1
|
Bonnichsen R, Hansen C, Søndergaard JR, Schrøder-Petersen DL. Effect of Stocking Density during CO 2 Stunning of Pigs on Induction Time and Activity Level Measured Using AI. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1953. [PMID: 38998065 PMCID: PMC11240643 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
During the CO2 stunning of pigs, a variation in their reaction to the gas and the duration of the induction period is observed. The stunning process can be affected by several conditions, such as stressful events and previous experiences, but the stocking density in the gondola may also have an impact. The objective was to investigate the effect of stocking density on the stunning process under commercial conditions. To quantify the pigs' reactions under industrial settings with a stocking density of up to eight pigs pr. Gondola (3.91 m2), the activity level was measured using an AI solution. Compared with a simulation of the expected induction period, a significantly longer induction period was found in gondolas containing seven and eight pigs (p < 0.001) but not when the gondolas contained three or four pigs. Both high and mean activity levels were significantly higher when stocking density was increased from three or four pigs to seven or eight pigs. The stunning process was thus negatively affected when increasing the stocking density. More knowledge is needed to explain this effect and to make statements on optimal stocking density. The measured activity levels may be a useful tool for obtaining information under commercial conditions and for documenting animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Bonnichsen
- Department of Food and Production, Danish Technological Institute, Gregersensvej, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark; (C.H.); (J.R.S.); (D.L.S.-P.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Winckler C, Viltrop A, Martin J, Raj M, Vyssotski A, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Manakidou A, Michel V. The use of high expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8855. [PMID: 39005713 PMCID: PMC11240110 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the use of high-expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry. A dossier was provided by the applicant as the basis for an assessment of the extent to which the method is able to provide a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the currently allowed methods for pigs and poultry. According to legislation, to be approved in the EU, new stunning methods must ensure (1) the absence of pain, distress or suffering until the onset of unconsciousness, and (2) that the animal remains unconscious until death. An ad hoc Working Group set up by EFSA performed the assessment as follows: (1) The data provided were checked against the criteria laid down in the EFSA Guidance (EFSA, 2018), and was found to partially fulfil those criteria; (2) extensive literature search; (3) data extraction for quantitative assessment; (4) qualitative exercise based on non-formal expert elicitation. The assessment led to conclude that it is more likely than not (certainty > 50%-100%) that high-expansion foam for stunning and killing pigs and poultry, named NEFS in container (Nitrogen Expansion Foam Stunning in container), provides a level of welfare at least equivalent to one or more of the currently allowed methods listed in Annex I of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009. The overall assessment of EFSA is valid only under the technical conditions described in this Opinion for laying hens, broiler chickens of all age and pigs weighing 15-41 kg in situations other than slaughter. The overall assessment of EFSA is that NEFS can be suitable for depopulation using containers for pig and poultry farms respecting the technical conditions and the categories and types of animals defined in this Scientific Opinion.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kobek-Kjeldager C, Jensen LD, Foldager L, Thodberg K, Schrøder-Petersen DL, Herskin MS. Effects of journey duration and temperature during pre-slaughter transport on behaviour of cull sows in lairage. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105016. [PMID: 37722218 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
This observational field study investigated the effects of journey duration, temperature, and waiting duration before unloading on the behaviour of 562 cull sows during lairage from 23 commercial loads. Each load consisted of sows originating from more than one herd, thus experiencing variable pre-slaughter transport and management. In lairage, sows were mixed in groups of 25, involving animals from all journey durations (min-max: 0.8-8.4 h) and video monitored for 60 min. At first most sows were in upright position (approximately 80-90%), decreasing to 30-40% after 30 min. After 60 min, 42% of the sows had initiated aggression (min-max: 0-43 events/sow), 28% had been subjected to aggressive behaviour (min-max: 0-14 events/sow), and 36% s were observed drinking (min-max: 0-16 events/sow). Several significant interactions were found between journey duration, the average temperature in the vehicle and lairage pen (averages: 4.3-26.2 °C) and waiting duration before unloading (min-max: 3-25 min). For example, after short journeys, sows exposed to higher temperature carried out more aggressive behaviour, while a higher temperature after long journeys was associated with more lying and less drinking. This suggests that the sows prioritised lying behaviour over drinking and establishing a dominance hierarchy. We discuss how the results may be interpreted as behavioural signs of fatigue, but further studies, for example involving quantification of physiological and motivational indicators, are needed to clarify this. Irrespectively, the present findings suggest that a stay in a lairage pen, as part of the pre-slaughter logistic chain, involves challenges for the welfare of the cull sows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Line D Jensen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Leslie Foldager
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen Thodberg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | - Mette S Herskin
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hognestad BW, Digranes N, Opsund VG, Espenes A, Haga HA. CO 2 Stunning in Pigs: Physiological Deviations at Onset of Excitatory Behaviour. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2387. [PMID: 37508164 PMCID: PMC10376161 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stunning by carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation is controversial because it is associated with vigorous movements and behaviours which may or may not be conscious reactions. Furthermore, it is unknown whether some behaviours might indicate the transition into unconsciousness. Our study objective was to investigate the loss of consciousness during CO2 stunning by linking physiological variables (in particular pH, PaO2 and PaCO2) to the onset of observed behaviours. A total of 11 cross-bred pigs were studied. A tracheostomy tube, venous and arterial cannulae were placed under sevoflurane anaesthesia. After recovery from this, and a "wash out" period of at least 30 min, arterial blood samples were taken (and baseline values established) before 90-95% CO2 in medical air was administered through the tracheostomy tube. Subsequent behaviours were video-recorded and key physiological variables were evaluated using an anaesthetic monitor and the frequent sampling of arterial blood (albeit with inconsistent inter-sample intervals). After the study, behaviours were classified in an ethogram. At the onset of behaviours categorised as "vigorous movement extremities", "opisthotonos" and "agonal gasping" pH values (range) were: 6.74-7.34; 6.66-6.96 and 6.65-6.87, while PaCO2 (kPa) was 4.6-42.2, 24.4-51.4 and 29.1-47.6. Based upon these values, we conclude that the pigs were probably unconscious at the onset of "opisthotonos" and "agonal gasping", but some were probably conscious at the onset of "vigorous movements".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bente Wabakken Hognestad
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Nora Digranes
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Vigdis Groven Opsund
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Arild Espenes
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Henning Andreas Haga
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martin JE, Baxter EM, Clarkson JM, Farish M, Clutton RE, Greenhalgh SN, Gregson R, McKeegan DEF. Characterizing candidate decompression rates for hypobaric hypoxic stunning of pigs. Part 1: Reflexive behavior and physiological responses. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1027878. [PMID: 36524223 PMCID: PMC9745335 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1027878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternatives to carbon dioxide (CO2) stunning for the commercial slaughter of pigs are urgently needed because there is robust evidence that exposing pigs to hypercapnic environments is associated with pain, fear, and distress. Hypobaric hypoxia (via gradual decompression, also known as Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning or LAPS) has been validated in poultry as a humane option, but its potential to improve the welfare of pigs at slaughter is unknown. We investigated the potential of hypobaric hypoxia to reliably elicit a non-recovery state in anesthetized weaner-grower pigs within a commercially viable timeframe. We determined the effect of candidate decompression rates (40, 60, 80, 100 ms-1, at two cycle durations 480 s and 720 s) on a range of physiological and reflexive behavioral indicators of hypoxia and death. We found that the decompression rates tested caused a 100% death rate. As expected, the decompression rate had overarching effects on behavioral and physiological markers of hypoxia and death, with faster decompression rates resulting in shorter latencies to cardiac arrest and cessation of breathing. We observed a higher proportion of pigs displaying repeated and prolonged whole-body movements (likely indicative of convulsive activity) at higher frequencies when we applied the slowest decompression rate (40 ms-1) compared to all other rates. Since these responses may impact the carcass and meat quality, the slower rate of decompression (40 ms-1) should be excluded as a candidate decompression rate. Furthermore, given the marginal effects of decompression rate on physiological indicators of death and reflexive behavioral parameters, we also recommend that the fastest rate tested (100 ms-1) is excluded in further study on conscious pigs (to prevent conscious animals from being exposed to unnecessary faster decompression rates which may compromise animal welfare). This work represents a necessary proof of principle step and confirms the potential of gradual decompression for stunning purposes in pigs. Importantly, however, the data presented provide no information on the welfare outcomes associated with decompression in conscious pigs. Subsequent work should focus on the comprehensive welfare assessment of intermediate decompression rates to determine the potential of hypobaric hypoxia to provide a humane stunning method for pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M. Baxter
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine M. Clarkson
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Farish
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard E. Clutton
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen N. Greenhalgh
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Gregson
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy E. F. McKeegan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhujel A, Arulmozhi E, Moon BE, Kim HT. Deep-Learning-Based Automatic Monitoring of Pigs' Physico-Temporal Activities at Different Greenhouse Gas Concentrations. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3089. [PMID: 34827821 PMCID: PMC8614322 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pig behavior is an integral part of health and welfare management, as pigs usually reflect their inner emotions through behavior change. The livestock environment plays a key role in pigs' health and wellbeing. A poor farm environment increases the toxic GHGs, which might deteriorate pigs' health and welfare. In this study a computer-vision-based automatic monitoring and tracking model was proposed to detect pigs' short-term physical activities in the compromised environment. The ventilators of the livestock barn were closed for an hour, three times in a day (07:00-08:00, 13:00-14:00, and 20:00-21:00) to create a compromised environment, which increases the GHGs level significantly. The corresponding pig activities were observed before, during, and after an hour of the treatment. Two widely used object detection models (YOLOv4 and Faster R-CNN) were trained and compared their performances in terms of pig localization and posture detection. The YOLOv4, which outperformed the Faster R-CNN model, was coupled with a Deep-SORT tracking algorithm to detect and track the pig activities. The results revealed that the pigs became more inactive with the increase in GHG concentration, reducing their standing and walking activities. Moreover, the pigs shortened their sternal-lying posture, increasing the lateral lying posture duration at higher GHG concentration. The high detection accuracy (mAP: 98.67%) and tracking accuracy (MOTA: 93.86% and MOTP: 82.41%) signify the models' efficacy in the monitoring and tracking of pigs' physical activities non-invasively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Bhujel
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Smart Farm, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.B.); (E.A.)
- Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Elanchezhian Arulmozhi
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Smart Farm, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.B.); (E.A.)
| | - Byeong-Eun Moon
- Smart Farm Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Hyeon-Tae Kim
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Smart Farm, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (A.B.); (E.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Terlouw EMC, Deiss V, Astruc T. Comparing Gas and Electrical Stunning: Effects on Meat Quality of Pigs when Pre-Stunning Physical Activity is Minimal. Foods 2021; 10:319. [PMID: 33546330 PMCID: PMC7913529 DOI: 10.3390/foods10020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of thirty pigs were experimentally slaughtered using gas (80% CO2 in air, 90 s; 30% CO2/70% N2O; 90 s) or electrical stunning (1.3 A, 10 s). Stunning may accelerate post-mortem muscle metabolism, due to psychological stress and/or muscle contractions. The specific effects of the stunning method were studied by limiting pre-stunning physical activity and stress: pigs were driven in a trolley from the rearing to the stunning site (6.5 m) and immediately slaughtered. Bleeding efficiency and carcass characteristics were similar and satisfactory for all stunning methods. Early post-mortem pH decline in the Longissimus lumborum was faster following gas compared to electrical stunning. The pH of other muscles was not influenced; color and drip loss showed minor effects. Hence, results are in contrast to current beliefs: compared to electrical stunning, following gas stunning, the stress and muscle contractions during the induction of unconsciousness have a slightly greater impact on Longissimus lumborum muscle metabolism; differences are minor and limited to certain muscles only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. M. Claudia Terlouw
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France;
| | - Véronique Deiss
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France;
| | | |
Collapse
|