Physiological responses of red deer (Cervus elaphus) to conditions experienced during road transport

Remote heart rate and blood sampling devices were attached to transported red deer stags to assess the effects of several road transport parameters on physiological responses associated with welfare. Stocking density had a significant influence on heart rates and plasma lactate concentrations. Heart rates of deer transported at a high density (0.38 m2 per 84 kg animal) were 10-13% higher than those of deer transported at medium (0.62 m2) or low densities (0.85 m2). Lactate concentrations of animals transported at a high or medium density were 30-40% higher than those of deer transported at a low density. Heart rates of deer transported in the back or middle pens were 7-8% higher than those of deer transported at the front, and lactate concentrations were 30-40% higher. Because elevated heart rates and lactate concentrations are indicative of physiological or psychological challenges, it may be best to transport deer at densities below the currently recommended limit (0.40 m2/100 kg animal) and to keep deer nearer the front of the crate. Although hematocrit, sodium, and cortisol concentrations were not sensitive to variation in stocking density or the animal's position within the crate, cortisol and sodium concentrations increased significantly with time in transit; heart rates and lactate concentrations decreased significantly during the journey. A 2-fold increase in cortisol during the 2-h trip suggests that the length of journeys should be minimized to avoid welfare problems.