Aberdeen Angus Bulls Research Articles

Unraveling the Complexities of Beef Marination: Effect of Marinating Time, Marination Treatments, and Breed.

The present study focused on evaluating the effects of beef marination on quality traits and consumer acceptability. In this context, m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and m. semimembranosus samples (n = 192) were obtained from Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Charolais, and Limousine bulls and were marinated with milk (pasteurized, 100%), garlic and olive oil (2.35 g/500 mL), and lemon (citrus) juice (31% orange juice, 31% lemon juice, 38% distilled water) for 12, 24, and 72 h. Marinade components were selected based on traditional culinary practices and their scientifically proven effects on meat quality. Beef samples on day 0 and non-marinated samples were used as control groups. Beef color, water holding capacity, pH, cooking loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force were measured three times for each sample. A taste panel assessment was performed to determine the sensory characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using general linear model (GLM) procedures followed by Tukey's post-hoc comparison. Results revealed that marination time, as well as its two- and three-way interactions, significantly influenced beef quality parameters. These results indicate that the cattle breed is an important factor in evaluating the effectiveness of beef marination applications. The olive oil-garlic marinade was the most preferred by the panel across both types of muscle, as indicated by sensory evaluation results. The findings will not only enrich the scientific literature but also have practical implications for the beef industry.

Analysis of Runs of Homozygosity in Aberdeen Angus Cattle.

A large number of cattle breeds have marked phenotypic differences. They are valuable models for studying genome evolution. ROH analysis can facilitate the discovery of genomic regions that may explain phenotypic differences between breeds affecting traits of economic importance. This paper investigates genome-wide ROH of 189 Aberdeen Angus bulls using the Illumina Bovine GGP HD Beadchip150K to structurally and functionally annotate genes located within or in close ROH of the Aberdeen Angus cattle genome. The method of sequential SNP detection was used to determine the ROH. Based on this parameter, two ROH classes were allocated. The total length of all ROH islands was 11,493 Mb. As a result of studying the genomic architecture of the experimental population of Aberdeen Angus bulls, nine ROH islands and 255 SNPs were identified. Thirteen of these overlapped with regions bearing 'selection imprints' previously identified in other breeds of cattle, and five of these regions were identified in other Aberdeen Angus populations. The total length of the ROH islands was 11,493 Mb. The size of individual islands ranged from 0.038 to 1.812 Mb. Structural annotation showed the presence of 87 genes within the identified ROH islets.

Age peculiarities and reference intervals of the elemental composition of blood serum in highly productive Aberdeen-Angus bulls

Age peculiarities and reference intervals of the elemental composition of blood serum in highly productive Aberdeen-Angus bulls

Assessment of the influence of testosterone concentration in blood serum on meat productivity and meat quality of Aberdeen Angus bulls

The studies were carried out on Aberdeen Angus bulls at the age of 18 months. The animals, depending on the level of somatotropin in the blood serum, were divided into three groups using the percentile method: group I – up to the 25th percentile; Group II – within the 25-75 percentile; Group III – above the 75th percentile. Testosterone content was determined in blood serum by enzyme immunoassay using an automatic microplate analyzer Infinite F200 PRO. To study the meat qualities of the bulls, a control slaughter was carried out. It was established that bulls with the maximum concentration of testosterone in the blood serum were superior to individuals with the minimum concentration in pre-slaughter live weight by 3.4% (P≤0.05), in fresh carcass weight by 4.7% (P≤0.05), slaughter weight – by 3.6% (P≤0.01), pulp weight – by 5.4% (P≤0.05), protein accumulation in pulp – by 8.3% (P≤0.05), dry matter content – by 0.24% (P≤0.05), protein concentration – by 0.65% (P≤0.05), protein quality indicator – by 1.3% (P≤0.05) ). At the same time, they were inferior to them in weight and yield of internal fat by 12.1 (P≤0.001) and 0.6% (P≤0.05), respectively, in terms of bone content in the carcass - by 0.63% (P≤0 .05), relative fat content by 0.84% (P≤0.05).

Effect of different levels of serum lead concentrations on weight growth and hematological parameters of aberdeen angus bull calves

The studies were performed on physiologically healthy Aberdeen Angus bulls. Animals based on data on the content of lead in blood serum, by percentile method, were divided into three groups: group I – up to the 25th percentile; group II – within the limits of 25-75 percentiles; group III – above the 75th percentile. The estimated parameters are: the elemental composition of blood, morphological and biochemical compositions of blood, the antioxidant status of blood serum. It was found that in terms of the average daily gains over the two-month period preceding sampling, bulls of groups II and III were inferior to individuals from group I by 3.8 and 11.3% (P≤0.05), respectively. The blood serum of group I bulls contained more Ca, Zn, Se, while minimal Cd concentrations were noted. In bulls with a minimum concentration of lead, an increased content of total protein, uric acid, monocytes, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin in the blood was noted. As the concentration of lead increased from minimum to maximum, the activity of the enzymes of primary antioxidant protection – superoxide dismutase and catalase - decreased, against the background of an increase in the level of malonyldialdehyde.

Effect of the level of somatotropin hormone in blood serum on the meat productivity of Aberdeen angus bulls

The studies were performed on Aberdeen Angus bulls at the age of 18 months. Animals, depending on the level of somatotropin in blood serum, were divided into three groups by the percentile method: group I – up to the 25th percentile; group II – within the limits of 25-75 percentiles; group III – above the 75th percentile. The somatotropin content was determined in blood serum by enzyme-linked immunoassay using an automatic microplate analyzer Infinite F200 PRO. To study the meat qualities of steers, a control slaughter was carried out at the age of 18 months. It was found that animals with the maximum level of somatotropin in the blood serum had a higher pre-slaughter mass, hot carcass weight, chilled carcass, pulp mass and bone mass, with a minimum content of internal fat in the carcasses. The chemical composition of the average sample of meat and the longest back muscle in these animals was characterized by an increased protein content and a minimum fat concentration. The protein-qualitative indicator estimated by the ratio of tryptophan to oxyproline in the longest back muscle increased with an increase in serum somatotropin.

Meat production, feed efficiency and chemical composition traits of meat for Aberdeen Angus steers bulls

Relevance. Assessing the meat production of beef cattle to be transformed by involving an ever-increasing phenotypic data to improve the accuracy of genotype estimation of animals. This can be achieved through the use of live weight changes for individuals and feed consumption during the period of their rearing in feedlots. In this regard, the use of automatic feeding stations that record these parameters for a comprehensive assessment of the genotype of Aberdeen-Angus bulls is an important task of these studies.Methods. Information by 212 individuals was used for Aberdeen Angus bulls that underwent final fattening lasting 60–65 days at GrowSafe feeding stations in the Bryansk region (Russia). Data on the slaughter quality of animals, the efficiency of feed using and the chemical composition of meat were studied. The integral value for dividing bulls into four comparison groups was the residual feed intake trait (RFI).Results. The best combination of feed conversion rates (4.95 kg/kg), average daily gain (1.67 kg /day) and consumed dry matter of the diet (8.25 kg) during the fattening period at the site was shown by bulls with a negative RFI value and an increase above 1495 g relative to other comparison groups. The peers from the second group had a similar tendency, but their consumption of dry matter of feed was the highest (8.96 kg). The animals from the second and fourth comparison groups showed a higher moisture-retaining capacity of meat (60.87% and 60.39%) and the total amount of water-soluble antioxidants (0.147 mg/g and 0.148 mg/g) in it. Significant differences in the chemical composition of meat have not been established.

Correlation between in vitro sperm kinetic, oxidative stress assessments and field fertility of cryopreserved bull semen

This study assessed kinetic parameters and oxidative stress in bull sperm after post-thaw (PT) or after sperm selection by Percoll™ gradient, and thermo resistance test (SS + TRT) to identify useful indicators of field fertility. For the experiment, commercial doses of frozen semen were obtained from six Aberdeen Angus bulls. Three of the bulls were classified as high fertility and three as low fertility according to the IFert™ index provided by the international breeding company CRV Lagoa. Pooled semen samples were distributed between two treatment groups for analysis: post-thaw (PT) or sperm selection (SS) (Percoll™) and thermal resistance test (SS + TRT). The samples were evaluated using sperm kinetics (CASA) (motility %, progressive motility %, VCL µm/s, VSL µm/s, VAP µm/s, LIN %, STR % and WOB%), production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and total antioxidant capacity. Data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA, considering the fertility index, the treatment used in the samples as effects, and the interaction between these factors. When a significant effect was observed, the values were compared using the Bonferroni test. A Pearson Correlation analysis was performed between the fertility indices and the sperm parameters analyzed in vitro, to evaluate the relationship between sperm quality and the fecundity rate obtained by the bulls. Sperm kinetic parameters, including total motility, progressive motile, and beat cross-frequency, were higher in low fertility compared to high fertility bulls (P < 0.05). However, curvilinear velocity was greater in high fertility bulls followed by SS + TRT. Straight-line velocity, average path velocity, linearity, and beat cross-frequency beat were higher in high fertility bulls after SS + TRT. Reactive oxygen species was correlated with fertility after SS. In addition, there was a decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed only in high fertility bulls. However, lipid peroxidation and high fertility were correlated after PT and SS + TRT. The combination of in vitro sperm kinetic parameters predicted in vivo fertility more accurately than individual kinetic parameters. The lipid peroxidation of sperm is an important indicator of fertility in bulls. High fertility bulls appeared to be more susceptible to lipid peroxidation, which was only reduced in high fertility bulls, suggesting that their sperm can repair the damage induced by oxidative stress.

Bovine campylobacteriosis in heifer: pathogenesis study and insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis in an experimental bovine model and field cases.

Campylobacter fetus spp. is a bacterium associated to reproductive losses in cattle worldwide. It is a venereal infectious disease known as bovine campilobacteriosis, with high impact mainly in countries with extensive production systems. Here, we show pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for Campylobacter fetus detection in cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) samples from heifers experimentally infected and field cases from herds with low reproductive performance by campylobacteriosis infection. Bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR were used as diagnostic methods to evaluate detection of C. fetus. In the experimental model 30 Aberdeen Angus and crossbred heifers and 4 Aberdeen Angus bulls for natural mating were assigned to 3 groups experimentally challenged with C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), C. fetus subsps venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively, and a negative control group, all followed for 9 months. Also, field samples of CVM and aborted fetuses were recollected from seven beef cattle farms. Bacteriological culture had the higher C. fetus detection rate in CVM being the most appropriate, followed by qPCR (with commercial extraction DNA kit), direct immunofluorescence test and qPCR (with in-house extraction DNA method), in both, experimental model and field cases. From experimental model after natural mating, 62.5% and 25% heifers got pregnant from Cff and Cfvi groups, respectively, while from Cfv no pregnancy was detected. The strain more frequently detected was Cfvi, followed by Cff and Cfv. Colonization of Cff in female genital tract with high number of carriers and presence in aborted fetuses was evidenced, suggesting a high risk to bovine reproductive health. Bacteriemia was not detected after genital infection. Given the low detection rate of either test, we suggest the use of both, PCR based methods and bacterial culture could result in higher detection rate in farms with endemic campylobacteriosis.

Environmental impacts and animal performance of finishing bulls fed different silage-based total mixed rations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different grass silage (GS) based diets on environmental impacts and animal performance of finishing bulls. Experiment 1 (Exp 1) was conducted using 53 Aberdeen angus (AA) and 52 Simmental (SI) beef bulls and experiment 2 (Exp 2) included 69 Holstein (HO) and 36 Nordic Red (NR) dairy bulls. The three experimental diets included three different proportions of concentrates and two different types of forages. Moderate concentrate diet (MC) included GS, barley grain and mineral-vitamin mixture in proportions of 600:385:15 on dry matter (DM) basis while the respective proportions on low concentrate diet (LC) were 850:135:15. No concentrate diet (NC) included GS, whole crop barley silage and mineral-vitamin mixture (685:300:15). The bulls were fed total mixed rations ad libitum. Environmental impacts of the dietary treatments were estimated using a gate-to-gate life cycle assessment approach with the following key impact categories; global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication, and acidification potential. In Exp 1 the carcass gain, carcass weight and carcass conformation of the SI bulls were 10, 8 and 23% higher, respectively, compared to the AA bulls (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in feed conversion (kg DM/kg carcass gain) between AA and SI. In Exp 2 the NR bulls had 12% better conformed carcasses compared to the HO bulls (P < 0.001) but the carcass gain of the HO bulls tended to be 4% higher (P = 0.06) compared to NR. There was no difference in feed conversion or carcass weight between HO and NR. In both experiments, LC and NC diets impaired growth performance, feed conversion and carcass conformation compared to MC. In Exp 1 the GWP was 19.1 kg CO2 eq/kg of produced beef during the experiment with MC, 20.7 kg with LC and 25.9 kg with NC. Eutrophic emissions were 17.1, 21.3 and 21.8 g PO4 eq/kg of produced beef and acidifying emissions 38.6, 49.9 and 53.7 AE eq/kg of produced beef, respectively for MC, LC, and NC treatments. In Exp 2 the GWP was 20.7, 21.7 and 26.3 CO2 eq/kg of produced beef, eutrophic emissions 16.4, 18.9 and 20,8 PO4 eq/kg of produced beef and acidifying emissions 39.4, 50.6 and 59.2 AE eq/kg of produced beef for MC, LC, and NC treatments, respectively. It can be concluded that impaired feed conversion in LC and NC diets led to the higher environmental impacts compared to MC.

Fattening of bulls of Aberdeen-Angus Kalmyk and Charolais breeds in conditions of environmentally safe feeding and keeping

In a scientific and economic experiment on bulls of the Aberdeen-Angus, Kalmyk and Charolais breeds of pasture fattening in the foothill raw material zone of the Labinsk district of the Krasnodar region, the productivity, interior, quality and safety of meat raw materials were studied in a comparative aspect. At the fattening complex of the agricultural company, six-month-old bulls of Aberdeen-Angus, Kalmyk and Charolais breeds were formed into three groups by age according to the principle of analogues (n=12), which were raised from birth using the technology of specialized beef cattle breeding. The first group - Aberdeen-Angus bulls, the second - Kalmyk bulls and the third - Charolais bulls, which had a live weight at the beginning of fattening 189.5 ± 13.8; 175.5±11.5 and 177.1±7.6 kg, respectively. The results of the slaughter of bulls of three breeds revealed a direct relationship between pre-slaughter live weight and slaughter indicators. The pre-slaughter weight of Charolais bulls and, to a lesser extent, Aberdeen-Angus bulls was significantly higher than the mass of Kalmyk bulls. The difference between the slaughter rates of the three breeds of beef bulls is significant in terms of such indicators as slaughter yield, boneless beef yield with the advantage of carcass morphology of Charolais bulls. The slaughter yield was higher in bulls of the Charolais breed compared to groups 1 and 2 by at least 3.2 % and amounted to 69.5 %. In the study of the chemical composition of muscle tissue, a reliably maximum proportion of protein and a minimum proportion of fat in the longissimus muscle of carcasses of Charolais bulls were determined, which amounted to 21.7 and 7.6 %, respectively. A direct positive relationship was determined between meat productivity and the mass fraction of protein in the muscles of bulls of three breeds with such interior indicators as the mass fraction of total protein, protein index. The results of the research allowed to conclude that the biological status of animals has a significant impact on meat productivity, technological properties and the biological value of meat raw materials necessary for the production of baby and functional nutrition.

GROWTH FEATURES OF ABERDEEN ANGUS BREED IN DIFFERENT HOUSING TECHNOLOGIES

The article presents results of the studies of dynamics of live weight, average daily gains and relative growth rate of Aberdeen Angus bulls under different housing technologies. The purpose of the research is to establish the degree of growth parameters for cattle of Aberdeen-Angus breed in economic and technological conditions of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Bulls of Aberdeen-Angus breed were the object of the research. Group I - year-round keeping in a fenced area, group II - stall-pasture with transfer of animals in the summer to high-mountain pastures (the length of the pasture period is 152 days). Total duration of production cycles was 18 months. The suckling period was 7 months, rearing - 9 months and intensive final fattening - 2 months. It was established that (due to differences in housing technologies), differences between individuals of different groups at the age of one year reached 18.1 kg (P&gt; 0.95) in favor of animals located on high mountain pastures with high nutritional value of the grass stand. The superiority of this group of bulls over the peers of year-round keeping in a fenced area at the age of 16 months was 21.5 kg (P&gt; 0.95), at the end of the fattening period -25.1 kg (P&gt; 0.95). Over the entire period of research, as expected, the maximum average daily gain of live weight was common for Aberdeen Angus animals of remote pasture keeping - 965 g versus 919 g - ofanimals of year-round keeping in a fenced area (by 46 g, Р&gt; 0.95) , in terms of growth energy – by 0.9% (Р&gt;0.95). A comparative assessment of housing technologies for bulls of Aberdeen-Angus breed in economic and technological conditions of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic showed higher growth parameters in the conditions of distant-mountain keeping compared to year-round keeping in a fenced area.

FERMENTATION PROCESS OF BEEF EFFECTED BY ITS PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TRAITS

The processes of natural fermentation of raw meats, as well as intensive technologies based on them, make it possible to provide rheological characteristics of finished products acceptable to consumers, especially the products made from beef. Biochemical changes in raw materials caused by the action of enzymes make it possible to provide acceptable functional and technological properties, intensify the production process, improve the storage capacity of products, raise the nutritional value of finished products and the degree of digestibility of meat products by humans. Relevance of the topic. Introduction of advanced technologies in the domestic meat processing industry. The subject is oxidative properties of fermented beef. The purpose of the work is a scientific substantiation of the most rational ways of fermenting meat raw materials, establishing requirements for raw materials for the production of fermented meat. Research methods. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed based on the calculation of arithmetic mean values and the mean square error. The results of the study. A dry fermentation method was chosen for 18 days at a temperature of (2±2)°C, humidity – (75- 80)%. It was determined that the pH value on the first day of storage (fermentation) in two experimental samples of the long back muscle isolated from the carcasses of Aberdeen Angus bulls has an overestimated value (more than 6.2 units), which characterizes their possible involvement in the DFD meat group; according to the sensorial evaluation, the meat of these samples has certain differences: a darker color and a tougher texture than in other experimental samples. It has been established that in terms of structural and mechanical parameters, meat from different breeds of experimental animals also has differences: elasticity ranges from 18.2 kN/m2 to 28.3 kN/m2, penetration forces - from 152.3 kN/m2 to 465.3 kN/m2, which is associated with different pH levels. It has been established that during storage, the rheological properties of beef improve: the penetration force decreases, the elasticity increases. A positive effect of fermentation for 18 days at a temperature of (2 ± 2)°C on the consumer characteristics of meat was also found.

Defeitos na peça intermediária e baixa congelabilidade do espermatozoide bovino: Relato de caso

It is a case reports of a purebreed Aberdeen Angus bull, of imported origin, 36 months old which presented semen with good initial motility (average of 68%) and when submitted to freezing, had reduced motility to very low levels (average of 15%). In the morphological study in phase contrast microscopy and stained by the Cerowsky method, small cracks were found along the mitochondrial sheath and fractures in the midpiece of sperm. In the exhaustion test, there were not changes in sperm motility and morphology, suggesting a probable testicular origin for these defects.

Effect of genetic merit for backfat thickness and paternal breed on performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of feedlot-finished steers

• Backfat thickness trait can be selected through genetic merit in Nellore and crossbred steers (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore). • Animal performance is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. • The expression of ACACA, ADIPOQ, FASN, PLIN 1, PPARG and SREBF1 genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. This study evaluated selection for backfat thickness based on genetic merit (GMB) in Nellore (N) and crossbred (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore, AN) steers, as well as the effects of this selection on animal performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The animals were obtained by mating Nellore cows with Nellore or Aberdeen Angus bulls. Both paternal genetic groups were selected to have positive (+, high GMB) or negative (-, low GMB) expected progeny differences for backfat thickness. Seventy-six animals (14 N+, 20 N-, 20 AN+, and 22 AN-) were reared on pasture and finished in the feedlot. The animals were slaughtered, and SAT samples were collected to investigate the relative expression of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha ( ACACA ), adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing ( ADIPOQ ), fatty acid synthase ( FASN ), perilipin 1 ( PLIN1 ), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma ( PPARG ), and sterol regulatory element binding protein ( SREBF1 ) genes. Carcass weight and yield, conformation, finishing score, fat distribution score, and measurements of backfat thickness and rib eye area were evaluated. There was no effect of GMB on performance or on the relative expression of the genes studied. High GMB steers had greater backfat thickness and higher finishing, conformation and fat distribution scores in the carcass than low GMB animals. The use of high GMB animals provides better carcass finishing without affecting performance. The greater fat deposition in carcasses of high GMB animals is not associated with the relative expression of the genes studied.

Fattening performance, carcass traits, and profitability of Aberdeen Angus and Holstein Friesian bulls in Turkey

The aim of this study was to compare Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls in Turkey based on fattening performance, carcass properties, and production costs. In the trial, 105 AA and 105 HF 10- to 12-month-old bulls with a mean initial bodyweight (IBW) of 302 kg were used. The bulls were distributed into 14 paddocks in groups of 15 based on their IBW at an open-shed facility in İzmir. The bulls were fed different rations for the grower and finisher periods for 90 days each, but otherwise were kept under similar conditions. At the end of the finishing period, the animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics, organ weights, quality of meat, and meat production costs were evaluated. In terms of fattening performance, the AA bulls were superior to the HF bulls. The ultimate pH of the Longissimus dorsi in the AA bulls was lower than in the HF bulls and the sensory characteristics of the AA bulls were higher. Production costs were higher for the AA bulls, but so too were income over feed costs (IOFC), making the AA bulls more profitable. Thus, it might be concluded that beef breed bulls that mature quickly, such as AA, are more advantageous for meat production in Turkey than HF bulls, which are a by-product of the dairy industry.

Caracterização morfológica e morfométrica do óstio prepucial, do folheto prepucial interno e da parte livre do pênis de touros Aberdeen Angus e Nelore

ABSTRACT The morphological characteristics of the external genitalia of the bull may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of preputial diseases that trigger the impotence coeundi and losses in farms. The goal of this study was to establish morphometric parameters of the preputial ostium, the internal preputial leaflet (IPL), the free part and glans of the penis; describe the histological characteristics of the IPL; perform a count of the preputial sebaceous glands and compare these variables between 24-month-old Aberdeen Angus and Nellore bulls. At the slaughterhouse, 20 preputial pieces were collected from each breed. A device composed of base, rod, ring, and funnel was designed to hold each suspended and distended part. The IPL, the free part of the penis and the glans were measured. The ostium diameter was measured, and the radius, perimeter, and area of the preputial ostium were calculated. Samples were collected from the dorsal and ventral regions and from the cranial, medial, and caudal portions of the IPL. By electronic and optical microscopy, IPL characterization and sebaceous gland counts were performed. Analysis of variance was performed using the F test at 5%. It was concluded that Nellore bulls have a more extensive IPL and free part of the penis and more preputial sebaceous glands than Aberdeen Angus bulls. In both breeds, there are more glands in the ventral region of the ostium.

Meat Productivity of Aberdeen Angus Bulls of Different Size for Beef Production

Meat Productivity of Aberdeen Angus Bulls of Different Size for Beef Production

Comparison of seminal characteristics of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls before and after cryopreservation

The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters indicative of sperm quality of fresh and post-thawed semen of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls. Thirty-nine bulls were used: Aberdeen Angus (n=13), Holstein (n=13) and Nelore (n=13). The ejaculate collects were performed twice a week using artificial vagina, totaling 792 semen collections, 307 for Aberdeen Angus, 225 for Holstein and 260 for Nelore bulls. After collection, fresh semen was evaluated and semen freezing was performed. After freezing, the batches were thawed and progressive motility was determined. The analysis of fresh semen showed that there was no difference (P = 0.053) between the Aberdeen Angus and Nelore breeds, while ejaculates from Holstein bulls showed a statistical difference (P = 0.024). As well, a difference (P&lt;0.001) was identified in the sperm concentration of the three breeds. In the samples evaluated after thawing, a statistical difference was observed between Holstein and Nelore breeds (P&lt;0.001), while the values of the Angus breed were similar to the other two breeds. The difference in motility of fresh and post-thawing semen showed that Nelore and Angus bulls showed greater variation in values between the analyzes (26.0±8.9% and 25.3±8.4%, respectively) showing a significant difference (P&lt;0.001) in relation to Holstein bulls (20.6±9.3%) that obtained the smallest difference. The analysis of fresh and post-thawing semen did not show any significant difference (P=0.13) between breeds. In conclusion, the semen cryopreservation process causes a decrease in the physical parameters of the semen and these quality losses suffer interference according to the breeds.

Enhancing muscle fatty acid profile by pasture finishing within a dairy-origin calf-to-steer beef production system and its potential to authenticate the dietary history of the cattle

The influence of modifying a traditional 24-mo dairy steer calf to beef production system on the fatty acid composition of the longissimus muscle and its potential to authenticate beef provenance was examined. Fifty-four male calves (n = 18 per sire breed), progeny of Holstein-Friesian cows mated with Holstein-Friesian (HF), Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Belgian Blue (BB) bulls were at pasture from March until August of their second year when they were assigned to a 3 (breed types) × 3 (finishing strategies) factorial experiment. The three finishing strategies were (i) pasture only for a further 94 d prior to slaughter (21 mo of age) (Grass), (ii) concentrates ad libitum indoors for 94 d prior to slaughter (21 mo of age) (EC) and (iii) pasture only for a further 94 d followed by concentrates ad libitum indoors for 98 d prior to slaughter (24 mo of age) (LC). Compared to EC, muscle from Grass had a lower intramuscular fat concentration and omega-6: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio and higher proportion of conjugated linoleic acid. A longer period at pasture pre-concentrate finishing increased the concentration of omega-3 PUFA which was still lower than in Grass. To maximise the omega-3 PUFA concentration, a late-maturing breed is more appropriate while to maximise conjugated linoleic acid, an early-maturing breed is more appropriate and both should be finished on grass. Chemometric analysis confirmed that the fatty acid profile can authenticate “Grass-Finished” beef per se and has potential to distinguish “Concentrate-Finished” beef based on the length of grazing prior to finishing, but not distinguish between sire breeds.