Animal welfare, Ethology and Housing Systems (AWETH)
ISSN 1786-8440 (Online) Animal Welfare, Etológia és Tartástechnológia journal is an online journal of the Section of Agricultural Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It is published twice a year. The primary language of the journal is Hungarian, but it also publishes scientific articles in Hungarian and English in the fields of animal husbandry, animal breeding, and ethology. Founded in 2005 at Szent István University.
Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem / Hungarian University of Agricultre and Life Sciences
The journal operates according to the principles of open access, however, the content is available under the Creative Commons 4.0 standard licenc: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0. Under the following terms: You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material. You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Viability issues of small-scale dairy production
The economic difficulties of the dairy cattle sector and their solutions are not the same at the large-scale and small-scale levels. In this study, a small family farm dealing with dairy cattle was planned. During the calculation, the characteristics of small farms were considered, and their entire economic plan was set up, considering all expenses and income. From the authors’ calculations, it has been shown how the various economic indicators were developed in a three-person family farm. The Hungarian Simmental breed herd consists of 15 cows and their offspring. The main source of income is the sale of raw milk. The low profitability of the sector is a reason for further research, see how the sector income can be increased with the given production parameters. The solution for the future is the increase of added value and the search for new types of sales channels, for the sake of long-term sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Szabina Szilágyi, József Horváth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Improving the profitability of small-scale dairy cattle farms by increasing the added value
Based on the distribution of the cattle herd according to the specialization, the largest share is made up of dairy cows, their share is 77%. The economic difficulties of the dairy cattle sector and their solutions are not the same at the large-scale and small-scale farm levels. In this case, a small family farm dealing with dairy cattle is planned. During the calculation, the characteristics of small farms are considered, as well as the entire economic plan of the farm is set up, considering all expenses and income. From our calculations, it is shown how the various economic indicators develop in a three-person family farm. Increasing the added value clearly increases the profitability of the sector.
Stress factors in goat housing technology, in particular to heat stress
Heat stress is becoming an increasingly serious issue in livestock farming worldwide, particularly due to global warming and the growing frequency of extreme weather conditions. Biologically, heat stress occurs when an animal’s ability to dissipate heat is insufficient to balance internal heat production, leading to an abnormal rise in body temperature. While goats are generally well adapted to dry and hot climates, prolonged heatwaves and high humidity can still pose significant stress for them. The unwanted effects of heat stress are reflected in reduced feed intake, lower milk and meat yields, impaired reproductive performance, and weakened immune function. Effective measurement and monitoring—such as tracking body temperature, respiration rate, and behavioural changes—are essential for early detection. Prevention and management strategies must focus on providing adequate shade, ventilation, and fresh water, as well as optimizing feeding practices and employing selective breeding techniques. In Hungary, the study of heat stress in goats is still a relatively under-researched area. However, with the advancement of climate change, its domestic relevance is expected to increase. Therefore, it is justified to begin preparations in this field to ensure that goat farmers can adapt effectively and in time to changing environmental conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hoffmann Flóra Adél https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The consumer perception and development opportunities of flavoured acacia honeys
Flavoured honeys, especially those based on acacia honey, are becoming increasingly popular in both domestic and international markets. The aim of our research was to assess consumer habits, knowledge, and perceptions after tasting. In our organoleptic test, five types of flavouring – lavender, sour cherry, black elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.), water mint, and lemon balm – were evaluated in a blind sensory tasting. The results of a questionnaire survey (308 respondents) showed strong consumer interest in flavoured acacia honeys, with preferences closely linked to natural ingredients, health benefits, harmonious flavours, and reliable, locally sourced products. In the sensory test, lemon balm and lavender honeys were the most favoured across several parameters, whereas elderflower, sour cherry, and water mint varieties catered more to specific niche preferences. The development of flavoured honeys offers new opportunities for Hungarian beekeeping, particularly among young, health-conscious consumers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Janda Zsófia, Szabó Rubina Tünde https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Hungarian equestrian tourism: cultural heritage and a sustainable rural future
Hungarian equestrian tourism is a key pillar of national identity, cultural heritage, and rural development. The aim of this research is to explore how Hungarian equestrian traditions contribute to the uniqueness of the tourism offer and how they promote sustainable rural development. Based on secondary (literature and statistical) analyses and primary (questionnaire-based) research, this study presents the current state of the sector, the role of tradition preservation, the quality of services, target groups, motivations, and development opportunities. Our findings indicate that its greatest values lie in authentic tradition preservation, nature-based experiences, and community programs, which significantly strengthen rural communities, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to preserving national identity. Hungarian equestrian tourism is competitive in international comparison while facing global sustainability and digital innovation challenges. The future of the sector depends on the coordinated implementation of tradition preservation, high-quality services, sustainability investments, modernization, digital innovation, and the active involvement of younger generations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Janda Zoé, Bartos Ádám Sándor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Breeding soundness evaluation of young beef bulls – comparison of andrological characteristics of breeds typically found in Hungary
For efficient and productive breeding, it is essential to perform insemination with suitable genetic material. While artificial insemination offers opportunities for targeted genetic progress, the foundation of natural mating also requires assessing the health status and reproductive biological indicators of the sires and cows. Breeding soundness evaluation of bulls can give useful information about fertility. This examination includes evaluating the external and internal reproductive organs of bulls, as well as morphological and motility analysis of semen. The comprehensive set of basic health, reproductive biological, and functional examinations, enables healthy and efficient breeding. These examinations contribute to maintaining animal welfare and advancing cattle breeding. Our goals were to characterize the typical (healthy) andrological parameters of young bulls from various locally bred breeds and identify potential differences between breeds. Based on our results, we obtained a characteristic profile of the average scrotal circumference, right and left testicular length, and semen motility/morphological characteristics of 10–14-month-old bulls of beef cattle breeds. We did not confirm significant andrological differences between the examined breeds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Isztl Emese, Kern László, Balogh Eszter, Póth-Szebenyi Bettina, Holló Gabriella, Varga-Balogh Orsolya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Summary of production parameters of different pig genotypes in extensive systems
The objective of our work was to compare the natural indicators (birth weight, litter weight, litter number, day of life, live weight, bone meat ratio and white meat ratio) of three different genotypes of pigs (Hungarian Landrace x Pietrain F1, Hungarian Large white x Pietrain F1 and Hungarian Large white x Hungarian Landrace F1) in extensive housing. Birth weight was found to be highest in the Hungarian Large white x Hungarian Landrace F1 genotype. Litter numbers were found to be highest in the Hungarian Large white x Hungarian Landrace F1 genotype. Live weight and days of life were most favourable in the Hungarian Landrace x Pietrain F1 genotype. The Hungarian Large white x Pietrain F1 genotype produced the best yield traits for both meat and white meat, but the other two tested genotypes were only slightly different. The Hungarian Large white x Pietrain F1 genotype had the highest percentage of lean meat and fat, with a white meat to live weight ratio of more than 26.29%. Among the genotypes, Hungarian Large white x Hungarian Landrace F1 was followed by Hungarian Landrace x Pietrain F1 with 24.6% and 23.72%, respectively. The Hungarian Large white x Pietrain F1 genotype had the highest proportion of bone in meat (54.76%).
Copyright (c) 2025 Bedő István, Szabó Rubina Tünde, Tóth Márk, Kovács-Weber Mária https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Drivers and barriers of digitalisation in Hungarian pasture-based beef cattle farming
This study, conducted within the HORIZON Europe PATH2DEA project, examined the drivers, barriers, trends, and risks of digitalisation in pasture-based beef cattle farming in Hungary, with a focus on its potential to support agroecological practices and Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) approaches. Two stakeholder workshops were held. Workshop 1 mapped current digital tool usage and identified transparency, decision support, and efficiency as main adoption drivers, while highlighting barriers such as vulnerability to suppliers, limited network access, and high costs. Workshop 2 focused on functional gaps at farm and supply chain levels, revealing needs for more reliable sensor technologies, improved interoperability, and streamlined administration. Stakeholder views on the agroecological benefits of digitalisation varied, reflecting differences in context and priorities. The findings provide a concise evidence base for developing integrated, context-specific digital solutions to support sustainable livestock production.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miklós Biszkup, Petra Balogh, Éva Stibinger, Valéria Csonka, Dániel Bori, Dóra Drexler, Aliz Márton https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Comparison of the behaviour of three strains of laboratory mice in the climbing test
In our study, we tested three commonly used strains of laboratory mice in a simple behavioural test. In the climbing test, we looked at the time of the first climb and the number of climbs of the different strains during the 5-minute test time, depending on sex and age. Based on our results, neither tribe nor sex affected climbing time and the number of climbs, but different ages did. The younger animals completed the test much sooner and climbed much more often than the adult animals. Based on our results, we can say that in a more straightforward behavioural test, different mouse strains do not have as much effect as age.
Copyright (c) 2025 Henrietta Kinga Török, Boróka Bárdos, Orsolya Ivett Hoffmann https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The needs of European farmers in the dairy cattle and small ruminant sector
The Horizon 2020 research programm Resilience for Dairy (R4D), which focuses on the social, economic and environmental resilience of the dairy cattle sector, and Sm@ll Ruminant Technologies (Sm@RT), which focuses on the technological potential of PLF (Precision Livestock Farming) for the small ruminant sector, were based on a stakeholder needs assessment. A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess the needs of farmers, consultants, veterinarians and researchers on the topics covered. Regarding dairy farms, 535 responses from 15 countries and 669 responses from 8 countries in the small ruminant sector were collected and processed.There were overlaps between the needs of the cattle and small ruminant sectors examined in similar areas. The main need in both sectors was reduction of human labour demand. Cattle farmers defined this as work-life balance, while small ruminants by facilitating flock/ herd management. In addition to these, there are also demands for animal health, milking and professional communication. 81% of farmers surveyed said that improving the welfare of their cows was the most important issue. This answer was particularly typical (84%) in dairy farms with more than 100 cows. More than half of the responding shepherds ranked weight crate first as the most advantageous technology for them.Both projects were based on a needs assessment to find solutions relevant to the sector, which could ensure the longterm sustainability of the European dairy cattle and small ruminant sectors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Klein Renáta, Oláh János, Claire Morgan-Davies, Valérie Brocard, Bácsi Eszter Ilona, Török Evelin, Gulyás Gabriella, Czeglédi Levente https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Establishment of a bovine in vitro embryo production system for research model experiments - methodology
Thanks to 40 years of uninterrupted development, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) plays an increasingly important role in cattle breeding worldwide. Advances in oocyte retrieval, fertilisation in the laboratory, embryo culture, cryopreservation and the laboratory environment have enabled millions of genetically valuable embryos to be produced. In addition to its practical applications, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) provides a basic model environment for a wide range of research. It can be used to model the early gestation period and to study the environmental factors of embryo development, thus answering questions that concern both scientists and practitioners. The design of an embryo production system that delivers reliable results requires the optimisation of many technological steps. Over the past year, the authors have succeeded in developing a well-functioning system for successful bovine embryo production, making it suitable for educational and research purposes. In this communication, the authors describe the development of the system from its inception, its successes and difficulties, and report on the success of the 31 IVEP programmes. On average, 69% of fertilized oocytes cleave and 23.4% develop to an implantable blastocyst, making the system suitable for ovum pick-up (OPU) IVEP programmes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nagy Katalin, Tokár Alexandra, Sándorová Lilla, Gócza Elen, Zomborszky Zoltán, Stéger Viktor, Szabari Miklós, Póti Péter, Bodó Szilárd https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of bentonite supplementation on the fattening perfor-mance of beef cattle and the environmental stress
In the present study, the physiological effects of bentonite powder as a feed additive were investigated in beef cattle. During a four-month experimental fattening period of Angus breed cattle, the animals certainly consumed the bentonite powder spread on the feed. In a fattening experiment of beef cattle, the growth properties, the fattening efficiency, the toxin contamination of the feed and bedding straw, and the amount of ammonia and clostridium bacteria excreted in faeces were examined, with the addition of 150 g/day/individual bentonite. The IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 program was used to process the collected data. According to the results, the bentonite supplementation had a positive effect on both the fattening performance and fattening efficiency of beef cattle. In addition, the amount of ammonia excreted in faeces decreased, while the amount of excreted clostridium bacteria increased. Due to the improved feed utilization, the specific feed cost of the fattening cattle decreased by 11.8% compared to the control group. As a further positive effect, bentonite reduced the amount of environmentally harmful ammonia in the faeces, and increased the excretion of the bacterial flora in the faeces, which has a negative effect on the digestive system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kukovics Sándor, Naár Zoltán, Szakács Attila, Kukovics Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of increasing bentonite supplementation on fattening performance of lambs
In this lamb fattening experiment, different daily doses of bentonite were used. Three of six groups received 20, 30 and 40 g/day/head bentonite supplementation, respectively. The fourth group received 20 g/day/head bentonite during the first 20 days and 25 g during the second 20 days. The fifth group received 30 g/day/head bentonite in the first 20 days and 35 g in the second 20 days. The sixth group was the control, which received no bentonite supplementation. In all cases, the bentonite was spread on the daily lamb feed. In this study, we analysed the effect of different bentonite supplements on the weight gain of lambs and the efficiency of fattening. The IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 program was used to process the data. During lamb fattening, increasing the bentonite dose to a certain extent, the daily weight gain of lambs increased, and the amount of feed needed to gain one kg of weight gain decreased, which reduced the cost of feed used for one kg of weight gain. The specific feed utilization was the most favourable in the case of the fourth experimental group, where the specific feed cost decreased by 12.5% compared to the control group.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kukovics Sándor, Naár Zoltán, Rádli József, Kukovics Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Possibilities of disruptive selection in dachshunds, based on earthdog trial scores
Dachshunds are highly popular both historically and nowadays. They’re bred for hunting and their work is still necessary, mainly on blood tracks and in controlling red fox and badger populations. On other hand, the waste majority of these breeds are kept as family pets today, and in that role the same traits, what are essential for successful earthdog work are disadvantageous. We’ve obtained 156 earthdog trial results of 73 dogs, from eight events for modelling selection possibilities. As pedigree data of the dogs wasn’t suitable for determining it, we’ve used heritability values near h2 = 0,2 published for other populations, but to the same traits. The selection gain for hunting eagerness to the next generation would be between 4.23–4.65 scores (max. 100) with different selections pressures, while – 9.19 scores for pet purposes. In case of barking endurance future earthdogs could improve with 6,4 seconds, while dachshunds kept as companion animals could bark 8.89 s less when once started, if the population participated on trials had been a breeding stock.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tamás Mészöly, Natasa Fazekas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Welfare aspects in breeding brachycephalic dogs
Aim of our stud was to discover how different traits of brachycephalic dogs are connected to the frequency and number of their symptoms, and what are the consequences of these in making breeding strategies. 42 pugs and 19 French bulldogs were investigated during regular vet checks. We’ve recorded all symptoms connected to brachycephalic syndrome discoverable and registered in their anamnesis, by the help of veterinarians. Next to recording the dogs’ breed, sex, colour the following body measures were taken: length of the nose bridge, height at withers, and length of the topline. The ratio of all disease is much higher in our study than reported in a recent questionnaire study in Hungary, suggesting the need of objective control when trying to measure frequencies instead relying on dog owners. Non-recognized colour variants had shown late onset diseases significantly more frequently, enlightening how puppy mills work. However, eye defects appearing as a consequence of head conformation being more frequent in registered colours point on the effect of breeding determined by dog shows. Nose length being significantly longer in healthy dogs suggests, that this quantitative measure could be used in selection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Boglárka Virág Gendur, Natasa Fazekas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Integration of duckweed (Lemna minor) as a biological filter in the larval rearing technology of hybrid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus x Heterobranchus longifilis)
Aquaculture can provide the solution to meet humanity's animal protein needs. Heteroclarias, produced by crossing the catfish species Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis, is a hybrid species with good growth parameters and high technological and environmental tolerance. To exploit the genetic potential of the hybrid, intensive feeding is required, therefore rearing can have a negative impact on the environment. The aim of our experiment was to investigate the impact of the integration of Lemna minor as a biological filter on the water quality parameters of an intensive fish production system. In our experiments, we produced Heteroclarias fry in two cycles under semi-farm conditions in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with a water volume of 15 m3 in the first cycle as control (K), and in the second cycle, we integrated Lemna minor (BL) as a biofilter. The use of the duckweed as a biofilter did not affect the production parameters of the fish. However, the analysis of water quality parameters showed that the use of duckweed reduced the average ammonia ((K) 1.26 ± 0.64 mg/l and (BL) 0.29 ± 0.29 mg/l) and nitrite ((K) 1.81 ± 1.39 mg/l; (BL) 0.17 ± 0.22 mg/l) concentrations in the system water compared to the control group. As a result, the number of water exchanges to maintain good water quality was significantly reduced, providing an economic benefit and making the rearing process more sustainable.
Copyright (c) 2025 Molnár Péter István, Bak Henrietta, Ifj. Lévai Ferenc, Bársony Péter, Antalovics Máté, Fehér Milán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Smooth muscle electromyographic measurements with pigs in a stress model
Stress adversely affects physiological processes in animals, including gastrointestinal motility, potentially reducing digestion efficiency. Electromyography (EMG) is a suitable method for monitoring smooth muscle activity, allowing separate measurements of the heart and digestive organs (stomach, small intestine, large intestine). This study aimed to investigate whether stress alters the smooth muscle activity of the digestive tract using electromyographic measurements. We conducted the experiment on Topigs x Duroc barrows (n = 4), weighing 30 kg. Stress induction was performed with a single intravenous ACTH injection (10 µg/kg), which dose corresponds to a mild stress effect. Electromyographic signals were continuously recorded for 8 hours both in control and stress conditions. The measurements were divided into 30-minute intervals, and the smooth muscle electric potential (mV) was determined for each organ. Statistical comparisons between control and stress-induced states were made using paired Student's t-test. The results revealed a post-stress reduction in smooth muscle activity across all organs. The decrease was statistically significant in the small and large intestine, while in the stomach, reduced activity was observed 5 hours after stress induction. In conclusion, even mild stress decreases the smooth muscle activity of digestive organs, reducing gastrointestinal motility and potentially impairing digestion efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Csötönyi Orsolya, Béres Gabriella, Halas Veronika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Examination of live weight distribution of laying hen genotypes in different housing systems
Nowadays, there is an urgent need to find viable solutions to improve the production efficiency of non-caged farming systems, which could replace former housing systems if the EU bans all cage systems. The study examined differences in live weight and distribution among laying hybrids after 19 weeks of uniform rearing and analysed the impact of different housing systems on live weight and its variation up to 96 weeks of age. Studies were carried out at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Kaposvár with 3 genotypes provided by Bábolna TETRA Ltd.: a1 = Tetra-1 (White Leghorn); a2 = Tetra-2 (Classical Brown layer); a3 = Tetra-3 (Reciprocal crossbred Brown layer). N = 1.254 laying hens were housed in test house. 3 housing types tested were: b1 = conventional cage (630 cm2/hens); b2 = EU-conform enriched cage (756 cm2/hens); b3 = floor system (1042 cm2/hens, grid floor, deep litter combination). For our statistical calculations we used GLM with SAS 9.4. At 19 weeks, Tetra-1 weighed 1.29 kg, while Tetra-2 and 3 averaged 1.46 kg. At 96 weeks, Tetra-1 maintained 1.76 kg across housing types. Tetra-2 weighed 1.88 kg in cages, 2.01 kg in floor system. Tetra-3 had lowest weight in cages, higher in other systems. Our main conclusion is the differences between the tested experimental genotypes and the housing systems were significantly different and were interaction. Egg producers are advised to select the most suitable laying hybrid for the type of housing system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pető Lila, Orbán Attila, Farkas Tamás Péter, Bódog Leila Gabriella, Szász Sándor, Sütő Zoltán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effect of different pellet sizes on the production and parasito-logical load of growing rabbits
Rabbit feeds can typically be purchased commercially with pellet diameters of 2.5–4.0 mm. The aim of the study was to investigate the production and parasitological contamination of growing rabbits fed pelleted feeds with diameters of 3 mm and 4 mm. One group of fattening rabbits was fed pelleted feed with a diameter of 3 mm and another with a diameter of 4 mm (n = 60 rabbits/group). The feeds were identical concerning raw material and chemical composition. Growing rabbits were examined under industrial conditions in wire mesh cages (5 rabbits per cage) between 45 and 72 days of age. Mortality was investigated in larger groups (n = 1050 rabbits/group) under the same housing conditions. Pellet size did not affect the body weight of rabbits at 72 days of age (3 mm: 2696 g; 4 mm: 2670 g; P > 0.05), the average daily weight gain between 45 and 72 days of age (3 mm: 46.3 g/day; 4 mm: 45.2 g/day; P > 0.05), the feed consumption (3 mm: 176 g/day; 4 mm: 169 g/day; P > 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (3 mm: 4.03; 4 mm: 4.08 g; P>0.05). Diarrhoea was not observed in either group during the growing period. Mortality of the groups remained at acceptable levels and did not differ (3 mm: 1.5%; 4 mm: 2.4%; P > 0.05). Parasitological examinations showed a very good sanitary status, no infected faeces samples were found at any observation day. Diets with the same composition but different pellet sizes did not affect the production and health status of the growing rabbits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Matics Zsolt, Demeter-Jeremiás Anett, Varga Erzsébet, Németh Zoltán, Sándor Máté, Mayer András, Gerencsér Zsolt, Demeter Csongor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Examination of Eimeria oocyst infection in rabbits
Parasitic infections are the most common health problems in domestic rabbits, of which coccidiosis occurs the most frequently in large farms. Several Eimeria species are involved in the development of coccidiosis. Based on parasitological data collected in the past years, the aim of the study was to investigate the Eimeria spp.infestation of large-scale rabbit farms in Hungary and Slovakia, furthermore, to examine the effect of season, coccidiostats and age of the animals on oocyst infection. Data of samples collected between March 2018 and May 2024 (n = 12020) were evaluated. The 35.5% of tested samples contained oocysts. Based on the test results, Eimeria oocysts are present on rabbit farms in all seasons and ages of the animals. Higher proportion of samples were positive for Eimeria oocysts in the summer (40%) and the autumn (39%) than in the winter (34%; P < 0.001) and the fewest positive samples were recorded in the spring (28%; P < 0.001). Coccidia were already present in the faeces of rabbits during lactation, but with a relatively low frequency. The infection level showed an upward trend in the post-weaning period. Based on an estimating model, a significant increase in infection can be estimated on 38–40 days of age. There was no significant difference between the effects of the two coccidiostatic active substances used in rabbit feed (Diclazuril, Robenidine) on production and mortality of rabbits.
Copyright (c) 2025 Demeter Csongor, Németh Zoltán, Demeter-Jeremiás Anett, Bárdos Boróka, Sándor Máté, Gerencsér Zsolt, Lencsés-Varga Erika, Matics Zsolt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Animal welfare practice from mechanical point of view
Directives of animal husbandry according to technologies have changed recently because of several new research results and laws. These new requirements partly demands of quality-improvement that helps for effectiveness of agrarian production partly regulations of animal welfare that focused to the biological features of an animal. Both cases mean changing of husbandry, the technical conditions. Cattle, pig and chicken production belongs to category of intensive technologies so the technical answers for regulations of animal welfare are particularly important.
Copyright (c) 2005 Pazsiczki Imre https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Ensuring animal welfare in swine breeding
With the spreading of intensive pig breeding, pigs got in an artificial milieu, which significantly differed from the natural environment. This effect changed their behaviour. Through this change, profitability and safety of pork production decreased. Methods developed by the ethologists lead us how to repair the faults and deficiencies and improve the welfare of animals and consequently how to increase the performance. It is an important aspect to guarantee freedom for the animals in lying, in bed choosing, in standing, in motion, in stretching, in turning over and in washing themselves.
Copyright (c) 2005 Király Albert, Wittmann Mihály https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Interaction between the animal welfare and accession to the European Union
All elements of the modern animal welfare concept have continuously been introduced into the Hungarian veterinary legislation over the past decades. This legislation was one of the pioneers in Europe in this respect. The veterinary students had theoretical and practical training in many aspects of animal welfare in a wide range of disciplines, such as (inter alia) animal and food hygiene, public veterinary administration. Since the year 1968 a designated staff member of the Animal Health and Food Control Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been in charge of animal hygiene. A series of booklets served as a source of information on hygiene (welfare) requirements set for large- scale animal husbandry. These separate tools were compiled into a single book in 1978. All the following legal texts have been based upon the principles laid down in the said time. Since a new era started in early 90s, the Hungarian veterinary legislation has also to be amended according to the emerging needs. The wording changed, but the welfare principles could remain the same. The veterinary act in force and its implementing governmental and ministerial decrees could keep the main points. The role and responsibility of the veterinary services were extended by a series of the recent acts and their implementing decrees. It is not enough to deal with traditional welfare issues, but the veterinary services have an obligation to participate in controlling the enforcement of the ban on dogfight, as well as the most recent amendments to the Penal Code. Transposition of the European Union’s welfare legislation has been completed. Remarkable steps were taken to implement these rules. A network of veterinary animal welfare inspectors has been set up in the framework of the county animal health and food control stations. The inspectors can follow the checklists during their inspections and reporting. Close and reliable links were built to connect the different authorities and non-governmental organizations involved in the same field. Due to the enhanced public awareness, favourable changes took place in relation to the conditions for keeping, handling, transporting and slaughtering farm animals. A transitional period by the end of the year 2009 was granted for 21 laying hen farms, related to the size and construction of the cages. A National Rural Development Plan has been developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Regional development, aiming at improving the conditions of the agricultural production. An important part of this plan is "Meeting standards of the EU in environmental protection, animal welfare and hygiene". Meeting welfare standards in live animal transport is one of the outstanding issues. Not only transposition of the relevant EU legislation has been completed, but also Hungary intends to participate in the ongoing discussions by different EU bodies over this topic. We are interested in relevant improvements in the transport conditions on the one hand, while our ability to maintain our export of traditional goods, as well as fair control of transiting consignments are of paramount importance on the other hand. We are ready to keep and execute all future rules, provided they are agreed.
Copyright (c) 2005 Hanzséros Ferenc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Development in animal welfare – sustainable cattle production
According to research experiences, technological shortcomings, adaptation disorders of animals and changes in consumer and ethical needs could account for improvement in animal welfare and development of animal friendly breeding, transportation and slaughter technologies. Producing methods and utilizations with different intensity and legislation must be considered. Developments must include clarification of relationships of customer, ethic and economic factors, introduction of effective programs in education, information and poll management and finally sharing the sources for animal welfare projects.
Copyright (c) 2005 Györkös István, Kovács Katalin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The author of the article brings up the question of defining animal welfare. Legislations ensuring animal welfare in housing technologies of laying hens (not improved cages, improved cages, alternative), and in liver and feather production are introduced. Rules of transportation, slaughtering, and other treatments (e.g. inserting wing tags) are overviewed as well.
Copyright (c) 2005 Bódi László, Janbaz Janan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Practical experiences in controlling of fulfilment of animal welfare regulations
After the harmonization with European Union laws, the fulfilment of requirements has caused many difficulties to Hungarian farmers. The author describes the troubles, which had caused the lacks that were found in official control. Among the most frequent difficulties lack of money, unconcern, and inadequate information acquisition are mentioned.
Copyright (c) 2005 Aradi Miklós https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Prof. Dr. habil., Dr. h.c. Otto Kaufmann
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Prof. dr hab. Henryk Geringer de Oedenberg
Evaluation of teat morphology of goats using digital technique
In type classification of milk-type goats, large emphasis has to be taken into teat morphology, since many publications and practical experiences confirm the strong relationship between teat- and milk production traits. Authors’ aim was to find out if evaluation of digital images by picture processing program Terület 7.0 is a suitable method for assessment of teat shapes in type classification, and to elaborate a selection index for teat shape of Hungarian Native Goat breed. Pictures of teats were taken by digital camera, and teat parameters were measured by software Terület 7.0. When evaluating the measurements, no significant differences were noted between left and right teats. However, to get exact results, authors advise to calculate with the mean value of the two teats. For evaluation of machine milking ability, a Teat Index was established, similarly to other body measurement indices. Based on their results in the index, teats were divided into 3 groups. Authors concluded that analysis of digital images is a suitable method for evaluation of teat parameters of goats. The method is easy to carry out, and gives a chance for objective classification.
Copyright (c) 2005 Anka Judit, Póti Péter, Pajor Ferenc, Láczó Edina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0