Temporary Change to DoA’s Abattoir Drop off Hours

Temporary Change to DoA’s Abattoir Drop off Hours

Vanessa Bodden2,362 views

📢 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Revised Abattoir Receiving Hours

Dear livestock farmers,

Please be advised that the Department of Agriculture is implementing an immediate and temporary change to the receiving schedule for the Abattoir. To protect animal welfare and ensure the highest product standards during the extreme summer temperatures, receiving hours have been shifted to the cooler morning period.

New Receiving Schedule

Livestock Type Day (no change) Previous Hours New Summer Hours
Ruminants (Cattle, Goats, Sheep) Monday (or first day following holiday on Monday) 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Swine Tuesday (or day following ruminant slaughter) 5am-11am 5am-11am (no change)

Effective immediately until September 30th, 2026

Why the Change? Understanding Heat Stress

High ambient temperatures and humidity pose a significant risk to livestock during transport and offloading. Minimizing heat stress is not only a matter of animal welfare but also a critical factor in meat quality.

The Impact on Meat Quality:

  • DFD Meat (Dark, Firm, Dry): Stress and heat exhaustion deplete glycogen levels in the muscle before slaughter. This results in meat that is darker in color, has a shorter shelf life, and a tough texture.
  • pH Imbalance: Heat stress prevents the necessary post-mortem drop in pH levels, which is essential for tender, high-quality cuts.
  • Increased Shrinkage: Dehydration during transport in peak sun leads to higher weight loss (shrink) and reduced yield.

Farmer Recommendations

  1. Transport Early: Aim to arrive as close to 5:00 AM as possible to avoid the rising sun.
  2. Transport Directly to the Abattoir: There should be no intermediate stops, this delays transport and further stresses the animal.
  3. Provide Ventilation: Ensure trailers are well-ventilated and not overcrowded.
  4. Hydration: Ensure animals have access to fresh water right up until they are loaded for transport.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the highest standards for our local meat industry.

Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture

For more information, please contact the DoA Office at 947-3090.