Reproductive performance, growth and carcass characteristics of gilts mated at puberty, restricted in food intake during gestation and slaughtered post-partum

1982 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Elliot ◽  
G. A. Lodge ◽  
A. Fortin ◽  
Elizabeth Larmond

ABSTRACTSeventy-four Yorkshire gilts, mated at puberty, were used in three experiments to study the effect of severe food restriction, 0·45 kg/day for either the last 15 or 30 days of gestation, on reproductive performance, body-weight change, and carcass quality and meat acceptability. The objective of the experiments was to assess the feasibility of limiting weight gain during gestation to produce an acceptable carcass post-partum, within the market weight range of 55 to 90 kg. Age and weight at puberty averaged 170·3 days and 99·1 kg respectively. Litter size averaged 9·3 liveborn piglets at an average weight of 1·13 kg. The necessary reduction in weight gain during gestation to bring final carcass weight within the acceptable range was associated with a significant reduction in mean individual birth weight to below 1·0 kg. Sensory evaluation of loin and ham joints from mated and unmated gilts of market weight revealed no differences in juiciness or flavour but both loin and ham joints from maiden gilts were significantly more tender than those from gilts that had farrowed and from unmated controls of the same age as those that had farrowed

1996 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 508-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Alexander ◽  
SE Libretto ◽  
MJ Adams ◽  
EW Hughes ◽  
M. Bannerman

1 HFA-134a was administered to AHA rats by snout-only inhalation for 1 h daily to assess the effects of treatment on reproduction and development. 2 In a fertility study, rats were exposed to atmospheres of 2500, 10000 or 50000 p.p.m. HFA-134a throughout gametogenesis, mating, pregnancy and lactation. 3 In a peri- and post-natal study, rats were exposed to HFA-134a from days 17 to 20 of pregnancy and days 1 to 21 post partum to atmospheres of 1800, 9900 or 64 400 p.p.m. 4 The only treatment-related effect was a slight reduc tion in body weight gain of males of the treated parental generation at 50 000 p.p.m. (fertility study). 5 In neither study were there any adverse effects of HFA- 134a on the reproductive performance of treated animals or on the development, maturation or reproductive performance of up to two successive generations.


2000 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. O. W. McClintont ◽  
A. F. Carson

AbstractThis study investigated the efficiency of growth and the carcass characteristics of 24 Greyface (Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface), 24 Texel (12 purebred and 12 Texel × Texel-Greyface) and 24 Rouge (12 purebred and 12 Rouge × Rouge-Greyface) lambs finished on the same level of feeding. The efficiency of live-weight gain (kg/MJ) was higher in Greyface compared with Texel lambs (P< 0·01). The efficiency of empty body-weight gain (kg/MJ) was higher in Greyface (P< 0·01) and Rouge (P< 0·05) compared with Texel lambs. The efficiency of carcass gains (kg/MJ) tended to be higher in Greyface and Rouge compared with Texel lambs (P= 0·07). The efficiency of non-carcass component gains (kg/MJ) was also higher in Greyface compared with Texel lambs (P0·05). Carcass water, protein, lipid and ash gains did not vary significantly between the genotypes, however carcass energy gain tended to be higher in Greyface and Rouge compared with Texel lambs (P= 0·08). The relative proportions of water, protein, lipid and ash in carcass gains did not vary significantly between the genotypes. At the end of the experiment carcass water content was higher in Texel compared with Greyface lambs (P< 0·05) and carcass ash content was lower in Texel compared with Greyface (P< 0·01) and Rouge (P< 0·05) lambs. The concentration of saturated fatty acids was higher in Greyface compared with Rouge lambs (P< 0·001) and higher in Rouge compared with Texel lambs (P< 0·05). Monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations were higher in Rouge compared with Greyface lambs (P< 0·05) and higher in Texel compared with Rouge lambs (P< 0·001). Polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were higher in Rouge and Texel compared with Greyface lambs (P< 0·01). The ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids was lower in Rouge compared with Greyface lambs (P< 0·05).The efficiency of empty body gain was higher in male compared with female lambs (P< 0·05). Carcass water (P< 0·01) and protein (P< 0·05) gains were higher in male lambs. At the end of the experiment male carcasses contained a higher content of water (P< 0·05), protein (P< 0·01) and ash (P= 0·07), and a lower lipid (P< 0·05) and energy (P< 0·001) content. Carcass lipids from male lambs contained a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P< 0·001) and tended to contain a lower concentration of saturated fatty acids (P = 0·06).


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (6supl2) ◽  
pp. 4009-4022
Author(s):  
Thiago Rodrigues da Silva ◽  
◽  
Karina Márcia Ribeiro de Souza Nascimento ◽  
Charles Kiefer ◽  
Luanna Lopes Paiva Copat ◽  
...  

The present study proposes to examine the effect of dietary levels of metabolizable energy, under a fixed nutrient:calorie ratio, on the production performance; body fat and protein deposition; and carcass characteristics of free-range broilers from 1 to 84 days of age. Nine hundred unsexed chicks were allocated to six treatments in a completely randomized design with six replicates of 25 birds each. Treatments consisted of diets with varying levels of metabolizable energy (2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100 and 3200 Kcal ME/kg of diet) and a fixed proportion of nutrients relative to the energy level according to the nutritional requirements for each rearing phase. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, production viability, metabolizable energy intake, protein intake, lysine intake, body fat deposition, body protein deposition and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and, later, to regression analysis. Increasing levels of metabolizable energy, coupled with a fixed nutrient:calorie ratio, reduced feed intake, increased body weight and weight gain, improved feed conversion and did not affect carcass characteristics. In conclusion, adjusting the nutrient supply according to the dietary energy level improves production performance by improving feed conversion, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and preserving fat and protein deposition in the carcass when the metabolizable energy level is raised up to 3200 Kcal/kg in all rearing stages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-165
Author(s):  
A. T. Amos ◽  
A. O. Oso ◽  
O. J. Durojaiye ◽  
K. Agazue ◽  
A. O. Obanla ◽  
...  

In a 56-day feeding trial, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of replacing maize with different levels of ensiled cassava root-leaf blends (ECRLB) on growth, carcass yield, blood profile and economics of production of weaner rabbits. Five experimental diets were formulated and fed to the animals; diet 1= a maize based diet (control diet), diet 2= 30% maize + 10% ECRLB, diet 3 = 20% maize + 20% ECRLB, diet 4= 10 % maize + 30% ECRLB, diet 5= 40% ECRLB. A total number of forty weaner rabbits with an initial average weight of 574.09g±20.03g were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) with eight animals per treatment. Data were collected on growth indices, economics of production, carcass characteristics and blood profile Increased (P<0.05) weight gain was observed as the percentage inclusion of ECRLB increased. Rabbits on diet 4 (10 % maize + 30% ECRLB) and 5 (40% ECRLB) recorded the highest (P<0.05) daily weight gain with a corresponding highest (P<0.5) final body weight. Similar FCR were recorded across the treatments Economics of production of animals on diets containing 30 and 40% ECRLB was the best (P<0.05). Carcass indices were not significantly (P>0.0) affected by the experimental diets. Rabbits fed ECRLB recorded lower (P<0.05) serum cholesterol and higher (P<0.05) serum glucose concentration compared to control. In conclusion dietary inclusion of ECRLB up to 40% improved performance and did not show any deleterious effects on all indices examined and is recommended.     Au cours d'un essai d'alimentation de 56 jours, une expérience a été menée pour déterminer les effets du remplacement du maïs par différents niveaux de mélanges racines-feuilles de manioc ensilées (le 'ECRLB) sur la croissance, le rendement de carcasses, le profil sanguin et l'économie de la production de lapins sevrés. Cinq régimes expérimentaux ont été formulés et nourris aux animaux ; régime 1= régime à base de maïs (régime de contrôle), régime 2= 30% maïs + 10% ECRLB, régime 3 = 20% maïs + 20% ECRLB, régime 4= 10% maïs + 30% ECRLB, régime 5= 40% ECRLB. Un nombre total de quarante lapins sevrés d'un poids moyen initial de 574,09 g±20,03 g ont été attribués au hasard aux cinq traitements diététiques dans une conception complètement randomisée (CRD) avec huit animaux par traitement. Des données ont été recueillies sur les indices de croissance, l'économie de la production, les caractéristiques de la carcasse et le profil sanguin. Le gain de poids accru (P<0,05) a été observé à mesure que l'inclusion en pourcentage de l'ECRLB augmentait. Les lapins de l'alimentation 4 (10 % de maïs + 30 % d'ECRLB) et 5 (40 % d'ECRLB) ont enregistré le gain de poids quotidien le plus élevé (P<0,05) avec un poids corporel final correspondant le plus élevé (P<0,5). Les 'FCR' similaires ont été enregistrés à travers les traitements Économie de la production d'animaux sur les régimes contenant 30 et 40% ECRLB a été le meilleur (P<0,05). Les Indices carcasse n'étaient pas significativement (P>0,0) affectés par les régimes expérimentaux. Les lapins nourris à l'ECRLB ont enregistré un taux de cholestérol sérique inférieur (P<0,05) et une concentration plus élevée de glucose sérique (P<0,05) par rapport au contrôle. En conclusion, l'inclusion alimentaire de l'ECRLB jusqu'à 40 % a amélioré les performances et n'a pas montré d'effets délétères sur tous les indices examinés et est recommandée.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 1737
Author(s):  
Gustavo Duarte Farias ◽  
Liliane Cerdótes ◽  
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz ◽  
João Restle ◽  
Marcia Ferreira Bitencourt ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the production, reproductive performance, and productive efficiency of predominantly Charolais cows and their calves (Straightbred, ¾ C, ¼ N) according to body size at calving. Sixty-three cow-calf pairs were used and classified into three weight groups: Light (331.3±5.8 kg), Moderate (385.9±5.3 kg), and Heavy (424.4±6.2 kg). The classes were formed using half standard deviations above or below the average weight of the cows at calving. For each pair, the body weight was evaluated at calving, at weaning (63 days), at the beginning and at end of the reproductive period, and at 9 months for the calves. Pregnancy rates were similar (P > 0.05) between weight groups. The calves did not differ (P > 0.05) in terms of body weight and weight gain from calving until pregnancy diagnosis (210 days). The heavy cows had greater weight variations from 210 days to 270 days than the light cows. The calf production rate (kg calf/cow kept in herds) did not differ between weight groups. However, in relation to the weight of the cows at 210 days, light cows were 11.28% and 13.02% more productive (P < 0.05), than moderate and heavy cows, respectively. Light cows were more efficient than the other classes of cows at calving and at 210 days old. Our simulations showed that there were more kilograms for sale in herds of light cows (53.085 kg) than moderate and heavy cows (52.310 and 52.870 kg, respectively), while maintaining the structures of the herd constant. The size of the Charolais cow did not influence the weight of calves from calving until 7 months of age or their reproductive performance provided they were weaned early. The need for space for the maintenance of the cow-calf pair increased as the weight of the cows increased. In herds with smaller cows, higher numbers and a higher production of weight for sale are observed than in herds with moderate and heavy cows. Light cows were the most efficient at calving and during pregnancy diagnosis at 210 days.


Reproduction ◽  
2002 ◽  
pp. 419-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG Gong ◽  
WJ Lee ◽  
PC Garnsworthy ◽  
R Webb

Although it has become increasingly clear that fertility in modern dairy cattle is declining in association with increased milk yields, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The first ovulation post partum is delayed in dairy cows undergoing selection for genetic merit for milk yield in association with lower circulating insulin concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether feeding a diet to increase circulating insulin concentrations can overcome this delay in the first ovulation post partum. The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial design (n = 10 per group) involving diet and genetic merit for milk yield. The dietary treatment started on the day of calving and lasted for 50 days. Plasma samples were collected each day and ovarian ultra-sonography was performed three times a week during the experimental feeding period. Milk yield was recorded each day, and body weight and body condition score were determined each week. Milk samples were collected three times a week from day 50 to day 105 post partum, and reproductive performance data were recorded for all the cows as part of the routine farm practice. The dietary treatment induced significant differences in plasma insulin concentrations in both high and low genetic merit cows. Although high genetic merit cows produced more milk, lost more body weight and had lower body condition scores during the experiment, no significant effect of diet was observed on these measurements. The high insulin inducing diet increased the proportion of cows ovulating within 50 days of calving and reduced the intervals from calving to first ovulation, and tended to reduce the intervals from calving to first service and to conception. These fertility parameters were also more favourable in low than in high genetic merit cows, but no interaction between diet and genetic merit was observed for any of these parameters. Genetic merit, but not diet, also affected the number of services required per conception and the conception rate. In conclusion, these results have confirmed that genetic selection for high milk yield is associated with a decrease in reproductive performance in dairy cows. More importantly, this study has demonstrated that it is possible to alleviate this problem by nutritional manipulation.


Author(s):  
G. Madhuri ◽  
B. Swathi ◽  
P. Radhakrishna ◽  
D. Nagalakshmi

The effect of replacing an antibiotic growth promoter in the diet with a probiotic on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient retention was studied in broilers (Vencobb 430) fed with and without meat cum bone meal (MBM). This experiment which lasted for 42 days consisted of six dietary treatments viz., basal diet (BD), basal diet with MBM (MBM), basal diet with antibiotic (AB), basal diet with probiotic (PB), basal diet with MBM and antibiotic (MBM+AB) and basal diet with MBM and probiotic (MBM+PB). Three-hundred, day-old chicks were randomly allotted in the beginning to these six groups. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P less than 0.05) affected at 4th week of age. Overall, highest body weight gain was recorded in birds fed with AB and PB. Inclusion of probiotic in MBM also showed improved body weight gain when compared to MBM group. Highest feed intake and feed conversion ratio was recorded with AB and PB groups. Birds supplemented with MBM+PB showed improved feed intake and feed efficiency when compared to MBM+AB and MBM diet supplemented groups. Higher dry matter, crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention (P less than 0.05) was observed in birds supplemented with PB or AB in diet without MBM when compared to their control. In MBM supplemented groups addition of PB or AB improved crude protein retention. Birds supplemented with PB or AB with or without MBM showed a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in thigh yield and a non significant reduction in fat yield when compared to their control groups.


1972 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. W. Searle ◽  
N. McC. Graham ◽  
M. O'Callaghan

SUMMARYFifteen sheep were fed ad libitum from 2 days to 27 months of age, and another 15 sheep were each fed exactly half the average amount consumed by the first group, age for age. The body composition of each sheep (water, fat, protein, energy) was estimated from tritiated water space on 13 occasions during this period.To describe the course of growth in individual sheep in terms of the relationships between the various body components and body weight, a model was set up in which 4 phases of growth were distinguished, viz. the milk-feeding phase, the period of rumen development, and a prefattening followed by a fattening ruminant phase. Each phase was represented by a linear equation.Except for phase 1, mean composition within each phase differed significantly between well-fed animals and those which had been given a restricted diet. Individual animals differed in the body weight at which the final phase commenced; the average weight was ca. 31 kg. Fat storage was zero or negative during the main period of rumen development; otherwise the fat and therefore energy content of weight gain increased from phase to phase. The protein and water content of gain was high in phases 1 and 2 and decreased subsequently.Calculations based on data in the literature indicated that, in phase 4, the composition of weight loss was the same as that of weight gain. It is also suggested that the body weight at which this fattening phase commences is related to mature weight, with animals of large ultimate size starting to fatten at heavier body weights than those of small ultimate size.The application of the results to the determination of nutrient requirements is discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (no 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihab Raad Dawood ◽  
Majid A.S. Alneemy ◽  
Shehab M. Hameed ◽  
Shehab M. Hameed ◽  
Shehab M. Hameed

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the genetic groups (three of local quails different with feather color, which are white, black and brown) and the egg weight (three classes of eggs are heavy, medium and light) and the interaction between them on productive performance during the growth phase (0-6 weeks of age). Eggs were individually weighed and graded into three groups: heavy (11.5-12.4g), medium (10.5-11.4g), and light (9.5-10.4g) inside each genetic group. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant effect (p?0.05) of the genetic group (feather color), egg weight and their interaction on the productive performance during the total breeding period.The brown birds had significantly higher values of body weight, weight gain, carcass characteristics and better feed conversion ratio in all analyzed weeks. The birds which hatched from heavy eggs showed higher value of body weight, weight gain, carcass characteristics, feed consumption and better feed conversion ratio. Brown birds which hatched from heavy eggs had higher value of body weight, weight gain and carcass characteristics, while brown birds which hatched from medium eggs had better feed conversion ratio. We can therefore consider brown quail as the best for fattening purposes


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