Troy’s current research interests include animal welfare of livestock during routine husbandry procedures, welfare during slaughter and wildlife management.

Peer-reviewed papers

Fletcher, K. A., Padalino, B., Felici, M., Bigi, D., Limon, G., Grist, A., and Gibson, T.J. (2025). Assessment of ante-mortem welfare indicators and the pathophysiology of captive bolt trauma in equids at slaughter - CORRIGENDUM.  Animal Welfare 34 https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.14

Gibson, T.J., Ridler, A.L., Limon, G., Lamb, C., Williams, A., and Gregory, N.G (2025). Pathophysiology of penetrating captive-bolt stunning in horned and polled sheep and factors determining incomplete concussion. Veterinary Science. 12 (1) https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010053

Fletcher, K. A., Padalino, B., Felici, M., Bigi, D., Limon, G., Grist, A., and Gibson, T.J. (2024). Assessment of ante-mortem welfare indicators and the pathophysiology of captive bolt trauma in equids at slaughter.  Animal Welfare https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.70

Fletcher, K.A., Limon, G., Agongo, E., Akunzule, A., Essel, G., Padalino, B., Grist, A., and Gibson, T.J. (2024) Assessmen of Donkey (Equus asinus) welfare at slaughter in Ghana. Animals. 14 (3673) https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243673 

Daniel Santiago Rucinque, D.S., Velarde, A., Xercavins, A., Varvaró-Porter, A, Gibson, T.J., Michel, V., and Contreras-Jodar, A. (2024). Alternatives to the use of carbon dioxide in two phases for the stunning of broiler chickens at slaughter. Animals 14 (486) https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030486

Fletcher, K.A., Hall, G.H., Limon, G., Padalino, B., Grist, A., and Gibson, T.J. (2023) Impact of social buffering and restraint on welfare indicators during UK commercial horse slaughter. Animals. 13 (2276) https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142276

Roslan, N., Blackie, N., Slack, D., Abu-Basha, E., Ismail, Z., Guitian, J., and Gibson, T.J. (2022). Student Perceptions of the Introduction of Pig Production, Management, and Health Teaching into the Veterinary Curriculum of a Muslim-Majority Country: A Case Study in Jordan.  The Journal of Veterinary Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme-2022-0013

Fletcher, K. A., Limon, G., Whatford, L., Grist, A., Knowles, T., and Gibson, T.J. (2022). A Systematic Review of equid welfare at slaughter.  Livestock Science. (263). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104988

Owen, K., Blackie, N., and Gibson, T.J. (2022). The effect of needle reuse on piglet skin puncture force. Veterinary Science. 9 (2), https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020090

Friedman, A., Dalla Costa, F.A., Dalla Costa, O.A., Godsell-Ryan, A., and Gibson, T.J. (2021). Time to Loss of Behavioural and Brainstem Responses of Ducks Following Non-Stunned Slaughter. Animals. 11 (3531). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123531

Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Faucitano, L., and Dalla Costa, O.A. (2021). On-farm dispatching methods used for pigs. Animal Welfare. 30, 507-522. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.30.3.008

Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Faucitano, L., and Dalla Costa, O.A. (2020). Evaluation of blunt force trauma for dispatching neonatal piglets on-farm. Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa204

Gibson, T.J., King, E., Spence, J., and Limon, G. (2019). Pathophysiology of concussive non-penetrative captive bolt stunning of turkeys. Animals. 9 (1049). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121049

Hing, S., Hampton, J.O., and Gibson T.J. (2019). Animal welfare and the killing of wildlife by captive bolt in Australia. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2018.035

Gibson, T.J., Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Dalla Costa, F.A.,and Gregory, N.G. (2019). Electroencephalographic assessment of pneumatically powered penetrating and non-penetrating captive-bolt stunning of bulls. Meat Science.151, 54-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.01.006

Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Coldebella, A., Faucitano, L., and Dalla Costa, O.A. (2019). On-farm pig dispatch methods employed in Brazil and stockpeople attitudes on their use. Livestock Science.221, 1-5.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.01.007

Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Dalla Costa, O.A., Coldebella, A., and Gregory, N.G. (2018). Evaluation of brain damage resulting from penetrating and non–penetrating stunning in Nelore Cattle using pneumatically powered captive bolt guns. Meat Science. 145, 347-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.07.016

de la Cruz-Cruz, L., Gibson, T.J., Guerrero, I., Napolitano, F., Mora, P., and Mota-Rojas, D. (2018) The welfare of water buffaloes during the slaughter process. Livestock Production. 212, 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2018.03.014

Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Dalla Costa, O.A., and Paranhos da Costa, M. (2018). Effects of high airline pressure in stunning cattle with pneumatically powered penetrating and non-penetrating captive bolt guns. Meat Science. 140, 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.02.010

Gibson, T.J., Rebelo, R.B., Gowers, T.A., and Chancellor, N. (2018) Electroencephalographic assessment of concussive non- penetrative captive-bolt stunning of turkeys. British Poultry Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00071668.2017.1401215

Hambleton, S.Y.N., and Gibson, T.J. (2017). A study investigating the attitudes and opinions of cattle farmers and veterinarians in the United Kingdom on the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for post-disbudding analgesia of calves. 26, 323-334. Animal Welfare. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.26.3.323

Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Paranhos da Costa, M. (2017). Efficiency of low versus high airline pressure in stunning cattle with a pneumatically powered penetrating captive bolt gun. Meat Science. 130, 64-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.04.007 

Gibson, T.J. & Jackson, E.L. (2017). The economics of animal welfare, OIE Scientific and Technical Review. 36, 125-135. 10.20506/rst.36.1.2616

Jackson, E., and Gibson, T. (2016). The economics of animal health and welfare. International Animal Health Journal, 3 (2), 14-18. http://animalhealthmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The-Economics.pdf

Gibson, T.J., Taylor, A.H., & Gregory, N.G. (2016). Assessment of the effectiveness of head only and back-of-the-head electrical stunning of chickens. British Poultry Science, 57 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00071668.2016.1156648 

Limon, G., Gozales-Gustavson, E.A., and Gibson, T.J. (2016). Investigation of the humaneness of slaughter methods for guinea pigs (Cavia porcelus) in the Andean region. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2016.1138116   

Gibson, T.J., Dadios, N., and Gregory, N.G. (2015). Effect of neck cut position on time to collapse in halal slaughtered cattle. Meat Science. 110, 310-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.03.026

Quy, R.J., Gibson, T.J., Lambert, M.S., Eason, C.T., and Gregory, N.G. (2015). Evaluation of a novel rodenticide: acute sub-lethal effects of a methaemoglobin-inducing agent. Animal Welfare. 24, 427-436. http://dx.doi.org/10.7120/09627286.24.4.427

Gibson, T.J., Quy, R.J., Eason, C.T., and Gregory, N.G. (2015). Welfare assessment of fatal methaemoglobinaemia in adult rats (Rattus norvegicus). Animal Welfare. 24, 417-425. http://dx.doi.org/10.7120/09627286.24.4.417

Gibson, T.J., Bedford, E.M., Chancellor, N., and Limon, G. (2015). Pathophysiology of free-bullet slaughter of horses and ponies. Meat Science. 108, 120-124. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2015.06.007

Sharp, T.M., McLeod, S.R., Leggett, K.E.A., and Gibson, T.J. (2015). Evaluation of spring-powered captive bolt guns for dispatch of kangaroo in-pouch young. Wildlife Research. 41, 623-632. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR14094

Gibson, T.J., Whitehead, C., Taylor, O., Chancellor, N., and Limon, G. (2015). Pathophysiology of penetrating captive bolt stunning in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Meat Science. 100, 227-231. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.10.022

Gibson, T.J., Mason, C.W., Spence, J.Y., Barker, H., and Gregory, N.G. (2014). Factors affecting penetrating captive bolt gun performance. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10888705.2014.980579

Bell, Y., Gibson, T.J., and Gregory, N.G. (2013). Procurement of equines for the horsemeat trade in Great Britain. Veterinary Record. Link  

Gibson, T.J., Ridler, A.L., Lamb, C.R., Williams, A., Giles, S., and Gregory, N.G. (2012). Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of captive bolt guns as a killing method without exsanguination for horned and un-horned sheep. Animal Welfare. 21, S2, 35-42.  ingentaconnect ID.

Gregory, N.G., von Wenzlawowicz, M., von Holleben, K., Fielding, HR., Gibson, TJ., and Kolesar, R. (2012). Complications during Halal slaughter and Shechita in cattle. Animal Welfare. 21, S2, 81-86. ingentaconnect ID.

Johnson, C.B., Gibson, T.J., Stafford, K.J., and Mellor, D.J. (2012). Pain perception at slaughter. Animal Welfare. 21, S2, 113-122. ingentaconnect ID.

Pickles, K.J., Gibson, T.J., Johnson, C.B., Walsh, V., Murrell, J.C., Madigan, J.E., (2011), Preliminary investigation of somatosensory evoked potentials in equine headshaking. Veterinary Record 168. Pubmed ID 21546406.

Gibson, T.J., Johnson C.B., Murrell, J.C., Hulls, C.M., Mitchinson S.L., Stafford K.J., Johnstone, A.C., and Mellor D.J. (2009). Electroencephalographic responses of halothane-anaesthetised calves to slaughter by ventral-neck incision without prior stunning. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 57, 77-83. Pubmed ID 19471325.

Gibson, T.J., Johnson, C.B., Murrell, J.C., Stafford, K.J., Chambers, P.J., and Mellor, D.J. (2009). Components of electroencephalographic responses to slaughter in halothane-anaesthetised calves: Effects of cutting neck tissues compared with major blood vessels. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 57, 84-89. Pubmed ID 19471326.

Gibson, T.J., Johnson, C.B., Murrell, J.C., Mitchinson, S.L., Stafford, K.J., and Mellor, D.J. (2009). Electroencephalographic response to concussive non-penetrating captive-bolt stunning in halothane-anaesthetised calves. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 57, 90-95. Pubmed ID 19471327.

Gibson, T.J., Johnson, C.B., Murrell, J.C., Mitchinson, S.L., Stafford, K.J., and Mellor, D.J. (2009). Amelioration of electroencephalographic responses to slaughter by non-penetrative captive-bolt stunning after ventral neck incision in halothane-anaesthetised calves. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 57, 96-101. Pubmed ID 19471328.

Mellor, D.J., Gibson, T.J., and Johnson, C.B. (2009) A re-evaluation of the need to stun calves prior to slaughter by ventral-neck incision: An introductory review. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 57, 74-76. Pubmed ID 19471324.

Johnson, C.B., Murrell, J., Gibson, T.J., and Mellor, D.J. (2008). Innovative refinements to anaesthesia techniques can deliver pain research without pain. Proceedings of the 6th World Congress on Alternatives & Animal Use in the Life Sciences August 21-25, 2007, Tokyo, Japan. AATEX 14, Special Issue, 97-100.

Gibson, T.J., Johnson, C.B., Stafford, K.J., Mitchinson, S.L., and Mellor, D.J. (2007). Validation of the Acute Electroencephalographic Responses of Calves to Noxious Stimulus with Scoop Dehorning. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 55, 152-157. Pubmed ID 17676078.

 

Non-peer reviewed publications

Jackson, E., and Gibson, T. (2016). The economics of animal health and welfare. International Animal Health Journal, 3 (2), 14-18. http://animalhealthmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The-Economics.pdf

Dalla Costa, F.A., Gibson, T.J., Octavio Oliveira, S.E., Gregory, N.G., Coldebella, A., Faucitano, L., and Dalla Costa, O.A. (2019). Levantamento dos métodos de eliminação (“eutanásia”) de suínos nas granjas e efeitos sobre o operador. Comunicado Técnico 559.  Embrapa. Concórdia: Embrapa Suínos e Aves.  http://www.infoteca.cnptia.embrapa.br/infoteca/handle/doc/1114061

 

Book chapters

Gallo, C., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K., and Gibson, T. (2022). Cattle, Chapter 2. In Preslaughter handling of livestock,. Wageningen Academic.

Dalla Costa, F.A, Octávio Oliveira, S.E, Gibson, T.J, Ludtke, CB, and Dalla Costa, O.A. (2020). Eutanásia em granjas de suínos. In Boas práticas na suinocultura: o caminho para a saúde e o bem-estar únicos. Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento and Instituto Interamericano de Cooperação para a Agricultura. https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/producao-animal/arquivos/suinocultura_umasaude_umbemestar.pdf

Mota, D., Gibson, T.J., Bolaños, D., Hartung, J., Guerroro, M. B. I. (2016). Controversias en el bienestar del porcino aturdido con CO2 Chapter 31. Bienestar animal. Elsevier

Gerritzen, T., and Gibson, T.J. (2016). Animal welfare at depopulation strategies during disease control actions, Chapter 11. In Animal welfare at slaughter (a practitioner book). 5m Publishing

Terlouw, C., and Gibson, T.J. (2016). Physiology and behaviour of food animals, Chapter 2. In Animal welfare at slaughter (a practitioner book). 5m Publishing

Since April 2012 Troy has been director of Animal Husbandry Extramural Studies (AHEMS) at the RVC, and between 2012-2023 the leader of the Animal Husbandry sub-strand. Troy lectures on Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry to all years of the BVetMed course and to 2nd and 3rd year BSc Bioscience students. He is the module leader on the 3rd year BSc Applied Animal Welfare course. Troy tutors pre-clinical and clinical BVetMed students and supervises undergraduate and MSc, MRes and PhD students.

• Assessing and Improving Animal Welfare

  

  Genetics and management can greatly affect the welfare of farm, laboratory, companion and wild animals. We aim to improve animal welfare by understanding how human activities and management practices affect the welfare of animals that are kept, killed or otherwise impacted by humans. Comparative research can identify practices that generally elicit poor or good welfare outcomes, providing evidence that can be used to support initiatives to improve animal welfare. 

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• Development of welfare assessment protocols and technology

  

  Assessment of animal welfare is continually being improved using new insights in animal behaviour, non-invasive physiological methods, animal-environment interactions, and novel monitoring systems for animal responses and behaviours. 

  Some of our work aims to develop a more fundamental understanding of which measures (e.g. behaviour, activity, posture etc) should most appropriately be targeted with sensor technology. However, technology is not always feasible (or even desirable) in some sectors, so we develop welfare assessments that are valid and practical in whatever context they are needed and tailored to the specific welfare aim.

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• Ethics of animal use and management

  

  Animal welfare issues often arise when there are conflicts of interest between humans and animals. This poses challenges around whose interests to prioritise, and what actions can be taken to produce the best moral outcome. The needs and wants of human, animal, and even environmental stakeholders must be understood and evaluated to decide what is the right course of action, but different ethicists and stakeholders may disagree about the conclusions of any ethical analysis. For example, unnecessary suffering must not be caused to legally protected animals, but what counts as ‘suffering’, when is it really ‘necessary’, and which animals should be protected? Evidence must be gathered and some consensus must be agreed upon as to weight the different possible actions.

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• Humane slaughter

  

  Livestock and other animals are stunned and dispatch for slaughter, disease control and population management.

  The RVC has a well-established Animal Welfare Science and Ethics research centre and members of the team study methods of stunning and dispatch of a variety of species in a variety of settings. The research is designed to help systems evolve and become more humane and less stressful for animals.

  The research is shared with stakeholders, which enables them to make scientifically informed changes that reduce animal distress.

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