The welfare of ostrich handling, transportation and slaughter.

Abstract

One of the problems encountered in discussions of animal welfare is in deciding exactly what welfare means. An individual's welfare is defined to be its state as regards its attempts to cope with its environment. An ideal level of animal welfare is "a state of complete physical and mental health in which the animal is in harmony with its environment". Taken together, the two critical components of welfare - physical health and mental or psychological health of the animal - define the "quality of life" or level of welfare the animal experiences. Animal welfare refers to how well an animal is coping both with its environment and with the way it is being managed. When an animal's major needs are being met its welfare is good. Animal welfare science is a dynamic and growing discipline, especially in avian species. Recently ostrich production increased in many countries and welfare of this species is a new subject. The most common welfare problem occurs during catching, transport and slaughter of ostriches. These procedures results in stress and fear responses in the birds. The poor conditions can all be causes poor welfare. In this review is given some information about welfare in management practices for ostrich. In addition, the importance of welfare during handling, catching, transportation, stunning and slaughter of ostriches are also discussed.