Review of the Mark I, II and III cattle restraining boxes

Summary

The restraint methods used for cattle have implications for animal welfare, carcass and meat quality, processing efficiency and safety of the stockman. Traditional methods of restraint used for local cattle in the Middle East and Southeast Asia have involved manual handling and casting procedures. However, these methods are not always effective for imported Australian cattle, unfamiliar with human contact. Consequently, there has been a tendency to use inhumane, unacceptable methods of restraint in an attempt to cast the animal whilst avoiding injury to the stockman. Previous research has identified the current casting and restraint processes as key welfare issues and since 2000, three designs of restraining box have been developed (Mark I, II and III), to replace these methods. 
The aim of this review was to: 
- Review the design of each of the three cattle restraining boxes and complete a comprehensive desktop assessment of the animal welfare and occupational health and safety impacts of each of the designs. 
- Provide details on the welfare benefits that a correctly functioning Mark I cattle restraining box has compared to traditional slaughter methods of cattle in SE Asia. 
- Detail potential modifications that may be required to further improve animal welfare aspects of each of the three cattle restraining boxes. To fulfil the aims of the review, the author observed and assessed: 
- Traditional methods of cattle handling, restraint and slaughter in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 
- The use of the Mark I restraining box (both the preliminary design and the updated model). 
- A short video clip showing the use of the Mark II restraining box. 
- Design plans for the Mark II and III restraining boxes. The main conclusions from the review were that the use of restraining boxes in the Middle East and Southeast Asia has the following benefits: 
- Improved animal handling pre-slaughter and during the slaughter process as it removes the need to incapacitate cattle in an attempt to restrain them effectively. 
- Increased processing efficiency and improved safety. 
- Demonstrated commitment to improving animal welfare standards in the export chain. Future developments in the design of the restraining boxes need to take into consideration the following observations: 
- The success of the restraint system is dependent upon the interaction between the stockman, animal and the environment. This can form the basis of a practical welfare assessment of the whole process. 
- More sophisticated technology is less likely to be adopted if it does not satisfy production requirements (even if there is a demonstrated welfare advantage). 
- New technology requires support from knowledgeable and skilled stockmen. The overall acceptance of the restraining box may be reduced if it involves complicated installation, operation and maintenance processes.