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Effect of Pre-Slaughter Starvation in Cattle

Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract

A Series of New Zealand lamb experiments (C.C.C.A.B., 1943; Kirton et al., 1965; Kirton, Clarke and Carter, 1967; Kirton et al., 1968; Kirton, Moss and Taylor, 1971) has indicated that carcass weight reduction resulting from pre-slaughter starvation is a source of loss to the meat industry. Carcass losses start between 8 and 24 hr. off pasture and a loss of about 0.25 kg by 24 hr. has been noted in at least two reports (C.C.C.A.B., 1943; Kirton et al., 1971).

A South African experiment (Heever et al., 1967) on Afrikaner oxen has indicated that transporting this species by rail for up to 4 days without access to feed and water did not reduce carcass weights provided that feed and water were available for 24 to 48 hr. before slaughter. Carr, Allen and Phar (1971) have shown that cattle carcasses are reduced in weight by 3 days' fasting, whereas Kauflin, Hedrick and Stringer (1969) were unable to show that 4 days' fasting reduced dressing percentages in cattle.

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