Ultimate pH values and bacteriological condition of meat and stress metabolites in blood of transported reindeer bulls

The Stomacher® 400 was used to blend reindeer meat for two minutes.
The study found that at slaughter, there was no difference in ASAT activity, urea and Cortisol concentrations between the two transported groups. However, the plasma ASAT activity and urea concentrations at slaughter were significantly lower in the non-transported group. In both transport groups, the plasma Cortisol concentrations increased during loading onto and unloading from the lorry. Abomasal lesions were observed in all treatment groups. It was concluded that reindeer showed an acute stress response to manual handling and transport.