Simulated preslaughter holding and isolation effects on stress responses and live weight shrinkage in meat goats1

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of preslaughter isolation and feed withdrawal duration on physiological responses and shrinkage in goats. A total of 84 Spanish does (36 mo of age, average weight 35 kg) were individually weighed and scored for excitability before two replicate (day) trials. The does were feed-deprived (FD) or fed (F) in holding pens (treatment, TRT) for either 0, 7, 14, or 21 h (TIME). At the end of the holding periods, FD and F does were blood-sampled (n = 6 does/treatment/time/replicate) and weighed again to assess physiological responses and shrinkage, respectively. Individual does from each pen were blood-sampled again after imposing one of three handling post-treatments: a 15-min isolation with no visual contact with other does (I); a 15-min isolation with visual contact (IV); or no isolation (C, control). Plasma cortisol concentrations were higher at 0 h than at other holding time periods (P < 0.01). Plasma triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and leptin concentrations, and differential leukocyte counts were not influenced by any of the factors. The rate of decline in glucose concentrations over TIME was greater in FD than in F group (TRT x TIME, P < 0.05). The overall plasma creatine kinase activity peaked at 7 h before reaching a lower level at 14- and 21-h holding (P < 0.05). Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were higher at 0- and 21-h than at 7- and 14-h holding (P < 0.01). Plasma nonesterified FA concentrations in the FD group remained at an elevated level during holding, but in the F group the levels decreased at 7 h and remained at that level (TRT x TIME, P < 0.01). Excitability scores did not have any effect on the variables measured. Shrinkage increased with longer holding time, but more prominently in the FD group (TRT x TIME, P < 0.01). Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater in I and IV groups than in the C group (P < 0.01). The novelty of environment during preslaughter holding, and social isolation may be more potent stressors than feed deprivation in goats, although shrinkage may increase with increasing feed-withdrawal times.

Effect of feeding and housing systems on rumen properties and plasma metabolite stress indicators in autochthonous Spanish Ojalada sheep

“…Knowles et al (1995) found that transportation and food deprivation in sheep for a period of 24 h resulted in increased concentrations of NEFAs. This result was similar to that found by Kannan et al (2002), who evaluated food restriction as a stressor.…”

“…The blood was stored at 4 °C until centrifugation to obtain the plasma, and plasma was then aliquoted into Eppendorf tubes and frozen at -20 °C until it was thawed for further experimentation. Plasma glucose, lactate, cortisol, NEFAs and CK activity were analyzed according to the methods of Kannan et al (2000Kannan et al ( , 2002.…”

“…Similarly, other authors (Kannan et al, 2007) have suggested that the temperament and behavior of animals can cause variability in plasma concentration of CK. Increased plasma levels of NEFAs have also been cited by some researchers as a sign of stress (Kannan et al, 2002).…”

Effect of Shifting Animals from Groups on their Social Relationship and Performance

“…Shifting animals from different sources in high stocking density with little or no space to establish social order aggravates the incidence of fighting and vocalization. This led to severe stress in the subordinate animals that continues to live under alarm, tension and anxiety (Kannan et al, 2002). When cows are added to a socially stable group, the entire group disrupted through threat, butting and physical aggression until the added cows have found their place in the social structure of that group (Grant and Albright, 2001).…”

Effect of space allowance during transport and fasting or non-fasting during lairage on carcass contamination and meat traits in Merino lamb

“…The law states that water must be 'available' to all animals at all times and feed if necessary when animals are lairaged for more than 12 h. Pre-slaughter feed deprivation helps reducing carcass contamination (Gregory & Grandin, 1998). However, prolonged feed deprivation may increase stress responses, metabolic changes and body weight loss (Kannan et al, 2002). Sheep lose 5-8% of their live weight during a 24 h journey without access to food (Knowless, 1998).…”