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Breeding practices and trait preferences are key to defining sound breeding objectives and designing genetic improvement programs at community level. The current study identifies these factors for village goats within a pilot community-based breeding program in Pella village, North West province, South Africa. Thirty-five farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire survey to characterize goat farmers’ production system. Breeding objectives were identified in 26 households using own flock ranking experiment and the body weight (kg) and linear measurements (cm) were collected for 10 best does and bucks. Majority of famers were males (83%) and literate (85.7%). Fifteen (43%) farmers owned a buck, and those that did not, relied on communal bucks. Average flock per household was 21±19. Farmer selling price for does was R1588.68±313.17 and bucks were sold for R1663.89±861.91. Body size traits were ranked high for both bucks (0.22) and does (0.10), followed by growth rate of 0.10 does and 0.08 for bucks. Average live body weight for all goats was 38±12 kg. Except for rump length, all linear body measurements studied were significantly correlated with body weight (p

This study focuses on research of economically important traits of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy cows with different types of body constitution. The aim of the study was to differentiate dairy cows into constitution types and to identify the best types in terms of growth, exterior, milk productivity and reproductive capacity. The cows were differentiated into low-, mid- and high-capacity types of body constitution. Depending on their type the features of growth, exterior, milk productivity and reproduction capacity of primiparous have been studied. It has been established, that the intensity of growth of heifers from birth to 18 months depended on the type of their body constitution. Higher live weight, absolute and average daily gains were characteristic of heifers with low-capacity body constitution. Their live weight at the age of 18 months on average was 388.5 kg, it was on 30.9 kg and 60.3 kg (Р < 0.01) more than live weight of mid- and high-capacity heifers. The advantages of low-capacity heifers in average daily gain during the growing period were 60 g and 117 g, respectively. The results of the exterior evaluation have shown that primiparous with the high-capacity type of body constitution had greater size and larger measurements primarily of the chest and barrel (Р < 0.05–0.001).The higher values of linear evaluation were also observed in cows with the high-capacity type, which were characterized by well-developed chest, wide rump, desired rear view of rear legs, firm udder attachment and strong central ligament. The power of influence of the type of body constitution on linear type traits ranged from 0.5 % (rear teat placement) to 46.2 % (chest width). Higher milk productivity was a characteristic of mid-capacity cows (an advantage of 305-d milk yield – 340–662 kg, milk fat yield – 9.0–21.0 kg, milk protein yield – 9.8–19.8 kg).The best results of reproduction capacity have been observed in cows with the high-capacity type of body constitution (calving percentage – 87.5 %)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between pelvic measurements viz pelvic width (PW), pelvic height (PH) and pelvic area (PA), and linear body measurement traits viz body weight (BW), shoulder height (SH), chest depth (CD), Hindquarters width (HW), rump length (RL), hip height (HH), body length (BL) and also calve birth weight (CBW) under different calving ease scores viz no assistance, gently pull and hard pull. Material and methods: A total number of fifty-one first calf Sussex heifers at 24 months old, weighing approximately 450 kg were used for this study. A number of two, two-year-old bulls, weighing approximately 800 kg were used for mating the fifty-one heifers with a bull to cow ratio of (1:30 and 1:21). The fertility of bulls was assessed by a private veterinarian before the mating season. Calving ease was scored as follows: 1 = no assistance during parturition (normal), 2 = heifer assistance as gently pull, 3 = heifer assistance as hard pull, 4 = heifer cannot calf, 5 = heifer calved a dead calf, and 6 = heifer calf with abnormal position. Results: Descriptive statistics indicated that PH (p < 0.01) and RL (p < 0.05) were significant different among calving ease scores. Correlation findings for no assistance score revealed that CBW was positively significantly correlated (p < 0.05) PH and low significant (p < 0.01) with HW, HH, RL, PW, CD and SH, respectively. CART results demonstrated that HH and PH play an important role in predicting calving ease on Sussex heifers. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a relationship between pelvic areas and linear body measurements. This study might help farmers during breeding to lower incidents of dystocia during parturition. However, further studies need to be done in CART modelling with the main aim of reducing dystocia in Sussex heifer or larger sample size. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(1.000): 164-172]

Estrus traits have economic value in dairy production systems and could be incorporated into genetic selection indices. In an effort to further understand selection responses, 2 studies were performed to estimate the intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for estrus traits. Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 1,197; study 1) across 5 pasture-based grazing dairy herds were fitted with a capacitive touch sensing (CTS) device on the rump (FlashMate, Farmshed Labs Limited, Hamilton, New Zealand). The daily number of rump touches were subjected to a peak detection program to objectively identify periods of increased rump touches above baseline (indicative of estrus). The number of times touched and the sum of the touch duration were used to compare farms and estimate the intraclass correlation (repeatability). For study 2, postpartum Holstein (n = 85) and Guernsey (n = 5) cows in a confinement-style dairy were used. Cows were fitted with an IceQube accelerometer (IceRobotics Ltd., Edinburgh, United Kingdom) to measure steps taken per hour and a CTS device was applied to both rumps. The interclass correlation for the number of rump touches and number of steps taken during estrus was calculated. Data collected from 5 herds (study 1) demonstrated a 2- to 3-fold difference between herds in the number of rump touches and total touch time during estrus. The intraclass correlation (repeatability; estimates of maximum heritability) for rump touches during estrus was 0.22. For study 2, the number of steps and the number of rump touches during estrus increased in a synchronous manner. The intraclass correlation (repeatability) for number of steps during estrus was 0.26. The interclass correlation (r) for the number of rump touches and the number of steps was 0.46 (R2 = 0.21). Based on the R2, at least 20% of the variation in the number of steps during estrus was explained by the number of touches to the rump of the cow. Selecting cows for the number of steps taken during estrus could increase the number of rump touches (mounts, chin rests, and so on, received from other cows) if a genetic correlation exists for the phenotypic correlation that we observed.

[EN] Generally, in recent times across the breeding spectrum, rabbits of giant, medium, small and dwarf breeds have been reared. The largest representation among breeders at most breeding exhibitions held in central European countries is amongst giant and medium breeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the qualities and exterior faults in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds in different colour varieties according to a current book of rabbit standards. Of 1779 rabbits from 11 exhibitions held in the territory of the Czech and Slovak Republics, 646 giant rabbits weighing 5.5 kg and over and 1133 medium rabbits between 3.25 to 5.5 kg of different breeds and colour varieties were selected. Giant (large) breeds population included 210 of Giant, 187 of Giant Papillon and 249 of Lop. In the medium weight category, 308 of Big Light Silver, 184 of Chinchilla Giganta and 641 of Vienna group breeds were selected. The qualities and exterior faults of typical breed traits were evaluated in six positions: weight, shape, type, coat, top colour or markings and undercolour. The results of the work show that the most common exterior faults in these categories were in the shape, type and coat positions. In the shape position, significant exterior faults were found, such as slightly protruding hips with slanting rump, worse legs position with bowed or splayed limbs and loose skin on the body. Especially observed in the type position in all selected breeds were narrow chest, body too lean or too long and a more delicate head with finer structure of ears. The coat was usually thick and less elastic with the lighter undercolour at the base of the skin and non-sharply defined intermediate colour. The data obtained are ground-breaking, representing a new approach to assist in the characterisation of giant and medium rabbit breeds included in a study and to select individuals with the best exterior properties with a view to improving the breed quality., This work was supported by projects KEGA no. 006UVLF-4-2020: Implementation of new scientific knowledge in teaching and improving the practical training of students in breeding technology from the Animal husbandry subject (Slovak) and the Cultural heritage of small homelands project, no. PPI-APM-2018-1-00010-U-001 (Poland)

The research was carried out in the aspect of estimating first-calf cows of the Holstein breed (Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed with a conditional Holstein bloodline above 93.75%) by the conformation type. Estimation of the conformation type of cows was performed according to the method of linear classification according to the latest ICAR recommendations at the age of 2–4 months after calving by two systems: 9-score, with a linear description of 18 conformation body parts and 100-score system taking into account four sets of breeding traits, that characterize: expression of dairy type, body development, legs condition and morphological qualities of udder. Each conformation complex was estimated independently having its own weight in the final score of the animal: dairy type – 15%, body – 20%; legs – 25% and udder – 40%. The research base was the herd of breeding farm of the company "Ukrlandfarming" PE "Buryns'ke" Pidlisnivskyi branch in Sumy region. The obtained indicators of linear classification of first-born cows according to the 100-score system showed that within the four sets of traits the average level of assessment was within the range of "good with plus". Experimental animals were characterized by good development of group traits of dairy type (83.5 score), body condition (82.8 score), limbs (83.6 score), udder (83.8 score) and the final assessment (83.5 score). The level of estimates for development of 18 main descriptive conformation traits of first-born cows, provided by the method of linear classification, differed in significant intra-herd variability (16.5–38.1%). The estimated animals of the pedigree farm were characterized by well-defined height (6.7 score), body depth (7.2 score), angularity (7.5 score), rump angle (5.2 score) and width (6.6 score), pelvic limbs posture (7.5 score), fore (7.3 score) and rear (7.2 score) udder parts attachment, central ligament (7.5 score), udder depth (6.8 score) and locomotion (7.3 score). In general, conformation type of first-born cows had a fairly good characteristic of the descriptive traits that determine their dairy type of productivity. The use of the method of linear classification in the selection process of dairy cattle will be a very effective means of objective determination of the breed characteristics of the conformation type of cows. The presence of relationship between the final type assessment and the level of milk productivity will facilitate effective breeding in the selection of animals for this trait.

SPARC is a cysteine-rich acidic secreted protein. It is a non-collagen component of bone, which is widely distributed in humans and animals and plays an important role. SPARC has been found in a variety of human cancers (breast cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.) and diabetes-related research. Especially the muscle and fat metabolism are closely related. In this study, we used a DNA pool to detect a new SNP site (g.12454T > C). A total of 616 samples of four breeds of Qinchuan cattle (QC, n=176), Xianan cattle (XN, n=160), Pinan cattle (PN, n=136) and Jiaxian cattle (JX, n=144) were analyzed and identified with ARMS-PCR. In addition, we correlated SNP with growth traits and showed significant correlation with growth traits such as rump length, hip width, and body length (p

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutritional strategies on productive and nutritional performance, metabolic profile, and ovarian activity in heifers under grazing in the tropics in Brazil. Forty Nellore heifers averaging 8.5 ± 0.06 months and 248.6 ± 3.3 kg body weight (BW) were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design with four treatments and ten replicates. The evaluated strategies consisted of different amounts of energetic-protein supplement: (1) 4 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and post-weaning; (2) 4 g/kg of BW of supplement pre-weaning and 6 g/kg in the post-weaning; (3) 6 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and 4 g/kg of BW in the post-weaning and; (4) 6 g/kg of BW of supplement in the pre-weaning and post-weaning. Crude protein (CP) and organic matter (OM) intake were increased (P

This study evaluated the effects of offering growing bulls a diet with 40% modified wet distillers grains plus solubles (MWDGS; dry matter [DM] basis) on growth, composition, hoof scores, and reproductive performance. Simmental × Angus bulls (n = 28) were stratified by body weight (BW; 316 ± 29 kg), sire, and day 0 semen production (Y/N) and assigned into one of six pens. Pens were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (n = 3 pens/treatment): 1) offered free-choice access to a corn-based diet with no MWDGS (CON) or 2) offered free-choice access to a diet with 40% MWDGS (DST; DM basis). Bulls were offered treatments for 140 d and, then, switched to a free-choice, common, low-energy diet for an additional 70 d. Bull BW, body condition score (BCS), hip height (HH), ultrasound (rump fat depth [RF], 12th rib fat thickness [BF], marbling score [MS], and longissimus muscle depth [MD]), hoof evaluations, breeding soundness examination (BSE), and semen evaluations were performed on days 0, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 175, and 210. There was a tendency (P

The body shape of a pig is the most direct production index, which can fully reflect the pig’s growth status and is closely related to important economic traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study on seven body size traits, the body length (BL), height (BH), chest circumference (CC), abdominal circumference (AC), cannon bone circumference (CBC), rump width (RW), and chest width (CW), were conducted in Yorkshire pigs. Illumina Porcine 80K SNP chips were used to genotype 589 of 5,572 Yorkshire pigs with body size records, and then the chip data was imputed to sequencing data. After quality control of imputed sequencing data, 784,267 SNPs were obtained, and the averaged linkage disequilibrium (r2) was 0.191. We used the single-trait model and the two-trait model to conduct single-step genome wide association study (ssGWAS) on seven body size traits; a total of 198 significant SNPS were finally identified according to the P-value and the contribution to the genetic variance of individual SNP. 11 candidate genes (CDH13, SIL1, CDC14A, TMRPSS15, TRAPPC9, CTNND2, KDM6B, CHD3, MUC13, MAPK4, and HMGA1) were found to be associated with body size traits in pigs; KDM6B and CHD3 jointly affect AC and CC, and MUC13 jointly affect RW and CW. These genes are involved in the regulation of bone growth and development as well as the absorption of nutrients and are associated with obesity. HMGA1 is proposed as a strong candidate gene for body size traits because of its important function and high consistency with other studies regarding the regulation of body size traits. Our results could provide valuable information for pig breeding based on molecular breeding.

In the aspect of the search for predictors of longevity of dairy cattle animals, the dependence of longevity of Ukrainian brown dairy cows on indicators of descriptive conformation type traits has been investigated. We studied the linear type traits of the exterior of first-calf cows in the leading farms of the Sumy region, characterizing the state of the body development. According to the results of this research was determined, a reliable dependence of the cows longevity on the level of assessment of the descriptive conformation type traits: chest width, body depth, angularity, rump angle and width, and body condition score. The correlative variability of the relationship between cow’s longevity and these features was depending on the level of assessment of specific type trait of body structure of the animal. Dependence of the cows longevity on the development of chest width was different by curvilinear variability. The longer life of cows was found in animals with an estimate for the development of this type trait at 4–6 scores that averaged 2.726–2.895 days with the best 5 scores. When comparing the group of animals with an average 5 scores with the groups having 6–9 scores, a significant difference was found in favor of the first, ranging from 169 (P

The research was conducted to study the exterior of the first-calf cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed in the herd of enterprise LLC "Mlyniv complex" (v. Pohozha Krynytsia, Romny branch of Sumy region) by major measurements and body structure indices. According to the results of researches, the measurements of the traits cows' first-calf in the controlled herd of Mlyniv complex testify to the realization of hereditary possibilities in the development of the body structure of animals of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed in Sumy region. The level of height measurements of first-calf cows showed that animals in this farm provided with suitable conditions that allow them to realize their genetic development potential in the process of growing. Average height at withers (132.5 cm) and rump (141.7 cm) exceeds the parameters of the desired type and criteria for selection of first-calf cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed, recommended by the prospective breeding program of Sumy region for 2011–2020, respectively on 1.3 and 1.7 cm. The average indices of latitudinal measurements of type traits of first-calf cows of controlled breed: rump width (51.5 cm), hipbone width (49.4 cm) and ischial humps (34.2 cm) well characterize the development of pelvis. The pastern girth characterizes the development of the skeletal frame of animals and the type of constitution. The average measurement of the pastern in the first-calf cows at 19.2 cm indicates about the dairy type of animal and meets the requirements of the desired type. A more detailed understanding of the exterior type of animals in its correlative and harmonious development made it possible to make the body structure indices calculated by the appropriate formulas. About satisfactory overall development of the body structure of cows was evidenced by the index of long legs index, the average level of which 45.8% corresponds to animals of the desired type (45–46%) for this breed, and the stretching index at the level of 121.8% – the conformity of estimated first-calf cows to dairy type (121–123%). The thoracic index complements the pelvic thorax, characterizing chest development. A smaller index was inherent in dairy cattle. The average thorax index indicates on the dairy type of first-calf cows (58–62%) and decreasing in chest width, and an increase in their depth. The chest depth index in the average range of 54.2% approaches to the desired level (55–56%) and indicates about optimal ratio of chest depth to the height at withers for dairy cattle. Given that the parameters of measurements of the exterior traits characterizing the desired dairy type of animals, with corresponding level of their correlative development, expressed by body structure indices, meet to the harmonious development of the first-calf cow model of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed [8], comparing the obtained actual numerical values of overgrowth (107.1%), narrow quarters (156.6%), boniness (14.4%), massiveness (146.0%), broad chest (31.8%) and pelvic (95.9) %) with target values of 107.0; 151.0; 14.0; 142.0; 33.0 and 96.0%, we can conclude that the estimated first-calf cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed correspond to animals of the desired type except massiveness index, by most indices. In general, the animals of the experimental herd differ in a strong constitution type with deep chests, well-developed dense muscles, sufficiently elastic skin, firm and thin skeleton frame that determine the dairy type, good health and endurance, which very important when using cows in modern technological conditions. According to results of the research was found that by measurements of the first-calf cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed, they have excellent development of the body structure, and the level of indices indicate the positive dynamics of the exterior formation of animals towards the dairy type at the present stage of their selection.

This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for 19 linear type traits related to frame, udder, and feet and legs, and for final score of 10,305 first-parity Jersey cows evaluated between 2004 and 2016. Since scoring of locomotion in Jersey breed started in 2009, a subset of 6853 animals was extracted from the original data and used to investigate sources of variation and heritability of locomotion score, and its associations with the other traits. Univariate animal models were used to estimate variance components of type traits and bivariate analyses were implemented to obtain genetic correlations between traits. Fixed effects were herd-year-classifier, season of evaluation, stage of lactation at scoring and age at calving, and the random effects were additive genetic animal and the residual. Herd-year-classifier was the major source of variation affecting the traits. Heritabilities were low with the only exception of a moderate heritability (0.32 ± 0.02) for stature. The lowest heritabilities were estimated for feet and legs traits with values between 0.04 ± 0.02 (rear leg set side view, rear leg set rear view and locomotion) and 0.07 ± 0.02 (foot angle). The final score had heritability of 0.20 ± 0.02. Genetic correlations were generally stronger than their phenotypic counterparts. Overall, frame traits were weakly correlated with feet and legs, and udder traits, except for rump width, which showed moderate correlations with almost all traits, and angularity which showed the greatest correlations with rear udder height (0.61 ± 0.10) and rear udder width (0.62 ± 0.11). Genetic correlations between locomotion and frame traits ranged from 0.08 ± 0.22 (angularity) to 0.32 ± 0.16 (stature). The strongest correlations were estimated between locomotion and other feet and legs traits, but also with front teat placement (0.97 ± 0.19) and with rear teat placement (0.88 ± 0.17). Results of the present study will be used to enhance genetic evaluation of linear type traits in Jersey cattle breed.

34 Páginas.-- 3 Figuras.-- 4 Tablas, The work studies the effect of season, montanera length, and sampling location on the Iberian pig fat, using compositional data (CoDa) analysis and standard statistics. CoDa variation array and logratios involving C18:3: (C18:3/C17:1), (C18:3/C20:0), and (C18:3/18:0) as well as the ilr balances (coordinates), based on C18:3, C17:1, and C20:0, showed the highest variances. Discriminant Analysis (DA) led to similar (conventional/coordinates) correct assignations regarding seasons (69/70%), montanera length (71/70%) and sampling location (68/67%). Re-analyzing the subcomposition of only the major fatty acids (FAs), led to slightly poorer results; therefore, the removed FAs might play a role in segregation. Results are in line with those from other authors and could indicate a partial capacity of pigs to control their FA profiles. Overall, CoDa analysis provided useful information on data variability, the effects of factors and, after conversion into coordinates, allowed applying standard statistics while being respectful with the compositional sampling space., This work was supported by the Spanish Government (project AGL2010-15494/ALI, partially financed by European regional development funds, ERDF), and Junta de Andalucía (through financial support to group AGR-125 and AGR-283).

Stock-type mares (498 ± 9 kg BW; 12 ± 7 yr) were used in a completely randomized design for 56 d to test the hypothesis that concentrate fortification improves apparent digestion and enhances lean mass over the topline. Horses were stratified by age, BW, and BCS and randomly assigned to either a custom pelleted concentrate (CON; n = 13), or an iso-caloric, iso-nitrogenous pellet that included amino acid fortification, complexed trace minerals, and fermentation metabolites (FORT; n = 10). Concentrate was offered at a total 0.75% BW/d (as-fed) twice daily, and diets were designed to meet or exceed maintenance requirements for mature horses. Horses had ad libitum access to Coastal bermudagrass hay (7.4% CP, 67% NDF, and 40% ADF). Every 14 d BW and BCS were recorded, and ultrasound images were captured every 28 d. longissimus dorsi area (LDA) and subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) were measured between the 12th and 13th ribs (12th/13th) and 17th and 18th ribs (17th/18th). Intramuscular fat at the 17th/18th ribs and rump fat-thickness were also obtained. Horses were dosed with 10 g/d of titanium dioxide (TiO2) for 14 d to estimate forage dry matter intake (DMI). To account for diurnal variation, fecal samples were collected twice daily at 12-h intervals during the last 4 days, advancing by 3 h each day to represent a 24-h period. Fecal samples were composited by horse and analyzed for TiO2 to estimate fecal output and acid detergent insoluble ash was used to calculate forage DMI. To evaluate body composition, horses were infused with a 0.12 g/kg BW deuterium oxide (D2O) on d 0 and 56. Body fat percentage (BF) was determined by quantifying D2O in plasma samples collected at pre- and 4-h postinfusion via mass spectrometry. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS v9.4). The model contained a fixed effect of diet; horse (diet) was a random effect. Horses receiving FORT gained 17th/18th FT (P < 0.01) and increased 17th/18th LDA from d 0 to 56 (P < 0.01) while 17th/18th FT and LDA were unchanged in CON. Regardless of diet, BF estimated by D2O infusion increased in all horses from d 0 to 56 (P < 0.01). Average hay DMI was 2.1% BW, but did not differ between diets. In this study, concentrate fortification did not significantly (P ≥ 0.27) affect apparent digestion. In conclusion, concentrate fortification may promote greater muscle development along the posterior topline.

Banana (Musa acuminata) by-products and other agricultural residues such as rice straw and sugarcane top are abundant in the southern part of China, but most of them are wasted and discarded. Under this experiment, several silages containing banana by-products with other crop residues were investigated for their fermentation characteristics and feeding values to beef cattle. There were three treatments (T) as follows: T1 = fresh banana by-products (FBBP) + 4% corn meal (CM), T2 = FBBP + rice straw (RS) at 70:30 (fresh weight), T3 = FBBP + sugarcane top (SCT) at 70:30 (fresh weight). Twenty-one beef cattle bulls (220 ± 15 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to 3 groups and assigned to one of three silage treatments in a total feeding period of 237 days. Results revealed that all of the three silage mixtures had a good fermentative profile with lower pH and higher organic acids. The FBBP + CM group significantly increased DM, CP, EE, and Ca content (P

The objectives were to conduct a genetic evaluation of residual feed intake (RFI) and residual feed intake adjusted for fat (RFIFat) and to analyse the effect of selection for these traits on growth, carcass and reproductive traits. Data from 945 Nellore bulls in seven feed efficiency tests in a feedlot were analysed. Genetic evaluation was performed using an animal model in which the feed efficiency test and age of the animal at the beginning of the test were considered as a systematic effect. Direct additive genetic and residual effects were considered as random effects. Correlations and genetic gains were estimated by two-trait analysis between feed efficiency measures (RFI and RFIFat) and other traits. Feed conversion showed low heritability (0.06), but dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain, RFI, RFIFat, metabolic body weight and scrotal circumference measured at 450 days of age (SC450) showed moderate to high heritability (0.49, 0.28, 0.33, 0.36, 0.38 and 0.80, respectively). Similarly, ribeye area, backfat thickness, rump cap fat thickness, marbling score and subcutaneous fat thickness also had high heritability values (0.46, 0.37, 0.57, 0.51 and 0.47, respectively). Genetic correlations between RFI and SC450 were null, and between RFIFat and SC450 were strongly positive. Genetic and phenotypic correlations of RFI and RFIFat with carcass traits were not different from zero, as correlated responses for carcass traits were also not different from zero. The Nellore selection for feed efficiency by RFI or RFIFat allows the recognition of feed efficient animals, with DMI reduction and without significant changes in growth and carcass traits. However, because of the observed results between RFIFat and SC450, selection of animals should be analysed with caution and a preselection for reproductive traits is necessary to avoid reproductive impairments in the herd.

Our objective was to verify if genetic differences (i.e., additive genetic variation) among animals classified in different residual feed intake adjusted for fat (RFIfat) groups occur, and if selecting for RFIfat impacts carcass traits. Ribeye area, backfat thickness, rump cap (‘picanha’ in Brazilian Portuguese) fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, and marbling score were evaluated in relation to the high, medium and low RFIfat groups. Tri-trait analyses were performed using the animal model. The estimated values for heritability were high and no difference was found between the obtained values according to the RFIfat groups, for any of the carcass traits evaluated. These results demonstrate that all traits evaluated in this study have the potential for genetic improvement, regardless of RFIfat classification. The genetic improvement capacity of the herd was confirmed by the genetic trends performed using the breeding value of each RFIfat group, and independently of the group a bull belongs. Therefore, regardless of whether the animals are more or less efficient in terms of RFIfat, it is possible to practice selection for RFIfat in conjunction with carcass traits.

A lipidomics study using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate statistics was conducted in this work to discriminate raw pork meat. A total of 1180 lipid species were identified in the studied pork samples. Four, three and eight lipids were determined as potential discriminatory markers for the five cuts (shoulder, rump, loin, shank and belly) of Tibetan, Jilin and Sanmenxia black pigs, respectively. Distinct lipidomic fingerprints of Tibetan, Jilin and Sanmenxia pork were obtained and they were clearly separated into three clusters by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The developed PLS-DA model (R2X = 0.603, R2Y = 0.861 and Q2 = 0.752) enables a 91.1% correct classification of pork samples. One-hundred variables, including 61 glycerolipids, 17 glycerophospholipids, 4 sterol lipids, 2 sphingolipids, 3 polyketides, 7 fatty acyls and 6 prenol lipids, were found to have high potential (variable importance in projection value > 1, p-value

Data from fifty-four pigs: twenty-five Duroc, twenty-one Large White and eight crosses of Duroc and Large White (Hybrid) were used to quantify and mathematically describe the performance traits of pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genotype, sex and their interaction on the performance characteristics of three pig genotypes. The pigs were 30 kg of body weight and 70 days of age at the beginning of the study. Records for body weight (BW), body length (BL), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), rump and back fat thickness, trunk length(TRL), height at withers (HW), chest girth (CG),tail length (TL), shoulder to tail length (STL) were used for the analysis. The results of the least squares means analysis on the performance traits showed that genotype and sex were important sources of variation for traits such as feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), rump and back fat thickness. Also, the linear body traits namely; body weight (BW), body length (BL), trunk length (TRL), height at withers (HW), chest girth (CG), tail length(TL) and shoulder to tail length (STL) were significantly (P

To study the traits of exterior type of firstborn cows of Sumy intrabreed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White milk breed, a research was carried out in the breeding flock in Sumy region. The first-calf cows were estimated by the method of linear classification according to the age of 2–4 months after calving in two systems – 9-score, with a linear description of 18 conformation traits, and a 100-point classification system, taking into account four sets of breeding traits that characterize: dairy type, body development, condition of legs and feet, and udder morphological qualities. Results of linear estimation cows firstborn in the experimental herd on a 100-point scale indicated that traits within the group average final score was in the range of "good plus." Cows-firstborn were characterized by good development of group traits defining their dairy type (82.9 score), body trait development (84.1 score), condition of legs and feet (82.3 score), udder (82.6 score) and final type score (82.9 score). The development level of 18 conformation traits of cows showed their significant variability inside a controlled herd. In general, estimated animals in the breeding flock of PE "Burynske" of Pidlisnivskoy branch were characterized by well-defined height, body depth, angularity, rump angle, rump width, fore udder attachment, central ligament and udder depth. The results of linear classification showed that body structure of the first-born cows of Sumy intrabreed type of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed at the present stage of selection had a rather good characteristic of descriptive traits that determined their dairy type. According to results of research, first-born cows with estimation "very good" exceeded peers with score "good plus" by milk yield with highly reliable difference of 583 kg (P

Measuring cortisol in hair has recently been established as a reliable physiological index to evaluate chronic stress conditions in humans and many animal species. The aim of this study was to determine serum cortisol and the concentrations of hair cortisol from various body sites of lactating Holstein cows and heifers during thermal comfort zone. Forty-seven multiparous lactating Holstein cows (average milk yield 37.5 ± 2.3 kgd−1, days in milk = 110 ± 47 days, body weight = 623 ± 75 kg) and 23 Holstein heifers (10-12 months of age, body weight = 258 ± 20 kg) were used in this study. Blood samples were collected on days (d) 0, 30, and 60 of the study. Hair samples were harvested from the forehead, withers, and rump sites of the animals. Data for temperature-humidity index (average THI = 69.3 ± 1.2) represented the threshold environmental conditions during the experiment. Serum cortisol concentration was higher on day 0 of the study and lower on day 30 and day 60 of sampling in lactating Holstein cows and heifers (P 0.05). Conclusions drawn indicate that the distribution of cortisol into the hair shaft does not depend on hair sampling sites, and so that of the hair cut for cortisol analysis can be collected from any of the three body sites.

The study objective was to quantify the ability of genetic merit for a generated carcass index to differentiate animals on primal carcass cut weights using data from 1,446 herds on 9,414 heifers and 22,413 steers with weights for 14 different primal carcass cuts (plus 3 generated groups of cuts). The carcass genetic merit index was compromised of carcass weight (positive weight), conformation (positive weight), and fat score (negative weight), each equally weighted within the index. The association analyses were undertaken using linear mixed models; models were run with or without carcass weight as a covariate. In a further series of analyses, carcass weight and carcass fat score were both included as covariates in the models. Whether the association between primal cut yield and carcass weight differed by genetic merit stratum was also investigated. Genetic merit was associated (P < 0.001) with the weight of all cuts evaluated even when adjusted to a common carcass weight (P < 0.01); when simultaneously adjusted to a common carcass weight and fat score, genetic merit was not associated with the weight of the cuberoll or the group cuts termed minced-meat. The weight of the different primal cuts increased almost linearly within increasing genetic merit, with the exception of the rump and bavette. The difference in mean primal cut weight between the very low and very high genetic merit strata, as a proportion of the overall mean weight of that cut in the entire data set, varied from 0.05 (bavette) to 0.28 (eye of round); the average was 0.17. Following adjustment for differences in carcass weight, there was no difference in cut weight between the very low and very high strata for the rump, chuck tender, and mince cut group; the remaining cuts were heavier in the higher index animals with the exception of the cuberoll and bavette, which were lighter in the very high index animals. The association between carcass weight and the weight of each of the evaluated primal cuts differed (P < 0.05) by genetic merit stratum for all cuts evaluated with the exception of the rump, striploin, and brisket as well as the group cuts of frying and mincing. With the exception of these 5 primal (group) cuts, the regression coefficients of primal cut weight on carcass weight increased consistently for all traits with increasing genetic merit stratum, other than for the fillet, cuberoll, bavette, chuck and neck, and heel and shank.

This experiment was to evaluate a suite of biological traits likely to be associated with genetic variation in residual feed intake (RFI) in Angus cattle. Twenty nine steers and 30 heifers bred to be divergent in postweaning RFI (RFI(p)) and that differed in midparent RFI(p)-EBV (RFI(p)-EBV(mp)) by more than 2 kg DMI/d were used in this study. A 1-unit (1 kg DM/d) decrease in RFI(p)-EBV(mp) was accompanied by a 0.08 kg (SE = 0.03; P < 0.05) increase in ADG, a 0.58 kg/d (0.17; P < 0.01) decrease in DMI, a 0.89 kg/kg (0.22; P < 0.001) decrease in FCR, and a 0.62 kg/d (0.12; P < 0.001) decrease in feedlot RFI (RFI(f)). Ultrasonically scanned depths of subcutaneous fat at the rib and rump sites, measured at the start and end of the RFI test, all had strong positive correlations with RFI(p)-EBV(mp), DMI, and RFI(f) (all r values ≥0.5 and P < 0.001). Variation in RFI(p)-EBV(mp) was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with flight speed (r = −0.32), number of visits to feed bins (r = 0.45), and visits to exhaled-emission monitors (r = −0.27), as well as the concentrations of propionate (r = −0.32) and valerate (r = −0.31) in rumen fluid, white blood cell (r = −0.51), lymphocyte (r = −0.43), and neutrophil (r = −0.31) counts in blood. RFI(p)-EBV(mp) was also correlated with the cellular immune response to vaccination (r = 0.25; P < 0.1) and heat production in fasted cattle (r = −0.46; P < 0.001). Traits that explained significant variation (P < 0.05) in DMI over the RFI test were midtest metabolic-BW (44.7%), rib fat depth at the end of test (an additional 18%), number of feeder visits (additional 5.7%), apparent digestibility of the ration by animals (additional 2.4%) and white blood-cell count (2.1%), and the cellular immune response to vaccine injection (additional 1.1%; P < 0.1), leaving ~23% of the variation in DMI unexplained. The same traits (BW excluded) explained 33%, 12%, 3.6%, 3.7%, and 3.1%, and together explained 57% of the variation in RFI(f). This experiment showed that genetic variation in RFI was accompanied by variation in estimated body composition, behavior, rumen, fasted heat production, hematology, and immune competence traits, and that variation in feedlot DMI and RFI(f) was due to differences in BW, scanned fatness, and many other factors in these cattle fed ad libitum and able to display any innate differences in appetite, temperament, feeding behavior, and activity.

Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N_N), Angus × Nellore (A_N) and Caracu × Nellore (C_N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R_A), backfat thickness (B_T) and rump fat thickness (R_T). A_N progeny were heavier at birth than N_N (P < 0.05), and Braford progeny had greater birth BW than Caracu (P < 0.05). Greater weaning BW was observed in the A_N and C_N offspring compared to N_N (P < 0.01). Greater average daily gain during the post-weaning period was verified in the N_N progeny compared to C_N (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were observed for BW at the end of the post-weaning period (P > 0.05). Progeny of N_N cows had greater B_T (P < 0.05) and R_T (P < 0.01) at the end of the post-weaning period in relation to C_N. Greater R_A was observed in the Caracu progeny than in the Braford (P < 0.05), which showed greater R_T than the Charbray progeny at the end of the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were verified for final BW at the feedlot or for feed efficiency traits (P > 0.05). A_N progeny were superior in final B_T compared to C_N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R_T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value. Made available in DSpace on 2020-01-23T18:06:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Crossbreedingappliedtosystemsofbeefcattle.pdf: 160676 bytes, checksum: 8974b11d5875715b99317c0649935e93 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019

Current techniques for measuring the dry matter intake (DMI) of grazing lactating beef cows are invasive, time consuming and expensive making them impractical for use on commercial farms. This study was undertaken to explore the potential to develop and validate a model to predict DMI of grazing lactating beef cows, which could be applied in a commercial farm setting, using non-invasive animal measurements. The calibration dataset used to develop the model was comprised of 94 measurements recorded on 106 beef or beef-dairy crossbred cows (maternal origin). The potential of body measurements, linear type scoring, grazing behaviour and thermal imaging to predict DMI in combination with known biologically plausible adjustment variables and energy sinks was investigated. Multivariable regression models were constructed for each independent variable using SAS PROC REG and contained milk yield, BW, parity, calving day and maternal origin (dairy or beef). Of the 94 variables tested, 32 showed an association with DMI (P < 0.25) upon multivariable analysis. These variables were incorporated into a backwards linear regression model using SAS PROC REG. Variables were retained in this model if P < 0.05. Five variables; width at pins, full body depth, ruminating mastications, central ligament and rump width score, were retained in the model in addition to milk yield, BW, parity, calving day and maternal origin. The inclusion of these variables in the model increased the predictability of DMI by 0.23 (R2 = 0.68) when compared to a model containing milk yield, BW, parity, calving day and maternal origin only. This model was applied to data recorded on an independent dataset; a herd of 60 lactating beef cows two years after the calibration study. The R2 for the validation was 0.59. Estimates of DMI are required for measuring feed efficiency. While acknowledging challenges in applicability, the findings suggest a model such as that developed in this study may be used as a tool to more easily and less invasively estimate DMI on large populations of commercial beef cows, and therefore measure feed efficiency.

The production characteristics of fatteners in this paper were examined in two farms of pigs in the Republic of Serbia. The research included 1166 pigs of both genders (female animals and male castrated heads) with various genotypes. Research examined influence of sire breed, sire within sire breed, gender of the pigs and the mass at the end of the fattening on the following characteristics of the fatteners: daily gain of the warm carcass side mass (PTP), rump fat thickness (DSK), backfat thickness (DSL) and sum of the fat thickness rump+back (DSKL). The pigs in this research come from the following sires: Large White (LW), Swedish Landrace (SL), Duroc and Crossbreed H × D. Data processing was done using the Harvey computer program. It was determined that all the involved effects in the model show a different level of influence on the researched traits (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001), whereas only one factor, sire within sire breed H × D does not influence the expression of the characteristic gain of the warm carcass side mass (P > 0.05).

Nulliparous yearling beef heifers (n=360) were used to evaluate the effects of maternal dietary protein during the periconception and first trimester periods of gestation on postnatal growth, feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and the expression of genes associated with appetite in the arcuate nucleus of their male progeny. Heifers were individually fed a diet of 1.18g crude protein (CP)/day High protein (HPeri) or 0.62g CP/day Low protein (LPeri) beginning 60days before conception. From 24 to 98days post-conception (dpc), half of each treatment group changed to the alternative post-conception diet and were fed 1.49g CP/day (HPost) or 0.88g CP/day (LPost) yielding four treatment groups in a 2×2 factorial design. From day 98 of gestation, heifers received a common diet until parturition. Calves were weaned at 183days and developed on pasture before feedlot entry. Bulls underwent a 70-day Residual Feed Intake (RFI) feedlot test commencing at 528days of age. Feedlot entry and final body weight (BW), feedlot average daily gain (ADG) and RFI were not different (p>0.05). Progeny of dams that had a change in diet (LPeri/HPost and HPeri/LPost) had 9% higher daily dry matter intake (DMI) during the RFI test (ppLongissimus dorsi muscle cross sectional area, carcass dressing percentage, and estimated retail beef yield (RBY) were all higher (pp=0.07), for bulls from HPost dams despite no difference in carcass weight (p

Simple Summary Reproduction plays a pivotal role in dairy cow farming. Good reproductive performance in cows can decrease the elimination rate of cows, increase the success rate of breeding, and thereby enhance milk production. Identification of the genetic variants in reproduction-related traits helps to increase the genetic improvement of cows’ reproductive performance. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters of three indicators of reproductive ability, namely, Loin Strength (LS), Rump Angle (RA), and Pin Width (PW), and conducted a genome-wide association study of them. The heritability of these three traits was medium, and in total, 11 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Through a bioinformatics analysis of the genes adjacent to these variants, 16 candidate genes were identified as being associated with these three traits. We expect that the results could help with the genetic improvement of Chinese Holstein cows’ reproductive performance. Abstract Reproduction is an important production activity for dairy cows, and their reproductive performance can directly affect the level of farmers’ income. To better understand the genomic regions and biological pathways of reproduction-related traits of dairy cows, in the present study, three body shape traits—Loin Strength (LS), Rump Angle (RA), and Pin Width (PW)—were selected as indicators of the reproductive ability of cows, and we conducted genome-wide association analyses on them. The heritability of these three traits was medium, ranging from 0.20 to 0.38. A total of 11 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected associated with these three traits. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on genes close to the significant SNPs (within 200 Kb) of LS, RA, and PW, and we found that these genes were totally enriched in 20 gene ontology terms and six KEGG signaling pathways. Finally, the five genes CDH12, TARP, PCDH9, DTHD1, and ARAP2 were selected as candidate genes that might affect LS. The six genes LOC781835, FSTL4, ATG4C, SH3BP4, DMP1, and DSPP were selected as candidate genes that might affect RA. The five genes USP6NL, CNTN3, LOC101907665, UPF2, and ECHDC3 were selected as candidate genes that might affect the PW of Chinese Holstein cows. Our results could provide useful biological information for the improvement of body shape traits and contribute to the genomic selection of Chinese Holstein cows.

A phenotypic analysis of the Meatmaster breed was done, using linear body measurements, qualitative assessment, slaughter data and pedigree performance data. The linear body measurements and pedigree performance data were collected from 187 rams and 222 ewes of all age categories. The following means were recorded in rams and ewes respectively: Body weight (kg) (80.47±13.33; 57.51±12.43), head length (cm) (23.93±1.55; 22.68±2.05), neck length (cm) (28.35±5.16; 29.61±3.82), chest girth (cm) (102.45±8.42; 92.95±8.08), tail length (cm) (38.24±4.88; 36.64±4.70), wither height (cm) (63.91±4.04; 58.99±4.86), chest depth (cm) (37.51±2.97; 34.47±2.97), chest width (cm) (23.47±2.56; 21.24±2.85), body length (cm) (78.95±5.59; 72.67±6.06), rump length (cm) (21.82±3.29; 20.77±1.93), rump width (cm) (23.87±2.82; 21.36±3.15), skin thickness (mm) (2.846±0.5; 2.805±0.5), pelvic length (cm) (7.66±.98), pelvic width (cm) (7.66±.90), pelvic area (cm2) (46.69±10.62) and scrotal circumference (cm) (35.12±3.03). The pedigree performance data of 177 ewes showed the following means: age at first lambing (15.242±3.8 months), number of times lambed (3.33±1.8), number of lambs born (4.36±3.4), number of lambs weaned (3.44±2.5) and average inter-lambing period (258.64±151.3 days). Slaughter data was compiled from 2251 animals of different genders and ages; the means are as follows: measured in (kg): A-grade carcass (16.77±4.1), AB-grade carcass (24.039±13.8), B-grade carcass (26.904±13.3) and C-grade carcass (24.88±4.9). A predictive value of R2= 0.140 was observed between wither height and average inter-lambing period as well as a R2= 0.154 between the wither height and number of lambs born. This seems to be a characteristic of the Afro-type breeds which have a higher wither height and also have a higher tendency to birth multiple lambs per lambing opportunity.

International audience; This study aimed to determine how ageing and cooking, each one applied to the beef meat most suitable (panfried or grilled ribeye steak, braised chuck and fried or roasted rump steak), induce changes in lipid content, fatty acid (FA) composition and lipid oxidation of muscles from 16 cattle representative of animals raised for France meat production. The fattiest muscle (ribeye) was the richest in saturated and monounsaturated FA leading to poor nutritional indexes. In contrast, the leanest muscle (rump) had the highest proportion of polyunsaturated FA and the highest levels of peroxidation without exceeding critical limits. The impact of cooking methods seemed mainly linked to the moisture loss increasing meat fat content and the culinary fat addition whose FA composition marked the meat. Cooking methods induced oxidation phenomena that could exceed the limit thresholds. In conclusion, short cooking time of rump steak was the best combination to meet nutritional expectations.

Thalli sheep is a significant breed reared under tropical region of Punjab province of Pakistan. The present study was conducted to predict live body weight (LBW) by means of from some body measurements, i.e., chest girth (CG), belly girth (BG), rump height (RH), withers height (WH), neck girth (NG), and body length (BL) taken from 155 Thalli indigenous sheep of Pakistan. Age factor is determined to be a significant source of variation for BL, BG, CG, BG, WH, and NG (p0.05). LBW is correlated significantly with BL (0.850), CG (0.825), BG (0.849), RH (0.579), WH (0.547), and NG (0.7760), respectively (p0.01). For LBW prediction, CART and MARS data mining algorithms were comparatively used based on ten cross-validation method. Among 185 candidate MARS models with 1-5 degrees of interaction and 2-38 terms, the MARS model with 7 terms and no interaction effect in R software was the best model for LBW prediction on the basis of the smallest cross-validated RMSE value. Also, the optimal CART tree structure was obtained with 9 terminal nodes for the smallest cross-validated RMSE value. MARS algorithm outperformed CART in LBW prediction and explained 90.3 (%) of variability in LBW of Thalli sheep. Results of the optimal CART structure reflected that Thalli sheep with BL75 cm, RH83 cm, and NG55 cm has the heaviest LBW of 72 kg. The optimal MARS model displays that the heaviest LBW can be produced by Thalli sheep with BL71.12 cm, BG106.68 cm, WH76.2 cm, NG50.8 cm in 5

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:27:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-04-01 This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of selection criteria for post-weaning daily gain (PWDG) and early sexual heifer precocity (PP14) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore bulls. In year one, 50 animals were selected according to their expected progeny differences (EPDs) for PWDG and grouped as high (HG) or low (LG) groups. In year two, 50 animals were selected according to EPD for PP14 and also grouped as high (HP) or low (LP). After slaughter, samples of the longissimus muscle area (LMA) were used to evaluate meat quality. Most of performance traits were not affected by the selection criteria. However, the HG group had higher dressing percentage (ρ = 0.028), LMA (ρ = 0.02) and fat trim in the forequarter (ρ = 0.04) compared to the LG group. The HP group tended to have greater dry matter intake (ρ = 0.08), LMA (ρ = 0.05), rump fat (ρ = 0.04), heavier striploins (ρ = 0.07), tenderloins (ρ = 0.09) and briskets (ρ = 0.08) compared with LP group. In conclusion, the selection based on divergent groups PWDG or PP14 has a small impact on performance, carcass and meat quality traits. Department of Animal Science University of São Paulo, Duque de Caxias Norte 225 Department of Animal Nutrition and Production Universidade de São Paulo, Duque de Caxias Norte 225 Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 3480 Litton-Reaves Hall Department of Animal Science São Paulo State University (UNESP) AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Tennent Drive, 11 Dairy Farm Rd Department of Animal Science São Paulo State University (UNESP)

The aim of the study was to evaluate 16 novel morphometric traits of Landlly piglets at weaning (6 weeks) and post weaning (8 weeks) stage and to predict corresponding body weight from the measurements. A total of 279 Landlly piglets (n = 279, 75% Landrace + 25% Ghurrah crosses) were enrolled in this study. Body length, heart girth, paunch girth, height at wither, height at back, rump width, thigh circumference, neck circumference, and body depth had high correlation coefficients (0.8–0.97) with body weight at both the stages. Stepwise regression showed that body length and heart girth contributed most in prediction of both body weights while height at wither for body weight at 6 weeks and neck circumference for body weight at 8 weeks was the next highest contributing trait. Akaike’s information criterion, Bayesian information criteria, adjusted R2, concordance correlation coefficient, bias correction factor, modeling efficiency, and coefficient of model determination were used to determine the most appropriate model for the prediction of body weight. Model containing body length and heart girth was fitted best to data for prediction of body weight at both weaning and post weaning stage with adjusted R2 values of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. Hence, 2 different models were proposed for accurately predicting body weight in Landlly pigs at 6 and 8 weeks.

Accurate estimates of genetic merit for both live weight and body condition score (BCS) could be useful additions to both national- and herd-breeding programs. Although recording live weight and BCS is not technologically arduous, data available for use in routine genetic evaluations are generally lacking. The objective of the present study was to explore the usefulness of routinely recorded data, namely linear type traits (which also included BCS but only assessed visually) and carcass traits in the pursuit of genetic evaluations for both live weight and BCS in dairy cows. The data consisted of on-farm records of live weight and BCS (assessed using both visual and tactile cues) from 33,242 dairy cows in 201 commercial Irish herds. These data were complemented with information on 6 body-related linear type traits (i.e., stature, angularity, chest width, body depth, BCS, and rump width) and 3 cull cow carcass measures (i.e., carcass weight, conformation, and fat cover) on a selection of these animals plus close relatives. (Co)variance components were estimated using animal linear mixed models. The genetic correlation between the type traits stature, angularity, body depth, chest width, rump width, and visually-assessed BCS with live weight was 0.68, -0.28, 0.43, 0.64, 0.61, and 0.44, respectively. The genetic correlation between angularity and BCS measured on farm (based on both visual and tactile appraisal) was -0.79; the genetic and phenotypic correlation between BCS assessed visually as part of the linear assessment with BCS assessed by producers using both tactile and visual cues was 0.90 and 0.27, respectively. The genetic (phenotypic) correlation between cull cow carcass weight and live weight was 0.81 (0.21), and the genetic (phenotypic) correlation between cull cow carcass fat cover and BCS assessed on live cows was 0.44 (0.12). Estimated breeding values (EBV) for live weight and BCS in a validation population of cows were generated using a multitrait evaluation with observations for just the type traits, just the carcass traits, and both the type traits and carcass traits; the EBV were compared with the respective live weight and BCS phenotypic observations. The regression of phenotypic live weight on its EBV from the multitrait evaluations was 1.00 (i.e., the expectation) when the EBV was generated using just linear type trait data, but less than 1 (0.83) when using just carcass data. However, the regression changed across parities and stages of lactation. The partial correlation (after adjusting for contemporary group, parity by stage of lactation, heterosis, and recombination loss) between phenotypic live weight and EBV for live weight estimated using the 3 different scenarios (i.e., type only, carcass only, type plus carcass) ranged from 0.38 to 0.43. Although the prediction of phenotypic BCS from its respective EBV was relatively good when using just the linear type trait data (regression coefficient of 0.83 with a partial correlation of 0.22), the predictive ability of BCS EBV based on just carcass data was poor and should not be used. Overall, linear type trait data are a useful source of information to predict live weight and BCS with minimal additional predictive value from also including carcass data. Nonetheless, in the absence of linear type trait data, information on carcass traits can be useful in predicting genetic merit for mature cow live weight. Prediction of cow BCS from cow carcass data is not recommended.

The current study was undertaken to evaluate some morphological traits of the goat breeds raised in Southwest China. The field experimentation and data collection were from 434 animals presenting seven breeds of the Dazu black goat (DBG; n = 203), Saanen milk goat (SMG; n = 50), Black Boer × Dazu black goat (BXC; n = 28), Hechuan white goat (HWG; n = 49), Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat (IMCG; n = 25), IMCG × DBG (F1; n = 57) and F1 × F1 (F2; n = 22). All studied animals were adult and selected to be at the same age (36.50 ± 0.75 months). After editing, more than 20 morphological and production traits like body condition score (BCS), testicle measurements, coat colour, fibre traits, skin colour, horn colour, horn shape, horn orientation, wattles, front hair, beard, ear shape, ear size, rump angle, hind leg angulation and physiological variables were analysed. BXC and DBG had dark coat colour, whilst SMG, HWG and IMCG had light colour, whilst F1 and F2 ranged from light to dark coat colour. Concerning BCS, the breeds BXC and DBG were characterized as fat goats, whilst SMG, HWG, F1 and F2 were average, whilst IMCG was thin. The maximum values for testis measurements were recorded for BXC, SMG and DBG. For fibre traits, IMCG, F1 and F2 were the most superior. BXC and DBG males have good fertility parameters. The highest values for rectal temperature, skin temperature and breath rate were recorded for SMG. These findings revealed the presence of a wide range of morphological differences among studied goat breeds. Such diversity in the performance of goat breeds raised in Southwest China is crucial to implement reliable selection strategies for breeding goats in this area.

A study was carried out to characterize and differentiate four West African Dwarf goat populations on the basis of morphometric traits and also predict their body weights using linear body measurements. A total of 384 goats were sampled from four agro-ecological zones from the middle belt and southern part of Ghana. The morphometric traits examined for phenotypic differentiation using univariate and multivariate analysis were body weight, body length, withers height, chest girth, chest depth, shoulder point width, rump length, rump width, head length, head width, shin circumference, horn length, ear length, tail length, and hair length. Results obtained showed that agro-ecological zone and age significantly (p

From June to December 2017, four male guinea pigs (3-4 years old) with different owners were brought to the Clinic for Small Animals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. All of them presented with an identical symptom – severe pruritus on the dorsal rump. The animals were scratching so intensely that they appeared to be having a seizure. Also, all owners noticed that their animals had become aggressive since the onset of symptoms. One of the animals had selfmutilation trauma. One of the guinea pigs also had a hairless area behind its ears. Also, one animal lived in a pair with another guinea pig that did not have any skin changes.

The improvement of carcass traits is an important breeding objective in beef cattle breeding programs. The most common way of selecting for improvement in carcass traits is via indirect selection using ultrasound scanning of selection candidates which are submitted to genetic evaluation programs. Two systems used to analyze ultrasound images to predict carcass traits are the Pie Medical Esaote Aquila (PIE) and Central Ultrasound Processing (CUP). This study compared the ability of the two systems to predict carcass traits for genetic evaluation in Australian Angus cattle. Genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using data from 1,648 Angus steers which were ultrasound scanned twice with both systems, first at feedlot entry and then following 100 d in the feedlot. The traits interpreted from ultrasound scanning included eye muscle area (EMA), rib fat (RIB) rump fat (RUMP), and intramuscular fat (IMF). Abattoir carcass data were collected on all steers following the full feedlot feeding period of 285 d. For all ultrasound scan traits, CUP resulted in higher phenotypic and genetic variances compared to the PIE. For IMF, CUP had higher heritability at feedlot intake (0.51 for CUP compared to 0.37 for PIE) and after 100 d feeding (0.54 for CUP compared to 0.45 PIE). CUP predicted IMF also tended to have stronger correlations with the breeding objective traits of carcass IMF and marbling traits, both genetically (ranging from 0.59 to 0.75 for CUP compared to 0.45–0.63 for PIE) and phenotypically (ranging from 0.27 to 0.43 for CUP compared to 0.19–0.28 for PIE). Ultrasound scan EMA was the only group of traits in which the heritabilities were higher for PIE (0.52 for PIE compared to 0.40 for CUP at feedlot intake and 0.46 for PIE compared to 0.43 for CUP at 100 d of feeding), however with similar relationships to the breeding objective carcass EMA observed. For subcutaneous fat traits of ultrasound RIB and RUMP, the heritabilites and genetic correlations to the related carcass traits were similar, with the exception being the higher heritability observed for CUP predicted RUMP at feedlot intake at 0.52 compared to 0.38 for PIE. The results from this study indicates that the CUP system, compared to PIE, provides an advantage for genetic evaluation of carcass traits in Angus cattle, particularly for the IMF and associated marbling traits.

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to worm infection in Santa Inês sheep by combining different sets of gastrointestinal parasite resistance indicator traits, using the k-means algorithm. Records from 221 animals reared in the Mid-North sub-region of Brazil were used. The following phenotypes were used: hematocrit (HCT); white blood cell count; red blood cell count (RBC); hemoglobin (HGB); platelets; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; fecal egg count (FEC); coloration of the ocular mucosa (FAMACHA score); body condition score (BCS); withers height; and rump height. Two files with phenotypic information of animals were edited: complete, including all traits, and reduced, in which only FAMACHA score, HCT, FEC, and BCS were used. For determination of worm resistance, three groups were formed using the k-means non-hierarchical clustering by combining the traits of the complete and reduced analyses. The animals of the group in which individuals had the lowest values for FEC and FAMACHA score, as well as the highest values for HCT, RBC, HGB, and BCS were classified as resistant. In the group with opposite values for the aforementioned traits, the animals were classified as sensitive. The animals of the group with values between the other two groups were classified as moderately resistant. The results obtained in complete and reduced analyses were equivalent. Thus, it is possible to identify animals of the Santa Inês sheep breed according to their status of resistance to worm infection based on a reduced trait set.

BACKGROUND Obesity can negatively impact upon equine welfare and bodyweight (BW) of pastured equines is often difficult to manage. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of three restricted grazing regimens on changes in pony BW and morphometric measurements. STUDY DESIGN Randomised study. METHODS Twelve mature ponies were individually grazed in 10m wide, rectangular, electric fenced paddocks. The dry matter (DM) herbage yield of each paddock was determined, and paddock length adjusted on Day 1 to provide 1.5% of individual pony BW as herbage DM daily, for 28 days. There were four ponies per treatment. Treatments were: total paddock area (TA) and strip grazing treatments, SG1 and SG2. SG1 had a 'lead' fence spanning the paddock width being moved a set distance along the paddock length daily to provide 1.5% of pony BW as fresh pasture DM (as determined on Day -1). SG2 also had a 'back fence' 7-12m behind the 'lead' fence which was moved the same distance as the lead fence daily. Calculated dry matter intakes, changes in cresty neck score (CNS), body condition score (BCS) and percentage changes in BW, heart girth (HG), belly girth (BG) and rump width (RW) were compared between treatments. RESULTS Mean (±SD) calculated pasture DM intakes (as % BW/d) by TA ponies were 2.33 ± 0.50, being significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 1.82 ± 0.43 (SG1) and 1.59 ± 0.42 (SG2). Mean percentage BW changes were higher (P

Background and Aim: It is known that metabolic disturbances in the animal body negatively affect parturition, uterine involution, and, ultimately, fertility, especially in cows, during the first insemination. Although the method of diet optimization with the use of a software package results in positive outcomes, adjustment is required for certain groups of animals (e.g., cows), in accordance with the period of the year. Every year, in the spring and autumn, blood is taken from animals to detect metabolic disorders, and then either the diet is balanced or, if the cows lack vitamins and minerals, they are administered to cows parenterally or with food. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of using carotene-containing preparation in the prevention of postpartum complications in cows. Materials and Methods: Before the start of the experiment, blood was collected from the animals of the experimental and control groups, with ten animals in each group, and its serum was examined for the presence of carotene. Low carotene content was found in the serum of all animals (from 0.2 to 0.25 mg%) with the norm within the range of 0.40-0.62 mg%. The cows of the experimental group were injected subcutaneously with the carotene-containing preparation 30, 20, and 10 days before the expected calving date at a dose of 10 mL per head. The carotene-containing preparation was a solution of crystalline β-carotene substance in deodorized sunflower oil. Moreover, the share of β-carotene was at least 0.18%. The drug was administered intramuscularly into the rump. Results: In the postpartum period, the retention of the placenta was observed in two animals of the control group. The uterine involution in the cows of the control group was 16.0 (p

The present study aims to investigate the morphological characteristics of the Blanche de Montagne sheep breed, mainly known by its long white fleece. The morphological characterization was performed on a total of 70 unrelated individuals of both sexes, having between 2 and 8 teeth and belonging to 13 farms located in the Ouarzazate region. The body measurements studied were body weight, body length, chest circumference, height at withers, rump height, chest depth, chest width, hip width, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, horn length, cannon circumference, wool length, and tail length. These measurements averaged 28.2±8.10 kg, 65.8±6.25 cm, 73.5±6.71 cm, 59.5±4.39 cm, 59.5±4.72 cm, 27.4±2.90 cm, 19.8±2.70 cm, 21.0±2.14 cm, 19.2±1.57 cm, 11.0±1.01 cm, 9.71±1.02 cm, 5.47±0.53 cm, 43.2±13.8 cm, 7.44±0.77 cm, 10.9±3.56 cm, and 31.8±4.36 cm, respectively. Descriptive statistics presented an overall coefficient of variation less than 15%, showing a homogeneous morphostructure of the breed. Most characters were small in relation with the low productivity of pastures. Moreover, 77.5% of correlation coefficients among the different body measurements were positive and significant, reflecting the strong morphological harmony of the breed, suggesting a long period of adaptation to its environment. The variance analysis showed that sex influenced the measurements, with males having the highest values. Similarly, individuals with 6 or 8 teeth showed higher values than those with 2 or 4 teeth. Through the comparison with other Moroccan breeds, the variation of some morphological traits was found in relation to some climatic parameters (mainly winter temperatures) and feeding supplementation.

In this study, we examined the effects of pre-cooling on thermophysiological responses in horses exercising in moderate environmental conditions (average wet bulb globe temperature: 18.5 &plusmn, 3.8 &deg, C). Ten international eventing horses performed moderate intensity canter training on two separate days, and were either pre-cooled with cold-water rinsing (5&ndash, 9 &deg, C for 8 &plusmn, 3 min, cooling) or were not pre-cooled (control). We determined velocity (V), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tre,), shoulder and rump skin temperature (Tshoulder and Trump), plasma lactate concentration (LA), gross sweat loss (GSL), and local sweat rate (LSR), as well as sweat sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations. The effect of pre-cooling on Tre was dependent on time, after 20 min of exercise the effect was the largest (estimate: 0.990, 95% likelihood confidence intervals (95% CI): 0.987, 0.993) compared to the control condition, resulting in a lower median Tre of 0.3 &deg, C. Skin temperature was also affected by pre-cooling compared to the control condition (Tshoulder: &minus, 3.30 &deg, C, 95% CI: &minus, 3.739, &minus, 2.867, Trump: &minus, 2.31 &deg, 2.661, &minus, 1.967). V, HR, LA, GSL, LSR and sweat composition were not affected by pre-cooling. In conclusion, pre-cooling by cold-water rinsing could increase the margin for heat storage, allowing a longer exercise time before a critical Tre is reached and, therefore, could potentially improve equine welfare during competition.

A portable ultra-wide band microwave system (MiS) coupled with an open-ended coaxial probe (OCP) or Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (VPA) was tested as a non-invasive objective measurement to predict beef carcase single site fat depth at commercial abattoirs. Experiment one tested the effectiveness of MiS coupled with a VPA. The VPA was used to predict hot carcase P8 (fat depth on the rump) across 4 slaughter groups (n = 241). The VPA was also used to predict cold carcase rib fat (at the quartering site, 75% along the rib eye muscle) across 5 slaughter groups (n = 598). Experiment two tested the ability of MiS coupled with OCP to measure hot carcase P8 across two slaughter groups (n = 435). A machine learning stacking ensemble method was used to create the prediction equations. Datasets were grouped by prediction trait (P8 or ribfat) and probe/antenna then randomly divided into 5 groups based on tissue depth. Precision was greatest using OCP to predict P8 fat depth with a RMSEP of 2.47 mm and R2 of 0.70. The VPA precision was similar for the two tissue depths assessed, hot carcase P8 had an average RMSEP of 2.86 mm and R2 of 0.58 compared to cold carcase rib fat RMSEP of 2.60 mm and R2 of 0.55.

The aim of this study was to develop prediction equations for the body weight of Pelibuey ewes from body measurements comparing linear vs nonlinear models. A subsample of 197 ewes was scored for body weight (BW), rump length (RL), rump width (RW), height at withers (HW), chest girth (CG), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), cannon bone perimeter (CP), and body length (BL). Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed on a sub-data set from 197 ewes to estimate the relationship between body weight and body measurements. Multiple linear regressions were fitted to obtain prediction equations of body weight from the eight body measurements, and prediction equations were obtained from the body measurement that showed the highest correlation with body weight using five nonlinear models allometric, saturation growth, exponential, and incomplete gamma. Data from an independent subsample of 196 ewes was used to validate the equation with the best goodness of fit using linear regression analysis. CG was the body measurement that showed the highest correlation with BW, and based on multiple stepwise regression, in the equation BW = − 60.622 + 1.233CG explained 79% of the body weight variation. Moreover, BW prediction was more accurate when other measurements such CW, BL, and RW were added to the model generating to the equation BW = − 68.875 + 0.845CG + 0.866CW + 0.195BL + 0.601RW (R2 = 0.85, MSE = 15.51). In the case of nonlinear models, incomplete gamma and exponential models generated the equations with the best goodness of fit and precision: BW = 0.077CG1.108exp(0.016CG) (R2 = 0.82, MSE = 18.64) and BW = 3.5759exp(0.0292CG) (R2 = 0.82, MSE = 18.65) respectively.

International audience; estational length is highly variable in horses ranging from 320 to 360 days. Thus, determining parturition time is an important challenge for the horse industry. Body temperature can be used in cows and ewes as an indicator of parturition. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine if temperature can also be used as indicator of foaling. Thirty-nine mares were monitored over two foaling seasons (2018 and 2019). They were housed in 16 m2 stalls with access to pasture in group three times a week from 10:00 to 16:00. Night watch as well as video monitoring was ensured during foaling periods. Body temperature was monitored using an identification and temperature sensor microchip implanted in the neckline. Measurement were taken manually every 2 h from 5 days before to 6 h after parturition by moving a microchip reader close to the mares' neck. Mares were equipped with a tail accelerometer recording tail movements and lateral recumbency 24 h before parturition. In addition, behaviour was monitored by video analysis in the hour preceding expulsion of the foal in 8 individuals in 2019. Relationships between behavioural and temperature data were explored throughout principal component analysis (PCA). All foals were born healthy and no human intervention was required during foaling. Mean daily body temperature decreased significantly by 0.3 °C (95%; range: 0.42 to -0.19 °C) between the day of parturition and the mean temperature of the 5 preceding days. A significant temperature decrease was also detected 12 h before and at the onset of parturition. With a 0.5 °C threshold, foaling could be detected 12 h in advance with 96.6% sensitivity and 95.0% specificity, respectively. Tail movements were more frequent and shorter with impending parturition. Body temperature was positively correlated with increased frequency and duration of specific behaviours (flehmen, looking at their flank and rump scratching against the stall wall). In conclusion, as in other species, body temperature was related to signs usually associated with impeding parturition, with a significant temperature drop observed from 12 h before and at the time of foaling. Providing automated measurements become available, temperature monitoring could become an additional tool to predict parturition in mares.

This study evaluated different crosses for sustainable beef production in the Meio-Norte, Brazil. Thirty-four cattle [seven Curraleiro Pé-duro (CPD), six Nellore (NEL), seven F 1 ( ½ NEL + ½ CPD ), seven F 2 A ( ¼ CPD + ¼ NEL + ½ Angus ), and seven F 2 S ( ¼ CPD + ¼ NEL + ½ Senepol )] were evaluated on natural pastures in the states of Piauí and Maranhão. The animals were weighed at birth (BW); weaning (WW); 12 (W12), 18 (W18), and 24 months (W24); and slaughter (SW). The morphometric measurements of rump height (RH), withers height (WH), body length (BW), and heart girth (HG) were assessed. Hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW), loin-eye area (LEA), backfat thickness (BFT), carcass dressing percentage (DP), water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), pH, meat color (L*M, a*M, and b*M), and fat color (L*F, a*F, and b*F) were also analyzed. The three-cross animals (F2A and F2S) showed heavier weights from weaning to slaughter as well as higher HCW and CCW. The three-cross cattle produced less methane per kg of meat. The lack of differences between the NEL, F1, F2A, and F2S animals indicates that crossbreeding did not increase their size, which could be detrimental to reproductive efficiency. Loin-eye area, BFT, and DP differed between the genetic groups, with the highest LEA obtained by F2A. Backfat thickness and DP were low in all animals, suggesting a need for increased carcass fatness. Water-holding capacity, CL, SF, pH, a*F, b*F, L*M, and a*M did not differ; therefore, crossbreeding did not affect qualitative or visual aspects of meat and fat. The use of crosses in meat production systems in the Meio-Norte region of Brazil is a viable option to improve sustainability. In this respect, three-cross animals have the best performance.

The objective of this work was to use biometric measurements to predict carcass characteristics of lambs of the Morada Nova breed. We used 48 lambs with mean initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.04 kg and slaughter body weight (SBW) of 26.37±2.43 kg. The animals were weighed weekly and underwent a period of adaptation of 15 days before slaughter. The biometric measurements were obtained the day before slaughter, comprising body length, withers height, rump height, thigh length, breast width, rump width, thigh perimeter, rump perimeter, thorax perimeter, leg length, and body condition score. Additional measurements included slaughter BW and empty BW (EBW). The data recorded at slaughter comprised the weights of the viscera, carcass, and internal fat and offal. The in vivo measurements of body length were present in most of the equations for predicting the SBW, EBW, hot carcass weight (HCW), and cold carcass weight (CCW). The SBW and EBW presented a variation of approximately 9%. The variables that evaluated the carcass, HCW, and CCW demonstrated less data variation than SBW and EBW, which was probably because these measurements were obtained following evisceration and skinning, thus removing factors of more significant variation in vivo . The prediction models found in the present study varied with an R² of 0.49-0.93, indicating high levels of variation. In sum, biometric measurements can be used to predict the carcass characteristics of Morada Nova lambs with different body conditions.

The objective was to determine zoometric indices, correlate, and predict body weight based on the biometric measurements of F1 Dorper × Santa Inês (F1 D × SI) ewes created extensively. Were 25 F1 D × SI sheep monitored, with ages varying from 2 to 9 months. Body weight, thoracic perimeter, belly perimeter, body length, withers height, rump height, rump width, and rump length were measured on a monthly basis and zoometric indices were estimated from them. Descriptive data analysis, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were performed. The biometric measurements and zoometric indices of F1 D × SI ewes indicate an animal of aptitude for cutting, with good conformation. In addition, they demonstrate favorable aspects for reproduction, a fundamental characteristic in the selection of matrices. Body weight has a high and positive correlation for all characteristics analyzed, with values ranging from 0.74 of the rump length to 0.88 of the thoracic perimeter. The regressions for all biometric measurements were highly significant (P