Developing an improved preslaughter restraining box for cattle

Summary

This project resulted in improvements to the design of the existing restraint box that will improve operating efficiencies and improve animal welfare. A separate manual has been developed which describes the features of the new design to potential users of the restraint box. The project was undertaken to improve animal welfare standards and processing efficiency in overseas abattoirs slaughtering Australian cattle. It is a priority for the live export industry to enhance the processing end of the Australian live export chain.

This project set about making minor improvements to the design of the existing Mark 1 box and developing a prototype Mark 2 box that incorporates a new design in the restraint mechanism. The Mark 2 box was successfully tested in an Indonesian abattoir. The end result is a manual that includes both the Mark 1 and Mark 2 box containing construction and application details. The design and construction is simple avoiding the use of electrical or hydraulic power, which reduces construction and maintenance costs. As there is no reliance on electrical power, power interruptions are not an issue. The use of either box will improve animal welfare, improve processing efficiencies and enhance operator safety in overseas abattoirs. This will result in an improved level of meat quality and improve the acceptance of Australian cattle in traditional overseas abattoirs.