Effects of feed withdrawal times prior to slaughter on some animal welfare indicators and meat quality traits in commercial pigs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determinate the effects of on-farm fasting periods and lairage times on the physiological behavioral indicators, and on the killing-out and meat quality traits in commercial pigs. Two-hundred and forty pigs were submitted to a 2X4X3 experimental design, with two on-farm periods (0 or 8 h), four lairage times (1, 8, 12, 24 h) of fasting and three replicates. The blood values of cortisol, urea, and non-esterified fatty acids were above the baseline values for the species Fasting on the farm, lairage time, and total fasting (on farm plus lairage time) had a significant effect on carcass yield and on the hot and cold carcass yields (P < 0.01), but not on live weight losses (P > 0.01). The total fast had significant effects on the pH values, color L * and on water-holding capacity of the meat (P < 0.01). Therefore, in favor of animal welfare and better meat quality we suggest a total fast no >12 h.