Effects of cereals and/or protein supplement extrusion on diet utilisation and performance of intensively reared cattle

The effect of extruding the cereal and/or the protein supplement of a compound feed on its nutritive value and on the performance of intensively reared male calves was studied. The compound feed was formulated with 0.65 of a cereal blend (60:40 maize:barley), 0.25 of a protein blend (1/3:1/3:1/3 raw soybeans:peas:lupins), and 0.08 of urea to contain 0.17 of crude protein. It was tested without extruding (NE) and with the cereal blend (CE), the protein blend (PE) or both (CPE) extruded. Another non-extruded compound feed with mainly soybean meal as the protein supplement (NE-SBM) also was studied. The five experimental compound feeds together with barley straw were offered ad libitum to 50 male Friesian calves (112 kg initial live weight) for 13 weeks, recording individual feed intake and live weight gain. Crude protein (CP) solubility and in vitro and in situ CP degradation of experimental compounds, and in vitro gas production kinetics, in vivo digestibility and urinary allantoin excretion of diets were determined. Cereal extrusion promoted a greater gas production at all incubation times (p < 0.001), associated to the increase in starch gelatinisation. PE and NE-SBM compounds showed lower in vitro (p < 0.01) and in situ (p < 0.001) CP degradability than the other feeds. Ingredient extrusion did not affect apparent DM, OM and CP digestibilities, but diet CPE showed a lower NDF digestibility (p < 0.05) than the others (0.293 vs. 0.420, 0.387, 0.390 and 0.407 with CPE vs. NE, CE, PE and NE-SBM, respectively). The apparent EE digestibility increased (p = 0.053) with the inclusion of extruded ingredients, (0.799, 0.749 and 0.794 vs. 0.719 and 0.702 with CE, PE and CPE vs. NE and NE-SBM, respectively). Daily allantoin excretion was lower (p < 0.01) in calves receiving the CPE diet than in those receiving the NE, PE and NE-SBM diets. Treatments did not affect the average daily gains (1.61 ± 0.022 kg d^− 1), however calves on the CPE diet showed a lower (p < 0.01) concentrate and total conversion ratios than those fed NE, PE and NE-SBM (2.60 vs. 2.79, 2.85 and 2.98 kg concentrate DM kg^− 1 daily gain and 2.93 vs. 3.09, 3.13 and 3.26 kg total DM kg^− 1 daily gain, respectively). The CE diet resulted in numerically higher (p > 0.05) concentrate and total DM conversion ratios (2.72 and 3.02) than CPE and lower (p < 0.05) than NE-SBM. Improvement in feed conversion ratio after extrusion would be related to a better starch utilisation and not to changes in microbial or dietary protein flow to the duodenum, although a better utilisation of fat energy cannot be disregarded.     

Potassium diformate in the diet of reproducing sows: Effect on performance of sows and litters

The effects of adding potassium diformate (K-diformate) to diets for primiparous and multiparous sows (Dutch × Scandinavian Landrace) (n = 156) were evaluated with respect to performance of sows and their litters, apparent total tract digestibility (TD) of nutrients, milk composition, and microbiota of sows' feces. Treatments comprised a basal diet and a basal diet containing 0.8 or 1.2% K-diformate. The experiment lasted from mating, through gestation and lactation until the next mating. Sows were fed restrictively according to a commercial feeding regime during the gestation period, and had free access to feed from d 10 post-farrowing. The addition of K-diformate to diets increased backfat thickness (P = 0.03) of sows during gestation. No effects on average daily feed intake or body weight gain were seen. Piglets born to sows receiving K-diformate tended to have increased individual (P = 0.05) and litter (P = 0.08) birth weight, tended to have increased average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.07) and to be heavier at weaning (P < 0.05). Birth weights, ADG, and weaning weights were similar for piglets born from sows fed 0.8 and 1.2% K-diformate. There was no effect of K-diformate on the number of pigs born alive, number of stillborns or mortality rates of piglets. Adding 1.2% K-diformate to diets increased TD of ash by 4.9% (P = 0.001) and crude fat by 3.4% (P = 0.08), and calculated NE-content by 2.3% (P = 0.02). Sows fed K-diformate tended (P = 0.09) to show an increased milk fat content on d 12 post-farrowing. In conclusion, adding K-diformate to diets for sows had a positive effect on sows' backfat thickness in gestation and on growth performance of piglets.     

The effect of concentrate level and concentrate composition on the performance of growing dairy heifers reared and finished for beef production

Abstract

The objectives of the study with growing dairy heifers were to determine the effects on animal performance of (1) concentrate level and (2) the concentrate composition in the grass silage-based diet. Animals (30 heifers) were randomly assigned to three feeding treatments: (1) low level (1.75 kg dry matter (DM)/d) of rolled barley (LB); (2) low level (1.75 kg DM/d) of commercial pelleted concentrate (LC); and (3) medium level (3.5 kg DM/d) of commercial pelleted concentrate (MC). All animals were also offered grass silage and hay. The commercial concentrate contained more crude protein than barley grain (135 g/kg DM vs. 205 g/kg DM). The data were analysed using analysis of variance and differences between the treatments were tested by orthogonal contrasts: LC vs. MC and LB vs. LC. The growth of the heifers increased and carcass conformation improved with increasing concentrate level. Commercial concentrate did not improve animal performance compared with barley grain.     

Effect of early weaning on performance, carcass and meat quality of spring-born bull calves raised in dry mountain areas

Sixteen bull calves were born in the Spanish Central Pyrenees in spring. They were either early (EW, 90 days of age) or normal weaned (NW, 180 days of age). At day 90, EW calves were placed on an intensive diet while NW calves were turned out with their dams to high mountain pastures. After summer, at day 180, NW calves were weaned and placed with EW calves on a common finishing diet until slaughter at the fixed age of 1 year. From birth to early weaning date, no performance differences appeared. However, EW calves gained faster (1.549 kg/day) than their unweaned counterparts (0.783 kg/day) from early to normal weaning date (P < 0.001). During the finishing period, NW calves showed compensatory growth, with a 44% higher ADG than EW calves (P < 0.001), with a similar feed intake and a better feed conversion ratio. Early weaned calves had a longer fattening phase than NW calves (264 vs. 158 days, respectively; P < 0.001) and thus total feed intake and feed costs were greater. When slaughtered at 1 year of age, EW and NW calves attained similar weight (489 vs. 510 kg, respectively; P > 0.05), but dressing percentage was higher for EW calves (56.9%) than for NW calves (55.2%) (P < 0.01), which led EW calves to have heavier carcasses, without differences in fat score or conformation. The different growth paths, the result of weaning management, did not affect meat tenderness, chemical composition and fatty acid profile, but affected meat lightness, with higher values for compensating calves (NW) than calves in continuous growth (EW). In conclusion, advancing weaning age modified calf performance without affecting substantially carcass characteristics, except for an improvement in dressing percentage, or meat quality.     

BMY和婆罗门牛早期生长性状遗传力研究

本文采用云南省肉牛与牧草研究中心杂交选育的热带亚热带肉牛BMY和纯种婆罗门(Brahman,简称B)2000至2003年的资料,配合动物模型应用MTDFREML软件进行初生重和6月龄体重两个性状的遗传力估计,结果为BMY的初生重、6月龄体重、B的初生重,6月龄体重遗传力分别是:0.34、0.16、0.36、0.13。     

Effect of diet on preweaning performance of Sahiwal calves

The objective was to study the growth potential of Sahiwal calves given milk or milk replacer with or without concentrates. For this purpose, forty-eight Sahiwal calves were divided into four groups of 12 animals each with equal sex ratio. In each group, the calves were offered either milk or a milk replacer (MR) at a rate of 10% of their body weight adjusted weekly. In addition to this, calves were fed either a starter ration plus Egyptian clover hay (SR + H) or hay only (H) until the end of trial. The milk or MR was withdrawn gradually from day 56 until animals were weaned completely by day 84. Calves offered milk grew faster than those offered MR (357 ± 9 vs. 162 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (51.6 ± 0.8 vs. 35.2 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05). The calves offered SR + H grew faster (311 ± 9 vs. 208 ± 9 g/day; p < 0.05) and displayed higher weaning weights (48.7 ± 0.8 vs. 38.1 ± 0.8 kg; p < 0.05) than those fed H alone. Calves offered milk plus SR + H showed the highest growth rate and weaning weights (401 ± 13 g/day and 56.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). The lowest growth rate and weaning weights were observed in calves offered MR and H only (115 ± 13 g/day and 30.3 ± 1 kg, respectively). Calves offered the MR had higher number of scour days than those offered milk (13.5 vs. 3.3). The feeding of whole milk in combination with the starter ration and hay resulted in superior growth rates, higher weaning weights, and healthier calves than the other feeding regimens.     

Effect of level of milk replacer fed to Holstein calves on performance during the preweaning period and starter digestibility at weaning

Calves following an enhanced-growth feeding program usually show lower starter intakes during the preweaning period compared with conventionally-fed calves. To assess whether this low intake in calves following an enhanced-growth feeding program affects calf capacity to digest starter after weaning, 19 Holstein male calves were used to measure apparent nutrient digestibility at weaning. Calves were divided in two groups: calves on a conventional feeding program (CF) and calves on an enhanced-growth feeding program (EF). After one week of adaptation to milk replacer (25% CP and 19% fat), the CF calves were fed 4 l/d of milk replacer (MR) at 12.5% DM dilution rate from d 1–28, and 2 l/d from d 29 to weaning day at d 35, and the EF calves were offered MR at 18% DM dilution rate: 4 l/d from d 1–6, 6 l/d from d 7–13, 7 l/d from d 14–20, 6 l/d from d 21–28, and 3 l/d from d 29 to 35. Calf starter (20% CP) was offered ad libitum from the beginning to the end of study at d 42, and its consumption was recorded daily. Calves were weighed at d 3, 17, 24, 31, 38 and 42. Daily total faeces collection was conducted for the last 5 d of study. Final BW was numerically greater in EF than in CF calves (88.6 vs 81.2 ± 3.36 kg, respectively). Starter DMI was greater (P < 0.05) in CF compared with EF calves during the preweaning (0.68 vs 0.36 ± 0.078 kg/d, respectively) and postweaning (2.52 vs 1.90 ± 0.102 kg/d, respectively) periods, but there were no differences in total DMI (1.12 and 1.26 ± 0.078 kg/d, in CF and EF calves, respectively) during the preweaning period. However, apparent DM, OM, NDF, CP, and GE digestibility coefficients were greater (P < 0.05) in CF compared with EF calves (77.4 vs 71.8 ± 1.23%, 78.7 vs 73.2 ± 1.18%, 34.7 vs 20.3 ± 3.79%, 77.1 vs 71.6 ± 1.29%, and 75.6 vs 69.8 ± 1.25%, respectively) the week after weaning. It is concluded that calves in the EF treatment presented lower nutrient digestibility coefficients compared with CF calves the week after weaning.     

日粮添加产朊假丝酵母对15月龄新疆褐牛杂交育肥增重性能的影响

为探讨日粮添加产朊假丝酵母菌(Candida utilis)对肉牛育肥增重性能的影响,选取15月龄体重(376.53±30.31)kg的新疆褐牛与哈萨克牛杂交F1代公牛30头,随机分为对照组(CT)与产朊假丝酵母菌组(CU),CT组饲喂全混合日粮(TMR),CU组在TMR中按10 g/100 kg体重添加产朊假丝酵母菌...     

能量水平与精粗比对中卫山羊羯羔羊日粮消化性能的影响

选择体重差异不显著(P>0.05)、健康的5月龄中卫山羊羯羔羊12只,随机分为3组,每组4只。以相同蛋白水平、不同能量水平日粮饲喂各组试验羊,第一、二、三组分别喂给相同蛋白水平的低、中、高三种能量水平的日粮。结果表明:试验羊对NDF、ADF和半纤维素的表观消化率以低能量组效果最好,对于干物质的消化率则以高能组最高。而对于能量的采食量和消化代谢率则以高能组最优,中能组次之。由试验结果可知,在本试验条件下所设的3个能量组中以精粗比为57:43的高能组(粗蛋白含量11.41%,能量水平10.41 MJ/kg)的日粮水平比较有利于中卫山羊羯羔羊的生长发育。结合实际情况,中等能量组精粗比48:52消化能9.53 MJ/kg,最有利于对中卫山羊羯羔羊的组织生产。     

The effect of feeding antibiotic growth promoters on the performance of beef cattle consuming forage-based diets: A review

Scientific literature on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in beef cattle consuming forage-diets was reviewed. Database summarizes 136 comparisons between untreated and AGP-treated cattle from 48 bibliographic references. Performance data of cattle receiving AGP either alone or in combination with 17 β-estradiol implants was statistically analyzed. Forage quality, in terms of average daily gain (ADG), differentially influenced (P = 0.1) the effect of AGP on beef cattle performance. As the quality of forage increased, the estimated net ADG response to monensin decreased and that to lasalocid increased. ADG increased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing doses of monensin (R² = 0.71) or lasalocid (R² = 0.63). Ionophore-dosage level quadratically improved (P = 0.01; R² = 0.52) feed conversion (FCONV) of cattle without affecting their dry matter intake (DMI; P > 0.1). A linear relationship (P < 0.01) between ADG and dose of tetronasin (R² = 0.64) or lysocellin (R² = 0.52) was also observed. The combination of monensin and 17β-estradiol implants resulted in an additive effect on ADG of grazing cattle. The experimental results reviewed show that, in beef cattle consuming forage-based diets, ionophores improve ADG and FCONV in a dose-dependent manner, with little or no effect on DMI. In addition, results suggest that forage quality influences the direction of the ADG response to AGP supplementation in cattle. Summarized data from beef cattle implanted with 17β-estradiol and/or supplemented with monensin indicate that the combined response of these two compounds on cattle grazing high-quality pastures has no effect on ADG over that obtained by 17β-estradiol alone.     

Transmission of Mycoplasma dispar among calves collected and reared for beef production

Fortytwo calves, 28 to 117 days old, were collected from 23 dairy farms and transported in a lorry, allowing direct contact between the calves, to 8 calf rearing farms. The average transport time per calf was 4.5 h, ranging from 0.3 to 12.8 h. The calves were sampled by nasal swabbing for mycoplasmas first before loading and then immediately after transport. Thirteen of the calves were transferred to farm I. They were placed in individual pens in a separate room to themselves, and were sampled at intervals for a period of 4 weeks.Ten of the 42 calves (23.8 %) originating from 5 of the source farms were found initially positive for M. dispar with titers > 4 log₁₀ ecu; 3 of these 10 calves were delivered to farm I and 7 calves to 6 others of the 8 receiving farms. Three initially infected calved delivered to farms I continued to be positive throughout the follow-up period; among the 10 initially negative calves the frequency of detected infection, and the geometric mean titer (within parenthesis), developed so that on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 the figures were: 2 (2.5), 8 (4.3), 9 (4.7), and 10 (5.5), respectively.After transport 3 initially negative calves were found positive with low titers. Two of them were placed on farm I. In one of them positivity proved to be only transient; the case seems to represent a phenomenon of transfer of mycoplasmas without establishment of infection. In contrast, at least 4 (possibly 7) calves, negative both before and after transport–ascribed above to the group of 10 initially negative calves arriving on farm I–had in all likelihood caught the infection during the transport. Two of the 10 calves most likely caught the infection on the farm; for 3 calves the evidence was equivocal as to the 2 alternatives.Seven of the 42 calves (16.7 %) were found to be initially infected with M. bovir-hinis, 2 of the 42 with Acholeplasma laidlawii. Among the 13 calves transported to an reared on farm I, 8 were found to be positive at least once for M. bovirhinis during the study. Colonisation by this mycoplasma was partly detected only intermittently and the detectable prevalence among the 13 calves at its highest was only 38.5 %.     

Effects of GHR gene polymorphisms on growth and carcass traits in Zebu and crossbred beef cattle

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) is the cell surface receptor for growth hormone (GH) and is required for GH to carry out its effects on target tissues. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the allele and genotype frequencies of the GHR/Alu I gene polymorphism located in the regulatory region in beef cattle belonging to different genetic groups and to determine associations between this polymorphism and growth and carcass traits. Genotyping was performed on 384 animals, including 79 Nellore (Zebu), 30 Canchim (5/8 Charolais + 3/8 Zebu), 30 Simmental × Nellore crossbred and 245 Angus × Nellore crossbred cattle. Alleles Alu I(+), Alu I(−) and Alu I(N)–null allele–were evidenced for the GHR/Alu I polymorphism and the frequency of the Alu I(N) allele was significantly higher than the frequency of the Alu I(+) and Alu I(−) alleles in all genetic groups. Genotype Alu I(N/N) of the GHR/Alu I predominated in Nellore animals, while the Alu I(N/+) and Alu I(N/−) predominated in the other genetic groups. In the association studies, traits of interest were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the SAS program and least squares means of the genotypes were compared by the Tukey test. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed between the Alu I(N/N) genotype of the GHR/Alu I polymorphism and lower weight gain and body weight at slaughter, although a confounding between genotypes and genetic groups may have occurred.     

Effect of photoperiod and castration on prolactin, testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations in male calves

After 8 wk exposure to 8 h of light per day, prolactin (PRL) averaged 18.3 ng/ml of serum in eight male calves. Four calves then received 16 h of light per day; 6 wk later (age 14 wk) PRL averaged 93.8 ng/ml of serum, whereas PRL averaged 36.9 ng/ml of serum in four calves maintained under 8 h of daily light. By wk 20, PRL was not different in calves exposed to 16 or 8 h of daily light, averaging 34.7 and 17.2 ng/ml serum. Testosterone averaged .43 ng/ml of serum at wk 8 but was greater at wk 14 in calves receiving 16 h of light daily when compared with controls receiving 8 h of light (1.92 vs. .97 ng/ml of serum). Testosterone concentrations were not different between photoperiod treatments at wk 20. Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were unaffected by photoperiod. In a second experiment, four male calves were castrated at approximately 2 wk of age while four similar controls were left gonadally intact. After 8 wk exposure to 8 h of light per day, PRL averaged 12.3 ng/ml of serum in all calves. After 6 wk exposure to 16 h of light per day, PRL in serum increased in castrates to 48.0 ng/ml and in controls to 59.8 ng/ml. We conclude that serum concentrations of PRL and testosterone, but not LH, increased in bull calves receiving 16 h of light daily relative to calves receiving 8 h of light, and that the PRL response to photoperiod is independent of the testes. However, 16 h light-induced stimulation of serum concentrations of prolactin is not maintained indefinitely.     

Effects of supplementary concentrate level in winter, and subsequent finishing on pasture or indoors, on performance and carcass traits of Holstein–Friesian, Aberdeen Angus × Holstein–Friesian and Belgian Blue × Holstein–Friesian steers

Pure bred Holstein–Friesian (FR) and beef breed × FR male calves are used for beef production in Ireland. Beef breeds used for crossbreeding on FR cows include Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Belgian Blue (BB) which represent extremes in terms of maturity. The objective of this study was to compare spring-born steers of FR, AA and BB breed types, offered two feeding levels in their second winter, and subsequently finished on pasture or on a high concentrate diet indoors. Seventy-two steers (24 per breed type) were managed together to the end of their second grazing season. They were then blocked on weight within breed type and assigned to a 3 (FR, AA and BB breed types) × 2 (winter feeding levels) × 2 (finishing systems) factorial experiment. The two winter feeding levels were grass silage ad libitum plus mean daily concentrate levels of 0.91 (L) or 4.0 (H) kg dry matter for 113 days. The two finishing systems were pasture or concentrates ad libitum for a mean period of 94 days. Mean slaughter and carcass weights for FR, AA and BB were 634, 644 and 642 (s.e. 8.1), and 313, 326 and 340 (s.e. 4.7) kg, respectively. Other than bone proportion which was lower for AA, there were few differences in ribs joint composition or in m. longissimus chemical composition between FR and AA. BB had less fat and more muscle in the ribs joint, and more moisture and protein, and less lipid in m. longissimus than both FR and AA. Compared with L, the H winter feeding level increased slaughter weight and carcass weight by 24 and 15 kg, respectively. Indoor finished animals were 63 kg live weight and 39 kg carcass weight heavier than those finished at pasture. They also had more fat and less muscle and bone in the ribs joint and more lipid and less moisture in m. longissimus. It is concluded that except for BB finished at pasture all carcasses were commercially acceptable. Despite the excellent finishing performance on concentrates, this system is not profitable at current concentrate and beef prices.     

Effect of pre- and post-pubertal castration on Piemontese male calves: I. Live and slaughtering performances

To evaluate the effect of different age of castration on live and slaughtering performances in Piemontese males a study was carried out on 24 cattle divided in 3 groups: EC—early castrated (5th month of age), LC—late castrated (13th month) and IM—intact males, reared under the same environmental condition until the same fattening degree, then slaughtered at 18 month of age. The animals were fed at the same energy and protein level. Live weight was recorded monthly and 18 linear body measurements were recorded at 18th month of age. Live performances and slaughtering data were recorded or calculated. Differences were found in live weight (higher in IM than EC and LC; P < 0.01), buttock girth, chest girth (both higher in IM than EC; P < 0.05) and shin girth (higher in IM and LC than EC; P < 0.05). The average daily weight gain was higher in IM compared to EC and LC (P < 0.01). The carcass weight was higher in IM than EC and LC (P < 0.01). Little differences were found between EC, LC and IM in some anatomical parts weights. No differences were pointed out in the dressing percentage. Castration of Piemontese bulls at 13th month of age do not improve live and slaughtering performances compared to animals castrated at 5 month of age, even if the LC linear body measurements are more similar to the IM than EC.     

Effect of bupivacaine liposome suspension administered as a local anesthetic block on indicators of pain and distress during and after surgical castration in dairy calves

Castration is a routine procedure performed on beef and dairy operations in the United States. All methods of castration cause behavioral, physiologic, and neuroendocrine changes associated with pain. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners recommend that anesthesia and analgesia be administered during castration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bupivacaine liposome suspension, a novel, long-acting, local anesthetic formulation administered as a nerve block at castration. The authors chose to investigate this novel formulation as an alternative to the current industry standards using lidocaine nerve blocks alone or in combination with meloxicam. Thirty male Holstein calves, 16 to 20 wk of age, were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups prior to surgical castration: 1) bupivacaine liposome suspension block + oral placebo (BUP), 2) lidocaine block + oral placebo (LID), 3) lidocaine block + oral meloxicam (1 mg/kg) (LID + MEL), and 4) saline block + oral placebo (CON). Biomarkers were collected at −24 h and from 0 to 120 h post-castration and included infrared thermography, pressure mat gait analysis, chute defense and behavior scoring (pain and activity), and blood sampling for serum cortisol and prostaglandin E₂ metabolites (PGEMs). Responses were analyzed using repeated measures, with calf nested in treatment as a random effect, and treatment, time, and their interaction designated as fixed effects. The results from pressure mat gait analysis show that the CON had a shorter front limb stance time from baseline (−8.73%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −24.84% to 7.37%) compared with BUP and LID + MEL (>5.70%; 95% CI: −22.91% to 23.79%) (P < 0.03). The CON tended to have an increase in front limb force from baseline (6.31%; 95% CI: −1.79% to 14.41%) compared with BUP, LID, and LID + MEL (<−5.06%; 95% CI: −14.22% to 0.95%) (P < 0.04). The CON displayed higher counts of hunched standing (2.00; 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.32) compared with LID + MEL (1.43; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72) (P = 0.05). The CON had higher cortisol concentrations at 24 h (7.70 ng/mL; 95% CI: 1.52 to 13.87 ng/mL) relative to BUP (3.11 ng/mL; 95% CI: −2.56 to 8.79 ng/mL) (P = 0.002). At 4 and 24 h, LID + MEL had lower PGEM concentrations from baseline (−32.42% and −47.84%; 95% CI: −78.45% to −1.80%) compared with CON (27.86% and 47.63%; 95% CI: 7.49% to 82.98%) (P < 0.02). The administration of bupivacaine liposome suspension as a local anesthetic block at the time of castration was as effective at controlling pain as a multimodal approach of lidocaine and meloxicam.     

不同粗饲料与补饲水平对肉牛育肥效果试验

选取80头8～18月龄,体重200 kg以上的生长育肥牛,按不同地点、饲草、精料各分为4个试验组和4个对照组,在不同方法处理的秸杆饲喂下,同时补饲不同营养水平的精料,百肥90 d后,育肥组的增重水平和育肥效益均明显优于对照组,其中试验Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组、Ⅳ组,分别增重105．2 kg、101．1 kg、77．4 kg、64．8 kg,较对照组90．9 kg、80．1 kg、62．3 kg、49．7 kg,分别提高了15．7％、26．2％、24．2%、30．4％,差异极显著。结果表明,补饲适当营养水平的精料均能提高育肥效果,且经科学加工处理过的秸杆增重效果明显,可增加肉牛育肥效益。     

小苏打对肉牛增重效果的影响

选用12月龄左右西黄杂一代公牛24头,随机分成三组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验 组、 组分别在基础日粮中添加0.4%小苏打、0.8%小苏打,试验期为60d。试验结果表明:试验 组肉牛的增重最快,日增重分别比对照组、试验 组提高了8.81%(P<0.05)和2.30%(P>0.05);单位增重饲料成本,以试验 组最低,分别比对照组、试验 组降低了6.25%和7.55%。经综合评定,以添加0.4%小苏打的试验 组效果最好,其经济效益分别比对照组、试验 组提高了22.51%和17.12%。     

Management- and housing-related risk factors of respiratory disorders in non-weaned French Charolais calves

Our aim was to determine at calf-batch level the management- and housing-related risk factors of respiratory disorders in non-weaned Charolais calves. Farmers recorded cases according to the definition provided i.e. the association of at least one respiratory sign and, in the same calf or another calf of the same batch, at least one general sign on the same day or the day before. During farm visits, quality of farmers’ records was checked and questionnaires were applied to gather farm and herd characteristics and to describe farming practices and housing facilities. Data were suitable for analysis for 172 batches where no metaphylactic treatment was implemented. Batches had great disparity in incidence of respiratory disorders. In the 120 batches with at least one case, the quartiles of incidence rate were, respectively, 0.95, 2.15 and 3.59 cases per 1000 calf-days at-risk. For risk-factor analysis, the statistical unit was the calf-batch located in a given batch. We used a ZINB model because (i) there was significant overdispersion of incidence rates of respiratory disorders (overdispersion test statistic of O = 1049 (P < 0.001)), (ii) probability was high that a two-group modelling process existed (Vuong statistic of V = 2.44 (P = 0.0073)) and (iii) the ZINB model fit significantly better than the ZIP model (likelihood-ratio statistic of 340.14 (P < 0.001)). The risk was higher in open-fronted barns or in open barns compared to closed ones (incidence-rate ratios (IRRs): 1.9 and 1.8), in barns where no annual disinfection was implemented (IRR: 1.5) and in part slope with straw/part scraped and in part straw-bedded/part scraped barns compared to completely straw-bedded barns (IRRs: 1.9 and 1.6). Larger calf-batches were more at-risk than smaller batches (OR for the effect of an increase of 10 calves on the probability of a 0 count: 0.5).     

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.