The effects of handling on stress parameters before religious slaughter in sheep and cattle

Abstract

Religious slaughter methods which preclude the use of preslaughter stunning have been subject to controversy for many years. Three fundamental questions have been raised and need clarification: Does the preceeding handling of the animal cause undue stress, is the sticking wound during cutting and afterwards painful, and how long does it take before permanent insensibility is reached. This study has attempted to answer the first question about the stress of handling cattle and sheep prior to religious slaughter. Eight slaughter sheep previously fitted with jugular vein catheters for blood sampling were used. The first sample was taken in the holding pen and animals were transported to the University's slaughterhall (approx. 500m). The legs of sheep were tied together for restraint on arrival. A second sample was taken immediately prior to religious slaughter which was performed within 2 minutes. A third sample was taken from the exsanguinated blood from the wound made with a gash stick