Beef Cattle Population Research Articles

Influence of environmental factors and genetic variation on mitochondrial DNA copy number.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA CN) has been shown to be highly heritable and associated with traits of interest in humans. However, studies are lacking in the literature for livestock species such as beef cattle. In this study, 2,371 individuals from a crossbred beef population comprising the Germplasm Evaluation program from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center had samples of blood, leucocyte, or semen collected for low-pass sequencing (LPS) that resulted in both nuclear DNA (nuDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence reads. Mitochondrial DNA CN was estimated based on the ratio of mtDNA to nuDNA coverages. Genetic parameters for mtDNA CN were estimated from an animal model based on a genomic relationship matrix (~87K SNP from the nuDNA). Different models were used to test the effects of tissue, sex, age at sample collection, heterosis, and breed composition. Maternal effects, assessed by fitting a maternal additive component and by fitting eleven SNP on the mtDNA, were also obtained. As previously reported, mtDNA haplotypes were used to classify individuals into Taurine haplogroups (T1, T2, T3/T4, and T5). Estimates of heritability when fitting fixed effects in addition to the intercept were moderate, ranging from 0.11 to 0.31 depending on the model. From a model ignoring contemporary group, semen samples had the lowest mtDNA CN, as expected, followed by blood and leucocyte samples (P ≤ 0.001). The effect of sex and the linear and quadratic effects of age were significant (P ≤ 0.02) depending on the model. When significant, females had greater mtDNA CN than males. The effects of heterosis and maternal heterosis were not significant (P ≥ 0.47). The estimates of maternal and mtDNA heritability were near zero (≤0.03). Most of the samples (98%) were classified as haplogroup T3. Variation was observed in the mtDNA within Taurine haplogroups, which enabled the identification of 24 haplotypes. These results suggest that mtDNA CN is under nuclear genetic control and would respond favorably to selection.

Breeding schemes with optimum-contribution selection or truncation selection for beef cattle destined for use on dairy females

We tested the hypothesis that the size of a beef cattle population destined for use on dairy females is smaller under optimum-contribution selection (OCS) than under truncation selection (TRS) at the same genetic gain (ΔG) and the same rate of inbreeding (ΔF). We used stochastic simulation to estimate true ΔG realized at a 0.005 ΔF in breeding schemes with OCS or TRS. The schemes for the beef cattle population also differed in the number of purebred offspring per dam and the total number of purebred offspring per generation. Dams of the next generation were exclusively selected among the one-year-old heifers. All dams were donors for embryo transfer and produced a maximum of 5 or 10 offspring. The total number of purebred offspring per generation was: 400, 800, 1,600 or 4,000 calves, and it was used as a measure of population size. Rate of inbreeding was predicted and controlled using pedigree relationships. Each OCS (TRS) scheme was simulated for 10 discrete generations and replicated 100 (200) times. The OCS scheme and the TRS scheme with a maximum of 10 offspring per dam required approximately 783 and 1,257 purebred offspring per generation to realize a true ΔG of €14 and a ΔF of 0.005 per generation. Schemes with a maximum of 5 offspring per dam required more purebred offspring per generation to realize a similar true ΔG and a similar ΔF. Our results show that OCS and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer act on selection intensity through different mechanisms to achieve fewer selection candidates and fewer selected sires and dams than under TRS at the same ΔG and a fixed ΔF. Therefore, we advocate the use of a breeding scheme with OCS and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer for beef cattle destined for use on dairy females because it is favorable both from an economic perspective and a carbon footprint perspective.

Opportunities and Challenges for Pastoral Beef Cattle Production in Ethiopia

The beef cattle production sector plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of pastoral farmers in Ethiopia, and it is the main source of beef animals for domestic and foreign markets. As compared to other African countries, Ethiopia has a huge beef cattle population (65.35 million heads). However, the quality and quantity of beef, as well as per capita meat consumption of Ethiopians, are very low (8.4 kg/individual/year). In this sense, the goal of this review was to provide and synthesize the most validated scientific information on the opportunities and challenges for pastoral beef cattle production in Ethiopia. The potential for pastoral beef cattle producers in Ethiopia included population growth, urbanization, literacy, and family income, as well as high demand for beef animals in domestic and foreign markets. In contrast, problems with beef cattle production systems, diseases, shortages of feed and water, lack of veterinary services, droughts, lack of market access and infrastructure, illegal animal trades, and poor genetic potential of indigenous cattle are among the limiting factors that hamper efficient beef production in the country. In Ethiopia, the yield and compositional quality of beef are very low compared to other African countries and the global market in general. Therefore, empowering pastoral beef cattle producers will help us to supply high quality and quantity of beef and will ensure sustainable beef cattle production with an identified market destination and access.

Use of nCounter mRNA profiling to identify at-arrival gene expression patterns for predicting bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle

BackgroundTranscriptomics has identified at-arrival differentially expressed genes associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) development; however, their use as prediction molecules necessitates further evaluation. Therefore, we aimed to selectively analyze and corroborate at-arrival mRNA expression from multiple independent populations of beef cattle. In a nested case-control study, we evaluated the expression of 56 mRNA molecules from at-arrival blood samples of 234 cattle across seven populations via NanoString nCounter gene expression profiling. Analysis of mRNA was performed with nSolver Advanced Analysis software (p < 0.05), comparing cattle groups based on the diagnosis of clinical BRD within 28 days of facility arrival (n = 115 Healthy; n = 119 BRD); BRD was further stratified for severity based on frequency of treatment and/or mortality (Treated_1, n = 89; Treated_2+, n = 30). Gene expression homogeneity of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision tree analyses were performed between severity cohorts.ResultsIncreased expression of mRNAs involved in specialized pro-resolving mediator synthesis (ALOX15, HPGD), leukocyte differentiation (LOC100297044, GCSAML, KLF17), and antimicrobial peptide production (CATHL3, GZMB, LTF) were identified in Healthy cattle. BRD cattle possessed increased expression of CFB, and mRNA related to granulocytic processes (DSG1, LRG1, MCF2L) and type-I interferon activity (HERC6, IFI6, ISG15, MX1). Healthy and Treated_1 cattle were similar in terms of gene expression, while Treated_2+ cattle were the most distinct. ROC cutoffs were used to generate an at-arrival treatment decision tree, which classified 90% of Treated_2+ individuals.ConclusionsIncreased expression of complement factor B, pro-inflammatory, and type I interferon-associated mRNA hallmark the at-arrival expression patterns of cattle that develop severe clinical BRD. Here, we corroborate at-arrival mRNA markers identified in previous transcriptome studies and generate a prediction model to be evaluated in future studies. Further research is necessary to evaluate these expression patterns in a prospective manner.

Integrated Farmer-Livestock Business In Opaasi Village, West Ranomeeto District, South Konawe Regency

The potential for the development of beef cattle farming in South Konawe Regency is a potential area for the development of Bali cattle with a beef cattle population of 367,665 heads and one of them is Ranomeeto Barat District with a cattle population of 3608 heads or 5.01% of the total population in the Regency. South Konawe. The purpose of this service is to provide technical assistance and guidance, as well as training in increasing knowledge and skills regarding potential, preparing livestock business plans, and overcoming problems faced by farmers with the methods used including the preparation stage, socialization stage, and activity implementation stage. The results of community service in technical assistance and training in making colony cages, making compost, preparing livestock business plans provide an alternative for the community in maximizing the productivity of beef cattle business.

Genetic parameters, heterosis, and breed effects for body condition score and mature cow weight in beef cattle.

Understanding the genetic relationship between mature cow weight (MWT) and body condition score (BCS) is useful to implement selection programs focused on cow efficiency. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters, heterosis, and breed effects for MWT and BCS. In total, 25,035 and 24,522 overlapping records were available for MWT and BCS on 6,138 and 6,131 cows, respectively, from the Germplasm Evaluation program, a crossbred beef population at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Pedigree was available for 48,013 individuals. Univariate animal models were used to estimate heritabilities for each trait by parity. Bivariate animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations between parities within a trait and between traits within parities. Bivariate repeatability animal models were used to estimate genetic correlations between traits across parities. Estimates of heritability for different parities ranged from 0.43 ± 0.05 to 0.55 ± 0.07 for MWT and from 0.12 ± 0.03 to 0.25 ± 0.04 for BCS and were lower with the repeatability model at 0.40 ± 0.02 and 0.11 ± 0.01 for MWT and BCS, respectively. Estimates of repeatability were high for MWT (0.67 ± 0.005) and low for BCS (0.22 ± 0.006). Estimates of genetic correlation for MWT and BCS between parities were, in general, high, especially between consecutive parities. Estimates of genetic correlation between MWT and BCS were positive and moderate, ranging from 0.32 ± 0.09 to 0.68 ± 0.14. The direct heterosis estimates were 21.56 ± 3.53kg (P ≤ 0.001) for MWT and 0.095 ± 0.034 (P ≤ 0.001) for BCS. Ordered by decreasing MWT, the breeds ranked Brahman, Charolais, Angus, Simmental, Salers, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis, Chiangus, Brangus, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Maine-Anjou, Gelbvieh, Beefmaster, Limousin, and Braunvieh. Ordered by decreasing BCS, the breeds ranked Brahman, Red Angus, Charolais, Angus, Hereford, Brangus, Beefmaster, Chiangus, Salers, Simmental, Maine-Anjou, Limousin, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, and Braunvieh. Estimates of breed differences for MWT were also adjusted for BCS (AMWT), and in general, AMWT depicted smaller differences between breeds with some degree of re-ranking (r = 0.59). These results suggest that MWT and BCS are at least moderately genetically correlated and that they would respond favorably to selection. Estimates of breed differences and heterotic effects could be used to parameterize multibreed genetic evaluations for indicators of cow maintenance energy requirements.

Potential Utilization of Oil Palm Plantation Waste Supports Beef Cattle Development in West Sulawesi

West Sulawesi Province has oil palm plantation areas that have the potential to be integrated with beef cattle. This study aims to collect data on feed availability from oil palm plantation waste and the carrying capacity of beef cattle development in West Sulawesi Province. The research method used is the desk study method that uses secondary data from Statistics Indonesia in 2022 related to oil palm plantations, palm oil production, and beef cattle populations, as well as research data relevant to this study. The data collected were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that West Sulawesi Province has oil palm plantation areas in 4 districts (Polewali Mandar, Mamuju, Central Mamuju, and Pasangkayu). The availability of dry matter from the plantation and palm oil processing waste is 479,554.04 Tons DM/year with a capacity of 210,330.72 LU/Year and can meet the needs of 317.61% of the beef cattle population from four districts. The index of feed availability from palm oil waste was highest in Pasangkayu Regency, with dry matter production of 11,298.8 tons DM/year. West Sulawesi Province has the potential to support the development of beef cattle with an integrated system of palm oil and cattle.

THE FEEDING MANAGEMENT OF BEEF COW-CALF ON SMALLSCALE FARMS: A SURVEY IN EAST JAVA PROVINCE OF INDONESIA

Beef cattle are the third commodity (6.16%) in providing meat for consumption of the Indonesians. East Java province is the centre of the largest beef cattle population in Indonesia. The management of calf feed is one of the critical points in the production of beef cattle. This study aims to assess the feeding management of beef cow-calf from birth to post-weaning in small-scale beef cattle farms in East Java Province. The survey was conducted on one group of beef cattle farmers (40-60 farmers) in each regency/municipality as many as 475 farmers. Data analysis is carried out descriptively about the activities of the management of cow feeding. The results of the survey of feeding management of beef cow-calf in East Java Province showed that: (1) Management of newborn calf in the condition "Good Enough", (2) Management of colostrum feeding in the condition "Good Enough", (3) Management of milk, milk replace and calf starter feeding in the condition "Bad", (4) Management of forage feeding in the condition "Good", (5) Management of feeding at post-weaning in the condition of "Good", (6) Management of feeding aged 6-12 months in the condition of "Good Enough", and (7) Overall the management of feeding calves from birth to post-weaning in the condition "Good".

Exploration of potential regional resources for beef cattle farming development in West Java, Indonesia

More than 90% of cattle in Indonesia are raised by smallholder farmer. They are facing limited land resources so that the input of feed mostly depend on the agriculture waste and its environment. The aimed of this study was to determine the potential agricultural resources which influence to the development of beef cattle. The sample locations were 3 districts from the eastern part of West Java province. Panel data of variables that were thought have an effect on beef cattle development were taken from 2012 to 2019 in three regencies. These data were analyses by Multiple Regression Model using the OLS method. The stationary test was done before using time series data by unit root tests of Augmented Dickey-Fuller. The results of this research showed that the corn and Cassava production, as well as the population as a source of agriculture labor in a region was potential resources to increase of beef cattle population. The integration of cattle and corn farming on suitable land in a region needs to be considered as the strategy in beef cattle farming development, because the corn production per unit of land can produce the highest feed compared to the other food crop residues.

ANALYSIS PEDIGREE OF LIVESTOCK OF POLISSIAN BEEF CATTLE BREED IN SFG «VERES»

ANALYSIS PEDIGREE OF LIVESTOCK OF POLISSIAN BEEF CATTLE BREED IN SFG «VERES»

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Success of Handling Ovarian Hypofunction in Cattle in Langkat Regency

Handling reproductive disorders aims to increase the beef cattle population and lead to beef self-sufficiency. One of the disorders in reproduction in cows is a case of ovarian hypofunction. In general, this case occupies the highest position in Langkat Regency. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the successful handling of cattle ovary hypofunction in Langkat Regency. The variables analyzed were body condition score, therapeutic treatment and the type of cow rearing. This research is a non-experimental study using logistic regression method. The data that used in this study were secondary data which was collected with a cross sectional approach. The data was obtained from the documentation of the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Food Security in Langkat Regency. The population was 658 cows that was diagnosed with ovarian hypofunction. The number of samples used in this study were 249 samples calculated by the slovin method. The sampling method was simple random sampling. The results of the analysis showed that the highest score of the body condition of the study sample was moderate. Most therapy in cattle with successful ovarian hypofunction is treatment one and two. The type of cow rearing that used with the highest number is the intensive one. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that all the independent variables, namely body condition score, treatment / therapy, and type of cow rearing had a P value less than 0.05. So that the overall variables have a significant effect on the success of Ovarian Hypofunction in cattle in Langkat Regency. The variable that has the greatest influence on the success of ovarian hypofunction is the variable of treatment / therapy. Treatment or therapy in cattle is suggested to be a top priority which is always developed by related parties in order to increase production through successful treatment of ovarian hypofunction in cattle in Langkat Regency.

Financial feasibility analysis study of beef cattle business in Minahasa regency

The aim of this research was to study the financial feasibility of beef cattle business in Minahasa Regency. Primary and secondary were used as data sources. The former was obtained directly from interviews using questionnaires, and the latter was collected from related agencies and other relevant references. Sampling was done using purposive sampling based on the largest beef cattle population and at simple random sampling with a total of 120 respondents selected in research locations. Data were descriptively analyzed based on investment criteria. Overall results showed that the beef cattle business in Minahasa Regency is feasibly sustainable because all of the measured parameters have met investment criteria, with the break-even point at 25 ind yr−1 and income gain of IDR 334,069,889, IRR is 33.14% > bank interest rate, B/C Ratio > 1, and Payback Period is 1 year 9 months shorter than the project period of 3 years.

Evaluation and development strategy of cattle breeding area-based on smallholder farmers community in Jambi

The efforts to increase the national beef cattle population can be done through the development of area-based beef cattle. SPR-IPB were an example of the concept of developing regional-based beef cattle farming based on smallholder communities. This study aimed to evaluated the area of beef cattle farming in SPR based on the profile of the farmer, institutions, existing livestock conditions and factors that influence the development of beef cattle farming. Surveys and observations were done in October-November 2020 at SPR Kuamang Abadi, Bungo District, Jambi. Ninety-nine farmers in 4 villages (Tirta Mulya, Lingga Kuamang, Cilodang, and Sumber Harapan) were involved in this study. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics were used in this study. The results of the area evaluation show that the SPR Kuamang Abadi was included in the category of built up area (score 600.5). Problems related to the development of beef cattle farming areas include the non-functioning of the organization’s internal divisions, limited facilities and animal health personnel, and underutilized financial institutions. The recommendation for the results of this study was the development of beef cattle farms at SPR Kuamang Abadi can be done by strengthening human resources and institutions, strengthening facilities and infrastructure, accelerating access to technology adoption and innovation, strengthening marketing strategies, and strengthening cooperation.

Performances of Bali cow kept by the palm oil farmers in Rokan Hulu, Riau

The development of the beef cattle population in Indonesia can be done by increasing the cows’ performance keeping by oil palm farmers. The research aimed to study Bali cows’ production system and performance maintained by oil palm farmers in Karya Mulya Village, Rambah Samo District, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau. Fifteen farmers as respondent with 33 of their Bali cows were the subjects of observation. This research was conducted using the interview method, focused on the production system, body size, and reproductive performance. Data were analyzed descriptively, quantitative, and qualitative. The study results on body size showed that the Bali cows had a chest circumference of 156.68±7.07 cm, shoulder height 112.73±8.86 cm, absolute body length 113.77±5.26 cm, relative body length 105±6.89 cm, body weight 253.65±28.64 kg, and body condition score 2.91±0.50. Reproductive performance includes the calving interval is 376.96±77.65 days, weaning time is 7.74±1.16 months, postpartum estrus 72.00±36.81 days, postpartum mating 72.00±36.81 days, service per conception 1.23±0.8, calf mortality 6.25%, calf weaning weight at 205 days is 97.59±22.88 kg, cows reproductive index 0.96 ± 0.26 and productivity 68.23 ± 46.89. It concluded that Bali cows raised by oil palm farmers in Rokan Hulu, Riau had good performance and body size.

Inbreeding Calculated with Runs of Homozygosity Suggests Chromosome-Specific Inbreeding Depression Regions in Line 1 Hereford.

Simple SummaryInbreeding depression is the decreased fitness of offspring of closely related individuals. It is a common problem in the livestock industry as a consequence of intense selection favoring few animals with higher genetic merit. The literature shows that inbred individuals may also exhibit decreased performance for economically relevant traits, such as growth in beef cattle. However, this relationship is not simple. The use of genetic markers can improve the detection of homozygous regions and improve the calculation of inbreeding coefficients. The working hypothesis of this study is that genomic homozygous regions can be used to predict animals’ performance. Moreover, homozygous regions across the genome differ in their effects. Our results indicate that the relationship between homozygosity and decreased performance varies by chromosome. Additionally, the inbreeding coefficient can be used to predict animals’ phenotype when calculated within a chromosome. This research warrants the development of a new approach in genomic selection to increase prediction accuracy by including information on homozygous regions. Additionally, management tools can be developed with the goal of breeding individuals with a purpose to decrease homozygosity only in the relevant regions of the genome.The goal of this study was to evaluate inbreeding in a closed beef cattle population and assess phenotype prediction accuracy using inbreeding information. Effects of inbreeding on average daily gain phenotype in the Line 1 Hereford cattle population were assessed in this study. Genomic data were used to calculate inbreeding based on runs of homozygosity (ROH), and pedigree information was used to calculate the probability of an allele being identical by descent. Prediction ability of phenotypes using inbreeding coefficients calculated based on pedigree information and runs of homozygosity over the whole genome was close to 0, even in the case of significant inbreeding coefficient effects. On the other hand, inbreeding calculated per individual chromosomes’ ROH yielded higher accuracies of prediction. Additionally, including only ROH from chromosomes with higher predicting ability further increased prediction accuracy. Phenotype prediction accuracy, inbreeding depression, and the effects of chromosome-specific ROHs varied widely across the genome. The results of this study suggest that inbreeding should be evaluated per individual regions of the genome. Moreover, mating schemes to avoid inbreeding depression should focus more on specific ROH with negative effects. Finally, using ROH as added information may increase prediction of the genetic merit of animals in a genomic selection program.

21 Unravelling Transmission Ratio Distortion Across the Genome of a Crossbreed Beef Cattle Population

Abstract Transmission ratio distortion (TRD) is a process when one allele from either parent is preferentially transmitted to the offspring. The identification of genomic regions affected by TRD might help in the detection of lethal alleles or potential genes affecting reproduction. Here, we investigated TRD in crossbreed beef cattle population aiming to identify genomic regions showing altered deviations in segregation that could be affecting reproduction performance. A total of 237 genotyped animals were used including 46 sires, 80 dams, and 111 parent-offspring (trios). The predominant breeds of these animals were Angus (61.83%), Simmental (18.99%), Gelbvieh (6.12%), Charolais (3.65%), Hereford (2.46%) and Limousin (1.57%). After excluding SNPs with minor allele frequency lower than 0.05 and call-rate lower than 0.90, a total of 369,902 autosomal SNPs were retained for further analyses. The SNP-by-SNP analysis was performed within a Bayesian framework using TRDscanv.2.0 software, using 100,000 iterations, with 10,000 iterations being discarded as burn-in. As table 1 shows, 33 SNPs were identified with TRD, considering a Bayes Factor (BF)≥100 and the approximate empirical null distribution of TRD at 0.01% margin error. Among them, 26 SNPs were parent-unspecific and 7 SNPs were parent-specific TRD. For parent-specific TRD, 214 were identified for sire- and 162 for dam-TRD (BF≥100). Among them, 4 SNPs were detected with sire- and dam-TRD in opposite direction of preference of transmission. Preliminary functional and positional analysis was performed using the list of TRD regions with BF≥100 and the approximate empirical null distribution of TRD at 0.01% margin error. For sire-TRD, 14% of the identified QTL (n = 254) were related to non-return rate. For dam-TRD, 21 regions related to conception rate were found (1.5%) and 13 regions related to stillbirth (0.93%). Haplotype analysis is in progress to identify additional candidate regions and alleles with TRD to better understand this phenomenon in a crossbreed beef population.

29 Effects of Recent and Ancient Inbreeding on Growth in American Angus Cattle

Abstract The accumulation of inbreeding can lead to an unfavorable change in the phenotypic value of individuals for traits related to fitness, also known as inbreeding depression. However, inbreeding accumulated at a more distant past (ancient inbreeding) is expected to have a smaller depressive effect than that accumulated more recently due to the loss of detrimental alleles caused by purifying selection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the inbreeding depression caused by recent and ancient inbreeding for birth weight, weaning weight, and post-weaning gain. Pedigree and genomic information were obtained from Angus Genetics, Inc. (St. Joseph, MO) for 569,364 individuals from the American Angus breed. Pedigree inbreeding and genomic inbreeding based on runs of homozygosity (ROH) were estimated using the SNP1101 software. Model-based genomic inbreeding based on the probability a marker is part of a homozygous-by-descent segment (HBD) was estimated using the RZooROH in R. The generational cutoffs for designating inbreeding as recent was that acquired 5 generations ago or sooner for pedigree, 6.25 generations ago or sooner for ROH, and 8 generations ago or sooner for HBD inbreeding. The effect of a 1% increase in inbreeding was modeled in males and females using a linear mixed model approach. Recent pedigree inbreeding was found to decrease birth weight by 0.04 and 0.03 kg, decrease weaning weight by 0.50 and 0.48 kg, and decrease post-weaning gain by 0.62 and 0.32 kg, in males and females respectively. Ancient pedigree inbreeding was generally found to have no effect on growth. For genomic inbreeding, when both recent and ancient inbreeding had a detrimental effect on growth, recent inbreeding generally had a larger effect. The results of this study demonstrate that inbreeding accumulated recently should be quantified and managed in beef cattle populations to avoid economic losses.

Breed availability analysis of local beef cattle in Seram Utara Timur Seti District Maluku Tengah Regency

This study aim were to analyze the potential availability of breeds for beef cattle development in Seram Utara Timur Seti District. The research method used was a desk study and survey method. Desk studies were conducted by utilizing relevant secondary data from various related agencies, as well as relevant research results. Meanwhile, surveys and direct observations in the field were carried out in the Animal Husbandry Production Center (KSP) areas, namely Wailoping, Kobisonta and Waitila Village. The variables observed included population structure and potential availability of beef cattle. The results showed that the proportion of the beef cattle population for the categories of calves, youth and adults was 23.18; 22.18 and 54.64% respectively. The sex ratio of male to female in all age categories is still below the normal ratio of 1 male to 5. Total breed growth (net increase) was 70 tails per year from the total population of beef cattle in Seram Utara Timur Seti District (13,032 tails). The total growth of beef cattle is still less than 1% (around 130 heads) of the total population, so it is necessary to pay attention for the development of the source area for beef cattle breeding in Seram Utara Timur Seti District.

Modeling the effects of steroid implant use on the environmental and economic sustainability of Brazilian beef production.

Brazilian beef systems contribute 14.9% of global beef production, therefore given climate change concerns, there is a clear need to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability. This study evaluated the hypothesis that steroid implant use in Brazilian beef cattle would reduce resource use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic costs of production, thereby improving environmental and economic sustainability. A deterministic model based on beef cattle population demographics, nutrition and performance was used to quantify resource inputs and GHG emissions per 1.0 × 106 kg of hot carcass weight (HCW) beef. System boundaries extended from cropping input manufacture to cattle arriving at the slaughterhouse. Beef systems were modeled using herd population dynamics, feed and performance data sourced from producers in four Brazilian states, with additional data from global databases. Implants were used in calves, growing and finishing cattle at low (LI), medium (MI), and high (HI) levels of performance enhancement, compared to nonimplanted (NI) controls. Feed use results were used in combination with producer-derived input costs to assess the economic impacts of implant use, including production costs and returns on investment. Improved FCE, ADG, and carcass weights conferred by implant use reduced the number of cattle and the time taken to produce 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef. Compared to NI controls, the quantities of feed, land, water and fossil fuels required to produce 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef was reduced in implanted cattle, with reductions proportional to the performance-enhancing effect of the implant (HI > MI > LI). Implant use reduced GHG emissions per 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef by 9.4% (LI), 12.6% (MI), or 15.8% (HI). Scaling up the MI effects to represent all eligible Brazilian cattle being implanted, revealed avoided GHG emissions equivalent to the annual exhaust emissions of 62.0 × 106 cars. Economic impacts of implant use reflected the environmental results, resulting in a greater margin for the producers within each system (cow-calf through to finishing). The 6.13% increase in kg of HCW beef produced generates a cost reduction of 3.76% and an increase in the return on invested capital of 4.14% on average. Implants offer the opportunity for Brazilian beef producers to demonstrate their dedication to improving environmental and economic sustainability through improved productivity, although care must be taken to avoid negative trade-offs.

The Analysis of Capacity Increase in Beef Cattle Population in The South Konawe Regency

This research aimed to determine the maximum potential for increasing the population of beef cattle in the South Konawe Regency Southeast Sulawesi Province based on natural resources and the ability of the head of the farmer family to raise cattle. This research was conducted 5th October to 28th December 2019. Determination of research location was carried out purposely (purposive sampling), with the consideration that South Konawe Regency was a central area for Bali cattle breeding. The data analysis was carried out by analyzing the supporting capacity of forage from pasture land and non-pasture land (rice fields, plantations, forests and moor) as well as the production of agricultural food crop waste (rice, corn, peanuts, green beans, cassava, sweet potatoes and soybeans), using tabular data in the form of data on food crop production and land area. Potential analysis of beef cattle business development in South Konawe Regency using the calculation of the Capacity Increase of Ruminant Population/Kapasitas Peningkatan Populasi Ternak Ruminansia (KPPTR). Based on the results of research in South Konawe Regency, the number can still be increased by 7,478 Animal Units. If the value is converted to adult female-male cows with an age of &gt;2 years, the population addition can be done as many as 7,478 cows. Meanwhile, if converted to female-male heifers with an age of 1-2 years, the population increase can be increased by 14,956 and if converted to female-male calves with an age of &gt;1 year, the population increase can be done up to 28,912.