Balancing Animal Research with Animal Well-being: Establishment of Goals and Harmonization of Approaches

Animal Behavior & Well Being

Fourteen Boer (75%) x Spanish wether goats (51 ± 1.8 kg BW and 23 mo of age) were used to determine effects of a moderate degree of nutrient restriction on heat production (HP). The experiment consisted of a 26-d period (P1) followed by one of 46 d (P2). Wethers were fasted on the final 4 d of each period, with gas exchange measured on the last 2 d. Fasting was preceded by collection of feces a...

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING SYMPOSIUM: Novel and multidisciplinary approaches to animal welfare.

Animal Behavior & Well Being II

A high rate of gain in dairy heifers for #8805 3 mo is detrimental to prepubertal mammary growth and subsequent milk yield. However, the effects of a high rate of gain for shorter periods have not been reported. Our objective was to compare effects of high (1200 g/d) and low (600 g/d) rates of gain over different lengths of time (0, 3, 6, 12 wk) on body and mammary growth. Heifers (age = 11 wk,...

Animal Behavior & Well Being I

Infectious diseases of both humans and farm animals are re-emerging as significant problems, because our arsenal of effective anti-infective tools is not expanding proportionally. Thus, there is an urgent need for new approaches to the treatment of infectious disease, especially in cases of drug-resistant microbes, microbes for which therapy is not available, or in cases of host immune impairme...

Improving Animal Well-Being Through Genetic Selection1,2

This paper reviews the possibilities of adapting laying hens to cages by means of genetic selection. By selecting separately for rate of lay and longevity using a kin selection method, a strain of laying hen has been developed that shows much less feather pecking and cannibalism than a control strain, and with no decrease in productivity. This experimental strain enjoys a higher level of welfar...