Feasibility and Reliability of the AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Dairy Goats in Semi-extensive Farming Conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and reliability of the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol for welfare assessment of dairy goats when applied to semi-extensive farming conditions. We recruited 13 farms located in the NW Italian Alps where three assessors individually and independently applied a modified version of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for goats integrated with some indicators derived from the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for sheep. The applied protocol consisted of nine individual-level (body condition score, hair coat condition, abscesses, overgrown claws, udder asymmetry, fecal soiling, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and improper disbudding) and seven group-level (severe lameness, Qualitative Behavior Assessment-QBA, thermal stress, oblivion, Familiar Human Approach Test-FHAT, synchrony at grazing, synchrony at resting) animal-based indicators. On most farms, the level of welfare was good. Many of the considered welfare problems (overgrown claws, fecal soiling, discharges, and thermal stress) were never recorded. However, oblivion, severe lameness, hair coat condition and abscesses were detected on some farms, with percentages ranging from 5 to 35%. The mean percentage of animals with normal body condition was 67.9 ± 5.7. The level of synchronization during resting was on average low (14.3 ± 7.2%). The application of the whole protocol required more than 4 h/farm and 3 min/goat. The inter-observer reliability varied from excellent (udder asymmetry, overgrown claws, discharges, synchrony at resting, use of shelter) to acceptable (abscesses, fecal soiling, and oblivion), but insufficient for hair coat condition, improper disbudding, synchrony at grazing, QBA. Differences in background of the assessors and feasibility constraints (i.e., use of binoculars in unfenced pastures, individual-level assessment conducted during the morning milking in narrow and dark pens, difficulties when using the scan and instantaneous sampling method due to the high number of animals that moved at the same time) can affect the reliability of data collection. Extensive training seems necessary for properly scoring animals when applying the QBA, whereas the FHAT to evaluate the Human-Animal Relationship of goats at pasture seems promising but needs to be validated. Indicators that evaluate the synchrony of activities require to be validated to identify the best moment to perform the observations during the day.

The Noble Method in the dairy sector as a sustainable production system to improve the nutritional composition of dairy products: A review

“…Therefore, the use of multi-indicator evaluation protocols is recommended. Battini et al (2021) reported that most animal welfare assessment studies were originally developed and conducted for intensive farming systems. Less concern was placed on the extensive system as animal welfare was considered a minor risk.…”

“…Several farms, which follow the Noble Method, are already breeding native breeds, especially for the breeding of sheep and goats, which are very well adapted to the local climate and landscape. These pasture farms could be associated with a higher level of animal welfare, although animal welfare assessment protocols also need to be implemented in extensive farms to avoid nutritional deficiencies and other animal health problems (Battini et al 2021). Covering the animals' food needs with grazing, the use of local breeds and low stocking rates (low animal density) resulted in a lower use of energy and fuel resources and improved environmental sustainability (Ripoll-Bosch et al 2012).…”

Extensive Sheep and Goat Production: The Role of Novel Technologies towards Sustainability and Animal Welfare

“…Additionally, the assessors may need to record variable indicators dependable on various factors (e.g., terrain, distance, access, time, and weather constraints). Recently, a study [ 27 ] tested the feasibility and reliability of the AWIN protocol for the welfare assessment of dairy goats in semi-extensive farming conditions. It showed that some indicators from the AWIN sheep protocol could be successfully integrated into the original goat protocol, but some validation studies were nonetheless still needed.…”

“…Some proposals have been made to adapt existing protocols to less intensive farming systems [ 13 , 27 , 35 , 36 , 37 ] although this should be regarded as a complex and challenging task considering the settings’ diversity [ 24 , 36 ]. Small ruminants bred in extensive farming systems are more exposed to weather conditions, which implies a need for considering temperature, humidity, and even wind exposure in welfare assessments.…”

“…Finally, a word on an often-demoted issue—the need for specifically trained evaluators [ 27 , 52 ] so that the repeatability and credibility of the protocols are guaranteed. Experienced and competent auditors in intensive system assessments may not be prepared for the work needed in extensive settings.…”