Influence of means of transportation on the quality of beef from three indigenous cattle breeds in Cameroon

The influence of transportation conditions on the quality of beef was evaluated on carcasses from three indigenous cattle breeds in Cameroon. Twenty bulls of similar age (3 to 5 years inclusive) from the Gudali, Red Mbororo and White Fulani breeds transported by train and by truck from the same production zone to the abattoir were investigated. Beef samples were used to evaluate technological and chemical properties. Gudali bulls transported by train produced beef with the highest proportion of bright red colour (85%). Beef from Gudali bulls transported by truck had the highest drip loss (9.87±2.82%), White Fulani bulls transported by truck produced beef with the highest freezing and cook-out losses (19.40±3.02 and 28.37±1.90% respectively). Means of transportation did not significantly (p>0.05) influence chemical properties. These results indicate that in Cameroon, animals transported by truck give poor quality beef. Therefore, measures should be taken to minimize animal stress especially during truck transportation.