Highlights
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Animal welfare is an important pillar of sustainability in meat production.
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On farm, neonatal mortality and low level of sensory input are the main welfare issues.
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At slaughter, pre-slaughter handling and monitoring of stunning effectiveness are the main welfare issues.
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Strategies to improve welfare will benefit product meat and carcass quality.
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The training of stockpeople is one of the most cost-effective policies to improve animal welfare.