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• Embryonic muscle responds to higher temperatures by proliferation. • The timing of temperature manipulation is crucial for the resulting changes. • Incubation temperature influences leg bone growth, mineralisation and breaking strength. • The reflection of changes in the muscles and bones on walking ability needs more study. • Future studies of temperature manipulation should include welfare assessments. Commercial rearing of broiler chickens can be coupled with compromised animal welfare. Selection for optimal productivity has led to decreased walking ability and associated welfare issues like contact dermatitis. The incubation temperature has previously been shown to affect the development of the locomotory system and can thus be seen as a candidate tool to influence walking ability. This review paper aims to provide an overview on effects of incubation temperature changes in early (week 1), mid-term (week 2) and late (week 3) embryogenesis on broiler muscle and bone development, and subsequent locomotory ability. A novelty in this paper is the discussion of the possible effect of incubation temperature manipulation on the welfare of broilers. Muscle tissue responds to increased temperatures during embryogenesis by proliferation, but this effect depends on the timing, as embryonic muscle development relies on the expression of regulatory factors and cell lines occurring at specific time points. Furthermore, breast and leg muscles respond differently, especially when different timings of temperature manipulation are compared. Leg bone growth seems to be promoted by increased incubation temperature, but the effect cannot clearly be separated from overall embryo growth. Data on the influence of the incubation profile on bone strength and mineralisation is limited and suggests a positive effect of higher temperature in mid-term embryogenesis, but not when applied over extensive periods. The reflection of the changes in bone and muscle development on walking ability has not been widely studied but a beneficial effect is possible due to the effect on muscle and overall body growth. Concluding, further studies to establish proper timing and temperature enabling beneficial changes in the muscle fibres and bones for improved walking ability are needed. This can be a way to make chicken meat production more sustainable and profitable due to fewer production losses and better animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At all times prior to arrival at the slaughter plant, pigs may experience stress from a range of on-farm handling practices. The quality of the design of the loading facilities and of the handling procedures plays a key role in determining the effects of the farm on pig response to preslaughter stress, as it may contribute to improve to reduce the load time, the staff workload and stress in pigs. Poor handling management will impair pigs' movement during loading, leading to rougher handling and stressful experiences, and ultimately reduced welfare. Thus, this paper overviews the effects of on-farm handling management factors during loading that may influence the response of pigs to pre-slaughter stress. In addition, this paper provides recommendations on how to sort and move pigs to the loading dock and into the truck. Handling practices (tools, group size, use of shipping pens, mixing) and physical features of the barn, such as light and sound, and alley and exit design (length, width and shape) will be examined. The design of the loading dock will also be discussed, in regards to the ramp design (bedding, cleat spacing and angle) and its alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reviews the use of information from animal-based monitoring systems, management information systems (MIS) and decision support systems (DSS) in pig production. As technology evolves, more and new types of data can be automatically collected. This increases the pace at which new systems are being developed. The collected data are processed into information, which should be used at the herd level. As these systems are being developed, there is a need to evaluate the value of the information provided to the user. In this review, the concepts of data and information are first described as well as the factors influencing the value of information, e.g. measuring devices and data/information processing. Then, after presenting the technologies and recordings for obtaining data used in the studies included in this paper, the value of information of the systems is reviewed according to their expected benefits in terms of production and management, animal health and welfare, and economical impact. The aim and value of DSS and other MIS are thereafter reviewed. Few studies have evaluated the economical benefits of using technologies to obtain new information, in terms of the number of piglets or the economical value. To quantify the value of information, it is suggested to develop a model frame with a detailed level of information, which allows one to estimate the value of including or excluding one piece of information. A more precise quantification of the value, and benefits, of information can in the future assist the development of more focused systems, in which implementation may be facilitated by reducing the uncertainty of the payback period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lameness in both dairy and beef cattle is a major welfare and economic problem. It results in milk yield reduction, reduced feed intake, weight loss, reduced fertility, and premature culling of affected animals. There is a wide range of infectious agents that are associated with lameness problems in cattle. Both systemic as well as localized infections may cause animals to have problems to move in a natural way. In particular, digital dermatitis (DD) is currently considered a leading cause of severe epidemic lameness in dairy herds, giving rise to major economic losses. This disease was first described in the seventies in Italy after which it has been recorded in different parts of the world with a large variation in prevalence. Surprisingly, despite the huge number of papers that are published regarding this disease, its pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated. Many studies have shown that Treponema spp. play a decisive role in the establishment of the disease, although it is not yet fully clear how exactly an infection with these germs leads to the very typical skin lesions. Some papers emphasized that similar complex microbial communities can be isolated from DD lesions in cows and periodontitis lesions in humans, giving rise to speculations about similarities in the typical inflammatory reaction provoked by an infection by these bacteria. Moreover, DD is considered a multifactorial disease, with besides infectious, also environmental, managerial and individual-animal factors likely playing a decisive role in its pathogenesis. These different contributing factors will be critically discussed in the present paper mainly aiming to come a step closer towards the full elucidation of the pathogenesis of this stubborn infectious disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper discusses central moral issues raised by the applications of advanced biotechnology to animal agriculture and introduces the major ethical concepts and principles of animal bioethics. It is argued that biotechnology enables human beings to transform animals according to human needs, which blurs the boundary between humans and non-human animals in moral and biological sense. The more humans change animals, the more responsible humans are for the welfare of the animals and the greater their moral obligations. The paper introduces the main ethical approaches to animal welfare, traces the philosophical roots of animal ethics in the Judeo-Christian tradition and discusses the views of classical and contemporary ethicists such as Kant, Bentham, Mill, Peter Singer and Tom Regan. The paper explores the concept of animal welfare, suffering and rights, and the values behind Animal Liberation. Special attention is given to the animal welfare issues posed by cloning, genetic engineering and patenting of living organism. For each technology, actual or potential risks to animal welfare are identified and their moral implications are outlined. It is noted that the traditional moral principles of animal welfare, animal interests and animal rights are inadequate as means for evaluating the morality of certain advanced technologies because the technologies can change the animals in profound ways that make animal awareness too limited to give rise to claims about welfare, interests or rights. The principle of animal integrity is endorsed as an alternative better suited for evaluating the morality of advanced biotechnology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study of animal welfare cannot be based entirely on science. For a number of assumptions of an ethical nature will it inevitably enter the study of how good or bad animals fare under different systems of animal production. In some cases, ethical assumptions may be uncontroversial, but they may also be the cause of disagreement. A case study is presented that seems to indicate that there is systematic disagreement between lay and expert views about what a good animal life is. The study is based on interviews about modern pig production. The title of this paper summarises the reaction of an interviewee when commenting on pictures of what is generally regarded as animal-friendly pig production. In the lay perspective, living a natural life is an important part of animal welfare – a part that supplements, and therefore needs to be combined with, the absence of suffering and frustration that are central components of the expert approach. The main message of the paper for those who are professionally involved in animal production is that ethical assumptions and potential conflicts of view should be recognised and brought into the discussion of animal welfare. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Passive infrared (PIR) detectors are widely used to measure animal activity, which is an increasingly relevant variable for livestock production insofar as activity is an indicator of animal welfare. This paper evaluates the agreement between two animal activity measurement methods: a PIR detector that uses the sensor's digital signal to perform measurements and human observations of activity in a group of 50 weaned piglets on a commercial farm. The location chosen for the sensor allowed for the recording of the main transverse movements with respect to the orientation of the sensor, which maximized its detection capacity. Human observation revealed two types of behavioral activity, feeding (eating or drinking) and playing. Based on the characteristics of both measurement methods, the correlations between PIR detection and human observation of animal activity were strong, with a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.90 ( p  < 0.001) and a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.86. PIR detection overestimated animal activity by 2.59% as compared to human observation, and the precision of PIR measurements decreased with the increase in the level of activity in the pen. In addition, animal weight affected the quality of measurements, which decreased with the increase in the ratio between kg of live weight and area covered by the sensor. The type of activity affected the precision of PIR detectors, which better detected playing activities, which are more intense than feeding activities. It can be concluded that PIR detector measurements of activity in groups of animals provide a good estimation of the relative activity of the group, which is comparable to visual estimation of relative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the scientific literature on water buffalo welfare in all stages of the live animal supply chain from the farm gate to slaughter (loading/unloading, markets, transportation, handling, lairage, stunning and slaughter) with the objective of identifying risk factors and potential mitigation strategies. Although in some countries legislation exists to protect the welfare of farm animals during transport and killing, the handling practices used to load and unload buffaloes and move them in livestock markets and abattoirs are often harsh. This is frequently due to inadequate equipment designed principally for cattle, and the fact that water buffaloes are considered more temperamental than cattle. Additionally, more reactive animals have increased stress responses to handling, which can lead to more negative human interventions with increased numbers of skin lesions and bruises to the carcasses. During transport, buffaloes may suffer periods of thermal stress due to overstocking, inadequate ventilation and because in many tropical climates trips are made during the hottest time of the day. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of water buffalo make them particularly susceptible to thermal stress in the absence of water for wallowing . Although water buffaloes belong to the same Bovidae family as domestic cattle, certain anatomical features of the head make effective stunning very problematic. Buffaloes have extensive sinuses and frontal bones, meaning that the penetrating captive bolt devices recommended for cattle may prove ineffective in reliably inducing unconsciousness. There is a need for further development of procedures, stunning positions and appropriate devices to improve the efficiency of buffalo stunning. Finally, in many parts of the world where buffalo are routinely slaughtered in basic conditions without prior stunning. Slaughter without stunning can result in pain and stress associated with delays in the time to loss of consciousness, pain from the cutting of the neck and potential distress associated with aspiration of blood into the respiratory tract. Specific legislation, guidelines and handler/stockman/operator training programmes should be developed to improve the welfare of buffaloes during all ante mortem stages of loading, unloading, handling, stunning and slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pig production systems can be linked to sustainability dimensions at herd level. • There is a trade-off between different sustainability dimensions. • Notably, high animal welfare and low environmental impact are potentially at odds. • Therefore, those who sell and buy pork will have some hard choices to make. Pig production systems vary in their ability to meet key sustainability goals such as lowered environmental impact, lowered climate impact, reduced land use, economic viability, and improved animal welfare. These goals are not fully aligned and may require trade-offs to be made. The aim of the paper is to quantify these potential trade-offs. Using Denmark as the study case, we assess the standard pig production system and four existing alternative systems, and in addition the impact of a range of manure handling technologies. Drawing on farm data from an almost industry-wide certification scheme, environmental and climate impact are estimated per kg live weight using the life-cycle approach. Antibiotic use is assessed by calculating weighted average doses consumed within the herd, and animal welfare is assessed with a recently developed benchmarking tool. Finally, productions costs are estimated using herd-level production data combined with farm-level cost estimates. We find that the five pig production systems perform differently in the sustainability dimensions at herd level. We also find that there is a trade-off between the sustainability dimensions, as no one production system dominates the others in all dimensions. Across the systems analysed, reduced climate impact goes to some extent hand-in-hand with cost effectiveness. However, there are negative correlations between animal welfare and production costs and, especially, animal welfare and the environment. These dilemmas affect both regulatory and market-driven schemes, and where the production and marketing of niche products is concerned difficult decisions will need to be made. Improvements in environmental impact will reduce performance in animal welfare or vice versa – and it will do so regardless of cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different scenarios for dam-calf contact and amount of milk uptake were defined. • These systems have fewer kg saleable product to bear the environmental impacts. • Therefore, carbon footprints per kg of saleable milk and meat increase by 5–9%. • Economic allocation seems most suitable for assessing the impact per kg product. • Broader sustainability analysis including animal welfare and the economic is needed. Systematic separation of cow and calf early after calving is common practice in both organic and conventional dairy farming. The main objective of this paper was to develop different scenarios for dam-calf contact and quantify their effects on milk uptake by the calf and environmental sustainability of the produced milk and meat from these systems. Scenarios were set up of organic dairy systems to analyse the effect of different dam-calf systems with either half-time or full-time contact between cow and calf for 28, 51 or 91 days. Based on experience from practice and literature, we assumed a total milk uptake of 1,110 kg ECM milk with part-time contact and 1,207 kg ECM milk with full-time contact over 91 days. These scenarios were compared to traditional calf rearing systems with direct separation after birth and milk feeding from a bucket with low or high milk feeding levels of 460 and 630 kg ECM, respectively, in the first 91 days. The scenarios were analysed at a milk production level of 9,000 kg ECM per cow per year and with a sensitivity analysis covering yield levels of 7,000, 11,000 and 13,000 kg ECM per cow per year. At a production level of 9,000 kg ECM per year and full-time dam-calf contact throughout the milk period, only 85% of the milk produced could be delivered to the dairy company, compared to 93% when a low-level of milk is fed from a bucket. This means that there were fewer kg products to bear the environmental impacts, and hence the carbon footprint and land use from production per kg of ECM milk and meat sold was increased by between 5 and 9%, while the corresponding increase in impact at the highest yield level of 13,000 kg ECM was only between 4 and 6%. Besides environmental sustainability of cow-calf contact systems, the broader context of such systems need to be analysed including animal welfare and the economic effect for the farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This technical note describes the development of a novel spreadsheet-based financial simulation model that estimates the cost of pig production in five free-farrowing systems in comparison to standard sow housing in a farrowing crate. The model was developed to address the recognised deficiency in financial information on free-farrowing systems, and assist pig producers in estimating the cost of producing pigs in such systems. The model is available online at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/afrd/research/project/4378. Users can select from eight different types of farrowing accommodation and four gestation housing systems, with additional variations on floor type and feeding system. Input data on herd size and productivity are entered into one active sheet and, using built-in data on housing and other input costs, the model computes the cost of producing a weaner pig (8kg at 4 weeks of age) in each gestation/farrowing system combination selected. Sensitivities to input or output changes can also be evaluated by altering herd performance. The use of this model provides pig producers, policy makers and other stakeholders with a means to estimate the likely cost of pig production prior to any investment in a new housing system. An example of the applications of the model is given in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Claw lesions and lameness are very common disorders in sows. Both conditions have a negative impact on the welfare and production results of breeding sows, causing important losses to the pig sector. The possibility to recognise, treat and prevent these disorders depends on the availability of reliable and valid assessment methods. Many measuring tools have been developed that enable to classify lameness and claw lesions. It is by now not only possible to score these conditions visually, but also automated detection methods are being validated and implemented with encouraging results. The decision to use one method or the other depends on the purpose of the assessment. Some visual scoring systems can be used most efficiently in herd screening programs or within certification or assessment schemes, whereas more objective and quantitative methods allow for a detailed study of the characteristics of lameness within research settings (e.g., kinematics or kinetics). Some of the most recent automated detection systems, such as force plates, have the potential for being integrated into existing farm technology such as electronic feeding stations. Depending on the specific pathogenesis of lameness, affected animals will exhibit different clinical signs. Thus, a multidimensional approach, which integrates both visual and automatic detection systems and which takes into account both dynamic and static variables is possibly required to better understand and assess the different characteristics of this condition. This paper presents an overview of the available methodologies for lameness and claw lesion assessment and pinpoints the most interesting findings and the critical areas that require further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review existing literature concerning the impact of lameness and claw lesions on welfare, health and production of sows. When using the five freedoms, a common method to conceptualize animal welfare, to assess the impact of lameness, it appears that lameness as a single disease, may affect all of the freedoms. There is a wide variability with respect to the impact of claw lesions on welfare of sows, because only a proportion of animals are affected. Lameness affects welfare due to physically reduced locomotion ability, pain or general discomfort and sickness behavior. Cross-sectional studies show that the within-herd prevalence of sow lameness is quite high and may range from 8.8% to 16.9%. There are several reasons for lameness and claw lesions and they are very difficult to be identified during herd-level clinical examinations. Therefore, many researchers have studied the sows post-mortem and quite often found more than one lesion likely to cause lameness. Not all lesions are associated with lameness, but the location and severity of the lesions are important factors. Lameness can also affect the general health of the sow and predispose to loss of body condition, shoulder lesions and urogenital infections. Longevity of lame sows is decreased when compared with that of healthy-legged animals. Acutely and severely lame sows are removed immediately from the herd, and chronic, less severe lameness can affect the performance of sows and thus indirectly lead to culling. However, only few articles report about production or fertility figures of lame vs non-lame sows, except for ample data on longevity. In conclusion, lameness of sows is an important welfare and health problem and may also severely affect the profitability of sow herds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we use a non-hypothetical choice experiment to elicit Norwegian consumers'' willingness to pay a price premium for organic and animal welfare-labelled salmon. A total of 115 Norwegian consumers were recruited for a choice experiment in which they had to choose between farmed salmon produced under three different production regimes. The salmon used in the experiment were conventional, organic, and Freedom Food salmon, certified by an animal welfare organization. In order to reveal consumers'' true preferences for the products, a nonhypothetical choice experiment was carried out. The experiment consisted of 30 choice scenarios, where each scenario mimics a shopping situation with two alternative packages of salmon. The packages varied with respect to production method, colour, and price. Real economic incentives were imposed by letting each consumer randomly draw one out of 30 choice scenarios to be binding, and then executing the sale of the package that he or she had chosen under that scenario. Our results show that the average consumer preferred organic and Freedom Food salmon to the otherwise identical salmon from conventional salmon farms. Further, he or she was willing to pay a price premium of approximately 2euros per kg (15%) for organic and Freedom Food salmon, compared with conventional salmon of the same colour. Owing to feed restrictions, the organic salmon were much paler then the conventional and Freedom Food salmon, which resulted in a mean willingness to pay (WTP) for the pale organic salmon significantly below the mean WTP for conventional and Freedom Food salmon. Hence, it is very important for the success of organic salmon that the organic feed producers will be able to produce an organic feed with good pigmentation ability at an acceptable price. The results in this paper indicate that consumers are willing to pay to improve animal welfare and reduce undesirable environmental effects from fish farming. Consequently, eco-labelling of farmed seafood such as animal welfare-labelled salmon and organic certified salmon might become an important differentiation strategy in the future. However, it is also shown that the producers of alternatively labelled seafood products must consider the aesthetic properties of their products and that labelled products of inferior appearance are unlikely to achieve the necessary price premium. Finally, it is shown how real choice experiments can be used to elicit consumers'' WTP for multiple product attributes including the colour of the fish, improved fish welfare, and environmental improvements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Farm animal welfare has become increasingly important and relevant from the societal point of view throughout the livestock production chain, with space allowance for farm animals being one of its most topical and vividly debated sub-matters. Anticipating on the increasing power of the citizens'' voice in Western society, this study focuses on societal concerns related to space allowance in Flemish animal production. This paper reports a quantitative analysis of cross-sectional surveys conducted among citizens of Flanders during 2000–2002 (n = 521) and during 2006 (n = 459). Compared with other animal welfare aspects, the survey participants perceived stocking densities and pen sizes as very essential for attaining an acceptable level of farm animal welfare. In addition, they evaluated stocking densities and pen sizes in current Flemish animal production as inadequate. Combined these results indicate that societal concern, defined as the difference between perceived importance and evaluative belief, is very high for stocking density and pen size, though less for group size. Societal concern about stocking density was found to be higher among younger people and households without children, while societal concern was not significantly associated with living environment (rural versus urban). Gender (higher concern among women in dataset 2006) and educational (higher concern among higher educated people in dataset 2000–2002) differences were not consistently significant in all datasets. The findings from this study suggest that larger gains in terms of animal welfare image among the public can be realised from providing farm animals with more space relative to reducing animal group size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Controlling external parasites of sheep provides benefits for both animal welfare losses and productivity. However, as control is highly dependent upon the use of veterinary medicines, many of which have potential undesirable side effects for human health and/or the environment, control decisions require the balancing of expected benefits with potential costs. In this paper the decision problem is examined holistically. The method used is a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) in which different weights can be applied to each criterion that affects the decision. This enables an exploration of how changing priorities can influence the ‘best’ course of action. A Scottish context is used though the issues discussed are not unique to Scotland or to the production of sheep. The results highlight the need for a wider thinking and debate on how to identify and agree acceptable solutions to production decisions where undesirable side effects are unavoidable. In addition, the holistic approach provides insights that could be used to identify research priorities and areas where new technological solutions could be particularly valuable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ectoparasite infestations of sheep can result in serious animal welfare and financial losses. Many of the veterinary medicines used in their control can be harmful to humans and other species. These undesirable side-effects mean that trade-offs may be necessary and make it difficult to determine ‘the best’ control strategy. This problem is common to many animal health/welfare concerns, and must be addressed if progress is to be made under the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain. This paper describes an approach to such cases using a disease model to identify the financially optimal ectoparasite control strategies at the farm level for Scottish conditions in a climate of changing control restrictions. Our approach takes a wider systems perspective than is usual in cost-benefit studies of animal disease. The findings demonstrate that both flock size and ectoparasite risk are determinants of optimal control strategies. In addition the benefits of livestock biosecurity practices (isolation and treatment of incoming stock) for the control of sheep scab are demonstrated. The importance of dip products for the effective control of ectoparasites is discussed and possible implications if these become unavailable or the cost of their usage increases. Interdependence between stakeholders is highlighted, indicating a need for regional co-operation between farmers and a more integrated approach to control of some farm animal diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The commercial applications in agriculture of new breeding technologies, as well as conventional breeding strategies, have the potential to influence animal welfare in both positive and negative ways. For example, the sexing of cattle semen might be used to reduce the number of unwanted male dairy calves provided that the technique had not been shown to produce adverse effects. On the other hand, inappropriate use of some breeding technologies may create new problems, or exacerbate welfare problems that may already have arisen within conventional livestock breeding. It is the impact of any breeding technology or strategy that is important to welfare, whether it is the quality of life of the offspring that is compromised, or whether it is the application of the technology itself that causes pain, distress or lasting harm to the subject animal. The aim of this paper is to provide clear and practical advice on the establishment of an appropriate framework within which developments in animal breeding and breeding technologies, and the outcome of such processes, may be considered, monitored and, where necessary, regulated. It builds on recommendations recently made by the FAWC to UK Government, and considers the wider public interest in these technologies. Finally, the response from stakeholders is considered in attempting to ensure that such controls do not render production systems non-competitive in a global livestock industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Heterogeneous preferences exists for dairy farmers' choice of flooring attributes. • Swedish dairy farmers prefer low slip risk to be the most important floor attribute. • The next important attribute preferred by the farmers is floor softness. • Preferences for low abrasive floors are influenced by gender. • Swedish dairy farmers are willing to pay for floors that improve animal welfare. In this paper, we examine preferences for flooring properties that enhance animal welfare in dairy cattle barns among a sample of Swedish dairy farmers. The findings reveal that respondents differ in their choice of flooring properties that improve farm animal welfare. The findings also show that they consider low-slip risk and the softness of floors to be the most important properties. Findings from a latent variable model revealed that floor packaging and installation, workability and animal welfare are important factors that explain the respondents' preferences for different types of floors. The findings demonstrate that dairy farmers who prefer soft, low-slip and less abrasive floors are influenced by the way the floors are incorporated and installed into the building design, the ease with which other tasks can be performed after installing the flooring and the welfare that the specific flooring provides for the animals. The findings contribute relevant insights that are needed for the promotion and adoption of farm management practices that improve animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PLF in Pig Farms. • PLF technologies include vision, sound, other CIT sensors. • PLF usage generally improves the economy of pig units. • Future of PLF research for commercial use. Pig farming is one of the most technologically advanced and continuously growing production sectors. As the pig herds grow larger and at the same time the number of farmers decreases worldwide, it is almost impossible for the farmers to assess every individual animal and assure its wellbeing. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) could provide solutions to these problems. PLF is intending to achieve fully automated continuous monitoring of pigs, emphasizing on each pen, by using technological advancements as part of the management process. It can potentially improve animal welfare, feed efficiency, performance and reduce livestock emissions and therefore positively impact the financial viability of the unit. The data may be collected by cameras (CCTV, infra-red, thermal, etc.) and real-time analyses systems, by microphones and sound analyses systems, or by any other sensor within the production unit or on the animal such as accelerometers, RFID sensors, etc. This overview presents and critically discusses several papers, attempts to make predictions of future technological developments, and proposes potential research needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Frequent weighings can provide an early-warning system for weight gain anomalies. • In areas with natural water sources, a reward more attractive than water is needed to ensure voluntary passage of cattle through the scales. • An average of five usable recordings per animal were obtained each week. This project aimed to evaluate a novel method for monitoring the health of grazing cattle. The method studied in this paper is based on an unmanned, automatic precision weighing system that can be used on pasture, and which will alarm farmers when animals show abnormal weight gain curves. The project focused primarily on the detection of pasture-borne nematode parasite infections, which clearly reduce the weight gain of calves, but the method could be further developed to include other diseases that impair animal performance. The early detection of nematode infections would both improve animal welfare and minimize the use of anthelmintics. This study included a total of 63 first season grazing steers born from dairy cows that were allocated to one of two permanent semi-natural pasture enclosures for 20 weeks. Both enclosures had two identical scales except that one scale was powered with line current and one scale was equipped with solar panels. The automatic weighing stations were situated in close proximity to a source of water, salt and minerals so that animals would voluntarily pass through them on a regular basis. LiveStock PlannerⓇ software was used to identify usable data. The number of usable recordings per animal throughout the grazing season varied from 547 to 2677 amongst the four weighing stations, with an average of five usable recordings per animal obtained each week. The herds were guided to the weighing area on a daily basis during the first eight weeks of the grazing period to ensure that the steers received enough water. After this period, manual observations were used to verify that all animals entered the watering area without problems. The findings showed that the weighing technique worked well; hence, the developed method demonstrates great potential as an automatic supervision tool for grazing cattle. However, even though the summer of 2016 was quite dry, there was still water available in ditches and puddles. Accordingly, water alone was not a strong enough motivation to get cattle to pass through the weighing station into the watering area. Hence, in grazing areas with natural water sources, a reward more attractive than the water, salt and minerals used in this study is needed to ensure frequent voluntary passage of cattle through the scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper uses stochastic partial budgeting analysis to examine the relationship between farm animal welfare (FAW) improvements and profitability in Swedish cattle fattening operations. • Increase in space allowance and forage to concentrate (FC) ratio are considered as FAW improving strategies. • An increase in space allowance of 1 m2/animal is associated with a decrease of 18.9 and 10.8% in beef and dairy breeds, respectively. • An increase in FC ratio (from 40:60 to 65:35) is associated with a decrease of about 21–34 and 17–53% in beef and dairy breeds, respectively. • The study only focuses on direct pecuniary effects of FAW and does not account for the non-use or 'soft' values associated with FAW. There is an increased concern among many stakeholders in society that livestock production systems provide a low-quality life to the animals and therefore advocate improved farm animal welfare (FAW). On the other hand, producers are concerned that stricter welfare regulations would decrease their profits and hence their competitiveness. Given the relevance of the debate surrounding FAW especially in Sweden, and the lack of studies related to the beef sector, this study examined the impact of changes in FAW practices on economic performance of Swedish beef fattening operations. We modelled a herd of 50 cattle of either beef or dairy breed reared for meat production to examine the impact of increased space allowance, including a corresponding decrease in herd size, and increased forage-to-concentrate (FC) ratio. We found that a 1-m2/animal increase in space allowance was associated with a decrease of 18.9 and 10.8% in short-run, per animal profits in beef and dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggested that an increase in weight gain and short-run loss in herd size due to increased space allowance were the most important factors. We estimated that an increase in the FC ratio from 40:60 to 65:35 was associated with a reduction in per animal profits of about 21 to 34% in beef breeds and 17 to 53% in dairy breeds, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that reduced growth due to increased FC ratio was the most important factor. Our results suggest that an increase in space allowance or FC ratio in Swedish beef fattening operations may reduce farm profitability. They also imply that consequences of any policy instrument should be carefully examined to reach the goal of improved FAW along with improved profitability and sustainability for the farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]