Ultrasound measurements of perirenal fat thickness to estimate the body condition of reproducing rabbit does in different physiological states.

AbstractForty-two New-Zealand x Californian young female rabbits of 4·5 months of age were used to evaluate the use o f a computerized ultrasound system in estimating changes in body condition. In order to get a wide range of fatness, animals were randomly subjected to four food restriction regimes for 2 weeks. Female rabbits were scanned at six different back sites to estimate perirenal fat thickness, using a real-time ultrasound unit equipped with a 5·0-MHz sector probe. After scanning, all animals were weighed and slaughtered. The weights of hot carcass, cold carcass, perirenal fat, scapular fat, liver and kidneys were recorded. There was a large variation in the weight of the main fat deposits, especially for the perirenal fat (CV = 0·632), indicating its suitability for estimating changes in body condition. Ultrasound measurements of perirenal fat thickness correlated strongly with all carcass fat weight values (r= 0·692 to 0·959;P< 0·001) and the estimated carcass energy content (r= 0·777 to 0·866;P< 0·001) and seem to be more precise predictors than live weight measurements. Multiple regression equations for estimating the main fat deposit weight and estimated carcass energy content using only the live weight as an independent variable hadR2values ranging from 0·47 to 0·59. The accuracy of estimates was improved when ultrasound measurements were used in the regression model (R2values ranging from 0·81 to 0·95). Ultrasound measurement of mean perirenal fat deposit thickness at 3 cm ahead of the 2ndto 3rdlumbar vertebrae was the best predictor for perirenal fat weight (R2= 0·95;P< 0·001), total fat weight (R2= 0·93;P< 0·001) and estimated carcass energy content (R2= 0·90;P< 0·001). A validation group of 11 rabbit does was used to validate the ultrasound regression equations, showing that their mean accuracy was approximately 0·895 and 0·967 for total fat weight and estimated carcass energy content, respectively. Results suggest that ultrasound measurements of perirenal fat thickness may be an accurate method for studying changes in body condition of young female rabbits at different times.

Download Full-text

Effect of restricted feeding under rearing on reproduction, body condition and blood metabolites of rabbit does selected for growth rate

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2017.6848 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 303 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

C. Naturil-Alfonso ◽

F. Marco-Jiménez ◽

J.J. Pascual ◽

J.S. Vicente

Keyword(s):

Growth Rate ◽

Body Weight ◽

Litter Size ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Cycle ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Young Rabbit ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Ad Libitum ◽

Perirenal Fat

Young rabbit females selected for growth rate can have nutritional needs which may not be met by the common practice of feed restriction during rearing in commercial rabbit production. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of two different feeding programmes: restricted and ad libitum feeding, applied in young rabbit females for one month at the end of rearing, on reproductive performance, body condition and circulating metabolic hormones and metabolites in a rabbit line selected by growth rate in 3 consecutive reproductive cycles. Thus, twenty-four 16-week-old does were randomly assigned to a group in which the daily recommended nutrient intakes were satisfied (fed restricted: 130 g/day, n=13) or a group fed to satiety (ad libitum: 235.5 g/day, n=11) during one month. Then, all does were inseminated in 3 consecutive cycles using a 42-day reproductive cycle. Measurements of does’ body weight, perirenal fat thickness and plasma leptin, non-esterified-fatty-acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) and fructosamine were performed at artificial insemination (AI), parturition and weaning time in 3 consecutive cycles. Reproductive performance of does was evaluated based on fertility, litter size at parturition, prolificacy and productivity. Differences in body weight were found only in the 1st cycle, ad libitum fed females being heavier than restricted ones. Nevertheless, body weight variances disappeared in later cycles. No differences were found in perirenal fat thickness. Finally, in ad libitum fed females slight differences were found in plasma levels of NEFAs (452 vs. 258 μekv/L and 527 vs. 306 μekv/L for 1st and 2nd cycles) and BOHB (0.26 vs. 0.03 mM for 2nd cycle), but disappeared in the 3rd reproductive cycle. Fertility, prolificacy and productivity was not significantly affected by the feeding programme. Nevertheless, total litter size showed to be higher in ad libitum fed females at second parturition (8.7 vs. 5.9 kits). Therefore, the evaluated feeding programmes until first AI in females selected by growth rate had no effect on their reproductive outcomes, as the global reproductive performance was not affected.

Download Full-text

Discrimination study between the carcass and non-carcass components for interaction between gender, age, and production system in indigenous sheep

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2021v42n6supl2p3931 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (6supl2) ◽

pp. 3931-3946

Author(s):

Poliana Campos Burin ◽

◽

Jessica de Oliveira Monteschio ◽

Ariadne Patrícia Leonardo ◽

Marcio Rodrigues de Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Farming Systems ◽

The Body ◽

Meat Production ◽

Tissue Composition ◽

Indigenous Sheep ◽

Good Potential ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Ad Libitum

The objective of this work was to evaluate the yields, morphometric measures, carcass, and non-carcass components, and carcass regional and tissue composition of an indigenous sheep (Pantaneiro) of different physiological stages (gender, age, system production. Thirty sheep, eleven lambs, nine wethers, and ten cull ewes were used. The lambs were finished in feedlots, the wethers were maintained on pastures and supplementation, and the cull ewes were maintained on an extensive pasture system with mineral salt ad libitum. Slaughter ages were defined to simulate the most representative products and farming systems. Animals were slaughtered and classified as non- castrated lambs, wethers, and cull ewes. The criteria to slaughter lambs and wethers were the body condition, which ranged from 2.5 to 3.0. Cull ewes were slaughtered based on negative pregnancy diagnosis, regardless of their body condition, which ranged from 4.0 to 4.5. All animals were slaughtered after 16-hours of fasting (solids). The ewes presented the greatest fat thickness, differing significantly from the lambs. The morphometric measures were higher in ewes and lambs. The muscle to fat ratio of the animal’s cuts from different physiological stages presented no significant differences. The indigenous Pantaneiro sheep have good potential for meat production regardless of their physiological stages. The ewes stood out, presenting carcasses with good performance considering their potential and longer permanence in the herd due to their reproductive function.

Download Full-text

Patterns of body condition use and its impact on fertility

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2016.4006 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 39 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

D. Savietto ◽

S. Marono ◽

I. Martínez ◽

E. Martínez-Paredes ◽

L. Ródenas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Metabolism ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Body Condition ◽

Recovery Rate ◽

Post Partum ◽

A Posteriori ◽

Fat Tissue ◽

Body Reserves ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Perirenal Fat

A total of 60 nulliparous crossbred rabbit females were, a posteriori, divided into 2 experimental groups according to their natural “decision” to conceive or not at day 11 post first parturition (L: solely-lactating or LP: lactating-pregnant). This design allowed us to study the evolution of body reserves around first parturition and its influence on the future reproductive success of rabbit females. Primiparous rabbit females that failed to conceive when inseminated at day 11 post-partum (L) seemed to have a higher perirenal fat thickness (PFT) 12 d pre-partum (+0.25 mm; P=0.079) than females that conceived (LP). In the subsequent days, L females showed a significantly higher mobilisation rate than LP females (on av.–0.12 and –0.07 mm of PFT per day, respectively; P=0.007), reaching a lower PFT at partum (5.17 mm vs. 5.62 mm, respectively; P = 0.002). However, due to a greater recovery rate observed in L females (+0.15 vs. +0.08 mm of PFT per day for L and LP females, respectively; P=0.007), PFT at 10 d post-partum was similar (on av. 5.86 mm). These different patterns showed that PFT level at 12 d pre-partum and PFT mobilisation rate onwards seems to drive the start of a new pregnancy. It also seems to modify the energy metabolism of rabbit females, allowing does to recover perirenal fat tissue without compromising the production of milk necessary for the current litter.

Download Full-text

Claw disorders in dairy cattle – an unexpected association between energy metabolism and sole haemorrhages

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029916000510 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 84 (1) ◽

pp. 54-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Katrin Wilhelm ◽

Jürgen Wilhelm ◽

Manfred Fürll

Keyword(s):

Energy Metabolism ◽

Body Condition ◽

Post Partum ◽

Serum Levels ◽

The Body ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

High Fat ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Fat Thickness

The present study investigated whether changes of energy metabolism post-partum (pp) are associated with claw health. For this purpose, back-fat-thickness (BFT) was measured and blood samples were taken from 146 cows at four examination times. The serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose were measured. Furthermore, in the first week postpartum (pp) and at 8 weeks pp, a claw trimming was done and the presence and extent of sole haemorrhages (SH) was recorded. Animals with high BFT at calving and therefore high fat mobilisation and whose FFA and BHB levels in the first week pp exceeded the reference values had fewer pathological changes of the claws than thinner animals whose FFA and BHB levels stayed within reference ranges. The body condition before calving, represented in this study by BFT, plays an important role in non-infectious claw disorders. Poorer body condition was found to be associated with the SH that develop in the first 2 months of lactation.

Download Full-text

Relationship between body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2017.5674 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

E.W. Calle ◽

M.L. García ◽

A. Blasco ◽

M.J. Argente

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Principal Component Analysis ◽

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Principal Component ◽

Esterified Fatty Acids ◽

Energy Mobilization ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

Perirenal Fat

The present work was performed to examine the relationships between measures of body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does. The variables studied were body weight (BW), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), basal non-esterified fatty acid concentration (NEFAb) and non-esterified fatty acids after lipolysis stimulation by isoproterenol (NEFAr). The effect of time of measuring (at mating, delivery and 10 d after delivery) was estimated in 157 primiparous does. Correlations between body condition components were estimated and a principal component analysis performed. The does decreased BW (6%) and PFT (3%), and increased NEFAb (25%) and NEFAr (16%) from mating to delivery. Later, NEFAb and NEFAr decreased around 20% from delivery to 10 d after delivery without changing perirenal fat thickness. All BW and PFT lay in the first principal component, and all NEFA traits lay in the second component, showing low correlations with body condition measurements. Both NEFA traits showed high positive correlations when measured at the same time (0.65, 0.72 and 0.69), but low correlations when measured at different times (0.09, to 0.20). We conclude that although body weight and perirenal fat thickness are good predictors of body condition, NEFA should be used when an accurate measurement of energetic mobilization is needed, due to their low correlation.

Download Full-text

Relationship between body condition scores and ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat and m. longissimus dorsi in dairy cows differing in size and type

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1357729800055375 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 465-470 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

R. Schwager-Suter ◽

C. Stricker ◽

D. Erdin ◽

N. Künzi

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Longissimus Dorsi ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

Breed Type ◽

Stage Of Lactation ◽

Ultrasound Measurements ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Management Factors ◽

Body Condition Scores

AbstractIn the present study body condition scores (BCS), ultrasound fat thickness and ultrasound m. longissimus dorsi thickness as well as body measurements and management factors were recorded repeatedly during lactation in 71 Holstein-Friesians, 71 Jerseys and 71 Holstein-Jersey F1-crosses (first to ninth lactation) on four feeding regimens. BCS were analysed with ultrasound measurements as explanatory variables by mixed models. A compound symmetry structure for the variance components was applied. The models were also tested for an autoregressive error structure [AR(1)]. Ultrasound fat thickness and ultrasound m. longissimus dorsi thickness explained most of the variability in BCS. Coefficients of determination were between 0•84 and 0•85. Management factors such as feeding group and stage of lactation (week of taking measurements) and the breed type ✕ lactation interaction were, although significant, not relevant for the fit. Holsteins tended to have lower scores than F1-crosses and Jerseys and younger cows tended to have higher scores than older cows. Despite small differences between breeds, Edmonson’s BCS proved to be consistent within each breed type; thus BCS can be applied to various dairy breeds.

Download Full-text

PENGARUH MUTASI PADA GEN LEPTIN TERHADAP TEBAL LEMAK PUNGGUNG DAN SKOR KONDISI TUBUH PADA SAPI PERANAKAN ONGOLE

ZIRAA'AH MAJALAH ILMIAH PERTANIAN ◽

10.31602/zmip.v46i1.4185 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 112

Author(s):

Nena Hilmia ◽

Dedi Rahmat ◽

Muhammad Fatah Wiyatna ◽

Dudi Dudi ◽

Riki Akbar Rosidin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Backfat Thickness ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Condition Score ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Completely Randomized Design

Mutation on leptin gene affect leptin function as one of the hormones which contribute to body fat deposition. This research aims to determine the effect of R25C and R25H mutations on the leptin gene toward back fat thickness and Body Condition Score (BCS) in Ongole Grade cattle. The study was conducted with a quasi-experimental method, using completely randomized design. The treatments in this study were genotypes differences was, namely CC, TT and AA. This research used sixthteen heads of Ongole Grade Cattle aged ± 2 years, and was reared for 60 days intensively. The feed consisted of forage and concentrate with a ratio of 25: 75, as much as 3% dry matter of body weight and drinking water was given ad libitum. The backfat thickness was estimated using ultrasound performed on 4.5-6.5 MHz frequency, with depth of 8.8-13 cm, BCS was assessed visually by using 1 – 5 score. The backfat thickness data were analyzed by variance component and BCS data was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis. The results showed average of backfat thickness CC, TT and AA genotype were 3.14 mm, 2.9 mm and 3.57 mm, respectively. The body condition score for CC, TT and AA genotype were 3.54, 3.63 and 3.46 respectively. The Mutation of leptin gene on R25C and R25H have not effect to backfat thickness and body condition score in PO cattle.

Download Full-text

Relationship between Prenatal Characteristics and Body Condition and Endocrine Profile in Rabbits

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010095 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 95

Author(s):

María-Luz García ◽

Raquel Muelas ◽

María-José Argente ◽

Rosa Peiró

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Linear Relationship ◽

Body Condition ◽

Uterine Horn ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Implantation Site ◽

Endocrine Profile ◽

17Β Estradiol ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Perirenal Fat

This study evaluated the relationship between prenatal characteristics and body condition and endocrine profile. A total of 25 non-lactating multiparous females were used. Body condition, measured as body weight and perirenal fat thickness, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin, progesterone and 17β-estradiol were recorded at mating and 12 d of gestation. Ovulation rate, number of foetuses, ovary and foetal weight, length and weight of uterine horn, available space per foetus and maternal and foetal placental morphometry were recorded at 12 d of gestation. Ovulation rate showed a positive linear relationship with number of foetuses, ovary weight and NEFA. A negative linear relationship between ovulation rate and perirenal fat thickness and leptin was obtained. Ovulation rate was maximum when body weight and 17β-estradiol were 4.4 kg and 22.7 pg/mL, respectively. Foetal weight showed a positive relationship with perirenal fat thickness and a negative relationship with leptin. An increase in progesterone and NEFA concentration was related to a positive linear increase in number of foetuses and in uterine horn weight. Space available per foetus was affected both by the number of vessels that reach the implantation site and by position of the foetus in the uterine horn. In conclusion, body condition during mating and early gestation should be maintained within an optimal range to ensure the best prenatal characteristics. While 17β-estradiol, NEFA and leptin affected the ovulation rate, progesterone and NEFA affected foetal development. The number of vessels that reach the implantation site determines early foetal survival.

Download Full-text

Relation of Automated Body Condition Scoring System and Inline Biomarkers (Milk Yield, β-Hydroxybutyrate, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Progesterone in Milk) with Cow’s Pregnancy Success

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21041414 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 1414

Author(s):

Ramūnas Antanaitis ◽

Vida Juozaitienė ◽

Dovilė Malašauskienė ◽

Mindaugas Televičius ◽

Mingaudas Urbutis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Time Analyzer ◽

Condition Score ◽

Pregnancy Status ◽

Body Condition Scoring

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relation of automatically determined body condition score (BCS) and inline biomarkers such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), milk yield (MY), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and progesterone (mP4) with the pregnancy success of cows. The cows (n = 281) had 2.1 ± 0.1. lactations on average, were 151.6 ± 0.06 days postpartum, and were once tested with “Easy scan” ultrasound (IMV imaging, Scotland) at 30–35 d post-insemination. According to their reproductive status, cows were grouped into two groups: non-pregnant (n = 194 or 69.0% of cows) and pregnant (n = 87 or 31.0% of cows). Data concerning their BCS, mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected each day from the day of insemination for 7 days. The BCS was collected with body condition score camera (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden); mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected with the fully automated real-time analyzer Herd Navigator™ (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). Of all the biomarkers, three differences between groups were significant. The body condition score (BCS) of the pregnant cows was higher (+0.49 score), the milk yield (MY) was lower (−4.36 kg), and milk progesterone in pregnant cows was (+6.11 ng/mL) higher compared to the group of non-pregnant cows (p < 0.001). The pregnancy status of the cows was associated with their BCS assessment (p < 0.001). We estimated that cows with BCS > 3.2 were 22 times more likely to have reproductive success than cows with BCS ≤ 3.2.

Download Full-text