Abstract

Animal welfare and its influence on beef production are major considerations in many developed countries. In the developing world, where food insecurity and poverty are prevalent, the welfare of animals receives low priority due to factors such as traditional customs and beliefs, lack of knowledge in animal handling and sub standard handling facilities. This is worsened by the fact that cattle are used for several purposes, such as meat production, milk production, draught power and traditional ceremonies. Research on animal welfare and how it relates to animal production have been done in the developed world. The objective of this study is to discuss indicators of animal welfare assessment, their impact on meat quality and applications to improve beef production in developing countries.

Key words: Behavioural assessments, flight zones, meat quality, ritual slaughter.

Abbreviation

AWOs, Animal Welfare Organizations; DCB, dry cutting beef; FS, flight speed; FT, flight time; NEFA, non-esterified fatty acid; ACTH,adrenocorticotropic hormone; CK, creatine kinase; APP, acute phase proteins; Fb,fibrinogen; Hp, bovine haptoglobin; SAA, serum amyloid-A