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An Assessment of Stress Caused in Sheep by Watching Slaughter of Other Sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

M H Anil ,
J Preston ,
J L McKinstry ,
R G Rodway  and
S N Brown
M H Anil*
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, UK
J Preston
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, UK
J L McKinstry
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, UK
R G Rodway
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, UK Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
S N Brown
Affiliation:
School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, UK
*
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
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Abstract

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The question of whether witnessing slaughter of conspecifics is distressing was investigated in sheep. Previously catheterized sheep were allowed to see the stunning and sticking (exsanguination) of other sheep. Heart rate was monitored and serial blood samples were taken to assess stress responses. Although the measurable parameter levels were generally high due to human contact and handling, there were no specific increases in response to witnessing stunning and slaughter. This work failed to produce any evidence to suggest that sheep are distressed by witnessing the slaughter act.

Keywords

animal welfaresheepslaughterstress
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 5 , Issue 4 , November 1996 , pp. 435 - 441
Copyright
© 1996 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

References

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