DARCOF · Research > Darcof I > Health promotion and disease prevention

Health promotion and disease prevention

The primary objective of this project is to elucidate important health and behavioural aspects of the organic production of pigs and poultry, and to study the impact of these creatures on outdoor areas. This objective will be pursued through systematic monitoring at the herd and flock levels, and in experimental set-ups.

One sub-goal is to identify and investigate the prevalence of endo- and ectoparasites in organically produced pigs and poultry, and to study the significance of these for animal health and welfare under practical farming conditions. The significance of seasonal variations, different forms of management, and indoor housing for the occurrence of parasites will also be examined.

Another sub-goal is to elucidate and clarify the epidemiology of the parasites, their interactions with the behaviour of pigs and poultry, and their relationships to management and the environment. Furthermore, the environmental and social interactions of free-range pigs will be examined.

Controlled experiments on parasite burden and behavioural reactions will be performed on young pigs kept under outdoor conditions. The impact on parasite status, behaviour, vegetation and soil structure will be investigated in relation to stocking rate, nose-rings and high-fibre diets.

The parasites examined in the controlled experiments will include Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum den-tatum and Trichuris suis, which are all common in organic pig production in Denmark and, especially in the case of Trichuris suis, are known to cause serious clinical diseases.

Summary
Publications


Project title
I.5 Health promotion and disease control measures in animal production

Project leader:
Henrik B. Simonsen, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Institute for Animal Science and Animal Health, Bülowsvej 13, DK 1870 Frederiksberg C.
Tel: +45 3528 2828, Fax: +45 3528 3042
E-mail: hbs@kvl.dk

Project participants:
Peter Nansen, Allan Roepstorff and Gert Nørgaard-Nielsen, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Jørgen B. Jespersen and Ole Kilpinen, Danish Pest Infestation Laboratory
Mette Vaarst, Danish Institute of Agricultural Science