Bem-estar ovino em diferentes densidades de currais durante o pré-abate

Abstract

Frigorific industries use standards based on pork due the current lack of specific legislation for stocking of the pre-slaughter sheep corrals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sheep welfare in corrals with different densities during the pre slaughter. Two hundred seventy-nine male sheep from Corriedale breed with three years of age and on average of 42 kg were used. Two treatments were allocated, 1.0 m² / animal and 0.5 m² / animal. It was evaluated the physiological responses such as respiratory rate, blood glucose, and pH of carcasses. The results of the respiratory date showed a heat stress in both treatments and showed difference (p <0.05) in the first evaluation. No difference (p> 0.05) was observed in glucose and pH. The physiological and pH variables indicated that the increase in housing density of pre slaughter sheep corrals to 0,5m² / animal does not interfere in animal welfare.