The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002

Home , Animal slaughter, Captive bolt pistol

The State of Meat Production in Developing 12CHAPTER Countries: 2002

Neil Trent, Peter Ormel, Jose Luis Garcia de Siles, Gunter Heinz, and Morgane James

Introduction illions of animals are killed for More humane transport, handling, Since 1994 HSI has worked with the food annually in developing and slaughter practices and the intro- FAO to introduce techniques and Bcountries, more than half of duction of modern systems and equipment for humane transport, han- them without the benefit of stunning equipment in the slaughter process dling, and slaughter of food animals in (a procedure that induces an uncon- not only decrease animal suffering developing areas. The most important scious state through administration but also provide economic benefits of these techniques is the use of the of a severe blow to the skull or the for the human population, as the captive bolt stunner (see sidebar on application of an electrical charge). amount of meat and hide wasted is page 181). The slaughter process begins most reduced. At the same time, worker HSI has underwritten the cost of often with food animals crowded into and meat safety is greatly increased. FAO slaughter-training workshops, inadequate vehicles with little protec- Two organizations—one dedicated providing equipment, and/or partici- tion from the elements and trans- to the elimination of animal suffering pating in presentations in Asia and ported long distances without water and the other to encouraging sustain- the Caribbean. HSI also has produced over harsh roads. In a typical develop- able agriculture and rural develop- a laminated poster for FAO use in its ing country, few slaughter facilities ment—have joined forces to address training workshops, cosponsored the have any government oversight of animal welfare issues in the global publication of a booklet (Guidelines sanitation or veterinary care. Animals livestock industry. The mission of The for Humane Handling, Transport, and may be stunned by repeated hammer Humane Society of the United States Slaughter of Livestock), and begun blows to the head. They may be (HSUS) and its international arm, development of a training video for stabbed with sharp knives until they Humane Society International (HSI), distribution worldwide. collapse. While the animals are still is to create a humane and sustainable As part of this collaboration with conscious, their throats are cut, and world for all animals, including peo- the FAO, HSI has solicited overviews they die from excessive blood loss ple, through education, advocacy, and on the various aspects of animal wel- after minutes of struggling. the promotion of respect and com- fare and the livestock industry in These brutal methods cause passion. The Food and Agriculture Latin America (contributed by FAO immense animal suffering. They also Organization (FAO) of the United representatives Jose Luis Garcia de have significant economic impact: Nations has as a specific priority to Siles and Peter W. Ormel); the Asia- bruising of the meat renders it unfit increase food production and food Pacific region (contributed by FAO for human consumption; damage to security while conserving and manag- consultant Gunter Heinz); and South the hides causes loss of product; and ing natural resources. The aim is to Africa (through a case study of the worker injuries result in decreased meet the needs of both present and status of livestock contributed by productivity. At the same time, unsan- future generations by promoting de- Morgane James of the National Coun- itary methods spread such diseases as velopment that does not degrade the cil of SPCAs). salmonellosis, cholera, E.coli poison- environment and is technically appro- ing, and Listeria and cause contami- priate, economically viable, and so- nation of the meat, a serious public cially acceptable. health concern.

175 Table 1 World Livestock Population, 1961–2001 (in million heads)

Percent Percent Overall Annual Species 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Growth Growth

Cattle and Buffaloes 954 1,106 1,236 1,331 1,516 59 1.5

Pigs 348 551 707 791 923 166 4.1

Poultry 4,082 5,729 8,158 12,319 18,734 359 9.0

Sheep and Goats 1,203 1,301 1,435 1,635 1,743 45 1.1

mine quality, and poor sanitation slaughtered (see Table 2). Overview/ leads to considerable loss of product The increase in the number of ani- as well as to the risk of food-borne dis- mals slaughtered per year led to a Latin America eases (Garcia de Siles et al. 1997). 280 percent increase in the produc- The safety of meat calls for control tion of meat at the world level over Introduction from the farm until the time the meat the last forty years. Food security has been defined as is consumed. It is recognized that access by all people at all times to ad- stock handling, slaughtering condi- Regional Comparison equate quantities of safe food re- tions, carcass dressing, and meat han- The number of animals slaughtered quired for a healthy and active life. dling as well as the hygienic and envi- worldwide per region3 is presented in Although food availability has in- ronmental surroundings, contribute Table 3. For each species involved, creased noticeably during the last to the nutritional properties and Asia leads the world in terms of num- thirty years in developing countries, commercial value of the finished ber of animals slaughtered per year. there currently are more than 800 products. million people without adequate Livestock Evolution access to food, and more than 24,000 Evolution of people die each day because of lack of in Latin America Meat Production adequate food supply. and the Caribbean In developing countries, where As shown in Table 1, the world live- 1 In Latin America and the Caribbean, diets are composed of a few staple stock population has grown steadily 2 the cattle and buffalo population foods, meat and meat products are for all major species involved over more than doubled from 1961 to especially important in preventing the last forty years. 2001 (see Table 4). malnutrition and contributing to In terms of slaughter, the global During this same period, the total food security. view is very similar, with moderate meat production in Latin America In developing countries some tradi- increases in the number of ruminants and the Caribbean increased from tional methods of handling, process- slaughtered and larger increases in 7.9 million metric tons to more than ing, and marketing of meat under- the total numbers of pigs and poultry

Table 2 Animals Slaughtered Worldwide, 1961–2001 (in million heads)

Percent Percent Overall Annual Species 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Growth Growth

Beef and Buffaloes 155 181 212 236 299 93 2.3

Pigs 313 533 680 861 1,172 274 6.9

Poultry 6,367 11,122 18,528 27,367 45,926 621 15.5

Sheep and Goats 364 432 507 646 788 117 2.9

176 The State of the Animals II: 2003 growth in developing countries, Table 3 which have led to a massive increase in the demand for products of animal Animals Slaughtered Worldwide origin, such as meat, milk, and eggs. Per Region: 2001 (in million heads) However, unlike the so-called green (or environmentally-conscious) revo- Region Cattle and Pigs Poultry Sheep and lution, which was supply driven, the Buffaloes Goats livestock revolution is demand driven. The increased demand for meat Africa 29 12 2,539 151 and meat products has come from a Asia 98 678 17,396 439 growing urban population with changing diets and sufficient income Europe 53 294 7,440 98 to increase animal products in their Latin America 65 62 8,581 31 diets. and the Caribbean A major change of this revolution is a shift in the balance of meat con- North America 41 119 9,525 4 sumption from developed countries Oceania 12 8 510 66 to developing countries. The developed countries showed an annual World 298 1,173 45,991 789 growth in meat consumption of only 1.0 percent from 1982 to 1994. At 31.7 million metric tons. This in- tered in the Merco Sur and the the same time, the developing coun- crease was caused mainly by the in- Andean countries. tries increased their meat consump- crease in the production of poultry tion by 5.4 percent annually. In 2020 meat, and to a much lesser extent, by Livestock Revolution people in developing countries are the increase in beef and pork produc- Over the past decade, the Interna- expected to consume a total of 188 tion (see Figure 1). tional Food Policy Research Institute, million metric tons of meat, whereas the FAO, and the International Live- people in developed countries are Subregional stock Research Institute have com- expected to consume 115 million Comparison in bined their efforts to produce a glob- metric tons. al view of the developments in the These expected consumption Latin America and livestock sector to 2020 against the increases will lead to equivalent the Caribbean background of world globalization. increases in production, with production of livestock products growing The number of animals slaughtered in A revolution is taking place in live- most rapidly in areas where consump- the Latin American/Caribbean4 sub- stock production that could have vast tion grows (Table 6). region is presented in Table 5. Brazil implications for people and the envi- Total meat production for develop- leads the region in terms of number ronment in both developed and devel- ing countries in 2020 is expected to of animals slaughtered for cattle and oping countries. This livestock revolu- reach 183 million metric tons; for buffaloes, pigs, and poultry, whereas tion is being caused by population developed countries the projected the most sheep and goats are slaugh- growth, urbanization, and income

Table 4 Livestock Population in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1961–2001 (in million heads)

Percent Percent Overall Annual Species 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Growth Growth

Cattle and Buffaloes 176 224 294 330 360 105 2.6

Pigs 50 65 74 76 81 61 1.5

Poultry 359 577 1,071 1,461 2,513 601 15.0

Sheep and Goats 155 148 143 146 117 (25) (0.6)

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 177 Several basic aspects of the live- Figure 1 stock revolution offer threats as well Latin America and the Caribbean as opportunities to the sustainable development of countries and regions Meat Production: 1961–2001 (Delgado et al. 1999): 15,000 (1) the revolution implies a substantial increase in livestock (in 1,000s) 12,000 production in the near future; (2) the majority of this increase 9,000 will be in developing coun- Tons

tries; 6,000 (3) the function of livestock will 3,000 change from non-tradable,

Metric multipurpose to more mar- 0 ket-oriented functions; 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 (4) people will continue to substi- tute grains for meat and milk Years in their diets; Beef and Buffaloes Pigs Poultry Sheep and Goats (5) the rapid increase in monogastric production systems will lead to a rapid increase in total production in the same year is environmental and public health the use of cereal feeds; 121 million metric tons. However, the effects of these systems. This might (6) the stress on grazing systems rapid growth in products of animal explain a general absence of policies and expansion of monogastric origin has not been, nor is it expected and regulations in many developing production systems close to to be, evenly distributed across or countries with regard to monogastric urban centers will increase; within countries. production systems. Given the drastic (7) rapidly changing technologies The livestock revolution will pro- increase these systems will suffer in will be incorporated into induce a drastic increase in the capaci- the near future and their general tensive production systems. ty of existing production and distribu- proximity to urban centers, this regu- The livestock revolution is a de- tion systems and have possible effects latory vacuum easily could lead to mand-driven process that cannot be in such key areas as environmental substantial environmental problems stopped. The final overall effects (pos- pollution, public health, food safety, and important increased dangers for itive and negative) for the rural poor, and animal welfare. The changes that public health. the environment, public health, and are inherent to the livestock revolution can be seen both as threats and as opportunities for the sustainable development of developed and devel- Table 5 oping countries. Number of Animals Slaughtered in Latin When not managed well, these changes could give rise to various America and the Caribbean, 2001 (in million heads) problematic situations, with negative effects for animal welfare, public health, and the environment. Animal Region Cattle and Pigs Poultry Sheep and welfare is a growing ethical concern, Buffaloes Goats especially in developed countries. Brazil 30 25 4,641 7 There, public awareness of environmental contamination of natural Mexico 7 14 1,107 5 resources (air, water, and land) by Andean Countries 8 9 1,204 8 intensive livestock production systems is high. Many countries have Caribbean 0 1 157 0 established rules and regulations to Central America 3 5 604 1 mitigate and compensate for the effect these production systems have Merco Sur 17 9 868 10 on the environment. However, devel- Latin America and oping countries generally have much the Caribbean 65 63 8,581 31 less experience with the negative

178 The State of the Animals II: 2003 animal welfare depend on the willing- before slaughter, negatively affecting dirty, their legs covered with manure. ness of developing countries to regu- the quality of the meat. Often holding In these cases, the knife used for late the projected changes. pens are overcrowded, causing unnec- bleeding and de-hiding will have to essary stress to the animals. cut through manure and fecal Slaughtering The quality and condition of the residues, resulting in a great possibil- carcass and its storage depend great- ity for meat contamination. Meat Animals in ly on the care taken prior to slaugh- Slaughter methods vary widely and Developing Countries ter. Nervous, tired, and excited ani- include, among others, simple decap- Both meat quality and quantity are mals may have a raised body itation (in India), severing the medul- very much affected by pre-slaughter temperature, causing imperfect la (in some Latin American coun- conditions. In developing countries bleeding. Muscular fatigue reduces tries), and severing of the major meat animals are transported from glycogen content in the blood, which blood vessels with or without previous the farm to the slaughterhouse on after slaughter changes into lactic stunning. foot, by road, or by rail. Frequently acid, thus causing favorable condi- Animals going to slaughter should livestock must travel on foot for sever- tions for spoilage and the growth of be rendered unconscious in order to al days to reach the abattoir. Since the food-borne bacteria. Fatigue and ex- make death as stress-free and painless distances involved often are quite sub- citement also cause penetration of as possible. Nevertheless, in the Jew- stantial and the management of the bacteria from the intestinal tract to ish (kosher) and the Muslim (halal) animals during this process is poor, the meat. slaughter of livestock, stunning gen- transportation has deleterious effects Holding animals in vehicles or erally is not allowed, and the animal is that result in significant food losses. lairages without adequate litter bled directly, using a sharp knife to Livestock who have traveled long and/or drainage frequently results in cut the throat and sever the main distances on foot or in transport fre- fecal soiling of the skin. Cattle enter- blood vessels. This results in sudden quently are insufficiently rested ing slaughterhouses often are very and massive loss of blood, with loss of

Table 6 Projected Trends in Production of Various Livestock Products, 1993–2020

Projected Annual Growth of Total Production Total Production Per Capita Production Region/Product 1993–2020 1993 2020 1993 2020 (percent) (million metric tons) (million metric tons) Developed Countries

Beef 0.6 35 38 26 28

Pork 0.4 37 41 29 29

Poultry 1.2 27 36 21 26

Meat 0.7 100 121 78 87

Developing Countries

Beef 2.6 22 44 5 7

Pork 2.7 39 81 9 13

Poultry 3.0 21 47 5 7

Meat 2.7 88 183 21 29

Source: Delgado et al. 1999

Notes: Total and per capita production for 1993 are calculated from FAO (1998). Projections are updated figures, following the same format as that reported in Rosegrant et al. 1997. Meat includes beef, pork, mutton, goat, and poultry. Milk is cow and buffalo milk and milk products in liquid milk equivalents. Metric tons and kilograms are three-year moving averages centered on the two years shown.

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 179 consciousness and death. These types Rural Slaughter Urban Slaughter of slaughtering can be very unsatis- In developing countries, a high per- Many of the large-scale slaughter- factory since the animal may not be centage of animal slaughter takes houses in developing countries are in rendered unconscious and may suffer place in rural areas under very primi- poor condition. These usually are considerable discomfort and pain in tive conditions that do not meet even located in or around large cities and the slaughter process. Many Muslim minimal technical and hygienic may be categorized as follows: authorities permit some form of pre- requirements. Animals are slaugh- (a) Old and dilapidated slaughter- slaughter stunning such as electric tered in all kinds of places, such as houses established originally stunning of cattle, sheep, and poultry converted buildings or rooms, under on the outskirts of cities but (see sidebar on page 181) (Chambers the shade of trees, and on open, bare now found within the city lim- and Grandin 2001). ground. its due to rapid expansion of The use of humane methods in the Because of the level of bacterial the urban area. These slaugh- handling of livestock prevents need- contamination, meat produced under terhouses present a serious less suffering, results in safer working such conditions can deteriorate easily environmental hazard, in conditions, reduces meat losses, and and lead to food poisoning. Since addition to using unsanitary improves meat quality. However, cru- there is no meat inspection, meat slaughtering and meat han- elty to animals exists in developing from sick or parasite-infested animals dling practices; countries because of unsatisfactory may well be a vector in spreading dis- (b) Slaughterhouses built in the slaughtering procedures and infra- ease, affecting human beings as well last two decades, with an structures. Animals may be pulled, as animals. In addition, unsatisfacto- excessively high level of tech- beaten, or dragged on their way to ry slaughtering techniques can cause nical equipment. Problems slaughter and are allowed to see other unnecessary losses of meat and valu- with ongoing maintenance, animals being slaughtered. Animals able by-products. Such losses consti- inadequate staff training, and frequently are slaughtered without tute a major constraint in increasing high energy consumption being stunned. These practices need animal production. have resulted in much of the to be examined, since people in many The simplest structure used in specialized equipment being developing countries take cruelty to slaughtering and dressing livestock is shut down. Consequently, animals for granted and its preven- the gantry hoist. Animals who have many of these plants now tion is often an acquired concept been slaughtered on the ground are resemble the ones mentioned (Mann 1984). then hoisted via the gantry so that under category (a); and Dressing the carcass, which is the carcass can be dressed. One step (c) Slaughterhouses for export, defined by the Codex Alimentarius (a better than the gantry method is uti- which are technically and collection of international food stan- lization of a slaughter slab, an area of hygienically of a very high dards adopted by the Codex Alimen- concrete on which the animal is standard, since they have to tarius Commission, responsible for slaughtered and dressed. When rural comply with export require- execution of the FAO/WHO Food slaughtering takes place on relatively ments. The local population Standards Program) as the progres- small premises, very simple equip- usually does not benefit from sive separation of an animal into a ment, such as hooks or ropes for these quality meat-producing carcass (or sides of a carcass), other hanging animals and chopping blocks plants because their products edible parts, and inedible parts, is the for breaking down carcasses, may be are too expensive and are next step in the slaughter process. available. However, it remains a com- directed to external markets. The essential problem in many mon practice to dress carcasses on Even in larger towns, abattoirs that developing countries is the failure to the building floor. have been designed specifically to provide for hoists or hooks, hardware Under these conditions, the utiliza- supply meat to the expanding centers which permits the dressing of car- tion of animal by-products generally of urban population all too often are casses to take place off the floor. The is low or nonexistent, since the by- unsatisfactory from a hygienic view- contamination resulting from floor products are considered a nuisance. point. dressing of carcasses is considerable, Improved slaughter methods can Once the meat leaves the abattoir, especially where the removal of hides result in edible by-products which, its hygienic quality also is influenced and the cleaning of stomachs are car- properly utilized, may be a source of by careless and poor handling. Car- ried out in the same location as the animal protein for human consump- casses, quarters, unwashed offal, and dressing of the carcass itself. tion. They can assist in increasing liv- other items are placed together on ing standards in rural communities by the floor of the market or on dirty improving the nutritional level, and concrete or wooden tables in meat at the same time increasing employ- shops, increasing the microbiological ment possibilities. contamination of the meat.

180 The State of the Animals II: 2003 skull but does not enter the brain. They onds following stunning. The forelegs Humane cause unconsciousness due to concus- may be flexed initially and then gradual- Stunning: sive force alone and should only be ly straighten out, but this depends on used on cattle. the species and the severity of the Two Both types of stunner are powered blow. Tonic activity is followed by a peri- by blank cartridges. Cartridges vary in od of involuntary kicking, which gradual- Techniques strength and are classified according to ly subsides. the amount of propellant they contain, If an animal is stunned properly, he or as measured in grains. It is most impor- she collapses immediately. There is no Captive Bolt Stunning tant that the correct cartridges be used rhythmic breathing, no blinking, no The captive bolt stunner is used com- for each model of stunner. corneal reflex, and no vocalizing. The monly in stockyards, slaughterhouses, It also is essential that the correct car- animal has a fixed, glazed expression and packing plants where animals are tridge be used for the size and species and relaxed jaw, and the tongue is hang- slaughtered for food. The primary objec- of animal being stunned. In emergency ing out. tive of the captive bolt stunner is imme- situations, it is acceptable to use a car- tridge designed for a larger species, but diately to induce an unconscious state Bleeding Out by administering a severe blow to the never one designed for a smaller skull. The captive bolt is a humane stun- species. To obtain maximum effect, the To prevent the risk of recovery, animals ner—not a humane killer—and stunning muzzle of the captive bolt stunner must must be bled out (sometimes referred must always be followed immediately be held firmly against the head of the to as “sticking” or exsanguination) as by bleeding out. animal. soon as possible after stunning, ideally Captive bolt stunners are comprised while the animal is still in the tonic (rigid) phase. Bleeding out involves severing of a steel bolt with a flange and a piston Electrical Stunning at one end that is held in the barrel. The the carotid arteries and jugular veins of piston fits tightly into the breech and Electrical stunning involves passing (by the ventral neck and thorax region. The the bolt is free to move forward and means of voltage, or electrical pressure) animal then dies from loss of blood. It is backward in the barrel. Upon firing, the an electric current (the rate of flow of important that all major blood vessels expansion of gases, produced by the electricity) through the brain, severely are severed. If only one carotid artery is explosion of the charge, propels the pis- disrupting the brain’s normal electrical cut, the animal may take over a minute ton forward, and the bolt projects activity and causing an immediate state to die. through an aperture in the front of the of unconsciousness and insensibility to Whenever an animal is stunned using barrel. The bolt remains captive in the pain. a captive bolt stunner, he or she must barrel, however, because the flange at Electrodes must be placed on the be bled out within fifteen seconds to the rear prevents it from passing animal in a manner to ensure good elec- ensure a rapid and painless death. A through the hole. The impact of the trical contact, and they must span the maximum stun-to-stick interval of fif- flange at the front of the barrel is brain, enabling the current to pass teen seconds is essential for all species absorbed by either cellular buffers (also through it. The animal remains un- in the field. known as recuperator sleeves) or a conscious while his or her throat is cut The most practical method of bleed- grease collar, depending on the type of and dies from loss of blood. It is impor- ing out is to make a deep transverse cut stunner. tant to note that an animal may recover with a six-inch knife across the animal’s There are two types of captive bolt from a stun if his or her throat is not cut throat at the angle of the jaw (i.e., a cut stunners: penetrating and non-penetrat- quickly. across the throat). The cut should be ing. Penetrating stunners cause uncon- deep, severing the blood vessels, tra- sciousness as a result of a concussive chea and esophagus, and continue until Physiological the blade of the knife touches the blow to the skull and the physical dam- Effects of Stunning age caused by the entry of the bolt into spine. The intention is to severe the the brain. They are generally preferred, The initial effect on the animal is imme- carotid arteries and the jugular veins. as they result in more rapid uncon- diate unconsciousness, accompanied —Neil Trent sciousness and death. Non-penetrative by what is known as “tonic” activity. stunners have a “mushroom-headed” The animal collapses, stops breathing, bolt which comes in contact with the and becomes rigid. This period of rigidi- ty normally lasts for ten to twenty sec-

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 181 When meat is sold on one or two The FAO addresses this issue through on regional training of trainers cours- market days, meat stalls often are technical strategies and technology es to stimulate the multiplier and cat- crowded, and customers lean on the packages that include inter alia assis- alytic effect at member country level. stall; the meat becomes contaminat- tance for improved hygiene, handling, ed through contact with their hands, and preservation of livestock prod- bank notes, baskets, clothes, and ucts; development of appropriate pro- Animal Welfare other objects. The behavior of butch- cessing technologies, including devel- ers is not always the most appropriate opment of low-cost and shelf-stable in the Livestock from a hygienic point of view and may meat products; and establishment of contribute to the problem. small-scale meat processing plants. Sector in In urban areas the traditional marketing of meat begins with early 1. Slaughter Facilities Asia-Pacific morning slaughter and delivery of the It is evident that unsatisfactory Asia, which is home to almost half of unchilled meat to the marketplace a slaughtering techniques and lack of the world’s human population, tradi- few hours later. The FAO recommends appropriate slaughtering facilities tionally has also been a region with a that in the long term this be may cause unnecessary losses in meat large livestock population. Year 2000 improved to a complete “cold chain” as well as in valuable by-products. Un- statistics reveal that, of the global system, with the meat being cooled der these circumstances, commonly livestock population, Asia—including down at the slaughterhouse and then found in developing countries, the the Pacific countries—rears 35 per- transported in refrigerated trucks to establishment of slaughter facilities cent of cattle, 97 percent of buffaloes, controlled butcher outlets. The devel- of a sufficiently high standard but still 59 percent of pigs, 42 percent of opment of the meat sector, in partic- simple and inexpensive would im- sheep, 59 percent of goats, 46 per- ular in the rapidly expanding popula- prove the above conditions. For these cent of chickens, and 88 percent of tion centers, will have to move in this reasons the FAO has developed a ducks. direction for both public health and model project in which the main com- Over the last decades, Asia had environmental reasons (Garcia de ponent is a small-scale, modular average annual growth rates in live- Siles et al. 1997). slaughterhouse. In addition, designs stock production of up to 7 percent. The availability of shelf-stable meat have been prepared for the construc- In the medium term, Asia will contin- products is very important for a con- tion of a meat market in order to ue to display the world’s highest tinuous supply of animal protein and facilitate the integration of produc- growth rates for livestock, approxi- essential minerals during periods tion, processing, and marketing. Fur- mately 3 percent, compared with 1.7 when there is no fresh meat available. ther details of this slaughterhouse percent annual global growth. Shelf life ranging from a few days to a design and operation can be found in The Asia-Pacific region comprises number of months can be achieved, FAO publications (FAO 1988, 1994). three developed countries—Japan, depending on the processing meth- Australia, and New Zealand—and ods. Meat processing therefore is 2. Processing twenty-seven developing countries. essential to enhance food security Taking into consideration that an Animal welfare issues usually are and cope with periodic deficits in uninterrupted cold chain for meat higher on the agenda in the devel- meat supply. cannot be expected in many develop- oped Asian-Pacific countries than in However, in many developing coun- ing countries in the near future, the the developing countries. In particu- tries the hygienic conditions of the FAO is assisting developing countries lar, New Zealand and Australia have manufacturing process are generally in the use of existing national and stringent animal welfare laws and very poor. Machinery is obsolete, alternative regional meat preserva- detailed rules and regulations. places are dirty, and meat is handled tion. However, even in well-organized carelessly. animal welfare environments, un- 3. Training precedented animal suffering may The FAO The lack of adequately trained per- occur. Australia exports not only sonnel in the meat and dairy industry meat from cattle and sheep but also Contribution has been recognized as one of the live animals. Although the numbers of Dramatic changes in the current situ- main constraints limiting the livestock sent to not-too-distant ation of the meat sector are difficult improvement of the hygienic and Southeast Asian countries such as to achieve in the short to medium technical quality of meat. Training is Indonesia and the Philippines are term, as they would require consider- therefore a prioritized integral com- high, no major animal suffering has able investment in facilities and infra- ponent of FAO projects for meat and been reported, as transport distances structure. Developing countries can- dairy sector development. For strate- are relatively short. not afford this capital investment. gic delivery of training, FAO focuses The situation is different when

182 The State of the Animals II: 2003 lucrative Near East markets are sup- conditions, and there are also a few small cages. In Asia, where duck eggs plied with sheep and cattle for feedlots for cattle fattening. are very popular, layer ducks may also slaughtering upon arrival according Cattle prevail in India (46 percent be kept this way. to the Moslem halal method—cut- of Asia-Pacific’s total), where they are Traditional livestock production ting the throat without pre-stunning. used only for milk production. India systems generally create reasonable In the past many animals did not sur- also has the highest buffalo popula- conditions for animal well-being. vive the long voyage. To shorten tion in Asia, followed by Pakistan and However, there are problem areas. For transport distances, it is now China. Buffaloes in India, Pakistan, example, millions of cows in India, required that these shipments disem- Nepal, and Bangladesh are of the who have their role in socio-cultural bark exclusively from Western Aus- riverine type kept predominantly for tradition, are otherwise little used for tralian seaports. (As a consequence milk. Buffaloes in Southeast Asia are agricultural production, and are not of loss of life due to extreme high of the swamp type; they are not suit- adequately cared for, fed, and temperatures in the summer of able for milk production but serve for watered. Buffaloes play an important 2002, Australia announced it would draft power and are slaughtered for role in India as milk-producing live- ban cattle transport until cooler meat at the end of their working lives. stock, but there is little interest in weather returned.) New Zealand Regrettably, swamp buffalo popula- young male buffaloes, who are unused banned all live animal shipments to tions in Southeast Asia have been for meat production. Consequently, overseas markets some years ago. declining rapidly over the last ten to the rural practice is to separate male In Japan animal welfare is governed fifteen years, being replaced by motor- buffalo calves from their mothers by economic and public health fac- ized vehicles. It is feared that this shortly after birth and abandon them tors. Guidelines for Industrial Live- development will work against small to die. stock Rearing (Cabinet Office of farmers and deprive many of their In Asian countries with cold win- Japan 1987) and Slaughter Methods livelihood, as buffaloes may be more ters, the traditional livestock sector for Livestock (Cabinet Office of Japan cost-effective than motorized vehicles, suffers from very different problems. 1995) have been introduced. Due to and buffalo manure is the much-need- In Mongolia, for example, during the the emergence of food poisoning ed fertilizer for agriculture. course of two consecutive winters, from enterotoxins produced by Small ruminants (sheep and goats) millions of livestock died of starvation microorganisms in meat, slaughter in developing Asia are kept for meat during snowstorms. It is clear that guidelines were strengthened in only. action must be taken to provide bet- 2000, and more stringent require- Industrial livestock production of ter shelters and basic feed reserves ments for livestock transports and so-called short-cycle animals (pigs for the animals during the winter. holding pens at slaughterhouses must and chicken) for meat and eggs is The above are a few examples of be followed. increasing greatly in and around the livestock suffering on traditional In developing Asia the countries population centers, as per-capita farms. More pronounced and wide- with the largest human population meat consumption in urban areas is spread suffering—and not infrequent also account for the largest livestock increasing. The impact on livestock cruelty—occurs in Asian countries, as numbers. Livestock is used for food production is best illustrated by the elsewhere in the developing world, (meat, milk), industrial products example of China. Over the last two from the moment when livestock is (mainly leather), and draft power for decades, the annual per-capita meat selected for slaughtering. This stress- agriculture and transport. In rural consumption in China has gone up ful and often torturous period lasts areas manure from livestock still from 5 kilograms to more than 30 from the farm gate to the slaughter- plays an important role as a fertilizer. kilograms. Egg production accounts house. The poorer the infrastructure In the pig and poultry sector of devel- for comparable increases. Growth in the livestock marketing and oping Asia, there is a strong trend rates in most other Asian countries slaughterhouse sector, the more ani- toward industrial production. also are high, and one can imagine mal suffering occurs. China is by far the largest producer the challenges faced by industrial live- The vast majority of Asian livestock of pigs in Asia, due to the enormous stock producers regarding procure- is kept in China. China has made demand created by more than one ment of feed, environmental prob- enormous progress in the abattoir billion people. China also accounts lems with animal waste, and proper sector, in particular through provision for 55 percent of Asian chicken pro- organizing of livestock marketing and of large-scale and rather efficient duction and 78 percent of duck pro- slaughtering. slaughterhouses in the population duction. From the animal welfare point of centers. During the past two decades, Large and small ruminants in Asia view, the arguments against industri- transport of livestock by road, rail, and are kept primarily under traditional al livestock production in Asia are the boat also has been improved. The Min- rearing on pastureland. Around some same as those voiced worldwide: sows istry of Agriculture is the central large population centers, dairy cows confined for piglet production in nar- authority responsible for the supervi- may be kept under semi-industrial row boxes and layer hens confined in sion and control of abattoirs and pro-

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 183 vides recommended best practices for Some years ago there was a report sanitary inspection and proper trans- hygiene, transport, and animal wel- from India describing how the legs of port and handling of livestock. Pre- fare. While such guidelines are very young buffaloes were broken deliber- stunning is acceptable in this pre- helpful, training of meat sector per- ately by livestock handlers in order to dominantly Moslem country. Thailand sonnel in techniques and humane immobilize the animals in waiting and Vietnam have completed new treatment of animals still is lacking, pens or transport facilities. slaughterhouse projects where pre- nor is the subject of animal welfare One special aspect of large slaugh- stunning using proper equipment is adequately covered at veterinary and ter animals on the Indian subconti- carried out. Thailand has a thriving agricultural universities. Nevertheless, nent is the cross-border transport of poultry export industry which com- all large abattoirs have been equipped cattle and buffalo from India to Pak- plies with international standards for with tools, such as captive bolt pistols istan. India has the world’s largest animal welfare. In Thailand’s domes- and electrical tongs, for stunning of cattle population. The cow is a sacred tic slaughter sector, special govern- livestock. In some cases, technically animal to Hindus and cannot be ment entities have been set up that advanced boxes for electrical cattle slaughtered. Due to lack of resources deal with guidelines for humane stunning have been introduced. In in India, however, the cow cannot be treatment of slaughter animals; how- China’s vast rural areas, there remains fed adequately either. Up to 50 per- ever, binding laws have not yet been scope for modernization of the meat cent of Pakistan’s large slaughter ani- published. sector and improvements in humane mals come from India during certain Regarding animal welfare laws and treatment of livestock. periods of the year. Some of the ani- legislation, the Philippines is one of Indonesia also has a reasonable in- mals entering Pakistan illegally travel the most advanced countries of the frastructure in the slaughterhouse up to 1,000 kilometers further, into region. An animal welfare act, as well sector. Although Indonesia is a pre- Afghanistan, many dying en route as as several codes and regulations, are dominantly Moslem country, a rather they traverse this desert region within place. In each major slaughter- liberal approach is taken toward pre- out adequate food and water. house, one member of the veterinary stunning of animals; efficient electri- Most slaughterhouses in the sub- staff is responsible for animal welfare cal stunning equipment (for cattle) continent are obsolete. Stunning issues. The Philippine government’s and captive bolt pistols are widely equipment is not used. Ritual Moslem commitment is evidenced by the fact used. slaughter in Pakistan does not permit that the international Manila Confer- The situation for slaughter animals pre-stunning. In other areas, due to ence on Animal Welfare, an initiative in the other two large countries in the overcapacity and poor infrastructure, of the Department of Agriculture, was region, India and Pakistan, is very dif- slaughtering is carried out very inhu- to be held in 2003. The conference ferent. India has a number of slaugh- manely and in full view of other live goal was to produce a Manila Declara- terhouses producing buffalo meat for animals. Furthermore, as slaughter- tion on Animal Welfare, recognizing export. These abattoirs must comply house waste disposal systems also are animal welfare as a common objective with export requirements by using obsolete, animals often are kept wait- for all people and all nations. adequate livestock transport by rail or ing for slaughter amidst mountains of Many are of the opinion that stan- truck, good holding pens, and pre- waste—such as intestinal content, dards for animal welfare are perceived stunning with captive bolt pistols manure, and inedible carcass parts— differently in Asia than in the West. prior to bleeding. However, for the dumped around the slaughterhouses. Consequently, there is fear that it may rest of the slaughter animals, cen- In the other countries of the sub- be difficult to make a major impact in turies-old conditions prevail, the only region, Bangladesh and Nepal, there the Asian animal welfare sector. It is difference being that, because of the is almost no abattoir infrastructure, true that laws and regulation on ani- high demand for meat, all facilities and animals are slaughtered along mal welfare, which have been estab- for transport, holding, and slaughter- roadsides and rivers under the most lished in almost all countries of the ing are hopelessly over their capacity. primitive conditions. In Nepal over- region, are not strongly enforced at Small animals, such as pigs, and crowded road transports of buffaloes present by the authorities. large and small ruminants generally across several mountain passes in one On the other hand, there are are transported in trucks, most long journey, with the animals hardly encouraging developments—and con- loaded well over capacity. Over short- able to stand and in many cases lying siderable progress—in a number of er distances, these animals may be virtually on top of each other, pose an Asian countries toward the humane made to walk. For millions of large additional animal welfare problem. treatment of slaughter animals. It ruminants (mostly buffalo) in India, The slaughterhouse sector in must be acknowledged that much of the typical range for the journey to Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar, the progress was triggered by eco- the slaughterhouse can be as far as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philip- nomic factors and considerations for 300–400 kilometers, during the pines) is better organized. Malaysia, easier animal handling. The desirable course of which they lose as much as in particular, has a good slaughter- side effect, however, is less suffering 5 percent or more of their weight. house infrastructure with efficient for the animals.

184 The State of the Animals II: 2003 In Southeast Asia some peculiar cially designed boxes. Both methods chopped off the animal with one methods are used to transport live are recommended from the technical stroke. In traditional Indian pig small animals to market. Chickens and animal welfare point of view. slaughtering without pre-stunning, and ducks are tied head-down to bicy- The adequate electric stunning of the pig is thrown on his or her back. cles, rickshaws, and motorbikes. For- cattle using electrodes to heart and A short rope is tied round the muzzle tunately, such methods will disappear nose is absolutely painless and of par- to prevent biting and to help press automatically with the change of mar- ticular interest to Moslem countries. the head of the animal to the ground. keting systems, away from the tradi- However, the equipment is costly and A straight, clean cut is made anterior tional markets, where chicken are hence only warranted for larger to the sternum, which severs the slaughtered in front of the customer, slaughter operations. jugular vein, and with another cut the toward the newly emerging supermar- All cattle/buffalo slaughterhouses heart is punctured. In the rest of Asia, kets. The increasing popularity of in Asia outside the Moslem sphere of where no proper method for pig stun- supermarkets will have other indirect influence, and even occasionally ning is available, pigs are knocked positive repercussions for animal wel- there, have no objections to using down with the blow of a pole, ham- fare. Meat will have to meet certain captive bolt pistols, since their use mer, or axe. hygienic standards when a longer results in the immediate collapse and In the course of industrial Asian shelf life must be guaranteed, thus re- unconsciousness of the animal, so livestock production and slaughter- quiring that supplies come from prop- that slaughtering can start without ing, prospects are good that efficient, erly controlled slaughter plants. risk for the slaughter men. However, scientifically developed stunning Pigs in Southeast Asia are squeezed most medium and small slaughter- methods will be employed on a larger into baskets and transported on bicy- houses cannot cover the costs of cap- scale in Asia. At present the main cles, etc., to market and slaughter tive bolt pistols or, more importantly, constraints affecting the widespread facilities. In the absence of any alter- do not have access to cartridges and introduction of stunning equipment native transport means, this method spare parts. Instead, they must resort are the cost and the challenge of probably is acceptable, since the pigs to the inhumane methods of using a importing the equipment and spare are released upon arrival and the sharp-pointed knife to sever the parts from overseas. Efforts in some transport distances usually are short. spinal cord or bringing the animal Asian countries to manufacture stun- However, another method for indi- down with a hammer blow. ning equipment locally and at cheap- vidual transport of pigs, practiced in In camel slaughtering, also daily er prices have not been successful. the small to medium slaughterhouse practice in some parts of Asia, a very Currently new approaches are being sector in Thailand, inflicts great suf- inhumane method is the severing of taken by veterinary authorities in fering on the animals. Pigs being the Achilles’ tendons, which leads to some countries. The assistance of moved to slaughterhouses are forced the collapse of the animal in full con- development projects and NGOs is into crates made of steel bars. These sciousness. The animals may also be envisaged. crates are so small as to allow almost immobilized by bending the joints of In the Philippines national veteri- no movement. Pigs are kept waiting the fore and hind legs. This forces nary authorities, in cooperation with inside the crates, sometimes from the animal into a painful position, engineering departments, developed morning to night, without water and where he or she may remain for a program to manufacture electrical ventilation. They will be killed, still many hours before the Halal throat tongs for pigs, captive bolt pistols for confined to the crate, by sticking a cut is carried out. bovines, and the ammunition neces- long knife into their necks. Fortu- In Moslem ritual slaughtering, cat- sary for captive bolt pistols. The FAO, nately, this method of transport and tle and buffaloes are thrown on the in cooperation with some other donor killing, which is very labor-intensive, ground with a sudden pull, their organizations and HSI, is committed will disappear gradually with the necks stretched, and the large blood to cooperate in the project. introduction of industrialized pig vessels cut with a big, sharp knife. In It would be most beneficial if inex- slaughtering. It is more economical many Moslem communities, electri- pensive electrical stunning equipment to transport pigs collectively on cal stunning or use of non-penetrative for pigs could be made available. The trucks and keep the whole group captive bolt stunners is acceptable; economic benefits of import versus in- together in a holding pen before others, however, are adamant in refus- country development of captive bolt slaughtering. ing any kind of pre-stunning. Time is pistols need to be analyzed, and, In large-animal slaughtering, effi- ripe for Moslem authorities to discuss whether the pistols are imported or cient immobilization must be cou- the issue and to study and evaluate not, a supply of suitable ammunition pled with immediate unconsciousness available new technical methods for for them must be assured. Responsi- of the animal. Most industrial cattle stunning. ble veterinary authorities in the indi- slaughterhouses in Asia use captive Jhatka is a ritual slaughter method vidual countries should become bolt pistols for this purpose; a few practiced by Sikhs in northern India involved in the distribution of the even use electrical stunning in spe- on sheep and goats only. The head is ammunition to the slaughterhouses.

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 185 Table 7 Livestock Population in South Africa, 1961–2001 (in million heads)

Percent Overall Species 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Growth

Cattle 12.527 11.234 13.2 13.5 13.74 9.68

Pigs 1.492 1.205 1.348 1.539 1.540 3.22

Poultry .0187 .0263 .0313 .0883 .1193 537.97

Sheep and Goats 37.9 33.1 31.6 32.6 28.8 (24.01)

Goats 5.13 5.36 5.79 6.2 6.55 27.68

If such a system could be brought into to Europe, for provision to local niche under extensive grazing systems, function, a great step forward toward markets or for feeding to captive many in communal grazing areas. humane treatment of slaughter ani- predators, such as lions. While high numbers of cattle are mals in Asia would be made. There is a variety of farming sys- fattened in feedlots, a large number tems in South Africa, from very tradi- also are kept in extensive grazing sys- tional and extensive to intensive and tems. Humane modern (Table 9). The diverse cul- tures influence how many animals are Legislation Slaughter in farmed. In 1962 South Africa’s first animal South Africa The vast majority of poultry are welfare legislation, the Animals Pro- farmed under intensive systems for tection Act No. 71, was promulgated. both egg and meat production. In This act covers all animal species and Introduction recent years there has been an does not exclude any sector of animal South Africa is a vast and diverse increase in the production of free- utilization (Table 10). country; however, only 12 percent is range products; although this still is a Other acts relating to animals, arable. Lack of water is one of the relatively small niche market, con- such as the Livestock Brands Acts most severe constraints faced by the sumers are becoming more aware and 1962 (Act No. 87 of 1962), do not farming community. Because of this, opting to purchase these products necessarily incorporate welfare crop production is not a viable activi- despite their higher cost. requirements. The SPCA (society for ty over large parts of the country, and The majority of pigs also are farmed the prevention of cruelty to animals) extensive livestock (especially sheep) under intensive systems. The tether- movement enforces specific welfare production is undertaken in the drier ing of sows in not permitted. Phase- legislation, with qualified and autho- areas, particularly in the western and out of existing tethering systems has rized inspectors trained through a central parts of the country (Table 7). been nearly completed, with only two national course to perform these producers still using a limited num- functions. Investigations are under- Species Utilized ber of tethers. taken and, where appropriate, offend- for Slaughter Although some sheep are fattened ers are charged and prosecuted. in feedlots, the majority are farmed Under certain sections of the Animals Poultry, pigs, cattle, and sheep repre- under extensive grazing systems. The Protection Act and regulations per- sent the largest numbers of animals vast majority of goats are farmed taining to the act, authorized inspec- slaughtered for commercial production in abattoirs. The number of goats slaughtered is difficult to determine because in rural areas many are kept Table 8 and slaughtered for home consump- Number of Animals Slaughtered tion (Table 8). in South Africa, 2001 (in million heads) Although not bred for this purpose, equines also are slaughtered. Surplus, Cattle and Buffaloes Pigs Poultry Sheep and Goats unwanted, and non-viable equines are purchased and slaughtered for export 2.79 2 .3689 10.71

186 The State of the Animals II: 2003 tors have the power to arrest, seize relevant evidence, and seize animals Table 9 in need of immediate care. Commercially Utilized Species/ Codes of Practice Products in South Africa A number of codes of practice exist and, while they are not legally en- Species Main Product Farmed for (excluding by-products) forceable, they are accepted as the Cattle Meat norm as underwritten by the different Milk sectors of the livestock industry. The Hides and other by-products Animals Protection Act is enforceable Sheep Meat in all situations where animals are Wool/pelts utilized, kept, or slaughtered. Goats Meat Although specific requirements are Mohair set down in the relevant abattoir legislation, charges can be made against Calves Veal/calf meat perpetrators of cruelty as defined by Poultry Eggs the Animals Protection Act. Convic- Meat tion on charges of animal cruelty can result in fines, imprisonment, and Ostriches Feathers Skin confiscation of animals. Meat The Department of Agriculture has appointed inspectors who monitor Pigs Meat the conditions at abattoirs, but the Rabbits Meat focus is on hygiene, of both the facili- Pelts ty and the carcasses. These inspectors also are in a position to ensure that Game Meat the abattoir regulations are adhered Trophies/tourism to in terms of facilities, handling, and slaughter methods. Failure to comply Slaughter The manner in which animals are with the legislation can result in fines slaughtered is as diverse as these and either temporary or permanent Requirements groups, and the slaughtering of ani- closure of the abattoir (Table 10). South Africa has a wide range of cul- mals for ritual as well as food purposes tures and beliefs; eleven official lan- is very important to many (Table 11). guage groups represent this diversity. However, in order to ensure meat

Table 10 South African Legislation Incorporating Animal Welfare

Name of Legislation Purpose of Legislation

The Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 Protect animals Define offenses Define responsibilities of animal owners The Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000) Define acceptable practices associated with the and regulations slaughtering of animals The Performing Animals Protection Act No. 25 of 1935 Protection of animals Relating to animals used for safe-guarding and entertainment Standing Regulations under the Animal Slaughter, Meat, To define the manner in which animals are handled, and Animal Products Hygiene Act, 1967 (Act No. 87 of 1967) held, and slaughtered To ensure standards set out are adhered to in the production of animal products The Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, To provide controls over societies for the prevention 1993 (Act No. 169 of 1993) of cruelty to animals. To define specific standards that must be adhered to

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 187 sold to the public conforms to recog- toirs, which slaughter only a few ani- abattoirs is undertaken in the same nized standards, products offered for mals per week, have been approved. manner as slaughter for commercial sale must be derived from animals These small abattoirs are not required purposes, and animals are pre- slaughtered in approved abattoirs and to have the same infrastructure as the stunned. in compliance with specific condi- larger abattoirs. They supply meat tions set down in legislation. Abat- directly to their local communities, Kosher Slaughter toirs operate according to a grading “warm” off the hook. Cold rooms, The pre-stunning of animals is unac- system, with A grade being the high- etc., are not required; however, pre- ceptable for meat to be considered est. The system dictates the number stunning is required (Table 12). kosher. Through negotiations with and type of animals that may be Slaughtering of animals outside the Jewish community, advances have slaughtered on a daily basis, and the abattoirs is permitted only for home been made concerning the manner in facilities required. The manner in consumption and not for commercial which animals are restrained prior to which animals may be handled, off- use or gain. In such cases the abattoir slaughter and in achieving post-stun- loaded, and held-over prior to slaugh- legislation does not apply, but the ning of cattle and calves in twenty ter are specified in the regulations, Animals Protection Act remains seconds. which currently are being revised. enforceable. Illegal slaughter does As much as slaughter without pre- Pre-stunning of animals (including occur—individuals may set up “bush” stunning is of concern, the manner in poultry) in abattoirs is a legal require- abattoirs, where animals are slaugh- which animals are handled and pre- ment, although exemption from pre- tered and the carcasses filtered into sented for cutting of the throat is in stunning may be granted in cases of the commercial market. many cases of equal or greater con- animals slaughtered for religious pur- Stock theft is rife in South Africa. cern. Shackling and hoisting of live poses, i.e., kosher and halal. In an attempt to curb this, the Live- animals is totally unacceptable in In order to accommodate the for- stock Brands Act has been revised to South Africa and is a prosecutable merly disadvantaged sectors of the make marking of stock mandatory. offense. community, much smaller grade abat- The majority of halal slaughter in

Table 11 Slaughter Methods Used by Different Cultural Groups and Others in South Africa

Type Most Commonly Brief Description Used Species of Slaughter Methods

Kosher (Jews) Cattle, calves, Animals are restrained using specific equipment and have their sheep, poultry throats cut without pre-stunning. Post-stunning is undertaken in most instances. Slaughter normally takes place in an abattoir.

Halal (Moslems) Cattle, sheep, Most halal slaughter is undertaken in the same manner as poultry, goats for commercial slaughter, and pre-stunning is undertaken. In some instances no pre-stunning is undertaken and the throats are cut. Slaughter normally takes place in an abattoir, however for certain occasions animals are slaughtered at communal site or at private homes, without pre-stunning.

Traditional (African) Cattle, goats, sheep Animals may sometimes be shot or pre-stunned. In most instances pre-stunning does not occur and cattle are poll stuck, then cast and their throats cut. Sheep and goats are cast and their throats cut. Other methods include stabbing, neck-breaking, etc. Slaughter takes place outside of abattoirs.

Home Consumption All species Animals, especially large stock, may be shot prior to bleeding. The majority of animals, such as sheep, have their throats cut without pre-stunning. Slaughter takes place outside of abattoirs.

Commercial All species Animals are pre-stunned and then bled. Slaughter takes place in a registered and approved abattoir.

188 The State of the Animals II: 2003 Table 12 Stunning Methods in Abattoirs in South Africa

Species Stunning Methods

Large stock—Cattle, horses, Captive bolt pistol donkeys, large boars/sows Use of firearm in some circumstances

Small stock—Sheep, goats, pigs Electrical stunning with the use of stunning tongs applied to the head Captive bolt in some circumstances/where there is no electricity

Poultry Electrical stunning by positioning the head in a fixed head-stunning unit Electrical stunning via current in water bath

Rabbits Electrical stunning by positioning the head in a fixed head-stunning unit

Ostriches Electrical stunning with the use of stunning tongs Electrical stunning by positioning the head in a fixed head-stunning unit

The restraint method currently undertaking the slaughtering, and Ostrich Slaughter used for cattle is a rotating stun box, the reason for the slaughter. Slaugh- In 1993 South Africa was supplying with feet clamps. The cattle are indi- ter generally takes place on private approximately 90 percent of the vidually moved into a stun box and property. In most cases the animals world demand for ostrich products their feet are clamped together with are restrained and cast, and the and the export of fertile eggs or live hydraulically operated metal clamps. throat is cut. Restraint and casting of birds was not permitted. The single- The box is then rotated, and the ani- cattle often is attempted by stabbing channel marketing of ostrich and mal, lying on his or her side and pre- the animal behind the poll to sever ostrich products ceased with deregu- vented from moving by the restraint the spinal cord and render the animal lation in 1993, and the market conse- of the feet, is suspended by the feet. immobile. Although still conscious, quently opened, although the export The head is pulled back with the aid the animal has limited movement, of breeding material still was strictly of a “devil’s fork,” a semicircular and the cutting of the throat can be controlled. As a result, and with an metal frame which gives the operator performed in relative safety. increase in the demand for ostrich leverage to hold the head and neck in Pre-stunning of animals is recom- products, an increase in the number an upside down, still position. This mended and encouraged. In some of producers and abattoirs was seen. allows the shochet (a Jewish slaugh- cases participants have allowed the Eventually breeding stock was per- terman) free access to the arched SPCA to pre-stun the animal by mitted to leave the country. Ship- throat, providing relative safety for means of a captive bolt pistol. There ments of live birds have been investi- personnel but at great expense to the remains, however, a great deal of gated and monitored as far afield as animal. resistance to pre-stunning. Malaysia and the United Arab Emi- Attempts currently are being made In some cases the animal is rates. This created concern in the to install an upright slaughter box, required to vocalize prior to death to international welfare community, as which will eliminate the need to indicate that the ancestors have attempts were made to establish rotate cattle for the cutting of the accepted it. While some animals, par- ostrich farming in various countries throat. ticularly goats, will vocalize readily, where climate, management, and spe- others are inhumanely treated until cialist knowledge was not available. Traditional Slaughter they do so. While ostriches are valued for their The slaughtering of animals plays an Traditional festivals and occasions skins, feathers, and meat, the manner important role in traditional African also may dictate the manner in which in which some producers were har- culture. It is undertaken at various the animal is treated and killed. This vesting the feathers was found to be events, such as marriages, births, is a very sensitive issue and, unfortu- unacceptable. Eventually a code of deaths, and initiation rites, and for nately, intervention by animal welfare practice was drawn up with the indus- numerous reasons, such as celebra- in these ceremonies often is per- try, detailing the requirements for tion and cleansing rites and commu- ceived (erroneously) as racially moti- feather harvesting and making it ille- nication with ancestors. Methods of vated and in conflict with constitu- gal to pluck “green” feathers. Only traditional slaughter of farm animals tional rights of individuals and certain “ripe” feathers may be vary according to the tribal group organizations. plucked, and clipping of other feathers is permitted. The process is monitored and controlled. The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 189 Ostriches’ physiological and behav- are not going to be used for trophy teams have been formed to investi- ioral requirements are different from purposes means that shots to the gate this issue, and attempts have those of other farm animals; conse- brain are favored. Head shots also been made to encourage the govern- quently the manner in which they are limit the damage to the carcass and ment either to legislate against this held, handled, and slaughtered is the resultant loss in edible meat. practice or at the very least to regu- more problematic. Due to the posi- Crocodiles are farmed primarily for late it. At the present time, the only tioning and small size of the brain, their valuable skin, which is used in controls exerted by the government stunning with a captive bolt pistol is the fashion industry. They are reared are those relating to animal health not reliable; therefore ostriches are communally and, when they reach the and conditions imposed by the coun- electrically stunned. desirable size, they are slaughtered. try of destination. Animal welfare is Ostriches are potentially very dan- They are presented for slaughter by not a criterion. As a result a code of gerous and can inflict life-threatening isolating an individual from the other practice was drawn up by the NSPCA injuries with their powerful legs. This animals, sometimes placing a sack and other members of a subcommit- influences the manner in which they loosely over the snout to calm the ani- tee of the Livestock Welfare Coordi- are restrained both before and after mal. Then the animal is shot in the nating Committee in 2000 to detail slaughter. The head of the bird must brain with a firearm, at close range. minimum requirements for live be held manually for correct place- export. ment of the stunning tongs or placed Exportation in a small stunning box and of Animals Acknowledgements restrained prior to electrical current Gunter Heinz expresses his sincere being switched on. Following stun- Due, in part, to the vastness of the country and also for economic rea- gratitude to Hamid Ahmed (Pak- ning the ostrich collapses into a sit- istan); Kohei Amamoto (Japan); Ho ting position and the legs and feet sons, animals are moved great distances to central sale points or abat- Hon Fatt (Singapore); and D. thrash wildly. In most abattoirs the Narasimha Rao (India) for their valu- stunning area is partitioned with steel toirs. Transportation of livestock by rail is no longer permissible, so that able contributions and advice to the sheets to protect workers from the Asia Pacific section of this essay. powerful, spontaneous kicking of the ground transport is now undertaken unconscious bird. Immediately follow- by road. Large numbers of animals (predominantly sheep, goats, and cat- Notes ing stunning, after the bird has 1All data presented on the evolution of meat pro- dropped, a hinged, heavy metal bar is tle) are imported into South Africa duction have been obtained from FAOSTAT Sta- placed over the legs and secured in from neighboring Namibia. Often tistics Database (FAO 2002). these animals are in transit for up to 2Cattle and buffaloes, pigs, poultry, and sheep position. This is to minimize kicking and goats. and allow the workers the opportuni- three or four days, resulting in 3Six world regions were defined: Africa, Asia, ty to place the shackle over the legs exhaustion, dehydration, bruising, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North injuries, and even death. America, and Oceania. so that the ostrich can be hoisted and 4Six subregions have been defined: Andean bled. Investigation into improved Domestic, wild, and farm animals Countries, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, restraint and stunning methods is routinely have been transported by air Merco sur, and Mexico. ongoing. to various destinations and for various reasons. International Air Transport Slaughter of Game Association regulations specify the Literature Cited manner in which these animals can Cabinet Office of Japan. 1987. Guide- Game—animals such as impala, be handled, contained, and moved. springbok, blesbok, kudu, and lines for industrial livestock rearing. Due to the high cost, moving animals Tokyo. warthogs—are presented at the abat- by air generally is not undertaken for toir in carcass form for dressing and ———. 1995. Slaughter methods for animals who are to be slaughtered, livestock. Tokyo. processing. The stress (and costs) of since they have a lower financial value live capture, the danger in handling, Chambers, P.G., and T. Grandin. than those destined for breeding. 2001. Guidelines for humane han- and the inability to restrain the ani- In recent years, with the opening mals humanely for slaughter dictate dling, transport and slaughter of up of international trade, there has livestock. Rome: FAO. that these animals be shot on site and been a marked increase in the expor- field dressed. Delgado, C., M. Rosegrant, H. Stein- tation of slaughter animals by sea, feld, S. Ehui, and C. Courbois. Shooting of game for commercial although this is undertaken on a rela- use generally is undertaken as a 1999. Brief: Livestock to 2020: The tively small scale compared with the next food revolution. Washington, culling operation. The numbers numbers of animals exported from involved and the fact that the animals D.C.: International Food Policy such countries as Australia. Task Research Institute. At http://

190 The State of the Animals II: 2003 www.ifpri.org/pubs/catalog.htm. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). 1988. Standard design for small-scale modular slaughterhouses. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 73. Rome: FAO. ———. 1994. Manual para la insta- lación del pequeño matadero modular de la FAO. FAO Animal Produc- tion and Health Paper 85. Rome: FAO. ———. 2002. FAOSTAT Statistics Database. Rome: FAO. http: //apps.fao.org. Garcia de Siles, J.L., G. Heinz, J.C. Lambert, and A. Bennett. 1997. Livestock Products and Food Secu- rity. World Congress on Food Hygiene, August 1997. Mann, I. 1984. Guidelines on small slaughterhouses and meat hygiene for developing countries. Geneva: World Health Organization. Rosegrant, M.W., M. Agcaoili-Sombil- la, R.V. Gerpacio, and C. Ringler. 1997. Global food markets and U.S. exports in the twenty-first century. Paper presented at the Illinois World Food and Sustainable Agri- culture Program conference “Meet- ing the Demand for Food in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities for Illinois Agricul- ture,” Urbana-Champaign, May 28.

The State of Meat Production in Developing Countries: 2002 191