Vibration on animal transport vehicles and related animal behaviours with special focus on pigs

• The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of vibration on postural stability of cattle, behaviours of pigs and vibration transmission from floor 1 to floor 3 and driving performance in terms of vibration level on pigs transport vehicle. Single deck cattle and 3 deck pigs transport vehicles were used for the experiments. Vibration sensors and video camera were mounted in the observation boxes. Observation box of pigs was on the third floor. Continuous recording and measurements were made during the journeys to adequately describe vibration and behaviours. The experimental design consisted of three series having three replications. Swaying and loss of balance constantly increased with transport time for bulls and cows. In proportion to transport retching and vomiting of pigs increased in a linear form with increase of transport time over 85% (P < 0.006) of the pigs preferred to lie in travel direction. Along the vertical and lateral directions vibration transmitted from 1st to 3rd floor was between 108% and 113%, thus amplified. Different drivers but same duration and route could result different levels of vibration in all axes. These behavioural responses indicated that vibration and associated driving performance had a considerable effect on welfare of cattle and pigs. Vibration was amplified from floor 1 to 3 in vertical and lateral directions and pigs on floor 3 were exposed to a higher level of vibration in the two axes. Performance of drivers varied considerably as related to vibration emanated from pigs transport vehicle.

Ämnesord

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Veterinärmedicin -- Annan veterinärmedicin (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Veterinary Science -- Other Veterinary Science (hsv//eng)

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