Research Project: Optimizing Welfare for Food Producing Animals

Location: Livestock Behavior Research

2024 Annual Report

Objectives
The long-term objective is tightly focused on optimizing animal welfare and productivity under modern farming conditions. The approach is to 1) focus on animal behavior and the cumulative effects of internal biological changes, 2) assess where challenges may exist, 3) develop alternative management strategies, and 4) determine how changes in behavior relate to physiology and productivity. We will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1: To develop objective measures (physiology, behavior, production) of animal welfare and determine the impact of various production, housing, and environmental conditions; and develop management practices and methods to minimize any deleterious effect on welfare. 1.A. Clarify utility of hair and salivary cortisol as a measure of stress-load and determine its relationship to health and behavior in dairy calves. 1.B. Determine relationships between stress-load and feeding behavior in precision livestock farming. 1.C. Determining the thermal preferences of boars and growing-finishing pigs. 1.D. Evaluating the impact of in utero heat stress on maternal to fetal cortisol transfer. 1.E. To determine if feeding resistant starch to sows prior to farrowing and through lactation affects parturition duration and piglet welfare. Objective 2: To optimize animal husbandry through the development of best practices to improve animal welfare and productivity. 2.A. Colostrum management practice and early-life morbidity and mortality demographic differences between purebred dairy and dairy-beef crossbred calves. 2.B. Improving Holstein dairy calf post-weaning growth performance and stress resilience through the provision of supplemental L-glutamine in milk replacer. 2.C. Improving environmental enrichment for pigs: learning, age specificity and worth. 2.D. Determine the impact of photoperiod on development of diurnal rhythmicity and welfare in pigs. 2.E. Improving piglet survivability and sow welfare through microenvironment management using precision technology. 2.F. To determine if a nesting environment can be simulated in a farrowing stall to increase sow and piglet welfare. 2.G. Cecal microbiota transplantation to reduce aggression in laying hens. 2.H. Determine if thermal perches reduce cold stress in caged laying hens. 2.I. Dietary synbiotic supplements to increase skeletal health and prevent lameness in broilers.

Approach
Our approach is novel and challenging, but our long-term strategy is to systematically address our goals of developing tools that can objectively assess animal welfare while concurrently developing welfare friendly production practices. The long-term objective is tightly focused on contemporary issues and thus is designed to optimize animal welfare and productivity under modern farming conditions. The approach is to 1) focus on animal behavior and the cumulative effects of internal biological changes, 2) assess where challenges may exist, 3) develop alternative management strategies, and 4) determine how changes in behavior relate to physiology and productivity.

Progress Report
Sub-objective 1.A. Clarify utility of hair and salivary cortisol as a measure of stress-load and determine its relationship to health and behavior in dairy calves. All data collection for Sub-objective hypotheses 1.A.1. and 1.A.2. has been completed, the data have been analyzed, and a manuscript was prepared and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. For this sub-objective, it was determined that repeated stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis increased salivary cortisol concentration, but did not influence behavior, growth, or hair cortisol concentration in dairy calves. Sub-objective 1.C. Determining the thermal preferences of boars and growing-finishing pigs. All data collection for Subobjective hypothesis 1.C.1. has been completed, the data have been analyzed, and a manuscript was prepared and accepted for publication in a peer reviewed journal. It was determined that overall, boars preferred a temperature range of 24.10 to 26.90 degrees C and that breed (Duroc, Landrace, Yorkshire) had no impact on the thermal preferences of boars. In addition, all data collection for Sub-objective hypothesis 1.C.2. was completed in fiscal year 2023 and data have been analyzed and are currently being written up for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. It was determined that temperature preferences of pigs are reduced as they approach market weight and that growing-finishing pigs prefer a temperature range of 15-20 degrees C. Sub-objective 1.D. Evaluating the impact of in utero heat stress on maternal to fetal cortisol transfer. All data collection has been completed. Laboratory samples have been analyzed and gestating gilt thermoregulatory and production data have been analyzed. Results are currently being written up for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Results indicate that gestational heat stress resulted in increased cortisol transfer across the placenta of the developing fetuses. These results have negative implications towards fetal programming that can increase stress susceptibility in pigs born to heat stressed mothers. Sub-objective 2.A. Colostrum management practice and early-life morbidity and mortality demographic differences between purebred dairy and dairy-beef crossbred calves. All data collection for Sub-objective hypothesis 2.A. has been completed, the data have been analyzed, and a manuscript is in preparation for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. For this sub-objective, it was determined that overall, one-quarter of calves did not receive sufficient colostrum, and colostrum management practices were similar between purebred dairy and dairy-beef crossbred calves. Sub-Objective 2.C. Improving environmental enrichment for pigs: learning, age specificity and worth. Replicates 1 and 2 were completed in April and October 2023, respectively. All data collection and laboratory work for Sub-objective 2.C. has been completed. Behavior video and data are currently being analyzed. Sub-objective 2.D. Determine the impact of photoperiod on development of diurnal rhythmicity and welfare in pigs. The scientist responsible for this sub-objective resigned from the ARS. There are currently no available scientists with the necessary expertise to complete this sub-objective employed by the Livestock Behavior Research Unit. Vacant position will be advertised soon to continue this work. Sub-objective 2.F. To determine if a nesting environment can be simulated in a farrowing stall to increase sow and piglet welfare. All data were collected and analyzed, and a peer reviewed manuscript was published in the journal, Translational Animal Science. It was determined that providing sows with mock nesting materials prior to farrowing alleviated physiological and behavioral signs of sow stress around the time of birth, as demonstrated by decreased stress hormones and decreased frustration behaviors. Additionally, adding a simulated nest to the farrowing crate improved piglets’ growth up to day seven of age, improved piglet immune response, and improved the ability of piglets to maintain their body temperature. Sub-objective 2.G. Cecal microbiota transplantation to reduce aggression in laying hens. All data were collected and analyzed. It was determined that chickens who received fecal transplants from more aggressive donors became more aggressive and those that received fecal transplants from less aggressive donors became less aggressive. Aggression was determined by the amount of injurious behaviors performed (e.g., feather pecking). Three peer-reviewed manuscripts were published in the journal of Poultry Science and the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. Sub-objective 2.H. Determine if thermal perches reduce cold stress in caged laying hens. A study was carried out testing if warmed perches reduce cold stress in laying hens. Birds were allowed free access to warmed perches (treated group) and cold perches (control group) under cold ambient conditions. The tested birds roosted on the perches more often than control birds. All data have been collected and analyzed and one peer-reviewed manuscript was published in the Journal of Poultry Science. Results demonstrated that the treatment birds roosted on the perches more often than control birds under the cold stress conditions and were able to better thermoregulate. The milestone for this rating period has been completed.

Accomplishments
1. Genomic selection for heat stress tolerance in pigs. Developed genomic selection for heat stress tolerance in pigs improves productivity and animal welfare. Heat stress is a major welfare and production concern in the swine industry that costs U.S. pig producers over $500 million annually. Economic losses are attributed to the negative impacts of heat stress on total piglets born per sow, depressed growth rates, and greater rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, to address this concern, ARS researchers in West Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with researchers at Purdue University and North Carolina State University, developed genomic selection methods to improve heat stress tolerance in pigs and increase their productive efficiency and welfare under heat stress conditions. Results demonstrated that genomic selection for thermotolerance is moderately to high heritable meaning that progress towards breeding for thermotolerance can be achieved more quickly than other traits. This accomplishment provides swine producers with tools to select for heat-tolerant animals, improving animal welfare and productivity, and enhancing industry sustainability and profitability in the face of increasing climate challenges.

2. Identification of heat stress thresholds for lactating sows. Heat stress compromises pig health, productive efficiency, and welfare, resulting in substantial economic losses. Recent advancements in genetic selection, nutrition practices, and management have increased sow productivity, resulting in higher metabolism and greater heat stress sensitivity, especially for lactating sows. Although several cooling technologies and management practices are available to producers to help cool their lactating sows, knowledge of when to employ these technologies is lacking. To address this concern, ARS researchers in West Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with researchers at Purdue University, evaluated the heat stress temperature thresholds in 1,645 lactating sows housed at a commercial farm. Results demonstrated that lactating sows experience heat stress at 26 degrees C (79°F), which is approximately 5°C (11°F) lower than current recommendations. This accomplishment helps swine producers better identify when to begin implementing cooling technologies and manage environmental conditions to reduce heat stress, thereby improving animal welfare and productivity, and enhancing industry sustainability and profitability.

3. Improved hydration of young dairy calves after transport. Most calves that are transported at a young age originate from dairy farms, making calf transport an important consideration for the dairy industry on a global scale. Transport is a recognized stressor for cattle of any age, but young calves are particularly vulnerable to welfare compromise due to their underdeveloped immune and stress response systems. Typically, calves are transported long distances with limited access to milk and water and arrive at calf-raising facilities clinically dehydrated. To address this concern, ARS researchers at West Lafayette, Indiana, in collaboration with researchers from The Ohio State University, evaluated the duration of oral fluid therapy after transport on calf behavior, blood biochemical indicators of hydration, and health. Results indicated that administering oral fluid therapy for a minimum of two days after transport was effective in reducing moderate dehydration in calves. As transport is a necessary component of the U.S. dairy industry, administering oral fluid therapy after transport may be a cost-effective way to improve calf health and welfare and facilitate post-transport recovery.

Review Publications
Frietas, P.H., Johnson, J.S., Tiezzi, F., Huang, Y., Schinckel, A.P., Brito, L.F. 2023. Genomic predictions and GWAS for heat tolerance in pigs based on reaction norm models with performance records and data from public weather stations considering censored temperature thresholds. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12838.
Maggard, H.L., Habing, G.G., Renaud, D.L., Proudfoot, K.L., England, Z.A., Cheng, T., Wilson, D.J., Moran, M., Pempek, J.A. 2023. Condition of surplus dairy calves during marketing: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Dairy Science. 107(4):2444-2453. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23625.
Lucas, M.E., Hemsworth, L.M., Butler, K.L., Morrison, R.S., Tilbrook, A.J., Marchant, J.N., Rault, J-L., Galea, R.Y., Hemsworth, P.H. 2024. Early human contact and housing for pigs - part 2: resilience to routine husbandry practices. Animal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2024.101165.
Jiang, S., Fu, Y., Cheng, H. 2023. Daylight exposure and circadian clocks in broilers: part I—photoperiod effect on broiler behavior, skeletal health, and fear response. Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103162.
Fu, Y., Hu, J., Zhang, H., Erasmus, M.A., Johnson, T.A., Cheng, H. 2024. The impact of early-life cecal microbiota transplantation on social stress and injurious behaviors in egg-laying chickens. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030471.
Pempek, J.A., England, Z., Habing, G.G., Niehaus, A. 2024. Rehydration post-transport: duration of oral fluid therapy on behavior, biochemical measures of hydration, and health of neonatal dairy calves. Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae011.
Cramer, M.C., Pempek, J.A., Román-Muñiz, I.N., Edwards-Callaway, L.N. 2023. Dairy calf transportation in the United States: challenges and strategies to improve animal welfare. Journal of Dairy Science Communications. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2023-0452.
Markland, L., Johnson, J.S., Richert, B.T., Erasmus, M.A., Lay, D.C. 2023. Investigating the effects of jute nesting material and enriched piglet mats on sow welfare and piglet survival. Translational Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txad076.
Wen, H., Johnson, J.S., Freitas, P.F., Maskal, J.M., Gloria, L.S., Araujo, A.C., Pedrosa, V.B., Tiezzi, F., Maltecca, C., Huang, Y., Schinckel, A.P., Brito, L.F. 2023. Longitudinal genomic analyses of automatically-recorded vaginal temperature in lactating sows under heat stress conditions based on random regression models. Genetics Selection Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-023-00868-1.
Freitas, P.H., Johnson, J.S., Wen, H., Maskal, J., Tiezzi, F., Maltecca, C., Huang, Y., DeDecker, A.E., Schinckel, A.P., Brito, L.F. 2023. Genetic parameters for automatically-measured vaginal temperature, respiration efficiency, and other thermotolerance indicators measured on lactating sows under heat stress conditions. Genetics Selection Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-023-00842-x.
Hu, L., Brito, L.F., Luo, H., Chen, S., Johnson, J.S., Sammad, A., Guo, G., Xu, Q., Wang, Y. 2023. Differential responses of physiological parameters, production traits, and blood metabolic profiling between first- and second-parity Holstein cows in the comparison of spring versus summer seasons. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00043.
Fernanda De Oliveira, L., Brito, L.F., Diniz Marques, D.B., Alves Da Silva, D., Savio Lopes, P., Gomes Dos Santos, C., Johnson, J.S., Veroneze, R. 2023. Investigating the impact of non-additive genetic effects in the estimation of variance components and genomic predictions for heat tolerance and performance traits in crossbred and purebred pig populations. BMC Genomic Data. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-023-01174-x.
Mcconn, B.R., Kpodo, K.R., Rivier, J.E., Behan, D.P., Richert, B.T., Radcliffe, J.S., Lay, D.C., Johnson, J.S. 2023. Interactions between corticotropin releasing factor signaling and prophylactic antibiotics on measures of intestinal function in weaned and transported pigs. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1266409.