Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/14254
Title: Qualitative Behavioural Assessment of Angus steers during pre-slaughter handling and relationship with temperament and physiological responses
Contributor(s): Stockman, Catherine A (author); McGilchrist, Peter  (author)orcid ; Fleming, Patricia A (author); Collins, Teresa (author); Barnes, Anne L (author); Miller, David (author); Wickham, Sarah L (author); Greenwood, Paul (author); Cafe, Linda  (author)orcid ; Blache, Dominique (author); Wemelsfelder, Francoise (author)
Publication Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.10.016
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/14254
Abstract: This study examined the behavioural expression of cattle immediately prior to slaughter through the process of Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA), and compared these results to measurements of physiology and temperament. Twenty-eight Angus steers were filmed while in a funnel chute as they were being moved towards an abattoir killing box. Footage of cattle was shown in random order to 15 observers. Observers assessed the cattle using a qualitative approach based on Free Choice Profiling (FCP) methodology, which gives observers complete freedom to choose their own descriptive terms. Data were analysed with Generalised Procrustes Analysis (GPA). There was significant consensus (P < 0.001) amongst observers in terms of their assessment of the behavioural expression of the cattle. Two main dimensions were identified, explaining 58.8% and 9.2% of the variation between animals, respectively. Low values for GPA dimension 1 were associated with terms such as 'calm' and 'relaxed' and high values associated with terms such as 'nervous' and 'anxious'. Low values for GPA dimension 2 were associated with terms such as 'annoyed' and 'frightened' and high values associated with terms such as 'curious' and 'interested'. We found no significant correlations between the QBA scores and three temperament measures (taken at weaning). However, cattle slaughtered towards the end of the line (rs = 0.45, P = 0.016) and cattle with a greater plasma lactate concentration (measured at exsanguinations) (R24 = 0.45, P = 0.020) were attributed higher GPA dimension 1 scores (i.e. more 'nervous'/'anxious'). The only animal with an ultimate muscle pH > 5.7 (classified as a 'dark cutter') had a low value for GPA dimension 2 (scored as relatively more 'annoyed'/'frightened'). The findings from this study suggest that QBA could contribute to assessing pre-slaughter animal handling, highlighting potential issues to be followed up with additional measures. The significant correlations between GPA dimension 1 with slaughter order and plasma lactate warrant further investigation, comparing behavioural expression with aspects of meat quality.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 142(3-4), p. 125-133
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Place of Publication: Netherlands
ISSN: 1872-9045
0168-1591
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 070201 Animal Breeding
070207 Humane Animal Treatment
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 300305 Animal reproduction and breeding
300306 Animal welfare
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 839901 Animal Welfare
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 109902 Animal welfare
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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