Chilled Carcasses Research Articles

The microbiology of beef from carcass chilling through primal storage to retail steaks

The primary objective of this study was to investigate if alternative time-temperature carcass chilling combinations resulted in lower microbial (TVC, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. And Brochothrix thermosphacta) counts and, if achieved, would reduced levels remain throughout the beef chain. Physicochemical (temperature, pH, water activity) characteristics were also recorded. A secondary objective was to investigate the effect of primal maturation periods (2 versus 5 weeks) on the sensory properties of steaks by a trained panel for colour, odour, tenderness, and flavour. While microbial populations reduced by over 1 log10 ​cfu/cm2 by fast carcass chilling, these reductions were lost due to cross contamination in the boning hall and cutting room. The pH and water activity remained stable throughout the study and there was no significant difference for colour or sensory characteristics in retail steaks from the different treatment groups. It was concluded that there was no improvement to the microbial shelf-life of retail steaks from modified chilled carcasses or in the sensory shelf-life of primals which were aged for an extended period.

Influence of partial replacement of some inorganic minerals with glycine complex and vitamin D3 source on performance, slaughter traits, sensory and physico-chemical characteristics of pheasant muscles (Phasianus colchicus L.) depending on gender

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of these substitutions on body weight and slaughtering performance, post-mortem changes, sensory characteristics and chemical composition of selected muscle groups of male and female pheasants. The tests were carried out on pheasants during 5–16 weeks of rearing in enclosed aviaries. Four groups of 8 females and 8 males were formed, and the experimental factor was the supplementation of calcium, iron, zinc and copper salts with glycinates of these elements. The control group received a feed blend containing 100% of the mineral requirement as salts. In the E-25 group, 25% of the salts were replaced by glycinates, in the E-50 group 50% of the salts were replaced, and in the E-75 group only glycinates comprising 75% of the total mineral content were used and no salts were included, with vitamin D3 replaced by calcitriol. For the duration of the study, feeding was at will and the birds had free access to water. In addition, pheasants were weighed at the age of 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Daily feed intake was monitored. At the end of the experiment, when all the pheasants were 16 weeks old, they were weighed and decapitated. The breast, thighs and drumsticks and the heart, liver and gizzard were removed from the chilled carcasses. Supplementation of calcium, iron, zinc and copper salts with 50% glycinates in feed mixtures for pheasants over a period of 5–16 weeks resulted in a slight improvement in the slaughter weight of birds and a significant increase in crude ash, calcium and zinc, while at 75% supplementation and when calcitriol was used instead of vitamin D3, increased phosphorus levels were found in the pheasant muscles analysed. Males had higher body weight, body weight gain, carcass, liver and gizzard weights, and their muscles had more magnesium and potassium and less calcium, sodium and iron than females.

ВЕТЕРИНАРНО-САНИТАРНАЯ ЭКСПЕРТИЗА МЯСА ЦЫПЛЯТ-БРОЙЛЕРОВ УРАЛЬСКИХ ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЕЙ

Poultry farming, providing replenishment of the food basket with high-quality and inexpensive products, plays an important role in the formation of food security in Russia. Veterinary and sanitary examination of poultry products in the context of the ecological component of the safety of agricultural raw materials is an important and timely task within the framework of government documents of the Russian Federation in the field of health protection of the country's population. According to the results of the physical, chemical and microbiological tests of chilled broiler chicken carcasses of the 1st grade of the Ural processors («Ravis – Sosnovskaya poultry farm», «Argayashskaya poultry farm», «Nagaybak poultry complex»), the raw materials were recognized as fresh, in terms of the amount of pesticides, antibiotics and heavy metals – safe. The content of protein, fat and moisture in all studied samples corresponded to the average values. A detailed study of the mineral composition revealed negative deviations in the amount of Fe and Se in all carcass samples. The products of the Argayash poultry farm against the background of analogous samples contained less fat and moisture with identical protein values, occupied an intermediate position in the amount of essential elements – Ca, Fe, Na, P, Zn, was distinguished by the absence of minerals that increase the toxic load on the human body – Ni, Ti , Ba, Ga, Li, which formed its competitive advantages.

Ефективність імпроваку за промислового виробництва свинини

The clinical efficacy of the use of immunobiological castration was studied in comparison with boars in which orchidectomy was performed by open method «on a ligature», as well as in non-castrated animals. It was found that the disadvantage of surgical castration is the risk of bleeding, the development of purulent inflammatory process (edges of the surgical wound, scrotal tissues, stump, common vaginal membrane), as well as intra- and postoperative hernias, which are accompanied by prolapse of the omentum, intestines, and bladder. The low incidence of these complications is offset by the high death rate caused by them. A relatively high level of cryptorchidism was established on the farm, among which bilateral was 27.6%. As a result of the use of immunological castration, in comparison with surgical castration, and with non-castrated boars, the average daily gains were increased, the fattening period was reduced and feed costs were reduced against the background of feed conversion increase by 14 – 27%. The use of Improvac® (Pfizer Ltd) led to better assimilation of feed, an increase in the amount of meat on the carcass, in particular, lean meat by 12 – 16%, lumbar depth, the protein content in meat and a decrease of the fat percentage and fat thickness, eliminating specific odor, and reduction in the fattening period, as well as costs for feeding. In particular, compared to non-castrated boars, the weight of chilled half carcasses increased by 1.2 times (P < 0.05). Immunological castration led to atrophy of the testicles: their weight, length and width were smaller compared to non-castrated boars, which again confirms a decrease in the level of boars’ sex hormones. It is important to use Improvac® in breeding boars that have exhausted their potential, eliminating the need to keep them for about three months to reduce their meat and lard smell. Reducing the period of disappearance of the odor of products obtained from boars led to a reduction in the cost of feeding, maintenance, and veterinary care. Production indicators justify the economic feasibility of using immunological castration with Improvac® in order to obtain additional income, given the absence of probable complications associated with the conventional surgical procedure.

Meat productivity and interior features of mongrel lambs (½ Kalmyk fat tailed + ½ Dorper) at intense feeding

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency of crossing the ewes of Kalmyk fat tailed breed with the rams of the Dorper breed to create a new genotype of the purebred sheep, as well as to assess the productive qualities and interior features of the first generation cross breed during intensive feeding in the conditions of the arid zone of Kalmykia. It was established that the crossbred rams have the best feed-efficiency by the body weight gain. In two months of feeding they consumed less dry matter per 1 kg of the body weight gain than the purebred animals by 2.11 kg, energetic feed unit (EFU) – by 2.17, exchange energy – by 21.67 MJ, crude protein – by 354.26 g. The cross breed of the experimental group showed a significantly higher content of total protein, alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT enzymes transamination in the blood and serum during all periods of the study indicating the activation of redox processes in animals. The crossbred rams significantly surpassed their purebred herdmates in terms of preslaughter body weight by 11.07 kg, chilled carcass weight – by 5.37 kg, slaughter weight – by 5.18 kg, boneless meat weight in carcass – by 4.86 kg, loin eye area – by 3.54 cm2.

ПРОБИОТИЧЕСКИЙ ПРЕПАРАТ «КОРМОМИКС МОС» В ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ МОЛОДНЯКА ОВЕЦ

The results of the use of the prebiotic drug "Kormomix MOS", when growing sheep of the Stavropol breed up to 8 months of age in semi-desert conditions are presented. During the period of the lambing campaign, two groups of queens with sheep aged 30 days were formed in the flock of sheep. Lambs were selected according to the method of analogues of 20 heads in each group. For separate feeding of lambs inside the sakman cages made of wooden shields, "canteens" with an area of 15 m2 were equipped. The prebiotic drug "Kormomix-MOS" is 5 g per head per day for 30 days. Its positive effect on the increase in live weight and meat productivity has been established. According to the live weight, the superiority of the animals of the experimental group over the control ones was 1.95 kg or 5.6% (P>0.999). The experienced animals had the best meat qualities. According to the pre-slaughter weight, the excess was 5.2%, according to the mass of chilled carcasses, the advantage was 1.16 kg (8.3%), respectively. The lethal yield was also 42.2 % in the experimental group, and it was 41.13% in the control group, respectively. The analysis of the yield of cuts by varieties also indicates that in the carcasses of animals of the II experimental group, the yield of first – class cuts-hip, lumbar and shoulder-spinal, was greater than in the control ones by 0.5%. In terms of morphological composition, the carcasses of group II sheep exceeded the control in terms of the yield of edible parts (pulp) by 0.91%, the meat content coefficient - by 0.06 and the area of the muscle eye – by 0.21 cm2 or 2.1%. When cutting carcasses into anatomical cuts, the advantage of experimental animals over control animals was also established. The average shoulder-spinal cut in the group of experimental animals was 6.57 kg, and the hip cut was 4.29 kg, which exceeded the control ones by 8.2% and 8.9%, respectively. No significant differences were found for the remaining cuts. The mass of the internal organs of the experimental animals was generally greater than that of the control animals, but there was no statistical difference.

ПРЕБИОТИЧЕСКИЙ ПРЕПАРАТ «КОРМОМИКС МОС» В ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ МОЛОДНЯКА ОВЕЦ

The results of the use of the prebiotic drug "Kormomix MOS", when growing sheep of the Stavropol breed up to 8 months of age in semi-desert conditions are presented. During the period of the lambing campaign, two groups of queens with sheep aged 30 days were formed in the flock of sheep. Lambs were selected according to the method of analogues of 20 heads in each group. For separate feeding of lambs inside the sakman cages made of wooden shields, "canteens" with an area of 15 m2 were equipped. The prebiotic drug "Kormomix-MOS" is 5 g per head per day for 30 days. Its positive effect on the increase in live weight and meat productivity has been established. According to the live weight, the superiority of the animals of the experimental group over the control ones was 1.95 kg or 5.6% (P>0.999). The experienced animals had the best meat qualities. According to the pre-slaughter weight, the excess was 5.2%, according to the mass of chilled carcasses, the advantage was 1.16 kg (8.3%), respectively. The lethal yield was also 42.2 % in the experimental group, and it was 41.13% in the control group, respectively. The analysis of the yield of cuts by varieties also indicates that in the carcasses of animals of the II experimental group, the yield of first – class cuts-hip, lumbar and shoulder-spinal, was greater than in the control ones by 0.5%. In terms of morphological composition, the carcasses of group II sheep exceeded the control in terms of the yield of edible parts (pulp) by 0.91%, the meat content coefficient - by 0.06 and the area of the muscle eye – by 0.21 cm2 or 2.1%. When cutting carcasses into anatomical cuts, the advantage of experimental animals over control animals was also established. The average shoulder-spinal cut in the group of experimental animals was 6.57 kg, and the hip cut was 4.29 kg, which exceeded the control ones by 8.2% and 8.9%, respectively. No significant differences were found for the remaining cuts. The mass of the internal organs of the experimental animals was generally greater than that of the control animals, but there was no statistical difference.

FATTENING AND MEAT QUALITY PARAMETERS OF YOUNG PIGS OF DIFFERENT IN-BREED DIFFERENTIATIONS ACCORDING TO SI4 SELECTION INDEX AND SAZER-FREDIN INDEX

The results of research of fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of Large White breed of different interbreeding differentiation on some integrated indicators are presented, the level of correlations between traits and economic efficiency of research results is calculated. The experimental part of the work was performed in the agricultural formations of the Dnipropetrovsk region and the laboratory of animal husbandry of the State Institution "Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS of Ukraine. Evaluation of young pigs for fattening and meat qualities was carried out taking into account the following indicators: average daily gain of live weight during control fattening, kg, age of live weight 100 kg, days, fat thickness at 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm, length of chilled carcasses, sm (Berezovsky, Khatko, 2005). Complex evaluation of young pigs for fattening and meat qualities was performed according to the SI4 selection index (Bazhov, Komlatsky, 1989) and the Sazer-Fredin index (quoted in Kozlovsky, 1982). Economic efficiency of research results (Method of determining economic efficiency…, 1983) and biometric processing of the obtained data (Lakin, 1990) were carried out according to generally accepted methods. It was found that young pigs of Large White breed of the controlled population at the age of 100 kg exceed the minimum requirements of the elite class by 6.31%, the thickness of the fat at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae - 32.25% and the length of the chilled carcass - 3.92 %. A significant difference between animals of different interbreed differentiation according to the selection index SI4 (groups I and III) was established by the average daily gain of live weight during the control fattening period (91.7 g; td = 9.28; P <0.001), age of 100 kg live weight (7.3 days; td = 4.42; P <0.001), fat thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae (3.4 mm; td = 6.07; P <0.001), the length of the cooled carcass (1.7 cm; td = 3.54; P <0.01), the length of the bacon half of the cooled carcass (2.7 cm; td = 3.64; P <0.01). Taking into account the interbreed differentiation according to the Sazer-Fredin index, it was found that young pigs of group II outperformed peers of I on average daily live weight gain for the period of control fattening by 4.03%, age of 100 kg - 3.67% and length of the chilled carcass - 0.2%. The pairwise correlation coefficient between fattening and meat qualities of young pigs and evaluation indices ranges from -0.760 (tr = 12.86) to +0.748 (tr = 12.14). The maximum increase in additional products was obtained from young pigs of the I experimental group according to the selection index SI4 (+4.88%) and the second experimental group according to the Sazer-Fredin index (+1.12%), and its value is +240.54 and +55.42 UAN/head respectively.

Effect of fibre and digestible energy levels on retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of growing rabbits

The retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of rabbits fed with varying dietary fibre and digestible energy (DE) levels were measured in a 70-d feeding trial using 135 weaner rabbits. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments having 3 levels of dietary fibre (low, optimum and high) and 3 levels of DE (low, optimum and high). The rabbits were allotted to 9 dietary groups consisting of 15 rabbits each. Main effect of fibre and DE showed that dressing out percentage (P < 0.05), chilled carcass weight (P < 0.05) and reference carcass weight (P < 0.01) increased with increasing inclusion levels of fibre. Rabbits fed with (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF) had the highest (P < 0.05) weights of thoracic cage, loins, hind part, small intestine, empty caecum and highest (P < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum and jejunum. Rabbits fed (10.5 – 11 MJ/kg) diets had the least (P < 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. Interaction effect of fibre and DE showed that rabbit fed (445.70g/kgNDF, 252.10g/kgADF and 8.01MJ/Kg) diet recorded the highest (P < 0.05) chilled carcass weight. Rabbit fed with low fibre (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF) diets not withstanding the level of DE had low (P < 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. The villus height of the duodenum and crypt depth of the jejunum increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of dietary fibre irrespective of the level of digestible energy. In conclusion, feeding of (440.41 g/kg NDF, 250.09 g/kg ADF, 10.52MJ/kg) diets to rabbits favoured improved retail cuts, gut characteristics and gut morphology.

Meat quality of calves raised on pastures of the North Caucasus

In connection with the increasing requirements for the quality of beef, the need for further technological solutions improvement for the cultivation and fattening of beef calves, aimed at improving meat productivity, ensuring not only the quality, but also the safety of meat, has acquired particular relevance. Data on the production of environmentally friendly raw meat obtained in the foothill zone of Karachay-Cherkessia from the bulls of the Aberdeen-Angus breed in modern conditions of the development of the meat industry are presented in the article. During the growth and development of animals, significant qualitative and quantitative changes occur, associated with an increase in weight and a change in the morphological composition of the carcass. The morphological composition of carcasses, meat yield and its chemical composition in the final period of fattening were studied. When calves reached the slaughter live weight, slaughter was carried out and the meat qualities were studied. Carcass weight was 320.2 kg (carcass yield - 57.2%); boneless beef - 266.7 kg (84.9% of chilled carcass). 58.7% (156.6 kg) of the meat was lean; 30.6% attributed to fatty beef. The moisture content of the combined minced meat was 70.9%; protein - 20.4%; fat - 7.7%; ash - 1.0%. Meat safety was determined from the average sample of minced meat. In terms of chemical composition and safety, beef meets the requirements of the interstate standard GOST 32855-2014 for raw meat. Thus, the maintenance and feeding of young cattle on the foothill pastures of the North Caucasus, used later for meat, provides moderate-intensive and extensive feeding with an insignificant inclusion of concentrates in the diet.

The effect of four alternative chilling regimes on the bacterial load on beef carcasses

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of current (10 °C for 10 h followed by 0 °C with a low fan speed) versus four alternative beef carcass chilling regimes, ranging from -6 °C to 0 °C and wind speeds between 1.5 and 6 m/s on the microbiology of beef carcasses. The temperature and relative humidity (RH) in the chillers, the carcass core and surface temperature, pH, water activity (aw) and carcass weight (drip) loss were recorded. Bacterial concentrations (total viable counts (TVC), total Enterobacteriaceae counts (TEC), Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Brochothrix thermosphacta) were also monitored. Similar pH, aw and drip loss (2%) values were obtained regardless of chilling regime. For the most part, bacterial concentrations were also similar and, where statistically significant (P < 0.05) counts occurred, the reductions were low (≤1 log10 cfu/cm2). It was concluded that the current chilling regime was as effective as the tested alternatives in terms of the bacterial quality of the carcasses.

Microbial deterioration of lamb meat from European local breeds as affected by its intrinsic properties

• Quality characteristics of lamb meat from eight European breeds was characterised. • Proximate composition of lamb meat was affected by production system. • Substantial variability in the levels of spoilage bacteria in lamb meat was found. • Growth of spoilage bacteria in meat was exarcerbated by higher ultimate pH. • Meat from heavier lamb carcasses underwent a slower spoilage process. Although sheep meat has a small share of ∼1.5 % of the total meat production in the EU, sheep farming is of great importance to rural development and the environment. Enhancing the quality of lamb meat of local breeds is essential to ensure both profitability for sheep producers and the conservation of endangered breeds. This study aimed to (i) characterise the evolution of spoilage microorganisms in refrigerated vacuum-packed lamb meat from a total of 10 farms housing 8 local breeds of Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Slovenian origin raised in intensive, extensive or semi-extensive regime; and (ii) elucidate how intrinsic properties of meat can affect its microbial spoilage. Cold carcass weight (CCW), ultimate pH (pH 24 ) and proximate analysis were quantified on carcass/meat from each of the 285 animals raised and slaughtered for this purpose; while mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. and psychrotrophic bacteria were enumerated during 15-day storage at 4 °C. Substantial variability in all attributes were found between the ten farms. CCW of intensively-raised lambs (21.4 kg; 95 % CI: 20.6–22.1 kg) were higher (p < 0.05) than the ones in semi-extensive regime (14.9 kg; 95 % CI: 14.4–15.4 kg), and in turn these were heavier (p < 0.05) than the extensively raised lambs (12.4 kg; 95 % CI: 12.0–12.7). Mean contents of protein (76.5–87.4% db), fat (3.78–13.1% db) and ashes (4.62–5.65% db) in lamb meat were highly dependent on the farm. Although meat from some farms was associated to higher microbial levels, in general, microbial growth was found to be modulated by intrinsic properties of meat. Higher pH 24 (p < 0.05), moisture (p < 0.05), protein content (p < 0.05) and ashes content (p < 0.01) accelerated spoilage rate; whereas meat from heavier carcasses (p < 0.001) and of higher fat content (p < 0.01) presented slower growth of spoilage bacteria. In order to improve the microbial quality of lamb meat, animal handling must be enhanced to minimise pre-slaughter stress; slaughtering practices and hygiene must be improved; and a carcass classification system could be adopted towards the selection of fatter animals and chilled carcasses of optimal pH 24 .

258 Deficits in growth, muscle mass, and body composition following intrauterine growth restriction persisted in lambs at 60 d of age but were improved by daily clenbuterol supplementation

Abstract Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) reduces neonatal muscle growth and alters body composition in livestock. Our objective was to determine the effect of IUGR on juvenile growth and assess the benefits of treatment with clenbuterol (β2 adrenergic agonist) in IUGR offspring. Heat stress-induced IUGR lambs were born 28% lighter (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than controls. At 60 d of age, unsupplemented IUGR lambs had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) bodyweight (BW), average daily gain, and crown-rump length compared to controls, but clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs did not differ from controls. Crown circumference, body girth, and cannon bone length did not differ among groups. Bioelectrical impedance in live lambs and carcasses estimated that lean mass and mass of multiple muscle groups were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Estimated protein, fat, and protein/fat were likewise reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Loin-eye area in chilled carcasses was 30% smaller (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in unsupplemented IUGR lambs but 19% larger (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. Proximate analysis revealed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fat and reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) protein and protein/fat in loin muscles from unsupplemented but not clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs compared to controls. At necropsy, hindlimbs, hearts, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles tended to be lighter (P ≤ 0.09) and lungs and kidneys were lighter (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in IUGR lambs. Kidney weight was further reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented IUGR lambs. Brain/BW tended to be reduced (P ≤ 0.09) and lung/BW and kidney/BW were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in IUGR lambs, but lung weight and lung/BW were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in clenbuterol-supplemented compared to unsupplemented IUGR lambs. We conclude that poor growth and asymmetric body composition previously observed in IUGR neonates persists in juveniles, but daily treatment with clenbuterol recovered growth and improved body composition in IUGR lambs.

238 Linking livestock phenomics and precision livestock farming

Abstract Numerous pre- and post-mortem factors, such as genotype, production system, growth promotants, diet, health events, stress, slaughter age and weight, carcass chilling, and ageing time, have been shown to impact beef production and final product quality. The objective of livestock phenomics is the systematic acquisition of high dimensional phenotypic data, which requires measuring phenomes as they change in response to genetic mutation and environmental influences. Due to the decrease in costs associated to genomics technology and related fields, researchers had to face the so called “phenomic gap”, a lack of sufficient, appropriate phenotypic data. Selecting phenotypes of interests, standardizing methodologies, developing high-throughput data collection systems, systematically recording environmental factors, and integrating bioinformatics are some of the challenges when developing a livestock phenomics program. Precision livestock farming aims at applying continuous, automated real-time monitoring systems to optimize livestock management. The information collected by these systems can be used to optimize individual animal health and welfare, reproductive traits, and productivity, as well as environmental influences. This approach requires the use of novel technologies and the management of large amounts of data. Multiple technologies and sensors are already being used, or have the potential, to monitor important individual traits. These two interdisciplinary fields share multiple objectives that could lead to significant synergies. The complexity of in-farm data collection varies depending on the species and production system, with beef cattle presenting specific challenges. In addition, data collection needs to continue after slaughter, as carcass and meat quality traits are influenced by in vivo practices, determine the final profitability of the system, and need to be taken into consideration to modify management practices. Integrating livestock phenomics and precision livestock farming approaches will lead to a faster development of both fields and an optimal use of resources.

PSIX-31 The effect of days on feed and trenbolone acetate + estradiol-17β implants on the dimensional measurements of serially harvested steer carcasses

Abstract Charolais x Angus steers (n = 80) were serially harvested to evaluate the effect of days on feed and exogenous growth promotion on dimensional measurements of chilled carcasses. Steers were randomly distributed to treatment and harvest day in a 2 x 10 factorial design. Steers were paired by genetic similarity and randomly assigned one of two treatments; implanted with Revalor-XS (REV) on d 0 and d 190 or non-implanted control (CON). Four pairs were randomly assigned to market endpoints of 0, 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, or 378 DOF. Forty-eight h after harvest, a digital image was obtained of the lateral aspect of the right side of each carcass in front of a grid containing 390 contrasting black and green squares (100 cm2 each). Images were individually calibrated to a common standard and digitally measured for 2-dimensional surface area and maximal carcass length and width. Maximal length was measured from the caudal tip of the hindshank to cranial edge of the foreshank and maximal width was measured from the dorsal edge of the crest to the ventral edge of the foreshank. Carcass dimensional measurements were analyzed using mixed models; fixed effects were implant treatment and DOF with d 0 BW as a covariate. No TRT x DOF interaction was observed (P ≥ 0.13) for any dependent variable. Steers administered REV yielded 516 cm2 greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) surface area than CON; moreover, surface area increased 21.0 cm2 /day. No TRT effect (P = 0.57) was observed for maximal length, however maximal width was 3.9 cm greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for REV steers. Steer carcasses increased 0.16 cm/day in length and 0.07 cm/day in width. These data illustrate growth in carcass size following exogenous growth promotant administration and finishing steers for various lengths of time.

The impact of key processing stages and flock variables on the prevalence and levels of Campylobacter on broiler carcasses

This study examined the impact of key processing stages and flock variables on the prevalence of Campylobacter on broiler carcasses. Overall, the prevalence of Campylobacter was 62% in caeca, and 68%, 65% and 62% in neck skin samples collected after evisceration, final wash and carcass chilling, respectively. Campylobacter were found in 32% of caeca, and 52%, 40% and 32% of neck skin samples collected after evisceration, final wash and carcass chilling, respectively from first thin broiler batches. Final thin broiler batches were more frequently contaminated with prevalences of 83% found in caeca, 80% in neck skin samples collected after evisceration and 83% found in neck skin samples collected after both final wash and carcass chilling stages (p < 0.05). Thinning status had a significant effect on Campylobacter counts with significantly higher counts observed in samples from final thin batches (p < 0.05). Highest Campylobacter concentrations in neck skin samples were observed at the evisceration stage in both first and final thin samples, with counts ranging from 2.0 to 3.8 log10 CFU/g and 2.3 to 4.8 log10 CFU/g in first and final thin batches, respectively. All first thin samples had counts below the European Union (EU) Process Hygiene Criterion threshold level of 3 log10 CFU/g after chilling while 52% of final thin batches had counts above this limit.

Prevalence, risk factors and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef abattoirs in Gauteng, South Africa

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in 12 beef abattoirs in Gauteng province, South Africa. The relationship between STEC contamination and aerobic bacterial counts on carcasses at various stages of processing was investigated. Multiplex PCR was used to detect virulence genes in broth-enriched samples, to determine O-serogroups in all samples positive for Shiga toxin-encoding genes (stx), and to characterize isolates of STEC. The overall prevalence of STEC determined by PCR in 419 selective enrichment broth samples was 35.1% (147/419), and was significantly higher (P = 0.037) in perineum hide swabs (50%) than in 24 h chilled carcass swabs (20%). The maximum total aerobic plate count (TAPC) was 3.8 log10 CFU/100 cm2 for carcass swabs, but was below the South African microbiological standard for meat export at all stages of carcass processing. There was no significant association between TAPC and STEC contamination. Serogroup O113 was the most prevalent serogroup (13.6%; 20/147) detected. Only 33 isolates, all non-O157 STEC, were recovered, amongst which six different genotype combinations were observed. Additionally, the clinically important serogroups O117, O8, and O2 were isolated. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the odds of STEC contamination was lower in post-wash (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.98; P = 0.045) and 24 h chilled (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.91; P = 0.033) carcass swabs compared to pre- and post-evisceration swabs. It was concluded that non-O157 STEC serogroups more frequently colonize beef cattle slaughtered at abattoirs in our study area than O157 STEC, and therefore have a higher potential to enter the food chain during carcass processing, with food safety implications.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF FATTENING AND MEAT QUALITIES OF YOUNG PIGS OF THE UNIVERSAL DIRECTION OF PRODUCTIVITY AND SOME OF THEIR INTERBIRELS FEATURES

The results of studies of the fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of large white breed of foreign origin, some biochemical parameters of blood serum and the results of calculating their correlation relationships are presented, and the economic efficiency of the research results is calculated.&#x0D; It was found that the biochemical parameters of blood serum in animals of the experimental group correspond to the physiological norm of clinically healthy animals, and their coefficient of variation ranges from 7.71 to 33.67 %. According to the main indicators of fattening and meat qualities (the age of reaching live weight of 100 kg, days, the thickness of the fat at the level of 6– 7 thoracic vertebrae, mm, the length of the chilled carcass, cm) corresponds to the “elite” class, and an effective assessment method sows and boars-producers by genotype is the use of a comprehensive index of feeding and meat qualities (B. Tyler index). The maximum indicators “average daily gain in live weight for the period of control fattening, kg”, “the length of the chilled carcass, cm”, “the length of the bacon half of the chilled carcass, cm” and the minimum values “age to reach live weight of 100 kg, days” and “bacon thickness the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm ”is characterized by animals in which the comprehensive index of feeding and meat qualities (B. Tyler index) ranges from 160.14 to 174.04 points. Reliable correlation was established between the following pairs of signs: fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm × total protein content, g / l (r=+ 0.375, tr=2.14), length of chilled carcass, cm × concentration of total lipoproteins , mg% (r=–0.622, tr=4.20), length of chilled carcass, cm × urea content, mmol/l (r=–0.445, tr=4.20), length of bacon half of chilled carcass, cm × content total protein, g / l (r=–0.533, tr=3.33), fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm × concentration of total lipoproteins, mg% (r=–0.652, tr=4.55) the average daily gain in live weight for the period of control feeding, kg × concentration of total lipoproteins, mg% (r=+0.492, tr=2.99).&#x0D; The above indicates the prospect of using some biochemical indicators of blood serum for early prediction of fattening and meat qualities. It was established that the maximum increase in production in terms of "average daily gain in live weight during the period of control fattening, g" (4.87 %) was obtained from animals in which the B. Tyler index ranged from 160.14 to 174.04 points.

Evaluation of Changes in the Levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes Phyla of Sheep Feces Depending on the Breed.

Simple SummaryThe microbiome plays an important role in the digestive system of ruminants. It affects the health status of animals and their development and production rates. However, its composition may be influenced by factors such as diet, age, gender, and health condition. The study was conducted on three breeds of sheep that were kept in one environment and fed with the same feed. The microbiological analysis showed that the animal microbiome is also influenced by breed.Studies carried out so far have indicated the effect of the microbiome on the composition of ruminant products. Recent studies have shown that not only diet, but also genetic factors can affect the microbiological composition of the digestive system. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the levels of selected bacterial phyla in terms of breed differences. Three sheep breeds, i.e., Olkuska, Romanov, and old-type Polish Merino, differing in their use (meat–wool, meat, prolificacy) and country of breed origin were included in the study. Sheep at the same age and of the same sex were kept for a period of 3 months in the same environmental conditions and fed the same feed in the same proportions. The study included real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis of feces collected before the slaughter and measurements of body weight and chilled carcasses. The obtained results showed significant differences between the breeds in the levels of bacterial populations tested. There were also differences in body weight between the breeds during the first weight measurements, however, the final results did not show any differences—after three months of maintenance all of them reached similar body weights, despite differences in fecal microbiological composition. The study suggests that in addition to diet and environmental conditions, the microbiology can also be influenced by breed.

Effect of hair shearing on live performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits under hot ambient temperature

&lt;p&gt;The aim of the study was to examine the effect of hair shearing in growing rabbits reared at high ambient temperature. The live performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits reared at 20°C (not sheared, C, n=50) or at 28°C (not sheared, H, n=50, or sheared at 5, 7 and 9 wk, HS, n=50) were compared. The ambient temperature and relative humidity were 20.5±1.1°C and 54±11% in the 20°C room and 28.8±0.2°C and 35±8% in 28°C room, respectively. Feed intake of H and HS groups decreased by 29.0 and 20.4%, respectively, compared to C rabbits (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001). The same data for weight gain were 24.6 and 16.9% (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001), and for body weight at 12 wk were 16.8 and 11.5% (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001). At the same time, the feed conversion ratio improved (C: 3.53, HS: 3.34, H: 3.31; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001). Nevertheless, the mortality rate of rabbits was not affected by the studied treatment and was overall low (0-4%). No differences were observed in dressing out percentages either (ratio of chilled carcass (CC) to the slaughter weight: 61.6-61.9%). The ratio of liver to CC differed among the experimental groups, with the highest value recorded in C group and the lowest in H group; HS rabbits showed intermediate results (C: 4.86%, HS: 4.27%, H: 3.91%; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001). Lower ratios of fat deposits to reference carcass were also observed in rabbits kept at high ambient temperature (perirenal fat: C: 2.59%, HS: 1.82%, H: 1.60%; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001; scapular fat: C: 0.89%, HS: 0.66%, H: 0.51%; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.001). It can be concluded that the negative effect of higher ambient temperature (28 vs. 20°C) on production in growing rabbits can be reduced significantly by hair shearing.&lt;/p&gt;