Non-carcass Components Research Articles

Selected minerals concentration and microbiological safety in non-carcass bovine components of “PANELADA” dish

Abstract “Panelada” is a typical dish from Brazil, made up of some bovine non-carcass components (intestine, rumen and ox feet), whose nutritional value and microbiological quality are not reported. The total contents of selected minerals were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and electrothermal (ETAAS) for samples of raw, seasoned and Panelada dish. The content of metal nutrients found in raw sample was higher than for various types of conventional cuts and meats. The added seasoning increased of the content of metal nutrients comparing to from raw sample, except for Zn. Instead, the cooking process interferes negatively in the minerals content, in contrast to Mg concentration. The Panelada dish presented high nutritional value being found 3.3, 79, 334 and 75 mg kg-1 for Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn, respectively. The microbiological analyses revealed absence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes from Panelada dish.

PSI-3 Allometric Growth Coefficients of Non-Carcass and Carcass Components of Serially Harvested Implanted and Non-Implanted Steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to quantify allometric growth coefficients of non-carcass and carcass components of implanted or non-implanted Charolais×Angus steers in relation to empty body weight. Steers (n = 80; initial BW 271±99 kg) were paired, randomized to harvest date (d 0-42-84-126-168-210-252-294-336-378), and CON (negative control) or REV (Revalor-XS on d 0 and 190) treatments. Weights were log transformed and consolidated to arithmetic means by treatment and harvest date. Growth coefficients were calculated using the log transformed allometric equation Y=K+aX where Y=log(part), X=log(whole), A=log(slope), and K=log(intercept), where empty body growth = 1. Coefficients by treatment were analyzed via independent t-test. Kidney (0.58 vs 0.51; P=0.06) and lungs/trachea (0.52 vs 0.46; P = 0.09) tended to grow faster for REV, and pituitary glands grew numerically faster (P = 0.82) for REV (0.71 vs 0.56). Non-carcass components with lowest growth coefficients included small intestine (0.02), large intestine (0.12), and brain/spinal cord (0.13), whereas kidney-pelvic-heart fat (2.01) accumulated quickly. Growth coefficients of primals were numerically greater for REV steers, except in the rib. All primals except round (0.81) and foreshank (0.87) exhibited coefficients greater than 1 (brisket, 1.18; chuck, 1.03; rib, 1.18; plate, 1.45; loin, 1.04; and flank, 1.47). Growth coefficients were greater (P< 0.01) for REV in two subprimals (chuck eye roll, 0.87; eye of round, 0.75), CON was greater (P < 0.01) in one subprimal (flank steak, 0.79). Pectoral meat (0.19), bottom sirloin flap (0.56), and heel meat (0.59) exhibited growth coefficients less than 1. Although not significant, total lean was deposited more quickly in REV (0.95 vs 0.88; P=0.45), whereas total fat (2.17 vs 1.98; P=0.35) and total bone (0.92 vs 0.75; P=0.29) were faster growing for CON. These data indicate fat exhibits greatest growth coefficients compared to the empty body; whereas, there were minimal differences in growth coefficients in regards to treatment.

PSVII-8 Equations for prediction of empty body weight of water buffaloes finished in feedlot

Abstract This study aimed to develop equations to predict the empty body weight (EBW) using the shrunk body weight (SBW) of water buffaloes of three genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah; n = 65 for each GG), considering possible variations among GG. One-hundred-ninety-five non-castrated males (390±32 days of age; 327±51.96 kg of initial body weight - BW) from two years of similar experiments were used. Animals of each GG were allocated in collective pens for 28 days of adaptation period. Diet and water were offered ad libitum. Animal SBW were recorded at the beginning and every 28 days until the averages SBW reached the values determined (420, 480, and 540kg of SBW). After slaughter and to obtain the EBW, the non-carcass components of each animal [blood, paws, head, leather, tail, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, kidneys, internal fat, and other internal organs] were weighed. The full GIT of each animal was weighed to obtain the total weight, and then emptied, washed, drained, and weighed to obtain the weight of the GIT content. Initially, data were analyzed using UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS. SBW recorded prior to slaughter were categorized according to SBW proposed considering the coefficient of variation below 10% for each GG to increase the precision of the data used, which decreased the initial n to 104 animals. Equations were developed and tested for GG effect using GLM and REG procedures in SAS. Tendency of GG effect was detected (P = 0.06). Thus, different prediction equations were determined for each GG, and a general prediction equation was developed for the three GG (Table 1). In conclusion, the results suggest it is possible to use distinct equations to predict the EBW according to GG as well as a general equation can be also used, resulting in high predictions of EBW of water buffaloes finished in feedlot.

PSVII-7 Equations for estimating commercial meat cuts of water buffaloes finished in feedlot

Abstract Equations for estimating commercial meat cuts of water buffaloes finished in feedlot (means of initial body weight and age of 314 ±117 kg and 13 ±1.2 months, respectively) using biometric measurements performed in vivo, carcass traits performed postmortem, and the set of both measurements were determined. Seventy-five non-castrated males (25 of each genetic group: Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah) were used and allocated in collective pens to receive feeding and water ad libitum for 240 days. Body weight (BW), hip height (HH), and ultrasound assessments (backfat thickness – BFT; Ribeye area – REA) were performed and tested as independent variables. After the slaughter, the non-carcass components of each animal were weighed to obtain the empty body weight (EBW). Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), carcass length (CL, cm), carcass depth (CD, cm), and carcass compactness index (CCI, kg/cm) were obtained and tested as independent variables. The meat cuts (Brisket, Flank plate, Rump, Rump cap, Striploin, and Tenderloin) were obtained from right half-carcass and weighed. The equations were determined using the stepwise regression method and Mallows’ Cp criterion, and processed by the REG procedure in SAS. The independent variables which were included differed among the meat cut equations which can use both independent variables obtained in vivo and postmortem, or only those obtained postmortem: Brisket, kg = 0.165-0.004×EBW+0.007×HCW+0.017×CCW (R2 =0.81, SE =0.27, Cp=1.81); Flank plate, kg = -2.643-0.013×HCW+0.028×CCI +2.681×CL-1,021×HH (R2 =0.68, SE =0.116, Cp=2.73); Rump, kg = -4.975-0.004×EBW-0.004×HCW+0.032×CCI+4.771×CL-1.662×CD-0.017×BFT (R2 =0.84, SE =0.18, Cp=6.17); Rump Cap, kg = -0.485-0.002×EBW+0.011×CCI -1.291×CL (R2 =0.78, SE =0.19, Cp=2.20); Striploin, kg = -0.088-0.004×EBW+0.020×HCW +0.019×CCI-2.949×CL (R2 =0.85, SE =0.35, Cp=3.97); Tenderloin, kg = -2.125 + 0.008×CCI +1.863×CL-1.697×CD+0.698×HH-0.014×BFT (R2 =0.84, SE =0.12, Cp=5.89). In conclusion, the equations for estimating commercial meat cuts present good prediction and can be used for different GG of water buffaloes. Supported by FAPESP (#2014/05473-7).

PSVII-24 Weight at maturity of water buffaloes determined by body chemical composition

Abstract This study determined the weight at maturity (WM) of water buffaloes of three genetic groups (GG:Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah) slaughtered at different weights (420, 480, and 540 kg). One-hundred-fifty-three non-castrated male (means of initial body weight and age of 314 ±117 kg and 390 ±32 days, respectively) from two similar experiments were used. The animals were slaughtered and the non-carcass components of each animal were weighed to obtain the empty body weight (EBW). The left half-carcasses were dissected into muscle, fat, and bone. Each tissue of each animal was ground separately and subsequently aliquoted for further analyses. The determination of moisture, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash was performed by the classical method. Nonlinear regressions were used to predict the body composition of water, CP and ash. An exponential model was used to adjust the data for the content of the EE. Random coefficient models were used to identify fixed and random effects using the NLMIXED procedure in SAS. The genetic group was tested as fixed effect and year as a random effect. Body CP was determined based on CP fat-free dry matter (CPFFDM). The equations predicted the body composition of CP, EE, water and ash, and the results were expressed as a percentage of the EBW. WM was estimated when the non-significant increase in CPFFDM was no longer observed. There was effect of GG for WM model (P = 0.037), thus the WM was determined for each GG. The models suggest that Jafarabadi reach maturity at ~505.93kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=79.279×(1–1.17×e-0.010×EBW)]; Mediterranean reach maturity at ~494.40kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=79.186×(1–1.18×e-0.011×EBW)]; Murrah reach maturity at ~423.79kg of EBW [WMCPFFDM=78.793×(1–11.99×e-0.018×EBW)]. In conclusion, the WM of water buffaloes is dependent on the GG reaching 505.93, 494.90, 423.79 kg of EBW for the Jafarabadi, Mediterranean, and Murrah genetic groups, respectively.

Effects of Garlic Powder (<em>Allium Sativum</em>) Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams

The effect of garlic powder (Allium sativum) supplementation on quantitative carcass and non- carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams was investigated. A total of 40 West African Dwarf yearling rams were randomly assigned to five dietary groups in a completely randomized design. Each group contained eight rams (two rams of four replicates) assigned separately to five dietary treatments having garlic powder as supplements at 0% (control, diet 1), 0.2% (diet 2), 0.4% (diet 3), 0.6% (diet 4) and 0.8% (diet 5) respectively. Rams in each replicate were housed in individual pen and fed with Panicum maximum at 0.2 kg/ram/day as basal diets and water was provided ad libitum, for a period of 12 weeks. The result showed that the dressing percentage varied among treatment groups with the highest value (55.76±1.82%) obtained from rams fed 4% garlic powder inclusion (treatment 3). The carcass characteristics significantly varied (p<0.05) among treatments. Also, dietary treatments had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the composition of the non-carcass components. Meat to bone ratio was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the flank cut of treatment 5 than cut-parts of other treatments. The study concluded that garlic powder (Allium sativum) supplementation increased carcass yield of West African Dwarf ram.

Stress indicators, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Xhosa goats subjected to different watering regimen and vitamin C supplementation

Limited water intake in small ruminants induced by water scarcity may result in pre-slaughter stress. A possible management practice could be the supplementation of exogenous antioxidant during the period of water stress. The effect of water restriction (W) levels with or without single and/or multiple vitamin C (VC) supplementations were evaluated on plasma hormones (cortisol, β-estradiol, thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), prolactin, FSH, LH, insulin) carcass and non-carcass components and physicochemical characteristics of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of Xhosa ear lobe goats. Forty-two goats were divided equally and randomly assigned into seven treatments; without water restriction (W0, control); water restriction of 70% of ad libitum water intake (W70); water restriction of 50% ad libitum water intake (W50); water restriction of 70% of ad libitum water intake plus 3g VC daily (W70+); water restriction 50% of ad libitum water intake plus 3g VC daily (W50+); water restriction of 70% of ad libitum water intake plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (70++); water restriction of 50% of ad libitum water intake plus 3g VC and extra 5gVC given every eight-day (W50++). At the end of the 75-day experimental trial, the goats were humanely slaughtered and dressed. Increased plasma cortisol concentration due to water stress was lessened (P < 0.05) by VC. FSH, LH and insulin were not affected (P > 0.05) by levels of water restriction. The decreased (P < 0.05) hot and cold carcass weights in W70 and W50 were reduced in W70+ and W50+ respectively. The weights of the head and spleen were not affected by water restriction levels while that of the liver, skin and kidney decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased water restriction levels. VC treated goats had much-improved redness (a*) than the untreated (W70 and W50) and control groups (W0). The shear force and cooking loss increased with levels of water restriction while thaw loss, pH45min and pH24h were not affected by water restriction levels. VC may be used to minimize body weight loss, carcass traits and other stressors induced in animals during the period of water scarcity.

Characteristics and yield of slaughter of dairy calves receiving cheese whey and colostrum in a liquid diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of suckling with cheese and colostrum, from whole milk, on the characteristics and yields of slaughter of dairy calves at 60 days. Twenty-four uncastrated male Hosltein calves were used. The experimental treatments included: integral milk (MI); 50% integral milk + 50% in natura whey cheese (MW); and 30% colostrum + 70% whey cheese (CW). Dry matter intake of concentrate (IDMC) and hay (IDMH), mean daily gain (MDG), and total weight gain (WGT) were evaluated. In addition, weights and yields of hot and cold carcasses, loss and breaking during cooling, and length and thoracic depth of the carcass, commercial cuts, and non-carcass components were measured. Resultantly, a significant effect (P &lt; 0.05) was observed for IDMC, live weight at slaughter, warm carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and carcass length; here, MW and CS treatment differed from LS. Thus, these substitute diets to whole milk showed no interference with physiological and biometric patterns in the animals.

Yeast culture in the diet of feedlot steers: performance, carcass traits and feeding behavior

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the performance, apparent digestibility of diet, ingestive behavior which occurred in two moments, carcass traits, being evaluated constituent and non-carcass components, and also the effect the yeast culture could promote in the peripheral temperature of rumen, hull and body temperature. The diets consisted of a constant ratio of 50% forage (maize silage) and 50% concentrate. Thirty-six steers, ½ Angus Nelore, with average age of 11 months and average initial body weight of 339.5±10kg were used in the experiment. The inclusion of yeast culture promoted a higher daily dry matter intake (8.83 vs 9.35kg day-1) and, consequently, a better daily weight gain (1,143 vs. 1,325kg day-1) in the initial feedlot phase, with no difference in other periods. The apparent digestibility of the diet containing yeast culture was higher than the control diet (69.69 versus 68.32%, respectively), and its use did not interfere with the feeding behavior of the animals. Based on our findings, supplementation with yeast culture may bring positive results in the initial feedlot phase.

Evaluation of non-carcass components of goat grazing in Caatinga rangeland supplemented with spineless cactus and native plants

The objective of this study was to evaluate non-carcass components of goats submitted to grazing in the Caatinga rangeland and supplemented with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochelinifera Salm Dick), Jitirana hay (Merremia aegyptia L. Urban) and Mororó hay (Bauhinia cheilanta Bong Stend). Thirty male goats (castrated), with no defined breed, with an initial mean body weight of 19 ± 0.35 kg and approximately 90 days of age were used. The treatments consisted of grazing without supplementation (GWS), grazing + Jitirana hay (GJ); grazing + Jitirana hay + spineless cactus (GJSC); grazing + Mororó hay (GM); grazing + Mororó hay + spineless cactus (GMSC). The means of the variables were tested by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The goats fed GWS, GJSC, GM and GMSC presented higher weights and yields of the diaphragm, and the spleen weight (p &lt; 0.05). The highest yield of omasum (p &lt; 0.05) occurred with goats fed GJ treatment. There were treatments (p &lt; 0.05) on omental fat weight and leg yield, with the highest values for goats, fed GWS, GJSC, GM, and GMSC. The "Buchada" EBW-1 yield was higher (p &lt; 0.05) for animals fed GWS. Feeding supplementation of goats grazing in the Caatinga had few influences on weights and yields of non-carcass components.

Low-purity crude glycerin as a nutrient substitute for corn: the effect on yields of goat organs and viscera

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of low-purity crude glycerin (CG, 63.1% of glycerol) in the diets of feedlot-finished goats on the weights and yields of the non-carcass components, with are frequently used in regionals dishes (buchada and panelada). Forty castrated male goats with the initial mean body weight of 19.70 ± 2.30 kg were used. Experimental treatments consisted of inclusion of CG at levels of 0, 6, 12, and 18%, based on dry matter. The weights of the lungs, spleen, total organs (TWO), and TWO yield, as a function of the slaughter body weight, decreased linearly. It was shown that the rumen portion of the weight showed a quadratic effect, at the level of 10.71% of CG, with a minimum point of 0.37 kg. Similar behavior was observed for the reticulum, with a minimum point of 0.08 kg, at the level of 7.5% of CG. The weights and yields of the buchada and panelada were negatively influenced by the experimental diets. Low-purity crude glycerin may partially replace corn and be included in up to 6% of the dry matter of the finished goats' feedlot diet without adversely affecting weights and yields of organs, viscera, and regional dishes, such as buchada and panelada.

Carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lamb fed banana leftovers

The use of new feed resources, particularly local agroindustrial byproducts, such as banana, may be an option for replacing those traditionally used for sheep feed to reduce production costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of replacing corn bran with banana leftovers on performance, carcass, non-carcass components, meat traits, and fatty acid profile of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-four Santa Ines female lambs with an average weight of 23.73 kg were fed diets containing 60 % coast cross hay and 40 % concentrate (30 % corn bran and 10 % soybean meal). Treatments consisted of corn bran replaced by banana leftovers at rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75 % on a dry matter basis. The experiment lasted 120 days. Animals were slaughtered and carcasses and non-carcass components were evaluated. The half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into commercial cuts. The 12th and 13th ribs were dissected to collect bones, muscle and fat proportions. Cooking loss, color, shear force and sarcomere length were measured. Fatty acid profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Hot and cold carcass weight, leg, neck, lung, loin eye area, fat thickness, initial sample weight of the 12th and 13th ribs, fat and bone, presented a negative linear effect of banana leftovers replacing corn in the diet. Loin, fat thickness, cooking loss and carcass redness showed a negative quadratic effect, while full and empty abomasum, full omasum, sarcomere length and yellowness presented a positive quadratic effect. Replacement of up to 75 % of corn bran by banana leftovers did not interfere in the intake, performance, meat traits and the fatty acid profile of lambs. The use of banana leftovers may be an alternative for reducing animal production costs.

Effect of Supplementing Herbal Feed Additive Anethum sowa on Nutrient Utilization, Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Male Beetal Kids

A 90d growth trial was conducted on eight male Beetal goat kids (5 months old; average BW 14.85±0.31 kg) to assess the effect of supplementing Anethum sowa-a herbal feed additive (HFA) containing essential oils-on their nutrient utilization, productive performance and meat quality. The animals, divided into two equal groups, were offered either a control total mixed ration (CON) or the same supplemented with Anethum sowa at 2.0% of DM intake (HFA). Rumen studies were conducted simultaneously on three adult Beetal bucks fitted with permanent rumen fistulae adopting a complete crossover design involving two periods. Results indicated that the concentrations of various N fractions were higher (P<0.01) in the rumen contents of animals in the HFA group as compared to the CON; however, the ammonia-N as percent of total-N was depressed (P<0.01) in the HFA group. The total and individual VFAs concentrations were improved (P<0.01) in HFA group, with improved acetate to propionate ratio. The daily DM intake, digestibility of nutrients, N-retention, blood profile and urinary purine derivatives, and ADG were statistically comparable in both the groups. The dressing percentage and edible offal percentage were similar between the two groups. The ready-to-cook carcass expressed on weight basis (P<0.05) or as percent of live weight (P<0.01) basis was improved significantly in HFA group. The weight of non-carcass components was improved in the group fed HFA as compared to CON group. It was concluded that total mixed ration supplemented with A. sowa at 2.0% of DM intake improved the carcass characteristics of Beetal goat kids.

348 An aggressive implant strategy altered non-carcass components in long-fed Jersey steers

Abstract Jersey cattle are recognized for superior marbling, however, feeding Jerseys to market potential is typically uneconomical due to slow-maturation and excessive internal fat accretion. Growth-promoting agents have been used to improve growth and may improve the efficiency of Jersey steers. Our study was designed to evaluate by-product yields of Jersey steers in response to an aggressive implant program. Jersey steers (n = 12) were fed over a 420-d period and were randomly allocated to one of two treatments in a completely randomized design; control (CON) or implant (IMP). Control steers received no implant, whereas IMP steers received a Revalor-200 (200mg trenbolone acetate/20mg estradiol) implant in alternating ears every 70 d, totaling 6 implants per animal. Non-carcass components were weighed during harvest and results were analyzed using an independent t-test. A 19 and 30% reduction (P ≤ 0.02) in total internal fat (66.41 vs 81.66 kg) and cod fat (4.01 vs 5.70 kg) was observed for IMP vs CON steers. Aggressive implanting increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) penis weight by 51% (0.71 vs 0.35 kg) and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) skull thickness (12.06 vs 20.96 mm) and tail switch (0.36 vs 0.49 kg) of steers. When expressed on an empty body weight basis (g/kg EBW), cod fat and KPH decreased (P ≤ 0.05) from 11.09 and 50.88 g/kg EBW in CON to 7.70 and 37.74 g/kg EBW in IMP steers, and a 20% reduction (P ≤ 0.01, 126.60 vs 158.90 g/kg EBW) of total internal fat was observed for IMP vs CON steers. Implantation also increased (P ≤ 0.01; 0.67 to 1.35 g/kg EBW) penis and decreased (P = 0.04; 0.96 vs 0.67 g/kg EBW) tail switch weight on an EBW basis. These results suggest a shift in energy partitioning away from internal fat accumulation in aggressively implanted Jersey steers.

Developing equations for predicting internal body fat in Pelibuey sheep using ultrasound measurements

Abstract The objective of the present study was to to develop equations for predicting internal body fat in Pelibuey sheep using ultrasound measurements (USM). Twenty-four hours before slaughter, USM were obtained for 35 male fattening Pelibuey sheep with a bodyweight (BW) of 39.22 ± 7.01 kg. The back-fat thickness (cm) and longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscle area (cm2) were measured between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebrae (TFT and TLDA) and the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae (LFT and LLDA). Additionally, ultrasound kidney-fat thickness (uKFT) was measured behind the 13th right rib. After slaughter, data on both carcass and non-carcass components were recorded. Internal fat (IF, internal adipose tissue) was dissected, weighed and grouped as mesenteric (MF), omental (OM) or kidney and perirenal fat (PRF). Correlation coefficients among variables were calculated, and regressions were carried out according to SAS procedures. Only the LLDA was poorly correlated (r = 0.38, P 0.05). The uKFT was highly related with internal body fat depots (0.78 ≤ r ≤ 0.91, P 0.69 ≤ and ≤ 0.83), high accuracy (bias correction factor > 0.93) and good reproducibility index (concordance correlation coefficient > 0.81 and ≤ 0.90) along with a moderate to high efficiency of prediction (from 0.71 to 0.82). In conclusion, our results indicated that the use of ultrasound measurements could accurately and precisely be used as alternatives to predict the internal fat depots of Pelibuey sheep.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing male lambs fed barberry pomace-containing diets

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The inclusion of barberry pomace (BP) in finishing diets could potentially enhance growth performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. To test this hypothesis, 21 male Balouchi lambs (24.5 ± 4 kg initial live weight; 5 ± 0.6 months of age) were randomly assigned to three BP-containing experimental diets to determine their effects on feed intake, live weight gain and carcass characteristics. The experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements for a targeted daily weight gain of 200 g as follows: (1) control diet (BP0), (2) control diet in which 7.5% of alfalfa hay and wheat straw were replaced with BP (BP75), (3) control diet in which 15% of alfalfa hay and wheat straw were replaced with BP (BP150). Lambs were fed the experimental diets for 75 days during which feed intake and live weight changes were recorded. At the end of the feeding period, lambs were fasted for 16 h, weighed and then slaughtered in order to determine carcass characteristics. Experimental diets had no effect on feed intake and growth performance of lambs. Similarly, diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on weight of carcass, commercial cuts (neck, shoulder, loin, leg, fat-tail, brisket, flank) and non-carcass components (head, skin, feet, lung and trachea, heart, liver, spleen, gastro-intestinal, kidney, bladder and testicles) but linearly increased (p < 0.05) warm and cold dressing percentage as well as heart weight. These results do not support the hypothesis that feeding BP-containing diets enhances growth performance and carcass characteristics of male Balouchi lambs. However, inclusion of BP had no negative effects on animal performance and carcass characteristics.

Carcass characteristics of draught cattle released for beef in Eastern Ethiopia

Most cattle used for beef production in Ethiopia are Zebu breeds. Usually released for beef when they are aged for plowing and in poor body condition. However, there is little available information on carcass yield and percentage earned from these cattle. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the carcass yield and the percentage of cattle released for beef after used in draught power. This study used 280 heads of male indigenous draught cattle released for beef. Each cattle were randomly measured for carcass and noncarcass components. Body weight was recorded as animals arrived. Hot carcasses were weighed and cold carcasses were estimated at 0.98 of the hot carcass weight. Dressing proportions were calculated from the ratio of hot carcass weight to slaughter weight. Descriptive statistics for carcass yield, edible and offal components were analyzed by SPSS. The average slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressing and shrinkage percentage recorded in this study was 247.93+5.27, 90.98+ 2.11, 36.98+0.94 and 0.74+0.02, respectively. The amount of total deboned lean meat was 60.38kg (24.35% of the slaughter body weight). The price of live animals and the amount of carcass and other edible parts attained from it, is not worthy of comparison and there was a loss of 402.66+ 0.29 Birr per each cattle. Therefore, draught cattle released for beef after draught power should be fattened either by farmers or beef farm to recover their body weight loss due to agricultural work load.Keywords: Carcass; Drought cattle; External offal; Internal organ

Effects of housing condition, feeding style, and age on fattening performances, comfort, and some slaughterhouse characteristics in Eastern Anatolian Red bulls

It is crucial to bring domestic animal breeds to production and to produce meat based on sectoral structure. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of age, housing condition, and feeding style on fattening performance, comfort, and carcass characteristics of the Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR) bulls, a native breed which is suitable for adverse environmental conditions and marginal land as well as resistant to diseases. Twenty-five purebred EAR bulls (15 head of 2-year-olds and 10 head of 1-year-olds) were assigned randomly to 1 of 5 finishing programs after allocating by the age, feeding protocol, and environmental conditions. The groups were housed either individually in pens inside the barn or in paddocks outside the barn during the experimental period. The floor of the roofed paddock was cleaned and kept dry. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in daily live weight gain, total live weight gain (P < 0.05), and feed efficiency (P < 0.01) among the groups. The differences among the groups were also significant in terms of hot carcass, dressing, and pelvic fat (P < 0.01), as well as weights of noncarcass components (except head) (P < 0.01). The different values of the Wind Chill Index did not affect animal comfort adversely. It was clearly concluded that the EAR cattle can be a good fattening material if housing conditions and feeding style are appropriately designed.

CAST/MspI gene polymorphism and its impact on growth performance and carcass traits of Shami goats breed in Iraq

The identification of allelic and genotypic polymorphisms of the calpastatin gene and verify the effect of these polymorphisms on growth and non-carcass components traits of Shami goats breed were The objectives of this study. Seventy males of Shami goats were phenotyped for growth performance (birth weight, weaning weight, slaughter weight ), carcass weights (hot and chill carcass weights) and non-carcass components traits (head, legs, skin, heart, lungs, testes, spleen and kidney weights). Male goats were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and the subsequent weights were measured. All goats were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Two alleles (M and N) with frequencies of 0.84 and 0.16, respectively, and two genotypes (MM, MN) with 68.6% and 31.4% frequencies successively, were detected. The association of calpastatin genotype was significant with weaning weight, slaughter weight, carcass hot and chill weights (P < 0.05) by the superiority of MN genotype with 16.964, 27.70, 11.28 and11.01 kg respectively. The same superiority of MN genotype was found in non-carcass components traits (P < 0.05) with 2081.07, 801.78, 1699.29, 109.28, 326.07 and 187.64 gm., for head, legs, skin, heart, lungs and testes respectively.

Growth Performance and Meat Characteristics of the First Awassi-Rambouillet Callipyge Backcross.

Simple SummaryThe Awassi sheep breed is very resilient in the Mediterranean region but shows poor meat quality. The callipyge mutation enhances growth and meat characteristics, and as such we bred Awassi-Rambouillet Callipyge carrier rams with Awassi ewes and compared meat quality in the first backcross of Awassi-Rambouillet callipyge carriers (CRAW), non carrier Rambouillet Awassi (RAW), and pure Awassi (AW) ram lambs in a fattening trial for 94 days. CRAW lambs showed mostly similar growth potential and meat characteristics to RAW lambs. However, CRAW lambs showed higher growth potential as compared to AW lambs, and better meat characteristics in the shoulders and legs, but not in tenderness. Fat tail weight did not change in CRAW as compared to AW lambs. Therefore, the introgression of the callipyge mutation in Awassi lambs allows for improvement in growth and meat, without impacting the currently desirable traits of the fat tail. This research allows the improvement of meat production and return on investment in the local flocks of Awassi sheep.The Awassi breed is desirable due to its resilient traits, but shows poor lean meat content on the carcass; the callipyge mutation may enhance growth and meat characteristics. The first backcross of callipyge Awassi–Rambouillet (CRAW) lambs was generated by mating Awassi ewes with heterozygous F1 (50 % Awassi and 50 % Rambouillet) rams for the callipyge mutation. A fattening trial with carriers of CLPG (CRAW), non-carriers (RAW), and Awassi (AW) ram lambs was conducted for 94 days and growth and meat characteristic parameters were recorded. Final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio, and dry matter intake, but not initial body weight, were greater in CRAW and RAW lambs as compared to AW lambs; hot and cold carcass, dressing percentage, and shoulder, rack, and loin weights were greater in CRAW vs. AW but not RAW lambs. Leg cuts were heavier in CRAW vs. both RAW and AW lambs; intermuscular and subcutaneous fat percentages were greater in CRAW as compared to AW but not RAW lambs. Non-carcass components showed kidney fat, kidney, liver and testes weights higher in CRAW lambs as compared to AW lambs, but these parameters were similar to those of RAW lambs. There were no differences in fat tail weight. Further, CRAW lambs had higher shear force and water holding capacity than RAW and AW lambs, while cooking loss was the lowest in CRAW lambs. In conclusion, the callipyge mutation with 25% Rambouillet genes can provide efficient improvements in growth and meat characteristics, with the exception of tenderness in Awassi sheep.