Document type: article published in theEFSA Journal
Authors: Janiszewski, Marco Misuraca, Egidia Costanzi, Beniamino Cenci Goga
Summary in French: Ensuring ethical beef production: comprehensive assessment of animal welfare risks during transport and slaughter
animal welfare a recognized and important issue within the European Union, addressed by comprehensive regulations such as Regulations 1/2005 and 1099/2009, which emphasize the need to respect and protect animal welfare, particularly during transport and slaughter procedures. These legislative measures are part of an ongoing European commitment to ensuring ethical treatment and minimizing the suffering of animals intended for food, in line with broader food safety and public health objectives. This project aimed to create a prototype for a modernized cattle path designed to minimize stress and reduce the use of coercive means such as electric prods, while also reducing the risk of injuries due to trauma or falls. The approach focused on implementing evidence-based methods and incorporating preventive design features that promote both animal behavior and safety in handling environments. The ultimate goal was to ensure animal welfare and protection, as required by European guidelines, while improving meat quality. In pursuing these objectives, the project demonstrates how compliance with animal welfare standards can be harmonized with operational efficiency and product quality, benefiting both animals and consumers throughout the European Union.
Abstract in English (original): Animal welfare is a recognized and important issue within the European Union, addressed through comprehensive regulations such as Regulations 1/2005 and 1099/2009, which emphasize the necessity to respect and protect the welfare of animals, particularly during transport and slaughter procedures. These legislative measures are part of an ongoing European commitment to ensure ethical treatment and minimize suffering for food-producing animals, aligning with broader food safety and public health goals. This project aimed to create a prototype of an updated cattle path designed to minimize stress and reduce reliance on coercive means such as electric prods, while also decreasing the risk of injury due to trauma or falls. The approach focused on implementing evidence-based methods and integrating preventative design features that support both animal behavior and safety in handling environments. The ultimate goal was to guarantee the welfare and protection of animals as specified in European guidelines, while also achieving improvements in meat quality. By advancing these objectives, the project demonstrates how compliance with animal welfare standards can be harmonized with operational efficiency and product quality, benefitting both animals and consumers across the European Union.
