Avaliação do manejo pré-abate de bovinos em um abatedouro frigorífico no município de São Luís-MA

Abstract

Animal welfare in the pre-slaughter stage is fundamental for meat quality and alignment with the increasing ethical demands of the consumer market. This study aimed to evaluate the pre-slaughter handling of cattle at a slaughterhouse in the municipality of São Luís - MA, verifying the adherence to good animal welfare practices. An observational, quantitative, and descriptive study was conducted with 50 animals to assess animal handling and the structural conditions of the facilities, using animal welfare indicators (falls, shouting, vocalization, electric shocks, hitting with sticks, gate strikes, and the number and location of captive bolt shots) in the stunning box and different compartments of the holding pens. Data were analyzed using percentages (%). The results revealed irregularities in both infrastructure and handling. The use of electric prods was excessive, particularly in the drafting pen (59.80%) and the Central alley (34.31%). Shouting was more frequent in the central alley (34.11%) and resting pens (30.23%), while vocalizations had a high incidence in the drafting pen and forcing pen (44.44%). Furthermore, acts of intentional abuse, such as hitting with sticks, were predominant in the resting pens (41.67%) and the central alley (27.78%), and gate strikes were equally divided between the drafting pen and the central alley (50% each). Analysis of the efficiency of the penetrating captive bolt pistol showed that 70.59% of the animals were stunned with a single shot, while 29.41% required more than two shots, additionally, 58.82% of the shots were correctly placed, and 41.18% were misplaced. In conclusion, urgent corrective actions are required, including the structural readjustment of facilities, implementation of handling practices that promote animal welfare, and continuous staff training to ensure regulatory compliance and the excellence of the Maranhão product.