Seminars featuring Donald Broom

Professor Donald Broom, Centre for Animal Welfare and Anthrozoology, University of Cambridge, UK, will be giving two seminars with the University of Queensland's Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics during his Australian visit.

Seminar: Animal Welfare in relation to Transport
When: 12 noon. Thursday, 4 September, School of Animal Studies lecture theatre, Gatton Campus and again at 1 pm. Friday, 5 September, School of Veterinary Science lower lecture theatre, St Lucia Campus

Abstract:
Members of the public have concern about the welfare of farm animals during transport, especially because they see animals during journeys and reports in the media of transport in which mortality and morbidity are high. The welfare of animals during transport should be assessed using a range of behavioural, physiological and carcass quality measures. Dark firm dry (DFD) meat, pale soft exudative (PSE) meat and injuries such as bruises and skin lesions are indicators of both financial loss and poor welfare. In addition, health is an important part of welfare so the extent of any disease, injury or mortality resulting from, or exacerbated by, transport should be measured. Key factors affecting the welfare of animals during handling and transport, most of which are mentioned in the OIE codes are: attitudes to animals and the need for training of staff; methods of payment of staff; laws and retailers' codes; genetics especially selection for high productivity; rearing conditions and experience; the mixing of animals from different social groups; handling procedures; driving methods; stocking density; increased susceptibility to disease; and increased spread of disease.