Guidelines for humane handling, transport and slaughter of livestock

A joint endeavour of FAO and a non-governmental organization, Humane Society International, this publication offers guidance to the livestock slaughter industry on ensuring humane treatment of animals. This is important not only to reduce unnecessary suffering but also vital for improving meat quality and cutting down production losses. The handbook includes sections on animal stress and pain and the negative effects these have on meat quality. It lists detailed recommendations, accompanied by c olour photographs and drawings, which set out proven methods for the humane and efficient handling, transport and slaughter of livestock. Highlighting prevalent faulty methods that are objectionable on both ethical and economic grounds, it recommends sizeable improvements in the equipment and facilities used in developing countries for livestock slaughter for meat. At the same time, determined efforts are needed to educate and train livestock slaughter industry personnel to avoid negligence and economic losses.