Prevalence, characterization and risk factors associated with bovine carcasses bruises at a slaughterhouse in Sinaloa, Mexico

To determine prevalence, identify risk factors and characterize contusions, 442 bovine carcasses were evaluated from two geographic regions (North and Center) of the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Data of provenance, sex, age and ante mortem waiting time were recorded, as well as the anatomical site affected, severity degree, shape and size of bruises. A prevalence rate of 75.8 % was observed and the female carcasses presented more bruises (P = 0.018). In cattle from the northern region (similar to 150 km) the prevalence was higher than the central region (similar to 30 km) (81.5 vs 70.2 %; P= 0.005). The risk factor was 2.05 times higher for female carcasses (P = 0.01) and for bovines from the northern zone was 1.89 (P = 0.006). The loin was the most affected anatomical site (47 %). The circular shape was the one with the highest presentation (62.2 %) and smallest bruises observed in a greater proportion (58.14 %), the severity degree 1 was observed in 67.47 %. We concluded that the prevalence rate exceeds 75 % and that the risk factors were sex and region of origin.