Validation of behavioural indicators used to assess unconsciousness in sheep.

The validity of behavioural indicators to assess unconsciousness under different slaughter conditions is under (inter)national debate. The aim of this study was to validate eyelid-, withdrawal-, threat reflex and rhythmic breathing as indicators to assess unconsciousness in sheep. Sheep were monitored during repeated propofol anaesthesia (n=12) and during non-stunned slaughter (n=22).

Pain behaviour after castration of piglets; effect of pain relief with lidocaine and/or meloxicam.

Behavioural responses and the effect of lidocaine and meloxicam on behaviour of piglets after castration were studied. A total of 144 piglets of 2 to 5 days of age were allocated to one of six treatments: castration (CAST), castration with lidocaine (LIDO), castration with meloxicam (MELO), castration with lidocaine and meloxicam (L + M), handling (SHAM) and no handling (NONE). Behaviour was observed for 5 days after the procedure, growth until weaning was recorded and characteristics of the castration wound noted.

Effects of a local anaesthetic and NSAID in castration of piglets, on the acute pain responses, growth and mortality.

The present study addresses the questions whether on-farm use of local anaesthesia with lidocaine leads to a reduction in pain responses during castration, and whether the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam improves technical performance after castration of piglets. Five treatments were included in the study: (1) castration without anaesthesia or analgesia (CAST), (2) castration after local anaesthesia with lidocaine (LIDO), (3) castration after administration of meloxicam (MELO), (4) castration after lidocaine and meloxicam (L + M) and (5) sham castration (SHAM). To reduce litter influences, each treatment was present in each of the 32 litters (n = 32 per treatment).