The efficacy of electrical stunning of New Zealand rock lobster () and freshwater crayfish () using the Crustastun™.

Large numbers of decapod crustacea are farmed and harvested globally for human consumption. Growing evidence for the capacity of these animals to feel pain, and therefore to suffer, has led to increased concern for their welfare, including at slaughter. In New Zealand, decapod crustacea are protected by animal welfare legislation.

Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a novel long-acting bupivacaine formulation for cornual nerve block in calves.

Local anesthetics are commonly used in farm animals to provide analgesia for painful procedures but can cause adverse effects at high systemic concentrations. The pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a long-acting sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) bupivacaine formulation following cornual nerve block in calves were compared to lidocaine. Fourteen calves were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups (i) 5% Bupivacaine-SAIB (BUP-SAIB), = 7; or (ii) 2% lidocaine (LID), = 7.

Practicability of a Time-Limited Welfare Assessment Protocol for Pasture-Based Dairy Farms, and a Preliminary Assessment of Welfare Outcome Thresholds.

This study assessed a new time-limited protocol developed for pasture-based cows across 23 dairy farms. The process started prior to milking with a questionnaire, followed by an assessment of resources (16 farms only) and behavioural observation of cows at pasture. Remaining animal-based measures were assessed during milking, usually by two assessors (one parlour based and one outside).

Evaluating the Behavioural Responses of Healthy Newborn Calves to a Thoracic Squeeze.

A thoracic squeeze has been observed to cause low-vigour neonates of various farmed mammal species, including calves, to enter a state of reduced responsiveness. The removal of the squeeze causes rapid recovery and the expression of normal, healthy behaviours. However, the responses of healthy calves to a thoracic squeeze have not yet been characterized.

Characterisation of the Behavioural Effects of a Thoracic Squeeze in Healthy Newborn Piglets.

A thoracic squeeze has been observed to cause both healthy and low vigour neonatal foals to enter a 'less-responsive state', characterised by loss of posture, eye closure and cessation of movement, from which they rapidly recover to express normal healthy behaviours when the squeeze is released. To date, there have been no systematic studies characterising the responses of healthy neonates of other mammalian species to a thoracic squeeze. We describe the responses of healthy newborn piglets ( = 17) to a standardised application of the thoracic squeeze and evaluate the effect of the method of squeeze application on the response.

Animal Welfare Assessment: Can We Develop a Practical, Time-Limited Assessment Protocol for Pasture-Based Dairy Cows in New Zealand?

Despite being a leading producer and exporter of dairy products, New Zealand has no industry-recognised welfare assessment protocol. A New Zealand-specific protocol is essential, as almost all dairy farms in New Zealand are pasture-based and housing is rarely used. Therefore, protocols developed for intensive cows are not suitable.

Risk factors for bobby calf mortality across the New Zealand dairy supply chain.

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality of bobby calves across the whole dairy supply chain in New Zealand. A case-control study was carried out in the 2016 spring calving season. A total of 194 bobby calves, comprising 38 cases (calves that died or were condemned for health or welfare reasons before the point of slaughter) and 156 controls (calves deemed acceptable and presented for slaughter) were included in the study.

Effects of halothane on the electroencephalogram of the chicken.

Little is known about the effects of inhalant anaesthetics on the avian electroencephalogram (EEG). The effects of halothane on the avian EEG are of interest, as this agent has been widely used to study nociception and analgesia in mammals. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of halothane anaesthesia on the EEG of the chicken.

Effects of noxious stimuli on the electroencephalogram of anaesthetised chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

The reliable assessment and management of avian pain is important in the context of animal welfare. Overtly expressed signs of pain vary substantially between and within species, strains and individuals, limiting the use of behaviour in pain studies. Similarly, physiological indices of pain can also vary and may be confounded by influence from non-painful stimuli.

Evaluation of Different Gases and Gas Combinations for On-Farm Euthanasia of Pre-Weaned Pigs.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the welfare of pre-weaned piglets euthanised using three different gas treatments: 100% carbon dioxide (CO₂), 100% argon (Ar) or a mixture of 60% Ar/40% carbon dioxide (Ar/CO₂). Two studies (n = 5 piglets/treatment/study) were conducted: (1) behavioural and physiological data were collected from conscious piglets during exposure to test gases via immersion in a pre-filled chamber and (2) electrophysiological data were collected from lightly anaesthetised, intubated and mechanically ventilated piglets exposed to the same test gases. Based on the duration of escape attempts and laboured breathing, piglets exposed to 100% CO₂ experienced more stress than piglets exposed to 100% Ar prior to loss of consciousness, but there appeared to be no advantage of mixing Ar with CO₂ on indices of animal welfare.

Electroencephalographic assessment of oral meloxicam, topical anaesthetic cream and cautery iron for mitigating acute pain in pigs (Sus scrofa) undergoing tail docking.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral meloxicam, topical anaesthetic cream and cautery iron in mitigating acute nociceptive responses of pigs to tail docking.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study.

Animals: A total of 40 healthy Large WhitexLandrace pigs aged 21±1 days, weighing 6.

Electroencephalographic responses of anaesthetized pigs (Sus scrofa) to tail docking using clippers or cautery iron performed at 2 or 20 days of age.

Objective: To compare electroencephalographic (EEG) responses of pigs to tail docking using clippers or cautery iron, performed at 2 or 20 days of age.

Study Design: Prospective, randomised controlled experimental study.

Animals: A total of 40 Large White x Landrace entire male pigs aged 2 (n=20) or 20 (n=20) days were randomly assigned to undergo tail docking using clippers or cautery iron.

Nitrous oxide as a humane method for piglet euthanasia: Behavior and electroencephalography (EEG).

The search for humane methods to euthanize piglets is critical to address public concern that current methods are not optimal. Blunt force trauma is considered humane but esthetically objectionable. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used but criticized as aversive.