Cattle Management: Minimising Bruising and Enhancing Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is at the heart of any successful cattle operation. The issue of bruised meat and dark cutters in beef cattle is a significant concern that not only impacts the quality and grade of meat but also has financial ramifications for the industry. In Australia, where the beef industry plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, addressing these animal welfare issues is crucial for sustainable and profitable cattle management practices.
Why are bruising and dark cutters a concern for cattle producers?
Bruising in cattle can lead to significant economic losses, estimated to cost the beef cattle industry $35 million annually. Bruised meat has reduced quality and grade, making it less profitable and in some cases, unsalable. Additionally, bruised meat is more susceptible to bacterial growth, further compromising its value. It is crucial for cattle producers to minimise bruising in their operations to ensure optimal animal welfare standards and financial stability.
Factors contributing to bruising in cattle include rough handling, transportation practices, and inadequate equipment. Animals can be bruised by hard bumps against objects or other animals, as well as during loading and unloading processes. Addressing these factors through proper cattle handling techniques and investing in suitable equipment can help minimise bruising and improve animal welfare standards in cattle operations.
Research on bruising in cattle has shown that factors such as animal sex, breed, and age at slaughter can influence the development of bruises. However, proper care and management practices can mitigate these factors and reduce bruising overall. Studies have highlighted the financial impact of bruising on meat quality, with significant losses reported due to bruises on carcasses. It is evident that prioritising animal welfare and implementing best practices can lead to improved outcomes for both cattle and producers.
Cattle handling and equipment play a crucial role in minimising bruising:
Investing in newer cattle handling equipment designed to accommodate the size of modern cattle can significantly reduce bruises and improve overall animal welfare. Older equipment may not be suitable for larger and wider cattle, leading to increased incidents of bruising during handling and transportation. Upgrading to equipment with smooth surfaces and proper sizing can enhance cattle comfort and safety while minimising the risk of bruises.
Proper cattle handling techniques are essential in preventing bruises and ensuring the well-being of animals. Rough handling and overcrowding can increase the likelihood of bruises, highlighting the importance of training all employees in appropriate cattle handling practices. Using equipment with smooth sides and regular maintenance checks can further reduce the risk of bruising during handling and processing.
Steps to minimise bruising in beef cattle operations:
- Train all animal handlers in proper cattle handling techniques.
- Use cattle equipment designed for the specific needs of your operation and animals.
- Ensure equipment has smooth surfaces with no sharp or protruding objects.
- Conduct regular maintenance checks on all handling equipment to prevent injuries.
Transportation practices also play a significant role in minimising bruises in cattle:
- Avoid overloading or under-loading trucks with cattle.
- Ensure trucks have non-slip floors and proper paneling to prevent bruises.
- Maintain vehicles for a smoother ride and drive with care to reduce incidents of bruising.
- Select routes that are well-maintained and avoid high speeds and sudden stops.
- Utilise proper handling techniques during loading and unloading to prevent injuries.
- Separate cattle groups and avoid mixing new groups to reduce stress and potential injuries.
Conclusion:
Prioritising animal welfare in cattle operations is essential for sustainable and profitable practices. Minimising bruising through proper cattle handling techniques, investing in suitable equipment, and following best transportation practices can enhance animal welfare standards and financial outcomes for producers. By implementing proactive measures to reduce bruising in beef cattle, producers can ensure the well-being of their animals and maintain the quality and profitability of their operations.
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References:
- Virginia Tech
- Temple Grandin
- Roy Lewis, DVM article in Canadian Cattlemen
- Research on Bruising in Slaughter Cattle
- Huertas, van Eerdenburg, Gil, and Piaggio: Economic Impact/Bruises
- Temple Grandin: Bruise Levels on Fed & Non-Fed Cattle
- Examining the Impact of Transportation on Cattle
- Bruised Beef: Causes and Prevention Strategies
- Managing Cattle to Reduce DCB
About the Author:
Dana Charban, Manager of Content Strategies and Journalist for Arrowquip, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the agricultural industry. Growing up in rural Manitoba, Dana has a deep understanding of agriculture and is passionate about promoting animal welfare in cattle operations.
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