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showed that the animals slaughtered 24 hours later had a 2,91% reduction in warm carcass weight, and the animals slaughtered after 48 hours had a 6,10% reduction in warm carcass weight. If animals are transported a short distance and for a minimal period, they are less likely to experience extreme stress or significant weight loss. These animals are typically in better condition when they arrive at the abattoir, leading to minimal loss of live weight and a higher dressing percentage. Additionally, animals that are transported for short distances can generally be handled more efficiently, reducing the risk of injury and stress during unloading, which can also preserve their dressing percentage. In addition to time and distance, how animals are handled during transportation can play a significant role in minimising stress and its negative impact on dressing percentage. To mitigate the negative impact of transport time and distance on dressing percentage, feedlot managers and transporters can implement several best practices: • Shorten travel time: Whenever possible, reducing the time animals spend in transit can significantly reduce stress and dehydration. Local slaughterhouses or feedlots that are located closer to abattoirs will have an inherent advantage in terms of preserving dressing percentage. • Pre-transportation management: Before transport, animals should be without stress and must have access to feed and water. This practice helps to minimise • Rest and recovery: For long-distance transportation, rest periods with access to water and feed should be scheduled to allow the animals to recover from the stress of transit. This allows the animals to rehydrate, rest, and regain weight, improving their condition upon arrival at the abattoir and increasing the likelihood of maintaining a higher dressing percentage. 8. Seasonal effects and environmental conditions Environmental factors such as climate, temperature, and housing conditions can indirectly influence dressing percentage. Animals under heat stress may eat less or metabolise food less efficiently, leading to slower growth and lower dressing percentages. Conversely, in cooler climates, animals may consume more feed and grow at a faster rate, potentially improving the dressing percentage. Housing and management practices also play a role in minimising stress. Cattle that are housed in clean, spacious, and well-managed facilities are less likely to experience disease or stress, which can have positive effects on both growth and dressing percentage. Dressing percentages can vary by 1,5 to 3 percent throughout the year. The period of highest dressing percentages occurs in the winter when feedlot conditions are dry. Other factors that can affect dressing percentages are the thickening of the hair coat during the colder months, and when it is wet, mud can Stress furthermore leads to poor muscle quality. In cases of extreme stress, muscle glycogen is depleted, and the pH of the muscle rises abnormally post-slaughter. This can cause the meat to be classified as PSE (pale, soft, and exudative) or DFD (dark, firm, and dry), both of which can reduce overall carcass quality and yield. Additionally, muscle breakdown can negatively affect the carcass yield, lowering the dressing percentage. weight loss and stress during transit. • Improved transport conditions: Ensuring that vehicles are designed to reduce overcrowding, provide ventilation, and maintain a comfortable temperature can minimise the negative effects of long journeys on animal welfare. Using trucks with good air circulation and proper space can prevent excessive sweating, fatigue, and muscle damage, all of which contribute to a reduced dressing percentage. www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2025 BONUS 77