Welfare Science

Pre-Slaughter Stress Biomarkers in Farm Animals

Research into pre-slaughter stress biomarkers is helping the livestock industry identify and reduce suffering in the final hours of an animal's life.

Key Facts

Cortisol, lactate, and acute-phase proteins are key pre-slaughter stress markers
High stress before slaughter affects meat quality through DFD and PSE conditions
Lairage conditions, handling, and mixing of unfamiliar animals drive pre-slaughter stress
Monitoring biomarkers allows identification of poor practice points in the supply chain
Research is validating non-invasive methods such as ear temperature and behaviour scoring

Welfare Considerations

Pre-slaughter stress represents a significant welfare failure affecting millions of animals. Biomarker research provides the scientific basis for welfare improvements that benefit both animals and industry.

What You Can Do

Support research funding for non-invasive pre-slaughter stress monitoring
Advocate for mandatory welfare monitoring at abattoirs using validated tools
Choose meat products from supply chains audited for pre-slaughter welfare
Engage with the CCTV in slaughterhouses debate as a monitoring tool
Support training programmes for abattoir staff on low-stress handling