Influence Of Body Condition Score Research Articles

Influence of body condition score during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirths in Rembi ewes

The transition period in ewes is associated with a lot of changes, such as metabolic disorder due to the mobilization of body reserves, behavior trouble, food intake, and some changes in body condition score (BCS). This knowledge led us to hypothesize the influence of BCS in ewes during late pregnancy on the variations of biochemical parameters and its influence on the survival of lambs. In order to assess how BCS affected changes in biochemical parameters and lamb stillbirth, blood samples were collected in heparin tubes from forty-ninerandomly chosen ewes of the Rembi breed that were clinically healthy and at the end of their pregnancies. The results showed that glucose (Glu) and urea values were highly influenced by the BCS (P < 0.001), while cholesterol (CHL) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly influenced by the BCS (P 0.05). We also noted a highly significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the concentration of plasma of Glu and CHL in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2, recording a negative correlation (Glu and BCS, r = - 0.52; P = 0.0001) and (CHL and BCS, r = - 0.36; P = 0.009). In contrary, serum urea values were highly increased in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those with BCS = 2 with a positive correlation (urea and BCS, r = 0.72; P = 0.001). On the other hand, the highest rate of lamb mortality was recorded in ewes with BCS = 4 compared to those who had a BCS = 2 with a significant difference (P < 0.05). During late pregnancy, poor body condition or obesity of ewes were predisposing factors for metabolic disease and lamb stillbirths, which can cause significant economic losses.

The effect of body condition on alfaxalone induction dosage requirement in dogs.

Alfaxalone is commonly used in veterinary anesthesia for the induction of general anesthesia (GA) in dogs. However, it has been associated with dose-dependent cardiovascular depression. Therefore, the administration of liposoluble, intravenous (IV)-administered injectable induction agents, such as alfaxalone, is recommended to be based on the dog's lean body mass (LBM). To determine the influence of body condition score (BCS) on IV alfaxalone dose requirements to achieve endotracheal intubation in dogs. Prospective clinical study. A group of 34 dogs undergoing GA for diagnostic and/or surgical procedures, body weight (BW) > 4 kg, BCS > 2, age 1-14 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASAs) classification I-III. Dogs were allocated to two different groups according to their BCS: non-overweight group (NOW) BCS: 3-5 and over-weight group (OW) BCS: 6-9. All dogs were premedicated IV with methadone 0.2 mg kg-1, and anesthesia was induced by a slow IV infusion of alfaxalone at 1 mg kg-1 minute-1, delivered with a syringe driver, until loss of jaw tone and no/minimal gagging reflex sufficient to allow endotracheal intubation was achieved. The total dose of alfaxalone and the occurrence of post-induction apnoea were recorded.The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to test for normality. A Chi-square test was performed to compare the incidence of post-induction apnoea between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the induction dose of alfaxalone between groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean dose ± standard deviation of alfaxalone in NOW was 2.18 ± 0.59 mg kg-1, and in OW, it was 1.63 ± 0.26 mg kg-1 (p = 0.002). The sedation score did not differ between groups. Postinduction apnoea (PIA) occurred in 6 of 17 animals in NOW and 15 of 17 in OW (p = 0.002). The dose of IV alfaxalone per kg of total body mass required to achieve endotracheal intubation was lower in overweight dogs, suggesting that LBM should be considered when calculating IV anesthetic doses. The incidence of post-induction apnoea was higher in overweight/obese dogs with alfaxalone administered at a rate of 1 mg kg-1 minute-1.

Influence of body condition score and its change after parturition on pregnancy rates to fixed-timed artificial insemination in Bos indicus beef cows

This experiment evaluated pregnancy rates to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Bos indicus beef cows according to their body condition score (BCS) at calving and subsequent change until 30 days after FTAI. Non-pregnant, suckling Nelore cows (n = 593 primiparous, 461 secundiparous, and 893 multiparous) were evaluated for BCS at calving and FTAI, and at 30 days after FTAI when cow pregnancy status was verified. Cow BCS at calving was subtracted from BCS recorded at pregnancy diagnosis, and cows classified as those that lost BCS (L), maintained BCS (M), or gained BCS (G) during this period. Cows that calved with BCS ≥ 5.0 had greater (P < 0.01) BCS throughout the experiment, and greater (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates to FTAI compared with cows that calved with BCS < 5.0 (54.8 vs. 34.2%). Pregnancy rates to FTAI were greater (P < 0.01) for G and M cows compared with L cows (50.0%, 47.5%, and 36.0%, respectively), and similar (P = 0.46) between G and M cows. Moreover, pregnancy rates to FTAI in G cows that calved with BCS < 5.0 were less compared with L (tendency; P = 0.08) and M cows (P < 0.01) that calved with BCS ≥ 5.0 (42.2%, 48.3%, and 58.3%, respectively). In summary, pregnancy rates to FTAI were greater in B. indicus cows that calved with a BCS ≥ 5.0 regardless of parity and post-calving BCS change, and greater in M and G cows within those that calved with BCS < 5.0 or ≥ 5.0.

Assessment of the cutaneous trunci reflex in neurologically healthy cats.

The aim of this study was to perform the cutaneous trunci reflex (CTR) in neurologically normal cats using two different instruments and determine how body condition score (BCS), body circumference, age, sex and instrument type may affect this reflex. Sixty-five cats without evidence of neurologic disease were prospectively enrolled. Cats were randomly assigned to have the reflex tested first using a pair of hemostatic forceps or the integrated Babinski tip of an MDF Babinski Buck Reflex Hammer. After 30 mins, the reflex was retested using the other instrument. Data collected included the reflex presence, reflex caudal border, reflex intensity (weak, moderate, strong) and reflex symmetry (unilateral or bilateral). The influence of BCS, body circumference, age and sex on these variables was statistically evaluated along with effect of the instrument used. The CTR was elicited bilaterally in 52 (80%) cats and unilaterally in 64 (98%) cats. In two cats, the CTR was only able to be elicited using the Buck Reflex Hammer, while in four cats, the CTR was only able to be elicited using hemostatic forceps. Body circumference, BCS, age and sex had no effect on the presence, caudal border, intensity or symmetry of the CTR, regardless of the instrument used. No difference in the bilateral presence of the CTR was noted based on the instrument used first (P = 0.53). When assessing the influence of the instrument on reflex presence, caudal border, intensity and symmetry, the hemostatic forceps elicited the reflex further caudally (P = 0.02) and usually bilaterally (P = 0.02). The CTR could be elicited in the majority of cats with both instruments. However, hemostatic forceps elicited a reflex more caudally and bilaterally symmetrical than the Buck Reflex Hammer.

Influence of Body Condition Score on Carcass Characteristics of Cull Bali Cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of body condition score (BCS) on dressing percentage and carcass characteristics of cull Bali cows. Three groups of Bali cows (n=4) with body condition of 2, 3 and 4 were used in this experiment. They were assigned as BCS2, BCS3 and BCS4, respectively. The animals were slaughtered at the faculty slaughter house. Weight of non-carcass parts (skin, blood, fluck, offal, hide and head) were recorded. Hot carcass was weighed and fabricated into lean, fat and bone of each sub-primal cuts. Results showed that the percentage of non-carcass part did not differ (P>0.05) among cows with different BCS. Dressing percentage of cull Bali cows was improved (P<0.05) from 48% in BCS2 to 58% in BCS3 and BCS4. Front legs and rib were highest in BCS4, meanwhile hind legs did not differ among cows with different BCS. Total lean meat cut was significantly increased (P<0.05) from 36.84% in BCS2 to 40.63 and 41.12% in BCS3 and BCS4 respectively. Meat from hind quarter and rib were highest in BCS3 but tender loin was highest in BCS4. Carcass fat percentage, however, was also significantly increased (P<0.05) in BCS4, while bone was comparable among cows with different BCS. It can be concluded that although carcass and precious primal cuts are higher in cows with BCS 4 but the excessive degree of carcass fatness made slaughtering cull Bali cows is optimal at body condition score less than 4.

Influence of body condition score on the metabolic and reproductive status of adult female Kacang goats

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the influence of body condition score (BCS) on the metabolic and reproductive status of adult female Kacang goats (Capra hircus). Twenty-three local doe goats aged 3–6 years, which were not pregnant and had BCS ranging from 1–3 on a scale of 1–5, were studied. Blood samples were collected before slaughtering for biochemical analyses. After the goats were killed, the ovaries were collected for follicle and corpus luteum (CL) examination. Ovarian follicular fluid was aspirated for biochemical analyses. Most blood biochemistry parameters of the goats with BCS 1–3 did not show significant differences (P>0.05). The ovaries with BCS 1 were acyclic; whereas the ovaries with BCSs 2 and 3 were cyclic. The ovarian follicular fluid concentrations of glucose, Ca, and Mg in the goats with BCS 1 were significantly lower than those of the goats with BCSs 2 and 3. The levels of TP, ALB, and cholesterol in the ovarian follicular fluid were significantly correlated with the blood results (P<0.05). In conclusion, Kacang goats with poor body conditions showed ovarian dysfunction. The levels of TP, ALB, and cholesterol in follicular fluid were related to the blood metabolite levels.

INFLUENCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF LINEAR CONFORMATION TRAITS CHARACTERIZING THE BODY STATE, ON THE VIABILITY OF COWS UKRAINIAN BROWN DAIRY BREED

In the aspect of the search for predictors of longevity of dairy cattle animals, the dependence of longevity of Ukrainian brown dairy cows on indicators of descriptive conformation type traits has been investigated. We studied the linear type traits of the exterior of first-calf cows in the leading farms of the Sumy region, characterizing the state of the body development.&#x0D; According to the results of this research was determined, a reliable dependence of the cows longevity on the level of assessment of the descriptive conformation type traits: chest width, body depth, angularity, rump angle and width, and body condition score. The correlative variability of the relationship between cow’s longevity and these features was depending on the level of assessment of specific type trait of body structure of the animal.&#x0D; Dependence of the cows longevity on the development of chest width was different by curvilinear variability. The longer life of cows was found in animals with an estimate for the development of this type trait at 4–6 scores that averaged 2.726–2.895 days with the best 5 scores. When comparing the group of animals with an average 5 scores with the groups having 6–9 scores, a significant difference was found in favor of the first, ranging from 169 (P &lt; 0.01) to 561 days (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Studies on the dependence of the longevity of brown cattle cows on the value of body depth assessment have shown that the most longevity was inherent in animals estimated by type trait development at 7–9 scores, with the highest rate in 2.856 days and estimate – 7 scores.&#x0D; The type trait of angularity similar to deep-chested and was also directly related to the cow's longevity. Cows with excessive angularity and the highest lifetime (2.713–2.855 days) were estimated by the higher scores (7–9) with the best evaluation results in 8 scores. A significant decrease in cows longevity was observed with a decrease in the assessment for this trait starting from 6 scores (-244 days; P &lt; 0.05) to 1 (-701 days; P &lt; 0.001) compared with the best result of 8 scores.&#x0D; The desired state of the linear trait development, the rump angle, was within the average assessment level of 5 scores, which similar to the optimal sacrum slope between the extreme points on the conditionally drawn line at the level of the top point of hip bones and the ischial hump, which was 2–4 cm. Deviations towards the assessment of the rump angle to 1 score (raised) or 9 scores (sloped) are the disadvantages of the body structure. The study of this trait has shown the curvilinear nature of the relationship between estimates for the state of rump angle and longevity of cows. Cows with an optimal 5 scores rating had the highest longevity of 2.796 days, while with increasing and decreasing estimates, the number of days of life of cows decreased.&#x0D; The longevity of cows of brown cattle was determined on the level of assessment for the trait of the rear width. Cows with a maximum estimate for the state of this descriptive trait in 9 scores were used for 575 days longer compared to animals rated at 1 score (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; According to the results of research of animals by the trait of body condition, it was found that the degree of fatness was associated with the longevity of brown cattle in the opposite direction. That is, a thinner animals, which are valued lower scores, and used to live much longer. The influence of body condition score on the longevity of animals was confirmed by the highly reliable difference between the maximum (9 scores) and the minimum (1 score) estimates, which was 457 days (P &lt; 0.001). A significant decrease of the longevity was observed in cows with an assessment of body condition in 6–9 scores.&#x0D; Thus, the existence of a correlative variability between estimates of descriptive traits of conformation type and the longevity of cows of Ukrainian brown breeds was determined. Each of the estimated type traits of the body structure correlates with the longevity of cows with varying variability within the classification scores in accordance with their desired development. Thus, the selection of animals for the desired development of linear traits at the age of the first lactation allows them to be used as indirect predictors to increase the duration of use of cows.

The influence of body condition score on serum metabolite profile in Boer does before and after parturition

The influence of body condition score on serum metabolite profile in Boer does before and after parturition

Influence of body condition score at calving on the metabolic status and production performance of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of body condition score (BCS) at calving on the metabolic status of female Murrah buffaloes in the transition period.MethodsThirty-seven pregnant buffaloes (multiparous) were selected and monitored during the transition period based on their body condition score and on the estimated calving date. Two groups were formed: i) buffaloes with a BCS>3.5 (n = 17); this group was classified and named ‘high BCS at calving’ (HBCS); and ii) buffaloes with a BCS≤3.5 (n = 20); this group was classified and named ‘low BCS at calving’ (LBCS). All animals were monitored during the last 30 days of pregnancy and the first 70 days post-calving and kept in the same environment and under the same feeding and management conditions. Mean values for BCS at calving were 2.98±0.9 (mean±standard error of the mean [SEM]) and 4.21±0.9 (mean±SEM) for the HBCS and LBCS groups, respectively.ResultsThe HBCS group showed higher milk fat content (p = 0.007) and milk fat yield (p = 0.027) and a higher concentration of milk urea nitrogen (p = 0.001) than LBCS buffaloes, which in turn had a lower urine pH value (p = 0.033) than HBCS buffaloes in the pre-calving period (7.86 for HBCS vs 7.76 for LBCS). The HBCS animals had a higher concentration of erythrocytes (p = 0.001) and hematocrit (p = 0.012) post-calving and a higher hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.004) pre-calving.ConclusionBuffaloes during the transition period exhibited some variations in the oxidative stress related to their metabolic status. After calving, buffaloes with a high BCS at calving and greater lipid mobilization have a more marked alteration in oxidative status, but improved production performance.

Influence of Body Condition Score and Ultrasound-Determined Thickness of Body Fat Deposit in Holstein-Friesian Cows on the Risk of Lameness Developing

Influence of Body Condition Score and Ultrasound-Determined Thickness of Body Fat Deposit in Holstein-Friesian Cows on the Risk of Lameness Developing

Influência do escore de condição corporal na probabilidade de prenhez em bovinos de corte

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do escore de condição corporal (ECC) na probabilidade de prenhez de fêmeas Nelore em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Realizou-se o protocolo de IATF e a avaliação visual do ECC (escala biológica de 1, muito magra a 5, muito gorda) em 5.082 fêmeas de diferentes ordens de parto criadas em três fazendas localizadas na região Norte de Minas Gerais. O resultado do diagnóstico de gestação - positivo, 1 e negativo, 0 foi utilizado para estudo da probabilidade de prenhez, modelada por meio de regressão logística, a partir das variáveis regressoras: ordens de parto, fazenda e escore de condição corporal. A probabilidade de prenhez média foi 52,03 %. As variáveis fazenda e ordem de parto não influenciaram a prenhez das fêmeas Nelore. O aumento em 0,5 unidade de ECC implicou um incremento de 39,0 % na probabilidade de prenhez. O escore de condição corporal interfere na probabilidade de prenhez de fêmeas bovinas da raça Nelore em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo.

Transition cow clinical forum

Transition cow management has long been acknowledged as a key part of successful dairy cow health and production. It is estimated that around 30–50% of dairy cows suffer a clinical disorder associated with the transition period ( LeBlanc, 2010 ), and the prevalence of subclinical metabolic disease is likely to be even higher. There is currently a renewed focus on transition cow management and nutrition, part fuelled by some recent research findings regarding fat metabolism and the influence of energy supply pre calving ( Janovick et al 2011 ); effects of social stress associated with group changes ( Von Keyserlingk et al, 2008 ); and the influence of body condition score and transition cow management on lameness ( Machado et al, 2010 ). The recent availability of a licensed slow release ruminal bolus containing monensin sodium has provided practicing veterinary surgeons with a new pharmacological tool with which to approach ketosis management. This too has probably stimulated a greater interest in the whole area of transition cow management and nutrition amongst practitioners. This clinical forum article reviews some of the key physiological aspects of transition cow management, followed by discussion by experienced dairy practitioners.

Inferences of body energy reserves on conception rate of suckled Zebu beef cows subjected to timed artificial insemination followed by natural mating

The influence of body condition score (BCS), rump fat thickness (RFAT), and live weight (LW), and the changes in these parameters during the interval from 165 of prepartum (i.e., 125 days of prior gestation) to 112 postpartum on first service conception and pregnancy rates were investigated in suckled Zebu (Bos indicus) beef cows (n = 266) subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI) followed by natural mating. The aforementioned parameters were recorded at 165 ± 14 days (mean ± standard error) prepartum (concurrent with the weaning of previous calf), at parturition, and at 42 ± 7 days (at the onset of the synchronization of ovulation protocol), 82 ± 7 days (30 days after TAI), and 112 ± 7 days (60 days after TAI) postpartum. At the start of the breeding season (BS), cows were subjected to a synchronization of ovulation program for TAI. Bulls were placed with cows 10 days after TAI and remained until the end of the study (112 days postpartum). Cows with the highest BCS at parturition had an increased probability of first service conception rate at 60 days after TAI (P = 0.02) and a reduced probability of occurrence of pregnancy loss (P = 0.05). Also, cows had a greater likelihood of conceiving postpartum if they had greater RFAT and BCS at 165 ± 14 days prepartum (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively) and at parturition (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.003, respectively). Cows that had an increase in RFAT and BCS during the dry period (i.e., interval from weaning of the previous calf to parturition) also had a greater likelihood of conceiving (P = 0.03 and P = 0.06, respectively) during the BS. Among the different time points, RFAT and BCS at parturition had the largest impact on risk of conception during the BS. The LW was a poor predictor of conception during the BS (P = 0.11–0.68) except for LW at 165 ± 14 days prepartum (P = 0.01). Collectively, the findings indicated that the likelihood of conception during the BS was highest in cows that had an improvement in RFAT and BCS during the dry period. Therefore, assuring a good nutritional status in the dry period (BCS ≥ 3.0 at 165 ± 14 days prepartum and ≥3.25 at parturition) is an important aim to optimize the postpartum conception rate of suckled Zebu beef cows subjected to TAI followed by natural mating.

Effect of timing of exposure to vasectomised rams and ewe lamb body condition score on the breeding performance of ewe lambs

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of exposing Romney ewe lambs (8–9 months of age) to vasectomised rams across three studies in the February–March period and to determine the influence of body condition score (CS) in two of the studies on their reproductive performance. In all studies, ewe lambs exposed to vasectomised rams had greater (P &lt; 0.05) conception rates to the first 17 days of breeding by 6–12 percentage points. However, Studies 2 and 3 indicated that exposing ewe lambs to vasectomised rams did not increase (P &gt; 0.05) the percentage of ewe lambs conceiving over a 34-day breeding period, nor did it increase the number of fetuses per ewe lamb presented for breeding. The results of Study 1 suggest that there is a limit to how early in the year ewe lambs can be exposed to vasectomised rams. In Study 2, a greater (P &lt; 0.05) percentage of Teased CS 2.0 or 2.5+ ewe lambs conceived during the first 17 days of breeding than those which were Unteased. This effect was not observed (P &gt; 0.05) in CS 1.5 ewe lambs. In Study 3, a greater (P &lt; 0.05) percentage of CS 2.5+ ewe lambs conceived over the 34-day breeding period than ewe lambs of lower CS. In Studies 2 and 3, ewe lambs with a CS of 2.5+ had a greater (P &lt; 0.05) number of fetuses per ewe lamb presented for breeding than CS 1.5 ewe lambs. In conclusion, exposing ewe lambs to vasectomised rams in the late February or March period increased the proportion of ewe lambs successfully bred in the first 17 days of breeding. Further achieving higher CS and heavier liveweights of ewe lambs at breeding should result in improved reproductive performance.

Condição corporal, variação de peso e desempenho reprodutivo de vacas de cria em pastagem nativa no Pantanal

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do escore de condição corporal (ECC) sobre a eficiência reprodutiva de vacas de cria nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a probabilidade de parição, usando o escore de condição corporal e a variação ponderal no período crítico do ciclo reprodutivo. Utilizaram-se 248 vacas multíparas mantidas em pastagens nativas distribuídas em quatro estratégias de suplementação: mistura mineral (controle); suplemento farelado; suplemento líquido; suplemento líquido para vacas e bezerros. As avaliações de peso e ECC, na escala de 1 a 9, foram realizadas no período crítico: em agosto (período pré-parto, 60-90 dias antes da parição) e em janeiro (período pós-parto e reprodutivo) durante quatro anos consecutivos. Para a análise dos anos consecutivos de reprodução, criou-se um escore de reprodução, ou seja, somou-se o número de parições de cada vaca durante os quatro anos pecuários avaliados. O escore de condição corporal nos períodos pré e pós-parto e a idade da vaca influenciaram o escore de reprodução. Portanto, para avaliação da probabilidade de parição, foram utilizadas todas as vacas, classificadas em paridas e vazias. Utilizando equações de estimação generalizadas (EEG), foi modelada a probabilidade de as matrizes serem classificadas como paridas considerando variáveis exploratórias ao longo do tempo. Para se obter probabilidade de parição superior a 80%, as vacas devem possuir escore de aproximadamente 5,5 no período pré-parto. Aproximadamente 60% das vacas paridas mantiveram ou ganharam peso no período crítico do ano, o que levou a maior probabilidade de reconcepção, similar ao observado para as vacas vazias, porém com probabilidade menor de parição. O período pré-parto é o melhor para estimar a probabilidade de parição das vacas por meio da avaliação do escore corporal. A seleção de vacas adaptadas às condições bioclimáticas do Pantanal aumenta a probabilidade de produção de um bezerro por vaca por ano.

Influence of Body Condition Score on Relationships Between Metabolic Status and Oxidative Stress in Periparturient Dairy Cows

Twenty-four dairy cows were monitored during the transition period. We observed changes of oxidative status and relationships between oxidative and metabolic status. Body condition score (BCS) of the 24 animals at the beginning of the trial (30.4±2 d before expected calving) was between 2.0 and 3.6. The BCS was recorded and blood samples were collected weekly during the last 30 d of pregnancy and the first 30 DIM. Plasma samples were analyzed to determine indices of oxidative status: reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM); thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS); thiol groups (SH); glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and indices of energy metabolism: glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. In erythrocytes we determined indices of oxidative status: GSH-Px, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and intracellular SH. Before calving, cows showed an increase of plasma SH, SOD, and GSH-Px, a decrease of erythrocyte GSH-Px and plasma ROM, and no changes in erythrocyte SH. After calving, cows showed a decrease of plasma and erythrocyte SH and SOD, and an increase of ROM, TBARS, and plasma GSH-Px. Cows with higher BCS at the beginning of the trial and greater loss of BCS after calving, had higher plasma ROM, TBARS, and SH, and lower SOD and erythrocyte SH in the postpartum period. Oxidative status of dairy cows was related to energy status. Cows with higher BHBA and NEFA showed higher ROM and TBARS and lower levels of antioxidants. Results of the present study demonstrated that cows can experience oxidative stress during the peripartum period, and cows with higher BCS and greater BCS losses are more sensitive to oxidative stress.

Influence of Body Condition Score, blood ammonia and serum urea levels on conception rate in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes

RiassuntoInfluenza del Body Condition Score e dei livelli di urea e ammoniaca nel sangue sul tasso di concepimento in bufale Mediterranee Italiane. È stata verificata l’influenza del Body Condition Score (BCS), urea e ammoniaca ematiche sulla percentuale di concepimento in bufale sottoposte ad inseminazione strumentale (IS). Sono state utilizzate 150 bufale di razza Mediterranea Italiana a 145 ± 83 giorni di lattazione, alimentate con una dieta caratterizzata da 14,8% di PG, 0.9 UFL/Kg di SS ed un rapporto NSC/PG di 2,14 e sincronizzate mediante l’Ovsynch-TAI Program. Al momento dell’IS sono state valutate ammoniaca ed urea ematiche e bisettimanalmente è stata registrata la produzione/capo di Equivalent corrected milk (ECM) e valutato il BCS. La % di fertilità a 40 giorni è stata in media 46,7 % leggermente inferiore nelle bufale con BCS <5,5 e BCS>7,5. Non sono emerse differenze significative nelle medie di ECM, urea ed ammoniaca tra bufale gravide e vuote, Il tasso di fertilità è risultato, comunque, significativamente (P=0,018) più elevato per le bufale con valori di urea <6,8 mmol/l.

Influence of body condition score on carcass characteristics and subprimal yield from cull beef cows.

Mature beef cows (n = 83) were slaughtered to measure the influence of body condition score (BCS) on carcass characteristics and subprimal yields. All cows were weighed and assigned BCS, based on a 9-point scale, 24 h before slaughter. Cows were slaughtered, and, after a 48-h chilling period, quality and yield grade data were collected on the left side of each carcass. The right side was quartered, fabricated into primal cuts, and weighed. Each primal cut was further processed into boneless subprimal cuts, minor cuts, lean trim, fat, and bone. Cuts were progressively trimmed to 6.4 and 0 mm of external and visible seam fat. Weights were recorded at all stages of fabrication, and subprimal yields were calculated as a percentage of the chilled carcass weight. Live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, muscle:bone ratio, and numerical yield grade increased linearly (P = .0001) and predicted cutability and actual muscle-to-fat ratio decreased linearly (P = .0001) as BCS increased from 2 to 8. Carcasses from BCS-8 cows had the most (P<.05) marbling. The percentage of carcasses grading U.S. Utility, or higher, was 16.7, 20.0, 63.6, 43.3, 73.3, 100.0, and 100.0% for cows assigned a BCS of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. At 6.4 mm of fat trim, carcasses from BCS-5 cows had higher (P<.05) shoulder clod yields than carcasses from cows having a BCS of 6, 7, and 8. Carcasses of BCS-2 cows had lower (P<.05) strip loin yields than carcasses from BCS-3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cows. Top sirloin butt yields were higher (P<.05) for carcasses of BCS-2, 3, 4, and 5 cows than those of BCS-6, 7, or 8 cows. Carcasses from BCS-7 and 8 cows had lower (P<.05) tenderloin and inside round yields than carcasses of BCS-5, or less, cows. At both fat-trim levels, carcasses from BCS-5 cows had higher (P<.05) eye of round yields than cows assigned BCS of 2, 7, or 8. When subprimal cuts were trimmed to 6.4 mm of visible fat, carcasses from BCS-5 cows had higher (P<.05) total lean product yields than cows assigned a BCS of 2, 4, 7, and 8. Regardless of fat trim, total fat yields increased (P = .0001) and total bone yields decreased (P = .0001) linearly as BCS increased from 2 to 8. Although carcasses from BCS-5 and 6 cows had the highest yields of lean product, cattle producers and packers may benefit most by marketing and(or) purchasing BCS-6 cows because a higher percentage of their carcasses had quality characteristics deemed desirable for fabrication into boneless subprimal cuts.

Influence of body condition score on live and carcass value of cull beef cows.

Mature beef cows (n = 88) were slaughtered to determine the influence of body condition score (BCS) on carcass and live animal value. Cows were weighed and assigned a BCS (9-point scale), 24 h before slaughter. Hide and by-products weights were recorded during harvest. After a 48-h chill period, the right side of each carcass was fabricated into boneless subprimal cuts, minor cuts, lean trim, fat, and bone. Weights were recorded at all stages of fabrication. Carcass values (U.S.$/100 kg of hot carcass weight) were calculated for U.S. Utility and U.S. Cutter grades, as well as for the Utility/Cutter mix for each BCS. Gross value included the carcass value and the value of the hide and byproducts, whereas net value was calculated after harvest and fabrication costs and by-product value were considered. Live value (U.S.$/100 kg of live weight) was computed by dividing the net value by the animal's live weight 24 h before harvest. The value of the hide and by-products for BCS-2 cows was greater (P<.05) than for cows assigned a BCS of 3 through 8. Even though U.S. Utility carcasses from BCS-8 cows produced the least (P<.05) valuable subprimal cuts from the chuck, loin, and round, the gross and net values of BCS-8 cows were greater (P<.05) than those of BCS-3, 4, 5, and 6. Within the grade of U.S. Cutter, carcasses from BCS-6 cows had the highest (P<.05), and BCS-2 cows had the lowest (P<.05), gross and net values. Across the U.S. Utility/Cutter mix, cows designated with a BCS of 7 and 8 had greater (P<.05) gross and net values than cows assigned a BCS of 6, or lower. Live value increased linearly (P = .0002) from a low of $76.10/100 kg for BCS-2 cows to a high of $90.84/100 kg for BCS-7 cows. Carcasses from BCS-6 cows were relatively lean (8.4 mm of fat opposite of the longissimus muscle), and approximately 73% of the carcasses achieved a quality grade of U.S. Utility. Moreover, carcasses from BCS-6 cows had the highest total carcass values and live values comparable (P>.05) to BCS-7 cows. Information from this study can be used by the non-fed beef industry to establish a value-based marketing system. Data from this study would indicate that marketing cull beef cows at a BCS of 6 could optimize economic returns to both cow-calf producers and non-fed beef packers.

Influence of body condition score on by-product yield and value from cull beef cows.

Mature beef cows (n = 122) representing British and Continental phenotypes were slaughtered to measure the influence of body condition score (BCS) on by-product yield and value. All cows were weighed and assigned BCS, based on a 9-point scale, 24 h before slaughter. By-product weights were obtained during the slaughter process and included blood, feet (with hooves attached), oxlips, tongue, gullet, trachea, cheek meat, head meat, skull, tripe, honeycomb tripe, large and small intestines, spleen, mesenteric fat, weasand meat, kidneys, heart, lungs, and oxtail. By-product yields were calculated as a percentage of the animal's live weight taken 24 h before slaughter. By-product values were computed by multiplying the weight of each piece removed during the slaughter process by the 1997 average price. Live weight increased linearly (P<.001) as BCS increased from 2 to 8, whereas Continental cows were approximately 86 kg heavier (P<.05) at slaughter than British cows. Cows assigned a BCS of 2 or 3 had greater (P<.05) skull, feet, tongue, tripe, honeycomb tripe, trachea, and lung yields than cows assigned a BCS of 4 or higher. On the other hand, BCS-7 and 8 cows had greater (P<.05) weights and yields of large intestines and mesenteric fat than cows given a BCS of 6 or lower. The feet, trachea, lungs, and bone meal from BCS-2 cows had the greatest (P<.05) value, whereas the value of the large intestine, oxtail, and mesenteric fat was highest (P<.05) for BCS-7 and 8 cows. Weight, yield, and value of the skull, head meat, and feet were greater (P<.05) for Continental cows than British cows. Total by-product value was quadratically (P<.001) related to BCS. Cows assigned a BCS of 5 had lower (P<.05) total by-product values than either BCS-2 or BCS-7 and 8 cows. Drop credit for BCS-2 cows was greater (P<.05) than BCS-3, 4, 5, and 6 cows, with cows assigned a BCS of 7 and 8 having intermediate drop credit values. Continental cows tended to have greater (P<.10) total by-product and drop credit values than British cows. Information from this study indicated that the BCS of cows at the time of slaughter had a profound influence on by-product yields and, more importantly, values of by-products that are credited back against the cost of production to the beef cattle producer.