The term oxidative stress is used to describe the condition of oxidative damage as a result of an unfavourable critical balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defences .
Oxidative stress may occur due to succession of stimuli that disrupt the homeostatic condition of an animal before
slaughter .
These external stimuli result from stress imposed on animals during transportation.
The effects of rough handling during traditional slaughter, loading or unloading, poor road conditions,
over-speeding and vibration of the vehicle,
distance covered from farm to the abattoir, overcrowding in the vehicle, deprivation of food and water,
mixing of animals with unfamiliar ones, aggressive behaviour and stunning are common sources of oxidative stressors Other sources include environmental stressors, such as poor or high air velocity,
harsh ambient temperature, relative humidity, lightning, and sound