ASSESSMENT OF CATTLE WELFARE FROM FARM TO SLAUGHTERHOUSE IN THE GHANAIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the current condition of cattle welfare from farm to slaughterhouse in Ghana. The study applied field and laboratory approaches to gather and analyze data. Data was collected from farms, slaughterhouses, and cattle transport centers in the Upper East, Northern, North East, Savanna, Bono East, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions.. A total of three hundred and eighteen (318) farmers, 78 transporters and 450 butchers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire, observations, and focus group discussion. Data collected were classified and summarized on the basis of the information provided. The body temperature and respiratory rates of the animals were measured at rest and point of slaughter (n=100). Cortisol levels in blood samples during the exsanguination were measured (n-10). Testfor Pale Soft Exudative (PSE), Dark Firm and Dry (DFD) and pH levels were taken from meat samples (n-10). Behaviour of cattle at slaughter and carcass bruising were scored (n=50). The first study assessed the indigenous knowledge of cattle farmers, transporters and butchers on animal welfare in Ghana. The second study continued to evaluate welfare conditions of Ghanaian farms. Both studies found evidence that most of the knowledge transfer from older farmers to apprentice farmers was carried out through oral methods. Farmers were concerned about their animal’s welfare but did not place equal weight on the five freedoms of animal welfare. Farmers placed the most premium on freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst (95%), and freedom from pain, injury and disease (90%). Farmers placed less premium on their animals freedoms from fear and distress (50%), and freedom from physical and thermal discomfort (50%). The freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour (0%) was not considered. The third study showed that transporters paid little attention to the welfare of animals in transit. The average transit time is 18 hours in transit. Adherence to recommended rest stops, provision of feed and water and spacing were absent. The fourth study appraised welfare standards (conditions and procedures) of Ghanaian slaughterhouses Animal welfare standards were found to be poor. Structures in the facilities were obsolete and did little to safe guard the welfare of the animals and handlers. Animals are exposed to great levels of stress and pain before and during slaughter. The final study examined the effects of welfare conditions on meat quality. The mean body temperature (37.6 oC), respiration rate (33.6 bpm), blood cortisol (43.4 ng/mL) and pH (6.5), indicates that cattle are exposed to extreme discomfort pre-slaughter leading to DFD meat products. Animal welfare from cattle farms to slaughterhouse were below acceptable standards and urgent interventions are needed to improve welfare in Ghana.