INFLUENCE OF ROAD TRANSPORT STRESS ON CATTLE HEART RATE AND BEEF QUALITY: A REVIEW

Résumé

This paper discusses the influence of road transport stress on cattle heart rate and beef quality. The demand for beef and beef products has resulted in increased road transport of cattle which is the predominant means of cattle transport especially in developing parts of the world. Stress due to road transport exposes cattle to physical, psychological, and climatic factors that affect the animals with different intensities and duration. The most dominant stress factors associated with road transport of cattle include loading and unloading, bad handling, inappropriate driving, poor road conditions, too hot or too cold climate, insufficient ventilation, high stocking densities, mixing of unfamiliar groups, water and food deprivation, vibration, vehicle motion and length of the journey. These stress factors result in an increased heart rate which distort homeostatic balance of the animal, thus leading to induced changes in the secretion of pituitary hormones, altered metabolism, immune competence and behaviour which result in Dark Firm Dry (DFD) and Pale Soft Exudative (PSE) beef products which are unattractive and unpalatable to consumers. It is concluded that road transport is a source of stress for cattle. Road transport conditions are very essential factors which affect heart rate of the animal, this directly impacts the physiological wellbeing of the animal with direct influence on the quality of beef produced. Therefore it is recommended that all stake holders in the road transport sector should be trained on the techniques of handling cattle during transport. Specialized vehicles should be designed for road transport of cattle.