Effect of feeding forage or concentrate starter diets in early life on life-time growth, carcass traits and meat quality of Wagyu × Friesian cattle

Context Nutrition in early life can affect the long-term performance of livestock. Aims The present study evaluated the effects of rearing Wagyu × Holstein Friesian heifer calves either on a concentrate pelleted starter (CS; 90% DM, 19.3% crude protein (CP), and 13.8 MJ metabolisable energy (ME) per kilogram DM) or a forage starter (FS, ensiled alfalfa, Medicago sativa; 45% DM, 18.5% CP and 9.7 MJ metabolisable energy per kilogram DM) on lifetime growth, blood metabolites, carcass traits and meat quality. Methods Calves (n = 60) were allocated either to CS or FS diets. All calves received their solid feeds ad libitum from Week 1 and were fed milk in group pens (n = 10/pen) at 4 L/calf.day until Week 7, then 2 L/calf.day for 2 weeks. Calves were transferred to pasture 1 week after milk removal, with starter feeds removed by Week 15. All heifers were then managed as one group on a pasture-based diet until slaughter at 26–30 months of age (average of 483 kg liveweight). Key results Calves offered the CS diet were 14 kg heavier than were calves on the FS diet at 15 weeks (P < 0.001). However, liveweight was similar between the groups by the time of slaughter (P > 0.1). All blood parameters studied were similar (P > 0.05) between the treatments at 12 months and at slaughter. Depth of eye muscle and subcutaneous fat, measured using ultrasonography before slaughter, carcass weight and meat pH, marbling, shear force, moisture loss during cooking, total fat and fat and meat colour were also similar between the treatments (P > 0.05). Some potential was found for using blood markers to predict carcass traits and meat quality. Conclusions Solid feed type during rearing had little effect on liveweight or meat characteristics from 12 months of age to slaughter of Wagyu × Friesian heifers. Implications Calves can be reared on FS diets with similar long-term production performance as on CS diets.

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Comparison of two live-animal ultrasound systems for genetic evaluation of carcass traits in Angus cattle

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txab011 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

C J Duff ◽

J H J van der Werf ◽

P F Parnell ◽

S A Clark

Keyword(s):

Carcass Traits ◽

Genetic Correlations ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Genetic Evaluation ◽

Ultrasound Scan ◽

Ultrasound Scanning ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Angus Cattle ◽

Breeding Objective ◽

Two Systems

Abstract The improvement of carcass traits is an important breeding objective in beef cattle breeding programs. The most common way of selecting for improvement in carcass traits is via indirect selection using ultrasound scanning of selection candidates which are submitted to genetic evaluation programs. Two systems used to analyse ultrasound images to predict carcass traits are the Pie Medical Esaote Aquila (PIE) and Central Ultrasound Processing (CUP). This study compared the ability of the two systems to predict carcass traits for genetic evaluation in Australian Angus cattle. Genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using data from 1648 Angus steers which were ultrasound scanned twice with both systems, first at feedlot entry and then following 100 days in the feedlot. The traits interpreted from ultrasound scanning included eye muscle area (EMA), rib fat (RIB) rump fat (RUMP) and intramuscular fat (IMF). Abattoir carcass data were collected on all steers following the full feedlot feeding period of 285 days. For all ultrasound scan traits, CUP resulted in higher phenotypic and genetic variances compared to the PIE. For IMF, CUP had higher heritability at feedlot intake (0.51 for CUP compared to 0.37 for PIE) and after 100 days feeding (0.54 for CUP compared to 0.45 PIE). CUP predicted IMF also tended to have stronger correlations with the breeding objective traits of carcass IMF marbling traits, both genetically (ranging from 0.59 to 0.75 for CUP compared to 0.45 to 0.63 for PIE) and phenotypically (ranging from 0.27 to 0.43 for CUP compared to 0.19 to 0.28 for PIE). Ultrasound scan EMA were the only group of traits in which the heritabilities were higher for PIE (0.52 for PIE compared to 0.40 for CUP at feedlot intake and 0.46 for PIE compared to 0.43 for CUP at 100 days of feeding), however with similar relationships to the breeding objective carcass EMA observed. For subcutaneous fat traits of ultrasound RIB and RUMP, the heritabilites and genetic correlations to the related carcass traits were similar, with the exception being the higher heritability observed for CUP predicted RUMP at feedlot intake at 0.52 compared to 0.38 for PIE. The results from this study indicates that the CUP system, compared to PIE, provides an advantage for genetic evaluation of carcass traits in Angus cattle, particularly for the IMF and associated marbling traits.

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Fatty acid profile, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore steers following supplementation with various lipid sources

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an15149 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 1170 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Isabela P. C. Carvalho ◽

Giovani Fiorentini ◽

Josiane F. Lage ◽

Juliana D. Messana ◽

Roberta. C. Canesin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Linseed Oil ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Practical Significance

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of meat and subcutaneous fat, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore steers fed diets supplemented with various lipid sources. Forty-five young bulls, with average bodyweight of 441 ± 30 kg, were allotted into 10 paddocks, with five treatments, each consisting of two paddocks. The bulls were randomly assigned into one of the following five treatments, which consisted of four lipid sources: palm oil (PO), linseed oil, rumen protected fat (soybean-based oil), whole soybean, and a control (without additional fat). Trial duration was 120 days, which included 30 days of adaptation. Supplements were offered daily at 10 g/kg bodyweight per day. Dietary supplements for providing additional fat were formulated to consist of 10% ether extract. Lipid sources did not significantly affect the average daily gain (P = 0.797) or dressing percentage (P = 0.663). Supplementation with PO increased the concentrations of lauric acid (P = 0.036) and myristic acid (P < 0.001) in the muscle and subcutaneous fat. Animals supplemented with linseed oil had significantly higher concentrations of conjugated linolenic acid in the meat (P = 0.036) and fat (P = 0.049) than did control animals. In the present study, the use of various lipid sources in dietary supplements of grazing cattle during finishing period did not affect carcass traits or physical attributes of beef. This absence of statistical significance may be related to the minimum number of repeat paddocks (2) per treatment. Thus, differences that can have a practical significance were not evidenced by statistical analysis. The inclusion of PO and protected fatty acids derived from soybean oil (rumen-protected fat) is not recommended as a method to improve the lipid profile of meat and subcutaneous fat of Nellore cattle.

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Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10020330 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 330 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chao Wang ◽

Yongjie Chen ◽

Yanju Bi ◽

Peng Zhao ◽

Hanqing Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Production Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Carcass Quality ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Significant Difference

In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens × 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens × 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs’ responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching–avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs’ anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality.

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Growth Performance and Carcass Traits Responses to Dried Distillers’ Grain with Solubles Feeding of Growing Awassi Ram Lambs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9110954 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 954 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Safa’ M. Hatamleh ◽

Belal S. Obeidat

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Control Diet ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Distillers Grain ◽

Dried Distillers Grain ◽

The Impact

This study considers the impact of dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS) in diets of lambs. Randomly; 27 lambs were distributed to one of three diets. Diets were: a control diet (CON; n = 9), a 125 (DDGS125; n = 9) or a 250 g/kg DDGS (DDGS250; n = 9) of dietary dry matter (DM). The lambs were fed using these diets for 91 days. To assess carcass traits; five lambs were randomly selected at the end of the study. No significant differences were detected in intake and digestibility of DM; crude protein and fiber. Average daily gain did not differ among diets. Carcass characteristics did not differ among diets. With the exception of shear force and redness, which were greater in DDGS250 than in DDGS125 and CON diets, meat quality parameters were unaffected. Eye muscle area decreased in DDGS125 than in DDGS250 and CON diet. These results demonstrate that the feeding of lambs on DDGS at 125 or 250 g/kg DM did not have any impact on growth. These diets only had a simple effect on the characteristics of carcass and meat quality. These results suggest that it would be suitable to introduce these feeds into sheep nutrition in the future.

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EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM RELATIVELY HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE USE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILERS

Bulletin of Sumy National Agrarian University. The series: Livestock ◽

10.32845/bsnau.lvst.2020.2.2 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 12-17

Author(s):

Yingying Qiao ◽

Oleksandr Kyselov ◽

Changzhong Liu

Keyword(s):

High Temperature ◽

Low Temperature ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Low Temperatures ◽

Production Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Temperature Group

The experiment aims to study the effects of long-term relatively high and low temperatures on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out in Yunnan Academy of Animal Science, for determine the quality of meat used the laboratories of Henan Institute of Science and Technology. A total of experiment use 240 healthy 1-day-old Avian broiler chickens were randomly divided into three groups: relatively high temperature group, low temperature group and control group. The results of the experiment confirm that at low temperatures, when the energy consumption of the animal decreases, it leads to weight loss, which we can see in the low-temperature group, the average daily weight gain in this experiment was significantly lower than in the control group (P <0.05). It was found that low-temperature stress significantly increased the mortality of broilers, at the age of 42 days in the low-temperature group, the mortality of chickens was higher than in the control group, by 71.4%. Among all evaluated groups on the content of unsaturated fatty acids SFA, PUFA, MUFA and EFA in the muscles of the breasts of broilers, the lowest content was in the lower temperature group than in the control group, by 48.3%, 46.9%, 51.5% and 43.9%. Studies have shown that influence of high-temperature above 30°C causes disturbances in poultry behavior and physiology, leading to reduced production performance. Broilers aged 35-40 days experienced 31°C high-temperature stress and found that their performance and immunity decreased. Broilers feed intake and growth rate at 35°C high temperature were reduced by 13% and 32% than at 20°C. The results showed that: ① Relatively high temperature and low temperature for a long time reduced the growth performance and mortality of broilers, and long-term relatively low temperature decreased the slaughter performance of broilers.② Relatively high and low temperatures for a long period of time reduced the levels of serine, glycine, SFA, PUFA, USFA, EFA and MUFA in broiler breast muscles negative effect on meat quality. ③ The long-term relatively low temperature has a greater adverse effect on broilers than the long-term relatively high temperature. The results provided some theoretical basis for accurately setting the broiler breeding environment temperature, improving broiler quality, maximizing broiler production performance, and increasing the economic benefits of the farm.

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Qualitative feed restriction for late finishing pigs on meat quality and fatty acid profile

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2016v37n4supl1p2343 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (4Supl1) ◽

pp. 2343

Author(s):

Apauliana Daniela Lima da Silva ◽

José Aparecido Moreira ◽

Rafael Leandro Ramos de Oliveira ◽

Lorena Cunha Mota ◽

Elisanie Neiva Magalhães Teixeira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Feed Restriction ◽

Finishing Pigs ◽

Food Ingredient ◽

Longissimus Dorsi Muscle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of including cashew bagasse bran (CBB) as a food ingredient in qualitative feed restriction programs on the carcass traits and meat quality of barrows and gilts. Twenty–four crossbred pigs (12 barrows and 12 gilts) were used, with an average initial body weight of 57.93 ± 3.67 kg/LW. The experimental design was a randomized block 3x2 factorial arrangement with three levels (0%, 15% and 30% CBB), two sexes (barrows and gilts) and four repetitions. The treatments were composed of the basal diet (BD) formulated with corn, soybean meal and a commercial base mix for finishing pigs, to which different levels of CBB were added. At the end of the trial period, the animals were slaughtered for the evaluation of the meat quality and carcass traits. The inclusion of CBB in the diets did not affect the carcass traits of the gilts but affected the carcass traits of the barrow positively, increasing theyield of meat in the chilled carcass and reducing the thickness of subcutaneous fat. In the longissimus dorsi muscle and in the adipose tissue of the pigs, the myristic (C14:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), linolenic (C18:3) and arachidonic (C20:4) fatty acids were evaluated, and no effect was observed (P > 0.05) from the levels of CBB in the diets. In the comparisons between the sexes, a greater concentration of C20:4 fatty acid was observed in the carcass of the gilts. In this context, CBB was considered for use as a feed ingredient in programs of qualitative feed restriction for finishing pigs.

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Effects of growth path and post-slaughter chilling regime on carcass composition and meat quality of ewe lambs

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9920819 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 819 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

LP Thatcher ◽

GM Gaunt

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Carcass Composition ◽

Longissimus Dorsi ◽

Growth Path ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Average Growth ◽

Continuous Growth ◽

Ewe Lambs ◽

Significant Difference

Sixty-five Poll Dorset x (Border Leicester/Merino) ewe lambs. were grown at pasture on one of four growth paths commencing at mean age of 24 weeks and a mean liveweight of 37-5 kg. These were, continuous growth between 24 and 34 weeks (HH), maximum possible growth for 6 weeks followed by weight loss for 4 weeks (HL), no gain for 6 weeks followed by rapid gain for 4 weeks (LH) and weight maintenance (LL). Lambs were slaughtered as soon as possible after LH and HL lambs were the same full weight. There were significant differences between treatments in average growth rate, liveweight, hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage. After adjustment for HCW, LH had significantly (P < 0.05) less omental and kidney fat than HH, and there was a strong tendency for less subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat and a lower tissue depth over the twelfth rib (at the GR site). Eye muscle area was significantly larger in LH than HH, but this did not translate to a significant difference in dissectible 'soft tissue' measurement. The Warner Bratzler shear value for LL in the M. longissimus dorsi was significantly higher than LH and HH. There were no differences between treatments for pH, Warner Bratzler shear values of the M. semimembranosus, cooking loss, or the colour measurements using a Minolta chromameter of L* (lightness) or b* (yellowness). The difference in a* (redness) between HL and LH was significant. Warner Bratzler shear values for M. longissimus dorsi and M.semimembranosus were significantly higher at 4�C than 10�C. The a* was significantly higher at 10�C, but there were no differences between L* and b*. There were no interactions between the post-slaughter chilling regime and the pre-slaughter nutritional management. It was concluded that the growth path had little effect on meat quality unless the lamb had been continuously on a restricted diet. Therefore there was some potential for the use of growth paths to manipulate carcass composition, and further research into management systems at pasture is recommended.

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Carcass traits and meat quality of steers on pasture submitted to different dietary supplementation

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2019v40n6p2693 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (6) ◽

pp. 2693

Author(s):

Bruna Biava de Menezes ◽

Henrique Jorge Fernandes ◽

Maria da Graça Morais ◽

Edneia Pereira Rosa ◽

Andrea Roberto Duarte Lopes Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Dietary Supplementation ◽

Feeding Strategies ◽

Concentrate Supplementation ◽

Longissimus Dorsi Muscle ◽

Ad Libitum

This study aimed at evaluating carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore steers on pasture submitted to different dietary supplementation strategies. The 32 Nellore animals tested (8 ± 0.6 months) were raised under rotational grazing on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã (syn. Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã) pasture and distributed in four treatments: supply of mineral salt ad libitum in the growth and finishing phases (MSGF); concentrate supplementation only during the growth phase (CG); concentrate supplementation only during the finishing phase (CF) and concentrate supplementation the growth and finishing phases (CGF). The concentrated supplement was supplied at 0.5% of body weight and mineral ad libitum. The steers were slaughtered when more than 50% of the lot of each treatment reached 450 kg body weight. The mean the hot and cold carcass weight and subcutaneous fat thickness did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). The calves the treatment CF and CGF showed a larger rib-eye area and higher ether extract levels in the Longissimus dorsi muscle than in MSGF and CG (P < 0.05). Mean shearing force was similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The use of feeding strategies on pasture with concentrate supplementation in the growth and finishing phases of Nellore cattle anticipates slaughter in 92 days and produces carcasses and meat with satisfactory traits.

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Genetic and phenotypic characterisation of animal, carcass, and meat quality traits from temperate and tropically adapted beef breeds. 2. Abattoir carcass traits

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar02086 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 54 (2) ◽

pp. 119 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

A. Reverter ◽

D. J. Johnston ◽

D. Perry ◽

M. E. Goddard ◽

H. M. Burrow

Keyword(s):

Carcass Traits ◽

Genetic Correlations ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Export Market ◽

Additive Variance ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Genotype By Environment Interactions ◽

Genotype By Environment ◽

Phenotypic Characterisation ◽

Geographic Regions

A total of 11 abattoir carcass measures were recorded on 7854 carcasses in temperate (TEMP) and tropically adapted (TROP) beef breeds. Breeds for TEMP included Angus, Hereford, Murray Grey, and Shorthorn; Brahman, Belmont Red, and Santa Gertrudis accounted for TROP breeds. Measurements included carcass weight (CWT), retail beef yield percentage (RBY), intramuscular fat percentage (IMF), subcutaneous fat depth at the P8 site (P8) and at 12/13th rib (RIB), eye muscle length by width (ELW), deep butt temperature (DBTEMP), fat colour score (FATC), meat colour score (MEATC), marbling score (MARB), and carcass muscle score (MUSC). Animals were finished to 3 different market weight endpoints, either on pasture or in a feedlot, and in different geographic regions for the TROP breeds. Both the phenotypic and genetic expressions of the traits were estimated at each level of market weight endpoint and finishing regime. Heritabilities (h2), and genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between traits were estimated for TEMP and TROP separately. The design effects of market weight endpoint and finishing regimes were the most important sources of variation for continuously measured traits. Main effects for the scored traits were finishing regime for FATC and MEATC and market weight endpoint for MARB and MUSC. Feedlot finished cattle had the whitest FATC and the lightest MEATC. For TEMP, estimates of h2 for CWT, RBY, IMF, P8, RIB, ELW, DBTEMP, FATC, MEATC, MARB, and MUSC were 0.39, 0.57, 0.38, 0.36, 0.27, 0.30, 0.10, 0.05, 0.11, 0.17, and 0.14, respectively. In comparison, h2 for the same order of traits for TROP were 0.36, 0.50, 0.39, 0.30, 0.41, 0.32, 0.04, 0.09, 0.11, 0.25, and 0.11. The direction and magnitude of rg between traits were similar for TEMP and TROP, particularly between CWT, RBY, IMF, P8, and RIB. Genetic correlations of RBY were moderate and negative with all measures of fatness, including IMF (–0.38 TEMP and –0.43 TROP). Positive rg existed between all measures of fatness, with MARB and IMF close to unity. Negative rg was estimated between CWT and all fat measurements. Also negative were the rg and rp estimates between CWT and MEATC. For all traits in both TEMP and TROP, domestic weight carcasses exhibited lower additive variance than export market carcasses. However, genetic correlations between traits across market weight endpoints were positive and close to unity, with the exception of RBY for TROP. For TEMP breeds, genetic correlations between finishing regimes were close to unity. However, possible genotype by environment interactions were found for TROP for P8, MEATC, and MARB between finishing in different geographic regions, and between feedlot and pasture finished animals for RBY and MEATC. Genetic improvement of carcass traits is a possibility given the moderate heritabilities, moderate to strong genetic correlations, and little evidence of genotype by environment interactions.

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