scholarly journals Effects of Dietary Guanidinoacetic Acid on the Feed Efficiency, Blood Measures, and Meat Quality of Jinjiang Bulls

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zengmin Li ◽  
Huan Liang ◽  
Junping Xin ◽  
Lanjiao Xu ◽  
Meifa Li ◽  
...  

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing the diet of Jinjiang bulls with guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on their feed efficiency [feed efficiency were evaluated with feedlot average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G)], blood measures, and meat quality. Forty-five Jinjiang bulls (24 ± 3 months old and 350.15 ± 30.39 kg by weight) were randomly distributed among five experimental groups (each n = 9) and each group was randomly fed with one of five diets (concentrate: roughage ratio of 60:40): (1) control; (2) 0.05% GAA; (3) 0.1% GAA; (4) 0.2% GAA; and (5) 0.4% GAA, respectively. After a 52-days feeding trial, five bulls from the control group and five bulls from the optimal GAA supplementing group were randomly selected and slaughtered for collection of the longissimus thoracis (LT) and semitendinosus (SM) muscles to determine meat quality. The results showed that dietary GAA improved the ADG, decreased the value of F:G, and affected blood measures and antioxidant variables. Supplementing 0.2% GAA into the diet was optimal for feeding efficiency and most of the measured blood measures. Supplementing 0.2% GAA into the diet increased the a* (redness) values, and b* (yellowness) values, and the amount of creatine kinase (CK), muscle glycogen, creatinine (CRE), and laminin (LN) in LT muscles. However, it decreased the drip loss, L* (lightness) value, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content of LT muscles. Drip loss and shear force decreased in SM muscles, as did the amount of type IV collagen (CV–IV). In conclusion, supplementing 0.2% GAA into the diet could enhance feed efficiency to improve beef growth and meat quality.

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. M. Gómez ◽  
A. Saran Netto ◽  
D. S. Antonelo ◽  
J. Silva ◽  
G. A. Sene ◽  
...  

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of immunocastration on the performance, testosterone concentration, carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot-finished Nellore cattle. Fifty-eight males (430 ± 36 kg bodyweight; 24 months old) were separated into three groups in a randomised complete design: surgically castration (n = 15), immunocastrated (anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Bopriva®) vaccine, n = 21) and non-castrated (n = 22). The animals were housed in individual pens and fed ad libitum for 90 days with a common diet comprising 70% concentrate and 30% roughage (corn silage). The non-castrated animals had a greater average daily gain, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight and carcass yield than the surgically castrated and immunocastrated animals (P < 0.05). Surgically castrated cattle grew faster and more efficiently than those castrated immunologically (P < 0.05). The surgically castrated and immunocastrated animals had higher colour values L*, a* and b* and cooking loss than non-castrated animals (P < 0.05). In conclusion, immunocastration decreased cattle performance compared with surgically castrated or non-castrated animals. However, immunocastration resulted in better meat quality compared with non-castrated, making it an alternative to surgical castration with no negative effects on animal welfare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 319-321
Author(s):  
Taiane S Martins ◽  
Juliana Silva ◽  
Lenise Mueller ◽  
Tamyres Amorim ◽  
Annelise Aila G Lobo ◽  
...  

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).


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1581
Author(s):  
Artur Rybarczyk ◽  
Elżbieta Bogusławska-Wąs ◽  
Alicja Dłubała

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on microbiological properties of feed mixtures and on the digestive tract content as applicable to production traits and carcass characteristics of fatteners. The experiment was performed on 83,838 fatteners from four successive (insertions) productions in two groups. From the seventy eighth day of age till marketing to the slaughter plant, the pigs were supplied with BioPlus YC probiotic (Chr. Hansen) in the amount of 400 g/t. The preparation contained a complex of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis DSM 5749, and Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750 spores in a 1:1 ratio. From the fourth insertion, after reaching a body weight of approximately 112 kg, 60 fatteners were selected from each group to measure carcass quality and half of them for meat quality evaluation. Moreover, microbiological analyses in feed and colon were performed. The study showed that BioPlus YC probiotics supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis in the feed, a higher count of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and LAB, as well as a lower count of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacillus sp. in the mucosa and in the colorectal content of the test pigs. Our work has shown that supplementation with the BioPlus YC probiotic had a positive effect on the production traits of pigs mainly by reducing mortality (2.83%, p = 0.010), lowering feed conversion ratio—FCR (2.59 kg/kg, p = 0.013), better average daily gain—ADG (0.95 kg/day, p = 0.002) and shorter fattening period (77.25 days, p = 0.019) when compared to the control group (4.19%; 2.79 kg/kg; 0.89 kg/day; 92.8 days, respectively). The addition of the specific Bacillus bacteria did not influence carcass and meat characteristics of the test fatteners.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Krause ◽  
E. R. Moore ◽  
J. Duggin ◽  
J. R. Segers ◽  
T. D. Pringle

ObjectivesProfitability in the beef industry has narrow margins regulated by revenue from output traits like growth and carcass merit, but profitability is also largely impacted by input expenses like feed costs. Selecting for improvements in feed efficiency during the finishing phase, one of the most feed intensive segments of the industry, can help to mitigate those input costs. This study compared growth performance, feed efficiency, body composition, and carcass characteristics in Angus steers (n = 321) from bulls divergently selected for feed efficiency and marbling.Materials and MethodsAngus sires were selected based on high (10th percentile or better) and low (85th percentile or worse) residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD as well as high (fifth percentile or better) and average (near 50th percentile) marbling (MARB) EPD. These criteria resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four breeding lines: high RADG/high MARB, high RADG/average MARB, low RADG/high MARB, low RADG/average MARB. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with RADG and MARB as main effects. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Generation was also analyzed, where generation one (GEN1) steers were from a selected sire while generation two (GEN2) steers were from a selected sire and a selected dam.ResultsUltrasound and carcass data revealed no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in 12th rib backfat thickness from weaning through slaughter for the RADG EPD groups. Yield grade and dressing percent did not differ (P ≥ 0.56) across RADG or MARB groups. At the beginning and end of the feeding trial, the high RADG (P ≤ 0.02) group had larger ultrasound ribeye area (REA) than the low RADG group. Carcass REA tended (P = 0.08) to be larger in the high versus low RADG steers. During the feedlot trial and through slaughter, body weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.006) for the high versus low RADG steers but did not differ (P ≥ 0.44) across MARB EPD. Feed efficiency measures did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB groups apart from the tendency (P = 0.08) for residual feed intake to be lower in the high versus low RADG steers. Marbling scores differed (P ≤ 0.04) across RADG and MARB groups with the low RADG steers and the high MARB steers having improved marbling. The quality grade distribution across MARB EPD revealed that the average MARB steers graded 73% Choice and 25% Prime while the high MARB steers graded 56% and 42%, respectively. Slice shear force did not differ (P ≥ 0.32) across RADG or MARB EPD. Body weights tended (P = 0.06) to be heavier at the start of the feeding trial for GEN1 versus GEN2 steers. Total gain, average daily gain, and feed to gain (F:G) differed by generation (P ≤ 0.007) with increased rates of gain and reduced F:G in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers. Body weights did not differ (P = 0.72) across GEN at the end of the feeding trial. Backfat thickness at the start and end of the feedlot phase was less (P ≤ 0.03) and marbling score was improved (P = 0.02) in the GEN2 versus GEN1 steers, respectively.ConclusionThese results suggest that selection using RADG EPD has negligible impacts on meat quality; and that progress in selection for efficiency can be achieved while advancing carcass quality and value. Furthermore, continued divergent selection for feed efficiency and marbling has the potential to improve feed efficiency through advancements in the rate of gain, while enhancing carcass merit through marbling.


Author(s):  
M. Sychov ◽  
H. Pryumak

The effect of using different levels guanidinoacetic acid in compound feeds on the growth of young quails meat direction of productivity. It is proved that adding to the basic diet of different levels guanidinoacetic acid (0.06, 0.12, 0.18 %) increases live weight of quails on 3.9 – 13.5 g and improves the absolute, average daily and relative gains compared to a bird in the control group, which were fed the main diet. The data show that at the age of 42 days of live weight was the highest in the diet of quail which was administered 0.12% GAA and dominant control of 13.5 g However, in 21 days live weight of quail fed 0.06 and 0.12 % guanidinoacetic acid was greater than control respectively 9.2 and 7.6 grams (P < 0.01). In absolute increments quail, fed GAA prevailed bird control group. The largest absolute increase was in birds that consumed the main diet of GAA level of 0.12% and prevailed controls 6.5 g (P < 0.001). A similar situation was of average daily gain. Young animals that received feed containing 0.12% guanidinoacetic acid had the highest average growth, which exceeded 0.9 g (15.5%) bird control group. As for the relative performance increases here were different. The lowest relative growth observed in birds which were administered GAA 0.06%, it lagged behind the controls 0.1 g in the same period quail treated with 0.12 and 0, 18% guanidinoacetic acid superior control respectively 2 and 1.1 g.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Wang ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Yanju Bi ◽  
Peng Zhao ◽  
Hanqing Sun ◽  
...  

In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens × 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens × 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs’ responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching–avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs’ anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality.


Author(s):  
A. Clinquart ◽  
C. Van Eenaeme ◽  
T. Van Vooren ◽  
J. Van Hoof ◽  
L. Istasse

The degree to which growth patterns are modified after a period of food restriction affects the compositional changes of the carcasses(Carstens et al., 1992), furthermore, the growth rate has a direct effect on the physical properties of meat (Fishell et al., 1985). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a severe food restriction at a early stage of maturity on the slaughter characteristics and meat quality of Belgian Blue bulls.Twelve Belgian Blue bulls (dual purpose type) weighing 233 kg were offered two different planes of nutrition during the growing period. Six bulls (Group-) received a restricted diet so that their average daily gain was 0.34 kg/d (Group+) during 202 days. By contrast six other bulls were given a more conventional growing diet and their average daily gain was 1.13 kg/d. Both Groups were fattened with similar diet and slaughtered when the live weight was close to 600 kg. Carcass weight was measured and killing-out proportion calculated, the composition of the carcass was estimated after dissection of ribs 7, 8, 9 removed 48 h post-mortem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (15) ◽  
pp. 1808
Author(s):  
Laura Cristina Souza Castro ◽  
Wellington da Costa de Campos ◽  
Ivanna Moraes de Oliveira ◽  
Rodolfo Maciel Fernandes ◽  
Matheus Henrique Moretti ◽  
...  

Context In the largest beef-producing countries in the world, the slaughter of female cows accounts for ~30–40% of all beef produced. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of a protein–energy supplement (PES) by a same-cost maize-based supplement (MBS) on the performance and final product of Nellore heifers grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the wet season in Brazil. Methods Ninety-six Nellore heifers of bodyweight (BW) 281 ± 7.55 kg and aged 23 months were used. Six were slaughtered at the start of the experiment. The remaining 90 heifers received one of the following three supplements with their predominantly pasture diet for 133 days: control, mineral salt ad libitum; PES, with protein 250 g/kg dry matter (DM) and total digestible nutrient 600 g/kg DM, offered at 3 g/kg BW.day (as-fed basis); MBS, with crude protein 90 g/kg DM and total digestible nutrient 850 g/kg DM, offered at 7 g/kg BW.day (as-fed basis). The variables were evaluated in a completely randomised block design with 30 heifers per treatment. Key results Average daily gain and final BW were similar (P &gt; 0.05) in PES and MBS treatments, and relative to the control increased (P &lt; 0.01) average daily gain by ~24% and final BW by 7%. Pasture intakes were decreased, with substitution levels of 8.0% for heifers receiving PES and 10.4% for those receiving MBS. Carcass weight (kg/day) and carcass gain (g carcass/kg BW) were greater (P &lt; 0.001) for heifers receiving MBS and PES than for the control group. Backfat depth was greater (P &lt; 0.001) in heifers receiving MBS (7.91 mm) than in those receiving PES (6.25 mm), and the lowest (P &lt; 0.001) measurement was observed in the control group (4.85 mm). Conclusions Maize-based supplement (7 g/kg BW.day) provided the same growth rate as PES (3 g/kg BW.day) but yielded heavier and slightly fatter carcasses of pasture-finished Nellore heifers during the wet season (133 days) with a similar cost, and with more total digestible nutrients than pasture plus mineral salt. Implications Maize-based supplement provided to Nellore heifers on pasture may improve performance despite lower pasture intakes but needs to be evaluated carefully in terms of costs involved.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-106
Author(s):  
J. Park ◽  
C.P. Campbell ◽  
E.J. Squires ◽  
C.F.M. de Lange ◽  
I.B. Mandell

Entire male (EM) pigs (152; ∼30 kg body weight) were used to examine immunocastration using Improvest and feeding ractopamine on growth performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acid composition. Timing for administering second dose of Improvest compared dosing at 4 and 8 wk pre-slaughter. A factorial arrangement evaluated two genotypes [Large Whites and Duroc crossbreds (Durocs)] by five management regimens (EM fed control diet, EM fed ractopamine, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 8 wk pre-slaughter, second dose Improvest 4 wk pre-slaughter plus ractopamine). Average daily gain and gain to feed (G:F) were generally greater (P ≤ 0.01) in Durocs. Immunocastration increased (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI); feeding ractopamine decreased (P < 0.02) DMI and increased (P < 0.03) G:F. Immunocastration decreased (P < 0.04) carcass and lean yields; feeding ractopamine increased (P < 0.04) carcass weights, lean yield, muscling, and longissimus shear force while decreasing (P < 0.01) backfats. Immunocastration did not affect loin pH, color, drip loss, and shear force. Timing for second Improvest dose did not affect most growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits except for greater (P < 0.02) backfats when administering dose 8 wk pre-slaughter. Effects of immunocastration and (or) feeding ractopamine were relatively consistent in both genotypes evaluated.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e0601
Author(s):  
Martín A. González ◽  
Franklin R. Peláez ◽  
Andrés L. Martínez ◽  
Carmen Avilés ◽  
Francisco Peña

<p>The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rearing system (confinement, C <em>vs </em>semi-confinement, SC) and sex (barrows <em>vs </em>females) on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of “Criollo negro de la costa ecuatoriana” pigs. A total of 32 pigs, 16 barrows and 16 gilts were used. The average daily gain (0.30 kg/day <em>vs </em>0.22 kg/day), slaughter weight (51.4 kg <em>vs </em>43.1 kg), morphometric parameters and weights for the most valuable meat cuts were higher in C pigs than in SC pigs, whereas hot and cold carcass yields were higher in SC pigs than in C pigs. The loin and sirloin percentages from C pigs were lower and higher compared with those SC pigs, respectively. Carcass of C pigs showed higher percentage of fat and lower percentage of lean and bone that SC pigs. The rearing system had scarce effects on meat quality traits and mineral composition. Meat from C pigs showed lower scores for color, brightness, and unctuousness, and higher for metallist taste, juiciness and persistence of flavor than SC pigs. Few sensory attributes of cooking chops were affected by sex. Metallist taste was higher in barrows, while brightness and lard flavor were higher in females. It can be concluded that the rearing system had a significant effect on most of the productive and carcass traits, whereas its effect was limited on the meat traits. Sex had little influence on most of the traits studied.</p>


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