Animal transport includes loading and unloading, transport, waiting in the slaughter house, animal handling and conditions on the vehicle and in the slaughterhouse, from weather to driving style and mixing unknown animals. During transport animals are exposed to stress, which leads to glycogen depletion in muscle and lower the extent of postmortal glycolysis and this influence on meat quality. Prolonged transport, poor conditions during transport (to much or to little unsuitable space, very low or high temperatures, improper way of driving), mixing unknown animals, to long waiting time in slaughter house, improper handling of animals and especially combination of different factors, for example: mixing unknown animals, waiting for slaughter and high temperatures, represent for animals high level of stress and have negative consequences for meat quality and lead to dark, firm and dry beef. If the welfare of animals is ensured during transport, it will be less stressful for the animals and will not have negative consequence for meat.
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