The Effect of Space Allowance During Pre-Slaughter Transport of European Quail Breeders on Welfare, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality

The objective was to evaluate whether space allowance during pre-slaughter transport of European breeding quail affects welfare, carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 248 quails (body weight = 344.90 ± 2.09 g) were used. During pre-transport, the quails were fasted for 5 hours and 30 minutes. The poultry were caught and placed in plastic transport crates with an area of 0.40 m 2 . The treatments consisted of a different space allowance in each crate: 22, 28, 34 or 40 quails per crate. Immediately upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, the quails were stunned. During bleeding, blood samples were collected. The carcasses were individually weighed. The meat quality was measured. Data were analysed using the effects of space allowance during transport of quails and pickup truck as dependent variables. Death on arrival increased as the space allowance in transport crates decreased ( p =0.08). Glucose and uric acid levels were not significantly different between groups ( p ≥0.14). The cold carcass weight presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails ( p =0.03). The meat pH, intensity of red, intensity of yellow and cooking losses were not different between groups ( p ≥0.12). The meat lightness value presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails ( p =0.04). In view of the above, the number of European breeding quails transported in crates must not exceed 30 animals.