Carcass Measurements Research Articles

Comparative analysis of production performance, carcase traits, and meat quality in yearling beef of Limousine, Sardo-Bruna, and their crosses

The aim of this study was to compare animal performance and meat quality of a local cattle breed of Sardinia Island with specialised meat purebred or obtained by crossbreeding. For this purpose, 10 Sardo-Bruna (SB; 5 males, 5 females), 10 Limousine (L; 5 males, 5 females) and 10 Limousine × Sardo-Bruna crossbreed (L × SB; 5 males, 5 females) were compared simultaneously from 12 to 20 ± 1 (mean ± SEM) months old. During the trial, body weight (BW) was recorded once a month for estimating the average daily gain (ADG). At slaughter, carcase measurements, pH and colour traits were recorded from the left side of the carcase. Proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, cooking and drip losses were evaluated using the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. The SB group showed a lower cold carcase yield compared to L and L × SB genetic types. Males had a higher ADG, slaughter weight, hot and cold carcase weights, hot and cold carcase yields, and cooking losses than females. Females group showed a higher intramuscular fat content and rib fat thickness compared to males. No relevant differences among genetic types and between sexes were observed for meat and fat colours and pH. Concerning the FA profile, SB genetic type evidenced a higher oleic acid content and a better nutritional index than other genetic types while males had a higher PUFA content than females. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the Limousine breed can be effectively used to enhance carcase yield of local breed without effects on meat quality.

A tactical carcass optimisation tool for assisting boning room managers to increase boning room profit

In collaboration with Australian lamb supply chains, an integer linear programming model was developed for use by processors to optimally allocate carcasses to different cutting plans for implementation in a boning room on a daily or lot basis. This tactical carcass optimisation tool (TCOT) address the daily challenge of developing operational plans to process carcasses into products whilst maximising profitability subject to constraints on carcass availability, variability of carcass weight and fatness, number of product orders, product size and retail prices. Predicted weights for all available products were derived from cut-weight prediction algorithms established from the combination of carcass weight and fatness ranges. Carcass fatness was expressed as lean meat yield percentage (LMY%) and measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of hot carcasses immediately after slaughter. The TCOT utilises a group-based labour cost model which closely aligns with real-world supply chain practices. The function and application of the optimisation tool were tested in two contrasting case studies. The first case study demonstrated the ability of the optimiser to allocate carcasses to optimal cutting plans based on carcass weight and LMY%. The second case study examined the potential value of the tool for processors supplying lamb into the Australian domestic lamb market and subject to the constraints applied, demonstrated opportunities to increase profitability by at least 1 % compared to current best practice. This work provides a pathway whereby objective carcass measurement technology, combined with carcass sortation and optimisation algorithms, can be leveraged to improve profitability for the lamb supply chain.

Use of black pepper oil in growing-quail diets and its impact on growth, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, and blood chemistry

Abstract. Supplements derived from plants are utilized to maintain and promote the growth efficiency of animals. The use of black pepper oil (BPO) has recently generated significant scientific interest, primarily because of its potential beneficial effects on both humans and animals. The goal of the current study was to determine how dietary BPO supplementation affected growth performance, characteristics of growing quails' immunity, antioxidant status, and carcass yield. A total of 240 growing quails (1 week old) were divided into five equal groups, each with 36 birds (four replicates of 12 each). A basal diet containing no BPO (0 g kg−1) was given to the first group, and the second, third, and fourth groups were given a diet that was supplemented with BPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g kg−1, respectively). In comparison to a control group, quails' diets that were supplemented with 0.8 g BPO kg−1 showed improvements in final live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of 10.68 %, 12.6 %, and 18.2 %, respectively. During the whole study period (1 to 5 weeks), quails fed diets with 0.8 g BPO consumed less feed than the other groups and control. Due to BPO treatment, there were no statistically significant changes in any of the carcass parameters. BPO-supplemented groups had significantly elevated plasma levels of albumin and globulin than control groups (P < 0.05), but the albumin/globulin ratio was reported to be significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented with diets containing BPO compared to the control group. When compared to the control, the liver enzyme activity (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) in blood plasma was reported to be significantly increased in the quails given 0.4 and 0.8 g BPO kg−1. Glutathione and catalase activities were significantly higher in the group given diets supplemented with BPO (1.2 g kg−1) than they were in the control group. In comparison to the control, the supplementation of BPO in the diets of quail significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the lipid profile in the plasma, moreover decreasing the caecal content pH (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control, the populations of lactobacilli, coliform, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli in the caecum significantly decreased in the BPO-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPO supplementation in Japanese quails' diet can boost growth performance and antioxidant indices, enhance lipid profile and carcass traits, and reduce intestinal infections.

PSIII-14 Cotton gin byproduct in growing diets for beef steers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle during the stocker phase when fed different concentrations of cotton gin byproduct (CGB). Angus steers [n = 50; initial body weight (BW) = 349 ± 66 kg) were stratified by BW and grouped in slatted floor pens (10 steers/pen). Steers were assigned randomly within pen (2 per pen) to one of five diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB (dry matter basis). Diets were balanced for protein and energy, and the steers were fed for 84 d. Steers were weighed on d -1, 0, 28, 56, 83, and 84 for the stocker phase with d -1 and 0, 83 and 84 averaged to give start and end BW. Following the growing period, steers were switched to the same finishing diet and fed for an additional 55 d prior to being transported to PA for harvest and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using procMIXED of SASv9.4 to determine the significance of linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic trends. During the growing phase, dry matter intake increased linearly (P = 0.0017) with 10.16, 11.23, 11.59, 11.86, and 11.96 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.0631) with a cubic trend, increasing with the first addition of CGB, declining at the intermediate levels, and then increasing again at the 40% level (1.34, 1.54, 1.36, 1.39, and 1.52 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively). Feed efficiency showed a similar cubic trend (P = 0.10) with 0.133, 0.138, 0.119, 0.117, and 0.128 for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Within the finishing phase, average daily gain was significant (P = 0.026) as a quadratic trend with 1.54, 1.25, 1.18, 1.20, and 1.33 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Diets did not differ (P > 0.10) for dry matter intake (10.08 kg/d), feed conversion (8.31), or feed efficiency (0.130). Treatment did not influence (P > 0.10) marbling or other carcass measurements. Data suggest CGB supported good animal gains with only minor impact on feed intake and feed efficiency for stocker steers up to an inclusion rate of 40%.

356 Exploring the manganese requirement of feedlot steers

Abstract Angus-cross steers [n = 144; body weight (BW) = 359 kg ± 13.4] were used to assess the effect of dietary Mn and steroidal implants on trace mineral (TM) status, and liver and serum metabolites related to N metabolism. Steers (n = 6/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (experimental unit = steer; n = 24/treatment). Dietary treatments included (MANG; 8 pens per treatment; Mn as MnSO4): 1) no supplemental Mn (analyzed 14 mg Mn/kg DM; Mn0); 2) 20 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn20); 3) 50 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn50). Within MANG, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on d 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) combination implant (Revalor-200; REV). Liver biopsies for TM analysis and qPCR, and blood for serum urea-N (SUN) analysis were collected on d 0, 20, 40, and 77. Liver TM, serum metabolite, enzyme activity, and gene expression data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4. The Correlation Procedure of SAS 9.4 was utilized to assess correlations between liver arginase activity, SUN concentrations, and liver Mn concentrations. No MANG × IMP effects were noted (P ≥ 0.12) for growth or carcass measures. Steroidal implants increased final BW (FBW), overall average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed (G:F; P ≤ 0.01). Dietary Mn did not influence FBW, overall ADG, or overall G:F (P ≥ 0.14). Liver Mn concentration increased with supplemental Mn (P = 0.01). An IMP × DAY effect was noted for liver Mn (P = 0.01) where NO and REV were similar on d 0 but NO cattle increased liver Mn from d 0 to 20 while REV liver Mn decreased. Relative expression of liver Mn transporter ZnT10 tended to be least (MANG; P = 0.10) in Mn20 while Mn0 and Mn100 were similar. Relative expression of liver Mn transporter ZIP8 was not influenced by MANG, IMP, or MANG × IMP (P ≥ 0.23). Liver arginase activity was not influenced by MANG, IMP, MANG × DAY, IMP × DAY, or MANG × IMP (P ≥ 0.15) but tended to decrease over time (DAY; P = 0.10). On d 0, 20, and 40, arginase activity was correlated (r ≤ 0.33; P ≤ 0.01) with SUN and liver Mn. Relative expression of MnSOD in the liver was greater in REV (P = 0.03) compared with NO and within a MANG × IMP effect (P = 0.01) REV increased liver MnSOD activity. This study indicates current NASEM Mn recommendations are adequate to meet demands of finishing beef cattle given a steroidal implant. This study also reveals how implants and supplemental Mn influence liver enzyme activity and genes related to arginine metabolism, urea synthesis, antioxidant capacity, and TM homeostasis.

The use of Moringa leaves extract in rabbit diets: its effect on performance, lipid profile, kidney and liver function, immunity, antioxidant, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota

Abstract This study evaluated the role of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLEx) in improving the performance and health of rabbits during the fattening period. The growth, carcass measurements, serum immunity, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant condition, cecal microbiota of rabbits have been examined. A total of 100 New Zealand White male rabbits (5-week-old) were randomly distributed into five groups and were fed on the basal diet only or the basal diet supplemented with graded levels of MOLEx (1, 2, 3 or 4 g/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Animals in each group were divided into 10 replicates, with two animals each. Results showed that dietary supplementation of MOLEx at levels of 1, 3 and 4 g/kg feed improved growth performance (p < 0.05) including LBW (7, 9, 11, 13 weeks), BWG (5-13 weeks) and FCR (11-13 and 5-13 weeks). The inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed (3 and 4 g/kg) increased carcass%, dressing% and spleen% and decreased duodenum pH and cecal pH. Abdominal fat% was significantly lowered after the treatment with MOLEx. Lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, and cecal microbiota (increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria) of growing rabbits were positively affected by MOLEx levels. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx improved most of antioxidant biomarkers of growing rabbits. The dietary supplementation of MOLEx (2, 3 and 4 g/kg) increased immunological indicators (IgM, IgG, IgA, lysozyme and complement 3), and lowered cortisol level compared with the control group. Digestive enzymes (protease, lipase and amylase) activities of rabbits positively affected by MOLEx levels (3 and 4 g/kg feed). In conclusion, the inclusion of MOLEx in rabbits feed can be effective in improving productive performance, kidney and liver functions, digestive enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers, immunological indicators, cecal microbiota and carcass traits.

Using Image Analysis Technique for Predicting Light Lamb Carcass Composition.

Over the years, numerous techniques have been explored to assess the composition and quality of sheep carcasses. This study focuses on the utilization of video image analysis (VIA) to evaluate the composition of light lamb carcasses (4.52 ± 1.34 kg, mean cold carcass weight ± SD). Photographic images capturing the lateral and dorsal sides of fifty-five light lamb carcasses were subjected to analysis. A comprehensive set of measurements was recorded, encompassing dimensions such as lengths, widths, angles, areas, and perimeters, totaling 21 measurements for the lateral view images and 29 for the dorsal view images. K-Folds stepwise multiple regression analyses were employed to construct prediction models for carcass tissue weights (including muscle, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and bone) and their respective percentages. The most effective prediction equations were established using data from cold carcass weight (CCW) and measurements from both dorsal and lateral views. These models accounted for a substantial portion of the observed variation in the weights of all carcass tissues (with K-fold-R2 ranging from 0.83 to 0.98). In terms of carcass tissue percentages, although the degree of variation explained was slightly lower (with K-fold-R2 ranging from 0.41 to 0.78), the VIA measurements remained integral to the predictive models. These findings underscore the efficacy of VIA as an objective tool for assessing the composition of light lamb carcasses, which are carcasses weighing ≈ 4-8 kg.

Influences of a Supplemental Blend of Essential Oils Plus 25-Hydroxy-Vit-D3 and Zilpaterol Hydrochloride (β2 Agonist) on Growth Performance and Carcass Measures of Feedlot Lambs Finished under Conditions of High Ambient Temperature.

Forty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin male intact lambs (25.12 ± 3.79 kg LW) were used in a 70-d growing-finishing trial. Dietary treatments consisted of total mixed corn-based diet supplemented with: (1) no feed additives (Control); (2) 150 mg of essential oils blend plus 0.10 mg of 25-hydroxy-Vit-D3/kg diet offered throughout the 70-d experimental period (EOD3); (3) Control diet fed during the first 35 days and zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation at 6 mg/kg diet offered during the final 35 days of the experiment (32 days with ZH with a withdrawal 3-d before harvest), and (4) basal diet supplemented with EOD3 during first 35 days finishing, and EOD3 in combination with ZH (EOD3 + ZH) during the subsequent 32-days with ZH withdrawal 3 days before harvest. The temperature-humidity index during the experiment averaged 80.4 ± 3.2. There were no treatment interactions (p > 0.20) on growth performance and carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 did not affect (p = 0.43) dry matter intake (DMI), but increased (p < 0.01) carcass adjusted average daily gain (ADG, 9.2%), gain efficiency (GF, 6.7%), and observed vs. expected dietary net energy for maintenance (NEm, 4.8%) and for gain (NEg, 6.4%). Supplemental ZH did not affect dry matter intake (DMI, p = 0.50) but increased (p < 0.01) carcass adjusted ADG (14.5%), GF (13%) and observed vs. expected dietary NEm (9%) and NEg (11.7%). Compared to control lambs, the combination of both additives increased ADG (24.9%), GF (21.2%), and observed vs. expected dietary NEm and NEg (14.2% and 18.9%, respectively). There were no treatment interactions on carcass characteristics, visceral organ mass, or on gene expression of IGF1, IGF2 and mTOR in longissimus muscle (LM). Supplemental EOD3 increased hot carcass weight (HCW; 4.0%, p < 0.01) but did not affect other carcass measures. Supplemental EOD3 decreased (3%, p = 0.03) intestine mass weight (g intestine/kg empty body weight). Supplemental ZH increased HCW (6%, p < 0.01), dressing percentage (1.7%, p = 0.04), and LM area (9.7%, p < 0.01), and decreased kidney-pelvic-fat percentage (16.2%, p < 0.01), fat thickness (14.7%, p = 0.03), and visceral fat. Compared to controls, the combination of EOD3 with ZH increased HCW (10.2%). It is concluded that growth performance responses to supplemental EOD3 and ZH are additive. Both supplements can be fed in combination without detrimental effects on expected benefits when fed separately. In addition, ZH supplementation improves carcass traits.

293 Effects of Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics on pig feed performance and carcass characteristics when included in an elevated protein diet

Abstract The study objective was to determine effects of Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics (CT; celluTEIN; Puretein Bioscience LLC, Minneapolis, MN, USA) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed an increased protein diet during growing and finishing. Pigs [PIC Camborough×PIC 337; n = 51 barrows; 57 gilts; initial body weight (BW) 28.3 ± 0.1 kg] were weighed, stratified by BW within sex, and within each two-pig strata, randomly assigned to a pen (n = 18; n = 6 pigs/pen). Pens were randomly assigned one of two dietary treatments (Diet) consisting of 0 or 100 ppm CT mixed in a four-phase dietary regimen (phase1 d 0 to 21, phase2 d 22 to 42, phase3 d 43 to 63, phase4 d 64 to 84). Weekly, feed consumption and pigs were weighed to calculate performance. On d 91, 98, and 105, the heaviest male and female from each pen was harvested and carcass data were collected. Performance data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, carcass data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, and pen was the experimental unit). Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were declared between 0.05&amp;lt; P &amp;lt; 0.10. At all four phases, there was no Diet effect on BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P &amp;gt; 0.12), except CT pigs consumed less (P = 0.04) feed during phase4. There was no Diet effect on Phase2 gain to feed ratio (G:F), but CT pigs had greater Phase1 and 4 G:F and smaller Phase 3 G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.04). From d 0 to 84, there were no Diet effects on ADG and ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.13), but CT pigs had greater (P = 0.02) G:F. celluTEIN carcasses tended to have greater (P = 0.09) weight and had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) dressing percent than control carcasses. There were no Diet effects for 10th or last rib fat thickness, but CT carcasses tended to have less (P = 0.07) first rib fat thickness. There were no Diet effects on loin eye area, National Pork Board (NPB) color score, Japanese color score, and L*, a*, and b* values (P &amp;gt; 0.24). celluTEIN carcasses had smaller NPB marbling and Japanese marbling color scores than control carcasses (P &amp;lt; 0.02). When supplemented to an increased protein diet, Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics improve feed conversion while positively affecting several important carcass measures.

58 Evaluation of a phytogenic blend on growth performance, health, carcass traits, and efficiency of dietary net energy utilization in finishing beef steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera Advance - Selko USA, Indianapolis IN) influences measures of cattle growth, efficiency, health, or carcass traits, during the finishing phase in steers fed a concentrate-based diet. Charolais × Angus steers [n = 96; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 391 ± 34.0 kg] were used in a 144-d finishing experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD. Steers were individually weighed and allotted to one of 14 pens (n = 6 to 7 steers; 7 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control diet without the test product (CON) or a diet including CCG at 500 mg/steer daily (CCG). The average nutrient content of the finishing diet was: 13.5% CP; 18.7% NDF; 2.06 Mcal/kg NEm; and 1.39 Mcal/kg NEg; monensin sodium was included in the diet at 30 g/907 kg. Steers were fed twice daily, and bunks were managed according to a slick bunk system. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.10) in any growth performance outcome from d 1 to 35, 36 to 70, or 71 to 98. The within pen standard deviation for average daily gain (ADG) from d 71 to 98 tended to be reduced (P = 0.10) for CCG steers compared with CON. From d 99 to 144 steers supplemented CCG had 5% greater dietary energy utilization (P = 0.01), tended to have 5% greater ADG (P = 0.09), and 8% improved feed efficiency (P = 0.01). Experimental periods when improved pen gain uniformity and feed efficiency were observed coincided with increased summertime temperatures. No differences (P ≥ 0.15) were noted for cumulative growth performance. No differences were noted for any carcass measurements or categorical carcass outcomes, nor lung or liver health outcomes (P ≥ 0.15). Use of CCG had no appreciable influence on any cumulative growth performance responses. However, the use of CCG decreased within pen variation in ADG indicating more uniform nutrient intake among cattle and increased feed efficiency during summertime heat events.

Dynamic correction of dual−energy x-ray absorptiometry images improves chain speed prediction of lamb composition in abattoirs

A prototype, on-line Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometer (DXA) has shown high precision of the prediction of carcass composition for the purpose of improved sheep meat grading in the Australian lamb supply chain, albeit with small inaccuracies over time. These inaccuracies were present across hours, and more significantly across days, which were unacceptable for any accreditation of this device as an objective carcass measurement tool in Australia. This inaccuracy demanded the creation of a novel image−processing algorithm for the prototype DXA. This DXA was tested for repeatability of predictions of lamb carcass composition over minutes, hours, and days, using two developed image processing algorithms. There was high immediate repeatability for both algorithms when predicting lean muscle % in 40 lamb carcasses, with a maximum CV of 0.65% over five repeated scans. There was a decrease in the CV of the prediction of lean muscle % of 30 lambs scanned three times over a 48-h period from 5.93 to 1.19% when the superior algorithm was used. The inaccuracies of lean muscle % predictions were associated with increases in the unattenuated space pixel values in DXA images. Improvements of the current algorithm are required to demonstrate repeatability over time for the purpose of accreditation within the Australian sheep meat industry, and for possible expansion of this technology into international supply chains.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 weeks. Quail egg weights were divided into three groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11–12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final three days of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 days at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of five that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the four storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7–10 days. However, no significant interaction was observed—additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, three weeks, and six weeks. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either one day or four days.

Effects of Slaughter Weight and Muscle Types on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Holstein Friesian Bulls

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter weight and muscle types on carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls. For this purpose, the 21 young bulls were assigned to three experimental groups based on their weights at slaughter called lighter (LSW) (470.4±32.5kg), medium (MSW) (540.8±10.9 kg) and heavier (HSW) (605.8±28.3 kg). Animals in the HSW group resulted in higher carcass weight, LD area, crude protein content, pH24 value. On the other hand, L* and a* values color parameters and LD area per 100 kg carcass weight were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. The meat obtained from the LSW group were brighter and redder compared to other two slaughter groups. Additionally, there was a decreasing trend in the proportion of the non-carcass components with increasing of the slaughter weight. However, increasing of the slaughter weights led to a significant increase in the carcass measurements such as thoracic depth, carcass length, length of the round as well as width of the round. Although the crude protein content was significantly affected by both slaughter weights and muscle types, only muscle types were also significant sources of variation in percentages of moisture and crude ash.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii tannins on growth performance, footpad dermatitis, nutrient digestibility, intestinal permeability, and meat quality of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on broiler growth performance, footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and ileal digestibility as well as on intestinal permeability, jejunal morphometric, and lipid oxidation measurements. A total of 1620 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were fed 6 experimental diets with 10 replicate pens of 27 birds each in a 4-phase feeding program. Dietary treatments were as follow: non-challenged control, challenged control, and challenged supplemented with 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. All birds on challenged groups were challenged with Eimeria spp. on day 1 and Clostridium perfringens on days 11, 12, and 13. Performance was evaluated weekly until day 43. On day 21, blood samples were collected for biochemistry analyses and the intestinal permeability was evaluated using FITC-d as marker. Ileal digestibility and jejunal morphometric were also determined on day 21. Footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and litter pH were evaluated on days 28, 35, and 43. On day 44, carcass and commercial cuts weights were evaluated and thigh samples were collected for lipid oxidation (TBARS) through a 6 months storage period. Broilers under intestinal challenge had lower growth performance, higher intestinal permeability, and lower serum albumin, cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides compared to non-challenged birds (P < 0.05). From day 1 to 43, increasing tannin supplementation for broilers under intestinal challenge led to quadratic increases (P < 0.05) in body weight gain, with optimal supplementation at 310 mg/kg as well as optimized estimations for feed conversion ratio at 444 mg/kg tannin. Dietary tannin supplementation that reduced intestinal permeability at 21 days was 466 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Tannin supplementation that improved protein and energy digestibility were at 374 and 294 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). No effects of tannin were observed on blood biochemistry, crypt depth, litter pH, carcass measurements, and lipid oxidation until the storage day 60. However, increasing levels of tannin supplementation led to a linear (P < 0.05) decrease on lipid oxidation of broiler meat after 90 days of storage. In conclusion, low levels of supplemental tannins from Acacia mearnsii improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal permeability in broilers under an intestinal challenge.

Effect of Different Herbage Allowances from Mid to Late Gestation on Nellore Cow Performance and Female Offspring Growth until Weaning.

This study evaluated different herbage allowances from mid to late pregnancy on pre- and postpartum physiological responses, milk production, and the performance of Nellore cows and the preweaning growth of their female offspring. Sixty multiparous Nellore cows were blocked by their body weight (BW; 425 ± 36 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 3.67 ± 0.23, scale 1-5) and randomly allocated to twelve pastures. Treatments consisted of two different herbage allowances (HA) during pregnancy: low HA (LHA; 2.80 kg DM/kg of BW) and high HA (HHA; 7.60 kg DM/kg of BW). Both treatment groups were fed 1 g/kg BW of a protein supplement. After calving, all cow-calf pairs were combined in a single group. The effects of maternal treatment × day of the study were detected for herbage mass and allowance, the stocking rate and forage crude protein, and for cow BW, BCS, and carcass measures (p < 0.01). Milk yield corrected to 4% fat, while the levels of fat total solids and cow plasma IGF-1 and urea were different (p ≤ 0.04) between treatments. HHA offspring was heavier (p ≤ 0.05) at 120 days and at weaning. A high herbage allowance can be implemented from mid-gestation until calving to increase cow prepartum performance, post-partum milk yield and composition, and positively modulate female offspring preweaning growth.

Multivariate Discriminant Analysis on Differentiating Sheep Breeds Based on Live Body and Carcass Measurements

Multivariate Discriminant Analysis on Differentiating Sheep Breeds Based on Live Body and Carcass Measurements

Evaluation of Improvest effects on production parameters of gilts from two different genetic sire lines.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of Improvest on the performance and carcass characteristics of gilts from two different genetic sire lines and the performance of Improvest gilts with castrated male pigs. It was hypothesized that performance parameters observed for Improvest gilts would be similar to barrows, thus narrowing the performance gaps between traditionally managed gilts and barrows. Pigs were from Large White/Landrace dams and either Duroc-Pietrain (DP) or Duroc (D) sires. Females within each genetic sire line were randomized by weight to receive the first dose of Improvest (IMP) on day 25 of the study or to serve as a nontreated control (DP IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), DP CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen). The second dose of Improvest was administered 6wk later (i.e., day 67). Barrows did not receive Improvest (DP barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen], D barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen]). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were measured at 21 d intervals throughout the duration of the study. The targeted weight for pigs to be marketed was 133 ± 2.5kg. Carcass characteristics and loin quality parameters were evaluated on a subset of pigs (n = 283). Improvest-treated gilts of both genetic lines had increased (P ≤ 0.05) ADG and ADFI compared to untreated gilts during the post-second dose intervals with values exceeding that of barrows from day 84 to marketing. Overall, DP IMP gilts had increased (P ≤ 0.05) G:F post-second dose compared to DP CON gilts and DP barrows, yetall other treatments were similar. As pigs were marketed at a similar weight, there was no difference in the final weight, however, DP IMP gilts and DP barrows reached market weight sooner (P ≤ 0.05) than DP CON gilts (109.9 and 111.8 vs. 114.3 ± 0.8 d). Backfat and loin weight were greater (P < 0.01) in IMP gilts versus CON gilts, while IMP gilts and barrows had similar values within each respective genetic sire line. There were no differences between treatments (P ≥ 0.08) for pH and instrumental color of the loins. When the pass rate of loins (Japanese color score ≥ 3.0 and marbling ≥ 2.0) was evaluated, IMP gilts were at intermediate values between CON gilts and barrows for each respective genetic sire line. Overall, Improvest within a genetic line improved gilt carcass measurements so that they were more similar to barrows.

The effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal on growth performance, apparent retention of feed components, and physiological and meat quality parameters in Jumbo quail

This study evaluated the effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) on growth performance, apparent retention (AR) of feed components, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo quail. Five isocaloric and isoproteic diets were formulated to contain 0 (T1), 51.25 (T2), 67.49 (T3), 83.74 (T4), and 99.98 g/kg (T5) of CMBM. A total of 385, one-week-old quail chicks (26.7 ± 2.16 g live-weight) were placed in cages (11 birds/cage) based on body weight. The diets were allocated to cages in a completely randomised design to give 7 replicate cages per diet. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), as well as AR of feed components were measured. The birds were slaughtered at day 35 for measurements of blood indices, organs weight, carcass and meat quality attributes. Feeding increasing levels of CMBM reduced FI (P = 0.005) linearly in week 2 but had no effect on FI in weeks 3–5. Similarly, linear reductions (P < 0.0001) were observed for average weekly BWG and G:F in weeks 2 and 3. A positive linear effect (P = 0.033) and a negative cubic effect (P = 0.048) for AR of neutral detergent fibre and organic matter were recorded as CMBM levels increased, respectively. However, varying responses (P < 0.05) were observed for AR of essential amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, etc.). Serum lipase, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils linearly increased (P < 0.05) with dietary CMBM levels. Significant cubic or quartic effects (P < 0.05) were recorded for serum glucose, albumin, white blood cells, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and platelets. There were negative linear effects (P < 0.05) for final body weight, carcass yield, and breast meat drip loss. However, linear increases were recorded for gizzard, proventriculus, small intestine, and large intestine weights as dietary CMBM levels increased. In conclusion, the inclusion of CMBM up to 99.98 g/kg in Jumbo quail diets compromised growth performance, physiological responses, slaughter weights and carcass yield of Jumbo quail.

311 Evaluation of Post-Transit Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Heifers Sourced and Finished in Different Regions of the U.S

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass traits following transit of feedlot heifers sourced and finished in different geographical regions in the U.S. Yearling heifers [n = 190; initial body weight (BW) 483 and 425 kg for SD and TX sourced, respectively] were used in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of origin state (SD vs TX) and finishing state (SD vs TX). Heifers were allotted on d -1 into four treatments: sourced from SD and finished in SD (SD-SD), sourced from SD and finished in TX (SD-TX), sourced from TX and finished in SD (TX-SD), and sourced from TX and finished in TX (TX-TX). Heifers were weighed on d -1, 3, 15, 28, 56, 78 (TX-TX and SD-TX) and 90 (SD-SD and TX-SD). On d 0, SD-TX and TX-SD heifers were shipped to the finishing location and weighed the following morning (d 1) to determine transportation shrink. To monitor transportation effects, vaginal temperature probes were inserted into all SD-TX and TX-SD heifers and a portion of SD-SD and TX-TX heifers on d -1 and removed on d 3. Clinical attitude scores (CAS) were recorded on d -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3 for indications of bovine respiratory disease symptoms. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to analyze growth performance and carcass measures with fixed effects of origin and finishing state. The MIXED procedure was used for CAS and temperature data with the same fixed effects and time as a repeated measure. Transported heifers had reduced temperatures (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during transit and post-transit compared with non-transported heifers. Temperatures of transported heifers increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during loading and unloading. On d 0, 1 and 3 there was a shift in the distribution of heifers that had a CAS score greater than 0 for TX-TX, SD-TX and TX-SD. Cattle endured high ambient temperatures (temperature humidity index value &amp;gt; 75) 54% and 18% of the feeding period for TX and SD finished heifers, respectively. All cumulative growth performance measures and carcass trait interactions were statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) besides initial BW, percent shrink of transported heifers, average daily gain, dressing percent, ribeye area and liver abscess severity, which were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.30). There was a shift in the distribution (P &amp;lt; 0.05) towards a greater proportion of Yield Grade 1 and Select carcasses for heifers fed in TX compared with those fed in SD, likely due to fewer days on feed. Overall, heifers transported to higher ambient temperatures had reduced dry matter intake, quality grades (QG) and limited growth recovery (45 kg lighter) compared with non-transported heifers. Heifers transported to lower ambient temperatures recovered growth and had improved QG at the same level of rib fat compared with non-transported heifers.

319 Single Timed-Ai Heifer Development and Delayed Feedlot Entry of Non-Pregnant Heifers

Abstract To ranch managers, reproduction is the single most important element of profitability, because heifers that calve early with their first calf produce more pounds of beef product and have greater longevity and productivity. Artificial insemination affords ranchers access to elite sires known for above average production potential and replacement heifers bred to elite sires replace themselves with offspring having genomic enhanced genetic potential. This long-term multi-year project is designed to compare control heifers reared in drylot (DLOT) to heifers managed grazing either native range (NR) or a combination of native range and annual forages (field pea-barley, corn, cover crop) grown in a diverse cropping system (ANN), which are bred using a common single Timed-AI protocol (14 d CIDR-PG) and all non-pregnant heifers are finished for grid marketing. As such, following synchronization cleanup bulls are placed with the DLOT control heifers; however, there are no cleanup bulls placed with the grazing treatments. The project objectives were to evaluate reproductive and economic efficiencies among the three systems. Grazing heifer gains during the 121 d grazing period for the DLOT, ANN and NR were 33.7, 119.5, and 126.5 kg, respectively (P = 0.001). Synchronized timed-AI pregnancy rates were 59.4, 43.8, and 62.5% (P = 0.27) for the DLOT, ANN and NR treatments, respectively. Total pregnancy rate was 90.6, 43.8, and 62.5% (P = 0.002) for the DLOT, ANN and NR treatments, respectively. Grazing heifer feedlot performance (ANN vs. NR) did not differ for start weight (452 vs 456 kg, P = 0.29), end weight (610.0 vs 600.0 kg, P = 0.74), gain (157 vs 164 kg, P = 0.69), ADG (1.42 vs 1.48 kg, P = 0.70), daily DM feed intake (15.0 vs 14.7 kg, P = 0.73), G:F (0.04298 vs 0.04554 kg, P = 0.42), daily feed cost ($4.38 vs $4.30, P = 0.73), feed cost/kg gain ($3.11 vs $2.95, P = 0.51), and feed and yardage cost/kg gain ($3.42 vs $3.24, P = 0.55). Grazing heifer carcass measurements did not differ for, HCW (369 vs 365 kg, P = 0.83), Dressing Percent (60.7 vs 61.0, P = 0.69), marbling score (524 vs 531, P = 0.78), and percent Choice (100% vs 100%). Gross pregnant heifer and gross carcass return for DLOT, ANN and NR was $1,325, $1,702, and $1,601, respectively. These data indicate that grazing systems combining bred heifer value and grid-based carcass value are competitive.