bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of housing research on welfare legislation
Authors: Edwards S. A. , Robertson J. , Kelly M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe design and management of housing play a major rôle in the welfare of most farm animal species and are implicated in all of the ‘five freedoms’. Housing has always been an aspect of livestock production systems which is readily amenable to legislation and the majority of current UK (and EU) welfare legislation relates generally or specifically to housing. An area of concern in current legislation is the tendency to legislate on housing systems rather than animal state, which leads to disagreements in interpretation and anomalies in implementation. Housing legislation is furthest advanced in the simple-stomached species, rather than in ruminant species which have traditionally been farmed more extensively. However, issues of housing and welfare certainly require to be addressed in other species. Whilst scientific research does underlie many of the existing housing regulations, it has not always been correctly interpreted or sensibly applied. Many dilemmas exist when overviewing the balance of scientific evidence relating to contentious housing systems in all species. In many areas, requirements of quality assurance schemes are now more rigorous and wide reaching than legislation but these are not always based on scientific evidence. However, many component-specific recommendations have been scientifically established and animal welfare could be significantly improved by their application. In the future, advances in fundamental science are needed to better establish legislative criteria. Applied scientists should continue to be used as independent advisers in consideration of future legislation and should be more proactive in information transfer outwith the normal scientific media.
Too cramped for comfort? Constraints on the Government's room to manoeuvre
Authors: Radford M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTraditionally, the UK parliament has been legislatively supreme: it can pass or repeal whatever measure it wishes. Membership of the European Community and the World Trade Organization has fundamentally changed this situation. Parliament and government are both constrained in what they may do if their action would conflict with the principle of free trade, to the extent that, under EC law, the domestic courts may override the will of Parliament. Provisions which allow nations to introduce restrictions in order to protect public morality, or the life and health of animals, have not been effective in providing a basis for the introduction of animal protection measures. Amendments to the Treaty of Rome, recognizing the sentiency of animals, is an advance, but what difference it will make in practice is as yet unclear. The apparent inability of a nation state to give effect to the will of its citizens raises important constitutional issues: it has serious implications for democracy and the rule of law and undermines the legitimacy of the political process.
Causal factors of equine stereotypy
Authors: McBride S D , Hemmings A 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe commonality in neural mechanism (transmitter and brain region) underpinning stereotypy and that associated with motivation of goaldirected behaviours lends support to the idea that the former is derived from the latter. Hughes and Duncan postulated this theory behaviourally within their proposed 1988 model of motivation. This review re–interprets the Hughes and Duncan model to neurochemically describe the motivational development of stereotypic behaviour in the horse.
Factors influencing placental and fetal development in the mare: important considerations for the selection of embryo recipients
Authors: Wilsher S , Allen W R 
Published: June 2019

In mammals the placenta is the vehicle for nutritional and gaseous exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations during pregnancy. The allantochorionic placenta of equids is classified as non–deciduate, non–invasive, epitheliochorial and diffuse and, as such, equine placentation demands fetomaternal interdigitation over the entire endometrial surface to optimise fetal development in utero. Any shortcomings are reflected by slower growth and delayed maturation of the fetus.This requirement for an unabbreviated area of placental attachment is emphasised by the inability of mares to carry twin conceptuses to term due to simple competition between the two placentae for the limited area of endometrium which results in progressive starvation of one or both fetuses (Jeffcott and Whitwell, 1973). In addition, age–related chronic degenerative changes in the mare's endometrium (endometrosis) may compromise the uterine environment during pregnancy and Bracher et al. (1996) showed a close relationship between the health of the endometrium, the normality of structure and the density of the microcotyledons on the surface of the allantochorion, and fetal weight.
Tubule density at different sample sites around theStratum mediumof horse hoof horn
Authors: Hopegood L , Abraham D , Shervey C 
Published: June 2019

Microscopic analysis shows that equine hoof wall is composed of distinct phases of tubular and intertubular horn. The tubule density (TD) of hoof horn is found by ascertaining the number of tubules per unit area and is believed to relate to mechanical properties, resistance to wear, “quality”, hardness and moisture content. The straight grid previously used to ascertain the TD of hoof horn may omit certain tubules on both the inner and outer hoof wall as the wall itself is curved. This present study examined whether there was a significant difference in results for TD between using the conventional straight grid method and a novel method using a curved grid. TD was also compared across three sample sites. An analysis of TD from four equal sections (zones) across the hoof wall was also carried out.The left fore feet of 10 randomly selected slaughterhouse horses and ponies were used to provide hoof samples.
Characterisation of the WSC fraction of six species of temperate pasture grass
Authors: Ince J. C. , Longland A. C. , Cairns A. J. , Moore–Colyer M. 
Published: June 2019

The carbohydrate (CHO) fraction of pasture grasses is a major source of energy for many domestic herbivores. However, the amounts, and types, of the water–soluble carbohydrate (WSC) fraction (i.e. glucose, fructose, sucrose, and polymers of sucrose and fructose, the fructans) present in such grasses, varies with species and environmental conditions. As the WSC constitute a highly digestible, energy yielding fraction of grasses, it is important to be able to measure their levels in a sward so that the diets of pastured animals may be designed to elicit optimal health and productivity. The aim of this study was to characterise the WSC profile of six UK pasture grasses, and to develop a technique for extracting the fructan portion of the WSC.Six species of UK pasture grasses [Cocksfoot (C), Timothy (T), Meadow Fescue (M), Italian Ryegrass (IR), Perennial Ryegrass (PR) and Hybrid Ryegrass (HR)] were grown in experimental field plots at IGER.
Conservation of farm animal genetic resources - a UK national view
Authors: Mansbridge R.J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn 2003 the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) celebrated its 30th anniversary and is now widely recognised as the national non-governmental organisation responsible for rare breeds of farm livestock in the UK. No breed of farm animal has been lost since 1973 and there are now 72 breeds which meet the Trust's criteria for recognition as a rare breed. These criteria, which are regularly reviewed, take into consideration how long the breed has existed, the number of adult females and geographic distribution. With one or two notable exceptions, the breeds listed by the Trust have built up numbers and have become well distributed. However, all rare breeds still face an uncertain future but their greatest enemy is no longer immediate extinction but extinction by stealth. The sustained downward pressure on livestock farming in the UK, National and European government legislation, loss of genetic diversity and public indifference make a dangerous combination.So what can an organisation like the RBST do, funded entirely by membership subscriptions, donations and legacies? The answer is a great deal! Firstly, we need to make people care, so that Governments and legislators listen and consider the implications of new (and existing) legislation on rare breeds. There is strong evidence that where people are seen to care, then government does listen to ‘umbrella’ organisations like the RBST lobbying on behalf of a small and sometimes fragmented sector of the industry. Widespread concern during the early days of the recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemic in the UK enabled the Trust to secure unprecedented exemption for rare breeds of sheep and pigs from contiguous culls. However, unlike captive zoo collections or wild populations, the individual cattle, horse/ponies, pigs, poultry and sheep/goats belong to individual breeders! Without their support, co-operation and participation, progress can be difficult and slow.This national role, to be effective and comprehensive, must be grounded in sound science, reliable technical data and impartial information. The Trust now has the expertise and the tools to quantify the genetic diversity in rare breeds while offering practical solutions to some of the problems facing rare breeds. The RBST is doing a great deal but there is still much to do. The next 30 years promise to be as important in securing the future of the UK's rare breeds of farm livestock as the first 30 years were in rescuing them from extinction.
Experiences from plant GR conservation
Authors: Ambrose M.J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThere is a long history in the UK of procuring and maintaining plant genetic resources for curiosity, novelty, taxonomic reference or direct utilisation. This paper describes the evolution, the current structures and the processes involved in plant genetic resource activities in the UK, and discusses similarities and differences in the issues in and approaches to plant and animal genetic resources conservation and utilisation.
Role of reproductive biotechnologies: global perspective, current methods and success rates
Authors: Thibier M. , Humblot P. , Guerin B. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractArtificial Insemination (AI), the first generation of Reproductive Biotechnologies (RB), is widely used in cattle with more than 110 million females, accounting for 20% of the total global population of breeding females, inseminated annually. There is still great potential for expansion, but further increases will depend on improved conception rates on commercial premises. AI is also used in sheep and goats but to a much lesser extent. AI in pigs has become increasing popular in recent years (close to 50%) with further expansion (around 10% or more) expected in the next decade. The major challenge for AI in the years to come is to reduce the cost of the offspring that are produced. Irrespective of the species, the key element determining this cost is the percentage of inseminations that result in viable offspring. In vivo collected embryo transfer has also been widely used across the world but to a much lesser extent than AI. In cattle around 500,000 embryos are transferred annually, generating an active international exchange of germplasm. Technical limitations associated with variability in superovulatory responses between individuals will limit further uptake of this technology. In contrast, in vitro embryo production, particularly in the bovine, has greater potential for expansion due to its ability to (1) generate a large number of offspring, (2) reduce costs of embryo production, (3) facilitate adoption of nuclear transfer and transgenesis and (4) regulate and minimise potential hazards associated with disease transmission. A remaining factor limiting uptake of this technology is the achievement of satisfactory pregnancy rates following the transfer of cryopreserved embryos, although recent developments suggest these problems can be overcome. Nuclear transfer and transgenesis present numerous opportunities for genetic conservation, but are still very much at the experimental stage. Genetically modified animals may only be tolerated by society if they lead to benefits in human health or to the environment. Emphasis should be directed to disease resistance in relation to both animal and zoonotic diseases.
The role of rare and traditional breeds in conservation: the Grazing Animals Project
Authors: Small R.W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe landscape of the UK has been largely determined by past agricultural practices that have given rise to a range of anthropogenic habitats much valued by conservationists. Many of these have been created by, or for, grazing livestock. The suggestion that grazing and browsing animals were instrumental in ‘cyclical succession’ in the preagricultural period is also gaining ground. For these reasons the use of grazing animals in the management of conservation sites has become more common. Since its foundation in 1997 the Grazing Animals Project (GAP) has promoted and facilitated the use of grazing livestock in management of habitats for conservation.In 2001 GAP produced, in consultation with animal welfare organizations, A Guide to Animal Welfare in Nature Conservation Grazing. The practical advice in, and approach of, this document is potentially invaluable not only to conservation managers and graziers but also to all keepers of livestock. Another GAP publication, the Breeds Profiles Handbook, gives brief descriptions of 55 breeds of livestock known, or anticipated, to be of value in conservation grazing. Many of these are rare or traditional breeds, as these have the characteristics that enable the stock to thrive on the nutritionally relatively poor forage afforded by many conservation sites. These characteristics are often identified as ‘hardiness’ and ‘thriftiness’, but are poorly defined except through the practical experience of conservation managers.Conservation grazing is a relatively new niche, and one that cannot be filled by modern breeds or strains adapted to high-input, high-output systems. It is, therefore, a great opportunity for rare and traditional breeds, many of which developed in parallel with habitats now appreciated for their conservation value. This applies not only in the UK but also in other European countries. Moreover, recent developments, such as English Nature's Traditional Breeds Incentive for Sites of Special Scientific Interest, several grazing projects funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Limestone Country Life Project, suggest that this niche is no longer confined to nature reserves.Conservation grazing can contribute to genetic conservation by:•Enabling an increase in numbers and wider distribution of rare and traditional breeds.•Allowing breeders to identify, and select, those individuals that fare best under relatively austere conditions.•Providing an outlet, or providing additional grazing, for stock that could not otherwise be kept.•Providing a market for good animals without reference to the showring.•Providing a refuge for rare breeds from threats such as that posed by the National Scrapie Plan.
Use of molecular genetic techniques: a case study on the Iberian pig
Authors: Toro M.A. , Alves E. , Barragán C. , Castellanos C. , Fabuel E. , Fernández A. , Ovilo C. , Rodríguez M.C. , Silió L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe usefulness of molecular genetic markers as a tool for the conservation, characterisation and differentiation of domestic animal populations are shown in the following text, that summarises diverse applications to Iberian pigs.
Genetic improvement and relative evaluation of competition performance within the UK sport horse population
Authors: Whitaker T.C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA summary of the current position of UK sport horse breeding is given in relation to genetic improvement within a commonly applied breeding scheme. Using event horse breeding as the example, rates of gain are shown to be extremely slow, at less than 1 point gain per generations. In order to ascertain the reasons for slow progress, stallion usage and impact on the population is investigated. The study highlights that currently, elite sires are having a very limited effect on the rate of gain. Further investigation of performance recording and analysis systems is therefore undertaken whilst considering the following three issues: 1 Our limited knowledge of environmental effect on performance. 2) the subjective nature of evaluation techniques and 3) the questionable link between performance and pedigree. The study concludes that limited knowledge of environmental effect on performance, poor linkage of pedigree and performance data and poor application of breed improvement strategies have led to extremely slow rates of genetic gain within the UK event horse population.
Equine behavioural science: perspectives on problems
Authors: Randle H. 
Published: June 2019

It is crucial to emphasise the importance of a sound scientific underpinning in the tackling of equine problems and regulation of those who treat equines. It is becoming increasingly common for two types of ‘practitioner’ to be consulted by owners of horses experiencing some kind of behavioural problem, namely Horse Whisperers (HWs) and Horse Behaviour Advisors (HBAs).Throughout this paper HWs are considered to be those who can ‘communicate with an equine, in a para–normal, gifted manner’, whilst HBAs are considered to be those who ‘advise on horse behaviour, especially problem behaviour’. The commonly used term ‘Horse Behaviourist’ has deliberately not been used as it is technically incorrect. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of psychology and learning theory will know that behaviourists are proponents of ‘behaviourism’ – a particular way of explaining learning. It is not a generic term referring to the study of animal behaviour – that is ‘ethology’. Worryingly today the term ‘ethology’ is being employed as a marketing tool.
In vivo foregut digestion of starch-based concentrate feeds in horses using the mobile bag technique
Authors: Moore-Colyer M.J.S. , Clercq T. , Julliand V. , Drogoul C. 
Published: June 2019

Metabolic disorders from poor foregut digestion of starch-based concentrate feeds are one of the most serious challenges that face today’s horse owners. Although there are many different cereal and legume-based concentrates used to formulate compound horse feeds in Europe relatively little is known about their in vivo foregut digestibility. While Meyer et al (1993) has examined the effects of processing on digestibility, there is no published data comparing the in vivo foregut digestibility of a wide range of concentrates. Therefore this study sought to determine the digestibility of 20 different starch rich feeds in the foregut of horses using the mobile bag technique.Four mature geldings (BW ranging from 395 to 478 kg) fitted with caecal and colonic cannulae, were maintained in individual stalls, where water was available ad libitum and fed a diet of pellets and straw. The pelleted feed, fed at 0.8% BW/d, contained 14% fibre, 13% crude protein, 3.2% fat and 8.7% ash. This feed was equally divided and offered at 8am and 5pm.
Positive and negative trends in biometrical changes among Arabian horses bred in Poland
Authors: Pieszka M. , Kulisa M. , Luszczynski J. , Dlugosz B. , Makiela K. 
Published: June 2019

As a result of long-term work by Polish breeders the special type called ‘Polish type’ of Arabian horses has been created. Polish Arabians differ from their ancestors who were bred by Bedouins in the deserts of Arabia. The main differences are slightly more height, better stature and correct conformation. The process of Arabian improvement is on going and must be adapted to modern trends and conditions which is reflected in changes of biometric parameters (Budzynski et al., 1976). Height at withers HW (cm), girth circumference GC (cm) and cannon bone circumference CC (cm) are basic measurements that make it possible to compare horses born at different times and in different studs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in biometric parameters of Arabian horses bred in Poland after the World War II until now.This study used data concerning basic measurements (HW, GC and CC) of 1218 Arabian horses (1076 mares and 142 stallions measured at 5 years of life) used in Polish state breeding after the World War II.
Dependence between ‘heat diarrhoea’ traits in foals and mares’ milk composition
Authors: Pieszka M. , Kulisa M. 
Published: June 2019

Growth and development of foals is highly influenced by different factors during the period they spend with their mothers. One of the most interesting and not really recognised phenomena is first foals’ diarrhoea called ‘heat diarrhoea’ or ‘heat scours’. This diarrhoea occurs during first 2-3 weeks after birth in most of horse breeds (Deskur et al. 1978, Gustafsson 1998). Until today there is no exact explanation of this phenomenon – most vets describe it as a pathological infection due to viruses or bacteria, parasitologists explain it as an early invasion of some nematodes, physiologists describe it as a result of changes in intestines and breeders clarify it as a result of changing in mare's milk composition related to her heat. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between first diarrhoea occurrence, its duration and intensity and mares’ milk composition.The research was carried out on 30 Arabian mares and their foals. Milk samples were collected to evaluate the main components and macroelements.
Quality assurance in the management of chronic disease
Authors: Petrie J. C. 
Published: June 2019

SynopsisThis chapter focuses on application of quality assurance procedures to the management of patients with chronic diseases. The three principal themes developed are amongst the most central to effective and efficient long-term management, namely medical information systems, clinical guidelines and protocols, and patient and clinical outcomes.The present state of play of the three themes is outlined, potential methodologies and technology to apply quality assurance techniques are described, and some implementation strategies for the management of chronic disease are described.Consideration of these topics strongly suggests that quality assurance must have a high profile in the care of patients with chronic diseases. Purchasers of care now have to be confident that adequate quality assurance policies are in place. Providers of care also recognise that quality control has to be implicit in their daily practice and that quality assessment of the service that they provide is an acceptable and necessary exercise. The challenge is to involve the professions and the patient in the process of quality assurance and to prove that it is a cost-effective tool in achieving such benefits as may, or may not, be identified in the care of patients with chronic diseases.
Quality assurance in maternity care
Authors: Hall Marion H. , Currell Rosemary 
Published: June 2019

SynopsisThe quality of care for pregnant women and their babies must be a high priority to ensure the health of future generations. Unique features are the need to deal with at least two ‘patients’, that the process of parturition is usually normal, and that there is a long history of incorporating women's views into definitions of good care. Methods of assessing structure, process and outcome of care are described, and the limited evidence of their efficacy in improving care. High-quality care in the future will require collaboration between women, midwives, family doctors and obstetricians.