Journeys, Journey Conditions, and Welfare Assessment of Unbroken (Unhandled) Horses on Arrival at a Slaughterhouse in Italy.
Authors: Zappaterra Martina, Nanni Costa Leonardo, Felici Martina, Minero Michela, Perniola Francesco, Tullio Daniele, Padalino Barbara
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Unbroken horses destined for slaughter represent a particularly vulnerable transport population, yet their welfare during journeys has received little systematic documentation. Researchers in Italy assessed 395 unhandled draft horses across 20 consignments using standardized welfare protocols, tracking their origins (predominantly French assembly centres receiving Spanish-origin animals), journey characteristics (average 34 hours total duration with breaks; 24 hours active transit time), and physical condition on arrival. Despite the extended transport duration and challenging demographic—unbroken horses are inherently more difficult to handle and predict—welfare outcomes were surprisingly favourable, with injury prevalence at only 1.52%, diarrhoea at 6.58%, and nasal discharge at 4.30%; cold ambient temperature, inadequate space allowance, and absence of feeding during transit were identified as the primary risk factors for these clinical signs. The findings underscore that even long-distance transport of unhandled horses need not compromise welfare when vehicles are properly equipped (forced ventilation, water systems), animals travel in small groups (≤4 per pen), drivers possess substantial experience, and journey breaks are incorporated—a perspective worth considering alongside current transport regulation discussions and fitness-for-transport assessments.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Ensure unbroken horses receive proper fitness-for-transport assessment before long journeys; the low injury/disease rates here reflect good baseline selection and handling by experienced staff
- •Maintain adequate temperature control, space allowance (loose housing in small groups), and water/feed access during transport—these directly impact arrival condition in unhandled animals
- •Plan regular breaks during long transits (average 34 hours here included resting stops); experienced drivers with well-maintained, ventilated vehicles are essential for welfare outcomes in unbroken stock
Key Findings
- •Unbroken horses transported from Spain via France to Italy had average journey duration of 34±14 hours with 24±4 hours transit time, traveling loose in small groups (≤4 horses) in well-equipped trucks
- •Injury prevalence was 1.52%, diarrhea/abnormal feces 6.58%, and nasal discharge 4.30% on arrival, with minimal behavioral or health problems observed
- •Cold temperatures, restricted space allowance, and lack of feeding during transport were significant hazards associated with welfare problems (p<0.05)
- •Experienced drivers, proper truck equipment (forced ventilation, drinkers), appropriate fitness assessment, and journey breaks were critical factors in maintaining welfare during transport