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This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium, CLA, and ractopamine on performance, carcass traits, and pork quality of finishing pigs slaughtered at 115 kg BW. Ninety-six crossbred barrows (initial BW = 70.21 ± 1.98 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. There were 8 replicates per treatment (48 pens; 2 pigs/pen). A diet formulated according to the nutritional requirements was used as the control (CON). The other 5 diets were based on the CON and supplemented as follows: 0.4 mg/kg Cr yeast (CrY); 0.5% CLA; 0.4 mg/kg CrY and 0.5% CLA (CrY + CLA); 20 mg/kg ractopamine (RAC); 0.4 mg/ kg CrY and 20 mg/kg RAC (CrY + RAC). Lysine levels on diets containing ractopamine were raised by 20% compared to CON to meet the greater requirements of pigs fed ractopamine. Pigs fed RAC and CrY + RAC were fed CON for the first 17 d, and then the respective diets for the last 28 d on trial. Data were analyzed in a model including the fixed effect of treatment (6 levels) and initial BW as a covariate for all characteristics, with the exception of carcass traits, in which final BW was used as a covariate. Least-squares means were separated using Tukey-Kramer's method. Differences were considered when probability values were lower than 0.05. Pigs fed RAC and CrY + RAC had the greatest (P < 0.001) final BW and ADG. Pigs fed CrY + RAC had greater (P < 0.001) G:F than pigs within the other groups, except for those fed RAC. Pigs fed CrY + RAC and RAC had similar G:F, both greater (P < 0.001) than pigs fed CON. Average daily feed intake was similar (P = 0.83) for all diets. Pigs fed CrY + RAC had greater LM area (P = 0.01) and carcass yield (P < 0.02) than pigs fed CON, CrY, CLA, and CrY + CLA. Loin muscle area and carcass yield of pigs fed RAC were not different from pigs fed the others diets. Pigs fed CON diets had greater BF (P = 0.02) than pigs fed CLA diet. Additives did not affect (P > 0.05) pork quality, except for color. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed for carcasses pH and temperature. The L* values for pigs fed RAC were greater (P = 0.01) than pigs fed other diets. Pigs fed RAC had lower (P < 0.01) a* values compared to pigs fed other experimental diets. Serum urea nitrogen concentration (SUN) was lower (P = 0.02) in pigs fed CrY + RAC than in pigs fed CON and RAC and similar to pigs fed the other feeding additives. In summary, it was demonstrated that, when combined, CrY and RAC increase LM area and carcass yield, and reduce SUN, suggesting that chromium could improve nutrient utilization by muscle cells in RAC-fed pigs. Additionally, the additives have no major effects on pork quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angus cattle from 2 beef cattle projects in which daily methane production (MPR) was measured were used in this study to examine the nature of the relationships among BW, DMI, and methane traits of beef cattle fed ad libitum on a roughage diet or a grain-based feedlot diet. In both projects methane was measured using the GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system, which provides multiple short-term breath measures of methane production. The data used for this study were from 119 Angus heifers over 15 d on a roughage diet and 326 Angus steers over 70 d on a feedlot diet. Mean (±SD) age, BW, and DMI were 372 ± 28 d, 355 ± 37 kg, and 8.1 ± 1.3 kg/d for the heifers and 554 ± 86 d, 577 ± 69 kg, and 13.3 ± 2.0 kg/d for the steers, respectively. The corresponding mean MPR was 212 g/d for heifers and 203 g/d for steers. Additional traits studied included methane yield (MY; MPR/DMI), methane intensity (MPR/ BW), and 3 forms of residual methane production (RMP), which is a measure of actual minus predicted MPR. For RMPB, RMPD, and RMPDB predicted MPR were obtained by regression of MPR on BW, on DMI, and on both DMI and BW, respectively. The 2 data sets were analyzed separately using the same statistical procedures. For both feed types the relationships between MPR and DMI and between MPR and BW were both positive and linear. The correlation between MPR and DMI was similar to that between MPR and BW, although the correlations were stronger for the roughage diet (r = 0.75 for MPR vs. DMI; r = 0.74 for MPR vs. BW) than the grain-based diet (r = 0.62 for MPR vs. DMI; r = 0.66 for MPR vs. BW). The correlation between MY and DMI was negative and moderate for the roughage (r = -0.68) and grain-based (r = -0.59) diets, a finding that is different from the nonsignificant correlations reported in studies of cattle on a restricted roughage diet. The 3 RMP traits were strongly correlated (r values from 0.76 to 0.99) with each other for both the roughage and the grain-based diets, which indicates that using RMPB to lower MPR could provide a result similar to using RMPD in cattle. As feed intake (DMI) is more difficult to measure than BW, this result implies that under ad libitum feeding situations in which DMI cannot be measured, RMPB can be used to identify higher- or lower-RMP animals with similar levels of effectiveness as RMPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs housed in groups are remixed with unfamiliar individuals, which can trigger aggressive interactions, potentially compromising animal welfare. Skin lesions are a reliable indicator trait of aggression and are moderately heritable, suggesting that aggression may be reduced through selection. This study estimated genetic parameters of skin lesions of pigs at multiple life stages, explored genetic correlations of skin lesions between age groups and body location, and studied the relationship between skin lesions and production traits of commercial importance. A population of 1,079 Yorkshire pigs was strategically remixed into new groups of familiar and unfamiliar animals at 3 life stages (weaning, grow-finish, and mature gilts). Skin lesions (fresh, bright red cuts) were counted immediately prior to mixing and 24 h and 3 wk after mixing across 3 body regions: anterior, central, and caudal. Weights were recorded prior to each mixing event. Prior to slaughter, backfat thickness and loin muscle area were determined using ultrasound. Univariate analyses were performed to obtain heritability estimates of lesion scores. Bivariate analyses were performed with response variables being skin lesions, weight gain per life stage, backfat thickness, or loin muscle area, depending on the relationship of interest, to obtain correlations. Lesion score heritabilities ranged from 0.10 to 0.40 and were significant (P < 0.05). Heritability was highest for lesions on the anterior region of the body for 24 h and 3 wk after mixing. Lesions to the central and caudal areas showed the highest genetic correlation at each stage of production, whereas those to the anterior and caudal regions had the lowest correlation. The highest genetic correlation was found between the mature gilt and grow-finish stages, whereas the weaning and mature gilt stages had the lowest correlations. Genetic correlations between lesions and production traits were not significantly different from 0 for weight gain and backfat thickness, but loin muscle area was negatively correlated with lesions (P = 1.17 × 10-4, P = 2.30 × 10-5, and P = 6.08 × 10-4 for anterior, central, and caudal lesions, respectively). These results are promising for the industry because they suggest that pigs selected for reduced lesions will show increased loin muscle area without negative effects on growth. Alternatively, selection for these production traits would not increase lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coproduct feeding value may be improved by enzyme and microbial inoculant treatment in liquid diets. Three experiments were conducted to assess growth performance in newly weaned 20-d-old pigs fed corn- and soybean meal-based diets with untreated, steeped, or partially fermented distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from day of weaning. In Exp. 1, conventionally dry fed diets with untreated DDGS (DDGS) or without DDGS (Control) were fed. In Exp. 2, liquid diets (25% DM [75% moisture]) were fed with enzymes (β-glucanase and xylanase at 67.2 and 51.4 U/g DDGS, respectively) added to dry DDGS at the time of liquid feeding (UNSTP) or steeped with DDGS and added to liquid feed from d 5 to 12 of each batch prior to liquid feeding (STP). In Exp. 1 and 2 DDGS inclusion levels were 7.5% in phase 1 (d 0 to 7) and 25% in phase 2 (d 7 to 21) and phase 3 (d 21 to 35). In Exp. 3 liquid diets were fed with the Exp. 2 enzymes and silage inoculant (360,000 combined cfu Pediococcus pentosaceus and Propionibacterium jensenii/g DDGS) added to dry DDGS at the time of liquid feeding (UNFER) or fermented with DDGS and added to liquid feed from d 1 to 7 of each batch before liquid feeding (FER). The inclusion levels of DDGS were 7.5% in phase 1 (d 0 to 7), 16.25% in phase 2 (d 7 to 21), and 25% in phase 3 (d 21 to 42 or 48). Experiment 3 diets were fed to light (LBWi; 5.8 ± 0.6 kg) or heavy (HBWi; 7.6 ± 0.8 kg) BW pigs at weaning, and results were analyzed separately. Pig BW and ADFI were measured weekly in each experiment. In Exp. 1, feeding diets with DDGS depressed (P < 0.05) ADFI on d 7 to 21 (491 vs. 375 ± 21 g DM/pig) and d 0 to 35 (456 vs. 405 ± 13 g DM/pig). In Exp. 2 growth performance was not affected. In Exp. 3 ADFI of HBWi pigs was not affected. The HBWi pigs fed FER had lower (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F on d 7 to 21 (323 vs. 264 ± 15 g/pig and 0.86 vs. 0.72 ± 0.02 g:g, respectively) and lower (P < 0.05) BW on d 21 (12.4 vs. 11.6 ± 0.2 kg) compared with HBWi pigs fed UNFER. The LBWi pigs fed FER had lower (P < 0.05) ADFI on d 0 to 7 and 7 to 21 (190 vs. 168 ± 3 and 318 vs. 273 ± 13 g DM/pig, respectively) and had greater (P < 0.05) ADG on d 42 to 48 (773 vs. 941 ± 60 g/pig) and BW on d 48 (24.5 vs. 25.8 ± 0.5 kg) compared with LBWi pigs fed UNFER. Results show that up to 25% DDGS inclusion in weaning pig diets did not affect overall growth performance. Liquidfed partially fermented DDGS had an influence on the growth performance of weanling pigs, particularly during the extended nursery period of pigs of light weaning weight in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of feed in livestock species consists of a wide range of biological processes, and therefore, its efficiency can be expressed in various ways, including direct measurement, such as daily feed intake, as well as indicator measures, such as feeding behavior. Measuring feed efficiency is important to the swine industry, and its accuracy can be enhanced by using automated feeding systems, which record feed intake and associated feeding behavior of individual animals. Each automated feeder space is often shared among several pigs and therefore raises concerns about social interactions among pen mates with regard to feeding behavior. The study herein used a data set of 14,901 Duroc boars with individual records on feed intake, feeding behavior, and other off-test traits. These traits were modeled with and without the random spatial effect of Pen_Room, a concatenation of room and pen, or random social interaction among pen mates. The nonheritable spatial effect of common Pen-Room was observed for traits directly measuring feed intake and accounted for up to 13% of the total phenotypic variance in the average daily feeding rate. The social interaction effect explained larger proportions of phenotypic variation in all the traits studied, with the highest being 59% for ADFI in the group of feeding behaviors, 73% for residual feed intake (RFI; RFI4 and RFI6) in the feed efficiency traits, and 69% for intramuscular fat percentage in the off-test traits. After accounting for the social interaction effect, residual BW gain and RFI and BW gain (RIG) were found to have the heritability of 0.38 and 0.18, respectively, and had strong genetic correlations with growth and off-test traits. Feeding behavior traits were found to be moderately heritable, ranging from 0.14 (ADFI) to 0.52 (average daily occupation time), and some of them were strongly correlated with feed efficiency measures; for example, there was a genetic correlation of 0.88 between ADFI and RFI6. Our work suggested that accounting for the social common pen effect was important for estimating genetic parameters of traits recorded by the automated feeding system. Residual BW gain and RIG appeared to be two robust measures of feed efficiency. Feeding behavior measures are worth further investigation as indicators of feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of using 2 different forage sources on intake and sorting and feeding behavior in growing heifers fed a high-concentrate diet offered as a total mixed ration (TMR). Eight Simmental heifers (initial BW of 148.1 ± 4.83 kg) were used in a crossover design experiment. Treatment diets were a TMR with either barley straw (BS) or alfalfa hay (AH) as forage source. Diets were offered on an ad libitum basis, with a forage to concentrate ratio of 8 to 92. The experiment was performed in two 28-d periods, with 3 wk of diet adaptation and 1 wk of sampling in each period. Heifers were weighed before feeding on 2 consecutive days at the beginning and the end of the experiment, and in the sampling week. Feed and refusal samples were collected daily in the sampling week for DM determination and chemical analysis. Particle size separation was performed using the 3-screen Penn State Particle Separator. Dry matter digestibility was estimated using acid-insoluble ash as internal marker. Feeding behavior was recorded using an automated feeding system. Sorting behavior was measured with the intake of different particle size. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in heifers fed BS (6.7 kg/d) than AH (5.8 kg/d) when these animals faced TMR for first time in period 1, but DMI did not differ between diets in period 2 when they were accustomed to the method of feeding. Apparent DM digestibility did not differ between diets (62.7 and 64.3% for BS and AH, respectively). Heifers fed BS sorted in both periods against long particle size (P < 0.01) and against medium particle size in period 2 (P < 0.01), a behavior that did not appear in heifers fed AH. Heifers sorted for short particle size in both diets in period 1, this behavior being maintained in period 2 for heifers fed BS, while it disappeared in heifers fed AH. This sorting behavior preferentially shown in heifers fed BS resulted in a tendency (P = 0.06) for greater length of each meal and a longer feeding time (P = 0.02). In conclusion, at 8% of incorporation, forage source affected intake in only 1 of the 2 experimental periods. Heifers fed BS showed a sorting behavior with preferential consumption for concentrate in the TMR, feeding time being greater in BS than in AH. In contrast, heifers fed AH sorted for short particle size when faced for the first time with a new method of feeding, this sorting behavior disappearing once heifers had got familiar with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cattle finishing diet and muscle type on meat quality. Consumer sensory response, proximate composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were assessed from the gluteus medius (GM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of cattle (n = 6 per diet) which were grain-finished (USUGrain) on conventional feedlot or 2 forage diets, a perennial legume, birdsfoot trefoil-finished (USUBFT; Lotus corniculatus), and grass-finished (USUGrass; Bromus riparius). Diet had an interacting effect with muscle for all sensory attributes (P = 0.002), except aroma and flavor (P ≥ 0.078). In forage-finished beef, tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of GM was greater (P < 0.05) than TB, whereas for USUGrain, the tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of both muscles were similar (P > 0.05) but the juiciness of TB was more liked than USUGrain GM (P < 0.05). The juiciness of foragefinished beef did not differ (P > 0.05) between GM and TB. Lower (P < 0.05) intramuscular fat (IMF) percent was determined for USUGrass beef in comparison with USUGrain beef. The IMF percent of USUBFT beef was similar (P > 0.05) to both USUGrass and USUGrain beef. However, IMF percent was not impacted by muscle type (P = 0.092). The ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids was affected by muscle dependent on diet (P = 0.016). The ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids was affected by the interaction of muscle × diet (P = 0.016). Between forage diets (USUGrass and USUBFT), n-6:n-3 ratios were similar (P > 0.05) between GM and TB, whereas within USUGrain, the GM was greater (P < 0.05) than the TB. Cumulative MUFA was greater (P < 0.05) in USUGrain compared with both USUGrass and USUBFT, which were similar (P > 0.05). Strecker aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, and methional were affected (P ≤ 0.036) by muscle and found to have a greater concentration in GM compared with TB. Overall, consumers determined that USUGrain GM and TB had similar (P > 0.05) quality ratings. However, within forage-finished beef, the GM was perceived more frequently (P < 0.05) to be of premium quality and the forage-finished TB was more frequently (P < 0.05) rated as having unsatisfactory quality. These findings were in agreement with ratings of tenderness and overall liking. Therefore, in the context of our consumer group grilled GM and TB steaks, grain-finished beef provided more uniform quality and eating experience compared with forage-finished beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research was conducted to determine the effect of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on beef fatty acid profile, retail shelf life and development of oxidation products during retail display (RD). A total of 336 crossbred yearling steers (initial BW = 351.08 ± 19.05 kg) were fed 1 of 7 dietary treatments: an all corn control (1:1 blend of dry rolled and high moisture corn), 35%, 50%, or 65% inclusion of WDGS, either full-fat or de-oiled. Within each treatment 15 Choice carcasses were randomly selected (n = 105), strip loins were obtained, aged 7 and 21 d, and representative steaks from each strip loin were placed in RD conditions for 7 d. Fatty acid profiles were determined (mg/100 g tissue basis) and differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found in the C16:1, C18:1T, C18:2 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) among dietary treatments. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) was predominant (P < 0.0001) in the corn control group, intermediate in the 35% de-oiled WDGS group, but no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between all other diets. Elaidic acid (C18:1T) was greater (P = 0.01) in the 65% full-fat WDGS group, least for the corn control group, and intermediate for all other diets. Linoleic acid (C18:2) was greater (P = 0.0001) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% deoiled WDGS group (290.98 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WDGS groups (231.08 and 227.16 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (177.70 mg/100 g). The PUFA content was greater (P < 0.01) in all 3 full-fat WDGS groups and 65% de-oiled WDGS group (337.13 mg/100 g, on average), intermediate in the 50% and 35% de-oiled WGDS groups (274.77 and 273.84 mg/100 g, respectively) and least for the corn control group (223.98 mg/100 g). Dietary treatment did not alter discoloration (P = 0.30) or lipid oxidation (P = 0.36). Shear force decreased with age and RD (P < 0.0001) but dietary treatment had no effect on shear force (P = 0.93). In general, feeding 35% and 50% deoiled WDGS had intermediate PUFA content relative to a corn control or full-fat WDGS diet. Feeding deoiled WDGS did not seem to increase beef shelf life and does not negatively alter beef quality parameters in relation to full-fat WDGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces job placements and deadlines for submission of papers for the journal. The deadline for the submission of entries for publication is every 25th day of the month, at least two months before the month of issue. The Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center in Union, Oregon needs an assistant professor in Sustainable Livestock Production and Management Systems. The position for an assistant or associate professor for is needed at the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

Livestock managers dealing with inter and intra-annual forage quality dynamics use a variety of adaptive systems to cope. In higher rainfall areas, managers may have the ability to manipulate forage quantity and quality through for age management tactics such as grazing management, fertilization and use of seeded forages. In more semiarid and arid areas, forage dynamics are more heavily controlled by climatic factors. In these regions, adaption of animal management systems, such as by adjusting the match-up between seasonal nutrient demand and supply through manipulation of the animals’ physiological state, or through the use of mobility, may be more appropriate. Understanding factors affecting forage dynamics and how managers develop systems to adjust is important to helping these managers to deal with future changes in climate and land use. This review describes livestock system adaptations used to deal with high and variable inter- and intra-annual forage dynamics primarily found in arid and semiarid production zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred ninety-two pigs were blocked by age and stratified by initial BW (25.7 ± 2.3 kg) into pens (2 barrows and 2 gilts/pen), and within blocks, pens were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with main effects of diet form (meal vs. pelleted) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) inclusion (0% vs. 30%). Pigs were slaughtered after a 91-d feeding trial, and carcasses were fabricated after a 24-h chilling period. Belly dimensions and flop distance were measured, and an adipose tissue sample from each belly was collected for fatty acid analysis. Bacon was manufactured at a commercial processing facility before being returned to the University of Illinois Meat Science Laboratory for further evaluation. Although bellies from pigs fed pelleted diets were 5.3% heavier (P < 0.01) than bellies from meal-fed pigs, belly weight as a percentage of chilled side weight (P = 0.55) and fresh belly dimensions (P ≥ 0.11) were not affected by diet form. Slab bacon weight and cooked yield were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for bellies from pellet-fed than meal-fed pigs. Despite pellet-fed pigs having a 3.1-unit greater iodine value (IV) than meal-fed pigs, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.16) of diet form on commercial bacon slicing yields. Bacon slabs from pellet-fed pigs produced more (P < 0.01) total bacon slices, but 3.1% fewer (P < 0.01) slices per kilogram than slabs from meal fed pigs. Inclusion of 30% DDGS reduced belly thickness (P < 0.001), flop distance (P < 0.001), and initial belly weight (P = 0.04) by 0.32 cm, 4.97 cm, and 2.85, respectively, and increased (P < 0.001) belly fat IV by 7.1 units compared with bellies from pigs fed 0% DDGS. Feeding 0% DDGS produced more (P < 0.01) total bacon slices than feeding 30% DDGS. Distillers dried grains with solubles inclusion had no effect on slice yields (P ≥ 0.14) or slices per kilogram (P = 0.08). Overall, bellies from pellet-fed pigs were heavier and had greater IV but did not differ in commercial slicing yields from meal-fed pigs. Feeding pigs 30% DDGS produced thinner, softer bellies with greater IV, but slicing yields were not different from bellies of pigs fed 0% DDGS. Thus, swine producers can feed pelleted diets, without or with 30% DDGS, without negatively affecting commercial bacon slicing yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the feeding of dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) in sow lactation diets. In Exp. 1, 168 multiparous sows (PIC, Camborough 22) were fed a 10% DDGS diet throughout gestation. Sows were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 corn-soybean meal lactation diets formulated to contain different levels of DDGS (0, 10, 20, and 30%, respectively). All diets were formulated to be isocaloric (3.46 Mcal ME/kg) and all other nutrients exceeded NRC (1998) nutrient recommendations. Sow ADFI was not different (P > 0.10) as DDGS level increased. Increasing DDGS resulted in a linear (P < 0.03) increase in sow weight gain (7.5, 11.3, 20.3, and 17.2 kg, respectively) and a reduction in wean-to-first-service interval (7.1, 5.2, 5.0, and 4.9 d, respectively). Increasing DDGS did not affect subsequent total born per litter (13.7, 12.8, 13.3, and 12.3, respectively; P > 0.10). In Exp. 2 and 3, lactation diets consisted of corn and 20, 30, 40, or 50% DDGS. Diets were formulated at 3.25 Mcal ME/kg, 1.05% standardized ileal digestible lysine, and all other nutrients to exceed NRC (1998) nutrient recommendations. In both experiments, sows (PIC, Camborough) were fed 40% DDGS in gestation and allocated to a randomized complete block based on the parity of the sow at the time of entry into the farrowing house. In Exp. 2, 256 gilts and multiparous sows were fed the randomly assigned diets. As DDGS inclusion increased, sow feed intake (6.2, 6.2, 6.0, and 5.9 kg/d, respectively) and sow weight gain (10.5, 10.3, 8.2, and 6.2 kg, respectively) tended to linearly decrease (P < 0.06). Sow wean to estrus differed between 20 and 30% DDGS inclusion (4.9 vs. 6.9 d; P < 0.01). Litter gain was not different (2.55, 2.53, 2.51, and 2.59 kg/d, respectively; P > 0.10) as DDGS inclusion increased. In Exp. 3, 98 multiparous sows were randomly allotted to 1 of the 4 experimental diets during the summer months. Sow feed intake, sow weight gain, and litter gain were not different (P > 0.10) between treatments. The data suggest that feeding high levels of DDGS of 40 to 50% may reduce sow feed intake and litter performance. These results demonstrate that feeding up to 30% DDGS in lactation diets can be done without adversely influencing sow or litter performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of feed condition and breed on the level of DNA methylation for the uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) gene, which is an important candidate gene for regulating intramuscular fat (IMF) content in chicken breast muscle, breast muscle of Daninghe (DNH) and Qingjiaoma (QJM) chickens under scatter-feed and captivity-feed conditions was analyzed. Using RNA sequencing, 47 and 113 candidate genes were determined to be related to feed conditions and breed, respectively, and 7 differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, including UCP3. The mRNA levels of UCP3 were significantly different between the 2 feed conditions. The DNA region from bp +1700 to +2459 of the UCP3 gene was studied using the bisulfite sequencing method and contained 46 methylation sites and 3 CpG islands. The results showed that the methylation level of this UCP3 region was lower in DNH chickens (0.77% to 0.88%, P = 0.012) and QJM chickens (0.88% to 0.91%, P = 0.20) under scatter-feed conditions than under captivity-feed conditions. The mean methylation level of UCP3 in DNH chickens was lower than that in QJM chickens under scatter-feed conditions (DNH to QJM, 0.77% to 0.88%, P = 0.007), which suggests that breed affects the mean methylation level of UCP3 under scatter-feed conditions. In summary, our findings suggest that feed condition and breed affect the methylation of UCP3 in chicken breast muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this experiment were to determine growth performance, visceral mass differences, carcass characteristics, fresh meat quality, and carcass cutability of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing high-protein canola meal (CM-HP) or conventional canola meal (CM-CV). Seven dietary treatments were fed to investigate effects of increasing inclusion rates of CM-HP or CM-CV in a corn-soybean meal diet containing no canola meal (control). Inclusion rates were 33, 66, or 100% replacement of soybean meal with either CM-HP or CM-CV. Pigs (140 barrows and 140 gilts; 2 barrows and 2 gilts per pen) were fed experimental diets in 3 phases with each phase lasting 35, 28, and 28 d, respectively. Within each phase, diets were formulated to be similar in concentrations of standardized ileal digestible indispensable AA and in standardized total tract digestible P, but NE concentrations were not equalized among diets. At the conclusion of the experiment, 1 pig per pen was harvested. Over the 91-d growing-finishing period, no effects of CM-HP on ADG, ADFI, or G:F were observed, but final BW tended (P = 0.06) to be reduced as increasing levels of CM-HP were included in the diets. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ADFI and a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in G:F as CM-CV inclusion level increased. Pigs fed CM-CV also had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI than pigs fed diets containing CM-HP. There was a linear increase (P < 0.01) in liver weights, as a percentage of live weight, as CM-CV inclusion increased, but that was not the case if CM-HP was included in the diets. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in kidney weights, as a percentage of live weight, as CM-HP or CM-CV inclusion increased. There were no differences among treatments for ending live weight, HCW, carcass yield, loin eye area, 10th rib backfat thickness, or estimated carcass lean. Shear force, cook loss, LM moisture, LM extractible lipid, and drip loss were also not different among treatment groups. There were no differences among treatments for any subjective LM quality evaluations (color, marbling, firmness). Pigs fed CM-HP had increased (P < 0.05) boneless lean cutting yields and boneless carcass cutting yields compared with pigs fed CM-CV. In conclusion, CM-HP and CM-CV may fully replace soybean meal as protein supplements in growing- finishing pig diets without substantially impairing pig performance or carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DE values of corn grain for pigs will differ among corn sources. More accurate prediction of DE may improve diet formulation and reduce diet cost. Corn grain sources (n = 83) were assayed with growing swine (20 kg) in DE experiments with total collection of feces, with 3-wk-old broiler chick in nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEN) trials and with cecectomized adult roosters in nitrogen-corrected true ME (TMEN) studies. Additional AMEN data for the corn grain source set was generated based on an existing near-infrared transmittance prediction model (nearinfrared transmittance-predicted AMEN [NIT-AMEN ]). Corn source nutrient composition was determined by wet chemistry methods. These data were then used to 1) test the accuracy of predicting swine DE of individual corn sources based on available literature equations and nutrient composition and 2) develop models for predicting DE of sources from nutrient composition and the cross-species information gathered above (AMEN, NIT-AMEN , and TMEN ). The overall measured DE, AMEN , NIT-AMEN , and TMEN values were 4,105 ± 11, 4,006 ± 10, 4,004 ± 10, and 4,086 ± 12 kcal/kg DM, respectively. Prediction models were developed using 80% of the corn grain sources; the remaining 20% was reserved for validation of the developed prediction equation. Literature equations based on nutrient composition proved imprecise for predicting corn DE; the root mean square error of prediction ranged from 105 to 331 kcal/kg, an equivalent of 2.6 to 8.8% error. Yet among the corn composition traits, 4-variable models developed in the current study provided adequate prediction of DE (model R2 ranging from 0.76 to 0.79 and root mean square error [RMSE] of 50 kcal/kg). When prediction equations were tested using the validation set, these models had a 1 to 1.2% error of prediction. Simple linear equations from AMEN, NIT-AMEN , or TMEN provided an accurate prediction of DE for individual sources (R2 ranged from 0.65 to 0.73 and RMSE ranged from 50 to 61 kcal/kg). Percentage error of prediction based on the validation data set was greater (1.4%) for the TMEN model than for the NIT-AMEN or AMEN models (1 and 1.2%, respectively), indicating that swine DE values could be accurately predicted by using AMEN or NIT-AMEN . In conclusion, regression equations developed from broiler measurements or from analyzed nutrient composition proved adequate to reliably predict the DE of commercially available corn hybrids for growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companion animals play an important role in our lives and are now considered to be and treated as family members in a majority of households in the United States. Because of the high number of pets that now exist, an increasingly stronger pet-human bond, and the importance placed on health and longevity, the pet food industry has realized steady growth over the last few decades. Despite past successes and opportunities that exist in the future, there are also challenges that must be considered. This review will present a brief overview of the current pet food industry and address some of the key issues moving forward. In regards to companion animal research, recent advances and future needs in the areas of canine and feline metabolism, aging, clinical disease, and the gut microbiome using molecular and high-throughput assays; chemical, in vitro, and in vivo testing of feed ingredients; and innovative pet food processing methods is discussed. Training the future workforce for the pet food industry is also of great importance. Recent trends on student demographics and their species and careers of interest, changing animal science department curricula, and technology's impact on instruction are provided. Finally, the sustainability of the pet food industry is discussed. Focus was primarily placed on the disconnect that exists between opinions and trends of consumers and the nutrient recommendations for dogs and cats, the desire for increasing use of animal-based and humangrade products, the overfeeding of pets and the pet obesity crisis, and the issues that involve the evaluation of primary vs. secondary products in terms of sustainability. Moving forward, the pet food industry will need to anticipate and address challenges that arise, especially those pertaining to consumer expectations, the regulatory environment, and sustainability. Given the already strong and increasingly dynamic market for pet foods and supplies, an academic environment primed to supply a skilled workforce, and continued industry support for basic and applied research initiatives, the future of the pet food industry looks very bright. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminants contribute up to 80% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock, and enteric methane production by ruminants is the main source of these GHG emissions. Hence, reducing enteric methane production is essential in any GHG emissions reduction strategy in livestock. Data from 2 performance-recording research herds of Angus cattle were used to evaluate a number of methane measures that target methane production (MPR) independent of feed intake and to examine their phenotypic relationships with growth and body composition. The data comprised 777 young bulls and heifers that were fed a roughage diet (ME of 9 MJ/kg DM) at 1.2 times their maintenance energy requirements and measured for MP in open circuit respiration chambers for 48 h. Methane traits evaluated included DMI during the methane measurement period, MPR, and methane yield (MY; MPR/DMI), with means (±SD) of 6.2 ± 1.4 kg/d, 187 ± 38 L/d, and 30.4 ± 3.5 L/kg, respectively. Four forms of residual MPR (RMP), which is a measure of actual minus predicted MPR, were evaluated. For the first 3 forms, predicted MPR was calculated using published equations. For the fourth (RMPR), predicted MPR was obtained by regression of MPR on DMI. Growth traits evaluated were BW at birth, weaning (200 d of age), yearling age (400 d of age), and 600 d of age, with means (±SD) of 34 ± 4.6, 238 ± 37, 357 ± 45, and 471 ±53 kg, respectively. Body composition traits included ultrasound measures (600 d of age) of rib fat, rump fat, and eye muscle area, with means (±SD) of 3.8 ± 2.6 mm, 5.4 ± 3.8 mm, and 61 ± 7.7 cm², respectively. Methane production was positively correlated (r ± SE) with DMI (0.65 ± 0.02), MY (0.72 ± 0.02), the RMP traits (r from 0.65 to 0.79), the growth traits (r from 0.19 to 0.57), and the body composition traits (r from 0.13 to 0.29). Methane yield was, however, not correlated (r ± SE) with DMI (-0.02 ± 0.04) as well as the growth (r from -0.03 to 0.11) and body composition (r from 0.01 to 0.06) traits. All the RMP traits were strongly correlated to MY (r from 0.82 to 0.95). These results indicate that reducing MPR per se can have a negative impact on growth and body composition of cattle. Reducing MY, however, will likely have the effect of reducing MPR without impacting productivity. Where a ratio trait is undesirable, as in animal breeding, any of the RMP traits can be used instead of MY. However, where independence from DMI is desired, RMPR should be a trait worth considering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finishing Flolstein young bulls exclusively on pasture generally results in very lean carcass and meat, but com supplementation is expected to simultaneously improve carcass traits and intramuscular lipids (IML). The expected increase in IML would allow for a larger 18:2c9,t11 (CLA) deposition in meat without affecting the n-3 PUFA present in LM phospholipids (PL). Holstein bulls (n - 33) with initial BW of 423 ± 52.4 kg reared exclusively on pasture were assigned to 1 of 3 finishing period (85 d) diets: finished exclusively on pasture (P0) or finished on pasture and individually supplemented with 4 (P4) or 8 kg/d (P8) of ground com. Final BW (546 ± 56.3 kg) was not affected (P > 0.05) by com supplementation, but ADG increased (P < 0.01) with the increasing com supplementation level from 1.23 kg/d for P0 to 1.44 kg/d for P4 and to 1.67 kg/d for P8. Subcutaneous fat depth in P0 bulls was 0.8 mm and increased (P < 0.001) in both P4 (2.9 mm) and P8 (2.7 mm) bulls, but no difference (P = 0.73) was observed between P4 and P8 bulls. Similarly, the IML increased with com supplementation, from 1.84 g/100 g muscle in P0 to 2.96 in P4 and to 3.24 in P8, but no difference (P = 0.55) was found between P4 and P8 bulls. Com supplementation decreased (P < 0.01) 18:1t11 in neutral lipids (NL) but not 18:2c9,t11 (P > 0.34). The 18: 1t10 (mg/g total NL fatty acid [FA] ± SEM) were 2.5 ±0.13 in P0, 5.5 ± 1.68 in P4, and 14.8 ± 3.18 in P8 bulls, being greater in P8 compared with P4 (P = 0.02). Total FA in muscle PL and SFA were unaffected, but increasing com supplementation resulted (P < 0.001) in an increase of 18:2n-6 in PL by replacement of mostly the 18:1c9 and 18:3n-3. Notably, the total number of cis double bonds present in FA of PL remained constant (P = 0.74) with com supplementation. Compared with P0, com supplementation maintained (P > 0.05) the high n-3 PUFA content in meat (mg/100 g meat) and increased the 18:2c9,t11 (P = 0.028) and 18:1c9 (P < 0.001). However, increasing com supplementation from 4 to 8 kg/d increased the 18:1t10 (P = 0.031) and had no effect on 18:2c9,t11. Therefore, supplementing grass-finished Holstein bulls with moderate amounts of ground com (4 kg/d) increased carcass fat cover and IML, maintained n-3 PUFA, and increased 18:2c9,t11 content in meat, whereas greater com supplementation (8 kg/d; P8) resulted in no further improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef steers (n = 1,914) were assigned to 1 of 3 β-adrenergic agonist (βAA) supplementation treatments--zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg of DM for 20 d with 3-d withdrawal), ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 308 mg ⋅ head-1 ⋅ d-1 for 28 d), or no βAA (CON)--to determine the effects on consumer eating quality. Strip loins (n = 1,101; CON = 400, RH = 355, and ZH = 346) were obtained and fabricated into 2.5-cm-thick steaks for proximate, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), slice shear force (SSF), and consumer analyses; steaks were aged until 14 or 21 d postmortem. Fat and moisture contents were not affected by βAA supplementation (P > 0.05), but strip steaks from steers fed ZH had more protein (P < 0.01) than those from steers fed CON or RH, which were similar. An interaction between βAA and aging was observed (P < 0.01) for WBSF but not SSF. Within steaks aged 14 d, ZH steaks required the most force to shear, RH steaks were intermediate, and CON steaks had the lowest WBSF values; however, RH steaks had a stronger response to aging than CON or ZH steaks, resulting in the lowest WBSF values at 21 d. Slice shear force values were greater (P < 0.01) in steaks from steers fed ZH than in steaks from steers fed CON or RH, which did not differ. Following shear force analyses, steaks within 2 SD of each treatment mean for WBSF were selected randomly for consumer assessment of eating quality. Consumer testing (n = 400; 200/postmortem aging period) was arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial representing 3 quality grades (Select, Low Choice, and Premium Choice) and 3 treatments (ZH, RH, and CON). In steaks aged 14 d, βAA supplementation affected (P < 0.01) tenderness, flavor, and overall liking and tenderness acceptability, resulting in lower consumer scores for ZH than CON and RH; however, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability were similar (P > 0.05). In steaks aged 21 d, feeding βAA influenced (P < 0.01) only tenderness and juiciness scores. Despite these differences, βAA did not affect (P > 0.05) acceptability. Quality grade impacted (P < 0.01) all traits and acceptability in steaks aged 14 and 21 d. In 14-d steaks, Premium Choice typically was scored higher than Low Choice or Select; however, consumers rated 21-d Low Choice and Premium Choice similarly--both receiving greater scores than Select. Consumers detected several differences in eating quality at 14 d because of βAA supplementation. Increasing aging from 14 to 21 d mitigated differences in shear force and tenderness scores because of feeding ZH, so that tenderness and overall accept ability were similar between ZH, RH, and CON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,480 pigs were used in 3 experiments to determine the effects of com distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) varying in oil content on growth performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 1,198 pigs (PIC Line 337 x 1050; initially 46.1 kg) were allotted to a corn-soybean meal-based diet or diets with 20 or 40% of a 5.4% oil DDGS (29.5% CP, 8.9% ADF, and 21.8% NDF; as-fed basis) or a 9.6% oil DDGS (29.6% CP, 15.3% ADF, and 28.6% NDF; as-fed basis). From d 0 to 82, ADG was unaffected by DDGS source or level. However, increasing 5.4% oil DDGS decreased (linear, P < 0.01) G:F, whereas G:F did not change among pigs fed 9.6% oil DDGS (DDGS source x level interaction; P < 0.01). Regardless of DDGS source, carcass yield and HCW decreased (linear, P < 0.04) with increasing DDGS. Increasing DDGS increased jowl iodine value (IV), but the magnitude was greater in pigs fed the 9.6% oil DDGS compared with those fed 5.4% oil DDGS (DDGS source x level interaction; P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, 270 pigs (PIC Line 327 x 1050; initially 46.5 kg) were allotted a com-soybean meal-based diet or diets with 20 or 40% of a 9.4% oil DDGS (29.4% CP, 19.6% ADF, and 34.5% NDF; as-fed basis) or a 12.1% oil DDGS (28.5% CP, 17.6% ADF, and 31.4% NDF; as-fed basis). From d 0 to 75, ADG increased and then decreased for pigs fed 9.4% oil DDGS but was unchanged for pigs fed 12.1% oil DDGS (quadratic interaction, P < 0.02). Increasing DDGS increased (linear, P < 0.01) jowl IV and tended (linear, P < 0.07) to increase G:F. Regardless of source, HCW and carcass yield decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as DDGS increased. In Exp. 3, nutrient digestibility of the 4 DDGS sources was determined using pigs fed either a com-based basal diet (96.6% com and 3.4% vitamins and minerals) or a DDGS diet with 50% basal diet and 50% DDGS. On an as-fed basis, com contained 3,871 and 3,515 kcal/kg GE and DE, respectively. The 5.4, 9.6, 9.4, and 12.1% oil DDGS contained 4,347, 4,648, 4,723, and 4,904 kcal/kg (as-fed basis) GE and 3,417, 3,690, 3,838, and 3,734 kcal/kg DE, respectively (as-fed basis). Stepwise regression indicated that the oil (ether extract) content was the only significant variable to explain differences in energy content. The equations generated to predict DE and NE as a function of oil content on an as-fed basis were DE (kcal/kg) = 62.347 x ether extract (%) + 3,058.13 (n = 5, adjusted R2 = 0.41) and NE (kcal/kg) = 115.011 x ether extract (%) + 1,501.01 (w = 5, adjusted R² = 0.86). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestating Angus, nonlactating, spring calving cows were used to determine variation in maintenance energy requirements (MR); to evaluate the relationship among MR and cow and calf performance, plasma concentrations of IGF-I, T4, glucose, insulin, and ruminal temperature; and to describe the LM proteome and evaluate protein abundance in cows with different MR. Cows (4 to 7 yr of age) with a BCS of 5.0 ± 0.2 and BW of 582 ± 37 kg in the second to third trimester of gestation were studied in 3 trials (trial 1, n = 23; trial 2, n = 32; trial 3, n = 38). Cows were individually fed a complete diet in amounts to meet predicted MR (Level 1 Model of NRC), and feed intake was adjusted weekly until constant BW was achieved for at least 21 d (maintenance). Cows were classified on the basis of MR as low (>0.5 SD less than mean, LMR), moderate (±0.5 SD of mean, MMR), or high (>0.5 SD more than mean, HMR) MR. Blood samples were taken at maintenance and at 2 mo postpartum in trial 2. Muscle biopsies were taken from LMR and HMR after cows consumed actual MR for 28 d (trial 2) or 21 d (trial 3). Proteins from LM were separated by 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and were identified, and abundance was quantified and compared. The greatest differences in MR between cows were 29%, 24%, and 25% in trials 1,2, and 3, respectively. Daily MR (NEm, kcalµBW-0.75µd-1) averaged 89.2 ± 6.3,93.0 ± 4.9, and 90.4 ± 4.6 in trials 1,2, and 3, respectively. Postpartum BW and BCS, calf birth and weaning weights, postpartum luteal activity, and ruminal temperature were not influenced by MR of the cows. Concentrations of IGF-I were greater (P = 0.001) in plasma of MMR compared with LMR cows consuming predicted MR diets, and MR was negatively correlated with concentrations of IGF-I in plasma (r = -0.38; P = 0.05) at 2 mo postpartum. A total of 103 proteins were isolated from LM; 52 gene products were identified. Abundance of specific proteins in the LM was not influenced (P > 0.11) by MR. Variation in MR of cows will make it possible to improve feed efficiency by selection. Identification of biomarkers for MR will allow selection of more efficient cows, which consume less feed and produce calves with similar weaning weights. Productive cows that require less feed for maintenance will improve efficiency of production and enhance sustainability of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition during the juvenile period has a major impact on timing reproductive maturity in heifers. Restricted growth delays puberty, whereas elevated B W gain advances the onset of puberty. The initiation of high-frequency episodic release of GnRH and, consequently, LH during the peripubertal period is crucial for maturation of the reproductive axis and establishment of normal estrous cycles. Nutritional signals are perceived by metabolic-sensing cells in the hypothalamus, which interact with estradiol-receptive neurons to regulate the secretory activity of GnRH neurons. The orexigenic peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and the anorexigenic peptide derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, melanocyte-stimulating hormone α (αMSH), are believed to be major afferent pathways that transmit inhibitory (NPY) and excitatory (αMSH) inputs to GnRH neurons. The neuropeptide kisspeptin is considered a major stimulator of GnRH secretion and has been shown to mediate estradiol's effect on GnRH neuronal activity. Kisspeptin may also integrate the neuronal pathways mediating the metabolic and gonadal steroid hormone control of gonadotropin secretion. Recent studies in our laboratories indicate that functional and structural changes in the pathways involving NPY, POMC, and kisspeptin neurons occur in response to high rates of BW gain during the juvenile period in heifers. Changes include regulation of expression in NPY, POMC, and KISS I and plasticity in the neuronal projections to GnRH neurons and within the neuronal network comprising these cells. Moreover, an intricate pattern of differential gene expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus occurs in response to feeding high concentrate diets that promote elevated BW gain. Genes involved include those controlling feeding intake and cell metabolism, neuronal growth and remodeling, and synaptic transmission. Characterizing the cellular pathways and molecular networks involved in the mechanisms that control the timing of pubertal onset will assist in improving existing strategies and facilitate the development of novel approaches to program puberty in heifers. These include the use of diets that elevate BW gain during strategic periods of prepubertal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current NRC model to estimate DMI is based on a single equation related to metabolic size and net energy density of the diet; this equation was a significant improvement over previous models. However, observed DMI by grazing animals can be conceptualized by a function that includes animal demand, largely determined by metabolic or linear size, physiological state, genetics, or any combination of these. Even in the database used to generate the current NRC equation, DMI by cows is poorly predicted at the extremes. In fact, across a wide range of actual DMI, predicted DMI is rather flat, indicating an insensitivity of prediction, so the model requires further refinement. A broad-based database was developed that includes pasture and confinement studies with growing, nonlactating, and lactating cattle. New equations are presented for consideration in the new model. It was found that the premise behind earlier NRC equations based on diet digestibility and BW are sound but that for cows, additional drivers based on milk production or calf performance were stronger than B W. Future models should be based on multiple variables, including functions for physiological state, animal suitability to the environment, and activity to modify the predicted DMI. Further, the model could possibly account for imbalances of protein to energy, particularly as they relate to ruminai function. Further, the issue of how reference data were collected (pen vs. pasture) and how the methods or constraints influence DMI must be evaluated. Overall, the new NRC model needs to be more robust in its ability to account for the wide variation in the environment, dietary characteristics, and metabolic demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary protein content on the rates of gain and protein deposition were studied in Iberian (IB) x Duroc (DU) 50:50 barrows at 2 stages of growth [10.6 ± 0.2 (n = 28) and 60.0 ± 0.4 (n = 24) kg initial BW], Two feeding, digestibility, and N-balance trials were performed. At each stage of growth, they were allocated in individual pens and given restrictedly (at 0.9 x ad libitum intake) one of 4 pelleted diets of similar energy concentration (13.8 to 14.5 MJ ME/kg DM), formulated to provide 4 different (ideal) CP contents (236, 223,208, and 184 g CP/kg DM in the first trial, and 204, 180, 143, and 114 g CP/kg DM in the second trial). Feed allowance was offered in 2 daily equal meals. The average concentration of Lys was 6.59 ± 0.13 g /100 g CP for all diets. Whatever the stage of growth, average daily BW gain and gain to feed ratio were unchanged by increases in dietary CP content (477 ± 7 and 1,088 ± 20 g, and 0.475 ± 0.027 and 0.340 ± 0.113, respectively, in the first and second trial). In pigs growing from 10 to 27 kg BW, the average rate of N retention increased linearly (P <0.01) on increasing the protein content in the diet up to a break point, so a linearplateau dose response was observed. Pigs fed diets providing 208 to 236 g/kg DM did not differ in rate of protein deposition (PD). A maximum value of 87 (13.93 g N retained x 6.25) g PD/d was obtained when the diet supplied at least 208 g CP/kg DM. The broken-line regression analysis estimated dietary CP requirements at 211 g ideal CP ( 15.2 g total Lys)/kg DM. In the fattening pigs, there was a quadratic response (P <0.01) in the rate of N retention as dietary CP content increased. Maximum N retention (18.7 g/d) was estimated from the first derivative of the function that relates the observed N retained (g/d) and dietary CP content (g/kg DM). This maximum value would be obtained by feeding a diet containing 185 g ideal CP (13.3 g total Lys)/kg DM and represents the maximum capacity of the IB x DU 50:50 pigs for protein accretion (i.e., 117 g PD/d). Consequently, cross breeding of IB dams with Duroc sires alters the metabolic response to dietary CP supply by increasing the potential of the crossbred to accrete protein and by modifying the pattern of PD response with BW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handling temperament tests for beef cattle have been related to production traits, with calmer temperaments having greater growth rates. In most tests of temperament or personality, observation of the animal takes place over a short period of time, sometimes completed in a matter of minutes. This study investigated whether behavior observed in a temperament test was reflective of the steer's behavior in the home pen. Indoor-housed, crossbred, Bos taurus beef steers (n = 67) were fitted with triaxial activity monitors (IceTags; IceRobotics Ltd, South Queens-ferry, Edinburgh, Scotland) and activity was recorded for 2 periods of 14 d each. Also, each steer was scored on 4 measures of temperament: 2 handling tests (flight speed and chute score) and 2 feeding behavior scores (aggression at feeders and ability to displace at feed-ers). Each temperament observation was repeated 4 times, with repeatability of the traits ranging from 0.23 (aggression) to 0.48 (flight speed). Activity measures derived from the accelerometer data, such as bout lengths, were found to be highly repeatable between the 2 periods of activity monitoring (repeatabilities of 0.67 and 0.70 for average lying bout duration and average standing bout duration, respectively). Steers with high flight speeds were also more active in the home pen (Motionindex: rs = 0.35, P = 0.004; average step count: rs = 0.34, P = 0.005) than steers with low flight speeds. Steers that were more capable of displac-ing other steers at feeders had longer average standing bout durations (rs = 0.26, P = 0.036), which were more variable (standing time SD: rs = 0.27, P = 0.030), and lay down for less time (rs = -0.35, P = 0.004). No correlations were found between aggression at feed-ers or chute score and home pen behavior. Results of this study are the first to demonstrate that short-term temperament tests are related to longer-term behavior data in beef steers and these results should be taken into consideration for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbred pigs (« = 216) were used to test the effects of phase-feeding beef tallow (BT) and yellow grease (YGr) on fresh belly and bacon quality characteristics of growing-finishing swine fed dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Pigs were blocked by initial BW (26.0 ± 5.3 kg) before allotment to pens (6 pigs/pen), and pens (6 pens/block) were assigned randomly to 1 of 6 dietary treatments: 1) corn-soybean meal-based grower and finisher diets formulated with 4.7% YGr fed during all 5 feeding phases (YG15); 2) corn-soybean meal-based diets formulated with 5.0% BT fed during all 5 phases (BT15); 3) diets containing 5.0% BT fed during the first 2 phases and diets with 4.7% YGr fed the last 3 phases (YG345); 4) diets formulated with 5.0% BT fed during first 3 phases and diets contain-ing 4.7% YGr fed during the last 2 phases (YG45); 5) diets containing 4.7% YGr fed during the first 3 phases and diets with 5.0% BT fed during the last 2 feeding phases (BT45); or 6) diets formulated with 4.7% YGr fed during the first 2 phases and diets with 5.0% BT fed during the last 3 phases (BT345). All dietary treatments were formulated with 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) during the first 3 phases, 15% DDGS in the fourth phase, and no DDGS during the last phase. Fresh belly quality data were collected on the left-side bellies, whereas bacon from the right-side bellies was prepared under commercial processing conditions. Additionally, USDA-certified No. 1 slices were collected for cook-ing characteristics and sensory panel evaluations. Bellies from the YG15-fed pigs were softer (P < 0.05) than bellies from BT15-fed pigs; however, instrumentally measured belly firmness was not (P > 0.06) different among treatments. Concentrations of palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, as well as all SFA and all MUFA, were greater (P < 0.01) in bellies from BT15- than YG15-fed pigs. In contrast, proportions of linoleic acid, all PUFA, and iodine value were greater (P <0.01) in belly fat from YG15-fed pigs in comparison with BT15-fed pigs. Yield of com-mercially processed bacon (P > 0.06), mechanical bacon tenderness (P > 0.69), and bacon palatability attributes (P > 0.55) were not affected by the dietary treatments. Thus, results of this study indicated that phase-feeding BT to pigs fed diets formulated with DDGS produced minor improvements in fresh belly firmness due to greater proportions of SFA but had no effect on yields of commercially processed bacon or bacon quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed databases often have missing data. Despite their potentially major effect on data analysis (e.g., as a source of biased results and loss of statisti-cal power), database managers and nutrition research-ers have paid little attention to missing data. This study evaluated various methods of handling missing data using mining outputs from a database containing data on chemical composition and nutritive value for 18,864 alfalfa samples. A complete reference dataset was obtained comprising the 2,303 cases with no miss-ing data for the attributes CP, crude fiber (CF), NDF, ADF and ADL. This dataset was used to simulate 2 types of missing data (at random and not at random), each with 2 loss intensities (33 and 66%), thus yield-ing a total of 4 incomplete datasets. Missing data from these datasets were handled using 2 deletion methods and 4 imputation methods, and outputs in terms of the identification and typing of alfalfa (using ANOVA and descriptive statistics) and of correlations between attri-butes (using regressions) were compared with outputs from the complete dataset. Imputation methods, par-ticularly model-based versions, were found to perform better than deletion methods in terms of maximizing information use and minimizing bias although the extent of differences between methods depended on the type of missing data. The best approximation to the uncertainty value was provided by multiple imputation methods. It was concluded that the choice of the most suitable method for handling missing data depended both on the type of missing data and on the purpose of data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet distillers grains contain approximately 65% moisture. A partially dried product [modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS)] contains about 50%) moisture. However, both have similar nutrient composition on a dry matter basis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of finishing diets varying in concentration of MDGS on marbling attributes, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile of beef. Yearling steers (n = 268) were randomly allotted to 36 pens, which were assigned randomly to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% MDGS (DM basis) and fed for 176 d before harvest. The 48-h postmortem marbling score, marbling texture, and marbling distribution were assessed by a USDA grader and 1 ribeye slice (longissimus thoracis) 7 mm thick was collected from each carcass for proximate and fatty acid analyses. Treatments did not significantly alter marbling score or marbling distribution (P ≥ 0.05). United States Department of Agriculture Choice slices had coarser marbling texture when compared with USDA Select. Although dietary treatment affected marbling texture, no consistent pattern was evident. Diets did not influence fat content, moisture, or ash of the ribeye (P ≥ 0.05). For treatments 0, 10, 30, 40 and 50%, there were positive linear relationships between marbling score and fat percentage in the ribeye (P ≤ 0.05), and all slopes were similar (P = 0.45). Feeding MDGS linearly increased stearic, linoelaidic, linoleic, linolenic, PUFA, and n-6 fatty acids. As dietary MDGS increased, linear decreases were observed in all n-7 fatty acids and cubic relationships were detected for the 18:1 trans isomers [trans-6-8-octadecenoic acid (6-8t), elaidic acid (9t), traras-10-octadecenoic acid (10t), and trans vaccenic acid (11t)]. No effects were observed for saturated fatty acids containing 6 to 14 carbons. Feeding MDGS resulted in increased PUFA, trans, and n-6 fatty acids, minimal effects on marbling texture, and no effects on the relationship of marbling to intramuscular fat content relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-yr study was conducted using a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of feeding dried distillers grains throughout a beef production system on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile of beef. Factors were wheat pasture supplement [no supplement (CON), dry-rolled corn (DRC), and dried distillers grains (DDG)] fed at 0.5% BW daily and finishing diet [steam-flaked corn based diet containing 0 (SFC) or 35% (35DDG) DDG]. Each year, 60 preconditioned Hereford steers (initial BW = 198 kg ± 3) grazed winter wheat pasture with or without supplement. Body weight gain was 8% greater for steers consuming DDG supplement compared with CON and DRC steers (P < 0.01). After the grazing period, pastures within supplement treatment were randomly assigned to SFC or 35DDG. There was no supplement by finishing diet interaction for any performance or carcass variable of interest (P ≥ 0.41). Previous supplementation on winter wheat affected BW at feedlot entry and adjusted G:F (P ≤ 0.05) but had no effect on finishing ADG or carcass traits (P ≥ 0.12). On a carcass-adjusted basis, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced final BW, ADG, G:F, and total BW gain throughout the system (P ≤ 0.04) compared with SFC. Additionally, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced HCW, dressing percent, and fat thickness (P ≤ 0.03) compared with SFC. There was a supplement by finishing diet interaction (P = 0.02) for 18:0, in which cattle supplemented with DRC and fed the SFC finishing diet had the lowest concentration of 18:0 but DRC supplemented steers fed the 35DDG diet had the greatest concentration. The interaction was not significant (P ≥ 0.18) for other fatty acids. Main effects of supplement and finishing diet affected (P ≤ 0.05) several other fatty acids of interest, particularly 18:2, which is associated with reduced flavor-stability of beef. The use of DDG as a supplement to wheat pasture resulted in greater ADG during wheat grazing and heavier BW at feedlot entry, but final BW was not different from CON or DRC groups. Feeding DDG at 35% DM in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets reduced ADG, G:F, and HCW, and affected the fatty acid composition of beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few diseases in modern pets are diet induced. One possible exception to this is obesity, which is ultimately caused by consuming more calories than needed by the dog or cat. Although fat is the most concentrated and efficiently stored source of calories, and protein least so, an excess of calories from any source will contribute to adiposity. Obesity is an excess of body fat sufficient to result in impairment of health or body function. In people, this is generally recognized as 20 to 25% above ideal BW. This degree of excess is important in dogs as well. A lifelong study in dogs showed that even moderately overweight dogs were at greater risk for earlier morbidity; these dogs required medication for chronic health problems sooner than their lean-fed siblings. The average difference in BW between groups was approximately 25%. Obese cats also face increased health risks, including an increased risk of arthritis, diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, and early mortality. The risk for development of diabetes increases about 2-fold in overweight cats and about 8-fold in obese cats. Altered adipokine secretion appears to be an important mechanism for the link between excess BW and many diseases. Once considered to be physiologically inert, adipose tissue is an active producer of hormones, such as leptin and resistin, and cytokines, including many inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and C-reactive protein. The persistent, low-grade inflammation secondary to obesity is thought to play a causal role in chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and others. For example, tumor necrosis factor-α alters insulin sensitivity by blocking activation of insulin receptors. In addition, obesity is associated with increased oxidative stress, which also may contribute to obesity-related diseases. Management of obesity involves nutritional modification as well as behavioral modification. Increased protein intake combined with reduced calorie intake facilitates loss of body fat while minimizing loss of lean body mass. Limiting treats to 10% of calorie intake and increasing exercise both aid in successful BW management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to 1) identify the natural source of feed contamination by zearalenone (ZEN), which was suspected to have caused persistently increased urinary ZEN concentrations in one of our experimental cattle herds, and 2) evaluate the effects of intervention against this source of contamination. As an experimental model, a fattening Japanese Black cattle herd showing persistently increased urinary ZEN concentrations was identified. Urinary ZEN concentrations of cows fed with new rice straw (experimental group, n = 6) vs. cows that continued to feed on the old rice straw (control group, n = 4) were measured at the start (d 1) and at 2 wk (d 14) after the onset of feeding with straw. In addition, the ZEN concentration in feed and water samples was measured by using both the ELISA and HPLC methods. Furthermore, isolation and identification of fungi from rice straw and concentrate feed samples were performed. The urinary ZEN concentration [ZEN (pg/mL)/creatinine (mg/mL) = pg/mg of creatinine] of cows fed with new rice straw was significantly (P < 0.05) less (843 pg/mg of creatinine) than that of cows fed with old rice straw (15,951 pg/mg of creatinine). On both d 1 and 14, the ZEN concentrations of old rice straw were greater than those of new rice straw. In addition, fungal colonies were observed in the culture media that was obtained from the old rice straw suspected of ZEN contamination, but not in the culture media from new rice straw or other feed samples. In conclusion, our field trials clearly indicate that the rice straw fed to the cows was naturally contaminated with ZEN, and that the monitoring of urinary ZEN concentrations could prove to be a useful tool for detecting the exposure of cattle to ZEN contamination at the farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant components and the oxidative stability of beef from cattle fed exclusively grazed pasture (P) or a barley-based concentrate offered indoors (C) for 11 months, or fed grass silage indoors for a 5-month winter period followed, for the remaining 6-month summer period, by grazed pasture (SiP) or by grazed pasture plus concentrate at 50% of the diet DM (SiPC). Muscle pro-oxidant and antioxidant components were determined by measuring fatty acid and of a-tocopherol concentration of LM, respectively. Lipid oxidation and color stability were monitored in ground LM, packaged in a high oxygen modified atmosphere, over 11 days of refrigerated storage. Vitamin E concentration decreased (P < 0.0005) with increaseing proportion of concentrate in the diet (2.59, 2.45, 1.76 and 1.15 µg/g for P, SiP, SiPC and C, respectively). A higher proportion of PUFA was found in LM from cattle in the P, SiP and SiPC groups compared to animals from the C group (9.62%, 11.04%, 8.96% and 6.94%, respectively; P < 0.0005). A higher concentration of highly peroxidizable PUFA (HP-PUFA) was found in LM from heifers in the P, SiP and SiPC groups compared to animals in the C group (0.84, 0.85, 0.87 and 0.65 mg/g of muscle, respectively; P = 0.02). Dietary treatment affected lipid oxidation (P < 0.0005), with higher TBARS values in beef from heifers in the SiPC group compared to those of the P, SiP and C groups. Dietary treatment affected myoglobin oxidation (P = 0.002) during storage with greater metmyoglobin accumulation in beef from animals receiving concentrate (C and SiPC treatments) compared to cattle in the P and SiP groups. Consequently, feeding concentrate impaired meat color stability over storage duration, with higher H* values (P < 0.0005) in meat from heifers in the SiPC and C groups compared to cattle from the P and SiP groups. The results of the present study confirm a positive effect of grass-based feeding systems on meat color stability compared to concentrate-based dietary strategies. It appears that vitamin E in muscle does not alone explain the resistance of meat to oxidative deterioration, as a clear interaction with HP-PUFA exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine ruminally cannulated cows fed different energy sources were used to evaluate an avian-derived polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP-MV) against the specific ruminal bacteria Streptococcus bovis, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Clostridium aminophilum, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Clostridium sticklandii and monensin (MON) on ruminal fermentation patterns and in vivo digestibility. The experimental design was three 3 x 3 Latin squares distinguished by the main energy source in the diet [dry-ground corn grain (CG), high-moisture corn silage (HMCS), or citrus pulp (CiPu)]. Inside each Latin square, animals received one of the feed additives per period [none (CON), MON, or PAP-MV]. Dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation variables such as pH, total short-chain fatty acids (tSCFA), which included acetate, propionate, and butyrate, as well as lactic acid and NH3-N concentration were analyzed in this trial. Total tract DM apparent digestibility and its fractions were estimated using chromic oxide as an external marker. Each experimental period lasted 21 d. Ruminal fluid sampling was carried out on the last day of the period at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h after the morning meal. Ruminal pH was higher (P = 0.006) 4 h postfeeding in MON and PAP-MV groups when compared with CON. Acetate:propionate ratio was greater in PAP-MV compared with MON across sampling times. Polyclonal antibodies did not alter (P > 0.05) tSCFA, molar proportion of acetate and butyrate, or lactic acid and NH3-N concentration. Ruminal pH was higher (P = 0.01), 4 h postfeeding in CiPu diets compared with CG and HMCS. There was no interaction between feed additive and energy source (P > 0.05) for any of the digestibility coefficients analyzed. Starch digestibility was less (P = 0.008) in PAP-MV when compared with CON and MON. In relation to energy sources, NDF digestibility was greater (P = 0.007) in CG and CiPu vs. the HMCS diet. The digestibility of ADF was greater (P = 0.002) in CiPu diets followed by CG and HMCS. Feeding PAP-MV or monensin altered ruminal fermentation patterns and digestive function in cows; however, those changes were independent of the main energy source of the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diets fed to nonruminant animals are composed mainly of feed ingredients of plant origin. A variety of antinutritional factors such as phytin, nonstarch polysaccharides, and protease inhibitors may be present in these feed ingredients, which could limit nutrients that may be utilized by animals fed such diets. The primary nutrient utilization-limiting effect of phytin arises from the binding of 6 phosphate groups, thus making the P unavailable to the animal. The negative charges allow for formation of insoluble phytin-metal complexes with many divalent cations. Furthermore, phytin and protein can form binary complexes through electrostatic links of its charged phosphate groups with either the free amino group on AA on proteins or via formation of ternary complexes of phytin, Ca2+, and protein. The form and extent of de novo formation of binary and ternary complexes of phytin and protein are likely to be important variables that influence the effectiveness of nutrient hydrolysis in plant-based diets. Nonstarch polysacharides reduce effective energy and nutrient utilization by nonruminant animals because of a lack of the enzymes needed for breaking down the complex cell wall structure that encapsulate other nutrients. Enzymes are used in nonruminant animal production to promote growth and efficiency of nutrient utilization and reduce nutrient excretion. The enzymes used include those that target phytin and nonstarch polysaccharides. Phytase improves growth and enhances P utilization, but positive effects on other nutrients are not always observed. Nonstarch polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzymes are less consistent in their effects on growth and nutrient utilization, although they show promise and it is imperative to closely match both types and amounts of nonstarch polysaccharides with appropriate enzyme for beneficial effects. When used together with phytase, nonstarch polysaccharide-hydrolyzing enzymes may increase the accessibility of phytase to phytin encapsulated in cell walls. The future of enzymes in nonruminant animal production is promising and will likely include an understanding of the role of enzyme supplementation in promoting health as well as how enzymes may modulate gene functions. This review is an attempt to summarize current thinking in this area, provide some clarity in nomenclature and mechanisms, and suggest opportunities for expanded exploitation of this unique biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment involving 560 crossbred pigs (28 replications of 4 to 6 pigs per pen) was conducted at 9 research stations to assess the effects of dietary concentrations of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on pig performance and belly firmness. Fortified corn-soybean meal diets containing 0, 15, 30, or 45% DDGS were fed in 3 phases from 33 to 121 kg of BW. A common source of DDGS containing 90.1% DM, 26.3% CP, 0.96% Lys, 0.18% Trp, 9.4% crude fat, 34.6% NDF, 0.03% Ca, and 0.86% P was used at each station. Diets were formulated to contain 0.83, 0.70, and 0.58% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys during the 3 phases with diets changed at 60 and 91 kg of BW, respectively. The DDGS replaced corn and soybean meal, and up to 0.172% Lys and 0.041% Trp were added to maintain constant SID concentrations of Lys and Trp in each phase. At each station, 2 pigs from each pen in 2 replications were killed and a midline backfat core was obtained for fatty acid analysis and iodine value. In most instances, there were differences among stations (P < 0.01), but the station × treatment interactions were few. Body weight gain was linearly reduced in pigs fed the greater amounts of DDGS (0 to 45%) during phase I (950, 964, 921, and 920 g/d; P < 0.01) and over the entire experimental period (944, 953, 924, and 915 g/d; P = 0.03), but ADFI (2.73, 2.76, 2.68, and 2.70 kg) and G:F (347, 347, 345, and 341 g/kg) were not affected (P = 0.15 and P = 0.33, respectively) during the entire test. Backfat depth was reduced (linear, P < 0.02) by increasing amounts of DDGS (22.5, 22.7, 21.4, and 21.6 mm), but LM area (47.4, 47.4, 46.1, and 45.4 cm2) was not affected (P = 0.16) by treatments. Estimated carcass fat-free lean was 51.9, 52.2, 52.4, and 52.1% for 0 to 45% DDGS, respectively (linear, P = 0.06). Flex measures obtained at 6 stations indicated less firm bellies as dietary DDGS increased (lateral flex: 11.9, 8.6, 8.4, and 6.6 cm; linear, P < 0.001; vertical flex: 26.1, 27.4, 28.2, and 28.7 cm; linear, P < 0.003). Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations in subcutaneous fat decreased linearly (P < 0.001) and PUFA concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing DDGS in the diet. Iodine values in inner (61.1, 68.2, 74.7, and 82.2) and outer (67.9, 73.6, 79.6, and 85.8) backfat increased linearly (P < 0.001) as DDGS in the diet increased. In this study, feeding diets with 30 or 45% DDGS did not have major effects on growth performance, but resulted in softer bellies. Regression analysis indicated that iodine values increased 4.3 units for every 10 percentage unit inclusion of DDGS in the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is well adapted to the Black Belt physiographic region of the southeastern United States, and information on its productivity and nutritive quality as influenced by grazing management is needed. In a 2-yr grazing experiment, replicate 0.40-ha paddocks in established dallisgrass pasture were continuously stocked, or replicate 0.40-ha paddocks were subdivided into two 0.20-ha (RS2), three 0.13-ha (R53), or four 0.10-ha (RS4) cells and rotationally stocked with yearling beef steers. Individual cells within the RS2, RS3, and RS4 treatments were stocked for 7 d followed by 7, 14, or 21 d of rest, respectively. In 2007, 3 Angus × Simmental crossbred steers (initial BW, 354 ± 6 kg) wete assigned randomly to each paddock on July 16; in 2008, 3 Angus × Simmental crossbred steers (initial BW, 310 ± 6 kg) were assigned randomly to each paddock on July 14. In 2007, there was no effect (P = 0.25) of stocking treatment on ADG. Steers grazing .RS4, RS2, and continuously stocked paddocks had 106 (P = 0.01), 86 (P 0.03), and 83 (P = 0.03) kg greater total BW gain per ha, respectively, than steers grazing RS3 paddocks. In 2008, there were no differences among treatments in ADG (P = 0.43) or total BW gain per ha (P = 0.90). Correlation and regression analyses revealed positive associations between steer performance and forage concentration of CP, areal mass (kg/ha) of forage DM, and areal mass of forage CP. Results indicate that productivity and quality of dallisgrass for stocker cattle production were. comparable between continuous and rotationalstocking methods. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature pregnant crossbred ewes (n = 90) were used in a randomized complete block design and assigned to 1 of 3 winter-feeding systems differing in primary feed source: haylage (HL), limit-fed corn (CN), or limit-fed dried distillers grains (DDGS). Effects of these winter-feeding strategies on ewe and lamb performance were determined. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1985) nutrient requirements during gestation and were fed from about d 60 of gestation until parturition. All ewes were fed a common diet postpartum. Every 2 wk during gestation; BW and BCS were collected and diets were adjusted to maintain similar BW gain for ewes fed CN and DDGS vs. HL. At 80 and 122 d of gestation, jugular blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h postfeeding to measure plasma glucose, insulin, NEFA, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. At birth, 6 lambs per treatment were killed to measure body composition. At 28 ± 2 d postpartum, milk yield was measured. Lambs were weaned at 61 ± 4 d of age. During mid gestation (d 60 to 115), BW gain of ewes was similar among treatments; however, at d 115 of gestation ewes fed HL had a smaller (P = 0.04) BCS than ewes fed DDGS or CN. Plasma glucose concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.004) in ewes fed CN than in those fed HL or DDGS just before feeding on d 80 and 122 of gestation, whereas ewes fed DDGS vs. CN or HL had greater (P ≤ 0.04) plasma insulin concentrations at 3 h postfeeding. At parturition, ewe BW was greatest for DDGS, least for HL, and intermediate for CN (P ≤ 0.003). Ewes fed CN and DDGS had greater BCS at parturition than those fed HL, but by weaning, ewes fed DDGS had greater BCS (P ≤ 0.05) than thdse fed CN or HL. Birth BW tended (P = 0.09) to be heavier for lambs from ewes fed CN and DDGS than from those fed HL prepartum, but there was no difference (P = 0.19) due to ewe gestation diet on lamb BW at weaning. At birth, lamb muscle, bone, organ, and fat measures were not affected (P > 0.13) by treatment. Ewe milk production and lamb preweaning ADG were also similar (P > 0.44) among treatments. Prepartum dam winter feed source did not have detrimental effects on pre- or postpartum ewe performance, but altered prepartum maternal nutrient supply during gestation, which affected birth weight but not preweaning growth or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which selection for decreased residual feed intake (RFI) affects pork composition and quality. Pigs from the fifth generation of selection for decreased RFI (select) and a randomly selected line (control) were utilized. Two experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, barrows (22.6 ± 3.9 kg) from select and control lines were paired based on age and BW. The test was conducted in 8 replicates of pairs for the test period of 6 wk. Calpastatin activity and myosin isoforms profile were determined on samples from the LM. Control barrows were heavier (59.1 vs. 55.0 kg; P < 0.01) at the end of the test period. Calpastatin activity was greater (P < 0.01) in LM of select barrows than control barrows. In Exp. 2, composition and quality of gilts (114 kg) from control and select lines were determined. The model included fixed effects of line, slaughter date, melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) genotype, barn group, line × slaughter date, genotype × line interactions, a covariate of off-test BW, and sire, pen, and litter fitted as random effects. The select line (n = 80) had 0.043 kg less (P < 0.05) RFI per day than the control line (n = 89). Loin quality and composition were determined at 2 d postmortem. Desmin degradation was measured at 2 and 7 d postmortem. Purge, cook loss, sensory traits, and star probe texture were measured at 7 to 10 d postmortem on cooked chops. Residual correlations between RFI and composition and quality traits were calculated. Compared with the control line, carcasses from the select line tended to have less (P = 0.09) backfat, greater (P < 0.05) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.05) fat free lean. Loin chops from the select line had less (P < 0.01) intramuscular lipid content than loin chops from control line. Significant residual correlations between RFI and both tenderness (r = 0.24, P < 0.01) and star probe (r = -0.26, P < 0.01) were identified. Selection for decreased RFI has the potential to improve carcass composition with few effects on pH and water-holding capacity. However, decreased RFI could negatively affect tenderness and texture because of decreased lipid content and decreased postmortem protein degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred forty Angus crossbred steers were used to determine the influence of feeding various quantities of wet and dry distillers grains to finishing steers on carcass characteristics, meat quality, retail-case life of ground beef, and fatty acid profile of LM. Three replications of 5 dietary treatments were randomly applied to 15 pens in each of 2 yr. A finishing diet containing dry-rolled corn, soybean meal, and alfalfa hay was fed as the control diet. Wet distillers grains with solubles (DGS) or dry DGS was added to the finishing diets at either 20.0 or 40.0% of the dietary DM to replace all soybean meal and part of the cracked corn in treatment diets. Carcasses of steers fed DGS had greater (P < 0.05) fat thickness (1.47 vs. 1.28 cm), greater (P < 0.05) USDA yield grades (3.23 vs. 2.94), and smaller (P < 0.05) percentage of yield grades 1 and 2 (41.1 vs. 60.4%) than carcasses of steers fed the control diet. Longissimus muscle from steers fed dry DGS lilad greater (P < 0.05) ultimate pH values (5.52 vs. 5.49) than LM from steers fed wet DGS. Ground beef from steers fed DGS had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of α-tocopherol (1.77 vs. 1.43 μg/g) than ground beef from steers fed the control diet. Ground beef from steers fed 40% DGS had greater (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (2.84 vs. 2.13 mg/kg) on d 2 of retail display than ground beef from steers fed 20% DGS. Longissimus muscle of steers fed DGS had less (P < 0.05) C17:0 and more (P < 0.05) C18:0, C18:lt, C16:1c9, C18:2c9c12 (where t is trans and c is cis), and total PUFA than LM of steers fed the control diet. Feedlot steers fed DGS may need to be marketed earlier than normal to avoid excess external fat and carcasses with a greater numerical yield grade. These data suggest feeding DGS to finishing steers will have no adverse or beneficial effects on glycolytic variables (dark cutters), retail display life of ground beef, or meat tenderness. However, beef from cattle finished on diets containing DGS will likely have a greater proportion of PUFA and therefore may be more susceptible to oxidative rancidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effects of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis endospore and Clostridium butyricum endospore complex) supplementation and different energy and nutrient densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs with initial BW of 47.50 ± 1.14 kg were used in a 10-wk experiment. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treat- ments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 levels of energy and nutrient density (low and high energy, CP, and Lys) and 0.2% probiotics accord- ing to their sex and BW (6 pens, with 2 gilts and 2 barrows/pen). From 0 to 5 wk, ADG and G:F, as well as the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of N and energy, were improved (P < 0.05) in the probiotic groups and in the high-energy and high-nutrient-density groups. From 6 to 10 wk, ADG and G:F, as well as the ATTD of DM, N, and energy, were increased (P < 0.01) when pigs were fed the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets. Pigs fed the probiotic supplement or the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets had increased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F overall. Moreover, pigs fed the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets had increased (P < 0.05) meat color scores, marbling scores, drip loss values, pH, and LM area (P < 0.05) compared with those fed the low-energy and low- nutrient-density diets, whereas the probiotic treatment groups had increased (P < 0.01) meat color scores, marbling scores, and redness values. The lightness and yellowness values in the low-energy and low-nutrient-density dietary treatments were greater (P < 0.05) than those in the high-energy and high-nutrient-density dietary treatments. Interactive effects of dietary energy and nutrient density and probiotics were also observed (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of N at wk 10 and energy at wk 5, as well as on meat firmness at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotics increased growth performance throughout the experiment and exerted beneficial effects on ATTD. Meat quality was improved when pigs were fed high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bedded hoop barns in finishing systems for beef cattle has not been widely researched. In this management system, beef cattle are confined to hoop barns throughout finishing, and bedding is used to absorb animal waste, which results in minimal effluent. The objective of this study was to compare the performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers (n = 1,428) managed in a bedded hoop-barn management system vs. an open-feedlot system with shelter. Six feeding trials were conducted over a 3-yr period. Three trials were conducted during summer-fall and 3 trials were conducted during winter-spring. Crossbred steers were allotted to 3 pens in the hoop-barn system and to 3 pens in the open-lot system (approximately 40 steers per pen in both facility systems). Stocking densities for the steers were 4.65 m² per steer in the hoop-barn system and 14.7 m² per steer in the open-lot system. The steers were begun on trial weighing 410 and 411 kg (SD = 21), were fed for 102.3 and 103.0 d (SD = 3.8), and were weighed off test at 595 and 602 kg (SD = 21) for the hoop-barn and open-lot systems, respectively. Steer performance measures consisted of ADG, DMI, and G:F. Carcass characteristics were HCW, fat thickness, LM area, KPH percentage, marbling score, USDA yield grade, and USDA quality grade. No year, season, or pen (management system) main effects, or season x management system and year x management system interactions were observed for any of the items measured related to cattle performance or carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). Final mud scores (a subjective evaluation of the amount of soil and manure adhering to the hair coat of the animals) were greater for the steers from the open-lot system compared with those from the hoop-barn system (P < 0.02), suggesting steers in the hoop-barn system carried less mud than steers from the open-lot system. Average daily cornstalk bedding use in the hoop-barn system was 2.3 kg/steer during summer-fall and 2.6 kg/steer during winter-spring. The performance of finishing cattle managed in a hoop-barn system was not different from the performance of cattle managed in an open-feedlot system with shelter during summer and winter. Managing beef cattle in hoop barns required more bedding but resulted in decreased mud scores compared with cattle managed in an open-lot system with shelter. Hoop barns are a viable alternative housing management system for finishing beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs (n = 240) were allotted in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement with 5 levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS): 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60%, and 2 ractopamine (RAC) levels: 0 and 5 mg/kg. Four pigs per pen (2 barrows, 2 gilts) closest to pen mean BW were used for meat quality evaluation. Loins (n = 119) were evaluated for objective color; moisture and fat; subjective color, marbling, and firmness; and drip loss. Bellies (n = 119) were evaluated for weight, length, width, thickness, objective fat color, and firmness. Cured bellies were evaluated for pump yield, cook loss, and sliced bacon cook loss. Loin thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated on enhanced (salt and phosphate) boneless chops held in modified atmosphere (80% O2/20% CO2) packages for 0, 7, 14, and 21 d. Bacon TBARS were evaluated on sliced bacon held in vacuum packages for 0, 28, 56, and 84 d. Fat samples were collected from each jowl and belly and evaluated for fatty acid profile and iodine value (IV). Increasing DDGS decreased subjective marbling (P = 0.0134) and firmness (P = 0.0235), and increased drip loss (P = 0.0046). Distillers dried grains with solubles did not affect loin pH, subjective or objective color, percent moisture, or percent fat (P > 0.05). The RAC decreased subjective color (P = 0.0239), marbling (P = 0.0445), and a* (P = 0.0355). Increasing DDGS decreased belly weight (P = 0.0155), length (P = 0.0008), thickness (P = 0.0019), and firmness (P = 0.0054); decreased belly fat L* (P = 0.0818); and increased belly cook loss (P = 0.0890). Ractopamine did not affect any belly measurements, and there were no DDGS x RAC interactions (P > 0.05). Distillers dried grains with solubles did not affect loin TBARS at 0, 7, or 14 d. At 21 d, loin TBARS from 30, 45, and 60% DDGS groups were increased compared with 0 and 15% groups (P < 0.05). Ractopamine did not affect (P > 0.05) loin TBARS, and there were no (P > 0.05) DDGS x RAC interactions. Distillers dried grains with solubles and RAC did not affect bacon TBARS (P > 0.05). Increasing DDGS increased belly (P = 0.0207) and jowl (P < 0.0001) IV, and decreased MUFA:PUFA in belly (P < 0.0001) and jowl (P < 0.0001) fat. Ratio of SFA:unsaturated fatty acids decreased in jowl (P = 0.0002) and belly fat (P = 0.2815). Ractopamine did not affect fatty acid profiles or IV, and there were no DDGS x RAC interactions (P > 0.05). Results indicate that increased DDGS have minimal effects on loin quality, but decrease belly quality, bacon processing characteristics, and fat stability. Ractopamine does not negatively affect these characteristics and does not interact with DDGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to investigate using alfalfa leaf meal (ALM; 22% CP, DM basis) in beef cattle diets. In Exp. 1, a total of 24 lategestation Angus heifers (initial BW 470 ± 9 kg) were blocked by BW, calving date, and BCS to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. All heifers were offered a basal hay diet (7.4% CP and 67.6% NDF, DM basis). Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial consisting of CP supplied at 100 or 112.5% of the recommended daily intake using either soybean meal (SBM) or ALM as the supplemental protein source. Treatments were fed for an average of 100 d before calving. Total DM1 was unaffected by supplemental protein source, although heifers consumed more (P < 0.001) ALM supplement than SBM supplement at the expense of hay and corn. Feeding 112.5% of recommended CP to heifers increased precalving rate of BW gain (P = 0.004) and DM digestibility (P = 0.003). Protein source did not affect DM digestibility (P = 0.17). Neither supplemental protein source nor protein amount affected changes in BCS or calving traits. In Exp. 2, replicates of treatments were conducted over 2 consecutive years at 2 locations in northern Minnesota to determine the effects of including ALM in creep–fed supplements on nursing calf performance, supplement BW gain efficiency (GF; BW gain over control⁄supplement intake), and cow performance. Treatments were control (no supplement), ALM supplement (58% ALM, as–fed basis), or a wheat middlingand soybean hullbased supplement (MIDD). Milk intake (estimated by the weigh–suckle–weigh technique) was similar among treatments. Creep–fed calves had greater (P < 0.001) ADG than control calves, whereas calves offered MIDD tended to have greater ADG (P = 0.05) than those offered ALM (1.38 vs. 1.30 kg⁄d, respectively). Calves offered MIDD had greater (P < 0.001) creep feed DM1 than those offered ALM (2.6 vs. 1.3 kg⁄d, respectively). A year x treatment interaction was noted for GF (P = 0.02). In yr 1, GF for calves offered ALM was greater (P = 0.006) than GF for calves offered MIDD, but in yr 2, there were no differences. Alfalfa leaf meal may substitute for SBM in beef heifer wintering diets and conventional creep feed ingredients. When included in creep feed diets, ALM can result in slightly less ADG and less DM1, but supplement conversion efficiency may be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether subtle changes in the energy–to–N ratio of medium–concentrate diets alters hepatic export protein synthesis and the partition of protein metabolism in the whole body of growing rams. Rams (n 6; 41.5 ± 2.6 kg of BW) were fitted with catheters for measurement of Leu and Phe tracer kinetics across the portal drainedviscera (PDV) and liver. Rams were assigned to receive 3 dietary treatments according to a duplicated Latin square design. Animals received forage–concentratebased diets that were balanced for ME and available N (CON), 20% imbalanced (reduced) in available N (LN), or 20% imbalanced in ME (LE). After 15 d on each experimental diet, ring–-2H5] Phe (4.3 μmol.kg-1.h-1) and [1–-3C]Leu (8.6 μmol.kg-1.h-1) were continuously infused into the vena cava for 10 h and, over the last 7 h of infusion, matched sets of blood samples were taken. Daily BW gain was less (P < 0.05) for the LE (0.191 kg.d-1) diet compared with CON (0.265 kg/d) and LN (258 kg.d1) diets. Compared with CON, whole body irreversible loss rate (ILR) of Leu and Phe was less (10 to 16%, P < 0.02) for LN and LE diets, which for Leu reflected its decreased (20 to 24%, P < 0.05) net PDV absorption. The decreased whole body ILR is due to a decreased PDV ILR in both diets with a relative contribution of the PDV to the whole body ILR decreased (P < 0.05) in the LN (27%) diet compared with the CON (36%) and LE (33%) diets. This decreased PDV ILR was associated with a decreased net Len PDV uptake in LN and LE diets (–25 and –20%, respectively; P < 0.05). Conversely, the decreased whole body Phe ILR is explained by a decreased hepatic ILR (and contribution to the whole body ILR) and was associated with a decreased net hepatic uptake of Phe in LN (–25%) and LE (–20%) diets compared with CON (P = 0.03). The fractional and absolute synthesis rates of total proteins and albumin were decreased by 10% in LE animals (P <0.05), whereas they were not affected by the LN diet. These results suggest a specific decreased utilization of Leu at the PDV due to a specific sparing mechanism in the LN diet. Conversely, a decreased Phe utilization occurred in the liver in both diets (due to a decreased export protein synthesis and a probable decreased oxidation in LE diet, whereas only oxidation is reduced in LN diet). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of varying bulk densities of steam-flaked corn (SFC) and level of inclusion of roughage in feedlot diets were evaluated in 3 experiments. In Exp. 1, a total of 128 beef steers were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of bulk density of SFC (335 or 386 g/L) and roughage concentration (6 or 10% ground alfalfa hay, DM basis) on performance and carcass characteristics. No interactions were observed between bulk density and roughage concentration for performance data. From d 0 to the end, cattle fed the 335 g/L SFC had greater overall G:F (P 0.04) than those fed the 386 g/L SFC, with tendencies (P < 0.10) for improved G:F with the lighter flake weight evident at all 35-d intervals throughout the feeding period. Dry matter intake was less for cattle fed 6 vs. 10% roughage from d 0 to 35 (P 0.03) and d 0 to 70 (P = 0.05), but not for the overall feeding period. Feeding 6 vs. 10% ground alfalfa as the roughage source tended (P = 0.09) to improve overall G:F. Treatment effects on carcass measurements were generally not significant (P > 0.20). In Exp. 2, the effects of bulk density of SFC (283, 335, or 386 g/L) and 6 or 10% ground alfalfa hay on IVDMD and in vitro pH were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h of incubation. With a reduced-strength buffer in vitro fermentation system, pH increased (P < 0.01) with increasing bulk density at 6 and 12 h, and IVDMD decreased (P < 0.03) as bulk density increased. In contrast, in a normal-strength buffer system, there were no treatment differences (P > 0.23) for IVDMD. In Exp. 3, two diets that varied in bulk density of SFC and roughage concentration (335 g/L SFC with 6% alfalfa hay vs. 386 g/L SFC with 10% alfalfa hay) were compared for their effects on the pattern of feed intake and the acid-base balance in Holstein steers (12/treatment). No differences (P > 0.10) between treatments were noted for blood gases or urine PH; however, day effects (P < 0.02) were detected for blood pH, partial pressure of CO2, and urine pH, which generally decreased (P < 0.05) with an increasing time on feed. The 2 treatments had little effect on the pat- tern of feed intake within the sampling days, with the exception that the 386 g/L SFC with 10% alfalfa hay diet increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of total DM1 consumed at 1 and 6 h after feeding on d 14. Within the ranges of bulk density and roughage level studied, 335 g/L SFC with 6% alfalfa hay yielded the optimal animal performance, with limited effects on in vitro fermentation and the acid-base balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the maternal plane of nutrition and role of Se yeast on foaling variables and passive transfer of IgG, 28 Quarter Horse mares were used in a study with a randomized complete block design. Mares were blocked by expected foaling date and assigned randomly within block to dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial with 2 planes of nutrition, pasture or pasture + grain mix (fed at 0.75% of BW on an as-fed basis) and 2 concentrations of Se yeast (0 or 0.3 mg/kg of DM1). This resulted in 4 treatments: pasture (PA), pasture + Se (PS), pasture + grain mix (PG), and pasture + grain mix + Se (PGS). Assuming DM1 at 2% of BW, the mares fed PA and PS received approximately 100% of the calculated NRC (2007) DE requirements, whereas PG and PGS received 120%. Selenium supplementation began 110 d before the estimated foaling date, and all dietary treatments were terminated at parturition. At parturition, foaling variables were recorded. Additionally, placental weight was recorded and 2 samples from each placenta were collected for analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. Colostrum was obtained for fat, protein, milk urea N, somatic cell count, and IgG analyses. Foal blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after parturition for IgG analysis. There was no effect (P ⩽ 0.21) of Se or plane of nutrition on foaling variables; however, foal BW as a percentage of mare BW tended (P = 0.10) to be reduced in foals from mares on grain mix (PG and PGS; 7.6%) compared with mares not fed grain mix (PA and PS; 8.0%). There was also no effect (P > 0.20) of Se or plane of nutrition on placental cell number (mg of DNA/g), potential cellular activity (RNA:DNA), expulsion time, or weight. However, mares fed supplemental Se (PS and PCS) had decreased (P = 0.02) placental cell size (24.1 mg of protein/mg of DNA) compared with mares not fed supplemental Se (PA and PG; 32.5 mg of protein/mg of DNA). There was also no effect (P ⩽ 0.18) of Se or plane of nutrition on colostral fat, protein, milk urea N, or somatic cell count. However, mares fed grain mix (PG and PGS) had less (P = 0.03) colostral IgG (76.5 g/L) compared with mares not fed grain mix (PA and PS; 126.6 g/L). Foals from mares fed grain (PG and PGS) tended (P = 0.06) to have less overall serum IgG (13.6 g/L) compared with foals from mares not fed grain (PA and PS; 15.3 g/L). These data indicate that the maternal diet during the last one-third of gestation affects placental efficiency and colostral IgG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several abstracts on topics related to animal nutrition and reproduction including mineral supplementation in pasture-based beef for animals, use of mineral nutrition on reproduction, and impact of vitamin and mineral status on beef cattle immune function and health.

The objective of this study was to characterize residual feed intake (RFI) and to estimate phenotypic and genetic correlations with performance and ultrasound carcass traits in growing heifers. Four postweaning feed efficiency trials were conducted using 468 Brangus heifers. The complete Brangus pedigree file from Camp Cooley Ranch (Franklin, TX), which included 31,215 animals, was used to generate genetic parameter estimates. The heifer progeny from 223 dams were sired by 36 bulls, whereas the complete pedigree file contained 1,710 sires and 8,191 dams. Heifers were individually fed a roughage-based diet (ME = 1.98 Mcal/kg of DM) using Calan gate feeders for 70 d. Heifer BW was recorded weekly and ultrasound measures of 12th- to 13th-rib fat thickness (BF) and LM area (LMA) obtained at d 0 and 70. Residual feed intake (RFIp) was computed as actual minus predicted DM1, with predicted DM1 determined by linear regression of DM1 on mid-test BW0.75 (MBW) and ADG with trial, trial x MBW, and trial x ADG as random effects. Overall means for ADG, DM1, and RFI were 1.01 (SD = 0.15), 9.51 (SD = 1.02), and 0.00 (SD = 0.71) kg/d, respectively. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that inclusion of gain in BF and final LMA into the base model increased the R2 (0.578 vs. 0.534) and accounted for 9% of the variation in DM1 not explained by MBW and ADG (RFIp). Residual feed intake and carcass-adjusted RFI (RFIc) were strongly correlated phenotypically and genetically with DM1 and FCR, but not with ADG or MBW. Gain in BF was phenotypically correlated (P < 0.05) with RFIp (0.22), but not with FCR or RFIc; however, final BF was genetically correlated (P < 0.05) with RFIp (0.36) and RFIc (0.39). Gain in LMA was weakly phenotypically correlated with FCR, but not with RFIp or RFIc; however, gain in LMA was strongly genetically correlated with RFIp (0.55) and RFIc (0.77). The Spearman rank correlation between RFIp and RFIc was high (0.96). These results suggest that adjusting RFI for ultrasound carcass composition traits will facilitate selection phenotypically independent of growth, body size, and carcass composition; however, genetic relationships may still exist between RFI and carcass composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-four harrows (78.1 ± 1.7 kg of initial BW) were fed a control diet (2.5% sunflower oil) or an experimental diet containing 5% whole extruded linseed. Both diets were supplemented with 170 mg of vitamin E/kg of feed. At slaughter (160 + 9.2 kg of BW), 6 hams were collected per group and delivered to Stazione Sperimentale per 1'Industria delle Conserve Alimentari of Parma for seasoning. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of diet on the physicochemical characteristics of dry-cured ham. The linseed diet increased (P < 0.05) the content of n-3 PUFA in trimmed fat (green ham), semimembranosus muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the whole slice (dry-cured ham). Moreover, there was a decrease in the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio from 12 to 3 in all of those tissues. In contrast, the greater α-linolenic acid content in linseed caused an increase in the iodine value of green hams to a value that is not accepted by the Parma Ham Consortium. A sensory consumer test indicated that linseed-enriched dry-cured ham had the least acceptance score for odor, taste, and overall acceptability descriptors. These data suggest that the use of extruded linseed for pig feed is an acceptable way to improve the nutritional quality of long-cured pork products but could be limited by negative effects on the sensory characteristics of dry-cured ham. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different planes of nutrition in early pregnancy (EP) and mid-pregnancy (MP) of crossbred ewes on carcass characteristics of male offspring and reproductive performance of female offspring. During EP (d 1 to 39 after synchronized mating) ewes were allocated 60% (low, L-EP), 100% (medium, M-EP), or 200% (high, H-EP) of their energy requirements for maintenance. Between d 40 and 90 (MP), ewes were then allocated 80% (MMP) or 140% (H-MP) of their maintenance energy requirement. After d 90, all ewes were fed to fully meet energy requirements for late pregnancy. Male offspring (n = 83) were reared on a grass-based system and slaughtered at 42, 46, or 50 kg of BW. Female offspring (n = 60) were reared on a grass-based system, mated at 8 mo, and performance recorded until weaning of their first lamb crop. Concentrations of leptin, an adiposity indicator, in female offspring varied with the plane of maternal nutrition in early pregnancy. The L-EP offspring had greater leptin concentrations than H-EP offspring (P = 0.04), with M-EP offspring showing intermediate concentrations. Reproductive performance of female offspring was not affected by maternal plane of nutrition (P ⩾ 0.16). Female H-EP offspring gave birth to heavier lambs (generation 2 offspring) than M-EP (P = 0.006) with L-EP offspring intermediate. Male offspring of L-EP darns showed a trend toward poorer carcass conformation (P = 0.06) and increased fat classification (P = 0.07), consistent with increased fat depths over the loin (P = 0.02). There was a significant interaction between plane of nutrition in early pregnancy and mid-pregnancy for female offspring BW at 2 mo postmating and 16 wk postlambing (P ⩽ 0.04), and for male offspring perinephric and retroperitoneal fat and tissue depth (P ⩽ 0.02). For dams offered diet L-EP during early pregnancy, diet H-MP gave heavier offspring with more perinephric and retroperitoneal fat. In contrast, for dams offered diet H-EP during EP, diet M-MP gave offspring that were heavier or fatter or both. Maintenance level of nutrition in EP followed by M-MP or H-MP treatments resulted in offspring intermediate in fatness and BW. The data indicate that adaptations in EP and MP to compensate for nutritional deprivation or nutritional excess can alter the BW, adiposity, conformation, and leptin concentrations of offspring. Such changes have potential to alter health and lifetime productive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]