O presente trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar os abatedouros de frango da microrregião de Pato Branco, analisando as interfaces de suas características organizacionais, de inovação tecnológica e uso da água, considerando o modelo de gestão ambiental de Produção Mais Limpa. Para seu desenvolvimento, adotou-se a metodologia de análise multicasos, com abordagem predominantemente qualitativa. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados em campo foram utilizados questionários semiestruturados aplicados na forma de entrevista, compostos por questões abertas e fechadas, além de observações. Os questionários foram formulados a partir da adaptação de perguntas do Questionário de Pesquisa e Inovação – PINTEC 2011. Os resultados indicam que o setor é composto por empresas de médio-grande porte, de formação Ltda, S/A e Cooperativa. Tais empresas processam em média 12.051 toneladas de carne de frango ao mês na forma de produto in natura (carcaça inteira) e de valor agregado (cortes, miúdos e embutidos) destinando 61% de sua produção para o mercado interno e 39% para o externo. Analisando o período de 2010 a 2012 foi observado que duas das três empresas apresentaram atividades de inovação tecnológica em produtos e processos (TPP), sendo que uma focou mais em produtos e a outra mais em processos, apresentando características de inovação tanto incrementais como radicais nas atividades desenvolvidas. Analisando as inovações TPP, constata-se que estão diretamente relacionadas ao uso da água e a minimização e reciclagem de resíduos, sendo elas inovações no aproveitamento da gordura abdominal; à aquisição de máquinas e equipamentos para a automatização e/ou ampliação dos processos de automatização; a modificações no layout para melhor captação de resíduos; a práticas de controle da água (travas e estranguladores de registro e hidrômetro; bicos aspersores; reuso da água); e ao aproveitamento total dos resíduos orgânicos resultantes do processo produtivo. Essas ações tiveram como retorno para as organizações: a minimização de efluente gerado; a redução no uso da água no processo produtivo; e uma maior margem de lucro na reciclagem dos resíduos para fabricação de farinha e óleo do que com sua revenda a terceiros. Pode-se concluir que os abatedouros de frango da microrregião de Pato Branco conseguiram incorporar as premissas do modelo de Produção Mais Limpa às práticas de uso da água e de inovação tecnológica, conciliando ganhos econômicos com benefícios ambientais. / This study aims to characterize the chicken slaughterhouses of Pato Branco microregion, analyzing the interfaces of their organizational characteristics, technological innovation and use of water, considering the environmental model of Cleaner Production. For its development, it was adopted the methodology of multicase analysis with a predominantly qualitative approach. As tools for collecting data in the field, semi structured questionnaires consisting of open and closed questions were applied by interview, as well as observations. The questionnaires were formulated based on the adaptation of questions from the Research and Innovation Questionnaire - PINTEC 2011. The results indicate that the sector is composed of medium- large - sized companies, formed by limited-liability company, corporation and a cooperative. Such companies processed on average 12,051 tonnes of chicken per month, being processed in natura meat (whole carcass) and value added products (cuts, offals and processed mixed meat) allocating 61 % of its production to domestic market and 39 % for foreign market. Looking at the period from 2010 to 2012 was observed that two of the three companies showed technological innovation activities in product and process (TPP), one focusing on products while the other focusing on processes, presenting both incremental and radical features of innovation to the performed activities. Analyzing the TPP innovations, some are directly related to water use and minimizing and recycling waste, being these innovations in the use of abdominal fat, the acquisition of machinery and equipment for automation and/or expansion of automation processes, changes in layout for better capturing of waste; practices in water control (locks and registration chokes and hydrometer; sprinkle nozzles, water reuse) and the total use of organic waste resulting from the production process. These actions had as a return for organizations: minimization of generated effluent, reduction in water use in the production process; higher profit margin in the recycling of waste for the manufacture of flour and oil to resale to third parties. It can be concluded that the chicken slaughterhouses of Pato Branco microregion succeeded to incorporate the assumptions of the Cleaner Production model to practices of water use and technological innovation concealing economic gains to environmental benefits.

O processo de abate de suínos envolve diversas operações que podem influenciar a qualidade microbiológica das carcaças. Sendo assim, a compreensão do processo de abate sobre os aspectos microbiológicos é necessário para a implementação e avaliação de pontos críticos de controle. O controle microbiológico do processo de abate deve envolver a determinação da prevalência de patógenos e dos níveis de microrganismos indicadores de qualidade e higiene. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a influência das etapas de abate sobre os níveis microbiológicos das carcaças. Adicionalmente, avaliar se existe correlação entre a presença de patógenos (Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes) e microrganismos indicadores (aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e Enterobacteriaceae). Uma alta soroprevalência de Salmonella foi encontrada nos suínos ao início do abate (57,49 %). Enquanto a prevalência de Salmonella nas carcaças na etapa inicial do abate foi de 26,67 % e na etapa final de 1,11 %. L. monocytogenes somente foi detectada após as etapas de lavagem final e resfriamento, com uma prevalência de 21,11 e 8,89 %, respectivamente. Os níveis de aeróbios mesófilos, Enterobacteriaceae, coliformes totais e Escherichia coli no início do processo de abate foram de 4,25 ± 0,37; 1,25 ± 0,38; 1,10 ± 0,35 e 0,86 ± 0,36 log UFC/cm2, respectivamente. Já no final do processo os níveis foram menores variando entre 0,16 a 2,70 log UFC/cm2. A etapa que resultou na maior redução microbiana foi a escaldagem. A depiladeira é uma etapa crítica, onde os níveis de contaminação aumentaram significativamente em relação ao início do processo (p < 0,05). A evisceração não se mostrou uma etapa crítica sobre o aumento dos níveis microbianos. Contrariamente, a etapa de lavagem final, apresentou um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) sobre os níveis de aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais, E. coli e enterobactérias (0,30; 0,36; 0,27 e 0,42 log UFC/cm2, respectivamente), Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes. O resfriamento das carcaças contribui significativamente para a redução dos níveis microbiológicos, trazendo-os para níveis inferiores a todas as etapas do processo, exceto para a etapa de escaldagem. Dos quatro grupos de indicadores avaliados, nenhum apresentou correlação com a presença de Salmonella spp. e L. monocytogenes (p <0,05). Os resultados obtidos indicam a existência de etapas da cadeia de produção que se apresentam como críticas do ponto de vista sanitário, o que implica na necessidade de implementação de ações no processo para reduzir os níveis microbiológicos. / The pig slaughter process involve different steps that can influence the microbiological quality of carcasses. At this, the understanding of the slaughter process on the microbiological aspects is necessary for the implementation and evaluation of critical control points. The microbiological control of the slaughter process should involve the evaluation of pathogens prevalence and levels of quality and hygiene indicator microorganisms. This study aimed at investigating the influence of steps slaughter process on the microbiological levels of pig carcasses, and evaluate if there is correlation between pathogens (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) and indicators (aerobic mesophilic counts, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae) microorganisms. A high Salmonella soroprevalence in pigs were founded before the slaughter (57.49 %). While the Salmonella prevalence in carcasses at the initial stage of the slaughter was 26.67 % and in the final stage 1.11 %, L. monocytogenes was detected only in the final washing and cooling steps, with a prevalence of 21.11 and 8.89 %, respectively. The aerobic mesophilic counts, Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms and E. coli levels in initial steps of slaughter process were 4.25 ± 0.37; 1.25 ± 0.38; 1.10 ± 0.35 and 0.86 ± 0.36, respectively. At the end of slaughter process the results were lower (ranging from 0.16 at 2.70 log CFU/cm2). The step that most reduced microbiological levels was the scalding. The dehairing was a critical step that led to a significant increase of microorganisms levels in the process (p < 0.05). The evisceration not proved to be a critical step on the increase of microbial levels, differently of the final washing, which showed significant increases (p < 0.05) over the levels of aerobic counts, total coliforms, E. coli and enterobacterias (0.30; 0.36; 0.27 and 0.42 log respectively) and Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes. The chilling contributes significantly to the reduction of microbiological levels of carcasses, bringing them to levels below the all process stages, with the exception of scalding. No correlation between the hygiene indicator microorganisms used and presence of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were obtained (p < 0.05). The results show that steps in the process are critical to the sanitary profile, which implies the need to implement actions in the process to reducing the microbiological levels.

CAPES / O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e avaliar Projetos de Investimentos (PI) prioritários sobre as causas de condenações de frangos de corte e, para isto, a pesquisa foi dividida em duas fases. Na primeira, uma revisão sistemática da literatura atual (2010 a 2016) sobre o ponto de vista do bem-estar animal e seus impactos na produtividade. Na segunda fase, foram propostas matrizes de perdas produtivas e econômico-financeiras e matrizes de causas e ações corretivas para as condenações da Portaria 210. A etapa de revisão mostrou que o bem-estar animal ainda faz parte de agenda obrigatória na pesquisa acadêmica e que, embora existam meios para a prevenção e minimização das condenações, as empresas carecem de ferramentas para a gestão destas perdas, bem como a necessidade de adequações, seja nos aspectos legais quanto na execução das atividades de rotina dos produtores e nos abatedouros, uma vez que alguns consumidores mostram-se dispostos a pagar a mais pela carne de animais provenientes de estabelecimentos que prezam pelo bem-estar animal. A pesquisa aplicada, ocorreu perfazendo-se de dados disponíveis em trabalhos já publicados, porém, com finalidades distintas à proposta original. Nesta etapa propôs-se a análise de viabilidade econômico-financeira com uso da Metodologia Multi-índice Ampliada (MMIA) como forma de avaliar um projeto voltado a capacitação de colaboradores envolvidos na criação, apanha, transporte e abate de frangos, um exemplo explicativo de uso das matrizes propostas e redução de perdas. Os principais resultados encontrados foram em relação às dimensões retorno, riscos e limites de elasticidade, no qual todas apresentaram resultados satisfatórios, estimando-se um retorno líquido de R$ 221.875,46 com índice Lucro-Benefício de R$ 13,04. Na dimensão risco estima-se o retorno do investimento no 4° mês (payback), com retorno de 6,67% em cada período (payback/N). Além das dimensões retorno e risco, o projeto apresentou folgas de elasticidade, comprovando que o PI não é sensível, o que possibilita variações em seus indicadores. Com isso, conclui-se que os impactos do não atendimento do bem-estar animal na cadeia avícola ainda é um importante tópico a ser estudado e analisado, fornecendo bases para pesquisas acadêmicas, empresas e legislações e a MMIA se mostrou como uma ferramenta fundamental na avaliação de projetos de investimento, uma vez que seus indicadores abrangem todos os aspectos econômico-financeiros. / The aim of this work was to identify and evaluate priority investment projects on the causes of condemnation of broiler chickens and, for that, the research was divided into two phases. In the first, a systematic review of current literature (2010-2016) from the point of view of animal welfare and its impact on productivity. In the second phase, matrices for production and economic-financial losses were proposed, as well as matrices of causes and corrective actions to condemnations of Decree 210. The review stage has shown that animal welfare is still part of mandatory schedule in academic research and that while there are means for the prevention and minimization of condemnations, companies lack the tools to manage these losses, as well as the need of adequacy to legal aspects referring to the execution of routine activities of producers and slaughterhouses, as consumers are willing to pay more for meat from establishments that are concerned about animal welfare. The applied research was based on data available in works already published, but with different goals from the original proposal. In this stage the economic-financial feasibility analysis was proposed using the Multi-Indexed Expanded Methodology as a way to evaluate a project aimed at training employees involved in the management of live birds, an explanatory example of the use of the proposed matrices and the reduction of losses. The main results were in relation to the return, risk and elasticity limits, in which all presented satisfactory results, estimating a net return of R$ 221,875.46 with an Index Benefit-Cost of R$ 13.04. In the risk dimension, it is estimated the return of investment on the 4th month (payback), with a return of 6.67% in each period (payback/N). In addition to the return and risk dimensions, the project presented high elasticity gaps, proving that the IP is not sensitive, which allows variations on its indicators. Therefore, it is concluded that the impacts of non-attendance on animal welfare in the poultry chain is still an important topic to be studied and analyzed, providing basis for academic research, business and legislation, and MMIA has proved to be a fundamental tool on the evaluation of investment projects, since their indicators cover all economic and financial aspects.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar os abatedouros de frango da microrregião de Pato Branco, analisando as interfaces de suas características organizacionais, de inovação tecnológica e uso da água, considerando o modelo de gestão ambiental de Produção Mais Limpa. Para seu desenvolvimento, adotou-se a metodologia de análise multicasos, com abordagem predominantemente qualitativa. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados em campo foram utilizados questionários semiestruturados aplicados na forma de entrevista, compostos por questões abertas e fechadas, além de observações. Os questionários foram formulados a partir da adaptação de perguntas do Questionário de Pesquisa e Inovação – PINTEC 2011. Os resultados indicam que o setor é composto por empresas de médio-grande porte, de formação Ltda, S/A e Cooperativa. Tais empresas processam em média 12.051 toneladas de carne de frango ao mês na forma de produto in natura (carcaça inteira) e de valor agregado (cortes, miúdos e embutidos) destinando 61% de sua produção para o mercado interno e 39% para o externo. Analisando o período de 2010 a 2012 foi observado que duas das três empresas apresentaram atividades de inovação tecnológica em produtos e processos (TPP), sendo que uma focou mais em produtos e a outra mais em processos, apresentando características de inovação tanto incrementais como radicais nas atividades desenvolvidas. Analisando as inovações TPP, constata-se que estão diretamente relacionadas ao uso da água e a minimização e reciclagem de resíduos, sendo elas inovações no aproveitamento da gordura abdominal; à aquisição de máquinas e equipamentos para a automatização e/ou ampliação dos processos de automatização; a modificações no layout para melhor captação de resíduos; a práticas de controle da água (travas e estranguladores de registro e hidrômetro; bicos aspersores; reuso da água); e ao aproveitamento total dos resíduos orgânicos resultantes do processo produtivo. Essas ações tiveram como retorno para as organizações: a minimização de efluente gerado; a redução no uso da água no processo produtivo; e uma maior margem de lucro na reciclagem dos resíduos para fabricação de farinha e óleo do que com sua revenda a terceiros. Pode-se concluir que os abatedouros de frango da microrregião de Pato Branco conseguiram incorporar as premissas do modelo de Produção Mais Limpa às práticas de uso da água e de inovação tecnológica, conciliando ganhos econômicos com benefícios ambientais. / This study aims to characterize the chicken slaughterhouses of Pato Branco microregion, analyzing the interfaces of their organizational characteristics, technological innovation and use of water, considering the environmental model of Cleaner Production. For its development, it was adopted the methodology of multicase analysis with a predominantly qualitative approach. As tools for collecting data in the field, semi structured questionnaires consisting of open and closed questions were applied by interview, as well as observations. The questionnaires were formulated based on the adaptation of questions from the Research and Innovation Questionnaire - PINTEC 2011. The results indicate that the sector is composed of medium- large - sized companies, formed by limited-liability company, corporation and a cooperative. Such companies processed on average 12,051 tonnes of chicken per month, being processed in natura meat (whole carcass) and value added products (cuts, offals and processed mixed meat) allocating 61 % of its production to domestic market and 39 % for foreign market. Looking at the period from 2010 to 2012 was observed that two of the three companies showed technological innovation activities in product and process (TPP), one focusing on products while the other focusing on processes, presenting both incremental and radical features of innovation to the performed activities. Analyzing the TPP innovations, some are directly related to water use and minimizing and recycling waste, being these innovations in the use of abdominal fat, the acquisition of machinery and equipment for automation and/or expansion of automation processes, changes in layout for better capturing of waste; practices in water control (locks and registration chokes and hydrometer; sprinkle nozzles, water reuse) and the total use of organic waste resulting from the production process. These actions had as a return for organizations: minimization of generated effluent, reduction in water use in the production process; higher profit margin in the recycling of waste for the manufacture of flour and oil to resale to third parties. It can be concluded that the chicken slaughterhouses of Pato Branco microregion succeeded to incorporate the assumptions of the Cleaner Production model to practices of water use and technological innovation concealing economic gains to environmental benefits.

The objective of the study was to determine the avoidance-related behaviour, bleeding times and the quality of meat from sheep of different gender, breed (Dorper, Merino, and their crosses) and age groups, slaughtered at a commercial and municipal abattoir. Castrates and ewes of different age groups (1= <10months, 2= 11-12months, and 3= >12months) and breeds were used. From the commercial abattoir, 90 castrates and 110 ewes were used, while 66 castrates and 19 ewes were obtained from the municipal abattoir. Meat samples were obtained to determine meat colour, ultimate pH, temperature, cooking loss and tenderness. Correlations between bleeding times and meat quality variables were also determined. The two abattoirs differed in terms of technology and the procedures used, and this brought about different response behaviours in sheep at slaughter, bleeding times at exsanguination and the quality of meat produced. Animal-related factors (breed, gender and age classes) had no effect on the avoidance-related behaviour of sheep slaughtered at the commercial abattoir, while these factors affected those sheep slaughtered at the municipal abattoir. These factors also had an effect on the quality of meat produced at both abattoirs. Gender and weight of the animals had effects on the bleeding times at exsanguination at both abattoirs. Bleeding times did no correlate with any of the meat quality variables, but correlations among meat quality variables were observed. Avoidance-related behaviour, bleeding times, and the quality of mutton from sheep slaughtered at a commercial and a municipal abattoir was affected by breed, age, and gender.

The prevalence of images of the fragmented bodies of nonhuman animals is largely unaccounted for in the history of interwar European art, photography, and cinema, a result of the historical marginalization of the slaughterhouse to the edges of Western culture. But despite, and sometimes because of, the suppression of the visibility of the abattoir, visions of the grisly world of modern animal production form a sizeable and important subset of avant-garde art, photography, film, and literature beginning in the 1920s. No significant studies have placed images of real, disassembled animals into a broader account of avant-garde photography, nor have they made the connection between the great increase in photographic and filmic art and media in the period and the simultaneously rapid growth of animal production leading up to and during it. I argue that the interwar period witnessed a profound interplay between the industrial slaughterhouse, visual culture, and avant-garde art, marked by the dual meaning of Nicole Shukin’s conceptualization of rendering as both the creating of images of and the material processing of nonhuman animal bodies. I assert that through the use of animal-derived gelatin, the industrial processing of animals helped to fuel the explosive growth of photography, cinema, and thus visual culture in the period. I examine a number of examples of artistic and photographic works that picture slaughter animals, ironically through a medium (photography) that is materially tied to the history and conditions of the abattoir, revealing a poignant connection between the content of the images seen and the form of their material substrate. I further read the photographic projects under study in this dissertation as each in their own way turning our attention to the material precarity of the animal body, both human and nonhuman, and a questioning of the human/animal divide that had been accelerating since the nineteenth century.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014 / In the battle to sustain and produce quality food that is safe and affordable, the limited legislative and regulatory environment continues to allow opportunities for food to become contaminated during processing. The degree of contamination distributed over the final food product (including meat products) depends upon several factors that include knowledge and behaviour of the food handlers, equipment, the hygiene habits of personnel, and the monitoring that takes place at food processing plants (including butcheries). The current study was conducted in five selected butcheries (forming 15% of the registered butcheries at the time the study was conducted) in the Mangaung Metropolitan municipal area, purposely targeting the ones registered with the municipality. The hygiene practices of meat handlers were assessed (through self-administered questionnaires) because meat is a perishable product that requires labour intensive processing for production of quality products. Thus, mishandling by food handlers may create and maintain conditions favourable to microbial contamination. Furthermore, the study assessed and characterised microbial contamination on working surfaces and utensils through swabs as well as bioluminescence instrument [Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP) Hygiena] for cleanness of the working environment. Concomitant to the above, meat handlers’ hands and aprons were also assessed for possible microbial contamination as well as their characterisation. Lastly, aerosolised microbes [through an air sampler (Surface Air System) SAS Super 90] were also collected for iv quantification and identification during working hours as airborne microbes can settle on working surfaces and/or utensils as a result of movement of workers and other related working processes. Statistical points such as correlations, standard deviations, group standard deviations as well as significant differences were captured per respective chapter where necessary. Data reported in this study is over 3 month period with two weeks intervals during sampling and thus reported as either weekly or rounds between sampling periods. The results of the current study indicate that the food safety objectives are negligibly achieved, indicating a need for proper food safety training which is audit based. On administration of a questionnaire, food handlers showed poor knowledge of food safety awareness coupled with poor attitude and behaviour in terms of food safety. The five butchery premises were further examined regarding the airborne and surface microbial loads, as well as that of the food handlers’ hands, during processing. The microbial loads in the air appeared to comply with the suggested limits at all the sampled butcheries. Microbial loads on meat contact surfaces showed levels conforming to the South African standard or guideline of 1 × 102 cfu.m-2. Total Coliforms on hands and on aprons were compared to the general microbial target value of <2.5 cfu.m-2 as suggested by literature. In this study, Matrix Laser Desorption Time of Flight Mass Spectrophotometer (MALDI-TOF MS) was found to be an accurate, rapid and cost effective method towards v identifying of foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria including yeast. Moreover, in recent years South Africa’s meat scandals have increased consumer awareness and the demand for food safety. Section 11 of the Meat Safety Act (Act no. 40 of 2000) stipulates that every abattoir must utilize an independent inspection service appointed by the department of agriculture to ensure that meat of high quality and wholesomeness is produced. However, once the meat and meat products leave the abattoir, they are under the jurisdiction of the local authorities who rely only on visual assessment as opposed to microbiological inspection in the maintenance of their hygiene and quality. Despite the high incidence of foodborne illnesses in both developed and developing countries; South African data on foodborne illness incidents is still insufficient. This could be attributed to the fact that in South Africa, legislation governing the acceptable standards of the levels of microbiota in the air and on food handlers’ hands is still inadequate. Additionally, lack of obligatory usage of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures in the meat premises poses a risk for economic productivity. In conclusion, the identification of airborne bacteria in the butcheries strongly suggests that in the planning of the existing establishments, the building layout, control of the traffic flow of personnel, the durability and imperviousness of floors, the ventilation system and the placement of the equipment were not carefully considered. This may play a role in the prevalence and proliferation of airborne microbes as the resulting establishments provide an environment conducive to the breeding of microbes. vi In regard to swabs, it was concluded that floors may present a high point of contamination possibly through aerosolization of microbial communities. Moreover, cleaning materials and hygiene practices need to be reviewed. The results of the administered questionnaire showed that food handlers should be sufficiently trained with regard to food quality management tools such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems and food safety. The evaluation of meat contact surfaces for organic soils to determine their cleanliness using the rapid ATP bioluminescence testing can be convenient for everyone involved in the food chain since visual and touch inspection cannot be conclusive enough to meet regulatory requirements in terms of microbial counts.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2006 / Occupational noise affects industries in many countries around the world, and there is strong evidence from previous research linking it to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). More than 30 million workers in the United States of America alone were exposed to hazardous noise at the workplace before 1998. In South Africa, workers are not supposed to be exposed to a noise rating limit at or above 85dB(A). Abattoir employees are subjected to high noise levels when compared to the occupational noise rating limit of 85dB(A). Noise is generated from various mechanised and manual processes and activities in the abattoir during the slaughter of different animal species. Noise sources include conveyers, circular saws, air conditioners and pumps, pneumatic and other mechanical equipment. The aim of this study was to characterise noise exposure in different grades of abattoirs during the slaughter of cattle and sheep. The grading of abattoirs was previously done according to Grade A-E. Grade A-C is now referred to as high throughput abattoirs while Grade D and E are referred to as low throughput abattoirs. Personal and environmental noise exposure levels of workers in Grade A, C and D abattoirs in the Free State were therefore investigated. Noise measurements were done in accordance with the methods stipulated in the South African National Standards (SANS) Code of Practice 10083. Environmental and personal sampling were conducted with a calibrated Type 1 Quest integrated sound level meter (ISLM) and a Quest noise dosimeter respectively. Calibration was checked before and after taking measurements to ensure reliability and validity of results. The average noise exposure level in the high throughput abattoirs was above the recommended standard of 85dB(A). In the low throughput abattoirs the noise exposure levels were below this level. There were no statistically significant differences between the noise exposure levels during the slaughter of different species (P>0.05), or between Grade A and Grade C (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) however between Grade A and Grade D noise exposure levels. The results indicate that workers in Grade A and C abattoirs are exposed to unacceptable noise levels. Further research is recommended to include all categories of abattoirs and to determine the impact of noise exposure on the worker’s hearing in order to develop strategies to protect employees from the effects of excessive exposure to noise.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The consumption of game meat and its by-products is increasing locally and internationally. The increase in consumption requires research that is focused on the microbiological quality of game meat. The harvesting and slaughter process of springbok carcasses revealed the presence of bacterial contamination. Swab samples taken after skinning portrayed a presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterobacteriaceae. Springbok carcasses swabbed after chilling indicated aerobic bacteria, Clostridium spp. and lactic acid bacteria. In contrast, swab samples taken at the evisceration’s incision area tend to be lower in counts when compared to swab samples taken after skinning and after chilling. Bacterial contamination was linked to poor hygienic practices during the harvesting and slaughter process. Results showed a need for the investigation of the slaughter process. To evaluate the slaughter process’s impact on the microbial quality of game carcasses, black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) carcasses were sampled throughout the slaughter process. Before skinning, aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli were enumerated from hide samples, counts ranged from 0.92 to 7.84 log cfu/g. after skinning, bacterial counts ranged from 0.93 to 6.12 log cfu/g and further decreased after chilling. Clostridium spp. counts increased after skinning, however, statistical analysis detected no significant differences between counts. Salmonella spp. was not detected. The results indicate that bacterial contamination does occur during the slaughter process. Hygienic status during the production of game meat products was also determined. Bacterial counts from raw game meat ranged from 2.37 to 5.37 log cfu/g. Counts as high as 6.16 log cfu/g were enumerated from retail products. Aerobic plate counts (APC) from ≤ 2.62 log cfu/cm2 to ≤ 6.3log cfu/cm2 were enumerated from surfaces, hands and equipment during production. Results highlighted the inefficiency of cleaning procedures and revealed that contaminated meat can allow for bacterial contamination. To determine if muscle pH influences colour stability and microbial spoilage of game meat, normal (n=6) and dark, firm and dry (DFD) (n=6) black wildebeest Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscles were studied. pH affected colour, as initial (day 0) L*,a*,b*,C* and Hab values from Normal pH samples were significantly higher than values reported for DFD samples. Initial APC and Enterobacteriaceae counts from samples with Normal pH were not significantly different from counts reported for DFD samples. Initial contamination was linked to the harvesting and slaughter process. Further refrigeration (5±1ºC) for 12 days in an aerobic environment and analyses of samples every third day revealed that pH did not affect lightness and brownness as L* and b* values for DFD samples did not significantly differ overtime, the same trend was seen for samples with Normal pH. Normal pH samples showed a significant increase in a* and C* values until day 12, whilst Hab values decreased until the 12th day. The same trend was seen for a* and C* values for DFD samples until the 9th day as on the 12th day values increased. Similarly, Hab values for DFD samples decreased until the 9th day, then increased on the 12th day. Using the microbial spoilage limit of 6 log cfu/g, it was seen that DFD meat reached this limit earlier than samples with Normal pH. Overall, the study provides baseline information on the microbiological quality of game meat harvested in South Africa and slaughtered at a South African abattoir. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die plaaslike en internasionale verbruik van wildsvleis en wildsvleisprodukte is aan’t toeneem. Hierdie toename in verbuik vereis navorsing wat gefokus is op die mikrobiese kwaliteit van wildsvleis. Die oes-en slagproses van springbok karkasse het die teenwoordigheid van bakteriese kontaminasie aan die lig gebring. Monsters geneem met ʼn depper na afslag van karkasse het ʼn teenwoordigheid van Escherichia coli (E. coli) getoon. Springbok karkasse wat getoets is na verkoeling het hoë vlakke van die aërobiese bakterium Clostridium spp. en van melksuurbakterieë getoon. In teenstelling hiermee is getalle laer rondom die ontweidings insnyding. Bakteriese kontaminasie was gekoppel aan swak higiëne gedurende die oes- en slagproses. Hierdie resultate het ʼn ondersoek van die slagproses aangemoedig. Om die impak van die slagproses op die mikrobiese kwaliteit van wildskarkasse te evalueer, is monsters regdeur geneem van swartwildebees (Connochaetes gnou). Getalle van aërobiese bakterieë, Enterobacteriaceae, en E. coli was bepaal op vel monsters voor afslag; getalle het gewissel tussen 0.92 en 7.84 log cve/g. Getalle van bakterieë na afslag het gewissel tussen 0.93 en 6.12 log cfu/g, en het verder afgeneem na verkoeling. Clostridum spp. het toegeneem na afslag, maar statistiese analises het geen beduidende verskille getoon nie. Monsters het negatief getoets vir Salmonella spp. Die resultate toon aan dat bakteriese kontaminasie wel plaasvind gedurende die slagproses. Die higiëniese status gedurende die produksie van wildsvleis is ook vasgestel. Bakteriegetalle van rou wildsvleis het gewissel tussen 2.37 log cve/g en 5.37 log cve/g. Getalle van handelsprodukte het getalle getoon van soveel as 6.16 log cve/g. Aërobiese plaat telling tussen ≤2.62 cve/cm2 en ≤ 6.3log cve/cm2 is vasgestel vanaf oppervlakte, hande en toerusting gedurende produksie. Resultate beklemtoon die ondoeltreffendheid van skoonmaakprosedures en wys dat aangetaste vleis bakteriese kontaminasie kan toelaat. Om te bepaal of die kleurstabiliteit en mikrobiese bederf van wildsvleis geaffekteer word deur spiere se pH, is normale (n=6) en donker, ferm, en droë (DFD) (n=6) Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) spiere van die swartwildebees bestudeer. Kleur was geaffekteer deur vleis pH, siende dat die aanvanklike waardes (dag 0) vir L*, a*, b*, C* en Hab aansienlik hoër was vir monsters met normale pH as DFD monsters. Aanvanklike getalle van aërobiese plaat telling en Enterobacteriaceae telling van monsters met Normale pH het nie beduidend verskil van DFD monsters nie. Aanvanklike besmetting was gekoppel aan die oes- en slagproses. Verdere verkoeling (5±1ºC) vir 12 dae in ʼn aërobiese omgewing en analise van monsters wys dat pH nie ligtheid en bruinheid affekteer nie; waardes vir L* en b* vir DFD monsters het nie beduidend verskil oor tyd nie. Dieselfde geld vir monsters met Normale pH. Monsters met Normale pH het ʼn beduidende toename in a* en C* getoon tot en met dag 12, terwyl waardes vir Hab afgeneem het tot en met dag 12. Dieselfde patroon is waargeneem by waardes vir a* en C* vir DFD monsters tot en met dag 9, terwyl dit toegeneem het op die 12de dag. Soortgelyk het Hab waardes vir DFD monsters afgeneem tot n met dag 9, en toegeneem op die 12de dag. Dit is ook gevind dat DFD vleis die limiet vir mikrobiese bederf (6 log cve/g) vroeër bereik as monsters met Normale pH. Die studie voorsien basis inligting oor die mikrobiese kwaliteit van wildsvleis wat geoes is in Suid Afrika, en geslag is by Suid Afrikaanse slagpale.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the optimal brining levels and effective chlorinated antimicrobials in three selected commercial poultry abattoirs of south Africa.The objective of the study was two fold: Firstly, the primary objective of the study was to determine the optimal inclusion level of brine for application in chicken processing to elongate the shelf life by reducing spoilage bacteria under refrigeration stage while the secondary objective of the study was to determine the most effective chlorinated antimicrobial to be applied in poultry processing plants to reduce spoilage bacteria. For each experiment, a complete randomized design was used. The general linear model procedure was used to determine the effects of brining and chlorine antimicrobials on the Psychrotrophic bacterial load of individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken portions. Simultaneously, a quadratic type equation was used to determine the optimal inclusion level of brine in relation to the responses of Psychrotrophic bacterial loads. The results indicated that control samples (0% brine) had higher (P < 0.05) bacterial load than all samples injected with various injection levels. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between samples injected with 15% and 20% for all major abattoirs combined. However, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between samples injected with 20% and 25% brine, respectively. In addition, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in Psychrotrophic bacterial load between the samples treated with 25% and 30% brine inclusion level as well as those treated with 30% and 35% brining levels in all abattoirs. Futhermore, the results of the study also showed that Acidified Sodium Chloride had significantly lower bacterial load than both aqueous chlorine and chlorine dioxide. However, the effect of percentage brining on average Psychotrophic bacterial count had minimum quadratic values of 24.45 – 0.517 brining + 0.805 brining2 with r = 0.995; r2= 0.989, with optimum percentage brining dose being 43.08%. By extension, the result implies that the lowest reduction in spoilage bacteria is attained at 43.08% of brine inclusion level. These findings have implications on the most effective and convenient antimicrobial to be used in chicken abatoirs as well as reduction of psychotrophic bacterial load on individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken portions / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)