Heart Rate and Stress Hormone Responses of Sheep to Road Transport Following Two Different Loading Procedures
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1998 |
Authors: |
R.F. Parrott, S.J.G. Hall, D.M. Lloyd |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
animal welfare, handling. heart rate, road transport, sheep, stress hormones |
Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate the physiological responses induced in sheep (n = 18) by two different loading techniques followed by a short road journey. All animals wereprepared with venous catheters, to minimize the disturbing effects of blood sampling, and nine sheep were fitted with heart rate monitors. The animals were loaded onto a transport vehicle in groups of three, alternately using a conventional tailgate ramp or a crate raised with a hydraulic lift. When all of the sheep were loaded, they were taken on ajourney lasting 19Smin. Blood samples were collected in the home pen, directly after loading, and at ISmin intervals during the journey, Measurements were made of plasma concentrations of cortisol, prolactin and catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline). The results indicated that heart rate increased during loading, regardless of the method used. No changes in concentrations of cortisol or the catecholamines were detected, although a small increase in prolactin was noted when animals were loaded using the ramp. During transport, all sheep exhibited increases in plasma cortisol concentrations which were greatest during thefirst 2h of the journey. The results suggest that, under the conditions employed in this experiment, the effects of the two loading procedures were similar and that transport appeared to be more stressful than loading.