Aradom Messmer, Samuel
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
During transport animals are exposed to a number of stressors such as, separation from familiar and mixing with unfamiliar groups, vibration and transport time. Logistics chain of animals comprises collecting from farms, transport, unloading and slaughter chain operations. The current licentiate thesis deals with transport of pigs and cattle from farms to abattoirs including all logistics chain. Two trucks with natural ventilation and air suspension systems were used for field experiments. Stress hormones such as cortisol, glucose, lactate and creatine kinease, ethological parameters, carcass pH value, temperature and relative humidity were measured to study effect of transport on pigs welfare. Vibration levels on chassi, floor and cattle were studied and the influence of speeds, road types and cattle standing orientations on vibration levels were investigated. Field measurements were also conducted to describe the potential effect of operations planning and route optimization on welfare and meat quality. Highest pH24 value was (5.990.29) at 12 h summer transport time. Concentrations of cortisol was inversely proportional (P
Keywords
transport time; animal welfare; animal behaviour; creatine kinease; vibration; route optimisation
Published in
Rapport (Institutionen för energi och teknik, SLU)
2012, number: 042
Publisher: Dept. of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Animal and Dairy Science
Publication identifier
- ISBN: 978-91-576-9078-4
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/79048