In a context of evolving concern over housing conditions of farmed rabbits, we developed a housing system that allows access to an outdoor area. The aim was to study the health status, growth and behaviour of rabbits raised at two stocking densities with access to a paddock, or not. We distributed...

Freedom of movement for sows in the farrowing building is an approach that improves animal welfare. Many types of housing pens exist for sows and their piglets, and differ according to the area required, the type of flooring and the presence of protective components for the piglets. The study and...

Our study assess effects of rubber mats on sow locomotor disorders, body condition and reproduction performances. The mats were placed on lying areas of gestating sow crates. The study was performed on three commercial farms located in Brittany, France, on ten batches of sows housed in large static ...

Group-housing, rather than individual-housing systems, is mandatory for gestating sows in the European Union (2008/120/EEC). However, leg problems occur more frequently in group-housing than in individual-housing systems and are a welfare and health concern. A cross-sectional study involving 108...

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to chronic stress is far from straight forward, particularly with regards to animal welfare. There are reports of no effect as well as both decreases and increases in cortisol after chronic stressors. Therefore, the first aim of the present...

Farmers invest in farrowing lift cages primarily to decrease the number of crushed piglets, but also for more serenity at work. In 2018-2019, a survey performed on 24 farms established an initial inventory of advantages and disadvantages of farrowing lift cages on the market. Several aspects were...

The effect of an enrichment material, made from compressed algae, was assessed on pig welfare at the experimental facilities of Crécom, France. Its compatibility with slatted floor was checked. The study involved 444 pigs from two successive batches. In farrowing rooms, half of the crates received...

Group housing for pregnant sows will be mandatory in 2013. Many farmers already practice group housing of sows and the knowledge of their practical experience will be useful in promoting this practice. This article is a review of recent surveys conducted on farms with group housing of pregnant...

Group housing systems for gestating sows instead of individual housing systems is mandatory in the European Union (2008/120/EEC). However leg troubles are more frequent in group housing systems than in individual systems and these troubles are welfare and health concerns. A cross-sectional...

Background: Poultry red mite (PRM) (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations are a cause of anaemia, impaired productivity and stress-related behaviours linked to reduced hen welfare. A study investigated the potential health, welfare and productivity benefits following fluralaner treatment to eliminate...