Effect of environment, feed, management, load, transport, unloading and slaughter on carcass pH and health of veal calves

摘要

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different aspects of animal welfare on animal health, carcass weight and meat pH. A total of 41 variables related to animal, nutrition, housing system and transport were checked on 17 farms. 514 calves (51% Fresian breed, 48% crossbreed, 1% others), were observed. Data regarding these calves were collected at slaughter. Animal age and hot carcass weight were recorded. At 60 minutes post-mortem pH within longissimus thoracis was measured. Frequency analysis indicated: chronic or acute lung disease in about 15% of animals; a very high level of gastric lesions (ranging from 68% to 100%; average 84.9%). Correlation analysis showed that larger livestock facilities correlated to higher lung disease frequency; high density of animals in breeding pens confirmed a slower growth tendency; prolonged loading of the animals lowered meat pH. Analysis of variance showed: no statistical differences on use of whole, soaked or micronized maize on the pathology of abomasum. Short-term stress affects the meat quality of veal calves and the health problems are correlated with defects in animal housing. Stress management in the short term should be more carefully managed.