Primal Cuts Research Articles

The West African Dwarf Sheep II. Carcass Traits Mutton Quality

CARCASSES of thirty African Dwarf ewes had a yield of 42.5%, about 5 mm backfat thickness and a loin eye of about 8cm2 Primal cuts made up 85% of the carcass. The best carcasses came from ewes slaughtered between two and four years of age. Average composition of retail cuts was 66.5% muscle, 26.5% bone and 7.0% fat. Young ewes were superior to young rams both in dressing percent (yield) and primal cuts. The ewes dressed 44% as compared to 40%; their retail cuts contained 67% muscle and 26% bone against 65% and 28% respectively for rams. Compared with mutton sheep of the temperate zone the West African Dwarf stand only 4/5 as high and are 2/3 long, while weighing only 1/4 to 1/3 that of European sheep. Yet the leg, the preferred cut, was 36% of the dressed carcass is compared to European mutton.

Protein requirement of Japanese quail (coturnix corturnix japonica) chicks in Nigeria

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of varying dietary levels of protein on performance of Japanese quail chicks. Six iso-caloric (2953-3078 kcal/kg, ME) diets were formulated to contain crude protein (CP) at 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28% levels, respectively. Each of the dietary treatment was replicated three times with sixty (60) quail chicks per replicate. A total of 1080 day-old unsexed quail chicks were used for the study and distributed using completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 42 days during which data were collected. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein intake differ significantly (P<0.05) due to dietary treatments. Final live weight and cost per gain were not significantly (P>0.05) different across dietary treatments. Age at first egg and average weight of eggs at point of lay differed significantly (P<0.05) across dietary treatments. The haematological parameters (Total protein, haemoglobin, albumen and red blood cell) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary protein levels. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, prime cuts and the weight of major organs expressed as percentage of the live weight were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that Japanese quail chicks required up to 26% level of dietary protein for optimum performance.

Effects of graded levels of iron-fortified locally produced natural vitamin premix on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers

A feeding trial was conducted using broilers to determine the optimum inclusion levels of locally produced natural vitamin premix (LPNVP) and compare the performance to a commercial vitamin mineral premix(CVMP) commonly sold within Nigeria. Feed intake, weight gain and feed utilization efficiency varied (P<0.05) among the various dietary treatments considered. Feed utilization efficiency and weight gain were inversely related to feed intake for birds fed LPNVP-based diets and these measurements were lower (P<0.05) than values observed for birds fed CVMP based diets. Nutrient retentions were also not influenced (P>0.05) by the various inclusion levels of LPNVP studied, although these criteria were also significantly lower for birds fed LPNVP-based diets compared with birds fed CWMP-based diets. Although, dressing percentage was not affected (P>0.05) by the dietary levels, relative fresh organs and primal cut weights were different (P<0.05) for birds fed the various levels of LPNVP and the control birds fed CVMP-based diets. It was however cheaper (P<0.05) to use LPNVP than CVMP as a source of vitamin for broilers.

Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Kiko Crossbred Male Goats as Influenced by Feeding Phytochemical Tanning Containing Supplementations

This research assessed the effect of incorporating condensed tannin-rich pine bark (PB) and sericea lespedeza (SL) into meat goats’ diets on carcass traits, chemical composition, and meat quality of goat meat (chevon). Meat goats were supplemented with bermudagrass hay (BG-diet, control), SL, PB, or 1:1 mixture of SL and PB (SL + PB-diet), with the remainder of each diet made uCIE ap of 70% alfalfa pellets mixed with a commercial corn-based sweet feed. Furthermore, four experimental diets provided a total of 4.9, 40.1, 49.0, or 45.0 g of condensed tannins, CT/kg DM, respectively. Carcass traits were assessed after the slaughter at the end of 50 d feeding period. After 24 h cooler storage (2˚C), edible tissues were collected from each carcass for analyzing meat quality parameters. No significant differences were found in carcass traits and primal cuts among goats fed the experimental diets. Supplementing goats with wood-derived condensed tannins (pine bark) produced redder (higher CIE a* values; P P P < 0.03) chevon than that from goats fed either forage-derived (sericea lespedeza) or combined condensed tannins (1:1 mixture of sericea lespedeza and pine bark). Our findings indicate that either forage-, wood-derived condensed tannins, or their combined one can be used as a dietary supplement since they do not have any detrimental effect on meat goats’ performances and meat quality characteristics of chevon. Furthermore, feeding meat goats with wood-derived condensed tannins probably produced tenderer and healthier chevon than that from meat goats fed either forage-derived only or combined with forage and wood derived-condensed tannins.

Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Bulls from Arsi, Boran, Harar and Holstein Frisian Crosses Cattle Breeds Finished under Similar Level of Concentrate Supplementation

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of age and breeds (Arsi, Borana, HF-Cross and Harar) on carcass and meat characteristics of bulls finished under similar feeding conditions. The feeding experiment was conducted for 90 days at Beef farm of Haramaya University. In this experiment, 24 bulls were fed with roughage (60%) which contained grass hay and wheat straw and concentrate (40%) which contained wheat bran, noug (gucia abysica) cake, maize grain, limestone, salt and ruminant premix. The bulls were transported to Bishoftu ELFORA export abattoir for slaughter following the procedure of the abattoir. The result of the study revealed that the average slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, shrink loss, commercial dressing and true dressing percentage were 179.1 kg, 86.8 kg, 82.7 kg 4.7%, 48.8% and 78.3%, respectively. Total edible and nonedible offal were significantly (P significantly (P Boran, Harar, and HF-crossbred were 78.1%, 77%, 72.8% and 77.2% respectively. Meat yield was predicted from fat thickness and ribeye area with 61% accuracy. Arsi bulls attained the highest (78%) meat yield at early age but decreased by 0.713 rate as age of animals advanced by one digit whereas the meat yield from other breeds showed increment in meat yield percentage with the rate of 1.98, 1.1 and 0.1 for cross, Borana and Harar breed bulls, respectively as age advanced. Yield from fore shank, sirloin, top and bottom sirloin primal cuts were affected by breed. Arsi breed had higher meat bone ration than cross breed. Retailed meat yield was significantly (P 0.05) by age and breed in the current study.

Carcass and commercial cuts yields of caiman (Caiman crocodilus yacare) farmed in a ranching system in the Brazilian Pantanal.

Given the growing use of alternative sources of protein, studies on the commercial viability of amazonians wild species, based on the yield of their carcass, are still scarce in the literature. To evaluate yields of carcass and commercial cuts of caiman meat (Caiman crocodilus yacare), according to sex and weight categories, besides analyzing their revenue. Thirty animals in termination phase were selected, separated by sex and weighed. The cuts analyzed was of 59.7% in relation to total live weight, and of 70.7% in relation to the carcass. Regarding the yields of the cuts, the average weight difference in detriment to the sex of the animals was minimal, however, in the weight categories, animals classified as intermediate and heavy (5.9-9.1 kg) resulted in higher cut weights (p < 0.01) and consequently in revenue for most of the meat cuts (66.7%), especially for tail, back, and sirloin fillets. It can be concluded that the carcass yield of caiman is high, and that heavy animals resulted in higher yields of prime cuts, emphasizing the need to carry out studies that prioritize the cost/benefit ratio taking into account the age and weight of the animals.

Effect of stunning methods on quality of rabbit carcass and meat

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different stunning methods on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of rabbit carcass and meat. Thirty six mature rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with average weight of 1.5 – 2.0kg were used. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four experimental treatments (T1-T4); T1 represented No stunning (control), T2 = Electrical stunning, T3 = Gas stunning and T4 = Mechanical stunning. Each treatment was replicated thrice and the experiment was arranged on completely randomized design. The rabbits were bled after stunning, dressed conventionally and chilled at 40C for 24 hours. Thereafter the were dissected into 2 halves and fabricated into primal cuts. Carcass characteristics as well as physical, chemical and sensory properties of the rabbit meat were determined. The results showed that carcasses of rabbits stunned with gas gave higher (P&lt;0.05) blood loss and lower (P&lt;0.05) chilling loss. Also visual colour score, cooking yield, protein, nitrogen free extract, cooked meat colour, flavour, texture and overall acceptability were higher (P&lt;0.05), while cooking loss, thermal shortening, drip loss, moisture and pH were lower (P&lt;0.05) in meat from rabbits stunned with gas compared with meat from other treatments. Gas stunning was therefore, recommended since it favoured most of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of both carcass and meat of differently stunned rabbits in this study.

Carcass yield and gastro - intestinal tract morphometry of rabbits exposed to dietary cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pod husk meal

In this study, the effect of different forms of dietary cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) on the carcass yield and gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) morphometry of growing rabbits was investigated. A total of 60 rabbits with mean body weight of 606.42±1.3g were utilized across 12 experimental iso – caloric (2,592.04 Kcal/kg ME) and iso - nitrogenous (16.52% CP) diets containing sundried (T, T, T, T); fermented (T, T, T, T) and hot – water treated (T, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T , T , T ) cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) included at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 percent levels, 10 11 12 respectively. The rabbits were subjected to 12 weeks feeding trial in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. The rabbits were slaughtered at the end of the feeding trial and the carcass yield and GIT morphometry were determined. The results showed that the average live weight was between 1616.67 ± 44.10 and 2483.33 ± 16.67 g/rabbit, while the dressed weight was between 966.67 ± 18.12 and 1500 ±28.87 g/rabbit with significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences between treatments. The least values were recorded in rabbits fed the 37.5% level of CPHM inclusion. All primal cuts revealed no significant differences between dietary treatments. The GIT morphometry (relative weight and length of segments) recorded no significant effect that could be ascribed to diets. The study concluded that including sundried, fermented or hot – water treated CPHM up to 37.5% level will reduce the live weight, dressed weight and dressing percent of rabbits while GIT morphometry may be relatively unaffected. Hence, a lower level up to 25% fermented CPHM and levels &lt;25% are recommended for sundried CPHM and hot- water treated CPHM are recommended for growing rabbits.

Physical characteristics of West African dwarf goat as influenced by post-mortem processing methods

A study on the physical characteristics of buck West African dwarf (WAD) goat as influenced by post-mortem processing methods was carried out. Nine WAD (bucks) with an average weight of 18.00 0.65Kg were allotted to three post-mortem processing methods, viz: singeing, scalding and skinning, as treatments; in three replicates. The experimental model was the completely randomized design. Parameters measured were, carcass weights and measurements, primal or wholesale cuts, as well as temperature and pH of carcass. The results showed that singeing significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased intact carcass weight from 5.64 Kg and 6.47 Kg recorded in the skinned and scalded carcasses to 6.48 Kg, and relative weight from 3.97 Kg recorded in both the skinned and scalded carcasses to 4.67Kg. Length of carcass was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the scalded carcass (36.67 Kg) compared to the skinned and singed carcasses which recorded 30.67 and 28.67Kg respectively. While, skinning recorded a significant (P&lt;0.05) higher weight for depth of chest and maximum width of leg, having 17.67 and 13.67cm compared to singeing and scalding having 16.67cm each for depth of chest, 11.67 and 10.67cm respectively for maximum width of leg. Also, primal cuts yield of rack, neck, shoulder and shank were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in singeing, while those of loin and leg were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in skinning. Scalding recorded the least yields in all the primal parts measured. The study further revealed that temperature fall was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in singeing, followed by scalding and least in skinning, as post-mortem time progressed from 0 – 60mins. While, fall in pH was also significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in singeing, followed by skinning and least in scalding, as postmortem time progressed from 0 – 60mins. By this result, singeing as a processing method should be adopted by meat processors and home consumers, as it recorded higher carcass weights and primal cuts among other post-mortem processing methods.

The growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed on diets containing RE3™ probiotics

The increasing abuse of antibiotics in production of food animals has led to development of resistant strains of bacteria (and other microbiota) which are responsible for several infectious diseases in animals and in humans. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of RE3TM, a third-generation probiotic used in place of a conventional antibiotics (to minimise incidence of antimicrobial resistance in livestock and human consumers), on growth performance and some carcass characteristics of guinea fowls. One hundred and twenty guinea fowl keets of mixed sexes with an average weight of 28.3±0.364g were used for the study conducted in a Completely Randomised Design. There were 4 treatments in which RE3TMwas incorporated at; 0.0ml/kg feed (Diet 1; Control), 1.0ml/kg feed (Diet 2) ,1.5ml/kg feed (Diet 3) and 2.0ml/kg feed (Diet 4); each treatment had 30birds. The feeding trial covered the entire meat production phase (starter, grower and finisher) which lasted for 84 days. Feed and water were given ad libitum.At maturity (12 weeks old), a total of thirty-six (36) birds (9 from each treatment, comprising 5 males and 4 females across the treatments) were selected, weighed and slaughtered.Carcass and viscera weights were taken, carcasses were then sectioned into primal cuts after 24-hour chilling at 4°C. Breast muscles from sampled carcasses were grilled for sensory evaluation by a trained panel, whilst the thigh muscles were subjected to proximate analyses. Data obtained were analysed for statistical significance using the one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Test, of the GenStat Statistical Package (Discovery Edition,VSN, 2012). Results obtained showed higher (p&lt;0.05) growth rates and lower feed conversion ratio for birds on the diets with 1.0 ml of RE3TM per Kg feed. The carcass and body parts characteristics assessed however, showed no significant differences (p&gt;0.05), except for the thighs which were heavier (p&lt;0.05) in birds on the RE3TM supplemented diets, compared with those on the control diets.The use of RE3™ probiotics, up to 2.0ml/kg feed for guinea fowls, had no adverse effects on the growth of the birds, but it reduced the cost of providing medication for the birds. Fat content in the meat reduced, as inclusions of RE3TMincreased in the diets. It is recommended that relevant Government authorities and other stakeholders should aid in promoting the use of probiotics, instead of antibiotics in livestock production to minimise possible antibiotic residue in meat.

Frecuencia de contaminación y de serotipos de Salmonella enterica y Escherichia coli en una operación integrada de matanza y deshuese de bovinos

El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de contaminación y la diversidad de serotipos de Salmonella enterica (SE) y Escherichia coli (EC) en diferentes etapas de los procesos de matanza y deshuese de bovinos. Se tomaron muestras de heces, canales y cortes primarios (100 de cada tipo) en un rastro Tipo Inspección Federal ubicado en Mexicali, Baja California. EC no se analizó en heces, por ser esta bacteria parte de la microbiota intestinal. La identidad de las cepas se confirmó por métodos bioquímicos y por PCR: genes taxonómicos invA y gadA, para SE y EC, respectivamente. En EC se investigó también la presencia de genes asociados con los principales patotipos. SE tuvo una frecuencia de 34 % en heces, 3 % en canales y 2 % en cortes, siendo Montevideo el serotipo predominante (72.5 % del total de cepas). EC se detectó en canales (34 %) y en cortes (11 %), en concentraciones promedio de 0.012 y 0.33 log UFC cm-2, respectivamente. Aunque varios de los serotipos de EC identificados están asociados con cepas enterotoxigénicas o productoras de toxinas tipo Shiga, ninguno portaba factores de virulencia característicos de estos patotipos. En resumen, las canales y cortes de bovino no son una fuente relevante de cepas patógenas de EC. En contraste, los bovinos constituyen un importante reservorio de SE, lo cual representa un riesgo para la salud pública. Se requieren estudios genómicos sobre el perfil de virulencia y los genes asociados con infecciones subclínicas en cepas de SE provenientes de animales aparentemente sanos

Yield Grade and Quality Assessment of Native Buffalo Meat and Beef at Different Ages

Boosting meat production potential possibly happens when people will judge meat quality and use their livestock wisely, as they meet up their demand from promising animal like buffalo. To evaluate the productive performances and quality assessments of beef and buffalo meats, cattle (Pabna) and buffalo (Native, swamp type) were fattened for 120 days with a single plane of nutrition in a 2×3 (Species×Age) factorial experiment. By slaughtering, the carcass and non-carcass characteristics, primal cuts, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, color, intramuscular fat of meat, marbling score, and yield grade of meat were determined through univariate GLM procedure based CRD analysis. Live and carcass weights of buffalo were significantly higher (p&lt;0.001), but the dressing percentage was significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) than cattle (52.1% &amp; 55.3%, respectively). Species variation and age have a great impact on the yield of primal cuts. Meat: bone of cattle (5.33:1.00) was significantly better (p&lt;0.001) than buffalo (4.57:1.00). Buffalo meat was darker and reddish (p&lt;0.01) in color, and with the increment of age, it was increased (p&lt;0.001). A little amount (p&lt;0.001) of intramuscular fat was found in buffalo meat (0.44%) than cattle (3.31%). The marbling score was measured higher (p&lt;0.001) in cattle than buffalo (5.00 and 3.85, respectively). Buffalo meat scored 3 in 5 scale yield grade point where beef gained 3.5 scores and showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference. Finally, buffalo meat scored better than beef with the measures of yield grade, marbling score, and fat percentage, though its lower carcass yield and demerits of a reddish color.

Influence of birth weight and weaning weight on performance and veal quality

Influence of birth weight and weaning weight on performance and veal quality

PSV-28 Feeding Ractopamine Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of the Lard-type Mangalica Pig

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork; however, the slow growth rate, poor lean yield and excessive adiposity exhibited by this breed limits its widespread adoption. Our objective was to determine if feeding Ractopamine (RAC), a metabolic modifier that improves feed efficiency and lean yield, would improve growth performance without impairing pork quality in the Mangalica. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n = 28) weighing 73 kg were fed a standard grower ration supplemented with either 0 or 22 ppm RAC for 21 days during which daily feed intakes and weekly body weights were recorded for all animals. Then pigs were finished to a 105 kg harvest weight. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were ribbed at the 10th rib to facilitate pork quality and carcass composition measurements. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. As hypothesized, RAC increased ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.04) and feed efficiency (P &amp;lt; 0.03) 24% and 21% respectively. However, unexpectedly, RAC failed to suppress voluntary feed intake (P &amp;gt; 0.71). Interestingly RAC increased LEA (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) by 21% but did not impact 10th rib fat depth (P &amp;gt; 0.90) or marbling score (P &amp;gt; 0.77). Likewise, RAC failed to alter any primal cut weights. Feeding RAC lowered b* values (P &amp;lt; 0.04) and tended to lower L* values (P &amp;lt; 0.08) while not affecting a* values (P &amp;gt; 0.30) suggesting RAC darkened loin color. Finally, RAC improved cook loss percentage (P &amp;lt; 0.02) 11% while not impacting WBSF (P &amp;gt; 0.31). Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that feeding RAC to the lard type Mangalica pig improves growth performance without impairing pork quality in this breed. Feeding RAC may be a viable strategy to improve the economic feasibility of utilizing this breed to target niche markets.

31 Determination of Optimal Harvest Weight for Mangalica Pigs Using a Serial Harvest Approach to Measure Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n=56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &amp;lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &amp;lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (p &amp;lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), loin (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

30 Determination of Optimal Harvest Weight for Mangalica Pigs Using a Serial Harvest Approach to Measure Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n = 56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &amp;lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &amp;lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (P &amp;lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), loin (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

Investigation of Burn Cut Parameters and Model for One-Step Raise Excavation Based on Damage Evolution Mechanisms

One-step raise excavation with burn cut is a kind of technology which use the drilling and blasting method to excavate the raise quickly. Due to the limitation of the free surface in burn cut, determination of cut parameters such as the length of burden and diameters of empty hole and charge hole is important to achieve a good effect of cut blasting. Meanwhile, the choice of the cut model is also crucial to form a proper opening. In this study, a modified Holmquist-Johnson-Cook (HJC) model, in which the tension-compression damage model and tension-compression strain rate effect model are considered, is embedded in the LS-DYNA software to investigate the damage evolution of rock in cut blasting. A simplified numerical model of burn cut is built in the LS-DYNA. The numerical results indicate that there is a threshold value of the burden length to maximize the opening. The empty hole has the effect of transferring blasting energy, and the effect becomes more obvious with the increase of the hole size. Moreover, the linear charge density of the prime cut hole can affect the compression and tension damage. Further, the comparison among four typical burn cut models are conducted based on numerical results. It demonstrates that triangular prism cut and doliform cut, which have more empty holes arrangement surrounding the prime cut hole, are better than spiral cut and diamond cut that with less empty holes locating one side of the prime cut hole in terms of energy efficiency and damage zone control.

Effects of sire line, birth weight and sex on growth performance and carcass traits of crossbred pigs under standardized environmental conditions.

A variety of available terminal sire lines makes the choice of terminal sire line complex for the pig producer. Higher birth weights are important for subsequent growth performance and selection for this trait is also necessary in sire lines. The aim was to investigate the effect of sire line, birth weight and gender on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality. In total 3844 crossbred pigs from Camborough Pig Improvement Company (PIC) dams matched with either a Synthetic (A) or Piétrain (B) sire line were used. Pigs from line A grew faster (), showed higher feed intake () and reached a higher final body weight (), but they had a similar efficiency (). Leaner carcasses and heavier primal cuts () were observed in pigs from line B. Carcasses from pigs sired by line A had higher meat quality (). Males had a higher growth rate () but had a poorer feed efficiency (). Heavier birth weight pigs and females had leaner, higher value carcasses with heavier primal cuts () compared to middle and low birth weight females or males. Sire line by sex interactions was significant for growth () and carcass traits (). Interaction between sire line and birth weight classes were only detected for loin depth (). Line A is preferable if the numbers of fatting pigs per fattening place and year should be improved, and line B is an option to increase leanness and carcass primal cuts.

Effect of Breed Types and Castration on Carcass Characteristics of Boer and Large Frame Indigenous Veld Goats of Southern Africa.

Weaner male Boer Goats (BG; n = 36; 21 bucks and 15 wethers) and large frame Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG; n = 41; 21 bucks and 20 wethers) were raised on hay and natural grass ad libitum and the recommended amount of commercial pelleted diet to a live weight between 30 and 35 kg. Carcass quality characteristics (live weight, carcass weights, dressing %, chilling loss and eye muscle area) were measured. The right sides of the carcasses were divided into wholesale cuts and dissected into subcutaneous fat, meat and bone. Large frame Indigenous Veld Goat (IVG) wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks with no significant difference observed between BG. Wethers compared to bucks had higher dressing %, subcutaneous fat % in all primal cuts, intramuscular fat %, kidney fat % and, overall, slightly less bone %. Some breed-wether interactions were noticed: IVG wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks, but the IVG bucks tended to produce higher % meat compared to other test groups. Judged on the intramuscular fat % characteristics, it seems as if wethers should produce juicier and more flavorsome meat compared to bucks.

Carcass characteristics of Patanwadi ram lambs maintained under intensive feeding system

The present study was aimed to evaluate the carcass traits of Patanwadi ram lambs at 6.9 months (207 days; Gr-1) and 9.6 months (288 days; Gr-2) maintained under an intensive feeding system. The study involved 10 Patanwadi ram lambs maintained on Cenchrus ciliaris grass and supplemented 300 g concentrate daily. The lambs were slaughtered after fasting for 18 h to assess the carcass traits. The body length and live weights were significantly higher in Gr-2 lambs. Empty body weights, hot carcass weights, and dressing yields were significantly higher in Gr-2 than Gr-1. Loin eye area was significantly lower in Gr-1. In primal cuts, weights of the leg, loin, rack, neck and shoulder and breast, and foreshank were significantly different between the groups. The chilling losses were comparable among the groups. The lean yields did not differ significantly for Gr-1 and Gr-2. The subcutaneous fat was significantly higher in loin cut in Gr-2. The intermuscular fat contents were significantly lower for Gr-1. The dissected bone yields were comparable for Gr-1 and Gr-2. Lean: fat and meat: bone ratios were comparable. The present study indicated that Patanwadi ram lambs produce a desirable carcass with lean, fat and bone contents at 6-7 months of age with 30 kg body weight. Though carcass yield was higher at 9-10 months of age it-s not economical to rear ram lambs after 6 months because of poor growth rate and feed efficiency.