Mature Cattle Research Articles

Effect of postmortem tenderization strategies (pretumbling, blade tenderization, moisture enhancement) on processing yield parameters and eating quality of selected hip and loin muscles from youthful and mature beef carcasses.

Several muscles from mature beef carcasses have been identified as failing to provide adequate tenderness required for a satisfactory consumer eating experience. Postmortem processing strategies can help improve the tenderness and subsequent eating quality of mature beef muscles. The current study was undertaken to investigate the impact of processing strategies (blade tenderization [BT], pretumbling [PT], and moisture enhancement [ME]), alone and in combination, on processing yield and eating quality-related parameters of selected loin and hip muscles (gluteus medius [GM], longissimus lumborum [LL], semimembranosus [SM], and biceps femoris [BF]) from youthful and mature beef cattle. Results indicate that muscles from mature beef were inherently less tender (P < 0.05), but some tenderization procedures produced meat that was similar in tenderness to that of youthful cattle. Of the different tenderization strategies evaluated, BT followed by ME (injection of a salt/phosphate solution) was the most effective strategy for improving (P < 0.05) tenderness of tougher muscle cuts such as BF and SM. Moisture enhancement alone improved tenderness (P < 0.05) and juiciness (P < 0.01) of SM, GM and LL, but with the exception of samples tenderized prior to injection, was not effective (P > 0.05) in BF muscles. No additional tenderization of GM and LL samples was observed (P > 0.05) by combining PT or BT with ME. Combining PT or BT with ME; however, was effective (P < 0.05) to control the increased purge loss observed following ME treatment in SM and LL muscles. Pretumbling as a single treatment was ineffective (P > 0.05) in all of the muscles, and only treatments that included BT were sufficient to effect an increase (P < 0.05) in tenderness of BF.

Carcass and Primal Composition Predictions Using Camera Vision Systems (CVS) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Technologies on Mature Cows

This study determined the potential of computer vision systems, namely the whole-side carcass camera (HCC) compared to the rib-eye camera (CCC) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology to predict primal and carcass composition of cull cows. The predictability (R2) of the HCC was similar to the CCC for total fat, but higher for lean (24.0%) and bone (61.6%). Subcutaneous fat (SQ), body cavity fat, and retail cut yield (RCY) estimations showed a difference of 6.2% between both CVS. The total lean meat yield (LMY) estimate was 22.4% better for CCC than for HCC. The combination of HCC and CCC resulted in a similar prediction of total fat, SQ, and intermuscular fat, and improved predictions of total lean and bone compared to HCC/CCC. Furthermore, a 25.3% improvement was observed for LMY and RCY estimations. DXA predictions showed improvements in R2 values of 26.0% and 25.6% compared to the HCC alone or the HCC + CCC combined, respectively. These results suggest the feasibility of using HCC for predicting primal and carcass composition. This is an important finding for slaughter systems, such as those used for mature cattle in North America that do not routinely knife rib carcasses, which prevents the use of CCC.

Extension Contribution to Anaplasmosis Surveillance in Arkansas: A Story of Collaboration

Abstract The emergence of resistant bacteria forced the medical and animal agriculture communities to rethink how antibiotics are used. In Arkansas, medicated feed is mostly used to treat or control Anaplasmosis in beef cattle herds. Bovine Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsial bacteria, Anaplasma marginale. This disease causes over $300 million in losses annually for the U.S. cattle industry. With beef cattle being the fifth largest agricultural commodity in Arkansas, it is important to know the prevalence of Anaplasmosis infection in the state. The project described is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville campus, the University of Arkansas Extension, and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Extension agents from 33 Arkansas counties were trained to recruit producers for the study and to coordinate sample collection. On the day of blood collection, Extension agents discussed the purpose of the project and appropriate disclosures with the producers. A total of 578 mature beef cattle were randomly selected from six geographical regions for sampling between the months of November 2019 and February 2020. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. PCR testing was completed at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine andcELISA testing was completed at the University of Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Blood samples from 335 cattle (58.7%) were positive for Anaplasmosis on at least one test with the majority of animals testing positive (229; 68.4%) on both the cELISA and PCR tests. Rates of regional prevalence ranged from 36.7% to 93.8%. The overall results were discussed with Extension agents via Zoom prior to discussing results with individual producers. Data from this study were added to previous surveillance data collected by Kansas State University and will direct Extension education efforts pertaining to Anaplasmosis management in regional beef cattle herds.

283 Timely Euthanasia on Farm; Dairy Cattle and Swine

Abstract Euthanasia of mature swine and cattle can be challenging. On-farm euthanasia should be used as a tool to eliminate pain and suffering. However, clear guidelines regarding making euthanasia decisions and alternative euthanasia techniques available for use is limited in the United States (US). In order to prevent prolonged suffering and pain in compromised animals, science-based recommendations are needed to ensure timely and humane euthanasia can be performed when needed on-farm. This presentation will focus on two euthanasia challenges currently faced in swine and dairy cattle systems in the US today: 1) Swine: Validating alternative euthanasia techniques for use in mature breeding stock and 2) Dairy Cattle: Identifying producer barriers preventing timely euthanasia decision-making using surveys and focus groups. The swine study evaluated the effectiveness of two penetrating captive bolt gun styles (cylinder or pistol) using a frontal, temporal and behind-the-ear placement. Four treatments were 100% effective in achieving cardiac arrest and death. The cylinder style captive bolt gun resulted in greater brain trauma and death compared to a pistol style gun and behind-the-ear and temporal placement showed promise as an alternative placement site for euthanizing mature pigs. In the dairy cattle study, dairy producers were recruited to participate in a survey and focus group. Survey results indicated that farm owners were most commonly responsible for on-farm euthanasia and most respondents would treat and monitor compromised cattle for a majority of health conditions, regardless of condition severity. Participants in focus groups focused primarily on animal welfare as the most important factor influencing the decision to euthanize and the desire to eliminate animal suffering by using euthanasia as a tool. This work highlights the complicated challenges that arise when euthanizing livestock and the importance of not only identifying appropriate techniques to humanely euthanize livestock but address the emotional and animal welfare factors that influence these decisions.

Prevalence and molecular diagnosis of Gongylonema pulchrum in cattle and sheep in the Samsun region

This study was carried out between November-2017 and June-2019 to determine the distribution and molecular characterization of Gongylonema pulchrum in cattle and sheep slaughtered in local abattoirs and slaughtering areas during the feast of sacrifice. In this study, esophagi collected from 380 (358 young and 22 mature) cattle and 848 esophagi from sheep (816 young and 32 old) were examined. Esophagus taken after slaughtering was brought to the laboratory in plastic bag. In the laboratory, all the esophagi were cut open with scissors and all of the materials were examined using a loupe under a light source. Parasites were taken out using eye forceps and placed in 70% ethyl alcohol. Following the primary morphological examination, all the parasites cut into three parts, anterior and posterior parts were used for morphologic identification and mid part was used for molecular identification. Bp BpCoxI-F1 and BpCoxI-R1 primers were used for molecular identification. Only two cows (older than four years) were infected and the infection rate was 0.53%. A total of 27 parasites were identified, 18 were male and 9 were female. Parasites were not found in the examined sheep. All the samples collected from the infected cattle were identified as G. pulchrum after morphological examinations and molecular confirmation and positive bands were detected at 400bp.

Optimization of Substrate and Nutrient Solution Strength for Lettuce and Chinese Cabbage Seedling Production in the Semi-Arid Environment of Central Myanmar

The growing population of tropical countries has led to a new awareness of the importance of vegetables as a source of essential foods and nutrients. The success of vegetable cultivation depends to a large extent on high-quality seedlings. This work aimed at evaluating the effects of different substrates and different nutrient solution concentrations on the development of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedlings in a semi-arid tropical area. Three independent experiments were conducted at the Soil and Water Research Station at Yezin Agriculture University, Myanmar (Myanmar, 19.83° N; 96.27° E). In all experiments a randomized block design was implemented with four treatments and three repetitions. In the first experiment the adaptability of lettuce seedling to two substrates (namely a Hulls Manure mix composed by 50% of mature cattle manure and 50% of carbonized rice husk and a soil based substrate constituted by 70% local soil, 20% burned rice husk, and 10% fresh cattle manure) and two nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivities (ECs) (W0.1, stored rainwater with EC = 0.13 dS m−1 and NS1.2, nutrient solution with EC = 1.20 dS m−1) were tested. In the second and third experiments, two species (lettuce and Chinese cabbage) were assessed for their response to nutrient solution concentrations. In both crops, 4 fertigation treatments (W0.1; NS0.6; NS1.2; and NS1.8) were supplied, by modulating the concentration of a compound mineral fertilizer (15:15:15) in the following ranges: W0.1: 0 g L−1, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.13 dS m−1, NS0.6: 0.3 g L−1, EC of 0.60 dS m−1; NS1.2: 0.6 g L−1, 1.2 dS m−1 EC, and NS1.8: 0.9 g L−1, 1.8 dS m−1 EC. Adopting different substrates and applying different nutrient solutions significantly affected growth (fresh weight and leaf morphology) and some physiological parameters (stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and leaf chlorophyll content) of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedling. From the first experiment, the combination of the soil based substrate and NS1.2 treatments allowed us to improve the seedlings’ growth. In the second experiment, highest growth of lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedlings was associated with NS1.2 and NS1.8, respectively. The presented results allow for the optimization of both growing media and nutrient solution management when lettuce and Chinese cabbage seedling are produced in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar.

Analysis of biogas production potential based on livestock dung availability: A case of household biogas plants in Nepal

This paper presents an analysis of the potential for household-scale biogas production based on cattle and buffalo dung in three geographical regions of Nepal. A field survey was conducted in 240 livestock-holding households, and data of daily fresh dung yield were obtained from 210 livestock individuals classified into four categories: mature buffalo (>3 year), young buffalo (3 year), mature cattle (>3 year) and young cattle (3 year). The data were collected in three different seasons with varying temperature and humidity. The energy values of the dung were experimentally measured. The results showed that the average daily dung yield per livestock in the monsoon was higher than that of the other seasons, for all geographical regions, because of higher fodder availability. Despite the highest livestock number per household in the mountains as compared to the hills and lowlands, the net availability of dung in the mountains was only about 30% of that of other two regions due to lower availability of fodder. Fodder availability, livestock herding hours, quality of dung and seasonal variations were found to be important parameters in determining the net potential biogas production. Based on these findings, measures to increase biogas production from available dung are discussed and generalized.

A population estimation study reveals a staggeringly high number of cattle on the streets of urban Raipur in India.

Cattle are cosmopolitan in distribution. They are economically and ecologically significant. The cattle menace on the urban streets of developing and underdeveloped countries is challenging. The number of road accidents is increasing rapidly over time, in the urban areas of most of the developing countries, like India. In the present study, we estimated the population of cattle wandering on the streets/roads/highways of Raipur city of India using the direct headcount method and advanced Photographic Capture-Recapture Method (PCRCM). We compared these two methods of population estimation to check their suitability and adequacy. We superimposed 163 grids (1.0 x 1.0 km each) on the map of Raipur city using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. We randomly selected 20 grids for the estimation of the street cattle population. We used both line transect and block count sampling techniques under the direct headcount method. The estimates of visibly roaming cattle on the Raipur city streets were 11808.45 and 11198.30 using the former and the latter sampling techniques, respectively. Further, advanced PCRCM indicated an estimated 35149.61 and 34623.20 cattle using the line transect and block counting sampling techniques, respectively. We observed a female-biased sex ratio in both mature and immature cattle. The frequency of mature cattle was significantly higher than that of naive cattle, followed by the calf. Further, we noticed the frequency of cattle in a grid in the following order: cow > bull > heifer > immature male > female calf > male calf. We concluded that the estimated population of street cattle in Raipur city is about 35 thousand. The results of both the techniques, i.e., direct headcount method and PCRCM, are consistent for population estimation. The direct headcount method yields the number of cattle visibly roaming on the street at a particular time. In contrast, advanced PCRCM gives the total population of street cattle in the city. Active surveillance of the urban cattle population might be of critical importance for municipal and city planners. A better understanding of the urban cattle population might help mitigate the cattle menace on the street, eventually preventing cattle-human conflict and minimizing road accidents. The techniques adopted in this study will also help estimate the population of free-ranging dogs and other wildlife animals in any target location.

Influence of plastic mulch and fertilization on the environmental impact of spring cabbage production

A three-year field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of plastic mulch (PM) and fertilization methods (FMs) on marketable yield (MY) and environmental impact of spring cabbage production. The trial consisted of two levels of mulching (without and with PM) and nine different FMs, including the control without fertilization (FM1). PM use without fertilization (FM1) increased yields by 35.9 % on average, but the positive yield effect of mulching decreased with fertilizer application (FM2–9). Mature cattle manure, composted pig manure and mineral fertilizer increased yields by 21.2 %, 60.6 % and 51.5 %, respectively. Combined fertilization gave higher yield up to 73.3 % compared to the control (FM1). The environmental impact was evaluated with the ReCiPe 2016 (H) life cycle impact assessment method. The foreground system was modeled mainly using primary data, while background system data were available from the ecoinvent 3.4 generic LCI database. On average across the nine FMs, the application of PM reduced water consumption (23 %), non-carcinogenic toxicity (25 %), terrestrial acidification (4 %), and required land area (11 %), but increased fossil resource scarcity (8 %), global warming (6 %) and fine particulate matter emissions (14 %). PM application had positive impacts on ecosystem quality, but regarding human health and resources availability, positive impacts were found only in the control (FM1). Negative environmental impact of PM was the consequence of large amounts of energy used for its production and hazardous emissions through PM disposal. On-site burning of PM under uncontrolled, open burn conditions should be avoided because of negative health impacts. Landfilling and combustion of PM in incinerators with energy recovery could reduce impacts of cabbage production on human health by 16 and 21 %, respectively, as compared to on-site burning. Fertilizer use was environmentally justified as damage indicators were lower on a MY basis compared to the control treatment without fertilization (by 18 %–44 %).

8. The Role of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus In Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex In Cattle Import Livestock At 2019 Periode

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important infectious diseases in cattle breeding. Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a respiratory disease in mature and calf cattle which is a viral and bacterial superinfection including BVDV. The purpose of reseach is to study the role of BVDV in cases of Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), especially with the characteristic of lesions were granulomatous pneumonia. The material in this study was lung tissue that was fixed with 10% formaldehyde buffer of calf sampel collected in October and November 2019. The sample is processed in a pathology laboratory for hematoxyline eosin (HE) staining and followed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). A total of 11 lung samples sent from imported beef cattle and dairy cattle with a diagnosis of pneumonia complex morphology continued with CPI testing with monoclonal antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus. Nine samples showed positive CPI results against BVDV and two other samples were negative. Bovine viral diarrhea virus is detected in all granulomatous pneumonia, so it has an important role in BRDC. Early detection, treatment and prevention of BRDC affected or followed by BVDV must be carried out programmatically.

Correlations Amongst Functional and Morphological Attributes and Oxidative Markers of Fresh and Cryopreserved Semen of Gir and Murrah Bulls

This study was undertaken during the winter season on healthy mature Gir cattle and Murrah buffalo bulls (n=3 each). The semen samples (6 ejaculates/bull, total 36 ejaculates) collected in the morning using artificial vagina were evaluated for routine seminal attributes, including acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity. The samples were then diluted @ 100 million sperm/ml with tris fructose yolk glycerol extender without and with sericin @ 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v), filled in French mini-straws, and frozen in LN2 using biofreezer as per standard freezing protocol. Straws were thawed in water bath at 37°C for 30 sec and evaluated for post-thaw quality, viz., motility, viability, morphology, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity (HOST). Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA production) and activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed as oxidative markers in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples. Sericn at 0.5% level significantly (p less than 0.01) improved the post-thaw sperm quality with reduced oxidative stress in both the species. The breed-wise correlation coefficients (r) among sperm quality attributes and oxidative markers were studied in fresh and frozen-thawed semen of each species, and also for fresh with frozen-thawed semen. The findings revealed significant interrelationships amongst most of the attributes of fresh as well as post-thawed semen and also of fresh semen attributes with those of cryopreserved semen including oxidative markers in both the species. Sperm motility estimation in fresh, pre-freeze and post-thawed semen was a legitimately good indicator of quality of spermatozoa at various steps of semen processing/freezing, and its fertilizing potential. Thus, the sperm motility, HOS test and either MDA or SOD/GPx activity alone may be used as valuable and practical tools for routine assessment of bovine semen quality considering significant correlations found between them.

Productivity, absence of a bull and endoparasitic nematodiosis in beef cattle farms in an upland area of East Java, Indonesia.

Background and Aim:Cattle are an important economic asset for the rural community in East Java Province, Indonesia. The study aimed to provide updated data of cattle farm demography, productivity, as well as the role of the absence of a bull and nematodiosis in reduced productivity of beef cattle in an upland rural area of the province.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted in Sukowono village, Bondowoso region. A Census survey was conducted to collect data through interviews with farmers. Further, 102 fecal samples were taken systematically and processed using a double centrifugation method to investigate the endoparasitic nematodiosis in the cattle population. The demographic data, productivity, and nematodiosis were analyzed descriptively. The difference between proportions was analyzed using Chi-square with 95% confidence limit. The associations were described in risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results:The total cattle population was 814 heads; the range of farm size was 1-7 (median: 2) cattle. Female cattle comprised 81.8% (666/814) of the cattle population but, only 5.5% (23/422) farmers kept both bull and mature female cattle. Pregnancy rate was 26.8% (145/542) of mature female cattle. The delayed first calving time appeared in 24.8% (62/250) of heifers and calving interval of >14 months occurred in 83.2% (149/179) of multiparous cows. The prevalence of endoparasitic nematodiosis was 43.1% (44/102, 95%, CI: 38.1-52.1%). Either the absence of the bull or the nematodiosis did not associate with pregnancy rate or calving interval of cows.Conclusion:This study indicates that the productivity of the cattle in the study area was low but may not associate with the absence of a bull or nematodiosis.

Forage potential of corn intercrops for beef cattle diets in northwestern Alberta

AbstractIntercropping systems involving cereals with legumes provide several advantages such as elevated forage yield and improved forage nutritive value. This study was designed to assess viability of corn (Zea mays L.) intercrops to improve the forage crude protein (CP) of corn forage for beef cattle production. A corn monocrop (C‐M) was compared with seven corn intercrops (five annual legumes, a non‐legume crop (radish (Raphanus sativus L.), C‐RA) and an annual crop mixture (ACM)). The corn forage dry matter (DM) yield was significantly improved (P &lt; .05) for C‐M than all intercrops. Of the seven intercrops, only corn‐radish intercrop (C‐RA) produced significantly lower total forage DM yield (corn + companion) than C‐M. Of the seven corn intercrops, only corn‐hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (C‐HV) and corn–annual crop mixture (C‐ACM) had significantly (P &lt; .05) improved forage CP and digestible CP than C‐M. Both C‐HV and C‐ACM exceeded the CP recommendations for mature beef cattle and also had adequate CP for young (growing and finishing calves) beef cattle, thereby eliminating the need for protein supplementation during the feeding of either C‐HV or C‐ACM beef cattle. Forage minerals were not significantly affected (P &gt; .05) by corn intercrops. Forage total digestible nutrients (TDN) was significantly (P &lt; .05) influenced by intercrops and varied from 65.9‐71.2%. Results indicate that selected corn intercrops can improve nutritive value of forage for beef cattle production.

Archeological research in graves of the Church of Saint Elisabeth of Jilemnice, in the light of environmental analysis

Abstract Archaeological research in the area of the chateau park uncovered the relic of the Gothic church of St. Elisabeth, dated to the second half of the 13 th century. It is a single-nave building with a rectangular finish (length 25 m, boat width 13 m, presbytery width 10.5 m). The church probably had an older predecessor - a wooden structure on a stone foundation, dating from the mid-13 th century. At the same time, the church site was a burial place: a grave of a young woman and a 1.5-year-old child, dated 13 th /14 th century were found outside the presbytery wall. In the presbytery, there were 3 graves of men dating back to the 14 th century. It is very likely that these are the Lords of the Wallenstein family. Archaeological research in graves in the Church of St. Elisabeth unearthed a small collection of animal bone remains. The occurrence of bones of young and mature cattle and domestic fowls, which are abundant in the archaeozoological assemblage, indicates the prevailing meat consumption of these animals. The butchering marks on their bones document removal of meat from the carcasses.

Short communication: Effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on neonatal calf peripheral blood neutrophil function in vitro

Neutrophils are innate immunity cells that represent the first line of cellular defense against invading pathogens. Dairy calves, however, experience neutrophil dysfunction during the first weeks of age, contributing to increased disease susceptibility during this period. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine that improves neutrophil function in neonates of other species and mature cows. However, its capability to improve neonatal calf neutrophil function is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effect of GM-CSF on the functional capabilities of neutrophils of neonatal calves in vitro. We hypothesized that supplementation of neonatal neutrophils with GM-CSF would increase microbicidal functions to levels comparable with those of mature immunocompetent cattle. For this, we isolated blood neutrophils from 12 healthy 2- to 3-d-old Holstein calves, and neutrophils from 6 mid-lactation Holstein cows were used as a reference of robust neutrophil function. Subsequently, neutrophils from both calves and cattle were incubated for 9 h with 4 concentrations (0, 0.005, 0.05, or 0.5 µg/mL) of GM-CSF, and microbicidal function of neutrophils was assessed in terms of phagocytosis, respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and extracellular trap formation. Mixed models with Tukey pairwise comparisons were used to identify differences among treatment and age groups. Supplementation of GM-CSF in vitro increased phagocytosis and MPO activity of calf and cow neutrophils, although not in a concentration-dependent manner. Respiratory burst and extracellular trap formation were not affected by GM-CSF supplementation. All the microbicidal capacity functions assessed were lower in neutrophils from calves, but supplementation with GM-CSF increased phagocytosis and MPO activity of calf neutrophils to levels comparable with unsupplemented cow neutrophils. Collectively, our results demonstrated that in vitro supplementation of calf neutrophils with GM-CSF enhanced some functional microbicidal capabilities to levels comparable with immunocompetent cattle. Hence, it may be possible to augment the functional capacity of calf neutrophils in vivo through the therapeutic application of GM-CSF and consequently enhance calves' resistance to infections. This should be tested in future in vivo studies.

Influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilisers on cane traits, productivity and berry quality of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

The present study focused on the influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilisers on primocane growth, floricane properties, yield and berry quality attributes of non-remontant cv. ‘Meeker’ red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) during three consecutive years under western Serbian conditions. We used organo-mineral pelleted NPK fertilizer commercially named ‘Excell Orga’ (Excell), soluble crystalline complex fertiliser commercially named ‘Scotts Solinure 1’ (Scotts), water-soluble granulated compound fertiliser commercially named ‘Multi Comp Base’ (MCB), aged mature cattle manure as a organic fertiliser and control variant (without fertilization). Obtained results showed that primocane growth, floricane traits and berry quality traits significantly varied among fertilisers application and among years with exception of berry shape, soluble solids content (SSC), glucose and fructose contents, respectively. Also, in the most cases interaction fertiliser × year was significant. Among fertilisers, MCB and Scotts significantly improved primocane and floricane properties, berry weight and its size, productivity, single and total sugars contents and bioactive compounds (total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity). Control treatment induced better sweetness index than all fertilisers. Among years, rainy 2014 significantly increased primocane growth, floricane traits, yield, berry weight and size, acidity, pH juice, total sugars and sucrose contents and bioactive compounds content, whereas decreased SSC and ripening index (RI). Warm and dry 2012 decreased primocane growth, yield, some berry physical traits, acidity, total sugars and bioactive compounds, whereas increased number of drupelets, SSC and ripening index value. Manure and Excell exhibited a weak influence on the properties investigated, which were often similar to the control treatment or with minor differences.

Enteritis in weaned cattle: an overview of causes

While calf diarrhoea may receive more attention, enteritis in young adult and mature cattle is common and has a variety of causes. This review provides an overview of such causes and outlines how to approach diagnosis in the weaned animal with diarrhoea.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Fecal Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica from Dairy Calves: A Systematic Review.

The discovery of antibiotics brought with it many advances in the health and well-being of humans and animals; however, in recent years development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has increasingly become a concern. Much of the antibiotic use on dairy farms is for disease management in mature cattle, and AMR in fecal organisms is relatively rare in this group. However, young dairy calves often carry high levels of AMR in their fecal Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, which could provide a potential reservoir of AMR genes on dairy farms. To develop practical and effective antibiotic stewardship policies for dairy calf rearing, it is vital to have a solid understanding of the current state of knowledge regarding AMR in these animals. A systematic review process was used to summarize the current scientific literature regarding AMR in fecal S. enterica and E. coli and associations between management practices and AMR prevalence in dairy calves in the United States and Canada. Seven online databases were searched for literature published from 1997 to 2018. Multiple studies indicated an association between preweaned calves and increased risk of fecal shedding of resistant bacteria, compared to other animal groups on dairy farms. There also was evidence, although less consistent, of an impact of antibiotic treatment, antibiotic-containing milk replacer feeding, and feeding nonsalable or waste milk (WM) on the presence of AMR bacteria. Overall, the research summarized in this systematic review highlights the need for continued research on the impact of management practices, including antibiotic use, WM feeding, and disease prevention practices in reducing AMR in E. coli and S. enterica in dairy calves. In addition, few data were available on physiological and microbiological factors that may contribute to the high relative populations of resistant bacteria in young calves, suggesting another valuable area of future research.

Genome sequencing and assessment of plant growth-promoting properties of a Serratia marcescens strain isolated from vermicompost

BackgroundPlant-bacteria associations have been extensively studied for their potential in increasing crop productivity in a sustainable manner. Serratia marcescens is a species of Enterobacteriaceae found in a wide range of environments, including soil.ResultsHere we describe the genome sequencing and assessment of plant growth-promoting abilities of S. marcescens UENF-22GI, a strain isolated from mature cattle manure vermicompost. In vitro, S. marcescens UENF-22GI is able to solubilize P and Zn, to produce indole compounds (likely IAA), to colonize hyphae and counter the growth of two phytopathogenic fungi. Inoculation of maize with this strain remarkably increased seedling growth and biomass under greenhouse conditions. The S. marcescens UENF-22GI genome has 5 Mb, assembled in 17 scaffolds comprising 4662 genes (4528 are protein-coding). No plasmids were identified. S. marcescens UENF-22GI is phylogenetically placed within a clade comprised almost exclusively of non-clinical strains. We identified genes and operons that are likely responsible for the interesting plant-growth promoting features that were experimentally described. The S. marcescens UENF-22GI genome harbors a horizontally-transferred genomic island involved in antibiotic production, antibiotic resistance, and anti-phage defense via a novel ADP-ribosyltransferase-like protein and possible modification of DNA by a deazapurine base, which likely contributes to its competitiveness against other bacteria.ConclusionsCollectively, our results suggest that S. marcescens UENF-22GI is a strong candidate to be used in the enrichment of substrates for plant growth promotion or as part of bioinoculants for agriculture.

Genetic associations between mature size and condition score of Nelore cows, and weight, subjective scores and carcass traits as yearlings

The size and body condition of female livestock is critical for improving production efficiency. However, we know little about how height and body condition score in mature beef cattle are genetically related to traits observed when the animals are younger. In the present study, we used data from 321650 Nelore cattle, first, to compare genetic parameters and breeding values on the basis of different models employing weight (MW), height (MH) and body condition score (BCS) of mature cows (3–17 years old). Next, we estimated the genetic correlations between the three traits and assorted yearling traits (YW, weight; YC; conformation score; YP, precocity score; YM, muscling score; YN, navel score; LMA, longissimus muscle area; BF, back fat thickness). Finally, we obtained the expected direct responses to selection for MW, MH and BCS of cows and correlated responses for these traits when the selection was applied to yearling traits. For MW and MH, single-trait Bayesian analyses were used to evaluate the effects of including BCS when defining contemporary groups (BCS included, CG1; BCS not included, CG2). For BCS trait, linear and threshold animal models were compared. After, bi-trait analyses that included MW, MH or BCS with yearling traits were performed. The CG1 scenario resulted in a higher heritability for MW (0.45 ± 0.02) than did CG2 (0.39 ± 0.02). Both scenarios yielded the same heritability estimates for MH (0.35 ± 0.02). Sires’ rank correlations between predicted breeding values under CG1 and CG2 were 0.60–0.92 for MW and 0.90–0.98 for MH, considering different selection intensities. Thus, only for MW genetic evaluations, the incorporation of BCS in the definition of the contemporary groups is indicated. For BCS trait, the same sires were selected regardless of the model (linear or threshold). Genetic correlations between MW and five yearling traits (YW, YC, YP, YM and YN) ranged from 0.18 ± 0.03 to 0.84 ± 0.01. The MH had a higher and positive genetic association with YW (0.64 ± 0.02) and YC (0.54 ± 0.03), than with YN (0.18 ± 0.03). However, MH was negatively and lowly genetically correlated with YP (–0.08 ± 0.03) and YM (–0.14 ± 0.03). The BCS had positive genetic associations with all yearling traits, particularly with YP (0.61 ± 0.06) and YM (0.60 ± 0.07). Mature size and carcass traits exhibited a low to moderate negative genetic correlations. However, BCS had positive genetic associations with LMA (0.38 ± 0.12) and BF (0.32 ± 0.14). Despite a shorter generation interval, selection at the yearling stage will result in a slower genetic progress per generation than does direct selection for cow MW, MH or BCS. Moreover, using YW and YC as selection criteria will increase cattle size at maturity without altering BCS. Last, LMA or BF-based selection will reduce mature size, while improving BCS, as a correlated response.