Welfare of cattle finished in feed-lot: What should be considered?

Abstract

The growth of the world population creates the need to increase the production of food, and consequently of animal protein. Feed-lot emerges as an alternative for the intensification of the production system, producing more kilograms of meat in less time. In this way, numerous questions arise regarding the welfare of animals finished in feed-lot. In order to clarify and have the points that must be clearly considered, the “Five Domains” of animal welfare aim to incorporate and relate minimum standards of quality of life for animals. In addition to maintaining the minimum parameters for the animal's life, welfare is integrally related to sustainable production, profitability, and quality of the total process. The objective this review is to present information on how to minimize management stresses, the impacts that good practices cause on the system and how it can interfere with the final consumer.