EFFECT OF TRANSPORT STRESS ON CONCENTRATION OF ENDOTOXIN IN THE BLOODOF SLAUGHTER

Stress during transportation of slaughter pigs could lead to an increa sed level of translocation of endotoxin from the gut. In particular, d uring longtime transportation increased concentrations of endotoxin in blood are likely. Since nonlethal doses of endotoxin could trigger tr anslocation of bacteria from the gut to systemic organs an endogenous contamination of the carcasses also with human pathogens may occur. Th erefore, it is necessary to evaluate transportation regimes of slaught er animals also with regard to foodborne infections and intoxications.