EFFECT OF SOURCE OF CATTLE AND DISTANCE TRANSPORTED TO A COMMERCIAL SLAUGHTER FACILITY ON CARCASS BRUISES IN MATURE BEEF-COWS

Objective-To determine the effect of source of cattle and distance cat tle were transported to a commercial slaughter facility on prevalence and severity of carcass bruises in mature beef cows. Design-Epidemiolo gic investigation. Sample Population-Carcasses from 3,955 beef cows fr om 11 states assembled in 89 procurement lots. Procedure-Each carcass was scored for bruise severity and location. Source of cattle was cate gorized. Distance from source to slaughter facility was determined. An ANCOVA was used to determine effects of variables on carcass bruises. Results-Mature beef cows marketed through livestock auctions conducti ng first-point testing for brucellosis, especially when transported lo nger distances (> 325 km) to slaughter facilities, had a greater numbe r and severity of carcass bruises than cows originating from ranches o r livestock auctions not conducting first-point testing. There was an increase in number of rib bruises in cows originating from livestock a uctions not conducting first-point testing. Prevalence and severity of bruises were not significantly affected by transportation distance be tween cows originating from auctions not conducting first-point testin g and cows originating from ranches. Clinical Implications-A strong as sociation existed between handling for brucellosis testing prior to sa le for slaughter and distance transported to slaughter facility with c arcass bruises in mature beef cows. Bruises are major quality defects that decrease carcass value and slaughter-cow prices. Repealed handlin g and restraint as well as long-distance transport are issues to consi der regarding the responsibility of the livestock industry to provide for the safety and well-being of cattle sold for slaughter.