Evaluation of physical euthanasia for neonatal piglets on-farm

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Welfare Science
• Agricultural Practices

Background:

• On-farm culling of neonatal piglets is a common practice.
• Assessing humane and effective methods for piglet euthanasia is crucial for animal welfare.
• Blunt force trauma is a method used in some contexts for piglet culling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of blunt force trauma as an on-farm culling method for neonatal piglets.
• To assess the physiological and pathological outcomes of blunt force trauma in piglets.
• To compare the efficacy and welfare implications of blunt force trauma with other culling methods.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven neonatal piglets were subjected to blunt force trauma by striking the head against a concrete floor.
• Brainstem function, brain injury, and hemorrhage were scored.
• Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded before and after trauma in a subset of 15 piglets.
• Radiographs were analyzed for fractures.

Main Results:

• All piglets exhibited brain damage, skull fractures, and hemorrhage.
• The mean time to isoelectric EEG was 64.3 seconds, indicating rapid loss of brain function.
• Bruises were observed in the neck and shoulders of a majority of piglets.
• While effective for inducing death, the method showed variability and potential for harm.

Conclusions:

• Blunt force trauma can result in rapid death in neonatal piglets when performed correctly.
• Significant potential for animal welfare harm exists due to potential for inappropriate practice, inaccuracy, and lack of repeatability.
• More reliable methods like captive bolt guns are recommended over blunt force trauma for on-farm piglet culling.