Composition of exudates from meat drip loss and microbial spoilage differences between various pork quality classes

This study aimed at elucidating the differences in the composition of meat exudates and determining which constituents contribute the most to microbial growth between five pork quality classes (DFD=Dark, Firm, Dry; RFN=Reddish-pink, Firm and Non-exudative; RSE=Red, Soft and Exudative; PFN=Pale, Firm and Non-exudative and PSE=Pale, Soft and Exudative). A total of 65 Longissimus muscle samples (n=15/pork quality class; n=5 for DFD meat class) were analyzed in triplicate for glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, lactate and protein content, and microbial growth. Differences between pork quality classes were assessed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Surprisingly, after storage at -80°C, the greatest pH value was observed in the purge of RFN pork (P0.05). Volume of drip loss was a major limit with the methods used. High throughput mass spectroscopy is currently under investigation as a more effective tool to study drip loss composition and effect on microbial growth

The effects of handling and group size on welfare of pigs in lairage and their influence on stomach weight, carcass microbial contamination and meat quality

At unloading and on the way to stunning, 800 barrows were exposed to either gentle handling (GH: slowly with a plastic board or whip) or rough handling (RH: quickly with an electric prod). Pigs were kept in large or small groups (30 or 10 pigs) during lairage. Compared with GH, RH increased climbing (P < 0.05), slipping (P < 0.01) and turning around (P < 0.001) behaviours during unloading, and climbing (P < 0.05) on the way to stunning. RH also reduced drinking behaviour during lairage (P < 0.01). Pigs kept in large groups were observed more often standing (P < 0.05) and fighting (P < 0.001) than pigs kept in small groups, but, in contrast, had a slightly lower level of urinary cortisol at slaughter. Stomach weight and microbial contamination at slaughter were not affected by treatments. RH tended to increase skin bruise score on the carcass (P < 0.06) and produced more exudative meat (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the response of pigs to the two specific stressors applied prior to slaughter in this study did not seem to contribute to stomach weight variation at slaughter, but it did influence pork quality. Key words: Pigs, pre-slaughter handling, group size, stress, stomach weight, microbial contamination, behaviour, meat qualit

Shelf life of pork from five different quality classes

A total of 117 loins were selected on the cutting line at 24 h post-mortem to study the long term shelf life (35 days, 4 °C) of vacuum packaged pork from five different quality classes (PSE: pale, soft, exudative; PFN: pale, firm, non-exudative; RSE: red, soft, exudative; RFN: red, firm, non-exudative; and DFD: dark, firm, dry). The microbial load at 0 d was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the pork quality classes, indicating that the initial microflora was influenced by the dressing conditions at the plant, not by the meat quality class. But after 35 d of storage, total aerobic mesophilic and presumptive lactic acid bacteria counts were higher (P < 0.05) in DFD pork due to its higher ultimate pH. RSE was the second quality class most susceptible to spoilage, whereas PFN, RFN and PSE pork had similar microbial loads. Further research is needed to elucidate the causes of the shorter shelf life in RSE pork

Hand-held lactate analyzer as a tool for the real-time measurement of blood lactate during slaughter and pork quality prediction

A total of 600 pigs was randomly chosen on arrival at a commercial slaughter plant and sampled for lactate analysis from the ear vein using a Lactate Scout Analyzer (LSA) at unloading (UN), after lairage (LA), in the restrainer (RE; before stunning), and from the ear vein (EX1) and the bleeding incision (EX2) at exsanguination. Pigs were distributedinto two pen groups, one kept in lairage overnight (G1) and the other kept between 2 and 3 h before slaughter (G2).Meat quality was assessed in the Longissimus dorsi(LD), Semimembranosus (SM) and Adductor(AD) muscles. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlations and the MIXED procedure of SAS. Greater (P=0.009) levels of blood lactate were found in pigs laired longer, which resulted in LD and SM muscles with greater pHu (P=0.03 and P=0.001, respectively), as well as lower L* (P=0.005and P=0.008, respectively)and drip loss (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively). The greatest correlation with lactate levels was observed at LA with pHu value of the SM and AD muscles (r=0.40; P<0.001). LSA lactate levels reliably reflect the physiological response of pigs to preslaughter procedures and may help explain the variation in pork quality as measured in the ham muscles

On-farm pig dispatch methods employed in Brazil and stockpeople attitudes on their use

This study surveyed the on-farm dispatching methods used at pig farms, the characteristics of stockpeople operating them, in terms of training and management, and their opinions and attitudes about the efficiency and safety of the applied procedures. Independently of the pig type, the most used dispatching methods at the surveyed Brazilian farms were concussion (90%) and electrocution (5%). Both methods were reported as being efficient and safe for on-farm pig dispatching by most stockpeople (83%). However, 33% of all stockpeople reported they would prefer to use alternative methods, i.e., anesthetics (23%) or electrocution (32%). Only 7% of the stockpeople received training resulting in a more efficient application of the method (P < 0.05). Most stockpeople (96%) declared to feel uncomfortable with the dispatching procedure they use. This discomfort lasted for half a day or longer in 22% of them. The results of this survey suggest that the application of dispatching methods at pig farms may result in animal welfare issues related to the effectiveness of the methods and the attitudes of stockpeople

Welfare of pigs during transport

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of pigs during transport. The welfare of pigs during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of pigs during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 10 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for the welfare of pigs during transport based on the severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified, mainly relating to factors such as mixing of unfamiliar pigs, inappropriate handling methods and devices, the use of pick-up pens, inexperienced/untrained handlers, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport of pigs. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences are made. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions and minimum space allowance within means of transport. The development of the welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of cull sows and ‘special health status animals’, and lists welfare concerns associated with these.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Welfare of small ruminants during transport

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with the protection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) during transport. The main focus is on welfare of sheep during transport by road but other means of transport and concerns for welfare of goats during transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of sheep during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of sheep during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, predation stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A wide variety of hazards, mainly relating to inappropriate or aggressive handling of animals, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices, leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time were assessed in relation to maximum journey time. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to the export of sheep by livestock vessels, export of sheep by road, roll-on-roll-off vessels and ‘special health status animals’, and lists welfare concerns associated with these.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Welfare of cattle during transport

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of cattle (including calves) during transport. Welfare of cattle during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of cattle during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of cattle during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards, mainly relating to inexperienced/untrained handlers, inappropriate handling, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions, and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport for cattle. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of unweaned calves, cull cows, the export of cattle by livestock vessels, the export of cattle by road, roll-on-roll-off ferries and ‘special health status animals’, and lists welfare concerns associated with these.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio