Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Suckling Lambs to Transport and Lairage

Authors: Ibáñez, M.; De la Fuente, J.; Thos, J.; de Chavarri, E González

Source: Animal Welfare, Volume 11, Number 2, May 2002 , pp. 223-230(8)

Publisher: Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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Abstract:

The effects on suckling lambs of two stocking densities during transport (high stocking density: eight lambs per m²; low stocking density: four lambs per m²) and two periods of lairage before slaughter(1.5 h and 3 h) were studied. The behaviour of lambs transported for short-duration journeys at the two stocking densities was recorded. At slaughter, blood samples were obtained after a lairage period and some physiological parameters related to stress were analysed: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), calcium (Ca²⁺), cortisol, and packed cell volume (PCV). There was a significant effect of stocking density on lambs' behaviour during transit. The number of lambs walking was greater at low than at high density(84 and 20 observations, respectively; P < 0.001) whilst the number standing was lower at low density(852 and366 observations, respectively). There was a significant effect (P < 0.001) of stocking density on the plasma concentration of LDH. The length of the period of lairage significantly affected plasma concentrations of LDH (P < 0.001), CK (P < 0.05), Ca²⁺ (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.05), as well as PCV (P < 0.01). The results show that stocking density affects the lambs' behaviour during transport. After the longer lairage period, plasma cortisol concentration is lower; meanwhile, the activity of LDH and CK is higher.

Keywords: ANIMAL WELFARE; LAIRAGE; STOCKING DENSITY; SUCKLING LAMBS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2002-05-01