The welfare of sheep during sea transport
H. Black, L.R. Matthews, K.J. Bremner
MAF Quality Management, Private Bag, 17 Keyte Street, Whangarei,
New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1991, 51: 41-42
The export of live sheep by sea to the Middle East is an area
of public concern due, in part, to the high death rates on some voyages,
and to the perceptions of poor animal welfare during transport. This
paper review the history of sea transport of sheep, the practice,
investigations, welfare guidelines, and management progress in the New
Zealand live sheep trade. A recent study of sheep exported to the
Middle East has identified important behavioural indicators of stress
and welfare. The results of this study have led to the implementation
of new management systems to meet the identified behavioural
characteristics and requirements of British breed sheep. Voyage
mortalities consistently less than 1% in sheep transported from NZ to
the Middle East can be expected.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Behaviour; welfare; live sheep export; sea transport; sheep
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
