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Long distance transport of lambs
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 38 ( 1993 ) 75-84
75
0168-1591/93/$06.00 © 1993 - Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved
Proceedings (Papers presented at the UK Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK, 2 December 1992 ) Handling and transport
Long distance transport of lambs T.G. Knowles, P.D. Warriss, S.N. Brown, S.C. Kestin School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 71)Y, UK
Abstract
Two commercial consignments of 500 lambs were followed from the UK to southern France; one journey lasted 18 h, the other 24 h. Blood samples were taken and measurements were made of liveweight and skin thickness from 100 lambs from each consignment, before and after the journeys. The results from each consignment were very similar, however, interpretation of the results was made difficult by previous commercial handling. The lambs had all been recently bought from local livestock auctions, Increased plasma total protein, plasma albumin, plasma osmolality and skinfold thickness after transportation were indicative of some degree of dehydration. There was a 7% loss in liveweight after both journeys. Measurement of plasma-free fatty acids, betahydroxybutyrate, urea, glucose and cortisol showed that all of these blood constituents were present at more than usual basal levels, both before and after transport. These elevated levels suggested that the lambs' eating patterns had been disrupted before transport and that the lambs were moderately stressed, probably as a consequence of passing through livestock auctions. However, there was no further elevation in levels with transport. The behaviour of the lambs after both journeys indicated that they were all alert and physically fit. They were primarily interested in any food that was available upon arrival and were secondarily interested in drinking, then resting. Key words: Handling; Transportation; Sheep
75
0168-1591/93/$06.00 © 1993 - Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. All rights reserved
Proceedings (Papers presented at the UK Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK, 2 December 1992 ) Handling and transport
Long distance transport of lambs T.G. Knowles, P.D. Warriss, S.N. Brown, S.C. Kestin School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 71)Y, UK
Abstract
Two commercial consignments of 500 lambs were followed from the UK to southern France; one journey lasted 18 h, the other 24 h. Blood samples were taken and measurements were made of liveweight and skin thickness from 100 lambs from each consignment, before and after the journeys. The results from each consignment were very similar, however, interpretation of the results was made difficult by previous commercial handling. The lambs had all been recently bought from local livestock auctions, Increased plasma total protein, plasma albumin, plasma osmolality and skinfold thickness after transportation were indicative of some degree of dehydration. There was a 7% loss in liveweight after both journeys. Measurement of plasma-free fatty acids, betahydroxybutyrate, urea, glucose and cortisol showed that all of these blood constituents were present at more than usual basal levels, both before and after transport. These elevated levels suggested that the lambs' eating patterns had been disrupted before transport and that the lambs were moderately stressed, probably as a consequence of passing through livestock auctions. However, there was no further elevation in levels with transport. The behaviour of the lambs after both journeys indicated that they were all alert and physically fit. They were primarily interested in any food that was available upon arrival and were secondarily interested in drinking, then resting. Key words: Handling; Transportation; Sheep