Carcass Condemnation Research Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. Carcass Contamination in Turkeys Slaughtered in Quebec, Canada

An observational study was conducted to estimate prevalence and risk factors for carcass contamination by Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. in 60 lots of turkey slaughtered over 10 months in the province of Quebec, Canada. Carcass contamination was evaluated by the carcass rinse technique for about 30 birds per lot. Exposure to potential risk factors was evaluated with questionnaires, meteorological data, and cecal cultures. Multivariable binomial negative regression models were used for risk factor analysis. Prevalence of Salmonella-positive carcasses was 31.2% (95% confidence interval, 22.8 to 39.5%). Variables positively associated (P ≤ 0.05) with the proportion of lot-positive carcasses were ≥0.5% of carcass condemnation due to various pathologies, cecal samples positive for Salmonella, low wind speed during transportation, closure of lateral curtains of truck during transportation, and slaughtering on a weekday other than Monday. When only Salmonella-positive cecal culture lots were considered, the proportion of carcasses positive for Salmonella was significantly higher in lots exposed to a >5°C outside temperature variation during transportation, slaughtered on a weekday other than Monday, and in which ≥4% of carcasses had visible contamination. Prevalence of Campylobacter-positive carcasses was 36.9% (95% confidence interval, 27.6 to 46.3%). The proportion of positive carcasses was significantly higher in lots with Campylobacter-positive cecal cultures and lots undergoing ≥2 h of transit to slaughterhouse. For lots with Campylobacter-positive cecal cultures, variables significantly associated with an increased incidence of carcass contamination were ≥4% of carcasses with visible contamination, crating for ≥8 h before slaughtering, and no antimicrobials used during rearing.

Evaluation of the acute phase protein haptoglobin as an indicator of herd health in slaughter pigs

AbstractHealth is an important aspect of animal welfare, which is difficult to assess at herd level. Clinical examination of individual animals is time-consuming, and most measures of clinical herd health depend significantly on the examiner. Acute phase proteins are produced during inflammatory processes, and could therefore be used as general markers of infection and injury. Our objective was to evaluate whether haptoglobin could be used to monitor the health status of herds at slaughter.107 groups of 20 slaughter pigs each were examined at two large abattoirs. Clinical signs of tail biting, lameness, injuries, abscesses, pneumonia, pleurisy, hepatitis and gastritis were recorded. The association between elevated haptoglobin concentration in meat juice samples and clinical signs was assessed via multiple logistic regression.Pigs from groups in which tail biting, lameness, othaematomas, abscesses, pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis or condemnations of livers, lungs or carcasses occurred, showed higher levels of haptoglobin than pigs from slaughter groups without any of these clinical signs. In the multiple regression model, only the variables of lameness and tail biting were statistically significant. The haptoglobin test classified 66% of all slaughter groups correctly according to the presence of these clinical signs. These results demonstrate the potential for haptoglobin to be used as a screening test to identify problem herds at slaughter.

Poultry abattoir survey of carcass condemnations in Fars province, southern Iran

Official post-mortem inspection records of poultry in 11 industrial poultry abattoirs in the Fars province, southern Iran, between 20 March 2002 and 19 March 2006 were used to investigate the character and prevalence of poultry loss caused by disease and pathological changes in the province. Linear regression analysis for study of time trend and χ 2-test for investigation of seasonal pattern were used as statistical methods. In the study period, 130,967,021 birds were slaughtered. As a result of official veterinary inspection, 959,416 (0.73%) birds were condemned. The condemnation risk was calculated for each quarter in a year. Cachexia and septicemia were the most common reasons for rejection of carcasses and were responsible for 62% of the total condemnations. The condemnation risk due to septicemia increased over the study period from 0.14 to 0.22%. The rejection risk due to overscalding declined over the study period from 0.07 to 0.01%. No trends in time were observed for the other causes of condemnation. In conclusion the majority of condemnations are caused by disease and improving the standard of disease prevention and control on farms is necessary. These results could form the basis of an assessment of trends in condemnations in poultry slaughterhouse and should prove useful to the poultry industry as a baseline data for future comparison.

Carcass condemnation causes of growth retarded pigs at slaughter

Condemnation causes of growth retarded pigs were studied in a Spanish abattoir. A total of 513 carcasses out of 6017 (8.5%) were rejected during inspection. The main reasons for condemnation were abscesses, cachexia, catarrhal bronchopneumonia, vertebral osteomyelitis, arthritis, pleuritis, peritonitis and pleuropneumonia. Positive relationships were found between tail lesions and arthritis (OR = 5.23) or vertebral osteomyelitis (OR = 24.81), while no relationships were found between tail lesions and abscesses. Lower risks were observed among carcasses condemned for cachexia, and were as follows: abscesses (OR = 0.18), arthritis (OR = 0.32), vertebral osteomyelitis (OR = 0.06). Arcanobacterium pyogenes, either alone or in combination with other agents, was the main bacterial species isolated from abscesses, osteomyelitis and arthritis (73.5% of lesions). Direct economical losses associated with condemnation were calculated to be €30,000.

Common conditions leading to cattle carcass and offal condemnations at 3 abattoirs in the Western Province of Zambia and their zoonotic implications to consumers

From a total of 32 717 cattle slaughtered, 183 whole carcass condemnations were attributable to 9 diseases and conditions, namely, tuberculosis (TB), cysticercosis, emaciation, generalised lymphadenitis, jaundice, abscesses, moribund, sarcosporidiosis and odour. Bovine TB was the most important cause of condemnations (152/183, 83.1%). Bovine cysticercosis and sarcosporidiosis accounted for 5/183 (2.7%) and 8/183 (4.4%), respectively, while each of the remaining conditions contributed less. Among the many conditions responsible for offal/organ condemnations were fascioliasis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, hydatidosis and TB. In terms of number and weight, Fasciola gigantica infections made livers and lungs the most condemned offals (20.1% and 0.7%, respectively). Hydatidosis was the cause of 0.9% lung and 0.1% liver losses. Cysticercus bovis contributed to only 0.05% of all inspected tongues, hearts, and heads. TB was very rare in heads (0.01%). The financial impact of whole carcasses and offals condemned during the study period was enormous and deprived livestock farmers of the much needed revenue and consumers of protein sources. Much or all of the condemned material that could have been useful was wasted by not being retrieved for conversion to processed meat, bone meal or pet food. Failure to detect lesions of potential zoonotic diseases at slaughter poses a health risk to consumers especially when meat is eaten undercooked.

Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona infection associated with carcass condemnation of swine at slaughter

This report describes a clinical case of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona infection in finishing pigs, associated with multifocal interstitial nephritis that resulted in carcass condemnation at slaughter. Clinical signs of leptospirosis were not observed. On gross examination, kidneys varied from slightly shrunken to 1.5 times normal size, with pale mottling extending through the cortex and into the medulla. Microscopic examination revealed tubulointerstitial nephritis with lymphoid nodules in affected kidneys. Renal lymph nodes were three to 10 times normal size, often having a cystic appearance. Diagnostic results indicated that, in this herd, serovar Pomona infection had been introduced into the finishing barns with resulting widespread endemic infection in these buildings. Clinical management included antibiotic therapy for the grower and finisher pig inventory, site depopulation with cleaning and disinfection of the facilities, and strict rodent control.

Bovine tuberculosis in wild boar ( Sus scrofa), red deer ( Cervus elaphus) and cattle ( Bos taurus) in a Mediterranean ecosystem (1992–2004)

During the last 12 years, an increasing frequency in condemnation of hunted red deer and wild boar carcasses due to the presence of tubercle-like lesions has been observed in Extremadura (Western Spain). Before 1993, tuberculosis was a very rare finding in hunted animals. The current tuberculosis regional prevalence in cattle approaches 0.4% after years of expensive test and slaughter campaigns. It is imperative to investigate the epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in red dear and wild boar in order to keep a good health status and to maintain the effectiveness of domestic species TB eradication programs. The present paper evaluates the problem in Sierra de San Pedro, estimating the prevalence of TB in wild boar and red deer, the main wild artiodactyls in the area, and domestic cattle since 1992–2004, by the use of a low-cost surveillance method based on detailed pathological inspection of hunted animal carcasses. Microbiology and molecular epidemiology studies on several M. bovis isolates from domestic and wild animals helped to define the interspecies contacts. These findings, as well as recent history of game estates management and descriptive epidemiology field work, throw light on the rise and maintenance of these epizootics.

Tail-biting in outdoor pig production

A study was performed in five identical outdoor production units in the same geographic area using growing-finishing pigs of similar genetic makeup, age, diet and feed management. The severity of tail-biting (TS) was scored 1–4. The average group prevalence of bitten tails at slaughter on different farms was between 14.1 ± 2.1% and 20.1 ± 3.0% ( P < 0.05). The odds of a barrow being bitten were 2.9 times higher than those for a gilt. The most frequently recorded score of bitten tails was TS3, indicating moderate wounds with low grade infection. The prevalence of bitten barrows was positively correlated with the percentage of gilts in a group ( r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Pigs with zero TS score had no significantly higher weights at slaughter compared to pigs with a score of TS1. As the TS increased from 1 to 4, weights decreased (TS 1 to TS 2 to 4, P < 0.05). TS 3 and 4 were positively ( P < 0.001) associated with subsequent carcass condemnation. We concluded that outdoor rearing does not prevent tail-biting.

Systemic Mycoplasma synoviae infection in broiler chickens

Systemic Mycoplasma synoviae infection in 47-day-old broiler chickens with septicaemic lesions and increased carcass condemnation rate is reported. The clinical history included respiratory signs and an enlarged keel bursa. Condemnations at the processing plant were due to airsacculitis and keel bursitis. Involvement of several organs, including the keel bursa, liver, spleen, brain, choroid of the eye, nerves and skeletal muscle associated with vasculitis, and the isolation of M. synoviae from the liver and keel bursa are only occasionally seen in field cases. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the M. synoviae isolated from the broiler chickens in this study had a different pattern when compared with the reference M. synoviae strains, WVU-1853, MS-H and F10-2AS, and another M. synoviae isolated from broiler breeders from the same company, but had a similar DNA pattern to an M. synoviae isolated from broiler chickens and turkeys owned by the same company. This finding suggests a horizontally acquired infection rather than vertical transmission. Il est décrit une infection systémique à Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) chez des poulets de chair âgés de 47 jours présentant des lésions de septicémie et une augmentation du taux de saisie des carcasses. Les commémoratifs incluaient des symptômes respiratoires et des ampoules de bréchet hypertrophiées. Les saisies à l'abattoir ont été dues à l'aérosacculite et aux ampoules de bréchet. L'implication de plusieurs organes, incluant les ampoules de bréchet le foie, la rate, le cerveau, la choroïde des yeux, les nerfs et les muscles du squelette associés à une vascularite, et l'isolement de Ms à partir du foie et des ampoules de bréchet ont été observés occasionnellement dans les cas terrain. L'analyse des réactions de RAPD des Ms isolés des poulets de chair dans cette étude montrent qu'ils ont un profil différent de celui des souches MS de référence, WVU-1853, MS-H et F10-2AS, et d'autres souches de MS isolées de reproducteurs de type chair de la même compagnie, mais ont un profil d'ADN similaire à celui des souches de MS isolées à partir de poulets de chair et de dindes appartenant à la même compagnie. Ce résultat suggère une infection acquise horizontalement plutôt qu'une transmission verticale. Es wird über einen systemische Mycoplasma synoviae (MS)-Infektion mit septikämischen Veränderungen und erhöhter Schlachtkörperverwerfungsrate bei 47 Tage alten Broilern berichtet. Im klinischen Vorbericht wurden respiratorische Symptome und Vergrößerung der Bursa sternalis genannt. Aufgrund von Aerosacculitis und Entzündung der Bursa sternalis kam es im Weiterverarbeitungsbetrieb zu Verwerfungen. Nur selten wurde wie in diesen Feldfällen die Beteiligung verschiedener Organe wie Bursa sternalis, Leber, Milz, Gehirn, Augenchoroid, Nerven und Skelettmuskeln verbunden mit Vasculitis und die Isolierung von MS aus Leber und Bursa sternalis beobachtet. Die im Rahmen dieser Studie aus den Broilern isolierten MS-Stämme zeigten in der zufalls-amplifizierten polymorphen DNS-Analyse beim Vergleich mit den MS-Referenzstämmen WVU-1853, MS-H und F10-2AS sowie mit einem anderen Isolat aus Broilereltern derselben Firma ein unterschiedliches Muster, wiesen aber ein ähnliches DNS-Muster auf wie ein MS-Stamm aus Broilern und Puten derselben Firma. Diese Befunde lassen eher auf eine horizontal als auf eine vertikal übertragene Infektion schließen. Se describe un caso de infección sistémica con Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) en pollos de 47 días de edad con lesiones septicémicas e incremento en la proporción de canales decomisadas. La historia clínica incluía signos respiratorios e incremento de tamaño de la bolsa pectoral. Los decomisos en la planta de procesado se debieron a la aerosaculitis y a la bursitis pectoral. En los casos de campo, la afectación de diferentes órganos como la bolsa pectoral, hígado, bazo, cerebro, coroides ocular, nervios y músculo esquelético asociado a vasculitis y el aislamiento de MS de hígado y bolsa pectoral sólo se observó ocasionalmente. El análisis de amplificación polimórfica al azar de ADN de MS aislados de pollos de engorde en estos estudios presentó un perfil diferente respecto a las cepas de MS de referencia, WVU-1853, MS-H y F10-2AS, y otro MS aislado de reproductoras de la misma compañía, pero que presentó un patrón de ADN similar a un MS aislado de pollos de engorde y pavos de la misma compañía. Estos hallazgos sugieren una infección horizontal adquirida más que una transmisión vertical.

Avian mycoplasmosis update

Avian mycoplasmas occur in a variety of bird species. The most important mycoplasmas for chickens and turkeys are Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), M. synoviae (MS), and M. meleagridis. Besides, M. iowe (MI) is an emerging pathogen in turkeys, but of little concern for chickens. Mycoplasmas are bacteria that lack cell wall and belong to the class Mollicutes. Although they have been considered extracellular agents, scientists admit nowadays that some of them are obligatory intracellular microorganisms, whereas all other mycoplasmas are considered facultative intracellular organisms. Their pathogenic mechanism for disease include adherence to host target cells, mediation of apoptosis, innocent bystander damage to host cell due to intimate membrane contact, molecular (antigen) mimicry that may lead to tolerance, and mitotic effect for B and/or T lymphocytes, which could lead to suppressed T-cell function and/or production of cytotoxic T cell, besides mycoplasma by-products, such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. Moreover, mycoplasma ability to stimulate macrophages, monocytes, T-helper cells and NK cells, results in the production of substances, such as tumor necrosing factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL-1, 2, 6) and interferon (<FONT FACE=Symbol>a, b, g</FONT>). The major clinical signs seen in avian mycoplasmosis are coughing, sneezing, snicks, respiratory rales, ocular and nasal discharge, decreased feed intake and egg production, increased mortality, poor hatchability, and, primarily in turkeys, swelling of the infraorbital sinus(es). Nevertheless, chronic and unapparent infections are most common and more threatening. Mycoplasmas are transmitted horizontally, from bird to bird, and vertically, from dam to offspring through the eggs. Losses attributed to mycoplasmosis, mainly MG and MS infections, result from decreased egg production and egg quality, poor hatchability (high rate of embryonic mortality and culling of day-old birds), poor feed efficiency, increase in mortality and carcass condemnations, besides medication costs. Mycoplasmas are diagnosed by serologic tests, culture and PCR and are sensitive to antimicrobials whose action sites are other than the bacterial cell wall, such as tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones and tiamulin. However, mycoplasma control is more efficiently achieved by acquisition of birds free of MG, MS, MM and/or MI, vaccination of layers, and monitoring of breeder flocks, followed by elimination of the infected flocks that are detected.

The prevalence of tail damage in slaughter pigs in Finland and associations to carcass condemnations

Tail biting is a serious and common welfare problem in modern pig production. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of tail damage in Finland and to study relationships between tail damage and carcass condemnations. Information on a total of 10,852 pigs from 479 farms was collected at a Finnish abattoir. The prevalence of total tail damage was 34.6%, but the majority of this was healed tail damage. The prevalence of fresh versus severe tail biting was 11.7% and 1.3%, respectively. All forms of tail damage caused an increased risk of carcass condemnation, especially due to abscesses (RR: 4.9 for all tail damage). Severe tail biting caused a highly increased risk for condemnation (RR: 5.2 for condemnations in general, RR: 17.6 for condemnations due to abscesses). Of carcasses with severely bitten tails, 26.8% were partly or fully condemned. Between-farm variation in prevalence of tail damage was large, stressing the importance of on-farm factors. Tail biting appears to be a common problem in Finland and measures should be taken to improve the situation. Tail damage, in all its forms, needs to be taken seriously, as it has, in addition to causing lowered welfare to the animals, large economic implications for production.

Implications of Preslaughter Feeding Cues for Broiler Behavior and Carcass Quality

Feed withdrawal management has significant effects on contamination of commercial broiler chickens. The effect of a cue (short period of feed withdrawal) on broiler behavior, carcass yield, and carcass quality (carcass scratches, trimming, condemnations, and fecal contamination) was evaluated using 2,400 female broilers. Cues were applied for 3 consecutive days prior to slaughter by lifting the feeders in each pen for 0, 1, 2, or 4 h. Bird behavior was monitored to determine the effect of the cue on feeding patterns. The effect of the cue on carcass yield and quality (carcass scratches, trimming, condemnations, and internal contamination) at the time of processing was determined.Cueing for 1 (CUE1), 2 (CUE2), and 4 (CUE4) h resulted in an increase in activity at the feeders compared with the control treatment (CUE0); higher activity resulted from longer cues. During the cue, live BW loss was greatest in the CUE4 treatment at 24.8 g. Birds in the CUE1 treatment gained 11.3 g during application of the cue. Uniformity of cecal contents was improved in the CUE4 treatment. No differences in carcass yield among cueing treatments were observed. The incidence of new scratches, a possible entry point for cellulitis infections, was lowest in the CUE0 and CUE4 treatments. Contamination scores were highest in the CUE1 treatment and lowest in the CUE0 and CUE4 treatments.The data suggest that feeding cues of up to 4 h may be used without compromising processing yield or carcass quality. Benefits may be limited to improved uniformity of cecal emptying.

Proventriculitis in broiler chickens: effects of immunosuppression.

Proventriculitis in broilers causes carcass condemnation when swollen proventriculi tear during evisceration. The cause of this proventriculitis is unknown, but several infectious agents have been associated with it. One such agent, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), has been implicated as a cause of proventriculitis, but a direct effect of this virus on the proventriculus has not been proven. The role of IBDV in proventriculitis may be indirect as a result of its ability to cause immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to understand how immunosuppression affects the incidence of proventriculitis in broiler chickens. Immunosuppression was induced in commercial and specific-pathogen-free broiler chickens using chemicals (cyclophosphamide and cyclosporin) or virus (IBDV). All groups were then exposed to a proventricular homogenate produced from diseased birds. At 7 and 14 days postinoculation, the incidence of proventriculitis in these groups was compared to that produced by homogenate exposure in immunocompetent broilers. All birds exposed to the proventricular homogenate from diseased birds developed proventriculitis. Cyclophosphamide and IBDV, both B cell suppressors, did not significantly affect the incidence or characteristics of the proventriculitis observed, although they did have an effect on the size of the proventriculus at 7 days postinoculation. Chickens immunosuppressed with cyclosporin, a T cell suppressor, developed more severe lesions and had a higher incidence of proventriculitis. These findings indicate that both B and T cells are involved in the immune response against proventriculitis, but cell-mediated immunity appears to have a more important role in controlling the disease. IBDV affects both humoral and cellular immunity in the chicken, so although under experimental conditions it didn't have a major effect on proventriculitis, it may explain why control of IBDV in the field seems to reduce the incidence of proventriculitis.

Prevalence of and carcass condemnation from maedi–visna, paratuberculosis and caseous lymphadenitis in culled sheep from Quebec, Canada

We determined the prevalence of lung and mammary gland lesions associated with maedi–visna (MV) infection, the prevalence of paratuberculosis (PTB), and the prevalence and lesions distribution of caseous lymphadenitis (CL) in culled sheep. Total of 451 ewes and 34 rams were selected randomly from two slaughterhouses in Quebec, Canada. MV serostatus was determined by recombinant ELISA test. PTB diagnosis was based on characteristic histological lesions in the terminal ileum, ileocecal lymph node and/or ileocecal valve and CL by gross detection of abscesses and isolation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Seroprevalence of MV was 44% (95% CI: 40, 48). Seropositivity increased with age and was higher in ewes than in rams. The percentages of lung and mammary gland lesions in seropositive sheep were 14 and 40%, respectively, but mammary gland lesions lack specificity. The prevalence of PTB was 3% (95% CI: 2, 5). PTB increased with age and was lower among sheep with abscesses. The prevalence of CL was ≥21% (95% CI: 17, 24). The most-prevalent site of caseous lymphadenitis lesions was the thoracic cavity. The risk of carcass condemnation was significantly associated with region, body score and abscesses. Only the presence of abscesses was associated with an increase in trimming of carcasses.

Abattoir condemnation due to parasitic infections and its economic implications in the region of Trikala, Greece.

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99, 00 GDR (approximately 292 Euros). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).

Risk-based evaluation of postmortem inspection procedures for pigs in Australia

The results of traditional (incision) and risk-based (visual) postmortem inspection procedures were compared on groups of approximately 30,000 pigs. The performance characteristics used as a basis for comparison included the...

National Beef Quality Audit-2000: survey of targeted cattle and carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers.

The National Beef Quality Audit-2000 was conducted to assess the current status ofthe quality and consistency of U.S. fed steers and heifers. Between May and November 2000, survey teams assessed hide condition (n = 43,415 cattle for color, brands, mud/manure), bruises (n = 43,595 carcasses), offal and carcass condemnation (n = 8,588 cattle), and carcass quality and yield information (n = 9,396 carcasses) in 30 U.S. beef packing plants. Hide colors were black (45.1%), red (31.0%), yellow (8.0%), Holstein (5.7%), gray (4.0%), white (3.2%), brown (1.7%), and brindle (1.3%). Brand frequencies were no (49.3%), one (46.2%), and two or more (4.4%), and brands were located on the butt (36.3%), side (13.7%), and shoulder (3.6%). Most cattle had no (18.0%) or a small amount (55.8%) of mud/manure on their hides, and they had no (77.3%) horns. Most carcasses (53.3%) were not bruised, 30.9% had one bruise, and 15.8% had multiple bruises. Bruise location and incidence were round (14.9%), loin (25.9%), rib (19.4%), chuck (28.2%), and brisket, flank, and plate (11.6%). Condemnation item and incidence were liver (30.3%), lungs (13.8%), tripe (11.6%), heads (6.2%), tongues (7.0%), and carcasses (0.1%). Carcass evaluation revealed these traits and frequencies: steer (67.9%), heifer (31.8%), and bullock (0.3%) sex-classes; dark-cutters (2.3%); A (96.6%), B (2.5%), and C or older (0.9%) overall maturities; and native (90.1%), dairy-type (6.9%), and Bos indicus (3.0%) breed-types. Mean USDA yield grade traits were USDA yield grade (3.0), carcass weight (356.9 kg), adjusted fat thickness (1.2 cm), longissimus muscle area (84.5 cm2), and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (2.4%). USDA yield grades were Yield Grade 1 (12.2%), Yield Grade 2 (37.4%), Yield Grade 3 (38.6%), Yield Grade 4 (10.4%), and Yield Grade 5 (1.3%). Mean USDA quality grade traits were USDA quality grade (Select85), marbling score (Small23), overall maturity (A66), lean maturity (A65), and skeletal maturity (A67). Marbling score distribution was Slightly Abundant or higher (2.3%), Moderate (4.8%), Modest (13.1%), Small (33.3%), Slight (43.3%), and Traces (3.4%). USDA quality grades were Prime (2.0%), Choice (49.1%), Select (42.3%), Standard (5.6%), and Commercial, Utility, Cutter, and Canner (0.9%). This information will help the beef industry measure progress compared to the past two surveys and will provide a benchmark for future educational and research activities.

Discriminant analysis of dual-wavelength spectral images for classifying poultry carcasses

An analysis of texture features, based on co-occurrence matrices (COMs), was conducted to determine the performance of dual-wavelength imaging for discriminating unwholesome poultry carcasses from wholesome carcasses. The variance, sum average, sum variance, and sum entropy of COMs were the most significant texture features ( P<0.005) for identifying unwholesome poultry carcasses. However, the feature values of angular second moment, variance, sum average, sum variance, and sum entropy did not vary with the COM parameters, distance and direction. The characteristics of variance and sum variance texture features varied with the wavelength of spectral images and with condemnation of poultry carcasses, as well. The sum variance of wholesome carcasses was higher ( P<0.005) than unwholesome carcasses for spectral images at 542 nm. For 542 and 700 nm images, linear discriminant models were able to identify unwholesome carcasses with a classification accuracy of 91.4%. However, a single linear discriminant model was not acceptable for identifying three different types of carcasses (wholesome, septicemic and cadaver), because of extreme inaccuracy for septicemic carcasses. In this case, the classifier that demonstrated the highest accuracy was 89.6% accurate at 542 nm. Thus, a dual-wavelength imaging system with optical filters of 542 and 700 nm wavelengths appears promising for detecting unwholesome poultry carcasses.

Administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum to Chicken Broilers Reduces the Number of Carcass Condemnations for Cellulitis at the Abattoir

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on fecal bacterial populations, incidence of cellulitis, and growth performance in broiler chickens. Two groups of 9,385 broiler chickens each were administered 0 or 107B. bifidum cells/mL of drinking water for 38 d. Ten chickens from each group were randomly selected and euthanized every week; cecal samples were taken and analyzed for enumeration of total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, coliforms, clostridia, and bifidobacteria. Mortality was recorded as it occurred. On Day 38, the chickens were weighed and shipped to the abattoir where carcass condemnations due to cellulitis and other causes were enumerated. The administration of B. bifidum had no significant effect on growth performance; however, the chickens that received the treatment had significantly increased numbers of fecal bifidobacteria on Days 28 and 35 of the experiment. Throughout the experiment, there was a trend of reduction of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and clostridia in the chickens that received B. bifidum. The number of condemnations for cellulitis and the total number of condemnations at slaughter were significantly reduced in the chickens that received B. bifidum. Results indicate that the administration of B. bifidum may provide a method of reducing cellulitis in broiler chickens.

Efeito da qualidade do milho no desempenho de frangos de corte

RESUMO - Este experimento foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos do uso de milho de baixa qualidade nutricional, infestado por insetos ou fungos, sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte em rações para a fase inicial. Um total de 400 pintos não-sexados da linhagem Ross foi distribuído em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, de acordo com a qualidade dos grãos de milho usado nas rações iniciais (1 a 28 dias). O milho não-infestado foi usado na ração testemunha, e substituido com níveis de 20 ou 40% de grãos de milho infestados por insetos e por 20 ou 40% de grãos de milho infestados por fungos. Ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar, no período de 1 a 28 e 29 a 49 dias e no período total, não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. As relações entre o peso dos órgãos e o peso corporal foram crescentes para fígado e bursa of Fabricius, à medida que o milho com níveis de infestação por insetos ou fungos aumentaram, principalmente para a fúngica. À necropsia realizada aos 29 e 51 dias de idade dos frangos, identificou-se o aumento da freqüência de problemas de pernas e lesões hepáticas nos tratamentos que continham milho infestado com insetos ou fungos em sua composição. Os níveis de infestação por insetos ou fungos usados não influíram no desempenho dos frangos, porém podem contribuir para aumentar a incidência de problemas metabólicos, fatores que não se refletem no desempenho do frango de corte, mas que aumentam as taxas de condenação de carcaça.