Avaliação do estresse pré-abate de bovinos de corte através dos níveis séricos de glicose: relato de caso

Abstract

Pre-slaughter management is important for meat maturation and quality. Pre-slaughter bruises cause animal carcass losses, thinking about this, managements that reduce this stress are sought. The objective was to report the susceptibility to stress in beef cattle finished in feedlot in the southwest region. The experiment was conducted in the cities of Nova Esperança do Iguaçu and Dois Vizinhos-PR. Ten Nellore animals were evaluated, where glycemic levels were evaluated by collecting blood in the coccygeal and jugular veins at the time of loading on the property and in the refrigerator at the time of slaughter, respectively. Blood collection to obtain these levels was performed with a glucose meter in order to relate the amount of blood glucose with cortisol hormone, correlating with stress level. Three of the ten animals showed a large difference in glycemic levels. In addition, the literature reviewed important information regarding the management of this activity and ways to reduce pre-slaughter stress. It was concluded that animals intended for meat production are influenced by pre-slaughter management, and that it is extremely important to adapt the physical structure and management in order to provide animal welfare and reduce carcass losses.