Measuring stress biomarkers in animals at slaughter allows objective assessment of pre-slaughter welfare and provides feedback for improving stunning and handling practices.
Pre-slaughter stress biomarkers provide an objective, science-based approach to assessing and improving welfare at slaughter. Traditional welfare assessment relies on behavioural observation which is subjective and resource-intensive. Biomarker measurement in blood samples or real-time meat quality parameters provides quantitative data on stress levels. This allows processing plants to identify specific stages where welfare problems arise and implement targeted improvements. Research has validated several biomarker panels for different species. Integration of biomarker monitoring into routine slaughter operations creates feedback loops for continuous welfare improvement and provides data for welfare certification and compliance.