Sam Millet

Measuring the drinking behaviour of individual pigs housed in group using radio frequency identification (RFID).

Changes in the drinking behaviour of pigs may indicate health, welfare or productivity problems. Automated monitoring and analysis of drinking behaviour could allow problems to be detected, thus improving farm productivity. A high frequency radio frequency identification (HF RFID) system was designed to register the drinking behaviour of individual pigs. HF RFID antennas were placed around four nipple drinkers and connected to a reader via a multiplexer. A total of 55 growing-finishing pigs were fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, one in each ear. RFID-based drinking visits were created from the RFID registrations using a bout criterion and a minimum and maximum duration criterion. The HF RFID system was successfully validated by comparing RFID-based visits with visual observations and flow meter measurements based on visit overlap. Sensitivity was at least 92%, specificity 93%, precision 90% and accuracy 93%. RFID-based drinking duration had a high correlation with observed drinking duration (R 2=0.88) and water usage (R 2=0.71). The number of registrations after applying the visit criteria had an even higher correlation with the same two variables (R 2=0.90 and 0.75, respectively). There was also a correlation between number of RFID visits and number of observed visits (R 2=0.84). The system provides good quality information about the drinking behaviour of individual pigs. As health or other problems affect the pigs drinking behaviour, analysis of the RFID data could allow problems to be detected and signalled to the farmer. This information can help to improve the productivity and economics of the farm as well as the health and welfare of the pigs.

Effect of seven hours intermittent suckling and flavour recognition on piglet performance.

Abstract A low feed intake during the first days after weaning is predisposing for weaning diarrhoea and weight loss. In this experiment we tried to increase the feed intake of the piglets after weaning by stimulating the solid feed intake during the last two weeks before weaning by separating them from the sows for 7 h/d. In addition, the effect of flavour recognition and the interaction of flavour recognition with intermittent suckling were tested. In two consecutive weaning rounds, sows were divided over two compartments with 7 to 10 sows each. They were assigned to one of four treatments in a two factorial design: control housing/control feed (n = 7); control housing/flavoured feed (n = 8); intermittent suckling/control feed (n = 7); intermittent suckling/flavoured feed (n = 9). After weaning, for each round 3 pens of 6 pigs were selected per treatment group. All these piglets received the same feed with the same flavour at the same concentration. Contrary to the expectations, intermittent suckling decreased the solid feed intake during the last two weeks before weaning. Flavour addition to the creep feed did not increase feed intake or other performance parameters before and after weaning, nor did it interact with intermittent suckling. Although after intermittent suckling pigs ate less creep feed before weaning, they did not perform worse after weaning. However, to increase feed intake after weaning, longer periods of separation might be necessary.

Response of 40–70 kg barrows and gilts to increasing ideal protein concentrations in the diet

In Belgium, crossing a hybrid dam with a Piétrain sire leads to a rather lean and meaty fattening pig type. A digestibility trial and a performance trial were carried out to determine protein needs of this pig type. Six experimental diets with increasing protein content were formulated with 0.65–1.25% apparent ileal digestible lysine. The feeds were formulated to the ideal protein composition, with lysine as the reference amino acid. Standardised and apparent digestible amino acid values of the extreme diets were measured in a digestibility trial with four gilts cannulated at the end of the ileum, with an average initial and final BW of 39.1 kg and 55.3 kg, respectively, using a protein-free feed to estimate the basal endogenous N-losses. A performance trial at 13–18 weeks of age (40–70 kg BW) was performed with barrows and gilts separately at six protein levels, balanced in lysine, threonine, methionine and tryptophan. The experiment consisted of 11 pens (of 5 animals) per treatment and per sex. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) reached maximal performance within the experimental lysine range for both sexes. Based on the ADG-data for barrows and on the ADG- and FCR-data for gilts, a protein level for optimal performance corresponded with a standardised ileal digestible lysine concentration of 0.89% for barrows and of 1.07–1.09% for gilts.

Detecting health problems of individual pigs based on their drinking behaviour

Whether cattle grazing in nature reserves in temperate summers ought to be provided with artificial shelter (man-made), in addition to natural shelter (vegetation), is a topic of debate. We have investigated the effect of heat-load on the use of natural versus artificial shelter (with a roof and three walls) by cattle in eight nature reserves in Belgium. GPS collars were used to monitor use of open area, natural and artificial shelter during one or two summers (per 30 min). Cattle location data were coupled to same-time values of climatic ‘heat-stress indices’ calculated from local weather stations’ measurements of air temperature, air humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Use of open area decreased as heat-load increased. The strength of the effect, and whether the cattle sought natural or artificial shelter, were associated with the amount and spatial distribution of natural shelter in the reserve. When natural shelter was sparse, a more scattered distribution tempered the increased use of shelter with increasing heat-load. If sufficiently available, cattle preferred natural to artificial shelter. When little natural shelter was available, cattle did use the artificial shelter and especially so with increasing heat-load. Microclimatic measurements indicated that solar radiation was blocked by vegetation at least as well as by artificial shelter, and allowed more evaporative cooling. In conclusion, we found no evidence for the added value of additional artificial shelter to protect cattle from heat-load in temperate nature reserves, as long as adequate natural shelter is available.Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Intramuscular fat content (IMF) influences important qualitative traits of meat as tenderness, juiciness and flavour, and technological characteristics. This trait is difficult to measure in vivo and is not included in the breeding programs, despite its medium heritability. Furthermore, IMF is a complex quantitative trait determined by several biochemical and metabolic processes influencing fat deposition in muscles. Indeed QTL affecting this trait have been already reported and some candidate genes were investigated in the last years, but relevant causative mutations have not been so far detected. Recently, thanks to the sequencing of the porcine genome and to the development of a high throughput genotyping porcine chip, it is possible to perform genome wide association (GWA) studies and put in light markers associated to this trait. With the aim to identify genes and markers associated to IMF we performed GWA using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip and 889 Italian Large White pigs included in the Sib Test genetic evaluation program of the Italian Association of Pig Breeders (ANAS). The association analyses were conducted using linear mixed model implemented in GenABEL. The results of GWA analysis allowed to detect seven markers significantly associated with IMF (P-value <10) mapped on chromosomes 1, 3, 8 and 12. A validation study on selected markers was performed using a mixed model procedure of SAS software. Markers identified, once confirmed, could be applied as candidate genes to improve meat quality traits in Italian Large White pigs.Postweaning short-term restriction strategies are commonly used in rabbit breeding to reduce mortality and morbidity. However, little is known about the implications of the immune system in that reduction. This work studied the consequences of feed restriction and dietary digestible energy (DE) concentration on the local immune response, according to a 2x2 factorial design: 320 animals were alloted at weaning (35 days of age) in four groups, with two diets differing in DE (10.13 vs 9.08 MJ DE/kg) and two intake level (ad libitum AL or restricted at 75% of AL). Ten animals per group and per age were sacrificed at 50 and 63 days of age. Feces, blood and ileum were collected. Fecal and plasmatic IgA levels were determined by ELISA and ileal cytokine expressions were measured by RT-qPCR. Fecal IgA levels were reduced by 58% with feed restriction (P<0.001) and increased by 47% with a high energy diet (P<0.01), regardless of the age. Plasmatic IgA levels were only affected by feed restriction at 63 days of age (-48%, P<0.01). Cytokine expressions were similar for both ages and diets, but were affected by feed restriction with a higher expression of IL-1β and IL-2 (respectively +30%, P<0.05 and +77%, P=0.07) and a 15% lower expression of TNF-α (P=0.08) compared to AL animals. Thus, feed restriction and, to a lesser extent, the dietary energy level modulate gut immunity.The constantly growing yearly demand for meat, dairy products and eggs has important implications for agricultural production methods. Nowadays livestock/crop production is becoming increasingly industrialised worldwide, shifting from extensive, small-scale, subsistence production systems towards more intensive, large-scale, geographicallyconcentrated, specialised and commercially oriented ones. The shift in livestock farming methods from extensive to intensive poses a number of significant challenges for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and food security. The indicators to assess animals health and welfare status, have been increased during the last years, and the importance of this discipline is now widely known worldwide. Thanks to the welfare quality ® protocol the procedure to assess the animal health and welfare has become more and more clear, precise and accurate since the project ended in 2009. Furthermore this procedure to assess animal welfare status is time consuming and requires manpower and accurate planning.Bearing in mind the objectives of this study to investigate the Barbary sheep fertility under our climatic conditions and to evaluate the efficiency of the prostaglandin f2α(pgf2α)injections in induction of fertile estrus in different seasons. For these objectives, some experiments were performed during the period from July,2008 to March, 2009. A total number of 300 Libyan Barbary ewes(3-6 years old, weighing 40-60 kg) was used in this experiment. Ewes were kept in privet farms, fed and managed similarly. Ewes were divided to four season groups(summer, autumn, winter and spring groups). Each season group was divided into treated and control. Animals in the treated groups were injected with double injections of 125 μg of prostaglandin f2α intramuscularly(i/m), 11 days apart. While those in control groups were injected with two injections of 1.0 ml of 0.9% NACL saline solution simultaneously with the treated ewes. At the same day (day 11) rams wearing painted sponges on their briskets regions were introduced for natural mating. Treated groups showed shorter estrus response time than control groups in all seasons(P<0.05). Estrus duration was longer in winter and spring than in summer and autumn (P<0.001),but no difference was found between treated and control groups inside seasons. Treated group showed higher pregnancy rate(P<0.001) in winter season than control group. Percentage of ewes lambed in winter was significantly high (P<0.001) among treated ewes than control (80 vs 38%). Lambing rate differed significantly (P<0.001) among treated groups in all seasons. Data were collected and calculated statistically using SPSS system for percentages, means, standard deviation(mean ± sd) analysis of variance (anova), Chi square and Dunacan’s test were used accordingly. Other values were measured, calculated and analyzed similarly. Adoption of technology in sheep farms of La Mancha, Spain J. Rivas1, C. De Pablos2, J. Perea1, C. Barba1, R. Dios-Palomares1, M. Morantes1 and A. García1 1Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain, 2Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Paseo de los Artilleros, 28034, Madrid, Spain; pa1gamaa@uco.es Recently in Spain the milk production coming from sheep farms shows higher degrees of specialization based on the adoption of technologies. The aim of this research is to examine the pattern of adoption of technologies in sheep farms of La Mancha. Based on previous researches, from 77 questions, only 38 questions were selected by using qualitative and participatory methods; the chosen variables were grouped into six technology packages (TP): management, feeding, animal health and milk quality, pasture and land use, equipment and facilities, and reproduction and breeding program. The survey was applied to a sample of 157 farms. Using descriptive statistics each TP was characterized and the pattern of adoption was determined. The average of technologies adopted was of 18.4±6.0 (48.3%). TP showing higher degrees of implementation are animal health and milk quality (67.8%), feeding (56.0%) and management (55.7%), but their adoption is not sequential or responds to independent events. This research facilitates the identification of a number of technologies that must be implemented from an organizational strategy point of view. Moreover, all technologies are seeking a dynamic balance system that allows firms migrate to more efficient processes without losing their main attributes. As a technological challenge, an andrologic evaluation of ram, gynecologic evaluation of ewes prior to mating, early detection of non-productive animals are proposed; and a better use of productive records for the decision-making; aspects are recommended. The results of this analysis will have an impact on future research that attempts to improve the use of subproducts, forage reserves and improved rangeland management and hygiene control system, taking the quality milk as an strategic asset, so further research is necessary to assess the impact of each technology on the operating of the mixed system in the Mancha region. Session 40 Poster 20 Session 40 Poster 19The present paper focuses on evaluating the Interobserver Reliability of the Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Growing Pigs. The protocol for growing pigs consists of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA), direct Behaviour Observations (BO), carried out by instantaneous scan sampling, a Human Animal Relationship Test (HAR) and checks for different Individual Parameters (IP), e.g. presence of tail biting, wounds and bursitis. Three trained observers collected the data by performing 29 combined assessments, which were done at the same time and on the same animals; but they were carried out completely independent of each other. The findings were compared by the calculation of Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (RS), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC) and Limits of Agreements (LoA). There was no agreement found concerning the adjectives belonging to the QBA (e.g. active: RS: 0.50, ICC: 0.30, SDC: 0.38, LoA: -0.05-0.45; fearful: RS: 0.06, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.26, LoA: -0.20-0.30). In contrast, the BO showed good agreement (e.g. social behaviour: RS: 0.45, ICC: 0.50, SDC: 0.09, LoA: -0.09-0.03 use of enrichment material: RS: 0.75, ICC: 0.68, SDC: 0.06, LoA: -0.03-0.03). The rather low agreement of the HAR (RS: 0.38, ICC: 0.54, SDC: 0.34, LoA: -0.40-0.27) can be explained by the fact that the observers entered the pens one after the other to minimise mutual interference which influenced the reaction towards the second intruder. Overall, observers agreed well in the IP, e.g. tail biting (RS: 0.52, ICC: 0.88; SDC: 0.05, LoA: -0.01-0.02) and wounds (RS: 0.43, ICC: 0.59, SDC: 0.10, LoA: -0.09-0.10). The parameter bursitis, however, showed great differences (RS: 0.10, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.35, LoA: -0.37-0.40), which can be explained by difficulties in the assessment when the animals moved around quickly or their legs were soiled. In conclusion, the Interobserver Reliability was good in the BO and most individual IP, but not for the parameter bursitis and the QBA.

Development of an on-farm SowSIS (sow stance information system): hurdles to tackle

Whether cattle grazing in nature reserves in temperate summers ought to be provided with artificial shelter (man-made), in addition to natural shelter (vegetation), is a topic of debate. We have investigated the effect of heat-load on the use of natural versus artificial shelter (with a roof and three walls) by cattle in eight nature reserves in Belgium. GPS collars were used to monitor use of open area, natural and artificial shelter during one or two summers (per 30 min). Cattle location data were coupled to same-time values of climatic ‘heat-stress indices’ calculated from local weather stations’ measurements of air temperature, air humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Use of open area decreased as heat-load increased. The strength of the effect, and whether the cattle sought natural or artificial shelter, were associated with the amount and spatial distribution of natural shelter in the reserve. When natural shelter was sparse, a more scattered distribution tempered the increased use of shelter with increasing heat-load. If sufficiently available, cattle preferred natural to artificial shelter. When little natural shelter was available, cattle did use the artificial shelter and especially so with increasing heat-load. Microclimatic measurements indicated that solar radiation was blocked by vegetation at least as well as by artificial shelter, and allowed more evaporative cooling. In conclusion, we found no evidence for the added value of additional artificial shelter to protect cattle from heat-load in temperate nature reserves, as long as adequate natural shelter is available.Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Intramuscular fat content (IMF) influences important qualitative traits of meat as tenderness, juiciness and flavour, and technological characteristics. This trait is difficult to measure in vivo and is not included in the breeding programs, despite its medium heritability. Furthermore, IMF is a complex quantitative trait determined by several biochemical and metabolic processes influencing fat deposition in muscles. Indeed QTL affecting this trait have been already reported and some candidate genes were investigated in the last years, but relevant causative mutations have not been so far detected. Recently, thanks to the sequencing of the porcine genome and to the development of a high throughput genotyping porcine chip, it is possible to perform genome wide association (GWA) studies and put in light markers associated to this trait. With the aim to identify genes and markers associated to IMF we performed GWA using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip and 889 Italian Large White pigs included in the Sib Test genetic evaluation program of the Italian Association of Pig Breeders (ANAS). The association analyses were conducted using linear mixed model implemented in GenABEL. The results of GWA analysis allowed to detect seven markers significantly associated with IMF (P-value <10) mapped on chromosomes 1, 3, 8 and 12. A validation study on selected markers was performed using a mixed model procedure of SAS software. Markers identified, once confirmed, could be applied as candidate genes to improve meat quality traits in Italian Large White pigs.Postweaning short-term restriction strategies are commonly used in rabbit breeding to reduce mortality and morbidity. However, little is known about the implications of the immune system in that reduction. This work studied the consequences of feed restriction and dietary digestible energy (DE) concentration on the local immune response, according to a 2x2 factorial design: 320 animals were alloted at weaning (35 days of age) in four groups, with two diets differing in DE (10.13 vs 9.08 MJ DE/kg) and two intake level (ad libitum AL or restricted at 75% of AL). Ten animals per group and per age were sacrificed at 50 and 63 days of age. Feces, blood and ileum were collected. Fecal and plasmatic IgA levels were determined by ELISA and ileal cytokine expressions were measured by RT-qPCR. Fecal IgA levels were reduced by 58% with feed restriction (P<0.001) and increased by 47% with a high energy diet (P<0.01), regardless of the age. Plasmatic IgA levels were only affected by feed restriction at 63 days of age (-48%, P<0.01). Cytokine expressions were similar for both ages and diets, but were affected by feed restriction with a higher expression of IL-1β and IL-2 (respectively +30%, P<0.05 and +77%, P=0.07) and a 15% lower expression of TNF-α (P=0.08) compared to AL animals. Thus, feed restriction and, to a lesser extent, the dietary energy level modulate gut immunity.The constantly growing yearly demand for meat, dairy products and eggs has important implications for agricultural production methods. Nowadays livestock/crop production is becoming increasingly industrialised worldwide, shifting from extensive, small-scale, subsistence production systems towards more intensive, large-scale, geographicallyconcentrated, specialised and commercially oriented ones. The shift in livestock farming methods from extensive to intensive poses a number of significant challenges for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and food security. The indicators to assess animals health and welfare status, have been increased during the last years, and the importance of this discipline is now widely known worldwide. Thanks to the welfare quality ® protocol the procedure to assess the animal health and welfare has become more and more clear, precise and accurate since the project ended in 2009. Furthermore this procedure to assess animal welfare status is time consuming and requires manpower and accurate planning.Bearing in mind the objectives of this study to investigate the Barbary sheep fertility under our climatic conditions and to evaluate the efficiency of the prostaglandin f2α(pgf2α)injections in induction of fertile estrus in different seasons. For these objectives, some experiments were performed during the period from July,2008 to March, 2009. A total number of 300 Libyan Barbary ewes(3-6 years old, weighing 40-60 kg) was used in this experiment. Ewes were kept in privet farms, fed and managed similarly. Ewes were divided to four season groups(summer, autumn, winter and spring groups). Each season group was divided into treated and control. Animals in the treated groups were injected with double injections of 125 μg of prostaglandin f2α intramuscularly(i/m), 11 days apart. While those in control groups were injected with two injections of 1.0 ml of 0.9% NACL saline solution simultaneously with the treated ewes. At the same day (day 11) rams wearing painted sponges on their briskets regions were introduced for natural mating. Treated groups showed shorter estrus response time than control groups in all seasons(P<0.05). Estrus duration was longer in winter and spring than in summer and autumn (P<0.001),but no difference was found between treated and control groups inside seasons. Treated group showed higher pregnancy rate(P<0.001) in winter season than control group. Percentage of ewes lambed in winter was significantly high (P<0.001) among treated ewes than control (80 vs 38%). Lambing rate differed significantly (P<0.001) among treated groups in all seasons. Data were collected and calculated statistically using SPSS system for percentages, means, standard deviation(mean ± sd) analysis of variance (anova), Chi square and Dunacan’s test were used accordingly. Other values were measured, calculated and analyzed similarly. Adoption of technology in sheep farms of La Mancha, Spain J. Rivas1, C. De Pablos2, J. Perea1, C. Barba1, R. Dios-Palomares1, M. Morantes1 and A. García1 1Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain, 2Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Paseo de los Artilleros, 28034, Madrid, Spain; pa1gamaa@uco.es Recently in Spain the milk production coming from sheep farms shows higher degrees of specialization based on the adoption of technologies. The aim of this research is to examine the pattern of adoption of technologies in sheep farms of La Mancha. Based on previous researches, from 77 questions, only 38 questions were selected by using qualitative and participatory methods; the chosen variables were grouped into six technology packages (TP): management, feeding, animal health and milk quality, pasture and land use, equipment and facilities, and reproduction and breeding program. The survey was applied to a sample of 157 farms. Using descriptive statistics each TP was characterized and the pattern of adoption was determined. The average of technologies adopted was of 18.4±6.0 (48.3%). TP showing higher degrees of implementation are animal health and milk quality (67.8%), feeding (56.0%) and management (55.7%), but their adoption is not sequential or responds to independent events. This research facilitates the identification of a number of technologies that must be implemented from an organizational strategy point of view. Moreover, all technologies are seeking a dynamic balance system that allows firms migrate to more efficient processes without losing their main attributes. As a technological challenge, an andrologic evaluation of ram, gynecologic evaluation of ewes prior to mating, early detection of non-productive animals are proposed; and a better use of productive records for the decision-making; aspects are recommended. The results of this analysis will have an impact on future research that attempts to improve the use of subproducts, forage reserves and improved rangeland management and hygiene control system, taking the quality milk as an strategic asset, so further research is necessary to assess the impact of each technology on the operating of the mixed system in the Mancha region. Session 40 Poster 20 Session 40 Poster 19The present paper focuses on evaluating the Interobserver Reliability of the Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Growing Pigs. The protocol for growing pigs consists of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA), direct Behaviour Observations (BO), carried out by instantaneous scan sampling, a Human Animal Relationship Test (HAR) and checks for different Individual Parameters (IP), e.g. presence of tail biting, wounds and bursitis. Three trained observers collected the data by performing 29 combined assessments, which were done at the same time and on the same animals; but they were carried out completely independent of each other. The findings were compared by the calculation of Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (RS), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC) and Limits of Agreements (LoA). There was no agreement found concerning the adjectives belonging to the QBA (e.g. active: RS: 0.50, ICC: 0.30, SDC: 0.38, LoA: -0.05-0.45; fearful: RS: 0.06, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.26, LoA: -0.20-0.30). In contrast, the BO showed good agreement (e.g. social behaviour: RS: 0.45, ICC: 0.50, SDC: 0.09, LoA: -0.09-0.03 use of enrichment material: RS: 0.75, ICC: 0.68, SDC: 0.06, LoA: -0.03-0.03). The rather low agreement of the HAR (RS: 0.38, ICC: 0.54, SDC: 0.34, LoA: -0.40-0.27) can be explained by the fact that the observers entered the pens one after the other to minimise mutual interference which influenced the reaction towards the second intruder. Overall, observers agreed well in the IP, e.g. tail biting (RS: 0.52, ICC: 0.88; SDC: 0.05, LoA: -0.01-0.02) and wounds (RS: 0.43, ICC: 0.59, SDC: 0.10, LoA: -0.09-0.10). The parameter bursitis, however, showed great differences (RS: 0.10, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.35, LoA: -0.37-0.40), which can be explained by difficulties in the assessment when the animals moved around quickly or their legs were soiled. In conclusion, the Interobserver Reliability was good in the BO and most individual IP, but not for the parameter bursitis and the QBA.