Data di Pubblicazione:
2015
Citazione:
On-Farm Welfare Assessment Protocol for Adult Dairy Goats in Intensive Production Systems / M. Battini, G. Stilwell, A. Vieira, S. Barbieri, E. Canali, S. Mattiello. - In: ANIMALS. - ISSN 2076-2615. - 5:4(2015 Sep), pp. 934-950. [10.3390/ani5040393]
Abstract:
Within the European AWIN project, a protocol for assessing dairy goats’ welfare
on the farm was developed. Starting from a literature review, a prototype including
animal-based indicators covering four welfare principles and 12 welfare criteria was set up.
The prototype was tested in 60 farms for validity, reliability, and feasibility. After testing the
prototype, a two-level assessment protocol was proposed in order to increase acceptability
among stakeholders. The first level offers a more general overview of the welfare status,
based on group assessment of a few indicators (e.g., hair coat condition, latency to the
first contact test, severe lameness, Qualitative Behavior Assessment), with no or minimal
handling of goats and short assessment time required. The second level starts if welfare problems are encountered in the first level and adds a comprehensive and detailed individual
evaluation (e.g., Body Condition Score, udder asymmetry, overgrown claws), supported by
an effective sampling strategy. The assessment can be carried out using the AWIN Goat
app. The app results in a clear visual output, which provides positive feedback on welfare
conditions in comparison with a benchmark of a reference population. The protocol may
be a valuable tool for both veterinarians and technicians and a self-assessment instrument
for farmers.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Elenco autori:
M. Battini, G. Stilwell, A. Vieira, S. Barbieri, E. Canali, S. Mattiello
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