• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.81-90
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• 2023

Animal welfare was introduced relatively late to Korea in comparison with Western countries. Nonetheless, the Korean government has continuously improved animal welfare-friendly regulations as policy instruments. Given the current situation, it is predicted that spontaneous settlement of the animal welfare policies will be difficult and may cause conflict in the farm animal industry. To identify and categorize conflicts caused by animal-welfare-related policies in the last five years, we investigated the awareness of animal welfare among Korean hen farms and the level of compliance with the animal welfare regulations. We collected a sample of 53 egg-laying chicken farm operators (e.g., owners or head managers) was collected through the on-site survey (90% confidence level (Z-score: 1.65) and 10.18% tolerance, based on a number of 797 egg-laying farms in 2020). Ethical conflicts on the farms were categorized into three different types according to the hen farm's ethical awareness level: passive, moderate, and active. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between compliance with regulations and ethical consideration. This study confirmed that compliance with animal welfare-related regulations significantly correlated to the level of ethical consideration of farm operators. Interestingly, we also observed that farm operators did not comply with the regulation despite their high level of awareness of animal welfare. This conflict implies contradiction and unresolved ethical dilemmas. Therefore, this study argues that the policies cause conflict in the field despite the certain level of effectiveness on animal welfare regulations.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.627-641
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• 2020

Intensive farming methods that do not guarantee animal welfare can induce stress in pigs. Stress, in turn, can reduce their disease resistance and influence their hormones and metabolites in such a manner that productivity is negatively affected. This study was conducted to compare the stress related factors and blood characteristics of pigs raised on conventional farms and those raised on animal welfare farms. We measured the levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, biochemical parameters in blood and glycogen, L-lactate and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in muscle, as physiological markers of indicating the stress in conventional farm pigs (Control, n=10) and animal welfare farm pigs (Welfare, n=10). We found that there was a significant difference in the albumin-globulin ratio (A/G ratio), as well as the albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels between the two farms. Epinephrine was significantly higher in conventional farm, while level of norepinephrine was higher in animal welfare farm. There was no significant difference in cortisol, which is known as a stress hormone, across the two groups of farms. Muscular glycogen content was significantly high in animal welfare farm pigs. While L-lactate tended to be low in the animal welfare farm pigs, the difference between them and the conventional farm cohorts was not significant. HSP70 showed high levels of expression in conventional farm. Thus, we suggested that blood parameter results showed a stress response in the livers of conventional farm, and that catecholamine hormones, glycogen, L-lactate and HSP70 can be used as physiological factors of assessing animal welfare.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2018

Meat quality includes technological quality attributes, consumer acceptance, and credence characteristics. In terms of credence characteristics, animal welfare is one of the most interesting topics to both consumers and the livestock industry. Consumers prefer meat produced from livestock that has been raised in low stress and ecofriendly environments. The livestock industry cares about animal welfare to meet the requirements of consumers. Animal welfare is closely associated with the stress and physiological response of livestock to stress. Moreover, stress just before slaughter (i.e., pre-slaughter stress) has negative effects on not only animal welfare but also ultimately on meat quality. It is well-documented that pre-slaughter stress can influence ante- and post-mortem biological changes of the muscles, especially their metabolic properties and metabolites. The metabolic properties and metabolites contents also can modulate the postmortem changes of the muscles. Conversion of muscles to meat during postmortem is a very important process because it determines ultimately the meat quality. Thus, understanding pre-slaughter stress and physiological responses to stress in farm animals is important for animal welfare and meat quality. The purpose of this paper was to examine the concept of stress, physiological responses to stress, measurement of stress, and the relationships between stress indices and meat quality traits.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.574-587
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• 2022

This study was performed to development the alternative farrowing pen (AFP) and to investigate performance and behavior of lactating sows and their litter. A total of 64 multiparous sows were randomly divided into two groups and were allocated to farrowing crates (FCs) and AFPs. The AFPs contained a crate and support bars that could be folded to provide the sows with extra space on day 5 postpartum. Behavior was recorded by charge-coupled device cameras and digital video recorders, and the data were scanned every 2 min to obtain an instantaneous behavioral sample. Farrowing systems did not affect feed intake, back-fat thickness, litter size and piglet weight at birth and weaning (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in the number of crushed piglets between the two farrowing systems (p > 0.05). However, the weaning-to-estrus interval was shorter in the sows of the AFPs than in thous of the FCs (p < 0.05). The sows spent most of their time lying down during the lactating period, at about 80% lateral recumbency and 10%-15% ventral recumbency. The only significant differences were in the feeding and drinking behavior between sows in the two farrowing systems (p < 0.05). The FC sows displayed more feeding and drinking behavior than the AFP sows, especially in the late lactating period (p < 0.05). Piglets in the FCs tended to spend more time walking than piglets in the AFPs (p < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in suckling and lying behavior between piglets in the two farrowing systems (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the AFPs with temporary crating until day 4 postpartum did not negatively affect performance and crushed piglet compared with the FCs. It also may improve animal welfare by allowing sows to move and turn around during the lactating period. Further research is needed to find suitable housing designs to enhance productivity and animal welfare.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.145-150
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate farmers' field survey to improve animal welfare certification standards and to obtain basic data on the animal welfare level for certified farmers to develop evaluation methods of animal welfare level suitable for domestic farm environment. The subjects of the study were selected 10 animal welfare laying certified farmhouses. The farming certified farming facility survey collected breeding form, head, feed and drink space, breeding density, length and shape of perch. Animal welfare was assessed by the presence of sand bath, spawning, enrichment measures, free range, feathers pecking. The results of the study showed that most the certified animal welfare laying hens complied with the certification standards. All the farms were providing the nest box, but there were farms with more than 20% of the spawning rate. The perches were provided in sufficient length, but only three of ten farms were using rounded perches. Feather damage has been identified in most survey farms, which is likely to be due to feather damage caused by roosters producing both fertilized eggs. In this study, 10 farm households were surveyed. It was not possible to represent the whole certified farmhouse. Therefore, it should be analyzed thoroughly to evaluate the level of animal welfare.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.374-386
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• 2024

To predict the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) in dogs we developed an in vitro system using an in vitro digestion method and a statistical analysis. The experimental diets used chicken meat powder as the protein source, with CP levels of 20% (22.01%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), 30% (31.35%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), and 40% (41.34%, analyzed CP value as dry-based). To simulate in vivo digestive processes a static in vitro digestion was performed in two steps; stomach and small intestine. To analyze ATTD the total fecal samples were collected in eight neutered beagle dogs during the experimental period. CP digestibility was calculated by measuring CP levels in dog food, in vitro undigested fraction, and dog feces. In result, CP digestibility at both in vivo and in vitro was increased with increasing dietary CP levels. To estimate in vivo digestibility the co-relation of in vivo ATTD and in vitro digestibility was investigated statistically and a regression equation was developed to predict the CP ATTD (% = 2.5405 × in vitro CP digestibility (%) + + 151.8). The regression equation was evaluated its feasibility by using a commercial diet. The predicted CP digestibility which was calculated by the regression equation showed high index of similarity (100.16%) with that of in vivo in dogs. With that, it would be a feasible non-animal method to predict in vivo CP digestibility by using in vitro digestion method and the proposed linear regression equation in adult dogs.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.219-228
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• 2018

This study was conducted twice to investigate egg purchase behavior and perception on animal welfare of Korean consumers. This study included women, who were the main decision makers and caretakers in the household, and men with one-person household. This survey was conducted with by the Computer Assisted Web Interview and Gang Survey methods. On the key considerations factor, the highest response rate was considered to be 'price', and the response rate of considering 'packing date' increased in the second survey. At a reasonable price based on 10 eggs, the response rate was the highest at 53.8% and 42.9% in both the first and second surveys and the appropriate price averages were 2,482 won and 2,132 won, respectively. The highest rate of purchase of egg consumers from 'Large Mart' followed by 'Medium sized supermarket' and 'Chain supermarket'. As for the awareness about animal welfare, the recognition ratio (73.5%) was higher in the result of the second survey than the first. The cognitive period of animal welfare was 59.0% before the insecticide egg crisis and 41.0% thereafter. Regarding whether or not they have ever seen an animal welfare certification mark and an animal welfare animal farm certification mark, 59.6% of respondents said that they saw it for the first time and 37.6% answered that they knew the animal welfare certification mark. On the animal welfare system, the 'free-range' response rate was the highest at 85.8%. The 'free-range' fit response decreased by 34.2%p, while the 'barn' and 'European type' fit response increased by 13.2%p and 24.1%p, respectively. The number of 'I have never seen' and 'I have ever eaten' responses to the recognition and eating experience of animal welfare certified eggs decreased while the number of those who answered 'Have ever seen' and 'Have eaten' increased. The answer of purchasing animal welfare certified eggs at department stores, organic farming cooperatives, and internet shopping malls was higher than that of buying conventional eggs. Of the total respondents, 92.0% were willing to purchase an animal welfare egg before the price was offered, but after offering the prices of animal welfare eggs, the intention to purchase was 62.7%, which was about 30%p lower than before. The reason for purchasing an animal welfare certified egg was the highest score of 71.0% for 'I think it is likely to be high in food safety', and 38.1% for 'I think the price is high' for lack of intention to purchase. In the sensory evaluation of animal welfare eggs, egg color and skin texture of conventional eggs were significantly higher than those of certified welfare eggs (P<0.05), and boiled eggs showed that egg whites of animal welfare certified eggs were more (P<0.05). As a result, the results of this study will contribute to the activation of the animal welfare certification system for laying hens by providing basic data on consumer awareness to animal welfare certified farmers.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.181-192
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• 2010

This review was performed to investigate the current researches on the welfare of rearing environments system in farming chicken, including stocking density, perch, housing system and research trend. The investigation indicated that most of the developed countries took much efforts into making appropriate regulations to improve the welfare of rearing environment about broilers and laying hens, particularly more parts in laying hens. Recently the regulations have varied a lot, to be more detailed than before. Moreover, some regulations give valuable suggestions to improve well-being of poultry industry such as additional facilities. Until now it has been known, the quality of the products will improve and the income of producers will increase along with the improvement of welfare. Therefore the relevant agencies and organizations can strengthen the belief of consumers especially the competition is so fierce today. In conclusion, improvement of poultry welfare should be carried out in the real situation and international trends to create the appropriate rules such as professional consulting and training.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.867-878
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• 2020

A significant proportion of the African continent is conducive for animal agricultural production, due to its historical experience and available resources to accommodate and nurture various indigenous and exotic animal species and breeds. With food security being a global challenge, animal products can play an important role as nutrient dense food sources in human diets, particularly in Africa. However, this does not seem to reach its full potential in practice, due to numerous reasons that have not been adequately addressed. Animal welfare reservations can be highlighted as one of the major contributing factors to the curbed progress. The consequences have been scientifically proven to affect product quality and market access. However, in the African community, the concept of animal welfare has not been fully embraced. While there are international animal welfare standards in the developed world, there are inherent factors that hinder adoption of such initiatives in most developing regions, particularly among communal farmers. These include cultural norms and practices, social ranking, socio-economic status, available resources, information dissemination and monitoring tools. Therefore, there is need to harmonize what is internationally required and what is feasible to accommodate global variability. The protocols followed to ensure and evaluate farm animal welfare require regular investigation, innovation and a sustainable approach to enhance animal productivity, efficiency and product quality. Additionally, investing in animal wellbeing and health, as well as empowering communities with significant knowledge, has a potential to improve African livelihoods and contribute to food security. This review seeks to highlight the concept of animal welfare in relation to livestock and food production in African conditions.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1957-1966
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the thigh meat quality of Ross 308 broiler from conventional and welfare farms. Methods: Thigh meat samples of Ross 308 broilers (age, 35 d; carcass weight, 1.1 kg) from conventional farm (RCF, n = 60) and animal welfare farms (RAWF, n = 60) were analyzed. Proximate composition, pH, color (lightness, redness, and yellowness), water-holding capacity (WHC), shear force, total aerobic bacteria (TAB), and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) were measured and the levels of bioactive compounds such as dipeptides (anserine and carnosine), creatine, creatinine, and their anti-oxidation activity were determined. Results: The RCF and RAWF did not differ significantly in their proximate composition, WHC, color, and creatine and carnosine levels. The pH value was significantly lower in RAWF than in RCF on day 7. The shear force value was significantly higher in RAWF than in RCF throughout the storage duration. TAB in RCF on day 9 were significantly higher than those in RAWF. The VBN content of RAWF was significantly lower than that of RCF after 5 days of storage. Creatinine content was significantly higher in RAWF (3.50 mg/100 g) than in RCF (3.08 mg/100 g) on day 1. Along with higher carnosine and anserine contents of RAWF, it had significantly higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities than those of RCF. Conclusion: These results imply that the animal welfare farming system beneficially affects the overall oxidative stability of Ross 308 thigh meat.