Carcass Fat Content Research Articles

Fattening Results of Finishing Pigs Fed Second-Stage Diets with a High Content of Oat Bran and Soybean Oil

The experiment was performed on 48 crossbred ( Polish Landrace x Duroc) finishing pigs divided into three feeding groups: group I (control) – fed a cereal-soybean diet (diet 1), group II – fed a diet containing 15% oat bran and 3% soybean oil (diet 2), group III – fed a diet containing 30% oat bran and 5% soybean oil (diet 3). The pigs were kept in straw-litter pens (two animals, one gilt and one barrow, in each), and they were fed ad libitum from 70 to 110 kg live weight. A second-stage diet containing 30% oat bran and 5% soybean oil (group III) significantly decreased average daily weight gains and feed conversion efficiency, compared with control group I and group II. Different feeding had no significant effect on the lean meat and fat content of carcasses and the proximate chemical composition of meat. Diet supplementation with oat bran and soybean oil contributed to a significant increase in alpha-linolenic acid concentrations in the lipids extracted from m. longissimus dorsi (m.l.d.). The higher content of crude fiber and crude fat in diets resulted in a highly significant increase in HDL concentrations and a significant increase in triacylglycerol levels in the blood serum of pigs, yet it had no influence on total cholesterol levels in meat (m.l.d.) and liver samples.

Gum Guar fiber associated with fructose reduces serum triacylglycerol but did not improve the glucose tolerance in rats

IntroductionThe increased intake of dietary fructose can be associated with alterations on energy homeostasis and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism, such as insulin resistance and dislipidemia. On the other hand, the ingestion of soluble fiber gum guar could improve benefic mechanism on glucose tolerance and lipids profile.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study were to investigate the effects of the supplemental feeding partially hydrolyzed gum guar on glucose and lipid homeostasis, in rats fed with fructose solution.MethodsThe study was performed on thirty day-old male Wistar rats randomly assigned into four groups: control(C) or treated with fructose (F-20%), fiber (FB-5%), or fructose plus fiber (F-20% + FB-5% = FF) solution for 30 days on glucose tolerance (OGTT), triacylglycerol concentration in the liver by chloroform/methanol method, glucose, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol serum concentration by assayed by enzymatic colorimetric method, insulin receptor (IR) concentration in the liver by Western Blotting.ResultsThe total body weight gain was not different between groups; in regards of total caloric intake, in the F group was significantly higher and in the FB group was lower than other groups. The triacylglycerol concentration in the liver of FF group was significantly higher than F group, the triacylglycerol concentration in the serum was higher the F group compared with other groups. The OGTT reveal impaired on glucose tolerance in the F, FB, FF compared with C. The IR concentration in the liver was lower in the F, FB, FF compared with C, no significant difference was observed between groups for IR concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle. No significant difference was observed between groups for carcass fat content and serum total cholesterol.ConclusionFructose induced important alterations on glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, despite of fiber showed reversion of part this alterations. The association fructose plus fiber to seem decrease insulin receptor concentration in the liver, with consequent impair on glucose tolerance.

Weight of selected muscles as an indicator of the lean meat and fat content of broiler carcasses (Short Communication)

Abstract. The objective of this study was to test whether the weight of selected arm and leg muscles and breast muscles may be used as an indicator of the content of lean meat and skin, including subcutaneous and abdominal fat, in the carcasses of broiler chickens. The experimental materials comprised 40 Ross 308 chicks aged 42 days (sex ratio 1 : 1). A total of 17 muscles were dissected from the right wing and the right leg. The right and left breast muscles were also dissected. Coefficients of simple correlation between the weight of individual muscles and selected slaughter quality parameters were calculated. The highest correlation was found between the lean meat content of a carcass and the weight of the right and left breast muscles (r=0.81 and 0.82 respectively), m. gastrocnemius mediale (r=0.81) and m. peroneus superficialis (r=0.73). The prediction of the weight of skin and fat in the carcasses of broilers based on the weight of single muscles may be unreliable due to low and non-significant values of correlation coefficients (r from 0.04 to 0.29). The weight of this tissue component was significantly correlated (r=0.42) with breast muscle weight only.

Dietary CLA supplementation and gender modify fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat in Iberian × Duroc finishing heavy pigs

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enrichment for finishing heavy fatty pigs on performance, carcass traits and fatty acid composition in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat (IMF), including CLA main isomers concentration. Forty castrated Iberian × Duroc pigs, half males and half females, with 120 (±2.83) kg live weight were used. Pigs were fed experimental diets containing two levels (0 and 1%) of CLA. No effect of CLA was observed on backfat thickness or IMF concentration. In subcutaneous backfat, dietary CLA increased the C16:0, C18:0, c9,t11-CLA , t10,c12-CLA and saturated fatty acids (SFA) proportion and decreased those C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportions and MUFA/SFA and C18:1 n-9/C18:0 and C16:1 n-7/C16:0 ratios. In the IMF, dietary CLA increased C16:0, SFA, c9,t11 and t10,c12 proportions and reduced C18:1 n-9 and MUFA, MUFA/SFA and C18:1 n-9/C18:0 ratios, but showed no effect on C18:2 n-6 and PUFA proportion. Subcutaneous backfat fatty acid profile was affected by gender, but no gender effect on intramuscular fatty acid profile was observed. CLA isomer accumulation was lower in heavy pigs compared to the lean genotype probably as a consequence of the higher carcass fat concentration in the former.

Leptin Responsiveness of Mice Deficient in Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 2

Leptin acts centrally to inhibit food intake and increase energy expenditure. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is one of the neuropeptides that may contribute to leptin-induced hypophagia and thermogenesis. Acute leptin administration increases CRH mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and CRH receptor type 2 (CRHR2) expression in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Studies described here used male and female CRHR2 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) controls to test the importance of CRHR2 in mediating the effects of leptin on food intake, weight gain and body composition. Peripheral injections of 0.5 mg/kg leptin for 3 days inhibited food intake in female WT and male KO mice, but inhibited weight gain in female KO and male WT mice suggesting an important role for thermogenesis in mediating weight loss. A single third ventricle injection of 1 µg leptin inhibited 12 h food intake of all mice, 36 h cumulative intake of KO mice and weight loss in WT and KO female and WT male mice. A 12-day peripheral infusion of 10 µg leptin/day had no effect on food intake of any group, but significantly reduced carcass fat and protein content of all mice. These results indicate that CRHR2 are not essential for the effects of leptin on food intake, body weight or body composition. Leptin response seems to be determined by a combination of mouse gender and genotype, but CRHR2 KO mice may have an extended response to central leptin injections compared with their WT controls.

Genome-wide mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for fatness, fat cell characteristics and fat metabolism in three porcine F2 crosses

BackgroundQTL affecting fat deposition related performance traits have been considered in several studies and mapped on numerous porcine chromosomes. However, activity of specific enzymes, protein content and cell structure in fat tissue probably depend on a smaller number of genes than traits related to fat content in carcass. Thus, in this work traits related to metabolic and cytological features of back fat tissue and fat related performance traits were investigated in a genome-wide QTL analysis. QTL similarities and differences were examined between three F2 crosses, and between male and female animals.MethodsA total of 966 F2 animals originating from crosses between Meishan (M), Pietrain (P) and European wild boar (W) were analysed for traits related to fat performance (11), enzymatic activity (9) and number and volume of fat cells (20). Per cross, 216 (M × P), 169 (W × P) and 195 (W × M) genome-wide distributed marker loci were genotyped. QTL mapping was performed separately for each cross in steps of 1 cM and steps were reduced when the distance between loci was shorter. The additive and dominant components of QTL positions were detected stepwise by using a multiple position model.ResultsA total of 147 genome-wide significant QTL (76 at P < 0.05 and 71 at P < 0.01) were detected for the three crosses. Most of the QTL were identified on SSC1 (between 76-78 and 87-90 cM), SSC7 (predominantly in the MHC region) and SSCX (in the vicinity of the gene CAPN6). Additional genome-wide significant QTL were found on SSC8, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18. In many cases, the QTL are mainly additive and differ between F2 crosses. Many of the QTL profiles possess multiple peaks especially in regions with a high marker density. Sex specific analyses, performed for example on SSC6, SSC7 and SSCX, show that for some traits the positions differ between male and female animals. For the selected traits, the additive and dominant components that were analysed for QTL positions on different chromosomes, explain in combination up to 23% of the total trait variance.ConclusionsOur results reveal specific and partly new QTL positions across genetically diverse pig crosses. For some of the traits associated with specific enzymes, protein content and cell structure in fat tissue, it is the first time that they are included in a QTL analysis. They provide large-scale information to analyse causative genes and useful data for the pig industry.

De novo fatty acid synthesis and balance of fatty acids of pigs fed different fat sources

Dietary fatty acid composition has been shown to influence fat deposition in rodents, chickens and pigs. Results in pigs, however, have been less clear than in other species and may relate to the level of fat/oil added to the diet and the reporting of gross carcass composition instead of gravimetrically measured fat content. The objectives of the experiment were to study the effect of dietary fat composition on whole pig (carcass + viscera) fatty acid (FA) composition and to perform a whole-body balance in order to study de novo FA synthesis and the fate of essential FA. Seventy crossbred gilts (61.8 ± 5.2 kg BW) were divided into 10 animals per treatment. Pigs were fed one of seven treatments: a semi-synthetic diet formulated to contain a very low level of fat (NF) and six fat supplemented diets (10%) based on a barley–soybean meal. The supplemental fats were tallow (T), high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSF), sunflower oil (SFO), linseed oil (LO), blend (FB) (55% tallow, 35% sunflower oil, and 10% linseed oil) and fish oil blend (FO) (40% fish oil and 60% linseed oil). In addition, 5 pigs were killed at 61.8 kg to measure body composition at the start of the balance period. Carcass and viscera fat content and FA composition were determined to perform a balance in pigs growing from 61.8 to approximately 100 kg BW. Whole-body FA composition reflected dietary treatments; viscera showed a high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Whole-body fat content of HOSF (26.7%) and SFO (26.7%) fed animals was higher than T (22.9%) fed animals ( P < 0.05). The ratio of de novo FA synthesis (endogenous FA) of pigs fed the very low fat diet was 1.6:1.0:3.0 for palmitic, stearic and oleic acids, respectively. The different diets containing high amounts of polyunsaturated FA (SFO, LO and FO) showed deposition ratios (not catabolizated exogenous FA) of linoleic and linolenic acids between 64.8 and 66.5, and 62.9 and 64.1%, respectively, whereas deposition rates of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were 33.6, 47.9 and 48.9%, respectively. Tissue content of eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid increased in the diets containing high levels of linolenic and linoleic acids ( P < 0.05), respectively, but the diet containing high linolenic acid did not increase docosahexaenoic acid deposition ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary tallow lowers whole animal fat content as compared to sunflower oil and high-oleic sunflower oil diets.

Effect of source of dietary fat on pig performance, carcass characteristics and carcass fat content, distribution and fatty acid composition

Seventy gilts were used to compare the effect of including 10% tallow (T), high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSF), sunflower oil (SFO), linseed oil (LO), a fat blend (FB), or an oil blend (OB) in finishing diets vs. feeding a semi-synthetic diet with no added fat (NF) on pig performance, carcass traits and carcass fatty acid (FA) composition. Carcasses from SFO-fed gilts had greater fat and lower lean compositions than carcasses from T-fed gilts. Gilts fed NF had greater loin fat than FB-fed gilts, and greater flare fat, loin intermuscular fat and fat:lean than T-fed gilts. Bellies from NF-fed gilts had lower lean and higher intermuscular fat and fat:lean than other diets except HOSF. Fat source had minor effects on animal performance, carcass characteristics and carcass fat content and distribution, whereas feeding NF resulted in carcasses and major cuts with higher fat content. Diets rich in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) did not reduce fat deposition in separable fat depots with respect to monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and saturated FA (SFA). Carcasses from gilts fed NF had a high degree of saturation (40.6% SFA) followed by carcasses of T- and FB-fed gilts. Feeding HOSF, SFO and LO enriched diets elevated the percentages of MUFA (56.7%), n-6 (30.0%) and n-3 (16.6%) PUFA, respectively, whereas carcasses from gilts fed OB had greater percentages of n-3 FA (14.8% n-3, 0.9% EPA, 1.0% DPA, 3.1% DHA) than gilts fed FB (6.72% n-3, 0.1% EPA, 0.4% DPA, 0.1% DHA).

Hamcho (Salicornia herbacea) with probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics for broiler production.

A study was conducted with 140 Ross 1-day old broilers having four treatments to know the potentiality of Salicornia herbacea (Hamcho) probiotics (SHP) and suitable level in replacing antibiotic. The groups were control (basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 0.05% OTC) and SHP 0.5% and 1.0% with basal diet. The birds were arranged in a completely randomized design having 5 replications with 7 chicks per replication in wire cage. Recorded data were analyzed by SAS package program. Addition of feed additives in the diet did not show any adverse effect on growth, feed intake and FCR (feed: gain) in broilers. Addition of SHP has significant effect on increase of crude protein in meat compared to control as well as antibiotic (p < 0.05). S. herbacea probiotics showed significantly lower fat content in carcass like the antibiotic than control (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value of meat in 0.5% SHP group showed significantly lower value compared to control (p < 0.05) at fresh and first weeks of preservation although statistically similar with antibiotic for both the levels of SHP up to 3 weeks of preservation. Development of internal organs has no adverse effect among the groups, moreover reducing and positive trend in cecum and large intestine weight after addition of SHP. Considering the findings, 0.5 to 1.0% S. herbacea probiotics can be replaceable to antibiotic for broiler production. Key words: Salicornia herbacea probiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC), crude protein, TBA value, fatty acids profile, broiler meat.

The myostatin null mutation and clenbuterol administration elicit additive effects in mice

In mice, the myostatin (Mstn) null mutation and treatment with clenbuterol both increase muscle growth and decrease fat mass. Our objective was to determine whether mechanistic overlap exists by administering clenbuterol to Mstn null mice. Male Mstn null and wild-type mice of similar genetic backgrounds received either 0 (control) or 20 p.p.m. clenbuterol in tap water free choice for 14 days. Several traits were measured to estimate muscle and fat growth. The Mstn null mutation resulted in increased body and empty carcass weight, increased muscle weights and decreased fat pad weights. Fat content was reduced and protein content was increased in the empty carcasses of Mstn null mice. Similarly, treatment with clenbuterol resulted in increased body and empty carcass weight, increased muscle weights and reduced fat pad weights. Fat content of empty carcasses and viscera was reduced and protein content of empty carcasses was increased with clenbuterol treatment. A significant interaction of genotype and clenbuterol treatment would indicate an altered responsiveness of Mstn null mice to clenbuterol. However, only the weight of gastrocnemius muscles exhibited a significant (P = 0.01) interaction of genotype and clenbuterol treatment, indicating that Mstn null mice were less responsive to clenbuterol compared with wild-type mice. Thus, for all other traits, the impact of Mstn null mutation and clenbuterol treatment was completely additive. These data suggest that disruption of Mstn function does not alter the response of mice to β-adrenergic agonists.

Survival, Growth, Feed Efficiency and Carcass Composition of Rabbitfish, Siganus Rivulatus, Fed Different Dietary Energy and Feeding Levels

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary energy level and feeding level or daily energy density (DED) on growth, feed conversion, nutrient retention efficiencies, carcass composition, apparent nutrient digestibility and cost benefit analysis for fingerling of rabbitfish, Siganous rivulatus. Twelve net cages, each with dimensions of 1x1x0.4m were stocked with 10 fingerlings (10g/fish initial weight). The fish were fed three isonutrogenous diets (25% CP), with varying three oil supplement (0,5 and 10%), and digestible energy levels (3882, 4056 and 4360 kcal/kg diet), at of 2 and 4% body weight/day (BW/d), corresponding six daily energy densities based on calorie per 1g BW of fish per day. Fish were fed the experimental diets three times daily, six days a week for 98 days. Fish were weighed every two week intervals and feed amounts were adjusted on the basis of the new fish weight. Final body weight, gain and specific growth level (SGR) were increased with an increase in dietary energy level at 2% feeding level but no trends were evident at 4% feeding level. Feed conversion (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), productive protein value (PPV%) and energy retention (ER%) were higher when fish were fed at 2% than 4% feeding level. Furthermore, increasing daily energy density resulted in an increase in SGR until level of 162.4cal/g BW of fish. However the differences in SGR above 155.2cal/g BW were not significant (P >0.05). There are a positive effect between energy density and SGR (y= 0.099x+0.5, r 2 = 0.88). Fat content of carcass increased by increasing both energy and feeding levels while protein content did not affected.

Genetic parameters for intramuscular fatty acid composition and metabolism in pigs1

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for pork intramuscular fatty acid (FA) composition and indices for desaturase and elongase activities involved in n-3 and n-6 PUFA metabolism. The LM of 437 slaughter pigs was analyzed for FA composition (expressed as g/100 g of FA). Indices for enzyme activities were calculated from product to precursor FA ratios. Genetic parameters were estimated with single- and multi-trait animal models. The total FA content, reflecting the intramuscular fat content, was either included or not in the model. Results from the models without total FA content showed relatively high heritability estimates, generally above 0.50, for the proportion of the most important MUFA and PUFA, compared with much smaller values for the SFA. When total FA content was included in the models, heritability values decreased (P < 0.001) for most individual FA and for all sums of FA groups, except for C18:0, C18:3n-6, and C18:3n-3. Heritability estimates for the ratios C20:4n-6/C18:2n-6 and C22:6n-3/C18:3n-3, reflecting the overall conversion in the n-6 and n-3 PUFA pathway, respectively, were 0.29 and 0.35, respectively, with total FA content in the model and increased to 0.38 and 0.49, respectively, if total FA content was not in the model. Heritabilities for other more specific indices were of the same order. Genetic correlations between PUFA proportions and indices for enzyme activities with ADG were mostly negative, whereas the correlations with carcass lean meat percentage were mostly positive. It was concluded that there is meaningful genetic variation for long-chain PUFA metabolism that is only partly dependent on the carcass and muscle fat content. This may allow selection for improved FA composition of pork.

The effect of crossing New Zealand White with Californian rabbits on growth and slaughter traits

Abstract. slaughter traits. The experiment was conducted on 120 New Zealand White (NZW) and Californian (CAL) medium-sized rabbits and their F1 reciprocal crosses (CAL × NZW and NZW × CAL). The rabbits were fed pellets ad libitum, and slaughtered at body weight around 2.5 kg. The following traits were recorded: body weight and average daily gain at birth to slaughter, average feed consumption from weaning to slaughter, slaughter age, carcass weight, meat, bone and fat content of carcass, prime cuts weight (fore part, loin and hind part), and dressing percentage. The results indicated that reciprocal crossbred CAL × NZW and NZW × CAL rabbits were heavier than purebred animals. NZW × CAL crosses attained the slaughter body weight earlier, and had lower feed consumption. The dressing percentage in NZW × CAL crosses was highest, while the lowest in NZW rabbits. For other slaughter traits, except the fat content of carcass, effects of crossing rabbits were small. The magnitude of the crossbreeding effects depended on the direction of crossbreeding. Maximum effects in crosses for slaughter age, body weight, feed consumption and dressing percentage were obtained when the Californian breed was used as a maternal component.

Relationships among dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance and ultrasound measurements of body composition of swine

Abstract. In three separate studies (156 pigs total), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasound were compared as methods for measuring live body composition of pigs at 60 and 100-110 kg BWt. DXA measured total body fat and lean content, BIA measurements of resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc) were used to calculate total body lean mass and ultrasound measurements of backfat (BF) depth and longissimus muscle area (LMA) were used to calculate total carcass lean mass. Following the 100–110 kg measurements, the pigs were slaughtered and the half-carcass analyzed chemically for fat and water content. At 110 kg both DXA and ultrasound measurements were significantly correlated with the percentages of carcass fat and water, although correlations were higher for DXA. The correlations between DXA and BF measurements were higher at 110 kg than at 60 kg, whereas they were lower for DXA and LMA. For pigs measured at 100 kg there were high correlations between the DXA values and the BIA estimates for both percentage of fat-free lean mass (FFM %) and FFM kg. Furthermore, the correlations between the BIA estimates of FFM and carcass fat and water content were similar to those for DXA and the same carcass values. This study also provided a side-by-side comparison of the BIA and ultrasound lean measurements relative to DXA and carcass composition. The BIA lean measurement correlated more highly with both DXA and carcass composition than did the ultrasound lean measurement.

Metabolic, Osmoregulatory and Nutritional Functions of Betaine in Monogastric Animals

This review focuses on the metabolic and osmoregulatory functions of betaine and its impact on nutrient digestibility and performance in pigs and poultry. Betaine is the trimethyl derivative of the amino acid glycine, and is present in plant and animal tissue. It has been shown to play an important role in osmoregulation of plants, bacteria and marine organisms. Due to its chemical structure, betaine exerts a number of functions both at the gastrointestinal and metabolic level. As a methyl group donor, betaine is involved in transmethylation reactions and donates its labile methyl group for the synthesis of several metabolically active substances such as creatine and carnitine. Therefore, supplementation of betaine may reduce the requirement for other methyl group donors such as methionine and choline. Beneficial effects on intestinal cells and intestinal microbes have been reported following betaine supplementation to diets for pigs and poultry, which have been attributed to the osmotic properties of betaine. Furthermore, betaine potentially enhances the digestibility of specific nutrients, in particular fiber and minerals. Moreover, at the metabolic level, betaine is involved in protein and energy metabolism. Growth trials revealed positive effects of supplemental betaine on growth performance in pigs and poultry, and there is evidence that betaine acts as a carcass modifier by reducing the carcass fat content. In conclusion, due to its various metabolic and osmoregulatory functions, betaine plays an important role in the nutrition of monogastric animals.

Carcass quality of feedlot finished steers fed yeast, monensin, and the association of both additives

To evaluate the effects of the supplementation of feed additives on carcass quality in beef cattle, 72 Nellore steers (339.5kg, 20-month old) were feedlot finished and fed for 91 days one of the following diets: 1) control with no additives; or added of 2) live yeast culture; 3) monensin; or 4) the association of both additives. After slaughter, renal, pelvic, and inguinal fat and hot carcass weights were recorded and carcass was split into muscle, bone, and trimmable fat. Carcass Longissimus muscle area and subcutaneous fat thickness at the 12th rib were measured and steaks of Longisimus muscle were taken to determine meat color, shear force, drip, and cooking losses. Yeast increased carcass dressing percentage but there were no effects on hot carcass weight, Longissimus area, subcutaneous fat thickness, percentage and weight of retail cut yield and trimmings. Feed additives had no effect on carcass pH, meat color, fat content, shear force, and drip losses. Supplementation of yeast, monensin or the association of both additives had no important effects on carcass traits and on meat quality of feedlot finished steers.

PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF SOYBEAN MEAL WITH BLACK SEED AND ROQUETTE SEED MEALS IN NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) FINGERLINGS DIETS.

Black seed meal (Nigella sativa) and roqutte seed meals (Eruca sativa) were tested to replace soybean meal (SBM) in diets for mono sex Nile tilapia fingerlings (Orecreomis niloticus). Nine isonitrogenous (30% CP), isocaloric (460 kcal GE/100g) diets were formulated to contain black seed (BSM) and roquette seed meals (RSM) as a partial replacement of soybean meal at different levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) forming 9 treatments, 4 with BSM and 4 with RSM and the control. The diets were fed daily at a rate of 4 % of fish body weight in triplicate groups with 15 Nile tilapia fingerlings each (3.14g/fish), in 80 l glass aquaria for 90 days period. Data collected were on growth rate, feed utilization and body composition along with simple economic evaluation. Results of growth performance showed that SBM substitution with BSM and RSM were nearly similar. Survival rate was not affected greatly but it seems that all levels of BSM substitution were more favorable than the other RSM substitutions. As for feed utilization most treatments used showed similar results to the control. The 20 % RSM replacement (instead of SBM) showed the lowest values. Carcass CP content was not affects by all levels of BSM and 5 to 15% levels of RSM that substituted SBM. Carcass fat content showed no significant differences among all groups and the control group. The highest ash content in fish body was obtained by fish fed T9 diet which contained 20% RSM as a partial replacement of SBM. The present study suggest that BSM and RSM have were more economic efficiency when replacing SBM at levels of 20% and 15%, respectively in Nile tilapia fingerlings diets.

Effects of concentrate supplementation on carcass and meat quality attributes of feedlot finished Small East African goats

Effects of concentrate supplementation on carcass and meat quality of feedlot finished Small East African (SEA) goats were assessed using 23 animals (14.5 months old and 20.1 kg body weight). Goats were subjected to four levels of concentrate supplementation: ad libitum concentrate allowance (T100), 66% of ad libitum concentrate allowance (T66), 33% of ad libitum allowance (T33) and no concentrate (T0). All goats were slaughtered after 90 days of experimental period. The ad libitum concentrate intake attained by the goats was about 370 g DM/d. All concentrate-supplemented goats had similar ( P > 0.05) total dry matter intake. T100 goats had 31 g and 14 g higher ( P < 0.05) daily body weight gain than T33 and T66 goats, respectively. T100 and T66 goats were comparable in final live weight and empty body weight but both were heavier ( P < 0.05) than that of T33 and T0 goats. Hot and cold carcass weights for both T100 and T66 goats were 3 kg heavier ( P < 0.05) than that of T0 goats. Concentrate-supplemented goats had similar ( P > 0.05) EUROP scores for carcass fatness. T100 and T66 goats had 6.5 and 3 units higher ( P < 0.05) scores for conformation than T0 and T33 goats, respectively. Dressing percentage increased with levels of concentrate supplementation in a curvilinear fashion, with highest values in T66 goats. At 6 h post-mortem, muscle pH for concentrate-supplemented animals was significantly lower compared with T0 goats. Carcass fat content was 9% higher ( P < 0.05) in concentrate-supplemented goats than in their contemporaries. No differences in cooking loss or shear force were observed among treatments, while these variables were affected by the type of muscle. It is concluded that feedlot finishing of SEA had limited effects on meat quality. Finishing SEA goats at 66% of their ad libitum concentrate intake, however, significantly improved weight gains and carcass fatness. Cost–benefit analyses are recommended before embarking on a large scale feedlot finishing of SEA goats.

Studies On Performance Of Broiler Chickens Fed Oil Palm Slurry

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted using 72 Cobb commercial broiler chickens to study the inclusion of oil palm slurry (OPS) in broiler diets. The 1-day-old chickens were randomly allocated in groups of 24 birds to each of the three dietary treatments. The chickens were given conventional feed containing 75 and 150 g kg-1 levels of OPS. The control diet did not contain OPS. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Broilers fed on diets with 75 g kg-1 OPS inclusion recorded the highest feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and dressing percentage. The abdominal fat content of carcass showed a significant (P

Polpa cítrica em rações para cordeiros em confinamento: características da carcaça e qualidade da carne

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do fornecimento de polpa cítrica na dieta sobre as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros em confinamento. Utilizaram-se 32 cordeiros Santa Inês distribuídos em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições, os quais foram definidos pelo peso e pela idade dos animais no início do experimento de desempenho. Os animais foram alimentados com rações contendo 90% de concentrado (milho moído e/ou polpa cítrica, farelo de soja e minerais) e 10% de feno de coastcross (Cynodon spp). A polpa cítrica foi adicionada nos níveis 23,7; 46,1 e 68,4% da MS em substituição a 33, 67 e 100% do milho. Ao atingirem 33 kg de peso corporal médio, os cordeiros foram abatidos para avaliação dos rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria, da perda por resfriamento, da espessura de gordura de cobertura, da área de olho-de-lombo, dos rendimentos de cortes e da proporção músculo:gordura:osso, além da capacidade de retenção de água, da cor, da perda de peso por cozimento e do pH da carne. As características de carcaça não foram alteradas pela substituição parcial ou total do milho por polpa cítrica. Entretanto, a substituição total do milho por polpa cítrica reduziu em 12,4% o teor de gordura na carcaça.