Abstract

2 groups of 26 lambs were transported for 15 h either on smooth highways or on rougher secondary roads. 9 of the animals in each group were monitored for heart rate and the plasma levels of cortisol, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, befor the journey began, after 4, 8 and 12 h and at slaughter. The pH of the meat was measured 45 min and 24 h postmortem and its colour was assessed 24 h postmortem. The lambs transported on smooth roads had a lower heart rate and lower plasma cortisol concentrations after 8 and 12 h than the lambs transported on rougher roads. 24 h after slaughter the pH of the meat of the lambs transported on smooth roads was lower than that of the lambs transported on rougher roads.