Cold Carcass Research Articles

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.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed diets with different roughage: concentrate ratios supplemented with liquid residue of cassava

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lambs fed two roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, with or without the liquid residue of cassava (LRC) on carcass traits and meat quantity. Forty lambs (19.5 ± 1.45 kg body weight), non-castrated, crossbred Santa Inês were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design. There was no effect (p &gt; 0.05) of the inclusion of LRC on the variables. The roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 promoted higher values for empty body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, subcutaneous thickness fat, cooling loss, Longissimus muscle area, carcass morphometric measurements, and commercial cuts. Higher weight of leg, muscles, fat, bone and other tissues, as well as for the ratio muscle:fat, and muscle:bone was observed in lambs fed 40R:60C. For the meat chemical composition, there was the effect (p &lt; 0.05) only for ether extract (EE) for lambs fed 40R:60C ratio. The redness (a*) of meat was greater (p &lt; 0.05) for lambs fed 80R:20C. The other physicochemical characteristics were not influenced. The roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 improves the carcass traits and commercial cuts, but does not promote changes in meat quality, independent of supplementation with liquid residue of cassava.

Impact of licorice and rosemary powder in the diet on several carcass characteristics of local goats

A total of 12 male goats were used at the age of four months; the animals were placed in adjacent and separated enclosures. Treatments as follows: T1 (control), T2 adding 5 g/kg of rosemary leaves to powder and T3 adding 5 g/kg of licorice root powder, T4 (the mixture treatment), adding 5 g/kg of rosemary goes to powder and 5 g of licorice root powder. The results showed that the T3 and T4 treatments were significantly superior in live weight, empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weight and the dressing ratio calculated based on empty weight compared to the control treatment. Also, T4 was significantly superior compared to T1 on the total percentages of major cuts. At the same time, there was a significant decrease in the total rates of secondary cuts in treatments T2, T3 and T4 compared to the control treatment T1. The treatments T2, T3 and T4 were significantly superior to the control treatment T1 in the shoulder ratio, while the neck ratio decreased significantly in T3 and T4 compared to the control treatment T1. The control treatment was significantly superior in the ulna segmental ratio compared to T4. Keywords: rosemary, licorice, carcass, local goats.

Effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp on Awassi lambs' nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and carcass quality.

The use of alternative feeds in feeding livestock as an alternative to traditional feeds has been used for many years, on the one hand, to lower the price of feed and, on the other hand, to raise the profitability of raising livestock. The study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics and the health of Awassi lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (16.9 ± 0.42 kg) were assigned randomly to one of two isonitrogenous (160 g/kg crude protein of dietary dry matter [DM]) treatment diets. The diets were the control (CON) and PSP-containing diet (100 g/kg of dietary DM; PSP100). The experimental period was 70 days preceded by 7 days of adaptation to diets. Feed intake was measured and lambs were weighed on day one and then biweekly. On day 49, eight lambs (four lambs per treatment) were chosen randomly and placed in metabolic cages for a digestibility trial. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedures of SAS. The results revealed that nutrient intake was greater (p < 0.05) in lambs fed PSP100 than those fed the CON diet. Nitrogen intake and nitrogen retention were greater (p < 0.05) for lambs who consumed the PSP100 diet compared to CON. Final weight, total gain, and average daily gain were greater (p < 0.05) with lambs fed PSP100. Hot and cold carcass weights were higher (p < 0.05) by the PSP100 group than by the CON group. Carcass cut weight increased (p < 0.05) with feeding PSP100 diet. No differences were detected in blood parameters except high-density lipoprotein content, which was greater (p < 0.05) in the PSP100 group compared with the CON group. It could be concluded that adding PSP to lambs' diets improved growth and carcass measurements positively and did not negatively affect lambs' health; therefore, it is recommended to use PSP as an alternative to traditional feeds in lambs formulated rations.

Análise discriminante baseada nos escores de conformação e acabamento de carcaça de ovinos

ABSTRACT Carcass classification consists of grouping animals with similar carcass characteristics. When the groups are defined a priori, as in the case of conformation and finishing scores, the interest is to identify the contribution of each variable used in separating the groups. Therefore, discriminant analysis was used to discriminate Santa Inês animals according to the conformation and carcass finishing scores (score 2 = regular, score 3 = good) and to identify the variables that most contribute to the differentiation. The conformation and carcass finishing scores vary from 1 to 5. This study used scores 2 and 3, considering that the evaluated animals ranged between these two respective scales. The database consisted of information from 122 uncastrated Santa Inês sheep submitted to the confinement regime, of which 24 variables related to the carcass of the animals were recorded. Data were submitted to the Mardia test to verify multivariate normality, followed by the nonparametric k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) test. The stepwise procedure selected a particular subset of variables, and the Mahalanobis Distance (D2) was used to assess the separation of groups (p-value ˂ 0.05). The variables with the highest discriminatory power for the carcass conformation scores were cold carcass weight (CCW), external carcass length (ECL), and neck (NEC), for carcass finishing were live weight at slaughter (LWS), ECL, and thoracic perimeter (TP). The multivariate discriminant analysis proved efficient in allocating the animals in their groups of origin.

Growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits of Tropical Milking criollo bulls fed with two energy-level diets.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two energy-level diets on the beef performance of Tropical Milking criollo bulls grouped by weight and age in three periods: initial, middle, and final. Evidence on intensive beef production from Tropical Milking criollo cattle breeds are unknown, and productive alternatives for dairy producers in the hot tropics are needed. Bulls were fed in each period with low (LE, 2.2 Mcal ME/kg DM) and high (HE, 2.9 Mcal ME/kg DM) energy diets and content phase feeding protein of 14.5, 12.0, and 10.3%, respectively. For each period, ten bulls were randomly assigned to diets. In all periods, growth performance for final body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion were all superior in HE (p ≤ 0.05). For the final period, slaughter body, hot and cold carcass weights, and dressing were also superior in HE (p ≤ 0.05); for meat quality traits, differences were observed in muscles Longissimus dorsi, Semimembranosus, Infraspinatus, and Serratus ventralis for pH and tenderness (p ≤ 0.05), although not for diets. For color L*, a*, and b* system, neither diet nor muscle had effect on L* (p > 0.05); however, the diet-muscle interaction was significant for a* (p ≤ 0.05), and only muscle effect was detected for b* (p ≤ 0.05). Tropical Milking bulls responded positively to a high-energy diet, despite not being a beef breed.

Effect of DGAT1 Gene on Hot and Cold Carcass, Neck and Non-Carcass Traits in Indonesia Sheep

Quality carcass and non-carcass are two inseparable components that result from slaughtering animals with high economic value. The aims study is effect of polimorfisme DGAT1 gene on hot and cold carcass, neck and non-carcass traits in Indonesia sheep. A total of 50 rams used in this study were collected from 10 Barbados Cross Sheep (BCS), 10 Compass Agrinac Sheep (CAS), 15 Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep (JTTS), and 15 Jonggol Sheep (JS). The sheep were slaughtered at 10-12 months old with an average body weight of 20.45 kg. Identification of the DGAT1 gene polymorphism was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The effect of the DGAT1 gene and breed with carcass and non-carcass traits were described using a T-test. The result showed that we found two genotypes: CC (466 bp), and CT (76, 390, and 466 bp) in sheep. The DGAT1 gene polymorphisms (g.8539 C&gt;T) were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The DGAT1 gene polymorphisms had a significant (P&lt;0.05) on carcass traits in neck. However, the DGAT1 gene had no significant association (P&gt;0.05) with non-carcass traits. The CT genotype had the highest value of carcass traits compared to CC genotypes. Therefore, the quality of carcass and non-carcass in Indonesian sheep for the DGAT1 gene only affects the neck value.

Influence of age at slaughter and sex on carcass characteristics and technological and sensory quality of Goliath chicken meat.

The Goliath chicken is a slow-growing chicken with a high slaughter weight but whose carcass characteristics and meat quality have not yet been documented. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age at slaughter and sex on the carcass characteristics and technological and sensory meat quality of Goliath chickens raised in southern Benin. Data on the carcass characteristics and technological and sensory quality of meat were collected from 80 chickens raised in confinement and divided into two groups. The first group was reared for 12 weeks of age and the second group was for 20 weeks of age. The animals were individually weighed using an electronic balance (Terraillon 5000g) and then slaughtered. The different parts of the chicken carcass was weighed using the same method. The live, hot carcass, cold carcass, wing, thigh, and tail weights of males were significantly greater than those of females (p < 0.01). The wishbone muscle and thigh and tail assembly pH was lower in the 20-week-old chickens than in the 12-week-old chickens. The brightness and red index of the wishbone of the 20-week-old chickens were significantly higher than those of the 12-week-old chickens (p < 0.001). The red index of the wishbone and the yellow index of the thigh and tail assembly of females were lower than those of males. The meat of 20-week-old Goliath chickens was juicier than that of 12-week-old chickens. Thus, the carcass composition of Goliath chickens is better at 20 weeks of age, especially in males.

Effect of Adding Biochar to Ration on Productive Performance and Some Carcass Characteristics of Iraqi Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted at Department of Animal production farm College of Agriculture University of Tikrit from 6/12/2017 until 21/2/2018 (77days) . Sixteen Awassi lambs were used, aged 4-5 months and average weight 23.38±0.14 Kg . Lambs were divided in to four groups (four lambs at each group) according to their weight, treatments distributed randomly into the groups.Individual feeding was used which included four concentrate diet with different levels of biochar (0% ,1% , 2% and 3% ).Statistical analysis results showed that there was a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the final weight for second group (1% biochar) compared with fourth group, also result showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) for second group in the average daily gain and final body gain and feed conversion ratio compared with third and fourth groups. Also significant increase (P&gt; 0.05) in the second group in hot and cold carcass weight and in the percentage Dressing based on hot and cold weight, relative to live weight as well as empty body weight and in Rib-eye muscle area compared with the other groups.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Essential oil from Arnica montana on feedlot performance, ingestive behavior, carcass characteristics, rumen morphometrics characteristics and meat fatty acids profile of lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Essential oil (EO) from Arnica montana as a feed additive on feedlot performance, ingestive behavior, carcass characteristics, rumen morphometrics characteristics and meat fatty acids profile of lambs. Forty Dorper × Santa Inês male lambs with 30.3 ± 5.76 kg (mean ± standard deviation) of initial body weight and 92 ± 9 days (mean ± standard deviation) of age were used. The experimental design was in a randomized complete block (5 treatments and 8 blocks). Lambs were fed a basal diet (160 ± 13 g/kg DM of CP; mean ± standard deviation) containing 90 % concentrate and 10 % forage (Coastcross hay). The experimental diets were: A0 - negative control (basal diet without additive); A450 - addition of 450 mg/kg DM of EO from Arnica montana; A900 - addition of 900 mg/kg DM of EO from Arnica montana; A1350 - addition of 1350 mg/kg DM of EO from Arnica montana; M25 - positive control (basal diet containing 25 mg/kg DM of sodium monensin). Increasing EO from Arnica montana content conferred a quadratic effect on dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.02), with higher DM in A450. The DMI was higher (P < 0.01) in diets with EO from Arnica montana compared to M25. The average daily gain (ADG), body weight at slaughter (BWS), hot and cold carcass weight (HCW and CCW) increased linearly with increasing EO from Arnica montana (P < 0.05). The lambs had higher ADG, BWS, HCW and CCW with EO from Arnica montana than M25 (P < 0.05). The oocyst/g feces decreased linearly (P < 0.0001) with increasing EO from Arnica montana in the diet. However, the M25 was more efficient in reducing the oocyst than the other treatments (P < 0.05). The number of meals and time spent feeding increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the increase of EO from Arnica montana. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on feeding rate (min/g DM), with the lowest rate in A450. Time spent ruminating (min/day) was affected quadratically (P = 0.01) by increasing EO from Arnica montana, this activity was higher in A900. Compared to M25, time spent ruminating and total chewing time were longer (P < 0.05) and the feeding rate and chewing rate (min/g of NDF) were lower (P < 0.05) in diets with EO from Arnica montana. The higher inclusion of EO from Arnica montana decreased linearly the C17:0; C18:0; C18:1 trans-11, C22:6 n3 and the sum of saturated fatty acids (ΣSFA), and linearly increased the C18: 2 cis-9, cis-12; C18:3 cis-9, cis-12, cis-15, the sum of polyunsaturated (ΣPUFA) and the sum of n6 (P < 0.05). Diets with EO from Arnica montana decreased the C16:0, C17:0, C18:0 and increased the C18:2 cis-9, cis-12, ΣSFA, Σn6 and the n6/n3 ratio (P < 0.05) compared to M25. Sodium monensin at a dose of 25 mg/kg DM can be replaced by EO from Arnica montana in high-concentrate diets to promote lamb performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile in the meat. The use of 1350 mg/kg DM of EO from Arnica montana was the best dose in high-concentrate diets in feedlot lambs, due to positive effect on performance, carcass characteristics, and the fatty acid profile of the meat.

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).

Prediction of primal and retail cut weights, tissue composition and yields of youthful cattle carcasses using computer vision systems; whole carcass camera and/or ribeye camera

The application of two computer vision systems (CVS) was evaluated to predict primal and retail cut composition in youthful beef carcasses. Left carcass sides from a total of 634 animals were broken down into primal cuts, scanned using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for the prediction of tissue composition and fabricated into retail cuts. Cold carcass camera (CCC) images led to higher R2 values than hot carcass camera (HCC) images. The CVS coefficients of prediction for the primal cut weights ranged from 0.61 to 0.97. For the primal cut tissue composition predictions, R2 values ranged from 0.09 for Brisket HCC bone prediction to 0.82 for Chuck CCC fat prediction. Retail cut weight estimations had similar R2 values, ranging from 0.10 for IMPS 112 (Ribeye roll–denuded ribeye) to 0.99 for IMPS 113C (semi-boneless chuck) both using CCC. The results suggest the feasibility of CVS technologies to predict beef primal and retail cuts weights together with tissue composition, and yield percentages.

Effect of dietary Marula (Sclerocarya birrea caffra) nut meal on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Dorper lambs

Use of Marula nut meal (MNM) to replace Soyabean meal (SBM) as a dietary protein source in lamb fattening diets by determining effects on growth performance, carcass yield and meat quality was evaluated. MNM replaced SBM on a crude protein (CP) basis, in five diets, at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively. Forty 112-day old entire male Dorper lambs (average body weight: 22.1 ± 3.3 kg) were randomly allocated to the diets and fed ad libitum for 63 days. Weekly and final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), warm and cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, meat (physical and chemical attributes) quality were determined. Dietary MNM caused no significant difference in FBW, BWG, ADG, FI, FCR, carcass weight and the meat’s physical attributes compared to SBM. At 25% and 100% dietary substitution of SBM (CP basis), MNM significantly (P < 0.05) reduced meat protein content. Feeding MNM-based diets produced meat with higher fat content compared to the control SBM diet (P < 0.05). The meat’s total monounsaturated fatty acid content, dominated by oleic acid, increased with increasing dietary MNM. At 100% substitution of SBM, dietary MNM produced meat with the highest (P < 0.05) oleic acid content. The results obtained in the study showed that MNM can replace SBM in lamb fattening diets without compromising growth performance, feed utilisation efficiency, carcass yield and physical attributes of meat. MNM can potentially be utilised to improve lamb quality by increasing its oleic acid content.

Inclusion of Berberis vulgaris leaf in the diet of fattening lambs: Effects on performance, nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, and carcass traits.

This study was aimed to first, determine the nutritional value of Berberis vulgaris leaf (BVL), using in-vitro gas production technique and second, determine the effect of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with BVL in lamb diets on nutrient intake, performance, and carcass traits. In-vitro rumen gas kinetics and fermentation profile were assessed using three fistulated lambs and 96h incubation of samples. For the in-vivo trial, twenty-one Baluchi male lambs of 5-6 months of age and 30.6 ± 1.28kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets containing BVL at 0% (CTRL), 7.5% (BVL7.5), and 15% (BVL15) of the total dry matter (DM) inclusion. The study lasted 84 days, which included 14 days for adaption and 70 days for sample collection. In-vitro results showed that BVL had lower gas yield (GY24, p ≤ 0.05) than AH. In-vivo trial revealed that DMI increased with BVL15 followed by BVL7.5 (p ≤ 0.05). Digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADL decreased (p ≤ 0.05) with BVL15. Total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and cold carcass weight (CCW) were decreased (p ≤ 0.05) with BVL15, however, no differences were observed between the BVL7.5 and CTRL groups. Feed cost per kg BW gain decrease (p ≤ 0.05) by increasing the inclusion levels of BVL. In conclusion, BVL (up to 7.5 % DM of diet) have positive consequences on performance, nutrient intake, rumen fermentation without deleterious effects on fattening performance.

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.

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.

Polymorphism of the SLC25A30 gene in Indonesian sheep and its association with carcass characteristics

Carcass characteristics are one of the factors that significantly impact the quality of meat. Genetic improvement in carcass characteristics is required to encourage interest among consumers. The objective of this study was to discover the presence of the SLC25A30 gene polymorphism at SNP g.15912281 A&gt;T and its potential association with carcass characteristics in Indonesian sheep. The study used 153 rams, consisting of 87 Javanese thin-tail sheep, 20 Javanese fat-tail sheep, 10 Garut composite sheep, 10 Compass Agrinak sheep, 10 Barbadoss cross sheep and 16 jonggol sheep. The PCR-RFLP method was used to investigate the SLC25A30|SspI polymorphism. The association between the SLC25A30 gene and carcass characteristics was analyzed using the T-Test method. The results showed that the SLC25A30 (g.15912281 A&gt;T) gene polymorphism was polymorphic in all breeds. The genotypes identified in the polymorphism were AA, AT and TT. The SLC25A30 gene was significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with carcass characteristics (slaughter weight, hot carcass, carcass percentage, carcass length and cold carcass). In conclusion, the genotype that can be recommended for selecting good meat quality is the TT genotype respectively than the AT and AA genotype The SLC25A30 (g.15912281 A&gt;T) gene indicates as a prospective gene for the purpose of identifying carcass characteristics in lamb meat.

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.

Dieta de alto grão e inclusão de óleo residual de fritura na alimentação de cordeiros

Abstract In animal production, a large part of financial resources is destined to animal feed, so the use of low-cost diets with maximum production efficiency is crucial. The present study evaluated the effects of a high-grain diet and the use of residual frying oil on the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs. Fifteen lambs were distributed into three groups in a completely randomized design in which they were fed a control diet, a high-grain diet, or a diet with the inclusion of residual frying oil, for 40 days. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) between the control and frying-oil diets regarding the daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein, mineral matter, neutral detergent fiber, or total carbohydrates. The high-grain diet reduced the intake of dry matter and nutrients, negatively affecting weight gain. The highest means for final weight, total weight, and daily weight gain were obtained with the control diet and the diet containing residual oil, which did not differ from each other (P&gt; 0.05). Slaughter weight and hot and cold carcass weights decreased with the high-grain diet. There was an effect (P &lt; 0.05) of frying oil inclusion on the carcass characteristics of the lambs. The diets did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) carcass yields. The animals on the high-grain diet showed unsatisfactory production performance, with impaired carcass characteristics. The inclusion of frying oil led to greater weight gain as well as more attractive carcass characteristics, making it the most viable alternative in this research.

The Effect of Space Allowance During Pre-Slaughter Transport of European Quail Breeders on Welfare, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality

The objective was to evaluate whether space allowance during pre-slaughter transport of European breeding quail affects welfare, carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 248 quails (body weight = 344.90 ± 2.09 g) were used. During pre-transport, the quails were fasted for 5 hours and 30 minutes. The poultry were caught and placed in plastic transport crates with an area of 0.40 m2. The treatments consisted of a different space allowance in each crate: 22, 28, 34 or 40 quails per crate. Immediately upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, the quails were stunned. During bleeding, blood samples were collected. The carcasses were individually weighed. The meat quality was measured. Data were analysed using the effects of space allowance during transport of quails and pickup truck as dependent variables. Death on arrival increased as the space allowance in transport crates decreased (p=0.08). Glucose and uric acid levels were not significantly different between groups (p≥0.14). The cold carcass weight presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails (p=0.03). The meat pH, intensity of red, intensity of yellow and cooking losses were not different between groups (p≥0.12). The meat lightness value presented the maximum value when the crates contained 31 quails (p=0.04). In view of the above, the number of European breeding quails transported in crates must not exceed 30 animals.