The variability of animal-based parameters was studied within a population of 41 farrow-to-finish farms. Data were collected during three visits, each corresponding to a different season within a two-year period. The largest between-farm variability was observed for stereotypic behaviour by pregnant sows, and for skin, ear and tail lesions, dirtiness and respiratory problems in growing pigs. Relationships with housing and management parameters were established to formulate advice on how to improve pigs' welfare. Group-housed sows performed less oral stereotypic behaviour than individual housed sows (18.7 versus 44.1%), but a higher proportion of skin lesions was observed in group-housed sows (15.4 versus 2.0%). Prevalence of tail-biting behaviour varied between 0 and 21%. The risk for tail biting was higher in cases of reduced levels of floor space per pig, and ear-biting behaviour occurred more often when tails were docked short. Coughing was not correlated directly with the occurrence of lung lesions, but the risk was higher in instances of reduced space availability per pig. Farms could be ranked according to these welfare parameters, ie either according to the score of each individual parameter or based on the summation of all scores. Hence, welfare status was defined in relation to farm-specific information, allowing formulation of advice on housing and management to ultimately improve pig welfare through the matching of a predefined benchmark.

• Adequate teat preparation before cluster attachment is key to maintain healthy udders and milk quality. • A pre-milking udder preparation routine should stimulate milk letdown and minimize the risk of infection and contamination of milk by bacteria and soil. • Work over the years has shown that clear benefits in udder health and milk quality are obtained when applying a full milking routine (Tables 1 and 2). • Even though a "one fits all" routine may not be applicable, a review of key udder preparations is presented to remind farmers of the importance of creating and implementing an udder preparation routine before milking. • Maintaining healthy udders and producing high quality milk should be a passion for all dairy producers. Key points presented below are part of a full pre-milking routine.

The use of CuSO 4 footbaths in hoof care routines is practiced all over the world and its efficacy is well known.

No abstract