Sheep fatigue during transport: Lost in translation?

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Transport Science
• Veterinary Ethics

Background:

• Sheep transport over long distances is common, yet fatigue during transport remains under-researched.
• Existing research and policy discussions on sheep welfare during transport have largely overlooked fatigue.
• Understanding stakeholder perspectives is crucial for addressing sheep fatigue in commercial transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze stakeholder views on sheep fatigue during transport within the EU and UK.
• To identify behavioral indications, influencing factors, and practicalities of detecting fatigue in sheep.
• To inform future research and policy for improved sheep welfare during transport.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 18 experts from diverse stakeholder groups.
• Reflexive thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes and sub-themes.
• Exploration of stakeholder perceptions regarding sheep fatigue indicators and detection.

Main Results:

• Four main themes emerged: conscious use of anthropomorphism, caution against human-animal experience transfer, advocating for Qualitative Behaviour Analysis (QBA), and the infrequent discussion of fatigue in sheep transport.
• Stakeholders highlighted the need to balance anthropomorphic thinking with an objective understanding of animal experience.
• Qualitative Behaviour Analysis (QBA) was identified as a promising method for a more nuanced understanding of fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Fatigue is a neglected aspect of sheep transport welfare, requiring more research and discussion.
• Developing QBA-based assessments could significantly improve the detection and management of fatigue in transported sheep.
• Integrating stakeholder insights and advanced behavioral analysis methods can enhance sheep welfare during long-distance transport.