Effects of animal type, handling, and transportation conditions on beef cattle temperament pre-slaughter

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of animal type, on-farm handling, and transport conditions on temperament of beef cattle pre-slaughter. The study evaluated 4,061 cattle batches, averaging 49 animals, with a total of 199,026 cattle. Temperament was evaluated through a behavioral assessment carried out based on the temperament shown by cattle when approached by humans. One of three different temperament scores were assigned to each batch: calm, anxious, or excitable. Excitable temperament was reported in animals subjected to long transport time and distance and high loading density. The degree of carcass fatness was higher in calm animals, followed by anxious animals, with the excited temperament animals having the lowest carcass fatness degree. Older animals showed more excitable temperament, while younger animals showed calmer temperament. The excitable temperament was more evident in horned animals in relation to polled animals. Animal temperament was more reactive in batches with older cattle, low carcass fatness degree, and with more than 20% horned animals. Good handling and loading facilities and procedures at the farm contributed to adequate cattle temperament expression prior to slaughter.

Mercado de cortes bovinos premium ligados às certificações raciais em lojas com E-commerce no estado de São Paulo

“…O consumidor também busca entender os métodos utilizados para produzir, se respeitam o bem-estar animal e a sustentabilidade (VAZ et al, 2023). Nesse contexto, os programas de qualidade de carne, vêm como forma de agregar valor ao animal onde toda a cadeia ganha, por outro lado o consumidor relaciona o selo a características conhecidas do produto que são desejáveis (SIQUEIRA, 2014).…”