Welfare issues of modern deer farming

Abstract

This paper will start with briefly outlining the recent domestication history of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), followed by a description of the present status of modern deer farming. It will then review the main welfare issues of deer farming. The following aspects will be considered: accommodation and housing, management and handling, nutrition (feed and water provision), transport and slaughter, plus a short mention of velvet harvest. As a summary, the following practices can be recommended to ensure animal welfare in modern deer farming: the adoption of suitable housing systems and of adequate management techniques (e.g. specific handling pens and drop-floor cradles or crushes) and the respect of specific needs (e.g. provision of protection and shelter from predators as well as from climatic extremes, such as cold winds or direct solar radiation). Handling and yarding operations will be easier when they occur in dim light. Special attention must be paid to the manipulation of the newborns. At the slaughterhouse, facilities must be designed specifically for deer. The presence of well trained stockpersons, with a sound knowledge of deer physiology and behaviour, is also a key-factor for improving welfare levels in deer farms. To achieve these aims, training of the managers and stockpersons and the adoption of specific codes of conducts are highly recommendable.

Accumulation of Toxic Elements in Bone and Bone Marrow of Deer Living in Various Ecosystems. A Case Study of Farmed and Wild-Living Deer

“…The first group of animals was bred at the Research Station of the Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kosewo Górne (Region of Warmia and Mazury; Poland; N: 53°48′; E: 21°23′). The breeding system was based on rotational pasture within plots with an area and density recommended by DEFRA [ 26 ], FEDFA [ 27 ], and Mattiello [ 10 ]. During the summer grazing period (April to October), the studied animals fed on the available pasture vegetation.…”

“…Grasses may account for 40% of their diet in autumn and winter but only 5–20% per year [ 8 ] depending on the precipitation rates [ 9 ]. In contrast, grasses and herbaceous plants are an important component of the diet of farmed deer and are usually consumed at a constant level [ 10 ]. The nutritional quality and concentrations of minerals in feed available in the environment may change without a predictable trend depending on the phenological phase of plants and between vegetation classes, types, and density structure [ 11 ].…”

Semen collection in Rusa timorensis under general anaesthesia by using ketamine-xylazine: Clinical study

“…The deer were herded from the paddock into the dark house as the deer are calmer in the dark house, which allowing for physical restraint in small-sized area (15). The head of the deer was controlled by farmer, while other person held the deer shoulder while exerting downward pressure to prevent the deer from jumping (16).…”

Thermography as a tool to monitor the velvet temperature and ossification stage of fallow deer (Dama dama) antlers under normal and modified photoperiodic conditions

“…Thermal imaging is, thus, a useful technique for monitoring the process. This knowledge concerning the ossification is frequently useful on zoo gardens or cervid farms to guarantee the safety of personnel and to prevent lethal accidents during deer fights (Mattiello 2009). Antler cutting dates should be carefully planned to improve the animal welfare, minimise stress and eliminate pain without the need for pharmacological sedation (Cook and Schaefer 2002;Cook et al 2005;Webster and Matthews 2006).…”