RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases). CONCLUSION: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.
RESUMO
Introducción: El síndrome climatérico se puede definir como el conjunto de signos y síntomas que se presentan en la perimenopausia y postmenopausia, incluye síntomas vasomotores, alteraciones del sueño, alteraciones psicológicas y atrofia genital. Objetivo: Conocer el impacto del síndrome climatérico sobre la función sexual y calidad de vida de las mujeres que atraviesan esta etapa de la vida. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión bibliográfica. Los artículos revisados fueron obtenidos de fuentes como Google Académico, Pubmed, LILACS; la selección de la bibliografía comprendió artículos publicados entre 2011 y 2018. Conclusiones: La sexualidad en este periodo y la vejez es un tema de vital importancia para la salud pública. La disfunción sexual como resultado del síndrome climatérico desencadena sentimientos de baja autoestima, desapego y frustración, lo que ocasiona en la mujer que lo padece desinterés por el sexo y un impacto negativo muy claro en su calidad de vida.
The climacteric syndrome can be defined as a set of signs and symptoms that appear in perimenopause and postmenopause, including vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychological alterations and genital atrophy. Objective: To know the impact of the climacteric syndrome on the sexual function and quality of life of the women going through this stage of life. Methods: The present work is literature review. Reviewed articles were obtained from sources such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, LILACS; the selection of literature included articles published between 2011 and 2018. Conclusions: Sexuality in this period and old age is a topic of vital importance for public health. Sexual dysfuntion as a result of climateric syndrome originates feelings of low selfesteem, detachment and frustration, causing disinterest in sex, having a clear negative impact on women quality of life.