Comparing Artificial Intelligence and Human Observation in Animal Welfare Evaluation at the Slaughterhouse

Ensuring animal welfare is a central component of production animal management systems, from farm to slaughterhouse. Animal quality of life assessment must consider their welfare during all life stages, including the manner of their death. Therefore, animal handling in slaughterhouses is a critical factor in maintaining acceptable welfare standards. More than sixty-nine million tons of cattle meat are produced annually worldwide, and thus the magnitude of impact achieved by improving slaughterhouse welfare on a global scale is enormous. Consumers have demonstrated both interest in (or concern for) production animal welfare and a willingness to purchase products that promote animal-respectful practices. A large international citizen survey reported that most respondents cared that animals not suffer during slaughter. In addition to the ethical responsibility and animal welfare commitment of stakeholders in the slaughter industry, there are some economic benefits associated with ...