Effects of Slaughter Positions on Catecholamine, Blood Biochemical and Electroencephalogram Changes in Cattle Restrained Using a Modified Mark IV Box

Simple Summary Slaughter position plays a crucial role from an animal welfare perspective (fear due to novelty, discomfort, and pain), as it involves handling by workers and restraint methods at abattoirs. In ritual slaughter, it is obligatory to restrain the animal in a prescribed position (lateral or upright), and lateral recumbency in Halal slaughter takes minimum effort in well-equipped abattoirs with trained staff compared to less equipped abattoirs with less trained personnel or, worst of all, outside of abattoirs. Halal slaughter is a technique practiced around the world by Muslims. No studies have been reported comparing upright and lateral positions in Halal slaughter and their impact on cattle blood biochemistry and pain sensation. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate responses in cattle subjected to upright and lateral slaughter positions on EEG and catecholamines. The results revealed that the two positions had different effects on brain activity and blood parameters. The proper slaughter positioning of animals is among the most crucial factors in animal welfare. The lateral position in Halal slaughter is a technique used around the world by Muslims, with a few practicing the upright position. The literature on the effects of slaughter in upright versus lateral positions on pain and stress is scarce. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of slaughter positions on blood biochemical parameters, plasma catecholamines, and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. Twenty Brahman crossbred steers were subjected to slaughter in either lateral recumbency (LP) (n = 10) or an upright position (UP) (n = 10). There was a significant increase in adrenaline (p < 0.0001) and noradrenaline (p < 0.05) at T2 compared to T1 in the animals of both groups. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed in the median frequency (MF) and total power (Ptot) of EEG, parameters for pain and stress, between the animals slaughtered in the upright and the lateral position. However, MF and delta waves were significantly higher (p < 0.05) after slaughter in the UP group than in the LP group. The results demonstrate a lesser amount of stress and pain responses among the LP group.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the responses of cattle subjected to upright and lateral slaughter positions on EEG and catecholamines. The results showed that the LP group had less stress and pain responses, while the UP group had significantly higher MF and delta waves post-slaughter.