Bruising in slaughter cattle and its relationship with creatine kinase levels and beef quality as affected by animal related factors

Effect of transportation distance and lairage time on selected behaviors and carcass parameters in zebu cattle-a study using the animal focal sampling method

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transport distance and lairage time on behavioral indicators of zebu beef cattle in the resting pen of a slaughterhouse using the focal animal technique. Eight lots of male zebu cattle, Nelore, aged approximately 4 years old, weighing on average 500 ± 28.5 kg-1, from different municipalities, transported by land, were evaluated. The lots were grouped into two categories: short distance (> 500 km) and long distance (> 500 km). Five focal animals per evaluated lot were used in each cycle of behavior observation, randomly chosen, and visually identified. The animal focal sampling method was used, with instantaneous recording, every 5 min per animal/h. A video camera was used and placed at a fixed point in the corral. After slaughtering, bruises and carcass pH were evaluated. The respiratory rate (RR) was measured in two moments, 30 min after unloading (RR_I) and 1 h before slaughtering (RR_F); behavioral data were divided into four lairage periods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) equally and evaluated as repeated measures over time. The lairage time lowered the behaviors of headbutting (NCHBs), pushing (PsH), mounting (MT), and chasing away (CA), (p = 0.0001), and these behaviors were more evident in animals transported for short distances in the initial resting times, decreasing as they remained in the resting pen. There was effect of distance on the initial and final pH of the carcass, being greater in the short distance (p = 0.047). There was no effect of distance or lairage time on initial or final RR (p > 0.05). In addition, animals transported over long distances showed less carcass injuries, which were observed during post mortem inspection. It is concluded that animals transported over short distances present a greater number of agonistic behaviors, such as NCHBs, MT, PsH, and CA, predisposing to higher rates of bruising during lairage and more accentuated changes in the final pH of the meat.

Características bovinas y eventos aversivos durante el faenado en un Centro de Beneficio convencional

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la influencia de características de bovinos [condición corporal (CC), lesiones prefaenado (LP), estado de preñez (EP) y estado emocional aparente (EEA)], faenados en un centro de beneficio convencional, sobre la frecuencia de eventos aversivos al bienestar animal y calidad cárnica. Se registró el faenado de 99 bovinos, cuantificando los golpes, torceduras de cola, gritos del operario, puntillazos, tiempos de cada etapa, resbalones, caídas, vocalizaciones e intentos de incorporación. Se determinó pH0h, pH1h, pH24h y goteo en el músculo Longissimus dorsi et lumborum. Los datos se analizaron bajo un Diseño Completo al Azar (DCA). Se halló una correlación inversa entre CC y LP (P<0,05), donde bovinos con menor CC presentaron más lesiones en prefaenado. Durante la conducción, más golpes, gritos del operario, tiempo de conducción y tiempo entre derribo y el exanguinado, estaban asociados a bovinos con EEA nervioso. Durante la sujeción, sucedieron más caídas en bovinos del 2/3 de preñez, y el tiempo de sujeción fue mayor en CC<2,75. En el derribo, mayor frecuencia de gritos del operario y número de puntillazos sucedieron en CC>3,25. Bajo las condiciones del estudio, no se encontraron diferencias en el pH y PG% según CC, LP ni EP; sin embargo, bovinos con EEA tranquilo tuvieron menor PG% que EE nervioso (P<0,05), probablemente, con un estado de mayor excitación y estrés. La calidad cárnica es afectada por EEA, pero es necesario establecer mejoras en las prácticas de manejo e insensibilización en el faenado, con el fin de reducir el tiempo de eventos estresantes.

Investigating the impact of pre-slaughter management factors on meat quality outcomes in cattle raised for beef: A scoping review

Introduction

The pre-slaughter management period is a critical juncture in the beef supply chain, having implications not only for animal welfare and product quality, but also for profitability. During this period, cattle are exposed to many stressors in a short time, many of which have been shown to impact meat quality. Understanding how cattle management during this terminal step in the production chain affects meat quality and economic outcomes is crucial.

Methods

The objective of this study was to investigate, synthesize, and report on research evaluating the impact of management factors during the pre-slaughter period on beef meat quality. A systematic approach was used to search for peer-reviewed and primary studies published in English in CAB Abstracts, PubMed, and Web of Science. A total of 3,217 non-duplicate records were screened for eligibility; articles were deemed eligible for inclusion if they included beef cattle in the pre-slaughter period and reported at least one meat quality outcome. After three screening rounds, 85 articles met all inclusion criteria. Data pertinent to the scoping review’s aims were extracted, including study location, population characteristics, pre-slaughter factors reported, and outcomes of interest.

Results

Europe (35, 41%) and South America (21, 25%) represented approximately two-thirds of the studies. Bulls (37, 43.5%) and steers (34, 40.0%) were the most reported sex classes, with the most frequent breed types reported as predominantly British or Continental and Bos indicus breeds (24, 28.2%; 24, 28.2%, respectively). Transportation (n=46), lairage (n=36), and handling (n=35) practices were the most reported pre-slaughter factors. Overall, 59 studies reported pH as an outcome of interest – almost double that of the next highest outcome, bruising (n=35). Muscle pH was most assessed with predictors at the abattoir (n=37); conversely, the effects of transportation were most evaluated on bruising (n=23).

Discussion

A trend across all the categories was that there were relatively few studies evaluating the impact of pre-transport factors on meat quality. Charting the relevant literature is a critical step towards understanding the relationship between pre-slaughter management and end-product quality; doing so will help industry stakeholders in the beef production chain optimize management practices that improve meat quality and enhance profitability.

Body condition scores, fluke intensity, liver pathology, and carcass quality of different dairy cattle genotypes infected with Fasciola species at high throughput abattoirs in South Africa

Milk is an essential commodity whose demand far exceeds supply. However, dairy animal productivity is constantly hampered by parasitic diseases such as fasciolosis, affecting milk production. Despite the negative impact of liver fluke on milk production, there is little information on liver fluke infection and associated abattoir losses (body weight, condition score, liver pathology, and carcass quality) in culled dairy cattle. This study aimed to determine body condition scores, fluke intensity, liver pathology, and carcass quality of different cattle genotypes infected with Fasciola species at three commercial abattoirs. A longitudinal study was conducted from September 2019 to October 2020 to determine body condition score, liver fluke intensity, liver pathology in 3065 dairy cattle slaughtered in CA1, CA2, and CA3, of the Eastern Cape Province South Africa. Liver fluke intensity significantly increased with cattle age (P < 0.0001). Cattle ≥ 7 years old (59.93 ± 6.42) and those 4 to 6 years old (49.78 ± 9.98) had higher infection than those 2 to 3 years old (27.55 ± 13.68). The liver fluke infection was significantly (P < 0.001) the highest when sampling was conducted in summer, followed by autumn and winter, and least for spring. The differences in carcass weights or body condition scores decreased by 0.99 units (P < 0.0001) or 0.97 units (P < 0.0001) respectively. Therefore, this study suggests that fluke infection could be responsible for considerable economic and production losses mainly due to condemnation and weight loss in dairy cattle. This study recommended a combination of holistic and grazing management to control infection rates in dairy herds.

Integrative surveillance of cattle welfare at the abattoir level: Risk factors associated with liver condemnation, severe hoof disorders, carcase bruising and high muscle pH

Given the multi-dimensionality of animal welfare, any monitoring system for slaughter animals should comprise an integrative vision that facilitates animal welfare and food safety assessment. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate risk factors as possible causes for liver condemnations, hoof disorders, bruise prevalence, and the quality of beef carcases under commercial operating conditions in Mexico. Data were recorded for 143 journeys encompassing 1,040 commercial cattle, originating from feedlots, free-range, and dairy production systems. Details on journey distance, vehicle type, cattle type, and animals' origin were gathered from abattoir reports. We found that carcase bruising (41%) and hoof disorders (43.9%) had the highest prevalence, regardless of the production system. Variables such as cattle type and production system influenced liver condemnations; old bulls extensively raised were more prone to present parasitosis such as Fasciola hepatica. Transportation conditions (journey distance, vehicle type) and cattle type might have influenced the development of hoof disorders in the evaluated animals. Multivariable logistic regression showed that animals' origin was a potential risk factor for severe bruising and high muscle pH, with cull dairy cows getting the most serious damage. In general, cattle transport conditions were factors that showed interactions with three of the evaluated indicators (severe hoof injuries, carcase bruising, meat pH24h). Our study shows the need to implement integrative surveillance to identify risk factors according to the production system from which the animals originate. With this information it is possible to develop strategies to mitigate specific cattle welfare problems.

Quality of Death in Fighting Bulls during Bullfights: Neurobiology and Physiological Responses

During bullfights, bulls undergo physiometabolic responses such as glycolysis, anaerobic reactions, cellular oedema, splenic contraction, and hypovolemic shock. The objective of this review article is to present the current knowledge on the factors that cause stress in fighting bulls during bullfights, including their dying process, by discussing the neurobiology and their physiological responses. The literature shows that biochemical imbalances occur during bullfights, including hypercalcaemia, hypermagnesaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperlactataemia, and hyperglycaemia, associated with increased endogenous cortisol and catecholamine levels. Creatine kinase, citrate synthase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels also increase, coupled with decreases in pH, blood bicarbonate levels, excess base, partial oxygen pressure, and oxygen saturation. The intense exercise also causes a marked decrease of glycogen in type I and II muscle fibres that can produce myoglobinuria and muscular necrosis. Other observations suggest the presence of osteochondrosis. The existing information allows us to conclude that during bullfights, bulls face energy and metabolic demands due to the high intensity and duration of the exercise performed, together with muscular injuries, physiological changes, and high enzyme concentrations. In addition, the final stage of the bullfight causes a slow dying process for an animal that is sentient and conscious of its surroundings.

Assessment of Stress by Serum Biomarkers in Calves and Their Relationship to Ultimate pH as an Indicator of Meat Quality

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 pH_u. 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 pH_u. 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 pH_u 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 pH_u. Slaughter time was a major stressor, and the stress response was mainly affected by breed. At slaughter, several biomarkers should be considered.

Effect of Finishing Diet and Lairage Time on Steers Welfare in Uruguay

Simple Summary

The transport and general handling of slaughter animals are associated with a series of events that cause stressful and unfavorable conditions that can compromise animal welfare. All these stressful events start at the farm and end with the death of the animal. In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of two finishing strategies and two contrasting lairage times through the combination of several indicators regarding productivity, physiology, behavior and postmortem variables. Individual temperaments and their impact on welfare and carcass quality were also considered. Animal welfare was not compromised in any diet during the finishing period. Individual temperament had a positive impact on the productivity and on all physiological indicators at different preslaughter stages. For that reason, we consider that it should be given paramount importance when talking about animal welfare. According to our results, with pasture-based animals, without fasting on the farm and after a short time of transportation (3.5 h), a longer preslaughter resting time (15 vs. 3 h) is desirable from the animal welfare perspective. Furthermore, our results suggest that this longer resting period, would also be more convenient from the carcass quality perspective.

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two different pasture-based finishing strategies and lairage time on steers welfare in Uruguayan conditions. Sixty Hereford (H) and Braford (B) steers were assigned to two different diets for finishing purposes: (D1) native pasture plus corn grain (1% of live weight) (H n = 15, B n = 15) and (D2) high-quality pasture (H n = 15, B n = 15). The average daily gain was registered every 14 days, and temperaments were individually assessed one week before slaughter by three individual tests: crush score, flight time and exit speed, building a multicriterial temperament index (TIndex). Animals were slaughtered the same day in two groups (50% from D1 and 50% from D2 in each group) after traveling for 3.5 h and staying 15 (long lairage) and 3 h (short lairage) in the lairage pens, respectively. The behaviors were observed during lairage, and physiological indicators were used to assess stress at the farm after transport, after lairage and at slaughter. Bruises incidence and final pH were registered at the abattoir as a means of assessing the overall animal welfare. Calmer animals had higher average daily gains with no differences either between diets or between breeds. Calmer animals also had a lower stress response during all preslaughter stages, regardless of the time in lairage. Transport did not imply psychological stress (cortisol) for any slaughter group, but physical stress was evident after transport in both groups through NEFA and CPK increases. Bruise incidences did not differ between lairage groups. The short lairage group did not have enough time to cope with the environment before slaughter, with the consequent deleterious effects on the carcass pH. Animals from the long lairage group had a higher metabolic response shown through NEFA values, but they had enough time to rest and recover overnight, reaching final pH values lower than 5.8, considered the upper limit of the normal range. According to this experiment, with pasture-based animals without fasting on the farm and after 3.5 h of transportation, a resting period of 15 h in lairage should be better than a 3-h one.

Preconditioning beef cattle for long-duration transportation stress with rumen-protected methionine supplementation: A nutrigenetics study

In general, beef cattle long-distance transportation from cow-calf operations to feedlots or from feedlots to abattoirs is a common situation in the beef industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplementation on a proposed gene network for muscle fatigue, creatine synthesis (CKM), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism after a transportation simulation in a test track. Angus × Simmental heifers (n = 18) were stratified by body weight (408 ± 64 kg; BW) and randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 1) control diet (CTRL) or 2) control diet + 8 gr/hd/day of top-dressed rumen-protected methionine (RPM). After an adaptation period to Calan gates, animals received the mentioned dietary treatment consisting of Bermuda hay ad libitum and a soy hulls and corn gluten feed based supplement. After 45 days of supplementation, animals were loaded onto a trailer and transported for 22 hours (long-term transportation). Longissimus muscle biopsies, BW and blood samples were obtained on day 0 (Baseline), 43 (Pre-transport; PRET), and 46 (Post-transport; POST). Heifers' average daily gain did not differ between baseline and PRET. Control heifer's shrink was 10% of BW while RPM heifers shrink was 8%. Serum cortisol decreased, and glucose and creatine kinase levels increased after transportation, but no differences were observed between treatments. Messenger RNA was extracted from skeletal muscle tissue and gene expression analysis was performed by RT-qPCR. Results showed that AHCY and DNMT3A (DNA methylation), SSPN (Sarcoglycan complex), and SOD2 (Oxidative Stress-ROS) were upregulated in CTRL between baseline and PRET and, decreased between pre and POST while they remained constant for RPM. Furthermore, CKM was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, RPM supplementation may affect ROS production and enhance DNA hypermethylation, after a long-term transportation.

Using infrared thermography on farm of origin to predict meat quality and physiological response in cattle (Bos Taurus) exposed to transport and marketing

Temperature is used as an indicator of animals' response to external stimuli and thus it could potentially be used as an indicator or poor animal welfare and meat quality. Remote monitoring of temperature can be achieved using infrared thermography (IRT) at the farm of origin before animals are sent to slaughter. Relationships between temperatures of cattle measured using IRT on-farm and potential indicators of stress and meat quality were investigated in 481 cattle in 2 experiments, one with sea transport and another with land transport. On-farm measurements included IRT and behavioural assessment of temperament along with measurement of physiological indicators of stress and carcass traits post-mortem. Significant correlations were found between IRT and meat pH, meat colour, creatine kinase, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, magnesium, and temperament (P < .05). That said, these correlations did not persist across both experiments. Current findings suggest that on-farm IRT could have the potential to assist with the detection of compromised animal welfare and predict meat quality.

The Potential of Post-Mortem Carcass Assessments in Reflecting the Welfare of Beef and Dairy Cattle

There is increasing interest in utilizing meat inspection data to help inform farmers of the health and welfare of their herds. The aim of this study was to determine whether ante-mortem measures of welfare in beef and dairy cattle (N = 305) were associated with post-mortem measures at a United Kingdom (UK) abattoir. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the ability of ante-mortem measures of lameness, cleanliness, skin lesions, hair loss and body condition in predicting hot carcass weight and the frequency of carcass bruising. For beef cattle, lameness score (p = 0.04), cleanliness score (p = 0.02) and age (p < 0.001), were predictors of carcass bruise score while lameness score (p = 0.03), body condition (p = 0.01) and sex (p < 0.001) were predictors of hot carcass weight. For dairy cattle, sex (p < 0.001) and slaughter day (p < 0.001) were predictors of carcass bruise score while skin lesion score (p = 0.01), body condition (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), slaughter day (p < 0.001) and number of moves (p = 0.01) were predictors of hot carcass weight. These results suggest that recording carcass weight and carcass bruising at meat inspection may have potential as a general indicator of health and welfare status in cattle. However, animal characteristics and variables, such as slaughter day and abattoir staffing, should be taken into account when interpreting the results.

Haemato-biochemical profile and acid-base status of Croatian spotted goats of different ages

The aim of the present research was to determine the haemato-biochemical profile and blood acid–base status of Croatian spotted goats in a traditional Mediterranean production system. The 60 non-gravid female Croatian spotted goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into four groups of 15 goats according to age: group I – ≤1 year old; group II – 2–3 years; group III – 3–6 years; and group IV – 7–10 years. Haematological parameters were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum and acid–base status in plasma by automatic analyser. Total leukocyte number (WBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the blood were the highest, while mean haemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes (MCHCs) was the lowest in yearlings compared to other groups. Concentrations of urea, Mg, Cl, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and lactate were the highest in yearlings. Concentrations of Ca, Na, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings, while the opposite was determined for the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Values of pH, the strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG) and z values as well as the content of HCO3 and total pressure of carbon dioxide (ctCO2) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings. The results obtained may help in monitoring the health and nutritional status and improve the management of Croatian spotted goats. Based on the results of the present study, the effect of age needs to be included in the model when preparing the reference values for the haemato-biochemical profile and acid–base status of goats.

Causes of bruising in carcasses of beef cattle during farm, transport, and slaughterhouse handling in Brazil

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.

Factors responsible for the post-slaughter loss of carcass and offal's in abattoirs in South Africa

Global demand for food is surging upward due to the expansion of human population. Hence food production and supply need to double with little or no waste to meet this demand. Food loss at any point in the farm to fork chain inhibits the stability of food security at household and national level. A retrospective (AR) and a post mortem meat inspection (PMMI) study to identify major causes of offal and carcass condemnation was conducted in three abattoirs namely, Adeliade, Queenstown and East London abattoirs represented as AD, QT, and EL respectively. The retrospective study revealed the main causes of tongue condemnation as abscess (0.08%, 0.03% and 0.05%) and actinobacillosis (0.02%, 0% and 0.02%) respectively. The spleen was condemned due to abscess (0.35%, 0.94% and 0.17%) and splenomegaly (0.21%, 0.55% and 0.2%). The heart was condemned due to cyst (0.24%, 0.36% and 0.2%) and inflammation (0.9%, 1.85%, and 0.75%). While the kidney, was condemned due to cyst (0.08%, 0.23% and 0.16%) and nephritis (0.94%, 1.01% and 1.18%). However, a greater percentage of condemnation was recorded during the active abattoir study. During the same period, partial carcass condemnations were mainly due to bruises (63.3%, 50.4% and 41.0%), abscess (7%, 6% and 14%) and improper evisceration (19%, 31% and 27%). The combined monetary loss due to offal's and carcass condemnation during the AR and PMMI study was estimated as ZAR 255194.4 (34191.5 USD) and ZAR 25958.8 (2570.2 USD) respectively. This study identified major causes of offals and carcass condemnation as abscess, bruises, actinobacillosis, cyst, inflammatory conditions and improper evisceration. It can be used as starting point information for early warning on livestock diseases of economic loss in South Africa.

Pre-slaughter cattle welfare indicators for use in commercial abattoirs with voluntary monitoring systems: A systematic review

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.

Assessment of risk factors contributing to carcass bruising in fed cattle at commercial slaughter facilities

Cattle injuries can occur during transportation due to vehicle design, transport conditions, and loading or unloading procedures and lead to carcass bruising and economic loss due to decreased carcass value. The objectives of this study were to determine whether a relationship exists between trauma incurred during unloading and prevalence of carcass bruising in finished beef cattle at commercial slaughter facilities and determine related risk factors which contribute to both trauma and carcass bruising. Breed (classified as either Holstein cattle or beef breeds), sex, distance traveled, and trailer type (“fat/feeder combination” vs. “fat” trailer) were considered risk factors which may contribute to traumatic event prevalence. When carcass bruise prevalence within each lot was used as the dependent variable, breed, sex, distance traveled, traumatic event prevalence, ribeye area, fat thickness, yield grade, and average carcass weight were considered potential risk factors. Carcass bruises were categorized by location and size, according to the Harvest Audit Program Carcass Bruise Scoring System. Traumatic events were observed while cattle exited trailers onto the unloading docks, and were categorized by location on the animal. Average traumatic event prevalence per lot was 20.4% (± 1.11%). Average carcass bruise prevalence by lot was 68.2% (± 1.15%). There was an interaction between breed and trailer type when multiple linear regression was used to explore variables contributing to traumatic events observed at unloading (P ≤ 0.05). Traumatic events were not associated with prevalence of carcass bruising, while average carcass weight and breed were associated with carcass bruising prevalence. Carcass bruising was more prevalent in Holstein cattle than in cattle which were predominantly beef breeds (P ≤ 0.01). Average carcass weight was negatively associated with carcass bruise prevalence (P ≤ 0.05). The association between traumatic events at unloading and carcass bruising is not significant when multiple variables are considered, indicating that bruising may occur at numerous other points prior to and during the transportation process, including loading and transport, and that other variables can contribute to carcass bruise prevalence. These areas should be explored to determine all potential causes of bruising in beef carcasses, and to help implement prevention practices.

Seasonal prevalence, body condition score and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in South Africa

Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease that is responsible for a significant loss in food resource and animal productivity. The objectives of this study were to determine the seasonal prevalence and risk factors associated with Fasciola infection in cattle. The results were obtained by coprology, antemortem and post-mortem survey of three abattoirs (HTPA1, n = 500, HTPA2, n = 400, and LTPA, n = 220). The seasonal prevalence of Fasciola infection was 10.4%, 12.8% and 10.9%, during summer, 11.2%, 10.8% and 8.6%, during autumn, 9.8%, 6.5% and 5.9% during winter and 8.2%, 7.8% and 5.9%, during spring in the three abattoirs HTPA1, HTPA and LTPA respectively. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the intensity of infection and body condition score (BCS) of cattle at each abattoir. Factors such as age [HTPA1 (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.2, 10.2), and LTPA (OR = 3.8, CI= 2.4, 6.1)], sex [LTPA (OR = 4.2, CI= 2.5, 7.0)], breed [HTPA2 (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.3, 4.1) and LTPA (OR = 2.5, CI= 1.3, 5.0)] and BCS had significant (p < 0.01-0.001) influence on the prevalence of fasciolosis. In conclusion, the infection with Fasciola spp was higher in the summer than in the winter; a positive association was established between the prevalence of fasciolosis and poor body condition in study animals. This study, therefore, suggests that fasciolosis could be causing substantial production losses, mainly due to cattle weight loss and liver condemnation.

Farm to abattoir conditions, animal factors and their subsequent effects on cattle behavioural responses and beef quality - A review

The current review seeks to highlight the concerns that have been raised on pre-slaughter stress, contributing factors and its consequent effects on cattle behavioural responses and the quality of beef; inter-linking the activities involved from birth to slaughter. Such information is crucial in light of the consumer concerns on overall animal welfare, quality of meat and food security. Slaughter animals are exposed to different conditions during production and transportation to abattoirs on a daily basis. However; the majority of studies that have been done previously singled out different environments in the meat production chain, while conclusions have been made that the welfare of slaughter animals and the quality of meat harvested from them is dependent on the whole chain. Behaviour is a critical component used to evaluate the animals' wellbeing and it has been reported to have an effect on product quality. Apart from the influence of on-farm, transportation and abattoir conditions, the genetic background of the animal also affects how it perceives and responds to certain encounters. Stress activates the animals' hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity, triggering release of various stress hormones such as catecholamines and cortisol, thus glycogen depletion prior slaughter, elevated ultimate pH and poor muscle-meat conversion. Pre-slaughter stress sometimes results to cattle attaining bruises, resulting to the affected parts of the carcass being trimmed and condemned for human consumption, downgrading of the carcass and thus profit losses.

Prevalence of lung lesions in slaughtered cattle in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Information obtained from abattoirs on the causes of lung condemnation is important in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and for promoting food security. In this study, we assessed the causes of lung condemnation in cattle at three abattoirs represented as ANA, QTA and EBA to evaluate the financial losses associated with lung condemnation. A retrospective study (n = 51 302) involving the use of abattoir slaughter records of 2010-2012 and an active abattoir survey (n = 1374) was conducted from July to December 2013. The retrospective study revealed the main causes of lung condemnation as pneumonia (1.09%, 2.21% and 0.77%), emphysema (1.12%, 1.14% and 1.1.6%) and abscessation (0.71%, 1.06% and 0.77%), from ANA, QTA and EBA, respectively. The combined monetary loss because of lung condemnation during the period 2010 to 2012 was estimated as ZAR 85 158 (USD 7939) for the abattoirs surveyed. Conversely, during the active abattoir survey, agonal emphysema (15%, 15% and 23%) and improper eviscerations with faecal contamination (10%, 38% and 42%) were the major factors that led to lung condemnation at ANA, QTA and EBA, respectively. Other causes of lung condemnations were haemorrhage (10%) for QTA and pleurisy (12%) for EBA. The weight loss of lungs during the active abattoir survey was 6450 kg, while the associated monetary loss was estimated as ZAR 29 025 (USD 2706). This study identified major causes of lung condemnation as pleuritis, improper evisceration, pneumonia, abscesses, haemorrhages and lung worms and their associated monetary losses. The results of this study may be useful as baseline data for future comparison in similar surveys, for tracking of some zoonotic diseases affecting lungs and for further research in the Eastern Cape Province or other provinces of South Africa.

Conventional versus modern abattoirs in Colombia: Impacts on welfare indicators and risk factors for high muscle pH in commercial Zebu young bulls

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of abattoir type (conventional abattoir -CA- versus modern abattoir -MA-) on stress parameters and risk factors for high muscle pH in Colombia. A total of 522 Zebu young bulls were studied in two groups: 285 at CA, and 237 at MA. Blood samples were taken to measure cortisol, glucose, lactate, creatine kinase, β-hydroxybutyrate, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, haematocrit, leukocytes and N/L ratio. Cattle were monitored during the unloading, lairage, handling and stunning. The logistic regression model showed that stocking density, transport time, abattoir type, and inefficient stunning were variables associated with the prevalence of dark cutting carcasses. This study demonstrated that modern improvements at abattoir level, proper infrastructure, and stunning equipment, do not always guarantee quality in terms of animal welfare. As a first attempt in the Colombian beef industry, this research suggested how handling practices could affect cattle welfare and the prevalence of high muscle pH even at MA.

Bruises in beef cattle at slaughter in Mexico: implications on quality, safety and shelf life of the meat

In emergent economies and developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, the major cause for carcass rejection from the international market is bruising; nevertheless, many of these carcases are destined to local markets and meat processing industries for human consumption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of bruised meat on pH, microbiologic count and biogenic amine (BA) profiles along 21 days of ageing (sampling 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day) with two packaging method (plastic bag vs vacuum) at 4 °C. A total of 50 bruised carcasses were sampled from 1000 young bulls (Brown Swiss X Zebu) of 18-24 months old and an average live weight of 450 ± 66 kg. The results showed significant differences between packaging systems and bruised vs non-bruised meat. The bruised meat caused higher biogenic amine concentrations than did non-bruised meat. We conclude that bruised meat favoured increments of biogenic amine concentrations, even more than did non-bruised meat. The plastic bag + vacuum system limited the increments of BA concentration during storage time therefore it improved shelf life of meat. These results emphasized the importance of implementing best management practices during pre-slaughter operations of cattle in order to reduce a possible risk factor for bruised meat.

Effects of road transportation or droving on the weight and metabolism of young bulls

This study evaluated the effects of the mode of transportation on weight and metabolism of young bulls, which are generally transported by two systems: droving and truck. This experiment consisted of two phases: transportation and refeeding and involved transportation by droving and truck. Fifty young Nellore bulls were separated in equal numbers in both groups, droving group and truck group. In the transportation phase, animals were moved, in a 640-km journey. The refeeding phase consisted of 84 days and commenced after the animals arrived at the fattening farm. The effect of the transportation system on animals' weight, metabolic hormones, and serum biochemistry was assessed after 28, 56, and 84 days. During the transportation phase, animals in the droving group lost 10.11 kg and animals in the truck group gained 13.1 kg. The truck group showed 20.5 kg of weight gain at the end of the refeeding phase. The highest triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations were observed on days 0 and 60 in the transportation phase in both droving and truck groups. The serum cortisol concentration was higher in the droving group than in the truck group on day 56 of the refeeding phase. The IGF-I concentrations were higher during the refeeding phase in the droving group than in the truck group. Our results showed that transportation by droving leads to increased weight loss and reduced further weight gain compared to transportation by truck and that serum concentrations of T4, cortisol, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) hormones are altered by the transportation system.