Weight Of Cuts Research Articles

Response of Broiler Birds to Choline Chloride in Semi Arid Sokoto, Nigeria

A study was carried out to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed with varying level of choline inclusion in their diets; T1 (control), T2 (10g/10kg) and T3 (20g/10kg). A total of 225 marshall broiler chicks were randomly divided into three (3) treatment group of 75 birds each. Each group was divided into five (5) replicates of fifteen (15) birds each laid in a completely randomized design. Feed and water was supplied ad-libitum and the experiment lasted for 49 days. The total feed intake (1316.75-14442.18) (24437.13-31999.76) for starter and finisher respectively, body weight gain (6227.30-8241.20) (10956.64-14182.96) for starter and finisher respectively, feed conversion ratio (1.73-2.26) (2.21-2.48) for starter and finisher respectively. Many (thigh, wings, back) of the carcass parameters measured were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the treatments but significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in drum stick, breast and neck. However, significant difference (p<0.05) was also observed in gizzard, liver and bile, heart, lungs, legs and head. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in primal cuts per live weight, primal cuts per dressed weight, organs per live weight and organs per dressed weight. In view of the results obtained, it can be concluded that treatment two (10g/10kg) performed better in terms of total body weight (TBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also in the carcass characteristics, treatment two performed better in terms of breast yield, drumstick, percentage of primal cuts from live weight (P/LW) and percentage of primal cuts from dressed weight.

Impacts of Growth Substrate and Container Size on Cutting Production from ‘Snow Angel’ Coral Bells Stock Plants

Stock plant productivity is an important concern for growers of ‘Snow Angel’ coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea) because this variety produces a limited number of basal cuttings. The objective of the study was to determine the best growth substrate and container size combination to maximize productivity of stock plants. A secondary objective was to determine if the stock plant treatments influenced the rooting of vegetative cuttings. The study used three different container sizes (2.8, 11.4, and 14.6 L) and four commercial soilless substrates that were primarily composed of the following: bark, peat, and perlite (substrate 1); bark, peat, and vermiculite (substrate 2); bark, peat, and coarse perlite (substrate 3); and peat (substrate 4). Two stock plant experiments were conducted using the same 12 treatment combinations, and a subset of those stock plants was randomly selected for the rooting studies that immediately followed each stock plant experiment. Stock plants responded to substrate treatments differently depending on the batch of substrate in which they were grown. The most successful stock plants, which produced more cuttings per plant and per square foot, as well as larger cuttings, were those grown in substrate 3 (Expt. 1) and substrate 2 (Expt. 2). Regardless of the substrate, the highest number of cuttings per square foot was obtained from stock plants grown in 2.8-L containers, indicating that the smaller containers allow for the most efficient use of space when growing ‘Snow Angel’ stock plants for 6 to 8 months. The rooting of vegetative cuttings was successful (98% to 100% of cuttings rooted after 4 weeks under mist) for all treatment combinations, although higher numbers of visible roots were produced during the second study and may be due to larger fresh weights of cuttings.

Crude protein in diets for European quail (Coturnix coturnix)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on the production performance, carcass traits and dietary nutrient metabolizability of European quail from one to 35 days of age. A total of 250 quail were allotted to one of five treatments (21, 22, 23, 24 and 25% CP) in a completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 10 birds per plot. The following variables were evaluated: feed intake; weight gain; feed conversion; energy and protein intakes; weight and yield of carcass, cuts and edible offal; metabolizability coefficients (MC) of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy; and nitrogen intake, excretion, retention and metabolizability. Weight gain rose linearly (P 0.05) feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion from one to 35 days of age. Protein intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) in all evaluated periods. The absolute and relative weights of legs responded quadratically (P < 0.05). At 35 days of age, the absolute and relative weights of liver had decreased linearly (P < 0.05). In the metabolism trial, a linear decrease was observed (P < 0.05) for the MC of dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen, whereas the MC of ether extract, nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion increased linearly (P < 0.05). Diets with 21% CP are recommended for European quail from 1 to 35 days of age.

Automated Estimation of Loin Muscle Mass in Living Rabbits Using Computed Tomography

The objective of this study was to present the updated segmentation technique predicting the loin muscle weight of rabbits based on in vivo computed tomography measurements. The segmented muscle volumes are used to estimate the weight of the loin muscle and the predicted weights are compared to the real weights of meat cuts measured after the dissection of the animals. The R2 value of the proposed technique is 0.74 which is significantly better than the determination coefficients than that of the of the previously used method (R2 0.49). The proposed technique is suitable to be involved in the breeding selection program of rabbits (Pannon White) at Kaposvár University, Hungary.

The Appropriate of Plant Propagation Technology of Yam (Dioscorea alata L) to Reduce Multiplication Ratio

Plant propagation of yam (Dioscorea alata L) variety ubi putih is the one of cultivation technology to conserve the plant. Propagation of D.alata can use seed, stem sett, whole tuber, tissue culture, and small sett tuber. The choose of appropriate plant propagation can reduce propagation ratio is the important thing. Although the plant has significant potential aspect, the multiplication ratio is high. Farmers usually use the whole tuber to yield favorable tuber. Using small sett tuber is the appropriate plant propagation. Reducing the multiplication ratio of D.alata is the goal of this study. The research method used two treatment factors namely the weight of tuber cuttings and tuber cuttings part. The weight of tuber cuttings used was 10-15 g; 20-25 g; 30-35 g; 40-45 g; 50-55 g. Tuber cuttings consist of the base, middle, and tail. These treatments are arranged in a two-factor factoriall design. The tuber cuttings were planted with a spacing of 80 cm X 80 cm on beds with an area of 2.40 m 2.40 m, and were repeated three times. Each bed is planted with 16 tuber cuttings. The result shows that the small sett tuber can reduce the multiplication ratio of D.alata. Sett tuber 50-55 g get the highest yield tuber (2158g) and multiplication ratio 0.023.

BERAT POTONG, BERAT KARKAS DAN PERSENTASE KARKAS TERNAK SAPI POTONG LOKAL YANG DIPOTONG DI RUMAH POTONG HEWAN MANADO

SLAUGHTER WEIGHT CARCASS WEIGHT AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CARCASSES OF NORTH SULAWESI LOCAL BEEF CATTLE CUT IN SLAUGHTER.The study aims to determine the slaughter weight, carcass weight and the percentage of carcasses of North Sulawesi local beef cattle cut in RPH Manado. The material used in this study were 40 local North Sulawesi beef cattle in RPH, Manado. The equipment used in this study is the meter and the hanging scales. This study uses the method of observation, direct interviews and measurements carried out randomly and weighing to determine the cut weight, carcass weight and carcass percentage. The results showed that the average value of 271,475 kg ± 34,129 kg weight, carcass weight 136,025 kg ± 16,477 and the percentage of North Sulawesi local beef cattle carcass 50,168% ± 1,694. Based on the results of the study it was concluded that the cattle of North Sulawesi local beef cattle slaughtered in RPH Manado still relatively low in term of average weight of slaughter and carcass weight. Keywords: Beef Cattle, Weight, Slaughterhouse

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND SLAUGHTER TRAITS OF AN AUTOSEXING BROILER COMBINATION REARED EITHER SEX SEPARATE OR MIXED

Production and slaughter traits of autosexing broiler combination reared either sex separate or mixed were investigated. A total of 180 day-old feather sexed broiler chicks were divided into three groups (n=60)- two sex separate (male and female) and one mixed (1:1), each with two replications of 30 birds. Body weight and feed intake were followed on a weekly basis; the average daily feed intake and feed conversion were calculated. By the end of the experiment (day 49), slaughter analysis was performed on 20 birds: 5 broilers from each of sex separate groups, 5 males and 5 females from the mixed group with live weight close to the group average. The carcass weight (g), weights of carcass cuts, giblets and abdominal fat were determined. Slaughter yield and body parts ratios were calculated. The results demonstrated that sex separate rearing of broilers contributed to higher final body weight - by 6.9 % in females (P&lt;0.05) and by 2.9 % in males (P&gt;0.05), but had no effect on feed conversion. Sex separate rearing resulted in heavier carcasses by 3.6% (P&lt;0.05) and more uniform weight as compared to mixed rearing. The sex effect on body weight and slaughter traits was more considerable in males with respect to carcass, thigh, back, wings and giblets weights (P&lt;0.05) but not abdominal fat whose weight was higher in female broilers (P&lt;0.05). Better uniformity of final body weight of broilers reared sex separate and the reduced variation in carcass weight and weight of cuts (breast and thigh) would facilitate slaughterhouse processing and would contribute to the realization of produce and meeting distribution network demands

Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of indian palak (Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis)

Indian Palak (Beta vulgaris. var. bengalensis) noted for its nutrient richness, is one of the most popular among leafy vegetables. Use of inorganic fertilizers does not compare well on quality and yield parameters vis-a-vis chemical fertilizers which compels the farmers to rely primarily on chemical fertilization of crops. This study has been conducted by using soil amended with vermicompost in the ratio (1:1) for the growth of Indian Palak. The parameters like plant height, number of leaves per cutting, weight of cuttings, dry matter, iron content, carotene content, total minerals and ascorbic acid were evaluated and subjected to statistical analysis to determine the effect of vermicompost prepared from different substrates on growth of Indian Palak. The results indicated that vermicompost obtained from paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse (1:1), is economical and results in better quality attributes in comparison to inorganic fertilizers. Use of chemical fertilizers, however, gave the best physical attributes (growth, size of leaves and cuttings) per plant.

Maintenance of broiler performance on commercial diets diluted with copra meal and supplemented with feed enzymes

Context Dilution of commercial feed with moderate levels of copra meal (CM), a byproduct of coconut oil extraction, was shown to maintain broiler performance in older breeds, but reports on its use in modern fast-growing broilers are limited. Aims We evaluated feed dilution with CM and enzyme supplementation in broiler chickens. We hypothesised that (i) diluting commercial feed with CM will maintain performance of modern fast-growing broilers, and (ii) enzyme supplementation will improve utilisation of the diluted diets. Methods Experiment 1 studied the performance of growing broilers (10–21 days of age) fed commercial grower diet alone (control), or diluted with one of two levels of CM (50 and 100 g/kg) and with or without enzyme supplementation. Cobb 500 broiler chicks (10 days old), 200 in total, were assigned to five dietary treatments with four replicates, in a completely randomised design. Experiment 2 investigated higher levels of dilution (100 and 200 g CM/kg) and enzyme supplementation of commercial finisher diet in 200 finishing broilers (22–42 days of age) assigned to five treatments with four replicates each. Key results In Experiment 1, feed intake was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on the 100 g CM/kg diet without enzyme compared with 50 g CM/kg without enzyme and both of the enzyme-supplemented diets but was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) from the control. Bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. In Experiment 2, feed intake was reduced on 200 g CM/kg with enzyme but did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among the control and other CM-based diets. Bodyweight gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) was reduced on the 200 g CM/kg diet without enzyme compared with the 100 g CM/kg diet without enzyme. Feed:gain was not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by diet. The relative weight of carcass and cuts, gut segments and annex organs was not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by diet. Conclusions Diluting commercial grower and finisher diets with 50 and 100 g CM/kg has no adverse effects on performance of modern broilers. At higher levels of dilution (100 and 200 g/kg), enzyme supplementation may be required. Implications These findings will reduce the cost of broiler production and add value to CM in coconut-producing regions. We recommend more research into higher rates of dilution, sources of CM, and enzyme sources and levels that might improve performance and reduce cost of production.

Sample size and prediction of weight and yield of individual cuts from Braford steers pistol hindquarters

ABSTRACT: Two hundred seventeen grass-finished Braford steers were assessed by ultrasonic scanning and subsequently harvested with their pistol hindquarters fabricated into boneless wholesale cuts. The Longissimus thoracis muscle area and subcutaneous fat depths were measured. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop prediction equations for weights of the pistol hindquarter and high-value commercial cuts, and 2) to estimate sample size needed for experiments comparing pistol hindquarter retail product weight using either physically or ultrasonically measured carcass traits. Carcass measurements explained 44 % to 94 % of the variation in weights of individual cuts, whereas, measurements that were made using ultrasound explained 42 % to 90 % of the variation in the weights. Models used to predict the weight of pistol hindquarter retail product with carcass measures and ultrasound measures showed high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.92 and 0.97, respectively). Whether based on carcass or ultrasound measures, models used to estimate weight percentage of fat trimmed from the pistol hindquarter had lack of fit. In general, models for individual cuts weights that used traits measured with ultrasound as independent variables approached the accuracy of models using carcass traits. Thus, only slightly greater samples sizes were required to have equivalent power to detect differences in retail product weights using ultrasound measures. For experiments of equivalent power, differences in the number of animals required may be offset by avoiding costs for slaughter and fabrication. Keywords: cattle, carcass, models, ultrasound

Genetic parameters for performance and carcass traits in a paternal 1 lineage of broiler

The objective of this study was to estimate variance components for performance and carcass traits in a paternal broiler line. The (co)variance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method applied to the animal model, including the fixed effect of group (sex and hatch) and additive genetic and residual as random effects. Estimated heritability for performance traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.42. The genetic correlations between traits ranged from -0.50 to 0.97. The heritability estimates of feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion from 35 to 41 days of age were of low magnitude. The genetic correlations among them were favorable to genetic selection. These results suggest that moderate genetic gain can be obtained to the feed intake and weight gain when the selection criterion is the body weight and prime cuts traits. The feed conversion that had low heritability estimation and low genetic correlation with the body weight and prime cut traits needs to pay greater attention due to the economic importance in the high-meat production lineage breeding programs.

Castration age and growth, meat production and meat quality of Nellore male cattle

Castration in beef cattle production has been proposed to reduce sexual and aggressive behaviour, increase carcass fat deposition, and improve meat quality traits, such as tenderness and juiciness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the age of castration on performance, subprimal yield and meat quality of Nellore cattle raised on a pasture system. A total of 24 Nellore males were raised in a grass-fed system with Brachiaria brizantha since birth until slaughter (at 30 months old). Three treatments were assigned: castration at weaning (CW); castration at 20 months old (C20); and intact bulls (NoC). Males were weighed, and muscle and fat thickness were periodically evaluated by ultrasonography. The cold carcass weight, dressing and carcass pH (pH 24), and subprimal cut weights were recorded after 24 h of chilling. Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) were taken to measure meat quality traits. Animals that were castrated at weaning had lower bodyweight after 10 months of age with no changes in the supplement intakes, average daily gain, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight compared with NoC. Intact males had greater cooking losses and carcass yield compared with others, with no differences for LL pH 24 according to the treatments. The castration did not change the LL muscle area, but decreased total forequarter, chunk, shoulder and eye of round weights, and increased the back fat over LL and rump fat. Animals castrated at weaning had higher marbling compared with others. In addition, regardless of age, castration improved tenderness, increased LL total lipids and decreased moisture compared with NoC. For sensory property, steers castrated at 20 months of age had lower juiciness, and NoC had a greater global sensory property compared with steers castrated at 20 months old. In conclusion, steers castrated at weaning had lower growth rate, final bodyweight and meat production compared with intact males. However, when castration was performed at 20 months, animals did not differ in most cases from castration at weaning and NoC. Tenderness was improved by castration, but sensory traits did not differ between groups.

Beef Production Systems with Steers of Dairy and Dairy × Beef Breeds Based on Forage and Semi-Natural Pastures.

Simple SummaryTwo-thirds of Swedish beef originates from dairy cows and their offspring, and the vast majority of the calves are of pure dairy breeds. At the same time, European Union, EU, and national agri-environmental payments for grazing biodiverse semi-natural pastures are an important source of income for Swedish beef producers. This study investigated whether beef production from dairy cow offspring based on semi-natural pastures could be improved using beef breed bulls as sires, instead of dairy bulls. Dairy × beef breed steers were compared with pure-bred dairy steers in two different production systems, both based on forage and semi-natural pastures, but varying the birth season, indoor feed intensity, number of grazing periods, and slaughter age. There were no differences between the breeds in feed efficiency or liveweight gain during rearing, but there were differences in carcass weight and composition. Based on these results, we concluded that higher-quality carcasses could be obtained if beef breed sires were used in production systems with semi-natural pastures.This study compared animal performance and carcass characteristics in steers born to a dairy breed dam and a dairy or beef breed sire allocated to one out of two production systems, both including grazing semi-natural pastures during summer. Spring-born groups comprising 16 purebred dairy (D) steers and 16 dairy × Charolais crossbreeds (C) were allocated to moderately high indoor feed intensity with slaughter at 21 months of age (H), while two corresponding autumn-born groups of 16 D and 16 C animals were allocated to low indoor feed intensity with slaughter at 28 months of age (L). The animals were mainly fed grass-clover silage while housed. The H steers grazed semi-natural pastures for one summer, whereas the L steers grazed semi-natural pastures for two summers. From weaning to slaughter, liveweight gain was 0.94 and 0.77 kg day−1 for H and L steers, respectively (p < 0.0001), with no breed effect on weight gain. However, C carcasses had a higher weight, conformation score, and proportion of high-valued retail cuts than D carcasses (p ≤ 0.004). Moreover, conformation differed more between LC and LD than between HC and HD. From this study on forage and pasture-based beef production, we concluded that breed had no effect on the performance of living animals, but that dairy × beef crossbred steers produced heavier and higher-quality carcasses than pure-bred dairy steers.

Study on Production of Male Peranakan Ettawa Goat Carcasses with Different Natural Feeding

Study on the production of male Peranakan Ettawa goat carcasses with different natural feeding. The purpose of this research is to find out the output of the Peranakan Ettawa male carcasses with mixed natural food. In this study used the Peranakan goat Ettawa males as many as six tails. The research data is analyzed by various print analyses using the complete random plan (RAL), and the measured parameters include cutting weight, carcass weight, and percentage of the carcass. The rate of cutting weight gained during the research of P1 (100% mulberry) amounted to 10537.50 grams, P2 (50% mulberry, and 50% Gamal) amounting to 10795.00 grams and P3 (100% Gamal) amounting to 12945.00 grams. The weight of carcasses gained during the research of P1 (100% mulberry) amounted to 4270.00 grams, P2 (50% mulberry, and 50% Gamal) for 4342.50 grams and P3 (100% Gamal) for 5380.00 grams. The rate of the percentage of carcasses gained during the research of P1 (100% mulberry) of 40.88%, P2 (50% mulberry, and 50% Gamal) amounted to 40.10%, and P3 (100% Gamal) amounted to 41.78%. Based on the analysis of the prints, the results were derived that the production of an Ettawa Peranakan goat with a different natural feed gave an unreal effect (p &gt; 0.05) to the cut weight, weight of carcasses and the percentage of carcasses.

Effect of Different Dressing Methods on the Carcass Characteristics, Chemical Composition and Organoleptic Properties of Meat from Traditionally Managed West African Dwarf Sheep.

The West African Dwarf sheep meat is a common source of protein among rural dwellers in southwest Nigerian and is processed under different methods. These methods could affect the nutrient composition of meat and carcasses. To validate this hypothesis, a total of twenty-four traditionally managed West African Dwarf rams with average age of 18 months, weighing averagely between 15-19kg were used to evaluate the effect of scalding, skinning and singeing on carcass characteristics and proximate composition of meat from sheep. The animals were slaughtered after fasted for 16 hours but with access to clean-cool water by severing both the carotid artery and jugular veins. The empty body weight (EBW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP) and retail cuts were determined and meat samples from the flank were used for proximate analysis. The result showed that dressing percentage was higher (p<0.05) in scalded (51.84%) and singed (51.29%) carcasses. The weights of retail cuts differed (p<0.05) with dressing methods, scalding having the highest values. The dry matter (DM), fat and ash contents of meat were not affected by the dressing methods while crude protein differed (p<0.05). Color, juiciness and overall acceptability values for scalded carcass have higher (p<0.05) values whereas singed carcasses is superior (p<0.05) in terms of flavor compared to the other dressing methods. Cooking loss was greatest (p<0.05) for singed carcasses and considerably low (p<0.05) in scalded carcasses. These processing methods have significant effects on the overall acceptability to both the consumer and the butcher, while consumers reckon with the nutritive characteristics as well as color, tenderness and juiciness, the butcher will be more concerned with the dressing percentage of the carcasses.

Evaluasi Persentase Karkas Ayam Kampung Super Dengan Pemberian Jermai Jagung Fermentasi

This study aims to determine the evaluation of the percentage of super native chicken carcasses by providing fermented corn straw. The research design used in the study was a Completely Randomized Design consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications namely P0 (ration without treatment), P1 (ration containing 5% fermented corn straw), P2 (ration containing 10% fermented corn straw), P3 (ration ration containing 15% fermented corn straw) and P4 (ration containing 20% fermented corn straw). The data obtained were then analyzed using the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and if the results were influential then proceed with the Duncan Distance test. The results showed that the treatment had no significant effect (P&gt; 0.05) on the variables of life weight, carcass weight and percentage of carcass cut. The highest living weight was found in the P0 treatment (without using fermented corn straw) with the acquisition of an average value of 850.75 gr / head and produced the highest carcass weight of 197.25 gr. The highest percentage of carcass cuts was obtained at P3 treatment (15% fermented corn straw) with an average value of 23.88%.

Carcass Weight, Meat Yield and Meat Cuts From Arado, Boran, Barka, Raya Cattle Breeds in Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the objective to evaluate carcass weight, meat yield and primal meat cuts of beef from Arado, Boran, Barka, Raya and nondescript cattle breeds slaughtered at export abattoirs in Ethiopia. Data was collected from Abergelle and Melgawendo export abattoirs in 2011. The result of the study revealed that the average live weight, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight and warm dressing percentage of cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs studied were 241.41&amp;plusmn;0.37 kg, 106.93&amp;plusmn;0.21 kg, 101.19&amp;plusmn;0.18 kg and 44.21&amp;plusmn;0.05%, respectively. Live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were differ (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between abattoirs, seasons and breeds of cattle slaughtered. Average meat yield and yield percentage of cattle slaughtered at Abergelle abattoir was 61.56&amp;plusmn;0.94 kg and 67.81&amp;plusmn;0.33%, respectively. Meat yield and weight of primal meat cuts were different (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between breeds of cattle. Yield percentage was significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) different between seasons. Retailed meat yield was significantly predicted (R2 = 88.1%) from slaughter weights, Topside (R2 = 77.86), Silverside (75.64), Knuckle (R2 = 70.13), Striploin (R2 = 70.73), Tenderloin (R2 = 61.33), Shank (R2 = 64.55) and Rumpcap (R2 = 64.48). From the study it was concluded that Boran cattle was better in dressing percentage compared to most cattle breeds in Africa while the dressing percentage and meat yield of Arado, Barka and Raya breeds were less than the percent and yield reported for other zebu cattle in Africa. A strategy should be devised to improve the carcass weight, dressing percentage and retail able meat yield from local cattle in Ethiopia.

Effect of Silver Nanoparticle Administration on Productive Performance, Blood Parameters, Antioxidative Status, and Silver Residues in Growing Rabbits under Hot Climate.

Simple SummarySilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used for their antibacterial effects, which increase productive performance and immune response in poultry and rabbits. On the other hand, residues of silver in meat and the internal organs of treated animals may be toxic for human beings. The current results of using two doses of injecting AgNPs revealed that body weight significantly improved in rabbits given a low dose of AgNPs compared with control animals. For consumers’ health concerns, it is of interest to note that the amount of accumulated silver in blood plasma and meat increased dramatically with an increasing dose.The influence of subcutaneous injections of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on rabbit performance, hematological and biochemical parameters of blood, antioxidant status, and the residues of silver in meat and blood in two breeds (New Zealand White (NZW) and Jabali) of rabbits growing under high ambient temperature was evaluated. A total of 90 six-week-old rabbits (45 NZW and 45 Jabali) were randomly distributed into three equal treatment groups (control, 0.5 mg, and 1.0 mg AgNPs/kg body weight). The treated rabbits were injected twice a week for four consecutive weeks. The results revealed that AgNPs administration had no significant effect on average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The NZW breed surpassed the Jabali breed in growth performance traits, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and cuts of mid parts and hind cuts. Administration of AgNPs had a significant effect on hematocrit (HCT) and platelet (PLT) values. Rabbits injected with AgNPs at a dose of 0.5 mg showed a lower plasma concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides than that of control rabbits. The NZW breed had significantly low platelet, total cholesterol, and triglyceride values. Rabbits injected with 0.5 mg/kg BW had the lowest total antioxidant capacity and highest malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase. The Ag residues were higher in blood than those in meat in treated rabbits. The local breed (Jabali) had significantly lower residues than the imported one (NZW) either in meat or in blood. However, the amount of accumulated silver in blood plasma and meat increased with increasing dose.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing male lambs fed barberry pomace-containing diets

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The inclusion of barberry pomace (BP) in finishing diets could potentially enhance growth performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. To test this hypothesis, 21 male Balouchi lambs (24.5 ± 4 kg initial live weight; 5 ± 0.6 months of age) were randomly assigned to three BP-containing experimental diets to determine their effects on feed intake, live weight gain and carcass characteristics. The experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements for a targeted daily weight gain of 200 g as follows: (1) control diet (BP0), (2) control diet in which 7.5% of alfalfa hay and wheat straw were replaced with BP (BP75), (3) control diet in which 15% of alfalfa hay and wheat straw were replaced with BP (BP150). Lambs were fed the experimental diets for 75 days during which feed intake and live weight changes were recorded. At the end of the feeding period, lambs were fasted for 16 h, weighed and then slaughtered in order to determine carcass characteristics. Experimental diets had no effect on feed intake and growth performance of lambs. Similarly, diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on weight of carcass, commercial cuts (neck, shoulder, loin, leg, fat-tail, brisket, flank) and non-carcass components (head, skin, feet, lung and trachea, heart, liver, spleen, gastro-intestinal, kidney, bladder and testicles) but linearly increased (p < 0.05) warm and cold dressing percentage as well as heart weight. These results do not support the hypothesis that feeding BP-containing diets enhances growth performance and carcass characteristics of male Balouchi lambs. However, inclusion of BP had no negative effects on animal performance and carcass characteristics.

The Potential Use of Layer Litter in Awassi Lamb Diet: Its Effects on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryInclusion of local agro–industrial by-products as alternatives to cereal-based concentrates is a promising solution with an increased usage in the area. In this study layer litter is included at 0, 150, or 300 g/kg in the diets of growing lambs. Except with minor effects on carcass characteristics for lambs fed layer liter at 150 g/kg, the inclusion of layer liter did not affect carcass characteristics and meat quality.Carcass parameters and meat quality in lambs that consumed diets having layer hen litter (LL) were evaluated in a complete randomized study. Forty-two lambs were allocated equally (14 lambs/treatment diet) into one of three iso-nitrogenous diets for 75 days. To partially replace soybean meal and barley, LL was given at 0 (LL0), 150 (LL150), or 300 g/kg (LL300) of dietary dry matter (DM). At the termination of the trial, the characteristics of carcasses (hot and cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass cuts) and meat quality (Musculus longissimus linear dimensions, ultimate pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF), color coordinates) were measured after slaughtering all lambs. Longissimus muscle weight was greatest (p < 0.05) for the LL150. For the dissected loin, intermuscular fat content was lowest for the LL0 diet. However, subcutaneous fat content was lower (p < 0.05) in the LL300 diet than LL0 and LL150 diets. Rib fat depth and Musculus longissimus area were greater (p < 0.05) for LL150 than L0. No differences were found in meat pH or color parameters among treatments but WHC and SF were lower in L0 lambs than in lambs fed LL containing diets. Cooking loss was greater for the LL300 diet than the LL0 diet. In summary, quality of meat and carcasses data indicate the possibility of inclusion of LL up to 300 g/kg DM to growing Awassi lambs.