Effect of space allowance during transport of Dorper x Santa Inês lambs on biochemical stress parameters and meat quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether different space allowances (0.18, 0.21, 0.24 or 0.28 m2/animal) during transport of Dorper x Santa Inês lambs affect biochemical parameters, and carcass and meat traits. Eighty Dorper x Santa Inês lambs (live weight = 36.52 ± 0.67 kg) were used, and four space allowances were evaluated during 5.9 h (first quartile = 5.0 h and third quartile = 6.8 h) of transport. Live weight after transport was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.29). Immediately after unloading, the cortisol concentration decreased linearly with increasing space allowance (P < 0.01). Lambs that were transported in a larger space allowance (0.28 m2) had a lower creatine kinase (CK) concentration than those with a space allowance of to 0.18 m2 (P < 0.05). After lairage, the cortisol concentration was lower in animals that were transported on a larger space when compared to the 0.18 m2 group (P < 0.05), and CK was no longer significantly different between groups (P = 0.29). The percentage of carcasses with bruises was similar between groups (P = 0.80). However, the mean number of bruises per bruised carcass and that of bruises over 5 cm in size per bruised carcass decreased linearly with increasing space allowance (P ≤ 0.02). Ultimate pH and meat shear force were lower in animals that were transported in a larger space allowance (0.28 m2) level when compared to the 0.18 m2 group (P < 0.04). In view of the above, we concluded that the best space allowance during transport of Santa Inês x Dorper lambs, considering that the spaces studied were between 0.18 and 0.28 m2/animal with a mean live weight of 36.5 kg and transported for 5.9 h, is 0.28 m2/animal.