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Davis M, Sullivan P, Bretón J, Dean L, Edwards-Callaway L. Investigating the impact of pre-slaughter management factors on indicators of fed beef cattle welfare – a scoping review. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1073849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe impact of pre-slaughter management practices on fed beef cattle welfare is a multifaceted and well researched subject matter. Factors such as transportation, handling, lairage time and several animal characteristics can directly impact the cattle’s behavior, mobility, blood lactate and cortisol levels, likelihood of injury and ultimately overall cattle welfare. Animal welfare continues to grow as a critical component of slaughter in the fed beef industry, yet a formal review of related research does not exist.MethodsA scoping review was performed in order to (1) catalog pre-slaughter management factors that impact fed beef cattle welfare at the time of slaughter, (2) identify indicators used to evaluate the impact of pre-slaughter management on fed beef cattle welfare at slaughter, and (3) gain further understanding of the relationship between pre-slaughter management factors and fed beef cattle welfare outcome indicators at slaughter. Three data bases were ultimately searched: PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science. The concepts used in the database searches were the population of interest (i.e., fed beef cattle), the location in the supply chain, preslaughter management factors, and welfare outcomes.ResultsA total of 69 studies were included in final analysis for this review, including studies from six geographic regions around the globe. Studies involving alternative slaughter methods (e.g., religious stunning or mobile slaughter) were not included in the formal analysis of this review, but still merited an in-depth discussion within this paper. After reviewing the studies, a total of 37 pre-slaughter factors and 69 indicators of welfare were measured throughout. Pre-slaughter management factors were then categorized by: animal characteristics; environmental characteristics; handling; lairage; transportation; and water/feed. Outcomeindicators of welfare were categorized into: behaviors; health, injury and disease; physiological; and stunning and insensibility.DiscussionPre-slaughter factors relating to transportation and handling, and welfare outcomes measured by behaviors and physiology were of the most researched throughout the studies.The results of this review offer a catalogue of commonly researched factors and indicators of welfare measured during the pre-slaughter phase, as well ast he relationships between them. This review also offers further substantial evidence that a multitude of events in the pre-slaughter phase affect fed beef cattle welfare and a collection of highly applicable welfare indicators to expedite further research on the effects of pre-slaughter factors and the application of improved practices.
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El Sabry M, Almasri O. Space allowance: a tool for improving behavior, milk and meat production, and reproduction performance of buffalo in different housing systems-a review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:266. [PMID: 35970907 PMCID: PMC9378332 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Buffalo population has dramatically increased during the last two decades, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Although buffalo are important milk and meat-producing animal, still practices of buffalo farming and welfare aspects are not well established. Housing system and stocking density are significant factors that affect the welfare and production of animals; however, no space allowance standards have been demonstrated for buffalo at different ages. This review article presents the following: (1) an overview of buffalo subtypes and the geographical distribution of buffalo populations and their production; (2) the effect of housing systems and space allowance on the social behavior and welfare indices; (3) the effects of space allowance on milk production and growth performance of buffalo; and (4) the relationship between space allowance and reproductive performance. Although the limited data in this area of research, it can be driven that a larger space allowance with access to a pool, especially during the hot season, maintains buffalo production at optimal levels. Moreover, optimal floor space improves the welfare and social indices of buffalo; however, there are discrepancies in aggressive and agonistic behavior results. Surprisingly, the reproductive performance of buffalo was not affected by space allowance. Therefore, further research is needed to identify the impact of the housing aspects, including space allowance and enrichment tools, on the productive performance, and welfare indices of buffalo. This would assist in implementing welfare-economic standards for buffalo production and reveal the potentiality of this eco-friendly animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El Sabry
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, El-Gamma street, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Obaida Almasri
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, El-Gamma street, Giza, 12613, Egypt.,General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Damascus, Syria
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Tarantola M, Biasato I, Biasibetti E, Biagini D, Capra P, Guarda F, Leporati M, Malfatto V, Cavallarin L, Miniscalco B, Mioletti S, Vincenti M, Gastaldo A, Capucchio MT. Beef cattle welfare assessment: use of resource and animal-based indicators, blood parameters and hair 20β-dihydrocortisol. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2020.1743783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tarantola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Biasibetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Davide Biagini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Capra
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA-CNR), Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Franco Guarda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Leporati
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Regione Gonzole 10/1, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Vanda Malfatto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Cavallarin
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA-CNR), Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Miniscalco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Mioletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Regione Gonzole 10/1, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA-CNR), Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
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Slayi M, Muchenje V, Njisane YZ. Behavioral and Haemato-Biochemical Responses of Nguni and Boran Steers Post Relocation and Herd Regrouping in a Novel Environment. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2020; 24:39-55. [PMID: 32364808 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2020.1759070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni (NG) and Boran (BR) steers, following relocation to a new environment and herd regrouping were examined. Ten steers of each genotype aged 9 months and reared under similar conditions were studied over 16 weeks: 1 for acclimatization and baseline measurements in original groups, 15 for post regrouping measurements. Each sampling week, direct visual observations and durations of aggressive and affiliative interactions were recorded between 0500-1900h for 3 conservative days. Blood samples were drawn fortnightly by jugular venipuncture for plasma cortisol, glucose, creatine kinase (CK) and haematological analysis. In weeks 1-5, BR had higher instances of head-butting (P=0.0311), mounts (P=0.0142) and threats (P=0.0241) compared to NG (P<0.0001, P=0.0412 and P=0.0241, respectively). However, these significantly declined from weeks 7-15 in both genotypes. Grooming increased consistently over the weeks in both genotypes (P=0.0214). Head-butting correlated with cortisol (r=-0.116), CK (r=-0.295) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (r=-0.144). Grooming correlated (r=0.137) with white-blood-cell-count. Herd regrouping temporarily disrupted social behaviour, with BR showing more aggression towards NG steers. Nevertheless, the two genotypes established some stability within five weeks of social mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhlangabezi Slayi
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare , Alice, South Africa
| | - Voster Muchenje
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare , Alice, South Africa
| | - Yonela Zifikile Njisane
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare , Alice, South Africa.,Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, University of Fort Hare , Alice, South Africa
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Park RM, Foster M, Daigle CL. A Scoping Review: The Impact of Housing Systems and Environmental Features on Beef Cattle Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E565. [PMID: 32230891 PMCID: PMC7222360 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Housing systems and environmental features can influence beef cattle welfare. To date, little information has been synthesized on this topic. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the relationship between housing and welfare status, so that beef cattle producers and animal scientists can make informed decisions regarding how their housing choices could impact beef cattle welfare. Housing features were categorized by floor type, space allowance and shade availability, as well as the inclusion of enrichment devices or ventilation features. Evaluation of space allowances across feedlot environments determined behavioral and production benefits when cattle were housed between 2.5 m2 to 3.0 m2 per animal. Over 19 different flooring types were investigated and across flooring types; straw flooring was viewed most favorably from a behavioral, production and hygiene standpoint. Veal calves experience enhanced welfare (e.g., improved behavioral, physiological, and performance metrics) when group housed. There is evidence that the implementation of progressive housing modifications (e.g., shade, environmental enrichment) could promote the behavioral welfare of feedlot cattle. This review presents the advantages and disadvantages of specific housing features on the welfare of beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Park
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA;
| | - Margaret Foster
- Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA;
| | - Courtney L. Daigle
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA;
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Braun U, Wiest A, Lutz T, Riond B, Stirn M, Hilbe M, Baumgartner MR, Binz TM. Hair cortisol concentration in veal calves reared under two different welfare production labels. Res Vet Sci 2019; 123:286-292. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Irico L, Tomassone L, Martano G, Gottardo F, Tarantola M. Animal welfare and reproductive performance in two Piemontese housing systems. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2017.1369181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Flaviana Gottardo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Animale, Produzione e Salute, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Tarantola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Carrillo JA, He Y, Li Y, Liu J, Erdman RA, Sonstegard TS, Song J. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptome analyses reveal finishing forage affects metabolic pathways related to beef quality and animal welfare. Sci Rep 2016. [PMID: 27185157 DOI: 10.1038/srep] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Beef represents a major dietary component and source of protein in many countries. With an increasing demand for beef, the industry is currently undergoing changes towards naturally produced beef. However, the true differences between the feeding systems, especially the biochemical and nutritional aspects, are still unclear. Using transcriptome and metabolome profiles, we identified biological pathways related to the differences between grass- and grain-fed Angus steers. In the latissimus dorsi muscle, we have recognized 241 differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.1). The metabolome examinations of muscle and blood revealed 163 and 179 altered compounds in each tissue (P < 0.05), respectively. Accordingly, alterations in glucose metabolism, divergences in free fatty acids and carnitine conjugated lipid levels, and altered β-oxidation have been observed. The anti-inflammatory n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are enriched in grass finished beef, while higher levels of n6 PUFAs in grain finished animals may promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, grass-fed animals produce tender beef with lower total fat and a higher omega3/omega6 ratio than grain-fed ones, which could potentially benefit consumer health. Most importantly, blood cortisol levels strongly indicate that grass-fed animals may experience less stress than the grain-fed individuals. These results will provide deeper insights into the merits and mechanisms of muscle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Carrillo
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yanghua He
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yaokun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China, 712100
| | - Jianan Liu
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Richard A Erdman
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Tad S Sonstegard
- Recombinetics Inc., 1246 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Carrillo JA, He Y, Li Y, Liu J, Erdman RA, Sonstegard TS, Song J. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptome analyses reveal finishing forage affects metabolic pathways related to beef quality and animal welfare. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25948. [PMID: 27185157 PMCID: PMC4869019 DOI: 10.1038/srep25948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Beef represents a major dietary component and source of protein in many countries. With an increasing demand for beef, the industry is currently undergoing changes towards naturally produced beef. However, the true differences between the feeding systems, especially the biochemical and nutritional aspects, are still unclear. Using transcriptome and metabolome profiles, we identified biological pathways related to the differences between grass- and grain-fed Angus steers. In the latissimus dorsi muscle, we have recognized 241 differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.1). The metabolome examinations of muscle and blood revealed 163 and 179 altered compounds in each tissue (P < 0.05), respectively. Accordingly, alterations in glucose metabolism, divergences in free fatty acids and carnitine conjugated lipid levels, and altered β-oxidation have been observed. The anti-inflammatory n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are enriched in grass finished beef, while higher levels of n6 PUFAs in grain finished animals may promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, grass-fed animals produce tender beef with lower total fat and a higher omega3/omega6 ratio than grain-fed ones, which could potentially benefit consumer health. Most importantly, blood cortisol levels strongly indicate that grass-fed animals may experience less stress than the grain-fed individuals. These results will provide deeper insights into the merits and mechanisms of muscle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Carrillo
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yanghua He
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yaokun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P.R. China, 712100
| | - Jianan Liu
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Richard A Erdman
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Tad S Sonstegard
- Recombinetics Inc., 1246 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
| | - Jiuzhou Song
- Department of Animal &Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Tarantola M, Valle E, De Marco M, Bergagna S, Dezzutto D, Silvia Gennero M, Bergero D, Schiavone A, Prola L. Effects of abrupt housing changes on the welfare of Piedmontese cows. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2015.1128691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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