Foot pad dermatitis is a common factor reducing welfare of broilers and turkeys. Foot pad dermatitis is a contact dermatitis caused by poor litter or otherwise unsuitable bedding. Superficial lesions are seen as discoloured areas of skin and slight hyperkeratosis of foot pads. Lesions progress into ...

We studied dairy cows' conditions, care and health status in large Finnish free stall barns. The data consisted of milking information, measurements of barn conditions and observations on animals' health and cleanliness collected on farm visits. In 2012 we visited 82 free stall farms whose average...

This article discusses the importance of the time spent for eating, ruminating, resting and behavioral synchrony for the natural behaviour of cattle. Mixing groups causes stress to the animals. Heifers do best when managed separately in their own groups in loose housing systems. Separate or group...

Even though the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a common production animal in the European Union, there is no legislation for protecting the welfare of rabbits used for farming purposes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the farming conditions in Finnish rabbit farms, the welfare of...

High animal density impairs feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio in growing cattle. Furthermore, in crowded circumstances, the animals are dirtier and tail tip lesions and behavioural disorders are more common than in higher space allowances. Low space allowance especially...

We studied the rearing environment, caretaking and health of dairy calves in 82 large free-stall barns in the beginning of 2012. This study was a part of a larger study Grouping strategies in large dairy farms. We interviewed the farmers, explored the cow houses and performed a brief clinical...

We studied the production environment of calves kept in 100 Finnish insulated free stalls in 2004-2006. The production environment generally filled the demands of the animal welfare legislation. Practices that exceed the welfare requirements set by national legislation included feeding the calves...

According to the follow-up study carried out on commercial egg production farms good production performances can be achieved in furnished cages and floor housing systems. Production records were obtained from five batches in deep litter houses (partially perforated) and nine batches in furnished ...

In this study, interactions between housing factors and the prevalence of pig tail-biting were investigated, and the prevalence of tail-biting in integrated and finishing units was compared. The results are based on material from the carcass line of an abattoir during one week. Information was...

Questions related to the protection of animals can be approached from the perspectives of animal welfare or animal rights. The legal status of animals is affected by their rote as an object of property law. In the Finnish legislative culture, animal welfare has been considered to be a protected...