Quantifying avoidance-related behaviour and bleeding times of sheep of different ages, sex and breeds slaughtered at a municipal and a commercial abattoirs

Abstract

________________________________________________________________________________ AbstractThe effect of abattoir type, age, sheep breed and sex on avoidance-related behaviour and bleeding times at slaughter were determined. Castrates and ewes of different age groups and breeds were used. From the commercial abattoir, 90 castrates and 110 ewes were used while 66 castrates and 19 ewes were obtained from the municipal abattoir. Avoidance-related behaviour and bleeding times differed with abattoir type and age classes. Animals slaughtered at the commercial abattoir were calmer and had shorter bleeding times (61 ± 1.16 s) than those slaughtered at the municipal abattoir which had a mean bleeding time of 74.2 ± 2.11 s. Older animals were calmer and had longer bleeding times (67.5 ± 1.82 s) than the younger animals which had a mean bleeding time of 61.6 ± 2.64 s. Avoidance-related behaviour also differed with breed and the sex of the animals with Merino and Dorper + Merino crosses being the calmer than the pure Dorper breed. About 95% of ewes were calmer than the castrates. It can be concluded that abattoir type, age, breed and sex have an effect on animal behaviour at slaughter. Only abattoir type and sex had an effect on bleeding times.

Effect of post-slaughter handling during distribution on microbiological quality and safety of meat in the formal and informal sectors of South Africa: A review

“…These challenges, which influence the technological and microbiological quality of meat are not well outlined in most studies. Most research has highlighted several pre-slaughter processes that affect meat eating quality at the farm (Ferguson & Warner, 2008;Grandin & Smith, 2000), during transportation of animals to the abattoir (Chulayo & Muchenje, 2013;Gajana et al, 2013;Vimiso & Muchenje, 2013), the pre-slaughter period (Miranda-de la Lama et al, 2009, Muchenje et al, 2009Muchenje & Ndou, 2012) and the slaughtering process (Muchenje et al, 2009a;Miranda-de la Lama et al, 2012;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013). Processes that occur after slaughter, which affect the quality of meat during distribution to retailers, are neglected, yet the distribution chain is considered the most important aspect in the meat industry because it includes critical stages that could affect meat quality before it reaches the shelves.…”

Pre-slaughter effects on bleed-out times and some behavioural and physiological responses of Nguni and non-descript steers

“…Multiple indicators such as response behaviour towards certain stimuli and the biochemical changes (in the blood, urine, excreta) have been used to quantify animal welfare in different conditions Gruber et al, 2010;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013a;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013b). In addition, avoidance-related behaviour and vocalization have been used to determine animal welfare in abattoirs (Grandin 1998;Manteuffel et al, 2004;Hemsworth et al, 2011;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013a;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013b).…”

“…In addition, avoidance-related behaviour and vocalization have been used to determine animal welfare in abattoirs (Grandin 1998;Manteuffel et al, 2004;Hemsworth et al, 2011;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013a;Njisane & Muchenje, 2013b). However, it should be noted that animals of the same species but varying genetically may exhibit differing response-behaviour patterns (Grignard et al, 2001).…”

An outlook on livestock welfare conditions in African communities — A review

“…This could be a reflection of the situation in many developing countries. Most slaughterhouses in rural African communities do not measure up to appropriate standards, suggesting a need to train and monitor these abattoir personnel and properly fur nish the facilities for efficient and safe operation [47,55,74,75].…”