Carcass Measurements Research Articles

Black Soldier Fly (Hermitia illucens) Larvae Meal as Alternative Protein in Broiler Production in Ghana

Feed cost has been a major challenge to the competitiveness of the poultry industry of Ghana due mainly to high cost of proteins. Insect larvae meals seem convenient alternatives however their use on commercial scale is unknown in Ghana. Three 8-week feeding trial using three isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets in a three-phase feeding strategy involving 1320 broiler DOCs was conducted. BSFLM was used as replacement for fishmeal and as partial replacement for soybean meal to determine its effect on broiler productivity, profitability and carcass measurements. The results indicated that replacing fishmeal with BSFLM significantly improved weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and production efficiency factor (PEF). No detrimental effect was observed on carcass and specific organ measurements. Using the partial budgeting approach on a 500-bird estimation an increase of one thousand, one hundred and eleven Ghana cedis (GH₵1,111.00) was obtained when the fishmeal was replaced with BSFLM. Also, an increase of four hundred and sixty-seven Ghana cedis (GH₵467.00) was estimated when soybean meal was partially replaced with BSFLM. It was concluded that BSFLM can be used to improve the productivity and profitability of broiler production.

Partitioning variation in measurements of beef carcass traits using ultrasound.

Ultrasound technology provides cattle breeders with a quick, noninvasive, and inexpensive way to measure carcass data on live animals. Ultrasound data are used as indicator traits in cattle genetic evaluations for economically relevant carcass traits. Ultrasound cattle genetic evaluations assume homogeneous additive genetic and residual variance. Thus, the objective was to partition phenotypic variance in ultrasound carcass measurements into components for additive genetic effects, technicians, contemporary groups within technicians, and residual and to examine the homogeneity of these variances among image interpretation laboratories. Records of longissimus muscle area (LMA), percentage of intramuscular fat (IMF), and subcutaneous fat depth (SFD), measured using ultrasound, were provided by the American Angus Association (n = 65,967), American Hereford Association (n = 43,182), and American Simmental Association (n = 48,298). The data also included contemporary group, technician, imaging lab, and a three-generation pedigree for each animal. Variance components for ultrasound carcass measurements were first estimated with univariate animal models for each breed and imaging laboratory using derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood. Then, treating data from each imaging laboratory as separate traits, genetic correlations between laboratories for LMA, percentage of IMF, and subcutaneous fat were estimated with trivariate animal models. The technician explained 12–27%, 5–23%, and 4–26% of the variance for IMF, SFD, and LMA, respectively, across all three breeds. Variance due to technician was often greater than variance due to additive genetic effects but almost always less than that explained by the contemporary group. Within breeds, estimates of additive genetic variance for LMA, SFD, and IMF differed (range divided by mean) among laboratories by 4.5%, 21.5%, and 39.4 % (Angus); 31.6%, 15.0%, and 49.1% (Hereford); and 19.9%, 46.6%, and 55.3% (Simmental), respectively. Likewise, estimates of residual variance for LMA, SFD, and IMF differed among laboratories by 43.4%, 22.9%, and 43.3% (Angus); 24.9%, 15.2%, and 79.2% (Hereford); and 26.4%, 32.5%, and 46.2% (Simmental), respectively. Genetic correlations between labs across breeds ranged from 0.79 to 0.95 for IMF, 0.26 to 0.94 for SFD, and 0.78 to 0.98 for LMA. The impact of the observed heterogeneity of variance between labs on genetic evaluation requires further study.

Replacement of corn silage with spineless cactus in sheep diet: carcass and meat sensory characteristics

This study evaluated the effect of replacing corn silage with spineless cactus, in combination with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse, on the carcass measurements and sensory properties of the meat of lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty-one, intact, Santa Inês males, with an initial body weight of 22.86 ± 2.87 kg and an average age of 150 days, were individually confined for 74 days and fed at will three treatments diets: Corn silage (CS); Spineless cactus + Tifton 85 hay (CT) and Spineless cactus + sugarcane bagasse (CB). Lambs fed CT had a wider croup (p < 0.05) compared to animals fed CS. The replacement of corn silage with CT or CB did not influence (p > 0.05) the body length, withers height or chest circumference of the lambs. Values of carcass length and compactness index were similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. There was a high and positive correlation (p < 0.05) between chest width (0.82) and chest circumference (0.81) of animals with cold carcass weight. The odor and taste of sheep meat fed CT or CB was more accepted when compared to the meat of animals fed corn silage. The replacement of corn silage with spineless cactus in combination with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse improves the sensory quality of sheep meat, but does not interfere with carcass measurements.

The achievement of a given carcass specification is under moderate genetic control in cattle.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the genetic parameters associated with the achievement of desirable weight, conformation, and fat specifications, represented by a series of binary traits. The desired specifications were those stipulated by Irish beef processors, in accordance with the EUROP carcass grading system, and were represented by a carcass weight between 270 and 380 kg, a fat score between 2+ and 4= (between 6 and 11 on a 15-point scale), and a conformation score of O= or better (≥5 on a 15-point scale). Using data from 58,868 beef carcasses, variance components were estimated using linear mixed models for these binary traits, as well as their underlying continuous measures. Heritability estimates for the continuous traits ranged from 0.63 to 0.73; heritability estimates for the binary traits ranged from 0.05 to 0.19. An additional trait was defined to reflect if all desired carcass specifications were met. All genetic correlations between this trait and the individual contributing binary traits were positive (0.38 to 0.87), while all genetic correlations between this trait and the continuous carcass measures were negative (-0.87 to -0.07). The genetic parameters estimated in the present study signify that potential exists to breed cattle that more consistently achieve desirable carcass metrics at harvest.

Prediction of the Hind-Leg Muscles Weight of Yearling Dairy-Beef Steers Using Carcass Weight, Wither Height and Ultrasound Carcass Measurements

Simple SummaryCarcass classification and grading systems are typically inadequate for young cattle processed for beef production. Conformation of the hindquarter region of cattle has been used to classify and grade the whole carcass from older beef cattle. This study was initiated with the objective of providing a carcass classification and grading system based on hind-leg muscles weight. Prediction equations for the indirect prediction of saleable meat yield using hind-leg muscles weight from young dairy-origin steers were developed, and could be used for their carcass classification and grading. These equations avoid the need to isolate and track boneless subprimal cuts to establish the saleable meat yield of individual animals.Prediction equations have been widely utilized for carcass classification and grading systems in older beef cattle. However, the equations are mostly relevant for common beef breeds and 18 to 24 month old animals; there are no equations suitable for yearling, dairy-origin cattle. Therefore, this study developed prediction models using 60 dairy-origin, 8 to 12 month old steers to indicate saleable meat yield from hind-legs, which would assist with carcass classification and grading. Fat depth over the rump, rib fat depth, and eye muscle area between the 12th and 13th ribs were measured using ultrasound, and wither height was recorded one week prior to slaughter. The muscles from the hind-leg were retrieved 24 h after slaughter. Prediction equations were modeled for the hind-leg muscles weight using carcass weight, wither height, eye muscle area, rump, and rib fat depths as predictors. Carcass weight explained 61.5% of the variation in hind-leg muscles weight, and eye muscle area explained 39.9% (p < 0.05). Their combination in multivariate analysis explained 63.5% of the variation in hind-leg muscles weight. The R2 of the prediction in univariate and multivariate analyses was improved when data were analyzed per age group. Additional explanatory traits for yearling steers, including body length, hearth girth, and muscle depth and dimensions measured using video image analysis scanning (VIAscan), could improve the prediction ability of saleable meat yield from yearling dairy beef steers across the slaughter age groups.

Influence of stage of ripening and dietary concentration of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) powder on broiler performance

Phyto-additives in poultry diets enhance growth, feed eciency and product quality and minimise the possible risk of residues from chemical additives. There are reports on the use of noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit powder as phytoadditive in poultry diets but information on the eect of fruit ripening is scanty. Hence, this study compared the eect of unripe and ripe noni fruit owder on broiler performance. A control diet without and 4 diets containing two levels (0.25 and 0.5 %) unripe and ripe fruit powder were fed to 5 replicates containing 6 Cobb500— broilers in a completely randomized design. Data collection was on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass and organ measurements. In the starter (8–21 d), feed intake (FI) reduced on 0.5% unripe powder (p 0:05). Nitrogen retention reduced on 0.25% unripe powder compared to the control and the ripe powder (p < 0:05). Poorer dressing percentage was observed on 0.5%ripe powder (p < 0:05). Breast weight was increased and thigh weight reduced on 0.25% ripe and 0.5% unripe powder (p < 0:05). In conclusion, up to 0.5% noni, fruit powder has no beneficial eect on broiler growth, but the stage of ripening may influences protein digestibility and dressing percentage. We recommend more research into feed processing and diet composition.

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Malic Acid-Heat (MAH) Treated Sunflower on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Composition and Fatty Acids Profile in Growing Lambs.

Simple SummaryOne of the main objectives of animal nutrition is to optimize the production of the animals in order to obtain good-quality products, but decreasing the environmental pollution caused by livestock production has also become a priority in the last years. Compared to other farm animals, ruminants have low N utilization efficiency that is mainly due to the inefficient use of nitrogen (N) in the rumen and a large portion of the ingested N is excreted causing environmental problems such as water and soil eutrophication. In this study we analyzed the influence of feeding sunflower seeds (SS) and meal (SM) subjected to a combined malic acid–heat treatment (MAH) on carcass characteristics and meat composition and fatty acid profile of growing lambs. The MAH treatment was applied to reduce ruminal degradation of SS and SM protein and therefore N losses. Compared to control-fed lambs, animals fed the treated SS and SM had increased dorsal fat thickness and yellowness and chromaticity of the Rectus abdominis muscle, which might be beneficial for consumers’ acceptance as they associate a bright meat color with meat freshness and quality. However, there were no differences between groups in meat chemical composition and fatty acid profile.The objective of the study was to assess the effects of feeding sunflower meal (SM) and seeds (SS) protected against rumen degradation on carcass characteristics and composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of lamb meat. The protection of SM and SS was achieved by treating both feeds with malic acid at 150 °C for 2 h (MAH treatment) and in a previous study this treatment was shown to decrease ruminal degradability of protein of both feeds and fat degradability of SS. Two homogeneous groups of 12 lambs each were fed ad libitum high-cereal concentrates and cereal straw from 14 to 26 kg of body weight. The two concentrates differed only in the treatment SM and SS, which were included either untreated (control) or MAH treated. The MAH-fed lambs had greater thickness of dorsal fat (p = 0.016) and greater (p ≤ 0.016) values of the color parameters a* (redness) and C* (chromaticity) of the Rectus abdominis muscle. However, there were no differences in carcass measurements and in water-holding capacity, chemical composition, pH, color, or fatty acid of Longissimus muscle. In summary, the MAH treatment resulted in only subtle changes in meat composition and quality.

Effects of repeated oral inoculation of artificially fed lambs with lyophilized rumen fluid on growth performance, rumen fermentation, microbial population and organ development

Early life development and growth are critical in determining the lifelong growth performance and health of ruminants, and weaning poses the greatest challenge to young animals and has the most profound consequence. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of microbial intervention on the growth and development of young lambs and their rumen microbiota as they went through weaning. Forty-eight lambs were allocated to two groups, with one group being orally inoculated with lyophilized rumen fluid, and the other receiving no inoculation served as the control. Growth performance, rumen fermentation characteristics, and carcass measurements were determined weekly one week before and two weeks after weaning. We also determined the population dynamics of total bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and select genera and species of known rumen bacteria and assessed the temporal changes in the activities of glucanase (both endo- and exo-), xylanase, β-glucosidase, and amylase in the rumen content. Our results showed that the early life inoculation significantly increased the apparent digestibility of feed dry matter and crude protein before weaning, and post-weaning crude protein digestibility remained elevated in the inoculated lambs compared to the control lambs. Starch digestibility tended to be higher in the inoculated lambs than in the control lambs two weeks after weaning. Molar proportion of ruminal propionate and amylolytic enzyme activity were higher in the inoculated lambs than in the control lambs after weaning. Different temporal fluctuation patterns of Megasphaera elsdenii and Selenomonas ruminantium, and a lower abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens were noted in the rumen of the inoculated lambs compared to the control lambs after weaning. The development of internal organs, including the lower gut and liver, was also stimulated by the inoculation. In conclusion, some rumen bacterial populations of young lambs were clearly affected by the inoculation with rumen microbiota, which could contribute to the digestion of the nonstructural carbohydrates available in the starter feed. Improved digestion of starter feed may enhance the energy and nutrient harvest and utilization in young ruminants during the critical weaning phase.

Meat and sensory quality of major muscles from Angus, Charolais, and Angus crossbred steers with high and low residual feed intake

Effects of residual feed intake (RFI) and genetic group on growth, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of bovine longissimus lumborum (LL), triceps brachii (TB), semimembranosus (SM), and gluteus medius (GM) muscles were investigated using 72 purebred Angus, purebred Charolais, and Angus crossbred steers (n = 24 per genetic group) classified as either high (inefficient) or low (efficient) RFI (n = 12 high and low RFI steers within genetic group). There was no RFI effect (P &gt; 0.05) on growth, carcass, and meat quality measurements except high RFI steers had the highest dry matter intake (P &lt; 0.05), and low RFI TB was rated as having reduced beef flavour intensity and sustained juiciness (P &lt; 0.05). Purebred Angus and Charolais LL and GM had lower shear force values (P &lt; 0.05) than Angus crossbreds and ageing reduced mean shear force values except in TB. For TB, SM, and GM, Angus crossbred steers had the highest mean beef flavour intensity scores, and Charolais SM and TB were less tender than those of Angus crossbred (P &lt; 0.05). Overall, RFI did not influence most meat quality traits; therefore, low RFI animals may contribute to reducing feed costs or environmental impact without compromising meat quality and palatability.

The Influence of Dietary Betaine Supplementation of Ossimi Rams on: (B) Carcass Characteristics

Eighteen Ossimi rams of about 40.63 kg body weight were used to evaluate the impacts of betaine supplementation on carcass characteristics of Ossimi rams. Animals were assigned randomly to three treatment groups (CO, BET1 and BET2), the control group was fed a BET free diet while BET1 and BET2 groups received 2.0 and 4.0g BET/h/d for 120 days experimental period. three rams from each group were slaughtered at the end of the experiment. The results revealed that, BET2 group increased (P≤0.05) fasting and empty weight compared with BET1 and control groups. Hot carcass and carcass weight without tail tended to be heavier in BET treated rams than control. Betaine supplementation led to improve the dressing percentage compared with control. Carcass measurements influenced significantly due to feeding on betaine. A significant increase in weights of liver and sex organs of BET2 than BET1 and control diets. Fed betaine caused a significant (P≤0.05) lower in carcass fats than control. Testicular morphology increased (P≤0.05) in treated animals. BET2 were higher (P≤0.05) leg weight and length than control. Weights of shoulder, fore shank and breast were heavier (P≤0.05) in BET2 than BET1 and control groups. Betaine supplementation increased (P≤0.05) weights of 9,10 and 11 ribs cut and muscle weight and lower (P≤0.05) fat and bone weight compared with control. All individual skeletal muscle measurements were higher in rams fed on BET than control. No significant differences among treatments on chemical composition of muscles. In conclusion, betaine supplementation may improve carcass characteristics of treated rams.

Genetic parameters of muscle fatty acid profile in a purebred Large White heavy pig population

Semimembranosus muscle samples from 795 Large White heavy pigs were used to determine their intramuscular fatty acid composition and to estimate the heritability and the genetic correlations of these traits. Muscle fatty acids showed heritability estimates of low-to-moderate magnitude, ranging from 0.157 for total fatty acids to 0.237 for docosahexaenoic acid. Only small differences in heritability appeared among fatty acids based on their chain length, saturation and double bond position. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids showed positive genetic correlations with carcass lean % (0.563 ± 0.005) and loin thickness (0.438 ± 0.005) while being negatively related to backfat thickness measured both by calibre (−0.225 ± 0.008) and Fat-O-Meat'er (FOM) apparatus (−0.603 ± 0.004). Interestingly, the monounsaturated fatty acid class was not correlated with carcass measures and presented only a weak positive genetic correlation with intramuscular fat (0.145 ± 0.002). This result suggests that in heavy pig breeds monounsaturated fatty acids in muscle could be selected for without interfering with carcass traits.

Sample size and prediction of weight and yield of individual cuts from Braford steers pistol hindquarters

ABSTRACT: Two hundred seventeen grass-finished Braford steers were assessed by ultrasonic scanning and subsequently harvested with their pistol hindquarters fabricated into boneless wholesale cuts. The Longissimus thoracis muscle area and subcutaneous fat depths were measured. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop prediction equations for weights of the pistol hindquarter and high-value commercial cuts, and 2) to estimate sample size needed for experiments comparing pistol hindquarter retail product weight using either physically or ultrasonically measured carcass traits. Carcass measurements explained 44 % to 94 % of the variation in weights of individual cuts, whereas, measurements that were made using ultrasound explained 42 % to 90 % of the variation in the weights. Models used to predict the weight of pistol hindquarter retail product with carcass measures and ultrasound measures showed high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.92 and 0.97, respectively). Whether based on carcass or ultrasound measures, models used to estimate weight percentage of fat trimmed from the pistol hindquarter had lack of fit. In general, models for individual cuts weights that used traits measured with ultrasound as independent variables approached the accuracy of models using carcass traits. Thus, only slightly greater samples sizes were required to have equivalent power to detect differences in retail product weights using ultrasound measures. For experiments of equivalent power, differences in the number of animals required may be offset by avoiding costs for slaughter and fabrication. Keywords: cattle, carcass, models, ultrasound

Use of red pepper oil in quail diets and its effect on performance, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, antioxidant indices, immunity and blood constituents

Plant-derived additives are used to maintain the health and growth performance of livestock. The use of red pepper oil (RPO) has recently attracted considerable scientific interest mainly due to its potential benefits for animals and humans. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with RPO on growth performance, carcass measurements, antioxidant status and immunity of growing quails between 1 and 5 weeks of age. A total of 240 growing quails (1-week old) were distributed into 5 equal groups consisting of 48 birds (4 replicates of 12 birds each). The first group was fed a basal diet without RPO (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups received diets containing RPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 g/kg diet, respectively). The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. At age of 5 weeks, quails were slaughtered for carcass examinations, microbiological analysis of intestine and to determine blood constituents. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Quails fed with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet showed 12.14%, 14.4% and 15% improvement in live BW, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, respectively, compared with the control group. Quails that received diets with 1.2 g RPO consumed more feed than the others during the total period (1 to 5 weeks). Plasma globulin levels were significantly decreased (P = 0.0102), but albumin/globulin ratio was significantly increased (P = 0.0009) in birds fed diets containing RPO (0.4 and 1.2 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. Activity of liver enzymes in the plasma was nonsignificantly decreased in quails supplemented with 0.8 g RPO/kg diet compared with those in the control group. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and catalase) in the group fed on diets supplemented with RPO (0.8 g/kg) were significantly higher than those in the control group. The inclusion of RPO (0.8 g/kg diet) in quail diets improved (P < 0.05) plasma lipid profile and also decreased pH of the caecal content (P = 0.0280) compared with those in the control group. The caecal bacterial population, Salmonella spp., coliform and Escherichia coli, were lowered (P < 0.05) in the groups treated with RPO (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 g/kg) compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of RPO (0.8 g/kg) can enhance the performance and antioxidant indices and decrease intestinal pathogens and thus improve the health status of Japanese quail.

PERFORMANCE, PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWING CALIFORNI RABBITS REARED in DIFFERENT CAGE DENSITIES.

The current study was carried out into two separate experiments to study the effect of different cage densities on growth performance, physiological parameters and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits. Thirty-six of six-week-old weaned California males and females were used. Both males and females were divided into three different cage density treatments, one animal (single), two animals (double) or three animals (triple) per cage. Feed intake was daily recorded, while body weight weekly measured. In addition, both daily gain and feed conversion ratio are calculated weekly. At the end of the experiments blood samples were collected from all animals, plasma cortisol total protein, albumin, and glucose were measured. At the end of experiment all meals were slaughtered for carcass weight, measurements, parts and individual muscle weight were recorded. The most remarkable results are, high cage density (double and/or triple) significantly decreased (P<0.05) feed intake, body weight and daily gain in both males and females. On the other hand, low cage density improved feed conversion ratio(P<0.01) in males only. On the other hand, high cage density increases (P<0.05) plasma cortisol, total protein, globulin and glucose concentration. In addition, high density cages treatments decrease (P<0.05) carcass weight, measurements, carcass parts and individual muscle weight. The current study revealed that rearing both meals and females in single cages during growing period improve their performance and carcass characteristics.

Morphological Indices and Carcass Measurements of Indigenous Breeds of Rams Intensively Fattened

Growth rate assessment is an important husbandry practice often carried out in livestock breeding and fattening. Meat production is the most important trait in the breeding objectives of sheep production. Useful information on the suitability of the animals for meat production could be evaluated on a morphological basis. The aim of this study was to investigate breed differences in liveweight, carcass traits and muscle distribution for meat characteristics among Balami (BA), Uda (UD), Yankasa (YK) and West African Dwarf rams (WAD). A total of forty-eight rams were randomly assigned into four groups of twelve rams per breed in a completely randomized design. Body linear measurements were obtained weekly during the fattening period. At the end of the feeding trial, animals were subjected to an 18-hours fast and slaughtered for carcass measurements and muscle distribution. Results showed that BA and UD had higher values for body length (115.75±4.25 and110.25±1.89cm), withers height (70.50±5.57and69.00±2.16cm) and heartgirth (92.00±2.94and84.00±1.41cm), than YK (96.50±3.87, 60.75±3.30 and 76.75±0.96cm), respectively which in turn had higher values than WAD (86.50±5.20, 53.25±5.32 and 75.25±3.30cm). Carcass length, pistol length, and leg length were75.75±4.79,60.75±7.14 and 88.00±2.16; 75.50±4.66, 56.00±5.00 and 80.25±5.80; 59.00±7.79, 56.00±10.62 and 71.50±2.65; 60.50±3.11, 53.75±5.91 and 61.00±2.94cm for BA, UD, YK and WAD rams, respectively. BA and UD had higher proportion of muscle distribution and were generally better than the YK and WAD breeds. This may boost their potential for large scale meat production under fattening conditions.

Effects of genotype and fattening system on the quality of male lamb meat - Part 1: Technological properties and carcass measurements.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of genotype and fattening system on carcass measurements of lambs and technological properties of the male lamb meat (Musculus longissimus dorsi, MLD). The animal material in the study included 39 Hemşin (H) and 39 Tuj (T) male lambs. Extensive (E), semi-intensive (SI) and intensive (I) fattening systems were applied in the study, which was completed within 90 d. In the E, SI and I fattening groups, a total of 48 lambs, including 16 lambs in each group, were slaughtered. The results of the study indicated that the effect of genotype on the first-hour yellowness (), being one of the colour parameters of the MLD, and the effect of the fattening system on 1 h hour redness () and chroma (), being among the colour parameters, were statistically significant (). The effect of genotype and fattening system on MLD pH at 45 min (pH) and 24 h (pH) after the slaughtering and on the third and seventh hour drip loss (DL %) was statistically nonsignificant (). The effect of genotype and fattening system on DL, cooking loss (CL %) and texture (TT) was nonsignificant (), whereas the effect of these factors on water-holding capacity (WHC %) was significant (). The effect of genotype on external carcass length (ECL), internal carcass length (ICL), internal hindquarter length (IHL), and carcass and leg conformation was statistically significant (). The effect of the fattening system on all the carcass measurements except for carcass conformation, carcass depth (CD) and external chest width (ECW) was statistically significant (). Genotype and fattening system affected the colour and some quality traits of meat and carcass measurements of lambs.

Effects of Dietary Chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) and Probiotic Blend as Natural Feed Additives on Performance Traits, Blood Biochemistry, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of different levels of chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) powder and a probiotic blend (PrimaLac®) on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 225 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with five experimental diets as follows: 1—basal-diet without supplements (control-group); 2—basal-diet including probiotic blend; 3— basal-diet including 0.10% chicory; 4—basal-diet including 0.15% chicory; 5—basal-diet including 0.20% chicory. At 42 days of age, representative birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood samples and carcass measurements. Results showed that the body weight gain of broilers fed the probiotic blend or 0.10% chicory was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed on the other treatments. The abdominal fat pad was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds fed diets including chicory compared with control or probiotic. Blood triglycerides and LDL levels were reduced (P < 0.05) and HDL increased (P < 0.05) when fed probiotic or chicory whereas no significant effect on the other serum parameters was found. Broiler ileal microflora from the control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher count of E. coli and lower Lactobacillus than those from the other groups. From findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory powder supported positively growth performance and improved gut microbiota in broiler chickens. However, more research is needed on this subject to better understand the mode of action of feed additives used.

PSXIII-24 Effect of wet versus dry feeding on digestibility, growing performance, carcass composition, and meat eating quality of finishing pigs

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding finishing pigs either dry (DF) feed (sorghum-soybean meal based diet; 16% CP, 3200 kcal ME/kg) or wet (WF; 1water:1DF) on digestibility, growing performance, carcass composition, and meat eating quality. Sixteen (Yorkshire-Landrace x Duroc) crossbred pigs (68.4 ± 2.4 kg initial BW) were individually housed and randomly assigned (4 barrows and 4 gilts) to the dietary treatments (n = 8) for five weeks. Feed was offered daily in two portions at 0800 and 1500 h. BW and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Digestibility was measured on week 5 after quantitatively collecting fresh feces during 24 h. After slaughtering, carcass measurements were recorded, and chemical composition and eating quality was analyzed in samples of loin taken at 10th to 12th rib. Results were statistically analyzed with SPSS for a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and mean comparisons were performed using Tukey. Digestibility of DM, OM, and energy was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for DF than WF. Final BW (108.4 vs 101.9 kg) and ADG (1.043 vs. 0. 990 kg/d, respectively) was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for WF than DF. DF-fed pigs ate less at week 5 and had less G:F at week 3 than WF-fed pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Hot and cold carcasses and ham were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in WF-fed pigs. Loin, rib, and shoulder weights were similar between treatments. Dietary treatment had no effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on the protein, ash, and carbon content, water retention, and pH of meat. Values of hardness, and chewiness in the meat were lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed WF. In conclusion, finishing pigs fed WF had better growth performance, and heavier carcasses, but similar meat characteristics relative to pigs fed DF.

212 Genomic prediction of carcass average daily gain, fat and loin depth in three-way crossbred pigs including information collected on purebreds

Abstract The purpose of this study was to predict three-way crossbred performance for carcass traits using different crossbred/purebred reference populations. Carcass measures (average daily gain, back-fat and loin depths) were collected in 4,893 three-way-cross individuals (CB individuals, 1,252 being genotyped). Live measures of body weight and tissue deposition were collected on 3,050 purebred Duroc individuals (PB individuals, 941 being genotyped), paternal-half-sibs (PHS) of the CB individuals. Models’ predictive performance was tested via 4-fold cross-validation. The basic model included CB phenotypes from the training set without inclusion of genomic information (i.e. pedigree BLUP). We also sequentially included: 1) CB genotypes; 2) PB phenotypes and genotypes for the training families (PBt); 3) PB phenotypes and genotypes for the validation families (PBv). Variance components (heritabilities and genetic correlations between CB and PB traits) were not estimated but fixed at different values within a plausible interval, the combination of such parameters that gave the best predictive ability was considered for that model. Results reported pedigree prediction of CB traits to show about 0.25 accuracy (correlation between breeding value and adjusted phenotype) for the three traits. The inclusion of CB genotypes was beneficial, with an increase ranging from 25 to 50% (depending on the trait) compared to pedigree prediction. When PBt genotypes and phenotypes were included, prediction accuracy dropped to almost null accuracy. When PBv genotypes and phenotypes were included, predictive performance was better than models that included CB information only. Results suggest that PB information can improve selection accuracy for CB traits, with the condition PB are PHS of the CB in validation. Otherwise, inclusion of PB information from the training set can be detrimental. CB genotypes, on the other hand, always improve prediction accuracy. We can conclude that reference populations aimed at improving CB performance should include phenotypes and genotypes from these individuals.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENTS DIGESTIBILITY AND CARCASS MEASUREMENTS OF GROWING RABBITS FED DIETS INCORPORATED WITH LENTIL OR CHICKPEA SCREENING BY-PRODUCTS.

This work aimed to study the influence of replacement 15 or 30% of soybean meal protein by either lentil screening by-products protein (LSBP) or chickpea screening by-products protein (CSBP) on performance, nutrients digestibility, plasma parameters, carcass measurements and economic profitability of growing rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White (NZW) growing rabbits, six weeks of age, were divided to five experimental groups. Each group included four replicates (three rabbits each) as follow: control group fed basal diet without LSBP or CSBP; the 2nd, 3th, 4th and 5th groups of rabbits fed 15% LSBP, 30% LSBP, 15% CSBP and 30% CSBP diets, respectively. Results showed that LSBP has lower DM, OM and EE contents than CSBP. Meanwhile, LSBP has higher CP, CF, ash% and GE (kcal/kg) contents compared to CSBP. LSBP was higher in arginine, threonine, isoleucine, and lysine. Meantime, CSBP had higher contents in leucine, methionine and phenylalanine as predominant essential amino acids. Inclusion of LSBP and CSBP insignificantly improved FBW, BWG and FCR. However, average daily feed intake of rabbits fed 15% CSBP was higher (P<0.05) than those fed 30% CSBP. No significant differences were observed in all nutrients digestibility (DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE) and nutritive values expressed as DCP%, TDN% and DE Kcal/kg between groups of rabbits fed LSBP and CSBP diets and those fed the control diet. Meanwhile, group of rabbits fed 30% LSBP had higher (P<0.05) CP digestibility. Conversely, group of rabbits fed 30% CSBP recorded the lowest (P<0.05) CP digestibility. Significant higher (P<0.05) values of plasma total protein and albumin concentrations were recorded for rabbits fed diets contained 30% LSBP, 15 or 30% CSBP than the control group. Moreover, there were insignificant differences in globulin and uric acid among all the experimental groups. Regarding liver functions (AST and ALT), there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in AST levels with rabbits fed 30% LSBP and 15 or 30% CSBP compared to the control group. No significant differences in most carcass measurements were found between rabbits fed different levels of LSBP and CSBP diets and those fed the control diet except heart, kidneys weights and total edible parts %. The inclusion of LSBP at a level of 15% significantly decreased (P<0.05) total edible parts % compared with the inclusion of 30% CSBP and the control group. The net revenue improved by 4.16, 7.75, 3.43 and 9.52% for 15% LSBP, 30% LSBP, 15% CSBP and 30% CSBP, respectively. The best net revenue and economical efficiency were recorded by 30% CSBP diet followed by 30%LSBP, 15%LSBP, 15% CSBP diets and the lowest one was the control group. In conclusion, lentil or chickpea screening by-products protein could be used up to 30% substitution level for soybean meal protein without any detrimental effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma parameters and carcass measurements of growing rabbits.