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NC_OLD1029: Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare (NCR131)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [11/30/2008] [12/15/2008] [07/22/2009] [08/02/2010]

Date of Annual Report: 11/30/2008

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/07/08 to 07/07/08
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2007 to 09/2008

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    NC1029 October, 2007 - September, 2008 Accomplishments

    The U.S. is challenged with assuring that animal welfare is adequate in its livestock and poultry production systems. This committee will provide the information gained through evaluation of tests as a means to contribute to this assurance. Thus, the findings of this committee have the potential to impact the welfare of billions of production animals as well as to increase the productivity and competitiveness of millions of U.S. producers. The results from this project will be published in peer-reviewed manuscripts and incorporated into extension programming that will provide researchers and classroom and extension educators tools and information on how to assess animal welfare in terms of fear.

    Short-term Outcomes: Multistate collaboration between 5 research stations to create a research protocol, collect, analyze and present data related to validation of fear tests in swine. This work will lead to recommendations regarding fear tests that can be used in on-farm welfare assessments or audits.

    Outputs: 1) Data on swine fear testing at Purdue/USDA-ARS-LBRU and University of Guelph compiled into one database 2) Data collected on swine fear testing at Michigan State University 3) Data collected on swine fear testing at Iowa State University 4) Station reports prepared by NC1029 members who attended the annual meeting in July, 2008: Michigan State University, Purdue University, USDA-ARS-LBRU, University of Maryland, University of Nebraska, Texas A & M University, University of Minnesota, Washington State University, and USDA/CSREES 5) Presentation of swine fear testing at MSU by J. Siegford to MSU swine group in May, 2008 6) Manuscript by J. Mench and L. Katz related to fear testing of goats is in review

    Activities: Research related to validating fear tests in swine and small ruminants for use in on-farm welfare assessments has continued and is nearing conclusion. Plans for testing in poultry and cattle have been discussed further. Members of NC1029 have also been active in the collegiate Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition 1) Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition hosted at Michigan State University in March, 2008, involved personnel from multiple stations affiliated with NC1029 including Purdue University, Illinois State University, Iowa State University and University of Guelph. 2) Swine fear testing protocols and materials transferred from University of Guelph (S. Millman) to Michigan State University (J. Siegford) in April, 2008 3) Conducted fear testing of swine at Michigan State University (J. Siegford) in April-May, 2008 4) Swine fear testing protocols and materials transferred from Michigan State University to Iowa State University (A. Johnson) in May, 2008 5) Conducted fear testing of swine at Iowa State University (A. Johnson) in May-June, 2008 6) NC1029 Annual Meeting in July, 2008 preceding the ASAS-ADSA 2008 meeting.

    Milestones: The following milestones are targets for the October, 2008 -September, 2009 year. These milestones will enable NC1029 to continue to meet research and publication targets mainly related to the current goals of validating fear tests of various livestock species. 1) Swine fear testing protocols and materials to be sent to Washington State University (R. Newberry) by fall, 2008. 2) Testing at Washington State University (R. Newberry) to complete data collection for the swine portion of the fear test validation by spring, 2009. 3) Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition to be hosted at Michigan State University in November, 2008, and involving personnel from multiple stations affiliated with NC1029 including Purdue University, Illinois State University, Iowa State University and University of Guelph. 4) Swine fear testing data from Michigan State (J. Siegford) and Iowa State (A. Johnson) to J. Garner for inclusion in the database by December, 2008 5) Existing swine fear testing data analyzed by J. Garner and D. Lay by January, 2009 6) Abstract prepared by February, 2009, by D. Lay for presentation at American Society for Animal Science Meeting in 2009 titled, Making sense of fear testing - validating common behavioral tests used in swine. 7) Conduct NC1029 Annual Meeting in summer, 2009. 8) Finalize plans for fear testing in poultry and ruminants by summer, 2009.

    Impact Statements:
    1. In 2007-2008, swine fear testing was completed at Michigan State and Iowa State Universities. This data, along with data collected in 2006-2007 at University of Guelph and Purdue/USDA ARS LBRU and data to be collected at Washington State University is being compiled and analyzed.
    2. The findings and a description of the testing protocols used to collect this unique multi-institution data set on fear testing of swine, are being prepared by D. Lay for presentation in an invited talk at the 2009 ASAS-ADSA-CSAS Meeting. This presentation will inform the scientific community of NC1029s progress in creating a usable tool for assessing fear in swine on farm.
    3. Once the 5-university data set has been analyzed, NC1029 members will disseminate the results to the appropriate stakeholders in both the scientific and lay communities with recommendations regarding a test or tests for conducting valid on-farm assessments of fear. Thus, the findings of NC1029 have the potential to impact the welfare of millions of pigs in production as well as to increase the productivity and competitiveness of millions of U.S. producers.
    4. Protocols for conducting fear tests and evaluating their results will be created by NC1029 members. These protocols can be incorporated into welfare assessment or auditing schemes used by commodity or certification groups to provide a measure of the affective states of swine. For example, the National Pork Board could incorporate a fear test into its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program to provide consumers with yet another assurance that the animals produced under the system have good welfare.
    Last Modified: 15-Dec-2008

    Date of Annual Report: 12/15/2008

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/26/07 to 06/27/07
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2006 to 09/2007

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: 19-Dec-2008

    Date of Annual Report: 07/22/2009

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 05/18/09 to 05/19/09
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    The U.S. is challenged with assuring that animal welfare is adequate in its livestock and poultry production systems. This committee is providing the information gained through evaluation of behavioral tests of animal fearfulness as a means to contribute to this assurance. Thus, the findings of this committee have the potential to impact the welfare of billions of production animals as well as to increase the productivity and competitiveness of millions of U.S. producers. The results from this project will be published in peer-reviewed manuscripts and incorporated into extension programming to provide researchers and classroom and extension educators with tools and information on how to assess animal welfare in terms of fear.

    Short-term Outcomes: Multistate collaboration is underway between 5 research stations to create a research protocol, collect, analyze and present data related to validation of fear tests in swine. This work will lead to recommendations regarding fear tests that can be used in farm welfare assessments and audits.

    Outputs: 1) Project findings on swine fear testing at Purdue/USDA-ARS-LBRU were presented at the 2009 ADSA, CSAS, ASAS Joint Meeting in Montreal (D. Lay, J. Garner). 2) Project findings on swine fear testing at Iowa State University were presented at the North American Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology in Montreal (S. Millman, A. Johnson). 3) Station reports were provided by NC1029 members at Michigan State University, Iowa State University, Purdue University, USDA-ARS-LBRU, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, and Washington State University. 3) Manuscript was prepared on fear testing of goats (J. Mench, L. Katz).

    Activities: 1) Research related to validating fear tests in swine and small ruminants for use in on-farm welfare assessments is nearing conclusion. 2) Swine fear testing protocols and materials transferred from Iowa State University to Washington State University (R. Newberry) in April, 2009. 3) Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition hosted at Michigan State University in November, 2008, involved personnel from multiple stations affiliated with NC1029. 4) NC1029 Annual Meeting in May, 2009.

    Milestones: The following milestones are targets for the August 2009 - July 2010 year. These milestones will enable NC1029 to continue to meet research and publication targets mainly related to the current goal of validating fear tests of various livestock species. 1) Swine fear testing to be conducted at Washington State University (R. Newberry). If University of Minnesota (Y Li) decides to participate in swine testing, equipment to be forwarded and testing completed at University of Minnesota by December 2009. 2) All swine fear testing data to be sent to Purdue University (J. Garner) for inclusion in the database by January, 2010. 3) Statistical analysis of swine data (led by J Garner) and first draft of scientific manuscript on swine fear testing to be completed by May, 2010 (all members of swine sub-group). 4) Poultry sub-group (H. Bailey, C. Croney, J. Garner, J. Mench, R. Newberry, B. Webster) to consolidate plans for poultry fear tests by September, 2009. 5) Poultry fear testing to be conducted at Washington State University (R. Newberry) by December 2009. 6) Poultry fear testing to be conducted at other stations by May 2010. 7) Plans for fear testing in cattle to be developed by May 2010 (Endres). 8) Conduct NC1029 Annual Meeting in May, 2010. Develop plans for completion of current project and goals for renewal.

    Impact Statements:
    1. In 2008-2009, swine fear testing was completed at Michigan State and Iowa State Universities. These data, along with data collected in 2006-2007 at University of Guelph and Purdue/USDA ARS LBRU, and data to be collected at Washington State University, are being compiled and analyzed. The initial findings and a description of the testing protocols used to collect this unique multi-institution data set on fear testing of swine, were presented by D. Lay in an invited talk at the 2009 ASAS-ADSA-CSAS Meeting. The presentation informed the scientific community of NC1029s progress in evaluating usable tools for assessing fear in swine on farm.
    2. Once the 5-university data set has been analyzed, NC1029 members will disseminate the results to appropriate stakeholders in both the scientific and lay communities with recommendations regarding a test or tests for conducting valid on-farm assessments of fear. Thus, the findings of NC1029 have the potential to impact the welfare of millions of pigs in production as well as to increase the productivity and competitiveness of millions of U.S. producers.
    3. Protocols for conducting fear tests and evaluating their results in multiple livestock species are being created by NC1029 members. These protocols can be incorporated into welfare assessment or auditing schemes used by commodity or certification groups to provide a measure of the affective states of livestock and poultry. For example, the National Pork Board could incorporate a fear test into its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program to provide consumers with yet another assurance that the animals produced under the system have good welfare.
    Last Modified: 23-Jul-2009

    Date of Annual Report: 08/02/2010

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 05/25/10 to 05/26/10
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2009 to 09/2010

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Minutes of NC-1029 Meeting May 25-26, 2010 Washington State University, Pullman, WA

    Participants Cassandra Tucker (University of California-Davis), Joy Mench (University of California-Davis), Lily Edwards (Kansas State University), Brenda Alexander (University of Wyoming), Ernie Minton (Kansas State University), Ruth Newberry (Washington State University), Janice Siegford (Michigan State University), Marcia Endres (University of Minnesota)

    Minutes 1. Introductions a. The Chair, Ruth Newberry, called the meeting to order, welcomed participants, and made introductory remarks. Participants introduced themselves. b. Dr. Dan Bernardo (Dean, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences) and Dr. Margaret Benson (Chair, Dept. of Animal Sciences) welcomed the group to Washington State University and Pullman. Dr. Bernardo indicated that they have strong programs in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. He noted the importance of studies on animal behavior and well-being to animal agriculture and animal science. Washington has a 2 billion dollar animal industry, with dairy as the largest animal commodity. Addressing animal welfare and environmental issues is important for sustainability of animal industries in the state, and the general public has an impact on how animals are housed and handled. Dr. Benson indicated they have 18 faculty in Animal Sciences, including recently hired faculty members in reproductive biology (Jim Pru) and dairy systems management (Jude Capper). A chair in beef cattle research, plus another ag position in the department, have been approved for hiring. They have 230-250 undergraduate majors (80% pre-vet, urban and female). Exit interviews indicate a lot of interest in animal welfare. She noted a need more people in this area, which is very important to students. Research and industries in the state are very diverse  extensive/intensive, large/small, organic/conventional  and need to make good decisions on animal well-being based on science. She noted that animal welfare needs to be part of the discussion when we talk about animal production, and that producers are willing and wanting to do the right thing.

    2. Administrative report " NIMSS update Ernie Minton " Our committee is organized out of the North Central region, so it is called NC1029, even though is national in scope. " Need to start the rewrite process, even though project ends September 2011 " September 15, 2010 we need to start the renewal proposal process and submit to NIMSS " There are 25 members in the project, question on how many will be actively involved " There is not an specific plan from NIFA about participation of PIs in the committee " Need to discuss what to accomplish, etc, topic in the agenda later today

    3. Station reports a. Michigan State University (MSU)  Janice Siegford " J. Swanson is now interim Department chair. PhD Student starting in the fall. She will also have a post doc and research associate soon. " Working on activity monitoring in poultry along with Siegford and Mench. " J. Siegford has 2 MS and one PhD, and is leading a study to develop an automated tracking and behavioral monitoring system for laying hens in cage-free housing. J. Siegford is conducting research on temperament, maternal behavior, phenotype and genotype in beef cattle, pasture based dairy with voluntary milking, exit blocking and milking frequently; wireless bird monitoring (AFRI grant) correlating with video, detecting location and activity. " C. Heleski has one PhD who just finished and one MS defending this fall. Training methods of donkeys in Mali, animal welfare assessment in the ground. Urban equine issues, comparing developed vs. developing world. " The group hosted another successful Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition, including veterinary school teams for the first time. Multiple NC-1029 members are involved in training participants and acting as judges for this annual competition. 2010 is the 10th year anniversary  competition held Nov 20-21, 2010. " Teaching  Siegford: Ethics in Animal agriculture, animal welfare assessment online course, applied animal behavior face-to-face undergraduate. Heleski: intro and animal welfare judging, horse behavior " Fear testing for swine started at Purdue, then Guelph, then IA State, then Michigan State. Manuscript draft being written by Marchant-Forde. b. University of Wyoming  Brenda Alexander " Focus on male reproductive behavior, especially sheep " 23-40% of rams are ineffective breeders " Identification of developmental processes which influence expression of reproductive behavior, plus neuroendrocrine function " Genetic identification of poor sexually performing rams to enhance profitability of small flocks (USDA small ranch grant) " Identification of production traits predictors of sexual performance to calculate an index. Used ADG and behavior (Grow-Safe) " Highly sexually performing rams visit feed source more than low sexually performing rams " Studied oxytocin effect on investigatory behavior (hamsters), but micro-array data did not indicate any differences in oxytocin concentrations " On farm study indicated a large variation on how many ewes were bred by each ram; highly sexually rams compensate for low ones in mid size flocks; more of a problem in very large or small flocks " Effect of progesterone in the male, it has been shown to restore male behavior in castrated male rats c. Kansas State University  Lily Edwards " Research on lactate analysis and physiology (treadmill and feed withdrawal)  what is the lactate threshold, what is the optimum way to handle pigs at packing plant to reduce lactate levels; feed withdrawal at different times, measuring lactate, behavior, meat quality " Humane on-farm euthanasia for piglets  hybobaric hypoxia; collaborative grant with Colorado State University, chamber is at Colorado State but should be moved to Kansas; will try to do EEGs; MS student working on this project. Another round of funding from Pork Producers will be requested later this year for continuing the work. " Pain control in castration of stocker calves, using Meloxicam " EEG during castration in dairy calves; USDA grant; castration at three different ages, different methods of castration. Question on methodology  is EEG the best way of evaluating pain? Maybe measuring more perception of pain, rather than physiological differences. They are also taking many other measurements, such as cortisol concentrations, behavior during and after, etc. EEG is more exploratory, need to evaluate how it would work. " Course on Behavior of Domestic Animals (AnSc655), 70 students, fall semester " Course on Contemporary Issues (AnSc595), use of video, 17 students d. University of Minnesota  Marcia Endres " Y. Li is conducting a study assessing fearfulness of gestating sows. They found that sows in late gestation were more fearful than sows in early gestation. There was no difference in fear score between young (parity 1-5) and old (parity 6-9) sows. These results indicate that gestation stage affected fear response in sows, which may be associated with changes in hormone profile during gestation. " Other studies included effect of parity on pre-weaning mortality and growth performance of piglets in a bedded, group farrowing system, effect of lactation housing (group or stalls) on growth performance of pigs, and effects of previous housing in large groups on behavior of growing pigs at mixing. " M. Endres is investigating the use of thermography for early detection of hoof problems in lactating cows, optimal use of separated manure solids for bedding freestalls, welfare in cross-ventilated freestall barns and compost bedded pack barns, mortality risk factors in dairy herds, and validation of an automated feeding behavior system for freestall housed dairy cattle. " Course on Animals and Society, including modules on animal welfare, had about 230 students enrolled this year. e. Washington State University  Ruth Newberry " Chickens  Work on how environmental enrichment and play behavior impact responses to alarming situations, investigating the training for the unexpected hypothesis for play. Cage study  gave chickens worm-like objects and swinging perches. Fear tests  tonic immobility, open field, toss mealworm (novel object), inversion test (count wing flaps). Factor analysis, but questions about interpretation  factors could be active and passive fear responses, and bold response. No robust effect of treatments across age (5 and 10 weeks of age). Effect on growth rate by giving the mealworms. " Pigs  Work on bark vocalizations, usually given in alarm situations. Open the gate and let pigs run on straw in the walkway to promote play and detect vocalizations associated with positive events. " S. Cloutier is investigating social play and playful handling by humans (tickling) as methods of social enrichment for laboratory rats. Assessment incorporates tests of anxiety including the open field, emergence, elevated plus maze, cat odor, and human approach tests. f. University of California, Davis  Cassandra Tucker " Research on how cattle interact with their environment, including weather (heat stress, mud), design of freestalls, play behavior. " Course on Domestic Animal Behavior and another course on Methods. " On-farm assessment of welfare, National FARM Dairy Well-Being Program, workshops on guidelines for welfare are being currently presented g. University of California, Davis  Joy Mench " Diverse research program with laboratory animals and poultry " Fear test with broiler and laying hens, Greg Archer, post-doc  hens genetic differences on fear responses; broilers, lighting effects. " Effect of light stimulation during incubation, development of fetus " UC-Davis is a repository of genetic stocks for chickens, investigated 7 genotypes " Used fear tests suggested by committee, but included others. Immobility test, inversion test (see how much they wing flap). On tonic immobility, jungle fowl seemed to be less fearful, domestic birds more fearful. Inversion test, opposite responses. " Conducted factor analysis to find out how the various measurements correlated or how they varied depending on the strains. " Varying the photoperiod for incubation period resulted in significant responses to approach test and chute test (from dark to wide open lighted area) with broiler chickens incubated in the dark with post-hatch photoperiods, little effect of post-hatch. Light/dark stimulation (12/12) during incubation resulted in reduced fear levels compared to all dark. " On naturally nesting chickens, they observed that some hens did not leave the nest to eat or drink for 14 days.

    2) Discussion on completion of current NC1029 objectives a. Pigs " Testing has been completed at Purdue University, University of Guelph, Michigan State University, and Iowa State University. " Marchant-Forde solicited data for the manuscript from all participants and he is going to write the materials and methods. Garner is performing statistics. Other participants will help with introduction, results and discussion. Goal is to submit for publication in the Journal of Animal Science. b. Poultry " Newberry and Mench could submit a manuscript on the factor analysis overall for poultry or alternatively combine all three animal categories (swine, poultry and goats). " Additional publications from their individual studies on fear in poultry. c. Ruminants (Goats) " L. Katz and J. Mench have conducted fear testing of goats. A manuscript on their study will be submitted. " Endres, Siegford and Tucker discussed last year the possibility of cattle testing and decided that it was beyond the scope of the current project. d. Greg Archer (UC-Davis post-doc) could potentially take the lead in writing a synthesis manuscript including all animal categories. e. Experimental manuscripts should be submitted first. Goal is to submit the experimental poultry work by May 2011 (Newberry); swine work by May 2011? (Siegford will check with Marchant-Forde); writing up poultry work from UC-Davies depends on Gregs schedule. f. Fear test overall summarization could be submitted for board review article in Journal of Animal Science. Extension article also desirable by end of current project (Sept. 30, 2011).

    3) Future plans for committee a. Renewal of committee and discussion of future objectives " Issue and justification statement needs to be submitted by September 15, 2010. Statement of issues: based on needs from stakeholders, impacts, outcomes, etc, 20,000 characters maximum. Couple of pages might be sufficient. We need to justify objectives. " Submission of objectives by October 15, 2010 " Submission of appendix E by November 15, 2010 " Submission of full proposal by December 1, 2010. That should include a literature review (previous proposal was one page), methods section (most extensive), outputs, impacts. " Where do we already have synergy and collaborations going on that we could develop further into objectives for the renewal project? " Optimization of housing and management systems for improved well-being could be a potential area of effort " Should we have veterinarians on the committee? Engagement with veterinarians in relation to animal welfare would be important for the livestock industry " On-farm animal welfare assessment and management tools could be a focus for the rewrite too. This could include development, validation, training for proper implementation, and guidance on interpretation of results. This theme would provide opportunities for research and extension. " Validation and use of non-invasive automated methods for measuring welfare/behavior. " Mench and Siegford to contact poultry participants to generate a paragraph on possible collaborations, Endres and Tucker on dairy, Johnson on swine. Submit to the whole group prior to ASAS/ADSA/PSA meetings. " Tuesday, July 13, 12:30 p.m., our committee will meet in the behavior session presentation room to define overarching objectives for the proposal renewal. " Email entire group that we would like to have broad objectives (like NC1022, i.e.) for the new project.

    4) Business meeting a. Elections " M. Endres was elected to succeed R. Newberry as Chair. " A. Johnson was elected to succeed M. Endres as Secretary. b. Scheduling the 2011 meeting " Possible options: v Have it in combination with WAFL (August 8-11, 2011) or ISAE v In Minnesota in or near U of M campus v Poll participants about preferred location at the Denver meeting

    c. NIMSS page update " Content  No change is needed at this time. Changed needed at the rewrite " Member list and contact information Minton to inform NIMSS for removal of Inma Estevez and Brad Imvalle


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:
    The U.S. is challenged with assuring that animal welfare is adequate in its livestock and poultry production systems. This committee is providing the information gained through evaluation of behavioral tests of animal fearfulness as a means to contribute to this assurance. Thus, the findings of this committee have the potential to impact the welfare of billions of production animals as well as to increase the productivity and competitiveness of millions of U.S. producers. The results from this project will be published in peer-reviewed manuscripts and incorporated into extension programming to provide researchers and classroom and extension educators with tools and information on how to assess animal welfare in terms of fear.

    Short-term Outcomes: Multistate collaboration is underway to develop and validate methodology for assessing fear in farm animals under a variety of environmental conditions. This work is leading to recommendations regarding fear tests that can be used in farm animal welfare assessments and audits.

    Outputs:

    1) Results on fear testing of swine, chickens, turkeys, and beef cattle were presented at various conferences by NC1029 members from Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, USDA ARS LBRU, University of California-Davis, University of Minnesota, Washington State University.

    2) NC1029 members Katz, Mench, Millman, Newberry, and Tucker collaborated in writing the environmental enrichment chapter for the FASS Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, Third Edition (published January, 2010). Multiple additional NC1029 members were involved in authoring of the individual species chapters.

    3) NC1029 members Green, Lay, Mench, and Newberry participated in the preparation of white papers presented at a symposium on Socially Sustainable Egg Production at the ADSA-PSA-AMPA-CSAS-ASAS Joint Meeting in Denver on 7/14/10.

    Activities:

    1) In 2009-2010, results were compiled from use of a standardized protocol to assess fear-related behavior in swine. Four stations participated in this research (Michigan State University, Iowa State University, University of Guelph and Purdue/USDA ARS LBRU). Standardized protocols for assessing fear-related behavior in poultry were also assessed by NC1029 members at The Ohio State University, USDA ARS LBRU, the University of California-Davis and Washington State University. Progress was made in analyzing data and preparation of findings for publication of manuscripts on assessment of fear in swine, poultry and small ruminants.

    2) NC1029 Annual Meeting was held on May 25-26, 2010 in Pullman WA, and a follow-up meeting was held on July 13, 2010 in Denver CO. Members decided upon the following themes for project renewal: (a) novel techniques for measuring livestock and poultry behavior, (b) on-farm assessment of livestock and poultry behavior and welfare. A project renewal writing sub-committee was identified (Edwards, Endres, Johnson, Newberry, Tucker). Station reports were presented by NC1029 members from Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of California-Davis, University of Minnesota, Washington State University and University of Wyoming (summarized in attached minutes).

    3) In 2009-2010, NC1029 members collaborated in the publication of multiple scientific papers, book chapters, extension articles, conference presentations, and grant applications on applied animal behavior and welfare (see reference listing below).

    4) The Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Competition was hosted at Michigan State University in November, 2009, involving personnel from multiple stations affiliated with NC1029.

    Milestones: The following milestones are targets for the August 2010 - July 2011 year. These milestones will enable NC1029 to meet research and publication targets related to the current goal of validating fear tests for various livestock species by the conclusion of the current project on 9/30/11 and to develop a new 5-year project.

    1) Submit request for project renewal by 9/15/10. Requires statement of issues, based on stakeholder needs, impacts, outcomes (20,000 characters maximum).

    2) Submit objectives by 10/15/10.

    3) Submit Appendix E by 11/15/10.

    4) Submit complete renewal proposal, with literature review, methods, outputs, and impacts, by 12/1/10.

    5) Submit scientific manuscripts on fear testing by May, 2011 (members of swine and poultry sub-groups).

    6) Conduct NC1029 Annual Meeting in May, 2011.

    7) Submit extension articles on validation of fear tests by September, 2011 (members involved in extension).

    8) Current project ends 9/30/11. Submit termination report.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Publications arising from research conducted by NC1029 members across multiple stations inform the scientific community regarding the validity of protocols for assessing fear in livestock and poultry. Based on these findings, dissemination of guidelines and recommendations to appropriate stakeholders assists these groups in conducting valid on-farm assessments of levels of fearfulness in populations of agricultural species, leading to improvements in genetic selection, housing and management to minimize fear in animals. Considering that excessive fearfulness is a costly source of lost productivity as well as being undesirable from an animal welfare perspective, the findings from this NC1029 project have the potential to boost the productivity and competitiveness of animal agriculture throughout the U.S.A. as well as improving the well-being of millions of animals in commercial production.
    2. Protocols validated by NC1029 members for assessing fear-related behavior in livestock and poultry species are being made available for incorporation into welfare assessment and auditing schemes used by commodity and certification groups, providing consumers with assurance that the animals produced under these systems have good welfare.
    3. The NC1029 committee comprises a majority of U.S. experts in the field of applied animal behavior and welfare. This committee provides an important national forum for networking, exchange of information, and building of research, teaching, and outreach collaborations among members, ensuring that members are up-to-date with current and emerging developments in the field. This forum is important considering that NC1029 members participate in influential national and international scientific advisory committees involved in establishing animal welfare standards and auditing procedures, and are regularly consulted by commodity groups, animal welfare organizations, government, professional organizations, and the media for input regarding the latest scientific findings on animal welfare and behavior.
    Last Modified: 02-Aug-2010
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