Hungarian Simmental Research Articles

Characteristics of meat production traits in the Hungarian Simmental herd selected for the simultaneous improvement of milk and meat production.

Phenotypic and genetic trends, population genetic parameters, and the heritability and breeding values of the fattening and slaughter traits - namely muscularity score (MUS), final fattening weight (FFW), weight gain per day of life (WGD), slaughter weight (SLW), carcass weight (CAR), dressing percentage (DRP), bone-meat production per day of life (BMP), SEUROP conformation and fat coverage score (EUR, FAT), and meat percentage (MEP) - of 1162 Hungarian Simmental bulls were evaluated with the progeny test database of the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders. Trends were calculated by weighted linear regression analysis, while the population genetic parameters and breeding values used the BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction) animal model and general linear model (GLM). According to the results, the lowest heritability value () was found in FAT. In the case of MUS, EUR and MEP, the values were moderate (, 0.26 and 0.32), and in the case of the other traits, high heritability values ( 0.42-0.52) were estimated. The phenotypic trends of the fattening and slaughter traits of bull progeny born between 2001 and 2019 showed a stagnant direction. Between the sires, the differences in the breeding values for some traits (WDG, CAR and BMP) were large, and with other traits (DRP, EUR and FAT), small differences were found. According to the data of the genetic-trend calculation, the steepness values of the evaluated traits were positive, and the genetic trends showed a slightly improving direction in the estimated period.

The effects of heat stress in Jersey, Hungarian Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cows

The effects of heat stress in Jersey, Hungarian Simmental and Holstein-Friesian cows

Evaluation of the relationship between main type traits and longevity in Hungarian Simmental cows

The Hungarian Simmental cattle is a dual-purpose breed, having good milk and meat production characteristics. Simmental cows have some other important traits, for example, a longer productive life. The longevity or productive life is the time period between first calving and culling. The conformation contributes to productive life, reproduction, and milk production. The aims of this study were to analyze the longevity of Hungarian Simmental dual-purpose cows, to evaluate the effects of the size of the herd, age at first calving, main type traits (frame, musculature, feet and legs, mammary system), and combination of main type traits (frame and musculature, feet and legs and mammary system). Animal, age at first calving, herd*calving, musculature, the mammary system as well as the combination of mammary system and feet and legs were significant effects on longevity. The highest risk ratio was observed for cows first calved after 31 months. The risk of culling increased with increasing scores of musculature and decreasing scores of the mammary system. The highest risk ratio was estimated in category 11 (lower scores of mammary system with lower scores of feet and legs). In this case, the risk ratio was 36% higher than the reference group.

Estimation of direct and maternal genetic parameters for weaning weight in Hungarian Simmental cattle

The aim of the current research was to estimate variance components and genetic parameters of weaning weight in Hungarian Simmental cattle. Weaning weight records were obtained from the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders. The dataset comprised of 44,278 animals born from 1975 to 2020. The data was analyzed using the restricted maximum likelihood methodology of the Wombat software. We fitted a total of six models to the weaning weight data of Hungarian Simmental cattle. Models ranged from a simple model with animals as the only random effect to a model that had maternal environmental effects as additional random effects as well as direct maternal genetic covariance. Fixed effects in the model comprised of herd, birth year, calving order and sex. Likelihood ratio test was used to determine the best fit model for the data. Results indicated that allowing for direct-maternal genetic covariance increases the direct and maternal effect dramatically. The best fit model had direct and maternal genetic effects as the only random effect with non-zero direct-maternal genetic correlation. Direct heritability, maternal heritability and direct maternal correlation of the best fit model was 0.57, 0.16 and -0.78 respectively. The result indicates that problem of (co-)sampling variation occurs when attempting to partition additive genetic variance into direct and maternal components.

PSI-17 Genetic analysis of weaning weight in Hungarian Simmental cattle

Abstract The aim of the study was to partition the total phenotypic variation in the weaning weight of Hungarian Simmental calves into their various causal components. The data used was provided by the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders. The dataset comprised of the weaning weight records of 44,278 calves (sire = 879, dam = 14,811) born from 1975 to 2020. A total of six models were fitted to the weaning weight data. Herd, birth year, calving order and sex were included as fixed effects in the models. Model 1 had direct genetic effect as the only random effect. Model 2 had a permanent maternal environment as an additional random effect. Model 3 had both direct and maternal genetic effects, with their covariance is being zero. Model 4 was similar to Model 3 but with non-zero direct-maternal genetic covariance. Model 5 had direct, maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects and a zero direct-maternal genetic covariance. Model 6 was similar to model 5 but the direct-maternal genetic effect was assumed to be correlated. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood method with the Wombat software. The best fit model was determined using the Log likelihood ratio test. Inclusion of direct maternal genetic covariance increased the variance components estimates dramatically which resulted in a corresponding increase in the direct and maternal heritability estimates. The best fitted model (Model 4) had direct and maternal genetic effects as the only random effects with a non-zero direct-maternal genetic covariance. The direct heritability, maternal heritability and direct-maternal genetic correlation estimate of the best model was 0.57, 0.16 and -0.78, respectively. Our result suggests the problem of (co)sampling variation in the partitioning of additive genetic effect into direct and maternal components.

Principal component analysis of conformation traits in Hungarian Simmental cows

The aim of the current research was to analyze the linear type traits of Hungarian Simmental dual-purpose cows scored in the first lactation using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Data collected by the Association of Hungarian Simmental Breeders were studied during the work. The filtered database contained the results of 8 868 cows, born after 1997. From the evaluation of main conformation traits, the highest correlations (r = 0.35, P < 0.05) were found between mammary system and feet and legs traits. Within linear type traits, the highest correlation was observed between rump length and rump width (r = 0.81, P < 0.05). Using the principal component analysis, main conformation traits were combined into groups. There were three factors having 84.5 as total variance ratio after varimax rotation. Cluster analysis verified the results of the principal component analysis as most of the trait groups were similar. The strongest relationship was observed between feet and legs and mammary system (main conformation traits) and between rump length and rump width (linear type traits).

Relation to intramuscular connective tissue properties to CT-values in longissimus thoracis muscle of Hungarian simmental cattle

Intramuscular connective tissue plays an important role in determining meat tenderness. The objective of the research was to compare the collagen/hydroxyproline content and X-ray Computed Tomographic (CT) connective tissue proportion of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in Hungarian Simmental bulls and cows. Animals (n=24) were slaughtered at similar live weight (bulls: 530.6+44.7 kg, cows: 527.3+53.5 kg) under standard commercial conditions in Hungary. After 24 h chilling, LT samples were taken from the right half carcass at the 12th rib. CT examinations were carried out with a 16-slice CT system (slice thickness: 5 mm). Samples were scanned at different user-selectable tube voltages e.g. low: 80 kV and high: 140 kV. CT value at LT muscle area of each mixed scan (80 and 140 kV) was determined. Volumetric connective tissue content was measured (above 200 CT value) as well. Following CT, the hydroxyproline/collagen content and intramuscular fat content of LT were determined. Cows had lower carcass weight (247 kg vs 295 kg), EU conformation score (3.5 vs 5.5), and fatness score (4.2 vs 5.9) than bulls (P<0.01). Bulls had higher LT area, but intramuscular fat content was similar for bulls (2.8±1.9) and cows (2.7±2.0). On the other hand, bulls had lower CT intramuscular connective tissue proportion in LT compared to cows (0.4±0.2% vs 0.7±0.3% P<0.01). The same tendency could be observed for the collagen content (0.5±0.2% vs 0.7±0.1% P<0.01). Correlation between the CT connective tissue proportion of LT and collagen content was r=0.8 (P=0.000). There was a weak positive correlation between slaughter age and CT connective tissue as well as collagen content of LT (r=0.3–0.4, P<0.05). In conclusion, intramuscular connective tissue proportion in LT increased with slaughter age, and older cows had higher collagen and connective tissue proportion than bulls. Mixed CT scans can be used for the analysis of intramuscular connective tissue content.

Effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the breeding value of fertility and breeding value of beef in Hungarian Simmental cattle.

The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the breeding value of fertility (BVF) and the breeding value of beef (BVB) in Hungarian Simmental cattle. Genotypes were determined on a high-density Illumina Bovine DNA Chip. Data screening and data identification were performed by multi-locus mixed-model. Statistical analyses were carried out to find associations between individual genotypes and the investigated quality values. Three loci showed considerable association with BVF (-log10 P = 9.5, 9.9 and 14.5, respectively) on chromosomes 9, 28 and 29, respectively. The frequencies of their minor alleles (MAF) were 0.375, 0.355 and 0.354, respectively. Two loci showed association with BVB (-log10 P = 25.3 and 22.7) on chromosomes 2 and 11, respectively (their MAF were 0.438 and 0.229). The abovementioned loci provide a straightforward possibility to assist selection by molecular tools.

X-Ray computed tomography evaluation of intramuscular fat content in Hungarian simmental cattle

Intramuscular fat content (marbling) is an economically important factor in many beef carcass classification systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate marbling of longissimus muscle with different methods (USDA marbling score, image analysis of X-ray computed tomography scans, and conventional method), moreover it was aimed to establish the relationship between marbling traits and SEUROP conformation and fat score. Bulls (n=46) were slaughtered at an average weight of 536±126 kg and an average age of 646±437 days. The average growth rate of bulls was 955 g day–1, the average chemical fat content of longissimus varied between 2.3 to 5.0% in fat classes. The intramuscular fat content on CT-scans closely correlated with chemical fat content (r=0.9). The highest frequency of USDA marbling score was “small” (55.2%), followed by “slight” (25.5%), “modest” (17%), and “moderate” (2.1%). Bulls with higher growth rate had lower CT-measured marbling traits in longissimus muscle (r = –0.4 – –0.5). The CT scans of longissimus muscle can be used for the evaluation of marbling in Hungarian Simmental cattle. The SEUROP conformation and fat score have no relationship with marbling traits.

Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on intramuscular fat content in Hungarian Simmental cattle.

ObjectiveTo estimate effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on the intramuscular fat content (IMF) of Hungarian Simmental bulls.MethodsGenotypes were determined on high-density Illumina Bovine DNA Chip. After slaughtering of animals, chemical percentage of intramuscular fat was determined from longissimus dorsi muscle. A multi-locus mixed-model was applied for statistical analyses.ResultsAnalyses revealed four loci (rs43284251, rs109210955, rs41630030, and rs41642251) to be highly associated (−log10P>12) with IMF located on chromosome 1, 6, 13, and 17, respectively. The frequency of their minor alleles was 0.426, 0.221, 0.162, and 0.106.ConclusionThe loci above can be useful in selection programs and gives the possibility to assist selection by molecular tools.

Evaluation of marbling traits by X-ray computed tomography in Hungarian Simmental bulls

Marbling is an economically important factor in many beef carcass grading schemes. This study aimed to evaluate marbling traits of longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) with different methods: USDA marbling score, intramuscular fat (IMF) content by image analysis of X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans and by conventional analytical method. Bulls (n=46) were slaughtered at an average weight of 536 kg and an average age of 646 days. Mean values of EUROP fat scores varied from 2− to 2+, whereas mean values of EUROP conformation grade from O0 to R0. Average growth rate of bulls was 955 g/day. Average chemical fat content of LT varied from 2.2% to 3.1% across conformation classes, and from 2.3% to 5.0% across fat classes. Intramuscular fat content in the 12th rib and in LT on CT-scans closely correlated with chemical fat content (r=0.81 and 0.85, respectively). The highest frequency of USDA marbling score was ‘small’ (55.2%), followed by ‘slight’ (25.5%), ‘modest’ (17%) and ‘moderate’ (2.1%). Computed tomography scans of LT can be used for the evaluation of marbling in Hungarian Simmental cattle. Bulls with higher growth rate had lower marbling level in LT (r=−0.4 to −0.5). EUROP conformation and fat scores have no relationship with marbling traits in this specific cattle population.

Intramuscular connective tissue properties in longissimus thoracis muscle of Simmental Cattle

Intramuscular connective tissue plays an important role in meat tenderness. Our objective was to compare the collagen/hydroxyproline content and X-ray computed tomographic (CT) connective tissue proportion of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle in Hungarian Simmental bulls and cows. Cows had lower carcass weight (247 kg v. 295 kg), EU conformation score (3.5 v. 5.5) and fatness score (4.2 v. 5.9) than bulls (P<0.01). Bulls had higher LT area, but intramuscular fat content was similar for bulls and cows. On the other hand, bulls had lower CT intramuscular connective tissue proportion in LT compared with cows (0.41±0.21% v. 0.66±0.28%, P<0.01). The same tendency could be observed for the collagen content (0.50±0.21% v. 0.67±0.11%, P<0.01). Correlation between the CT connective tissue proportion of LT and collagen content was r=0.8. There was a weak positive correlation between slaughter age and CT connective tissue as well as collagen content of LT (r=0.3 to 0.4). In conclusion, intramuscular connective tissue proportion in LT increased with slaughter age and older cows had higher collagen and connective tissue proportion than bulls. Mixed CT scans can be used for the analysis of intramuscular connective tissue content.

Search for polymorphism in exon 5 of cattle pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide gene

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide is a neuropeptide expressed primarily in the hypothalamus and in other tissues, which divergent and extensive physiological functions are proved. Large number of SNPs in PACAP are published involved SNP that is associated with phenotypic trait of cattle as well. Hungarian Grey, Hungarian Simmental, Holstein, Charolais and Angus cattle breeds were involved in this study to search for polymorphism in exon 5 1–391 bp and G/A transition. Our results of PCR RFLP and PCR SSCP did not prove the occurrence neither G/A transition, nor any other SNP in cattle breeds involved.

Mineral content of three several muscles from six cattle genotypes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of genotype and type of muscle on the mineral content of beef. Altogether 62 young bulls from Angus, Charolais, Holstein, Hungarian Simmental, Hungarian Grey, and Charolais×Hungarian Grey were used. The calcium content varied between 26–46 mg kg−1, in longissimus muscle of Hungarian Simmental it was significantly higher than for other genotypes except for Angus. Psoas major of Holstein had the highest phosphorus content, it significantly differed from the longissimus of Angus. Longissimus muscle of Angus was the poorest for magnesium, and the richest was the psoas major of Holstein and Hungarian Grey. Charolais had higher level of potassium in psoas major than Angus and Charolais×Hungarian Grey. Sodium content of semitendinosus in Charolais×Hungarian Grey was lower than in Holstein. Present data showed that levels were detected in the longissimus of Angus and semitendinosus of Holstein. Concerning zinc, a higher level was found in longissimus, especially f...

Effects of different lairage times after long distance transportation on carcass and meat quality characteristics of Hungarian Simmental bulls

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three lairage times (24h, 48h and 72h) on the meat quality of tame trained to lead Hungarian Simmental bulls subjected to long commercial transportation of approximately 1800km. A total of 30 bulls, with an average age of 24months, were used. During the lairage, bulls received 0.5kg concentrate feed per animal per day and ad libitum access to the hay and water. As the lairage duration increased, the pHult decreased (P<0.05). Bulls lairaged for 24h had lower L*, b* and H* values than those lairaged for 48h and 72h (P<0.05). The effect of lairage time on WHC, cooking loss and Warner–Bratzler shear force values was not significant. The b* value was considered the best predictor of muscle pHult. In conclusion, 72h quiet lairage time is recommended after transportation in order to prevent the adverse effects of transportation on meat quality.

Comparison of fattening performance and slaughter value of local Hungarian cattle breeds to international breeds

Abstract. The objective of the trial is to compare fattening performance, slaughter results and meat quality of bulls from international cattle breeds with local Hungarian breeds fattened under the same conditions. Altogether 62 growing bulls – Angus, Charolais, Holstein, Hungarian Grey, Hungarian Simmental, Charolais × Hungarian Grey – were fattened in small groups. The daily gain varied from 897 (Hungarian Grey) to 1 240 g/day (Angus). In general, the lower gain value is caused by the semi-intensive fattening system with low concentrate supplementation. The slaughter weight showed a similar tendency as final weight, there was a significant difference between Angus and Hungarian Grey. The killing out of Charolais (59.50 %), Angus (56.80 %) and Hungarian Simmental (57.84 %) was significantly higher than Hungarian Grey (55.13 %) and Holstein (55.03 %). Due to Charolais crossing the dressing percentage of Hungarian Grey was developed by about 1.5 %. The EU conformation scores of Charolais (9.50) and Hungarian Simmental (9.33) and the fatness scores of Angus (8.33) and Charolais × Hungarian Grey (7.33) were significantly higher than that of the other genotypes. The tissue composition of dissected carcass as well as ribs joint composition determined by X-ray computerised tomography method showed the lean meat of Hungarian Simmental and bone proportions of Holstein to be the highest, whilst Angus had the highest fat content. Charolais und Hungarian Simmental had significant higher longissimus muscle area in ribs joint compared to Angus, Holstein and Charolais × Hungarian Grey. Angus and Hungarian Grey had the highest intramuscular fat level of the three examined muscles.

Effect of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;DGAT1, leptin&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;TG&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; gene polymorphisms on some milk production traits in different dairy cattle breeds in Hungary

Abstract. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of acylCoA-diacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), leptin and thyroglobulin (TG) loci on the milk fat, milk protein and milk yield in Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Hungarian Simmental cows. Leptin and DGAT1 genotypes were determined by qPCR assay, while TG genotypes were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). DGAT1 GC/GC cows had the highest 305-day milk yield values. Difference between AA/AA and GC/GC genotypes was significant (P&lt;0.05). Leptin CC animals produced significantly higher 305-day milk protein percent values (P&lt;0.05) than other genotypes in Hungarian Simmental breed. At TG locus TT cows showed the highest 305-day milk fat percent values, although differences between genotypes proved to be significant (P&lt;0.05) only in Jersey breed.

Intraoperative echocardiography and surgical treatment of traumatic pericarditis in a pregnant cow

Traumatic pericarditis is one of the most significant bovine cardiac diseases. The authors describe the use of intraoperative echocardiography and successful surgical treatment of a case of traumatic pericarditis. A seven-year-old Hungarian Simmental dairy cow in late pregnancy showed severe oedema of the throat region and brisket, as well as jugular distension. Cardiac auscultation demonstrated tachycardia with a normal cardiac rhythm. The heart sounds were muffled, but no cardiac murmur or splashing sounds were heard. A large amount of echogenic fluid with some strands of fibrin was seen in the pericardial and right pleural cavities by ultrasonography. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis demonstrated the presence of a thick, fetid and purulent exudate. Pericardiotomy was performed in standing position with sedation and local anaesthesia. After costal resection, intraoperative echocardiography was performed. It showed an echogenic tract between the caudal pericardium and diaphragm, but no foreign body was seen. Two weeks after the surgery, the cow delivered a healthy bull-calf. Intraoperative echocardiography - not reported earlier - can be applied to evaluate the entire bovine pericardial sac and heart. The report also demonstrates that surgical treatment of traumatic pericarditis can be successful in carefully selected cases.

Correlation of ultrasonic measured ribeye area and fat thickness to the certain traits measured on slaughtered bulls (Short Communication)

Abstract. The aim of this study was to test accuracy of measurements done by Falco 100 (Pie Medical) ultrasonic equipment. 10 Angus, 10 Hungarian Simmental, 10 Limousin and 10 Charolais fattening bulls were measured at the feedlot just before slaughtering. Fat thickness at the rump (P8) and ribeye area (REA) were realized from each animal. After slaughtering, the data of slaughter and carcass weights were collected and carcasses were judged on the base of EUROP system. The database was examined by SPSS 9.0 for Windows. Average liveweight of Angus was 645 ± 41.5 kg, of Hungarian Simmental was 676 ± 41.8 kg, of Limousin was 655 ± 50.8 kg and of Charolais was 694 ± 42.3 kg at the measurement. REA measured with ultrasound was 102.9 ± 8.9 cm2, 102.7 ± 10.4 cm2, 111.2 ± 9.6 cm2 and 106.4 ± 9.5 cm2, respectively. P8 was 1.05 ± 0.28 cm, 0.62 ± 0.13 cm, 0.62 ± 0.09 and 0.61 ± 0.18 cm, respectively. Correlation between ultrasonic and carcass REA in case of mentioned breeds was 0.74, 0.74, 0.94 and 0.80. Correlation between P8 and EUROP fat score was 0.51, 0.73, 0.56 and 0.28, respectively. Overall correlation between ultrasonic and carcass REA was 0.83 (P≤0.01), and between P8 and EUROP fat score was 0.69 (P≤0.01).

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of Hungarian Simmental young bulls fed different forage to concentrate ratios with or without linseed supplementation

Abstract. In total, 30 Hungarian Simmental bulls were reared to 300.07 ± 43.78 kg initial live weight and 274.57 ± 19.73 d of age. Animals were distributed into three feeding groups with different maize silage to concentrate ratios (670 : 330 = F/ HC; 750 : 250 = F/ LC 1; 800 : 200 = F/ LC 2) based on dry matter. The low concentrate groups (F/ LC 1 and F/ LC 2) received linseed supplemented concentrate during the fattening period. Feeding high concentrate (F/ HC) caused the significantly highest daily gain. The slaughter weights, dressing (%), lean (%) and fat (%) did not show any significant differences between feeding groups. Carcass conformation of all groups was assessed mainly as U. Bulls of group F/ LC 2 had the lowest amount of kidney fat. Bone proportion of the carcasses was affected by the diet (F/ HC: 18.65 %; F/ LC 1: 18.41 %; F/ LC 2: 17.91 %). The tendon proportions were lower in groups F/ LC 1 and F/ LC 2 but not significantly (F/ HC: 1.15 %; F/ LC 1: 1.1 %; F/ LC 2: 1.08 %). The intramuscular fat content varied between the three muscles investigated. Psoas major muscle contained the highest fat concentration in all three feeding groups. The mineral content of muscles (iron [Fe], copper [Cu], zinc [Zn]) was only affected by muscle type, but not by diet. In linseed supplemented groups (F/ LC 1 and F/ LC 2) the palmitic acid and palmitoleic acid proportion was decreased (P&lt;0.05) in all muscles and the linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and the sum of n-3 fatty acid (P&lt;0.05) was increased compared to the F/ HC group. The beef from groups F/ LC 1 and F/ LC 2 bulls showed a lower n-6 to n-3 fatty acids ratio (P&lt;0.05). The relative and absolute concentration of CLAcis-9,trans-11 was unaffected by diet but muscle type caused changes.