scholarly journals Taxonomy and Functional Diversity in the Fecal Microbiome of Beef Cattle Reared in Brazilian Traditional and Semi-Intensive Production Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Spoto Corrêa ◽  
Carolina Rodriguez Jimenez ◽  
Lucas William Mendes ◽  
Caroline Rymer ◽  
Partha Ray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Beneficial Bacteria ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
Cattle Feces

The importance of beef production for economy of Brazil and the growing demand for animal protein across the globe warrant an improvement in the beef production system. Although most attention has been on modulation of the rumen microbiome to improve ruminant production, the role of the lower gut microbiome in host health and nutrition remains relatively unexplored. This work aimed to investigate the taxonomy and functional variations in the fecal microbiome of Brazilian beef cattle reared in two different production systems using a metagenomic approach. Sixty male beef cattle from six farms representing semi-intensive (I, n = 2) and traditional (T, n = 4) Brazilian beef production systems were enrolled in the study. Shotgun sequencing was used to characterize taxonomic and functional composition and diversity of the microbiome in fecal samples collected from each animal. Fecal samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) and stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N). The fecal microbiome was influenced by the beef production systems with greater functional and lower taxonomic diversity in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems. The concentration of N, P, and Zn was higher in beef cattle feces from I systems compared with that from T systems and was associated with taxonomic and functional profile of fecal microbiome in I system, suggesting the role of fecal nutrients in shaping system-specific microbiome. Semi-intensive management practices led to a more complex but less connected fecal microbiome in beef cattle. The microbial community in beef cattle feces from I systems was characterized by greater abundance of beneficial bacteria (phylum Firmicutes and butyrate-producing bacteria family Lachnospiraceae and genera Anaerostipes, Blautia, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus). In addition, the fecal abundance of microbial genes related to immune system, nutrient metabolism, and energy production was greater in beef cattle raised under I systems compared with that under T systems. Findings of the current study suggest that semi-intensive management practices could facilitate the development of a healthier and more efficient fecal microbiome in beef cattle by driving an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and functional genes.

Beef Cattle Production and Trade

2014 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Beef Cattle Production ◽  
Australian Experience

Beef Cattle Production and Trade covers all aspects of the beef industry from paddock to plate. It is an international text with an emphasis on Australian beef production, written by experts in the field. The book begins with an overview of the historical evolution of world beef consumption and introductory chapters on carcass and meat quality, market preparation and world beef production. North America, Brazil, China, South-East Asia and Japan are discussed in separate chapters, followed by Australian beef production, including feed lotting and live export. The remaining chapters summarise R&D, emphasising the Australian experience, and look at different production systems and aspects of animal husbandry such as health, reproduction, grazing, feeding and finishing, genetics and breeding, production efficiency, environmental management and business management. The final chapter examines various case studies in northern and southern Australia, covering feed demand and supply, supplements, pasture management, heifer and weaner management, and management of internal and external parasites.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

2021 ◽  
pp. 2339-2345
Author(s):  
Fitrine Ekawasti ◽  
Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo ◽  
Lintang Winantya Firdausy ◽  
April Hari Wardhana ◽  
Dyah Haryuningtyas Sawitri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
Intensively Managed

Background and Aim: Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations. Results: Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar. Conclusion: Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Structure of a dynamic simulation model for beef cattle production systems

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Pang ◽  
M. Makarechian ◽  
J. A. Basarab ◽  
R. T. Berg
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Beef Cattle Production

A dynamic deterministic model for simulating beef cattle production systems is developed to evaluate the effects of production traits and management strategies on the bioeconomic efficiency of beef production systems. The model, named Alberta Beef Production Simulation System (ABPSS), is composed of four major submodels: herd inventory, nutrient requirement, forage production, and economic submodels. The herd inventory submodel is used to simulate population dynamics and feed requirements in the herd. The nutrient requirements submodel is mainly based on the 1996 version of the National Research Council (NRC). It is used to evaluate nutrients and feed requirements for calves and cows depending on their physiological status (maintenance, growth, lactation and gestation) and the climatic condition. The forage production sub-model is used to predict forage growth rate, cattle grazing rate, available forage biomass and total hectares required for grazing. The economic submodel measures bioeconomic efficiency, as net return per cow, by subtracting total cost from total return. The nutrient requirements predicted by ABPSS were compared with those recommended by the NRC for testing. The results that were predicted by the NRC model and ABPSS model were similar, as expected. Sensitivity analyses showed that cow mature weight, milk production, calf weaning weight and feed prices were the most critical input parameters in the model. It must be noted that the model was developed based on available experimental results and data from the literature and, due to the unavailability of a suitable data set, the model could not be validated. We suggest that the ABPSS has the potential for providing a useful method for simultaneous consideration of many factors in an integrated system, which could be helpful to beef cattle extension specialists and cow-calf production managers for assessing the potential effects of different management and selection strategies on bioeconomic efficiency. Key words: Beef cattle, simulation and modelling, production system, optimization

Clostridium difficile from Healthy Food Animals: Optimized Isolation and Prevalence†

2011 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N. THITARAM ◽  
J. F. FRANK ◽  
S. A. LYON ◽  
G. R. SIRAGUSA ◽  
J. S. BAILEY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Sodium Taurocholate ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Selective Enrichment ◽  
Sheep Blood ◽  
Cattle Feces ◽  
Isolation Methods ◽  
Better Than

Two isolation methods were compared for isolation of Clostridium difficile from food animal feces. The single alcohol shock method (SS) used selective enrichment in cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose broth supplemented with 0.1% sodium taurocholate, followed by alcohol shock and isolation on tryptic soy agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood, and cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar. The double alcohol shock method (DS) used alcohol shock prior to and after selective enrichment in cycloserinecefoxitin fructose broth supplemented with 0.1% sodium taurocholate, followed by isolation on tryptic soy agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood and cycloserine-cefoxitin fructose agar. A total of 55 (15.9%, n = 345) swine fecal samples, 32 (2.4%, n = 1,325) dairy cattle fecal samples, and 188 (6.3%, n = 2,965) beef cattle fecal samples were positive for C. difficile by either method. However, the DS was significantly better than the SS for the recovery of C. difficile from swine feces, while the SS was significantly better than the DS for the recovery of C. difficile from beef cattle feces. There was no significant difference between methods for the recovery of C. difficile from dairy cattle feces. This study suggests that food animals might harbor C. difficile and it provides critical information that isolation methods might not have universal application across animal species.

scholarly journals 177 Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 183-183
Author(s):  
Tim A McAllister ◽  
John Basarab ◽  
Leluo Guan
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Hybrid Vigor ◽  
Intestinal Microbiome ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Functional Efficiency

Abstract Globally there are approximately 1 billion beef cattle raised in both intensive and extensive production systems and of the principal livestock species, beef cattle are known to have the poorest feed efficiency. As a result of low feed efficiency, cattle also have a larger environmental footprint per kg of product produced. However, these metrics fail to consider that beef cattle produce high quality protein from feeds that are largely unsuitable for other livestock species. Even in Canada’s intensive beef production system, forages account for more than 80% of feed, with high grain diets only being fed for 3 to 4 months during finishing. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle are focusing on the genetics of the host, the functional efficiency of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the structure and composition of the feed. Maintenance of hybrid vigor is central to matching the optimal biological type of animal to a variety of management practices and environments. Genotyping can play a key role in ensuring hybrid vigor is maintained so that populations can adapt to changing environmental conditions brought about by influences such as climate change. The central role of microbiome-host interactions in the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract is becoming increasingly apparent. Microbial markers and gene expression patterns within the intestinal microbiome are being used to identify efficient hosts and to alter the microbiome in a manner that enhances fibre digestion. Finally, feed types and feed processing are being optimized to maximize the value that can be derived from both forages and concentrates. This multi-faceted approach to improving efficiency is coupled with strategies that reduce disease and improve host health. Strategies to improve the efficiency of cattle production are a perquisite for the sustainable intensification that is needed to satisfy the future demand for beef.

scholarly journals Diversity and Resilience to Socio-Ecological Changes of Smallholder Lagune Cattle Farming Systems of Benin

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7616
Author(s):  
Maurice Cossi Ahozonlin ◽  
Luc Hippolyte Dossa
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Ecological Changes ◽  
Farm Types

The indigenous smallholder Lagune breed and the production systems in which it is embedded in Southern Benin have received very little research or policy attention. Consequently, very little information exists on the diversity of these production systems or on their capacity to adapt to ongoing socio-economic and environmental changes. This study aimed to explore and characterize the diversity of Lagune cattle production systems along with farmers’ local knowledge and resilience strategies. A questionnaire was administered to 417 Lagune cattle farmers across two agro-ecological zones: Ouémé Valley (OVZ) and Pobe (PZ). It included, inter alia, questions related to households’ socio-economic conditions, their cattle herd characteristics, and management practices. Categorical principal component analysis and the two-step clustering method were used to classify the production systems which were then compared using the chi-square and ANOVA procedures. Four distinct farm types were identified. This study revealed the important role of agroecology in the diversity of farmers’ breeding practices. Controlled mating was more common in tethering systems whereas uncontrolled mating, widespread in free-roaming systems, has favored Lagune breed admixture with zebus. Opportunities for conserving the genetic diversity within the Lagune breed might be greater in PZ where breed admixture was almost inexistent.

Influence of climate variability and stocking strategies on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), production and profit of a northern Queensland beef cattle herd

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan R. Cullen ◽  
Neil D. MacLeod ◽  
Joe C. Scanlan ◽  
Natalie Doran-Browne
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
River Region

Previous studies of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) from beef production systems in northern Australia have been based on models of ‘steady-state’ herd structures that do not take into account the considerable inter-annual variation in liveweight gain, reproduction and mortality rates that occurs due to seasonal conditions. Nor do they consider the implications of flexible stocking strategies designed to adapt these production systems to the highly variable climate. The aim of the present study was to quantify the variation in total GHGE (t CO2e) and GHGE intensity (t CO2e/t liveweight sold) for the beef industry in northern Australia when variability in these factors was considered. A combined GRASP–Enterprise modelling platform was used to simulate a breeding–finishing beef cattle property in the Burdekin River region of northern Queensland, using historical climate data from 1982–2011. GHGE was calculated using the method of Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Five different stocking-rate strategies were simulated with fixed stocking strategies at moderate and high rates, and three flexible stocking strategies where the stocking rate was adjusted annually by up to 5%, 10% or 20%, according to pasture available at the end of the growing season. Variation in total annual GHGE was lowest in the ‘fixed moderate’ (~9.5 ha/adult equivalent (AE)) stocking strategy, ranging from 3799 to 4471 t CO2e, and highest in the ‘fixed high’ strategy (~5.9 ha/AE), which ranged from 3771 to 7636 t CO2e. The ‘fixed moderate’ strategy had the least variation in GHGE intensity (15.7–19.4 t CO2e/t liveweight sold), while the ‘flexible 20’ strategy (up to 20% annual change in AE) had the largest range (10.5–40.8 t CO2e/t liveweight sold). Across the five stocking strategies, the ‘fixed moderate’ stocking-rate strategy had the highest simulated perennial grass percentage and pasture growth, highest average rate of liveweight gain (121 kg/steer), highest average branding percentage (74%) and lowest average breeding-cow mortality rate (3.9%), resulting in the lowest average GHGE intensity (16.9 t CO2e/t liveweight sold). The ‘fixed high’ stocking rate strategy (~5.9 ha/AE) performed the poorest in each of these measures, while the three flexible stocking strategies were intermediate. The ‘fixed moderate’ stocking strategy also yielded the highest average gross margin per AE carried and per hectare. These results highlight the importance of considering the influence of climate variability on stocking-rate management strategies and herd performance when estimating GHGE. The results also support a body of previous work that has recommended the adoption of moderate stocking strategies to enhance the profitability and ecological stability of beef production systems in northern Australia.

scholarly journals MIXED INFECTIONS BY BOVINE CORONAVIRUS, ROTAVIRUS AND CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM IN AN OUTBREAK OF NEONATAL DIARRHEA IN BEEF CATTLE

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-34
Author(s):  
A.M.M.P. Brandão ◽  
L.Y.B. Villarreal ◽  
S.L.P. de Souza ◽  
L.J. Richtzenhain ◽  
J.A. Jerez
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Bovine Coronavirus ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Neonatal Diarrhea ◽  
Paulo State ◽  
Detailed Survey ◽  
Prophylactic Measures

ABSTRACT This article describes the role of bovine coronavirus, rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum in an outbreak of beef calf diarrhea in Presidente Epitácio, São Paulo State. Two out 9 fecal samples were positive to BCoV, 6 to C. parvum and 6 to rotavirus, with 4 rotavirus-C. parvumco-infections, 1 BCoV-C. parvumco-infection and 1 rotavirus-BCoV co-infection. These results show the need for a detailed survey of the etiology of diarrheas, aiming to evaluate the agents spread in a flock, allowing the design of prophylactic measures against gastroenteritis outbreaks.

scholarly journals Effects of Tylosin, a Direct-Fed Microbial and Feedlot Pen Environment on Phenotypic Resistance among Enterococci Isolated from Beef Cattle Feces

Antibiotics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Murray ◽  
Ashlyn C. Holbert ◽  
Keri N. Norman ◽  
Sara D. Lawhon ◽  
Jason E. Sawyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Enterococcus Faecium ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
Cattle Feces ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selective Effects

In two sequential replicates (n = 90 and n = 96 feedlot finisher cattle, respectively) we measured the impact of an Enterococcus faecium-based probiotic (DFM) and an altered feedlot pen environment on antimicrobial resistance among fecal enterococci in cattle fed (or, not fed) the macrolide tylosin. Diluted fecal samples were spiral-plated on plain and antibiotic-supplemented m-Enterococcus agar. In the first replicate, tylosin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative quantity of erythromycin-resistant enterococci. This effect was diminished in cattle fed the DFM in conjunction with tylosin, indicating a macrolide susceptible probiotic may help mitigate resistance. A similar observed effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in the second replicate. Isolates were speciated and resistance phenotypes were obtained for E. faecium and E. hirae. Susceptible strains of bacteria fed as DFM may prove useful for mitigating the selective effects of antibiotic use; however, the longer-term sustainability of such an approach remains unclear.

scholarly journals Dairy crossbreeding alternatives to improve New Zealand beef production

1992 ◽  
pp. 19-22
Author(s):  
S.T.Morris W.J.Parker R.W. Purchas ◽  
S.N. Mccutcheon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Beef Producers ◽  
Friesian Cows

Beef production in New Zealand could be increased by developing farming systems that profitably utilised heifer and bull calves which would otherwise be slaughtered soon after birth. Evaluation of a once-bred heifer cattle policy over 3 years at Massey University showed that target weights to achieve acceptable calving percentages and final carcass weights can be achieved under pasture feeding. Piedmontese and Belgian Blue sires used over Friesian cows produced bull calves that did not grow significantly faster than straight Friesian animals, but had higher dressing out (57.8 ~56.7 y 54.0, P~0.05) and meat yield percentages (76.0 x.75.7 v 73.2 for Piedmontese, Belgian Blue and Fnesian, respectively). Both the once-bred heifer and the exotic x bull beef production systems earned greater returns than traditional beef cattle policies at 1992 costs and prices, and could be easily implemented by New Zealand beef producers. Keywords dairy beef, exotic sires, once-bred heifer

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