Abstract
A total of 72 male lambs of Merina breed were sampled in a 3×2 factorial design, testing three different space allowances treatment (SA) during transport [0.16 m2/animal (SAL; n=24); 0.20 m2/animal (SAM; n=24) and 0.30 m2/animal (SAH; n=24)] and two lairage treatments (TL) during 18 h previous slaughter [fasting (FAST; n=36) vs feeding (FEED; n=36)] on welfare physiological indicators. After transport, glucose and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were highest in SAM group and lowest in SAH one (p<0.05). SAL showed intermediate values for both parameters. SA did not affect the rest of the blood parameters studied. TL-FAST treatment decreased glucose values (p<0.001) while increased LDH (p<0.001). Fasting caused an increase (p<0.05) of Red Blood Cell Count values in SAM group. Feed deprivation did not affect cortisol or adrenaline values. Noradrenaline value was higher (p<0.001) in TL-FAST groups than in TL-FEED. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, a range of space allowance during transport between 0.16 and 0.30 m2/lamb could be recommended without showing major changes on welfare physiological indicators; and feeding could be more appropriate than fasting during lairage.
Highlights
One of the main Spanish breeds of sheep, the Merina breed, is raised in the region of Extremadura (SW Spain) and it is the foremost commercial sheep breed in the world
Research on space allowances has been published for sheep (Cockram et al, 1996; De la Fuente et al, 2010, 2012; Knowless et al, 1998; on Suffolk × Greyface, suckling Assaf lambs, and shorn and unshorn lambs, respectively)
According to Mellor et al (2002) cortisol and adrenaline values increase with emotional anxiety, while noradrenaline seems to be related to physical stress
Summary
One of the main Spanish breeds of sheep, the Merina breed, is raised in the region of Extremadura (SW Spain) and it is the foremost commercial sheep breed in the world (http://www.merino2014.com/conference. html). Many factors relate directly to pre-slaughter stress, such as transport, fasting, conditions in the abattoir which may affect meat quality (Sañudo et al, 1998). Animal transport is an important phase in all systems of meat production (Ljungberg et al, 2007). Transportation by road is the most common method used for lambs and causes changes in many blood parameters as a consequence of stress response (Knowles, 1998). According to Broom (2008), space allowed during transport is one of the most important factors influencing animal welfare. Protection of animals during transport is a legal requirement according to European law (EC, 2004) to prevent injurie or undue suffering and to ensure appropriate conditions to meet their biological needs.
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