Slaughter Rate Research Articles

EFFETS DE L'UTILISATION DE LA PAILLE D'ORGE SUR LA DIGESTIBILITÉ, LES PERFORMANCES ZOOTECHNIQUES ET LE RENDEMENT A L'ABATTAGE DES LAPEREAUX

The object of this study was to establish the consequences of replacement of lucerne by barley straw as main fibre source in the diet of growing rabbits. Three diets were composed with straw + alfalfa proportions as follows: 0%+20% (diet T), 6%+8% (diet P1) and 10%+0% (diet P2). The 3 diets were isoenergetic (11 Mj/kg DM), isonitrogenous (20.8% CP/DM) and isofibrous (13.7% ADFJDMJ, In a first trial, per experimental group 20 commercial hybrid rabbits (Hyla) of both sexes were caged individually and received ad libitum one of the 3 diets (T, P1 or P2) from 6 to 13 weeks and were then slaughtered. Individual diet's digestibility was measured at 6, 9 and 12 weeks of age. In a second trial, 16 rabbits per group were studied in the same conditions with diets T and P2, except the digestibility studied only at 12 weeks. In a third experiment 70 rabbits per group, of the same origin, caged by 5, were fed diets T or per P2 between 31 and 77 days of age and then slaughtered. The modifications of the diet's formula needed for the 10% straw incorporation resulted in a better nitrogen digestibility with diet P2 than with the control T, the difference being greater at 6 weeks (77.9% for P2 vs 70.5% for T) than at 12 weeks (84% vs 80%). The dry matter and ADF digestibility were modified in the same manner but the differences were smaller than for nitrogen. On average, utilization of the diet P2 with 10% straw, resulted in a growth rate (31.5 g/day for P2 vs 33.6 g/day for T) but in a better feed conversion ratio (3.64 vs 3.85). The slaughter parameters (weight of carcass, skin and digestive tract) were not modified for rabbits slaughtered at 13 weeks (2,7-2,8 kg live weight) but the slaughter rate was reduced when rabbits were slaughtered at 11 weeks (2.3 kg).

Polymorphism of bovine Y-STR UMN0929 and its correlation with carcass traits in five Chinese beef cattle populations

The correlations between Y chromosome polymorphisms and the carcass traits were studied in five Chinese beef cattle populations by PCR, single strand conformation polymorphism and Y-STR sequence analysis. Nine alleles and their frequencies were identified on Y-STR UMN0929 region in Qinchuan (n=116), Luxi (n=112), Jinnan (n=104) pure breeds, Simmental×Qinchuan crossbred (n=80) and Angus×Qinchuan crossbred (n=96). The most popular A-176 and B-178 alleles were presented in all 5 cattle populations in the range of 12% (Jinnan) to 66% (Simmental×Qinchuan). The allele I-194 presented Luxi and Angus×Qinchuan. In Qinchun cattle, G-190 and E-186 alleles had bigger effect on BPI (4.23±0.32 and 4.22±0.48 kg/cm, P<0.01) and CW (325.40±49.42 and 316.73±45.29 kg, P<0.01), respectively. In Luxi cattle, I-194 allele affected higher BPI (4.08±0.35 kg/cm, P<0.01) and CW (302.07±17.55 kg, P<0.01), respectively. In Jinnan cattle breed, H-192 had higher BPI (4.32±0.50 kg/cm, P<0.05) and CW (327.87±59.37 kg, P<0.05), respectively. In Simmental×Qinchuan cross breed, C-180 allele affected largely on BPI (5.16±0.25 kg/cm, P<0.05) and CW (393.16±25.92 kg, P<0.05). In Angus×Qinchuan cross breed, I-194 had higher BPI (4.43±0.33 kg, P<0.05) and CW (346.63±29.77 kg, P<0.05). Correlations between alleles and other carcass traits (net meat weight, top grade weight, slaughter rate, net meat rate, loin-eye muscle area, carcass length, meet tenderness and shear force) were also analyzed using mixed-effect model. Cattle Y-STR UMN0929 loci alleles and its correlation with carcass traits in beef cattle populations could be implemented into the cattle breeding program for choosing beef cattle with better carcass traits.

Pig meat quality predicted by growth rate at farm level

The objectives of the present study were to examine the impact of growth rate on meat quality within litters of pigs. Sixteen litters were used in this study. Pigs within the same litter were slaughtered over a period of up to three weeks corresponding to four delivery days according to a similar body weight. The aim was to slaughter pigs at the same weight but varying in age at slaughter and growth rate. After slaughter, meat percentage, pH45min, pH24h, drip, thawing and cooking loss, colour and shear force in M. Longissimus dorsi (LD) were measured. The activity of the proteolytic enzymes µM and mM-calpain was also measured in LD. Growth rate differed significantly among delivery days. No significant differences were found in meat quality traits among delivery days except for higher redness in late delivery pigs. In conclusion, from our data growth rate cannot be used to predict meat quality.

Modelling foot and mouth disease

A simple generic model of foot and mouth disease (FMD) is presented. The dynamics of FMD at the index site (the farm where the initial infection occurs) is represented. Spread of disease from the index site is simulated with a three-term radial function, the terms corresponding to natural processes, short- and long-range movements. Parameterization includes the processes of threshold for clinical disease reporting, time delay before action is initiated, removal (slaughter) rate at the index farm; movement restrictions, culling of farms out to a given radius (from the index site), rate of culling, and vaccination (timing; rate of build-up of immunity). Between-farm basic reproductive ratio, R0bf, the number of primary (direct) infected farms arising from the initially infected (index) farm during the lifetime of the infection at the index farm, is calculated numerically. A “predictor-corrector” method is developed to estimate an upper limit to the number of secondary infections which could arise during this time. The model is easily programmed and is quick to execute. Simulation results are discussed in relation to the processes assumed in the model. They suggest that, given current UK farm practice, early disease detection, combined with immediate rapid slaughtering at the index site and restriction of short-range and long-range movements are relatively effective strategies of disease control. However, farm practice changes continually, and any control strategies need re-assessment in the light of current farm practice when and where an FMD outbreak occurs. A transparent and “simple” model can facilitate this process. The uncorrected model, without tuning, is compared with the cattle data from the 2001 UK FMD epidemic (Section 6; Fig. 8).

Optimization model for a livestock collection problem

PurposeThe value chain of the Norwegian meat production industry has recently been through major structural changes resulting in increased flows and transportation needs at all levels. The purpose of this paper is to present results of the initial stage of a five‐year research project between the Norwegian Meat Research Centre, Norwegian meat companies and Molde University College. The main goal of the project is to develop a decision support system for the transport of live animals to a slaughterhouse to reduce transportation costs while maintaining high level of livestock welfare and meat quality, as these are three main factors for the profitability of both farmers and industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a mixed integer programming model that combines vehicle routing and inventory control. We introduce the possibility for multiple routes for a given vehicle on a given day in a multiple‐period planning perspective. Arrival times of the loaded vehicles to the slaughterhouse are controlled by production (slaughter) rate and inventory level at the abattoirs so that the supply of animals for slaughter is steady and production breaks are avoided. Livestock welfare is secured by the route duration constraints.FindingsThe model has been formulated and tested on small data sets. The major future challenge is to solve real‐life problems from the involved companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is the present inability to solve large cases.Originality/valueThe model combining transportation and inventory control in a setting of animal welfare constraints is original.

Modelagem do crescimento populacional do rebanho bovino brasileiro

Considerando-se o número efetivo de animais e a taxa de abate do rebanho bovino brasileiro no período de 1983 a 2000, estimou-se o crescimento dessa população utilizando-se o modelo de Richards, ajustado pela técnica de verossimilhança profile. O modelo se mostrou adequado para descrever o crescimento da população brasileira de bovinos, pois as superestimavas e ou subestimavas dos valores se situaram entre 1 e 2,5%. A partir da modelagem por cadeia de Markov, foram calculados a probabilidade de o rebanho atingir 200 milhões de animais até o ano de 2015, em função da taxa de abate, e o tempo esperado para se atingir este tamanho populacional, em função da taxa de abate. A probabilidade de o rebanho atingir 200 milhões de animais até o ano de 2015, a uma taxa de abate de aproximadamente 17%, é 0,7. Com taxa de abate anual de 16%, o rebanho atingirá esse tamanho no período de 11 anos e, com taxa de abate de 18%, em 20 anos.

Effect of dietary Molybdenum content and floor type on the liver copper concentration at slaughter and Iamb growth rate of early weaned lambs

The accumulation of copper (Cu) in the liver of intensively fed sheep, resulting in sub-clinical organ damage and eventually death due to Cu poisoning, is an important constraint on intensive animal production. Previous studies have demonstrated the antagonistic effect of dietary molybdenum (Mo) on Cu absorption in the ruminant (Suttle, 1991). The role of rumen ciliate protozoa in the breakdown of soluble protein and liberation of sulphide, also a Cu antagonist, and the reporting of a number of cases of chronic Cu poisoning in defaunated animals suggests that the state of the rumen microbial population may also have an effect on the absorption of dietary Cu. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of adding Mo to the diet and the availability of straw bedding, (through its effect on rumen environment and microbial population), on the liver Cu concentration at slaughter of early weaned lambs finished intensively on an all concentrate diet.

Reduction of Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria spp. on pig carcasses by enclosure of the rectum during slaughter

• By sealing off the rectum with a plastic bag immediately after it had been freed, the spread of Y. enterocolitica O:3/biovar 4 to pig carcasses could be considerably reduced. The organism was recovered from only 0.8% of carcasses when the plastic bag technique was employed. Y. enterocolitica O:3/biovar 4 was recovered from 10% of pig carcasses when eviscerating procedures did not include the use of the plastic bag technique. There was thus an obvious risk of the bacteria further contaminating meat cuts and other meat products. The plastic bag technique was effective both in connection with manual excision of the rectum/low throughput (90 per h), and mechanical freeing of the rectum/high slaughter rate (240 per h). • L. monocytogenes was not detected in any of the samples taken from 120 pig carcasses in Norway or from 120 pig carcasses in Sweden. The plastic bag technique was used on half of these pigs. L. innocua was tested for in 120 pigs slaughtered in Sweden. The bacterium was recovered from 33% of the carcasses eviscerated without using a plastic bag, and from 10% of the carcasses in which this technique was employed. The results suggested that there were other, non-faecal, sources of contamination. Other measures in addition to the plastic bag technique are therefore required to limit the spread of Listeria spp. • By incorporating the plastic bag technique into the slaughtering procedures, the meat industry would contribute to preventing the dissemination of Y. enterocolitica and other pathogens which spread via the faces.

Group-level effects of breed and sire on diseases, and influence of diseases on performance of pigs in Danish test stations

The epidemiologies of the most common diseases diagnosed in pigs at the Danish pig-breeding test stations were studied with special reference to possible genetic predisposition. The population under study comprised 9084 test pigs (corresponding to 3028 test groups) housed at nine test stations from September 1983 to September 1984. There were substantial differences between the four breeds in the study (Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc and Hampshire) with the white breeds having higher clinical incidences of respiratory diseases and culling rates than the coloured ones. In only one of nine analyses was a significant sire effect found. However, significant differences were found between breeding centres of origin. There was a negative influence of clinical diseases on daily gain and feed conversion. Classifying respiratory disease in an ‘early’ form (at least one pig in the group was treated during the first 45 days of the test period) and a ‘late’ form (treatments were given after this period) showed that late infections resulted in a higher reduction of performance than early infections did. There were no associations between pathological findings at slaughter and growth rate.

A Profile of the Beef Cattle Industry in the Southwestern United States

Results of a comprehensive survey of the beef cow-calf, feedlot, and packing industries in the Southwestern United States are presented. Average size of cow-calf operations was 200 head with grazing acreage in excess of 1,000 acres at a carrying capacity of 11 to 15 acres per cow-calf pair. Feedlots averaged 24,000 head capacity with approximately 70% of marketings made to the three major beef packers. Average slaughter rate of packer respondents was 1,600 head per day. Ranking of breeds currently in use in the cow-calf sector was quite different than ranking preferred by feedlot and packer interests. Relative importance of traits emphasized in selective breeding programs appeared to be reflective of current marketing mechanisms and economic conditions. Many cowcalf producers seemed to have very limited knowledge of national cattle evaluation and the expected progeny difference concept. Opinions regarding the concept of value-based marketing varied by industry sector. Cow-calf operators were generally inconclusive whether such changes would benefit the cattle industry, while feedlot operators harbored a generally negative opinion. Packers were strongly in agreement that value-based marketing would have positive effects. Perceptions of biotechnology for increasing efficiency of production of beef and beef products were unclear. Contemporary issues such as animal rights and environmental concerns have the attention of all sectors of the cattle industry.

Veal calf production in the Netherlands

Quantative information on the health of veal calves in the Netherlands is limited. Some broad figures are known as to, for example, average mortality and premature slaughter rate, medicine costs and applied antibiotic treatments for enteric and respiratory disorders, etc. Data from necropsies and laboratory research at the animal health departments can be very useful for the veal calf industry to monitor changes.

A case-study of fattening pigs in Belgian contract farming. Mortality, efficiency of food utilization and carcass value of growing pigs, in relation to environmental engineering and control

ABSTRACTMortality, efficiency of food utilization and carcass value of growing pigs were investigated in relation to engineering and control of the house environment. Data originated from contract farms and were made available by the Belgian Farmers' Association. The following parameters were investigated by means of analysis of variance and covariance: food conversion ratio, mortality, emergency slaughter rate and carcass values. Data were classified according to characteristics of the heating, air inlet and air outlet systems of the pig houses.Within the limitations of our project, the expected favourable effect of heating on mortality and efficiency of food utilization of growing pigs depended on the construction and the functioning of the air inlet and outlet systems. Pigs fattened in houses with mechanical ventilation had a higher proportion of carcasses in the higher carcass grades. Seasonal effects were observed with respect to mortality rate, emergency slaughter rate and efficiency of food utilization. Differences between food conversion ratio with respect to heating and no-heating were comparable with those between summer and winter conditions. Hence the seasonal influence was not completely buffered by the housing conditions.

Economic importance of bovine fascioliasis in Nigeria.

An attempt was made to determine the annual economic losses due to bovine fascioliasis in Nigeria. The estimates were based on an average annual disease incidence of 2.5%, an assumed mortality rate of 1%, a total liver condemnation rate of 7%, a cattle population of 10 million and an annual slaughter rate of 10%. When the annual cost of treating and controlling fascioliasis amounting to N30,000 was added to other costs, total annual loss due to fascioliasis was estimated at some N5 million. The importance of fascioliasis as a major source of production loss in the animal industry in Nigeria is discussed.

The Private Production of Public Goods

THIs paper analyzes the production of public goods through private means under conditions that allow nonpurchasers to be excluded from the use of the good. Two conclusions are reached. First, given the ability to exclude nonpurchasers, private producers can produce public goods efficiently. Secondly, the payment of different prices for the same good is consistent with competitive equilibrium if the good is a public good. The allocation of resources to the production of public goods can be understood with the aid of the model formulated long ago by Alfred Marshall for the analysis of joint supply.' Just as the slaughtering of a steer provides goods to both leather users and meat consumers, so the production of a public good, by definition, yields benefits that can be enjoyed by more than one individual, for one person's use of public good services does not prevent simultaneous use by others. Under competitive conditions the rate at which steers are slaughtered is determined where the sum of the market prices for the hide and the meat is equal to the cost of slaughtering a steer. The geometry of equilibrium for jointly supplied products is shown in Figure I. Curve d is the market demand for hides and D is the vertical summation of d and the market demand for meat, hence D-d measures the demand for meat. The vertical summation of the demand prices equals the marginal cost of slaughtering cattle, shown by curve S, at the slaughter rate Q. No special problem arises in the allocation of resources to joint products in this, the standard case, nor does any