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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Med Educ / Galloping colts, fetal feelings, and reassuring regulations:...
Journal of veterinary medical education2010; 37(1); 94-100; doi: 10.3138/jvme.37.1.94

Galloping colts, fetal feelings, and reassuring regulations: putting animal-welfare science into practice.

Abstract: About a decade ago, concern was expressed that fetuses might suffer while dying in utero after the death of their dams. However, reference to already published literature provided compelling evidence that fetuses cannot consciously experience negative sensations or feelings, such as breathlessness and pain, and showed that, provided certain precautions are taken, they cannot suffer--their welfare is assured. In this article, I outline the major features of fetal and neonatal physiology that underlie this conclusion as it relates to fetuses that are neurologically exceptionally immature, moderately immature, or mature at birth. As an example of the practical application of this knowledge, I also show how the results of detailed studies reported in the biomedical literature, together with evolving understanding of the capacity of animals to experience negative sensations reported in the animal-welfare science literature, led to the development of international guidelines for the humane management of livestock fetuses when their dams are slaughtered commercially. I also highlight the notion that significant progress in the scientific understanding of animal welfare, and its applications, can be made by remaining open to knowledge developed in disciplines at the margins of or beyond those in the animal-welfare science, ethology, and veterinary sciences arenas.
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Publication Date: 2010-04-10 PubMed ID: 20378886DOI: 10.3138/jvme.37.1.94Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article explores the physiological capabilities of unborn and newborn livestock animals to experience negative sensations such as pain, and applies this knowledge to develop humane regulations for livestock slaughtering, particularly when the dam is pregnant.

Understanding Fetal and Neonatal Sensations

  • The research revolves around the concern that fetuses of livestock animals might suffer while dying in utero following the death of their dams.
  • The study uses previously published literature as a reference to establish evidence that fetuses do not have enough neurological development to consciously experience negative sensations like pain or discomfort.
  • Research identifies major features of fetal and neonatal physiology that leads to this conclusion and categorizes these features based on whether the fetus is neurologically exceptionally immature, moderately immature, or mature at birth.

Practical Application of this Knowledge

  • The research does not stop merely at the identification of these physiological aspects but further applies them in a practical environment — livestock slaughtering.
  • It discusses how detailed studies and evolving comprehension of animals’ capacity to experience negative sensations helped develop international guidelines for humane livestock management.
  • These guidelines are specifically designed for situations where the dam is slaughtered while being pregnant, ensuring the welfare of the fetus.

Emphasizing Cross-Disciplinary Approach

  • The research paper also emphasizes the synergy of multiple scientific disciplines to better understand and improve animal welfare.
  • The study suggests openness towards knowledge developed in fields at the margins of or beyond animal-welfare science, ethology, and veterinary sciences.
  • This multi-disciplinary approach, the research argues, can spur significant progress in understanding animal welfare and its practical applications.

Cite This Article

APA
Mellor DJ. (2010). Galloping colts, fetal feelings, and reassuring regulations: putting animal-welfare science into practice. J Vet Med Educ, 37(1), 94-100. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.37.1.94

Publication

Journal of veterinary medical education
ISSN: 0748-321X
NlmUniqueID: 7610519
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 1
Pages: 94-100

Researcher Affiliations

Mellor, David J
  • Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. D.J.Mellor@massey.ac.nz

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Husbandry / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Animal Welfare / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Animal Welfare / standards
  • Animals
  • Cognition
  • Emotions
  • Ethology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Science

Citations

This article has been cited 17 times.
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