Improving Loading Facilities and Methods to Minimize Stress on Animals during Transport from Farm to Abattoir

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.

Effect of Transport Times on Welfare of Pigs

The aim of the study was to investigate effect of transport times of up to 12 h on pigs＇ welfare. An observation box was located on the 3rd floor of the vehicle. Device to measure temperature, humidity and video camera to monitor pigs＇ behaviors were fitted in the box. Eighteen measurements were performed during two seasons for 4, 8, and 12 h of transport time with three replications. Meat samples were taken from longissimus dorsi （LD） and the carcases were chilled for 24 h at ＋4 ~C for pH determination. To determine cortisol, glucose, lactate, and creatine kinase concentration levels, blood samples were collected before and after transport from 90 pigs and from 20 controls that were not transported for control purposes. To evaluate behavioural alterations, frequency of events and durations were considered. Highest pH24 of 5.99 ＋ 0.29 occurred during summer at 12 h transport time. Cortisol concentrations elevated during short and decreased with an increase of transport time （P 〈 0.001）. Highest and lowest glucose concentrations for winter and summer were at 8 and 12 h transport time, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. Concentrations of lactate and creatine kinase positively correlated with transport time （P 〈 0.002）. Lying, sitting, rooting and vocalization behaviours correlated with transport time （P 〈 0.009）. Certain THI values during summer surpassed normal （〉 74） level during loading. The pH24 value correlated with transport time during summer. Lactate and creatine kinase concentrations increased with an increase in transport time but for Glucose, highest value was at 8 h transport time.