Impact of Long-distance Ship Transport on Physiological Parameters of Imported Sheep to Saudi Arabia

Transporting of live animals by ship raises serious animal welfare concerns. Studying and evaluating the physiological impact is essential because no studies cover all the transport effects. This study aims to compare the potential impact of longdistance sheep transportation duration within the lower and upper decks of the ships from Romania and Spain.

The study included 96 healthy 12-month-old male sheep of the CONJ MESTIZO breed who arrived at Jeddah Islamic Port following a 10-day sea voyage from Romania and 12 days in Spain. The sheep were categorised based on the distance journeyed, weight (40-49 and 50–59 kg) and deck location (upper and lower). A comparative analysis between groups was utilised to assessthe influence of long-distance maritime excursions on changes in physiological parameters and liver enzyme activity, as well as cortisol and cytokine levels.

Significant differences in temperature, pulse and respiration between Romanian and Spanish sheep. Heavier sheepe xhibited higher blood pressure, indicating greater changes. Liver enzyme activity (ALT, AST, γ-GT, AST/ALT) also varied significantly. Cortisol levels were higher in lower deck sheep (14.49±0.84, 12.12±0.77, 35.50±2.09 and 35.47±2.10 ng/mL) compared to upper deck sheep (6.614±0.39, 5.71±0.86, 27.69±1.97 and 24.81±0.98 ng/mL). Smaller sheep had higher cortisol, indicating increased vulnerability. Lower deck sheep from both Romania and Spain had higher IL-17 (37.47±1.503, 36.30±2.076 and 41.31±1.846, 44.37±1.662 pg/mL) and lowerIL-10 (50.14±0.82, 50.86±2.344 and 62.83, 61.25±1.445 pg/mL) compared to upper deck sheep. In conclusion, long-distance sea transport induces significant physiological changes in sheep, with the lower deck exhibiting the most pronounced effects.