Can the Color of Clothing Cause Stress in Sacrificial Animals? Here’s the Explanation from a Veterinary Anatomy Expert at IPB University
Dr Supratikno, PAVet, a veterinary anatomy and animal behavior expert from IPB University, explains the effects and management of stress in sacrificial animals. According to him, stress in sacrificial animals not only affects behavior but also significantly impacts the quality of the meat produced.
“When animals experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing blood vessels to constrict. As a result, the blood drainage process during slaughter becomes incomplete. The blood remaining in the meat reduces its quality,” he explained.
Furthermore, he noted that stress causes excessive use of muscle glycogen. If glycogen levels decrease, lactic acid production is disrupted.
“Without sufficient lactic acid, the pH of the meat remains high, causing it to become dark, firm, and dry. This condition is known as dark, firm, and dry meat (DFD),” he added.
From a behavioral perspective, stressed animals are also more difficult to handle and may struggle excessively. This condition risks causing bruising on the meat, which will inevitably reduce its market value and consumption quality.
Signs of Stressed Animals to Be Recognized
Dr Supratikno mentioned the signs of stress in sacrificial animals. Some common indicators include restlessness, excessive drooling, the tail tucked between the hind legs, eyes that remain alert, ears standing upright or forward, and labored breathing.
“These characteristics are fairly easy to recognize by anyone. If these signs are found, it means the animal is not in a calm state and needs to be addressed immediately with the appropriate approach,” he explained.
Proper Handling Before Slaughter
To minimize stress on sacrificial animals before slaughter, Dr Supratikno outlined several steps. First, the use of loudspeakers should be avoided because cows dislike high-frequency sounds. Additionally, large crowds of people can make the animals feel threatened.
“Clothing colors should also be considered. Bright colors like red or orange should not be worn during the slaughtering process as they can trigger anxiety in the animals,” he explained.
He also suggested that the process be carried out quickly, and that the animals not be left alone for too long. The personnel handling the animals should also be trained and experienced.
The Importance of Training for Slaughterers
According to Dr Supratikno, another important aspect is the skills of the personnel. Therefore, training for slaughterers is crucial in reducing stress on sacrificial animals.
“Trained personnel will have the knowledge, skills, and awareness to handle animals properly. This directly impacts the animals’ calmness and the quality of the meat produced,” he said.
Some important aspects that slaughterers must master include religious knowledge in accordance with Islamic law, safe and hygienic work skills (occupational safety and health/OSH and sanitation), the ability to inspect the suitability of animals, proper slaughtering techniques, and the ability to assess the status of an animal’s death after slaughter.
“By considering the welfare of sacrificial animals, the community not only performs their religious duties correctly but also ensures the quality of sacrificial meat consumption for all beneficiaries,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/LAN)
