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The welfare of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats was assessed by measuring trauma detected during veterinary postmortem inspection at slaughterhouses. The subject of this evaluation were all bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine animals slaughtered at Czech slaughterhouses in the monitored period, i.e., a total of 1,136,754 cows, 257,912 heifers, 1,015,541 bulls, 104,459 calves, 586,245 sows, 25,027,303 finisher pigs, 123,191 piglets, 22,815 ewes, 114,264 lambs, 1348 does and 5778 kids. The data on the numbers of traumatic findings were obtained retrospectively from a national veterinary database collecting data from slaughterhouse postmortem examinations. The results showed that findings of trauma were observed at a low frequency in the studied species. Injuries were detected most frequently in cows (1.71%). In contrast, no findings associated with the presence of trauma were recorded in does and kids. From the viewpoint of trauma localization, findings on the limbs were more frequent than findings on the body (p< 0.01). The only exceptions to this were lambs, does and kids, for which there was no statistically significant difference between findings on the limbs and the body (p = 1.00). The results show that housing system (bedding, the presence of slats, floor hardness), transport of animals to the slaughterhouse (moving animals to the vehicle, loading ramps, floors in transport vehicles and the transport of animals itself) and design of the slaughterhouse (unloading ramps, passageways and slaughterhouse floors) have a greater impact on the limbs than the bodies of animals in the majority of species. A difference was also demonstrated in the occurrence of findings of trauma in the limbs and body (p< 0.01) between culled adult animals and fattened animals, namely in cattle and pigs. A difference (p< 0.01) between ewes and lambs was found only in the occurrence of traumatic injury to the limbs. The results showed that fattened animals are affected by the risk of trauma to a lesser extent than both culled adult animals and young animals. Statistically significant differences (p< 0.01) were also found between the studied species and categories of animals. The category most affected from the viewpoint of injury both to the limbs and body was cows. In contrast to cows that are typically reared indoors, the low frequency of traumatic findings was found in small ruminants and in bulls, i.e., animals typically reared outdoors. Assumedly, access to pasture may be beneficial considering the risk of traumatic injury.
Lenka Valkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Michal Kaluza; Daniela Takacova. The Welfare of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs from the Perspective of Traumatic Injuries Detected at Slaughterhouse Postmortem Inspection. Animals 2021, 11, 1406 .
AMA StyleLenka Valkova, Vladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova, Michal Kaluza, Daniela Takacova. The Welfare of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs from the Perspective of Traumatic Injuries Detected at Slaughterhouse Postmortem Inspection. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1406.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLenka Valkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Michal Kaluza; Daniela Takacova. 2021. "The Welfare of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs from the Perspective of Traumatic Injuries Detected at Slaughterhouse Postmortem Inspection." Animals 11, no. 5: 1406.
The performance of stunning in various abattoirs can differ. The aim of the study was to compare the stunning of cattle with a captive bolt in two abattoirs. We monitored the slaughtering skills by measuring the deviation of the location of the stunning shot hole on the skull from the ideal point and further by measuring the angle of inclination of the stunning shot on the skull from the ideal perpendicular angle. We observed the impact of different slaughter skills on the quality of stunning of animals based on the occurrence of failure to achieve motor paralysis after a stun shot. The failure to collapse occurred significantly more frequently (P < 0.05) in abattoir A than in abattoir B. In both abattoirs there was a higher (P < 0.05) number of bulls failing to collapse than in females (cows and heifers). However, the effect of slaughter skills on the occurrence of signs associated with insufficient stunning was not found. The signs occurred in abattoir A and abattoir B to the same extent. In bulls, the number of animals with signs was higher (P < 0.05) than in females in both abattoirs. The results show that insufficient proficiency of skills in stunning cattle with a captive bolt leads to a higher number of animals failing to collapse after a stun shot. The effect of slaughter skills on the occurrence of signs in bulls and females was not proven; however, in bulls a higher incidence of signs was demonstrated than in females.
Vladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová; Josef Kameník; Zuzana Machovcová; Lenka Válková; Martina Volfová; Jarmila Konvalinová. The effect of slaughtering skills on the welfare of cattle during stunning with a captive bolt. Acta Veterinaria Brno 2021, 90, 109 -116.
AMA StyleVladimír Večerek, Eva Voslářová, Josef Kameník, Zuzana Machovcová, Lenka Válková, Martina Volfová, Jarmila Konvalinová. The effect of slaughtering skills on the welfare of cattle during stunning with a captive bolt. Acta Veterinaria Brno. 2021; 90 (1):109-116.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová; Josef Kameník; Zuzana Machovcová; Lenka Válková; Martina Volfová; Jarmila Konvalinová. 2021. "The effect of slaughtering skills on the welfare of cattle during stunning with a captive bolt." Acta Veterinaria Brno 90, no. 1: 109-116.
Vast numbers of crustaceans are produced by aquaculture and caught in fisheries to meet the increasing demand for seafood and freshwater crustaceans. Simultaneously, the public is increasingly concerned about current methods employed in their handling and killing. Recent evidence has shown that decapod crustaceans probably have the capacity to suffer because they show responses consistent with pain and have a relatively complex cognitive capacity. For these reasons, they should receive protection. Despite the large numbers of crustaceans transported and slaughtered, legislation protecting their welfare, by using agreed, standardized methods, is lacking. We review various stunning and killing systems proposed for crustaceans, and assess welfare concerns. We suggest the use of methods least likely to cause suffering and call for the implementation of welfare guidelines covering the slaughter of these economically important animals.
Francesca Conte; Eva Voslarova; Vladimir Vecerek; Robert Elwood; Paolo Coluccio; Michela Pugliese; Annamaria Passantino. Humane Slaughter of Edible Decapod Crustaceans. Animals 2021, 11, 1089 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Conte, Eva Voslarova, Vladimir Vecerek, Robert Elwood, Paolo Coluccio, Michela Pugliese, Annamaria Passantino. Humane Slaughter of Edible Decapod Crustaceans. Animals. 2021; 11 (4):1089.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Conte; Eva Voslarova; Vladimir Vecerek; Robert Elwood; Paolo Coluccio; Michela Pugliese; Annamaria Passantino. 2021. "Humane Slaughter of Edible Decapod Crustaceans." Animals 11, no. 4: 1089.
The aim of the study was to assess post-mortem findings according to their localization and the nature of damage and to assess the standard of health and welfare of farmed rabbits on the basis of these findings. A total of 40,206 pathological findings were recorded in 1,876,929 rabbits slaughtered at slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2019. Pathological findings on the limbs (0.84%), the trunk (0.71%), the kidneys (0.17%), and the liver (0.05%), along with generalized changes (0.37%), occurred most frequently. Findings of traumatic origin dominated among findings on the limbs and trunk, which indicates the inappropriate housing and handling rabbits on farms and during transport. Findings in the kidneys and liver were most often of a chronic nature having an evident correlation with the diet of intensively fed rabbits, with shortcomings in the diet having an impact on the parenchyma with chronic manifestations in the liver and kidneys. Among the generalized findings, multiple abscesses, which were probably associated with the infection of injuries occurring during fattening, and emaciation resulting from current husbandry practices, leading to insufficient feed intake or the development of disease in some individuals, predominated.
Lenka Valkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Veronika Zavrelova; Francesca Conte; Zbynek Semerad. The Health and Welfare of Rabbits as Indicated by Post-Mortem Findings at the Slaughterhouse. Animals 2021, 11, 659 .
AMA StyleLenka Valkova, Vladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova, Veronika Zavrelova, Francesca Conte, Zbynek Semerad. The Health and Welfare of Rabbits as Indicated by Post-Mortem Findings at the Slaughterhouse. Animals. 2021; 11 (3):659.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLenka Valkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Veronika Zavrelova; Francesca Conte; Zbynek Semerad. 2021. "The Health and Welfare of Rabbits as Indicated by Post-Mortem Findings at the Slaughterhouse." Animals 11, no. 3: 659.
Pathological findings in individual classes of cattle were assessed from the viewpoint of their localization and category. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether there are differences in the range and number of findings made between the individual classes of cattle. The results of veterinary inspections on 2,514,666 head of cattle slaughtered in the Czech Republic in the period 2010–2019 were used for the assessment. In terms of localization, the most frequent findings in cows were in the liver and pancreas (46.13%), the urinary tract (40.76%) and the lungs (36.23%). These findings also predominated in heifers and bulls, though they were recorded at lower frequencies (p < 0.01) than in cows. The most frequent pathological changes in heifers and bulls were chronic findings in the lungs (16.09% and 12.27%, respectively). The range of findings in calves differed significantly from other classes of cattle, primarily as the result of respiratory and diarrheal syndrome being the most frequent diseases in calves. Calves were the class of cattle most frequently diagnosed with findings in the lungs (44.89%), as well as other unclassified changes (24.43%) and overall changes (21.55%), which point to a systemic disorder of the organism. The results of this study confirmed the differing states of health in the individual classes of cattle and the differing health issues to which treatment and the prevention of the most frequently occurring infectious and non-infectious diseases must be adapted. Cattle welfare is affected not only by the level of health but also by the herd management and economics. This is confirmed by the range of findings, and the deterioration of living conditions especially in cows, likely because of great intensity of farming, but also in calves which suffered from emaciation or stunted growth.
Michal Kaluza; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. Incidence of Characteristic Findings during Veterinary Carcass Inspections 2010–2019 in the Czech Republic and the Relation to the Level of Health and Welfare of Individual Classes of Cattle. Animals 2021, 11, 537 .
AMA StyleMichal Kaluza, Vladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova, Zbynek Semerad, Annamaria Passantino. Incidence of Characteristic Findings during Veterinary Carcass Inspections 2010–2019 in the Czech Republic and the Relation to the Level of Health and Welfare of Individual Classes of Cattle. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):537.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichal Kaluza; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. 2021. "Incidence of Characteristic Findings during Veterinary Carcass Inspections 2010–2019 in the Czech Republic and the Relation to the Level of Health and Welfare of Individual Classes of Cattle." Animals 11, no. 2: 537.
Recently, in many parts of the world, greater importance has been given to lamb meat as well as to the intensive production of lamb and sheep, due to demand for this type of meat at affordable prices. In Serbia, similar to most European countries, the structure of total sheep meat production comprises about 70% lamb meat and 30% sheep meat. This study assessed resource-based measures on 11 dairy sheep farms and investigated, in a total of 30 lambs, the effects of sex, the presence of bruises and pneumonia in carcasses, and carcass and meat quality. Carcass (carcass length, thigh length, croup width, subcutaneous fat thickness, presence of bruises) and meat quality (pH, temperature, drip, thawing and cooking losses, color, and meat quality classes) traits were measured post mortem. The most common deficiencies on farms were high stocking density, poor hygienic conditions, dirty drinkers, and lack of outdoor access. Regarding sex differences, higher prevalences of carcass bruises and severe pneumonia were recorded in male lambs. Meat pH (pH45min), sensory color score, and prevalence of dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat were higher in lambs with carcass bruises. The occurrence of quality defects (DFD meat) was higher in lambs with severe pneumonia. It can be concluded that it is necessary to improve the welfare conditions on the lamb farms and pre-slaughter conditions in order to achieve better lamb meat quality.
Katarina Nenadovic; Nikola Cobanovic; Marijana Vucinic; Dejan Bugarski; Tomislav Mikus; Eva Voslarova; Manja Zupan-Semrov; Miroslav Kjosevski; Nedjeljko Karabasil. Welfare and meat quality of lambs. Veterinarski glasnik 2021, 6 -6.
AMA StyleKatarina Nenadovic, Nikola Cobanovic, Marijana Vucinic, Dejan Bugarski, Tomislav Mikus, Eva Voslarova, Manja Zupan-Semrov, Miroslav Kjosevski, Nedjeljko Karabasil. Welfare and meat quality of lambs. Veterinarski glasnik. 2021; (00):6-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarina Nenadovic; Nikola Cobanovic; Marijana Vucinic; Dejan Bugarski; Tomislav Mikus; Eva Voslarova; Manja Zupan-Semrov; Miroslav Kjosevski; Nedjeljko Karabasil. 2021. "Welfare and meat quality of lambs." Veterinarski glasnik , no. 00: 6-6.
The standard of the health and welfare of individual categories of cattle was assessed from the viewpoint of intravital pathological changes. The results of veterinary inspections of 2,514,666 head of cattle (1,136,754 cows, 257,912 heifers, 1,015,541 bulls and 104,459 calves) slaughtered in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed. The results show significant differences (p < 0.01) between the categories of cattle in the total numbers of intravital findings. Intravital findings were most frequently recorded in cows (index 2.271) and least frequently recorded in bulls (index 0.479). In all categories of cattle, chronic findings predominated, where the largest number was recorded in cows (index 1.740) and calves (index 0.910). Parasitic and traumatic findings were only detected in low numbers in all categories of cattle. Assessment of the trend in the total number of intravital pathological findings in individual categories of cattle in the monitored period showed an evident fall in heifers (rSp = −0.915, p < 0.01), cows (rSp = −0.806, p < 0.01) and bulls (rSp = −0.636, p < 0.05). In calves, no decreasing trend was found (rSp = −0.382, p > 0.05). The results obtained in this study do not merely reflect the standard of health of the animals slaughtered at abattoirs in the Czech Republic, but also provide a picture of the standard of the living conditions provided by farmers rearing individual categories of cattle.
Michal Kaluza; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. Assessing the Standard of Health and Welfare in Individual Categories of Cattle from the Viewpoint of Intravital Pathological Changes. Agriculture 2020, 10, 619 .
AMA StyleMichal Kaluza, Vladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova, Zbynek Semerad, Annamaria Passantino. Assessing the Standard of Health and Welfare in Individual Categories of Cattle from the Viewpoint of Intravital Pathological Changes. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (12):619.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichal Kaluza; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. 2020. "Assessing the Standard of Health and Welfare in Individual Categories of Cattle from the Viewpoint of Intravital Pathological Changes." Agriculture 10, no. 12: 619.
At any moment, there are millions of cats housed in foster care facilities for abandoned and stray animals for various reasons worldwide. Care, management and regulation among these facilities differ. Moreover, shelters can never substitute the full comfort of a good home for the animal, and the welfare of cats in shelters is a subject of discussion in many respects. Cats are animals sensitive to changes; for most of them, placement in a shelter is a stressful experience because of changes in routine, environment and the presence of other animals. Stress is reflected in changes in behaviour, causes fluctuations in physiological values and disrupts the immune system, which is a predisposition to the development or reactivation of disease. Evaluation of the presence and intensity of negative impacts is possible through the use of evaluation tools based on indicators that help set the environment and management of keeping so as to disrupt the quality of life as little as possible. Although a comprehensive and valid welfare tool that would evaluate animal-based and at the same time resource-based (or management-based) indicators of cats in shelters is not currently available, it is possible to use partial evaluation of individual welfare indicators to assess welfare. This review aims to provide the readers with an insight into current options of assessment of the welfare of cats in shelters with an emphasis on behavioural, physiological and health indicators with an application in both practical and scientific contexts.
Veronika Vojtkovská; Eva Voslářová; Vladimír Večerek. Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review. Animals 2020, 10, 1527 .
AMA StyleVeronika Vojtkovská, Eva Voslářová, Vladimír Večerek. Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review. Animals. 2020; 10 (9):1527.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVeronika Vojtkovská; Eva Voslářová; Vladimír Večerek. 2020. "Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review." Animals 10, no. 9: 1527.
We compared the glucocorticoid concentrations in response to various types of potential stressors present during standard operation of a temporary housing facility between three species, namely, ring-tailed lemurs, collared brown lemurs and white-headed lemurs. The levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) were measured non-invasively on a daily basis during a 30-day period. A total of 510 faecal samples were collected. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured in the obtained extracts by using an enzyme immunoassay. The polyclonal antibodies used in this assay were directed against the metabolite 11-oxo-etiocholanolone I. We found all three monitored lemur species to respond to specific potentially stressful situations by increasing (p < 0.05) the FGM levels within one to two days after the event. Although housed in the same room, differences in response to potentially stressful situations were found in white-headed lemurs compared to ring-tailed lemurs. Increased mean levels of the FGMs were found more frequently in white-headed lemurs than in ring-tailed lemurs. The results suggest that this species may be more sensitive to changes in its surroundings. In general, the levels of the FGMs showed a similar pattern during 30 days of monitoring suggesting that all groups of lemurs responded in a similar manner to the same events. However, we recorded the differences in the absolute values of glucocorticoid concentrations between the monitored species likely due to the differences in sex ratios in the groups and presence of lactating females in the ring-tailed lemurs.
Martina Volfova; Zuzana Machovcova; Eva Voslarova; Iveta Bedanova; Vladimir Vecerek. Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility. Animals 2020, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleMartina Volfova, Zuzana Machovcova, Eva Voslarova, Iveta Bedanova, Vladimir Vecerek. Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility. Animals. 2020; 10 (6):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Volfova; Zuzana Machovcova; Eva Voslarova; Iveta Bedanova; Vladimir Vecerek. 2020. "Comparison of the Glucocorticoid Concentrations between Three Species of Lemuridae Kept in a Temporary Housing Facility." Animals 10, no. 6: 1.
The health and welfare of pigs was evaluated on the basis of the data on patho-anatomic findings obtained during the veterinary examination of pigs slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2017. High numbers of lesions in organs found especially in lungs (finisher pigs 41%, sows 24% and piglets 52%), kidneys (finisher pigs 14%, sows 32% and piglets 15%) and liver (finisher pigs 12%, sows 18% and piglets 19 %) indicate impaired health and welfare of pigs transported for slaughter. The differences in the number of findings between finisher pigs, sows and piglets were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The character of most findings was chronic, which document health and welfare problems occurring on farms as a result of the current pig husbandry. However, acute findings were also detected and indicated processes occurring shortly before and during transport to the slaughterhouse. An important finding is the incidence of parasitic lesions in the liver in finisher pigs (finisher pigs 4%, sows 1% and piglets 1%) that documents persistent occurrence of parasitic invasions on pig farms. Findings of traumatic lesions on limbs in sows and piglets (finisher pigs 0.08%, sows 0.14% and piglets 0.15%) are far below the frequency of the findings in organs; however, their incidence should be further reduced by adjusting the technology of housing, transport and handling. In conclusion, the level of health and related welfare of pigs based on the assessment of post mortem findings in the slaughterhouses vary. Overall, the worst situation is in piglets, followed by sows and the best evaluated are finisher pigs. Post mortem inspection revealed significant numbers of patho-anatomic changes even in pigs considered fit to be transported to the slaughterhouse and slaughtered for human consumption. It is clear that there is still a considerable space for improving the level of health and welfare of the individual categories of pigs.
Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. The Health and Welfare of Pigs from the Perspective of Post Mortem Findings in Slaughterhouses. Animals 2020, 10, 825 .
AMA StyleVladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova, Zbynek Semerad, Annamaria Passantino. The Health and Welfare of Pigs from the Perspective of Post Mortem Findings in Slaughterhouses. Animals. 2020; 10 (5):825.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova; Zbynek Semerad; Annamaria Passantino. 2020. "The Health and Welfare of Pigs from the Perspective of Post Mortem Findings in Slaughterhouses." Animals 10, no. 5: 825.
The effect on motor paralysis of a deviation in the stun shot placement from the ideal point on cattle skulls was monitored in 627 bovine animals (271 bulls and 356 cows) stunned with a captive bolt during slaughter in a slaughterhouse. The number of animals that experienced motor paralysis and the necessary fall of the animal in the stunning box were recorded after the stun shot. Subsequently, the position of the stun shot was measured on the skull of the slaughtered cattle in relation to the ideal point on the skull, and at a deviation from the ideal point, the quadrant on the skull in which the bullet was located was determined. The results show that with the increasing distance of the placement of the stun shot from the ideal point on the skull, the incidence of failure to induce motor paralysis in cattle increases significantly (p < 0.01) from 2.4% (within 3 cm of deviation) to 72.2% (at deviations > 7 cm). There was a significant increase in the failure to induce motor paralysis in bulls as well as in cows, but this was more frequent in bulls regardless of the magnitude of the deviation from the ideal point (with the exception of a distance greater than 7 cm where the chances of inducing motor paralysis in bulls and cows are equally low). The incidence of failure to induce motor paralysis in cattle was not dependent on the placement of a stun shot in various quadrants on the skull. With the increasing deviation in any direction from the ideal point, the likelihood of effective stunning of cattle decreases. The results are important from the animal welfare point of view of the slaughter of cattle, and demonstrate the necessity of optimum placement of the stunning shot on the bovine skull in order to achieve the successful motor paralysis of cattle during their stunning at the slaughterhouse.
Vladimir Vecerek; Josef Kamenik; Eva Voslarova; Martina Volfova; Zuzana Machovcova; Jarmila Konvalinova; Lenka Vecerkova. The Impact of Deviation of the Stun Shot from the Ideal Point on Motor Paralysis in Cattle. Animals 2020, 10, 280 .
AMA StyleVladimir Vecerek, Josef Kamenik, Eva Voslarova, Martina Volfova, Zuzana Machovcova, Jarmila Konvalinova, Lenka Vecerkova. The Impact of Deviation of the Stun Shot from the Ideal Point on Motor Paralysis in Cattle. Animals. 2020; 10 (2):280.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimir Vecerek; Josef Kamenik; Eva Voslarova; Martina Volfova; Zuzana Machovcova; Jarmila Konvalinova; Lenka Vecerkova. 2020. "The Impact of Deviation of the Stun Shot from the Ideal Point on Motor Paralysis in Cattle." Animals 10, no. 2: 280.
Biochemical and hematological examination of blood and individual assessment of the birds were performed in Lohman Brown laying hens at 45 weeks of age housed in different systems. The biochemical examination revealed higher (p < .01) corticosterone levels, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase activity and lower (p < .01) levels of lactate, triglycerides, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus in aviary hens compared to hens housed in furnished cages. Hematological examination of hens housed in aviaries revealed higher (p < .05) hematocrit, leukocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and H/L ratio. Furthermore, hens housed in aviaries had lower (p < .01) body weight than hens in furnished cages, they were worse feathered (p < .001), had more damaged combs (p < .05), and poorer physical condition (p < .01). In contrast, caged hens showed worse (p < .01) feather condition of the wings due to abrasion and claws due to overgrowth. The results have shown that the housing system has a significant impact on the internal environment and condition of birds and that housing in aviaries without taking into account the specifics of such housing may lead to significant stress and disturbance to the welfare of laying hens.
Tereza Krivankova; Eva Voslarova; Vladimir Vecerek; Iveta Bedanova; Jana Blahova; Jan Chloupek. Comparison of selected indices of internal environment and condition of laying hens kept in furnished cages and in aviaries. Animal Science Journal 2020, 91, e13400 .
AMA StyleTereza Krivankova, Eva Voslarova, Vladimir Vecerek, Iveta Bedanova, Jana Blahova, Jan Chloupek. Comparison of selected indices of internal environment and condition of laying hens kept in furnished cages and in aviaries. Animal Science Journal. 2020; 91 (1):e13400.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTereza Krivankova; Eva Voslarova; Vladimir Vecerek; Iveta Bedanova; Jana Blahova; Jan Chloupek. 2020. "Comparison of selected indices of internal environment and condition of laying hens kept in furnished cages and in aviaries." Animal Science Journal 91, no. 1: e13400.
The difference in the frequency of the occurrence of reflexes/reactions in 355 cows (average weight 505.5 ± 7.9 kg) and 262 bulls (average weight 735.6 ± 8.4 kg) following stunning with a Matador SS 3,000 B trigger‐activated captive bolt gun (Termet) was determined. The stun shot more than 2 cm from the ideal position was found in 79.6% of animals. Vocalization, corneal reflex, rhythmic breathing, blinking, eyeball rotation and the absence of tongue protrusion occurred more frequently in bulls (p < .05). Spontaneous limb movements and nystagmus occurred more frequently in cows (p < .05). No difference between bulls and cows was determined in the occurrence of a response to painful stimuli or attempts to regain normal posture. No dependency was determined between the frequency of the occurrence of a reflex/reaction and the distance of the stun shot from the ideal point on the skull for any of the monitored signs. This study shows that the occurrence of reflexes/reactions following the stunning of cattle with a captive bolt is not only dependent on the position of the shot if placed within a 9 cm radius from the ideal point on the cattle skull.
Vladimir Vecerek; Josef Kamenik; Eva Voslarova; Lenka Vecerkova; Zuzana Machovcova; Martina Volfova; Jarmila Konvalinova. The occurrence of reflexes and reactions in cattle following stunning with a captive bolt at the slaughterhouse. Animal Science Journal 2020, 91, e13373 .
AMA StyleVladimir Vecerek, Josef Kamenik, Eva Voslarova, Lenka Vecerkova, Zuzana Machovcova, Martina Volfova, Jarmila Konvalinova. The occurrence of reflexes and reactions in cattle following stunning with a captive bolt at the slaughterhouse. Animal Science Journal. 2020; 91 (1):e13373.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimir Vecerek; Josef Kamenik; Eva Voslarova; Lenka Vecerkova; Zuzana Machovcova; Martina Volfova; Jarmila Konvalinova. 2020. "The occurrence of reflexes and reactions in cattle following stunning with a captive bolt at the slaughterhouse." Animal Science Journal 91, no. 1: e13373.
The number of patho-anatomic findings detected during the veterinary examination of slaughtered pigs was analyzed. From 2010 to 2017, a total of 20 550 072 finisher pigs, 484 710 sows, and 94 279 piglets were slaughtered in the Czech Republic. By comparing the overall amount of patho-anatomic findings expressed as an index of the ratio of the number of findings to the number of slaughtered animals, the highest incidence of patho-anatomic findings was determined in piglets (index 1.52), followed by sows (index 1.23), and the lowest in finisher pigs (index 0.81). The most numerous was the occurrence of chronic findings (finisher pigs: index 0.724%, sows: 0.926, piglets: 0.877). Furthermore, a high frequency of acute findings was found (finisher pigs: index 0.037, sows: 0.207, piglets: 0.373). The findings of traumatic and parasitic nature were significantly (P < 0.001) lower than those of chronic and acute character. The differences in the total number of findings and in the number of findings by the type of damage were significant (P < 0.001) between the individual pig categories. The results show that the worst health condition was observed in piglets, followed by sows, and the best in finisher pigs. Furthermore, the number of findings was significantly decreasing in finisher pigs (r = -0.7143, P = 0.047); no significant change was found in sows (r = -0.643, P = 0.086); however, it was significantly increasing in piglets (r = +0.857, P = 0.007). Therefore, there is a particular need for health improvement in piglets and also in sows.
Vladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová; Zbyněk Semerád. Patho-anatomic findings in finisher pigs, sows, and piglets detected during veterinary slaughterhouse inspection. Acta Veterinaria Brno 2020, 89, 341 -347.
AMA StyleVladimír Večerek, Eva Voslářová, Zbyněk Semerád. Patho-anatomic findings in finisher pigs, sows, and piglets detected during veterinary slaughterhouse inspection. Acta Veterinaria Brno. 2020; 89 (4):341-347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová; Zbyněk Semerád. 2020. "Patho-anatomic findings in finisher pigs, sows, and piglets detected during veterinary slaughterhouse inspection." Acta Veterinaria Brno 89, no. 4: 341-347.
The transport of end-of-lay hens for slaughter presents a particular cause for concern in relation to hen welfare due to their less robust condition. During the period of 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017, 17,436,074 end-of-lay hens transported for slaughter in 3,144 consignments were monitored, i.e., all hens transported from Czech farms to slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic in the monitored period. The overall mortality of hens during transport for slaughter was 0.516%. A significant (P < 0.05) impact of outside temperature and month of the year on transport-related mortality was found. Lower outside temperature was connected with the increased hen mortality and vice versa. Correspondingly, more deaths of end-of-lay hens occurred in the cold winter months of January (0.717%) and December (0.695%); on the contrary, the lowest death rates were recorded in August (0.364%). Differences were also found when comparing transport-related mortality rates according to the transport distance. The lowest mortality (0.338%) was found in hens transported for distances up to 50 km; longer distances were associated with increasing (P < 0.05) death rates, with the greatest losses (0.801%) recorded for distances from 201 to 300 km. These findings document the need for increased care for end-of-lay hens during their transport for slaughter in the winter at lower outside transport temperatures, in particular below 0°C (e.g., by adequate temperature regulation in the means of transport), and of hens transported over longer distances (if the transport distance cannot be reduced).
Lenka Vecerkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova. Welfare of end-of-lay hens transported for slaughter: effects of ambient temperature, season, and transport distance on transport-related mortality. Poultry Science 2019, 98, 6217 -6224.
AMA StyleLenka Vecerkova, Vladimir Vecerek, Eva Voslarova. Welfare of end-of-lay hens transported for slaughter: effects of ambient temperature, season, and transport distance on transport-related mortality. Poultry Science. 2019; 98 (12):6217-6224.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLenka Vecerkova; Vladimir Vecerek; Eva Voslarova. 2019. "Welfare of end-of-lay hens transported for slaughter: effects of ambient temperature, season, and transport distance on transport-related mortality." Poultry Science 98, no. 12: 6217-6224.
We have investigated the health condition of laying hens on the basis of patho-anatomic findings obtained during the veterinary inspection after slaughter. To assess the severity of the health condition of laying hens, we compared the incidence of findings with the findings in broiler chickens and turkeys. In the period from 2010 to 2017, 17,346,183 laying hens, 887,994,167 broiler chickens, and 919,843 turkeys were transported from Czech farms to slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic. The competent veterinary authority in the Czech Republic (the State Veterinary Administration) carried out a veterinary inspection of these birds slaughtered in the slaughterhouse and recorded the patho-anatomic findings. From the recorded data, the number of patho-anatomic findings (intravital origin) of the organs and parts of the bodies (liver, intestines, lungs, heart, spleen, genital tract, urinary system, CNS, skin, head, body, limbs, and whole animal) were analysed. We found increased patho-anatomic findings in the liver (26.76%) and limbs (6.03%) in hens, and also high numbers of findings in the category of total findings (1.57%) were detected. In liver findings, chronic findings (22.09%) were prevailing over the acute findings (4.67%), compared to broiler chickens (chronic 0.04%, acute 0.03%) and turkeys (chronic 1.90%, acute 0.00%). The differences between hens, broilers, and turkeys were significant (P < 0.001). The incidence of traumatic, chronic, and acute findings in hens (3.88%, 1.71%, and 0.44%, respectively) was higher (P < 0.001) in the case of the legs, compared with broiler chickens (0.02%, 0.08%, and 0.02%, respectively) and turkeys (0.27%, 0.23%, and 0.05%, respectively). The results show that the health condition of laying hens is significantly worse than in case of broiler chickens and turkeys, especially in the impact on the liver due to the likely effect of nutrition not corresponding to the intensity of the production of laying hens, and the impact on the limbs due in particular to traumatic changes caused by inappropriate transport handling and inadequate conditions (especially cage housing) of laying hens.
Vladimir Vecerek; Lenka Vecerkova; Eva Voslarova. Comparison of the frequency of patho-anatomic findings in laying hens with findings in broiler chickens and turkeys detected during post-mortem veterinary inspection. Poultry Science 2019, 98, 5385 -5391.
AMA StyleVladimir Vecerek, Lenka Vecerkova, Eva Voslarova. Comparison of the frequency of patho-anatomic findings in laying hens with findings in broiler chickens and turkeys detected during post-mortem veterinary inspection. Poultry Science. 2019; 98 (11):5385-5391.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVladimir Vecerek; Lenka Vecerkova; Eva Voslarova. 2019. "Comparison of the frequency of patho-anatomic findings in laying hens with findings in broiler chickens and turkeys detected during post-mortem veterinary inspection." Poultry Science 98, no. 11: 5385-5391.
Animal protection, which also comprises the subject of abandoned and stray animals, has become a pressing and widely discussed topic. The aim of this study was to compare dogs and cats from two shelters in a selected region of the Czech Republic, based on factors that affect the length of stay. The following factors were analyzed: outcome, sex, age, and purebred status. A total of 419 cats and 2580 dogs housed in the monitored shelters from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The results show that dogs (n = 1343; 52.1%) are returned to their owners significantly more often (p < 0.001) than cats (n = 10; 2.4%). Dogs stayed in the shelter significantly (p < 0.001) less time than cats regardless of the outcome (the median length of stay of dogs were 3 days, while that of cats was 51 days). Also the length of stay in the shelter until adoption is shorter in dogs than in cats (dogs: median 27 days; cats: median 53 days). Median length of stay tended to increase with the increasing age in both species. Monitored age categories of dogs and cats differed significantly (p < 0.05) in their median length of stay (LOS) until adoption. We found that purebred status does not affect the length of stay in the shelter until adoption, either in dogs or in cats. Overall, our results suggest that dogs are preferred over cats in the Czech Republic. Shelter operators should take into account this aspect affecting animal adoption. By targeted efforts and education of public, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects of favoring a certain category of animals over others.
Veronika Vojtkovská; Eva Voslářová; Vladimír Večerek. Comparison of Outcome Data for Shelter Dogs and Cats in the Czech Republic. Animals 2019, 9, 595 .
AMA StyleVeronika Vojtkovská, Eva Voslářová, Vladimír Večerek. Comparison of Outcome Data for Shelter Dogs and Cats in the Czech Republic. Animals. 2019; 9 (9):595.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVeronika Vojtkovská; Eva Voslářová; Vladimír Večerek. 2019. "Comparison of Outcome Data for Shelter Dogs and Cats in the Czech Republic." Animals 9, no. 9: 595.
The strengthening of the bond between humans and animals has changed the landscape of the veterinary profession. This has, in turn, led the legal system to assess damages in veterinary malpractice and liability cases more carefully, paying attention to the possibility of using clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to prove whether the defendant veterinarian contravened or not the standard of care. In this era of evidence-based veterinary medicine, CPGs are becoming an integral part of many aspects of veterinary practice, even if CPGs do not have the force of law and are situated halfway between ethical rules and legal requirements. Although guidelines have been used for several years, there seems to be a general lack of recognition of the medical and legal ramifications of CPGs for veterinarians. This creates ambiguity and inconsistency in the care that veterinary practitioners provide, compromises the care animals receive, and prevents the courts from assessing veterinarian competence in a systematic and rational way. On the basis of these considerations, this article discusses the legal implications of CPGs in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats and explores how the law may treat CPGs in the future. Redefining the CPGs should be a priority for veterinary profession. NOTE: The authors chose to use the terms "companion animal," "pet," and "small animal" interchangeably throughout this article, as all three are commonly in use and refer to the same animals (dogs and cats).
Michela Pugliese; Eva Voslarova; Vito Biondi; Annamaria Passantino. Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Opinion of the Legal Implication to Veterinary Medicine. Animals 2019, 9, 577 .
AMA StyleMichela Pugliese, Eva Voslarova, Vito Biondi, Annamaria Passantino. Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Opinion of the Legal Implication to Veterinary Medicine. Animals. 2019; 9 (8):577.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichela Pugliese; Eva Voslarova; Vito Biondi; Annamaria Passantino. 2019. "Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Opinion of the Legal Implication to Veterinary Medicine." Animals 9, no. 8: 577.
A retrospective analysis of dog adoption records was performed with the aim to determine the differences in preferences of male and female adopters in the Czech Republic. From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016, 955 dogs were adopted out of a selected shelter. Significantly (P = 0.03) more dogs were adopted by women than by men (52.6% vs 47.4%, respectively). No preference (P = 0.06) for adopting a dog of the same or opposite sex as the adopter’s was found. Women adopted more (P = 0.02) small dogs and men more (P = 0.004) large dogs, while the adoption rate of medium dogs did not differ (P = 0.16) between men and women. Significantly more (P = 0.05) older dogs were adopted by women than by men. With the exception of brown dogs (adopted more often by women) and black dogs with dark markings (adopted more often by men), dogs with different coat colors were adopted equally by men and women. No difference was found between the ratio of crossbred and purebred dogs adopted by men and women. This study fills gaps in scientific knowledge on adopters’ preferences. Women are more willing to adopt dogs including those that may require special care (older dogs). However, women are less likely to adopt large dogs. The lower number of male adopters may be the reason why large dogs are often reported to be difficult to rehome. To remedy this, shelter operators should explore ways how to address men if they have large dogs available for adoption.
Barbora Vodičková; Vladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová. The effect of adopter’s gender on shelter dog selection preferences. Acta Veterinaria Brno 2019, 88, 93 -101.
AMA StyleBarbora Vodičková, Vladimír Večerek, Eva Voslářová. The effect of adopter’s gender on shelter dog selection preferences. Acta Veterinaria Brno. 2019; 88 (1):93-101.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbora Vodičková; Vladimír Večerek; Eva Voslářová. 2019. "The effect of adopter’s gender on shelter dog selection preferences." Acta Veterinaria Brno 88, no. 1: 93-101.
The aim of this study was to assess behavioural and glucocorticoid changes in black-and-white ruffed lemur females transported for breeding purposes between Czech ZOOs. The frequency of the presented behaviour elements was recorded via direct observation. The faecal samples were collected from the floor and subsequently the faecal glucocorticoid values were determined using specifically designed assays for faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis. While the frequency of certain comfort behaviour patterns decreased (P < 0.05) in response to transport and change of the environment, grooming, resting, sleeping as well as playful behaviour (chasing, climbing) were not affected (P > 0.05). No changes were found in the frequency of behaviour connected to metabolic events with the exception of defecation. Lemur females defecated more frequently (P < 0.05) in their new environment. The frequency of neither fear nor exploratory behaviour differed (P > 0.05) before and after transport. The positive effect of the novelty was shown by the reduction (P < 0.01) of behavioural signs of frustration and stereotypical behaviour after transport. In response to transport, a significant (P < 0.05) increase of FGM levels was found the second day after the transport, reaching peak levels in the morning and starting to decline to baseline levels in the afternoon. The results of both behaviour and adrenocortical activity analysis suggest that despite some presented changes in the monitored indices prior and after transport, the transportation under the studied conditions presented only a mild stressor with limited behavioural and glucocorticoid responses.
Martina Volfová; Zuzana Machovcová; Franz Schwarzenberger; Eva Voslářová; Iveta Bedáňová; Vladimír Večerek. The effects of transport stress on the behaviour and adrenocortical activity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Acta Veterinaria Brno 2019, 88, 85 -92.
AMA StyleMartina Volfová, Zuzana Machovcová, Franz Schwarzenberger, Eva Voslářová, Iveta Bedáňová, Vladimír Večerek. The effects of transport stress on the behaviour and adrenocortical activity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Acta Veterinaria Brno. 2019; 88 (1):85-92.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Volfová; Zuzana Machovcová; Franz Schwarzenberger; Eva Voslářová; Iveta Bedáňová; Vladimír Večerek. 2019. "The effects of transport stress on the behaviour and adrenocortical activity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata)." Acta Veterinaria Brno 88, no. 1: 85-92.