Effects of Stocking Density of Lambs on Biochemical Stress Parameters and Meat Quality Related To Commercial Transportation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stocking density (0.20 and 0.27 m(2)/lamb) during transportation on certain biochemical stress parameters and meat quality characteristics of fifty-five Karayaka lambs divided into two groups. The front compartment of the trailer was loaded at high stocking density (HD: 0.20 m(2)/lamb; n=33) and the remainder was loaded at low stocking density (LD: 0.27 m(2)/lamb; n=22). The distance was approximately 130 km and duration was 2 h 15 min. Blood samples were taken just before and just after transportation. Glucose (P<0.001), lactate (P<0.001), cortisol (P<0.01), creatine kinase (CK) (P<0.01), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P<0.01) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.05) levels were significantly higher in lambs of the HD group than in the LD group. The effects of stocking density on pH, proportion of expressed juice, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force value and meat colour parameters were not significant (P>0.05). Transportation with a stocking density of 0.20 m(2)/lamb resulted in higher stress responses in lambs compared with a stocking density of 0.27 m(2)/lamb. However, increased stress in the HD group did not lead to any adverse effects on meat quality characteristics. In the determination of stocking density, a compromise that gives animal welfare and commercial objectives equal status would improve the current situation.