bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on variations in pig blood temperature measured at exsanguination
Authors: Brown SN , Knowles TG , Wilkins LJ , Pope SJ , Kettlewell PJ , Chadd SA , Warriss PD 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the temperature of pigs’ blood as it flowed from the sticking wound at exsanguination using infra-red thermometry and how it might reflect changes in core body temperature. A total of 417 pigs were monitored over a three-day period, which included a subset of 206 pigs for which additional information concerning transport conditions and ambient temperature was also known. The range of blood temperatures recorded was large (35.6-43.2°C) with a significant number of the animals found to have blood temperatures above the pigs’ normal temperature (39 ± l°C). Within the subset of pigs, average blood temperature of all the pigs in a pen at slaughter appeared to be related to pen temperatures and position on the lorry and was sensitive enough to detect changes in environmental ambient conditions.
Consistency of piglet crushing by sows
Authors: Jarvis S , D'Eath RB , Fujita K 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPiglet mortality is a major welfare and economic problem in the pig industry. Despite the use of farrowing crates, piglet crushing remains a major contributor to pre-weaning piglet mortality, which is typically around 12%. Our aims in this study were to quantify variability between sows and consistency across parities in crushing mortality, and to examine the effect of the environment on variability. In our first study, we compared the variability in crushing mortality in 122 primiparous sows (gilts) that farrowed in crates (71) or open pens (51). Certain sows crushed more or fewer piglets than expected by chance. Crushing was more frequent and more variable in pens compared to crates, indicating that crates may mask differences between sows. In our second study, we recorded piglet mortality for 125 sows, which farrowed in crates over several (4–9) parities. After adjusting for litter size, litter weight and parity effects, consistent individual differences between sows were evident. The repeatability of crushing was estimated at 0.14, with estimates of 0.18 and 0.05 for stillborns and total liveborn mortality, respectively. Although these repeatabilities are relatively low, there was a high degree of phenotypic variance (eg sows crushed between 0 and 30.8% of their piglets). Given that sows show some consistency in piglet mortality over parities, this could be used to inform culling decisions. Additionally, if differences in piglet crushing between sows have a genetic component, a breeding programme might reduce mortality from crushing. Because crates restrict maternal behaviour, genetic selection in this system may have relaxed selection for good maternal behaviour. Selection for reduced piglet mortality, and thus improved maternal abilities, could remove a major obstacle to the wider adoption of less restrictive farrowing systems, with positive welfare consequences for the sow and piglets.
The effects of amount and frequency of pulsed direct current used in water bath stunning and of slaughter methods on spontaneous electroencephalograms in broilers
Authors: Raj ABM , O'Callaghan M , Hughes SI 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe effectiveness of electrical water bath stunning of broilers (n = 96) for 1 s with a constant average current of 100, 150 or 200 mA delivered using a variable voltage/constant current stunner with 200, 800 or 1400 Hz pulsed direct current (DC), with a mark:space ratio of 1:1, followed by slaughter using a unilateral or ventral neck cutting procedure, was evaluated. The results of a binary logistic model showed that both the electrical frequency and average current had significant effects on the probability of inducing epileptiform electroencephalogram (EEG) and therefore, of effective stunning. The results of univariate analysis showed that only slaughter method had highly significant effects on the power contents in the 13–30 Hz and 2–30 Hz EEG frequency bands. Based on these results, it is recommended that a minimum of 200 mA average (400 mA peak) current per bird should be delivered using 200 Hz pulsed DC, with a mark:space ratio of 1:1, to achieve effective water bath stunning in 80% of broilers. Frequencies of above 200 Hz pulsed DC would presumably require average currents of greater than 200 mA. Electrical water bath stunning of broilers with 200 mA average current of 200 Hz resulted in cardiac arrest in six out of eight broilers that showed epileptiform activity. Two other broilers that had cardiac arrest showed no epileptiform EEGs indicative of effective stunning. Owing to the prevalence of cardiac arrest in conscious broilers, the use of pulsed DC for water bath stunning of broilers could be questioned on ethical and bird welfare grounds.
The effect of handling under anaesthetic on the recapture rate of wild ship rats (Rattus rattus)
Authors: Prout DM , King CM 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis paper describes a two-part study of small predators in New Zealand forests. First, during 12 days of live-trapping, 31 wild ship rats were captured, tagged and released: 9 were handled while anaesthetised using halothane and 22 were handled while conscious using gloves. There was a significant difference between the two groups of ship rats in live-recapture rate: 4 out of 9 rats that had been handled while anaesthetised were recaptured alive, compared with 0 of 22 that were handled while conscious. Second, during 12 days of removal-trapping, 23 ship rats were killed, of which 6 were tagged, including 4 of the 9 that had been previously handled while anaesthetised (2 of which had also been recaptured alive during the live-trapping) and 2 that had previously been handled while conscious. These observations have implications for the statistical estimation of population density from capture-mark-recapture data and for the development of protocols for minimising stress in captured animals, especially nocturnal species released from traps in daylight.
Is the mechanisation of catching broilers a welfare improvement?
Authors: Delezie E , Lips D , Lips R , Decuypere E 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn most European countries broilers are currently caught manually: broilers are caught by the leg, inverted and carried by a catcher with 3–4 birds in each hand. This method of catching broiler chickens is a welfare concern as it causes severe stress to the birds. A possible alternative to manual catching may be mechanical catching. The aim of this study was to compare the level of stress and injuries of broilers caught manually or with a harvesting machine (CIEMME Super Apollo L harvester) under commercial conditions. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in plasma corticosterone concentrations and duration of tonic immobility, which suggested that mechanically caught broilers were no more stressed than those caught manually. At the end of the catching process, mechanically caught broilers had even lower plasma corticosterone concentrations and shorter durations of tonic immobility, indicating that at this moment these broilers were less stressed than the manually caught birds. The incidence of wing haemorrhages was also reduced for broilers caught mechanically; however, there was no significant difference in the incidence of haemorrhages in the breast or legs between the two catching methods. As injuries are associated with pain and stress, this parameter is important not only for the welfare of the birds but also for product quality and the subsequent financial return. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of the mechanical harvesting machine, CIEMME Super Apollo L, appears to be a good alternative to manual catching. Nevertheless, some aspects of mechanical catching require further improvement.
Indicators of undernutrition in cattle
Authors: Agenäs S , Heath MF , Nixon RM , Wilkinson JM , Phillips CJC 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPotential biochemical indicators of long-term undernutrition in cattle, which could be used objectively, reliably and routinely, were investigated by evaluating frequently analysed metabolites in cattle. In an initial study, a meta-regression of literature data for glucose, urea, non-esterifed fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) against body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW) and its change (BWC) was conducted. The credible intervals of the gradients included zero for all regressions, showing that there were no significant relationships between any of the blood metabolites and BCS, BW or BWC across the 13 included studies. In a second study, fresh field samples from nine herds of adequately-nourished suckler cows and stored samples from two herds of suckler cows, which had experienced severe undernutrition, were analysed for serum albumin, total protein, urea, BHB, NEFA, creatinine, fructosamine and globulin. Positive regressions with BCS were obtained for albumin and creatinine, and a negative regression with fructosamine/albumin ratio. With the threshold for detecting undernutrition set at ≥ 10.75 μmol g–1, the fructosamine/albumin ratio gave sensitivity and specif city of 100%. Therefore, it is probably necessary to combine several blood measures to obtain a valid assessment of the nutritional state of ruminants, and we advise against the use of a single plasma metabolite concentration in assessing the nutritional state and welfare of individual cows.
The epidemiology of behavioural problems in dogs and cats: a survey of veterinary practitioners
Authors: Fatjó J , Ruiz-de-la-Torre JL , Manteca X 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBehavioural problems directly affect the welfare of dogs and cats. The existence of a behavioural problem is a factor in the euthanasia and relinquishment of animals to shelters — a significant proportion of companion animals that are abandoned and euthanased are attributed to behavioural problems. Some behavioural problems are linked to stress and anxiety. In order to prevent and treat behavioural problems it is essential to have good epidemiological data. Most studies regarding the prevalence of behavioural problems use data from veterinary behaviourists. To our knowledge, no studies regarding the prevalence of small animal behavioural problems have been conducted in Spain. Therefore, a study was designed to estimate different aspects of canine and feline behavioural problems in Spain from the perspective of the veterinary practitioner. Of 433 valid questionnaires returned during a six month period, 46.2% of veterinarians referred cases to veterinary behaviourists and 12.3% to dog trainers; 34.7% never referred cases. Destructiveness, aggression and house soiling were the most frequent complaints regarding behavioural problems in dogs, whereas house soiling was clearly considered the main behavioural complaint in cats, followed by furniture scratching and excessive vocalisation. Behavioural modification was considered the most effective treatment for dogs, followed by drugs and castration. In cats the most effective treatment was castration, followed by drug therapy and behavioural modification.
Reducing mother-young separation distress by inducing ewes into oestrus at the day of weaning
Authors: Pérez-León I , Orihuela A , Lidfors L , Aguirre V 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine whether or not oestrus induction on the day of weaning would reduce the distress experienced by ewes upon separation from lambs. For this, 43 ewes, their eight week-old lambs and six mature rams were used. Prior to weaning, 21 of these ewes were induced to display oestrus on the day of mother-young separation (treated group [T]) while the remaining 22 untreated ewes served as controls (C). T and C ewes were housed together. Blood samples were collected on the day of weaning (prior to mother-young separation and 24 hours later) and then nine days later, for plasma progesterone (P4) and cortisol determination. Lambs were separated from their dams by a wire fence at weaning in full view of each other. Three rams were tethered to posts with 3 m plastic chains in the ewes' pen. T and C groups were simultaneously tested in identical test pens. C ewes showed a greater increase in serum cortisol concentration after separation from lambs (47.64 ± 4.26 n mol l–1) than T ewes (28.79 ± 6.29 n mol l–1). T ewes exhibited fewer vocalisations ewe–1h–1 and fewer vocalisations at 6, 12 and 18 h post separation than C ewes. On the day of weaning, more T ewes were seen to be situated away from lambs and in close proximity to the males, compared to the C group. Thus, more T than C ewes were mounted (14 as opposed to 3) and these received a greater number of mounts (1.02 ± 0.23 per hour, as opposed to 0.11 ± 0.06). It was concluded that by inducing ewes into oestrus at weaning it is possible to reduce the signs of separation distress.
Cortisol response of restricted suckling or artificially milk-feeding to a short-term emotional stressor in dairy calves and their dams
Authors: Orihuela A , Hernández C 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present study examines the plasma cortisol reaction of suckling and non-suckling calves and their dams to short-term emotional stressors. Twenty six cow-calf pairs were randomly allocated into one of two treatments: restricted suckling (R) or artificially milk-fed (A). On the day of weaning, blood samples were taken to determine the basal cortisol level in the calves' home-pen. Immediately, calves from both groups were moved to an unfamiliar surrounding and isolated. After sampling cows were then moved to a trimming pen, and restrained for three hours. Higher cortisol concentrations were found in A-calves in comparison with R-calves starting 90 min post-isolation through until the end of the experiment (90 min later). A significant increase was detected 60 min post-isolation in A-calves, with highest values averaging 29.22 ± 7.27 ng ml–1, decreasing to basal levels 130 min later. In cows, no difference in serum cortisol concentration was found either between treatments or over time. It was concluded that calves allowed to suckle react to a short-term emotional stressor with less plasma cortisol concentration than artificially reared calves.
Evaluation of parameters for monitoring welfare during transport and lairage at the abattoir in pigs
Authors: Fàbrega E , Coma J , Tibau J , Manteca X , Velarde A 
Published: January 2023

AbstractNew transport legislation and society demands may increase the need for a ‘fast’ method to assess animal welfare at the abattoir. The objective of this study was to identify valid and feasible parameters which could be easily assessed at slaughterline in pigs. Eight transports (4 ‘far’ and 4 ‘near’ the abattoir) were evaluated using a questionnaire which included both animal-based and environment-based parameters. A ‘welfare index’ (WI) (0 = worst to 1 = best) was estimated for each transport based on the questionnaire. Lean and fat content, skin lesions, pH and electrical conductivity (PQM) were measured in 120 or 60 pigs per transport. When pH > 6 the meat was considered dry, firm and dark (DFD) and when PQM > 9 μs meat was pale, soft and exudative (PSE). Odds ratio between welfare index and slaughterline recordings was estimated. Differences in WI between the different transports were smaller than expected (WI ranged from 0.4 to 0.6). However, a significant relationship between higher percentage of DFD meat and lower welfare index (odds ratio: 2.25) was found. These results suggest that parameters like DFD meat could be used at the abattoir to perform a ‘snapshot’ welfare evaluation.
The value of animal life: how should we balance quality against quantity?
Authors: Sandøe P , Christiansen SB 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn many situations choices must be made that will have an impact on the welfare of companion animals. Often one of the options will be to euthanase the animal in question. The way in which one views this option will depend not only on one's assessment of the quality of the animal's life (or the lives of other affected parties), but also on how one values an animal life as such. Clearly, a companion animal may be valued by a human being or by another animal. A dog's death may affect its owner's quality of life (QoL), or it may affect the QoL of other animals in the household. But does the life of an animal have any value other than that? Is anything lost, for example, when a dog that lived with a sole owner, now deceased, is euthanased? Conversely, would anything be gained if the dog were re-homed (apart from the potentially positive contribution to the new owners' QoL)? More generally, in prolonging, or refraining from ending, the life of an animal, is it thereby ensured that something of value persists? There seem to be three main views on this matter. The first is that animal life has no value in itself. The second is that animal life has value to the extent that the life in question is worth living for the animal. The third view is that the life of an animal has a value that exceeds what is ‘in it’ for the animal in question. The view one accepts here will have a dramatic impact on one's attitude to many of the choices to be made about the treatment of companion animals — choices in which one must balance quality of life against, as it were, quantity of life. So the heart of the matter is not only quality of life. It is also value of life. Unfortunately it may prove much more difficult to agree about the value of animal life than it is to agree about the significance of animal welfare.
Is the unhappy citizen a populist citizen? Linking subjective well-being to populist and nativist attitudes
Authors: Lindholm Annika , Rapeli Lauri 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEconomic grievances, globalization, and voter discontent are among the usual explanations for the surge in right-wing populism (RWP) across Western democracies. However, subjective well-being has recently been introduced as an overlooked psychological factor explaining citizens’ democratic support, immigration attitudes, and populist vote choice. Yet we know little about how general well-being, instead of specific negative sentiments, relates to populist and nativist attitudes. This study examines the well-being bases of populist and nativist attitudes in Finland where, similar to other European countries, populism and anti-immigration attitudes have increased since the early 2000’s. Using the Finnish 2019 National Election Study, we demonstrate that life dissatisfaction, and not only economic concerns, relates to populist attitudes, setting an agenda for future populism research. We suggest that past research has not fully accounted for all psychological factors in explaining support for RWP.
The Contribution of Sand Ripple and Slope Driven Sediment Flux to Morphologic Change of an Idealized Mound Under Waves
Authors: Lee Seok‐Bong , Wengrove Meagan E. , de Schipper Matthieu A. , Hopkins Julia , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Ruessink Gerben 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe investigate pathways of sediment diffusion for a Gaussian‐shaped sand mound subjected to monochromatic waves. Our unique results nearly close the sediment budget by quantifying each of the sediment transport processes responsible for mound diffusion associated with sediment flux due to slope driven transport and ripple migration. Downslope ripple progression was observed as ripples formed at the mound top advanced down the side slopes in a direction perpendicular to wave propagation. Once ripples formed on the sides of the mounds the ripples became pathways for sediment flux from the top to the bottom of the mound, persisting even after ripples reached the base of the mound as sediment avalanching due to gravity and mound slope. Lateral ripple migration caused ripples to migrate along the sides of the sand mound in a direction parallel to wave propagation. Once ripples reached the base of the mound, lateral migration of ripples caused spreading of sand around the sides of the mound. Lateral ripple migration was largely driven by ripple splitting caused by a large downslope sediment flux from the center of the mound that generated ripples with longer wavelengths than wave orbital hydrodynamics could support. To restore equilibrium between sediment and flow conditions, ripples with longer wavelengths continuously split and migrated laterally around the mound. Our results reflect the importance of slope driven transport, bed fluidization, and ripple dynamics on the larger scale diffusivity and suggest that slope driven and ripple driven sediment fluxes should be more explicitly included in sediment transport formulations.
Simultaneous Space‐Based Observations of TGFs and Lightning Optical Emission: Characteristics of Lightning
Authors: Alnussirat Samer T. , Cherry Michael L. , Christian Hugh J. , Burchfield Jeffrey C. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA previous study of the relative timing between optical lightning emission detected by the Geostationary Lightning Mapper and a sample of 24 simultaneous Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) triggering the Fermi Gamma‐ray Burst Monitor has shown that the gamma‐ray signal appears at the same time as or slightly before the lightning stroke optical signal. A similar result has been demonstrated using simultaneous optical and gamma‐ray data from the Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor. In this work, we add 95 additional untriggered (offline) TGFs to further investigate the correlations between the gamma‐rays and the associated lightning optical emission. Analysis of radio sferics has shown that TGFs are associated with relatively high lightning peak currents. The current results show that TGFs are associated with short duration, relatively low intensity optical signals in low‐to‐moderate flash rate thunderstorm cells, consistent with lightning leaders that produce TGFs occurring some distance below the cloud top and/or expending a fraction of their energy in accelerating relativistic electrons rather than in producing bright optical emission.
Comparison of Ventifact Orientations and Recent Wind Direction Indicators on the Floor of Jezero Crater, Mars
Authors: Herkenhoff K. E. , Sullivan R. J. , Newman C. E. , Paar G. , Baker M. , Viúdez‐Moreiras D. , Ashley J. W. , Bechtold A. , Nuñez J. I. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWind‐abraded rocks and aeolian bedforms have been observed at the Mars 2020 Perseverance landing site, providing evidence for recent and older wind directions. This study reports orientations of aeolian features measured in Perseverance images to infer formative wind directions. It compares these measurements with orbital observations, climate model predictions, and wind data acquired by the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer. Three‐dimensional orientations of flute textures on rocks, regolith wind tails extending from behind obstacles, and other aeolian features were measured using Digital Terrain Models derived from Mastcam‐Z and navigation camera (Navcam) stereo images. Orientations of rock flutes measured in images acquired through Sol (Martian day) 400 yielded a mean azimuth of 94° ± 7° (wind from the west). However, similar measurements of regolith wind tails indicate that recent sand‐driving winds have been blowing from the east‐southeast, nearly the opposite direction (mean azimuth = 285° ± 15°). Atmospheric modeling generally predicts net annual sand transport from the east‐southeast at present, consistent with Perseverance regolith wind tail and orbital observations. The orientation of ventifact flutes thus suggests that they were formed under a different climate regime. Differences in orientations of recent and paleo‐wind indicators have been noted at other Mars landing sites and may result from major orbital/axial changes that can cause significant changes in atmospheric circulation. Orientation differences between modern and older wind direction indicators at Jezero are useful clues to the climate history of the region.