Lean Meat Yield Research Articles

A tactical carcass optimisation tool for assisting boning room managers to increase boning room profit

In collaboration with Australian lamb supply chains, an integer linear programming model was developed for use by processors to optimally allocate carcasses to different cutting plans for implementation in a boning room on a daily or lot basis. This tactical carcass optimisation tool (TCOT) address the daily challenge of developing operational plans to process carcasses into products whilst maximising profitability subject to constraints on carcass availability, variability of carcass weight and fatness, number of product orders, product size and retail prices. Predicted weights for all available products were derived from cut-weight prediction algorithms established from the combination of carcass weight and fatness ranges. Carcass fatness was expressed as lean meat yield percentage (LMY%) and measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of hot carcasses immediately after slaughter. The TCOT utilises a group-based labour cost model which closely aligns with real-world supply chain practices. The function and application of the optimisation tool were tested in two contrasting case studies. The first case study demonstrated the ability of the optimiser to allocate carcasses to optimal cutting plans based on carcass weight and LMY%. The second case study examined the potential value of the tool for processors supplying lamb into the Australian domestic lamb market and subject to the constraints applied, demonstrated opportunities to increase profitability by at least 1 % compared to current best practice. This work provides a pathway whereby objective carcass measurement technology, combined with carcass sortation and optimisation algorithms, can be leveraged to improve profitability for the lamb supply chain.

51 Lean meat yield of Angus, Brahman and Charolais grain fed steers

Abstract Lean meat yield (LMY) is a key driver of profitability in the beef industry, and it is associated with muscling and feed efficiency (Pethick et al., 2021). No research has studied differences in LMY between British, Continental, and Tropical beef breeds fed for increasing days on feed. The objective of the present study was to compare LMY of Angus, Brahman and Charolais steers with increasing days on feed (DOF). The hypothesis was that Charolais have the greatest LMY throughout the feeding period due to being a later maturing, high muscling breed compared with Angus and Brahman. Angus (n = 30), Brahman (n = 30), and Charolais (n = 29) 12-18 mo-old steers were inducted with a body weight (BW) of 361 ± 5.3 kg, 355 ± 5.3 kg and 317 ± 5.3 kg, respectively. Six animals of each breed were randomly selected for slaughter at 50-d intervals until 200 DOF. Steers were allowed ad libitum access to water and feed (78% rolled barley, 13.76% CP, 12.15 ME MJ/kg DM). Body weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), and LMY were measured at slaughter. All components of the animal were collected, and carcass muscle, fat and bones physically dissected with knives and weighed separately. The LMY as % empty BW (EBW) was calculated as the weight of lean meat separated from the carcass divided by EBW. The LMY as % of HCW was calculated as the weight of lean meat separated from the carcass divided by HCW. Data was analyzed with a model containing the fixed effect of breed, DOF at slaughter, and their interaction. Breed, DOF and their interaction affected LMY expressed as both ratio to EBW and HCW (P < 0.05). Charolais steers had the greatest LMY (% HCW) at 50, 100, and 150 DOF, but similar to Brahman at 0 and 200 DOF (P < 0.05; Figure 1a). Angus steers showed the lowest LMY (% HCW) throughout all DOF (P < 0.05) except at 50 DOF being similar to Brahman (P > 0.05). Furthermore, Charolais had the greatest LMY (% EBW) from 50 to 200 DOF (P < 0.05) but it was similar to Brahman at 0 DOF (Figure 1b; P > 0.05). Angus had the least LMY (% EBW) throughout (P < 0.05) but was not different to Brahman at 50 DOF. Brahman had intermediate LMY (% EBW and % HCW) between Charolais and Angus. Differences between beef breeds suggest that LMY should be considered as another factor to establish an accurate carcass value.

Changing Australia's trading language has enhanced the implementation of objective carcase measurement technologies.

In 2016 an Australian project, the Advanced Livestock Measurement Technologies project (ALMTech), was initiated to accelerate the development and implementation of technologies that measure lean meat yield and eating quality. This led to the commercial testing, and implementation of a range of new technologies in the lamb, beef, and pork industries. For measuring lean meat yield %, these technologies included dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, hand-held microwave systems, and 3-D imaging systems. For measuring beef rib-eye traits and intramuscular fat %, both pre- and post-chilling technologies were developed. Post-chilling, a range of camera systems and near infrared spectrophotometers were developed. While pre-chilling, technologies included insertable needle probes, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray systems. Initially these technologies were trained to predict the pre-existing traits already traded upon within industry. However, this approach was limiting because the technologies could measure attributes that were either non-existent in the trading language, were superior as calibrating standards, or more accurately reflected value than the pre-existing trait. Therefore, we introduced IMF% into the trading language for both beef and sheep meat, and carcase lean%, fat%, and bone% for sheep meat. These new technologies and the traits that they predict have delivered multiple benefits. Technology provider-companies are instilled with the confidence to commercialise due to the provision of achievable accreditation standards. Processors have the confidence to invest in these technologies and establish payment grids based upon their measurements. And lastly, it has enhanced data flow into genetic databases, industry data systems (MSA), and as feedback to producers.

Alleviating Heat Stress in Fattening Pigs: Low-Intensity Showers in Critical Hours Alter Body External Temperature, Feeding Pattern, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality Characteristics.

Heat stress is a significant environmental problem that has a detrimental impact on animal welfare and production efficiency in swine farms. The current study was conducted to assess the effect of low-intensity showers, provided during critical high-temperature hours daily, on body external temperature, feeding pattern, and carcass and meat quality characteristics in fattening pigs. A total of 400 animals (200 barrows and 200 gilts) were randomly allotted in 40 pens. A shower nozzle was installed over 20 pens (half barrows and half gilts) where pigs received a low-intensity shower for 2 min in 30 min intervals from 12 to 19 h (SHO group). Another group without showers was also considered (CON). Feeder occupancy measurement, thermographic measures, and carcass and meat quality parameters were studied. In the periods with higher environmental temperatures, SHO animals showed an increase in the feeder occupancy rate compared to the CON group. A decrease in temperature was observed after the shower, regardless of the anatomical location (p < 0.005). The treatment with showers led to higher values than in the CON group of 4.72%, 3.87%, 11.8%, and 15.1% for hot carcass weight, lean meat yield, and fat thickness in Longissimus Dorsi (LD) and Gluteus Medius muscles, respectively (p < 0.01). Pork from CON showed a 14.9% higher value of drip loss, and 18.9% higher malondialdehyde concentration than SHO (p < 0.01); meanwhile, intramuscular fat content was 22.8% higher in SHO than in CON (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the CON group exhibited higher L* (2.13%) and lower a* and b* values (15.8% and 8.97%) compared to the SHO group. However, the pH20h of the CON group was significantly lower than that of the SHO group (p < 0.001), indicating a softer pH decrease. Related to fatty acids in subcutaneous outer and inner layers and intramuscular fat, the CON group showed higher ΣSFA and lower ΣMUFA and Δ9-desaturase indexes than SHO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the amelioration of heat stress through showers at critical times should be considered an interesting tool that improves both carcass and meat quality, as well as animal welfare.

Muscle Fiber, Connective Tissue and Meat Quality Characteristics of Pork from Low Birth Weight Pigs as Affected by Diet-Induced Increased Fat Absorption and Preferential Muscle Marbling.

This study investigated how birth weight differences in piglets affected carcass and muscle fiber properties as well as meat quality at slaughter. Within litters, piglets were grouped according to their birth weight as either normal (NBW; 1.62-1.73 kg) or low (LBW; 1.18-1.29 kg). At 5 weeks of age, NBW piglets were randomly transitioned to control (C) or isocaloric high fat diets derived from non-dairy (HF), while LBW piglets were randomly transitioned to high fat diets derived from non-dairy (HF) or dairy sources (HFHD). Piglets were reared in individual pens under standardized housing and feeding conditions. Live weight was recorded weekly, and pigs were slaughtered at 12 weeks of age. Hot carcass weights, dressing percentages, lean meat yield, and primal cut proportions were determined. The m. longissimus thoracis was collected from the right side of the carcass for measurement of physical and chemical properties of meat and muscle fiber characteristics. Results indicated that LBW pigs compensated for their live weight compared to NBW pigs at 6 weeks of age. The mean muscle fiber diameter of LBW-HFHD group is significantly higher than NBW-C and NBW-HF group, and the type I muscle fiber diameter is significantly higher than NBW-C group. Dairy fat inclusion in LBW pig diet reduced carcass back fat thickness. This increased the calculated lean meat yield to be comparable to that of NBW pigs fed a commercial diet. Incorporating dairy-sourced high-fat into LBW pigs' diets appears to be an effective strategy for producing carcasses equivalent to NBW pigs.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Split-Suckling in Pigs According to Birth Weight.

Forty-eight litters were used, with a total number of 645 piglets involved in the study. The split-suckling technique was applied to half of the litters at the end of farrowing by removing the heaviest piglets over three periods of 1 h. The piglets were individually weighed at 0, 1 d, and at weaning. Piglet losses were recorded daily. Traceability was maintained until the carcass splitting and meat analysis took place. Carcasses were eviscerated and weighed individually. Total mortality at weaning was affected by body weight, where the low-body-weight piglets showed a mortality rate almost four times higher than that of the normal-weight piglets. Mortality was highest in the first days of life, especially in the low-body-weight piglets. At weaning, split-suckling treatment caused a slight increase in mortality compared to the control group piglets (25% vs. 17.1%). Split-suckling had a positive effect on weight gain during the first 24 h of life (p = 0.014), and there was an interaction between treatment and parity (p = 0.007), with split-suckling being more effective in the primiparous sows compared to the multiparous sows. The piglets from litters receiving the split-suckling treatment had a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. Weight gain during the first 24 h of life of the piglets subjected to split-suckling was higher than those of the control group. A lower IgG and α-tocopherol in plasma in the heavier piglets subjected to split-suckling treatment was observed in comparison to their respective control. The piglets from litters receiving the treatment showed a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. No difference in slaughter weight was observed according to treatment. The pigs which received split-suckling treatment showed lower subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.0013) and higher lean meat yield (p < 0.0027), this effect being more marked in pigs from primiparous sows. Intramuscular fat concentration was higher in the Longissimus Dorsi muscle of the low-body-weight piglets. In the pigs that received split-suckling treatment, a higher concentration of C18:3n-3 (p = 0.036) and a tendency towards a higher concentration of C18:2n-6 (p = 0.107) and unsaturation index (p = 0.113) was observed in intramuscular fatty acids at slaughter, together with a lower concentration of C16:0 (p = 0.053) and SFA (p = 0.064). In conclusion, long-term response to split-suckling, particularly in low-birth-weight piglets, suggests an alteration in adiposity and metabolic regulation in these piglets that receive high levels of colostrum.

PSXII-16 Evaluation of a Grade Ruler Approach for Yield Grading of Veal Carcasses

Abstract Introduction: yield estimations in carcass grading systems are important for the meat industry to assign value and sort carcasses for different market specifications. Previous studies in different species have reported yield estimations performed using anatomical linear measurements that segregate carcasses into grades or classes. However, veal carcasses are not currently segregated in terms of carcass yield performance and the Canadian veal industry is now discussing the option of implementing yield assessments for veal carcass grading purposes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a grade ruler approach to predict yield performance of veal carcasses for grading purposes. A total of ~300 (males and females) veal carcass sides representative of the current Canadian veal population (body weight: 127.5 to 189.2 kg; backfat: 0.5 to 20.7 mm) were use in the present study. Carcass sides were scanned using a Lunar iDXA unit to evaluate the content of total fat, lean and bone. Results and discussion: total carcass lean was mainly correlated with the hot carcass weight (r = 0.65), ¼ backfat thickness (r = -0.33) and rib eye area (REA: r = 0.58) at the 11th – 12th rib-eye location (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Because the time to grade veal carcasses at the grading stand is limited and the efficiency of the grading tools (e.g., ruler) has to be maximized, the ¼ backfat thickness and the width and length of the ribeye were the main factors considered to develop a prediction equation. These continues variables (backfat thickness and REA) were then categorized assigning fat classes (1-10) in 2 mm increments and 4 muscle scores (small-large). The new equation developed for the estimation of lean yield incorporating the anatomical traits of muscle score and fat class showed a R2 of 0.62 and a root mean square error of 2.14 %. Based on this equation, a matrix of estimated lean meat yield percentage using the fat class and muscle score descriptors (Table 1) was developed for the implementation in a yield ruler. The results of the present study suggest that lean yield percentage from veal carcasses might be objectively and accurately predicted applying a yield ruler approach. This tool will facilitate the veal yield grading by just determining the fat class (at ¼ backfat thickness) and muscle score at the 11th – 12th rib location.

150 A new Bacterial Phytase can act as an Overdose Concept, at low Levels, in Improving the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Nursery and Finishing Pigs

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of a new bacterial phytase (HiPhorius, DSM Nutritional Products) on the performance and carcass characteristics of pigs in the nursery and finishing phases. Barrows and gilts (n = 250, 21 d-old and initial body weight (BW) = 6.07 ± 0.73 kg were randomized in blocks design and submitted to 5 treatments. The pigs were fed five corn-soybean meal-based diets: positive control (PC), supplemented with inorganic phosphorus and calcium; negative control (NC), with 0.18% reduction in available phosphorus and 0.16% in calcium; and three NC diets supplemented with 600, 1,200 and 1,800 phytase units (FYT)/kg in the feed. Daily BW (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion rate (FCR), and BW were measured at the end of each phase: pre-starter I (21-28d), pre-starter II (28-35d), starter I (35-49d), starter II (49-63d), growing I (63-91d), growing II (91-112d), finishing I (112-133d) and finishing II (133-156d) phases. Carcass yield, back fat height, loin depth, and lean meat yield were measured in the 156 d-old. Data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey test and regression analysis. In the nursery (21-63d) diets with phytase levels were similar to PC for FCR (P &amp;gt;0.05) and better to NC, with a quadratic effect (FCR = 1.671 - 0.0003X + 0.00000010526X2), being the best point 1,320 (FYT). The supplementation with phytase in grow-finishing phases (63 -156 d) were similar to PC (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for DWG, DFI and FCR (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and better than NC, which were identified a regression effect (DWG = 0.8543 + 0.0001X; DFI = 2.1453 + 0.0007X - 0.00000029618X2; FCR = 2.6924 - 0.0004X + 0.00000012768X2), with the best levels of phytase of 1,296 and 1,404 FYT for DFI and FCR, respectively. The supplementation of phytase improved the carcass yield, loin depth, kilogram of lean meat and percentage of lean meat when compared with NC diet. Supplementing levels of HiPhorius to a corn and soybean meal-based diet with inorganic P and Ca reduction improved performance and carcass traits of pigs after weaning until slaughter age.

Genome-wide association study for primal cut lean traits in Canadian beef cattle

This study identified genomic variants and underlying candidate genes related to the whole carcass and individual primal cut lean content in Canadian commercial crossbred beef cattle. Genotyping information of 1035 crossbred beef cattle were available alongside estimated and actual carcass lean meat yield and individual primal cut lean content in all carcasses. Significant fixed effects and covariates were identified and included in the animal model. Genome-wide association analysis were implemented using the weighted single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (WssGBLUP). A number of candidate genes identified linked to lean tissue production were unrelated to estimated lean meat yield and were specific to the actual lean traits. Among these, 41 genes were common for actual lean traits, on specific regions of BTA4, BTA13 and BTA25 indicating potential involvement in lean mass synthesis. Therefore, the results suggested the inclusion of primal cut lean traits as a selection objective in breeding programs with consideration of further functional studies of the identified genes could help in optimizing lean yield for maximal carcass value.

High serum reproductive hormone levels at mid-pregnancy support Meishan pig prolificacy

Increasing prolificacy is an important aim in the pig industry. Regions associated with litter size have been revealed, but detailed molecular mechanisms are unclear. The Meishan pig is one of the most prolific breeds, with higher prolificacy than the Yorkshire pig, which exhibits high feeding efficiency and lean meat yield. The ovary is the key organ determining reproductive traits during pregnancy by synthesizing and secreting reproductive hormones essential for conceptus maintenance. In this comparative multi-omics study of the ovary transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome on day 49 of pregnancy, we aimed to identify genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic differences between the ovaries of Meishan and Yorkshire pigs to reveal potential molecular mechanisms conferring high prolificacy. Meishan pigs demonstrated general downregulation of steroid biosynthesis and butanoate metabolism in the ovary during mid-pregnancy at both transcriptome and proteome levels but exhibited higher serum cholesterol, estradiol, and progesterone levels than Yorkshire pigs. We also identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes of the steroid hormone pathway associated with litter number, average birth weight, and total litter weight. Lower biosynthesis rates but elevated serum levels of reproductive hormones during mid- and late pregnancy are essential for the greater prolificacy of Meishan pigs.

Effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on feed intake, growth performance, carcass traits and composition in finisher Barbari kids reared under intensive system

Thirty-two weaned male Barbari kids (av. age, 144.65 days; weight, 9.43±0.24 kg), reared under intensive system of feeding, were divided equally into four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) to investigate the effect of supplementation of different levels of concentrate mixture on voluntary intake, growth performance, carcass traits and quality. All kids were fed with Bengal gram straw ad lib. + green fodder ad lib. as basal ration and supplemented with barley grain @ 0.7% of body weight in T1 and concentrate mixture @ 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1% of body weight in T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Dry Matter Intake (DMI, g)/kg W0.75 increased significantly in T1 and T4 than T2 and T3. Average daily weight gain (ADG) (g/d/kid) was enhanced significantly with each gradual increase in concentrate level. Slaughter weight and empty body weight were greatest in T4 compared with other treatments. Significantly greater dressing percentage and yield of separated lean meat was observed in kids under T3 and T4 than other two groups. But, meat:bone ratio and separated carcass fat yield was significantly higher only in kids under T4. Meat protein content (%) increased in T2, T3, and T4 as compared to control T1. Meat fat content increased linearly due to a gradual increase in the level of concentrate mixture supplementation to the finisher kids. Whereas, meat moisture and ash per cent remained unaltered due to different levels of concentrate supplementation to kids. Therefore, it may be concluded that supplementation of concentrate mixture @ 2.1% of the body weight in the roughage-based diet increased DMI in finisher Barbari kids with greater energy and protein values, which attributed to enhanced ADG in such kids by 408.3% over the control (supplemented with barley grain only), and also improved feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, carcass traits, and meat quality.

Effects of dietary lysine levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and carcase and meat quality of Yacha pigs

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different standardised ileal digestible lysine (SID-Lys) levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and carcase and meat traits of Yacha pigs. A total of 50 pigs were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with six replicate pens (2 pigs/pen) per treatment using a randomised complete block design. Five diets in mash form were formulated to contain SID-Lys at 0.57%, 0.62%, 0.67%, 0.72%, 0.77% of diet in phase 1 (15 ∼ 30 kg), at 0.40%, 0.48%, 0.56%, 0.64%, 0.72% of diet in phase 2 (30 ∼ 50 kg), and at 0.30%, 0.39%, 0.48%, 0.57%, 0.66% of diet in phase 3 (50 ∼ 90 kg), respectively. The results showed that the average daily gain and gain to feed ratio increased with increasing dietary Lys levels in phases 1 and 2 (p ≤ 0.05). Increasing dietary Lys levels increased linearly (p ≤ 0.05) apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, and phosphorus in Phase 3 and also increased (p ≤ 0.05) concentration of serum glucose and tended to increase (p < 0.10) serum total protein in Phase 2. Compared with the Lys deficiently treatment, the adequate Lys treatment had increased carcase weight, lean meat percentage, and shear force and decreased cooking loss (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the optimal dietary SID-Lys levels preliminarily determined for 15 ∼ 30 kg, 30 ∼ 50 kg, and 50 ∼ 90 kg Yacha pigs were 0.760%, 0.628%, and 0.553% of the diet, respectively. HIGHLIGHTS Dietary appropriate SID-Lys levels can improve performance and feed utilisation in Yacha pigs. Dietary appropriate SID-Lys levels contributed to enhancing carcase lean meat yield of Yacha pigs.

156 Effect of Increasing Levels of Ergot Alkaloids in the Diet of Feedlot Cattle

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of feeding ergot alkaloids (EA) at increasing levels (0, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 ppm) to feedlot beef cattle over backgrounding (BG) and finishing (FS) phases on growth performance and carcass quality. Steers (n=240; 280±32 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly allocated to 16 pens (4 pens/treatment; 15 steers/pen). Treatments included: no added EA (CTL); or EA added at 0.75 (EA075); 1.50 (EA150); and 3.0 ppm (EA300). Steers were fed barley-based BG diets containing 40% concentrate:60% silage (DM basis) for 84 d, then stepped up over 28 d to a 90% concentrate:10% silage (DM basis) FS diet for 119 d. Steers fed EA300 received CTL in FS after 77 days on feed (DOF). In the BG phase, a quadratic decrease (P=0.05) in ADG and a linear decrease in final BW (P=0.03) and total BW gain (P=0.02) were observed with increasing EA. In the FS phase, up to 77 DOF, there was a linear decrease in steers DMI (P=0.04), ADG (P=0.01), and total BW gain (P=0.01) with increasing levels of EA. Over the full FS phase (119 DOF), a quadratic response was observed for ADG (P=0.05), final BW (P=0.05), total BW gain (P=0.02) and carcass weight (P=0.05) with steers fed EA150 showing the lowest performance. Gain:feed was not affected (P&amp;gt;0.20) by EA in the BG or FS phase. Dressing percentage (P=0.02) showed a quadratic effect with EA300 being the lowest. Additionally, a linear increase in lean meat yield (P&amp;lt; 0.001) was observed with increasing EA. Including EA in the diet promoted a linear increase in rectal temperature (P&amp;lt; 0.01). In conclusion, increasing levels of EA in the diet reduced growth performance, but when EA was removed, steers showed compensatory weight gain.

Integrative analyses of genomic and metabolomic data reveal genetic mechanisms associated with carcass merit traits in beef cattle.

Improvement of carcass merit traits is a priority for the beef industry. Discovering DNA variants and genes associated with variation in these traits and understanding biological functions/processes underlying their associations are of paramount importance for more effective genetic improvement of carcass merit traits in beef cattle. This study integrates 10,488,742 imputed whole genome DNA variants, 31 plasma metabolites, and animal phenotypes to identify genes and biological functions/processes that are associated with carcass merit traits including hot carcass weight (HCW), rib eye area (REA), average backfat thickness (AFAT), lean meat yield (LMY), and carcass marbling score (CMAR) in a population of 493 crossbred beef cattle. Regression analyses were performed to identify plasma metabolites associated with the carcass merit traits, and the results showed that 4 (3-hydroxybutyric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and choline), 6 (creatinine, l-glutamine, succinic acid, pyruvic acid, l-lactic acid, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid), 4 (fumaric acid, methanol, d-glucose, and glycerol), 2 (l-lactic acid and creatinine), and 5 (succinic acid, fumaric acid, lysine, glycine, and choline) plasma metabolites were significantly associated with HCW, REA, AFAT, LMY, and CMAR (P-value < 0.1), respectively. Combining the results of metabolome-genome wide association studies using the 10,488,742 imputed SNPs, 103, 160, 83, 43, and 109 candidate genes were identified as significantly associated with HCW, REA, AFAT, LMY, and CMAR (P-value < 1 × 10–5), respectively. By applying functional enrichment analyses for candidate genes of each trait, 26, 24, 26, 24, and 28 significant cellular and molecular functions were predicted for HCW, REA, AFAT, LMY, and CMAR, respectively. Among the five topmost significantly enriched biological functions for carcass merit traits, molecular transport and small molecule biochemistry were two top biological functions associated with all carcass merit traits. Lipid metabolism was the most significant biological function for LMY and CMAR and it was also the second and fourth highest biological function for REA and HCW, respectively. Candidate genes and enriched biological functions identified by the integrative analyses of metabolites with phenotypic traits and DNA variants could help interpret the results of previous genome-wide association studies for carcass merit traits. Our integrative study also revealed additional potential novel genes associated with these economically important traits. Therefore, our study improves understanding of the molecular and biological functions/processes that influence carcass merit traits, which could help develop strategies to enhance genomic prediction of carcass merit traits with incorporation of metabolomic data. Similarly, this information could guide management practices, such as nutritional interventions, with the purpose of boosting specific carcass merit traits.

Dietary supplementation with inosine-5\u2032-monophosphate improves the functional, energetic, and antioxidant status of liver and muscle growth in pigs

Inosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-IMP) is an essential nucleotide for de novo nucleotide biosynthesis and metabolism of energy, proteins, and antioxidants. Nucleotides are conditionally essential, as they cannot be produced sufficiently rapidly to meet the needs of the body in situations of oxidative stress or rapid muscle growth. A deficient intake of nucleotides can result in decreased ATP and GTP synthesis and impaired metabolism. We demonstrated that supplementation of finishing pig diets with 5′-IMP reduces the relative weight of the liver, and increases oxygen consumption during mitochondrial respiration without changing the ADP/O ratio, indicating an increase in the respiratory efficiency of liver mitochondria. We also observed a reduction in liver lipid peroxidation and an increase in muscle creatine. Moreover, 5′IMP supplementation increases slaughter weight, lean meat yield, sarcomere length, and backfat thickness in finishing barrows, demonstrating influence on protein metabolism. We suggest that 5′-IMP supplementation increase the mitochondrial respiratory capacity when the liver metabolic activity is stimulated, enhances antioxidant defense, and promotes muscle growth in finishing barrows.

Characteristics of pig carcasses of two genetic breeds / Características de carcaças suínas de duas linhagens genéticas

The production of good quality carcasses is the main goal of modern commercial and industrial pig farming.The genetic potential of commercial breeds has changed considerably, especially in terms of deposition rates of lean meat and lard thickness. By morphology and analysis of the small intestine one can evaluate the utilization of nutrients for the deposition of fat and meat in swine carcasses.This study aimed to evaluate the quality of carcasses from two commercial genetic breeds, using quantitative traits, and to investigate if there is difference in length and absorptive surface of the intestine, verifying if these data are correlated with the yield of lean meat on the carcass. 60 animals from each breed were slaughtered and evaluations made for the characteristics: hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass length (CL), lard thickness (LT), percentage of lean meat (LM%), intramuscular fat (IMF) and intestinal length (IL). For the analysis of intestinal absorption (IA) were used only 62 of the animals previously studied, being 31 animals of each genotype.The average values of CL and IMF presented differences between breeds. The meat of the swines studied presented a low IMF content, existing correlation between the LM% and LT. The breeds had statistically equal IC, AI and LM%. There was also correlation between LM% and LT.

Carcass and Primal Composition Predictions Using Camera Vision Systems (CVS) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Technologies on Mature Cows

This study determined the potential of computer vision systems, namely the whole-side carcass camera (HCC) compared to the rib-eye camera (CCC) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology to predict primal and carcass composition of cull cows. The predictability (R2) of the HCC was similar to the CCC for total fat, but higher for lean (24.0%) and bone (61.6%). Subcutaneous fat (SQ), body cavity fat, and retail cut yield (RCY) estimations showed a difference of 6.2% between both CVS. The total lean meat yield (LMY) estimate was 22.4% better for CCC than for HCC. The combination of HCC and CCC resulted in a similar prediction of total fat, SQ, and intermuscular fat, and improved predictions of total lean and bone compared to HCC/CCC. Furthermore, a 25.3% improvement was observed for LMY and RCY estimations. DXA predictions showed improvements in R2 values of 26.0% and 25.6% compared to the HCC alone or the HCC + CCC combined, respectively. These results suggest the feasibility of using HCC for predicting primal and carcass composition. This is an important finding for slaughter systems, such as those used for mature cattle in North America that do not routinely knife rib carcasses, which prevents the use of CCC.

Evaluation of an Image Analysis Approach to Predicting Primal Cuts and Lean in Light Lamb Carcasses.

Simple SummaryThe traditional way of estimating the carcass composition by complete dissection of muscle, fat and bone is an expensive, time-consuming and inconsistent process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a simple video image analysis (VIA) system to predict the composition and primal cuts using light lamb carcasses. The six cuts of the carcasses were grouped according to their commercial value: high-value cuts (HVC), medium-value (MVC), low-value (LVC) and all of the cuts (AllC). Results showed the ability of the VIA system to estimate the weight and yield of the groups of carcass joints.Carcass dissection is a more accurate method for determining the composition of a carcass; however, it is expensive and time-consuming. Techniques like VIA are of great interest once they are objective and able to determine carcass contents accurately. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of a flexible VIA system to determine the weight and yield of the commercial value of carcass cuts of light lamb. Photos from 55 lamb carcasses are taken and a total of 21 VIA measurements are assessed. The half-carcasses are divided into six primal cuts, grouped according to their commercial value: high-value (HVC), medium-value (MVC), low-value (LVC) and all of the cuts (AllC). K-folds cross-validation stepwise regression analyses are used to estimate the weights of the cuts in the groups and their lean meat yields. The models used to estimate the weight of AllC, HVC, MVC and LVC show similar results and a k-fold coefficient of determination (k-fold-R2) of 0.99 is achieved for the HVC and AllC predictions. The precision of the weight and yield of the three prediction models varies from low to moderate, with k-fold-R2 results between 0.186 and 0.530, p < 0.001. The prediction models used to estimate the total lean meat weight are similar and low, with k-fold-R2 results between 0.080 and 0.461, p < 0.001. The results confirm the ability of the VIA system to estimate the weights of parts and their yields. However, more research is needed on estimating lean meat yield.

Lean meat yield estimation using a prototype 3D imaging approach

Lean Meat Yield (LMY, %) of carcass is an important industry trait, which currently is not routinely measured in Australian beef abattoirs. Objective on-line technology to determine LMY is key for wider adoption. This paper presents a proof-of-concept approach for estimating the LMY of beef carcasses from the 3D information provided by RGB-D cameras. Moreover, a specifically designed on-line data acquisition system for abattoir applications is presented, consisting of three cameras moving on a scanning rig to generate 3D carcass side reconstructions. The hindquarter is then segmented consistently across all the 3D models to extract curvature information and LMY estimated via non-linear regression based on Gaussian Process models. Sides from 119 carcasses at two different commercial abattoirs were used to evaluate this approach. Results from this preliminary study (RMSE = 3.91%, R2 = 0.69) using curvature, P8 fat and HSCW indicate that 3D imaging of beef carcasses is a viable and relatively accurate technology to estimate LMY.

Partial replacement of corn by Euterpe precatoria feeding pigs raised in the Amazon

The objective was to evaluate the potential of using Euterpe precatoria Mart seed to feed pigs. Diets were prepared with different levels of inclusion of açaí seed (0; 7.5; 15 and 22.5%), resulting from the extraction of the stern. Forty four castrated weighing approximately 15 kg and average 60 days of birth pigs were used, distributed in four groups according to the level of inclusion of açaí kernel. After 56 days of feeding, the pigs' performance and economic viability were evaluated. There was no significant difference in daily feed intake, final weight, weight gain and feed conversion between groups of treatments to the statistical test. The inclusion of up to 22.5% of açaí kernels in the diet did not result in a statistical difference in the thickness of backfat, percentage of lean meat and carcass yield, however it increased the gross and partial net revenue and the economic viability in the test, demonstrating the potential from açaí seed for the production of slow-growing crossbred pigs in the Amazon region, especially in properties that exploit the sustainable extraction of açaí and that can reduce the impact of the fruit residue on the environment when using this by-product in animal feed. Reducing production costs and allowing the promotion of sustainable development in the Amazon region.