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Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maîtrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraîne généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maîtrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraîne généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maîtrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraîne généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

CONTEXT So far, digital technology development in agriculture has mainly dealt with precision agriculture, often associated with conventional large-scale systems. The emergence of digital agriculture - based on the triptych of “new data sources / new processing methods / new inter-connection capacities (internet)” - opens up prospects for mobilizing digital technologies to accelerate the deployment of other forms of agriculture, such as agroecology. A specific research agenda must therefore be built to redirect researchers specialized in digital technologies towards these new issues. This construction is significant because digital technology and agroecology are disruptive innovations that shake up the actors' practices, agricultural innovation ecosystems, and value chains. OBJECTIVE An interdisciplinary group of INRAE researchers (covering 10 scientific departments) was mandated to carry out this reflection, with the objective of developing a research agenda to better couple digitalization and agroecology, in order to pave the way for responsible digital farming. The group used the framework of responsible research and innovation. METHOD Over 18 months, the group met monthly by video-conference, to overcome the interdisciplinarity barrier, and at three face-to-face seminars, where creative design exercises were carried out (based on a world café format, and “remember the future” method). This work gave rise to three prospective lines of research aimed at putting digitalization at the service of agroecology and local food systems. These topics prioritize research that fosters innovations in digital technology, as well as organisations and policies that (1) accelerate the agroecological transition on the farm and in the territories, (2) manage the territories as commons, (3) empower farmers and consumers. Then, the group examined these three prospective lines of research from an RRI perspective as well as three current research topics on digital agriculture (digital

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maitrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraine généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Allowing suckling the dam is considered to improve the welfare of calves but separation from the dam at weaning can be highly stressful. We questioned if dairy calves reared with their dam experience more or less stress before and after weaning than calves artificially reared. Cortisol concentration in hair is assumed to reflect stress accumulated over days, weeks or even months. We compared hair cortisol in calves reared or not with their dam. Three groups of 9 calves were used at the INRAE Herbipôle experimental farm: ‘Control’ calves separated from dams immediately after birth and fed with an automatic milk feeder until weaning at 11 weeks of age, ‘Dam’ calves suckled by their dam between morning and evening milking until 11 weeks of age, ‘Mixed’ calves suckled by their dam for 4 weeks then reared as Control calves. Hair samples were taken from each calf's shoulder before weaning (calf age, 60.3 ± 4.3 days) and 30 days after weaning. The hair was washed and dried before cortisol extraction and determination using Salimetrics ELISA kit at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Hair cortisol concentration was lower in Dam calves than in other calves both before weaning (19.9 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 26.9 pg/mg; P = 0.02) and after weaning (11.2 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 15.5 pg/mg; P = 0.08). Before weaning, the Dam calves grazed during the day whereas other calves remained in indoor pens. Cortisol increases with activity and should thus be higher in Dam calves if they were as stressed as the other calves. This reinforces the conclusion that calves with their dam are less stress than calves without their dam. During the week following weaning, Dam calves mooed more than other calves, suggesting intense stress, which did not reduce the difference in hair cortisol with other calves. Despite stress at weaning, rearing dairy calves with their dam seems thus to result in less stress than rearing them without the dam.

CONTEXT So far, digital technology development in agriculture has mainly dealt with precision agriculture, often associated with conventional large-scale systems. The emergence of digital agriculture - based on the triptych of “new data sources / new processing methods / new inter-connection capacities (internet)” - opens up prospects for mobilizing digital technologies to accelerate the deployment of other forms of agriculture, such as agroecology. A specific research agenda must therefore be built to redirect researchers specialized in digital technologies towards these new issues. This construction is significant because digital technology and agroecology are disruptive innovations that shake up the actors' practices, agricultural innovation ecosystems, and value chains. OBJECTIVE An interdisciplinary group of INRAE researchers (covering 10 scientific departments) was mandated to carry out this reflection, with the objective of developing a research agenda to better couple digitalization and agroecology, in order to pave the way for responsible digital farming. The group used the framework of responsible research and innovation. METHOD Over 18 months, the group met monthly by video-conference, to overcome the interdisciplinarity barrier, and at three face-to-face seminars, where creative design exercises were carried out (based on a world café format, and “remember the future” method). This work gave rise to three prospective lines of research aimed at putting digitalization at the service of agroecology and local food systems. These topics prioritize research that fosters innovations in digital technology, as well as organisations and policies that (1) accelerate the agroecological transition on the farm and in the territories, (2) manage the territories as commons, (3) empower farmers and consumers. Then, the group examined these three prospective lines of research from an RRI perspective as well as three current research topics on digital agriculture (digital

Allowing suckling the dam is considered to improve the welfare of calves but separation from the dam at weaning can be highly stressful. We questioned if dairy calves reared with their dam experience more or less stress before and after weaning than calves artificially reared. Cortisol concentration in hair is assumed to reflect stress accumulated over days, weeks or even months. We compared hair cortisol in calves reared or not with their dam. Three groups of 9 calves were used at the INRAE Herbipôle experimental farm: ‘Control’ calves separated from dams immediately after birth and fed with an automatic milk feeder until weaning at 11 weeks of age, ‘Dam’ calves suckled by their dam between morning and evening milking until 11 weeks of age, ‘Mixed’ calves suckled by their dam for 4 weeks then reared as Control calves. Hair samples were taken from each calf's shoulder before weaning (calf age, 60.3 ± 4.3 days) and 30 days after weaning. The hair was washed and dried before cortisol extraction and determination using Salimetrics ELISA kit at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Hair cortisol concentration was lower in Dam calves than in other calves both before weaning (19.9 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 26.9 pg/mg; P = 0.02) and after weaning (11.2 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 15.5 pg/mg; P = 0.08). Before weaning, the Dam calves grazed during the day whereas other calves remained in indoor pens. Cortisol increases with activity and should thus be higher in Dam calves if they were as stressed as the other calves. This reinforces the conclusion that calves with their dam are less stress than calves without their dam. During the week following weaning, Dam calves mooed more than other calves, suggesting intense stress, which did not reduce the difference in hair cortisol with other calves. Despite stress at weaning, rearing dairy calves with their dam seems thus to result in less stress than rearing them without the dam.

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maitrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraine généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maitrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraine généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Dans les conditions naturelles, les jeunes ruminants développent un lien privilégié avec leur mère dans les heures qui suivent la naissance, lien qui perdure bien au-delà de l’allaitement. Or, sur les 5,5 millions de jeunes ruminants (veaux, chevreaux et agneaux) qui naissent chaque année en France dans des élevages laitiers, la grande majorité sont séparés de leur mère à la naissance et allaités « artificiellement » au seau. La séparation mère-jeune précoce interpelle les citoyens et certains éleveurs quant au respect du bien-être de l’animal. L’allaitement artificiel des femelles de renouvellement jusqu’au sevrage permet d’assurer, à un coût maitrisé, un développement mammaire optimal et un bon potentiel laitier. Cependant, l’allaitement par les mères ou par des nourrices se développe, principalement en élevage bovin. Ce type d’allaitement entraine généralement des quantités de lait commercialisables moindres, mais la croissance, la santé et le bien-être des veaux sont améliorés. Des questions se posent aussi sur le devenir des jeunes, mâles pour l’essentiel, non conservés pour le renouvellement du troupeau. Ceux-ci quittent généralement l’élevage quelques semaines après la naissance pour être engraissés dans des ateliers spécialisés, voire exportés. Là aussi, afin de répondre aux nouvelles attentes des consommateurs et pallier le faible intérêt économique de ces débouchés, éleveurs et filières recherchent des solutions alternatives telles que l’engraissement à la ferme, de nouveaux modes d’élevage ou de nouveaux débouchés. Ces pratiques alternatives – allaitement naturel ou engraissement sur place des jeunes mâles – pourraient se développer grâce à une identification de leurs produits (lait, viande) et au consentement du consommateur à les payer plus cher que des produits standards.

Allowing suckling the dam is considered to improve the welfare of calves but separation from the dam at weaning can be highly stressful. We questioned if dairy calves reared with their dam experience more or less stress before and after weaning than calves artificially reared. Cortisol concentration in hair is assumed to reflect stress accumulated over days, weeks or even months. We compared hair cortisol in calves reared or not with their dam. Three groups of 9 calves were used at the INRAE Herbipôle experimental farm: ‘Control’ calves separated from dams immediately after birth and fed with an automatic milk feeder until weaning at 11 weeks of age, ‘Dam’ calves suckled by their dam between morning and evening milking until 11 weeks of age, ‘Mixed’ calves suckled by their dam for 4 weeks then reared as Control calves. Hair samples were taken from each calf's shoulder before weaning (calf age, 60.3 ± 4.3 days) and 30 days after weaning. The hair was washed and dried before cortisol extraction and determination using Salimetrics ELISA kit at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Hair cortisol concentration was lower in Dam calves than in other calves both before weaning (19.9 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 26.9 pg/mg; P = 0.02) and after weaning (11.2 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 15.5 pg/mg; P = 0.08). Before weaning, the Dam calves grazed during the day whereas other calves remained in indoor pens. Cortisol increases with activity and should thus be higher in Dam calves if they were as stressed as the other calves. This reinforces the conclusion that calves with their dam are less stress than calves without their dam. During the week following weaning, Dam calves mooed more than other calves, suggesting intense stress, which did not reduce the difference in hair cortisol with other calves. Despite stress at weaning, rearing dairy calves with their dam seems thus to result in less stress than rearing them without the dam.

Allowing suckling the dam is considered to improve the welfare of calves but separation from the dam at weaning can be highly stressful. We questioned if dairy calves reared with their dam experience more or less stress before and after weaning than calves artificially reared. Cortisol concentration in hair is assumed to reflect stress accumulated over days, weeks or even months. We compared hair cortisol in calves reared or not with their dam. Three groups of 9 calves were used at the INRAE Herbipôle experimental farm: ‘Control’ calves separated from dams immediately after birth and fed with an automatic milk feeder until weaning at 11 weeks of age, ‘Dam’ calves suckled by their dam between morning and evening milking until 11 weeks of age, ‘Mixed’ calves suckled by their dam for 4 weeks then reared as Control calves. Hair samples were taken from each calf's shoulder before weaning (calf age, 60.3 ± 4.3 days) and 30 days after weaning. The hair was washed and dried before cortisol extraction and determination using Salimetrics ELISA kit at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Hair cortisol concentration was lower in Dam calves than in other calves both before weaning (19.9 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 26.9 pg/mg; P = 0.02) and after weaning (11.2 pg/mg for Dam calves vs. 15.5 pg/mg; P = 0.08). Before weaning, the Dam calves grazed during the day whereas other calves remained in indoor pens. Cortisol increases with activity and should thus be higher in Dam calves if they were as stressed as the other calves. This reinforces the conclusion that calves with their dam are less stress than calves without their dam. During the week following weaning, Dam calves mooed more than other calves, suggesting intense stress, which did not reduce the difference in hair cortisol with other calves. Despite stress at weaning, rearing dairy calves with their dam seems thus to result in less stress than rearing them without the dam.

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

Calves in most European dairy farms are separated from their dams either immediately or within a few hours after birth, prompting mounting society concern on animal welfare grounds. The aim of this study was to identify ways to maintain cow–calf contacts that balance the benefits for calf growth and health against the negative impacts on saleable milk and stress at weaning. We tested reuniting cows and calves for 20 min before ( Before group) or 2.5 h after ( After group) morning milking (Trial 1) or for a 9 h period between the morning and evening milkings (Dam group, Trial 2). In both trials, each treatment was applied on a group of 14 dam–calf pairs (7 Holstein [ Ho ] and 7 Montbéliarde [ Mo ]). Control -calves were separated from their dam at birth and artificially suckled with tank milk provided daily at 13% (Trial 1) and 14% (Trial 2) of their body weight. All calves were weaned from the age of 12 weeks at a weight of at least 100 kg. In Trial 1, the After group was prematurely stopped when the calves were 8 weeks of age as calf growth became limited (318 g/d) due to low milk intakes (3 kg/d). Milk yield at the parlour was 29% lower in After-cows compared to Controls (first 8 weeks of lactation). During the first 16 weeks of lactation, milk yield at the parlour was 45% lower in Before-cows and 31% lower in Dam-cows compared to Controlcows. Milk protein content was 2.1 g/kg higher in Before-cows and 1.3 g/kg higher in Dam-cows while milk fat content was 3.2 g/kg higher in Before-cows but 5.2 g/kg lower in Dam-cows compared to Control-cows. There were no significant differences in milk SCC and in frequency of cow and calf health events between suckling and control groups. Compared to Control-calves, calf growth until weaning was higher in the suckling calves in Trial 1 (+171 g/d in Before-calves) and similar in Trial 2 (+7 g/d in Dam-calves). At weaning, Before- and Dam-calves started to vocalize earlier and continued to vocalize longer than controls. In conclus

In many species, animals live in highly structured groups. In these groups, individual differences in the number and identity of social contacts (alters) of each ego define the social network structure of the animal group. The composition of groups can be disturbed by grouping animals according to age or production stage, which can in turn induce stress. We investigated whether the preference of two animals to stay together depends on the sociality of each individual (defined by the time it spends close to other animals) or on the composition of the group. We observed 158 dairy cows distributed in 6 pens during 17 weeks. The precise positions of the cows were monitored with positional loggers 24/7 in two groups with fixed independent populations and during the formation of new groups with varying population. In fixed groups, the sociality of a cow was maintained over the entire observation period, but this trait depended on the area contacts occurred (inside vs. outside the resting area). When introducing foreign individuals into social groups, the sociality of individual cows was maintained independently of the group; this sociality was therefore not necessarily influenced by the time spent in the group but by the social characteristics of individual cows. During the formation of new groups, newly introduced cows dynamically interacted with resident ones, forming a few strong short-lasting contacts between newcomers and resident cows. However, a few long-lasting interactions occurred between resident and newcomers and the whole network is weakened. Our study suggests that each cow has its own sociality independent of the group and tend to establish relations with specific partners when the population is fixed. In addition, when introducing cows into a group, the social network of the group is weakened, with absence of strong links between newcomers and resident cows and a decrease in the links between resident cows for at least 2 weeks.

In many species, animals live in highly structured groups. In these groups, individual differences in the number and identity of social contacts (alters) of each ego define the social network structure of the animal group. The composition of groups can be disturbed by grouping animals according to age or production stage, which can in turn induce stress. We investigated whether the preference of two animals to stay together depends on the sociality of each individual (defined by the time it spends close to other animals) or on the composition of the group. We observed 158 dairy cows distributed in 6 pens during 17 weeks. The precise positions of the cows were monitored with positional loggers 24/7 in two groups with fixed independent populations and during the formation of new groups with varying population. In fixed groups, the sociality of a cow was maintained over the entire observation period, but this trait depended on the area contacts occurred (inside vs. outside the resting area). When introducing foreign individuals into social groups, the sociality of individual cows was maintained independently of the group; this sociality was therefore not necessarily influenced by the time spent in the group but by the social characteristics of individual cows. During the formation of new groups, newly introduced cows dynamically interacted with resident ones, forming a few strong short-lasting contacts between newcomers and resident cows. However, a few long-lasting interactions occurred between resident and newcomers and the whole network is weakened. Our study suggests that each cow has its own sociality independent of the group and tend to establish relations with specific partners when the population is fixed. In addition, when introducing cows into a group, the social network of the group is weakened, with absence of strong links between newcomers and resident cows and a decrease in the links between resident cows for at least 2 weeks.

Although there now exists a wide range of policies, instruments and regulations, in Europe and increasingly beyond, to improve and safeguard the welfare of farmed animals, there remain persistent and significant welfare issues in virtually all types of animal production systems ranging from high prevalence of lameness to limited possibilities to express natural behaviours. Protocols and indicators, such as those provided by Welfare Quality, mean that animal welfare can nowadays be regularly measured and surveyed at the farm level. However, the digital revolution in agriculture opens possibilities to quantify animal welfare using multiple sensors and data analytics. This allows daily monitoring of animal welfare at the group and individual animal level, for example, by measuring changes in behaviour patterns or physiological parameters. The present paper explores the potential for developing innovations in digital technologies to improve the management of animal welfare at the farm, during transport or at slaughter. We conclude that the innovations in Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) offer significant opportunities for a more holistic, evidence-based approach to the monitoring and surveillance of farmed animal welfare. To date, the emphasis in much PLF technologies has been on animal health and productivity. This paper argues that this emphasis should not come to define welfare. What is now needed is a coming together of industry, scientists, food chain actors, policy-makers and NGOs to develop and use the promise of PLF for the creative and effective improvement of farmed animal welfare.

Depuis le milieu des années 2000, l'élevage fait l'objet de vifs débats en raison de ses impacts sur le climat et l'environnement, accentués par la hausse de la consommation mondiale en viandes et produits laitiers. Les impacts et services issus des élevages sont ici étudiés à l'échelle de l'Europe, en examinant leurs effets sur les marchés, l'emploi et le travail, la consommation d'intrants, l'environnement et le climat, ainsi que les enjeux sociaux et culturels associés à l'élevage. Puis les interactions entre ces volets ou " bouquets de services " sont analysées simultanément. Ces bouquets sont déclinés dans une typologie et cartographiés selon six classes de territoires d'élevage européens à partir de deux critères : la densité en animaux et la part de prairies permanentes dans le paysage agricole. Cet ouvrage reprend les enseignements d'une expertise scientifique collective conduite par 26 experts de disciplines scientifiques complémentaires et coordonnée par l'Inra, réalisée à la demande conjointe des ministères en charge de l'Environnement et de l'Agriculture, et de l'Ademe.

Depuis le milieu des années 2000, l'élevage fait l'objet de vifs débats en raison de ses impacts sur le climat et l'environnement, accentués par la hausse de la consommation mondiale en viandes et produits laitiers. Les impacts et services issus des élevages sont ici étudiés à l'échelle de l'Europe, en examinant leurs effets sur les marchés, l'emploi et le travail, la consommation d'intrants, l'environnement et le climat, ainsi que les enjeux sociaux et culturels associés à l'élevage. Puis les interactions entre ces volets ou " bouquets de services " sont analysées simultanément. Ces bouquets sont déclinés dans une typologie et cartographiés selon six classes de territoires d'élevage européens à partir de deux critères : la densité en animaux et la part de prairies permanentes dans le paysage agricole. Cet ouvrage reprend les enseignements d'une expertise scientifique collective conduite par 26 experts de disciplines scientifiques complémentaires et coordonnée par l'Inra, réalisée à la demande conjointe des ministères en charge de l'Environnement et de l'Agriculture, et de l'Ademe.

Autour de 5 principaux facteurs d'élevage (alimentation, logement, maîtrise de la santé, transport, rôle de l'éleveur) les auteurs analysent les éléments qui peuvent satisfaire les besoins de l'animal au regard de sa biologie et influencer la qualité de la viande. Des solutions sont proposées pour améliorer les conditions d'élevage, à la fois pour le producteur (résultats techniques de l'exploitation) et les animaux (bien-être). L'avenir de la production est enfin abordé. Destiné à tous les acteurs de la filière, cet ouvrage traite essentiellement des veaux produits en élevage dit "intensif" mais la plupart des résultats et recommandations peuvent être transposés à d'autres types d'élevage.

Autour de 5 principaux facteurs d'élevage (alimentation, logement, maîtrise de la santé, transport, rôle de l'éleveur) les auteurs analysent les éléments qui peuvent satisfaire les besoins de l'animal au regard de sa biologie et influencer la qualité de la viande. Des solutions sont proposées pour améliorer les conditions d'élevage, à la fois pour le producteur (résultats techniques de l'exploitation) et les animaux (bien-être). L'avenir de la production est enfin abordé. Destiné à tous les acteurs de la filière, cet ouvrage traite essentiellement des veaux produits en élevage dit "intensif" mais la plupart des résultats et recommandations peuvent être transposés à d'autres types d'élevage.

Autour de 5 principaux facteurs d'élevage (alimentation, logement, maîtrise de la santé, transport, rôle de l'éleveur) les auteurs analysent les éléments qui peuvent satisfaire les besoins de l'animal au regard de sa biologie et influencer la qualité de la viande. Des solutions sont proposées pour améliorer les conditions d'élevage, à la fois pour le producteur (résultats techniques de l'exploitation) et les animaux (bien-être). L'avenir de la production est enfin abordé. Destiné à tous les acteurs de la filière, cet ouvrage traite essentiellement des veaux produits en élevage dit "intensif" mais la plupart des résultats et recommandations peuvent être transposés à d'autres types d'élevage.

A survey was carried out to describe the extent and current practice of cattle disbudding/dehorning in the EU Member States. Disbudding was defined as removal of horns in calves of up to 2 months of age, whereas dehorning was defined as removal of horns in older animals. Specific questionnaires were created regarding dairy, beef, and suckler production systems and they were submitted to local experts of each country belonging to relevant institutions like universities, national farmers' associations, cattle breeders associations, farm veterinarians and practitioners. Figures on disbudding/dehorning practices were produced for each production system for both the whole European Union and the North, Centre, East and South EU macro-regions. A total of 652 questionnaires were collected and 64%, 24% and 12% of them related to dairy cattle, beef cattle and suckler cows, respectively. Data from the survey showed that in Europe, 81% of the dairy, 47% of the beef and 68% of the suckler currently keep disbudded/dehorned animals, while the prevalence of polled cattle is rather low, especially in the dairy cattle sector (5% of all cattle farms; <1% of dairy farms). Regardless of production system, prevalence of dehorned animals is the highest in the North macro-region. Polled cattle farms are almost exclusively located in the North where polled beef breeds are raised for fattening. Dehorning is performed primarily on loose housed cattle to reduce the risk of injuries for herdmates and the stockman. Dehorning is less frequently performed in organic farms. As method of horns removal, disbudding is generally preferred over surgical removal of the horns in older cattle. Hot-iron is the most used disbudding method especially in the North and Centre. Use of caustic paste is reported more frequently in the South and the East. In the large majority of EU farms, the stockman is the person in charge for disbudding and some kind of medication for pain relief is administered to the anima

A survey was carried out to describe the extent and current practice of cattle disbudding/dehorning in the EU Member States. Disbudding was defined as removal of horns in calves of up to 2 months of age, whereas dehorning was defined as removal of horns in older animals. Specific questionnaires were created regarding dairy, beef, and suckler production systems and they were submitted to local experts of each country belonging to relevant institutions like universities, national farmers' associations, cattle breeders associations, farm veterinarians and practitioners. Figures on disbudding/dehorning practices were produced for each production system for both the whole European Union and the North, Centre, East and South EU macro-regions. A total of 652 questionnaires were collected and 64%, 24% and 12% of them related to dairy cattle, beef cattle and suckler cows, respectively. Data from the survey showed that in Europe, 81% of the dairy, 47% of the beef and 68% of the suckler currently keep disbudded/dehorned animals, while the prevalence of polled cattle is rather low, especially in the dairy cattle sector (5% of all cattle farms; <1% of dairy farms). Regardless of production system, prevalence of dehorned animals is the highest in the North macro-region. Polled cattle farms are almost exclusively located in the North where polled beef breeds are raised for fattening. Dehorning is performed primarily on loose housed cattle to reduce the risk of injuries for herdmates and the stockman. Dehorning is less frequently performed in organic farms. As method of horns removal, disbudding is generally preferred over surgical removal of the horns in older cattle. Hot-iron is the most used disbudding method especially in the North and Centre. Use of caustic paste is reported more frequently in the South and the East. In the large majority of EU farms, the stockman is the person in charge for disbudding and some kind of medication for pain relief is administered to the anima

A survey was carried out to describe the extent and current practice of cattle disbudding/dehorning in the EU Member States. Disbudding was defined as removal of horns in calves of up to 2 months of age, whereas dehorning was defined as removal of horns in older animals. Specific questionnaires were created regarding dairy, beef, and suckler production systems and they were submitted to local experts of each country belonging to relevant institutions like universities, national farmers' associations, cattle breeders associations, farm veterinarians and practitioners. Figures on disbudding/dehorning practices were produced for each production system for both the whole European Union and the North, Centre, East and South EU macro-regions. A total of 652 questionnaires were collected and 64%, 24% and 12% of them related to dairy cattle, beef cattle and suckler cows, respectively. Data from the survey showed that in Europe, 81% of the dairy, 47% of the beef and 68% of the suckler currently keep disbudded/dehorned animals, while the prevalence of polled cattle is rather low, especially in the dairy cattle sector (5% of all cattle farms; <1% of dairy farms). Regardless of production system, prevalence of dehorned animals is the highest in the North macro-region. Polled cattle farms are almost exclusively located in the North where polled beef breeds are raised for fattening. Dehorning is performed primarily on loose housed cattle to reduce the risk of injuries for herdmates and the stockman. Dehorning is less frequently performed in organic farms. As method of horns removal, disbudding is generally preferred over surgical removal of the horns in older cattle. Hot-iron is the most used disbudding method especially in the North and Centre. Use of caustic paste is reported more frequently in the South and the East. In the large majority of EU farms, the stockman is the person in charge for disbudding and some kind of medication for pain relief is administered to the anima

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

While the need for training on-farm assessors in clinical animal assessment has been widely recognised, assessment of husbandry resources is still often regarded as self-explanatory. Within the scope of the international project ProPIG, 7 observers from seven countries were trained by an experienced observer (gold standard) to assess 15 clinical and 11 resource parameters in organic pigs in eight countries. The initial plan was to train and test observers before farm visit 1 and then again after one year before farm visit 2. Both trainings were repeated with all observers due to unsatisfactory agreement, resulting in T1a+b and one year later T2a+b. Agreement with the gold standard was calculated as exact agreement for categorical parameters (e.g. drinker type; mean n=11 pens per test and parameter, range 1 - 34) and Spearman rank correlation for numerical parameters (e.g. number of animals; mean n=9 pens, range 4 - 28). Median (IQR) pairwise agreements [%] were T1a=83 (40), T1b=90 (29), T2a=92 (43), T2b=100 (11) for clinical parameters, and T1a=100 (25), T1b=100 (40), T2a=100 (23), T2b=90 (33) for resource parameters. Mean Spearman r for clinical parameters were T1a=0.52, T1b=0.76, T2a=0.42 and T2b=0.84 with ranges of -0.69, -0.33, -0.79 and 0.34, respectively, to 1.00. Mean Spearman r for resource parameters were T1a=0.59 (range 0 to 1), T1b=0.71 (-1 to 1), T2a=0.40 (0.30 to 0.49) and T2b=0.25 (-1 to 1). Initial training discussions showed that naïve observers differed in their assessment of resource as well as clinical parameters, and real life assessment together with training materials were needed to successfully train on both sets of parameters. We therefore recommend the inclusion of resource parameters in observer trainings for on-farm assessment in order to assure sufficient observer agreement.

The intuitive understanding of the behaviour of cattle by farmers and their practical knowledge of how cattle should be handled was studied and compared with knowledge from animal behaviour science.

The intuitive understanding of the behaviour of cattle by farmers and their practical knowledge of how cattle should be handled was studied and compared with knowledge from animal behaviour science.

The intuitive understanding of the behaviour of cattle by farmers and their practical knowledge of how cattle should be handled was studied and compared with knowledge from animal behaviour science.