Effect of space allowance during transport of Dorper x Santa Ine?s lambs on biochemical stress parameters and meat quality
Small Ruminant Research(2023)
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether different space allowances (0.18, 0.21, 0.24 or 0.28 m(2)/ animal) during transport of Dorper x Santa Ines lambs affect biochemical parameters, and carcass and meat traits. Eighty Dorper x Santa Ines lambs (live weight = 36.52 +/- 0.67 kg) were used, and four space allowances were evaluated during 5.9 h (first quartile = 5.0 h and third quartile = 6.8 h) of transport. Live weight after transport was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.29). Immediately after unloading, the cortisol concen-tration decreased linearly with increasing space allowance (P < 0.01). Lambs that were transported in a larger space allowance (0.28 m(2)) had a lower creatine kinase (CK) concentration than those with a space allowance of to 0.18 m(2) (P < 0.05). After lairage, the cortisol concentration was lower in animals that were transported on a larger space when compared to the 0.18 m2 group (P < 0.05), and CK was no longer significantly different between groups (P = 0.29). The percentage of carcasses with bruises was similar between groups (P = 0.80). However, the mean number of bruises per bruised carcass and that of bruises over 5 cm in size per bruised carcass decreased linearly with increasing space allowance (P <= 0.02). Ultimate pH and meat shear force were lower in animals that were transported in a larger space allowance (0.28 m(2)) level when compared to the 0.18 m(2) group (P < 0.04). In view of the above, we concluded that the best space allowance during transport of Santa Ines x Dorper lambs, considering that the spaces studied were between 0.18 and 0.28 m(2)/animal with a mean live weight of 36.5 kg and transported for 5.9 h, is 0.28 m(2)/animal.
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Key words
Pre -slaughter,Sheep,Stocking density,Stress,Transportation,Welfare
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