Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible differences in certain stress parameters and meat quality characteristics between Norwegian lambs slaughtered at a mobile abattoir (at two different localities) versus lambs slaughtered at a conventional, stationary slaughterhouse. Lambs slaughtered at the conventional slaughterhouse had higher serum cortisol levels than lambs slaughtered at a mobile abattoir (P < 0.001). Also blood glucose values were significantly lower at one of the two mobile slaughter localities compared to the stationary abattoir (P < 0.001). Animals at the conventional slaughterhouse displayed a higher frequency of vocalizations (P < 0.01) and showed more aggressive behaviour than lambs at the mobile slaughterhouse (P < 0.01). It was demonstrated that meat from lambs slaughtered at the mobile slaughterhouse had lower ultimate pH (P < 0.001). Also, meat from one of the mobile slaughter locations was more tender (having a lower Warner Bratzler shear force value, WB), compared to meat from the lambs slaughtered at the conventional abattoir (P < 0.05). Furthermore, some relationships between stress indicators and meat quality were demonstrated. WB was positively correlated to serum cortisol level (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum cortisol level and the incidence of aggressive interactions (r = 0.47, P < 0.05). The frequency of aggressive interactions was positively correlated to number of vocalizations (r = 0.73, P < 0.01) and also muscle pH (r = 0.66, P < 0.05). Finally, the frequency of aggressive behaviours was negatively correlated to blood glucose levels (r = 0.46, P < 0.05).