EFFECT OF CLOACAL PLUGGING ON MICROBIAL RECOVERY FROM PARTIALLY PROCESSED BROILERS

Experiments were performed to test the contribution of bacteria contai ned in the intestinal tract of broilers at the beginning of processing to counts on the exterior of modified New York-dressed carcasses. Thi rty-two birds were processed for each of seven replications. Within ea ch replication, batches of four birds were electrocuted, scalded, and picked, with batches alternating between treatment and control groups. Treated birds were cloacally plugged with rayon fiber tampons prior t o electrocution to prevent escape of intestinal contents during scaldi ng and picking. Control birds were processed in the same manner, excep t that cloacal plugs were inserted immediately after defeathering to r educe escape of intestinal contents during sampling. Gram-negative ent eric bacteria and Campylobacter spp. were enumerated on carcasses by w hole carcass rinse procedure and in cecal contents. Counts were conver ted to log(10) and subjected to analysis of variance. Cecal levels of Gram-negative enterics were significantly higher for plugged birds, bu t there was not a significant difference between levels of cecal Campy lobacter spp. between treatment groups. Plugging before electrocution resulted in significantly lower levels (2.5 vs 3.0 log(10) cfu/ml) of Campylobacter spp. and Gram-negative enteric bacteria (3.0 vs 3.4 log( 10) cfu/ml) in carcass rinses of treatment birds than in those of cont rols. All carcasses were positive for Gram-negative enterics. Cloacal plugging resulted in significantly lower incidence of Campylobacter sp y. carcass contamination as determined by chi-square. Intestinal carri age of both campylobacters and Gram-negative enteric bacteria appears to influence the microbial quality of the carcass during processing.