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14 pages, 4254 KB  
Article
Effects of Ferulic Acid on Meat Quality, Carcass Traits, Muscle Fiber Types, and Muscle Development in Shaziling Pigs
by Xiwen Zhang, Shuning Jin, Chenghuan Hu, Qi Luo, Yulian Li, Jianhua He and Yurong Zhao
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122111 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 354
Abstract
The mechanisms by which ferulic acid (FA) improves meat quality and promotes muscle development in pigs remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of dietary FA on meat quality and muscle development in Shaziling pigs. A total of 108 pigs (30 kg ± [...] Read more.
The mechanisms by which ferulic acid (FA) improves meat quality and promotes muscle development in pigs remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of dietary FA on meat quality and muscle development in Shaziling pigs. A total of 108 pigs (30 kg ± 0.71 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to three groups, with six replicates per group and six pigs per replicate. Pigs were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, or 500 mg/kg of FA for 120 days. Results showed that FA reduced fat percentage, increased lean meat percentage and loin-eye area, enhanced redness and pH, and elevated muscle crude protein content. It also increased muscle fiber diameter and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.05). The FA increased the levels of capric acid and methionine in the muscle, while reducing the content of stearic acid (p < 0.05). Furthermore, analysis of muscle development-related genes showed that FA upregulated the expression of PI3K, AKT1, mTOR and downregulated the expression of FOXO1 and MSTN in the muscle (p < 0.05). Analysis of muscle fiber type and glucose metabolism-related genes revealed that FA upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, MYH IIa, MYH I, HK2, and PFK and downregulated the expression of PKM and MYH IIX in the muscle (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FA improves muscle development and meat quality in Shaziling pigs, possibly through modulation of genes associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, and regulation of muscle fiber type and glucose metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meat)
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14 pages, 2487 KB  
Article
Predictive Models for Lamb Meat Cuts and Carcass Tissue Based on Ultrasonographic Images and Body Weight
by Alexsander Toniazzo de Matos, Tatiane Fernandes, Adriana Sathie Ozaki Hirata, Ingrid Harumi de Souza Fuzikawa, Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes Fernandes, Adrielly Lais Alves da Silva, Rodrigo Andreo Santos, Ariadne Patrícia Leonardo, Aylpy Renan Dutra Santos and Fernando Miranda de Vargas Junior
AgriEngineering 2026, 8(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8030111 - 14 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419
Abstract
Sheep farming length of stay in the feedlot directly influences system profitability, mainly due to the high cost of feed. Thus, the use of predictive models based on body measurements is an important tool to define the optimal slaughter point and the ideal [...] Read more.
Sheep farming length of stay in the feedlot directly influences system profitability, mainly due to the high cost of feed. Thus, the use of predictive models based on body measurements is an important tool to define the optimal slaughter point and the ideal feedlot period. Thus, the aim was to evaluate predictive models of meat cuts and tissue carcasses concerning weight at slaughter (WS), loin eye area (LEA), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) obtained by ultrasound of the lumbar region of lambs. The WS and ultrasound measurements were obtained from a pre-slaughter collection of 45 lambs, divided into five groups, each weighing 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 kg, with nine replications per group. Three regression models were evaluated: WS, LEA, and SFT (independent variables) and the cuts yield or tissue composition (dependent variable). Increasing WS resulted in greater carcass weight and commercial cuts. Above 15 kg body weight, bone weight showed little or no increase (allometric coefficient = 0.06), whereas muscle and fat tissues increased steadily, with allometric coefficients of 0.25 and 0.12, respectively. The commercial cuts showed a high and significant correlation with WS and LEA. The muscle and bone proportion of the leg had a significant (p < 0.10) correlation with SFT. For the weight of commercial cuts estimates, the inclusion of LEA and/or SFT with WS did not improve the coefficient of determination but made the predictions equivalent to the measured values. There were high determination coefficients when WS was only used to predict muscle, fat, and bone weight, but it was not efficient in predicting the muscle/fat and muscle/bone ratios and the percentage of tissues. The WS was the variable that best explained the weight and tissue content. The inclusion of LEA and/or SFT made little improvement to the predictive models. Full article
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18 pages, 1647 KB  
Article
Thiamine Diphosphate Supplementation as a Heat-Stress Mitigation Strategy for Hair Male and Female Lambs in Feedlot: Physiological Responses, Growth Performance, and Carcass Traits
by Ulises Macías-Cruz, German Castillo Cristóbal, Leonel Avendaño-Reyes, María de los Ángeles López-Baca, José A. Roque-Jiménez, Miguel Mellado, César A. Meza-Herrera, Ricardo Vicente-Pérez, Marisol López-Romero and Nallely Rivero-Pérez
Animals 2025, 15(21), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213143 - 29 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Twenty Dorper × Katahdin lambs (10 males and 10 females) were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of thiamine diphosphate (TD) supplementation (0 vs. 250 mg/kg feed) and gender (males vs. [...] Read more.
Twenty Dorper × Katahdin lambs (10 males and 10 females) were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement under a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of thiamine diphosphate (TD) supplementation (0 vs. 250 mg/kg feed) and gender (males vs. females) on physiological responses, feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in a hot desert environment. The average temperature and temperature–humidity index recorded during the study were 33.60 °C and 35.89 units, respectively, indicating an extremely severe heat stress environment for lambs. Study variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.12) by the TD × gender interaction, except for dry matter intake (DMI; p = 0.02) and some head temperatures (p ≤ 0.05) and carcass zoometric measurements (p ≤ 0.05). In females, but not in males, TD decreased DMI and increased thorax depth, as well as eye, ear, and forehead temperatures. Overall, TD increased (p ≤ 0.05) surface temperatures of neck, shoulder, loin, rump, forelimb, testicles, vulva, anus, and perineum without affecting (p ≥ 0.58) rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Supplemental TD did not affect (p ≥ 0.16) growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass weight and yield, Longissimus thoracic muscle area, backfat thickness, internal fat deposition, wholesale cut yields, and meat quality traits. In conclusion, in hair ewe lambs but not in male lambs, TD supplementation at a dose of 250 mg/kg of feed in the fattening diet is an HS mitigation strategy that improves dietary energy efficiency for growth and carcass mass deposition. Furthermore, thiamine increases heat losses through the body surface, regardless of gender. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Heat Stress on Animal Reproduction and Production)
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17 pages, 1275 KB  
Article
The Impact of Purebred Zebu Breeds on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics
by Jonatã Henrique Rezende-de-Souza, Nara Regina Brandão Cônsolo, Leonardo de Oliveira Fernandes, Lauro Fraga Almeida, Giovana Alcantara Maciel, Ninive Jhors Carneiro Reis, Anders H. Karlsson and Sergio Bertelli Pflanzer
Animals 2025, 15(20), 3024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15203024 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1622
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of young intact male purebred origin Zebu cattle of four breeds: Brahman (n = 17), Guzerat (n = 25), Sindhi (n = 23), and Tabapua (n = 41). A total of 106 [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of young intact male purebred origin Zebu cattle of four breeds: Brahman (n = 17), Guzerat (n = 25), Sindhi (n = 23), and Tabapua (n = 41). A total of 106 animals were weaned at 8–9 months, reared together on Urochloa brizantha cv. Paiaguás pasture for 280 days, and subsequently finished in an intensive feedlot for 130 days. Animal development was assessed through serial weighing, carcass ultrasound measurements, and feed intake monitoring. Post-slaughter, hot and cold carcass traits were registered. Sindhi cattle exhibited lower birth and final body weights, averaging 508.6 kg, compared to 602.7–628.9 kg for the other breeds (p < 0.05), reflecting their smaller body structure and lower feed intake (18.00 kg/day vs. 21.27–22.14 kg/day for the other breeds). However, despite their reduced dry matter intake (10.17 kg/day), Sindhi showed one of the most favorable feed conversion ratios (9.08), comparable to Guzerat (9.27), both more efficient than Brahman (7.42) and Tabapua (8.05) (p < 0.05). Brahman animals had the greatest rib eye area (REA) during both pasture (75.43 cm2) and at finishing (92.31 cm2). Hot carcass weight ranged from 333.4–353.9 kg for Brahman, Guzerat and Tabapua, while for Sindhi, the weight was 285.9 kg. However, Sindhi showed favorable carcass yield and usable meat content, despite reduced body development. Loin and rump fat thickness showed little variation across breeds, and marbling scores did not differ. These findings demonstrate that while heavier breeds like Brahman excel in muscle deposition and carcass weight, lighter breeds like Sindhi are efficient in converting feed into meat, offering competitive carcass yields. The results reinforce the value of breed-specific management strategies to optimize beef production and support Brazil’s competitiveness in global meat markets. Full article
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16 pages, 609 KB  
Article
Dietary Lysine Supplementation Above Requirement Improves Carcass Traits and Enhances Pork Flavor Profiles in Finishing Pigs Under Commercial Conditions
by Jialong Liao, Fengyi Song, Boyang Wan, Haijun Sun, Jingdong Yin and Xin Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(18), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14183262 - 20 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2048
Abstract
To explore the effects of dietary lysine level (DLLs) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and flavor characteristics in finishing pigs under large-scale commercial farming conditions, approximately 450 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred finishing pigs (initial body weight: 103.65 ± 4.28 [...] Read more.
To explore the effects of dietary lysine level (DLLs) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and flavor characteristics in finishing pigs under large-scale commercial farming conditions, approximately 450 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred finishing pigs (initial body weight: 103.65 ± 4.28 kg) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in this study. Each group consisted of four replicate pens, with 25~30 pigs per pen. The Lys100 group received a diet formulated according to the NRC (2012) standard. The standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) levels in the diets for the Lys115, Lys130 and Lys145 groups were set at 115%, 130% and 145% of the level in the Lys100 group, respectively. The trial lasted for 31 days. The results showed that increasing DLLs by 15%, 30% or 45%, while safeguarding the lysine requirement and maintaining the ideal ratios of other essential amino acids to lysine, had no negative impact on growth performance or meat quality. For carcass traits, increasing lysine levels in diets linearly increased loin eye area (p = 0.018) and tended to reduce backfat thickness at the 10th rib (p = 0.096). Methionine and glycine contents in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle linearly increased with an increase in DLLs (p = 0.014 and 0.073, respectively). Furthermore, increasing lysine levels by 45% significantly increased the percentage of volatile flavor compounds (VOCs) belonging to nitrogen compounds (p = 0.040), ethers (p = 0.026) and aldehydes (p = 0.040), as well as increased contents of key VOCs, such as (E)-2-Nonenal (p = 0.005), (E)-2-Octenal (p = 0.005) and 1-Octen-3-one (p = 0.008), contributing to enhanced sweet, fruity, fatty and waxy flavor profiles. According to various indexes, better carcass traits and pork flavor could be achieved by increasing lysine levels by 45% in diets based on the recommended value for finishing pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meat Quality and Palatability)
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23 pages, 291 KB  
Article
Influences of Fermented Corn Straw Fiber on Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Different Breeds of Finishing Pigs
by Rui Han, Feng Yong, Xin Fang, Chun Zhang, Haitian Yang, Dongsheng Che and Hailong Jiang
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233393 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4007
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary fiber level and breed on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing pigs using fermented corn straw (FCS) as the fiber source. The experiment employed a 2 [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the effects of dietary fiber level and breed on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing pigs using fermented corn straw (FCS) as the fiber source. The experiment employed a 2 × 4 factorial design, selecting 96 Songliao Black (SLB) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) crossbred finishing pigs (a total of 192 pigs, with an initial body weight of 60.52 ± 4.59 kg) randomly assigned by breed to four dietary treatment groups (A: 2.92% crude fiber; B: 4.82% crude fiber; C: 6.86% crude fiber; D: 9.01% crude fiber). The results showed that DLY finishing pigs had higher final weight (FW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in both finishing stages 1 and 2 compared to SLB pigs (p < 0.05), while the ratio of feed to weight gain (F/G) showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Compared to the basal diet, increasing the dietary fiber level to 4.82% improved FW and ADG in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05) and reduced F/G (p < 0.05). Additionally, SLB finishing pigs had lower ether extract (EE) digestibility but higher crude fiber (CF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility than DLY (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed exhibited an interaction effect on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility in finishing pigs (p < 0.05). At a dietary fiber level of 4.82%, villus height, crypt depth in the jejunum, and cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were increased in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed showed an interaction effect on cecal VFA production in finishing pigs (finishing stage 1; p < 0.05). The dietary fiber level of 4.82% increased loin eye area (LA) (p < 0.05) and decreased backfat thickness (BT) (p < 0.05) in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs. Dietary fiber level and breed had an interaction effect on LA in finishing pigs (p < 0.05). SLB pigs had higher muscle redness (a*), shear force, and contents of crude protein (CP), EE, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than DLY (p < 0.05). Increasing the dietary fiber level improved pH24h and reduced drip loss and shear force in both SLB and DLY finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fiber level and breed showed an interaction effect on pig meat color and drip loss (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FCS is a beneficial source of dietary fiber for SLB and DLY pigs. Its proper addition can enhance the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in fattening pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration of Sustainable Feed Resources and Pig Dietary Strategies)
14 pages, 284 KB  
Article
Effects of Fermented Navel Orange Pulp on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, Meat Nutritional Value, and Serum Biochemical Indicators of Finishing Tibetan Pigs
by Chuanhui Xu, Pingwen Xiong, Wenjing Song, Qiongli Song, Yan Hu, Tongxing Song, Huayuan Ji, Xiaolian Chen and Zhiheng Zou
Foods 2024, 13(12), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121910 - 18 Jun 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3004
Abstract
In order to cope with the limited supply of feed for global animal production, there is a pressing need to explore alternative feed resources. Orange pulp, a by-product of agriculture and industry, has shown potential to positively or neutrally impact pig productive performance [...] Read more.
In order to cope with the limited supply of feed for global animal production, there is a pressing need to explore alternative feed resources. Orange pulp, a by-product of agriculture and industry, has shown potential to positively or neutrally impact pig productive performance when included in their diet. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of fermented navel orange pulp (FNOP) on pig growth and productive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FNOP as a dry matter substitute on pig’s growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, meat nutritional value, and serum biochemical indicators. The experiment involved 128 finishing Tibetan pigs, divided into four feed treatment groups, with varying levels (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of FNOP replacing dry matter in the basal diet. The results indicate that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP had no adverse effects on pig growth performance. However, at a 15% substitution rate, there was a decrease in serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio. A 10% FNOP replacement notably increased the loin-eye muscle area of pigs. Additionally, 5% and 10% FNOP substitutions reduced the drip loss of pork. The study also found that substituting 5% to 15% FNOP increased unsaturated fatty acids and umami nucleotide contents in pork and raised serum total protein and uric acid (nucleotide-metabolism-related product) levels. These findings suggest that moderate FNOP substitution might improve meat quality, nutritional value, and maintain growth and productive performance in Tibetan pigs by improving protein synthesis and nucleotide metabolism, while also reducing feed costs. The optimal substitution ratio identified was 10%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Approaches for Meat Quality and Safety Evaluation)
14 pages, 1043 KB  
Article
The Effect of Birth Weight on Fattening Performance, Meat Quality, and Muscle Fibre Characteristics in Lambs of the Karayaka Native Breed
by Emre Şirin, Uğur Şen, Yüksel Aksoy, Ümran Çiçek, Zafer Ulutaş and Mehmet Kuran
Animals 2024, 14(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050704 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
This investigation aimed to assess the influence of birth weight on post-weaning fattening performance, meat quality, muscle fibre characteristics, and carcass traits in Karayaka lambs. The study categorized the lambs into three distinct groups based on birth weight: low birth weight (LBW), medium [...] Read more.
This investigation aimed to assess the influence of birth weight on post-weaning fattening performance, meat quality, muscle fibre characteristics, and carcass traits in Karayaka lambs. The study categorized the lambs into three distinct groups based on birth weight: low birth weight (LBW), medium birth weight (MBW), and high birth weight (HBW). Throughout the fattening phase, the lambs were given ad libitum access to food and water, culminating in the slaughter at the end of the study. Following slaughter, warm and cold carcasses were weighted, and specific muscles (longissimus thoracis et lumborum [LTL], semitendinosus [ST], and semimembranosus [SM]) were isolated for the evaluation of muscle weights, muscle fibre types (Type I, Type IIA, and Type IIB), and muscle fibre numbers. Carcass characteristics were also determined, including eye muscle (LTL) fat, loin thickness, and meat quality characteristics, such as pH, colour, texture, cooking loss, and water-holding capacity. The statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the experimental groups concerning muscle weights and warm and cold carcass weights (p < 0.01), with the lambs in the HBW group exhibiting a notably higher carcass yield (in females: 45.65 ± 1.34% and in males: 46.18 ± 0.77%) and LTL, ST, and SM (except for female lambs) muscle weights than the lambs in LBW group (p < 0.01). However, apart from the texture of LTL and ST muscles, no significant differences in meat quality parameters were observed among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the birth weight of lambs did not impart a discernible effect on the total number and metabolic activity of muscle fibres in LTL, ST, and SM muscles. Nonetheless, a noteworthy distinction in the fibre area of Type I fibres in the LTL muscle of male lambs (LBW: 30.4 ± 8.9, MBW: 29.1 ± 7.3 and HBW; 77.3 ± 15.4) and in the ST muscle of female lambs (LBW: 44.1 ± 8.1, MBW: 38.8 ± 7.7 and HBW: 36.9 ± 7.1) were evident among the birth weight groups (p < 0.05). The study also found that the mean fat thickness values of eye muscles in Karayaka lambs, as obtained by ultrasonic tests, were below the typical range for sheep. In synthesis, the outcomes of this study underscore the considerable impact of birth weight on slaughtered and carcass weights, emphasizing the positive association between higher birth weights and enhanced carcass yield. Remarkably, despite these pronounced effects on carcass traits, the birth weight did not demonstrate a statistically significant influence on meat quality or overall muscle fibre characteristics, except for the area of Type I fibres in the LTL muscle. This nuanced understanding contributes valuable insights into the intricate relationship between birth weight and various physiological and carcass parameters in Karayaka lambs undergoing post-weaning fattening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Carcass Composition and Meat Quality of Small Ruminants)
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11 pages, 506 KB  
Article
Effects of Dietary L-malic Acid Supplementation on Meat Quality, Antioxidant Capacity and Muscle Fiber Characteristics of Finishing Pigs
by Enfa Yan, Yubo Wang, Linjuan He, Jianxin Guo, Xin Zhang and Jingdong Yin
Foods 2022, 11(21), 3335; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11213335 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4237
Abstract
L-malic acid is a vital intermediate in the citric acid cycle and has been reported to improve the antioxidant capacity and aerobic oxidation of weaned piglets; however, its application in finishing pigs is limited at present. This study explored the effects of dietary [...] Read more.
L-malic acid is a vital intermediate in the citric acid cycle and has been reported to improve the antioxidant capacity and aerobic oxidation of weaned piglets; however, its application in finishing pigs is limited at present. This study explored the effects of dietary L-malic acid supplementation on the carcass traits and meat quality of finishing pigs. In a 45-day experiment, 192 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (75.01 ± 0.51 kg) were divided into four treatments, i.e., a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% L-malic acid complex. The results showed that L-malic acid supplementation had no effects on the growth performance of finishing pigs. Importantly, L-malic acid significantly increased redness (a*) value at 24-h postmortem (quadratic, p < 0.05) and tended to increase the proportion of oxymyoglobin (OMb) (quadratic, p = 0.10), as well as the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity (quadratic, p = 0.08) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Further, dietary supplementation of 1% L-malic acid markedly increased the protein expression level of slow skeletal myosin heavy chain (MyHC) in the LD muscle (p < 0.05). Moreover, 0.5% and 2% L-malic acid supplementation significantly increased carcass length and loin eye area (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary L-malic acid could effectively improve the meat color and carcass traits of finishing pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meat)
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17 pages, 2378 KB  
Article
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4, Fatty Acid Synthase and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Genes Influence Carcass Characteristics of Tropical Crossbred Beef Steers
by Felista W. Mwangi, Shedrach B. Pewan, John R. Otto, Oyelola A. Adegboye, Edward Charmley, Christopher P. Gardiner, Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli, Robert T. Kinobe and Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081171 - 6 Aug 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4396
Abstract
This study explored the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes that may influence the carcass traits of tropical crossbred beef cattle. [...] Read more.
This study explored the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes that may influence the carcass traits of tropical crossbred beef cattle. The hypothesis tested was that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes are associated with chiller-assessed carcass traits of tropically adapted northern Australian crossbred beef cattle. Fifty Bos indicus and Bos taurus crossbred steers were backgrounded on either buffel grass only, or buffel grass and desmanthus mixed pastures for 147 days and finished in a commercial feedlot for 110 days. Steers were slaughtered within 48 h of leaving the feedlot within a lairage period not exceeding 12 h and carcasses graded 12 h after slaughter. Next-generation sequencing of the FASN, FABP4, and SCD genes identified multiple SNP loci that were correlated and significantly associated with carcass traits. The FABP4 g.44677205A>G locus was significantly associated with hump height and correlated with loin eye muscle area (EMA; p < 0.05). Polymorphism in the SCD gene g.21275851C>A locus was associated with subcutaneous fat depth and marbling score (p < 0.05). The CC genotype had a higher subcutaneous fat depth and marbling score (p < 0.05) than the AA genotype. Significant correlations were observed between carcass marbling score and subcutaneous fat depth within the FASN SNP locus (p < 0.05). Therefore, the hypothesis that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes are associated with chiller-assessed carcass traits of tropically adapted northern Australian crossbred beef cattle was accepted. These findings suggest that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes may be used in carcass grading and meat quality improvement through marker-assisted selection of northern Australian crossbred beef cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Genetics in Domestic Animals)
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15 pages, 1537 KB  
Article
The Effect of Dietary Leucine Supplementation on Antioxidant Capacity and Meat Quality of Finishing Pigs under Heat Stress
by Yunju Yin, Yating Liu, Geyan Duan, Mengmeng Han, Saiming Gong, Zhikang Yang, Yehui Duan, Qiuping Guo, Qinghua Chen and Fengna Li
Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071373 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4949
Abstract
This study examined the effects of dietary leucine supplements on antioxidant capacity and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 24 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs with an average initial weight of 68.33 ± 0.97 kg were randomly allotted to [...] Read more.
This study examined the effects of dietary leucine supplements on antioxidant capacity and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 24 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs with an average initial weight of 68.33 ± 0.97 kg were randomly allotted to three treatment groups. All pigs were exposed to constant heat stress. Each group of pigs was fed a basal diet, or a diet supplemented with increasing levels of leucine (0.25% or 0.50%). The results showed that leucine intake could improve average daily gain and reduce feed/gain of finishing pigs under heat stress (p < 0.05). The supplementation of leucine could improve the carcass slant length (p = 0.09), and dramatically increased loin-eye area of the finishing pigs (p < 0.05) but had no significant effect on other carcass traits. Compared with the control group, 0.50% leucine markedly reduced drip loss and shear force of longissimus dorsi muscle, and increased pH value at 24 h after slaughter (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 0.25% leucine increased the contents of inosine monophosphate and intramuscular fat in biceps femoris muscle (p < 0.05). Supplementation of 0.25% or 0.50% leucine significantly stimulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes while reduced the level of MDA in serum, liver and longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, 0.50% leucine supplementation markedly modulated the relative mRNA expression levels of genes related to muscle fiber type and mitochondrial function in longissimus dorsi muscle and the gene relative antioxidant in the liver (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary leucine supplementation could improve the growth performance and meat quality of the finishing pigs under heat stress, and the pathway of Keap1-NRF2 and PGC-1α-TFAM might be involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Livestock Science: From Feed to Product)
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15 pages, 325 KB  
Article
Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Finishing Wagyu Crossbred Beef Cattle Receiving Betaine–Biotin–Chromium (BBC) Supplementation
by Sukanya Poolthajit, Wuttikorn Srakaew, Theerachai Haitook, Chaiwat Jarassaeng and Chalong Wachirapakorn
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(7), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9070314 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5082
Abstract
Eighteen Wagyu crossbred steers (average initial body weight: 596.9 ± 46.4 kg; average age: 36 ± 2.7 months) were subjected to three levels of betaine–biotin–chromium (BBC) supplementation for 98 days before slaughter. Animals were fed a basal diet and BBC supplemented at 0, [...] Read more.
Eighteen Wagyu crossbred steers (average initial body weight: 596.9 ± 46.4 kg; average age: 36 ± 2.7 months) were subjected to three levels of betaine–biotin–chromium (BBC) supplementation for 98 days before slaughter. Animals were fed a basal diet and BBC supplemented at 0, 3 or 6 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design by a group of animals with six replicates. The intake and digestibility among treatments were not different (p > 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of steers that received BBC at 6 g/kg of DM (0.79 kg/day) tended to be higher (p = 0.07) than that of those receiving BBC at 0 and 3 g/kg/day (0.52 and 0.63 kg/day, respectively). Blood metabolites were not different (p > 0.05) among treatments. Carcass characteristic traits included chilled carcass dressing percentage and loin eye area, while meat quality included drip loss, cooking loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force were not different (p > 0.05). Back fat thickness tended to be higher (p = 0.07) in steers fed BBC at 6 g/kg. The marbling score did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments; however, the intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi (LD) on a DM basis was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in steers fed BBC at 6 g/kg (39.8% DM) than in those fed BBC at 0 g/kg (28.2% DM) and at 3 g/kg (29.1% DM). Based on the findings, BBC supplementation had no effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, BBC at 6 g/kg DM increased fat content in LD muscle of finishing Wagyu crossbred steers. Full article
11 pages, 1378 KB  
Article
Identification of Monoallelically Expressed Genes Associated with Economic Traits in Hanwoo (Korean Native Cattle)
by Kyu-Sang Lim, Hyung-Chul Kim, Bong-Hwan Choi, Ju-Whan Son, Kyung-Tai Lee, Tae-Jeong Choi, Yong-Min Cho, Han-Ha Chai, Jong-Eun Park, Woncheoul Park, Chiwoong Lim, Jun-Mo Kim and Dajeong Lim
Animals 2022, 12(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010084 - 31 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3151
Abstract
Hanwoo, an indigenous Korean cattle breed, has been genetically improved by selecting superior sires called Korean-proven bulls. However, cows still contribute half of the genetic stock of their offspring, and allelic-specific expressed genes have potential, as selective targets of cows, to enhance genetic [...] Read more.
Hanwoo, an indigenous Korean cattle breed, has been genetically improved by selecting superior sires called Korean-proven bulls. However, cows still contribute half of the genetic stock of their offspring, and allelic-specific expressed genes have potential, as selective targets of cows, to enhance genetic gain. The aim of this study is to identify genes that have MAEs based on both the genome and transcriptome and to estimate their effects on breeding values (BVs) for economically important traits in Hanwoo. We generated resequencing data for the parents and RNA-sequencing data for the muscle, fat, and brain tissues of the offspring. A total of 3801 heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in offspring were identified and they were located in 1569 genes. Only 14 genes showed MAE (seven expressing maternal alleles and seven expressing paternal alleles). Tissue-specific MAE was observed, and LANCL1 showed maternal allele expression across all tissues. MAE genes were enriched for the biological process of cell death and angiogenesis, which included ACKR3 and PDCL3 genes, whose SNPs were significantly associated with BVs of lean meat production-related traits, such as weight at 12 months of age, carcass weight, and loin eye area. In the current study, monoallelically expressed genes were identified in various adult tissues and these genes were associated with genetic capacity in Hanwoo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics Applied to Conservation of Farm Animal Genetic Diversity)
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16 pages, 975 KB  
Article
Effects of Effective Microorganisms on Meat Quality, Microstructure of the Longissimus Lumborum Muscle, and Electrophoretic Protein Separation in Pigs Fed on Different Diets
by Patrycja Reszka, Dorota Cygan-Szczegielniak, Hanna Jankowiak, Aleksandra Cebulska, Beata Mikołajczak and Joanna Bogucka
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101755 - 26 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4350
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine how effective microorganisms influence meat quality, the microstructure of the longissimus lumborum muscle, and electrophoretic protein separation. The study group consisted of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1, and E2. The feeding [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine how effective microorganisms influence meat quality, the microstructure of the longissimus lumborum muscle, and electrophoretic protein separation. The study group consisted of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1, and E2. The feeding groups included C—a standard fodder blend with a full share of post-extracted soya meal; E1—a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and a 75%/25% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase II of fattening; and E2—a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and in 100% pea and lupine in phase II of fattening. The experimental factor was the addition of the EM Carbon Bokashi probiotic to the diet (C + EM, E1 + EM, E2 + EM). Influence of the feeding system on the following parameters was also estimated. After slaughter, the meat quality, LL muscle microstructure, and electrophoretic protein separation were assessed. In the C + EM group, a lower water-holding capacity was demonstrated. Meat from pigs fed the effective microorganism additive was much harder in the E1+EM group compared to meat from pigs from the E1 group. A beneficial effect of effective microorganism was found in the E2 + EM group, where less thermal leakage from the meat was demonstrated. A beneficial effect of the feeding system on thermal leakage and loin eye area in the E2 + EM group was demonstrated. In the C + EM group, a lower total number of muscle fibers was demonstrated. The addition of effective microorganism caused an increase in the diameter of fast twitch fibers in the E1 + EM group. In the same group of pigs, effective microorganisms caused a lower proportion of fiber fission. This nutritional variant appears to be the most appropriate for proteins as well, because it led to the most favorable percentage of individual proteins after effective microorganisms supplementation in the longissimus lumborum muscle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)
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19 pages, 3325 KB  
Article
Fermented Feed Modulates Meat Quality and Promotes the Growth of Longissimus Thoracis of Late-Finishing Pigs
by Yueqin Qiu, Kebiao Li, Xichen Zhao, Shilong Liu, Li Wang, Xuefen Yang and Zongyong Jiang
Animals 2020, 10(9), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091682 - 17 Sep 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4903
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of fermented diet on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and growth of longissimus thoracis (LT) of finishing pigs. A total of 48 finishing pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Large White), male, 126 ± 5-d-old] weighing 98.76 ± [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of fermented diet on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and growth of longissimus thoracis (LT) of finishing pigs. A total of 48 finishing pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Large White), male, 126 ± 5-d-old] weighing 98.76 ± 1.27 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments (eight pens per treatment and three pigs per pen) for a 28-d feeding trial, including control diet and fermented diet. Fermented diet significantly increased the loin eye area and lean mass percentage, decreased backfat thickness and improved meat quality of LT by decreasing the shear force and drip loss at 48 h post slaughter and improving meat sensory characteristics compared with control diet. A fermented diet also significantly increased the abundance of insulin, insulin receptor (IR), myoblast determination protein (MyoD) and myosin heavy chain-I (MyHC-I) transcripts, and the phosphorylation levels of AKT, mTORC1, 4EBP1 and S6K1 in LT, while decreasing the expression of muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and forkhead Box O1 (Foxo1) mRNA transcripts. Moreover, proteomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins predominantly involved in protein synthesis and muscle development were modulated by fermented diet. Our results indicated that a fermented diet improved meat quality and enhanced LT growth of finishing pigs by increasing insulin/AKT/mTORC1 protein synthesis cascade and activating the Foxo1/MAFbx pathway, along with the regulation of ribosomal protein and proteins involved in muscle contraction and muscle hypertrophy. Full article
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