Carcass condemnation is a costly problem for the poultry industry. Knowing the reason for the condemnation and addressing some predisposing factors might reduce losses. A report by the Government of Canada (1) shows that subcutaneous conditions were responsible for 44.95% and dark-colored carcasses represented 9.22% of total condemnation in turkeys. For broilers, 57.66% of all condemnations were due to subcutaneous conditions and 13.72% were due to liver conditions. However, in Alberta, the second most common cause for condemnation was abdominal oedema. This article will briefly describe two of the most common reasons for carcass condemnation in poultry, what might cause it, and possibilities to reduce it.
Subcutaneous conditions
Subcutaneous conditions are also known as cellulitis, which is a thickened and yellow coloured skin visible only after the feathers are removed (2).
Because cellulitis has been associated with bacterial infection, especially Escherichia coli, the carcass is condemned due to a public health concern about the risk of carcass contamination (3). Cellulitis usually develops with a damage on the skin (like a scratch) that becomes infected (3), therefore anything that can lead to skin damage (e.g. poor feathering) and bacterial proliferation can increase occurrence of cellulitis.
How to reduce it?
Management practices that reduce E. coli in the environment and protect the feather cover of the birds can help reduce cellulitis. Decreasing bird density is one way to decrease occurrences of scratches (3). Low stocking density also helps maintain good litter quality for longer, making it harder for E.coli to spread. Maintaining good biosecurity practices (4), using litter additives and probiotics can also help reduce the occurrence of cellulitis (5).
The recommended stocking density for broilers should not exceed 31 kg/m2. For turkeys 6.6 kg and under, stocking density should be 40 kg/m2 or lower, while for heavier turkeys (over 13.3 kg) stocking density can go up to 55 kg/m2(6).
Litter quality is affected by manure and moisture. Amount of manure can be controlled with the recommended stocking density. Litter moisture should be between 20 and 25% (7). Litter moisture can be assessed by using a Pinless Moisture Meter or by grabbing a handful of litter and squeezing it. If it forms a ball, that means the litter moisture is too high (7). If that is the case, litter quality can be improved by removing wet/caked litter, adding new bedding material and controlling the possible causes (leaky drinker, poor gut health, too much salt in the diet). Litter amendments can also be used to help dry the litter and/or inhibit bacterial growth (7).
Biosecurity measures have been associated with the reduction in E.coli and cellulitis in broilers (4). Research has shown that good hygiene and frequent cleaning/disinfection of the farm entry, as well as usage of farm exclusive clothes and shoes reduced the occurrence of cellulitis (4).
Dark coloured carcass (DCC)
Dark coloured carcass, also known as cyanosis, is a result of poorly oxygenated hemoglobin resulting in a purplish coloration in the skin and mucous membranes (8).
It appears that inadequate performance of the heart and/or limited blood oxygenation is the cause for cyanosis (9). Therefore inadequate ventilation, exposure to cold temperatures and metabolic disorders can lead to dark coloured carcasses.
How to reduce it?
Adequate ventilation to provide the birds with all the oxygen they need is one way to reduce cyanosis. Maintaining proper barn temperature during the colder months and avoiding stress prior to and during transportation to the processing plant can also reduce occurrence of cyanosis (10).
Adequate ventilation helps to maintain proper levels of oxygen and humidity inside the barn, as well as control the temperature. There are several factors that influence the minimum ventilation rates such as outdoor and indoor temperature, stocking density, negative pressure and house tightness. For more information on barn ventilation check out the article Factors to consider for barn ventilation during winter. To assess indoor air quality and measure the CO2 concentration inside the barn, farmers can use a portable CO2 meter.
Ideal barn temperature varies according to bird type and age. See the tables below based on information from the Codes of Practice (6).
Table 1. Optimum broiler chicken barn temperature ranges. Measured at bird level and considering humidity between 50-70%(6).
| Bird Age | Temperature Range |
| 1-7 days | 30-34oC |
| 1-5 weeks | Lower by 2 -3oC each week |
| 6 weeks on | 18-24oC |
Table 2. Optimum turkey barn temperature ranges. Measured at bird level and considering humidity between 50-70%(6).
| Bird Age | Temperature Range |
| 1-7 days | 32-35oC |
| 1-5 weeks | Lower by 2 -3oC each week |
| 6-10 weeks | 15-24oC |
| 11 weeks on | 13-24oC |
| Breeders | 7-24oC |
Reducing stress prior to and during transport to the processing plant can be achieved by using low light intensity during the catching, proper handling of the birds (birds should not be carried by the head, neck, one wing, or tail feathers), adjusting time of transport to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and reducing loading densities (especially during the hot months)(6).
Conclusion
Carcass condemnation during processing is frustrating to poultry producers due to the loss of time and money. It is important to work in partnership with the processing plants to understand the causes of condemnations, address the issues and reduce future losses.
References
1. Poultry Condemnation Report by Species for Federally Inspected Plants: https://aimis-simia.agr.gc.ca/rp/index-eng.cfm?action=pR&r=133&pdctc= Accessed April 26, 2022
2. Government of Canada. Post-mortem examination program, 2020. https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-industry/industry-guidance/food-guidance/post-mortem-examination-program/eng/1578083999811/1578084000263#a54 Accessed July 19, 2022
3. Boulianne, M. 2020. Cellulitis in broiler chickens. Can. Poult. Vol. 4. No. 1. https://canadianpoultry.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Poultry_Focus_Cellulitis.pdf Accessed July 19, 2022
4. Schulze Bernd, K., A. Wilms-Schulze Kump, K. Rohn, F. Reich, and C. Kehrenberg. 2022. Influences of biosecurity on the occurrence of cellulitis in broiler flocks. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 31(1):100230. doi:10.1016/j.japr.2021.100230
5. Schulze Bernd, K., A. Wilms-Schulze Kump, K. Rohn, F. Reich, and C. Kehrenberg. 2020. Management factors influencing the occurrence of cellulitis in broiler chickens. Prev. Vet. Med. 183. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105146
6. Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chicken and Turkeys, 2016. https://www.nfacc.ca/pdfs/codes/poultry_code_EN.pdf Accessed July 26, 2022
7. Litter Quality and Broiler Performance Casey W. Ritz, Brian D. Fairchild, and Michael P. Lacy Extension Poultry Scientists. UGA extension bulletin. https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201267_5.PDF
Accessed July 27, 2022
8. Boulianne, M., and King, A. J. 1998. Meat color and biochemical characteristics of unacceptable dark-colored broiler chicken carcasses. J. Food. Sci. 63:759–762. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621
9. Olkowski, A. A., T. Duke, and C. Wojnarowicz. 2005. The etiology of hypoxaemia in chickens selected for rapid growth. Comp. Biochem. and Physiol. A. Mol. Integr. Physiol. 141:122–131. doi:10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.04.011
10. Mallia, J.G., Vaillancourt, J.P., Martin, S.W., McEwen, S.A.2000 Risk factors for abattoir condemnation of turkey carcasses due to cyanosis in Southern Ontario. Poult. Sci.79, 831–837.https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/79.6.831
