Behavior and Health Indicators to Assess Cull Cow's Welfare in Livestock Markets

Sánchez-Hidalgo, Melissa; Bravo, Viviana; Gallo, Carmen

doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00471

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…During unloading of the calves, we found that slips (25.1%), followed by vocalizations (14.7%), were the most frequently observed, whereas slips (14.7%) and reversals (11.5%) were the most frequently observed during loading. Observations performed in cull cows during unloading and loading in the same auction markets showed similar results [34]. However, in both cases, the percentages of these behaviours were much higher than acceptable according to Grandin [33].…”

Section: Welfare Indicators During Unloading and Loading Proceduressupporting

confidence: 56%

Transport, Associated Handling Procedures and Behaviour of Calves Marketed through Chilean Auction Markets

Bravo

Knowles

Gallo

2020

Animals

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In Chile, selling animals through livestock markets is common. At markets, stressful events like loading, unloading and travel are at least duplicated. We described procedures associated with transport of calves at 20 markets and evaluated compliance with Chilean law by performing a survey of drivers who transport calves from origin farms to markets (OM) and from markets to destination (MD). During loading and unloading, we evaluated handling by stockpersons, facilities, fitness for transport, and behavioural indicators of the calves through direct observation using protocols. A total of 80% of drivers claimed having the training required by law. The mean travel time was 1 h 31 min for OM and 1 h 44 min for MD journeys (overall range 5 min–40.5 h). Most drivers used bedding material and provided adequate space availability. A total of 99.2% of the observed calves were assessed as fit to transport; slipping, turning back, vocalizing and balking were frequent behaviours observed during loading and unloading. Prohibited practices like prodding and hitting using driving devices were still observed, mainly during loading. Compliance with the law during transport of calves was adhered to; however, the associated handling within markets was still inadequate, evidencing need for training in order to improve animal welfare.

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Section: Welfare Indicators During Unloading and Loading Proceduressupporting

confidence: 56%

Transport, Associated Handling Procedures and Behaviour of Calves Marketed through Chilean Auction Markets

Bravo

Knowles

Gallo

2020

Animals

Self Cite

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“…Cull cows may be sent for slaughter via auction markets. Sending cull animals to an auction market often will involve consecutive journeys, increase the overall journey duration and expose the animals to extra handling (Sánchez‐Hidalgo et al., 2020), novel environments, restricted availability of feed and water, cold or hot environments; provide reduced opportunities for rest; and more opportunity for any existing health condition to deteriorate. If the marketing process is prolonged, it can result in a loss of body weight (Arp et al., 2011), body condition (Stojkov et al., 2020) and signs of dehydration (Vogels et al., 2011).…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of cattle during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of cattle (including calves) during transport. Welfare of cattle during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of cattle during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of cattle during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards, mainly relating to inexperienced/untrained handlers, inappropriate handling, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions, and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport for cattle. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of unweaned calves, cull cows, the export of cattle by livestock vessels, the export of cattle by road, rollon-roll-off ferries and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.

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“…Bruises result from damaged blood vessels due to a blow on the skin, and scratches are surface wounds. They may be caused by the use of sticks, collisions with equipment or other animals, or by a vertical sliding door closed while an animal is underneath, striking its back or shoulders (Bourguet et al, 2011a;Sanchez-Hidalgo et al, 2020;Strappini et al, 2013). Lacerations and tears penetrate the skin and are caused by sharp objects, such as hoofs and teeth of conspecifics, or sharp pen fittings.…”

Section: Consequences Of Stress Reactions On Carcass and Meat Quality...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Chapter 1: Quantifying animal welfare preslaughter using behavioural, physiological and carcass and meat quality measures

Terlouw

Bourguet²

2022

Preslaughter Handling and Slaughter of Meat Animals

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Animal welfare and stress refer to the subjective experience of the animal, which depends on its emotional and cognitive capacities to evaluate the situation it is in, to know its body state in terms of needs, and the higher-order, conscious, processing of the information. The origin of stress-inducing factors may be psychological, such as fear, or physical, such as food deprivation. In both cases, they influence the emotional status of the animal. Due to its subjective, therefore unmeasurable, character, the assessment of animal welfare is indirect. During the preslaughter period, this assessment relies on the physiological and behavioural stress reactions and environmental context. Physiological reactions are not specific to stress; they allow any adaptive response potentially requiring increased physical activity and vigilance. Combining physiological measurements and behavioural observations in relation to the environmental context allow interpreting these different types of information in terms of stress. Physiological and behavioural reactions further influence meat quality traits, such as post-mortem temperature and pH decline, which influence other traits, such as colour and tenderness, and carcass quality characteristics, such as bruising. Individuals show a degree of consistency in their responses to stress factors. The determination of the animal's stress reactivity using standardised tests before slaughter facilitates the interpretation of the physiological and behavioural observations made in the slaughter setting. Stress reactivity determined before slaughter may predict stress reactions at slaughter, and future meat quality. Summarising, the assessment of animal welfare and stress involves the interpretation of a range of measurements on the physiology and behaviour of the animal, the environmental context, post-mortem meat and carcass quality traits, and the characteristics of the animal itself, in terms of stress reactivity and rearing and genetic background.

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Behavior and Health Indicators to Assess Cull Cow's Welfare in Livestock Markets

Cited by 12 publications

References 26 publications

Transport, Associated Handling Procedures and Behaviour of Calves Marketed through Chilean Auction Markets

Transport, Associated Handling Procedures and Behaviour of Calves Marketed through Chilean Auction Markets

Welfare of cattle during transport

Chapter 1: Quantifying animal welfare preslaughter using behavioural, physiological and carcass and meat quality measures

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