Ultraviolet radiation protection factors of livestock shade cloths for free-range pigs.

BACKGROUND: Protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is paramount in light-skinned pig breeds such as Yorkshire or Landrace to avoid sunburn. OBJECTIVES: Determination of the UVR exposure of a pig and the sun protection abilities of shade cloths with different shade rates. ANIMALS: Life-sized plastic model of a Landrace pig. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The model was equipped with 20 UVR meters at various anatomical positions that recorded the erythemal effective solar irradiance. A turntable enabled irradiation from different directions. Solar irradiance was measured in direct sunlight as well as under three shade cloths with different shade rates (50%, 75% and 90%) and a camouflage net. The sun protection factors (SPF) were determined as the ratio of unshaded-to-shaded measurements at the same solar elevation. The exposure ratio to ambient (ERTA) was calculated for each body site with respect to ambient irradiance. It allows determination of when pigs are at risk of sunburn and protection is needed. RESULTS: The calculated ERTA values show that some body parts may receive higher values than ambient UVR. Measurements showed that the SPF of shade cloths depends on textile denseness. Selected shade cloths reached values of 3.5 (shade rate 50%), 4.2 (75%) and 5.8 (90%). Protection by the camouflage net was poor. The highest SPF was gained on body sides where ERTA was highest. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shade cloths can protect all body sites effectively and vulnerable sites in particular. The results of our study enable an estimation of when pigs are at risk of sunburn and provide quantitative metrics for sun protection. This allows effective prevention of UVR-caused skin damage and secondary disorders.

Organic medium-growing chickens fed live black soldier fly larvae: A welfare improvement study.

The overall beneficial effect of live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on the welfare of broiler chickens, turkeys, and laying hens has already been discussed in the literature. However, scant information is available regarding the benefits of feeding live BSFL to medium-growing chicken hybrids reared under organic/free-range conditions, and whose welfare is frequently cited as being inadequate. The aim of this research was to advance our knowledge of this topic. To this end, 240 label naked neck birds (Hubbard JA57 hybrid) were assigned, at 21 days of age, to four experimental groups (6 replicates/treatment, 10 chickens/replicate), created according to sex (M/F) and the provision of a 10% live BSFL dietary supplementation (control males, control females, larvae males, and larvae females), and raised until 82 days of age. We performed behavioural observations, a tonic immobility test, and an avoidance distance (AD) test. We assessed feather damage and cleanliness, hock burn, footpad dermatitis, and skin lesion scores, and determined the concentration of excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM) and the heterophile to lymphocyte heterophile/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. The behavioural observations demonstrated increased physical and foraging activity (p < 0.05) in the live BSFL administered groups compared with C ones, providing valuable data on the explorative and recreational behaviour of this chicken genotype. The results also evidenced the usefulness of live BSFL as a fear reducer in females, as those receiving the BSFL supplement moved closer to the operator during the AD test (p < 0.01). No physical injuries or damage were observed on the birds, regardless of whether they received the BSFL supplementation or not. The ECM were unaffected by BSFL supplementation, while the H/L ratio was higher in the larvae groups than in the control ones (p = 0.050). In conclusion, live BSFL provision could constitute a powerful tool for improving life quality in medium-growing chickens. Further research is required to clarify the stress modulation role of live BSFL on poultry production.

Impact of different range areas on behavior, welfare, and performance of Naked Neck chickens.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different environmental enrichment tools on behavior, welfare, productive performance, and egg quality traits of Naked Neck chickens. A total of 1080 Naked Neck female chickens (30 weeks old) were used in the present study. A completely randomized experimental design, with 3 treatments having 4 replicates of 90 birds each, was applied. Treatments consisted of 3 different range areas A (121.9 m2), B (152.4 m2), and C (190.5 m2). Behavior (walking, feeding/foraging, sitting, aggressiveness wing flapping, perching, dust bathing, and range use), welfare (foot pad dermatitis, lameness, gait score, and feather pecking), productive performance (egg weight, egg production %, egg mass, and feed intake), egg quality traits (morphometry, egg weight, shell, albumen, and yolk characteristics) were evaluated. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of different range area on bird's behavior, and egg quality traits except walking and rang usage. The range area C promoted productive performance including egg weight, egg production %, egg mass and feed intake, but it did not influence welfare traits. It might be concluded that Naked Neck chicken when reared in free range with different range enrichments did not reveal any difference regarding behavioral parameters, egg morphometry, and egg quality traits. The range area within minimum length and effectively used environmental enrichments (perching and dust bathing area) should be used for backyard poultry to obtain ideal performance.

A culture-based assessment of the microbiota of conventional and free-range chicken meat from Irish processing facilities.

Chicken meat is the most popularly consumed meat worldwide, with free-range and ethically produced meat a growing market among consumers. However, poultry is frequently contaminated with spoilage microbes and zoonotic pathogens which impact the shelf-life and safety of the raw product, constituting a health risk to consumers. The free-range broiler microbiota is subject to various influences during rearing such as direct exposure to the external environment and wildlife which are not experienced during conventional rearing practices. Using culture-based microbiology approaches, this study aimed to determine whether there is a detectable difference in the microbiota from conventional and free-range broilers from selected Irish processing plants. This was done through analysis of the microbiological status of bone-in chicken thighs over the duration of the meat shelf-life. It was found that the shelf-life of these products was 10 days from arrival in the laboratory, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) evident between free-range and conventionally raised chicken meat. A significant difference, however, was established in the presence of pathogenesis-associated genera in different meat processors. These results reinforce past findings which indicate that the processing environment and storage during shelf-life are key determinants of the microflora of chicken products reaching the consumer.

Transcriptomic analysis of thigh muscle of Lueyang black-bone chicken in free-range and caged feeding.

Lueyang black-bone chicken is free-range in hilly areas and has unique genetic characteristics and excellent muscle quality. However, the molecular mechanisms of breeding mode influence growth and meat quality in Lueyang black-bone chicken are still unclear. Here we analyzed the meat quality and transcriptome data of thigh muscle by comparing free-range and caged modes at the age of 60 and 120 days in Lueyang black-boned chicken. The results demonstrated that the free-range mode could improve the pH value, tenderness, and reducing the hardness of the thigh muscle. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the thigh muscle was markedly higher in the caged chickens compared with free-range animals at the age of 60 days. Functional pathway analysis illustrated that tight junction signaling was associated with the formation of slow-twitch fibers in free-range chickens at age of 120 days. All research data proved that the free-range mode could improve muscle quality by promoting the formation of slow-twitch fibers and IMF in thigh muscle in Lueyang black-bone chicken. Based on the animal benefit and healthy, the free-range feeding should be considered during the breeding process of broiler chicken. The results provide good knowledge of the functional molecular mechanisms associated with muscle quality in Lueyang black-bone chicken.

How are they really doing? Animal welfare on organic laying hen farms in terms of health and behaviour.

1. The present study describes the current welfare situation on commercial organic laying hen farms in Sweden in terms of indoor environment, bird health and behaviour.2. Organic laying hen farms (n = 11) in Sweden were visited for one day each. The farm visits were performed at the end of lay and involved farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, behavioural observations and tests and clinical examinations in one flock per farm.3. In 95% of all human avoidance distance test trials performed, the hens distanced themselves from the observer before the test was completed. Median number of birds per flock approaching during a novel object test (n = 4 trials per flock) was 2 (0-9). These results may indicate a high level of fear of humans and general fearfulness among the hens.4. Plumage damage was especially prevalent and most severe on the breast and belly, tail and wings, with median prevalence of moderate-severe damage of 96% (84-100), 96% (72-100) and 98% (94-100), respectively. Median prevalence of keel bone deviations was 67% (32-84) with 3% fractures (0-8). Median prevalence of breast skin lesions was 57% (10-74). There was a significant positive association between breast skin lesions and keel bone deviations (P = 0.02) and foot pad hyperkeratosis (P < 0.001). Median prevalence of severe hyperkeratosis was 33% (8-96), with prevalence being significantly lower where litter depth was thicker (P = 0.003). More dust bathing events were observed in flocks where litter depth was thicker (P = 0.007).5. The present study contributes with updated knowledge of laying hen welfare on organic farms in Sweden. The results confirm the findings of previous on-farm studies, demonstrating that important issues, including keel bone damage and severe feather pecking, remain in need of attention to ensure the welfare of laying hens in future commercial egg production.

Effect of different pasture species on growth performance, carcass traits, internal organ weights, and meat quality of slower growing broilers in free-range production system.

This study examined the effect of Medicago sativa (A), Trifolium repens (WC), Lolium perenne (PR), and their mixture (Mix) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organ weights, and meat quality of slower-growing broiler chickens in a free-range production system. The animal materials comprised of mixed-sex Hubbard ISA Red JA, which were reared in the deep litter system for the first 3 weeks, and thereafter, the pop hole in each of the indoor pens was opened to allow birds access to the range containing one of the above pasture treatments. The range availability was ensured from 08:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The results indicated no significant difference in broiler live body weight, feed conversion ratio, and livability between 28 and 77 days among the pasture treatments (P > 0.05). No significant variations were observed in the carcass and internal organ weights among pasture types (P > 0.05). Additionally, while the dry matter content (P < 0.01), TBA value (P < 0.05), and fatty acid profiles differed (P < 0.01), the protein, ash, water holding capacity, and oxidation stability of broiler breast meat did not differ among pasture groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, while the values of breast meat lightness (L*) and brightness (b*) differed (P < 0.05), redness and pH did not differ between the sexes (P > 0.05). Furthermore, sex significantly affected ash, protein content (P < 0.05), and TBA value (P < 0.01) of breast meat but did not affect dry matter, water holding capacity, and peroxide value of breast meat. Also, there was a significant difference in the weight of the neck, breast, thigh, live weight, hot carcass yield, heart, liver, abdominal fat, and digestive system between sexes (P < 0.05). However, breast meat fat content and fatty acid profiles were not influenced by the sex of the broilers (P > 0.05). It was concluded that access to the studied pasture species has no effect on the growth performance traits but results in notable variations in the fatty acid profiles in broiler breast meat.

Detection of Toxocara species larvae in four Iranian free-range broiler farms.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in food animals, associated products, and their zoonotic potential are poorly understood. A cross sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. larvae from free-range broiler chickens in traditional farms using conventional techniques and molecular method. Eight-hundred tissue samples including liver, gizzard, lungs and heart were collected from 200 chickens belonging to different regions of Zanjan Province, Iran and were processed by conventional and molecular methods. RESULTS: Out of 800 chicken tissues, 49 samples (6.1%) were positive for nematode larvae. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify species-specific of Toxocara larvae. The findings showed that 10.5% (21 out of 200) chickens were infected with Toxocara species, so that 57.1% (12 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara canis and 42.9% (9 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara cati. CONCLUSION: Considering the significant contamination/infection of free-range broiler chickens with Toxocara larvae, the consumption of chicken meat and viscera, especially liver and gizzards, can play an important role in the transmission of infection to humans. Prevention and control measures focused on regular deworming of dogs and cats, increasing public awareness of Toxocara infection are recommended.

Effect of different free-range systems on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of Yangzhou geese.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different free-range systems on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of geese. Grass pasture zones in the study area were selected, and 28 d-old male Yangzhou geese with similar body weights (1.57 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: (A) free-range conditions in the apron area during 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (10-20 m from shed with grass pasture); (B) free-range conditions in the outer range from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (beyond 50 m from shed with grass pasture); and (C) barn system. Free range-reared geese had higher weight gain after 42 days of age than barn-reared geese, regardless of the range area. A lower feed conversion ratio was found in outer range-reared and apron area-reared geese from 28 to 63 days of age. In addition, the highest percentages of leg and breast muscle weights were observed in outer range-reared and apron area-reared geese, respectively. Finally, outer-range rearing resulted in a lower pH and lower moisture content. Therefore, these data suggest that the outer range system benefits growth performance and feed conversion ratio of geese and results in a higher percentage of leg muscle weight, lower pH, and lower moisture content.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Tunisian free-range chicken meat and their offal.

Free-range chickens are infected by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) mainly when they pick-up their food from the ground. The present study was performed to estimate the molecular prevalence of T. gondii in free-range chicken meat (breast and thigh muscles) and their offal (heart and gizzard). The molecular characterization and the phylogeny of T. gondii amplicons were also investigated. Two PCRs were compared, the first targeting B1 gene and a nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer ITS-1 gene. Among the 60 tested birds, 47 free-range chickens had at least one positive PCR, i.e., a prevalence of 78.3% (95% CI: 67.9-88.7%). The prevalence of T. gondii infection in muscles and organs analyzed by specific PCR targeting B1 gene (43.3%; 95% CI: 37-49.6%) was significantly higher than those analyzed for ITS-1 gene detection (15%; 95%CI: 10.4-19.5%) (p < 0.001). Heart samples had the highest T. gondii infection prevalence, as well as targeting either B1 gene (48.3%; 95% CI: 35.6-60.9%) or ITS-1 gene (21.6%; 95% CI: 11.2-32%). The present study showed that the consumption of undercooked free-range chicken meat represents a high risk for seronegative pregnant women. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed homology with wild and domestic birds and domestic mammals and a large geographic distribution.

Maggot debridement therapy in the tropics - Preliminary outcomes from a tertiary hospital.

This paper aimed to describe the clinical outcomes and patients' acceptance of Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Patients with non-viable tissue (NVT) covering at least 25% of wound bed on lower limbs and/or unable to tolerate sharp debridement at the bedside were recruited between January and August 2021. Sterile medical-grade maggots of Lucilla Cuprina were used. Wound specialist nurses assessed the size and wound to determine the type of MDT, either Baggots or free-range larvae (FRL), and the number of maggots required prior to commencement of therapy. Wound sites were measured and photographed at multiple time points: before the start of MDT therapy, during the wound review at 48 or 72 h after each cycle of MDT and completion of therapy. Three patients received Baggot therapy, while the remaining 11 received FRL therapy. The mean age for patients receiving Baggot and FRL were 78.3 (SD = 10.6) and 63.6 (11.4), respectively. Each patient received three cycles of MDT treatment on average. The most common type of wound was ray amputated toe wounds (n = 8), while the most common wound aetiology was arterial ulcerations (n = 12). A reduction of NVT was observed in 11 out of 14 patients, and ten of these 11 patients achieved successful debridement (at least 25% reduction in NVT). Five out of 14 patients had to undergo amputation within the same admission due to poor wound healing, and 60% of these five patients failed to achieve successful debridement. MDT was quite well-accepted by the patients, and they felt some improvement in their wounds. MDT can facilitate wound healing through successful debridement and potentially reduce the need for amputation. Further research needs to be done regarding the type of MDT that is optimal to use in tropical countries with high humidity.

Knowledge and practices on consumption of free-range chickens in selected rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with focus on zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp.

Chickens are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic importance and this depends more on the husbandry system practiced. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp which are more prevalent in free-range chickens (FRC) can be acquired by humans via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (muscle) and/or viscera contaminated with infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, as a risk factor in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens with special emphasis on T. gondii and Toxocara spp. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty (20) randomly selected households in four selected communities located on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the presence of selected zoonotic pathogens in FRC, birds were purchased from randomly selected households in the study localities for sacrifice. Brain tissues were collected and subjected to molecular detection of T. gondii using TOX4 and TOX5 primers while other tissues and organs that were collected were subjected to molecular detection of Toxocara spp using Nem 18S primers. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonosis transmission. Molecular results showed four positive samples for T. canis from Gingindlovu (n = 1), uMzinto (n = 1), and Shongweni (n = 2). The role of FRC consumption in zoonosis transmission is discussed.

Wild great tits' alarm calls prompt vigilant behaviours in free-range chickens.

The ability to use heterospecific alarm calls is adaptive in the wild, as it provides an opportunity to avoid predators. We now know that several species are able to respond to alarm calls intended for others. However, this capacity has never been investigated in domestic animals. The capacity to use heterospecific alarm calls may be relevant for free-range domestic species, especially when they share predators with wild signallers. Using playback experiments, we investigated the vigilance behaviour of free-range naked neck chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) when confronted with alarm calls (test playbacks) and songs (control playbacks) of a commonly occurring wild passerine, the great tit (Parus major). We found that subjects exhibited an increased vigilance to alarm calls compared to songs, therefore, showing that chickens respond to heterospecific signals as wild birds do. Recently, there has been an increased interest for free-range poultry production, notably because of the benefits of this farming method for chicken welfare. Although future studies are required to address this question, mortality due to predation may be reduced through the implementation of structures in areas frequented by wild heterospecific signallers.

Assessment of the spoilage microbiota in minced free-range chicken meat during storage at 4 C in retail modified atmosphere packages.

This study assessed the evolution of spoilage microbiota in association with the changes in pH and concentrations of lactic and acetic acids in retail oxygen-free modified atmosphere (30:70 CO2/N2) packages (MAP) of minced free-range chicken meat during storage at 4 °C for 10 days. MAP retarded growth of spoilage lactic acid bacteria (LAB) below 6.5 log cfu/g and fully suppressed growth of pseudomonads, enterobacteria, enterococci, staphylococci and yeasts. Two distinct Latilactobacillus sakei strain biotypes were predominant and Leuconostoc carnosum, Carnobacterium divergens, Latilactobacillus fuchuensis and Weissella koreensis were subdominant at spoilage. The chicken meat pH ranged from 5.8 to 6.1. l-lactate (832 mg/100 g on day-0) decreased slightly on day-7. d-lactate remained constantly below 20 mg/100 g, whereas acetate (0-59 mg/100 g) increased 5-fold on day-7. All MAP samples developed off-odors on day-7 and a strong 'blown-pack' sulfur-type of spoilage on day-10. However, neither the predominant Lb. sakei nor other LAB or gram-negative isolates formed H2S in vitro, except for C. divergens.

Detection of larvae of Toxocara cati and T. tanuki from the muscles of free-ranging layer farm chickens.

Although raw or undercooked livestock meat or viscera has been suggested to be a source of human toxocariasis, there have been few reports on the prevalence of Toxocara larvae in the tissue of livestock animals. To investigate the presence of Toxocara larvae in chickens, we examined 50 culled chickens from a commercial layer farm. The liver, breast meat, and thigh meat were separated individually and artificially digested to examine for the presence of larvae. Nematode larvae were detected in 2 out of 50 chickens. One larva was detected from the breast meat, and it was molecularly identified as Toxocara tanuki. The other from the thigh meat of another chicken was molecularly identified as Toxocara cati. The present study demonstrated for the first time that T. tanuki larvae do infect chickens in the natural environment. The fact that Toxocara spp. larvae were found in muscles of farm chickens suggests that consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meat may present a risk for human toxocariasis.

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in Free-Range Chickens Intended for Human Consumption in China.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution that infects birds and mammals, including humans. The consumption of free-range chicken meat is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, little information is available concerning the molecular prevalence and genotypes of T. gondii infection in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in China. In this study, a total of 1360 serum samples were collected from food markets in Hunan province of China for detecting T. gondii antibodies by indirect hemagglutination assay. In addition, 650 brain tissues were also collected to investigate T. gondii DNA by amplification of B1 gene with a seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the positive DNA samples were typed at 10 genetic markers using multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 457 of the examined serum samples (33.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.1-36.1), and 72 DNA samples (11.1%; 95% CI: 8.6-13.4) were positive for the T. gondii B1 gene. In this study, region and age of free-range chickens were shown to be risk factors for T. gondii infection (p < 0.01). Two genotypes (ToxoDB#9 and ToxoDB#52) were identified from two samples with complete genotyping results. Our study revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in Hunan province, suggesting that recommendations to consumers should be made, especially in some regions of China where consumption of undercooked chicken meat is common. This is the first genetic characterization of T. gondii in free-range chickens intended for human consumption in Hunan province, China, and also the first report of genotype ToxoDB#52 in China.

Isolation of Campylobacter hepaticus from free-range poultry with spotty liver disease in New Zealand.

Case history: In October 2019, a free-range egg laying flock suffering an outbreak of spotty liver disease was investigated. Eight 32-week-old hens were examined post-mortem. Clinical and pathological findings: Five of the eight hens had sparse, focal, gross hepatic lesions typical of spotty liver disease. Histopathology of the liver showed random, focal hepatic necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic cholangitis/pericholangitis and, in one hen, severe lymphoplasmacytic cholecystitis. Campylobacter-like organisms were grown from all eight bile samples which were confirmed by PCR as Campylobacter hepaticus. The genome of C. hepaticus isolates from the outbreak were sequenced and compared to those of isolates from Australia and the United Kingdom. Phylogenetic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms showed that the C. hepaticus isolates from this outbreak were most closely related to isolates from Australia. Diagnosis: Campylobacter hepaticus focal hepatic necrosis. Clinical relevance: This is the first report of an outbreak of spotty liver disease confirmed to be caused by C. hepaticus in poultry in New Zealand. Therefore infection with C. hepaticus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for mortality in laying hens around peak lay in New Zealand.

Red clover-rich grassland increases equol concentration in eggs from free-range laying hens.

1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of equol (4',7-isoflavandiol; a bacterial polyphenol metabolite which is an isoflavandiol oestrogen metabolised from daidzein from plants) enriched eggs from free-range hens fed different pasture species. Four species were tested: red clover, white clover, ryegrass and chicory.2. The study was conducted from June to September 2017 on eight free range, outdoor areas, each containing fifteen laying hens and sown with a single pasture species3. Precursors of equol (daidzein, formononetin) were analysed every fortnight from the fresh pasture cover in each area, as well as equol and daidzein levels in eggs.4. Daidzein and formononetin concentrations in the fresh pasture samples differed significantly according to species (P < 0.001), whereby red clover had the highest concentrations of daidzein and formononetin (85 and 996 µg/g DM, respectively).5. Equol concentration in eggs differed according to pasture species (P < 0.001). Equol concentrations reached about 1,200 ng/g DM in eggs from hens with access to red clover. These eggs can represent a valuable source of equol in the human diet.

Ascarid eggs disappear faster from gravel and wood chips than from soil.

1. Ascarids (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis spp.) are highly prevalent in free-range laying hens. Ascarid eggs survive for long periods in soil, and one preventive measure is to add litter material to areas close to the henhouse. In this study, recovery rates of ascarid eggs from three common litter materials, namely pea gravel, beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) wood chips were compared to recovery rates from soil. 2. Materials were mixed with faeces containing 1,408 ascarid eggs per g of faeces, placed in plastic fruit boxes and exposed to natural weather conditions in a randomised block design with six replicates per treatment. 3. Numbers of ascarid eggs were quantified at 28 time points over 3.5 years. Ascarid eggs were recovered for over three years from all materials and completely disappeared during the fourth winter of exposure. Time needed to get to a 50% reduction in ascarid eggs did not differ between litter materials and soil (242 to 269 days). A 99% reduction was reached significantly (P < 0.001) earlier in pea gravel (548 days) than in the three other materials, and earlier in the two wood chips (day 682 for beech, day 692 for spruce, P < 0.05) than in soil (1,277 days). 4. Accumulation of ascarid eggs in the area close to the henhouse can be reduced by any of the tested litter materials compared to bare soil. Adding litter to this area is highly recommended for free-range layer farmers in order to reduce numbers of infective ascarid eggs.

Impact of different chicken meat production systems on consumers' purchase perception.

1. The objective of this study was to evaluate specific sensory attributes of chicken meat from different production systems to evaluate the emotional responses related to information available on the packages, as well as to investigate consumers' perceptions regarding this information.2. The survey was conducted using the Temporal Dominance of Sensations analysis, which identified differences in taste and texture between samples belonging to the organic, conventional and natural systems.3. The specific emotional lexicon for chicken meat, defined by the consumers through the EmoSemio questionnaire, provided a list of positive emotions for packages that indicated some type of information about the rearing or feeding system.4. The qualitative data obtained using the Attitude Questionnaire demonstrated that packaging and labelling are not self-explanatory, posing more doubts for the consumer at the time of purchase. It was shown that packaging and labelling were extrinsic attributes that influenced the evaluation and acceptability of products. Besides that, consumers were interested in buying products that attest to animal welfare, provided that the price is attractive.5. Poultry companies can have a greater chance of making their products more attractive if they learn more about the attitude and expectations of the consumer in relation to the products, as well as the importance of the animal welfare attributes that are communicated.