Behaviors in the Slaughter Corridor, Carcass, and Meat Quality Traits of Anatolian, Italian, and Italian × Anatolian Crossbreds (F1) Water Buffaloes

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the slaughter corridor behavior, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Anatolian, Italian, and Italian × Anatolian (F₁) crossbred water buffaloes. The research involved Anatolian (n = 8), Italian (n = 10), and Italian × Anatolian crossbred (n = 8) water buffaloes, all of which had been used for milk production on a commercial farm before being culled and slaughtered. While water buffalo pass through the slaughter corridor, both the behaviors of the animals and the handling actions of the stockpersons were video recorded. Genotype had no significant influence on the scores for animal behaviors (AWBEH) and stockperson actions (AWACT). There were significant differences in carcass weight among the genotypes (p < 0.001), with the genotypes ranked from smallest to largest in carcass weight as follows: Anatolian, crossbred (F₁), and Italian water buffaloes. Additionally, the EUROP fatness score was higher in carcasses from the Italian genotype compared to the Anatolian water buffaloes. Mean pH_24h was lower in Italian water buffaloes than Anatolian ones. On the other hand, fat and meat color variables were not influenced by animal genotype. In conclusion, crossbreeding between Italian and Anatolian water buffaloes may increase carcass weight in crossbred (F₁) genotype without altering meat quality or temperament.