Nigil Mathew creator Ramnath V (Guide) text xx Mannuthy Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences 2002 9999 monographic und

print

The study was conducted in adult female cattle with an average body weight of about 250 kg which were transported for slaughter to Meat Technology Unit (MTU), College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, to evaluate the effect of transport stress on certain physiological \ parameters. Group I animals comprised of 12 numbers, of which six animals each were transported from Livestock Research Station (LRS), Thiruvazhamkunnu and Cattle Breeding Farm (CBF), Thumburmuzhi and they were designated as the low density stocking group (LDS) given a floor space allowance of 1.88 m2/animal. Eight adult female cattle brought for slaughter by trucking at Corporation slaughter house, Thrissur which were given with a floor space allowance of 0.95 m2/animal formed the Group Il or high density stocking group (HDS) and eight adult female cattle brought for slaughter from University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy by walk formed the Group III category . . Body weight was recorded in LDS group cattle (group I) before and after the journey and it was observed that the percentage reduction in live weight was 2.18 per cent which was not that much appreciable due to the ideal transporting conditions provided for them. Blood samples were collected with and without anticoagulant (1) before transport, (2) immediately after the journey (zero hour post-transport) and (3) after a resting period of 18 h from LDS cattle. From HDS group, immediately after unloading (zero hour post- transport) and after 18 h of rest blood collections were done. Blood samples, were analysed for various haematological parameters as well as for mitogen induced Iymphocyte culture studies. The serum samples were also used for estimation of biochemical parameters as blood glucose level (BGL), concentration of cortisol, total serum protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and activities of enzymes viz., creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Comparison of the data collected at three intervals viz., before transport, zero hour and 18 h post-transport was done within the LDS group, whereas, the comparison within HDS group was done at zero and 18 h post-transport. Comparison of the effect of transport at zero hour and a post-transport resting period of 18 h was also done between LDS and HDS groups. It was observed that LDS group of cattle had a significant increase in volume of packed red blood cells (VPRC), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and total leucocyte (WBC) count at zero hour. It was observed that most of the values returned to the pre-transport level after 18 h of rest. There was significant increase in biochemical parameters, like blood glucose level (BGL), concentration of cortisol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine kinase (CK) activity immediately after transport and many of them returned to pre-transport level after 18 h post-transport suggesting that 18 h of resting period was sufficient before slaughter. In HDS cattle higher values were recorded for the haematological traits VIZ. VPRC, Hb concentration and total WBC count and for biochemical parameters like BGL, concentration of cortisol, BUN and CK activity when compared to LDS group. Most of the values did not decline to restore much, even after giving 18 h of rest indicating that these animals experienced severe stress during the journey. In the present study it was also found that the cortisol concentration influenced Iymphoblastogenic response to mitogen which was poor in the presence of autologus serum containing more than SO ng/rnl cortisol concentration as observed in both LDS (131.2 ±.18.33 ng/ml) and HDS (160.88 I ± 21.87 ng/ml) groups immediately after transport which indicated the immuno suppressive property of cortisol. Meat samples were collected from all the groups of cattle within an hour of slaughter and used for determination of pH and glycogen content at one hour and six hours post-slaughter. It was observed that meat samples of LDS and non-transported cattle showed a comparatively lower pH after six hours of slaughter which was inversely related to their glycogen content. It was also found that the meat samples of HDS cattle did not attain a significantly lower pH even at the end Of six hours post-slaughter owing to the reduced glycogen content when compared to LDS and non-transported groups of cattle which could result in dark cutting condition. It can be concluded that gentle handling, optimum transportation conditions and proper rest before slaughter in good lairage environment are required to minimize the stress in cattle brought for slaughter and to ensure production of good quality meat. MVSc 636.089 2 NIG/ST http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810105331 http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810105331 140128 20220901141408.0