The histology of blood splash in lamb.

Ecchymosis (blood splash), can occur in the carcasses of animals that have been stunned electrically or shot with a captive bolt. While blood splash presents no health hazard, it is likely to detract from the acceptable appearance of the meat. Based on light and electron microscopic studies, ecchymosis has been shown to be due to the localised discharge of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the surrounding muscle tissue.