The South African ostrich industry is presently characterised by a drastic decline in the slaughter price of slaughter birds, due to the drop in the price of meat as well as leather. As a result, the economic viability of ostrich farming is severely hampered by these developments, and many generally accepted industry practices have to be reviewed. Among the practices under review is the possibility of slaughtering ostriches at an earlier age than the traditional slaughter age of 12 - 14 months, in order to minimise feed costs and the incidence of damage to the skin. However, little information is available on the effect of the slaughter age on the yield and quality of the economically important end-products. The effect of slaughter age on production and the economic viability of a commercially intensive ostrich production system was consequently evaluated in a completely randomised experimental design involving two batches (n= 81 and n= 94) of ostriches. The experiments took place at Kromme Rhee experimental farm of the Elsenburg Research Centre near Stellenbosch. The birds were subject to experimental treatment at the age of 4 months (n= 81, from May 2004 to March 2005) and 6 months (n= 94, from August 2004 to August 2005) respectively. The ostriches were randomly divided into 10 groups of between 16 and 20 birds per group. Standard production practices, as applied in an intensive ostrich production unit, were implemented. Clean drinking water and self-mixed grower diet (min 15 percent crude protein, 0.68 percent lysine and 11.4 MJ ME per kg feed) and finisher diet (min 14 percent crude protein, 0.55 percent lysine and 9.8 MJ ME per kg feed) were provided ad libitum to the birds. Birds were slaughtered at the ages of 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 14.5, and 16.5 months respectively. Data on feed intake and yields of cold carcass, crust skin size, skin grade and total feathers was recorded for birds slaughtered at the respective ages. Data was analysed according to the analysis of variances. Values for meat yield, skin size yield and feed intake were predicted by regression analysis based on experimental values. Industry figures and norms were used as proxy for other production inputs and costs. A gross margin type analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of different slaughter ages on the profitability of each production system. There was a positive correlation between age and feed intake (r2= 0.40), slaughter weight (r2= 0.97), cold carcass yield (r2= 0.48), skin surface area (r2= 0.39), skin grade (r2= 0.19) and total yield of feathers (r2= 0.29). The dry skin grade showed deterioration as slaughter age was prolonged. Highly significant differences (P< 0.01) in slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, skin surface area, dry skin grade and total feathers were detected at the different slaughter ages. There were no significant differences (P> 0.05) with respect to gender for slaughter weight, skin surface area and dry skin grade within the different age groups. Males had significantly higher (P< 0.05) cold carcass yield and total feather yield than their female counterparts. From this study it can be concluded that an increase in slaughter age significantly increases feed intake, slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, and skin surface area. It is also clear that an increase in slaughter age can be detrimental to dry skin grade. The relative income contribution of the three main products (skin: meat: feathers) occurred in a ratio of 47:53:0, 52:47:1, 47:50:3, 44:51:5, 39:56:5 at the respective slaughter ages. Total income revealed an increase of 26 percent from 8.5 to 10.5 months slaughtering, an increase of 4 percent between 10.5 and 12.5 months, and an increase of 11 percent between 12.5 and 14.5 months. The income dropped by 0.3 percent between 14.5 and 16.5 months slaughtering. Total costs increased with slaughter age, particularly feed costs which showed an increase (at a decreasing rate) between the different slaughter ages. The margin above specified cost per bird was the highest for birds slaughtered at the age of 10.5 months. The margin above cost showed a steady decline as birds were slaughtered at higher ages. Slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative margin. To compare the effect of differences in time span on different slaughter age regimes, margin above costs for each system over 5 years were discounted to a present value. In this study, with current feed costs and income from end products, slaughtering at 10.5 months revealed the highest present value for the margin above cost. Furthermore, slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative present value on the margin above cost after 5 years. Financial viability calculations are relevant and valid for data obtained in this case study. Financial viability is however case-specific and may vary between producers, depending on their individual management practices, production systems and cost structures. Results from this study may be of significant value to managerial decision-making in the ostrich industry.

Effects of pre-slaughter sheep handling and animal-related factors on Creatine Kinase levels and physico-chemical attributes of mutton By Chulayo Amanda Yucca The objective of the study was to determine the effects of pre-slaughter sheep handling and animal-related factors on Creatine kinase (CK) levels and physico-chemical characteristics of mutton from South African sheep breeds. One hundred and seventy-three castrated male sheep from four breeds (15 Dormer, 46 South African Mutton Merino, 77 Dorper and 35 Blackhead Persian) were used. The animals were grouped according to age categories. The grouping was as follows: Group 1 (6 ≤ 8 months), Group 2 (9 ≤ 12 months) and Group 3 (13 ≤ 16 months). Blood samples for CK determination were collected at exanguination using disposable vacutainer tubes. Representative samples of the Muscularis longissimuss thoracis et. lumborum (LTL) muscle were taken for the determination of ultimate pH (pHu), colour (L*-lightness, b*- redness and a*- yellowness), thawing and cooking losses and meat tenderness. Significant (P<0.01) breed effects were observed on CK levels with Dormer having the highest CK values. Significant linear relationships were observed between pre-slaughter condition and CK levels. There were positive correlations between colour coordinates L* and b* (r =+0.22) and between a* and b* (r =+0.63). Cooking loss and Warner Braztler Shear Force (WBSF) values were positively correlated (r =+0.29). The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a significant variance for CK and between physico-chemical characteristics of mutton. There were no relationships between CK levels and physico-chemical characteristics of mutton. Significant breed and age effects on pHu, L, a*, b*, thaw %, CL and WBSF of mutton were observed. iv It was concluded that, pre-slaughter conditions affect CK levels and physico-chemical characteristics of mutton. However, there were no relationships between CK levels and physico-chemical characteristics of mutton.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-slaughter stress of pigs on the levels of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK) and their subsequent relationship with pork quality. From our knowledge, there is paucity of information on transportation, lairage duration and sex effects on saliva cortisol and its relation with serum cortisol, urine cortisol and other meat quality traits. Stage one of the study assessed the effect of sex and time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on the levels of cortisol and CK in crossbred pigs. The second stage of the study evaluated the effect of sex and lairage duration on pork quality. The trials comprised of 60 22-weeks old commercial crossbred pigs [(30 boars vs. 30 gilts) with an average body weight of 76.9kg for gilts and 78.3kg for boars. Thirty pigs (15 Boars vs. 15 Gilts) were slaughtered on arrival after a 120km road journey and the other 30, after travelling the same road and distance, were slaughtered after having been in the lairage for 20 hours. Saliva samples were obtained during three time periods: between 07:00-10:00 on the day before the journey, on arrival at the abattoir and after lairage. Levels of cortisol in serum and urine and CK in serum samples collected at slaughter were determined. The samples (saliva and serum) were centrifuged at 20oC for 10 min at 3550 x g and stored at -20oC in separate vials until analysis. Pork quality was assessed using muscle pH, colour, thawing and cooking losses and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force. Correlations between cortisol levels in saliva, serum and urine and meat quality were assessed. The effect of sex and time to slaughter on saliva cortisol was significant. Statistical analysis showed significant interaction of sex by time to slaughter on serum cortisol. It was only the effect of sex that demonstrated higher (P <0.05) serum creatine kinase levels in gilts. Likewise, urine cortisol was influenced (P <0.05) only by time to slaughter. Saliva cortisol after transportation (r = 0.52) was correlated (P <0.05) with urine cortisol. The study suggests that there are greater responses of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis following time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) between gilts and boars. This can be used in measuring cortisol in saliva, serum and urine, and serum creatine kinase to determine stress levels in pigs. Besides the lightness (L*) colour value which was significantly lower (P <0.05) in meat from gilts than from boars, the results of this study showed no interaction or individual effect (sex or lairage duration) on pH and other colour measurements. Meat cooking loss was affected (P <0.05) by gender x lairage interaction. Effect of lairage duration (as an individual effect) on the measured meat quality traits was not significant (P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed significant (P <0.05) negative relation between baseline saliva cortisol (r = -0.40) and the pork L* value. Saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.38 and r = 0.38) was correlated (P <0.05) with pH45 and pork a* value, respectively. Serum cortisol (r = -0.35) was negatively correlated (P <0.05) with pH45. Moreover, there were negative correlations (P <0.05) between saliva cortisol after transportation (r = -0.35), saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.44), serum cortisol (r = -0.40) and meat cooking loss. The study suggests that cortisol in saliva and serum can be used to determine effect of time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on meat quality traits from gilts and boars. Keywords: Boars; gilts; saliva cortisol; serum cortisol; serum creatine kinase; urine cortisol.

In Shivaji Nagar, if you are 39 years old you are most likely dead. Some in this neighborhood say it is far worse if you are alive. Yet, seemingly paradoxically, the residents of this neighborhood do not want to leave it. Located between one of Asia’s largest garbage dumps and Mumbai’s largest abattoir, this Deonar neighborhood is popularly known as “Bombay’s gas chamber.” This dissertation examines the social worlds of the residents of Shivaji Nagar by asking how an apparently odious, and potentially toxic place that appears to foreclose all possibilities other than failure, waste and death becomes an object of attachment for its residents.

No description available.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Food and Beverage Management)-Durban Universty of Technology, 2006 253 [20] leaves+ 1 CD-ROM (4 3/4 in.) / In this study investigated the commercial and Zulu style of slaughtering, skinning, butchering, culinary properties and service with special reference to Zulu socio-cultural ritual behaviors in South Coast of the KwaZuluNatal province.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Food and Beverage Management)-Durban Universty of Technology, 2006 253 [20] leaves+ 1 CD-ROM (4 3/4 in.) / In this study investigated the commercial and Zulu style of slaughtering, skinning, butchering, culinary properties and service with special reference to Zulu socio-cultural ritual behaviors in South Coast of the KwaZuluNatal province.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

Um estudo foi realizado com os objetivos de (i) avaliar o desempenho produtivo, característica de rendimento de carcaça e impacto econômicos de frangos de corte; (ii) demonstrar a utilização de modelos de superfície de resposta em um programa não-linear de formulação de ração para otimização do lucro; e (iii) desenvolver uma planilha dinâmica e interativa para determinar a idade de abate de frangos de corte que otimiza o retorno econômico. Para atender esses objetivos, um experimento foi conduzido, no período de 1 a 56 dias, utilizando 1080 pintos de um dia, Ross®, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com seis tratamentos de seis repetições de 30 aves cada. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial com três densidades nutricionais (baixa, moderada ou alta) por sexos (machos ou fêmeas). Os resultados do desempenho produtivo avaliado, mostraram que a alta densidade nutricional promove melhor desempenho produtivo, entretanto, prejudica os resultados econômicos. Para o fator sexo, as fêmeas apresentam piores resultados de desempenho e econômicos em relação aos machos, no entanto, melhoram o rendimento de peito. No segundo estudo, os modelos de superfície de resposta construídos para as variáveis dependentes consumo de ração e peso corporal para cada sexo e fase de criação foram adequados para estimar o desempenho produtivo e a receita líquida. Além disso, o programa não linear de formulação de ração pode ser útil por otimizar respostas nutricionais e econômicas com precisão. O terceiro estudo fornece uma planilha que usa uma abordagem interativa e dinâmica para determinar a idade de abate que otimiza o lucro da produção baseado no cenário econômico. Os usuários podem calcular a idade ótima de mercado e analisar a decisão de lucro máximo usando diferentes combinações de custos, função de crescimento, equação de consumo de ração e peso de mercado aceitável. Assim, a planilha pode ser aplicada como uma ferramenta de gestão em tempo real para auxiliar na tomada de decisões, otimizar a produtividade animal e maximizar o lucro. / An experiment was conducted with the objective of (i) evaluating the productivity, yield functionality and economic impact of broilers; (ii) demonstrate the use of response surface models in a nonlinear feed formulation program for profit optimization; and (iii) develop a dynamic and iterative programming to determine the optimal slaughter age of broilers that optimizes the profit. For these objectives, an experiment was conducted over a period of 1 to 56 days using 1080 one-day-old Ross® chicks were distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and six repetitions of 30 birds each. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme with three nutritional densities (low, moderate or high) by two sexes (males or females). The production results were evaluated, that high nutritional density promotes optimal productive performance, although it hinders the economic results. Regarding the sex factor, the females showed poor results regarding performance and profit when compared to the males. Nevertheless, they exhibited improved breast meat yields. In the second study, the response surface models were constructed can be used to estimate the productive performance, and therefore the net revenue. In addition, the nonlinear programming of feed formulation can be useful by optimizing nutritional and economic responses accurately. It was concluded that the response surface models are efficient in predicting the performance of broilers and allow to formulate diets to maximize profits. The third study, a dynamic and iterative programming was development for to determine the age slaughter for maximum profit. The model calculated net revenue, consumption ration and market weight. These results could represent a valuable reference for use in adjusting the strategy for broiler production and management. Thus, the developed programming can be applied as a real-time management tool, to aid in decision-making, optimize the productivity and maximize profit.

Resumo: O Brasil é um dos principais países produtores/exportadores e consumidores de carne de frango no mundo. A maioria das aves é criada tradicionalmente, porém uma parte já é produzida pelo método alternativo que preconiza o bem- estar das aves sem o uso de antibióticos, coccidiostásticos, promotores de crescimento e ração de origem animal. No entanto, devido à ausência de inibidores exógenos, bactérias patogênicas podem se disseminar sem restrição na granja, sendo levadas ao abatedouro, contaminando não só o ambiente de abate, mas também o produto destinado ao consumidor final. Uma destas bactérias, Listeria monocytogenes é um microrganismo ubíquo que provoca a listeriose, doença zoonótica grave que leva a aborto/natimortos, neuropatias, gastroenterites, principalmente em crianças e idosos. É portanto, de fundamental importância que conheçamos a prevalência desta bactéria da recepção das aves no abatedouro até o acondicionamento do produto final, para que possamos orientar com precisão os principais focos de contaminação. Assim, foram colhidas 230 amostras sendo estas, obtidas em ambientes, equipamentos, utensílios e em carcaças de frango em diferentes etapas de abate e processamento de frangos alternativos. As amostras foram analisadas pela técnica convencional de isolamento de L. monocytogenes e posterior confirmação por técnica molecular. De um total de 230 amostras analisadas, 12 foram confirmadas como L. monocytogenes, representando 5,21% do total de amostras colhidas em diferentes pontos do fluxograma de abate. Assim, do total de amostras positivas (12), apenas duas (3,33%) destas foram identificadas no produto final (cortes embalados). / Abstract: Brazil is one of the major producers/exporters and consumers of chicken meat in the world. Chicken production has been mainly based on confinement systems, although many animals have been raised in alternative systems, which focuses animal welfare, antibiotic-free animal production, with no coccidiostatic drugs or growth promoters or food of animal origin. However the absence of exogenous inhibitors could potentially spread pathogenic bacteria to the farm and then to the slaughterhouse, contaminating not only the environment of slaughter, but also the final product. One of these bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, is an ubiquitous pathogen which causes listeriosis, a severe zoonotic disease that leads to abortion/ stillbirth, neuropathy, gastroenteritis, mainly in children and elderly people.Therefore, the identification of sources of this bacterium in poultry slaughterhouses and in the final product is very important. A total of 230 samples were collected from the slaughterhouse environment, equipment, utensils and carcasses in different stages of slaughtering and chicken processing. Samples were analyzed using the conventional technique for isolation of L. monocytogenes. Confirmation was achieved using molecular technique. Only 12 out of 230 samples were positive for L. monocytogenes which represent 5.21% of the samples from this slaughterhouse. Only two samples (3.33%) from the final product were positive for this pathogen. / Orientador: Roberto de Oliveira Roça / Coorientador: José Paes de Almeida Nogueira Pinto / Banca: Hélio Langoni / Banca: Vera Lúcia Moraes Rall / Banca: Ricardo Ichiro Sakate / Banca: João Garcia Caramori Júnior / Doutor