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 aim of the thesis was to evaluate the performance parameters of the breeds of common carp and its crossbreds by using the top-crossing. On the maternal position the Hungarian synthetic mirror carp line (HSM) was used. On this line, males of HSM, Telč mirror carp (TeL), Northern mirror carp (M72) and Amur mirror carp (AL) were crossed and a hybrid of Ropsha carp (ROP) and Tata carp (TAT) was used as their control group. Rearing of the tested groups was monitored from larval stage until their market size in ponds with a semi-intensive way of management in three localities (2 organisations). In the first year, each tested group was bred individually with internal control group of a different scaly covering phenotype in order to correct the influence of the environment on the weight achieved. In the second and the third year, all the groups were group-labelled and bred together in triplicate (three ponds) localities. In the individual stages of testing, the weight and the survival rate were recorded. Moreover, in the market size stage the biometric measurement and slaughtering value were evaluated. In the overall assessment of the results from all the localities carried out by the ANCOVA procedure, the highest weight at the K3 age was achieved by the hybrid HSM x AL (1413 {$\pm$} 31.5 g; Last square means {$\pm$} S.E.), whose weight was statistically comparable to the other hybrids (HSM x M72 a HSM x TeL). However, it was the only noticeably higher weight in comparison with the HSM (1257 {$\pm$} 31.5 g) with its ordinary heterosis effect of growth on the level of 12.4%. During the third year of testing, the survival ranged from 69.0 % in HSM x Tel to 73.4% in HSM x AL and the values were statistically comparable. The yield parameters (the proportion of the processed body, the proportion of filets with skin and the skinless ones) were similar in all the groups. In the previous periods of testing the results reflected the situation in the market size. As a result, it is concluded that preferably the hybrid HSM x AL could be exploitable in commercial breeding.

Submitted by Marilene Donadel (marilene.donadel@unioeste.br) on 2018-11-12T16:25:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Antonio_Chidichima_2018.pdf: 2854651 bytes, checksum: bf52210cdff033bae114add926692ed4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-12T16:25:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Antonio_Chidichima_2018.pdf: 2854651 bytes, checksum: bf52210cdff033bae114add926692ed4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-23 / In a globalized economic environment and with the free competition making possible rivalry between diverse economy sectors, it is common for those who can manage their potential and better explore their skills and capabilities to stand out before their competitors. Such strategy may be applied for the Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillet production sector. This study aimed to analyze conditions that could appreciate the Tilapia fillet produced in the Western Paraná region, using Geographical Indication (GI) as a strategy of adding value to the product. The study was performed between 2014 and 2017 by contacting all 50 Western Paraná's cities. It identified the quantity of fish slaughtering and processing plants (driving agents) existent in the Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production chain. A total of 24 plants with Municipal Inspection System (Sistema de Inspeção Municipal - SIM/POA), Brazilian Inspection System (Sistema Brasileiro de Inspeção - SISBI/POA) and Federal Inspection System (Sistema de Inspeção Federal - SIF) were found. After identifying Toledo city, state of Paraná, as the region that concentrates most slaughtering plants, this study focused those plants located in that city’s micro region. The field research was divided into three stages. Firstly, a diagnosis on the production chain characteristics was conducted by analyzing social relations between the main actors that make up this productive network. This part of the study consisted in evaluating whether there were conditions to form a cluster as well as to structure a governance model based on Social Network Analysis (SNA) technique. The existence of potential agents and the network between the actors of the chain was evident. In the second stage, studies focused on measuring the density of relationships between actors of the network were conducted to identify leaders able to articulate such relations, aiming at a possible strategy of Geographical Indication implementation. Ucinet Software usage made possible to evaluate and to identify the intensity of relations in network, the main actors and the possible leaders. Finally, in order to define the "Tilapia fillet" product, a research was conducted by collecting samples of water from purification process and from the slaughtering, manipulation process of fillet extraction, and samples of fresh and frozen fillet at nine slaughtering plants. Thus, it was possible to evaluate the product quality standardization or items that could influence the microbiological, physicochemical, components quality. As a conclusion, considering the production aspects in the region – including the similar conditions of management and of slaughtering and processing procedures among the agents of the productive chain, the Western Paraná's Tilapia fillet is a product which meets the requirements of the legislation. Therefore, this product can be applied for registration of the Geographical Indication (GI) by the National Institute of industrial Property, designating its Appellation of Origin (DO). / Em um cenário econômico globalizado e com a dinâmica da livre concorrência possibilitando a rivalidade entre dos vários setores da economia, é comum que se destaquem aqueles que conseguem administrar bem suas potencialidades, e explorar melhor suas capacidades e competências, se destacando perante aos concorrentes, o que, por exemplo, pode ser aplicado como estratégia ao setor de produção de filé de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma pesquisa sobre a estrutura atual na cadeia produtiva da tilápia no oeste do Paraná, com foco em diagnosticar as condições e características inerentes ao processo produtivo, para uma possível obtenção do selo de IG para o “Filé de Tilápia do Oeste Paranaense”. O estudo foi realizado entre 2014 e 2017, através de contatos com todos os 50 municípios do oeste paranaense, para identificar quantos frigoríficos de abate e processamento de pescado (agentes motrizes) existiam na cadeia de produção da tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), gerando um resultado de 24 unidades frigoríficas com Sistema de Inspeção Municipal (SIM/POA), Sistema Brasileiro de Inspeção (SISBI/POA), e Sistema de Inspeção Federal (SIF). Após a identificação da região onde se concentram a maior parte das plantas frigorificas, a pesquisa foi direcionada de forma aprofundada para os frigoríficos situados na microrregião de Toledo /PR. O trabalho de pesquisa de campo foi dividido em três fases, em um primeiro momento foi realizado um diagnóstico que apresentou a caracterização da cadeia, analisando as relações sociais entre os principais atores que compõem esta cadeia produtiva em forma de rede. Nesta parte do estudo consistia em avaliar se existiam condições para ser formado um Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL), e se existiam condições para estruturar um modelo de governança baseado em técnica de Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS), ficou destacada a existência de agentes potenciais e a importante rede de relacionamentos entre os elos e atores da cadeia produtiva. No segundo momento, foram realizados estudos focados em mensurar a densidade de relacionamentos entre os atores da rede, para identificar as lideranças que pudessem articular as relações visando uma possível estratégia de implementação de Indicação Geográfica. Com o uso do software Ucinet, foi possível avaliar a intensidade das relações em rede, identificando quem são os principais atores e possíveis líderes. Por último, e para caracterizar o produto “Filé de Tilápia” foi conduzida uma pesquisa com coleta de amostra de água de depuração, água do processo de abate e manipulação para a extração do filé, amostras de filé fresco e amostras de filé congelado em nove frigoríficos, objetivando avaliar a padronização da qualidade dos produtos ou pontos capazes de influenciar a qualidade microbiológica, físico-química e de componentes. Conclui-se que o produto “Filé de Tilápia da Região Oeste Paranaense” em virtude das condições da produção na região, incluindo manejo e os procedimentos de abate e processamento são semelhante entre os agentes da cadeia produtiva, o produto atende praticamente todas as conformidades exigidas pela legislação, e, portanto a cadeia produtiva tem condições de se organizar, e pleitear junto ao Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial, o registro de IG na designação de Indicação de procedência (IP).

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.