Observations of subcutaneous haemorrhagic speckling in lambs

Abstract

A survey carried out at a meat export works in the southern part of the North Island indicated that 29% of lambs killed during the early part of the 1978/79 season had lesions de- scribed as subcutaneous haemorrhagic speckling. In 2.6% of lambs, the lesions were sufficiently severe to warrant downgrading.

Investigation indicated that the primary factor associated with “speckling” in subcutaneous fat was related to electrical stunning by a triple electrode stunner. The lesions were more noticeable in lambs with a thinner layer of carcass fat (Y-grade lambs); other factors such as age, dampness of fleece and stunning technique may also have been associated with their prevalence. It is suggested that, by suitably designed studies, some of these variables could be controlled and their effect assessed.