scholarly journals Andrological characteristics of tropical milking criollo bulls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ponciano Pérez-Hernández ◽  
Andea G. Estrella-García ◽  
Rodolfo Canseco-Sedano ◽  
Silvia Lopez-Ortiz ◽  
Concepción Ahuja-Del Carmen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Livestock Breeding ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Standard Values ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Artificial Vagina

Objective: To assess the testicular and semen characteristics in Criollo LecheroTropical (CLT) bulls in the subhumid Mexican tropics.Design/methodology/approach: Eight bulls were included in the study and distributedin two groups: G1 (n=5): young bulls and G2 (n=3): adult bulls. All bulls were managedunder grazing and were evaluated throughout one year. From each bull the followingmeasurements were taken once a month: live weight, body condition score, scrotalcircumference, and testicular width, length and volume. Semen was obtained every 3months via artificial vagina. Semen variables evaluated in each collection were: aspect,volume, mass and individual motility, and sperm concentration and morphology. Results: Live weight and testicular measurements increased linearly during the study inbulls from both groups. All bulls had scrotal circumference larger than the minimumthreshold value for cattle and semen of high quality.Study limitations/implications: The low availability of CLT bulls prevented theinclusion of a larger number of animals in the study. This low availability of animalsmakes it necessary to establish standard values for testicular measurements and semencharacteristics in the CLT breed in order to select the best individuals as sires andcontribute to its conservation.Findings/conclusions: The CLT bulls had good scrotal circumference and semenquality since a young age and into adulthood. These traits make the CLT bulls animportant alternative for livestock breeding in the tropics.

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 Do Live Weight, Body Condition Score, Back Muscle or Back-Fat Reserves Create the Suspicion of Goats Infected with Eimeria or Trichostrongylids?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3591
Author(s):  
Martin Ptáček ◽  
Iveta Angela Kyriánová ◽  
Jana Nápravníková ◽  
Jaromír Ducháček ◽  
Tomáš Husák ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
One Year

Thirty goats of the breeds Czech Brown Shorthaired and Czech White Shorthaired and their crosses were randomly selected from a flock at a farm in the Czech Republic. All animals were monitored for one year at monthly intervals for their nutritional status (live weight, LW; body-condition score, BCS; depth of musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum, MLTL; back-fat thickness, BT) and infection intensity with Eimeria sp. (EIM) and strongylid nematodes (STR). Regression–correlation analysis showed a possible interrelation of BCS with EIM infection. Analysis of muscle and fat reserves indicated that BT was better than MLTL in identifying EIM infection. Goat nutritional status was not significantly correlated with STR infection. A linear tendency (p = 0.092), however, was detected for the response of MLTL to STR infection. Results of this study indicated theoretical use of BCS for Eimeria identification and suggested some perspective of BCS for targeting animals infected by strongylid nematode. Validity of our results, however, was limited by number of observed animals managed under specific breeding conditions.

scholarly journals Effects of testosterone administration and feeding level on reproductive activity in sexually inactive goat bucks

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 991
Author(s):  
A. DE SANTIAGO ◽  
J. F. ALVARADO ◽  
A. G. LÓPEZ ◽  
G. TRUJILLO ◽  
M. M. ÁLVAREZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Testosterone Administration ◽  
Maintenance Requirements

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the administration of testosterone to a well-fed or underfed sexually inactive goat bucks on their sexual behavior and semen characteristics. Twenty sexually experienced mixed-breed goat bucks (1.5 years of age) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments for a period of 71 days. Treatments consisted of diets with amount of nutrients to meet 1.0 times the nutrient maintenance requirements with the application of 25 mg testosterone every third day during 21 d (treatment 1T) or saline (treatment 1C). A third and fourth treatments received a diet 1/2 times the nutrient maintenance requirements with testosterone (1/2T) or saline (1/2C). Bucks on 1T and 1C had higher body weight, body condition score and scrotal circumference compared to 1/2T and 1/2C (P<0.05). Also, bucks on 1T and 1/2T had higher sexual odor compared to 1C and 1/2C (P<0.05). Mean serum testosterone concentrations were highest in 1T (4.78 ± 6.78 ng/ml) and lowest in 1/2C (0.56 ± 0.96 ng/ml; P<0.01). Semen volume, sperm concentration, and mass motility were not affected by treatments, but sperm progressive motility was lower (P<0.05) in 1/2C (46%) than the other treatments (52 to 57%). Courtship traits and mounts were more frequent (P<0.05) in 1T compared with the other treatments. Likewise, bucks in the 1T group had the shortest latency to first mount (82 seconds) compared to other treatments (110 to 164 seconds). These results indicate that testosterone administration to well-fed sexually inactive bucks provokes clearly defined sexual activity during the non-breeding season. However, these benefits are overridden by underfeeding goat bucks.

scholarly journals 178 Use of silvopastures and woodlands to expand the grazing opportunity for small ruminants

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 67-68
Author(s):  
Uma Karki
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Vegetation Biomass ◽  
Meat Goats ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Pasture-based small-ruminant farming is a popular enterprise in the Southeast, especially for small and limited-resource producers. Although woodlands occupy a majority of the land cover in the South and can be a promising resource for raising small ruminants, not much attention has been given on using such resources. A series of studies were conducted at the facilities of Tuskegee University with the overall objective of exploring the potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for raising small ruminants. Grazing studies were conducted from 2015 to 2019 using meat goats and hair sheep in silvopastures and woodland plots. Silvopastures were developed by thinning down the existing woodlands and planting suitable cool- and warm-season forages. Grazing facilities were installed in the study plots and animals were rotationally stocked each year during both cool- and warm-season grazing periods. In 2017, non-pine plants in woodlands were cut to three different heights (ground level and 0.9 m and 1.5 m from the ground level) or left uncut (control) to see the effects on understory vegetation biomass production and utilization by small ruminants. Data on vegetation biomass and quality, canopy height, animal performance and behavior, browsing height, and vegetation preference were collected and analyzed. Small ruminants were found to utilize all planted forages (silvopastures) well and most of the understory plants in woodlands. Vegetation biomass in woodlands increased in areas where non-pine plants were cut versus the control (36–106%; P &lt; 0.0001). Mature animals maintained a desirable body condition score (≥2.6) and FAMACHA score (≤2.6) in woodlands. However, young, growing animals showed a poor live weight gain, especially during some portion of the study. Animals performed well when they were stocked in silvopastures. Both species showed a similar preference for most plant species available in woodlands. Results show a tremendous potential of using silvopastures and woodlands for expanding the grazing opportunity for small ruminants. However, the provision of some supplements would be necessary while stocking young animals in woodlands.

The effect of ammonia treatment on the intake of straw and hay when offered with rations of concentrates to ewes in late pregnancy

1985 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Orr ◽  
T. T. Treacher ◽  
V. C. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Ammonia Treatment ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Forage Intake

ABSTRACTFinnish Landrace × Dorset Horn ewes were offered 300, 600 or 900 g fresh weight per day of concentrates and forage ad libitum from day 105 of pregnancy until lambing. Spring barley straw (S) or hay (H) was offered either untreated (U) or following treatment with anhydrous ammonia in an oven (T). Organic matter digestibilities (in vitro) were 0·42, 0·58, 0·42 and 0·60 and nitrogen contents were 7·2, 18·6, 12·0 and 25·0 g/kg dry matter for US, TS, UH and TH respectively. Forage intake did not differ between ewes carrying two or more foetuses but the small number of ewes carrying one foetus ate more straw (6·8 v. 4·5 g organic matter (OM) per kg live weight) than ewes carrying two or more foetuses. Ammonia treatment increased intake; the increase was larger on straw (4·6 v. 100 g OM per kg live weight) than on hay (9·0 v. 10·7 g OM per kg live weight). Replacement rates of forage by concentrates were -0·21, +0·06, -0·48 and +0·08 kg forage per kg concentrates for treatments US, TS, UH and TH respectively; only the value for treatment UH differed significantly from zero. On most treatments forage intake decreased as pregnancy progressed and the declines were greater when treated forages were offered. Concentrate level had a large effect on most aspects of ewe performance. Ewes offered treated forage gained slightly more weight in pregnancy (138 v. 104 g/day), had a slightly smaller decrease in body condition score (-0·54 v. -0·68) between day 105 and lambing but did not have greater lamb birth weights than ewes on untreated forage.

Estimation in vivo of the chemical composition of the bodies of mature cows

1984 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Wright ◽  
A. J. F. Russel
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Deuterium Oxide ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Ultrasonic Measurements ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTA number of possible indices of body composition (live weight, skeletal size, total body water as estimated by deuterium oxide dilution, blood and red cell volumes as estimated by Evans Blue dilution, ultrasonic measurements of subcutaneous fat depth and eye-muscle area, and body condition scoring) was examined using 73 non-pregnant, non-lactating, mature cows of Hereford × Friesian, Blue-Grey, British Friesian, Galloway and Luing genotypes, ranging in body condition score from 0·75 to 4·5. Direct measurements of body composition in terms of water, fat, protein and ash were made following slaughter.Live weight, deuterium oxide dilution, ultrasonic measurements of subcutaneous fat depth and eyemuscle area, and body condition score were all considered to be potentially useful predictors of body composition. Combinations of techniques offered better predictions than did any single index. Using a combination of measurements it was possible to predict body fat and protein with a residual s.d. of 13·1 kg and 3·15 kg respectively. Breed differences in the partition of fat among the main adipose tissue depots necessitated the development of specific prediction equations for body fat based on condition score and subcutaneous fat depth for different breeds. Equations remain to be developed for predicting body composition in cows in different physiological states.

The effect of body condition and previous nutrition on the herbage intakes of ewes grazing autumn pastures at two sward heights

1994 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Sibbald ◽  
W. G. Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
High Body ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Period

AbstractTo examine the effects of body condition and previous nutrition on the herbage intake of ewes grazing swards of different heights in autumn, 96 Scottish Blackface X Border Leicester ewes with a wide range of body condition (score 1·75 to 3·50), were initially housed and given 50 g dry matter (DM) per kg metabolic live weight (M)0·75 per day (treatment L) or 95 g DM per kg M0·75 per day (treatment H) of a pelleted dried grass diet (11·6 MJ metabolizable energy per kg DM) for 6 weeks after weaning in July. The H ewes gained more live weight (9·0 v. 2·7 kg) and body condition score (0·39 v. 0·17) than the L ewes. Half the animals from each treatment were then allocated to each of two ryegrass pastures with a sward height of 5 cm (LS) or 10 cm (HS) for a further 6-week grazing period. During the grazing period there was no significant effect of indoor feeding level on herbage intake, but the L ewes gained more live weight (6·4 v. 5·0 kg) than the H ewes. On the HS, compared with the LS sward, mean herbage intakes were higher (70·0 v. 60·5 g DM per kg M0·75) as were gains in live weight and condition score (7·9 v. 3·4 kg; 0·18 v. 0·0). There were no interactions between the effects of sward height and previous feeding level on herbage intake. Ewes in low body condition (< 2·5) at the start of the grazing period ingested the same amount of herbage on both swards (70·3 g DM per kg M0·75) whereas ewes in high body condition (> 2·5) ingested more (67·0 v. 51·6 g DM per kg M0·75) on the HS compared with the LS sward. The responses of ewes in low and high body condition to different sward heights are discussed in relation to appetite drive and aspects of grazing behaviour.

Prediction of energy status in first lactation dairy heifers

1985 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Ducker ◽  
Rosemary A. Haggett ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
S. V. Morant
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTData from a large controlled experiment to investigate the effect of level of nutrition on reproductive performance were used to assess the value of production and blood measures as indicators of energy status in lactating dairy heifers. Live-weight change showed the strongest and most consistent relationship to mean energy balance (the difference between metabolizable energy intake and that used for milk production and maintenance) (P < 0·01 to P < 0·001). Body-condition score at a particular time was more closely related to mean energy balance in the preceding 4-week period (P < 0·05) than current energy balance. There was also a lag in the relationship between energy balance and live-weight change and mean body-condition score. Ultrasonic back fat measurements were significantly correlated with both loin and tailhead body-condition score (P < 0·001) but were more strongly related to mean energy balance in the preceding period (P < 0·05 to P < 0·001) than the body-condition scores.Blood samples were taken from all heifers 2 weeks before calving and 1, 5, 9, 13 and 18 weeks after calving and were analysed for 13 constituents. Concentrations of blood metabolites did not show consistently strong correlations with mean energy balance. The only blood metabolite to be measurably affected by the nutritional treatments applied in lactation was β-hydroxybutyrate.At best, combinations of production measures and blood metabolites were only able to predict the mean daily energy balance with a 95% confidence interval of ±20 MJ for an individual animal although this confidence interval was reduced to ±3 MJ for 100 animals.

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