Search Results (323)

The effects of precision feeding regimes on broiler performance, organ weight, nutrient utilization, carcass yield, and calculated wholesale returns were investigated over 42 days. The treatments consisted of a standard four-phase commercial diet as the control, a precision nutrition blend diet based on a daily nutrient requirement, a precision nutrition adjusted diet based on weekly bird weight, and a standard commercial blend diet. Each dietary treatment was replicated 10 times with 11 birds per replicate. A total of 440 male Ross 308 (Aviagen, Goulburn, NSW, Australia) broiler chickens were offered experimental diets from days 11 to 42 post-hatch. Dietary treatments did not affect the feed intake and weight gain over the entire study. However, a reduced weight corrected FCR (higher feed efficiency) was observed in birds fed a precision nutrition adjusted blend diet compared to those fed the control diet from days 11 to 42 (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in feed costs between treatments. Birds offered the precision nutrition adjusted diet improved AME (p = 0.002) measured from days 25 to 27 compared to the blended standard diet. Over the majority of time points, the precision nutrition adjusted diet significantly reduced the coefficient of variation in bird weight as compared to the control diet (p < 0.026). Full article

Lighting influences broiler production, health, and behavior. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of three light wavelengths (White [350–780 nm], Blue [450 nm], and Green [560 nm]) on broiler production, activity, fear, stress, blood cell profiles, and tibiotarsi (tibia) morphology. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks (N = 600) were housed in pens (N = 12) with one lighting treatment for 42 days. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded on day (D) 0, 14, 28, and 42, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. The Tonic Immobility test was used to assess the latency (seconds) to right from the testing cradle (D12 and D33). Blood was drawn for leukocyte and plasma corticosterone concentrations (D21 and D41). Accelerometers were attached at 2 and 5 weeks of age to measure activity. On D41, thermal images of the head were taken to measure surface temperatures (eye and beak), the bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted for relative bursa weight, and the right and left tibias were extracted for tibia morphology. After sampling, the remaining broilers were processed. Activity was greatest in Green light at Week 2 (261.17 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001), and activity was lowest in White light at Week 5 (98.99 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001). Broilers under Blue light had lower concentrations of lymphocytes (8.62 ± 0.40 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.01) and T cells (7.16 ± 0.33 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.008) compared to White light. Breast yields were greatest (26.89 ± 0.13%, p = 0.01) in the White treatments compared to Green and Blue treatments. These results suggest that blue light may negatively impact immune health, while green light increases activity, without decreasing production performance, and white light can improve carcass traits. Therefore, lighting color can be strategically used to target welfare or production goals. Full article

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are highly effective, but can be of environmental concern due to primary and secondary non-target exposure, with the latter possible being relevant to domestic cats. Therefore, liver residues of ARs and an alternative rodenticide, α-chloralose, were systematically monitored in domestic cats for the first time in the current study. In 2021 and 2022, the carcasses of 99 cats were collected in Slovenia and liver residues were measured by using solid supported liquid–liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS. The results show that 65% of cats carried at least one rodenticide. The second-generation ARs brodifacoum and bromadiolone were most prevalent and found in 53.5 and 25.3% of the samples, respectively. Of first-generation ARs, coumatetralyl was the most prevalent (21.2% of cats). More compounds were detected at high human population density, low farm density and in rural versus intermediate landscapes, but no effect was found for livestock density. Similar trends were found for the presence of brodifacoum, bromadiolone and all rodenticides combined. Farm density was negatively correlated with brodifacoum liver concentration. Individual factors (cat age, sex, outdoor activity) did not matter. The results indicate that a reasonably populated rural landscape, and not the rural or intermediate environment as such, is the main driver of cat exposure to ARs. The risk quotient (RQ) of worst-case acute brodifacoum poisoning was 1506. In summary, a potential environmental problem is globally highlighted for cats that is probably related to secondary exposure to ARs, with a pattern different to that seen in wild predators. Cats are an appropriate sentinel species for assessing rodenticide exposure and endangerment in the environment. Full article

The increasing adoption of digital technologies in the agriculture sector has significantly contributed to optimizing on-farm routines, especially in data-driven decision-making. This study aimed to develop an application to determine the slaughter point of lambs by predicting subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) using pre-slaughter parameters such as body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and skinfold measurements at the brisket (BST), lumbar (LST), and tail base (TST), obtained using an adipometer. A total of 45 Pantaneiros lambs were evaluated, finished in feedlot, and slaughtered at different body weights. Each pre-slaughter weight class showed a distinct carcass pattern when all parameters were included in the model. Exploratory analysis revealed statistical significance for all variables (p < 0.001). BW and LST were selected to construct the predictive equation (R² = 55.44%). The regression equations were integrated into the developed application, allowing for in-field estimation of SFT based on simple measurements. Compared to conventional techniques such as ultrasound or visual scoring, this tool offers advantages in portability, objectivity, and immediate decision-making support. In conclusion, combining accessible technologies (e.g., adipometer) with traditional variables (e.g., body weight), represents an effective alternative for production systems aimed at optimizing and enhancing the value of lamb carcasses. Full article

The aim was to investigate the genetic effects of a SNP located in the precursor region of gga-miR-3528. (1) Single-nucleotide polymorphisms within precursor regions of microRNAs play crucial biological roles. (2) Utilizing a Gushi–Anka F₂ resource population (n = 860), we screened and validated miRNA SNPs. A SNP mutation in the miR-3528 precursor region was identified. Specific primers were designed to amplify the polymorphic fragment. Genotyping was performed for this individual SNP across the population, using the MassArray system. Association analyses were conducted between this SNP and chicken growth and body measurement traits, carcass traits, meat quality traits, and serum enzyme activities. (3) The rs14098602 (+12 bp A > G) was identified within the precursor region of gga-miR-3528. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed between this SNP and chicken growth traits (body weight at the age of 0 day, body weight at the age of 2 weeks, and body weight at the age of 4 weeks), carcass traits (evisceration weight), meat quality traits (subcutaneous fat rate and pectoral muscle density), and serum enzyme activities (total protein, albumin, globulin, cholinesterase, and lactate dehydrogenase). (4) These findings suggest that the polymorphism at rs14098602 may influence chicken growth, meat quality, and serum biochemical indices, through specific mechanisms. The gga-miR-3528 gene likely plays an important role in chicken development. Therefore, this SNP can serve as a molecular marker for genetic breeding and auxiliary selection of growth-related traits, facilitating the rapid establishment of elite chicken populations with superior genetic resources. Full article

The size of the gluteus medius muscle (GM) in swine significantly impacts both hindlimb conformation and carcass yield, while little is known about the genetic architecture of this trait. This study aims to estimate genetic parameters and identify candidate genes associated with this trait through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 439 commercial crossbred pigs, possessing both Landrace and Yorkshire ancestry, were genotyped using the Porcine 50K chip. The length and width of the GM were directly measured, and the area was then calculated from these values. The heritabilities were estimated by HIBLUP (V1.5.0) software, and the GWAS was conducted employing the BLINK model implemented in GAPIT3. The heritability estimates for the length, width, and area of the GM were 0.43, 0.40, and 0.46, respectively. The GWAS identified four genome-wide significant SNPs (rs81381267, rs697734475, rs81298447, and rs81458910) associated with the gluteus medius muscle area. The PDE4D gene was identified as a promising candidate gene potentially involved in the regulation of gluteus medius muscle development. Our analysis revealed moderate heritability estimates for gluteus medius muscle size traits. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying porcine muscle development. Full article

To evaluate animal performance and meat quality, stoned olive cake and linseed were used in an experimental test conducted on thirty-six young Podolian bulls, divided into four groups: the control group (CON), OC group (with olive cake containing a 30% as-fed basis of stoned olive cake), EL group (with linseed containing a 15% as-fed basis of extruded linseed), and OCEL group (with olive cake + linseed containing 20% stoned olive cake and 10% extruded linseed). The results show that olive cake supplementation did not influence performance in vita or the post-slaughter animal measurements (final body weight, DMI, FCR, ADG, carcass weight, dressing percentage, and pH) (p > 0.05); this was not true of the TBARS and color measurements, for which the meat samples showed excellent values (p < 0.001), especially in diets supplemented with olive cake. In conclusion, incorporating olive cake and linseed into the diet of fattening cattle may be a way to utilize a by-product of the olive industry and naturally increase the nutritional value of meat and meat-based products in Mediterranean regions. This would reduce environmental impacts and promote the valorization of this local feed source in alignment with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

The effect of replacing wheat with corn on the color distribution across various locations in the carcasses of broilers was assessed. One thousand two hundred ROSS 308 one-day-old male chicks were reared in an experimental farm, with ten pens per treatment, based on the primary cereal ingredient during both the starter (1–14 d) and grower (15–41 d) phases: corn and wheat. At 41 days old, slaughtering was performed. At 24 h post slaughter, color measurements were taken in 15 carcasses per treatment using a MINOLTA CM600d reflectance spectrocolorimeter in the CIEL*a*b* space. Twelve locations were measured: drumette, apterial latero-pectoral area, neck, the back at the seventh thoracic vertebra, saddle, thigh, ham, hock and around the vent, shanks, and the surface and interior of the breast. The results indicate that the color distribution in the broiler carcass is not homogeneous. Very small color differences can be found between the surface and the interior of the breast, but they differ greatly from areas where there is skin. Corn produces a darker color than wheat, though the intact skin homogenizes lightness* across the entire carcass, reducing differences between regions. Corn increased mainly yellowness, influencing color saturation. The pronounced color differences between the shank and other locations almost disappear when corn is excluded from the feed. Hue° could serve as a potential indicator of color variations in the breast resulting from differences in dietary ingredients. Full article

The intergenic SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) rs80860411A>C was identified as a major QTL for drip loss measured on semimembranosus muscle (SM) in pigs. The SNP is located near the GALNT15. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between rs80860411A>C and fattening, slaughter, and quality traits of Polish pigs. This study was conducted on 235 individuals belonging to two breeds, Polish Large White (n = 187) and Pulawska (n = 48). The rs80860411 genotypes were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. Association analysis was performed for each breed separately. It was shown that rs80860411A>C had a significant effect on fattening performance traits, on several slaughter performance traits, including width of the loin eye and carcass meat content (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.05), as well as on meat color—redness (a*) (p ≤ 0,05) in Pulawska breed. The obtained results indicate that the studied SNP has the potential to be a QTN and could be included in pig selection programs, especially in Pulawska pigs. Full article

Carcass and meat quality traits are critical in pig breeding and production. Estimating genetic parameters for these traits is a vital aspect of breeding engineering, as accurate genetic parameters are essential for estimating breeding values, predicting genetic progress, and optimizing breeding programs. This study was conducted on a population of 461 Yorkshire pigs from the same breeding farm, which were slaughtered to assess nine carcass traits and seven meat quality traits, followed by descriptive statistical analysis. Additionally, we estimated the genetic parameters of these traits using genomic information based on 50K chip data. The results indicated that sex significantly affected most carcass and meat quality traits. Carcass traits including carcass length indicators (h² = mean 0.35), backfat thickness indicators (h² = mean 0.36), eye muscle area (h² = 0.28), and the number of rib pairs (h² = 0.28) exhibited medium to high heritability. Carcass length indicators showed high genetic correlations with backfat thickness indicators (r = mean −0.49) and the number of rib pairs (r = mean 0.63), while high negative genetic correlation (r = −0.72) was noted between eye muscle area and the number of rib pairs. Meat quality traits also displayed medium to high heritability, expect for pH value measured within one hour post-slaughter (h² = 0.12). Drip loss indicators had higher genetic correlations with pH (r = mean −0.73) than with meat color indicators (r = mean 0.22). These findings may provide a theoretical reference for genetic evaluation and breeding in the Yorkshire pig population. Full article

Background: Heat stress challenges small ruminants in semi-arid regions, requiring integrative multi-modeling approaches to identify adaptive thermotolerance traits. This study aimed to identify phenotypic biomarkers and explore the relationships between thermoregulatory responses and hematological, behavioral, morphometric, carcass, and meat traits in lambs. Methods: Twenty 4-month-old non-castrated male lambs, with an average body weight of 19.0 ± 5.11 kg, were evaluated under natural heat stress. Results: Thermoregulatory variables were significantly associated with non-carcass components (p = 0.002), carcass performance (p = 0.027), commercial meat cuts (p = 0.032), and morphometric measures (p = 0.029), with a trend for behavioral responses (p = 0.078). The main phenotypic traits related to thermoregulation included idleness duration, cold carcass weight, blood, liver, spleen, shank, chest circumference, and body length. Exploratory factor analysis reduced the significant indicators to seven latent domains: carcass traits, commercial meat cuts, non-carcass components, idleness and feeding behavior, and morphometric and thermoregulatory responses. Bayesian network modeling revealed interdependencies, showing carcass traits influenced by morphometric and thermoregulatory responses and non-carcass traits linked to ingestive behavior. Thermoregulatory variables were not associated with meat quality or hematological traits. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex biological relationships underlying heat adaptation and emphasize the potential of combining phenomic data with computational tools to support genomic selection for climate-resilient and welfare-oriented breeding programs. Full article

This study investigated the meat quality, sensory properties and microbiology of Angus beef after a short dry or wet aging. For that, a total of 16 Biceps femoris muscles from female Aberdeen Angus x Charoles calves were used. Half of these underwent a technological aging process in the carcass (dry aging) for 7 days, whilst the remaining were filleted, vacuum-packed and stored at refrigerated conditions (wet aging) for 7 days at 4 ± 2 °C. The type of aging affected the ratio of the myoglobin forms but did not translate into differences in the instrumental colour measurements. Dry aging led to minor water release after the application of a force (17.58 dry-aged vs. 31.09 wet-aged) or after cooking and yielded higher hardness and lower shear force in the Warner–Braztler shear force test compared to wet aging. Nevertheless, these differences were not appreciated at the sensory level. Higher counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (11.66%) and enterobacteria (3.68%) were found in samples subjected to dry aging. Full article

The origin of feed ingredients, particularly corn, can influence nutrient composition and availability, thereby affecting broiler growth performance and overall production efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of the dietary inclusion of different corn origins: United States (local) (USA-L), United States (reimported) (USA-R), Argentina (ARG), and Brazil (BRA) on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and processing yield from 1 to 35 d of age. A total of 1200 male broiler chicks (YPM × Ross 708) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, with each diet incorporating corn from a specific origin. Birds were housed in controlled environmental conditions and fed isocaloric, isoproteic diets formulated based on corn nutrient profiles from each origin. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed at 10, 21, and 35 d. On d 35, ileal digestibility of nutrients was assessed using titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker, and processing yields were measured on d 36. Results indicated no impact of corn origin on BW or BWG during the grow-out. However, FI was greater in broilers fed with diets containing corn from ARG and BRA compared to corn from USA-L from 1 to 35 d (p = 0.012). Feed intake of birds fed diets with USA-R did not differ from diets with either BRA or USA-L corn. Feed conversion ratio remained unaffected at 10 and 21 d of age, but broilers fed diets with corn from USA-L and USA-R exhibited improved FCR at 35 d compared to those fed corn from BRA (p < 0.001). Processing weights and yields showed no differences among treatments; nonetheless, broilers fed corn from ARG had a higher chilled carcass weight than those fed corn from USA-R (p = 0.032). Nutrient digestibility analysis revealed no differences in crude protein, fat, calcium, and potassium digestibility, while phosphorus digestibility was significantly higher in broilers fed corn from ARG compared to corn from USA-L (p = 0.007). These findings suggest that corn origin minimally affected overall broiler growth performance and carcass characteristics. However, differences in FI, FCR, and nutrient digestibility may exist among different corn sources. Full article

Forty multiparous Nellore cows, with an average body weight, body condition score, and gestation days of 533 ± 32 kg, 5.7 ± 0.4 points, and 198 days, respectively, were managed under continuous grazing on a Urochloa decumbens pasture and either received or did not receive 1 kg/day of supplement varying in the levels of inclusion of dried distillers grains (DDG) (Control, 0% DDG, 42% DDG, or 84% DDG) during the last trimester of gestation. The objective was to evaluate the effects of prepartum DDG supplementation on performance, reproduction, fetal development, and calf performance. A quadratic effect of supplementation on BW variation pre- and postpartum was observed (p < 0.05), with cows treated with 42% DDG showing higher BW gain prepartum and low BW loss postpartum. Cows supplemented with 42% DDG had lower levels of non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate prepartum (p < 0.05). However, body weight-related metrics, such as condition score, carcass traits, and metabolic indicators, varied only by measurement day (p < 0.05). No effect of supplementation was observed on fetal development, calf metabolic profile, milk yield, or postnatal calf performance (p > 0.05). It is recommended to include up to 42% DDG in supplements for beef cows during late gestation grazing on low-quality tropical forage conditions. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZLH) on productive performance, carcass traits, and blood chemistry in non-castrated male lambs over 60 days. Twenty-four Pelibuey × Dorper crossbred lambs (16.3 ± 2.7 kg) were adapted to housing and diet for 14 days before being randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (1) Control: total mixed ration (TMR) without additives; (2) GAA: TMR with 0.06% GAA; and (3) ZLH: TMR with 6 mg/kg dry matter (DM) of ZLH for the last 30 days. No significant differences were observed in productive performance or carcass traits among treatments. However, lambs fed GAA showed higher serum glucose and creatinine levels than the control group (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential effect on energy metabolism. ZLH supplementation had no measurable impact on the parameters evaluated. These findings indicate that while GAA may influence certain metabolic indicators, further research with extended feeding periods or varying dosages is needed to clarify its effects on growth and carcass characteristics in lambs. Full article