Behavior of Piglets in an Observation Arena before and after Surgical Castration with Local Anesthesia.

Surgical castration of piglets is generally recognized as a painful procedure, but there is currently no gold standard for the assessment of pain behavior in piglets. However, pain assessment is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of local anesthetics. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of four local anesthetics in terms of pain relief during and after surgical castration in three sequential study parts. To do so, we filmed 178 piglets before the applied procedures, after injection of the local anesthetic, and up to 24 h after castration (five observation times in total) in an observation arena and compared their behavior before and after castration and between treatments and control groups. The results showed significant differences in the behavior of the piglets before and after castration and between the sham-castrated control group and the control group castrated without anesthesia. The different local anesthesia treatment groups showed diverging differences to the control groups. The most frequently shown pain-associated behaviors of the piglets were changes in tail position and hunched back posture. We observed a reduction but no complete elimination of the expressed pain-associated behaviors after local anesthesia. Several behavioral changes-such as changes in tail position, hunched back posture or tail wagging-persisted until the day after castration. Owing to the limited duration of the effects of the local anesthetics, local anesthesia did not influence long-term pain.

Individual plumage and integument scoring of laying hens on commercial farms: correlation with severe feather pecking and prognosis by visual scoring on flock level.

Various plumage and integument scoring methods are commonly used to deduce the occurrence of severe feather pecking and cannibalism in laying hens. The aim of our study was to provide evidence of correlations between the occurrence of severe feather pecking and our individual plumage scoring system used under practical conditions on commercial farms with non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed layers (study I). In second step, we aimed to verify whether the results of the elaborate individual scoring may be predicted with a visual scoring method based on the total body scores of groups of birds (study II). For study I we observed the pecking behavior and performed an individual plumage scoring at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of a laying period on 8 commercial farms. For study II we performed both an individual and a visual plumage scoring on 49 flocks on 45 farms at the beginning of the laying period and on 43 flocks on 41 farms at the end of the laying period. Spearman's Rho revealed a correlation of the mean feather pecking rate with the total plumage score, the neck-back plumage score, and the total cannibalism score in all observation periods. A high feather pecking rate was correlated with severe plumage damage and the frequent occurrence of skin injuries. We conclude that both the total plumage score and the neck-back plumage score constitute a reliable indicator of the occurrence of severe feather pecking in the flocks assessed in this study. The results of study II suggest that the percental assessment of plumage damage on flock level in 3 categories ("visual score") leads to a good prognosis of the actual, individually assessed plumage score. Therefore, the application (and documentation) of the visual score on a regular basis can provide a good evaluation of the development of the plumage condition of the flock. The visual score presented in this study is suggested as a suitable instrument for self-evaluation programs on farms.

Nociception-Induced Changes in Electroencephalographic Activity and FOS Protein Expression in Piglets Undergoing Castration under Isoflurane Anaesthesia.

The objective of this study was to investigate the electroencephalographic reaction pattern and FOS protein expression in male piglets undergoing surgical castration under light isoflurane anaesthesia with or without local anaesthesia. The experiment was conducted under isoflurane anaesthesia to exclude the effect of the affective components of pain on the measurements. Changes in the oscillatory activity of the cerebral cortex over a 90 s period after noxious stimulation or simulated interventions were analysed. FOS expression was determined postmortem by performing immunohistochemistry in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The analysis of the response to an interdigital pinch revealed a biphasic reaction pattern in the electroencephalogram (EEG) that similarly was observed for the surgical stimuli during the castration procedure in the group without analgesia. This EEG response was attenuated or altered by the application of local anaesthetics. Immunohistochemical staining for FOS indicated a lower expression in the handling and in three local anaesthetic groups than in the animals castrated without pain relief. The findings indicate that EEG and FOS expression may serve as indicators for nociception in piglets under light isoflurane anaesthesia. A lower activation of nociceptive pathways occurs during castration after the application of local anaesthetics. However, EEG and FOS analyses should be combined with additional parameters to assess nociception, e.g., haemodynamic monitoring.

Validation of an automatic scoring system for the assessment of hock burn in broiler.

This study aimed to develop and validate a camera vision score that could detect macroscopic alterations of the hock, to identify errors and to assess possible factors that could influence the assessment. Two hundred hocks in the first (calibration) phase and 500 hocks in the second (validation) phase were collected at slaughter, visually assessed, placed back into the evisceration line and assessed by a camera system with 2 software systems. The size of the alteration in percent (%) measured by the camera system was evaluated ("camera score", CS). Additionally, temperature, humidity, and light intensities were measured. In the calibration phase, threshold values of camera scores for respective macro scores were defined and performance measures evaluated. In the validation phase, the generated threshold values were validated, occurring errors, as well as possible impacts of climatic factors analyzed. The results showed that the generated thresholds predict the camera score values at which the respective macro score has the highest probability of appearance. Small hock burn lesions ≤0.5 cm have the highest probability at a camera score of ≥0.2 (original CS) or ≥0.1 (updated CS), and lesions >0.5 cm have the highest probability at a camera score of ≥0.7 (original CS) or ≥1.1 (updated CS). Large lesions (>0.5 cm) are more reliably identified by the system than small lesions. The risks of errors in assessing reference areas and lesions showed a correct identification of lesions to be the most probable result even if the reference area is not correctly identified. The probability of a correct identification of lesions by the camera system was slightly higher (not significant) with the updated software (risk = 0.66 [0.62-0.70]) than with the original software (risk = 0.63 [0.58-0.67]). Automatic assessment systems at slaughter could be adjusted to the presented threshold values to classify hock burn lesions. Software adaptations can improve the performance measures of diagnosis and reduce the probability of errors.

Evaluation of Two Injection Techniques in Combination with the Local Anesthetics Lidocaine and Mepivacaine for Piglets Undergoing Surgical Castration.

The present study evaluated the effects of two injection techniques in combination with lidocaine or mepivacaine for piglets undergoing castration. To improve ease of use, a cannula with side holes (one-step fenestrated (F)) was invented to simultaneously deliver a local anesthetic into the testis and scrotum and was compared to a two-step injection technique. The distribution of a lidocaine/contrast agent mixture using the two methods was examined using computed tomography. Piglets were randomly divided into treatment groups: handling, castration without pain relief and castration after lidocaine or mepivacaine injection using the one-step F or two-step method. Acute physiological responses to noxious stimuli were evaluated by measuring the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and nocifensive movements. Fos protein expression in the spinal dorsal cord was semi-quantitatively analyzed. Both injection techniques achieved similar distribution patterns. The one-step F method was faster and easier. Injection was not associated with significant changes in MAP or HR, but Mepi1 and NaCl elicited significantly increased nocifensive movements. Both techniques significantly reduced MAP and nocifensive movements when the spermatic cords were cut, regardless of the local anesthetic type. Compared to NaCl, only the lidocaine treatments significantly reduced HR during skin incision. Lido2 significantly reduced Fos protein expression.

Feather Pecking in Non-Beak-Trimmed and Beak-Trimmed Laying Hens on Commercial Farms with Aviaries.

Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. It was the aim of this study to gain insight into the actual pecking behavior of laying hens kept on commercial farms with flock sizes common in practice. We observed aggressive pecking and SFP in non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed flocks of laying hens and investigated possible influencing factors. The study took place on eight conventional farms in Germany with aviaries, including three farms with a free range and a winter garden, one with a free range and one with a winter garden. Pecking behavior was observed during three observational periods (OPs): OP 1, at the peak of the laying period between the 28th and 33rd week of life; OP 2, in the middle of the laying period between the 42nd and 48th week of life; and OP 3, at the end of the laying period between the 63rd and 68th week of life in one laying period. Videos were analyzed using behavior sampling and continuous recording. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate differed significantly between the flocks. SFP correlated positively with the number of hens per square meter of usable area, with statistical significance in the litter area (r = 0.564; p = 0.045). The multivariate analysis revealed that access to a winter garden or free range significantly reduced the SFP rate on perches (p = 0.001). The stocking density (number of birds per usable square meter) had a significant influence on the SPF rate in the nest-box area (p = 0.001). The hybrid line had a significant effect on the SFP rate on perches and in the nest-box area (p = 0.001 each). Lohmann Brown hens in mixed flocks had a higher SFP rate (significant in OP 2) than those in homogeneous flocks, indicating that mixed flocks may be a risk factor for SFP. Lohmann Brown hens pecked significantly less than Dekalb White hens in the litter area (p = 0.010) and in the nest-box area (p = 0.025) and less than Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens in the litter area (p = 0.010). Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed increasing SFP rates during the laying period. All hybrid lines had significantly higher SFP rates in the litter area, followed by the nest-box area and perches. These findings emphasize the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. We found a significant positive correlation between aggressive pecking and SFP-in OP 1: rho (Spearman) = 0.580, p < 0.001; OP 2: rho = 0.486, p = 0.002; and OP 3: rho = 0.482, p = 0.002 (n = 39) -indicating that SFP may lead to a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. In conclusion, our data suggest a positive influence of a lower stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range for additional space. The hybrid line had a significant influence on the feather-pecking rate on perches and the nest-box area. Aggressive pecking and severe feather pecking correlated positively. We assume that vigorous and painful AP were an additional stress factor, especially in non-beak-trimmed flocks, leading to more SFP in due course. Beak trimming had a reducing effect on SFP. However, our results showed that non-beak-trimmed flocks could be kept without major outbreaks of SFP.

Welfare and Performance of Three Turkey Breeds-Comparison between Infrared Beak Treatment and Natural Beak Abrasion by Pecking on a Screed Grinding Wheel.

Feather pecking and cannibalism are behavioral disorders that cause animal-welfare-relevant and economic problems. To mitigate these problems, the beaks of conventionally reared turkeys are usually already trimmed in the hatcheries. To find an alternative to beak trimming, we conducted this study with male turkeys of three breeds: B.U.T. 6, B.U.T. Premium and, Auburn (200 turkeys per breed). Half of the birds had infrared-trimmed beaks; the other half had intact beaks. For each treatment combination (breed, beak status), 25 turkeys were housed in one section. A screed grinding wheel was installed in each feed pan of the non-beak-trimmed turkeys as of week six to facilitate natural beak abrasion until slaughter. Eight randomly selected turkeys per section were regularly examined to record injuries, plumage condition, and beak dimensions. In addition, 96 beaks from randomly slaughtered birds were examined macroscopically and histologically. The results concerning injuries and plumage condition showed in most cases no differences between the beak-trimmed turkeys and the ones provided with the blunting disks. The histological examinations revealed alterations in only the beak-trimmed birds. We can conclude that the blunting method smoothens the beak during feeding and thus may be a possible alternative to beak trimming.

Local Anesthesia in Piglets Undergoing Castration-A Comparative Study to Investigate the Analgesic Effects of Four Local Anesthetics Based on Defensive Behavior and Side Effects.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of four local anesthetics on pain relief during surgical castration under standardized conditions in conscious piglets. Therefore, 71 male piglets (three to seven days) were distributed into control groups (handling, castration without anesthesia or analgesia) and local anesthetic trial groups (procaine, lidocaine, bupivacaine, mepivacaine). Then, 20 min prior to castration, animals of the treatment groups, except piglets in the handling group, received an injection of a local anesthetic or sodium chloride of 0.5 mL intratesticularly and 0.5 mL subscrotally. During injection and castration, defensive behavior was evaluated. Locomotor activity, as well as postoperative bleeding, wound healing and average daily weight gain were assessed to detect side effects. The injection caused increased defensive movements, significantly in the bupivacaine group. Lidocaine and mepivacaine significantly reduced defensive movements during castration, and procaine and bupivacaine only during severing of the spermatic cord. Impairments of locomotor activity were found in piglets injected with lidocaine, bupivacaine or sodium chloride. Considering healing, bleeding and weight gain, no negative impacts were observed. In conclusion, lidocaine and mepivacaine were able to achieve significant pain relief during the castration procedure, whereas procaine and bupivacaine only during the severing of the spermatic cord. Moreover, the injection of bupivacaine seemed to be painful itself.

Local anesthesia in piglets undergoing castration-A comparative study to investigate the analgesic effects of four local anesthetics on the basis of acute physiological responses and limb movements.

Surgical castration of male piglets without analgesia is a painful procedure. This prospective, randomized and double-blinded study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of four different local anesthetics for piglet castration during the first week of life. In total, 54 piglets aged 3 to 7 days were distributed into 6 treatment groups: handling (H); castration without pain relief (sodium chloride, NaCl); and castration with a local anesthetic: 4% procaine (P), 2% lidocaine (L), 0.5% bupivacaine (B) or 20 mg/ml mepivacaine (M). By excluding stress and fear as disruptive factors via a minimum anesthesia model, all piglets received individual minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane anesthesia. Twenty minutes before castration, all treatment groups except group H received one injection per testis. Then, 0.5 ml of a local anesthetic or NaCl was injected intratesticularly (i.t.), and 0.5 ml was administered subscrotally. Acute physiological responses to noxious stimuli at injection and castration were evaluated by measuring blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine and chromogranin A (CgA); limb movements were quantified. The results confirm that castration without analgesia is highly painful. Surgical castration without pain relief revealed significant changes in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and HR. Local anesthetic administration significantly reduced changes in BP and HR associated with castration. Piglets receiving a preoperative local anesthetic exhibited the fewest limb movements during castration, while the NaCl group exhibited the most. Injection itself was not associated with significant changes in MAP or HR. However, many piglets exhibited limb movements during injection, indicating that the injection itself causes nociceptive pain. No significant differences were found between groups regarding parameters of plasma cortisol, catecholamines and CgA. In conclusion, all four local anesthetics administered are highly effective at reducing signs of nociception during castration under light isoflurane anesthesia. However, injection of a local anesthetic seems to be painful.

[Field study on loose farrowing in cold barns]. / Feldstudie zum freien Abferkeln im Kaltstall.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this field study was to examine the loose farrowing system in view of practicability, particularly to monitor piglet losses and their causes, on a farm proceeding in accordance with the BIO AUSTRIA production guidelines from summer 2015 until summer 2017. The so-called "Ethobox" (HAKA, Josef Häufele GmbH & Co. KG, Erbach-Dellmensingen, Germany) had been installed into two cold barns with access to outdoor areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reproductive rate was recorded routinely on charts. Piglet losses were categorized as crushed piglets or other losses, and the timing of the loss was noted. RESULTS: In total, the data of 490 litters (sow: German Large White x German Landrace; boar: Pietrain/Pietrain x Duroc) were acquired (mean litter number: 2.5 ± 1.3; mean number of piglets born alive: 10.5 ± 2.8; mean number of stillborn piglets: 0.8 ± 1.7). A mean of 0.72 piglets were crushed per litter. Other piglet losses comprised 0.58 piglets per litter. Total piglet mortality amounted to 12.4 %. Of all the losses through crushing, 98.6 % were recorded within the first week of life. During this time period, 53.1 % of the other piglet losses occurred. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study confirms that the first week of life can be considered to be a "critical stage of life" for the piglets regarding losses through crushing. According to the results, the investigated farrowing system has been proven practicable for the farm. In particular, the smaller number of piglets born alive appears to play a considerable role when regarding the comparatively low number of piglet losses.

Effect of Two Transport Options on the Welfare of Two Genetic Lines of Organic Free Range Pullets in Switzerland.

The welfare of two genetic lines of organic layer hen pullets-H&N Super Nick (HNS) and H&N Brown Nick (HNB)-was compared during two commercial transport variants of 15 flocks of mixed-reared birds. Birds were either transported overnight (with a break in travel), or were transported direct to the layer farm (without a break in travel). Samples of feces were collected non-invasively from 25 birds of each genetic line per flock for each transport variant before transportation to evaluate baseline values of glucocorticoid metabolites, and at 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 10 h, 24 h, 34 h, 48 h, 58 h, and 72 h after the end of transportation, to measure transportation and translocation stress. We assessed the fear toward humans with the touch test before transportation, and we checked the birds' body condition by scoring the plumage condition and the occurrence of injuries. Body weight before and weight loss after transportation were determined, and ambient temperature was measured before, during, and after transportation. Stress investigations showed no significant differences between the transport variants (effect: -0.208; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-0.567; 0.163)). Instead, we discovered differences between the pullet lines (effect: -0.286; 95% CI: (-0.334; 0.238)). Weight loss was different between the transport variants (2.1 percentage points; 95% CI: (-2.6; -1.5)) and between the genetic lines, as HNB lost significantly less weight than HNS (0.5 percentage points; 95% CI: (0.3; 0.7)).

Animal- and management-based welfare indicators for a conventional broiler strain in 2 barn types (Louisiana barn and closed barn).

The aim of this observational study was to describe health- and management-related welfare indicators for a conventional broiler strain housed in 2 barn types (Louisiana barn and closed barn) on the same farm and to assess the impact of age and housing conditions on these indicators. Broilers were examined 4 times in each of 7 fattening periods. Their weight gain, gait score, and further animal-based indicators did not differ between the barn types. On average 46% showed no sign, 51% a minor but visible, and 3% a profound lameness at the end of the fattening period (fattening day 39). Soiling of the plumage, skin scratches, foot pad dermatitis, and hock burns worsened with increasing age. Soiling of the plumage was correlated negatively with litter depth (Pearson, r = -0.549, P = 0.042) and positively with litter quality (Pearson, r = 0.641, P = 0.013). Skin scratches occurred in 89% of the broilers (32% deep with penetration of dermis) on fattening day 39 and were correlated positively with cumulative mortality (Pearson, r = 0.615, P = 0.019), indicating a severe animal welfare impact. Foot pad dermatitis did not correlate with health- or management-related indicators, whereas hock burn correlated positively with the broilers' weight (Pearson, r = 0.853, P < 0.001) and with ammonia concentrations (Pearson, r = 0.577, P = 0.031). Management-related indicators (antibiotic treatments, dead on arrival) and cumulative mortality did not differ between the barn types. At the end of the fattening period, the litter quality was worse and concentrations of ammonia and peaks of high carbon dioxide concentrations were higher in the Louisiana than in the closed barn. The light intensity was on average 20 times higher in the Louisiana than in the closed barn without any negative impact. Summarizing, the barn type did not seem to influence the investigated welfare indicators, but Louisiana barns might need a more precise management to maintain the required ranges of noxious gases and litter quality.

[Animal hygiene, water quality and animal health using round drinkers as an animal-friendly water supply for Pekin ducks under practical conditions]. / Hygiene, Wasserqualität und Tiergesundheit beim Einsatz von Rundtränken als tiergerechte Wasserversorgung für Pekingmastenten unter Praxisbedingungen.

Mandatory requirements for the keeping of Pekin ducks exist neither in Europe nor in Germany. The medium water is of high importance for ducks and is connected with many species-specific behaviours. In commercial fattening establishments the animals are provided drinking water solely by nipple drinkers because up to today, the economic and hygienic aspects of this drinking suppIy are beyong dispute. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the round drinker AquaDuc T® on animal hygiene and different health parameters in three commercial farms. The examinations took place in three fattening farms (7140-13,515 fattening places). Per farm 16 fattening periods were surveyed (alternately control and test trial) with one visit each between 28th-32nd and 35th-39th day of life. On one farm only ten periods could be examined. The ducks were provided with water by nipple drinkers. Additionally, the AquaDuc T® was installed in the test trials, which was temporarily accessible. Apart from health evaluations of each 100 animals, barn climate (dust and gaseous ammonia content) and quality of drinking water were examined. In summary it can be stated that concerning health evaluation (eye infection/ plugged nostrils) the ducks with access to round drinkers mostly performed better than the animals with access solely to nipple drinkers. In this study the total bacteria count as well as the number of Enterobacteriaceae in CFU/mI was generally higher in the round drinkers compared to the nipple drinkers (average total germ count in CFU/ml: nipple drinker 10,950; round drinker 3,955,846), no negative effect on the health of Pekin ducks could be detected in this study. Sufficient hygiene of the offered drinking systems is essential for the wellbeing of the ducks.

[Use of the AquaDuc T® round drinker with Pekin ducks under field conditions--behaviour as one indicator of welfare]. / Verhalten als ein Indikator des Wohlbefindens beim Einsatz der AquaDuc T® Rundtränke bei Pekingmastenten unter Feldbedingungen.

Pekin ducks have an innate affinity for water. They seek water from the first day of life and use it for a multitude of behaviors. Currently implemented requirements to husbandry and the design of an animal-friendly offer of drinking water in commercial fattening establishments exist neither at EU-level nor in Germany. Aim of the study was to examine the use of the AquaDuc T® (Big Dutchman, Vechta, Germany) and its practical suitability concerning the behavior during the fattening of Pekin ducks under commercial conditions. The examinations took place in three farms (7140-13,515 fattening places). On farm 1 and 3, 16 fattening periods were observed (switch-over design: alternately test and control trial) with each one visited between day 28-32 and 35-39. On farm 2, only ten fattening periods could be examined. The ducks were in general supplied with drinking water via nipple drinkers. For the test trials, the AquaDuc T® drinkers were additionally installed and were accessible for a limited time. To record the natural and undisturbed behavior of the ducks in their housing system, the video recordings were started after we finished the farm visits and in total more than 6300 hours of video material were analyzed. All findings show that Pekin ducks clearly favor the round bell drinkers over the nipple drinkers. They enable the birds to immerse their heads, to drink and strain in a species-specific manner, to take care of the plumage with water and to clean beak and eyes. In the test trials, the drinking activity rose significantly during the operating time of the round drinkers (p < 0.001), whereas the nipple drinkers were used less frequently at the same time. Concerning ethology and health, the round drinkers offer the ducks very good conditions for an animal-friendly water supply. For economic and hygienic reasons, the daily access to the modified round drinkers should be limited.

[Comparative field study of litter moisture and footpad alterations during the rearing period of fattening turkeys]. / Vergleichende Feldstudie zur Einstreu- feuchtigkeit und zur Fussballengesundheit während der Aufzucht von Mastputen.

In the course of a nationwide performed field study from 2010 to 2012, the footpad health of conventionally kept fattening turkeys and their rearing conditions were studied and compared to results from litter moisture measurements. In each case two rearing periods from 24 rearing farms were chosen and visited 3 to 5 days after delivery of the poults (examination 1) and again during the days 22 to 35 (examination 2). In the course of each flock inspection 60 randomly chosen turkeys were examined by adspection and palpation. Litter samples from drinking, feeding and resting areas were taken using the Darr procedure to measure moisture. Data regarding rearing conditions was collected from the farmer using standardized questionnaires. The litter moisture was 10% (6-20%) before the birds' entered the barn. At the time of examination 1 litter moisture of 43% (14-67%) in the drinking zone, 28% (12-66%) in the feeding zone, and 13% (8-31%) in the resting area were measured. At the time of examination 2 the litter moisture measurements showed 51% (32-72%) in the drinking zone, 27% (13-56% in the feeding zone and 28% (16-53%) in the resting area. At the time of examination 127.3% of the poults had footpad alterations, during examination 2 that number increased to 63.3% with 12.1% showing epithelial necrosis. The young turkeys on the three most commonly used litter substrates showed the following results at the time of examination 2: when held on straw pellets 58%, on wood shavings 29%, and on straw 17% showed unaltered footpads. Regarding the housing conditions the examinations showed specifically differences in stocking rate, drinking system and litter management.

[Effects of the housing climate on the foot pad health of fattening turkeys of British United Turkeys 6 origin during the early rearing phase]. / Auswirkungen des Stallklimas auf die Fussballengesundheit von Mastputen der Herkunft B.U.T. 6 in der Aufzuchtphase.

The climate in the stables during the turkeys' first weeks of life is a crucial factor for a successful rearing and the following fattening period. The present study has examined the influence of climate parameters on the foot pad health status of 2681 fattened turkeys from twelve farms during the early rearing phase. In addition to wide-ranging collections of data concerning livestock husbandry and management an examination of the foot pads of 60 animals has been carried out respectively on day 3-5, as well as on day 22-35, shortly before relocation into another stable. For assessing the foot pads a scheme of five categories has been used (ranging from category 0 = no alteration to category 4 = deep lesion). Solely beak trimmed turkeys of the British United Turkeys (BUT) 6 strain, male and female, were examined. In twelve farms air temperature and humidity have been recorded continuously, ammonia and dust concentration were registered on each day of the examination. When assessing the foot pads, the first alterations could already be noted at the age of 3-5 days. On the second period of exzmination 55.6% of the turkeys showed category 2 or category 3. Examinations of the climate parameters showed strong differences concerning temperature, humidity and ammonia concentration among all farms. Using the Fisher's Exact Test, significant dependency of foot pad health on starting temperature (p < 0.001), on temperature measured one week before the second examination (p = 0.004), on humidity (p < 0.001), and on air ammonia concentration (p < 0.001) could be indicated.

Impact of Selected Factors on the Occurrence of Contact Dermatitis in Turkeys on Commercial Farms in Germany.

In a long term research project in Germany the influence of husbandry on the health of fattening turkeys (Study 1) as well as the influence of practiced rearing conditions on the health of turkey poults (Study 2) was examined in 24 farms and at the meat processing plant. In all examined rearing farms, litter samples for the determination of litter moisture were taken. This paper summarizes the results obtained by our working group from 2007 until 2012. The results elucidate the universal problem of foot pad dermatitis (FPD). Nearly 100% of the observed turkeys showed a clinically apparent FPD at the meat processing plant. Furthermore, skin lesions of the breast, especially breast buttons were diagnosed, particularly at the slaughterhouse. FPD was detected in the first week of the rearing phase. Prevalence and degree showed a progressive development up to the age of 22-35 days, whereas 63.3% of the poults had foot pad alterations. As even mild alterations in the foot pad condition can be indicators for suboptimal design of the rearing environment, especially high litter moisture, it is important to focus on the early rearing phase.

[Influence of litter moisture around drinkers and feeders on foot pad health status of fattening turkeys during the early rearing period]. / Einfluss der Einstreufeuchte im Futter- und Tränkebereich auf die Fussballengesundheit von Mastputen in der Aufzuchtphase.

The present study demonstrates the influence of increased litter moisture (LM) around drinkers and feeders on the foot pad health status of fattening turkeys during the rearing period. Therefore 154 day-old British United Turkeys (B.U.T.) 6 turkey poults (77 males, 77 females) were kept on softwood shavings with different moisture contents for a time period of 29 days. Separated by gender the poults were randomly allotted to two test groups and one control group. Birds in test groups were kept on defined litter moisture contents of 30% or 50% around drinkers and feeders. Additionally, birds of each group had access to an area which was maintained as dry as possible (LM around 10%). Birds in control groups were completely kept on dry litter (LM 10 %). Foot pads of all birds were examined according to the external scoring system of Mayne et al. (2007a). Cross-sex comparisons showed a significant difference of prevalence and severity of foot pad dermatitis between turkeys of the test groups and those of the control groups. At the end of this experiment female turkeys had no higher severity of foot pad dermatitis than male turkeys.Thus, the present results indicate that already areas of wet litter within a dry stable may lead to an increase of the prevalence and severity of foot pad dermatitis during the early rearing period.

[Turkey fattening under extensive rearing conditions--selected parameters concerning health, performance and behavior]. / Putenmast unter extensiven Haltungsbedingungen--Ausgewählte Parameter hinsichtlich Gesundheit, Leistung und Verhalten.

Within two consecutive studies (study I and study II), each involving a summer (su) and a winter mast (wi), 36 male turkeys per B.U.T. Big 6 (BUT) and Kelly Bronze (KB) origin were set on two seperated areas in free range and fatted over a period of 20 (winter mast in study II) and 22 weeks respectively. Aim of both studies was to analyze the effects of extensive rearing conditions on these two turkey origins concerning health, performance and behavior and whether seasonal climatic differences had any additional influence. Besides the aim in study II was to detect how intensely environmental enrichment (plateau and perches) was accepted by the turkeys and if co-housing of BUT and KB turkeys was possible. The occurence of skin lesions in the breast area (breast blisters and/or breast buttons) was significantly influenced by season (su > wi) and origin (BUT > KB). Malposition of the hind extremities was found significantly more often in the BUT origin, whereas the X-leg position was the most common observed leg abnormality. The mortality rate remained beneath 6% during three of the four fattening periods. Due to their genetical determination, the BUT constantly gained higher weights than the KB (wi > su).The intensity of acceptance of the structural elements was influenced by season (su > wi), forage (ecological > commercial) and time of day (night > day).The results of the studies lead to the conclusion that turkeys of the BUT origin can certainly be fattened under extensive rearing conditions alongside the KB origin, while providing good performance.

[Open water systems for species-appropriate housing of Peking ducks--effects on behaviour, feather quality and plugged up nostrils]. / Formen des Wasserangebotes zur tiergerechten Haltung von Pekingenten--Auswirkungen auf Verhalten, Gefiederqualität und Nasenlochverstopfungen.

At present in Germany Peking ducks in commercial housing are on ground with litter and nipple drinkers only and there is no access to open water. With this study we investigated if open water drinkers can affect behaviour and health of ducks positively. In this investigation ten fattening trials with 11 424 ducks, kept with straw, were analyzed. 25% of the compartment (32 m2) were covered with perforated grid, with one of the tested water systems (Nipple drinker, Sparkcup, Shower, Hollow and Round drinker and modified Round drinker) installed. Besides parts of the behaviour of ducks, animal health and hygiene and also economic factors were taken into account. In contrast to pens with nipple-drinkers only, the ducks in pens with open water troughs/showers had the opportunity to exhibit their natural drinking behaviour and water associated activities, such as straining and preening the plumage with water in accordance with the animal welfare requirements. In the free-choice pens, the open water systems were significantly preferred, and over a 24-hour period, the ducks in watering areas with open water troughs showed higher activity. Limiting the access to the open water systems (4, 6 and 8 hours) led to more intense use per time unit. Ducks with access to nipple drinkers only showed a significantly higher percentage of plugged up nostrils than animals from pens with open water drinkers (p < or = 0.05). Open water drinkers also had a positive impact on the plumage condition.The open water drinking systems were very well accepted by the animals and are, concerning behaviour and animal health, an improvement in housing systems of Peking ducks.