Growth performance, carcass traits, behaviour and welfare of New Zealand White rabbits housed in different enriched cages

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 1759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham Mohammed ◽  
Mohammed Nasr
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abnormal Behaviour ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
Daily Gain

The present study investigated the effect of gnawing sticks as environmental enhancers on the performance, carcass traits and behaviour of individually housed growing rabbits. Two batches of weaned New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were used, each consisting of 135 animals. Rabbits were homogeneously classified into the following three groups, each consisting of 45 rabbits: rabbits housed individually in cages without enrichment (control), rabbits housed individually in cages enriched with wooden sticks from apple tree and rabbits housed individually in cages enriched with wooden sticks from willow tree. Rabbits reared in enriched cages with apple or willow sticks showed a significantly (P < 0.0001) better performance (live bodyweight at slaughter 2526 and 2591 g, total weight gain 1620 and 1683 g, average daily gain 21.04 and 21.87 g and daily feed intake 78.57 and 74.89 g respectively), and had a higher carcass weight (1648.39 and 1750.26 g respectively, P < 0.0001) than did the control group. Rabbits in apple-stick group had a higher daily feed intake (78.57 g, P < 0.0001) and lower carcass weight (1648.39 g, P < 0.0001) than did those in the willow-stick group. The cortisol concentration was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in apple and willow groups (9.44 ± 0.02 and 9.35 ± 0.02 nmol/L respectively) than in the control group (17.24 ± 0.03 nmol/L). Moreover, cage enrichment with apple or willow sticks improved the duration of feeding (7.08 and 7.39 min/3 h respectively, P < 0.0001) and drinking (2.54 and 2.67 min/3 h respectively, P < 0.0001) time, and reduced abnormal behaviour (biting the bars of the cage 0.24 and 0.34 min/3 h respectively, P = 0.001) when compared with the control group. Overall, the current results indicated that cage enrichment (with wooden sticks from apple or willow trees for gnawing) increased the final bodyweight and some carcass traits, reduced abnormal behaviour and potentially improved rabbit welfare during intensive rabbit breeding.

Effects of feeding high energy or high energy-protein diets to goats

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
E. Okine ◽  
N. Patrick ◽  
D. Patrick ◽  
P. A. Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Protein Diets ◽  
Daily Gain

Growth, efficiency and carcass traits were evaluated for goats fed barley or a concentrate mix (CM). Goats on the CM showed higher (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) (27.5%), end of test weight (11.6%), hot carcass weight (HCW) (14.9%) and rib-eye area (REA) (14.7%), lower (P < 0.02) concentrate to gain ratio (CG) ratio (22.5%) and no differences (P > 0.05) in concentrate intake (CI) and dressing percent (DP), compared to those on barley. Although feeding the CM improved ADG, CG, HCW and REA, it may be relatively more economical to finish goats on whole barley grain. Key words: Goat, high energy, high protein, growth, rib-eye area

scholarly journals Performance, carcass traits, and non-carcass components of feedlot finished lambs from different residual feed intake classes

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 2645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raizza Fátima Abadia Tulux Rocha ◽  
Andréa Roberto Duarte Lopes Souza ◽  
Maria Da Graça Morais ◽  
Mayara Mitiko Yoshihara Carneiro ◽  
Henrique Jorge Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Mineral Mixture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Gain

This study aimed to assess the performance, carcass traits, and non-carcass components of feedlot finished Texel crossbred lambs from different residual feed intake classes (RFI). Forty-seven uncastrated male Texel crossbred lambs (¾ Texel + ¼ Pantaneira) tested here were 4-month-old with an initial weight of 29.9 ± 5.5 kg. The lambs were confined for 70 days for individual dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) assessment. The diet containing corn silage was provided as roughage, while the concentrate consisted of corn grain, soybean meal, urea, and mineral mixture with a 40:60 roughage to concentrate ratio and 76.34% total digestible nutrients (TDN). After confinement for 70 days, the lambs were slaughtered to assess carcass traits and non-carcass components. Based on the RFI, lambs were divided into three classes according to the standard deviation (sd): Positive RFI (inefficient, 0.5 above the mean), Negative RFI (efficient, 0.5 below the mean), and Medium RFI (intermediate). Classes with Negative (efficient) and Positive RFI (inefficient) showed no differences in ADG (0.321 vs 0.306 kg; P > 0.05). Dry matter intake (g d-1), and percentage of body weight (BW) differed significantly between the RFI classes (P < 0.05). Compared to lambs in the inefficient class, those in the efficient class (Negative RFI) showed a 9% reduction in DMI and had the same ADG. The lambs in either Positive or Negative RFI classes showed no weight differences between non-carcass components (P > 0.05). The RFI classes showed no differences in shrunk body weight, hot carcass weight, hot dressing, and weight of commercial cuts (P > 0.05). They showed no differences in neck, shoulder + shank, loin, rack, flank steak, rack cap off, and leg weights (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that improvement in feed efficiency, as a function of the RFI index, does not compromise performance and carcass traits of Texel crossbred lambs.

scholarly journals Effect of High Potency Growth Implants on Average Daily Gain of Grass-Fattened Steers

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 587
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Arias ◽  
Cristobal Santa-Cruz ◽  
Alejandro Velásquez
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Total Weight ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
High Potency ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Gain

High potency growth promoter implants (HGPs) are widely used under feedlot conditions but there are few reports under grazing conditions. The study’s goal was to assess the effect of HGPs on the average daily gain of steers fattened in pastures. A total of 57 crossbreed steers (Hereford × Angus)—initial body weight = 356.65 kg ± 5.04 (SEM)—were randomly allocated to one of three groups: Control without HGP (n = 19), Synovex group (n = 17), and Revalor group (n = 21). The fattening period was 67 days using paddocks of Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L. Body weight was recorded three times in the period. The data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance with a level of significance of 5%. The average daily gain (ADG) (1.55 ± 0.07 and 1.48 ± 0.09 kg/d) and the total weight gain (103.4 ± 4.9 and 99.2 ± 5.8 kg) were similar for Revalor and Synovex, respectively (p > 0.05). Moreover, HGP groups showed higher ADG and total weight gain (p < 0.01) than the control group (ADG = 0.93 ± 0.08 kg/d and a total weight gain of 62.2 ± 5.2 kg). Final body weights were 527.8 ± 8.5 kg and 512.2 ± 9.9 kg for Revalor and Synovex, respectively; and 479.9 ± 10.1 kg for Control. In conclusion, grazing-finished steers showed better performance when high potency HGPs were used, improving the ADG and final live body weight, generating a marginal income that justifies the use of the technology under grazing conditions

FEEDLOT AND CARCASS TRAITS OF STEERS OF THE HIGHLAND AND HEREFORD BREEDS AND THEIR RECIPROCAL CROSSES

1975 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177
Author(s):  
J. E. LAWSON
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
The Other ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Reciprocal Crosses ◽  
Breed Differences ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

Calves of the Hereford breed, and the Highland × Hereford and Hereford × Highland crosses surpassed those of the Highland in final feedlot weight, average daily gain in the feedlot, cold carcass weight, and dressing percentage. The fat thickness over the eye muscle was significantly less in the Highland than in the other groups; however, when considered as thickness of fat per 100 kg of cold carcass no important breed differences existed. Although area of eye muscle did not differ between any of the breeds and crosses, the Highland had greater area of eye muscle per 100 kg of cold carcass. Calves were slaughtered when the majority of the Herefords were judged, visually, to have reached "choice" or "good" grades. The percentage of animals achieving grades of choice or good was less for the Highland than for the other three groups. Heterosis effects were 6.3, 5.7, 7.1, 1.2, and 5.2% for final feedlot weight, feedlot average daily gain, cold carcass weight, dressing percent, and intramuscular fat. Although the percent heterosis for area of eye muscle and fat thickness over the eye muscle was 4.4 and 5.8, the advantage was in favor of the straightbreds over the reciprocal crosses (5.3%) when considered in terms of area of eye muscle per 100 kg of cold carcass weight. The two crossbred groups were similar to the Hereford, while the Highland was inferior to all three groups in overall performance for the traits in this study.

Effects of feeding added protein and fat on feedlot performance and carcass quality in large frame steers

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Engstrom ◽  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
R. Volek ◽  
R. E. Grimson ◽  
R. P. Stilborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

Feeding added protein to large frame steers increased average daily gain (ADG) and intake but had no effect on dry matter:gain, carcass weight and carcass quality. Including 2% added fat had no effect on ADG and carcass traits. However, feeding 4% added fat increased ADG to 56 d, although ADG overall and carcass quality were not influenced. Key words: Feeding, protein, fat, steer, carcass quality, average daily gain

GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS OF CATTALO, HEREFORD, AND 1/4-BRAHMAN BULL CALVES

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. LAWSON ◽  
H. F. PETERS
Keyword(s):  
Shear Test ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
The Other ◽  
Total Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Daily Gain

The 1/4-Brahman bull calves exceeded those of the cattalo and Hereford by 19.6 and 14.8% in weaning weight. However, the Hereford surpassed the 1/4-Brahman and the cattalo by 11.1 and 14.9% in feedlot average daily gain. Cattalo (cattle × bison species cross) bulls weighed 17.7 and 12.0% less than 1/4-Brahman and Hereford bulls just before slaughter at an average age of 425 days. Similar differences were apparent for cold carcass weight. When age-of-dam and age-at-slaughter were covariate factors, area of the longissimus dorsi from 1/4-Brahman calves was larger by 13.5 and 8.7% than those from cattalo and Hereford. Fat thickness over the 1. dorsi did not differ among groups. Carcass weight and age at slaughter were covariates for the weights of meat cuts. Weights of loin, round, or plate cuts did not differ among groups. However, the rib cut from the 1/4-Brahman was lighter than that from the cattalo and Hereford, and the chuck cut was heavier. The Hereford exceeded the 1/4-Brahman in total weight of the more expensive rib–loin–round cuts. Warner-Bratzler shear estimates of tenderness did not differ among groups. Average fat thickness over the 1. dorsi was not significantly correlated to any of the means of the shear test on raw or broiled samples. In general, 1/4-Brahman and Hereford groups each exhibited superiority over the other two groups for several traits, while cattalo bulls did not exceed the other two groups in any of the traits considered in this study.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of south african mutton merino fed diets with different levels of macadamia oil cake or baobab seed cake

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masiza Samuel Mikasi ◽  
Joseph Jimu Baloyi ◽  
Everson Bhebe
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
South African ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Seed Cake ◽  
Total Weight Gain ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Daily Gain

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing 10% or 15% of baobab seed cake (BSC) or macadamia oil cake (MOC) in fattening diets for lambs on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics. Thirty-two lambs aged between 150 and 180 days were randomly allocated to 4 diets (10% MOC; 15% MOC; 10% BSC and 15% BSC diets) in an experiment arranged as a 2x2 factorial design and sex as a block. The results showed that there were significant protein source and inclusion level interactions on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and total weight gain, warm and cold carcass mass. Males were significantly superior in all parameters except for feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage and rib-eye area. It was concluded that 10% MOC and 15% BSC can be incorporated in diets for fattening of growing South African Mutton Merino lambs without compromising on their growth performance and carcass characteristics.

scholarly journals Animal performance, carcass quality and economics of cattle finished after grazing endophyte-infected, endophyte-free or nonergot alkaloid-producing endophyte-infected tall fescue

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 253-255
Author(s):  
S.K. Duckett ◽  
R.C. Lacy ◽  
J.G. Andrae ◽  
C.S. Hoveland ◽  
J.H. Bouton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Daily Gain

Angus-cross steers grazed wild type endophyte-infected (E+), nonergot alkaloid-producing endophyte-infected (AR542), or endophyte-free (E-) tall fescue pastures at two locations. Twenty-four animals per location were transported to a research feedlot after the completion of the grazing phase and fed for 100 d. Grazing average daily gain (ADG) was 0.47 kg/d greater (P=0.001) for cattle grazing AR542 than those grazing E+ pastures. In the feedlot, overall ADG did not differ among AR542 and E+ (P=0.40) or AR542 and E- (P=0.19), and averaged 2.09 + 0.15 kg/d across all treatments. Feed efficiency was greater (P=0.02) for E+ than AR542. Hot carcass weight was 40 kg greater (P=0.01) for AR542 than E+. Other carcass traits did not differ (P≥0.10) among treatments. Net present values (NPV) were $177.08/ha for E- and $336.76/ha for AR542 compared to E+. Keywords: beef, endophyte, carcass

scholarly journals 268 Administering an appeasing substance to optimize welfare and performance of receiving cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 193-193
Author(s):  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Jacob Wiegand ◽  
Kelsey Schubach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatments ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This experiment evaluated the impacts of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) administration on performance, health, and physiological responses of feedlot cattle during a 45-d receiving period. A total of 342 recently-weaned Angus-influenced steers, originating from 16 cow-calf operations, were obtained from an auction yard on d -1 and road-transported (12 h) to the feedlot. Upon arrival on d 0, body weight (BW) was recorded and steers were ranked by BW and source and assigned to receive BAS (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil; n = 171) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 171). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal. Within treatment, calves were allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (12 pens/treatment) and received a free choice total-mixed ration from d 1 to 45. Calves were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and feed intake was recorded from each pen daily. Steer BW was again recorded on d 1, 7, 17, 31, and 45, whereas blood samples were collected from 5 steers/pen concurrently with each BW assessment. Average daily gain was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves, although final BW did not differ (P = 0.36) between treatments. No treatment effects were detected for feed intake (P = 0.95), resulting in greater (P = 0.05) feed efficiency in BAS vs. CON steers. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.37) for plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, whereas plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) in CON vs. BAS steers on d 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.07). Incidence of BRD was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in BAS vs. CON on d 6 to 10 and d 18 to 21 (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01), although overall BRD incidence did not differ (P = 0.24) between treatments. The number of antimicrobial treatments required per steer diagnosed with BRD symptoms to recover from sickness was greater (P = 0.04) in CON vs. BAS calves. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.41) for mortality incidence, or proportion of steers removed from the experiment due to extreme sickness. Results from this experiment indicate BAS administration upon feedlot entry improved average daily gain by enhancing feed efficiency. Administration of BAS facilitated earlier detection of BRD and reduced the need for antimicrobial treatments. Collectively, these results suggest BAS administration as a promising strategy to benefit performance and immunocompetence of feedlot receiving cattle.

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