Proposal of a management system to develop an animal welfare strategy for the animal food chain.
2018
Souza, A. P. de O. | Molento, C. F. M.
This study aimed to propose general guidelines for an animal welfare (AW) management system based on the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) to develop an AW strategy appropriate for individual organizations of the animal food chain. Main adaptations for steps within pre-hazard analysis included a description of the animal species and its intended use, the development of a flow diagram detailing operations where live animals are handled and focusing on animal handling procedures for each stage of animal production or process step. The hazard analysis step included considerations of all kinds of welfare problems that may occur in each step or production stage listed in the flow diagram. Hazard duration, including duration of its consequences, were added to the hazard characterization step. Main changes on establishing critical limits for critical control points included a proposal to set initial thresholds for animal-based measures while scientific-validated data are obtained. Corrective actions considered the concept of implementing real-time procedures to avoid animal suffering, as well as the possibility of reducing identified hazards for future animals. By implementing the HACCP-based system, companies will be prompted to reduce levels of identified AW problems, with potential for mid to long-term reduction of AW problems through planned corrective and preventive actions. Application of the management system may take broader AW discussions to higher corporate levels in companies, needed for the development of an AW strategy, and may promote transparency of processes in animal production, which will benefit both animals and society.
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