Effect of Exposure to Slaughter Ambient on Behavioral and Carcass Parameters in Goats

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of exposure to slaughter ambient on various behavioural and carcass parameters in goats.A total of 18 bucks (Boer cross, 8-12 months of age, 24-28 kg live weight) were divided into 3 groups (n=6) viz., C-goats slaughtered alone, E -goats exposed to slaughter ambient by witnessing the slaughter of goat from S group, S-goats slaughtered in front of E groups.The goats were Halal slaughtered, and various behavioural parameters (vocalization, escape behaviour, turning backwards, and urination), blood loss, time to death, and carcass shrinkage were assessed.The exposure to slaughter ambient in goats affected the behavioural responses, with medium-grade responses for vocalization and avoidance behaviour in 50% of goats.The exposure to slaughter ambient in goats did not significantly affect the time to death, bleed-out percentage, and carcass shrinkage percentage.Thus, the present study highlighted the issue of animal welfare and emotional stress induced by exposure to slaughter ambient in goats as indicated by behavioural responses. HIGHLIGHTSm Exposure to slaughter ambient affected behavioural parameters in goats.m Exposure to slaughter ambient not significantly affected the carcass parameters.