Fattening Systems Research Articles

WPŁYW GENOTYPU I CZASU DOJRZEWANIA NA CECHY FIZYKOCHEMICZNE MI ˛ESNI ´ SZKIELETOWYCH BUHAJKÓW OPASANYCH W SYSTEMIE PÓŁINTENSYWNYM

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the genotype and ageing time on pH, water holding capacity, shear force and energy, and the myofibrillar index of m. longissimus lumborum and m. semitendinosus muscles in semi-intensively fed bulls. Carcass value indices and the chemical composition of the muscles depending on the genetic group were assessed as well. The study involved 46 young bulls from four genetic groups, i.e. the Hereford breed (HER, 8 bulls), the Limousin breed (LIM, 8 bulls), commercial cross-breeds (MT, 14 bulls), and the Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian breed (PHF, 16 bulls). The analyses showed that the semi-intensive fattening system ensures production of carcasses with satisfactory slaughter yield and quality parameters (good musculature and moderate fatness). The best quality parameters were determined in the meat from the LIM and MT young bulls, whereas the poorest results were exhibited by the PHF beef. The ageing time had a positive effect on the meat quality parameters (especially tenderness and color), contributing to a significant reduction in the differences between the genotypes observed in the initial postmortem period. The results of the shear force and myofibrillar index, i.e. parameters of meat tenderness, suggest that a 14-day ageing period seems to be the necessary minimum. This period should even be extended in the case of the LL muscle of HER and PHF young bulls or the ST muscle of HER, MT, and PHF young bulls. Further research with consumer assessment is therefore advisable to determine the optimal ageing time of beef produced in the country.

Beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems and challenges: The case of Bench Sheko and Sheka Zones of southwest Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems, and challenges in the Bench Sheko and Sheka zones of South West Ethiopia. Multi-stage purposive and random sampling procedures were used. A total of 384 households were selected randomly and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from zones and district offices. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Statistical differences were declared at P < 0.05. The mean difference was assessed by the Tukey test. The result of this study depicted that the major (87.5 %) cattle fattening system prevailing in the study areas was an extensive/traditional fattening system. The majority (68.5 %) of fatteners preferred local cattle for fattening in the study areas. Body condition was the major (52.3 %) criterion to buy and sell their beef cattle; but the mean ages selected for fattening were 4.51 ± 0.082 and 4.84 ± 0.089 years for male and female, respectively. The majority (58.9 %) of respondents fattened two times per year indicated that fattening was not their only activity in the study areas. The overall mean of cattle fattened per household per fattening period was 3.41 ± 0.077 in the study area. However, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher number of cattle was fattened in the Sheka (3.67 ± 0.126) than in the Bench Sheko (3.14 ± 0.089) per fattening period. About 81.5 % of respondents decided to finish the fattening period by considering live weight change but the rest decided by anticipated current and future price (13.5 %) and calculating feeding length (4.9 %). Village markets were the major (87.8 %) buying and selling place of cattle; whereas local butchers accounted for the highest share (62.2 %) in buying finished beef cattle in the study areas. Diseases and parasites were the severe challenges for beef cattle production while seasonal fluctuations of demand and price also challenged marketing systems. However, an increase in meat demand (41.7 %) and environmental suitability (28.1 %) were the most important opportunities for beef cattle production and marketing in the study areas. Therefore, improved beef cattle fattening practices and profit-oriented fattening systems should be adopted in areas through private and state holders in collaboration.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS, MEAT QUALITY AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCLE FIBERS IN MEXICAN HAIRLESS FINISHING PIGS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ORGANIC COPPER

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Pork meat is related to cardiovascular diseases, due to its high content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. But it has been shown that dietary supplementation of pigs with organic minerals benefits growth qualities and improves carcass and meat quality characteristics. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective was to evaluate the effect of Cu proteinate supplementation of finishing Mexican Hairless pigs (MHP) on growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and muscle fiber composition. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; Twenty-eight castrated male MHP (62±5.2 kg BW) were randomly assigned to four levels of Cu in the diet (0, 75, 150, and 225 mg kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM) for 46 d. The DMI, DWG, FC and FE were measured. At the end of fattening, the pigs were slaughtered and the characteristics of the carcass were evaluated. Tissue samples of &lt;em&gt;Longissiumus thoracis&lt;/em&gt; (LT) were obtained and muscle fibers, pH, color, temperature and drip loss were evaluated. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The DMI was reduced linearly (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) as Cu level supplementation increased in the diet. Growth performance was modified quadratically as Cu level supplementation was increased in the diet, as well as the highest DWG and the lowest FC values were found in barrows supplemented with 75 mg Cu kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM. Pigs supplemented with 75 and 150 mg Cu kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; DM had the highest (&lt;em&gt;P≤&lt;/em&gt;0.05) CW and LEA compared with the other treatments. BFT and DL decreased linearly (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) as Cu supplementation increased in the diet. The Cu supplementation affected (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;≤0.05) the color index &lt;em&gt;b&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;h&lt;/em&gt; after 48h. The Cu affected (&lt;em&gt;P≤&lt;/em&gt;0.05) the number, composition and relative area of the type I, IIA and BII fibers of the LT. &lt;strong&gt;Implications: &lt;/strong&gt;Organic Cu supplementation in the diet of Mexican Hairless pigs benefits growth efficiency, carcass yield and backfat reduction; however, its effect on content, FA profile, and oxidative stability of IF meat should be analyzed. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It is concluded that Cu supplementation effected quadratically the values of Final BW, DWG, CW and LEA, and linearly Cu affected the values of DMI, FC, CCD, BFT, DL, pH, the color index &lt;em&gt;b&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;h&lt;/em&gt; after 48h; treatments with Cu also influenced linearly or quadratically the number, composition and relative area of the type I, IIA and BII fibers of the LT post slaughter muscle metabolism and it may influence the parameters of quality of meat in finishing Mexican Hairless pigs. The production of MHP meat in an intensive fattening system is profitable and can be improved with the inclusion of Cu proteinate in the diet. &lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of rotational grazing management for sheep in mixed grassland.

Sown mixed grassland is rarely used for livestock raising and grazing; however, different forages can provide various nutrients for livestock, which may be beneficial to animal health and welfare. We established a sown mixed grassland and adopted a rotational grazing system, monitored the changes in aboveground biomass and sheep weights during the summer grazing period, measured the nutrients of forage by near-infrared spectroscopy, tested the contents of medium- and long-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography, and explored an efficient sheep fattening system that is suitable for agro-pastoral interlacing areas. The results showed that the maximum forage supply in a single grazing paddock was 4.6 kg DM/d, the highest dry matter intake (DMI) was 1.80 kg DM/ewe/d, the average daily weight gain (ADG) was 193.3 g, the DMI and ADG were significantly correlated (P<0.05), and the average feed weight gain ratio (F/G) reached 8.02. The average crude protein and metabolizable energy intake by sheep were 286 g/ewe/d and 18.5 MJ/ewe/d respectively, and the n-6/n-3 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mutton was 2.84. The results indicated that the sheep fattening system had high feed conversion efficiency, could improve the yield and quality of sheep, and could be promoted in suitable regions.

Characteristics of the cattle fattening system and body conformation of beef cattle in Bahir Dar Special Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the urban and peri-urban areas of Bahir Dar special zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, with the objectives of characterizing the cattle fattening system and conformation traits of fattening cattle in the area. Data on the fattening systems were collected from 112 cattle fatteners (72 from peri-urban and 40 fatteners from urban areas) who have experience with cattle fattening using a semi-structured questionnaire. The beef cattle conformational traits measurement was carried out on fattening cattle on a total of 60 animals (30 from peri-urban farms and 30 from urban farms) in selected farms under the fattener’s management condition. Twelve farms were used for the body conformation measurement of the animals using ICAR guidelines. The survey data was analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics and index ranking. Conformational trait data were analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedure of SAS 9.1. The overall mean family size, age of household heads, and landholding per household were 8.43, 42.31 years, and 0.77 hectares, respectively. Most of the respondents in the periurban hold cattle for draft power (index = 0.40). The respondents prefer intact and matured bulls in the urban (100%) and peri-urban (93%) areas. The respondents, on average, fatten three times a year (47.3%) with a mean number of 8.08 fattening cattle. The main feed sources in the peri-urban and urban areas were crop residue (index = 0.26) and agro-industrial by-products (index = 0.63), respectively. Most of the cattle fatteners select their fattening cattle based on body conformation (index 0.29) and condition (index 0.21). The mean initial and final body weight of fattening cattle were 348.75kg and 425.33 kg, respectively. In general, the cattle fattening practice needs to be supported by the extension system so as to efficiently use the resources.

Study of the Feasibility of Proposed Measures to Assess Animal Welfare for Zebu Beef Farms within Pasture-Based Systems under Tropical Conditions

Pasture-based production systems are predominant in major beef-producing countries; however, these systems lack validated protocols to assess animal welfare under commercial conditions. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of the proposed measures and methodology for the evaluation of animal welfare in fattening cattle under pasture conditions. The initial methodology was developed with the participation of producers, professionals, the general public, and the Colombian health authority, through workshops with a participatory approach and collaborative knowledge management. The study was carried out in 24 pasture-based commercial Zebu cattle farms in the middle Magdalena region of Colombia. Visits were made with an average duration of 2.5 h, which included the evaluation of 788 fattening cattle. The methodology evaluated animal-based, resource-based, and management-based indicators through a questionnaire-guided interview to evaluate cattle handling and health, animal-based measurements, and documentation management. A protocol validation process was carried out by selecting indicators that remained unchanged, adjusting those that were feasible to implement, and removing inadequate indicators. The application of the methodology demonstrated that there are feasible measures to include in the evaluation protocols of pasture-based fattening systems. Likewise, the active participation of producers is crucial to achieving a greater commitment to the implementation of this methodology for the assessment of animal welfare in cattle under pasture conditions.

Economic-environmental assessment of silvo-pastoral systems in Colombia: An ecosystem service perspective

Cattle production in Colombia has an important social and economic role but causes considerable environmental impacts, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions by ruminants, particularly methane. Thus, technological innovations aimed at reducing these impacts must focus on both economic and environmental sustainability. Silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) offer productivity increases while generating environmental benefits and ecosystem services and are therefore at the center of debate around sustainable production alternatives. The objective of this article is to evaluate the economic-environmental performance of two proposed SPS for a cattle fattening system for the Colombian context: (i) Urochloa brizantha cv. Toledo and (ii) Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman, both in association with Leucaena leucocephala trees for browsing and shade provision. They are compared with the respective base scenarios of only using the grasses in monocultures. The study consists of a financial analysis, which estimates potential profitability increases in beef production in the SPS, and an environmental evaluation, which estimates the monetary values of microclimatic regulation and reduction of methane emissions. The value of methane emission reductions is then integrated into a combined economic-environmental evaluation. Results show that both SPS improve the profitability indicators of the production system and reduce the probability of economic loss. Likewise, the reduction of methane emissions in the SPS is estimated at US$6.12 per cattle, and the economic value of microclimatic regulation at US$2,026 per hectare.

Повышение пищевых характеристик рыбы с использованием фитобиотиков и пробиотиков в кормлении (обзор)

Abstract. The purpose of the study is aimed at collecting and analyzing literature data on the use of probiotics and phytobiotics in the fish fattening system to obtain environmentally safe products on the example of fattening common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Materials and methods of research. The search and analysis of literature was carried out using Internet resources: RSCI – https://www.elibrary.ru, ScienceDirect – https://www.sciencedirect.com, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Results. In this review, using meta-analytical data, the main results on the use of probiotics and phytobiotics in the fish fattening system for obtaining environmentally safe products with high nutritional values of finished products are summarized. The current trends of high demand for food products are mainly focused on the search for innovative solutions for the identification of production processes. From the standpoint of nutritional value, fish proteins are absorbed better than animal proteins. Fish contains significant indicators of calcium content, which, combined with high levels of vitamin D and low cholesterol, makes it extremely useful for the human body. As the main model for collecting meta-analytical data, we used the results of international experience in the use of various phytobiotics in the fattening of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A systematic analysis of the data allows us to judge the high potential of feed additives of various origin and pharmacochemical composition as growth activators, antioxidant and humoral protection of the body, as well as an increase in the nutritional value of finished products by increasing the content of crude protein in the final product. The presented data indicate a high potential for the use of agro-food waste for the sustainable development of industrial fish farming. It should be noted that the conducted bibliometric study of the review of recent publications indicates a high level of interest in the world to solve the problem and the interest of the world scientific community. Scientific novelty lies in the systematic analysis of empirical literature data on the development and use of probiotic and phytobiotic feed additives to increase productivity, nutritional value and resistance to infectious diseases of various representatives of aquaculture.

Beef Nutritional Characteristics, Fat Profile and Blood Metabolic Markers from Purebred Wagyu, Crossbred Wagyu and Crossbred European Steers Raised on a Fattening Farm in Spain.

A high intramuscular fat content characterizes Wagyu (WY) cattle breed. Our objective was to compare beef from WY, WY-by-Angus, or Wangus (WN) steers with European, Angus-by-Charolais-Limousine crossbred steers (ACL), considering metabolic biomarkers pre-slaughtering and nutritional characteristics, including health-related indexes of the lipid fraction. The fattening system with olein-rich diets and no exercise restriction included 82 steers, 24 WY, 29 WN, and 29 ACL. The slaughter ages and weights were (median and interquartile range) 38.4 mo.-old (34.9-40.3 mo.) and 840 kg (785-895 kg) for WY; for WN, 30.6 mo. (26.9-36.5 mo.) and 832 kg (802-875 kg), and for ACL steers, 20.3 mo.-old (19.0-22.7 mo.) and 780 kg (715-852 kg). Blood lipid-related metabolites, except for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and low-density level cholesterol (LDL), were higher in WY and WN than in ACL, while glucose was lower in WY and WN. Leptin was higher in WN than in ACL. Pre-slaughtering values of plasma HDL underscored as a possible metabolic biomarker directly related to beef quality. The amino-acid content in beef did not differ among experimental groups, except for more crude protein in ACL. Compared to ACL, WY steers showed higher intramuscular fat in sirloin (51.5 vs. 21.9%) and entrecote (59.6 vs. 27.6%), more unsaturated fatty acids in entrecote (55.8 vs. 53.0%), and more oleic acid in sirloin (46 vs. 41.3%) and entrecote (47.5 vs. 43.3%). Compared to ACL entrecote, WY and WN showed better atherogenic (0.6 and 0.55 vs. 0.69), thrombogenicity (0.82 and 0.92 vs. 1.1), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (1.9 and 2.1 vs. 1.7). Therefore, beef's nutritional characteristics depend on breed/crossbred, slaughtering age and cut, with WY and WN entrecote samples showing a healthier lipid fraction.

Promotion and sustainable development of beef cattle farming industry in agro-pasture ecotone areas, Inner Mongolia of China: A comparison between two fattening systems

The agro-pasture ecotone is distributed all around the world. In these areas, the productive land forces are decreasing, and due to the irrational economic activities and the vulnerable ecological environment in these regions occurs land degradation. This study focuses on the effect of two different fattening approaches of beef cattle and output from the economic point of view by using a cost-benefit analysis technique in the eastern agro-pasture ecotone of Inner Mongolia, China. This study considers the environmental, social, and economic costs as input factors and concludes that both fattening systems have different characteristics. The result shows that the intensive farming system has more fluctuation and instability in terms of the number of animals due to the feed shortage in the local area. In comparison, the continuous fattening system is much more efficient and sustainable in terms of cost management and benefit analysis due to the local condition of the area. The empirical results indicate that the beef cattle industry has a high marginal return. Our research highlights the need to prioritize local resources and incorporate feed-intensity analysis in livestock.

Growth performance and economics of Kenguri Ram Lambs under fattening system in Kalyana Karnataka

Fattening system of lambs has emerged as a new livelihood option for rural youths. Kenguri ram lamb fattening undertaken by 20 trained rural youths was studied for a period of five years (2015 to 2020) in semi-arid regions of Karnataka. During the five years period, a significant (P<0.05) increase was recorded in average number of lambs fattened by rural youths (14.00 to 46.75), area covered under fodder production (0.14 to 0.30 ha), body weight of lambs at the time of sale (34.14 to 39.74 kg), net income per lamb (Rs.2688/- to Rs. 4311/-) and cost-benefit ratio (1.51 to 1.62). The body weights of lambs at 6, 9 and 12 months of age were higher under intensive fattening (23.23, 32.93 and 40.94 kg, respectively) than extensive (19.04, 25.18 and 31.81 kg, respectively) system. The study revealed that the fattening of ram lambs to meet the market demand is highly remunerative and served as a sustainable source of livelihood for rural youths.

Prevalence and major causes of ruminal lesions in intensive cattle fattening units.

Ruminal acidosis is frequent in cattle fattening systems associated with grain-rich fibre-poor diets. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ruminal lesions compatible with ruminal acidosis intensive fattening farms and its risk factors on farm. Rumens of 218 out of 1960 bullocks from six farms were classified in slaughterhouses, and the management practices and the type of feed were compared. The prevalence of lesions compatible with ruminal acidosis was high (65%), where 47% and 18% of the animals had ruminal lesions compatible with subacute and acute disease, respectively. Prevalence of lesions differed significantly between the farms, with differences in the management and feeding practices. Ruminal lesions compatible with ruminal acidosis are prevalent in cattle fattening units in Portugal and husbandry and feeding practices are likely to have an impact.

Opportunities and Challenges of Bali Fatting Business in Napano Kusambi District, Muna Barat Regency

This study aims to determine the opportunities and challenges of the Bali cattle fattening business in Napano Kusambi District, West Muna Regency which was carried out in July 2021. Determination of the research location by Purposive Sampling with a sample of 10 respondents/village, with a total of 60 respondents from 6 villages using the method survey utilizing interviews, observation, and documentation and analyzed descriptively. The results of the research on opportunities for developing a Bali cattle fattening business in Napano Kusambi District are the age of the breeder is classified as productive, the experience of raising livestock, the family workforce involved, the ownership of 1-5 cattle, natural grass feed is still available, the ownership of livestock between 1-5 heads, land which is quite extensive and the challenges of developing a fattening business are livestock as a sideline business, the number of males is small, an extensive maintenance system, no addition of concentrate feed, unavailable cages, fattening is still a pasture fattening system, lack of disease management, and lack of livestock extension workers.

Improving live weight gain in Ongole crossbred bulls through processing of Gliricidia sepium leaf meal and cassava in a supplement concentrate

Formulating rations using locally produced protein and energy sources is an important strategy to increase beef production in developing countries. Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GLM), dry cassava powder (DCP), soybean hulls (SBH), peanut husks (PH) and palm kernel cake (PKC) in various combinations, were processed either as a mash or a pellet, to produce a concentrate supplement diet (CSD) for Ongole crossbred bulls in an Indonesian village fattening system. Bulls were given the current feeding system (CFS) ad libitum (T0, control) and CFS ad libitum + 1 % live weight (on approximate DM basis) of five different CSD (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5). Treatments were: T1 (CFS + CSD mash: 25 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 50 % DCP), T2 (CFS + CSD pellet: 25 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 50 % DCP), T3 (CFS + CSD pellet: 50 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 25 % DCP), T4 (CFS + CSD pellet: 50 % GLM + 5 % SBH + 20 % DCP + 10 % PH + 15 % PKC) and T5 (CFS + CSD mash: 50 % GLM + 5 % SBH + 20 % DCP + 10 % PH + 15 % PKC). The experiment was carried out for 12 weeks and arranged in a randomized complete block design with 10 head per treatment. Animals were ranked and blocked based on pre-experiment live weight. The measured experimental variables consisted of growth performance and blood profile. Results showed that CSD supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased dry matter intake and average daily gain of Ongole crossbred bulls without affecting the feed to gain ratio. There were no differences in the average daily gain (ADG) between CSD treatments despite a difference in crude protein (CP) content (9 vs 13 % CP) between high and low DCP inclusion levels (25 % vs 50 %) and inverse GLM inclusion, or mash vs pelleted processing method. This suggested that the response was due primarily to increased metabolisable energy supply rather than CP supply. Daily income over feed cost (IOFC) was highest in T5 treatment (38 % higher than the control) which was formulated to provide the lowest cost of CSD ration. In conclusion, pelleting did not affect the performance of bulls, GLM and DCP could be used effectively at high levels, and a least cost ration approach was most effective in increasing the daily IOFC for smallholder farmers.

Characterization of Three Different Mediterranean Beef Fattening Systems: Performance, Behavior, and Carcass and Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryBeef fattening systems present a large diversity according to the effect of the type (genetics and gender) of animals fattened, the nutrition programs, the housing conditions, and days on feed, resulting in different carcass traits and meat qualities. New beef fattening systems are arising in Mediterranean countries raising crossbred Angus bulls seeking new marketing opportunities. One of the strengths of the present study is that all animals of the three compared different production systems, two conventional (crossbred heifers, Holstein bulls) and one innovative (crossbred Angus bulls), were raised following their own commercial program (days on feed, nutrition) under the same housing, care, and weather conditions. Furthermore, the carcass and meat quality parameters were analyzed by using a common methodology. With this experimental design, potential factors like the housing conditions or the methodology used to analyze carcass and meat quality (aging time, cooling temperatures, lab equipment) did not interfere in data interpretation. The results indicated that fattening crossbred Angus bulls is suitable in an intensive fattening program but technical data (performance, meat quality or consumer preferences) do not support it as a better alternative to the current Holstein bull production.The aim of this study was to characterize three different commercial dairy beef fattening systems for intensive Mediterranean fattening programs differing in gender, breed, nutrition, and days of feed in order to describe their performance, behavior, and carcass and meat quality when they were raised simultaneously under the same housing and care conditions. Treatments were three different production systems: (1) crossbred Holstein x beef breeds such as Charolais or Limousine heifers, slaughtered at 10 months of age (CBH10, n = 41); (2) Holstein bulls, slaughtered at 11 months of age (HB11, n = 42); and (3) crossbred Holstein x Angus bulls, slaughtered at 12 months of age (CAB12, n = 37). According to our results, moving from a production system based on Holstein bulls to the crossbred Angus production system has no technical support as no large production and meat quality improvements were observed, and only marketing strategies for meat differentiation and consumer trends could favor this decision.

Development of a welfare assessment protocol for practical application in Argentine feedlots

The intensification of livestock farming has led to the expansion of feedlots in many countries and Argentina is not an exception. As in any other husbandry context, there is a need to objectively adopt an evidence-based approach to monitoring animal welfare in feedlots. This research aimed to describe the stages that took part in the development process of Bienest.AR, a beef cattle evaluation protocol adapted to the different conditions of the national feedlots, respecting validity, reliability, and feasibility criteria. The process to achieve this goal included the following seven stages: 1- Identification of welfare indicators considering animal- (ABM), resource- (RBM) and management-based measurements (MBM), by organising them according to the FAWC Five Freedoms, the Five Domains Model, and the welfare principles and criteria applied by Welfare Quality® and AWIN methods; 2- Validation of Gold Standards; 3- Evaluator’s training and first reliability testing by Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient; 4- Selection of indicators through focus groups; 5- Field application on 25 farms; 6- Feasibility and second reliability testing by Kendall Correlation Coefficient; and 7- Weighing of indicators and defining the classification method. Of the 150 candidate measurements initially obtained from the literature review, 57 were pre-selected and 28 were finally selected based on their validity, reliability and practicality to integrate the final protocol (18 ABM, 8 RBM and 2 MBM). In addition, the final protocol included information about: preliminary interview; sampling order; estimated evaluation time; sample size; equipment required; and steps to follow from arrival at the farm until completion of the evaluation. The protocol was applied in 25 feedlots and 54,238 animals, and required a minimum time of 290 min to a maximum of 495 min to be completed. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) concordance among the observers was found for all the selected ABM analysed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Given the simplicity for its evaluation, the reliability of RBM and MBM included in this protocol has not been evaluated. This research allowed the development of the first standard welfare assessment protocol for beef cattle feedlots in Argentina. Further applications of the described welfare assessment tool in many feedlots will reinforce the validation of the proposed measurements and allow the diagnosis of the global situation of animal welfare in feedlots in Argentina and other countries applying comparable fattening systems.

Effects of breed and fattening system on fatty acid and chemical composition of meat from male lambs

The purpose of this study was to examine the fatty acid and chemical composition of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) from male Tuj and Hemşin lambs reared in extensive, semi-intensive and intensive feeding systems. At the end of 90 days eight lambs from each breed and feeding system were slaughtered to determine chemical composition, and six lambs in each group were selected at random to assess fatty acid composition. Breed and feeding system interaction affected the quantities of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and the atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and nutritive value (NVI) indices. In Hemşin the ratio of PUFA to SFA was higher in lambs fed in the extensive system than those produced in the semi-intensive and intensive systems, which were similar, whereas in Tuj this ratio decreased from the extensive to semi-intensive to intensive feeding systems. The ratio of omega n-6 to omega n-3 fatty acids was lower in the extensive and semi-intensive systems than it was in intensively fed Hemşin lambs, but increased with the intensity of feeding in Tuj lambs. Intramuscular fat content was higher in Hemşin lambs than in Tuj lambs and increased with the intensity of the feeding system. Conjugated linoleic acid content (CLA) was affected by feeding system in Hemşin lambs, but not in Tuj lambs. Because of their high PUFA/SFA ratio and low TI value, Tuj lambs reared in extensive feeding system were deemed to have the best performance.

Effects of Rearing System and Fattening Intensity on the Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Attributes of Meat from Young Crossbred (Holstein-Friesian × Hereford) Bulls.

Simple SummaryCalves could be reared using automatic computer-controlled feeding machines or in a foster cow system, where one cow usually nurses two calves. The unrestricted access of calves to fresh milk in the foster cow system might have a beneficial effect on their health and later fattening performance and, ultimately, meat quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of these rearing systems and fattening intensities on bioactive compounds content in beef originated from young bulls. An analysis of different rearing systems and fattening intensity levels indicates that natural calf rearing should be followed by intensive fattening to produce beef with optimal sensory attributes and a high nutritional value.The study was aimed at determining the effects of the rearing system and intensity of fattening on beef physicochemical properties and sensory quality, fatty acid composition, and mineral compounds and vitamins concentration. The study was conducted using meat from 38 young, crossbred bull calves, which were reared with nurse cows (C) or were fed milk replacer (R). In the study, intensive (Int) or semi-intensive (SInt) fattening system were applied. The bulls were slaughtered at the age of 560 days and samples of the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle were collected. Meat from C bulls was juicier (p < 0.05) and had a higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and α-tocopherol, compared with meat from R bulls. The Int system resulted in the intramuscular fat (IMF) content increase (p < 0.01) and reduced shear force (p < 0.05), compared with the SInt system. Meat from Int bulls had a better eating quality and a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs), Zn, and Fe; however, it had a lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and α-tocopherol concentration than meat obtained from SInt bulls.

Beef–cattle ranching in the Paraguayan Chaco: typological approach to a livestock frontier

The Paraguayan Chaco has experienced, in the last few decades, some of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. In parallel, this region has registered an increase in the number of cattle heads of 60% in the last decade. Taking into account the high environmental and socioeconomic impact of this expansion, the aim of this work was to reveal how Beef–cattle ranching is carried out and to establish a typology that allows us to identify the different land-use patterns followed by the ranches. Data were collected using face-to-face structured interviews of 80 ranch owners. In the region ranches co-exist that practise the cow–calf system, the whole-cycle system and the fattening system. In all cases, ranches are very large, pasture based, highly specialised in Beef–cattle and export-oriented. Three groups of ranches were identified, being the main differentiating drivers: (i) the availability of the different production factors, (ii) the distribution of total area, and (iii) the degree of intensification in the use of capital, labour and/or technology per unit of agricultural area. In addition, it is noted that the years of activity of the ranches are related to these drivers. The typology of ranches contributes to a better understanding of one of the most active livestock frontiers in the world and shows that the expansion process taking place in the Paraguayan Chaco is associated with an intensification of Beef–cattle systems. These results provide a useful approach to develop policies that regulate the expansion of the cattle frontier in the Paraguayan Chaco.

Comparison and analysis on sheep meat quality and flavor under pasture-based fattening contrast to intensive pasture-based feeding system

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-month intensive feeding on the meat quality, fatty acid profile, flavor, and growth performance of grazing Hulunbuir sheep (HBS).MethodsThe HBS were selected 4-months after birth in a pasture rearing system as the experimental animals (n = 44, female, average body weight 23.8±2.2 kg) then divided equally into pasture-based grazing fattening (PAS) and concentrate-included intensive fattening (CON) groups for another 4-month finishing. When finished fattening, all animals were slaughtered to collect musculus longissimus dorsi subcutaneous adipose tissue and to investigate the influences on meat quality, fatty acid profile, flavor and growth performance.ResultsThe results showed lambs in CON group got significantly higher live weight, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage. The CON group had significantly higher value of redness (a*), lightness (L*) and water holding capacity (p<0.05), significantly lower value of Warner-Bratzler shear force than the PAS group (p<0.05). The subcutaneous fat from CON group lambs demonstrated a significantly higher content of C18:1 and C18:2 (p<0.05), but lower C14:0 and C16:0, indicating an increased degree of unsaturated fatty acid. The content of 4-methyloctanoic acid, 4-ethyloctanoic acid and 4-methylnonanoic acid had increased 2 to 4 times, representing a more intense odor in the CON group. However, the values were still lower than most sheep breeds reported, indicating the indoor feeding system could not fundamentally deteriorate the excellent meat characteristic of HBS.ConclusionIt was evident that lambs in CON group exhibited a better meat production performance, improved in meat color, texture and healthier fatty acid profile through pasture-weaned concentrate included intensive fattening system, which offers a good alternative regimen for lamb finishing and has a wide prospection in the HBS meat industry.