Assessment of animal welfare of farmed and captive cervid

Vojtěch Novák

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

The global interest of utilization of Cervidae species products arose in the recent years. Cervid captivity represents welfare threads and concerns that need to be addressed in accordance with the latest scientific research. Research through many scientific databases was done to provide clear overview of the main threads and issues that are connected to cervid captivity. Issues of legal aspects both in European Union and Czech Republic, problems with evaluation and understanding of welfare, housing and handling, transportation, diseases, and pelt biting were examined. The natural biology and behaviour of cervids, an understanding of which is important for mitigating these problems, have been investigated. Environmental enrichment has shown to be one of the best tools for alerting the stress-related responses. Other factors play key role however, namely facility design, as for example unsuitable fence design proved to be corelated with animal injuries. Smaller sized groups of cervids in captivity was seen in connection to less aggressive behaviour, therefore is good for welfare. Shade spots proved to be important as they help mitigate heat stress responses. Legal issues proved to be unspecific and had not covered many details about Cervidae species. However, there seem to be more and more legislation being created in the recent years covering welfare issues of animals.

Keywords

cervids, Cervidae, deer, welfare, enrichment, captivity, farmed

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 29. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: doc. Francisco Ceacero Herrador, Ph.D.
• Reader: Radim Kotrba, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture