BRUISES ON BOVINE CARCASSES ASSOCIATED WITH ANIMAL TRANSPORT

Abstract

The research is motivated by the analysis of animal transportation and its effects on meat quality. It aimed to understand the correlation between the type and size of injuries in relation to the meat cuts used in slaughterhouses, such as forequarter, ribs, loin, and hindquarter, by evaluating the right and left halves of the carcasses. Considering the poor condition of Brazilian roads, stress levels, and losses during pre- and post-slaughter processes are crucial points for raising discussions on how logistics affect animal production. A total of 290 carcasses were analyzed, of which 63.10% showed injuries, totaling 364 bruises. For distances greater than 100 km, the result was an average of 68% of carcasses with injuries. In addition to distance, factors such as poor transportation conditions and inadequate handling were associated with higher bruising rates, especially due to excessive space between animals, which increased the risk of falls. The injuries occurred mainly in the rib, hindquarter, and forequarter regions, with a higher frequency on the right side. Larger injuries, over 20 cm, were observed particularly in the left rib and right hindquarter, leading to economic losses and indicating the need for better handling and transportation practices to enhance quality.