Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Lairage Management

Lairage conditions at slaughter plants significantly affect cattle welfare. Good lairage design, management, and handling reduce pre-slaughter stress and suffering.

Key Facts

Cattle in lairage show elevated cortisol indicating significant stress
Mixing of unfamiliar animals causes aggression and injury in lairage
Good lairage design with curved races, non-slip floors, and adequate space reduces stress
Resting times after transport are important for welfare recovery
Skilled slaughter plant stockmanship is essential for good lairage welfare

Welfare Considerations

Lairage welfare is an underappreciated but significant welfare concern. Good management of this final phase of cattle life can substantially reduce stress and suffering in millions of animals annually.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes that include lairage management criteria
Advocate for mandatory CCTV in lairage areas at slaughter plants
Learn about pre-slaughter welfare and its impact on cattle outcomes
Support training programmes for slaughter plant stockmanship