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Gonçalves Vero J, Devillers N, Bridi AM, Moak KAT, Aboagye G, Agostinis Ferreira G, Genova JL, Conte S, Faucitano L. Transport of Pigs of Two Market Weights at Two Space Allowances: Effects on Behaviour, Blood Parameters, and Meat Quality under Summer and Winter Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2767. [PMID: 37685030 PMCID: PMC10486778 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172767] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs' welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gonçalves Vero
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil; (A.M.B.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86051-990, Brazil; (A.M.B.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Kyle A. T. Moak
- Department of Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada;
| | - Gizella Aboagye
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | | | - Jansller Luiz Genova
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil;
| | - Sabine Conte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada; (J.G.V.); (N.D.); (S.C.)
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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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Machado NAF, Barbosa-Filho JAD, Martin JE, Da Silva IJO, Pandorfi H, Gadelha CRF, Souza-Junior JBF, Parente MDOM, Marques JI. Effect of distance and daily periods on heat-stressed pigs and pre-slaughter losses in a semiarid region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:1853-1864. [PMID: 35864272 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective planning animal transport is essential to safeguard animal welfare and reduce production losses. Environmental conditions, specifically extreme temperatures in combination with ranges of relative humidity are highlighted as one of the main risk factors for production losses during transport (e.g., fatalities). The majority of research evaluating both welfare and production impacts of pig transport have been primarily undertaken in Europe and North America, which cover a relatively limited range of distinct climates (e.g., temperate, sub-arctic, etc.). As a result, research on pig transport in semi-arid conditions is lacking. In this study, we evaluated the effects of both distance (short, 30 km; and long, 170 km) and transport daily periods (morning, (05:00-11:00); afternoon (12:00-17:00); and night, (23:00-04:00)) on the preslaughter losses and heat stress of pigs in commercial transport in a semiarid region. Across 19 journeys of standard slaughter-weight pig loads (124.0 ± 2.8 kg), 684 focal animals (36 per journey) were evaluated. For each journey, the load's thermal profile (THIadj and enthalpy) and physiological responses of individual pigs were recorded. On arrival at designated slaughterhouses, the percentage pig of non-ambulatory non-injured (NANI), non-ambulatory injured (NAI), death on arrival (DOA), and total losses were recorded. Short journeys in the afternoon were shown to be more detrimental to the thermal comfort of pigs, with higher rectal temperatures recorded. The highest percentage of total losses and DOA occurred in afternoon journeys, irrespective of distance, followed by the morning, with the lowest losses observed in pigs transported at night. Additionally, total losses and DOA were further exacerbated by journey distance, with higher rates observed in short journeys. Higher percentage averages of NANI and NAI were observed in shorter journeys, but daily periods effects were only observed for NANI. These results further demonstrate the welfare and production loss risks associated with journey distance and time of day (representing varying environmental conditions) during road transport of pigs, whilst providing novel data in semiarid conditions. Careful and effective planning for pig transportation is essential to minimize heat stress and production losses. Consideration of the thermal environment on the day of travel, as well as providing flexibility to adjust travel times (e.g., early morning or evening), should help to mitigate risks of heat stress and production losses during pig transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica E Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Héliton Pandorfi
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Jordânio Inácio Marques
- Chapadinha Sciences Center, Universidade Federal Do Maranhão, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
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Simonov M, Stronskyi I, Salata V, Stronskyi Y, Kladnytska L, Kukhtyn M, Tomchuk V, Kozytska T, Tokarchuk T. The effect of transportation and pre-slaughter detention on quality of pig meat. POTRAVINARSTVO 2022. [DOI: 10.5219/1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to determine the influence of stress of various etiologies in pigs caused by transportation and pre-slaughter conditions on meat quality. For this purpose, pigs were divided into 11 groups within two meat processing enterprises, depending on the duration of transportation (short, long without breaks and long with breaks) and the conditions of keeping animals before slaughter. Also, within the two groups were created two subgroups with pigs of different breeds. A total of 156 pigs were studied. Blood was collected from all pigs to determine cortisol and lactate levels, and a sample of meat from the longest back muscle. The pH of the meat was determined at different stages of its maturation, and the weight loss of the sample was determined. As a result of the research, it was found that the highest quality pork was obtained from pigs that experienced lower levels of stress before slaughter. Keeping pigs for 10 – 14 hours before slaughter without access to water and food resulted in higher stress levels, which were probably expressed in higher blood concentrations of cortisol and lactate. Pigs’ access to food and water during pre-slaughter retention allows for high-quality meat by reducing the influence of stress. Pigs’ access to water before pre-slaughter does not affect the stress level but positively affects the loss of meat weight during maturation. The higher the concentration of lactate in pigs’ blood, the faster the pH of the meat decreases after slaughter, which negatively affects its quality and moisture retention. If there is a long-term transport of pigs, there is no rest stop that can significantly reduce stress levels in pigs. Duration of transportation of pigs does not correlate with stress levels, as the conditions before slaughter content.
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How Epigenetics Can Enhance Pig Welfare? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010032. [PMID: 35011138 PMCID: PMC8749669 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics works as an interface between the individual and its environment to provide phenotypic plasticity to increase individual adaptation capabilities. Recently, a wide variety of epi-genetic findings have indicated evidence for its application in the development of putative epi-biomarkers of stress in farm animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate previously reported stress epi-biomarkers in swine and encourage researchers to investigate potential paths for the development of a robust molecular tool for animal welfare certification. In this literature review, we report on the scientific concerns in the swine production chain, the management carried out on the farms, and the potential implications of these practices for the animals' welfare and their epigenome. To assess reported epi-biomarkers, we identified, from previous studies, potentially stress-related genes surrounding epi-biomarkers. With those genes, we carried out a functional enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the DNA of swine subjected to different stress-related conditions (e.g., heat stress, intrauterine insult, and sanitary challenges). We identified potential epi-biomarkers for target analysis, which could be added to the current guidelines and certification schemes to guarantee and certify animal welfare on farms. We believe that this technology may have the power to increase consumers' trust in animal welfare.
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Larivière-Lajoie AS, Cinq-Mars D, Guay F, Binggeli S, Dalmau A, Saucier L. Hierarchical clustering as a tool to develop a classification scheme for rabbit meat quality. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2021.14368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
<p>This study aimed to characterise the quality of meat from commercially-raised rabbits. Animals came from five different producers and were laughtered in three different plants under provincial or federal inspection jurisdiction. Animal behaviour evaluated by scan sampling prior to feed withdrawal (FW) and transport, as well as blood lactate concentration at exsanguination, did not raise concerns with respect to stress. Stomach pH was higher (<em>P</em>=0.047) when the FW time was short (≤13.5 h), at a mean value of 2.23. All pH values measured 1 h post-mortem from the Biceps femoris (BF) and almost all (97.6%) from the Longissimus lumborum (LL) were higher than 6. Values for ultimate pH measured 24 h postmortem(pH<sub>u</sub>) ranged from 5.80 to 6.83 and from 5.70 to 6.70 for BF and LL muscles, respectively. The maximum meat drip loss recorded was 2.6%, while cooking loss reached 30%. Meat lightness (L*) and colour intensity (C*) for the long FW times (≥23 h) were no different from those with short and intermediate (15.5 to 17.3 h) FW times. However, these colour parameters were higher for the short FW time class compared to the intermediate FW time class (<em>P</em><0.02). A hierarchical cluster analysis based on pH<sub>u</sub>, cooking loss and lightness (L*) from 200 rabbit loins was performed. Of the four clusters created, clusters 1 and 2 had the best and second-best meat quality, respectively. Clusters 3 and 4 had the lowest meat quality and presented DFD-like (dark, firm and dry) characteristics. Meat did not exhibit PSE-like (pale, soft, exudative) characteristics, even for the slaughter lot with the minimum mean pH<sub>u</sub>. Of the eight slaughter lots evaluated, more than 50% of the meat from three of them fell into clusters 3 and 4; all three were in the intermediate FW time class. Overall, the quality of rabbit meat analysed was acceptable for commercial use, but rather variable. This suggests that there are factors within the value chain that are not yet fully controlled and require further investigation.</p>
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Urrea VM, Bridi AM, Ceballos MC, Paranhos da Costa MJR, Faucitano L. Behavior, blood stress indicators, skin lesions, and meat quality in pigs transported to slaughter at different loading densities. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6226921. [PMID: 33860321 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1,936 pigs were transported through 8 trips (8.4 ± 0.5 hr) from 2 grow-to-finish farms to a commercial slaughter plant, all located in Southern Brazil. On each trip, a sub-sample of each load (36 barrows/load, weighing 118.9 ± 9.8 kg) was randomly allocated into one of the following loading densities during transport: 200 kg/m2 (D200), 235 kg/m2 (D235), and 270 kg/m2 (D270). Behavioral recordings of postures and activities were made during transportation and lairage using video-cameras. At slaughter, blood samples were collected to assess the concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate. Carcass weights and skin lesion scores were assessed on-line, and meat quality was evaluated in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle by assessing pH, color, and drip loss. During transportation, the proportion of animals lying down was higher (P < 0.05) in D200 and D235 groups compared with D270. The proportion of sitting animals during transportation was higher (P < 0.01) in D270 compared with D200. In lairage, D200 and D235 pigs stood more compared with D270 (P = 0.01), while the proportion of lying pigs was higher (P = 0.02) for D270 pigs compared with D200 and D235. The frequency of drinking bouts in lairage was higher (P < 0.05) for D200 group compared with D235 and D270. The levels of CK were lower (P < 0.05) in D200 pigs transported compared with D270. Lesion scores tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in D270 carcasses compared with D200 and D235. A tendency for lower (P = 0.10) pH1 values in the LT muscle of D270 pigs compared with D200 pigs was also found. Based on the results of this study, the application of lower loading densities (≤235 kg/m2) in the truck allows pigs to have sufficient space to rest, travel more comfortably and arrive less fatigued at the slaughter plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Montoya Urrea
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Bridi
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ceballos
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, T3R 1J3, Canada
| | - Mateus J R Paranhos da Costa
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal 14.884-900, SP, Brazil.,Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, J1M C08, Canada
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Conte S, Pomar C, Paiano D, Duan Y, Zhang P, Lévesque J, Guay F, Devillers N, Faucitano L. The effects of feeding finishing pigs of two genders with a high fiber and high fat diet on muscle glycolytic potential at slaughter and meat quality. Meat Sci 2021; 177:108484. [PMID: 33756246 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2021.108484] [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: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A total of 160 pigs, in groups of 8 pigs of mixed genders, were fed four finishing feeding strategies with the aim to reduce muscle glycolytic potential and improve meat quality. Pigs were fed a control diet (C; fat = 5.0%, ADF = 3.0%, NDF = 8.8%), a high-fat and high-fiber diet (HFF; fat = 11.2%, ADF = 9.1%, NDF = 19.5%), a blend of 50-50% C and HFF diets (fat = 8.2%, ADF = 6.7%, NDF = 14.2%) or the C diet and transferred to the HFF diet after a diet transition. Dietary treatments alone or in interaction with gender had no effect on pig growth performance, carcass quality traits, Longissimus and Semimembranosus muscle glycolytic potential and meat quality (P > 0.10). The inefficiency of the dietary treatments applied in this study may be due to the low ratio between fat and digestible carbohydrate in the diets combined with the mild pre-slaughter stress conditions pigs were exposed to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Conte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Candido Pomar
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Diovani Paiano
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Chapecó 89815-630, Brazil
| | - Yan Duan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Janie Lévesque
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales, Deschambault, QC G0A 1S0, Canada
| | - Frederic Guay
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Science, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada.
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Sardi L, Gastaldo A, Borciani M, Bertolini A, Musi V, Garavaldi A, Martelli G, Cavallini D, Nannoni E. Pre-Slaughter Sources of Fresh Meat Quality Variation: The Case of Heavy Pigs Intended for Protected Designation of Origin Products. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122386. [PMID: 33327382 PMCID: PMC7764830 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122386] [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] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focused on loin quality in Italian heavy pigs intended for the production of PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) products, and investigated the pre-slaughter factors which negatively affect the quality of fresh meat. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of pigs. Shipments were carried out under commercial conditions. Several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded within the entire process (on-farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse). On a subset of pigs (10 animals from every load, N = 440), serum cortisol and creatine kinase were measured and loin samples were analyzed for pH, instrumental color, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and sensory quality. Cluster analysis of the instrumentally-assessed meat quality parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two clusters: lower quality (LQ) and higher quality (HQ). Our results showed that the factors with significant differences between the two clusters were journey duration, ambient temperature, distance traveled, and irregular behaviors (slipping, falling, and overlapping) at unloading (all greater in LQ, p < 0.05). The pre-slaughter conditions associated with lower loin quality were ambient temperatures above 22 °C, distance traveled above 26 km, travel duration between 38-66 min, more than 5.9% of animals showing irregular behaviors at unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Alessandro Gastaldo
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Marzia Borciani
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Bertolini
- Foundation C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production) Studies and Researches, Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Valeria Musi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Anna Garavaldi
- C.R.P.A. (Research Centre on Animal Production), Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.B.); (V.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
| | - Eleonora Nannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy; (L.S.); (D.C.); (E.N.)
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Depner K, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Roberts HC, Sihvonen LH, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Candiani D, Fabris C, Van der Stede Y, Velarde A. Welfare of pigs at slaughter. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06148. [PMID: 32874326 PMCID: PMC7447914 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The killing of pigs 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 pigs until their death, were grouped into three main phases: pre-stunning (including arrival, unloading from the truck, lairage, handling and moving of pigs); stunning (including restraint); and bleeding. Stunning methods were grouped into three categories: electrical, controlled atmosphere and mechanical. Twelve welfare consequences the pigs can be exposed to during slaughter were identified: heat stress, cold stress, fatigue, prolonged thirst, prolonged hunger, impeded movement, restriction of movements, resting problem, negative social behaviour, pain, fear and respiratory distress. Welfare consequences and relevant animal-based measures were described. In total, 30 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 29 hazards, which were attributed to the lack of appropriate skill sets needed to perform tasks or to fatigue. Corrective and preventive measures for these hazards were assessed: measures to correct hazards were identified, and management was shown to have a crucial role in prevention. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, animal-based measures, origins and preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences are proposed.
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Identification of Possible Pre-Slaughter Indicators to Predict Stress and Meat Quality: A Study on Heavy Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10060945. [PMID: 32486015 PMCID: PMC7341522 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060945] [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] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at identifying possible pre-slaughter indicators and/or indexes to be used to predict pig stress response and meat quality variation. Data were collected on 44 shipments (loads) of Italian heavy pigs. For each shipment, several pre-slaughter parameters were recorded on farm, during transport, and at the slaughterhouse. Blood and meat samples were taken from 10 pigs from every of the 44 loads included in the study (N = 440). Blood samples were used to assess cortisol and creatine kinase levels, whereas meat samples were used to assess meat quality (pH, instrumental color, tenderness, water-holding capacity, and sensory analysis). Cluster analysis of blood parameters allowed the categorization of the shipments into two main clusters: Lower Stress (LS) and Higher Stress (HS). The variables/indexes statistically differing between the two clusters were: average vehicle speed during transport, welfare index at slaughter (i.e., "slaughter score"), overall transport and slaughter welfare index (TSWI), distance travelled, and behaviors (slips, falls, overlaps) during unloading, which appeared to be the best descriptors of the welfare conditions experienced by Italian heavy pigs during pre-slaughter handling. No consistent effects of the stress level experienced on meat quality was detected, which warrants the need for further studies conducted under more variable pre-slaughter conditions, with the aim of simplifying and improving the TSWI.
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Application of extended feed withdrawal time preslaughter and its effects on animal welfare and carcass and meat quality of enriched-housed pigs. Meat Sci 2020; 167:108163. [PMID: 32387878 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A total of 144 barrows were distributed into four treatment groups. One group was housed conventionally and fasted for 16 h preslaughter, while the other three groups were housed in enriched conditions (straw-bedding and low density) and fasted for 16, 24 and 32 h preslaughter. When compared with conventionally-housed pigs, enriched-housed pigs were heavier (P < .05) and fatter (P < .01), but easier to handle at loading (P < .05) and produced less exudative pork (P < .05) possibly resulting from a lower post-mortem muscle glycolytic potential (P = .10). Extending fasting time up to 32 h reduced dressing yield (P < .001) and increased skin lesion scores (P < .01), but did not result in any clear or major effect on muscle metabolism and meat quality. In conclusion, given the beneficial effects of enriched housing conditions on stress response and pork quality, the application of an extended fasting time (32h) preslaughter is not required for this production.
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Proteomic application in predicting food quality relating to animal welfare. A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Čobanović N, Stanković SD, Dimitrijević M, Suvajdžić B, Grković N, Vasilev D, Karabasil N. Identifying Physiological Stress Biomarkers for Prediction of Pork Quality Variation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040614. [PMID: 32252489 PMCID: PMC7222799 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prediction of technological and sensory pork quality—during a pig’s life or quickly after slaughter—is increasingly required by the pork industry in order to classify carcasses or primary cuts of carcasses for different production lines. Therefore, there is increasing demand for the development of accurate, reliable, time-efficient, non-invasive, real-time tools for predicting pork and carcass quality characteristics. Based on this, the aim of this study was to assess the potential use of various physiological stress biomarkers as indicators of carcass and meat quality traits in slaughter pigs subjected to the standard marketing conditions and to minimal stressful preslaughter handling. According to the results of this investigation, lactate dehydrogenase can be considered as a useful predictor of pork quality, while cortisol, alanine amino transferase, and albumin could be useful in prediction of carcass quality. Abstract This study assessed the potential use of various physiological stress biomarkers as indicators of carcass and meat quality traits in 240 pigs subjected to the standard marketing conditions and minimal stressful antemortem handling using Pearson correlations. The most important pork quality traits (pH and temperature, water holding capacity, and color) had limited correlations with stress metabolites (lactate, glucose), stress hormones (cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone), stress enzymes (creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase), electrolytes (sodium, chloride), and acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin), indicating poor reliability in predicting pork quality. Albumin level was moderately positively correlated with live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and back fat thickness. Alanine amino transferase level was moderately positively correlated with live weight, hot carcass weight, and cold carcass weight. Cortisol level was moderately positively correlated with live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and back fat thickness, and moderately negatively correlated with the lean carcass content. Increased lactate dehydrogenase level was moderately correlated with decreased drip and cooking loss. In conclusion, lactate dehydrogenase could help pork producers predict pork quality variation, while cortisol, alanine amino transferase, and albumin could be useful in prediction of carcass quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Čobanović
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-695419491
| | - Sanja Dj Stanković
- Clinical Center of Serbia, Center for Medical Biochemistry, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mirjana Dimitrijević
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
| | - Branko Suvajdžić
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Grković
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
| | - Dragan Vasilev
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (B.S.); (N.G.); (D.V.); (N.K.)
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15
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Dalla Costa FA, Dalla Costa OA, Di Castro IC, Gregory NG, Di Campos MS, Leal GBDM, Tavernari FDC. Ease of Handling and Physiological Parameters of Stress, Carcasses, and Pork Quality of Pigs Handled in Different Group Sizes. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100798. [PMID: 31615059 PMCID: PMC6826851 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The effect of different group sizes of pigs (3, 5, and 10 pigs) during handling on physiological parameters, carcasses, and pork quality traits at the farm and slaughterhouse were evaluated in 360 pigs. Ease of handling decreased as the group size increased. Moving pigs in smaller groups improve animal welfare parameters and carcass quality. However, meat quality classifications of the carcasses were not affected by the groups size used in preslaughter handling. Based on the results, moving groups of five pigs seems to be the best strategy to improve animal welfare and carcass quality. Abstract The effect of different group sizes of pigs (3, 5, and 10 pigs) during handling on physiological parameters, carcasses, and pork quality traits at the farm and slaughterhouse were evaluated in 360 pigs from five farms (four repetitions or group/treatment/farms). Data was analyzed as a factorial of 3 × 5 (3 treatments × 5 farms) to check effects of treatments by analysis of variance in ANOVA. Ease of handling decreased as the group size increased. However, time taken in handling was not influenced by the group size (p > 0.10). Moving pigs in groups of five animals reduced effects on blood cortisol levels (p < 0.05). Fighting and handling lesions in the carcasses increased for bigger handling groups (p < 0.05). Pigs handled in groups of three and ten animals had a higher pHu and initial temperature in Longissimus thoracis and Semimembranosus (p < 0.05) and lower drip loss in Semimembranosus (p < 0.05). However, meat quality classifications of the carcasses were not affected by treatments. Based on the results, moving groups of five pigs seems to be the best strategy to improve animal welfare, carcasses and pork quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Antonio Dalla Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP-FCAV, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Izabela Cruvinel Di Castro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO 74.045-155, Brazil.
| | | | - Melissa Selaysim Di Campos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO 74.045-155, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Brunno de Medeiros Leal
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zootecnia, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO 74.045-155, Brazil.
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16
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Faucitano L. Preslaughter handling practices and their effects on animal welfare and pork quality. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:728-738. [PMID: 29401265 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skx064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
At all times, prior to slaughter, pigs may experience stress from a range of handling practices, such as fasting, loading and transport, mixing, and interaction with humans. These factors can affect the welfare of pigs and carcass and meat quality, both individually and collectively. Preslaughter stress is both an animal welfare and a meat quality issue. Behavioral and physiological studies have revealed that poor handling practices at the farm, during transport and at the slaughter plant, have an adverse effect on pigs and may result in the loss of profits due to animal losses during transport and in lairage. Also, poor preslaughter handling can also lead to losses in carcass value as a result of reduced yield, the presence of lesions and bacterial contamination, and meat quality defects (e.g., pale, soft, exudative and dark, firm, dry pork). These economic losses can be limited by improving the design of facilities, controlling the environmental conditions, and implementing training programs for the correct animal handling at any stage preslaughter. The objective of this review was to review research findings on the effects of preslaughter practices on ante-mortem behavioral and physiological response in pigs, including muscle metabolism, and to provide recommendations aimed at limiting the impact of preslaughter handling on animal losses and pork quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, Canada
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17
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Quadalti C, Brunetti D, Lagutina I, Duchi R, Perota A, Lazzari G, Cerutti R, Di Meo I, Johnson M, Bottani E, Crociara P, Corona C, Grifoni S, Tiranti V, Fernandez-Vizarra E, Robinson AJ, Viscomi C, Casalone C, Zeviani M, Galli C. SURF1 knockout cloned pigs: Early onset of a severe lethal phenotype. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2131-2142. [PMID: 29601977 PMCID: PMC6018622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leigh syndrome (LS) associated with cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency is an early onset, fatal mitochondrial encephalopathy, leading to multiple neurological failure and eventually death, usually in the first decade of life. Mutations in SURF1, a nuclear gene encoding a mitochondrial protein involved in COX assembly, are among the most common causes of LS. LSSURF1 patients display severe, isolated COX deficiency in all tissues, including cultured fibroblasts and skeletal muscle. Recombinant, constitutive SURF1-/- mice show diffuse COX deficiency, but fail to recapitulate the severity of the human clinical phenotype. Pigs are an attractive alternative model for human diseases, because of their size, as well as metabolic, physiological and genetic similarity to humans. Here, we determined the complete sequence of the swine SURF1 gene, disrupted it in pig primary fibroblast cell lines using both TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems, before finally generating SURF1-/- and SURF1-/+ pigs by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). SURF1-/- pigs were characterized by failure to thrive, muscle weakness and highly reduced life span with elevated perinatal mortality, compared to heterozygous SURF1-/+ and wild type littermates. Surprisingly, no obvious COX deficiency was detected in SURF1-/- tissues, although histochemical analysis revealed the presence of COX deficiency in jejunum villi and total mRNA sequencing (RNAseq) showed that several COX subunit-encoding genes were significantly down-regulated in SURF1-/- skeletal muscles. In addition, neuropathological findings, indicated a delay in central nervous system development of newborn SURF1-/- piglets. Our results suggest a broader role of sSURF1 in mitochondrial bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Quadalti
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Dept. of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - D Brunetti
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - I Lagutina
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - R Duchi
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - A Perota
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy
| | - G Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Fondazione Avantea, Cremona, Italy
| | - R Cerutti
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - I Di Meo
- Neurologic Institute Carlo Besta, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - M Johnson
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - E Bottani
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - P Crociara
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - C Corona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - S Grifoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - V Tiranti
- Neurologic Institute Carlo Besta, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - E Fernandez-Vizarra
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - A J Robinson
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - C Viscomi
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK
| | - C Casalone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino 10154, Italy
| | - M Zeviani
- University of Cambridge/MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB20XY, UK.
| | - C Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco 7/f, Cremona 26100, Italy; Dept. of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.
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Popp J, Sharifi AR, Janisch S, Krischek C. Two Frequently Used pH Determination Methods Showed Clearly Different pH Slopes During Early Post Mortem Ageing of Pork. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-018-1163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Sommavilla R, Faucitano L, Gonyou H, Seddon Y, Bergeron R, Widowski T, Crowe T, Connor L, Scheeren MB, Goumon S, Brown J. Season, Transport Duration and Trailer Compartment Effects on Blood Stress Indicators in Pigs: Relationship to Environmental, Behavioral and Other Physiological Factors, and Pork Quality Traits. Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:ani7020008. [PMID: 28208689 PMCID: PMC5332929 DOI: 10.3390/ani7020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Factors, such as ambient conditions, travel duration and vehicle design/compartment location have an impact on the welfare of pigs during transport, carcass bruises and meat quality. Based on this, we aimed to assess the effects of these factors on blood creatine kinase, lactate and cortisol concentrations in 384 pigs and assess their relationships with trailer temperature, and pigs’ heart rate and gastrointestinal tract temperature, behavior, carcass damage scores and meat quality. Although increased blood cortisol and creatine-kinase levels appear to indicate a physical stress condition in transported pigs, the weak to moderate correlations with environmental and other animal welfare indicators suggest that blood stress parameters can only be used as a complementary measurement in the assessment of the pigs’ response to transport stress. Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the season, travel duration and trailer compartment location on blood creatine-kinase (CK), lactate and cortisol concentrations in 384 pigs and assess their relationships with trailer temperature, heart rate and gastrointestinal tract temperature (GTT), behavior, carcass damage scores and meat quality. Blood CK was greater in pigs transported in summer (p = 0.02), after 18 h transportation (p < 0.001) and in pigs located in C4, C5 and C10 (p = 0.002). In winter, the concentration of blood lactate was higher (p = 0.04) in pigs transported for 6 h in C5. Pigs located in C10 showed higher (p = 0.01) concentration of cortisol than those transported for 18h in C4 in summer. The highest correlations were between blood cortisol and GTT (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), and between blood CK and GTT (r = 0.41; p < 0.001), truck temperature (r = 0.42; p < 0.001), and pHu in the longissimus muscle (r = 0.41; p < 0.001). In conclusion, although increased blood cortisol and CK levels appear to indicate a physical stress condition in transported pigs, the weak to moderate correlations with environmental and other animal welfare indicators suggest that blood stress parameters can only be used as a complementary measurement in the assessment of the pigs’ response to transport stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sommavilla
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada.
| | - Luigi Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada.
| | - Harold Gonyou
- Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9, Canada.
| | | | - Renée Bergeron
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Tina Widowski
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Trever Crowe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada.
| | - Laurie Connor
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Marina Bergoli Scheeren
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 0C8, Canada.
| | - Sébastien Goumon
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Pratelstvi 815, 104 00 Prague-Uhrineves, Czech Republic.
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Dalla Costa FA, Devillers N, Paranhos da Costa MJR, Faucitano L. Effects of applying preslaughter feed withdrawal at the abattoir on behaviour, blood parameters and meat quality in pigs. Meat Sci 2016; 119:89-94. [PMID: 27153357 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F A Dalla Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - N Devillers
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, J1M 0C8 Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - M J R Paranhos da Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - L Faucitano
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, J1M 0C8 Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
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