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Give scientific explanations for any four of the following: (a) The practice in abattoirs of fasting animals before slaughter and of allowing the carcasses to hang for some days before sale - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 9 - 2010
Question 9
Give scientific explanations for any four of the following: (a) The practice in abattoirs of fasting animals before slaughter and of allowing the carcasses to hang ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Give scientific explanations for any four of the following: (a) The practice in abattoirs of fasting animals before slaughter and of allowing the carcasses to hang for some days before sale - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 9 - 2010
Step 1
The practice in abattoirs of fasting animals before slaughter and of allowing the carcasses to hang for some days before sale.
Answer
Fasting animals before slaughter helps reduce the amount of food in the gastrointestinal tract, minimizing the risk of contamination, especially with harmful bacteria like E. coli. This practice also leads to decreased levels of glycogen in the muscle, which can reduce lactic acid build-up. As lactic acid is crucial for meat quality, its control contributes to better meat hygiene and overall quality.
Allowing carcasses to hang post-slaughter facilitates the drainage of blood and enhances enzymatic breakdown of muscle fibers, leading to more tender meat. This process improves the meat's flavor and texture.
Step 2
The increase in the number of fish kills in rivers and lakes in summer.
Answer
During summer, higher temperatures lead to decreased oxygen levels in water, as warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. This situation can trigger incidents of fish kills, particularly when combined with high biological oxygen demand (BOD) from decaying organic materials. The nutrient enrichment often results from agricultural runoff entering water bodies, causing eutrophication and algal blooms. These conditions further deplete oxygen levels, exacerbating the stress on aquatic life.
Step 3
The unsuitability of the Holstein breed for single suckling.
Answer
Holsteins are primarily bred for milk production and therefore have lower body condition and nutritional reserves compared to beef breeds. This breed often has challenges such as mastitis in cows and is not well-suited for rigorous rearing conditions associated with single suckling. They require more feed, and dairy calves may not be suitable for environments where intensive suckling and growth are paramount.
Step 4
The addition of soya bean meal to cereals in pig rations.
Answer
Soya bean meal is rich in protein, complementing cereals which are usually low in protein content. This addition ensures that pigs receive adequate muscle growth and nutrition. Soya is especially high in lysine, an essential amino acid that corn-based diets often lack. Including soya meal helps meet the amino acid requirements for optimal growth and ensures the well-being of the pigs.