Ensuring ethical production of beef: A comprehensive risk assessment of animal welfare during transportation and slaughter processes

Animal welfare is a recognised and important issue within the European Union, addressed through comprehensive regulations such as Regulations 1/2005 and 1099/2009, which emphasise the necessity to respect and protect the welfare of animals, particularly during transport and slaughter procedures. These legislative measures are part of an ongoing European commitment to ensure ethical treatment and minimise suffering for food-producing animals, aligning with broader food safety and public health goals. This project aimed to create a prototype of an updated cattle path designed to minimise stress and reduce reliance on coercive means such as electric prods, while also decreasing the risk of injury due to trauma or falls. The approach focused on implementing evidence-based methods and integrating preventative design features that support both animal behaviour and safety in handling environments. The ultimate goal was to guarantee the welfare and protection of animals as specified in European guidelines, while also achieving improvements in meat quality. By advancing these objectives, the project demonstrates how compliance with animal welfare standards can be harmonised with operational efficiency and product quality, benefitting both animals and consumers across the European Union.