Enzyme systems for effective dag removal from cattle hides
Laura Navone A B and Robert E. Speight AA Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: laura.navone@qut.edu.au
Animal Production Science 59(7) 1387-1398 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN18194
Submitted: 13 March 2018 Accepted: 31 August 2018 Published: 16 October 2018
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2019 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
The effective removal of recalcitrant manure balls (dags) composed of dung, hair, soil, urine, sugars and straw from the hides of cattle remains a significant issue for the livestock industry. Dags must be removed to reduce the likelihood of microbial meat contamination and irreversible damage during leather processing. Current removal methods require extensive washing over many hours per animal resulting in high water use, costs and stress to the animal. Enzymes can be highly effective catalysts for the breakdown of biomass but previous research into the enzymatic removal of dags has had limited success. This work investigates the latest commercial enzyme preparations and classes of enzymes never previously tested for dag removal in new formulations. Cellulase, xylanase, laccase and α-amylase enzymes were applied to target the lignocellulosic and starch components of the dags. Protease enzymes that targeted the interaction between the dag and the hair, were also investigated as a novel approach for dag removal from cattle. Our results show that the application of a protease with keratinolytic activity is crucial for dag removal, weakening the framework of hairs at the point of attachment between the hair and the dag, as well as potentially degrading adhesive protein that may hold the structure together. The addition of a reducing agent and surfactant to the treatment facilitated optimal decomposition of the dag structure. Implementation of these enzymatic dag removal systems could significantly reduce the time, water use, animal stress and costs of cleaning cattle in the red meat industry.
Additional keywords: keratinase, livestock cleaning.
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