Breeding Bulls Research Articles

The associations between proteomic biomarkers and beef tenderness depend on the end-point cooking temperature, the country origin of the panelists and breed

Steaks of 74 animals from 3 young bull breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Blond d'Aquitaine) were cooked at two end-point cooking temperatures (55 and 74 °C) and evaluated for tenderness by trained panelists from France (FR) and the United Kingdom (UK). Using principal component regressions, the tenderness scores of each breed, country origin of the panelists and cooking temperature were linked with the abundances of 21 protein biomarkers belonging to five biological pathways. Twelve regression equations were built and explained 68 to 95% of tenderness variability. A high dissimilarity in the retained biomarkers was observed among the equations and differences exist among breeds, cooking temperatures and country origin of the panelists. Among the 21 biomarkers, 6 proteins including structural (MyHC-I, MyHC-IIa, MyHC-IIx), oxidative stress (DJ-1, PRDX6) and proteolysis (CAPN1) were retained robustly in positive or negative directions in the tenderization process of Longissimus thoracis, regardless the breed, the end-point cooking temperature or the country origin of the panelist.

Breeding bulls as a potential source of bovine leukemia virus transmission in beef herds.

To determine the prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in beef bulls; evaluate the presence of BLV provirus DNA in blood, smegma, and semen samples; and analyze whether blood BLV proviral load was associated with differential blood cell counts. Observational cross-sectional study. 121 beef bulls ≥ 2 years old from 39 Michigan herds. Blood, smegma, and semen samples were collected from each bull during a routine breeding soundness examination. An ELISA was used to detect serum anti-BLV antibodies. A coordination of common motifs-quantitative PCR assay was used to detect BLV provirus DNA in blood, smegma, and semen samples. Bulls with positive results on both the BLV serum ELISA and coordination of common motifs-quantitative PCR assay were considered infected with BLV. 19 of 39 (48.7%) herds and 54 of 121 (44.6%) bulls were infected with BLV. Provirus DNA was detected in the blood of all 54 and in smegma of 4 BLV-infected bulls but was not detected in any semen sample. Lymphocyte count was significantly greater in BLV-infected bulls than in uninfected bulls. The proportion of BLV-infected bulls with lymphocytosis (16/54 [29.6%]) was greater than the proportion of uninfected bulls with lymphocytosis (6/67 [9%]). Lymphocyte count was positively associated with BLV proviral load in BLV-infected bulls. Results indicated that almost half of beef bulls and herds were infected with BLV, and BLV provirus DNA was detected in the smegma of some BLV-infected bulls. Bulls may have an important role in BLV transmission in beef herds.

Comparison of Finnish meat inspection records and average daily gain for cattle herds differing in Mycoplasma bovis test-status

Detecting Mycoplasma bovis on cattle farms represents a challenge in the absence of an outbreak or cases of M. bovis mastitis, yet identification of an infection is essential to control the spread of the disease successfully. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether meat inspection records can aid identification of cattle farms supporting M. bovis infection, and (2) to compare the average daily weight gain estimated from carcass weight for cattle originating from farms differing in M. bovis test-status. Meat inspection records were collected from two abattoirs in 2015; 80 677 animals in total. All the dairy and mixed breed cows and bulls used for meat production were categorized according to known M. bovis infection status of the farms from which the cattle were derived; positive, contact or control farms. The associations between animals from different M. bovis categories and lung lesions of bulls and cows (pneumonia and pleuritis), identified during meat inspection, and estimated average daily gain (ADG) of bulls, were investigated.The odds ratios for lung lesions, especially pleuritis, were higher in M. bovis test-positive or contact farms compared with control farms. Additionally, odds ratios for pleuritis were higher among animals from M. bovis test-positive farms and animals from contact slaughtering farms originating from M. bovis-free rearing farms. Bulls originating from M. bovis test-positive farms had higher estimated average daily gain than cattle from control farms. Meat inspection records can be used alongside other methods to detect M. bovis-positive farms where M. bovis causes lung lesions.

Effects of different variants of the FASN gene on production performance and milk fatty acid composition in Holstein × Simmental dairy cows

Crossbreeding of Holstein cattle with bulls of other breeds has garnered increasing interest with respect to efforts to improve performance traits and to decrease problems with fertility and health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of the fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene on milk production traits and fatty acid composition of Simmental and first-generation Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. A total of 105 cows (72 Simmental and 33 crossbred Holstein) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method and their fatty acid profiles were analysed. The crossbred Holstein cows with diplotype TW/AR had significantly higher fat content and yield compared to the purebred Simmental cows of the same diplotype. The Holstein × Simmental cows with the diplotype AR/AR were also characterised by significantly lower content of C16:0 and saturated fatty acids, but higher C18:1n9, monounsaturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid content compared to the same diplotype of the Simmental cattle. These results indicate that with accurate breeding plans, crossbreeding Holstein cows with Simmental bulls could be directed towards a more desirable fatty acid composition of milk and dairy products.

Integrating the RFID identification system for Charolaise breeding bulls with 3D imaging for virtual archive creation.

The individual electronic identification (EID) of cattle based on RFID technology (134.2 kHz ISO standard 11784) will definitely enter into force in European countries as an official means of animal identification from July 2019. Integrating EID with 3D digital images of the animal would lead to the creation of a virtual archive of breeding animals for the evaluation and promotion of morphology associated with economic traits, strategic in beef cattle production. The genetically-encoded morphology of bulls and cows together with the expression in the phenotype were the main drivers of omic technologies of beef cattle production. The evaluation of bulls raised for reproduction is mainly based on the conformation and heritability of traits, which culminates in muscle mass and optimized carcass traits in the offspring destined to be slaughtered. A bottom-up approach by way of SWOT analysis of the current morphological and functional evaluation process for bulls revealed a technological gap. The innovation of the process through the use of smart technologies was tested in the field. The conventional 2D scoring system based on visual inspection by breed experts was carried out on a 3D model of the live animal, which was found to be a faithful reproduction of live animal morphology, thanks to the non significant variance (p > 0.05) of means of the somatic measures determined on the virtual 3D model and on the real bull. The four main groups composing the scoring system of bull morphology can easily be carried out on the 3D model. These are as follows: (1) Muscular condition; (2) Skeletal development; (3) Functional traits; (4) Breed traits. The 3D-Bull model derived from the Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm displays a high tech profile for the evaluation of animal morphology in an upgraded system.

Effect of testicular consistency on semen quality of Murrah buffalo breeding bulls

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of testicular consistency on semen quality of Murrah buffalo breeding bulls. For this study, 64 mature Murrah buffalo breeding bulls, which were in regular semen collection, were selected. Four ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for semen quality attributes viz. ejaculate volume (EV, ml), mass motility (MM, 0-5), sperm concentration (SPC, million/ml), sperm motility (SM, %), viability (%) and sperm abnormality (SA, %). Testicular consistency was measured by palpation of the testis and categorised them as soft, moderate and firm state; the bulls were also grouped on the basis of testicular consistency as soft, moderate and firm group. The results revealed that EV, MM, SPC, SM, sperm viability and SA did not show any significant difference among the groups , however better quality semen was obtained in soft testicular group than firm and moderate groups. From this study it can be concluded that the bulls having soft testicular consistency produced better quality semen, therefore testicular consistency can also be included in routine breeding soundness evaluation of buffalo bulls.

Scrotal circumference, bodyweight and semen characteristics in growing dairy-breed natural-service bulls in Tasmania, Australia

ABSTRACTAims: To provide herd managers with a set of decision rules allowing them to predict the likelihood that a juvenile bull is ready for Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE), or breeding, if bodyweight and scrotal circumference are known.Methods: This was a longitudinal study following two groups of young pasture-fed Holstein and Jersey bulls from northwest Tasmania, Australia. Individual scrotal circumference, bodyweight and semen characteristics were recorded at 6–8 weekly intervals, from 6–18 months of age. Classification and regression tree analyses were used to predict the probability that a bull had ≥70% normal sperm morphology based on scrotal circumference and bodyweight measurements.Results: Overall 1,661 scrotal circumference and bodyweight measurements were obtained, and 518 semen samples from 356 bulls were assessed for sperm morphology, from 16 examination sessions that took place between 29 May 2015 and 17 August 2016. Classification and regression tree analyses generated a decision tree for Holstein bulls with four node endpoints, and for Jersey bulls with three node endpoints. Diagnostic test performance showed that for Holstein bulls, using the node endpoints of scrotal circumference ≥27 cm and bodyweight ≥349 kg, 98% had ≥70% normal sperm (positive likelihood ratio 10.4; 95% CI = 2.7–41), and using the node endpoints of scrotal circumference ≥27 cm and bodyweight between 282–349 kg, 89% had ≥70% normal sperm (positive likelihood ratio 1.6; 95% CI = 0.9–2.6). For Jersey bulls, using the node endpoints of bodyweight ≥259 kg and scrotal circumference ≥29 cm, 88% had ≥70% normal sperm (positive likelihood ratio 3.4; 95% CI = 1.6–7.0).Conclusions: This study provides a set of relatively simple decision rules based on bodyweight and scrotal circumference measurements that allows herd managers to assess the likelihood that juvenile bulls are ready for BBSE or breeding.Abbreviations: BBSE: Bull breeding soundness evaluation; BRT: Boosted regression tree

Canines seized by the Swedish Police Authority in 2015–2016

The inspection protocols of the Swedish police, based on the Act (2007:1150) on Supervision of Dogs and Cats, were used to examine the characteristics of 101 seized dogs, their owners, and the circumstances in which the attacks occurred. Most common reasons to seize a dog was that the dog owner was not following a previous order or ban, or that the dog had attacked and caused damage to humans or animals. The most common circumstances of the attacks involved dogs that escaped from gardens, unleashed dogs on walks and attacks by dogs on a leash. Bull breeds caused the highest number of injuries, the most serious injuries, and they were most often categorized as high risk, followed by Rottweilers and German Shepherds. Affenpinscher, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Japanese Spitz, Pug, Shih Tzu, Shetland Sheepdog and Golden Retriever were identified as victim breeds. The seized dogs had caused substantial harm to humans, animals, and their environment. The largest proportion of dogs returned to owners occurred in the Stockholm region.

Factors affecting the semen quality of breeding bulls

This study aimed to investigate the effects of breed, age, scrotal circumference, Body Condition Score (BCS), season and nutrition on bull semen quality at breeding bull station of Ejab Alliance Limited, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. A total of 777 ejaculates were collected from 25 bulls (Holstein-Friesian-10; Sahiwal-15). All semen parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Sahiwal bulls than in Holstein-Friesian. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bulls aged >3.5 - 4.5 years than in younger (2.5 - 3.5 years) and older bulls (>4.5 years). Scrotal circumference significantly (P<0.05) affected all the parameters of semen quality. The highest values were observed in bulls with scrotal circumference 31.1 - 33.0 cm and the lowest in bulls with scrotal circumference of 33.1 cm and less. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with BCS of 4 to 4.5 than in bulls with BCS of >4.5 to 5. Significantly (P<0.05) highest values regarding semen quality were in winter and the lowest in summer. Vitamin ADE supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the semen quality. It is suggested that Sahiwal breeds may be reared at the bull station in the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. Semen should be collected during winter in bulls of >3.5 to 4.5 years of age with moderate scrotal circumference and BCS.
 The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&2): 32-39

Semen quality and diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls: breed and strain effects

At present great attention is paid to studying genetic regulation of farm animal adaptations to environmental conditions. This problem is very important due to a wide expansion of highly productive cattle breeds created in Europe and North America. However, until the present no investigation of changing semen quality in bulls of imported breeds during their adaptations to environmental conditions of Western Siberia has been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate semen quality peculiarities and the diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls of imported and local breeds kept in the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia. We determined sperm concentration, sperm count, and rate of sperm with progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. The rate of sperm abnormalities according to Blome’s classifcation was determined too. It was found that the mean values of sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the bulls investigated were similar to those in bulls kept in European countries. Inter­breed differences in these parameters were not found. However, bulls of the Red Danish, Angler, and Simmental breeds had a higher percentage of misshapen sperm head and pyriform sperm head than bulls of the Black­White breed. An inter­strain difference in sperm motility in bulls of the Black­White breed was observed. It was found that bulls of Reflection Sovereign 198998 strain had lover sperm motility than bulls of Wis Burke Ideal 1013415 strain. No inter­strain differences in sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa and rate of main sperm abnormalities were found. Thus, it has been found that the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia do not seriously affect the sperm production, sperm motility or percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in bulls. However, the increased rate of misshapen and pyriform sperm heads in the bulls of the foreign breeds points to a need to study sperm DNA fragmentation.

Health, behaviour and growth performance of Charolais and Limousin bulls fattened on different types of flooring

Intensive fattening of late-maturing breeds on concrete or rubberized slatted floors is the prevalent beef production system in mainland Europe. The rationale behind this study is that specific beef breeds with different slaughter weights might have a diverse response to different flooring systems. The study aimed at assessing whether growth performance, health, behaviour and claw condition of two beef breeds, Charolais (CH) and Limousine (LIM), would be affected by their housing on concrete (CS) or rubber-covered (RCS) fully slatted floor. A total of 228 CH (116 on CS; 112 on RCS) and 115 LIM (57 on CS; 58 on RCS) were housed in four and two commercial farms, respectively, in groups of 9.0 ± 2.1 animals/pen with an average space allowance of 3.1 ± 0.2 m2. Draining gaps of CS and RCS pens were 16.9 ± 1.7% and 11.6 ± 1.2% of the total surface, respectively. Bulls of both breeds had similar initial body weight (429.4 ± 31.5 kg for CH; 369.6 ± 31.7 kg for LIM), and they were slaughtered when they reached suitable finishing. Charolais had a higher final body weight (BW) than LIM (750.8 ± 8.6 v. 613.7 ± 10.9 kg; P < 0.01), and bulls of both breeds on RCS had higher average daily gain than on CS (1.47 ± 0.02 v. 1.39 ± 0.02 kg/day; P < 0.05). The percentage of bulls early culled or treated for locomotor disorders were reduced by RCS only for LIM, while RCS tended to prevent the occurrence of bursitis for both breeds. During two 8-h behavioural observations, bulls on RCS performed more head butt/displacements and chases than on CS, and they reduced the frequency of abnormal lying down events. The use of RCS increased mounts’ frequency only in LIM, while its reduced drainage capacity impaired only the cleanliness of CH. Postmortem hoof inspection showed longer claw dorsal wall and diagonal lengths, and sharper toe angles for CH on RCS than LIM on both floors. Results of this study point out that fully slatted floors, regardless of being rubberized or not, are not suitable for bulls finished at a final BW above 700 kg due to their detrimental effects on health and welfare. The use of RCS could be recommended as an alternative to CS only if bulls are slaughtered at a lower final BW (around 600 kg), like in the case of LIM breed.

Sincronização do cio e fertilidade de vacas de corte tratadas com acetato de melengestrol e cipionato de estradiol

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate estrous synchronization responses and pregnancy rates of beef cows treated with melengestrol acetate (MGA) and estradiol cypionate (ECP). Forty lactating Caracu cows (a locally adapted Bos taurus taurus breed) grazing on Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania and supplemented with corn silage received the equivalent of 0.5 mg/animal/day of MGA for 14 days. On day 5, the animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n=21) received an im injection of 2.0 mg ECP and group 2 (n=19) received 2 ml saline. Animals of group 1 that exhibited estrus within 120 hours after withdrawal of MGA were inseminated (AI), while animals of group 2 were treated with cloprostenol 17 days after MGA removal and were inseminated during induced estrus. In both groups, cows without estrus detection during the day stayed with a bull at night for possible mating. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound examination 40 days after AI. Chi-square analyses were used to detect differences between groups. Eight (38.1%) animals of group 1 and 7 (36.8%) of group 2 showed estrus after withdrawal of MGA (P>0.05). The conception rates in groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 37.5% and 50.0% for inseminated cows and 58.3% and 64.3% for inseminated cows mated by the bull at night (P>0.05). These results suggest that it is possible to use the first estrus of females treated with ECP on day 5 of a 14-day MGA treatment. Furthermore, considering the large number of cows mated by the bull at night, it is recommended to use estrus detection tools as an aid for the identification of such animals or to combine AI and bulls for breeding.

Продуктивные качества бычков разных пород в зависимости от технологии содержания

Продуктивные качества бычков разных пород в зависимости от технологии содержания

Генетический потенциал быков-производителей отечественных пород молочного скота Вологодской области

Генетический потенциал быков-производителей отечественных пород молочного скота Вологодской области

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПОРОДНЫХ КОМПОНЕНТ АЙРШИРСКОГО СТАДА ПАО «ПЗ ИМ. В.И. ЧАПАЕВА» КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ

The Finnish population of the modern Ayrshire breed is known to have been formed as a result of a complex reproductive crossing of the Ayrshire breed with a number of northern breeds. The Russian Ayrshire population is a reflection of global trends in working with livestock in different countries, namely Scandinavia, Finland and Canada. The purpose of the research is to assess the ratio of the breed component in the Ayrshire herd of Public Company BP of V.I. Chapaeva for the last 10 years and the dynamics between the closest generations (the dairy herd and the replacement population). With the help of electronic databases of bulls and mothers of Ayrshire breed bulls of the Selection Breeding Center (RRIFAGB) 13820 pedigree records were studied, including 2324 heifers, 2741 cows of dairy herd, 8755 archival records of the breeding stock. It has been established that fathers of mothers and fathers of mothers of mothers in the herd pedigree are most often represented by bulls with simple blood characteristics: usually Finnish, less often Finnish-Swedish, even less often Canadian selection. The sum of the component pedigree, approved by the FABA, a herd of PC BP of V.I. Chapaeva on average since 2013 meets the requirements of section A (Main book). During this period, the share of Finnish Ayrshire is growing and the share of Canadian Ayrshire is decreasing, with constant weight of red Swedish and Norwegian red breed components. Other components of the breed are partially found. Consequently, in the south of Russia, a herd of Ayrshire breed with Finnish-Canadian genetics is used, selection is conducted against the background of climatic and feeding conditions that are not typical for breeding history.

Libido Problem is Untraceable Through Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone Rhythm in Zebu Breeding Bulls

Libido Problem is Untraceable Through Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone Rhythm in Zebu Breeding Bulls

English

English

Analysis of the Determinants Affects on Hanwoo’s Carcass-mediated Conductance &amp; Intramuscular Fatness

The purpose of this study is to identify various factors affecting the competitiveness of Hanwoo farmers and to suggest implications. Systematic quantitative analysis was adopted using the data of breeding, farm characteristics, and direct & indirect specification data of the farmers participating in Breeding bull assurance project. The duration of the project was confirmed in both bulls and cows, which had a significant effect on the increase in carcass-mediated conductance (dressed weight) and the improvement of intramuscular fatness (marbling score). Therefore, it is necessary to construct a system that can provide beneficial information and systematic management service to non - participating Hanwoo farmers in order to improve the carcass performance. The educational level and the size of the farming households showed the greatest influence on the growth of the carcass, which is the quantitative index of the carcass grades, in the positive direction.

Seminal Attributes, Freezability and their Interrelationships in Zebu Cattle and Buffalo Bulls from Central Gujarat

A study was carried out on nine healthy mature breeding bulls (3 each of Gir, Surti and Murrah breed) to evaluate their fresh and frozen semen quality and their interrelationships. The ejaculates immediately after collection were evaluated for routine physico- morphological attributes, including HOS test. The ejaculates (n=72) having &gt;75% initial motility were diluted @ 80 million sperm/ml using TFYG extender and the French mini straws filled were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour using a programmable biofreezer. Thawing of straws was done at 37°C for 30 sec and assessed for freezability by conventional technique. All the cattle and buffalo bulls donated consistently normal thick creamy yellow and thick milky white semen, respectively. In Gir, Suti and Murrah bulls (n=24 ejaculate each) the seminal attributes such as ejaculate volume (6.69±0.17, 3.12±0.10 and 3.96±0.16 ml, p less than 0.01); initial motility (80.21±0.88, 84.58±0.60 and 84.38±0.76 %, p less than 0.01); total sperm output/ejaculate (9013.85±265.32, 3935.49±259.63 and 5366.48±332.99 million, p less than 0.01) and live sperm (84.71±0.83, 86.17±0.78 and 86.79±0.79 %, p less than 0.05) differed significantly. The mean percentages of post-thaw motile sperm (53.29±1.56, 58.33±1.43 and 59.58±1.20, p less than 0.01); live sperm (59.00±1.95, 67.00±1.59 and 68.42±1.66 %, p less than 0.01); and HOS reactive sperm (48.25±0.78, 44.21±1.29 and 51.54±1.29 %, p less than 0.01) in Gir, Surti and Murrah bulls semen also differed significantly. The variation among the bulls was significant for buffalo breeds in most of their fresh seminal attributes, except HOST, and for post-thaw motility, but not among Gir bulls. The important seminal attributes like motility, live sperm and HOS reactive sperm of fresh and frozen-thawed semen were significantly and positively interrelated in all three breeds of bulls (r = 0.40 to 0.81, p less than 0.05 to 0.01), suggesting that motility and HOST of fresh semen were good predictors of freezability of bovine semen.

Motion Characteristics and Kinematics of Fresh Spermatozoa of Gir, Surti and Murrah Bulls Assessed By Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer

A study was carried out on semen of nine breeding bulls, three each of Gir, Surti and Murrah breeds, to evaluate the comparative motion characteristics and kinematics of their fresh spermatozoa by CASA. The ejaculates (n=72, 24 of each breed) having &gt;75% initial motility were diluted @ 80 million sperm/ml using TFYG extender and were assessed for motion characteristics by CASA. The overall mean values of rapid motile and immotile sperm per cent were observed significantly greater in Gir bulls semen, while total motile and slow motile sperms were apparently higher in buffalo semen. The mean values of sperm velocity/ kinematic parameters observed based on all motile sperms in Gir, Surti and Murrah bulls semen were: average path velocity 50.01±1.25, 48.51±1.03 and 49.14±1.30 μm/s; curvilinear velocity 88.62±1.66, 87.90 ±1.74 amd 88.93±1.69 μm/s, straight line velocity 44.51±1.35, 43.14±1.12 amd 41.73±2.24 μm/s; linearity 50.06±1.42, 48.86±1.32 amd 48.49±1.84 %; straightness 85.17±0.92, 84.97±0.88 and 83.90±1.17 %; wobbling index 57.00±1.17, 55.32±1.05 and 55.30±1.48 %; beat-cross frequency 15.55±0.58, 16.14±0.43 and 14.97±0.54 hz; amplitude of lateral head displacement 2.39±0.18, 2.57±0.12 and 2.31±0.14 μm; dancing frequency 208.34±15.52,225.00 ±10.74 and 211.29±13.03 μm2/s, and dancing mean 5.70±0.46, 6.33±0.35 and 6.33±0.50 μm2/s, respectively. Almost similar trend with little higher values were noted for sperm velocity/kinematics based on only progressively motile sperm, without breed/species variation. The semen of all three breeds behaved identically for sperm kinematics. The bull variation was insignificant for all the traits in all the three breeds.