Academic literature on the topic 'Farm houses'

The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of farm to abattoir environmental conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological responses, as well as the quality of meat from Nguni (NG) and non-descript (ND) beef steers reared extensively on natural pastures. The forty 16 – 19 months old steers (20 ND and 20 NG) used in the current study were grouped together, medically treated, allowed three weeks acclimatizing period and were used in this trial over a four-month period. The weather and periodical variations influence on time budgets and body weights of these steers were determined. Furthermore, the effects of on-farm successive handling on behavioural scores and physiological responses of the same steers were determined. Later in the trial, some pre-slaughter effects on response-behaviour, bleed-out times and selected blood physiological responses were determined. Finally, the effect of genotype, muscle type, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness on pH24, temperature, colour (L*, a*, b*, C, HA), thawing (TL) and cooking (CL) losses and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) of the meat harvested from the same steers were determined. The daily time budgets of steers in natural pastures changed with temperature, humidity, observation week and time of the day. The grazing behaviour was observed throughout the observation days (> 37 percent); though it was reduced (26.9±2.64 percent) on days with higher temperatures and low humidity. Higher proportions of drinking (1.5±1.04 percent) and standing (20.8±4.63 percent) behaviours prolonged in such weather conditions, which were mostly during midday. The avoidance-related behaviour of the steers during handling varies, with the steers showing more avoidance and aggression in other weeks than some. These variations could however be traced back to the events of that particular day/time of handling. Only Weighing Box (WBS) and stepping (SS) scores differed (P<0.05) with genotype; with more calm NG steers (> 40 percent) and not kicking than the ND steers that were more vocal (20–60 percent) and kicking (> 5 percent). In addition, the weekly behavioural responses were reflected (P<0.05) in the measured cortisol, glucose and lactate. However, regardless of the prominent negative behaviour seen over time, the levels of the measured blood constituents continued to drop. Furthermore, steers of different genotypes displayed similar (P>0.05) response to the identical pre-slaughter conditions they were exposed to. However, steers that were Transport Group 1 (TG1) showed more avoidance (63.2 percent) pre-slaughter than those in TG2 (23.9 percent). Furthermore, all the steers that were in slaughter Group 2 (SG2) showed less avoidance behaviour than those in other groups. Vocalization was observed only for ND steers (5 percent), in TG1 and SG2. Some connections between the observed pre-slaughter activities and some behavioural and physiological changes of these steers were established; with TG1 and SG1 steers showing higher cortisol (140±14.50 and 175.9±17.24 nmol/L, respectively) and lactate (12.4±0.83 and 13.5±1.12 mmolL) levels than the other groups. Lastly, the muscle type, genotype, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness have an effect on some meat quality characteristics of the two genotypes; with the L. dorsi muscle having highest WBSF (38.0±1.35N) than the Superficial pectoral muscle (Brisket muscle) (30.7±1.35N). Additionally, steers lairaged for a shorter time produced a L. dorsi with higher WBSF (41.6±2.34N) and a Brisket with lower TL (2.7±0.24 percent). It can therefore be concluded that the conditions and activities at the farm, during transportation, lairaging and slaughter at the abattoir have an influence on some behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef harvested from the Nguni and non-descript steers that were extensively-reared in natural pastures. However, the relationship patterns between these different conditions are not clear.

This thesis represents a series and hierarchy of architectural ideas explored through the vessel of one design project; a multi-generational family farm house in Blacksburg, Virginia. The relationship between ideas of courtyard and farmyard, as joined and segregated spaces, is one level of exploration. Another is the relationship between such spaces, joined and segregated, within the interior of the main house. From these primary ideas emerged several other ideas related to nature and qualities of these spaces as built entities, such as meaning, proportion, pattern, and material.<br>Master of Architecture

One of the main deterrents against group-housing systems of dry sows is the aggression between animals and the expensive designs necessary to prevent this. This is related to the low feeding level accepted in practice. The low level of feeding is also linked to the occurrence of stereotypies which are generally accepted as an indication of poor welfare. An ad libitum feeding system which does not result in excessive intake and concomitant problems of obesity, might improve sow welfare and have economical advantages in reducing capital cost. Suitable diets might be high-fibre diets. High inclusion levels of several fibrous materials failed to prevent excessive intake. Only unmolassed sugarbeet pulp gave acceptable results, when included at a level of 580 to 650 g/kg. Composition of the fibre appeared to be more important in regulating voluntary intake than fibre concentration of the diet per se. A diet containing a high level of sugarbeet pulp (SBP) had a long transit time and high nutrient digestibility. Nutrient digestibility was influenced by protein level and source. A SBP diet appeared to regulate intake by physical, physiological and metabolic mechanisms. The large volume of wet sugarbeet pulp will increase gastro-intestinal fill. The rate of glucose absorption and secretion of insulin was reduced. A high pre-feeding plasma VFA concentration indicated a more constant supply of nutrients for a longer period after feeding. A SBP diet increased feeding time four-fold. Animals receiving a SBP diet were less active and engaged to a lesser extent in post-feeding oral behaviours. A marked reduction in time spent rooting suggests that the sows were less food-motivated.

A programme of study was undertaken to assess the welfare status of multiparous gestating sows housed in dynamic groups in a straw yard and fed by electronic sow feeders (ESF). Comparison of production figures from the Seale-Hayne herd with those nationally confirmed its status as a typical commercial unit. In an initial series of investigations, detailed ethograms were compiled to describe the animals' repertoire of activities and interactions. Lying and straw manipulation were found to be the predominant behaviours and attacks directed towards the head were the most commonly performed type of interaction. Although there was little evidence of aggressive behaviour, most interactions were found to occur in areas where there was an obvious source of competition, namely the feeding and lying areas. A recording scale was devised to assess the level of skin damage arising from aggressive interactions. Whilst data revealed a relationship between parity and the extent of injury, both the frequency and intensity of injury were found to be low for all animals and there was very little evidence of vulva biting, commonly cited as a major criticism of group-housing systems. Animals were observed to rest predominantly in the lying area. There was an association between parity and resting location, with older animals occupying those areas perceived to be more favourable. Recently introduced gilts and sows were observed to integrate gradually with the main group. An argument is put forward for the existence of sub-groups based upon parity within the main group, although it was concluded that it was difficult to prove such a theory. A series of voluntary feed intake (VFI) trials revealed that the animals' feeding motivation was not satisfied by the allowance fed in gestation. Results from a trial when animals were offered a high fibre, low energy diet in comparison with their conventional feed suggested that the animals had a requirement for a certain level of energy and were not motivated simply by a desire for gut-fill. However, a subsequent investigation into the animals feeding behaviour did not reveal any evidence of a frustrated feeding motivation; there was little evidence of non-feeding visits and few animals were recorded in the feed queue throughout the day. It is concluded that sows can be group-housed in a dynamic system on a restricted feed intake without detriment to their welfare or productivity status. A number of factors were found to be critical to the success of such a system including the freedom for animals to behave as individuals, the regular provision of fresh straw and adequate space for newly introduced animals to integrate gradually with the herd.

This diploma thesis deals with the processing of project documentation in the documentation phase for construction of building object SO 01 – Detached house with facilities. The thesis is not worked out in full extent, as prescribed in Decree No. 62/2013 Coll. Amending Decree No. 499/2006 Coll., On Construction Documentation. It includes only part A (Data Accompanying Report), B (Summary Technical Report), C (Situational Drawings), D.1.1 (Architectural and Building Solutions) and D.1.3 (Fire Safety Solutions) of Appendix 6 of this Decree. In addition, a thermal-technical assessment of the building was elaborated. There are two specializations in small range as additional part of the documentation as well. The proposed two-storey house with small cellar is situated on flat land in the village of Lipová-lázně and layout of the object is divided into two parts, part of house with function of housing and part with facilities for cooking and catering for more persons.