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Animals
Special Issues
Animal Suffering and Welfare
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Animal Suffering and Welfare

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Welfare".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2019) | Viewed by 29204

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Arlene Garcia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
Interests: animal welfare; behavior; physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. John J. McGlone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Animal Behavior, Physiology and Welfare, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
Interests: pheromones; behavior; physiology; production systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Farm animal welfare is an ongoing topic of concern. Consumers demand that the industry aim at reducing pain and suffering of animals on-farm. Negative perception of pain associated with lack of care for sick and injured animals (defined as compromised) and failure to provide pain relief and timely euthanasia on-farm will affect pig welfare, caretaker moral, and economics. The main obstacle that farmers and veterinarians report is the recognition and quantification of pain. There have not been many innovations in methods of recognizing pain in agricultural animals and, thus, the lack of identification of pain can lead to animal suffering. The aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research or review papers that concern animal welfare, stress, pain, pain mitigation, alternatives to painful procedures, or topics that reduce pain and suffering in agricultural animals.

Dr. Arlene Garcia
Prof. John J. McGlone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pain
  • stress
  • physiology
  • behavior
  • compromised
  • painful procedures
  • lameness
  • disease

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 983 KiB  
Article
Is the Piglet Grimace Scale (PGS) a Useful Welfare Indicator to Assess Pain after Cryptorchidectomy in Growing Pigs?
by Cecilia Vullo, Sara Barbieri, Giuseppe Catone, Jean-Marie Graïc, Marco Magaletti, Ambra Di Rosa, Ambra Motta, Carlo Tremolada, Elisabetta Canali and Emanuela Dalla Costa
Animals 2020, 10(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10030412 - 2 Mar 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5998
Abstract
Pig cryptorchidism is a congenital anomaly, which requires surgical intervention. Pain assessment in pig farming has some limitations and consumers are increasingly concerned about suffering linked to on-farm procedures. The PGS seems to be a promising tool for pain assessment in piglets, although [...] Read more.
Pig cryptorchidism is a congenital anomaly, which requires surgical intervention. Pain assessment in pig farming has some limitations and consumers are increasingly concerned about suffering linked to on-farm procedures. The PGS seems to be a promising tool for pain assessment in piglets, although it has not been investigated whether this tool is applicable to growing pigs. This study was designed to determine whether the PGS could be useful to assess pain in growing pigs undergoing on-farm cryptorchidectomy. Ten mixed-breed cryptorchid pigs were pre-medicated with azaperone and ketamine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained using IV sodium based. Pigs were filmed pre- and 6 h post-surgery to evaluate their behavior (scan sampling every minute). Besides, 36 pictures of the face expressions (18 pre- and 18 6 h post-surgery) were scored with the PGS by three treatment-blind observers. The pre-surgery pig’s activity ratio was 59%, while it was 2% 6 h post-surgery. While the PGS inter-observer reliability was excellent (Interclass Correlation Coefficient value of 0.87), the PGS score increased significantly in pigs 6 h post-surgery (Paired sample t-test, p = 0.02). The PGS proved to be a potentially effective method to assess pain associated with cryptorchidectomy. However, further validation studies are required to validate this tool for other potentially painful procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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11 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Pain Mitigation Strategies in Goat Kids after Cautery Disbudding
by Inês Ajuda, Monica Battini, Silvana Mattiello, Cecilia Arcuri and George Stilwell
Animals 2020, 10(2), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020277 - 11 Feb 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3628
Abstract
Nowadays, most of the goat milk production in developed countries is done in intensive indoors production systems. In these systems, procedures such as disbudding are performed routinely. Disbudding is done in young goat kids and is a recognised as a painful procedure. Pain [...] Read more.
Nowadays, most of the goat milk production in developed countries is done in intensive indoors production systems. In these systems, procedures such as disbudding are performed routinely. Disbudding is done in young goat kids and is a recognised as a painful procedure. Pain mitigation strategies have been extensively researched, but a method that is effective in mitigating pain as well as being safe and practical has not yet been found. In this paper we used three treatment groups: one control and two groups with pain mitigation strategies for cautery disbudding, one using local anaesthesia (lidocaine) and a second one using local anaesthesia (lidocaine) plus an analgesic (flunixin meglumine). The behaviour of twenty-seven goat kids was recorded for three hours after disbudding. Overall, the goat kids that received both pain mitigation treatments dedicated more time performing active and positive behaviours. Nevertheless, the incidence of behaviours related to pain and discomfort was not consistently reduced. Research is still needed to find a practical and effective pain mitigation strategy for disbudding. A solution to this challenge would improve animal welfare as well as address societal concerns linked to the suffering of farm animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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15 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Behavioural Variability in Chicks vs. the Pattern of Behaviour in Adult Hens
by Iwona Rozempolska-Rucińska, Kornel Kasperek, Kamil Drabik, Grzegorz Zięba and Agnieszka Ziemiańska
Animals 2020, 10(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020269 - 9 Feb 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2681
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would be evident already in the chick period or whether they are an effect of the further modifying impact of the environment. 60 green-legged partridge, 60 Polbar, and 60 Leghorn chicks were used in the experiments. The chicks hatched in a flock where hens were previously assessed with behavioural tests and the corticosterone levels in their feathers was determined, indicating significant differences in the temperament and stress level between the breeds. Five tests were carried out: two on competitiveness, activity, interest and fearfulness/curiosity. The experiments revealed considerable differences between the chicks. The Zk birds coped better with situations requiring swiftness and initiative. The Pb chicks were slower than Zk and Lg and did not make quick decisions. Hence, a lower number of these birds entering and leaving the test cage and staying inside was recorded. The Zk chicks exhibited a higher level of fearfulness than the other breeds. In terms of the environment enrichment elements, sand and woodchips were more attractive to the Zk chicks, whereas the Lg and Pb birds preferred pecking the string. No differences in the time of undertaking the analysed activities were found between the breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
16 pages, 2176 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Investigation to Address Pain and Haemorrhage Following the Spaying of Female Cattle
by Audrey Yu, Dominique Van der Saag, Peter Letchford, Peter Windsor and Peter White
Animals 2020, 10(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020249 - 5 Feb 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3233
Abstract
Multiple physiological and neuroendocrine changes consistent with stress and pain have been demonstrated in cattle spayed via the Willis dropped ovary technique (WDOT). The procedure is routinely conducted without the use of anaesthetics or analgesics and has major implications for animal welfare. This [...] Read more.
Multiple physiological and neuroendocrine changes consistent with stress and pain have been demonstrated in cattle spayed via the Willis dropped ovary technique (WDOT). The procedure is routinely conducted without the use of anaesthetics or analgesics and has major implications for animal welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a topical anaesthetic (TA), haemostatic wound dressing, and meloxicam on pain behaviour and haemorrhage in the acute period following spaying. Yearling Brahman heifers (n = 75) were randomly allocated to the following treatment groups: (1) rectal palpation/control (CON); (2) WDOT spay (S); (3) WDOT spay with meloxicam (SM); (4) WDOT spay with TA (STA); and (5) WDOT spay with TA and meloxicam (STAM). Individual behavioural responses, body weight, packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein (TPP) were monitored for up to 24 h following treatment. Head tucking behaviour and tail stiffness was increased in all spay groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.001), with the lowest proportional increase in the SM group. Rumination was initially reduced in S, SM, and STA heifers compared to CON heifers (p < 0.001), though SM heifers ruminated more than S heifers (p < 0.001). CON and SM heifers stood with an arched back the least, spent the most time eating, and spent less time lying down and more time standing compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of treatment on weight change (p = 0.519), PCV (p = 0.125) or TPP (p = 0.799). The administration of meloxicam is suggested as an effective, currently available method for improving the welfare of cattle undergoing WDOT spaying. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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19 pages, 3313 KiB  
Article
Effects of Outdoor Access and Indoor Stocking Density on Behaviour and Stress in Broilers in the Subhumid Tropics
by Rubi Sanchez-Casanova, Luis Sarmiento-Franco, Jose Segura-Correa and Clive J. C. Phillips
Animals 2019, 9(12), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121016 - 22 Nov 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4519
Abstract
Studies investigating the welfare of commercial-line broiler chickens raised in houses with outdoor access in the tropics are scarce, and none have investigated whether responses vary according to indoor conditions. Hence, we assessed the effects of providing outdoor access at two indoor stocking [...] Read more.
Studies investigating the welfare of commercial-line broiler chickens raised in houses with outdoor access in the tropics are scarce, and none have investigated whether responses vary according to indoor conditions. Hence, we assessed the effects of providing outdoor access at two indoor stocking densities on broiler chickens’ growth, behaviour, stress responses and immunity in a tropical region of Mexico. One hundred and sixty chickens were assigned to one of four treatments in a factorial design: with or without outdoor access and low or high stocking density indoors. Ad libitum sampling was used to build a purpose-designed ethogram. Scan sampling was used to record the number of birds engaged in each activity of this ethogram, both indoors and outdoors. Heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and serum corticosterone levels were tested in weeks four and six of age. When the birds were 42 days old, they were slaughtered, and the bursa and spleen harvested and weighed. In an interaction between stocking density and outdoor access, birds at the high stocking density with no outdoor pens spent the least time walking and preening and more time lying (p < 0.05). Birds given outdoor access foraged more, but only at indoor low stocking densities (p < 0.05). Outdoor access reduced heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, indicating reduced stressor response. Birds with low stocking density indoors and outdoor access appeared more responsive to stressors, with elevated corticosterone and reduced spleen and bursa weights (p < 0.05). There were welfare benefits of outdoor access, principally in terms of increased activity, which were reflected in slower growth in the birds with outdoor access. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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13 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Anaesthetic and Perioperative Management of 14 Male New Zealand White Rabbits for Calvarial Bone Surgery
by Mathieu Raillard, Carlotta Detotto, Sandro Grepper, Olgica Beslac, Masako Fujioka-Kobayashi, Benoit Schaller and Nikola Saulacic
Animals 2019, 9(11), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110896 - 1 Nov 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4183
Abstract
Calvarial bone surgery on rabbits is frequently performed. This report aims to document a simple and practical anaesthetic and perioperative management for this procedure. Fourteen male New Zealand white rabbits were included in the study. Subcutaneous (SC) dexmedetomidine, ketamine and buprenorphine ± isoflurane [...] Read more.
Calvarial bone surgery on rabbits is frequently performed. This report aims to document a simple and practical anaesthetic and perioperative management for this procedure. Fourteen male New Zealand white rabbits were included in the study. Subcutaneous (SC) dexmedetomidine, ketamine and buprenorphine ± isoflurane vaporized in oxygen administered through a supraglottic airway device (V-gel®) provided clinically suitable anaesthesia. Supplemental oxygen was administered throughout recovery. Monitoring was clinical and instrumental (pulse-oximetry, capnography, invasive blood pressure, temperature, arterial blood gas analysis). Lidocaine was infiltrated at the surgical site and meloxicam was injected subcutaneously as perioperative analgesia. After surgery, pain was assessed five times daily (composite behavioural pain scale and grimace scale). Postoperative analgesia included SC meloxicam once daily for four days and buprenorphine every 8 h for three days (unless both pain scores were at the lowest possible levels). Rescue analgesia (buprenorphine) was administered in case of the score > 3/8 in the composite pain scale, >4/10 on the grimace scale or if determined necessary by the caregivers. Airway management with a V-gel® was possible but resulted in respiratory obstruction during the surgery in two cases. Hypoventilation was observed in all rabbits. All rabbits experienced pain after the procedure. Monitoring, pain assessments and administration of postoperative analgesia were recommended for 48 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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9 pages, 26032 KiB  
Article
Macroscopic Examination of Multiple-Shot Cattle Heads—An Animal Welfare Due Diligence Tool for Abattoirs Using Penetrating Captive Bolt Devices?
by Andrew Grist, Toby G. Knowles and Stephen Wotton
Animals 2019, 9(6), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060328 - 6 Jun 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4243
Abstract
Ideally, the application of a penetrating captive bolt device to render cattle immediately unconscious prior to slaughter would be 100% effective. Unfortunately, due to various factors this is not always the case. This paper examined, as an initial proof of concept, 12 bovine [...] Read more.
Ideally, the application of a penetrating captive bolt device to render cattle immediately unconscious prior to slaughter would be 100% effective. Unfortunately, due to various factors this is not always the case. This paper examined, as an initial proof of concept, 12 bovine heads which had received more than one shot from a penetrating captive bolt, collected from various abattoirs within the United Kingdom. The heads were frozen to facilitate splitting on the medial plane to prevent distortion of soft tissue and each sagittal section was examined macroscopically to ascertain if this method could be used to determine the reasons for repeated stun attempts. In 10 out of 12 heads, shot placement was the determining factor, in one other head it was felt that anatomical variation was the reason and the twelfth head demonstrated signs of gun malfunction as the likely cause. This work provides evidence for a larger trial to facilitate the production of guidance for the abattoir industry, the Animal Welfare Officer and regulators on the examination of heads as part of an investigation of failures of a mechanical stunning system and to provide training material for slaughter staff tasked with effectively stunning cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Suffering and Welfare)
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