Cattle Carcasses Research Articles

243 Effects of rubber matting on cattle performance and carcass characteristics in slatted facilities

Abstract The objective was to determine effects of interlocking rubber floor matting in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities on cattle performance and carcass characteristics. In experiment 1, Fall-born Angus x Simmental steers (N = 206; BW = 228 ± 34 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 32 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: new Max Grip Animat matting (MG), new Animat Pebble matting (PEB), old Animat Pebble matting (OLD), and no matting/concrete slating (CONC). Steers were fed a common diet for 209 d with an average stocking density of 3.70 m2 per steer. Final BW was affected (P = 0.02) by treatment with PEB steers being the heaviest, MG and CONC were intermediate, and OLD was the lightest. Treatment affected (P < 0.01) ADG with PEB steers being greatest, MG and CONC were intermediate, and OLD was the least. Flooring treatment did not affect overall dry matter intake (P = 0.16) or G:F (P = 0.94). Flooring treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) any carcass traits. In experiment 2, Fall-born Angus x Simmental steers (N = 189; BW = 352 ± 43 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 21 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: new Animat Pebble matting (PEB2), old Animat Pebble matting (OLD2), or no matting/concrete slating (CON2). Steers were fed a common diet for 112 d with an average stocking density of 2.64 m2 per steer. After 112 days on feed, flooring treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.30) BW or ADG. There were no treatment differences (P = 0.13) observed for overall DMI at d 112. Overall, results suggest new rubber matting in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities improved ADG during a 209 d trial.

227 Impact of feeding Aspergillus subspecies (ssp.) blend and different corn processing methods on finishing beef cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding Aspergillus ssp. blend in combination with dry-rolled (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC) based finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics. Crossbred beef steers (n = 320; initial BW = 267 ± 9 kg) were utilized in a generalized randomized block design. Cattle were assigned randomly to pens by initial body weight (BW) and pens were assigned randomly to one of four treatments with 8 pens per treatment for simple effect means. Treatments were set up as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with factors consisting of corn processing and 0 g / steer daily or 10 g / steer daily Aspergillus ssp. blend. There were no significant interactions (P ≥ 0.23) observed between corn processing and Aspergillus ssp. blend in the diet; therefore, only main effects are discussed. For the main effect of Aspergillus ssp. blend; no significant differences were observed for dry-matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or carcass traits (P ≥ 0.78). Cattle fed Aspergillus ssp. blend had a greater 12th rib fat (P = 0.05). For the main effect of corn processing, cattle fed DRC had heavier HCW and final BW (P = 0.04), greater ADG (P = 0.05), and greater DMI (P < 0.01). However, steers fed HMC had greater G:F (P < 0.01) compared to DRC. These data suggest that feeding Aspergillus ssp. blend in either with dry-rolled or high moisture corn diets did not significantly improve performance or carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers. While feeding HMC improved feed efficiency compared to DRC, feeding DRC increased ADG (and also DMI) compared to HMC.

250 Evaluation of Green Grass as a feed ingredient in beef finishing rations and impact on cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profiles in meat

Abstract A finishing study used 240 crossbred steers (initial BW=340 ±24 kg) to evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profiles of beef from finishing steers. Four inclusions (0, 10, 20, 30 % DM basis) of Green Grass displaced dry rolled corn in the finishing diet. Green Grass is a blend of herbs and plants imported from Korea that are high in omega-3 fatty acids with 13.9 % fat,32.0 % CP, and 27.0 % Acid detergent fiber. The remaining diet consisted of 15 % WDGS, 20 % corn silage, and 6 % liquid supplement (DM basis). There were no differences in final BW, gain or carcass traits (P³0.14). Cattle were harvested over three slaughter days and were fed for 190, 199, or 203 days. Dry matter intake linearly increased (P = 0.04)as Green Grass inclusion increased in the diet. A linear response (P£0.01) to feeding Green Grass was observed for G:F, with steers fed Green Grass having lower feed efficiency than control cattle. The G:F of cattle fed Green Grass was 5.4, 3.4, and 6.8 % lower in G:F as inclusion increased suggesting Green Grass has 68.6 % the energy of corn it replaced. Steers fed 30 % Green Grass had a lower marbling score. Linear increases in alpha linolenic acid, trans-unsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (P£0.01) were observed in steak samples from steers fed increasing inclusion of Green Grass. Including up to 30 % inclusion of Green Grass on a DM basis in finishing diets decreased G:F; however, it appeared to have no other effects on performance or carcass characteristics. Feeding Green Grass linearly improved omega-3 fatty acid concentration in beef.

229 Evaluation of Wheat Blended with Corn in Finishing Diets Containing Wet Distillers Grains

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of grain type and wet distillers grains inclusion on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Yearling steers (n = 320; initial BW = 325 ± 23 kg) were utilized in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with the first factor as grain type at either 100% dry-rolled corn or a 50:50 blend of dry-rolled wheat and dry-rolled corn, and the second factor as wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) inclusion at 12 or 30% of diet DM. There were no interactions between grain type and WDGS inclusion levels (P ≥ 0.21), contrary to our hypothesis that 50:50 wheat blend would improve performance with increased WDGS. There were no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.29) between 100% DRC or 50:50 blend of DRC and wheat. There was no difference in HCW between grain types (P = 0.84), but LM area was greater (P = 0.02) for steers fed a 50:50 blend of DRC and wheat. There were no differences in 12th rib fat or USDA marbling score between grain types (P ≥ 0.15), but increased LM area in steers fed the blended diet led to improved calculated yield grade (P = 0.04). Increasing WDGS in the diet increased carcass-adjusted final BW (P = 0.03) and improved carcass-adjusted ADG and G:F by 3.8% (P ≤ 0.05). Feeding 30% WDGS increased HCW by 10.9 kg (P = 0.03) and increased 12th rib fat (P = 0.02) compared to feeding 12% WDGS. There were no differences in LM area, USDA marbling score, or calculated YG between WDGS inclusions. These data suggest that increasing WDGS in the diet improves performance regardless of grain type and depending on price, wheat can replace up to 50% of the grain portion of the diet without affecting performance.

PSII-19 Effect of zinc and chromium supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers

Abstract One hundred and sixty-five crossbred steers were used in this experiment to investigate the influence of supplemental zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Steers were blocked by initial BW (518.9 ± 8.4 kg) within cattle source (2 sources) and housed in pens containing 6–7 steers per pen. Pens within blocks were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 30 or 90 mg of Zn/kg DM and 0.0 or 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM. Treatments consisted of: 1) 30 mg Zn/kg DM; 2) 90 mg Zn/kg DM; 3) 30 mg Zn + 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM; and 4) 90 mg Zn/kg + 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM. Zinc was supplemented as ZnSO4 and Cr supplemented as Cr propionate. Steers were individually weighted on 2 consecutive days prior to initiating dietary treatment and on 2 consecutive days at the end of the experiment. Dietary treatment were initiated 64 days prior to slaughter (total days on feed = 240). All cattle were transported to a commercial abattoir on the same day and slaughtered. Steers receiving supplemental Cr had greater final BW (P < 0.02) and ADG (P < 0.03) when compared to non-Cr supplemented steers. Additionally, hot carcass weight (P < 0.005) and marbling score (P < 0.03) were greater (P < 0.005) for steers receiving 30 mg Zn/kg DM + 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM when compared with all other treatments. Dry matter intake, morbidity and mortality, and all the other carcass measurements were similar across treatments. These data indicate that under the conditions of this experiment, Zn and Cr supplementation may influence feedlot cattle growth and carcass characteristics.

Broad diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains isolated from humans and cattle in Northern Algeria suggests a zoonotic transmission cycle.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) comprises closely related species responsible for human and animal tuberculosis (TB). Efficient species determination is useful for epidemiological purposes, especially for the elucidation of the zoonotic contribution. In Algeria, data on MTBC genotypes are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and diversity of MTBC genotypes causing human and bovine TB in Northern Algeria. During a two-year sampling period (2017–2019) in two regions of Northern Algeria, we observed an overall prevalence of 6.5% of tuberculosis (TB) among slaughtered cattle, which is higher than previous Algerian data yet comparable to neighboring countries. A total of 296 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were genotyped by spoligotyping: 181 from tissues with TB-like lesions collected from 181 cattle carcasses and 115 from TB patients. In human isolates, we identified 107 M. tuberculosis, seven M. bovis and one “M. pinnipedii-like”, while for bovine samples, 174 isolates were identified as M. bovis, three as M. caprae, three as “M. pinnipedii-like” and one as “M. microti-like”. The majority of isolates (89.2%) belonged to 72 different known Shared International Types (SIT) or M. bovis spoligotypes (SB), while we also identified seven new SB profiles (SB2695 to SB2701). Twenty-eight of the SB profiles were new to Algeria. Our data suggest zoonotic transmission in Sétif, where significantly more TB was observed among cattle (20%) compared to the slaughterhouses from the three other regions (5.4%–7.3%) (p < 0.0001), with the isolation of the same M. bovis genotypes from TB patients. The present study showed a high genetic diversity of MTBC isolated from human and cattle in Northern Algeria. Even though relatively small in terms of numbers, our data suggest the zoonotic transmission of TB from cattle to humans, suggesting the need for stronger eradication strategies for bovine TB.

PSXI-5 Best production practices for improvement of Beef Cattle carcass quality

Abstract Best production practices for Beef Cattle (BPP) is a protocol created by Embrapa Beef Cattle in Brazil, to guide farmers towards more sustainable production. The protocol includes checkpoints to the whole production system (management, nutrition, animal health and welfare, pasture, reproduction, environmental, etc.). Despite the benefits of the BPP, it is not mandatory for Brazilian farmers. As such, until the present moment only a few farmers have adopted it. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the BPP on the carcass classification of animals from farms registered in the Brazilian government incentive program “Precoce MS.” The program was created in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil in 2017 and provides tax benefits to beef producers who harvest animals at young ages with superior carcass quality. Nowadays, almost a quarter of the total beef harvested in MS State is originated from this program. The bonus ranges from 49% up to 67% of tax refunds, depending on the carcass classification. We have analyzed data from all animals slaughtered from the beginning of 2017 until the end of 2018, with a total of 1,107 million animals from 1,437 farms. At the slaughterhouse, animals were submitted to carcass classification. To comply with the program requirements, carcasses should meet three basic criteria: age (maximum 4 permanent teeth), fat deposition (between 1 mm and 10 mm) and carcass weight (&amp;gt; 225 kg for steers and bulls, and &amp;gt; 180 kg for heifers). Farmers that adopted BBP had only 12.4% of disqualified animals compared to 16,1% from farms that did not adopt the protocol (P &amp;lt; 0,001). We concluded that farms that follow the BPP protocol achieved significantly higher quality carcass, which should encourage more farmers to adopt the protocol in the future.

Evaluation of Greek Cattle Carcass Characteristics (Carcass Weight and Age of Slaughter) Based on SEUROP Classification System.

In Greece, all cattle carcasses produced from a variety of breed types are classified according to the SEUROP system. The objective of this study was to evaluate Greek carcass characteristics such as carcass weight and age of slaughter based on SEUROP classification system (muscle conformation and fat deposit classes) and to describe the effect of main factors such as breed, gender, year of slaughter, farm’s geographical region and month of slaughter on these carcass parameters. It is the first study that evaluates local breeds, revealing the wide diversity of the Greek cattle breeding conditions. The analyzed records consisted of 323,046 carcasses from 2011 to 2017. All the examined factors significantly affected the mean carcass weight (298.9 ± 0.2 kg) and the mean slaughter age (559.1 ± 0.3 days). Carcasses from beef meat breeds had on average higher mean carcass weight while the local breeds had lower. The mean slaughter age and carcass weight were higher in winter than in summer. The local and the dairy breeds were classified in similar muscle conformation classes. Finally, Greek cattle carcasses from almost all regions were satisfactory for their quality carcass traits with good muscle conformation (R, O and U class) and low-fat deposit (class 1 to 3).

Prevalence of Sarcosporidiosis in Carcasses of Cattle Slaughtered at the Eucalyptus Slaughterhouse-Algeria

Sarcosporidiosis is a parasitic disease due to the development of cystogenic coccidia of the genus Sarcocystis with dixene evolution and muscular localization, which can cause losses in cattle and generate an intestinal infection in domestic carnivores (dog, cat) and humans. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp on 149 bovine carcasses at the Eucalyptus slaughterhouse in Algiers by macroscopic and microscopic examination and to evaluate the influence of certain risk factors (age, sex, breed and origin). Samples of esophagus and diaphragms were taken from slaughtered cattle and analyzed by enzymatic (pepsin) digestion and histological technique. The macroscopic examination was negative during carcasses inspection while the microscopic examination showed a prevalence of 100% for enzymatic digestion by revealing bradyzoites in the form of bananas and 47.7% at the histology with the detection of thin-walled cysts of S. cruzi (98.6%), of thick-walled cysts of S. hominis (15.5%) which was the zoonotic species and of S. hirsuta (1.39%). The risk factors studied significantly influenced the prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. This study revealed for the first time in the diaphragm a cyst of Sarcocystis hirsuta.

Characterization of carcasses of Zebu cattle raised in a semiarid region according to sex

The objective was to group and characterize Zebu cattle carcasses according to sex. Data from 15,002 carcasses of cattle raised in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were used. The carcass characteristics analyzed were weight, conformation, subcutaneous fat, number of permanent incisor teeth (PIT), and sex (uncastrated males, castrated males, females (up to six PIT), and cows (eight PIT)). Cluster analysis was applied to establish the relationship between sex and carcass characteristics. Four clusters were [...]

Emergence of cfr-Mediated Linezolid Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pig Carcasses.

Altogether, 2547 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle (n = 382), pig (n = 1077), and chicken carcasses (n = 1088) during 2010–2017 were investigated for linezolid resistance and were further characterized using molecular methods. We identified linezolid resistance in only 2.3% of pig carcass isolates. The linezolid-resistant (LR) isolates presented resistance to multiple antimicrobials, including chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and tiamulin. Molecular investigation exhibited no mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA. Nevertheless, we found mutations in ribosomal proteins rplC (G121A) and rplD (C353T) in one and seven LR strains, respectively. All the LR isolates carried the multi-resistance gene cfr, and six of them co-carried the mecA gene. Additionally, all the LR isolates co-carried the phenicol exporter gene, fexA, and presented a high level of chloramphenicol resistance. LR S. aureus isolates represented 10 genotypes, including major genotypes ST433-t318, ST541-t034, ST5-t002, and ST9-t337. Staphylococcal enterotoxin and leukotoxin-encoding genes, alone or in combination, were detected in 68% of LR isolates. Isolates from different farms presented identical or different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. Collectively, toxigenic and LR S. aureus strains pose a crisis for public health. This study is the first to describe the mechanism of linezolid resistance in S. aureus isolated from food animal products in Korea.

Survey on Sarcocystis infection in imported male cattle carcasses slaughtered at Duhok abattoir, Kurdistan region of Iraq

Sarcocystis is considered as a common zoonotic coccidian parasite that infects intermediate hosts orally through ingestion of contaminated graze or water with protozoa oocyte. The purpose of study is to demonstrate the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in imported cattle in Duhok abattoir and achieve the gold conventional method for muscular tissue cyst and bradyzoites detection. Muscular tissue samples have been collected from esophagus, heart and diaphragm of 150 cattle. From a total of 1350 inspected samples (diaphragm, esophagus and heart) from three different imported origin have been 94%, 92% and 41.3% samples infected respectively as well as significant differences (p <0.01) in the distribution of Sarcocystis infection among organs included and microscopic method used while no significant been found in terms of the animal origin source. Moreover, acid pepsin digestion method has shown high sensitivity in detection of Sarcocystis infection. The infection with Sarcocystis is common in imported cattle and epidemiological studies must be conducted to evaluate the country endemic with the infection.

Carcass and efficiency metrics of beef cattle differ by whether the calf was born in a dairy or a beef herd.

Beef originates from the progeny of either dairy or beef dams. The objective of the present study was to identify contributing factors to the differences in the carcass merit of progeny from both dam types. This goal was achieved using slaughter records from 16,414 bucket-reared dairy animals (DXD), 5,407 bucket-reared dairy-beef animals (BXD), 42,102 suckle-reared animals from a beef × dairy F1 cross dam (BXF1), and 93,737 suckle-reared animals from a beef × beef cow (BXB). Linear mixed models were used to quantify the least squares means for carcass characteristics in the various progeny genotypes. Nuisance fixed effects adjusted for in the models were: animal heterosis and recombination loss, dam parity, age at slaughter, and contemporary group; age at slaughter was replaced as an independent variable with both carcass weight and carcass fat score where the dependent variable was age at slaughter. In a follow-up analysis, models were re-analyzed where the genetic merit of the sire was adjusted for; a further analysis set the genetic merit of the dam for the dependent variable to be identical for both the dairy and beef dams. The final analysis adjusted to a common sire and dam genetic merit facilitating the estimation of just differences in early-life rearing strategies. Irrespective of the genetic merit of the sire and dam, animals originating from beef herds had heavier and more conformed carcasses. BXB animals had a 67 kg heavier carcass, with a conformation score (scale 1 [poor] to 15 [excellent]) of 5 units greater compared with DXD animals. When the genetic merit of all dams was set to be equal, BXB animals were heavier and better conformed than BXD animals. When the genetic merit for both the sire and dam were set to be equal, carcasses of the BXB animals were 15 kg heavier, with a 0.69 unit superior conformation score compared with the DXD animals; this difference is due to early life experiences. In conclusion, the majority of the inferiority in carcass metrics of calves from dairy herds compared with beef herds is due to differences in the genetic merit of the parents. Nevertheless, even after adjusting the parents to the same genetic merit, progeny from dairy herds were still inferior to their contemporaries born in beef herds, due most likely to the persistence of early life experiences.

E. coli and Salmonella stereotyping in cattle carcasses at abattoir level

Ninety random samples of fresh beef were collected from the cattle carcasses slaughtered at 3 different abattoirs in Menoufia governorate namely A, B and C (30 of each), represented by neck region (chuck) during summer and winter seasons in 2018 (45 samples of each season). The obtained results of serotyping of E. coli revealed that EHEC O26: H11 were the more prevalent than other serogroups 6.67%, 6.67% &13.33% and 6.67%, 13.33% & 6.67% .T The results of the total incidence were 46.67% , 40% & 26.67% and 26.67%, 26.67% & 20 for A, B&C abattoirs during the summer and the winter seasons , respectively. Serotyping of salmonella revealed S.Typhimurium was more prevalent during the summer 13.33%for each abattoir, the total isolation rate 33.33%, 26.67% & 20% for A, B and C abattoirs, respectively. The more prevalent serogoup during the winter was S. Enteritidis 13.33%, 6.67% and 6.67%,while the total isolation rate was 26.67% , 20% and 6.67% for A, B &C abattoirs, respectively .The contamination rate increased in abattoir A than B than C and the prevalence was increased during summer than in winter

The effect of different disinfectants against some food poisoning bacteria at abattoir level

Ninety random samples of fresh beef were collected from cattle carcasses slaughtered at 3 different abattoirs in Menufia governorate (30 sample of each). The sampling site was represented by neck region (chuck) of each carcass in 2018. The obtained results revealed that the efficacy of five different disinfectants against some food poisoning bacteria including E. coli O26: H11, S. Typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumonia which were isolated and serotyped at abattoir level. In vitro infected samples (3.0×106/ cm2) were examined under effect of different concentrations of disinfectants within contact time 120 minute. Disinfectant (A) at concentration 1% was effective against 100% of E. coli O26: H11 and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while 1.5% concentration was required for elimination of 100% S. Typhimurium, followed by B, C, D and E disinfectants, respectively. On the other D and E disinfectants even in 2% concentration and contact time 120 minutes reduce about 99% of the infection.

Carcass and meat quality of Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) belonging to the breeding programs

The objective of this study was to estimate and describe phenotypic traits for carcass and meat quality in Nellore cattle belonging to the breeding programs. Data from 718 Nellore animals participated in the Delta Gen, CRV Paint and Nelore Qualitas breeding programs were used. Meat quality traits were measured and the data were analyzed. The following means and standard deviations of the meat quality traits were obtained: shear force (SF = 5.7 ± 1.3 kg), myofibril fragmentation index (MFI = 32.0 ± 15.3), cooking loss (CL = 27.7 ± 3.1%), intramuscular lipid content (ILC = 0.9 ± 0.5%), backfat thickness (BFT = 4.2 ± 1.4 mm), marbling score (MS = 2.6 ± 0.36), rib eye area (REA = 72.8 ± 7.35 cm2) and instrumental color (lightness (L* = 27.9 ± 2.7), redness (a* = 12.4 ± 1.86), yellowness (b* = 5.5 ± 1.0)). Significant phenotypic correlations were observed between BFT and MS (0.2314), and between MS and ILC (0.1308). A negative and significant correlation was found between SF and MFI (-0.5525); however, the correlation with MFI was low in animals with SF values ​​higher than 6 kg. In principal component analysis (PCA), the first four eigenvalues of the matrix of direct additive genetic variance explained 61.26% of the total additive genetic variance in the meat quality traits. The most important meat quality traits in PC1 were a*, b* and CL. PC2 was characterized by MFI and color (a* and b*), PC3 by MS, BFT and L* and PC4 by ILC, L* and b*. Furthermore, BFT was positively associated with MS, SF and CL, and SF was negatively associated with MFI. The present study suggests that muscle growth and backfat thickness were satisfactory; however, intramuscular fat deposition and meat tenderness still require more attention from the breeding programs.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Maiduguri Central ‎Abattoir, Nigeria

Bovine tuberculosis is an important public health and economic disease in Nigeria. This study reports the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered at the central abattoir in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Post mortem examination of 664 cattle carcasses was done at the abattoir for 6 months. The lesions collected were processed by using NALC-NaOH and subjected to acid-fast staining and microscopy. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis based on gross tubercle lesions in cattle slaughtered at Maiduguri abattoir was 62 (9.3%). Female cattle 43 (16.7%) had significantly (p = 0.0001) higher prevalence of tubercle lesions than male cattle 19 (4.7%). Cattle with thin body condition had 44 (21.2%), optimal body condition 16 (5.8%) and overweight cattle 2 (1.1%). There was significant (p = 0.0001) difference between body condition and occurrence of tubercle lesions. Prevalence of tubercle lesions in adult cattle was 29 (17.7%), young adults (25 (7.8%) and calves 8 (4.3%). Tubercle lesions were most common in thoracic lymph node and lungs than other organs. The prevalence of tuberculosis by Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy was 6.2% (41/664). There was significant (p=0.0001) differences in the prevalence of tuberculosis by Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy and demographic variable except for breeds. Tubercle lesion is endemic in cattle slaughtered in Maiduguri central abattoir. One Health approach is recommended to prevent zoonotic transmission to humans and economic losses among farmers and butchers.

The Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Sigur Plateau, Western Ghats, India: Population, breeding ecology, and threats

The present study aimed to assess the population status, breeding ecology, and conservation threats of Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture in Sigur Plateau, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2011 to May 2012. The population of White-rumped vulture was estimated in the roosting and nesting sites twice in a month. Nesting colonies were systematically visited four times in a month during the breeding season to study nesting and breeding ecology. Carcasses and vulture counting was done by opportunistic count method. Two sets of questionnaires namely ‘precise and closed’ and ‘broad and open-ended’ were developed to asses the people’s perception on vulture conservation. The overall population of White-rumped Vultures was estimated about 70 to 115 individuals. In total, 68 nests were observed in two nesting colonies. Most of the nests (97%) were recorded on Terminalia arjuna and only 3% on Spondias mangifera. Among the 68 constructed nests, 34 were incubated and 30 chicks were fledged out from the nests with 88% breeding success. Feeding behavior was observed from 28 carcasses, Vultures were attended only 15 caracasses an average of 56.04±3.29 individuals of vultures were recorded. Interestingly, Elephant (61.8±5.1) and Indian Gaur (58.5±0.3) carcasses were attracted in greater numbers of vultures in susiquent days (3.5±0.2) than other carcasses. People’s attitude to vulture conservation was positive and useful in 90.82% of the cases (n=99). Cattle carcass disposal method favored to vultures in these regions. The Sigur Plateau to be declared as “Vulture Sanctuary” in order to legally protect and conserve the country’s southern-most wild and viable Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture population in the landscape.

Trends in the availability of the vulture-toxic drug, diclofenac, and other NSAIDs in South Asia, as revealed by covert pharmacy surveys

SummaryThe catastrophic declines of three species of ‘Critically Endangered’ Gyps vultures in South Asia were caused by unintentional poisoning by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Despite a ban on its veterinary use in 2006 (India, Nepal, Pakistan) and 2010 (Bangladesh), residues of diclofenac have continued to be found in cattle carcasses and in dead wild vultures. Another NSAID, meloxicam, has been shown to be safe to vultures. From 2012 to 2018, we undertook covert surveys of pharmacies in India, Nepal and Bangladesh to investigate the availability and prevalence of NSAIDs for the treatment of livestock. The purpose of the study was to establish whether diclofenac continued to be sold for veterinary use, whether the availability of meloxicam had increased and to determine which other veterinary NSAIDs were available. The availability of diclofenac declined in all three countries, virtually disappearing from pharmacies in Nepal and Bangladesh, highlighting the advances made in these two countries to reduce this threat to vultures. In India, diclofenac still accounted for 10–46% of all NSAIDs offered for sale for livestock treatment in 2017, suggesting weak enforcement of existing regulations and a continued high risk to vultures. Availability of meloxicam increased in all countries and was the most common veterinary NSAID in Nepal (89.9% in 2017). Although the most widely available NSAID in India in 2017, meloxicam accounted for only 32% of products offered for sale. In Bangladesh, meloxicam was less commonly available than the vulture-toxic NSAID ketoprofen (28% and 66%, respectively, in 2018), despite the partial government ban on ketoprofen in 2016. Eleven different NSAIDs were recorded, several of which are known or suspected to be toxic to vultures. Conservation priorities should include awareness raising, stricter implementation of current bans, bans on other vulture-toxic veterinary NSAIDs, especially aceclofenac and nimesulide, and safety-testing of other NSAIDs on Gyps vultures to identify safe and toxic drugs.

Associations between UASMS2 polymorphism in leptin gene and growth, carcass and meat quality traits of cattle: a meta-analysis

Although numerous studies investigated the effect of UASMS2 polymorphism in leptin gene on cattle production, a consensus has not yet been reached. Therefore, we reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of UASMS2 on cattle. We searched potentially relevant studies from seven databases (to December 25, 2019). Standard mean difference along with 95% confidence intervals was calculated to assess the strength of association through the random-effects model. Six published articles containing 1378 cattle samples were included in our meta-analysis. We found UASMS2 was not related to carcass weight, dressing percentage and loin muscle area in the recessive genetic model, but there was a significant association between UASMS2 and average daily weight gain, dry matter intake, body weight, marbling score, and backfat thickness. This meta-analysis indicated that UASMS2 was associated with growth and meat quality traits of cattle, implying that this SNP can be used reliably in beef cattle breeding. This study may provide valuable information on improving beef yield and quality in cattle production.