Carcass Evaluation Research Articles

Girawa (<i>Vernonia amygdalina) </i>as Supplemental Feed and Its Effects on Weight Gain and Carcass Parameter of Somali Goats Fed Khat (<i>Catha edulis)</i> Leftover

The experiment was conducted to determine body weight change, Average daily gain, carcass parameter and Analysis of Partial Budget of Somali goat fed khat leftover, supplemented with graded levels of dried vernonia amygdalina leaf. For this experiment, 24 yearling male goats with a mean initial body weight of 12.57± 0.59 kg (means ± SD) were used. The experimental goats were blocked into six blocks of four animals in randomized complete block design depending on initial body weight. The four treatments were assigned randomly to each goat within a block. The experimental goats were accessed a basal diet of khat leftover and supplemented with 100 (T1), 200 (T2), 300 (T3) and 400g (T4) Vernonia amygdalina leaf. The experiment was undertaken for Ninety days of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation at the end of the experiment. The results of this study showed that level of supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved average daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and had better carcass characteristics. Hot carcass weight (HCW; 5 (T1), 6 (T2), 7 (T3) and 8.25 kg (T4) and dressing percentage on empty body weight basis; 43.29 (T1), 44.48 (T2), 50.34 (T3) and 55.18 (T4) was higher (p < 0.05) for T<sub>4</sub> compared to T<sub>1</sub>, T2 and T<sub>3</sub>. The lower level of supplementation recorded loss of 34 ETB/goat. Goats with higher level of supplementation (T<sub>4</sub>) had the highest net income (1626 ETB) as well as the highest marginal ret of (4.1 ETB).

Quality assessment of spent laying hens and analysis of influencing factors

In China, a considerable number of spent laying hens are disposed annually, with the majority being processed into various food products. The sale of spent laying hens has become a significant revenue stream within the poultry industry. We selected spent laying hens at 100 weeks of age as the research subjects to explore the factors influencing their market price. Information was gathered through product and enterprise investigations. Thereafter, 90 Rhode Island Red laying hens, also at 100 weeks old, were acquired for slaughter. The carcass evaluation was conducted utilizing the methodology prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Tibial specimens were procured for the purpose of quantifying their length, mass, diameter, maximum breaking strength, maximum breaking distance, as well as for determining the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and ash content. Through comprehensive market research and industry surveys, this study found that the primary factor affecting the selling price of spent laying hens is body weight, with 1.5 to 2 kg of chickens being preferred. The USDA quality assessment standards for post-slaughter evaluation, it was found that the incidence of dislocation was 11.1 %, which emerged as a primary factor affecting carcass quality, directly resulting in a decline in quality. The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between the bone health status and dislocation in laying hens. Dislocations occur mainly due to direct external forces during the culling process caused by the injuries during the slaughter process. Surveys show that the main factor affecting the selling price of spent laying hens is body weight, and the optimal weight range is where farmers gain price advantages during the culling process. The principal factor impacting the carcass quality of spent laying hens is dislocation, which are mainly caused by excessive culling and have no obvious correlation with bone health.

Effect of terracotta drinker and/or water addition of ASPRO‐C plus on behavior, growth, and physiological response of broiler chickens exposed to high temperature

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a terracotta drinker and/or water supplementation with ASPRO‐C Plus on the zootechnical performance of broiler chickens reared in a hot environment. A total of 160 Cobb 500 broiler chicks of 15 days old (240.2 ± 39.82 g) were divided into four treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of drinker type (plastic or terracotta) and water with or without ASPRO‐C Plus (1 g/L) supplementation, each consisting of 4 replicate pens. Respiratory rate, water intake, feed intake, and live body weight were recorded weekly. At 49 days old, 12 birds per group were randomly selected, fasted for 12 h, weighed, and slaughtered for carcass evaluation and blood collection. The respiration rate of broilers decreased significantly (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water intake, the feed intake and the body weight gain increased significantly (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus significantly increased (p < 0.01) the relative weight of abdominal fat and spleen in broilers. The alpha‐amylase activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) with the water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus. The serum content of total cholesterol was significantly increased (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker. It can be concluded that ASPRO‐C Plus can slightly improve liveability, but using the terracotta drinker can be more efficient in reducing the behavioral response to heat stress and can improve the growth performance.

Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets with Different Protein, Energy Levels, and Essential Oils During the Warm Season in Dry Tropics.

This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 and 200 ppm. The RED diets were formulated with 10% less energy and 10% less protein than STD diets. In the starter phase, weight gain was greater (p < 0.01) in birds fed STD than birds fed RED. In the starter phase, productive variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.14) by EOs. In the finisher phase, greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p = 0.04) were observed in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.97) for STD and RED. Throughout this study (1-42 d), greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p < 0.01) were found in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.51) for STD and RED. Broiler chickens on EO-supplemented diets had better feed conversion (p ≥ 0.08). Hot carcass weight was greater (p < 0.01) in birds on STD. Greater yields of leg-thigh (p = 0.01), back (p = 0.01), and wings (p < 0.01) were observed in RED. Carcass yields, breast yield, pH, and meat temperature were not influenced (p ≥ 0.14) by nutrient concentrations in the diet. Carcass evaluations were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by EOs. Body temperature was lower (p = 0.03) in birds receiving RED, however EOs had no effect (p ≥ 0.22) on body temperature. For the length of the study, at 20:00 h, broiler chickens fed on RED diets showed lower (p = 0.04) body temperatures. In conclusion, broiler chickens were under heat stress during the study, and body temperatures were reduced in chickens fed on RED diets or with EOs. Diet modification or EO-supplementation may improve feed conversion, though RED diets may have a negative effect on weight gain or carcass values.

Aging increases lightness of grass-fed beef.

Grass-fed beef is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to be a $14 billion industry by 2024. Even so, grass-fed beef is typically darker in appearance than that of conventional grain-fed beef. Aging has been shown to improve lean color (L*, a*) of dark-cutting beef however little work has focused on aging as it relates to improving the lean color of grass-fed beef. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry aging on grass-fed beef compared to varying lengths of grain-feeding. Thirty commercial Angus crossbred steers were randomly assigned to either pasture finishing (CON), short (SF), or long fed (LF) programs. The SF and LF treatments ranged from 90 to 114 d (average: 98 d) and 118 to 134 d (average: 125 d) on ad libitum high concentrate feeding, respectively. Cattle were randomly identified from each treatment group and harvested over a consecutive 3-wk span. Carcass evaluation and longissimus lumborum samples were collected 24h postmortem. Carcasses were aged for 21 d, and steaks were collected on 1-, 3-, 7-, 10-, 14-, and 21-d postharvest, and objective color was evaluated following 1h bloom. Our data show color (L*, a*, b*) was improved with aging regardless of treatment. However, grass-fed (CON) showed the greatest improvement in both lightness (L*) and redness (a*) ultimately making grass-fed comparable to that of grain-fed beef by day 21. These data argue that dry-aging grass-fed beef improves color development similar to that of grain-fed beef.

INFLUENCE OF COPPER GLYCINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

A feeding trial was conducted for 90 days using sixteen (16) West African dwarf (WAD) Sheep to evaluate the influence of Copper Glycine (Cu-G) supplementation on carcass characteristics of WAD sheep. The sheep were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design. Cu-G supplementation was incorporated at varying levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg to formulate four (4) dietary treatments. After feeding trial, three sheep were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass evaluation to obtain the wholesales cut (rump, neck, flank, shoulder, loin, breastplate, rack). Cu-G supplementation did not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influence carcass characteristics of WAD sheep. Slaughter weight, shoulder, flank and heart values obtained in this study ranged from 21.52-25.19, 7.88-9.57, 2.88-4.07 and 0.35-0.63 % respectively. It can be concluded that Cu-G supplementation in diets of WAD sheep had no influence on the carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf.

Evaluation of Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Guraghe Bulls Under Various Feeding Regimes

The experiment was conducted on yearling Guraghe bulls, with an average initial body weight of 111.91 ± 3.98 kg, to evaluate their growth performances and carcass characteristics under three different feeding options and to identify the most economical dietary rations. Twenty-one experimental bulls were randomly assigned to three dietary rations: T1 = Rhodes grass hay ad-libitum + 20% molasses + 40% wheat bran + 40% noug seed cake, T2 = Rhodes grass hay ad-libitum + 20% maize grain + 45% wheat bran + 35% noug seed cake and T3 = Rhodes grass hay ad-libitum + 65% wheat bran + 35% cotton seed cake. The bulls were acclimatized to the experimental diets for days, and the actual feeding trial lasted for 26 weeks. The animals’ weights were recorded at 14-day intervals. At the end of the 26 weeks three bulls from each treatment group were randomly selected for carcass evaluation. There were no significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) in live weight parameters and carcass characteristics among the treatments. The overall means for total weight gain, average daily gain, and carcass dressing percentage were 112.86 kg, 620g/day, and 57.34%, respectively. The yearling Guraghe bulls did not reach export market weight within 26-weeks of the feeding period. Additionally, the partial budget analysis indicated that fattening yearling Guraghe bulls with the current feeding options were not profitable. This suggests that fattening Guraghe bulls with the current feeding options for twenty-six months is economically not viable. It is recommended to evaluate the growth performances of Guraghe bulls with other feeding options to achieve an export market weight of 250-300 Kg.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILERS FED GRADED LEVELS OF DRY DISTILLED CASSAVA WITH THE SOLUBLE

The performance of broilers fed graded levels of Dry Distilled Cassava with Soluble (DDCS) as a partial substitute for wheat offal was investigated in a 28 day study. One hundred and forty four (144) 5-week old broiler chickens of similar average weight were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments. Each treatment had 2 replicate of 18 birds each. Four experimental diets with 0, 4, 8 and 12% inclusion of DDCS were formulated. Feed and water were fed ad libitum. Parameters measured include growth performance and carcass characteristics. Body weight and feed consumption were measured weekly and carcass characteristics were evaluated at the termination of experiment. Six birds from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The average daily weight gain (g/day) for broilers on 0% DDCS was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than that of others. The carcass analysis investigated were not significant (P&gt;0.05) for all experimental diets. It was concluded that DDCS could replace wheat offal in the diets of broilers up to 12% without any deleterious effect on carcass quality of the birds

Relationships between European carcass evaluation and Meat Standards Australia grading scheme applied to young beef cattle

The European carcass grading scheme (EUROP) places large emphasis on meat yield and therefore on quantitative traits such as carcass conformation and superficial fat coverage. However, it falls short in considering sensory properties and consumer satisfaction. In contrast, the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grading scheme considers, among others, animals' ossification, marbling, and ultimate pH as primary indicators of beef eating quality. This study aims to characterize MSA carcass grading scheme applied to the Italian beef production system, considering its significant role in European beef market. The study involved 3204 Charolais, Limousin, and crossbred young bulls and heifers slaughtered in a commercial Italian abattoir. Data collection spanned a broad range of variables, including animal characteristics, MSA traits, and EUROP carcass grading traits. Regardless of the sex of the animal, no significant relationship was observed between MSA traits and EUROP carcass grading scores. Factors such as sex, age, and arrival season at the fattening unit significantly affected most of MSA traits. Females had significantly higher marbling score, and lower ossification score and hump height than males. Animals imported in autumn and winter had significantly lower marbling score, but similar ossification score compared to those imported in spring and summer. Older females had the highest marbling scores. While further research is needed to assess whether the MSA grading scheme can be adapted to all different European rearing systems, results of this study are a prelude to the potential benefits that the MSA grading scheme can bring to the European beef industry.

Growth, Cost and Carcass Evaluation of Snail (Archachatina marginata) Fed Diet Containing Yam Peel-Soy-Bean Residue Mixture Meal

The study was conducted to determine effect of inclusion of dry Yam peel-soybean residues meal (YPSM) as substitute to Maize in the diet of snail (Archachatina marginata). A total of 120 growing snails (average weight of 76.5 ± 2.4g, 4 months old) were used for the study. Four dietary treatments comprising Yam peel-soybean residue meal (YPSM) replaced maize at 0% (YPSM1), 50% (YPSM 2), 75% (YPSM3) and 100% (YPSM4) were compounded and allotted to snails in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth performance, reproductive indices, cost implications and carcass yield were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. There was no significant difference in the mean total feed intake in YPSM1, YPSM2 and YPSM3 (P&gt;0.05). The mean total weight gain was significantly different across the treatments (P&lt;0.05) although no significant difference in the mean total weight gain in YPSM1, YPSM2 and YPSM3. The mean shell length was not significantly influenced by dietary treatments and the values ranged between 12.68 in YPSM1 and 12.48 in YPSM4. Shell width and thickness were not significantly different from one another as the level of YPSM in the diet increased (P&gt;0.05). The lowest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 75% YPSM as replacement for maize while the highest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 100%YPSM. Based on the results obtained from this study, it could be recommended that Yam peel-soybean residues meal (YPSM) could be included up to 75% as replacement for maize fraction of the diet of snail (Archachatina maginata) without adverse effect but at reduced cost.

Slaughter and meat qualities of purebred and crossbred bulls of the Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed

Predicting the composition of cattle carcasses is crucial for both producers and processors. The commercial value of carcasses is related to the composition of their tissues (the ratio of muscle, fat and bone). Ukraine, with a signifcant portion of beef from dairy breeds, must align national carcass evaluation standards with international norms due to its accession to the European Community. The article presents the results of studies of the qualitative characteristics of carcasses of 21-month-old bulls of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed and its crossbreds with Holstein. The animals were slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in the village of Kalynivka, Brovary district, Kyiv region. The diference between the groups of bulls by age was up to 5 %. After slaughtering the animals, the conformation of the carcasses was determined in accordance with the EUROP (2008) methodology. According to the JMGA classifcation (2000), the colour of muscle and adipose tissue was assessed using a colour scale from 1 to 7, and the marbling of the m. longissimus dorsi between the 12th and 13th rib was assessed on a scale from 1 to 12. Purebred bulls of the Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed tended to be superior to crossbreds in terms of live and slaughter weight. According to the morphological composition of carcasses, purebred animals also tended to be superior to their mixed peers in terms of muscle tissue content, including the highest and frst grades. Evaluation of the quality of carcasses of experimental animals according to world standards showed that 21-month-old bulls of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed received a slightly higher score (by 6.7 %) for carcass conformation (meatiness) and marbling (by 12.9 %). However, they tended to have a smaller (by 14.2 %) thickness of fat on the carcass and a lower (by 12.0 %) development of fat. The practical signifcance of the data is to obtain knowledge about the signs of slaughter, morphological composition and quality characteristics of carcasses of dairy animals of Ukraine, which are fed by farms for slaughter, which are used in world practices to determine the value of carcasses. Key words: conformation, marbling, technological properties of beef, meat productivity.

PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS EVALUATION OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL DIETS

An experiment was carried out to determine the utilization of five selected commercial broiler chicken diets by broilers. Three hundred day-old chicks were randomly allotted to five diets in replicates of three containing 20 birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and the feeding trial lasted for six weeks. Results for overall performance, indicated that daily feed intake was higher (P&lt;0.05) on diets A (103.00 g), D (101.79 g) E (100.18 g) and B (96.06 g) which were the same and lower on diet C85.21 g) while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio assumed the same trend as daily feed intake. Carcass evaluation showed a higher (P&lt;0.05) dressing percentage on diet D (76.72 %) and lowest on diet C (67.96 %). It was therefore concluded that diets D and A gave higher dressing percentages, hence recommended for broiler chicken farmers in the study area.

Beef production and carcass evaluation in Brazil.

Beef production and carcass evaluation in Brazil.

Effects of feeding-phase duration and anticoccidial inclusion on growth performance and carcass traits of ROSS 308 AP broilers

Background: In Colombia, poultry production is one of the main sources of animal protein for human nutrition. The established model for feeding broilers consists of three phases, defined as pre-starter (from day 1 to 10), starter (11-21 days), and grower (from day 22 to slaughter). It is necessary that feeding programs allow the expression of genetic potential, which respond to the nutritional challenges of birds. Objective: To determine the effect of variations in the duration of the starter and grower phases on the growth performance parameters of feed intake, feed conversion, mortality, skin pigmentation, and carcass yield in broiler chickens of the Ross 308 AP genetic line. Methods: A total of 1,500 male broilers of the Ross 308 AP line were randomly assigned to five feeding plans in which variations were introduced in the feeding phase duration, feed presentation and anticoccidial program. The variables evaluated were growth performance (body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion), carcass (weight and yield), breast weight and yield, and skin pigmentation. Statistical evaluations were applied on d 28 and 40 of age. Results: On d 28 of age, statistical differences (p&lt;0.05) were observed for body weight and feed conversion, but not for feed intake. The best weights and conversions were obtained with treatments 4 and 5. Statistical differences (p&lt;0.05) were recorded on d 40 of age only for body weight, with values from treatments 4 and 5 being higher than that from treatment 1. In the carcass evaluation, there was only a difference (p&lt;0.05) in carcass weight between treatments T1 and T4, with no difference between carcass and breast performances. Statistical analyses on d 28 and 40 of carcass pigmentation of chickens fed different treatments showed that there was only an effect on variables “a” (redness) and “b” (yellowness) on d 28. Conclusion: The body weight and feed conversion of the Ross 308 AP genetic line broiler chickens improved from d 22 to 28 (when extending the starter phase one week, as occurred in this study) when feed was provided in pellet with an ionophore anticoccidial. Skin pigmentation was not affected by restricting pigment intake for a week.

Microbiological evaluation of cattle carcasses in some local slaughterhouses at Menoufia governorate

Beef carcass evaluation is generally the basis for judging the commercial value of the livestock and is consequently one of the most common quality control tests carried out in the meat industry. In the current study, sixty swabs were taken from the outer surface of neck and groin (30 of each) of freshly dressed beef carcasses taken from three local slaughterhouses located in El-Bagour, El-May and El-Shohada provinces of Menoufia governorate, Egypt. Swabs were microbiologically examined; the results revealed that groin samples had significantly (P≤0.05) lower contamination levels than that of neck samples. In addition, samples that were collected from El-May’s abattoir revealed the highest bacterial counts, followed by El-Bagour and El-Shohada, respectively. Regarding to detection of some pathogenic bacteria in the examined swab samples, S. aureus was the most detected bacteria, followed by Salmonella spp. and E. coli with total incidence 23.3, 18.3 and 15.0, respectively. However, equal number of S. aureus isolates was obtained from neck and groin samples, groin samples showed higher incidence of Salmonella and E. coli than those of neck samples. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxins were investigated in the contaminated samples. Results revealed that all of the examined samples had enterotoxin type A only. Moreover, E. coli isolates were serotyped into O103:H2, O146:H21 and O117:H4; out of which, three strains were molecularly examined for their Shiga toxin types 1 (stx-1) and 2 (stx-2) genes; where, stx-1 was detected in 66.7% of the examined strains, while stx-2 was not detected in any of the examined isolates. On the other hand, Salmonella strains were serotyped into S. Enteritidis, S. Montevideo, S. Tsevie, S. Typhimurium and S. Shangani were the detected serotypes. Salmonella Typhimurium was detected in higher incidence than the other detected strains. So, regular monitoring of beef carcasses microbiological evaluation, and application of strict hygienic measures are recommended.

Meat and carcass quality of weaner rabbits placed on three different plant protein-based diets

The study assessed the effect of replacing groundnut cake (GNC) with palm kernel cake (PKC) or cotton seed cake (CSC) on the meat and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Sixty mixed breed weaner rabbits of both sexes with an age range of eight to nine weeks old were randomly divided into three treatments 1, 2, and 3 of 20 rabbits per group. Rabbits in the group one (T1) served as the positive control and were fed GNC-based diet, while those in treatments two (T2) and three (T3) were fed PKC-, and CSC-based diets respectively. The results differed non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) in the final body weight and carcass quality of the rabbits in each group. Carcass evaluation varied non-significantly (p&gt;0.05) in terms of visceral (liver, lungs, hearts, and kidneys) and weights of primal cuts (neck, forelimbs, hindlimbs, chest, and back). Also, some of the meat’s physicochemical properties showed no difference. The meat ratios bone of groups fed PKC- and CSC-based diets were insignificant (p&gt;0.05) above the control. CSC significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the moisture, while PKC significantly decrease the nitrogen and crude protein contents of the meat of experimental rabbits. This study suggests that rabbits could be raised on a diet formulated using CSC as a replacement for GNC, while a PKC-based diet tends to decrease the protein content of rabbit meat.

Animal performance, carcass characteristics and beef quality of steers fed with a whole oat or maize grain-based diet

Aim of study: We evaluated the use of oat grain as an alternative source of energy to maize grain in high energy finishing diets. Maize crop production in arid and semi-arid areas is poor or non-existent. Thus, small grains such as oats have become an alternative in high energy rations due to their versatility and ease of cultivation. Area of study: Semiarid region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina Material and methods: Sixteen Angus steers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments based on whole oats grain (OD) or whole maize grain (MD) for 61 days. Diets were formulated iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animal performance, carcass attributes and beef quality traits were evaluated. Longissimus thoracis steaks were wet-aged at 4°C for either 4 or 14 days. Main results: Similar results were found between OD and MD for the variables of performance, carcass evaluation and water retention in fresh meat. No interactions between diet and ageing period were found for any of the variables evaluated. The MD beef was lighter and had a redder appearance than the OD beef. The 4 days-aged beef showed higher values of L*, a* and b* and was more saturated than the 14 days-aged beef. However, the perception of beef colour by the human eye, evaluated through the CIEDE2000 metric, showed no differences among diets and ageing periods. Research highlights: Oat grain could be used in replacement of maize grain as an energy source in fattening rations of beef cattle, obtaining similar animal performance and meat quality.

Utilization of Brewer’s Spent Grains and Agricultural Residues in Pig Feed Formation

In this study, brewer’s spent grains (BSG)-raw matrix was technologically and functionally improved by adding natural active ingredient carriers (crushed wheat, rapeseed, and pumpkin seed press cake) and using planetary roller extrusion and used as feed additive for pigs. Feeding trials were run for 189 days using 60 pigs with an age of 28 days. Pigs were grouped in a control group (fed with organic basic feed) and two experimental groups (fed with BSG 1 or BSG 2 in addition to organic basic feed). The 20 animals per group gained similar weight in the control group (306 g day−1 and 725 g day−1) and in the group fed with BSG 1 (282 g day−1 and 627 g day−1) or BSG 2 (250 g day−1 598 g day−1) in addition during rearing and fattening phases, respectively. Carcass evaluation revealed that meat quality did not differ between control and experimental groups. The BSG-based feed formulations tested seem to not result in negative effects on weight gain nor on meat quality. Animals were generally of good health and marketable quality, and thus the outcomes of this study are expected to contribute to an improved utilization strategy of brewer’s spent grains from breweries.

Organoleptic Quality, Pork Characterization and Hematological Indices of Growing Pigs Fed Supplemental Diets Containing Bitter Leaf and Hospital Too Far

Effect of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and hospital too far (Jathropha tanjorensis) leaf meals on organoleptic characteristics of pork and haematological indices of growing pigs was investigated. A total of 32 grower pigs were completely randomized into 4 dietary treatments. Eight young pigs were placed on each treatment with four replicates of 2 pigs each. Four diets were formulated: T1 (basal feed only), T2 (basal feed + 4% bitter leaf meal), T3 (basal feed + 4% hospital too far leaf meal) and T4 (basal feed + 2% bitter leaf meal + 2% hospital too far leaf meal). Haematological indices measured include: haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, and white blood cells from 16 pigs (4 per treatment). The pigs were thereafter slaughtered for carcass evaluation and organoleptic quality assessment. Results indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in terms of carcass yield and primal cuts (loin, chump chop, breast and rib chop) for T3 followed by T2 and T4. Pigs in T3 group recorded the best dressing percentage and increase in the primal cuts. The test diets had no negative effects on the organoleptic quality of pork. However, T1 was significantly better in terms of tenderness followed by T2 and T4 indicated significant difference (P&lt;0.05) among treatment groups with the highest score recorded in T1. Red and white blood cells were significantly higher in the T3 group compared to other treatments. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume were significantly higher in the T4 group while the control (T1) had the least. MCH and MCHC were significantly higher in all treatments except in the control. It is concluded that the test diets improved the carcass characteristics, organoleptic quality and haematological indices of the pigs. Based on the results, hospital too far leaf meal (HTFLM) is recommended.

Hematology, Blood Serum, Growth Performance, and Carcass Characteristics of Slow-growing Chickens Fed Single and Blended Root Meals

Toxins and substances with anti-nutritional potential have impeded the successful integration of root and tuber crops into animal diets. However, the ultimate indices of the physiological state of a farm animal are the growth performance and blood profiles. Hence, single and mixed formulations of Dioscorea hispida and Cyrtosperma merkusii root meals were used to assess chicken performance and hematological reactions. Two hundred and forty Bisaya chickens were fed with maize and root meals. Each set of treatments had 60 chickens, with three replicates of 20. The diets were: T1 (100% corn-based), T2 (50% D. hispida diet), T3 (50% C. merkusii diet), and T4 (25% D. hispida+25% C. merkusii diet). Feed intake, body weight, and mean weight gain (MWG) were collected biweekly, and carcass evaluation was done on harvesting. Hematological indices and serum profiles were tested. The T1 and T4 diets produced the most significant body weight and MWG, followed by T2 and T3. An improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) for T1 and T4 were significantly different from T2 and T3. The T4 specific growth rate (SGR) was similar to T1 and T2 but greater than T3. The T1 diet gave the most significant slaughter weight and dress weight, carcass components, and edible offal, followed by T4. The T4 diet raised PCV, RBC, Hb, cholesterol, and triglycerides more than T2, and T3, but no significant difference was found between T4 and T1. All solo root meal substitutes (T2 and T3) negatively impacted chicken performance; however, the 25% D. hispida+25% C. merkusii mix (T4) enhanced growth performance, most carcass features, and the blood profiles of slow-growing chickens when compared to a corn-based diet (T1).