Effects of different lairage periods after long-distance transportation on carcass and meat quality characteristics of Simmental cattle

The lairage period (LP) is essential for alleviating cattle stress after transportation. However, current research on LP has primarily focused on durations within 14 h, neglecting the impact of prolonged LPs on cattle. This study investigates the effects of various LPs on the stress alleviation, meat quality, and economic value of Simmental cattle after long-distance transportation (> 6 h, > 600 km). We measured changes in blood parameters (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone contents), lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase contents, blood glucose concentration, and lactate content, meat quality (pH value, drip loss, cooking loss rate, and shear force), and production performance (weight loss rate, net meat rate, dressing percentage, carcass weight, and net weight) in 36 Simmental cattle after different LPs (0, 24, 72, 120, and 168 h) following long-distance transportation. The results indicated that immediate slaughter after long-distance transportation reduced meat quality. A 72−120 h LP resulted in blood and meat quality indicators closest to the control group (without long-distance transportation), while a 168 h LP saw a decline, possibly due to new stress. In summary, a 72 h LP is recommended before slaughter.