Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Area Research Articles

Prediction of the carcass tissue composition of “Blackbelly” lambs using in vivo and postmortem measurements

Objective. Predict the tissue carcass composition of “Blackbelly” lambs using in vivo and postmortem measurements. Materials and methods. Twenty lambs with an average age and weight of seven months and 29.07±2.88 kg, respectively, were used. Before slaughter, the subcutaneous fat thickness, depth, width and Longissimus dorsi muscle area were measured with ultrasonography. After slaughter, the cold carcass and tissues: muscle, fat and bone weight, were recorded. In the carcass, the thoracic depth, length, perimeter, length and width of the leg, as well as the compactness index, were also measured and recorded. Correlation analysis and regression models were used to predict tissue carcass composition. Results. The carcass tissues were correlated with L. dorsi muscle depth (p≤0.05; r-values ranged from 0.67 to 0.80) and carcass compactness index (p≤0.05; r ranged from 0.54 to 0.75). The r2 for the prediction equations of the carcass tissue composition ranged from 0.71 to 0.78 for fat (p≤0.001). Conclusions. The use of in vivo and postmortem measurements allowed the prediction of tissue carcass composition of lambs, with moderate to high accuracy (r2 >0.71≤ and ≤0.78).

Comparative transcriptome analysis of longissimus dorsi muscle reveal potential genes affecting meat trait in Chinese indigenous Xiang pig

In this study, we compared the transcriptome of longissimus dorsi muscle between Guizhou Xiang pigs (XP) and Western commercial Large White pigs (LW), which show diffirent meat quality between them. In terms of meat quality traits, the pH 45 min, color score, backfat thickness, and intramuscular fat (IMF) content were higher in Xiang pigs than in Large White pigs (P < 0.01), while the drip loss, lean meat percentage, shear force, and longissimus dorsi muscle area of Xiang pigs were lower than that of Large White pigs (P < 0.01). Nutrients such as monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), total amino acids (TAA), delicious amino acids (DAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) in Xiang pigs were higher than that in Large White pigs, and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of Xiang pigs was significantly lower than Large White pigs (P < 0.01). Transcriptome analysis identified 163 up-regulated genes and 88 genes down-regulated in Xiang pigs longissimus dorsi muscle. Combined with the correlation analysis and quantitative trait locis (QTLs) affecting meat quality, a total of 227 DEGs were screened to be significantly associated with meat quality values. Enrichment analysis indicated that numerous members of genes were gathered in muscle development, adipogenesis, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and synthesis. Of those, 29 genes were identified to be hub genes that might be related with the meat quality of Xiang pig, such as MYOD1, ACTB, ASNS, FOXO1, ARG2, SLC2A4, PLIN2, and SCD. Thus, we screened and identified the potential functional genes for the formation of meat quality in Xiang pigs, which provides a corresponding theoretical basis for the study of the molecular regulatory mechanism of pork quality and the improvement of pork quality.

Effects of Succinate on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Lipid Synthesis in Bama Miniature Pigs.

Succinate, one of the intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is now recognized to play a role in a broad range of physiological and pathophysiological settings, but its role in adipogenesis is unclear. Our study used Bama miniature pigs as a model to explore the effects of succinate on performance, meat quality, and fat formation. The results showed that adding 1% succinate significantly increased the average daily gain, feed/gain ratio, eye muscle area, and body fat content (p < 0.05), but had no effect on feed intake. Further meat quality analysis showed that succinate increased the marbling score and intramuscular fat content of longissimus dorsi muscle (LM), while decreasing the shear force and the cross-sectional area of LM (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis of LM revealed that succinate reshaped levels of fatty acids, triglycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids in LM. Succinate promotes adipogenic differentiation in porcine primary preadipocytes. Finally, dietary succinate supplementation increased succinylation modification rather than acetylation modification in the adipose tissue pool. This study elucidated the effects of succinate on the growth and meat quality of pigs and its mechanism of action and provided a reference for the role of succinate in the nutrition and metabolism of pigs.

Effect of supplementing zilpaterol hydrochloride during different periods on energetics, growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile in meat of finishing lambs

To determine the effect of adding β2 agonist zilpaterol hydrochloride during different periods on growth performance, dietary energetic, carcass traits and fatty acid profile, forty male lambs Pelibuey × Katahdin (37.70 ± 0.83 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to pens. Treatments consisted in: 1) control, no zilpaterol supplementation, 2) zilpaterol supplementation for 20 d (ZIL20), 3) zilpaterol supplementation for 30 d (ZIL30), and 4) zilpaterol supplementation for 40 d (ZIL40). Compared with control treatment, zilpaterol supplementation increased final live weight (FLW) (3.5 %; P = 0.0563), average daily gain (ADG, 14.8 %; P = 0.0598) and gain:feed ratio (10.3 %; P = 0.0324). As well as hot carcass weight (6.1 %; P = 0.0064), dress out percentage (2.6 %; P = 0.0139) and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (13.7 %; P = 0.0015). Compared to control group, zilpaterol increased (P = 0.0413) observed vs. expected dietary of NEm (net energy requirements for maintenance) and NEg (net energy requirements for growth) (5.7 and 8.1 %, respectively). Twenty days of zilpaterol treatment improved FLW (4.4 %, P = 0.0566) and tended to improve ADG (17.4 %, P = 0.0718) when compared to control group. Only intramuscular fat showed a positive linear effect (P = 0.0006) in stearic fatty acids proportion and negative linear effect (P = 0.0585) in araquidonic fatty acid proportion. We conclude that zilpaterol hydrochloride improved variables of growth performance, energy retention and carcass traits with noticeable effects from 20 d of zilpaterol supplementation.

Meta-analysis of organic chromium dietary supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and serum metabolites of lambs

There are inconsistent results on the effects of organic chromium (OCr) dietary supplementation on productivity, carcass traits, and blood metabolites of sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of OCr dietary supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat composition, and serum metabolites of lambs using a meta-analytical approach. The final database included 16 studies from which the variables of interest were obtained. Data were analyzed using a random effects model, and results are presented as weighted mean differences (WMD) between OCr-supplemented and non-OCr treatments. OCr dietary supplementation did not affect dry matter intake; however, average daily gain increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased in response to OCr dietary supplementation. Dietary supplementation with OCr increased hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, cold carcass weight, and Longissimus dorsi muscle area but decreased backfat thickness. In meat, OCr supplementation increased Warner-Bratzler shear force and protein content and decreased intramuscular fat content. In the blood, OCr dietary supplementation increased the serum concentration of insulin and triiodothyronine. However, serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and thyroxine decreased in response to OCr dietary supplementation. In conclusion, organic chromium can be used as a dietary additive to improve average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in lambs and, at the same time, improve carcass traits, meat chemical composition, and serum metabolites.

Growth performance and ruminal fermentation of lambs supplemented with calcium propionate: A meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation on growth performance and ruminal fermentation of lambs using a meta-analytic method. The data used were obtained from 10 peer-reviewed publications. The effect size was assessed using weighted mean differences (WMD) between CaPr supplementation and control treatments. Dietary supplementation with CaPr did not affect (P > 0.05) dry matter intake, hot carcass yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle area, rumen pH, and butyrate concentration, but it increased average daily gain (WMD = 0.012 kg/d; P = 0.022), and ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids (WMD = 6.633 mM; P = 0.022) and propionate (WMD = 4.443 mol /100 mol; P < 0.001). In contrast, a lower feed conversion ratio (WMD = −0.288 kg/kg; P = 0.029) and ruminal acetate concentration (WMD = −3.319 mol/100 mol; P < 0.001) were observed in response to CaPr supplementation. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of calcium propionate can be used as a nutritional strategy to improve growth rate and ruminal fermentation in fattening lambs.

Using real-time ultrasound for in vivo estimates of Longissimus dorsi muscle parameters and fat thickness in Dorper ewes

Real-time ultrasound has been used as a tool to assist producers to classify sheep into homogeneous groups for slaughter. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between the in vivo estimates of Longissimus dorsi muscle parameters and fat thickness of mature ewes obtained directly from ultrasound and determined after image analysis with ImageJ. Seventeen Dorper ewes were used, with age of 3.2 ± 1.5 years and body weight (BW) of 59.79 ± 8.81 kg. The estimates of the Longissimus dorsi muscle area (LDA, cm), depth (LDD, cm) and width (LDW, cm) and fat thickness (FT, mm) were performed by ultrasound images (first estimate), after which the images were analyzed using the ImageJ software (second estimate). A randomized design was used with two treatments (US = estimates obtained in vivo by ultrasound; IJ = estimates obtained in vivo by ultrasound and evaluated with ImageJ). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Only MW was significantly different between the variables evaluated. No significant correlations were found between BW and the other variables when evaluated by ultrasound and when obtained with the aid of ImageJ. The correlation of LDA (0.91) was high (P < 0.001) in relation to the same estimate from ImageJ. The same pattern was observed for LDDUS and LDDIJ, in which positive correlations of high magnitude (0.95) were also found. The in vivo estimates of LDD and FT of Dorper ewes obtained by ultrasound and those after ImageJ treatment were similar. The high correlations found indicate that the ImageJ program has potential use for the in vivo estimation of Longissimus dorsi muscle parameters and fat thickness in Dorper ewes.

Effects of the F94L myostatin gene mutation in beef × dairy crossed cattle on strip loin steak dimensionality, shear force, and sensory attributes.

Carcasses (n = 115) from steers resulting from the mating of four Limousin × Angus sires heterozygous for the F94L myostatin mutation to Jersey, Jersey × Holstein, and Holstein dams were utilized to evaluate the effects of one copy of the F94L allele on strip loin dimensionality, Warner-Bratzler shear force and slice shear force, and sensory panel ratings. In Phase I of a two-phase study, 57 carcasses from two sires were utilized to obtain samples of longissimus dorsi (LD), psoas major (PM), gluteus medius (GM), semitendinosus (ST), serratus ventralis (SV), triceps brachii (TB), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles, which were vacuum packaged, aged until 10 days postmortem, and frozen. Frozen strip loins were cut into 14 2.5-cm-thick steaks each, and individual strip loin steaks were imaged at a fixed height on a gridded background and processed through image analysis software. In Phase II, to obtain a greater power of test for LD palatability attributes, 58 additional carcasses from 3 sires were utilized to obtain LD samples only for sensory panel and shear force analysis. Cooked steak sensory attributes evaluated by trained panelists were tenderness, juiciness, beef flavor, browned flavor, roasted flavor, umami flavor, metallic flavor, fat-like flavor, buttery flavor, sour flavor, oxidized flavor, and liver-like flavor. In strip loin steaks from carcasses with one F94L allele, LD muscle area was larger in steaks 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9, and steaks 1, 6, 7, and 9 were less angular than those from carcasses with no F94L allele (P < 0.05). Of the seven muscles observed, there were no shear force differences between F94L genotypes (P > 0.20). F94L genotype did not affect sensory panel ratings of LD and GM steaks (P > 0.07). Cooked ST steaks from carcasses with one F94L rated lower in fat-like flavor compared to those from carcasses with no F94L allele (P = 0.035). Cooked PM steaks from carcasses with one F94L allele rated lower in juiciness, fat-like flavor, buttery flavor, and umami flavor compared to those with no copies of the F94L (P < 0.04). In summary, one copy of the F94L allele utilized in beef × dairy cross steers improved strip loin steak dimensionality, did not affect cooked steak tenderness across seven muscles, and decreased fat-associated flavors in the PM and ST. Use of F94L homozygous terminal beef sires would be an easily implemented strategy for dairy producers to improve steak portion size and shape in carcasses from non-replacement calves.

KOMPOSISI ASAM LEMAK PADA DAGING SAPI RANCAH DAN PERANAKAN ONGOLE

Local beef is known for its low-fat content/lean meat. The fatty acid profile of beef could affect the meat quality, related to its texture, taste, and nutritional value. This study aims to determine the fatty acid profile of Rancah and Ongole Grade beef. This study used fourteen samples of meat from Rancah cattle 1.5 – 2.5 years, which were extensively reared with forage feed, and nine samples of Ongole Grade beef with forage and concentrate feeding as much as 2.5% dry matter of body weight. A fatty acid profile was analyzed from the longissimus dorsi muscle area, between the 12th and 13th ribs. The fatty acid profiles identified are saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA). The fatty acid analysis used is the Gas Chromatography (GCMS) method. The data were analyzed descriptively and fatty acid composition differences of Rancah and Ongole grade beef were analyzed by T-test. The results showed that the fatty acid composition of Rancah and Ongole grade beef is relatively the same as the beef of other breeds. Saturated fatty acid in Ongole Grade beef is higher than Rancah beef, but the content of unsaturated fatty acids, PUFA/MUFA: SFA ratio in Rancah beef is higher than Ongole Grade.

PSV-A-11 The Effect of Days on Feed for Feedyard Performance, Health, Carcass, and Organ Characteristics of Angus X Holstein Heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of days on feed (DOF) on performance, health, carcass, and organ characteristics of composite Angus x Holstein heifers (n = 3,676). At time of arrival (d 0), heifers from a single source were placed into large (~300 animal) pens at two commercial feedlot locations in the Texas Panhandle. At administration of final implant (Revalor® 200; d 240), heifers, within lot, were randomly assigned to one of four smaller pens, creating a block (location A block n = 6, location B block n = 7). Pens within blocks were randomly assigned to treatment (323, 344, 365, or 386 DOF). Data were analyzed using DOF as the fixed effect; block was nested within location as a random effect. Linear and quadratic effects were also tested; pen was experimental unit (n = 52). Heifer DMI did not differ across DOF (P = 0.72). Heifer ADG decreased linearly (1.52, 1.37, 1.31, and 1.27 kg/d; P ≤ 0.01). Heifer HCW (372, 387, 401, and 414 kg), longissimus dorsi muscle area (88.63, 89.55, 90.80, and 91.95 cm2), marbling score (535, 553, 563, and 594) and percentage of Prime QG (6.6, 11.2, 12.8, and 19.0 %) linearly increased (P ≤ 0.01) as DOF increased. Frequency of liver scores (edible, minor, or major abscess) did not change over DOF (P ≥ 0.82). Frequency of ideal heart score linearly decreased with DOF (53.0, 44.3, 25.7, and 15.0 %; P ≤ 0.01). Frequency of YG 3 did not change (P = 0.68), however YG 4 linearly increased with DOF (6.2, 12.0, 14.0, and 22.5 %; DOF P ≤ 0.01). Data collected in this trial indicate that DOF led to increased HCW, LM area, marbling, YG, and QG with minimal changes to DMI or liver scores for Angus x Holstein heifers.

A Meta-Analysis of Essential Oils Use for Beef Cattle Feed: Rumen Fermentation, Blood Metabolites, Meat Quality, Performance and, Environmental and Economic Impact

The objective of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) affected rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, growth performance and meat quality of beef cattle through a meta-analysis. In addition, a simulation analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of EOs on the economic and environmental impact of beef production. Data were extracted from 34 peer-reviewed studies and analyzed using random-effects statistical models to assess the weighted mean difference (WMD) between control and EOs treatments. Dietary supplementation of EOs increased (p &lt; 0.01) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.209 kg/d), final body weight (WMD = 12.843 kg), daily weight gain (WMD = 0.087 kg/d), feed efficiency (WMD = 0.004 kg/kg), hot carcass weight (WMD = 5.45 kg), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (WMD = 3.48 cm2). Lower (p &lt; 0.05) ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen (WMD = −1.18 mg/dL), acetate (WMD = −4.37 mol/100 mol) and total protozoa (WMD = −2.17 × 105/mL), and higher concentration of propionate (WMD = 0.878 mol/100 mol, p &lt; 0.001) were observed in response to EOs supplementation. Serum urea concentration (WMD = −1.35 mg/dL, p = 0.026) and haptoglobin (WMD = −39.67 μg/mL, p = 0.031) were lower in cattle supplemented with EOs. In meat, EOs supplementation reduced (p &lt; 0.001) cooking loss (WMD = −61.765 g/kg), shear force (WMD = −0.211 kgf/cm2), and malondialdehyde content (WMD = −0.040 mg/kg), but did not affect pH, color (L* a* and b*), or chemical composition (p &gt; 0.05). Simulation analysis showed that EOs increased economic income by 1.44% and reduced the environmental footprint by 0.83%. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of EOs improves productive performance and rumen fermentation, while increasing the economic profitability and reducing the environmental impact of beef cattle. In addition, supplementation with EOs improves beef tenderness and oxidative stability.

Effects of a Polyherbal Dietary Additive on Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Lambs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a polyherbal additive (PA) containing hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils on productive performance, dietary energetics, carcass and meat characteristics, and blood metabolites of lambs in their finishing phase. Twenty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (20.52 ± 0.88 kg body weight (BW)) were housed in individual pens and assigned to four treatments (n = 7) with different doses of PA: 0 (CON), 1 (PA1), 2 (PA2), and 3 (PA3) g of PA kg−1 of DM for 56 days. Compared to the CON, lambs in PA1 treatment had higher average daily gain (p = 0.03), higher dietary energy utilization (p = 0.01), greater backfat thickness (p = 0.02), greater Longissimus dorsi muscle area (p = 0.01), and better feed conversion ratio (p = 0.02). PA supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) dry matter intake, carcass yield, biometric measures, and meat chemical composition. All hematological and most of the blood biochemical parameters were similar in lambs of all treatments (p > 0.05). However, compared to the CON, lambs assigned to the PA3 treatment had lower serum urea concentration (p = 0.05) and higher serum albumin concentration (p = 0.03). In conclusion, low doses of PA could be used as a growth promoter in finishing lambs without affecting dry matter intake, carcass yield, meat chemical composition, and health status of the lambs. However, more in vivo research is needed to better understand the impact of bioactive compounds from PA used on productivity, metabolism, and health status of finishing lambs.

Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Antioxidant Status of Sheep Supplemented with Tannins: A Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummaryTannins can be used to improve productive performance, meat quality and antioxidant status of ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary tannin supplementation on productive performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and blood serum antioxidant status of sheep through a meta-analysis. Only studies with weaned or older sheep were included. The sheep included in the present study were between 2 and 6 months old, and between 12 and 31 kg of body weight. Tannin supplementation improved productive performance, carcass yield, meat oxidative stability and blood serum antioxidant capacity. This suggests that the inclusion of tannins in sheep diets could be used to improve growth and reduce oxidative stress in animals, and to improve meat quality and shelf life.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with tannins (TANs) on productive performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, oxidative stability, and blood serum antioxidant capacity of sheep through a meta-analysis. Using Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases, a systematic search was performed for studies published in scientific journals that investigated the effects of TANs supplementation on the variables of interest. Only studies with weaned or older sheep were included. The data analyzed were extracted from 53 peer-reviewed publications. The sheep included in the present study were between 2 and 6 months old, and between 12 and 31 kg of body weight. The effects of TANs were analyzed using random-effects statistical models to examine the standardized mean difference (SMD) between treatments with TANs and control (no TANs). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and a subgroup analysis was performed for covariates that were significant. Supplementation with TANs did not affect dry matter intake, pH, color (L* and b*), Warner–Bratzler shear force, cooking loss and meat chemical composition (p > 0.05). Supplementation with TANs increased daily weight gain (SMD = 0.274, p < 0.05), total antioxidant capacity (SMD = 1.120, p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity (SMD = 0.801, p < 0.001) and catalase (SMD = 0.848, p < 0.001), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in blood serum (SMD = −0.535, p < 0.05). Supplementation with TANs decreased feed conversion rate (SMD = −0.246, p < 0.05), and the concentration of MDA (SMD = −2.020, p < 0.001) and metmyoglobin (SMD = −0.482, p < 0.05) in meat. However, meat redness (SMD = 0.365), hot carcass yield (SMD = 0.234), cold carcass yield (SMD = 0.510), backfat thickness (SMD = 0.565) and the Longissimus dorsi muscle area (SMD = 0.413) increased in response to TANs supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of tannins in sheep diets improves productive performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, oxidative stability of meat and some other characteristics related to meat and carcass quality.

Investigation of high correlation with carcass traits of SNPs of the PLCB1, C/EBPα, and TDRKH genes and the combinations of SNPs using the MDR method in the Hanwoo.

Recently, many researchers focus on the best way to produce high-quality meat, as the trend in food consumption today is to focus on quality. In general, consumers' preferences in beef differ depending on taste and meatiness. Therefore, researchers are interested in how the marbling score affects the flavors of meat or the various factors that make up the meatiness to captivate the consumers' tastes. This study identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or gene combinations that affect the carcass traits of Korean cattle (Hanwoo) by using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. We collected the candidate SNPs to identify SNPs related to marbling scores from whole-exome sequencing and bovine SNP genotyping data. Using 96 Hanwoo samples, we performed PCR amplification to investigate the polymorphism status. In addition, we investigated genetic relationships between carcass traits and SNPs using 612 Hanwoo samples. Furthermore, each candidate SNP genotype and the combinations of SNP genotypes were verified to improve the accuracy of genetic relationships using MDR method. Twenty-four candidate SNPs associated with carcass trait and marbling scores were identified from SNP genotyping and whole-exome sequencing. Among them, three SNP markers (c.459T > C of the PLCB1 gene, c.271 A > C of the C/EBPα gene, and g.17257 A > G of the TDRKH gene) were showed statistically significant differences between intramuscular fat and genotypes. Especially, two candidate SNPs, including c.459T > C located in the PLCB1 gene and c.271 A > C located in the C/EBPα gene, could be highly associated with the intramuscular fat of Hanwoo quality grade. In addition, the combination of SNP genotypes is showed higher significant differences with carcass weight, backfat thickness, and longissimus dorsi muscle area. Three SNP genotypes and the combination of SNP genotypes in the PLCB1, C/EBPα, and TDRKH genes may be useful genetic markers for improving beef quality.

Effect of feeding dry-rolled corn or whole shelled corn during the finishing phase on growth performance and carcass characteristics.

:The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the effect of corn processing during the finishing phase on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics. We hypothesized that steers fed dry-rolled corn would have better feed efficiency (less feed necessary to the same amount of gain) than steers fed whole shelled corn. Ninety-five backgrounded Angus-cross cattle (initial body weight [BW] = 263 ± 9.8 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design in a feedlot setting. Cattle were divided in to 3 blocks: heifers (n = 31, 4 pens; initial BW = 267 ± 1.3 kg), light steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 253 ± 1.3 kg), and heavy steers (n = 32, 4 pens; initial BW = 279 ± 1.4 kg). Diets contained 70% corn (experimental treatment), 15% dried distiller’s grains with solubles, 7% grass hay, and 8% supplement, on a dry matter basis. Cattle were fed for 217, 224, and 231 ± 8 d for the heifer, heavy steer, and light steer blocks, respectively. Two pens within each block were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: (1) dry-rolled corn (DRC) or (2) whole-shelled corn (WSC). Animal growth performance and carcass characteristics were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, including the fixed effect of treatment. Pen and block were included as random effects. Carcass characteristics USDA Yield Grade and Quality Grade distributions were compared using the GLIMMIX procedure of using the same model than the growth performance data. Data are presented as LSMeans. Cattle fed DRC had greater average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.02) and final BW (P < 0.01) when compared with cattle fed WSC. Even though ADG was greater for the DRC treatment, feed efficiency was similar (P = 0.45) because dry matter intake was also greater (P = 0.04) for DRC when compared with the WSC treatment. Cattle fed DRC also had greater hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), dressing percentage (P < 0.01), and Longissimus dorsi muscle area (P < 0.01) than cattle fed WSC. No differences (P ≥ 0.18) were observed for marbling score, USDA Yield Grade or USDA Quality Grade. In conclusion, feeding DRC to feedlot cattle improved ADG, hot carcass weight, and Longissimus dorsi muscle area, without affecting feed efficiency or meat quality.

The Effect of Replacing Wildrye Hay with Mulberry Leaves on the Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Carcass Characteristics of Sheep.

Simple SummaryIt is well known that mulberry leaves can be used in animal feed because of their high yield, rich protein content, and palatability. Our study found that partially replacing Chinese wildrye with mulberry leaves could improve meat quality without negatively affecting the growth performance, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics of sheep. The study suggests that mulberry leaves partially substituted for conventional forage in the diet of sheep may be an effective strategy to alleviate the shortage of high-quality forage sources and to reduce feed costs.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially substituting for conventional forage, Chinese wildrye (CW), with mulberry leaves (ML) on the growth, digestion, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and meat quality of sheep in a 65-day feedlot study. Thirty-two four-month-old male small-tailed Han sheep (25.15 ± 1.03 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments. The dietary treatments consisted of four proportions of ML (0, 8, 24, and 32%) as a substitute for CW (designated as ML0, ML8, ML24, and ML32, respectively). Rumen digesta and blood samples were collected at day 63 of the trial. Carcass traits were assessed after slaughter at the end of performance period. The results from this study revealed no differences in average daily bodyweight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and final body weight (FBW) among treatments. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher in the sheep fed with ML than in those fed CW. The ML24 treatment had a higher digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE). There were no differences (p = 0.13) in ruminal pH values among the treatments. However, there was more microbial protein (p < 0.01) in ML24 and ML32 treatments than the ML0 treatment. Ruminal concentrations of acetate and butyrate were significantly different among treatments, although no difference in concentrations of total volatile fatty acid were found. Additionally, no differences were detected for serum parameters except blood urea nitrogen (BUN). No differences were observed for carcass weight (p = 0.62), dressing percentage (p = 0.31) or longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) area (p = 0.94) among treatments. However, intramuscular fat was higher in the ML24 treatment than in the ML0 treatment. (p < 0.01). There were higher pH values of the 24-h longissimus dorsi in the ML24 treatment than in the ML0 treatment. In addition, the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was lower (p < 0.01) and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content higher (p < 0.01) in the ML24 treatment than in the ML0 treatment. In conclusion, the partially substitution of mulberry leaves for Chinese wildrye in the diet of sheep had a beneficial influence on the growth performance, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics. The inclusion of 24% (air dry basis) mulberry leaf hay in the ration of sheep is recommended based on these findings.

Growth curve, carcass traits and Kleiber ratio of Dorper crossbreed with hairless native Brazilian sheep breeds

Abstract In Brazil, much of the sheep farming is practiced with native breeds or crossbred with specialized breeds. The market is growing and to serve consumers it is necessary to regularly provide quality meat. Rearing these animals with lower production costs can be achieved using feed efficiency and growth information, useful to define the most appropriate crossbreed for both farm structures and breeder’s objectives. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the growth, carcass traits and Kleiber ratio (KR) of, respectively, 44 and 39 animals slaughtered at 120 (120D) and 240 days (240D) of the following crosses: Dorper x Morada Nova females and males (F_DMN, M_DMN), Dorper x Santa Ines females and males (F_DSI, M_DSI), and Dorper x Rabo Largo females and males (F_DRL, M_DRL). The traits evaluated were: the weight of the rib, loin, left half carcass, shoulder, leg, Longissimus Dorsi muscle area (LDM), growth curve and KR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used, and it was observed, at 120D, that DSI and M_DRL had higher cut weights. There was the superiority of the M_DSI in relation to the others for the cuts rib, loin (excerpt with DRL that was similar), half carcass and shoulder at 240D. At 240D all crossbreeds have a value greater than 100 % of the percentage of their asymptotic weight, except the M_DSI. At 240D the animals tended to lower values of KR compared to 120D. Differences were observed between the crosses considering the variables simultaneously. In the grouping at 120D, an approximation between DSI and M_DRL was observed. The DMN at 240D, have lower values for carcass traits and growth and superiority for KR and degree of maturity. The M_DRL with F_DRL and F_DSI were characterized as intermediate for growth, carcass, and KR. In PCA1 at 120D, most of the explanation for differentiating crosses are concentrated in meat cuts. At 240D again, the carcasses contributed to differentiate the crosses, however sharing with the parameters of growth. It is concluded that animals should be slaughtered before 240D. If it is used to slaughter 120D, the cattle rancher can choose, when economically feasible, to slaughter animals regardless of sex and crossing, however, the farmers must be attentive only to prioritize the DSI and M_DRL as an alternative to serving the consumer market that prefers heavier cuts.

Correlations between circulating ghrelin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality indices in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets

Circulating ghrelin concentrations could potentially be used as a predictor of production traits in cattle. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between circulating total ghrelin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality indices in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Fifty-seven Simmental × Luxi F1 crossbred bulls (approximately 24 month of age, mean body weight ± SD: 514 ± 27 kg) were used for 112-days finishing experiment. Circulating total ghrelin concentrations and relevant indices of growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality were measured during or after finishing trial. The results indicated that the total ghrelin concentrations were positively correlated with dry matter intake (DMI) (r = 0.278, P = 0.046) and were not correlated to other growth indices including initial body weight (BW), final body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (feed : gain) (P > 0.05). The total ghrelin concentrations were positively correlated with meat-bone ratio (r = 0.269, P = 0.045) and tended to be positively correlated to highrib weight (r = 0.234, P = 0.083). Moreover, total ghrelin concentrations were not correlated to other carcass traits indices such as hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, Longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) area and 12th rib fat thickness (P > 0.05). Total ghrelin concentrations tended to be negatively correlated to the shear force of beef (r = - 0.299, P = 0.064), and were not correlated to other meat quality indices such as moisture, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, meat color conventional chemical composition and fatty acid composition (P > 0.05). In conclusion, circulating total ghrelin concentrations were associated with DMI, meat-bone ratio and beef tenderness in finishing bulls fed high concentrated diet, and it could be used as a potential biomarker for evaluation of animal production traits such as DMI and beef tenderness in finishing bulls fed high concentrate diets.

Daily optimal level of a generic beta-agonist based on zilpaterol hydrochloride for feedlot hair lambs

Two experiments were completed to determine the dietary optimal dose of a generic product (Grofactor®) of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) in fattening male lambs. In experiment 1, 32 lambs were assigned to four daily doses of ZH (n = 8): 0 (Control), 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mg/kg of body weight (BW). In experiment 2, the doses of ZH with the best biological response from experiment 1 (i.e., 0.10 and 0.20 mg/kg of BW per lamb) were compared using 18 lambs (9 lambs per treatment), as well as a control group of 9 lambs. In experiment 1, growth rate, feed efficiency, hot (HCW) and cold (CCW) carcass weight and dressing percentage showed a quadratic increase (P ≤ 0.05) as the dose of ZH increased, but all these traits were similar among ZH-fed lambs. Yield of wholesale cuts was not impacted by ZH dose. Percentages of skin and foot decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing ZH dose. However, head, liver, and stomach had a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) to increasing levels of ZH, with the lowest values at the intermediate ZH addition levels. In experiment 2, ZH-fed lambs compared with control had better (P ≤ 0.04) feedlot performance, HCW, CCW, dressing percentage, Longissimus dorsi muscle area and carcass length. Addition of ZH only increased (P ≤ 0.03) the leg yield using any of the doses. Feeding ZH decreased (P ≤ 0.03) the percentages of blood, liver, spleen, and stomach, while percentage of lungs increased (P < 0.01). In both experiments, ZH supplementation had no effect on fat thickness, and omental and mesenteric fat. We concluded that generic ZH is effective as growth promoter in male lambs finished in feedlot to a daily dosage of 0.10 mg/kg of BW.

Dietary N-Carbamylglutamate Supplementation in a Reduced Protein Diet Affects Carcass Traits and the Profile of Muscle Amino Acids and Fatty Acids in Finishing Pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation in a reduced protein diet affected carcass traits and meat quality in finishing pigs. A total of 120 gilts were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for 40 days, including a standard protein diet (SP), a reduced protein diet supplemented with 1.7% l-alanine (RP + Ala), a reduced protein diet supplemented with 1.0% l-arginine (RP + Arg), and a reduced protein diet supplemented with 0.1% NCG and 1.7% l-alanine (RP + NCG). NCG supplementation increased the endogenous synthesis of l-arginine. The RP + NCG diet significantly increased the loin eye area (p < 0.05) and tended to decrease the 10th rib fat depth (p = 0.08). NCG supplementation in a reduced protein diet was effective to produce functional pork with a high content of leucine (p < 0.05). The composition of several ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but not the ratio of ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs in muscles was altered in finishing pigs with dietary NCG supplementation. In conclusion, the RP + NCG diet is effective to increase the longissimus dorsi muscle area, decrease back fat accretion, and produce functional pork with a high content of leucine but without a negative impact on the muscle fatty acid profile in finishing pigs.