The effect of storage conditions on the hygiene and sensory status of wild boar meat.

The aim of this study was to compare hygiene status of wild boar meat (shoulder and leg) stored up to 21days at 0°C, 7°C or 15°C. The microbial counts increased gradually in the expected sequence of increasing storage temperatures, with TVC at the end of storage ranging from approx. 2logCFU/g (0°C) to 5logCFU/g (15°C). The lactic acid bacteria and psychrotrophic microflora didn't exceed 2logCFU/g and 2.5logCFU/g, respectively. Whereas odor of the meat stored at 0°C and 7°C was still acceptable at the end of storage, the odor of the meat stored at 15°C was barely acceptable after only 7d of storage and also the content of ammonia was significantly higher. Game meat obtained from animals hunted in the correct way and stored at low temperatures had good microbiological and hygiene status which could be maintained for more than 15days of storage.

The effect of treating method of pithed pheasant on the content of biogenic amines in the meat during the course of storage.

The study monitored the effect of various methods of treating pheasant carcasses after killing on the hygienic quality of the venison. Pithed pheasants treated by evisceration (n = 60), drawing (n = 60), or left untreated (n = 60) were stored for a period of 21 d at temperatures of 0, 7, and 15°C. For determination of biogenic amines, samples of breast and thigh muscles were taken on d 1, 7, 14, and 21 after killing of the pheasants. Biogenic amines were separated by reverse-phase liquid chromatography and consequently detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The sum of determined biogenic amine concentrations (cadaverine, putrescine, histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, phenylethylamine) was compared with the value of the index for meat of high hygienic quality (5 mg/kg). At a storage temperature of 0°C, the sum of biogenic amine concentrations did not exceed the value of 5 mg/kg in either breast or thigh muscle at any time during the storage period in untreated and drawn pheasants, and for a period of 14 d in eviscerated pheasants. At a storage temperature of 7°C, values lower than the limit of 5 mg/kg were recorded throughout the storage period in untreated pheasants, for a period of 14 d of storage in drawn pheasants, and for a period of just 7 d of storage in eviscerated birds. At the highest storage temperature (15°C), a value of 5 mg/kg was exceeded in eviscerated and untreated pheasants during the course of the first week of storage, and in drawn pheasants after the first week of storage. Our results indicate that the most suitable method of treatment to ensure high hygienic quality of the meat (assessed according to concentration of biogenic amines) for the longest period during the storage of pithed pheasants is to leave the pheasant carcasses untreated, followed by the drawing, with the least suitable method being the widely recommended method of evisceration.

Time course changes in selected biochemical indices of broilers in response to pretransport handling.

Two experiments were conducted to assess the stress response of broilers to catching and pretransport handling followed by different periods of crating. The short-term changes in selected biochemical indices were monitored at 1-min intervals within 10 min of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 1). These indices were further monitored at 15-min intervals for 2 h of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 2). Increased (P < 0.001) corticosterone concentrations were observed immediately after the broilers were caught, handled, and placed in crates. They continued to increase until 7 min after crating and then slowly decreased, but even at 120 min after handling, corticosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) in crated broilers than in control broilers. In addition, lactate concentrations increased (P < 0.001) immediately in comparison with those of broilers with no additional handling except for catching and blood sampling, but 15 min later, the lactate concentrations had decreased to the precrating level. Lactate dehydrogenase concentrations increased (P = 0.042) 30 min after crating and continued to increase for the rest of the monitored period. A decreased level of cholesterol (P = 0.017) and increased concentration of uric acid (P = 0.041) were found 1 min after crating. The decrease in cholesterol was visible up to 9 min after crating; it then returned to its original value except for the period from 75 to 90 min after crating, when a decrease (P < 0.05) was again detected. Higher (P < 0.01) concentrations of uric acid were found continuously from 4 to 75 min after crating. Glucose concentrations were increased (P = 0.017) 2 min after crating, but the stress-induced increase was not consistent over the course of the next few minutes after crating. Glucose concentrations were not different from those of control broilers from 10 to 120 min after crating, although they showed a decreasing pattern. A decrease (P = 0.031) in triglyceride concentrations was detected 75 min after crating.

Neopterin and biopterin as biomarkers of immune system activation associated with castration in piglets.

Recent reports have shown that stressful situations may affect the production of unconjugated pterins (neopterin and biopterin). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of castration on neopterin and biopterin plasma concentrations in piglets, using 2 groups of 12 piglets allocated to castrated and uncastrated (control) groups. Pterin concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Blood samples were also analzyed for leukocyte profiles and plasma cortisol concentrations. A time × treatment interaction (P < 0.05) was detected for neopterin concentrations, such that neopterin was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations, and neopterin was greater (P = 0.05) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 h. Castration had no effect on biopterin concentration (P > 0.1). Time effects (P < 0.05) for neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were found. A time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for plasma cortisol concentrations, such that cortisol was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 and 24 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations and was greater (P < 0.01) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 and 24 h. This study showed that castration activated the immune system of piglets as demonstrated by an increase in plasma neopterin concentrations.

Changes in selected biochemical indices related to transport of broilers to slaughterhouse under different ambient temperatures.

The effect of transport distance on selected biochemical parameters (corticosterone, uric acid, triglycerides, total protein, glucose, and lactate) under various ambient temperatures was monitored in a group of unsexed Ross 308 broilers aged 42 d. Broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse over 3 different travel distances (10, 70, and 130 km). They were sampled before and after each transportation in 3 various periods with different ambient temperatures (-5 to +5°C, 10 to 20°C, and 25 to 35°C), which approximately correspond to temperature conditions during transport in individual seasons of the year (winter, fall, summer). The changes in biochemical parameters were specific in their dependence on the travel distance and the ambient temperature under which the broilers were transported. The highest corticosterone concentration was found in broilers before transport (i.e., immediately after catching, crating, and loading) at all ambient temperatures. The concentration of corticosterone was higher at winter temperatures than at summer and fall temperatures. Triglycerides decreased with travel distance, although this effect was detected under summer temperatures only. The concentration of total protein was higher only after 10 km of transport and then it decreased with travel distance at all monitored ambient temperatures. A highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the glucose level of broilers was observed after 130 km of transport when compared with broilers before transport at fall and winter temperatures. The effect of travel distance on lactate concentrations was the same at all monitored ambient temperatures, with the lactate level decreasing with travel distance. The results obtained indicate that pretransport handling procedures (catching, crating, and loading) may be more stressful for broilers than the transport itself. To improve broiler meat quality, it is necessary to meet the need for broilers to recover before being slaughtered. With regard to different seasons of the year, we can assume that transport under conditions of low ambient temperatures in winter represents a more stressful event than transport during fall and summer.

Organochlorine pollutants in chub, Leuciscus cephalus, from the Svratka River, Czech Republic.

The aim was to evaluate the extent of pollution of the Svratka River with organochlorinated pollutants using the chub (Leuciscus cephalus) as a suitable bioindicator of the river contamination. The sum of 7 PCB congeners was found in range of 7.6-93.8 ng/g (with median of 31.7 ng/g) wet weight (ww), DDTs of 2.9-93.8 (29.9) ng/g ww, HCHs isomers of 0.1-5.3 (1.0) ng/g ww, HCB of 0.3-8.4 (2.2) ng/g ww and OCS of <0.1-0.5 (0.1) ng/g ww. Our results confirm predominance of metabolite DDE and higher-chlorinated PCB congeners and are comparable with similar studies and findings within the Czech Republic.

Stress in broilers resulting from shackling.

The aim of this study was to assess stress response of broilers to different periods of shackling. Stress effects of shackling were monitored in a group of male Ross 308 broilers (total number: 400) aged 42 d. Three shackling treatments were used in our experiment: shackling of broilers for 30 s (group T30), 60 s (group T60), and 120 s (group T120). Corticosterone plasma concentration was elevated in T60 broilers (P<0.05) and in T120 birds (P<0.01); glucose plasma concentration was increased (P<0.05) in both T60 and T120 broilers when compared with nonshackled control. Lactate concentrations increased in T30 birds (P<0.05) and in both T60 and T120 birds (P<0.01). Furthermore, T120 broilers exhibited an increase (P<0.01) in heterophil counts and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. Duration of tonic immobility was increased (P<0.05) in T60 and T120 broilers. Number of attempts to induce tonic immobility decreased (P<0.01) in all test groups (T30, T60, T120). Duration of shackling period was positively correlated (P<0.001) with corticosterone, glucose and lactate level, tonic immobility duration, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. The number of inductions was negatively correlated (P<0.001) with duration of the shackling period. According to the results of our study, the act of shackling is a considerable traumatic procedure for broilers, and its stress effect is markedly dependent on duration of shackling period that the broiler chickens experience. It follows from our study that the optimal shackling period should be less than 60 s.

Changes in haematological profile of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) induced by transit to pheasantry.

The aim of this study was to assess haematological changes in hand-reared pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) transported from intensive housing facilities to a pheasantry. Selected haematological parameters were monitored in a group of 100 pheasants (50 males and 50 females) aged of 9 weeks that were transported for 4 hours by a covered lorry in crates, with a total body weight of 12 +/- 0.5 kg per crate (Group C12 - floor space: 290 cm2/kg) and with a total body weight of 18 +/- 0.5 kg per crate (Group C18 - floor space: 195 cm2/kg). Blood samples were taken from 10 randomly selected males and 10 females before transport (CON group) and 20 hours after transport (C12 and C18 groups). Examinations consisted in determining the total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, haematocrit values, haemoglobin levels and differential leukocyte counts, whereby the proportions of heterophil, basophil and eosinophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes of the total leukocytes were computed. The changes in the parameters of red blood cell count were manifested by an increase (P < 0.01) in the haemoglobin level, MCH (mean cell haemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell haemoglobin concentration) values and a decrease (P < 0.01) in the total erythrocyte count and haematocrit level in both C12 and C18 pheasants, when compared with the control group of non-transported pheasants. C18 pheasants exhibited also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in MCV (mean cell value) value. When analyzing differential leukocyte counts, C18 pheasants showed a decrease (P < 0.01) in heterophil counts and H/L ratio, whereas values in C12 pheasants did not differ from the non-transported control group. Individual counts of lymphocytes were decreased (P < 0.05) in C12 pheasants, whereas basophil counts were increased (P < 0.01) in both C12 and C18 pheasants. Total leukocyte count was decreased (P < 0.01) in C12 and C18 pheasants. In conclusion, the specific requirements of pheasants, as primarily wild animals, for the density in crates should be respected during transportation and they should be transported at lower densities than other poultry species, at least 290 cm2/kg live weight should be provided.

Effects of travel distance and the season of the year on death rates of broilers transported to poultry processing plants.

Death losses among broilers transported to processing plants are caused by poor welfare. The number of birds dying during transport and in processing plants shortly after arrival there may serve as an indicator of the quality of welfare during loading and transport. In the Czech Republic, shipments of broilers to processing plants were monitored from 1997 to 2004. It was found that the mortality of broilers during transport was 0.247%, but it varied according to the transport distance to the processing plant from 0.146% (50 km maximum) to 0.862% (>300 km). The broiler mortality in transit was also influenced by the season of the year. The highest mortality was found in summer months, especially in June, July, and August, and in winter months, especially in December, January, and February. A comparison between period 1 (1997 to 2000) and period 2 (2001 to 2004) showed a long-term adverse trend in the number of broilers dying during transport to processing plants for all of the distances monitored (except transport distances <50 km), because the overall number of dead birds on arrival to processing plants increased from 0.224 to 0.265% (index of 1.18). This difference is statistically significant (P = 0.000). The stress caused to broilers by transport to processing plants is reflected in higher transport-related mortality of the birds. Long-term trends point to an increase in death losses of broilers. Longer transport distances and transportation in summer and winter months have led to an increase in death losses among broilers transported to processing plants.