Welfare in pigs: management in pre-slaughter: Review

Abstract

Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, in Brazil it loses only to beef and chicken meat, and the meat market has become increasingly demanding as to the quality and origin of the animals consumed mainly in questions Well-being in which these animals were produced. Much of the pig production systems have been adapting and specializing with emphasis on animal welfare, and production must present an "ethical quality" in which pork, in addition to the current quality attributes, is also presented as a native food Of animals that were raised, managed and slaughtered in a system that promotes their well-being. It is known that pre-slaughter management is of paramount importance in the pig production chain, since this stage has a direct influence on the final quality of the meat. In addition, consumers are demanding better quality products that do not harm the environment, causing farmers to invest in methods that prioritize animal welfare. In order to have a better quality of the meat, all the people involved in the pig production chain must be committed to caring for animal health and welfare, avoiding that the animals go through unnecessary suffering. The objective of this study was to review the welfare and management of pre-slaughter pigs, since Brazilian pig farms have been improving in this aspect. Proper pre-slaughter management also adds value to the final product, satisfying consumers more and more.