Farm Animals

Cattle Welfare: Pre-slaughter Handling

Pre-slaughter handling and lairage conditions significantly affect the welfare of cattle in the final hours of their lives.

Key Facts

Cattle in lairage experience mixing stress, unfamiliar environments, and noise from abattoir operations
Lairage duration affects meat quality and animal welfare, with optimal rest periods of 4-8 hours
Electric goad use should be minimised and alternatives including flags and paddles used where possible
Temple Grandin's curved race designs significantly reduce stress and injury during pre-slaughter handling

Welfare Considerations

Pre-slaughter handling is a high-impact welfare moment for cattle, occurring in potentially stressful conditions during the final hours of their lives. Applying evidence-based design principles and stockperson training can significantly reduce the welfare burden during this period.

What You Can Do

Support abattoirs demonstrating high welfare pre-slaughter handling standards
Advocate for CCTV monitoring in lairage and stunning areas as a welfare assurance standard
Engage with research on pre-slaughter handling improvements and their welfare outcomes