Sent: Monday, January 27, 2003 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: Vedr.: Ethics & Working With Animals
>
> Dear All,
>
> I've been listening with fascination at the discussion on ethics and
research with
> animals. I thought some of you might appreciate a summary of how ethical
> assessment of animal behaviour research is conducted at a practical level
on an
> every-day basis.
>
> Some journals (e.g. Animal Behaviour) and societies (e.g. International
Society of
> Applied Ethology) have instigated ethical review processess. This means
that
> papers are not published or presented at meetings without having undergone
an
> ethical review. In undertaking this review, assessors consider the costs
and
> benefits of the research. In the costs, the foremost consideration is
usually the
> welfare of the animals, and researchers must provide evidence that this
has not
> been unduly compromised at any stage of the study. The benefits usually
relate to
> the quality, novelty and relevance of the research, and the species of
animal that
> might benefit and how much. Obviously, there are a great number of other
> inter-related issues which must also be considered, and it is of paramount
> importance that each study is considered on its own merits. Sometimes, if
a study
> involves a procedure that we consider to be highly unpalatable, this might
be
> outweighed by the benefits of the research, and the study as a whole
considered to
> be ethically acceptable.
>
> So, with reference to the current example of toe-amputation as a method of
> marking. Few would doubt that this causes significant acute pain to the
animal.
> It is also possible that if neuromas develop, there would be chronic pain.
> Questions would be asked such as - how many animals were used, was an
anaesthetic
> used, was an analgesic used, were antibiotics administered to prevent
infection,
> and perhaps most importantly, could another less 'welfare-costly' method
have been
> used which was conducive to the researchers gaining the information they
required?
> In terms of the benefits of the research, questions would be asked such as
what is
> the aim of the study, is the science of a high quality, will it benefit
only a few
> animals/species, how much will this benefit be? In this particular
example, the
> pain experienced during toe amputation is likely to be considerable.
Therefore,
> the benefits would probably have to be very high for the study to be
considered as
> ethically acceptable - but, this might be the outcome. As I stated
earlier, each
> study must be considered on its own merits, so please don't read this
e-mail as
> categorical support or opposition to this procedure - rather an
explanation of how
> ethical approval may or may not be given.
>
> All the best,
>
> Chris
From: IN%"Cindy.Schulze@med.va.gov" "Schulze, Cindy, VHACIN" 27-JAN-2003 12:43:02.59
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "'Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca'"
CC:
Subj: wildlife research
In response to the pain involved in toe amputation, the coyotes are first
shot with a dart loaded with a tranquilizer, so they hopefully are
unconscious when this occurrs. But, when they wake up, I see no mention of
antibiotics or pain meds administered. And I don't appreciate reverting to
Descarte's theory that animal pain is not analogous to human pain. Canids
have analogous psychological conditions to humans, such as Alzheimers,
separation anxiety OCD... So, if canids are psychologically this similar to
humans doesn't it insinuate that they may be pysiologically similar as well?
We really have no idea how much this procedure affects these coyotes,
physically or psychologically. Therefore, in my opinion, it is unethical.
Unless we have more data, informing us how this may or may not have negative
consequences for the coyotes, we must err on the side of caution. We
certainly would not be able to conduct this type of procedure on a human,
even with a signed informed consent. It would be considered unethical. If we
wouldn't even consider doing such a thing to a human, what rationale can we
use to advocate this on a fellow animal?
Cindy L. Schulze
Research Assistant
Cincinnati Addiction Research Center
3210 Jefferson Ave
Cin., Ohio 45220
(513) 861-3100 x 4783
cindy.schulze@med.va.gov
From: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk" "Moira Harris" 28-JAN-2003 09:25:14.97
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: Ethical decision making in animal research
Dear all,
Those who have been following the discussion on whether it is acceptable
to amputate coyotes' toes to identify them for field research might be
interested in an article in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour
Science: Guidelines for the ethical use of animals in applied ethology
studies, by Sherwin et al., 2003. The article hasn't actually been
published yet, but a corrected proof is available to download from the
Elsevier/AABS site:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=IssueURL&_tockey=%23TOC%234968%
239999%23999999999%2399999%23FLA%23Articles_in_Press&_auth=y&_acct=C0000
29838&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=585204&md5=77c6a23b8183927574c3db
85f930f6ab
The 'Guidelines' explain, from a utilitarian, cost-benefit point of
view, how we might decide whether it is or is not justifiable to perform
particular procedures using animals, and how to maximise benefits and
minimise costs. Interestingly, with reference to mutilatory forms of
identification (eg toe amputation), it is suggested that these " ...
should be assumed to cause substantial acute and perhaps chronic pain,
and would therefore generally be considered unacceptable." As Chris
Sherwin (corresponding author for the article) pointed out in his
message yesterday, however, ethical decision-making is rarely simple,
and the substantial cost of toe amputation might be justified if there
was no alternative, and its use was likely to bring about an even more
substantial benefit.
Best wishes,
- Moira
-------------------------------------
Dr. Moira Harris
Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Science
University of Bristol
Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
Dept. of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Moira.Harris@warwick.ac.uk
-----------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through SilkyMail v1.1.8
From: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk" "Moira Harris" 28-JAN-2003 09:50:42.71
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: Ethical decision making in animal research
Dear all,
It's been pointed out to me that the enormously long link I supplied for
the upcoming AABS article on the ethical use of animals in applied
ethology studies doesn't actually work. You should be able to access it
instead by going to the AABS home page (below) and following the
Volumes/Issues link then selecting Articles in Press.
http://www.elsevier.com/inca/publications/store/5/0/3/3/0/1/
Sorry!
- Moira
-------------------------------------
Dr. Moira Harris
Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Science
University of Bristol
Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
Dept. of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Moira.Harris@warwick.ac.uk
-----------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through SilkyMail v1.1.8
From: IN%"Rexxie1@aol.com" 28-JAN-2003 11:19:19.41
To: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: Ethical decision making in animal research
In response to:
The 'Guidelines' explain, from a utilitarian, cost-benefit point of=20
view, how we might decide whether it is or is not justifiable to=20
perform=20
particular procedures using animals, and how to maximise benefits and=
=20
minimise costs.=A0=20
At some point, every researcher decides (or doesn't, which is a decision in=20
itself) which ethical framework will guide his or her practice. Not every=20
researcher wants to make decisions from a utilitarian, cost-benefit point of=
=20
view (which, at its extreme, usually means costs to one or a few yield=20
benefits to more than one or a few others -- i.e., in experimentation, rarel=
y=20
is the individual being experimented on the sole or direct beneficiary of th=
e=20
experiment). I suspect that is one of the points Cindy Schulze is trying to=
=20
make. =20
Rawls suggested people make decisions on matters affecting others as if they=
=20
were acting behind a veil of ignorance (ignorance, in the case of a=20
researcher, for example, as to whether or not the researcher himself or=20
herself might be the individual being experimented on). In such a case, the=
=20
researcher might then make decisions from the perspective of the individual,=
=20
as if he were the experimental animal.
In deciding how and whether to conduct the experiment, the researcher would=20
weigh whether or not his evaluation of the potential costs to himself of the=
=20
experiment, or of specific procedures in the experiment, were less in his ow=
n=20
eyes than his own evaluation of the benefits to others (regardless of what=20
the others thought about it, although he might consider their counsel on the=
=20
matter).
If the researcher foresees that the experiment will benefit others (a=20
potentially defensible reason for an experiment that incurs costs to some=20
individual or individuals) but that there are also costs to himself in being=
=20
experimented upon, the researcher would then have to decide whether or not h=
e=20
would be willing to take on those costs no matter how great they would be to=
=20
himself (even resulting in his death). His choice for himself would be the=20
same as his choice for the animal.
(As always, in theory, it is assumed that the decisionmaker is economically=20
rational -- economics being the science of choices -- i.e., makes choices=20
consistently and in his or her own self-interest. In the real world, of=20
course, the individual's own definition of his or her self-interest may=20
include altruism, in which case he may choose to sacrifice all or part of=20
himself and, by extension, the animal, for the 'greater good.')
I'm not advocating either position, just pointing out that there is more tha=
n=20
one ethical framework within which researchers can make the kinds of choices=
=20
Cindy is referring to.
Marlene Halverson
---Original message-------
Subj: Ethical decision making in animal research=A0=20
Date: 1/28/2003 9:30:14 AM Central Standard Time =20
From: Moira.Harris@bristol.a=
c.uk =20
To: applied-ethology@sask.=
usask.ca =20
Sent from the Internet (Details) =20
=20
Dear all,
Those who have been following the discussion on whether it is acceptable=20
to amputate coyotes' toes to identify them for field research might be=20
interested in an article in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour=20
Science: Guidelines for the ethical use of animals in applied ethology=20
studies, by Sherwin et al., 2003.=A0 The article hasn't actually been=20
published yet, but a corrected proof is available to download from the=20
Elsevier/AABS site:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=3DIssueURL&_tockey=3D%23TOC%234968%
239999%23999999999%2399999%23FLA%23Articles_in_Press&_auth=3Dy&_acct=3DC0000=
=20
29838&_version=3D1&_urlVersion=3D0&_userid=3D585204&md5=3D77c6a23b8183927574=
c3db
85f930f6ab
The 'Guidelines' explain, from a utilitarian, cost-benefit point of=20
view, how we might decide whether it is or is not justifiable to perform=20
particular procedures using animals, and how to maximise benefits and=20
minimise costs.=A0 Interestingly, with reference to mutilatory forms of=20
identification (eg toe amputation), it is suggested that these " ...=20
should be assumed to cause substantial acute and perhaps chronic pain,=20
and would therefore generally be considered unacceptable."=A0 As Chris=20
Sherwin (corresponding author for the article) pointed out in his=20
message yesterday, however, ethical decision-making is rarely simple,=20
and the substantial cost of toe amputation might be justified if there=20
was no alternative, and its use was likely to bring about an even more=20
substantial benefit.
Best wishes,
- Moira
-------------------------------------
Dr. Moira Harris
Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Science=20
University of Bristol
Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
Dept. of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Moira.Harris@warwick.ac.uk
From: IN%"e.creighton@chester.ac.uk" "Emma Creighton" 28-JAN-2003 12:35:37.84
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: Eggs with no shells
Dear All,
A very stimulating debate is developing on ethics, and I for one have
gleaned much both to update my own thoughts on the matter and to filter
into my undergrad and postgrad teaching.
But to bring you all back to more a mundane issue, can anyone help with
a chicken problem. I obtained three garden chickens on point-of-lay back
in August and have spent many happy hours observing their behaviour
as well as appreciating their eggs. Whilst two are producing eggs with
thick shells, the third usually lays (or rather drops from her perch) an egg
with only a membrane and no shell. This third is the sister of one of the
others (Speckled Ledy), eats well, is in good condition (she is the
largest, heaviest and dominent hen), looks in fine plumage and her
behaviour appears bright and busy. They have approx 8 square metres
of run with a deep litter of fallen leaves and are fed daily greens, laying
hen meal or pellets, limited amounts of mixed grain, ad lib poultry grit,
kitchen scaps as appropriate and washed and dried egg shells
(although I sell some eggs). The problem began with rough shelled
eggs in the late autumn (an indication of calcium deficiency in wild birds,
so presumably in hens too) that responded initially to the recycling of
eggs shells. I have recently introduced ground oyster shells and this is
being eaten (though I have not seen her eat it directly), but it has made
no difference to the shell-less eggs.
I'd appreciate any advice on what is wrong, how to fix it and whether the
hen is likely to have welfare problems from loss of bone calcium if left as
described (to date only one shell-less egg seems to have been eaten,
and I have no signs of egg-eating attempts on the normal eggs).
Cheers,
Emma Creighton.
Dr Emma Creighton
Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Department of Biological Sciences
Chester College
Chester
CH1 4BJ
Tel: 01244 375 444
Fax: 01244 392 704
Email: E.Creighton@chester.ac.uk
From: IN%"pdic@btclick.com" "Pig Disease Information Centre UK" 29-JAN-2003 04:55:21.66
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Environmental enrichment for pigs has hit the media headlines this week
because a new EU directive comes into force next week requiring farmers to
provide "manipulable material" (aka "toys") for pigs. Failure to meet this
requirement risks 90 days in prison or a £1,000 fine.
I know that some Ethology list members have researched this topic, so I
wonder if they could provide us with an update of the latest research
findings, key references, books and online articles?
Thanks
Mike Meredith
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
Pig Disease Information Centre
Website: www.pighealth.com
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
From: IN%"consultants2.aic@laposte.net" "Association of International Consultants (AIC)" 29-JAN-2003 07:36:47.07
To: IN%"consultants2.aic@laposte.net" "Association of International Consultants (AIC)"
CC:
Subj: Association of International Consultants (AIC)
Dear
Madame, Sir,
AIC
(Association of Independent Consultants)
is an independent non-profit making Professional Association providing on a
very short notice Companies and International Institutions with Highly Qualified
Experts for short-, medium- and long-term assignments. AIC
services are FREE for companies.
If
you are a company looking for Highly Qualified Experts (AIC services are free
for companies) or an independent expert looking for new potential assignments,
our services are definitely of interest for you. See
the AIC Web site.
Between
1999 and 2003, AIC has managed 2022 requests for experts issued by Companies and
International Institutions, many of them for on-going contracts. Each
month, AIC relays between 30 and 80 searches for experts.
If
you are a Company
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also: List
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may change and or retrieve your login and password in the Membership
Center. See
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of Searches for Experts since 1999, Companies
rated by experts, Country Information, Recommendations
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You
will see that the AIC services are highly professional and our web site is user
friendly and full of very usefull informations for consultancy companies and for
experts. The related links are inserted in the present message (just click on
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Forward
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Many
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From: IN%"lking@hsus.org" "Lesley King" 29-JAN-2003 08:19:00.80
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Hello all,
I am a bit out of the loop on pig issues, but can someone clarify for me
whether 'manipulable material' equals artificial objects only (such as
toys), or can it include straw bedding, for example? If you have any
links to news reports, please send them to my email address as I haven't
seen any of this here in the US.
Dr. Lesley King
Director for Education and Animal Welfare
Animal Research Issues
Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW,
Washington, DC, 20037.
Tel: 301-258-3046
Fax: 301-258-7760
lking@hsus.org
From: IN%"mjturgeon@cdpqinc.qc.ca" "=?iso-8859-1?Q?Marie-Jos=E9e_Turgeon?=" 29-JAN-2003 08:56:54.50
To: IN%"lking@hsus.org" "Lesley King", IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Hello all!
A List of manipulable material is given on point 4 of the annex of the
amended EU directive on the protection of pigs. You may find the
document at the following:
http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnu
mdoc&lg=3Den&numdoc=3D32001L0093&model=3Dguichett
Have a nice day!
Marie:o)
Marie-Jos=E9e Turgeon, agr
Charg=E9e de projet
Centre de d=E9veloppement du porc du Qu=E9bec inc.
Sainte-foy (Qu=E9bec)
Canada
-----Message d'origine-----
De : Lesley King [mailto:lking@hsus.org]
Envoy=E9 : 29 janvier, 2003 09:16
=C0 : Ethology Posting
Objet : RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Hello all,
I am a bit out of the loop on pig issues, but can someone clarify for me
whether 'manipulable material' equals artificial objects only (such as
toys), or can it include straw bedding, for example? If you have any
links to news reports, please send them to my email address as I haven't
seen any of this here in the US.
Dr. Lesley King
Director for Education and Animal Welfare
Animal Research Issues=20
Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW,
Washington, DC, 20037.
Tel: 301-258-3046
Fax: 301-258-7760
lking@hsus.org
From: IN%"V.Sandilands@au.sac.ac.uk" 29-JAN-2003 09:09:48.78
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: eggs with no shells
Hi Emma,
Regarding your hefty hen with the
shell-less eggs: it sounds like classic egg
drop syndrome (or 'EDS 76', since it was first reported in 1976). This is an
adenovirus that can be transmitted vertically through the egg, or through
contact with contaminated eggs or droppings. Ducks and geese (wild or
domestic) also get EDS, so can transmit EDS through droppings (for
instance, into your hens' drinking water.) Affected birds don't show any other
form of illness apart from the egg trouble.
Usually, the first symptoms are loss
of colour in the egg shell, then soft or
rough shells, and then finally no shell. The hen may be laying them from the
perch because she doesn't realise she is laying, if you get my drift. There is
apparently no treatment for EDS once contracted, although it can be
controlled from spreading with strict sanitation. Your other 2 birds are at
risk, particularly since you mention that at least one shell-less egg has been
eaten (although perhaps you don't know if this was by the affected bird, or
one of the others?)
If the two other hens don't seem to
have contracted the illness, your vet
might recommend that you vaccinate them now. However, you may also
want to contact the breeder from which you got your hens, to see if s/he
vaccinated them already. (The vaccine is an oil-based one that is injected,
and is usually done at 15-16 wks of age.)
If they have been previously vaccinated,
then it may not be EDS at all !
Certainly another cause of soft-shell eggs, which is common in broiler
breeders, is multiple ovulations, which often occur when the hen is
overweight at point of lay.
From a welfare perspective, if the
hen does indeed have EDS then it doesn't
seem as if it causes suffering per se. But you don't want to cause an
epidemic either! If you are at risk of coming into contact with any other
types of poultry or fowl, then you could spread it. For any egg producer, this
would spell disaster (and the culling of an entire flock).
Hope this helps.
Vicky
Dr. Victoria Sandilands
Avian Science Research Centre
Scottish Agricultural College
Ayr, KA6 5HW, UK
tel +44 (0)1292 525421
fax +44 (0)1292 525098
http://www.sac.ac.uk/animal/External/ABDWeb/Avian/Default.htm
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From: IN%"csmith35@nycap.rr.com" "Cynthia Smith" 29-JAN-2003 09:13:31.75
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: New Publications from AWIC
Dear List Members,
We have quite a few new bibliographies that have just been loaded on our website that may be of interest to our various users. They cover everything from animal diseases, induced molting in chickens, dairy cattle care and welfare, camels, llamas, and alpacas.
Please visit the "New from AWIC " section of our website at
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/news/newsinfo.htm#awic to learn more.
Cynthia Smith, M.S.,Technical Information Specialist
USDA/ARS/NAL Animal Welfare Information Center
www.nal.usda.gov/awic
From: IN%"pdic@btclick.com" "Pig Disease Information Centre UK" 29-JAN-2003 11:41:39.52
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment - news reports
Hi Lesley
Some very frivolous reports have appeared in the UK media today...
e.g. Pig farmers face 'toy inspectors'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2704685.stm
and
"Why all our pigs are having a ball"
www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-2-558903,00.html
Plus some rather negative reactions from the pig industry...
e.g. this BBC interview..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/audio/38752000/rm/_38752537_pigman08_meeker.ram
and this National Pig Association newsletter..
www.npa-uk.net/newsletter%2045.pdf
I have written a news report for the American Association of Swine
Practitioners which should be online soon at their website:
www.aasv.org/news/
In the meantime, this is what it says...
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Porcine Playtime is Now Mandatory!
January 29, 2003 - Michael Meredith
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Exploration, rooting and manipulation behaviors are deeply embedded in the
porcine psyche. What happens if these instinctive behaviors are thwarted by
restricted movement or concrete-and-steel non-manipulatable surroundings?
Thwarting these basic porcine behaviors is now an offence under European
Statutes and risks a 1,600 USD fine or three months in prison.
European Commission Pig Welfare Directive 2001/93/EC comes into force in
January 2003 and requires that pigs must have "...permanent access to a
sufficient quantity of material to enable proper investigation and
manipulation activities, such as straw, hay, wood, sawdust, mushroom
compost, peat."
In geographical areas, or housing types, where straw is not feasible the
United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is
recommending that hogs are provided with balls to play with. Old footballs,
basketballs or commercial pig balls can be used. There is also a special
"Edinburgh Foodball" device which simulates natural foraging.
It is suggested that the balls are changed periodically to retain their
novelty interest and avoid premature destruction. Different colors or sizes
or materials can be used for maintaining exploratory interest. Potentially
toxic or gut-obstructive devices, such as old car tyres, are not permitted.
Traditionally British farmers have hung up chains or provided old feed sacks
to keep hogs from becoming bored and turning to vices like tail-biting,
ear-biting or navel-sucking. Mark White, past president of the Pig
Veterinary Society recommends softwood logs, ships' buoys and plastic pipes.
Boat fenders are also used successfully by some hog farmers.
Pork quality assurance scheme inspectors are helping to enforce the new EU
rule. They are also keen to promote "high-welfare" branding of pork.
The new EU rule is backed by an accumulation of research findings showing
that "environmental enrichment" reduces aggressive and stereotypical
behaviors whereas boring and restrictive environments can predispose to
stress, fighting and vices. A paper about to be published in Applied Animal
Behaviour Science adds to the growing doubts about the efficacy of tail
docking as an effective preventive measure for tailbiting. A UK ethology
group study found that adding straw to the creep area once or more per day
decreased the risk of tail biting 10-fold whereas tail docking was
associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of tail biting.
A recent review of environmental enrichment (in "The Biology of Animal
Stress") by two American zoologists it was concluded that in a wide range of
farm, laboratory and zoo animals enriching aversive housing environments
increases the diversity of natural behaviors, decreases physiological stress
parameters, decreases abnormal and aggressive behaviors and facilitates
coping with sporadic, stress-inducing events.
Varley and Wiseman, writing in the textbook "The Weaner Pig - Nutrition and
management", suggest that some genotypes may need "environmental enrichment"
more than others.
----------
Reference
----------
"A case control study of on-farm risk factors for tail biting in pigs". C.
Moinard et al. (2003) Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2016, 1-23.
---------
Weblinks
---------
The Biology of Animal Stress:
http://members.farmline.com/stress/sunflower/BOOKS/BIOLOGY.HTM
"Four Legs Good" - A Review of Pig Behaviour:
http://www.pigjournal.co.uk/content/vol49abstracts.htm#7
"Animal Welfare & Meat Science" by Neville Gregory & Temple Grandin
http://www.pighealth.com/MEDIA/P/BOOKS/BKDETAIL/GREGORY.HTM
"The Weaner Pig: Nutrition and Management":
http://www.pighealth.com/weaner.htm
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
Pig Disease Information Centre
Email: pdic@btclick.com Website: www.pighealth.com
Members of AHIS (Animal Health Information Specialists) UK & Ireland
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
From: IN%"Rexxie1@aol.com" 29-JAN-2003 14:42:35.86
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: crates versus pens and pasture
In a Salt Lake City (Utah, USA) Tribune article concerning workers who were=20
disturbed by the confinement and handling practices of the Circle 4 hog plan=
t=20
in Utah, the following was attributed to Dr. Paul Sundberg, assistant vice=20
president of veterinary issues for the (US) National Pork Board, Washington,=
=20
DC:
=A0=A0=A0 Sundberg acknowledged that spatial issues are still an inexact sci=
ence.=20
But an international panel of experts in animal welfare will soon publish an=
=20
article concluding that a stall in which a sow cannot turn around is no more=
=20
or less humane than a sow in a pen or in a pasture.=20
http://ww=
w.sltrib.com/2003/Jan/01232003/utah/22578.asp
I am wondering if any on the list serv are aware of an international=20
committee of scientists writing such a report?
Thanks in advance for any information you may have.
Marlene Halverson
Farm Animal Economic Advisor
Animal Welfare Institute
P.O. Box 286
Northfield, MN 55057
USA
From: IN%"hmcmurra@elp.rr.com" "heather mcmurray" 29-JAN-2003 15:05:28.48
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: National Pork board's euthanasia methods for neonatal pigs compared to Euthanasia 2000 committee guidelines
Paul Sundberg, assistant vice president of veterinary issues for the =
National Pork Board, based in Washington says in the article below that =
it is acceptable to slam a neonatal pig against a wall or floor (blunt =
trauma) to kill it - the article says that it can take 2 or 3 blows. =
The American Vet Assoc. guidelines on Euthanasia 2000 describe blunt =
trauma to the CENTRAL CRANIUM as acceptable for neonatal pigs' =
euthanasia. There seems to be a disparity here. The Vet Assoc. says to =
hit the pig on the center-top of the head where the skull is most thin, =
and that the person must be trained. The actual application of this is =
that the "trained" person swings the 1 wk old pig against a wall or =
floor which would cause the head to hit at an angle -- NOT the center of =
the cranium. Am I wrong about this? I think that it would require =
GREAT dexterity and preciseness to swing a pig that little so that it =
hit its head properly. The National Pork Board is not following the =
suggested euthanasia guidelines for 2000 and it is no wonder that =
workers were sickened by it.
Heather
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Rexxie1@aol.com=20
To: applied-ethology@skyway.usask.ca=20
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 1:40 PM
Subject: crates versus pens and pasture
In a Salt Lake City (Utah, USA) Tribune article concerning workers who =
were disturbed by the confinement and handling practices of the Circle 4 =
hog plant in Utah, the following was attributed to Dr. Paul Sundberg, =
assistant vice president of veterinary issues for the (US) National Pork =
Board, Washington, DC:
Sundberg acknowledged that spatial issues are still an inexact =
science. But an international pan el of experts in animal welfare will =
soon publish an article concluding that a stall in which a sow cannot =
turn around is no more or less humane than a sow in a pen or in a =
pasture.=20
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jan/01232003/utah/22578.asp
I am wondering if any on the list serv are aware of an international =
committee of scientists writing such a report?
Thanks in advance for any information you may have.
< BR> Marlene Halverson
Farm Animal Economic Advisor
Animal Welfare Institute
P.O. Box 286
Northfield, MN 55057
USA
From: IN%"sarahlhellis@hotmail.com" "Sarah Ellis" 29-JAN-2003 16:04:19.42
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: publication hunt
Dear All,
I was wondering if anyone knows of publications by ethologist Dr Nienke
Endenburg and where i could get hold of them, if possible online?
Regards
Sarah Ellis
BSc (Joint Hons)
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Messenger - fast, easy and FREE! http://messenger.msn.co.uk
From: IN%"hmcmurra@elp.rr.com" "heather mcmurray" 29-JAN-2003 16:50:51.24
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca", IN%"sarahlhellis@hotmail.com" "Sarah Ellis"
CC:
Subj: RE: publication hunt
Hi, I think that it might be o.k. to write to her directly (see below) and
ask for a reference list of her published articles. Then you can search for
each online or ask her for reprint(s) of your top favorite one or two.
Heather
Contact Person: Dr. Nienke Endenburg
University of Utrecht
Yalelaan 8
NL-3584 CM Utrecht
THE NETHERLANDS
Tel: + 31 30 253 1565
Fax: + 31 30 251 8126
E-mail n.endenburg@vet.uu.nl
Website: www-mri.bio.uu.nl
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sarah Ellis"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 3:03 PM
Subject: publication hunt
>
>
> Dear All,
> I was wondering if anyone knows of publications by ethologist Dr Nienke
> Endenburg and where i could get hold of them, if possible online?
> Regards
> Sarah Ellis
> BSc (Joint Hons)
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> MSN Messenger - fast, easy and FREE! http://messenger.msn.co.uk
>
>
From: IN%"info@kerwoodwolf.com" "Kerwood Wolf Education Centre Inc." 29-JAN-2003 19:16:55.40
To: IN%"hmcmurra@elp.rr.com" "heather mcmurray", IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: National Pork board's euthanasia methods for neonatal pigs compared to Euthanasia 2000 committee guidelines
The discrepancy between guidelines of the National Pork Board and the =
American Vet. Association do not surprise me. I know very little, in =
fact, almost nothing about pig farming except for the fact that the same =
methods are practiced here, at least in my area. Our wolf centre is in =
relative close proximity to a number of pig farms and, the farmers we =
are familiar with, do kill their "runts" in these ways (hammer and by =
throwing them against walls). What I find most horrible about these =
practices, aside from their brutal, and what I consider inhumane nature, =
is that these killing methods are actually labelled "euthanasia." In my =
opinion, these animals undergo anything but a quick, peaceful, and easy =
death.=20
Vivian
----- Original Message -----=20
From: heather mcmurray=20
To: applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca=20
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 3:04 PM
Subject: National Pork board's euthanasia methods for neonatal pigs =
compared to Euthanasia 2000 committee guidelines
Paul Sundberg, assistant vice president of veterinary issues for the =
National Pork Board, based in Washington says in the article below that =
it is acceptable to slam a neonatal pig against a wall or floor (blunt =
trauma) to kill it - the article says that it can take 2 or 3 blows. =
The American Vet Assoc. guidelines on Euthanasia 2000 describe blunt =
trauma to the CENTRAL CRANIUM as acceptable for neonatal pigs' =
euthanasia. There seems to be a disparity here. The Vet Assoc. says to =
hit the pig on the center-top of the head where the skull is most thin, =
and that the person must be trained. The actual application of this is =
that the "trained" person swings the 1 wk old pig against a wall or =
floor which would cause the head to hit at an angle -- NOT the center of =
the cranium. Am I wrong about this? I think that it would require =
GREAT dexterity and preciseness to swing a pig that little so that it =
hit its head properly. The National Pork Board is not following the =
suggested euthanasia guidelines for 2000 and it is no wonder that =
workers were sickened by it.
Heather
From: IN%"sheltie1@ix.netcom.com" 29-JAN-2003 21:26:43.91
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: wildlife research
Hi list,
I guess I'm surprised that anyone would resort to cutting parts off
coyotes to identify them when the alternatives are so much better. If
the identity of the animal needs to be established, an id microchip
or tattoo would be quick, permanent, and much less painful. If the
location of the animal is needed, a radio collar is reliable over
long distances and time periods without the researcher having to wait
for snow and count toes on each set of coyote footprints.
-L.M.M.
>In response to the pain involved in toe amputation, the coyotes are first
>shot with a dart loaded with a tranquilizer, so they hopefully are
>unconscious when this occurrs. But, when they wake up, I see no mention of
>antibiotics or pain meds administered. And I don't appreciate reverting to
>Descarte's theory that animal pain is not analogous to human pain. Canids
>have analogous psychological conditions to humans, such as Alzheimers,
>separation anxiety OCD... So, if canids are psychologically this similar to
>humans doesn't it insinuate that they may be pysiologically similar as well?
>We really have no idea how much this procedure affects these coyotes,
>physically or psychologically. Therefore, in my opinion, it is unethical.
>Unless we have more data, informing us how this may or may not have negative
>consequences for the coyotes, we must err on the side of caution. We
>certainly would not be able to conduct this type of procedure on a human,
>even with a signed informed consent. It would be considered unethical. If we
>wouldn't even consider doing such a thing to a human, what rationale can we
>use to advocate this on a fellow animal?
>
>Cindy L. Schulze
>Research Assistant
>Cincinnati Addiction Research Center
>3210 Jefferson Ave
>Cin., Ohio 45220
>(513) 861-3100 x 4783
>cindy.schulze@med.va.gov
--
From: IN%"pdic@btclick.com" "Pig Disease Information Centre UK" 30-JAN-2003 04:39:08.32
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs - "toys"
Here is a mesage I am posting on behalf of Heleen Vandeweerd
Mike Meredith
________________________________________________
Dear All,
The project I am working on here in the UK, was mainly funded by Defra
(Department of Agriculture, rural affairs and the environment) to provide
insight in what is good enrichment for pigs. Defra also played a very active
role in the discussions which have led to this EU Directive. As Mike points
out, one of the main requirements is to provide all pigs with permanent
access to a sufficient quantity of material [ ] to enable proper
investigation and manipulation activities. It is up to each member state now
to implement this Directive in National legislation and to decide what
manipulable materials are.
In our research project we focussed on developing enrichment for pigs in
part-slatted of fully slatted systmes, because most pigs in the EU are kept
in those systems, and providing rootable substrates such as straw on slatted
floors will cause problems with slurry systems. We investigated first what
pigs find important characteristics of enrichment in order to design
something which is meaningful for a pig. The results pointed towards
characteristics which are related to behaviours such as foraging and
exploration and manipulation. We have presented results from this experiment
on the last two ISAE conferences, but if you'd like to know more, I am
afraid you 'll have to wait a little, as the manuscript is in the
'submitted' phase.
We are now designing objects which incorporate these main characteristics
(this is not so easy!) and will investigate their effects on the pigs
(effects on performance and coping in different test situations etc.). These
trials are still in progress.
But for now the farmers have to provide their pigs with some 'toy' in order
to comply with legislation. There are some objects on the market, but it is
not completely clear whether they are meaningful enrichment for the pigs. So
may be the best advice to give to farmers at the moment is to be creative
and try a few things out with their pigs. They should be able to tell
whether the pigs interact with objects or whether they get bored soon with
what they give them.
I do not want to make this mail to long, so feel free to mail me for more
info.
Heleen
:o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
Dr. H.A. van de Weerd
University of Newcastle
ADAS Terrington
Terrington St. Clement
Kings Lynn
Norfolk
PE34 4PW, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1553 828621
Direct: +44 (0) 1553 825891
Fax: +44 (0) 1553 827229
email: Heleen.vandeweerd@adas.co.uk
:o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
From: IN%"Heleen.Vandeweerd@adas.co.uk" "Heleen Vandeweerd" 30-JAN-2003 04:43:47.52
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "=?x-user-defined?Q?ML_=E9tho_appliqu=E9e?="
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Dear All,
The project I am working on here in the UK, is funded by Defra (Department =
of Agriculture, rural affairs and the environment) and industrial partners =
to provide insight in what is good enrichment for pigs. Defra also played a=
very active role in the discussions which have led to this EU Directive. A=
s Mike points out, one of the main requirements is to provide all pigs with=
permanent access to a sufficient quantity of material [ ] to enable prop=
er investigation and manipulation activities. It is up to each member state=
now to implement this Directive in National legislation and to decide what=
manipulable materials are.
=20
In our research project we focussed on developing enrichment for pigs in pa=
rt-slatted of fully slatted systmes, because most pigs in the EU are kept i=
n those systems, and providing rootable substrates such as straw on slatted=
floors will cause problems with slurry systems. We investigated first what=
pigs find important characteristics of enrichment in order to design somet=
hing which is meaningful for a pig. The results pointed towards characteris=
tics which are related to behaviours such as foraging and exploration and m=
anipulation. The research also shows that a mere ball is not stimulating en=
richment for pigs, as they loose interest in it very soon. We have presente=
d results from this experiment on the last two ISAE conferences, but if you=
'd like to know more, I am afraid you 'll have to wait a little, as the man=
uscript is in the 'submitted' phase.=20
We are now designing objects which incorporate these main characteristics (=
this is not so easy!) and will investigate their effects on the pigs (effec=
ts on performance and coping in different test situations etc.). These tria=
ls are still in progress.
But for now the farmers have to provide their pigs with some 'toy' in order=
to comply with legislation. There are some objects on the market, but it i=
s not completely clear whether they are meaningful enrichment for the pigs.=
So may be the best advice to give to farmers at the moment is to be creati=
ve and try a few things out with their pigs. They should be able to tell wh=
ether the pigs interact with objects or whether they get bored soon with wh=
at they give them.
I do not want to make this mail to long, so feel free to mail me for more i=
nfo.
Heleen
:o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
Dr. H.A. van de Weerd
University of Newcastle
ADAS Terrington
Terrington St. Clement
Kings Lynn
Norfolk
PE34 4PW, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1553 828621
Direct: +44 (0) 1553 825891
Fax: +44 (0) 1553 827229
email: Heleen.vandeweerd@adas.co.uk
:o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Pig Disease Information Centre UK=20
To: Ethology Posting=20
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 10:50 AM
Subject: Environmental enrichment for pigs
Environmental enrichment for pigs has hit the media headlines this week
because a new EU directive comes into force next week requiring farmers to
provide "manipulable material" (aka "toys") for pigs. Failure to meet this
requirement risks 90 days in prison or a =A31,000 fine.
I know that some Ethology list members have researched this topic, so I
wonder if they could provide us with an update of the latest research
findings, key references, books and online articles?
Thanks
Mike Meredith
*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*
Pig Disease Information Centre
Website: www.pighealth.com
*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*=3D+=3D*
***************************************************************************=
****
The information transmitted is intended only for the addressee and
may contain confidential and/or privileged material.
Any use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information
by parties other than the intended recipient is prohibited.
If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete
the material from any computer.
Opinions and other information in this message that do not relate to
the official business of ADAS are neither given nor endorsed by it.
For more information on ADAS, visit our website at
http://www.adas.co.uk.
***************************************************************************=
****
From: IN%"caroline.docking@adas.co.uk" "Caroline Docking" 30-JAN-2003 04:51:02.32
To: IN%"pdic@btclick.com" "Pig Disease Information Centre UK", IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: RE: Environmental enrichment for pigs - "toys"
It is worth noting that under UK legislation there has been a requirement
for the provision of environmental enrichment for pigs for a number of
years.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pig Disease Information Centre UK"
To: "Ethology Posting"
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 10:34 AM
Subject: Re: Environmental enrichment for pigs - "toys"
> Here is a mesage I am posting on behalf of Heleen Vandeweerd
> Mike Meredith
>
> ________________________________________________
> Dear All,
>
> The project I am working on here in the UK, was mainly funded by Defra
> (Department of Agriculture, rural affairs and the environment) to provide
> insight in what is good enrichment for pigs. Defra also played a very
active
> role in the discussions which have led to this EU Directive. As Mike
points
> out, one of the main requirements is to provide all pigs with permanent
> access to a sufficient quantity of material [ ] to enable proper
> investigation and manipulation activities. It is up to each member state
now
> to implement this Directive in National legislation and to decide what
> manipulable materials are.
>
> In our research project we focussed on developing enrichment for pigs in
> part-slatted of fully slatted systmes, because most pigs in the EU are
kept
> in those systems, and providing rootable substrates such as straw on
slatted
> floors will cause problems with slurry systems. We investigated first what
> pigs find important characteristics of enrichment in order to design
> something which is meaningful for a pig. The results pointed towards
> characteristics which are related to behaviours such as foraging and
> exploration and manipulation. We have presented results from this
experiment
> on the last two ISAE conferences, but if you'd like to know more, I am
> afraid you 'll have to wait a little, as the manuscript is in the
> 'submitted' phase.
>
> We are now designing objects which incorporate these main characteristics
> (this is not so easy!) and will investigate their effects on the pigs
> (effects on performance and coping in different test situations etc.).
These
> trials are still in progress.
>
> But for now the farmers have to provide their pigs with some 'toy' in
order
> to comply with legislation. There are some objects on the market, but it
is
> not completely clear whether they are meaningful enrichment for the pigs.
So
> may be the best advice to give to farmers at the moment is to be creative
> and try a few things out with their pigs. They should be able to tell
> whether the pigs interact with objects or whether they get bored soon with
> what they give them.
>
> I do not want to make this mail to long, so feel free to mail me for more
> info.
>
> Heleen
>
> :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
>
> Dr. H.A. van de Weerd
> University of Newcastle
> ADAS Terrington
> Terrington St. Clement
> Kings Lynn
> Norfolk
> PE34 4PW, UK
>
> Tel: +44 (0) 1553 828621
> Direct: +44 (0) 1553 825891
> Fax: +44 (0) 1553 827229
> email: Heleen.vandeweerd@adas.co.uk
>
> :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
>
>
>
>
> This message has been checked for known viruses.
> ADAS Postmaster
> Postmaster@adas.co.uk
>
>
*******************************************************************************
The information transmitted is intended only for the addressee and
may contain confidential and/or privileged material.
Any use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information
by parties other than the intended recipient is prohibited.
If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete
the material from any computer.
Opinions and other information in this message that do not relate to
the official business of ADAS are neither given nor endorsed by it.
For more information on ADAS, visit our website at
http://www.adas.co.uk.
*******************************************************************************
From: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk" "Moira Harris" 30-JAN-2003 08:09:37.87
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: Humane euthanasia for young pigs
Dear Heather, Vivian and all,
Very interested to see the discussion of euthanasing young piglets by
hitting them on the head. Having killed several piglets using exactly
these methods (both by hitting with something heavy and using a
wall/floor) I thought I might add a bit.
Soon after a litter of piglets is born, it is apparent to all around
that the occasional one is not going to survive, due to being too small,
sick or deformed. In that situation, the humane thing to do (assuming
it can't be fostered or treated) is to kill it as quickly as possible.
Some animal caretakers don't like to kill piglets so will leave them to
die (by starvation, chilling or being crushed by the sow) -- which is
less humane, I think you'd agree.
According to the AVMA (Report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia 2000):
"Some consider physical methods of euthanasia aesthetically unpleasing.
There are occasions however, when what is perceived as aesthetic and
what is most humane are in conflict". It goes on to say that "A blow to
the head can be a humane method of euthanasia for neonatal animals with
thin craniums, such as young pigs, if a single sharp blow delivered to
the central skull bones with sufficient force can produce immediate
depression of the central nervous system and destruction of brain
tissue. When properly performed, loss of consciousness is rapid."
http://www.avma.org/resources/euthanasia.pdf
In Canada, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs
(1993), produced in cooperation with the CVMA, Canadian Council on
Animal Care and Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, says:
"The best method for killing a young piglet (under 3 weeks of age)
quickly and painlessly, is to strike the animal on the top of its head
with a heavy blunt object, such as a hammer. The blow must be
administered swiftly, firmly, and with absolute determination."
http://www.carc-crac.ca/common/pigs.pdf
Regarding hitting piglets' heads against a wall as opposed to striking
them with a heavy object, admittedly the latter might be a bit more
precise. Practically, however, a wall/floor is always available in the
farrowing room which is probably why it is often used. Certainly,
somebody who has been trained properly should be able to cause rapid
death by hitting a piglet's head against a wall straight on (not
sideways) -- IF they do it hard enough. I would have thought that a
situation where 2-3 blows were needed would arise either because the
person euthanising wasn't hitting hard enough (inhumane) or the piglet
was too big.
Yes, killing a piglet by trauma to its head is brutal, and I wouldn't
disagree for a minute that it's aesthetically unpleasing. But I do
think it's important to separate ourselves a bit here from what is
'nice' and what is humane.
Best wishes,
- Moira
-------------------------------------
Dr. Moira Harris
Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Science
University of Bristol
Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
Dept. of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Moira.Harris@warwick.ac.uk
-----------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through SilkyMail v1.1.8
From: IN%"Rexxie1@aol.com" 30-JAN-2003 08:58:11.13
To: IN%"olsson@ibmc.up.pt", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: crates versus pens and pasture
Here is a more reasonable interpretation of the UK environmental enrichment
provision.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/01/29/uk.pigs.play/index.html
Marlene Halverson
From: IN%"pdic@btclick.com" "Pig Disease Information Centre UK" 30-JAN-2003 09:51:48.50
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology Posting"
CC:
Subj: "Toy Story" denials
The media frivolity about "toys" for pigs recently seems to have produced
some
"backlash" denials from DEFRA and the European Commission .
The DEFRA welfare website provides no information at all on this debate.
Marlene has already drawn our attention to:
http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/01/29/uk.pigs.play/index.html
Here is a news agency report..
BRUSSELS DENIES EDICT FOR PIGS TO PLAY FOOTBALL
January 29, 2003
Agence France Presse
European commission spokeswoman Beate Gminder was cited as saying Wednesday
that pigs are not being required to play football, nibble on chains or
nuzzle on teddy bears under a new European Union directive, adding, "To make
this very, very clear... our directive does not talk about toys. It does
specify "that pigs should have permanent access to a sufficient quantity of
material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities, such as
straw, hay, wood, sawdust, mushroom compost or a mixture of such", she said.
"These are all naturally available on a farm and no farmer would need to buy
extra toys to keep his pigs happy."
The European Commission official said: "We are not in charge of implementing
orders of national ministries and I cannot comment upon them. "On a general
basis, animal welfare is certainly one of our priorities and is also close
to society's heart," she said.
Digby Scott of the UK National Pig Association comments today..
============================================
The European Commission have responded in intemperate vein to yesterday's
flurry of stories about "toys" for pigs.
The sudden interest in what NPA would more formally describe as "manipulable
materials" was provoked by a report in The Times, which in turn was sparked
by a letter in last week's Farmers Weekly.
According to an apparently outraged EC yesterday, The Times' story was
"utter eurosceptic rubbish", which seems a slightly harsh way of describing
a lighthearted news report on a matter of interest to producers and
consumers alike.
Jim Dougal, head of the European Commission in the UK said: "If the UK wants
to tell farmers that they should supply toys for pigs that is a matter for
them. There is no mention of toys in the EU directive. Yet again we see
sections of the press resorting to invention in order to propagate their
eurosceptic agenda."
For the record, neither the government nor the NPA refer to manipulable
materials as "toys". On the other hand, it isn't a hugely inaccurate
description.
It would perhaps be more accurate to say, for instance, that "A new law says
pigs should have toys" than it would be to say "The European Commission have
a sense of humor".
=============
I am concerned that in the current media frivolity and official reactive
responses the potential value of "toys" for pigs may become a "baby thrown
out with the bathwater".
My own experience and that of many pig keepers I have met over the years, is
that pigs do seem to derive considerable pleasure from "toys" and that
entertainments like these can help to reduce fighting e.g. after mixing
groups of pigs.
There is now a huge amount of research from other species to indicate that
mental and emotional "well-being" can have beneficial effects on the immune
system
see: www.lovehealth.org/info/psychoneurobiology.htm
Is there any noteworthy research in this area specifically relating to
pigs?
Some of my own ideas on animal well-being can be viewed at:
www.synalia.com/holistic.htm
Comments?
Thanks for all your responses to my request for info on "environment
enrichment", the applied-ethology forum is great!
Mike
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
Pig Disease Information Centre
4 New Close Farm Business Park
Bar Road, Lolworth, Cambs., CB3 8DS, U.K.
Email: mail@pighealth.com Website: www.PIGHEALTH.COM
Members of AHIS (Animal Health Information Specialists) UK & Ireland
*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*
From: IN%"hmcmurra@elp.rr.com" "heather mcmurray" 30-JAN-2003 20:45:01.15
To: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk" "Moira Harris", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: Humane euthanasia for young pigs
Rabbits are also supposed to be able to be humanely killed by a blow to the
head, yet with the bigger rabbits I've come across a report of a person
(woman, recovering from auto accident) who could not kill the rabbits except
with repeated blows. This is not uncommon as many people raising rabbits
for meat don't have the strength for quick physical euthanasia of a large
rabbit.
The Vet guidelines clearly state that the blow has to hit the center of the
cranium with sufficient force. It seems as if swinging piglets against a
wall is no guarantee of humane euthanasia anymore than whapping a rabbit
over the head. The Vet guidelines repeatedly state that the person doing
this should be well trained and monitored. I suspect that the people
killing piglets at the farm are not thoroughly taught -- that they assume
they should just hit the piglet's head on the wall or floor. I sincerely
would be most surprised if those people knew that they were suppose to aim
directly for the top of the skull. I would be even more surprised if their
piglet kills were monitored.
Has anyone studied the effect on the mother and siblings of a littermate
being killed within sight, smell and hearing?
What *is* a guarantee of humane euthanasia with these smaller animals among
the physical euthanasia methods is the penetrating captive bolt - both
rabbits and piglets - to the brain. Why doesn't anyone use this method
instead?
.
Heather
----- Original Message -----
From: "Moira Harris"
To:
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 7:07 AM
Subject: Humane euthanasia for young pigs
> Dear Heather, Vivian and all,
> Very interested to see the discussion of euthanasing young piglets by
> hitting them on the head. Having killed several piglets using exactly
> these methods (both by hitting with something heavy and using a
> wall/floor) I thought I might add a bit.
>
> Soon after a litter of piglets is born, it is apparent to all around
> that the occasional one is not going to survive, due to being too small,
> sick or deformed. In that situation, the humane thing to do (assuming
> it can't be fostered or treated) is to kill it as quickly as possible.
> Some animal caretakers don't like to kill piglets so will leave them to
> die (by starvation, chilling or being crushed by the sow) -- which is
> less humane, I think you'd agree.
>
> According to the AVMA (Report of the AVMA panel on euthanasia 2000):
> "Some consider physical methods of euthanasia aesthetically unpleasing.
> There are occasions however, when what is perceived as aesthetic and
> what is most humane are in conflict". It goes on to say that "A blow to
> the head can be a humane method of euthanasia for neonatal animals with
> thin craniums, such as young pigs, if a single sharp blow delivered to
> the central skull bones with sufficient force can produce immediate
> depression of the central nervous system and destruction of brain
> tissue. When properly performed, loss of consciousness is rapid."
> http://www.avma.org/resources/euthanasia.pdf
>
> In Canada, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs
> (1993), produced in cooperation with the CVMA, Canadian Council on
> Animal Care and Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, says:
> "The best method for killing a young piglet (under 3 weeks of age)
> quickly and painlessly, is to strike the animal on the top of its head
> with a heavy blunt object, such as a hammer. The blow must be
> administered swiftly, firmly, and with absolute determination."
> http://www.carc-crac.ca/common/pigs.pdf
>
> Regarding hitting piglets' heads against a wall as opposed to striking
> them with a heavy object, admittedly the latter might be a bit more
> precise. Practically, however, a wall/floor is always available in the
> farrowing room which is probably why it is often used. Certainly,
> somebody who has been trained properly should be able to cause rapid
> death by hitting a piglet's head against a wall straight on (not
> sideways) -- IF they do it hard enough. I would have thought that a
> situation where 2-3 blows were needed would arise either because the
> person euthanising wasn't hitting hard enough (inhumane) or the piglet
> was too big.
>
> Yes, killing a piglet by trauma to its head is brutal, and I wouldn't
> disagree for a minute that it's aesthetically unpleasing. But I do
> think it's important to separate ourselves a bit here from what is
> 'nice' and what is humane.
>
> Best wishes,
> - Moira
>
> -------------------------------------
>
> Dr. Moira Harris
>
> Dept. of Clinical Veterinary Science
> University of Bristol
> Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
>
> Dept. of Biological Sciences
> University of Warwick
> Moira.Harris@warwick.ac.uk
>
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------
> This mail sent through SilkyMail v1.1.8
From: IN%"iris.bachmann@alumni.ethz.ch" "Iris Bachmann" 31-JAN-2003 01:08:55.44
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: "new" member
Dear members of the Applied-ethology network
after some time I am back to the network and would like to introduce myself.
I am a young ethologist and finished recently my PhD on horse welfare
aspects in Switzerland at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in
Zurich. Please refer to
- Bachmann I, Stauffacher M. Prevalence of behavioral disorders in the
Swiss horse population. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2002 Jul;144(7):356-68.
(in German)
- Bachmann I, Stauffacher M. Housing and use of horses in Switzerland: a
representative analysis of the status quo. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2002
Jul;144(7):331-47. (in German)
- Bachmann I. et al., 2002. Risk factors associated with the occurrence of
the behavioural disorders cribbing, weaving and box-walking in Swiss
horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, in press
Iris Bachmann
From: IN%"bid@kvl.dk" "Birgitte Iversen Dam" 31-JAN-2003 04:00:45.76
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: Sow prop
Dear all,
In a report on the Freedom Farrowing System for sows (Baxter, 1991), a sow prop, i.e. a sloping wall with an escape area for the piglets by the floor is described. It is stated that in an experimental comparison sows prefered the sow prop to a vertical wall when lying down.
Unfortunately there are no references in this report. Does anyone know whether such an experiment has been published (cannot find it anywhere) or alternatively, does anyone have Mike Baxter's e-mail adress so I can ask him directly?
Thanking you in advance,
Birgitte Damm
From: IN%"marchant@purdue.edu" "Jeremy Marchant Forde" 31-JAN-2003 08:10:19.42
To: IN%"bid@kvl.dk" "Birgitte Iversen Dam", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: Sow prop
Hi Birgitte,
Mike left the agriculture world and last I heard was heading a design college:
Professor Mike Baxter
Dean of School of Design
Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
Walden Road
Chislehurst Kent BR7 5SN
Phone: 0181 289 4900
Fax: 0181 295 1070
Email: m.baxter@rave.ac.uk
Don't know if he's still there or not.
I can't recall any data to support the statements in that 1991 Farm Building Progress paper, but he did a lot of work on posture changing some years earlier. e.g. Baxter, MR, Schwaller C.E., (1983) Space requirements for sows in confinement. In: Farm Animal Housing and Welfare
(Eds. S. Baxter, MR Baxter and JAC MacCormack) Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague. Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Vol 24. pp181-194.
All the best,
Jeremy
Birgitte Iversen Dam wrote:
> Dear all,
> In a report on the Freedom Farrowing System for sows (Baxter, 1991), a sow prop, i.e. a sloping wall with an escape area for the piglets by the floor is described. It is stated that in an experimental comparison sows prefered the sow prop to a vertical wall when lying down.
>
> Unfortunately there are no references in this report. Does anyone know whether such an experiment has been published (cannot find it anywhere) or alternatively, does anyone have Mike Baxter's e-mail adress so I can ask him directly?
>
> Thanking you in advance,
> Birgitte Damm
--
ÐÏࡱá
From: IN%"info@kerwoodwolf.com" "Kerwood Wolf Education Centre Inc." 31-JAN-2003 09:21:08.57
To: IN%"Moira.Harris@bristol.ac.uk" "Moira Harris", IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: RE: Humane euthanasia for young pigs
Very good point, Moira, and thank you. My main concerns with these killing
methods are however, that:
a) Often, the people implementing them are not properly trained and the
piglets suffer needlessly as a result, and
b) It is virtually impossible for animal welfare organizations, etc. to
monitor these killings and thus, they will continue for the most part in
their present form.
Vivian
> Yes, killing a piglet by trauma to its head is brutal, and I wouldn't
> disagree for a minute that it's aesthetically unpleasing. But I do
> think it's important to separate ourselves a bit here from what is
> 'nice' and what is humane.
>
> Best wishes,
> - Moira
From: IN%"jlanier@hsus.org" "Jennifer Lanier" 31-JAN-2003 10:26:35.16
To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: Swine gestation crates
Hi all, I am looking for research that has looked at the welfare of sows
and gilts in gestation crates. I have found a few, but not enough to say
the welfare of the sow/gilt is comprised by this type of housing system.
Does anyone know of some good studies?
Jennifer
Jennifer L. Lanier, Ph.D.
Director of Scientific Programs
Farm Animals and Sustainable Agriculture
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L. Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
(301) 548 7787
(301) 258 3081 Fax
jlanier@hsus.org
From: IN%"slvnhld@ix.netcom.com" "OBi Fox" 31-JAN-2003 10:59:11.63
To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca"
CC:
Subj: flight zones
If anyone can direct me to a copy of Heini Hediger's 1951 work entitled:
"Observations sur la Psychologie Animals dans las Parcs Nationaux du Congo
Belge."
(Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge. Brussells)
it would be most appreciated.
Any and all other references to flight zones would be appreciated as well.
I am particularly looking for data documenting zone and response distance
measurements - any and all
species welcome.
thank you
OBi Fox