Animal Welfare in Slaughter Practices

What is the primary focus of the recommendations in Chapter 7.5 regarding food animals?

To ensure the welfare of food animals during pre

Which domestic animals are included in the recommendations for slaughter?

Cattle, buffalo, bison, sheep, goats, camelids, deer, horses, pigs, ratites, rabbits, and poultry.

What should be ensured for animals slaughtered outside of slaughterhouses?

Their transport, lairage, restraint, and slaughter should be managed to avoid causing undue stress.

What role do personnel play in the welfare of animals during slaughter?

They are crucial in unloading, moving, lairage, care, restraint, stunning, slaughter, and bleeding of animals.

What qualities should personnel engaged in animal slaughter possess?

They should be patient, considerate, competent, and familiar with the recommendations.

How can competence in handling animals be demonstrated by personnel?

Through formal training and/or practical experience, validated by a current certificate from the Competent Authority.

What factors influence the behavior of domestic animals during handling?

Breed, sex, temperament, age, and the way they have been reared and handled.

What instinctive behavior do most domestic livestock exhibit?

They are kept in herds and follow a leader.

What should be avoided when mixing animals at slaughterhouses?

Mixing animals that are likely to harm each other.

What is the flight zone in animal behavior?

The critical distance that defines how close a person can approach an animal before it attempts to escape.

How does the flight zone vary among animals?

It varies among species and individuals, depending on their previous contact with humans.

What is the effect of sudden penetration of the flight zone?

It may cause a panic reaction, leading to aggression or attempted escape.

How should animal handlers position themselves to move animals?

Behind the point of balance at the animal's shoulder to move it forward and in front to move it backward.

What type of vision do domestic animals have?

Wide

How do domestic animals react to smells in slaughterhouses?

They react differently, and smells that cause fear or negative responses should be managed.

What is the hearing capability of domestic animals compared to humans?

They can hear over a greater range of frequencies and are more sensitive to higher frequencies.

What can cause panic in domestic animals during handling?

Constant loud noise and sudden noises.

What should be taken into account when designing facilities for handling animals?

The desire of some animals to control their personal space.

What is the significance of animal handlers being experienced?

They should understand animal behavior patterns to effectively handle and move livestock.

What is the role of Veterinary Services in slaughterhouses?

To ensure that slaughterhouse staff are competent and adhere to animal welfare principles.

What is the importance of training for personnel in slaughterhouses?

It ensures they are competent in carrying out their tasks in accordance with animal welfare recommendations.

What is the impact of previous contact with humans on an animal's flight zone?

Animals reared in close proximity to humans have a smaller flight zone.

What should be considered when managing animals in slaughterhouses?

The sensitivity of animals to their environment, including smells and sounds.

What should be done to eliminate reflections on shiny metal or wet floors that distract animals?

Move a lamp or change the lighting.

How can dark entrances to chutes or races be illuminated to avoid distracting animals?

Use indirect lighting that does not shine directly into the eyes of approaching animals.

What is a recommended solution for animals seeing moving people or equipment ahead?

Install solid sides on chutes and races or install shields.

What should be avoided to prevent dead ends in animal passageways?

Curving the passage or creating an illusory passage.

What should be done with chains or loose objects in chutes or on fences?

Remove them.

How can uneven floors or sudden drops at conveyor restrainer entrances be addressed?

Avoid uneven surfaces or install a solid false floor to create a continuous walking surface.

What can be installed to mitigate the sound of air hissing from pneumatic equipment?

Install silencers or use hydraulic equipment.

How can the clanging and banging of metal objects be reduced in animal handling areas?

Install rubber stops on gates and other devices.

What should be done to redirect air currents from fans that blow into the faces of animals?

Redirect or reposition the equipment.

What principles should be followed when transporting animals to slaughter?

Minimize adverse animal health and welfare outcomes according to OIE recommendations.

What should be assessed upon the arrival of animals at the slaughter facility?

The conditions of the animals for any welfare and health problems.

What should be done with injured or sick animals requiring immediate slaughter?

They should be killed humanely and without delay.

What speed should animals be allowed to move to minimize injury?

Animals should not be forced to move faster than their normal walking pace.

What percentage of animals should be able to be moved without falling in properly designed facilities?

99%.

What should not be allowed when moving animals for slaughter?

Forcing animals to walk over the top of other animals.

What actions should animal handlers avoid to prevent harm or distress to animals?

Violent acts such as crushing tails, grasping eyes, or pulling ears.

What is the guideline for using goads and other aids on animals?

They should not be used unless absolutely necessary and only when the animal has a clear path.

What should be done if an animal fails to respond to goads or other aids?

Investigate whether some physical or other impediment is preventing the animal from moving.

What should never be done to sensitive areas of animals?

Apply injurious objects or irritant substances.

What is permissible when handling small animals?

Manual lifting.

What should be avoided when using electric goads?

Using them on a routine basis or in non

What types of goads are permitted for use on pigs and large ruminants?

Battery

Which animals should not be subjected to the use of goads?

Horses, sheep, goats of any age, calves, and piglets.

What are some examples of useful and permitted goads?

Panels, flags, plastic paddles, flappers, plastic bags, and metallic rattles.

What should be avoided when using goads or other aids to move animals?

Painful procedures that cause suffering, such as whipping or pressure on sensitive areas.

What actions should not be taken to encourage animals to move?

Excessive shouting or making loud noises, as it may agitate the animals.

How should animals be lifted or grasped to avoid harm?

In a manner that avoids pain or suffering, and physical damage like bruising or fractures.

What is the guideline for lifting quadrupeds?

Manual lifting should only be used for young animals or small species, avoiding pain.

What should not be done to conscious animals during handling?

They should not be thrown, dragged, or dropped.

What performance standards should be established in slaughterhouses?

To evaluate the use of instruments and measure the percentage of animals moved and those slipping or falling.

What should be done if there is a risk of compromising animal welfare in a slaughterhouse?

Investigate and rectify any defects immediately.

How should containers with animals be handled during transport?

With care, avoiding throwing, dropping, or knocking over, and ensuring they are upright.

What is the recommended practice for unloading animals from containers?

Unloading should be done carefully, preferably individually, to avoid injury.

What should be done for animals transported in containers before slaughter?

They should be slaughtered as soon as possible and provided with water if not slaughtered within 12 hours.

What should happen to animals that have not been slaughtered within 12 hours of arrival?

They should be fed and given moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals.

What provisions should be made for restraining animals during stunning or slaughter?

Non

What is the importance of avoiding excessive pressure in restraining equipment?

To prevent struggling or vocalization in animals.

Why should sharp edges be avoided in restraining equipment?

To prevent harm to the animals.

What should be engineered to reduce noise in slaughter facilities?

Equipment that minimizes air hissing and clanging metal sounds.

What is the significance of maintaining a non

slippery floor in slaughter practices?

What should be done if animals are transported in containers with perforated bottoms?

Unloaded with particular care to avoid injury.

What is the maximum time poultry should be deprived of water at the premises?

No longer than 12 hours.

What should be provided to mammals and ratites not taken directly to slaughter?

Drinking water from appropriate facilities at all times.

What is the purpose of establishing performance standards in slaughterhouses?

To ensure animal welfare and monitor the effectiveness of handling practices.

What methods of restraint should not be used on conscious animals due to causing severe pain and stress?

Methods include suspending or hoisting by feet or legs, inappropriate use of stunning equipment, mechanical clamping of legs or feet, breaking legs or cutting tendons, and severing the spinal cord.

What is the primary design consideration for lairage in slaughterhouses?

The lairage should hold an appropriate number of animals relative to the throughput rate without compromising animal welfare.

How should the lairage be designed to facilitate animal movement?

It should allow for a one

What accommodations should be made for sick or injured animals in slaughterhouses?

Separate appropriate accommodation should be provided for the removal of sick or injured animals.

What space requirements should be met for animals in lairage pens?

Each animal should have room to stand up, lie down, and turn around, except when reasonably restrained for safety.

What should be available to animals in lairage at all times?

Drinking water should always be available.

How should troughs for drinking water be designed in lairage?

Troughs should minimize fouling by feces without causing bruising or hindering animal movement.

What design considerations should be made for holding pens in lairage?

Holding pens should allow animals to stand or lie against a wall and have sufficient feed troughs for adequate access.

What should be considered when using tethers or individual stalls for animals?

They should not cause injury or distress and must allow access to food and water.

What is the recommended design for passageways and races in lairage?

They should be straight or consistently curved, have solid sides, and allow adjacent animals to see each other.

How wide should passageways be for pigs and sheep?

Wide enough to enable two or more animals to walk side by side.

What should be avoided at the point where passageways are reduced in width?

Excessive bunching of animals.

Where should animal handlers be positioned in relation to races and passageways?

Handlers should be positioned on the inside radius of any curve.

What design feature should one

way gates have to prevent animal injury?

What is the slope requirement for races in lairage?

Races should be horizontal or constructed to allow free movement without injury.

What should be done for fractious animals upon arrival at the slaughterhouse?

Fractious animals should be slaughtered as soon as possible to avoid welfare problems.

What is the consequence of using indiscriminate stunning equipment on animals?

It can cause severe pain and stress.

What should be considered when designing feed troughs in lairage?

They should not hinder the movement of animals and should provide adequate feeding space.

What is the purpose of having a minimum number of abrupt corners in lairage design?

To facilitate smooth and efficient operations without causing undue stress to animals.

What is the significance of the flight zone in animal movement?

Design should minimize undue penetration of the animals' flight zone to reduce stress.

What should be ensured about the number of animals held in lairage?

There should be sufficient accommodation for the intended number of animals.

What is the role of animal handlers in the movement of animals through lairage?

Handlers help guide animals and reduce stress during movement.

What is the recommendation for the arrangement of pens and passageways in red meat slaughterhouses?

They should permit inspection of animals at any time and allow for the removal of sick or injured animals.

What is the purpose of a waiting pen in animal handling?

To ensure a steady supply of animals for stunning or slaughter and to avoid rushing animals from holding pens.

What design is preferred for a waiting pen?

A circular design that prevents animals from being trapped or trampled.

What features should unloading ramps have for animal safety?

They should allow unloading on level ground or at minimal gradient, have lateral side protection, be well

What materials should lairages be constructed from?

Strong and resistant materials like concrete and treated metal to prevent corrosion.

What should be avoided in the construction of lairages to ensure animal safety?

Sharp edges or protuberances that may injure the animals.

What is the importance of drainage in lairages?

Floors should be well

How should lairage floors be designed to facilitate animal movement?

They should avoid discontinuities or changes in floor patterns that could cause baulking.

What type of lighting is recommended for lairages?

Adequate lighting that avoids harsh lights and shadows, taking advantage of animals' movement from dark to well

What ventilation considerations are necessary for lairages?

Ventilation must prevent waste gas buildup and minimize draughts at animal height, accommodating expected climatic conditions.

How should noise be managed in lairages?

By avoiding noisy equipment and using padding to muffle sounds, minimizing noise transmission to animal areas.