Economic Feasibility in Commercial Egg Production in a Conventional and Cage-Free Systems with Different Stocking Densities

Adapting existing laying facilities to meet animal welfare certifications is not a simple task. It causes higher expenses to producers, who are often hesitant to accept the need for changes. Considerations of their financial situation make them insecure to make assertive decisions in this area, as they seek to maintain the economic efficiency of laying poultry. This study aims to analyze the economic viability of laying systems (conventional cages and Cage-Free) with different housing densities. The data source was a systematized literature review. Five articles were found containing reports on systems. Further data sources were the lineage handbook and a survey with companies specializing in poultry farming. An analysis of economic viability was performed in the multiple scenarios. Densities in each system were used to compose different scenarios: Conventional: 1,500 cm²/bird, 750 cm²/bird, and 398 cm²/bird; and Cage-Free:7 birds/m² and 13 birds/m². The scenarios were evaluated in terms of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Modified Internal Rate of Return, Discounted Payback Method, Profitability Index, Equivalent Uniform Annual Value, and Monte Carlo Simulation. The best scenario was the Conventional, with 398 cm²/bird, presenting a higher NPV. The Cage-Free system, with seven birds per square meter, had a lower NPV compared to conventional systems. All scenarios had satisfactory chances of success. The risks of negative or null financial return were low according to Monte Carlo simulations. Conventional and Cage-Free production are economically viable when using densities of 1,500 cm²/bird, 750 cm²/bird, or 398 cm²/bird (conventional), and 7 birds/m², or 13 birds/m² (Cage-Free).(AU)

Standard operational procedure: crime scene evaluation related to animal cruelty in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Procedimento operacional padrão: avaliação da cena do crime relacionada à crueldade animal no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The Brazilian legislation on crimes against fauna defines as a crime: “to commit acts of abuse, mistreatment, injury or mutilation of wild, domestic or domesticated, native or exotic animals” (BRASIL, 1998). In recent years, the number of crimes against fauna has gained great notoriety, and due to the high demand for this type of exam, it is crucial to improve the experts’ reports on such offenses. Therefore, the State has the responsibility of correctly identifying and preserving evidences related to animal abuse (YOSHIDA, 2013). A satisfactory collection of vestiges is indispensable, since “findings are pieces of a puzzle that together tell a story” (MERCK, 2007). Currently in the state of Rio de Janeiro most of the examinations of crime scenes involving animals are carried out by forensic experts who are not veterinarians, due to the reduced number of these professionals in Scientific Police. In this regard, a standard operating procedure is essential for performing crime scene investigations involving animals because well collected evidence and proper crime scene analyses are fundamental for helping crime solution. Criminal expertise involves technical--scientific knowledge, intended to clarify traces and interpret facts in the face of criminal or suspicious events (TREMORI; SOUZA, 2013). Thus, this work aims to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) used as an instrument to produce evidences, which will guide law enforcement.

Standard operational procedure: crime scene evaluation related to animal cruelty in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Procedimento operacional padrão: avaliação da cena do crime relacionada à crueldade animal no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The Brazilian legislation on crimes against fauna defines as a crime: “to commit acts of abuse, mistreatment, injury or mutilation of wild, domestic or domesticated, native or exotic animals” (BRASIL, 1998). In recent years, the number of crimes against fauna has gained great notoriety, and due to the high demand for this type of exam, it is crucial to improve the experts reports on such offenses. Therefore, the State has the responsibility of correctly identifying and preserving evidences related to animal abuse (YOSHIDA, 2013). A satisfactory collection of vestiges is indispensable, since “findings are pieces of a puzzle that together tell a story” (MERCK, 2007). Currently in the state of Rio de Janeiro most of the examinations of crime scenes involving animals are carried out by forensic experts who are not veterinarians, due to the reduced number of these professionals in Scientific Police. In this regard, a standard operating procedure is essential for performing crime scene investigations involving animals because well collected evidence and proper crime scene analyses are fundamental for helping crime solution. Criminal expertise involves technical--scientific knowledge, intended to clarify traces and interpret facts in the face of criminal or suspicious events (TREMORI; SOUZA, 2013). Thus, this work aims to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) used as an instrument to produce evidences, which will guide law enforcement.(AU)