Logistical Implications of Animal Welfare Concepts in Beef Exports

Abstract

The commercial success of the food industry is largely dependent on the viability of various aspects in the logistical chain. In regard to RVG (Rational Voisin Grazing), bovine production is very efficient and economical because it is based on grasses which mitigates greenhouse effects. Bovine production also aims to achieve a final organic product which makes it possible to obtain differential market prices; additionally, it recognizes and addresses issues regarding Animal Welfare (AW). The treatment of animals under this grazing system must be continued in all aspects of the logistic chain to avoid production losses in regard to both quality and quantity. It is estimated that the losses caused by ineffective application of AW in the logistics chain and wasteful efforts in RVG, are enough to feed half a million people. The players in the beef chain must guarantee transparency and traceability of information in the entire chain so as to assess new market demands and requirements. Customers demand quality and inoculated products and require maximum guarantees so as not to jeopardize their health. Recent SENASA's [1] regulations points to the restructuring of the entire value chain, orienting it towards the new reality of external markets and making it stricter in regards to health, quality, and food safety.