Weight Of Cuts Research Articles

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LEAN MEAT PERCENTAGE IN PRIMAL CUTS AND TOTAL LEAN MEAT PERCENTAGE IN CARCASS

With the help of the automated system for the classification of carcasses of pigs, AutoFOM ultrasound have been processed 56682 carcasses of slaughter pigs with an average carcass weight of 94.3 kg. The mass and yield of muscle tissue from the main cuts in the carcass is shown. Correlation coefficients between the mass and the content of muscle tissue in the carcass and the main (premium) cuts (ham, neck, shoulder, belly, and loin) were studied. It is shown how the increase in the weight of each of the cuts affects the content of muscle tissue in the carcass and in the cut. For example, it was found that when the weight of the belly is increased by 10 kg (from 6 to 16 kg), the percentage of muscle tissue from carcass is reduced by 3.3% (from 54.5 to 51.8%), which is approximately 0.33% for 1 kg of additional weight of the belly. With an increase in the weight of the loin from 4 to 14 kg, the yield of muscle tissue from the carcass on the contrary increased by 11.6%, i.е. 1.16% for each additional kg of loin weight. A value (in absolute and relative units) of the main cuts is given. The conclusion is made about the prospects of using the obtained data in the creation of a specialized terminal line of pigs, characterized by an increased content of weight of premium cuts in the carcass.ContributionAll authors bear responsibility for the work and presented data. All authors made an equal contribution to the work. The authors were equally involved in writing the manuscript and bear the equal responsibility for plagiarism.Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest.

Novel genetic polymorphisms associated with carcass traits in grazing Texel sheep

Improving meat production traits has increased its importance in sheep breeding. We report novel associations of SNP present in genes related to lipid metabolism and growth with several carcass traits in purebred Texel lambs. Expected progeny differences (EPD) predictions from 461 animals from the Central Progeny Testing of Texel breed in Uruguay were used for the association analysis. Live weights at different stages, ultrasound and post-mortem traits were analyzed. Markers in several genes were associated with growth, carcass and meat quality traits. Among others: PPARGC1A with valuable cuts weight, hot carcass weight and carcass fatness; DGAT1 with live weights, fat thickness, rib-eye area and shoulder weight; CAST with birth weight and fat thickness; GHR with birth weight and carcass fatness, and GHRHR with live weights and fat thickness. Genotypic effects ranged from 0.035 to 0.923 (DGAT1 vs. weaning weight) units of phenotypic SD. Most of the associations described are novel in sheep breeding, deserving further analyses.

Palm kernel cake from the biodiesel industry in diets for goat kids. Part 1: nutrient intake and utilization, growth performance and carcass traits

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that palm kernel cake could be included in diets for goat kids without reducing their growth rate and carcass traits. Forty non-castrated crossbred Boer × indigenous goat kids were supplemented with palm kernel cake at levels of 0, 7, 14 and 21% of the total dry matter (DM) in their diet. Palm kernel cake inclusion in the goat kid diet increased the ether extract (EE; P < 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; P < 0.001) intakes. Non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC; P < 0.001) intake, digestibility of DM (P < 0.001), NFC (P < 0.001) and total digestible nutrients (P = 0.002) were reduced with palm kernel cake inclusion. The hot (P < 0.001) and cold (P < 0.001) carcass yields of goat kids were reduced with palm kernel cake inclusion. The BUN of goat kids at 2 and 4 h presented a quadratic increase with the inclusion of palm kernel cake. The total weight gain (P = 0.36), average daily gain (P = 0.36), feeding efficiency (P = 0.32), slaughter weight (P = 0.30), hot (P = 0.96) and cold (P = 0.92) carcass weights, offal weight (P = 0.88), morphometric measurements (P < 0.05), tissue proportions (P < 0.05) and commercial cut weights (P < 0.05) were not affected by supplementation with palm kernel cake. However, an increase (P = 0.003) was observed in the gastrointestinal content of the goat kids. Palm kernel cake inclusion in the diet of crossbred Boer kids of up 21% of the DM is recommended because no negative effects were observed on the DMI, growth performance, morphometric measurements, tissue proportions, and commercial cut weights. Despite the reduction observed in the carcass yields (CY) and in the DM, NFC and TDN digestibility and observation of low-ADG kids, the performance did not change, and we should consider using palm kernel cake as an ingredient in rations because it reduces costs.

Effect of position and size of leaflets on rooting and rhizome formation of ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl.) leaflet cuttings

Rooting and rhizome formation was compared of ZZ plant leaflet cuttings taken from the apical, middle, and basal positions of the petiole. Leaflets from each position were propagated as a whole leaflet, an upper half leaflet segment and a lower-half leaflet segment. Whole leaflets from the basal position had greater size and fresh weight than those from the middle and the apical positions, respectively. The upper and the lower half leaflet segments were comparable in size but the lower ones had greater fresh weight. The three cutting types from different positions yielded 90–100% success in rooting and rhizome formation with one small rhizome per cutting on average. However, the root number, root quality score and rhizome size of the whole leaflet cuttings were significantly greater than those of the lower half leaflet segments and the upper ones, respectively. The initial size and fresh weight of cuttings positively correlated with the size of the rhizome produced. The first new shoot produced from the whole leaflet cuttings was larger than that of the lower half leaflet segments and the upper ones, respectively. These results suggested that leaflets taken from the apical, middle and basal positions of the petiole were equally capable of rooting and rhizome formation. An attempt to increase the number of propagules by using leaflet segments was feasible at the expense of a reduced root number per cutting, root quality, size of rhizome and size of a new shoot.

Effect of ensiling gliricidia with cassava on silage quality, growth performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior and carcass traits in lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ensiling gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium Jacq.) with cassava on silage quality as well as the growth performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior and carcass traits in lambs. Gliricidia was ensiled with cassava leaves at varying proportions of inclusion (0, 200, 400 and 600 g/kg) for 75 days and fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) at 700 g/kg, while a concentrate mixture was fed at 300 g/kg to 32 castrated Santa Ines crossbred lambs with an average weight of 18.9 ± 2.0 kg. The pH, N-NH3, density, butyric and acetic acid contents and dry matter losses (DML) of the gliricidia silages decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with cassava inclusion, but there was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the contents of dry matter (DM), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), total carbohydrates (TC), and lactic and propionic acids. Including cassava leaves in the gliricidia silage increased (P < 0.05) the intake (g/d) of DM, CP, EE, NDFap and NDFap (%BW) by the lambs, but there was no effect on the digestibility of DM, CP, EE, and NDFap or the time spent feeding, ruminating, idling and chewing. There was a slight tendency toward a quadratic increase in the NFC digestibility coefficient (P = 0.084). The inclusion of cassava leaves in the gliricidia silage linearly increased (P < 0.05) the final weight, total weight gain, average daily gain, and hot and cold carcass weights of the lambs, but there was no influence on the carcass traits (P > 0.05). However, the weights of the commercial cuts and non-carcass components linearly increased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of 600 g/kg of cassava in the gliricidia silage. Therefore, it is recommended to combine gliricidia with 600 g/kg of cassava leaves to improve the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of gliricidia-cassava silage, and offering the silage in lamb diets increases the nutrient intake, performance, morphometric measurements and carcass and non-carcass components as well as the yields of both prime commercial cuts, such as the loin and ham, and typical foods, such as sheep "buchada".

Carcass Characteristics of Purebred Tsurcana Lambs and F1 Crossbreds (Tsurcana X Vendeen)

The data presented in this article is included in a larger research regarding the improvement of the Romanian lamb towards the meat production. The study has been carried out from 2015 to 2016. The lambs included in this study were obtained following a protocol of estrus synchronization in Tsurcana ewes and the grouped lambing. The research is a pilot study conducted on a representative sample for the selected groups of animals and further research is needed to complete the research. The research aims to compare carcass characteristics of purebred Tsurcana lambs and Tsurcana crossed with Vendeen lambs. The criteria assessed were: the chemical composition of purebred and crossbred meat, the live body weight, the slaughtering performance and the weight of different carcass cuts. For almost all criteria chosen the crossbred individuals recorded better results.

A study of the Effect of Adding the Water of the Anise Seeds PimpinellaAnisuml to the Drinking Water on the Characteristics of the Body Weight and Some Carcass Characteristics of the Birds of Quail at the Age of Four and Six Weeks.

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This experiment has been conducted in agricultural research and experiences of the college of Agriculture / University of Al-Muthanna station for the period 07/22/2014 - 11/22/2015 in order to study the effect of adding the aquase dressing of anise seed to the drinking water on the body weight dressing percentages, relative weight of carcass cuts (Breast,thigh,hack ,wing and neck) in which 3males and 3females have been slaughterin all treatment . A total of 256 of one day old quails chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The Results show that the addition of aqueous extract of anise seeds with a significant effect (P &lt;0.05) in vivo weight and carcass weight and percentages for weights Qtaiat carcass (chest, thighs, back, wings, neck) at the age of (6.4 weeks) . The results also show that gender has a significant effect on the studied traits

Boneless yield of carcass of feedlot-finished young Bos indicus L. bulls

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento deshuesado en canal de 64 toros jóvenes Nellore alimentados en corral con dietas que contienen urea recubierta o sin recubrir y sacrificados a cinco pesos corporales (350, 455, 485, 555 y 580 kg). Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado con un arreglo factorial de 5 × 2. No se detectó ningún efecto significativo para la interacción entre el peso de sacrificio y la dieta; por lo tanto, las variables se analizaron por separado, en comparación con los contrastes polinómicos y la prueba F, respectivamente. Los pesos absolutos de los cortes primarios del cuarto anterior y posterior aumentaron linealmente a medida que aumentaba el peso del sacrificio de los animales. El aumento de los pesos de sacrificio elevó el porcentaje de la tapa de la grupa en el cuarto trasero de la pistola, así como su rendimiento. Los porcentajes de la gorguera y la falda de la rabadilla aumentaron linealmente, mientras que los de nudillo, lomo, filete de flanco, grupa y plano exterior disminuyeron y la suma de los cortes primarios tuvo un efecto cuadrático en relación con el peso de la mitad de la carcasa. El aumento de los pesos de matanza condujo a un mayor porcentaje de grasa del recorte de los cortes del cuarto trasero en relación con el peso de la carcasa 1/2. El peso de los cortes de carne fue similar entre los grupos de animales alimentados con urea recubierta y no recubierta. Los pesos de sacrificio más altos generan cortes de carne más pesados pero porcentajes más bajos de cortes primarios del cuarto trasero de la pistola en relación con el peso de la carcasa.

Using genome wide association studies to identify common QTL regions in three different genetic backgrounds based on Iberian pig breed.

One of the major limitation for the application of QTL results in pig breeding and QTN identification has been the limited number of QTL effects validated in different animal material. The aim of the current work was to validate QTL regions through joint and specific genome wide association and haplotype analyses for growth, fatness and premier cut weights in three different genetic backgrounds, backcrosses based on Iberian pigs, which has a major role in the analysis due to its high productive relevance. The results revealed nine common QTL regions, three segregating in all three backcrosses on SSC1, 0–3 Mb, for body weight, on SSC2, 3–9 Mb, for loin bone-in weight, and on SSC7, 3 Mb, for shoulder weight, and six segregating in two of the three backcrosses, on SSC2, SSC4, SSC6 and SSC10 for backfat thickness, shoulder and ham weights. Besides, 18 QTL regions were specifically identified in one of the three backcrosses, five identified only in BC_LD, seven in BC_DU and six in BC_PI. Beyond identifying and validating QTL, candidate genes and gene variants within the most interesting regions have been explored using functional annotation, gene expression data and SNP identification from RNA-Seq data. The results allowed us to propose a promising list of candidate mutations, those identified in PDE10A, DHCR7, MFN2 and CCNY genes located within the common QTL regions and those identified near ssc-mir-103-1 considered PANK3 regulators to be further analysed.

Organic Selenium, Probiotics, and Prebiotics Effects on Growth, Blood Biochemistry, and Carcass Traits of Growing Rabbits During Summer and Winter Seasons.

The effect of organic selenium, prebiotics, or probiotics on productive performances, blood biochemistry, and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits was studied throughout summer and winter seasons. In an 8-week feeding trial, a total of 100 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly distributed to 10 groups. Two seasons (winter and summer) and five diets fortified with 0 (control), 0.03mg selenium, 3g Bio-Mos®, 1g Bactocell® (1 × 1010CFU) or 3gyeast/kg diet were used in 2 × 5 factorial design. Results indicated that growth performance, feed intake (FI), and blood components (red blood cells [RBCs], serum total protein [TP], globulin [GLOB], albumin [ALB]) decreased significantly in rabbits reared during summer than in those during winter. In contrast, white blood cells, urea-N, creatinine, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST] increased significantly in summer. However, growth performance indices, FI, blood hemoglobin, RBCs, TP, ALB, and GLOB increased significantly in rabbits when fed the tested feed additives. The respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate of the animals were significantly decreased with all feed additives. Adjusted weight of carcass, liver, kidney fat, and carcass cuts were not affected by feed additives. Final margin and margin efficiency increased in rabbit fed diets supplemented with feed additives than those fed the basal diet without any supplementation. Results of the current study concluded that a supplementation of rabbit diets with organic selenium, probiotics, and prebiotics can promote rabbit performance during mild weather and also alleviate the adverse impact of heat stress during summer season.

Weight estimation of empty carcass and carcass cuts weight of female SenSi-1 Agrinak chicken

&lt;p class="A04-abstrak3"&gt;SenSi-1 Agrinak chicken is Indonesian local chicken that was selected for growth rate for six generations. The aim of this study was to estimate of carcass weight and carcass cuts of female SenSi-1 Agrinak chicken, based on age and live weight. The chicks were reared intensively in colony wire cages and they were slaughtered with Islamic method when they reached age of 5, 8 and 15 weeks. Empty carcass and carcass cuts were weight in fresh. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis method. Results showed that the live weight had a high positive correlation to carcass weight and carcass cuts weight of female SenSi-1 Agrinak chickens aged 5, 8 and 15 weeks. Estimation of live weight, carcass, carcass cuts, gizzard, liver and abdominal fat of female SenSi-1 Agrinak, using mathematical model, showed small value differences (0.09 - 4.43%) from the actual data. It was concluded that female SenSi-1 Agrinak chicken’s carcass weight and carcass cuts, could be estimated based on of age in days and live-body weight in gram without slaughtering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="A04-abstrak3"&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="A04-abstrak3"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

The Ghrelin Receptor (Ghsr) Gene Polymorphism in Indonesian Local Chicken and Crossbreed Is Associated With Carcass Traits

Ghrelin receptor (GHSR) gene is candidate gene for growth performance in chicken by modulating growth hormone release from the pituitary by binding to its ligand of ghrelin. Ghrelin gene, or growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) gene, is well known as feed intake and energy homeostasis regulator in mammals and birds. The objectives of this study were to identify the polymorphism of the T1857C GHSR locus in Indonesian local chicken and to evaluate its effects on carcass traits. The gene polymorphism was identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using Hin6I restriction enzyme. Effect of genotype on carcass composition was analyzed using SAS General Linear Model (GLM) procedure. The genotyping was performed on 343 individuals including Merawang, Pelung, Sentul, Kampung, broiler (strain Cobb, parent stock), F1 crossbred of Kampung x broiler (strain Cobb, parent stock), and F2 crossbred of Kampung x broiler (strain Cobb, parent stock). All individuals were successfully amplified and were resulted in a 470 bp PCR product. This locus was polymorphic with two alleles (T and C) and three genotypes (TT, CT, and CC). The T allele and TT genotype were predominant in all populations. Individuals with CT genotype were significantly had higher live weight at 26w, carcass weight, commercial cuts weights, and muscles weights than TT genotype in F2 crossbred of Kampung x broiler population. Association of the T1857C GHSR locus-polymorphism with chicken carcass composition has been described in Indonesian chicken, providing evidence that GHSR might be an important candidate gene for chicken carcass traits.

Life cycle efficiency of beef production: IX. Relationship between residual feed intake of heifers and cow efficiency ratios based on harvest, carcass, and wholesale cut weight outputs.

Data were collected from 1953 through 1980 from identical and fraternal twin beef and dairy females born in 1953, 1954, 1959, 1964, and 1969, from crossbred females born as singles in 1974, and their progeny. Numbers of dams that weaned at least one calf and were included in the first analysis were 37, 45, and 56 in the 1964, 1969, and 1974 data sets, respectively. Respective numbers of dams that weaned three calves and were included in a second analysis were 6, 8, 8, 22, 33, and 33 in the 1953, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, and 1974 experiments. Individual feed consumption was measured at 28-d intervals from the time females were placed on the experiment at 240 d of age until three calves were weaned or the dams had reached 5 yr of age. Residual feed intake (RFI) and residual BW gain (RG) of heifers that subsequently became dams were determined based on ADG and DMI from 240 d of age to first calving. Various measures of cow efficiency were calculated on either a life cycle or actual lifetime basis using ratios of progeny and dam weight outputs to progeny and dam feed inputs. The correlation between RFI and DMI was large and positive (r = 0.67; P < 0.0001), and RG was highly correlated with ADG (r = 0.75; P < 0.0001). Correlations of RFI with cow efficiency ratios that included harvest weight, carcass weight, or weight of trimmed wholesale cuts as measures of output ranged from -0.05 (P > 0.10) to -0.17 (P < 0.10), indicating that heifers with better (i.e., more negative) RFI values tended to become slightly more efficient cows. Correlations of RG with life cycle and actual lifetime cow efficiency ratios ranged from 0.08 (P > 0.10) to 0.23 (P < 0.05), demonstrating that heifers with better (i.e., more positive) values for RG were somewhat more efficient as cows. The correlations were stronger when cow salvage value was included in the measures of cow efficiency. Correlations of DMI and mid-test metabolic BW (MMW) with life cycle cow efficiency ratios that did not include cow salvage value as output ranged from -0.15 (P < 0.10) to -0.22 (P < 0.01). Correlations of DMI and MMW with actual lifetime cow efficiency ratios varied from -0.20 (P < 0.05) to -0.36 (P < 0.001). Therefore, smaller heifers that consumed less feed had superior cow efficiency ratios. Correlations of RFI with carcass grade, backfat thickness, marbling score, and kidney fat of progeny indicated that heifers with superior RFI would tend to produce leaner offspring.

Some genetic parameters of carcass traits ten months aged in Local and Cyprian male goats.*

This study was conducted in Ruminants Researches Station / /Directorate of Agricultural Researches /Ministry of Agriculture, for the period from 20/1/2014 until 1/10/2014. Study targeted some genetic parameters of the live weight at slaughter and some characteristics of carcass in 10 months aged Male goats. The heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of above characteristics were studied for 45 Cyprian and 25 Local male ascribing goats which slaughtered and measured the different carcass traits in marketing age (10 monmths). Heritability estimates amounted to the live weight at slaughter and empty body weight 0.46 and 0.75 respectively in Local goats, and for the dressing percentage was estimates on the basis of the live weight 0.90 and on the basis of empty weight was 0.15 in local goats. Estimations of heritability of the depth of the chest and leg circumference , according to the arrangement 0.01 and 0.08 in local goats and 0.37 of carcass circumference in Cyprian goats. The estimation of heritability of the weight of cuts were for loin (0.99) , shoulder (0.77) , flank (0.67) , ribs (0.62) and chest (0.51),while The estimates for the same traits in Cyprian goat, most of them have been negative except appreciation 0.54 (for shoulder)and appreciation 0.87 (for chest) and appreciation 0.32 (for neck) . estimates of heritability for fat thickness noted in this study was 0.98 in Cyprus (was negative in local), and were for kidney and pelvic fat &amp; omental fat 0.05 &amp;0.08 respectively in Cyprian goats, and 0.18 for omental fat in Local goats. The study include the heritability of fat weight in leg (0.56) in Local goats, lean weight in leg (0.95) , bone weight in leg (0.84) in Cyprian goats, and for ribs lean (0.23) in Local goats and 0.24 for ribs fat in Cyprian goats. The estimations of heritability for studied muscles weights were variant between muscles and between the two breeds. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between some important economic carcass traits varied from high (positive &amp; negative) to low (positive &amp; negative) ,and a high significant in most of these correlations in Local and Cyprian goats.&#x0D; Key words: genetic parameters, carcass traits, goats males. &#x0D; &#x0D; *The research was winkling from Ph.D Thesis of first researcher .

Protein requirements of Cinta Senese pigs from 30 to 60 kg: preliminary results

Knowledge of protein requirements of pigs during the first phase of life is crucial for both achieving high growth rates and avoiding nitrogen waste. Autochthonous breeds possess specific requirements in this regard and the literature is poor even for the Cinta Senese breed. Thus, the effect of different level of crude protein (CP) in Cinta Senese pigs, between 30 and 60 kg, was evaluated within the TREASURE* project. Twelve male pigs were individually reared indoor, fed with four isoenergetic diets with different levels of CP (18, 16, 14 and 12%) equally distributed among animals. The animals, with an initial average live weight of 27 kg, were fed ad libitum and slaughtered after 2 months of trial. Left side carcass was sectioned in six cuts: head, neck, loin, shoulder, ham and ribs. Each cut has been dissected into the main tissues. As regards in vita performance a slightly higher growth rates with decreasing protein levels were recorded (ADG of 0.781, 0.774, 0.755 and 0.729 kg/d respectively for 12, 14, 16 and 18% of CP), though only the two extreme levels of CP (12 vs 18%) resulted statistically different (P=0.05). Cuts weights and percentage of the main tissues were similar between diets. The diet with 12% of CP may be the optimal compromise for the growth of the Cinta Senese pigs from 30 to 60 kg of live weight.

Programa de selección genética enfocada en la calidad de cerdos Ibéricos puros de montanera

Selection programs are not frequent in the extensive Iberian porcine sector. The traditional company of Iberian pig products located in Jabugo (Sierra de Huelva), Sanchez Romero Carvajal (SRC), with the collaboration and assessment of the Animal Breeding Department of INIA, is making since the year 2012 an unusual effort to develop and implement a breeding selection scheme focused on the Iberian purebred products labelled as Bellota. The animals involved in this program belong to one herd which is placed in two different farms, Montecastilla and Tejarejo (La Granada de Riotinto). 1,205 animals of known pedigree were controlled for selection of growth, body composition, meat and fat quality traits. The main registered traits were average daily gain in montanera, slaughter and carcass weight and weight of premium cuts (ham, shoulders and loins). Besides, backfat fatty acid profile and quality traits as intramuscular fat percentage, color, thawing and cooking water loss and shear force were measured in loin as quality traits. Breeding values for these traits were estimated using an Animal model. Genetic predictions for maternal traits (number of piglets born alive and litter weight at weaning) were performed also using Animal models. Data from 5,134 litters born in 88 batches of 1456 dams and 22 sires were used. This information allowed estimating heritability and genetic correlation as well as to build a combined index for each trait weighting the breeding values by their corresponding economic values. In addition to this, molecular genetic studies on some of the traits cited above are also being implemented. These studies will allow increasing the efficiency of the conventional selection program in the future.

Estudios de caracteres de canal y carne de diferentes genotipos de cerdo Ibérico alimentados en un sistema tradicional extensivo

Carcass composition and meat quality traits of three different genotypes of pure Iberian pig, i.e., Retinto (R), Torbiscal (T) and Torbiscal*Retinto (TR), as well as a Duroc*Retinto (DR) crossbred, were evaluated. A total of 48 pigs, 12 of each genotype, were used. Thickness of back fat (BF) depots, namely inner (i), middle (m), outer (o) and total (t), measured at the 10th and 14th rib levels (iBF10, mBF10, oBF10, tBF10, iBF14, mBF14, oBF14 and tBF14, respectively), were determined in the carcass. Loin area (LA) at the 10th and 14th rib levels (LA10 and LA14, respectively) were measured with a planimeter, and percent intramuscular fat (IMF) was chemically analysed. Weights (W) and yields (Y) of prime meat cuts, namely ham (H), foreleg (F), loin (L), and tenderloin (TL) were recorded (HW, FW, LW, TLW and HY, FY and LY, respectively), and total prime cut weight (TCW) and yield (TCY) were calculated. Since the DR genotype grew faster than expected, these had to be finished on concentrate and, consequently, not all meat quality traits were analysed, as they are affected by feeding system. Therefore, DR pigs were used only for carcass traits comparisons. Data were analysed by using the GLM procedures in SAS with carcass weight (within genotype) as a covariate. In relation to fat deposition traits, the R genotype had significantly greater IMF, IBF10, MBF10 and TBF10 than the other genotypes, and the T genotype had significantly greater OBF10 and OBF14 than the other genotypes. In relation to meat deposition, HW and HY were equal for all genotypes, but TR and DR genotypes had heavier forelegs and loins than R and T genotypes. Among pure Iberian genotypes, TR had larger prime cut weights and yields than R but similar to T. On the other hand, DR had the largest TCW and TCY.

Cutting transport efficiency prediction using probabilistic CFD and DOE techniques

Efficient cutting transport plays an important role in drilling operation. This process is controlled by many factors such as well geometry, drilling fluid properties, geological features and rate of penetration. In order to minimize the operational cost of inefficient hole cleaning, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the simultaneous effect of various factors on the process of cutting transport.In this regard, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and design of experiment (DOE) techniques were used to predict the cutting transport efficiency (CTE) as a function mud velocity (Vm), drilling rate of penetration (ROP), mud weight (MW), cutting weight (CW), mud viscosity (μm), pipe rotational speed (N), and cutting size (CS).The results of study based on probabilistic CFD calculations using DOE and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) show that respectively factors of mud velocity, cutting weight, pipe rotational speed, mud weight, cutting diameter, mud viscosity, and drilling rate of penetration have the greatest impact on transportation of drilled cuttings from bottom of the well to the surface. In addition, result of MCS based on analysis of total variance reveals that 86.3% of cutting transport efficiency variation could be controlled by three factors of mud velocity, cutting weight and pipe rotational speed. Therefore, these factors should be carefully characterized during drilling and hole cleaning to maximize the cutting transport efficiency.

Effects of immunocastration and a β-adrenergic agonist on retail cuts of feedlot finished Nellore cattle

Immunocastration (ImC) has been proposed as an animal welfare-friendly alternative to reduce sexual and aggressive behavior and to increase carcass fat deposition with positive effects on meat quality. The β-adrenergic agonists (β-AA) are known as repartitioning agents that acts increasing lean tissue deposition. The combined use of these technologies can positively affect meat quality and increase retail cuts yield. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of ImC and β-AA (zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH)) on retail cuts, bones, and fat trim of feedlot finished Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle. No interaction was observed between sexual condition and diet for any trait. The ImC decreased cold carcass, hindquarter (HQ), forequarter (FQ) and combined brisket, short ribs and flank (BSF) weights. The ImC also showed smaller weights of retail cuts and bones on the HQ and on the FQ than non-castrated (NoC). Fat trim weights did not differ from ImC and NoC. The most of subprimal cuts were heavier in NoC than in ImC. Feeding β-AA did not affect cold carcass weight; however, animals fed ZH had higher weights of HQ and retail cuts in HQ when compared with RH and control (CO) group, with no differences between RH and CO for both traits. The weights of FQ, BSF, retail cuts in FQ, as well as bones and fat trimmings were not affected by β-AA. In summary, ImC decreases carcass and retail cut weights, whereas ZH supplementation leads to an improvement in carcass lean tissue and retail cuts.

Growth, meat and feed efficiency traits of lambs born to ewes submitted to energy restriction during mid-gestation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the energy restriction of gestation of adult ewes from day 45 to day 115 on lamb live performance parameters, carcass and meat traits. In experiment I, dietary energy was restricted at 70% of the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements, after which ewes were re-fed ad libitum until lambing. In experiment II, dietary energy was restricted at 60% of the ME requirements, and ewes were re-fed to ME requirements until lambing. All ewes grazed together from the end of the restriction periods to weaning. Lambs were weaned and lot fed until slaughter. Feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency were recorded, and body fat thickness and ribeye area (REA) were measured in the longissimus thoracis muscle. After slaughter, carcass weight and yield, fat depth, carcass and leg length, and frenched rack and leg weights and yields were determined. Muscle fiber type composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force, pH and color were determined in the longissimus lumborum muscle. In experiment I, energy restriction followed by ad libitum feeding affected lamb birth weight (P<0.05); however, no effects (P>0.05) were observed on later BW, REA, BF or carcass traits. Lambs born to non-restricted-fed ewes had higher (P<0.05) weight and yield of the frenched rack cut and their meat tended (P=0.11) to be tender compared with that of lambs from restricted ewes. The percentage of oxidative muscle fibers was lower for lambs born to non-restricted ewes (P<0.05); however, no effects of ewe treatment were observed on other muscle fiber types. For experiment II, energy restriction followed by ME requirements feeding, affected (P<0.01) pre-weaning live weight gain, weaning and final weights. Lambs from restricted ewes had higher (P<0.05) feed intake as % of leg weight and a trend to be less efficient (P=0.16) than lambs from unrestricted dams. Ribeye area and BF were not influenced by treatment. Treatment significantly affected slaughter weight, but had no effects on carcass yield and traits or on meat traits. The results obtained in both experiments indicate submitting ewes to energy restriction during gestation affects the performance of their progeny but the final outcome would depend on the ewe’s re-feeding level during late gestation and the capacity of the offspring to compensate the in utero restriction after birth.