Lairage periods on temperament score and meat quality of beef cattle

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence lairage periods on temperament, physiological indicators stress, and meat quality beef cattle. Thirty-two castrated Aberdeen Angus x Nellore crossbred steers were distributed into four periods: 12, 18, 24, 48 hours. following variables evaluated: serum levels stress glucose cortisol (upon arrival at slaughterhouse, after period, bleeding), animal temperament (movement, resistance approach, aggressiveness), (final pH, water-holding capacity, color parameters, tenderness). With a longer score higher, indicating that animals more agitated resistant human approach. Serum correlate positively with negatively quality. At bleeding, an increase observed in levels, respectively, for than 24 hours 12 reduces tenderness capacity.