Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2014
Abstract
Recent investigations by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry into high mortalities on live export voyages from Australia to the Middle East during the Northern hemisphere summer suggest that animal welfare may be compromised by heat stress. The live export industry has generated a computer model that aims to assess the risk of heat stress and to contain mortality levels on live export ships below certain arbitrary limits. Although the model must be complied with under Australian law, it is not currently available for independent scientific scrutiny, and there is concern that model and the mandated space allowances are inadequate. This review appraises the relevant literature on heat stress in sheep and cattle, including laboratory studies aimed at mimicking the ambient temperatures and humidity levels likely to be encountered on live export voyages. Animal welfare is likely to be very poor as a result of heat stress in some shipments.
Recommended Citation
Caulfield, M. P., Cambridge, H., Foster, S. F., & McGreevy, P. D. (2014). Heat stress: A major contributor to poor animal welfare associated with long-haul live export voyages. The Veterinary Journal, 199(2), 223-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.018
Included in
Agribusiness Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Operations and Supply Chain Management Commons
Comments
Open Access