The effect of transport time from the assembly yard to the abattoir and resting time at the abattoir on pork quality

Abstract

Over 1900 pigs, supplied by two producers, were first delivered to an assembly yard and then transported to a commercial abattoir. Transport times were 50 min and 2 h, and resting periods at the abattoir were < 30 min, 3 h and 6 h. Times were chosen to represent normal practices in Ontario. The colour and structure of the boneless loins were as sessed subjectively 24 h postmortem. The shorter (50 min) transport time was associated with the highest (P ≤ 0.05) incidence of pale and soft/exudative loins. A longer transport time reduced the incidence of pale and soft/exudative loins; it also increased (P ≤ 0.05) the incidence of dark and firm/dry loins; particularly during winter. A resting period of < 30 min resulted in the highest (P ≤ 0.01) incidence of pale and soft/exudative loins. A 3 h resting period significantly improved (P ≤ 0.01) quality by reducing the incidence of pale loins and soft/exudative loins. Extending the resting period from 3 h to 6 h provided inconsistent improvements in quality due to interactions with season (P ≤ 0.05) and producer/management (P ≤ 0.05). Considering transport time and resting period together further highlighted the importance of resting period at the abattoir. Three h resting period always improved (P ≤ 0.05) quality regardless of transport time, season or producer. Key words: Transport, resting period, pork quality, pale, soft and exudative, DFD