A. Hanlon

Evaluating the prevalence of tail biting and carcase condemnations in slaughter pigs in the Republic and Northern Ireland, and the potential of abattoir meat inspection as a welfare surveillance tool

Despite extensive utilisation in epidemiological investigations of animal health, to date there has been little consideration of the value of abattoir meat inspection as a pig welfare surveillance tool. This study measured the prevalence of tail-docking, tail biting, carcase condemnations and associated financial losses of the latter (Northern Ireland only) in 36,963 pigs slaughtered in six abattoirs from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in July and August 2010. Over 99 per cent of inspected pigs had been tail-docked, while 58.1 per cent and 1.03 per cent had detectable and severe tail lesions, respectively. Producer losses resulting from carcase condemnation were estimated to be €0.37 per pig slaughtered. Enhanced capture and utilisation of meat inspection data for use in animal welfare surveillance schemes has the potential to drive improvements in production efficiency and animal welfare. However, significant differences were detected in the prevalence of carcase condemnation conditions between abattoirs and judiciaries (Republic and Northern Ireland). This reflects variation in the criteria and methods of data capture used in meat inspection in different abattoirs. Thus, the meat inspection process needs to be standardised and reformed before it can be reliably utilised in large-scale pig welfare surveillance schemes.

Good animal welfare makes economic sense: potential of pig abattoir meat inspection as a welfare surveillance tool

During abattoir meat inspection pig carcasses are partially or fully condemned upon detection of disease that poses a risk to public health or welfare conditions that cause animal suffering e.g. fractures. This incurs direct financial losses to producers and processors. Other health and welfare-related conditions may not result in condemnation but can necessitate ‘trimming’ of the carcass e.g. bruising, and result in financial losses to the processor. Since animal health is a component of animal welfare these represent a clear link between suboptimal pig welfare and financial losses to the pig industry.Meat inspection data can be used to inform herd health programmes, thereby reducing the risk of injury and disease and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, meat inspection has the potential to contribute to surveillance of animal welfare. Such data could contribute to reduced losses to producers and processors through lower rates of carcass condemnations, trimming and downgrading in conjunction with higher pig welfare standards on farm. Currently meat inspection data are under-utilised in the EU, even as a means of informing herd health programmes. This includes the island of Ireland but particularly the Republic.This review describes the current situation with regard to meat inspection regulation, method, data capture and utilisation across the EU, with special reference to the island of Ireland. It also describes the financial losses arising from poor animal welfare (and health) on farms. This review seeks to contribute to efforts to evaluate the role of meat inspection as a surveillance tool for animal welfare on-farm, using pigs as a case example.

The Effect of Out-Wintering Pad Design on Hoof Health and Locomotion Score of Dairy Cows

This study compared locomotion, hoof health, and lameness of dairy cows confined in either indoor free stalls (FS) or 1 of 3 out-wintering pad (OWP) designs. Out-wintering pad treatments were 1) uncovered OWP with a concrete feed apron (UP); 2) covered OWP with a concrete feed apron (CO); and 3) uncovered OWP on top of which grass was ensiled so that the cows could self-feed (SP). Cows were assigned to treatment at drying off using a randomized complete block design. They remained on treatment until calving, when they were turned out to pasture. Sole lesions, heel erosion, dermatitis, and claw hardness on both hind feet were scored according to severity at assignment to treatment, at calving, and 9 and 14 wk postpartum. Locomotion score was recorded weekly after calving for 14 wk. Incidence of clinical lameness was recorded during the treatment period and in the subsequent lactation. Treatment had no effect on sole lesion score, but scores increased over time (calving = 5.5 +/- 1.3, wk 9 = 10.8 +/- 1.3, wk 14 = 14.2 +/- 1.3, mean +/- SE). Self-fed cows had higher heel erosion scores (6.4 +/- 0.4) than FS and CO cows (4.7 +/- 0.4 and 4.7 +/- 0.4, respectively) at calving. Cows on SP had the highest dermatitis scores [1.14 (0-2) mean (interquartile range)] and FS cows the lowest [0.51 (0-0)]. Hooves were hardest at assignment to treatment (43.9 +/- 0.6) with a significant reduction in hardness at calving (40.0 +/- 0.6). The hooves of CO cows were harder than those of SP and UP cows (CO = 43.3 +/- 0.7, SP = 41.7 +/- 0.7, UP = 41.7 +/- 0.7, Shore D scale). There was no treatment effect on locomotion scores or lameness incidence. Higher dermatitis scores and heel erosion in SP may be due to exposure to excreta and moisture, because the SP treatment had no manure removal system at the feed face. In FS, the alleys and the feed face were cleaned regularly by automatic scraper, explaining the lower dermatitis scores recorded indoors. Providing shelter for OWP likely reduced exposure to environmental moisture. This ensured that the hooves of CO cows remained as hard as those of FS cows. Low correlations between hardness and pathologies indicate that other factors are involved in the development of hoof pathologies. Confining dry dairy cows on OWP does not increase locomotion scores or lameness incidence.

Docking the value of pigmeat? Prevalence and financial implications of welfare lesions in Irish slaughter pigs.

Expansion of the meat inspection process to incorporate animal-based welfare measurements could contribute towards significant improvements in pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) welfare and farm profitability. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different welfare-related lesions on the carcase and their relationship with carcase condemnations (CC) and carcase weight (CW). The financial implications of losses associated with CC and CW reductions related to the welfare lesions were also estimated. Data on tail lesions, loin bruising and bursitis, CW and condemnation/trimming outcome (and associated weights) were collected for 3,537 slaughter pigs (mean [± SEM] carcase weight: 79.2 [± 8.82] kg). Overall, 72.5% of pigs had detectable tail lesions, whilst 16.0 and 44.0% were affected by severe loin bruising and hind limb bursitis, respectively. There were 2.5% of study carcases condemned and a further 3.3% were trimmed. The primary cause of CC was abscessation. While tail lesion severity did not increase the risk of abscessation, it was significantly associated with CC. Male pigs had a higher risk of tail lesions and of CC. The financial loss to producers associated with CC and trimmings was estimated at €1.10 per study pig. CW was reduced by up to 12 kg in cases of severe tail lesions. However, even mild lesions were associated with a significant reduction in CW of 1.2 kg. The value of the loss in potential CW associated with tail lesions was €0.59 per study pig. Combined with losses attributable to CC and trimmings this represented a loss of 43% of the profit margin per pig, at the time of the study, attributable to tail biting. These findings illustrate the magnitude of the impact of tail biting on pig welfare and on profitability of the pig industry. They also emphasise the potential contribution that the inclusion of welfare parameters at meat inspection could make to pig producers in informing herd health and welfare management plans.

Characteristics of 234 dog bite incidents in Ireland during 2004 and 2005.

Information was obtained by telephone interview from 100 dog owners whose dog had bitten a person, and from 134 victims of bites by a dog not owned by the victim. Three-quarters of the victims were female and aged from 21 to 60 years. The majority of the dogs were owned, male, two to six years old, over 10 kg in bodyweight and belonged to the popular breeds: collies, cocker/springer spaniels, terrier breeds, Jack Russell terriers, German shepherd dogs, golden retrievers and crossbreeds. The numbers of bites by the different breeds indicated that those that inflicted the most bites were the popular breeds rather than the breeds with any greater propensity to bite. Most attacks were rapid single bites and in 50 per cent of the cases, neither the owner nor the victim was able to identify any signal of the dogs intention to bite. Overall, 21 per cent of the incidents were rated as ‘serious’ and 2 per cent as ‘life threatening’. One fifth of the dogs were euthanased as a result of the incident. Half the incidents required professional medical assistance for the victim. Almost half the incidents took place while the victim was walking or passing close to the dogs territory, or while the victim was interacting with the dog at home.

What do European veterinary codes of conduct actually say and mean? A case study approach

Codes of Professional Conduct (CPCs) are pivotal instruments of self-regulation, providing the standards to which veterinarians should, and sometimes must, comply. Despite their importance to the training and guidance of veterinary professionals, research is lacking on the scope and emphasis of the requirements set out in veterinary CPCs. This paper provides the first systematic investigation of veterinary CPCs. It relies on a case study approach, combining content and thematic analyses of five purposively selected European CPCs: Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), Denmark, Ireland, Portugal and the UK. Eight overarching themes were identified, including ‘definitions and framing concepts’, ‘duties to animals’, ‘duties to clients’, ‘duties to other professionals’, ‘duties to competent authorities’, ‘duties to society’, ‘professionalism’ and ‘practice-related issues’. Some differences were observed, which may be indicative of different approaches to the regulation of the veterinary profession in Europe (which is reflected in having a ‘code of ethics’ or a ‘code of conduct’), cultural differences on the status of animals in society, and regulatory bodies’ proactivity in adapting to professional needs and to societal changes regarding the status of animals. These findings will contribute to an improved understanding of the roles of CPCs in regulating the veterinary profession in Europe.

The Effect of Out-Wintering Pad Design on the Synchrony of Dairy Cow Behavior

The study investigated differences in behavior synchrony of dairy cows during the winter confinement period when managed in 1 of 3 out-wintering pad (OWP) systems, or indoors in free-stall housing. There were 2 replicates of each treatment, and observations were carried out on 3 recording occasions in January and February 2006. On each recording occasion, behavior was recorded every 30 min between 0600 and 0130 h the following day (n = 40). The outcomes for measurement were eligible cows lying (ECL), cow comfort index (CCI), and proportion of animals feeding (AF). Autocorrelation as an indicator of synchrony was calculated using the Durban-Watson statistic and compared across treatments. A centered moving average was calculated, used to obtain the residual, and compared between treatments. Low autocorrelations were recorded in free stalls (39.6 +/- 0.1%), indicating lower temporal behavioral synchrony than in the 3 OWP designs. Overall, the greatest proportion of ECL, CCI, and AF occurred in free stalls (60%). However, high proportions (>90%) of ECL were recorded on OWP in the early morning, whereas the range of ECL in free stalls (22 to 87%) was lower. The low overall proportions for ECL (44, 52, and 54%) and CCI (48, 55, and 58%) in the OWP were caused by the cows standing without feeding during daylight hours. Nevertheless, these cows performed more synchronized lying at night, and their behavior was more highly autocorrelated (65.9 +/- 0.1, 73.3 +/- 0.1, and 52.3 +/- 0.1%) than cows in free stalls. Synchrony of behavior is part of the normal behavior repertoire of herd-living animals such as dairy cattle, and OWP may promote a more natural circadian behavior pattern than do free-stall systems. It is important that indices such as CCI and ECL are utilized at appropriate times of the day, when cows are expected to lie; that is, during the evening time. Estimated acceptable levels of these indices may be dependent on the confinement system employed.

Use of qualitative methods to identify solutions to selected equine welfare problems in Ireland

This paper explores the views of those in the Irish equine industry, organisations and government regarding necessary improvements to equine welfare in Ireland at unregulated gatherings and during the disposal process. Three qualitative research methods were employed, namely semistructured interviews, focus groups and a structured, facilitated workshop. Representatives from industry, welfare societies, socially disadvantaged groupings and government engaged with this process and shared their views regarding horse welfare and implementable solutions with merit to address welfare problems. A consensus was achieved that equine welfare in Ireland could be improved by the development of a comprehensive identification system, a Code of Practice for horse gatherings, a horse licensing scheme, ring-fenced funding to promote responsible, humane horse disposal and better means of raising awareness of the value of safeguarding horse welfare for the benefit of all parties.

Effect of genetic group and feed system on locomotion score, clinical lameness and hoof disorders of pasture-based Holstein-Friesian cows

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the genetic group of the Holstein-Friesian (HF) and pasture-based feeding system (3 × 2 factorial arrangement) on locomotion score (six gait aspects scored from one to five), clinical lameness and hoof disorders within a seasonal calving milk production system. The three genetic groups compared had an average Economic Breeding Index (EBI) value of 40, 70 and 80: representing the Irish national average genetic merit (LOW-NA), high EBI genetic merit of North American ancestry (HIGH-NA) and high EBI genetic merit of New Zealand ancestry (HIGH-NZ), respectively. Two feed systems were compared: a high grass allowance, low-concentrate system typical of spring-calving herds in Ireland (control) and a high-concentrate system. Data from 126 cows collected across a complete lactation period were analysed using generalised estimating equations and survival analysis. Genetic group of HF had a significant effect on locomotion score, clinical lameness and hoof disorders. Higher EBI cows (HIGH-NA and HIGH-NZ) had lower hazard of poor locomotion score in some gait aspects (e.g. spine curvature) and lower odds of clinical lameness in the first 200 days post-calving (Odds ratios 0.08 and 0.24, respectively, relative to the LOW-NA) and some hoof disorders (e.g. traumatic lesions) compared with LOW-NA cows. The high-concentrate feed system showed a higher incidence and severity of digital dermatitis (P < 0.01). Thus, high EBI cows have better locomotion, fewer cases of clinical lameness and less-severe hoof disorders (i.e. digital dermatitis, white line disease and traumatic lesions) than low EBI cows. These findings have important implications for cow welfare and productivity.

Farmers' self-reported perceptions and behavioural impacts of a welfare scheme for suckler beef cattle in Ireland

BackgroundTo date, there have been a limited number of studies on the impact of government-incentivised farm animal welfare programmes or ‘schemes’, and on farmers’ attitudes regarding such schemes. In this study, focus groups were used to gain insight into Irish farmers’ perceptions of such a scheme for suckler cattle and its behavioural impacts on farmers.ResultsThe findings were categorised into 46 codes and ultimately yielded two Global themes: 1) Beliefs and Evidence and 2) Logic and Logistics. The former theme covered farmers’ attitudes and observations regarding the Scheme. The latter dealt with factors such as workload and costs. The Global themes allowed for comprehensive reporting of the strongest messages from focus groups. There was consensus that Scheme measures for the minimum calving age and for weaning had a positive impact on welfare. Two aspects criticized by participants were firstly disbudding, due to the logistics for anaesthetic application, and secondly the administrative workload associated with data capture and utilisation. The majority anticipated that data being collected via the Scheme would help to inform farm management decisions in future.ConclusionsFarm animal welfare schemes, which incentivise participants to implement certain practices, aspire to long-term behavioural change after scheme conclusion. Our research showed that this Scheme increased farmer awareness of the benefits of certain practices. It also demonstrated the importance of stakeholder participation in the design stages of welfare initiatives to ensure scheme measures are practical and relevant, to address any perceived controversial measures, and to plan for training and adding value to schemes.