Carcass Bruising Research Articles

The reactions of farmed red deer to transport: effects of road type and journey time

Both road type and journey time may influence the welfare of animals during road transportation. Animals may face a higher risk of injury on narrow, winding roads (Waran et al., 1993), and increasing the journey time may have deleterious consequences for animal welfare (Mormede et al., 1982), carcass bruising (Yeh et al., 1978), and meat quality (Wythes et al., 1981). In this study, the effects of road type and journey time on the behavioural and physiological responses of farmed red deer were investigated.

Recent bruising in cattle at abattoirs.

In two surveys of a total of over 16,000 cattle carcases, animals from live auctions had more bruising and more meat rejected for bruising than animals from dealers and farms. The proportion of carcases with stick-markings was higher in market cattle (2.5 per cent) than in cattle from farms (0.9 per cent). The amount of bruising was much higher in animals which were stick-marked (35 per cent) than in the whole population surveyed (6.5 per cent). Young bulls had the lowest percentage of bruising and the least amount of meat rejected of all the categories of animals surveyed. There was less "important' bruising in animals travelling less than 50 miles from markets, but over 50 miles the amount of "important' bruising did not increase. However, the incidence of all bruising increased with the distance travelled and with the time the animal spent in the lairage. More than half the carcases surveyed (59 per cent) had some degree of bruising caused by preslaughter handling. The areas most frequently bruised were the butt and hip, loin, shoulder/foreleg and neck, hind leg and flank/brisket. The number of carcases with an ultimate pH (pHu) of over 5-8 and the average pHu of the muscle increased with the amount of carcase bruising.

The influence of source, sex class and pre-slaughter handling on the bruising of cattle at two slaughterhouses

This study quantified potentially traumatic events during handling (350 groups; n = 3296), and the effect of source and sex class on the occurrence of carcase bruising of cattle (339 groups; n = 3270) at two commercial slaughterhouses. A mean of 0.13 and 0.97 potentially traumatic events per animal occurred during unloading and pre-stunning handling, respectively, predominantly hitting structures and gates. Use of driving instruments occurred at a rate of 1.4 contacts per animal during pre-stunning handling. Over 97% of carcases observed were bruised. Cattle from markets had more bruises (median 5.8, n groups = 103) than cattle transported to slaughter direct from farms (median 5.0, n groups = 236; P < 0.005). Sex class had a significant effect on the occurrence of potentially traumatic events and bruising. There were significant correlations between the occurrence of events during pre-slaughter handling and bruising to the rib (rs 0.473; P < 0.01) and butt (rs 0.219; P < 0.05). There were also significant correlations between the use of driving instruments and bruising on the forequarter (rs 0.160; P < 0.05), butt (rs 0.294; P < 0.01), back (rs 0.220; P < 0.01) and rib (rs 0.148; P < 0.05). Some differences between the slaughterhouses in the occurrence of events and bruising were probably due to the design of facilities and the handling procedures.

The handling of sheep at markets and the occurrence of bruising

Most sheep sent for slaughter in the UK are sold through livestock markets. This study quantified potentially traumatic events (wool-pull, tail-pull, fall, hit structure, riding, head-butt, other) at two markets (549 groups of sheep, n=12119) and recorded the occurrence of carcase bruising on sheep from these markets. Carcase bruising of sheep sent to the slaughterhouse direct from farms was also recorded.For every event the body site affected was classified as foreleg, thorax, abdomen, hindleg or back. Handling at the markets was categorised into 4 procedures: unloading (unloading from a vehicle, movement via walkways to a weighbridge, grading, division and marking of groups, placement in a holding pen), pre-sale and sale (movement from the pen through walkways to the auction ring, then to a new pen), post-sale (movement from the pen through walkways to a loading bay area) and loading (loading onto a vehicle via the vehicle tail-gate and a fixed unloading ramp). There was a total of 1324 and 744 events per 1000 sheep at markets A and B, respectively. The unloading of 40 groups of sheep (n=1501) and pre-slaughter handling of 60 groups (n=1085) was observed at the commercial slaughterhouse where the bruising observations were made. The overall occurrence of events at the slaughterhouse was 694 per 1000 sheep.

The handling of sheep at markets and the occurrence of bruising

Most sheep sent for slaughter in the UK are sold through livestock markets. This study quantified potentially traumatic events (wool-pull, tail-pull, fall, hit structure, riding, head-butt, other) at two markets (549 groups of sheep, n=12119) and recorded the occurrence of carcase bruising on sheep from these markets. Carcase bruising of sheep sent to the slaughterhouse direct from farms was also recorded.For every event the body site affected was classified as foreleg, thorax, abdomen, hindleg or back. Handling at the markets was categorised into 4 procedures: unloading (unloading from a vehicle, movement via walkways to a weighbridge, grading, division and marking of groups, placement in a holding pen), pre-sale and sale (movement from the pen through walkways to the auction ring, then to a new pen), post-sale (movement from the pen through walkways to a loading bay area) and loading (loading onto a vehicle via the vehicle tail-gate and a fixed unloading ramp). There was a total of 1324 and 744 events per 1000 sheep at markets A and B, respectively. The unloading of 40 groups of sheep (n=1501) and pre-slaughter handling of 60 groups (n=1085) was observed at the commercial slaughterhouse where the bruising observations were made. The overall occurrence of events at the slaughterhouse was 694 per 1000 sheep.

Influence of Broiler Livehaul on Carcass Quality and Further-Processing Yields

The loss in body weight with the transportation of broilers from live production to slaughter has always influence final product yield and quality. This study explored the extent of that influence. Both sexes of two diverse broiler strain-crosses, reared on common feed to 39 and 53 days of age, had feed withdrawn from each group for four hours followed by cooping. Birds were then either held stationary or transported for six hours with a four-hour preslaughter rest. After “on-line” processing, carcasses were cone deboned at either four or twenty-four hours post-chill.This study found that birds lost more weight when transported than if kept stationary. This live weight differential was maintained through post-chill with the whole carcass and all cuts from deboning. Moisture uptake with chilling and subsequent losses from weepage and cutting were unaffected by livehaul. Carcass bruising was more extensive when birds had been kept stationary than if transported. Responses to livehaul were similar for each strain, with both sexes, and at both light and heavy weights.

Effect of handling and transport on bruising in sheep sent directly from farms to slaughter

Bruising of sheep results in economic loss to the meat industry and is one indicator of welfare problems associated with pre-slaughter management. This study relates potentially traumatic handling and behavioural events (wool-pull, tail-pull, fall, hit structure, riding, head-butt, other) during loading on farms, unloading and handling at a slaughterhouse, the initial 3 h in the lairage, and conditions during transport, to the occurrence of carcase bruising of 79 groups of sheep (n=2509) transported direct from farms to one of two commercial slaughterhouses.

Pre-Slaughter Handling of Cattle and the Occurrence of Bruising

Bruising of cattle can result in economic loss to the meat industry and is one indicator of welfare problems associated with pre-slaughter management. This study quantified the occurrence of potentially traumatic events (hit gate, hit structure, mounting, fall, slip, butting, horning) during pre-slaughter handling of 350 groups of cattle (n=3296), and carcase bruising of 340 groups (n=3270), slaughtered at two commercial slaughterhouses during 22 working days. The cattle were transported to the slaughterhouses in commercial transporters and farm vehicles and were mainly Limousin, Charolais and Simmental crosses. At slaughterhouse A 124 groups (n=1058) had been transported direct from farms, and 48 groups (n=626) were from markets. At slaughterhouse B 122 groups (n=896) were from farms, and 56 groups (n=716) were from markets.

Pre-Slaughter Handling of Cattle and the Occurrence of Bruising

Bruising of cattle can result in economic loss to the meat industry and is one indicator of welfare problems associated with pre-slaughter management. This study quantified the occurrence of potentially traumatic events (hit gate, hit structure, mounting, fall, slip, butting, horning) during pre-slaughter handling of 350 groups of cattle (n=3296), and carcase bruising of 340 groups (n=3270), slaughtered at two commercial slaughterhouses during 22 working days. The cattle were transported to the slaughterhouses in commercial transporters and farm vehicles and were mainly Limousin, Charolais and Simmental crosses. At slaughterhouse A 124 groups (n=1058) had been transported direct from farms, and 48 groups (n=626) were from markets. At slaughterhouse B 122 groups (n=896) were from farms, and 56 groups (n=716) were from markets.

Effect of handling and transport on bruising in sheep sent directly from farms to slaughter

Bruising of sheep results in economic loss to the meat industry and is one indicator of welfare problems associated with pre-slaughter management. This study relates potentially traumatic handling and behavioural events (wool-pull, tail-pull, fall, hit structure, riding, head-butt, other) during loading on farms, unloading and handling at a slaughterhouse, the initial 3 h in the lairage, and conditions during transport, to the occurrence of carcase bruising of 79 groups of sheep (n=2509) transported direct from farms to one of two commercial slaughterhouses.

Lesions in finished early born lambs in southwest England and their relationship with age at slaughter

During a 2 year prospective study of 4413 early born housed lambs, from three flocks in southwest England, 3910 (88.6%) lambs were finished and 3718 (95.1%) of these were observed at the abattoir. The identity, age, carcase and pluck abnormalities and dead weight, conformation and fat classification of each lamb were recorded. Up to 20% of lambs had at least one abnormality. Pneumonia was the most frequent lesion observed with 10–15% of the lung tissue affected in the majority of lambs. Pleurisy, pericarditis and Cysticercus ovis infection were also observed in thoracic organs. In the carcase bruising, pleurisy, arthritis and C. ovis were the most frequent causes of rejection. Livers with haemorrhagic tracts thought to be related to parasite migration were observed. Prevalent lesions at slaughter of arthritis, pleurisy and pneumonia were associated with an increase in days to slaughter. The rejections and reduced growth rate were estimated to have cost the farmers £600–1500 per annum.

Humane Transport for Slaughter Horses

The study presents a novel veterinary forensic approach to analyse the bruising of horse carcasses, based on the nature of the bruises and how they are grouped in certain anatomical areas. Data on pre-slaughter logistics was obtained for 113 journeys with horses that travelled from Mexico and the USA to a Mexican abattoir. We found that carcass bruising was a highly prevalent problem (79% of carcasses had bruising) and was especially problematic in journeys lasting longer than 12 h, independently of the animal's country of origin, sex, age, lairage time or vehicle type. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the most severe bruises were not dispersed randomly on the carcass and that their distribution was associated with the presence of medium-sized bruises on the abdominal wall, front and rear limb. Cluster analysis suggested four damage patterns based on bruise location: severe and concentrated bruising, as well as non-severe bruises on the rear limb, thoracic-wall or more dispersed throughout the carcass.

Long distance transportation of steers to slaughter: effect of stocking density on physiology, behaviour and carcass quality

Friesian steers were transported by road for 24h at low, medium and high stocking density to assess the welfare and economic effects of long journeys. Plasma cortisol and glucose were elevated after transport ( P<0.01) particularly at high stocking density. The white blood cell count and neutrophil numbers increased ( P<0.001) and the numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils decreased ( P<0.001). Packed cell volume and red blood cell count increased ( P<0.001), as did the concentration of total protein, haemoglobin and fibrinogen ( P<0.001). The most common standing orientation was perpendicular to the direction of travel, there was a strong bias against diagonal orientations. Some animals lay down during transit at all stocking densities, but only at the high stocking density were animals trapped down and unable to rise. Carcass bruising, and plasma activity of creatine kinase increased with stocking density. The number of muscles with final pH values above 6.0 increased, and this effect was not linked to stocking density. The results show that stocking densities above about 550 kg/m 2 are unacceptable for animals in this weight range on long journeys. At medium and low density, the physiological data suggest that any increase in journey time or deterioration in transport conditions would be detrimental to welfare.

The effect of stocking density during 4 hour transport to slaughter on behaviour, blood constituents and carcass bruising in Friesian steers

The aim of this work was to assess the response of Friesian steers to road transportation at low, medium and high ( ca 200, 300 and 600 kg/m 2) stocking densities in terms of physiology, behaviour and carcass bruising. Stocking density was determined by adjusting the number of animals per pen (3 runs) or by adjusting pen size (3 runs). Plasma cortisol and glucose increased ( P < 0·001) with stocking density, as did plasma CK activity ( P < 0·001) and carcass bruising ( P < 0·01) both of which indicate muscle damage. At constant stocking density stress increased with pen location towards the tail of the truck, as reflected by a significant increase in plasma cortisol. Stocking density influenced standing orientation within the truck. At low stocking density animal movement was unrestricted and the preferred orientation was standing parallel to the direction of travel; there was a strong bias against diagonal orientations. Losses of balance were associated with specific driving events, notably braking and cornering. Minor losses of balance were observed at all stocking densities, but major losses of balance including animals going down underfoot were associated with high density. When an animal went down at high stocking density it did so involuntarily and was sometimes trapped down, destabilizing other members of the group in a domino effect. Exploratory, sexual and aggressive behaviours were inhibited at high stocking density, with the exception of mounting and pushing, which increased in frequency with stocking density. It was concluded that the high stocking density adversely affected animal welfare and lowered carcass quality when compared with the medium and low stocking densities.

The effect of oestrus behaviour on muscle glycogen concentration and dark-cutting in beef heifers

Preliminary observations at an abattoir showed an association between oestrus behaviour and dark-cutting in beef. Two follow-up experiments examined the relationship between oestrus behaviour and muscle glycogen content, carcass bruising and meat ultimate pH. In the first experiment heifers in oestrus were compared with controls in mid-cycle. Oestrus was associated with a loss of glycogen in M. longissimus dorsi. Also plasma creatine kinase activity increased, reflecting bruising or strenuous muscle activity. In the second experiment heifers were slaughtered during oestrus. On the basis of pre-slaughter behaviour they were assigned to active or inactive groups, which subsequently yielded 39% and zero dark-cutting carcasses, respectively. Loss of muscle glycogen was accounted for by the number of times an animal mounted ( r = −0·85). Likewise, variation in meat ultimate pH was associated with mounting activity (P < 0·001). Carcass bruising was higher in the active group (P < 0·0.001) and the main cause of bruising was being mounted (r = 0·74). It was concluded that single penning of oestrus heifers to eliminate mounting activity would reduce the incidence of dark-cutting.

Cattle temperaments in extensive beef herds in northern Queensland. 2. Effect of temperament on carcass and meat quality

The effects on carcass bruising and muscle properties of the temperament scores of 170 bullocks and 240 cows (Brahman cross and Shorthorn) from 2 properties in northern Queensland were studied. Temperaments were scored by rating their behaviours when the cattle were handled in a crush and pound. High scores indicate poor temperaments. The bullocks and cows were respectively transported 740 and 1155 km to abattoirs and slaughtered 5-7 days after mustering. In both experiments, the estimated bruise trim per carcass increased by approximately 0.3 kg per unit increase in movement score for both temperament tests. Cattle with high temperament scores had more bruising along the back and around the tuber coxae and tuber ischii. Muscle samples from cattle with higher temperament scores tended to have higher mean initial yield and peak force shear values, thus indicating that their meat may have been less tender. Neither ultimate pH nor sarcomere length was related to temperament score.

The behaviour of young Friesian bulls during social re-grouping at an abattoir. Influence of an overhead electrified wire grid

The response of young Friesian bulls to social re-grouping, and the use of an overhead electrified grid to control their behaviour, was investigated in two trials at an abattoir. Behaviour was observed continuously for 3 h after social re-grouping. Blood and muscle samples were collected at slaughter and the incidence of carcass bruising and dark-cutting beef was determined on the following day. Mounting was the most common behaviour during social re-grouping, followed by mock fighting and chin resting. The proportion of mounting and chin resting interactions which occurred between “unfamiliar” bulls was much higher than that between “familiar” bulls. The overhead electric grid effectively reduced mounting activity and also chin resting. There was evidence that much of the inhibited mounting activity between “unfamiliar” bulls was redirected and expressed as an increase in mock fighting activity between “unfamiliar” bulls. No adverse behavioural responses to the electric grid were observed. The electric grid influenced the physiological response to social re-grouping, particularly in Trial I in which the animals were more active. In the pen with the electric grid, the muscle glycogen concentration at slaughter was much higher and the final pH value of the meat much lower, as was the proportion of dark-cutting carcasses and the amount of bruising on the carcasses. Animals that were re-grouped in the absence of the electric grid had higher circulating levels of cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids and creatine kinase activity, suggesting a more vigorous physical response to re-grouping. Mounting was the most important activity in depleting glycogen in M. longissimus dorsi, and it accounted for 72 and 54% of the variance in glycogen in Trials I and II, respectively. Similarly, mounting was the most important behaviour in raising the final pH value of the meat and accounted for 80 and 54% of the variance in pH in Trials I and II, respectively. In Trial I, the number of times an animal was butted accounted for 44% of the variance associated with carcass bruising, while an additional 21% was accounted for by the number of times an animal mounted. It was concluded that mounting activity between “unfamiliar” bulls was the principal behaviour responsible for dark-cutting beef under these conditions. An electrified overhead grid was effective in reducing the frequency of mounting and preventing dark-cutting.

Effect of cardiac arrest on susceptibility to carcass bruising in sheep

AbstractThe effect of inducing a cardiac arrest at electrical stunning on the susceptibility of the carcass to bruising was evaluated in thiopentone‐anaesthetised sheep. Bruising was induced with a percussion pistol and measured in terms of meat appearance and extractable haem pigment. Cardiac arrest caused a prompt and marked reduction in susceptibility to bruising, and it is concluded that stunning techniques which cause simultaneous heart failure could help to reduce the incidence of carcass bruising. Exsanguination of sheep which had a normal cardiac rhythm prevented the induction of bruising once 50% of the total blood loss had occurred.

TIME OF OCCURRENCE OF BRUISES IN SLAUGHTERED CATTLE

SUMMARY One hundred and seventy four bruises, taken from 271 cattle of mixed age and type, were aged histologically. At least 43% of all bruises occurred after the animals had arrived at the abattoirs. Bruise age was not related to bruise size or location. The results indicate a need to include examination of abattoir handling techniques in any programme to reduce carcase bruising.

The contribution of horned cattle to carcase bruising.

Five trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of the presence of horns on cattle on carcase bruising. In each trial there were three groups of cattle, hornless, horned and mixed (some with hrons and some without). The weight of bruised tissue trimmed from the carcases of the cattle in the horned groups was significantly greater than that trimmed from the carcases of the cattle in the hornless groups. When horned and hornless cattle are mixed the hornless animals in the mixed group sustain significantly more bruising than animals in a group consisting soley of hornless animals while the horned animals in a mixed group have a similar degree of bruising to cattle in a group consisting solely of horned cattle.