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Can parasitic gastro-enteritis be used as an indicator of welfare in organic sheep?

Gray, Douglas (2002) Can parasitic gastro-enteritis be used as an indicator of welfare in organic sheep? In: Powell, Jane and et al (Eds.) Proceedings of the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference, Organic Centre Wales, Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales Aberystwyth, pp. 347-350.

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Document available online at: http://www.organic.aber.ac.uk/library/Parasitic%20gastro-enteritis%20as%20a%20welfare%20indicator%20in%20sheep.pdf


Summary

This report was presented at the UK Organic Research 2002 Conference.
Organic livestock standards are designed to deliver good animal welfare but without an objective means of assessing welfare, it is difficult to know if they succeed. Existing assessment systems largely assess environmental requirements, rather than looking at animal behaviour or health. Parasitic gastro-enteritis (PGE) is recognised as being one of the most difficult diseases to prevent in organic livestock production. Monitoring systems for PGE can be used by organic farmers in their decision-making and could be one aspect of assessing animal welfare, particularly in relation to sheep. Results are presented of studies on an experimental organic beef/sheep farm and on commercial organic upland sheep farms. The usefulness of PGE control as an animal welfare indicator is discussed.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Paper
Keywords:Colloquium of Organic Researchers; COR; livestock production, animal health and welfare; parasitic gastro-enteritis (PGE); indicators
Subjects: Knowledge management > Research methodology and philosophy > Specific methods > Indicators and other value-laden measures
Animal husbandry > Health and welfare
Research affiliation: UK
UK > Scottish Rural Colleges (SRUC - previously SAC)
Related Links:http://www.organic.aber.ac.uk/Conference/CORbkgd.shtml
Deposited By: Powell, Ms Jane
ID Code:8243
Deposited On:28 Apr 2006
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:33
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Not peer-reviewed

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