The effect of four commercial broiler hybrids and the season on occurrence of broiler condemnations in the abattoirs

Abstract

Condemnations in the broilers abattoirs can represent an overview farms health and effectiveness of welfare programs, as well as predisposition between hybrids. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of condemnation among four commercial broiler hybrids and the oscillation of condemnations in different seasons in a poultry abattoir. Data from condemnations of the Federal Inspection Service of a slaughterhouse were analyzed during one year, in which a total of 12.81% of partial condemnations were observed and total condemnations represented 0.41% of slaughtered broiler. There was a difference in total and partial condemnation among the hybrids evaluated, with Hubbard hybrid being the one with the highest number of condemnations (0.67% - 17.71%), followed by Ross 95 (0.42% - 14.21%), Cobb (0.30% - 10.03%); and Cobb Fast (0.26% - 9.29%). The analysis between the seasons showed a higher conviction rate in winter and a lower rate in autumn for both total and partial condemnation. Hubbard had the highest rates and Cobb Fast the lowest for most causes of condemnation. We concluded that the metabolic cause led to higher losses by total condemnation, while contamination or technopathies represented the highest rates in partial losses. The broiler hybrid and the time of year may influence the causes of condemnation in the abattoir. This information should be considered by the abattoir and the farms in sanitary planning, considering the financial impact due to losses by condemnations of carcasses.

Time series evaluation of condemnation at poultry slaughterhouses enable to export in Southeastern Brazil (2009–2019): a tool for optimizing resources in the poultry production chain

“…In the present study, the four main causes of condemnation were: (i) contamination, (ii) contusion/traumatic injury, (iii) dermatitis and (iv) aersacculitis (Table 1 )”. Similar results were found in other studies, with erosacculitis being the only difference observed, since for other studies this was not among the main causes of condemnation [ 4 , 7 , 8 ]. This difference can be explained by the slaughter of broilers and turkeys in the evaluated slaughterhouse, the latter being responsible for contributing with the highest number of condemnations for aerosacculitis.…”

“…These challenges impact differently in each region and country as they are influenced by management failures, the slaughter process, or poultry flock health [ 6 , 10 , 22 , 23 ]. The latter, as it involves etiological agents, tend to be influenced by management and also by geographic and climatic characteristics of each region and season of the year [ 5 , 7 , 11 ].…”

“…Among the possible causes of contamination, the extravasation of gastrointestinal contents deserves special attention as it is one of the main sources of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., E. coli , and Campylobacter jejuni [ 20 , 23 , 25 ]. Carcass contamination occurs largely due to difficulties in adjusting equipment during the slaughter of uneven batches, or fasting periods in disagreement with the recommendations [ 3 , 7 ].…”

“…Dermatitis is the term used by the Brazilian Federal Inspection Service to record skin diseases, with the exception of cellulitis [ 31 ]. Its occurrence is related to high stocking rates, bird weight, temperature stress, and litter quality [ 7 , 12 ].…”

“…Condemnation data from Brazil and other leading countries in poultry production show variations in frequency and causes, highlighting the need for constant monitoring of all production chain process [ 6 – 8 ]. Understanding the reality of each region and how the variables interfere in the condemnation rates is how personalized interventions can guarantee greater profitability for the production chain [ 7 , 9 – 11 ].…”