Avaliação conhecimento sobre o bem-estar animal por colaboradores de um abatedouro na região da grande Teresina

Abstract

Animal welfare has become an increasingly relevant topic within the meat production chain, particularly during the pre-slaughter and slaughter stages, where improper practices may cause suffering to animals and compromise the quality of the final product. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of slaughterhouse employees regarding the principles and practices related to animal welfare. To achieve this, a questionnaire composed of nine objective questions was applied, covering essential topics such as proper handling, current legislation, and workers' perceptions concerning the treatment of animals during the slaughter process. The analysis of responses made it possible to identify the employees' level of understanding, highlighting both positive aspects and weaknesses that can be addressed through continuous training and capacity-building initiatives. The results showed that, although there is some awareness of the importance of animal welfare, significant gaps remain in employees’ technical and practical knowledge. This finding emphasizes the need for ongoing investment in education and awareness within the workplace. It is concluded that employees' knowledge plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of animal welfare standards, being essential for both ethical slaughter practices and the final quality of the meat produced.