Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the bacteriological contamination in indigenous cattle in slaughterhouse, Khartoum State, during April 2008 - June 2008. A total of 384 swab samples were collected from 32 carcasses for identification of the isolates and bacterial total viable counts (TVCs). The mean total viable count of bacteria after skinning, evisceration and washing operations at shoulder site were, 3.03 ± 0.15, 2.73 ± 0.02 and 2.79 ± 0.10 log₁₀ CFU/cm², in the neck site were 3.65 ± 0.02, 3.42 ± 0.02 and 3.72 ± 0.02 log₁₀ CFU/cm² and in brisket site were 3.1 ± 0.14, 3.71 ± 0.04 and 3.65 ± 0.02, respectively with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In addition, in the rump site, the TVCs in these operations were 3.24 ± 0.02, 2.88 ± 0.02, and 3.18 ± 0.03 log₁₀ CFU/cm² in three points of operation with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in TVCs between knives and worker hands during the three operations. Twelve species of bacteria were isolated and the highest average prevalence wasStaphylococcus arueus 10.54%, Klebsella spp. 10.12% and Escherichia coli 8.86%. 

Key words: Bovine carcass, bacterial contamination, slaughterhouse.