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Zitterer I, Paulsen P. Slaughter of Pregnant Cattle at an Austrian Abattoir: Prevalence and Gestational Age. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082474. [PMID: 34438931 PMCID: PMC8388674 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082474] [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] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cattle constitute a major part of the livestock in Austria. Dairy cows are sent to slaughter at the end of their production cycle, whereas heifers are admitted to slaughter either after a fattening period or because of reproductive disorders. In several countries, evidence has been presented that pregnant female cattle are admitted to slaughter, with implications for animal welfare and meat quality. Until today, no data are available on the frequency of pregnant cattle slaughtered in Austria. Over a one-year period, we examined 1633 female cattle in one abattoir, and pregnancy was detected in 104 animals (6.4%). Sixteen cattle were in the last third of gestation. Percentages of pregnant cattle sent to slaughter were higher in beef and dual-purpose breeds than in dairy cattle, but this was not statistically significant. Measures to minimize the number of pregnant cattle sent to slaughter should be implemented at farm-level. Abstract The slaughter of pregnant cattle raises ethical–moral questions with regard to animal welfare, but also concerns of consumers because of higher levels of sex steroids in the meat from pregnant cattle. Since no data on the slaughter of pregnant cattle in Austria were available, we examined uteri of slaughtered female cattle in one Austrian mid-size abattoir. Sample size was calculated for an assumed prevalence of 2.5% (±1%; 95% confidence interval) of cows or heifers slaughtered in the last trimester of pregnancy and amounted to 870 cows and 744 heifers. 1633 female cattle of domestic origin were examined, most of them of dual-purpose type. Pregnancy was detected in 30/759 heifers and in 74/874 cows (an overall prevalence of 6.4%). The number of cattle in the last trimester of pregnancy was 16 to 26, depending on the evaluation scheme. We found no significant differences in percentages of pregnant cattle sent to slaughter for beef, dual-purpose and dairy breeds, although the latter group demonstrated the lowest percentage. Our results are comparable with those from previously conducted studies in other member states of the European Union. Measures to avoid sending pregnant cattle to slaughter should be implemented at farm-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignaz Zitterer
- Department of Health, Youth and Family, Veterinary Services, Municipality of the Provincial Capital Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Schlachthofstraße 7, 9010 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria;
| | - Peter Paulsen
- Unit of Food Hygiene and Technology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-12-5077-3318
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Nielsen SS, Sandøe P, Kjølsted SU, Agerholm JS. Slaughter of Pregnant Cattle in Denmark: Prevalence, Gestational Age, and Reasons. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E392. [PMID: 31252603 PMCID: PMC6681307 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The slaughter of pregnant cattle gives rise to ethical controversy. We estimated the prevalence of pregnant cattle, elucidated the reasons for their slaughter, and in light of our findings, discussed the ethics of sending pregnant cattle for slaughter. Among 825 female cattle >353 days of age admitted to a Danish abattoir, 187 (23%) were found to be pregnant. There was no apparent difference in the proportion of pregnant animals between dairy and non-dairy cattle. "Health"-related slaughter was most frequent in dairy herds (70%), whereas "production"-related slaughter was most frequent in non-dairy herds (63%). While many farmers considered it unethical to slaughter pregnant cows without a good reason for doing so, many dairy farmers identified animal welfare as an important parameter in the decision, which was typically when the general condition of the cow or heifer would make it difficult for her to pass through calving and subsequent lactation. The many pregnant animals sent for slaughter were often the result of deliberate choices. Non-dairy farmers often kept a bull with their female cattle, and in many instances, this resulted in the mating of cattle intended for slaughter. Although considered ethically problematic by many dairy farmers, the slaughter of pregnant dairy cattle was often considered better for the cow compared to a stressful lactation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Stine Ulrich Kjølsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark
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Alhaji NB, Odetokun IA, Shittu A, Onyango J, Chafe UM, Abubakar MS, Muraina IA, Fasina FO, Lee HS. Time-series analysis of ruminant foetal wastage at a slaughterhouse in North Central Nigeria between 2001 and 2012. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2015; 82:1010. [PMID: 26842363 PMCID: PMC8552305 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In developing countries, foetal wastage from slaughtered ruminants and the associated economic losses appear to be substantial. However, only a limited number of studies have comprehensively evaluated these trends. In the current study, secondary (retrospective) and primary data were collected and evaluated to estimate the prevalence of foetal wastage from cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Minna, Nigeria, over a 12-year period (January 2001-December 2012). Time-series modelling revealed substantial differences in the rate of foetal wastage amongst the slaughtered species, with more lambs having been wasted than calves or kids. Seasonal effects seem to influence rates of foetal wastage and certain months in the year appear to be associated with higher odds of foetal wastage. Improved management systems are suggested to reduce the risk of foetal losses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hu Suk Lee
- International Livestock Research Institute, Regional Office for East and Southeast Asia, Hanoi.
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Fayemi PO, Muchenje V. Maternal slaughter at abattoirs: history, causes, cases and the meat industry. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:125. [PMID: 23577300 PMCID: PMC3618883 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Animals of both sexes are slaughtered for meat and meat products at the abattoirs. It has been found in few countries that one-out-of-every-three ewe and one-out-of-every-four doe with single, twin or multiple foetuses are slaughtered in registered slaughterhouses. In quest for meat, numerous viable embryos and foetuses are wasted unnoticed since the productive pregnant animals are not spared in the process. The trend in the slaughter of pregnant animals for meat (ranging from 54.5% to 70.1%) therefore calls for a review to reminisce issues on slaughter reforms, emphasize its implication on losses of genetic materials and sustainability of meat production. As a way of ensuring that welfare quality® assessment is not compromised and cruelty is prevented during animal slaughter, the quantitation of housekeeping genes and naturally occurring microRNAs (miRNAs) are recommended for identifying candidate pain biomarkers. In order to respect consumers’ right however, the manuscript suggests meat branding where the consumption of meat from pregnant animals is ethical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olutope Fayemi
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Forte Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700 South Africa
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Alhaji NB. Prevalence and economic implications of calf foetal wastage in an abattoir in Northcentral Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010; 43:587-90. [PMID: 21080227 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the volume of pregnant cows slaughtered at Minna abattoir, Niger State, Nigeria between 2001 and 2009 based on abattoir meat inspection records. Of the 98,407 cows slaughtered, 4,368 were pregnant, translating to a ratio of one calf foetal wastage in every 23 cows slaughtered. The wastage was significantly (P<0.05) high during the early rainy season (April to June). There was no significant difference observed across the years. The economic impact of the wastage is estimated at N8, 353,800.00 ($56,828.57) which is a great loss to the livestock industry. With these findings, there is the need to advocate for adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at the slaughter houses in Nigeria. Also, livestock owners should be educated on the seasonal breeding patterns of cattle in order to avoid selling cows during the calving season to salvage high level of calf foetal wastage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nma Bida Alhaji
- State Veterinary Centre, Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Bosso, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
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Abstract
ABSTRACTThe effects of pregnancy status (non-pregnant, early to mid (1 to 5 months) and late (> 6 months)) and month of pregnancy on live weight, carcass weight, dressing proportion, bruising and muscle properties were examined in 237 Shorthorn and Brahman crossbred cows (mean live weight 424 kg, 62% pregnant). The cows were transported 1155 km to an abattoir and given access to food and water until slaughter. Mustering to slaughter periods were 5, 6 or 7 days.The mean gross hot carcass weights for the 89 non-pregnant, 108 early to mid pregnant and 40 late pregnant cows were 207, 199 and 187 kg (P < 0·05). Their respective dressing proportions were 487, 469 and 443 g/kg (P < 0·05). Among the pregnant cows, carcass weight and dressing proportion decreased by 2·95 kg and 6 g/kg, respectively, for each month of pregnancy (P < 0·05).Cows in late pregnancy had lower mean initial yield (IY) and peak force (PF) shear values for m.longissimus dorsi (LD) than non-pregnant cows. The late-pregnant cows also had the greatest mean pH 24 h post mortem (pH24) and ultimate pH (pHu) values (P < 0·05). They also had a greater proportion of carcasses with high pHu values than the early to mid-pregnant and non-pregnant cows (0·30 v. 0·157 v. 0·079; (P < 005). Among the pregnant cows, mean pH24 increased by proportionately 0·038 and the proportion of high pH24 carcasses by 0·055 for each month of pregnancy (P < 0·05). Pregnancy status had no significant effect on mean fat depth, bruise score, PF-IY value or cooking loss.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors that might be expected to influence the prevalence of hydatids in cattle in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. To determine the effect of natural levels of infection on carcase weight and subsequent economic loss. PROCEDURE An abattoir survey conducted in 1981 provided information on the distribution, prevalence and viability of hydatid cysts in cattle from all shires north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland. Livers, lungs and spleens from 10,382 cattle were palpated at abattoirs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to detect hydatid cysts. Prevalence of infection in cattle in each shire was estimated from results of the abattoir study together with reports of infection in a further 22,185 cattle obtained from abattoir records. Linear modelling was used to define the effect of geographical origin, age, breed and sex on prevalence of infection. Differences in the weights of carcases between infected and non-infected cattle of the same age, sex, breed and property of origin were examined. The economic loss to the beef industry in the region surveyed was estimated. RESULTS Cattle infected with hydatids originated almost entirely from regions to the east of the Great Dividing Range. The mean prevalence inside this zone was 28% compared with 3% in other areas. Viable protoscoleces were found in 0.7% of cysts. Geographical origin and age of the cattle were the most significant factors influencing prevalence. Infection with hydatids had no effect on carcase weight. Economic loss was limited to that associated with condemnations of organs at meat inspection, estimated to be 0.5 million dollars per annum in 1981 and 6 million dollars in 2004. The distribution of hydatids in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn corresponded most closely with the distribution of small wallabies such as Macropus dorsalis (black-striped wallaby), M parryi (whiptail wallaby) and M rufogriseus (red-necked wallaby). CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that cattle are not an important part of maintaining the life-cycle of E granulosus in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Within the endemic zone, which is almost all to the east of the Great Dividing Range, the local pattern of bovine echinococcosis is most likely to be determined by the presence or absence of small species of wallaby such as M dorsalis, M parryi and M rufogriseus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J D Banks
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Mellor DJ, Gregory NG. Responsiveness, behavioural arousal and awareness in fetal and newborn lambs: experimental, practical and therapeutic implications. N Z Vet J 2003; 51:2-13. [PMID: 16032283 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2003.36323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This review distinguishes between physical responsiveness, behavioural arousal and awareness in fetal and newborn lambs, and summarises the physical and physiological factors which activate and suppress behavioural arousal. Important activators include: rising blood oestrogen concentrations just before birth; physical stimuli during delivery; exposure to cold on delivery, and; elevation in blood oxygen levels following the onset of pulmonary respiration. Suppressors of behavioural arousal and awareness are: low oxygen levels and high concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites in the fetal circulation, and; exposure to a warm intrauterine environment and to a circulating placental factor that inhibits activity including breathing.</br> In view of the relatively high levels of oxygen required to sustain awareness in adult animals, the low levels in fetal circulation, and the actions of other suppressors, it is unlikely that awareness occurs in the fetus. Nevertheless, fetuses perform a range of physical acts that would be supported or initiated by brainstem activity. In addition they show physical responses to potentially painful stimuli during late gestation, but it has yet to be demonstrated that these are linked to perception of pain. It is postulated that perception of pain could only occur once there is a level of oxygenation that supports overall awareness, and under normal circumstances this would only occur once the newborn starts breathing air. The implications for the welfare of fetal lambs and calves during experimental surgery, slaughter of the pregnant dam, collection of blood (serum) from fetuses at slaughter, and during fetotomy are favourable, indicating that current practices, when carefully undertaken, are humane.</br>
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Reece RL, Osborne HG, Beattie AW. The reproductive performance of cattle in Solomon Islands. Aust Vet J 1988; 65:328-9. [PMID: 3196253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1988.tb14519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R L Reece
- Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development, Honiara, Solomon Islands
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Abstract
A meatworks survey was undertaken in 1981-82 to define the distribution and prevalence of hydatidosis in beef cattle in southern Queensland. Hydatid cysts, mostly degenerate, were found in 14.6% of the 22,916 animals examined. The endemic area was to the east of a line approximating the 500 mm isohyet. Prevalence varied with age and origin of cattle, but not sex. Prevalence increased linearly with age, at least up to 4 years. Prevalence on the east coast ranged from 4.3% in yearlings to 52.2% in 4-year-old cattle. At the western limit of the endemic area, the prevalence ranged from 1.4% in yearlings to 10.8% in 4-year-olds. On the Darling Downs, prevalence was highest in areas where cattle raising is the main industry. On the south western Downs, where sheep-farming predominates, the prevalence in cattle was much lower, probably because of fewer dingoes. Livers only were affected in 46.5% of infected cattle, lungs only in 17.7%, and 35.8% of infected animals had both organs affected. Infection in other organs was uncommon. A detailed study of 133 infected cattle showed that 3.8% had lesions misdiagnosed as hydatid cysts at slaughter.
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Ladds PW, Nitisuwirjo S, Goddard ME. Epidemiological and gross pathological studies of Onchocerca gibsoni infection in cattle. Aust Vet J 1979; 55:455-62. [PMID: 539929 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1979.tb00367.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Farleigh EA. Letter: Reasons for slaughter of pregnant cows. Aust Vet J 1976; 52:52. [PMID: 944571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1976.tb05381.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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