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Correlations Between the Results of Animal Welfare Assessments by the TGI 35 L Austrian Animal Needs Index and Health and Behavioural Parameters of Cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

E Ofner ,
T Amon ,
M Lins  and
B Amon
E Ofner*
Affiliation:
BAL Gumpenstein, Federal Research Institute for Agriculture in Alpine Regions, Unit for Agricultural Buildings and Husbandry, Altirdning 11, A-8952 Irdning, Austria
T Amon
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural, Environmental and Energy Engineering (ILUET), University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna (Universität für Bodenkultur Wien), Nussdorfer Laende 29-31, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
M Lins
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural, Environmental and Energy Engineering (ILUET), University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna (Universität für Bodenkultur Wien), Nussdorfer Laende 29-31, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
B Amon
Affiliation:
Institute of Agricultural, Environmental and Energy Engineering (ILUET), University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna (Universität für Bodenkultur Wien), Nussdorfer Laende 29-31, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: elfriede.ofner@bal.bmlfuw.gv.at
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Abstract

Suitable systems for the assessment of animal welfare are in increasing demand. In Austria, the TGI 35 L Animal Needs Index is widely used and has been shown to be a feasible and reliable tool for animal welfare assessment on farms. Here we focus on the validity of TGI 35 L assessments, and explore the correlation between animal welfare as assessed by the TGI 35 L and animal health and behavioural parameters. From the results, it can be determined whether the criteria assessed by the TGI 35 L are preconditions for a high level of health and normal behaviour. Behaviour and health were examined in 11 cattle houses, totalling 169 animals. Behaviour was observed for two days on each farm. Data on resting behaviour, comfort behaviour, social behaviour, feed intake behaviour and eliminative behaviour were collected. Health was assessed using veterinary examinations carried out according to the General Clinical and the Orthopaedic Examination Proceedings. Significant correlations were found between the TGI scores and behaviour and health, including results for skin lesions and injuries. This indicates good validity of the TGI 35 L assessment system for cattle. A comprehensive system for the assessment of animal welfare on farms must comprise parameters of housing, climate, management and stockmanship, and animal-related parameters.

Keywords

ANIanimal welfareassessment systemcattleTGIvalidity
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 12 , Issue 4: Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level , November 2003 , pp. 571 - 578
Copyright
© 2003 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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References

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