The effects of pre-slaughter pig management from the farm to the processing plant on pork quality.

Edwards LN, Grandin T, Engle TE, Ritter MJ, Sosnicki AA, Carlson BA, Anderson DB.

Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1171, United States.

Meat Sci, 2010 Jul 29.

Abstract

Two experiments (Exp.1, n=80; Exp.2, n=144) were conducted to determine the effects of pre-slaughter pig management on pork quality by monitoring blood lactate concentration ([LAC]) during marketing. [LAC] was measured at; (1) baseline at farm, (2) post-loading on truck, (3) pre-unloading after transport, (4) post-unloading at plant, (5) post—lairage, (6) post-movement to stun, and (7) exsanguination. Pearson correlations were used to determine relationships between [LAC] and meat quality. Higher [LAC] post-loading or a greater change in [LAC] during loading resulted in increased 24h pH (P=0.002, P=0.0006, Exp.1; P=0.0001, P=0.01, Exp.2, respectively), decreased L' (P=0.03, P=0.04; P=0.001, P=0.01) and decreased drip loss (P=0.02, P=O.12; P=0,002, P=0.01). Even though improved handling during loading is important to animal well-being, it will not necessarily translate into improved pork quality.

Second author's additional comment: Another study published by the same research group (Edwards et al 2010, Meat Sci 86:384-390) showed that the use of electric prods, pigs jamming, rearing up or backing up in the single file race to the stunner was associated with higher lactate levels. Therefore handling stresses that occur approximately five minutes before stunning will increase lactate levels. Increased lactate levels shortly before slaugher are associated with lower 60 min pH and higher drip loss whch are both indicators of lower pork quality (Edwards et al, 2010, Meat Sci 85:435-440). The above abstract shows that a stress that raises lactate several hours before slaughter will raise muscle pH. A basic pricinciple is a short term stress within 5 to 10 minutes prior to slaughter lowers pH and a long term stress which occurs many hours before slaughter usually raises pH.

Click here to return to the Homepage for more information on animal behavior, welfare, and care.