Carcass Characteristics Research Articles

Impact of monensin, virginiamycin, trace minerals, and yeast combination on animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics of finishing feedlot bulls fed high grain diet.

This study was realized to evaluate the influence of monensin, virginiamycin,trace minerals and yeast combination on animal performance, feed efficiency, in situ digestibility, feeding behavior, and carcass and meat characteristics from bulls finished in feedlot fed high-grain diet. A total of 36 (European vs. Nellore) bulls at 24 ± 3.2months of age and with a body weight (BW) of 385.5 ± 3.84kg were used in a completely randomized design. The four experimental diets were: CONT - without additives; MONE - inclusion of 30mg of monensin/kg of DM; MOVI - inclusion of 30mg of monensin + 30mg of virginiamycin/kg of DM; MOMY - inclusion of 30mg of monensin/kg of DM + 0.3g/kg of BW of trace minerals and yeast. Final body weight was higher (P < 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI (558.7kg) and MOMY (554.6kg) diets, intermediate for bulls fed MONE (529.3kg) diet, and lower for bulls fed CONT (514.6kg) diet. Likewise, the average daily gain was higher (P < 0.01) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY (2.02kg/d), intermediate for bulls fed MONE (1.72kg/d), diet and lower for bulls fed CONT (1.57kg/d) diets. Dry matter intake and other nutrients were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. However, feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. Animals fed MOVI and MOMY spent more time ruminating compared to animals fed CONT and MONE (P = 0.034) diets. The carcass weights, carcass dressing and backfat thickness were greater (P < 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. In conclusion, the inclusion of monensin or a combination of monensin + virginiamycin or monensin + trace minerals and yeast resulted in higher animal performance and improved feed efficiency.

Influence of Source of Origin and Region of Finishing on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Heifers Fed in the United States.

The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass traits of finishing beef heifers sourced and finished in different regions in the U.S. Heifers [n = 190; initial body weight (BW) 483 ± 0.4kg and 425 ± 1.9kg 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) was used. Heifers were allotted on d -1 to: 1) sourced from SD and finished in SD (SD-SD), 2) sourced from SD and finished in TX (SD-TX), 3) sourced from TX and finished in SD (TX-SD), and 4) 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 their respective finishing locations. The following morning (d 1), SD-TX and TX-SD heifers were individually weighed to determine transit shrink. To monitor transit stress effects, vaginal temperature probes were used on 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 bovine respiratory disease symptoms. Transported heifers had decreased temperatures (P ≤ 0.01) during transit and post-transit and increased (P ≤ 0.01) vaginal temperature during loading and unloading compared to non-transported heifers. 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. Heifers endured elevated ambient temperatures (temperature humidity index > 75) for 54% and 18% of the feeding period for TX and SD. Growth performance and carcass trait interactions were significant (P < 0.01) except for d -1 BW, percent shrink during transit, average daily gain, dressing percent, ribeye area and liver abscess severity, which did not differ (P > 0.30). A shift in the distribution (P < 0.02) towards a greater proportion of Yield Grade 1 and Select carcasses for was observed for TX versus SD. Overall, heifers transported to higher ambient temperatures had improved overall yield grades, but decreased dry matter intake, quality grades (QG) and limited growth recovery (45kg lighter) following transit than non-transported heifers. Heifers transported to lower ambient temperatures recovered growth and had improved QG (P < 0.02) at the same thickness of rib fat compared to non-transported heifers but had decreased overall yield and yield grades.

The Use of Coffee Cherry Pulp Extract as an Alternative to an Antibiotic Growth Promoter in Broiler Diets.

Coffee cherry pulp (CCP) is a by-product of coffee bean production. CCP contains amounts of phenolic compounds that are beneficial for animals. This study evaluated the impact of coffee cherry pulp extract (CCPE) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, cecum microbial population, intestinal morphology, and immune and antioxidant responses of broilers. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to five groups: a basal diet control, a basal diet with antibiotic growth promoters at 0.25 g/kg, and groups supplemented with CCPE at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg diet over 35 days. The results showed that throughout the experimental period, the groups supplemented with CCPE improved their final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg diet reduced the average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). In addition, CCPE at 0.5 g/kg reduced levels of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were the lowest in CCPE 2.0 (p < 0.05). In the group supplemented with CCPE at all levels, the high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Drip loss in the breast at 24 and 48 h decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, live weight, defeathered weight, and carcass weight significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CCPE improved intestinal morphology, especially villus height and the villus height per crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE supplementation also reduced pathogenic bacteria, increased Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05), and increased the expression of immune-related genes and antioxidant activity in the liver and intestines (p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCPE as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler feed improved growth performance and health parameters in broilers. It provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for supplementary feed, contributing to more efficient poultry nutrition management.

Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Lambs Fed with Increasing Levels of High-Oleic Sunflower Cake

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sunflower cake from high-oleic seeds on performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and intramuscular fatty acid composition of finishing lambs. Thirty-six crossbred ewe lambs were assigned to four treatments (nine lambs/treatment) in a completely randomized design: 0 (control), 150, 300 and 450 g/kg DM of high-oleic sunflower cake. The lambs were weighed weekly and slaughtered with 42.3 ± 0.18 kg body weight and 270 ± 10.8 days of old. The inclusion of sunflower cake did not affect weight gain, dry matter intake and metabolizable energy intake (p &gt; 0.05). There was an increase in neutral detergent fiber and EE intake (p &lt; 0.01) with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the diet of the lambs. The inclusion of sunflower cake reduced hot and cold carcass yields (p &lt; 0.01). Intramuscular fat content, L*, oleic acid, rumenic acid and EPA fatty acids linearly increased (p &lt; 0.01) with the inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake. The inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake reduced saturated fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01), except stearic acid, which linearly increased (p &lt; 0.01). Up to 450 g/kg DM of high-oleic sunflower cake in the diet of lambs did not affect animal performance while providing a higher deposition of fat with better fatty acid composition for human consumption.

The Effect of Drinking Ionized Water on the Productive Performance, Physiological Status, and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicks.

Water treatment technologies have received great attention recently, as water is the most important nutritional element, and animals consume it daily in larger quantities than those of food. The ideal water treatment affects the chemical composition and physical properties of water, having a significant positive impact on the animal's physiology, productivity, and welfare. Studies conducted on water ionization devices for broiler chickens remain limited; therefore, this study was planned to investigate the effect of ionized drinking water on the productive performance, physiological status, and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. A total of 900 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly and equally assigned to three groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). The first group (C) received tap drinking water and served as a control, while the second group (T1) received ionized drinking water from an ionizing device that worked for 1 h/100 L. The third group (T2) received ionized drinking water from an ionizing device that worked for 2 h/100 L. Water analysis for each treatment was performed. Productive traits, such as weekly body weight, feed intake, and water intake, were recorded. Hematological parameters and biochemical constituents were measured according to the reference's description. Furthermore, carcass characteristics, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, and bacterial count of the intestine, such as Lactobacilli and Coliform counts, were determined. From the results, ionized water (T1 and T2) had a negative ORP, which is often desirable as it suggests the presence of antioxidant properties and lower total dissolved solids (TDSs), heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and algal total count (ATC) than in tap water. The treated chicks showed higher final body weights and better feed conversion rates than the control. Ionized water also improved carcass quality characteristics, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage. T1 and T2 chicks exhibited higher hemoglobin, total protein, globulin, G and M immunoglobulin, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, as well as lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels than the control. Furthermore, they had lower pathogenic bacteria counts. Therefore, it is recommended to employ the ionizing approach for broiler chicken drinking water, particularly a 2 h/100 L ionization application, for better animal productivity, health, and welfare.

Effects of Diets Containing Extruded Linseed and Padina pavonica Algae on Meat Rabbit: Carcass Performance and Meat Quality.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed (ELS) and Padina pavonica algae extract (PP) on rabbit carcass and meat quality. Ninety-six rabbit carcasses from two production cycles were analyzed. In the first cycle (C1), rabbits were fed a control diet (1CNT), the same diet supplemented with 5% ELS (1ELS5%), and supplemented with 3.5% ELS and 0.2% PP (1LPP3.5%). In the second cycle (C2), the diets varied in composition and supplementation levels: a different control diet (2CNT), the same diet with 5% ELS (2ELS5%), and with 5% ELS and 0.2% PP (2LPP5%). Meat analyses were performed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle for physical properties and on thigh meat (THM) for proximate composition, vitamin E, coenzyme-Q10, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and mineral content. No significant differences in LTL physical quality were observed in C1, although LTL was brighter in C2 (p < 0.001). THM in C2 had higher fat content (p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with ELS and PP extract significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and improved the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in rabbit meat, demonstrating their positive impact on meat quality.

Genome-wide association study identifies candidate genes affecting body conformation traits of Zhongwei goat

BackgroundIdentifying markers or genes crucial for growth traits in Zhongwei goats is pivotal for breeding. Pinpointing genetic factors linked to body size gain enhances breeding efficiency and economic value. In this study, we used the MGISEQ-T7 platform to re-sequence 240 Zhongwei goats (133 male; 107 female) belonging to 5 metrics of growth traits at different growth stages (40 days and 6 months, here in after referred to as 40d and 6 m), namely, Body Weight (BW), Body Height (BH), Body Length (BL), Chest Circumference (CC), Tube Circumference (TC) were examined. A Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify candidate genes associated with the five indicators of body conformation traits, thereby establishing a foundation for subsequent investigations into the biological functions of these genes.ResultsA total of 19.89 Tb of raw data was generated with an average sequencing depth of about 20×. After quality control, 15,958,716 SNPs were available for the analysis. A total of 342 genome-wide significant SNPs were obtained. Among them, in the two physiological stages of 40d and 6 m, 147 and 32 SNPs were significantly associated with BW; 1 and 4 SNPs were significantly associated with BH; 19 and 6 SNPs were significantly associated with BL; 33 and 64 SNPs were significantly associated with CC, 34 and 2 SNPs were significantly associated with TC. These SNPs were annotated to 425 candidate genes. Finally, A total of 39 candidate genes are closely related to biological processes such as skeletal muscle development, skeletal formation, carcass quality, and embryonic development, where ADIPOQ, CCDD39, PTPRT, ZNF215, VRTN, ABCD4, DLST, ADAMTS2, ROBO1, AKAP13, AQPI, SOX2, and AHSG were identified as an important component of the genetic framework that may control somatic conformational traits in Zhongwei goats. which warrants further investigation and review. We verified the polymorphism of 11 SNPs by KASP, and found that Chr13_g.11,700,438 A > G, Chr15_g.37,120,328 A > G, Chr6_g.7,209,383 C > T, Chr20_g.51277932T > A, Chr19_g.17,078,199 A > G, and Chr1_g.79,943,276 C > T were significantly genotyped in verified populations (P < 0.001).ConclutionIt is the first GWAS study to analyze genomic data from 40d and 6 m of Zhongwei goats to understand the molecular genetic mechanisms of growth. Our research identified a series of SNPs and candidate genes associated with growth traits, which could assist us in developing the meat production trait in Zhongwei goats.

Impact of dietary supplementation levels of turmeric powder (curcuma longa) on performance, carcass characteristics, blood biochemical, jejunum histological and gut microflora in broiler chickens

Impact of dietary supplementation levels of turmeric powder (curcuma longa) on performance, carcass characteristics, blood biochemical, jejunum histological and gut microflora in broiler chickens

Prevalence and associated risk factors of bruise in the bovine carcass slaughtered Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia

Bruising bovine carcasses is a significant concern in the meat industry and affects both animal welfare and economic outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for bruises in bovine carcasses in the Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to May 2023; 384 randomly selected cattle were examined during ante- and postmortem inspections. Data on potential risk factors, including age, sex, breed, body condition, and causes of bruising, were collected. Visual inspection, palpation, and incision techniques were employed during the postmortem examination to identify and record the prevalence, anatomical location, and severity of bruises. Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS version 16.00, with nominal regression used to determine bruise rates and chi-square tests used to assess the associations between risk factors and bruise occurrence. A 95% confidence interval was applied, and differences were considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. The study revealed a 24.48% prevalence of bruising, with stick beating (8.9%) being the most common cause. The anatomical distribution of the bruises varied, with the highest condemnation rates observed in the back and loin (6.25%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in bruise incidence based on age, sex, and body condition (p&lt;0.05). A high prevalence of bruising has a substantial economic impact on the local meat industry. Factors such as improper handling during transportation significantly contribute to this issue. Recommendations include implementing awareness programs for stakeholders and enhancing animal welfare measures to mitigate economic losses and improve carcass quality.

Growth performance, carcass traits, meat composition, digestibility coefficients and caecal microbiota of growing rabbits fed diets supplemented with a herbal mixture.

The study investigates the effect of dietary herbal mixture (HM) levels on growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits' performance, carcass characteristics, blood biochemicals, and microbiological characteristics from 5 to 13 weeks of age. In this study, 96 New Zealand White rabbits (male and female ratio 1:1) were used, and they were five weeks old. The rabbits were at random allocated into four experimental groups (n = 24 each) comprising 12 replicates, each with two rabbits. The 1st group acted as the control and received feed without additional supplements. The 2nd group received 0.30% HM, the 3rd group received 0.50% HM, and the 4th group received 0.70% HM. As the concentration of the herbal mixture extract was raised, the inhibitory zones grew significantly. The addition of HM to rabbit diets at a 0.5% concentration significantly increased body weight and weight gain compared to the control diet and other treatments. The apparent digestibility coefficient of ether extracts and the rabbits' capacity to absorb lipids significantly increased with increasing HM levels up to 0.7%. In addition, the HM increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. Interestingly, when rabbits were fed varying amounts of HM, all types of bacteria significantly declined, yet helpful lactic acid bacteria increased. In conclusion, HM supplementation improved rabbit growth, blood parameters, and gut microbial balance, with a 0.5% level yielding the best results, indicating that HM has significant potential as a novel feed supplement for growing rabbits.

Effect of Ideal Amino Acid Ratio of Arginine to Lysine on Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance, Antibody Titers of Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis Disease, and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers.

This study aimed to assess the effects of different arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) ratios on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and antibody titers of Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) disease in broilers during 35 days of trial. For this purpose, a total of 816 day-old broiler birds having an average weight of 38 ± 3 g were divided into six dietary treatments in such a way that each treatment had eight replicates and each replicate had 17 birds. The treatments were 0.95 (1.19/1.25, 1.12/1.18, and 1.05/1.1), 1 (1.25/1.25, 1.18/1.18, and 1.1/1.1), 1.05 (1.31/1.25, 1.24/1.18, and 1.17/1.1), 1.10 (1.38/1.25, 1.30/1.18, and 1.23/1.1), 1.15 (1.44/1.25, 1.36/1.18, and 1.28/1.1), and 1.20 (1.50/1.25, 1.42/1.18, and 1.34/1.1) Arg/Lys divided into different amounts according to the nutritional needs of starter, grower, and finisher diets, respectively. The results showed that in the finisher phase, the FI was influenced cubically, while in the overall period, a quadratic effect was observed for the FI (p < 0.05). The results of BWG showed that BWG was linearly increased in birds given different Arg/Lys in the grower, finisher, and overall period (p < 0.05). The results also showed that during the grower, finisher, and overall phases, the body weight gain (BWG) was better in birds fed with 1.05 and 1.10 Arg/Lys (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was shown in the starter and grower phases at 1.10 and 1.15 Arg/Lys (p < 0.05). The results of nutrient digestibility explored showed that the experimental treatments had a better effect (p < 0.05) on dry matter and crude fat digestibility in birds fed with 1.19/1.25, 1.12/1.18, and 1.05/1.1 and 1.25/1.25, 1.18/1.18, and 1.1/1.1 Arg/Lys in their diets while the crude protein digestibility remained unaffected with different treatments (p > 0.05). The treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on relative organ weights, immune organs, and carcass characteristics. However, higher titers of ND and IBD were observed in birds fed with Arg/Lys of 1.38/1.25, 1.30/1.18, and 1.23/1.1 and 1.50/1.25, 1.42/1.18, and 1.34/1.1 in their diets (p < 0.05). Based on the results of the current study, it is concluded that the inclusion levels of 1.38/1.25, 1.30/1.18, and 1.23/1.1, and 1.44/1.25, 1.36/1.18, and 1.28/1.1 Arg/Lys resulted in better growth performance and immune response in the broiler birds, respectively. Therefore, adjusting the levels of Arg/Lys in feed is recommended to enhance broilers' growth performance and immune response.

Effects of Standardized Natural Citrus Extract on Growth, Gut Health, Carcass Quality, and Welfare of Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Standardized Natural Citrus Extract (SNCE) on broiler chickens' growth performance, gut health, carcass quality, and welfare. A total of 756 one-day-old Ross 308 males were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CTL) fed with a standard diet, and a citrus group (SNCE) fed with the same standard diet supplemented with 250 g/ton of feed of SNCE. Growth performance was recorded weekly until d 35, while mortality was recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European Efficiency Index (EEI) of broiler chickens were also calculated weekly. At day 35, 10 birds per group were randomly selected for slaughter performance. In parallel, broiler chickens' welfare was assessed according to the Welfare Quality Assessment Protocol. Caecal digest was also collected post mortem for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) analyses, and jejunum samples were collected for ex vivo gut permeability assay. SNCE dietary supplementation enhanced broiler chickens' performance, i.e., final bodyweight and EEI, compared to the CTL group. The carcass weight was also significantly higher in the SNCE group. In addition, the fat percentage was lower in the SNCE group. Regarding broiler chickens' welfare and gut health parameters, Footpad Dermatitis (FPD) and gate score were also lower in birds supplemented with SNCE. The SCFA measurement showed a lower concentration of iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, and total putrefactive SCFA in the SNCE group. The differences in gut permeability measured as TEER value indicate that using citrus extract lowered the risk of gut inflammation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of action that may underlie the observed effects of SNCE on performance, as demonstrated in this study and others. These effects could potentially be attributed to the reduction in inflammation and the enhanced utilization of nutrients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Nanotechnological Plastic Flooring: Implications for Broiler Chicken Performance, Health, and Carcass Quality.

This study evaluated the effects of two types of plastic flooring-one with and one without nanotechnological antimicrobial additives-used as complete or partial replacements for wood shavings on broiler chicken performance, yield, meat quality, and litter microbiology over 42 days. A total of 1500 Ross 408® male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: wood shavings (WS), plastic flooring (PF), a 50/50 mix of plastic flooring and wood shavings (PF + WS), plastic flooring with antimicrobial additives (PFA), and a 50/50 mix of antimicrobial plastic flooring and wood shavings (PFA + WS). This study evaluated organ biometrics (liver, heart, spleen, and gizzard), the severity of Eimeria lesions, microbiological profiles, performance indices, and meat quality. The results indicated that plastic flooring, particularly when used alone, presented challenges such as increased intestinal lesions related to coccidiosis and a higher prevalence of Salmonella. Moreover, broilers raised on plastic flooring presented worse feed conversion and lower body weights and carcass yields than those raised on wood shavings. The meat quality was also negatively affected, with plastic flooring leading to less favorable fillet characteristics. Overall, the use of plastic flooring reduced the performance and health parameters of broiler chickens.

Effects of a preweaning socialization system on piglet livability, lifetime growth performance, and subsequent sow performance.

A total of 3,307 (PIC L 42) sows and 55,160 piglets were used to determine the effects of different farrowing systems on piglet livability and lifetime growth performance. Treatments were assigned to farrowing rooms and consisted of a conventional farrowing system (sows and piglets housed in individual farrowing stalls) or a preweaning socialization system (stall dividers removed between farrowing stalls and walkways within 6 to 24h post-farrowing such that 12 to 32 litters of piglets were co-mingled). A total of 40 farrowing rooms with 80 stalls each were used with 20 rooms per treatment. Pigs were weaned at approximately 23 d of age. No differences were observed in lactation length, total born, born alive, stillborn, mummies, or number of pigs weaned. Pre-wean mortality was increased (P < 0.001) for pigs from the preweaning socialization system compared to the conventional farrowing system (14.7% vs. 12.6%, respectively). At weaning, a subset of offspring (4,313 pigs initially 5.4 ± 0.15kg) were transported to a commercial research facility to evaluate lifetime performance. Weaning weights were heavier (P < 0.001) for pigs in the conventional farrowing system compared to the preweaning socialization system. Pigs were housed in pens according to sow treatment with 44 to 46 pigs per pen and 48 pens per treatment. During the nursery and finishing periods, pigs from the conventional farrowing system had increased (P < 0.001) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but decreased gain-to-feed (G:F) compared to the preweaning socialization system. In the nursery phase, removals, mortality, and total removals and mortality were greater (P ≤ 0.059) for pigs raised in the preweaning socialization system than the conventional farrowing system, but no differences were observed in the finishing phase. Overall (days 23 to 183), pigs from the conventional farrowing system had increased (P ≤ 0.001) BW, ADG, and ADFI, but decreased (P = 0.010) G:F compared to the preweaning socialization system. No differences were observed for overall removals and mortality after weaning. Pigs from the conventional farrowing system had increased (P ≤ 0.094) live BW, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, loin depth, and percentage lean compared to the preweaning socialization system. No differences were observed in backfat. In summary, pigs raised in a conventional farrowing system had increased livability, lifetime growth performance, and improved carcass characteristics compared to the preweaning socialization system.

Validation of Immersion Precooling and Drip Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures on Weight, Temperature, Microbiological Quality, and Safety of Chicken Carcasses.

This study aims to validate sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) of the precooling system in two immersion stages with different temperatures followed by dripping for 3min. The variables evaluated were temperature, weight, microbiological quality, and safety of chicken carcasses. Groups of indicator microorganisms were quantified and the occurrence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (non-157), and Staphylococcus aureus with enterotoxigenic potential was investigated, before and after cooling by immersion and dripping. Salmonella serovars were determined by real-time PCR. Immersion of the carcasses in water at 9.5 (±2.89) and 2.33 (±1.30)°C in the first and second stages was sufficient to considerably reduce the carcass temperature to 5.70 and 7.41°C at the system outlet and after dripping, respectively. The weight gain was 5.5%, in accordance with Brazilian legislation (<8%). Immersion cooling significantly reduced (p<0.05) the total counts of enterobacteria, total coliforms, and E. coli. Contamination was reduced in the carcasses, which increased the water counts in the system to 3.76 log CFU/mL for psychrotrophs. Salmonella spp. was identified in 100% of the carcasses evaluated and in the water from the first and second stages of cooling. The main serovars were S. Newport and S. Minnesota. Pathotypes of diarrheagenic E. coli, mainly atypical EPEC and STEC, and S. aureus with enterotoxigenic potential were highly prevalent in the carcasses even before entering the precooling systems by immersion, which was not sufficient to rule out the occurrence of any pathogen studied. Despite the notable SSOP effect on the quantification of microbiological indicators during immersion cooling, the high occurrence of different pathogens underlies the need to review procedures and techniques not only in slaughterhouses but also throughout the production chain, acting in an integrated manner to provide biosecurity and reduce risks to the consumption of chicken meat.

Effect of different arginine-to-lysine ratios and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and breast myopathies in broiler chickens

Effect of different arginine-to-lysine ratios and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and breast myopathies in broiler chickens

The effect of using Echinacea extract as an immune system stimulant and antioxidant on blood indicators, growth efficiency, and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens to produce a healthy product

This study aimed to discover how echinacea powder extract (EPE), an antioxidant, affects the growth rate, body composition, and blood parameters in broilers as an alternative to antibiotics. In a completely randomized design study, four experimental groups received 280 broiler chicks, 5 days old (Cobb 500). Each group was distributed into seven replicates, each containing ten unsexed chicks. Four groups were randomly selected from the chicks; the first group (the control group) was given drinking water only. Conversely, the birds in treatments 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented with EPA in their drinking water. They received 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 cm3 EPA/liter water every 3 days weekly until the end of the trial (30 days). Our findings found significant differences in avian mass between experimental treatments during growth phases. The control group weighed 887 g, while the 3.0 cm3 EPE group weighed 850 g. The Duncan test showed a difference in FI and FCR among those favoring the EPE groups. Our results showed no significant changes in carcass features, except for spleen, gizzard, and abdominal fat, with the 3.0 cm3 EPE group having weight-higher organs and lower abdominal fat. Also, the control had higher TP, albumin, and globulin levels, while the EPE diet increased ALT and AST and decreased TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels. Furthermore, EPE-containing diets resulted in higher IgG concentrations, lower MDA levels, and higher SOD activity compared to the control group. According to the ANOVA analysis, the water consumption rate did not significantly differ across the trial groups. It included adding EPE with 3.0 cm3 enhanced growth performance, carcass traits, and antioxidant activity to obtain health outcomes for end users.

Influence of carcass chilling time on the progression of rigor mortis, carcass characteristics and physicochemical properties related to the colour and tenderness of longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris muscles in Botucatu rabbits.

The objective of this study was to characterize the progression of rigor mortis and evaluate the influence of chilling time on carcass characteristics, colour, and tenderness of Botucatu rabbit meat in both males and females. The muscles analyzed were the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and biceps femoris (BF). As chilling time progressed, weight loss due to chilling increased (P<0.001), whereas weight loss due to thawing (P=0.035) and volume of exudate post-thawing (P=0.022) decreased. Cold carcass yield remained stable for 18h of chilling, with greater (P<0.001) values for males. The colour parameters L*, a* and b* were significantly influenced by sex and chilling time. Rigor mortis began at 1.5h post-mortem, was established between 4.5 and 6h, and resolved at 18h of chilling. Biceps femoris showed greater (P<0.001) shear force at 0h and 4.5h, with reduced (P<0.001) tenderness in males compared to females. Sarcomere length was shorter (P<0.001) at 24h in BF and from 18h in LTL. Myofibrillar fragmentation index of both muscles, and water holding capacity of BF increased (P<0.001) with chilling time. Therefore, it is concluded that chilling the carcasses for 18h prior to freezing results in reduced weight losses, increased luminosity and tenderness of Botucatu rabbit meat.

Effect of Vit E, potassium, and alcohol-fermented feed supplementation before transport on body weight, carcass characteristics, and meat color of Hanwoo Steers

Effect of Vit E, potassium, and alcohol-fermented feed supplementation before transport on body weight, carcass characteristics, and meat color of Hanwoo Steers

Enhancing Broiler Growth and Carcass Quality: Impact of Diets Enriched with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Conjugated with Zinc Nanoparticles

This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder extract stabilized with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs-MLPE) as a natural growth promoter in broiler diets. Randomly assigned 264 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks to four different feeding treatments, with each group being subdivided into six replicates, each comprising 11 unsexed chicks. The control group was fed a basic diet without additives, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 cm³ of ZnNPs-MLPE/L of diet. The findings demonstrated that 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L ZnNPs-MLPE supplementation significantly enhanced live body weight (LBW) and weight gain (BWG). Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not show significant differences between the treated groups and the control, indicating that the additive did not negatively affect feed efficiency. However, an increase in abdominal fat was noted in the ZnNPs-MLPE treatments relative to the control. Blood analysis revealed that the ZnNPs-MLPE groups had significantly lower levels of "total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the control group. In contrast, total protein (TP), albumin, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio" were higher in the ZnNPs-MLPE groups. Immunoglobulins IgY and IgM, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, were elevated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced, indicating improved antioxidant capacity and immune function in the ZnNPs-MLPE-treated groups. In conclusion, supplementation with ZnNPs-MLPE at 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L positively impacted broiler growth efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immunological functionality. These findings support the potential of ZnNPs-MLPE as an effective natural growth enhancer for producing healthier poultry products.