Evaluation of animal welfare indicators of cattle in a Federal Inspection Type slaughterhouse

Abstract

The slaughter process is the last stage of management and represents a point at which the welfare of the cattle is compromised. The objective of this study was to evaluate the animal welfare indicators of cattle in a Federal Inspection Type slaughterhouse. The slaughter process of 1,167 animals [740 males (63.8 %) and 420 females (36.2 %)] was observed in a Federal Inspection Type slaughter plant in northwestern Mexico. Management and behavioral variables, as well as indicators of return to sensitivity were recorded, and the bruises observed on the carcasses were characterized. 10 % of the cattle received electric shocks with prods, while 24.2 % were beaten by operators. Arching of the spine was observed (44.5 %), 62.2 % of the animals exhibited sensitivity during exsanguination. The prevalence of bruising was 88.8 %. Females had 1.62 % higher risk of bruising than males and the presence of large horns increased the risk of bruising by 1.46 %. The characteristics of the bruises observed were bright red (93.8 %), mottled (71.5 %), small (82.9 %), and grade 1 (95.7 %). The area most affected by bruises was the dorsal-lumbar area, with 58.3 %. It was concluded that the animals included in this study were exposed to conditions conducive to stress, including the use of the electric prod by the operators, undesirable behaviors of cattle during herding, ineffective stunning, and the presence of bruises on the carcasses.