Cold Carcass Yield Research Articles

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 > 0.05). There was an increase in neutral detergent fiber and EE intake (p < 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 < 0.01). Intramuscular fat content, L*, oleic acid, rumenic acid and EPA fatty acids linearly increased (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake. The inclusion of high-oleic sunflower cake reduced saturated fatty acids (p < 0.01), except stearic acid, which linearly increased (p < 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.

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.

The Effects of Artificial vs. Natural Rearing on Growth Performance, Thyroid Hormone Levels, Locomotor Activity, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality Characteristics in Chios Lambs

Artificial rearing (AR) of lambs is nowadays a common practice in Mediterranean dairy sheep production systems to enhance the milk available for cheese or yoghurt manufacturing. The sufficient growth of lambs in an AR system is vital for the economic success of dairy sheep farms. However, AR is often associated with negative impacts on the performance and physiology of lambs. Greece is one of the major producers of ovine milk; nevertheless, data concerning the effects of artificial rearing in lambs of Greek autochthonous breeds are not available. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the influence of artificial rearing on growth performance, thyroid hormone levels, locomotor activity, carcass traits and meat quality characteristics in lambs of the Chios breed, which is one of the most well-known Greek dairy sheep breeds. Twenty-one singleton male lambs were assigned into two feeding regimes; natural rearing NR (n = 11) and AR (n = 10). The lambs’ behavior was continuously videotaped until weaning, and their standing percentage was recorded as an activity index. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of lambs on days 3, 10, 17 and 40 after birth to assess thyroid hormone levels. The body weight of lambs was also recorded weekly. At the age of 45 days, lambs were fasted for 12 h, weighed and slaughtered. The weights of the carcass and internal organs were measured, while samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle were used for the determination of meat pH, color, water holding capacity, shear force and oxidative stability values. As indicated, body weight (kg) at birth was greater in NR vs. AR group and this difference was maintained till day 35 (p &lt; 0.05), although body gain (kg) was generally not significantly different between NR and AR lambs, with the exception of the first week, when NR showed a greater value compared with the AR lambs (p &lt; 0.001). On day 42, no significant differences between lamb groups for body weight were observed. Levels for triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and the free form of T3 (FT3) were greater, whereas the standing percentage was lower in NR compared with AR lambs (p &lt; 0.05). The feeding regime of lambs did not affect carcass traits, internal organ and fat tissue weights, except for cold carcass yield which was greater in AR vs. NR lambs. No significant differences were observed between the two lamb groups in meat quality characteristics, such as pH, color, water holding capacity and shear force values, although MDA content was decreased in AR lambs indicating an improved oxidative stability. In conclusion, artificial rearing appears to be a feasible strategy for Chios lamb meat production, since it does not negatively influence carcass traits and meat quality characteristics, while a positive effect in meat oxidative stability is observed.

The effects of early feeding with different pre-starter diets on growth performance, morphological development and microorganism content of the small intestine of broiler chicks

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding 2 different pre-starter diets to broiler chicks at 2 different times on growth performance, slaughtering parameters, morphological development of the small intestine segments and the microorganism content of the ileum of broilers. A total of 600 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 24 chicks each. The experimental treatments included: SD10: broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based starter diet for 0-10 days; 1PSD5: chicks were fed a first pre-starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 1PSD10: chicks were fed the first pre-starter diet for 0-10 days; 2PSD5: chicks were fed a second pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 2PSD10: chicks were fed the second pre-starter diet for 0-10 days. Broilers were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly increased final body weight (BW) and BW gain, decreased feed intake (FI) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 0 to 42 day compared to the SD10 treatment. The lowest FI and the best FCR of broilers during the period of 0 to 42 day were obtained by the 2PSD5 treatment. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly enhanced the hot- and cold-carcass yields and villus heights (VHs) and decreased crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers on day 42. However, the experimental treatments did not significantly affect the the E.coli and Lactobacillus contents of ileum of broilers on day 42. In conclusion, feeding of chicks with the pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal supplemented with enzyme complex and synbiotic for 0-5 days was a more effective treatment in terms of performance especially FI and FCR, carcass yields and VHs of small intestine segments of broilers.

Dried distiller’s grains in the diets of feedlot lambs: implications for production, carcass characteristics and rumen morphometrics

Context The demand and production of renewable fuels are boosting the production of biofuels. Agricultural industries have been playing a role in the increase of ethanol production from corn and, consequently, their by-products. Dried distiller’s grain (DDG) is a by-product of corn ethanol and can be used as a source of protein and energy in the diet of feedlot lambs. Aims The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of including DDG in high-concentrate diets on performance, rumen morpho-histology, and carcass characteristics in feedlot lambs. Methods Forty-five Santa Inês × Dorper male lambs with an initial body weight of 21 ± 3.2 kg (mean ± s.d.) and 82 ± 12 days old (mean ± s.d.) were distributed in a randomised complete-block design (nine blocks and five treatments). The experimental diets contained 900 g/kg of concentrate and 100 g/kg of coastcross hay, and DDG was used in replacement of soybean meal and corn. Lambs were fed one of the following five diets for 112 days: control without DDG (0DDG), or diet with 150 (150DDG), 300 (300DDG), 450 (450DDG) and 600 (600DDG) g/kg DM of DDG. Key results The inclusion of DDG from 150 up to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of the lambs linearly decreased (P &lt; 0.01) dry-matter intake (DMI), net energy of maintenance intake, net energy of gain, average daily gain, final body weight and feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.01). The inclusion of DDG linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.04) hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield. For ruminal morpho-histology, there was a linear decrease in the area of papillae and absorptive surface area (P &lt; 0.01) Conclusions An increase in the DDG level from 150 to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of lambs negatively affected feedlot performance, with detrimental effects on carcass traits and the development of rumen papillae. The lambs showed low acceptance of DDG, even at the lowest level of dietary inclusion (150g/kg DM) as DMI was impaired. Implications DDG should be used with caution in diets for finishing lambs. Dietary inclusion of DDG up to 150 g/kg DM is recommended. Higher inclusions levels may significantly affect performance and carcass weight and yield.

Copaiba oleoresin as a substitute for sodium lasalocid in finishing diets for lambs: carcass characteristics and meat quality

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of copaiba oleoresin (CO) as a substitute for sodium lasalocid on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Twenty-four Pantaneiro lambs, aged 152 days and weighing an initial body weight of 21.2 ± 3.9 kg, were distributed in a randomised block design with three treatments and eight replications. The treatments correspond to the additive supplements: LAS (22.5 mg of sodium lasalocid/kg of diet); CO-0.5 (0.5 mL of CO/animal/day); CO-1.0 (1.0 mL of CO/animal/day). The doses of CO were administered to the animals orally with the aid of a graduated syringe. Lambs supplemented with LAS had higher hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, cold carcass yield, and degree of fattening compared to CO-0.5, while CO-1.0 did not differ from LAS. It can be concluded that daily ingestion of CO up to 1.0 mL/lamb did not negatively affect carcass characteristics when compared to LAS supplementation. However, lower ingestion (0.5 mL/day) can reduce the carcass weight and carcass yield. Although CO supplementation minimally affected the meat quality and FA profiles, both doses reduced crude protein content in meat.

Energy supplementation of beef steers or inclusion of legumes in temperate pastures in crop-livestock integration area

The most common way of using the crop-livestock integration system in subtropical regions is cultivating soybeans or corn during the summer and temperate pastures in the winter. The objective of this study was to evaluate different beef cattle finishing systems in an area of crop-livestock integration. The inclusion of legumes and supplementation on black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and ryegrass pastures (Lolium multiflorum L.) were evaluated. Data from three years of research (2017, 2018 and 2020) were evaluated. Thus, 54 steers (18 per year) were used, with initial age of 22 ± 3 months and 413.08 ± 4.56 kg of initial live weight. They were randomly divided into nine paddocks of 0.7 hectares. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates (paddock with two animals). Supplementation provided greater carrying capacity (1406.0 vs. 1269.6 kg/ha), average daily weight gain (1.4 vs. 1.1 kg/day), and, consequently, greater gain per area (384.5 vs. 302 kg BW/ha). Animals that received energy supplementation presented higher slaughter weight (536 vs. 510 kg), weight (287.1 and 286.2 vs. 266.2 and 265.3 kg), and hot (53.6 vs. 52.1%) and cold (53.4 vs. 52%) carcass yield, as well as higher fat content in the carcass (265 vs. 234 g/kg). The legume in the pasture did not affect the performance or characteristics of the animal carcasses. The supplementation increased the performance and carcass parameters, but did not influence the qualitative characteristics of the meat. In addition to individual performance, supplementation increased the pasture's carrying capacity, improving the system's productivity.

Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0g/kg (control), 70g/kg, 140g/kg, and 210g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.

Carcass yield and primal cuts of lambs fed on different diets in the humid tropics

In the humid tropics of Mexico, sheep production is an important economic activity, mainly focused on the sale of barbacoa and barbacoa tacos; however, no primal cuts of lambs are offered.&#x0D; Objective: To assess carcass yield and primal cuts of lambs fed on different diets in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca, Mexico.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: Five diets were assessed to measure carcass yield and primal lamb cuts: corn stover, corn silage, Chinese hibiscus (locally known as tulipán), cracked corn, and grazing. A completely randomized experimental design was used. The following variables were measured: hot and cold carcass weight, hot and cold carcass yield, neck weight, leg weight, shoulder weight, loin weight, rib weight, rib eye area determination, and fat thickness.&#x0D; Results: Lambs fed on cracked corn achieved a higher carcass yield (44.2%) than the other treatments (P≤0.05), a leg weight of 3.87 kg, and loins 2.57 kg heavier than the other treatments, in average (P≤0.05).&#x0D; Study Limitations/Implications: It was difficult to obtain homogeneous groups of lambs in terms of age and weight.&#x0D; Findings/Conclusions: Lambs fed on cracked corn recorded higher carcass yields and better leg and loin primal cuts than lambs fed on the other diets.

Performance and carcass characteristics of cattle with different castration practices

The aim of this research was to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of immunocastrated cattle, in comparison to castrated and non-castrated cattle supplemented on pasture. 36 bovines were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, in 3 treatments: non-castrated animals (ANC), animals castrated late by the surgical method (ACC) and immunocastrated animals (AIC), with 12 replicates each. Immunocastration was performed following the protocol of two doses of the immunocastrating vaccine, with an interval of 60 days, promoting a castrated effect of 120 days. The animals were kept on mixed pasture in an extensive rearing system using rotational grazing, they received mineral supplement in the first 3 months and specific feed for the fattening season in the subsequent 3 months, according to the property’s standards. The total experimental period was 180 days. Data were hidden from the normality test, analysis of variance and mean comparisons were performed using the Tukey test, except for the variable degree of finishing, which was maintained at the chi-square test, at 5%. Average daily weight and total weight gains, hot and cold carcass weights and hot and cold carcass yield did not show statistical differences (P&gt;0.05) for animals submitted to different treatments. However, the cooling loss was lower in immunocastrated animals (P&lt;0.05), followed by surgically castrated and non-castrated animals. Immunocastrated and surgically castrated animals showed better carcass finishing (P&lt;0.05) than non-castrated animals. The initial temperature of the carcass was lower (P&lt;0.05) in the immunocastrated group, while for the final temperature no statistical differences (P&gt;0.05) were verified for the animals submitted to different treatments. Final carcass pH was higher (P&lt;0.05) in immunocastrated than in surgically castrated animals, but did not differ (P&gt;0.05) from non-castrated animals. Immunocastrated animals, in a grazing system receiving supplementation, showed similar gains in weight and carcass weight in relation to non-castrated and surgically castrated animals, however, with lower losses to carcass cooling.

Berganês, a new sheep breed from the Brazilian semiarid: performance and carcass traits in different sex-classes by univariate and multivariate approaches

Twenty-four lambs between four and five months of age were divided into sex classes: uncastrated males, castrated males and females, eight for each treatment, with an average body weight of 27.00 ± 3.13 kg. dry matter and water intakes were higher for uncastrated males (p &lt; 0.001). final body weight, body weight at slaughter, average daily gain and cold carcass weight were greater for uncastrated, intermediate for castrated and lower for females (p &lt; 0.05). hot and cold carcass yields were higher for castrated males and females, respectively. (p &lt; 0.05). based on principal component analysis, twenty-five variables were selected out of thirty-two, in some of the seven principal components generated, summarizing 21.87% data dimension. Discriminant analysis identified greater discrimination power for body weight at slaughter, thorax width, thorax depth, fatness, dry matter intake and hot carcass weight. All lambs were classified into their respective sex classes. Therefore, uncastrated males have performed better than castrated ones and both showed higher performance than females. Females and castrated males showed higher carcass yield. Discriminant analysis indicated heterogeneity between sex classes.

Meat characteristics of buffaloes (Bubalus bub- alis) in two production systems and two slaugh- ter weights

Under two production systems, this study evaluated carcass and meat characteristics of finished male buffaloes at 400 and 600 kg live weight (LW). Twenty-eight male buffaloes uncastrated of 216 ± 21.9 kg LW were used and were randomly distributed into four treatments (T): T1 and T2, grazing buffaloes (GB), slaughtered at 400 and 600 kg LW, respectively; T3 and T4, buffaloes in intensive system (IS), slaughtered at 400 and 600 kg LW, respectively. GB groups remained in a Brachiaria humidicola meadow (6.8% CP, 66.4% NDF, and 2 Mcal EM kg-1 DM) and were supplemented (32.02% CP, 25.19% NDF, and 2.8 Mcal ME kg-1 MS) at 1% of LW. The diet provided in the IS contained 14.22% CP, 44.25% NDF, and 2.7 Mcal ME kg-1 MS. The supplement’s nutrients for GB and the diet provided in IS were adjusted according to the change in the animals’ LW. The time to reach slaughter weight was 301, 368, 228, and 304 d for T1 to T4, respectively. After slaughter, the empty live weight (ELW= The filled green viscera were weighed, and later, they were washed with running water to remove the contenta and determine the empty weight) and cold carcass yield (CCY=Cold carcass weight/slaughter weight) were evaluated. Color (A Minolta colorimeter was used to record the values of *L, *a, and *b,) and pH was measured on the Longissimus dorsi muscle (24 h, and 7, 14, and 21 d); in addition to performing the proximal chemical analysis (moisture, crude protein, fat, and collagen), resistance to cutting and water retention capacity. A completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement was used. The ELW of the buffaloes slaughtered at 400 kg did not vary (p&gt; 0.05) between the GB or IS, nor did it vary between the groups slaughtered at 600 kg. However, the CCY of the animals sacrificed at 600 kg was higher in the IS than in the GB (54.06 b vs 57.97a). Meat from T4 had the highest pH values (p&lt; 0.001; 5.81 c, 6.04 b , 6.08 b , 6.24a at 24 h, and 5.72 b , 5.93 b , 5.72 b and 6.13a at 7 days, T1 to T4, respectively). No differences (p&gt; 0.05) were observed between moisture and protein content treatments. Nevertheless, fat content was higher (p&lt; 0.001) in T2 and lower (p&lt; 0.001) in T3 (2.28a vs 0.86 c), and collagen was higher (p&lt; 0.01) in samples from GB (T1 and T2). The shear force was similar (p&gt; 0.05) in the groups evaluated. Water retention capacity was higher (p&lt; 0.05) in buffalos’ meat in IS (T3 and T4), and the lowest water retention was determined in animals kept grazing and sacrificed at 600 kg LW (T2). In conclusion, meat from buffaloes fed concentrates has lower (p&lt;0.05) collagen and fat content, better color characteristics, pH, and water retention capacity, related to better meat quality. Due to the time needed to reach slaughter weight, it is recommended to slaughter buffaloes at 400 kg LW when fed in intensive systems to obtain better carcass and meat characteristics.

Inclusion of levels of cotton expeller in the feeding of confined sheep: productive behavior, carcass characteristics and meat quality

To substitute soybean meal with different levels of cottonseed meal, twelve non-castrated male Santa Inés × Dorper sheep with an average initial weight of 27.33 ± 0.58 kg and age of 225 ± 15 days were used. The treatments consisted of three levels of cottonseed meal (0%, 15%, and 30%), with four replicates, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The diets consisted of totally mixed rations, with a forage-concentrate ratio of 30:70 (dry matter basis). Cottonseed meal levels did not affect (p &gt;0.05)dry matter intake for up to 28 days, then values decreased linearly. Feed conversion and daily weight gain were improved up to 28 days and then decreased linearly (p ≤0.05)In the same way, cooling and cooking weights losses and the shear force were affected and with a quadratic behavior (p ≤0.05) by the levels of cottonseed meal, standing out the level of 15%, while the live weight, hot and cold carcass weight and yield, loin eye area, the thickness of subcutaneous fat were not affected by the treatments (p &gt;0.05). Cottonseed meal can replace up to 20% of the soybean meal in sheep concentrate feed for a period not to exceed 28 days.

Cactus pear mucilage processing enhances corn silage's quality, ruminal degradability, goat kids' performance, carcass traits, and dietary economic profitability

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different moisture additives to ground corn grain silage on silage quality, performance, and carcass characteristics of goat kids, and the economic efficiency of the diets. The experimental silos were opened 90 days after silage making and analyzed for chemical composition and aerobic stability. Two experiments were carried out simultaneously, one with 32 non-castrated crossbred male Boer goat kids, weighing on average 16.4 ± 2.5 kg at 6 months of age distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and eight replications to evaluate performance, carcass characteristics and economic efficiency of the diet; the other with four male sheep weighing 30.4 ± 6.0 kg, fistulated and cannulated in the rumen, and distributed in a Latin square design (4 × 4) to evaluate the rumen degradability profile of the diets. The experimental treatments were a control diet with ground corn grain (GC) and three corn grain silages rehydrated with moisture additives: water (RCSwater), cactus pear cladode mucilage (RCSmucilage) and whey (RCSwhey). The evaluation of the chemical composition of the silages showed that the highest DM, NDF and ash contents were in RCSmucilage, while the lowest was in RCSwater (P < 0.0001), and that there was no difference in NDF content between RCSwhey and RCSwater (P > 0.05). Silage pH was higher for RCSwater and did not differ between RCSmucilage and RCSwhey, while N-NH3 content was lower in RCSmucilage and higher in RCSwater and RCSwhey (P < 0.05). CP, lignin, effluent losses, gas losses, dry matter recovery, lactic acid and propionic acid contents did not differ among silages (P > 0.05). However, acetic acid presented a higher concentration (P < 0.05) in RCSmucilage and lower in RCSwhey. DM and NDF intake, ADG, slaughter weight, total income from carcass sales and income over dietary costs were higher for RCSmucilage when compared to the other silages, and like the control treatment. There was no effect of diets on metabolizable energy and CP intake, feed efficiency, hot and cold carcass weight and yield, cooling losses, loin eye area, and subcutaneous fat thickness of the goat kids carcasses (P > 0.05). The total replacement of ground corn grain in the concentrate by RCSmucilage is recommended in the diet of goat kids, since it promotes better silage conservation, increases DM intake and weight gain, and provides better financial income.

Effects of protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants on growth performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and intestinal antioxidant and immunomodulatory-related gene expressions of broiler chickens

One-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with 8 replicates per treatment, and 4 birds per replicate. The control group was fed a basal control diet, and the 2 test groups were fed the basal control diet supplemented with 150 and 300 mg/kg of protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants [P(BF+AOX)], respectively. The P(BF+AOx) is a combination of vitamins, L-tryptophan and biofactors such as fermentation extracts (Jefo Nutrition Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada). Dietary P(BF+AOX) did not affect growth performance and breast meat quality (water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and texture profile analysis), but the addition of 150 mg/kg of P(BF+AOX) decreased the relative weight of liver, heart, and spleen (P < 0.05). The addition of 150 mg/kg of P(BF+AOX) tended to increase (P=0.051) the cold carcass yield. The addition of 150 and 300 mg/kg of P(BF+AOX) decreased (P=0.002) the cooler carcass shrink, but the relative weight of fat pad increased (P=0.032) in chickens fed 300 mg/kg P(BF+AOx) than in those of birds fed the control diet. On the other hand, the addition of 300 mg/kg of P(BF+AOX) decreased (P=0.041) the serum level of uric acid compared with those of birds fed the basal diet. Broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 150 mg/kg of diet had higher (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions of jejunal SOD1 and interleukins 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10). The findings suggest that P(BF+AOX) could be considered as a functional nutrient in broiler diets up to a concentration of 150 mg/kg because of its favorable effects on maintaining intestinal barrier function as well as carcass traits, while excess levels (300 mg/kg) had exhibited superior effect on the serum level of uric acid compared with those of birds fed the control diet.

Effects of Beta Vinasse Supplementation on Performance, Meat Quality and Ilio- Caecal Microflora in Quail Rations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-vinasse supplementation on the live weight (LW), live weight gain (LWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass yield, meat quality and ilio-caecal bacteriological flora of quails. A total of 240 5-d-old Japanese (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 3 groups 80 quails and treated as follow: a control group with 0 g β-vinasse/kg ration; (2) 15 g/kg β-vinasse and (3) 30 g/kg β-vinasse. The study lasted for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, suplementation with β-vinasse did not have significant effect on FI and FCR. Dietary supplementation with 30 g/kg β-vinasse significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased LW (21 d) and LWG (5 to 21 d). The dietary treatment of quails with different levels of β- vinasse did not effect on hot carcass weight, cold carcass weights, hot and cold carcass yields and breast and thigh pH. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of breast values were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased of 30 g/kg supplementation. Different levels of β-vinasse significantly increased Lactobacillus spp. in faeces. As a result, it was concluded that β-vinasse (by-product obtained from molasses) can be used in quail diets as an alternative feed source that will meet the nutritional needs of the animal and have positive effects on the digestive system, especially on the intestinal health ( an increase in Lactobacillus spp. counts).

Sexo e peso de abate sobre as características de carcaça e componentes não-carcaça de cavalos

ABSTRACT: The study evaluated the effect of sex and slaughter weight on carcass traits and non-carcass components of 1,489 horses (739 geldings and 750 females, classified into eight groups according to their weight). Data were analyzed under a completely randomized design. Geldings had a higher (P &lt; 0.05) hot carcass yield (HCY) and cold carcass yield (CCY) than females; however, fat yellowness values (b*) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in females. Slaughter weight (SW) affected the carcass characteristics. Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), HCY, and CCY increased (P &lt; 0.05) in accordance with slaughter weight, while cool loss percentage (CL%) was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in horses weighing more than 300 kg. In addition, the non-carcass components decreased (P &lt; 0.05) as the weight of the horses increased. In conclusion, sex and body weight are factors to consider in the production of equine meat since they affect carcass characteristics and non-carcass components.

Effect of the gain rate during growing phase on the performance and characteristics of carcass and meat of super precocious steers.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different rates of weight gain during the backgrounding on animal performance and carcass and meat characteristics of steers finished in feedlots. Thirty-six Angus steers, 12 ± 2months of age, were backgrounded during 91 days on Aruana grass pasture (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) managed under different stocking rates to achieve three different weight gains: HIGH ADG (average daily gain)-no feed restriction (ADG = 0.846 kg); MEDIUM ADG-moderate feed restriction (ADG = 0.456 kg); and LOW ADG-high feed restriction (ADG = 0.154 kg). To ensure the difference in ADG, we offered 0.7% live weight of concentrate feed in the HIGH treatment and a better forage supply in the MEDIUM treatment. After the backgrounding, the animals were finished in feedlot. There was no effect of the previous performance on the animals' performance in the feedlot. The LOW presented higher weight (218.9 vs. 207.9 kg) and hot (54.0% vs. 51.3%) and cold (53.5% vs. 50.5%) carcass yield than the MEDIUM, besides presenting meat with less cooking losses (15.0% vs. 18.2%), marbling (7 vs. 4.0 points), palatability (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), juiciness (7.2 vs. 6.4 points), tenderness (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), and lower shear force (5.78 vs. 8.75 kg) than HIGH. LOW ADG steers stay longer in the finishing phase but presented in general better quality carcass and meat than those with MEDIUM or HIGH during the backgrounding.

Desempenho zootécnico de cordeiros Dorper x Santa Inês criados em diferentes sistemas de produção

Abstract The objective of this work was to compare the zootechnical performance of Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs finished in grazing systems on Megathyrsus maximus Aruana cultivar pasture, with and without shading, and in a feedlot. Twenty-four non-castrated lambs were used in a completely randomized experimental design, with the three following treatments with eight replicates each: 'Aruana' pasture without shading + supplement; 'Aruana' pasture with shading + supplement; and feedlot, with diet containing ryegrass hay and concentrate at a 20:80 ratio. The treatments did not influence lamb age at slaughter, birth weight, leg compactness, true yield, and main cut yield, except that of breast tip + flank that was lower for the pasture with shading. However, average daily gain, body condition score, live weight at slaughter, carcass compactness index, cold carcass and empty body weights, and cold carcass yield differed between treatments, showing higher values in the feedlot. Termination in the feedlot increases the zootechnical performance of Dorper x Santa Inês sheep and favors a lower age at slaughter, as well as a greater weight of the main commercial cuts, but not their yield.

Comportamiento productivo y caracteristicas de la canal de ovinos en finalización alimentados con biomasa de Quercus rugosa tratada con urea

The objective was to evaluate the effect of biomass of Quercus rugosa (BQR) treated with urea (0, 2 and 4% urea) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot lamb ram. The treatments were randomly assigned to 36 lamb ram (30 ± 0.5 kg): Control, BQR treated with 0, 2 or 4% urea. DM intake, average daily gain (ADG) and final weight (FW) were higher (P <0.05) in lambs fed BQR treatments treated with 0, 2 and 4% urea. Hot and cold carcass weight (HCW and CCW) and yield (CY) were higher (P < 0.05) in carcasses from lambs fed BQR treated with 4% urea. The proportion of muscle increased (P < 0.05), while the proportion of fat decreased (P < 0.05) in the BQR treated with 2 and 4% urea. It is concluded that the inclusion of BQR treated with 4% urea improves FW, ADG, DMI, HCW, CCW, CY, and increases the proportion of muscle and reduces carcass fat.