Withers Height Research Articles

Evaluation of models for estimation of genetic parameters for post-weaning body measurements and their association with yearling weight in Nellore sheep.

The objective of this study was to obtain (co) variance components and genetic parameter estimates for post-weaning body measurements such as body length (BL), height at withers (HW), and chest girth (HG) recorded at six (SBL, SHW, and SHG), nine (NBL, NHW, and NHG) and twelve (YBL, YHW, and YHG) months of age along with yearling weight (YW) in Nellore sheep maintained at livestock research station, Palamaner, Andhra Pradesh, India and also the association among body measurements with YW was studied. Data on 2,076 Nellore sheep (descended from 75 sires and 522 dams) recorded between 2007 and 2016 (10 years) were utilized in the study. Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing and parity of dam were included in the model as fixed effects and ewe weight was kept as a covariate. Analyses were conducted with six animal models with different combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects using restricted maximum likelihood procedure. Best model for each trait was determined based on Akaike's information criterion. Moderate estimates of direct heritability were obtained for the studied traits viz., BL (0.02 to 0.24), HW (0.31 to 0.49), and CG (0.08 to 0.35) and their corresponding maternal heritability estimates were in the range of 0.00 to 0.07 (BL), 0.13 to 0.17 (HW), and 0.07 to 0.13 (CG), respectively. Positive direct genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits and they ranged from 0.07 (YBL-YW) to 0.99 (SBL-SHG, SHG-YW, and NBL-YBL) and 0.01 (SBL-YBL) to 0.99 (NBL-NHG), respectively. Further, the genetic correlations among all the body measurements and YW were positive and ranged from 0.07 (YW and YBL) to 0.99 (YW and SHG). There was a strong association of chest girth at six months with YW. Further, it is indicated that moderate improvement of post-weaning body measurements in Nellore sheep would be possible through selection.

Use of machine learning approaches for body weight prediction in Peruvian Corriedale Sheep

The goal of this study was to predict the body weight of Corriedale ewes using machine learning (ML) algorithms. Fourteen body measurements (BM) and six different machine learning models were used. Body weight (BW) and BM: wither height (WH), rump height (RH), thoracic perimeter (TP), abdominal perimeter (AP), foreshank length (FSL), fore-shank width (FSW), fore-shank perimeter (FSP), tail width (TW), tail perimeter (TPe), hip width (HW), loin width (LWi), shoulder width (SW), forelimb length (FL), and body length (BL), were collected from 100 Corriedale ewes between 1.5 and 2 years old from the Illpa Experimental Centre of the National University of Altiplano in Peru. The machine learning algorithms used to estimate body weight were Support Vector Machines for Regression (SVMR), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), Random Forest (RF), Model Average Neural Networks (MANN), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The performance of the models was evaluated by the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Highly correlated predictors (r ≥ 075) were removed from the dataset. The remaining predictors were then subjected to variable selection procedures using the Boruta algorithm. Boruta results confirmed the importance of TP, LWi, BL, FSL, SW and HW as predictors of ewe weight. The ML models were then trained on those selected predictors. RF had the highest R2 values and lowest values of MAE, RMSE, and MAPE. In conclusion, the RF algorithm can be recommended for accurately estimating BW from body measurements of Corriedale sheep.

Cattle Weight Estimation Using Linear Regression and Random Forest Regressor

The global cattle farming industry has benefits as a food source, livelihood, economic contribution, land environmental restoration, and energy source. The importance of predicting cow weight for farmers is to monitor animal development. Meanwhile, for traders, knowing the animal's weight makes it easier to calculate the price of the animal meat they buy. The authors propose estimating cattle weighting linear regression and random forest regression. Linear regression can interpret the linear relationship between dependent and independent variables, and random forest regression can generalize the data well. The data set used in this study consisted of ten variables: live body weight, withers height, sacrum height, chest depth, chest width, maclocks width, hip joint width, oblique body length, oblique back length and chest circumference. Find the model that produces the smallest MAE value. The results show that the linear regression algorithm can produce estimated weight values for cattle with the best performance. This model produces a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.35 kg, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.07%, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.5 kg, and an R² of 0.99. Each variable has excellent correlation performance results and contributes to computer vision and machine learning.

Assessment of the impact of phenotypic traits and the festival of Eid Al-Adha on the prices of small ruminants in the livestock market "Sougr-Nooma" in Ouagadougou

This study aimed to assess the impact of phenotypic parameters and festive events on the price of small ruminants in Burkina Faso. A semi-directive survey using a quiz was conducted among sheep customers at the "Sougr-Nooma" livestock market in Tanghin, Ouagadougou. Data collection focused on Aid El Kebir and lasted for three weeks. The collected data included the prices and some physical characteristics (both quantitative and qualitative) of the animals. The survey covered 120 sheep sold on this market along with 120 buyers. Live weight was the most important quantitative phenotypic parameter in determining the price of sheep (r=0.91). For every kilogram increase in live weight, the selling price increased by 2703.71 F CFA. Removing live weight from the linear regression model revealed that withers height and thoracic girth could also determine animal prices. This model accounted for 53.12% of the variation in the price per animal. The significant influence of thoracic perimeter and withers height on the price of sheep could be attributed to their role in estimating live weight in the absence of a scale. Regarding qualitative traits breed and coat structure were the most influential factors on animal prices. Additionally, animal prices were significantly higher before the Tabaski festival compared to post-festival prices (84,605.26±9,087.59 vs. 61,905.94±3,941.53 F CFA).

Early Cannon Development in Females of the "Sanmartinero" Creole Bovine Breed.

The variation in the dimensions of the body of living beings in relation to their size, function, or shape is known as allometry. Allometry studies allow the analysis of the function of body structures and their relationship with the performance and survival of breeds and species. The aim of this study was to describe the ontogenetic characteristics of the weight of certain bone elements of the Sanmartinero creole bovine breed, from an early age (6 months) until maturity. A total of 79 females of the Sanmartinero creole bovine breed with an age range of 0.5 to 10 years were studied. Body measurements were obtained individually using standard procedures: cannon perimeter, thoracic perimeter, body length, withers height, and body weight. Functional and production indices were obtained for animals aged more than 3 years (n = 53): corporal index, anamorphosis index, dactylo thoracic index, and the relative thickness of the cannon. The correlation between body weight and the cannon perimeter showed no trend towards a plateau. In the Sanmartinero creole bovine, therefore, a very early development of the cannon perimeter is detected, which could lead to bone fragility in heavier animals. Therefore, data suggest little harmony with appendicular bone development, i.e., with less robust cannons which are those necessary to support body mass. It is suggested that in genetic improvement programs of the Sanmartinero creole bovine, the measurement of the cannon perimeter, the withers height, and the thoracic perimeter should be considered.

Evaluation of morphological traits using multivariate techniques in Kotdhar goat native to Shivalik hill region of Himachal Pradesh.

The objective of this study was to analyze the diverse morphological attributes of Kotdhar goat native to Shivalik hill region of Himachal Pradesh. A total number of 180 goats, comprising 150 females and 30 males aged between 1 and 3years, were randomly selected to estimate15 distinct morphological traits and ten body indices. Mean values of 17.66cm, 11.68cm, 8.73cm, 71.94cm, 69.83cm, 74.48cm, 38.10cm, 73.38cm, 20.55cm, 16.48cm, 14.89cm, 13.57cm, 19.20cm, 7.71cm and 26.12kg were estimated for head length, head width, face length, body length, wither height, heart girth, chest depth, rump height, rump length, rump width, haunch width, bicoastal width, shoulder width, cannon bone and body weight respectively. In addition, morphological indices viz. body index, length index, body ratio, thoracic development, pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, transverse pelvic index, proportionality index, dactyl thorax index and relative depth of thorax were estimated from morphological traits. Results of morphological indices indicated that Kotdhar goat are medium bodied, longilinear, tall animals and well-suited for meat production. Phenotypic correlation among most of traits was positive and significant. Among all correlations, correlation between head length and head width was found lowest (- 0.270), while the correlation between heart girth and chest depth was observed highest (0.861). Canonical discriminant function analysis showed that there was no considerable level of intermixing for morphological traits in Kotdhar goat. Employing principal component analysis with varimax rotation, three principal components were observed, accounting for 68.47% of the total variation. First principal component (PC1) encapsulated the highest proportion of variance (44.39), revealing the high loadings on head length (0.777), body length (0.747), wither height (0.782), heart girth (0.785), chest depth (0.706), rump height (0.762), haunch width (0.734) and bicoastal width (0.793). Hence, it is possible to utilize these eight variables out of the 15 morphological traits for the characterization of the Kotdhar goat.

Association Between Body and Udder Measurement Traits and Milk Yield of Holstein Cows

The association between body and udder measurements can be used towards the improvement of milk yield. Hence, this study aimed to identify the udder measurement traits and body measurement traits that may be used by farmers to increase milk yield of Holstein cows. The study was conducted at Limpopo Dairy Farm in Makhado Local Municipality at Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province, South Africa where a total of 50 lactating Holstein cows were used. Pearson’s correlation technique was used for data analysis. Findings between body measurement traits and milk yield showed that milk yield had a highly positive significant (p ˂ 0.01) correlation with rump height (r = 0.55), and positive significant (p < 0.05) with withers height (r = 0.44) and body length (r = 0.42). Results between udder measurement traits and milk yield showed that milk yield had a highly positive significant (p < 0.01) correlation with udder length before milking (r = 0.57), udder circumference before milking (r = 0.55) and udder circumference after milking (r = 0.51) The results also showed that milk yield had a positive significant (p < 0.05) correlation with teat diameter before milking (r = 0.30), teat length before milking (r = 0.31), teat circumference before milking (r = 0.36) and udder length after milking (0.47). The findings imply that all traits correlated with milk yield can be used to enhance milk yield of Holstein cows through selection during breeding. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 335-340

Effects of simplified group housing on behavior, welfare, growth performance, and health of preweaned dairy calves on a California dairy

Most US dairy calves are raised in individual hutches (IH) for biocontainment purposes and to facilitate monitoring and handling of calves. However, individual hutches typically restrict calves' activity and social interactions. Previous studies showed that group housing (GH) is beneficial to calf welfare and is associated with social benefits. The adoption of group housing (GH) on dairies is hindered by several concerns, with the primary concern being the potential for increased transmission of diseases due to heightened calf-to-calf contact. In light of this, our study aimed to compare the behavior, health, and growth outcomes of calves housed in groups of 3 to individually housed (IH) calves during the preweaning period. A total of 42 Holstein heifer calves on a commercial dairy in Northern California were enrolled in groups of 3 to different housing treatments; IH (n = 21) or GH (n = 21) between July and October 2020. Each treatment was composed of 7 groups of 3 calves each. Calves in the GH treatment were housed in groups of 3 from 6 to 10 d until 70 d of age. Individual pens consisted of one polyethylene hutch with a 1.5 m x 1.2 m outside exercise area. Group pens were constructed by assembling 3 polyethylene hutches with a 1.5 m x 3.6 m outside exercise area of wire panel fencing. Calves were weighed and measured for height at birth and weaning. Diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) scores were recorded daily throughout the preweaning period. Cumulative incidence and hazard ratios were estimated for BRD and diarrhea for GH and IH. A Mixed model with pen as a random effect was specified to evaluate the effect of treatment. Group-housed calves gained 0.64 ± 0.02 kg/d while IH calves gained 0.65 ± 0.02 kg/d (P = 0.40). Similarly, there was no evidence for treatment differences in withers height gain in GH calves (0.22 ± 0.01cm/d) compared with IH calves (0.21 ± 0.01 cm/d) (P = 0.14). The cumulative incidence of BRD based on California scoring system in GH calves was 75 ± 9.68 compared with 66.66 ± 10.28% in IH calves (P = 0.73). Group-housed calves had a BRD hazard of 1.14 times that of IH calves (95% CI: 1.21-2.40; P = 0.74). The cumulative incidence of diarrhea (fecal score 3) in GH calves was 100% in comparison to 95.20 ± 4.66% in IH calves (P = 0.99). The mean proportion of scan observations of calves feeding on concentrates was significantly higher in GH (0.145 ± 0.004 per h) compared with IH calves (0.076 ± 0.003 per h) during the preweaning period (P < 0.001). The study results provide evidence that this simplified group housing system provides benefits of GH without detrimental short-term impacts during the preweaning period on calf growth and health.

Phenotypic characterisation and production system of the Nordestino horse from a multivariate perspective

Zootechnical data is a big challenge in the extensive rearing system of Brazilian locally adapted breeds once smallholdings with limited resources and funds rear them. So, information on Brazil's breeding system of locally adapted breeds is still scarce; this situation is more challenging for equine breeds. The present study aimed to describe the local rearing systems and the phenotypic profile of the Nordestino horse breed in Paraíba state and contribute to breed conservation. Data from males (entire and castrated) and females from 50 municipalities in Paraíba state were used. Two hundred sixty-nine animals (111 females, 121 castrated males, and 37 entire males) from 129 breeders were analyzed. A questionnaire consisting of direct and objective questions was applied to understand the breeding system adopted. There was a predominance of the extensive breeding system (85%), which reflects the adaptation of the Nordestino Horse to the region's natural conditions. The lower frequency of use of cultivated pastures may be related to issues of economic viability since the maintenance of cultivated pastures may require additional investments compared to the use of natural pastures. Entire males had a minimum withers height (WH) of 135 cm. Of the 11 morphometric measurements, only five were considered discriminating by the stepwise analysis. The remaining Nordestino horses have morphological characteristics within the breed standard.

Genetic Polymorphism of Growth Hormone Gene in Dorper Sheep using PCR-RFLP

Background: The growth hormone gene has a significant impact on postnatal longitudinal growth and development as well as the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats moreover its effects indirectly relate to bone and skeletal development. The objective of the study was to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism of the growth hormone gene and its association with growth traits in Dorper sheep. Methods: Data were collected from 50 Dorper sheep of 1 to 2 years of age at the University of Limpopo Experimental farm. The objective of the study was achieved by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and General Linear Model (GLM). Result: PCR-RFLP reports revealed different segment patterns resulting in two genotypes such as AA and AB genotypes. Marker-traits association analysis showed that no significant difference was observed between AA and AB genotypes regarding all the measured traits except with wither height and AA genotype was remarkably related to higher withers height than AB genotype. It can be concluded that GH1 could be used as a genetic marker for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for the improvement of withers height.

The meta-analysis of beef cattle body weight prediction using body measurement approach with breed, sex, and age categories.

The aim of the study was to use a meta-analysis to identify the correlation between linear body measurements, including body length (BL), wither height (WH), heart girth (HG), and body volume (BV), and body weight in beef cattle by breed, sex, and age as categories. These results can be used as a method for predicting beef cattle body weight. This study used systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines to create a checklist. The first stage was searching for papers relevant to the study objectives. The second stage was searching using the keywords beef cattle, body weight, body measurement, and correlation. The third stage was reviewing the title and abstract. The fourth stage was abstracting information from selected papers, and the last stage was tabulating data. The results from this study were obtained, and 32 papers were eligible for the meta-analysis stage. The correlation between linear body measurement and body weight of beef cattle showed that HG (r = 0.88) and BV (r = 0.97) were significantly (p < 0.05) different compared to BL (r = 0.74) and WH (r = 0.72). The correlation between HG and body weight, and the categorization of cattle breeds showed significantly (p < 0.05) different results. The correlation between BV and body weight of cattle according to breed categories showed results that were not significantly (p > 0.05) different, while age was significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, to predict beef cattle body weight, it is necessary to use HG or BV, with breed, sex, and age of cattle as categories.

Caracterización fenotípica de la raza caprina indígena de pelo nativa de Chipre mediante análisis de rasgos cuantitativos y cualitativos en condición de pastoreo

The loss of genetic diversity in farm animal genetic resources is a growing concern, with many local breeds facing possible extinction. This study on Goat production in Cyprus was carried out to establish the morpho–biometric profile of indigenous Cyprus Native Hair Goats, for which there is no scientific information necessary for their proper classification and identification, for that purpose 60 animals were measured on 17 morphobiometric traits. A two–way analysis of variance with the interaction of the effects of age and gender was performed. White, chamoise, light buckskin, brown–white, white–grey, grey, pinto, and bay colors were the common coat colors recorded with proportions of 28.6; 14.29; 14.29; 14.29; 7.14; 7.14; 7.14 and 7.14%, respectively. All the Cyprus Hair Goats had horns with an arc shape. Wattles, beard, topknot, and feathered feet traits were seen in proportions of 14.3, 57.14, 50 and 21.43%, respectively. Gender factor showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on ear length, head length, wither height, heart girth, chest width, body length, hip height, cannon circumference, and body weight, as well as on morphological indices such as foreleg length, compact index, and area index. However, female Cyprus Hair Goats recorded greater proportionality index values than males. This revealed that females had a brevilinear profile with dairy–type breed characteristics and males were mesolinear with a meat–type profile. Further studies are needed to highlight and expose the potential genetic material of Cyprus Native Hair Goats.

PREDICTING BODY WEIGHT THROUGH BIOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS IN BOLIVIAN LLAMAS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body weight (BW) and different biometric measurements in llamas (Lama glama) from the Bolivian highlands and to generate prediction models of BW. A total of 515 individual records of BW and biometric measurements were used. The measurements were taken on 202 males and 313 females aged between 0.5 and 5 years, and included: neck length (NL), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), heart girth (HG), body length (BL), abdomen circumference (AC), rib depth (RD), hip width (HW), pin bone width (PBW), thoracic width (TW), and back length (BKL). The relationships between BW and biometric measurements were developed using simple linear and multiple regression. For the evaluation, the relationship between the observed and predicted values of BW was determined by linear regression, the mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) and root MSEP (RMSEP); concordance correlation coefficient analysis was also used. The BW ranged from 22 to 122 kg. Regression equations between BW, HG and RD had an r2 of 0.94 and 0.92, respectively (RMSEP= 6.06 and 6.70 kg, respectively). The equations were highly precise (r2 &gt;0.86) and accurate (Cb&gt;0.98), with a reproducibility index &gt; 0.92. The model efficiency (MEF) indicated a higher efficiency of prediction (MEF ≥ 0.86). Using a single predictor, HG and RD accounted for more than 92% of the variation in BW. Overall, HG may be used as a single predictor to predict BW in llamas maintained under the conditions of the Bolivian highlands.

Body weight prediction of Belgian Blue crossbred using random forest

Objective: The aim of this study was to predict the body weight (BW) of a Belgian Blue X Friesian Holstein (BB X FH) crossbred in Indonesia based on morphometrics using random forest. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 BB X FH crossbreds were observed for BW, chest weight (CW), body length (BL), hip height (HH), wither height (WH), and chest girth (CG) from 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300 days of age. Stepwise regression and random forest were performed using R 3.6.1. Results: The random forest results show that CG is an important variable in estimating BW, with an important variable value of 24.49%. Likewise, the results obtained by stepwise regression show that CG can be an indicator of selection for the BB X FH crossbred. The R squared value obtained from the regression is 0.83, while the R squared value obtained from the random forest (0.86) is greater than the regression. Conclusion: In conclusion, random forest produces a better model than stepwise regression. However, a good simple equation to use to estimate BW is CG.

A first meta-analysis study on body weight prediction method for beef cattle based on digital image processing

Objective: This study aimed to develop a method for predicting the body weight of beef cattle using meta-analysis based on digital image processing. Materials and Methods: The meta-analysis process commenced by collecting studies with the keywords “beef cattle,” “correlation,” “digital image,” and “body weight” from Google Scholar and Science Direct. The obtained studies were reviewed papers based on their titles, abstracts, and content, and then categorized by authors, year, country, sample size, and correlation coefficient. A digital image of body measurements used included wither and hip height, chest depth, heart girth, body length, and top view. The statistical analysis was conducted by calculating effect sizes using the correlation coefficient and sample sizes. Results: The results of the meta-analysis, based on 3,017 cattle from 13 selected studies, showed the highest and lowest correlation coefficients for the top view variable and hip height. Based on cattle breed, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in the wither height variable with correlation coefficients of 0.94, 0.79, and 0.66 for Hanwoo, Holstein, and Simmental, respectively. Based on sex, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were seen in the wither height variable, with correlation coefficients of 0.73 for males and 0.90 for females, while for hip height, the values were 0.70 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, to achieve the best accuracy in predicting the body weight of beef cattle based on a digital image, the top view variable can be used. However, for ease of field experimentation, body length or chest depth can also be used while taking breed and sex categories into the model.

Characterization and comparison of growth curves in slick and wild type-haired Puerto Rican Holstein calves and heifers

The ideal weight gain for Holstein heifers in the United States is between 0.73 and 0.86 kg/d. However, heat stress may limit growth, whereas a slick-haired coat confers superior thermoregulation. This study compared and evaluated (GLIMMIX and REG Procedures-SAS) body weight, hip height, shoulder to pin bone distance, thoracic perimeter, withers height, and barrel growth curves of nine slick vs. nine wild type-haired Holstein calves, weekly [one to eight weeks of age (1 to 8 WOA)] and monthly [three to 33 months of age (3 to 33 MOA)]. From 1 to 8 WOA, no hair coat type x age interactions (P≥0.1834) or hair coat type effects (P≥0.4778) were observed. During this period all variables evaluated increased linearly (R2≥0.34; P&lt;0.0001). From 3 to 33 MOA, only body weight (P=0.0312) and barrel circumference (P=0.0038) presented a hair coat type x age interaction. No hair coat type effects (P≥0.5398) were observed. During this period, all dimensions demarcated by bones behaved quadratically (R2≥0.87; P&lt;0.0001), while body weight remained linear (R2≥0.94; P&lt;0.0001). From 1 to 8 WOA, gains of 0.48 and 0.48 kg/d were observed in slick and wild type-haired calves. Respective gains of 0.61 and 0.62 kg/d were noted in heifers 3 to 33 MOA. No growth-related differences were observed between hair coat types. Limited gains were observed in both groups.

Prediction of body weight of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle based on morphometric measurements.

Cattle weight development is highly correlated with some body measurements. Based on the relationship between morphometric measurements and body mass, our aim was to develop regression equations to estimate the body weight of Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle to be used in farms that lack access to weighting scales. Data from 1023 animals from four farms on withers height (WH), body length (BL), body score (BS), heart girth (HG), permanent teeth (PT), scrotal perimeter (SP), and live weight were used. The animals were classified into five categories depending on age and/or sex: newborns (NB), calves, weaned animals, cows, and bulls. The best models are GLM with Gamma, Gamma, inverse Gaussian, Gaussian, and Gamma distributions for NB, calves, weaned animals, cows, and bulls, respectively. Predictive modeling for bulls was the best performing overall, with a correlation of 0.97 between the estimated by the model and the obtained with a weighting scale. For NB, calves, weaned animals, and cows, the correlation (r) was 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.87, respectively. The evaluated models are adequate to be used as a technical solution to estimate weight in a cattle production system.

Replacing alfalfa hay with a novel alfalfa leaf pellet product (ProLEAF MAX) and/or alfalfa stems (ProFiber Plus) in the diet of developing dairy heifers alters dry matter intake, but does not negatively impact growth or development

Abstract Alfalfa is a commonly grown forage in the Intermountain West region of the United States and is often included in the diet of dairy cattle. Alfalfa provides a variety of different nutrients, but the nutrient content of alfalfa varies depending on factors such as the soil, region, cutting, and climate. However, alfalfa leaves tend to have less variation in their nutrient content than alfalfa stems. Fractionating alfalfa may be one way to improve control of nutrients provided when developing a ration for developing dairy heifers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether including fractionated alfalfa in the diet impacts the growth or conception rates of developing dairy heifers. Heifers were allocated to one of three treatments: a control group fed a typical diet (CON; n = 8), a diet that replaced alfalfa with fractionated alfalfa leaf pellets and alfalfa stems (ProLEAF MAX + ProFiber Plus; PLM + PFP; n = 8), or a diet that replaced alfalfa with alfalfa stems (PFP; n = 8) for 85 d. Heifers were fed individually twice daily and weight, hip height (HH), and wither height (WH) were recorded every 14 d. Additionally, blood was collected every 28 d, and conception rates were recorded at the end of the trial. Heifers receiving the PFP diet consumed less dry matter (P = 0.001) than the CON treatment. Analyses were then conducted to determine nutrient intake and heifers receiving the PFP diet also consumed less neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.02), acid detergent fiber (P = 0.02), crude protein (P = 0.001), and net energy for maintenance (P = 0.001) than heifers consuming the CON diet; however, no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed between heifers fed the CON and PLM + PFP diets. Analysis of body weight gain over the feeding period showed no difference (P = 0.52) among heifers consuming the different treatment diets. Additionally, treatment did not affect average daily gain (P = 0.49), gain:feed (P = 0.82), HH gain (P = 0.20), or WH gain (P = 0.44) among heifers receiving different diets. Treatment × time altered (P &amp;lt; 0.001) blood urea nitrogen when analyzed as a repeated measure. Total feed cost was lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.001) for the PFP diet and cost of gain tended (P = 0.09) to be increased for the PLM + PFP diet compared to the CON diet. Overall, these data indicate that including alfalfa stems in a developing heifer diet may decrease dry matter intake, lower input costs, and increase profitability, without negatively impacting growth.

THE DIFFERENCES IN ARABIAN HORSE BODY MEASUREMENTS USED IN DIFFERENT HORSE SPORTS (RACING AND JEREED)

Numerous sports disciplines employ Arabian horses. The use of Arabian horses bred in Turkey for flat racing and javelin (jereed) sport was examined in this study, as well as the effects of aging. 13 different physical sections of Arabian male horses were measured, 43 of which competed in races at the racetracks in Ankara, Adana, Bursa, and Şanlıurfa, and 58 of which took part in javelin competitions in the heart of Erzurum. When the body measurements of male Arabian horses used for javelin and racing were compared, it was found that there were differences in the croup length (p &lt; 0.01), back length (p &lt; 0.001), chest depth (p &lt; 0.05), chest circumference (p &lt; 0.001), pectoral chest width (p &lt; 0.01), neck circumference (p &lt; 0.001), and hock circumference (p &lt; 0.001). The changes in the withers height, croup length, and chest circumference of male Arabian horses at different ages were found to be significant (p &lt; 0.05), but not in the other body measurements (p &gt; 0.05). The pectoral chest breadth and hock circumference were shown to be significant in the usage area of horses (JAVELIN-RACING) x age interaction (p &lt; 0.05). The choice of Arabian racing horses for the javelin or training purposes was thought to have altered the anatomical structure, which could account for the differences in various body measurements between racing and javelin horses.

Impact of Different Qualities of Colostrum at Different Times on Karadi Calves’ Performances

Colostrum gives the newborn calf maternal antibodies that help it fight disease. A calf that does not receive colostrum has a higher risk of illness until it develops antibodies of its own at around 6 weeks of age. This study aims to evaluate the immunity background of Karadi calves, measuring physiological responses to different qualities of colostrum and testing Karadi calves for survival in the herd. Twelve females local Karadi calves (0-day olds) were divided into two treatments with two levels for each. Using low and high colostrum quality before 6 hours and after 6 hours from parturition. Regarding calf body weight, withers height, immunoglobulin G concentration, and dry matter intake, there is no significant difference between low- and high-quality colostrum feed. However, our results show that calf body weight, withers height, and respiration rate were higher (P &lt; 0.01) when colostrum was fed six hours after birth compared to those fed six hours after birth. However, there is no significant difference in the rectal temperature of the calf fed before six hours and six hours after birth. Results show that the total white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil numbers were unaffected by treatment, time and the interaction between treatment and time. Monocyte numbers have a tendency toward significant by treatment. Total plasma protein was not affected by treatment and time, but it tends significant treatment over time.