Animal wlefare is a term used in relation to the relationship between man and animal, the protection of animals against torture and the protection of animal health. Animal welfare covers physical and mental health and various aspects, such as physical comfort, absence of hunger and thirst, the ability to express motivated behavior, etc., which people usually attach to a different level of importance. Due to the welfare measure and the lack of animal welfare research, the first evaluation of the welfare of pigs was carried out under CRP V4-1604. The purpose of the project was to assess the welfare of Slovenian pig breeds based on the international Welfare Quality Assessment Protocol for Pigs (WQ®) assessment and to prepare a simpler protocol suitable for the Slovenian situation, and will enable breeders to assess the welfare and take the necessary measures.
F.35 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 4142216Animal welfare is the premise of modern livestock farming and is closely linked to farming systems and conditions of livestock, which consumers are increasingly paying attention when deciding on the purchase of products. By improving the welfare, fewer injuries and illnesses are expected, with fewer treatments, better productivity and better quality of animal products. In the article we present the results of the experiment in which we are the classic method of breeding, where the individual pigs, together with piglets, were housed in individual pits, compared with group boxy, where piglets of different nests can pass between boxy (partial simulation of natural conditions - only piglets, but not sows).
F.35 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 4158344Sustainable development, which includes environmental and climatic conditions, and an emphasis on animal welfare, has been gaining an increased importance in the development of agriculturelivestock production in Europe. At the same time the consumers, when deciding to purchase animal products, pay more and more attention to the housing conditions farm animals were exposed to. Different rearing conditions in conventional or alternative systems, especially in group housed animals, affect differently the development of behavior abnormalities such as cannibalism in laying hens and pigs, as well as the onset of dermatitis in broilers and general welfare. There is no legislation (laws or directives) available in Slovenia to ensure the welfare of animals in various housing systems of poultry and pigs. Therefore, in this project we will test the protocols and indicators as a non-invasive way to assess the welfare of poultry and pigs, and establish critical limits of animal welfare, including health care, with emphasis on an individual animal. With this we will make the first scientific assessment of the welfare of poultry and pigs in conventional and alternative housing systems in Slovenia and get the first detailed insight into the state of welfare on the commercial farms. Also, individual housing systems will be described the first time in terms of animal welfare, which will enable housing systems and the corresponding animal products to be better recognized. Furthermore, the project will test innovative approaches to reduce cannibalism as the use of repellents in laying hens and by testing different ways of creating groups of pigs after weaning. At the same time, we will monitor indicators of stress, such as biomarkers of oxidative stress in the blood and saliva of pigs and the concentration of corticosterone and immunoglobulins feathers and eggs in laying hens or broilers. As for laying hens in practice, in addition to cannibalism, keel bone damage represents a big welfare problem, so one of the project key objectives will include the monitoring thereof in the various housing systems. We will also prepare recommendations on the possibilities of their prevention. The last, but not the least key objective of the project is an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the problem of welfare including health care of poultry and pigs. The project will consist of the three scientific organizations from two different universities in Slovenia that will closely work with the industry. Together we want to introduce technological innovations that will allow the animal-friendly rearing conditions and provide safer food for consumers.
D.06 Final report on a foreign/international project
COBISS.SI-ID: 4139912