Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Food Hygiene and Aquaculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3
Mashhad Meat Industrial Complex, Mashhad, Iran
10.22059/ijvm.2024.384740.1005669
Abstract
Background: Septicemia in cattle remains a significant concern in the meat production industry, often leading to carcass condemnation at slaughterhouses and economic losses while posing potential public health risks.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the septicemia condemnation in the cattle population slaughtered in an industrial slaughterhouse in Iran.
Methods: The data used in the present study was sourced from an industrial slaughterhouse in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, covering all cattle slaughtered from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. Data included slaughter date, sex, type of condemnation (total or partial), number of condemned carcasses, and organs condemned in partial cases. Global, total, and partial condemnation rates were calculated based on post-mortem inspections.
Results: Out of 474,585 cattle slaughtered, 2,588 carcasses were condemned due to septicemia, comprising 1,501 total and 1,087 partial condemnations. Female cattle exhibited higher susceptibility, with total condemnation rates (TCR) of 0.588% and partial condemnation rates (PCR) of 0.499%, compared to males, which had TCR of 0.099% and PCR of 0.004%. Seasonal analysis indicated that the highest condemnation rates occurred during summer, with kidneys and heads being the most frequently condemned organs, constituting 30.08% and 17.29% of partial condemnations, respectively. Yearly analysis revealed fluctuating rates, peaking in 2022 without a declining trend.
Conclusion: These results highlight significant sex- and season-related differences in septicemia condemnation rates. Comparison with international studies underscores the need for improved management practices, veterinary supervision, and environmental controls to reduce condemnation rates, ensuring enhanced meat safety and public health.
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