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Contamination of carcase during slaughter and dressing

Project start date: 01 January 1989
Project end date: 01 August 1991
Publication date: 01 August 1991
Project status: Completed
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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.

More information

Project manager: Graeme Yardy
Primary researcher: Alliance Consulting and Management