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Poultry and PIg Low-input and Organic production systems’ Welfare
Innovations pour améliorer le bien-être des porcs et volailles en élevages à bas-intrants de plein air et biologiques

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Ongoing | 2019 - 2024 France
Ongoing | 2019 - 2024 France
Currently showing page content in native language where available

Context

The sustainability of animal production depends on economic, environmental and social criteria, implying to consider animal welfare and the well-being of practitioners and consumers. Among farm species, laying hens, followed by broilers and pigs are the species or strains for which rearing conditions in the EU are judged to need the highest improvement in terms of welfare. Consumers show an increasing demand for fresh and processed pig and poultry meat and eggs originating in organic and low-input outdoor production systems. PPILOW project is focusing on non-conventional rearing systems notably characterized by low (including drug) inputs that benefit from a high-quality image and reputation and have considerably spread recently. Nonetheless, there are still several challenging questions unsolved concerning these productions, and especially in relation to animal health and mortality problems. Some health concerns may be specific to organic housing systems, but some others will also be shared with low-input outdoor systems. For example, no use of synthetic additives and only very limited use of veterinary inputs is allowed in organic farming. Morbidity and mortality may also partly be due to a lack of robustness and disease susceptibility of poultry and pig flocks when kept in challenging outdoor conditions or with compromised nutrition. Besides, European citizens expect guarantees about improved animal welfare, safety and quality of poultry and pork meats as well as eggs. Consumers and practitioners of these production systems particularly disapprove of damage to animal integrity (beak trimming, piglet castration...) and of the killing of male layer chicks, practices questioning the ethics of poultry and pig production systems.

Objectives

The PPILOW project aims to co-construct through a multiactor approach innovations to improve the welfare of poultry and pigs reared in organic and low-input outdoor production systems. The project co-creates with end-users welfare self-assessment tools, innovative breeding and rearing strategies improving animal welfare, health and robustness, favouring positive behaviours, and avoiding piglet castration and the killing of day-old layer male chicks. A major output of the PPILOW project for end-users will be the provision of decision tools and guidelines for best practices following the One Welfare concept helping the standardisation of organic and outdoor system rules in the European Union.

Objectives

Le projet PPILOW vise à coconstruire, grâce à une approche multiacteurs, des innovations améliorant le bien-être des volailles et porcs élevés en systèmes biologiques et de plein air à bas-intrants. Le projet crée avec les utilisateurs finaux des outils d'auto-évaluation du bien-être, des stratégies innovantes d'élevage améliorant la santé et la robustesse des animaux, favorisant les comportements positifs, évitant la castration des porcelets et l’élimination des poussins mâles de souche ponte. Il fournira des outils de décision et guides de bonnes pratiques suivant le concept Un seul Bien-être contribuant à la normalisation des règles des systèmes biologiques et de plein air dans l'UE.

Activities

PPILOW:
1) Develops an inventory of welfare-improving practices and assess the citizen/consumer and production chain expectations
2) Builds up shared welfare self-assessment & benchmarking tools for and with farmers.
3) Co-creates and experimentally test innovative and/or bottom-up production practices
4) Evaluates through multi-criteria analyses the potential of proposed levers for application.
The PPILOW project will evaluate the contribution of the levers to a new social consensus on rearing practices to be recognized by regulators in Europe. It will propose a deep economic assessment in pig and poultry productions for promising levers and economically viable business models.

Activities

PPILOW:
1) dresse un inventaire des pratiques améliorant le bien-être et évalue les attentes des citoyens/consommateurs et professionnels
2) met en place avec les éleveurs des outils d'auto-évaluation du bien-être
3) co-crée et teste expérimentalement des pratiques de production innovantes 
4) évalue par des analyses multicritères le potentiel d'application des leviers proposés.
Le projet PPILOW évaluera la contribution des leviers à un nouveau consensus social sur les pratiques d'élevage qui sera reconnu par les régulateurs en Europe. Il proposera une évaluation économique approfondie en productions porcine et avicole des leviers prometteurs et les modèles économiques associés.

Project details
Main funding source
Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Horizon Project Type
Multi-actor project
Location
Main geographical location
Indre-et-Loire

EUR 9 999 610.79

Total budget

Total contributions including EU funding.

Project keyword

Currently showing page content in native language where available

24 Practice Abstracts

"In practice, there is still limited knowledge about genetic selection possibilities to obtain a compromise between ranging behaviour, biologic and economic performance and health.
In PPILOW three different genetic breeds have been evaluated under organic conditions to compare the performance, health and welfare indicators of extreme animals in term of range use, so-called High- and Low- rangers. These breeds were the slow-growing S757N strain commonly reared in French label- or organic-type farms, the medium-growing JA757 strain which is commonly used in organic farms in Northern Europe, and a new dual-purpose genetic cross-breed, rather egg-type oriented, the C strain, with a much lower growth rate. 
The comparison of slow-growing (S757N), medium-growing (JA757) and dual-purpose (very) slow-growing genotypes for the organic production system showed the higher cost of dual-purpose C, taking into account the economic evaluations of dual C on-station and on-farm trials showing low growth rates and poor feed efficiency. This economic evaluation interestingly pointed out that, if high-rangers were more costly than low-rangers in the slow and medium-growing genotypes, it was not the case in the dual-purpose strain considered. The selection of genetic breeds for the European organic broiler production could not only consider ethics and certification schemes, but also the potential trade-off between growth rate and the ability to use the free range."
 

"In der Praxis ist das Wissen über die Möglichkeiten der genetischen Selektion zur Erzielung eines Kompromisses zwischen Auslaufverhalten, biologischer und ökonomischer Leistung und Gesundheit noch begrenzt.
Im Rahmen von PPILOW wurden drei verschiedene Genetiken unter ökologischen Bedingungen bewertet, um die Leistungs-, Gesundheits- und Tierwohlindikatoren von Tieren mit extremen Auslaufgewohnheiten, sogenannten High und Low Rangers, zu vergleichen. Bei diesen Genetiken handelte es sich um die langsam wachsende Rasse S757N, die üblicherweise in französischen Label- oder Biobetrieben verwendet wird, die mittelwüchsige Rasse JA757, die üblicherweise in Biobetrieben in Nordeuropa verwendet wird, und eine neue Doppelnutzungskreuzung, die mehr auf Eierproduktion ausgerichtet ist (Genotyp C), der eine viel niedrigere Wachstumsrate aufweist. 
Die ökonomische Auswertung zeigt, dass der Zweinutzungsgenotyp die höchsten Kosten aufweist, bedingt durch niedrigere Wachstumsraten und geringere Futtereffizienz. Während bei den Genotypen mit niedrigem und mittlerem Wachstum die sogenannten „High Rangers“ teurer waren als die „Low Rangers“, ist dies bei dem betrachteten Zweinutzungsgenotyp nicht der Fall. Bei der Auswahl genetischer Rassen für die europäische ökologische Masthähnchenproduktion sollten nicht nur ethische Aspekte und Zertifizierungssysteme berücksichtigt werden, sondern auch der potenzielle Kompromiss zwischen Wachstumsrate und Bewegung, z.B. die Nutzung des Auslaufes."
 

"A market opportunity exists when there is a customer that has a need and an application to fulfil this need. According to a PPILOW survey, citizens in nine European countries tend to have a very positive view of organic farming systems and they associate skilled, dedicated and talented farmer and high level of animal welfare to organic farming.

Organic farming as such is well-known, certified by competent authorities and offers welfare benefits. The drawbacks include high cost of production and potentially high environmental emissions per unit of output.

The value proposition of premium pig and poultry products with improved welfare practices can be based on their capacity to reduce ethical problems and the pain of animals, enable natural behaviours such as rooting, foraging and nest-building, and have good quality. Lower use of veterinary inputs, thanks to good practices and medicinal plants can help to lower antimicrobials usage, while at the same time making the animals healthier. 
    
PPILOW business model results suggest that ethically conscious consumers who emphasise naturalness and are in doubt regarding the mainstream farming systems may be the target customers.  Using innovative marketing and delivery channels such as monthly subscriptions of meat or eggs is another opportunity. Using social media and collaborating with local food stores, restaurants and animal welfare organisations can be a useful approach to valorise additional welfare levels.
"
 

"Markkinamahdollisuus on olemassa, kun asiakkaalla on tarve ja myyjällä sovellus, joka täyttää tämän tarpeen. PPILOW-tutkimuksen mukaan yhdeksän Euroopan maan kansalaisilla on hyvin myönteinen käsitys luonnonmukaisesta kotieläintuotannosta, ja he yhdistävät luomuun ammattitaitoisen, omistautuneen ja lahjakkaan viljelijän sekä eläinten hyvinvoinnin korkean tason.

Luomuviljely sinänsä on tunnettua, toimivaltaisten viranomaisten sertifioimaa ja tarjoaa hyvinvointia parantavia etuja. Haittapuolina ovat korkeat tuotantokustannukset ja mahdollisesti suuret ympäristöpäästöt tuotosyksikköä kohti.

Parempien hyvinvointikäytäntöjen mukaisten korkealaatuisten sika- ja siipikarjatuotteiden arvolupaus voi perustua niiden kykyyn vähentää eettisiä ongelmia ja eläinten kipua, mahdollistaa luonnolliset käyttäytymismuodot, kuten tonkiminen, kuopsutus ja pesänrakennus, ja olla laadultaan hyviä tuotteita. Hyvien käytäntöjen ja lääkekasvien ansiosta eläinlääkintäpanosten käytön vähentäminen voi auttaa vähentämään mikrobilääkkeiden käyttöä ja samalla tehdä eläimistä terveempiä. 
    
PPILOW-liiketoimintamallin tulokset viittaavat siihen, että kohdeasiakkaita voivat olla eettisesti tietoiset kuluttajat, jotka korostavat luonnollisuutta ja ovat epävarmoja valtavirran tuotantojärjestelmistä.  Innovatiivisten markkinointi- ja toimitusmallien, kuten lihan tai munien kuukausitilausten, käyttö on toistaiseksi hyödyntämätön mahdollisuus. Sosiaalisen median käyttö ja yhteistyö paikallisten elintarvikekauppojen, ravintoloiden ja eläinsuojelujärjestöjen kanssa voi olla hyödyllinen lähestymistapa lisähyvinvointitason arvostuksen lisäämiseksi."
 

"Adjusting the incubation temperature profile can program chickens during the embryonic phase to cope better with extreme temperatures  in later life. This method is called thermal manipulation (TM) and is mainly studied in fast-growing broiler chickens. There is less known about consequences of TM for slow-growing broiler chickens. TM could be especially beneficial to them, as they are often reared in farming systems with outdoor access and are therefore exposed to  more variable temperatures. Therefore, the effects of TM in early life as well as later life of slow-growing broiler chickens were investigated in two separate studies.  

In study 1, slow-growing broiler chicken eggs were exposed to one of 3 eggshell temperature (EST) profiles: 1) constant EST of 37.8˚C; 2) TM with 12 h/d high temperatures of 38.9˚C between embryonic day (ED) 9 and 16 (high); 3) TM with 12 h/d high or low temperatures (38.9˚C versus 36.7˚C respectively) between ED9 and 16 (high/low). In study 2, the control treatment (1) was compared with the high/low TM profile (3).  Results of study 1 showed that heat production was affected by both TM treatments, but survival rate, developmental and physiological characteristics were not affected. In study 2, it was shown that TM treatment had a positive effect on chick weight at hatch, but did not affect other chick quality parameters, body weight or the feed conversion ratio (FCR) later in life. There were some indications for positive effects of the TM treatment on behaviour in an unfamiliar environment and during a thermal challenge. The chosen high/low TM application induced limited, but promising improvements in resilience of slower-growing broiler chickens, and needs further exploration before implementation in hatcheries "
 

"Een aangepaste incubatietemperatuur kan kippen tijdens de embryonale fase programmeren om later beter om te gaan met extreme temperaturen. Deze methode wordt thermische manipulatie (TM) genoemd en is vooral bestudeerd bij snelgroeiende vleeskuikens. Er is minder bekend over het effect van TM op traag groeiende vleeskuikens. Zij zouden kunnen profiteren van TM, omdat ze vaak leven in systemen met vrije uitloop en daardoor variabele temperaturen ervaren. Daarom zijn de effecten van TM in de vroege en het latere leven van traag groeiende vleeskuikens onderzocht in twee studies.
In studie 1 werden eieren blootgesteld aan een van 3 eierschaaltemperatuur (EST) profielen: 1) constante EST van 37,8˚C; 2) TM met 12 u/d hoge temperaturen van 38,9˚C tussen embryonale dag (ED) 9 en 16 (hoog); 3) TM met 12 u/d hoge of lage temperaturen (respectievelijk 38,9˚C versus 36,7˚C) tussen ED9 en 16 (hoog/laag). In studie 2 werd de controlebehandeling (1) vergeleken met het hoog/laag TM-profiel (3). Resultaten van studie 1 lieten zien dat warmteproductie werd beïnvloed door beide TM-behandelingen. Overlevingspercentage, ontwikkelings- en fysiologische kenmerken werden niet beïnvloed. In studie 2 werd aangetoond dat TM-profiel 3 een positief effect had op kuikengewicht bij uitkomst, maar niet op andere kuikenkwaliteitsparameters, lichaamsgewicht en de voederconversieratio later in het leven. Er waren aanwijzingen voor positieve effecten van de behandeling op gedrag in een onbekende omgeving en tijdens een thermische stressor. Het gekozen hoog/laag TM-profiel induceerde beperkte, maar veelbelovende verbeteringen in de veerkracht van traag groeiende vleeskuikens, maar vereist meer onderzoek of praktische toepassing mogelijk is in de broederij."
 

"Parasitic diseases are responsible for substantial losses in reproduction and productivity in swine, creating a major impairment to efficient and profitable livestock management. The use of phytotherapeutic remedies has notably increased over the past decade due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and to some extent due to their antiparasitic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiparasitic potential of Cucurbita pepo L. and Coriandrum sativum L. against protozoa and nematodes found in swine. The samples were collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows and examined via flotation (Willis and McMaster), active sedimentation, Ziehl-Neelsen staining as modified by Henricksen, a modified Blagg method, and eggs/oocyst culture. 
The parasite species detected were Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., depending on age category. A dose of 500 mg/kg bw/day of C. pepo and 170 mg/kg bw/day of C. sativum powders, administered for ten consecutive days, demonstrated a pronounced anthelmintic (pumpkin) and antiprotozoal (coriander) effect against the aforementioned parasites. Future studies are required to ascertain the optimal dose that maximizes their antiparasitic effectiveness. The current study represents the first Romanian report on the in vivo antiparasitic activity of these two plants tested on digestive parasites in swine."
 

"Bolile parazitare sunt responsabile de pierderi substanțiale în reproducere și productivitate la porci, ducand la afectarea substantiala  a gestionarii eficiente și profitabile a efectivelor. Utilizarea remediilor fitoterapeutice a crescut considerabil în ultimul deceniu datorită biodisponibilității, toxicității scăzute, naturii nepoluante și, într-o oarecare măsură, datorită efectului lor antiparazitar. Scopul acestui studiu a fost evaluarea potențialului antiparazitar al Cucurbita pepo L. și Coriandrum sativum L. împotriva protozoarelor și nematodelor întâlnite la porcine. Probele au fost colectate de la purcei înțărcați, grasuni și scroafe și examinate prin flotație (Willis și McMaster), sedimentare activă, colorare Ziehl-Neelsen, modificată de Henricksen, o metodă Blagg modificată și prin culivarea de ouă/oochisturi. 
Speciile de paraziți detectate au fost Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli (sin. Balantidium coli), Eimeria spp. și Cryptosporidium spp., în funcție de categoria de vârstă. O doză de 500 mg/kg greutate corporala/zi de pulbere de seminte de C. pepo și 170 mg/kg  greutate corporala/zi de pulbere de C. sativum, administrate timp de zece zile consecutiv, a demonstrat un efect pronunțat antihelmintic (dovleac) și respectiv antiprotozoaric (coriadru) împotriva parazitilor indicati mai sus. Sunt necesare studii ulterioare pentru a stabili doza optimă cu eficacitate eficacitatea antiparazitară maxima. Studiul actual reprezintă primul raport din Romania privind activitatea antiparazitară in vivo a acestor două plante testate pe paraziți digestivi la porci."
 

"The practice of culling day-old male chicks of layer lines is a negative consequence of modern egg production. The use of dual-purpose poultry offers a way around this, as their genetic selection, unlike single-purpose genotypes, allows the rearing of male chicks for meat and female chicks for egg production. However, there is still limited knowledge on management, performance, product quality and economic feasibility. 
In PPILOW, three novel dual-purpose genotypes have been evaluated under organic conditions, by examining parameters of the laying phase in comparison with a commercial layer and the fattening performance in comparison with a commercial broiler as control.
The laying performance of all three dual-purpose genotypes was 19-25 % lower than the control. Meanwhile, the meat yield of dual-purpose females was 17-27 % higher than that of commercial layers. The dual-purpose males of the different genotypes required 2-6 weeks longer to reach the target weight of 2.1 kg liveweight compared to the broiler, resulting in a 29-45 % higher FCR. The economic analysis showed that the price of an egg was 18-43% higher and the production cost of meat from the dual-purpose genotypes was 26-36% higher than the control. Genotype had no negative effect on technical product quality. As preferences for appearance parameters are diverse and subjective, genotype-specific characteristics of eggs and meat are not a barrier to marketability and can be seen as a marketing advantage as the product has an effective recognition value."
 

"Die Praxis, männliche Eintagsküken von Legelinien zu töten, ist eine negative Folge der modernen Eierproduktion. Der Einsatz von Zweinutzungshühnern stellt eine aussichtsvolle Alternative dar, da ihre genetische Selektion im Gegensatz zu spezialisierten Genotypen die Aufzucht männlicher Küken für die Fleisch- und weiblicher Küken für die Eierproduktion ermöglicht. Allerdings ist das Wissen über das Management, Leistung, Produktqualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit noch begrenzt.
In PPILOW wurden drei neu-entwickelte Zweinutzungsgenotypen unter ökologischen Bedingungen bewertet. Dabei wurden die Parameter der Legephase im Vergleich zu einer kommerziellen Legehenne sowie die Mastleistung im Vergleich zu einem kommerziellen Broiler als Kontrolle untersucht.
Die Legeleistung der Zweinutzungsgenotypen war 19-25% niedriger als die der Kontrolle. Dagegen war das Schlachtgewicht der Zweinutzungshennen um 17-27% höher als das der Kontrolle. Die Zweinutzungshähne benötigten 2-6 Wochen länger als die Kontrolle, um das Zielgewicht von 2,1 kg Lebendgewicht zu erreichen. Dies führte zu einem um 29–45 % höheren FCR. Die ökonomische Analyse zeigte, dass der Preis für ein Ei um 18-43 % und die Produktionskosten für Fleisch der Zweinutzungshühner um 26-36 % höher waren als bei der Kontrolle. Ein negativer Einfluss des Genotyps auf die technische Produktqualität konnte nicht festgestellt werden. Da die Präferenzen der Konsument*innen vielfältig und subjektiv sind, stellen die genotypspezifischen Produkteigenschaften kein Hindernis für die Marktfähigkeit dar, sondern können vielmehr als Vermarktungsvorteil angesehen werden, da das Produkt einen Wiedererkennungs- bzw. Unterscheidungswert besitzt."
 

The use of mobile houses has many benefits for both farmers and chickens, compared to a static free-range poultry housing. However, when the chickens are confined to the mobile house because of Avian Influenza or predation risks, they are unable to express essential behaviours. Feather pecking outbreaks can be a consequence, as well as other health risks such as footpad lesions. A covered veranda with good quality enrichment is of crucial importance for chickens to be able to forage and dust bathe, and providing dry bedding material will likely reduce the risk of feather pecking and may help to prevent footpad lesions. In addition, the choice of hybrid can influence the success of  keeping laying hens in mobile houses: from the behaviour data obtained in farms in The Netherlands, dual purpose hens seem to be more suitable for this environment than layer hybrids.
 

Het gebruik van mobiele stallen heeft veel voordelen voor zowel boeren als kippen, vergeleken met statische vrije-uitlooppluimveestallen. Wanneer de kippen echter moeten worden opgehokt vanwege vogelgriep of predatierisico’s, zijn ze niet in staat essentieel gedrag te vertonen. Uitbraken van verenpikken kunnen een gevolg zijn, evenals andere gezondheidsrisico's zoals voetzoollaesies. Een overdekte veranda met kwalitatief goede verrijking is van cruciaal belang voor kippen om te kunnen foerageren en te stofbaden. Het verstrekken van droog strooisel zal waarschijnlijk het risico op verenpikken verminderen en voetzoollaesies helpen voorkomen. Daarnaast kan de raskeuze het succes van het houden van leghennen in mobiele stallen beïnvloeden: op basis van de gedragsdata van de Nederlandse bedrijven lijken dubbeldoelkippen geschikter voor deze omgeving dan leg-hybriden.
 

"The welfare issue addressed is the long transport of small batches of chicks of specific slow-growing strains and delay before feeding and drinking between hatching in the hatchery and on-farm chick start. On-farm hatching after the transport of the eggs at 18 days of incubation limits chick manipulation and perturbation, weight loss, and dehydration (especially during hot seasons) with the possibility for the chick to eat and drink whenever it is ready to do so. 
On-farm hatching, already spreading in conventional indoor farms, was semi-experimentally tested on a small-scale organic farm in the East of France and completely on-field in a label-type farm in the South West of France on slow-growing broiler chickens. The benefits observed were a better chick quality and performance in the outdoor farm using gas radiants, but adjustments were required in small-scale organic farms where ambient temperature was more difficult to fine tune by using a heating pad and a ventilating heater in order to keep the eggshell temperature around 36-37°C during the hatching process in order to avoid overheating. Vaccination has to be done on-farm except if it is possible to obtain vaccinated eggs from the hatchery at 18 days of incubation. In order to avoid too much energy cost on farm, this method could be used during the warm season when temperatures are high with little day/night variation. Farmers found this practice more rewarding but more stressful and requiring more work and monitoring than receiving day-old chicks, and conditioned by the possibility to collaborate with a commercial hatchery to obtain eggs incubated 18 days, if possible vaccinated."
 

Le problème de bien-être abordé est le long transport de petits lots de poussins de souches à croissance lente et le délai avant alimentation et abreuvement entre l'éclosion au couvoir et le démarrage des poussins à la ferme. L'éclosion à la ferme après le transport des œufs à 18 jours d'incubation, déjà en expansion en fermes conventionnelles, limite les perturbations des poussins, la perte de poids et la déshydratation (surtout l'été) avec la possibilité pour le poussin de manger et de boire quand il y est prêt. L'incubation à la ferme a été testée de manière semi-expérimentale dans une petite ferme biologique et dans une ferme de type label sur des poulets de chair à croissance lente. Les avantages observés sont de meilleurs scores de qualité et performances des poussins dans la ferme plein air utilisant des radiants à gaz. Des ajustements ont été nécessaires dans la ferme biologique où la température ambiante est plus difficile à régler en utilisant une nappe chauffante et un radiateur avec brassage d'air pour maintenir une température de coquille autour de 36-37°C pendant le processus d'éclosion et d'éviter toute surchauffe. La vaccination doit être effectuée à la ferme a posteriori, sauf s'il est possible d'obtenir des œufs vaccinés du couvoir après 18 jours d'incubation. Afin d'éviter des coûts énergétiques trop élevés, cette méthode pourrait être utilisée pendant la saison chaude, lorsque les températures sont élevées avec peu de variations jour/nuit. Les éleveurs impliqués ont trouvé cette pratique gratifiante mais plus stressante et exigeante (travail, suivi) que de recevoir des poussins d'un jour. Sa faisabilité est conditionnée par la possibilité de collaborer avec un couvoir pour obtenir des œufs incubés 18 jours, si possible vaccinés.
 

"On-farm hatching of chicks is developing rapidly in many European countries. This practice is based on transferring embryonated eggs to poultry barn, three days before hatching, giving the chicks direct access to feed and water, without the stress associated with hatchery and transport. The main challenge for farmer is to maintain a uniform shell temperature around 36-37°C (97-99°F) for the last 3 days of incubation, necessary for the proper final development of chick. Ambient temperature is fairly well controlled with ambient heaters, but what can be done on farms equipped with localized heating? Here are the tips:
• For a 5KW radiant heater, the optimum settings are to place the radiant at a height of 2.20 m with a set point of between 34 and 35°C, and a probe placed on the eggs (automatic regulation) and about forty centimetres above the heater. If the heaters are more powerful or installed at a height of less than 2.20 m, the eggs must be kept away from the heating source. If the areas on the floor between 2 radiant heaters are close, the emitted heat adds up in these areas, causing egg overheating.

• Litter recommendations: The litter must provide, for eggs, a barrier against drafts and cold. So, for poultry barn on clay floor, minimum 12 cm thickness of crushed straw litter is required. To avoid draught on the egg surface (cooling), check the tightness of hatches giving access to the outside area and bring up litter in front of the openings.

Hatching performance was comparable with the hatchery, and chick quality, growth and behaviour improved "
 

"L'éclosion des poussins à la ferme se développe rapidement en Europe. Cette pratique consiste à transférer les œufs embryonnés dans le poulailler, trois jours avant l'éclosion, en donnant aux poussins un accès direct à la nourriture et à l'eau, sans stress associé au couvoir et au transport. Le principal défi pour l'éleveur est de maintenir la température de coquille uniforme autour de 36-37°C (97-99°F) pendant les trois derniers jours d'incubation, nécessaire au développement final du poussin. La température ambiante est assez bien contrôlée avec les chauffages d'ambiance, mais que conseiller pour les fermes équipées d'un chauffage localisé ?
- Pour un radiant de 5KW, les réglages optimaux consistent à placer le radiant à une hauteur de 2,20 m avec une consigne de température ambiante entre 34 et 35°C, et une sonde placée sur les œufs (régulation automatique) à 40 centimètres de l'aplomb du radiant. Si les chauffages sont plus puissants ou installés à une hauteur inférieure à 2,20 m, les œufs doivent être éloignés de la source de chaleur. Si 2 radiants sont proches, la chaleur émise s'accumule dans ces zones au sol, provoquant une surchauffe des œufs. 
- Recommandations pour la litière : La litière doit constituer, pour les œufs, une barrière contre les courants d'air et le froid. Ainsi, pour un poulailler au sol en terre battue, une épaisseur minimale de 12 cm de litière de paille broyée est nécessaire. Pour éviter les courants d'air à la surface des œufs (refroidissement), il faut vérifier l'étanchéité des trappes d'accès à l'extérieur et remonter la litière devant les ouvertures.
Les performances d'éclosion sont alors comparables à celles du couvoir, et la qualité, la croissance et le comportement des poussins améliorés."
 

One of PPILOW’s experiments aims to develop innovations to reduce feather pecking (FP) in laying hens. This will help farmers in keeping laying hens with intact beaks. We studied the effect of a light-dark cycle with green LED light during the entire incubation, which has been shown to reduce fear in broilers. In addition, we investigated if foraging enrichment with insect larvae reduced fear and FP. In the rearing phase, light during incubation reduced fear of humans, but only in one behavior test. It did not affect FP. Larvae enrichment increased foraging frequency, but not foraging duration, fear or FP. In the laying phase, the hens were housed in mobile poultry houses with access to a large, tree-covered outdoor range. While ranging, the hens also had access to live insect larvae in operant feeders placed on the range. Rearing treatments and larvae provisioning in the free range had relatively few effects on adult performance. Access to a veranda was important: FP and feather damage was higher when hens could not access the veranda. Larvae enrichment during early-life increased foraging skills in adult hens.
 

Eén van de experimenten van PPILOW heeft tot doel innovaties te ontwikkelen om verenpikken (VP) bij leghennen te verminderen. Dit zal boeren helpen legkippen met intacte snavels te houden. We bestudeerden het effect van een licht-donkercyclus met groen LED-licht gedurende de gehele incubatie, waarvan is aangetoond dat het de angst bij vleeskuikens vermindert. Daarnaast onderzochten we of foerageerverrijking met insectenlarven de angst en VP verminderde. In de opfokfase verminderde licht tijdens de incubatie de angst voor mensen, maar slechts in één gedragstest. Het had geen invloed op VP. De verrijking van de larven verhoogde de foerageerfrequentie, maar niet de foerageerduur, angst of VP. In de legfase werden de hennen gehuisvest in mobiele pluimveestallen met toegang tot een grote, met bomen begroeide uitloop. Tijdens het uitstrekken hadden de kippen ook toegang tot levende insectenlarven in operante voederbakken die in het uitloopgebied waren geplaatst. Opfokbehandelingen en het verstrekken van larven in de vrije uitloop hadden relatief weinig effecten op de prestaties van volwassen leghennen. Toegang tot de veranda bleek van belang: VP en veerschade namen toe wanneer er geen toegang tot de veranda was. Verrijking van larven in de opfok verhoogde de foerageervaardigheden bij volwassen kippen.
 

Females from the first generation of selective breeding (G1), were inseminated with Pietrain boars in 1st parity and Large White boars with high genetic potential for piglet survival in 2nd and 3rd parities. A total of 24 pairs of sisters were studied, with one female temporary crated around farrowing (90% free) and the other 100% free during the entire period spent in the farrowing unit (pen of 10 m²). Sisters were inseminated with the same boar, leading to litters genetically equivalent. Therefore, the housing effect was assessed at genetics fixed. The 48h post farrowing survival rate varied between 75% and 88% and piglet mortality was similar in both systems. After release of blocked sows, piglet mortality was 27.3% for 90% free sows vs 11.8% for 100% free sows. Stability of performance across parities was one more criteria (litter size and survival rate, number of piglets crushed) accounted for to select young females for the next generation (G2 sows). For some sows, number of total born piglets and/or piglet survival varied greatly over parities. Survival rate decreased in 2nd parity in many sows, especially the 100% free sows because on average they weaned more piglets in 1st parity than 90% free sows. The positive effect of temporary crating on piglet survival was visible only in 3rd parity. In addition, piglet survival until weaning was higher in sows being more maternal when their litter returned from weighing on the 1st day of lactation. Piglet mortality was influenced by sow behaviour and lowly by temporary crating. 
 

Les femelles de 1ère génération (G1), ont été inséminées avec des verrats Piétrain en 1ère portée (P1) et des verrats Large White à haut potentiel génétique pour la survie des porcelets en 2ème (P2) et 3ème portées (P3). Au total, 24 paires de sœurs ont été étudiées, avec une femelle bloquée autour de la mise bas (90% libre) et l'autre 100% libre pendant toute la période passée en maternité (enclos de 10 m²). Les sœurs ont été inséminées avec le même verrat, donnant des portées génétiquement équivalentes. L'effet du logement a donc été évalué à génétique fixe. Le taux de survie 48h post mise bas variait entre 75% et 88% et la mortalité des porcelets était similaire dans les deux systèmes. Après libération des truies bloquées, la mortalité des porcelets était de 27,3% pour les truies 90% libres contre 11,8% pour les truies 100% libres. La stabilité des performances au fil des portées était un critère supplémentaire (avec taille de la portée, taux de survie, et nombre de porcelets écrasés) pris en compte pour sélectionner les jeunes femelles de la génération suivante (truies G2). Pour certaines truies, le nombre total de porcelets nés et/ou le taux de survie variaient fortement entre portées. Le taux de survie a diminué en P2 chez de nombreuses truies, en particulier les truies 100% libres car elles ont en moyenne sevré plus de porcelets en P1 que les truies 90% libres. L'effet positif du blocage temporaire sur la survie des porcelets n'a été visible qu'en 3ème portée. En outre, la survie des porcelets jusqu'au sevrage était plus élevée chez les truies qui étaient plus maternelles lorsque leur portée revenait de la pesée le 1er jour de la lactation. La mortalité des porcelets a été influencée par le comportement des truies et peu par le blocage temporaire peripartum. 
 

Our work focuses on the main levers to reduce boar taint and undesired behaviors (sexual mounting and aggressions) in organic intact (i.e., non castrated) male pigs: genetics, age/live weight at slaughter, management and feeding. Two experiments were conducted to test these levers in either experimental or commercial organic pig farms. Rearing Duroc compared to Pietrain crossbred male pigs allows to improve some animal welfare indicators, even if overall few health and welfare problems were noticed. Growth performance did not differ between genotypes. Carcass lean meat content was lower, but indicators of technological and sensory meat quality were improved in Duroc compared to Pietrain crossbreeds. However, the risk for boar taint due to androstenone was higher for Duroc than Pietrain pigs, and increased with increasing slaughter weight, especially in Duroc pigs. Regarding animal management and feeding, we showed that providing additional straw in the pen and additional fibre in the diet (10% alfalfa meal during the finishing period) did not influence growth and carcass traits, but allowed to reduce the risk for boar taint due to lower backfat skatole and androstenone concentrations. Altogether, these results show that it is possible to stop castration and rear non-castrated males in organic farming, provided that risks for boar taint (and aggressive behaviour) are controlled by breeding and farming practices (feeding, cleanliness of the pen, and avoiding slaughter body weight above 125 kg). 
 

Nos travaux portent sur les principaux leviers permettant de réduire les odeurs indésirables (sexuelles) des viandes et les comportements indésirables (monte, agressions) des porcs mâles (non-castrés) en élevage biologique : génétique, âge/poids à l'abattage, conduite et alimentation. Pour tester ces leviers, deux expérimentations ont été réalisées en élevages expérimentaux ou commerciaux de porcs biologiques. L’élevage de porcs croisés Duroc comparé à des croisés Piétrain permet d’améliorer certains indicateurs de bien-être animal, même si globalement peu de problèmes de santé ou de bien-être ont été observés. Les performances de croissance ne différaient pas selon le génotype.  La teneur en viande maigre des carcasses était plus faible, mais des indicateurs de qualité sensorielle et technologique de la viande étaient améliorés chez les croisés Duroc comparés aux Piétrain. Cependant, le risque d’odeurs sexuelles dues à l’androsténone était plus élevé chez les porcs Duroc, et augmentait avec le poids d’abattage, surtout chez les croisés Duroc. Concernant la conduite d’élevage et l’alimentation, l’apport supplémentaire de paille dans les loges associé à l’ajout de fibres dans l’aliment (10% de farine de luzerne pendant la finition) n’influençait pas la croissance ou la teneur en maigre des carcasses, mais réduisait le risque d’odeurs sexuelles en raison de moindres teneurs en scatol et androsténone de la bardière. L’ensemble de ces résultats indique qu’il est possible d’arrêter de castrer les porcs mâles en élevage biologique, si les risques d’odeurs indésirables (et de comportements agressifs) sont contrôlés par la génétique et les pratiques d’élevage (alimentation, propreté des cases, poids d’abattage inférieur à 125 kg).  
 

"In four countries (Italy, Finland, France, United Kingdom), interviews were carried out with eleven key-informants working within the supply chain of low-input or organic production of poultry meat, eggs and pork meat (farmers, vets, companies producing progeny, feed producers, health inspectors in slaughter houses or egg packing company’s experts, NGOs). The objective was to understand the major issues in welfare according to on-field people.
The main issues mentioned in poultry were: feeding issues, issues related to biosecurity, lack of range use and management of the range (in 4 countries); issues related to feather pecking, coping with weather, regulation,  flock size or density and predation (in 3 countries); bone fractures and lack of robustness (in 2 countries); parasitism, pododermatitis, arthrosis, nervousness, water quality, catching and time spent by farmers (in 1 country).
The main issues mentioned in pig were: feeding issues, cannibalism, mortality, coping with weather, predation, lack of robustness, lack of range use (in 3 countries); castration, animal aggressiveness and competition, water quality, range management, human welfare, biosecurity issues, flock size or density (in 2 countries); parasitism, insolation burns, joint abnormalities, parturition in freedom and pollution (in 1 country).
These issues were discussed further in focus groups with farmers, practitioners and consumers in the four countries and they gave rise to investigations in literature to detect new opportunities to reduce these difficulties. Moreover, some issues were included in PPILOW experimental investigations to find new ways to solve them and to calculate solution costs.
More information on solutions in EIP AGRI PPILOW's page."
 

"Dans 4 pays (Italie, Finlande, France et Royaume-Uni), des entretiens ont été menés avec onze personnes clés des filières porcs ou volailles en production biologique ou à faibles intrants (agriculteurs, vétérinaires, responsables de sélection génétique, de conditionnement d’œufs ou d’abattoirs, producteurs d’aliments, ONG). L’objectif était de comprendre les problèmes liés au bien-être animal selon les personnes sur le terrain.
Chez les volailles : les problèmes sont liés à l’alimentation, à la biosécurité, au manque d’utilisation du parcours et à la gestion du parcours (dans 4 pays) ; le picage des plumes, l’adaptation aux conditions météorologiques, la réglementation, la taille ou la densité des troupeaux et la prédation (3 pays) ; les fractures et le manque de robustesse (2 pays) ; parasitisme, pododermatites, arthrose, nervosité, qualité de l’eau, capture des animaux et temps de travail des agriculteurs (1 pays).
Chez les porcs: les problèmes sont liés à l’alimentation, le cannibalisme, la mortalité, l’adaptation aux conditions météorologiques, le manque de robustesse et d’utilisation de l’espace plein-air (dans 3 pays) ; la castration, l’agressivité et la compétition entre animaux, la qualité de l’eau, la gestion du plein-air, la taille du troupeau ou la densité, la biosécurité et le bien-être humain (2 pays) ; le parasitisme, la parturition en liberté, les insolations, les problèmes d’aplomb et la pollution (1 pays).
Ces questions, détaillées dans des groupes de discussion avec des acteurs des filières et des consommateurs, ont donné lieu à des recherches dans la littérature pour détecter de nouvelles solutions et certaines ont été incluses dans les expérimentations de PPILOW afin de les tester et d’en calculer les coûts."
 

Ascaris suum is present in traditionally managed indoor herds and on industrialized farms, especially in old fatteners and sows. Increasing resistance against antihelmintics redirected the research towards alternative, traditional therapies, medicinal plants included.

This study comparatively evaluated the in vitro effects of Allium sativum and Artemisia absinthium L., on inhibition of A. suum egg hatching and larval development.

A. suum eggs were collected from randomly sampled of traditionally maintained swine faeces. The egg suspension was divided in two control and two experimental groups. In the experimental groups the egg suspensions were treated with alcoholic plant extract of various concentrations. A. suum eggs were examined at L1, L2 and L3 stages.

Anti-embryogenic effects on the A. suum eggs were expressed by both plants at all tested concentrations. A. sativum and A. absinthium extracts showed a strong antihelmintic activity; still, in-depth phytochemical studies are required to identify the compounds responsible for the antihelmintic properties of these species.

Ascaris suum este prezent atât în efectivele de suine crescute în mod traditional cât și în fermele industrializate, în special la grǎsuni și scroafe. Creșterea rezistenței împotriva antihelminticelor a redirecționat cercetarea către terapii alternative, tradiționale, inclusiv plante medicinale.

Acest studiu a evaluat comparativ efectele in vitro ale lui Allium sativum şi Artemisia absinthium L., privind inhibarea eclozǎrii ouălor și dezvoltarii larvelor de A. suum.

Ouăle de A. suum au fost colectate si concentrate din probele de fecale pozitive, provenite de la suine crescute in ferme cu aport redus (mod tradiţional). Suspensia de ouă a fost împărțită în două loturi martor și douǎ loturi experimentale. În cazul loturilor experimentale eșantioane din suspensia de ouă au fost tratate cu extracte alcoolice vegetale de diferite concentrații. Ouǎle de A. suum au fost examinate în stadiile L1, L2 și L3.

Efectele de inhibare a embriogenezei asupra ouălor A. suum au fost exprimate de ambele plante, la toate concentrațiile testate.

Extractele de A. sativum și A. absinthium au arătat o puternică activitate antihelmintică, totuși, sunt necesare studii fitochimice aprofundate pentru a identifica compușii responsabili pentru proprietățile antihelmintice ale acestor specii.

Trichinella spiralisis widespread in wild animals and often can be found in domestic pigs. This parasite species is also the most important etiological agent in human trichinosis.

This study aimed to compare the detection capability (for Trichinella spiralis larvae) of artificial digestion to an experimental microfluidic device.

A total of 10 positive domestic pigs for T. spiralis were tested (5g/animal) in both methods. Artificial digestion is the gold standard method for the direct detection of Trichinella larvae in meat samples. The microfluidic method is a new approach regarding the detection of Trichinella spp. This method was done by an experimental device from Hungary (Bionics Biomicrofuidics lab, Budapesta).

Out of the 10 positive samples, only two animals were negative in the microfluidic method, but they were positive (2, 21 larvae) in artificial digestion. Samples with high (500, 100, 75, 68) and medium (58, 20) number of larvae in artificial digestion, had a medium (200, 19, 40, 51) and small (4, 1) larvae count in the microfluidic method. In two cases, the number of larvae found in the microfluidic method was higher (35, 18) than in artificial digestion (32, 12).

Acest studiu și-a propus să compare capacitatea de detectare a larvelelor de Trichinella spiralis prin metoda digestiei artificiale cu metoda microfluidicǎ care utilizeazǎ un dispozitiv microfluidic experimental.

Au fost testaţi, prin ambele metode, un numǎr total de 10 porci domestici pozitivi pentru T. spiralis (5 g/animal).

Digestia artificială este metoda gold standard pentru detectarea directă a larvelor de Trichinella din probele de carne. Metoda microfluidică este o nouă abordare în ceea ce privește detectarea larvelor de Trichinella spp. Această metodă a fost realizată cu ajutorul unui dispozitiv experimental din Ungaria (laboratorul Biomicrofuidics, Budapesta).

Din cele 10 probe pozitive, doar două au fost negative prin metoda microfluidică, dar au fost pozitive (2, 21 larve) la digestia artificială. Probele cu un număr mare (500, 100, 75, 68) și mediu (58, 20) de larve prin digestie artificială, au avut un număr mediu (200, 19, 40, 51) și mic (4, 1) de larve prin metoda microfluidicǎ. În două cazuri, numărul de larve găsite prin metoda microfluidică a fost mai mare (35, 18) decât la digestia artificială (32, 12).

Rezultatele indică faptul că metoda microfluidică poate fi utilizată pentru detectarea directă și numerotarea larvelor de T. spiralis, dar nu este la fel de eficientǎ ca digestia artificială. Sunt necesare mai multe studii și îmbunătățiri pentru această nouă metodă (microfluidică).

Free-range system provides an outdoor range for broilers in order to allow them to express their natural behaviour. Nevertheless, we observe high variability of outdoor range usage by broilers due to large number of factors. Broiler’s range usage can be individually quantified thanks to a distance index and qualified as his exploratory behaviour. It has been highlighted that range use is stable over time (early and late access), defining exploratory behaviour as a personality trait. On top, foraging behaviour, locomotion and social motivation were linked to the exploratory behaviour. However, this work was only performed on one strain, thus the genetic factor could not be excluded. To precisely define broilers’ exploratory behaviour and its components, we investigated among four different slow growing breeds. We noticed a strong correlation between the exploratory behaviour at 37 to 46 days old and at 56 to 67 days old in all 4 strains. Thus, we confirmed that exploratory behaviour is a personality trait. Regarding, foraging and locomotion, we found no steady links with range use. However, we only observed foraging and locomotion before range access when broilers were 14 to 19 days old and animals’ growth could influence their personality. Indeed, social motivation was noticed at not stable in time since no correlation was detected between the first social motivation test performed at 22 to 25 days old and the second round of test performed at 50 to 53 days old. Our results suggest that in very young animals, when personality traits are probably not yet established, early behavioural patterns may be poor indicators of later range use.

Le système d'élevage en plein air fournit un espace extérieur aux poulets de chair afin de leur permettre d'exprimer leur comportement naturel. Néanmoins, il existe une grande variabilité dans l'utilisation de l'espace extérieur, qui peut être quantifiée individuellement grâce à un indice de distance et qualifiée de comportement exploratoire. Il a été mis en évidence que l'utilisation du parcours est stable dans le temps (accès précoce et tardif), définissant le comportement exploratoire comme un trait de personnalité.Cependant, ces travaux n'ont été réalisés que sur une seule souche, ce qui ne permet pas d'exclure le facteur génétique. Pour définir précisément le comportement exploratoire des poulets de chair et ses composantes, nous avons étudié quatre races à croissance lente. Nous avons remarqué une forte corrélation entre le comportement exploratoire à l'âge de 37 à 46 jours et à l'âge de 56 à 67 jours dans les 4 souches, confirmant que le comportement exploratoire est un trait de personnalité. En ce qui concerne la recherche de nourriture et la locomotion, nous n'avons trouvé aucun lien constant avec l'utilisation de l'espace extérieur. Cependant, ces comportements ont été mesurés sur des poulets de chair âgés de 14 à 19 jours et on ne peut exclure une interaction entre stade de développement des animaux et personnalité. En effet, la motivation sociale évolue avec le temps puisqu'aucune corrélation n'a été détectée entre le premier test de motivation sociale réalisé à l'âge de 22 à 25 jours et la deuxième série de tests réalisés à l'âge de 50 à 53 jours. Nos résultats suggèrent donc que les tests de personnalité très précoces ne sont pas des indicateurs fiables du comportement exploratoire des poulets de chair.

Laying hens of different genotypes have been selected for generations for high yield and egg quality.This has resulted in efficient feed conversion and low body weight; whereby they are not suitable for meat production. Male chickens of egg-laying genotypes are therefore killed as day old. Due to the ethical dilemma and for better resource utilization, there is now more focus on other genotypes, the dual-purpose breeds, in order to be able to use the male chickens for meat production. The purpose of the study was to evaluate potential dual-purpose genotypes for the quality of their eggs compared to an efficient layer genotype. Two dual-purpose genotypes with divergent characteristics were evaluated: genotype A represented an experimental crossbreed based on a broiler type male and an egg layer female, and genotype C was a crossbreed of a layer type. These were compared to a rustic genotype B and a control genotype D, which was an egg layer. Eggs were collected from 21-54 weeks of age and a total of 990 eggs were analyzed. Parameters for egg weight, proportions of shell, yolk and albumen, along with quality parameters were measured. The layer genotype D produced the smallest eggs with the lowest frequency of blood and meat stains, compared to eggs from the two dual-purpose genotypes. The shell quality was best for layer genotype D. However, genotype A laid eggs of comparable shell quality, dry matter content in the albumen and yolk weight, and with the darkest and most reddish-yellow yolk. Genotype C, the second dual-purpose genotype, as well as the rustic genotype B, produced eggs of low-medium quality. In conclusion, genotype A can serve as a dual-purpose genotype from an egg quality perspective and male chickens can be used for sustainable meat production.

Æglæggende høner af forskellige genotyper er igennem generationer selekteret for høj ægydelse og ægkvalitet. Dette har resulteret i en effektiv foderudnyttelse og lav kropsvægt; hvorved de ikke egner sig til kødproduktion. Hanekyllinger af æglægger racer bliver derfor aflivet som daggamle. På grund af det etiske dilemma og for en bedre ressourceudnyttelse er der nu et større fokus på andre genotyper, de såkaldte to-formåls racer (dual-purpose) for derved at kunne anvende hanekyllingerne til kødproduktion. Formålet med studiet var at evaluere potentielle dual-purpose genotyper for deres ægs kvalitet sammenlignet med en effektiv æglægger genotype. To dual-purpose genotyper med forskellige karakteristika blev evalueret, hvor genotype A var en krydsning mellem en slagtekyllingetype (hane) og en æglæggerhøne, mens genotype C var en hybrid æglæggerrace. Disse blev sammenlignet med en landrace genotype (B) og en kontrol æglæggerhøne genotype (D). Æg blev indsamlet fra 21-54 ugers alderen og i alt blev 990 æg analyseret.Parametre for ægvægt, andele af skal, blomme og æggehvide, sammen med kvalitetsparametre blev målt. Den traditionelle æglæggerhøne producerede de mindste æg med lavest frekvens af blod- og kødpletter, sammenlignet med æg fra de to dual-purpose genotyper. Skalkvaliteten var bedst for æglægger genotypen D. Genotype A lagde dog æg af sammenlignelig skalkvalitet, tørstofindhold i æggehviden og blommevægt, og med den mørkeste og mest rødgule blomme. Genotype C, den anden dual-purpose genotype, samt landracehønen (B) producerede æg af lav-medium kvalitet. Som konklusion kan genotype A tjene som dual-purpose genotype ud fra et ægkvalitets-perspektiv og hanekyllingerne kan anvendes til bæredygtig kødproduktion.

In PPILOW project participatory approach is crucial to ensure that project outcomes are broadly supported and respond to the needs of society. ‘National Practitioner Groups’ (NPGs) are organized, consisting of broad range of actors, representing the whole value chain, from farmers to retailers. In the original project frequent live meetings were planned. However, they were limited by Covid-19 breakout. NPG facilitators had to be creative and flexible in order to perpetuate the functionality of the NPG.

Involving actors and engage them online was particularly challenging. In particular, it was difficult to create online a collaborative group, without leaving any space for informal interaction, crucial when forming new groups. Especially farmers from marginal areas had a lower interest to participate. Additionally, during these online meetings more intervention from the facilitators was needed to ensure that all actors participate in the debate.

Choosing an easy platform is important for guaranteeing meeting quality and participation.

Otherwise, online meetings were often more accessible, as participation did not require transport. Methods for making online meetings more interactive are: 1 the use of polls or other voting systems, as this requires everybody to participate; 2. the chat function helps to involve actors who are not comfortable to take the word in the discussion; 3. the use of breakout rooms can help interaction in smaller groups.

We found that following these tips, while encouraging phone calls with actors, has led to good results.

In conclusion, it is important for next years and future projects to rethink participatory methodologies as a whole, by evaluating a combination of ONLINE and IN PERSON meeting.

Il progetto PPILOW è basato sull'approccio partecipativo. Dei "National Practitioner Groups" (NPG), gruppi di professionisti nazionali, sono stati costituiti coinvolgendo gli attori dell'intera filiera: dagli agricoltori ai rivenditori. Nel progetto originario i gruppi si sarebbero dovuti incontrare dal vivo, tuttavia l'epidemia di Covid-19 ha cambiato gli schemi. I facilitatori hanno quindi dovuto essere creativi per perpetuare la funzionalità degli NPG.

Coinvolgere gli attori online e mantenerli interessati al progetto è stato particolarmente impegnativo. La sfida maggiore è stata creare online un gruppo collaborativo in assenza di spazio per l'interazione informale, fondamentale nella creazione di nuovi gruppi. Soprattutto gli agricoltori di aree marginali hanno dimostrato minore interesse. Inoltre, i facilitatori hanno dovuto intervenire di più per garantire la partecipazione di tutti.

Scegliere una piattaforma facile da usare è importante per garantire la qualità e la partecipazione.

Nonostante ciò, le riunioni online hanno permesso di avere un pubblico più ampio, evitando il viaggio.

Gli strumenti utili negli incontri online sono: 1 i sondaggi o altri sistemi di voto, che stimolano la partecipazione di tutti; 2. l'uso della chat: per gli attori che non si sentono a proprio agio nel prendere la parola nella discussione ; 3. l'uso di breakoutroom per favorire l'interazione in gruppi più piccoli.

Seguendo questi suggerimenti e incoraggiando la partecipazione con telefonate singole si può arrivare a buoni risultati.

In conclusione, per i prossimi anni e i progetti futuri, è importante ripensare alle metodologie partecipative, probabilmente una combinazione di incontri online e dal vivo è la miglior soluzione.

The PPILOW project adopts the One Welfare concept in order to assess different rearing strategies tested both in experimental facilities and commercial farms. The ‘One Welfare’ concept recognizes the interconnections between animal welfare, human wellbeing and environment (including biodiversity). Although multiple welfare assessment methods exist, a ‘One Welfare’ assessment tool - for evaluating the progress gained for animals and humans but also for broadening the impact-assessment on all three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) - has not yet been developed. PPILOW aims to fill this gap by developing specific tools for data collection and by identifying useful criteria to make the concept of One Welfare measurable and more concrete. The tools consist of four widespread sheets, one for each production type considered in the PPILOW project (broilers; laying hens; pigs and sows), which include economic, social, environmental and animal welfare variables. The data collection will enable the computation of the different criteria of the One Welfare Assessment Framework as identified with the National Practitioner Group using a participatory approach.

Il progetto PPILOW adotta il concetto di One Welfare per valutare le diverse strategie di allevamento testate sia nelle strutture sperimentali che negli allevamenti reali. Il concetto di "One Welfare" riconosce le interconnessioni tra benessere animale, benessere umano e ambiente (includendo la biodiversità). Sebbene esistano diversi metodi di valutazione del benessere, non è stato ancora sviluppato uno strumento di valutazione in grado di utilizzare il concetto di "One Welfare" per valutare i progressi compiuti per gli animali e per l'uomo, ma anche per includere nella valutazione altri impatti relativi ai tre pilastri della sostenibilità (ambientale, sociale ed economica ). Il progetto PPILOW vuole colmare questa lacuna sviluppando specifici strumenti per la raccolta dei dati e individuando i criteri utili a rendere misurabile e più concreto il concetto di “One Welfare”. Gli strumenti sono quattro schede diffuse, una per ciascuna tipologia produttiva coinvolta nel progetto PPILOW (polli da carne; galline ovaiole; maiali e scrofe), e comprendenti variabili economiche, sociali, ambientali e di benessere animale. La raccolta dei dati consentirà di calcolare i diversi criteri componenti il One Welfare Assessment Framework, individuati grazie ai Gruppi Nazionali di Esperti (National Practitioner Groups) utilizzando un approccio partecipativo.

Farmers and other supply chain experts may perceive measures to enhance animal welfare in low-input outdoor and organic pig and poultry production beneficial but unapplicable. PPILOW survey aimed at identifying such measures to see, how the adoption of beneficial measures could be promoted.

In pigs, the use of mobile shelters to enhance pasture use and health and well-being of outdoor-bred pigs and the use of using special pens to maximize piglet viability and health with loose-housed sows were considered substantially more frequently as beneficial than applicable.

In poultry, several measures were considered substantially more often as beneficial than applicable. In laying hens these measures included feeding that supports natural behaviours (e.g. grains, insects or vegetables for pecking), restricting maximum number of birds per flock to enhance bird welfare and reduce disease risk, provision of dustbathing areas and efficient control of temperature, humidity and air quality in the house. In broilers, these measures included the use of mobile housing, provision of trees, bushes and other natural elements and hides on a pasture, and adjusting nutrition to ensure animal health and growth.

As these measures were considered beneficial by the great majority of practitioners, the most common reasons for inapplicability were related to the costs of their adoption and to practical challenges of adoption. Practitioners are recommended to consider alternative ways of implementing beneficial measures if they are considered inapplicable in their standard form.

Viljelijät ja muut tuotantoketjun asiantuntijat voivat pitää eläinten hyvinvointia parantavia toimenpiteitä samalla sekä hyödyllisinä että toteuttamiskelvottomina. PPILOW-tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli tunnistaa, millaisiksi eri toimenpiteet koetaan.

Siirreltävillä eläinsuojilla voidaan tehostaa laitumen käyttöä sekä lisätä ulkona kasvatettujen sikojen terveyttä ja hyvinvointia. Oikein suunnitelluilla emakoiden porsimiskarsinoilla puolestaan voidaan lisätä porsaiden selviytymismahdollisuuksia ja terveyttä. Sikatuotannossa näitä toimenpiteitä pidettiin huomattavasti useammin hyödyllisenä kuin käyttökelpoisina.

Siipikarjatuotannossa moni toimenpide koettiin useammin hyödyllisenä kuin käyttökelpoisena. Kananmunatuotannossa näitä olivat mm. lintujen luontaista käyttäytymistä tukeva ruokinta (esim. jyvät, hyönteiset tai kasvikset), lintujen enimmäismäärän rajoittaminen niiden hyvinvoinnin parantamiseksi ja tautiriskin vähentämiseksi, hiekkakylpypaikan tarjoaminen ja lämpötilan, kosteuden ja ilmanvaihdon tehokas hallinta kanalassa. Broilereilla näihin toimenpiteisiin sisältyivät siirrettävien eläinsuojien käyttö, puiden, pensaiden ja muiden luonnonelementtien tuominen laitumelle sekä ruokinnan säätäminen lintujen terveyden ja kasvun varmistamiseksi.

Suurin osa toimijoista piti näitä toimenpiteitä hyödyllisinä. Yleisimmät syyt niiden käyttöönotosta luopumiseen olivat käyttöönoton kustannukset ja käytännön haasteisiin. Tuottajien olisi suositeltavaa harkita vaihtoehtoisia tapoja ottaa käyttöön toimenpiteitä, jotka ovat koetaan hyödyllisiksi, mutta joita pidetään käytännössä vaikeina toteuttaa.

PPILOW focus group discussions indicated several challenges which require specific attention in organic and low-input pig production.

In pig meat production, the choice of design and location of site was identified as instrumental to the success of the organic or low-input production. Appropriate levels of access to water and feed stations must be provided, along with sufficient space to enable the animals to exhibit natural behaviors. Sufficient space needs to be given upon farrowing to protect the piglets and prevent crushing in both indoor and outdoor production systems.

In outdoor production, other factors such as soil type, drainage, accessibility, shelter design and pasture management were regarded as important factors. Range areas need to be constantly monitored and re-assessed. Strict pasture management is required to maintain the ground conditions and accessibility.



Accessibility of the outdoor areas can be a particular problem, especially during winter months. It was perceived that access problems are alleviated if an outdoor area yard is provided rather than pasture, however, this would not enable the pigs’ natural instinct to root.



Castration of male pigs was regarded as an important factor irrespective of production system and further research is required to provide a reliable alternative to surgical castration. Some of the identified benefits achieved by castrating males are; less aggressiveness, fighting and mounting of other pigs and it reducing the incidence of boar taint to the meat which can seriously affect the marketability. Surgical castration without an anaesthetic is not allowed in all countries, which leads to contrasting perceptions.

PPILOW-hankkeen järjestämissä fokusryhmäkeskusteluissa tunnistettiin useita haasteita, joihin on kiinnitettävä huomiota siipikarjan luomu- ja ulkokasvatuksessa.

Sianlihan tuotannossa, sikalan suunnittelun ja sijaintipaikan valinnan todettiin vaikuttavan luomu- ja ulkotuotannon onnistumiseen. Sikojen pääsy vesi- ja ruokintapisteille on varmistettava ja sioilla on oltava riittävästi tilaa, jotta ne voivat toteuttaa luontaista käyttäytymistään. Porsivalle emakolle on annettava riittävästi tilaa porsaiden suojaamiseksi ja emän alle jäämisen estämiseksi.

Ulkotuotannossa tärkeinä tekijöinä pidettiin mm. ulkoalueen salaojitusta, maalajia, esteettömyyttä, tuotantotilan suunnittelua ja laitumen hoitoa. Laidunalueita on seurattava ja hoidettava jatkuvasti. Laitumen kunnosta ja sikojen pääsystä laitumelle on huolehdittava.

Ulkoaluelle pääsy voi olla erityinen ongelma etenkin talvikuukausina. Ongelmia voidaan vähentää, jos ulkoalueena on laitumen sijasta jaloittelutarha. Tämä ei kuitenkaan mahdollistaisi kunnolla sikojen luontaisen tonkimiskäyttäytymisen toteutumista.

Urossikojen kastraatiota pidettiin tärkeänä tekijänä tuotantojärjestelmästä riippumatta, ja lisätutkimuksia tarvitaan luotettavan vaihtoehdon aikaansaamiseksi kirurgiselle kastraatiolle. Kastraatiolla kuitenkin saavutetaan hyötyjä, kuten sikojen vähentynyt aggressiivisuus, tappeluiden ja toisten sikojen koskettelun väheneminen, ja karjunhajun riskin pieneminen lihassa, joka vaikuttaa sianlihan markkinointiin. Kirurginen kastraatio ilman anestesiaa ei ole sallittu kaikissa maissa, mikä johtaa eroihin eri maissa vallitsevissa käsityksissä.

PPILOW focus group discussions organized with supply side specialists in Finland, France, Italy, Romania and United Kingdom indicated several challenges which require specific attention in organic and low-input poultry farming.

One of the main challenges is to provide the birds with a balanced diet. The relative feed intake in organic production systems is often high in comparison to other systems. Feeding has a substantial impact on the cost of production of organic poultry as organic feed is more expensive than conventional feed. Ensuring that essential amino acids and minerals are available in the diet is challenging in fully organic feed. New regulations which require feed to be 100% organic would prove to be problematical for producers to provide a balanced, high quality organic diet, and thus require careful planning of the diet and sourcing of appropriate feed materials.

Cannibalism and feather-pecking usually occur as a result of birds experiencing stress. A balanced diet is one of the main factors, although not the only factor, that helps to alleviate feather pecking. The addition of amino acids could improve the balance of feed ration, but it is not allowed in organic production. Sodium chloride added to the drinking water can also have a calming effect on the birds. It is also essential to ensure that there are enough feed and water access points for birds. Controlling these factors helps to prevent feather pecking.

PPILOW-hankkeen Suomessa, Ranskassa, Italiassa, Romaniassa ja Yhdistyneessä kuningaskunnassa asiantuntijoiden kanssa järjestämien fokusryhmäkeskusteluissa tunnistettiin useita haasteita, joihin on kiinnitettävä huomiota siipikarjan luomu- ja ulkokasvatuksessa.

Yksi keskeisimmistä haasteista on tarjota linnuille tasapainoinen rehustus. Rehun syönti on luonnonmukaisessa tuotannossa usein suuri verrattuna muihin tuotantotapoihin. Ruokinta vaikuttaa merkittävästi luomusiipikarjan tuotantokustannuksiin, koska luonnonmukainen rehu on kalliimpaa kuin tavanomainen rehu. On haastavaa varmistaa, että kokonaan luonnonmukaisessa rehussa on riittävästi linnuille välttämättömiä animohappoja ja kivennäisiä. Uudet säädökset, joiden mukaan rehun on oltava 100 % luonnonmukaista, osoittautuisivat ongelmallisiksi tuottajille. Tasapainoisen ja laadukkaan luomurehun, mikä edellyttää ruokavalion huolellista suunnittelua ja asianmukaisten rehuaineiden hankintaa.

Kannibalismi ja höyhenpeitteen nokkiminen tapahtuvat usein lintujen kokeman stressin seurauksena. Tasapainoinen rehu on yksi tärkeimmistä tekijöistä, vaikkakaan ei ainoa tekijä, joka auttaa vähentämään höyhenpeitteen nokkimista. Aminohappojen lisääminen rehuun voisi parantaa rehuannoksen tasapainoa, mutta se ei ole sallittua luonnonmukaisessa tuotannossa. Juomaveteen lisätyllä natriumkloridilla voi olla myös rauhoittava vaikutus lintuihin. On myös tärkeää varmistaa, että linnuille on riittävästi rehu- ja juomapisteitä. Näiden tekijöiden hallinta auttaa vähentämään höyhenpeitteen nokkimista.

Based on feedback obtained from national practitioners, the PPILOW project has identified a set of welfare-improving practices in low-input outdoor and organic broiler and pig production systems. An in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out to shortlist economically viable ways to improve animal welfare, health and performance in these systems.

Improvements in the quality and usage of outdoor run enable the expression of natural behaviors and improvements in several welfare and performance indicators. Measures of improving outdoor run quality, such as enriching range with vegetation and grazing management and crop rotation, mobile houses and measures reducing the risk of parasitism and diseases, are recommended for both broilers and pigs.

Providing proper fences and guard animals help to limit contacts with predators and other wildlife that may transmit pathogens. The costs of labor, land and materials needed to enhance the outdoor run quality, include the costs of trees, plants, fences, shelters, shall be kept under control as they can increase the costs of production substantially.

Despite being labour-intensive, the relatively high labour costs of mobile housing systems might be compensated by lower veterinary costs and higher revenues per kilogram of poultry meat.

In outdoor paddocks and straw yards, pigs have less adventitious bursitis, injuries, stomach ulceration, mortality and morbidity and lung damage compared to slatted pens. Costs incurred with the implementation of such practices can be compensated by lower mortality and infections, or by market revenues and product branding in some cases.

Auf Basis von Rückmeldungen aus der Praxis hat das PPILOW-Projekt eine Reihe von Praktiken zur Verbesserung des Tierschutzes in der Low-Input Freiland- und Bio-Haltung von Masthähnchen und Schweinen ermittelt. In einer qualitativen und quantitativen Analyse wurden wirtschaftlich tragfähige Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung des Tierschutzes, der Gesundheit und der Leistung in diesen Systemen analysiert.

Die Verbesserung der Auslaufqualität und -nutzung ermöglicht das Ausleben natürlicher Verhaltensweisen und die Verbesserung verschiedener Tierschutz- und Leistungsindikatoren. Maßnahmen wie die Anreicherung des Auslaufs mit Vegetation, Weidemanagement und Fruchtfolge, mobile Ställe sowie Maßnahmen zur Reduktion von Parasitenbefall und Krankheiten, werden sowohl für Masthähnchen als auch für Schweine empfohlen.

Geeignete Zäune und Schutztiere tragen dazu bei, den Kontakt mit Raubtieren und anderen Wildtieren, die Krankheitserreger übertragen können, zu begrenzen. Die Kosten für Arbeit, Land und Materialien zur Verbesserung der Auslaufqualität, wie Bäume, Pflanzen, Zäune und Unterstände, müssen beachtet werden, da sie die Produktionskosten erheblich erhöhen können.

Obwohl sie arbeitsintensiv sind, können die relativ hohen Arbeitskosten mobiler Haltungssysteme durch niedrigere Tierarztkosten und höhere Einnahmen €/kg Geflügelfleisch ausgeglichen werden.

In Auslauf- und Strohbuchten haben Schweine im Vergleich zu Spaltenbuchten weniger Schleimbeutelentzündungen, Verletzungen, Magengeschwüre und Lungenschäden. Die zusätzlichen Kosten können durch eine geringere Sterblichkeit und weniger Infektionen oder in einigen Fällen durch Markteinnahmen und Produktbranding ausgeglichen werden.

The mobile application EBENE® was refined and now enables outdoor and organic poultry farmers to assess the welfare of their own animals (broilers, hens). The app focuses on animal-based indicators, covering all four Welfare Quality principles of Good Feeding, Good Health, Good Housing and Appropriate Behaviour. During the step-by-step assessment (that takes approximately one hour and requires no internet connection), the app provides useful information and pictures that guide the farmer through the process. After completing the welfare assessment with the app and uploading the answers, farmers can immediately view their results on the app through a radar chart. When using the app multiple times, all the results are visible in the app and allow the farmers to see if a certain score has improved since the previous assessment. For each welfare indicator, the results contain automated feedback, explaining risk factors that could explain a possible low score. If relevant, this information can be discussed with a veterinarian or other advisors in order to investigate the feasibility of actions to continuously improve animal welfare status. Besides the direct advantages of using the app, the poultry sector could also use it as a marketing tool to let the consumer know that they value animal welfare highly. The EBENE® app is freely available in three languages (English, French, Dutch) in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. More European languages will be added in 2021.

L'application EBENE® a été perfectionnée et permet désormais aux éleveurs de volailles en plein-air et biologiques d'évaluer le bien-être de leurs propres animaux (poulets de chair, poules). L'application se focalise sur des indicateurs centrés sur l’animal, en lien avec les quatre principes du bien-être : bonne alimentation, bonne santé, bon environnement et comportement approprié. Au cours d’une évaluation (qui dure environ une heure et ne nécessite pas de connexion internet), des écrans d’aide (textes, photos) permettent de guider l'éleveur tout au long de l’évaluation. A l’issue d’une évaluation, les résultats sont affichés immédiatement sur l’application sous la forme d’un radar. Si plusieurs évaluations sont réalisées avec un même compte, tous les résultats sont sauvegardés dans l’application et accessibles facilement pour permettre aux éleveurs de visualiser les éventuels progrès réalisés au fil des évaluations. Pour chaque indicateur, des leviers d’amélioraton sont proposés à l’issue d’une évaluation, pour aider l’éleveur à améliorer les scores les plus faibles. Ces informations constituent une base de discussion avec le vétérinaire ou d’autres conseillers afin d’affiner un plan de progrès adapté avec l’éleveur pour améliorer le niveau de bien-être des volailles. L’utilisation de l’application montre l’intérêt des éleveurs à progresser et à rendre compte de la prise en compte du bien-être de leurs animaux auprès des consommateurs. L'application EBENE® est disponible gratuitement en trois langues (anglais, français, néerlandais) sur le Google Play Store et l'Apple Store. D'autres langues européennes seront ajoutées en 2021.

With PIGLOW, a new mobile application was developed by which outdoor and organic pig farmers can assess the welfare of their own animals. The app focuses on animal-based indicators, covering all four Welfare Quality principles of Good Feeding, Good Health, Good Housing and Appropriate Behaviour. During the step-by-step assessment (that takes approximately one hour and requires no internet connection), the app provides useful information and pictures that guide the farmer through the process. After completing the welfare assessment with the app and uploading the answers, farmers can immediately view their results on the PIGLOW website. These results include a (completely anonymous) comparison of his/her own scores for each welfare indicator with the scores of other farmers using the app. When using the app multiple times over a prolonged period, it also shows the change of scores within the farm over time, making it easy to see if a certain score has improved since the previous assessment. For each welfare indicator, the results contain automated feedback, explaining its meaning and importance as well as risk factors that could explain a possible low score. If relevant, this information can be discussed with a veterinarian or other advisors in order to investigate the feasibility of actions to continuously improve animal welfare status. Besides the direct advantages of using the app, pig production systems could also use it as a marketing tool to let the consumer know that they value animal welfare highly. The PIGLOW app is now freely available in three languages (English, French, Dutch) in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. More European languages will be added in 2021.

Dankzij de nieuwe mobiele applicatie PIGLOW, kunnen varkenshouders in biologische en vrije uitloop systemen zelf het welzijn van hun dieren monitoren. De app focust op diergebonden welzijnsindicatoren, binnen de vier principes van Goede Voeding, Goede Gezondheid, Goede Huisvesting en Normaal Gedrag. Gedurende de stapsgewijze evaluatie (duurt ongeveer een uur en vereist geen internetconnectie), voorziet de app toelichtingen (informatie en foto's), dewelke de veehouders kunnen helpen bij het invullen van de vragen. Na het voltooien van de zelfscan en het uploaden van de antwoorden, kunnen veehouders onmiddellijk hun resultaten raadplegen op de PIGLOW website. Hieronder valt ook een (volledig anonieme) vergelijking van de behaalde scores voor de welzijnsindicatoren met de resultaten van andere veehouders. Door de app meermaals te gebruiken over een langere periode, kan de veehouder evalueren hoe de welzijnsscores veranderen doorheen de tijd. De resultaten voorzien geautomatiseerde feedback waarin de betekenis en het belang van de verschillende welzijnsindicatoren aan bod komen, alsook bepaalde risicofactoren die een eventuele lage score zouden kunnen verklaren. Deze informatie kan dan, indien nodig, besproken worden met een dierenarts of andere adviseur om zo te kijken hoe het welzijn van de dieren kan blijven verbeteren. Naast de directe voordelen van het gebruik van de app, kan deze ook gebruikt worden als marketing instrument voor de varkensindustrie, om de consument te laten weten dat dierenwelzijn hoog in het vaandel gedragen wordt. De PIGLOW app is gratis beschikbaar in drie talen (Engels, Frans, Nederlands) in de Google Play Store en de Apple Store. In 2021 zullen er nog extra Europese talen aan de app toegevoegd worden.

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Contacts

Project coordinator

  • Project coordinator

    Anne Collin - INRAE anne.collin@inrae.fr 0033247427929 147 rue de l'université, 75008 Paris Researcher

Project partners