Welfare of Large Animals In Scientific Research

Abstract

For the purpose of this paper, large animal species are taken to be those animals that are commonly used  as farm livestock animals namely: cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, camelids and deer. The numbers of  procedures in the UK in 2006 involving such animals amounted to around 56,000 out of a total of around 3  million. It may be that human perception of these animals as livestock animals impairs our consideration of  their needs, compared to say those of common pet animals, dogs or cats. As the perception of their environment,  and the potential to suffer, of livestock animals is likely to be similar however, we should not neglect  their needs. The use of large animals in scientific procedures has advantages in some respects – the animals  are in the main domesticated, and are therefore comparatively docile and have been bred to cope with captivity.  Nevertheless they can display aggressive behaviour and are capable of causing significant injury, so an  understanding of their behaviour can reduce risks to staff caring for and working with these animals. This  presentation considers the behaviour of these animals, their needs, signs of discomfort and pain, and means  to ameliorate both their welfare and the safety of staff engaged in their use.