Bem-estar animal nos procedimentos de manejo nas etapas precedentes ao abate

Abstract

Animal welfare is one of the main pillars of modern livestock production, being directly related to ethical animal management, the quality of products of animal origin, and the sustainability of production systems. In slaughterhouses, the stages preceding slaughter are considered critical for maintaining cattle welfare, since inadequate handling practices may lead to stress, fear, injuries, and suffering, negatively affecting both meat quality and production performance. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the importance of animal welfare in handling procedures carried out during the stages preceding cattle slaughter. This research is characterized as a qualitative and descriptive literature review, based on the analysis of scientific articles, books, legislation, and technical documents related to the subject. The study addressed concepts of animal welfare, the Five Freedoms, cattle behavior, low-stress handling practices, transportation, lairage conditions, applicable legislation, and the role of veterinarians in promoting humane handling. The reviewed literature demonstrates that the adoption of appropriate handling practices, combined with employee training and adequate facilities, significantly contributes to reducing stress and improving animal welfare indicators. It is concluded that animal welfare should be considered a fundamental component of pre-slaughter operations, contributing to product quality, food safety, and the strengthening of the beef production chain.