scholarly journals Premium lamb production of South African sheep breed types under feedlot conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 578-587
Author(s):  
D.A. Van der Merwe ◽  
T.S. Brand ◽  
L.C. Hoffman

An increasing number of producers opt to finish their lambs in on-farm feedlots. Therefore, detailed production information is required to implement precision finishing of lambs of different genotypes. Precision finishing monitors growth, feed intake and efficiency to optimize management. In this study, feedlot production characteristics of Dohne Merino, Dormer, Dorper, Meatmaster, Merino, Namaqua Afrikaner, and South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) lambs were evaluated. The lambs were reared in a feedlot and fed a diet with 10.41 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg feed and 19.06% crude protein. Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly from an initial weight of 30 kg until they had the subcutaneous fat cover needed to produce an A2 carcass. Subcutaneous fat was measured on the Longissimus lumborum muscle with an ultrasound scanner. Dorper, Meatmaster and Namaqua Afrikaner had the shortest rearing periods in the feedlot, and were market ready at a lower live weight (P <0.05). As a result, these lambs consumed less feed in the feedlot. Namaqua Afrikaner and Merino lambs were least efficient: 7.08 and 5.63 kg feed/kg gain, respectively. Dohne Merino, Dormer, Dorper, and Meatmaster rams and Dorper ewes were more efficient; approximately 3.58 kg feed/kg gain. Dohne Merino and Dormer rams had the highest growth rates: approximately 465 g/day. The end weights described in this study could be used as an indication for producers of the ideal slaughter weights for breeds of different maturity types.Keywords: average daily gain, fat deposition, feed efficiency, rearing period


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (7) ◽  
pp. 2822-2836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphaël Gauthier ◽  
Christine Largouët ◽  
Charlotte Gaillard ◽  
Laetitia Cloutier ◽  
Frédéric Guay ◽  
...  

AbstractNutrient requirements of sows during lactation are related mainly to their milk yield and feed intake, and vary greatly among individuals. In practice, nutrient requirements are generally determined at the population level based on average performance. The objective of the present modeling approach was to explore the variability in nutrient requirements among sows by combining current knowledge about nutrient use with on-farm data available on sows at farrowing [parity, BW, backfat thickness (BT)] and their individual performance (litter size, litter average daily gain, daily sow feed intake) to estimate nutrient requirements. The approach was tested on a database of 1,450 lactations from 2 farms. The effects of farm (A, B), week of lactation (W1: week 1, W2: week 2, W3+: week 3 and beyond), and parity (P1: 1, P2: 2, P3+: 3 and beyond) on sow performance and their nutrient requirements were evaluated. The mean daily ME requirement was strongly correlated with litter growth (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001) and varied slightly according to sow BW, which influenced the maintenance cost. The mean daily standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine requirement was influenced by farm, week of lactation, and parity. Variability in SID lysine requirement per kg feed was related mainly to feed intake (R2 = 0.51; P < 0.001) and, to a smaller extent, litter growth (R2 = 0.27; P < 0.001). It was lowest in W1 (7.0 g/kg), greatest in W2 (7.9 g/kg), and intermediate in W3+ (7.5 g/kg; P < 0.001) because milk production increased faster than feed intake capacity did. It was lower for P3+ (6.7 g/kg) and P2 sows (7.3 g/kg) than P1 sows (8.3 g/kg) due to the greater feed intake of multiparous sows. The SID lysine requirement per kg of feed was met for 80% of sows when supplies were 112 and 120% of the mean population requirement on farm A and B, respectively, indicating higher variability in requirements on farm B. Other amino acid and mineral requirements were influenced in the same way as SID lysine. The present modeling approach allows to capture individual variability in the performance of sows and litters according to farm, stage of lactation, and parity. It is an initial step in the development of new types of models able to process historical farm data (e.g., for ex post assessment of nutrient requirements) and real-time data (e.g., to control precision feeding).



1982 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Southgate ◽  
G. L. Cook ◽  
A. J. Kempster

Live-weight growth and efficiency of food utilization of purebred Galloway, Luing and Welsh Black steers, and crossbred steers out of Blue-Grey and Hereford × Friesian dams by Aberdeen-Angus, Charolais, Devon, Hereford, Limousin, Lincoln Red, Simmental, South Devon and Sussex sires, were examined in two suckled calf fattening systems. In one system, autumn-born calves were purchased at 1 year of age and fattened during their second winter; the other system involved late winter-born calves, which were purchased at 7 months of age, overwintered on a cheap growing diet and fattened during their second summer. The trial involved a total of 1430 cattle and extended over 5 years (winter system) and 6 years (summer system).Cattle were slaughtered as close as possible to a standard carcass subcutaneous fat concentration.The data for crossbred and purebred cattle were analysed separately within the fattening system using least squares models, which included effects for year, sire breed and dam breed, and with regression on the age at beginning of the trial and carcass subcutaneous fat concentration estimated by visual appraisal.Breed differences in live weight at slaughter were similar to those recorded in the Meat and Livestock Commission's on-farm recording work. Among crossbreds, the larger sire breeds consumed more food per day, generally grew faster and were older at slaughter.They did not differ significantly in the efficiency with which food was converted into live-weight gain. Among the purebreds, the Luing had a relatively high daily food intake in relation to its growth rate and, together with the Welsh Black in the summer fattening system, was less efficient than the Galloway (P<0·05).



2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soraia Viana Ferreira ◽  
Lívia Maria dos Reis Barbosa ◽  
Camila Schultz Marcolla ◽  
Marcos Henrique Soares ◽  
Dante Teixeira Valente Júnior ◽  
...  

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of metabolizable energy (ME) levels in diets with high digestible lysine concentration on performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of barrows from 95 to 158 days of age. Eighty commercial hybrid barrows (50 ± 1.82 kg) selected for lean meat deposition, were assigned to four dietary treatments (3,150, 3,235, 3,320, and 3,400 kcal EM kg-1) in a randomized design with 10 replicate pens per treatment and two pigs per pen. From 95 to 116 days of age, we observed no effects of ME on final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), metabolizable energy intake (MEI), and feed conversion (F: G). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased linearly with increasing ME levels (? = 5.79961 - 0.00096790X - r2 = 0.89). From 95 to 137 days of age, no effects of ME were observed on final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), metabolizable energy intake (MEI), and feed conversion (F: G). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased linearly with increasing ME (?= 6.1176 - 0.001X - r2= 0.97). From 95 to 158 days, of age no effects of ME were observed on FBW and ADG. Dietary ME influenced the ADFI and F: G, which decreased linearly with increasing ME concentrations (?= 8.12951 - 0.00149X - r2= 0.99; ?= 6.0914 - 0.001X - r² = 0.75, respectively). There was a linear increase in loin eye area (LEA) with increasing ME (? = - 29.851 + 0.0207 X - r² = 0.87). Backfat thickness, pH, and temperature, measured at different times after slaughter (0 min, 45 min, 3 h, and 24 h), were not affected by dietary ME. The level of ME also did not affect the meat quality parameters Color L*, Color a*, Color b*, Warner-Bratzler shear force, thaw water losses, cooking water losses, sum of water losses, intramuscular fat content, and TBARS. Diets with 3,400 kcal kg-1 ME, corresponding to 2.75, 2.57, and 2.31 g digestible lysine/Mcal of ME for pigs from 95 to 116, 116 to 137, and 95 to 158 days of age, respectively, resulted in best performance and carcass traits, without negative effects on meat quality.



2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Favero ◽  
I.Y. Mizubuti ◽  
R.C. Gomes ◽  
E.L.A. Ribeiro ◽  
E.S. Pereira ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the feedlot performance, profitability and carcass traits of Brahman bulls classified according to the residual feed intake (RFI). Twenty-four bulls (19-month old, 370±34kg live weight) were housed in individual pens for 54 days and had the daily feed intake (observed dry matter intake, DMIobs; DMI % live weight, LW) and average daily gain (ADG) measured. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed at the initial and final weighings, when measurements were taken of Longissimus dorsi area, ratio, Longissimus and Biceps femoris fat thickness. The animals were ranked and divided into high (>+0.5 standard deviation; SD), medium (between ±0.5 SD from the mean), and low (<-0.5 SD) RFI groups. Low-RFI animals had lower DMIobs (P<0.10) and DMI % LW (P<0.05). No significant differences in initial and final weight or ADG were noticed (P>0.05). Low-RFI animals showed lower weight gain cost and higher daily profit (P<0.05). Carcass traits were similar between groups, regardless of evaluation date (P>0.05). Selection for RFI lead to animals with lower feed intake without affecting weight gain or carcass traits, thereby providing increased profitability for beef cattle farming.



1988 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. D. St C. Neal ◽  
M. Gill ◽  
J. France ◽  
A. Spedding ◽  
S. Marsden

AbstractEquations for the prediction of forage dry-matter intake, metabolizable energy (ME), rumen degradable protein and undegraded protein, based on those in the current Agricultural Research Council system, were incorporated into a computer program designed to be used by livestock advisors for on-farm rationing of beef cattle. The predictions of silage intake and live-weight gain are compared with experimental data.Voluntary intake of grass silage was generally over-estimated by the program by proportionately at least 0·06, with a root mean square error of ±0·18 of the mean observed silage intake for the all-silage rations. The prediction of ME requirement for observed production had an error of +0·15 of average ME intake but the calculations of ME intake were themselves dependent on the predictions of the ME concentrations of the silages and supplements. Similarly the comparison of protein supply with requirement was highly dependent on the value assigned to N-degradability. However, the program can be used to assess how changes in the input values would affect ration formulation.The mathematical basis of the program is described in the Appendix.



1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Jiang ◽  
R. J. Hudson

A single dose marker method was calibrated to estimate intakes of pasture forage by wapiti. Each animal was offered 250 g of alfalfa–barley pellets labeled with chromic oxide (Cr2O3), and freshly voided fecal samples were collected before and for 6–7 days after administration. Dry fecal output was calculated by dividing the marker dosage by the average fecal marker concentration. Feed intake was then calculated from fecal output and feed digestibility as determined by total fecal collection or the ratio of acid-insoluble ash in feed and feces. The concordance of the marker estimate with measured feed intake was tested on penned wapiti fed alfalfa–barley pellets or herbage. On pasture, the marker method was compared with intakes estimated by the bite-count method. As an additional check, data from pen and field studies were pooled to establish the relationship between metabolizable energy intake and body-weight gain. The single dose marker method provided a practical way to assess feed intake of free-ranging animals. Metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of live weight were 572 kJ/W0.75 for penned wapiti in winter and 936 kJ/W0.75 for wapiti on summer pasture. Tissues mobilized during winter provided 26 kJ/g, and metabolizable energy requirement per unit liveweight gain was 39 kJ/g on summer pasture.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggy Palesa Mabena ◽  
Moses Ratsaka ◽  
Thobela Nkukwana ◽  
Ingrid Malebana ◽  
Douglas Nkosi

Abstract This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5 kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200 g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5 days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for twelve hours, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 15%, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 15%, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 15, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 15% inclusion level.



2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
A. O. Ladokun

A total of 48 large white pigs were used in an experiment to investigate the use of exogenous testosterone on the growth of pigs. The pigs were randomly selected as day old piglets, balanced for weight with equal number for each sex, and allotted to two treatment groups, T1, which received Testosterone Enanthate (TE), intramuscularly, weekly, for 24 weeks and T2, the control, which received no hormone but blank injections. Dosage was based on live weight (1.2mg/kg live weight). Corn oil served as the vehicle. The parameters measured include Total weight gain (TWG), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) and Feed Conversion Ratio. The results obtained showed that exogenous testosterone increased weight gain significantly (p<0.05) in both sexes than their respective controls. The same trend was observed for feed intake and feed conversion. Exogenous testosterone also indicated pronounced sex effect on the pigs in this study with males having significantly (p<0.05) higher values than females. It can be concluded from this study that exogenous testosterone can be used to accelerate growth thereby finishing the pigs early. A withdrawal period of 4 weeks before slaughter is however recommended.



2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1180-1186
Author(s):  
A.M. Oliveira ◽  
L.D.F. Silva ◽  
A.P.O. Souza ◽  
E.L.A. Ribeiro ◽  
C.C. Jobim ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sorghum silage substitution with different proportions of triticale silage on the performance and carcass of Braford heifers. Twenty-four Braford heifers were randomly assigned to four diets where sorghum silage was replaced at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for triticale silage in a feedlot system. During sixty-tree days of the experiment, the feed intake, feed ratio conversion, and average daily gain were measured. The heifers were slaughtered and the effects of the sorghum and triticale silage in carcass characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of sorghum silage with triticale silage did not affect the feed intake and average daily gain (P> 0.05). Feed gain ratio was higher for the heifers that received lower proportions of triticale silage (0% and 30%) in replace sorghum silage (P <0.05). Eye loin area and fat thickness were similar among treatments (P<0.05). Other carcass characteristics, such as slaughter live weight, dressing percentage, conformation and fat classification were similar among experimental treatments (P<0.005). Triticale silage can replace sorghum silage for finishing beef heifers in feedlot system and provides similar carcass characteristics.



Author(s):  
Belete Kuraz ◽  
Adugna Tolera ◽  
Aster Abebe

Background: Mineral deficiencies are considered to be one of the nutritional constraints to sheep performance. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of bole soil on feed intake, live weight change and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale sheep fed natural grass hay and concentrate supplement and its cost-benefit analysis of bole soil supplementation. Result: Total DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF intake and ADL were higher (p less than 0.0001) for T3 than for T1, T2 and T4. Final weight, body weight change, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were greater (p less than 0.0001) for T3 and T2 than for T1 and T4. There were no differences (p greater than 0.05) between T3 and T2 whereas T4 was greater than T1 in these variables. Slaughter weight (SW) was heavier (p less than 0.0001) for treatment two and treatment three than for treatment four and treatment one, hot carcass weight, foreleg weight and dressing percentage on empty body weight basis were greater (p less than 0.0001) for T3 and T2 than for T1and T4. Conclusion: Bole soil supplementation had potentially highest effect on feed intake, live weight change and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale sheep than non-supplemented groups. The present study also revealed that supplementation of minerals improved the total weight gain of sheep over the control treatment.



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