It is controversially discussed whether the stocking densities set by the EU Directive 2007/43/EC allow a species-appropriate housing of broiler chickens. To calculate the exact area broilers occupy due to their physical size and shape, planimetric measurements using a colour-contrast method were...

In commercial farms worldwide, piglets are weaned abruptly, between 21 to 28 days of age, often compromising their welfare and causing high levels of aggression. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the presence of an older animal among newly weaned pigs can reduce aggression levels assessed by ...

This work's aim was to evaluate dairy cows' welfare in both tie-stall barns and loose housing systems in Transylvania. 35 shelters were assessed in the period of December 2007-January 2008, based on the Austrian ANI 35L/2000 system. The obtained overall ANI35L scores for the 35 shelters ranged...

Noise may be a potential stressor in intensive animal rearing because of high number of noise-producing animals, needs for more intensive ventilation system and feeding and excrement removal lines. All this may result in relatively high level of noise that affects not only animals but also the...

The available floor space has a strong impact on the execution of various behaviours of laying hens. Presently, in Germany detailed requirements on the housing of pullets are insufficient. In order to get a first approximation, the floor space covered by pullets was determined by the colour...

The move to so-called alternative husbandry systems for laying hens in EU legislation has led to considerable changes in the egg production in Europe in recent years since about 2000. This development will continue while concerns about the welfare of laying hens kept in cage systems are growing...

Commercial production of Muscovy ducks is commonly carried out in unstructured confined buildings on slatted floors. Concerns are rising that this barren environment may contribute to behavioural disorders such as cannibalism and other welfare problems (BULLHELLER 2006). Therefore, more research is ...

Space allowance for laying hens is one of the most disputed criteria of modern laying hen husbandry. Fast and cheap methods to achieve reliable data about the space occupied by laying hens are missing. This study is based on a method, that can be used to measure the space occupied by laying hens...

Stocking density is one of the most disputed criteria in broiler production. But little is known about the real floor space covered by a sitting or standing broiler. This paper gives realistic figures on the floor space covered by broilers in various body positions, age and weight in the course of...

Beak trimming is one of the most disputed welfare criteria in the housing of laying hens. The German government has recommended the abolition of beak trimming as soon as possible. Therefore, this paper provides an insight into the welfare and housing conditions of 12 commercial flocks of laying...