Which statement about pre-slaughter preparation is true?

Which statement about pre-slaughter preparation is true?

• A. Animals should be fed to full stomachs before slaughter for better yield.
• B. No feed and full water is the recommended protocol hours before slaughter.
• C. Feed should be ad libitum for 24 hours prior to slaughter.
• D. Water should be restricted before slaughter.

Answer: (B)

Managing pre-slaughter handling involves reducing gut contents while keeping the animal hydrated. The best practice is to withdraw feed for a period before slaughter but keep water available until the end. This minimizes the amount of digesta in the stomach and intestines, lowering the risk of contamination during processing, without risking dehydration or welfare problems from withholding water. Feeding up to slaughter would leave a full stomach and more content in the digestive tract, increasing contamination risk. Allowing ad libitum feeding 24 hours before slaughter defeats the purpose of reducing gut fill, and restricting water would harm the animal's hydration and welfare.

Managing pre-slaughter handling involves reducing gut contents while keeping the animal hydrated. The best practice is to withdraw feed for a period before slaughter but keep water available until the end. This minimizes the amount of digesta in the stomach and intestines, lowering the risk of contamination during processing, without risking dehydration or welfare problems from withholding water. Feeding up to slaughter would leave a full stomach and more content in the digestive tract, increasing contamination risk. Allowing ad libitum feeding 24 hours before slaughter defeats the purpose of reducing gut fill, and restricting water would harm the animal's hydration and welfare.