REVISÃO DE LITERATURA: BEM-ESTAR E O ABATE HUMANITÁRIO DE BOVINOS

Abstract

Beef livestock farming is highly relevant in Brazil, contributing significantly to the economy as one of the largest sectors in the agricultural chain. Consumer concerns and demands regarding the quality of the beef they are consuming and the welfare of the animals are growing every day. Because of this, slaughterhouses and food companies have been adopting adjustments and qualifications in order to minimize the suffering of animals in the pre-slaughter and during slaughter, and consequently, improve the quality of the final product. The objective of this work was to carry out a review on the importance of adopting the humane slaughter method in order to guarantee animal welfare, resulting in a better quality of meat as a final product. Every measure to be taken to avoid any type of suffering and stress needs to be taken, always taking into account the ideal states established by the Brambell Committee, defined as the five freedoms. Furthermore, there are countries that require specific measures to be taken in their slaughter processes for consumption in accordance with rituals linked to religion. To ensure that Brazil increases its consumer market and is among the largest meat exporters in the world, welfare and humane slaughter methods must be applied to reduce animal suffering and better quality of the final product. With this work, it was possible to conclude how essential it is to adopt appropriate management measures at all stages of the beef production chain, reducing animal stress and providing good production yields and guaranteeing animal welfare.