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Davis MK, Sullivan PA, Hess AM, Nair MN, Mooney DF, Edwards-Callaway LN. An analysis of the influence of preslaughter management factors on welfare and meat quality outcomes in fed beef cattle in the United States. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae108. [PMID: 39119361 PMCID: PMC11306929 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
During the preslaughter phase, cattle are transported from their place of origin to a slaughter facility, experiencing transportation, lairage, environmental factors, and novel environments. Although research exists that has focused how the preslaughter phase impacts cattle welfare and meat quality, some significant preslaughter management factors and subsequent welfare and meat quality outcomes have not been thoroughly explored. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of preslaughter management factors on welfare and meat quality outcomes in fed beef cattle in the United States. Transportation factors, environmental characteristics, lairage factors, cattle characteristics, and several meat quality variables were collected from 5 federally inspected commercial processing facilities in the United States. After excluding slaughter lots that included <75% complete datasets, a total of 619 slaughter lots representing 84,508 head of cattle were used for further analysis. Predictor variables of interest included processing plant, cattle breed, sex class, operation shift at the plant, distance traveled to the plant, truck waiting time to unload at the plant, lairage duration and space allowance, temperature humidity index, and windspeed. Outcome variables of interest included cattle mobility, carcass bruising, dark cutting (DC), quality grades, and hot carcass weights. Logistic and linear regressions were used to analyze the associations between the predictor and outcome variables of interest. Increased distance traveled and truck waiting time were associated with higher odds of mobility impairment (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.007, respectively), with each 10 km increase in distance traveled having an odds ratio (OR) of 1.001 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000 to 1.001) and each 1-min increase in waiting time having an OR of 1.003 (CI: 1.001 to 1.004). Conversely, a 10-km increase in distance traveled decreased the odds of carcass bruising (OR: 0.997, CI: 0.996 to 0.998; P < 0.0001). Longer lairage was associated with increased odds of DC (P = 0.0415), with each 60-min increase in duration having an OR of 1.034 (CI: 1.001 to 1.068). The results demonstrate the importance of truck arrival management (i.e., scheduling, prioritizing unloading) on mobility. Focusing on lairage management (i.e., density and time) may provide some opportunities to improve meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Davis
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Paxton A Sullivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ann M Hess
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mahesh N Nair
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Daniel F Mooney
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Sullivan PA, Davis MK, Nair MN, Hess AM, Mooney DF, Edwards-Callaway LN. Preslaughter factors affecting mobility, blood parameters, bruising, and muscle pH of finished beef cattle in the United States. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae035. [PMID: 38562213 PMCID: PMC10983080 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of work have focused on reducing fear, stress, and discomfort in cattle during the preslaughter phase by improving and promoting animal handling, transportation, and management processes. Even still, there is limited information about the effects of preslaughter factors on animal welfare and meat quality outcomes in finished cattle in the United States. This study aimed to track individual animals through the slaughter process to identify preslaughter factors associated with key welfare and quality outcomes. A total of 454 cattle from one commercial slaughter facility were studied. Preslaughter factors assessed included distance traveled, truck waiting time, lairage density, lairage duration, and season. Animal characteristics, i.e., body weight, breed, and sex, were also recorded. One trained observer scored the mobility of all cattle using the North American Meat Institute's 1-4 scale (i.e., normal to extremely reluctant to move). Exsanguination blood was collected and analyzed for cortisol, creatine kinase, and lactate. Carcass bruising was scored using a modified version of the National Beef Quality Audit's bruise-scoring methodology (i.e., no bruise, one bruise ≤ the size of a deck of cards, one bruise > than the size of a deck of cards, and multiple bruises). Ultimate muscle pH was measured 32 to 36 h postmortem. Multi-predictor models were selected for each outcome variable using Akaike Information Criterion. Continuous outcome variables were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models and categorical outcome variables with mixed-effect logistic regression models. Longer truck waiting times were associated with increased cortisol (P = 0.04) and lactate (P = 0.02) concentrations. Similarly, increased lairage duration was associated with increased creatine kinase concentrations (P = 0.05) and the odds of cattle being bruised (P = 0.03). Less space allowance per animal in lairage was associated with increased odds of cattle having impaired mobility (P = 0.01). There was a seasonal effect for many of the measured outcomes; the summer season was associated with greater lactate concentrations (P < 0.0001), increased odds of impaired mobility (P < 0.0001), and increased odds of carcass bruising (P = 0.003). The findings of this study indicate that many of the preslaughter factors assessed influence critical welfare and meat quality outcomes of finished beef cattle, warranting future research and consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paxton A Sullivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Melissa K Davis
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mahesh N Nair
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ann M Hess
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Daniel F Mooney
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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3
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Miranda-de la Lama GC. Electro-thermal injuries in ruminants caused by electrical equipment during pre-slaughter operations: Forensic case reports from an animal welfare science perspective. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 356:111936. [PMID: 38290416 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The use of electrical equipment for herding and moving livestock (electric batons) or for stunning animals before slaughter (electric stunners) is widespread in the livestock and meat industries worldwide. The use of these equipment is restricted to specific procedures and/or exceptional circumstances that justify their rational use. However, these restrictions can be underestimated or disregarded due to ignorance, inexperience, incompetence or irresponsibility on the part of users, resulting in pain and suffering to the animals and, in some cases, electro-thermal injury. This report presents four forensic cases of electro-thermal injuries identified during post-mortem animal welfare assessments in slaughterhouses in Colombia, Mexico and Spain. Electro-thermal injuries caused by contact (accidental or intentional) of equipment electrodes with skin and subcutaneous tissue are presented. Although our cases are isolated events detected over a 5-year period, they provide a useful visual guide for technicians and veterinarians interested in the differential diagnosis between bruises and electro-thermal injuries. The differentiation of the equipment causing the injuries allows the identification and control of critical points for animal welfare along the pre-slaughter logistic chain and the elimination of inappropriate animal handling practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Group of Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
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Ogawa NN, Silva GL, Barbon APADC, Flaiban KKMDC, Silva CAD, Rocha LM, Bridi AM. Animal Welfare Assessment and Meat Quality through Assessment of Stress Biomarkers in Fattening Pigs with and without Visible Damage during Slaughter. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:700. [PMID: 38473085 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Nami Ogawa
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Lima Silva
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ayub da Costa Barbon
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Caio Abercio da Silva
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departament of Animal Science, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rodovia Celso, Garcia Cid PR 445 km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
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Davis MK, Sullivan PA, Hess AM, Nair MN, Mooney DF, Edwards-Callaway LN. Benchmarking current preslaughter management factors, welfare indicators, and meat quality outcomes at commercial fed cattle processing facilities in the United States. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txad150. [PMID: 38259258 PMCID: PMC10803158 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Preslaughter management factors and their impacts on cattle welfare and meat quality are well documented in current literature. However, certain management factors related to transportation and lairage are underrepresented. Benchmarking preslaughter management factors that can impact welfare and meat quality outcomes will allow the industry to identify areas for improvement. The objective of the current study was to benchmark preslaughter management factors for a nationwide sample of commercial fed cattle processing facilities. Five processing facilities in the West, Midwest, and Southwest regions of the United States were sampled from March 2021 to July 2022. Data were collected on a total of n = 637 slaughter lots representing n = 87,220 head of cattle. Variables of interest included general cattle characteristics, distance traveled to the plant, truck wait times to unload, environmental conditions, lairage density, and lairage duration. Additionally, mobility was scored using a four-point locomotion scale (one being normal, not lame, and four being extremely reluctant to move). Carcasses were also observed for bruising using the following scale: no bruises, bruises smaller or larger than a deck of cards, and having multiple bruises. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data at the lot and individual animal level. On average, cattle traveled 155.8 ± 209.6 km (mean ± SD) from the feedlot to the processing facility and waited 30.3 ± 39.7 min to unload. Once in lairage pens, cattle were held for 200.7 ± 195.0 min. The mean lairage stocking density was 3.1 ± 2.0 m2 per head. A majority of the cattle scored a mobility score of 1 (n = 77,645, 91.8%), 7.8% (n = 6,125) were scored as a two and the remaining less than one percent of cattle were scored as either a 3 or 4 (n = 265). Carcasses with bruises less than or equal to the size of a deck of cards (n = 22,672, 27.1%) were less frequent than bruises measuring greater than the size of a deck of cards (n = 34,427, 42.6%). Of carcasses that were bruised, 65.2% (n = 39,856) had multiple bruises of varying size. This baseline data on preslaughter management factors identifies opportunities for improvement in wait times, lairage densities, and factors that cause bruising. Future studies should explore the relationships between these factors and their impacts on welfare and meat quality, report the economic value of these outcomes, and explore industry acceptability and adoptability of optimal preslaughter management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Davis
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Paxton A Sullivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ann M Hess
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mahesh N Nair
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Daniel F Mooney
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Duval E, Lecorps B, von Keyserlingk MAG. Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231072. [PMID: 38269076 PMCID: PMC10805601 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Growing animal welfare concerns have pushed some jurisdictions to strengthen regulations addressing live farm animal transportation, but whether they provide satisfactory levels of protection for animals remains to be shown. Using the recent peer-reviewed literature, we identified four major risk factors associated with live animal transportation (fitness for transport, journey duration, climatic conditions and space allowances) and explored how regulations were structured to prevent animal welfare issues in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA). All legally binding federal regulations were systematically reviewed and compared. Whether these rules were fit for purpose was assessed using the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our findings indicate the majority of regulations in most jurisdictions are often insufficient or too vague to be deemed fit for purpose. All five jurisdictions fall short in guaranteeing adequate protection to livestock during transport. Using recent changes as well as future policy proposals under discussion, we identify future directions that could form the basis for regulatory changes that may significantly improve the welfare of farm animals during transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Duval
- Essex Law School, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Kobek-Kjeldager C, Jensen LD, Foldager L, Thodberg K, Schrøder-Petersen DL, Herskin MS. Effects of journey duration and temperature during pre-slaughter transport on behaviour of cull sows in lairage. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105016. [PMID: 37722218 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
This observational field study investigated the effects of journey duration, temperature, and waiting duration before unloading on the behaviour of 562 cull sows during lairage from 23 commercial loads. Each load consisted of sows originating from more than one herd, thus experiencing variable pre-slaughter transport and management. In lairage, sows were mixed in groups of 25, involving animals from all journey durations (min-max: 0.8-8.4 h) and video monitored for 60 min. At first most sows were in upright position (approximately 80-90%), decreasing to 30-40% after 30 min. After 60 min, 42% of the sows had initiated aggression (min-max: 0-43 events/sow), 28% had been subjected to aggressive behaviour (min-max: 0-14 events/sow), and 36% s were observed drinking (min-max: 0-16 events/sow). Several significant interactions were found between journey duration, the average temperature in the vehicle and lairage pen (averages: 4.3-26.2 °C) and waiting duration before unloading (min-max: 3-25 min). For example, after short journeys, sows exposed to higher temperature carried out more aggressive behaviour, while a higher temperature after long journeys was associated with more lying and less drinking. This suggests that the sows prioritised lying behaviour over drinking and establishing a dominance hierarchy. We discuss how the results may be interpreted as behavioural signs of fatigue, but further studies, for example involving quantification of physiological and motivational indicators, are needed to clarify this. Irrespectively, the present findings suggest that a stay in a lairage pen, as part of the pre-slaughter logistic chain, involves challenges for the welfare of the cull sows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Line D Jensen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Leslie Foldager
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen Thodberg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | - Mette S Herskin
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Hendricks J, Roche S, Proudfoot KL, von Keyserlingk MAG. Livestock haulers' views about dairy cattle transport in Atlantic Canada. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3548-3558. [PMID: 37002134 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Surplus dairy calves and cull cows are often transported from the dairy farm to a variety of destinations and may experience compromised health and welfare in the process. Increasing interest in farm animal welfare by many stakeholders, including the public and policymakers, has brought about recent changes to livestock transport regulations in Canada that have likely affected transport operations across the country. The Atlantic region may be especially affected as a result of a smaller number of farms, and geography that often requires cattle to be transported long distances. We interviewed 7 livestock haulers in Atlantic Canada regarding their attitudes toward the recent changes to the transport regulations, particularly with regard to how these changes affected their business practices and dairy cattle welfare, as certain regulatory changes pertaining to calf transport were expected to disrupt existing transport practices. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed 2 themes among participants: (1) calf (and sometimes adult cow) welfare and management during transport and on the dairy farm, and (2) feasibility of transport requirements and the enforcement of the regulations, including animosity toward other haulers and the challenge of satisfying both regulatory bodies and farmer clientele. These findings provide insight into the perspectives of an important, and often overlooked, stakeholder in the dairy industry on the transport system and highlight the need for inclusion of diverse voices when creating new policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Hendricks
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - Steven Roche
- ACER Consulting Inc., Guelph, ON, N1G 5L3, Canada
| | - Kathryn L Proudfoot
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, 424S Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z6, Canada.
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9
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Pre-slaughter stress mitigation in goats: Prospects and challenges. Meat Sci 2023; 195:109010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.109010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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10
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What slaughterhouse workers' attitudes and knowledge reveal about human-pig relationships during pre-slaughter operations: A profile-based approach. Meat Sci 2023; 195:109017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.109017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Consequences of long-distance transport on the behavior and health of young-bulls that may affect their fitness to adapt to feedlots. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Marti E, Nannoni E, Visentin G, Sardi L, Martelli G, Belperio S, Liuzzo G. Mortality during Transport of Pigs Subjected to Long Journeys: A Study in a Large European Abattoir. Vet Sci 2022; 9:590. [PMID: 36356067 PMCID: PMC9697356 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, especially in Europe, few studies have analysed the implications of long journeys on pig welfare and economic losses, expressed in terms of transport mortality. This study retrospectively analysed data collected from slaughtering registers and travel journals in a large Italian abattoir. We focused on pig transports coming from abroad and arriving at the slaughter plant after long journeys (a total of 59,982 pigs over 370 journeys). We explored the relationship between mortality and the following variables: country of origin, journey duration, astronomical season, stocking density on the truck, number of stops, and prolonged stops during the journey (lasting more than 60 min, likely due to traffic jams or truck problems). Overall, the low mortality rate observed (0.09%) was in line with European estimates. The factors with a significant or tendential effect on mortality during transport were the astronomical season (p = 0.0472, with higher mortality in spring) and the presence of prolonged stops during the journey (p = 0.069, tendential effect). Journey duration, stocking density, country of origin, and the number of stops were not statistically significant. In conclusion, based on this case study, using transport mortality combined with data collected during the common routine activity by the Public Veterinary Services in slaughterhouses could be a simple screening method for identifying problematic journeys or transport conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Marti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulio Visentin
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Belperio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Liuzzo
- Department of Public Health—Veterinary Service, Local Health Authority of Modena, Strada Martiniana 21, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello‐Rodríguez H, Dohmen W, Magistrali CF, Padalino B, Tenhagen B, Threlfall J, García‐Fierro R, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during animal transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07586. [PMID: 36304831 PMCID: PMC9593722 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between food-producing animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) during short journeys (< 8 h) and long journeys (> 8 h) directed to other farms or to the slaughterhouse lairage (directly or with intermediate stops at assembly centres or control posts, mainly transported by road) was assessed. Among the identified risk factors contributing to the probability of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), the ones considered more important are the resistance status (presence of ARB/ARGs) of the animals pre-transport, increased faecal shedding, hygiene of the areas and vehicles, exposure to other animals carrying and/or shedding ARB/ARGs (especially between animals of different AMR loads and/or ARB/ARG types), exposure to contaminated lairage areas and duration of transport. There are nevertheless no data whereby differences between journeys shorter or longer than 8 h can be assessed. Strategies that would reduce the probability of AMR transmission, for all animal categories include minimising the duration of transport, proper cleaning and disinfection, appropriate transport planning, organising the transport in relation to AMR criteria (transport logistics), improving animal health and welfare and/or biosecurity immediately prior to and during transport, ensuring the thermal comfort of the animals and animal segregation. Most of the aforementioned measures have similar validity if applied at lairage, assembly centres and control posts. Data gaps relating to the risk factors and the effectiveness of mitigation measures have been identified, with consequent research needs in both the short and longer term listed. Quantification of the impact of animal transportation compared to the contribution of other stages of the food-production chain, and the interplay of duration with all risk factors on the transmission of ARB/ARGs during transport and journey breaks, were identified as urgent research needs.
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14
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, de La Lama GCM, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of cattle during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07442. [PMID: 36092766 PMCID: PMC9449995 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of cattle (including calves) during transport. Welfare of cattle during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of cattle during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of cattle during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards, mainly relating to inexperienced/untrained handlers, inappropriate handling, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions, and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport for cattle. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of unweaned calves, cull cows, the export of cattle by livestock vessels, the export of cattle by road, roll-on-roll-off ferries and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.
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15
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, de La Lama GCM, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of pigs during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07445. [PMID: 36092763 PMCID: PMC9449989 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of pigs during transport. The welfare of pigs during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of pigs during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 10 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for the welfare of pigs during transport based on the severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified, mainly relating to factors such as mixing of unfamiliar pigs, inappropriate handling methods and devices, the use of pick-up pens, inexperienced/untrained handlers, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport of pigs. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences are made. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions and minimum space allowance within means of transport. The development of the welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of cull sows and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.
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16
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Nanni Costa L, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of small ruminants during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07404. [PMID: 36092764 PMCID: PMC9449987 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with the protection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) during transport. The main focus is on welfare of sheep during transport by road but other means of transport and concerns for welfare of goats during transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of sheep during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of sheep during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, predation stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A wide variety of hazards, mainly relating to inappropriate or aggressive handling of animals, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices, leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time were assessed in relation to maximum journey time. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to the export of sheep by livestock vessels, export of sheep by road, roll-on-roll-off vessels and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Candiani D, Rapagnà C, Van der Stede Y, Michel V. Welfare of sheep and goats at slaughter. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06882. [PMID: 34765030 PMCID: PMC8573542 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The killing of sheep and goats for human consumption (slaughtering) can take place in a slaughterhouse or on-farm. The processes of slaughtering that were assessed for welfare, from the arrival of sheep and goats until their death (including slaughtering without stunning), were grouped into three main phases: pre-stunning (including arrival, unloading from the truck, lairage, handling and moving of sheep and goats); stunning (including restraint); and bleeding. Stunning methods were grouped into two categories: mechanical and electrical. Twelve welfare consequences that sheep and goats may experience during slaughter were identified: heat stress, cold stress, fatigue, prolonged thirst, prolonged hunger, impeded movement, restriction of movements, resting problems, social stress, pain, fear and distress. These welfare consequences and their relevant animal-based measures are described in detail in this Scientific Opinion. In total, 40 welfare hazards that could occur during slaughter were identified and characterised, most of them related to stunning and bleeding. Staff were identified as the origin of 39 hazards, which were attributed to the lack of appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or to fatigue. Measures to prevent and correct hazards were identified, and structural and managerial measures were identified as those with a crucial role in prevention. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origin of hazards and preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences are proposed.
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Padalino B, Menchetti L, Mininni V, Tullio D, Nanni Costa L. Transport certifications of cattle moved from France to Southern Italy and Greece: do they comply with Reg. EC 1/2005? ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1971573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Padalino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Mininni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Nanni Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, Univeristà di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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19
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Miranda-de la Lama GC, Bermejo-Poza R, Formoso-Rafferty N, Mitchell M, Barreiro P, Villarroel M. Long-Distance Transport of Finisher Pigs in the Iberian Peninsula: Effects of Season on Thermal and Enthalpy Conditions, Welfare Indicators and Meat pH. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082410. [PMID: 34438868 PMCID: PMC8388748 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Current legislation in the European Union places limits on live pig transport according to outside temperature, but less is known about the effects of sudden changes in the thermal microenvironment in trailers, particularly during long-distance transport. In this study, we measured the temperature and relative humidity inside livestock vehicles carrying 1920 Spanish finisher pigs (live weight 100 kg and 240 animals per journey) during eight long-distance (>15 h) commercial journeys to slaughter from northern Spain to Portugal in the summer and winter. Here, we report the rate of change in the air temperature (°C × min-1) and air enthalpies in the transport vehicle (kg water kg dry air-1). At sticking, blood samples were taken for to measure cortisol, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) as stress response indicators, and the meat pH after 45 min and the pH after 24 h were also determined. The rate of change in the air temperature and enthalpy was higher inside the livestock vehicle during the winter months and was positively related with higher cortisol and glucose levels and lower pH after 45 min (p < 0.05). It is proposed that the rate of temperature change and air enthalpy represent useful integrated indices of thermal stress for pigs during transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C. Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-876554150
| | - Rubén Bermejo-Poza
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28036 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Nora Formoso-Rafferty
- Department of Animal Science, ETSIAAB Technical University of Madrid, 28036 Madrid, Spain; (N.F.-R.); (M.V.)
| | - Malcolm Mitchell
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Roslin Institute, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Pilar Barreiro
- Department of Agroforestry Engineering, ETSIAAB Technical University of Madrid, 28036 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, ETSIAAB Technical University of Madrid, 28036 Madrid, Spain; (N.F.-R.); (M.V.)
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20
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Othman AH, Goh YM, Mohamed Mustapha N, Raghazli R, Kaka U, Imlan JC, Abubakar AA, Abdullah R. Physiological and electroencephalographic changes in goats subjected to transportation, lairage, and slaughter. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13610. [PMID: 34390058 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This preliminary trial investigated the effect of transportation and lairage periods on physiological parameters of goats subjected to slaughter. Nine male Boer cross goats aged 8-12 months were transported for 6 h and kept at lairage for 3, 6, or 16 h (n = 3). Blood samples were collected at pre- (pre-T) and post-transportation (post-T), and post-slaughter (post-S) for determination of hematological parameters, serum enzyme, protein, and cortisol concentrations. Electroencephalogram readings were taken at pre-T, post-T, pre-slaughter (pre-S), and post-S to determine the median frequency (F50 ) and total power (Ptot) values. At post-T, there were manifestations of stress leukogram; increase in hematocrit, total protein, and muscle enzyme concentrations; and decrease in Ptot (p < 0.05). The high pre-T cortisol concentration suggests that the goats were already under stress before transportation. Stress leukogram became less evident after lairage, indicating that the goats had recovered from the stress of transportation. Although the Ptot increased at post-S especially following 3 h of lairage, F50 values at post-S did not differ from pre-L, suggesting that the pre-slaughter stress may have affected the pain threshold. It is suggested that after 6 h of transportation, goats should ideally be placed in lairage for a minimum period of 3 h before slaughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azalea-Hani Othman
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Yong Meng Goh
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Noordin Mohamed Mustapha
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Razlina Raghazli
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Ubedullah Kaka
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Jurhamid Columbres Imlan
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, The Philippines
| | - Ahmed Abubakar Abubakar
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Rasedee Abdullah
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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21
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García-Torres S, Cabeza de Vaca M, Tejerina D, Romero-Fernández MP, Ortiz A, Franco D, Sentandreu MA, Oliván M. Assessment of Stress by Serum Biomarkers in Calves and Their Relationship to Ultimate pH as an Indicator of Meat Quality. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082291. [PMID: 34438748 PMCID: PMC8388433 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The routine handling of cattle during the rearing period and during antemortem events is an inevitable source of animal stress that can have negative impacts on the quality of meat, resulting in economic losses for the meat industry. This study assesses the breed, the farm management system, and the pre-mortem handling of animals and their impact on serum stress biomarkers, as well as their relationship with pHu. The findings indicate that breed, together with farm management, had the highest impact; cortisol, lactate, and serum amyloid A were identified as potential stress biomarkers in relation to pHu. We believe that these findings might help in the assessment of stress in cattle at the stage prior to slaughter. Abstract Seventy-eight calves from Asturiana de los Valles, Retinta, and Rubia Gallega breeds, under extensive and intensive farm systems and animal mixing and non-mixing conditions, and during the transport and lairage in slaughterhouses, were studied. This research aimed to study the effect of breed, farm system and mixing conditions on serum biomarkers (cortisol, lactate, glucose, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein) and their relationship with pHu at slaughter time, and to evaluate the response of the serum biomarkers of calves throughout fattening period. Moreover, this study aims to evaluate the response of the biomarkers in each breed during the fattening period. At slaughter time, cortisol and lactate were affected by BreedxFarm; Retinta showed the opposite pattern to the others and revealed the highest glucose in extensive farm systems. Rubia Gallega in mixing revealed the highest Amyloid A and haptoglobin. Extensive calves in mixing conditions showed the highest glucose. There was a relationship among the variables cortisol, lactate, Amyloid A, and pHu. Slaughter time was a major stressor, and the stress response was mainly affected by breed. At slaughter, several biomarkers should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Torres
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Extremadura Regional Council, 06187 Guadajira, Badajoz, Spain; (M.C.d.V.); (D.T.); (M.P.R.-F.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence:
| | - María Cabeza de Vaca
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Extremadura Regional Council, 06187 Guadajira, Badajoz, Spain; (M.C.d.V.); (D.T.); (M.P.R.-F.); (A.O.)
| | - David Tejerina
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Extremadura Regional Council, 06187 Guadajira, Badajoz, Spain; (M.C.d.V.); (D.T.); (M.P.R.-F.); (A.O.)
| | - María Pilar Romero-Fernández
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Extremadura Regional Council, 06187 Guadajira, Badajoz, Spain; (M.C.d.V.); (D.T.); (M.P.R.-F.); (A.O.)
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Extremadura Regional Council, 06187 Guadajira, Badajoz, Spain; (M.C.d.V.); (D.T.); (M.P.R.-F.); (A.O.)
| | - Daniel Franco
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia, Av. de Galicia Nº 4, Parque Tecnológico de Galicia, 32900 San Cibrao das Viñas, Ourense, Spain;
| | - Miguel Angel Sentandreu
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (CSIC), Avenida Agustín Escardino, 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain;
| | - Mamen Oliván
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Ctra AS-267 PK19, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain;
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22
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The Welfare of Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs from the Perspective of Traumatic Injuries Detected at Slaughterhouse Postmortem Inspection. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051406. [PMID: 34069150 PMCID: PMC8156928 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The occurrence of traumatic injuries was assessed in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs reared and slaughtered in the Czech Republic. For the purposes of the study, the results of veterinary postmortem examinations at slaughterhouses in the period from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed. In the studied animal species, findings of traumatic lesions were detected at low frequency. The low frequency of traumatic lesions is favorable from the perspective of the welfare of slaughtered animals. In terms of further improvements to animal welfare, it would be desirable to focus on the prevention of trauma in cattle in particular, in which findings of trauma were more frequent than in the other species studied. The category most affected by trauma both to the limbs and body was cows. Abstract The welfare of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats was assessed by measuring trauma detected during veterinary postmortem inspection at slaughterhouses. The subject of this evaluation were all bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine animals slaughtered at Czech slaughterhouses in the monitored period, i.e., a total of 1,136,754 cows, 257,912 heifers, 1,015,541 bulls, 104,459 calves, 586,245 sows, 25,027,303 finisher pigs, 123,191 piglets, 22,815 ewes, 114,264 lambs, 1348 does and 5778 kids. The data on the numbers of traumatic findings were obtained retrospectively from a national veterinary database collecting data from slaughterhouse postmortem examinations. The results showed that findings of trauma were observed at a low frequency in the studied species. Injuries were detected most frequently in cows (1.71%). In contrast, no findings associated with the presence of trauma were recorded in does and kids. From the viewpoint of trauma localization, findings on the limbs were more frequent than findings on the body (p < 0.01). The only exceptions to this were lambs, does and kids, for which there was no statistically significant difference between findings on the limbs and the body (p = 1.00). The results show that housing system (bedding, the presence of slats, floor hardness), transport of animals to the slaughterhouse (moving animals to the vehicle, loading ramps, floors in transport vehicles and the transport of animals itself) and design of the slaughterhouse (unloading ramps, passageways and slaughterhouse floors) have a greater impact on the limbs than the bodies of animals in the majority of species. A difference was also demonstrated in the occurrence of findings of trauma in the limbs and body (p < 0.01) between culled adult animals and fattened animals, namely in cattle and pigs. A difference (p < 0.01) between ewes and lambs was found only in the occurrence of traumatic injury to the limbs. The results showed that fattened animals are affected by the risk of trauma to a lesser extent than both culled adult animals and young animals. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were also found between the studied species and categories of animals. The category most affected from the viewpoint of injury both to the limbs and body was cows. In contrast to cows that are typically reared indoors, the low frequency of traumatic findings was found in small ruminants and in bulls, i.e., animals typically reared outdoors. Assumedly, access to pasture may be beneficial considering the risk of traumatic injury.
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23
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Rutherford NH, Lively FO, Arnott G. A Review of Beef Production Systems for the Sustainable Use of Surplus Male Dairy-Origin Calves Within the UK. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:635497. [PMID: 33987217 PMCID: PMC8110715 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.635497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The UK dairy herd is predominantly of the Holstein-Friesian (HF) breed, with a major emphasis placed on milk yield. Subsequently, following years of continued single-trait selection, the beef production potential of dairy bred calves has declined. Thus, male HF calves are commonly seen as a by-product of the dairy industry. Limited markets, perceived low economic value and high rearing costs mean that these surplus calves are often euthanised shortly after birth or exported to the EU for further production. Welfare concerns have been raised regarding both euthanasia and long distance transportation of these calves. Furthermore, total UK beef consumption increased by 8.5% from 2009 to 2019. Thus, in light of this growing demand, beef from the dairy herd could be better utilized within the UK. Therefore, the potential for these calves to be used in a sustainable, cost-effective beef production system with high welfare standards within the UK requires investigation. Thus, the aim of this review was to evaluate both steer and bull beef production systems, examining the impact on performance, health, welfare, and economic potential to enable a sustainable farming practice, while meeting UK market requirements. The principal conclusions from this review indicate that there is the potential for these calves to be used in UK based production systems and meet market requirements. Of the steer production systems, a 24 month system appears to achieve a balance between input costs, growth from pasture and carcass output, albeit the literature is undecided on the optimum system. The situation is similar for bull beef production systems, high input systems do achieve the greatest gain in the shortest period of time, however, these systems are not sustainable in volatile markets with fluctuating concentrate prices. Thus, again the inclusion of a grazing period, may increase the resilience of these systems. Furthermore, production systems incorporating a period at pasture are seen to have animal welfare benefits. The main welfare concern for surplus dairy bred calves is often poor colostrum management at birth. While in steer systems, consideration needs to be given to welfare regarding castration, with the negative impacts being minimized by completing this procedure soon after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi H Rutherford
- Livestock Production Sciences Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, United Kingdom
| | - Francis O Lively
- Livestock Production Sciences Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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24
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Morris BK, Davis RB, Brokesh E, Flippo DK, Houser TA, Najar-Villarreal F, Turner KK, Williams JG, Stelzleni AM, Gonzalez JM. Measurement of the three-axis vibration, temperature, and relative humidity profiles of commercial transport trailers for pigs. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6122790. [PMID: 33508102 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to collect and interpret three-axis acceleration, temperature, and relative humidity data from six locations within commercial transport trailers shipping market-weight pigs. Transport was observed in Kansas (n = 15) and North Carolina (n = 20). Prior to loading, three-axis accelerometers were affixed to six locations on the trailers: top fore (TF), top center (TC), top aft (TA), bottom fore (BF), bottom center (BC), and bottom aft (BA) compartments. Data were post-processed to calculate root-mean-square (RMS) accelerations and vibration dose values (VDV) in the vertical direction and the horizontal plane. These values were compared with exposure action values (EAV) and exposure limit values (ELV), vibration levels deemed uncomfortable and potentially dangerous to humans. Additionally, RMS and VDV were compared among the trailer compartments. The vertical RMS accelerations for all compartments exceeded the EAV for loads measured in Kansas, and for the majority of the compartments measured in North Carolina. Many compartments, specifically the BA compartment from all trips, exceeded the vertical ELV. Regardless of where the data were collected, fewer compartments exceeded the EAV in the horizontal orientation. Only BA compartments exceeded the ELV in the horizontal orientation. There were Area × Level interactions for vertical and horizontal RMS and VDV (P < 0.01). The BF compartment had a greater vertical RMS value than the TF, TC, and BC (P < 0.02) compartments, but did not differ (P = 0.06) from the TA compartment. The vertical RMS of the TA compartment did not differ from the TF, TC, and BC compartments (P > 0.13). The BF compartment had a greater (P = 0.02) vertical VDV value than the TC location, but did not differ from the other locations (P > 0.16). All other locations did not differ in vertical VDV (P > 0.12). The BF compartment had greater horizontal RMS than the TC and TA compartments (P < 0.01), but did not differ from TF and BC compartments (P > 0.12). All other compartments did not differ in horizontal RMS (P > 0.34). All compartments, aside from the BA compartment, did not differ in horizontal VDV (P > 0.19). Vibration analyses indicated the BA compartment had the greatest vertical and horizontal vibrations and a large percentage of the compartments exceed the EAV and ELV, which indicated pigs may have experienced uncomfortable trips that could cause discomfort or fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin K Morris
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - R Benjamin Davis
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Edwin Brokesh
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Daniel K Flippo
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
| | - Terry A Houser
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | | | - Kari K Turner
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Jamison G Williams
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | | | - John M Gonzalez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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Perveen N, Muzaffar SB, Al-Deeb MA. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases of Livestock in the Middle East and North Africa: A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:83. [PMID: 33477991 PMCID: PMC7835866 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of an array of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens resulting in a wide range of animal and human diseases. There is limited information in the literature about tick species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, even though they have suitable climate and vegetation for ticks and their hosts. We reviewed the occurrence of tick species and the pathogens they transmit from the MENA on published papers from 1901-2020. We found taxonomic records of 55 tick species infesting livestock representing the following eight genera: Ornithodoros, Otobius, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. In addition, 15 pathogens were recorded causing diseases of significance, with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis being widely distributed diseases in the region. In recent decades, there has been increasing trends in disease occurrence and movement associated with global movement of humans and global trade of animals. We suggest that disease control and prevention could be achieved effectively through good integration between public health, veterinary medicine and animal management, and ecological approaches. We recommend further research in the areas of tick ecology and tick born-disease transmission. Furthermore, we suggest evaluation and improvement of disease control policies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, UAE; (N.P.); (S.B.M.)
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De Luca S, Zanardi E, Alborali GL, Ianieri A, Ghidini S. Abattoir-Based Measures to Assess Swine Welfare: Analysis of the Methods Adopted in European Slaughterhouses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:226. [PMID: 33477630 PMCID: PMC7831492 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of swine welfare requires feasible, reliable, and reasonable indicators. On-farm evaluation of pig welfare can provide valuable information to veterinarians and farmers. However, such protocols can result expensive and time-consuming. With this regard, an interest in the appraisal of swine welfare at abattoir has grown over the recent years. In particular, the use of certain lesions collected directly from slaughtered animals to determine the welfare status of pigs has been evaluated by several authors. In the present review, the different methods developed to score lesions collected directly from the body and the viscera of animals slaughtered in European abattoirs ("abattoir-based measures") are presented. The text specifically focuses on the methods currently available in the literature for the scoring of body, pluck and gastric lesions during post-mortem activities. Moreover, the strengths and weaknesses of abattoir-based measures schemes are discussed. To conclude, the future perspectives of the assessment of pig welfare at the slaughterhouse are described, appealing for a benchmarking system that can be systematically used by veterinarians and other professional figures involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio De Luca
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (E.Z.); (A.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Emanuela Zanardi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (E.Z.); (A.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna-Headquarters, Via A. Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Adriana Ianieri
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (E.Z.); (A.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Sergio Ghidini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (E.Z.); (A.I.); (S.G.)
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Flanagan LJ, Bennett T, Winslow E, Hebart M, Rutley D, Trengove C. Potential predisposing factors for ecchymosis in the intercostal muscles of sheep carcases in South Australia. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Ecchymosis is an undesirable appearance in meat caused by small bleeds from capillaries broken during the slaughter process. These lesions are heavily trimmed during processing, incurring labour costs and yield losses.
Aims
To estimate the prevalence of ecchymosis in a South Australian abattoir and investigate potential predisposing factors.
Methods
A generalised linear mixed model estimated the effects of breed, age, slaughter shift (morning or afternoon), kill date, direct or market consignment, hot standard carcase weight (HSCW, kg), deviation from lot average carcase weight (ZHSCW, standard units), palpated fat score (mm) and time in lairage (h) on the prevalence of ecchymosis. Over 7 days, 12286 lamb and 3802 mutton carcases from 82 properties were scored (0, 1) for ecchymosis.
Key results
Lambs had a higher prevalence of ecchymosis (14%) than did mutton (1%; P < 0.001), with significant variation between lines of lambs (P < 0.001). Considering lambs only, kill date (P < 0.01), time in lairage (P < 0.001), and the quadratic terms of HSCW (P < 0.001) and ZHSCW (P < 0.01) affected the prevalence of ecchymosis.
Conclusions
Ecchymosis had a significant prevalence in lambs only. The time lambs spend in lairage and their bodyweight may be predisposing factors for ecchymosis before slaughter and warrant further investigation.
Implications
The interaction of size and weight extremeness appeared to predispose lambs to developing ecchymosis at slaughter. Farm of origin was another identified risk factor (management group). Whether it was size and extremeness influencing body composition or other mechanisms involved in vascular integrity, is not known. Further research is required to identify these mechanisms so as to establish breeding and management guidelines that will decrease the likelihood and cost of ecchymosis in lambs. Ecchymosis remains poorly understood, but fractured capillaries indicate a weakness in vascular tissue. Given the present study included over 12000 observations in 7 days, ecchymosis in lambs could be used as a model to study vascular weakness in humans.
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Candiani D, Van der Stede Y, Winckler C. Welfare of cattle at slaughter. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06275. [PMID: 33163113 PMCID: PMC7607414 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The killing of cattle for human consumption (slaughtering) can take place in a slaughterhouse or on farm. The processes of slaughtering that were assessed for welfare, from the arrival of cattle until their death (including slaughtering without stunning), were grouped into three main phases: pre-stunning (including arrival, unloading from the truck, lairage, handling and moving of cattle); stunning (including restraint); and bleeding. Stunning methods were grouped into two categories: mechanical and electrical. Twelve welfare consequences that cattle may be exposed to during slaughter were identified: heat stress, cold stress, fatigue, prolonged thirst, prolonged hunger, impeded movement, restriction of movements, resting problems (inability to rest or discomfort during resting), social stress, pain, fear and distress. Welfare consequences and their relevant animal-based measures are described. In total, 40 welfare hazards that could occur during slaughter were identified and characterised, most of them related to stunning and bleeding. Staff were identified as the origin of 39 hazards, which were attributed to the lack of appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or to fatigue. Measures to prevent and correct hazards were identified, and structural and managerial measures were identified as those with a crucial role in prevention. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origin of hazards, and preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences are proposed.
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Miranda-de la Lama GC, González-Castro CA, Gutiérrez-Piña FJ, Villarroel M, Maria GA, Estévez-Moreno LX. Horse welfare at slaughter: A novel approach to analyse bruised carcasses based on severity, damage patterns and their association with pre-slaughter risk factors. Meat Sci 2020; 172:108341. [PMID: 33096428 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study presents a novel veterinary forensic approach to analyse the bruising of horse carcasses, based on the nature of the bruises and how they are grouped in certain anatomical areas. Data on pre-slaughter logistics was obtained for 113 journeys with horses that travelled from Mexico and the USA to a Mexican abattoir. We found that carcass bruising was a highly prevalent problem (79% of carcasses had bruising) and was especially problematic in journeys lasting longer than 12 h, independently of the animal's country of origin, sex, age, lairage time or vehicle type. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the most severe bruises were not dispersed randomly on the carcass and that their distribution was associated with the presence of medium-sized bruises on the abdominal wall, front and rear limb. Cluster analysis suggested four damage patterns based on bruise location: severe and concentrated bruising, as well as non-severe bruises on the rear limb, thoracic-wall or more dispersed throughout the carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Food Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Lerma), Lerma de Villada, State of México, Mexico.
| | - César A González-Castro
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Gutiérrez-Piña
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, E.T.S.I.A. Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Maria
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura X Estévez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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García-Torres S, López-Gajardo A, Tejerina D, Prior E, Cabeza de Vaca M, Horcada A. Effect of Two Organic Production Strategies and Ageing Time on Textural Characteristics of Beef from the Retinta Breed. Foods 2020; 9:E1417. [PMID: 33036483 PMCID: PMC7599938 DOI: 10.3390/foods9101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this paper is to determine the influence of two organic production systems, organic grass-fed (OG) and organic concentrate-fed (OC), vs. a conventional concentrate-fed (CC) system; the second aim is to determine the influence of the ageing period on the physical parameters and texture properties of beef from the Retinta breed. Muscle samples from Longissimus thoracis were stored at 2-4 ± 1 °C for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days for the purposes of ageing. Analyses of pH, water losses (drip loss and cooking loss), Warner-Bratzler shear force, texture profile analysis (TPA), and histological analysis of muscle fibre were carried out. The results revealed that organic meat experienced lower drip loss and higher cooking loss than conventional meat. Although the meat of organic grass-fed animals was tougher initially, it showed a higher tenderisation speed in the first ageing days than OC and CC meats. The sarcomere length increased during the ageing period, which showed a negative correlation to shear force. According to its texture characteristics, the Retinta meat produced in organic systems could be recommended by its quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Torres
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas of Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Junta de Extremadura, Guadajira, 06187 Badajoz, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (D.T.); (E.P.); (M.C.d.V.)
| | - Adoración López-Gajardo
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas of Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Junta de Extremadura, Guadajira, 06187 Badajoz, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (D.T.); (E.P.); (M.C.d.V.)
| | - David Tejerina
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas of Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Junta de Extremadura, Guadajira, 06187 Badajoz, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (D.T.); (E.P.); (M.C.d.V.)
| | - Estrella Prior
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas of Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Junta de Extremadura, Guadajira, 06187 Badajoz, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (D.T.); (E.P.); (M.C.d.V.)
| | - María Cabeza de Vaca
- Meat Quality Area, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas of Extremadura (CICYTEX-La Orden), Junta de Extremadura, Guadajira, 06187 Badajoz, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (D.T.); (E.P.); (M.C.d.V.)
| | - Alberto Horcada
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
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Food loss and waste in the Brazilian beef supply chain: an empirical analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/ijlm-01-2020-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe livestock sector contributes significantly to the Brazilian economy, but also creates many environmental and social issues. To mitigate these problems and help counteract the effects of the growing production demand, it is essential to address the prevention of food loss and waste (FLW). Therefore, the aim of the present study is to identify the causes of FLW, model their interrelationships and determine their root causes for the Brazilian beef supply chain (SC).Design/methodology/approach16 causes are analysed using an integrated interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact of cross-multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) methodology. ISM identified interrelationships among the causes and MICMAC determined the root causes of FLW.FindingsThe ISM highlights the “Lack of transportation infrastructures”, “Inadequate handling”, “Poor operational performance”, “Variety of products available in supermarkets” and “Unhealthy animals and outbreaks of disease” as the most influential causes and the MICMAC classifies them as the root causes of FLW in the Brazilian beef SC.Practical implicationsThe results provide fundamental insights for researchers, practitioners and policymakers, by exploring which causes are more influential and which are the root causes, thereby assisting the SC members in the definition of suitable strategies to mitigate FLW.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical analysis of the interdependencies between the causes of FLW in the beef SC.
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Njisane YZ, Mukumbo FE, Muchenje V. An outlook on livestock welfare conditions in African communities - A review. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020; 33:867-878. [PMID: 31480203 PMCID: PMC7206380 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the African continent is conducive for animal agricultural production, due to its historical experience and available resources to accommodate and nurture various indigenous and exotic animal species and breeds. With food security being a global challenge, animal products can play an important role as nutrient dense food sources in human diets, particularly in Africa. However, this does not seem to reach its full potential in practice, due to numerous reasons that have not been adequately addressed. Animal welfare reservations can be highlighted as one of the major contributing factors to the curbed progress. The consequences have been scientifically proven to affect product quality and market access. However, in the African community, the concept of animal welfare has not been fully embraced. While there are international animal welfare standards in the developed world, there are inherent factors that hinder adoption of such initiatives in most developing regions, particularly among communal farmers. These include cultural norms and practices, social ranking, socio-economic status, available resources, information dissemination and monitoring tools. Therefore, there is need to harmonize what is internationally required and what is feasible to accommodate global variability. The protocols followed to ensure and evaluate farm animal welfare require regular investigation, innovation and a sustainable approach to enhance animal productivity, efficiency and product quality. Additionally, investing in animal wellbeing and health, as well as empowering communities with significant knowledge, has a potential to improve African livelihoods and contribute to food security. This review seeks to highlight the concept of animal welfare in relation to livestock and food production in African conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonela Zifikile Njisane
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700,
South Africa
- Risk and Vulnerability Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700,
South Africa
| | - Felicitas Esnart Mukumbo
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700,
South Africa
| | - Voster Muchenje
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, P. Bag X1314, Alice 5700,
South Africa
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Miranda-de la Lama GC, Gonzales-Castro CA, Gutierrez-Piña FJ, Villarroel M, Maria GA, Estévez-Moreno LX. Welfare of horses from Mexico and the United States of America transported for slaughter in Mexico: Fitness profiles for transport and pre-slaughter logistics. Prev Vet Med 2020; 180:105033. [PMID: 32464300 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Every year thousands of horses from Mexico and the United States of America (USA) are transported to slaughter in Mexico, but little is known about their welfare or pre-slaughter logistics. In this study, we recorded the origin, sex, age and condition of horses (121 journeys, 2648 animals) upon arrival to an abattoir in northern Mexico, including transport details. Horse welfare was measured indirectly via individual scores for body condition, coat quality, lameness, ocular and nasal discharge, as well as reactivity to a chute restraint test, all performed shortly after unloading. The average journey duration was 9.69 (±7.6) hours for horses from Mexico and 16.77 (±4.51) hours for horses from the USA (77 % of all journeys). The prevalence of ocular discharge, nasal discharge, skin wounds, lameness and diarrhoea, were 23 %, 12 %, 11 %, 9 %, 1 % (respectively) of all the horses observed, with no significant differences between Mexican and American horses (P ≥ 0.05). During the chute test the American horses were calmer than the Mexican ones (P < 0.001), who were more restless and aggressive (P = 0.001). Likewise, vocalizations in their three variants during the restraint, neigh/whinny (P = 0.018), nicker (P < 0.001), and snort (P = 0.018), were more common in horses from Mexico. In order to help characterize fitness for transport, a two-step cluster analysis was applied using the welfare indicators, suggesting the existence of four clusters (C) evaluated on arrival at the abattoir (from good to very poor fitness): good (profile C4, n = 769, 29.1 %), average (profile C1, n = 799 horses, 30.2 %), poor (profile C3, n = 586, 22.1 %) and very poor (profile C2, n = 494, 18.6 %). In fact, the C4 best welfare group had 0% lame, 0% nasal discharge, 16.4 % ocular discharge, 7.9 % skin wounds. Instead, the C2 poorest welfare group had 45.8 % lame, 61.1 % nasal discharge, 42.8 % ocular discharge, and 19.9 % skin wounds. Results show potential for using nasal discharge, lameness and ocular discharge as key indicators of horse fitness and welfare on abattoir. The study provides detailed scientific data to help establish strategies regarding optimal days of recovery post-transport and fattening for homogenization of weights between animals of different origins, logistic planning, and optimization of logistic resources to minimize the biological cost of long-distance transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Food Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Lerma), Lerma de Villada, State of México, Mexico.
| | - Cesar A Gonzales-Castro
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Gutierrez-Piña
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- CEIGRAM, ETSIAAB, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Maria
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura X Estévez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Edwards-Callaway LN, Calvo-Lorenzo MS. Animal welfare in the U.S. slaughter industry-a focus on fed cattle. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa040. [PMID: 32026929 PMCID: PMC7134563 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare within the U.S. slaughter industry continues to prevail as one of the top priorities for livestock producers, businesses, and consumers alike. There are federal regulations that enforce the humane transport, handling, and slaughter of cattle. The journey that cattle must make to the slaughter facility is comprised of many environmental and human factors that can positively or negatively affect animal welfare. Cattle may be exposed to multiple stressors, such as noise, unfamiliar animals and humans, temperature extremes, temporary food/water deprivation, variable transport distances and experiences, and new pen conditions. The animal caretakers involved in these processes attempt to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals, but research is needed to focus on the gaps in knowledge and to support the implementation of strategies known to enhance the human-animal interactions that occur from farm to slaughter. This literature review will provide a summary of fed cattle welfare topics, research, and industry tools that span across the beef animal's journey from the farm/feedlot through the slaughter process. In addition, areas that have had little research focus are identified to highlight the need for future work and development of industry tools. Some of these topics include examining trailer design, the use of trailer slats during weather extremes, the welfare aspects of cattle destined for salvage slaughter, multiple preslaughter factors and interactions, abnormal mobility and nonambulatory cattle, lairage environmental conditions, new stunning methods, and the impact of a well-trained, motivated, and stable workforce on cattle and people welfare. The authors conducted a survey at the 2019 North American Meat Institute Animal Care and Handling Conference, which comprised of stakeholders within the meat packing industry, packing plant employees, and food company employees, educators, and auditors. The survey responses identified training/education and communication as areas of need in animal welfare, whereas the majority of survey responses focused on the aspects of the human-animal interaction as the top challenges for the industry. By continuously identifying, measuring, monitoring, and managing animal welfare challenges within the beef cattle slaughter industry, prioritization and execution of programs and training that improve the welfare of cattle can be achieved as animals move through this final stage of the meat production system.
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Carrasco-García AA, Pardío-Sedas VT, León-Banda GG, Ahuja-Aguirre C, Paredes-Ramos P, Hernández-Cruz BC, Murillo VV. Effect of stress during slaughter on carcass characteristics and meat quality in tropical beef cattle. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020; 33:1656-1665. [PMID: 32054158 PMCID: PMC7463084 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.19.0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effects of stress during slaughter of beef cattle on physiological parameters, carcass, and meat quality at a Federal Inspection Type slaughterhouse located in the southeast of Mexico. METHODS A total of 448 carcasses of male Zebu×European steers with an average age of 36 months were included. Carcass assessment of presence of bruises and bruise characteristics was carried out on each half-carcass. Blood variable indicators of stress (packed cell volume, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, glucose, cortisol concentration) and meat quality parameters (pH, color, shear force, drip loss) were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 448 carcasses evaluated, 81% of the carcasses showed at least one bruise; one bruise was detected in 36.6% and two bruises in 27.0% of animals. Of the 775 bruises found, 69.2% of the bruises were grade 1 in region 3. Of the 448 carcasses studied, 69.6% showed hyperglycemia (6.91 mmol/L); 44.3% and 22.7% showed high (74.7 ng/mL) and extremely high (108.8 ng/mL) cortisol levels, respectively, indicative of inadequate handling of animals during preslaughter and slaughter. Of the carcasses evaluated, 90.4% had a pH ≥5.8 with an average of pH 6.3. In both pH groups, meat samples showed L* values >37.0 (81.6%) and a shear force >54.3 N; meat pH≥5.8 group showed a drip loss of 2.5%. These findings were indicative of dark, firm, and dry (DFD) meat. According to principal component analysis, grades 1 and 2 bruises in region 3 and grade 1 bruises in region 5 were highly associated with cortisol, drip loss, and color parameters b* and h* and were negatively associated with L*, a*, and C*. CONCLUSION The bruises probably caused by stress-inducing situations triggered DFD meat. Appropriate changes in handling routines in operating conditions should be made to minimize stress to animals during the slaughter process to improve animal welfare and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apolo A Carrasco-García
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Violeta T Pardío-Sedas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Gloria G León-Banda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Concepción Ahuja-Aguirre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Pedro Paredes-Ramos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Bertha C Hernández-Cruz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - Vicente Vega Murillo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnics, Veracruzana University, C.P. 91710, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
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Dai F, Dalla Costa A, Bonfanti L, Caucci C, Di Martino G, Lucarelli R, Padalino B, Minero M. Positive Reinforcement-Based Training for Self-Loading of Meat Horses Reduces Loading Time and Stress-Related Behavior. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:350. [PMID: 31681807 PMCID: PMC6802606 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a self-loading training using positive reinforcement on stress-related behaviors shown by meat horses during loading procedures into a truck. Thirty-two meat horses (M = 18; F = 14; 6 month-old) were included in the study. All horses had limited interactions with the farmer and were not used to be restrained nor lead by halter. Horses were divided in two groups: Control Group (C; N = 14) and Training Group (T; N = 18). T horses were trained to self-load: in order to teach the horses to enter into the truck, a targeting training technique throughout a shaping process was applied. Training sessions were performed three times a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for 6 weeks; training was then repeated once a week to maintain the memory until the transport toward a slaughterhouse. The loading phase was video-recorded and loading time was directly recorded using a stopwatch. All horses were transported to the same slaughterhouse in 14 different days using the same truck. Behavior was subsequently analyzed with a focal animal continuous recording method. Loading time was shorter in T horses (mean ± SD = 44.44 ± 47.58 s) than in C horses (mean ± SD = 463.09 ± 918.19 s) (T-test; p = 0.019). T horses showed more forward locomotion toward the truck than C horses (T-test; p = 0.029). Our preliminary findings suggest that self-loading training may be useful to mitigate loading-related stress in meat horses, minimally socialized with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dai
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lebana Bonfanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Caucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Guido Di Martino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Padalino
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Minero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Pulido MA, Estévez-Moreno LX, Villarroel M, Mariezcurrena-Berasain MA, Miranda-De la Lama GC. Transporters knowledge toward preslaughter logistic chain and occupational risks in Mexico: An integrative view with implications on sheep welfare. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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38
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Rutherford NH, Lively FO, Arnott G. Evaluation of rumen temperature as a novel indicator of meat quality: Rumen temperature and haematological indicators of stress during the pre-slaughter period as predictors of instrumental meat quality in bulls. Meat Sci 2019; 158:107913. [PMID: 31430642 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.107913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of new technologies such as rumen temperature boluses, together with the collective assessment of an animal stress responses may have the potential to act as an indicator of meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate rumen temperature as a novel indicator of meat quality, by investigating its relationship with welfare measures and instrumental meat quality. The study involved 42 Holstein bulls (15.8 ± 0.08 months of age), which were transported 42 km to a commercial abattoir. Mean rumen temperature rose by 0.511 °C (P < .001) during the pre-slaughter phase; peaking during lairage. In addition, cortisol, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly (P < .001) elevated at slaughter. Bulls with a greater rumen temperature during the pre-slaughter phase produced meat with significantly higher pHult. Pre-slaughter rumen temperature was positively associated with slaughter CK, slaughter cortisol, pHult, L* and a*. Thus, rumen temperature demonstrates the potential to be used both as a novel welfare indicator and predictor of meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Rutherford
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, United Kingdom; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - F O Lively
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, United Kingdom
| | - G Arnott
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Mato A, Rodríguez-Vázquez R, López-Pedrouso M, Bravo S, Franco D, Zapata C. The first evidence of global meat phosphoproteome changes in response to pre-slaughter stress. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:590. [PMID: 31315554 PMCID: PMC6637562 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-slaughter stress (PSS) impairs animal welfare and meat quality. Dark, firm and dry (DFD) are terms used to designate poor quality meats induced by PSS. Protein phosphorylation can be a potentially significant mechanism to explain rapid and multiple physiological and biochemical changes linked to PSS-dependent muscle-to-meat conversion. However, the role of reversible phosphorylation in the response to PSS is still little known. In this study, we report a comparative phosphoproteomic analysis of DFD and normal meats at 24 h post-mortem from the longissimus thoracis (LT) bovine muscle of male calves of the Rubia Gallega breed. For this purpose, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), in-gel multiplex identification of phosphoproteins with PRO-Q Diamond phosphoprotein-specific stain, tandem (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), novel quantitative phosphoproteomic statistics and bioinformatic tools were used. RESULTS Noticeable and statistically significant differences in the extent of protein phosphorylation were detected between sample groups at the qualitative and quantitative levels. Overall phosphorylation rates across significantly changed phosphoproteins were about three times higher in DFD than in normal meat. Significantly changed phosphoproteins involved a variable number of isoforms of 13 myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic nonredundant proteins. However, fast skeletal myosin light chain 2 followed by troponin T, F-actin-capping and small heat shock proteins showed the greatest phosphorylation change, and therefore they were the most important phosphoproteins underlying LT muscle conversion to DFD meat in the Rubia Gallega breed. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study reporting global meat phosphoproteome changes in response to PSS. The results show that reversible phosphorylation is a relevant mechanism underlying PSS response and downstream effects on meat quality. This research opens up novel horizons to unravel the complex molecular puzzle underlying muscle-to-meat conversion in response to PSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Mato
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Vázquez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María López-Pedrouso
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Susana Bravo
- Proteomics Laboratory, CHUS, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Daniel Franco
- Meat Technology Center of Galicia, 32900 Ourense, Spain
| | - Carlos Zapata
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Burns L, Ramos A, Veiga A, Moron S, Cordova F, Miotto F, Viana E, Zimermann F, Minharro S, Stefanine N, Sousa L. Evaluation of muscle tissue and liver glycogen of cattle submitted to transport over long distances and subjected to emergency slaughter. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The study evaluated the effect of transportation over long distances on cattle muscle tissue of submitted to emergency slaughter in slaughterhouses in northern Tocantins, Brazil. The evaluations consisted in pH, muscle and liver glycogen, muscle histopathology and creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. Animals were placed into two groups: Experimental Group (EG), consisting of 19 bovines intended for immediate emergency slaughter, and Control Group (CG), composed of 24 bovines slaughtered in accordance with the normal flow. CK and ALT levels were high in EG. AST did not differ between groups. EG showed higher muscle pH and mean of degenerate fibers, mainly on the intercostal. However, muscle and liver glycogen did not differ between groups. In conclusion, cattle transported over long distances and subjected to immediate emergency slaughter showed markedly stress condition, with changes in biochemical parameters in the muscle tissue, determined by cellular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.V. Burns
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Brazil
| | - A.T. Ramos
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - S.E. Moron
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Brazil
| | | | | | - E.B. Viana
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - L.F. Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Brazil
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41
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Risk factors associated with pig pre-slaughtering losses. Meat Sci 2019; 155:61-68. [PMID: 31077907 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of non-ambulatory non-injured (NANI), non-ambulatory injured (NAI) and dead pigs on-arrival at three Brazilian slaughterhouses were evaluated in 37,962 pigs to identify risk factors linked to them, besides carcass bruises and limb fractures. Total pre-slaughtering losses were 1.18%, in which NAI (0.39%) and NANI (0.37%) incidences contributed the most. A positive relation between on farm steeper ramp slope >20° and the incidence of NAI, NANI and dead pigs at unloading was found. Farm size, pigs/pen, enthalpy at loading, transportation time, truck loading order, muscle thickness and carcass weight, were identified as risk factors for pre-slaughtering losses. Loading procedures influenced the occurrence of limb fractures and bruises (which are a welfare issue and should be reduced). Therefore, personal training on pre-slaughter handling is essential to reduce the risk factors to improve animal welfare and avoid losses during the pre-slaughter process.
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Mendonça FS, Vaz RZ, Vaz FN, Leal WS, Silveira IDB, Restle J, Boligon AA, Cardoso FF. Causes of bruising in carcasses of beef cattle during farm, transport, and slaughterhouse handling in Brazil. Anim Sci J 2018; 90:288-296. [PMID: 30561116 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess preslaughter factors responsible for the occurrence of bruises to front, rib, loin, hip, and round sites of cattle carcasses. Data from the slaughter of 148 loads of cattle were assessed, totaling 4,611 carcasses. Evaluated bruising factor variables were animal gender, journey distance (km), vehicle type (m²), journey time (hours), load density (kg/m2 ), handling and facilities conditions (optimal, acceptable, and unacceptable), and unloading waiting time (min). Gender had the strongest influence on carcass bruising, being the first variable to enter in the majority of models related to the carcass sites. Female carcasses displayed higher bruising in all sites. Densities above 401 kg/m² caused more bruising. With the exception of the loin, unacceptable, and acceptable conditions assigned to farm facilities and handling resulted in higher average bruising. Articulated vehicles with a greater load capacity were more likely to cause bruising. The effects of variables causing bruises act differently in the various carcass sites. In this sense, the results of this study suggested possible management practices for specific problems during the preslaughter period to minimize losses by bruising to different carcass sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio S Mendonça
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Z Vaz
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Fabiano N Vaz
- Department of Agricultural Education and Rural Extension, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Willian S Leal
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - João Restle
- Veterinary and Animal Science School, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Arione A Boligon
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Cardoso
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.,Embrapa Southern Region Animal Husbandry, Bagé, Brazil
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Valadez-Noriega M, Estévez-Moreno L, Rayas-Amor A, Rubio-Lozano M, Galindo F, Miranda-de la Lama G. Livestock hauliers’ attitudes, knowledge and current practices towards animal welfare, occupational wellbeing and transport risk factors: A Mexican survey. Prev Vet Med 2018; 160:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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44
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Lameness scoring and assessment of fitness for transport in dairy cows: Agreement among and between farmers, veterinarians and livestock drivers. Res Vet Sci 2018; 119:162-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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46
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Huertas SM, Kempener REAM, van Eerdenburg FJCM. Relationship between Methods of Loading and Unloading, Carcass Bruising, and Animal Welfare in the Transportation of Extensively Reared Beef Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8070119. [PMID: 30018193 PMCID: PMC6071148 DOI: 10.3390/ani8070119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In Uruguay, extensive, welfare-friendly beef production is a substantial part of the economy and culture. Transport of beef cattle to the slaughterhouse compromises animal welfare. The objective of this study was to assess transport conditions related to carcass bruising. A total of 242 trucks with 8132 animals were assessed on loading, transport, unloading conditions, and carcass bruising. In 39.3% of the loadings only a flag was used. The fastest unloading time was performed using a flag only. Carcass bruises were assessed by trained observers inside the plant. Although the number of bruises was high, there were no grade 3 bruises, the deepest and severe ones. It appeared that animal welfare training of truck drivers worked out well and the use of flags to move animals increased compared to a previous study in 2008. Abstract In Uruguay, extensive, welfare-friendly beef production is a substantial part of the economy and culture. Transport of beef cattle to slaughterhouse compromises animal welfare. The objective of this study was to assess transport conditions related to carcass bruising. A total of 242 trucks with 8132 animals were assessed on loading, transport, unloading conditions, and carcass bruising. Average loading time was 26 min and 21 s and the perception of the truck drivers was correlated with the time took for loading and the use of devices. In 39.3% of the loadings only a flag was used. The average unloading time was 5 min and 54 s with a significant difference in time for the use of devices; only flag 3 min 51 s, cattle prod 6 min 43 s and sticks 8 min 09 s. Of the carcasses observed, 772 (9.5%) had no bruises, 873 (10.7%) had one bruise, 1312 (16.1%) two, 1231 (15.1%) three and 3944 (48.5%) had four or more bruises. Prevalence of bruises were highest on the Tuber-coxea (hip) (29.3%) following forequarter (22.4%), Tuber-ischiadicum (rear) (17.3%), ribs/flank (14.1%), rump/round (10.1%) and loin (6.8%). Bruises were 68.7% grade 1 and 31.3 % grade 2; there were no grade 3, the deepest ones, observed. It appeared that animal welfare training of truck drivers worked out well and the use of flags increased compared to a previous study in 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Maris Huertas
- Instituto de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo PC 11600, Uruguay.
| | - Rick E A M Kempener
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank J C M van Eerdenburg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Caucci C, Di Martino G, Capello K, Mazzucato M, Trocino A, Xiccato G, Lago N, Brichese M, Bonfanti L. Risk factors for pre-slaughter mortality in fattening and breeding rabbits. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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48
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Frisk M, Jonsson A, Sellman S, Flisberg P, Rönnqvist M, Wennergren U. Route optimization as an instrument to improve animal welfare and economics in pre-slaughter logistics. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29513704 PMCID: PMC5841668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Each year, more than three million animals are transported from farms to abattoirs in Sweden. Animal transport is related to economic and environmental costs and a negative impact on animal welfare. Time and the number of pick-up stops between farms and abattoirs are two key parameters for animal welfare. Both are highly dependent on efficient and qualitative transportation planning, which may be difficult if done manually. We have examined the benefits of using route optimization in cattle transportation planning. To simulate the effects of various planning time windows and transportation time regulations and number of pick-up stops along each route, we have used data that represent one year of cattle transport. Our optimization model is a development of a model used in forestry transport that solves a general pick-up and delivery vehicle routing problem. The objective is to minimize transportation costs. We have shown that the length of the planning time window has a significant impact on the animal transport time, the total driving time and the total distance driven; these parameters that will not only affect animal welfare but also affect the economy and environment in the pre-slaughter logistic chain. In addition, we have shown that changes in animal transportation regulations, such as minimizing the number of allowed pick-up stops on each route or minimizing animal transportation time, will have positive effects on animal welfare measured in transportation hours and number of pick-up stops. However, this leads to an increase in working time and driven distances, leading to higher transportation costs for the transport and negative environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Frisk
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Annie Jonsson
- School of Bioscience, Skövde University, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Stefan Sellman
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Mikael Rönnqvist
- Département de génie mécanique, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Uno Wennergren
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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49
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Hauliers' perceptions and attitudes towards farm animal welfare could influence the operational and logistics practices in sheep transport. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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50
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Losada-Espinosa N, Villarroel M, María GA, Miranda-de la Lama GC. Pre-slaughter cattle welfare indicators for use in commercial abattoirs with voluntary monitoring systems: A systematic review. Meat Sci 2017; 138:34-48. [PMID: 29291504 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Animal welfare has become an important subject of public, economic and political concern, leading to the need to validate indicators that are feasible to use at abattoirs. A systematic review was carried out, which identified 72 cattle welfare indicators (CWI) that were classified into four categories (physiological, morphometric, behavioral and meat quality). Their validity and feasibility for use in abattoirs were evaluated as potential measures of cattle welfare during transportation to the abattoir and at the abattoir itself. Several highly valid indicators were identified that are useful to assess welfare at abattoirs, including body condition score, human-animal interactions, vocalizations, falling, carcass bruising, and meat pH. In addition, some intermediate valid indicators are useful and should be investigated further. Information along the food chain could be used systematically to provide a basis for a more-risk-based meat inspection. An integrated system based on the use of key indicators defined for each inspection step with the setting of alarm thresholds could be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natyieli Losada-Espinosa
- Graduate Program in Sciences of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, E.T.S.I.A. Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A María
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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