This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The followi... more This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The following issues are addressed: productions costs and savings of the animal welfare regulations, benefits of improved animal welfare, and consumers' willingness to pay for animal-friendly products.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether keel bone damage is prevalent in laying hens in ... more The aim of this study was to investigate whether keel bone damage is prevalent in laying hens in Greece. The study was conducted in three industrial farms using different housing systems: (a) enriched cages, (b) floor system, and (c) free-range system. One hundred hens per housing system, randomly selected, were evaluated for keel bone damages with the method of palpation. Complementarily, thirty eggs from each farm were selected for the measurement of egg weight, shape index, shell cleanness, shell color, shell breaking force, shell thickness, shell weight, egg yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit. The presence of keel bone damage was evident in all housing systems with the significantly highest occurrence being observed in the free-range system (50.00%), followed by enriched cages (24.00%) and floor system (7.00%). Eggs from all three systems had significant differences in all estimated egg quality parameters apart from shell color and Haugh unit.
In this paper various welfare aspects of long distance transport of animal are introduced. Scient... more In this paper various welfare aspects of long distance transport of animal are introduced. Scientific evidence ispresented together with ethical and public concerns, as well as enforcement problems with examples from currentpractice and research. The on-going project on ‘Renovation and promoting high quality control posts in the EuropeanUnion’ is presented as it foresees a significant improvement of the equipment as well as the management of 12Control Posts (CPs) located at the cross roads of important flows of animals transported over long journeys in theEU. The aim is to conclude with a model to assure quality and welfare during all phases of long distance transportand mainly when animals are uploaded and housed at a control post.
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term dietary effects of dried olive pulp (OP) on production... more This study aimed to evaluate the long-term dietary effects of dried olive pulp (OP) on production performance, fatty acid profile and health lipid indices and quality characteristics of produced eggs, health and welfare indicators of laying hens. It was carried out in a commercial poultry farm using 300 Isa Brown layers at 23 weeks of age. The hens were randomly and equally divided in six dietary groups CON, OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5 and OP6, according to the inclusion rate of OP in the ration (0%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 6%, respectively). OP feeding increased the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in eggs, decreased that of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and improved the PUFA to SFA ratio and health lipid indices, as indicated by the decrease of AI and TI and the increase in the h/H ratio of produced eggs, in a dose-dependent way. OP-fed layers presented a lower percentage of broken eggshells compared to controls. No adverse effects on birds’ performance, egg quality traits, health...
Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 2019
This review paper aims to give an overview of the literature data on common behavioral and health... more This review paper aims to give an overview of the literature data on common behavioral and health problems in broiler chickens and laying hens and to explain their interrelation and relation to the rearing system. In the initial part, the mechanism of arising of the most common forms of abnormal behavior and the way they affect the poultry are briefly described. Furthermore, the possibility of poultry to fulfill behavioral needs in different rearing systems and some of the consequences to the birds in the case of their inability to meet their needs are displayed. The influence of the main microclimate and space factors is also discussed, as well as the occurrence of some infectious, parasitic and production diseases in poultry rearing systems. The welfare problems of poultry are complexes and most often caused by the system design and its improper use. Continuous work on improving rearing systems is as important as better informing the producers and the public on poultry welfare problems.
The recent economic world crisis was a product based on the idea that globalized “free” economy m... more The recent economic world crisis was a product based on the idea that globalized “free” economy market, is the onlyand ideal law for the development and well- being. In the whole world, countries had to change what it was commonpractice till today i.e. the tradition and the local economy rules according to the global mandates, namely‘globalization’. In the same time, people are becoming more and more aware of the lost values, lost products,healthy-life, the changes of the environment, and turn to scientists and politicians for sustainable solutions. Livestockcan make a positive contribution to the landscape and environmental management in this new world of globalization.Moreover, the local breeds are one of the main tools that hold people in rural areas and mountains, help the agrotourismand are connected to the tradition and culture of each area. This paper aims to present the role that localbreeds could play to the regional development of the countries, including social, environme...
This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The followi... more This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The following issues are addressed: productions costs and savings of the animal welfare regulations, benefits of improved animal welfare, and consumers’ willingness to pay for animal-friendly products.
ABSTRACT Family poultry products constitute a significant part of total consumption of poultry pr... more ABSTRACT Family poultry products constitute a significant part of total consumption of poultry products in Greece, however there is no data reported in the literature on their quality. The aim of this study was to measure the qualitative characteristics and oxidative stability of family produced eggs and poultry meat. Eggs were classified as medium sized in terms of commercial grading. Storing eggs for 4 weeks did not affect (P0.05) egg, albumen, yolk and shell weight, but yolk colour intensity decreased with storage time (P≤0.05). There were no significant (P0.05) changes in egg yolk lipid oxidation levels during refrigerated storage. The colour coordinates for skin tissue, breast and thigh muscles were unaffected by storage time and were similar to those of organically produced poultry meat. Lipid oxidation of fresh and frozen meat samples was particularly high in comparison to the corresponding commercial products. Storage conditions (fresh and frozen) did not affect (P0.05) lipid oxidation levels in meat samples. It was concluded that egg quality is essentially similar to that of commercial produced products, whereas there appear to be significant differences in some meat quality parameters. However, the small number of samples used in the study, due to difficulties in sample collection, poses limitations in reaching firm conclusions.
Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 2021
Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease, affecting several species of birds, and poses a si... more Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease, affecting several species of birds, and poses a significant public threat. During 2016-2017, there were 2,224 high pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Europe, which led to the destruction of 9,663,770 birds, and 72 low pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in 5 European countries, which caused 276,584 bird fatalities. The majority of the epidemics were in wild and backyard birds, except for France and Hungary, where the majority of outbreaks were in duck-goose farms. Notably, there were a total of 100 outbreaks in turkey farms and 37 outbreaks in layer farms, while in broiler farms there were only 10. It is indisputable that wild birds are natural hosts and reservoirs for all types of avian influenza viruses. However, the role of poultry farms on the AI intra-country epidemiology has not been fully clarified. Based on the official reports of OIE for AI, this study indicates that poultry farms, especially fattening turkey and layer chicken farms, are high-risk factors concerning the introduction of the disease into an area and its spread into other poultry farms.
Sheep transport within Europe involves 9.5 million animals yearly, 63% of which travel over long ... more Sheep transport within Europe involves 9.5 million animals yearly, 63% of which travel over long journeys (> 8 h). Livestock transport, particularly over long journeys, gives rise to concern about the welfare of transported animals. The European Commission stimulates the development of market-oriented animal welfare standards for all phases of livestock production, providing an alternative to the 'regulatory approach'. This study aimed to develop and test a new sheep welfare assessment protocol to be used following transport, irrespective of the journey purpose. The protocol included outcome (animal-based measures) and input variables (resource-based and management-based measures), being welfare-relevant aspects of both transport and unloading procedures. Weighted Cohen's Kappa and Fleiss' Kappa index of agreement were calculated to evaluate the raters accuracy and the inter-observer reliability. Overall, good agreement levels were found. The protocol was tested on 40 commercial transports arriving at previously selected assembly centres and slaughterhouses in Italy and Greece. The protocol was found to be feasible when applied to commercial transports, allowing for a comprehensive and quick sheep welfare assessment during unloading, without impairing stockman work. Univariate analysis was carried out to evaluate associations between outcome and input variables. In this study, significant association between outcome measures and risk factors were identified when associated to unloading procedures but not to travel conditions. In collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, this protocol might be developed into a tool for routine checks for certification purposes and could provide direct feedback to all professionals involved in animal transportation on the weaknesses and strengths of their work.
Although the effects of human–dairy cattle interaction have been extensively examined, data conce... more Although the effects of human–dairy cattle interaction have been extensively examined, data concerning small ruminants are scarce. The present review article aims at highlighting the effects of management practices on the productivity, physiology and behaviour of dairy animals. In general, aversive handling is associated with a milk yield reduction and welfare impairment. Precision livestock farming systems have therefore been applied and have rapidly changed the management process with the introduction of technological and computer innovations that contribute to the minimization of animal disturbances, the promotion of good practices and the maintenance of cattle’s welfare status and milk production and farms’ sustainability and competitiveness at high levels. However, although dairy farmers acknowledge the advantages deriving from the application of precision livestock farming advancements, a reluctance concerning their regular application to small ruminants is observed, due to ec...
Summary Organic eggs from free-range systems are those produced by hens fed rations having ingred... more Summary Organic eggs from free-range systems are those produced by hens fed rations having ingredients that were grown without pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or commercial fertilizers. This survey aims to analyze the profile of a free-range farm producing organic eggs under Greek conditions of production and marketing. The data concerning the production and marketing were derived from a Greek farm which produces organic eggs using the free-range system. Data has been collected and analyzed over a period of 52 weeks (one year). The analysis of the data gained under the study resulted to the following: The number of the produced eggs was 195.6 eggs/hen while the number of the eggs sold totalled at 158.65 eggs/hen. The additional food intake was up to 28.79 kg/hen that is 27.3% less than the intensive poultry production. The cost related to the pasture rent and the labour, consisted the 18.84% of the total production cost, while the feeding cost consisted 45.04% (27% less than the ...
Broilers have been selected for growth related characteristics, which are negatively correlated t... more Broilers have been selected for growth related characteristics, which are negatively correlated to reproductive traits. This genetic background creates challenges in broiler breeders, as the hens do not make optimal use of the nests provided. This project aims to investigate what factors determine nesting behaviour, i.e. where a broiler breeder hen prefers to lay her eggs. Factors such as genetic background, social interactions, physical characteristics of the nest and climate might interfere with the natural nesting behaviour of the hen. Also fundamental trade-offs between different motivations, such as hunger, comfort and safety, might influence nesting behaviour. Behaviour and use of space will be measured in experimental set-ups in order to gain insight in the importance of different system components. This knowledge will be used to optimise housing conditions and develop strategies that stimulate the hen to lay her egg in the nest. The performance of this improved system will b...
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by... more The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in diets of growing-finishing pigs on meat quality. In a 17wk study 48 growing-finishing crossbred pigs were fed ad libitum. The experimental design included four treatments, each one of 12 pigs; the ECKP0 treatment was fed with diet containing soybean meal and no chickpeas (control), while treatments ECKP100, ECKP200 and ECKP300 were fed with diets containing 100, 200 and 300kg/t of extruded chickpeas, respectively. The lean meat quality of the longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle was evaluated by chemical analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash), fatty acid profile, pH measurement, cooking loss, color evaluation, and sensory evaluation. Odor and taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability were scored on 1-10 scales by a group of 10 experienced assessors after a standard cooking regime. Small differences were observed between control and experimental groups in chemical composition (P>0.05). Fatty acid profiles, pH measurements and color evaluation did not differ among treatments (P>0.05), while cooking loss was significantly lower in the control group (P<0.05). The taste panel gave slightly higher scores for the tenderness and juiciness for the control group compared with the chickpea treatments (P<0.05). No differences were observed between control and experimental groups in taste scores (P>0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas, when substituted isonitrogenously and isoenergetically at inclusion levels up to 300kg/t of pig, does not influence significantly meat quality.
In the frame of the DoMEsTIc project (EU FP7 ARIMNet), one of the main objectives was to undertak... more In the frame of the DoMEsTIc project (EU FP7 ARIMNet), one of the main objectives was to undertake an in-depth assessment of the information related with the utilized marketing channels for local sheep and goat milk and milk products. The identified livestock distribution channels are influenced by particular interrelated factors. Such factors are linked with the production and profit orientation (i.e. sales price, quantity of milk, income), production cost and product differentiation, loyalty, speed of payment, personal relationships, isolation of the farm and determine the profile of small ruminant farmers and their marketing strategies. Using the framework of the value chain, this study identified the different actors, assessed the governance mechanisms in the value chain, analysed the opportunities for upgrading within the chain and revealed the constraints that prevent the development of the sheep and goat milk value chain with special focus on the farmers’ point of view. In th...
In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and qua... more In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and quality concept’. A holistic approach is adopted that encompasses the whole food chain in which responsibility for the production of safe and high quality eggs is shared along the entire food chain. Scientific data on egg quality traits in relation to laying hen welfare in different housing systems are presented. Public concern to improve laying hen welfare and egg quality is widely discussed, partly because it is an area of potential added value for producers, retailers, processors, manufacturers, producer cooperatives. Legislation and legal requirements for the labelling of eggs are described in order to demonstrate the ability to provide sound and scientifically based information on the welfare status of laying hens used to supply particular eggs. The study concludes by highlighting achievements and future aspects on the relationship between hens’ welfare and egg quality.
This paper sets out to examine the facts behind the trade of long distance transportation of catt... more This paper sets out to examine the facts behind the trade of long distance transportation of cattle. In particular it looks at the various welfare implications during handling and transport with examples from research work on cattle. The role of the science is explained and the methodology for assessing the welfare of animals is then presented. Finally, public concerns and legal position are presented as they play an important role to promote farm animal welfare principles during transportation.
This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The followi... more This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The following issues are addressed: productions costs and savings of the animal welfare regulations, benefits of improved animal welfare, and consumers' willingness to pay for animal-friendly products.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether keel bone damage is prevalent in laying hens in ... more The aim of this study was to investigate whether keel bone damage is prevalent in laying hens in Greece. The study was conducted in three industrial farms using different housing systems: (a) enriched cages, (b) floor system, and (c) free-range system. One hundred hens per housing system, randomly selected, were evaluated for keel bone damages with the method of palpation. Complementarily, thirty eggs from each farm were selected for the measurement of egg weight, shape index, shell cleanness, shell color, shell breaking force, shell thickness, shell weight, egg yolk color, albumen height, and Haugh unit. The presence of keel bone damage was evident in all housing systems with the significantly highest occurrence being observed in the free-range system (50.00%), followed by enriched cages (24.00%) and floor system (7.00%). Eggs from all three systems had significant differences in all estimated egg quality parameters apart from shell color and Haugh unit.
In this paper various welfare aspects of long distance transport of animal are introduced. Scient... more In this paper various welfare aspects of long distance transport of animal are introduced. Scientific evidence ispresented together with ethical and public concerns, as well as enforcement problems with examples from currentpractice and research. The on-going project on ‘Renovation and promoting high quality control posts in the EuropeanUnion’ is presented as it foresees a significant improvement of the equipment as well as the management of 12Control Posts (CPs) located at the cross roads of important flows of animals transported over long journeys in theEU. The aim is to conclude with a model to assure quality and welfare during all phases of long distance transportand mainly when animals are uploaded and housed at a control post.
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term dietary effects of dried olive pulp (OP) on production... more This study aimed to evaluate the long-term dietary effects of dried olive pulp (OP) on production performance, fatty acid profile and health lipid indices and quality characteristics of produced eggs, health and welfare indicators of laying hens. It was carried out in a commercial poultry farm using 300 Isa Brown layers at 23 weeks of age. The hens were randomly and equally divided in six dietary groups CON, OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5 and OP6, according to the inclusion rate of OP in the ration (0%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 6%, respectively). OP feeding increased the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in eggs, decreased that of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and improved the PUFA to SFA ratio and health lipid indices, as indicated by the decrease of AI and TI and the increase in the h/H ratio of produced eggs, in a dose-dependent way. OP-fed layers presented a lower percentage of broken eggshells compared to controls. No adverse effects on birds’ performance, egg quality traits, health...
Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 2019
This review paper aims to give an overview of the literature data on common behavioral and health... more This review paper aims to give an overview of the literature data on common behavioral and health problems in broiler chickens and laying hens and to explain their interrelation and relation to the rearing system. In the initial part, the mechanism of arising of the most common forms of abnormal behavior and the way they affect the poultry are briefly described. Furthermore, the possibility of poultry to fulfill behavioral needs in different rearing systems and some of the consequences to the birds in the case of their inability to meet their needs are displayed. The influence of the main microclimate and space factors is also discussed, as well as the occurrence of some infectious, parasitic and production diseases in poultry rearing systems. The welfare problems of poultry are complexes and most often caused by the system design and its improper use. Continuous work on improving rearing systems is as important as better informing the producers and the public on poultry welfare problems.
The recent economic world crisis was a product based on the idea that globalized “free” economy m... more The recent economic world crisis was a product based on the idea that globalized “free” economy market, is the onlyand ideal law for the development and well- being. In the whole world, countries had to change what it was commonpractice till today i.e. the tradition and the local economy rules according to the global mandates, namely‘globalization’. In the same time, people are becoming more and more aware of the lost values, lost products,healthy-life, the changes of the environment, and turn to scientists and politicians for sustainable solutions. Livestockcan make a positive contribution to the landscape and environmental management in this new world of globalization.Moreover, the local breeds are one of the main tools that hold people in rural areas and mountains, help the agrotourismand are connected to the tradition and culture of each area. This paper aims to present the role that localbreeds could play to the regional development of the countries, including social, environme...
This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The followi... more This paper reviews the literature regarding the economics of the farm animal welfare. The following issues are addressed: productions costs and savings of the animal welfare regulations, benefits of improved animal welfare, and consumers’ willingness to pay for animal-friendly products.
ABSTRACT Family poultry products constitute a significant part of total consumption of poultry pr... more ABSTRACT Family poultry products constitute a significant part of total consumption of poultry products in Greece, however there is no data reported in the literature on their quality. The aim of this study was to measure the qualitative characteristics and oxidative stability of family produced eggs and poultry meat. Eggs were classified as medium sized in terms of commercial grading. Storing eggs for 4 weeks did not affect (P0.05) egg, albumen, yolk and shell weight, but yolk colour intensity decreased with storage time (P≤0.05). There were no significant (P0.05) changes in egg yolk lipid oxidation levels during refrigerated storage. The colour coordinates for skin tissue, breast and thigh muscles were unaffected by storage time and were similar to those of organically produced poultry meat. Lipid oxidation of fresh and frozen meat samples was particularly high in comparison to the corresponding commercial products. Storage conditions (fresh and frozen) did not affect (P0.05) lipid oxidation levels in meat samples. It was concluded that egg quality is essentially similar to that of commercial produced products, whereas there appear to be significant differences in some meat quality parameters. However, the small number of samples used in the study, due to difficulties in sample collection, poses limitations in reaching firm conclusions.
Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 2021
Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease, affecting several species of birds, and poses a si... more Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease, affecting several species of birds, and poses a significant public threat. During 2016-2017, there were 2,224 high pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Europe, which led to the destruction of 9,663,770 birds, and 72 low pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in 5 European countries, which caused 276,584 bird fatalities. The majority of the epidemics were in wild and backyard birds, except for France and Hungary, where the majority of outbreaks were in duck-goose farms. Notably, there were a total of 100 outbreaks in turkey farms and 37 outbreaks in layer farms, while in broiler farms there were only 10. It is indisputable that wild birds are natural hosts and reservoirs for all types of avian influenza viruses. However, the role of poultry farms on the AI intra-country epidemiology has not been fully clarified. Based on the official reports of OIE for AI, this study indicates that poultry farms, especially fattening turkey and layer chicken farms, are high-risk factors concerning the introduction of the disease into an area and its spread into other poultry farms.
Sheep transport within Europe involves 9.5 million animals yearly, 63% of which travel over long ... more Sheep transport within Europe involves 9.5 million animals yearly, 63% of which travel over long journeys (> 8 h). Livestock transport, particularly over long journeys, gives rise to concern about the welfare of transported animals. The European Commission stimulates the development of market-oriented animal welfare standards for all phases of livestock production, providing an alternative to the 'regulatory approach'. This study aimed to develop and test a new sheep welfare assessment protocol to be used following transport, irrespective of the journey purpose. The protocol included outcome (animal-based measures) and input variables (resource-based and management-based measures), being welfare-relevant aspects of both transport and unloading procedures. Weighted Cohen's Kappa and Fleiss' Kappa index of agreement were calculated to evaluate the raters accuracy and the inter-observer reliability. Overall, good agreement levels were found. The protocol was tested on 40 commercial transports arriving at previously selected assembly centres and slaughterhouses in Italy and Greece. The protocol was found to be feasible when applied to commercial transports, allowing for a comprehensive and quick sheep welfare assessment during unloading, without impairing stockman work. Univariate analysis was carried out to evaluate associations between outcome and input variables. In this study, significant association between outcome measures and risk factors were identified when associated to unloading procedures but not to travel conditions. In collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, this protocol might be developed into a tool for routine checks for certification purposes and could provide direct feedback to all professionals involved in animal transportation on the weaknesses and strengths of their work.
Although the effects of human–dairy cattle interaction have been extensively examined, data conce... more Although the effects of human–dairy cattle interaction have been extensively examined, data concerning small ruminants are scarce. The present review article aims at highlighting the effects of management practices on the productivity, physiology and behaviour of dairy animals. In general, aversive handling is associated with a milk yield reduction and welfare impairment. Precision livestock farming systems have therefore been applied and have rapidly changed the management process with the introduction of technological and computer innovations that contribute to the minimization of animal disturbances, the promotion of good practices and the maintenance of cattle’s welfare status and milk production and farms’ sustainability and competitiveness at high levels. However, although dairy farmers acknowledge the advantages deriving from the application of precision livestock farming advancements, a reluctance concerning their regular application to small ruminants is observed, due to ec...
Summary Organic eggs from free-range systems are those produced by hens fed rations having ingred... more Summary Organic eggs from free-range systems are those produced by hens fed rations having ingredients that were grown without pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or commercial fertilizers. This survey aims to analyze the profile of a free-range farm producing organic eggs under Greek conditions of production and marketing. The data concerning the production and marketing were derived from a Greek farm which produces organic eggs using the free-range system. Data has been collected and analyzed over a period of 52 weeks (one year). The analysis of the data gained under the study resulted to the following: The number of the produced eggs was 195.6 eggs/hen while the number of the eggs sold totalled at 158.65 eggs/hen. The additional food intake was up to 28.79 kg/hen that is 27.3% less than the intensive poultry production. The cost related to the pasture rent and the labour, consisted the 18.84% of the total production cost, while the feeding cost consisted 45.04% (27% less than the ...
Broilers have been selected for growth related characteristics, which are negatively correlated t... more Broilers have been selected for growth related characteristics, which are negatively correlated to reproductive traits. This genetic background creates challenges in broiler breeders, as the hens do not make optimal use of the nests provided. This project aims to investigate what factors determine nesting behaviour, i.e. where a broiler breeder hen prefers to lay her eggs. Factors such as genetic background, social interactions, physical characteristics of the nest and climate might interfere with the natural nesting behaviour of the hen. Also fundamental trade-offs between different motivations, such as hunger, comfort and safety, might influence nesting behaviour. Behaviour and use of space will be measured in experimental set-ups in order to gain insight in the importance of different system components. This knowledge will be used to optimise housing conditions and develop strategies that stimulate the hen to lay her egg in the nest. The performance of this improved system will b...
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by... more The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in diets of growing-finishing pigs on meat quality. In a 17wk study 48 growing-finishing crossbred pigs were fed ad libitum. The experimental design included four treatments, each one of 12 pigs; the ECKP0 treatment was fed with diet containing soybean meal and no chickpeas (control), while treatments ECKP100, ECKP200 and ECKP300 were fed with diets containing 100, 200 and 300kg/t of extruded chickpeas, respectively. The lean meat quality of the longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle was evaluated by chemical analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash), fatty acid profile, pH measurement, cooking loss, color evaluation, and sensory evaluation. Odor and taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability were scored on 1-10 scales by a group of 10 experienced assessors after a standard cooking regime. Small differences were observed between control and experimental groups in chemical composition (P>0.05). Fatty acid profiles, pH measurements and color evaluation did not differ among treatments (P>0.05), while cooking loss was significantly lower in the control group (P<0.05). The taste panel gave slightly higher scores for the tenderness and juiciness for the control group compared with the chickpea treatments (P<0.05). No differences were observed between control and experimental groups in taste scores (P>0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas, when substituted isonitrogenously and isoenergetically at inclusion levels up to 300kg/t of pig, does not influence significantly meat quality.
In the frame of the DoMEsTIc project (EU FP7 ARIMNet), one of the main objectives was to undertak... more In the frame of the DoMEsTIc project (EU FP7 ARIMNet), one of the main objectives was to undertake an in-depth assessment of the information related with the utilized marketing channels for local sheep and goat milk and milk products. The identified livestock distribution channels are influenced by particular interrelated factors. Such factors are linked with the production and profit orientation (i.e. sales price, quantity of milk, income), production cost and product differentiation, loyalty, speed of payment, personal relationships, isolation of the farm and determine the profile of small ruminant farmers and their marketing strategies. Using the framework of the value chain, this study identified the different actors, assessed the governance mechanisms in the value chain, analysed the opportunities for upgrading within the chain and revealed the constraints that prevent the development of the sheep and goat milk value chain with special focus on the farmers’ point of view. In th...
In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and qua... more In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and quality concept’. A holistic approach is adopted that encompasses the whole food chain in which responsibility for the production of safe and high quality eggs is shared along the entire food chain. Scientific data on egg quality traits in relation to laying hen welfare in different housing systems are presented. Public concern to improve laying hen welfare and egg quality is widely discussed, partly because it is an area of potential added value for producers, retailers, processors, manufacturers, producer cooperatives. Legislation and legal requirements for the labelling of eggs are described in order to demonstrate the ability to provide sound and scientifically based information on the welfare status of laying hens used to supply particular eggs. The study concludes by highlighting achievements and future aspects on the relationship between hens’ welfare and egg quality.
This paper sets out to examine the facts behind the trade of long distance transportation of catt... more This paper sets out to examine the facts behind the trade of long distance transportation of cattle. In particular it looks at the various welfare implications during handling and transport with examples from research work on cattle. The role of the science is explained and the methodology for assessing the welfare of animals is then presented. Finally, public concerns and legal position are presented as they play an important role to promote farm animal welfare principles during transportation.
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