Transport and handlings of slaughter animals are associated with series of stressful activities which compromise the welfare of animals. The main objective of this study was to improve loading methods and facilities t...Transport and handlings of slaughter animals are associated with series of stressful activities which compromise the welfare of animals. The main objective of this study was to improve loading methods and facilities to minimize the prevailing adverse effects on animal welfare during transport. The study was conducted using cattle from animal farms in Uppsala, Sweden. Data were gathered through field measurements. The inclination of loading ramp was measured using inclinometer while floor quality was evaluated using Skid Resistance Tester. The effect of using loading dock was studied. Continuous measurements of heart rate were made on 349 animals using POLAR Vantage equipment, before transport, during transport and unloading. Vocalization, refusal to leave original place, defecation, urination, refusal to move forward towards a gate, slipping, running away and falling were also observed and recorded as indicators of behavioural alterations during loading activities. The size of observed ramp angles in the farms ranged from 5° to 29°. The heart rate measurement result indicated that loading, unloading and confinement in the stunning box were the most stressful activities. During loading, heart rate elevated by about 42.5% when the animals were forced to leave their original place and turn 180 ℃, by about 39% when animals were forced to move to the loading gate and by about 75% when animals were forced to climb the ramp. The result showed that heart rate increased significantly （P 〈 0.007） with an increase of ramp angle. During loading, when loading dock was used, ramp angle was about zero degree and the increase in heart rate was marginal （ranging from 10% to 23%）, while the figure was about 75% without loading dock. About 72% of loose animals and 89% of tied animals strongly refused to climb the ramp and enter the vehicle. Regarding floor quality, the rubber mat had the highest friction coefficient of 0.72 ± 0.024 BPN （British Pendulum Number） and concrete slates had the lowest friction coefficient （0.39 ± 0.028 BPN）. Incidence of slippery was observed more in tied animals than in loose animals. About 5.7% of observed animals （280 animals） had elongated and curled hooves.展开更多
文摘Transport and handlings of slaughter animals are associated with series of stressful activities which compromise the welfare of animals. The main objective of this study was to improve loading methods and facilities to minimize the prevailing adverse effects on animal welfare during transport. The study was conducted using cattle from animal farms in Uppsala, Sweden. Data were gathered through field measurements. The inclination of loading ramp was measured using inclinometer while floor quality was evaluated using Skid Resistance Tester. The effect of using loading dock was studied. Continuous measurements of heart rate were made on 349 animals using POLAR Vantage equipment, before transport, during transport and unloading. Vocalization, refusal to leave original place, defecation, urination, refusal to move forward towards a gate, slipping, running away and falling were also observed and recorded as indicators of behavioural alterations during loading activities. The size of observed ramp angles in the farms ranged from 5° to 29°. The heart rate measurement result indicated that loading, unloading and confinement in the stunning box were the most stressful activities. During loading, heart rate elevated by about 42.5% when the animals were forced to leave their original place and turn 180 ℃, by about 39% when animals were forced to move to the loading gate and by about 75% when animals were forced to climb the ramp. The result showed that heart rate increased significantly （P 〈 0.007） with an increase of ramp angle. During loading, when loading dock was used, ramp angle was about zero degree and the increase in heart rate was marginal （ranging from 10% to 23%）, while the figure was about 75% without loading dock. About 72% of loose animals and 89% of tied animals strongly refused to climb the ramp and enter the vehicle. Regarding floor quality, the rubber mat had the highest friction coefficient of 0.72 ± 0.024 BPN （British Pendulum Number） and concrete slates had the lowest friction coefficient （0.39 ± 0.028 BPN）. Incidence of slippery was observed more in tied animals than in loose animals. About 5.7% of observed animals （280 animals） had elongated and curled hooves.
