Plasma β-endorphin and cortisol concentrations in lambs after handling, transport and slaughter

Fordham, D.P.; Lincoln, G. A.; Ssewannyana, E.; Rodway, R. G.

doi:10.1017/s000335610000430x

Cited by 39 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Blood analyses Plasma cortisol concentrations have been used as a reliable indicator of stress in lamb (Fordham et al, 1989). Furthermore, LDH activity is associated with stress and muscle fatigue (weariness) (Broom, 2000).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiological response and carcass and meat quality of suckling lambs in relation to transport time and stocking density during transport by road

Fuente

Sánchez

Pérez

et al. 2010

Animal

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To evaluate the effect of stocking density and transport time on physiological responses and meat quality, 72 male suckling lambs were transported by road to the slaughterhouse at three different stocking densities (0.12, 0.20 or 0.25 m 2 /lamb) and two transport times (5 h or 30 min). Blood samples were collected pre-transport at the farm and after unloading in the slaughterhouse to measure levels of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). After slaughter, the weights of the hot carcass, liver and spleen were recorded and pH in Musculus longisimus thoracis et lumborum (L), Musculus semitendinosus (ST) and Musculus psoas major (PM) were determined. Colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values were measured in samples of L, at 24 h post mortem and after 5 days of ageing. Cortisol and LDH were higher in suckling lambs transported for 30 min than those transported for 5 h. Stocking density did not affect blood parameters studied. Transport time significantly affected some carcass quality parameters, but stocking density had no significant effect. Suckling lambs transported for 5 h had lower liver weights and dressing percentages than those transported for 30 min. Transport time influenced pH values, with lambs subjected to the longer journey showing the lowest pH at 0 h in the three muscles studied, with the lowest final pH in L and PM. The PM lambs transported at high density (0.12 m 2 /lamb) had the lowest pH at 24 h. Transport time and stocking density did not greatly affect colour and texture parameters. The meat from lambs transported for 30 min had higher WHC than meat from lambs transported for 5 h. Animals transported for longer journeys showed higher lipid oxidation after 5 days of ageing than those transported for 30 min. Loading and initial transport caused significant stress response in suckling lambs, that stress response was reduced over the time course of the journey.Keywords: stocking density, transport time, animal welfare, meat quality, suckling lambs ImplicationsThis study attempts to be of practical value for the transport of suckling lambs, considering animal welfare of lambs as well as the economical aspects of improving meat quality and reducing costs of transport. European Union establishes a minimum space allowance per head of 0.20 m 2 for lambs over 26 kg of live weight, but operators can reduce this minimum without any regulation in small lambs. The results of this study show that stocking density could be reduced up to 0.12 m 2

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiological response and carcass and meat quality of suckling lambs in relation to transport time and stocking density during transport by road

Fuente

Sánchez

Pérez

et al. 2010

Animal

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“…It has been demonstrated that the β-EP response to a severe stress can be attenuated by prior exposure to a milder form of stress [29]. Therefore, cows not showing elevation of ir-β-EP level at parturition, which had high plasma ir-β-EP levels prior to parturition, may have had a certain stress before calving, and the sensitivity to pain in these cows might have reduced by the time of labor.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Dystocia, Retained Placenta and Body Condition on Plasma .BETA.-Endorphin Profile in Periparturient Dairy Cows.

Osawa

Nakao

Moriyoshi

et al. 2000

Journal of Reproduction and Development

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Abstract. The aims of this study were to determine profiles of plasma immunoreactive β-endorphin (ir-β-EP) during peripartum period in dairy cows, and to examine whether dystocia, retained placenta or body condition affects the plasma ir-β-EP level. Blood samples were collected from 21 Holstein-Friesian cows from day 180 of pregnancy until first ovulation. The cows were classified into two groups based on calving conditions and ir-β-EP patterns at parturition. Seven out of the 21 cows had normal parturition and 14 cows had abnormal parturition (dystocia and/or retained placenta). The proportion of cows which had ir-β-EP elevation at parturition tended to be higher in cows with abnormal parturition (11/14; 79%) than in those with normal parturition (3/7; 42%). Plasma cortisol level increased at parturition both in cows with ir-β-EP elevation and in cows without ir-β-EP elevation at parturition. Postpartum ir-β-EP concentrations in plasma were similar between cows with normal parturition and those with abnormal parturition, and between cows which had lost their body condition score (BCS) after calving and those which had maintained their BCS. In conclusion, abnormal parturition may affect plasma ir-β-EP level at parturition but not postpartum period.

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“…Driving the flock by the shepherd provoked behavioural reactions, such as trotting and vocalisation and increases in heart rate and cortisol (Fordham et al, 1989;Baldock and Sibly, 1990). Sheep little used to handling show stronger reactions (Bassett and Hinks, 1969).…”

Section: Sheepmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pre-slaughter conditions, animal stress and welfare: current status and possible future research

Terlouw

Arnould

Aupérin³

et al. 2008

Animal

169

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The present paper describes the main procedures used to slaughter fowl, pigs, calves and adult cattle, sheep, and farmed fish, starting on the farm and ending with the death of the animal at the abattoir. It reviews the currently known causes of stress, indicated by behavioural and physiological measurements on the animal level, and by post-mortem muscle metabolism. During the pre-slaughter period, psychological stress is due to changes of environment, social disturbances and handling, and physical stress is due to food deprivation, climatic conditions, fatigue, and sometimes pain. The exact causes of stress depend, however, on the characteristics of each species, including the rearing system. For fowl, bird catching and crating, duration and climatic conditions of transport and of lairage and shackling are the main known pre-slaughter stress factors. For pigs, stress is caused by fighting during mixing of pens, loading and unloading conditions, and introduction in the restrainer. Handling and novelty of the situation contribute to the stress reactions. For veal calves and adult cattle, disruption of the social group, handling, loading and sometimes unloading conditions, fatigue, novelty of the situation and for calves mixing with unfamiliar animals are known stress factors. Gathering and yarding of extensively reared lambs and sheep causes stress, particularly when shepherd dogs are used. Subsequent transport may induce fatigue, especially if sheep are commercialised through auctions or markets. In farmed fish, stress is predominantly related to environmental aspects such as temperature, oxygen, cleanliness of the water and, to a certain extent, stocking density and removal of the fish from the water. If transport and lairage conditions are good and their durations not too long, they may allow pigs, calves and adult cattle, sheep, and fish to rest. For certain species, it was shown that genetic origin and earlier experience influence reactions to the slaughter procedure. Stunning techniques used depend on the species. Pigs and fowl are mostly electrically or gas-stunned, while most adult cattle are stunned with a captive bolt pistol. Calves and sheep may be electrically stunned or with a captive bolt pistol. Various stunning methods exist for the different farmed fish species. Potential causes of stress associated with the different stunning procedures are discussed. The paper addresses further consequences for meat quality and possible itineraries for future research. For all species, and most urgently for fish, more knowledge is needed on stunning and killing techniques, including gas-stunning techniques, to protect welfare.

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Plasma β-endorphin and cortisol concentrations in lambs after handling, transport and slaughter

Cited by 39 publications

References 12 publications

Physiological response and carcass and meat quality of suckling lambs in relation to transport time and stocking density during transport by road

Physiological response and carcass and meat quality of suckling lambs in relation to transport time and stocking density during transport by road

Effects of Dystocia, Retained Placenta and Body Condition on Plasma .BETA.-Endorphin Profile in Periparturient Dairy Cows.

Pre-slaughter conditions, animal stress and welfare: current status and possible future research

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