Level of Pre-slaughter stress and quality of beef from Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle breeds in Ethiopia

Abstract

A total of 39 bulls from Arsi (11), Boran (14) and Harar (14) breeds were used for the study. The bulls were stratified into three age groups. Blood samples were collected before loading, after unloading and at slaughter to determine the level of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. M. longissimus dorsi between 12th and 13th ribs was used to determine ultimate pH, color (L*, a*, b*), tenderness and water-holding capacity. The results of the study revealed that bulls from Arsi breed had exhibited higher (p < 0.05) level of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (351.82 ± 89.35 U/L, 1496.73 ± 81.60 U/L) before loading. Levels of the two enzymes after unloading were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by transportation. Breeds had significantly affected (p < 0.05) the instrumental tenderness with beef from Harar (19.07 ± 1.33 N) and Boran (20.56 ± 1.33 N) bulls were tender than Arsi . Boran had higher (p < 0.05) slaughter weight and carcass weight than Arsi and Harar breeds in their respective age groups. It was observed that Arsi, Boran and Harar cattle expressed different level of stress before loading, after unloading and at slaughter. Moreover, quality of beef based on tenderness differs among breeds, but were similar based on color, pH and water-holding capacity. Further studies were recommended to evaluate the level of stress and quality of beef from the three breeds finished and transported under similar condition.

Keywords

• beef
• creatine kinase
• lactate dehydrogenase and quality