scholarly journals Predicting the growth and feed intake of Bonsmara cattle on forage based rearing systems

Author(s):  
Tertius Swanepoel Brand ◽  
I. Terblanche ◽  
Daniel Andre Van der Merwe ◽  
J.W. Jordaan ◽  
Olga Dreyer

Abstract This study aimed at estimating models to predict the growth and feed intake of Bonsmara bulls and heifers in backgrounding or pasture-based production systems (Ethical clearance number A16-SCI-AGR-001). Growth and intake data were collected from the Kromme Rhee Bonsmara stud in the Stellenbosch region. The growth curves of steers and heifers were modelled using the Gompertz function. Parameter estimates of the function showed that the mature weight (A) parameter was greater (P <0.05) for bulls than heifers (ca. 878.4 vs 562.1 kg, respectively). The maturation rates (parameter B) did not differ between the sexes, while the days at maximum growth (parameter C) was higher for bulls (291.5 days) than for heifers (182.4 days). Linear functions were used to describe the average feed intakes, as well as cumulative intakes, with body weights from growing bulls and heifers from the ages 6-20 months reared on lucerne hay and protein supplement. On average, it was observed that on the lucerne hay-based diet, Bonsmara bulls and heifers consumed about 2.43% of body weight daily throughout the study period. These models can be used in precision beef rearing systems to predict the production and market weights of Bonsmara calves that are either reared on hay or pasture.

1995 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Cilliers ◽  
J. J. du Preez ◽  
J. S. Maritz ◽  
J. P. Hayes

AbstractGrowth results of 43 ostrich males and females were used to compile growth parameters of a flock that is representative of Oudtshoorn birds, using the Gompertz model. Growth results comprised 19 recordings of body weight for each individual commencing from 1-day-old to day 520. Individual fits of data to the growth model were exceptionally good, resulting in low CV values of 0·02 and 0·03 for the mean values of all estimates of mature live weight for male and females respectively. The estimated mean mature body weights for the flock were 119·2 kg for males and 122·3 kg for females. Rates of maturing were 9100 and 8500 for males and females respectively which corresponded to ages of 180·83 and 199·2 days at which maximum gain in weight were achieved. None of these parameter estimates differed significantly between sexes. Results in the present study suggested substantial adjustments to growth parameters for Oudtshoorn ostriches published by du Preez, Jarvis, Capatos and de Kock, 1992.


1990 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 826-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.K. Moore ◽  
B.W. Kennedy ◽  
L.R. Schaeffer ◽  
J.E. Moxley

1993 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 332-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Blasco ◽  
E. Gómez

Two synthetic lines of rabbits were used in the experiment. Line V, selected on litter size, and line R, selected on growth rate. Ninety-six animals were randomly collected from 48 litters, taking a male and a female each time. Richards and Gompertz growth curves were fitted. Sexual dimorphism appeared in the line V but not in the R. Values for b and k were similar in all curves. Maximum growth rate took place in weeks 7 to 8. A break due to weaning could be observed in weeks 4 to 5. Although there is a remarkable similarity of the values of all the parameters using data from the first 20 weeks only, the higher standard errors on adult weight would make 30 weeks the preferable time to take data for live-weight growth curves.


2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (11) ◽  
pp. 3452-3459 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. Rolfe ◽  
W. M. Snelling ◽  
M. K. Nielsen ◽  
H. C. Freetly ◽  
C. L. Ferrell ◽  
...  

1968 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 1023-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. H. McEwan

The growth curves of minimum body weights of fast-growing caribou reared in captivity and slow-growing wild caribou are compared. Captive animals exhibit a cyclical pattern of growth characteristic of other cervid species. The differences in the declining growth constants of wild caribou compared to captive caribou are attributed to environmental factors and activity, resulting in higher maintenance costs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 448-449
Author(s):  
Emily Conlin ◽  
Herbert Lardner ◽  
Jennifer L Ellis ◽  
Ira B Mandell ◽  
Katharine M Wood

Abstract Worldwide, beef production systems represent a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG), and enteric methane (CH4) emissions are the primary concern. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether biochar (Oregon Biochar Solution, White City, OR) supplementation can reduce CH4 emissions from grazing beef cows. Biochar is a stable form of carbon produced through the pyrolysis of organic matter (typically forestry waste). Sixty-four cows and their calves were blocked by cow body weight and calf age, and randomly allocated to 8 paddocks, each with 8 cow-calf pairs. Using a crossover design, each paddock was assigned to one of two treatments: (1) biochar supplemented at approximately 3% of estimated dry matter intake (DMI) or (2) control (no biochar). Biochar was incorporated into a pellet containing 45% biochar, 42.5% wheat midds, 10% canola oil, and 2.5% dry molasses and fed in a portable trough once daily. Each period consisted of 28 days: 21 days for biochar adaptation and 7 days for data collection. Enteric gas emissions from each paddock were measured using C-Lock GreenFeed trailers (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) with pasture DMI estimated using paddock entry/exit quadrats during each sampling week. Enteric CH4 emissions expressed as g CH4/d were 249 and 260 ± 50.3 g (P ≥ 0.37) for control and biochar, respectively. Similarly, g CH4/kg DM and g CH4/kg BW were not affected (P ≥ 0.44) by biochar supplementation on pasture. Biochar supplementation did not affect estimated DMI or cow/calf body weights (P ≥ 0.15). Results suggest that biochar was ineffective for reducing methane emissions from grazing beef cows; however, measures of animal performance were not affected by biochar consumption. Further work is required to determine if type or higher inclusions of biochar can reduce CH4 emissions from beef cattle.


1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
A.D. Hall ◽  
W.G. Hill ◽  
P.R. Bampton ◽  
A.J. Webb

Until recently, to enable accurate recording of feed intake, pigs were kept in individual pens. The advent of electronic feeders has allowed accurate records of feed intake and feeding patterns in group housing which is more similar to that found in the production environment. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for these feeding pattern traits and their correlations with production traits to show potential benefits in selection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-102
Author(s):  
A. B. AYANWALE ◽  
J. O. AJETOMOBI

This paper exainîned the role of household composition in egg cunsumption in Obafemi Awolowo University Community. An Ordinary Least Square regression model was used to obtain at-home demand function parameter estimates for egg. Positive and signiflcant relationship was found between quantity of eggs consumed and both household size and the age of children. A 1% increase in each of the variables would cause a 4.68% and 5.71 % increase in egg consumption respectively. The need for education of the household on the importance of egg consumption and keeping an optimum family size was suggested based on the findings of the study.


Author(s):  
Stephan S W Ende ◽  
Ekaterina Larceva ◽  
Mirko Bögner ◽  
Vincent Lugert ◽  
Matthew James Slater ◽  
...  

Abstract There is a tendency to farm fish in low turbidity water when production takes place in the land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the effect of water turbidity on stress and performance is unknown for many species cultured in RAS. The effect of different turbidity treatments as Formazine Attenuation Units (0 FAU, 15 FAU, and 38 FAU) on feed intake performance (latency, total feeding time, and total feed intake) and physiological blood stress parameters (cortisol, lactate, and glucose) in medium-sized pikeperch ((Sander lucioperca) n = 27, undetermined sex and age) of initial body weights of 508.13g ± 83 g (at FAU 0, 15 and 38, respectively) was investigated. The rearing system consisted of 9 rectangular tanks (200 L per tank). Fish were housed individually (n = 1, per tank, n replicates per treatment = 9). All tanks were connected to a recirculation system equipped with a moving bed biofilter. Feed intake in pikeperch kept at low turbidity (0 FAU) was 25% lower than pikeperch kept at high turbidity (38 FAU) (P&lt;0.01) and also significantly (10.5%) lower compared to feed intake in pikeperch kept at intermediate turbidity (15 FAU) (P&lt;0.01 for 0 FAU vs 15 FAU, feed intake sign. Value as the main effect is P&lt;0.01). Pikeperch kept at low turbidity showed significantly slower feeding response (latency time) towards pellets entering the tank, shorter feeding times (both P&lt; 0.05), and higher glucose blood concentration (73%) in contrast to pikeperch kept at highest turbidity. A reduction of 25% feed intake has obvious economic consequences for any fish farm and present data strongly emphasize the importance of considering the species-specific biology in future RAS farming.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lifeng Dong ◽  
Binchang Li ◽  
Qiyu Diao

Enteric methane (CH4) emissions from young ruminants contribute to a substantial proportion of atmospheric CH4 accumulation. Development of emission inventory and mitigation approaches needs accurate estimation of individual emission from animals under various physiological conditions and production systems. This research investigated the effect of different dietary concentrate contents on feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility and CH4 emissions of heifers at various stages, and also developed linear or non-linear prediction equations using data measured by sulphur hexafluoride tracer technique. Increasing dietary concentrate contents increased feed intake and growth rate, enhanced nutrient digestibility, and reduced enteric CH4 emissions. Heifers at the age of 9, 12, and 15 months with an average weight of 267.7, 342.1, and 418.6 kg produced 105.2, 137.4, and 209.4 g/day of CH4, and have an average value of CH4 energy per gross energy intake (Ym) 0.054, 0.064, 0.0667, respectively. Equations relating CH4 emission values with animal and feed characteristics were developed with high determination coefficients for heifers at different growth stages. Dietary concentrate contents had significant influence on overall performance of heifers. These data can be used to develop regional or national emission inventories and mitigation approaches for heifers under various production regimes in China.


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