Effects of Inclusion of N-Carbamylglutamate in the Non-Protein Diet on Growth and Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, Nitrogen Metabolism and Antioxidant of Holstein Bulls

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on growth and slaughter performance, meat quality, nitrogen utilization, plasma antioxidant and amino acids of Holstein bulls. In this case, 24 Holstein bulls (490 ± 29.0 kg of body weights and 540 ± 6.1 d of age) were blocked by body weights and age and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) CON group: bulls were fed the control diet, (2) CON + NCG group: bulls were fed the control diet with 40 mg/kg BW NCG, (3) Urea group: bulls were fed the urea diet, and (4) Urea + NCG group: bulls were fed the urea diet with 40 mg/kg BW NCG. Feeding NCG significantly improved ADG, FCR, DM and CP digestibility, carcass weight, slaughter weight, DOP, eye muscle area, shear force (p = 0.001) and reduced L* of color, drip loss and cooking loss. Concurrently, feeding the urea diet induced a decreased ADG, carcass weight and slaughter weight, DOP, eye muscle area and shear force. NCG decreased contents of fecal N and urinary N, plasma urea in bulls and ammonia but increased N retention and utilization, plasma NO, plasma Arg, Leu, Ile and Tyr. On the other hand, feeding the urea diet increased urinary N, plasma urea and ammonia. Thus the study efficiently demonstrates that beef benefited from being fed a NCG product in the urea diet by enhancing its growth and slaughter performance, meat quality, nitrogen metabolism and plasma amino acids.

Comparison of seminal characteristics of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls before and after cryopreservation

The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters indicative of sperm quality of fresh and post-thawed semen of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls. Thirty-nine bulls were used: Aberdeen Angus (n=13), Holstein (n=13) and Nelore (n=13). The ejaculate collects were performed twice a week using artificial vagina, totaling 792 semen collections, 307 for Aberdeen Angus, 225 for Holstein and 260 for Nelore bulls. After collection, fresh semen was evaluated and semen freezing was performed. After freezing, the batches were thawed and progressive motility was determined. The analysis of fresh semen showed that there was no difference (P = 0.053) between the Aberdeen Angus and Nelore breeds, while ejaculates from Holstein bulls showed a statistical difference (P = 0.024). As well, a difference (P<0.001) was identified in the sperm concentration of the three breeds. In the samples evaluated after thawing, a statistical difference was observed between Holstein and Nelore breeds (P<0.001), while the values of the Angus breed were similar to the other two breeds. The difference in motility of fresh and post-thawing semen showed that Nelore and Angus bulls showed greater variation in values between the analyzes (26.0±8.9% and 25.3±8.4%, respectively) showing a significant difference (P<0.001) in relation to Holstein bulls (20.6±9.3%) that obtained the smallest difference. The analysis of fresh and post-thawing semen did not show any significant difference (P=0.13) between breeds. In conclusion, the semen cryopreservation process causes a decrease in the physical parameters of the semen and these quality losses suffer interference according to the breeds.

Use of Holstein bulls in improvement of black pied cattle

Sires play an important role in improvement of productive qualities of bred livestock. Most researchers and breeders estimate their impact to be at least 90%. In order to evaluate the results of using different Holstein breeding bulls, we compared the productivity of their offspring with the average values for all bulls. The following methods of variation statistics were used: observation, data grouping, and correlation analysis. It was found that the best are the descendants of the bull Estuary 2186 of the Montwick Chieftain line. Besides, Liman 2186 bull’s daughters excelled in high milk fat content - 4.46%. Daughters of Punch 2748 bull of Pabst Governor line were the best in protein content of milk (3.27%). Daughters of Liman 2186 bull had the highest fat and protein yield during 305 days of lactation. It was established that the direction and value of correlation between the main features of milk yield of cows of different lineages have a rather high degree of variation. Presence of positive genetic correlation between milk yield and protein content in milk in some lines of animals enables breeding cows by two traits simultaneously (milk yield and protein content in milk).

Evaluation of breeding bulls based on quality of offspring considering crossing options

Breeding takes the main place in the complex of measures for intensification of dairy cattle breeding. A characteristic feature of breeding work is identification of the most valuable genotypes and their further use in cattle population. The Holstein breed is considered one of the most highly productive breeds, in many countries of the world it is used for the genetic improvement of local breeds. In this regard, a comparative assessment of methods for determining the breeding value of bulls of different genotypes obtained by interbreeding is relevant. The results of assessment of genetic superiority of the used breeding bulls in terms of milk productivity of daughters for the first lactation through interannual deviations of the homogeneous peers are presented, the best producers in all the studied herds are identified, it is established which breeds the best and worst breeding bulls belong to. The research revealed that 18% of bulls had genetic superiority at controlled farms (9% - Holstein breed, 6% - Yaroslavl crossbreeding bulls, 3% - Mikhailovsky type’s bulls), a negative value - 24% including 9% - Yaroslavl crossbreeding bulls, 9% - Mikhailovsky type’s bulls and 6% - Holstein bulls. A comparative evaluation of the two methods showed a high reliable positive correlation between results of Mikhailovsky type bulls and Yaroslavl crossbreeding bulls equal to 0.82 and 0.56, respectively, which indicates a high reliability of the method of genetic superiority index, which can be used to evaluate bulls during crossbreeding. It is possible to increase the genetic potential of herds by excluding producers with a negative genetic index. The obtained results are recommended to be used when mating bulls and for development of breeding programs for individual herds or entire population

Rumen degradation properties of tropical legumes feed under in sacco studies

Degradation properties of protein feed sources such as tropical legumes is very important to match with microbial protein synthesis and by pass protein requirements in dairy cattle ration formulation. However, the information is still limited. This study aims to determine the degradability of dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) from several legumes in Indonesia using in sacco method. There are 11 types of tropical legumes that are commonly used in dairy cattle ration have been studied, namely acacia, alfalfa, pterocarpus, gliricidia, indigofera, calliandra, butterfly leaf, leucaena, albizia, tamarind, and sesbania. The dried forage mesh samples were put into nylon bags and incubated in the rumen of two fistulated Friesian Holstein bulls for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Parameter observed were degradability of dry matter (DMD), and organic matter (OMD), kinetic parameters, and effective degradation. The data were analysed using descriptive statistic and regression from SAS University software. The result that sesbania and indigofera grouped into highly degradable forage (degradability > 80%), while acacia, albizia, calliandra grouped into low degradable forage (degradability < 50%). From this study it can be concluded that each type of legume has different degradability characteristics using in sacco method.

PSIX-8 Drinking water acidification and chlorination improves microbiological water quality without detrimental effects on performance or hazard side-effects in bulls fed high-concentrate diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drinking water disinfection (chlorination) and conditioning (acidification) on microbiological water quality, water and feed consumption, total tract apparent digestibility and its potential hazard effects on animal health in Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Twenty-four Holstein bulls (221 ± 20.9 kg of initial BW, and 184 ± 9.9 d of age) were housed individually and fed ad libitum. Animals were assigned to 4 treatments with a 2 x 2 factorial design: drinking water conditioning (with or without acidification) and disinfection (absence or chlorination). Every 28 d, water samples from the tank and drinker were collected to analyze pH, residual chlorine and microbial load. Water consumption was recorded daily, and every 2 wks feed consumption and BW were recorded. At d 0, 14, 98 and 196 blood samples were collected to hematology and clinical chemistry analysis. At d 42 and 147 total tract apparent digestibility was estimated. Data were analyzed with a mixed effects model. In the tank, acidification increased residual free chlorine (0.58 vs. 0.33 ± 0.081 ppm, interaction, P = 0.10) and chlorination reduced (P &lt; 0.01) total coliform count (0.8 vs. 392.7 ± 0.30 CFU / 100 ml) and Clostridium perfringens count (0.0 vs. 9.0 ± 0.13 CFU / 100 ml). In the drinkers, chlorination only tended (P = 0.10) to decrease total coliform count (967.5 vs. 994.7 ± 0.01 CFU / 100 ml). Treatments did not affect daily water consumption, total DMI nor blood parameters. At the end of the study, chlorination tended (P = 0.07) to improve starch total apparent digestibility (98.2 vs 97.7 ± 0.28 %). In fattening bulls’, the conditioning (acidification) and disinfection (chlorination) of drinking water improved its microbiological quality without detrimental effects on water and feed consumption, ruminal digestibility or hazard side-effects.

209 The Effect of Waiting Time at the Lairage of Slaughterhouse of Holstein Bulls After a Short Transport on Animal Behavior, Carcass Quality and Meat Quality

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of waiting time at the lairage before slaughter in Holstein bulls after a short transport. Half of the bulls of each transport (n = 8 transports; n = 48 ± 4 bulls/transport) were distributed in two treatments: short waiting time (SWT; &lt; 2h; n = 200) and long waiting time (LWT; from 4 to 8h; n = 184). Behavior of LWT animals was observed with a 15 min scan sampling at the lairage pens. Hot carcass weight (HCW), conformation, fatness and pH in Longissimus dorsi (LD) at the 4th-5th lumbar vertebra between 30 and 36 h postmortem was registered. A caudal section of LD was collected for meat quality evaluation in a subset of 24 animals selected based on HCW and meat pH. Each loin was cut in 5 slices, one to determine instrumental color after 30 min blooming, and the others were disposed to evaluate microbiology (1, 5, 8 and 12 d) and color stability (1 to 12 d). Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. The percentage of animals standing with LWT treatment decreased (P &lt; 0.001) with waiting time (100% and 64%, 1 h and 6 h, respectively). Meat pH was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for SWT (5.6 ± 0.02) compared with LWT (5.5 ± 0.02); however, the percentage of carcass classified as DFD (pH &gt; 5.7) did not differ between treatments. Lightness (L*) was greater (P &lt; 0.05) for SWT (29.7 ± 0.47) compared with LWT (28.1 ± 0.49). Moreover, on day 12 color stability and enterobacteria count evolved differently (P = 0.09) between treatments. Waiting time below 2 h might impair meat quality as animals might not be able to recover from transport.

PSXI-1 Influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of sperm of Holstein bulls

Many studies show that an excess or deficiency of chemical elements in an animal’s body can lead to a number of reproductive disorders. In this regard, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of semen of sire bulls. The studies were carried out on Holstein bulls at the age of 3–4 years (n = 65). Sperm concentration (billions) was estimated using a digital photometer (IMV Technologies). Sperm activity (score) was studied using a phase contrast microscope (Nikon ECLIPSE E400, Tokyo, Japan). The elemental composition of the semen was determined by 25 chemical elements (Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Hg, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Coefficients were calculated according to Spearman’s correlation. As a result of the research, it was found that sperm activity negatively correlated (r = -0.47; P ≤ 0.05) with the Pb content in semen and had a positive correlation with Zn concentrations (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.64; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.67; P ≤ 0.05). Sperm concentration was positively correlated with Cu levels (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.76; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.66; P ≤ 0.05). Thus, the results of the carried out studies indicate a high degree of relationship between the content of essential and toxic elements in semen and main qualitative characteristics of sperm. A deeper study of the role of chemical elements in reproductive function can be useful in overcoming the problem of low reproductive capacity of sires. The studies were carried out in accordance with the research plan for 2019–2021. FSBSI Federal Research Centre BST RAS (No. 0761-2019-0006)

PSXIII-10 Effects of nitrate concentration in drinking water on water and feed consumption, total tract digestibility and health implications in Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrate concentration in drinking water on water and feed consumption, total tract apparent digestibility and its potential toxicity on animal health in fattening Holstein bulls. Twenty-four Holstein bulls (161 ± 19.9 kg of initial BW, and 183 ± 25.3 d of age) were housed individually and fed ad libitum. Animals were assigned to 4 treatments according to nitrate concentration in drinking water: 0, 44, 110 and 220 mg / L. The different nitrate concentrations were achieved by the addition of different potassium nitrate 0.22 M doses. Water consumption and animal health status was recorded daily. Every 2 wks feed consumption, BW were recorded, and nitrate concentration in drinking water was analyzed by photometry. At d 0, 14, 112 and 168 blood samples were collected to determine ammonia and methemoglobin concentrations. At d 14 and 168 total tract apparent digestibility was estimated. Data were analyzed with a mixed effects model. Water consumption decreased (P &lt; 0.05) when nitrate concentration in water was above ≥ 110 mg / L (30.2, 27.4, 24.4 and 26.4 ± 1.38 L/d for 0, 44, 110 and 220 mg/L nitrates in water, respectively). Water nitrate concentration did not affect serum ammonia and methemoglobin concentration (58.0 ± 2.17 µmol / L and 2.4 0.09 %, respectively). In addition, water nitrate concentration did not affect performance, total DMI, and nutrient digestibility. Drinking water for a long period with nitrate concentrations up to 110 mg/L did not have detrimental effects on performance and health. Beyond this threshold a reduction of water consumption of 16 % was observed and blood parameters (methemoglobin) and health registers did not indicate that the concentration of 220 mg/L of nitrates in drinking water may have health side-effects in fattening bulls fed high-concentrate diets.