1,721,091 research outputs found
Growth traits, carcass and meat quality of heavy pigs receiving different enrichment tools
Full text linkTwo separate and independent trials were carried out to investigate the effect of innovative enrichment devices on Italian heavy pigs' growth parameters, carcass traits, meat and ham quality. In Trial 1, 20 pigs received a hanging metal chain (C1) as environmental enrichment, and 20 received wood (poplar) logs (WL) placed inside a metal rack installed on one side of the pen. In trial 2, 20 pigs received a metal chain (C2), whereas 20 animals received a specifically formulated edible block (EB) placed inside the same metal rack described above. Enrichments were always available to pigs. Animal were kept on slatted floors and liquid-fed twice a day. Trials started when animals were approximately 80 days old (average Body Weight – BW=28 kg) and ended at slaughtering (average BW=158 kg, age: 285 days in Trial 1 and 280 days in Trial 2). Growth parameters, carcass traits and meat quality data were collected, (including hams weight during dry-curing) and submitted to analysis of variance. The pen (5 pigs) was taken as the experimental unit for growth parameters, the individual was used as the experimental unit for carcass and meat traits.
In both trials, no significant differences were observed as concerns growth parameters (final BW, average daily gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio). Only minor differences were detected in carcass traits, with WL carcasses having higher lean meat percentage (51.06 vs 49.86%, p<.05), lower backfat thickness (22.55 vs 25.15 mm, p<.05) but higher drip losses (1.23 vs 1.00%, p<0.05) if compared to C1. EB carcasses had lower loin thickness if compared to C2 (59.20 vs 64.50 mm, p<.05). In both trials, these slight differences did not affect the overall yield in lean cuts, the overall meat water holding capacity or any other quality trait of meat (pH, colour, Warner-Bratzler shearing force). Ham weight losses during dry-curing were not affected by the experimen tal treatment (p>0.05).
Our results show that providing heavy pigs with either poplar logs or an edible block did not affect their growth parameters, overall carcass traits, meat or ham quality; this observation supports the conclusion that such innovative and destructible/ingestible enrichment tools could be used in substitution of the metal chain. Further useful information will be available once the observation of the behavioural video-recordings will be completed, to get more insights on the type of interactions carried out by pigs on each enrichment device
Production and behavioural traits of heavy pigs subjected to two illumination periods
No full textAccording to latest EFSA’s recommendations (2007) on the welfare of fattening pigs, the aim of the present trial was to give a contribution to the still debated problem concerning pig requirements in terms of environmental illumination. Forty hybrid pigs (26 kg BW) were homogeneously allocated into two experimental groups (20 animals per group) each containing four replications of five pigs: group LL (Long Lighting) in which pigs were exposed to a 16-hour/day light period and group SL (Short Lighting) in which, in compliance with minimum legislative standard, pigs were subjected to a 8-hour/day light period. For both groups the light intensity was 40 lux, equivalent to the minimum mandatory level. Pigs were fed on the basis of their metabolicBW up to a maximum of 3.3 kg/pig/day. From 100 to 160 kg BW pigs were monthly videotaped over a 24-hour period in order to assess, by scan sampling, their behaviour. Growth parameters and post-mortem outcomes were submitted to analysis of variance (GLM procedure) with lighting duration as the main effect.For non-parametric data (behavioural traits), Mann-Whitney test (NPAR1WAY procedure) was used. During the first phase of the experiment (0-118 days of trial), animals receiving the longer illumination period (LL group) showed a significant (P<0.01)improvement of average daily weight gain and a reduction (P<0.05) of feed conversion rate, leading to a higher (P<0.05) final body weight. At slaughtering, despite similar lean meat yields (assessed by F-o-M), pigs on LL group produced heavier carcasses and heavier hams (P<0.01). With respect to behavioural traits, pigs receiving the longer illumination period were more calm as demonstrated by a higher percent of lying behavior and by a lower incidence of pseudo-rooting behavior (P<0.01). From a general standpoint it can be concluded that a prolonged photoperiod with a low light intensity could have some positive effects both on production and behavioural traits of pigs
Update on animal welfare perception by Italian consumers: A descriptive survey
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to evaluate if and how the perception of animal welfare by Italian consumers and their purchasing behavior of animal-friendly foods have evolved in recent years. The research was carried out through a survey on a representative sample of Italian consumers (n=969). Responses showed that 69% of consumers declared to pay attention to animal welfare at time of purchasing, and they mostly acquired information about animal welfare through the mass media. In accordance with previous surveys, the categories perceived as having the highest welfare level were fish and dairy cows, whereas the lowest welfare level was attributed to broilers and pigs. Compared to previous surveys, Italian consumers seem to have improved their knowledge about the legislation on animal protection and increased their interest toward animal welfare issues. However, they still find it difficult to identifyThe aim of this study was to evaluate if and how the perception of animal welfare by Italian consumers and their purchasing behavior of animal-friendly foods have evolved in recent years. The research was carried out through a survey on a representative sample of Italian consumers (n=969). Responses showed that 69% of consumers declared to pay attention to animal welfare at time of purchasing, and they mostly acquired information about animal welfare through the mass media. In accordance with previous surveys, the categories perceived as having the highest welfare level were fish and dairy cows, whereas the lowest welfare level was attributed to broilers and pigs. Compared to previous surveys, Italian consumers seem to have improved their knowledge about the legislation on animal protection and increased their interest toward animal welfare issues. However, they still find it difficult to identify animal-friendly labels, together with a lack of knowledge about non-conventional (e.g. extensive and organic) farming systems, together with a lack of knowledge about non-conventional (e.g. extensive and organic) farming system
Behavioural traits of undocked heavy pigs receiving different enrichment tools
No full textThe aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of innovative enrichment devices on the behavioural traits of undocked Italian heavy pigs kept on slatted floor in the body weight range 25-160 kg. Two separate and independent trials (n=40 pigs each, 5 pigs/pen) were carried out. In Trial 1, 20 pigs received a hanging metal chain (C1, positive control) as environmental enrichment, and 20 received wood logs (WL) placed inside a specifically designed metal rack allowing snout and biting manipulation. In Trial 2, 20 pigs received a metal chain (C2, positive control) whereas 20 received a specifically formulated vegetable edible block (EB) placed inside the same metal rack. The manipulable materials were always available to animals. Pigs were videotaped every 2 weeks and behaviour was analyzed by the same trained observer (scan-sampling for general behavior and all-occurrences sampling on three selected days for the number and the duration of the interactions with the devices). Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA (using the pig as the experimental unit and the environmental enrichment as the main effect). Kruskal-Wallis test was used for non-parametric data. General behavior was only marginally affected by all enrichment tools, although EB pigs spent less time in (aimless) rooting/exploring the pen floor (13.39 vs. 15.90% of the observed behaviours, P<0.01) than C2. In Trial 1, WL pigs interacted with the enrichment tool less than C1 pigs (0.64 vs. 1.84%, P<0.01). In Trial 2, EB pigs interacted more with the enrichment (2.85 vs. 1.12%, P<0.001) if compared to C2 group. These data were confirmed by in-continuous observation. In conclusion, our results show that edible blocks (EB) but not wood logs (WL) were more attractive for pigs than hanging metal chains (C1 and C2).
The research was funded by Progetto AGER, grant n°2011-0280
Literature Review on the Pre-Slaughter Welfare of Italian Heavy Pigs
Full text linkThis work provides a narrative review of the available information on the welfare of Italian heavy pigs in the pre-slaughter phase (transport, lairage, and stunning). The meat from these pigs is used for specific PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products, and the production rules for these specialties require higher body weight (160–170 kg) and age (in general more than 9 months) at slaughter than in most other countries. This may lead to specific behavioral and physiological needs of pigs. The present paper summarizes the main research findings and knowledge gaps for each of the pre-slaughter phases. Studies are presented according to the four principles of the Welfare Quality assessment protocol (good feeding, good housing, good health, and appropriate behavior). The results of the literature review indicate a lack of knowledge on several aspects. Most of studies were carried out in a single slaughterhouse, making it difficult to identify risk factors and confounding effects. Moreover, animal-based measures were assessed using different protocols, reducing the possibility of comparison across studies. These findings may serve as a basis for the development of specific research studies and policies aimed at enhancing the animal welfare level and the ethical attributes of this renowned production, also in accordance with consumers’ expectations
Effects of increased space allowance on animal welfare, meat and ham quality of heavy pigs slaughtered at 160Kg
Full text linkSixty barrows (Body Weight-BW- range: 23.9-160 kg) were allotted to two experimental groups (6 pens of 5 pigs each): the control group was kept at a space allowance of 1m2/head; the second group was kept at 1.3m2/head. Behaviour, growth parameters, carcass and meat quality were assessed, as well as fat and cured ham quality. Results showed that pigs raised at 1.3m2/head spent more time laying (particularly in lateral recumbency, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) compared to pigs kept at lower space allowance. They also reduced the aimless exploration of the slatted pen floor (P<0.001) and increased overall expression of other, mainly active, behaviors (e.g., drinking, walking and standing, P<0.01). Pigs raised at 1.3m2/head showed higher final BW (P = 0.02), more favourable Average Daily Gain (ADG) and gain-to-Feed ratio (G:F) both during the last period of the trial (P<0.05 for both parameters) and over the entire trial (P = 0.01 for both parameters). No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass traits and the main meat quality attributes. Subcutaneous fat from green hams had higher α-linolenic acid content (P<0.01) in the group reared at greater space allowance. Green hams from this group lost less weight at trimming (P<0.01) and the resulting cured hams received better sensory evaluations (P<0.05). No difference was observed in fatty acid composition and unsaturation levels of the subcutaneous fat from cured hams. Our data suggest that heavy pigs intended for Parma ham would benefit from the adoption of higher individual floor space allowances, both in terms of animal welfare (increased possibility to rest) and of productive parameters, without having any detrimental effect on the suitability of the thighs for dry-curing or on the quality of the final product
Welfare challenges for Italian heavy pigs
No full textItalian heavy pigs are traditionally raised until they reach higher age at slaughter and body weights (at least 9 months and 160 kg, respectively) than in the majority of European countries. Meat derived from these pigs is intended for the production of high added-value pork products (e.g., Protected Designation of Origin dry-cured hams). We have identified tree main aspects that can affect the welfare of Italian heavy pigs: water rationing,illumination regimes and floor space allowance. The results from our research on water needs show that heavy pigs are motivated to obtain water from nipple drinkers even when they are liquid-fed (Nannoni et al., 2013).As concerns illumination requirements, either an increased duration of the photoperiod (up to 14 hours/day) or a higher light intensity (up to 80 lux) can favorably affect animal behavior (calmness degree) without any negative effect on meat quality (Martelli et al., 2015;Sardi et al., 2012).With respect to space allowance, its increase (up to 1.3 m2/head) was found to improve heavy pigs’ capability to rest (time spent lying in lateral recumbency) and their productive parameters (Nannoni et al., 2015). In conclusion, although no specific legislation requirement has been set for heavy pigs, our results may indicate the presence of peculiar needs besides the minimum mandatory levels (EC Directive 2008/120). Further research is presently being carried out on complemental aspects, such as environmental enrichment tools and tail docking
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
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