A mating stall is a crate used to hold a female pig for artificial insemination. A mating stall allows the female breeding pig to stand up or lie down but prevents her from turning around. In conventional indoor systems where pregnant pigs are group housed, sows (female breeding pigs that…
Pigs are intelligent, sociable and inquisitive animals. Historically pigs were farmed as an additional source of income in the dairy and grain industry, but pig farming has since evolved into its own industry with ~2.4 million pigs currently being farmed in Australia [1]. Pigs farmed for meat may be housed…
Greyhound racing inherently poses significant risks to animal welfare. Racing greyhounds in very hot weather places them at significant risk of dehydration and heat stress. However, there are no consistent rules that prohibit greyhound racing in Australia above a specific temperature. A recent Australian study of 229 racing greyhounds showed…
What is down? Down refers to the soft layer of feathers that is closest to a duck or goose’s skin, and is primarily located in the chest and belly regions. Ducks and geese are mainly farmed for the purpose of meat, liver and egg production. However, down and feathers can…
What is virtual fencing? Virtual fencing aims to remotely map and control livestock grazing behaviour without the use of fixed fences [1]. This technology, which was first developed in 2005, uses Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors and wireless technologies to control the movement and location of animals within an area…
(adopted 08/04/2024) [10] Note: Some of these non-therapeutic surgical modifications are illegal in some species/jurisdictions. [11] De-scenting (sometimes referred to as de-musking) is a surgical procedure in which a ferret’s scent glands are removed in order to eliminate their natural odour. [12] Dubbing is a surgical procedure in which the…
(adopted 08/04/2024) [3] Sterilisation includes all procedures and techniques that render the animal unable to produce offspring. Surgical sterilisation includes desexing (castration and spaying – ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy) and gonad sparing sterilisation options (e.g. vasectomy). Non-surgical sterilisation may include options such as chemical castration or other emerging options such as…
The first question you should seriously ask yourself is why do you want to breed a foal? Horse breeding should only be carried out by people who are very experienced. Even experienced horse breeders should continuously reconsider their breeding program as there are too many horses in Australia and only…
Hendra virus (HeV) occurs naturally in flying foxes where it appears to cause little or no signs of illness. For reasons not yet completely understood, at times the virus is shed by flying foxes in their body secretions including urine, faeces, saliva and birthing fluids. Horses can become infected by…
At certain times of the year (generally September to November for black and grey flying foxes, and April to May for little red flying foxes) flying foxes may secrete the Hendra virus (HeV) in body fluids such as urine, saliva and birthing fluids. Horses can become infected with the virus…