Effects of various rehydration procedures after a long journey on liveweight, carcasses and muscle properties of cattle

1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 849 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
WR Shorthose ◽  
PJ Schmidt ◽  
CB Davis
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Muscle Water Content ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Muscle Water ◽  
In Transit

After a long journey of 1420 km, bullocks were watered without feed for 0, 3.5, 7, 28 or 32 h or watered with feed for 32 h prior to a 16 h preslaughter fast (no water and feed). The 108 bullocks in the first three treatments (36 per treatment) were slaughtered after resting for 1 day and the remaining 108 after resting for 2 days. Bullocks lost 10.4% of initial liveweight (656 kg) in transit. Mean liveweight of 588 kg on arrival increased when bullocks had access to water, so that after 3.5 h on water the net liveweight loss was reduced (P < 0.05) to 6.0 % of initial liveweight and after longer periods the loss varied from 6.8 to 7.3%. The net loss of the group also offered lucerne hay was 6.7%. More importantly, re-hydration increased (P < 0.01) gross hot carcass weight from 369 kg to 383 kg when bullocks were watered for 3.5 and 7 h, 381 kg after 28 h on water alone and 379 kg after 32 h on water and feed. However, this increment was not maintained, since the carcasses of bullocks on water alone for 32 h averaged 376 kg and were lighter (P < 0.05) than those of other bullocks on water. The water content of fat-free muscle reflected the same pattern as carcass weight (P < 0.01), although muscle water content peaked at 78.16% when bullocks were watered for 28 h compared with 76.01 % for those bullocks not offered water. Resting bullocks for 2 days rather than 1 day reduced (P < 0.01) the pH values of the M. longissimus dorsi 24 h post mortem from 5.64 to 5.57.

Effect of method of sale and various water regimens at saleyards on the liveweight, carcass traits and muscle properties of cattle

1983 ◽  
Vol 23 (122) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
MJ Brown ◽  
WR Shorthose ◽  
MR Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
The Other ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Muscle Water Content ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Muscle Water ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Water Contents

In two experiments, we examined the effects on liveweight, carcass traits and muscle properties of (a) sending cattle to the abattoir either direct from a farm or via a saleyard, and (b) different curfew and sale procedures at a saleyard. During the 12 h curfew and 10 h sale periods, cattle were held with or without water, but always denied feed. In experiment 1, after a journey of 1320 km, 252 bullocks (mean liveweight 558 kg) were subjected to one of seven treatments. The groups transported direct to the abattoir were (1) denied water between arrival and slaughter (26 h), (2) offered water for 26 h, or (3) offered water and feed for 50 h and then water alone for 24 h. Those sent to the saleyard were given access to water (4) at all times, (5) only during the curfew and sale periods, (6) only before the curfew began, or (7) were denied water until after the sale, when all groups were offered water for 36 h until slaughter. Among the bullocks sent direct to the abattoir, the group with water for 26 h until slaughter had heavier (P< 0.0 1 ) carcasses than those denied water (331 kg vs 312 kg) and also a greater (P < 0.0 1) muscle water content, while the carcasses of the group slaughtered 2 d later were intermediate for both. Whether dressing percentages were calculated on liveweights at the start or end of the simulated sale for the four saleyard groups, the differences in mean dressing percentages between groups offered water (0.7 and 0.3 percentage units) were less than the differences between the means of the groups denied water (3.7 and 3.5 units). The increases in dressing percentage during the sale for groups with water (0.7 and 0.3 units) were less than those for the groups denied water (1.5 and 1.7 units). Differences in mean liveweights and mean muscle water contents between groups followed the same trends. Mean carcass weights did not differ significantly between saleyard groups (318-323 kg). In experiment 2, after a journey of 90 km, 152 cows (mean liveweight 323 kg) were subjected to one of four treatments. The group going direct to the abattoir was offered water for 4.5 h, fasted for 16 h and then slaughtered. For the other three groups, the saleyard treatments 4,6, or 7 of experiment 1were imposed, followed by 21 h on water and a 16 h pre-slaughter fast. Trends in dressing percentage and liveweight were similar to those recorded in experiment 1. Mean carcass weight varied (P<0. 05) between groups and tended to increase with muscle water content. Method of sale was important because it affected the time from mustering to slaughter, and thus, carcass weight. At saleyards, the practice of giving cattle continuous access to water reduced significantly the variation in liveweight, dressing percentage and muscle water content between groups with similar initial liveweights. This practice at abattoirs avoided dehydration of carcass tissues at slaughter

Cattle handling at abattoirs. II. The effects of rest in transit and duration of the resting period before slaughter on carcass weight, bruising and muscle properties

1988 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
RJ Arthur ◽  
RM Dodt ◽  
WR Shorthose
Keyword(s):  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Systematic Effect ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
In Transit ◽  
Very High ◽  
Resting Period ◽  
Periods Of Stress

In two experiments, we examined the effects on carcass weight, bruising and muscle properties of resting cattle during a long rail journey and for various periods at an abattoir before slaughter. In experiment 1, 170 Shorthorn bullocks (mean liveweight 556 kg) were transported 90 km by road and 650 km by rail, with three groups (34 per group) going directly to an abattoir and two groups resting once for one day midway during the rail journey. The resting periods at this abattoir were 2, 3, 4,2 and 3 days, respectively. In experiment 2, 240 cows (mean liveweight 424 kg) were transported 190 km by road and 965 km by rail, with three groups (40 per group) going directly to another abattoir, two groups resting once for one day and one group twice for one day during the rail journey. The resting periods at this second abattoir were 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 1, 2 and 1 day(s), respectively. All cattle had access to feed and water during resting periods and to water until slaughter. As the total resting period after the start of the rail journey and before slaughter increased, the percentage of carcasses with high pH values for M. longissimus dorsi decreased (P < 0.05); correlations for pH 24 h post mortem and ultimate pH were -0.97 and -0.71, respectively. The correlation between total resting period and shear values (initial yield and peak force) were c. -0.5. A resting period during the rail journey was as effective as that time spent resting at the abattoir. Cattle transported directly by rail to the abattoir had a greater bruise score than those rested en route, although cows rested twice were as bruised as those going direct. Treatment had no significant effect on carcass weight or systematic effect on cooking loss. Very high incidences of high ultimate pH values in one group of bullocks (29.4%) and another of cows (20.5%) occurred following periods of stress when slaughtering was interrupted by unavoidable stoppages.

Chronological age and dentition effects on carcass and meat quality of cattle in northern Australia

1991 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 145 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
WR Shorthose
Keyword(s):  
Shear Force ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Yield Value ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Dressing Percentage

The effects of chronological age and dentition on the liveweight, carcass weight, bruising and muscle properties of 348 cows and 370 steers were examined in 5 experiments in Queensland (1982-83). Birth dates were known only for the cows in experiments 1 and 2, and for the steers in experiment 5; with ages categorised as 4 years and less (young), 5-10 years (mature) and greater than 10 years (old). The number of permanent 'incisor' teeth were recorded for all animals. The cattle were weighed (unfasted), transported to an abattoir and given access to water and hay (except in experiment 5). Mustering to slaughter periods varied from 2 to 7 days. Half the carcasses were electrically stimulated in experiments 1 and 2. In general, old and mature cows with 8 teeth had heavier (P<0.05) mean liveweights than did young cows with 4 teeth, and both had heavier (P<0.05) liveweights and carcass weights than those with 2 teeth. Old cows with 8 teeth also had the lowest (P<0.05) mean dressing percentage, while mature cows had the greatest (P<0.05) fat depth. There was no consistent trend between groups in bruise score. Steers with 8 teeth had a greater (P<0.05) mean liveweight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and rib fat depth than other dentition groups, and a greater (P<0.05) bruise score in experiment 5 only. There was no significant effect of chronological age or dentition on the shear force values or cooking losses of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) for cows. In 1 experiment, steers with 8 teeth had a greater (P<0.05) peak force-initial yield value and lower (P<0.05) cooking loss than other dentition groups. Mature cow carcasses cooled more (P<0.05) slowly than those of other ages. Over all experiments, there were more (P<0.05) high pHz4 carcasses among the combined 6 and 8 teeth group than the combined 2 and 4 teeth group (10.2 v. 2.3%).

Cattle handling at abattoirs. I. The effects of rest and resting conditions before slaughter and of electrical stimulation of carcasses on carcass weight and muscle properties

1988 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
WR Shorthose ◽  
VH Powell
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Muscle Ph ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Resting Period ◽  
Stimulation Of

In three experiments, we studied the effects of duration of rest and nature of resting conditions before slaughter and of electrical stimulation, on carcass weight, bruising and muscle properties of cattle of known age. In experiment 1, 22 Droughtmaster steers (mean liveweight 284 kg) rested for 2.5 or 26.5 h following a 125 km road journey. In experiment 2, 82 Zebu crossbred cows (mean liveweight 416 kg) rested for 4 or 52 h after a 1310 km rail journey. Those rested for 52 h were allowed to rest either peacefully (P), subjected periodically to noise and disturbances (D) or mixed with unfamiliar cows (M). In experiment 3, 68 Hereford and Simmental x Hereford cows (mean liveweight 445 kg) rested for 28 h, after a 930 km road and rail journey, and during this time were subjected to resting treatments P, D or M. All cattle had access to water until slaughter, and were slaughtered at the same abattoir. All carcasses were electrically stimulated in experiment 1, but only half those in each treatment group in experiments 2 and 3. Electrical stimulation of carcasses had a much greater effect on tenderness than did resting conditions before slaughter. The LD muscles of stimulated carcasses were more tender than those of unstimulated ones. Of the 31 cattle slaughtered after a few hours' rest, only one carcass had a high pH value 24 h post mortem. The LD muscles of cattle rested for 26.5 h were more tender than those of cattle rested for 2.5 h. Resting treatment did not consistently affect mean carcass weight, pH24, time for LD muscle to cool to 20�C or cooking loss. Noise and disturbance during the resting period appeared to be more stressful than mixing (13.6 v. 4.5% carcasses with high muscle pH 24 h post mortem in experiment 3 only). Steers rested for 26.5 h had a higher mean bruise score than those rested for only 2.5 h, but there was no effect of resting time or resting conditions on bruising in cows.

A note on some factors influencing muscle pH values in commercial pig carcasses

1978 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. C. Smith ◽  
A. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
First Order ◽  
Commercial Grade ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Muscle Ph ◽  
Pig Carcasses

ABSTRACTMeasurements of longissimus dorsi pH at 45 min post mortem (pH1) were taken in 27 727 pig carcasses at four bacon factories. The overall least squares mean pH1 was 6·26 and 15·5% of carcasses had pHi values of 5·9 or less. Sex and commercial grade of carcass had little influence on muscle pHi or the incidence of values below pH 6·0. Factory differences were recorded in the distribution of muscle and within each there were marked producer effects in mean and the incidence of values below pH 6·0. Carcasses of Large Whites had fewer muscle pH1 values below 6·0 (12·4%) than those of British Landrace (18·7%), this being mainly due to a large breed effect at one factory. Although breed and testing background of sires of the carcasses examined and the first order interactions with factory had significant effects on muscle pHi and the incidence of values below pH 6·0, they were of little practical significance.

Development of Hypoosmoregulatory Capacity in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) Reared under either Continuous Light or Natural Photoperiod

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne M. Arnesen ◽  
Morten Halvorsen ◽  
Kjell J. Nilssen
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Salvelinus Alpinus ◽  
Plasma Osmolality ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Arctic Char ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Seawater Tolerance ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
Muscle Water Content ◽  
Muscle Water

Two groups of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) were reared in freshwater (5–6 °C) under either continuous light (LDL) from first feeding (March) or LDL until July and then natural photoperiod (NDL, 70°N). Direct transfer to seawater (5.5 °C, 35 ppt) in February resulted in both groups exhibiting increases in blood plasma osmolality, Na+, and Mg2+ concentrations and a significant decrease in muscle water content. When tested in May, an improvement in seawater tolerance was evident in both groups. In June, only the NDL fish showed further improvements in hypoosmoregulatory capacity, since they exhibited only minor fluctuations in plasma constituents and muscle water content following direct transfer to seawater. Increased body size could partially explain the improved seawater tolerance in the experimental groups. Acclimation to brackish water prior to transfer to 35 ppt seawater in June improved seawater tolerance only in fish reared under continuous light. The results indicate that the seasonal increase in photoperiod stimulates the development of hypoosmoregulatory capacity whilst the fish are still resident in freshwater.

Pregnancy effects on carcass and meat quality attributes of cows

1990 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Wythes ◽  
W. R. Shorthose ◽  
G. Fordyce ◽  
D. W. Underwood
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Access To Food

ABSTRACTThe effects of pregnancy status (non-pregnant, early to mid (1 to 5 months) and late (> 6 months)) and month of pregnancy on live weight, carcass weight, dressing proportion, bruising and muscle properties were examined in 237 Shorthorn and Brahman crossbred cows (mean live weight 424 kg, 62% pregnant). The cows were transported 1155 km to an abattoir and given access to food and water until slaughter. Mustering to slaughter periods were 5, 6 or 7 days.The mean gross hot carcass weights for the 89 non-pregnant, 108 early to mid pregnant and 40 late pregnant cows were 207, 199 and 187 kg (P < 0·05). Their respective dressing proportions were 487, 469 and 443 g/kg (P < 0·05). Among the pregnant cows, carcass weight and dressing proportion decreased by 2·95 kg and 6 g/kg, respectively, for each month of pregnancy (P < 0·05).Cows in late pregnancy had lower mean initial yield (IY) and peak force (PF) shear values for m.longissimus dorsi (LD) than non-pregnant cows. The late-pregnant cows also had the greatest mean pH 24 h post mortem (pH24) and ultimate pH (pHu) values (P < 0·05). They also had a greater proportion of carcasses with high pHu values than the early to mid-pregnant and non-pregnant cows (0·30 v. 0·157 v. 0·079; (P < 005). Among the pregnant cows, mean pH24 increased by proportionately 0·038 and the proportion of high pH24 carcasses by 0·055 for each month of pregnancy (P < 0·05). Pregnancy status had no significant effect on mean fat depth, bruise score, PF-IY value or cooking loss.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF METHODS OF ASSESSING TENDERNESS ON RAW AND COOKED BEEF MUSCLE

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 519-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. L’HIRONDELLE ◽  
A. H. MARTIN
Keyword(s):  
Measuring System ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Texture Properties ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Cooked Meat ◽  
Evaluation Of Methods ◽  
Beef Muscle

Methods of estimating tenderness of beef muscle were evaluated on 282 steer and heifer carcasses. pH values (1 h and 2 h post-mortem) did not relate to shear values or panel tenderness scores on the cooked longissimus dorsi, evaluated after 6 days’ aging. Values obtained with the Armour tenderometer on the raw rib-eye were not useful predictors of tenderness of the cooked muscle (r2 < 6%). The Ottawa Texture Measuring System extrusion cell did not relate texture properties of the raw muscle to tenderness of the cooked meat. Marbling score explained 14% of the variance in panel tenderness scores. No satisfactory classification of carcasses into tenderness desirability groups was achieved with any of the methods examined.

The effects of resting sheep after a long journey on concentrations of plasma constituents, post-mortem changes in muscles, and meat properties

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
WR Shorthose
Keyword(s):  
Shear Force ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Meat Colour

After a 1110 km road journey, rams were rested either 18 hr with water available or 120 hr with feed and water before slaughter. Not all animals rested for 120 hr ate the feed offered. Animals rested for only 18 hr had less glycogen in the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and liver at slaughter than those rested for 120 hr. The ultimate pH values of the LD (5.94) and M. semitendinosus (6.31) of rams rested for 18 hr were greater than those of the same muscles from animals that ate during their 120 hr rest period. Meat colour was darker in chops from animals rested for 18 hr than in those from animals rested 120 hr, although peak shear force values for this muscle did not differ between the two treatments.

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