Scientific report on the effects of farming systems on dairy cow welfare and disease

,

doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1143r

Cited by 48 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 896 publications

(1,102 reference statements)

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“…There are no official data for the prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis, however we consider this disease endemic, mainly in the dairy sector, and there are several veterinary practitioners expert in the treatment of this disease (44). Generally lameness is only considered an infectious problem of the single herd, but within the Classyfarm system described above, lameness is one of the animal-based measures of welfare assessment of cattle farms (7,45).…”

Section: Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Control Programs for Twenty-Four Infectious Cattle Diseases in Italy

et al. 2021

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The cattle industry is a major driving force for the Italian agricultural sector totalling about 5. 6 million heads for dairy and meat production together. It is particularly developed in the northern part of the country, where 70% of the whole Italian cattle population is reared. The cattle industry development in the rest of the country is hampered by the hard orography of the territories and a variety of socioeconomic features leading to the persistence of the traditional rural farming systems. The differences in the farming systems (industrial vs. traditional) also affect the health status of the farms. Whereas, Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL) is almost eradicated across the whole country, in Southern Italy where Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are still present and Bluetongue is endemic due to the presence of the competent vector (Culicoides imicola), less investments are aimed at controlling diseases with economic impact or at improving farm biosecurity. On the other hand, with the eradication of these diseases in most part of the country, the need has emerged for reducing the economic burden of non-regulated endemic disease and control programs (CPs) for specific diseases have been implemented at regional level, based on the needs of each territory (for instance common grazing or trading with neighboring countries). This explains the coexistence of different types of programs in force throughout the country. Nowadays in Italy, among cattle diseases with little or no EU regulations only three are regulated by a national CP: Enzootic Bovine Leukosis, Bluetongue and Paratuberculosis, while Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis and Trichomonosis are nationwide controlled only in breeding bulls. For some of the remaining diseases (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, Streptococcus agalactiae) specific CPs have been implemented by the regional Authorities, but for most of them a CP does not exist at all. However, there is a growing awareness among farmers and public health authorities that animal diseases have a major impact not only on the farm profitability but also on animal welfare and on the use of antibiotics in livestock. It is probable that in the near future other CPs will be implemented.

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Section: Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Control Programs for Twenty-Four Infectious Cattle Diseases in Italy

et al. 2021

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“…Pasture was the context in which cows showed the lowest arousal (eyes were half-closed in 67.8% of cows) and probably with positive valence (ears hanging down or backwards in 77.3% of cows). Access to pasture has many beneficial effects on the welfare of dairy cows [31], such as a reduction of mortality rate, mastitis, reproductive problems and lameness, and an increased possibility to move, to rest in comfort, to eat preferable food, and to express species-specific behaviors. For these reasons, cows highly prefer outdoor to indoor housing (for review [32]).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Cows’ Emotions on Farm: Are Eye White and Ear Posture Reliable Indicators?

Battini¹,

Agostini²,

Mattiello³

2019

Animals

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Understanding the emotions of dairy cows is primarily important in enhancing the level of welfare and provide a better life on farm. This study explored whether eye white and ear posture can reliably contribute to interpret valence and arousal of emotions in dairy cows. The research was conducted in five Italian dairy farms. Four hundred and thirty-six photographs of cows’ heads were scored (four-level), according to the eye white and ear posture during feeding, resting, pasture, and an avoidance distance test at the feeding rack (ADF test). Eye white and ear posture were significantly correlated and influenced by the context (P = 0.001). Pasture was the most relaxing context for cows (67.8% of half-closed eyes; 77.3% ears hung down or backwards). The excitement during ADF test was high, with 44.8% of eye white being clearly visible and ears directed forwards to the approaching assessor (95.5%). Housing and management mostly influenced emotions during feeding and resting (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively): where competition for feeding places and cubicles was low, the cows showed the highest percentages of half-closed eyes and ears backwards or hung down. This research supports the use of eye white and ear posture as reliable indicators of emotions in dairy cows.

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“…Cattle prefer a dry lying surface, and they spend much more time standing when only wet bedding is available [31]. In addition to directly affecting the welfare of cattle, a low hygiene level of the lying surface and inadequate bedding were recognized as risk factors for the two main welfare problems of dairy cattle: mastitis and lameness [32]. It is essential for farmers to understand the importance of a well-managed lying area for the welfare and health of cattle.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Finnish Cattle and Pig Farms Based on Official Inspection Reports

Väärikkälä

Hänninen

Nevas

2019

Animals

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The competent authorities of the Member States of the European Union are required to perform animal welfare inspections on livestock farms. The data obtained from these official inspections performed in Finnish cattle and pig farms in 2010–2015 were used with the aim of estimating the prevalence of the most common non-compliances and identifying underlying risk factors. The prevalence of non-compliant cattle and pig farms was 24.2% and 27.9%, respectively. In cattle, the most common problem was an inadequate lying area followed by deficient housing conditions for calves; in pigs, it was a lack of enrichment material. The non-compliances concerning cattle were most frequently detected in autumn and in farms with small herd size, with tie-stall housing and outdoor rearing year-round. The pig farms with a farrow-to-finish unit had a higher prevalence of non-compliances than other production types. The prevalence of the non-compliant farms differed notably between the regions. It can be concluded that the cattle welfare inspections should be performed with a focus on the cold and rainy seasons and at small farms, whereas the pig welfare inspections should mainly focus on farrow-to-finish units. The data received from official inspections should be efficiently utilized in the development of animal welfare inspection system, with the aim of risk-based, consistent and uniform inspections. In addition, the data should be utilized in targeting information for farmers.

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Scientific report on the effects of farming systems on dairy cow welfare and disease

Cited by 48 publications

References 896 publications

Overview of Control Programs for Twenty-Four Infectious Cattle Diseases in Italy

Overview of Control Programs for Twenty-Four Infectious Cattle Diseases in Italy

Understanding Cows’ Emotions on Farm: Are Eye White and Ear Posture Reliable Indicators?

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Finnish Cattle and Pig Farms Based on Official Inspection Reports

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