Evaluation of the results of training courses on animal welfare in shackling and meat quality in broiler

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Sato P., Ludtke C.B., Ciocca J.R.P., Dandin T., Lima V., Vilela J.A., Fonseca A.B.M. & Miranda Z.B. [Evaluation of the results of training courses on animal welfare in shackling and meat quality in broiler.] Avaliação dos resultados dos cursos de capacitação em bem-estar animal na pendura e na qualidade de carcaça de frangos. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 37(1):88-92, 2015. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil, 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24320-340, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] This work aimed to conduct a comparative study in 15 slaughterhouses with federal inspection service in Santa Catarina and Paraná states, before and after receiving the training course of the National Humane Slaughter Program – Steps from the World Protection of Animals (WPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA). The critical points of poultry welfare were evaluated at the shackling stage and their effects on meat quality. For data analysis, Wilcoxon test was applied in order to identify significant differences (p<0.05) between assessments. Several points in non-compliance were verified, such as conditions of birds during shackling and carcass downgrading rate. After being given the training course, improvements were observed mainly in handling and bruises rates. This way, one can infer that the course has enabled great advances in evaluated plants, however, there is need to inspect and to get on with the training by means of the action of multipliers trained in each plant along with an animal welfare program implemented to achieve the ideal standards.