Handling and moving cull sows upon arrival at the slaughterhouse—Effects of small versus larger groups of sows

Herskin, Mette S.; Christensen, Sanne W.; Rousing, Tine

doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105113

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…This may happen if a pig has a pre-existing, but non-identified, painful condition. Even though this should not happen, it is not always possible to identify pathological conditions in pigs while they are on-farm, that could subsequently affect their ability to respond to transport (as surveyed by Herskin et al (2020) and Thodberg et al (2020) among sow farmers and livestock drivers, respectively).…”

Section: F) Summary On Journey Durationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Consequently, the mixing of unfamiliar sows has long been recognised as a welfare problem, mainly due to inter-sow aggression (Greenwood et al, 2014). Herskin et al (2020) and Thodberg et al (2020) conducted surveys among sow herd owners and livestock drivers, respectively. One central outcome of these was the clear answer 'yes', when asked about whether sows are mixed before and/or during transport to slaughter.…”

Section: Ii) Group Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…No studies have documented sow behaviour onboard transport vehicles, but Thodberg et al (2019) found increased occurrence of superficial skin lesions in sows after arrival to the slaughterhouse, possibly the outcome of intrajourney fighting. Herskin et al (2020) studied the behaviour of cull sows during 6 h after mixing in onfarm pick-up pens before transport and observed a median occurrence of aggressive interactions per pen holding 3-4 sows of 33, ranging from 11 to 55. In addition, based on a small data set on the behaviour of sows when kept in pick-up vehicles before being picked up by larger trucks, Herskin et al (2017) recorded incidents of aggression even when the stay was shorter than 10 min.…”

Section: Ii) Group Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Herskin et al. (2020) and Thodberg et al. (2020) conducted surveys among sow herd owners and livestock drivers, respectively.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Welfare of pigs 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 pigs during transport. The welfare of pigs during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of pigs during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 10 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for the welfare of pigs during transport based on the severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified, mainly relating to factors such as mixing of unfamiliar pigs, inappropriate handling methods and devices, the use of pick-up pens, inexperienced/untrained handlers, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport of pigs. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences are made. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions and minimum space allowance within means of transport. The development of the 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 cull sows and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.

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Section: F) Summary On Journey Durationmentioning

confidence: 99%