The effect of changing the pre-slaughter handling on bovine cattle DFD meat

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate the effect that a series of changes in the handling techniques used throughout the pre and post slaughter periods and during the handling of cooled carcass have on the presence of DFD (Dark, firm and dry) meat. Materials and methods. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals were estimated applying logistic regression models. Data from 18 visits to the slaughterhouse regarding: animal handling on arrival, slaughter period, and carcass storage was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. A total of 572 carcasses were analyzed to determine DFD meat using pH and color (L*, a*, b* and C*) measurements done on the Longissimus dorsi muscle. Results. Even after of the changes were made, the lairage period to slaughter continued to be a factor (p<0.05) associated to the presence of DFD meat (OR=1.13). Of the complementary variables, the amount of time that cattle spent on the resting pens was associated (p<0.05) to the presence of DFD meat (OR=1.003). Conclusions. Regardless of the changes made in the ante mortem handling, a high frequency of DFD was found (39%), suggesting a permanent audit program to detect other critical points in the supply chain. RESUMEN Objetivo. Para evaluar el efecto de una serie de modificaciones en las técnicas de manejo usadas en el periodo pre y post-sacrificio y manejo de las canales en refrigeración en relación con la presencia de carne DFD (dura, firme y seca). Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvieron razones de desigualdad e intervalos de confianza empleando modelos de regresión logística. En 18 visitas a la planta de sacrificio, se aplicó un cuestionario obteniendo información sobre manejo de los animales desde su llegada a la planta, etapa de sacrificio y almacenamiento de las canales. Se estimó la frecuencia de carne DFD de analizar un total de 572 canales, registrando en el Longissimus dorsi pH y color (L*, a* b*, C*). Results. De las modificaciones realizadas, el tiempo de permanencia al sacrificio sigue siendo fue un factor asociado (p<0.05) a la presencia de carne DFD (OR=1.13). De las variables complementarias, el tiempo de espera en los corrales de descanso resultó correlacionado (p<0.05) a la presencia de carne DFD (OR=1.003). Conclusiones. Independientemente de los cambios realizados en el manejo ante mortem, se encontró una alta frecuencia de carne DFD (39%), sugiriendo un programa de auditoría permanente para detectar otros puntos críticos de la cadena logística

Global economic burden of unmet surgical need for appendicitis

Background There is a substantial gap in provision of adequate surgical care in many low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify the economic burden of unmet surgical need for the common condition of appendicitis. Methods Data on the incidence of appendicitis from 170 countries and two different approaches were used to estimate numbers of patients who do not receive surgery: as a fixed proportion of the total unmet surgical need per country (approach 1); and based on country income status (approach 2). Indirect costs with current levels of access and local quality, and those if quality were at the standards of high-income countries, were estimated. A human capital approach was applied, focusing on the economic burden resulting from premature death and absenteeism. Results Excess mortality was 4185 per 100 000 cases of appendicitis using approach 1 and 3448 per 100 000 using approach 2. The economic burden of continuing current levels of access and local quality was US $92 492 million using approach 1 and$73 141 million using approach 2. The economic burden of not providing surgical care to the standards of high-income countries was $95 004 million using approach 1 and$75 666 million using approach 2. The largest share of these costs resulted from premature death (97.7 per cent) and lack of access (97.0 per cent) in contrast to lack of quality. Conclusion For a comparatively non-complex emergency condition such as appendicitis, increasing access to care should be prioritized. Although improving quality of care should not be neglected, increasing provision of care at current standards could reduce societal costs substantially