Objectif
The aims of this collaborative study are to assess the effects on sheep of handling, loading, unloading vehicle driving methods, journey duration, periods when the vehicle is stationary at various temperatures, food deprivation and water deprivation. The specific objectives can therefore be summarised as follows:
- Assessment of the effects on sheep of journeys by road of various durations and in various conditions.
- Acquisition of fundamental scientific information about the responses of sheep to adversity.
- Development of methods for assessing welfare of sheep and use of these in relation to loading procedures, previous human contact, social factors, extent of vehicle movement, physical conditions in vehicles, stocking density, food deprivation and water deprivation.
- Investigation of the relationships between the various measures of welfare, carcass damage and meat quality.
The results of this work will provide important fundamental scientific information concerning the responses of animals to adversity. They will also allow advice to be formulated on how to improve sheep welfare and to provide evidence upon which EC legislation and guidelines for hauliers can be based.
Thème(s)
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinateur
CB3 0ES Cambridge
Royaume-Uni