Ex post impact evaluation of 30-years of research and development on slaughter conditions of ruminant livestock in France

Abstract

This ex post impact analysis starts in 1984 and builds on more than 30 years of R&D work carried out by Idele and its partners on pre-slaughtering conditions. It was implemented using the ASIRPA and ImpresS methods. This case study confirmed the interest and applicability of these methods, but they needed to be adapted, i) by strengthening the characterisation of direct and indirect "beneficiaries" and ii) by strengthening the structure of the "impact story". Operational knowledge intended for slaughterhouse herdsmen and drivers of lorries transporting live animals has been broadcast in the form i) of the following: guides to good practice and training in animal handling; ii) references for the renovation of buildings, useful for the slaughterhouse modernisation plan; iii) specifications for the layout of lorries used to transport livestock. Contributing to the development of new regulations on the transport of live animals, they have accompanied the implementation of the regulation on animal protection in slaughterhouses. This deployment has contributed to the improvement of buildings and equipment in the pre-slaughter area, as well as to the acquisition of knowledge enabling herdsmen to reduce stress factors linked to handling. The main observable impacts are the following: helping to reduce accidents (humans and animals); an improved remuneration for farmers; improved meat quality; helping to develop arguments to reassure consumers.