The implementation of a HACCP system improved the efficiency of a bull semen collection and processing center.

Karina Lemos Goularte,Arnaldo Diniz Vieira,Eduarda Hallal Duval,Thomaz Lucia,Rafael Gianella Mondadori,Carlos Eduardo Ranquetat Ferreira,Elisângela Mirapalheta Madeira

doi:10.21451/1984-3143-ar2017-022

Abstract

Bull Semen Collection and Processing Centers (SCPC) have satisfactory control of sperm quality, but commonly lack standardized quality control of hygiene procedures. This study assessed the impact of implementing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in a bull SCPC, comparing microbial counts on various steps of semen processing, semen quality and costs across two periods (before and after the HACCP implementation). After surveying all routine activities of the SCPC, control points were identified, preventive measures were designed and corrective actions were employed, whenever necessary. Six months after HACCP implementation, the system was audited and production data covering two similar periods of two consecutive years were compared. Counts of colony forming units in samples collected from artificial vaginas, flexible tubes from the straw filling machine and from fresh and frozen semen after HACCP implementation were lower than during the previous period (P < 0.05). Improved post-thawing sperm motility, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity (P < 0.0001) and reduced rejection of semen batches and frozen doses were observed after HACCP implementation (P < 0.01), resulting in reduced opportunity costs. Thus, the implementation of a HACCP system in a bull SCPC allowed low-cost production of high-quality semen doses with reduced microbial contamination.

Highlights

Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) concepts are applied as quality control systems, using field data to identify critical hazards, generating and testing risk management strategies (Hulebak and Schlosser, 2002) and establishing preventive measures that are usually more efficient than corrective measures (Codex Committee on Food Hygiene, 2009)
A,BDistinct superscripts in rows indicate difference of at least P < 0.01. *Assuming a total cost of US$1.00 per semen dose produced and an average sales price of US$ 10.00 per dose. This is the first study to report a positive impact of implementing a HACCP system developed for a commercial bull Semen Collection and Processing Centers (SCPC), even though decision-support systems of such nature have been used in the food industry (Ropkins and Beck, 2000; Lupin et al, 2010; Wang et al, 2010) and some of its concepts have been applied to compare microbiological contamination across boar studs (Schulze et al, 2015)
The results of the present study indicate that the combined use of preventive measures, periodical audit and corrective actions established through the HACCP system is truly more efficient than restricting quality control to inspection of the final product (Ropkins and Beck, 2000)

Summary

Introduction

Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) concepts are applied as quality control systems, using field data to identify critical hazards, generating and testing risk management strategies (Hulebak and Schlosser, 2002) and establishing preventive measures that are usually more efficient than corrective measures (Codex Committee on Food Hygiene, 2009) Such decision-support systems were primarily applied for animal health management (Rose et al, 2003; Bell et al, 2009; Horchner and Pointon, 2011) and in the food industry (Ropkins and Beck, 2000; Lupin et al, 2010; Wang et al, 2010), strategies based on HACCP concepts have been applied in other fields. The objective of this study was to compare parameters of sperm quality and of microbiological contamination and estimated costs and financial losses during the production of semen doses, before and after the implementation of a HACCP system in a bull SCPC

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion