Journeys, Journey Conditions, and Welfare Assessment of Broken (Handled) Horses on Arrival at Italian Slaughterhouses

During horse transportation, the journey conditions are considered a welfare risk. This study aimed to document journeys, journey conditions, and welfare status of handled horses on arrival at two different slaughterhouses in Northern and Southern Italy, to find possible associations between journey conditions and welfare problems. The welfare status of 613 draft-breed and light-breed horses from 32 different journeys was evaluated on arrival at the slaughterhouses with a standardized protocol, using animal-based (ABMs) and environmental-based (EBMs) measures. The drivers’ skills and vehicle characteristics were found to be mostly compliant with EC 1/2005. The horses traveled in single bays, 90° to the direction of travel for an average journey duration of 26.5 ± 14 h. On arrival at the slaughterhouses, the horses were unloaded by handlers, via halter and rope. The prevalence of reluctance to unload, injuries, nasal, and lacrimal discharge was 22.2%, 24.6%, 11.6%, and 10%, respectively. Journey duration, unloading duration, vehicle changes, long stops, handlers/drivers’ skills, temperature, season, and horse individual characteristics were associated with horses’ welfare and health status (all p < 0.05). Our study confirms the hypothesis that appropriate journey conditions are of crucial importance to safeguard the welfare of broken/handled horses transported over long distances for slaughter.

Work, physical activity, and metabolic health: Understanding insulin sensitivity of long-haul truck drivers

BACKGROUND

Long-haul truck drivers are disproportionately exposed to metabolic risk; however, little is known about their metabolic health and the role of physical activity and other risk factors in metabolic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares truck drivers' insulin sensitivity, and associations between metabolic risk factors and insulin sensitivity, with those of the general population.

METHODS

Survey, anthropometric, and biometric data were collected from 115 long-haul truckers, which were then compared to the general population data using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was used to estimate insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

Truck drivers had lower QUICKI scores than the general population cohort. Sagittal abdominal diameter and exercise were predictive for QUICKI among combined cohorts. Waist circumference and perceived health were more predictive for QUICKI among truck drivers, and sagittal abdominal diameter and income were more predictive for QUICKI among the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-haul truckers appear to represent a subset of the general population regarding the impact of physical activity and other metabolic risk factors on QUICKI. Accordingly, comprehensive efforts which target these factors are needed to improve truckers' physical activity levels and other metabolic risks.