Importance of animal welfare in bovine production

Abstract

Bovine and sheep meat production systems have certain advantages over other more intensive production markets due to the “natural” conditions of production on the prairie and the possibilities of organic production. However, the experience gathered through previous studies carried out in some slaughter plants and in the diagnosis of transport and handling of animals indicates that it is necessary to make adjustments to the current management and slaughter systems, in order to comply with the standards of some importing countries. The growing requirements of the modern consumer market include ethical aspects, such as the humane treatment of animals. It is logical to expect those producers in purchasing countries, where quality assurance systems that already take into account animal welfare already exist, demand from imported meats at least the same standards that they have. Therefore, although this aspect is not yet tacit in the trade agreements signed with developed countries, it may well be taken by buyers as a para-tariff barrier. The concept of "ethical quality of a product" must be understood as a series of actions aimed at avoiding the unnecessary suffering of animals and maintaining certain standards of animal welfare, during production and slaughter. The effects of animal management on animal welfare can be measured through physiological and behavioural indicators, while the quantitative and qualitative effects on meat production are generally measured through changes in live weight and carcass, carcass damage (bruises) and changes in pH and color in meat.