Carcass Condemnation Research Articles

Taenia ovis in Small Ruminants in Iran: Prevalence, Pathology, and Economic Loss.

Taenia ovis larvae can result in economic losses in small ruminants due to condemnation of infected tissues or whole carcasses. From 2017 to 2018, the T. ovis prevalence in 16,180 sheep and 7560 goats at the Najafabad slaughterhouse in Isfahan was determined. More sheep (477; 2.9%) than goats (90; 1.2%) were found to be infected, and the prevalence was higher in animals <1 y (p < 0.0001), and higher in spring in sheep (8.2%) and goats (2.2%). Female sheep were more frequently infected than males (p < 0.0001); this did not hold true for goats. Of the tissues examined, T. ovis was found more often in the heart muscle of sheep compared with other tissues; however, infections in the heart muscle, masseter muscle, diaphragm, and triceps were similar in goats. Granulomas and caseous necrosis in the heart muscles were associated with the accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells and the formation of fibrous tissue around the parasite. Based solely on infected tissues found in this study, the economic loss caused by the presence of T. ovis larvae was estimated to be 4167 United States dollars (USD). Control methods, such as proper disposal of infected tissues and anthelmintic treatment of infected dogs, are necessary to decrease infection and prevent economic loss in small ruminants.

Epidemiological analysis of bovine tuberculosis in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul from 2000 to 2015

ABSTRACT: Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an infectious and zoonotic disease with socioeconomic importance, responsible for economic losses in livestock due to the decrease in animal productivity, mortality, bovine carcass condemnation and restriction on exportations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of this disease through a descriptive analysis and time series of cases of bovine tuberculosis diagnosed at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) of the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) from 2000 to 2015. A survey was carried out in the LRD database of cases diagnosed as tuberculosis in cattle during this period. The incidence rate of BTB ([cases/population] x 100000) was calculated. Qualitative variables (sex, age, race, origin, type of material and presumptive diagnosis) were analyzed in a descriptive way, aiming to establish the profile of affected animals, characterize the municipalities in which the disease is originated and also fix the main referral organs for diagnosis. The time series analysis was performed using the Gretl statistical software 1.9.12 (GNU Regression, Econometric and Time-series Library). To verify the existence of the stationary distribution, the test of Dickey-Fuller was used, considering a value of p&lt;0.05. During this period, 331 cases of BTB were diagnosed in the LRD. The present study identified that the predominant profile of the bovines affected by tuberculosis was female bovine aged more than two years old and crossbreed; the main organ sent for histopathological examination was lymph nodes. The microregion of Pelotas presented the highest incidence of the disease. There was also a tendency of a decrease in the incidence rate of this disease over the years, absence of seasonal influence in the occurrence of the disease and no cases of epidemics occurred from 2002 to 2015 in the area covered by the LRD-UFPel.

The effect of four commercial broiler hybrids and the season on occurrence of broiler condemnations in the abattoirs

ABSTRACT: Condemnations in the broilers abattoirs can represent an overview farms health and effectiveness of welfare programs, as well as predisposition between hybrids. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of condemnation among four commercial broiler hybrids and the oscillation of condemnations in different seasons in a poultry abattoir. Data from condemnations of the Federal Inspection Service of a slaughterhouse were analyzed during one year, in which a total of 12.81% of partial condemnations were observed and total condemnations represented 0.41% of slaughtered broiler. There was a difference in total and partial condemnation among the hybrids evaluated, with Hubbard hybrid being the one with the highest number of condemnations (0.67% - 17.71%), followed by Ross 95 (0.42% - 14.21%), Cobb (0.30% - 10.03%); and Cobb Fast (0.26% - 9.29%). The analysis between the seasons showed a higher conviction rate in winter and a lower rate in autumn for both total and partial condemnation. Hubbard had the highest rates and Cobb Fast the lowest for most causes of condemnation. We concluded that the metabolic cause led to higher losses by total condemnation, while contamination or technopathies represented the highest rates in partial losses. The broiler hybrid and the time of year may influence the causes of condemnation in the abattoir. This information should be considered by the abattoir and the farms in sanitary planning, considering the financial impact due to losses by condemnations of carcasses.

Major Causes of Organs and Carcass Condemnation and Financial Losses in Cattle Slaughtered at Adama Municipal Abattoir, Adama, Ethiopia

Abattoirs play an important role in examining signs, lesions or specific diseases of surveillance of various diseases that have human and animal health importance. Surveillance at the abattoir allows for all animals passing into the human food chain to be inspected. Monitoring and other conditions at slaughter have been recognized as one way of assessing the disease status of the herd. Abattoir data can be a source of valuable information on the incidence and epidemiology of animal disease conditions, to estimate the financial losses incurred through the condemnation of affected organs. The study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in Adama municipal abattoir, at Adama. The aim of this study was to identify the significant causes of organ condemnation and to estimate the magnitude of the direct financial losses attributed to the condemned organs from cattle slaughtered in the abattoir. Standard antemortem and postmortem inspection procedures were followed throughout the study. The antemortem inspection was carried out on arrival and in the lairage and abnormalities encountered was recorded, followed by postmortem examination through their identification number to detect gross abnormalities and aesthetic reasons that rendered each organ to be rejected from the domestic market. The estimation of financial losses is based on the annual slaughter capacity of the abattoir and considering the market average price of each organ. The study revealed that from a total of 384 slaughtered animals 63 (16.40%) were found to have signs of detectable abnormalities in the antemortem inspection. The clinical signs observed during an antemortem inspection from 63 animals were depression (5.46%), nasal discharge (4.68%), coughing (2.46%), lameness (1.56%) and local swelling ().18%). However, during postmortem inspection offal organs of slaughtered animals shown lesions and subjected to condemnation were liver (62.76%), lung (59.37%), and heart (9.37%). The identified microorganisms responsible for the condemnation of these organs in the study were fasciolosis (30.46%), hydatidosis (32.29%) and pericarditis (5.73%). The condemnation of this much organs resulted in a financial loss estimated to be 3,533,428.50 (ETB) or 152,763.862 USD annually. This study implies that high prevalence organ condemnation, particularly by parasitic infections. This warranties that awareness creation to animal owners on its animal husbandry management and animal health control measures like regular deworming.

Condemnation of bovine carcasses and viscera for brucellosis in Brazil between 2010 and 2018

Condemnation of bovine carcasses and viscera for brucellosis in Brazil between 2010 and 2018

A Heavy Infection Macro-cysts of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sarcocystis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Spp. Case in a Najdi Sheep at Buraidah Slaughter House, Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Background: Protozoal diseases caused by <i>Sarcocystis</i> species can cause serious damage in sheep and goats flocks, inducing decreased growth conversion rates and partial or complete condemnation of carcasses at the slaughter house. Sarcocystis spp. affecting sheep and goats are host specific for their intermediate hosts and family specific for their final hosts. They derive their name from the intramuscular cyst stage present in the intermediate host. Objective: Macro and micro identification of macro-cysts of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. affecting a Najdi sheep carcass. Method: Detection of macrosarcocystis during routine post mortem examination and identification the detected cyst by histopathological investigation. Result: The macroscopic sarcocysts were found cleared and scattered in almost all skeletal muscles including shoulder, chest and diaphragm as well as thigh. Both morphological and histopathological characteristics indicated that the detected cysts may be identified as <i>Sarcocystis gigantea</i>. Conclusion: It is a case study of macro-cysts of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. affecting local breed of Najdi sheep. It is considered a seldom detected case all over many years during meat inspection at Buraidah slaughter house. The possible control measures are those of simple hygiene. Farm dogs should not be housed in, or allowed access to, fodder stores nor should they be allowed to defecate in pens where livestock are housed. It is also important that they are not fed uncooked meat.

Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming - Is It Possible to Use Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming in Commercial Broiler Slaughterhouses in Brazil?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate visual contamination rates of carcasses of broilers slaughtered in establishments supervised by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) and efficiency of carcass washing in replacement of trimming. The work was divided into three parts: analysis of partial and total carcass condemnation by contamination in hot (October to March) and cold (April to September) periods; evaluation of microbiological contamination before and after washing 800 carcasses (400 that did not go through washing x 400 that went through washing); and carcass washing test. For the test, twenty carcasses were evaluated in five treatments: carcasses without contamination - before washing; carcasses without contamination - after washing; contaminated carcasses - before washing and before trimming; contaminated carcasses - after washing; contaminated carcasses - after trimming. Hot and cold periods obtained a similar number and weight of slaughtered chickens. There were no differences regarding condemnation by contamination. Periods of the year did not influence the average weight of the birds slaughtered in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Carcass washing in the slaughter line was effective in reducing total bacterial contamination, E. coli, and enterobacteria. There is a similarity in the reduction of condemnations by contamination, evidencing that the uniformity of production systems. Although it is not yet a reality in Brazilian slaughterhouses, the washing procedure can be considered a safe replacement for trimming.

Relative contribution of production chain phases to health and performance of broiler chickens: a field study

There is increasing evidence that health and performance of the breeder flock significantly contributes to health and performance of their progeny. Data of broiler performance and health are routinely collected in various stages of the broiler production chain. In the Netherlands, the broiler chain operates at a relatively non-integrated level and the various databases are usually not connected. Connecting databases may however provide important information to improve chain performance. The aim of the present study was to determine systematic effects of broiler breeder production farm or flock on health (mortality and antibiotics use) and performance of their offspring, using data routinely collected at the different stages of the production chain. Broiler flock data collected over 6 yr (daily growth, slaughter weight, carcass weight uniformity, carcass condemnations, first week and total mortality, and antibiotics use) were linked to breeder flocks and farms. In total, 2,174 broiler flock records (at house level) of 74 broiler farms were linked to 88 broiler breeder farms and 209 breeder flocks. A mixed model analysis was applied to simultaneously estimate effects of season, parent flock age, time trend, and the contribution of the different chain phases to broiler performance and health. No systematic effects of breeder farm and only small systematic effects of breeder flock on broiler health and performance were found. The largest breeder flock effect was found for carcass condemnations (estimated contribution to the variance component: 7%). Most variation on broiler health and performance was explained by broiler farm and “day-old chick batch.” The latter refers to the rest variance that could not be explained by other factors, i.e., incidental effects linked to the specific day-old chick batch and the stage between the breeder and broiler farm. Our results suggest that systematic effects of breeder flock and farm could have been overruled by (management in) the hatchery phase and the broiler farm. This indicates room for improvement of management in these production phases.

Major Causes and Associated Economic Losses of Carcass and Organ Condemnation in Cattle and Sheep in the Northern Part of Palestine.

Major Causes and Associated Economic Losses of Carcass and Organ Condemnation in Cattle and Sheep in the Northern Part of Palestine.

Losses caused by carcass bruising in a packing plant in Goiás State

The quality of meat is influenced by several aspects, among which post-vaccination abscesses and bruises stand out as primary factors for the condemnation of carcasses. However, economic losses resulting from improper handling practices can severely compromise the profitability of both the packing plant and the producer. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of occurrence of abscesses and bruises in carcasses of animals slaughtered in a packing plant and analyze the economic losses generated by them. The number of animals examined was determined according to the slaughter flow in the packing plant (10-20% of animals/day). Data pertaining to region and number of bruises, abscess location, weight of excised portions and distance from the municipalities of origin of the animals were collected and evaluated by descriptive statistical analysis. The occurrence of lesions was 78% trauma- and 45% abscess-derived. The presence of these lesions resulted in economic losses, representing a depreciation of BRL 2.99/animal in the profit obtained by the cattle farmer. A comparison between the “sex classes” and “bruising” factors revealed that the females had higher occurrence and distribution of bruises and abscesses than uncastrated and castrated males. Bruises were more frequent in the hindquarter region, regardless of the distance, while abscesses were restricted to the forequarter. The weight of discarded tissues was higher on farms less than 200 km away from the packing plant; however, these results were influenced by the number of animals evaluated in the group.

Correlation between carcass condemnations in slaughterhouses and official notifications of cattle testing positive for tuberculosis.

The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between condemnations in slaughterhouses situated in Minas Gerais State and notifications to the Brazilian Official Veterinary Service of cattle that were positive for intradermal tuberculin tests. Data were obtained from three slaughterhouses under different surveillance conditions and from the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Health Agency for 2011 to 2017. During this period, there was an increase in the number of condemnations of females aged over 36months, despite the number of females testing with intradermal tests and being reported as positive decreasing. Therefore, there is a discrepancy between the analyzed variables. Since there is a belief that slaughter condemnations can be used as tools for epidemiological surveys in beef and dairy farms, it is advisable for there to be a greater integration of the Brazilian Health Inspection Services in slaughterhouses and Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock defense department. This will ensure safe animal products.

Evaluation of the reuse of poultry litter on the carcass condemnated due to colibacillosis

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of poultry litter reuse on the condemnation of chicken carcasses in two slaughterhouses under federal inspection in the State of São Paulo, which obtain poultry from farms with different bed reuse protocols. Brazil is a major producer and exporter of chicken meat and there are many losses in the production chain, which could result in higher productivity if there are not problems in that process. The management of poultry litter is important for the final quality of the carcasses and is associated with most of the pathologies found in broilers, such as colibacillosis. Do not observed condemnation by colibacillosis in the slaughtering “A” that farms reuse the chicken litter for a maximum of six times. But in the slaughterhouse “B” the carcasses rejection was 0.06% and the chickens were coming from farms that reuse the material for more than six times. Both farms reuse the chicken litter after turning and fermentation protocols. These results demonstrate a relation between the number of times the material is used and the pathology studied. Thus, the management of chicken litter can be responsible for the losses of carcasses by colibacillosis in the poultry industry.

Survey of gross pathologic conditions of cattle presented for slaughter in the southeastern United States

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, cattle slaughtered in 2017 totaled 32.2 million animals and approximately 6.4 million animals were adult cull cattle (USDA 2016; USDA-NASS 2016). This harvest accounts for an estimated 5.4 billion pounds of beef or 20.7% of the 2017, US beef production. In the Southeastern US, the production of beef from cull cattle included 583,300 animals or approximately 90% of the total animals harvested in the region. Establishing the prevalence of diseases within this population is necessary for improving the quality and profitability of this sector of the industry. The objectives of this study were; 1) determine the prevalence of gross pathologic conditions, 2) characterize the type and frequency of conditions eliciting carcass condemnation, and 3) evaluate the extent of carcass bruising in cull cattle presented to slaughter and originating from farms in the southeastern United States.

Economic Losses’ Estimation of carcass and Organ Condemnations From Slaughter Cattle in Thailand, Pará State, Brazilian Amazon

The article identifies the main pathologies found and estimates the economic losses generated in a slaughterhouse in the Thailand municipality, Pará, during the period from March 2010 to October 2014. 55,169 animals were slaughtered, with total economic losses of R$ 1,221,035.90 and ischemia was the most frequent lesion (41.86%). The most frequent condemnation organs were lungs (48.75%), kidneys (41.66%) and liver (3.61%), which produced economic loss of R$ 76,405.65 (6.26%). Tuberculosis was the main cause of carcass condemnation, responsible for R$ 872,783.64 of economic losses. The bovine tuberculosis control can begin in production, with examinations on the farm to slaughter lines, with careful carcass inspection, as advocated by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), which increases disease control and minimizes condemnations and economic losses at slaughter.

Associations between Pre-Slaughter and Post-Slaughter Indicators of Animal Welfare in Cull Cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare of cull cows in a slaughtering plant, using indicators of health on arrival and indicators of handling during the stunning process. These pre-slaughter indicators were associated with post-slaughter indicators of the same cows, such as carcass bruising and condemnations. Transport staff surveys showed that all drivers had been trained on animal welfare. All loads of cows came directly from farms and had an average transport duration of 5 h 22 min. Indicators were registered in 237 cows during unloading at the slaughterhouse and in the stunning box. Bruises and condemnations were recorded post-slaughter in the carcasses of the same cows. Results at arrival showed that 48% of the cows had low body condition, 50% had mammary problems, and 24% suffered from lameness. During stunning, 16% of cows needed a second shot, and 54% exceeded the 60 s established as a recommended interval between stunning and bleeding. During the post-slaughter evaluation, 50% of the carcasses had more than two bruises and 70.46% had a bruise severity score different from zero. Low body condition was a risk factor to increase the severity of bruises; low body condition and mammary problems increased carcass condemnations; the stunning process indicators were not statistically associated with the severity of the bruises. For cull cows the main animal welfare issue originates at farm level.

Bacteriological profile and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep and goats abscess

Sheep and goat in Egypt are at risk of being affected by abscess disease, a pyogenic infection causes pyogenic abscess formation in superficial lymph nodes, emaciation and wasting of the animal bodies necessitating culling of the animal from the herd and partial or complete carcass condemnation in the abattoir. Staph aureus is one of the main causative agents of abscess formation. The present study was designed to throw light on the prevalence of Staph aureus (S. aureus) causing abscess disease in sheep and goats in Beni-Suef governorate in Egypt. This study was conducted on 200 pus swab samples collected from many flocks in Beni-Suef Governorate from the period of (March 2016 - April 2017) include 165 living Balady sheep and 35 living goat (6 month -3 years old). Out of 200 samples, S. aureus (30 isolates), 26 from sheep (15.75%) and 4 (11.4%) from goat in a total prevalence of 15% were recovered and identified. Full antibiogram of all recovered isolates proved the sensitivity of S. aureus being (90%) to ciprofloxacin, (93.3%) to gentamicin and (60%) to rifampicin. The isolates show high resistance to other antibiotics as their sensitivity were only (6.7 %) to penicillin G and vancomycin and (10 %) to spectinomycin. These results recommend using of ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and rifampicin for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Prevalence and financial loss estimation of parasitic diseases detected in slaughtered cattle in Kwara State, North-central Nigeria.

Parasitism is of great concern to the wellbeing, productivity and reproductivity of animals and it causes great financial loss to the economy of any nation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and the economic loss from carcass and viscera condemnation due to parasitic diseases in slaughtered cattle in Kwara State, North-central Nigeria. A 16year (2003-2018) record of parasitic diseases detected in cattle slaughtered at the major abattoirs in Ilorin city was retrieved from the Kwara State Veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The total prevalence as well as the yearly, monthly and seasonal prevalence of each of the documented parasitic diseases was determined. The financial losses associated with each of the parasitic diseases were estimated in Nigerian Naira (₦) and US Dollar (USD) considering the market price and weight of viscera condemned. Fasciolosis, hydatidosis, dicrocoeliosis, cysticercosis and oesophagostomiasis were the parasitic disease conditions with fasciolosis (6371/832,001) and cysticercosis (134/832,001) been the most and least prevalent disease conditions respectively. The yearly and monthly prevalence of each disease conditions showed an undefined pattern. There was a significantly difference in the prevalence of the detected parasitic conditions within seasons. The total financial loss associated with these disease conditions was 304,133.82 USD (46,161,433 Nigerian Naira). This study showed that parasitic diseases are of great financial drain to the livestock economy of Nigeria and this study will serve as baseline information on the economic losses associated with parasitic diseases of cattle at slaughter in Nigeria.

Ascites Syndrome Associated with Hypothyroidism in a Brahma Chicken: a Case Study and Review of the Literature

Ascites syndrome (AS) in chickens represents a major cause of mortality and the most frequent metabolic-related cause of abattoir carcass condemnation in broilers. Susceptibility of broiler chickens to ascites is determined by a complex interaction between genetically-controlled factors (as high-rate metabolism and peculiarity of the cardiovascular system) and exogenous factors such as nutrition, and temperature. Endocrine imbalances, especially thyroid-gland dysfunctions, are currently regarded as key-elements in the development of AS. The current case represents the first spontaneous case of hypothyroidism (goiter) associated with AS in broilers, bringing additional arguments to the theory which claims the role of thyroid dysfunction in this syndrome. Further studies of spontaneous cases which must include assessment of the thyroid hormones need be performed in order to better understand the link between thyroid gland dysfunction and the cardiopulmonary changes in the context of AS in birds.

Antibacterial efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against pyogenic bacteria isolated from a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) abscess.

Background:Abscess in camel is one of the most important bacterial infections. It causes anemia and emaciation, resulting in an economic loss due to carcass condemnation and a decrease in reproductive and production efficiency.Aim:This investigation aimed to isolate the bacteria from abscesses in camels and evaluate the antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera extracts.Materials and Methods:Disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration were used for the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of M. oleifera extracts against isolated bacteria from camel abscesses.Results:The isolated bacteria were displayed relatively as follows: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (30.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (25.8%), Escherichia coli (17.8%), Corynebacterium ulcerans (10.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5%), Micrococcus spp. (6.7%), Proteus vulgaris (5.2%), Citrobacter spp. (4.2%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.7%). The drugs of choice for Corynebacterium isolates were ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, whereas amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, novobiocin, streptomycin, and vancomycin were for Staphylococcus isolates. Moreover, the ethanol extracts of M. oleifera showed higher antibacterial efficacy than the cold aqueous extracts.Conclusion:M. oleifera is considered one of the new infection-fighting strategies in controlling pyogenic bacteria responsible for camel abscesses.

Occurrence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Two Regions of the State of Tocantins-Brazil and the Importance of Pathogen Identification.

Bovine cysticercosis, caused by Taenia saginata metacestodes, is the cause of significant economic losses to the meat production chain by condemnation and downgrading of infected carcasses. It is also a public health issue causing human taeniasis. This study evaluated the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis at the meat inspection procedures in slaughterhouses of south and north regions of the Tocantins State in Brazil. Specimens identified as cysts of T. saginata were collected and analyzed by molecular (PCR) and histopathological techniques. The cysts were collected from March to December of 2010 in slaughterhouses located in the cities of Alvorada (South) and Araguaína (North). The frequency of cystic lesions during the study was 0.033% (53/164,091) with 69.81% of calcified lesions and 30.9% of live cysts at meat inspection. From 14 samples submitted to molecular analysis, 28.57% (4/14) were positive for T. saginata. The histopathological analysis of the non-T. saginata samples showed lesions suggestive of granuloma and hydatid disease. The results indicated that the identification of the etiological agent is difficult by macroscopic inspection, emphasizing the need to associate specific diagnostic methods at meat inspection in abattoirs. In addition, species-specific PCR would be an effective tool for diagnosis, monitoring, and identifying cysticercosis, assisting the conventional tests.