Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Handling, loading, transport time and unloading in connection to transport of farm animals affect animal welfare. Induced effects include both psychological and physiological stress responses in animals. The physiological parameters may be measured through blood analysis while behavioural changes often manifest themselves through increased vocalisation, escape attempts and apathy. Physiological parameters are additional parameters of importance when measuring animal stress responses.

The handlers behavior during transport has been shown to have major impact on animal welfare and the quality of meat. Animal friendly handling and driving of animals create a more manageable work environment for the handlers.

To further increase animal welfare in connection to transport, stables should be built with well adapted drift passage and ramps on the transport vehicle. Well adapted stables and transport vehicles significantly reduces animal stress, harm and mortality. This will effect sizeable economic benefit to farmers, slaughterhouses and consumers. Stables and transport vehicles should be equipped with sufficient lighting as animals commonly exhibit aversion to darkness and prefer moving from a darker to a brighter space. Lighting should be directed so it never falls straight into the eyes of animals and in a way shadows on the ground are kept at a minimum as not to scare animals from moving. When constructing vehicle ramps it’s important to take into account the ramp inclination, width, side walls and paving material.

Another important factor is the formation of new animal groups in connection to transport. New group constellations should be avoided as it causes social stress amongst herd animals. Regrouping animals creates new hierarkies which can result in physical damage to the animals.

Driving style also impacts animal welfare as the driving style affects risk of animal injury, balance and ability to rest during transport. Vehicle speed, rapid braking and acceleration, gear change and driving at high speed on winding roads has most significant effect.

In conclusion there is a wide variety of factors affecting animal welfare in connection to transport. Above mentioned factors should be taken into account simultaneously as they all affect animal welfare.