Summary
Over a 15 month period, this study evaluated a range of livestock and carcase slaughter and dressing procedures in relation to carcase macro and micro contamination levels. This summary provides a brief of the key findings from this study and makes recommendations for further investigations.
The study was undertaken at four bovine processing establishments - 2 upward and 2 downward hide pullers - and four ovine processing establishments - 2 export and 2 domestic.
Livestock factors were a major contributor to final carcase microbial loads for both bovines and ovines. Associations between procedure score, macro and micro-contamination were strongest in the ovine processing establishments.
