Euthanasie van dieren op het primaire bedrijf

The research described in this report was performed at the request of the Dutch ministry for Economic Affairs. It comprises a review of literature and a pilot experiment on farm with a euthanasia method for young piglets. The literature review is a sequel to an earlier report of Wageningen UR Livestock Research, updated with recent literature as well as literature regarding the relevant species. A schematic overview is presented with scientific knowledge regarding the relevant aspects of the euthanasia methods. Described methods are compared with Verordening (EG) Nr. 1099/2009. In the pilot experiment a commercially available method for euthanasia of young piglets was tested on farm. The literature review focussed on pigs, turkeys, sheep (lambs) and goat (kids). There appeared to be no literature regarding goat, possibly/likely methods that have been researched in sheep can be transferred to goat. A large number of methods were found that have been tested on several or all aspects relevant in euthanasia of animals (i.e. welfare, speed and effectiveness). Methods can be grouped in three categories: mechanical, electrical and gaseous. A fourth category is a lethal injection, but since this method is allowed for veterinarians only, it was not included. Methods aren’t always compliant with Verordening (EG) Nr. 1099/2009, however. Methods that are compliant with this regulation, on the other hand, haven’t always been researched on all relevant aspects. Mechanical methods that scored positive in literature on welfare, speed and effectiveness, are: non-penetrating captive bolt (in turkeys, piglets until 9 kg BW and lambs) and the penetrating captive bolt (in pigs and lambs). Of different gaseous euthanasia methods CO2 has been researched the most, where effect on welfare, speed and effectivity are highly dependent on the execution. Several methods are commercially available, but haven’t been researched on all critical aspects, examples being nitrogen foam (in all mentioned species), the Zephyr-E (in pigs over 9 kg BW, lambs and kids) en possibly the VetCon Aurelia P (in turkeys). Literature also mentions several aspects that require attention, for example the extent of the brain injury caused by mechanical methods. Development of user protocols that ensure safe as well as effective application of methods are mandatory. One specific aspects in those protocols should be the method of fixation of animals during euthanasia. Besides welfare, speed and effectiveness of different methods, the esthetical as well as societal side is an aspects of consideration. In an on farm pilot experiment the Zephyr-E, a non-penetrating captive bolt that has been researched in the UK and Canada, has been tested. In the experiment 25 piglets weighing 0.5 to 9 kg have been euthanized using the Zephyr-E, without using an additional killing method. The effectiveness of the method was assessed by testing several reflexes, as well as brain and heart activity. The use of the Zephyr-E resulted in immediate loss of reflexes (indicative for loss of consciousness). No animal regained consciousness. Practically, applying the Zephyr in very small animals requested careful placement. Fixation of the animal during euthanasia was a point of consideration. After the use of the device, muscle contractions were noticed in all animals and were a concern to the user. It appeared that in very small piglets (<1 kg) a fracture of the skull could occur, which is not allowed in Verordening (EG) Nr. 1099/2009. Possibly, an adjusted in the air pressure could prevent this.