A GROUNDBREAKING research project in Malaysia has successfully utilized brain-wave technology to ensure that halal meat production is both humane and high quality.
Funded by the Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), this project, led by Professor Awis Qurni Sazili of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), has made significant strides in aligning Islamic principles with modern animal welfare standards.
The research team used electroencephalography (EEG) to objectively measure animal stress and pain during slaughter. The study found a clear correlation between handling methods and brain activity, with unprofessional handling resulting in a significant increase in EEG wave frequency — a direct indicator of stress.
The EEG technology provided a real-time, objective way for farmers to validate their slaughter methods and confirmed that stunning effectively induces unconsciousness, preventing unnecessary pain.
The project team also created an instructional video that promotes best-practice handling and slaughter techniques grounded in both Islamic principles and scientific evidence.
The video became the cornerstone of a workshop that brought together researchers, veterinarians, farm personnel, and smallholder farmers to discuss the "farm to fork" approach, addressing every step of the livestock production chain.
The innovative use of EEG is poised to standardize halal slaughtering practices not just in Malaysia, but across the Asean region.
According to SEARCA, this technology offers an innovative tool to strengthen meat safety, quality compliance, and animal welfare, positioning the halal food industry for continued growth and ethical leadership.
Consumers are increasingly aware of animal welfare, and meat that is certified humane and halal can gain a market advantage in the region's growing halal market. As Professor Sazili noted, "Consumers are increasingly aware of animal welfare, and meat that is certified humane and halal can gain a market advantage in the region's growing halal market."
The project's findings have significant implications for the halal meat industry, which is expected to continue growing in the region. By prioritizing animal welfare and using innovative technologies like EEG, the industry can ensure that its products meet the highest standards of quality and ethics. As the industry looks to the future, it is clear that humane and sustainable practices will play a key role in its success.
The SEARCA-funded project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving positive change in the agricultural sector. As the halal meat industry continues to evolve, technologies like EEG will likely play an increasingly important role in ensuring that animal welfare and quality standards are met.