Animal - Open Space最新文献

Intensive animal production is facing a crisis of legitimacy linked to its contribution to pollution, biohazard risks, and animal suffering. With almost 97% of the production coming from intensive systems, rabbit farming is questioned. Similarly, the plant sector is under scrutiny linked to a high input dependency. Among the alternatives, organic farming and agroforestry systems (associating trees and animals) may contribute to a more sustainable agriculture. However, a number of elements should be evaluated when designing agroforestry systems, especially innovative systems with no previous references. Here, we describe the process of designing an agroforestry system combining rabbits and apple trees. We used an incremental process over three rounds of prototyping (P1, P2 and P3) to develop, refine and adapt a rabbit housing system to an apple orchard. Lessons learned from multiple measurements (thermal comfort, rabbit growth, etc.) and professional feedback (during a workshop) helped to create a functional system. The P1 focused on the design of two outdoor housing systems (mobile-cage vs fixed-pen) inspired by organic rabbit farming practices. Both housing protected the animals from extreme temperatures. However, the main lesson learnt from P1 is the necessity to vaccinate animals to prevent viral diseases. The aim of P2 was to evaluate the feasibility of installing the P1 housing in an apple orchard and to expose it to the observations and comments of professionals during a workshop. On the basis of the experimental observations and the feedback from professionals, the preference was for the fixed-pen over the mobile-cage. The fixed-pen, as opposed to the mobile-cage, allowed the rabbits to graze near the apple tree trunks, where the cleaning services were observed. However, participants questioned the fencing of the fixed-pen. They found it difficult to install and/or dismantle. Based on their comments, the P3 fences were designed to be lightweight and easy to handle. As grazing accounted for about 28% of the rabbits’ activities, and 12 rabbits were able to graze 25.5 m² of herbage in less than 10 days (P2), the new fencing allowed the fixed-pen to be converted into a mobile-pen. In short, rabbits provide an effective weeding service for the orchard, while benefiting from its microclimate, food resources and living environment, which enhances their well-being. This association was easier to implement in autumn (P2) than in spring (P3), the season of intensive orchard work. In short, this association is feasible and seems to be easily adaptable by farmers.

The aim of the current trial was to study the impact of a high somatic cell count (SCC) on milk volatilome of fresh raw milk, and its evolution during storage of processed fluid milk. Six Holstein cows were selected from our research dairy herd based on test-day SCC records. Three cows were used to produce low-SCC milk (20 × 10³ cells/mL). The three other cows had one-quarter infected by Staphylococcus aureus. Infected and healthy udder halves were milked separately, and high-SCC milk was standardized to 400 × 10³ cells/mL by mixing these two milks. The profile of milk volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was determined on raw milk and during the storage of processed milk. The processing included a standardization to 3.25% fat, followed by homogenization, and thermization (65 °C/30 min). This procedure was repeated four times over a period of 7 days. A total of 40 VOC were identified using the solid-phase microextraction technique followed by gas chromatography separation, mass spectrometry analysis, and database search. These VOC were grouped into seven different families, including alcohols (n = 4), free fatty acids (n = 5), sulfur compounds (n = 3), esters (n = 7), ketones (n = 7), aldehydes (n = 12), and aromatic hydrocarbons (n = 2). In raw milk, high SCC was associated with a tendency for lower concentrations of ethyl-hexanoate (P = 0.07), acetone (P = 0.06), and benzaldehyde (P = 0.07) and lower concentrations of trans-2 hexenal (P = 0.04). On the contrary, high SCC was associated with a tendency for greater concentrations of acetic acid (P = 0.09) and hexanoic acid (P = 0.07) and greater concentrations of 2-nonanone (P = 0.02) and pentanal (P = 0.01). Concentrations of most VOC increased during the storage of processed milk. Lower concentrations of butanoic acid (P = 0.09; tendency) and ethyl hexanoate (P = 0.04), and greater concentration of 1-ocen-3-ol (P < 0.01) were observed in high-SCC milk at all times of storage evaluated. Increases in concentrations over time were less pronounced for ethanol (P < 0.01), ethyl butanoate (P = 0.05), and propanal (P = 0.10) in high SCC as compared with low SCC milk. In conclusion, an increase in SCC has a limited effect on milk volatilome, when a SCC standard of 400 × 10³ cells/mL for bulk milk is respected.

Nitrogen pollution is an important issue in modern agriculture. For the dairy industry, increasing the efficiency of milk protein production may reduce the environmental impact of commercial farms. Optimal N utilization can be achieved by combining forage and concentrate varying in their degradability in the rumen. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the fate of dietary N as affected by forage type and rumen-degradable protein supply in lactating dairy cows, with an emphasis on milk N efficiency. Four rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design balanced for residual effects. Four treatments consisting of a 2-by-2 factorial arrangement of alfalfa silage (AL) or red clover (RC)-based diets designed to satisfy 100 (rumen-degradable protein (RDP)-100) or 85% (RDP-85) of rumen degradable protein demand, by varying the amounts of ground and steam-flaked corn grain, as well as non-treated and heat-treated soybean meals. Dietary CP concentrations were greater in diets based on AL as compared with RC (P < 0.01). Kinetics of in sacco N disappearance revealed that the rapidly disappearing fraction was lower with RC than with AL diets, and this difference tended to be more pronounced for RDP-85 than RDP-100 (interaction, P = 0.06). On the contrary, slowly disappearing N fraction and fractional rate of disappearance were greater for RC as compared with AL diets (P < 0.01). Reducing RDP from 100 to 85% of requirements increased the slowly disappearing N fraction, but decreased the rapidly disappearing fraction and the fractional rate of disappearance of N (P < 0.01). Intakes of DM and N were lesser with RC compared with AL, and these differences were more pronounced with RDP-85 than with RDP-100 (interaction, P ≤ 0.04). As a proportion of N intake, fecal excretion tended to be greater (P = 0.09), whereas urinary excretion was lower (P = 0.04) with RC than with AL diets. Milk yield (tendency; P = 0.07) and total N secreted in milk were reduced (P < 0.01) with RC compared with AL diets. Feeding RC increased milk N efficiency (g of milk N/ kg of N intake) as compared with AL, and this difference tended to be of greater magnitude for RDP-85 than RDP-100 (interaction, P = 0.06). In conclusion, combining forage and concentrate of different CP degradability can improve milk N efficiency in dairy cows.

Upon fermentation in the hindgut, gluconate acts as a prebiotic having shown benefits in multiple species. In previous studies, hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG), developed to target the hindgut, improved milk and component yields in highly controlled research settings. The objective of the current study was to confirm these results in commercial dairy herds. Six farms, comprising a total of 907 lactating Holstein cows, were enrolled in a randomised cross-over design where the supplementation of HFCG (16 g/cow/d) was compared against a control. Farms were randomly assigned to one of the two possible treatment sequences and treatments were applied for ∼56 d. Milk yield and composition were measured on two milk test-days on approximately d 26 and 56 of each treatment period, and an average per animal per period was calculated. The effect of HFCG supplementation on performance was statistically analysed with two approaches: (1) using individually recorded milk yield and analysed milk composition from each test-day retrieved through the cattle improvement cooperative organization CRV (Arnhem, the Netherlands), and (2) using residual performance obtained by subtracting the observed from the predicted values estimated by the herd test-day model of CRV. Supplementing HFCG increased milk yield (3.6%; P = 0.02), protein content (1%; P = 0.01) and yield (4.6%; P = 0.01), and lactose yield (3.4%; P = 0.04); and tended to increase energy-corrected milk (3.1%; P = 0.10). The analysis of the residual performance retrieved similar trends, although with diminished statistical significancy. During the control period, milk yield, fat and protein yield, and urea content residuals were negative and significantly different from zero (P ≤ 0.05), indicating that farms underperformed relative to predictions. In contrast, during HFCG supplementation, farms performed as predicted. Overall, these results confirm the effectiveness of HFCG supplementation at improving performance at farm level.

Blood gas test evaluates hydroelectrolyte, acid-base balance, and lung function. The physiological parameters can be influenced by age and management and environmental factors, as well as the blood sample used: venous or arterial. The objective of this study was to analyze arterial and venous blood gas parameters of healthy Brahman cattle in Brazil, to determine reference values for this breed, comparing age and sex, in addition to evaluating the correlation between arterial and venous results. For the purpose of this research, 80 healthy cattle (40 males and 40 females) were grouped according to different age groups (Group I: from 5 to 30 days; Group II: from 31 days to 6 months; Group III: from 7 to 18 months; Group IV: from 19 to 36 months) and sex. The animals were examined by physical examination prior to the collection of the venous and arterial blood samples. Blood gas analyses were performed immediately after blood collections, using the I-STAT® portable device with EG7+ cartridge. There was a difference among age groups for rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR), and age × sex interaction for RT and RR. Younger animals (Group I) had higher RT, HR and RR, regardless of sex. Females had higher RT than males, regardless of age. As for blood gas parameters, only oxygen pressure (PO₂) and arterial and venous concentrations of sodium ions (Na⁺) experienced the interaction between age × sex, while pH, carbon oxygen pressure (PCO₂), oxygen saturation (SO₂), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (iCa²⁺) concentrations of arterial and venous blood were influenced by the age of the animals. Calves in the Group I showed the main differences in blood gas parameters compared to adults (Groups III and IV). The neonates (Group I) had lower values of pH and SO₂, and higher values of PCO₂, K⁺ and iCa²⁺ of arterial and venous blood. High correlation could be observed in the values of pH, Na⁺, hematocrit and hemoglobin when measured in arterial and venous blood, therefore, one value can be obtained by the other. The other variables were very dispersed, confirming the differences pointed out in the literature between arterial and venous blood. Finally, the results of this study can be used as a reference for healthy animals of the Brahman breed.

Feed Passage Syndrome (FPS) is a prevalent condition that includes wet excreta, with undigested feed, and loss of feed efficiency, with multiple predisposing factors involved. Alternatives to antimicrobials, including phytogenics, are being studied to control this process. This study aimed to assess oregano essential oil (OEO) in broilers subjected to a natural field FPS challenge. Four broiler houses (two males; two females) presenting FPS were divided into two groups per house and assigned to a control or OEO-treated group through drinking water for five days. The FPS was characterized by >30% wet droppings, >50% with undigested feed, <5% with desquamated mucosa, >10% birds with enteritis, and 90% with undigested feed in the lower ileum, and flocks clinically positive for dysbacteriosis. After a five-day treatment, OEO-treated birds showed fewer abnormal droppings (P < 0.05), reduced the prevalence of dysbacteriosis (P = 0.0404), and a progressively recovering BW. The OEO treatment showed to influence the Gompertz growth curve parameters (growth rate, P = 0.0165; inflection point, P = 0.0359), potentially reducing the age at the target market weight in 0.8 days. In conclusion, the results indicate that the OEO treatment in drinking water for broilers naturally challenged with the Feed Passage Syndrome may improve excreta characteristics and attenuate the negative impact of the syndrome on the BW.

Feed Passage Syndrome (FPS) in broilers is a multifactorial condition characterized by wet excreta and decreased feed efficiency, which can be triggered by various contributing factors. Alternatives to antimicrobials, including phytogenics, are being studied to control this process. This study assessed oregano essential oil (OEO) in broilers subjected to a FPS challenge model. Three treatments (negative control, neomycin-fed positive control, and OEO-fed group) were included. All treatments were challenged with reused litter, inoculums of Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens, and excess dietary CP. OEO-fed birds showed improved performance, better excreta characteristics, lower frequency of congested mucosa, reverted hyperplasia of the bursa of Fabricius, better antioxidant status, and higher breast and carcass weights and dietary protein and energy efficiencies. The OEO treatment was shown to influence the growth pattern of the broilers. In conclusion, the OEO showed positive effects in broilers challenged with a FSP model.

Damaging behaviours, such as tail biting, are common problems in pig production, compromising animal welfare and causing economic losses. Detailed studies are impeded by laborious direct observations. Tail biting is a broader phenomenon that begins long before lesions manifest, and behavioural problems caused by various stressors present themselves weeks before they escalate to damaging behaviour. Therefore, we collected detailed data on behaviours considered precursors to tail biting, such as oral and nasal manipulation of conspecifics. Dietary protein reduction is a promising way to reduce nitrogen emissions in pig manure, but its implications for animal welfare are not yet clear. The CP content in the diet was reduced to 80% of the recommendations. Pigs differ in their ability to utilise dietary proteins; therefore, there might be individual differences in how they cope with the protein reduction. Here, we present detailed data of focal observations of 95 pigs at an experimental farm with undocked tails. Pigs were observed directly by the same person for five minutes on four different days. All actions directed towards objects in the pen, interactions with and confrontations among pen mates, straw rooting behaviour and general activity were recorded. After the behavioural observations, wounds on different body parts and the cleanliness were noted by the same person observing the pigs. The protein efficiency of 94 pigs was obtained. The data set comprises six tables. The first table contains information on the animals, including the identities of their parents, farrowing group, sex, and protein efficiency. The other data tables contain four 5-min observations of each pig on 10 object-manipulation behaviours; 150 interaction behaviours, including reactions; 14 confrontation behaviours and their outcomes and reactions; 10 mounting behaviours, including reactions; two rooting behaviours; seven basic behaviours; and an index of general activity. The observations took place under comparatively good housing conditions. Pigs were given fresh straw daily, ad libitum access to feed, floor space above the legal requirements, and daily cleaning of pens, and they were closely monitored for signs of damaging behaviour; all of these are favourable conditions as they limit stress and the risk of damaging behaviour. These data can be used to further explore the relationships of specific behaviours and phenomena and their association with protein efficiency. The ethogram can be used as a template for further observations. Practitioners could use the data to support pigs’ need for occupation, such as by providing sufficient straw.

The objective of the current on-farm trial was to assess the impact of feeding extruded flaxseed on milk yield and composition. Thirty commercial dairy herds located in the province of Québec, Canada were recruited. The experiment began with a baseline period of 2 months during which each cow received their regular diets. Data collected during this period were used as covariate. Farms were then randomly allocated into a control group (n = 15; 767 cows) which continued to receive their regular diets, or a treatment group (n = 15; 863 cows) which received diets supplemented with extruded flaxseed (0.7 kg/d per cow) during an experimental period of 7 months. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Feeding extruded flaxseed did not affect feed intake but increased milk yield by 1.1 kg/d per cow, and feed efficiency by 6.5%. Dietary addition of extruded flaxseed increased milk fat (tendency) and lactose yield, whereas milk protein yield was similar between treatments. Estimated CH₄ intensity were reduced by 1.3 g/L of milk (−9.2%) in herds receiving extruded flaxseed. Feeding extruded flaxseed increased milk fat concentration of cis-9, cis-12, cis-15 18:3 and total n-3 fatty acids. Results of the current on-farm trial confirm observations made under experimental conditions that feeding moderate levels of extruded flaxseed improves production performance in dairy cows.

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway with a role in the turnover of cell components via self-digestion. Over the past decade, it has been recognised as an essential process to maintain cellular and energy homeostasis. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to this process in farm animals. In pigs, the role of autophagy in skeletal muscle homeostasis and more specifically on the formation of multinucleated muscle fibres needs to be determined. Primary culture of satellite cells, the resident muscle stem cells, is an appropriate model to investigate macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy), the main autophagy process. The objective of the current study was to evaluate tools to monitor autophagy in this cell model and to specify the role of autophagy on cell differentiation. Samples of longissimus muscle were collected from 3- to 4-day-old piglets. After isolation, satellite cells were plated in growth medium, allowed to proliferate up to 80% confluence and then placed in an appropriate culture medium to differentiate into myotubes. Cells were explored from day 0 to day 3 of differentiation. Autophagy-related proteins and Adenosine Mono Phosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a major sensor for cell energy, were detected by Western blotting. Expression of genes related to autophagy were also quantified by qPCR. The Microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3β forms ratio increased during cell differentiation whereas phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and sequestosome 1 proteins decreased significantly. Mitochondrial protein expression also decreased significantly with satellite cell differentiation. Then, cell treatment with an inhibitor of autophagy flux, Bafilomycin A1, confirmed that autophagy was activated during the conversion of myoblasts into myotubes along with AMPK activation in our satellite cell culture model. In conclusion, we provided tools for porcine autophagy investigation in tissues or cells and demonstrated that basal autophagy and energy metabolism are concomitantly modulated during porcine myogenesis in vitro.