Time to Loss of Behavioral and Brainstem Responses of Ducks following Non-Stunned Slaughter.

Non-stunned slaughter has been extensively described for other farmed species but there has been limited research on waterfowl. The study assessed 34 White Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) (study 1) in a non-stunned halal slaughterhouse in Brazil for time to loss of consciousness using various behavioral and brainstem indices (balance, cranial nerve reflexes, and muscle tension) and assessed the relationship between extent of clotting, location of neck cut, level of damage to neck vessels/tissues, and the time to onset of unconsciousness. In addition, operator practices were separately observed and neck pathology following the cut was examined in 217 carcasses after bleeding (study 2). In study 1 following the neck cut there was a wide variation between birds in the time to loss of behavioral and brainstem indices, ranging from 20 to 334 and 20 to 383 s for neck and beak tension, respectively. The median time to loss of balance following the neck cut was 166 ± 14 (22-355) seconds. There was a moderate correlation (R = 0.60 and 0.62) between distance of the neck cut and time to loss of balance and neck tension, respectively. This is the first investigation of the time to loss of consciousness following non-stunned slaughter of ducks in commercial conditions. The findings could be used to improve the welfare of ducks during non-stunned slaughter, such as recommending performance of the neck cut closer to the jaw line and ensuring appropriate waiting periods between slaughter and birds entering the scalding tanks.

Evaluation of physical euthanasia for neonatal piglets on-farm.

Twenty-seven neonate piglets (range from 0.35 to 1.17 kg) were evaluated for the effectiveness of blunt force trauma as a method of on-farm cull. Brainstem function, brain injury, and hemorrhage scores (increasing from 0 to 3) were assessed after striking the head against a concrete floor. Electroencephalograms (EEG) from a subset of 15 piglets were recorded before and after blunt force trauma for electrophysiological assessments. Blunt force trauma was performed by a single experienced farmer in a commercial farm by holding the piglet by its both hind legs and striking the head against the concrete floor. All piglets remained recumbent and did not show brainstem reflexes. Only one piglet did not presented tonic/clonic physical activity. The mean time to the onset of persistent isoelectric EEG was 64.3 ± 7.3 s (range 18 to 115). Total power, theta, alpha, and beta power decreased to approximately 45%, 30%, 20%, and 15% from pretreatment power, respectively, by 15-s post-impact. There were no periods of normal-like EEG after the culling. Bruises in the neck and shoulder were found in 67% and 70% of piglets, respectively. All piglets presented skull fractures with 20% having the nasal bone(s) fractured. Brain damage was found in all piglets, mainly in the frontal lobe(s). The occipital lobe(s) presented the greatest frequency of severe damage. The analysis of the radiographs also found a high frequency of fractures in this region. Hemorrhage was most frequent in the frontal, parietal, occipital lobes, and midbrain. When performed correctly with the appropriate weight class, blunt force trauma can be used as an effective method for the on-farm killing of nursing piglets resulting in death. However, this method should not be promoted over more reliable and repeatable cull methods such as captive bolt gun. As with blunt force trauma, there is a significant potential for animal welfare harm associated with inappropriate practice, lack of accuracy, issues with repeatability, and operator fatigue.

Ease of Handling and Physiological Parameters of Stress, Carcasses, and Pork Quality of Pigs Handled in Different Group Sizes.

The effect of different group sizes of pigs (3, 5, and 10 pigs) during handling on physiological parameters, carcasses, and pork quality traits at the farm and slaughterhouse were evaluated in 360 pigs from five farms (four repetitions or group/treatment/farms). Data was analyzed as a factorial of 3 × 5 (3 treatments × 5 farms) to check effects of treatments by analysis of variance in ANOVA. Ease of handling decreased as the group size increased. However, time taken in handling was not influenced by the group size (p > 0.10). Moving pigs in groups of five animals reduced effects on blood cortisol levels (p < 0.05). Fighting and handling lesions in the carcasses increased for bigger handling groups (p < 0.05). Pigs handled in groups of three and ten animals had a higher pHu and initial temperature in Longissimus thoracis and Semimembranosus (p < 0.05) and lower drip loss in Semimembranosus (p < 0.05). However, meat quality classifications of the carcasses were not affected by treatments. Based on the results, moving groups of five pigs seems to be the best strategy to improve animal welfare, carcasses and pork quality.

Risk factors associated with pig pre-slaughtering losses.

The incidence of non-ambulatory non-injured (NANI), non-ambulatory injured (NAI) and dead pigs on-arrival at three Brazilian slaughterhouses were evaluated in 37,962 pigs to identify risk factors linked to them, besides carcass bruises and limb fractures. Total pre-slaughtering losses were 1.18%, in which NAI (0.39%) and NANI (0.37%) incidences contributed the most. A positive relation between on farm steeper ramp slope >20° and the incidence of NAI, NANI and dead pigs at unloading was found. Farm size, pigs/pen, enthalpy at loading, transportation time, truck loading order, muscle thickness and carcass weight, were identified as risk factors for pre-slaughtering losses. Loading procedures influenced the occurrence of limb fractures and bruises (which are a welfare issue and should be reduced). Therefore, personal training on pre-slaughter handling is essential to reduce the risk factors to improve animal welfare and avoid losses during the pre-slaughter process.

High frequency and molecular characterization of porcine hemotrophic mycoplasmas in Brazil.

Mycoplasma suis and Mycoplasma parvum are the two hemotrophic mycoplasmas species described in pigs. M. suis is involved in infectious anemia, while M parvum infection is commonly subclinical. The objectives of this study were twofold: (i) to investigate the prevalence of porcine hemotrophic mycoplasmas in sows from the southern region of Brazil by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and (ii) to genetically characterize a subset of the samples based on the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 429 blood samples were evaluated from 53 different farm sites. Porcine hemoplasmas was detected at all the 53 tested sites and in 79.72% of the samples (342/429). Two sequences were obtained for Mycoplasma spp. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene (900 bp) showed that the Mycoplasma sequences were closely related to the M. suis cluster and that one sequence was positioned in the M. parvum cluster. In conclusion, porcine hemoplasmas have a high rate of prevalence in sows from commercial farms in the southern region of Brazil. This study demonstrated the first molecular detection and characterization of partial 16S rRNA gene of M. parvum in Brazil.

How do season, on-farm fasting interval and lairage period affect swine welfare, carcass and meat quality traits?

This study was carried out in order to determine the effects of different combinations of on-farm fasting intervals (8, 12, 16, 20 h) and 1.5 h of transport plus lairage periods (1, 3, 6 h) at different seasons (summer/winter) on blood stress parameters (cortisol and lactate), stomach content and weight, skin lesion and meat quality in a total of 960 pigs from eight farms. Blood lactate levels were greater in the summer (P < 0.001) and stomach content was affected (P < 0.05) by season, on-farm fasting interval (P < 0.001), lairage time (P < 0.0001). Stomach content weight reduces as the total feed withdrawal time increases up to on-farm fasting of 17 and 1 h of lairage. Stomach content can be influenced by feed and water in different ways according to treatments. Only 8 h of on-farm fasting is not enough to empty stomachs from feed content. However, an on-farm fasting period of 16 h or longer can also increase the occurrence of more water in the stomachs. Carcass lesions caused by fighting were greater (P ≤ 0.005) in the winter, mainly after 3 and 6 h of lairage (P ≤ 0.005). Loin and ham pHu was lower (P ≤ 0.05) for pigs slaughtered after 6 h of lairage during the summer. The application of 12 h of on-farm fasting with 6 h of lairage seemed to be best combination to reduce stomach content weight (feed and water). In the winter, shorter lairage period can be used to reduce percentage of skin lesions and better pork quality traits in pigs.

Ractopamine analysis in pig kidney, liver and lungs: A validation of the method scope extension using QuEChERS as a sample preparation step.

Ractopamine has been allowed by some countries as a repartitioning additive in pig diet, since it promotes protein synthesis and fat lipolysis. Most regulatory agencies only propose the ractopamine assessment in meat, kidney, liver and fat. Aiming at contributing to the scarcity data regarding this analyte in pig lungs, we extended the scope of a LC-MS method to evaluate pig offals. Homogenized tissue samples were extracted by a QuEChERS procedure; following by clean up steps and further tandem mass spectrometry determination. Method performance was evaluated through specificity, recovery, linearity, reproducibility, repeatability, decision limit (CCα), and detection capability (CCß), in accordance to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Regression coefficients (R2) between 0.994 and 0.999 were achieved for kidney, liver and lungs. Recoveries ranged from 92.0 to 127%. CCα and CCß values ranged from 3.65 to 4.86 µg kg-1, and from 6.27 to 7.21 µg kg-1, respectively. These values were under the maximum residue limits suggested by Codex Alimentarius, which are 90 and 40 µg kg-1 for kidney and liver, respectively. When applied to real samples up to 22.5, 92 and 1003 µg kg-1 of ractopamine residues were detected in pig liver, kidney and lungs, respectively. The results allowed concluding that the proposed analytical method is capable to detect ractopamine residues in all evaluated matrices. Therefore, it can be successfully applied and used as a routine method in laboratories of residue analysis.

Effectiveness of pneumatically powered penetrating and non-penetrating captive bolts in stunning cattle.

This study assessed the effectiveness of penetrating (PCB; 190 psi; N = 363) and non-penetrating captive bolt guns (NPCB; 210-220 psi; N = 92) to stun a total of 455 cattle (Zebu and Zebu Cross). Physical bolt parameters (momentum, kinetic energy and energy density) were evaluated. Clinical indicators of brain function were recorded after stunning (GR), after being hoisted (HO) and at the bleeding rail (BL). Physical bolt parameters (bolt velocity, momentum, kinetic energy, energy density and sectional density) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for PCB. The need for two or more shots was more frequent for NPCB (210-220 psi; 29% vs. 12%, P < 0.001). Cattle were more likely to collapse at first shot with PCB (190 psi; 99%) compared to NPCB (91%; P < 0.002) which can be attributed to the higher values of bolt physical parameters. Incidence of eyeball rotation (5% vs. 1%) and righting behaviour (7% vs. 1%) were higher (P < 0.001) for NPCB (210-220 psi) at GR than PCB. The NPCB with 210-220 psi had a higher frequency of response to nostril stimulation (2% vs. 0%; P < 0.001) than PCB. Rhythmic respiration was more frequently found for NPCB with 210-220 psi at GR, HO and BL. Therefore, PCB with 190 psi was more effective in ensuring unconsciousness in cattle.

Effects of the Truck Suspension System on Animal Welfare, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Pigs.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two types of commercial suspension (leaf-spring (LS) vs. air suspension (AS)) installed on two similar double-decked trucks on blood cortisol and lactate concentration, lairage behavior, carcass skin lesions and pork quality traits of 120 crossbred pigs. The suspension type neither influenced pig behaviour in lairage nor blood cortisol and lactate concentrations (p > 0.10). However, when compared with the AS suspension system, the use of LS increased the number of skin lesions in the back and thigh (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively) and produced thigh with lower pHu (p < 0.001) and yellower colour (higher b* value; p = 0.03), and paler back muscles (subjective colour; p < 0.05), with a tendency to lower pH (p = 0.06). Therefore, the use air suspension system can improve carcass and meat quality traits of pigs transported to slaughter.

Bem-estar animal no manejo pré-abate e a influência na qualidade da carne suína e nos parâmetros fisilógicos do estresse / Animal welfare at pre-slaughter handling and the influence on pork meat quality and on stress physiological parameters

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do sistema de embarque/desembarque (S1: veículo 1, carroceria com piso móvel e uso de prancha de manejo para condução dos suínos; S2: veículo 2, carroceria com piso fixo e uso de bastão elétrico para condução dos suínos) e da genética (A, B e C) sobre as características físico-químicas da carne, lesões na pele e parâmetros fisiológicos do estresse. Foram utilizados 120 suínos machos castrados (peso médio de 115kg) provenientes de três granjas divididos em seis grupos (n=20) e submetidos a dois tipos de veículos para o transporte. Para a análise estatística, consideram-se, no modelo de análise da variância, os efeitos de blocos (dias de avaliação), sistema de embarque/desembarque, genética e interação entre as linhagens genéticas e modelos dos veículos dispostos no esquema fatorial (2 modelos de veículos x 3 linhagens genéticas). Os valores médios obtidos para o pH24h (5,60±0,046 e 5,57±0,046), cor*24h(41,52±1,256 e 41,21±1,486), perda por exsudação (4,76±0,391 e 4,86±0,391), capacidade de retenção de água (0,038±0,03 e 0,039±0,003) não demonstraram diferença entre os sistemas de embarque e desembarque (S1 e S2) nas genéticas A, B e C. A incidência de escoriações de pele no pernil, corpo e paleta não diferiram entre os métodos de embarque e desembarque nas genéticas A, B e C. Ambos os sistemas S1 e S2 geraram baixos níveis de estresse e proporcionaram facilidade de manejo nas genéticas avaliadas.

The effects of the loading/unloading systems have been evaluated (S1: vehicle 1, with mobile floor and using management board for conducting pigs, S2: vehicle 2, with fixed floor and using electric goads to conduct pigs) and genetic (A, B and C) on the physiochemical characteristics of the meat, skin damage and physiological parameters of stress. 120 castrated pigs have been used (average weight 115kg) from three farms, divided into six groups (n = 20) and subjected to two types of transport vehicles. For statistical analysis the effects of blocks (assessment days) have been considered in the variance analysis model), loading/unloading systems, genetics and the engagement among the genetic lineages and vehicle models arranged in a factorial scheme (2 vehicle models x 3 genetic lineages). The average values obtained for the pH24h (5.60±0.046 and 5.57±0.046), colour*24h (41.52±1.256 and 41.21±1.486), drip loss (4.76±0.391 and 4.86±0.391), water holding capacity (0.038±0.03 and 0.039±0.003), have not shown differences between the loading and unloading systems (S1 and S2) in the genetic lineages A, B and C. The skin damage incidence on the leg, middle and shoulder haven't differed between the loading and unloading systems in the genetic lineages A, B and C. Both S1 and S2 systems have shown low stress levels and provided easiness at handling among the assessed lineages.

Efeito do manejo pré-abate sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos em fêmeas suínas pesadas / Effect of pre-slaughter management on physiological parameters of heavy-weight female pigs

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do período de descanso (3, 5, 7 e 9 horas) dos suínos no frigorífico (PDF) e da localização dos suínos na carroceria do caminhão (PBO), quando transportados, no inverno ou verão, sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos avaliados em 64 fêmeas, com peso médio de 130kg para abate, durante o manejo pré-abate. Para a análise estatística, foram considerados, no modelo de análise da variância, os efeitos de bloco, PDF, PBO e da interação (bloco x PDF), entre outros. O PDF influenciou, significativamente, as concentrações de lactato no sangue e cortisol na saliva. Suínos que descansaram 5 e 7 horas apresentaram maior concentração de lactato em relação aos animais que descansaram 3 e 9 horas. No transporte, a freqüência cardíaca foi muito maior em relação aos demais locais avaliados. Concluiu-se que o incremento do PDF não promove mudanças na freqüência cardíaca, nas concentrações de glicose e CPK no sangue e cortisol na saliva, mas interfere na concentração de lactato no sangue dos suínos.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of pig lairage time (PDF=3, 5, 7 and 9 hours) and evaluate the effect of pig position into the truck (PBO) during transportation to slaughterhouse, in winter or summer conditions, on some physiologic parameters evaluated on 64 heavyweight females with mean liveweight of 130kg during pre-slaughter events. The following effects were considered in the statistical analysis of variance model: block (BL=summer farm or winter farm), PDF, PBO and interaction (Block x PDF), under other factors. The PDF influenced significativelly blood lactate and saliva cortisol levels. Pig submitted to 5 and 7 hours of lairage had higher levels of lactate when compared to pigs submitted to 3 and 9 hours of lairage. During transport the heart rate were higher than in other pre-slaughter events. It is concluded that increasing PDF above 3 hours had no effects on heart frequency, glucose and CPK levels and salivary cortisol levels but affects the blood lactate levels.

Tempo de jejum na granja sobre o perfil hormonal e os parâmetros fisiológicos em suínos de abate pesados / Fasting time at farm on hormonal status and physiological parameters of heavy-weight slaughter pigs

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o tempo de jejum na granja e a posição dos animais na carroceria do caminhão durante o transporte ao abatedouro sobre o status hormonal e fisiológico de suínos de abate pesados visando obter melhorias no manejo pré-abate e reduzir perdas na qualidade de carne. Foram utilizadas 64 fêmeas com peso médio de 133+11kg, oriundas de duas granjas de terminação. Os tempos de jejum avaliados foram nove, 12, 15 e 18h, enquanto que as posições consideradas na carroceria foram box (frente, meio e atrás), piso (inferior e superior) e lado (lateral direita e esquerda). Ao abate, foram medidos os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no sangue. A concentração de cortisol na saliva (CCS) foi medida nas granjas (24 horas antes e após embarque) e no abatedouro (logo após o descarregamento e antes do abate). A freqüência cardíaca foi monitorada durante todo o manejo pré-abate. Foi observado o efeito da interação entre TJG e o local de avaliação sobre a CCS e a freqüência cardíaca. A CCS e a freqüência cardíaca aumentaram significativamente da granja ao desembarque no abatedouro em relação ao descanso pré-abate no abatedouro foi observada uma redução (P<0,05) nos valores. A CCS variou em função do TJG e o local de avaliação da seguinte maneira: suínos com 18 horas de jejum apresentaram menor (P<0,05) variação na CCS durante o transcorrer das diferentes etapas do manejo pré-abate do que suínos com TJG menores e, entre estes, os animais com TJG de nove horas apresentaram a maior (P<0,05) variação. Antes do abate, os suínos com TJG de nove horas apresentaram o maior valor (P<0,05) de CCS quando comparados aos outros TJG. Conclui-se que o TJG promove mudanças (P<0,05) nos valores do cortisol na saliva e na freqüência cardíaca no manejo pré-abate, mas não afetam (P>0,05) os níveis de glicose, lactato e CPK no abate dos suínos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time on the farm (TJG) and the position of the animals on truck compartment during transport to slaughterhouse in the hormonal and physiological status of heavy-weight swine in order to obtain future management improvements and to reduce meat quality downgrades. Sixty-four females obtained from two farms and averaging 133+11kg body weight were used. Fasting time evaluated on farms were 9, 12, 15 and 18 h while the positions considered in the truck were Box (front, middle, and back), Deck (under and upper level) e Side (right and left). Swine blood concentration of glucose, lactate and CPK were evaluated at slaughter. Cortisol concentration on saliva (CCS) was evaluated on the farm (24 hours before uploading and after loading) and at slaughterhouse (after downloading and before slaughter). Hearth frequency was continuously evaluated during pre-slaughter management. Interaction between TJG and moment of salivary cortisol sampling and heart rate data recording were observed. CCS and heart rate values increased from farm to truck downloading at slaughterhouse, while pre-slaughter resting reduced (P<0.05) the values. The CCS values ranged in a gradient fashion in function of TJG and moment of salivary cortisol sampling in the following manner: pigs submitted to 18 hours of fasting showed smallest changes (P<0.05) of CCS during the pre-slaughter management when compared with CCS of pigs submitted to lower fasting times and, between those, the animals with 9 hours of fasting showed the greatest (P<0.05) variations. Before slaughter swine submitted to 9 hours of fasting at farm presented the highest values (P<0.05) of CCS when compared with the other fasting times evaluated. It is concluded that pre-slaughter management conditions affect (P<0.05) the salivary cortisol levels and heart rate but the evaluated TJG had no effects (P>0.05) on glucose, lactate and CPK levels at slaughter time.

Desempenho, características de carcaça, qualidade da carne e condição sanitária de suínos criados nas fases de crescimento e terminação nos sistemas confinado convencional e de cama sobreposta / Performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and health condition of growing and finishing pigs raised in conventional and deep litter housing systems

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do sistema de alojamento sobre o desempenho zootécnico, as características da carcaça, a qualidade da carne e a condição sanitária de suínos criados em seis diferentes sistemas. Foram usados 803 suínos mestiços MS58 x (Landrace x Large White) em sete lotes seqüenciais no tempo, avaliando as fases de creche e de crescimento-terminação. Na creche, foram avaliados três tipos de alojamento: confinado convencional (CO); cama sobreposta-(CS); e sistema intensivo de suínos criados ao ar livre (SISCAL). No crescimento-terminação, foram avaliados apenas dois tipos de alojamento (CO e CS), sendo o último subdividido em três substratos (palha de trigo-PT, casca de arroz-CA e serragem-SE). Para a análise estatística foi considerado no modelo os efeitos de lote, o tratamento (combinação de tipos de alojamento na creche e no crescimento-terminação), idade dos suínos (84, 105, 126, 147 e 160 dias) e a interação tratamento x idade. Suínos alojados no sistema CO apresentaram maior (P<0,05) ganho de peso diário (824 vs. 779g), maior peso de carcaça quente (75 vs. 69kg) e maior espessura de toucinho (18, vs. 17mm) do que os criados sobre cama todavia estes suínos apresentaram peso do conteúdo estomacal significativamente (P<0,05) maior (360 vs. 204g) e menor grau de lesão do estômago do que aqueles alojados em tratamento convencional, embora com maior prevalência de espirro. O sistema de alojamento não afetou os aspectos sanitários avaliados, contudo, suínos alojados em cama sobreposta no crescimento-terminação apresentaram desempenho e características de carcaça inferiores àqueles do sistema convencional, independentemente do sistema de alojamento utilizado na creche.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of housing system on live performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the sanitary condition of pigs raised in six different systems. A total of 803 MS58 x (Landrace x Large White) hybrid type pigs was used in seven subsequent lots, during the nursery and growing-finishing phases. At the nursery period, the systems evaluated were: conventional (CO), deep litter (CS), and intensive free range (SISCAL), while during the growing-finishing phase only the CO and CS systems were evaluated, being the CS system subdivided into three substrates (wheat straw, rice hulls and wood shaving). The factors considered on the statistical analysis were lot, treatment (combination of housing type used during nursery and growing-finishing phases), age (84, 105, 126, 147 e 160 days), and the interaction treatment x age. A significant effect of housing type was observed on weight gain, carcass characteristics, and weight of heart, liver, full stomach and stomach content. Animals housed on conventional treatment had higher (P<0.05) weight gain (824 vs. 779g), higher hot carcass weight (75 vs. 69kg) and higher fat thickness (18 vs. 17mm) than the ones raised on deep litter, however, these, on the other hand, presented larger (P<0.05) gut content (360 vs. 204g) and less degree of gut lesion than those of the conventional treatment, eventhough with higher sneeze prevalence. The housing system did not influence the health, however pigs housed on deep litter system during the growing-finishing phase presented lower performance and carcass values than the ones housed in the conventional housing system despite the housing system used during the nursery phase.

Tempo de jejum dos suínos no manejo pré-abate sobre a perda de peso corporal, o peso do conteúdo estomacal e a incidência de úlcera esofágica-gástrica / Relation of fasting time during pre-slaughter management to weight loss, weight of stomach contents and incidence of gastric ulcer in pigs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do tempo de jejum (9, 12, 15 e 18 horas) dos animais na granja (TJG) e da posição na carroceria do caminhão (PBO) durante o transporte da granja ao frigorífico sobre: a perda de peso corporal (PPC), o peso do estômago cheio (PEC) e vazio (PEV), o peso do conteúdo estomacal (PCE) e o escore de lesão na mucosa esofágica-gástrica (ELG). Foram utilizadas 192 fêmeas, com peso vivo médio de 134,51±11,80kg. No modelo, foram considerados os efeitos de bloco (estação do ano, BL), TJG, PBO e da interação entre BL x TJG. Verificou-se efeito significativo do TJG apenas sobre o peso do conteúdo estomacal. Não se observou efeito significativo da PBO sobre qualquer das variáveis avaliadas. Dos suínos avaliados, 90,3 por cento apresentaram PEC menor que 500 gramas e 8,56 por cento com PEC entre 500 e 800 gramas. A prevalência de suíno com ELG foi baixa (14,97 por cento), sendo que, dos animais com ELG, 13,90 por cento apresentaram lesão de grau 1 e 1,09 por cento eram grau dois. Conclui-se que animais submetidos a jejum na granja de 15 horas apresentam menor peso do conteúdo estomacal ao abate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fasting time period (9, 12, 15 and 18 hours) at the farm (TJG) and the pig's position in the lorry's livestock compartment (PBO) during the transport from the farm to the processing plant on: body weight loss (PPC), weight of stomach (full= PEC and empty= PEV), weight of stomach contents (PCE), and incidence of gastric ulcer (ELG). A total of 192 females with average 34.51±11.80kg of body weigh were used. The statistical model considered the effects of: block (season, BL), TJG, PBO and the interaction between BL and TJG. There was a significant effect of TJG only on stomach content. There was no effect of PBO on any of the evaluated variables. A PEC inferior to 500g was observed in 90.3 percent of the animals, while 8.56 percent of the pigs presented PEC between 500 and 800g. Incidence of ELG was low (14.97 percent), and among the ELG animals, 13.90 percent showed grade 1 lesion, and 1.09 percent grade two lesion. As a conclusion, pigs submitted to a fasting period of 15 hours have less stomach contents at the processing.

Modelo de carroceria e seu impacto sobre o bem-estar e a qualidade da carne dos suínos / Impact of the truck design on welfare and meat quality in pigs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do modelo de carroceria (MC) (metálica dupla ou simples e simples de madeira) sobre a freqüência de diferentes tipos de lesões na carcaça (FLC) e sobre a qualidade da carne dos suínos. Foram utilizadas 360 fêmeas com peso vivo médio de 132,72±11,09kg. Para a análise estatística, considerou-se no modelo os efeitos de bloco (BL), o MC e a interação entre MC x BL. Verificou-se um efeito do MC sobre a freqüência de lesões na carcaça provenientes de briga e a freqüência total de lesões, sobre o pH1 do músculo Semispinalis capitis (SC), sobre o pH U dos músculos SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) e Semimembranosus (SM) e sobre a cor dos músculos LD e SM. Suínos transportados em carroceria metálica simples apresentaram maiores valores de pH e da cor dos músculos avaliados. Conclui-se que suínos transportados em carroceria simples apresentam maior prevalência de lesões na carcaça e que o transporte dos suínos em carroceria metálica teve efeito positivo sobre os valores de pH e da cor carne.

This experiment was aimed at evaluating the effect of three truck-tier models (MC) (metallic simple tier, metallic duple tier and wood simple tier) on the frequency of different kinds of carcass lesions (FLC) and pork quality. For this study, three hundred and sixty gilts with an average body weight of 132.72±11.09kg were used. Statistic analysis of the data considered the effects of Blocks (BL), MC and the interaction MC x BL. MC had significant effect on frequency of lesions caused by fighting, on total frequency of injuries, on pH1 of muscle Semispinalis capitis (SC), on pH U of muscle SC, Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) and on color of the muscles LD e SM. Pigs transported in simple metallic truck-tier showed increased values of pH and muscles color. As a conclusion, transportation of slaughter pigs in simple wood truck-tier affects animal welfare negatively, while metallic truck-tier showed positive effects on meat pH and color compared to.

Período de descanso dos suínos no frigorífico e seu impacto na perda de peso corporal e em características do estômago / Resting time of pigs at the processing plant: impact on body weight losses and stomach characteristics

O manejo pré-abate dos suínos, quando realizado de maneira inadequada, pode proporcionar perdas qualitativas e quantitativas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do período de descanso dos suínos no frigorífico (PDF) (3, 5, 7 e 9 horas) e da posição do box na carroceria do caminhão (PBO) sobre a perda de peso corporal (PPC), o peso do estômago cheio (PEC) e vazio (PEV), o peso do conteúdo estomacal (PCE) e o escore de lesão na mucosa esofágica-gástrica (ELG). Foram utilizadas 192 fêmeas, com peso vivo médio de 130,0±9,9kg. Para a análise estatística, considerou-se no modelo os efeitos de bloco (BL), relativo à estação do ano e à granja avaliada o PDF, PBO e a interação entre PDF x BL. Não houve efeito significativo do PDF nas variáveis estudadas. Verificou-se efeito significativo da PBO somente sobre a perda de peso corporal dos suínos, sendo que animais transportados na parte da frente perderam mais peso em relação aos transportados nos boxes do meio e de trás. Observou-se que somente 11 por cento dos suínos apresentaram ELG característico de úlcera gástrica e que uma elevada porcentagem de suínos (41,9 por cento) apresentou ELG grau 1, caracterizando paraqueratose. Conclui-se que suínos transportados em boxes localizados na parte frontal da carroceria do caminhão apresentam maior perda de peso corporal do que os demais e que a variação de 3 a 9 horas no período de descanso no frigorífico não afeta a perda de peso corporal nem as características do estômago dos animais.

Pre-slaughter events might result in qualitative and quantitative losses on pig carcasses in inadequate management conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the resting time at the processing plant (PDF= 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours) and the pen position in the lorry's livestock compartment (PBO) on body weight loss (PPC), weight of stomach (full= PEC and empty= PEV), weight of stomach contents (PCE) and stomach lesion score (ELG) related to gastric ulcer. For this study, 192 females with average body weight of 130.0±9.9kg were used. The following effects were considered in the statistical analysis: block (season of the year), PDF, PBO and the interaction between block and PDF. There was no significant effect of PDF on the evaluated variables. For PBO, a significant effect was observed on body weight loss, with pigs transported in the frontal pens losing more body weight than those transported in middle and back pens. Eleven percent of the animals showed ELG characterizing gastric ulcer, while a high percentage of the pigs (41.9 percent) showed ELG grade 1, which characterizes paracheratosis. It is concluded that pigs transported in the frontal pens of the lorry's livestock compartment do have higher body weight losses, and that increasing the resting time at the processing plant from 3 to 9 hours does not impact body weight losses or the incidence of gastric ulcer.

Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de sarna sarcóptica e prevalência em suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação, na região Sul do Brasil / Risk factors associated with mange ocurrence and prevalence in pigs during the growing and finishing phases, in the South region of Brazil

Foi realizada uma pesquisa epidemiológica observacional em 64 rebanhos da regiäo Sul do Brasil, com o objetivo de determinar a prevalência e identificar o conjunto de fatores de risco que melhor explicam a ocorrência de sarna sarcóptica em suínos nas fase de crescimento e terminaçäo. Foi aplicado um protocolo abrangendo variáveis do ecossistema de suínos em criaçäo intensiva e os dados foram analisados por análise de correspondência múltipla identificando-se dez variáveis associadas à ocorrência de sarna: área menor que 0,85m²/suíno; volume de ar menor que 3,0m³/animal, manejo da instalaçäo no sistema contínuo; umidade relativa do ar menor de 60 por cento ou maior de 70 por cento; uso de raçäo farelada e fornecida à vontade; uso de raçäo com composiçäo fora das recomendaçöes técnicas; excesso de moscas nas instalaçöes e ocorrência de outras doenças no lote. Estas variáveis säo apresentadas em um mapa permitindo visualizar os fatores associados com rebanhos de baixa, média e alta prevalência de sarna. Dos 3.948 animais examinados na linha de abate, 16,64 por cento apresentaram dermatite papular eritematosa indicativa de sarna sarcóptica