THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS IN FARM ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION - A REVIEW

The literature on the influence of interactions of humans with farm animals (ruminants, poultry and pigs) on production and reproduction has been critically reviewed. The conclusion from this work is that interactions between the stockman and his animals can have a significant influence on behaviour, welfare and zootechnical performances of animals. In dairy cattle milk yield per cow and per session could increase 0,7 liters, according to the milker. Results in poultry were very divergent, probably due to slight differences in procedure. Pleasant handling in pigs resulted in better growth rates (from 0,8 to 12,4%), a higher pregnancy rate (164%), more piglets born per farrowing (8,6%), and a reduction of piglet mortality at 3 weeks (37%). Finally further research on this topic is advocated, and more specifically related to differences of temperament in farm animals.