Entwicklung eines Bewertungsprotokolls für Peking- und Moschusenten zur Erfassung des Tierwohls bei Haltung, Transport und Schlachtung

„Development of an assessment protocol for Pekin- and Muscovyducks for detection of animal welfare during husbandry, transport and slaughter - a literature study -“ The treatment of farm animals has increasingly become the subject of public interest, especially in Europe. Animal protection strains the image of livestock husbandry with increasing demand. A lot of consumers not only demand freshness and hygiene of animal products, they also care about adequate animal housing, careful transportation and painless slaughter. Despite a multitude of laws protecting production animals, there is a lack of binding regulations for all species. This includes both of the primary reared breeds of ducks: The Pekin duck and the Muscovy duck. Privately funded and government-sponsored animal welfare label are regarded as possible solutions to promote animal protection in Germany and Europe. Statements of requirement for animal welfare label for ducks that have been established so far (e. g. Freedom Food, Label Rouge), are based on only a few benchmarks of husbandry. Animal related data, like those made in the context of the Welfare Quality® Project, does not exist. On the basis of extensive literature research this paper will deal with the ethological basics of behavior of both of the two duck species, as well as the consequential problems in terms of husbandry, transportation and slaughter. The goal is to use the acquired findings to establish a problem-centered requirements catalogue following the example set by Welfare Quality®. One problem topic regarding the husbandry of both species of ducks is the massive lack of stimulation and its consequences. The positive effects of stimuli coming from run or the opportunity to bath are being critically judged. Literature research however reveals their importance. The effects of shed climate and lighting on the behavior and health of the animals are just as important. Particularly in the husbandry of Muscovy ducks massive problems emerge from defective behavior like plucking feathers and cannibalism. Until now those animals have been shielded from possible stimuli, e. g. being reared in darkness. Procedures that are questionable in terms of animal protection, like beak cutting, are common practice. The best possible conditions in regard to husbandry should help solving the problem before it occurs. Problems in terms of animal protection must not be sought in husbandry exclusively. Improved handling of animals during transportation and slaughter are essential for their wellbeing and protection from suffering, pain and damage referred to §1 TierSchG. The paper contains a problem-oriented analysis of the existing literature and possible solutions for the criteria mentioned above. Finally all the data concerning the well-being of ducks is summarized in clear records. They are arranged according to problem areas for both duck species. That way the available knowledge of the protection of ducks is accessible for vets in public service and auditors of future animal welfare label.