Beef Abattoir Research Articles

Insertion of agronomy and animal science course students in bovine slaughterhouses, in mato grosso do sul, directs learning: a rural extension perspective

Rural extension is a tool that has become essential for the efficient and rapid implementation of good agricultural and livestock practices, seeking the development of rural properties. Carrying out an internship provides the student with professional and personal growth, as having the opportunity to follow the routine of their future profession allows them to improve their learning. In this context, the article explored the insertion of students from Agronomy and Zootechnics courses in beef production, on properties and in beef slaughterhouses. Describing the targeted experience and learning of students, it can contribute to carcass yield and meat quality, highlighting the importance of the partnership between the University, producers and agribusinesses. During the months of November 2022 to January 2023, students from the Agronomy and Zootechnics courses followed the activities of a company in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, which carries out technical monitoring of slaughter, and provides consultancy to improve the quality of beef. Given the aspects reported, we can say that carrying out this internship contributed to providing new experiences for these students, especially in rural areas and meat quality. Making it possible to improve and consolidate knowledge about cattle farming, animal nutrition, health management, slaughter and meat quality. By carrying out activities during the internship, it served to influence professional training. The activities proved to be extremely relevant in the construction of theoretical-practical knowledge among those involved, industry, company, students and producers and the suggestions given to producers provided differentiated training as it covered different areas of the beef cattle production chain.

Sustainability indicators in beef slaughterhouses: a systematic review

The sustainable management of slaughterhouses follows market demands. The article reports a systematic literature review on the environmental impacts of beef slaughterhouses, using the PRISMA method. The review highlights the use of analytical hierarchy (AHP), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The studies used the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate sustainability in the supply chain and meat production, highlighting the preponderance of economic criteria over social and environmental aspects. They identified crucial indicators such as industry diversity and energy consumption, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers these different aspects to achieve sustainability. The life cycle assessment focused on reducing the water footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential for mitigation through the recovery of by-products in slaughterhouses. The study showed importance of maximizing the use of slaughtered animals to reduce the environmental footprint, identifying fossil fuels as the main contributors to climate change and recommending the transition to organic agriculture as a strategy to reduce emissions. After screening, 14 were selected and, finally, 7 works were included. It also showed the low number of bibliographic materials on sustainability indicators in beef slaughterhouses e pointing out the need for more research in this field, implementation of sustainable practices in beef production, with special emphasis on the incorporation of ESG indicators to ensure an approach aligned with the global sustainability demands.

A comparative study on the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and factors associated with the distribution of Listeria species on cattle farms and beef abattoirs in Gauteng Province, South Africa

These cross-sectional studies reported the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and factors associated with the distribution of Listeria species on cattle farms and beef abattoirs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A total of 328 samples (faeces, feeds, silage, and drinking water) were collected from 23 cattle farms (communal, cow-calf, and feedlot), and 262 samples (faeces, carcass swabs, and effluents) from 8 beef abattoirs (low throughput and high throughput) were processed using standard bacteriological and molecular methods to detect Listeria species. The factors associated with the prevalence of Listeria species were investigated, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) was used to determine Listeria species, the pathogenic serogroups, and the carriage of eight virulence-associated genes by Listeria monocytogenes. The overall prevalence of Listeria species in cattle farms was 14.6%, comprising Listeria innocua (11.3%), Listeria monocytogenes (3.4%), Listeria welshimeri (0.0%) compared with 11.1%, comprising Listeria innocua (5.7%), Listeria monocytogenes (4.6%), Listeria welshimeri (0.8%) for beef abattoirs. Of the three variables (area, type of farm/abattoir, and sample type) investigated, only the sample types at abattoirs had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on the prevalence of L. innocua and L. welshimeri. The frequency of distribution of the serogroups based on 11 L. monocytogenes isolated from farms was 72.7% and 27.3% for the serogroup 1/2a-3a and 4b-4d-4e, respectively, while for the 12 L. monocytogenes isolates recovered from abattoirs, it was 25%, 8.3%, 50% and 16.7% for the serogroup 1/2a-3a, 1/2b-3b, 1/2c-3c, and 4b-4d-4e respectively (P < 0.05). All (100%) isolates of L. monocytogenes from the farms and abattoirs were positive for seven virulence genes (hlyA, inlB, plcA, iap, inlA, inlC, and inlJ). The clinical and food safety significance of the findings cannot be ignored.

Dose effects of encapsulated butyric acid and zinc on beef feedlot steer growth performance, dietary net energy utilization, rumen morphometrics, small intestine histology, and carcass characteristics.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects that increasing doses of encapsulated butyric acid and zinc (BZ) have on feedlot steer growth performance, rumen morphometrics and small intestine histology (data not statistically analyzed), dietary net energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers [n = 272; shrunk body weight (BW) = 360 kg ± 74 kg] were assigned to dietary treatments [0 (CON), 1, 2, or 3g BZ/kg diet dry matter] in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with pen (n = 32 total; n = 8 per treatment) as experimental unit. Pens were blocked by cattle source and location within the feedyard. Cattle were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27cm rib-fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial beef abattoir. Carcass and liver health data were recorded. A subset of steers (n = 8 total; n = 2 per treatment) was harvested at the SDSU Meat Laboratory to collect empty body measurements, rumen samples for morphometric analysis, and duodenal and ileal samples for histological analysis to provide context to feeding trial outcomes. Feedlot growth performance data was calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis: hot carcass weight (HCW)/0.625. Data were analyzed as a RCBD with fixed effects of BZ inclusion level and block was considered a random effect; pre-planned contrasts for CON vs. BZ, plus linear, and quadratic responses were tested. No differences (P ≥ 0.11) were observed for final BW, dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion efficiency (G:F), performance calculated dietary net energy, HCW, ribeye area, rib-fat thickness, marbling score, estimated empty body fat, or distribution of USDA yield grade (YG) 1, 3, 4, 5, and USDA quality grade among treatments. A tendency (P = 0.10) was observed for CON vs. BZ for calculated YG. Tendencies were detected for USDA YG 2 carcass distribution (linear; P = 0.07) and for normal and abscessed liver prevalence (quadratic; P = 0.08). Dressed yield tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for BZ vs. CON and increased with dose (linear; P = 0.05). Receiving period shrunk BW, ADG, and G:F was improved (P ≤ 0.02) for BZ-supplemented steers compared to CON. Data from this study suggests that the addition of BZ to feedlot finishing diets to improve receiving period growth performance and decreasing the prevalence of abscessed livers should be further investigated.

371 Effect of Calcium Magnesium Carbonate And/Or Tylosin Phosphate Supplementation on Behavior, Rumination Activity, Feedlot Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Yearling Beef Steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcium magnesium carbonate (CMC) and/or tylosin phosphate (TYL) supplementation on behavior, rumination activity, growth performance and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial including CMC and TYL. Beef steers (n = 156; 469 ± 18 kg) were randomly assigned to treatment pens (7 to 8 steers/pen) with pen (n = 20 pens total, 10 pens/main effect mean, and 5 pens/simple effect mean) as experimental unit. Cattle were transitioned from a 30% roughage diet to a 7% roughage finishing diet based on dry-rolled corn, dried distillers grains plus solubles, liquid supplement, and oat silage over the initial 20 d period. The CMC was included at 1.5% of the diet (DM basis) in replacement of dry-rolled corn and TYL was provided at 90 mg·animal·d-1. Behavior and rumination activity were monitored during a 24 h period on d 42. Data was collected on a pen-basis, every 10 min from 0800 h to 0750 h the next day and included minutes spent drinking (DR), eating (EA), active (AC), ruminating (RU), and resting (RE). Cattle were shipped for harvest on d 105 to a commercial beef abattoir. Growth performance was calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis (HCW/0.625). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with fixed effects of CMC, TYL, or their interaction; block was a random effect. An interaction was observed between CMC and TYL for time spent DR (P = 0.03) and RU (P = 0.01). Control steers ruminated 28% longer compared with CMC/-TYL steers (P = 0.05) and 20% longer than -CMC/TYL steers (P = 0.05). The main effect of CMC tended to increase time spent EA by 19.3% (P = 0.06). Dry matter intake was decreased (P ≤ 0.02) by 4.57% when CMC was fed and increased by 1.96% when TYL was fed. However, no difference (P ≥ 0.26) was observed for G:F or gain efficiency in either treatment. No differences (P ≥ 0.28) were observed in any dietary net energy utilization outcomes in either main effect treatment. Carcass weight tended (P = 0.07) to be lighter with CMC supplementation compared with CON (432 vs 439 kg). Supplementation of TYL resulted in a 11.7% reduction (P = 0.04) in percentage of abscessed livers. No differences (P ≥ 0.12) were observed in DP, marbling, YG, or EBF in either main effect treatments. These results indicate that supplementation of CMC did not result in any appreciable improvements in growth, carcass or dietary net energy utilization performance, but TYL supplementation resulted in a positive effect on liver abscess prevalence.

Characterization of decontamination procedure of beef carcasses at slaughterhouses in the province of Antioquia, Colombia

BACKGROUND: Beef slaughterhouses must use a carcass decontamination procedure to control pathogens and thus prevent foodborne diseases transmitted by meat. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize beef carcass decontamination procedures at slaughterhouses located in the province of Antioquia (Colombia). All the slaughterhouses were open, registered, and approved by Invima (Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos in Spanish) at the time of the study. METHODS: This descriptive study collected information from 23 beef slaughterhouses between July 2019 and April 2021 through documentary reviews and visits to slaughterhouses, using forms and questionnaires. RESULTS: The study allowed the characterization of the procedures used to decontaminate beef carcasses, showing that the chemical disinfection of the carcasses is used to control microorganisms in at least 73.9% of the slaughterhouses analyzed. According to secondary sources, it was found that most of the slaughterhouses are small (slaughter volume &lt;50,000 heads per year); 10 of them use citric acid, lactic acid, peracetic acid, and a mixture of organic acids in concentrations between 900 and 1,200 ppm, 1.5 and 1.7%, 180 and 190 ppm, and 900 and 1,200 ppm, respectively, as carcass disinfectants and according to the technical data sheet of the product. During the visits and through the application of the questionnaire, it was found that the 12 slaughterhouses had implemented chemical disinfection which is not scientifically based, using manual devices as an intervention method to control pathogenic microorganisms. It was found that the type of company, slaughter volume, and the lack of financial resources are the determining factors in the selection of decontamination procedures. The validation of the beef carcass decontamination procedures in the different slaughterhouses in the study was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS:Although it was established that at least one decontamination procedure, such as chemical disinfection, is used in the slaughterhouses of study, this option is not supported by scientific or technical evidence. The findings support the need for improvements in the slaughterhouses of the province of Antioquia, including the improvement of surveillance programs to reduce pathogens in the meat chain effectively.

Genomic Characterization of Listeria innocua Isolates Recovered from Cattle Farms, Beef Abattoirs, and Retail Outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for the genomic characterization of one hundred and ten strains of Listeria innocua (L. innocua) isolated from twenty-three cattle farms, eight beef abattoirs, and forty-eight retail outlets in Gauteng province, South Africa. In silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to identify the isolates' sequence types (STs). BLAST-based analyses were used to identify antimicrobial and virulence genes. The study also linked the detection of the genes to the origin (industries and types of samples) of the L. innocua isolates. The study detected 14 STs, 13 resistance genes, and 23 virulence genes. Of the 14 STs detected, ST637 (26.4%), ST448 (20%), 537 (13.6%), and 1085 (12.7%) were predominant, and the frequency varied significantly (p < 0.05). All 110 isolates of L. innocua were carriers of one or more antimicrobial resistance genes, with resistance genes lin (100%), fosX (100%), and tet(M) (30%) being the most frequently detected (p < 0.05). Of the 23 virulence genes recognized, 13 (clpC, clpE, clpP, hbp1, svpA, hbp2, iap/cwhA, lap, lpeA, lplA1, lspA, oatA, pdgA, and prsA2) were found in all 110 isolates of L. innocua. Overall, diversity and significant differences were detected in the frequencies of STs, resistance, and virulence genes according to the origins (source and sample type) of the L. innocua isolates. This, being the first genomic characterization of L. innocua recovered from the three levels/industries (farm, abattoir, and retail) of the beef production system in South Africa, provides data on the organism's distribution and potential food safety implications.

Molecular Detection of Salmonella spp. and E. coli non-O157:H7 in Two Halal Beef Slaughterhouses in the United States.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria on halal beef carcasses and environmental surfaces in two halal beef slaughterhouses in the United States. To evaluate halal beef slaughter operations, 144 beef carcass samples (pre- and post-evisceration), and 24 environmental site samples (slaughter hall floor, brisket saw, and offal's table) were collected in two halal beef slaughterhouses during June to September 2017. All carcass and environmental samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (non-O157 STEC). Results revealed that Salmonella spp. was isolated and confirmed for the presence of invA gene in 5/36 samples (13.8%) and 5/36 samples (13.8%) at pre-evisceration in plants A and B, respectively. Salmonella spp. was isolated in 2/9 samples (5.6%) of plants A and was not detected in any sample at post-evisceration process. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in any sample collected from plant A and B. E. coli non-O157 was isolated and confirmed for the presence of virulence genes in 4/36 samples (11.1%) and 2/36 samples (5.5%) at post-evisceration in plants A and B, respectively. Salmonella spp. was detected based on the presence of the Salmonella&amp;nbsp;invA gene in the slaughter hall floor (4/4) and the offal's table (2/4) samples using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). In plant B, Salmonella spp. was also confirmed in the slaughter hall floor (2/4) and brisket saw (2/4) samples. On the other hand, one isolate of E. coli O157:H7 and one non-O157 STEC were obtained from the slaughter hall floor of plant A. The E. coli O157:H7 isolate was positive for stx1, stx2, eaeA, and EHEC-hly genes. Two isolates of non-O157 STEC (2/4) were detected in the environmental site samples, one from the slaughter hall floor, and one from an offal's table sample of plant B. These data can be used to inform food safety interventions targeting halal meat operations in the southeastern United States.

Resistance profile and biofilm production capacity of Staphylococcus spp. beef slaughterhouse isolates and their sensitivity to Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil.

Microorganisms can interfere with meat quality, being a public health problem. The aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from utensils of a bovine slaughterhouse and to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary). Samples of surfaces and utensils used during slaughter in the northwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil were collected. After isolation and differentiation of the isolates by the coagulase test, the antimicrobial susceptibility test, Staphylococcus aureus identification and mecA gene research were performed. The study for biofilm production was carried out by the method of adhesion in borosilicate tube and by adhesion in polystyrene plate. Subsequently, the inhibitory activity of theR. officinalis essential oiland its ability to inhibit biofilm were investigated. Twenty-two of the samples collected were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and five as coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. There was resistance to all antibiotics tested, with clindamycin (33.33%) and rifampicin (29.6%) showing the highest rate. None of the samples was confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus or for the presence of the mecA resistance gene. The essential oil inhibited the growth of 48% of the isolates at a concentration of 16,000µg/mL. Of these isolates, 33% were positive for biofilm production and this biofilm was also inhibited by the essential oil. This work revealed that multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus and biofilm producers are present in the slaughter environment and are susceptible to the essential oil of R. officinalis.

Distribution of psychrophilic microorganisms in a beef slaughterhouse in Japan after cleaning.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the abundance and distribution of psychrophilic microorganisms associated with spoilage in beef slaughterhouse environments after cleaning. The processing lines and equipment used in slaughtering and boning were swabbed, and the microbial count was determined using a TSA and MRS medium and Chromocult® Coliform agar incubated at 15ºC and 37ºC, respectively. As a result, the brisket saw (handle side) and trolley hook were the most heavily contaminated with microorganisms, with each having a microbial adhesion rate of 66.7%. The microbial adhesion rates of the apron and milling cutter (edge side) were 50%, respectively, and those of the foot cutter (edge and handle side), splitting saw (edge side), and knife (handle side) were 33.3%, respectively. Next, four colonies were randomly isolated from the petri dish used for the bacterial count measurement to identify the predominant microbial species of the microorganisms attached to each equipment. As a result of Sanger sequencing analysis, yeasts such as Candida zeylanoides and Rhodotorula sp. and bacteria including Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp. were identified from the equipment used in the slaughtering line, and it was assumed that these microorganisms were of environmental origin. In contrast, only Pseudomonas sp. and Candida zeylanoides were isolated from the boning line. Despite the use of cleaning operations, this study identified some equipment was contaminated with microorganisms. Since this equipment frequently comes into direct contact with the carcass, it is critical to thoroughly remove the microorganisms through accurate cleaning to prevent the spread of microbial contamination on the carcasses.

Food safety and sanitation practices survey in very small halal and non-halal beef slaughterhouses in the United States

To determine food safety and sanitation practices and compare small halal and non-halal beef slaughterhouses in the United States, we conducted two web-based surveys using a similar questionnaire and data collection methods. Among the 80 halal slaughterhouses included in this study, 56.25% (45 out of 80) participated, while 63.75% (51 out of 80) participated in the non-halal slaughterhouse survey. This study showed no significant differences between halal and non-halal slaughterhouses regarding food safety and sanitation, food safety technologies, and microbiological testing practices. All halal and non-halal slaughterhouses conducted generic E. coli (100%) for beef carcasses. The most common interventions used in halal slaughterhouses were a combination of treatments (cold water + hot water (180 °F) + organic acid) 31.1%. In contrast, the most common interventions used in non-halal slaughterhouses were only hot water (180 °F) (33.5%). The findings of this study can be used to describe food safety and sanitation practices in the halal meat industries and find areas for improvement.

Characterisation and epidemiological subtyping of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from the beef production chain in Gauteng, South Africa

In South Africa, there is a shortage of epidemiologic data on Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in the beef production chain. This study was conducted to characterise STEC isolates originating from three studies conducted in a cattle feedlot, beef abattoirs and retail outlets in Gauteng province, South Africa. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect virulence genes, the Epsilometer test to assess antimicrobial susceptibility, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to investigate genetic relatedness of isolates, and conventional serotyping for phenotypic identification. Amongst the 86 STEC isolates, the eaeA gene was detected in 20 (23%), and 26 different serogroups were identified, including the clinically important O8, O174, O2, 020 and O117. The majority of the isolates (95%; 82/86) exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents, and 30 of the isolates (35%) exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR), being resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes. The PFGE patterns showed a highly diverse but related STEC population, with 45 distinct patterns and evidence of horizontal transmission along the beef production chain. This is significant because it demonstrates continual environmental contamination and risk of contamination along the beef production chain and the food chain. To our knowledge, this is the first study that provides evidence of horizontal transmission of STEC along the beef production chain in South Africa. This epidemiological information could facilitate the development of a proactive strategy for reducing potential foodborne outbreaks and transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in the food chain.

An Assessment of the Waste Management Practices of the *Atlantic Beef Abattoir

This research was conducted at the *Atlantic Beef Abattoir, with the objectives of understanding the process of slaughtering and identifying the potential sources of waste generation; comparing the waste management practices of the studied abattoir to international best practices; and identifying the challenges of waste management at the Atlantic beef abattoir.

Hybrid concentrated solar biomass (HCSB) systems for cogeneration: Techno-economic analysis for beef abattoirs in New South Wales, Australia

The clean energy transition and commitments to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century are most challenging for energy-intensive industries, like meat processing, that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels for heat and power. This study examines technical design options of combined heat and power (CHP) systems for beef abattoirs. Specifically, we investigate the technical and economic viability of a novel hybrid concentrated solar biomass (HCSB) system for a major beef abattoir in Australia. Two prospective design options are presented: The first considers an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system integrated to a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant and an existing biomass boiler. The second option consists of a hybrid combined cycle (HCC) system fed by an existing biomass boiler, a solar thermal system and biogas, from anaerobic digestion (AD) of liquid waste streams of the abattoir. The two design options are simulated, considering operational modes and energy demand of the abattoir. Costs of energy generation [AU$/MWh] and emission abatement potential [tCO2-e], for different solar field sizes [ha], are discussed for both cases. The simple retrofit ORC HCSB solution is characterized by easy integration, but can only cover a fraction of the required electricity. The more sophisticated HCC HCSB system presents a more economical solution, as it can provide 100% renewable heat at a cost of 66.0 AU$/MWhth; and up to 65% of electricity at a cost of 151.7 AU$/MWhel. The findings of this study highlight the opportunity for HCSB plants for industries with low- to medium (40–250 °C) heating demand.

225 Effect of Increasing Doses of Encapsulated Butyric Acid and Zinc on Beef Feedlot Steer Growth Performance, Dietary Net Energy Utilization, and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects that increasing doses of encapsulated butyric acid and zinc (BPZ) have on beef feedlot steer growth performance, dietary net energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers (n = 272; shrunk BW = 360 kg ± 74 kg) were assigned to dietary treatment [0 (CON), 1, 2, or 3 g BPZ/kg diet DM] in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with pen (n = 32) as experimental unit. Cattle were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27 cm rib-fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial beef abattoir. Carcass and liver health data was recorded. Feedlot performance data was calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis (HCW/0.625). Data were analyzed as a RCBD with fixed effects of BPZ inclusion level and block was considered a random effect; pre-planned contrasts for CON vs. BPZ, plus linear, and quadratic responses were tested. No differences (P ≥ 0.14) were observed for final BW, DMI, ADG, feed conversion efficiency, observed dietary NEm and NEg, observed-to-expected dietary NEm and NEg, HCW, REA, rib-fat thickness, marbling score, estimated EBF, or distribution of USDA YG 1, 3, 4, 5, and USDA quality grade among treatments. A tendency (P = 0.10) was observed for CON vs. BPZ for calculated YG. Tendencies were detected for USDA YG 2 carcass distribution (linear; P = 0.07) and for normal and abscessed liver prevalence (quadratic; P = 0.08). Dressed yield tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for BPZ vs. Con and increased with dose (linear; P = 0.05). Supplementation of BPZ in finishing cattle diets does not appreciably influence growth performance, but increases dressed yield. Data from this study suggests that the addition of BPZ to feedlot finishing diets for decreasing the prevalence of abscessed livers should be further investigated.

PSIII-6 Relationship of geographical location, cattle type, sex, and pen size to rates of liver abnormalities

Abstract Bovine liver abscess outcomes of individual animals (n = 989,296) were observed from 2013 to 2021 on a pen (n = 6,420) basis to quantify liver abscess prevalence and severity, as well as other liver abnormalities such as liver flukes. Cattle originated from 122 feedlots located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Livers were audited at eighteen different beef abattoirs. Observational categories included sex (heifer, steer), cattle type (Holstein, beef-type), and pen count. Pen counts were grouped (&amp;lt; 40, 41–80, 81–160, 161–320, and &amp;gt;320) to quantify the association of pen size on liver abscess outcomes. Data were analyzed as a series of binomial proportions using generalized linear mixed models with fixed effects of observational categories (cattle type, feedyard location, pen size and sex). Cattle fed in Oklahoma or Texas exhibited greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) frequency of liver flukes (3.2% vs 0.5%) than cattle fed in Colorado or Nebraska. Cattle fed in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arizona, and Oklahoma exhibited fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) total abscesses (23.5%, 26.0%, 23.6%, 19.3%, 16.9%, and 18.1%) than cattle fed in Idaho, Minnesota, and Texas (36.4%, 36.4%, and 33.2%). Beef-type cattle were observed to exhibit fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) total abscesses (22.0% vs 41.1%) and fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) severe abscesses (10.2% vs 26.4%) than Holstein cattle. Likewise, native heifers exhibited fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) total abscesses (20.6% vs 23.3%) and fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) severe abscesses (9.3% vs 11.1%) than native steers. Abscess prevalence differed as a function of pen size. Both total abscess and severe abscess rates decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) as animal count within a pen increased (32.66%, 27.47%, 27.86%, 23.17%, and 20.33%; 17.20%, 14.48%, 14.80%, 11.45%, and 9.14%). These results suggest liver abscess prevalence and severity is affected by a wide range of factors.

Strategic and Sustainable Implementation of 5S in a Beef Abattoir

In recent time workplace organization and easy information retrieval help in achieving optimum productivity through maximum utilization of the resources available, significantly reducing industrial lead-time and waste thus resulting in low production cost and increase return-on-investment (ROI). This paper is a study of the effective and efficient implementation of 5S processes in a beef abattoir. Thus, the paper employs both qualitative (case study) and quantitative (statistical analysis like 5S scorecard and 5S audit performance) methods. This research identifies and outlines 5S “best practice” issues overlooked such as unneeded items lying around, torn sign displays, labels and shelves not partitioned, bins not clearly stored in demarcated areas and storage tools not clearly shown with sign panels and labels. Furthermore, budget constraints and the abattoir unreadiness to adopt the 5S system inhibits the smooth implementation of the 5S phases required. Therefore, this research managed to map out a 5S lean-system implementation framework for the case company X beef abattoirs. Finally, the research recommended effective process on how 5S can efficiently save the industry on planning to reduce waste in processes such as lead-time in effective information retrieval system, safety issues to mitigate non-value adding activities and space utilization, for improved productivity.

Measuring the sustainability of beef supply chain with rapid appraisal for beef supply chain

Background and Aim:Nationally, there has always been a gap between the demand for beef and its supply, although supply growth is proportional with demand growth and even exceeds it in some regions in Indonesia. This research study aims to measure the sustainability status of the beef supply chain and applies the developed measurement system to a specific beef supply chain by identifying suitable indicators and their scale. Moreover, this research study provides some recommendations for the improvement of the sustainability status of the beef supply chain.Materials and Methods:In this research study, 11 and nine indicators were analyzed to assess the sustainability status of the beef supply chain at the farm and slaughterhouse chain levels. A rapid appraisal for beef supply chain was applied to rapidly assess the sustainability status of beef supply chains using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS). The Delphi method was utilized as an iterative process to collect data and obtain consensus of experts’ judgments regarding the policies that should be implemented to improve the most sensitive indicator affecting the economic, social, and environmental dimensions.Results:Analysis of ordination with MDS shows the regional sustainability index value for multidimensional approaches of beef cattle farms and beef slaughterhouses. The sustainability index value for beef cattle farms was 56.14 (moderately sustainable), 48.02 (fairly unsustainable), and 48.77 (fairly unsustainable) in Semarang, Sragen, and Boyolali, respectively. Moreover, the sustainability index value for beef slaughterhouses was 47.05 (fairly unsustainable), 54.83 (moderately sustainable), and 54.19 (moderately sustainable) in Semarang, Sragen, and Boyolali, respectively. Policy recommendation was focused on the basis of the results of leverage analysis, which highlighted the most indicative factor affecting sustainability for each dimension.Conclusion:Measurement results revealed that the achievement of beef supply chain sustainability requires targeted efforts through the deployment of several policies as the current status of sustainability in beef farms and beef slaughterhouses was only inclined toward moderately sustainable and fairly unsustainable. Although all the surveyed regions in this study can meet the regional needs of beef meat on their own and even distribute the excess to other regions, none of the beef supply chains of the surveyed region indicated good sustainability.

Causes, dynamics and financial losses associated with red offal condemnation at a beef abattoir in Namibia

There are limited studies on red offal condemnations and their financial implications at high throughput abattoirs in Namibia. Causes of condemnation, temporal distributions and financial losses associated with red offal condemnations at a beef abattoir in Namibia from 2016 to 2018 were determined. A total of 39157 red offal valued at N$6 422 586.00 (US$364 805) were condemned following the slaughter of 251697 cattle. Condemnations were dependent on the year [X 2 (14) = 587.13, p&lt;0.001], month [X 2 (77) = 1898.72, p&lt;0.001] and season [X 2 (7) = 111.12, p&lt;0.001] of study. Overall, 2016 had the most and 2018 the least condemnation of red offal (38.73% and 23.22%, respectively; p&lt;0.05). Most red offal condemnations (13.34%, p&lt;0.001) occurred in June, with livers and lungs as the most condemned organs (54.32% and 29.88%, respectively; p&lt;0.001). The highest condemnations were caused by miscellaneous causes (such as abscesses and hematomas) followed, in descending order, by inflammatory, parasitic and bacterial causes and contaminations (38.3%, 29.4%, 16.6% and 15.8%, respectively, p&lt;0.05). Liver condemnations varied with the year and season under study [X 2 (20) = 1834.02, p&lt;0.001 and X 2 (9) = 1010.43, p&lt;0.001; respectively], as were lung condemnations according to pathological condition [X 2 (12) = 492.43, p&lt;0.001 and X 2 (6) = 45.84, p&lt;0.001; respectively]. The occurrence of hydatidosis in the summer and pneumonia in winter were greater than expected (15.1% and 4.3%; respectively, p&lt;0.05). A substantial loss of revenue to the abattoir due to the condemnation of livers and lungs was determined. Meat inspection served as a control point for hydatidosis.

Lean meat yield estimation using a prototype 3D imaging approach

Lean Meat Yield (LMY, %) of carcass is an important industry trait, which currently is not routinely measured in Australian beef abattoirs. Objective on-line technology to determine LMY is key for wider adoption. This paper presents a proof-of-concept approach for estimating the LMY of beef carcasses from the 3D information provided by RGB-D cameras. Moreover, a specifically designed on-line data acquisition system for abattoir applications is presented, consisting of three cameras moving on a scanning rig to generate 3D carcass side reconstructions. The hindquarter is then segmented consistently across all the 3D models to extract curvature information and LMY estimated via non-linear regression based on Gaussian Process models. Sides from 119 carcasses at two different commercial abattoirs were used to evaluate this approach. Results from this preliminary study (RMSE = 3.91%, R2 = 0.69) using curvature, P8 fat and HSCW indicate that 3D imaging of beef carcasses is a viable and relatively accurate technology to estimate LMY.