Study of the Biochemical Parameters of Pre-Slaughter Stress Response in Bovine Species in Algeria

There is no doubt that the well-being of cattle, as for other beef species, is a consumer concern. The pre-slaughter period includes a series of potentially stressful interventions to which animals are subject can significantly affect the quality of meat. This is closely related to the disturbances of the physiological state of the animal and its possible reactions to stress. The present study was involved in 38 beef cattle of different ages (<2 years n=19 and >2 years n=19), sexes (male n=20 and female n=18), and breeds (Prim’Holstein n=19, autochthone cattle n=19).The evaluation of stress response of cattle was carried out during their landing in slaughterhouse, before and at the time of slaughter by exploration do some blood biochemical indices (cortisol, testosterone and ACTH) and urinary parameters (cortisol, catecholamines and glucose). The results showed significant breed effect on cortisolemia with a high levels in autochthone cattle compared to Prim’Holstein particularly 20mn before the slaughter (26.8 ng / ml vs 8.6 ng / ml, p <0.05). Similarly, females had high but no significant cortisolemia compared to males before and at bloodletting(21.75 ng / ml vs 18.67 ng / ml at 12h ante mortem, 18.75 ng/ml vs 17 ng/ml at 20 mn before slaughter and 29.25 ng / ml vs. 21.33 ng / ml at bloodletting, P>0.05). Older animals were more reactive to slaughter stress at 20 mn ante mortem and bloodletting (Cortisolemia:21 ng/ml and 29.8 ng/ml) than young, ones who showed more cortisolemia 12h ante mortem (21.2 ng / ml) and also significant difference of testosterone levels (p <0.01) .The urinary parameters did not showed any significant changes during the slaughter preparation stages and bleeding (P>0.05) and they were not significantly influenced by animals characteristics (age, breed and sexe; P>0.05).