Carcass Characteristics Research Articles

Myostatin mutation (g+6723G  >  A) introgression: comparative analysis of growth, slaughter, and carcass traits in Texel, Pırlak, and their crosses (F1 and BC1)

Abstract. This study was carried out to examine the effect of myostatin mutation on growth, body measurements, Musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) values, and carcass characteristics in crossbred generations as well as introgression from Texel to Pırlak. This research was conducted on 105 F1, 94 myostatin-carrying BC1, 53 non-carrying BC1 lambs, and pure Pırlak and Texel lambs born during the same period. It was determined that the effects of factors such as genotype, sex, birth type, birth month, and dam age were significant (P< 0.05) for the growth characteristics of lambs. The birth weights, daily live weight gains and weaning weights in F1, myostatin-carrying BC1, and non-carrying BC1 lambs were 4.10, 4.45, and 4.39, 0.21252, 0.22176, and 0.20964, as well as 35.51, 33.18, and 33.47 kg, respectively. It was detected that Texel and myostatin-carrying BC1 lambs were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than Pırlak and non-carrying BC1 lambs for the MLD area at weaning. Additionally, the rump width, chest circumference, and MLD depth of lambs carrying myostatin mutation were significantly greater than Pırlak lambs. Six-month live weight means of Pırlak, Texel, and myostatin-carrying BC1 lambs were found as 39.45, 37.22, and 39.06 kg, respectively. Myostatin-carrying BC1 lambs had a superiority to Pırlak lambs in terms of muscle conformation and fatness of the hind leg. As a result, myostatin-carrying BC1 lambs were significantly found to have a better MLD area than non-carrying BC1 lambs, indicating a myostatin mutation (g+6723G > A) effect. It was concluded that the growth and carcass characteristics of Pırlak lambs may be improved by introgression of myostatin mutation.

The Effects of Pineapple Leaf Powder on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Noi Crossbred Broilers

To meet the increasing demand of consumers on poultry products, poultry feed does not only improve the growth performance but also enhance meat quality. By this reason, the study was to evaluate the effects of pineapple leaf powder on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Noi broiler chickens from 5-12 weeks of age. The study was conducted at Tra Vinh University – experimental farm involving with 120 Noi crossbred broilers from 4 weeks of age. The study was a completely randomized design with 04 treatment and 03 replicates, consisting of 0% (control treatment, T0), 0.1% (treatment 1), 0.3% (treatment 2) and 0.5% (treatment 3) of pineapple leaf powder in the diet. Birds were fed ad libitum throughout the experiment. The results showed that body weight (1603 g/bird at 12 weeks of age), daily weight gain (21.90 g/bird/day) had the highest performance while feed intake (55.28 g/bird at treatment 2) and feed conversion ration (2.610) showed the lowest performance in the treatment 3 (P<0.05). However, the study did not record any significant changes in carcass traits, pH and cooking loss of broiler meat between treatments (P>0.05). It can be concluded that the inclusive of pineapple leaf powder on diets could improve growth rate of Noi crossbred chickens from 5-12 weeks of age.

Determining muscle plasticity and meat quality development of low-input extended fed market-ready steers

Abstract In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, which ultimately led to many meat processors temporarily shutting down or reducing processing capacity. This backlog in processing capacity forced many feedlots to retain cattle for longer periods of time and assume the risk of major market fluctuations. The aim of this study was to understand how a dietary insult affects meat quality and muscle metabolism in market-ready steers (590 kg). Sixteen market-ready (590 kg) commercial Angus-crossbred steers were subjected to a maintenance diet of either forage or grain for 60 d. Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle samples were collected immediately postmortem and processed for characteristics reflecting the underlying muscle fiber type and energy state of the tissue. Despite cattle being subjected to a 60 d feeding period, there were no detectable differences (P > 0.05) in carcass characteristics, color of lean, or ultimate pH (pHu). Moreover, our data show that muscle plasticity is rather resilient, as reflected by lack of significance (P > 0.05) in oxidative and glycolytic enzymes, myosin heavy chain isoforms (MyHC), myoglobin, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents. These data show that market ready steers are capable of withstanding a low-input feeding strategy up to 60 d without dramatically impacting underlying muscle characteristics and meat quality development.

Red propolis extract reduces the lipid oxidation of lamb meat

Context Brazilian red propolis stands out for its diverse composition, which includes phenolic compounds whose effects may be similar to those of synthetic feed additives. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of red propolis extract on the carcass and meat characteristics of lambs finished under confinement conditions. Methods The meat quality characteristics of the longissimus lumborum muscle were evaluated in 35 Santa Inês lambs, with an average age of 5 months and an initial average body weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg (mean ± s.d.), submitted to five distinct treatments (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 mL of red propolis extract/animal.day) over 68 days. Key results The use of propolis did not affect (P > 0.05) the characteristics of the carcass, as well as the chemical composition and cholesterol content. Among the physico-chemical parameters of meat, only the shear force had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05). There was also an exponential effect for lipid oxidation (P < 0.05), where the treatment with propolis had greater antioxidant effect. Meat with a lower content (P < 0.05) of saturated fatty acids was observed in sheep that received extract. There was also an increase (P < 0.05) in the content of monounsaturated acids and consequently an improvement in nutritional quality, atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes of desirable fatty acids. Conclusions The red propolis extract improved the lipid profile of the lamb meat. We recommend the inclusion of 7 mL red propolis extract/animal.day (or 59.50 mg total flavoloids/animal.day) in the diet of lambs finished under confinement conditions. Implications The red propolis extract proved to be a viable alternative as a natural feed additive.

Recuperative Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) in Catla catla After Sub-Lethal Exposure to Lead.

This research was conducted to validate the beneficial effects of incorporating dietary cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder (CzP) in alleviating lead (Pb) poisoning in fish. Healthy Catla catla individuals (16.36 ± 0.19g/fish) were distributed across 18 tanks in triplicate groups. The experimental groups were as follows: Control group: fish without supplementation or exposure to Pb; positive control group: fish without supplementation but exposed to 1mg/L Pb; 5g/kg CzP along with 1mg/L Pb exposure; 10g/kg CzP along with 1mg/L Pb exposure; 15g/kg CzP along with 1mg/L Pb exposure; and 20g/kg CzP along with 1mg/L Pb exposure. The trial continued for a period of 60days. Waterborne Pb had a deleterious effect on fish growth performance, body composition, blood profile, and digestive enzyme activity, along with elevated Pb accumulation in various tissues. Conversely, consumption of cinnamon effectively mitigated the toxic potential of Pb and enhanced fish longevity. Notably, 10g/kg CzP boosted growth, improved carcass quality, reversed blood indices, restored enzyme function in the gut, and mitigated Pb accumulation in tissues. In summary, the findings revealed that incorporating 10g/kg of CzP as a dietary supplement in C. catla aquaculture could effectively counteract heavy metal toxicity.

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

With a view to finding an alternative to maize in the composition of poultry feed, a study was carried out to assess the effect of replacing maize with sprouted off-season sorghum on the growth performance and physiological response of broiler chickens at start-up. To achieve this, 180, one day-old chicks of the "Cobb 500" strain with a live weight of 34±3.26 g were randomly divided into 09 batches corresponding to 03 treatments with 3 replicates of 20 subjects. The batches were fed one of 03 rations : 100 % maize (R0), 50 % maize and 50 % sprouted off-season sorghum (R1) and 100 % sprouted off-season sorghum (R2). Every week, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were evaluated. At 21 and 42 days of age, carcass characteristics and some haematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. Results showed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass yield were not significantly affected by the substitution of 50% and 100 % corn by sprouted off-season sorghum. Average daily gain was significantly affected by the substitution of 50 % maize by sprouted off-season sorghum. However, compared with the control ration (100 % maize), the ration containing 100 % germinated off-season sorghum significantly increased the relative weights of the pancreas and proventriculus. Serum levels of transaminase, glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were not statistically modified when 50 % and 100 % corn were replaced by germinated off-season sorghum. Analysis of haematological parameters showed that the ration containing 50 % maize and 50 % germinated off-season sorghum significantly reduced (p<0.05) red blood cell concentration and significantly increased (p<0.01) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin content (MCHC). It can therefore be concluded that corn can be 100 % substituted by sprouted off-season sorghum, without any deterioration in broiler growth performance.

Performance, carcass quality and meat quality of the endangered German Angler Saddleback pig.

The Angler Saddleback pig is an endangered local breed originating from Germany. The breed is said to have low demands in terms of husbandry and feeding, and an excellent meat quality. To date, there is a lack of more recent scientific investigations of the breed. Therefore, 58 Angler Saddleback pigs were fattened in two consecutive trials whereby performance, carcass quality and meat quality were assessed. At an average age of 324 days, the pigs reached an average final live weight of 143 kg, an intramuscular fat (IMF) content of 2.6%, a lean meat percentage of 47% and a backfat thickness of 38 mm. A significant influence of the independent variables "breeder" and "age at the end of fattening" on the majority of target variables was found. Furthermore, IMF as well as pH value 45 minutes post mortem was significantly influenced by sex. These results give a current overview of the phenotypic characteristics of this endangered breed. It is shown that the slower growing Angler Saddleback breed may need alternative marketing concepts for its meat and meat products. Additionally, further research is necessary to clarify the reasons for the high phenotypic variation within this breed.

ZOOTECHNICAL RESPONSE, PROFITABILITY INDICES, BLOOD PARAMETERS, ORGAN WEIGHT, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES OF PIGS FED PROCESSED CASSAVA ROOT MEAL

Forty (40) weaned pigs (Large white x Landrace, 10 week old, 14.9±0.18 kg body weight) were used to assess the effect of processed cassava root meal on the zootechnical response, profitability, blood parameters, organ weight, carcass characteristics and organoleptic properties of the pigs. The pigs were randomly allotted into four treatments with ten pigs serving as replicates in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for forty-nine (49) days. The feed had 0.00%, 32.50%, 48.80% and 65.00% processed cassava root meal in the diets tagged D1, D2, D3 and D4 respectively. The final weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly different (P<0.05). There were significant differences (P <0.05) in the profitability indices except the feed cost per kg weight gain. All the hematological parameters were significantly affected (P<0.05) except for the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelet. All the serum biochemical parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected except aspartate aminotransferase, urea, total protein, glucose and triglyceride. The weight of the empty stomach, pancreas and heart were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) across the treatments while others were significantly influenced (P<0.05). All the carcass parameters were significantly influenced by processed cassava root meal (P<0.05) except the bled weight, trotter, picnic shoulder and spare rib. The color and juiciness of the meat were also significantly influenced by processed cassava root meal (P<0.05). In conclusion, up to 48.8% is considered favorable in the diet of weaned pigs.

The addition of calcium soap in the ration on the performance, carcass and abdominal fat of native chickens

This study aims to examine the effect of adding calcium soap (Ca-PFAD) to feed on performance, carcass and abdominal fat in native chickens. A total of two hundred and forty 6 week old native chickens were obtained from commercial native chicken farming with an average body weight of 662.52±21.75 g. All chickens were kept in a room with controlled environment. A total of 240 native chickens were divided randomly into four treatments, namely control feed without Ca-PFAD supplement as control (C0); feed supplemented with 2% Ca-PFAD (C1); added feed with 4% Ca-PFAD (C2); and diet supplemented with 6% Ca-PFAD. All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogen. Each treatment had six replications and each replication had 60 chickens. The results showed that the addition of 2-4% Ca-PFAD in feed significantly (P<0.05) improved performance, carcasses, carcass percentage and carcass meat percentage. The amount of pad fat and abdominal fat in chickens decreased significantly (P<0.05) with the addition of 2% Ca-PFAD in the feed. It can be concluded that the addition of 2% calcium soap (Ca-PFAD) in feed can improve performance and carcass quality in native chickens, on the other hand it can reduce the amount of abdominal fat.

Growth performance of juvenile snail (Archachatina marginata) fed different plant leaves

To assess the growth performance of juvenile snail (Archachatina marginata) fed different plant leaves, 180 juvenile snails of one month old were divided into 4 treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4), of 15 snails and 3 replicates in pens equipped with feeders and drinkers. T1 received pawpaw leaves, T2 received cassava leaves, T3 received sweet potato leaves and T4 received blood root leaves. Feed and fresh leaves were measured and served daily, and the leftover also quantified, using an electronic weighing scale (0.01 g precision) to evaluate the feed intake. The results showed that the highest value of feed intake was recorded in animals that received blood root leaves, while the lowest value is registered in the treatment receiving pawpaw leaves. The highest value of leave intake was recorded in the treatment that received pawpaw leaves. The highest values for weight shell length, shell diameter, shell lip width, shell lip height and carcass characteristics of Archachatina marginata fed with different plant leaves were recorded for snails fed with blood root leaves. The lowest value of triglycerides (1.44±0.5) and total cholesterol (4.11±2.66) in the hemolymph was registered in animals receiving blood root leaves compared to other treatments. The lowest value of total protein (26.44±3.28) in the hemolymph was registered in the treatment receiving blood root leaves compared to the treatment that received pawpaw, cassava, and sweet potatoes leaves. In conclusion, blood root leaves can be used as staple diet to improve the productivity of Archachatina marginata.

Prediction of Live Weight and Carcass Characteristics from Linear Body Measurements of Yearling Male Local Sheep

Measurements of the body structure in sheep are worthy of judging the quantitative features of meat and useful in developing appropriate selection requirements. The current study was aimed to predict live weight and hot carcass weight from linear body measurements of yearling male local sheep. 84 days feeding period fortnightly taken data on 24 local sheep for body weight, body length, heart girth, wither height, sub-sternal height, tail length, tail width, scrotal circumference, and scrotal length were analyzed to study the relationship between linear body measurements and body weight. At the end of the trial all sheep were slaughtered to measure the relationship between body measurements, and hot carcass weight. Microsoft Excel 2010 was used for data analysis. The relationships between the various body measurements were calculated using pearson's correlation coefficient. The backward stepwise multiple regression procedure was used for the determination of the most suitable model for the prediction of the live weight and hot carcass weight. Hot carcass weight was highly correlated (P<0.01) with body weight and scrotal circumference. Besides, it was significantly (P<0.05) correlated with tail width. Body weight was significantly (P<0.05) correlated with all body measurements except tail length and scrotal length. It is concluded that the body weight of the local sheep can be predicted with heart girth, sub-sternal height and tail width; the equation is LW= -97.2 + 0.36HG + 2.1SBSH + 0.57TW with a better coefficient of determination; R2 = 0.55 and the hot carcass weight can be predicted with sub-sternal height and tail width; the equation is HCW= -75.66 + 1.75SBSH + 0.85TW with a coefficient of determination; R2 = 0.33. But, hot carcass can be predicted with body weight, the equation is HCW= -9.39+0.85BWT when weighing scales are affordable with a better coefficient of determination; R2= 0.557.

The effects of different feeding strategies providing different levels of vitamin A on animal performance, carcass traits, and the conversion rate of subcutaneous fat color in cull-cows

Abstract Cull cows represent a significant percentage of revenue received from the U.S. beef industry; however, cull cows are heavily price discounted at time of slaughter. This experiment’s objective is to evaluate different feeding strategies and their effects on body condition score, subcutaneous fat color, and carcass yield and quality traits in cull cows. The central hypothesis is feeding a high energy diet, with low levels of vitamin A, for 56 d will improve animal performance, carcass yield, and quality traits in addition to capturing the point (rate) of the conversion of yellow to white subcutaneous fat. In the present experiment 98 Angus crossbreed cows were utilized. Cows were fed either low vitamin A diet (LVA) consisting of whole shelled corn, soybean hulls, soybean meal, and a mineral-vitamin supplement or high vitamin A (HVA) diet, formulated using whole shelled corn, fescue hay, dry distiller grains with soluble, and a mineral-vitamin supplement for 56 d. During the 56 d feeding period, body weights and condition scores, and subcutaneous adipose samples were collected every 14 d. On d 56, cattle were slaughtered; 48 h postmortem carcass characteristics and objective color scores (subcutaneous adipose tissue) were recorded and a sample of the longissimus dorsi lumborum was collected. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were utilized to record subjective color scores and then ground to be analyzed for β-carotene concentration. The longissimus dorsi lumborum samples (2.54 cm slices) were removed for warner-bratzler shear force (WBSF) and pH testing. Data was analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS. Feeding cull cows LVA resulted in differences in subcutaneous carcass fat color (P = 0.01) as well as b* values (P < 0.01) on d 56 compared with HVA. Subjective fat color scores were not different (P > 0.10) on d 0 or 14 but were different (P ≤ 0.05) on d 28, 42, and 56. Additionally, 9-cis-β-carotene concentration on d 56 were different (P = 0.05) between treatments. A trend was noticed for all-trans-β-carotene concentration (P = 0.10) on d 56 as well. Cull cow body weights were greater (P ≤ 0.04) when fed the LVA diet starting on d 14, 28, and 42; and a trend was noticed on d 56 (P = 0.09). Overall, cows fed the LVA treatment for 56 d exhibited decreased adipose yellowness and β-carotene concentrations as well as increased live weights.

Identification of the FGB gene polymorphism and analysis of its association with fat deposition traits in Hu sheep

As a crucial economic trait, fat deposition is directly related to carcass quality and feed efficiency in sheep. The purpose of this study was to investigate the polymorphisms of the FGB gene related to fat deposition and detect the expression features of the FGB gene in different adipose tissues of sheep by using Sanger sequencing, MassARRAY® SNP technique, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that in the intron region of the FGB gene, a SNP g. 3378953 A > T has been identified, and significant association was found between perirenal fat weight, perirenal fat relative weight, mesenteric fat weight, and mesenteric fat relative weight (P < 0.05). Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed that FGB was expressed in all three adipose tissues, and FGB gene expression level in the AA genotype was significantly lower than that in the AT or TT genotypes (P < 0.05). Therefore, the FGB gene can be used as a candidate gene to reduce fat deposition in Hu sheep breeding, and the selection of the AA genotype in Hu sheep in production practice is more conducive to improving production efficiency.

Impact of Various Ration Energy Levels on the Slaughtering Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Qualities of Honghe Yellow Cattle

Consumers are increasing their daily demand for beef and are becoming more discerning about its nutritional quality and flavor. The present objective was to evaluate how the ration energy content (combined net energy, Nemf) impacts the slaughter performance, carcass characteristics, and meat qualities of Honghe yellow cattle raised in confinement. Fifteen male Honghe yellow cattle were divided into three groups based on a one-way design: a low-energy group (LEG, 3.72 MJ/kg), a medium-energy group (MEG, 4.52 MJ/kg), and a high-energy group (HEG, 5.32 MJ/kg). After a period of 70 days on these treatments, the animals were slaughtered and their slaughter performance was determined, and the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were gathered to evaluate meat quality and composition. Increasing the dietary energy concentration led to marked improvements (p &lt; 0.05) in the live weight before slaughter (LWBS), weight of carcass, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. HEG also improved the yield of high-grade commercial cuts (13.47% vs. 10.39%) (p &lt; 0.05). However, meat quality traits were not affected by treatment except for shear force, which was affected by dietary energy. A significant improvement (p &lt; 0.05) in the intramuscular fat (IMF) content was observed in the HEG. Little effect on the amino acid profile was observed (p &gt; 0.05), except for a tendency (p = 0.06) to increase the histidine concentration in the BF muscle. Increasing dietary energy also reduced C22:6n-3 and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and enhanced C18:1 cis-9 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, p &lt; 0.05). Those results revealed that increasing energy levels of diets could enhance slaughter traits and affect the meat quality and fatty acid composition of different muscle tissues of Honghe yellow cattle. These results contribute to the theoretical foundation to formulate nutritional standards and design feed formulas for the Honghe yellow cattle.

Dietary effects of protected fat, glycerol, and soybean meal on performance, physiological parameters, carcass characteristics, and behavioral measurements of late-fattening Hanwoo steers under heat stress conditions.

This study aimed to determine the effects of increasing energy and protein levels in diets by including protected fat (PF), glycerol (GL), and soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance, physiological parameters, carcass characteristics, and behavioral measurements of late-fattening Hanwoo steers under heat stress conditions. Thirty-six steers (initial BW, 724.9 ± 58.3 kg; age, 25.5 ± 0.4 month) were assigned into Control (TDN 76%, CP 15%), PF (TDN 83.6%, CP 15%), PF+GL (TDN 83.6%, CP 15%) and PF+GL+SBM (TDN 83.6%, CP 16.5%) by randomized complete block design for a total of 16 weeks with division of 4 week periods. The average temperature-humidity index was 87.0 (1st period; Severe), 82.8 (2nd; Moderate), 71.4 (3rd; Comfort), and 68.1 (4th; Comfort). The DMI showed no treatments differences during the whole experiment. However, DMI in 1st and 2nd period decreased by approximately 30% and 10% compared to 4th period, respectively. Higher ADG and FCR were noted for treatments compared to Control at both 1st and 2nd period (p<0.05). There were no treatment effects on rectal temperature (RT), cortisol, and behaviors during the entire experiment. However, both RT and cortisol in 0, 1st and 2nd period were higher than those of 3rd and 4th period (p<0.05). Carcass yield and grade remained unaffected by increasing TDN and CP levels. Behavioral changes in the hot season (1st period) included reduced lying (43%), increased standing (48%), decreased walking (62%), and decreased eating (38%) (p<0.05), with an increase in drinking by 54%. Rumination during standing was 53% higher, while rumination during lying was about 33% lower compared to the post-hot season (3rd period) (p<0.05). Dietary supplementation of protected fat in late-fattening Hanwoo steers under heat stress had a positive effect on preventing a reduction in performance.

Association analysis of transcriptome and quasi-targeted metabolomics reveals the regulation mechanism underlying broiler muscle tissue development at different levels of dietary guanidinoacetic acid

The development and characteristics of muscle fibers in broilers are critical determinants that influence their growth performance, as well as serve as essential prerequisites for the production of high-quality chicken meat. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is a crucial endogenous substance in animal creatine synthesis, and its utilization as a feed additive has been demonstrated the capabilities to enhance animal performance, optimize muscle yield, and augment carcass quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the regulation and molecular mechanism underlying muscle development in broilers at different levels of GAA via multiple omics analysis. The 90 Cobb broilers, aged 1 day, were randomly allocated into three treatments consisting of five replicates of six chickens each. The control group was provided with a basal diet, while the Normal GAA and High GAA groups received a basal diet supplemented with 1.2 g/kg and 3.6 g/kg of GAA, respectively. After a feeding period of 42 days, the pectoralis muscles were collected for histomorphological observation, transcriptome and metabolomic analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of 1.2 g/kg GAA in the diet led to an augmentation in muscle fiber diameter and up-regulation of IGF1, IHH, ASB2, and ANKRD2 gene expression. However, a high dose of 3.6 g/kg GAA in the diet potentially reversed the beneficial effects on chicken breast development by excessively activating the TGF-β signaling pathway and reducing nucleotide metabolite content. These findings would provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing the performance and meat quality of broilers by incorporating GAA as a feed additive.

Transcriptome analysis of adipose tissue in grazing cattle: Identifying key regulators of fat metabolism.

The taste and tenderness of meat are the main determinants of carcass quality in many countries. This study aimed to discuss the mechanisms of intramuscular fat deposition in grazing and house-breeding cattle. We performed transcriptome analysis to characterize messenger RNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles. A total of 456 and 66 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the adipose tissue of grazing and house-breeding cattle. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis identified the association of DEGs with fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors signaling pathway, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, adipocytokine signaling pathway, and the association of DE miRNAs with mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Apolipoprotein L domain containing 1, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, and sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 genes may be the key regulators of fat metabolism in grazing cattle. Finally, we found that miR-211 and miR-331-5p were negatively correlated with the elongation of very long-chain fatty acids protein 6 (ELOVL6), and miR-331-5p might be the new regulator involved in fat metabolism. The results indicated that ELOVL6 participated in various functions and pathways related to fat metabolism. Meanwhile, miR-331-5p, as a new regulator, might play an essential role in this process. Our findings laid a more in-depth and systematic research foundation for the formation mechanism and characteristics of adipose tissue in grazing cattle.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of goat kids according to the Colomer – Rocher carcass fatness and conformation classes

Classifying kid carcasses according to their fatness and conformation scores guides producers toward higher quality and income-generating production methods and determines the ideal slaughter time. This study aimed to determine the effects of Colomer–Rocher fatness and conformation classes on carcass and meat quality characteristics in goat kids. A total of 102 male kid carcasses were used in the study. Carcasses were divided into fatness (1-, 1, 1+, 2-) and conformation (P-, P, P+; O-) classes according to the Colomer–Rocher classification, and these groups were accepted as the experimental group. Hierarchical clustering analysis divided the kid carcasses into 5 clusters using certain carcass characteristics. Differences between clusters in most of the carcass characteristics were significant. The difference between the cluster groups in terms of meat colour and sensory characteristics was also significant. Fatness and conformation classes significantly affected most characteristics except kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) percentages and carcass joints percentages. The Colomer-Rocher conformation classification was found to be more discriminatory in terms of meat quality than the fatness classification.

The effect of fermented wheat germ extract on broiler chicks’ growth performance, immunological status, and carcass characteristics

Abstract Many studies have mentioned the advantages of adding wheat germ to chicken diets, but few were interested in studying the effect of the fermentation process on this addition. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adding fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) and immunostimulant (IS) to the broiler diet and water, respectively, on growth performance, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, immune status, and carcass characteristics. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly and equally assigned into four treatment groups of 5 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) each. The first group (G1) served as a control group with a basal diet and normal drinking water, while the second (G2) and the third (G3) groups were treated with a basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% of FWGE, respectively. The fourth group (G4) was treated with one level of immunostimulant (ORGA IMMU®, 0.2% in drinking water) and served as a positive control. The experiment lasted 35 days. According to the results, adding 0.2% FWGE to the broiler diet (G3) improved (P≤0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased (P≤0.05) live body weight and body weight gain compared to the control group (G1). The G3 also showed improvements (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood biochemical parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were positively affected (P≤0.05) by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for Newcastle and Avian Influenza viruses, phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity (LA) were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Furthermore, carcass traits, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, were improved (P≤0.05) by adding FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. The inclusion of FWGE in the broiler chicken diet by 0.2% had a considerably positive impact on the birds’ growth performance, health, and carcass quality.

Heavy Pigs Reared for Italian Dry-Cured Products: Does Immunocastration Influence the Fatty Acid Profile of Loins and Backfat?

The Italian pig sector requires heavy pigs (raised for at least nine months and slaughtered at &gt;160 kg). In order to avoid boar taint and lower the impact on welfare, immunocastration provides an alternative to surgical castration. This study investigated the effects of immunocastration compared to surgical castration on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of loins (longissimus dorsi muscle) and adipose tissue in Italian heavy pigs raised for dry-cured ham. Twenty-four male pigs were subjected to surgical castration (n = 12) or immunocastration (n = 12). Carcass parameters were monitored at slaughter, and samples of longissimus dorsi muscle and subcutaneous fat were analysed. This study showed no significant differences in carcass characteristics and proximate composition of fresh meat. However, variations were observed in the fatty acid profiles of meat and adipose tissue between groups. Notably, saturated fatty acids, particularly stearic acid (18:0), were higher in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of the immunocastrated pigs compared to the surgically castrated pigs. Conversely, monounsaturated fatty acids, predominantly oleic acid (18:1n-9), were higher in the IMF from the surgically castrated pigs compared to the immunocastrated pigs. While immunocastration may offer benefits in terms of animal growth and carcass composition, it could lead to unfavourable lipid changes in fresh loin meat for Italian heavy pigs.