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5 pages, 1065 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Evaluation of Key Welfare Indicators in Commercial Broilers: A Case Study from the Batna Region, Algeria

by Tarek Boussaada, Salha Amira Benatallah, Safa Boukobbal and Kaouthar Lakhdari

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049001 - 19 Sep 2025

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In Algeria, with the expansion of intensive poultry farming, assessing animal welfare has become increasingly important. Our study evaluated the welfare of broiler chickens at the Tazoult poultry center using indicators from the Welfare Quality^® project. In total, 1000 chickens were randomly [...] Read more.

In Algeria, with the expansion of intensive poultry farming, assessing animal welfare has become increasingly important. Our study evaluated the welfare of broiler chickens at the Tazoult poultry center using indicators from the Welfare Quality^® project. In total, 1000 chickens were randomly selected and examined during the final week of rearing. The results indicate that pododermatitis scores were mainly distributed between scores 0, 1, and 2 (46.4%, 20%, and 32.2%, respectively). Hock burns were observed with scores of 0 and 1 (49.1% and 49.5%, respectively). However, scores of 1 and 2 were common across all ten buildings for feather condition and lameness. While the overall welfare indicators were generally acceptable, there is a need for improved rearing conditions to address the variations seen between different buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

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3 pages, 153 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Survey on Dystocia in Sheep Farming in Batna Region: Causes, Risk Factors, and Veterinary Interventions

by Abdennour Azizi, Sameh Baghezza, Abdelhamid Achouri, Meriem Bouzenzana, Zinelabiddine Lamine and Bilal Bitam

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049003 - 18 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates the occurrence of dystocia in sheep farming, particularly focusing on the Batna region in eastern Algeria. Dystocia, or difficulty in parturition, represents a significant economic challenge, contributing to high perinatal mortality rates, maternal death, and reduced reproductive efficiency in sheep. [...] Read more.

This study investigates the occurrence of dystocia in sheep farming, particularly focusing on the Batna region in eastern Algeria. Dystocia, or difficulty in parturition, represents a significant economic challenge, contributing to high perinatal mortality rates, maternal death, and reduced reproductive efficiency in sheep. This study aimed to identify the primary causes and risk factors associated with dystocia through surveys conducted with local veterinarians. The research findings suggest that fetal malposition, fetal oversize, and incomplete cervical dilation are the leading causes of dystocia. Additionally, maternal factors such as incomplete cervical dilation and uterine torsion were also a common cause. The risk of dystocia increases with parity and litter size and decreases with body score. Early veterinary intervention, including cesarean sections, reduced lamb mortality and greatly improved reproductive outcomes. These findings underline the importance of effective management strategies in preventing and managing dystocia in sheep farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

3 pages, 194 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Health of the Locomotor System Indicator of Welfare of Algerian Dairy Cows

by Imene Djaalab, Samia Haffaf, Hadria Mansour-Djaalab, Foulla Riachi, Loutfi Ghoribi and Abdel Fattah Beghriche

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049004 - 22 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Animal Welfare has a significant impact on the dairy cow’s health, behaviour, productivity and milk quality. By implementing husbandry practices that respect the physical, behavioural and emotional needs of dairy cows, the dairy industry can improve the sustainability of its operations and meet [...] Read more.

Animal Welfare has a significant impact on the dairy cow’s health, behaviour, productivity and milk quality. By implementing husbandry practices that respect the physical, behavioural and emotional needs of dairy cows, the dairy industry can improve the sustainability of its operations and meet rising expectations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of housing systems (free vs. tied) on dairy cow health through musculoskeletal health indicators and lameness scores. The hypothesis that dairy cows reared in free housing have a better quality of health than cows reared in restrained housing is tested. Thus, 300 dairy cows of the Holstein and Montbeliarde breeds were selected from dairy farms in five municipalities of Constantine province (eastern Algeria). The results showed that the frequency of severe lameness did not exceed 12% in stalls with restraints and more than 42% of light lameness are in free-stall housing (p < 0.001). These results reflect a lack of comfort in restricted housing, with an impact on dairy performances. Moreover, the monitoring of lame cows and the functional trimming of their hooves should be frequent. It is also important to implement a cull policy for unproductive cows. Finally, it is very important to provide adequate training to farmers in order to improve the well-being of dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

5 pages, 211 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Cross-Talk Between Physical Activity, Diet, Gut Microbiota and Skeletal Muscle

by Nada Malak Zaboub, Hithem Bougherara, Said Boukhechem, Antonella Della Malva, Marzia Albenzio, Sabrina Boussena, Magali Monnoye, Philippe Gérard and Amira Leila Dib

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049005 - 23 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Dietary nutrients are crucial for human health and the survival of gut microbes. Diet plays a central role in gut microbiota, as microbes rely on ingested nutrients for biological functions. Research highlights the connection between gut microbiota and exercise. Moderate and intense exercise [...] Read more.

Dietary nutrients are crucial for human health and the survival of gut microbes. Diet plays a central role in gut microbiota, as microbes rely on ingested nutrients for biological functions. Research highlights the connection between gut microbiota and exercise. Moderate and intense exercise are common in endurance training. Studies suggest gut microbiota may influence athlete health and performance. Athletes should consider dietary strategies like protein supplements, carbohydrate loading, probiotics, and prebiotics. The diverse gut microbiome of elite athletes produces key metabolites like short-chain fatty acids. A gut–muscle axis may exist, influencing muscle quality and gut biodiversity. This work summarizes current knowledge on diet, exercise, gut microbiota, and skeletal muscle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

4 pages, 203 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effect of Supplementation of Ewes’ Diet with Date Waste and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Weight Performance and Growth Rate of Their Lambs

by Salha Amira Benatallah, Tarek Boussaada, Kaouthar Lakhdari, Khaled Belhamzaoui, Nedjoua Lakhdara and Abdelhamid Djekoun

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049006 - 24 Sep 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study is to valorize agro-industrial by-products and to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with date waste and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on production performance, from late-gestation to lactation, of Ouled Djellal ewes and their lambs. The analysis of production performance [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to valorize agro-industrial by-products and to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with date waste and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on production performance, from late-gestation to lactation, of Ouled Djellal ewes and their lambs. The analysis of production performance data showed that there was no significant difference in the weight performance and growth rate of lambs born from ewes supplemented with different proportions of date wastes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It was revealed that the new-born lambs of ewes fed with date waste and Saccharomyces cerevisiae gave results close to or even better than those of lambs in the 33CON control group fed 100% concentrate, particularly 16REB and 25REB. This indicates that ewes were provided with their nutrient requirements for maintenance and production by substituting concentrate with this date by-product at 50% and 75%. Therefore, supplementation of pregnant and lactating ewes with date wastes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae seems to have a positive effect and could be employed as a partial alternative to concentrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

4 pages, 381 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition

by Aimene Zakaria Chaabi, Said Boukhechem, Hithem Bougherara, Larbi Afoutni, Alaa-Eddine Djeghar, Maya Boukerrou, Faïza Tekkouk Zemmouchi and Amira Leila Dib

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007 - 24 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of Algerian Fantasia horses. A sample of 25 Fantasia horses was measured, with six key morphometric parameters recorded. Body indices were calculated to analyze their structural conformation. These horses, mainly of the Barb and Arab-Barb [...] Read more.

This study aims to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of Algerian Fantasia horses. A sample of 25 Fantasia horses was measured, with six key morphometric parameters recorded. Body indices were calculated to analyze their structural conformation. These horses, mainly of the Barb and Arab-Barb breeds, exhibit variability due to breeding objectives, whether aesthetic or functional. The results showed that the withers height was 155.19 ± 2.76 cm, with a body length of 154.31 ± 4.38 cm, indicating a square-type conformation, as confirmed by a body profile index of 1.01 ± 0.02. The dactyl-thoracic index was 0.11 ± 0.004, indicating bone thickness consistent with body weight.Comparisons with existing studies highlight the unique physical characteristics of these horses. The results provide valuable data for future research and breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

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3 pages, 467 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ultrasound Measurements of Testicular Size After Exposure to Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Adult Male Rats

by Moufida Lounis, Djahida Mahdi and Adel Aissi

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049008 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Ultrasound has been used to diagnose many diseases in human and veterinary medicine, with excellent results. The present study aimed to assess the effect of cisplatin on testicular size using ultrasound imaging. The study was conducted on adult male rats divided into two [...] Read more.

Ultrasound has been used to diagnose many diseases in human and veterinary medicine, with excellent results. The present study aimed to assess the effect of cisplatin on testicular size using ultrasound imaging. The study was conducted on adult male rats divided into two equal groups: a control group (C) and an experimental group (CP) which received an intraperitoneal injection (I.P.) of 5 mg/kg cisplatin once a week for two consecutive weeks on day 6 (d6) and d12 of the experiment. After a period of 3 days following each injection, an ultrasound scan was performed to measure testicular volume following exposure to cisplatin (CP). The results indicate that testicular size increased significantly after the first dose (d6) (L: 1.67 ± 0.09, W: 0.91 ± 0.10) compared with the control group (L: 1.53 ± 0.07, W: 0.92 ± 0.03) and continued to increase after the second dose (d12) (L: 1.96 ± 0.18, W: 0.98 ± 0.11). In conclusion, these results indicate that the use of ultrasound technology to monitor testicular size after each dose produced excellent and very clear results, enabling testicular lesions to be diagnosed after cisplatin chemotherapy without the need for surgery or dissection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

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4 pages, 196 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessment of Animal Welfare in Sheep Farming in Semi-Arid Regions

by Samia Haffaf, Imene Djaalab, Bachiri Nour El Houda, Nadia Zikem, Hadria Mansour-Djaalab and Laatra Zemmouri

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 9002; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049002 - 18 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The welfare of farmed animals has become a major social demand in developed countries, as well as the quality of livestock products and the preservation of the environment. In Algeria, the concept of animal welfare in sheep farming remains neglected, although it has [...] Read more.

The welfare of farmed animals has become a major social demand in developed countries, as well as the quality of livestock products and the preservation of the environment. In Algeria, the concept of animal welfare in sheep farming remains neglected, although it has been the subject of several studies in developed countries. The objective of this study is to assess animal welfare at the level of sheep farms in the region of M’Sila on the basis of measurable indicators on the animal, allowing us to assess two indicators: good health and appropriate nutrition. The study was conducted between February and June 2024. It included 9622 sheep of different breeds on 55 farms. The results revealed that sheep in M’Sila Governorate enjoy a good level of well-being in most farms. This is attributed to a behavior accepted to some extent regarding the absence of prolonged hunger and thirst, something that is expressed by a good body condition (BCS) in the majority of animals (p < 0.001). It was found that the majority of animals showed (p < 0.01) no signs of illness, bodily injury (p < 0.0001), restricted breathing (p < 0.0001), or lameness (p < 0.0001), indicating their good health. Finally, it is highly recommended to assess the on-farm welfare for emphasizing the key points in improving sheep welfare in Algeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

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