Open AccessWelfare of small ruminants during transport
Author(s) -
Nielsen Søren Saxmose,
Alvarez Julio,
Bicout Dominique Joseph,
Calistri Paolo,
Canali Elisabetta,
Drewe Julian Ashley,
GarinBastuji Bruno,
Gonzales Rojas Jose Luis,
Gortázar Schmidt Christian,
Michel Virginie,
Miranda Chueca Miguel Ángel,
Padalino Barbara,
Pasquali Paolo,
Roberts Helen Clare,
Spoolder Hans,
Stahl Karl,
Velarde Antonio,
Viltrop Arvo,
Winckler Christoph,
Earley Bernadette,
Edwards Sandra,
Faucitano Luigi,
Marti Sonia,
Miranda de La Lama Genaro C,
Nanni Costa Leonardo,
Thomsen Peter T,
Ashe Sean,
Mur Lina,
Van der Stede Yves,
Herskin Mette
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7404
Subject(s) - animal welfare , welfare , animal husbandry , business , legislation , commission , environmental health , environmental resource management , medicine , biology , environmental science , ecology , political science , agriculture , finance , law
Abstract In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with the protection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) during transport. The main focus is on welfare of sheep during transport by road but other means of transport and concerns for welfare of goats during transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of sheep during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of sheep during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, predation stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal‐based measures are described. A wide variety of hazards, mainly relating to inappropriate or aggressive handling of animals, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices, leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time were assessed in relation to maximum journey time. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to the export of sheep by livestock vessels, export of sheep by road, roll‐on‐roll‐off vessels and ‘special health status animals’, and lists welfare concerns associated with these.