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Research article2011Peer reviewed

Optimisation analysis of large and small-scale abattoirs in relation to animal transport and meat distribution

Gebresenbet, Girma; Bosona, Techane Gari; Ljungberg, David; Aradom, Messmer Samuel

Abstract

This study reports the optimization analysis made to determine the benefits of establishing a small-scale local abattoir in comparison with the large scale-abattoir in relation to transport distance and time during animal transport and meat distribution, which have a direct impact on animal welfare, meat quality and the environment. Consumer attitudes towards locally produced meat and the self-sufficiency of the region, where the local abattoir was planned to be established, were also examined. It was found that consumers in the region strongly preferred locally produced meat and about 50% of the meat produced would be sufficient to meet demand in the region. Major benefits of having the local abattoir included: (1) Reductions in transport distance and transport time of collecting animals from farms and delivering them to the abattoir by 42% and 37% respectively. The corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that were generated from vehicles reduced by 42%. (2) Reductions in transport distance, transport time and GHG emissions involved in distributing meat to the retailers of about 53%, 46% and 53%, respectively. (3) The significant reduction of transport distance and time improves animal welfare

Keywords

animal welfare; environmental benefit; local food; route optimisation; transport distance; transport time

Published in

Australian Journal of Agricultural Engineering
2011, volume: 2, number: 2, pages: 31-39
Publisher: Southern Cross Publishing

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Food Science
Agricultural Science

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/33644