Physiology, gene expression, and behavior as potential indicators of oxidative stress in piglets.

The goal of the current study was to develop a pig model to investigate oxidative stress with a low negative impact on piglet welfare. Four independent trials (A, B, C, and D) were performed using a single intraperitoneal shot of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an immune challenge, aiming to assess the minimal LPS dose for piglets of different age to trigger a measurable acute oxidative stress response in healthy animals. In trial A, piglets received an LPS dose of 25 µg/KgBW at 41 days post-weaning (p.

Lameness prevalence and farm managers´ awareness in confined and grazing dairy farms.

Lameness in dairy cows is a clinical sign resulting from multiple diseases that affects animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consistency of lameness prevalence estimations between farm managers and locomotion scoring conducted by trained observers, in confined and grazing dairy systems. The study was conducted on 18 dairy farms in Argentina.

Pigs in heaven: Enhancing the lives of breeding boars.

The recognition of animals as sentient beings has raised societal awareness of the welfare of farmed animals. This has been instrumental in increasing the legislative pressure towards welfare-conscious farming practices and, more lately, greater consumer demand for ethically sourced products. Besides, improved animal welfare is a key driver for enhanced performance, particularly in breeding boars, as welfare conditions strongly influence reproductive outcomes.

Salivary oxytocin changes and effect of the season in sows kept in different farrowing systems: Farrowing crate and farrowing pen with temporary crating.

Alternative farrowing systems that have been developed in recent years could have a positive effect on the welfare of sows during farrowing and lactation. Oxytocin measurements in saliva may provide information about positive animal welfare status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in salivary oxytocin concentrations in sows during the lactation period in three different farrowing systems and in two different seasons.