Jim Reynolds DVM, MPVM

Transcription

1 Colorado Livestock Association The Principles and Practice of Farm Animal Welfare An Introduction to Farm Welfare Jim Reynolds DVM, MPVM Western University College of Veterinary Medicine

2 What is animal welfare? How do we assess welfare? Farm Welfare Audits Discuss some specific issues Painful procedures Euthanasia Develop the concept that welfare is something we can understand and manage We know what the animals need and want We know when animal care is good and when it is not It is our responsibility to ensure good welfare for animals 2

3 What is animal welfare? Animal welfare means how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviour, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter. Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. 1 Protecting an animal's welfare means providing for its physical and mental needs. Ensuring animal welfare is a human responsibility that includes consideration for all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia. There are numerous perspectives on animal welfare that are influenced by a person's values and experiences. There are also various means of measuring animal welfare, including (but not limited to) health, productivity, behavior, and physiological responses. 1 OIE (World Organization for Animal Health). Chapter 7.1. Introduction to the recommendations for animal welfare. Terrestrial Animal Health Code Available at (accessed )

4 AVMA Animal Welfare Principles The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers the following eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal welfare policies, resolutions, and actions. The responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals, is consistent with the Veterinarian's Oath. Decisions regarding animal care, use, and welfare shall be made by balancing scientific knowledge and professional judgment with consideration of ethical and societal values. Animals must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior. Animals should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering. Procedures related to animal housing, management, care, and use should be continuously evaluated, and when indicated, refined or replaced. Conservation and management of animal populations should be humane, socially responsible, and scientifically prudent. Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death. The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve animal health and welfare through scientific research, education, collaboration, advocacy, and the development of legislation and regulations.

5 The Five Freedoms: welfare ideals for farm animals 1 FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. 2 FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area. 3 FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. 4 FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal s own kind. 5 FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. 1971, from the Brambell report,

6 What do Consumers Expect or Want? Consumers expect livestock to be raised humanely The market for organic and welfare certified products has been increasing But seems to be discretionary-income dependent Ethics vs. practice = cognitive dissonance Animal rights groups understand this Animal Welfare is a consensus of ethics and science 6

7 Assessment of Animal Welfare Approaches that assess: 1) physical (biological) attributes (e.g., physiology, production) 3) natural environment (whether the animals live in the natural conditions where they started) 2) feelings (beyond behavior to cognition) - Affective or Emotional state - Pleasant or unpleasant feelings - e.g.: Pain, fear or hunger From AVMA Animal Welfare Forum Swine Housing Fall

8 Welfare Assessments and Audits Approach to assure consumers animal care meets standards Non-governmental Market - driven Provides an assessment or an audit to the farm regarding animal care and welfare EU uses regulations US using voluntary welfare assurance programs 8

9 Farm Animal Welfare in the US Animal Welfare is dependant on the owner s values and attitudes Not related to the size of the dairy or farm 9

10 Welfare Assessment and Audit Principles Welfare is a combination of facilities and people Welfare assessments and audits should not dictate the management of a farm Audits should verify that animals are cared for properly, to contemporary standards The farm management will meet each standard in its own way 10

11 Industry Welfare Guidelines 1) Must be clear that the welfare and interests of the animals have appropriate weight relative to the human use of the animals 2) Consumers must have confidence that the guidelines are taken seriously and that livestock producers will follow the recommended practices 3) Producers must believe the guidelines are established and administered fairly Thompson, P. B Animal agriculture and the welfare of animals. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 226: Guidelines must be real and they must be enforced 11

12 Painful procedures If a procedure will cause pain: 1) is the procedure necessary for the calf or society (i.e. a benefit)? 2) If the procedure will cause pain and is necessary, then pain management must be considered. 12

13 Painful procedures Dehorning As early as possible Disbudding preferred Pain management Local anesthesia if over 30 days old Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs reduced long-term pain 13

14 Euthanasia Death induced while causing no pain or distress to the animal Immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest People performing euthanasia must have a good understanding of anatomical landmarks and equipment 14

15 Indications for Euthanasia Moral obligation to ensure the welfare of animals Euthanasia indicated when quality of life decreased or when pain and suffering cannot be alleviated Must have euthanasia protocol 15

16 Euthanasia Protocol Educate farm staff on need for euthanasia There must be someone designated to perform euthanasia Identify method of euthanasia -- Species specific AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia For Cattle: 3 acceptable methods Gunshot Captive bolt Barbiturate Confirm death of animal / carcass disposal 16

17 Not Between the Eyes 17

18 Make Sure the Animal is Unconscious Animal must be unconscious instantly Touch eyes -- no blink reflex Signs of consciousness: Blinking Lifting head Vocalization Voluntary leg movements/ trying to right itself Must verify the animal is dead Dispose carcass appropriately 18

19 Some Challenges in the US Bovine Industry: Calf Issues Early separation from dam Colostrum (bull calves) Transportation Painful Procedures Dehorning / Castration Calf housing Treatments/drugs Euthanasia Dairy Issues Disabled/Downer animals Euthanasia Transportation Tail docking Branding Slaughter 19 19