Authors : Cristina Perez Linares , Fernando Figueroa Saavedra and Alberto Barreras Serrano
Abstract: A total of 26 management factors that affect the occurrence of DFD meat, were evaluated. Data was obtained in a local feedlot and at a Federal Inspection Type slaughter plant during the months of December to March. Three different weekly questionnaires were taken to get information about managing practices before slaughtering at five random visits to the feedlot. Managing practices were grouped according to feeding pens, transport, situation before slaughtering and staying at the slaughter plant. Two hundred and thirty-three carcasses between 18 and 24 h post mortem were chosen at random and pH, color (L*, a* and C*) were recorded for the classification of meat as normal, dark, or DFD. Dark meat was not detected. The relationship between managing factor and the occurrence of DFD meat was evaluated based on Odds Ratio (OR), estimated by 2x2 contingency tables. The percentage of DFD meat was 8.15%; the variables favoring the occurrence of DFD meat were: Cattle herding time to get on the transportation facilities of more than 35 min (OR= 10.53), environmental temperature above 16�C; using a plastic stick for cattle driving (OR=20.25), joining animals of different stockyards on the transport (OR= 34.23) and keeping the cattle for more than 19 h in the rest pen (OR= 11.13). Changes in ante mortem managing practices are suggested in order to minimize the occurrence of DFD meat.
Cristina Perez Linares , Fernando Figueroa Saavedra and Alberto Barreras Serrano , 2006. Relationship Between Management Factors and the Occurrence of DFD Meat in Cattle. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 578-581.