LPT 312: Abattoir Practices and Animal Products Technology (1+1)

PRE-SLAUGHTER CARE OF FOOD ANIMALS

• Animals are to be handled  with the minimum of disturbance and as quietly as up to the point of slaughter to safegaurd meat quality. 
• It is necessary to rest fatigued and excited animals before slaughter - because of the complete development of acidity of the muscles and also the early invasion of the system by putrefaction bacteria from the intestinal tract. These bacteria cause of bone taint in cattle and of ham taint in pigs.
• The meat of animals slaughtered while exhausted, appears dark fiery due to decreased oxygenation of the blood haemoglobin and muscle myoglobin. Allowances of molasses or sugar solution will reduce the incidence of PSE in pigs and also it helps to maintain glycogen level. This glycogen is useful for better acidification of the carcass for higher shelf life.
• A period of 6-24 hours with a maximum of 36 hours detention and rest in a lairage is essential for such animals before slaughter.
• The actual duration of the resting period depends on many factors such as; species of animals, age, sex, class and condition, time of year, length of journey, method of transportation, etc.
• Check to ensure that there are no defects, which could cause bruising or even death. V-race with catwalk arrangement should be provided for movement of food animals from lairage to slaughterhall to avoid obstruction of the passage and minimize stress.
• The animals should be provided with adlibitum potable water which facilitates flaying and reduction of intestinal microbes with chances of possible cross contamination. 
• Aggressive animals and females in oestrus must be isolated likewise horned from polled stock.
• Mixing of animals from different origins leads to fighting and injury.
• The use of fine sprays of water on pigs awaiting slaughter in lairages has a beneficial effect in the prevention of fighting.
• Only physiologically normal animals should be slaughtered thereby preventing any loss of body weight.
• Electrical goads should be used for movement of stock.
• Weight loss suffered during transit could be restored to some extent by providing adequate rest.