Physiological response of rabbits to heat, cold, noise and mixing in the context of transport
The effects on rabbits of four potential transport-related stressors (heat [HS], cold [CS], noise [NS] and mixing with unfamiliar animals [MS]) on certain physiological and meat quality parameters were studied. These are factors which may act to reduce the welfare of rabbits during their transport to the slaughterhouse. The rabbits were exposed to each potential […]
Modifications of operant thermoregulatory behavior of the young pig by environmental temperature and food availability
Piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus) were weaned at 14 days and acclimated to 10 (“cold animals”) or 35°C (“warm animals”). Cold animals were either fed ad lib. (10HH) or maintained on a high (10H) or low (10L) nutrition plane. Warm animals were maintained on a high (35H), low (35L), or a very low (35LL) nutrition plane. […]
Wintertime use of natural versus artificial shelter by cattle in nature reserves in temperate areas
The current study contributes scientific observation to the ongoing debate about whether and when artificial shelter (man-made), in addition to natural shelter (vegetation), should be provided to cattle grazing in nature reserves during temperate winters. In several year-round grazing projects in Belgium, we have investigated the effect of winter climatic conditions on cattle’s use of […]
Feasibility and validity of animal-based indicators for on-farm welfare assessment of thermal stress in dairy goats
This investigation tested the feasibility and validity of indicators of cold and heat stress in dairy goats for on-farm welfare assessment protocols. The study was performed on two intensive dairy farms in Italy. Two different 3-point scale (0-2) scoring systems were applied to assess cold and heat stress. Cold and heat stress scores were visually […]