Poor feeding or handling will mean that no glycogen is available, so lactic acid cannot be produced to lower the pH.
[2] Stress ante mortem causes a depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles.
Thus the glucose normally used post mortem to produce ATP anaerobically and in turn resulting in lactic acid production before the development of rigor mortis, is unavailable.
[3] To prevent and address darkcutting, it is suggested to keep the animals calm and well fed before culling.
If the livestock do not consume enough nutrition, or deplete it while stressed by poor handling, the levels of glycogen will be reduced.