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Validation of an Animal Needs Index for cattle using Test Theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2023

T Herva ,
O Peltoniemi  and
A-M Virtala
T Herva*
Affiliation:
Quality Manager, Atria Ltd, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
O Peltoniemi
Affiliation:
Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
A-M Virtala
Affiliation:
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: [email protected]
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Abstract

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The validity of an ANI-based welfare index for cattle, the A-Index, was evaluated using Test Theory methods described for quality of life assessments in human medicine. Content validity was considered during the modification of the Index for Finnish beef production. In total, 43 items evaluating locomotion abilities, lying area, social environment, management, feeding, and health of animals over six months up to slaughter were formed. Index scorings were performed on 237 farms. A most consistent partial A-Index was constructed based on qualitative item analyses. A positive relationship was established between the full A-Index and daily carcase gain. In addition, a preliminary negative relationship was established between the partial A-Index, body fat and mortality. Based on our observations, methods used for quality of life indices in human beings would appear suitable for animal welfare assessment. Practicability and well-defined methodology are the main advantages of Test Theory approach.

Keywords

animal welfarecattledaily gainepidemiologyfatmortality
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 18 , Issue 4: Proceedings of the 4th International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level , November 2009 , pp. 417 - 425
Copyright
© 2009 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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