Inspection Of Carcasses Research Articles

Revealing caprine schistosomiasis and its One Health importance in Malawi: A molecular epidemiological investigation augmented with a praziquantel treatment and GPS animal tracking pilot sub-study

To shed first light on caprine schistosomiasis and its zoonotic potential in Malawi, we conducted a molecular epidemiological investigation, sampling goats (n = 230) across three districts, using faecal miracidia hatching test. Molecular genotyping of miracidia later revealed the prevalence of Schistosoma mattheei to be 0.0 % in Nsanje District (n = 30), 16.7 % in Chikwawa District (n = 30) and 25.3 % in Mangochi District (n = 170). Notably, a miracidium of Schistosoma haematobium was observed from a single goat in Chikwawa. Inspection of carcasses (n = 51) at two local abattoirs in Mangochi District did not find any evidence of caprine schistosomiasis where only a single herd, at Mangochi 3, was infected. Here, despite sampling several other herds nearby, the prevalence was 87.7 % (n = 49), with an animal found excreting 1000 miracidia per 5 g of faeces. At this location, our praziquantel treatment (n = 14) and GPS animal tracking (n = 2) pilot sub-study compared two local goat herds over a three-month period. The daily foraging ranges across a 10 km2 area were recorded, alongside targeted schistosome surveillance within local freshwater intermediate snail hosts. Analysis of GPS data revealed only one herd (infected) to have regular daily water contact with Lake Malawi whereas the other herd (not infected) totally avoided the lake. One week after praziquantel treatment administered at 40 mg/kg, anthelminthic cure rate was 92.3 % while at three months approximately a third of treated animals were shedding schistosome miracidia. Cercariae from several field-caught snails locally were genotyped, inclusive of finding a Schistosoma haematobium-mattheei hybrid. Our findings reveal the focalized nature of caprine schistosomiasis, signposting a novel alert for S. haematobium transmission, and highlight where zoonotic transmission can be intense. To better address zoonotic spill-over from S. mattheei (and/or S. haematobium), the national control programme for schistosomiasis should formally develop targeted surveillance of caprine schistosomiasis and where appropriate, attempt an integrated One Health intervention in future.

Bovine tuberculosis in Central Ethiopian slaughterhouses and the identification of causative mycobacteria by multiplex real-time PCR

BackgroundBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) that ultimately leads to the development of progressive granulomatous lesions. Although the disease is widespread, especially in crossbred cattle in Ethiopia, routine investigations and surveillance are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and species of mycobacteria causing bTB in slaughtered cattle at four slaughterhouses in Central Ethiopia.MethodsPostmortem examination of 7,640 cattle was conducted using a cross-sectional slaughterhouse survey. A total of 388 tuberculous-like lesions (TBLs) were collected from 173 animals and cultured. Six target genes were used to differentiate mycobacterial species using multiplex real-time PCR (mRT-PCR). Multivariate logistic regression analyses and related odds ratios (ORs) were used to gauge the strength of the associations between risk factors, TBL incidence and culture growth.ResultsThe prevalence of TBL was 2.3% (95% CI = 2.0-2.6). Logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of TBL in crossbred cattle (OR = 11.8, 95% CI: 6.4, 21.2, p < 0.001). Animals slaughtered at Adama (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.3, p = 0.009) or Burayu (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.9, 8.9, p < 0.001) had a greater risk of TBL than those slaughtered at Sululta. There were significantly more TBL-positive lesions in the lungs and lymph nodes related to the lung (OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 2.7, 24.5, p < 0.001) and the head lymph node (OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.8, 21.7; p = 0.006) compared to gut associated lymph nodes. Among the 173 TBL-positive animals, 36% (95% CI = 28.8, 43.2), and among the 388 TBL-positive tissues, 24.2% (95% CI = 20, 29) were culture and mRT-PCR positive. All the culture-generated isolates were positive for M. bovis in mRT-PCR. Among them, two animals had mixed infections including one zebu cattle tested positive for both M. caprae and M. bovis, and a crossbred cow tested positive for both M. tuberculosis and M. bovis in mRT-PCR. This suggests persistent transmission within the cattle population, posing a substantial public health threat.ConclusionThis study revealed an eleven-fold greater risk of bTB-related lesions in crossbred cattle compared to local zebu cattle. This finding highlights the necessity for targeted interventions, continuous vigilance, and thorough carcass inspection to mitigate public health risks.

Lessons Learned and Outcomes from Risk-Based Modernisation of Post-Mortem Inspection and Disposition Criteria of Beef, Sheep, Goat, and Pig Carcasses in Australia.

The lessons learned from reviewing national risk assessments to modernise the Australian Standard for the post-mortem inspection and disposition judgement of beef, sheep, goat, and pig carcases are discussed. The initial risk profiles identified priorities for quantitative assessments. Broadly, the main difficulty encountered was the paucity of quantified performance for the current inspection. Resolving this involved acquiring gross abnormality data representing regional production/proportional abattoir volumes, the range of gross abnormalities appearing nationally, proportional occurrence at carcase sites, and seasonality to enable the comparison of procedures. The methodologies followed the Codex Alimentarius Commission's risk assessment guidelines and are fully documented in the associated publications. The evidence and discussion are provided for the associated challenges experienced, including preventing contamination, the use of food chain information to support amendment, inspection as a part of industry Quality Assurance programmes, and opportunities to improve inspector training. The criteria considered by the Competent Authority for the determination of the equivalence of alternative post-mortem inspection techniques included comparisons of public health risk, non-detection rates for gross abnormalities, and microbial contamination resulting from inspection activities, as appropriate. Most of the gross abnormalities detected arose from animal health and welfare conditions affecting wholesomeness and did not present as food safety hazards. The non-detection rates between the current and alternative inspection (observation) were negligible. A quantitative risk assessment for Cysticercus bovis was conducted. Carcases with multiple gross abnormalities predominantly reflected historic infections (prior septicaemia), where trimming achieved wholesomeness unless they were cachexic.

Improving meat quality and safety: innovative strategies

Ensuring meat products' quality and safety is paramount in today's food industry. This extended abstract delves into innovative strategies to enhance meat quality and safety throughout the production, processing, and distribution stages. The paper explores various cutting-edge approaches, technologies, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate risks and improve consumer confidence in meat products. The discussion begins with examining advancements in meat processing techniques, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and irradiation. These techniques are instrumental in reducing microbial contamination, extending shelf life, and preserving the nutritional integrity of meat products. Furthermore, the paper explores emerging technologies like nanotechnology and blockchain, which offer novel solutions for enhancing traceability, transparency, and accountability in the meat supply chain. Much of the paper discusses the role of quality control measures in ensuring meat safety and compliance with food safety regulations. From carcass inspection and microbiological testing to chemical residue analysis and packaging standards, rigorous quality control protocols are essential for identifying and mitigating potential hazards at every stage of meat production. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of animal husbandry practices, feed management, and genetics in influencing meat quality attributes such as flavour, texture, and tenderness. Producers can enhance meat products' overall quality and palatability by implementing improved animal husbandry practices, optimizing feed formulations, and selectively breeding animals for desirable traits. In addition to technological advancements and quality control measures, the paper emphasizes the need for regulatory compliance and government oversight to uphold food safety standards. Ensuring adherence to regulations such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and implementing comprehensive food safety management systems are essential for safeguarding public health and consumer trust. In conclusion, this extended abstract provides a comprehensive overview of innovative strategies for improving meat quality and safety in the food industry. By embracing advancements in processing techniques, leveraging new technologies, implementing stringent quality control measures, and adhering to regulatory requirements, stakeholders can enhance the safety, integrity, and consumer perception of meat products in the marketplace.

Revealing bovine schistosomiasis in Malawi: Connecting human and hybrid schistosomes within cattle

In Malawi, the putative origin of a newly described Schistosoma haematobium-mattheei hybrid human schistosome was assessed upon a seminal molecular parasitological survey of cattle. Using miracidia hatch test (MHT) and carcass inspection at slaughter, mean prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was 49.1% (95% CI: 43.7–54.6%) and 10.3% (95% CI: 6.0–16.2%) respectively, though significant spatial heterogeneity was noted. Approximately 2.0% of infected cattle, and only those from Mangochi District, shed S. haematobium-mattheei and/or S. haematobium in faeces. To quantify schistosome (re)infection dynamics, where a S. haematobium-mattheei hybrid was present, we undertook a novel pilot GPS-datalogging sub-study within a specific herd of cattle (n = 8) on the Lake Malawi shoreline, alongside a praziquantel (40 mg/kg) treatment efficacy spot check. At sub-study baseline, all GPS-tagged cattle had proven daily water contact with the lake. Each animal was patently infected upon MHT, with older animals shedding less miracidia. At one month review, whilst parasitological cure was 100.0%, from six weeks onwards, (re)infection was first noted in the youngest animal. By three-month review, all animals were patently (re)infected though only miracidia of S. mattheei were recovered, albeit in much lower numbers. To conclude, infection with S. mattheei is particularly common in cattle and demonstrates a previously cryptic burden of bovine schistosomiasis. Within Mangochi District, bovine transmission of both S. haematobium-mattheei hybrids and S. haematobium are now incriminated, with unequivocal evidence of contemporary zoonotic spill-over. Future control of urogenital schistosomiasis here in the southern region needs to develop, then successfully integrate, a One Health approach with appropriate mitigating strategies to reduce and/or contain bovine schistosomiasis transmission.

Key indicators of beef safety and quality as important aspects of conservation

Meat cattle breeding should develop in Ukraine as a priority and independent industry to meet beef needs. The meat industry has enormous potential and, as the most promising and attractive, will take a dominant place in the structure of the domestic food industry in the coming years. Beef is one of the most essential elements of the human diet. It contains complete proteins and animal fats, biologically active substances, mineral elements, and vitamins. The most important feature of food products is their quality and safety indicators, that is, the absence of substances harmful to the consumer's health and pathogens of infectious and invasive diseases. In this regard, veterinary and sanitary expertise and product safety control are of particular importance, as they are necessary to ensure the health of the population of Ukraine. Improving the quality of meat and meat products is a primary task in modern conditions. The implementation of this task depends not only on agricultural but also on processing enterprises. The article presents materials on the study of critical indicators of the safety and quality of beef. The study was carried out as part of the research work of the Department of Normal and Pathological Morphology, hygiene, and Expertise: “Monitoring the content of toxic substances in drinking water, feed and their impact on the body of cattle and the quality and safety of products”, state registration number – 0120U101318. The material for the research was the slaughter products of domestic animals, such as cattle, which were supplied to enterprises in the city of Zhytomyr. Pre-slaughter inspection and veterinary-sanitary examination of carcasses and their slaughter products of cattle was carried out following the “Rules of pre-slaughter veterinary examination of animals and veterinary-sanitary examination of meat and meat products”. The study aims to determine the safety and quality indicators of beef obtained in the conditions of meat processing enterprises of the Zhytomyr region. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive survey of beef safety and quality indicators was conducted. As a result of the tests, it was established that the pH level of the meat was 5.7–6.1. Carrying out the reaction with a 5 % solution of CuSO4 in the broth showed that the broth was transparent. A positive response to peroxidase was also detected. The safety parameters corresponded to regulatory documents. Careful control of the safety and quality of beef at every stage of production, starting from the rearing of animals and up to the sale of the product, guarantees a high degree of consumer protection.

Detection of Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis bovifelis, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. in carcasses affected by bovine eosinophilic myositis

Bovine eosinophilic myositis is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by multiple focal or diffuse grey to green patches leading to condemnation of affected carcasses. Although its etiology is still uncertain, there is evidence that Sarcocystis species may play a role in the development of eosinophilic myositis. The goal of the present study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intralesional and extralesional tissues of condemned cattle carcasses, in order to evaluate the possible role of different bovine Sarcocystis spp. in the etiology of bovine eosinophilic myositis. Muscle samples (n = 100) of 26 affected carcasses were collected in Northern Italy. One to five samples with lesions and two aliquots of tissue without lesions were collected from each carcass; lesions were grossly categorized in green focal lesions and green diffuse patches. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by multiplex-PCR targeting different Sarcocystis spp. Unidentified species were characterized morphologically (light microscopy, histology), ultrastructurally (scanning and transmission electron microscopy) and on the molecular level (complete 18S rRNA gene and partial cox1 gene sequencing). A bovine eosinophilic myositis prevalence of 0.017% was visually assessed by routine carcass inspection between 2014 and 2019 in Italy (184/1,108,150 slaughtered cattle). Out of 26 carcasses, 25 revealed the presence of at least one Sarcocystis species (96.2%). The presence of Sarcocystis spp. DNA was significantly more frequent in intralesional than in extralesional samples. Considering the different species, Sarcocystis bovifelis and Sarcocystis hominis were significantly more frequent in intralesional (41.7% and 50%, respectively) than in extralesional samples (1.9% and 15.4%, respectively), while there was no significant difference between the presence of Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis hirsuta in intralesional (27.1% and 2.1%, respectively) and extralesional (30.8% and 1.9%, respectively) samples. The presence of an unnamed Sarcocystis sp. showing thick-walled (3.7–5.4 μm) cysts with densely packed, flattened, undulating and narrow protrusions, which showed an S-shape in side view, was recorded in the diaphragm of two carcasses. Genomic DNA from individual sarcocysts isolated from the diaphragm was successfully amplified and further sequenced. Sequence comparison revealed <94.6% and 83.4% identity at 18S rRNA and cox1 genes, respectively, with other named Sarcocystis spp., while the phylogenetic analysis clearly separated the unnamed Sarcocystis sp. from the other Sarcocystis spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The present study contributes to the understanding of the importance of different Sarcocystis spp. in the pathogenesis of bovine eosinophilic myositis. The results emphasize the association of Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis bovifelis with bovine eosinophilic myositis and highlight the presence of a new Sarcocystis sp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. The name Sarcocystis sigmoideus sp. nov. is proposed for the newly described Sarcocystis species.

Discovery of Antigens and Cellular Mechanisms in the Protozoan Parasite Sarcocystis aucheniae Using Immunoproteomics

Sarcocystis aucheniae is a coccidian parasite that produces macroscopic sarcocysts in South American camelid (SAC) muscles and causes a disease known as SAC sarcocystosis. This parasitosis hampers the commercialization of llama and alpaca meat, a vital economic activity in the Andean regions. No control or prevention methods are available, and diagnosis is based on postmortem visual inspection of carcasses. The aim of this study was to identify S. aucheniae B-cell epitopes suitable for the development of diagnostic methods for SAC sarcocystosis. To this end, sarcocyst immunoreactive protein bands were analyzed via mass spectrometry, and proteins in each band were identified in silico by searching in the parasite transcriptome. Five highly antigenic, hydrophilic B-cell epitopes, predicted not to cross-react with antibodies against other coccidia, were selected for future development of peptide-based serological tests. In addition, conserved domains present in the identified proteins allowed us to unravel metabolic pathways and mechanisms active in the parasitic stages present in sarcocysts, including aerobic respiration, antioxidant activity, signal transduction, protein synthesis and processing, and host–pathogen interactions. This study provides novel information on the biology of S. aucheniae, as well as new protein sequences that can be used for the development of diagnostic tests and chemotherapeutic approaches for SAC sarcocystosis.

Prospects for the use of feed biologically active additive NAA in rearing of quails

The purpose of the research was to determine the effectiveness of using different doses of a feed biologically active additive NAA when rearing of quails. In an experiment to determine the effectiveness of using different doses of feed additive, data on the dynamics of live weight, growth rate, livestock livability, and feed conversion in quails of breed of meat productivity Pharaoh were studied. The results of slaughter, the results of anatomical cutting and the weight of internal organs were analyzed. A veterinary and sanitary inspection of quail carcasses was carried out. The amino acid composition of muscle tissue has been studied. During the experiment, the microclimate of the poultry house where the experimental quails were housed was controlled; microclimate complied with generally accepted standards. The results obtained indicate that the most eff ective of the three tested dosages (0,5 ml, 1,0 ml and 2,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed) turned out to be a dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed. With the introduction of 1,0 ml of feed additive per 1 kg of compound feed throughout the entire technological cycle of quails rearing, the live weight of the quails at 56 days of age was higher by 9,23 %, the average daily gain was higher by 9,50 %, and the livability of livestock was higher by 3,41 abs.%, slaughter yield by 1,7 abs.%, weight of all muscles by 7,5 g compared to the control group. A veterinary and sanitary examination of quail carcasses did not reveal any pathological changes. The smell was characteristic of fresh meat. The internal organs were located physiologically correctly. The positive effect of the feed biologically active additive NAA on the amino acid composition of muscle tissue has been established.

Using a value chain framework for food safety assessment of edible offals in Nairobi, Kenya

Edible offals comprise those parts of the animal considered fit for human consumption apart from the skeletal muscle, fat and attached skin. Edible offals form an important source of affordable animal protein and a delicacy for the larger Kenyan market. The offals are mainly traded in the informal markets which supplies at least 80% of the domestic market and where hygiene levels are low. The Meat Control Act Chapter 356, Laws of Kenya (Revised 2012) requires that offals be obtained from an officially declared food animal that has been slaughtered in a licensed slaughterhouse and declared fit for human consumption. According to the Meat Control Act, slaughterhouses in Kenya are classified as either export or local. The latter is subdivided into categories A, B, and C depending on their daily capacity, land size and the area they are authorized to supply meat and meat products. Each export slaughterhouse, category A and B slaughterhouses require a minimum of three meat inspectors to carry out inspection of carcasses and offals. The Directorate of Veterinary Services is the main regulator in Kenya on matters concerning safety of meat at the slaughterhouses. The Director of Veterinary Services appoints meat inspectors and veterinary officers who are responsible for ascertaining the safety of meat and meat products from the slaughterhouses. The meat inspectors also verify that slaughter facilities, staff, processes and equipment conform to food safety requirements. Offals, like carcass meat, should be handled under utmost hygiene conditions to minimize contamination or excessive growth of microorganisms. The current practices in slaughterhouses is that each set of edible offals is packaged separately in either polythene bags, plastic containers, meat transport containers or carriers and dispatched to the market. In some instances, stomachs and intestines are packaged for dispatch together with the lungs and hearts for transportation to distances over 50 km in either refrigerated or non-refrigerated containers or carriers. Some of these practices could compromise the safety of the offals. In this paper, we review the challenges faced in maintaining safety of edible offals especially at the slaughterhouses, distributors and retailers level from regulators' point of view.

Регистрация ларвальных цестодозов сельскохозяйственных животных на рынках Москвы

Based on the veterinary and sanitary inspection of carcasses and internal organs, three types of larval cestodes were diagnosed: Echinococcus granulosus, Cysticercus taenuicollis and Coenurus cerebralis. Larval echinococcosis of the liver and lungs was registered in sheep in 23,6 % of cases, and in cattle lung lesions were recorded in 1,2 % of animals. Tenuicolic cysticercosis was identified in 4,6 % of sheep carcasses and 0,9 % of cattle. C. cerebralis was found in the brain of only two sheep heads. Small cattle of their southern and central regions of the Russian Federation are intensively invaded: echinococcosis in the Volgograd region, the Republics of Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan – 93,0; 57,1 and 34,3 %, and cysticercosis of serous integuments in the Orel, Ryazan, Kaluga regions and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic: 36,4; 33,3; 33,3 and 22,4 % respectively.

Prevalence of brucellosis in beef cattle in the northern region of Tocantins, Brazil, and implications of anatomopathological changes discovered during post mortem inspection of the carcass

Brucellosis is a infectious zoonosis with important health and economic impacts, both for animal production and public health. We aimed to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in beef cattle in the microregions of Araguaína and Bico do Papagaio in northern Tocantins and to verify whether there are post-mortem changes suggestive of brucellosis in the carcasses. A total of 2,871 serum samples (2,203 males and 668 females) were collected in the municipality of Araguaína between October and November 2019, from 76 beef cattle herds in 25 municipalities in the north of Tocantins. The screening for buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPA) and confirmation test for 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were conducted as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). Of the samples, 37.31% were reactive in the BAPA test, and of these, 26.24% were confirmed for 2-ME. Thus, 9.79% (281) of the total evaluated samples tested positive for the presence of brucellosis. The prevalence in males and females was 6.45% (142) and 20.81% (139), respectively. Among the herds evaluated, 77.6% (59) had at least one individual test positive for brucellosis, and at least one herd tested positive in each of the 25 municipalities sampled. As this study evaluated animals in a slaughterhouse, the higher prevalence of positive females may have been related to the disposal of animals with reproductive problems. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of brucellosis in slaughter cattle between the microregions evaluated (p &gt; 0.05). No animals were reagent for brucellosis in ante-mortem documentation, and no anatomopathological changes suggestive of brucellosis were observed during post-mortem inspection. The most frequent post-mortem findings were contamination (43.91%), blood aspiration (17.36%), and pulmonary emphysema (15.98%). Considering the official results of the monitoring programs of the state of Tocantins and previous studies, post-mortem macroscopic inspection of carcasses may not be enough to detect animals with this zoonosis, and it may be necessary to take measures to promote animal and public health.

Risk factors associated with the presence of Mycobacterium bovis in macroscopic lesions suspected as being caused by bovine tuberculosis detected in slaughterhouses

Mycobacterium bovis is a bacterium belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex that causes tuberculosis in cattle and in other domestic and wild animals, as well as in humans. Disease control measures are carried out by slaughtering animals tested positive in the intradermal tuberculinization test and sanitation of their original living spaces, in addition to epidemiological surveillance carried out through the sanitary inspection of bovine carcasses in slaughterhouses. In the latter, official inspection services collect samples from macroscopic lesions suspected of bovine tuberculosis, which are then sent for laboratory analysis. Knowledge concerning the variables associated with the occurrence of M. bovis can aid in decision-making regarding control and disease eradication efforts. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for a positive M. bovis diagnosis in suspected bovine tuberculosis lesions obtained during epidemiological surveillance activities in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 105 suspicious lesions were analyzed using the Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested q-PCR) method, of which 14 (13.33%) tested positive for M. bovis. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses indicated that the variable “animal slaughter” was the only risk factor presenting statistical significance associated with the diagnosis of M. bovis (p &lt; 0.05), demonstrating that macroscopic lesions suspected as being caused by bovine tuberculosis from animals with an in vivo diagnosis were 2.82 - fold more likely to result in a positive M. bovis diagnosis by molecular tests.

Visual inspection of carcasses to assess the individual condition of European roe deer Capreolus capreolus

The aim of the study was to demonstrate correlation between selected body condition indices of roe deer Capreolus capreolus (KFI, carcass weight) and the health status of the carcass (i.e. pathological changes found through external and internal examination of the carcass) of deer killed by hunting or road traffic. The study material consisted of 34 carcasses of roe deer found dead due to road collisions or obtained through hunting in accordance with the Principles of Individual and Population Selection of Game Animals in Poland. The results showed a significant correlation between the occurrence of disease signs (especially the presence of parasites) and the mean values of indices describing the individual condition of animals (carcass weight, KFI). This confirms that the preliminary examination of game harvested and animals killed by road collisions plays an important role in inhibiting the spread of epizootic diseases and in assessing the individual condition of animals.

Prerequisites of inspection conditions for uniform post-mortem inspection in broiler chicken slaughterhouses in Finland

Meat inspection of broiler chickens (broiler) in the European Union is regulated by common legislation to secure meat safety. However, the legislation is general in nature and proper post-mortem inspection (PMI) of every carcass and visceral organs of broilers is challenging in slaughterhouses (SHs) with a high slaughter line speed. The aim of this study was to investigate the on-site organization and possible differences of the PMI in four Finnish SHs, which slaughter over 99% of broilers in Finland. Our results show that the meat inspector's available inspection time per broiler in the PMI varied between 0.28 and 0.90 s, with the shortest available inspection time in the SH with the highest slaughter line speed and the longest available inspection time in the SH with the slowest line speed. We observed that only part of the total inspection time per broiler could be used for true PMI in most (3/4) SHs, as the meat inspectors also performed other tasks during the PMI. We observed deficiencies in the visual inspection of broiler carcasses; in particular, the proper inspection of all or most of the body cavities was impossible in all SHs during the PMI. Some deficiencies in facilities (e.g. in recording system) were observed. Moreover, lighting properties varied between the SHs and a significant difference between illumination conditions at the first inspection stations in the SHs was observed. This study considered the prerequisites for proper PMI and revealed that the PMI of broilers was not completely uniform in Finland. The results emphasize the need for more precise guidelines and recommendations, especially for inspection time and lighting at inspection stations. • A short post-mortem inspection time may hamper detection of non-acceptable broilers. • Differences in facilities and lighting affected post-mortem inspection uniformity. • Measurements can be used to evaluate the uniformity of meat inspection stations. • The high line speed of slaughterhouses hinders proper inspection of body cavities.

Candidate genes for congenital malformations in pigs

Candidate genes for congenital malformations in pigs

Overview of Slovenian Control Programmes for Cattle Diseases Not Regulated by the European Union.

The European Union (EU) regulates the control of cattle diseases listed in categories A and B of the European Animal Health Law (AHL). However, no strict mandatory EU regulation exists for the control of other cattle diseases that are listed in categories C, D and E. Slovenia has five control programmes (CPs) for the latter cattle diseases: bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), bluetongue and anthrax. Two (IBR and BVD) are voluntary and the others (EBL, anthrax and bluetongue) are compulsory. The three compulsory CPs are funded by the government. All the CPs are run by the government and laboratory tests are performed by the National Veterinary Institute. The rules for the CPs are laid down in Slovenian legislation. In addition, there is a national directive for the control of salmonellosis. Both BVD and IBR are endemic and have CPs based on increased biosecurity, testing and culling or vaccination, financed by the animal owners. Slovenia has been officially free of EBL since 2005 and carries out surveillance based on serological testing of a representative number of herds and inspection of carcasses at slaughter or necropsy. Vaccination is the main disease control measure for anthrax (sporadic) and bluetongue (currently perceived free—vaccination since 2017). Lack of motivation of farmers to participate in voluntary disease CPs and to implement and follow strict biosecurity measures are the most pressing issues in improving the health status of Slovenian cattle. An overview of the existing CPs and the circumstances leading to their implementation are presented.

Modelling the links between farm characteristics, respiratory health and pig production traits

Sustainable livestock production requires links between farm characteristics, animal performance and animal health to be recognised and understood. In the pig industry, respiratory disease is prevalent, and has negative health, welfare and economic consequences. We used national-level carcass inspection data from the Food Standards Agency to identify associations between pig respiratory disease, farm characteristics (housing type and number of source farms), and pig performance (mortality, average daily weight gain, back fat and carcass weight) from 49 all in/all out grow-to-finish farms. We took a confirmatory approach by pre-registering our hypotheses and used Bayesian multi-level modelling to quantify the uncertainty in our estimates. The study findings showed that acquiring growing pigs from multiple sources was associated with higher respiratory condition prevalence. Higher prevalence of respiratory conditions was linked with higher mortality, and lower average daily weight gain, back fat and pig carcass weight. Our results support previous literature using a range of data sources. In conclusion, we find that meat inspection data are more valuable at a finer resolution than has been previously indicated and could be a useful tool in monitoring batch-level pig health in the future.

Effects of fully or partially slatted flooring designs on the performance, welfare and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fully (FSF) or partially (PSF) flooring designs on animal-based welfare indicators in a fast-growing broiler genotype. Growth performance and carcass characteristics were assessed. 2. One-d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to three groups: fully slatted flooring (100% slatted floor), partially slatted flooring (50% litter floor and 50% slatted floor) and conventional floor pens with litter (control, 100% deep litter) with 5 replicates of 14 male chicks. The litter was rice hull, as is usual in practice. 3. Measurements of live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality and performance index were collected before depopulation at 42 d old. Welfare assessments were done by individual ante- and post-mortem carcass inspection during depopulation and after slaughter. 4. Broiler live body weight (P < 0.03) and feed intake (P < 0.003) and ante-mortem welfare indicators (P < 0.001) were positively affected by FSF and PSF compared to the conventional deep litter system. Post-mortem lesion scores on wings and shoulder were similar in all floor types but there were significant differences for the lesions on breast (P < 0.003) and pygostyle (P < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, FSF and PSF resulted in higher body weights, while reducing incidence of foot pad and hock joint deformations in live animals.

Neoplastic lesions in domestic pigs detected at slaughter: literature review and a 20-year review (1998\u20132018) of carcass inspection in Catalonia

BackgroundThe present paper reviews the occurrence of neoplasms in swine and presents a case series of 56 tumors submitted to the Slaughterhouse Support Network (Servei de Suport a Escorxadors [SESC] IRTA-CReSA]) from slaughtered pigs from 1998 to 2018 (April) in Catalonia (Spain). The aim of the study was to describe the spectrum of spontaneous neoplastic lesions found in slaughtered pigs and to compare the reported tumor cases with previous published data. Lymphoid neoplasms were characterized and classified using the WHO classification adapted for animals.ResultsThe most reported neoplasm during this period was lymphoma (28). Within lymphomas, the B-cell type was the most common, being the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (15/28) the most represented subtype. Other submitted non-lymphoid neoplasms included melanoma (7), nephroblastoma (3), mast cell tumor (2), liposarcoma (2), osteochondromatosis (2), papillary cystadenocarcinoma (1), peripheral nerve sheath tumor (1), lymphoid leukemia (1), fibropapilloma (1), hemangiosarcoma (1), hepatoma (1), histiocytic sarcoma (1), pheochromocytoma (1) and osteosarcoma (1).ConclusionsThe existence of a well-established Slaughterhouse Support Network allowed the compilation of comprehensive data for further epidemiological and pathological studies, particularly about less commonly reported lesions in livestock such as neoplasms in pigs.