2011 – Page 6

Allorecognition in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), an endangered marsupial species with limited genetic diversity

October 5, 2011November 1, 2011adminLeave a Comment

Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are on the verge of extinction due to a transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). This tumour is an allograft that is transmitted between individuals without immune recognition of the tumour cells. The mechanism to explain this lack of immune recognition and acceptance is not well understood. It has been hypothesized […]

New Federal Police dog facility

October 1, 2011November 1, 2011adminLeave a Comment

A new canine kennel facility for firearm and explosive detection dogs has been opened by the Australian Federal Police at Murwillumbah in the Tweed Valley of northern NSW. The kennel facility is the first of nine federal police canine facilities to be opened near major airports across Australia. It was built through the federally funded […]

Essay: Decreasing stress, aggression and injury in pigs housed in intensive production systems

September 8, 2011August 12, 2011adminLeave a Comment

Introduction Animal welfare issues are inherent in any intensive production system that restricts animals to an environment incompatible with their behavioural needs (D’Eath & Turner, 2009). For example, intensive husbandry practices, such as a mix of pigs in a confined space, can result in significant stress reactions and displays of aggressive behaviour through frustration or […]

The effect of body weight on some welfare indicators in feedlot cattle in a hot environment

September 5, 2011August 12, 2011adminLeave a Comment

Heat stress has important effects on the welfare of livestock. The effects of heat stress in cattle include changes in biological functions and behaviors. The aim of this study from the Department of Animal Science, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey, was to investigate the behavioral differences between light and heavy feedlot cattle reared in a hot […]

Kiwi Post July 2011

September 2, 2011August 12, 2011adminLeave a Comment

We arrived at a dairy farm the other day to find out just how much of a shambles dairy farming currently is in New Zealand. Of course, we all know things are changing fast, but none of us ever guessed it could slump so low. There were three of us, on farm at 4AM, to […]