Semen Quality of Bulls as Influenced by Breed, Body Condition Score and Ascorbic Acid under Heat Stress

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.

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PSII-24 Performance, carcass and meat quality of castrated and intact Dorper lambs slaughtered at different body condition scores

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.301 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 170-171

Author(s):

Edson Luis de A Ribeiro ◽

Francisco Fernandes Jr ◽

Camila Constantino ◽

Fernando Augusto Grandis ◽

Natália Albieri Koritiaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Final Body Weight ◽

Condition Score ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Daily Gain ◽

Body Condition Scores

Abstract This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of castrated and intact Dorper male lambs slaughtered at three different body condition scores. Thirty-five lambs, approximately 3 months old, 21.6 ± 4.0 kg of body weight and 3.1 ± 0.5 of body condition score (BCS), were used. The BCS scale used varied from 1.0 (very thin) to 5.0 (very fat). Four weeks prior to the experiment, 17 lambs were castrated. Lambs were further divided into three groups, according to the criteria for slaughter: BCS of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. All animals received the same diet. BCS were achieved after 27, 84 and 130 days in feedlot, respectively. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between sexual conditions and slaughter criteria. Average daily gain of weight (ADG) was different (P < 0.05) for the three BCS (average of 0.263). However, final body weight (28.6 ± 1.7; 42.7 ± 1.8 and 56.8 ± 1.7 kg) and back fat thickness (0.5 ± 0.5; 4.2 ± 0.5 and 7.3 ± 0.5 mm) were different (P < 0.05) among BCS criteria, panelists found that meats from lambs slaughtered with greater fat content were less (P < 0.05) desirable. We can conclude by the performance and meat results that it is better to slaughter Dorper lambs with BCS with no more than 4.0, or 4.2 mm of back fat cover, and for the best acceptability of the meat the lambs should be castrated.

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ASSESSMENT OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS EFFECTS ON LIVE WEIGHT, BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) AND EXTERNAL UDDER MEASUREMENTS OF DORPER SHEEP

Jurnal Teknologi ◽

10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v83.15115 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 83 (2) ◽

pp. 135-142

Author(s):

Amirah Wan-Azemin ◽

Asmad Kari ◽

Nadiawati Alias

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Live Weight ◽

Subclinical Mastitis ◽

Clinical Mastitis ◽

Condition Score ◽

Dorper Sheep ◽

Quality Of Milk

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that can be classified as clinical and subclinical mastitis. The clinical mastitis can be diagnosed based on clinical signs, whilst subclinical mastitis mostly through somatic cell count (SCC). This study was carried out to determine the subclinical mastitis effects on live weight, body condition score (BCS) and external udder traits of Dorper sheep. A total 16 Dorper ewes were selected and screened for mastitis using the Californian mastitis test (CMT). The live weight, BCS and external udder traits (i.e. udder length (UL), udder width (UW), rear udder depth (RUD), cistern depth (CD) and teat length (TL) of the ewes were measured. The subclinical mastitis did not affect the live weight and BCS of Dorper ewes. Whilst for external udder measurements; the highest average of udder length, udder width, rear udder depth and cistern depth were indicated in CMT score as strong positive which shows that the measurement values of external ewes’ udder are increased when the strength detection of CMT scores increased and vice versa. However, all of the external udder parameters measured were not statistically (P>0.05) affected by the mastitis infection scores. The present results indicate that live weight, BCS and all external udder parameters did not influence the subclinical mastitis detected in the milk’s samples of the ewes. This study suggests that subclinical mastitis does not directly affected by morphology alteration of external udder traits, live weight or BCS, however it is likely affect the quality of milk produced.

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Ultrasound Imaging to Estimate Carcass Quality of Pasundan Cattle based on Body Condition Score

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak dan Veteriner ◽

10.14334/jitv.v26i1.2584 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Syifa Khairunnisa ◽

Savitri Novelina ◽

Nena Hilmia ◽

Didik N Hadi ◽

Dedi Rahmat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ultrasound Imaging ◽

Body Condition ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Intramuscular Fat ◽

Carcass Quality ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Condition Score

This research aimed to estimate carcass quality of Pasundan cattle using ultrasound imaging based on Body Condition Score (BCS). Total 31 head of female cattle with age ranging from 4 to 7 years from Regional Technical Implementation Unit of the Center for Artificial Insemination and Artificial Insemination for Beef Cattle Development at Ciamis West Java, Indonesia with BCS ranging from 1.0-4.0. The marbling score, intramuscular fat (IMF), backfat thickness (LP), and thickness musculus of m. longissimus dorsi (LD), m. psoas major (PM), m. psoas minor (PMN), m. gluteus medius (GM) and m. biceps femoris (BF) were scanned using ultrasound on 3 different locations, i.e. on 12th-13th ribs (thorax), lumbar 4th - 5th (lumbar), and between tuber coxae and tuber ischii (gluteal) with 5 MHz frequency of convex transducer. The results showed that BCS increased when LP, marbling score and IMF from m. LD, m. PM, m. PMN, and m. GM was rising. Pasundan cattle showed marbling scores ranging from score 1 to 5 and percentage IMF ranging from 2.62% to 4.82%. Body Condition Score affected carcass quality of Pasundan cattle on parameters such as musculus thickness, marbling score, and intramuscular fat (IMF) from ultrasound imaging of m. LD, m. PM. m. PMN, m. GM, and m. BF.

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Factors affecting postpartum ovarian activity of goats in tropical semi-arid region

Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias UNCuyo ◽

10.48162/rev.39.032 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 330-345

Author(s):

Thiago Nascimento ◽

Edilson Soares Lopes Junior ◽

Mayara De Souza Miranda ◽

Thais Thatiane dos Santos Souza ◽

Ana Arlete de Amorim Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Energy Balance ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Ovarian Activity ◽

Condition Score ◽

Semi Arid

There have been few studies on the use of diets and strategies to reduce the length of postpartum anoestrus in dairy goats, especially in tropical semi-arid regions. This review discusses the factors influencing the return of postpartum ovarian activity in goats. During the postpartum period, goats are in puerperal anoestrus and their reproductive tract is being prepared for a new conception. Anoestrus is necessary for tissue renewal in the uterus (uterine involution) associated with the return of cyclic ovarian activity, and is influenced by factors such as suckling of the offspring, social interactions, body condition score (BCS) before and after birth, intensity of negative energy balance (NEB) and stress from adverse climatic conditions. The anoestrus period can be extended by delays in the resumption of reproductive activity of females in puerperium. The duration of puerperal anoestrus in goats directly affects the productivity of the herd and is mainly influenced by nutrition, lactation period and heat stress. To minimize the negative effects of postpartum anoestrus on productivity, we recommend a mating season and a plan for the kidding period, as well as a program to monitor the body condition score during pregnancy so that the animals will have a better BCS at parturition. To minimize the effects of a negative energy balance, we suggest nutritional supplementation with levels of energy above the requirements for maintenance. Highlights The duration of postpartum anoestrus in goats is influenced by nutrition and body condition score. Heat stress can intensify the negative energy balance, consequently increased the period of anoestrus. Puerperal anoestrus occurs as a result of tissue renewal in the uterus. Suckling of the offspring associated with the period of lactation and social interactions can modified the puerperal anoestrus period. Use of diets and strategies to reduce the postpartum anoestrus in goats.

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Effect of a Yeast Based Feed Additive (ADDONTM - Rumen Support) to Counteract Heat Stress Related Productivity Loss in Dairy Cattle

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.b-4319 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

C. Valli ◽

P. Anuradha

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Dairy Cattle ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Condition Score ◽

Lactating Dairy Cattle ◽

In Vitro Rumen Fermentation ◽

Peak Summer

Background: Feed additives are being used to counteract production losses in lactating cattle arising due to heat stress. In this context a study was conducted to study the impact of supplementing ADDONTM - Rumen support on in vitro rumen fermentation, production and health of lactating cattle during summer. Methods: To a total mixed ration (TMR), ADDONTM Rumen support was supplemented at three levels viz., No ADDONTM -RS, ADDONTM -RS at 0.07g/100g TMR and ADDONTM -RS at 0.15 g/100g TMR and subjected to in vitro rumen fermentation studies using the Rumen Simulation Technique. Eighteen lactating dairy cattle at early lactation, were randomly divided into three treatment groups: T1 - No ADDONTM -RS, T2 - ADDONTM -RS at 7 g/animal/day and T3 - ADDONTM -RS at 15 g/animal/day and their body condition score, body weight, milk yield, fat and SNF content were studied during peak summer. Conclusion: Supplementation of ADDONTM -RS @ 0.15g/100g of TMR helped in regulating in vitro ruminal pH, significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced total gas and carbon dioxide production at 12 hours of incubation and methane production at 12 and 36 hours of incubation. ADDONTM -RS supplementation at both levels (0.07g/100g TMR and 0.15g/100g TMR) resulted in significant (p less than 0.05) increase in in vitro microbial biomass production at 12 hours of incubation. In spite of peak summer, ADDONTM -RS supplementation in lactating dairy cattle prevented changes in body condition score, weight loss and resulted in significantly (p less than 0.05) higher milk yield without compromising on milk fat and SNF content and decreased somatic cell count in milk and improved manure quality.

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Serum metabolites and body condition score associated with metritis, endometritis, ketosis, and mastitis in Holstein cows

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s1678-3921.pab2020.v55.01308 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 ◽

Author(s):

Edir Torres ◽

Miguel Mellado ◽

Carlos Leyva ◽

José Eduardo García ◽

Francisco Gerardo Véliz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Serum Glucose ◽

The Body ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Serum Metabolites ◽

Glucose Levels ◽

Condition Score

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify the serum metabolites and the body condition score (BCS) of Holstein cows associated with the occurrence of periparturient diseases, when under heat stress. Blood samples were collected from 181 cows one week after calving, and the BCS was recorded at calving. Cows with β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration ≥ 0.8 mmol L-1 were 2.2 times more likely to develop metritis and 4.4 times more likely to develop clinical endometritis (CE). Cows with serum creatinine levels ≥ 2.0 mg dL-1 showed 2.2 and 4.5 greater risk (p ≤ 0.05) of suffering from metritis and CE, respectively, during the current lactation. The odds of metritis and CE occurrence were 2.7 and 4.6 times greater (p < 0.01) in cows with serum total protein (TP) ≥ 5.0 mg dL-1. Cows with serum glucose levels ≤ 70 mg dL-1 and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) ≥ 0.5 had 9.4 and 8.8 times greater odds of developing clinical ketosis, respectively, than cows with lower glucose and NEFA blood levels. The strategic use of metabolic tests to monitor transition Holstein cows, aiming to prevent some postpartum diseases due to heat stress, should focus on blood BHBA, NEFAs, glucose, creatinine, and TP. Additionally, the BCS ≤ 3.2 should be avoided to prevent endometritis.

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