Lean Proportion Research Articles

Thyme and celery as potential alternatives to ionophores use in livestock production: their effects on feed utilization, growth performance and meat quality of Barki lambs

• In-feed administration of thyme, celery or their mixture was evaluated. • Additives increased maize and total intakes. • Thyme and thyme/celery increased nutrient digestibility. • Celery increased final body weight, weight gain and average daily gain. • Thyme, thyme-celery and celery treatments increased the longissimus muscle area. The effects of including thyme, celery or their mixture (as an alternative to salinomycin ionophore) on nutrient utilization and animal performance were evaluated using Barki lambs. Fifty-five lambs weighing 18.5 ± 1.1 kg and about 90 ± 5 days old were stratified into 5 treatment groups and fed: (1) a control diet of concentrates and maize fodder (600:400 on dry matter basis), or the control diet supplemented with (2) 15 g of thyme, (3) 15 g of celery, (4) 15 g of thyme and celery mixture, or (5) 1 g of salinomycin/lamb daily for 288 days. Additives significantly increased ( P <0.05) both maize and total intakes, while thyme and thyme-celery significantly increased nutrient digestibility ( P <0.05) compared with the control treatment. Celery, thyme-celery and salinomycin treatments decreased ( P <0.05) serum cholesterol. Celery increased ( P <0.05) final body weight, weight gain and average daily gain without affecting shrunk liveweight, hot carcass weight or dressing percent. Thyme-celery mix increased fat thickness of the rib cuts ( P <0.001), while thyme, thyme-celery and celery treatments increased ( P <0.01) the longissimus muscle area. Salinomycin, celery and thyme treatments increased ( P <0.05) the lean proportion and decreased the fat proportion. Thyme, celery and thyme-celery treatments decreased ( P <0.001) protein of meat, while thyme and thyme-celery treatments increased ( P <0.01) carcass water holding capacity. Salinomycin, thyme and celery treatments decreased ( P <0.01) meat brightness score, while celery treatment increased ( P <0.05) redness of meat without affecting yellowness, chroma or hue of meat. Overall, results in the present study showed that these natural additives had similar effects to salinomycin, but further studies are necessary to validate the results and their mechanism of action.

PSX-14 Effects of thyme or/and celery on feed utilization, growth performance and meat quality of Barki lambs

Abstract The current study evaluated the effects of in-feed administration of thyme, celery or their mixture (as an alternative to salinomycin ionophore) on feed utilization and growth performance of Barki lambs. Fifty-five lambs weighing 18.5 ± 1.1 kg and about 90 ± 5 days old were stratified into 5 treatment groups and fed: (1) a control diet of concentrates and corn stover (60:40, on dry matter basis), or the control diet supplemented with (2) 15 g of thyme, (3) 15 g of celery, (4) 15 g of thyme and celery mix, or (5) 1 g of salinomycin/lamb daily for 288 days. Additives increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) both corn stover and total intakes, while thyme and thyme/celery mix increased nutrient digestibility (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with the control treatment. Celery, thyme/celery mix and salinomycin treatments decreased serum cholesterol. Celery increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) final body weight, weight gain and average daily gain without affecting shrunk liveweight, hot carcass weight or dressing percent. Thyme/celery mix increased fat thickness (P &amp;lt; 0.001), while thyme, celery and thyme/celery mix treatments increased (P = 0.001) the ribeye area. Salinomycin, celery and thyme treatments increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the lean proportion and decreased the fat proportion. Thyme, celery and thyme/celery mix treatments decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) carcass protein, while thyme and thyme/celery treatments increased (P = 0.001) carcass water holding capacity. Salinomycin, thyme and celery treatments decreased (P = 0.002) meat brightness score, while celery treatment increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) redness of meat, without affecting yellowness, chroma or hue of the meat. Results in the present showed that these natural additives are comparable to salinomycin but further studies are necessary to validate the results and their mechanism of action.

Effects of differences in level of post-weaning nutrition and in sire expected progeny differences for ribeye area on retail cuts yield in Hereford steers

Context Uninterrupted nutrient uptake and the use of bulls with high genetic merit for carcass traits may increase the likelihood of producing high-quality retail cuts for different markets. Aim The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the combined effects of level of nutrition during the 104-day post-weaning winter period (WADG; low-L: 0.2 vs high-H: 0.6 kg/calf per day) and level of expected progeny differences (EPD) for ribeye area (REA; high-H or average-Av) on carcass traits and retail cuts of Hereford steers. Methods Three crops of calves (n = 317) were selected according to REA (H-REA vs Av-REA), blocked for weaning weight (WW) and randomly allotted to one of the two WADG treatments (L-WADG vs H-WADG) for 104 days. Experimental design was a completely random block and the treatments were the combination of two factors (2 × 2). After winter (L-WADG and H-WADG groups), all calves grazed on improved pastures (herbage allowance: 5% of liveweight (LW) per day). The finishing was done on a feedlot and started when the group average of animals reached a full LW (FLW) of 350 ± 28 kg. Cattle were harvested at a constant final FLW of 525 ± 40 kg. Key results No interaction was observed (P > 0.05) between WADG and REA for carcass traits. Animals with H-WADG presented higher (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing-out (%) than L-WADG. High REA and H-WADG steers showed higher weight (kg) in the rump and loin, striploin, sirloin, and lean component in the pistola cut (P < 0.01). Likewise, H-REA and H-WADG presented a greater proportion of rump and loin (P < 0.01) and lean (%) (P < 0.05) than Av-REA and L-WADG, respectively. Conclusions The combined effects of greater post-weaning winter gains and high REA EPD allow slaughter of younger steer with greater lean proportion and retail cuts. Implications No interaction between the REA and WADG allows producers to plan economic benefits through a higher WADG in the first winter phase as well as using superior bulls for carcass traits to achieve heavier retail cuts.

Balance performance and related soft tissue components across three age groups

With the aging process, falls and related injuries are common and unwanted events among older women. Lost balance is the last step before the frequent experience of falls. After menopause, women’s bone conditions regarding health and balance performance steeply decline often resulting in serious injury. Our purpose in the study is to identify balance performance and its associations with soft tissue components among Korean-American (KA) women with three menopausal conditions. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study with 63 KA women divided into three age groups: 25–35 years (young), 45–55 years old (middle), and 65+ years (old). Lean and fat mass on the entire body, appendicular and gynoid areas were measured by using the dual X-ray absorptiometry. Static and dynamic balance and physical performance (floor sit to stand) were tested. We found that with increased aging, lean mass, fat and body mass index were changed; balance and physical performance decreased significantly. In regression models, age and fat ratio of android/gynoid changes explain static balance and physical performance; appendicular lean mass predicted dynamic balance. With advancing age, maintaining lean mass and proportion of fat accumulation is critical for stable balance.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Visceral Adipose Tissue Leukocytes Reveals that Caloric Restriction Following Obesity Promotes the Accumulation of a Distinct Macrophage Population with Features of Phagocytic Cells.

Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and is an epidemic. A major contributor to its adverse effects is inflammation of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Life-long caloric restriction (CR), in contrast, results in extended lifespan, enhanced glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity, and other favorable phenotypes. The effects of CR following obesity are incompletely established, but studies show multiple benefits. Many leukocyte types, macrophages predominantly, reside in VAT in homeostatic and pathological states. CR following obesity transiently increases VAT macrophage content prior to resolution of inflammation and obesity, suggesting that macrophage content and phenotype play critical roles. Here, we examined the heterogeneity of VAT leukocytes and the effects of obesity and CR. In general, our single-cell RNA-sequencing data demonstrate that macrophages are the most abundant and diverse subpopulation of leukocytes in VAT. Obesity induced significant transcriptional changes in all 15 leukocyte subpopulations, with many genes showing coordinated changes in expression across the leukocyte subpopulations. Additionally, obese VAT displayed expansion of one major macrophage subpopulation, which, in silico, was enriched in lipid binding and metabolic processes. This subpopulation returned from dominance in obesity to lean proportions after only 2 weeks of CR, although the pattern of gene expression overall remained similar. Surprisingly, CR VAT is dominated by a different macrophage subpopulation, which is absent in lean conditions. This subpopulation is enriched in genes related to phagocytosis and we postulate that its function includes clearance of dead cells, as well as excess lipids, contributing to limiting VAT inflammation and restoration of the homeostatic state.

Muscle-protective effects of Schisandrae Fructus extracts in old mice after chronic forced exercise

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchisandrae Fructus (SF), the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., is a well-known traditional herb used in Asia for enhancing physical work capacity as well as providing anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Extracts of SF (SFe) have also been reported to increase skeletal muscle mass and inhibit muscle atrophy. Aim of the studyWe examined whether SFe had muscle-protective effects in old mice after chronic forced exercises, and, if so, relevant mechanisms. Materials and methodsTen-month-old aged male mice were divided into six groups. One group received no forced swimming after oral administration of distilled water (Intact); the other groups received forced swimming after administration of distilled water (SW), oxymetholone (OXY), or SFe at 500, 250 and 125mg/kg (SFe500, SFe250, and SFe125, respectively). Forced swimming was conducted for 2min at 30min after oral administration; the treatment was repeated for 28 days. Muscle thickness, weight, lean proportion, and strength were examined. The sampled muscles were subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses. Plasma was examined by biochemical analyses. ResultsThe thicknesses of the calf muscle and the sampled gastrocnemius and soleus, protein proportion and muscle strength increased significantly in the SW group versus Intact, and they were further increased in the SFe and OXY groups versus SW. The forced swimming in the SW group upregulated mRNA expression related to protein synthesis (Akt1, PI3K) and muscle growth (A1R, TRPV4), while it downregulated mRNAs related to protein degradation (atrogin-1, MuRF1) and muscle growth inhibitor (myostatin, SIRT1). The detected upregulation and downregulation were enhanced in the SFe groups. In addition, the SFe administration inhibited lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species, and accelerated activities of endogenous anti-oxidants and anti-oxidant enzymes. Plasma biochemistry showed decreases in creatine, creatine kinase and LDH in the SFe groups versus SW, suggesting muscle-protective effects of SFe. In the SFe groups versus SW, histopathological analyses revealed an increase in myofibre diameter, and immunohistochemistry showed increases in myofibres immunoreactive for ATPase and decreases in myofibres for apoptosis markers (caspase-3, PARP) and oxidative stress markers (NT, 4HNE, iNOS). ConclusionsOral administration of SFe, especially SFe500, enhanced exercise-induced adaptive muscle strengthening in aged mice after forced swimming through anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant effects, mediated via modulation of gene expression related to muscle synthesis or degradation. These results suggest that SFe may be helpful in improvement various muscle disorders as an adjuvant therapy to exercise-based remedies.

Evaluation of fetal mid-thigh fat to lean mass proportion as a predictor of birth weight and fetal outcome in pre-eclampsia and diabetes

Evaluation of fetal mid-thigh fat to lean mass proportion as a predictor of birth weight and fetal outcome in pre-eclampsia and diabetes

Effect of the Dietary By-Product Camelina Meal on Performances and Carcass Quality of TOPIGS Pigs

Camelina meal (CM) is a new and valuable by-product for finishing pigs . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repl acing sunflower meal (SM) with a C18:3-n3-rich by- product, CM on the performances (body weight, BW; feed intake, FI; average daily gain, ADG, feed efficiency, FE), carcass quality (fat thickness, FT ; eye muscle area, EMA; lean meat proportion in carcass (LMP, on live and slaughter animals) and cl asses of quality (CC) in fattening TOPIGS pigs. The fattening TOPIGS pigs (N=22; 68.45 kg ± 3.83, average weight) were assigned into 2 groups (C and E1). Group C received a compound feed with 12% sunflower meal, group E1 received the same compound feed but the sunflower meal was replaced by 12% CM, during 33 days. Fat thickness, EMA and LMP were assess on live animals using ultrasoni c equipment PIGLOG 105. Animal performances such as: final average body weight (C-98.00 kg; E1- 95.10 kg), FI (C-3.31 kg/day; E1-3.03 kg/day), ADG (C-0.866 kg/day; E1-0.836 kg/day) and FE (C-3.82 kg/kg; E1-3.62 kg/kg) weren't significantly affected (P>0.05) by CM. Fat thickness decreased (- 23%, P 0.05; + 6%, P<0.05) in the E1 group comparing to C group. Both trial groups were included in E classes according to EUROP system. In the pres ent research work, we demonstrated that feeding finishing pigs with CM improved their quality carca ss with possible benefits for human nutrition. To obtain more favorable results concerning bio-produc tive performances lower levels of CM inclusion are recommended.

Effect of the dietary by-product grape seed cake on performances and carcass quality of TOPIGS pigs

Grape seed cake (GSC) is a valuable by-product for pigs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GSC in the diet of finishing pigs on performances (body weight, BW; feed intake, FI; average daily gain, ADG; feed efficiency, FE; feed conversion, FC), carcass quality (fat thickness, FT; eye muscle area, EMA; lean meat proportion in carcass, LMP) and classes of quality (CC). Twenty four pigs during 24 days (75.63±1.41, BW) were assigned to 2 groups (control, C and experimental, GC). Group C received a classical compound feed whereas in the diet of group GC 3% corn and 2% protein sources were replaced by 5% GSC. PIGLOG 105 apparatus was used to measure the carcass quality. Muscle pH and temperature (T) at different periods of time (45’, 24 h and 48 h) was assessed by pH-meter (Hanna HI 99163). The BW (C-97.83kg, GC-102.00 kg; P>0.05), FI (C-3.41 kg/day; GC-3.42 kg/day; P>0.05), ADG (C-0.848 kg/day; GC-0.848 kg/day; P>0.05), FE (C-4.02 kg feed/gain; GC-4.03 kg feed/gain kg; P>0.05), FC (C-0.25 kg gain/feed kg; GC-0.25 kg gain/feed kg) showed that the GSC maintaining the physiological state of the animals. The LMP slightly increased in the carcass of GC comparing with C. The muscle pH and T (45’ and 24 h) wasn’t affected by (P>0.05) GCS. All carcass were included in E class. In conclusion feeding finishing pigs with GSC, not significantly affect the animal performances or carcass quality.

Slaughter characteristics, carcass quality and fatty acid composition of lambs under four different production systems

Forty five Kivircik lambs were used to investigate the effects of production system on lamb performance, carcass quality characteristics and on fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi muscle. W-C lambs (n=12) were weaned between 45 and 60 days of age and then were finished with concentrates in the sheepfold until slaughter. During the finishing period, W-C lambs had free access to alfalfa hay and concentrate feed. W-G-S lambs (n=10) were weaned between 45 and 60 days of age and then grazed on pasture for 96 days and then wheat stubble until slaughter. UW-C lambs (n=11) were finished with ad libitum alfalfa hay and concentrate feed in the sheepfold and these lambs suckled their mothers until slaughter. Lambs of UW-G system (n=12) were kept together with the main-flock and were grazed on pasture in the day-time. During the night, UW-G lambs suckled their mothers in sheepfold. Target slaughter weight was assumed as 30kg. Mean finishing duration was 62 days, 147 days, 66 days and 98 days in lambs from W-C, W-G-S, UW-C and UW-G systems, respectively. Average daily gain during experiment was higher in W-C (207g) and UW-C (197g) lambs than W-G-S (87g) and UW-G lambs (131g). Cold carcass weight was 13.18, 12.10, 14.03 and 13.49kg, and cold dressing based on empty body weight was 53.45, 50.04, 56.45 and 53.82% in lambs from W-C, W-G-S, UW-C and UW-G systems, respectively. Carcass fatness parameters (omental and mesenteric fat percentage, back fat thickness, kidney knob and channel fat percentage and fat proportion in pelvic limb joint) in lambs of W-G-S system were lower than lambs in other production systems. W-G-S lambs also had higher lean proportion and lean/fat ratio in pelvic limb joint. UW-G lambs had lower carcass fatness and higher lean proportion in pelvic limb than lambs finished with concentrate feed (W-C and UW-C systems). Proportions of pelvic and thoracic limb joints were higher in grazed lambs than lambs of concentrate based systems. The proportion of fatty acids in intramuscular fat was similar across animals on all four feeding systems except for C14:0 and C18:0. The percentage of C14:0 was the highest in UW-C lambs while higher proportions of C18:0 were found in intramuscular fat of W-G-S lambs than those of weaned lambs fed concentrate and unweaned lambs. As a conclusion, weaning at 45–60 days of age for lambs fed concentrate in sheepfold should be considered by farmers, who aim to get ewe milk as an additional product without any disadvantages in lamb growth performance and carcass quality. Indigent farmers, who prefer the use of natural grasslands to produce high quality lamb carcasses, might consider pasture feeding with mother's milk without concentrate feed cost.

Effects of limited and excess protein intakes of pregnant gilts on carcass quality and cellular properties of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue in fattening pigs1,2

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary protein intake of gilts during gestation below (50%) or above (250%) recommendations affects body composition, carcass and meat quality, and properties of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) in offspring at d 83 and 188 of age. German Landrace gilts were fed isoenergetic gestation diets (~13.7 MJ of ME/kg) containing a low (LP, 6.5%; n = 18), an adequate (AP, 12.1%; n = 20), or a high (HP, 30%; n = 16) protein content from mating until farrowing. Within 48 h of birth, offspring were cross-fostered to sows fed a standard diet. On d 83 of age, no effects of the LP diet on BW and body composition were detected, whereas HP pigs showed a slight growth delay (P = 0.06) associated with increased relative weights of small intestine (P < 0.01) and brain (P = 0.08), and reduced relative thymus weight (P < 0.01). On d 188 of age, BW was not different among the dietary groups. However, the carcass of LP pigs contained less (P = 0.01) lean and more (P = 0.07) fat compared with AP and HP pigs, which was only pronounced in pigs originating from large litters (P < 0.05). Like skeletal muscles (P = 0.06), the heart muscle weighed less (P = 0.02) in LP than AP pigs. Compared with AP pigs, LP pigs exhibited a fewer (P = 0.09) total number of myofibers in semitendinosus muscle plus LM both at d 83 and 188 of age, whereas total muscular DNA was less (P = 0.02) at d 188 only. The mRNA abundance of IGF2 measured on d 188 was reduced in SCAT (P = 0.03) and LM (P = 0.07) of LP compared with AP pigs. No changes in muscular fiber type frequency, capillary density, or creatine kinase activity, as well as SCAT adipocyte size and number, were observed at either stages of age. Meat quality characteristics remained unchanged at d 83, whereas Warner-Bratzler shear force value in LM was decreased (P = 0.03) in LP compared with AP pigs on d 188 of age. The results suggest that the maternal LP diet impairs prenatal myofiber formation, reduces the potential of postnatal lean growth related to reduced IGF2 mRNA expression and myonuclear accumulation, and consequently changes carcass quality toward reduced lean proportion and improved tenderness at market weight. In contrast, except for a slight transient growth delay, excess dietary protein during gestation seems to have little effect on the fetal programming of postnatal muscle and adipose tissue phenotype of the progeny.

Efeito da ractopamina e de métodos de formulação de ração sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitoas em terminação

Avaliou-se o efeito da ractopamina e de diferentes métodos de formulação de dietas sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitoas em terminação. Foram utilizadas 60 leitoas, híbridas comerciais, distribuídas em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x3, sendo dois níveis de ractopamina e três métodos de formulação de dietas. Houve interação de métodos de formulação versus ractopamina para ganho de peso diário, peso corporal, conversão alimentar e taxa de deposição de carne magra (TDCM) na avaliação de carcaça in vivo por ultrassom. A dieta formulada com alta proteína bruta proporcionou maior consumo de dieta (CRD), de lisina (CLD), ganho de peso diário (GPD) e peso corporal final. A suplementação de ractopamina não influenciou o CRD e o CLD, entretanto aumentou o GPD. O método de formulação da dieta não influenciou as características de carcaça aos 28 dias, enquanto a suplementação de ractopamina reduziu a espessura de toucinho, aumentou a profundidade de lombo e o rendimento de carne magra. A dieta formulada com alta proteína bruta proporcionou melhores resultados de desempenho e taxa de deposição de carne magra na carcaça de leitoas em terminação, suplementadas com ractopamina.

FEEDING AND MEAT QUALITY IN RABBITS: A REVIEW

The principal objectives of rabbit feeding strategies are to limit digestive disorders, shorten rearing time and increase dressing percentage. Besides, new attention is placed on the carcass composition in terms of primal joint cut, fat and lean proportions, and on the technological and sensory characteristics of the meat, due to the increasing demand for processed meat. The possibility of modifying carcass and meat quality has been demonstrated to be very limited when rabbits are fed a balanced diet ad libitum. Only extreme situations like severe restriction and lack or large excess in a specific nutrient are able to influence slaughter traits and meat characteristics. However, growth performance and health conditions may be also compromised. The manipulation of the development rate of the different body tissues seems to be possible through adequate feeding programs based on different protein levels in relation to dietary energy, but more studies are required to clarify the variations of protein and amino acid requirements throughout the entire growing period. From the literature, it clearly appears that fat addition to the diet, both as inclusion leve! and source, significantly affects carcass fatness and meat fatty acid composition. The consequences are evident in the organoleptic appreciation of rabbit meat and also in its technological characteristics. Therefore further studies are required in order to investigate the biochemical processes that determine post-mortem transformation of muscles into meat and the evolution during storage.

Efficacy of Cr (III) Supplementation on Growth, Carcass Composition, Blood Metabolites, and Endocrine Parameters in Finishing Pigs

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of trivalent chromium from different sources on growth, carcass composition, and serum parameters in finishing pigs. Ninety-six crossbred pigs with an initial average body weight of 65.57±1.05 kg were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to four treatments with three replicates. Pigs were offered one of four diets including a control diet or the control diet supplemented with 200 μg/kg chromium from either chromium chloride (CrCl 3 ), chromium picolinate (CrPic) or chromium nanocomposite (CrNano) for 40 days. After completion of the feeding trial, eight pigs from each treatment were selected to collect blood samples, and slaughtered to measure carcass composition. The results showed that supplemental chromium had no significant effect on growth performance, while CrNano increased carcass lean proportion and loin Longissimus muscle area (p<0.05), and decreased carcass fat proportion and 10 th rib backfat depth (p<0.05). CrPic supplementation also resulted in lower fat proportion and larger Longissimus muscle area (p<0.05). The addition of Cr from CrNano or CrPic decreased serum glucose (p<0.05) and increased concentrations of total protein and free fat acid in serum (p<0.05). Serum urea nitrogen, triglyceride and cholesterol were decreased (p<0.05), and serum high density lipoprotein and lipase activity were increased (p<0.05) with the supplementation of CrNano. Serum insulin was decreased (p<0.05) by supplemental Cr from CrNano or CrPic, and serum insulin-like growth factor I was increased significantly in the CrNano treated group. These results suggest that chromium nanocomposite has higher efficacy on carcass composition in pigs compared to the traditional chromium sources.

Influence of diet and rearing system on heavy pig performance, carcass and meat quality

Identifying alternative dietary protein sources and new types of outdoor rearing techniques that enhance animal welfare, thus optimising costs and production performance, are among the main objectives of nutritionists and breeders. The aim of this study was to compare two types of rations where pea and potato concentrate completely substituted soybean in intensively and extensively bred swine.Forty Large White × Duroc piglets weighing about 40 kg were divided into 4 groups of 10 sex- and weight-matched individuals: Indoor rearing + Control diet, Indoor rearing + Experimental diet, Outdoor rearing + Control diet, Outdoor rearing + Experimental diet. Different diets were formulated for the growing phase (40-100 kg) and the fattening period (100-slaughter); pigs, weighed individually every 40 days to estimate the average daily gain and feed conversion rate, were slaughtered when they reached the weight for Italian ham production. The following measurements were obtained: carcass weight, slaughtered yield, weight of lean cuts, pH 45 minutes and 24 hours post mortem. 40 semimembranosus muscle samples were analysed for colour parameters (L*, a* and b*), moisture, fat, protein and ash while the energy values were calculated. Semimembranosus intramuscular fat and ham backfat were analysed for fatty acid profile.Statistical analysis of performances data was conducted using design with repeated measures and the slaughterhouse, meat and fat composition data were subjected to ANOVA. The results show that soybean can be completely substituted with other protein crops. Rearing and slaughterhouse performances were not affected by the diet, whereas significant differences emerged with the rearing system. Diet composition significantly affected lean meat proportion (50.0 vs 48.2) and fat thickness of 3/4 Thoracic Vertebra (25.3 vs 28.3 mm), while the rearing system significantly affected all carcass quality measures. Some parameters were better in outdoorthan indoor-subjects. Meat colour was also significantly influenced by the rearing effect, being less light and yellow in the former subjects (L* 49.9 vs 37.3; b* 3.7 vs 2.3). Chemical analysis demonstrated that the meat of outdoor-reared subjects was leaner (1.96% vs 1.38% fat) and had a lower water content (72.8% vs 71.8%).The complete replacement of soybean is thus compatible with a strong characterization and an enhancement of the value of swine products. In addition, the rearing system can result in distinctive quality features, such as ham colour and fat content, allowing products from outdoor rearing to be clearly recognized from those obtained from intensive rearing.

Effect of dietary betaine supplementation on lipogenic enzyme activities and fatty acid synthase mRNA expression in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, lipogenic enzyme activities in subcutaneous adipose tissue and mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in finishing pigs. Forty-eight crossbred barrows and gilts (Duroc × Seghers 15 line × Seghers 12/36 line) with a body weight of 55.7 ± 0.48 kg were divided into two groups, and three replicates of eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were assigned to each group. Pigs were fed a maize–soybean meal basal diet supplemented with either 0 or 1250 mg betaine/kg feed for 42 days. At the end of the trial, two pigs (one barrow and one gilt) weighing around 90 kg were selected from each replicate and slaughtered. Average daily gain increased by 5.5% (P<0.05) with betaine supplementation, but average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected. Adding betaine to diet increased carcass lean proportion and loin muscle area (P<0.01) and decreased carcass fat proportion (P<0.01) and average backfat thickness (P<0.05). Betaine did not influence dressing proportion, proportion of skin and bone of the carcass or leaf fat weight. Betaine supplementation decreased the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, FAS and malic enzyme in subcutaneous adipose tissue by 18.0% (P<0.01), 18.8% (P<0.05) and 14.5% (P<0.05), respectively, but the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were not affected (P>0.10). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a 25% decrease in FAS mRNA expression in pigs fed betaine (P<0.05). A significant correlation between mRNA expression level and potential enzyme activity for FAS was found ( r = 0.93; P<0.01). The study suggests that the reduction in adipose tissue observed in pigs fed additional betaine might result from diminished rates of lipogenesis that is a consequence of decreased activities and gene expression of lipogenic enzymes, as evidenced by the decrease in FAS mRNA expression.

Pig carcass quality in relation to carcass lean meat proportion

The objective of the study was to quantify differences in the carcass composition of pig carcasses with different lean meat proportions. Totally 132 carcasses with lean meat proportions ranging from 45 to 65% were analysed. The average lean meat proportion in the analysed set of carcasses was 55.38% (s = 4.319). The carcasses were classified into the groups according to their lean meat proportion (R, 45.0 to 49.9%; U, 50.0 to 54.9%; E, 55.0 to 59.9%; S, more than 60.0%). Carcasses from each group were cut into primal cuts and the main cuts (leg, loin, shoulder and belly with bones) were further separated into different tissues. Carcass value was markedly enhanced by the increasing carcass lean meat proportion. Average leg percentages in the groups R, U, E and S were 17.88% (s = 0.918), 19.32% (s = 0.889), 20.88% (s = 0.817) and 21.88% (s = 0.827), respectively. Average proportions of fat over leg expressed as percentages of leg weight in these groups were 5.82% (s = 0.402), 4.87% (s = 0.556), 4.05% (s = 0.479) and 3.21% (s = 0.321), respectively. Lean meat proportions of leg weight were improved from 84.93% (s = 1.136) in the group R to 88.12% (s = 0.986) in the group S. The most distinct differences were found in lean proportions of belly weight. The observed averages in the group R and S were 43.90% (s = 2.729) and 62.10% (s = 2.219), respectively. Actually, in carcasses with a high classification score the belly can be considered as a cut with the predominant muscle tissue. The results of the study proved the efficiency of carcass evaluation based on the lean meat proportion. Such a method can significantly contribute to the overall improvement of pig production. &amp;nbsp;

Effects of slaughter weight on carcass composition and meat quality in pigs of two different growth rates

Three hundred and forty (340) Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) crossbred piglets were allotted to a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design experiment. The independent variables were the growth rate (fast: around −10 days at 100 kg and slow: around +2 days at 100 kg), based on two different EBV’s (estimated breeding value) of the sire-line for age, the sex (barrows and gilts) and the live weight at slaughter (107, 115 and 125 kg). A sub-population of 119 pigs (10 carcasses per treatment) was selected for the carcass and meat quality evaluation trials. As live weight increased there were significant increases in hot carcass weight and dressing percentage ( P < 0.05). Lean, fat and bone proportions were not affected by weight. Gilts had higher lean proportion ( P < 0.05) than barrows. Furthermore, carcasses of fast growing pigs were fatter ( P < 0.05) than those of slower growing ones. Loin muscle pH, drip loss and reflectance values did not vary significantly with any of the treatments. Intramuscular fat was higher in barrows ( P < 0.05) than in gilts and soluble collagen content decreased with increasing weight ( P < 0.05). Muscle protein (%) increased ( P < 0.05) from 107 to 115 kg and gilts had a higher ( P < 0.05) content than castrates. No evidence was found that increasing slaughter weight detracts from carcass characteristics or meat quality.

Prediction of body composition of Iberian pigs by means bioelectrical impedance

Twelve barrow Iberian pigs with an average weight at slaughter of 109.2 kg were used to evaluate bioelectrical impedance procedures to predict the body composition of live pigs. Twelve hours before slaughter pigs were weighed, and a four-terminal body composition analyser (Model BIA-101, RJL Systems, Detroit, MI) was utilized to determine resistance ( R s in Ω) and reactance ( X c in Ω). The length values ( L in cm) were measured between detector electrodes with a flexible steel tape. Twenty four hours after slaughter the left side of each carcass was separated using a scalpel into fat, lean, bone and skin. Multiple regression equations for estimating lean, fat, bone and skin amounts and lean, fat, bone and skin proportions with respect to slaughter weight were calculated. The live weight (LW) and L independent variables predicted 85.3% and 64.3% of the variability of the lean amount and lean proportion, respectively. The LW, X c and L variables accounted for 96% and 91.6% of the variation in fat quantity and fat proportion, respectively. The LW and R s accounted for 58.9% of the variation in bone amount, and the same variables predict 79.1% of the variability of bone percentage. The R s and L variables explained 68% of the variability of skin quantity and LW, R s and X c predicted 83.1% of the variation of skin proportion. Results from this experiment indicate that bioelectrical impedance may be of interest for body composition prediction of live Iberian pigs.

Effects of two dried forages, and a choice between them, on intake, growth and carcass composition in lambs of two breeds and their cross

AbstractThe effects of forage type, breed type and sex on lamb growth and carcass composition, and their changes throughout growth, were measured. The three breed types were Scottish Blackface (no. = 31), Suffolk (no. = 28) and their reciprocal cross (no. = 30). The lambs were given ad libitum a pelleted ryegrass alone, pelleted lucerne alone or a choice of both. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights of fat, lean and bone in the carcass at three proportions of mature body weight (0·30, 0·45 and 0·65). Live weights and food intake data were recorded weekly. Average daily gains in live weight and carcass tissues, food intake and efficiency were calculated for each lamb between degrees of maturity. Relationships between weight and food intake were investigated using a Spillman function.Breed type had no effect on fat or lean proportion in the carcass but Scottish Blackface lambs had 1·04 times the carcass bone proportions of the Suffolk or crossbred lambs. Diet had no effect on carcass tissue proportions. The effect of sex on carcass composition changed with stage of maturity. Breed type and sex effects on intakes and gains in live weight and tissue weights were related to mature size differences. Scaling by (mature size)0·73did not fully remove these differences. There were no effects of breed type, sex or diet on efficiency. Lambs on ryegrass had lower intakes (0·878 as great) and slower growth (0·851 as fast) than those on lucerne or the choice treatment. The mean proportion of ryegrass in the choice diet was 0·366 (s.e. 0·0273); it increased slightly with time. There was no breed type by diet interaction for any of the variables examined. The Spillman function described growth well and showed that there were no effects of breed type, diet or sex on efficiency.