Optimising pig welfare during transport, lairage and slaughter

Description

Preslaughter practices, such as transport, handling and slaughter, can affect the welfare of pigs, and carcass and meat quality both individually and additively. Poor transport conditions and handling may result in loss of profits due to animal losses, carcass downgrading and meat quality defects. These economic losses are limited when the design of trucks is improved, the recommended transport, handling, stunning and slaughter practices are applied and the ambient conditions are controlled. The objective of this chapter is to overview research findings on the effects of transport, handling and slaughter practices on behavioral and physiological response, and carcass and meat quality in pigs, and to provide recommendations about the best practices aimed at limiting the impact of these factors on the pork industry economy.

Table of contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Welfare during transport
• 3 Welfare in lairage
• 4 Welfare during stunning and slaughter
• 5 Animal welfare audit protocols
• 6 Conclusion and future trends
• 7 Where to look for further information
• 8 References