Abstract

MIRANDA-DE LA LAMA, Genaro C.. Transport and pre-slaughter logistics: definitions and current tendencies in animal welfare and meat quality. Vet. Méx [online]. 2013, vol.44, n.1, pp.31-56. ISSN 0301-5092.

Logistics and transport are of strategic importance in animal welfare, the quality of the product and production efficiency. In essence, pre-slaughter logistics comprises all of the stages involved in transporting and handling animals on their journey from the farm to the slaughterhouse. This review gives an up-to-date analysis of pre-slaughter transport and logistics as a whole. Taking into account the current trends towards increased transport times, logistics of scale and mixed modes of transport, there is a need to develop systems of evaluation and decision-making that provide tools and protocols capable of minimizing the biological cost associated with animals adapting to pre-slaughter logistics. Possibly, in the past, the impact of pre-slaughter stress has been underestimated, but there is evidence that would suggest the importance of investing in operational changes at the present time.

Keywords : Transport; pre-slaughter logistics; animal welfare; meat quality.