Economic and environmental assessments of combined genetics and nutrition optimization strategies to improve the efficiency of sustainable pork production

We evaluated the economic and environmental impacts of strategies that incorporated selection for pig feed efficiency and dietary optimization based on a single or multiple objectives tailored to meet the population nutritional requirements, with the goal to optimize sustainable farm feed efficiency. The economic and environmental features of the strategy were evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA) and bio-economic models. An individual trait-based LCA model was applied to evaluate global warming potential, terrestrial acidification potential, freshwater eutrophication potential (EP), and land occupation of the combined genetics and nutrition optimization to produce 1 kg of live pig weighing 120 kg at the farm gate. A parametric individual trait-based bio-economic model was developed and applied to determine the cost breakdown, revenue, and profit to be gained from a 120-kg live pig at the farm gate. Data from two genetic lines with contrasted levels of feed efficiency were used to apply the combined genetics and nutrition optimization: accounting for the average nutritional requirements for each line, the individual pig responses to diets formulated for least cost, least environmental impacts, or minimum combination of costs and environmental impacts objectives were predicted with INRAPorc. Significant differences in the environmental impacts (P < 0.0001) and profit (P < 0.05) between lines predicted with the same reference diet showed that selection for feed efficiency (residual feed intake) in pigs improves pig production sustainability. When pig responses were simulated with their line-optimized diets, except for EP, all the line environmental impacts were lower (P < 0.05) than with the reference diet. The high correlations of feed conversion ratio with the environmental impacts (> 0.82) and the profit (< −0.88) in both lines underlined the importance of feed efficiency as a lever for the sustainability of pig production systems. Implementing combined genetics and nutrition optimization, the inherent profit and environmental differences between the genetic lines were predicted to be reduced from 23.4% with the reference diet to 7.6% with the diet optimized jointly for economic and environmental objectives (joint diet). Consequently, for increased pig sustainability, diet optimization for sustainability objectives should be applied to cover the specific nutritional requirements arising in the herd from the pigs genetic level.     

Evaluating breeding objectives for sow productivity and production traits in Large White Pigs

the objective of the study was to develop and evaluate different breeding objectives for sow productivity and for production traits, using economic selection indices. Genetic parameters were generated using a repeated records model for sow productivity traits and a maternal effects model for production traits, in ASREML. Stochastic simulation models based on a hypothetical 100-sow model were performed for each line, i.e., a dam line and a terminal sire line, respectively, to derive economic values. The traits included in the study were number born alive (NBA), 21-day litter size (D21LS), 21-day litter weight (D21LWT), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), age at slaughter (AGES), dressing percentage (DRESS), lean content (LEAN) and backfat thickness (BFAT). The economic values for LEAN and BFAT were derived using the partial differentiation of the profit function, while those for the other traits were derived using the partial budget approach. An economic value of a trait was the change in profit per unit genetic change in that trait. Breeding objectives were developed with a corresponding selection index, for improvement of that objective. Three combinations of breeding objectives and selection indices were developed for sow productivity traits, while there were 15 combinations for production traits. Responses to selection and economic return were computed for each combination to determine the most appropriate combination for the improvement of the breeding objective traits. The most appropriate index to improve sow productivity consisted of NBA and D21LWT. For production traits, the combination that consisted of a selection index with AGES, DRESS and BFAT, and the breeding objective ADG, DRESS, FCR and LEAN, was considered the most appropriate. Age at slaughter and BFAT were, respectively, included as indicator traits for ADG and LEAN. The recommended breeding objectives were sensitive to changes in economic values, indicating that economic values for breeding goal traits should be updated periodically to ensure proper weighting of traits, hence maximization of economic return.     

Breeding objectives for beef cattle used in different production systems: 2. Model application to production systems with the Charolais breed

A general bio-economic model for beef cattle production was used to define breeding objectives for Charolais cattle to be utilized in a variety of linked production systems. Economic weights were calculated for 16 traits (some with both direct and maternal components) in three production systems (pure-breeding and terminal crossing with beef or dairy cows) and two marketing strategies (sale or fattening of weaned surplus calves). Economic weights for the total breeding objective were calculated as weighted averages, where weights were numbers of cows expected to be mated with Charolais bulls in each production system and marketing strategy. Results suggest that the direct component of calving performance and cow longevity were of primary economic importance in all systems. Conception rate of cows and weaning weight reached about 50% of the standardized economic weight of calving performance in purebred systems with sale of weaned calves, whereas in purebred systems with fattening the economic importance of the direct component of cow conception rate, losses at calving, mature weight of cows, weaning weight, and fattening traits were of equal importance (each approximately about 20% that of calving performance). In terminal crossing systems, weaning weight was important when calves were sold at weaning, and fattening traits were important for systems selling fattened animals. The bio-economic model performed well under the conditions of this demonstration and could easily be customized for other applications.     

Evaluation of the efficiency of alternative two-tier nucleus breeding systems designed to improve meat sheep in Kenya

A deterministic approach was used to genetically and economically evaluate the efficiency of five two‐tier nucleus breeding systems for meat sheep in Kenya. The nucleus breeding systems differed in terms of whether the system was closed or open, in the type of animals that were involved in the movement of genetic superiority and in the number of selection pathways in each system. These systems were compared under four alternative breeding objectives based on monetary genetic gain and profit per ewe. The first objective simulated a situation where the flock size cannot be increased due to non‐feed related constraints (FLOCK). The second specifically assumed that the flock size is restricted due to limited amount of feed resources (FEED). The third and fourth objectives assumed that sheep performed only tangible roles (TR) and both tangible and intangible roles (IR) in the production system respectively. Monetary genetic gains were highest for all objectives in an open nucleus system with a certain proportion of commercial‐born ewes being introduced in the nucleus while at the same time utilizing young rams from the nucleus to breed sires and dams for the nucleus and commercial sector (ONyre). Utilizing young rams in a closed nucleus system for the dissemination of superior genes resulted in higher annual monetary genetic gain than utilization of old rams. Profit per ewe was significantly higher for FLOCK and IR in ONyre. In a closed system that allowed for downward movement of dams from the nucleus to the commercial sector to breed sires and dams, profit per ewe was highest for FEED and TR. The success of a nucleus breeding system should also focus on the profitability and logistics of establishing it. The implication of these results on the choice of two‐tier nucleus breeding systems for the improvement of meat sheep is discussed.     

Production of pasture species in the winter rainfall region: Simulation of dry matter production

Abstract

Production data derived from cutting trials undertaken at a number of sites in the Winter Rainfall Region were used to derive equations for the prediction of the yield of a number of pasture species. Inputs into the models include climatic data (temperature, sunshine hours, pan evaporation and rainfall) and, where appropriate, an index of soil potential. The models developed for each of the species tested were validated, using a set of independent data. The success of this validation suggests that relatively simple models may be effective in predicting yield for the species tested.     

Evaluation of breeding objectives for purebred and crossbred selection schemes for adoption in indigenous chicken breeding programmes

1. The aim of the study was to evaluate the genetic and economic breeding objectives for an indigenous chicken (IC) breeding programme in Kenya.

2. A closed three-tier nucleus breeding programme with three breeding objectives and two selection schemes was simulated. The breeding objectives included IC dual-purpose (ICD) for both eggs and meat, IC layer (ICL) for eggs and IC broiler (ICB) for meat production.

3. Pure line selection scheme (PLS) for development of IC pure breeds and crossbreeding scheme (CBS) for the production of hybrids were considered. Two-and three-way crossbreeding strategies were evaluated under CBS and the impact of nucleus size on genetic gains and profitability of the breeding programme were investigated.

4. Males were the main contributors to genetic gains. The highest genetic gains for egg number (2·71 eggs) and growth traits (1·74?g average daily gain and 57·96?g live weight at 16 weeks) were realised under PLS in ICL and ICB, respectively.

5. The genetic response for age at first egg was desirable in all the breeding objectives, while that for fertility and hatchability were only favourable under ICL and PLS in ICD. Faecal egg count and immune antibody response had low, but positive gains except under PLS where the later was unfavourable. ICB was the most profitable breeding objective, followed by ICD and ICL under all the selection schemes.

6. Although PLS was superior in genetic gains and profitability and recommended in breeding programmes targeting ICL and ICB, a three line CBS should be considered in development of a dual-purpose breed.

7. Increasing the nucleus size beyond 5% of the IC population was not attractive as it resulted in declining profitability of the breeding programme.     

Estimation of genetic (co)variances of Gompertz growth function parameters in pigs

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic (co)variances for the Gompertz growth function parameters, asymptotic mature weight (A), the ratio of mature weight to birthweight (B) and rate of maturation (k), using alternative modelling approaches. The data set consisted of 51 893 live weight records from 10 201 growing pigs. The growth of each pig was modelled using the Gompertz model employing either a two‐step fixed effect or mixed model approach or a one‐step mixed model approach using restricted maximum likelihood for the estimation of genetic (co)variance. Heritability estimates for the Gompertz growth function parameters, A (0.40), B (0.69) and k (0.45), were greatest for the one‐step approach, compared with the two‐step fixed effects approach, A (0.10), B (0.33) and k (0.13), and the two‐step mixed model approach, A (0.17), B (0.32) and k (0.18). Inferred genetic correlations (i.e. correlations of estimated breeding values) between growth function parameters within models ranged from ?0.78 to 0.76, and across models ranged from 0.28 to 0.73 for parameter A, 0.75 to 0.88 for parameter B and 0.09 to 0.37 for parameter k. Correlations between predicted daily sire live weights based on the Gompertz growth curve parameters’ estimated breeding values from 60 to 200 days of age between all three modelled approaches were moderately to strongly correlated (0.75 to 0.95). Results from this study provide heritability estimates for biologically interpretable parameters of pig growth through the quantification of genetic (co)variances, thereby facilitating the estimation of breeding values for inclusion in breeding objectives to aid in breeding and selection decisions.     

ADAM: A computer program to simulate selective breeding schemes for animals

ADAM is a computer program that models selective breeding schemes for animals using stochastic simulation. The program simulates a population of animals and traces the genetic changes in the population under different selective breeding scenarios. It caters to different population structures, genetic models, selection strategies, and mating designs. ADAM can be used to evaluate breeding schemes and generate genetic data to test statistical tools.     

A scoping review of autoantibodies as biomarkers for canine autoimmune disease

BackgroundAutoantibody biomarkers are valuable tools used to diagnose and manage autoimmune diseases in dogs. However, prior publications have raised concerns over a lack of standardization and sufficient validation for the use of biomarkers in veterinary medicine.ObjectivesSystematically compile primary research on autoantibody biomarkers for autoimmune disease in dogs, summarize their methodological features, and evaluate their quality; synthesize data supporting their use into a resource for veterinarians and researchers.AnimalsNot used.MethodsFive indices were searched to identify studies for evaluation: PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Agricola, and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers (AET and ELC) screened titles and abstracts for exclusion criteria followed by full‐text review of remaining articles. Relevant studies were classified based on study objectives (biomarker, epitope, technique). Data on study characteristics and outcomes were synthesized in independent data tables for each classification.ResultsNinety‐two studies qualified for final analysis (n = 49 biomarker, n = 9 epitope, and n = 34 technique studies). A high degree of heterogeneity in study characteristics and outcomes reporting was observed. Opportunities to strengthen future studies could include: (1) routine use of negative controls, (2) power analyses to inform sample sizes, (3) statistical analyses when appropriate, and (4) multiple detection techniques to confirm results.ConclusionsThese findings provide a resource that will allow veterinary clinicians to efficiently evaluate the evidence supporting the use of autoantibody biomarkers, along with the varied methodological approaches used in their development.     

A method for deriving the genetic matrix needed for selection across combinations of breeds

A method is described for deriving the genetic matrix G needed for breeders to select across breeds for any breeding objective. The matrix comprises partitions among selection criteria ( G₁₁ ), between selection criteria and the breeding objective traits ( G₁₂ ), and among the breeding objective traits ( G₂₂ ). A weighting procedure is used to combine the G matrix of individual breeds with known breed differences. Between-breed variances are added to the diagonals of the matrix. Selection across many breeds can be quite different from that across a subset of the breeds. The particular breeds, and the numbers of each breed, that the breeder is prepared to consider in selection changes the genetic matrix and the selection index that should be used.     

Alternative animal models with maternal effects and foster dams

Effects of foster dams can be included in genetic evaluations using animal models with maternal effects in several ways. The alternatives discussed involve minor changes in computing strategies from strategies used with reduced animal models that predict breeding values for direct and maternal effects. The easiest alternative is to assign foster dams to groups by breed and time period and add equations for fixed effects of breed-period. Random and, assumed, independent effects of foster dams can be nested in breed-period groups. If foster dams do not repeat, then those effects can be absorbed into equations for other fixed effects, additive direct breeding value and breed-period effects by slightly modifying least squares contributions to coefficients of those equations. A third alternative for foster dams of the same breed is to add breeding values for foster dams for direct and maternal effects to solution vectors for breeding values. Equations are similar to those without foster dams, except that least squares contributions to coefficient matrix and right-hand sides are to equations for maternal breeding values and nongenetic maternal effects of foster dams rather than biological dams. Relationships and covariance between direct and maternal effects contribute mixed-model coefficients to direct and maternal breeding value equations of biological dams. This alternative basically requires only larger solution vectors for direct and maternal breeding values to accommodate foster dams that might not be included. The fourth alternative includes a vector of maternal breeding values for foster dams of each breed of foster dams and would require using rules of Westell to calculate coefficients due to relationships and fixed maternal genetic groups within each breed of foster dam. These alternatives do not require much additional computational effort compared with full or reduced animal model equations when the transformation to predict breeding values is used with Westell's rules to calculate coefficients due to relationships and genetic group effects due to prior genetic selection.     

Assessing Relationships Between Genetic Evaluations Using Robust Regression with an Application to Holsteins in Uruguay

Globalization of dairy cattle breeding has created a need for international sire proofs. Some early methods for converting proofs from one population to another are based on simple linear regression. An alternative robust regression method based on the t-distribution is presented, and maximum likelihood and Bayesian techniques for analysis are described, including the situation in which some proofs are missing. Procedures were used to investigate the relationship between Holstein sire proofs obtained by two Uruguayan genetic evaluation programs. The results suggest that conversion equations developed from data including only sires having proofs in both populations can lead to distorted results, relative to estimates obtained using techniques for incomplete data. There was evidence of non-normality of regression residuals, which constitutes an additional source of bias. A robust estimator may not solve all problems, but can provide simple conversion equations that are less sensitive to outlying proofs and to departures from assumptions.     

东北梅花鹿优化育种规划中育种目标的确定

讨论了东北梅花鹿依据经济指标确定育种目标的问题 ,以及在东北梅花鹿育种规划中 ,应如何挑选在综合育种目标中的生产性状及其对应的选择性状。并着重介绍了应用综合育种值作为数量化育种目标的方法。指出在确定以茸用为主的东北梅花鹿育种目标时 ,除了主要考虑茸用性状外 ,还应适当地考虑繁殖和使用寿命等性状 ,同时对于直接影响茸鹿生产效益的直接性状和次级性状不容忽视。     

Analysis of production objectives and breeding practices of dairy goats in Kenya

Production objectives and breeding practices of smallholder households participating in dairy goat breeding projects were analysed in relation to their ability to bring about sustainable genetic improvement in the dairy goat flocks in Kenya. A stratified survey involving 311 goat keepers in 4 project sites was used. This employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to get a holistic view of dairy goats, and take into account the full array of contributions of dairy goats to the smallholder households. Milk production and sales of breeding stock were high priority functions for the objective to create a financial buffer. The breeding objective traits that farmers perceived as being of primary importance were milk yield, growth rate, body size, fertility and disease tolerance. There were logical trade-offs in the choice of these traits by farmers. Female dairy goats were mainly culled due to old age, poor fertility, small body size and poor health. Farmers did not place a large significance on unsatisfactory milk performance when culling female goats, mainly due to the very small production size and the high demand existing for breeding animals. Factors affecting milk yield and flock size presented satisfied a P < 0.1 significance level. The performance levels of dairy goats were mainly influenced by breeding strategies and the resource availability at the farm level. The optimisation of genotype x environment interactions remains the biggest challenge given the objectives set by the farmer.     

Breeding objectives for indigenous chicken: Model development and application to different production systems

A bio-economic model was developed to evaluate the utilisation of indigenous chickens (IC) under different production systems accounting for the risk attitude of the farmers. The model classified the production systems into three categories based on the level of management: free-range system (FRS), where chickens were left to scavenge for feed resources with no supplementation and healthcare; intensive system (IS), where the chickens were permanently confined and supplied with rationed feed and healthcare; and semi-intensive system (SIS), a hybrid of FRS and IS, where the chickens were partially confined, supplemented with rationed feeds, provided with healthcare and allowed to scavenge within the homestead or in runs. The model allows prediction of the live weights and feed intake at different stages in the life cycle of the IC and can compute the profitability of each production system using both traditional and risk-rated profit models. The input parameters used in the model represent a typical IC production system in developing countries but are flexible and therefore can be modified to suit specific situations and simulate profitability and costs of other poultry species production systems. The model has the capability to derive the economic values as changes in the genetic merit of the biological parameter results in marginal changes in profitability and costs of the production systems. The results suggested that utilisation of IC in their current genetic merit and production environment is more profitable under FRS and SIS but not economically viable under IS.     

Traditional breeding objectives and practices of goat, sheep and cattle smallholders in The Gambia and implications in relation to the design of breeding interventions

This paper describes the traditional breeding objectives and practices of West African Dwarf goat, Djallonke sheep, and N’dama cattle keepers in The Gambia and discusses the implications of these on the design of breeding-related interventions to improve livestock productivity. Data were collected via surveys implemented within three study sites in The Gambia, where traditional mixed crop–livestock smallholder farming predominates. The surveys comprised a participatory rural appraisal conducted in nine communities and a household questionnaire targeting 238 households. Livestock-keeping households were classified as ‘poorer’ or ‘wealthier’ based on the number of cattle owned. The most important objectives for keeping all species of livestock for the poorer groups (0 to 10 cattle) was ‘savings and insurance’, followed by ‘income’ and ‘ceremonial/dowry’ for the small ruminants and ‘manure’ and ‘draught’ for both cows and bulls. In contrast, for the wealthier group (more than 10 cattle), savings and insurance was the fourth to seventh ranked production objective (depending on species), with the most important production objectives being ceremonial/dowry for goats, income for sheep and manure for cows and bulls. An analysis of breeding practices indicated that breeding animals are selected on criteria which partially align to the breeding objectives, animals are rarely purchased for the purpose of breed improvement, knowledge of the cause and consequence of inbreeding is low and breeding decision makers may not necessarily be the livestock owner, particularly if the livestock owner is a women. Given this, it is suggested that capacity building on breeding-related issues, particularly in relation to the selection of breeding animals and specifically targeted at the different socioeconomic groups of livestock keepers, may be an appropriate, effective and relatively low-cost breeding intervention.     

Smallholder goat breeding and flock management practices in the central rift valley of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the central rift valley of Ethiopia to define Arsi-Bale goat keepers’ breeding objectives and breeding practices and to describe flock management practices and rate of inbreeding in Arsi-Bale goat population. Two-stage sampling techniques were employed to select study sites and 202 respondents. Semistructured questionnaire and group discussion were used to collect the required information. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social science. Rate of inbreeding in the population and indices were also calculated. On average, each respondent holds around 12 goats in which 30.7, 66.6 and 2.7% were males, females and castrates, respectively. The most important purpose of goat production in the study area was for milk utilization. Farmers have multiple breeding objectives and they considered both subjective and objective selection criteria with slightly more emphasis on morphological characteristics for buck selection than replacement doe selection. Only 39.1% (n = 79) of respondents have their own breeding bucks. None of the respondents practiced controlled mating. Average rate of inbreeding in the population was around 0.20. Arsi-Bale goats are found to be adaptive to the prevailing condition. Therefore, any breed improvement strategy to be designed or implemented in the study area and other similar areas should consider important traditional breeding practices.     

价格变动对目标性状经济值及育种效果的灵敏性分析

基于鲁西牛育种、生产和市场体系,通过构建与目标性状相联系的遗传变量和经济变量的利润函数,采用偏微分预算法和基因流动法分析价格与目标性状经济值,以及目标性状经济值与育种效果之间关系的稳健性和灵敏性。结果表明,目标性状的经济值和育种效果随着市场体系的变化而变化,且育种效果的变化和目标性状经济值的变化相关联。以上结果说明,当前市场价格体系下获得的目标性状经济权重随着市场价格变化应做适宜的调整。     

Bovine Campylobacteriosis: A Review

Campylobacteriosis (vibriosis) is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the organism Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus previously known as Vibrio fetus subspecies venerealis. Characteristically the disease causes infertility in the female with an increased number of services necessary for conception. Abortions late in gestation are also occasionally seen. Most cases or outbreaks occur after the recent introduction of an infected bull or cow into a susceptible breeding herd. Often the disease remains undetected until late fall when the livestock owner recognizes that he has a number of females exhibiting estrus. A tentative diagnosis can be made by a study of the herd history and can often be confirmed by laboratory means.

In recent years many advances have been made towards establishing an understanding of the immune response that occurs with infection and systemic immunization. In this review, recommendations are made regarding the appropriate time to immunize the breeding herd against campylobacteriosis.