scholarly journals The effects of differing nutritional levels and body condition score on scrotal circumference, motility, and morphology of bovine sperm

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor D Harrison ◽  
Elizabeth M Chaney ◽  
Kiernan J Brandt ◽  
Taylor B Ault-Seay ◽  
Liesel G Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Nutrient Restriction ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Bulls often experience various levels of nutrient availability throughout the year. Nutritional management is a critical factor on overall ejaculate composition and the ability to get females pregnant. We hypothesized that differing nutritional levels and body condition score (BCS) affects reproductive fertility parameters in bulls. Mature Angus bulls (n = 11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to one of two dietary regimens: 1) over-fed (n = 5) or 2) restricted (n = 6). Bulls were fed the same ration at different volumes to achieve desired effects resulting in 8 individual treatments: gain to an over-fed body condition score ([BCS]; GO), gain after nutrient restriction (GR), loss after an over-fed BCS (LO), loss from nutrient restriction (LR), maintenance at ideal adiposity (BCS = 6) after overfeeding (IMO), maintenance at ideal adiposity after nutrient restriction (IMR), maintenance at an over-fed BCS (BCS = 8; MO), and maintenance at a restricted BCS (BCS = 4; MR). Body weight (BW) and BCS were recorded every two weeks to monitor bull weight and BCS changes. Scrotal circumference was measured every 28 d. Body fat and sperm motility and morphology were evaluated every 84 d. Scrotal circumference, motility, and morphology were normalized to the initial value of each bull. Thus, allowing the individual bull to serve as a control. Statistical analyses were conducted with PROC GLIMMIX of SAS as a complete randomized design to determine if treatment influenced BW, BCS, scrotal circumference, motility, morphology, and adipose thickness. Scrotal circumference (P < 0.001) had the least amount of deviation from initial during the LR (0.29 ± 0.44) treatment and the greatest during the MO (3.06 ± 0.44), LO (2.28 ± 0.44), MR (2.43 ± 0.44), GR (3.03 ± 0.44) and IMR (2.91 ± 0.44) treatments. Sperm motility was not affected by nutritional treatments (P = 0.55). Both head and total defects of sperm differed (P = 0.02) due to nutritional treatments. Increased head abnormalities occurred during the LO (37.60 ± 8.61) treatment, with no differences between the other treatments. Total defects increased during the LO (43.80 ± 9.55) treatment with similar increases in bulls during the GR (29.40 ± 9.55) and IMR (35.60 ± 9.55) treatments. In conclusion, male fertility was impacted when a deviation from a BCS of 6 occurred which could be detrimental to reproductive and beef production efficiency.

Male traits and herd reproductive capability in tropical beef cattle. 2. Genetic parameters of bull traits

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
B. M. Burns ◽  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
M. L. Wolcott ◽  
D. H. Corbet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Mass Activity ◽  
Percent Normal

A total of 4063 young bulls of two tropical genotypes (1639 Brahman and 2424 Tropical Composite) raised in northern Australia were evaluated for a comprehensive range of production and reproduction traits up to 24 months of age. Prior to weaning, peripheral blood concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and inhibin were measured at 4 months of age. At weaning (6 months) blood insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and flight time were recorded. Body composition traits of fat depth and eye-muscle area were determined by ultrasonography at 15 months of age when additional measurements of liveweight, hip height and body condition score were recorded. Bull breeding soundness was evaluated at ~12, 18 and 24 months of age when measurements of scrotal circumference, sheath score, semen mass activity, progressive motility of individual sperm and percent morphologically normal sperm were recorded. Magnitude of heritability and genetic correlations changed across time for some traits. Heritability of LH, inhibin, IGF-I and of 18-month scrotal circumference, mass activity, progressive motility and percent normal sperm was 0.31, 0.74, 0.44, 0.75, 0.24, 0.15 and 0.25, respectively, for Brahmans and 0.48, 0.72, 0.36, 0.43, 0.13, 0.15 and 0.20, respectively, for Tropical Composites. Inhibin and IGF-I had moderate genetic association with percent normal sperm at 24 months in Brahmans but low to negligible associations in Tropical Composites. Body condition score in Brahmans and sperm motility (mass and individual) traits in both genotypes had moderate to strong genetic correlation with percent normal sperm and may prove useful candidates for indirect selection. There is scope to increase scrotal circumference by selection and this will be associated with favourable correlated responses of improved semen quality in both genotypes. The lack of genetic antagonism among bull traits indicates that selection for improved semen quality will not adversely affect other production traits.

Genetic aspects of body weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference and reproductive performance in Italian Holstein young bulls

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 ◽  
pp. 53-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Biffani ◽  
A.B. Samoré ◽  
F. Canavesi ◽  
E. Olzi ◽  
M. Cassandro
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Progeny Testing ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Good Physical Condition ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Recessive Genes

Apart from all the issues regarding health and undesirable recessive genes, which are determining factors to identify bulls not suitable for AI, there are other aspects which can be considered. The principal aims of AI studs are the selection of the best animals from a genetic point of view and the production of semen in a very short time, in order to start progeny testing as soon as possible. In Italy progeny testing starts when 1200 straws for each young bull are available. This requirement implies that bulls should be in good physical condition. According to this, the genetic centre of the Italian Holstein Breeder Association (ANAFI) has been paying growing attention to animal welfare and fitness, recording routinely some biometrical indicators. Body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), body condition score (BCS) are some examples of this policy and could be helpful and easy predictors of reproductive performance for a young progeny testing dairy bull. The objective of this report was to conduct a preliminary analysis on the genetic aspects of BW, BCS, SC, age at the 1st usable straw (AGE1) and age at the 1200th straw (AGE1200) in Italian Holstein young bulls.

scholarly journals Relationships between fat depots and body condition score or tail fatness in the Rasa Aragonesa breed

1989 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Teixeira ◽  
R. Delfa ◽  
F. Colomer-Rocher
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Depots ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Fat Depot ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTThe relationships between body fat depots and body condition score (BCS) were determined in 52 adult Rasa Aragonesa ewes aged 10 (s.d. 2) years and ranging in BCS from 1·5 to 4·5. BCS of each ewe was assessed by three people, the repeatability within individuals being 90% and between individuals 80%. The ewes were weighed before slaughter. After slaughter the omental, mesenteric, kidney and pelvic fat were separated and weighed. The fat of the left side of the carcass was separated into subcutaneous and intermuscular depots. The relationship between live weight and BCS was semilogarithmic and those between fat depots and BCS were logarithmic. Regression analysis was also used to describe the relationships between the various fat depots and BCS or live weight. Of the variation in total fat weight, proportionately 0·90 was accounted for by variations in BCS, while 0·84 was accounted for by variations in live weight. For individual fat depots proportionately 0·86 to 0·90 of the variation was accounted for by variation in BCS and 0·69 to 0·79 by variation in live weight. BCS was a better predictor than live weight of the weight of both total body fat and the individual fat depots.A curvilinear regression between BCS and live weight showed that the increases in live weight for a unit change in BCS was 7, 10, 12 and 16 kg for each one point increase in BCS from 1 to 5 respectively.The tail fat depot (tail fatness score) was assessed in the same ewes by score on a three-point scale. Of the variation in the weight of individual fat depots, proportionately 0·79 to 0·86 was accounted for by variation in tail fatness score. Thus the tail fatness score could be used as an additional method of assessing body condition in the Aragonesa breed.

scholarly journals COMPARISONS OF SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN RED SOKOTO AND KANO BROWN BREEDS OF BUCKS

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
I. S. BUTSWAT ◽  
D. T. ZAHARADDEEN
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Some reproductive parameters of one-year-old 20 of each Red Sokoto and Kano Brown bucks were investigated. For the Red Sokoto and Kano Brown breeds of bucks, the mean (±S.E.) body weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference, testes weight, testes volume, epididymal length, epididymal volume, epididymal weight, testes sperm and epididymal sperm were 13.84± 0.54 vs 11.69 ± 0.35kg, 2.15±0.08 vs 2.10± 0.07, 19.83± 0.36 vs 18.27± 0.49cm, 36.41± 1.89 vs 29.70±1.98g, 35.63± 1.87 vs 29.48± 1.9ml, 10.67±0.20 vs 9.66± 0.25cm, 6.16± 0.23 vs 5.44±0.31ml 6.46± 0.24 vs 5.53± 0.34g, 0.24± 0.02 vs 0.16± 0.01 x 109 and 2.47± 0.16 vs 1.59± 0.16 x 109 respectively, and were significantly different between the breeds. The percentage epididymal segments mass and sperm were also depicted. There were highly significant correlations between many of the reproductive parameters in both breeds. The Red Sokoto bucks seem more adapted than the Kano Brown in terms of their reproductive make-up.

scholarly journals PhenoBR: a model to phenotype body condition dynamics in meat sheep

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiphaine Macé ◽  
Eliel González-García ◽  
György Kövér ◽  
Dominique Hazard ◽  
Masoomeh Taghipoor
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Meat Sheep

AbstractIn situations of negative energy balance (NEB) due to feed scarcity or high physiological demands, body energy reserves (BR), mainly stored in adipose tissues, become the main sources of energy for ruminants. The capacity to mobilize and restore such BRs in response to different challenges is of major concern in the current context of breeding for resilience. Body condition score (BCS) is a common, practical indicator of BR variations throughout successive productive cycles, and quantitative tools for characterizing such dynamics at the individual level are still lacking. The main objective of this work was to characterize body condition dynamics in terms of BR mobilization and accretion capacities of meat sheep during their productive lifespan through a modelling approach.The animal model used in this work was the reproductive meat ewe (n = 1478) reared in extensive rangeland. Regular measurements of BCS for each productive cycle were used as the indicator of BR variations. A hybrid mathematical model and a web interface, called PhenoBR, was developed to characterize ewes’ BCS variations through four synthetic and biologically meaningful parameters for each productive cycle i: BR accretion rate , BR mobilization rate , plus the time of onset and the duration of the BR mobilization, and ΔTi, respectively.The model converged for all the ewes included in the analysis. Estimation of the parameters indicated the inter-individual variability for BR accretion and mobilization rates, and for the length of the mobilization period. Body reserve mobilization rates were closely correlated between productive cycles. Significant correlations between BR mobilization and accretion rates suggest that the two processes are biologically linked. Parameters kp and kb decreased as parity increased. BR mobilization rate and duration increased as litter size increased, while BR accretion rate decreased.Individual characterization of animals by these parameters makes it possible to rank them for their efficiency in the use of body reserves when facing NEB challenges. Such parameters could contribute to better management and decision-making by farmers and advisors, e.g. by adapting feeding systems to the individual characteristics of BR dynamics, or by geneticists as criteria to develop future animal breeding programs including BR dynamics for more robust and resilient animals.

scholarly journals 29 The effect of fleshing ability on cow and calf performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 22-22
Author(s):  
Amanda Holder ◽  
Aksel Wiseman ◽  
Adam McGee ◽  
David Lalman ◽  
Claire Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May-August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.

scholarly journals Carcass quality, parts and tissue development of lambs finished in three systems

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliano Hideo Hashimoto ◽  
José Carlos da Silveira Osório ◽  
Maria Teresa Moreira Osório ◽  
Marlice Salete Bonacina ◽  
Rosilene Inês Lehmen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Other ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Tissue Development ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Similar Body

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of finishing systems on natural pasture and gender on the carcass quality, parts and tissue development of lambs. Forty-five non-castrated males and forty-five females were distributed in a completely randomized design into three treatments: lamb with mother kept on pasture; weaned lamb kept on pasture and weaned lamb kept on pasture with supplementation (soybean hulls at 1% of body weight). The criteria for slaughter was body condition score (2.0 - 3.0). The carcass characteristics and parts composition were influenced by the sex. The finishing system with supplementation promoted greater carcass yield and longer leg length. The tissue composition was different only for the sex, with the males presenting bigger amount of muscle mass. The allometric growth of shoulder of supplemented lambs and the shoulder and leg of the lambs with mother had been precocious, while the ribs of the supplemented lambs and lambs with the mother were late and the other components had growth similar to the half-carcass. For the females, only shoulder of lambs finished with mother presented precocious growth, being isogonic for the other cuts. The finished systems evaluated demonstrated that Texel × Corrierdale lambs slaughtered with similar body condition score present similar carcass quality. The development is influenced by the termination system and sex. The quali-quantitative characteristics of the carcass were influenced by the sex. The development of the regional components of the males are influenced by the finishing system. Nevertheless, the tissu components are not influenced by the finishing system or gender.

scholarly journals 178 The Effect of Fleshing Ability on Cow and Calf Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Amanda Holder ◽  
Aksel Wiseman ◽  
Adam McGee ◽  
David Lalman ◽  
Claire Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May—August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.

scholarly journals The Potential of Black Gluten and Red Rice in Rations on the Biological Values and Ideally Body Score of Healthy “Mini Rex Rabbit”

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 528
Author(s):  
Romziah Sidik
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Proximate Analysis ◽  
Red Rice ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Feeding Trials ◽  
Rex Rabbit ◽  
Research Pattern

The potentially of black gluten and red rice in rations was observed on performed of biological values and body condition score of Mini Rex Rabbits. Twelve male Mini Rex Rabbits averaging 2 months of age, body weight 1.95 kg were used as experimental animals. Four variations of ration: P0 a commercial, P1, P2, and P3 contains white, red, and black gluten rice, respectively. Research pattern of Complete Randomized Design include four group animals with three replications. The animals were treated by different ration as well as their treatment group during 8 weeks trials, and each animal received Alfalfa hay 10 g/h/d as a basic nutrient. Fecal and urine were collected every day along feeding trials and it’s analyzed by proximate analysis. Body weight and body condition score measured once a week. 

scholarly journals Relationships among body condition score, milk yield and sires’ breeding value for beef production efficiency in Czech Fleckvieh cattle

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 11) ◽  
pp. 453-461
Author(s):  
J. Bouška ◽  
M. Štípková ◽  
P. Pytloun ◽  
J. Pytloun ◽  
M. Kubešová
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Lactation Curve ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Gain

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships among cows’ body condition score before calving, subsequent BCS changes, milk yield, lactation characteristics and their sires’ relative breeding value for net daily gain. Increasing the relative breeding value of net daily gain in the sires was associated with increased BCS in their daughters. The differences ranged between 0.02 and 0.18 points in the particular lactation periods, but they were not statistically significant. The group of cows with the highest BCS before calving showed the highest BCS decrease (–0.25 points) after calving (<I>P</I> < 0.01); the BCS loss lasted for 3 months. The analysis of the relationship between the relative breeding value of sires for net daily gain and milk yield of their daughters showed a negative effect of RBV NG ≤ 89 on the daughters’ milk yield (<I>P</I> < 0.05), while the negative differences were up to – 279.12 kg of fat-protein corrected milk. The effect of this trait on the lactation curve was also analyzed.

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