Impact of tearing spermatic cords during castration in live and dead piglets and consequences on welfare.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the tearing of tissues during castration is forbidden in the EU, it is still routinely applied in many countries. The goal of this study was to evaluate vocalizations and movements of male piglets undergoing castration by applying different techniques and pain treatments based on scores under practical conditions (Trial 1, n?=?50) and to investigate anatomical features after castration of dead piglets with different techniques (Trial 2, n?=?28).

Results

In Trial 1, treatment groups did not significantly influence the duration of castration. Both the duration of vocalization and the scores for vocalizations and movements were lower in piglets castrated under general anesthesia (P?ConclusionsThe trials uncovered significant differences between behavior expressed by piglets castrated by tearing or cutting, indicating a higher pain level in the tearing group. It was found that the castration technique tearing increased the amount of removed tissues and might cause intraabdominal damage to the remaining tissues and vessels in a yet unknown dimension. These findings should be considered for implementation and stricter enforcement of the ban on tearing for castration.

SUBMITTER: Schmid SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7883445 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature