Higher Fat Thickness Research Articles

Perirenal fat thickness is an independent predictor for metabolic syndrome in steatotic liver disease

The objective of our study is to measure perirenal fat thickness using MRI in individuals with steatotic liver disease and investigate the relationship between perirenal fat thickness and metabolic syndrome. This retrospective study included consecutive patients with steatotic liver disease who underwent magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction from October 2018 to February 2020. Among them, patients with crossed fused kidneys or who underwent nephrectomy were excluded. The metabolic abnormalities were reviewed; presence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, abdominal circumference, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein. Perirenal fat was measured in four directions in both kidneys and the total sum of them was calculated. A total of 250 patients (140 males and 110 females) were included. Perirenal fat thickness showed a moderate correlation with waist circumference, creatinine, and hepatic fat fraction (all p < 0.001). Perirenal fat thickness was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome than in patients without (76.8 mm vs. 65.1 mm, p = 0.004). In multivariable regression analysis, the group with high perirenal fat thickness had as significantly higher odd ratio of 2.71 compared to the low group. The perirenal fat thickness is independently associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with steatotic liver disease.

Differences in ankle and knee muscle architecture and plantar pressure distribution among women with knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to compare the plantar pressure distribution and knee and ankle muscle architecture in women with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty women with knee OA (mean age=52.11±4.96years, mean Body mass index (BMI)=30.94±4.23kg/m2) and 50 healthy women as a control group (mean age=50.93±3.78years, mean BMI=29.06±4.82kg/m2) were included in the study. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate knee and ankle muscles architecture and femoral cartilage thickness. The plantar pressure distribution was evaluated using the Digital Biometry Scanning System and Milleri software (DIASU, Italy). Static foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index (FPI), and pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. The OA group exhibited lower muscle thickness in Rectus Femoris (RF) (p=0.003), Vastus Medialis (VM) (p=0.004), Vastus Lateralis (p=0.023), and Peroneus Longus (p=0.002), as well as lower Medial Gastrocnemius pennation angle (p=0.049) and higher Fat thickness (FT) in RF (p=0.033) and VM (p=0.037) compared to the control group. The OA group showed thinner femoral cartilage thickness (p=0.001) and higher pain severity (p=0.001) than the control groups. FPI scores were higher (p=0.001) in OA group compared to the control group. The plantar pressure distribution results indicated an increase in total surface (p=0.027), total load (p=0.002), medial load (p=0.005), and lateral load (p=0.002) on dominant side in OA group compared to the control group. Knee and ankle muscle architecture, knee extensor muscle FT, and plantar pressure distribution in the dominant foot differed in individuals with knee OA compared to the control group.

Perirenal fat thickness as a risk factor for postoperative complications in elective colorectal cancer surgery.

Visceral obesity is an important factor that increases the risk of complications after colorectal cancer surgery. As calculating visceral fat is difficult and time-consuming, more practical fat measurements that are not time-consuming have been introduced. This study aimed to investigate the effects of perirenal fat thickness on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Perirenal fat thickness was measured from the dorsal aspect of the left kidney on preoperative computerized tomography of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. The effects of perirenal fat thickness on postoperative complications were investigated. Diagnostic test performance was examined using the Roc Curve test to determine the cutoff value for the perirenal fat thickness values according to the complication findings of the patients. The cutoff value of perirenal fat thickness was found to be above 25.1, according to the presence of complications in the patients. Those with a perirenal fat thickness greater than 25.1 mm were considered to have high perirenal fat thickness values, and those with a low perirenal fat thickness value were considered low. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased perirenal fat thickness is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. We believe that perirenal fat thickness measurement, as an indicator of visceral fat volume, can be used to identify patients at high risk of developing complications after colorectal cancer surgery. This may change the disease management and affect the patient information process.

High perirenal fat thickness predicts a greater risk of recurrence in Chinese patients with unilateral nephrolithiasis

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between recurrence-free survival (RFS) and perirenal fat thickness (PFT) in a cohort of Chinese population with unilateral nephrolithiasis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 81 patients with unilateral nephrolithiasis in our center from January 2019 to June 2019. PFT measured on computed tomography (CT) scans was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to assess significant differences in RSF between high-PFT and low-PFT groups within sexes. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the potential risk factors for renal stone recurrence. Results High PFT was significantly associated with high BMI and hyperlipidemia (p = .003 and.047, respectively). The PFT of stone-bearing kidney was significantly greater than PFT of non-stone-bearing kidney (0.77 ± 0.60 cm vs. 0.67 ± 0.58 cm, p = .002). During the follow-up periods (median 31 months), 21 (25.9%) patients experienced ipsilateral renal stone recurrence. In addition, Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients with low PFT had a significant better RFS than those with high PFT (p = .012). In the univariable Cox analyses, male sex and high PFT were significantly associated with a poor RFS (p = .042 and .018, respectively). Moreover, both male sex and high PFT retained significance in the multivariable analyses (p = .045 and .020, respectively). Conclusions Our findings suggested that PFT is a noninvasive and feasible parameter, which may help in the risk stratification of renal stone recurrence in the follow-up periods.

Impact of preoperative factors on catheter position in peritoneal dialysis: a prospective cohort study.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter malposition is one of the complications of renal replacement therapy. This study aimed to determine the preoperative factors that cause PD catheter malposition. The prospective cohort study included patients who underwent PD catheter insertion surgery and had preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans. We compared preoperative and intraoperative factors between the lower depth catheter group (group L) and upper depth catheter group (group U), and preoperative and intraoperative factors between the posterior catheter group (group P) and anterior catheter group (group A). In addition, PD catheter obstruction requiring surgical intervention in each group was followed up for 1year. A total of 150 patients were categorized into groups L (n = 77) and U (n = 73), or groups P (n = 107) and A (n = 43). Body mass index (BMI; P = 0.02), subcutaneous fat area (P = 0.02), and rate of previous abdominal surgery (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in group L than in group U. In terms of anterior catheter position, females had more-anterior catheter positions. The time to PD catheter obstruction requiring surgical intervention (P = 0.03) was significantly lower in group U than in group L. High BMI, high subcutaneous fat area, high subcutaneous fat thickness, and previous abdominal surgery were identified as preoperative factors that cause the PD catheter to have an upper depth. Female sex was a preoperative influencing factor for the anterior PD catheter position.

Novel radiographic hip fat thickness ratio correlates with early re-operation following total hip arthroplasty.

Obesity is thought to lead to increased failure rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Site-specific fat distribution has been suggested to be a better indicator of risk, compared to body mass index. Fat thickness measurement methods were developed for total knee arthroplasty, however, there is limited data on the methods for THA. The aim of this study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of a newly defined radiographic subcutaneous fat thickness ratio and investigate the correlation of this ratio with early failure following THA. 321 patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution between 2014 and 2017, with at least 1-year of follow-up and a preoperative pelvis anteroposterior x-ray radiograph were included in this study. A high hip fat thickness ratio (HFTR) was arbitrarily defined as ⩾2. Early failure was defined as revision or re-operation for any reason and death related to operation first year following THA. The HFTR was shown to have excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability. High HFTR was associated with higher risk of early failure following THA (odds ratio 3.8, [95% confidence interval, 1.2-12.1], p < 0.05). The same association persisted when HFTR was analysed as a continuous variable (p < 0.01) and in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). HFTR can be used to assess periarticular soft tissue distribution and may be regarded as a useful and reproducible tool for assessing risk of early failure following THA.

216 Autolysed yeast supplementation in finishing beef steers diets during feedlot

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, the ingestive behavior, the apparent digestibility of the feed, and the carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers during feedlot under different inclusions of autolyzed yeast (AY). For this, 36 ½ Angus steers (average BW 330 kg and 11 months of age), were distributed in a completely randomized way, consisting of three treatments and six replications (of two animals each): T1 - Control; T2 – AY 4g (diet with 4 g/animal/day of AY Saccharomyces cerevisiae product RumenYeast®), and T3 – AY 7g (diet with 7 g/animal/day of RumenYeast®), for 105 days, being 14 days of adaptation, two periods of 28 days and 1 of 35 days. The performance was evaluated, as well as the apparent digestibility of the diet, at the end of the 1st and 3rd periods with the total collection of feces. The carcass gain in the period was also calculated, and the thickness of fat on the Longissimus dorsi muscle was measured, as well as on the front, side, and back, using a digital caliper. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared to 5% of significance. The supplementation of AY 4g promoted higher daily BWG and better FCR during the adaptation feedlot period (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and the AY 7g did not differ from the other treatments. The animals that received AY ended up with higher fat thickness in the carcass than the control group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The apparent digestibility of diets containing AY was higher than the control diet (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Based on these results, the supplementation of AY 4g yielded positive results in the initial phase of the feedlot, improved the apparent digestibility of DM, and resulted in better carcass finishing.

Comparison of Nellore and Bos taurus × Nellore beef crosses at the same age on performance, carcass characteristics, and fecal starch content

Our objective was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics, and fecal starch content of castrated Nellore and Bos taurus × Nellore crossbred cattle raised on the same plane of nutrition from birth until slaughter. Forty-seven steers of similar age (22 mo ± 23 d) and BW (310 ± 30 kg) were divided into 4 genetic groups: 1/2 Angus + 1/2 Nellore (AN), 1/2 Canchim + 1/2 Nellore (CN), Nellore (NL), and 1/2 Simmental + 1/2 Nellore (SN). Diet contained 13.34% CP, 9.35% RDP, 18.18% of starch on DM, and 68.69% TDN. There was no difference in BW at the beginning of the feedlot period between AN and SN steers. However, AN were heavier than NL and CN. Groups AN and SN had the highest ADG (P < 0.0001), and AN had the highest DMI (kg/d and % of BW; P < 0.0001). The AN and SN steers had the highest initial-slaughter and final carcass weights. Group AN had higher fat thickness (P = 0.02) than the CN, NL, and SN groups but lower loin eye area. Group SN presented the lowest fecal starch content (P = 0.04), which suggests greater ability to use starch when compared with NL, AN, and CN groups. British Bos taurus × Nellore crosses allow for better performance and carcass finishing than purebred Nellore steers. Steers with a higher percentage of Zebu blood may have less ability to digest starch.

The effect of different grazing heights on carcass and meat quality characteristics of Nellore cattle fattened in pastures of Convert grass.

Carcass characteristic and meat quality from bulls and Nellore steers (n = 64 total) subjected to different grazing heights (15, 25, 35, and 45cm) were evaluated isolatedly, under continuous grazing and variable load, in pastures of Convert grass. The experimental period was from May 2015 to June 2017, in an area of 16ha, divided into 16 paddocks of 1ha. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Each paddock was grazed by three animals and regulators, used to adjust grazing heights. The final slaughter weight, hot carcass, and crude protein in the meat of steers were higher when the pastures were managed at 42cm. When the pasture was managed between 25 and 35cm in height, greater fat thickness, marbling, muscle:bone and muscle+fat:bone ratio and lower color* of the meat and percentage of bone were found. For the steers, the height of 40cm provided higher fat thickness and marbling in the meat. The loss during thawing in meat was greater at 28cm in height. The heights of grazing alter the carcass characteristics and meat of bulls and steers.

Effects of daidzein on growth performance, blood metabolites and meat quality of finishing Xianan beef cattle

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing different amounts of daidzein in a diet on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and meat quality of finishing beef cattle. Thirty finishing Xianan steers were distributed in three groups equilibrated by weight and fed three different dietary treatments (concentrate ratio = 80%): (1) control; (2) 500 mg/kg daidzein and (3) 1000 mg/kg daidzein, respectively. Steers were slaughtered after an 80-day feeding trial. Results showed that daidzein supplementation had no effect on the final body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion rate of steers. Steers fed with 1000 mg/kg daidzein had greater dry matter intake than those fed with control diets. Compared with the control group, the 1000 mg/kg daidzein group had a higher fat thickness, lower shear force and lightness. The pH, drip loss, cooking loss, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), moisture, ash, crude protein and intramuscular fat of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were unaffected by daidzein supplementation. Compared with the control group, the 1000 mg/kg daidzein group significantly increased the serum concentrations of insulin, free fatty acid and Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase. The 500 mg/kg daidzein group significantly increased the serum concentration of tetraiodothyronine compared with the control group. Supplemental daidzein did not affect the blood antioxidant ability and blood immune parameters in serum. In conclusion, daidzein supplementation above 500 mg/day modifies feed intake and metabolic and hormonal profile, with positive and negative effects on meat quality.

Crossbreeding applied to systems of beef cattle production to improve performance traits and carcass quality

Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N_N), Angus × Nellore (A_N) and Caracu × Nellore (C_N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R_A), backfat thickness (B_T) and rump fat thickness (R_T). A_N progeny were heavier at birth than N_N (P < 0.05), and Braford progeny had greater birth BW than Caracu (P < 0.05). Greater weaning BW was observed in the A_N and C_N offspring compared to N_N (P < 0.01). Greater average daily gain during the post-weaning period was verified in the N_N progeny compared to C_N (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were observed for BW at the end of the post-weaning period (P > 0.05). Progeny of N_N cows had greater B_T (P < 0.05) and R_T (P < 0.01) at the end of the post-weaning period in relation to C_N. Greater R_A was observed in the Caracu progeny than in the Braford (P < 0.05), which showed greater R_T than the Charbray progeny at the end of the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were verified for final BW at the feedlot or for feed efficiency traits (P > 0.05). A_N progeny were superior in final B_T compared to C_N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R_T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value.

Growth performance and carcass traits of steers finished on three different systems including legume–grass pasture and grain diets

Inclusion of legume in grass pastures optimizes protein values of the forage and promotes improved digestibility. Therefore, we hypothesized that finishing steers on a novel combination of legumes and grass pasture would produce carcasses with acceptable traits when compared to carcasses from steers finished in feedlot systems. In this study, we evaluated the effects of finishing steers on three systems including: grazing legume–grass pasture containing oats, ryegrass, white and red clover (PAST), grazing PAST plus supplementation with whole corn grain (14 g/kg BW (SUPP)), and on a feedlot-confined system with concentrate only (28 g/kg BW, consisting of 850 g/kg of whole corn grain and 150 g/kg of protein–mineral–vitamin supplement (GRAIN)) on growth performance of steers, carcass traits and digestive disorders. Eighteen steers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments and finished for 91 days. Data regarding pasture and growth performance were collected during three different periods (0 to 28, 29 to 56 and 57 to 91 days). Subsequently, steers were harvested to evaluate carcass traits, presence of rumenitis, abomasitis and liver abscesses. The legume–grass pasture provided more than 19% dry matter of protein. In addition, pasture of paddocks where steers were assigned to SUPP and PAST treatments showed similar nutritional quality. When compared to PAST, finishing on SUPP increased total weight gain per hectare, stocking rate, daily and total weight gains. The increase of weight gain was high to GRAIN than SUPP and PAST. Steers finished on GRAIN had high hot carcass weight, fat thickness and marbling score when compared to PAST. However, these attributes did not differ between GRAIN and SUPP. Abomasum lesions were more prevalent in steers finished on GRAIN when compared to PAST. Results of this research showed that it is possible to produce carcasses with desirable market weight and fat thickness by finishing steers on legume–grass pasture containing oats, ryegrass, white and red clover. Moreover, supplementing steers with corn when grazing on legume–grass pasture produced similar carcass traits when compared to beef fed corn only.

High perirenal fat thickness predicts a poor progression-free survival in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the association between the progression-free survival (PFS) and perirenal fat thickness (PFT) in a population of histopathologically confirmed, localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 174 patients with localized ccRCC at our center between December 2009 and December 2015. The preoperative visceral fat area (VFA), PFT, and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the differences in PFS between the high and the low PFT groups within sexes. Potential independent prognostic factors of PFS were identified by univariable and multivariable Cox analyses. ResultsDuring the follow-up period (median, 38 months), 27 patients (21 with high PFT and 6 with low PFT) experienced tumor progression. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that high PFT was associated with a worse PFS than low PFT (P = 0.005). In the univariable Cox analyses, high VFA, high PFT, T stage, and the presence of sarcomatoid differentiation were significantly associated with a poor PFS. Moreover, both high PFT and VFA retained significance in the multivariable analysis. ConclusionWe first report the evidence that high PFT presents as an independent risk factor of tumor progression in localized ccRCC. We suggest that this noninvasive and readily available preoperative parameter may help in the risk stratification of ccRCC patients before surgery.

Prospective study on effect of body composition increase on bone age development in children aged 3 to 10 years

Objective To verify the influence of body composition content and different distribution on bone age development, and establish a healthy lifestyle that benefits bone age development. Methods The prospective cohort study was conducted in the children aged 3 to 10 years at the outpatient and the body component analysis and bone age evaluation were tested during January 1st, 2014 to August 31th, 2015 at the Department of Child Health Care, Wuhan Children′s Hospital(Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, and they were followed up for 1 year.During the follow-up of body weight, height, body composition and bone age, the effect of different body composition distribution and the increase rate on bone age development was investigated. Results Total 341 children were selected, of whom 166 cases were male, 175 cases were female, and their mean age were 3.3-10.8 years.The annual growth rate of bone age ranged from 0.62 to 1.37 years in different age groups.Adipose tissue was the fastest growing composition(2.60 kg/year), followed by lean body tissue(2.47 kg/year), while the slowest growing composition was bone mineral(0.14 kg/year). The prospective factors for fast bone age growth were the content of lean body tissue(β=14.13), skeletal muscle(β=12.79), bone minerals(β=6.26), salts(β=5.91) and lean body tissue of four limbs(1.74≤β≤20.79), longer circumferences of chest(β=2.02), abdomen(β=1.37), and left arms(β=1.36), more fat thickness of abdomen(β=13.10), right and left arms(β=9.47, 6.07)(all P<0.01). On the other hand, the obstructive factors of fast bone age growth were higher content of total body water(β=-5.99), extracellular fluid(β=-1.60), trunk lean body tissue(β=-7.67), and longer circum-ferences of right and left thighs(β=-1.81, -1.77), and high fat thickness of left thighs(β=-7.99)(all P<0.05). Conclusions A healthier lifestyle can defer bone development effectively, such as long-term aerobic exercise, less weight-bearing movement of the limbs (especially in upper limbs), and more water intake, which may result in a taller ultimate height. Key words: Child; Body component increasing velocity; Bone age development; Prospective study

Terminação de novilhos Nelore, castrados e não castrados, em confinamento com dieta alto grão

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a terminação de novilhos Nelore, castrados e não castrados, em confinamento recebendo dieta alto grão, por meio do consumo de nutrientes, desempenho produtivo e viabilidade econômica da dieta. Foram utilizados 180 animais da raça Nelore, distribuídos em dois tratamentos (castrados e não castrados), com 90 animais por tratamento, com peso médio inicial de 415,64kg, recebendo dieta alto grão, constituída de 85% de milho grão e 15% de núcleo mineral-proteico-energético. O período experimental foi de 63 dias, sendo 15 dias para adaptação as dietas e 48 dias de confinamento. Houve efeito significativo para os consumos de nutrientes (P&lt;0,05), apresentando médias de consumos de matéria seca de 7,60 e 7,96kg para animais castrados e não castrados. Houve efeito para as variáveis de desempenho produtivo em função da classe sexual (castrado e não castrado). Os animais não castrados apresentaram maiores (P&lt;0,05) peso de abate, ganho de peso, peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça e melhor conversão alimentar quando comparados aos animais castrados terminados em confinamento recebendo dieta alto grão. Os animais castrados apresentaram maior espessura de gordura que os animais não castrados, de 4,80 e 3,40mm, respectivamente. Os animais não castrados apresentaram margem de lucro/animal de R$ 256,00 e os castrados de R$ 202,80. Recomenda-se a terminação de novilhos Nelore em confinamento recebendo dieta alto grão. Os animais não castrados apresentaram maior ganho de peso e lucro no sistema de terminação em confinamento recebendo dieta alto grão.

An intervention study demonstrates effects of MC4R genotype on boar taint and performances of growing-finishing pigs.

The Asp298Asn polymorphism of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in pigs is known to affect economically important traits such as growth rate and backfat thickness. We have assessed the possible use of this polymorphism as a molecular marker to perform genetic selection toward lower boar taint levels without compromising growth performance and carcass and meat quality in commercial boars and gilts. Homozygous boars and gilts of the AA genotype and GG genotype were compared in an intervention study with a 2 × 2 design to assess main effects and possible interactions between sex and genotype. The concentrations of the 3 boar taint compounds androstenone ( = 0.044), skatole ( = 0.049), and indole ( = 0.006) were significantly higher in fat of AA boars compared to GG boars. However, no effect on the sensory analysis of the fat samples could be observed. Between 20 and 115 kg BW, AA pigs showed higher ADFI than GG pigs ( < 0.001). An interaction between genotype and sex was observed for ADG ( = 0.044): AA boars had a significantly higher ADG than GG boars but there was no significant difference between the gilts. Daily lean meat gain tended to be higher in boars compared to gilts ( = 0.051), independent of genotype. Similarly, boars showed higher G:F compared to gilts ( < 0.001), without effect of genotype. Genotype and sex affected several carcass quality parameters but there was no interaction. Pigs of the AA genotype displayed a lower dressing percentage ( = 0.005), lower ham width ( = 0.024), lower muscle thickness ( = 0.011), and higher fat thickness ( < 0.001), resulting in a lower lean meat percentage ( < 0.001) in comparison with GG pigs. Gilts had a significantly higher dressing percentage ( < 0.001), higher muscle thickness ( < 0.001), higher ham width ( < 0.001), and lower ham angle ( < 0.001) compared to boars. Other than the boar taint compounds, meat quality was not affected by genotype. Pork of gilts was darker ( = 0.014) and less exudative during cooking ( < 0.001) and contained more intramuscular fat ( = 0.013). These results indicate that genetic selection against boar taint is possible using this marker. This will also result in lower feed intake and ADG and, consequently, better carcass quality.

Growth performance, carcass and meat quality of Karayaka female lambs born in different seasons

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine growth performance, carcass and meat quality of Karayaka female lambs born in different seasons. Winter born (breeding season; n=15) and autumn born (out of the breeding season; n=15) singleton female lambs were used in the study. Birth and slaughter weights of lambs in both groups were similar, but the weaning weight of the autumn born lambs was higher (P&lt;0.05). The autumn born lambs had lower carcass yield, lung, spleen and gastrocnemious muscle weights (P&lt;0.05), but higher liver, kidney, empty reticulo-rumen, empty small intestine, internal fat, suprarenal fat weights and a higher fat thickness over the longissimus dorsi muscle (P&lt;0.05). Additionally, the winter born lambs had higher cooking loss, drip loss and shear force values (P&lt;0.05), but lower dry matter and intramuscular fat (P&lt;0.05) in longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscles. There were significant differences between both groups in terms of meat colour characteristics (P&lt;0.05) except b* values for longissimus dorsi at 1 h and for semitendinosus at 24 h. The results suggest that Karayaka female lambs born in winter and autumn seasons have different meat quality parameters and growth patterns at pre- and post-weaning.

Quality of fresh pork and dry-cured ham: interactive effects of pig breed (Basque or Large White) and production system (conventional, alternative or extensive)

The influence of pig breed, production system and their interaction on the quality of fresh and dry-cured hams was determined in two pure breeds: Large White (LW) and Basque (B, local breed) reared in different production systems: conventional (C), alternative on bedding with outdoor access (A) and extensive outdoor (E). Two experimental replicates each including 5 groups of 10 castrated males (BC, BA, BE, LWC, LWA) were undertaken. The B pigs had a lower growth rate, especially for BE, and a higher carcass fatness at 145 kg, especially for BA and BC compared with LWA and LWC. Semimembranosus (SM) of BE pigs had higher ultimate pH and more red and dark meat than the other pigs, especially LWA and LWC. Intramuscular fat and saturated, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acid contents were higher in B than LW pigs, but were not modified by production system. B dry-cured hams had higher fat thickness, marbling, red color intensity and oily scores, especially BE, and lower occurrence of veining defect than LW hams. B hams were judged tender, easier to cut and less dry than the LW which had higher salty and acid tastes, but texture and taste were not influenced by production system. This study highlighting the high quality and specificity of pork from local breeds and extensive systems is of interest for pork chains involved in Protected Denomination of Origin approach.

Effect of sex and final fattening on ultrasound and carcass traits in Iberian pigs

A hundred and twenty-five castrated Iberian pigs (61 males and 64 females, from 106.9kg of live weight at star to 160.3kg at slaughter) was used to investigate the effect of feeding system on carcass attributes (backfat thickness and loin area measured with ultrasound before slaughter, and intramuscular fat and weights and yields of hams, forelegs and loins after slaughter). Pigs were fattened outdoor under extensive conditions. There were 4 treatments: “montanera”, M; “recebo”, R; “cebo a campo”, C; and high oleic fed, O). Ultrasound images were collected at two rib locations (10th and 14th). M and O groups had the highest fat thickness and loin area was lower in M than in C group. M and O showed higher carcass weight and yield than the other groups. The largest ham weight was for C and the lowest for M groups. Loin weight and yield were higher in M and R than the other two groups (O and C).

Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001-2011

Juarez, M., Larsen, I. L., Klassen, M. and Aalhus, J. L. 2013. Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001-2011. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 89-97. A large survey across Canada was developed collecting retail beef samples in 2001 (702 steaks) and 2011 (602 steaks). The samples (strip loin, top sirloin, inside round and cross-rib steaks) were evaluated for instrumental tenderness using standard procedures for sampling, storage, cooking and texture evaluation. New equations were also developed in order to compare the results obtained in these studies with consumer thresholds developed in Canada and the United States of America. In general, retail steaks collected in 2011 weighed less and showed higher fat thickness than those from 2001. Regarding tenderness, a significant improvement was observed, especially for strip loin and top sirloin steaks between 2001 and 2011. Using US threshold categories, the percentage of “tender” samples improved for the strip loin (2001=89%; 2011=99%), top sirloin (2001=70%; 2011=87%), in...