Farm Animal Production And Welfare

Question 1

Grassland production systems

Answer 1

Intensive and extensive production
- extensive grazing
- permanent grasslands
- leys

Majority of sheep, high proportion of cattle

Question 2

Calf production

Answer 2

Ovulation rate - 1
Gestation period - 282 days
Calving to conception interval 40-100 days
Aim for 1 calf per year

Question 3

Piglet production

Answer 3

Ovulation rate - 9-13
Gestation period (3 months 3 weeks 3 days) 112-115 days
Farrowing to conception 33 days
Aim for 24 piglets per year

Question 4

Lamb production

Answer 4

Ovulation rate - 1-3
Gestation period 147 days
Most uk breeds are seasonal breeds- only breed in autumn
1 litre per ewe a year
Aim for 1-2.2 lambs a year

Question 5

Welfare issues with animal production

Answer 5

Confinement
Amputations without pain relief
Inappropriate genetic selection

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of farrowing crates

Answer 6

A
Less piglet mortality from crushing
Ease of inspection, health care, feeding, cross-fostering and general management

D
Unrewarding environment for sow
Less social interaction
Thwarted behaviours
Risk of skin lesions

Question 7

Hazards with housed animals( especially at high stock densities)

Answer 7

Respiratory disease
Difficulties with manure management
- ammonia
- urine scalds
Exercise and foot and leg disorders
Aggression
Victimised animals

Question 8

Advantages and disadvantages of castrating lambs

Answer 8

A
Avoids weight loss after puberty
Avoids unwanted pregnancy
Prevents stunting if ewe lambs
Less risk of taints and oily meats

B
Pain
Handling stress
Unnecessary in fast growing lambs
Risk of infection
Fatter carcasses