Evaluation of reactivity and stunning efficiency in cattle before and after slaughterhouse staff training

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the reactivity, as well as the efficacy of stunning in cattle before and after staff training at the slaughterhouse. For reactivity evaluation, vocalization, slips, falls, use of shockers and presence of lying animal were observed for handling in the corridor, bathing station and at the end of raceway in front of the stunning box. For stunning evaluation, shots applied to each animal to complete stunning and the distance between the shot site and the correct position for stunning were measured. Through mapping the main deficiencies and failures in each handling region, a training was elaborated focused on adoption of correct handling practices. After the informational lecture, data was collected again using the same procedures and in the same handling regions. After training, the quantification of all handling variables was considerably lower in the three regions of the pre-slaughter course, and there was a significant reduction in the bathing station and at the end of raceway in front of the stunning box (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in stunning performed at the correct shooting position and within 2 cm of the target (P<0.001), as well as reduction of shots applied outside of 3 cm (P<0.001). The number of shots required for complete stunning also decreased (P<0.05). Staff training was extremely efficient in reducing harmful variables to animal welfare and in increasing good practices in pre-slaughter handling.