Exploring the use of an adapted computer vision model to estimate laying hen positions in a cage-free housing system

Applied Animal Behaviour Science · 2026-04-19

Data from: Condition of calves on arrival at dairy-beef calf-raising farms in the Midwestern US

DRYAD · 2026-02-16

In the US, non-replacement calves born on dairies are often sold in the first days of life and experience multiple transport events that increase their risk of disease as they enter the dairy-beef sector. The objectives of this cross-sectional cohort study were to evaluate the condition of dairy-beef calves on arrival at calf-raising farms in the Midwestern US and to identify factors associated with poor health outcomes. From February 2024 to January 2025, 1,436 calves (approximately 3-7 d of age) were enrolled 6.4 ± 7.2 h after arrival at 20 dairy-beef calf-raising farms (n = 72 calves/farm) in IN, OH, WI, and IA. Standardized scoring systems were used to perform a clinical health assessment, and a blood sample was collected from each calf to measure serum total protein (STP) as an indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). On a subset of farms (n = 11) where immediate blood sampling was possible after arrival, blood biochemistry was further analyzed for a target of 30 calves/farm (n = 327). Variables were dichotomized using clinically relevant cut-points. Given clustering within farms, 95% CI for prevalence estimates of poor health and blood biochemistry outcomes were calculated, with farm specified as the cluster variable. On arrival, 48.3% (95% CI: 45.7-51.0%) of calves had diarrhea, 35.8% (33.3-38.3%) had dehydration, 22.0% (19.9-24.2%) had navel inflammation, and 18.7% (16.7-20.8%) had depression. Seventy-seven percent (70.6-83.4%) of calves had at least one poor health outcome, and 40.0% (33.9-46.2%) had two or more. Blood biochemical analyses indicated 21.6% (19.4-23.7%; cut-point STP < 5.1 g/dL) of calves had FTPI, 48.3% (29.0-67.6%; glucose < 80 mg/dL) were hypoglycemic, and 27.6% (15.3-39.8%; NEFA > 0.72 mmol/L) had elevated serum NEFA. Calves sourced from calf dealers were more likely to have FTPI than those arriving directly from dairy farms. Calves with successful transfer of passive immunity had lower odds of experiencing diarrhea or hypoglycemia on arrival, and calves with a normal fecal score had lower odds of experiencing concurrent dehydration, depression, or hypoglycemia. These results suggest a high percentage of dairy-beef calves in the Midwestern US arrive at calf-raising farms with FTPI, low energy reserves, and clinical disease that may impact long-term welfare and productivity.

Preliminary estimates of genetic parameters for bone geometry, strength, and metabolism traits and their relationship with walking ability in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Poultry Science · 2026-05-01

Impaired walking ability is a persistent concern in commercial turkeys, affecting both animal welfare and productivity. Although bone geometry, strength, and metabolism contribute to overall walking ability, the genetic background of these traits remains poorly characterized. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to estimate genomic-based variance components and genetic parameters for bone geometry, strength to fracture, and collagen turnover metabolism, and to evaluate their relationship with walking ability in domestic turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo ). Phenotypic data were collected from 722 male turkeys raised under experimental conditions across three repetitions. Birds were sampled at either 8, 12, and 18–19 weeks of age, and traits related to bone geometry and bone strength were measured. Bone geometry traits included weight, length, midpoint, anterior-posterior diameter, and medial-lateral diameter; and bone strength traits included peak force and work to fracture, which were recorded for the femur (n = 339), tibia (n = 177), and humerus (n = 167). Additionally, a collagen turn-over marker, pyridinoline (PYD) and welfare-related traits with repeated records, including gait score (GS; n = 2,215), footpad lesions (n = 2,216), head lesions (n = 2,216), and body weight (BW; n = 704) were also collected. All 722 birds were genotyped using a SNP chip panel containing 13,491 SNPs after quality control. Variance components were estimated using Bayesian animal models via Gibbs sampling in the GIBBSF90+ software. Heritability estimates across bone traits ranged from 0.11 ± 0.08 to 0.48 ± 0.27 for bone geometry traits and from 0.09 ± 0.08 to 0.29 ± 0.25 for bone strength traits. PYD presented a heritability of 0.17 ± 0.10. Our preliminary results suggest that bone geometry is moderately heritable with variable genetic correlations with bone strength, suggesting that geometry-based selection alone could be insufficient for improving skeletal health in turkeys. The preliminary estimates of heritability and phenotypic correlations observed for PYD suggest its potential as a phenotype to enhance selection for skeletal integrity in turkeys. However, future research using larger sample sizes and diverse turkey populations is recommended to validate these findings.

The relationship between infestation level and the welfare of cage-free laying hens experimentally infested with northern fowl mites

Poultry Science · 2026-04-21

Northern fowl mites are the most economically important and damaging ectoparasite in the U.S. egg industry. The heterogeneous nature of mite infestation poses a unique welfare challenge; some hens become severely infested and others are more resistant to infestation. This study sought to characterize the relationship between mite infestation level and laying hen welfare parameters. Purebred white laying hens (replicate 1: n = 393 hens; replicate 2: n = 600 hens) were randomly allocated to cage-free floor pens (n = 40 hens/pen; 5 pens/room) in a research facility at 17 wk. Each hen was infested with 50 northern fowl mites at 24 wk. At 12, 16, 20, 24, 26, 30, and 40-41 wk, welfare assessments were conducted and each hen was assessed for the following parameters: body weight; condition of the beak, footpads, feathers (neck, back, left wing, right wing, tail, and belly); toe damage; keel bone damage (deviations and tip fractures); and mite-associated measures (mite score, skin inflammation and area of inflammation, and skin lesions). After peak infestation (30 wk), hens were sorted into infestation level groups based on their mite score using PROC HPCLUS (SAS 9.4). Body weight, inflammation area, and feather count were analyzed with PROC GLIMMIX. All other traits were analyzed with PROC LOGISTIC and odds ratios were calculated. Footpad condition, feather condition, and keel bone damage worsened with age. Toe damage improved with age. Hens that would develop high infestation levels had worse wing and tail feather condition but better belly feather condition prior to infestation. Mite population peaked 6 weeks post-infestation and declined over the remainer of the study. Higher infestation levels were associated with worse skin lesion and skin inflammation scores and tended to be influenced by the number of feathers on the vent immediately prior to mite infestation. No differences in body weight were observed despite mite infestation. Northern fowl mite infestation level exhibits differential effects on laying hen welfare, particularly feather condition, and results in reduced welfare due to lesions and inflammation.

Condition of calves on arrival at dairy-beef calf-raising farms in the Midwestern US

Journal of Dairy Science · 2026-03-01

In the US, non-replacement calves born on dairies are often sold in the first days of life, and experience multiple transport events that increase their risk of disease as they enter the dairy-beef sector. The objectives of this cross-sectional cohort study were to evaluate the condition of dairy-beef calves on arrival at calf-raising farms in the Midwestern US and to identify factors associated with poor health outcomes. From February 2024 to January 2025, 1,436 calves (approximately 3-7 d of age) were enrolled 6.4 ± 7.2 h after arrival at 20 dairy-beef calf-raising farms (n = 72 calves/farm) in IN, OH, WI, and IA. Standardized scoring systems were used to perform a clinical health assessment, and a blood sample was collected from each calf to measure serum total protein (STP) as an indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). On a subset of farms (n = 11) where immediate blood sampling was possible after arrival, blood biochemistry was further analyzed for a target of 30 calves/farm (n = 327). Variables were dichotomized using clinically relevant cut-points. Given clustering within farms, 95% CI for prevalence estimates of poor health and blood biochemistry outcomes were calculated, with farm specified as the cluster variable. On arrival, 48.3% (95% CI: 45.7-51.0%) of calves had diarrhea, 35.8% (33.3-38.3%) had dehydration, 22.0% (19.9-24.2%) had navel inflammation, and 18.7% (16.7-20.8%) had depression. Seventy-seven percent (70.6-83.4%) of calves had at least one poor health outcome, and 40.0% (33.9-46.2%) had 2 or more. Blood biochemical analyses indicated 21.6% (19.4-23.7%; cut-point STP <5.1 g/dL) of calves had FTPI, 48.3% (29.0-67.6%; glucose <80 mg/dL) were hypoglycemic, and 27.6% (15.3-39.8%; NEFA >0.72 mmol/L) had elevated serum NEFA. Calves sourced from calf dealers were more likely to have FTPI than those arriving directly from dairy farms. Calves with successful transfer of passive immunity had lower odds of experiencing diarrhea or hypoglycemia on arrival, and calves with a normal fecal score had lower odds of experiencing concurrent dehydration, depression, or hypoglycemia. These results suggest a high percentage of dairy-beef calves in the Midwestern US arrive at calf-raising farms with FTPI, low energy reserves, and clinical disease that may impact long-term welfare and productivity.

Effect of environmental enrichment access in farrowing crates on sow and piglet behavior and early post-weaning outcomes

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2026-01-01

Differences in colostrum management and transfer of passive immunity between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves in Indiana and Michigan

Translational Animal Science · 2025-01-01

Abstract The use of beef genetics in dairy herds is becoming increasingly popular due to higher value for dairy × beef crossbred compared to purebred dairy calves. While previous research has documented higher-quality neonatal care for female compared to male dairy calves, few studies have investigated colostrum management between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to 1) compare transfer of passive immunity (TPI) between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves and 2) investigate colostrum management practices associated with TPI on farms rearing both calf breeds. A blood sample was collected from the jugular vein of 12 purebred dairy and 12 dairy × beef crossbred calves (1 to 7 d of age) across 15 dairy farms to measure serum total protein (STP) concentration using serum refractometry. Sex, age, and breed were recorded for each calf. A 29-question survey was also administered to dairy farm managers that included questions on colostrum management, calf sale, and farm demographics. Descriptive statistics were computed for survey-based questions, and mixed effects ordinal regression models were created to evaluate factors at the calf and farm-level that were associated with TPI, categorized according to Lombard et al. (2020). Consensus recommendations on calf- and herd-level passive immunity in dairy calves in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 103:7611–7624. doi:https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17955) as excellent TPI (STP ≥ 6.2 g/dL), good TPI (STP 5.8 to 6.1 g/dL), fair TPI (STP 5.1 to 5.7 g/dL), and poor TPI (STP &amp;lt; 5.1 g/dL). All farms reported similar colostrum management practices between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. Most farms (60%, 9/15) fed 2 colostrum feedings, 33% (5/15) of farms fed 1 colostrum feeding, and 7% (1/15) fed 3 or more colostrum feedings. Serum total protein concentration ranged from 3.2 to 8.0 g/dL, and the distribution of calves within each TPI category was: 20.8% (74/355) excellent, 25.4% (90/355) good, 26.5% (94/355) fair, and 27.3% (97/355) poor. There was no evidence to suggest differences in TPI between breeds. The reported timing of the first colostrum feeding influenced TPI; calves born on farms that reported feeding colostrum within 1 h after birth had reduced odds of being within a lower TPI category (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77; P = 0.002). The results of this study indicate that colostrum management practices and TPI did not differ between purebred dairy and dairy × beef crossbred calves. Future research should continue to explore strategies to improve TPI for dairy calves regardless of breed.

Impact of farrowing crate enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of sows, suckling piglets, and post-weaned piglets

Journal of Animal Science · 2025-01-01

In conventional pig production, lactating sows are typically housed in farrowing crates that restrict movement and environmental engagement, raising welfare concerns. Farrowing pens also lack behavioral stimulation for suckling piglets, hindering species-specific behaviors. Environmental enrichment may improve welfare by redirecting behaviors-such as chewing-away from conspecifics in piglets and pen fixtures in sows. However, few studies have explored its effects in farrowing crates, particularly regarding optimal placement within these spatial constraints. This study evaluated the impacts of enrichment strategies on the welfare and performance of 37 lactating sows and their litters from birth through early post-weaning. Sows and litters were divided into three groups: both had access to enrichments (SPE), only piglets had access (PE), and a control group with no enrichments (CON). Point-source objects (PorkyPlays and wooden blocks on rope) were placed 2 d after sows moved into farrowing crates until 2 wk post-weaning. Sow salivary cortisol was collected at four timepoints, and pressure sores were assessed at 8 timepoints from 24 h after crate entry to weaning. Piglet tear stains and skin lesions were recorded throughout the lactation phase. Suckling piglet average daily gain (ADG) was analyzed at days 1 to 7, 7 to 14, and 14 to weaning. In the nursery, salivary cortisol, tear stains, and skin lesions were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 post-weaning, with an additional cortisol sample at day 0 post-weaning. Nursery piglet ADG was analyzed from weaning to day 14 post-weaning. CON sows were more likely to have a pressure sore compared to SPE sows (P = 0.02); PE sows tended to have a higher likelihood of developing a pressure sore than SPE sows (P = 0.097). No treatment effect was found for salivary cortisol of sows or nursery piglets. However, CON piglets had the largest tear stains during lactation (P < 0.001) and nursery (P = 0.001). Treatment affected piglet skin lesions during lactation, with CON piglets having more ear (P < 0.001) and front (P = 0.002) lesions and a higher overall lesion score (P < 0.0001). No treatment effect was found for ADG, piglet crushing, or nursery skin lesions. In conclusion, enrichment strategies in farrowing crates improved piglet skin health and tear stains without affecting performance. Enrichment access for sows tended to reduce pressure sores, suggesting enrichments can enhance welfare in farrowing crate systems.

Effects of microclimate during transport on physiological indicators of market pig welfare: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2025-08-07 · 4 citations

During transportation, microclimatic conditions can fluctuate significantly, affecting pigs’ thermal comfort and leading to compromised welfare and production losses. Although numerous studies have examined the effects of heat stress during transport on pig welfare and meat quality, it remains unclear whether these effects persist across varying transport scenarios and environmental conditions. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of microclimate during transport on physiological welfare indicators in market pigs and summarized methodologies for assessing microclimate in commercial settings. Following PRISMA guidelines, 21 studies from three databases were used. Meta-regression analyses assessed microclimatic effects and trip duration on physiological indicators, including ultimate pH (pHu), creatine kinase (U/L), lactate (mmol/L), skin lesion score (0–5), skin temperature (°C), and blood cortisol (ng/mL). The studies retrieved used different equations to determine temperature-humidity index and enthalpy to describe microclimate dynamics. Ambient temperature was significantly associated with trailer temperature ( β = 0.93 ± 0.12; p &amp;lt; 0.01). However, ambient relative humidity showed a lower magnitude association with trailer relative humidity ( β = 0.51 ± 0.00; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Adverse microclimate conditions represented by high enthalpy (H) were associated with increases in creatine kinase ( β = 3,715 ± 94.11; p &amp;lt; 0.001), lactate ( β = 0.45 ± 0.12; p &amp;lt; 0.001), skin temperature ( β = 0.10 ± 0.03; p &amp;lt; 0.01), and blood cortisol ( β = 0.16 ± 0.08; p &amp;lt; 0.05). Short trips (&amp;lt;119 min) increased skin lesion score ( β = 2.58 ± 0.43; p &amp;lt; 0.01), and medium trips (120–420 min) increased skin temperature ( β = 6.36 ± 0.45; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and reduced cortisol levels ( β = –11.36 ± 2.59; p &amp;lt; 0.01). In conclusion, trailer microclimates differ from ambient conditions and are strongly associated with physiological stress indicators in market pigs. Monitoring H may offer a more accurate representation of thermal load during transport, enabling threshold development for risk assessment. These consistent associations across diverse environments underscore the global nature of transport-related heat stress and the need for coordinated international welfare standards. Integrating compartment-level microclimate monitoring into transport protocols will improve welfare evaluation and support predictive risk models.

3 The impact of early-life cecal microbiota transplantation on injurious behaviors in egg-laying chickens

Journal of Animal Science · 2024-05-01

Abstract Injurious behaviors in laying hens are a critical issue facing the poultry egg industry. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota influences host brain function and behavioral characteristics in humans and various animals. In laying hens, it has been reported that injurious behaviors (such as aggression, feather pecking and cannibalism) are associated with dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. To further interrogate the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis on bird behavior, we used two inbred layer chicken lines, 63 and 72 (line 72 displays more aggressive behavior), and transferred pooled cecal contents from either line to day of hatch chicks. Cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) from each line was conducted once daily, by gavage, from d 1 to 10, then boosted once weekly from wk 3 to 5. We hypothesized that the cecal microbiota composition and animal behavior in recipient birds would be similar to that of their donor animals because of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Microbial communities were compared using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, behavior was recorded in home cages as well as in paired aggression tests, and physiological measurements were taken from brain tissue and blood to measure levels of neurotransmitters and immune function. When examining the differences in the donor birds, hypothalamic serotonin and tryptophan concentrations were greater for line 63 compared with line 72 birds (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Plasma corticosterone, heterophil/lymphocyte ratios, and central norepinephrine concentrations were less for line 63 birds (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Cecal microbial diversity was not statistically different between the lines, but many bacterial taxa were differentially abundant between the two lines. After cecal transplantation, 63-CMT (recipient) birds displayed less aggressive behavior with a greater hypothalamic serotonergic activity at wk 5, similar to donor birds. Correspondingly, two amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to Lachnospiraceae and one Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 ASV were positively correlated with the concentrations of brain tryptophan and serotonin, respectively. Along with greater aggression, 72-CMT birds seemed to have greater physical growth traits (increased body weight, ileal villus/crypt; P ≤ 0.05), but decreased concentrations of brain norepinephrine and dopamine, and the greatest ileal serotonin turnover in the ileum at wk 5 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). ASVs belonging to Mollicutes RF39 and GCA-900066225 in 72-CMT birds were negatively correlated with the brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) at wk 5, and one Bacteroides ASV was negatively correlated with plasma serotonin at wk 16. Meanwhile, 63-CMT birds potentially had better gut health and immune function (greater concentrations of ileal mucosal secretory IgA, plasma IL-10; P &amp;lt; 0.05). These results suggest linkages among serotonergic activity, stress response, innate immunity, and gut microbiota populations and that CMT could be a novel strategy for reducing aggressive behavior through regulating signaling along the microbiota-gut-brain axis.