Pre-slaughter Management Research Articles

Characterization and economic losses caused by bruis in bovine carcasses in the state of Acre

The objective of this study was to characterize the injuries caused by bruises and evaluate the economic losses in carcasses of cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre. The period from july 2020 to february 2021, two monthly visits were carried out, on random days, where 4,526 carcasses were analyzed. The presence of bruises was visually checked; the age, degree and size of the lesions, in addition, at the end of each slaughter, the distance between the municipality of origin of the animals and the slaughterhouse was verified. These lesions were later removed and weighed to quantify the damage caused. Among the carcasses analyzed, only 957 (21.12%) showed any lesion. The female category was the one that recorded the most injuries proportionally, with 172 (41%) of the 442 animals slaughtered, while 343 (25%) of the 1388 castrated males and 442 (16%) of the 2724 intact males had some injury. There was an average loss of 0.10443 kg per animal, extrapolating to the total number of cattle slaughtered in the state during the period, a loss of R$ 1.82 or U$ 0.33 per animal is estimated. Despite the low incidence, most bruises appear in the last 24 hours before slaughter, suggesting problems in pre-slaughter management. Therefore, improving animal welfare at this stage is essential to reduce these injuries and improve profitability in beef production.

Benchmarking current preslaughter management factors, welfare indicators, and meat quality outcomes at commercial fed cattle processing facilities in the United States.

Preslaughter management factors and their impacts on cattle welfare and meat quality are well documented in current literature. However, certain management factors related to transportation and lairage are underrepresented. Benchmarking preslaughter management factors that can impact welfare and meat quality outcomes will allow the industry to identify areas for improvement. The objective of the current study was to benchmark preslaughter management factors for a nationwide sample of commercial fed cattle processing facilities. Five processing facilities in the West, Midwest, and Southwest regions of the United States were sampled from March 2021 to July 2022. Data were collected on a total of n = 637 slaughter lots representing n = 87,220 head of cattle. Variables of interest included general cattle characteristics, distance traveled to the plant, truck wait times to unload, environmental conditions, lairage density, and lairage duration. Additionally, mobility was scored using a four-point locomotion scale (one being normal, not lame, and four being extremely reluctant to move). Carcasses were also observed for bruising using the following scale: no bruises, bruises smaller or larger than a deck of cards, and having multiple bruises. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data at the lot and individual animal level. On average, cattle traveled 155.8 ± 209.6 km (mean ± SD) from the feedlot to the processing facility and waited 30.3 ± 39.7min to unload. Once in lairage pens, cattle were held for 200.7 ± 195.0min. The mean lairage stocking density was 3.1 ± 2.0 m2 per head. A majority of the cattle scored a mobility score of 1 (n = 77,645, 91.8%), 7.8% (n = 6,125) were scored as a two and the remaining less than one percent of cattle were scored as either a 3 or 4 (n = 265). Carcasses with bruises less than or equal to the size of a deck of cards (n = 22,672, 27.1%) were less frequent than bruises measuring greater than the size of a deck of cards (n = 34,427, 42.6%). Of carcasses that were bruised, 65.2% (n = 39,856) had multiple bruises of varying size. This baseline data on preslaughter management factors identifies opportunities for improvement in wait times, lairage densities, and factors that cause bruising. Future studies should explore the relationships between these factors and their impacts on welfare and meat quality, report the economic value of these outcomes, and explore industry acceptability and adoptability of optimal preslaughter management practices.

An analysis of the influence of preslaughter management factors on welfare and meat quality outcomes in fed beef cattle in the United States.

During the preslaughter phase, cattle are transported from their place of origin to a slaughter facility, experiencing transportation, lairage, environmental factors, and novel environments. Although research exists that has focused how the preslaughter phase impacts cattle welfare and meat quality, some significant preslaughter management factors and subsequent welfare and meat quality outcomes have not been thoroughly explored. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of preslaughter management factors on welfare and meat quality outcomes in fed beef cattle in the United States. Transportation factors, environmental characteristics, lairage factors, cattle characteristics, and several meat quality variables were collected from 5 federally inspected commercial processing facilities in the United States. After excluding slaughter lots that included <75% complete datasets, a total of 619 slaughter lots representing 84,508 head of cattle were used for further analysis. Predictor variables of interest included processing plant, cattle breed, sex class, operation shift at the plant, distance traveled to the plant, truck waiting time to unload at the plant, lairage duration and space allowance, temperature humidity index, and windspeed. Outcome variables of interest included cattle mobility, carcass bruising, dark cutting (DC), quality grades, and hot carcass weights. Logistic and linear regressions were used to analyze the associations between the predictor and outcome variables of interest. Increased distance traveled and truck waiting time were associated with higher odds of mobility impairment (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.007, respectively), with each 10 km increase in distance traveled having an odds ratio (OR) of 1.001 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000 to 1.001) and each 1-min increase in waiting time having an OR of 1.003 (CI: 1.001 to 1.004). Conversely, a 10-km increase in distance traveled decreased the odds of carcass bruising (OR: 0.997, CI: 0.996 to 0.998; P < 0.0001). Longer lairage was associated with increased odds of DC (P = 0.0415), with each 60-min increase in duration having an OR of 1.034 (CI: 1.001 to 1.068). The results demonstrate the importance of truck arrival management (i.e., scheduling, prioritizing unloading) on mobility. Focusing on lairage management (i.e., density and time) may provide some opportunities to improve meat quality.

Investigating the impact of pre-slaughter management factors on meat quality outcomes in cattle raised for beef: A scoping review

IntroductionThe pre-slaughter management period is a critical juncture in the beef supply chain, having implications not only for animal welfare and product quality, but also for profitability. During this period, cattle are exposed to many stressors in a short time, many of which have been shown to impact meat quality. Understanding how cattle management during this terminal step in the production chain affects meat quality and economic outcomes is crucial.MethodsThe objective of this study was to investigate, synthesize, and report on research evaluating the impact of management factors during the pre-slaughter period on beef meat quality. A systematic approach was used to search for peer-reviewed and primary studies published in English in CAB Abstracts, PubMed, and Web of Science. A total of 3,217 non-duplicate records were screened for eligibility; articles were deemed eligible for inclusion if they included beef cattle in the pre-slaughter period and reported at least one meat quality outcome. After three screening rounds, 85 articles met all inclusion criteria. Data pertinent to the scoping review’s aims were extracted, including study location, population characteristics, pre-slaughter factors reported, and outcomes of interest.ResultsEurope (35, 41%) and South America (21, 25%) represented approximately two-thirds of the studies. Bulls (37, 43.5%) and steers (34, 40.0%) were the most reported sex classes, with the most frequent breed types reported as predominantly British or Continental and Bos indicus breeds (24, 28.2%; 24, 28.2%, respectively). Transportation (n=46), lairage (n=36), and handling (n=35) practices were the most reported pre-slaughter factors. Overall, 59 studies reported pH as an outcome of interest – almost double that of the next highest outcome, bruising (n=35). Muscle pH was most assessed with predictors at the abattoir (n=37); conversely, the effects of transportation were most evaluated on bruising (n=23).DiscussionA trend across all the categories was that there were relatively few studies evaluating the impact of pre-transport factors on meat quality. Charting the relevant literature is a critical step towards understanding the relationship between pre-slaughter management and end-product quality; doing so will help industry stakeholders in the beef production chain optimize management practices that improve meat quality and enhance profitability.

Investigating the impact of pre-slaughter management factors on indicators of fed beef cattle welfare – a scoping review

IntroductionThe impact of pre-slaughter management practices on fed beef cattle welfare is a multifaceted and well researched subject matter. Factors such as transportation, handling, lairage time and several animal characteristics can directly impact the cattle’s behavior, mobility, blood lactate and cortisol levels, likelihood of injury and ultimately overall cattle welfare. Animal welfare continues to grow as a critical component of slaughter in the fed beef industry, yet a formal review of related research does not exist.MethodsA scoping review was performed in order to (1) catalog pre-slaughter management factors that impact fed beef cattle welfare at the time of slaughter, (2) identify indicators used to evaluate the impact of pre-slaughter management on fed beef cattle welfare at slaughter, and (3) gain further understanding of the relationship between pre-slaughter management factors and fed beef cattle welfare outcome indicators at slaughter. Three data bases were ultimately searched: PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science. The concepts used in the database searches were the population of interest (i.e., fed beef cattle), the location in the supply chain, preslaughter management factors, and welfare outcomes.ResultsA total of 69 studies were included in final analysis for this review, including studies from six geographic regions around the globe. Studies involving alternative slaughter methods (e.g., religious stunning or mobile slaughter) were not included in the formal analysis of this review, but still merited an in-depth discussion within this paper. After reviewing the studies, a total of 37 pre-slaughter factors and 69 indicators of welfare were measured throughout. Pre-slaughter management factors were then categorized by: animal characteristics; environmental characteristics; handling; lairage; transportation; and water/feed. Outcomeindicators of welfare were categorized into: behaviors; health, injury and disease; physiological; and stunning and insensibility.DiscussionPre-slaughter factors relating to transportation and handling, and welfare outcomes measured by behaviors and physiology were of the most researched throughout the studies.The results of this review offer a catalogue of commonly researched factors and indicators of welfare measured during the pre-slaughter phase, as well ast he relationships between them. This review also offers further substantial evidence that a multitude of events in the pre-slaughter phase affect fed beef cattle welfare and a collection of highly applicable welfare indicators to expedite further research on the effects of pre-slaughter factors and the application of improved practices.

Using sensors to detect individual responses of lambs during transport and pre-slaughter handling and their relationship with meat quality

AbstractRapid analysis of animal welfare is a crucial component of the assessment of the meat quality supply chain, ensuring management procedures confer optimum standards of welfare. Further, there is increasing interest in monitoring the welfare state of each individual animal. This study looked at transport and pre-slaughter management in terms of meat quality evaluated in two breeds (Biellese and Sambucana) across two different farming systems. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies were implemented, including accelerometer and rumination activity ear-tag sensors, as potential welfare indicators during transportation and pre-slaughter. Significant correlations were found between sensors’ parameters, such as total activity and rumination and physical and chemical meat quality characteristics such as drip loss. Lambs with lower rumination and/or lower total activity were found to have lower drip loss indicating reduced meat quality. Sensors have the potential to help detect those animals particularly sensitive to stressors during transport and pre-slaughter handling and may allow real-time measurement of the impact of transport and handling in abattoirs, enabling better animal management via specific customised strategies.

Application of Electroencephalography in Preslaughter Management: A Review.

Simple SummaryPreslaughter stress has a negative impact on animal welfare, consumer acceptance, carcass, and meat quality. These preslaughter stressors include mishandling, the novelty of place and environment, social isolation, mixing with unfamiliar animals, knife sharpness, and slaughtering of animals in front of other animals (psychological/emotional stress). This is assumed to occur due to the ignorance and lack of awareness of the personnel involved in the industry, especially in developing countries. Previously, research has proven the impact of these factors by measuring neurohormonal and biochemical parameters. At the time of slaughter, these factors may have a greater influence on animals’ welfare in terms of pain during slaughter, as these hormonal-based methods often have a lag time following the stress or pain-induced change. A timely, rapid, and accurate pain assessment is crucial for proper animal welfare during slaughter. Electroencephalography measures the electric activity of the brain and pain instantaneously, accurately, and objectively. Various physiological and biochemical parameters are well correlated with the changes in EEG variables. The application of EEG in animal welfare studies has significantly enhanced our current scientific knowledge about pain perceptions, such as the effect of various non-noxious and noxious stimuli during slaughter.Electroencephalography (EEG) can be reliable for assessing the brain’s electrical activity of preslaughter stress and pain. The duration between the ventral neck cut and induction of a state of unconsciousness/insensibility is crucial in the slaughtering of animals, reducing pain, fear, and distress. Various EEG variables, such as median frequency (F50), the total power of EEG spectrum (Ptot), waves patterns (amplitude and frequencies), epileptiform EEG, index of consciousness, and isoelectric EEG, are used to identify a valid indicator of the state of unconsciousness. Association among various behavioral, physiological, and hematological parameters with EEG variables could provide an overall assessment and deep insights into the animal stress levels or welfare status during various managemental and preslaughter operations, such as transport, stunning, and slaughtering operations. The application of EEG could help in further refining the stunning technologies and slaughter protocols in livestock, poultry, and fish. The present review analyzed the application of EEG as a neurophysiological tool for assessing animal welfare during the critical state of preslaughter handling and slaughter, thus ensuring proper compliance with animal welfare principles.

Study on antemortem stress and seasonal influence to mitigate the incidence of disaggregated fillets in the fish slaughtering industry

The present study aimed to characterize the disaggregated fillets and determine the optimal quality parameters used in the pre-slaughter management of Nile tilapia in the processing industries. The study was carried out in three stages: the first characterized the disaggregated fillet, the second determined the influence of season on the incidence of disaggregated fillets, and the third developed a desirability function to reduce the incidence of disaggregated fillets in the fish slaughter industry. It is believed that the disaggregated fillets are similar to PSE meat, and the influence of the season on their incidence was found in this study; that is, the summer influences the pallor of the tilapia fillet (summer: standard L* = 53.17 ± 0.43 and pH 6.22 ± 0.03; disaggregated L* = 57.54 ± 0.65 and pH = 6.14 ± 0.03 - winter: standard L* = 41.53 ± 0.48 and pH 6.31 ± 0.02; disaggregated L* = 49.07 ± 0.61 and pH = 6.01 ± 0.04), as well as chicken and pork meats, whose values are determined by the L* color parameter and the pH, inversely proportional greatnesses. The incidence of disaggregated fillets is closely related to the management that precedes slaughter, so a desirability function was created to determine optimal values for quality standards of operations immediately before the slaughter of the animal. Novelty impact statement Characterizing Nile tilapia fillets as meats PSE according to the summer and winter seasons. Standardized pH and L* parameter values as determinants for PSE meats in Nile tilapia. Antemortem stress and temperatures influenced the determination of the disaggregated fillets.

Economic loss from the main causes of whole bovine carcass condemnation in slaughterhouses supervised by the Federal Inspection Service in São Paulo state from 2010 to 2019

The objective of this study was to analyze and determine the economic loss from the main causes of whole bovine carcass condemnation in slaughterhouses that are inspected by the Federal Inspection Service in the state of São Paulo for the period from 2010 to 2019. Economic loss was calculated from multiplication of the number of whole carcasses condemned by the mean yield of meat per carcass and the mean annual price of beef. The monetary values were updated to the year 2019, using the IGP-DI [General Price Index]. The results indicated an economic loss of R$ 4.06 billion from the whole condemnation of bovine carcasses and the main causes were contamination (R$ 1.73 billion), abscess (R$ 283.20 million), urinary cyst (R$ 194.14 million), emphysema (R$ 107.00 million) and nephritis (R$ 107.52 million). The main factors associated with the whole condemnation of bovine carcasses are failures in the pre-slaughter management and in the slaughter stages, as well as nutritional disorders. Consequently, to minimize such losses in beef production in São Paulo state it is recommended to adopt good production practices and train slaughterhouse employees.

Impact of body truck’s microclimate on pig skin temperature during pre-slaughter logistics

Handling of pigs under hot weather conditions face a critical challenge in meeting thermal comfort and animal welfare standards. Moreover, climate variation affects production and pre-slaughter logistics. This study assesses the thermal comfort of pigs during pre-slaughter procedures under different weather conditions. The case study was conducted at two commercial pig farms in Southeastern Brazil. The bioclimatic index more accurately indicated the pigs' thermal comfort than the temperature-humidity index. The length of the transportation journey critically affected the pigs' thermal comfort, as shown by the rise in pigs' skin temperature (1.56 °C and 1.64 °C on pigs from Farm 2 and Farm 1, respectively). The pigs reached the critical upper limit of the thermoneutral zone under hot weather conditions. Adequate microclimate control during the pre-slaughter management procedures might improve pig welfare. To increase the animals' thermal comfort, both farms should reschedule their transportation to a cooler time of the day. Both farms should also improve their pre-slaughter management processes by training workers to comply with animal welfare requirements and reduce loss.

Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador.

Background and Aim:Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador.Materials and Methods:Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.Results:The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases).Conclusion:Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.

Analysis of Different Pre-Slaughter Management Systems of Broilers and Their Impact on Animal Welfare: Dead on Arrival, Injuries and Stress

During pre-slaughter, the typical management interventions consist of catching, loading, transporting, unloading and stunning the birds. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), more broilers are transported than any other animal species yet, transportation represents a major threat to poultry welfare as it could affect a great number of birds

Evaluation of existing poultry processing and marketing in the wet market of Gazipur city in Bangladesh

The poultry selling and processing practices followed in the poultry wet markets of Bangladesh are always being overlooked unknowingly. The research was conducted to observe the existing scenario of poultry selling and processing practices at the selected wet markets located in the Gazipur City Corporation of Bangladesh. A total of 43 poultry selling shops were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. It was surprising to observe the absence of female personnel and involvement of few (6.9%) people over the age of 50 years in the wet markets. All the persons engaged in poultry selling and processing had no institutional training. The shops found to be abstained from following some important practices such as feed withdrawal period, isolation of diseased birds, ante and post mortem inspection. The proper bleeding time (1-2) min was recorded in 58.2% cases. The killing cone was recognized as the best device in terms bleeding time. The 72.1% of the outlets never cleaned the carcass prior to deliver the customers. The absence of ante- and post-mortem inspections may cause a great threat of disease outbreak. Taken together, the poultry selling and processing practices followed in the wet market needs to be assessed carefully to deliver safe and quality meat to the customers. In addition, organizing basic training on pre-slaughter management and processing for both seller and processor and also ensuring the regular ante- and post- mortem inspection could improve the present situation in order to produce quality poultry meat.&#x0D; Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 205-217, 2020

Exportação de animais vivos e o bem-estar animal no Brasil: um panorama da situação atual

A Instrução Normativa nº 46, de 28 de agosto de 2018, regulamenta a exportação de bovinos, bubalinos, ovinos e caprinos vivos destinados ao abate imediato, engorda ou reprodução e estabelece normas e procedimentos básicos para a preparação de animais vivos para exportação por via marítima, fluvial, aérea ou terrestre. Neste artigo, abordam-se seus principais tópicos em relação ao bem-estar dos animais. Visto o aumento desta atividade nos últimos anos no Brasil, a nova legislação representa um avanço na área de transporte de animais vivos, pois até então a legislação era ausente. Contudo, esta é uma atividade complexa e que envolve uma das etapas mais estressantes aos animais de produção, o manejo pré-abate. Mesmo com este avanço, devemos atentar aos pontos ainda deficientes e que poderão ser melhorados nos próximos anos, eliminando ou minimizando falhas que ainda persistem, embasados em estudos técnicos e científicos.

English

English

Ocorrência de hematomas e lesões em carcaças bovinas e sua relação com o transporte rodoviário

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of hematomas and economic losses due to injuries in bovine carcasses from animals submitted to road transport. A total of 1599 carcasses were evaluated for the number of hematomas and 1440 for injuries. The study was conducted in the city of Aquidauana/MS, in a local abattoir. The number, location, color and size of the hematomas were visually assessed. In addition, data were collected regarding the type of trucks, traveled distance to the abattoir, sexual class and age of the animals. To quantify the lesions, the lesions removed during the final toilet of the carcasses were collected and weighed. 97.81% of carcasses showed one or more hematoma. In addition, the sacral region had the highest average percentage of hematomas (31.77%). The most present hematoma color in the carcasses evaluated was number 2 (purple), with 67.75%. A higher incidence of size 2 hematomas (26 to 36 cm2) was found, with 29.51%. Regarding the type of truck, the animals transported by type Julieta vehicle showed a greater number of hematomas. Concomitantly with the increase in mileage, the amount of bruising also rose but the diameter of the bruises did not. 61.32% of the 1440 carcases presented lesions, totaling 324.36 kg of damaged tissue removed in the final toilet of the slaughter line, which represented an economic loss of R $ 3,091.41. The high incidence of hematomas and lesions in bovine carcasses occurs predominantly during transport, in the pre-slaughter management, causing detriment of carcass quality and economic losses.

Broiler Pre-Slaughter Water Diet with Grass Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus Stapf)

ABSTRACT The pre-slaughter management is one of the predisposing factors to the reduction in the quality of the carcass and broiler meat, mainly for being a stressful condition. This study evaluates the inclusion of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) in the water used in the diet of pre-slaughter broilers for the first time. The carcass and meat quality parameters were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in the poultry production of an experimental sector of the Federal University of Grande Dourados - UFGD. A total of 2,594 broilers were distributed in an entirely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 3x2x2, with three different lemongrass concentrations in the form of infusion (0. 1 and 5 g/L), two sexes and two genetic strains (Ross 308® and Cobb 500®), and with four replications. After 42 days, 144 broilers were slaughtered, and the quality parameters of carcass and meat were evaluated. A higher incidence of scratches and higher water retention capacity were found in Ross 308® male (p<0.05). Less exudate of breast fillets loss was observed in broiler Ross 308® males 72 h post-mortem (p<0.05). There was an interaction between sex and lemongrass levels in the drinking water of the broilers in the sensory analysis of meat (p<0.05), more preferably of chewiness and juiciness for males undergoing free diet for juiciness and lemongrass in the female diet with 5g/L. The use of lemongrass infusions in pre-slaughter did not bring considerable benefits to the quality of carcass and meat of broiler.

Bem-estar em suínos: manejo no pré-abate: Revisão

Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, in Brazil it loses only to beef and chicken meat, and the meat market has become increasingly demanding as to the quality and origin of the animals consumed mainly in questions Well-being in which these animals were produced. Much of the pig production systems have been adapting and specializing with emphasis on animal welfare, and production must present an "ethical quality" in which pork, in addition to the current quality attributes, is also presented as a native food Of animals that were raised, managed and slaughtered in a system that promotes their well-being. It is known that pre-slaughter management is of paramount importance in the pig production chain, since this stage has a direct influence on the final quality of the meat. In addition, consumers are demanding better quality products that do not harm the environment, causing farmers to invest in methods that prioritize animal welfare. In order to have a better quality of the meat, all the people involved in the pig production chain must be committed to caring for animal health and welfare, avoiding that the animals go through unnecessary suffering. The objective of this study was to review the welfare and management of pre-slaughter pigs, since Brazilian pig farms have been improving in this aspect. Proper pre-slaughter management also adds value to the final product, satisfying consumers more and more.

Manejo pré-abate, bem-estar e suas relações com a qualidade da carne ovina: Revisão

This review aims to address briefly the aspects related to welfare during pre-slaughter sheep with emphasis on meat quality management. The pre-slaughter handling is the final step in creating the animals, phase before slaughter. The pre-slaughter management includes a number of activities such as: time of fasting, loading, transportation, unloading, accommodation bays in the refrigerator, rest period, stunning and slaughter that need to be performed with animal welfare. Livestock that are handled in the absence of well-being may have affected the quality of the meat. We conclude that the sheep industry in Brazil is lacking information of the benefits of a management with wellness. Several studies and awareness in the production chain of sheep-related behavior and animal welfare are needed.

Avaliação e composição centesimal e as características físico-químicas da carne de ovinos

Meat is a source of high biological value protein, the availability and digestibility of essential nutrients. Displays soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), and water soluble B-complex (thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, folic acid, niacin, biotin and cobalamin). In addition, an important role in nutrition as a source of minerals and a great contribution to the absorption of selenium and copper. In red meat, highlighting the presence of iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and zinc. This article discusses factors as the type of muscle, the animal's age, nutrition, race, sexual condition, pre-slaughter management and post-slaughter, can influence the chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat and mineral matter) and in Physico-chemical characteristics of the meat (color, weight loss for cooking, shear strength, pH, and water holding capacity), aiming to guide the production chain of the sheep industry for uniformity in production, with improved meat characteristics, and that meet a current consumer market more noticeable the quality of meat