Ethics 2 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is meant by ‘animal facility’ in livestock systems?
A constructed environment like sheds, yards, milking sheds, or feedlots used to house, manage, or handle animals.
What are the key design objectives for animal facilities?
Animal comfort, safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Why must design consider animal behaviour?
To ensure low stress handling, ease of movement, and overall welfare.
What are the Five Domains of animal welfare?
Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behaviour, and Mental State.
Why is flooring important in animal facilities?
It affects safety, comfort, hygiene, and risk of injury or disease.
What causes lameness in dairy cows?
Hard flooring, poor drainage, wet conditions, and foot infections.
What flooring features help prevent slips?
Grooved concrete, rubber mats, and appropriate drainage design.
What is the risk of smooth concrete in dairy yards?
Increased slipping, stress, reduced movement, and injury risk.
What is the acceptable fall injury rate in abattoirs?
<1% of animals; >5% is a serious problem.
Why are clean housing conditions important?
They reduce infection, injury, and improve welfare outcomes.
What are good features of a laneway in dairy systems?
Stable, well-drained, compacted surface, wide enough for free movement, no sharp turns.
What materials are typically used for laneway construction?
Mixtures of gravel, clay, and sand. Avoid sharp stones.
What is the purpose of laneway fencing?
To keep cows off drainage areas and protect laneway structure.
How can laneways be maintained?
Patch with woodchips or sawdust; prevent effluent from yards washing into laneways.
What factors influence housing choices in dairy farms?
Climate, access to pasture, cow genetics, and feeding goals.
Why might some farms adopt year-round housing?
To maximise milk production in regions with poor pasture quality or seasonal extremes.
