274 Abstracts/AppliedAnimalBehaviourScience 41 (1994) 269-279

The effect of season and stocking density on pig wel- fare during transport

E.J. Hunter", C.M. Weeding b, H.J. Guise", T.A. Abbott a, R.H.C. P e n n y a

"Cambac JMA Research Ltd, Lower Cadleys, South Stoke, Reading RG8 0LX, UK bJSR Healthbred Ltd, Southburn, Driffield Y025 9ED, UK

Abstract

The effect of transport stocking density (200, 265 and 300 kg m-2 ) and season (sum- mer and winter) on the welfare and meat quality of approximately 1500 bacon pigs was investigated. Two replicates of each transport stocking density (TSD) were conducted during each season, giving a total of 12 journeys. The transporter used throughout the experiment was a two-deck articulated trailer with four pens per deck. After slaughter, the following were assessed: skin blemish, development of rigor morris, and muscle pH and reflectance at both 1 h and 18 h post mortem. Video-recordings of one TSD per season were made of the pen on the bottom deck directly behind the cab. There were significant interactions between season and stocking density (P< 0.05, analysis of variance) for rigor, skin blemish, ultimate pH and ultimate colour, with transportation in summer having the greatest effect. Mean summer values for ultimate pH and colour in the m. adductor at high TSD tended toward the dark, firm and dry end of the normal range (mean of 6.04_+ 0.04, and 20 + 0.04, respectively). Skin blemish scores at low stocking density in summer also tended to be high (mean of 2.9 + 0.7 on a scale of one (no blemish) to five (severe blem- ish). There were significant differences between seasons, but all seasonal means lay well within the normal range for porcine muscle. The great majority of pigs stood during trans- port. Median numbers of pigs sitting and lying did not exceed zero in any stocking density during either season, with the exception of pigs sitting at high TSD during the winter jour- ney (median was four out of a total of 24).

Strategic research: linking science with the real world

A.B. L a w r e n c e

Genetics and Behavioural Sciences Department, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK

Abstract

The current concern of society over animal welfare has established a set of problems such as defining acceptable levels of pain or designing housing systems that reduce stress. It is generally accepted that these problems are better resolved by an objective scientific approach than by relying on our own preconceptions of what represents an acceptable or unacceptable level of welfare. This being so, we can ask what is the best way of organizing

Abstracts/AppliedAnimal Behaviour Science 41 (1994) 269-279 275

science to yield us solutions to animal welfare problems. We can perhaps learn something by contrasting fundamental (or basic) and applied research, which respectively occupy opposite ends of the spectrum of scientific activities. Basic research is generally seen to epitomize the scientific approach, as it is often not directed to resolving any specific prob- lem and is driven instead by scientists' creative and innovative interests. Basic research has been responsible for the greatest advances in our knowledge of biological and physical mechanisms, but it is open to criticism on the very grounds that it is difficult to justify in terms of immediate benefit. Applied research by definition is directed to resolving specific problems, making it attractive to those who need short-term solutions to problems. There is evidence, however, that the success of applied research is dependent on first achieving a basic understanding of underlying mechanisms. In other words, applied research that be- comes divorced from its theoretical background is unlikely to provide the understanding necessary to provide real and lasting solutions to animal welfare problems. In organizing research to address animal welfare problems we need therefore to encourage high scientific standards across all levels of research activity. We need also to emphasize the importance of strategic research, which occupies the middle ground between basic and applied re- search, as providing an essential link in the successful application of science to animal welfare problems.

Effects of housing system on movement and leg strength in sows

J.N. Marchant, D.M. Broom Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge

CB30ES, UK

Abstract

Most sows in Europe are kept in confinement, and are unable to carry out locomotory exercise. It is probable that this confinement leads to muscle weakness and decreased bone strength. The objectives of this study were to determine differences in bone strength and muscle conformation between sows from different dry sow systems, and their effects on lying behaviour. The total time taken to lie down was determined for four stall-housed and seven group-housed sows, of similar age and parity. After slaughter, the left pelvic and thoracic limbs were dissected and 14 locomotory muscles removed and weighed. Muscle weight as a proportion of total body weight was then calculated, and the correlation be- tween proportional muscle weight and time to lie down was investigated. The humerus and femur were removed and broken by a three-point bend test. In seven muscles, stall- housed sows had lower muscle weights than group-housed sows. There was positive corre- lation between certain muscle proportions and lying times (extensor carpi radialis, r= 0.957; soleus/gastrocnemius, r= 0.807), only in group-housed sows lying down in the open. Bones from stall-housed sows had lower breaking strength than those from group-housed sows (humerus: 775.5 kg vs. 1161.8 kg, femur: 774.2 kg vs. 1117.9 kg). The results indicate that confinement affects muscular conformation and bone strength in sows, increasing suscep- tibility to fracture. Restriction also prohibits muscular control, affecting the ease of lying,