Avaliação do manejo pré-abate de bovinos de corte em quatro propriedades rurais da região da campanha

Abstract

The beef cattle is an activity of extreme importance for the Brazilian agricultural sector. However, our country needs new production strategies, in which it values animal welfare and meets the demands of consumers. Pre-slaughter management is a critical period for animals, as it is a long stress route, and can compromise the final product. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the pre-slaughtering of beef cattle on four farms in the region. The work was carried out in the counties of Dom Pedrito, Santana do Livramento and São Gabriel, in Rio Grande do Sul, at the western border, in 2017. The period for preparing the work was three months (February, March and May). To organize and identify the properties named A, B, C and D, each with its proper characteristics. The most relevant points in the pre-slaughter management of the analyzed properties were searched. The evaluation method was based on a previously prepared worksheet to monitor the pre-slaughter management in the properties that had the following variables: breeding environment, animal behavior, aid for handling, installation, shipment, transport and manpower, and for identification, age, breed, number of animals, property, city and date. It was observed that there is a shortage of skilled manpower, poor technology applied to animals, deterioration of animal welfare, inadequate facilities, ie old structures, lack of maintenance, slippery floors, poorly designed boat docks, use piercing objects. In addition, reactive animals, aggressive management, use of inappropriate and appropriate aid, but sometimes mismanaged, was observed. Frequent and undue use of electric shock. In transport, adequate physical and environmental conditions, reasonable densities, acceptable distances and poor roads. However, it is necessary to invest more in animal welfare, qualification of workers, installation, transport and roads. These must be in balance to result in greater gains in the meat production chain.