This issue, edited by Dr. Jan Shearer, focuses on Lameness in Cattle. Article topics include: Economic Impact of Lameness in Cattle; Pathogenesis of Sole Ulcers and White Line Disease; Current Concepts on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Digital Dermatitis; Pathogenesis and Treatment of Foot rot; A Brief Review of Effective Footbath Compounds, Design and Management; Pathogenesis and Treatment of Toe Lesions in Cattle (including Non-Healing Toe Lesions); A Comparison of Foot Trimming Methods for Use in Cattle; Pathogenesis and Management of Corkscrew Claw in Cattle; Diagnosis and Prognosis of Common Disorders Involving the Proximal Limb; Scoring Locomotion and Mobility in Cattle (to include Fatigue Cattle Syndrome); The Relationship of Cow Comfort and Flooring to Lameness Disorders in Dairy Cattle; Treatment Options for Lameness Disorders in Organic Dairies; Welfare Implications of Lameness in Dairy Cattle; Pain Management for Lameness Disorders in Cattle, and Training On-Farm Employees in Foot Care.

This collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on ensuring animal welfare during transport and slaughter. The first chapter examines the impact of transport on beef and dairy cattle, as well as the effects of transport on carcass quality issues, such as bruising and dark cutting beef. It details how conditions can be optimised to ensure the welfare needs of the animal are met during all stages of transport. The second chapter reviews the legislation and codes of practice surrounding the transport and slaughter of cows to be culled as a result of disease or the development of health conditions such as lameness. The third chapter considers the effects of transport, handling and slaughter practices on pigs as well as physiological effects on carcass and meat quality. The fourth chapter explores current approaches used to stun poultry before slaughter, including electrical stunning and controlled atmosphere stunning. The chapter reviews the associated risks and benefits of each approach to overall bird health and welfare. The final chapter reviews the main welfare issues associated with management of sheep once they leave the farm, including transport by road and sea, use of holding facilities as well as handling and stunning of sheep at abattoirs.