ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to determine the level of Bruising and Dark Firm Dry on Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 beef bulls from three different breeds (14 Boran, 14 Harar, and 11 Arsi cattle breeds) were used in this study. Based on the present finding, from 39 slaughtered beef bulls 66.7% was bruised and 30.77% produced DFD meat. Harar breed had the highest (39.1%) overall level of bruising while Boran and Arsi had the lowest level. However, Harar breed had the lowest level of DFD (14.29%). Age groups 3 - 6 and 6 - 9 years had the highest level of a bruise (29.70% and 28.10%, respectively) compared to age groups 2 - 3 years. The mean number of bruises per carcass was 1.96 ± 0.25 while the bruise score per carcass was 3.58 ± 0.68. A linear bruise was the most observed (33.33%) shape of a bruise. It was concluded that the level of bruising and DFD was higher compared to some other abattoir studies in other countries which indicated the possible presence of poor handling practice of cattle from farm to abattoir gates. To minimize the incidence of DFD and bruising, it was recommended that proper handling of cattle during loading, transport, unloading, at lairriage and during slaughter need to be practiced.

Keywords:

Bruise, Dark Firm Dry, Bulls and Carcass

1. Introduction

Ethiopia has 59.5 million heads of cattle, 30.70 million heads of sheep, 30.20 million heads of goats, 56.53 millions of poultry and 1.21 million heads of a camel [1]. It is central to the Ethiopian economy contributing about 45% to the agricultural GDP, supporting the livelihoods of 70% of the population, 18.7% to the national GDP and 16% - 19% to the total foreign exchange earning of the country [2].

One of the major challenges facing the domestic consumption and meat export abattoirs has been that quality of livestock supply which is influenced by lack of proper pre-slaughter handling and transportation of animals [3]. Pre-slaughter stress would end up producing bruised and dark firm dry meats which affect animal welfare and meat quality [4]. Bruises can occur at any point of the meat chain, due to inappropriate handling of the animal on the farm or at livestock market, during loading, through road transport, unloading at the slaughterhouse, penning and even during stunning procedures [5].

Bruised meat is not acceptable to the consumers and ends up in the wastage of the product. It is less likely to be used for processing as it yields poor product. It decomposes and spoils rapidly as the bloody meat is an ideal medium for growth of contaminating bacteria. For the above reasons, it must be trimmed and condemned at meat inspection. Furthermore, if secondary bacterial infection occurs on the bruised muscle, abscess is formed causing the entire carcass to be condemned. DFD meat also possibly faces consumer rejection due to its dark red colour, toughness, undesirable flavor and poor shelf life. It is less likely to be used for further processing as it is prone to spoilage as a result of higher pH and an increased water-holding ability. Bruising and DFD lower the quality of carcass or impose meat producer to discount a value of cuts or carcass. Because of these, they are serious problems for the fresh meat market and cause large economic losses to suppliers, meat industry and the country [6] [7]. Bruising and DFD had received more attention from researcher and the beef industry due to such substantial economic burden and possible animal welfare implications [8].

There was no documented information on the level of bruising of carcasses and DFD meat in Ethiopia. Determining levels of bruising and DFD may help in implementing procedures that enhance good welfare of animals and meat quality in the country. Therefore, the object of this study was to determine the level of bruising of carcass and DFD meat from Arsi, Boran and Harar Cattle breeds under different age groups in Ethiopia.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Description of Study Sites

The study was conducted from October 2017 to May 2018 on cattle purchased from different places and slaughtered at Elfora Bishoftu export abattoirs which found at bishoftu town. Arsi and Harar breeds purchased from cattle market at West Arsi (kofale) and West Hararghe (Chiro) respectively. However, Boran breed from Dida tuyera ranch, Borena Zones (Yabello). West Arsi is located at 7˚19' to 7˚40'N and 38˚30' to 38˚35'E with an elevation of 2695 meters above sea level. West Hararghe zone is located at altitude between 970 and 1410 meter above sea level. The annual rainfall ranges from 650 mm - 950 mm and mean temperature range between 17.5˚C - 27˚C. Borana zone located at 3˚26' - 6˚32'N latitude and 36˚43' - 40˚46'E longitudes with altitude below 1500 m above mean sea level. The area characterized by semi-arid lowland with an average rainfall ranging from 300 to 600 mm and average daily temperature from 19˚C to 26˚C. Mixed crop-livestock production system is practiced in the Arsi and Hararghe regions in which grazing and crop residue feeding were common. Pastoral range livestock production system is practiced in Borena zone in which cattle mostly depend on grazing natural pasture which is dominated by perennial grasses (Cenchrus, Pennisetum, and Chrysopogon species).

2.2. Animal Management

A total of 39 bulls consisting of three breeds (Boran, Harar and Arsi) were used for the study. The bulls were grouped into three age groups as group I contained cattle with 2 - 3 years of age, group II contained cattle with 3 - 6 years of ages and group III contained cattle with 6 - 9 years of ages. Ages of cattle were determined by dentition according to [9]. Bulls from Boran breed were directly loaded from ranch while a bull from Arsi and Harar breeds directly from the market. Bulls of each breed were transported by FSR trucks to export abattoir for the same distance. On arrival at the abattoirs, unloading activities were monitored and cattle were provided with feed and water ad-libtium according to abattoir animal handling guideline. Cattle were stayed in lariage for 18 hours without provision of feed. Later they were stunned and slaughtered using standard operating procedures of the abattoir.

2.3. Bruise Measurement

Carcass bruise score assessment was done for 39 beef carcasses using a method based on the Australian Carcass Bruise Score System [10]. After dressing, the carcasses were examined for the numbers of bruises per carcass and bruises by anatomical site (butt, rump-loin, ribs, forequarter, back, pin and hip. The size, colour and shape of every bruise were recorded. The size of each bruise was measured on the basis of its diameter as: little (<2 cm), slight (2 - 8 cm), medium (8 - 16 cm) or heavy (>16 cm) by using a ruler. When a bruise was not circular, the diameter was measured as the longest length of the lesion. To assist with the visual appraisal of the bruises, a hard paper indicating circular areas of 2, 8 and 16 cm was used. Bruise scores were calculated for each bruised carcass by multiplying the number of bruises in each size class (little, slight, medium or heavy) by a weighing factor (little 0, slight 1, medium 3 and heavy 5) and adding these values. Little bruises (<2 cm) were not considered. These bruise scores then divided by the number of bruised carcass to give a mean bruise score per carcass. Level of bruise by size category was counted for different breed and age categories from the total bruise. Bruise age was estimated using the method of [11] as described in Table 1.

2.4. Meat pH Measurement for Detection of Dark Firm Dry

The pH measurement done according to procedure described by [12]. The pH and temperature measured using Portable HANNA pH or temperature meter (model number-HI99163) in the Muscularis longisimus thoracis et. Lumborum (LTL) at the depth of 3 - 4 cm while carcasses were at hanging position and by removing samples from the loin region. The pH meter was calibrated before taking measurement and in every measurement using pH 4 and pH 7 standard buffer solutions. During each pH measurement series the immersed sensor tip or electrode was rinsed immediately and thoroughly with distilled water and dried carefully with a clean paper towel. After measurement the carcasses with pH₂₄ hours lower than 5.8 were classified as normal quality and carcasses with pH₂₄ hours value greater than or equal to 5.8 as DFD meat according to previous recommendation [12] [13].

2.5. Determination of Meat Colour

The color of meat was measured in triplicate 24 hours after slaughter in the Muscularis longisimus thoracis et. Lumborum (LTL), 3 cm thick sample removed from the area between the 12th and 13th ribs from right side carcass at free fat area. Measurements were made after 30-min exposure to air (bloom time) on the different locations of the surface of the muscle using a Mini Scan EZ machine (model number-4500L) with a 20 mm diameter measurements area and illuminant D65-day light, 10˚ standard observer. The machine was standardized before taking measurements using the black and white colour standard samples provided for this purpose. Three readings were taken on each sample by rotating the Colour Guide 90˚ between measurements so as to obtain the average value for the colour and meat colour was expressed using the CIELAB color space (L* = lightness, a* = redness, and b* = yellowness) according to the CIE system [14] [15].

2.6. Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness

The thickness of subcutaneous fat (TSF) measured by a caliper averaging three points between the 12^th and 13^th ribs of longissimus muscle and expressed in inch.

2.7. Statistical Analysis

The data was analyzed by Statistical Analysis System 9.3 version (SAS, 2011). Descriptive statistics were used to determine levels of bruising and DFD. Pearson’s chi-square test was done to compare the level of DFD for the breed and age category. General Linear Model procedure (PROC GLIMMIX; SAS, 2011) was used to compare beef quality parameter (pH, temperature and colour) for normal and DFD meat. Significant differences among least square group means were compared using pdiff when F test was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

The model used was:

$Y_{іј}=\mu +{\alpha }_{і}+{\beta }_{ј}+{\epsilon }_{іј}$

where,

Y_ij = response variable (pH, temperature, WHC, L*, a*, b*).

N = Constant mean common to all observations.

α_і = Breed (Harar, Boran, Arsi).

β_ј = Age (group 1, group 2 and group 3).

E_ij = random error.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Level of Dark Firm Dry Beef

The level of DFD beef in slaughtered cattle in the present study is shown in Figure 1. The result of the study showed that from a total of 39 beef cattle slaughtered, 27 bull (69.23%) had ultimate pH (pH₂₄ hours) less than 5.8 (normal meat) and 12 bulls (30.77%) had ultimate pH greater than or equal to 5.8 (DFD meat) in longissimus dorsi muscle. The current level of DFD in slaughtered cattle were high compared to level of DFD for cattle slaughtered at South Africa local commercial abattoir which was 7.3% - 11.8% [16], 4.53% for Brazilian commercial crossbred cattle [17], 3.2% in USA [18], 1.6% in Canada [19] grain finished cattle in USA which were in the range between 1.5% and 5% [20]. The higher proportion of DFD might be associated with the absence of enough glycogen stored by the cattle before slaughter. Most of cattle slaughtered at public abattoirs in Ethiopia had low grade of fat (fat grade 1) based on beef classification system of Ethiopia [21]. Moreover, cattle were exposed to a number of stress which started from farm, transport which was usually trekking, during marketing, lairriage and by methods of slaughter [22] [23]. The present finding alert the need to look for strategies to minimize the incidence of DFD beef produced in Ethiopia.

3.1.1. Level of Dark Firm Dry for Arsi, Boran and Harar Beef Cattle

The level of DFD and normal carcass were evaluated for Arsi, Boran and Harar beef cattle (Table 2). From a total of each slaughtered cattle, Arsi breed account 54.54%, Boran breed 64.29% and Harar breed 85.71% normal carcasses. The highest level of DFD, which account 45.45% for Arsi breed was statistically not significant (P > 0.05) from intermediate level of DFD (35.71%) for Boran and the least level of DFD (14.29%) for Harar breed. The absence of significant difference between breed for DFD can suggest the importance of pre-slaughter handling of animals on DFD than breed of animals. The current finding in line with Sanz et al. (1996) who reported that no differences in occurrence of DFD between Brown Swiss and the Pirenaico breed but disagreement with [24] who found difference in incidence of DFD among Friesian, Brown Swiss and Eastern Anatolian Red (23%, 34% and 25% respectively) beef breed.

3.1.2. Level of Dark Firm Dry for Beef Cattle Slaughtered at Different Age Groups

The level of DFD and normal carcass was evaluated for beef cattle slaughtered at different age groups (Table 3). From a total of each age group, 53.85% that was found at the age of 2 - 3 years, 85.71% at the age of 3 - 6 years and 66.67% at the age of 6 - 9 years old was normal carcasses. The level of DFD among age group was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Numerically, the highest level of DFD accounted 46.15% in the age group 2 - 3 years followed by age group 6 - 9 years old (33.33%) and 3 - 6 years (14.29%), respectively. This result was in agreement with previous research work done by [25] who reported that no significant difference among young male cattle slaughtered at different ages.

3.2. Quality Characteristics of Normal and DFD Beef

Quality characteristics of normal and DFD beef are presented in Table 4. The mean ultimate pH of normal and DFD beef were 5.54 ± 0.07 and 6.16 ± 0.04, respectively. Normal beef was relatively lighter (P < 0.05) than DFD Meat with L* values of 34.29 ± 0.59 and 31.53 ± 0.83, respectively. However, difference in terms of pH45 min, Temp24 hours, a* and b*, for the two meat groups were not significant. The pH of normal meat drops from initial pH 6.16 to 5.54 after 24 hours of carcass chilling at 0˚C - 4˚C while in DFD meat did not drop with significant figure. The possible absence of drop in pH of DFD beef might be associated with depletion of glycogen due to stress of the animal which finally didn’t produce significant acidification due inability to produce enough lactic acid.

Experimental cattle were transported up to 16 hours, at high transit temperature up to 36˚C, exposure to cold and rainy environment alternatively, long hours of deprivation water and feed up to 36 hours. Animals exposed to stress during transport from farm to abattoir. The stress trigger depletion of muscle glycogen which might be mobilized by rapid release of stress enzymes and hormones, this results in glycogen depletion in muscle at slaughter, formation of insufficient amount of lactic acid, and correspondingly, low fall in muscle pH post

N = Total number of animals per breed, pH₄₅ = pH measured at 45 minute, pH₂₄ = pH measured at 24 hour (ultimate pH), DFD = Dark, Firm and Dry.

N = Total number of animals per breed, pH₄₅ = pH measured at 45 minute, pH₂₄ = pH measured at 24 hour (ultimate pH), DFD = Dark, Firm and Dry.

^a,b Means in the same row with different letters are significant different (P < 0.05). DFD = Dark firm dry, n = Total number of observation, pH₄₅ min = pH measured at 45 minute (initial pH), pH24 hr = pH measured at 24 hour (ultimate pH), L* = Lightness, a* = Redness, b* = Yellownes.

mortem and meat become dark in colour [26]. Similarly, relatively lower L* value of DFD meat indicated that the meat was dark in colour which might be associated with stress condition of the cattle before slaughter. Similar to the present study [27] reported lower L* value for DFD meat compared to the normal one.

3.3. Level of Bruised and Non-Bruised Carcass

The level of bruising and non bruising carcass in slaughtered beef cattle is shown in Figure 2. From total of 39 cattle slaughtered, 26 (66.7%) carcasses were bruised and the rest 13 (33.3%) were not. Of bruised carcasses, 28.3% had one bruise, 12.8% had two bruise, 17.9% had three bruise, 5.1% had four bruise and 2.6% had greater than four bruise (Figure 3). The 26 bruised carcasses scored a total of 51 bruising cases. Among these, 35% were slight, 11 were medium and 5% were heavy. The mean number of bruise per carcass for bruised carcass was 1.96 ± 0.25 while bruise score per carcass was 3.58 ± 0.68 (Table 5). The current mean number of bruise per carcass was less compared to value reported [28] which was 3.75 point. The present finding of level of bruising was high as compared to cattle slaughtered at South African commercial abattoir which was 5.5% [16]. The level of in the present study was comparable to bruising reported in Uruguay which was 60.0% [29]. The higher level of bruising in the present study might due to poor road condition, lack of loading rump at the market, poor vehicle design, poorly designed unloading rump and stunning box used at slaughter house.

The level of bruise by anatomical site is presented in Table 6. The most frequent anatomical site bruise was observed at the backside middle part of carcass (49%), followed by 17.9% on hip, 14.3% on rump and loin, 5.4% on pin, 5.4% on rib. With respect to position of bruised part of carcass, from a total of 51 bruised

cases, the highest 25 (49%) was found along the middle line of back of carcass, followed by left side of carcass 18 (32.14%) and the right side of carcass 8 (14%). Considering the left side carcass, highest bruise was found around the hip (44.4%) and the lowest around the butt, rib and fore quarter (each 5.6%). Considering the right side of the carcass, the highest bruise (50%) was recorded for rump and loin while the lowest was for rib and hip (each 25%). The highest level of back bruise in current study suggested that the most of slaughtered animals were likely hit by stick during handling (at loading, during driving, weighing), injured from fall down in the stunning box during stunning, collide with facilities such as weighing box and crush. During transporting cattle, appropriate vehicle was not used, instead vehicle (FSR) which were initially meant for transport of goods were used. The drivers of the vehicles drove as if he was carrying goods. The drivers were suddenly holding the brake which had made cattle off balance and the bulls were stacked with the body of the truck or adjacent bulls. The presence of higher level of back bruising in the present study suggested the possibilities for the cause of the bruise at slaughter house. According to [30] most of bruising was occurred at the middle line of carcass which accounts 50.1% of carcass bruising.

The least bruise which was found at left forequarter and at butt indicated that there was less injury of cattle during closing the doors of weighing scale and stunning box at abattoirs. Rump and loin bruises might be associated with mounting on each other during their stay in the abattoir, injury during loading, collision of bulls with abattoirs facilities (scales, gates, crush) and body of the truck. According to [31] the main factors influencing bruising are stockman-ship, facility and vehicle design, driving style, road conditions, mixing of animals before transport or in lairage, presence of horned animals, and animal temperament. Bruising recorded for the different locations in this investigation was much lower than those reported by [32] who found 72.5% on Hips, 36% on rib area and chunk, 31% on rump, 28% on the backside, butt and pin area.

Out 51 bruised cases, 68.62% were slight, 21.57% were medium and 9.80% heavy bruise (Table 7). Likewise, with regarding to colours, 56.86% were bright red, 37.25% were dark red and 5.88% were watery consistency. In current study, most bruises were slight and had a bright red colour which is the indication of fresh bruise. This confirms that most of the bruise was recent and were happen during ante mortem period probably caused during transit, at unloading, or during lairage and at stunning box of the slaughterhouse.

3.3.1. Shape of Carcass Bruise

The most frequent bruised shape was linear (33.33%) followed by irregular (25.49%), mottled (21.57%), tram-line (15.68%) and circular (1.96%) shape (Figure 4). Bruise shape assist researchers to link the shape of the bruises to their cause [33]. The highest linear shape of bruise in current study indicated that most slaughtered cattle beaten more frequently with driving instruments such as sticks, whip or other rod shaped objects at market, at loading, unloading and in slaughter house. The lowest circular shape of bruising showed that less bruising was found as results of horn as most of slaughtered cattle have short horn and some of them had no horn. Weeks et al. (2002) reported that bruises resulting from cohorts with horns are linked to circular shaped bruises. Tram-line bruises were observed at back middle line, hip, rump and loin resembles the object that inflicted the lesion, as in the case of wooden sticks. Parallel red bruises with a tram-line appearance are likely caused by sticks [34] and mottled bruises can be the result of the use of stone and tip of sticks [35].

3.3.2. Level of bruising for Boran, Harar and Arsi Breeds

Level of bruising for Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle are presented in Figure 5. Boran breed had the highest percentage of none bruised carcass (9.4%) and Harar

breed had the lowest percentage of non-bruised carcass (4.7%). Harar breed had the highest (25%) slight bruised carcass while Boran breed had lowest 10.9% slight bruised. This was due to difference in loading rump facility and handling of cattle. The higher slight bruise score for Harar breed might due to absence of appropriate loading rump during loading cattle so that the cattle fall and collide with the side of truck at the time of loading; cattle mixed with unfamiliar animals that were purchased from market. Mixing unfamiliar animals to each other cause butting, attacking and fighting which increases the risk of bruising in beef cattle [36]. The lowest slight bruise in case of Boran breed might due to well-designed loading rump present at ranch during loading and individual bulls were not new to each other since they were reared together in the same ranch.

Harar breed had the highest (9.4%) medium bruised carcass and Arsi breed have the lowest (4.6%) medium bruised carcass. This might be due to road condition under which animal was transported. Harar breed transported under road condition such as many curves and speed of the vehicle hold break suddenly which possibly made the bulls to collided with the side of the truck during transporting. It was possible that such condition might expose the breed to many multiple bruising per anatomical site which was recorded for the breed.

Boran and Harar breed had the lowest percentage of heavy bruised carcass. No heavy bruise observed in Arsi breed. This might also associated with road condition under which animal transported. Boran and Harar breed transported on relatively more detour road while Arsi breed transported relatively on smooth. The occurrence of bruising not only affected by facility, road condition and mixing with unfamiliar cattle but also by other factors such as inappropriate handling before slaughter, vehicle design and driving style [37]. The difference in severity of bruises between breeds in the present study might also contribute due to difference in temperament of breeds under study. Some differences in the occurrence and severity of bruises associated with breeds suggested by [28]. The overall bruise showed that Harar breed had higher bruise (39.1%), followed by Arsi breed 25.4% and Boran breed 20.3%. This indicated that Harar and Arsi breed purchased from markets had higher overall bruise score than Boran breed that directly transported from ranch to slaughter house due to their exposure to more handling, loaded without appropriate loading rump and mixed with unfamiliar animals. Cattle purchased from markets had more bruises than cattle coming directly from the farm [38]. However, the absence of differences in bruise scores between animals transported direct from farm to slaughter house as compared to those have been through market was reported by [5].

3.3.3. Level of Bruising for Different Age Groups

The highest percentage of slight bruise (21.9%) was observed in 3 - 6 years old and the lowest percentage of slight (15.6%) were observed in 6 - 9 years old (Figure 6). The highest medium bruise (9.4%) was found in 6 - 9 years old and the 3 - 6 years old had the lowest medium (1.6%) bruise. The highest heavy bruise was found in 3 - 6 and 6 - 9 years old respectively and the lowest heavy bruise was found in 2 - 3 years old. The overall bruising score indicated those at age group of 3-6 years and 6 - 9 had the higher bruise score (29.70% and 28.10% respectively) than 2 - 3 years (21.90%) age group. This indicates that the old animals are more prone to bruising than the young animals. The higher bruise score might be due to difference in fat cover and fat thickness. The fat thickness of 3 - 6 and 6 - 9 years almost similar (1.20 ± 0.36 inch and 1.21 ± 0.39 inch respectively) while 2 - 3 age group had less fat thickness (0.54 + 0.33 inch) as shown in Table 8. These shown old animals had more fat cover and had more fat thickness than younger animals. Old age groups that had more fat and heavy weight mostly injured specially during fall in the stunning box. It has been suggested that fat cover, skin and hide thickness could affect the susceptibility to bruising from impacts with a similar force [30]. The current finding is in agreement with who reported that the heavy animals were more bruised than young animals [39]. However contradict with result found by [40] who described that bruising is higher in young animals than older.

3.3.4. Age of Bruise

The colours of slight, medium and heavy bruised carcass were described in Figure 7. Slight bruise had 68.57% and 31.43% of bright (0 - 10 hours) and dark red colours (11 - 24 hours), respectively, while medium bruise consists of 63.64% bright red and 36.36% dark red colours. Heavy bruise had 40%, 40% and 20% bright red, dark red and water consistency colours (25 - 38 hours) respectively. In all bruise scores (slight, medium & heavy), bruise colous (bright red, dark red & water consistency) indicated that bruise was recent and happened during

Means within different letters in the same column are significantly different (p < 0.05).

ante mortem period probably caused during loading, transit and at the abattoir (during unloading, lairage and at stunning box). Estimating the age of a bruise by colour can provide for the identification of the place and time of livestock damage. Hence good handling, transportation and abattoir management practice should be considered to reduce the level of bruise.

4. Conclusion

From current study, it was concluded that level of dark firm dry does not significantly influence by breed and age groups, however, level of bruise varies with breed and age categories. The quality of meat is greatly influenced by stress before slaughter which had a significant influence on lightness and ultimate pH. The occurrences of bruising vary with anatomical site, size, shape and colors. High level of bruising and DFD in present suggested the presence of poor handling during loading, transportation, unloading, at lairrage and during slaughter at abattoir. To reduce the incidence of DFD and bruising, proper handling of cattle from farm to abattoir should be practiced. To determine whether the occurrences of bruising and DFD are due to genetic or environmental condition further evaluation of three breeds under similar management was recommended.

Acknowledgements

I gratefully acknowledge to Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute (EMDIDI) and American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its Feed, the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems managed by the University of Florida for providing financial support to conduct this research.

Conflicts of Interest

There is no conflict of interest regarding this manuscript.

Cite this paper

Birhanu, A.F., Mummed, Y.Y. and Kurtu, M.Y. (2020) Level of Bruising and DFD Carcasses from Bulls of Arsi, Boran and Harar Cattle Breeds in Ethiopia. Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 10, 203-218. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojas.2020.101011

References