Effect of space allowance during transport and fasting or non-fasting during lairage on welfare indicators in Merino lambs

Abstract

<p>A total of 72 male lambs of Merina breed were sampled in a 3×2 factorial design, testing three different space allowances treatment (SA) during transport [0.16 m²/animal (SAL; <em>n=</em>24); 0.20 m²/animal (SAM; <em>n=</em>24) and 0.30 m²/animal (SAH; <em>n=</em>24)] and two lairage treatments (TL) during 18 h previous slaughter [fasting (FAST; <em>n=</em>36) <em>vs </em>feeding (FEED; <em>n=</em>36)] on welfare physiological indicators. After transport, glucose and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were highest in SAM group and lowest in SAH one (<em>p&lt;</em>0.05). SAL showed intermediate values for both parameters. SA did not affect the rest of the blood parameters studied. TL-FAST treatment decreased glucose values (<em>p&lt;</em>0.001) while increased LDH (<em>p&lt;</em>0.001). Fasting caused an increase (<em>p&lt;</em>0.05) of Red Blood Cell Count values in SAM group. Feed deprivation did not affect cortisol or adrenaline values. Noradrenaline value was higher (<em>p&lt;</em>0.001) in TL-FAST groups than in TL-FEED. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, a range of space allowance during transport between 0.16 and 0.30 m²/lamb could be recommended without showing major changes on welfare physiological indicators; and feeding could be more appropriate than fasting during lairage.</p>