Summary
A brief overview of the transportation of livestock
in South America is given, with emphasis on scientific reports produced
in Chile. Aspects such as journey distances covered, stocking densities
used and general handling characteristics, mainly regarding cattle
transport, are discussed in relation to their effects on blood variables
related to stress as well as on meat quality. A lot of the results
are being transferred through talks, training courses and written
material to producers, transporters and slaughterhouse personnel;
this has produced awareness of changes that need to be made to improve
transport and handling conditions. At government level, scientific
evidence has shown that existing regulations, usually based on information
from more developed countries, need to be complemented by or adapted
to local conditions in each country.
Keywords
Animal,
Chile, Livestock, Regulation, Research, South America, Transportation,
Welfare.
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