Effects of trailer design on animal welfare parameters and carcass and meat quality of three Pietrain crosses being transported over a short distance

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of trailer design on the stress responses and meat quality traits of 3 different pig crosses: 50% Pietrain breeding with HAL^Nn (50Nn), 50% Pietrain breeding with HAL^NN (50NN) and 25% Pietrain breeding with HAL^NN genotype (25NN). Market barrows (n=360), as a subset of 12 trailer loads of pigs, were transported from farm to slaughter on 6 dates in 2009 for 45 min in either a pot-belly (PB) or flat-deck (FD) trailer, with 120 pigs/genetic group being represented. Temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded by data loggers mounted in both trailers. Behaviours and handler interventions were video-taped at loading, unloading and in lairage. At exsanguination, blood samples were collected for the assessment of lactate, cortisol, creatine kinase (CK), haptoglobin and Pig-MAP concentrations. Meat quality was measured in the longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM) and adductor (AD) muscles of all pigs. Temperatures were warmer in compartments 6 and 11 at loading (P<0.001), compartment 11 during travelling (P=0.05), and in compartment 5 at unloading (P=0.01) of the PB trailer. Pigs unloaded from the FD trailer overlapped more (P<0.001), whereas (P<0.001) the frequency of jamming was noted for pigs unloaded from the PB trailer. Pigs with 50% Pietrain genetics overlapped and jammed more (P<0.001) than pigs with 25% Pietrain genetics, regardless of HAL status. Greater (P=0.03) CK levels were found in 50Nn pigs transported in the PB trailer, while 50Nn and 50NN pigs had greater (P=0.028) lactate levels than 25NN pigs. Carcasses from 50Nn and 50NN pigs were leaner (P=0.04), and the skin damage score was lower (P=0.04) in 25NN carcasses. Overlap-type bruises were greater (P=0.02) in pigs transported in the FD trailer. Pigs transported in the PB trailer had greater (P=0.05) pHu in the SM and AD muscles (P=0.013). Except for pHu in the SM muscle, all meat quality parameters were affected by the Hal gene (P=0.04). The use of a PB trailer for short distance transportation of pigs to slaughter negatively affected stress responses and meat quality. The greater proportion of Pietrain genetics in the selection resulted in leaner carcasses, but also in pigs being more difficult to handle. Crossbreeding appeared to have a greater impact on animal welfare and meat quality than vehicle type, but trailer type may emphasize these negative genotype-related defects.     

Effects of lairage time after road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lairage time after 8 h road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep. A total of 84 Ujimqin male sheep (average body weight 27.5 kg, 6 months old) were randomly allotted to one of seven groups: one control group (untransported) and six lairage groups (8 h road transport with 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h lairage times respectively). No significant lairage time effects were observed on weight loss. Sheep in 48 h group showed lower hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and higher pH_{24 h} than that in other groups. The total haem pigment contents in sheep meat rose and were higher in 24 and 48 h groups than that in the control group. After transport, sheep in 0, 2, 24 and 48 h groups showed higher serum creatine kinase activities, cortisol and glucose concentrations than that in control group. Sheep in lairage groups had higher serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels compared with the control sheep. Sheep in 48 h group showed significant higher packed cell volume, total protein and blood urea nitrogen than that in other groups. Compared with the control group, the white blood cell counts were higher in 0 and 48 h groups. The neutrophil counts in 24 or 48 h groups were higher than that in the control group. The opposite was true for lymphocyte counts. A 6–12 h lairage is recommended in terms of the present transported pattern.     

Good animal welfare makes economic sense: potential of pig abattoir meat inspection as a welfare surveillance tool

ABSTRACT: During abattoir meat inspection pig carcasses are partially or fully condemned upon detection of disease that poses a risk to public health or welfare conditions that cause animal suffering e.g. fractures. This incurs direct financial losses to producers and processors. Other health and welfare-related conditions may not result in condemnation but can necessitate 'trimming' of the carcass e.g. bruising, and result in financial losses to the processor. Since animal health is a component of animal welfare these represent a clear link between suboptimal pig welfare and financial losses to the pig industry.Meat inspection data can be used to inform herd health programmes, thereby reducing the risk of injury and disease and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, meat inspection has the potential to contribute to surveillance of animal welfare. Such data could contribute to reduced losses to producers and processors through lower rates of carcass condemnations, trimming and downgrading in conjunction with higher pig welfare standards on farm. Currently meat inspection data are under-utilised in the EU, even as a means of informing herd health programmes. This includes the island of Ireland but particularly the Republic.This review describes the current situation with regard to meat inspection regulation, method, data capture and utilisation across the EU, with special reference to the island of Ireland. It also describes the financial losses arising from poor animal welfare (and health) on farms. This review seeks to contribute to efforts to evaluate the role of meat inspection as a surveillance tool for animal welfare on-farm, using pigs as a case example.     

Effects of road transportation on lymphocyte subsets in calves

The effect of transportation on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in 24 calves was investigated by flow cytometry. Blood was collected before departure, on arrival, at 24h and 1 week after arrival. Highest leucocyte and neutrophil counts, associated with increased concentrations of cortisol and catecholamines, indicated that stress was maximal upon arrival. At this time, a decrease in the percentages of all T lymphocyte subsets was evident, while they did not decrease as absolute counts. The proportion of CD21(+) cells did not change, indicating that the relative reduction of T lymphocyte subsets was not related to an increase in B lymphocytes. These variations may be due to the increase of a natural killer (NK) cell subset. NK cell expansion, together with increasing lymphocyte count and increasing major histocompatibility complex class II expression, may indicate stress-induced stimulation of the immune system.     

Carcass and meat quality traits of the Chato Murciano pig slaughtered at different weights

In order to evaluate the effect of slaughter weight and rearing system on the Chato Murciano pig carcass and meat quality traits, a total of 71 castrated male pigs were used. Forty-one pigs were reared in an outdoor system, divided in one heavy group (CHOHW) with an average live weight of 132.05 kg, and a second group with lower weights (CHOLW, 115.7 kg average). Simultaneously, 30 pigs were reared indoors and divided into one heavy group (CHIHW) with an average live weight of 144.3 kg, and a second group with lower weights (CHILW, 117.6 kg average).Heavier pigs showed higher values for several carcass parameters (hot carcass weight, carcass length, maximum perimeter of the ham, hand length, leg length, ham length, wrist perimeter) and meat cuts, higher Dorsal Fat Thickness (DFT) and Intramuscular Fat (IMF) levels, but no difference was found in the hot carcass yields (HCY). Differences in the colour parameters and several minerals (Ca, Mg, K and Na) were also due to the different slaughter weights. The rearing system had an influence on the HCY (it is higher in the outdoor system), on many carcass parameters, on meat the ultimate pH (it is higher for animals reared indoors) and on colour (this is variable). It also affected the levels of many minerals with the levels of Mg, P and K being higher for animals reared outdoors, whereas the Fe, Cu and Zn content were higher in the animals reared indoors. DFT and IMF levels were not influenced by the rearing system.     

Heat stress: A major contributor to poor animal welfare associated with long-haul live export voyages

Recent investigations by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry into high mortalities on live export voyages from Australia to the Middle East during the Northern hemisphere summer suggest that animal welfare may be compromised by heat stress. The live export industry has generated a computer model that aims to assess the risk of heat stress and to contain mortality levels on live export ships below certain arbitrary limits. Although the model must be complied with under Australian law, it is not currently available for independent scientific scrutiny, and there is concern that model and the mandated space allowances are inadequate. This review appraises the relevant literature on heat stress in sheep and cattle, including laboratory studies aimed at mimicking the ambient temperatures and humidity levels likely to be encountered on live export voyages. Animal welfare is likely to be very poor as a result of heat stress in some shipments.     

Influence of lairage time on some welfare and meat quality parameters in pigs

A total of 150 Large White cross Landrace pigs (110-120 kg) of both sexes were used to investigate the effects of three different lairage times (0 h, 3 h, 9 h). Blood samples were collected at exanguination and cortisol, glucose, lactate, muscle enzymes and haematological parameters were determined. Post-mortem measurements of muscle pH were taken at 20 min, 2 h and 24 h from Longissimus thoracis and Semimembranosus. Lairage time showed a significant effect on pH24, internal muscle reflectance using the fibre optic probe (FOP24), red blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes, glucose and enzymatic activities. Changes in blood profile and meat quality parameters indicated that three hours of lairage in Spanish commercial conditions may reduce the amount of stress exhibited by pigs at slaughter and better meat quality can be obtained. No lairage or an excessively long lairage period without food may compromise animal welfare and meat quality.     

The impact of gentle contacts on ease of handling, welfare, and growth of calves and on quality of veal meat

It has been demonstrated previously that regularly stroking and letting calves suck fingers leads to less avoidance and more approach behavior of the calves toward people. To examine whether these positive contacts affect the welfare and productivity of calves and the quality of veal meat we used 22 veal calves housed in individual crates. Half of them received minimal contact with the stockperson (controls), and the other half were given additional gentle contacts around meals, by stroking the calves and allowing them to suck the stockperson's fingers, during the entire fattening period (21 wk). Welfare was assessed through behavioral reactivity (reactions to handling, to surprise stimuli, and to novelty), neuroendocrine responses to stress (cortisol in response to an ACTH challenge, catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes), and health (number of medical treatments, abomasal lesions). Calf productivity was assessed through growth rates and meat quality through glycolytic potential (an estimator of resting glycogen level in muscle), pH, and color. Calves that received gentle contacts were less agitated (P < .01) and tended to defecate less (P = .08) when handled in a cart on wheels than the control calves, but no treatment effects were found in reactivity to novelty and surprise stimuli, responses to ACTH, and catecholamine synthetic potential. Calves given gentle contacts had fewer abomasal lesions than controls (0/11 vs 4/11, P = .05). The glycolytic potential of the semimembranosus muscle was higher in calves that received gentle contacts than in controls (172.6 vs 154.1 micromol/g, P < .05), but no treatment effects were observed on meat pH, meat color, or growth rates. It is concluded that gentling veal calves reduces their reactions to handling. Gentle contacts reduce the reaction to transport shown by differences in glycolytic potential. In addition, the reduction in reactions to handling and the decreased incidence of abomasal lesions can contribute to an improvement of the calves' welfare.     

Effect of early weaning on performance, carcass and meat quality of spring-born bull calves raised in dry mountain areas

Sixteen bull calves were born in the Spanish Central Pyrenees in spring. They were either early (EW, 90 days of age) or normal weaned (NW, 180 days of age). At day 90, EW calves were placed on an intensive diet while NW calves were turned out with their dams to high mountain pastures. After summer, at day 180, NW calves were weaned and placed with EW calves on a common finishing diet until slaughter at the fixed age of 1 year. From birth to early weaning date, no performance differences appeared. However, EW calves gained faster (1.549 kg/day) than their unweaned counterparts (0.783 kg/day) from early to normal weaning date (P < 0.001). During the finishing period, NW calves showed compensatory growth, with a 44% higher ADG than EW calves (P < 0.001), with a similar feed intake and a better feed conversion ratio. Early weaned calves had a longer fattening phase than NW calves (264 vs. 158 days, respectively; P < 0.001) and thus total feed intake and feed costs were greater. When slaughtered at 1 year of age, EW and NW calves attained similar weight (489 vs. 510 kg, respectively; P > 0.05), but dressing percentage was higher for EW calves (56.9%) than for NW calves (55.2%) (P < 0.01), which led EW calves to have heavier carcasses, without differences in fat score or conformation. The different growth paths, the result of weaning management, did not affect meat tenderness, chemical composition and fatty acid profile, but affected meat lightness, with higher values for compensating calves (NW) than calves in continuous growth (EW). In conclusion, advancing weaning age modified calf performance without affecting substantially carcass characteristics, except for an improvement in dressing percentage, or meat quality.     

地方品种猪肉品质及其膳食营养论述

随着社会经济的快速发展与人民生活水平的不断提高,消费者对肉制品的食品安全、风味与口感、营养与健康有了更高的要求.大量试验研究表明,我国地方猪种的肉品质相比长白猪、大约克猪、杜洛克猪、杜长大猪等国外品种品系,有着明显优势.文章对我国地方品种猪肉品质的优势特点及其膳食营养和对人体健康的影响进行综述.     

The effect of three space allowances on the physiology and behavior of weaned pigs during transportation

Stocking density is an important aspect of transport, which could affect animal health and welfare, especially in pigs simultaneously experiencing weaning stress. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of three different space allowances on the physiology and behavior of weaned pigs during transport. A commercial semi-trailer with compartments that provided 0.05, 0.06 and 0.07 m²/pig was used throughout the study. All three space allowances were represented on both the upper and lower decks during each replicate. A constant of 100 pigs were loaded into each experimental compartment. Pigs were then transported for 112.5 ± 6.5 min to the wean-to-finishing site using the same route for each replication. This experiment was replicated 4 times. The experimental unit was the compartment. Prior to and after transport, blood samples were taken from a sub-set of pigs (n = 32 pigs/space allowance) for analysis of physiological and immune measures, and body weights and lesion scores were also recorded. Data loggers were fitted inside the trailer to record temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Cameras were placed in each experimental compartment to record behavior and postures of pigs during transport. The frequencies of standing, lying, sitting, standing-rearing on another pig, lying/huddling on top of another pig, total active and total inactive behaviors were recorded using 1-min scan samples during the entire duration of transport. Inside trailer temperature ranged from − 2.4 to 21.7 °C and inside trailer relative humidity ranged from 28.4 to 89.2% during transport. Cortisol, the neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratio, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase were higher (p < 0.05) in pigs after transport regardless of space allowance. Skin lesions were more severe (p < 0.001) in pigs after transport regardless of space allowance. Pigs spent more (p < 0.001) time active during the first 75 min of transport compared with the last 30 min, regardless of space allowance. Pigs spent less (p < 0.01) time standing on another pig during transport at 0.07 m²/pig compared with pigs transported at 0.06 m²/pig. Higher cortisol concentrations and N:L ratio in weaned pigs after transport suggest that these pigs experienced stress, however space allowance did not appear to influence this response. Space allowances of 0.05, 0.06 or 0.07 m²/pig did not differentially influence pig well-being during a 112-min transport period as measured by changes in physiological measures.     

波德代杂种一代羊肉品质特性研究

选取 7月龄的当地土种公羔和羯羔、波德代杂种公羔和羯羔各 5只 ,取肉样对肉品质进行分析。结果表明 :波德代杂种羔羊肉嫩度剪切值显著低于土种羔羊 (P <0 0 5 ) ;波德代杂种羯羔的熟肉率显著高于其它试验组 (P <0 0 5 ) ;土种羯羔的失水率极显著高于土种公羔和波德代羯羔 (P <0 0 1) ;波德代杂种羔羊肉色鲜红、肌间脂肪含量高、多汁性好 ,嫩度适宜 ,氨基酸种类齐全 ,营养成分全面 ,对当地土种羊在肉品质方面有良好的改良作用。     

Heritability and genetic correlation estimates for performance,meat quality and quantitative skeletal muscle fiber traits in broiler

Broiler feed efficiency and meat quality are the primary factors considered by the poultry industry. This study was conducted to estimate heritability and genetic correlation coefficients for skeletal muscle fiber number, area and diameter and performance and meat quality traits of Pectoralis major in a single male broiler line. (Co) variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood method, using the software MTDFREML. The numerator relationship matrix was composed by 77,474 individuals. Heritability coefficient estimates ranged from moderate to high for juvenile BW, breast weight, ultrasound record of pectoral muscle, lightness and thawing meat loss. Genetic correlation estimates for performance and skeletal muscle fiber traits indicated that selection for higher breast weight and juvenile BW could reduce muscle fiber number and increase muscle fiber diameter and area, which could prejudice the meat quality of this line. Selection for muscle fiber number and against muscle fiber diameter and area might improve meat water retention ability and tenderness in this broiler line, and selection programs could consider those traits as selection criteria, although this may be costly. We recommend the evaluation of the indirect selection caused by the use of the performance traits as selection criteria especially for juvenile BW and breast weight. Direct, intense selection for both traits might be unfavorable for most of the meat quality traits analyzed, which could lead to losses to both the chicken meat processing industry and consumers.     

The effects of CO2 gas stunning on meat quality of cattle compared with captive bolt stunning

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of CO₂ gas stunning which has not been conducted until now in comparison with captive bolt stunning on the meat quality of cattle. A total of 40 steers were slaughtered following two stunning processes: CO₂ gas stunning (n=20), exposure at 70% CO₂ gas atmosphere for 140 sec; and captive bolt stunning (CBS, n=20). The slaughtered steers were classified into Group A (620–710 kg) and Group B (720–790 kg) by their live weight. CO₂ gas stunning decreases pH value (p<0.05) but increases lightness (p<0.001) and sarcomere length (p<0.001 and p<0.01 for Group A and Group B, respectively) in all live weight groups. Drip loss was increased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group A (620–710 kg of live weight) (p<0.05), whereas WBSF was decreased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group B (720–790 kg of live weight) (p<0.001). Therefore, CO₂ gas stunning negatively affects muscle pH and water-holding capacity in steers but CO₂ gas stunning can improve the tenderness and lightness compared with captive bolt stunning in cattle.     

Farm animal welfare: the five freedoms and the free market

This review addresses the scientific, ethical and economic factors that impact on the welfare of farm animals. Respect for animals within the food chain is considered within the context of an ethical matrix that affords respect according to the principles of wellbeing, autonomy and justice to consumers, farm animals, farmers and the living environment. The welfare of a farm animal depends on its ability to sustain fitness and avoid suffering. The responsibility of the farmer is to make provision for good welfare through good husbandry; he cannot ensure good welfare. Improvements to farm animal welfare can only come about within the context of the forces that drive the free market. In essence, consumers need to afford a greater extrinsic value to farm animals. The costs to farmers of legislation to impose higher animal welfare standards are substantial but the cost to consumers can be very small. The responsibility is therefore on the consumer to convert an expressed desire for higher welfare standards into an effective demand. A promising route to encourage and fulfil this demand is through welfare-based quality assurance schemes with quality control ensured by independent audit. At present, audit protocols are based largely on identification of the elements of good husbandry. Ultimately we need a further independent audit to ensure that the outcome of these perceived elements of good husbandry is, in fact, good animal welfare.     

中草药对猪肉品质的影响

为探讨中草药对猪肉品质的影响,选用120头90日龄健康猪,随机分为对照组和试验组,进行中草药复方剂饲养试验。结果表明,中草药饲料添加剂对猪肉品质具有重要的调节作用。     

Effect of supplementation with MgCO3 and l-Tryptophan on the welfare and on the carcass and meat quality of two halothane pig genotypes (NN and nn)

Sixty-one animals with different Halothane genes (homozygous halothane positive, n = 34; and homozygous halothane negative, n = 27) were fed with three diets (control group, with no supplement; magnesium (Mg) group with 1.28 g MgCO₃/kg and tryptophan (Trp) group with 5 g l-Trp/kg) during the last 5 days before slaughter. Animals were submitted to minimal stress antemortem conditions. Pig behaviour was recorded at the experimental farm, raceway to the CO₂ stunning system and during the stunning period. Corneal reflexes were recorded after stunning as well. There were no differences in feed intake among diets (P > 0.05) during the 5 days of treatment. The halothane positive (nn) group had lower intake than the halothane negative (NN) group (P < 0.01). The behaviour of the pigs in the raceway did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments or halothane genotype. A significant (P < 0.001) interaction diet  halothane was found in the time to appear the first retreat attempt during the exposure to the CO₂ system. In the nn group, the time of performing the first retreat attempt was later in the Mg (P < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, in the Mg group, the nn had a later (P < 0.05) first retreat attempt than the NN. Thus, Mg supplementation could have a positive effect on welfare of nn pigs. The nn had a lower proportion of animals that showed corneal reflexes after stunning than NN, indicating a higher effectiveness of the stunning method in nn pigs. Neither Mg nor Trp affected carcass quality and meat quality parameters, although significant differences were found between genotypes.     

Effect of magnesium sulphate and l-tryptophan and genotype on the feed intake, behaviour and meat quality of pigs

Sixty-nine entire male pigs with different halothane genotype (homozygous halothane positive — nn-, n = 36; and homozygous halothane negative — NN-, n = 33) were fed with a supplementation of magnesium sulphate (Mg) and/or l-tryptophan (Trp) in the diet for 5 days before slaughter. Animals were housed individually and were submitted to stressful ante mortem conditions (mixed in the lorry according to treatments and transported 1 h on rough roads). Individual feed intake was recorded during the 5-d treatment. At the abattoir, pig behaviour was assessed in the raceway to the stunning system and during the stunning period by exposure to CO₂. Muscle pH, colour, water holding capacity, texture and cathepsin activities were determined to assess meat quality. The number of pigs with an individual feed intake lower than 2 kg/day was significantly different among diets (P < 0.05; Control: 8.7%; Mg&Trp: 43.5%; Trp: 17.4%) and they were considered to have inadequate supplement intake. During the ante mortem period, 15.2% of pigs included in the experiment died, and this percentage decreased to 8.7% in those pigs with a feed intake > 2 kg/day, all of them from the stress-sensitive pigs (nn). In general, no differences were observed in the behaviour of pigs along the corridor leading to the stunning system and inside the CO₂ stunning system. During the stunning procedure, Trp diet showed shorter periods of muscular excitation than control and Mg&Trp diets. The combination of a stressful ante mortem treatment and Mg&Trp supplementation led to carcasses with high incidence of severe skin lesions. Different meat quality results were found when considering all pigs or considering only those with adequate supplement intake. In this later case, Trp increased pH₄₅ (6.15) vs Control diet (5.96) in the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle (P < 0.05) and pH at 24 h (Trp: 5.59 vs C: 5.47) led to a higher incidence of dark, firm and exudative (DFD) traits in SM muscle (P < 0.05). Genotype affected negatively all the meat quality traits. Seventy-five percent of LT and 60.0% of the SM muscles from nn pigs were classified as pale, soft and exudative (PSE), while none of the NN pigs showed these traits (P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between genotypes on the incidence of DFD meat.Due to the negative effects observed in the Mg&Trp group in feed intake and carcass quality, the utilization of a mixture of magnesium sulphate and tryptophan is not recommended.     

Effect of lairage time,behaviour and gender on stress and meat quality parameters in pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of lairage time (short vs. long), behavior (aggressive vs. non‐aggressive) and gender (gilts, barrows and boars) on stress and meat quality parameters in pigs (n = 100). In the group with short lairage, aggressive behavior of gilts and boars was observed. At exsanguination, blood samples were collected and levels of blood lactate and plasma cortisol were determined. Post mortem pH value, temperature, drip loss, sensory and instrumental color and meat quality class were determined on the muscle Longissimus dorsi. Higher blood lactate concentration (P < 0.05) and skin blemish score (P <0.001), lower temperature (P < 0.05) and drip loss (P < 0.01), as well as darker, less red and yellow meat color (P < 0.001) were found after long lairage compared to short lairage. Gilts had higher plasma cortisol concentrations than barrows (P < 0.05), while barrows had lower skin blemish scores (P < 0.05) than gilts and boars after long lairage. The highest incidence of PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat was observed in barrows (100.00%) and boars (91.67%) after short lairage, while the lowest incidence of PSE meat was found in barrows (28.89%) after long lairage. Aggressiveness affected meat temperature, as aggressive pigs had higher meat temperature (P < 0.05) than non‐aggressive pigs.     

Grass steer production system to improve carcass and meat quality

Three different production systems for autumn born dairy steers, managed more or less intensively, have been investigated. The aim of the production systems were to use a basic diet of grass, either grazed or conserved as silage or hay, combined in various proportions. The animals were slaughtered, aiming for the same degree of fattening, but at three ages. The intensive management aimed at slaughter in January–February at 26–28 months of age after indoor finishing with silage or hay. An “intensive out-of-season” management wished improve at slaughter at 28–30 months of age. Finally an extensive management with finishing at grazing resulted in slaughter in May–June at 30–33 months of age.

In three successive factorial experiments, 106 steers of two genotypes, Holstein and Montbéliard were reared to test the effects of the three production systems. The animals were evaluated for productive traits, carcass quality and biochemical characteristics of m. longissimus thoracis and m. rhomboideus thoracis.

For both breeds, the “extensive” animals produced heavier carcasses (+ 20 kg between “intensive” and “extensive”; P < 0.002). The carcass conformation evaluated by the EUROP classification did not differ between the production systems. The estimated percentage of adipose tissue of the carcass was significantly lower for the “extensive” steers (P < 0.05). The shear force measured on raw meat was not significantly affected by the production system, but after cooking, the shear force was higher for the extensive management as was the total collagen content. The haeminic iron content was always lowest in the intensive management. The results of these three series of experiments show that it is possible to produce steers with a feeding regime consisting mainly of grass (from 87% to 94% of the dry matter intake) grazed or harvested as hay or silage. To make the best use of the herbage resources of the farm and to limit the purchase of concentrates, the production of autumn born steers slaughtered at 32 months seems to be an attractive production system for dairy farmers.