Carcass Weight Loss Research Articles

Application of a non-invasive tool and identification of genetic markers in swine to enhance ham quality: a preliminary study.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed as a preliminary step to identify regions potentially related to ham quality traits. In this research, genomic information was obtained from 238 commercial hybrid pigs utilising the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler genome-wide porcine genotyping array. Carcasses were tested for hot weight, the thickness of backfat and loin, and lean meat percentage. The corresponding fresh hams were assayed for weight and ultimate pH; the activities of Cathepsin B and Ferrochelatase of Semimembranosus muscle were determined through fluorimetric methods. The lean meat percentage of fresh ham (LMPH), salt absorbed after first (SALT1) and overall salting stages (SALT) were estimated online by the Ham Inspector™ apparatus. Hams were processed in compliance with the procedures established for Protected Designation of Origin Parma ham, and ham weight losses were measured at the main processing stages. Hot carcass weights showed a significant negative correlation with their lean meat percentage and LMPH, while LMPH was correlated positively with carcass lean meat, SALT1, SALT, and weight losses. The GWAS detected genome-wide association for 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms with Ferrochelatase activity. The results obtained in this preliminary study were achieved by combining innovative and non-destructive technologies for screening hams under processing, measures of enzymatic muscle properties relevant to dry-cured ham quality, and genomic information obtained through a GWAS. Additional studies carried out in a larger number of pigs have been planned to investigate the effect of gene variants of Ferrochelatase activity in the dry-cured ham's quality with main reference to colour development and to confirm the GWAS results obtained in this study.

Characterization of in-barn heat processed swine mortalities.

In-barn heat processing of mass swine mortalities to inactivate pathogens could facilitate more carcass disposal options and reduce the risk of pathogen spread in the event of a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak. A 12.2 × 12.2 × 2.4 m (W × L × H) heat processing room was created using a temporary wall inside a de-commissioned commercial gestation barn in northwest Iowa. Eighteen swine carcasses (six per group) divided into three weight groups (mean ± SD initial carcass weights: 31.8 ± 3.3, 102.7 ± 8.1, and 226.3 ± 27.6 kg) were randomly assigned a location inside the room. Three carcasses per weight group were placed directly on concrete slats and on a raised platform. One carcass per weight group and placement (n=6) was instrumented with five temperature sensors, inserted into the brain, pleura, peritoneal, ham, and bone marrow of the femur, and a sensor was attached directly to the skin surface. Environmental conditions (ambient and room) and carcass temperatures were collected at 15-min intervals. Carcasses were subjected to an average room temperature of 57.3 ± 1.2°C for 14 days. The average (±SD) reduction from initial weight for the carcasses on slats was 45.0 ± 4.70% (feeder), 33.0 ± 8.30% (market), and 34.0 ± 15.80% (sow), and for the carcasses on a raised platform, it was 39.0 ± 6.80% (feeder), 49.0 ± 11.30% (market), and 45.0 ± 6.70% (sow). There was a significant interaction between carcass placement (slats and raised) and carcass weight loss for the market weight group. When average carcass surface temperature was at 40.6, 43.3, and 46.1°C (data grouped for analysis), the average internal carcass temperature for most measurement locations was significantly different across carcass weight groups and between the carcasses on a raised platform and those on slats. This preliminary analysis of carcass weight loss, leachate production, and temperature variation in carcasses of different sizes can be used for planning and evaluating mass swine mortality management strategies.

Associations of carcass weight and trimming loss with cull dairy cow health observations collected at slaughter.

Cull dairy cows account for around 27 percent of total head EU beef and veal production. For the Netherlands specific, even 42 percent (European Commission, 2022). As they are primarily kept to produce milk, red meat production is an additional source of revenue for dairy farmers. Insights in postmortem health observations that are not always visible on the living animal such as heart or liver issues, bruises, adhesions and injuries on the locomotor system, may contain valuable information for farmers to increase revenue and reduce losses in red meat production from cull dairy cows. Our goal was to obtain insights in the association of postmortem health observations with carcass weight and trimming losses. Data of 592,268 slaughter cows were available for analysis and models were built to explain carcass and trimming loss by the postmortem health observations. Carcass weight is lower for younger cows (-3.2 to -84.9 kg), cows with multiple health observations (-7.4 to -34.3 kg) and specific observations for the locomotor system (-16.7 to -22.7 kg), back (-17.9 kg), hindquarter (-21.6 kg) and chest and ribs (-15.5 to -27.6 kg). Total number of health observations (+2.0 to +6.5 kg), observations on the locomotor system (+3.3 to +5.4 kg) and on the chest and ribs (+2.2 to +9.8 kg) were the main predictors for trimming loss. Carcass weight is more affected by systemic health issues and diseases prior to slaughter leading to a negative energy balance and consequently reduced carcass weight. Trimming loss is more a consequence of the focus on meat quality and food safety in the slaughter process. Better understanding of the effect of on-farm management, on health, carcass weight and trimming loss will provide new insights for farmers and veterinarians but will also give them more action perspective to improve dairy farm preventive management and reduce losses at slaughter.

Spray chilling on carcass weight loss, and physicochemical and microbiological quality of beef cuts during storage

ABSTRACT: Different chilling treatments are used before meat storage. The effect of spray chilling (SC) on meat quality appears to vary. Here, we investigated the effects of SC on beef carcass weight loss and meat quality during subsequent storage. The 2-h SC program tested involved 180-s initial spraying, followed by 60-s spray cycles at 540-s intervals. Deboned chuck tender (IMPS 116B) beef cuts were vacuum-packaged and stored for up to 60 d. Purge and cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler shear force, meat colour [CIE L*, a*, b*], and microbiological quality were evaluated. SC reduced carcass weight loss (P<0.001) compared with conventional chilling. However, storage time affected the purge and cooking losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. CIE a* and b* values increased (P<0.05) after 30-d aging in both chilling treatments. Pronounced psychrotrophic growth was observed during storage after both treatments. In conclusion, SC can be used to reduce the economic losses associated with meat chilling, without affecting meat quality attributes.

Study on the Prevalence and Estimation of Monetary Loss of Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Bedeno Municipal Abattoir, East Hararghe, Ethiopia

Aim This study was conducted by using the protocols of standard meat inspection (visual, palpation and incision) to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors and to estimate the economic loss in cattle slaughtered at Bedeno Municipal Abattoir, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. Method A cross-section study design was conducted from February 2020 to November 2020, to determine the prevalence and its associated risk factors of bovine hydatidosis is taking animal origin, sex and age and body condition as risk factors. Results From A total of 355 cattle examined using the protocol of standard meat inspection, 99(27.8%) of them are found positive to hydatid cysts. The prevalence of cattle hydatidosis based on animal origin was highest in older cattle 89(29.47%) than young 10(18.89%). Regarding body condition, score to significance variation was observed, as the prevalence was 41.89% for poor cattle followed by medium 24.07% and good 24.37%. Of the total 99 infected, 41(11.55%) of animals were infected in their lungs with only hydatid cysts and 24(6.76%) were infected in their liver, but the rest animals had multiple organ infections, 34(9.58%). Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Bedeno Municipal Abattoir was estimated at 6,671,803.8 Ethiopian birr (ETB). Conclusion This study reveals that cattle hydatidosis was a high prevalence diseases in the study area and needs paucity of information on control and prevention. The cattle owners to be educated and awareness programmes to be conducted about the diseases.

Estimation of economic loss by carcass weight reduction of Japanese dairy cows due to infection with bovine leukemia virus

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection is endemic in Japanese dairy farms. To promote the participation of farmers in BLV infection control in Japan, it is important to provide estimates of the economic losses caused by this infection. We hypothesized that decreased immune function due to BLV infection would increase visceral abnormalities, in turn reducing carcass weight. We employed mediation analysis to estimate the annual economic loss due to carcass weight reduction caused by BLV infection.Culled Holstein cows from 12 commercial dairy farms in the Nemuro and Kushiro regions of Hokkaido, Japan, were traced. Information on age and the last delivery day were collected. A non-infected culled cow was defined as a cow from which BLV provirus was not detected. A high-proviral-load (H-PVL) cow was defined as a cow whose PVL titer was above 2465 copies/50 ng DNA or 56,765 copies/105 cells. A BLV-infected cow with PVL titer lower than the thresholds was categorized as low-proviral load (L-PVL). Post-mortem examination results for culled cows were collected from a meat inspection center.The hypothesis was tested by three models, using data from 222 culled dairy cows. Model 1, a generalized linear mixed-effects model, selected carcass weight as an outcome variable, BLV status and the potential confounders (lactation stage and age) as explanatory variables, and herd as a random effect. Model 2 additionally included the number of abnormal findings in the post-mortem examination (AFPE) as an explanatory variable. Model 3 applied a Bayesian generalized linear mixed model, which employed a mediator separately modeled for AFPE, to estimate the amount of direct, indirect, and total carcass weight loss with adjustment for known confounding factors.Compared to the mean carcass weight for the non-infected culled cows, the carcass weight for H-PVL culled cows was significantly decreased by 30.4 kg on average. For each increase of one in the number of AFPE, the mean carcass weight was decreased by 8.6 kg. Only the indirect effect of BLV H-PVL status on carcass weight loss through AFPE was significant, accounting for 21.6 % of the total effect on carcass weight reduction. In 2017, 73,650 culled dairy cows were slaughtered in Hokkaido, and the economic loss due to carcass weight loss caused by BLV infection that year was estimated to be US $1,391,649. In summary, unlike L-PVL cows, H-PVL status was associated with carcass weight reduction, which was partially mediated by an increase in the number of visceral abnormalities.

Prevalence and Economic Significance of Hydatidosis on Cattle Slaughtered at Nekemte Municipal Abattoir, Western Ethiopia

Aim The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis, to identify the association between expected risk factors and occurrence of the disease, to investigate economic importance and to evaluate fertility and viability of the hydatid cyst in cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study, which involves both ante-mortem and post-mortem examination, was conducted at Nekemte municipal abattoir from November 2015 to March 2016. Results A total of 355 local cattle breed was randomly sampled and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in the organs of the animals using the standard meat inspection procedures, 66 (18.6%) animals were found harboring hydatid cysts. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the prevalence of bovine hydatidosis in all risk factors with exception of sex of the animals. Among 207 hydatid cysts recorded, 93 (44.92%) were from lungs, 65 (31.40%) from livers, 4 (1.93%) from heart, 3 (1.44%) from kidney, 1 (0.48%) from spleen and 41 (19.8%) were in two organs from lung and liver. Fifty-seven (57) of these 207 cysts were randomly selected and subjected to fertility and viability test which revealed 19 (33.33%) as fertile, 25 (43.86 %) sterile and 13 (22.81%) calcified. Viability test proved 7 (12.28%) of 19 fertile cysts as viable and 12 (21.05%) of 19 fertile cysts as non-viable. Viability of cysts in different organs revealed that 5 (16.1%) and 2 (10%) of cysts from lungs and liver, respectively. The estimated financial loss during the study period both due to condemnation of organs and an in direct carcass weight loss from hydatidosis was 2,190,143.52 ETB. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that bovine hydatidosis was an economically important disease of cattle which need serious attention for prevention and control actions in and around Nekemte. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, prohibition of backyard slaughter, creation of public awareness, deworming and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.

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.

Sex-Specific Control of Muscle Mass: Elevated IGFBP Proteolysis and Reductions of IGF-1 Levels Are Associated with Substantial Loss of Carcass Weight in Male DU6PxIGFBP-2 Transgenic Mice.

In farmed animals, carcass weight represents an important economic trait. Since we had demonstrated that IGFBP-2 represents a potent inhibitor of muscle accretion in inbred mice, we wanted to quantify the inhibitory effects of IGFBP-2 under conditions of elevated protein mass in growth selected non-inbred mice (DU6P). Therefore, we crossed male DU6P mice with female IGFBP-2 transgenic mice. Male IGFBP-2 transgenic offspring (DU6P/IGFBP-2) were characterized by more than 20% reductions of carcass mass compared to male non-transgenic littermates. The carcass mass in males was also significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in transgenic female DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice, which showed a reduction of less than 10% (p < 0.05) compared to non-transgenic female DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice. Although transgene expression was elevated in the muscle of both sexes (p < 0.001), serum levels were normal in female, but significantly reduced in male transgenic DU6P/IGFBP-2 mice (p < 0.001). In this group, also IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-4 were significantly reduced in the circulation (p < 0.01). Particularly in male transgenic mice, we were able to identify proteolytic activity against recombinant IGFBP-2 included in diluted serum. IGFBP-proteolysis in males correlated with massive reductions of IGF-1 in serum samples and the presence of elevated levels of IGFBP-2 fragments. From our data, we conclude that elevated tissue expression of IGFBP-2 is an essential effector of muscle accretion and may block more than 20% of carcass mass. However, in the circulation, intact IGFBP-2 contained no reliable biomarker content. Notably, for the estimation of breeding values in meat-producing animal species, monitoring of IGFBP-2 expression in muscle appears to be supported by the present study in a model system.

Application of the principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least square regression on crossbreed Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished

Principal component analysis (PCA) and the non-hierarchical clustering analysis (K-means) were used to characterize the most important variables from carcass and meat quality traits of crossbred cattle. Additionally, partial least square (PLS) regression analysis was applied between the carcass measurements and meat quality traits on the classes defined by the cluster analysis. Ninety-seven non-castrated F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished were used. After slaughter, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass weight, carcass weight losses, pH, and backfat thickness (BFT) were measured. Subsequently, samples of the longissimus thoracis were collected to analyze shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL), meat color (L*, chroma, and hue), intramuscular fat, protein, collagen, moisture, and ashes. Principal component 1 (PC1) was correlated with colorimetric variables, while PC2 was correlated with carcass weights. Afterwards, three clusters (k = 3) were formed and projected in the gradient defined by PC1 and PC2 and allowed distinguishing groups with divergent values for collagen, protein, moisture, CL, SF, and BFT. Animals from high chroma group presented meat with more attractive colors and tenderness (SF = 1.97 to 4.84kg). Subsequently, the PLS regression on the three chroma groups revealed a good fitness and the coefficients are used to predict the chroma variable from the explanatory variables, which may have practical importance in attempts to predict meat color from carcass and meat quality traits. Thus, PCA, K-means, and PLS regression confirmed the relationship between meat color and tenderness.

Quantifying disease and defect carcass losses at processing to improve feedback in the lamb supply chain: an arthritis case study

Context Lamb producers are currently limited in their ability to make informed on-farm management changes with respect to disease and defects identified at processing. This is due to the limited accuracy and detail of information included in disease and defect feedback supplied by processors. Increasing transparency of the feedback can allow producers to make more informed on-farm decisions, and, subsequently, improve productivity and animal welfare. Aims Using arthritis as a case study, the aim was to develop a scoring system that estimates hot standard carcass weight (HSCW) losses due to trimming at processing, so as to improve feedback to lamb producers. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a southern New South Wales commercial processing facility, over 6 months and in five week-long blocks, from 21 February 2019 to 5 July 2019. Carcass trim components removed due to the presence of arthritis (shank or leg) were recorded for 217 of the 42164 lamb carcasses processed. Utilising average lot HSCWs, the total proportion of HSCW lost due to arthritis trimming (TPL) was calculated for each arthritic carcass. Linear regression analysis, with a logit-transform of TPL, was fitted to the data. Key results Processing lot and trim-component category were found to be significant (P &amp;lt;&amp;lt; 0.001) explanatory variables for variation in TPL. Trim-component categories that were not significantly (P &amp;gt; 0.05) different were combined, with final categories being assigned arthritis trim scores as follows: 1, any forequarter shank; 2, any hindquarter shank; 3, any forequarter leg; and 4, any hindquarter leg. At an over-the-hooks carcass price of AU$7.83/kg and an average HSCW of 23.13 kg, these scores were used to estimate producer revenue losses per carcass (range AU$2.95–AU$18.08). Conclusions The accuracy and detail of information provided as feedback to lamb producers can be improved. For arthritis, this can be achieved using a trim-scoring system. Implications Altering feedback to include HSCW losses for processed lots in both kilograms and dollars against the associated disease or defect will better equip producers to make cost-effective on-farm management changes and reduce the impact on the lamb supply chain.

JNK signaling contributes to skeletal muscle wasting and protein turnover in pancreatic cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia patients experience significant muscle wasting, which impairs the quality of life and treatment efficacy for patients. Skeletal muscle protein turnover is imparted by increased expression of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway components. Mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK have been shown to augment E3 ubiquitin ligase expression. Utilizing reverse-phase protein arrays, we identified pancreatic cancer cell-conditioned media-induced activation of JNK signaling in myotubes differentiated from C2C12 myoblasts. Inhibition of JNK signaling with SP600125 reduced cancer cell-conditioned media-induced myotube atrophy, myosin heavy chain protein turnover, and mRNA expression of cachexia-specific ubiquitin ligases Trim63 and Fbxo32. Furthermore, utilizing an orthotopic pancreatic cancer cachexia mouse model, we demonstrated that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with SP600125 improved longitudinal measurements of forelimb grip strength. Post-necropsy measurements demonstrated that SP600125 treatment rescued body weight, carcass weight, and gastrocnemius muscle weight loss without impacting tumor growth. JNK inhibitor treatment also rescued myofiber degeneration and reduced the muscle expression of Trim63 and Fbxo32. These data demonstrate that JNK signaling contributes to muscle wasting in cancer cachexia, and its inhibition has the potential to be utilized as an anti-cachectic therapy.

Cumulative incidence and causal risk factors of carcass condemnations in a South African high-throughput cattle abattoir

Carcass condemnation is a problem in the South African beef industry, but the causes and risk factors have not been studied or quantified. Better understanding of the cumulative incidence and causative predictors of carcass condemnations could assist in improving cattle management during transportation, preslaughter and lairage in high-throughput abattoirs. This study was conducted to investigate the main causes and predisposing factors of carcass condemnation at a large high-throughput cattle abattoir during postmortem inspections from January to December 2010. The experimental design included the effects of season, breed type, and sex, and their interactions on the cumulative incidence of carcass condemnations, and the causes of partial and whole carcass condemnations and the impact on carcass yield. The model was based on the presence of defects. Thirteen diseases and defects were evaluated in various breeds, sexes and seasons. The cumulative incidence of partial and complete carcass condemnations was 9.5%.The most important causes were peritonitis and pleuritis, soiling and bruising, Almost half of these carcass condemnations were due to soiling and bruising, which can be addressed by implementing better abattoir management during transportation, pre-slaughter and lairage. The cumulative incidence of parafilaria occurred mostly in spring and summer. Measles, intramuscular haemorrhage and wet carcass syndrome occurred mostly in winter. The cumulative incidence of the other defects had a negligible effect. Numerically the greatest carcass weight losses subsequent to partial condemnations were because of intramuscular haemorrhage and bruising.&#x0D; Keywords: abattoir management, breed, carcass condemnation, cattle, seasonal effects, sex

Weight Loss Prediction Model for Pig Carcass Based on a Genetic Algorithm Back- Propagation Neural Network

HighlightsWe propose five spraying parameters according to the characteristics of pig carcasses in the spray-chilling process.A prediction model for pig carcass weight loss, based on a genetic algorithm back-propagation neural network, is proposed to reveal the relationship between weight loss and spraying parameters.To study the effects of various spraying parameters on weight loss, an automatic spray-chilling device was designed, which can modify up to five spraying parameters.Abstract. Because the weight loss of a pig carcass in the spray-chilling process is easily affected by the spraying frequency and duration, a prediction model for weight loss based on a genetic algorithm (GA) back-propagation (BP) neural network is proposed in this article. With three-way crossbred pig carcasses selected as the test materials, the duration and time interval of high-frequency spraying, the duration and time interval of low-frequency spraying, and the duration of a single spray were selected as inputs to the network model. The weight and threshold of the network were then optimized by the GA. The prediction model for pig carcass weight loss established by the GA BP neural network yielded a correlation coefficient of R = 0.99747 between the network output value of the test samples and the target value. Weight loss prediction by the model is feasible and allows better expression of the nonlinear relationship between weight loss and the main controlling factors. The results can be a reference for chilled meat production. Keywords: BP neural network, Genetic algorithm, Pig carcass, Predictive model, Weight loss

Effect of Carcass Chilling on the Palatability Traits and Safety of Fresh Red Meat.

Chilling procedures have been widely used in livestock abattoirs since the development of refrigeration systems. The major criteria when applying chilling regimes is not only complying with regulations, but economic concerns, and also meat safety and quality assurance requirements. Given recent developments, an updated review is required to guide the industry to choose the best chilling method and to inspire the development of new approaches to chilling. Thus in this paper, the quality and microbial safety of beef, lamb, pork, venison, and bison resulting from different chilling treatments has been reviewed, as well as the underlying mechanism(s) for the different impacts on meat quality traits as a result of different chilling regimes. The effect of fast chilling on the tenderness of beef and lamb is a focus, as some new findings, have recently been reported, while multistep chilling is highlighted as it incorporates the advantages of fast chilling to reduce carcass weight loss, resulting in similar quality improvements as found with slow chilling. It is, suggested, that if spray chilling can be combined with the second phase of multi-step chilling, it will benefit the meat industry in terms of both meat quality and safety. Future studies should focus on combinations of chilling methods with new technologies, such as medium voltage electrical stimulation, muscle stretching, or ultrasound and so on, to move meat quality and safety to a new level.

Potential role of immunological factors in early diagnosis of cancer cachexia in C26 tumor-bearing mice

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome associated with high mortality in cancer patients through inducing the failure of normal metabolism and reducing the efficacy of cancer treatment. Thus, it is critically important to diagnose cancer cachexia early. To provide background data for the diagnosis of cachexia, cancer cachectic factors were characterized in the present situation, including immunological cachectic changes during cachexia progression in a cancer cachexia mouse model. Major constitution of cachexia progression is known as the stages of pre-cachexia, cachexia, and refractory cachexia. In the pre-cachexia stage, the weights of immune-related organs, including the thymus and spleen were significantly. T cell populations in spleen were markedly reduced and cachectic cytokines consistently increased in a time-dependent manner. Immunosuppression by activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 was induced earlier in CD4+ cells versus other T cell populations. Furthermore, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin-6 levels in the cachexia group were significantly increased at 3 days from C26 cell inoculation whereas significant carcass weight loss as a classical diagnostic marker occurred at 9 days from C26 cell inoculation. In conclusion, the initiation of cachectic immunological changes was observed prior to weight loss, during the pre-cachexia stage. Accordingly, these findings reveal that the monitoring of humoral and immunological factors may be more sensitive than weight loss for the initial diagnosis and treatment of cachexia.

Prevalence and economic losses resulting from parasitic zoonosis on swine and ruminants in Ouagadougou abattoir (Burkina Faso)

Cysticercosis and fasciolosis are zoonosis with public health and economic importance. A retrospective study was conducted with the objective to determine the prevalence and economic losses associated with meat condemnation in Ouagadougou abattoir due to two parasitic zoonosis: fasciolosis and cysticercosis. The meat inspection register was sifted through to collect data on animals slaughtered in the abattoir between 2007 and 2013. Prices of carcasses and organs have been requested from stakeholders in the meat industry. The prevalence and economic losses associated with animal fasciolosis and cysticercosis were calculated. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis and cysticercosis were 0.41% and 0.17%, respectively. The highest prevalence of fasciolosis was observed in cattle (0.82%), while the highest rate of cysticercosis was observed in pigs (0.22%). For both fasciolosis and cysticercosis, the highest number of condemnation was observed during the dry season. Total economic losses due to fasciolosis stemming from seizure of liver and carcass weight loss were estimated at XOF 142 068 284 ($258,423) while losses related to cysticercosis-infected organs and carcasses was estimated at XOF 6 286 000 ($11,434 USD). This study highlights the impact of these diseases in Burkina Faso and proves that the country’s population is facing riks of contamination. Keywords : Public heath, cysticercosis, meat, swine, cattle, Burkina Faso

A systematic review on modelling approaches for economic losses studies caused by parasites and their associated diseases in cattle.

Parasites reside inside or outside their hosts and get host nutrition and blood. Here, we have emphasized economic losses in cattle caused by parasitic diseases due to ecto- and endo- parasites (flies, ticks, mites and helminths). We have outlined different methods/models including economic evaluation techniques and dynamic analysis as a major class, used for the calculation of economic losses caused by parasites in cattle. According to already conducted studies, a decrease in production is mentioned in quantity and percentage while financial losses are expressed in the form of account with respect to per head, herd or for the specific study area. The parasites cause the reduced production and financial losses due to control, treatment and mortality costs. We calculated the average decrease in milk production and organ condemnation as 1.16 L animal-1 day-1 and 12.95%, respectively, from overall cattle parasitic infections. Moreover, the average calculated financial and percentage losses were US$ 50.67 animal-1 year-1 and 17.94%, respectively. Economically important parasitic diseases mentioned here are caused by specific spp. of protozoans and helminths according to data collected from the literature. Protozoan diseases include tick-borne diseases, coccidiosis, neosporosis, trypanosomiasis and cryptosporidiosis. Losses due to tick-borne infections were encountered for decreased milk production, mortality, treatment and control. Losses from coccidiosis were due to decreased weight gain, treatment costs and mortality. While abortion losses were encountered in neosporosis. Trypanosomiasis caused losses due to a decrease in milk yield. Moreover, only diagnostic (conventional or molecular techniques) cost was taken into account for cryptosporidiosis. Economically important nematode parasites are Oesophagostomum spp., Cooperia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Strongyloides spp., Ostertagia spp. and Haemonchus placei. Due to the zoonotic importance of echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus is the most economically important cestode parasite. Losses caused by echinococcosis were due to organ condemnation, carcass weight loss and decreases hide value, milk production and fecundity. While, fascioliasis is one of the most economically important trematodal disease, which causes cirrhosis of the liver due to parasite migration, and thus, the organ becomes inedible. So, it would be helpful for farmers and researchers to approach these methods/models for calculation of parasitic losses and should adopt suitable measures to avoid long-term economic losses.

The influence of transport on pig meat quality

During the transport of slaughter pigs several typical forms of stress have a strong influence on the animals. Preparation of animals (early handling, indirect transfer systems, fasting period), transport (driving and loading of pigs to the vehicle, vehicle design, weather condition, loading density, driving style, transport time and distance, unloading of pigs), driving and lairage time of the pigs at the slaughterhouse are critical points within the pre-slaughter period. Although halothane status is the most important factor influencing pork quality, optimum-handling procedures pre-slaughter may make significant improvements to pork quality in those pigs carrying the halothane gene. Stress-reduced measures during the pre-slaughter handling of the animals are discussed. The elimination of the Hal gene, the duration of the fasting period (12-18 h), the careful driving and loading of animals in small groups, the vehicle design, the optimal loading density (200-235 Kgr pig/m2or 0,425-0,5m2/l00 Kgr pig), the considerate driving style, the fast unloading of the animals, and the adequate resting period before slaughter (2-4 h) are measures of outmost importance. The occurrence of the déviances in meat quality (PSE-, DFD-meat) in our country calls for the implementation of the abovementioned measures. All these measures require a lot of material, staff and time and can therefore increase transport costs. Good transport management on the other hand can avoid total losses and minimizes losses in carcass weight, damages of the carcass as well as the déviances in meat quality. It is therefore clear that animal welfare and operational efficacy are not necessarily irreconcilable.

English

A cross sectional study on bovine fasciolosis was carried out from October 2009 to April 2010 at Arba Minch Municipal abattoir with the aim of determining the prevalence and estimating financial loss. Out of the total 600 cattle examined during the study period, 203 were positive for Fasciola spp. infection with the prevalence rate of 33.83%. Fasciola gigantica was found to be the predominant Fasciola species affecting cattle slaughtered in the study area, 179 (88.18%) of the total livers positive for bovine fasciolosis were infected by F. gigantica, while 15 ( 7.39%) livers had F. hepatica and 9 (4.43) were infected by both species (Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica). From positive livers for the parasite, 44.33, 33.50 and 22.17% of the livers had slight, moderate and severe gross lesions, respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of fasciolosis (P<0.01) among different body conditions and also among different origins. Higher prevalence of the parasite was observed in animals with poor body condition and lowland origin. The total estimated annual financial losses due to fasciolosis in the abattoir during the study period was726,561.5 ETB ($52,649.38 US) of which 49,493.29 ETB ($3,586.47 USD) was due to liver condemnation (direct) and 677,068.21 ETB ($49,062.91 USD) was because of carcass weight loss (indirect). The estimated annual financial loss showed that fasciolosis is an economically important disease in the abattoir. Therefore, there is a need for further detailed studies on the epidemiology of the disease and snail intermediate hosts found in the area and strategic measure should be taken to control the disease. Key words: Abattoir, Arba Minch, cattle, Ethiopia, Fasciolosis, financial loss, prevalence.