Humane transport, lairage and slaughter of sheep

Publication date: 25/09/2017
Extent: 26 pages

Contributions by: P. H. Hemsworth and E. C. Jongman, University of Melbourne, Australia

Chapter synopsis: Contemporary public concerns about and policy debates on animal production focus on conditions that guarantee food security, public health, environmental quality and animal welfare. This chapter reviews the main welfare issues associated with management of sheep post-farm gate, including transport by road and by sea, and holding facilities, handling and stunning of sheep at abattoirs. The chapter argues that welfare monitoring at each stage of the post-farm gate production process is essential, together with provision of optimal thermal and spatial conditions in holding facilities and proper training for stockpeople on handling sheep to safeguard animal welfare. Finally, the chapter suggests a number of areas for future research.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0019.19