Holstein bulls destined for beef production which are unfamiliar with each other are routinely mixed prior to marketing. This practice constitutes a stressful event which affects both animal welfare and meat quality. We questioned whether mixing 34 days before marketing could induce a stress response that would affect the animal performance and pH of meat. For the experiment, 22 Holstein bulls (at a mean age of 7.35±0.07 months and mean weight of 285.5±90 kg) were raised in groups of three and were mixed 34 days prior to marketing to form two groups (n1=13, n2=9). The daily rumination and activity of the bulls were monitored for 20 days before and 33 days post mixing (DPM) and bulls were weighed 1 day before mixing (DBM), 3 and 33 days DPM. Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and anti-oxidative capacity in bulls were measured pre- and post-mixing (PM). After slaughter, pH measurements were taken at the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) 24 h after the carcasses were chilled. The results demonstrated that mixing had significantly decreased the calves’ weight gain by 6.2±2 kg at 3 DPM. Daily rumination decreased twofold 24 h PM (P<0.0001). The daily number of steps taken by calves was 3 times higher, and did not return to PM values even 25 DPM (P<0.0001). The mean plasma NEFA concentrations increased from 120±13 to 428±40 µmol/l, 24h PM (P<0.0001), and the anti-oxidative capacity of the serum 24 h PM decreased significantly (P=0.01). Finally, the mean pH value of LTL in meat was 6.5±0.02, greater than what is required for proper acidification. The data collected using precise livestock farming monitoring methods demonstrated the physiological and behavioural outcome of mixing 34 days prior to marketing, which resulted in elevated pH levels in the meat. However, further investigations are required in order to assess the additional impact on meat quality and determine the optimal time needed to recover from mixing in order to maintain good meat quality.
Precision livestock farming applications
Making sense of sensors to support farm management
EditorIlan Halachmi
Published: May 2015 Pages: 328
eISBN: 978-90-8686-815-5 | ISBN: 978-90-8686-268-9
Book Type: Edited Collection
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