Infrared Thermography for the Ante Mortem Detection of Bruising in Horses Following Transport to a Slaughter Plant.
Abstract: Undetected injury of horses sustained during road transport to slaughter is a welfare concern. This study evaluated digital infrared thermography (DT) for the detection of ante-mortem bruising in horses following transport to a slaughter plant. The sensitivity and specificity of DT for the detection of bruises following transport was evaluated. DT images were obtained from 93 horses (2-3 horses per load; 40 loads) at a Canadian federally approved slaughter plant. From an elevated platform 5 m from the horses, left and right lateral DT images, and one caudal pelvic area image were obtained from each horse. After slaughter the carcasses were examined for bruising (a visually discolored area on the carcass caused by damage to the blood vessels) and findings documented. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for DT assessment of bruising. The prevalence of bruising on post mortem inspection was 54%. The DT approach to bruise detection at the region of interest level of 93 horses ( = 186 sides) resulted in a sensitivity of 42% and specificity of 79%. As the sensitivity was low, a more sensitive DT camera and allowing for a longer equilibration time for horses after transport may improve this approach to post transport assessment of subclinical injury.
Publication Date: 2019-01-17 PubMed ID: 30705888PubMed Central: PMC6344440DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00344Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study investigates the use of digital infrared thermography in identifying bruises in horses before their death due to injuries sustained during transport to a slaughter plant.
Objective of the Research
- The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital infrared thermography (DT) in detecting bodily injuries, particularly bruises, suffered by horses during transportation to a slaughterhouse before they’re killed (ante-mortem).
Methodology
- The research was carried out in a Canadian slaughter plant approved by federal authorities. It included 93 horses, which came in batches of two or three per load with a total of 40 loads.
- The horses were imaged using digital infrared thermography. From an elevated platform five metres away, the left and right lateral sides of the animals, and one image from the caudal pelvic area were taken.
- After being slaughtered, the carcasses were inspected for any signs of bruising. Bruising here refers to a visually discolored area on the carcass caused by damage to the blood vessels. Findings were recorded for future reference.
Results
- The post-mortem examination revealed a bruising prevalence of 54% among the horses. This underscores the importance of ante-mortem detection as over half of the horses suffered from transport-related injuries.
- The study revealed that digital infrared thermography had a sensitivity of 42% and a specificity of 79% in detecting bruises. In other words, the technique correctly identified bruises in 42% of the cases (sensitivity), and when it indicated an absence of bruises, it was correct 79% of the time (specificity).
Conclusion and Recommendations
- The DT method showed potential for the detection of ante-mortem bruising, even though it had quite a modest sensitivity. This suggests that it could identify less than half of the actual cases of bruising.
- The authors suggest that the sensitivity of the digital infrared thermography could be improved by using a more sensitive DT camera and providing a longer equilibration time for horses after transport. It is suggested that this could allow for better post-transport assessment of subclinical injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Roy RC, Riley CB, Stryhn H, Dohoo I, Cockram MS.
(2019).
Infrared Thermography for the Ante Mortem Detection of Bruising in Horses Following Transport to a Slaughter Plant.
Front Vet Sci, 5, 344.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00344 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
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Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- García-Díez J, Saraiva S, Moura D, Grispoldi L, Cenci-Goga BT, Saraiva C. The Importance of the Slaughterhouse in Surveilling Animal and Public Health: A Systematic Review. Vet Sci 2023 Feb 20;10(2).
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