Genetic associations between age at first calving and heifer body weight and scrotal circumference in Nelore cattle

Age at first calving (AFC) measures the entry of heifers into the beef cattle production system. This trait can be used as a selection criterion for earlier reproductive performance. Using data from Nelore cattle participating in the 'Program for Genetic Improvement of the Nelore Breed' (PMGRN-Nelore Brazil), bi-trait analyses were performed using the restricted maximum likelihood method, based on an AFC animal model and the following traits: female body weight adjusted to 365 (BW365) and 450 (BW450) days of age, and male scrotal circumference adjusted to 365 (SC365), 450 (SC450), 550 (SC550) and 730 (SC730) days of age. The heritability estimates for AFC ranged from 0.02 ± 0.02 to 0.04 ± 0.02. The estimates of additive direct heritabilities (with standard error) for BW365, BW450, SC365, SC450, SC550 and SC730 were 0.36 ± 0.07, 0.38 ± 0.07, 0.48 ± 0.07, 0.65 ± 0.07, 0.64 ± 0.07 and 0.42 ± 0.07, respectively, and the genetic correlations with AFC were −0.38, −0.33, 0.10, −0.13, −0.13 and 0.06, respectively. In the herds studied, selection for SC365, SC450, SC550 or SC730 should not cause genetic changes in AFC. Selection based on BW365 or BW450 would favor smaller AFC breeding values. However, the low magnitude of direct heritability estimates for AFC in these farms indicates that changes in phenotypical expression depend mostly on non-genetic factors.     

Effect of sire mating patterns on future genetic merit and inbreeding in a closed beef cattle population

Summary Alternative breeding strategies were simulated based on the population structure of the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle. An analysis of the population structure revealed that some sires up to 20 years of age have been used in Tajima. In addition, 95% of newborn calves were the progeny of only 20 sires, and their mating frequencies were significantly skewed. The current average inbreeding coefficient and founder genome equivalents of the strain were estimated to be 0.199 and 2.25, respectively. Average inbreeding coefficient is expected to reach 0.394 within 27 years. Thus, different breeding strategies were assessed for their effect on the level of inbreeding and average genetic merit. We compared strategies that (1) halve the sire service period, (2) double the number of mating sires and (3) lower the skewed sire mating frequency and optimize the frequency for weighted genetic merit and diversity. Reducing the service period yielded a 7.0–12.0% reduction in the rate of inbreeding while maintaining almost the same genetic gain. Increasing the number of sires resulted in a 19.3–21.3% reduction in inbreeding with a corresponding 1.6–8.4% reduction in gain. The rates of inbreeding from the optimized strategies decreased as the weight on genetic diversity increased. However, a strategy that emphasized only genetic gain yielded lower gain than other strategies because the strategy allowed only one sire to mate, resulting in reduced genetic variance and low accuracy of genetic evaluation. In contrast, a strategy with no emphasis on genetic gain when determining mating frequency resulted in reductions of 16.0% and 63.2% in genetic gain and inbreeding, respectively. The strategies examined here are easily applicable and can be expected to reduce immediate loss of genetic diversity.     

温棚养殖肉牛骨质疏松病的病因研究

本文通过对日粮中钙、磷含量及其比例的研究,结合气候、降雨、土壤pH值、土壤含磷量及施肥等因素对牧草、农作物含磷量的影响,对温棚养殖肉牛发生骨质疏松病的病因进行了探讨。     

Comparison of Estimated Genetic Connectedness among Three Herds of Chinese Holstein Cattle

Estimating genetic connectedness among herds is important for the accuracy of dairy cattle genetic evaluation. When selecting between animals raised in different herds, the accuracy of their genetic evaluations can be influenced by the degree of connectedness among these herds. In this study, two methods were used to measure genetic connectedness, CR （genetic connectedness rating ） and GLt （total number of direct genetic links between group）, among herds from Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. Genetic connectedness between the herds from Beijing and Tianjin was 23.95%, between Beijing and Shanghai was 17. 10%, and between Shanghai and Tianjin it was 14.28%. Genetic connectedness between herds from Beijing and Tianjin was the highest and that between Shanghai and Tianjin was the lowest. The correlation coefficient for the two methods was 0. 808. Some suggestions for improved genetic evaluation of dairy cattle were also discussed.     

影响肉牛大理石花纹形成的主要因素

决定大理石花纹水平的肌内脂肪(IMF)含量是影响牛肉感官质量(包括嫩度、多汁性、风味和颜色)的重要因素之一。肉牛体内IMF的形成始于受孕后6个月左右,并在动物的一生中持续增长。大理石花纹的沉积受到品种、遗传、营养和管理(包括去势、断奶年龄)等多方面因素的影响。本文综述了肉牛大理石花纹沉积的主要影响因素,为品种选择以及在肉牛生长发育过程中有效调整饲料、优化营养、因地制宜改善管理提高牛肉品质提供有效依据。     

Linear model vs. survival analysis for genetic evaluation of sires for longevity in Chianina beef cattle

The objective of this study was to compare sire EBVs for longevity in Chianina beef cattle estimated with linear models and survival analysis. Two datasets were created, one considered all data (SURVall), the other only uncensored records (SURVun). The linear models were used to analyze longevity measured as three correlated dichotomous (yes/no) measures of survival in the first three parities (LIN-S3) and as an overall measure of lifespan in months (LIN-LPL). Correlation between sire EBVs from the two survival analyses were 0.85. For LIN-S3 the correlations of EBVs across parities were between 0.69 to 0.93. Medium correlations (from 0.50 to 0.62) were found when only uncensored data (SURVun) were compared to the linear model (LIN-S3). Higher correlations (from 0.71 to 0.93) were found when EBV based on both censored and uncensored data (SURVall) were compared to LIN-S3. Heritability was estimated at 0.11, 0.09 and 0.08 for SURVall, SURVun and LIN-LPL, respectively; and 0.05, 0.02 and 0.02, respectively, for survival in the first three parities according to LIN-S3. Linear and non-linear models differed in many aspects; the most precise EBV were obtained when all data was used in the evaluation.     

Cumulative discounted expressions of dairy and beef traits in cattle production systems

Gene-flow methodology was used to calculate the cumulative discounted expressions (CDE) for annual/lactation, replacement heifer, cull cow, birth, yearling, and slaughter traits in alternative cattle production systems. Generic equations were presented and parameters representing dairy-beef production systems in Ireland and Brazil were inputted. Cumulative discounted expressions using input parameters from a hypothetical purebred dairy production system with poor cow longevity were also calculated. Cumulative discounted expressions were calculated assuming either an initial purebred or crossbred mating within each production system. Absolute and relative differences in CDE existed among trait categories across the three alternative production systems investigated. For example, the CDE of beef-related traits accruing from an initial purebred mating ranged from 0.42 to 0.75 CDE of an annual/lactation trait across the three contrasting systems investigated which differed in various input parameters. Such variation may alter the relative emphasis of traits on overall profitability thereby contributing to genotype by environment interactions. The results of this study highlight the necessity to consider auxiliary traits in sire selection over and above those representing the principal intended use of the sire. This was particularly so for integrated dairy-beef cattle production systems.     

超敏蛋白复合酶在肉牛生产中的应用

[目的]试验将超敏蛋白复合酶添加于肉牛生产中的母牛繁育和肉牛育肥环节,研究其应用效果。[方法]试验选择平均怀孕45 d左右的同批次怀孕母牛28头,随机均分为试验A1组和对照A2组,选择育肥青年牛78头,随机均分为试验B1组和对照B2组。对照A2组和B2组按照原来的饲料配方饲喂,试验A1组和B1组在原有的基础上添加精饲料1‰的超敏蛋白复合酶进行饲喂。[结果]试验结果表明,怀孕母牛的试验组相较于对照组产活仔数多1头,出生均重差为7.58 kg, 60日龄断奶均重差为12.55 kg;育肥青年牛的试验组相较于对照组增重大幅提升,育肥期平均增重差为84 kg。[结论]超敏蛋白复合酶在肉牛生产的母牛繁育、青年牛育肥方面均表现出卓越成效,经济效益明显提高。     

蒸汽压片玉米在肉牛养殖生产中的应用研究进展

玉米是肉牛养殖生产中的重要能量饲料.经蒸汽压片处理的玉米可提高牛对玉米的消化吸收率,饲喂蒸汽压片玉米可对肉牛瘤胃发酵、生产性能、肉品质等产生积极影响.文章结合有关研究报道,简述玉米蒸汽压片技术、蒸汽压片玉米营养价值以及饲喂蒸汽压片玉米对肉牛生产性能的影响,以期为蒸汽压片玉米在肉牛养殖生产中的应用推广提供参考.     

澳大利亚2019年肉牛产业发展分析与借鉴

澳大利亚是世界上牛肉出口大国之一,肉牛产业是其重要的支柱产业。我国是澳大利亚重要的牛肉出口国之一,随着我国与澳大利亚自由贸易协议的签订及实施,近几年我国对澳大利亚的牛肉进口量持续快速攀升,2019年跃居澳大利亚牛肉出口国第一位。本文收集汇总了澳大利亚官方发布的相关数据,对2019年澳大利亚肉牛产业发展现状、贸易情况进行追踪,通过分析以期为我国肉牛产业持续健康发展提出借鉴。     

不同发酵处理甘蔗渣在肉牛瘤胃中的降解特性研究

[目的]本试验旨在研究不同发酵处理甘蔗渣在肉牛瘤胃中的降解特性。[方法]试验选择3头安装永久性瘤胃瘘管的西门塔尔杂交公牛为试验动物,采用尼龙袋法测定未发酵甘蔗渣、发酵甘蔗渣1(添加0.3%乳酸杆菌(含量≥10×10⁸CFU/g)青贮发酵甘蔗渣)和发酵甘蔗2(添加0.3%菌种组合(菌种组合以酿酒酵母菌(含量≥4×10⁸CFU/g)、黑曲霉菌(含量≥2×10⁸CFU/g)、米曲霉菌(含量≥2×10⁸CFU/g)、乳酸杆菌(含量≥2×10⁸CFU/g)按2:1:1:1配制)和0.1%纤维素酶(酶活≥2万IU/g)进行菌酶协同发酵甘蔗渣)的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)在瘤胃内的降解率。[结果]结果表明：1)干物质基础上,未发酵甘蔗渣和两种发酵甘蔗渣在DM和粗脂肪(EE)水平上差异不显著(P>0.05),而发酵甘蔗渣2的粗纤维(CF)、NDF、ADF和酸性木质素(ADL)水平显著低于未发酵甘蔗渣和发酵甘蔗渣1(P<0.05)...     

贵州省安顺市肉牛产业全产业链发展路径研究

调查分析贵州安顺市肉牛产业养殖、加工以及品牌销售等环节的发展现状,立足当地肉牛发展优势,剖析产业存在的主要问题,提出产、加、销全产业链融合发展对策建议,旨在为加快推进安顺市现代山地肉牛产业发展科学决策提供理论参考。     

Genetic analysis of days open in beef cattle

The aim of this work was to analyse the genetic parameters affecting days open (DO) in beef cattle to evaluate its potential as criterion of selection. The present study characterises DO as a trait with considerable genetic variability, relative to that usually found for reproduction traits, especially for heifers and second calving cows. The estimates of heritability for the trait ranged from 0.091 for cows with 10 or more calvings to 0.197 for second calving cows. The genetic correlations estimated for DO in different parities are situated between 0.9 and 1, showing that the genes affecting the trait are substantially the same across parities of the dam. A substantial permanent environment (around 9%) seems to affect DO performance. Permanent environmental factors seem to be especially important in younger cows. Genetic correlation between DO and calving interval was positive and very high (1.0), while those between DO and gestation length and calving date were negative from low to moderate (−0.089 and −0.308, respectively). DO can be used in improvement programs of beef cattle as an early indicator of reproductive performance of the cow.     

Financial effect of bovine Johne's disease in beef cattle herds in Australia

Objective To assess the financial effect of programs for controlling bovine Johne's disease (BJD) in beef herds. Design A spreadsheet simulation model of a self‐replacing beef herd in south‐eastern Australia selling 400‐kg steers at 15 months old. Methods The model calculated the monthly cash flow, and net present value (NPV) of cumulative cash flow, over 10 years. Four main control options were compared: (1) a base herd (no action to control the disease), (2) test and cull, and (3) partial and (4) total destocking. It was assumed that BJD was eradicated after 3 and 5 years with total and partial destocking, respectively, and not eradicated with a test and cull program. Scenarios were compared for both commercial and stud enterprises. Results If there was no discount on the sale price of cattle in commercial herds, deaths from BJD had to exceed 5% before the NPV of partial or total destocking was similar to taking no action to control the disease over a 10‐year period. When cattle sales incurred a 10% discount, deaths had to exceed 1% before the destocking strategies would break even after 10 years. Conclusion Control options for BJD should be carefully planned on an individual herd basis, as significant production and financial risks accompany destocking programs. Eradication will only be more profitable in the longer term, compared with living with the disease, when discounts on the sale of stock from infected herds are high. This can occur with the selling of store cattle or breeders. In stud herds, BJD will usually cause the total failure of the business.     

Genetic parameters and relationships of heifer pregnancy and age at first calving with weight gain, yearling and mature weight in Nelore cattle

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the additive genetic associations between heifer pregnancy at 16 months of age (HP16) and age at first calving (AFC) with weight gain from birth to weaning (WG), yearling weight (YW) and mature weight (MW), in order to verify the possibility of using the traits measured directly in females as selection criteria for the genetic improvement of sexual precocity in Nelore cattle. (Co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference using a linear animal model for AFC, WG, YW and MW and a nonlinear (threshold) animal model for HP16. The posterior means of direct heritability estimates were: 0.45 ± 0.02; 0.10 ± 0.01; 0.23 ± 0.02; 0.36 ± 0.01 and 0.39 ± 0.04, for HP16, AFC, WG, YW and MW, respectively. Maternal heritability estimate for WG was 0.07 ± 0.01. Genetic correlations estimated between HP16 and WG, YW and MW were 0.19 ± 0.04; 0.25 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.05, respectively. The genetic correlations of AFC with WG, YW and MW were low to moderate and negative, with values of − 0.18 ± 0.06; − 0.22 ± 0.05 and − 0.12 ± 0.05, respectively. The high heritability estimated for HP16 suggests that this trait seem to be a better selection criterion for females sexual precocity than AFC. Long-term selection for animals that are heavier at young ages tends to improve the heifers sexual precocity evaluated by HP16 or AFC. Predicted breeding values for HP16 can be used to select bulls and it can lead to an improvement in sexual precocity. The inclusion of HP16 in a selection index will result in small or no response for females mature weight.     

全混合日粮压块饲料育肥肉牛试验研究

分别采用玉米秸秆、稻草秸秆与精料设计全混合日粮,配制压缩块状饲料进行肉牛育肥及屠宰测定试验,研究秸秆与精料分开的传统饲养模式与压块饲料饲喂肉牛对肉牛育肥效果的影响。结果,分别饲喂玉米、稻草秸秆与精料全混合日粮压块饲料的两试验组(Ⅰ和Ⅱ)育肥牛平均日增重分别为1259．26±161．11 g和1259．26±82．82 g,而对照组分别采用传统的精粗料分开不补喂/补喂蛋白补充料育肥牛平均日增重分别为506．17±228．48 g和318．93±119．80 g,各试验组与对照组牛之间平均日增重差异均达到极显著水平(P＜0．01);试验组Ⅰ和Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ(对照)间平均日增重均无明显差异(P＞0．05),表明以玉米秸秆或稻草秸秆与精料补充料等复合配制而成的全混日粮压块饲料,育肥肉牛效果较秸秆与精料分开的传统饲养模式饲喂内牛育肥效果更为好。     

The impact of direct-maternal genetic correlations on international beef cattle evaluations for Limousin weaning weight

In beef cattle maternally influenced traits, estimates of direct-maternal genetic correlations (r_dm) are usually reported to be negative. In international evaluations, r_dm can differ both within countries (r_{dm_WC}) and between countries (r_{dm_BC}). The r_{dm_BC} are difficult to estimate and are assumed to be zero in the current model for international beef cattle evaluations (Interbeef). Our objective was to investigate re-ranking of international estimated breeding values (IEBVs) in international beef cattle evaluations between models that either used estimated values for r_dm or assumed them to be 0. Age-adjusted weaning weights and pedigree data were available for Limousin beef cattle from ten European countries. International EBVs were obtained using a multi-trait animal model with countries modeled as different traits. We compared IEBVs from a model that uses estimated r_{dm_BC} (ranging between −0.14 and +0.14) and r_{dm_WC} (between −0.33 and +0.40) with IEBVs obtained either from the current model that assumes r_{dm_BC} to be 0, or from an alternative model that assumes both r_{dm_BC} and r_{dm_WC} to be 0. Direct and maternal IEBVs were compared across those three scenarios for different groups of animals. The ratio of population accuracies from the linear regression method was used to further investigate the impact of r_dm on international evaluations, for both the whole set of animals in the evaluation and the domestic ones. Ignoring r_{dm_BC}, i.e., replacing estimated values with 0, resulted in no (rank correlations > 0.99) or limited (between 0.98 and 0.99) re-ranking for direct and maternal IEBVs, respectively. Both r_{dm_BC} and r_{dm_WC} had less impact on direct IEBVs than on maternal IEBVs. Re-ranking of maternal IEBVs decreased with increasing reliability. Ignoring r_{dm_BC} resulted in no re-ranking for sires with IEBVs that might be exchanged across countries and limited re-ranking for the top 100 sires. Using estimated r_{dm_BC} values instead of considering them to be 0 resulted in null to limited increases in population accuracy. Ignoring both r_{dm_BC} and r_{dm_WC} resulted in considerable re-ranking of animals’ IEBVs in all groups of animals evaluated. This study showed the limited impact of the current practice of ignoring r_{dm_BC} in international evaluations for Limousin weaning weight, most likely because the estimated r_{dm_BC} was close to 0. We expect that these conclusions can be extended to other traits that have reported r_dm values in the range of r_{dm_WC} values for weaning weight in Limousin.     

Occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas in beef cattle from the Brazilian Pantanal,an endemic area for bovine trypanosomiasis in South America

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are Gram-negative bacteria that parasitize the erythrocyte surface of a wide variety of mammals. The present study aimed at investigating the occurrence of hemoplasmas in beef cattle in the Brazilian Pantanal, an area endemic for bovine trypanosomiasis in South America. Additionally, the objective of this study was to characterize molecularly the genotypes of the found hemoplasmas. For this purpose, blood and serum samples of 400 beef cattle were collected from five properties in Corumbá, Nhecolândia sub-region, Mato Grosso do Sul, in Midwest Brazil. Blood samples underwent DNA extraction and standard 16S rRNA gene-based PCR assays for hemoplasmas. The sequences obtained were submitted to phylogenetic inferences, distance analysis, and genotype diversity. The Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay (iELISA) indicated the presence of anti-Trypanosoma vivax IgG antibodies in 89.75% of the animals sampled, confirming the endemicity of said agent in the studied region. Among the 400 bovine blood samples tested, 2.25% (9/400) were positive for hemoplasmas in cPCR. The phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences confirmed the presence of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA in 0.5% (2/400) and 1.75% (7/400) animals, respectively. Five genotypes of M. wenyonii and one of 'Candidatus M. haemobos' were detected among the sequenced amplicons. The present study showed low molecular occurrence of haemoplasmas in beef cattle sampled in the Brazilian Pantanal, an area endemic for bovine trypanosomiasis. Despite of the conservation of the 16S rRNA gene, there was considerable diversity of hemoplasma genotypes infecting the sampled beef cattle.     

Anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of beef cattle in south-west Western Australia

Anthelminthic resistance in nematodes of beef cattle is an emerging issue globally with implications for effective parasite control. The prevalence of resistance in beef cattle in the Mediterranean-style climatic zone of south-west Western Australia was assessed on 19 farms, using faecal egg count reduction tests. Pre-treatment faecal worm egg counts were compared with counts at 14 days after treatments with ivermectin (injectable), fenbendazole (oral), or levamisole (oral). A separately grazed group treated with topical ivermectin (pour-on) and sampled at 28 days was included as a comparison against injectable ivermectin. The results demonstrate that resistance is common, with failure of at least one anthelmintic (<95% reduction for each species, by arithmetic means) for either of the major species Cooperia oncophora or Ostertagia ostertagi on 17 of the 19 properties. Resistance to ivermectin (injectable) was demonstrated in C. oncophora in 59% of tests, but ivermectin was fully effective against O. ostertagi by this route. Conversely, O. ostertagi resistant to fenbendazole and levamisole were present on 50% and 67% of farms respectively, with both fully effective against C. oncophora. The finding of Haemonchus placei on several properties was unexpected but the egg counts were low and there is no suggestion of pathogenic effects. An indication of reduced efficacy of the pour-on ivermectin formulation compared to the injectable was apparent against both C. oncophora and O. ostertagi, and this may have implications for resistance development, given the widespread use of topical treatments reported in this region. This survey confirms that anthelminthic resistance in nematodes of beef cattle is common in Western Australia and the pattern of occurrence is in general agreement with surveys elsewhere in Australia and in other countries.