Water and the Welfare of Farm Animals

Keyserlingk, Marina A. G. von; Phillips, Clive J. C.; Nielsen, Birte L.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-27356-3_9

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…However, water requirements of farm animals and the impact of water restriction on animal welfare have received little scientific attention (Patience, 2012;Von Keyserlingk et al, 2015). Pigs must always have access to drinking water according to EU regulations (Council Directive 2008/120/EC of 18 December 2008), but providing water continuously for 24 h may represent a challenge, for instance when keeping pigs outdoors during periods of frosty weather (Andersen and Pedersen, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of varying duration of water restriction on drinking behaviour, welfare and production of lactating sows

Jensen

Schild

Theil

et al. 2016

Animal

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Access to drinking water is essential for animal welfare, but it is unclear if temporary water restriction during the night represents a welfare problem. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of various durations of nightly restriction of water on thirst in loose housed lactating sows from day 10 to 28 of lactation. A total of 48 sows were deprived of water for either 0 h (n = 12; control), 3 h (n = 12; 0500 to 0800 h), 6 h (n = 12; 0200 to 0800 h) or 12 h (n = 12; 2000 to 0800 h). Control sows consumed 22% of their water intake during the night (2000 to 0800 h), whereas water consumption during this time was reduced to 13%, 7% and 0% in sows restricted for 3, 6 and 12 h. With increased duration of nightly water restriction a reduced latency to drink (26.8, 18.0, 5.3 and 6.7 min for 0, 3, 6 and 12 h sows; P < 0.001) and an increased water intake during the 1 st hour after water became accessible (2.1, 3.4, 4.7 and 5.6 l for 0, 3, 6 and 12 h sows; P < 0.001) was seen. During the last 30 min before water became accessible more sows deprived of water investigated (0%, 50%, 75%,and 50% of 0, 3, 6 and 12 h sows; P < 0.01) or forcefully manipulated (0%, 17%, 50% and 33% of 0, 3, 6 and 12 h sows; P < 0.05) the water trough, suggesting frustration and a negative experience of thirst. When all signs of imminent water access were provided, but access was delayed by 25 min, a tendency for more of the sows deprived of water for 6 and 12 h to interact forcefully with the water trough was seen (22%, 18%, 42% and 67% of 0, 3, 6 and 12 h sows; P = 0.09). Duration of water restriction did not affect water consumption on a 24-h basis, nursing behaviour or performance. In conclusion, behavioural indicators of thirst increased with increasing duration of nightly water restriction in lactating sows.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of varying duration of water restriction on drinking behaviour, welfare and production of lactating sows

Jensen

Schild

Theil

et al. 2016

Animal

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“…Adult and growing cattle require a large volume of water to maintain homeostasis. For example, growing beef cattle drink approximately 27 to 66 L/day (Von Keyserlingk et al., 2016. Dairy cows producing over 30 kg of milk per day require a significant supply of fresh water as they can consume from 80 to > 100 L/day of water (Von Keyserlingk et al., 2016).…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, growing beef cattle drink approximately 27 to 66 L/day (Von Keyserlingk et al., 2016. Dairy cows producing over 30 kg of milk per day require a significant supply of fresh water as they can consume from 80 to > 100 L/day of water (Von Keyserlingk et al., 2016). Therefore, water requirements of cattle are high (around 0.09 L/kg live weight per day).…”

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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“…Adult and growing cattle require a large volume of water to maintain homeostasis, for example, growing beef cattle drink ~ 27 to 66 L per day (von Keyserlingk et al., 2016). Dairy cows producing over 30 kg of milk per day require a significant supply of fresh water as they can consume from 80 to 100 L of water or more per day (von Keyserlingk et al., 2016). Therefore, water requirements of cattle are high (around 0.09 L/kg live weight) and water deprivation can lead to thirst and metabolic and physiological consequences like dehydration.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of cattle at slaughter

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2020

EFS2

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The killing of cattle for human consumption (slaughtering) can take place in a slaughterhouse or on farm. The processes of slaughtering that were assessed for welfare, from the arrival of cattle until their death (including slaughtering without stunning), were grouped into three main phases: pre-stunning (including arrival, unloading from the truck, lairage, handling and moving of cattle); stunning (including restraint); and bleeding. Stunning methods were grouped into two categories: mechanical and electrical. Twelve welfare consequences that cattle may be exposed to during slaughter were identified: heat stress, cold stress, fatigue, prolonged thirst, prolonged hunger, impeded movement, restriction of movements, resting problems (inability to rest or discomfort during resting), social stress, pain, fear and distress. Welfare consequences and their relevant animal-based measures are described. In total, 40 welfare hazards that could occur during slaughter were identified and characterised, most of them related to stunning and bleeding. Staff were identified as the origin of 39 hazards, which were attributed to the lack of appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or to fatigue. Measures to prevent and correct hazards were identified, and structural and managerial measures were identified as those with a crucial role in prevention. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origin of hazards, and preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences are proposed.

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Water and the Welfare of Farm Animals

Cited by 10 publications

References 64 publications

The effect of varying duration of water restriction on drinking behaviour, welfare and production of lactating sows

The effect of varying duration of water restriction on drinking behaviour, welfare and production of lactating sows

Welfare of cattle during transport

Welfare of cattle at slaughter

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