Pre-Slaughter Rest and Fasting Period for Animals

All animals meant for slaughter should be rested for at least __________ hours and should not be fed for at least __________ hours before slaughter, but should be provided with plenty of water:

Correct Answer: 24 hours rest, 12 hours fasting

As per standard abattoir guidelines, animals meant for slaughter must be:

• Rested for at least 24 hours in the lairage to restore normal physiological condition.
• Not fed for at least 12 hours before slaughter (to ensure the gastrointestinal tract is not over-full, reducing contamination risk during evisceration).
• Provided with plenty of water throughout the resting period (water is not withheld).

Why This Protocol?

• 24-hour rest: Restores muscle glycogen levels depleted during transport stress. Adequate glycogen → proper post-mortem pH fall → good quality meat (avoids DFD meat).
• 12-hour fasting: Empties the GI tract → reduces risk of gut rupture and faecal contamination during dressing. Retains water intake to prevent dehydration/weight loss.

Lairage Key Facts

• Lairage = area providing rest to arriving slaughter animals.
• Space: 2.8 m² per buffalo/cattle; 0.6 m² per small animal.
• Race (narrow passage between lairage and slaughter hall) = minimum 10 metres long.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 12 hours rest, 24 hours fasting → reverses the correct durations.
• 24 hours rest, 24 hours fasting → fasting period is too long; risks dehydration and weight loss.
• 24 hours rest, 48 hours fasting → excessive fasting; not recommended.