scholarly journals Effect of different dietary fibre sources on the zootechnical performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology of growing and finishing pigs

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef Pichler ◽  
Florian Hemetsberger ◽  
Melanie Buchberger ◽  
Christiane Schwarz ◽  
Karl Schedle
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Total Content ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Nutrient Contents ◽  
Intestinal Physiology ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Gluten Feed

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different sources of fibre in the diets of fattening pigs on performance, feeding behaviour and intestinal physiology. A total of 60 barrows and gilts (initial body weight 28.4 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted to four dietary treatments: control (CON), lignocellulose (LC), mycelium (MYC) and corn gluten feed (CGF). Diets were calculated to provide balanced available nutrient contents. Including MYC in the diet resulted in an increased average daily gain (P < 0.05) compared to CON and CGF, and improved gain to feed ratio (P < 0.05) compared to LC. Pigs in CON (P < 0.05) ate the fewest but largest meals, whereas treatment CGF (P < 0.05) showed the opposite effect, resulting in the same daily feeder occupation time. Regarding intestinal physiology, in ileum, no differences were observed between the contents of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactic acid and biogenic amines. In the colon, MYC showed an increased concentration of acetic acid (P < 0.05) as well as the total content of SCFA (P < 0.05), compared to LC and CGF. Distinct fermentation profiles of ammonia were recorded in ileal and colonic digesta, although contents remained below harmful concentrations. Morphometrical measurements showed differences between the fibre sources LC and MYC, as well as LC and the CON in all investigated gut sections. These results provide evidence that the inclusion of specific dietary fibre sources/contents can positively influence the gut morphology and performance of pigs. However, further studies are needed regarding the mode of action and physico-chemical characteristics of the different fibre sources as a precondition for their successful application in pig diets.

Genetic parameters for production and feeding behaviour traits in crossbred steers fed a finishing diet at different ages

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obioha N. Durunna ◽  
Fidalis D. N. Mujibi ◽  
Donald J. Nkrumah ◽  
John A. Basarab ◽  
Erasmus K. Okine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Feeding Duration ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Genetic Evaluations

Durunna, O. N., Mujibi, F. D. N., Nkrumah, D. J., Basarab, J. A., Okine, E. K., Moore, S. S. and Wang, Z. 2013. Genetic parameters for production and feeding behaviour traits in crossbred steers fed a finishing diet at different ages. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 79–87. Because cattle can be raised postweaning under several feeding regimes, this study examined the consistency of phenotypic and genetic parameters of some production and feeding behaviour traits between two feeding periods that beef cattle received a finisher diet. Crossbred steers (n=851) were used for feeding trials from 2002 to 2009 where the steers received a finisher diet either during the fall–winter season (FP1) or during the winter–spring season (FP2). The steers evaluated in FP2 received a backgrounding diet in FP1. Traits examined include dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed ratio (G:F), residual feed intake (RFI), and ultrasound measures of backfat thickness (UBF), rib-eye area (UREA) and marbling (UMB). Others include feeding duration (FD), headdown time (HDT) and feeding frequency (FF). As expected, there was no difference (P=0.90) between the RFI measured in the two periods. The two periods were similar for UBF (P=0.87) and UREA (P=0.25),while DMI, ADG and UMB were greater (P<0.04) in FP2 than in FP1. The FD, HDT and FF were greater (P<0.0001) in FP1 compared with FP2. Heritability estimates were calculated in FP1 and FP2, respectively, for ADG (0.38, 0.28), DMI (0.52, 0.42), RFI (0.16, 0.27), G:F (0.18, 0.33), HDT (0.35, 0.18) and FF (0.26, 0.46). More importantly, genetic correlations between FP1 and FP2 were estimated for DMI (0.61), RFI (0.65) and G:F (0.60). The results may indicate the influence of age or feeding period or both on these traits, which may suggest the need for multi-environment genetic evaluations to identify superior animals.

scholarly journals Effects of Feeding a Mycotoxin Binder on Nutrient Digestibility, Alkaloid Recovery in Feces, and Performance of Lambs Fed Diets Contaminated with Cereal Ergot

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Kim Stanford ◽  
Mary Swift ◽  
Yuxi Wang ◽  
Tim McAllister ◽  
John McKinnon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
And Performance

As contamination with cereal ergot has been increasing in western Canada, this study evaluated impacts of feeding a mycotoxin binder (Biomin® II; BB) on nutrient digestibility, alkaloid recovery in feces, and lamb growth performance. Forty-eight ram lambs (25.9 ± 1.4 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four barley-based diets: Control (C), no added alkaloids, Control + BB fed at 30 g/head per day (CBB); Ergot, 2564 ppb total R + S epimers (E); Ergot + BB, 2534 ppb R + S epimers (EBB). Lambs were fed ab libitum for up to 11 weeks until slaughter at >46 kg live weight. Both average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio were greater (p < 0.01) for lambs fed C and CBB diets as compared with those containing added ergot, although dry matter intake was not affected by dietary ergot or BB. Serum prolactin concentrations were two times higher in EBB- compared with E-fed lambs (p < 0.05), although both were lower than in C or CBB (p < 0.001) lambs. Rectal temperatures were greater in lambs receiving dietary ergot (p ≤ 0.001) than in C- and CBB-fed lambs. In a digestibility study using eight ram lambs, treatment with BB increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (p = 0.01). Nitrogen retention (g) was greater (p < 0.05) for lambs receiving C or CBB compared with ergot-contaminated diets. Feces of EBB lambs had 38.5% greater (p < 0.001) recovery of alkaloids compared with those fed E. Based on sparing of prolactin, BB may reduce impacts of ergot alkaloids by increasing their excretion in feces. Accordingly, concentrations of dietary alkaloids, which would not harm sheep, would be increased by feeding BB.

scholarly journals The relationship between gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids and type 2 diabetes mellitus: the possible role of dietary fibre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Salamone ◽  
Angela Albarosa Rivellese ◽  
Claudia Vetrani
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

AbstractGut microbiota and its metabolites have been shown to influence multiple physiological mechanisms related to human health. Among microbial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are modulators of different metabolic pathways. On the other hand, several studies suggested that diet might influence gut microbiota composition and activity thus modulating the risk of metabolic disease, i.e. obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Among dietary component, dietary fibre may play a pivotal role by virtue of its prebiotic effect on fibre-fermenting bacteria, that may increase SCFA production. The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss current knowledge on the impact of dietary fibre as modulator of the relationship between glucose metabolism and microbiota composition in humans. More specifically, we analysed evidence from observational studies and randomized nutritional intervention investigating the relationship between gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids and glucose metabolism. The possible mechanisms behind this association were also discussed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a novel threonine source for nursery pig diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalton Humphrey ◽  
Spenser Becker ◽  
Jason Lee ◽  
Keith Haydon ◽  
Laura Greiner
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Treatment Phase ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Nursery Pigs

Abstract Four hundred and eighty (PIC 337 X 1050, PIC Genus, Hendersonville, TN) pigs were used to evaluate a novel threonine source (ThrPro, CJ America Bio, Fort Dodge, IA) for nursery pigs from approximately 7 to 20 kg body weight (BW). After weaning, pigs were sorted by sex and fed a common diet for 1 wk. Upon completion of the first week, pigs were sorted into randomized complete blocks, equalized by weight, within 16 replications. Pigs were allocated to one of three dietary treatments: positive control (POS)—standard ileal digestible threonine-to-lysine ratio (SID; Thr:Lys) 0.60, negative control (NEG)—SID Thr:Lys ≤0.46, and alternative Thr source (TEST)—SID Thr:Lys 0.60. The alternative Thr source included fermentative biomass and was assumed to contain 75% Thr and a digestibility coefficient of 100% based on the manufacturer’s specifications. All other nutrients met or exceeded the NRC recommendations. Growth and intake data were analyzed as repeated measures with a compound symmetry covariance structure using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit. Treatment, phase, the interaction between treatment and phase, and block were included as fixed effects in the model. Differences in total removals were tested using Fisher’s Exact Test of PROC FREQ. Results were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and considered a trend at P &gt; 0.05 and P ≤ 0.10. During the first 14 d, pigs fed TEST had decreased gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; 0.77 vs. 0.80, P = 0.022) compared to POS and increased G:F (0.77 vs. 0.73, P &lt; 0.001) compared to NEG. Over days 14–28, pigs fed TEST had similar G:F (0.71 vs. 0.70, P = 0.112) compared to POS and increased G:F (0.71 vs. 0.63, P &lt; 0.001) compared to NEG. Overall (days 0–28), pigs fed TEST had similar average daily gain (ADG; 0.47 vs. 0.47 kg/d, P = 0.982) and G:F (0.76 vs. 0.74, P = 0.395) compared to POS and increased ADG (0.47 vs. 0.43 kg/d, P &lt; 0.001) and G:F (0.76 vs. 0.67, P &lt; 0.001) compared to NEG. The average daily feed intake was not significantly different across treatments for the entirety of the study. In conclusion, the replacement of crystalline L-Thr with a novel Thr source resulted in similar growth performance in nursery pigs from approximately 7 to 20 kg.

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.

scholarly journals Effects of Heat Stress on Gut-Microbial Metabolites, Gastrointestinal Peptides, Glycolipid Metabolism, and Performance of Broilers

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1286
Author(s):  
Guangju Wang ◽  
Xiumei Li ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Jinghai Feng ◽  
Minhong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Resistance Index ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Microbial Metabolites ◽  
Glycolipid Metabolism ◽  
Gastrointestinal Peptides ◽  
And Performance

This paper investigated the effects of heat stress on gut-microbial metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, glycolipid metabolism, and performance of broilers. Thus, 132 male Arbor Acres broilers, 28-days-old, were randomly distributed to undergo two treatments: thermoneutral control (TC, 21 °C) and high temperature (HT, 31 °C). The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) concentration in the jejunum significantly decreased the core temperature, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and ghrelin of the hypothalamus, and cholecystokinin (CCK) in jejunum, and serum significantly increased in the HT group (p < 0.05). Exploration of the structure of cecal microbes was accomplished by sequencing 16S rRNA genes. The sequencing results showed that the proportion of Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae decreased significantly whereas the proportion of Peptococcaceae increased at the family level (p < 0.05). Ruminococcus and Clostridium abundances significantly increased at the genus level. Furthermore, the content of acetate in the HT group significantly increased. Biochemical parameters showed that the blood glucose concentration of the HT group significantly decreased, and the TG (serum triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), insulin concentration, and the insulin resistance index significantly increased. Nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the HT group decreased significantly. In conclusion, the results of this paper suggest that the poor production performance of broilers under heat stress may be related to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) fermented by intestinal microbiota involved in regulating metabolic disorders.

scholarly journals Genome-wide association for heifer reproduction and calf performance traits in beef cattle

Genome ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everestus C. Akanno ◽  
Graham Plastow ◽  
Carolyn Fitzsimmons ◽  
Stephen P. Miller ◽  
Vern Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Snp Markers ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
And Performance

The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers that associate with variation in beef heifer reproduction and performance of their calves. A genome-wide association study was performed by means of the generalized quasi-likelihood score (GQLS) method using heifer genotypes from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and estimated breeding values for pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pregnancy rate (PR), calving difficulty (CD), age at first calving (AFC), calf birth weight (BWT), calf weaning weight (WWT), and calf pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Data consisted of 785 replacement heifers from three Canadian research herds, namely Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Ranch, Kinsella, Alberta, and Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta. After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 5% significance level, a total of 4, 3, 3, 9, 6, 2, and 1 SNPs were significantly associated with PBW, PR, CD, AFC, BWT, WWT, and ADG, respectively. These SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 5–7, 9, 13–16, 19–21, 24, 25, and 27–29. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 24 had SNPs with pleiotropic effects. New significant SNPs that impact functional traits were detected, many of which have not been previously reported. The results of this study support quantitative genetic studies related to the inheritance of these traits, and provides new knowledge regarding beef cattle quantitative trait loci effects. The identification of these SNPs provides a starting point to identify genes affecting heifer reproduction traits and performance of their calves (BWT, WWT, and ADG). They also contribute to a better understanding of the biology underlying these traits and will be potentially useful in marker- and genome-assisted selection and management.

Nutritive value of corn, barley, wheat and oats fed with medium quality hay to fattening steers

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dion ◽  
J. R. Seoane
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Fiber Digestibility ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Medium Quality ◽  
Daily Gain

Thirty-two large-frame crossbred steers (443 ± 5 kg) were used to determine the nutritive value of cracked corn, rolled barley, rolled oats and rolled wheat in finishing diets for beef cattle fed medium-quality grass hay. Diets contained about 54% grains, 40% grass hay and 6% of a supplement of minerals, vitamins and lasalocid. Total daily dry matter (DM) intake ranged from 9.52 to 10.24 kg, average daily gain from 1.09 to 1.17 kg and gain to feed ratio from 0.113 to 0.121, but these values were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Apparent digestibilities of DM and energy of steers receiving the oats diet were lower than those of steers receiving the wheat diet (P < 0.05), the other diets having intermediate values. Apparent digestion coefficient of protein was higher for the oats diet (P < 0.05) than for other diets. Acid detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) and starch digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) in steers receiving corn than in those receiving barley, oats or wheat. The results indicate that nutritive value of all diets was similar. Key words: Grains, fattening steers, digestibility

scholarly journals Effects of coated and noncoated steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β concentrations of finishing Holstein steers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H V Carvalho ◽  
Mariana F Westphalen ◽  
Jonathan A Campbell ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Serum Estradiol ◽  
Trenbolone Acetate ◽  
Coated Implant ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Estradiol 17Β

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of coated or noncoated hormone implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet for 112 d. Seventy-nine Holstein steers [average initial body weight (BW) = 452 ± 5.5 kg] were stratified by BW and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) Holstein steers implanted with a coated implant containing 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 40 mg E2 (Revalor-XS (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ)] on day 0 (XS) or 2) Holstein steers implanted two times (days 0 and 56) with a noncoated implant containing 80 mg of TBA and 16 mg of E2 [(2IS) Revalor-IS (Merck Animal Health)]. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.71) of implant strategy on initial, middle, and final BW. No effect (P ≥ 0.12) of implant strategy was observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake, or gain-to-feed ratio. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of implant strategy on carcass characteristics. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the circulation of serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentration increased similarly 14 d after Holstein steers were implanted, regardless of implant strategy. At 28 d, after steers were implanted, steers in the XS group had less serum E2 concentration than Holstein steers in the 2IS group. However, at 56 d after the first implantation, both groups, once again, had similar serum E2 concentrations and E2 concentrations were less on day 56 than day 28 for both strategies. Holstein steers implanted with 2IS had greater serum E2 concentration on day 70 and E2 concentrations remained greater than serum E2 of Holstein steers implanted XS for the duration of the trial (day 112). In summary, there was no effect of coated or two doses of noncoated implant on growth performance or carcass characteristics of Holstein steers.

PSIV-2 A comparison of feedlot growth and performance of beef x Holstein crossbred steers and Holstein steers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 298-299
Author(s):  
Bailey L Basiel ◽  
Chad D Dechow ◽  
Tara L Felix
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Dried Distillers Grains ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Objectives were to compare feedlot performance and carcass traits of F1 beef × Holstein steers and Holstein steers. Angus or Limousin × Holstein crossbred [n = 27; age = 12 ± 3 months; body weight (BW) = 435 ± 8 kg] and Holstein (n = 20; age = 11 ± 2 months; BW = 400 ± 9 kg) steers were fed at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Livestock Evaluation Center for 111 days. Feed intake was recorded using the GrowSafe Feed Intake Monitoring System (Model 4000E, GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Calgary AB, Canada). The diet contained corn silage, dried distillers grains, soybean meal, and cracked corn and was formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of beef cattle (NASEM, 2016). Growth performance variables of interest and carcass measurements were analyzed with the Mixed procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). USDA assigned quality grades (QG) and yield grades (YG) were analyzed the with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Breed was a fixed effect in all models. There were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) between breeds in average daily gain or feed efficiency. Crossbreds exceeded Holsteins in initial (P &lt; 0.01) and final BW (P = 0.01), dry matter intake (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P &lt; 0.01), backfat (P = 0.03), and ribeye area (REA; P &lt; 0.01). Thirty-five percent (35%) of the Holsteins received a QG of Choice or above while 74% of crossbreds graded USDA Choice or above (P = 0.01). However, 75% of Holsteins were YG 2 or lower while only 45% of crossbreds achieved YG 2 or less (P = 0.05). There was no improvement in efficiency when crossbreds were compared to Holsteins; however, carcasses from crossbreds were more likely to grade USDA Choice or above while yielding greater REA and backfat than Holsteins.

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