Dressing Percentage Research Articles

Effects of Total Mixed Ration pH on Carcass Characteristics, Subprimal Yields and Fatty Acid Composition when Fed to Brahman or Holstein Cross Steers

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of total mixed ration (TMR) pH on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles when fed to Brahman cross (BC) or Holstein cross (HC) steers.Materials and MethodsEighteen steers (6 Brahman × Thai native and 12 Holstein × Zebu) were blocked by breed and stratified by weight before being randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatment diets, fed individually ad libitum including: fresh grass mixed-TMR (GTMR; pH 4.70 to 4.99), grass silage mixed-TMR (STMR; pH 4.00 to 4.40), and fermented-TMR (FTMR; pH 3.5 to 3.87). After 460 d all steers were slaughtered after a 24 h fast. During slaughter offal items were weighed to determine if breed or diet impacted visceral weight. After 7-d postmortem (1 ± 1°C) carcasses were separated at the 12th to 13th rib for collection of ribeye area (REA), fat thickness, marbling score, and objective color. After carcass data collection, carcasses were fabricated according to French standards and subprimal yields were calculated as a percentage of chilled carcass weight. The longissimus thoracis (LT) was removed and steaks (2.54-cm) were cut for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), proximate analysis, and fatty acid analysis. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (V9.4; SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Steer was considered the experimental unit and steer within block by treatment was considered the random term. Mean differences were considered significant at ɑ ≤ 0.05.ResultsThere was not a breed by diet interaction (P > 0.09) for hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP), REA, fat thickness, chill loss, marbling score, objective color, or cook loss and WBSF. However, BC had greater HCW, DP, REA, and WBSF than HC (P < 0.05). Marbling scores were greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed STMR and FTMR than GTMR, otherwise diet did not impact carcass traits (P > 0.05). Non-carcass components were a greater percentage of live weight for HC than BC. There was a breed by diet interaction (P < 0.05) for subprimal cuts of the macreuse (clod), knuckle, and bottom round (P < 0.05). Brahman cross steers had a greater percentage of weight in the chuck, sirloin, strip loin, and bottom round (P < 0.05); however, HC had a greater percentage of weight in the macreuse, knuckle, nerveux (heel), and bone (P < 0.05). There was no breed by diet interaction or main effects for chemical composition except percent fat where FTMR > STMR > GTMR (P < 0.01). For fatty acids there was no difference in total SFA or n6:n3 (P > 0.10), however, there were breed by diet interactions (P < 0.01) for total PUFA, n-6, n-3 and PUFA:SFA where LT from BC fed GTMR had greater percentages than all other treatment combinations.ConclusionRations consisting of STMR and FTMR may be utilized to increase marbling and maximize tenderness for finishing Holstein cross steers, while feeding GTMR to Brahman cross steers could be an appropriate method for producing lean beef with a greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Body traits, carcass characteristics and price of cull cows as affected by farm type, breed, age and calving to culling interval

Beef production from cull cows is an additional source of income for dairy farms and greatly contributes to red meat production, but the sources of variation of live animal characteristics and the carcass traits of cull cows have rarely been examined. This study investigated the effects of the farm type, breed, age at slaughter (AGE) and calving to culling interval (Calv_Cull) on the body traits and carcass characteristics of dairy and dual-purpose cull cows. Data from 555 cull cows from 182 herds belonging to five farm types, characterised by a combination of housing and feeding systems, were recorded and analysed. Dairy breeds, such as Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss, and dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Rendena) were included in the trait assessments. The day before slaughter, the cows were weighed and scored for body condition (BCS) and fleshiness, and then, their heart girth and wither height were measured. At the slaughterhouse, the carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), carcass conformation and fatness scores, carcass price per kg and carcass total value were obtained. On average, the cows were slaughtered at nearly 71±27 months of age, 285±187 days after the last calving; 615±95 kg BW; and provided a 257±51 kg CW. Nearly 50% of the cows fell within the BCS range of 2.75 to 3.50, and the carcasses were mostly graded in the lowest class of conformation and fatness scores. Cull cows from free-stall farms had a higher DP, carcass conformation score and price than those from traditional tie-stall farms. The breed influenced the AGE, live animal characteristics and carcass traits. Cows from dairy breeds were younger at slaughter, had a lower BCS and fleshiness, and greater body measurements, but a lower DP and carcass price than those from dual-purpose breeds, although differences between the breeds were found within both groups. The age of the cows at slaughter influenced the Calv_Cull and increased the BW, body measurements and CW, but not the fleshiness and fatness appreciation (both in vivo and postmortem) or carcass price. The increasing Calv_Cull improved the BW, BCS, fleshiness, CW and carcass conformation and fatness. In conclusion, the decision to cull dairy cows should also take into account the factors that affect their carcass value in regards to improving the carcass price of cows.

Effect of Feeding Leucaena leucocephala Leaves and Pods on Feed Intake, Digestibility, body Weight Change and Carcass Characteristic of Central-Highland Sheep Fed basal Diet Wheat bran and Natural Pasture Hay in tigray, Ethiopia

Feed intake, digestibility, body weight change, carcass characteristics and profitability of supplementing 20 yearling central-highland sheep (17±1.5 kg) fed basal diet of natural pasture hay (NPH) and wheat bran with dried Leucana leucocephala leaves (LLL) and pods (LLP) and their mixture were evaluated after 84 d of feeding trial followed by 7 d of fecal collection and carcass analyses. Treatment diets(partial DM basis) were: T1 (control) = 90g wheat bran +3 g salt; T2=90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLL; T3= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLP; T4= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt+103.5 g LLL +103.5 g LLP with NPH offered ad libitum for all treatments. Lambs were assigned to each treatment in RCBD. The crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of LLL were 21.8, 20.2 and 9.9%/DM, respectively and that of LLP 18.9, 42.1 and 25.7%/DM, respectively. The total DM intake was highest for T2, T3 and T4 as compared to the control group. However, the total CP and digestible CP intakes were highest (P 0.05) in total NDF and ADF intakes among the treatments. Coefficient of DM digestibility (P<0.05) of T2, T3 and T4 was higher than that of T1. Dressing percentage (DP) calculated onthe basis of slaughter body weight (SBW) was higher (P<0.05) for T2 and T4 than T1. Rib eye muscle area (REMA) and hot carcass weight were higher (P<0.05) for T2 followed by T4 and T3 but T1 was least. Thus, T2 (LLL supplementation) gave better nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics and is recommended. However, all leucaena meal supplemented animals performed better than the control, thus can be used as supplements.

Valores econômicos para sistemas de recria e engorda de bovinos Nelore e cruzado

Foi desenvolvido o modelo bioeconômico nominado de Beef Management System para a obtenção de valores econômicos em quatro sistemas de recria e engorda de bovinos. Dos modelos analisados, dois utilizaram machos inteiros da raça Nelore e os outros dois machos inteiros cruzados (½ sangue taurino; ½ sangue zebu). Para cada grupamento genético estipulou-se dois modelos de produção, um 100 % a pasto e o outro com recria em pastagem e posterior confinamento. O estudo foi conduzido por meio de simulações em planilhas eletrônicas interligadas do programa Microsoft Office Excel. Os valores econômicos foram estimados para as características de ganho médio diário (GMD), rendimento de carcaça (RC), consumo alimentar (CA) e energia de mantença (EM), para cada um dos modelos propostos. Para obtenção dos valores econômicos, estipulou-se um aumento de 1 % no GMD e RC, e diminuiu-se 1 % da EM e CA. Com o aumento de 1 % no RC e no GMD, o custo de produção diminuiu 14,69 kg de carne (1 unidade de arroba) em todos os modelos estudados. A redução de 1 % na EM dos animais resultou em uma diminuição de 0,45 % no custo de produção de 14,69 kg de carne em ambos os modelos a pasto com confinamento e 0,55 % em ambos os modelos 100 % a pasto. Com a redução de 1 % na CA, o custo de produção de 14,69 kg de carne diminuiu 0,83 e 0,84 % nos modelos a pasto com confinamento de animais Nelores e cruzados e 0,85 e 0,83 % nos modelos 100 % a pasto de animais Nelores e cruzados. Essas características possuem um grande impacto econômico nos sistemas de recria e engorda, com grande vantagem para a característica de RC, uma vez que esta proporcionou os maiores valores econômicos para todos os sistemas estudados. Por meio das variáveis que compuseram os modelos estudados tornou-se possível mensurar a real importância do impacto genético das características e seus respectivos valores econômicos.

Effect of supplementing fixed level of treated Acacia saligna (Labill) H.L.Wendi. leaves on weight change and carcass characteristics of Abergelle goats

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding fixed level of treated Acacia saligna leaves (ASL) on feed intake, live body weight change and carcass characteristics of Abergelle goats. The experiment was executed in Aberegelle Agricultural Research Centre goat farm in the northern Ethiopia. Four treatments namely grass hay (GH) as a control, air dried acacia saligna leaves (ADASL), water soaked acacia saligna leaves (WSASL) and wood ash soaked acacia saligna leaves (WASASL) each included at 300 g head -1 day -1 were used as supplement. Feed intake was measured daily and live weight gain recorded weekly. Measurements were also taken on empty body weight (EBW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP) and rib eye muscle area (REMA). Higher total crude protein intake was observed in the supplemented goats as compared to non-supplemented. As a result, better body weight gain was observed in the supplemented goats as compare to non-supplemented goats. Similarly, better HCW was obtained in the supplemented goats than non- supplemented in general and in particular goats fed on air dried and water soaked leaves showed significantly higher HCW than the control. So that it could be included that, it is important to feed acacia saligna leaves as an alternative feed particularly at the time of feed scarcity. However, dressing percent on slaughter weight base (SWB), EBW base and REMA were not showed any significant different (P>0.05) among the treatments. Generally, goats supplemented with air dried leaves showed higher body weight gain and carcass value compared with the other treatments.

Performance of Broilers Supplemented with Natural Herb Extract

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of a natural herb extract on the general performance, carcass parameters and mortality of broiler chicks. A total of 720 one-day old chicks (Cobb 500) were used in the experiment and randomly partitioned into nine pens (80 chicks per pen). Three experimental diets (C: regular starter feed; CC plus: regular starter feed supplemented with chicken plus herbal extract; AFC plus: antibiotic-free diet supplemented with chicken plus) were assigned each to three randomly selected pens. The herbal extract was supplemented in drinking water at rate of 300 ml/cubic meter. Results showed that weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR) and dressing percentages (DP) increased (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented with herb extract compared to control birds. Mortalities and sudden deaths were minimized via herbal supplementation. However, herbal supplementation had no significant effects on carcass cuts and some visceral organs. The relative economic efficiency (REE) was up to 13% improved by the herb supplementation. It can be concluded that feeding the herbal extract has significant positive effects on broilers general performance as feed efficiency is increased by 11% and on mortality and sudden death cases.

Some factors influencing dressing percentage in goat meat production

This review article looks at the factors affecting dressing percentage in goats. Many factors can affect the dressing percentage (DP), therefore it is important for goat producers to understand the concept and factors influencing dressing percentage because it can equate to profitability. In general, goat genotypes that are heavier muscled have a higher dressing percent than goat genotypes that are lighter muscled. Additionally, as the goat fat thickness on the outside of a carcass increases, the dressing percent also increases. Dressing percentage is based on the relationship between the dressed goat carcass weight and the live weight after things like the hide and internal organs have been removed. Goat dressing percentage can be calculated by taking (weight of the carcass / weight of live animal) * 100. This can be determined on a hot carcass weight or a cold carcass weight. There are indication of the potentiality to manipulating some of the factors that influence dressing percentage in goat to the producer’s advantage. Better goat rearing practices can be achieved through nutritional management resulting in improvement of dressing percentage.

Effect of forage type with or without corn supplementation on animal performance, beef fatty acid composition, and palatability.

Thirty-two steers were used to examine forage type (legumes [ and ] vs. grasses [ and ]) with or without individual corn grain supplementation (0 vs. 0.75% of live weight [LW]/d) on beef fatty acid composition and palatability. In each year, steers ( = 16/yr) were randomly assigned to forage type ( = 8/forage type per yr) and to supplementation treatments within forage type ( = 4/supplementation treatment/forage type per yr). Forage types (grasses vs. legumes) were replicated in 2 paddocks of perennial and annual forage type pastures. A mixed model was developed with forage type, corn grain supplementation, and the 2-way interaction as fixed effects and 2 different error terms, one for testing forage and another for testing grain supplement and grain supplement × forage interaction. Corn grain supplementation increased ( = 0.01) ADG by 0.29 kg/d and final LW by 13 kg. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage (DP), and KPH were greater ( < 0.05) for steers supplemented with corn grain. Carcasses from steers grazing legumes had greater ( = 0.04) DP compared with carcasses from steers grazing grasses. Alpha-linolenic acid concentration was higher ( < 0.05) in LM of steers grazing legumes than in LM of steers grazing grasses, both without supplementation. Supplementation decreased ( < 0.05) linolenic acid levels for both forage types; however, the magnitude of this reduction was greater for legumes than for grasses. The ratio of -6 to -3 PUFA was greater ( = 0.03) in the LM of corn grain-supplemented steers than in the LM of nonsupplemented steers. Supplementation of corn grain decreased ( < 0.05) the percentage of odd-chain fatty acids and increased ( < 0.05) the percentage of MUFA in the LM. Warner-Bratzler shear force values were not altered ( > 0.05) by forage type, supplementation, or the 2-way interaction. Beef finished on legumes had greater concentrations of -3 PUFA, whereas beef supplemented with corn grain had a greater ratio of -6 to -3 fatty acids. On a gravimetric basis (mg/100 g LM), -3 PUFA and CLA contents were not altered with supplementation, indicating that corn grain can be supplemented at this level in a forage-finishing beef system without negative consequences on perceived beneficial fatty acids.

Production, carcass, and meat quality characteristics of commercial crossbred gilts and barrows fed two different diets

• Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (commercial crossbred) barrows and gilts (n = 67) were utilized in this study • One of two corn based diets were consumed • Diet 1: corn 61.44%, soybean meal 2.26%, wheat midds 14.37%, distillers dried grains 20.00%, l-lysine HCl 0.32%, l-threonine 0.03%, salt 0.25%, trace mineral premix 0.05%, vitamin premix 0.02%, Selplex 600 0.03%, Tylan 40 0.05% • Diet 2: corn 65.07%, soybean meal 12.67%, distillers dried grains 20.00%, llysine HCl 0.32%, l-threonine 0.06%, dicalcium phosphate 0.37%, limestone 1.00%, salt 0.25%, trace mineral premix 0.08%, vitamin premix 0.05%, Selplex 600 0.015%, Paylean® 0.05%, Tylan 40 0.05% • At 1 hr, 3 hr, and 24 hr temperature and pH readings were recorded in the semimembranosus muscle and the longissimus dorsi muscle of each carcass • Data for hot carcass weight (HCW), muscle score (MS), dressing percentage (DP), and first rib fat depth (FR), last rib fat depth (LR), and last lumbar vertebra fat depth (LLV) were collected • One 2.54 cm chop were cut from each carcass, and actual 10th rib fat depth and LEA were measured across cut surface of each chop, along with a subjective assessment of pork quality scores (color, texture, and firmness) • Pounds of fat free lean (FFL), percent fat free lean (% FFL), and U. S. Grade were calculated for each carcass.

Breeding objectives for pigs in Kenya. II: economic values incorporating risks in different smallholder production systems.

This study estimated economic values for production traits (dressing percentage (DP), %; live weight for growers (LWg), kg; live weight for sows (LWs), kg) and functional traits (feed intake for growers (FEEDg), feed intake for sow (FEEDs), preweaning survival rate (PrSR), %; postweaning survival (PoSR), %; sow survival rate (SoSR), %, total number of piglets born (TNB) and farrowing interval (FI), days) under different smallholder pig production systems in Kenya. Economic values were estimated considering two production circumstances: fixed-herd and fixed-feed. Under the fixed-herd scenario, economic values were estimated assuming a situation where the herd cannot be increased due to other constraints apart from feed resources. The fixed-feed input scenario assumed that the herd size is restricted by limitation of feed resources available. In addition to the tradition profit model, a risk-rated bio-economic model was used to derive risk-rated economic values. This model accounted for imperfect knowledge concerning risk attitude of farmers and variance of input and output prices. Positive economic values obtained for traits DP, LWg, LWs, PoSR, PrSR, SoSR and TNB indicate that targeting them in improvement would positively impact profitability in pig breeding programmes. Under the fixed-feed basis, the risk-rated economic values for DP, LWg, LWs and SoSR were similar to those obtained under the fixed-herd situation. Accounting for risks in the EVs did not yield errors greater than ±50% in all the production systems and basis of evaluation meaning there would be relatively little effect on the real genetic gain of a selection index. Therefore, both traditional and risk-rated models can be satisfactorily used to predict profitability in pig breeding programmes.

Effect of sodium butyrate administered in the concentrate on rumen development and productive performance of lambs in intensive production system during the suckling and the fattening periods

Sodium butyrate (SB) has been shown to improve growth rate, rumen development and health of calves. In intensive lamb production systems, the fattening period starts after a relative short suckling period, and lambs are fed a high concentrate diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of supplementing SB in the concentrate on rumen development and productive performance of lambs during the suckling and the fattening periods. During suckling, 66 lambs were distributed with their mothers in four pens. Treatments were: control concentrate (CON), and concentrate supplemented with 3.6g of SB/kg of DM (SBC). At weaning, nine lambs were slaughtered for sample collection, and 47 lambs were distributed into 12 pens for the fattening period. Treatments were: (1) CON–CON for lambs fed CON in both periods; (2) CON–SBC for lambs fed CON in the suckling and SBC in the fattening period; (3) SBC–CON for lambs fed SBC in the suckling and CON in the fattening period; and (4) SBC–SBC for lambs fed SBC in both periods. At 88 days of age all lambs were slaughtered. In both periods, concentrate dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), reticulum-rumen weight (RRW), rumen fluid pH, and density, length, width and keratinization of rumen papillae were measured. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated for the fattening period. During the suckling period, SBC lambs had higher DMI, ADG, HCW and DP (P<0.05), and tended to have higher rumen papillae length and lower RRW (P<0.10). During the fattening period, no difference was found among treatments. Results indicate that the supplementation of SB in the concentrate improved rumen development and productive performance of lambs during the suckling period. However, at 3 months of age, the administration of SB did not improve production in lambs reared in an intensive production system.

Carcass and body organ characteristics of broilers supplemented with dietary sodium and sodium salts under a phase feeding system.

The effect of sodium and sodium salts on carcass and body organ characteristics of broilers under a four phase feeding program were investigated. A basal diet (0.08% dNa with NaCl) was formulated and one of two sources of dNa (NaHCO3 and Na2SO4) were supplemented to obtain four different percentages of dNa (0.17, 0.26, 0.35, and 0.44%) for each treatment. There was a linear decrease in dressing percentage (DP) with source × level interaction (p ≤ 0.001), while there was a linear increase in breast yield and thigh yield with increasing dNa supplementation (p ≤ 0.001). Chicks fed 0.35% NaHCO3 and 0.44% dNa Na2SO4 supplemental salts had lower abdominal fat (p ≤ 0.04). Chicks that received increasing levels of dNa (from 0.17 to 0.44%) showed increasing gizzard weight (p ≤ 0.002) and decreasing spleen weight (p ≤ 0.02). When both salts were supplemented at 0.26% dNa, the chicks showed their lowest bursa weight (p ≤ 0.001). Consequently, chicks at higher dNa showed an increase in breast and thigh meat yield, and increasing capacity of their digestive organ. The higher levels of dNa should be tested with other cations and anions to fully understand acid base homoeostasis.

Correlations of visual scores, carcass traits, feed efficiency and retail product yield in Nellore cattle

The growing use of visual scores (VS) and ultrasound (US) for carcass evaluation in breeding programs, calls for a knowledge of the relationships between these traits and other relevant characteristics, such as feed efficiency and production of commercial cuts. The objective of this study was to evaluate correlations between body visual scores and carcass traits identified by ultrasound (US) and feed efficiency (FE), carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP) and retail product yield (RPY) in beef cattle. Nellore cattle (male), 42 non-castrated [NCAST] and 44 castrated [CAST]) were evaluated by both VS and US, at the postweaning (15-month old) and finishing phases (21-month old). Visual scores of conformation (C), precocity (P) and muscling (M) were assessed and the backfat thickness (UBFT), rump fat thickness (URFT) and ribeye area (UREA) were measured by ultrasound. Gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio and residual feed intake (RFI) were measured in feedlot. Hot carcass weight, DP and RPY were determined at harvest. Non-castrated cattle had greater HCW and RPY but lower UBFT and URFT than CAST. Postweaning VS and US were poorly correlated with FE in both sexual conditions. Finishing VS were negatively correlated with G:F in CAST and finishing URFT was negatively correlated with RPY in NCAST. The relationship of VS and US with feed efficiency and meat yield is affected by age at the date of evaluation and by castration. Feed efficiency is not related to the yield of meat cuts in Nellore cattle

Effect of zilpaterol hydrochloride on growth performance and carcass characteristics of wether goats

Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation was evaluated on performance of growing goats for the last 42 days before slaughter. Forty-eight Anglo-Nubian×Criollo animals (12 per treatment) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (ZH at daily doses of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3mg/kg of BW in diet) in a complete block design. Basal diet contained 16.3% CP and 2.5 Mcal/kg ME. The ZH supplementation at doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3mg/kg of BW increased ADG by 22.1, 54.0 and 56.6%, and gain/feed ratio by 20.0, 40.0 and 60.0%, respectively. The DMI (g/kg of BW0.75) increased quadratically (P=0.037). Carcass weight and dressing percentage (DP) augmented linearly (P≤0.031) as level of ZH increased in diet. The ZH supplementation increased (P≤0.023) longissimus muscle area (LM) and leg perimeter (LP) with a linear improvement (P<0.001) of LM area by 12.2% and 21.0% as ZH level increased in diet. The neck perimeter (NP) observed a quadratic trend (P<0.035) with greater values at 0.1 and 0.2mg/kg of ZH. For each increment of 0.1mg/kg in the ZH level, the percentage of fat in kidney, heart and pelvis tended to decrease by 4% (P=0.089). Other carcass characteristics were not significantly affected (P≥0.311) by ZH administration, but tended to reduce (P≤0.094) redness (a*) and chroma (C*) values in the longissimus muscle. It was observed a linear tendency to diminish pH (P=0.072). However, no differences (P>0.05) or trends (P>0.10) were detected on purge loss (PL) or cooking loss (CKL). Growth differences between wether goats fed ZH doses of 0.2 or 0.3mg/kg of BW were small, and therefore lower dose of 0.2mg/kg of BW seems enough to enhance growth. Moreover, the carcass characteristics showed minor differences between levels of ZH supplementation, and therefore could be considered that the lower dose of 0.1mg/kg of BW of ZH was sufficient to improve these traits. It is concluded that addition of ZH to diets of wether goats increased growth performance and carcass characteristics in a similar manner to that reported for cattle and sheep.

Effect of Concentrate Supplementation on Performances of Ethiopian Lowland Afar and Blackhead Ogaden Lambs

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of increased concentrate supplementation on nutrient intake, growth performance, carcass characteristics, duration of feeding and profitability of Ethiopian Afar and Blackhead Ogaden (BHO) lambs. Forty-eight lambs (24/breed) initially weighing 17.84±1.6 kg were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (T) in Complete Randomized Design. Each lamb was fed on tef straw ad libtium and supplemented with 150, 300, 450 g d-1 of concentrate (containing 19.4% crude protein (CP) and 11.28 MJ ME kg-1DM) in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Intake and growth trial lasted for 126 days, followed by digestibility trial of 7 days. Dry matter (DM) intake increased (p<0.0001) with increasing concentrate offer in lambs in general, but higher (p<0.05) in Afar than in BHO lambs. Intake of CP peaked at the highest level of supplementation. Increased (p<0.0001) digestibility of DM, CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were noted at higher concentrate offer in Afar lambs. Average daily gain of lambs increased (p<0.0001) with increased concentrate, and lambs reached the target weight (25-30kg) for export market relatively within short period of feeding at higher than lower level of concentrate supplementation. Given equal level of concentrate, Afar lambs reached the target weight in less days of feeding than BHO lambs. Increasing concentrate has resulted in increased slaughter weight (SW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percent (DP) and lean-to-fat ratio (LFR) in Afar lambs, while it improved SW, HCW and DP in BHO lambs. This study indicated that increased meat production measured in terms of live weight change and carcass yield in Afar and BHO lambs can be achieved at high concentrate supplementation with profit.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Plasma Mineral Chemistry as Affected by Dietary Chloride and Chloride Salts Fed to Broiler Chickens Reared under Phase Feeding System.

Requirements of dietary chloride (dCl) and chloride salts were determined by using 4×2 factorial arrangement under four phase feeding program. Four levels (0.31, 0.45, 0.59 and 0.73%) and two sources (NH4Cl and CaCl2) of the dCl were allocated to 1,472 chicks in eight dietary treatments in which each treatment was replicated four times with 46 birds per replicate. The four phase feeding program was comprised of four dietary phases: Prestarter (d 1 to 10), Starter (d 11 to 20), Grower (d 21 to 33) and Finisher (d 34 to 42); and diets were separately prepared for each phase. The cations, anions, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity were analyzed in drinking water and were not affected by dietary treatments. BW gain (BWG; p≤0.009) and feed:gain (FG; p≤0.03) were improved in CaCl2 supplemented diets during d 1 to 10. The maximum response of BWG and FG was observed at 0.38% and 0.42% dCl, respectively, for d 34 to 42. However, the level of dCl for BWG during d 21 to 33 (p≤0.04) and d 34 to 42 (p≤0.009) was optimized at 0.60% and 0.42%, respectively. The level of dCl for optimized feed intake (FI; p≤0.006), FG (p≤0.007) and litter moisture (LM; p≤0.001) was observed at 0.60%, 0.38% and 0.73%, respectively, for d 1 to 42. Water intake (DWI) was not affected by increasing dCl supplementation (p>0.05); however, the ratio between DWI and FI (DWI:FI) was found highest at 0.73% dCl during d 1 to 10 (p≤0.05) and d 21 to 33 (p≤0.009). Except for d 34 to 42 (p≤0.006), the increasing level of dCl did not result in a significant difference in mortality during any phase. Blood pH and glucose, and breast and thigh weights (percentage of dressed weight) were improved while dressing percentage (DP) and gastrointestinal health were exacerbated with NH4Cl as compared to CaCl2 supplemented diets (p≤0.001). Higher plasma Na+ and HCO3− and lower Cl− and Ca++ were observed in NH4Cl supplemented diets (p≤0.001). Increasing supplementation of dCl increased plasma Cl− (p≤0.04; quadratically) and linearly reduced plasma K+ (p≤0.001), Ca++ (p≤0.003), HCO3− (p≤0.001), and Na+ (p≤0.001; quadratically). Consequently, higher requirements of dietary chloride are suggested for feed intake; nevertheless, lower levels of dietary chloride are sufficient to support optimal BWG and FG with increasing age. The NH4Cl supplemented diets ameliorate breast and thigh meat yield along with overall energy balance (glucose).

Economic values of body weight, reproduction and parasite resistance traits for a Creole goat breeding goal

A specific breeding goal definition was developed for Creole goats in Guadeloupe. This local breed is used for meat production. To ensure a balanced selection outcome, the breeding objective included two production traits, live weight (BW11) and dressing percentage (DP) at 11 months (the mating or selling age), one reproduction trait, fertility (FER), and two traits to assess animal response to parasite infection: packed cell volume (PCV), a resilience trait, and faecal worm eggs count (FEC), a resistance trait. A deterministic bio-economic model was developed to calculate the economic values based on the description of the profit of a Guadeloupean goat farm. The farm income came from the sale of animals for meat or as reproducers. The main costs were feeding and treatments against gastro-intestinal parasites. The economic values were 7.69€ per kg for BW11, 1.38€ per % for FER, 3.53€ per % for DP and 3 × 10−4€ per % for PCV. The economic value for FEC was derived by comparing the expected profit and average FEC in a normal situation and in an extreme situation where parasites had developed resistance to anthelmintics. This method yielded a maximum weighting for FEC, which was −18.85€ per log(eggs per gram). Alternative scenarios were tested to assess the robustness of the economic values to variations in the economic and environmental context. The economic values of PCV and DP were the most stable. Issues involved in paving the way for selective breeding on resistance or resilience to parasites are discussed.

Simulated selection responses for breeding programs including resistance and resilience to parasites in Creole goats1,2

The Creole goat is a local breed used for meat production in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). As in other tropical countries, improvement of parasite resistance is needed. In this study, we compared predicted selection responses for alternative breeding programs with or without parasite resistance and resilience traits. The overall breeding goal included traits for production, reproduction, and parasite resilience and resistance to ensure a balanced selection outcome. The production traits were BW and dressing percentage (DP). The reproduction trait was fertility (FER), which was the number of doe kiddings per mating. The resistance trait was worm fecal egg count (FEC), which is a measurement of the number of gastro-intestinal parasite eggs found in the feces. The resilience trait was the packed cell volume (PCV), which is a measurement of the volume of red blood cells in the blood. Dressing percentage, BW, and FEC were measured at 11 mo of age, which is the mating or selling age. Fertility and PCV were measured on females at each kidding period. The breeding program accounting for the overall breeding goal and a selection index including all traits gave annual selection responses of 800 g for BW, 3.75% for FER, 0.08% for DP, -0.005 ln(eggs/g) for FEC, and 0.28% for PCV. The expected selection responses for BW and DP in this breeding program were reduced by 2% and 6%, respectively, compared with a breeding program not accounting for FEC and PCV. The overall breeding program, proposed for the Creole breed, offers the best breeding strategy in terms of expected selection responses, making it possible to improve all traits together. It offers a good balance between production and adaptation traits and may present some interest for the selection of other goat breeds in the tropics.

Molecular characterization of differentially expressed TXNIP gene and its association with porcine carcass traits

Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which plays a regulatory role in lipid metabolism and immune regulation, is down-regulated expressed in F(1) hybrids Landrace×Yorkshire skeletal muscle. Here we described the molecular characterization of porcine TXNIP gene. The full-length cDNA contains a coding sequence of 1,176bp nucleotides with untranslated regions of 263bp at 5'-end and 441bp at 3'-end, respectively. The predicted molecular mass and isoelectric point of porcine TXNIP is 43.81kDa and 7.385, respectively. The deduced 391 amino acids exhibit high identity with other mammalian TXNIP. The TXNIP gene contains eight coding exons and seven non coding introns, spans approximately 3,348bp. The expression of porcine TXNIP mRNA is almost absent in Landrace×Yorkshire and lower level in 6-month-old pigs during skeletal muscle development. Other stages and breeds were high level expressed. Statistical analysis showed the TXNIP gene polymorphism (c.575-4T>C) was different between F(1) hybrids and their parents, was highly associated with dressing percentage (DP) and thorax-waist fat thickness (TFT) in the Yorkshire×Meishan F(2) population. The possible role of TXNIP was discussed.

Whole hatchery waste meal as alternative protein and calcium sources in broiler diets

A study was conducted in which processed whole hatchery waste meal (WHWM) replaced fish meal (FM), protein for protein, in broiler diets at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels. There were 45 birds per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. The feeding trial which lasted for 42 days, was carried out at the Poultry Unit, Agricultural Research Council, Glen. Chemical analysis of the two test ingredients indicated that WHWM had higher contents of ash (18.12%) and ether extract (23.94%). However, crude protein content of FM was 73.18% while that of WHWM was 42.26%. Calcium-phosphorus ratio was 16.6:1 for WHWM as against 1.5:1 in the FM. Broilers fed with diet 2 had highest values for feed intake (118.25 g/bird/day) and weight gain (50.16 g/bird/day) while those fed with diet 3 were superior in efficiency of feed utilization (2.31). Results obtained for carcass traits decreased with increase in the levels of WHWM in the diets. Broilers fed with control diet had highest mean values for eviscerated weight (2.20 kg) and dres- sing percentage (77.86%). Values recorded for abdominal fat and internal organs (liver, lungs, heart and gizzard) did not show any particular trend. Similarly there were slight variations in the results obtained for blood parameters. Cost of feed intake/bird decreased with increase in the levels of WHWM in the diets. It can be concluded from the results of this study that 10% of FM can be replaced with WHWM in broiler diets without adverse effects on growth and carcass traits. This approach of turning waste into a valuable product will provide alternative protein and calcium sources in broiler diets and solve the problem of hatching waste disposal in the hatchery industry.