Young Bulls Research Articles

Eye temperature, an indicator for stress levels in young buffalo bulls – A case study of micro-environment modification

The present study was undertaken with an objective to determine diurnal changes of the eye temperature of buffalo young bulls under different shelter management to determine the effect of heat stress. Twenty four buffalo bulls were randomly divided into two groups, each group comprising of 12 animals based on age (16–18 months) and body weight (Control = 301 ± 8.24 kg and Treatment = 311.45 ± 6.24 kg). The control group was housed under normal management practices followed, and the height of the shed was 10 ft. and width was 12 ft. with concrete floor. Whereas, the treatment group was housed in shed having 15 ft. height and 25 ft. width along with rubber mat as flooring and the total area provided for each animal in both the groups was 45.96 sq. feet. They were also provided with dairy fans and mist cooling in day time to ameliorate the heat stress. The thermal humidity index (THI), floor and roof temperature variation of the shed was recorded. The eye temperature of bulls was measured to evaluate the effect of different housing on the animals’ thermal status under hot dry summer conditions.Results revealed that the THI of treatment shed was significantly (P< 0.01) lower than the control at different times. The floor and roof surface temperature of the treatment shed was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the control shed. Diurnal patterns of eye temperature measured in both the groups showed increased eye temperature in control group bulls compared to treatment group. The eye temperature at 7.00 hrs was similar in both groups, whereas it was highly significant (P<0.01) at 13.00 and 19.00 hrs. The heat stress in the buffalo bulls was exhibited by increased eye temperature. Thus, the variation in the eye temperature can be effectively used as an indicator of heat stress and the dairy fans and mist cooling along with rubber mat flooring can be utilized to ameliorate the heat stress in the buffalo bulls.

Effects of different maternal nutrition approaches on weight gain and on adipose and muscle tissue development of young bulls in the rearing phase.

This study evaluated the effects of prenatal nutrition on body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), rump fat thickness (RFT), backfat thickness (BFT), ribeye area (REA), muscle cell area (MCA), and the number of cells in REA (NCREA) of young Nellore bulls during the rearing period. After pregnancy confirmation (30days of pregnancy), 126 Nellore cows were separated into three prenatal nutritional treatments (NP (control; 0.03% of BW), only mineral supplementation; PP (0.3% of BW), protein-energy supplementation in the final third; and FP (0.3% of BW) protein-energy supplementation during the entire pregnancy). After calving, all animals were submitted to the same environmental conditions (sanitary and nutritional) and the different supplementation protocols ceased. The males (63 bulls) were evaluated during the entire rearing phase (210 ± 28days to 540 ± 28days of age) to weight gain (BW and ADG), carcass characteristics (RFT, BFT, and REA), and for histological assessments (MCA and NCREA; 7 animals per treatment randomly selected). All phenotypes were subjected to an analysis of variance. The different prenatal stimuli had no effect on BFT, RFT, MCA, and NCREA (P > 0.05); however, prenatal nutrition influenced BW of the animals during the rearing phase (P < 0.01) and showed a tendency on ADG (P = 0.09) and REA (P = 0.08). In conclusion, the offspring from FP treatment showed greater BW during the rearing phase in comparison to the NP group. This is related to a greater protein offered in prenatal nutrition, increasing muscle development during the gestational period.

Physicochemical composition and sensory attributes of manufactured beef burger patties obtained from young Nellore bulls supplied with lauric acid

Physicochemical composition and sensory attributes of manufactured beef burger patties obtained from young Nellore bulls supplied with lauric acid

Effect of Integration of Linseed and Vitamin E in Charolaise × Podolica Bulls’ Diet on Fatty Acids Profile, Beef Color and Lipid Stability

Dietary supplementation with oilseeds improves the fatty acid profiles of meat, but results are often inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary linseed and vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and color stability of beef samples. Dorsal subcutaneous fat samples were subjected to lipid stability assessment. Eighteen young bulls (385 ± 15 kg BW, age 8–9 months) were allocated into three homogeneous groups, each receiving ad libitum wheat straw and concentrate only (CON = 5.5 kg/day), concentrate with linseed (LIN = 80 g/kg, i.e., 440 g/head/day), and concentrate with linseed plus vitamin E (L + E = 80 g/kg, i.e., 440 g/head/day + 2500 IU/head/day of Vitamin E). Group L+E showed significantly lower cholesterol content, lower n-6/n-3 ratio and a higher PUFA percentage compared to the CON group. Meat color was affected by feeding LIN with a decrease in a*, b*, and C* compared to the CON group. The experimental diets increased H° values compared to the CON group. A positive effect of vitamin E in protecting lipids of dorsal subcutaneous depots from oxidation was detected in group L+E compared to group LIN. The supplementation with extruded linseeds in the diet had positive effects on the nutritional profile of the meat. When vitamin E was included, linseed did not alter the color of meat, and the lipid stability of the subcutaneous fat improved.

Effects of Replacing Cottonseed Meal with Corn Dried Distillers' Grain on Ruminal Parameters, Performance, and Enteric Methane Emissions in Young Nellore Bulls Reared in Tropical Pastures.

Simple SummaryDried distillers’ grains (DDG), a co-product of ethanol production from corn, is gaining attention for its efficiency in ruminant nutrition, as it meets both the energy and protein demands of livestock and is less costly than the popular alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing cottonseed meal with DDG at two levels (50 and 100%) on young Nellore bulls grazing Marandu grass in the rainy season, focusing on ruminal parameters, animal performance, and methane (CH4) emissions. When replacing 50% of cottonseed meal with DDG, animals presented higher intakes of dry matter, organic matter, forage, and digestible organic matter, compared to 100% DDG. Ruminal parameters, including pH, acetate, and acetate: propionate, were higher when animals received only mineral supplementation. Animals supplemented with concentrate (cottonseed meal and/or DDG) presented greater daily weight gain and final body weight than the animals consuming mineral supplementation. Replacing cottonseed meal with DDG does not cause great variations in ruminal parameters, animal performance, and enteric CH4 emissions in grazing Nellore cattle during the rearing phase in the wet season. However, supplementation of 0.3% body weight with the concentrate can improve the productive performance of grazing animals. Both protein sources, DDG or cottonseed meal, can be used to intensify grazing beef cattle production.Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing cottonseed meal with DDG on ruminal parameters, methane (CH4) emissions (Experiment 1), and animal performance (Experiment 2) of young Nellore bulls grazing Marandu grass during the rainy season. Four supplementation strategies were used in both experiments: (1) Mineral supplementation (MS); (2) conventional multiple supplement (energy/protein) with cottonseed meal and citrus pulp (CMS); (3) CMS with 50% cottonseed meal replaced by DDG (50DDG); and (4) CMS with 100% cottonseed meal replaced by DDG (100DDG). The 50DDG condition resulted in greater intake of dry matter (p = 0.033), organic matter (OM) (p = 0.050), forage (p = 0.035), and digestible OM (p = 0.031) than 100DDG. The supplemented animals presented greater final body weight (BW) and average daily gain than the animals consuming MS (p = 0.011), and lower pH, acetate, and acetate:propionate (p < 0.05). However, the treatments had no influence on stocking rate, gain per area, and enteric CH4 emissions (p > 0.05). Replacing cottonseed meal with DDG does not result in great variations in ruminal parameters, animal performance, and enteric CH4 emissions of grazing Nellore cattle during the rearing phase in the wet season. Both protein sources in 0.3% BW supplementation can be used to intensify beef cattle production in pastures.

Akkadian Formulas in a New Cuneiform Text from Ur III Period Kept in the Iraqi Museum

This is a study of confiscated text by Iraq Museum (IM.235545).It is a grazing contract of three shepherds , to care for young bulls and donkeys ;which depend on milk and fodder in feeding and need good care by the shepherds to prevent their death. This text belongs to the second year of the reign of the Sumerian king Abi-Suen (2028-2002) B.C. It is a unique text because it belongs to Ur III period but it contains several Akkadian verbal formulaes and it probably belongs to the Sumerian city Iri-saĝrig.

338 Nitrogen Use Efficiency Is Proportionally More Improved When Young Bulls Are Ranked on Residual Body Gain Rather Than on Residual Feed Intake

Abstract Animals with superior feed efficiency (FE) may also have an improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), which would be beneficial to economic profitability while reducing environmental impacts. When genetically selecting animals on FE, it is preferable to use residual traits [e.g. residual feed intake (RFI) or residual body gain (RG)] rather than ratios because of their predictable genetic outcomes. We studied the relationship of RFI and RG with NUE, estimated from the validated 15N abundance in plasma, across two contrasted diets based on corn or grass silages. We evaluated FE of 588 (half by diet) Charolais bulls (545 ± 57 kg BW) from 12 experimental cohorts (different farms and periods) over 200 days. Before the end of the FE test, plasma was sampled and analyzed for δ 15N. NUE was related to FE through simple-linear models with variables previously corrected for the cohort and diet effects. The models’ slopes were standardized according to FE deviation in order to compare the response of NUE to FE between indices. Higher NUE was related to higher FE (P &amp;lt; 0.001), showing positive correlations with RG (r=-0.40) and negative with RFI (r=0.29). However, the standardized slope of NUE to RG was significantly higher (+28%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of NUE to RFI. This stronger NUE relation to RG compared to RFI could reflect a higher potential of RG animals to deposit N as compared to a more conservational N metabolism in RFI individuals. Regarding diets, and despite the correction of NUE and FE for this effect, the slopes of NUE to FE were numerically (P &amp;gt; 0.05) higher (-16% and +36%; for RG and RFI) in corn-based diets, which agrees with superior NUE observed in corn-vs-grass diets. Results suggested that superior RG animals may present proportionally higher NUE than superior RFI animals, with even better results in corn-vs-grass diets.

PSII-19 The Effects of Maternal Programming on Dairy Bull Calf Response to an Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test

Abstract Calves are prone to health issues with high mortality observed during the first 3 weeks of life. We hypothesized that dam milk production levels and/or mastitis infection during gestation will lead to reduced insulin production and increased circulating glucose concentration in response to an Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT) in young dairy bull calves. Calves (n = 45) were selected from dams classified has high producers (HI; Top 25% for herd M305; n = 7), high producers with high somatic cell count (SCC; HIMAST; SCC test during gestation over 200,000 cells/mL; n = 15), moderate producers (MOD; lower 60% for herd M305; n =17) or moderate producers with high SCC (MODMAST; n = 6). IVGTT were performed on the calves at 7 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected prior to (-30, -15 and 0 min) infusion of glucose. After glucose (0.15 grams /kg bw) administration, samples were collected at 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120-minutes post infusion. Serum insulin and glucose concentrations were determined at Cornell Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (Ithica, NY). Data were analysed in SAS using Proc Mixed. Insulin:glucose ratio was analysed using Proc Mixed with repeated measures for treatment x time. No effect of maternal milk production and/or mastitis infection during gestation was observed on calf baseline insulin, insulin AUC, baseline glucose or glucose AUC (P ≥ 0.12). Similarly, no difference in Insulin:Glucose ratio was observed in these calves (P = 0.66). In conclusion, high maternal milk production and/or mastitis infection may not have an effect on circulating insulin production in calves in response to an IVGTT. Correlation analyses will be performed on these data, as well as additional analyses, to determine if insulin sensitivity or response (ie: phase 1 response) was altered further.

PSXIII-24 Is it possible to finish beef cattle in feedlot and be environmentally friendly?

Abstract To improve production without affecting the environment, the objective of this research was to evaluate a natural additive to replace the conventional growth promoters in finishing beef cattle diets. 160 Nellore bulls were assigned into two treatments, where the only difference was the additive used: natural additive (Fator P - 600 mg/kg DM) and conventional growth promoters (25 mg/kg DM of monensin + 20 mg/kg DM of virginiamycin). The Fator P® is an organic additive certificated by IBD, which is a blend of the compounds; amino acids (lysine, methionine, and tyrosine), choline, minerals, probiotics and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6). The diet contained 14% CP and 76% TDN. Nellore young bulls (n = 160), weighing 433 ± 7 kg, with an average age of 24 months, were used. The feedlot facilities contained 16 collective pens, in which 10 animals were allocated. The animal performance was evaluated for 84 days, with 21 days of adaptation. Means were compared with 5% of significance. The conventional growth promoters reduced the dry matter intake. Natural 11.33 kg/day and 10.9 kg/day for the conventional. The conventional growth promoters reduced in 0.43 kg of dry matter intake (P = 0.042) or 0.1% of body weight (P = 0.001; 2.26% to 2.16%). No difference in average daily gain (P = 0.58). 1.655 kg/day for natural and 1.625 for the conventional. The feed efficiency ratio wasn’t different (P = 0.71), natural 146 g / kgMSˉ¹ and 148 g / kgMSˉ¹ for conventional. There were no difference in carcass yield (P = 0.89), mean 56.3%. The natural additives can improve the dry matter intake and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in high concentrate diets for beef cattle in feedlot system. Thus, finishing beef cattle in the feedlot can be environmentally friendly.

PSXI-2 Genome-Wide association study and possibilities for genomic selection of Simmental cattle breed in Russia

Abstract The implementation of genomic selection methods in dairy cattle is limited due to the size of the reference population, quantitative traits variability and genetic structure of population. The Simmental cattle and related breeds in Russia occupy the third place by registered cows - 87.6 thousand, and are bred from the western borders of central Russia to Yakutia in Siberia. The study aim was to search for QTL using as a pseudo phenotype sires’ EBV to validate the effectiveness of genomic assessments for Simmental cattle in Russia. Reference group based on 358 bulls from different Russian regional populations was formed. By the dataset of 61976 cows, using BLUP Animal Model approach, animals’ EBV were calculated. The GBLUP procedure was used to get genomic prediction (DGV). Genotype quality control selected of 37143 SNPs. GWAS analysis was perform by Plink 1.90. To prove DGV we used verification procedure to comparison with EBV in training population dataset that showed slightly moderate repeatability for 305-milk yield - 37.6%, milk fat - 39.8% and milk protein - 43.6%. Significant SNPs associated with bulls EBV according to milk production and fertility traits revealed for: 305-milk yield on BTA5 (ACO2,p=0.0005), BTA29 (NAP1L4, P = 0.00004; KCNQ1, P = 0.00004); fat percentage on BTA3 (ROR1, P = 0.0003), BTA14 (CRH, P = 0.0003; TRIM55, P = 0.0003; DNAJC5B, P = 0.0003; REX2, P = 0.0020; ZFHX4, P = 0.0020) BTA17 (TLR2, P = 0.0011); days open on BTA1 (TNIK, P = 0.0007; FNDC3B, P = 0.0007), BTA21 (IGF1R, P = 0.0002). Using Cattle QTL Database, the identified genes were associated with milk yield, fat and protein percentage, protein yield, somatic cell score, protein-to-fat ratio, stearic fatty acid content, calving ease, daughter pregnancy rate, stillbirth and inseminations per conception. GWAS results identified significant SNPs associated with milk production and fertility traits that will allow in the nearest future improve reliability for genomic prediction of young bulls and boost genetic trend in the Russian Simmental cattle population. The study was funded by RFBR within project No.17-29-08030

Predicting Beef Carcass Fatness Using an Image Analysis System.

Simple SummaryThe degree of conformation and the degree of fatness are the primary parameters taken by the European beef carcass classification system (the SEUROP system) for assessing carcass quality and pricing. Evaluations have conventionally been performed by graders suitably trained using photographic standards but in recent years new techniques have been developed to enhance grading accuracy and objectivity. This study reports a method that uses an image analysis to assess the degree of fatness of beef carcasses. The results obtained show that the accuracy significantly improves by using this image analysis method compared with the conventional method that assigns scores based on photographic standards. It would therefore be appropriate to implement this technique on slaughter lines to improve the beef carcass classification system.The amount and distribution of subcutaneous fat is an important factor affecting beef carcass quality. The degree of fatness is determined by visual assessments scored on a scale of five fatness levels (the SEUROP system). New technologies such as the image analysis method have been developed and applied in an effort to enhance the accuracy and objectivity of this classification system. In this study, 50 young bulls were slaughtered (570 ± 52.5 kg) and after slaughter the carcasses were weighed (360 ± 33.1 kg) and a SEUROP system fatness score assigned. A digital picture of the outer surface of the left side of the carcass was taken and the area of fat cover (fat area) was measured using an image analysis system. Commercial cutting of the carcasses was performed 24 h post-mortem. The fat trimmed away on cutting (cutting fat) was weighed. A regression analysis was carried out for the carcass cutting fat (y-axis) on the carcass fat area (x-axis) to establish the accuracy of the image analysis system. A greater accuracy was obtained by the image analysis (R2 = 0.72; p < 0.001) than from the visual fatness scores (R2 = 0.66; p < 0.001). These results show the image analysis to be more accurate than the visual assessment system for predicting beef carcass fatness.

Application of High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) to Improve Cryopreservation of Young Bull Semen

Abstract The objective of the study was to determine the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on quality of cryopreserved semen of young bulls. Semen for this study was collected from 8 bulls aged between 13 and 18 months at monthly intervals, from June to September. After collection, semen was diluted in a commercial Bioxcell® extender (one part at 1:1 and a second part to give a sperm concentration of 20 million/0.2 mL), filled into straws and treated with HHP at 30 MPa for 90 min. After HHP treatment, pre-diluted semen (1:1) was diluted to a sperm concentration 20 million/0.2 mL and filled into straws. In addition, part of the semen diluted to a concentration of 20 million/0.2 mL was not treated with HHP (control). All of it was held at +4°C and frozen in a freezer after 2.5-h equilibration. Semen was thawed in a water bath at 38°C and subjected to estimation of the percentage of motile sperm both subjectively and using a computer-assisted semen analyzer and cytometric assessment of sperm cell membrane integrity. Subjective motility and fast progressive motility were significantly higher with pre-diluted (1:1) and HHP treated semen compared to control (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed in percentage of membraneintact spermatozoa between control and experimental groups. Additionally, the influence of HHP on the sperm of individual bulls was assessed. In bull number 2, the HHP treatment after semen pre-dilution significantly improved progressive motility from 54.1 to 63.4 percent (P&lt;0.05). In bull number 4, the HHP treatment after semen pre-dilution significantly improved subjective motility, rapid motility and progressive motility by 12.5, 16.8 and 16.3 percent, respectively (P&lt;0.05). No effect was seen for 6 bulls. It is concluded that for some bulls, the application of HHP before semen freezing may improve the cryopreservation outcome. However, this requires further research in this area, also to determine the fertilizing capacity of bull semen exposed to high hydrostatic pressure.

Feeding, Muscle and Packaging Effects on Lipid Oxidation and Color of Avileña Negra-Ibérica Beef.

Simple SummaryIn recent years, interest has grown in improving the productivity of pure local breeds in Spain using corn silage as an alternative to concentrates. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the lipid oxidation, color and visual color acceptability of meat from the Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed fed with corn silage in total mixed ration. The inclusion of corn silage led to lower lipid oxidation and higher visual color acceptability when the samples were packaged in a modified atmosphere. The use of corn silage could serve as a feeding option for this type of animal without affecting the quality of the derived meat.In order to increase the economic profitability of Avileña-Negra Ibérica beef production, the inclusion of corn silage in total mixed rations was proposed during the fattening period. Twenty-four Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed entire young bulls were used to evaluate the effects of two feeding systems—concentrate (CON) and corn silage (SIL)—and two packaging systems—vacuum (VAC) and modified atmosphere (MAP)—on the lipid oxidation, color evolution and visual color acceptability of meat throughout display with either oxygen-permeable film (FILM) or modified atmosphere (MAP). Two muscles were assessed: Longissimus thoracis (LT) and Semitendinosus (ST). Meat from SIL-fed animals had higher TBA values than CON-fed animals after 7 days in MAP packaging. Lipid oxidation was prevented more effectively by VAC packaging than MAP. Display time highly influenced lipid oxidation, since oxidation rates were lower with VAC than MAP packaging. After 14 days of display in MAP, the LT from CON was lighter than the ST. Meat discoloration after 7 days of display was significantly different between packaging systems. Vacuum-packaged meat kept the same color throughout the storage time. Visual color acceptability for the LT was higher throughout display than for the ST. Samples from the MAP were well accepted by consumers, especially the meat from the SIL group. Alternatively, feeding with corn silage could be used for this type of animals without affecting important aspects of meat quality.

Genomic prediction of milk-production traits and somatic cell score using single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictor with random regression test-day model in Thai dairy cattle

Cow genotypes are expected to improve the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) for young bulls in relatively small populations such as Thai Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cattle in Thailand. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cow genotypes on the predictive ability and individual accuracies of GEBV for young dairy bulls in Thailand. Test-day data included milk yield (n = 170,666), milk component traits (fat yield, protein yield, total solids yield, fat percentage, protein percentage, and total solids percentage; n = 160,526), and somatic cell score (n = 82,378) from 23,201, 82,378, and 13,737 (for milk yield, milk component traits, and SCS, respectively) cows calving between 1993 and 2017, respectively. Pedigree information included 51,128; 48,834; and 32,743 animals for milk yield, milk component traits, and somatic cell score, respectively. Additionally, 876, 868, and 632 pedigreed animals (for milk yield, milk component traits, and SCS, respectively) were genotyped (152 bulls and 724 cows), respectively, using Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip. We cut off the data in the last 6 yr, and the validation animals were defined as genotyped bulls with no daughters in the truncated set. We calculated GEBV using a single-step random regression test-day model (SS-RR-TDM), in comparison with estimated breed value (EBV) based on the pedigree-based model used as the official method in Thailand (RR-TDM). Individual accuracies of GEBV were obtained by inverting the coefficient matrix of the mixed model equations, whereas validation accuracies were measured by the Pearson correlation between deregressed EBV from the full data set and (G)EBV predicted with the reduced data set. When only bull genotypes were used, on average, SS-RR-TDM increased individual accuracies by 0.22 and validation accuracies by 0.07, compared with RR-TDM. With cow genotypes, the additional increase was 0.02 for individual accuracies and 0.06 for validation accuracies. The inflation of GEBV tended to be reduced using cow genotypes. Genomic evaluation by SS-RR-TDM is feasible to select young bulls for the longitudinal traits in Thai dairy cattle, and the accuracy of selection is expected to be increased with more genotypes. Genomic selection using the SS-RR-TDM should be implemented in the routine genetic evaluation of the Thai dairy cattle population. The genetic evaluation should consider including genotypes of both sires and cows.

Meat Quality of Nellore Young Bulls-Effects of Different Days on Feed and Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Supplementation.

Simple Summaryβ-adrenergic agonists have been widely used to improve meat production efficiency and can be a valuable tool for increasing world meat supply. They act as nutrient repartitioning agents, increasing lean tissue deposition but negatively affecting meat quality, notably reducing palatability. While this metabolic modifier improves the growth performance of Zebu breeds, they can impair even more meat quality in feedlot-finished cattle. This study was developed to evaluate the impact of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) feeding duration and time on feed (90 or 117 days), on meat quality, and on composition properties of meat from young Zebu bulls. Supplementing ZH resulted in a leaner and less tender and juicy meat compared to non-supplemented animals, with few differences in fatty acid composition. Feeding animals for 90 or 117 days had a small impact on meat quality attributes. Feeding ZH to Zebu bulls would require additional tenderization practices to reduce the negative effects of ZH on meat quality.Ninety-six Nellore young bulls were fed (90 or 117 day) diets containing ZH (8.33 mg/kg) for 0, 20, 30, or 40 days to evaluate the effects of days on feed (DOF) and length of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation on meat quality. At the end of feeding period, animals were slaughtered, and samples of the Longissimus muscle were collected to evaluate the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, color stability, shear force, and sensory profile. DOF did not affect chemical composition, shear force, sensory tenderness, and most of fatty acids; however, animals fed for 90 d had lower redness (p < 0.01), sustained juiciness (p < 0.01), and more flavor (p = 0.03) than those fed for 117 d. The ZH supplementation decreased lipid content and redness (p < 0.01), initial and sustained tenderness (p < 0.01), initial and sustained juiciness (p < 0.01), but increased protein (p < 0.01) and shear force (p < 0.01) as compared to non-supplemented animals. The ZH supplementation increased total PUFA, c9,c12-18:2, and 20:4-n6, and decreased c9-20:1 (p < 0.05). Feeding ZH impairs meat quality attributes of Nellore young bulls, regardless of duration of supplementation, while DOF has a small effect on meat quality properties.

The influence of zeolite-mineral feed additives on the growth and development of young cattle in Yakutia

This article presents the results of the study to determine the effect of zeolite-mineral feed additives when feeding young Simmental cattle in the conditions of Yakutia. Scientific and economic experiments to determine the optimal norms of local mineral feed additives were carried out in the conditions of Central Yakutia. The experiment was performed on young bulls of the Simmental cattle breed during the age of between 12 and 18 months. The experimental animals were selected by the analog method, which took into account the indicators of age, live weight and clinical indicators. During the experiment animals were kept under identical conditions. The difference was that the experimental groups were additionally given a mineral feed supplement – hongurin in different doses and Kempendyai salt with the daily basic diet. Animals in the cold season were kept in a small cattle house, fastened. During the experiments the optimal rate of inclusion of a zeolite-mineral feed additive was established, which allowed to maximize the growth rates of live weight while maintaining all clinical and physiological norms of the body. Thus, at the end of the experiment the animals of the II and III experimental groups were heavier than their peers from the test group by 2.93% and 4.28%. As a result, the animals of the experimental groups reached a live weight of 382.5 and 385.3 kg versus 371.6 kg in the test group. Growth rate indicators in test group bulls equaled 564.44 g, and for bulls in the II and III experimental groups 630 g and 650.56 g, respectively (indicators are higher by 11.62% and 15.26%). Thus, the use of zeolite-mineral feed additives in feeding young Simmental cattle in Yakutia has shown efficiency.

Effects of paternal diet and antioxidant addition to the semen extender on bovine semen characteristics and on the phenotype of the resulting embryo

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of long-term dietary supplementation of young Nellore bulls with rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and of the inclusion of catalase in the semen extender on semen quality, in vitro sperm fertilizing ability, and intracytoplasmic lipid content in the resulting embryos. Twelve Nellore bulls were supplemented with rumen-protected PUFAs or with a basal diet from 14 to 24 months of age. The semen was collected at the end of supplementation. For cryopreservation, the ejaculate was divided into two equal volumes and catalase was added to the extender in one of the fractions. Thus, the experimental design consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with two diets (control and PUFA) and two extenders (Cat+ and Cat-). Total motility and the percentage of rapid cells in fresh semen were negatively affected by dietary supplementation with PUFAs (P < 0.05), but these effects did not persist after freezing. The frozen/thawed semen of animals fed PUFAs exhibited an increase in the percentages of damaged plasma and acrosomal membranes, as well as an increase in the proportion of lipids ions at m/z 578 and m/z 757 detected by MALDI-MS. Nevertheless, there was no effect of the treatments on in vitro embryo development. However, embryos derived from bulls supplemented with PUFAs exhibited higher lipid accumulation compared to control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, PUFA supplementation promoted worsening of semen quality without affecting the in vitro sperm fertilizing ability; however, the paternal diet affected the intracytoplasmic lipid content in the resulting embryos.

Effects of the Duration of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride Supplementation and Days on Feed on Performance, Carcass Traits and Saleable Meat Yield of Nellore Bulls.

Simple SummaryZilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) is a β-adrenergic agonist (βAA) to be feed to feedlot cattle at a rate of 8.3 mg/kg during the final 20 to 40 d of the finishing period followed by a minimum 3 d withdrawal period. This compound has the potential to increase animal performance, improve carcass weight and meat yield. Although significant information regarding the effects of duration of ZH supplementation and days on the feed of Bos taurus cattle has been provided, there is a lack of information relative to its effects on Bos indicus breeds such as Nellore cattle. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of the duration of ZH supplementation and DOF on performance, carcass characteristics, and saleable meat yield of Nellore bulls. The HCW and total saleable meat yield linearly increased with the duration of ZH supplementation as well as when the length of the feedlot period increased. We recommend supplementing ZH for Nellore bulls at least for 20 days, independently of days on feed, to improve hot carcass weight, hindquarter, and saleable meat yields of Nellore bulls.This study evaluated the effects of the duration of ZH supplementation and days on feed (DOF) on performance, carcass characteristics, and saleable meat yield of Nellore young bulls. The fixed effects included the duration (0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter plus a 3 d ZH withdrawal period—8.33 mg of ZH/kg of DM) and DOF (90 and 117 d). Feed efficiency (G:F) linearly increased when the duration of ZH supplementation increased (p < 0.01). Nellore bulls fed ZH had greater HCW (p < 0.01), dressing percentage (p < 0.01) and Longissimus muscle area (LMA) (p < 0.01), but less 12th-rib fat (p = 0.04) than the control group. The hot carcass weight (HCW) (p < 0.01), and dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the increase of duration of ZH supplementation. The HCW, ossification, and 12th-rib fat increased with DOF (p < 0.01). The ZH supplemented group had most of the individual cuts of hindquarters and total saleable meat increased compared with the control. Zilpaterol hydrochloride was effective in improving hot carcass weight, hindquarter, and saleable meat yields of Nellore bulls when fed for at least 20 d before slaughter, independently of days on feed.

Supplement levels and functional oils to replace virginiamycin for young bulls during early dry season on grasslands and finishing phase in feedlot systems

Aim of study: To assess the effects of replacing virginiamycin (VM) by functional oils (FO) from castor beans and cashew nut on beef cattle system during the early dry season (Experiment I) and during the finishing phase were evaluated the historical effect, keeping the treatments and methods intact (Experiment II).Area of study: These experiments were conducted at the Forage Crops and Grasslands section of São Paulo State University, “Julio de Mesquita Filho” (Unesp–Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil).Material and methods: Two supplementation levels combined with two additives (four treatments in total) were evaluated: LSVM, low supplementation (0.3% body weight [BW]) with VM; LSFO, low supplementation (0.3% BW) with FO, HSVM, high supplementation (0.6% BW) with VM, and HSFO, high supplementation (0.6% BW) with FO. In both experiments, the experimental design was completely randomized with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (supplementation levels × additives).Main results: In Exp. I, the additive effect of VM provided greater average daily gain (ADG, p=0.02), higher supplementation level resulted in higher ADG (p=0.04) and the greatest crude protein apparent digestibility (p=0.002). However, no effects were observed between supplementation levels, additives, and interactions (p≥0.11) on voluntary intake and ruminal parameters. In Exp. II, LSVM treatment resulted in lower dry matter intake (p=0.04). Animals maintained on LSFO during the early dry season exhibited lower carcass yield (p=0.004).Research highlights: FO can be used to replace VM in beef cattle diet during the finishing phase in the feedlot without altering animal performance.

​Association of Bio-acoustic Features of Vocal Signals with Age and Semen Quality in Sahiwal Bulls

Background: Bio-acoustic features of animal’s voice can provide meaningful information about their biological and physical characteristics. The present study was conducted to get indicators of age from voice analysis and explore the relationship between voice features and seminal parameters in Sahiwal bulls. Methods: Voice samples were collected from healthy bulls (n=20), maintained at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. Bulls were classified into two groups i.e. young bulls and adult bulls. The voice signals were analyzed by Adobe Premium software and acoustic features were extracted by using PRAAT software. Result: The mean of acoustic features viz. call duration (sec), mean intensity (dB), total energy (P2S), amplitude (P), pitch (Hz), unvoiced frame (%), jitter (%), bandwidth (Hz) mean N/H ratio (%) have been found significantly different while mean H/N ratio (dB), shimmer (%) and pulses were not found statistically (P greater than 0.05) different between adult and young bulls. The seminal parameters viz mass activity (0-5 scale), individual progressive motility (%), live sperm count (%) and total sperm abnormality (%) were found significantly different between adult and young bulls. No significant association between voice features and semen quality of bulls was observed. Hence, voice signals of male might provide some clues about their age but for semen quality, there is further need to explore the interesting relationship between voice features and fertility of breeding bulls.