Backfat Thickness Measurements Research Articles

Development and validation of a fully automated 2-dimensional imaging system generating body condition scores for dairy cows using machine learning

Monitoring body condition score (BCS) is a useful management tool to estimate the energy reserves of an individual cow or a group of cows. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the performance of a fully automated 2-dimensional imaging system using a machine learning algorithm to generate real-time BCS for dairy cows. Two separate datasets were used for training and testing. The training dataset included 34,150 manual BCS (MAN_BCS) assigned by 5 experienced veterinarians during 35 visits at 7 dairy farms. Ordinal regression methods and deep learning architecture were used when developing the algorithm. Subsequently, the testing dataset was used to evaluate the developed BCS prediction algorithm on 4 of the participating farms. An experienced human assessor (HA1) visited these farms and performed 8 whole-milking-herd BCS sessions. Each farm was visited twice, allowing for 30 d (±2 d) to pass between visits. The MAN_BCS assigned by HA1 were considered the ground truth data. At the end of the validation study, MAN_BCS were merged with the stored automated BCS (AI_BCS), resulting in a testing dataset of 9,657 single BCS. A total of 3,817 cows in the testing dataset were scored twice 30 d (±2 d) apart, and the change in their BCS (ΔBCS) was calculated. A subset of cows at one farm were scored twice on consecutive days to evaluate the within-observer agreement of both the human assessor and the system. The manual BCS of 2 more assessors (HA2 and HA3) were used to assess the interobserver agreement between humans. Finally, we also collected ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness (BFT) from 111 randomly selected cows with available MAN_BCS and AI_BCS. Using the testing dataset, intra- and interobserver agreement for single BCS and ΔBCS were estimated by calculating the simple percentage agreement (PA) at 3 error levels and the weighted kappa (κw) for the exact agreement. A Bland-Altman plot was constructed to visualize the systematic and proportional bias. The association between MAN_BCS and AI_BCS and the BFT was assessed with Passing-Bablok regressions. The system had an almost perfect repeatability with a κw of 0.99. The agreement between MAN_BCS and AI_BCS was substantial, with an overall κw of 0.69. The overall PA at the exact, ± 0.25-unit, and ± 0.50-unit BCS error range between MAN_BCS and AI_BCS was 44.4%, 84.6%, and 94.8%, respectively, and greater than the PA obtained between HA1 and HA3. The Bland-Altman plot revealed a minimal systematic bias of -0.09 with a proportional bias at the extreme scores. Furthermore, despite the low κw of 0.20, the overall PA at the exact and ± 0.25-unit of BCS error range between MAN_BCS and AI_BCS regarding the ΔBCS was 45.7 and 88.2%, respectively. A strong linear relationship was observed between BFT and AI_BCS (ρ = 0.75), although weaker than that between BFT and MAN_BCS (ρ = 0.91). The system was able to predict single BCS and ΔBCS with satisfactory accuracy, comparable to that obtained between trained human scorers.

PSV-2 Impact of Diseases in Pig Production on Carcass and Meat Quality

Abstract Several diseases, including Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS), are present in pig herds. The effects of diseases on growth performance are generally well known, but there is a lack of information on the consequences on carcass and meat quality. The aim of this project was to assess the impact of diseases present in the nursery and finishing on performances, carcass yields and meat quality. The trial was carried out at the Deschambault Swine Evaluation Station, where a project aimed at evaluating disease resilience is being carried out. A total of 480 castrated piglets from 8 different batches entered the nursery barn every 3 weeks. Pigs were observed daily, and a careful examination of the clinical signs was carried out weekly on each animal, to separate pigs showing signs of disease from those in good health. Ultrasound measurements of back fat thickness, muscle depth and intramuscular fat (IMF) level were performed three different times during growth. When the pigs reached a body weight of approximately 120 kg, carcass quality and meat yield measurements were taken 18 to 24 hours after slaughter. The ultimate pH, color, water loss and marbling were measured on the loin. The presence of PRRS and other diseases had a significant impact on the growth performance of pigs in fattening and demonstrates that the presence of the virus in the herd significantly decreases the average daily gain (ADG). This difference has a direct impact on the number of days in fattening. Results for back fat thickness at the end of fattening show significant differences (P < 0.05) between uninfected pigs (14.7 mm), pigs infected in nursery (13.9 mm) and fattening (12.8 mm) only, and pigs that have been ill both in nursery and fattening (12.4 mm). These results indicate that the presence of diseases leads to a decrease in fat deposition in pigs at the end of fattening. However, results for IMF measured at the end of fattening demonstrate that the presence of diseases had no significant impact on the final IMF level (P > 0.10), varying between 2.05% for healthy pigs and 2.13% for animals that have been sick in nursery and fattening. The results obtained in the slaughterhouse have shown that the presence of diseases does not seem to have an impact on the various measures of meat quality (P > 0.05). Only drip loss shows a significant difference (P < 0.05) between healthy and sick animals. However, the low number of sick pigs in the batches evaluated could have limited the observed effects. The work carried out by the CDPQ has made it possible to quantify the impact of diseases by providing a better understanding of their impact on product quality.

Evaluation of backfat and longissimus dorsi thickness ultrasound measurements as predictors of negative energy balance in pre-partum dairy ewes

Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentrations in blood serum are the most used indicators of energy status in dairy sheep. Ultrasound measurement of backfat thickness (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) is a non-invasive and on-field applicable technique, with no established critical thresholds for assessing energy balance in dairy sheep. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound indices of BFT and LDT as image biomarkers of negative energy balance in pre-partum dairy ewes. The study was conducted in four commercial dairy sheep flocks in Central Macedonia Region of Greece, that each one reared a specific breed of purebred sheep. The final number of ewes with full records used in statistical analysis was 177 (flock A-Assaf.E, = 49, flock B-Chios = 46, flock C- Lacaune = 42 and flock D-Frizarta = 40). All animal measurements were performed one month (−30 ± 4d) and two weeks (−15 ± 4d) prior to estimated lambing date. Body condition score was assessed by palpation at the lumbar region. BFT and LDT were determined with ultrasonography after body condition scoring, to avoid bias on BCS estimation. The sum of BFT and LDT (TotalT), the LDT: BFT ratio (RatioT) and the difference in BFT (Δ_BFT) and LDT (Δ_LDT) between the two measurements were calculated. Blood sampling of ewes was performed on − 15d for serum BHBA and NEFA measurements. Negative energy balance status was defined as serum BHBA > 0.8 mmol/L or NEFA > 0.3 mmol/L. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to define thresholds for fat and muscle reserves and mobilization parameters to predict elevated BHBA or NEFA status. All variables with a significant area under the ROC curve were transformed into binary variables and used in 2 multifactorial binary logistic regression models to assess the association of fat and muscle reserves and mobilization parameters with BHBA and NEFA status. Ewes with Δ_BFT > 0.65 mm had 3.2 times (P = 0.002) increased probability to have serum NEFA > 0.3 mmol/L. Moreover, ewes with BFT(−30d) > 6.86 mm, had 6.7 times (P < 0.001) increased probability to have serum NEFA > 0.3 mmol/L. Ewes with a BFT loss had 6.7 times (P < 0.001) increased probability to have serum BHBA > 0.8 mmol/L. Moreover, ewes with TOTAL_T(−15d) ≤ 25.6 mm, had 5.3 times (P < 0.001) increased probability to have serum BHBA > 0.8 mmol/L. The results showed that ultrasound measurements of BFT and LDT the last month of gestation can be used as a reliable alternative to BCS or metabolic profiling for the assessment of energy status in dairy sheep. Measuring BFT one month prior to lambing or TotalT two weeks prior to lambing can both provide reliable estimations.

Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue reserves and mobilisation in transition Holstein cows: Part 2 association with postpartum health, reproductive performance and milk production

The aim of this study was, for the first time, to simultaneously assess the association of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat reserves and their mobilisation, measured by ultrasonography, with the incidence of specific postparturient health, reproduction, and milk production traits. For this purpose, ultrasound measurements of longissimus dorsi thickness (LDT) and backfat thickness (BFT) from 238 multiparous cows from 6 dairy farms were obtained at 6 time points during the transition period (from 21 days pre- to 28 days postpartum). In each case, LDT and BFT measurements at each time point and LDT and BFT mobilisation variables at each study period were assessed simultaneously. Cases of specific clinical postparturient diseases and subclinical ketosis were recorded. An additional disease trait was used, defined as the presence or absence of at least one clinical condition after calving (CD_1-28). The associated disease odds with LDT/BFT variables were assessed with binary logistic regression models. The associated hazard for 1st artificial insemination (AI) and for pregnancy by 150 days-in-milk (PREG_150DIM) was assessed with Cox proportional hazard models. Moreover, binary logistic models were used to assess the associated odds for pregnancy to 1stAI (PREG_1stAI). Finally, association with 30d, 100d and 305d milk yield was assessed with linear regression models. Increased muscle depth during transition was negatively associated with odds for metritis and CD_1-28, while associations with odds for subclinical ketosis were inconclusive. Moreover, increased LDT reserves were associated with greater hazard for 1st AI by 150 days-in-milk, but results were inconclusive regarding odds for PREG_1stAI. Increased LDT mobilisation was associated with increased odds for metritis. Increased BFT reserves were positively associated with odds for metritis, CD_1-28 and subclinical ketosis and with decreased hazard for PREG_150DIM. Increased BFT mobilisation was associated with increased odds for subclinical ketosis and with decreased odds for PREG_1stAI and decreased hazard for PREG_150DIM. Cows with moderate BFT reserves performed better. Finally, increased BFT mobilisation during −21d to −7d from parturition was associated with less milk by 30d and 100d. On the contrary, increased BFT mobilisation during −7d to 7d was associated with more milk by 305d. Metabolism of muscle and fat tissue during transition period was differently associated with different postparturient health, reproduction and milk production traits. In general, greater muscle mass and moderate fat reserves with limited muscle and fat mobilisation were associated with better performance.

Effect of genetic merit for backfat thickness and paternal breed on performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of feedlot-finished steers

• Backfat thickness trait can be selected through genetic merit in Nellore and crossbred steers (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore). • Animal performance is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. • The expression of ACACA, ADIPOQ, FASN, PLIN 1, PPARG and SREBF1 genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue is not affected by genetic merit for backfat thickness. This study evaluated selection for backfat thickness based on genetic merit (GMB) in Nellore (N) and crossbred (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore, AN) steers, as well as the effects of this selection on animal performance, carcass traits, and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The animals were obtained by mating Nellore cows with Nellore or Aberdeen Angus bulls. Both paternal genetic groups were selected to have positive (+, high GMB) or negative (-, low GMB) expected progeny differences for backfat thickness. Seventy-six animals (14 N+, 20 N-, 20 AN+, and 22 AN-) were reared on pasture and finished in the feedlot. The animals were slaughtered, and SAT samples were collected to investigate the relative expression of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha ( ACACA ), adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing ( ADIPOQ ), fatty acid synthase ( FASN ), perilipin 1 ( PLIN1 ), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma ( PPARG ), and sterol regulatory element binding protein ( SREBF1 ) genes. Carcass weight and yield, conformation, finishing score, fat distribution score, and measurements of backfat thickness and rib eye area were evaluated. There was no effect of GMB on performance or on the relative expression of the genes studied. High GMB steers had greater backfat thickness and higher finishing, conformation and fat distribution scores in the carcass than low GMB animals. The use of high GMB animals provides better carcass finishing without affecting performance. The greater fat deposition in carcasses of high GMB animals is not associated with the relative expression of the genes studied.

Methods for estimating body reserves in grazing dairy cows: Body condition score and backfat thickness

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the changes of backfat thickness (BFT) measurements throughout the lactation of cows in a grazing-based dairy farm in southern Brazil are reliably detected as changes in visual BCS. Paired measurements of BCS and BFT were taken monthly throughout 12 mo in 152 Holstein cows (585 ± 63 kg of BW; 18 ± 4.5 kg of milk/d; 113 ± 76 DIM) in a commercial herd in southern Brazil. The diets consisted of grazing tropical or temperate pastures, supplemented with additional feedstuffs. The changes of body condition throughout the lactation and month of experiment were identified, and linear regression analysis was performed between values of BCS and BFT. In general, both BCS and BFT were not affected by month of year, although there was a reduction of both BCS and BFT in January compared with December ( P < 0.05). A significant increase in relative variation of both BCS and BFT ( P < 0.05) was detected only from mo 2 to 3 of lactation. However, the mean BFT values showed greater variability than those of BCS throughout lactation. The linear relationship between BCS and BFT measurements was as follows: BFT (mm) = 4.29BCS + 5.17 (root mean squared error = 2.88; P < 0.01; n = 669). The change in BFT of cows was not precisely detected as a change in their BCS. However, the average variability of herd body condition, as detected by BFT, was also detected by BCS, and thus, either tool is acceptable to be used by farmers.

Investigation of Body Development in Growing Holstein Heifers With Special Emphasis on Body Fat Development Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

This study analyzed skeletal development, body condition, and total body fat development of growing heifers. A total of 144 female primiparous Holstein cattle from four commercial dairy farms with different degrees of stillbirth rates were examined during the rearing period. This included measurements in body condition, fat tissue, metabolic, and endocrine factors. Pelvic measurements and the sacrum height were analyzed to assess skeletal development. The body condition was classified via body condition scoring, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), back fat thickness measurements, and the body mass. For the first time, BIA was used as an appropriate method to evaluate the fat tissue content of cattle throughout the rearing period. This analysis technique can be performed on heifers aged 8–15 months. Throughout that period, the fat content decreased while the skeletal development increased. In addition, high free fatty acid concentrations in serum of the animals with high frame development were found, supporting our hypothesis that stored energy of body fat deposits is used for skeletal growth. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate complex endocrine relationships between fat metabolism and skeletal growth by using specific markers, such as leptin, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and estradiol (E2). Food analysis showed high crude protein (CP) levels in the total mixed ration above recommendation for daily protein intake of all farms. However, there was a positive correlation between CP and the body frame measurements in our study. In summary, we established a novel regression formula for BIA analysis (“BIA-Heine”) in heifers to evaluate the body composition throughout different ages and physiological stages in the development of heifers. This special formula allows the evaluation of fat tissue without a whole-body analysis and therefore provides an innovative technique for animal welfare support.

Resource-Efficient Classification and Early Predictions of Carcass Composition in Fattening Pigs by Means of Ultrasound Examinations

The development of the backfat thickness of fattening pigs in relation to their weight allows first conclusions to be drawn concerning the efficiency of individual growth and classification of the carcass. The hypothesis was that, firstly, via measurement of backfat thickness and muscle diameter, their ratio and the quality of the carcass can be predicted and that, secondly, using resource-efficient and sustainable feeding has no negative effects on the carcass. Over a 70-day period, ultrasound examinations of backfat and musculus longissimus dorsi were performed in a pen with sorting gates and automatic body mass recordings every two weeks on 121 animals of the same age, starting at approximately 50 kg. Data were subdivided into four groups for each measurement time. There was weak (Examination 1: r = −0.28164; p = 0.0018) but steadily increasing correlation (Examination 5: r = −0.60657; p ≤ 0.0001) between the backfat/muscle ratio and the carcass quality. In all four groups, significant differences in the diameter of the M. longissimus dorsi (“light fat (LF) = 3.29 cm; “light lean (LL)” = 3.62 cm; “heavy fat (HF)” = 3.69 cm; “heavy lean (HL)” = 3.93 cm) and in backfat thickness (LF = 0.44 cm; LL = 0.38 cm; HF= 0.47 cm; HL= 0.39 cm) could be shown during the first examination.

Analysis of Genetic Parameters of Carcass Traits and Daily Gain of Native Breed Pigs Raised in Poland

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine genetic parameters of live performance traits in pigs of three native breeds maintained in Poland. As part of the conservation programmes, the Puławska (Puł), Złotnicka White (ZW) and Złotnicka Spotted (ZS) breeds are monitored for productivity based on performance test results of these breeds. The study included 6042 gilts and 2406 boars of the Puławska breed, 866 Złotnicka White gilts, and 903 Złotnicka Spotted gilts. The genetic parameters were estimated separately for each breed, and also separately for sexes in the case of the Puławska breed. The components (co)variance and genetic parameters were estimated using the REML method for the animal model taking into account different combination of fixed and random effects. Convergence of the iterative process was achieved by the selection of AIREML algorithm. The coefficients of genetic and phenotypic correlations between measurements of slaughter traits and daily gain were low for all breed groups. In turn, the relationships between backfat thickness measurements and carcass meat percentage were estimated as high. Only the correlations of slaughter traits with loin eye height were not uniform for the analysed breed groups. The coefficients of heritability (h2) were high and intermediate for all breeds and sexes. The highest heritability coefficients were obtained for daily gain (0.58 in ZW to 0.80 in Puł gilts), followed by backfat thickness (0.37 in Puł gilts to 0.64 in ZW) and carcass meat percentage (0.40 in ZS to 0.56 in ZW). The lowest coefficients were obtained for loin eye height (0.24 in Puł boars to 0.40 in ZW). The estimated genetic parameters could be used to verify selection indices of the breeds included in the genetic resources conservation programmes.

Changes in skeletal muscle thickness and echogenicity and plasma creatinine concentration as indicators of protein and intramuscular fat mobilization in periparturient dairy cows

High-producing dairy cows experience a state of negative energy balance in the periparturient period that is partially addressed by increasing the rate of fat and protein mobilization. Previous studies have focused on the rate of fat mobilization, and consequently the rate of protein mobilization has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the change in indicators of muscle mass during early lactation using ultrasonographic measurement of muscle thickness and changes in plasma creatinine concentration. The maximum thickness of the gluteus medius and longissimus dorsi muscles of 106 Holstein cows (34 primiparous, 72 multiparous) was determined ultrasonographically on d -3, 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 relative to the day of parturition. Plasma creatinine concentration was measured periodically during the same period. Mixed models analysis and Passing-Bablok regression were used to analyze the data. Gluteus medius thickness, longissimus dorsi loin thickness (LDLT), and longissimus dorsi thoracic thickness (LDTT) were decreased at 28 d postpartum compared with d 3 antepartum. Plasma creatinine concentration was weakly associated with gluteus medius thickness, LDLT, and LDTT (Spearman's rho = 0.31, 0.39, and 0.32, respectively). Plasma creatinine concentration in primiparous and multiparous cows at 28 d postpartum decreased by 0.24 and 0.30 mg/dL, respectively, compared with values 3 d antepartum. We concluded that ultrasonographic measurement of LDLT and LDTT and change in plasma creatinine concentration may provide practical methods for monitoring the rate of protein mobilization in periparturient dairy cows. Ultrasonographic examination of LDLT and LDTT therefore complements ultrasonographic measurement of backfat thickness and may be useful in the evaluation of energy reserve mobilization in periparturient dairy cows.

The association between metabolic profile indices, clinical parameters, and ultrasound measurement of backfat thickness during the periparturient period of dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate clinical and biochemical changes in dairy cows during periparturient period. It was carried out on 38 multiparous Holstein/Fersian crossbreed dairy cows 3–11 years old. Using ultrasonography for measurement backfat thickness (BFT) for detection of the energy deficit. BFT on dairy cattle is used to monitor changes in subcutaneous fat thickness which represent changes in energy stores. On the basis of clinical examination and assessment of BHBA concentration in blood, cows were classified to four groups, control healthy cows (C = 16), subclinical ketosis (SCK = 10), cows with retained placenta (RP = 6), and clinical mastitis (CM = 6). BFT showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) after parturition in all diseased groups compared with healthy. The plasma level of NEFA and BHBA showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks a.p (antepartum) and 2 weeks p.p (postpartum) in RP and SCK than other groups, respectively. The plasma level of glucose showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks p.p in SCK group. The plasma level of insulin showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks a.p in RP group and in all groups after parturition. It could be concluded that production diseases induced clinical, biochemical, and subcutaneous fat changes in dairy cows.

Meatiness of tested gilts in three consecutive years

In the present study, the aim was to determine the impact of the following factors: age, farm, and gilt genotype, as well as the regression impact of body weight at the end of the performance test on the following tested properties: age at the end of the test/final age (FA), lifetime daily gain (LDG), the backfat thickness measured in two places (according to the Main Breeding program for Central Serbia), the depth of the long back muscle (BM) and the estimated lean meat content/meatiness (M). The study included two farms of pigs (farm 1 and farm 2), for three consecutive years (year 1, year 2 and year 3). The number of tested heads per year was 974 (year 1), 1311 (year 2) and 757 (year 3). The tested gilts were of Swedish Landrace, Large White and Duroc breeds. The gilts originated from 97 sires, while the number of daughters per sires ranged from 10 to 100. The results show that the Duroc animals were the oldest (245 days), which had the highest values for both measures of backfat thickness, but the lowest values for meatiness. In the third study year, the lowest average values were determined for the properties of the LDG, BM and M. The female animals from the farm 1 showed less growth/gain and had lower values for the estimated meatiness. As a result of the study, it was established that all included factors had a very high statistically significant influence on the variation of the tested properties (P &lt;0.001), only the genotype of gilts showed a high statistically significant effect on the BM property (P &lt;0.01).

‘Thunder Measure Vet Device’: een praktische en objectieve methode om de lichaamsconditie van melkvee te schatten

Het op regelmatige tijdstippen bepalen van de lichaamsconditie van koeien is in de moderne melkveehouderij een belangrijk instrument om het nutritionele management van de dieren te optimaliseren. De ‘Thunder Measure (TM) Vet Device’ werd door Ingenera SA, Zwitserland ontwikkeld om op een objectieve en eenvoudige manier de conditie of “body condition score” (BCS) bij melkkoeien te bepalen. Aan de hand van een smartphone-applicatie gekoppeld aan een lasertoestel wordt een analyse gemaakt van drie foto’s van de dorsale zijde van het dier, bijvoorbeeld in de voedergang. In dit onderzoek werden de correlatie en de herhaalbaarheid van de TMVet Device berekend in vergelijking tot de conventionele BCS-bepaling en de ultrasonografisch bepaalde “backfat thickness” (BFT). De conventionele BCS werd gemeten door een dierenarts ervaren in het bepalen van de conditie van melkkoeien en drie minder ervaren studenten diergeneeskunde. Bij dezelfde koeien werd de lichaamsconditie ook bepaald aan de hand van de BFT. De resultaten bekomen via het gebruik van de TM-Vet Device waren slechts matig gecorreleerd met de BFT (r=0,38; P&amp;lt;0,001), maar vertoonden een hoge correlatie met de BCS bepaald door de ervaren dierenarts (r=0,82; P&amp;lt;0,001). Bovendien was er een goede overeenkomst tussen de resultaten bekomen met behulp van TM-Vet Device en deze bekomen door de ervaren dierenarts. Er werd een grote variatie gezien in de BCS bepaald door de studenten, waardoor ook de correlatie met de TM-Vet Device sterk varieerde van r=0,23 (P&amp;lt;0,05) tot r=0,74 (P&amp;lt;0,001). De herhaalbaarheid van de TM-Vet Device-methode was met 91% zeer hoog. Enkel door de dierenarts ervaren in het scoren van de BCS (93%) en met de bepaling van de BFT (96%) werd een hogere herhaalbaarheid bereikt. Bij magerdere dieren werd een overschatting gezien van de BCS gemeten met behulp van de TM-Vet Device in vergelijking met de BCS waargenomen door de ervaren dierenarts, maar deze nam af naarmate de door de dierenarts toegekende conditie toenam. Het eenvoudig gebruik en de betrouwbaarheid van de resultaten laten toe te stellen dat de TM-Vet Device een plaats kan krijgen in het management van een hoogproductief melkveebedrijf.

Genetic Parameters of Pre-adjusted Body Weight Growth and Ultrasound Measures of Body Tissue Development in Three Seedstock Pig Breed Populations in Korea.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of body weight growth adjustment methods on genetic parameters of body growth and tissue among three pig breeds. Data collected on 101,820 Landrace, 281,411 Yorkshire, and 78,068 Duroc pigs, born in Korean swine breeder farms since 2000, were analyzed. Records included body weights on test day and amplitude (A)-mode ultrasound carcass measures of backfat thickness (BF), eye muscle area (EMA), and retail cut percentage (RCP). Days to 90 kg body weight (DAYS90), through an adjustment of the age based on the body weight at the test day, were obtained. Ultrasound measures were also pre-adjusted (ABF, EMA, AEMA, ARCP) based on their test day measures. The (co)variance components were obtained with 3 multi-trait animal models using the REMLF90 software package. Model I included DAYS90 and ultrasound traits, whereas model II and III accounted DAYS90 and pre-adjusted ultrasound traits. Fixed factors were sex (sex) and contemporary groups (herd-year-month of birth) for all traits among the models. Additionally, model I and II considered a linear covariate of final weight on the ultrasound measure traits. Heritability (h2) estimates for DAYS90, BF, EMA, and RCP ranged from 0.36 to 0.42, 0.34 to 0.43, 0.20 to 0.22, and 0.39 to 0.45, respectively, among the models. The h2 estimates of DAYS90 from model II and III were also somewhat similar. The h2 for ABF, AEMA, and ARCP were 0.35 to 0.44, 0.20 to 0.25, and 0.41 to 0.46, respectively. Our heritability estimates varied mostly among the breeds. The genetic correlations (rG) were moderately negative between DAYS90 and BF (−0.29 to −0.38), and between DAYS90 and EMA (−0.16 to −0.26). BF had strong rG with RCP (−0.87 to −0.93). Moderately positive rG existed between DAYS90 and RCP (0.20 to 0.28) and between EMA and RCP (0.35 to 0.44) among the breeds. For DAYS90, model II and III, its correlations with ABF, AEMA, and ARCP were mostly low or negligible except the rG between DAYS90 and AEMA from model III (0.27 to 0.30). The rG between AEMA and ABF and between AEMA and ARCP were moderate but with negative and positive signs, respectively; also reflected influence of pre-adjustments. However, the rG between BF and RCP remained non-influential to trait pre-adjustments or covariable fits. Therefore, we conclude that ultrasound measures taken at a body weight of about 90 kg as the test final should be adjusted for body weight growth. Our adjustment formulas, particularly those for BF and EMA, should be revised further to accommodate the added variation due to different performance testing endpoints with regard to differential growth in body composition.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on finisher pig growth performance, meat quality, shelf life and fatty acid composition of pork

The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of finisher pigs, physico-chemical meat quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and shelf life of pork was investigated. A six-week feeding trial was conducted with 24 Large White x Landrace gilts aged 14 weeks. Each pig was housed individually and randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, containing 0%, 2.5%, 5% or 7.5% MOLM, with six replicates per treatment. Feed intake was measured daily, pig liveweight was measured weekly, and average daily gains (ADGs) and FCR were calculated. Pigs were slaughtered at 20 weeks old and measurements of backfat thickness, pH45min and pH24h were taken. Muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle samples from each carcass were analysed for physico-chemical quality. Muscle, subcutaneous fat and feed samples were analysed for FA composition and health lipid indices of atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (IT) were calculated. A 10-day shelf-life study was conducted, during which instrumental and sensory meat colour and odour were assessed. Pigs fed 7.5% MOLM had significantly higher average daily feed intakes (3.56 kg/day) than pigs fed 0%, 2.5% and 5% MOLM (3.05, 3.14 and 3.07 kg/day, respectively). The FCR of pigs fed 0%, 2.5% and 5% MOLM did not differ significantly (3.34, 3.44 and 3.22, respectively). However, the FCR of pigs fed 7.5% MOLM was significantly poorer (3.78). No significant differences were observed for carcass and physico-chemical quality traits. MOLM inclusion improved shelf life, as meat samples from MOLM-fed pigs exhibited significantly prolonged acceptability of colour and odour during 10 days of refrigerated storage. Although the n-6 : n-3 FA ratios of the dietary treatments containing MOLM were significantly improved (T1 = 35.45, T2 = 22.08, T3 = 14.24, T4 = 15.90), no significant differences were observed for this ratio in the fat composition of the meat or subcutaneous fat samples between treatments. A significant reduction in intramuscular fat and stearic acid content was observed with increasing levels of MOLM. However, all other FA profiles, ratios and health lipid indices did not differ significantly across treatments. In conclusion, up to 5% MOLM may be included in finisher pig feed with no negative effect on feed conversion efficiency, carcass and meat quality traits, and may improve shelf life of pork. However, inclusion levels of 7.5% MOLM may lower FCR. The MOLM inclusion significantly improved the FA composition of the feed, but did not produce the desired improvements in FA composition of meat, probably because of the prominence of fat deposition by de novo lipogenesis in finisher pigs rather than direct incorporation of dietary fatty acids.

Effects of propylene glycol on the metabolic status and milk production of dairy buffaloes.

The study was designed to investigate the effects of drenching with propylene glycol (PG) on body condition, serum metabolites and milk production during the transition period of dairy buffaloes. Animals were randomly allocated to a control group (n=5) and a PG group of 10 buffaloes that were drenched with 500 ml of propylene glycol once daily from 10 (9±3) days prepartum until 2 weeks postpartum. Ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness (BFT) were performed weekly, while blood samples were taken at -4, -2, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks from parturition for estimation of hematological and biochemical metabolites. At -4, -3, and -2 weeks from calving, BFT did not differ between the two groups, but decreased after calving and was higher for the control group than the PG group at weeks -1 and 1. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant changes between the two groups. Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glucose did not differ between the two groups before parturition. At 2 and 4 weeks from parturition, NEFA was higher for the control group than the PG group. Serum concentrations of BHBA were higher at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks in control animals than in treated buffaloes. In contrast, the glucose level was significantly increased in PG group when compared to the control group at week 2 postpartum (p<0.05). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, and globulins did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). Serum enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase were significantly higher in the control than in the PG group. In treated buffaloes significantly (p<0.05) higher average 60-day milk yields were recorded (8.4±0.22 vs. 10.7±0.40 kg/day). Milk composition did not differ between the two groups. Drenching of dairy buffaloes with propylene glycol may reduce the risk of ketosis, improve the metabolic status, and increase the milk yield.

Genetic and phenotypic relationships of live body measurement traits and carcass traits in crossbred pigs of Korea

This study presents the estimates of heritabilities of body measurement traits and carcass traits, and genetic and phenotypic correlations of those traits for crossbred pigs in Korea. Body and ultrasound (A mode: Piglog 105) measurements in 221 pigs including body weight, length, height and width, three back fat thickness at the points of 4th, 14th rib and chine bone, eye muscle area and lean meat percent were collected at the ages of 70, 145 and 180 days and then slaughtered to measure carcass weight, back fat, belly, collar butt, spare rib, picnic shoulder, hind leg, loin, tenderloin, lean meat yield and intramuscular rough fat content in loin. Genetic analysis was done using a multi-trait animal model. Heritabilties of the body measurements were ranged from 0.331 to 0.559 and three measurements of back fat thickness were also high as range varying from 0.402 to 0.475 for the ages of 145 and 180 days. However, eye muscle area was moderate (0.296) at the age of 180 days. Heritabilities of retail cut yields were also high as ranged from 0.387 to 0.474 and of IMF content in loin was 0.499. Heritabilities of the cut percent traits were ranged from 0.249 to 0.488. Important positive genetic and phenotypic correlations were noted for all carcass yield traits (0.298 to 0.875 and 0.432 to 0.922, respectively). IMF showed low negative genetic correlations with carcass yield traits, such as carcass weight, picnic shoulder, hind leg, loin, tenderloin and lean meat yield whereas low positive genetic correlations with back fat, belly, collar butt and spare rib. Loin, tenderloin and lean meat percent showed negative genetic correlations with carcass weight, back fat thickness, collar butt, spare rib and picnic shoulder percent. The four body measurements at the ages of 70, 145 and 180 days had positive genetic correlations with belly, shoulder butt, spare rib, picnic shoulder and hind leg percent, but negative genetic correlations were shown with loin and tenderloin percent except body measurements at 70 days. The results suggest that carcass yield are negatively correlated with intramuscular fat content, which is a major factor deciding pork quality and the yield of loin and tenderloin are not increased as much as increase in body size. However, the proportions of belly and collar butt are increased with the body size. In conclusion, selection strategy should be designed according to the preference on composition of carcass in each country.

Substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na alimentação de matrizes suínas primíparas durante a lactação

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na dieta de matrizes suínas híbridas durante as fases de lactação e pós-desmame. Foram utilizadas 25 fêmeas, distribuídas em três tratamentos, com porcentagens crescentes de sorgo granífero - 0%, 25% e 50% - em substituição ao milho. Os animais foram avaliados durante as fases de lactação e pós-desmame, tendo sido mensurados o peso vivo (PV) e a espessura de toucinho (ET) ao parto, ao oitavo, 16º e 25º dias de lactação - desmame. Nesses momentos, foram realizadas colheitas de amostras de leite para análise bioquímica. As leitegadas foram pesadas no mesmo intervalo de tempo. No estro pós-desmame (RE), determinou-se o intervalo estro-cobertura (dias), PV e ET. Quanto às fêmeas, não ocorreram efeitos sobre o PV e a ET. Quanto ao número e ao peso dos leitões, as fêmeas do grupo controle apresentaram maior número de leitões nascidos vivos. O GPD dos leitões foi maior nas leitegadas dos tratamentos com 50% de sorgo. Não houve diferença para as análises do leite. No RE, não ocorreram efeitos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o sorgo granífero pode substituir o milho em até 50% na dieta de fêmeas suínas durante lactação, sem comprometer os parâmetros produtivos e reprodutivos.

Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: VII. Accuracy of ultrasound predictors and their association with carcass weight, yield, and value.

Use of lamb BW or chilled carcass weights (CCW), live-animal ultrasound or direct carcass measurements of backfat thickness (BF; mm) and LM area (LMA; cm(2)), and carcass body wall thickness (BWall; mm) to predict carcass yield and value was evaluated using 512 crossbred lambs produced over 3 yr by mating Columbia, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams to adult Rambouillet ewes. Lambs were harvested at 3 BW endpoints within each year. The predictive value of 3 to 5 additional linear measurements of live-animal or carcass size and shape was also evaluated. Residual correlations (adjusted for effects of year, breed, and harvest group) between ultrasound and direct measurements were 0.69 for BF and 0.65 for LMA. Increasing ultrasound or carcass LMA had positive effects (P < 0.001) on yield of chilled carcass (i.e., on dressing percentage) and, at comparable CCW, on weight of high-value cuts (rack, loin, leg, and sirloin) before trimming (HVW), weight of trimmed high-value cuts (trimmed rack and loin and trimmed boneless leg and sirloin; TrHVW), and carcass value before (CVal) and after (TrCVal) trimming of high-value cuts. By contrast, ultrasound and direct measures of BF had positive effects on yields of CCW and on HVW and CVal but large negative effects on TrHVW and TrCVal. After adjusting for BW at scanning, increases of 1 mm in ultrasound BF or 1 cm(2) in ultrasound LMA were associated with changes of US$-0.32 (P < 0.10) and $1.62 (P < 0.001), respectively, in TrCVal. Carcass BWall was generally superior to carcass BF as a predictor of TrHVW and TrCVal. Carcass LMA was superior to ultrasound LMA but carcass BF was inferior to ultrasound BF for prediction of carcass yield and value. Increasing LMA thus would be expected to improve carcass yield and value. Addition of linear measurements of live-animal or carcass size and shape to the prediction model reduced residual SD (RSD) for TrHVW and TrCVal by 0.4 to 2.2%, but subsequent removal of ultrasound or direct measures of BF and LMA from the prediction model increased RSD by 7.4 to 12.2%. Measurements of CCW, LMA, BF, and BWall would thus be appropriate to support programs for value-based marketing of lamb carcasses and are superior to systems based only on measurements of size and shape in unribbed carcasses.

Genetic analysis of ultrasound and carcass measurement traits in a regional hanwoo steer population.

Ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness (UBF), longissimus muscle area (ULMA) and marbling score (UMS) and carcass measurements of carcass weight (CW), backfat thickness (BF), longissimus muscle area (LMA), and marbling score (MS) on 7,044 Hanwoo steers were analyzed to estimate genetic parameters. Data from Hanwoo steers that were raised, finished in Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do (province) and shipped to slaughter houses during the period from October 2010 to April 2013 were evaluated. Ultrasound measurements were taken at approximately three months before slaughter by an experienced operator using a B-mode real-time ultrasound device (HS-2000, FHK Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) with a 3.5 MHz linear probe. Ultrasound scanning was on the left side between 13th rib and the first lumbar vertebrae. All slaughtering processes and carcass evaluations were performed in accordance with the guidelines of beef grading system of Korea. To estimate genetic parameters, multiple trait animal models were applied. Fixed effects included in the models were: the effects of farm, contemporary group effects (year-season at the time of ultrasound scanning in the models for UBF, ULMA, and UMS, and year-season at slaughter in the models for CW, BF, LMA, and MS), the effects of ultrasound technicians as class variables and the effects of the age in days at ultrasound scanning or at slaughtering as linear covariates, respectively for ultrasound and carcass measures. Heritability estimates obtained from our analyses were 0.37 for UBF, 0.13 for ULMA, 0.27 for UMS, 0.44 for CW, 0.33 for BF, 0.36 for LMA and 0.54 MS, respectively. Genetic correlations were strongly positive between corresponding traits of ultrasound and carcass measures. Genetic correlation coefficient between UBF and BF estimate was 0.938, between ULMA and LMA was 0.767 and between UMS and MS was 0.925. These results suggest that ultrasound measurement traits are genetically similar to carcass measurement traits.