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For reasons of aspired naturalness and cost reduction, vitamin additions should be kept low in organic livestock systems. To define safe lower threshold levels of riboflavin supplementation in organic poultry feeding, 135 hybrid layers were allocated to three dietary treatments supplemented with either 4.5 (R4.5), 3.0 (R3.0) or 1.5 mg (R1.5) GMO-free riboflavin added per kg feed. This resulted in total measured concentration averages of 5.0, 4.5, and 3.1 mg kg−1 feed for R4.5, R3.0 and R1.5, respectively. For 18 weeks, each treatment was replicated in three groups of 15 hens. Feed consumption, laying performance, egg quality, riboflavin concentration in the yolk, and clinical health scores were assessed. Two hens per group (six per treatment) were slaughtered in weeks 11 and 18, respectively, for measurement of pancreas, spleen, liver and heart weights, and determination of liver riboflavin. No treatment effects on feed consumption, body weight, laying performance, egg weights, eggshell strength and yolk colour or plumage and keel bone integrity were observed. No symptoms of lameness or footpad damage were found. The riboflavin concentration in egg yolks in R1.5 was lower than in other treatments. Liver riboflavin concentration increased between week 11 and 18 in all treatments, but it was also lower in R1.5. Based on these results, the addition of 3 mg riboflavin kg−1 feed appeared to be sufficient with respect to the health and performance of laying hens. Supplementation with only 1.5 mg kg−1 resulted in some metabolic signs of deficiency. These results apply only to organic winter diets.
Florian Leiber; Mirjam Holinger; Zivile Amsler; Ariane Maeschli; Veronika Maurer; Barbara Früh; Christian Lambertz; Hannah Ayrle. Riboflavin for laying hens fed organic winter diets: effects of different supplementation rates on health, performance and egg quality. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 2021, 1 -16.
AMA StyleFlorian Leiber, Mirjam Holinger, Zivile Amsler, Ariane Maeschli, Veronika Maurer, Barbara Früh, Christian Lambertz, Hannah Ayrle. Riboflavin for laying hens fed organic winter diets: effects of different supplementation rates on health, performance and egg quality. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture. 2021; ():1-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFlorian Leiber; Mirjam Holinger; Zivile Amsler; Ariane Maeschli; Veronika Maurer; Barbara Früh; Christian Lambertz; Hannah Ayrle. 2021. "Riboflavin for laying hens fed organic winter diets: effects of different supplementation rates on health, performance and egg quality." Biological Agriculture & Horticulture , no. : 1-16.
Feasible alternatives to stressful weaning and tail-docking are needed to inhibit tail biting. Therefore, we investigated the effects of housing systems for 1106 pigs that were weaned from: (1) conventional farrowing crates (FC), (2) free-farrowing pens (FF), or (3) group housing of lactating sows (GH) into (1) conventional rearing pens (Conv) or (2) piglets remained in their farrowing pens for rearing (Reaf). Tails were docked or left undocked batchwise. All pigs were regrouped for the fattening period. Pigs were scored for skin lesions, tail lesions and losses. After weaning, Conv-GH pigs had significantly less skin lesions than Conv-FC and Conv-FF pigs. After regrouping for fattening, Reaf-GH pigs had significantly less skin lesions than Conv pigs, Reaf-FC and Reaf-FF. The frequency of tail lesions of undocked Conv pigs peaked in week 4 (66.8%). Two weeks later, Reaf undocked pigs reached their maximum (36.2%). At the end of fattening, 99.3% of undocked Conv pigs and 43.1% of undocked Reaf pigs lost parts of their tail. In conclusion, the co-mingling of piglets during suckling reduced the incidence of skin lesions. Rearing in the farrowing pen significantly reduced the incidence of tail lesions and losses for undocked pigs. No housing system negatively affected the performance.
Anita Lange; Michael Hahne; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Michael Wendt; Heiko Janssen; Imke Traulsen. Effects of Different Housing Systems during Suckling and Rearing Period on Skin and Tail Lesions, Tail Losses and Performance of Growing and Finishing Pigs. Animals 2021, 11, 2184 .
AMA StyleAnita Lange, Michael Hahne, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly, Michael Wendt, Heiko Janssen, Imke Traulsen. Effects of Different Housing Systems during Suckling and Rearing Period on Skin and Tail Lesions, Tail Losses and Performance of Growing and Finishing Pigs. Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2184.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnita Lange; Michael Hahne; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Michael Wendt; Heiko Janssen; Imke Traulsen. 2021. "Effects of Different Housing Systems during Suckling and Rearing Period on Skin and Tail Lesions, Tail Losses and Performance of Growing and Finishing Pigs." Animals 11, no. 8: 2184.
Alternatives to riboflavin (vitamin B2) production by recombinant microorganisms are needed in organic poultry production, but are cost-intensive, so that a demand-oriented riboflavin supply is necessary. Details on the riboflavin requirements of organic poultry are not available. A feed material with high native riboflavin content from fermentation of the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii was studied. Two runs with 800 Ranger Gold™ broilers each (40 pens with 20 animals) were conducted. The fattening period was divided into starter (S), grower (G) and finisher (F) stage. In the first run, a basal diet without riboflavin supplementation (NATIVE; 3.27, 3.50 and 3.16 mg riboflavin/kg DM in S, G and F) was compared to diets with supplementation at low (LOW; 5.30, 4.85 and 5.19 mg/kg in S, G and F), medium (MEDIUM; 7.56, 6.88 and 7.56 mg/kg in S, G and F) and high (HIGH; 10.38, 9.14 and 9.93 mg/kg in S, G and F) dosage. In the second run, different combinations of low and medium riboflavin supplementation were used in S, G and F diets: S-LOW (4.50 mg riboflavin/kg DM), G-MEDIUM (6.66 mg/kg), F-MEDIUM (5.71 mg/kg) (Treatment A), S-LOW (4.50 mg riboflavin/kg DM); G-LOW (4.92 mg/kg), F-LOW (4.01 mg/kg) (Treatment B); S-MEDIUM (6.37 mg/kg), G-MEDIUM (7.37 mg/kg), F-MEDIUM (5.07 mg/kg) (Treatment C); S-MEDIUM (6.37 mg/kg), G-LOW (5.28 mg/kg), F-LOW (4.22 mg/kg) (Treatment D). Body weight, feed and water consumption were recorded weekly, health and welfare indicators were scored bi-weekly. Slaughter traits were assessed for five males and females per pen. In the first run, NATIVE animals showed symptoms of riboflavin deficiency and lower live weights in the second week of age. Riboflavin contents of this group were increased to avoid further deficiency and recovery was observed. Feed conversion was better in HIGH (2.07) compared with NATIVE and LOW (2.11). At slaughter, treatments differed neither for foot pad dermatitis nor plumage cleanliness. In the second run, daily weight gains did not differ between treatments in any of the weeks. Feed conversion ranged between 1.99 and 2.04. Riboflavin deficiency was not observed in the second run, while treatment D showed superior economic efficiency. In conclusion, native contents of feed components (3.27 mg/kg DM) were not sufficient to meet the riboflavin demand and a total content of 4.50 mg/kg DM was identified as safe lower threshold. The levels rather according to commercial recommendations were not additionally beneficial to performance and health.
C. Lambertz; J. Leopold; S. Ammer; F. Leiber; B. Thesing; C. Wild; K. Damme. Demand-oriented riboflavin supply of organic broiler using a feed material from fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. Animal 2020, 15, 100003 .
AMA StyleC. Lambertz, J. Leopold, S. Ammer, F. Leiber, B. Thesing, C. Wild, K. Damme. Demand-oriented riboflavin supply of organic broiler using a feed material from fermentation of Ashbya gossypii. Animal. 2020; 15 (1):100003.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Lambertz; J. Leopold; S. Ammer; F. Leiber; B. Thesing; C. Wild; K. Damme. 2020. "Demand-oriented riboflavin supply of organic broiler using a feed material from fermentation of Ashbya gossypii." Animal 15, no. 1: 100003.
This study aimed to investigate how farrowing and rearing systems affect skin lesions, serum cortisol, and aggressive behavior as indicators for weaning stress of piglets. Between May 2016 and March 2018, in total 3144 weaning piglets from three different farrowing systems were examined: farrowing crates (FC), single-housing free-farrowing pens (FF), and group-housing of lactating sows and litters (GH). After weaning and regrouping, piglets were relocated to conventional rearing pens (conv; 5.7 m2) or to wean-to-finish pens (w-f; 12.4 m2). Skin lesions were scored 24 h after weaning. Blood samples were taken one week before and 24 h after weaning to analyze the individual difference in serum cortisol. Behavior was observed for 24 h after relocation. Animals raised in FC and FF had significantly more skin lesions than that of GH animals. Piglets born in GH showed lower cortisol differences and fought less and for shorter periods compared to FC and FF piglets. Piglets weaned to w-f pens showed greater cortisol changes and fought significantly longer than piglets in conv pens. Group housing during the suckling period reduced weaning stress for piglets in terms of skin lesions, serum cortisol, and aggressive behavior. Greater space allowance (w-f vs. conv) was not beneficial with regard to the investigated parameters.
Anita Lange; Maria Gentz; Michael Hahne; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Onno Burfeind; Imke Traulsen. Effects of Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems on Post-Weaning Stress in Piglets. Agriculture 2020, 10, 230 .
AMA StyleAnita Lange, Maria Gentz, Michael Hahne, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly, Onno Burfeind, Imke Traulsen. Effects of Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems on Post-Weaning Stress in Piglets. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (6):230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnita Lange; Maria Gentz; Michael Hahne; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Onno Burfeind; Imke Traulsen. 2020. "Effects of Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems on Post-Weaning Stress in Piglets." Agriculture 10, no. 6: 230.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of farrowing and rearing systems on tail lesions and losses of docked and undocked pigs. Pigs from three farrowing systems: Conventional farrowing crate (FC), free farrowing (FF) and group housing of lactating sows (GH) were randomly allocated to different rearing systems: A conventional system (CONV), where the pigs were regrouped and transferred to conventional finishing pens at ten weeks of age or a wean-to-finish (W-F) system, where the pigs remained in their pens until slaughter with higher space allowance during rearing. Weekly, tail lesions and losses were assessed individually. The incidence of tail lesions was higher in undocked CONV pigs compared to undocked W-F pigs (maximum: CONV 58.01%, W-F 41.16%). The rearing system had a significant effect on tail losses at the end of finishing (CONV 67.63%, W-F 38.2%). The significant effect of the rearing system might be explained by higher space allowance during rearing and reduced regrouping stress for W-F pigs. In conclusion, farrowing systems showed no effects, but the W-F rearing system reduces the frequency of tail lesions and losses; the curves of tail lesions increased slower and stayed on a lower level, which resulted in lower losses as well.
Maria Gentz; Anita Lange; Sebastian Zeidler; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Onno Burfeind; Imke Traulsen. Tail Lesions and Losses of Docked and Undocked Pigs in Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems. Agriculture 2020, 10, 130 .
AMA StyleMaria Gentz, Anita Lange, Sebastian Zeidler, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly, Onno Burfeind, Imke Traulsen. Tail Lesions and Losses of Docked and Undocked Pigs in Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (4):130.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Gentz; Anita Lange; Sebastian Zeidler; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly; Onno Burfeind; Imke Traulsen. 2020. "Tail Lesions and Losses of Docked and Undocked Pigs in Different Farrowing and Rearing Systems." Agriculture 10, no. 4: 130.
Several studies on the environmental impacts of livestock enterprises are based on the application of life cycle assessments (LCA). In Alpine regions, soil carbon sequestration can play an important role in reducing environmental impacts. However, there is no official methodology to calculate this possible reduction. Biodiversity plays an important role in the Alpine environment and is affected by human activities, such as cattle farming. Our aim was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of four different dairy production systems (different in breeds and feeding intensity) by using the LCA approach. The present study included 44 dairy Alpine farms located in the autonomous province of Bolzano in northern Italy. Half of the farms (n = 22) kept Alpine Grey and the other half (n = 22) Brown Swiss cattle. Within breeds, the farms were divided by the amount of concentrated feed per cow and day into high concentrate (HC) and low concentrate (LC). This resulted in 11 Alpine Grey low concentrate (AGLC) farms feeding an average amount of 3.0 kg concentrated feed/cow/day and 11 Alpine Grey high concentrate (AGHC) farms with an average amount of 6.3 kg concentrated feed/cow/day. Eleven farms kept Brown Swiss cows with an average amount of 3.7 kg concentrated feed/cow/day (BSLC) and another 11 farms feeding on average 7.6 kg concentrated feed/cow/day (BSHC). CF for the four systems was estimated using the LCA approach. The functional unit was 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM). Furthermore, two methodologies have been applied to estimate soil carbon sequestration and effect on biodiversity. The system with the lowest environmental impact in terms of CF was BSHC (1.14 kg CO2-eq/kg of FPCM), while the most impactful system was the AGLC group (1.55 kg CO2-eq/kg of FPCM). Including the CF reduction due to soil carbon sequestered from grassland, it decreased differently for the two applied methods. For all four systems, the main factor for CF was enteric emission, while the main pollutant was biogenic CH4. Conversely, AGLC had the lowest impact when the damage to biodiversity was considered (damage score = 0.41/kg of FPCM, damage to ecosystem diversity = 1.78 E-07 species*yr/kg FPCM). In comparison, BSHC had the greatest impact in terms of damage to biodiversity (damage score = 0.56/kg of FPCM, damage to ecosystem diversity = 2.49 E-07 species*yr/kg FPCM). This study indicates the importance of including soil carbon sequestration from grasslands and effects on biodiversity when calculating the environmental performance of dairy farms.
Emilio Sabia; Sarah Kühl; Laura Flach; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. Effect of Feed Concentrate Intake on the Environmental Impact of Dairy Cows in an Alpine Mountain Region Including Soil Carbon Sequestration and Effect on Biodiversity. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2128 .
AMA StyleEmilio Sabia, Sarah Kühl, Laura Flach, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly. Effect of Feed Concentrate Intake on the Environmental Impact of Dairy Cows in an Alpine Mountain Region Including Soil Carbon Sequestration and Effect on Biodiversity. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (5):2128.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmilio Sabia; Sarah Kühl; Laura Flach; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. 2020. "Effect of Feed Concentrate Intake on the Environmental Impact of Dairy Cows in an Alpine Mountain Region Including Soil Carbon Sequestration and Effect on Biodiversity." Sustainability 12, no. 5: 2128.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for monogastric animals. It is mainly produced by recombinant microorganisms (Candida famata, Bacillus subtilis and Ashbya gossypii). The availability of genetically modified organism (GMO)-free riboflavin, obligatory in European organic agriculture, is a major issue. Besides, requirements for organic livestock might differ from conventional production because other genotypes and feed formulations are used. The effects of a fermentation suspension with a high native content of riboflavin produced with unmodified A. gossypii by fermentation were investigated at graded dosages as an alternative to conventional (GMO-based) riboflavin in slow-growing broilers on performance traits and health and welfare indicators. In 2 runs with 800 animals each, Ranger Gold™ broilers were fed with 4 dietary treatments. For starter diets (day 1 to 18), treatments included a basal diet (1) without any riboflavin supplementation (negative control, N-C), (2) with conventional riboflavin supplementation (Cuxavit B2 80% riboflavin) at 9.6 mg/kg (positive control, P-C), (3) with riboflavin supplementation from the alternative source at 3.5 mg/kg (A-low) and (4) with riboflavin supplementation from the alternative source at 9.6 mg/kg (A-high). For the finisher diet (day 29 until slaughtering), P-C and A-high were supplemented with 8.0 mg/kg and A-low with 3.5 mg/kg. Diets were formulated according to organic regulations. Animals were kept in floor pens with 20 chickens per pen. Weekly, BW, feed and water consumption were recorded. Every second week, animal-based health and welfare indicators (feather score and footpad dermatitis) were scored. Slaughter traits were assessed for five males and females per pen at 62/63 days of age. Final body weight of A-high differed from N-C and A-low, but not from P-C. From week 2 until six years of age, A-high had a higher daily weight gain when compared to all other groups. With 74.4%, dressing percentage was higher in A-high compared with all other groups (73.3%). Breast percentage of A-low was lower than that of both control groups but did not differ from A-high. The highest frequency of liver scores indicating fatty liver syndrome was found in P-C, followed by N-C and A-low. Feather scores did not respond to treatment; the highest frequency of mild footpad dermatitis was observed in A-high, however at a low prevalence. In conclusion, the tested fermentation suspension with a high native content of riboflavin derived from fermentation of A. gossypii can be used at levels of commercial recommendations as alternative to riboflavin produced from GMO in broiler feeding. Further studies must verify whether riboflavin can be reduced without inducing riboflavin deficiency in slow-growing broilers.
C. Lambertz; J. Leopold; K. Damme; W. Vogt-Kaute; S. Ammer; F. Leiber. Effects of a riboflavin source suitable for use in organic broiler diets on performance traits and health indicators. Animal 2020, 14, 716 -724.
AMA StyleC. Lambertz, J. Leopold, K. Damme, W. Vogt-Kaute, S. Ammer, F. Leiber. Effects of a riboflavin source suitable for use in organic broiler diets on performance traits and health indicators. Animal. 2020; 14 (4):716-724.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Lambertz; J. Leopold; K. Damme; W. Vogt-Kaute; S. Ammer; F. Leiber. 2020. "Effects of a riboflavin source suitable for use in organic broiler diets on performance traits and health indicators." Animal 14, no. 4: 716-724.
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anthelmintics in goats raised under mountain farming conditions in northern Italy. On 8 goat farms (n = 143 animals), a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was done after farmers conducted their routine anthelmintic treatments. Furthermore, on 5 goat farms (n = 135 animals) a FECR test was done under controlled conditions applying oral formulations of a macrocyclic lactone (ML), benzimidazole (BZ) (partly in combination with salicylanilide (SA)) or a combination of imidazothiazole (IT) and SA on the same farm. AR was assumed if FECR and the upper confidence interval (CI) was < 95% and the lower 95% CI was < 90%. Underdosing was found in 6 of the 8 farms tested after routine treatments. Out of the 6 routinely ML-treated goat flocks, only three were found where ML showed adequate efficacy. FECR in all others ranged between 64 and 93%. In one flock Trichostrongylus spp. and in one Haemonchus spp. larvae were identified after treatment. BZ-treated flocks had an efficacy of 99 and 37%. Larvae identified after treatment were Trichostrongylus spp. in one and Haemonchus spp. in the other flock. Under controlled conditions, ML had an adequate efficacy on 4 farms and a FECR of 88% on another one. BZ was effective on all farms. The combination of BZ and SA had a FECR of 99% on the farm it was tested. IT + SA in combination was effective on 2 farms and had a FECR of 91% on a third farm. Larvae identified after treatment were composed of Haemonchus spp. (ML and BZ), Trichostrongylus spp. (BZ) and Teladorsagia spp. (BZ and SA). This first report on the prevalence of AR in goats in the mountainous region of South Tyrol reveals a low efficacy of the most commonly used anthelmintics after routine treatments. This might be explained by a high level of underdosing as observed in the farms. However, results from the controlled FECR tests suggest that the observed level of AR was lower but cannot be solely explained by underdosing.
C. Lambertz; I. Poulopoulou; K. Wuthijaree; M. Gauly. Anthelmintic efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats raised under mountain farming conditions in northern Italy. BMC Veterinary Research 2019, 15, 1 -7.
AMA StyleC. Lambertz, I. Poulopoulou, K. Wuthijaree, M. Gauly. Anthelmintic efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats raised under mountain farming conditions in northern Italy. BMC Veterinary Research. 2019; 15 (1):1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Lambertz; I. Poulopoulou; K. Wuthijaree; M. Gauly. 2019. "Anthelmintic efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats raised under mountain farming conditions in northern Italy." BMC Veterinary Research 15, no. 1: 1-7.
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and worm burden of gastrointestinal parasites in Thai indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) kept under extensive backyard conditions in Northern Thailand. A total of 211 male (N = 98) and female (N = 113) chickens from 11 smallholder farms were selected randomly between December 2016 and May 2017. At slaughter, fecal samples were collected to estimate fecal egg counts (presented as eggs per gram of feces) and oocyst counts (oocyst per gram of feces). The gastrointestinal tract of each animal was examined for the presence of parasites. The percentage of FEC- and FOC-positive samples was 33.7 and 55.4%, respectively. On average, 111 ± 328 ascarid eggs and 2,983 ± 11,641 coccidian oocysts were found. From the post mortem examination, 3 nematode species and cestodes were recovered. A total of 156 (73.9%) of the sampled chickens were infected with at least 1 helminth species. Average worm burden per chicken was 46.7 (SD = 50.9, median = 30). The most prevalent species were the nematodes Heterakis gallinarum (70.6%) followed by Ascaridia galli (60.2%) and Capillaria spp. (44.1%). The overall prevalence of cestodes was 27.7%. Apart from A. galli with higher prevalence in males than in females (P ≤ 0.05), gender did neither affect prevalence nor worm burden (P > 0.05). Growth performance was not negatively affected by helminth infections. In conclusion, the vast majority of Thai native chickens are subclinically infected with at least 1 helminth species under the studied backyard conditions.
Kunlayaphat Wuthijaree; Christian Lambertz; Therdchai Vearasilp; Vite Anusatsananun; Matthias Gauly. Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Thai Indigenous Chickens Raised Under Backyard Conditions in Northern Thailand. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 2019, 28, 221 -229.
AMA StyleKunlayaphat Wuthijaree, Christian Lambertz, Therdchai Vearasilp, Vite Anusatsananun, Matthias Gauly. Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Thai Indigenous Chickens Raised Under Backyard Conditions in Northern Thailand. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 2019; 28 (1):221-229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKunlayaphat Wuthijaree; Christian Lambertz; Therdchai Vearasilp; Vite Anusatsananun; Matthias Gauly. 2019. "Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Thai Indigenous Chickens Raised Under Backyard Conditions in Northern Thailand." Journal of Applied Poultry Research 28, no. 1: 221-229.
In terms of animal welfare, farming systems of dairy cows are perceived positively by consumers when compared to pigs or poultry. A main reason is that the majority of consumers associate dairy farming with pasture, which in turn they relate with benefits for animal health and welfare. However, holistic scientific assessments of the effects of pasturing on animal welfare are rare. Hence, it was the aim to study the animal welfare level in 61 German loose housing dairy farms by using the measures of the Welfare Quality® protocol for dairy cattle (WQP). Data were collected twice per farm at the end of the pasture season (July to October) and approximately 6 months later at the end of the barn season (December to April). Farms were classified based on the duration cows had access to pasture per day during the pasture season: group 1 (G1)>10 h; group 2 (G2) 6 to 10 h; group 3 (G3)<6 h and group 4 (G4) without pasture access. The average herd size was 129 Holstein-Friesian or Red-Holstein cows (range 58 to 527). In addition to WQP data, performance data were gathered from routine herd data recordings. The indicators were aggregated to criteria applying the scoring system of the WQP. G4 received lower scores at the first than at the second visit for the criterion absence of hunger, while there were no differences between visits in the other groups (P=0.58 – group×farm visit effect). All pasturing groups were scored better at the end of the pasture season than G4 for the criterion comfort around resting (P<0.01). Compared with G1 for both farm visits and G2 for the end of the barn season, G4 reached inferior scores for the criterion absence of injuries, including indicators such as hairless patches, lesions, and swellings and lameness. At both assessments G2 was scored higher than the other groups for the criterion absence of diseases (P=0.04). In conclusion, pasture access had positive effects only on selected welfare indicators, however, these effects were not maintained throughout the barn season.
L. Armbrecht; C. Lambertz; D. Albers; M. Gauly. Assessment of welfare indicators in dairy farms offering pasture at differing levels. Animal 2019, 13, 2336 -2347.
AMA StyleL. Armbrecht, C. Lambertz, D. Albers, M. Gauly. Assessment of welfare indicators in dairy farms offering pasture at differing levels. Animal. 2019; 13 (10):2336-2347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Armbrecht; C. Lambertz; D. Albers; M. Gauly. 2019. "Assessment of welfare indicators in dairy farms offering pasture at differing levels." Animal 13, no. 10: 2336-2347.
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in sheep raised under mountain farming conditions in South Tyrol (Northern Italy) was assessed on eight farms (n=99 animals). A faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was done after routine anthelmintic treatments. Furthermore, on 27 farms (n=306 animals), a FECR test was conducted after oral formulations of a macrocyclic lactone (ML), benzimidazole (BZ) (partly in combination with salicylanilide (SA)) or a combination of imidazothiazole and SA were applied under controlled conditions on the same farm. Following routine treatments, three of five ML-treated flocks showed an adequate efficacy, while the other two reached a FECR of only around 75 per cent. A wide range of gastrointestinal nematode genera were identified in one flock following the treatment. From the three BZ-treated flocks, only one showed an adequate FECR, both other farms reached 68 per cent and 84 per cent, respectively. Under controlled conditions, FECR ranged between 77 per cent and 81 per cent indicating AR for all the applied anthelmintics. Trichostrongylus species, Teladorsagia species and Haemonchus species were identified after ML treatment, Teladorsagia species after BZ treatment and Trichostrongylus species and Haemonchus species after combined BZ and SA application. Taking into consideration that underdosing might have affected results of the routine treatments, a high prevalence of AR was found in sheep under mountain farming conditions.
Christian Lambertz; Ioanna Poulopoulou; Kunlayaphat Wuthijaree; Matthias Gauly. Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep raised under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy. Veterinary Record Open 2019, 6, e000332 .
AMA StyleChristian Lambertz, Ioanna Poulopoulou, Kunlayaphat Wuthijaree, Matthias Gauly. Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep raised under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy. Veterinary Record Open. 2019; 6 (1):e000332.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristian Lambertz; Ioanna Poulopoulou; Kunlayaphat Wuthijaree; Matthias Gauly. 2019. "Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep raised under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy." Veterinary Record Open 6, no. 1: e000332.
Dual-purpose chicken where both sexes are reared together, before males are separated for final fattening, while females are kept for an entire laying period, may provide an economic alternative under certain production and marketing conditions. Two genotypes, purebred Bresse-Gauloise (PURE, n = 300) and crossbred Bresse-Gauloise × New Hampshire (CROSS, n = 300), were compared. One-day-old mixed-sex chicken were raised for 12 wk under floor husbandry conditions on a broiler diet. Thereafter, males were transferred to a mobile chicken house with free-range access. Males were slaughtered at weekly intervals from 12th to 19th wk of age. Hens were kept for 1 laying period in a mobile house. Growth performance, feed consumption, carcass, meat quality, health and welfare traits were measured in both sexes. In females layers’ performance, egg quality and behavior were recorded, too. At 12 wk, males of PURE reached a live weight of 2,075 g and CROSS of 1,865 g (P < 0.05), while at 16 wk both weighed more than 2,500 g (P > 0.05). Dressing percentage increased with slaughter age and was above 68% in both genotypes when slaughtered at 18 to 19 wk of age. Proportion of legs, breast, and wings was 34.3, 16.0, and 11.0% in PURE and 34.7, 15.5, and 12.1% in CROSS (P > 0.05). Laying performance was 54.5% in PURE and 54.2% in CROSS (P > 0.05). Egg breaking strength decreased during the laying period, but remained above 30 N. Feed conversion was 3.4 kg feed/kg egg. On average, 25% of the animals stayed outdoors during daytime (P > 0.05). Keel bone deformations were observed in 10% and breast blisters in 20% of the hens. Under the specific conditions of marketing products with added value, performances resulted in an overall economic benefit, which was higher for PURE than CROSS. The use of dual-purpose chicken to avoid the killing of 1-d-old chicken and mobile housing may substantiate premium prices in such a system.
C Lambertz; K Wuthijaree; M Gauly. Performance, behavior, and health of male broilers and laying hens of 2 dual-purpose chicken genotypes. Poultry Science 2018, 97, 3564 -3576.
AMA StyleC Lambertz, K Wuthijaree, M Gauly. Performance, behavior, and health of male broilers and laying hens of 2 dual-purpose chicken genotypes. Poultry Science. 2018; 97 (10):3564-3576.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC Lambertz; K Wuthijaree; M Gauly. 2018. "Performance, behavior, and health of male broilers and laying hens of 2 dual-purpose chicken genotypes." Poultry Science 97, no. 10: 3564-3576.
The present study investigated whether a three‐times compared to two‐times feeding frequency during lactation affects sows' body condition, reproductive performance as well as growth performance of the piglets . In a commercial farm, eight groups (8–10 animals) with a total number of 68 sows were included in the study. During lactation, four groups received feed two times (treatment 2DF) and four groups three times daily (treatment 3DF). Within treatments, sows were classified into young (<2 parities) and old (≥3 parities). Body condition score (BCS), shoulder lesions, return to estrus rate and piglet's growth performance were recorded. The 3DF sows had a higher (p < 0.05) feed intake and less shoulder lesions (p < 0.05) than 2DF animals. Return to estrus rate in the 3DF treatment was 0% for young and 29% for old sows. In the 2DF treatment return to estrus rate was 20% for young and 5% for old sows. In conclusion, three‐times versus two‐times daily feeding frequency during lactation increased feed intake and had a positive effect on sows’ BCS and the frequency of shoulder lesions, while it also reduced incidents of return to estrus rate in young sows.
Ioanna Poulopoulou; Anne Eggemann; Eva Moors; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. Does feeding frequency during lactation affect sows' body condition, reproduction and production performance? Animal Science Journal 2018, 89, 1591 -1598.
AMA StyleIoanna Poulopoulou, Anne Eggemann, Eva Moors, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly. Does feeding frequency during lactation affect sows' body condition, reproduction and production performance? Animal Science Journal. 2018; 89 (11):1591-1598.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoanna Poulopoulou; Anne Eggemann; Eva Moors; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. 2018. "Does feeding frequency during lactation affect sows' body condition, reproduction and production performance?" Animal Science Journal 89, no. 11: 1591-1598.
C. Lambertz; I. Poulopoulou; K. Wuthijaree; M. Gauly. Endoparasitic infections and prevention measures in sheep and goats under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy. Small Ruminant Research 2018, 164, 94 -101.
AMA StyleC. Lambertz, I. Poulopoulou, K. Wuthijaree, M. Gauly. Endoparasitic infections and prevention measures in sheep and goats under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy. Small Ruminant Research. 2018; 164 ():94-101.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Lambertz; I. Poulopoulou; K. Wuthijaree; M. Gauly. 2018. "Endoparasitic infections and prevention measures in sheep and goats under mountain farming conditions in Northern Italy." Small Ruminant Research 164, no. : 94-101.
The aim of this study was to examine effects of pasturing in dairy cows on claw condition (claw length, hardness) and on the prevalence of claw diseases. At claw trimming, a total of 240 Holstein-Friesian or Red-Holstein cows from 20 German farms were examined twice, at the end of the pasture and barn season. Each individual claw was trimmed at both assessments. Farms were classified based on animals’ pasture access during pasture season into: group 1 (G1) >10 hours pasture access per day, group 2 (G2) 6–10 hours, group 3 (G3) <6 hours and group 4 (G4) without pasture access. Greater values for hardness were associated with lower scores (=prevalence×severity level) of sole ulcers, white line disease, sole haemorrhage, heel horn erosion and interdigital hyperplasia. In pasture groups, heel horn erosion showed lower frequencies in summer compared with winter, while it was vice versa in G4. In G1 and G3, lower frequencies of white line disease were found in summer compared with winter. Overall, pasture access had positive effects in particular for claw diseases that are related to moist environments. Nevertheless, appropriate free-stall design and claw trimming routine might have a greater influence.
Linda Armbrecht; Christian Lambertz; Dirk Albers; Matthias Gauly. Does access to pasture affect claw condition and health in dairy cows? Veterinary Record 2018, 182, 79 -79.
AMA StyleLinda Armbrecht, Christian Lambertz, Dirk Albers, Matthias Gauly. Does access to pasture affect claw condition and health in dairy cows? Veterinary Record. 2018; 182 (3):79-79.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLinda Armbrecht; Christian Lambertz; Dirk Albers; Matthias Gauly. 2018. "Does access to pasture affect claw condition and health in dairy cows?" Veterinary Record 182, no. 3: 79-79.
1. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to July 2016 in South Tyrol, Northern Italy to examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions. 2. A total of 280 laying hens from 14 free-range mountain farms (4 organic, 10 conventional) were randomly collected at the end of the laying period. Faecal samples were taken to analyse faecal egg counts (FEC) and faecal oocyst counts (FOC). The gastrointestinal tracts were removed post mortem and examined for the presence of helminths. 3. In faeces, FEC values averaged 258 eggs per g of faeces, which were dominated by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Mean FOC was 80 oocysts/g. In the gastrointestinal tract, at least one nematode species was found in 99.3% of the examined hens. H. gallinarum was the most prevalent nematode (95.7%), followed by Capillaria spp. (66.8%) and A. galli (63.6%). Thirty percent of the chickens were infected with cestodes (tapeworms). Correlation coefficients between worm counts of H. gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and A. galli ranged from 0.41 to 0.51. 5. The helminth prevalence did not differ between conventional and organic farms, whereas total worm burden was higher in organic when compared to conventional farms (318.9 vs 112.0). Prevalence and infection intensity did not differ between farms that used anthelmintic treatments and those that did not. 6. In conclusion, free-range laying hens under the studied mountain farming conditions are at high risk of nematode infection, especially in organic systems. The vast majority of hens are subclinical infected with at least one helminth species.
K. Wuthijaree; C. Lambertz; M. Gauly. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions. British Poultry Science 2017, 58, 649 -655.
AMA StyleK. Wuthijaree, C. Lambertz, M. Gauly. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions. British Poultry Science. 2017; 58 (6):649-655.
Chicago/Turabian StyleK. Wuthijaree; C. Lambertz; M. Gauly. 2017. "Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions." British Poultry Science 58, no. 6: 649-655.
The aim of the research described here was to compare different methods of body temperature (BT) measurements in dairy cows. It was hypothesised that reticular temperature (RET) values reflect the physiological status of the animals in an equivalent way to rectal (RT) and vaginal (VT) measurements. RT, VT and RET temperatures of twelve lactating Holstein–Friesian cows were measured over five consecutive days in June and October 2013. While RT and VT were manually measured three times a day, RET was automatically recorded at 10 min intervals using a bolus in the reticulum. For comparison with RT and VT, different RET values were used: single values at the respective recording times (RET-SIN), and mean (RET-MEAN) and median (RET-MED) values of 2 h prior to RT and VT measurements. Overall, body temperatures averaged 38·1 ± 0·6, 38·2 ± 0·4, 38·7 ± 0·9, 38·5 ± 0·7 and 38·7 ± 0·5 °C for RT, VT, RET-SIN, RET-MEAN and RET-MED, respectively. RT and VT were lower than all RET measurements, while RET-SIN and RET-MED were higher than RET-MEAN (P < 0·001). RET-MEAN and RET-MED values were higher in the morning, whereas RT and VT were greatest in the evening (P < 0·001). Overall, records of RT and VT were strongly correlated (r = 0·75; P < 0·001). In contrast to RET-SIN and RET-MEAN, RET-MED was higher correlated to RT and VT. In June, coefficients were higher between all methods than in October. Relation of barn T to RT and VT was stronger when compared to RET measurements. RET-SIN was higher correlated to barn T than RET-MEAN or RET-MED. Correlation between VT and barn T was strongest (r = 0·48; P < 0·001). In summary, RET-MED showed highest correlation with VT and RT. However, single RET measurements (influenced by water or feed intake) can lead to extreme variations and differences to single VT and RT values.
Stefanie Ammer; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. Comparison of different measuring methods for body temperature in lactating cows under different climatic conditions. Journal of Dairy Research 2016, 83, 165 -172.
AMA StyleStefanie Ammer, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly. Comparison of different measuring methods for body temperature in lactating cows under different climatic conditions. Journal of Dairy Research. 2016; 83 (2):165-172.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefanie Ammer; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. 2016. "Comparison of different measuring methods for body temperature in lactating cows under different climatic conditions." Journal of Dairy Research 83, no. 2: 165-172.
Heat stress is known to influence sow reproduction, but it is unknown to which extent under temperate climates. Therefore, the impact of temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months from 2009 to 2011 were studied. Reproductive parameters of 22 264 inseminations and 21 610 resulting farrowings of 22 German commercial farms were analyzed. Climatic records were available from the nearest weather station. Effects of temperature and THI at different periods of the reproductive cycle were estimated from May to September where temperatures were expected to influence climatic conditions indoors. High temperatures and THI values 5 days pre- and 14 days post-breeding reduced litter size by 0.01 to 0.03 piglets (P < 0.05). Prior to farrowing, the number of liveborn piglets was reduced (P < 0.05) and of stillborns increased with rising climatic variables (P < 0.001). On the day of farrowing, reduced numbers of weaned piglets were observed when temperature and THI values were elevated (P < 0.05), but pre-weaning mortality was not influenced (P > 0.05). In conclusion, even under temperate conditions adverse effects of climatic variables on the reproductive performance of sows are present. Thereby, the number of liveborn piglets can be considered as the most sensitive parameter to heat stress. Considering the impact of climate change and predicted heat waves, strategies to mitigate the impact of heat stress are necessary.
Kerstin Wegner; Christian Lambertz; Gürbüz Daş; Gerald Reiner; Matthias Gauly. Effects of temperature and temperature-humidity index on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months under a temperate climate. Animal Science Journal 2016, 87, 1334 -1339.
AMA StyleKerstin Wegner, Christian Lambertz, Gürbüz Daş, Gerald Reiner, Matthias Gauly. Effects of temperature and temperature-humidity index on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months under a temperate climate. Animal Science Journal. 2016; 87 (11):1334-1339.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKerstin Wegner; Christian Lambertz; Gürbüz Daş; Gerald Reiner; Matthias Gauly. 2016. "Effects of temperature and temperature-humidity index on the reproductive performance of sows during summer months under a temperate climate." Animal Science Journal 87, no. 11: 1334-1339.
Anna Maria Stölzl; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. Grazing behaviour and dry matter intake of llamas (Lama glama) and German black- head mutton sheep (Ovis orientalis forma aries) under Central European conditions. Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift 2015, 128, 1 .
AMA StyleAnna Maria Stölzl, Christian Lambertz, Matthias Gauly. Grazing behaviour and dry matter intake of llamas (Lama glama) and German black- head mutton sheep (Ovis orientalis forma aries) under Central European conditions. Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift. 2015; 128 (9):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Maria Stölzl; Christian Lambertz; Matthias Gauly. 2015. "Grazing behaviour and dry matter intake of llamas (Lama glama) and German black- head mutton sheep (Ovis orientalis forma aries) under Central European conditions." Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift 128, no. 9: 1.
The effects of traditional (n = 103) and two-stage weaning (n = 89) on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain were evaluated in a total of 192 cow-calf pairs. Two-stage calves were prevented from suckling by fitting nose flaps for 7 days before separation from their mothers. Nasal abrasions caused by the devices were assessed by scoring the irritations of the nasal septum at removal and 1 week later. The behaviour of 20 calves was observed for 3 days before and 4 days after weaning and vocalisations of the cows after separation were recorded. Nasal abrasions were found in more than 95% of the animals at removal, whereas 30% of the animals showed heavy bleeding and 10% suffered from even worse injuries. One week later, 45% of the calves still showed irritations. Cows of the traditional group vocalised 19.2 and those of the two-stage group 3.7 times per hour (P < 0.001). Compared with the pre-weaning period, calves spent more time walking on Days 1 and 2 after weaning (P < 0.01). However, the duration was significantly lower in two-stage than in traditionally weaned animals (P < 0.01). After removal of the devices, the time spent for walking increased again for 2 days. An effect on the weight gain of the calves was not noted. In conclusion, two-stage weaning positively influenced the post-weaning behaviour, but the nose flaps caused heavy nasal abrasions in the calves. Therefore, the design of the devices and the period they are fitted should be modified to minimise nasal abrasions.
Christian Lambertz; Peter R. Bowen; Georg Erhardt; Matthias Gauly. Effects of weaning beef cattle in two stages or by abrupt separation on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain. Animal Production Science 2015, 55, 786 -792.
AMA StyleChristian Lambertz, Peter R. Bowen, Georg Erhardt, Matthias Gauly. Effects of weaning beef cattle in two stages or by abrupt separation on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain. Animal Production Science. 2015; 55 (6):786-792.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristian Lambertz; Peter R. Bowen; Georg Erhardt; Matthias Gauly. 2015. "Effects of weaning beef cattle in two stages or by abrupt separation on nasal abrasions, behaviour, and weight gain." Animal Production Science 55, no. 6: 786-792.