hybrids are known to be flightier and more fearful than brown hybrids. In this study, white chickens indeed showed stronger fear responses than brown chickens in 12 of the 15 behavior measurements (p <= 0.002). Furthermore, we expected light during incubation to have stronger effects on white chickens than on brown chickens, because of the stronger transmission of light through white eggshells. However, the interaction between hybrid and incubation was never significant (p >= 0.18). Finally, contrary to our expectations, there was no effect of the incubation treatments or the hybrid on plasma corticosterone responses to a manual restraint test (p >= 0.36). Since there was a hybrid effect on behavior in this test, it is reasonable to think that behavior reflected coping style, rather than fear level. To conclude, the light regime used in this study does not seem as promising as expected to improve laying hen welfare. Finally, the brown hybrid was usually less fearful than the white hybrid, though there were some exceptions depending on the stressor, and that should be taken into account in research and in laying hen management.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPMAKTPZ9CTZX6AGNTAhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPMAKTPZ9CTZX6AGNTAhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.106056https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPMAKTPZ9CTZX6AGNTA/file/01HSE8PCCEEZJ49DY1FG398BBYengElsevierCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesLAYING HENSTONIC IMMOBILITYSTRESS RESPONSESMANUAL RESTRAINTBROILER-CHICKENSFEATHER PECKINGDARK PROGRAMSBEHAVIORCORTICOSTERONEGROWTHChickenPrenatalFear behaviorCorticosteroneWelfareAnimal-human interactionBrown and white layer pullet hybrids show different fear responses towards humans, but what role does light during incubation play in that?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionWhat caregivers don’t tell you ... A comparison between survey responses and home videos of cat-cat interactions
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H7F32REBWEK65XQG0CQ300J3
Van Belle, MorganeGajdoš Kmecová, NoemaTuyttens, FrankMoons, ChristelMills, Daniel S.De Keuster, Tiny2023Domestic cats are increasingly popular as companion animals, but behavioural problems are often reported, especially in multicat households. Social tension is a common stressor, so understanding intercat interactions and their dynamics is crucial. Nevertheless, direct research in the home setting is rare. As caregivers witness their cats’ behaviour on a daily basis, they are a potentially important source of information, but might be unreliable and subject to bias. This study examined the reliability of caregiver reporting by comparing survey answers with behaviours observed in home videos collected after the survey was completed. The occurrence of five cat-cat interactions (head rubbing, allogrooming, sleeping in physical contact with each other, tail up greetings and social play) was examined in 42 two-cat households using 210 survey answers and 775 videos. The percentage of false negative survey responses for behaviours observed in the videos was conservatively estimated (cFN) at 8%, with 22.9% of the negative answers being falsely negative (FOR – False Omission Rate) and 77.1% truly negative (NPV – Negative Predictive Value). Broad false negatives (bFN), which included uncertain responses as negative reports, were 9.5% of the survey responses with a FOR of 75% and NPV of 25% in this context. Highest values were obtained for head rubbing (cFN: 10.5%, bFN: 14.3%) and allogrooming (cFN: 9.8%; bFN: 11.9%). When focusing on individual cat caregivers, 14 out of 42 caregivers (33.3%) failed to reliably report the occurrence of at least one of the surveyed cat-cat interactions. For interactions that were seen on camera, 23.8% of caregivers (10/42) responded that their cats did not show these interactions and 9.5% (4/42) reported uncertainty about whether it ever occurred. These results should be considered a lower estimate of the magnitude of errors (false negatives) in caregiver reports, and their implications need to be considered in both research that depends on caregiver report, and clinical assessments within behavioural medicine. Many cat-cat interactions, and in particular head rubbing and allogrooming, will be underreported when relying exclusively on caregiver reporting.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H7F32REBWEK65XQG0CQ300J3http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01H7F32REBWEK65XQG0CQ300J3http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105993https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H7F32REBWEK65XQG0CQ300J3/file/01H7F576XV4PB1B3NGPE0JV0GAengElsevierNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Biology and Life SciencesDomestic catOwner reportReliabilitySocial behaviourValidityVideo observationsOWNED CATSBEHAVIORSTRESSWELFAREAGGRESSIONSHELTERSDOGSWhat caregivers don’t tell you ... A comparison between survey responses and home videos of cat-cat interactionsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionUsing expert elicitation to abridge the welfare quality (R) protocol for monitoring the most adverse dairy cattle welfare impairments
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735819
Tuyttens, Frankde Graaf, SophieAndreasen, Sine Norlanderde Boyer des Roches, Alicevan Eerdenburg, Frank J. C. M.Haskell, Marie J.Kirchner, Marlene K.Mounier, Luc.Kjosevski, MiroslavBijttebier, JoLauwers, LudwigVerbeke, WimAmpe, Bart2021The Welfare Quality (R) consortium has developed and proposed standard protocols for monitoring farm animal welfare. The uptake of the dairy cattle protocol has been below expectation, however, and it has been criticized for the variable quality of the welfare measures and for a limited number of measures having a disproportionally large effect on the integrated welfare categorization. Aiming for a wide uptake by the milk industry, we revised and simplified the Welfare Quality (R) protocol into a user-friendly tool for cost- and time-efficient on-farm monitoring of dairy cattle welfare with a minimal number of key animal-based measures that are aggregated into a continuous (and thus discriminative) welfare index (WI). The inevitable subjective decisions were based upon expert opinion, as considerable expertise about cattle welfare issues and about the interpretation, importance, and validity of the welfare measures was deemed essential. The WI is calculated as the sum of the severity score (i.e., how severely a welfare problem affects cow welfare) multiplied with the herd prevalence for each measure. The selection of measures (lameness, leanness, mortality, hairless patches, lesions/swellings, somatic cell count) and their severity scores were based on expert surveys (14-17 trained users of the Welfare Quality (R) cattle protocol). The prevalence of these welfare measures was assessed in 491 European herds. Experts allocated a welfare score (from 0 to 100) to 12 focus herds for which the prevalence of each welfare measure was benchmarked against all 491 herds. Quadratic models indicated a high correspondence between these subjective scores and the WI (R-2 = 0.91). The WI allows both numerical (0-100) as a qualitative ("not classified" to "excellent") evaluation of welfare. Although it is sensitive to those welfare issues that most adversely affect cattle welfare (as identified by EFSA), the WI should be accompanied with a disclaimer that lists adverse or favorable effects that cannot be detected adequately by the current selection of measures.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735819http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8735819http://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.634470https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735819/file/8735883engCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessFRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCEISSN: 2297-1769Veterinary SciencesFARM-ANIMAL-WELFARELAYING HENSCOW WELFARESENSITIVITYPARAMETERSOPINIONSYSTEMSFLOCKSTIMEPIGSanimal welfaredairy cattleintegrationwelfare assessmentcompensationaggregationindexUsing expert elicitation to abridge the welfare quality (R) protocol for monitoring the most adverse dairy cattle welfare impairmentsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionWelfare of broiler chickens reared under two different types of housing
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735818
Sans, E. C. O.Tuyttens, FrankTaconeli, C. A.Rueda, P. M.Ciocca, J. R.Molento, C. F. M.2021We compared closed- and open-sided industrial houses with respect to the welfare of broiler chickens in southern Brazil.Ten flocks from each design were evaluated and measures divided into the following categories: i) bird health: contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, bird soiling, foot-pad dermatitis, hock burn, lameness, fractures, bruising, scratches, dead on arrival, diseases; ii) environmental measurements: relative humidity, temperature, air velocity, ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), light intensity, litter moisture; iii) behaviour: bird behaviour, touch test; and iv) affective states: qualitative behaviour assessment. Closed-sided houses showed worse contact dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, lower exploratory behaviour prevalence, higher NH3 (11.2 [+/- 6.8] vs 7.5 [+/- 3.9] ppm) and CO2 (1,124.9 [+/- 561.5] vs 841.0 [+/- 158.0] ppm), lower light intensity (6.9 [+/- 6.3] vs 274.2 [+/- 241.9] lux), while open-sided houses had a higher prevalence for scratches and panting behaviour, and lower air velocity (2.1 [+/- 0.7] vs 1.1 [+/- 1.0] m s(-1)). Stocking densities of 13.9 (+/- 0.4) and 12.0 (+/- 0.3) per m(2) for closed- and open-sided houses, respectively, likely influenced some results. All values shown are means (+/- SD). Even though open-sided houses presented fewer animal welfare restrictions (according to five indicators as opposed to three for closed-sided houses), both revealed important welfare problems, evidenced by poor environmental indicators, behavioural restrictions and injuries.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735818http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8735818http://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.30.3.012https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8735818/file/8735925engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary SciencesSTOCKING DENSITYLIGHT-INTENSITYFOOTPAD DERMATITISMANAGEMENTFACTORSBEHAVIORQUALITYLITTERPERFORMANCEENVIRONMENTPREVALENCEanimal welfarebehaviourdark-housesemi-climatisedslaughtersummer/autumnWelfare of broiler chickens reared under two different types of housingjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionTiming of part-time group housing for farm rabbits : effects on reproductive performance, skin injuries and behaviour
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GQ736WHPWG6DFPA7GJ3BV6RF
Van Damme, Liesbeth Delezie, Evelyne Ampe, BartTuyttens, Frank2022Commercial rabbit farms commonly house breeding does in single-litter cages that generate concerns for animal welfare. Group housing increases the space per animal and allows for more natural behaviour. When housed in group, however, does exhibit aggressive behaviour around parturition and continuous group housing systems have negative effects on reproductive performances. Part-time group housing aims to reduce aggression by delaying the grouping of does until 3-4 weeks after kindling. The aim of this study was to test the effect of the time of grouping on reproductive performances and animal welfare. This trial was conducted at 2 commercial rabbit farms in Belgium. At 22 (G22), 25 (G25) or 28 (G28) days post-partum (pp) groups of four does with their kits were created by removing walls between single-litter cages (13 and 7 groups per treatment on farm 1 and 2, respectively). Reproductive performances, skin injuries and behaviour were monitored during 2 (farm 1) and 3 (farm 2) consecutive reproduction rounds. Both does and kits were checked for skin injuries immediately prior to grouping (as reference for newly acquired injuries), at 1, 4 and 6 days after grouping, and again at weaning (35 days pp). Doe behaviour of a subset of groups (N = 21 per treatment) was observed at 3 days pp. Results showed that kit mortality between day 22 and 35 was highest in G22 and lowest in G28 (P = 0.03). The incidence of injured does and kits increased after grouping. At weaning 93.3% of the does and 39% of the kits showed injuries. On all observation days, G22 kits had fewer and less severe injuries compared with kits from G25 (P < 0.05) and G28 (P < 0.05). Skin injuries before grouping were found but this was unexpected; it may indicate aggression unrelated to group housing. Behavioural analyses indicated that G22 does showed more locomotion (P = 0.02) and more friendly social behaviour (P < 0.001), but less comfort behaviour (P < 0.001) compared with G28 does. Offensive and defensive behaviours were rarely observed (< 0.1%). In summary, skin injuries were found after grouping, with fewest and less severe injuries observed in G22 kits on all observation days. Reproductive performances did not show significant differences except for kit mortality, which was dependent on treatment. Pre-grouping injuries should be considered as it may affect estimates of the incidence and severity of aggression of rabbits housed part-time in groups.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GQ736WHPWG6DFPA7GJ3BV6RFhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01GQ736WHPWG6DFPA7GJ3BV6RFhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105656https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01GQ736WHPWG6DFPA7GJ3BV6RF/file/01GQ73AAZRPWMQSZJPH9Y80TTNengCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesEUROPEAN RABBITSPREGNANCYQUALITYWELFARESTRESSSYSTEMCAGEPart-time group housingRabbitAnimal welfareAgonistic behaviourReproductionTiming of part-time group housing for farm rabbits : effects on reproductive performance, skin injuries and behaviourjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionUsing motivation to feed as a way to assess the importance of space for broiler chickens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQHND6F2HXMKSJC6TPS
Buijs, Stephanie Keeling, Linda J.Tuyttens, Frank2011application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQHND6F2HXMKSJC6TPShttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQHND6F2HXMKSJC6TPShttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2010.09.027https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQHND6F2HXMKSJC6TPS/file/01HSE6YDBN4SX0AVKEK9TG2Y77engAcademic Press LTD - Elsevier Science LTDNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL BEHAVIOURISSN: 0003-3472Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfarebroiler chickencrowdingGallus gallus domesticusmethodologymotivationpreferencespace allowancestocking densityLAYING HENSDOMESTIC-FOWLGROUP-SIZESOCIAL-ORGANIZATIONHABITAT USECAGE SIZEPREFERENCESDENSITYFOODBEHAVIORUsing motivation to feed as a way to assess the importance of space for broiler chickensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionWelfare assessment of laying hens in furnished cages and non-cage systems : assimilating expert opinion
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR3ZEBVGKN6G63B8X9Q
Rodenburg, T. B.Tuyttens, Frank de Reu, K. Herman, L. Zoons, J. Sonck, B.2008It is extremely difficult to carry out an assessment of welfare in an entirely objective manner. The choice of welfare indicators, as well as the assignment of relative weightings to these indicators, both involve a certain degree of subjectivity. The aim of this study was to create a possible method of dealing with this subjectivity, using the opinions of groups of experts to increase the consensus for a protocol for the on-form assessment of laying-hen welfare. The selection of the 17 separate welfare indicators was based both on a questionnaire submitted to 18 international poultry welfare experts and on the practical feasibility of collecting the respective data during a one-day form visit. Subsequently, G second group of 13 experts was asked to assign relative weightings to the welfare indicators in this protocol. This assessment was carried out twice, once with and once without provision of detailed information on the welfare indicators. When detailed information was provided, the weightings assigned to the welfare indicators were generally lower than when no detailed information was provided. In conclusion, subjectivity regarding the choice of welfare indicators and the assignment of their relative weightings, can be dealt with and made transparent by seeking consensus among experts. Although the choice of experts, the methodology for extracting consensus data, and the nature and amount of information on the welfare indicators that should be provided, are likely to benefit from further refinement, the data presented in this study should be valuable for the development and application of formalised protocols for an integrated assessment of the welfare of laying hens, on-farm.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR3ZEBVGKN6G63B8X9Qhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR3ZEBVGKN6G63B8X9Qhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600027858https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR3ZEBVGKN6G63B8X9Q/file/01HSE5GGKPX95EFDS2GXN1VJ5YengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary SciencesDECISION-SUPPORT SYSTEMPREGNANT SOWSFARMMODELanimal welfareexpert opinionfurnished cageslaying hensnon-cage systemswelfare assessmentWelfare assessment of laying hens in furnished cages and non-cage systems : assimilating expert opinionjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionNeighbourhood analysis as an indicator of spatial requirements of broiler chickens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQFEPM5MGFHR2WN52PZ
Buijs, Stephanie Keeling, Linda J.Vangestel, Carl Baert, JeroenTuyttens, Frank2011The appropriate stocking density for broiler chickens is a much discussed topic in animal welfare. To determine at which stocking density the level of crowding becomes aversive to 4-6-week-old broiler chickens, spatial distribution and behaviour of groups stocked at 8, 19, 29,40, 45, 51, 61 or 72 birds per 3.3 m(2) were analysed. Spatial distribution was evaluated using three different indices: inter-individual distances, nearest neighbour distances and Dirichlet polygon areas. The assumption was that broilers would increase the distance to their pen mates if high densities (i.e., close proximity to pen mates) were experienced as aversive, whereas they would decrease this distance if close proximity was experienced positively. Increased distances to pen mates would lead to increased nearest neighbour distances and a more homogeneous distribution (i.e., lower variation of inter-individual distances and of Dirichlet-polygon size) than expected by chance. The distribution expected by chance was determined from both a random distribution and a 'resource-corrected' random distribution (which incorporated environmental influences on spatial distribution but excluded social ones).
Behavioural observations showed that at higher stocking densities more sitting bouts (P = 0.003) and adjustments of the sitting and lying posture (P < 0.001) occurred. It was also found that nearest neighbour distance varied according to behaviour (P = 0.001). Birds that were eating/drinking were further apart from their nearest neighbour than birds that were foraging, preening, adjusting their sitting or lying posture or showing "other" behaviour.
The results from all three methods of spatial analysis suggested that broilers in groups >= 19 birds per 3.3 m(2) (ultimately equivalent to 15 kg/m(2)) started to experience the proximity of conspecifics as aversive at some point during the last 3 weeks of rearing. However, nearest neighbour distance analysis showed evidence of aversiveness earlier in life than the other methods of analyzing spatial distribution (variation in inter-individual distance and polygon size), suggesting that nearest neighbour distance is the more sensitive indicator of space requirements.
When uneven use of the different areas within the pen was reflected in the expected distribution (i.e., for comparisons to the resource-corrected random distribution) different results were obtained than when such measures were omitted (i.e., for comparisons to the random distribution). As such, this study emphasises the importance of accounting for environmental influences on distribution within a pen. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQFEPM5MGFHR2WN52PZhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQFEPM5MGFHR2WN52PZhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.11.017https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQFEPM5MGFHR2WN52PZ/file/01HSE70GYAAQVE15VFX4NBCXS8engElsevierNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesSTOCKING DENSITYSOCIAL ATTRACTIONDOMESTIC-FOWLSPACEBEHAVIORWELFAREALLOWANCESFLOCKSLEVELSIZESpace allocationSpatial distributionCrowdingBroiler chickenBehaviourNeighbourhood analysis as an indicator of spatial requirements of broiler chickensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEstimating population size of Eurasian badgers (Meles Meles) using mark-recapture and mark-resight data
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRTNJH0XPZF7PEGZ5FA
Macdonald, DW Swait, E Cheeseman, CLTuyttens, Frank1999Estimates of abundance of medium-to-large mammals by traditional mark-recapture models may be unreliable because quantity and quality of trapping data are low. The proposed closed-subpopulation model provides a flexible framework to increase the amount of data used for estimation of demographic parameters, by taking into account characteristics of the population and using ancillary non-trapping data. This model defines a subsection of the population that is known to be alive and within the study area during a certain period, regardless of which animals were actually caught. Population size is estimated from the proportion of animals in this closed subpopulation that were actually captured. We used this model to estimate size of a partly culled population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles). Number of badgers included in the closed subpopulation was maximized by using data from trapping, road-traffic accidents, and radiotelemetry, and by assuming that no additions occurred to the population of young between trapping occasions. Probabilities of capture varied by season and age-class but not sex, trapping, or radio-tagging. Population estimates appeared reliable because estimated number of times individual badgers were trapped in a year corresponded with observed frequencies and estimated size of the young and adult populations corresponded favorably with estimates based on a mark-resight procedure.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRTNJH0XPZF7PEGZ5FAhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRTNJH0XPZF7PEGZ5FAhttp://doi.org/10.2307/1383265https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRTNJH0XPZF7PEGZ5FA/file/01HSE34CGE62PAZSKZCYRHJ6VKengOxford Univ Press IncNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF MAMMALOGYISSN: 0022-2372ISSN: 1545-1542Veterinary SciencesMeles melesbadgermark-recapturemark-resightpopulation estimationANIMAL ABUNDANCECAPTUREDENSITYMODELSEstimating population size of Eurasian badgers (Meles Meles) using mark-recapture and mark-resight datajournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffects of perch design on behaviour and health of laying hens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQQNW5HT56VNHXQ899S
Struelens, E.Tuyttens, Frank2009EU-Directive 1999/74/EC stipulates that furnished cages and non-cage systems for laying hens should be provided with perches. This Directive allows for a wide variety in perch design features possibly affecting perch use and hen health. Perch material and shape mainly affect slipperiness and grip quality and, in this regard, plastic, metal and circular perches are inferior. The incidence of bumblefoot and keel bone deformities can be influenced by perch shape. Perch shapes which reduce localised pressure on the foot pad and the keel-bone are recommended. Several aspects of the arrangement of the perches in the cage or non-cage system are also important. A consistent preference for high perches is seen, provided there is a minimal distance of 19-24 cm between perch and roof Accessibility of high perches should be ensured, for example by incorporating lower level perches from which hens can reach the higher levels. Such multi-height perch designs also allow behavioural differentiation according to perch height (with most passive behaviour on the higher perches). In non-cage systems, good accessibility can be achieved by minimising the angles between perches at different heights to smaller than 45 degrees and by limiting the distance between horizontal perches to I m. The legislated minimum perch length provided per hen (15 cm) adequately allows for synchronised roosting behaviour on straight perches. However, in crosswise perch designs, hens require more perch length per hen as the area close to the cross cannot be used optimally.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQQNW5HT56VNHXQ899Shttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQQNW5HT56VNHXQ899Shttp://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600000956https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQQNW5HT56VNHXQ899S/file/01HSE21BTNVV1Q5NAZS7K9JD2YengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfarebumblefootlaying henperch designperch useroostingFURNISHED CAGESCONVENTIONAL CAGESHORIZONTAL PERCHESGROUP-SIZEDIFFERENT HEIGHTSFEATHER PECKINGAVIARY SYSTEMSHOUSING SYSTEMDOMESTIC-FOWLABILITYEffects of perch design on behaviour and health of laying hensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionGlucocorticoid metabolites in rabbit faeces : influence of environmental enrichment and cage size
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQBY39JANYZ279020HP
Buijs, Stephanie Keeling, Linda J. Rettenbacher, Sophie Maertens, LucTuyttens, Frank2011The concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in rabbit faeces has been suggested as a non-invasive indicator of stress. In the present study, GCM concentrations were measured in faeces of fattening rabbits kept in groups of eight, at seven different stocking densities (between 5 and 20 animals/m(2)), with or without environmental enrichment (a wooden structure used mainly for gnawing and resting). Transport (30 min) was used as an acute novel stressor to assess the glucocorticoid response to stress under the different housing conditions. GCM concentrations were elevated post-transport (P < 0.001). Whilst cage size had no influence on GCM, enrichment reduced GCM concentrations before as well as after transport (P = 0.007 in both cases). Effects of cage size and enrichment on growth characteristics were negligible, whilst enrichment decreased cage manipulation and social contact. The results indicate that even short transport durations may be stressful for rabbits, and that enrichment may decrease housing stress. They suggest that measuring baseline GCM concentrations in faeces is a useful tool to evaluate chronic stress in rabbits, whilst measuring the response to a novel stressor did not provide additional insight. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQBY39JANYZ279020HPhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQBY39JANYZ279020HPhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.05.008https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQBY39JANYZ279020HP/file/01HSE7246WF6J3RNZXWYQ45T43engPergamon-Elsevier Science LTDNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessPHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIORISSN: 0031-9384Veterinary SciencesFECAL CORTISOL METABOLITESSTRESS-RESPONSENONINVASIVE MEASUREMENTSTOCKING DENSITYPHYSIOLOGICAL-PARAMETERSADRENOCORTICAL ACTIVITYANIMAL-WELFAREWILD RABBITSLAYING HENSFEMALE RATSFaecesCorticosteroneEnrichmentCage sizeRabbitTransportGlucocorticoid metabolites in rabbit faeces : influence of environmental enrichment and cage sizejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionThe importance of straw for pig and cattle welfare : a review
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR9WKC1DHBJSC566RNH
Tuyttens, Frank2005The provision of straw in animal production systems is widely presumed to be beneficial for the welfare of the animals. The aim of this paper is to review the scientific basis of this assumption for pigs and cattle. As there are important disadvantages (cost, labour, hygiene and incompatibility with manure drainage systems) associated with the use of straw, studies investigating whether there are suitable alternatives to straw that fulfil the same welfare functions are also reviewed.
It is concluded that straw has many positive effects on the welfare of pigs. Bedding improves the physical comfort of the floor, and-unless temperatures are high-straw enables pigs to somewhat control their microclimate thereby increasing thermal comfort. Straw also functions as an important stimulus and outlet for exploration, foraging, rooting and chewing behaviours. Pigs that are feed restricted or housed in barren environments, in particular, can be strongly motivated to express these behaviours and the inability to do so may result in behavioural problems or anomalies. In addition, it has been demonstrated that preparturient sows are highly motivated to obtain nesting material and that straw can have a beneficial effect on maternal behaviour after farrowing. Although there may be superior alternatives for each of these functions of straw separately, it remains unlikely that these alternatives can adequately replace the total combination of these functions and also offer advantages regarding hygiene, environment, labour and economics.
The importance of straw for the welfare of cattle mainly concerns floor-comfort. However, it appears that the provisioning of (high quality) synthetic lying mats, perhaps in combination with soft walking floors, may provide floor-comfort equal to that of straw. Although the consumption of straw reduces feeding motivation, and hence, the development of oral stereotypies, the behavioural function of straw is less for cattle compared to pigs. Moreover, it is possible to compose more appropriate roughage-feeds that better fulfil the behavioural as well as the dietary needs of cattle.
For both pigs and cattle, there is weak evidence that concrete flooring rather than straw is a risk factor for increased overall morbidity and mortality. However, the relation between straw and health is complex, equivocal and disease specific. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR9WKC1DHBJSC566RNHhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR9WKC1DHBJSC566RNHhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.05.007https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR9WKC1DHBJSC566RNH/file/01HSE4MBN8S1J7W8JAFF097804engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesHIGH-FIBER DIETSDAIRY-COWS KEPTRISK-FACTORSFLOOR TYPEENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENTFEEDING MOTIVATIONHOUSING SYSTEMSPREGNANT SOWSMATERNAL-BEHAVIORORAL STEREOTYPIESbeddinghousingcomfortfloorlying arealeg injuriesThe importance of straw for pig and cattle welfare : a reviewjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAssessing attraction or avoidance between rabbits : comparison of distance-based methods to analyse spatial distribution
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ9171QVCB5E0NY0ZNX
Buijs, Stephanie Keeling, Linda J.Vangestel, Carl Baert, Jeroen Vangeyte, JuergenTuyttens, Frank2011application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ9171QVCB5E0NY0ZNXhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQ9171QVCB5E0NY0ZNXhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.08.019https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ9171QVCB5E0NY0ZNX/file/01HSE75YC3K60Q8ZPRSWZYWXGWengAcademic Press LTD - Elsevier Science LTDNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL BEHAVIOURISSN: 0003-3472Veterinary SciencesDirichlet polygon areainterindividual distancenearest-neighbour distanceOryctolagus cuniculusrabbitsocial behaviourspatial distributionEUROPEAN WILD RABBITORYCTOLAGUS-CUNICULUSLAYING HENSSPACING BEHAVIORSIZEORGANIZATIONPOPULATIONENCLOSURESDISPERSALFOODAssessing attraction or avoidance between rabbits : comparison of distance-based methods to analyse spatial distributionjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionA review of the welfare consequences of surgical castration in piglets and the evaluation of non-surgical methods
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR7Y7MEN7HEBJZ0DACR
Prunier, A. Bonneau, M. von Borell, E. H. Cinotti, S. Gunn, M. Fredriksen, B. Giersing, M. Morton, D. B.Tuyttens, Frank Velarde, A.2006Male piglets are castrated primarily to prevent the unpleasant odours and flavours of entire male pig meat (boar-taint). Although castration can be legally performed without analgesia in the first seven days of life, available evidence shows that castration at any age is painful and may have a detrimental influence on health. Few anaesthetics or analgesics are licensed for use in piglets The known methods for general and epidural anaesthesia cannot be run at the farm level for practical and/or legal reasons. Use of the local anaesthetic lidocaine is easy and allows the pain resulting from castration to be alleviated. Local destruction of testicular tissue by intro-testicular injection of chemical compounds (salts and acids) is an alternative to surgical castration but needs further investigation regarding welfare improvement and boor taint reduction. Immunocastration, by which castration is achieved using active immunisation (anti-GnRH immunisation) is an efficient alternative to surgical castration; however, there are no licensed vaccines in the EU and the consequences, in terms of pig welfare as well as its acceptability among EU consumers, need further evaluation.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR7Y7MEN7HEBJZ0DACRhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR7Y7MEN7HEBJZ0DACRhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600030487https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR7Y7MEN7HEBJZ0DACR/file/01HSE56W8VX12DFVNRFEN92N1BengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary SciencesGONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONEACTIVE IMMUNIZATIONBOAR TAINTMALE PIGSGROWTH-PERFORMANCEPORCINE SOMATOTROPINLUTEINIZING-HORMONECHEMICAL CASTRATIONREPRODUCTIVE-ORGANSVACCINE IMPROVACanimal welfareimmunisationnon-surgical castrationpainpiglet surgical castrationA review of the welfare consequences of surgical castration in piglets and the evaluation of non-surgical methodsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionFluctuating asymmetry as an animal welfare indicator : a review of methodology and validity
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR5WSYBW63CTAKV52D6
Knierim, U. Van Dongen, S. Forkman, B.Tuyttens, FrankŠpinka, M. Campo, J. L. Weissengruber, G. E.2007application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR5WSYBW63CTAKV52D6http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR5WSYBW63CTAKV52D6http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.02.014https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR5WSYBW63CTAKV52D6/file/01HSE59NHE2B30GNNBTT64X2XJengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessPHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIORISSN: 0031-9384Veterinary SciencesDEVELOPMENTAL STABILITYDIRECTIONAL ASYMMETRYDERMATOGLYPHIC ASYMMETRYSTATISTICAL-ANALYSISPRENATAL EXPOSUREAUDIOGENIC STRESSDENTAL ASYMMETRYINSTABILITYCHICKENSFITNESSanimal welfareindicatorswelfare assessmentvaliditymethodsdevelopmental instabilitydevelopmental stabilityfluctuating asymmetrymammalsbirdshumansFluctuating asymmetry as an animal welfare indicator : a review of methodology and validityjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionBehaviour and use of space in fattening rabbits as influenced by cage size and enrichment
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQAQA6CPEK4P816XNQ3
Buijs, Stephanie Keeling, Linda J.Tuyttens, Frank2011In the few previous studies on the effects of space allowance on fattening rabbit behaviour, space allowance was confounded with group size. This is the first study of fattening rabbit behaviour in which space allowance was varied whilst group size was stable (8 animals per pen), although this meant that stocking density and total cage size were altered simultaneously. Behaviour was studied at 6 and 9 weeks of age during artificially created dawn, daytime and dusk phases, and compared between cages with and without a wooden enrichment structure.
Although a wide range of space allowances was studied (seven different cage sizes between 0.40 and 1.60 m(2)) the observed effect on behaviour was limited: only sternal lying increased consistently with decreasing space allowance. In the larger cages, grooming was performed when animals had more free space around them. However, grooming did not decrease in smaller cages, suggesting that this behaviour was important enough to be performed under non-preferred conditions.
The wooden enrichment structure decreased lateral lying and cage manipulation. Effects on lying behaviour and cage manipulation have previously been reported for gnawing sticks. However, in contrast to findings on gnawing sticks, the enrichment structure also decreased social contact. Although social contact is generally seen as positive, the rabbits may have used the structure as a visual or physical barrier to protect themselves from unwanted interactions with conspecifics.
As expected, rabbits were generally more active during dawn and dusk than during daytime. Specific behaviour patterns varied between dawn and dusk, and future studies may use this information to pinpoint the most favourable observation time. In summary, providing fattening rabbits housed in groups of eight with more space had a limited effect on their behavioural time budget. Thus, only minimal support was found for the suggestion that decreased cage size impedes welfare in this species, although rabbits did seem to prefer more space during grooming. In contrast, provision of a wooden structure improved welfare, as shown by a decrease in cage manipulation and interactions with conspecifics. (C) 2011 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQAQA6CPEK4P816XNQ3http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQAQA6CPEK4P816XNQ3http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2011.06.008https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQAQA6CPEK4P816XNQ3/file/01HSE74HHQ7V61AQQ8YRCXJT03engElsevierNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesRabbitBehaviourSpatial distributionSpace allowanceCage sizeEnrichmentSTOCKING DENSITYSOCIAL-BEHAVIORWELFAREGROWTHPENSBehaviour and use of space in fattening rabbits as influenced by cage size and enrichmentjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionReliability of categorical versus continuous scoring of welfare indicators: lameness in cows as a case study
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQTAFNBQ9PJ1Y561VZT
Tuyttens, Frank Sprenger, M. Van Nuffel, A. Maertens, W. Van Dongen, S.2009Many animal welfare traits vary on a continuous scale but are commonly scored using an ordinal scale with few categories. The rationale behind this practice is rarely stated but appears largely based on the debatable conviction that it increases data reliability. Using 54 observers of varying levels of expertise, inter-observer reliability (IOR) and user-satisfaction were compared between a 3-point ordinal scale (OS) and a continuous modified visual analogue scale with multiple anchors (VAS) for scoring lameness in dairy cattle from video. IOR was significantly better for the VAS than for the OS. IOR increased with self-reported level of expertise for the VAS, whereas for the OS it was highest for observers with a moderate level of expertise. The mean continuous scores and the mean categorical scores were highly correlated. Three times as many observers stated a preference for the VAS (n = 2 7) compared to the OS (n = 9) in investigating differences in lameness between herds. Contrary to common perception, these results illustrate that it is possible for a continuous cattle lameness score to be more reliable and to have greater user acceptability than a simple categorical scale. As continuous scales are also potentially more sensitive, and produce data more amenable to algebraic processing and more powerful parametric analyses, the scepticism against their application for assessing animal welfare traits should be reconsidered.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQTAFNBQ9PJ1Y561VZThttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQTAFNBQ9PJ1Y561VZThttp://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600000804https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQTAFNBQ9PJ1Y561VZT/file/01HSE69CDVKSSJB5MSCH6VQ46EengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary SciencesVISUAL ANALOG SCALEPOSTOPERATIVE PAINDAIRY-COWSSYSTEMGAITREPEATABILITYAGGREGATIONAGREEMENTPRODUCEanimal welfarecattlediscrete scalegaitrepeatabilityvisual analogue scaleReliability of categorical versus continuous scoring of welfare indicators: lameness in cows as a case studyjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionConsumer perception and communication on welfare in organic laying hen farming
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ7GCR26KF23PZE3Q7S
Heerkens, Jasper LidwinaTuyttens, Frank2012A major reason for increased societal popularity of organic production systems is the growing general discontent with intensive farming practices. However, urbanization leads to limited knowledge of farming and farm animal welfare. Consumers believe organic farming leads to better animal welfare, although most health and welfare issues seen in conventional systems are also found in organic poultry systems. The majority of consumers do not translate attitude and good intention into action, the actual purchase of organic products. Understanding this intention-behaviour gap may lead to increased sales of organic products. Effective communication and education can create trust, added additional values and credibility, and may lead to structured perceptions, convictions, values, norms, knowledge and interests and lead to better understanding of organic farming and farm animal welfare. Merchandising strategies can reduce barriers the consumer may encounter at the moment of decision making.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ7GCR26KF23PZE3Q7Shttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQ7GCR26KF23PZE3Q7Shttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ7GCR26KF23PZE3Q7S/file/01HSE7MFHJA70Z2YN4NZ9PP9GJengJohann Heinrich Von Thunen InstNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessTACKLING THE FUTURE CHALLENGES OF ORGANIC ANIMAL HUSBANDRYISSN: 0376-0723ISBN: 9783865760944Veterinary SciencesLIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMSFEATHER PECKINGANIMAL-WELFAREBEHAVIORFARMERSRANGEorganic poultrylaying henanimal welfareconsumer perceptiontheory of planned behaviourintention-behaviour gapconsumer awarenessConsumer perception and communication on welfare in organic laying hen farmingconferenceinfo:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceObjectinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionComparative study on the consequences of culling badgers (Meles meles) on biometrics, population dynamics and movement
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRPQK755W0BE0G5JTP5
Macdonald, DW Rogers, LM Cheeseman, CL Roddam, AWTuyttens, Frank20001. Capture-mark-recapture data were used to describe the process of recovery from a typical badger removal operation (BRO) at North Nibley, Gloucestershire, UK, which was carried out as part of the government's strategy to control bovine tuberculosis. Data on biometrics, demographics and movement from this low-density disturbed population were compared with those of two nearby high-density undisturbed populations (Wytham Woods and Woodchester Park, UK) in order to study fundamental principles of population dynamics and density-dependence.
2. Badgers moved more between social groups at North Nibley than in the other study areas, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the removal operation.
3. Recolonization of the vacated habitat occurred in the first instance by young females.
4. Although in the first year after the BRO no cubs had been reared in any of the culled groups, and although the shortage of sexually mature boars may have limited the reproductive output of sows in the following year, the population took only 3 years to recover to its (already lowered) preremoval density.
5. Losses from the adult (and cub) population due to mortality or emigration were smaller at North Nibley than at the other sites.
6. There was much evidence that during 1995 and 1996 density-dependent effects constrained the reproductive output of the high-density populations, and some support for the hypothesis that badgers exhibit the non-linear 'large mammal' type of functional response to density.
7. Badgers at North Nibley were younger, heavier and in better condition than badgers at Wytham Woods and Woodchester Park.
8. We argue that the disease dynamics are likely to be different in disturbed compared with undisturbed badger populations, and that this could affect the effectiveness of BROs.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRPQK755W0BE0G5JTP5http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRPQK755W0BE0G5JTP5http://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2656.2000.00419.xhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRPQK755W0BE0G5JTP5/file/01HSE3B6V1Y0S05AHZSC067TS0engWileyNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessJOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGYISSN: 0021-8790ISSN: 1365-2656Veterinary SciencesBOVINE TUBERCULOSISEUROPEAN BADGERSDENSITYEPIDEMIOLOGYSTRATEGYDISEASESIZEdemographydensity dependenceMycobacterium bovispopulation regulationreproductive suppressionComparative study on the consequences of culling badgers (Meles meles) on biometrics, population dynamics and movementjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEvaluating the effect of semi-group housing of rabbit does on their offspring's fearfulness : can we use the open-field test?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ58XFWFJ1GSWXJQ8R3
Buijs, StephanieTuyttens, Frank2015Breeding does are usually housed one doe per cage, but there is an increased interest in (semi-)group housing systems designed to improve welfare. However, there is a lack of information on how such systems actually affect different aspects of rabbit welfare. We aimed to discern differences in fearfulness in female offspring born and raised in conventional single-doe housing (1 doe + litter/cage) and in semi-group housing (1 doe + litter/cage until the litter was 18 days old, 4 does + 4 litters/pen thereafter). To this goal, we used the most commonly used test to assess fearfulness in rabbits: the open-field test. The classic interpretation of this test is that increased locomotion indicates decreased fearfulness. However, other underlying motivations for open-field locomotion have been proposed for other species (e.g. exploration and sociality). The underlying motivation is of great importance to interpret test results in terms of welfare. Therefore, the second aim of this study was to determine if fearfulness was the most likely cause of differences in rabbits' open-field behaviour, by assessing its development over time, repeatability and relationship to other behavioural tests (novel object test, social runway test). Rabbits born in the semi-group environment travelled less distance (p= 0.03) and were slower to leave the start corner during the open-field test (p = 0.001). They reared less during a novel object test (p= 0.03), but were not significantly slower to approach the object than offspring from the single-doe environment, and did not behave differently during a social runway test (p >0.10). Although differences in open-field locomotion were found, the decrease in locomotion over consecutive test sessions contradicts that this behaviour is (exclusively) mediated by fearfulness in the rabbit. Exploratory motivation seems a more accurate interpretation. This greatly limits the usefulness of open-field locomotion as a welfare indicator in this species. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ58XFWFJ1GSWXJQ8R3http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQ58XFWFJ1GSWXJQ8R3http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.008https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ58XFWFJ1GSWXJQ8R3/file/01HSE7RDXSM7KFR0BS567Z2T5FengElsevierNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesAnxietyNoveltyOpen-fieldNovel objectSocialityPre-natal effectsBEHAVIORPERFORMANCESTRESSSHEEPEvaluating the effect of semi-group housing of rabbit does on their offspring's fearfulness : can we use the open-field test?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionOpinion of Belgian egg farmers on hen welfare and its relationship with housing type
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7052328
Nicol, ChristineRodenburg, BasStadig, LisanneAmpe, BartVan Gansbeke, SuzyVan den Bogaert, TomD'Haenens, EvelienHeerkens, JasperTuyttens, Frank2016Simple Summary: Until 2012, laying hens in the EU were often housed in conventional cages that offered limited space and few opportunities to perform highly motivated behaviors. Conventional cages are now banned in the EU in order to improve animal welfare. In this study, egg farmers were surveyed (winter 2013-2014) to assess whether they perceived any changes in animal welfare since changing housing systems, what role hen welfare played in choosing a new housing system, and which aspects of hen welfare they find most important. The data show that the answers differ depending on which housing system the farmers currently use and whether they had used conventional cages in the past.
Abstract: As of 2012, the EU has banned the use of conventional cages (CC) for laying hens, causing a shift in housing systems. This study's aim was to gain insight into farmers' opinions on hen health and welfare in their current housing systems. A survey was sent to 218 Belgian egg farmers, of which 127 (58.3%) responded, with 84 still active as egg farmer. Hen welfare tended to be less important in choosing the housing system for farmers with cage than with non-cage systems. Respondents currently using cage systems were more satisfied with hen health than respondents with non-cage systems. Reported mortality increased with farm size and was higher in furnished cages than in floor housing. Feather pecking, cannibalism, smothering and mortality were perceived to be higher in current housing systems than in CC, but only by respondents who shifted to non-cage systems from previously having had CC. Health-and production-related parameters were scored to be more important for hen welfare as compared to behavior-related parameters. Those without CC in the past rated factors relating to natural behavior to be more important for welfare than those with CC. This difference in opinion based on farmer backgrounds should be taken into account in future research.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7052328http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-7052328http://doi.org/10.3390/ani6010001https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7052328/file/8040974engCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMALSISSN: 2076-2615Agriculture and Food SciencesVeterinary Sciencescolony cagewelfaresurveylaying henhousingfurnished cageconventional cageaviaryfloor housingegg producerOpinion of Belgian egg farmers on hen welfare and its relationship with housing typejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSterilization as an alternative strategy to control wildlife diseases : bovine tuberculosis in European badgers as a case study
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRXNVDPJFQHKSTPV0Y5
Tuyttens, Frank MacDonald, DW1998Sterilization has rarely been considered as an alternative to culling or vaccination to control wildlife diseases. Disease control by sterilization, as by culling, has most promise when the host's ability for compensatory growth following the removal of density-dependent inhibitions is limited, and when moderate reductions in population density cause disproportionately large reductions in disease prevalence, or even eliminate the disease. For many host/disease examples this will not be the case and vaccination may have overwhelming advantages or may be the only practical option. The impact of sterilization on host density and disease prevalence will develop relatively slowly because sterilization can prevent the recruitment of only one age-cohort at a time. Moreover, unless there is vertical transmission, this age-cohort will consist only of susceptibles. Culling, on the contrary, removes infected as well as susceptible animals. However, for certain disease/host examples, the relative effectiveness of the different control strategies may be altered considerably if their variable effects on the probability of disease transmission are taken into account. Social perturbation or stress could render certain culling strategies ineffective or even counter-productive. Depending on how disease dynamics are influenced by the host's age-structure and reproductive investment; fertility control could offer epidemiological advantages that have been ignored by most disease/host models. We illustrate some of these principles by investigating the theoretical and practical feasibility of an hypothetical sterilization campaign to control bovine tuberculosis in badgers (and hence cattle) in Britain.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRXNVDPJFQHKSTPV0Y5http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRXNVDPJFQHKSTPV0Y5http://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008830418123https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRXNVDPJFQHKSTPV0Y5/file/01HSB60XXD8FTRJTVPH2M2D8S5engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessBIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATIONISSN: 0960-3115ISSN: 1572-9710Veterinary SciencesMeles melesMycobacterium bovisfertility controlwildlife diseasepopulation controlZEALAND POSSUM POPULATIONSMELES-MELES POPULATIONSMYCOBACTERIUM-BOVISSOUTHWEST ENGLANDINFECTIOUS-DISEASESFERTILITY-CONTROLVULPES-VULPESMOUTH-DISEASEFERAL PIGSDYNAMICSSterilization as an alternative strategy to control wildlife diseases : bovine tuberculosis in European badgers as a case studyjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffects of communal rearing and group size on breeding rabbits' post-grouping behaviour and its relation to ano-genital distance
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ10RQR9BX3676SY9T0
Buijs, Stephanie Vangeyte, JurgenTuyttens, Frank2016Group housing is becoming the standard for many farm animal species, as it is seen as a more welfare friendly way of keeping gregarious animals. Aggression between female breeding rabbits currently obstructs the implementation of group housing for this species. Lack of social experience during the rearing period may be one reason why breeding rabbits can act (excessively) aggressive when grouped as adults. To study this, we either reared breeding rabbits with their same-litter siblings and mother only ("litter-only") or reared four litters and their mothers together from 18 days of life on ("communal rearing"). The litter-only rabbits were born from individually housed mothers, whereas the communally reared rabbits were born from mothers that were group housed during the last three weeks of gestation. After their first kindling, female rabbits from both rearing strategies were housed in groups of four or eight individuals (at an equal space allowance per doe) to assess rearing and group size effects on post-grouping behaviour. Within both treatments we also measured the ano-genital distance at birth (an indicator of masculinization) and studied its relation to adult agonistic behaviour. Communal rearing and larger groups were expected to decrease agonistic behaviour and wounding, whereas rabbits with a longer ano-genital distance were expected to show more offensive agonistic behaviour. The first two hypotheses were not confirmed. Communally reared and litter-only rabbits did not differ significantly in the frequency of their offensive or defensive agonistic behaviour directly post-grouping, or in the severity of wounds sustained in the first three days after grouping (P > 0.10). Communally reared rabbits sniffed/groomed their pen mates less often than litter-only rabbits (P < 0.05). A tendency for a higher frequency of offensive agonistic behaviour in larger groups was found (P < 0.10) and the decrease in defensive agonistic behaviour over time that was observed for the smaller groups was lacking in the larger groups. The third hypothesis was confirmed: female rabbits with a greater ano-genital distance at birth showed more offensive agonistic behaviour upon grouping as adults (r(s) = 0.5, P < 0.05). When this relation was studied within the separate rearing strategies, it was only confirmed within the communal rearing treatment, possibly suggesting that prenatal social stress increased both ano-genital distance and aggression. To conclude, communal rearing and larger groups did not decrease agonistic behaviour in breeding rabbits, whereas ano-genital distance measurements may be useful when selecting less aggressive breeding rabbits (although this method may be specifically applicable to communally reared rabbits). (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ10RQR9BX3676SY9T0http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQ10RQR9BX3676SY9T0http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.06.005https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQ10RQR9BX3676SY9T0/file/01HSE7ZZB6W3VZYFPA3NB77NFKengElsevier Science BVNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591ISSN: 1872-9045Veterinary SciencesAgonistic behaviourSocial behaviourPre-natal effectsMasculinizationEarly experienceGroup housingAGGRESSIONTESTOSTERONEINFANTICIDEWELFARESTRESSSEXEffects of communal rearing and group size on breeding rabbits' post-grouping behaviour and its relation to ano-genital distancejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionWelfare assessment of laying hens in furnished cages and non-cage systems: an on-farm comparison
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR4G30XVJNK81XGSSVR
Rodenburg, T. B.Tuyttens, Frank de Reu, K. Herman, L. Zoons, J. Sonck, B.2008From 2012 onwards, all laying hens in Europe will need to be housed either in furnished cages or non-cage systems (aviaries or floor-housing systems). In terms of animal welfare, furnished cages and non-cage systems both have advantages and disadvantages. Data on direct comparisons between the two, however, are limited. The aim of this study was to carry out an on-form comparison of laying hens' welfare in furnished cages and non-cage systems. To meet this aim, six flocks of laying hens in furnished cages and seven flocks in non-cage systems (all without an outdoor run) were visited when hens were around 60 weeks of age and a number of measures were collected: behavioural observations, fearfulness, plumage and body condition, incidence of bone breaks, bone strength, TG/-score (or Animal Needs index), dust levels and mortality. In non-cage systems, birds were found to be more active and made greater use of resources (scratching area, perches) than in furnished cages. These birds also had stronger bones and were less fearful than birds in furnished cages. On the other hand, birds in furnished cages had lower mortality rates, lower incidence of bone fractures and lower airborne dust concentrations. When all the welfare indicators were integrated into an overall welfare score, there were no significant differences between systems. These results indicate that furnished cages and non-cage systems have both strong and weak points in terms of their impact on animal welfare.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR4G30XVJNK81XGSSVRhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR4G30XVJNK81XGSSVRhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S096272860002786Xhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR4G30XVJNK81XGSSVR/file/01HSE5DH6ZX30F5QARFY28YMTAengENo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfarebehaviourhealthhousinglaying henswelfare assessmentTONIC IMMOBILITYSTOCKING DENSITYFEATHER PECKINGHEIGHTDAMAGEWelfare assessment of laying hens in furnished cages and non-cage systems: an on-farm comparisonjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionStocking density effects on broiler welfare : identifying sensitive ranges for different indicators
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR0SGY802RDT491SD82
Buijs, S. Keeling, L. Rettenbacher, S. Van Poucke, E.Tuyttens, Frank2009Although stocking density is perceived as a topic of major importance, no consensus has been reached on what density would allow for good welfare. In the present study, the welfare of 4 replicates of birds stocked at 8, 19, 29, 40, 45, 51, 61, and 72 broilers per pen (or 6, 15, 23, 33, 35, 41, 47, and 56 kg actually achieved BW/m(2)) was studied using 6 welfare indicators. Density did not affect bursa weight, mortality, or concentrations of corticosterone metabolites in droppings but did influence leg health (P = 0.015) and footpad and hock dermatitis (P < 0.001) and tended to influence fearfulness (P = 0.078). However, not every increase in density or group size, or both, led to poorer welfare for the affected indicators: leg health and fearfulness showed unexpected peaks at intermediate densities. Furthermore, the indicators were influenced at different densities: leg strength showed a steep decrease from 6 to 23 kg/m(2), hock dermatitis rose from 35 to 56 kg/m(2), and footpad dermatitis and fearfulness were only significantly higher at the highest density of 56 kg/m(2). No threshold stocking density above which all aspects of welfare were suddenly altered was found in this study. Instead, different aspects of welfare were influenced at different densities or group sizes, or both. Thus, evaluating the effects of stocking density on welfare as a whole would require either identification of acceptable levels for each separate indicator or a weighting of the indicators in an integrated welfare score. A tentative attempt to such an integration, made using equal weights for all parameters, showed a decrease in welfare as density increased (P < 0.001). The lowest 2 densities (6 and 15 kg/m(2)) scored better than most middle densities (23, 33, 35, and 47 kg/m(2)), whereas all densities scored better than the highest density (56 kg/m(2)).application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR0SGY802RDT491SD82http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATR0SGY802RDT491SD82http://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2009-00007https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATR0SGY802RDT491SD82/file/01HSE5MRSDJ5022FNZRENSTZT9engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessPOULTRY SCIENCEISSN: 1525-3171Veterinary Sciencesstocking densitygroup sizewelfarebroilerHOUSING CONDITIONSTONIC IMMOBILITYLEG DISORDERSLAYING HENSGROUP-SIZEPERFORMANCECORTICOSTERONERESPONSESBEHAVIORWEAKNESSStocking density effects on broiler welfare : identifying sensitive ranges for different indicatorsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionInteractions between broiler chickens, soil parameters and short rotation coppice willow in a free-range system
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPVGFT7SXW92MMBJF86
Stadig, LisanneTuyttens, Frank Rodenburg, T. BasVandecasteele, BartAmpe, Bart Reubens, Bert2019Planting short rotation coppice willows (SRCW) in chickens' free-range areas could have several advantages for the chickens, environment and farmer. Our aim was to test the effects of combining SRCW and chickens on free-range use, soil conditions and SRCW growth. A free-range chicken area was partially planted with a grass/clover mixture, and partially with SRCW. Chickens preferred to range in SRCW compared to grassland. No effects of periodical chicken presence on SRCW growth were observed. Total mineral N (N-min) was affected by interactions between vegetation type, location, and soil depth; it was generally higher in SRCW than in grassland and in areas close to the chicken houses. N-min did not appear to accumulate in the soil over the years, but there were strong indications for higher risk of N leaching to deeper soil layers and possibly to groundwater close to the houses and in SRCW. SRCW was beneficial for the chickens, but the combination needs to be studied further with a focus on strategies for preventing nutrient leaching to groundwater.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPVGFT7SXW92MMBJF86http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPVGFT7SXW92MMBJF86http://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2018.1557777https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPVGFT7SXW92MMBJF86/file/01HSE88ABEG0FZVS3TD8A3E18CengTaylor & Francis IncNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSISSN: 2168-3565ISSN: 2168-3573Veterinary SciencesAgriculture and Food SciencesWillowcarbon storagenitrogen losspoultrybiomassagroforestryInteractions between broiler chickens, soil parameters and short rotation coppice willow in a free-range systemjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAnimal welfare implications of surgical castration and its alternatives in pigs
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQYVENFBTM36MW4C8V4
von Borell, E. Baumgartner, J. Giersing, M.Jäggin, N. Prunier, A.Tuyttens, Frank Edwards, S. A.2009This paper constitutes a review on the welfare aspects of piglet castration Mat considers the scientific literature published after 2004. Castrating during the neonatal period (1 to 3 days of age) is clearly painful In addition, inflammatory processes may take place at the sites of incision, thus adding further pain to the procedure. Surgical castration with general and local anaesthesia, in combination with long-term analgesia, has been shown to reduce pain but the additional handling and injection of the anaesthetic, the effectiveness and limited safety margins have to be thoroughly evaluated. Raising entire males during the whole fattening period or immunocastration of males towards the end of the fattening period are other alternatives with welfare benefits in young pigs compared to current surgical castration, but with some potential welfare drawbacks regarding handling stress and behaviour during fattening. Based on the current knowledge, it can be concluded that sperm sexing and raising entire males after genetic control of boar taint are potentially preferable alternatives to current practices, but need further research, as these methods are not yet available.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQYVENFBTM36MW4C8V4http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQYVENFBTM36MW4C8V4http://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731109004728https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQYVENFBTM36MW4C8V4/file/01HSE5Z35ZTD3ZN1506MHFGES0engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311ISSN: 1751-732XVeterinary SciencesPIGLET CASTRATIONSUCKLING PIGLETSLOCAL-ANESTHESIARESPONSESVOCALIZATIONISOFLURANEBEHAVIORCOMPLEXPAINSEXcastrationalternativespigwelfareAnimal welfare implications of surgical castration and its alternatives in pigsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionPractice on castration of piglets in Europe
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQPMM289VR5D19W2H8W
Fredriksen, B. Font i Furnols, M.Lundström, K. Migdal, W. Prunier, A.Tuyttens, Frank Bonneau, M.2009PIGCAS (Attitudes, practices and state of the art regarding piglet castration in Europe) is to our knowledge the first project that has focused on castration practice across European countries (European Union minus Bulgaria, Malta and Romania, plus Norway and Switzerland). About 250 million pigs are slaughtered in Europe each year. Of the 125 million male pigs, approximately 20% are left entire, less than 3% are castrated with anaesthesia and the rest is castrated without anaesthesia. The study identified large variations in castration procedures, both within and between countries. In females, castration is very rare, but is practiced without anaesthesia in special breeds/production systems in some of the southern countries.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQPMM289VR5D19W2H8Whttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQPMM289VR5D19W2H8Whttp://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731109004674https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQPMM289VR5D19W2H8W/file/01HSE6NDBYP77RCP3NZ7XHE43CengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311Veterinary SciencescastrationpigpracticeanaesthesiaimmunocastrationPractice on castration of piglets in EuropejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSensitivity of the Welfare Quality ® broiler chicken protocol to differences between intensively reared indoor flocks : which factors explain overall classification?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPZHK5EVDVDVK3CMP0S
Buijs, S. Ampe, B.Tuyttens, Frank2017There is a large demand for holistic welfare assessment systems that result in a singular balanced summary of welfare. The Welfare Quality((R)) (WQ) broiler protocol summarizes 18 welfare measures into four principles (good feeding', good housing', good health' and appropriate behaviour'), which are then integrated into one overall category (excellent', enhanced', acceptable' or not classified'). But the protocol is time consuming which hampers implementation. Furthermore, WQ's aim to assess animal welfare in a wide range of husbandry systems may decrease its ability to discriminate between flocks from the same system. We applied the protocol in the context of intensive indoor rearing to assess whether it discriminated sufficiently between flocks, could be shortened without losing essential information, and provided a balanced summary of welfare. The vast majority of the flocks (88%) received the same overall classification (acceptable) whilst all other flocks received an adjacent classification (enhanced), suggesting poor discriminative capacity. For 95% of the flocks overall classification was explained by two measures only (drinker space' and stocking density'). A system based on these two measures would reduce assessment time from 3.5 h to a few minutes. However, both measures' validity can be questioned as they are risk factors for poor welfare rather than animal-based outcome measures and they suffer from methodological weaknesses. Furthermore, the possibility for such an extreme simplification raises doubts on whether the overall classification reflects a balanced summary of different welfare aspects. In line with this, overall classification was not affected by replacing single measures within the good health' and appropriate behaviour' principles with realistically attainable minima or maxima for intensively reared flocks. Even replacing either of these two principles entirely with their realistically obtainable minimum or maximum did not affect classification. Such insensitivity to change may discourage attempts to improve the welfare of intensively reared flocks when assessments are made based on the overall classification. This calls for an adjustment of the classification system, which is currently being developed by the Welfare Quality Network.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPZHK5EVDVDVK3CMP0Shttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPZHK5EVDVDVK3CMP0Shttp://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731116001476https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPZHK5EVDVDVK3CMP0S/file/01HSE83RF61FP2VBMW4E1Y7VCMengCambridge Univ PressCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311ISSN: 1751-732XVeterinary Sciencesanimal welfarebroiler chickensimplificationsensitivity analysisWelfare Quality((R))ANIMAL-WELFAREPERFORMANCELAMENESSBELGIUMSensitivity of the Welfare Quality ® broiler chicken protocol to differences between intensively reared indoor flocks : which factors explain overall classification?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionBacteriological contamination, dirt, and cracks of eggshells in furnished cages and noncage systems for laying hens: An international on-farm comparison
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQNDK9GGKQB54GDTT3Q
De Reu, K. Rodenburg, T. B. Grijspeerdt, K. Messens, W. Heyndrickx, M.Tuyttens, Frank Sonck, B. Zoons, J. Herman, L.2009For laying hens, the effects of housing system on bacterial eggshell contamination and eggshell quality is almost exclusively studied in experimental hen houses. The aim of this study was to compare eggshell hygiene and quality under commercial conditions. Six flocks of laying hens in furnished cages and 7 flocks in noncage systems were visited when hens were about 60 wk of age. Farms from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany were included in the study. The following parameters were determined on eggs sampled at the egg belts: 1) bacterial eggshell contamination, as expressed by total count of aerobic bacteria and number of Enterobacteriaceae; 2) proportion of dirty eggs; and 3) proportion of cracked eggs and eggs with microcracks. Considerable within-flock differences were found in eggshell contamination with total count of aerobic bacteria, both for furnished cages (P <= 0.001, range 4.24 to 5.22 log cfu/eggshell) and noncage systems (P <= 0.001, range 4.35 to 5.51 log cfu/eggshell). On average, lower levels of contamination with total count of aerobic bacteria (4.75 vs. 4.98 log cfu/eggshell; P = 0.001) were found on eggshells from furnished cages compared with noncage systems. Concerning Enterobacteriaceae, no significant difference in average eggshell contamination between both systems could be shown. The total percentage of cracked eggs was higher (P <= 0.01) in furnished cages (7.8%) compared with noncage systems (4.1%). This was, however, due to the high percentage of cracked eggs (24%) observed on one of the furnished cage farms. We conclude that bacteriological eggshell contamination and percentage of cracked eggs differed substantially between individual farms using the same housing system. This may also explain some discrepancies between the findings of the present study versus some findings of previous experimental studies or studies on a small number of farms. Although statistically significant, the average differences in bacteriological contamination of nest eggs between both housing systems have limited microbiological relevancy.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQNDK9GGKQB54GDTT3Qhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQNDK9GGKQB54GDTT3Qhttp://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2009-00097https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQNDK9GGKQB54GDTT3Q/file/01HSE6QH870ZENVP68G1KKX7K6engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessPOULTRY SCIENCEISSN: 0032-5791ISSN: 1525-3171Veterinary Scienceslaying henhousing systembacterial egg contaminationeggshell qualityHOUSING SYSTEMSCONVENTIONAL CAGESEGG QUALITYPERFORMANCEHEALTHDESIGNFLORABacteriological contamination, dirt, and cracks of eggshells in furnished cages and noncage systems for laying hens: An international on-farm comparisonjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionRepeatability of lameness, fear and slipping scores to assess animal welfare upon arrival in pig slaughterhouses
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQK6G09MZBMR2V16ZRG
Dalmau, A. Geverink, N. A. Van Nuffel, A. van Steenbergen, L. Van Reenen, K. Hautekiet, V. Vermeulen, K. Velarde, A.Tuyttens, Frank2010The EU project Welfare Quality (R) proposes an overall assessment system for animal welfare based on animal outcomes. The objective of this study was to test inter-observer reliability (IOR) when assessing lameness, fear and slipping and falling scores as parameters for monitoring the welfare of killing pigs during arrival at the slaughterhouse. Two Belgian and two Spanish slaughterhouses were visited by six to seven observers. Lameness, slipping and falling were assessed twice; during unloading and in the passageway to the lairage zone (lairage). Fear, which was assessed in the unloading area, was based on four indicators: reluctance to move, retreat attempts, turning back and vocalisations. Lameness had low-to-moderate IOR when observed in the passageway to lairage (r = 0.46), but the IOR was low during unloading (r = 0.25). IOR for slipping and falling was moderate to high (r = 0.71 and r = 0.50, respectively), when assessed in the unloading area, but low for observations in the passageway (r = 0.13). Fear indicators had only moderate or low IOR. Turning back was the measure with the highest IOR (r = 0.43) and retreat attempts had the lowest IOR (r = 0.25). Based on these results, we concluded that scoring lameness could be reliable when assessed from the unloading bay to lairage, whereas slipping and falling should be scored in the unloading area of the slaughterhouse. We suggest scoring a maximum of two measures of fear on the same animals at the unloading area, with the most reliable parameters being turning back and reluctance to move. The three indicators of animal welfare (lameness, fear and slipping and falling) should be measured in a way to reduce overtax of the observers in order to achieve accurate results.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQK6G09MZBMR2V16ZRGhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQK6G09MZBMR2V16ZRGhttp://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731110000066https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQK6G09MZBMR2V16ZRG/file/01HSE6SN34Z3CQWVX87VWTAETYengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311Veterinary SciencesfearfallinglamenessslaughterhouseslippingRepeatability of lameness, fear and slipping scores to assess animal welfare upon arrival in pig slaughterhousesjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionDevelopment of hierarchy and rank effects in weaned growing rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQJ6C50PR6HPCPW1QKH
Vervaecke, H. De Bonte, L. Maertens, L.Tuyttens, Frank Stevens, J. M. G. Lips, D.2010Aggression among growing rabbits reduces production efficiency, and negatively affects the animal's welfare. Understanding hierarchy development may improve its predictive value with regard to differential access to resources and fitness. This could in turn lead to measures to reduce aggression. This study quantifies the development of a hierarchy among small groups of same-age rabbits kept in high density. We describe the development of the 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 was housed in a wire mesh cage of 0.72 m(2) and was observed at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 wk of age. All activities of focal individuals were scored and antagonistic interactions among all group members were sampled continuously. For rank order analysis, submissive behaviours shown after receiving aggression were used. Females were heavier than males (3.2 kg vs 3.0 kg: wk 12); this difference was statistically significant from the sixth week onwards. Two of the four groups developed significantly linear hierarchies from the age of ten and twelve weeks onwards, respectively. In these two groups, rank order did not correlate with body weight, sex or wound count. The group with the steepest hierarchy had the highest number of wounds. The results show that growing rabbits can form linear hierarchies by 10 weeks of age, but this tendency differs strongly among groups. The male and female rabbits did not form separate hierarchies, in contrast to their natural tendencies. This may be due to the high density, and may imply a lack of interaction freedom.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQJ6C50PR6HPCPW1QKHhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQJ6C50PR6HPCPW1QKHhttp://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2010.8229https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQJ6C50PR6HPCPW1QKH/file/01HSE6VWQKFS5G1CGVQR7YXMNXengNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessWORLD RABBIT SCIENCEISSN: 1257-5011ISSN: 1989-8886Veterinary SciencesREPRODUCTIVE SUCCESSEUROPEAN RABBITSDOMINANCE HIERARCHIESLABORATORY RABBITSDOMESTIC RABBITSSTOCKING DENSITYSOCIAL-BEHAVIORGROUP-SIZEAGGRESSIONLINEARITYrabbitaggressiondominancehierarchyDevelopment of hierarchy and rank effects in weaned growing rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionComparison of fertility control and lethal control of bovine tuberculosis in badgers : the impact of perturbation induced transmission
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRYEQHZQKWB41YWNZ4S
Swinton, J Macdonald, D Nokes, DJ Cheeseman, CL CliftonHadley, RTuyttens, Frank1997In this paper we use mathematical modelling to consider the broad advantages and disadvantages of fertility control over lethal control for bovine tuberculosis in badger populations.
We use a deliberately simple model, attempting to capture only the key transmission processes. The model is parametrized with reference to the long-term Woodchester Park study. Estimates of mortality rate from this study suggest no significant extra mortality risk for animals with evidence of infection as indicated by the presence of anti-Mycobacterium bovis antibodies or M. bovis isolation.
We find that large reductions in prevalence are sometimes the consequence of only moderate reductions in population numbers. If we assume that the act of control does not in itself affect transmission rates, then as far as eradication is concerned, both fertility control and mortality control operate through the same epidemiological mechanism, the removal of susceptibles: if one is in principle capable of keeping a population low enough to be infection free then so is the other. It is necessary to continue either form of control at regular intervals to maintain a constant level of infection in the long term. If control were to be stopped, return to precontrol levels of badger population and infection prevalence would be expected within a few years. Fertility control is less effective in reducing population density than lethal control since it can only act, at maximum, to remove one age cohort per year. It is also less effective in reducing transmission as it can only ever remove susceptibles, while lethal control also removes infectious badgers.
However, if the social disturbance caused by lethal control does in fact increase contact rates for the remaining infectious badgers, the relative efficacies of the two strategies become a great deal less clear. While we have no quantitative data on the extent to which social perturbation does act to promote transmission, model simulations show that it is possible to develop plausible scenarios in which the lethal control may actually act to increase the absolute numbers of animals infected, while reducing the number of uninfected animals to very low numbers.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRYEQHZQKWB41YWNZ4Shttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATRYEQHZQKWB41YWNZ4Shttp://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1997.0042https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATRYEQHZQKWB41YWNZ4S/file/01HSE308SG223PWZ1T53X73GF8engRoyal SocNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessPHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESISSN: 0962-8436ISSN: 1471-2970Veterinary SciencesMELES-MELES POPULATIONSMYCOBACTERIUM-BOVISSOUTHWEST ENGLANDEPIDEMIOLOGYINFECTIONMODELDYNAMICSDISEASEELISAComparison of fertility control and lethal control of bovine tuberculosis in badgers : the impact of perturbation induced transmissionjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionImprovement of the welfare quality scoring model for dairy cows to fit experts' opinion
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPJP04W5NTQNKK03V2Y
Lardy, R. Botreau, R. des Roches, A. de Boyer van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M. de Graaf, S. Haskell, M. J. Kirchner, M. K. Mounier, L. Kjosevski, M.Tuyttens, Frank Veissier, I.2023After several years of implementation, the original Welfare Quality scoring model for dairy cows appears to be highly sensitive to the number and cleanliness of drinkers and not enough to the prevalence of diseases, and as a consequence may not fit the opinion of some animal welfare experts. The present paper aims to improve the Welfare Quality calculations for the criteria 'Absence of prolonged thirst' and 'Absence of disease' in dairy cows, so that the results are more sensitive to input data and better fit experts' opinion. First, we modified the calculation of 'Absence of prolonged thirst' by linearising the calculation for drinkers' availability to avoid threshold effects. Second, we modified the calculation of 'Absence of disease' by applying a Choquet integral on the three lowest spline-based scores for each health disorder to limit compensation between health disorders. Third, we performed a global sensitivity analysis of the original and the alternative scoring models. Fourth, we compared the results obtained with the original and the alternative models with eight experts' opinions on two subsets composed of 44 and 60 farms, respectively, inspected using the Welfare Quality protocol and on which experts gave their opinion on the overall level of animal welfare. Results show that the alternative model significantly reduced the 'threshold effects' related to the number of drinkers and the compensation between health disorders. On the first subset, the alternative model fits the experts' opinion slightly better than the original model (P = 0.061). On the second subset, the models performed equally. In conclusion, the proposed refinements for calculating scores are validated since they significantly reduced 'threshold effects' and the influence of measures related to drinkers. It also reduced the compensation between health disorders by considering only the three lowest scores and thus increasing the influence of measures related to health disorders, and slightly improve at overall score level the accordance with experts' opinion. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Animal Consortium. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPJP04W5NTQNKK03V2Yhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATPJP04W5NTQNKK03V2Yhttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2023.101018https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATPJP04W5NTQNKK03V2Y/file/01HSE8R36RKVSZ0C5MGCN924QYengElsevierCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311ISSN: 1751-732XVeterinary SciencesSENSITIVITY-ANALYSISANIMAL-WELFARECATTLE WELFAREPARAMETERSSCIENCEVALUESFARMAnimal well-beingCattleExpert opinionMulticriteria evaluationSensitivity analysisImprovement of the welfare quality scoring model for dairy cows to fit experts' opinionjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionCow gait scores and kinematic gait data : can people see gait irregularities?
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQV6V6T7WZTYQXJK0MJ
Van Nuffel, A. Sprenger, M.Tuyttens, Frank Maertens, W.2009Increasing lameness problems associated with intensified dairy cattle production has lead to the development of several techniques to automatically detect these problems. Comparisons of these new measuring techniques of cow locomotion with the conventional subjective observer scoring are scarce. In order to better understand human observers' gait scoring, cows walking on a pressure-sensitive mat were evaluated for kinematic gait variables and a visual assessment of gait was also made via video recording. Forty of these videos were used for subjective gait scoring on a 3-point scale, and the observers were also asked to report any observed abnormalities (lameness indicators) that had influenced their scoring. Relationships between reported lameness indicators and subjective gait scores, between subjective gait scores and measured kinematic variables of cow locomotion and between reported lameness indicators and measured kinematic variables of cow locomotion were investigated. In general, observers based their gait score on reported indicators such as 'tenderness', 'arched back', 'irregular gait' and 'increased abduction'. All of these four reported lameness indicators were correlated with measured kinematic 'variables of asymmetry', 'stance time' or both, suggesting that human observers are capable of detecting changes within these lameness indicators as measured by the pressure-sensitive mat. 'Increased abduction' appeared harder to detect and was reported more frequently by observers already experienced with gait scoring. Also, the measured kinematic variables of 'stance time' and 'measures of asymmetry between left and right limbs' as measured by the pressure-sensitive mat, show potential in predicting the gait score given. These reported lameness indicators and measured kinematic variables-mutually correlated and both related to the gait scores-were considered promising for subjective gait scoring in general.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQV6V6T7WZTYQXJK0MJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HSB1ATQV6V6T7WZTYQXJK0MJhttp://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600000841https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HSB1ATQV6V6T7WZTYQXJK0MJ/file/01HSG2E7AFHWH2Y250YT004Q2YengUniv Federation Animal WelfareNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286ISSN: 2054-1538Veterinary Sciencesanimal welfareautomatic detectiondairy cowsgait scorekinematic gait datalamenessLAMENESSLOCOMOTIONCow gait scores and kinematic gait data : can people see gait irregularities?journalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionBelgian consumers' attitude towards surgical castration and immunocastration of piglets
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/838882
Vanhonacker, FiliepVerbeke, WimTuyttens, Frank2009In the vast majority of European countries, piglets are surgically castrated in order to eliminate the risk of boor taint, an odour or flavour that can be present when pork from entire males is cooked. However, surgical castration is the subject of much debate and criticism as a result of its negative implications for piglets' welfare, integrity and health. At present, there is much ongoing research into potential alternatives, among them immunocastration. This practice involves the injection of a vaccine that inhibits the production of the hormones responsible for boor taint. Although satisfactory results are associated with immunocastration in terms of meat quality and production parameters, uncertainty concerning consumer acceptance is often put forward as a key element in the quest for a successful market introduction. This study focuses on consumer awareness of piglet castration and attitudes towards immunocastration by means of a web-based questionnaire among 225 Flemish consumers. We noted approximately 40% awareness of the routine practice of castrating piglets and this limited awareness is accompanied by a moderate level of concern regarding castration, especially in comparison to food safety and other pork production system-related animal welfare issues. Sixty percent of the sample had a general appreciation for the concept of immunocastration, as opposed to surgical castration. Informing consumers about the potential benefits and/or risks from immunocastration did not tend to have much effect in terms of altering their attitudes. Immunocastration did not emerge as a problem in terms of consumer acceptance: special attention should be paid to consumers' perception of pricing, food safety and the taste of the meat from immunocastrated pigs.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/838882http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-838882http://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600000774https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/838882/file/6825025engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Agriculture and Food SciencesMALE PIGSvaccinationpigsINFORMATIONattitudeconsumer acceptabilityimmunocastrationanimal welfareINVOLVEMENTTAINTGNRHGROWTH-PERFORMANCEANIMAL-WELFAREFRESH MEATBOARSBelgian consumers' attitude towards surgical castration and immunocastration of pigletsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionSensitivity of the integrated Welfare Quality® scores to changing values of individual dairy cattle welfare measures
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8661385
de Graaf, SophieAmpe, BBuijs, SAndreasen, SNRoches, A De Boyer DesEerdenburg, FJCM vanHaskell, MJKirchner, MKMounier, LRadeski, MWinckler, CBijttebier, JLauwers, LudwigVerbeke, WimTuyttens, Frank2018The Welfare Quality((R)) (WQ) protocol for on-farm dairy cattle welfare assessment describes 33 measures and a step-wise method to integrate the outcomes into 12 criteria scores, grouped into four principle scores and into an overall welfare categorisation with four possible levels. The relative contribution of various welfare measures to the integrated scores has been contested. Using a European dataset (491 herds), we investigated: i) variation in sensitivity of integrated outcomes to extremely low and high values of measures, criteria and principles by replacing each actual value with minimum and maximum observed and theoretically possible values; and ii) the reasons for this variation in sensitivity. As intended by the WQ consortium, the sensitivity of integrated scores depends on: i) the observed value of the specific measures/criteria; ii) whether the change was positive/negative; and iii) the relative weight attributed to the measures. Additionally, two unintended factors of considerable influence appear to be side-effects of the complexity of the integration method. Namely: i) the number of measures integrated into criteria and principle scores; and ii) the aggregation method of the measures. Therefore, resource-based measures related to drinkers (which have been criticised with respect to their validity to assess absence of prolonged thirst), have a much larger influence on integrated scores than health-related measures such as 'mortality rate' and 'lameness score'. Hence, the integration method of the WQ protocol for dairy cattle should be revised to ensure that the relative contribution of the various welfare measures to the integrated scores more accurately reflect their relevance for dairy cattle welfare.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8661385http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8661385http://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.27.2.157https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8661385/file/8661390engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Agriculture and Food Sciencesanimal-based welfare indicatorsanimal welfaredairy cattleintegrated welfare indexsensitivity analysisWelfare Quality((R))ANIMAL-WELFAREBROILER-CHICKENSPROTOCOLDEFINITIONTHIRSTSensitivity of the integrated Welfare Quality® scores to changing values of individual dairy cattle welfare measuresjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAbsence of an effect of dietary fibre or clinoptilolite on boar taint in entire male pigs fed practical diets
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/982008
Aluwé, MMillet, SNijs, GTuyttens, FrankVerheyden, KarolienDe Brabander, HubertVan Oeckel, MJ2009This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of reducing boar taint in boars (Pietrain x Hybrid) by addition of different feed ingredients (raw potato starch (RPS) 10%, raw potato starch 10% + wheat bran 5% (RPS + WB), lupins 10%, inulin 5%, clinoptilolite 1%) to a standard diet over a period of 4-6 weeks before slaughter. Control boars (CBOAR) as well as barrows were fed the standard diet. Efficacy of the different feed ingredients was evaluated by different boar taint detection methods: hot iron method, consumer panel, expert panel and laboratory analysis. According to all detection methods, clear differences were noticeable between boars and barrows. No differences in boar taint incidence were found between the boars on the different dietary treatments as assessed by consumers, experts, hot iron method or the concentration of skatole in fat. A significant effect on indole level was found, but no further differentiation could be made. The concentration of backfat androstenone was significantly higher for the inulin and control boar group compared to the lupin group. In conclusion, none of the feeding strategies tested in this Study reduced boar taint in boars at the given percentages. All rights reserved.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/982008http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-982008http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2009.02.001https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/982008/file/1000238engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessMEAT SCIENCEISSN: 0309-1740ChemistryLupinsClinoptiloliteDetection methodsWheat branInulinRaw potato starchEntire male pigsSkatoleBoar taintAbsence of an effect of dietary fibre or clinoptilolite on boar taint in entire male pigs fed practical dietsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionThe sensitivity of Flemish citizens to androstenone: influence of gender, age, location and smoking habits
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1235037
Bekaert, KarenTuyttens, FrankDuchateau, LucDe Brabander, HubertAluwe, MMillet, SVandendriessche, FVanhaecke, Lynn2011application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1235037http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-1235037http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2011.02.010https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1235037/file/1255707engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessMEAT SCIENCEISSN: 0309-1740Biology and Life SciencesMEATCONSUMERSSKATOLEPERCEIVE ANDROSTENONEBOAR TAINT7 EUROPEAN COUNTRIESSMELLODORIDENTIFICATIONDEPOSITIONAndrostenoneBelgiumBoar taintConsumerPorkSensitivityThe sensitivity of Flemish citizens to androstenone: influence of gender, age, location and smoking habitsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionHoe wel zijn mijn koeien? Evaluatie van dierenwelzijn en -gezondheid op melkveebedrijven
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/330286
SOBRY, LGOOSSENS, XOpsomer, GeertNevens, FrankDe Smet, StefaanOdberg, FrankMaes, DominiekLOMMELEN, FTuyttens, FrankGEERS, R2005https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/330286http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-330286undPublicatie van het Steunpunt Duurzame LandbouwMedicine and Health SciencesHoe wel zijn mijn koeien? Evaluatie van dierenwelzijn en -gezondheid op melkveebedrijvenjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEvaluatieprotocol voor dierenwelzijn en -gezondheid op Vlaamse varkensbedrijven
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/315433
GOOSSENS, XSOBRY, LMaes, DominiekNevens, FrankOdberg, FrankTuyttens, FrankDe Smet, StefaanOpsomer, GeertLOMMELEN, FGEERS, R2005https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/315433http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-315433undPublicatie van het Steunpunt Duurzame LandbouwMedicine and Health SciencesEvaluatieprotocol voor dierenwelzijn en -gezondheid op Vlaamse varkensbedrijvenjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAgonistic Rabbit Action Detection/Classification
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H9FSCYW5MJ13E6QEZSN3VZVJ
Ipek, NusretVan Damme, Liesbeth G. W.Tuyttens, FrankVerwaeren, Jan2022Sample data for rabbit doe behavior analysis in group housing. 'Raw Video Files' contains 6 hours of continuous video from Camera 1 (6 video files spearated 1h each). 'Action Clips' contains segmented agonistic action clips from the raw video files (Camera 1, 6hours only). 'COCO Annotations - Rabbits' contains images and the COCO format annotations used to train Keypoint RCNN model. 'Model Weights' contains final ANN model weights for both Keypoint RCNN model and Resnet50 (re-identification) model. 'Camera 1 - 6h - Agonistic Behaviors' contains agonistic action detections for 6 hours in Camera 1. 'Tracker_Cam_11_Action_18.mp4' is a random sample of tracked group-housed rabbits.https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01H9FSCYW5MJ13E6QEZSN3VZVJhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01H9FSCYW5MJ13E6QEZSN3VZVJhttp://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7248029engZenodoCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0)Computer visionAnimal welfareDominance AnalysisHierarchyRabbitAgonistic behaviorAgonistic Rabbit Action Detection/ClassificationresearchDatainfo:eu-repo/semantics/otherInfluence of nest seclusion and nesting material on pre-laying behaviour of laying hens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/672535
Struelens, EsterVan Nuffel, AnneliesTuyttens, FrankAudoorn, LieveVranken, ErikZoons, JohanBerckmans, DanielOdberg, FrankVan Dongen, StefanSonck, Bart2008application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/672535http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-672535http://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.07.010https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/672535/file/706774engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessAPPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCEISSN: 0168-1591Veterinary SciencesDESIGNCHOICESITE SELECTIONINDIVIDUAL VARIATIONBATTERY CAGESDOMESTIC-FOWLlaying henspre-laying behaviourFLOORBOXWELFAREnesting materialnest seclusionInfluence of nest seclusion and nesting material on pre-laying behaviour of laying hensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionA population-based on-farm evaluation protocol for comparing the welfare of pigs between farms
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/394187
GOOSSENS, XSOBRY, LOdberg, FrankTuyttens, FrankMaes, DominiekDe Smet, StefaanNEVENS, FOpsomer, GeertLOMMELEN, FGEERS, R2008https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/394187http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-394187engUNIV FEDERATION ANIMAL WELFAREANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Medicine and Health SciencesA population-based on-farm evaluation protocol for comparing the welfare of pigs between farmsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionInfluence of breed and slaughter weight on boar taint prevalence
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/2100783
Aluwé, MarijkeMillet, SamBekaert, KarenTuyttens, FrankVanhaecke, LynnDe Smet, StefaanDebrabander, DL2011Pietrain (P), Large White (LW) and Belgian Landrace stress negative (BN) boars were slaughtered at 50, 70, 90 or 110 kg live weight to investigate breed differences and the effect of slaughter weight on boar taint prevalence. Boar taint was quantified by four different methodologies: sensory evaluation of neckfat heated with a hot iron in the slaughterhouse, sensory evaluation of meat by consumer panels, sensory evaluation of fat and meat by expert panels and laboratory analysis of indole, skatole and androstenone in backfat. Skatole levels in backfat were significantly higher for LW and BN than for P boars. The androstenone levels and the hot iron method revealed a significant interaction between breed and slaughter weight. On the other hand, experts detected an effect of weight on the androstenone odour perception, which was significantly higher in fat from boars slaughtered at 90 kg compared with 50 kg, and significantly higher in meat from boars slaughtered at 110 kg compared with 50 kg. Consumers did not detect differences in the sensory characteristics among breeds or slaughter weight. These results indicate opportunities to minimise the risk of boar taint in entire male pigs by carefully selecting a combination of breed and slaughter weight. Along with the optimal slaughter weight, the effectiveness of reducing boar taint by lowering slaughter weight appeared to be breed dependent.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/2100783http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-2100783http://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731111000164https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/2100783/file/6770187engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMALISSN: 1751-7311Agriculture and Food Sciencesdetection methodsbreedboar taintslaughter weightentire male pigsLONGISSIMUS-DORSISKATOLEANDROSTENONEFATINDOLESTEROIDSLANDRACETISSUELEVELMEATInfluence of breed and slaughter weight on boar taint prevalencejournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionEffect of surgical castration, immunocastration and chicory-diet on the meat quality and palatability of boars
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3193093
Aluwé, MLangendries, KCMBekaert, KMTuyttens, FrankDe Brabander, DLDe Smet, StefaanMillet, S2013application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3193093http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-3193093http://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.02.015https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/3193093/file/3202114engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessMEAT SCIENCEISSN: 0309-1740Agriculture and Food SciencesChicoryEntire male pigsMeat qualityBoar taintGONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONEENTIRE MALE PIGSImmunocastrationFEMALE PIGSGROWTH-PERFORMANCEEATING QUALITYANDROSTENONESKATOLETAINTPORKIMPROVAC(R)Effect of surgical castration, immunocastration and chicory-diet on the meat quality and palatability of boarsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionInfluence of hands-on experience on pig farmers' attitude towards alternatives for surgical castration of male piglets
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7046070
Aluwe, MVanhonacker, FiliepMillet, STuyttens, Frank2015application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7046070http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-7046070http://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.09.019https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7046070/file/7046091engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessRESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCEISSN: 0034-5288Veterinary SciencesHands-on experienceFarmerBoar taintAltemativesImmunocastrationPiglet castrationANESTHESIAQUALITYTECHNOLOGIESADOPTIONCARCASSIMMUNOCASTRATIONCONSEQUENCESSWITZERLANDPERFORMANCECONSUMERSInfluence of hands-on experience on pig farmers' attitude towards alternatives for surgical castration of male pigletsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionInternet of animals : characterisation of LoRa sub-GHz off-body wireless channel in dairy barns
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8531958
Benaissa, SaidPlets, DavidTanghe, EmmericTrogh, JensMartens, LVandaele, LVerloock, LeenTuyttens, FrankSonck, BartJoseph, Wout2017Advances in wireless sensor technologies and MEMS have made it possible to automatically monitor the health status of dairy cows using Internet of things (IoT) and wireless body area networks. Since on-cow measuring devices are energy constrained, a proper characterisation of the off-body wireless channel between the on-cow sensor nodes and the back-end base station is required for an optimised deployment of these networks in barns. In this Letter, the long range (LoRa) off-body wireless channel has been characterised at 868 MHz, a typical IoT frequency. Both path loss and temporal fading were investigated using LoRa motes. Based on this characterisation, network planning and energy consumption optimisation of the on-body nodes could be performed, which enables the deployment of reliable dairy cow monitoring systems.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8531958http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8531958http://doi.org/10.1049/el.2017.1344https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8531958/file/8531959engInst Engineering Technology-ietNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessELECTRONICS LETTERSISSN: 0013-5194ISSN: 1350-911XInternet of animals : characterisation of LoRa sub-GHz off-body wireless channel in dairy barnsjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionAssessing animal welfare at farm and group level : introduction and overview
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/852652
Tuyttens, FrankMaes, DominiekGeverink, NCoene, PRodenburg, TB2009https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/852652http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-852652http://doi.org/10.1017/S0962728600000713engANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Veterinary SciencesAssessing animal welfare at farm and group level : introduction and overviewmiscinfo:eu-repo/semantics/otherinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionMeasuring thirst in broiler chickens
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1073173
Sprenger, MargotVangestel, CarlTuyttens, Frank2009Freedom from thirst has been long considered of paramount importance for animal welfare, however a feasible and sensitive animal-based indicator to assess thirst on-farm or at-slaughter, is not available. In this study, voluntary water consumption over time was investigated and validated as a non-invasive behavioural parameter for assessing thirst in broiler chickens. Thirty-two groups of four broilers were used in this study and the effect of three factors on water consumption from a test drinker was investigated: duration of water deprivation (0, 6, 12, or 24 h); familiarity with the test drinker, and age (35 or 37 days). Water consumption was measured after 30, 60, 90 and 120 min following the deprivation period. Water consumption increased with the length of the deprivation period and was greater in birds that had been habituated to the test drinker. The effect of familiarity was smaller for 24-h deprived groups compared to 6- and 12-h deprived groups. When birds were habituated to the drinker, they started to drink sooner than when the drinker was new. These findings illustrate the potential of simple, animal-based measures, such as water consumption over time to assess thirst in chickens and this behavioural test may form the basis of an on-farm test that could be included in integrated animal welfare assessment schemes.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1073173http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-1073173http://doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600000981https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1073173/file/1075599engNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessANIMAL WELFAREISSN: 0962-7286Agriculture and Food Sciencesthirstwater consumptiondehydrationanimal welfarebroilerswelfare assessmentMeasuring thirst in broiler chickensjournalArticleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/articleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionPoultry handling and transport
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8687993
Grandin, TempleWeeks, ClaireTuyttens, FrankGrandin, Temple2019The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has estimated that 87% of transported poultry is broiler chickens. Broiler death losses during transport average 0.2% but can vary greatly. In layers, poor feather cover is associated with more mortalities, and in broilers, poor health increases transport losses. It is difficult to remove hens from furnished/enriched cages and this can result in more injuries. Design innovations are needed. Mechanical catching of broilers reduces stress during container loading. It may be slower than manual catching and may result in more heatstress mortalities during hot weather unless two machines are used. In hot temperatures, stocking rates should be reduced and trucks need to be kept moving to prevent heat stress, unless the vehicle has active climate control. In cold winter temperatures, chickens can be exposed to both heat stress or cold stress in different parts of a vehicle with closed curtains unless mechanical ventilation is used. Death losses tend to increase with both longer transit times and more time waiting at the abattoir unless mitigation strategies are employed.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8687993http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8687993http://doi.org/10.1079/9781786399151.0404https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8687993/file/8688056engCABINo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessLivestock handling and transportISBN: 9781786399151Veterinary SciencesPoultry handling and transportbookChapterinfo:eu-repo/semantics/bookPartinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionInternet of animals : on-and off-body propagation analysis for energy efficient WBAN design for dairy cows
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8530052
Benaissa, SaidPlets, DavidTanghe, EmmericVermeeren, GünterMartens, LucSonck, BartTuyttens, FrankVandaele, LeenJoseph, Wout2017This paper presents propagation modelling of different on-body and off-body wireless communication scenarios for dairy cows in barns at 2.4 GHz. Based on the obtained propagation models, a WBAN that monitors multiple heath parameters is designed for optimal performances in terms of energy efficiency and packet error rate.application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8530052http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8530052http://doi.org/10.23919/EuCAP.2017.7928112https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/8530052/file/8530053engIEEENo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess2017 11TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION (EUCAP)ISSN: 2164-3342ISBN: 978-8-8907-0187-0CHANNELDairy cowon-and off-body path losscow phantomtemporal fadingwireless body area network (WBAN)energy efficieincyInternet of animals : on-and off-body propagation analysis for energy efficient WBAN design for dairy cowsconferenceinfo:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceObjectinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionCombining ultra-wideband (UWB) location and accelerometer data for cattle behaviour monitoring
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HQNFDGK5PHD0C6H9NKDQF9HR
Benaissa, SaidTuyttens, FrankPlets, DavidVandaele, LeenMartens, LucJoseph, WoutSonck, Bart2023application/pdfhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HQNFDGK5PHD0C6H9NKDQF9HRhttp://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01HQNFDGK5PHD0C6H9NKDQF9HRhttps://biblio.ugent.be/publication/01HQNFDGK5PHD0C6H9NKDQF9HR/file/01HQNFK9N750EYSHP3S3NSYAMEengBrillNo license (in copyright)info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessBook of Abstracts of the 74th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP 2023)ISSN: 1382-6077ISBN: 9789086863486ISBN: 9789086869367Technology and EngineeringVeterinary SciencesCombining ultra-wideband (UWB) location and accelerometer data for cattle behaviour monitoringconferenceinfo:eu-repo/semantics/conferenceObjectinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion