Innovative technological solutions for alternatives to dehorning in cattle herds Project leader Elita Aplociņa Team of project Lilija Degola Iveta Kociņa Duration 2022 - 2025 Research focus 1. Implementation of the "One Health" concept and species interaction studies in the context of climate change Source of funding National grant Project partners ZS DeņevoZS IevasZS ĶēniņkalniLLKCBiedrība Zilā govs Description of project The aim of research To facilitate the work of animal keepers and reduce the risk of animal injuries, the horns of both dairy and beef cattle are removed, both in the first days of life and in adult animals. The tasks of project: By analyzing information available in the literature, a technology for manufacturing and applying horn caps in cattle herds will be developedAdditionally, a disk with suitable musical compositions will be prepared for playing calming music in cattle housingConsidering research on the effects of light spectrum and intensity on humans and animals, a solution will be developed to improve lighting in housing, which will reduce aggression in animals and humans and increase livestock productivityBased on manifestations of animal aggression, self-massage equipment will be installed in the housing, significantly improving animal welfare and reducing aggressive behaviorFollowing a risk assessment in three farms of different sizes, studies will be conducted on various innovative solutions as alternatives to dehorning (removal of horn tips, application of horn caps, reduction of animal aggression through music therapy, changes in light intensity and spectrum, installation of self-massage equipment)The study will last for three years, with technological solutions being changed or improved annually in each farmUsing the results obtained within the project, it will be possible to improve the economic indicators of animal farming not only in cattle farms but also in goat and sheep farmsThe results will be published, presented at seminars and field days, and made available to all interested parties Results https://docs.eaap.org/boa/2024_WAFL_Book_Abstracts.pdf#page=74 ISSN 9791221068337.; Aplociņa, Elita. Ragiem Jā vai Nē - tāds ir jautājums / Elita Aplociņa // Bioloģiski. Nr.5 (2024), 34.-36.lpp.;https://lbtufb.lbtu.lv/conference/Vecauce/2023/LBTU_Razas_svetki_Vecauce_2023-22-25.pdf ISBN 9789984484174. ;https://llufb.llu.lv/conference/lidzsvar_lauksaim/2023/Tezes_2023_Lidzsvarota-lauksaimnieciba_LBTU_LF.pdf
