Preslaughter

Preslaughter is the period and set of processes between an animal leaving its farm and the moment of slaughter. It encompasses capture and handling, loading onto vehicles, transport, unloading, lairage (holding at the processing facility), and any fasting before slaughter, with the point of stunning marking the transition to the slaughter phase. The focus is on welfare during these stages, which can affect both animal well-being and meat quality.

Welfare concerns during preslaughter include stress, injuries, fatigue, dehydration, hunger, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Handling practices, vehicle design, stocking density, driving methods, and journey duration influence the animal's physiological stress response. Proper rest, access to water, appropriate ventilation, and gentle handling are widely recommended to reduce harm. Fasting durations vary by species and jurisdiction and are intended to reduce processing contamination risks while avoiding excessive distress.

In many systems, stunning is performed at or soon after arrival at the facility, and humane slaughter regulations require that animals be stunned prior to killing. Preslaughter conditions are thus a key element of regulatory compliance, audit schemes, and animal-welfare oversight.

Regulatory frameworks differ by country but commonly align with international guidelines from organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the FAO. They address transport limits, lairage conditions, facility design, staff training, and monitoring to enhance welfare and, indirectly, product quality and food safety.