Growth,carcass, fiber type,and meat quality characteristics in Large White pigs with different live weights

The aim of this study was to compare the growth, carcass, histochemical, and meat quality characteristics in Large White pig groups that were categorized by live weight (Heavy and Light) and type I fiber percentage (High and Low), a procedure which resulted in four groups (Heavy-High, Heavy-Low, Light-High, and Light-Low). As expected, the Heavy group showed heavier live weight (114 vs. 94.7 kg, P<0.001) and larger loin eye area (53.3 vs. 47.8 cm², P<0.001), as well as, higher total number (1,223,000 vs. 1,140,000, P<0.05) and greater mean value cross-sectional area (CSA; 4031 vs. 3798 μm²P<0.05) of muscle fibers than the Light group. However, there were no significant differences in start and finish days among the groups (P>0.05). Heavier pigs harboring a higher percentage of type I fibers (HH) exhibited a similar mean CSA (3894 vs. 4101 μm²) and total number (1,249,000 vs. 1,198,000) of muscle fibers, even though these pigs had a greater CSA of type I fibers (3181 vs. 2719 μm², P<0.05) and a smaller CSA of type IIB fibers (4048 vs. 4457 μm², P<0.05) compared to heavier pigs harboring a lower percentage of fiber type I (HL). Both the HL and Light-Low groups exhibited a rapid decline of muscle pH at the early postmortem period (5.90 and 5.85 vs. 6.08, P<0.05), paler surfaces (43.07 and 43.55 vs. 40.73_,P<0.05), and higher degrees of fluid loss by exudation (6.26 and 6.39 vs. 4.22%, P<0.05) compared to the HH group due to their muscle fiber type composition. Thus, the HH pigs showed better meat quality characteristics without significant differences in growth and carcass performance compared to the HL pigs. Therefore, selection for increased live weight at the same age and muscle fiber characteristics, especially the increased type I fiber CSA and proportion, is one of the relevant indicators to improve and control meat quality without reducing the growth and carcass performance.     

Calcium salts of fatty acids with varying fatty acid profiles in diets of feedlot-finished Bos indicus bulls: impacts on intake,digestibility, performance,and carcass and meat characteristics

We hypothesized that the inclusion of calcium salts of fatty acid (CSFA) into the diets and the fatty acid (FA) profile of the supplements would impact performance and meat characteristics of Bos indicus bulls. Hence, the objective was to evaluate the effects of CSFA profiles on intake, body weight (BW), carcass, and meat characteristics of feedlot-finished B indicus bulls. Fifty-three Nellore bulls [initial BW 315 ± 5.9 kg and 20 ± 2 mo] were used. At the beginning, 6 bulls were randomly chosen and slaughtered for determination of their BW composition, and the remaining 47 bulls were evaluated during a 140-d experimental period. The bulls were placed in individual pens, blocked according to initial BW and randomly allocated to 1 of the 3 following treatments: (1) control diet containing sugarcane bagasse, ground corn, citrus pulp, peanut meal, and mineral–vitamin mix (CON), (2) CON with the addition of 3.3% of CSFA from soybean oil (CSO), or (3) CON with the addition of a mixture of 3.3% of CSFA from palm, soybean, and cottonseed oils (CPSCO). Diets were offered ad libitum and formulated to be isonitrogenous. Bulls supplemented with CSFA had a greater (P < 0.01) final BW, dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), and FA intake vs. CON. Among carcass parameters, CSFA-supplemented bulls had greater (P < 0.01) carcass ether extract concentration vs. CON bulls. When the CSFA profile was evaluated (CSO vs. CPSCO), CPSCO bulls had a better (P ≤ 0.03) FE, carcass ADG, and hot carcass weight (HCW) vs. CSO bulls. The FA intakes differed among CSFA treatments, as the total saturated, palmitic, and oleic FA intakes were greater for CPSCO (P < 0.01), whereas lower intakes of total unsaturated and polyunsaturated FA (P < 0.01) were observed for CPSCO vs. CSO. Samples from the Longissimus muscle contained greater palmitoleic (P = 0.01) and reduced linoleic (P = 0.02) FA concentrations in CSFA-supplemented bulls vs. CON bulls. In agreement with the FA intakes, CPSCO-supplemented bulls had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) unsaturated FA concentration vs. CSO in Longissimus muscle. In summary, CSFA supplementation improved the performance of finishing B. indicus bulls vs. CON. Moreover, the inclusion of CSFA from palm, soybean, and cottonseed oil benefited the FE, carcass ADG, and HCW compared with the inclusion of CSFA from soybean oil, demonstrating the potential of specific FA for improving the performance and meat quality of B. indicus bulls.     

Benchmarking sensory off-flavor score,off-flavor descriptor and fatty acid profiles for muscles from commercially available beef and dairy cull cow carcasses

The first objective of this research was to benchmark off-flavors from 9 muscles and fatty acid profiles from the longissimus muscle from commercially identified fed and non-fed cull beef and dairy cows and A-maturity, USDA Select steers (n=15 each). The second objective of this study was to determine the relationship between fatty acids and off-flavor score in the longissimus muscle. There was a trend (P=0.06) for a muscle by carcass group interaction for sensory off-flavor detection. Muscles from non-fed beef cows had the greatest incidence of off-flavor detection while muscles from A-maturity, Select steers had the lowest incidence of off-flavors. No relationship (P > 0.10, R² < 0.08) was found to exist between the fatty acid profile of the longissimus muscle and sensory off-flavor detection. Commercially identifying cull cows as fed or non-fed prior to harvest may be a beneficial method to reduce off-flavors in muscles that may be used beyond ground products.     

Effect of ractopamine hydrochloride and zilpaterol hydrochloride on growth,diet digestibility,intake and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs

The effects of the β-adrenergic agonists ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 0.35, 0.70 and 1.05 mg kg^− 1 of BW d^− 1) and zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 0.10, 0.20 and 0.30 mg kg^− 1 of BW d^− 1) on growth performance and carcass characteristics were determined in 84 Dorper × Katahdin lambs (12 lambs per treatment), that were randomly assigned to a complete block design during a 42-day feeding trial. Lambs were fed a corn grain-based diet (18.71% CP and 12.9 MJ/kg ME). Nutrient digestibility of diets and blood serum metabolites were also determined. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in growth characteristics by effect of ZH or RH administration. However, lambs final weight, total weight gain and ADG increased linearly (P < 0.05) as levels of both β-adrenergic agonist increased. RH or ZH administration did not affect feed efficiency, diet digestibility or particular blood serum metabolites of lambs. Carcass characteristics of lambs consuming ZH were significantly better (P < 0.01) than RH or control lambs; RH produced significant linear response on carcass weight, dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, carcass conformation and quality grade, and improved quadratically (P < 0.05) fat thickness and USDA yield grade of lamb carcasses. On the other hand, increasing levels of ZH decreased linearly (P > 0.01) fat thickness and improved (P > 0.05) USDA yield grade and carcass quality grade. Both β-adrenergic agonists improved carcass characteristics; although greater improvements were obtained with ZH than RH for most carcass characteristics.     

Effects of dibutyryl cAMP on growth performance and carcass traits in finishing pigs

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with N⁶, 2′-O-dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) on growth performance, carcass traits, histochemical characteristics and serum constituents in finishing pigs. Seventy-two Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) barrows (57.3 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 6 replicate pens/treatment (4 pigs/pen). The pigs were fed diets containing 0, 10 and 20 mg dbcAMP/kg, respectively, until the final slaughter weight of approximately 90 kg. There were no differences in growth performance among dietary treatments. Leaf fat proportion and first rib backfat thickness were reduced (P < 0.05), whereas tenth rib backfat thickness tended to decrease (P = 0.10), in pigs fed 10 mg dbcAMP/kg. Lean percentage was greater (P < 0.05) and longissimus muscle area tended to increase (P = 0.10) in pigs fed 10 mg dbcAMP/kg when compared to the control group, but hot carcass weight was not affected by dbcAMP. Growth rate of fat-free lean tissues tended to increase (P = 0.09) in dbcAMP-supplemented pigs. Dietary dbcAMP decreased (P < 0.05) adipocytes diameter in subcutaneous fat, whereas longissimus muscle fiber diameter tended to increase (P = 0.06) with dbcAMP supplementation; however, no difference in longissimus muscle cell density was detected among treatments. Serum concentrations of total protein and 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased (P < 0.05) in response to dbcAMP, but concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose and urea in serum did not differ among dietary treatments. These results indicate that dbcAMP had a positive effect on carcass traits. Addition of 10 mg dbcAMP/kg to the diet was beneficial for growth performance and lean percentage, as well as improving protein and fat metabolism.     

Fatty acid profile and carcass characteristics in castrated and uncastrated hair lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of visceral fat and meat from lambs. Eighteen six-month-old Santa Inês male lambs (18.9?±?2.4 kg of body weight (BW)) were used. Animals were assigned to two treatments according to their sexual condition: uncastrated (U) or castrated (C). During a 98-day experimental period, animals were kept on an Andropogon gayanus grass pasture area of 1 ha and supplemented with 200 g/animal/day of concentrate mixture. Water and mineral salt were available ad libitum. The lambs were weighed fortnightly, and at the last day of the trial, they were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and fatty acids profile of perirenal fat and longissimus lumborum muscle samples. Castrated lambs showed higher BW than U during most part of the experiment (p?<?0.05). Fat deposition was higher in C lambs as evidenced by their increased carcass fat cover. Meat from U lambs showed lower content of C_16:0 and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p?<?0.05) than that from C (U, 14.3 and C, 10.5%). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content was not affected by castration (p?>?0.05) (U, 0.74 and C, 0.76%). The cis-9, cis-12 C_18:2n-6 (U, 10.6 and C, 6.86%) fatty acid and the PUFA:SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio (U, 0.36 and C, 0.25) were higher in the muscle of U lambs (p?<?0.05), indicating that the meat from U animals may provide more benefits to human health than that of C.

     

High levels of whole raw soybean in diets for Nellore bulls in feedlot: effect on growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole raw soybean (WRS) in the finishing diet of Nellore cattle on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid profile of meat, and blood parameters. In a completely randomized design, 52 Nellore bulls (mean body weight ± SD: 380 ± 34 kg) were allotted for 84 days. The animals received the following diets with a forage: concentrate ratio of 40/60: (i) WRS0: control diet without soybean grains; (ii) WRS8: diet containing 8% WRS in dry matter basis; (iii) WRS16: diet containing 16% WRS, and (iv) WRS24: diet containing 24% WRS. At intervals of 28 days, the animals were weighed, muscle and adipose tissue was analysed by ultrasound, and blood samples were collected. The animals were slaughtered on day 85 and liver weight and hot carcass weight were measured during slaughter. The pH and carcass dressing were calculated at 24 h after slaughter. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected for the determination of fatty acid profile of meat, ether extract, tenderness and sensory analysis of meat aged for 14 days. Blood cholesterol content increased linearly with increasing proportion of whole raw soybean grains. The diet did not affect performance or carcass attributes. The WRS8 had the highest shear force values. In fatty acid profile, C14:0 decreased (p = 0.05), whereas 16:1, 20:0 and 20:1 fatty acids increased linearly with increasing proportion of WRS (p < 0.05). However, concentration of conjugated linoleic acid cis 9, trans 11 and 17:0 increased with WRS24 and WRS16. In the sensory analysis, WRS24 was more tender with respect to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Finally, the inclusion of WRS in the finishing diet of feedlot Nellore bulls only evidenced little changes in fatty acid profile and tenderness, in animals fed diets containing 16 or 24% soybean.     

Adipose tissue and muscle fatty acid profiles of steers fed red clover silage with and without flaxseed

The current study examined the effects of inclusion of flaxseed in a red clover silage diet on growth, carcass quality, adipose tissue and muscle fatty acid (FA) profiles of beef steers. Twelve British×Continental crossbred steers (363±26.5 kg) were randomly assigned to two pens and fed diets containing 70% red clover silage, 15% steam rolled barley/vitamin–mineral supplement and either additional 15% steam rolled barley or 15% triple rolled flaxseed (all DM basis) for 215 d. Diet had no effect (P>0.05) on average daily gain or carcass quality atributes. Overall, FA profiles in all tissues followed similar trends when flaxseed was added to the diet but intramuscular fat had the highest proportions of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) while subcutaneous fat had largest proportions of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and perirenal fat had the highest proportions of trans-18:1 isomers, particularly vaccenic acid (VA). Feeding flaxseed increased (P<0.05) percentages of α-linolenic acid (ALA; 1.1–1.6% of total FA), total n-3 PUFA, conjugated linolenic acids, non-conjugated linoleic acids (mostly t11,c15-18:2), and led to unprecedented increases in CLA (mainly rumenic acid, RA; 1.1–2.9%), and trans-18:1 isomers (chiefly VA; 5.9–9.5%) in muscle and adipose tissues. Flaxseed also reduced individual and total n-6 PUFA, cis-monounsaturated FA, branched-chain FA and saturated FA (mainly 16:0) in beef lipids. Overall, feeding flaxseed in a red clover silage diet enhanced the levels of FA with a positive health image (ALA, 2-fold; RA, 3 to 4-fold and VA, 4 to 5-fold) and reduced the levels of less desirable FA (n-6 PUFA; 14:0, 16:0) in muscle and adipose tissues without adverse effects on growth and carcass quality. Differences in tissue FA composition were also noted, and high levels of VA in perirenal fat in particular have potential for use in testing for health effects and development of value added beef and other food products.     

Effect of dietary kapok oil supplementation on growth performance,carcass traits,meat quality and sensory traits of pork in finishing‐pigs

Kapok seed and oil from the tropical zone are widely used as pig feed to harden porcine fat in Japan. This study evaluated the effect of dietary kapok oil supplementation on pork quality and sensory traits. Five Duroc pigs each were assigned to an experimental group supplemented with kapok oil and a control group. Dietary kapok oil supplementation had no effect on growth performance and intramuscular fat content in the Longissimus dorsi muscle (LM). Supplemental kapok oil increased saturated fatty acid contents in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat and decreased monounsaturated fatty acid levels (P < 0.05). Off‐flavor detection by a trained panel was higher in the experimental than the control group (P < 0.05), but tenderness, juiciness, texture and flavor intensity of LM chops were similar in both groups. The overall palatability of pork as judged by a consumer panel decreased with kapok oil supplementation (P < 0.01). These results indicate that while growth performance, intramuscular fat contents and carcass characteristics were unchanged, while dietary kapok oil supplementation makes firm fat to prevent inferior soft fat in pork, it can lower the palatability of pork due to a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids.     

Effect of coconut oil and garlic powder on in vitro fermentation using gas production technique

An in vitro gas technique trial was conducted to investigate the effect of coconut oil (Co), garlic powder (G) and their mixtures on in vitro fermentation. Incubation was carried out using rumen fluid obtained from swamp buffaloes. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments were ratio of Co and G supplementation at 0:0, 16:0, 8:4, 4:8 and 0:16 mg with rice straw as a roughage source. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h of incubation. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) was determined after 48 h incubation. Cumulative gas production at 72 h was significantly lowest (P < 0.05) at Co:G, 16:0 mg. Garlic powder supplementation at 16 mg decreased (P < 0.05) NH₃–N concentration and increased (P < 0.05) in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) while supplemented coconut oil at 16 mg decreased (P < 0.05) IVTD. Total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were lowest (P < 0.05) by garlic powder supplementation at 16 mg. However, supplementation of Co:G, 8:4, 4:8 and 0:16 mg tended to increase the proportion of propionate, decrease C2:C3 ratio and reduce (P < 0.05) methane (CH₄) production. Protozoal population was significantly lowest (P < 0.05) at Co:G, 8:4 mg. Moreover, application of quantitative PCR to quantify predominant cellulolytic bacteria (16S rRNA) and fungi (18S rRNA) targets revealed that treatments did not have an effect on Ruminococcusflavefaciens and total fungi population. However, it was found that supplementation of Co:G at 8:4 mg increased Ruminococcusalbus population (P < 0.05). Based on this study, it suggests that supplementation of Co:G at 8:4 and 0:16 mg could improve ruminal fluid fermentation in terms of volatile fatty acid profile, reduced methane losses and reduced protozoal population.     

Effect of diet composition and slaughter weight on animal performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acid composition in veal calves

The effect of true milk use in the diet of Spanish Brown Swiss male calves on animal performance, carcass and meat quality, and fatty acids composition was studied. In experiment 1, the effect of milk intake [ad libitum continuous (ADLIB) feed vs. restricted 0.7 during 75 days followed by ad libitum feed (RESTR)] and slaughter endpoint (225 kg vs. 5 month) were studied. In experiment 2, ad libitum concentrate feeding [grain-fed (GF)] was compared with milk supplementation until slaughter [milk-fed (MF)] in calves slaughtered at 345 kg. As regards to milk intake, carcass weight and degree of fatness were higher in the ADLIB group (P<0.05). The RESTR group revealed a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (P<0.05). In experiment 2, the MF group exhibited a higher fat percentage (P<0.05), lower press and cooking losses (P<0.05), and higher scores for tenderness and juiciness (P<0.05) than the GF group. The percentage of saturated fatty acids was higher in the MF group (P<0.05). The results suggest that true milk use in veal production could be an advantageous alternative in terms on production costs, animal performance, and carcass and meat quality.     

Comparison of enzyme activities and gene expression profiling between yak and bovine skeletal muscles

The objective of the present study was to reveal the differences between yak (Bos grunniens) and cattle in energy metabolic characteristics and gene expressions in skeletal muscles. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD), which are involved in metabolism of carbohydrate and fatty acid respectively, were measured in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris. Yak contained higher total LDH activity and higher proportion of LDH5 in longissimus dorsi than cattle (P < 0.05), indicating its more anaerobic potential characteristics in carbohydrate metabolism. However, yak contained higher activities of MDH and HOAD (P < 0.05) in biceps femoris than cattle, exhibiting high oxidative capacity under hypoxic environment. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of mRNA abundance showed that yak and cattle contained a similar level of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) in both longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris, while myosin heavy chain I (MyHC I) in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) level in biceps femoris were significant lower in yak compared with cattle (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively), indicating the anaerobic characteristic of yak skeletal muscles. In conclusion, our experiment showed that yak skeletal muscles exhibit different energy metabolic property and gene expressions compared to cattle.     

Effects of growth rate on carcass and meat quality traits and their association with metabolism-related gene expression in finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different growth rates on carcass characteristics and meat quality and their relationship with myogenesis and lipogenesis in finishing pigs. Pigs were slaughtered at the same age and were assigned to high (HGR) or low (LGR) growth rates with 120 kg or 110 kg final body weights at slaughter. The results indicated that pigs with HGR had heavier (P < 0.05) final body weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of fat in the muscle and higher (P < 0.05) total RNA concentration in muscle than pigs with LGR. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 in fat were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. Additionally, the mRNA expression of glycogen synthase in muscle was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs with HGR. These results indicate differences in postmortem myogenesis and lipogenesis traits of pigs with different growth rates; these differences in turn might have affected carcass characteristics and meat quality.     

Molasses level in lamb high-energy diets on productive performance,blood chemistry,liver minerals and histopathology

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of molasses on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, liver minerals and histopathology of lambs. Twenty intact male pelibuey lambs with an average weight of 22.4±2.8 kg were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental diets containing 0, 60, 120 and 180 g molasses/kg feed (as fed basis) in a completely random design. Lambs were individually confined to 1.5 m² pens. The experiment had a 15-day adaptation period and a 60-day experimental period. As molasses content in the ration increased from 0 to 180 g/kg, S increased from 1.1 to 2.1 g/kg DM, whereas Cu concentration ranged from 17.3 to 18.4 mg/kg DM. All diets contained high concentrations of Fe (198–252 mg/kg DM) and Zn (85–104 mg/kg DM), and low Mo contents (1.4–1.5 mg/kg DM). Molasses level had no effect (P>0.05) on DM intake, average daily gain, gain:feed, slaughter weight, full or empty gastrointestinal tract weight, digesta-free weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, dressing percent, longissimus muscle area, marbling, back-fat thickness, yield grade or KPH fat. Most of the lamb carcasses of this study were graded with small to slight marbling. The clinical status of the lambs was evaluated through histological and blood chemistry tests, obtaining samples on days 0, 15, 30 and 60. Although most blood parameters were within normal ranges, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and cholesterol concentrations decreased (linear; P<0.05) as molasses increased in the diet. Concentrations of the enzymes serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase were also reduced (linear; P<0.05). Concomitant reductions (P<0.01) in liver Zn and Mo concentrations were also noticed. Although no differences (P>0.05) were observed in liver histopathological observations between treatments, Cu-related sub-lethal hepatic damage was evident in all animals, in absence of clinical signs. Special stain showed fine grained Cu deposits within hepatocytes in three cases belonging to different treatments. It appears that lambs consuming the control diet without molasses with a low S content (0.11%) were as susceptible to a pre-hemolytic copper poisoning (Pre-HCP) as those consuming the other diets containing higher Cu concentrations.     

Effect of concentrate level and live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on Texel lamb performance and carcass characteristics

An alternative additive that improves the nutrient use by ruminants and reduces the use of antibiotics is desirable in order to promote a sustainable and ecological animal production. The objective of the study was to evaluate the supplementation of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diets of finishing lambs fed with different concentrate levels on their performance, carcass traits, metabolic profile and eating pattern. The trial was carried out at Institute of Animal Science and Pastures, in Nova Odessa city, Brazil, with 24 Texel lambs, 18.0 Kg±1.14 Kg of initial live weight, and averaging 70 days-old, kept in individual pens. The animals were fed with diets comprising hay and concentrate rations in two different proportions (80 or 60%, on DM basis), supplemented or not with live yeast. A completely randomized blocks design, on a 2×2 factorial arrangement (2 concentrate levels with presence or absence of live yeast), was used to compare the means. Supplementation with live yeast did not affect (P>0.05) DM intake, feed conversion, daily live weight gain, total live weight gain and final live weight, although it increased cold carcass weight (P=0.0135) and external carcass length (P=0.0104) regardless of the concentrate feed proportion in the diet. On carcass traits, supplementation with live yeasts did not modify (P>0.05) cold carcass dressing percentage, compactness index, leg length, external chest depth, buttock circumference, carcass fat cover score, and conformation score. Lambs fed diets with greater concentrate level (80%) significantly increased (P<0.05) DM intake, feed conversion, daily live weight gain, total and final live weight gains, cold carcass weight, compactness index, external carcass length, external chest depth, and buttocks circumference and did not modify (P>0.05) the cold dressing percentage, degree of carcass fat cover score and conformation. The live yeast decreased plasmatic lactate (P<0.05), did not affect (P>0.05) plasmatic glucose, and reduced (P<0.05) serum urea, only on the higher concentrate diets. The proportion of concentrate did not affect (P>0.05) the plasmatic glucose and lactate. Supplementation of live yeasts did not improve (P>0.05) the rib eye dimensions and the carcass subcutaneous fat thickness measured by ultrasound. Lambs on diet with greater concentrate level had smaller (P<0.05) ingestion and rumination time. The supplementation with live yeast increased the rumination time and did not modify the ingestion time. It can be concluded that live yeast supplementation increases the weight and the carcass length, regardless of the amount of concentrate added to the diet.     

Change in body condition and carcass characteristics of cull ewes fed diets supplemented with rumen bypass fat

Thirty Malpura ewes (>6 years age) distributed into three groups of 10 each were maintained on concentrate supplemented with rumen protected fat at 0 (T₁), 20 (T₂) and 40 (T₃) g kg⁻¹ and chick pea straw for a period of three months. Towards the end of feeding experiment a metabolism trial was conducted on five representative ewes from each treatment. Blood and rumen liquor samples were analyzed at 0 and 90 days of feeding for blood biochemical and rumen metabolites. Five representative ewes were slaughtered at the initiation of the study and all the experimental ewes were slaughtered after termination of the experiment. The gain in weight (kg) and final body condition score was higher (P<0.05) in T₂ and T₃ as compared to T₁. The concentrate intake increased (P<0.05) with bypass fat (RBF) supplementation. The serum glucose and population of spirotrichs and total protozoa in rumen liquour sample increased (P<0.05) with concentrate as well as concentrate with RBF supplementation. Pre-slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percent, loin eye area, bone percent and carcass fat improved (P<0.05) with RBF supplementation. Composition of Longissimus dorsi muscle also revealed improvement when compared with 0 day composition. The feeding protocol also revealed higher returns by RBF supplementation. It is therefore concluded that RBF supplementation is advantageous in improving body conditions of cull ewes.     

The relationship of various muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasound measurements in the live animal,and carcass classification scores with carcass composition and value of bulls

The relationships of live animal muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasound measurements and carcass conformation and fat scores with carcass composition and value were determined using 74 bulls. The animals consisted of 53 late-maturing breed crosses and 21 Holstein–Friesian slaughtered at 13 to 17 months of age. They were offered concentrates ad-libitum and 1 kg of grass silage dry matter per head daily for the final 139 day finishing period. Live animal muscular and skeletal scores and ultrasonic muscle and fat depth measurements of the M. longissimus dorsi were recorded at 8 to 12 months of age and pre-slaughter. Following slaughter, carcasses were classified for conformation and fatness and the right side of each carcass was dissected into meat, fat and bone. Carcass conformation and fat scores, (scale 1 to 15) ranged from 4.7 to 14.4 and 2.7 to 11.5, respectively. Pre-slaughter muscular scores showed significant positive correlations with kill-out proportion (r = 0.82), carcass meat proportion (r = 0.72), conformation score (r = 0.94), carcass value (r = 0.72), and the proportion of high-value meat cuts in the carcass (r = 0.49), and significant negative correlations with carcass bone (r = − 0.89) and fat (r = − 0.32) proportions. The associations between pre-slaughter muscular scores and proportion of high-value cuts in meat, perinephric plus retroperitoneal fat and fat score were not significant. Corresponding correlations with muscular scores at 8 to 12 months of age were generally lower than those recorded pre-slaughter. Correlations of ultrasound muscle depth with carcass traits showed similar trends but lower values to those obtained using the muscular scoring procedure. Ultrasound fat depth pre-slaughter was positively correlated with carcass fat proportion (r = 0.56) and fat score (r = 0.54), and negatively correlated with carcass meat proportion, proportion of high-value cuts and carcass value. Correlations with other carcass traits were not significant. Correlations of live animal skeletal scores with carcass traits were generally non-significant. A one unit (scale 1–15) increase in carcass conformation score was associated with significant increases in kill-out proportion, meat yield and carcass value of 11.9 g/kg, 11.9 g/kg and 5.8 cent/kg, respectively. Corresponding effects for a one unit change in fat score were − 2.9 g/kg, − 11.1 g/kg and − 4.9 c/kg. In conclusion, live animal muscular scores and ultrasound measurements and carcass conformation and fat scores were shown to be useful predictors of carcass composition and value.     

Fatty acid composition and meat quality traits of organically reared Korean native black pigs

Current study investigated the effect of feeding systems (conventional vs organic rearing) on carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid composition of Musculus longissimus dorsi of Korean native black barrows (KNP). Thirty pigs were reared under a conventional feeding system at indoor area of 1 m² per head, while another thirty pigs were fed an indoor area with organic saw dusts of 1 m² and an outdoor area with free ranges of 1 m² for each pig for organic system. Diet for the organic rearing was also provided according to the guideline for organic pork products. Warner–Bratzler shear force was lower and water holding capacity was higher for pork produced under the organic guidelines. However, pork produced by an organic system did not affect sensory traits compared to pork produced by a conventional one. In addition, longissimus muscle from organically reared pigs had significantly (P < 0.05) higher myoglobin content and consequently higher CIE a?-values compared with those for the conventionally-reared pigs (P < 0.05). The organic pork resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and unsaturated fatty acid contents, as well as a higher n-3 PUFA than the conventional one (P < 0.05).     

Effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles and enzyme premix supplements on growth performance,carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of corn dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) and enzyme premix (mannanase + phytase) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality parameters in finishing pigs. Sixty hybrid pigs (L × LW × D) with initial weight of 63.92 ± 1.50 kg were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design with main effects of DDGS levels (0, 10 and 20%) and enzyme premix levels (0% vs. 0.14%). Average daily gain (ADG, P < 0.01) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P < 0.05) were decreased due to an increased level of DDGS additive while the feed conversion ratio was improved (P < 0.05) by adding enzyme premix. The diet cost/gain (won/kg) was saved (P < 0.01) due to an increased level of DDGS additive. There were no significant differences in carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters of Longissimus dorsi muscle by DDGS level and enzyme premix. Palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased (P < 0.05) according to DDGS level. The results indicate that DDGS may be used in feeds for finishing pig as a replacement of corn and soybean meal without affecting their carcass characteristics and meat quality.     

Effects of unsaturated fatty acids on progesterone secretion and selected protein kinases in goat granulosa cells

Previous studies in cattle have shown influences of dietary unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) supplementation on ovarian function. However, it is unclear whether these UFA exert direct or indirect effects on ovarian steroid production or their mechanisms of action. We have recently shown that 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates progesterone secretion through mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (MAPK ERK1/2) in rodent granulosa cells. Here, we investigated the effects of 3 UFAs, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) on progesterone secretion in goat granulosa cells. Finally, we examined the effects of UFAs on MAPK ERK1/2 and AMPK phosphorylation in these granulosa cells. Oleic acid and LA (10 μM each), but not ALA (100 μM), increased progesterone secretion (P < 0.05) in the presence or absence of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 (10^-8 M) or FSH (5 × 10⁻⁸ M). The different AMPK subunits, except for γ3, are present in the goat ovary. Treatment with metformin (10 mM), an activator of AMPK, increased AMPK phosphorylation (P < 0.05) and reduced progesterone secretion by 50% (P < 0.05) in the basal state and in response to IGF-1 or FSH in goat granulosa cells. Oleic acid and LA had no effect on AMPK phosphorylation, whereas they rapidly increased MAPK ERK1/2 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Finally, U0126, a MAPK ERK1/2 inhibitor, decreased OA- and LA-induced progesterone secretion (P < 0.05), suggesting that these UFAs could stimulate progesterone secretion partly through MAPK ERK1/2 in the absence of IGF-1 and FSH in goat granulosa cells. The involvement of AMPK in this process remains to be demonstrated. Taken together, some fatty acids could improve ovarian steroidogenesis through the MAPK ERK1/2 signaling pathway and, consequently, have beneficial effects on goat fertility.