Hot Carcass Yield Research Articles

Características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de coelhos da raça Lionhead

Objetivou-se com essa pesquisa avaliar as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de coelhos machos e fêmeas da raça Lionhead. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos de ambos os sexos, os quais constituíram os tratamentos. Os animais foram alimentados com ração concentrada, volumoso e água à vontade durante 60 dias. Houve pesagem semanal dos animais até o término do período de arraçoamento, quando então, foram submetido ao abate. O delineamento estatístico adotado foi inteiramente casualizado e aplicado o teste de Tukey para avaliação das médias. Os animais não apresentaram diferenças para peso vivo ao abate (1,499kg); peso do corpo vazio (1,00kg); peso da carcaça quente (0,798kg) e fria (0,791kg); rendimento de carcaça quente (53,23%) e fria (52,78%). As fêmeas apresentaram pesos do fígado (75,70g) e trato gastrointestinal (173,90g) superiores àqueles observados nos machos que foram 50,43g e 128,28g, respectivamente; no entanto, não foram verificadas diferenças para peso de coração, rins e pulmões. Não foram observadas diferenças para as variáveis de qualidade da carne: pH 0h (6,77) e 24h pós-abate (5,48); teor luminosidade (49,86), vermelho (4,70) e amarelo (5,78); perdas por cocção (22,26%) e força de cisalhamento (4,45 kgf/cm²). O sexo não influencia na qualidade da carne e características de carcaça de coelhos Lionhead. Coelhos machos e fêmeas da raça Lionhead apresentam potencial para fins de produção de carne, pois suas características de carcaça e qualidade da carne torna-a favorável ao comércio de produtos cárneos.

Effects of pen cleaning on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers fed during the winter in the northern Great Plains

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of winter pen cleaning on livestock performance of beef cattle fed to finish in the northern Great Plains. To accomplish our research objective, 156 mixed-breed beef steers (284 ± 14 kg) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to one of 12 open-lot feedyard pens for a 195 day feeding study. Treatments were assigned randomly to pen and consisted of: 1) Control - no cleaning, 2) Apron - bunk aprons cleaned twice throughout the study, and 3) Full - entirety of the pen cleaned twice throughout the study. Full pens or bunk aprons were cleaned on d 49 and 133. Pens were stocked at 30.1 m2 of pen space per steer. Steers were adapted to and finished on a common finishing diet. Fresh wheat straw was placed on bedding areas weekly, with an estimated 2.5 kg cereal straw·steer−1·d−1 used as bedding during the study. Pen cleaning did not influence (P ≥ 0.48) animal performance. Hot carcass weight, ribeye area, back fat and yield grade of carcasses were not affected (P ≥ 0.44) by pen cleaning treatment. We observed that increasing extent of pen cleaning increased (P = 0.03) marbling score (444, 463, and 484 ± 11.1 for control, apron, and full, respectively). Increasing extent of pen cleaning resulted in increased (P = 0.03) quality grade of carcasses. Visual assessment of pen condition, apron score, and tag score were impacted by cleaning regimen by period interaction (P ≤ 0.01). Pen cleaning resulted in improved pen conditions or apron scores compared to control pens, and decreased tag scores compared to control steers (P < 0.05). Pen cleaning did not improve animal performance but did improve marbling score of carcasses in this study.

Addition of yellow grease to grain-based diets and taiwan grass on growth performance of finishing hair lambs

Growing lambs were used to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of yellow grease (YG) on performance and carcass yield. Sixteen male hair lambs were assigned randomly to one of two diets with 0 or 30 g YG/kg DM and similar energy and protein content. Lambs underwent adaptation to diets for 12 d and fasting for 75 d. Dietary inclusion of YG did not affect growth performance or feed intake. Feed conversion, hot and cold carcass weight and yield improved by YG. The dietary addition of 30 g YG/kg DM allowed reducing the proportion of dietary grain without causing harmful effects on growth performance and feed intake but improving carcass dressing in finishing hair lambs. Given that its inclusion in grain-based diets improved carcass weights and yield. We can conclude that YG would be an efficient alternative energy source for hair lambs under tropical conditions. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine the effect of YG on meat and carcass quality.

Effect of calcium oxide and soybean hull addition to feedlot diets containing dried distillers grains and corn stover on steer performance, carcass characteristics, and digestibility.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soybean hulls (SBH) and/or calcium oxide (CaO) on rumen pH, digestibility, and performance of steers fed diets containing dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). In experiment 1, Angus × Simmental steers (n = 112, body weight [BW] = 364 ± 7.8 kg) were allotted to 1 of 4 diets arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial and placed in 16 pens (7 steers/pen, 4 pens/treatment, and 28 steers/treatment). Factors were SBH (0% or 30% of diet dry matter [DM]) and CaO (0% or 1%) inclusion. Basal diets contained 20% corn stover, 30% DDGS, and 4% supplement. Diets with SBH contained 14.1% or 15.0% corn and diets without SBH contained 43.9% or 44.8% corn. In experiment two, four steers (BW = 510 ± 9.8 kg) were allotted to a 4 × 4 Latin square (21 d periods) to determine the effects of CaO and SBH on ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA), nutrient digestibility, and digestion kinetics. Statistical analyses were conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS. In experiment 1, BW did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.46). Overall carcass-adjusted gain did not differ due to SBH or CaO inclusion (P ≥ 0.13); however, there was an interaction (P = 0.01) where CaO improved gain in steers fed no SBH, but not in steers fed SBH. Steers fed SBH consumed more DM than steers not fed SBH (P = 0.02) and an interaction tended to occur (P = 0.06) where CaO increased dry matter intake in steers fed no SBH, but not in steers fed SBH. Calcium oxide increased hot carcass weight and yield grade (interaction; P ≤ 0.04) and tended to increase fat thickness (interaction; P = 0.08) in steers fed no SBH, but not in steers fed SBH. Dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, % kidney, pelvic, heart fat, and marbling score did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.14). Total VFA concentrations were greater with SBH inclusion and with CaO addition (P < 0.01). Digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was greater with CaO addition (P ≤ 0.04) and NDF and ADF digestibility were greater with SBH inclusion (P < 0.001). Inclusion of SBH did not affect (P ≥ 0.26) rate of digestion (kd) or passage (kp). Addition of CaO tended to increase mean retention time (P = 0.09). An interaction between SBH inclusion and CaO addition occurred for kd (P = 0.01), where CaO increased kd in steers fed SBH, but decreased kd when steers were fed no SBH. Total N excretion tended to be lower with SBH inclusion and CaO addition (P = 0.07). In conclusion, CaO enhances performance of cattle fed corn, DDGS, and corn stover diets, but not when corn is partially replaced by a fiber-based energy feed.

Effects of dietary replacement of urea with encapsulated nitrate and cashew nut shell liquid on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and carcass characteristics in growing lambs

Nitrate (NO3¯) salts can be used as an alternative to urea in ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of using encapsulated nitrate (EN) alone or combined with cashew nut shell liquid (EN + CNSL) to replace urea (UR) on intake and nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, microbial nitrogen (MN) supply, carcass attributes, and meat quality of growing lambs. Eighteen Santa Inês male lambs (36.2 ± 5 kg of body weight; mean ± SD) were allocated individually to metabolic crates and fed a backgrounding diet with a 60:40 concentrate to forage ratio for 92 days. Lambs were assigned to a randomized complete block design with 6 blocks and 3 experimental diets: UR, 15 g urea/kg dry matter (DM); EN replacing UR at 45.1 g/kg DM; and EN + CNSL replacing UR at 45.1 g/kg DM. After finishing the digestibility and N balance trials, all lambs were fasted for 18 h, weighed, and then slaughtered. The dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. The addition of EN or EN + CNSL tended to increase urinary NO3¯ excretion (P = 0.056) and NO2¯ excretion (P < 0.001). Compared to the UR diet, lambs fed EN or EN + CNSL diets decreased (P = 0.011) urinary UR concentrations. No differences (P> 0.05) in purine derivative excretion or daily MN supply were observed among treatments. The addition of EN or EN + CNSL did not affect (P > 0.05) hot or chilled carcass yields, chilling weight losses, or carcass pH. No differences (P > 0.05) in 12thrib longissimus muscle (LM) area, fat thickness, or color were observed. Fresh LM samples indicated no effects (P > 0.05) of EN or EN + CNSL on NO3¯ concentrations, and NO2¯ in LM samples was not detected. In conclusion, EN could be used as a replacement for UR in the diets of growing lambs with no adverse effects on nutrient digestibility or fresh meat quality.

Supplementation with calcium salts of cottonseed oil improves performance of Bos indicus animals consuming finishing diets.

Lipid ingredients are often used into feedlot cattle diets, primarily to increase energy density and improve efficiency parameters of the herd. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of including calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) and increasing levels of cottonseed byproducts into feedlot diets. On day 0 of the study, 96 Bos indicus bullocks were individually weighed twice and initial body weight (BW) was considered the average of both measurements (initial BW = 287 ± 22.4 kg). Bulls were ranked by initial BW, allocated into 1 of 12 feedlot pens (eight bulls per pen), and pens randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) inclusion of 15.0% [dry matter (DM) basis] of cottonseed byproducts into the finishing diet (CTS-15; n = 4), 2) inclusion of 22.0% (DM basis) of cottonseed byproducts into the finishing diet (CTS-22; n = 4), and 3) inclusion of 2.7% (DM basis) of CSFA of cottonseed oil into the finishing diet (CSFA; n = 4). The experimental period lasted 135 d and consisted of 5 d of preadaptation, 15 d of adaptation (ADP), 31 d of growing (GRO), and 84 d of finishing (FIN). Performance and carcass characteristics data were evaluated at the end of the experimental period. A treatment × period interaction was observed on total DM intake (DMI; P < 0.0001), given that no treatment differences were observed during ADP (P > 0.33), whereas CSFA-supplemented animals had a reduced DMI during GRO and FIN phases (P < 0.05). When individual mean nutrient intake was evaluated, CSFA supplementation caused a reduction in crude protein and physically effective neutral detergent fiber intake (P ≤ 0.05), and tended to reduce metabolizable energy, net energy for maintenance and gain intake (P = 0.06). Additionally, CSFA inclusion or CTS increase into the diet did not affect final BW, BW change, average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight, carcass ADG, and yield gain (P ≥ 0.11). On the other hand, CSFA reduced DMI as percentage of BW and improved feed efficiency (FE; P < 0.02) and also tended to improve biological conversion (BC; P = 0.07) versus CTS. Similarly, increasing CTS byproducts in the diet improved FE and BC (P = 0.02) but also tended to increase dressing percentage (DP; P = 0.08). In summary, including CSFA into feedlot diets reduced DMI but improved FE and BC of beef cattle, demonstrating the efficacy of this technology on feedlot beef cattle diets. Moreover, increasing cottonseed byproducts into the diets also benefited FE, BC, and DP of finishinw B. indicus cattle.

Brazilian red pepper leaves essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) in diets for feedlot lambs

Essential oil (EO) from Brazilian red pepper leaves contains antimicrobial compounds that control Gram-positive bacteria in the rumen content, improving the efficiency of ruminal fermentation. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian red pepper leaves EO (Schinus terebinthifolius) as a substitute for monensin on performance, occurrence of coccidiosis by Eimeria ssp., carcass characteristics and meat composition of feedlot lambs. Forty-four lambs, 16 males (12 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 4 Santa Inês) and 28 females (16 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 12 Santa Inês), with 21.4 ± 1.05 kg of initial body weight (BW), were used in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into 2 periods of 28 days each. The treatments were defined by the inclusion of 8 ppm of monensin (MON), and the doses 0.14% (14EO), 0.28% (28EO) and 0.42% (42EO) of red pepper leaves essential oil (EO). At the end of 56 days, 32 lambs were slaughtered for the measurement of carcass parameters and meat composition. There was no interaction among treatments and periods for average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE) and oocyst of Eimeria ssp. in feces. The treatments did not affect the ADG, DMI and FE; however, the monensin inclusion decreased the oocyst of Eimeria ssp. (P = 0.01). There was a tendency (P = 0.06) of increase in hot carcass yield for lambs fed 28EO compared to 14EO. In addition, the cold carcass yield was higher (P = 0.02) in the animals fed 28EO and 42EO. The subcutaneous fat thickness was not affected by the experimental diets; however, there was a tendency for lambs from 28EO and 42EO treatments to present higher body wall thickness (P = 0.07) and Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.07) when compared to MON. The higher doses of red pepper leaves EO increased the percentage of crude protein (P &lt; 0.01) and mineral matter (P = 0.02) in the chemical composition of meat. Although the performance of lambs did not change, the inclusion of 0.28 and 0.42% red pepper leaves EO improve the carcass characteristics and change the meat composition, demonstrating the potential of the use of this additive in confined lamb diets. However, the monensin has greater potential to control coccidiosis in feedlot lambs compared with red pepper leaves EO.

Terminação de bovinos da raça Nelore com diferentes suplementações em sistema a pasto

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, o rendimento de carcaça e os índices econômicos de diferentes tipos de suplementação na terminação de bovinos da raça Nelore criados em sistema a pasto. Foram utilizados 34 bovinos, com peso médio de 480,4±34,6 kg, submetidos a dois tratamentos, animais alimentados com suplemento proteico-energético e alimentados apenas com suplementação energética, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, onde cada animal foi considerado uma repetição experimental. Com relação ao desempenho foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca em valor absoluto e em relação ao peso, o ganho de peso total, o ganho de peso diário, o peso final, o peso da carcaça quente e o rendimento de carcaça. Para a obtenção dos índices econômicos foram gerados a receita da comercialização e o lucro líquido por animal a partir dos dados de desempenho e de preços de comercialização. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e para as medias aplicado o teste F. Houve diferença para o ganho médio diário e o ganho total de peso. Os animais que receberam o suplemento energético tiveram maior ganho médio diário (1,422 kg/dia) em comparação aos animais que receberam o suplemento proteico-energético (0,940 kg/dia), o que refletiu em maior peso final, porém a lucratividade foi semelhante (R$ 170,23 e R$ 149,53 por animal). Com relação às demais variáveis não houve efeito das diferentes suplementações. Portanto, o retorno econômico, em relação ao investimento nutricional na terminação de bovinos da raça Nelore criados a pasto é semelhante entre a suplementação proteico-energética e energética.

Homeopatia na alimentação de cordeiros

Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia de um medicamento anti-helmíntico homeopático em ovinos naturalmente infectados por parasitas gastrointestinais. Foram utilizados 15 cordeiros Santa Inês, desmamados, machos, castrados, com idade entre 50 a 60 dias, com peso entre 20 e 30 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 tratamentos experimentais e 5 repetições cada, controle, homeopático; e alopático oral, durante 90 dias. Foram avaliados, o número de ovos de nematódeos nas fezes (OPG), consumo de matéria seca, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça fria, perda por resfriamento, peso de carcaça quente e peso de carcaça fria. O tratamento de ovinos, durante três meses, com diferentes anti-helmínticos não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p&gt;0,05) em relação à OPG dos grupos tratados. Não houve efeito (p&gt;0,05) nas variáveis, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça fria, perda por resfriamento, peso de carcaça fria e peso de carcaça quente. Verificou-se que o tratamento utilizando o produto homeopático obteve um maior consumo de matéria seca, resultando em maior ganho de peso diário. A aplicação do medicamento homeopático utilizado na presente pesquisa é viável na produção de ovinos Santa Inês por apresentar resultados semelhantes ao tratamento alopático e não prejudicar o desempenho do animal.

Comparison of Fattening, Slaughtering and Carcass Characteristics of Different Genotype Lambs Grown in Turkey

In this study, it was aimed to determine the fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of lambs of Eþme Kývýrcýðý (EKIV), Bursa Kývýrcýðý (BKIV), Çine Çaparý (CC) and Karya (KAR) sheeps. A total of 37 male lambs at the age of 3.5 months formed the animal material. Fattening period is 56 days. During slaughtering, head, feet, skin, liver, hot carcass weights were determined and hot carcass yield was calculated. Each carcass was cut out into 7 parts. The overall average of daily weight gain was 144.82 g. While the highest daily live weight gain was observed in the KAR, the CC had the lowest value. The total share of the rump, shoulders, back and arms are 57.65%, 66.85%, 65.80% and 67.12% for CC, EKIV, KAR and BKIV, respectively. The effect of the genotype on all the characteristics other than cooling loss is important. In terms of dressing percentage value, the ranking was CC, BKIV, KAR and EKIV from the highest to the lowest.

Productivity and blood composition indicators of ram lambs during fattening with the use of oil-plant seeds in diets

The objective of the research was to study the effectiveness of inclusion of Camelina cake, which belongs to low-glucosinolate varieties, in the diets instead of sunflower cake on the productivity of fattened ram lambs. According to the results of a laboratory study, compared with sunflower cake, Camelina cake had a higher content of dry and organic matter, “crude” fat, “crude” fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, and there were practically no differences in “crude” protein. Scientific and economic experience was organized with the use of ram lambs of the Volgogradskaya breed. Physiological studies were carried out in conjunction with the scientific and economic experience with the use of animals in this experiment. At the end of the experiment, at the age of 8 months, the ram lambs of the experimental group, using Camelina seed cake in the main diet, had a higher average live weight by 1.43 % than in the control, when using sunflower cake in the diet. In physiological studies, it was found that the animals in the experimental group digested and used the nutrients of the diet better than the young animals from the control group. Blood counts of both groups of ram lambs were normal. Control slaughter of sheep, conducted on the basis of research, showed that on average in the experimental group, the weight indicators increased: pre-slaughter, hot carcass, internal fat, slaughter, and slaughter yield, respectively, by 1.52; 1.69; 2.63; 1.74 and 0.10% than in the control. In terms of profitability, fattening animals in the experimental group was 7.8% more efficient than in the control group.

WHOLE GRAIN OF DIFFERENT CORN HYBRIDS IN THE FINISHING DIET OF LAMBS

The objective of this study was to compare whole grains of different corn hybrids in the finishing diet of lambs in terms of apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior and feedlot performance. Twenty-four crossbred lambs housed in individual pens were used. The animals were fed 7.35% hay and 92.65% concentrate (dry matter basis) containing 23.05% of a protein supplement plus 69.6% whole corn grains of the hybrids P3862, P4285 or Status for 72 days and were then slaughtered. The final body weight (40.82 kg) or daily weight gain (251 g) did not differ between lambs fed the different hybrids. Daily dry matter intake, expressed as percentage of live weight, was lower in the group fed the Status hybrid and intermediate in the group fed the P3862 hybrid. The Status hybrid resulted in lower digestibility of dietary crude protein, dry matter, and organic matter. There was no difference in hot carcass weight (19.8 kg), hot carcass yield (48.6%) or ingestive behavior between animals fed the different hybrids. Whole grains of the corn hybrids P3862 and P4285 are more indicated for fattening lambs fed with high-concentrate diets.

PSXII-17 Fiber content in diets for feedlot lambs: carcass characteristics

Abstract The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the effects of levels of fiber in high-grain diets on carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs. Fifty-eight Dorper x Santa Inês ram lambs (initial BW 20.7 ± 1.19 kg and 75 ± 10.83 d old) were assigned to a randomized complete block design. The treatments were defined by the fiber (“Coastcross” hay) content in the diets (CP: 16,12% ± 0.92): 0F: no forage diet (NDF: 10.4%); 5F: 5% of forage (NDF: 12.1%); 10F: 10% of forage (NDF: 15.0%); 15F: 15% of forage (NDF: 15.5%); 20F: 20% of forage (NDF: 20.8%) and 25F: 25% of forage (NDF: 23.5%). The experiment lasted 89 days, at the end of this time, the animals were slaughtered (169 ± 10.83 d old) to evaluate carcass characteristics. There was a quadratic response for slaughter BW (0F: 46.3; 5F: 48.1; 10F: 49.4; 15F: 50.3; 20F: 48.5; 25F: 43.3 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01), hot carcass weight (0F: 24.8; 5F: 25.6; 10F: 26.0; 15F: 25.7; 20F: 24.3; 25F: 21.8 kg; P = 0.01), cold carcass weight (0F: 24.3; 5F: 25.1; 10F: 25.4; 15F: 25.1; 20F: 23.8; 25F: 21.2 kg; P = 0.01) and longissimus dorsis area (0F: 16.3; 5F: 16.5; 10F: 17.4; 15F: 16.5; 20F: 16.0; 25F: 15.1 cm2; P = 0.04). There was a linear decrease in the hot carcass yield (0F: 53.0; 5F: 53.3; 10F: 52.5; 15F: 50.9; 20F: 50.1; 25F: 50.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.01), cold carcass yield (0F: 52.0; 5F: 52.2; 10F: 51.4; 15F: 49.8; 20F: 49.0; 25F: 48.9%; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and body wall thickness (0F: 16.2; 5F: 17.0; 10F: 16.3; 15F: 16.3; 20F: 15.1; 25F: 13.6 kg; P = 0.01). There was no effect on subcutaneous fat thickness. In conclusion, the diet with up to 5% of forage allowed higher carcass yield; however, the heavier carcasses were produced by the lambs that received 10F diet.

Effects of stock, sex, and muscle type on carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes of parent broiler breeders and broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using breeder parents (434-days-old) and broiler chickens (37 D of age) from Ross 308 on meat quality parameters and carcass characteristics; sex and muscle type were also estimated. Carcass assessment involved hot carcass weight, carcass yield, and cuts (breast, legs, wings, back, and shoulder). A total of 120 birds were divided into 2 groups (60 birds from each stock), each stock contain equal number of sexes (30 males and 30 females), and further divided into 6 replicates, so that there were 5 birds in each replicate. The birds were fed ad libitum. A sample of 30 birds (male, n = 15 and female, n = 15) from each group was slaughtered for assessing carcass and physical characteristics. Sensory analysis was carried out on each group after boiling or roasting the bird. Live weight, carcass weight and yield, breast weight, legs, wings, and back weights and yield were higher (P < 0.001) for breeder parents when compared to broilers, with the exception of breast percentage. Moreover, better carcass characteristics were observed in males than in females. Parent stock had better water-holding capacity and myofibrillar fragmentation whereas broilers had more tender meat than breeders. Moreover, cooking loss and other sensory characters were not significant between the two groups; however, females had more tender pectoral muscles and more myofibrillar fragmentation than males. We concluded that parent breeders had better carcass characteristics than broiler chickens. The broiler chickens of Ross 308 and female birds had better meat quality than parent breeders.

Effects of feed withdrawal times prior to slaughter on some animal welfare indicators and meat quality traits in commercial pigs

The aim of this study was to determinate the effects of on-farm fasting periods and lairage times on the physiological behavioral indicators, and on the killing-out and meat quality traits in commercial pigs. Two-hundred and forty pigs were submitted to a 2X4X3 experimental design, with two on-farm periods (0 or 8 h), four lairage times (1, 8, 12, 24 h) of fasting and three replicates. The blood values of cortisol, urea, and non-esterified fatty acids were above the baseline values for the species Fasting on the farm, lairage time, and total fasting (on farm plus lairage time) had a significant effect on carcass yield and on the hot and cold carcass yields (P < 0.01), but not on live weight losses (P > 0.01). The total fast had significant effects on the pH values, color L * and on water-holding capacity of the meat (P < 0.01). Therefore, in favor of animal welfare and better meat quality we suggest a total fast no >12 h.

Refeeding ewe’s ad libitum after energy restriction during mid-pregnancy does not affect lamb feed conversion ratio, animal performance and meat quality

The aim of the study was to evaluate maternal energy restriction in ewes from day 48 to 106 of gestation on pre- and post-weaning lambs`’ performance, carcass and meat quality when their dams were fed ad libitum after the restriction period. Ewes bearing single or twin lambs were assigned to two dietary treatments from day 48 to day 106 of gestation: restricted (R; n = 60) at 60% of their metabolizable energy (ME) requirements, or non-restricted (NR; n = 54) at 100% of their ME requirements. After the restriction period ewes grazed all together ad libitum until weaning. Subsequently, male lambs were placed in a feedlot until slaughter. Ewes body weight was recorded during nutritional treatment application and at weaning. Litter size and lamb sex were recorded, and feed intake and body weight were measured from birth until slaughter. After slaughter, carcass weight and yield, subcutaneous tissue depth (GR site), carcass (CL) and leg length (LL), frenched rack (FR) and leg weights were determined. After 5 days of meat aging, color parameters and Warner-Bratzler shear force were determined on longissimus lumborum muscle. Non-restricted ewes weighed 7.5 kg more than R ewes (P < 0.05) at the end of the restriction period. Lamb birth weight (BW) was no affected (P > 0.05) by dams’ treatment although male and single lambs had a greater (P < 0.05) BW than females and twins, respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected on the weaning weight between ewes’ feeding treatments or lamb sex. Estimated average milk intake by lambs was not affected (P > 0.05) by dams’ treatments and litter size. Lambs born to R or NR ewes did not differ (P > 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) of milk, while twins were more efficient (P < 0.05) than single-born. Male lambs from R and NR ewes did not differ (P > 0.05) in weaning and final weight, feed intake and FCR during the fattening phase. Slaughter and hot carcass weight, carcass yield (CYd), GR, CL and LL were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment and litter size. Brightness of meat (L* value) was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs from R ewes than NR. Ewes restricted at 60% of their ME requirements in mid-gestation seems to have the capacity to compensate any detrimental effects on lamb growth and development if adequate refeeding conditions are provided in late gestation and throughout lactation.

PSI-8 Impact of protein or chloride source on Boer goat carcass characteristics

Abstract With a growing goat population in the United States comes a greater emphasis on understanding the role of inexpensive or alternative ingredients in goat diets. However limited data is available on how these ingredients impact goat carcass composition. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of protein or chloride source on Boer goat carcass characteristics. Growing goats were fed 1 of 5 isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets for 42 d prior to slaughter in a completely randomized design. Diets included the following as their protein and primary chloride source: 1) soybean meal (SBM) with ammonium chloride (AmCl); 2) dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) with AmCl; 3) SoyPlus (Dairy Nutrition Plus, Ames, IA) with AmCl; 4) SBM with SoyChlor (Dairy Nutrition Plus, Ames, IA); and 5) SoyPlus with SoyChlor. Fifty goats (10 per treatment) were slaughtered in a USDA-inspected facility (Paradise Locker Meats, Trimble, MO), with carcass data collected initially (HCW) or after a 24-h chill. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure on SAS, with goat as the experimental unit. Differences in final body weight were not detected among dietary treatments (P = 0.284), nor were there differences in hot carcass weight or carcass yield (P &gt; 0.05). Goats fed diets with SBM, regardless of chloride source, had greater (P &lt; 0.05) loin eye area than those fed diets with SoyPlus and SoyChlor. There was no detected impact (P &gt; 0.05) of dietary treatment on goat backfat depth or body wall thickness. In summary, the ingredients tested had limited impact on yield or fat proportion in goats when calorie and crude protein levels were held constant. However, goats fed SBM-based diets had greater loin eye area than those fed SoyPlus and SoyChlor.

90 The influence of supplemental zinc, zinc source, and dietary energy level on performance measures of beef steers

Abstract The objective was to determine if steer performance improved with supplemental Zn above recommended concentrations with increasing growth rate. Angus steers (n = 72; 324 ± 2.1kg BW) were blocked by BW within growing diets to one of three Zn strategies (ZNTRT) 1) no supplemental Zn (analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg DM; CON), 2) supranutritional Zn as ZnSO4(CON + 120 mg Zn/kg DM; INZN), or 3) supranutritional Zn blend (CON + 60 mg Zn/kg as ZnSO4 + 60 mg Zn/kg as Zn-amino acid complex; ZNBLD) fed for 60 d, then assigned to dietary energy strategies (ENERGY) targeting growth rates of 1.6 (LOW) or 2 kg/d (HI). On d 60, HI steers were transitioned for 7 d and all animals received respective treatments for an additional 91 d finishing period (n = 12). Data were analyzed as a 3×2 factorial in Proc Mixed of SAS with block as fixed effect; steer was experimental unit. After 60 d of dietary treatment BW tended to be greater in Zn-fed steers vs. CON (P = 0.07). Finishing DMI within HI was similar between INZN and ZNBLD, which were greater than CON, while within LOW no differences were detected due to ZNTRT (ZNTRT×ENERGY; P = 0.01). Neither ZNTRT×ENERGY nor ZNTRT effects (P ≥ 0.37) were detected for finishing ADG, HCW, marbling score, yield grade or backfat. However, finishing period ADG, hot carcass weight, marbling score, yield grade, and back fat were greater in HI vs. LOW (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma NEFA concentrations were lesser for steers receiving HI vs. LOW (P = 0.02), while BUN was unaffected by ZNTRT or ENERGY (P ≥ 0.42). Steer performance was influenced by supranutritional Zn and dietary energy.

Animal performance, carcass traits and meat quality of F1 Angus-Nellore steers and heifers slaughtered in feedlot with a similar carcass finishing

The objective of this study was to evaluate the animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of F1 Angus-Nellore steers and heifers, feedlot finished with high degree of subcutaneous fat deposition. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (steers and heifers) and 11 replicates (animals). Twenty-two bovines with initial age of 18 months of age, 11 steers and 11 heifers, with initial body weight of, respectively, 354.86±43,66 and 353.82±39,80 kg were used. The animals were finished in confinement (114 days) with a diet containing 200 g kg-1 of corn silage and 800 g kg-1 of concentrate composed mainly of corn grain and soybean meal. The dry matter intake (9.42 vs. 9.24 kg day-1), mean daily weight gain (1.44 vs. 1.38 kg day-1), feed conversion (6.49 vs. 7.05 kg of dry matter kg-1 of weight gain), hot carcass weight (284.62 vs. 268.16 kg) and the subcutaneous fat thickness (12.09 vs. 13.05 mm) were similar between steers and heifers (respectively). The hot carcass yield was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for steers (58.14 vs. 55.53%). The steers presented a higher proportion of the forequarter (39.26 vs. 37.53%), while heifers had a higher proportion of pistol cut (49.87 vs. 48.85%). The meat of steers showed darker color (P &lt; 0.05). The shear force of the meat and marbling score did not differ between sexual conditions, with mean values of 5.43 kgf cm-2 and 10.14 points (median), respectively. Except for the proportion of primary cuts, carcass yield and meat color, F1 Angus-Nellore heifers present similar animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics in relation to steers, feedlot finished with high degree of subcutaneous fat deposition.

Comparison of slaughter yields and some meat quality parameters in broilers reared on sepiolite-supplemented wood shavings and rice hulls

Many bedding materials have been tested in broiler industry for their suitability. However, little knowledge is available regarding the usage of different bedding materials supplemented with sepiolite and their effects on animal performance and final product quality. For this purpose, a total of 288 day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into two types of bedding materials (wood shavings and rice hulls). Each bedding material group was divided into 3 sub-groups: control with 0% sepiolite, 25%-sepiolite group, and 50%-sepiolite group. Each sub-group was placed in 6 pens with 8 chicks per pen. The effects of bedding materials and sepiolite additions on slaughter yields and some meat quality parameters in broilers were evaluated. Slaughter parameters including hot carcass yield and relative weights of thigh and breast meat, heart, liver, gizzard and bursa Fabricius in broilers were not affected by bedding materials and sepiolite additions (P > 0.05). Also, no significant differences were observed among experimental groups for cooking loss and nutritional profile of breast and thigh meat of broilers (P > 0.05). The freshly measured pH0 of breast and thigh meats was significantly affected by the bedding material and was higher for wood shavings group (P < 0.01). Breast and thigh meats of broilers reared on rice hulls were lighter (P < 0.01), less red, and less yellow in color than those reared on wood shavings, whereas no effect of sepiolite additions was observed on the color of both meat cuts. No substantial effect of bedding material and sepiolite additions was observed on white stripping; however, their occurrence rate found was very high for meat of broilers reared on rice hulls than those reared on wood shavings (P > 0.05). In conclusion, broilers reared on either wood shavings or rice hulls with or without sepiolite additions did not show any negative effects on slaughter yields and meat quality parameters. Furthermore, sepiolite can be an option as a bedding material for broiler industry, but further research with thorough economic analysis is required.