Fletcher Katharine A, Padalino Barbara, Felici Martina, Bigi Daniele, Limon-Vega Georgina, Grist Andrew, Gibson Troy J
Animal Welfare Science and Ethics Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Anim Welf. 2025 Jan 3;33:e65. doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.70. eCollection 2024.
There is limited research into horse slaughter, particularly ante mortem welfare, and the effectiveness of captive-bolt gun (CBG) stunning, despite this being a widely used method worldwide. To address this evidence gap and explore associations between ante and post mortem factors, the welfare of 62 horses was assessed at a commercial Italian abattoir. Animal-based measures were used to identify stress-related behaviours and stunning effectiveness. A sub-sample (44%; 27/62) of heads were assessed for gross brain pathology. All animals in the study showed stress-related behaviours at all stages of the slaughter process. Additionally, 53% (33/62) of horses slipped in the stunning box, with poor floor surface condition and use of force associated with this. At least one sign of an ineffective stun was observed in 22% (14/62) of animals. Six animals were shot twice, with the application of a second shot significantly associated with a higher stress behaviour index score in the stunning box. Damage to critical brainstem structures was found in 85% (23/27) of heads that were assessed with gross pathology. An absence of damage to critical brainstem structures meant that animals were ten times more likely to show signs of ineffective stunning. These results highlight the risks to equine welfare throughout the slaughter process and suggest that mitigating ante mortem stress could improve stunning effectiveness, whilst CBG usage should be refined to ensure that critical brainstem structures are targeted.
尽管电击枪致昏是一种在全球广泛使用的方法，但关于马匹屠宰，尤其是宰前福利以及电击枪致昏有效性的研究有限。为了填补这一证据空白并探索宰前和宰后因素之间的关联，在一家意大利商业屠宰场对62匹马的福利状况进行了评估。采用基于动物的测量方法来识别与应激相关的行为以及致昏效果。对一个子样本（44%；27/62）的马头进行大体脑病理学评估。研究中的所有动物在屠宰过程的各个阶段均表现出与应激相关的行为。此外，53%（33/62）的马匹在致昏箱中滑倒，这与地面状况不佳和使用武力有关。在22%（14/62）的动物中观察到至少一个致昏无效的迹象。有6匹马被电击两次，第二次电击的实施与致昏箱中更高的应激行为指数得分显著相关。在接受大体病理学评估的27个马头中，85%（23/27）发现关键脑干结构受损。关键脑干结构未受损意味着动物出现致昏无效迹象的可能性要高十倍。这些结果凸显了整个屠宰过程中马福利面临的风险，并表明减轻宰前应激可能会提高致昏效果，同时应改进电击枪的使用以确保瞄准关键脑干结构。
