Factors Influencing Post-Transport Behavior, Physiological Responses, and Meat Quality Traits of Japanese Black Cattle

TL;DR

Transportation stress in Japanese Black cattle affects their welfare and meat quality, with factors like season, weight, and farm origin playing key roles.

Contribution

Identifies specific transport-related stressors and their impact on cattle welfare and meat quality in Japanese Black cattle.

Findings

Heifers, lighter animals, and those transported in summer show higher stress and fatigue.

Cattle from the same farm and transported at lower loading sizes achieve better carcass grades.

Optimized transport management can improve welfare and meat quality in beef production.

Abstract

Transportation represents a critical stage in beef production, yet it exposes cattle to multiple stressors that may compromise welfare and carcass quality. This study evaluated 154 Japanese Black cattle to identify transport-related factors influencing welfare outcomes at the slaughter facility. Behavioral responses, cortisol concentrations, and carcass characteristics were measured as indicators of welfare. Heifers, lighter animals, those transported during summer, originating from multiple farms, subjected to higher loading sizes, or lacking previous transport experience, exhibited signs of fatigue and stress. Steers, heavier cattle, and the same farm groups achieved greater carcass weights, whereas those transported under lower loading sizes demonstrated improved marbling and a higher likelihood of attaining premium carcass grades. These results highlight the importance of addressing the cumulative stressors associated with transport. Optimizing transport management can enhance animal welfare, improve meat quality, and contribute to the development of more ethical and sustainable livestock production systems.

Adverse effects of transportation arise from the buildup of various stressors, which collectively compromise animal welfare. This study aimed to assess short-term behavioral responses, physiological stress, and meat quality as indicators of welfare in Japanese Black cattle on arrival at the slaughter facility. A total of 154 animals from different production farms were observed. Generalized linear mixed models were used, with fixed effects including animal type, weight, season, source, loading size, distance, transport experience, and their interaction with time periods. Significant post-transport behaviors and elevated cortisol concentration were observed, particularly in heifers, lighter animals, those transported in summer, from multiple farms, at high loading sizes, or without prior transport experience. Steers, heavier animals, and the same farm groups yielded higher carcass weights, while cattle transported under low loading size had improved marbling scores and a higher probability of achieving A5-grade carcasses. These findings suggest that management practices should focus on animals most susceptible to transport stress and strategies such as mitigating heat stress, transporting animals from the same production farm, and reducing loading sizes should be implemented to improve welfare and meat quality upon arrival.

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