Electroencephalogram and Physiological Responses as Affected by Slaughter Empathy in Goats

Area of Science:

• Animal behavior and welfare science
• Neuroscience
• Veterinary science

Background:

• Assessing emotional stress in goats during slaughter is crucial due to advances in cognitive science.
• Slaughter empathy's impact on animal physiology and neurobiology requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electroencephalogram (EEG) and physiological responses of goats exposed to slaughter empathy.
• To determine the effects of witnessing conspecific slaughter on goat emotional state and stress indicators.

Main Methods:

• 12 male Boer cross goats were divided into an exposure group (E-group) and a slaughter group (S-group).
• EEG and physiological parameters were recorded in the E-group under control (no exposure) and treatment (visualizing conspecific slaughter) conditions.
• Blood glucose and heart rate were measured as physiological stress indicators.

Main Results:

• Exposure to conspecific slaughter significantly altered EEG spectrum, notably increasing beta and theta waves and median frequency (MF).
• Emotional stress led to a significant increase in blood glucose levels.
• A non-significant increase in heart rate was observed, suggesting a heightened emotional state.

Conclusions:

• Slaughter empathy significantly affects neuronal electric activity in the goat's cerebrocortical area.
• Witnessing slaughter induces measurable emotional stress, evidenced by neurobiological and physiological changes.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering animal emotional states in slaughterhouse environments.