A study of operator effects on ultrasonic measures of fat depth and longissimus muscle area in cattle, sheep and pigs.

Abstract The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance and the carcass traits of Nelore cattle progenies from bulls selected by contrasting traits for precocity, growth and muscularity, through the Expected Progeny Difference (EPD). One hundred and five Nelore bulls (initial weight of 350kg±15kg) and 20 months of age were confined and fed with same diet (73% of concentrate). Thirty-two animals were selected to create the contrasting groups for precocity, growth and muscularity (16 animals assigned as a low EPD group - LEPD and 16 animals assigned as a high EPD group - HEPD), based on the EPD of their parents. The ribeye area and backfat thickness were performed by ultrasonography of 12–13th rib fat thickness and longissimus muscle area (LMA), as well as rump fat thickness (RF) measurements. Animals were harvested after 100 days and during the deboning, meat cuts were weight for cutting yield. The animals selected for the HEPD group had greater average daily gain (P = 0.006), which can be explained by the higher feed intake (P = 0.006). However, there are no difference between groups for the final body weight (P = 0.254) and feed efficiency (P = 0.715). The LEPD group presented higher dressing percentage (P = 0.028). Although the groups evaluated did not presented difference in LMA (P = 0.329) and weight of longissimus muscle (P = 0.480), the weight of rump displayed heaviest in the HEPD (P = 0.037). There was no difference between groups for RF (P = 0.086). Nevertheless, backfat thickness was higher in HEPD group (P = 0.006). The present study indicates that Nelore cattle progenies, with parents displaying higher potential for precocity, growth, and muscularity, show greater backfat thickness and weightiest of rump than the other genetic backgrounds. Thanks to FAPESP for the scholarship (Grant # 2017/02349–1).

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Selection for higher body weight in Nelore cattle is effective in achieving an increase of longissimus muscle area without reducing subcutaneous fat thickness

Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/s1516-35982012000600016 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 41 (6) ◽

pp. 1426-1432 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tiago Roque Pinheiro ◽

Maria Eugênia Zerlotti Mercadante ◽

Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque ◽

Sarah Figueiredo Martins Bonilha ◽

Fábio Morato Monteiro

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Selection For ◽

Nelore Cattle

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Changes of Longissimus Muscle Area and Rump Fat Thickness in Hungarian Simmental Fattening Bulls Measured Using Real-Time Ultrasound Equipment

Acta Agraria Debreceniensis ◽

10.34101/actaagrar/18/3238 ◽

2005 ◽

pp. 11-15

Author(s):

János Tőzsér ◽

Gabriella Holló ◽

István Holló ◽

János Seregi ◽

Andrea Szentléleki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Cattle Breed ◽

Live Weight ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Lower Body Weight ◽

Pricing System ◽

Ultrasonic Measurements ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Simmental Cattle

The aim of the authors was to evaluate changes in the longissimus muscle area (LMA) and rump fat thickness (P8) based on real-time ultrasound scanning in the Hungarian Simmental cattle breed. Ultrasonic measurements were carried out on the same 11 Hungarian Simmental fattening bulls by Falco 100 (Pie Medical) equipment (I.: age: 357±23.47 days, live weight: 475.55±51.40 kg; II.: age: 418±23.47 days, live weight: 555.10±54.11 kg) on two occasions. Animals were kept in small groups, on deep litter, and fed on silage and concentrate. LMA and P8 were measured on the scans, between the 12th and 13th ribs by manual outlining. Results for the investigated traits during the examinations were as follows: P8: I.: 0.373±0.154 cm, II.: 0.624±0.161 cm; LMA: I.: 65.72±5.89 cm2, II.: 71.74±8.94 cm2. During the fattening period, P8 increased significantly (I-II.: t=3.73, P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was calculated between results of measurements I. and II. in the case of LMA (r=0.71, P<0.05). Results imply the possibility of selling bulls with smaller LMA earlier, at lower body weight. Application of ultrasonic measurements in fattening technology could generate a more quality-related pricing system.

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Days on feed and sex effects on live weight and carcass traits measured by ultrasound

Scientia Agricola ◽

10.1590/s0103-90162005000500002 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 62 (5) ◽

pp. 423-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Saulo da Luz e Silva ◽

Evaldo Antonio Lencioni Titto ◽

Paulo Roberto Leme ◽

Luciane Silva Martello ◽

Angélica Simone Cravo Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Live Weight ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Stress Effects ◽

Nellore Cattle ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Composition Changes

There is a paucity of information in the literature on body composition changes in Nellore cattle and its crosses, mainly on heifers and intact males. Ultrasound is a useful, low cost tool to easily obtain this information, with minimal animal stress. Effects of sex and days on feed on live weight (LW) and ultrasound Longissimus muscle area (ULMA) and subcutaneous fat thickness (UFAT) measurements were evaluated in F1 Piedmont <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> Nelore, 27 heifers (HF) and 27 intact males (IM). HF and IM had an initial LW of 256 ± 5.6 and 265 ± 5.6 kg, respectively, and were fed a diet containing 77% TDN for 131 days. LW, ULMA, and UFAT were evaluated at 28-d intervals. Interactions between sex and days on feed were found for all traits studied. LW increased linearly with days on feed, and IM had greater LW than HF throughout the trial. Mean initial ULMA was 55.8 and 55.5 cm² for HF and IM, respectively, and increased linearly until the end of the experiment (78.7 and 82.8 cm², respectively). IM showed higher ULMA than HF only in the last measurement. Initial UFAT averaged 0.04 and 0.4 mm for IM and HF, respectively, and increased linearly during the feeding period (2.4 and 4.3 mm, respectively). UFAT was higher n HF than in IM during the entire experimental period. IM showed faster growth rates and protein accretion than HF in the Longissimus muscle. HF showed faster subcutaneous fat accretion.

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Different combinations of sodium monensin and virginiamycin during feedlot finishing of Nellore cattle

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an18657 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (8) ◽

pp. 1061

Author(s):

A. L. N. Rigueiro ◽

M. C. S. Pereira ◽

M. M. Squizatti ◽

M. M. Ferreira ◽

S. C. Dondé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Average Daily Gain ◽

Feed Additives ◽

Proliferation Index ◽

Adaptation Period ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Feeding Period ◽

Feedlot Performance ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Nellore Cattle ◽

Daily Gain

Context The use of two feed additives, to maximise rumen fermentation, in finishing diets offered to feedlot cattle may positively impact performance. Aims This study, conducted at the São Paulo State University feedlot, Botucatu campus, Brazil, was designed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of monensin (MON; 30 mg/kg of dry matter; (DM)) and virginiamycin (VM; 25 mg/kg of DM) in high-concentrate diets during the adaptation and finishing periods on feedlot performance, carcass traits, feeding behaviour, blood gas profile, rumen morphometrics and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients of Nellore cattle. Methods The experiment was designed as a completely randomised block, replicated six times (3 bulls/pen), in which 72 20 months of age yearling Nellore bulls (388.0 ± 31.1 kg) were fed in 24 pens for 90 days according to the treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period (T1), (2) MON + VM during adaptation and only VM during the finishing period (T2), (3) MON + VM during the entire feeding period (T3), and (4) VM during the adaptation and MON + VM during the finishing period (T4). The adaptation program consisted of ad libitum feeding of three diets over the adaptation period of 19 days with concentrate level increasing from 69% to 84% of diet DM. Key results Overall, bulls fed on T2 had a greater DM intake (P < 0.01), final bodyweight (P = 0.04), average daily gain (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), final Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.05), Longissimus muscle area daily gain (P = 0.01), improved carcass G:F (P < 0.01) and increased dressing percentage (P < 0.01). Similarly, bulls fed on T2 were faster to consume 1 kg of either DM (P < 0.01) or neutral detergent fibre (P < 0.01) after 60 days on feed. Furthermore, bulls fed on T2 presented a greater (P = 0.05) cell proliferation index in the rumen papillae. Conclusions According to the results, Nellore yearling bulls should be fed high-concentrate diets containing MON and VM during adaptation, and only VM during the finishing period to improve overall feedlot performance. Implications The use of both MON and VM proved to be helpful only during the adaptation period.

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008 Hot Carcass Weight and Longissimus Muscle Area in F2 and F3 Nellore-Angus Steers

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.2527/ssasas2015-008 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 94 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. 4-4

Author(s):

J. S. Delgadillo ◽

D. G. Riley ◽

C. A. Gill ◽

J. O. Sanders ◽

J. E. Sawyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carcass Weight ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area

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Lamb fat thickness and longissimus muscle area measured by a computerized ultrasonic system

Small Ruminant Research ◽

10.1016/s0921-4488(97)00007-2 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 277-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

C. Fernández ◽

L. Gallego ◽

A. Quintanilla

Keyword(s):

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Fat Thickness

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Effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast in hairy lambs fed a corn-based diet: effects on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an12192 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 308 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

A. Estrada-Angulo ◽

Y. S. Valdés ◽

O. Carrillo-Muro ◽

B. I. Castro-Perez ◽

A. Barreras ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Visceral Organ ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Organ Mass ◽

Different Levels ◽

Live Yeast

Forty Pelibuey × Kathdin lambs (35.5 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 56-day feeding experiment to assess the effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast (Cr-YC) on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass. The Cr-YC source contained 5.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) and 0.40 mg of Cr per gram. Treatments consisted of a dry rolled corn-based finishing diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day. Total daily dosages were: 5.5 × 109 CFU and 0.4 mg; 1.1 × 1010 CFU and 0.8 mg Cr, and 1.65 × 1010 CFU and 1.2 mg Cr for supplementation levels of 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day, respectively. There were no treatments effects on dry matter intake. As the level of Cr-YC supplementation increased, average daily gain, gain to feed and dietary net energy were linearly increased, and observed/expected dry matter intake was linearly decreased. Chromium-enriched live yeast supplementation increased empty bodyweight (EBW), gastrointestinal fill and full viscera weight, but did not influence organ weights as a proportion of EBW (g/kg EBW). Cr-YC level did not affect carcass length, backfat thickness, kidney, pelvic and heart fat or body wall thickness, but increased hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. In general, treatment effects on percentage yield of wholesale cuts (tissue weight as a percentage of cold carcass weight) were small. However, Cr-YC decreased percentage flank. Chromium-enriched yeast supplementation enhances growth rate, longissimus muscle area, and dietary energetic efficiency in finishing feedlot lambs.

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Relationships among carcass quality characteristics between and within carcass quartering sites

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/a96148 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 285 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

S. Baud ◽

C. M. Wade ◽

M. E. Goddard

Keyword(s):

Water Content ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Intramuscular Fat ◽

Quality Characteristics ◽

Carcass Quality ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Intermuscular Fat ◽

Fat Thickness

Carcass quality characteristics were measured on 511 steers of 4 breeds that were destined for the Japanese market. All steers had carcass measurements taken at the 10th/11th rib interface, while 103 steers had additional measurements made on the same characteristics at the 5th/6th rib interface. Australian marbling score, longissimus muscle area, intramuscular fat percentage, intramuscular water content, Japanese intermuscular fat thickness, Japanese subcutaneous fat thickness, Japanese rib thickness, and meat pH were measured in the study. These measurements allowed the phenotypic relationships between the different carcass quality traits measured at the 10th/11th rib interface to be calculated. Significant positive correlations were observed among measurements of carcass fatness, and significant negative correlations were observed between carcass fatness and carcass water content. Angus and Murray Grey cattle had higher levels of marbling and intramuscular fat than Hereford and Poll Hereford cattle The data enabled Australian, USDA, and Japanese marbling standards to be compared on the basis of intramuscular fat percentage determined by an ether extraction process. Differences between the same carcass characteristics taken at 5th/6th and 10/11th rib interfaces of the longissimus dorsi were estimated from the 103 steers measured at both sites. Correlations between the rib sites were high for marbling, intramuscular fat, and intramuscular water, but low for longissimus muscle area, intermuscular fat thickness, and pH.

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Genetic correlations among indicator traits for carcass composition measured in yearling beef bulls and finished feedlot steers

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/a05-013 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 85 (4) ◽

pp. 463-473 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

R. Bergen ◽

S. P. Miller ◽

J. W. Wilton

Keyword(s):

Genetic Correlation ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Genetic Correlations ◽

Carcass Composition ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Muscle Size ◽

Longissimus Muscle ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Feedlot Steers ◽

Beef Bulls

Genetic correlations were examined among 10 live growth and ultrasound traits measured in yearling beef bulls (n = 2172) and four carcass traits measured in crossbred finished feedlot steers (n = 1031). Heritabilities ranged from 0.13 (bull ultrasound longissimus muscle width) to 0.83 (yearling bull hip height). Genetic correlations indicated that selecting yearling bulls for increased growth rate and hip height would lead to higher carcass weight, increased longissimus muscle area and reduced levels of carcass marbling in steers. Bull ultrasound fat depth was positively associated with both carcass fat depth and marbling score. Most ultrasound longissimus muscle size measurements in bulls were positively associated with each other and with carcass longissimus muscle area in steers, but the magnitude of the genetic correlation with carcass measurements depended on the bull longissimus muscle size trait in question. This suggests that longissimus muscle shape in bulls may be related to carcass weight, fat and muscle traits in steers. Results confirm that while ultrasound is a valuable tool for the genetic improvement of carcass traits in beef cattle, genetic correlations between live bull ultrasound and steer carcass traits less then unity suggest that selection would benefit from multiple trait evaluations in situations where reliable carcass data are available. Key words: Ultrasound, beef carcass, heritability, genetic correlation

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