Results of slaughterhouse carcass classification (capable for human consumption, capable for processing and condemned) in selected species of food animals

Abstract

Numbers of food animal carcasses classified as capable for human consumption (edible), capable for processing (conditionally edible) and condemned belong among important parameters of health status of animals both on farm level and at slaughterhouses. The figures relating to these parameters were monitored at slaughterhouses during the periods of 1989 to 1994 and 1995 to 2000. Relative numbers of food animal carcasses classified as edible increased during the period of 1995 to 2000 in comparison to the period of 1989 to 1994 in different species as follows: in cows from 77.14 to 79.48%, in heifers from 83.06 to 92.49%, in bulls from 89.62 to 95.52%, in calves from 49.20 to 63.76%, in pigs from 95.13 to 97.27%, in sheep from 93.08 to 98.08%, in goats from 68.40 to 93.08%, in horses from 64.67 to 84.41%, in chickens from 97.06 to 98.48%, in hens from 94.41 to 95.16%, in turkeys from 97.41 to 98.00%, in ducks and geese from 98.70 to 99.13% and in rabbits from 83.95 to 93.64%. The increase was proven to be statistically significant in all species, production and age groups of food animals. It can be concluded that health status of food animals at slaughter has significantly improved during the recent period in all species, production and age groups included in the study. Best health status was currently found in chickens, ducks and geese, followed by turkeys, hens, sheep, pigs, bulls, rabbits, heifers and goats. On the other hand, poor health status was found in horses, cows and especially in calves.

Keywords

• food animals
• capable for human consumption
• capable for processing
• condemned
• health status
• slaughterhouse