Douleurs et pratiques d'élevage, des fondements théoriques aux applications expérimentales : exemples d'actions du réseau AGRI bien-être animal

Abstract

In agreement with the European movement towards recognition of animal sensitivity, a group of INRA scientists, from complementary fields, have focused their work on the issue of pain associated with certain farming practices. After a step devoted to define the concepts of sensitivity, nociception, pain and suffering, several practices were selected : castration, teeth clipping and tail docking in piglets, force feeding in Mulard ducks, and feeding practices designed to increase milk yields in small ruminants (goats). Various functional indices and behavioural signs, known for their association with stress, pain or inflammation, were studied. The data include endocrine parameters (cortisol or corticosterone, ACTH), glucose or lactate levels, a neuro-vegetative index such as the heart rate, neurogenic plasma extravasation, evidence of local inflammation, which can be demonstrated with a marker such as circulating haptoglobin. Behavioural signs associated with different practices were systematically analysed. This approach leads to the creation of a new field of research and to the accumulation of knowledge in order to i) understand the genesis of nociceptive signals of somesthetic or visceral origin, and ii) evaluate sensory or emotional experiences associated with such practices. Our data show that some husbandry practices that were studied generate pain and inflammatory responses.