Fattening Period Research Articles

Folic acid supplementation during fattening period affects growth and nutritional metabolism in Japanese Black beef cattle

The folate requirements for beef cattle have not been established. Therefore, we investigated whether rumen-unprotected folic acid supplementation during the fattening period affects carcass traits and nutritional metabolism in Japanese Black beef cattle. Eighteen Beef cattle aged 16 months were divided into three groups: control, low folic acid supplementation (0.43 g DM/day), and high folic acid supplementation (0.86 g DM/day). Treatment was administered for 12 months. Folic acid supplementation dose-dependently increased serum folate levels, suggesting that supplemental folic acid can be absorbed into the body. Folic acid supplementation dose-dependently decreased serum vitamin B12 levels, while plasma total homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels—markers for deficiency of folate and/or vitamin B12—were unaffected. Thus, the treatment did not clearly affect the nutritional status of these vitamins. Supplementation increased body weight, with no negative effects on other carcass traits. The levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, retinol, albumin, and some amino acids in serum or plasma were affected by supplementation. These results suggest that rumen-unprotected folic acid supplementation during the fattening period could increase the body weight of Japanese Black beef cattle and the mechanism of action may be related to growth-related hormones and/or the metabolism of some nutrients, including folate.

PSXI-24 Comparative analysis of the chemical composition and methane production from different total mixed fermentation (TMF) diets fed to Hanwoo cattle

Abstract Total mixed fermentation (TMF) feed is a mixture of forage, concentrate, and useful microorganisms utilized to enhance nutrient availability and livestock well-being. Recognized for its potential benefits, TMF has been noted to decrease acetate production while increasing propionate production in the rumen. However, a comprehensive understanding of its composition and potential impact on methane production remains lacking. Thus, this study investigated the chemical composition and in vitro methane production associated with different TMF diets designed for different Hanwoo cattle groups. A comparative analysis of 26 TMF diets, including 3 designed for calves, 7 for growing, 6 for early fattening, 6 for late fattening, and 4 for breeding, was conducted to examine their chemical composition. The TMF samples were submitted to Cumberland Valley Analysis Service (CVAS) for chemical analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to visualize the TMF according to the Hanwoo feed-type groups and the chemical compositions to estimate the optimal parameters among different TMFs. An in vitro gas production trial was conducted to determine the effects of different TMFs on methane production. Gas samples were collected at 12 and 24 h of incubation and methane (CH4) concentration was measured using a gas chromatograph. All data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. Analysis of the chemical composition of different TMFs, including crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ethanol-soluble CHO, and total digestible nutrients, showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the TMFs according to each Hanwoo category (calf, growing, early fattening, late fattening, and breeding). PCA revealed that digestibility-related parameters and fatty acid content were the main factors discriminating among the TMFs, with the TMFs for calves having the least fat content and those for the late fattening period having the greatest digestibility. Moreover, optimal TMFs were identified for each category of Hanwoo based on their chemical compositions. Among the TMFs tailored for each category of Hanwoo, TMF16, TMF23, TMF24, TMF25, and TMF26 were shown to have an optimal chemical composition for calves, growing, early fattening, late fattening, and breeding, respectively. A minimal reduction in CH4 production at 24 h incubation was observed in specific TMFs across different Hanwoo categories. Notably, TMF14 (7.21%) and TMF22 (8.52%) for calves, TMF05 (4.74%) for early fattening, TMF01 (3.76%) and TMF11 (3.76%) for late fattening exhibited reduced CH4 production. Additionally, CH4 production at 24 h incubation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by 23.06% and 10.90% in TMF15 and TMF26, respectively, both categorized for breeding TMF. Overall, while the chemical compositions of various TMFs did not significantly differ, TMF showed the potential to mitigate methane production in Hanwoo cattle.

Genomic and phenotypic selection indices for decreased birth weight, shortening fattening period, and regulating total weight gain in beef cattle.

To develop genomic and phenotypic indices for beef cattle selection that afford progeny with reduced birth weight and fattening period. The indices should also allow regulating total weight gain during the fattening period and avoid marked increases of inbreeding. Whether addition of constraint on total weight gain to constraints on body weight gain at up to four specific time points during the fattening process was effective for the weight gain until the end of the fattening period was examined in two selection indices with the selection trait being a phenotypic or a genomic breeding value random regression coefficient. Both indices afforded cattle with desired weight gains at specific time points and desired total weight gains. One cycle of index-based selection made it possible to shorten the fattening period two weeks compared with that before selection while maintaining the same final fattening weight as before selection. The impact of constraining total weight gain was smallest when the number of weight gain constraints at specific time points was three or four. However, constraining total weight gain was necessary to avoid poor total weight gain when the number of weight gain constraints at specific time points was only one or two. The developed indices make it possible to regulate total weight gain during the fattening process and to achieve desired weight gains at specific time points. Importantly, the indices bring about genetic improvement without an excessive increase of inbreeding. Thus, we expect that these indices will contribute to sustainable genetic improvement in cattle while maintaining genetic diversity.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Skeletal Muscle Development in Ningxiang Pig by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis.

With the continuous improvement in living standards, people's demand for high-quality meat is increasing. Ningxiang pig has delicious meat of high nutritional value, and is loved by consumers. However, its slow growth and low meat yield seriously restrict its efficient utilization. Gene expression is the internal driving force of life activities, so in order to fundamentally improve its growth rate, it is key to explore the molecular mechanism of skeletal muscle development in Ningxiang pigs. In this paper, Ningxiang boars were selected in four growth stages (30 days: weaning period, 90 days: nursing period, 150 days: early fattening period, and 210 days: late fattening period), and the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was taken from three boars in each stage. The fatty acid content, amino acid content, muscle fiber diameter density and type of LD were detected by gas chromatography, acidolysis, hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. After transcription sequencing, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with the phenotype of the LD was used to explore the key genes and signaling pathways affecting muscle development. The results showed that 10 modules were identified by WGCNA, including 5 modules related to muscle development stage, module characteristics of muscle fiber density, 5 modules characteristic of muscle fiber diameter, and a module characteristic of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6C). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis found that 52 transcripts relating to muscle development were enriched in these modules, including 44 known genes and 8 novel genes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that these genes were enriched in the auxin, estrogen and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) pathways. Twelve of these genes were transcription factors, there were interactions among 20 genes, and the interactions among 11 proteins in human, pig and mouse were stable. To sum up, through the integrated analysis of phenotype and transcriptome, this paper analyzed the key genes and possible regulatory networks of skeletal muscle development in Ningxiang pigs at various stages, to provide a reference for the in-depth study of skeletal muscle development.

Growth and dry matter intake curve analysis of crossbred male calves in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at Holetta agricultural Research center dairy farm to estimate the growth and dry matter intake curves parameters of different genetic groups of crossbred male calves. A total of 48 weaned Friesian Boran (FB) crossbred calves consisting of 24 male calves having 50% Friesian blood level and another 24 growing calves having 75% Friesian blood level were used for this study. The calves were managed under individual feeding management for a fattening period of 626 days. Body weight and dry matter intake data were fitted into Gompertz nonlinear growth model. Mean values for growth parameters in 50% FB and 75% FB crosses were 727.0 and 730.2 kg; 2.85 and 2.78; 0.0019 and 0.0017 kg/day; 547.95 and 595.68 days; 257.46 and 268.63 kg; for mature weight, integration constant, maturity rate, age at inflection point and body weight at inflection point, respectively. This study revealed that 50% FB crossbred bull calves are fast maturing genotype and had significantly lower DMI at mature age than 75% FB crosses. Generally, 50% FB crossbred bull calves can be used for fattening purpose to meet increasing lean meat demand of consumers in Ethiopia with decreased feed cost under improved feeding system.

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.

Рост и развитие бычков лимузинской породы различных генотипов в постнатальном онтогенезе

The purpose of research is to study the growth and development of Limousin bulls of various genotypes in postnatal ontogenesis. Objectives: to study of weight growth, absolute, average daily gains in live weight and relative growth rate of young animals by age periods and for the entire period of growing and fattening; to study of the linear growth of bulls in postnatal ontogenesis based on the dynamics of body measurements and body composition indices. The objects of the study are bulls of the Limousin breed of various genotypes obtained from the mating of cows of French, Australian and local selection with bulls of local reproduction. The scientific and economic experiment was carried out in 2021–2022 at LLC Meat Union of Bashkir Producers, located in the Kuyurgazinsky District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Indicators of live weight dynamics, live weight gain, relative growth rate, body measurements and body composition indices in the age aspect were studied. Research of the weight growth of young animals of various genotypes made it possible to identify significant differences in terms of absolute and average daily gain in live weight for the entire period of growing and fattening between bulls of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, respectively, by 32.5 kg and 59.7 g (in both cases – by 6.2 %). The highest values of measurements, indicating the formation of meat qualities and body shape, were noted in bulls of the 1st group compared with peers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups. Breeding animals for a long period under different housing and feeding technologies influences the characteristics of the growth and development of the descendants of local reproduction of Limousin breed cattle.

Repeatability of feed efficiency and its relationship with carcass traits in Hanwoo steers during their entire growing and fattening period.

This study investigated the repeatability of feed efficiency and its association with carcass traits in Hanwoo steers during the entire growing and fattening periods. The growth and intake of thirty-six Hanwoo steers (259±19.7 kg; nine months) were monitored throughout five periods, including two growing periods (GP) and three fattening periods (FP). The steers were fed two types of concentrate mixes with varying nutrient compositions until they reached a target weight of 800 kg for slaughter. For each period, steers were categorized into three classes based on their feed efficiency rankings using residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Feed efficiency repeatability was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, decomposition of random errors, and the Theil segregation index (TSI). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between feed efficiency and carcass traits. The results demonstrated a significant and high correlation with RFI, but not FCR, during the growing or fattening stages (r>0.5; p<0.01). When steers were classified according to their feed efficiency rankings, 58% of the animals in the high RFI class (low efficient) initially (GP 1) remained in the same class by the last period (FP 3), whereas steers were randomly distributed based on FCR. The repeatability, assessed by the decomposition of random errors, was higher for RFI (0.61) than for FCR (0.15). The TSI also indicated that RFI rankings, rather than FCR rankings, are more likely to be maintained. Moreover, a weak association was observed between feed efficiency and carcass traits. In conclusion, RFI repeatability throughout the GP and FP surpassed that of the FCR, with steers classified as high RFI during the GP more likely to remain in the same class during the FP. Feed efficiency was weakly correlated with carcass traits.

Beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems and challenges: The case of Bench Sheko and Sheka Zones of southwest Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems, and challenges in the Bench Sheko and Sheka zones of South West Ethiopia. Multi-stage purposive and random sampling procedures were used. A total of 384 households were selected randomly and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from zones and district offices. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Statistical differences were declared at P < 0.05. The mean difference was assessed by the Tukey test. The result of this study depicted that the major (87.5 %) cattle fattening system prevailing in the study areas was an extensive/traditional fattening system. The majority (68.5 %) of fatteners preferred local cattle for fattening in the study areas. Body condition was the major (52.3 %) criterion to buy and sell their beef cattle; but the mean ages selected for fattening were 4.51 ± 0.082 and 4.84 ± 0.089 years for male and female, respectively. The majority (58.9 %) of respondents fattened two times per year indicated that fattening was not their only activity in the study areas. The overall mean of cattle fattened per household per fattening period was 3.41 ± 0.077 in the study area. However, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher number of cattle was fattened in the Sheka (3.67 ± 0.126) than in the Bench Sheko (3.14 ± 0.089) per fattening period. About 81.5 % of respondents decided to finish the fattening period by considering live weight change but the rest decided by anticipated current and future price (13.5 %) and calculating feeding length (4.9 %). Village markets were the major (87.8 %) buying and selling place of cattle; whereas local butchers accounted for the highest share (62.2 %) in buying finished beef cattle in the study areas. Diseases and parasites were the severe challenges for beef cattle production while seasonal fluctuations of demand and price also challenged marketing systems. However, an increase in meat demand (41.7 %) and environmental suitability (28.1 %) were the most important opportunities for beef cattle production and marketing in the study areas. Therefore, improved beef cattle fattening practices and profit-oriented fattening systems should be adopted in areas through private and state holders in collaboration.

Efecto de la manteca de cerdo criollo cajamarquino como reemplazo dietario de los aceites de soya y palma sobre la respuesta productiva y metabolitos plasmáticos del pavo

The effect of three sources of lipids in the diet of fattening turkeys from the Hybrid Converter line on growth, carcass weight and blood metabolites were evaluated. A total of 90 43-day-old male turkeys were randomly distributed into 3 treatments, with 5 repetitions and 6 birds per group. The turkeys received isonutritional diets supplemented with Cajamarca Creole lard (MCCC), soybean oil (AS) or palm oil (AP). Turkeys aged 43 to 70 days with MCCC and AP had better body weight gain, lower feed consumption and better feed conversion (p&lt;0.05) than those with the AS treatment; However, there were no differences between treatments during the finishing phase (71-98 days) nor in the total fattening period (43-98 days). The carcass weight in MCCC and AS was greater than in AP, in addition, they reduced (p&lt;0.05) the relative weight of the liver and the percentage of abdominal fat compared to AP. Triglycerides and total cholesterol in blood were lower (p&lt;0.05) in AS and MCCC than in AP, likewise, MCCC decreased (p&lt;0.05) the malondialdehyde content in blood. It is concluded that MCCC in fattening turkeys from 43 to 98 days of age can replace AS and AP in the diet, since it does not generate negative effects or a decrease in the evaluated indicators.

Air treatment technologies in pig farms. Life cycle assessment of dry and wet scrubbers in Northern Italy and Northeastern Spain

Over the years, different solutions were developed and tested to reduce the emissions of ammonia and particulate matter from the livestock facilities. The environmental performances of these solutions were not always evaluated in detail.This study examines the environmental footprint of pig production at farm gate, with a focus on emissions from housing. Using Life Cycle Assessment, the environmental impact of pig production in a transition farm in Spain and in two finishing farms in Italy was evaluated considering three scenarios (one baseline and two of them involving an air treatment technology: wet scrubber or dry scrubber).The study goal was to quantify the environmental footprint of pig production in different scenarios, identify key environmental hotspots, and to assess impact reduction efficiency due to the two assessed technologies, analyze the environmental trade-offs that come with the use of these technologies, and identify potential for improvements.Both wet and dry scrubbers showed potential for reducing emissions in pig housing, affecting environmental impact categories related to air pollutants such as particulate matter, acidification and eutrophication. However, there were trade-offs between emissions reduction and categories related to energy and resource use. The infrastructure and consumables required to operate the scrubber added to the impacts compared to the baseline.The dry scrubber showed a more favorable balance between emission reduction and trade-offs. In this regard, results were similar for the Spanish and Italian farms, although there were slight variations. Scrubbers had a greater effect in the Italian farms due to their use along longer periods of the pig fattening (closed cycle farms) compared to the Spanish farm (transition farm).Scrubbers are environmentally promising, especially where acidification, eutrophication and particulate matter are local problems. However, they alone cannot fully address the complex environmental impacts of pig production, which require comprehensive interventions across the supply chain.

Results of evaluation of young pigs of the large white breed for fattening and meat qualities using some mathematical models of evaluation indices

This work aimed to investigate the fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of the large white breed using some mathematical models of evaluation indices. The experimental part of the work was carried out at the “Druzhba-Kaznacheivka” gas station of the Dnipropetrovsk region, the “Jazz” meat processing plant, as well as the animal husbandry laboratory of the State Institute of Grain Crops of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Evaluation of young pigs for fattening and meat qualities was carried out taking into account the following quantitative characteristics: average daily gain of live weight during the period of control fattening, g; age of reaching 100 kg live weight, days; fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm; length of the cooled carcass cm; the size of the bacon half of the chilled half-carcass, see The comprehensive evaluation of young pigs for fattening and meat qualities was carried out according to the Tyler and СІ4. Biometric processing of research results was carried out according to generally accepted methods. It was established that the difference between animals of different intrabreed differentiation according to B. Tyler's index is reliable and is: according to the average daily gain of live weight 64.2 g (td = 9.19), the age of reaching 100 kg live weight is 5.9 days (td = 4.04), the thickness of lard at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae is 2.60 mm (td = 5.30), the length of the chilled carcass is 1.9 cm (td = 3.39), the size of the bacon half of the chilled half carcass is 2.5 cm (td = 2.80). According to the largest (front) width of the bacon half of the chilled half carcass and the smallest (back) width of the bacon half of the chilled half carcass, the difference between the animals of the experimental groups is 2.6 cm (td = 3.29) and 1.5 cm (td = 2.20), respectively. Intrabreed differentiation according to the selection index “СІ4” indicates the existence of a reliable difference between the groups in terms of average daily gain of live weight (60.0 g; td = 7.45), age of reaching 100 kg live weight (6.2 days; td = 4.30) and fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae (2.9 mm; td = 6.44). The pairwise correlation coefficient between Tyler B.'s index, selection index “CI4”, fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of the large white breed varies from -0.914 to +0.902. The number of reliable correlations between B. Tyler's index, selection index “СІ4”, fattening, and meat qualities of young pigs of the experimental group is 100%. The criterion for selecting highly productive sows and boars based on the fattening and meat qualities of their offspring is the conformity of the animals of the specified production groups in terms of development and productivity to the elite class; the value of B. Tyler's index ranges from 201.16 to 232.84, the selection index “СІ4” – 47.35 to 75.21 points.

The Behavioral and Productive Characteristics of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) Exposed to Different Monochromatic Lighting

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of monochromatic illuminations at wavelengths of white (400–700 nm), green (560 nm), yellow (580 nm), blue (480 nm), and red (660 nm) on the performance and behavioral traits of Japanese quails throughout their fattening period. A total of 300 quails in five lighting experimental groups were housed in their conventional rearing cages. Weekly live weights of quails were measured individually, developmental stability was determined, and behavior and fear tests were performed. The body weight averages of quails exposed to blue, green, and yellow light were determined to be greater than those exposed to white and red light (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of the mature weight parameter and the weight of the inflection point of the Gompertz growth model, the averages of the quails exposed to green and blue monochromatic lighting were higher (p &lt; 0.05). The most negative findings on aggressive behavior were observed in birds exposed to monochromatic yellow and red light. Although the body weight of quails exposed to yellow monochromatic lighting was similar to that of quails exposed to green and blue monochromatic lighting, green and blue monochromatic lighting produced the best results in terms of growth, behavior, and developmental stability characteristics. Consequently, it is believed that consistently using green or blue monochromatic lighting programs when raising Japanese quails may provide economic advantages to the producers.

Phenotypic relationships between meat quality parameters and residual feed intake in Japanese black Wagyu cattle.

Japanese black Wagyu cattle are renowned for producing some of the world's most highly valued and recognized beef with exceptional marbling. Therefore, the primary focus of genetic selection for Wagyu cattle has historically been on meat quality, particularly achieving high marbling levels. However, even when the price of the final product is high, production costs also remain high, especially considering that most of the feed has to be imported. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic relationships between feed efficiency, specifically residual feed intake (RFI), as the most utilized efficiency index in cattle, and various meat quality parameters in Japanese black cattle in order to determine if a common phenotypic selection for these parameters could be feasible. For this, a total of 39 Wagyu cattle were evaluated for feed efficiency over their entire fattening period (900d), with a focus on RFI as a key indicator. Animals were fed high-starch diets with vitamin A deprivation to achieve the desired marbling. Results revealed positive correlations between feed efficiency and meat quality in Wagyu cattle. Specifically, animals with higher feed efficiency exhibited superior meat quality traits, including firmness, marbling, and overall meat rating. When comparing the 20 most extreme RFI individuals (10 most and 10 least efficient), we observed that efficient RFI animals showed increased marbling levels (+13.2%, P = 0.05) and ranking quality (+12%, P = 0.06) of the meat. In conclusion, this research contributes to understanding the interplay between feed efficiency and meat quality in Japanese black Wagyu cattle. Phenotypic correlations observed suggest the possibility of incorporating RFI criteria into genetic selection programs without compromising the prized meat quality traits of Wagyu beef.

Formation of meat productivity and quality of meat of young cattle of the Aberdeen-Angus and Blanc-Blue Belge breeds

Beef differs from meat from other types of animals in quality, taste and versatility in cooking. The reduction in livestock numbers leads to a negative trend in beef production; therefore, crossing beef cattle with Holstein bulls was the optimal solution. However, reducing the number of young animals for fattening does not improve the quality of their meat. In this regard, assessing the efficiency of beef production, depending on the period of cultivation and slaughter, taking into account quality indicators, is relevant and has practical value. Of particular importance is the study of the meat characteristics of bulls of modern meat breeds, in particular Blanc Blue Belge and Aberdeen Angus, in the conditions of the Central Black Earth zone of free-stall housing using existing stationary premises. The research was carried out in accordance with the plan of research work at the Department of Private Animal Science of Voronezh State Agrarian University in LLC “SHP Novomarkovskoe” Kantemirovsky district of the Voronezh region. During the study, the features of the formation of meat productivity of bulls and heifers of the Aberdeen Angus breed in comparison with the Blanc Blue breed were studied Belge. The results obtained were analyzed in terms of live weight and average daily gains of these breeds. The data obtained were presented in the form of diagrams reflecting changes in live weight during the periods of growing, growing and fattening. Significant differences in the chemical composition of meat of the Aberdeen-Angus breeds were also identified and Blanc Blue Belge based on the protein and fat content in the meat of these breeds.

EFFECT OF FEED ADDITIVE DHQEC ON INDICATORS OF ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN FATTENING PIGS

World consumption of pork is steadily increasing, with the growing demand for pork being met by increasing both the number of pigs and their slaughter weight. However, pork production faces negative factors leading to the development of oxidative stress, which does not allow the genetic potential of the breeds to be fully realised. Particular attention is paid to the post-weaning period in pigs, when they are exposed to numerous stresses, with low adaptive capacity. This is an important period in pig rearing as it is often accompanied by temporary low feed intake, poor growth, intestinal dysbiosis and diarrhoea after weaning. These factors pose a threat to animal health and welfare, increasing the risk of mortality and leading to significant economic losses. For many years the problem of oxidative stress has been solved by the use of zinc oxide in the diets of weaned piglets. The use of natural antioxidant additives in pig diets is becoming more and more relevant in pig breeding practice. Natural antioxidants include ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E) and dihydroquercitin. The aim of our research was to create and test a feed complex with the additive properties of antioxidants and vitamins. We developed a new feed complex of Dihydroquercetin (DHQ) with vitamins E and C (DHQEC), which was fed to boars at a dose of 0.025% of the basic diet during the whole period of fattening. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the blood serum of experimental animals was found to be significantly higher (p&lt;0.1) by 12.5% at the end of the study compared with the control group. There was also a dynamics of oxidized glutathione concentration (GSS) decrease in experimental group animals, as well as a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSS) ratio by 45,9%. The concentration of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) was reliably lower (P&lt;0.05) by 33,6% in comparison with the control group, while the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was 48.2% higher in the period before slaughter (p&lt;0,1) in experimental group. The main effect of feeding DHQEC in mixed fodders was evident in the improvement of average daily live weight gain (ADG), including at the beginning of the experiment, the 1st week (p&lt;0.10), and in the first period of fattening (5-8 weeks, p=0.09; 8 weeks, p&lt;0.05). These indices testify to effective action of antioxidants and promote reactivity of organism and stress resistance, which raises the indices of productivity.

Bacterial indicators during storage of slaughter products of turkeys of the meat sector of productivity with the use of the prebiotic drug Aktigen

Poultry breeding is one of the economically profitable branches of Ukraine. Poultry meat is in the greatest demand on the market, because it is affordable and dietary, poultry is easy to grow both on the farm and at home. This is one of the types of branches in agriculture, which in a short period of time is able to provide the population with biologically complete and high-quality products. One of the main questions remains: how to produce high-quality products without the use of prohibited antibiotics, which provoked a number of problems in the already imperfect agriculture. The refore, scientists began to look for an alternative that would replace antibiotics, while at the same time increasing the quality of meat and the resistance of poultry to diseases, increasing the increase in live weight. Therefore, farms began to use biologically active additives (BVD), one of them is Aktigen. The purpose of our research was to determine the effect of the complex prebiotic drug Actigen on the level of bacterial indicators during storage of slaughter products of turkeys of the meat sector of productivity. The object of study was turkeys of the BIG-6 breed. The prebiotic Actigen was added to the basic ration (OR) of turkeys in the following doses: from the 1st to the 21st day: 0.4; 0.8 and 1 g/kg feed; from the 22nd to the 42nd day: 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 g/kg feed; from the 42nd to the 120th day: 0.2; 0.4 and 0.7 g/kg feed. Mixing of prebiotics with compound feed was carried out with a feed mixer at the farm for the production of compound feed. The bird had free access to feed and water during the entire fattening period. Research methods. Microscopic, microbiological (MAFAnM content, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms; bacterioscopy of swabs-imprints from poultry meat by counting the number of microorganisms per 1 average field of vision according to (DSTU DSTU 8381:2015; DSTU 8381:2015; DSTU ISO 6888–2:2003; GOST 7702.2.7–95), DSTU ENISO 6579-1:2017. Variational and statistical processing of experimental data was carried out using computer software packages “Microsoft Exel”, “Maple-12” (Company Maplesoft, 2008) for variational and statistical processing of digital data. Reliability was determined according to the Student's criterion, taking into account the confidence limit: Р ≤ 0.05; Р ≤ 0.01, Р ≤ 0.001. It was established that when feeding the prebiotic Actigen in the following doses: from the 1st to the 21st day: 0.4; 0.8 and 1 g/kg feed; from the 22nd to the 42nd day: 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 g/kg feed; from the 42nd to the 120th day: 0.2; 0.4 and 0.7 g/kg of feed both in the pectoral muscles and in the femoral muscles of broiler turkeys of the control and experimental groups, MAFAnM indicators did not exceed the permissible level during the four-day storage period. During the storage period of thigh muscles, the indicator of total bacterial contamination gradually increased in all groups and on the fourth day reached the level in the experimental group – (1.73 ± 0.05)×103. The MAFAnM indicator of the thigh muscles of birds of the control group was (1.75 ± 0.11)×103 CFU. The insignificant difference between MAFAnM indicators of the control and experimental groups is not reliable. The level of opportunistic microorganisms, in particular, BGKP and Proteus in the muscles of the femoral group is not reliable between the indicators of the control and experimental groups, and does not exceed the permissible levels regulated by the regulatory documents of Ukraine. When examining the slaughter products of broiler turkeys for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, in particular the genus Salmonella, S. aureus, L. Monocytogenes, Pasteurella ceae, Pasteurella spp., Avibacterium paragalinarum, Bordetella spp., Moraxella spp, Trueperella pyogenes, Erysipelotrix spp., Listeria spp. ., Pseudomonasspp., Enterobacreria ceae, Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., yeast and mold were not detected in the muscles and edible offal of broiler turkeys in both control and experimental groups. The prebiotic Actigen used in the diet of broiler turkeys negatively affects the development of the above-mentioned microorganisms both during the life of broiler turkeys and under the conditions of storage of slaughter products during the specified periods. Slaughter products of broiler turkeys, which were fed with the prebiotic “Actigen” in the recommended doses according to indicators of bacterial insemination during the established storage period, can be sold without restrictions.

Exploring Appropriate Strategies for Vaccination against Classical Swine Fever under a Dynamic Change in Antibody Titer in Sows after Starting Vaccination in a Japanese Farm Setting

After 26 years of absence in Japan, a classical swine fever (CSF) outbreak occurred at a domestic pig farm in 2018. Vaccination against the CSF virus with a live attenuated vaccine at pig farms was restarted in October 2019, which was 13 years after the 2006 ban on vaccination. An individual-based simulation model for CSF antibody dynamics was developed to determine an effective CSF vaccination strategy for pig populations. In creating a simulated pig herd, the optimal vaccination age of piglets and the effect of vaccinating piglets twice were evaluated. Additionally, the herd immunity was monitored every 6 months for 4 years after the start of vaccination, and the effects of intensive sow replacement policies were assessed. The simulation results indicated that the vaccination age should be delayed relative to the age used before the 2006 ban on vaccination and shifted earlier, from 8 weeks to 6 weeks, as time elapses. The simulations indicated a tradeoff in protection between the weaning period (i.e., maternally derived antibodies) and the fattening period (i.e., by vaccine-induced antibodies). Mixing sows with high and low antibody titers, particularly sows that received the first vaccination and those born after the start of vaccination, resulted in a high variation in antibody titer among pigs on the farm. This study also clarified the positive effect of intensive sow replacement strategies on shortening the period in which sows show diverse titers. Differences in sow replacement rates among farms and/or the time lag in starting vaccination in different prefectures result in heterogeneity in herd immunity in Japan; thus, herd immunity status should be examined at every farm using this simulation model.

Multiphase diets may improve feed efficiency in fattening crossbreed Holstein bulls: a retrospective simulation of the economic and environmental impact

Beef industry needs alternative feeding strategies to enhance both economic and environmental sustainability. Among these strategies, adjusting the diet dynamically according to the change of nutritional requirements (multiphase diet) has demonstrated its economic and environmental benefits in pig production systems. Therefore, this retrospective study aims to assess, through simulation, the theoretical economic and environmental benefits of introducing a multiphase diet for crossbreed bulls feeding (one or more diet changes). For this, individual data of BW, BW gain, and daily intake were recorded from 342 bulls during the last fattening period (112 days). These data were used to estimate individual trajectory of energy and protein requirements, which were subsequently divided by individual intake to calculate the required dietary energy and protein concentrations. The area between two functions (i.e., ƒ1: constant protein concentration in the original diet during fattening and ƒ2: estimated protein concentration requirements) was minimised to identify the optimal moments to adjust the dietary concentration of energy and protein. The results indicated that both energy and protein intake exceeded requirements on average (+16% and +28% respectively, P < 0.001), justifying the adoption of a multiphase diet. Modelling the individual trajectories of required metabolisable protein (MP, g/kg DM) during the fattening period resulted in exponential decay model in relation to BW [32120 × exp(−0.026 × BW) + 59.9], while the dietary net energy concentration followed a slightly quadratic model [2.26–0.0026 × BW + 0.000003 × BW2]. Minimisation of the area between curves showed two optimal moments to adjust the diet: at 312 kg and 385 kg of BW, indicating three diet phases: (a) <312 kg, (b) 312–385 kg, and (c) 385–600 kg. For the second and third phases, the dietary energy and protein concentration should be 70 g MP/kg DM and 1.70 Mcal/kg DM and 61 g MP/kg DM and 1.65 Mcal/kg DM, respectively. These diet adjustments might improve economic profitability by 29 €/animal, reduce estimated nitrogen excretions by 16% (P < 0.001), and maintain similar weight gain (P > 0.16) compared to the commercial diet. However, the decrease in dietary energy concentration led to increased fibre concentration, which in turn increased the estimated CH4 emissions of animals with the multiphase diet (+44%, P < 0.001). Hence, multiphase diet could theoretically reduce feeding cost and nitrogen excretion from fattening cattle. Further in vivo studies should confirm these results and find optimal nutritional strategies to improve economic profitability and environmental impact.

Performance of broiler chickens fed compound feeds with various of cereal grains

Maize and wheat are the main cereal forage crops cultivated at a global scale. They are among preferred forage grains for poultry nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of broiler chickens, whose compound feeds contained either maize, or wheat alone and maize +wheat combination. The experiment was performed with 120 day-old male ROSS hybrid chicks reared on the floor for 49 days. The birds were divided into three groups, each one consisting of two subgroups, as follows: group Е1 – fed forage with maize and wheat; group Е2 – fed forage with wheat and group Е3 – forage with maize. The live weight, feed intake, feed conversion and slaughter traits were investigated. By the 49th day of age, the live weight of chickens from groups Е1 and Е2 fed diet with maize and wheat (35.99%+28%), and only wheat without maize (66%) were the heaviest, 3147.18 g and 3361.32 g, respectively. Chicks from group E3 fed the diet containing only maize (64.12%) without wheat had the lowest average live weight (2587.75 g at Р&lt;0.0001). Wheat, as a single cereal in broiler compound feeds, and its combination with maize had the most beneficial effect on weight gain and feed conversion over the entire fattening period (P&lt;0.001). The improved weight gain of birds fed these diets was accompanied with higher feed intake (P&lt;0.001) compared to birds fed forage with maize only. The slaughter yield and the breast with bone cut increased statistically significantly in the wheat-fed groups (P&lt;0.001).