Effects of allometric space allowance and weight group composition on grower-finisher pigs

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena Anil ◽  
Sukumarannair S Anil ◽  
John Deen
Keyword(s):  
Group Composition ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Weight Group ◽  
Welfare Indicators ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Daily Gain

The average daily gain (ADG; kg d-1), pen efficiency (PE; kg ADG m-2 floor space) and welfare indicators (injury levels, salivary cortisol concentrations and behaviour) of grower-finisher pigs were evaluated in groups of 19 barrows, at four levels of floor space allowances calculated mathematically (area = k × BW0.667) using a constant k, (with values 0.027, 0.031, 0.034, and 0.037) for a mean final market weight of 116 kg and in two levels of group weight composition (uniform and varying weights – based on uniformity and variation of body weights of pigs within a pen at the beginning of the experiment). The corresponding space allowances (m2 pig-1) at the market weight of 116 kg were 0.64 (SA0.64), 0.74 (SA0.74), 0.81 (SA0.81), and 0.88 (SA0.88). The data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVAs and independent sample T tests. The pigs in SA0.64 had a lower ADG (0.859 ± 0.017), spent a lower proportion of time lying in preferred areas (55.22 ± 1.644) and had higher total injury scores (4.581 ± 0.139) and higher number of aggressions (1.94 ± 0.286) (P < 0.05 for all) than those in SA0.88 (0.936 ± 0.020; 61.02 ± 1.203; 3.858 ± 0.208; 1.08 ± 0.212, respectively) and SA0.81 (0.916 ± 0.019; 59.77 ± 1.417; 3.855 ± 0.112; 1.24 ± 0.238, respectively). Pigs in SA0.64 had higher (P < 0.05) overall PE (1.344 kg ADG m-2 floor space) than those in SA0.88 (1.063 ± 0.023) SA0.81 (1.131 ± 0.024) and SA0.74 (1.224 ± 0.029) allowance treatments. Pigs in the varying weight group spent a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of time lying in preferred areas (59.73 ± 0.942) than the uniform weight group (57.08 ± 1.078). Pigs in SA0.74 and SA0.64 spent lower proportion of time (P < 0.05) lying isolated (2.76 ± 0.441 and 2.18 ± 0.372, respectively) than pigs in SA0.81 (4.52 ± 0.467). The uniform weight group exhibited more (P < 0.05) exploratory behaviour (8.83 ± 0.448) than the varying weight group (7.25 ± 0.356). On fully slatted floors, space allotted considering the final market weight of barrows corresponding to k values of 0.037 and 0.034 were better (P < 0.05) than 0.027 in terms of growth rate and welfare indicators. Key words: Space allowances, welfare, daily gain, grower-finisher, pig

scholarly journals 57 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sarah M Montgomery ◽  
Brandi Karisch ◽  
Jane A Parish ◽  
Jesse Morrison ◽  
Brian Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

scholarly journals 93 Evaluation of the intake and digestibility of ensiled residual material from edamame soybean processing with and without the use of an inoculant

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 74-74
Author(s):  
Ellen M Herring ◽  
Elizabeth B Kegley ◽  
Ken Coffey ◽  
Shane Gadberry ◽  
Jeremy G Powell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Processing Waste ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Soybean Processing ◽  
Silage Inoculant ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This research evaluated the effects of ensiled edamame soybean processing waste on ruminant intake and total tract digestibility. Waste from processing stored edamame was obtained (3 trips) and wilted (28%, 25%, and 37% DM), then treated with or without inoculant (Lactobacillus buchneri) and ensiled in 167 L plastic barrels (2 or 3 barrels/treatment from each trip) for 72 (Trip 1) or 69 (Trip 2 and 3) days. Pregnant ewes (n = 18; body weight = 55.5 ± 1.2 kg; 2 to 3 years old) were blocked by body weight and assigned randomly within a block to treatments within a trip, then each ewe was assigned to a barrel of silage. Ewes were housed individually in 1 × 1.5-m pens and offered silage for a 10-day adaptation period followed by 7 days of total feces and urine collection. Ewes were offered silage to allow for 10% orts and were offered 0.2% of their body weight of soyhulls and 32 g of mineral supplement/day to meet their predicted nutrient requirements for gestating ewes. Ewes consumed 1,616 ± 54 g DM/day (X ± SEM) or 2.9 ± 0.12% of their body weight and there was no effect (P ≥ 0.85) of inoculant treatment on DM intake (g/day or % of body weight). Dry matter digestibility was not affected (P = 0.98) by inoculant and averaged 55.7 ± 0.66%. Ewe average daily gain for the 17-day trial tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for the ewes offered the silage without inoculant (0.18 vs. 0.04 kg/d). Ensiling edamame processing waste yielded a feed that ewes consumed in adequate amounts to maintain their body weights over 17 days when also supplemented with soyhulls. The addition of silage inoculant had minimal effects on intake, digestibility, or ewe body weight change.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Sericea Lespedeza Hay on Behavior, Heat Energy, and Ruminal Methane Emission by Growing Alpine Doelings and Katahdin Ewe Lambs

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Wei L Wang ◽  
Luana L Ribeiro ◽  
Italo L Portugal ◽  
Terry A Gipson ◽  
Arthur L Goetsch
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
Species Differences ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Heat Energy ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Lespedeza Cuneata ◽  
Sericea Lespedeza ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Twenty-four Alpine doelings (initial body weight (BW) and age of 25.3±0.55 kg and 10.4±0.11 mo, respectively) and 24 Katahdin ewe lambs (28.3±1.02 kg and 9.6±0.04 mo, respectively) were used to determine effects of dietary level of Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; 10% condensed tannins) on heat energy and ruminal emission of the greenhouse gas methane determined with an open-circuit calorimetry system. Pens with Calan feeding gates were used in the study with four 6–7-wk periods. Diets (i.e., treatments) consumed ad libitum were 75% ground hay, alfalfa, a 1:1 mixture of alfalfa and lespedeza (AL), and lespedeza. Data were analyzed with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, repeated measure of period, and a mixed effects model. Feeders were open 195 and 205 min/d for Alpine and Katahdin (SEM=9.8) and longer (P &lt; 0.05) for diets with lespedeza (159, 209, and 231 min/d for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Rate of dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for Katahdin vs. Alpine (10.2 and 6.1 g/min) and for alfalfa than for AL and lespedeza (11.1, 8.1, and 6.7 g/min, respectively). Heat energy was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in MJ/d for Katahdin than for Alpine (10.19 vs. 7.90) and similar among diets (9.20, 9.40, and 8.53; SEM=0.266), but values in kJ/kg BW0.75 were similar between animal types (560 and 579; SEM=8.4) and greatest (P &lt; 0.05) among diets for AL (563, 592, and 553 for alfalfa, AL, and lespedeza, respectively). Ruminal methane emission differed (P &lt; 0.05) between animal types in MJ/d (1.17 and 1.44), kJ/g DMI (1.39 and 1.23), and kJ/g average daily gain (ADG; 18.1 and 9.8 for Alpine and Katahdin, respectively). Regardless of period, diet did not impact methane emission in MJ/d or relative to DMI, BW, or ADG. In conclusion, it is unclear why dietary inclusion of lespedeza did not reduce ruminal methane emission as in previous studies. Species differences in methane relative to DMI and ADG (i.e., lower for sheep than for goats) deserve further attention.

scholarly journals The Impact of Selection using Residual Average Daily Gain and Marbling EPDs on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits in Angus Steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Krause ◽  
E. R. Moore ◽  
J. Duggin ◽  
J. R. Segers ◽  
T. D. Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Carcass Merit ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Gain

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.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF SLAUGHTER’ AGE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS AND NON-CARCASS COMPONENTS TRAITS OF BERBER BREED LAMBS

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 1401-1407
Author(s):  
S. Atroun ◽  
C. Aissaoui ◽  
S. Smeti ◽  
N. Atti
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Yield ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Slaughter Age ◽  
Daily Gain

The objective of this work was to study the lamb’s growth, the carcass yield and composition and the importance of main organs of Berber lambs slaughtered at 4 or 6 months. The study concerned 40 lambs reared under motherhood. Lambs of the first group were slaughtered at the age of 4 months (4M) and the second at 6 months (6M). Slaughter body weights (BW), hot and cold carcass weights and organs were recorded. The carcass was cut out and dissected. The average BW at birth was 4.14 + 0.506 kg while the BW at slaughter was 22.86 kg + 3.40 and 31.51 + 3.50 kg for 4M and 6M groups, respectively. The average daily gain were 172 and 164g for 4M and 6M groups, respectively. Therefore, during 2months the lambs of 6M group gained 8.67 kg in BW. The carcasses were heavier for 6M than 4M. The carcass commercial yields were 42% and 45% for 4M and 6M groups, respectively, resulting in 4.1 kg gain of meat during 2 months. The tissular (muscle, fat and bone) and the regional (leg, shoulder …) carcass composition did not differ among groups. All organs were heavier for 6M than 4M; however, their proportion in the empty body weight were variables. The BWand carcass gain at six months are encouraging to prolong the lamb’s slaughter age without carcass composition difference given the similar fat proportion in the carcass of both groups.

Normal growth and development up to one year of age of Sudanese cattle with special reference to the influence of Sex and sire

1968 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Osman ◽  
Y. Rizgalla
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
One Year ◽  
Daily Gain

SUMMARYThree years' data on a herd of Sudanese cattle were used to study the influence of sex and sire on their growth from birth to 1 year of age. The traits studied included body weights at birth, weaning and yearling ages, and body measurements at birth and weaning age. Analysis of variance indicated no significant sex by sire interactions. Male calves had significantly (P < 0.01) heavier birth, weaning and yearling weights and faster pre-weaning average daily gain than female calves. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes in post-weaning gain or body measurements. The sire effects were highly significant (P < 0.01) for birth and yearling weights and postweaning average daily gain, but not for weaning weight and pre-weaning average daily gain. Sire effects were also significant (P < 0.05) for height at withers and heart girth at birth and weaning age and for body length at weaning age. The heritability estimates of birth and yearling weights and post-weaning gain were relatively high, whereas the heritability estimates of weaning weight and pre-weaning gain were low.

Growth-related hormones in plasma of bulls, steers and heifers given food with two different energy levels

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Röpke ◽  
D. Schams ◽  
F. J. Schwarz ◽  
M. Kirchgessner
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Needle Puncture ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
High Level ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Total Concentrations

AbstractConcentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), insulin and glucagon were determined in the plasma of growing bulls, steers and heifers (no. = 138 in total, German Simmental breed). The animals were offered either a high level or a low level of energy resulting in relatively high and low average daily gain. Trials were subdivided into two experimental series and started at approximately 3 months of age at an average live weight of 110 kg. The animals were slaughtered at different body weights from 200 to 510 kg (heifers) or 660 kg (bulls, steers). Blood samples (needle puncture) were collected at biweekly intervals. Frequent samples time-course analysis of GH were taken by catheter from nine animals in total. Concentrations of GH declined during growth in steers and heifers as well as in bulls in blood samples collected by means of a catheter. IGF-1 and insulin concentrations increased from the start of the trial onwards up to different ages among the groups. Concentrations of glucagon constantly decreased from the start of the trial until slaughter. Significant differences (P < 0·05) in concentrations ofGH, IGF-1 and insulin could be observed between sexes and levels of nutrition, with the highest GH and IGF-1 levels in bulls followed by steers and heifers. In contrast insulin values were highest in heifers followed by steers and bulls. A high level of nutrition increased concentrations of IGF-1 and insulin in all sexes.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF STOCKING RATE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TWO HYBRIDS OF COMMERCIAL BROILERS IN THE HUMID TROPICS

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 114-120
Author(s):  
J. A. Agunbiade ◽  
K. Benyi
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Humid Tropics ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Space Requirements ◽  
Stocking Rates ◽  
Daily Gain

The effects of four stocking rates (0.070, 0.093, 0.116 and 0.140m2/ bird) on the performance of two hybrids of commercial broilers were investigated. There were significant hybrid effects on initial and final body weights (P< 0.01) and on feed effici­ency (P <0.05) but not on average daily gain and feed consumption and mortality. Stocking effects which were not signi­ficant for initial body weight, feed efficiency and mortality were highly significant for final body weight, average daily gain and feed consumption, (P < 0.01). There were significant interactions bet­ween hybrid and stocking rate for average daily gain (P <0.01) and mortality (P < 0.05). It is suggested that in the humid tropics, the stocking rates of 0.116 and 0.140m2/ bird would be appropriate for rearing broilers. The results of the study also show­ed that different hybrids do vary on space requirements in respect • of certain produc­tion traits.

scholarly journals Study on growth traits at weaning and yearling stages of indigenous and F1 crossbred buffalo in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-503
Author(s):  
Md Shahjahan ◽  
Asma Khatun ◽  
Sumya Khatun ◽  
Md Mahbubul Hoque ◽  
Sohrab Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Gain Measurement ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Additive Genetic Effects ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Imported Semen

This study was planned to clarify the variation of body weight and average daily gain traits in both indigenous and F1 crossbreed (Local×Mediterranean) buffalo at weaning (sixth month) and yearling stages (twelfth month). Data were collected from 33 indigenous and 35 F1 crossbred buffalo progeny during the period of 2011 to 2014 with intensive management system at Research and Development farm of Lal Teer Livestock Limited in Bangladesh. The gathered data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM) and independent sample t test. The effect of parity, sex, season and breeding year on body weight and average daily gain were observed where significant values found in breeding period (p <0.01) of crossbred buffalo for body weight. It might be the reason of crossbreeding to indigenous buffalo cows using imported semen with better genetic merit. The parity (p <0.05), season (p <0.05) and breeding period (p <0.01) were also significant for average daily gain measurement which suggesting environmental adaptability beside additive genetic effects. Body weights were measured at weaning and yearling stages for both local (113 to 195 kg) and F1 crossbred (144 to 220 kg) buffalo progeny to screen the elite offspring for the Genetic Farm and Bull station. Similarly, average daily gain observed 469 to 457 g and 600 to 506 g at the previously mentioned two stages for both local and F1 buffalos, respectively. It was observed that studied traits were comparatively better in F1 buffalo progeny than indigenous. The comparison of average daily weight gains between indigenous and F1 buffalos at weaning and yearling periods showed significant differences for body weight (p <0.001) and average daily gain (p <0.05), respectively. It is concluded that genetic gain might be possible in local buffalo population by grading up process which could switch the traditional buffalo rearing to commercial level as well as meeting the nutritional demand of country people.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2017, 3(4): 499-503

Effect of different floor space allowances on the performance and behaviorof Beetal kids under stall-fed conditions

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Thakur ◽  
D. S. Malik ◽  
S. Kaswan ◽  
A. L. Saini
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Large Space ◽  
Floor Space ◽  
Covered Area ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Daily Gain

Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different floor space allowances on performance and behavior of Beetal kids from 3 to 6 months of age. Twenty four spring born Beetal kids (3 month old) were randomly divided in to four groups (n=6 each group) on the basis of space allowances i.e. 0.6 m2, 0.7 m2, 0.8 m2 and 0.9 m2 covered area and 1.2 m2, 1.4 m2, 1.6 m2 and 1.8 m2 open area per kid. The results indicated that most of the performance parameters i.e. body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were marginally higher with higher space allowance, but these did not differ statistically. However behavioural activities like moving, exploring pen, grooming and resting were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in large space allowance groups whereas, eating, standing and negative social interactions were significantly better (p < 0.05) in lower floor space allowance groups. It is concluded that the increase in floor space allowance had favorable effect on the performance and behavior of Beetal kids.

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