Risk factors influencing bruising and high muscle pH in Colombian cattle carcasses due to transport and pre-slaughter operations

•Risk factors as possible for bruising and high muscle pH were investigated.•Load density of 300-350 kg/m2 and several stops increased the risk of bruises.•A lairage time of 18 to 24 h at the plant increased the prevalence of bruises.•Transport time was not related to the presence of bruises and high pH up to 4 h.•Steers were found to have less risk of presenting a high pH.

The aim of this study was investigate risk factors as possible causes for bruising and high muscle pH under commercial operating conditions in Colombia. Data was recorded for 86 journeys referring to 1179 animals. Carcasses were analyzed in terms of muscle pH and bruises (site, size, severity and shape). Our results indicate that truck load density, stops during transportation of cattle and the lairage time at the plant increased the risk of bruises appearing on carcasses. A lairage time of 18 to 24 h at the plant increased the prevalence of bruises 2.1 times compared to lairage periods of between 12 and 18 h. Furthermore, intermittent stops during transit are a risk factor for the increase in the incidence of bruises. However, the transport time (up to 4 h) was not related to the presence of bruises and high muscle pH. Finally, steers were found to have less risk of presenting a high muscle pH.