On-farm pig dispatch methods and stockpeople attitudes on their use

Nenhuma Miniatura disponível

Data

2019-03-01

Autores

Dalla Costa, Filipe Antonio [UNESP]
Gibson, Troy John
Oliveira, Steffan Edward Octávio
Gregory, Neville George
Coldebella, Arlei
Faucitano, Luigi
Dalla Costa, Osmar Antonio

Título da Revista

ISSN da Revista

Título de Volume

Editor

Resumo

This study surveyed the on-farm dispatching methods used at pig farms, the characteristics of stockpeople operating them, in terms of training and management, and their opinions and attitudes about the efficiency and safety of the applied procedures. Independently of the pig type, the most used dispatching methods at the surveyed Brazilian farms were concussion (90%) and electrocution (5%). Both methods were reported as being efficient and safe for on-farm pig dispatching by most stockpeople (83%). However, 33% of all stockpeople reported they would prefer to use alternative methods, i.e., anesthetics (23%) or electrocution (32%). Only 7% of the stockpeople received training resulting in a more efficient application of the method (P < 0.05). Most stockpeople (96%) declared to feel uncomfortable with the dispatching procedure they use. This discomfort lasted for half a day or longer in 22% of them. The results of this survey suggest that the application of dispatching methods at pig farms may result in animal welfare issues related to the effectiveness of the methods and the attitudes of stockpeople.

Descrição

Palavras-chave

Animal welfare, Caretaker, Culling, Killing, Stockpeople attitudes, Survey

Como citar

Livestock Science, v. 221, p. 1-5.