Correlation between pre and post-slaughter physiological parameters in lambs

Juliana Pereira Fonseca,Luana Gusmão De Moura,Ricardo Berteaux Robaldo,Gilson De Mendonça,Michele Pepe Cerqueira,Pablo Tavares Costa

doi:10.33448/rsd-v9i11.9325

Juliana Pereira Fonseca, Luana Gusmão De Moura + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i11.9325

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to obtain information with scientific validity regarding the probable physiological alterations that sheep may suffer in the period prior to slaughter and its relationship with welfare conditions and maintenance of homeostasis. Twenty-nine castrated male lambs were used, clinically healthy, with no defined breed, and aged up to one year. Before slaughter, the heart and respiratory frequencies were measured, as well as the rectal temperature. At the time of bleeding, a blood sample was collected for analysis of hematological parameters (lactic acid, glucose, hematocrit). The mean value found for the rectal temperature was 39.30 ± 0.45 °C, for respiratory rate of 64.10 ± 28.52mov/min, heart rate of 106.90 ± 30.57bat/min, lactic acid of 4.81 ± 1.04mmol/L, glucose of 69.79 ± 10.33mg/dL and hematocrit of 38.93 ± 3.28%. The database analysis showed a low and positive correlation between respiratory rate and rectal temperature. It was concluded that lambs kept at high temperatures showed an increase in respiratory and cardiac frequencies, as well as an intensification of the stress condition reflected by the increase in plasma lactic acid levels.

Highlights

Sheep farming is an activity practiced in most countries of the world, demonstrating the easy adjustment of the sheep species (Ovis aries) to different climates and environmental conditions
The mean value found for the rectal temperature was 39.30 ± 0.45 °C, for respiratory rate of 64.10 ± 28.52mov/min, heart rate of 106.90 ± 30.57bat/min, lactic acid of 4.81 ± 1.04mmol/L, glucose of 69.79 ± 10.33mg/dL and hematocrit of 38.93 ± 3.28%
A widely used parameter to determine the degree of adaptability of the animals is the TR, since it is a good indicator of internal body temperature (Lima, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Sheep farming is an activity practiced in most countries of the world, demonstrating the easy adjustment of the sheep species (Ovis aries) to different climates and environmental conditions. Most sheep farms are focused on meat production, with the most diverse systems (Sorio, Magalhães & Marques, 2016). The development of the consumer market still contrasts with the difficulties of interaction of the links of the productive chain of cut ovine culture, which implies, mainly, in the disorganization of the different sectors involved in Brazil (Guimarães & Souza, 2014). Consumers are increasingly demanding, looking for products with better organoleptic characteristics, being relevant aspects, from the breeding of animals to the processing of carcasses (Sorio et al, 2016). In order to obtain meats with superior quality standards, issues such as well-being should be taken into account (Lima, 2014), changes in the environment the animal is used to may cause stress, inducing the use of physiological mechanisms to restore.

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