An Observational Study of Rump Pusher Use in a UK Cattle Abattoir

In cattle abattoirs the entrance to the stun box can be associated with increased likelihood of baulking, and therefore the increased use of coercion. Attempting to improve cattle movement, some UK abattoirs have introduced mechanical Rump Pushers (RP) prior to the entrance of the stun box. While it is reported anecdotally that RPs reduce use of coercion, including electric goads, there is currently no published data or literature on how RPs are used in commercial cattle slaughter operations. This observational study at a UK abattoir, which has a RP installed, assessed the level of coercion required to enter the RP, use of the RP, cattle behaviour inside the RP and carcass bruising. The RP was used on 267 of the 815 cattle observed (32.8%) and was more likely to be used on dairy cattle and those which received a higher coercion score when entering the RP. When entering the RP, 57.4% required no or very gentle coercion. The electric goad was used on 4 animals (0.49%). The incidence of slipping (1.8%) and vocalisation (1.6%) inside the rump pusher was low and not directly associated with RP use. However, 66.5% of cattle forcefully contacted the RP entrance gate (gate slam) and time spent in the RP box positively predicted the number of gate slams (IRR = 1.016, p < 0.001). The use of the RP was not significantly associated with carcass bruising. These results are encouraging and the use of mechanical automation within cattle slaughter facilities warrants further investigation.