ECONOMIC LOSSESARISING FROM INJURIES IN BOVINE CARCASES DURING PRE-SLAUGHTER TRANSPORT: CASE OF THE STATE OF TOCANTINS

Abstract

Beef cattle is one of the most important economic activities in the state of Tocantins. However, economic losses are attributed to the transport of cattle until slaughter. The objective of the research was to estimate the economic losses resulting from the disposal of lesions in bovine carcasses caused by pre-slaughter transport in the state of Tocantins. The research was carried out through bibliographic and documentary research and 21 semi-structured interviews. Estimates pointed to economic losses due to the removal of lesions in the carcasses, ranging from R $ 179,907.00 to R $ 32,383,200.00 annually. For producers, losses occur due to the removal of lesions, reducing the carcass yield and the amount received per slaughtered animal. For refrigerators, when only processing is detected lesions. For consumers, they are perceived only when preparing meat. The actors lack training on the impacts of transportation to the chain. Future studies are suggested in order to improve the training of the actors.