By Novavet  |  Bovine Animal Health  |  Beef Cattle  |  Canada

Two concrete problems, two economic opportunities: post-weaning performance and meat quality at the slaughterhouse. A study published in Livestock Science (Cappellozza et al., 2020) evaluated bovine appeasing pheromones (BAP) in these two contexts, with results that deserve the attention of every beef producer.

Cappellozza and collaborators conducted two distinct experiments, each targeting a critical moment in the bovine production chain.

Experiment 1 — Weaning: 45-day post-weaning growth

Population: 120 Nellore calves weaned at 7 months (average initial weight: 191 kg). 60 calves received 5 ml of BAP (SecureCattle^®, Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil) and 60 received water (control group), applied topically to the nape.

Calves were kept in a rotational grazing system with free access to water and a feed supplement for 45 days of follow-up. Weights were recorded on days 0, 14, and 45.

The difference in average daily gain over the entire 45-day period is striking. It translates into a significant live weight difference at the end of the adaptation period:

For a herd of 100 weaned calves, this difference represents an additional 1,620 kg of live weight gain in 45 days — directly convertible into market value at market price.

Experiment 2 — Transport to Slaughterhouse: Carcass pH and DFD cuts

Population: 835 Nellore-influenced cattle from 4 farms. Animals received 5 ml of BAP (n = 422) or water (n = 413) immediately before transport to the slaughterhouse.

Carcass pH was measured 48 hours post-mortem. A pH > 5.80 identifies carcasses at high risk of DFD meat (Dark, Firm, Dry), a quality defect that reduces the commercial value of cuts and their consumer acceptability.

The reduction in DFD cut risk is substantial: 38% fewer at-risk animals in the BAP group. This difference was consistently observed across all 4 farms in the study, confirming the robustness of the result.

The link between stress and carcass pH is well established. Prolonged stress — transport, waiting at the slaughterhouse, handling — depletes muscle glycogen reserves. During slaughter, it is the conversion of glycogen to lactic acid that lowers pH and preserves meat color and texture. Without sufficient glycogen, pH remains high (> 5.80), and the meat becomes DFD.

By reducing HHS axis activation via the vomeronasal organ, BAPs allow the animal to arrive at the slaughterhouse with better-preserved glycogen reserves — and thus a lower carcass pH, within the optimal commercial range.

The two experiments by Cappellozza et al. (2020) illustrate two distinct economic levers:

●        At weaning: additional gain of +16.2 kg of live weight in 45 days — directly marketable at sale

●        At slaughter: 38% reduction in the risk of DFD cuts — preservation of the carcass's commercial value

●        Single application: 5 ml per animal, topical application to the nape, no meat withdrawal period

The cost of a single application of SecureCattle^® must be weighed against the value of 16 kg of additional gain per calf and the reduction in the risk of carcass downgrading at the slaughterhouse.

Do the results apply to North American breeds?

The study was conducted on Nellore-influenced cattle (Bos indicus), which are naturally more stress-reactive than Bos taurus. North American breeds such as Angus or Bos taurus crosses will exhibit the same biological mechanism, but potentially with a different magnitude of effect. Specific data for Canadian breeds would be welcome to confirm the extent of the benefits in our context.

What is a DFD cut and why is it important?

DFD stands for Dark, Firm, Dry meat. This defect occurs when the carcass pH remains too high after slaughter (pH > 5.80), which alters the color, texture, and shelf life of the meat. DFD cuts are often rejected or downgraded by buyers, representing a direct economic loss for the producer.

Should the product be applied before loading or upon arrival at the slaughterhouse?

In Experiment 2, BAP was administered immediately before transport. Available data suggest that administration 24 to 48 hours before the stressful event is optimal, as the signal must be perceived before HHS axis activation. However, application just before loading offers measurable benefits.

Is it compatible with existing veterinary protocols?

Yes. SecureCattle^® is composed of 1% natural fatty acids in a dermal excipient. No drug interactions have been documented. The product is compatible with vaccines, antiparasitics, and antibiotics. There is no meat withdrawal period.

Cappellozza BI, Bastos JP, Cooke RF. (2020). Short communication: Administration of an appeasing substance to Bos indicus-influenced beef cattle improves performance after weaning and carcass pH. Livestock Science, 238, 104067. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104067

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