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Doctor of veterinary medicine, Phd, Associate professor, Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, Sub-Speciality Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law (ECAWBM-AWSEL) My general research interest has been health and welfare of poultry, pigs, cattle, and fish. Furthermore, I have worked with evaluation of sustainable farming and food production, incl. organic animal production. Another research area has been the philosophy of health and welfare comparing humans and animals.
Despite the intensive genetic selection in modern poultry, variability of domestic fowl phenotypes has remained, especially in breeds adapted to local conditions. The relevance of this variability to the chicken outdoor ranging activities remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate if external features were associated with the ranging frequency of the 48 female chickens from each of the two breeds: Sasso and Green-legged Partridge. In each of six single-breed pens, eight hens and two roosters were housed under conditions of EU requirements for organic meat chicken production, including free access to an outdoor range, from weeks 5 to 10 of age. The birds were video-recorded during the experiment to obtain frequencies of individual birds' use of the ranges. Comb size (length and height) was measured using a digital ruler, while the sizes of the dark area of neck plumage and beak were processed and analyzed using ImageJ software. The same traits were scored using direct visual assessment by a trained observer on a scale of 1-3. In addition, the eye color of the bird was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted independently for each breed using regression models, ANOVAs and Spearman correlations. Significant positive associations between neck plumage (P<0.01), beak darkness (P=0.03) measurements, comb length (P<0.01) and comb height (P<0.01) and frequency of range use were identified for Sasso. Sasso hens scored with darkest neck plumage (P=0.03) and biggest comb size (P=0.04) ranged the most, while their external features were significantly and positively correlated between each other, except beak darkness and comb length. No significant associations between ranging and external features were found in Green-legged Partridge birds, except that their comb height was significantly and positively correlated with neck plumage and beak darkness (r=0.39 and 0.33, respectively). In some genetic strains, better understanding of the associations between chickens’ external features with ranging behavior could contribute to improve selection programs and bird welfare, assuring production of breeding stock suitable for outdoor conditions.
Patryk Sztandarski; Joanna Marchewka; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja B. Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. Associations between neck plumage and beak darkness, as well as comb size measurements and scores with ranging frequency of Sasso and Green-legged Partridge chickens. Poultry Science 2021, 100, 101340 .
AMA StylePatryk Sztandarski, Joanna Marchewka, Franciszek Wojciechowski, Anja B. Riber, Stefan Gunnarsson, Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. Associations between neck plumage and beak darkness, as well as comb size measurements and scores with ranging frequency of Sasso and Green-legged Partridge chickens. Poultry Science. 2021; 100 (9):101340.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatryk Sztandarski; Joanna Marchewka; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja B. Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. 2021. "Associations between neck plumage and beak darkness, as well as comb size measurements and scores with ranging frequency of Sasso and Green-legged Partridge chickens." Poultry Science 100, no. 9: 101340.
Optimal development of the gut is important for nutrient absorption and for poultry to resist diseases. The aim of the study was to compare gastrointestinal tract morphometrics, small intestine microstructure, as well as the amount of pasture matter and feed ingested by the birds with outdoor access presenting either an outdoor-preferring, moderate-outdoor or indoor-preferring ranging profile. Sixty non-beak trimmed birds per strain: broiler hybrid Sasso and Polish indigenous green-legged partridge were housed from week 5 to 10 in groups of 10, under conditions of EU organic meat chicken production. Pens with outdoor ranges were video recorded, to obtain frequencies of the birds’ range use. Statistical analysis was conducted applying generalized linear mixed models, applying the ranging profile as a fixed effect and pen as a random factor. The weight of the pasture matter in bird crops was the highest in moderate-outdoor profiled green-legged partridges, as compared to other ranging profiles (p = 0.04). In Sasso, villi in the small intestines were significantly higher in the outdoor-preferring compared to indoor-preferring profiled birds (p = 0.04), while their area was larger in the outdoor-preferring Sasso birds (p = 0.01). The level of development of the gastrointestinal tract and its content may be a potential indicator of the birds’ ranging profile and forage consumption.
Joanna Marchewka; Patryk Sztandarski; Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek; Dobrochna Adamek-Urbańska; Krzysztof Damaziak; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson. Gastrointestinal Tract Morphometrics and Content of Commercial and Indigenous Chicken Breeds with Differing Ranging Profiles. Animals 2021, 11, 1881 .
AMA StyleJoanna Marchewka, Patryk Sztandarski, Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek, Dobrochna Adamek-Urbańska, Krzysztof Damaziak, Franciszek Wojciechowski, Anja Riber, Stefan Gunnarsson. Gastrointestinal Tract Morphometrics and Content of Commercial and Indigenous Chicken Breeds with Differing Ranging Profiles. Animals. 2021; 11 (7):1881.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Marchewka; Patryk Sztandarski; Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek; Dobrochna Adamek-Urbańska; Krzysztof Damaziak; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2021. "Gastrointestinal Tract Morphometrics and Content of Commercial and Indigenous Chicken Breeds with Differing Ranging Profiles." Animals 11, no. 7: 1881.
Ranging area use by domestic poultry is not always optimal and differences in it exist on the levels of breed, flock and individual bird. Outdoor shelters are usually not protective for all weather parameters and may not fulfil a protective role to all birds within the flock all time, if individuals are sensitive to different weather conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between different weather parameters and the use of the range by individual Green-legged Partridge and Sasso C44 chickens. In August 2018, 60 birds per genetic strain were housed in groups of 10 from weeks 5 to 10, under conditions exceeding minimal EU requirements of organic meat chicken production. Birds in each pen had access to an outdoor range that was video-recorded during the experiment to obtain frequencies of individual birds' use of the ranges. Weather data were collected each minute throughout the whole experiment by an automatic weather station. In each pen, birds tagged individually with a laminated color tag, had access to an outdoor range that was video-recorded during the experiment. Frequencies of individual birds' use of the ranges were manually obtained from the recordings. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between the variables. The results showed significant associations between weather parameters and range use for one third of Green-legged Partridge and Sasso chickens (n=21 in both breeds). Between breeds, range use associations with different weather parameters were identified. Negative associations with relative humidity occurred most frequently in Green-legged Partridges (n=8; R2 from 0.1 to 0.17), while positive associations with atmospheric pressure (n=7; R2 from 0.09 to 0.17) were most common in Sasso chickens. Further investigations into the reasons behind individual sensitivity of meat-purpose chickens to specific weather conditions would increase the understanding of their preferences and needs, which over time will improve animal welfare.
Patryk Sztandarski; Joanna Marchewka; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja B. Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. Associations between weather conditions and individual range use by commercial and heritage chickens. Poultry Science 2021, 100, 101265 .
AMA StylePatryk Sztandarski, Joanna Marchewka, Franciszek Wojciechowski, Anja B. Riber, Stefan Gunnarsson, Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. Associations between weather conditions and individual range use by commercial and heritage chickens. Poultry Science. 2021; 100 (8):101265.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatryk Sztandarski; Joanna Marchewka; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja B. Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk. 2021. "Associations between weather conditions and individual range use by commercial and heritage chickens." Poultry Science 100, no. 8: 101265.
Consumer interest in buying eggs from animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is increasing, leading to an increase in the need for knowledge on genotypes suitable for free-range systems. Two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown, n = 210) and Atabey (white, n = 210), were reared in a free-range system from 19–72 weeks of age, and their suitability for the system was assessed based on laying performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid profile. Mean hen-day and hen-housed egg production were found to be higher in Atabey than Atak-S (p< 0.01). The brown eggs from Atak-S hens tended to be heavier than the white eggs from Atabey hens (p< 0.01). Brown eggs obtained from Atak-S hens had a stronger shell structure (p< 0.01), while white eggs from Atabey hens had higher mean yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit than brown eggs (p< 0.05). At 56 weeks of age, total saturated fatty acid content in yolk was higher in white eggs than in brown eggs (p< 0.01). These findings related to genotype could help free-range egg producers in their choices for more profitable production and for meeting consumer demands on egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid levels.
Arda Sözcü; Aydın İpek; Züleyha Oguz; Stefan Gunnarsson; Anja Riber. Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System. Animals 2021, 11, 1458 .
AMA StyleArda Sözcü, Aydın İpek, Züleyha Oguz, Stefan Gunnarsson, Anja Riber. Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1458.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArda Sözcü; Aydın İpek; Züleyha Oguz; Stefan Gunnarsson; Anja Riber. 2021. "Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System." Animals 11, no. 5: 1458.
Beef and lamb meat production is associated with important cultural, economic and environmental impacts in most countries worldwide. However, it is also related with sustainability challenges. To enable cattle and sheep farming to develop in line with sustainability, existing knowledge need to be implemented and identified knowledge gaps filled. The purpose of this article was to systematically map the scientific literature on environmental, economic and social sustainability at farm-level beef and lamb meat production to identify knowledge gaps and to point to important future actions and areas of research. Papers published January 2000–August 2020 with a geographical origin in Europe, Northern America, and Australia-New Zealand were included. The systematic literature search resulted in a total of 1355 hits; however, after removing papers which were considered out of the scope of the study, and duplicate papers, only 22 and 11 papers related to beef and sheep farming, respectively were retained for further analysis. Of these, only 11 in total included all three sustainability dimensions. Several papers only mentioned one or two of the sustainability dimensions or put them in relation to that/those main dimension covered, thus limiting the extent to which possible synergies or tradeoffs between different sustainability aspects actually can be studied. This indicates a need for a more comprehensive approach when studying farm-level sustainability. Future research would benefit from a more holistic approach and include all dimensions of sustainability within the same study. Further, focus should also be on how to measure and assess sustainability aspects in a standardized way.
Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature on Sustainability at Farm-Level in Beef and Lamb Meat Production. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2488 .
AMA StyleKatarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Helena Hansson, Ulf Sonesson, Stefan Gunnarsson. A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature on Sustainability at Farm-Level in Beef and Lamb Meat Production. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (5):2488.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2021. "A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature on Sustainability at Farm-Level in Beef and Lamb Meat Production." Sustainability 13, no. 5: 2488.
Pretesting of any new animal housing system in Sweden must include an evaluation of animal welfare. In 2013, a Swedish hatching company applied to the competent authority (CA) for permission to import, install, and bring into use a system with large furnished cages for breeding birds of layer strains, with ∼70 birds per cage (compared with the current 16 birds per cage). Pretesting of the system was conducted on 3 batches, ∼24,500 birds each of breeding hens and males of Lohmann Selected Leghorn and Lohmann Brown (LB) at the hatching company's facilities. Data recorded included clinical records at 3 different ages on 50 birds in each batch and data from official welfare monitoring during production and at slaughter. The birds in the batches had serious health and animal welfare issues, including high mortality, in particular among LB males. Mortality in the batches was more than double (9.6–11.0%) the average mortality (3.8%) reported for birds in conventional furnished cages (CFC) in Sweden during the same period. Compared with CFC birds in Sweden, prevalence of keel bone bursitis was also high in the batches and there were extensive feather damages, especially in hens. In addition, daily supervision was considered difficult to carry out safely in the system. Thus, the system raised important issues concerning bird health and welfare, and the recommendation to the CA was not to approve the system for the Swedish market. The CA decided to ban the system, a decision supported by the Swedish appeal court.
Stefan Gunnarsson. Applied Research Note: Pretesting of a new housing system for breeding birds of layer strains in Sweden. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 2021, 30, 100152 .
AMA StyleStefan Gunnarsson. Applied Research Note: Pretesting of a new housing system for breeding birds of layer strains in Sweden. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 2021; 30 (2):100152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefan Gunnarsson. 2021. "Applied Research Note: Pretesting of a new housing system for breeding birds of layer strains in Sweden." Journal of Applied Poultry Research 30, no. 2: 100152.
Unfulfilled exploratory behavior in pigs has been linked to tail biting, which causes reduced performance and welfare. Provision of straw can reduce tail biting, but large straw rations can cause poor hygiene in pens. This study examined whether provision of straw in racks, rather than on the pen floor, can enable larger straw rations without compromising hygiene. The study was conducted on a commercial farm with 458 undocked pigs in 42 pens provided with straw in racks or on the floor. Available straw and manual cleaning requirement were assessed daily, and presence of tail lesions was assessed weekly. Both treatments had a low requirement for manual cleaning (Floor: 1.7%, Rack: 1.8%). Pigs in the rack treatment had a higher incidence of lesions early in the production period, which coincided with these pigs initially not consuming straw from the rack, leading to low straw access. Late in the production period, these pigs had learned how to use the rack and had a lower incidence of lesions than pigs in the floor treatment. Delayed use of the rack may have been linked to undeveloped spatial skills in the pigs, which needs further research.
Torun Wallgren; Stefan Gunnarsson. Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs. Animals 2021, 11, 379 .
AMA StyleTorun Wallgren, Stefan Gunnarsson. Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):379.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTorun Wallgren; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2021. "Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs." Animals 11, no. 2: 379.
The sustainability of future finfish aquaculture needs to be improved to meet global environmental challenges. Global fish aquaculture production has expanded significantly recently, due to the increased demand for fish for human consumption. Therefore, it is important to mitigate challenges to the sustainability of the sector, such as pollution and depletion of natural resources. In this study, we systematically mapped the scientific literature on farm-level sustainability in fish aquaculture. The concept of sustainability was considered holistically, covering its economic, environmental and social dimensions, each consisting of a range of different aspects that may contradict or reinforce each other. Literature published between January 2000 and August 2020 with the geographical focus on Europe, Northern America and Australia–New Zealand was included. The search resulted in a total of 287 hits, but after the exclusion of articles that did not match the scope, only 17 papers remained for the systematic mapping. Of these, five papers covered all three dimensions of sustainability. Economic sustainability was addressed in 10 papers, environmental sustainability in 13 papers and social sustainability in 12 papers. This systematic mapping provides an important foundation for discussions and prioritisations of future actions to increase knowledge on farm-level sustainability in finfish aquaculture.
Stefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Segerkvist; Torun Wallgren; Per Hjelmstedt; Ulf Sonesson; Helena Hansson. Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Finfish Aquaculture. Sustainability 2020, 12, 9985 .
AMA StyleStefan Gunnarsson, Katarina Segerkvist, Torun Wallgren, Per Hjelmstedt, Ulf Sonesson, Helena Hansson. Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Finfish Aquaculture. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (23):9985.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Segerkvist; Torun Wallgren; Per Hjelmstedt; Ulf Sonesson; Helena Hansson. 2020. "Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Finfish Aquaculture." Sustainability 12, no. 23: 9985.
This review aimed to systematically map and summarize the status of animal health and welfare in organic production. The prevalence of diseases and behavioural effects in organic dairy cow, beef cattle, sheep, pig, laying hen and broiler chicken were discussed in the context of the organic values and current knowledge on animal health and welfare. In total 166 peer-reviewed scientific publications between 2008 and 2020 were included. No strong evidence for neither inferior nor distinctly higher animal welfare in organic compared with conventional production could be supported. The welfare status of organic livestock is in general good in relation to the OIE definition of animal health and welfare. However, organic systems are still facing several challenges related to animal health and the arising of goal conflicts due to management and practical implications. Greater possibilities to perform species-specific behaviours in organic production systems, however, indicate that the organic standards offer a good framework for high animal welfare management. For organic dairy farmers, the main health problems are similar to those of non-organic farms; especially mastitis and lameness need improvement. Parasites, together with mastitis and lamb mortality, are important welfare issues in organic sheep production. Piglet mortality, leg problems, parasite load and increasing respiratory problems are of major relevance in organic pig production. For organic laying hens, major health challenges relate to feather pecking and cannibalism, parasites and possibilities to express species-specific behaviours. For organic broilers, dermatitis of footpads, hocks and breast are reported as main health issues.
Magdalena Presto Åkerfeldt; Stefan Gunnarsson; Gun Bernes; Isabel Blanco-Penedo. Health and welfare in organic livestock production systems—a systematic mapping of current knowledge. Organic Agriculture 2020, 11, 105 -132.
AMA StyleMagdalena Presto Åkerfeldt, Stefan Gunnarsson, Gun Bernes, Isabel Blanco-Penedo. Health and welfare in organic livestock production systems—a systematic mapping of current knowledge. Organic Agriculture. 2020; 11 (1):105-132.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Presto Åkerfeldt; Stefan Gunnarsson; Gun Bernes; Isabel Blanco-Penedo. 2020. "Health and welfare in organic livestock production systems—a systematic mapping of current knowledge." Organic Agriculture 11, no. 1: 105-132.
In the European research project HealthyHens, welfare indicators as well as husbandry and management conditions were recorded in 107 organic laying hen farms in eight countries. Farms were visited at peak and end of lay. Egg production was on average comparable to breeder specifications. A mean mortality of 5.7% and mean prevalences of footpad lesions of 30.5%, keel bone damage of 44.5%, 57.3% of flocks with on average >200 Ascarid eggs per gram faeces and 28.2% of flocks with >100 mites/trap were recorded. A large variation between flocks indicated options for improvement. Based on the results, the following measures can be recommended: (i) decreasing mite and worm infestation and (ii) providing an attractive covered veranda, because of their association with decreased mortality; (iii) maximising access to the free range, because of its relation to decreased A. galli infection and less injurious pecking; (iv) feeding sufficient protein levels and (v) providing adequate litter as preventive measure against feather pecking and cannibalism; (vi) ensuring that the birds have sufficient weight and (vii) preventing accidents by adequate hen house facilities and light conditions to reduce keel bone damage. These primarily management-based measures have the potential to improve bird welfare both in terms of behavioural and health aspects.
Lisa Jung; Christine Brenninkmeyer; Knut Niebuhr; Monique Bestman; Frank A. M. Tuyttens; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jan Tind Sørensen; Paolo Ferrari; Ute Knierim. Husbandry Conditions and Welfare Outcomes in Organic Egg Production in Eight European Countries. Animals 2020, 10, 2102 .
AMA StyleLisa Jung, Christine Brenninkmeyer, Knut Niebuhr, Monique Bestman, Frank A. M. Tuyttens, Stefan Gunnarsson, Jan Tind Sørensen, Paolo Ferrari, Ute Knierim. Husbandry Conditions and Welfare Outcomes in Organic Egg Production in Eight European Countries. Animals. 2020; 10 (11):2102.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLisa Jung; Christine Brenninkmeyer; Knut Niebuhr; Monique Bestman; Frank A. M. Tuyttens; Stefan Gunnarsson; Jan Tind Sørensen; Paolo Ferrari; Ute Knierim. 2020. "Husbandry Conditions and Welfare Outcomes in Organic Egg Production in Eight European Countries." Animals 10, no. 11: 2102.
Slower-growing broilers on organic farms have replaced fast-growing hybrids to increase bird welfare. Due to limited knowledge of broiler welfare and management on organic farms in Sweden, the study aim was to gather information regarding health, housing and management routines, in order to describe the current situation on these. Farm visits performed in 2018 included 8 out of 12 established organic farms, on which either Rowan Ranger or HubbardJA57/HubbardJA87 were reared. Chickens in the observed flocks were 55 ± 6 (44–62) days of age. Observations included farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, clinical examinations and gait scoring. Clinical examinations revealed no severe remarks, however minor to moderate plumage dirtiness, food pad dermatitis and hock burns were found in 47%, 21% and 13% of the birds, respectively. Although no severe walking impairments were observed, minor to moderate gait abnormalities were seen in two-thirds of the birds. Gait in birds assessed outdoors was significantly better than in birds observed indoors. Body weight uniformity was low in all flocks. This study provides increased knowledge of certain chicken health and welfare aspects, housing and management on Swedish organic farms. Future research should further investigate important aspects related to bird welfare, such as the high mortality rates observed.
Lina Göransson; Jenny Yngvesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. Bird Health, Housing and Management Routines on Swedish Organic Broiler Chicken Farms. Animals 2020, 10, 2098 .
AMA StyleLina Göransson, Jenny Yngvesson, Stefan Gunnarsson. Bird Health, Housing and Management Routines on Swedish Organic Broiler Chicken Farms. Animals. 2020; 10 (11):2098.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLina Göransson; Jenny Yngvesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2020. "Bird Health, Housing and Management Routines on Swedish Organic Broiler Chicken Farms." Animals 10, no. 11: 2098.
Background Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare through reducing tail biting. Straw has previously been identified as one of the means of how to raise pigs without tail docking, through improving natural exploratory behaviour. Straw has however been linked to poor pen hygiene, making farmers reluctant to use straw and has largely not been implemented in commercial farming worldwide. Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare and reduce abnormal behaviour such as tail biting. Results This study investigates the impact of straw on pig and pen hygiene in pens with partly slatted floor in three grower and four finishing pig batches on five commercial farms (2329 pigs, 211 pens) in Sweden which were providing straw daily. Each batch was divided into two treatments; Control: 50-600 g straw/pen/day based on the farm normal straw ration; and Extra straw; (=doubled Control ration). The pens were scored based on cleanliness of the pigs, solid and slatted pen floor every second week. The pig and pen hygiene were mostly scored as clean in both treatments, overall around 1% of the observations were considered dirty/soiled. Conclusions As very few pens or pigs were considered dirty, it was concluded that straw provision is possible without risking poor pig and pen hygiene. Few observations in this study were considered dirty regardless of amount of straw that was provided, and had likely to do with other factors in the production rather than straw ration. These results implies that straw could be used in partly slatted pens in order to improve pig environment but more research is needed to quantify the impact of other external factors related to climate (e.g. temperature, humidity, velocity).
Torun Wallgren; Nils Lundeheim; Stefan Gunnarsson. Impact of amount of straw on pig and pen hygiene in partly slatted flooring systems. BMC Veterinary Research 2020, 16, 1 -10.
AMA StyleTorun Wallgren, Nils Lundeheim, Stefan Gunnarsson. Impact of amount of straw on pig and pen hygiene in partly slatted flooring systems. BMC Veterinary Research. 2020; 16 (1):1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTorun Wallgren; Nils Lundeheim; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2020. "Impact of amount of straw on pig and pen hygiene in partly slatted flooring systems." BMC Veterinary Research 16, no. 1: 1-10.
Dairy cows are able to convert fibrous materials, such as grass, roughage, and by-products from the food industry, into milk and meat, which justifies their role in food production. However, modern dairy farming is associated with major sustainability challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions. In order to develop sustainable future production, it is important to implement existing knowledge and fill knowledge gaps. The aim of this study was to systematically map the scientific literature on environmental, economic, and social sustainability at farm level in dairy farming. Literature published between January 2000 and March 2020 and with the geographical focus on Europe, North America, and Australia–New Zealand was included. In total, the literature search resulted in 169 hits, but after removing duplicates and papers outside the study scope only 35 papers remained. Of these, only 11 dealt with the three dimensions of sustainability, and several of these only mentioned one or two of the dimensions or set them in relation to that/those actually studied. Overall, the selected literature did not clearly explain how aspects of sustainability are interlinked, so possible negative or positive interactions between different aspects of sustainability dimensions remain unidentified.
Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. Research on Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Dairy Farming: A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5502 .
AMA StyleKatarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Helena Hansson, Ulf Sonesson, Stefan Gunnarsson. Research on Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Dairy Farming: A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (14):5502.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2020. "Research on Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability in Dairy Farming: A Systematic Mapping of Current Literature." Sustainability 12, no. 14: 5502.
Despite consumers' belief that access to an outdoor range improves chicken welfare, still little is known about whether this is true and whether individual ranging profiles relate to the birds' welfare. The aim of the present study was to identify and compare welfare issues of the traditional broiler hybrid Sasso and the Polish heritage chicken Green-legged Partridge, having outdoor access, and examine if the birds' welfare status was associated with the ranging profile: outdoor-preferring, moderate-outdoor, and indoor-preferring. In August 2018, 60 non-beak trimmed birds per genetic strain were housed in groups of 10 from weeks 5 to 10, under conditions exceeding EU requirements of organic meat chicken production. Each pen had access to an individual outdoor range that was video-recorded continuously to obtain frequencies of individual birds' use of the ranges. Plumage condition, comb pecking wounds, skin injuries, dirtiness, toe damage, eye pathologies, footpad dermatitis, hock burns, respiratory infections, diarrhea, and walking difficulties were assessed at the end of the experiment. Statistical analysis was conducted applying generalized linear mixed models, with binomial distribution and logit link using SAS software, applying breed and ranging profile as fixed factors and their interaction, with pen as random factor. A tendency for more respiratory infections was observed in Sasso birds from each ranging profile, as compared to matching ranging profiles presented by Green-legged Partridges (outdoor-preferring: P = 0.0012; moderate-outdoor: P < 0.0001; and indoor-preferring: P = 0.0247). Indoor-preferring Green-legged Partridges tended to present more respiratory infections, as compared to the 2 other ranging profiles within the breed (outdoor-preferring: P = 0.0291; moderate-outdoor: P = 0.0448). Regardless of the breed, toe damages were more frequent in indoor-preferring birds, as compared to other ranging profiles (P = 0.017). It remains unknown whether the use of outdoor areas prevents development of welfare issues or if birds with a suboptimal welfare condition become indoor-preferring individuals.
Joanna Marchewka; Patryk Sztandarski; Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek; Krzysztof Damaziak; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja Brinch Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson. Associations between welfare and ranging profile in free-range commercial and heritage meat-purpose chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poultry Science 2020, 99, 4141 -4152.
AMA StyleJoanna Marchewka, Patryk Sztandarski, Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek, Krzysztof Damaziak, Franciszek Wojciechowski, Anja Brinch Riber, Stefan Gunnarsson. Associations between welfare and ranging profile in free-range commercial and heritage meat-purpose chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poultry Science. 2020; 99 (9):4141-4152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanna Marchewka; Patryk Sztandarski; Żaneta Zdanowska-Sąsiadek; Krzysztof Damaziak; Franciszek Wojciechowski; Anja Brinch Riber; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2020. "Associations between welfare and ranging profile in free-range commercial and heritage meat-purpose chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)." Poultry Science 99, no. 9: 4141-4152.
Sow litter sizes have increased recently, and there is a lack of data on the effect of litter size on sow health and sow medical treatment. This study investigated associations between litter size and medical treatment of sows, using data for a 10-year period from one Swedish research farm. The data comprised 1947 litters from 655 Yorkshire sows. Association between litter size and medical treatment of sows during farrowing and lactation investigated using a multivariable multilevel logistic regression model. We found that odds of medical treatment of sows decreased for each additional piglet born up to five piglets (odds ratio 0.50, p = .002). For litter sizes ≥5, the odds for each additional piglet born (odds ratio 1.11, p < .001). Problems with milk let-down in early lactation were the main reason for treatment. Results imply that sows with very small or very large litters may be less profitable.
E. Andersson; J. Frössling; R. Westin; B. Algers; S. Gunnarsson. Associations between litter size and medical treatment of sows during farrowing and lactation. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science 2020, 69, 176 -182.
AMA StyleE. Andersson, J. Frössling, R. Westin, B. Algers, S. Gunnarsson. Associations between litter size and medical treatment of sows during farrowing and lactation. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science. 2020; 69 (3):176-182.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Andersson; J. Frössling; R. Westin; B. Algers; S. Gunnarsson. 2020. "Associations between litter size and medical treatment of sows during farrowing and lactation." Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science 69, no. 3: 176-182.
We systematically mapped the scientific literature on the sustainability of pig production at farm-level. Sustainability was considered holistically, covering its economic, environmental, and social dimensions, each consisting of a broad range of different aspects that may contradict or reinforce each other. Literature published between January 2000 and March 2020 with a geographical focus on Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand was included. A standard template with predefined keywords was used to summarise aspects of each sustainability dimension covered in identified papers. We found that papers analysing environmental sustainability were more frequent than papers analysing economic or social sustainability. However, there are many different aspects within each dimension of sustainability, hampering comparisons between studies. In addition, each dimension of sustainability has many sides, making it difficult to compare different studies, and different dimensions and aspects may have complex interrelations. Our systematic literature review revealed that these interrelations are not well understood and that possible trade-offs or synergies between different aspects of sustainability dimensions remain unidentified. This systematic mapping of the current literature on farm-level sustainability in pig production can support a more informed discussion on knowledge gaps and help prioritise future research at farm-level to enhance sustainability in pig production.
Stefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Torun Wallgren; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson. A Systematic Mapping of Research on Sustainability Dimensions at Farm-level in Pig Production. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4352 .
AMA StyleStefan Gunnarsson, Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Torun Wallgren, Helena Hansson, Ulf Sonesson. A Systematic Mapping of Research on Sustainability Dimensions at Farm-level in Pig Production. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (11):4352.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Torun Wallgren; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson. 2020. "A Systematic Mapping of Research on Sustainability Dimensions at Farm-level in Pig Production." Sustainability 12, no. 11: 4352.
The sustainability of future poultry production needs to be improved in order to meet global challenges. The global chicken population has expanded significantly in recent decades, due to increased human demand for eggs and chicken meat. Therefore, it is critically important to mitigate challenges to the sustainability of modern poultry production, such as pollution, the depletion of finite natural resources and animal welfare issues. This study systematically mapped the scientific literature on farm-level sustainability in egg and chicken meat production. The concept of sustainability was considered holistically, covering its economic, environmental and social dimensions, each consisting of a broad range of different aspects that may contradict or reinforce each other. The literature published between January 2000 and March 2020 with a geographical focus on Europe, North America and Australia–New Zealand, were included. The literature search resulted in a total of 428 hits, but after the exclusion of articles that did not match the scope of the study, only 26 papers remained for the systematic mapping. Of these, only three papers covered all three dimensions of sustainability. Aspects of economic sustainability were addressed in 10 papers, aspects of environmental sustainability in 18 papers, and aspects of social sustainability in 23 papers. The findings in this study are an important foundation for the discussion and prioritisation of future actions to increase knowledge of farm-level sustainability in egg and chicken meat production.
Stefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Lina Göransson; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson. Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Egg and Chicken Meat Production. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3033 .
AMA StyleStefan Gunnarsson, Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Lina Göransson, Helena Hansson, Ulf Sonesson. Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Egg and Chicken Meat Production. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (7):3033.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefan Gunnarsson; Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist; Lina Göransson; Helena Hansson; Ulf Sonesson. 2020. "Systematic Mapping of Research on Farm-Level Sustainability in Egg and Chicken Meat Production." Sustainability 12, no. 7: 3033.
The EU regulation for organic pig production requires outdoor access to promote the animal welfare. This may increase the risk of infection of the common pig parasites, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis, because their eggs can survive for many years in the soil. The egg contamination of these parasites in outdoor areas with different managements and the faecal egg output from the pigs was investigated on 11 Swedish organic pig farms in 2008. We found eggs of A. suum and, to a minor extent, T. suis in the soil from outdoor areas, which had previously been used for pig rearing and/or for spreading of pig manure. Piglets and their dams were turned out on pastures included in a crop rotation, and these areas had a mean of 2500 A. suum and 40 T. suis eggs per kilogram soil. When the pigs were 12-week-old, the faecal egg counts (FECs) of A. suum were positively correlated with the egg concentration in pasture soils before pig turnout. The areas used by dry sows had a mean of 11,700 A. suum and 220 T. suis eggs per kilogram soil. The highest egg concentrations in the soil were found in areas, frequently used by pigs in the most recent years. To minimise pasture contamination with parasite eggs, it is advised to have a crop rotation system and to inactivate parasite eggs in pig manure before spreading it. Parasite control needs further development to protect suckling piglets from infections due to environmental parasite egg contamination.
Kristina Lindgren; Stefan Gunnarsson; Johan Höglund; Cecilia Lindahl; Allan Roepstorff. Nematode parasite eggs in pasture soils and pigs on organic farms in Sweden. Organic Agriculture 2019, 10, 289 -300.
AMA StyleKristina Lindgren, Stefan Gunnarsson, Johan Höglund, Cecilia Lindahl, Allan Roepstorff. Nematode parasite eggs in pasture soils and pigs on organic farms in Sweden. Organic Agriculture. 2019; 10 (3):289-300.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKristina Lindgren; Stefan Gunnarsson; Johan Höglund; Cecilia Lindahl; Allan Roepstorff. 2019. "Nematode parasite eggs in pasture soils and pigs on organic farms in Sweden." Organic Agriculture 10, no. 3: 289-300.
Tail biting is a common issue within commercial pig production. It is mainly an indicator of inadequate housing environment and results in reduced health welfare and production. To reduce the impact of tail biting, pigs are commonly tail docked, without pain relief, within the first week of life. EU Council Directive 2008/120/EC prohibits routine tail docking, but the practice is still widely used in many Member States. Sweden has banned tail docking since 1988 and all pigs have intact tails, yet tail biting is a minor problem. This paper summarises and synthesises experimental findings and practical expertise in production of undocked pigs in Sweden and describes solutions to facilitate a transition to producing pigs with intact tails within intensive pig production in the EU. Swedish pig housing conditions and management differ in many aspects from those in other EU Member States. Swedish experiences show that lower stocking density, provision of sufficient feeding space, no fully slatted flooring, strict maximum levels for noxious gases and regular provision of litter material are crucial for success when rearing pigs with intact tails. To prevent tail biting and to eliminate the need for tail docking, we strongly recommend that EU legislation should more clearly match the biological needs of pigs, as is done in Swedish legislation.
Torun Wallgren; Nils Lundeheim; Anna Wallenbeck; Rebecka Westin; Stefan Gunnarsson. Rearing Pigs with Intact Tails—Experiences and Practical Solutions in Sweden. Animals 2019, 9, 812 .
AMA StyleTorun Wallgren, Nils Lundeheim, Anna Wallenbeck, Rebecka Westin, Stefan Gunnarsson. Rearing Pigs with Intact Tails—Experiences and Practical Solutions in Sweden. Animals. 2019; 9 (10):812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTorun Wallgren; Nils Lundeheim; Anna Wallenbeck; Rebecka Westin; Stefan Gunnarsson. 2019. "Rearing Pigs with Intact Tails—Experiences and Practical Solutions in Sweden." Animals 9, no. 10: 812.
H. Hansson; K. Arvidsson Segerkvist; U. Sonesson; S. Gunnarsson. 5. Sustainability in animal food production – a systematic literature map to identify knowledge gaps. Sustainable governance and management of food systems 2019, 1 .
AMA StyleH. Hansson, K. Arvidsson Segerkvist, U. Sonesson, S. Gunnarsson. 5. Sustainability in animal food production – a systematic literature map to identify knowledge gaps. Sustainable governance and management of food systems. 2019; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleH. Hansson; K. Arvidsson Segerkvist; U. Sonesson; S. Gunnarsson. 2019. "5. Sustainability in animal food production – a systematic literature map to identify knowledge gaps." Sustainable governance and management of food systems , no. : 1.