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A crossbreeding experiment was conducted between the Sinai (SI), an indigenous Egyptian strain, and the exotic Lohmann Brown (LB) breeds of chickens. A total of 790 chicks were produced in four genetic groups, namely SI x SI, LB x LB, SI x LB, and LB x SI. The objective was to estimate the direct additive effect (gi), individual heterosis (hi), and maternal additive effect (gm) for growth and reproduction traits. Direct additive effects were positive (P ≤0.01) for bodyweight (BW) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks old in favour of SI. For egg production traits, gi was positive for age at sexual maturity (ASM) and age at which the first 10 eggs were produced (P10), but negative for mean 10 egg production (MP10), egg number at 90 days (EN90),mean egg number at 90 days (MEN90), and egg mass (EM). The estimates of heterosis (%) were high for BW and daily gain except for BW0. Maternal effect estimates of BW and daily weight gain were significant (P

Context Smallholder pig production systems in the north-eastern region of India are characterised by inefficiency due to use of unselected local pigs, and multiple breeding constraints such as paucity of superior germplasm, high mating costs, and poor access to artificial insemination (AI). Effective AI is the most viable option for genetic improvement and enhancing pig productivity. Aim The study was designed to assess the success rate and economic efficacy of four AI delivery models (Models I–IV): (I) AI at farmer’s doorstep through direct linkage to tribal farmers; (II) AI at farmer’s doorstep through trained, educated youth; (III) oestrus synchronisation and fixed-time AI; and (IV) mobile van-based AI delivery system. The study also sought to ascertain the benefits of adopting a crossbreeding program through AI over the existing use of local pigs for smallholder systems. Methods Semen collected from nine Hampshire boars was routinely utilised for AI after processing as per standard protocols. For Models I–IV, respectively, 259, 154, 183 and 284 sows from 75 villages/clusters were inseminated. Reproductive and litter performance as well as insemination cost were evaluated for each model. Growth performance of crossbred pigs obtained through AI was compared with that of local pigs in the smallholder production system. Key results Farrowing rate and mean litter size at birth were 74.90% and 8.57 ± 0.52 for Model I, 68.83% and 8.08 ± 0.37 for Model II, 80.87% and 9.31 ± 0.41 for Model III, 75.00% and 8.54 ± 0.64 for Model IV, and 81.58% and 6.81 ± 0.29 for natural service. Farrowing rate, litter size at birth and at weaning, and litter weight at weaning were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by AI delivery model in the order: Model III > Model I = Model IV > Model II. Litter weight at birth was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by AI delivery model in the order: Model III > Model I = Model II = Model IV. Lowest cost per insemination was found for Model IV (INR 319.00) followed by Model II (INR 449.00), Model III (INR 629) and Model I (INR 899). All models had lower cost than the natural service system (INR 2200). The growth performance of crossbred pigs obtained through AI was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than of the local pigs reared in the same production system. Conclusion The present study justifies the accessibility, feasibility and potential benefit of AI delivery models in smallholder/backyard pig production systems in the north-eastern region of India. Use of these AI delivery models will overcome the breeding constraints and reward farmers with more rapid genetic improvement in productivity with lower production costs. Model III (oestrus synchronisation and fixed time AI) shows best productivity and Model IV (mobile van-based AI delivery system) has lowest cost. Implications These AI delivery models will be effective for sustainable and economic piggery development and improve the socioeconomic livelihood of pig farmers in South Asian countries.

Reciprocal recurrent selection is the selection of purebreds for crossbred performance and takes advantage of additive and non-additive variance by using pedigreed progeny performance records. Developed in maize, the adoption of this approach in livestock breeding has been limited to the pork and poultry industries; genomic selection may facilitate its extension into the beef industry by replacing pedigree. The literature regarding the relative importance of additive versus non-additive variance and reciprocal recurrent genomic selection models was reviewed. The potential for using reciprocal recurrent genomic selection in a terminal Wagyu × Angus cross scenario was examined. Non-additive variance is more important for fitness traits and accounts for a small proportion of variance related to production traits such as marbling. In general, reciprocal recurrent selection was not significantly better at improving performance of crossbreds than was traditional selection within parental breeds using only additive variance in the studies examined. Simulation studies showed benefits of including dominance or breed-specific allele effects in prediction models but advantages were small as more realistic simulations were examined. On the basis of the evidence, it is likely that in a terminal two-way cross-beef scenario utilising Wagyu sires and Angus dams, where selection emphasis is on marbling, selection of purebreds on the basis of additive variance will allow substantial progress to be realised.

Introducción. La ubre (sistema mamario) de la vaca es el activo físico más importante. Una ubre grande, bien adherida, bien cuidada y de calidad es muy importante para generar la mayor producción de leche en un largo período. Objetivo. Estudiar la relación del volumen aparente de la ubre, frente a la cantidad de leche producida por vacas Holstein. Metodología. El presente estudio utilizó un tipo de investigación experimental y un método longitudinal mediante la recolección de datos en un tiempo determinado y para determinar los cambios en las variables. En la presente investigación se utilizaron 24 hembras Holstein mestizas, 12 de segunda y 12 de tercera lactancia.Todas las vacas fueron seleccionadas tomando en consideración que no mostraron síntomas de mastitis y sus cuatro cuartos estuvieran en plena capacidad de producción. Para la tabulación de los datos se utilizó prueba t de student y análisis de correlación por el método de Pearson utilizando SPSS versión 21. Resultados. El volumen de la ubre de los bovinos Holstein de segundo parto fue 8068,6 cm, valor que difiere significativamente (P< 0,0001), de las vacas de tercer parto puesto que registraron 102497,69 cm, en tanto que la producción de leche presento diferencias altamente significativas (P>0,0001), por efecto de número de partos, obteniéndose el mayor valor en vacas de tercer parto con 28,31 litros/leche/día y la menor producción se registró en el grupo de segundo parto con 24,03 litros/ leche/día, por lo que se considera que al incrementar el número de partos se presenta un aumento progresivo del volumen y producción de leche. Con respecto a la correlación entre volumen con la producción de leche presentaron una correlación alta de (0,69). Conclusión. ubres más voluminosas tienen mayor cantidad de tejido secretor y por consiguiente una mayor producción de leche.

Twenty-five raw milk samples from Friesian crossbred dairy cows were analyzed for milk fat, protein and lactose using an ultrasonic milk analyzer. The samples were then subjected to two different freezing protocols; single freezing and multiple freezing, after which parameters were reanalyzed after freezing and thawing at different freezing times (24, 48, and 72 h). Paired t-test was used to compare the effect of freezing type while the differences in milk constituents with freezing time were analyzed using ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was also performed to study correlations between freezing duration and any change in cattle milk's macronutrient content. The results indicated that milk fat, protein and lactose content decreased significantly with freezing time. However, the decrease was more in multiple frozen samples than single frozen samples. The most decreased macronutrients were lactose (14.1%) in single freezing and fat (25.5%) in multiple freezing. Analysis of the interaction between freezing type and freezing time showed that freezing time significantly affected all the parameters while freezing type (p=0.03) and its interaction with freezing time (p=0.02) affected only the fat content. In conclusion, it should be noted that cattle milk samples frozen at -20°C leads to a significant decrease in fat, protein, and lactose content. The loss of constituents was much more pronounced when samples were frozen, thawed, and refrozen (multiple freezing) than when samples were thawed only once (single freezing). Key words: Single freezing, multiple freezing, macronutrients, dairy cattle.

The aim of the research was to conduct an economic assessment of the use of industrial crossbreeding in the pig industry. The study was carried out in LLC "Mayak-Agro" (Ukraine) and in the laboratories of the Cherkasy National University named after Bohdan Khmelnitsky and the Cherkasy Experimental Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Ukrainian breeds of pigs were used: (Ukrainian BigWhite-1 (UBW-1), Red White-Belt (RWB) and Duroc of the Ukrainian selection "Steppe" (DUSS)). Breeds of English origin: (Big White (EBW), Landrace (L), Pietrain (P)). Crossbreeds, obtained by crossing the breeds, mentioned above. A comprehensive assessment of the reproductive capacity of a sow was carried out taking into account multiple births, the number of piglets at one month of age and the average daily gain during this period. Growth and development were monitored in terms of changes in live weight by individual weighing at birth and every month to a live weight of 100 and 120 kg. Regardless of maternal form, in the groups where boars of the breeds Red White-Belt and Pietrain were used, higher indicators of comprehensive assessment of reproductive capacity were obtained. The best fattening qualities characterized piglets, obtained from a combination of sows (1/2UBW-1+1/2L) with boars of the Pietrain breed (P). In comparison with other variants of crosses, in this group the animals reached a live weight of 100 kg 7.6 days earlier. Their feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain were 3.33 feed units, which corresponds to the expected figure of 3.34 feed units when fattening up to 100 kg in 170 days. In terms of industrial pork production, breeding of animals of the group (1/4UBW-1+1/4L+1/2P) was more profitable, in which the highest level of profitability was obtained - 22.3 % for fattening up to 100 kg and 12.5 % for fattening up to 120 kg. Cultivation of three-breed hybrids to a live weight of over 100 kg led to a decrease in profitability among all research groups. The use of the genotype 1/4UBW-1+1/4L+1/2P in industrial production makes it possible to obtain animals of various weight conditions without significant additional costs and profitability level reduction. In the course of the research, it was found, that the best option for three-breed crossing is the use of boars of the Pietrain and Red White-Belt breeds. The use of boars of these breeds is ideal for producers looking for bacon pork. The use of boars of the Duroc breed of the Ukrainian selection "Steppe" (DUSS) makes it possible to obtain fatty pork with the possibility of fattening to different weight categories.

Context Oil palm frond (OPF) is abundantly available throughout Southeast Asia and is a good source of forage for feedlot cattle, particularly during the dry and monsoon seasons when other forage options are limited. However, the use of OPF in ruminants feed is constrained by its complex fibrous structure and low digestibility. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementation with bypass fat on growth, meat quality and economic returns in smallholder feedlot systems where Napier grass is replaced with OPF. Methods Sixteen Brahman × Charolais crossbred steers, 23 ± 2.0 months old and with initial bodyweight of 425 ± 59.9 kg (mean ± s.e.), were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial randomised complete-block design experiment with the following dietary treatments: (i) fresh chopped Napier grass-based total mixed ration (TMR; Napier grass–fat), (ii) Napier grass-based TMR + 5% bypass fat (Napier grass+fat), (iii) OPF-based TMR (OPF–fat) and (iv) OPF-based TMR + 5% bypass fat (OPF+fat). Feed intake, digestibility of the diets and average daily gain were measured. The cattle were slaughtered to determine carcass dressing percentage and meat quality. Costs and return of fattening cattle were estimated. Key results Despite higher intake, cattle fed OPF–fat had a lower bodyweight gain than did cattle fed grass-based diets due to lower digestibility. Bypass-fat supplementation increased the bodyweigh of cattle fed OPF but not of cattle fed Napier grass. Fat supplementation enhanced colour, backfat thickness, and fat content of meat in both the Napier grass- and OPF-based diets. However, replacing Napier grass with OPF reduced the net profit of smallholder feedlot systems, even with fat supplementation. Conclusion While fat supplementation increased liveweight gain and enhanced some aspects of meat quality, the increased feeding cost reduced net profit. Therefore, supplementation of OPF with bypass fat is not recommended for smallholder feedlots in developing countries. Implications Appropriate technology to reduce the feeding cost of OPF needs to be developed to make it an economically viable option for smallholder farmers.

The results of commercial cross breeding of dairy cattle with meat bulls are presented. Scientific and economic experiments were carried out in Omsk and Novosibirsk regions. Ranked cows of the red steppe breed were selected for the experiment. They were artificially inseminated with the semen of bulls of the red steppe, Kalmyk and Hereford breeds. Bulls of each genotype were selected from the calves born and three groups were formed by the method of analogue groups: 1st control - the red steppe, 2nd experimental - crossbreed of Kalmyk × the red steppe, 3d experimental – crossbreed of Hereford × the red steppe. In the second experiment two groups were formed from castrated bulls of Simmental and Hereford breeds × Simmental hybrids: 1st control group of Simmental breed, 2nd experimental group - Hereford × Simmental hybrids. A highly reliable superiority in the live weight of young animals of the 2nd and 3d experimental groups was revealed. From the age of 9 to 15 months, it was 16.5-77.3 kg (p p p p

A total of twenty-five crossbred rabbit bucks with a mean weight of 628.73g were utilized to investigate their nutrient digestibility, visceral organ changes, and carcass yield when fed with diets containing graded levels of rumen filtrate-fermented rice offal (FRO) for 10 weeks. Five rabbits were grouped into five treatments with each rabbit serving as a replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. The control group was fed with a diet containing no rumen filtrate fermented-rice offal meal while the other four groups were fed with diets in which the FRO replaced the maize at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively. The results of the analyzed nutrient composition and energy content of the experimental diets showed no trend across the treatments except for crude protein and metabolizable energy whose values appeared to increase across treatments as the levels of FRO increased from 0% to 20%. Dry Matter (DM), Crude Fiber (CF), Ether Extract (EE) and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) digestibility values were affected by the inclusion level of the fermented rice offal in the diets of the rabbits, except Crude Protein (CP). Crude fiber values appeared to increase across the treatments as the levels of FRO increased from 0% to 20%. Dressed weight showed significantly (p0.05) across treatment groups. It was therefore concluded that the digestibility of nutrients was not adversely affected; such that 20% inclusion of rumen filtrate-fermented rice offal showed no modification on visceral organ changes and a better carcass yield observed in rabbits on the diets. It was suggested that up to 20% rumen filtrate-fermented rice offal meal can be integrated into rabbit diets without impairing their digestibility, visceral organ characteristics, and carcass yield.

The Boercang goat is a crossbred between male Boer goat and local female goat. This study was aimed to analyze the production and physical performances of Boercang goats during the weaning up to the age of one year. Thirty nine males and 37 females goats aged 3 - 12 months were used in the study. Body weight, daily weight gain, coat colour pattern, horn, ears, nose shape and birth type were recorded during study. The data obtained were calculated for the means, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) and the analysis was descriptive. Student t test was performed to compare differences between groups of age and between group of sex. Field observations showed that the qualitative characteristics of Boercang such as body colour, horns, ears, and nose shape were 50 % identical with the characteristics of male Boer. The average body weight of the male Boercang goats was 23.02±1.56 kg whereas the female Boercang goats was 21.86±1.63 kg. Body weight gain was affected by age and birth type. The conclusion is that the genetic superiority of the qualitative characteristics of the Boer goats is still expressed in the offspring although it varies; for the characteristics of horns, colour patterns and ears still contribute more than 50%. The appearance of superior quantitative traits from the male Boer goat during the period of weaning up to one year of age both based on the birth type and offspring sex tends to be higher than the appearance of local goat.

In this study, meat quality traits and fatty acid compositions of Hair Goat and Saanen × Hair Goat (G1) crossbred kids fattened under intensive, semi-intensive and extensive conditions were determined. For meat quality traits, differences in pH24 h, pH45 min, drip loss, water holding capacity, cooking loss and Warner–Bratzler peak shear force values of the experimental groups were not found to be significant. According to colour measurements at the 0th and 45th minute, the extensive fattening group of Hair Goat kids had greater lightness (L∗) values and the intensive fattening group of Hair Goat kids had greater redness (a∗) values. For intensive, semi-intensive and extensive fattening groups of Hair Goat kids, total saturated fatty acid contents of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were respectively measured as 19.28 %, 23.75 % and 23.35 %. Total monounsaturated fatty acid contents were respectively measured as 67.30 %, 66.22 % and 65.72 %. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were respectively measured as 5.46 %, 3.06 % and 3.16 % and conjugate linoleic acid contents were respectively measured as 0.48 %, 0.55 % and 0.65 %. For intensive, semi-intensive and extensive fattening groups of Saanen × Hair Goat (G1) kids, total saturated fatty acid contents of LD muscle samples were respectively measured as 21.01 %; 21.98 %, 19.10 %; total monounsaturated fatty acid contents were respectively measured as 64.04 %, 64.33 %, 52.44 %. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were respectively measured as 3.53 %, 4.89 % and 4.84 % and conjugate linoleic acid contents were respectively measured as 0.52 %, 0.58 % and 0.73 %. It was concluded that the extensive fattening group had greater conjugated linoleic acid contents than the other fattening groups.

Background: Calving abnormalities incudes reproductive disorders such as abortion and dystocia which affects the herd life and reproductive efficiency of dairy animals and ultimately the economics of dairy herds because of replacement from herd. Generally, crossbreds cows are more susceptible for the incidence of calving abnormalities as compared to the indigenous breeds. Methods: For the present study, secondary data of calving abnormalities such as abortion and dystocia was collected from the disease records of Phule Triveni crossbred cows. The data consists of 2168 number of calvings records of abortion and dystocia during the period of 20 years from 1995-2014. The incidence of calving abnormalities such as abortion and dystocia were calculated as percentage for each period, season, parity, stage of lactation and level of production. Results:The incidence of calving abnormalities was 8.53 per cent while the incidence of abortion and dystocia was 5.81 and 2.3 per cent.The incidence of abortion was higher during summer season (7.61 per cent) while that of dystocia in rainy season (3.00 per cent).The highest incidence of abortion was observed in fourth parity in case of abortion (10.86 per cent) and dystocia (3.37 per cent). Conclusion: Non-genetic factors such as season, party, late stage of lactation and very high milk producing cows are predisposing factors for more occurrence of calving abnormalities in Phule Triveni crossbred cows, so more emphasis should be given to managemental practices to minimise the occurrence of incidence at farm level.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T06:02:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Context: Integrating trees and pastures can provide benefits to grazing animals in warm climates, such as provision of shade during the excessive heat. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of two arrangements of trees on grass production and behavioural, physiological and blood parameters of crossbred lambs grazing massai grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pastures in a tropical environment in São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: Two groups of 24 Santa Inês × Dorper male lambs (∼90 days old, 24.0 ± 3.3 and 22.0 ± 2.4 kg bodyweight, respectively) were used in two growing seasons, stratified by initial bodyweight and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: unshaded massai grass (no shading, NS), moderate shading (MS), or intense shading (IS). Treatments MS and IS were established with single rows of eucalyptus trees at spacing 12 m or 6 m between rows and 2 m within rows, corresponding to 786 and 1190 trees/ha. Each growing season consisted of two grazing cycles of ∼20 days each, when tester animals grazed simultaneously in a rotational stocking system with variable stocking rate. Behavioural observations were feeding, lying ruminating, standing ruminating, lying, standing still, searching for food, and other. Physiological measurements were rectal temperature, respiratory frequency and heart rate. Blood parameters included haemogram, acute-phase proteins and serum cortisol concentrations. Key results: Animals under treatment IS spent more time (P < 0.05) lying, standing still and at other activities than animals under NS and MS. Moreover, they presented lower rectal temperature and respiratory and heart rates than animals under NS during the first growing season, which was the season with higher temperatures. Cortisol and acute-phase proteins were not affected by treatment. Conclusions: When animals were exposed to sun, the silvopastoral system was efficient for avoiding heat stress; however, the density of trees reduced the forage mass. Implications: The silvopastoral system is a viable alternative production system in warm climates to improve the welfare of sheep, but the density of trees must be considered so that it does not negatively influence the forage mass. Animal Science Department São Paulo State University School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences North Florida Research Center University of Florida, 3925 Highway 71 Present Address: Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Av. Rio Paranaíba, 1295 Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Theriogenology São Paulo State University School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Via de Acesso Prof. Dr Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n Animal Science Department São Paulo State University School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Theriogenology São Paulo State University School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Via de Acesso Prof. Dr Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the 305-day milk yield of dairy cattle by using Regression Tree Analysis (RTA). The data set of this study consisted of 8 different cattle breeds grown in Turkey. Breed (B), Province (P), Lactation Length (LL), Service Period (SP), Dry Period (DP), Parity (PR), Calving Year (CY), Calving Age (CA) and Calving Month (CM) were used to predict the 305-day milk yield. Results of RTM showed that the usage of this method might be appropriate for determining the important factors that would be able to affect the 305-day milk yield (R2=71.3%). It was seen that the most important factors affecting the 305-day milk yield were the Breed, Lactation Length, Province, and Parity. Therefore, those selected factors were more efficient than the others in predicting the 305-day milk yield. RTA results also indicated that the lowest milk yield was estimated for Jersey, Jersey Crossbred, and Yerli Kara. Among the highest 305-day milk yield cows, the milk yield estimates of the cows in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and the sixth parities were found significantly higher than that of the cows in the first and seventh parities.

The present research work was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of repeat breeding (RB) among crossbred dairy cattle for three years from January 2017 to December 2019. Crossbred cows having apparently normal genitalia and showing regular oestrous cycle but failing to conceive even after three consecutive inseminations were selected as RB cows based on data collected from breeding registers. The occurrence of RB in the year 2017, 2018 and 2019 were 29.20, 24.12 and 19.52 per cent, respectively with an overall occurrence of 23.60 per cent. Detailed clinico-gynaecological and ultrasonographic examinations of 41 RB cows were carried out for the identification of various etiological factors during the study period (September 2019 to August 2020). Samples for endometrial cytology were collected during oestrus by cytobrush technique to rule out cytological endometritis (sub clinical endometritis). The occurrence of various identified causes of RB were cytological endometritis (17.07 %), fibrosis of cervix (7.31 %), endometritis (7.31 %), follicular cyst (4.88 %), kinked cervix (2.44 %), uterine unicornis (2.44 %) and other reasons (58.54 %). Repeat breeding is a major cause of infertility in crossbred dairy cattle and early diagnosis is essential for the effective management and to enhance production.

The surveys were carried out in order to determine the rationale for improving the Yaroslavl cattle breeding stock with Holstein bulls. The cows of the Yaroslavl breed (n = 458) and their peers with percentage of Holstein blood from 38 to 50% (n = 167) at the pedigree enterprise in the Ivanovo oblast were used as the basis to analyze the productivity, welfare, and service interval lengths of cows through the dynamics of the first and two later lactations. The cows were allocated into two groups (of 50 animals each) with the method of analogous pairs to determine the milk composition. In case of the milk yield of 4100 to 5000 kg for the first lactation, the Holsteinized Yaroslavl cows compared to their purebred peers were more efficient in the total milk yield for three lactations by 169 kg. In cases of the milk yields of 5100…6000 and 6100…7000 kg for the first lactation, vice versa, they were inferior to the purebred peers by 556 and 1564 kg, respectively. The service interval length for three lactations in the crossbred specimens compared to their purebred Yaroslavl peers increased by 21…40 days, while the on-farm cow welfare up to the second and third lactations and the fourth lactation reduced, on average, by 10 and 20%, respectively. The daily milk yield of the Holsteinized cows at the first stage through three lactations was 1.6…3.0 kg less than that in their purebred peers. The mass fraction of milk protein at the second stage within the second and third lactations was 0.09 and 0.13% less, respectively. With respect to the amount of lactose at different stages within the second and third lactations, it was 0.08 and 0.20% less, respectively. The fat globule size in the milk of purebred Yaroslavl cows was significantly larger than that for the Holsteinized animals by 0.10…0.11 μm and their number in a winter season was 0.15 billion/mL more, which can indicate the better milk processability for cheese and butter making.

Animals kept in extensive production systems are constantly exposed to the effects of climatic aspects, which could favour thermal discomfort, decreasing productive and reproductive performances. Utilisation of Bos taurus crosses with Bos indicus animals is increasing in the tropics aimed at improving production and it is now well known how these animals respond in such environment. The objective was to characterize the morpho-physiological thermoregulation responses of weaned heifers from four different genetic groups to infer regarding the different degrees of adaptation to heat under tropical conditions Forty-eight, pasture-kept, 6-month-old, weaned heifers from four distinct genetic groups: (1) Nellore; (2) Senepol; (3) Angus x Nellore; and, (4) ¼ Brahman x ¼ Nellore x ½ Senepol (Tri-cross) were evaluated. Skin, hair coat and rectal temperatures; sweating rate; respiratory and heart rates; visual analysis of hair and hair coat colour; hair coat temperature and thickness; and length, diameter, density and number of hairs were evaluated. In addition, the temperature-humidity index, black-globe temperature and humidity index, and radiant thermal load were determined. Angus x Nellore animals presented the lowest (P=0.008) respiratory rate. Rectal temperature did differ (P=0.001) between seasons. Angus x Nellore heifers showed the greatest (P=0.001) values for the morphological measures in the evaluated months, coinciding with thermal comfort indexes above those considered comfortable for cattle. Nellore (Bos indicus), Brahman x Nellore x Senepol, and Senepol (B. taurus) present the best adaptive traits in savanna. The utilisation of B. indicus animals or adapted breed confers desirable morphological characteristics for the tropical environment.

In the examination of a five-year-old South Anatolian Red and a Simental cross-breed, dystocia was found to be related to the presentation disorder of the calf. In the clinical examination of the 24-kg male calf delivered by the extraction force, were found to have 7 incisive teeth pathologically in maxilla of the calf. In the following days, in the examinations of the cow, wounds on her mother's udder have appeared depending on the sucking of the calf and consequently mastitis detected. X-rays were taken from various angles to determine the root depth of the roots of the incisive teeth in the maxilla before the operation. Then, incisive teeth were removed with operation from the maxilla accompanied by mild sedation and local anesthesia. It was seen that the calf’s non closing mouth due to incisive teeth in maxilla before the operation, return to normal and there was no function problem.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of protein and energy supplementation on the biochemical blood parameters in Holstein cows. The effect of energy and protein supplementation used corn and soybean meal was evaluated on biochemical blood profile in three groups of Holstein cows raised in small stakeholder farmers in Yogyakarta from February to May 2020. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows were allocated to three treatment groups, namely T0 in which the cows fed by the basal diet from the local farmer as well as the T1 (3.5% energy and protein supplementation) and T2 (5% energy and protein supplementation), in which the cows were fed by added energy and protein supplementation. The diets designed for the treatment groups were different from the basal diet by adding two additional ingredients which were soybean meal and corn meal in purpose to depress the stress from adaptive feeding. The results showed that the treated cows (T1 and T2) had significantly higher serum concentrations of glucose (T1 = 2.12 ± 0.49 mmol/L, T2 = 1.86 ± 0.40 mmol/L) rather than T0 (0.98 ± 0.48 mmol/L). The total concentration of serum protein and urea in treated cows was significantly lower than those with the basal diet. Total serum protein and urea in T1 were 0.69 ± 1.37 mmol/L and 7.21 ± 1.99 mmol/L, respectively; which they were 0.63 ± 0.06 mmol/L and 7.69 ± 3.07 mmol/L in T2, compared to the T0 which were 0.82 ±0.05 mmol/L and 7.69 ± 3.07 mmol/L, respectively. There was no significant difference in blood cholesterol among all treatment groups. In conclusion, the supplementations that varied in the proportion of energy and protein intake affected some biochemical blood profiles, such as glucose, protein, and blood urea nitrogen.

One of the problems that exist in the community is the lack of identification of the reproductive performance of prospective brooders of Bali cattle that are artificially inseminated. The researcher conducted a research to determine the reproductive performance of Bali Cattle inseminated with Brahman Cattle Semen in SECP (Special Effort for Cows to be Pregnant Program) Program in Kolaka Regency. The parameters observed in this study were; artificial insemination's first age (Years), How many times the artificial insemination (AI) was pregnant (S/C), Length of pregnancy (months), Calving Interval (CI) (months), Birth weight (Kilograms), Correlation of AI's first age with birth weight. Sources of date used in this study are primary and secondary data. Data collection techniques carried out in this study were observation and interviews. The date obtained was analyzed descriptively, analysis of variance, average, and to calculate the relationship between variables was analyzed by correlation. Reproductive performance of Bali Cattle inseminated with Brahman Cattle Semen in SECP Program in Kolaka district include; first age AI 23.63±1.99 months, Service per Conception (S/C) 1.56±0.55, gestational age 9.03±0.38 months, Calving Interval (CI) 12.24±0 .52 months, birth weight 27.85 ± 2.96 and the correlation between AI prime age and birth spacing was 0.77.

This aim of the research was to know production performances at birth age of piglets of landrace sow crossbreds. The research was carried out in two breeding farms namely the Instalation of Pig Breeding, village of Tarus, Kupang Regency and the Manise Pig Farm, Village of Oetete, Kupang City. There were 15 heads of landrace crossbreed sows. The method used wasa survey and samples were collected purposively that there were all of the landrace sow crossbreds. The variables were litter size, body weights, girth size, and body length. Data were differentiated between males and females. The data obtained was analysed using the t test (t-test). The results showed that males had the average of litter size, body weight, girth size and body length were 5.03±1.81 head; 1.48±0.58 kg/head; 24.82±3.29 cm and 22.21±4.18 cm, respectively while females had the average of liter size, body weight, girth size and body length were 4.80±1.49 head; 1.45±0.49 kg/head; 24.51±3.17cm and 21.78±4.75 cm, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no difference (P>0.05) between males and females from all observation variables. Performances of piglets from ;andrace sow crossbreds for male and female characters such as litter size, birth weight, girth size and body length were relatively similar., Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui performa produksi saat lahir anak babi dari induk peranakan Landrace. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Instalasi Pembibitan Ternak Babi Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Kelurahan Tarus, Kabupaten Kupang dan di Peternakan Babi Manise, Kelurahan Oetete, Kota Kupang. Induk yang dipakai adalah semua peranakan Landarce sebanyak 15 ekor. Metode yang digunakan adalah observasi dan pengambilan sampel dilakukan secara purposive yaitu semua induk peranakan Landrace. Variabel adalah jumlah anak sekelahiran, bobot badan, lingkar dada dan panjang badan. Anak jantan dan betina dibedakan dalam pada peneltian ini. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji t (t-test). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa anak berkelamin jantan memiliki rerata jumlah sekelahiran, bobot badan, lingkar dada, dan panjang badan masing-masing berturut-turut adalah 5,03±1,81 ekor; 1,48±0,58 kg/ekor; 24,82±3,29 cm dan 22,21±4,18 cm sedangkan anak berkelamin betina rerata bobot badan, jumlah sepelahiran, lingkar dada dan panjang badan masing-masing berturut-turut adalah 4,80±1,49 ekor; 1,45±0,49 kg/ekor ; 24,51±3,17cm dan 21,78±4,75 cm. Analisis statistik menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan jenis kelamin tidak memberikan pengaruh nyata (P>0.05) terhadap semua sifat-sifat yang diamati. Performa anak babi peranakan Landrace pada kelamin jantan dan betina untuk sifat-sifat teramati adalah relativ sama.

Population structure and relationship information among goats is critical for genetic improvement, utilization, and conservation. This study explored population structure and level of introgression among four goat breeds in Kenya: the indigenous Galla (n = 12) and three imported breeds, the Alpine (n = 29), Toggenburg (n = 31), and Saanen (n = 24). Genetic diversity was analyzed using four indices (polymorphic SNPs, mean allele frequency, observed and expected heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficient) within each breed. Population structure assessed using model-based clustering (ADMIXTURE) revealed four breeds according to their geographic regions in Kenya. Kenyan Alpine goats were the most admixed breed with about 10 % of its genome derived from Galla, 10 % and 6 % from Saanen and Toggenburg respectively. The association of Galla with other breeds was anticipated since the Galla breed was used as the founder population for crossbreeding with Saanen, Alpine and Toggenburg breeds. The relationship information evaluated by computing Reynolds genetic distance revealed five distinctive clusters: Alpine, Galla, Saanen, Toggenburg and some mixture of Alpine and Toggenburg. Saanen and Galla breeds seem to be the most genetically distinct among the sampled populations. The genetic variation among the goat populations observed will provide a good opportunity for sustainable utilization, conservation, and future genetic resource improvement programmes in goat breeds in Kenya.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of gestational stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli) on the physiological changes of ewes, as well as on the subsequent behavioral interaction between ewes and lambs and on the memory and learning of 30-day-old offspring in a T-maze. Thirty-six nulliparous pregnant crossbred Santa Ines ewes with an initial live weight of 45 ± 6 kg, age of 12 ± 2 months, and body condition score between 3 and 3.5 (on a scale of 1 to 5) were divided into two treatments: LPS treatment (E. coli; 0.8 μg.kg−1) and Control (placebo/saline) administered in late pregnancy (day 120). Blood samples were collected before (0 h at 5:00 h) and 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h after the administration of LPS or placebo to determine the cortisol release curve. Rectal temperature was measured at the same time points. After birth, male lambs (N = 19) were used to evaluate the maternal-offspring behavioral interaction, weight, and cognitive ability in a T-maze. Blood cortisol and rectal temperature of ewes increased after LPS administration and returned to baseline levels after 24 h. The activities facilitating and stimulating suckling were higher on LPS group (P

Context Most research on sire lines is linked to growth and carcass traits. Only a limited number of field trials explore the effect of sire line on piglet vitality, litter size and the interactions between these traits. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effect of sire line on the growth performance and vitality of progeny from birth to weaning and to evaluate the lines with respect to their impact on litter size. Methods Data included 150 litters of a Synthetic sire line (A) and 154 of a Piétrain sire line (B), with 4209 piglets born alive, which resulted from matings to 337 dams (Camborough PIC). The numbers of total born and born alive piglets per litter were recorded. Within 24 h after birth, piglet individual birthweight (BWbirth), sex (male/female) and body temperature (BT) were also recorded. At weaning, mortality rates and weaned pigs per sow were registered. At the day of weaning, 665 randomly chosen pigs were individually weighed. Weaning weights (WW) were used to calculate the weaning average daily gain (WADG). Key results Sire line significantly affected number of total born (P < 0.0001), number born alive (P < 0.01) and number of weaned pigs per sow (P < 0.01). Across lines, each additional piglet per litter resulted in a 31.2 g decline in BWbirth (P < 0.001). Larger litter sizes, higher BWbirth (P < 0.01) and piglets with a lower BT (P < 0.0001) were detected in litters of Sire line B compared with litters of Sire line A. No differences between lines were detected for WADG, WW and pre-weaning mortality (P > 0.05). A positive correlation between birthweight and WW resulted in a correspondingly higher WADG (P < 0.0001). Overall, heavier BWbirth piglets had a higher BT (P < 0.0001). Conclusions The present study indicates that Sire line B would offer a possibility to maintain litter size at a high level and, simultaneously, achieve higher BWbirth, with consequently more vital piglets. Implication It is important to emphasise that further selection for litter size in dam lines is not indicated in terms of animal welfare but also production efficiency. Instead, it seems feasible to follow the above strategy and stabilise litter size at a high level, while at the same time breeding for vitality and survivability in sire lines.

Environmental stressors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, photoperiod, etc. under tropical conditions are some of the important limiting factors for optimum expression of production and reproduction in dairy cows. The present study evaluated changes in cardinal physiological responses, heat tolerance indices, and milk yield in Jersey crossbred cows due to abiotic stress. Climograph was developed using daily maximum and minimum temperatures, humidity, and rainfall at livestock farm over a period of 15 years. Seasons significantly (P < 0.01) influenced cardinal physiological responses and thermal adaptability of Jersey crossbred cows. Diurnal environmental variations between morning and afternoon of the shed caused increase in body temperature, pulse, and respiration rate by 0.59–0.91%, 4.95–7.18%, and 9.73–32.37%, respectively. Thermal adaptability of cows showed significant (P < 0.01) higher deviations from perfect state of adaptability during summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon as compared to winter and spring seasons. The responsiveness and ranking of cows were dissimilar among 3 heat tolerance indices, viz., Iberia heat tolerance index, Benezara’s coefficient of adaptability, and Dairy Search Index (DSI). Enhanced respiration rate was the most important observable bio-indicator to poor thermal adaptability. Good thermo-tolerant cows had 8.86% higher (P < 0.05) monthly milk yield per cow than poorly adapted ones. Findings of this study suggest that deviations in cardinal physiological responses across the seasons are very reliable and simple estimates for evaluating levels of thermo-tolerance in crossbred cows.

In addition to the transmission of paternal genome, spermatozoa also carry coding as well as noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) into the female oocyte during the process of biological fertilization. Based on RNA deep sequencing, a total 28 number of differentially expressed miRNAs were cataloged in categorized FrieswalTM crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) bull semen on the basis of conception rate (CR) in field progeny testing program. Validation of selected miRNAs viz. bta-mir-182, bta-let-7b, bta-mir-34c and bta-mir-20a revealed that, superior bull semen having comparatively (p < .05) lower level of all the miRNAs in contrast to inferior bull semen. Additionally, it was illustrated that, bta-mir-20a and bta-mir-34c miRNAs are negatively (p < .01) correlated with seminal plasma catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level. Interactome studies identified that bta-mir-140, bta-mir-342, bta-mir-1306 and bta-mir-217 can target few of the important solute carrier (SLC) proteins viz. SLC30A3, SLC39A9, SLC31A1 and SLC38A2, respectively. Interestingly, it was noticed that all the SLCs were significantly (p < .05) expressed at higher level in superior quality bull semen and they are negatively correlated (p < .01) with their corresponding miRNAs as mentioned. This study may reflect the role of miRNAs in regulating few of the candidate genes and thus may influence the bull semen quality traits.

L’étude a été menée à l’ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire dans le district des Montagnes sur 120 vaches et 96 veaux mâles et femelles de races N’Dama et croisées (Montbéliarde x N’Dama) pendant 36 mois afin de déterminer leurs performances de reproduction et de croissance. Les résultats ont révélé que le taux de gravidité et la durée de lactation des vaches croisées (demi-sang Montbéliardes) étaient plus élevés que ceux des N’Dama. De même, l’intervalle entre vêlages des vaches croisées (428 ± 16,6 jours) a été inférieur à celui des N’Dama (452 ± 12,8 jours). Le poids à la naissance des veaux croisés (23 à 25 kg) a été supérieur à celui des N’Dama (17 à 19 kg). Le gain moyen quotidien sur toute la période a été de 356,8 ± 47,7 g pour les mâles et de 324,8 ± 47,1 g pour les femelles chez les croisés, contre respectivement 291,7 ± 57,6 g et 266,6 ± 49,1 g chez les N’Dama. Enfin, le poids adulte a été de 370 ± 1,7 kg pour les mâles et 300 ± 2,3 kg pour les femelles chez les croisés, contre respectivement 235 ± 1,6 kg et 230 ± 2,1 kg chez les N’Dama. Les performances de reproduction et de croissance des croisés ont été significativement plus élevées (p < 0,05) que celles des N’Dama.

There are appreciable does of raffinose in soybean, but the impacts of raffinose on pigs are poorly investigated. We used 2 experiments to investigate the influence of soybean raffinose on growth performance, digestibility, humoral immunity and intestinal morphology of growing pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 30 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows (21.93 ± 0.43 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups, and were fed with the control diet, the control diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.5% raffinose, respectively, for 21 d. Results showed that the addition of 0.2% or 0.5% raffinose reduced (P

In dairy cattle breeding, there is a clear trend toward the use of only a few high-yielding breeds. One main reason is that efficient breeding programs require a certain population size. Since some numerically small breeds are well known for their functional traits, they might be an interesting crossing partner for high-yielding breeds with the aim to utilize heterosis. This simulation study investigated the transition period of a small cattle population for the implementation of genomic selection and rotational crossbreeding with a high-yielding breed. Real SNP chip genotype data from the numerically small red dairy breed Angler and the high-yielding breed Holstein Friesian were used to simulate the base generations, from which rotational crossbreeding was conducted for 10 generations. A polygenic trait with many quantitative trait loci with additive and directional dominance effects was simulated. Different selection methods for Angler sires (purebred performance, crossbred performance, and weighted purebred-crossbred performance) and different sizes and structures of the reference population (Angler, crossbred animals, and Angler plus crossbred animals) were considered. The results showed that the implementation of a genomic rotational crossbreeding scheme is an appealing option to promote the numerically small Angler breed. The growing reference population consisting of Angler and crossbred individuals maximized the genetic gain for Angler and the performance level for the crossbred individuals. Selection for purebred performance, crossbred performance, or a weighted combination of both hardly affected the results, and differences between selection scenarios were observed only in the long term with decreasing purebred-crossbred correlations.

Objective The United States cattle industry suffers substantial monetary losses due to gastrointestinal parasites. There are limited data on extended-release and pour-on anthelmintic treatment on growth and reproductive performance in replacement beef cattle. This study aimed to investigate anthelmintic therapy on postweaning growth performance and reproductive success in fall-born, crossbred replacement heifers. Materials and Methods Eighty-three, newly weaned, Angus crossbred, fall-born heifer calves were stratified by BW at d −14, fecal egg count, and day of age and allocated randomly to 1 of 3 anthelmintic treatments: (1) control, no anthelmintic (n = 28; CON); (2) combination pour-on moxidectin and oxfendazole (n = 28; MO); or (3) extended-release eprinomectin (n = 27; ERE). Heifers grazed within treatment groups on separate pastures for a 274-d period. Respective anthelmintics were administered on d 0 and 154. Body weights, BCS, and calf BW were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Heifer cyclicity, estrous detection (using an Estrotect patch), AI conception, natural service conception, overall pregnancy rates, and live calving rates were analyzed using the GENMOD procedure of SAS. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. Results and Discussion Final heifer BW, ADG and BCS were greater (P Implications and Applications The inclusion of an anthelmintic increased growth and improved reproductive performance in fall-born heifers over a 274-d grazing study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic correlation (rpc) of growth performance between purebred (Duroc and Korean native) and synthetic (WooriHeukDon) pigs using a single-step method.Methods: Phenotypes of 15,902 pigs with genotyped data from 1,792 pigs from a nucleus farm were used for this study. We estimated the rpc of several performance traits between WooriHeukDon and purebred pigs: day of target weight (DAY), backfat thickness (BF), feed conversion rate (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI). The variances and covariances of the studied traits were estimated by an animal multi-trait model that applied the Bayesian inference.Results: rpc within traits was lower than 0.1 for DAY and BF, but high for FCR and RFI; in particular, rpc for RFI between Duroc and WooriHeukDon pigs was nearly 1. Comparison between different traits revealed that RFI in Duroc pigs was associated with different traits in WooriHeukDon pigs. However, the most of rpc between different traits were estimated with low or with high standard deviation.Conclusion: The results indicated that there were substantial differences in rpc of traits in the synthetic WooriHeukDon pigs, which could be caused by these pigs having a more complex origin than other crossbred pigs. RFI was strongly correlated between Duroc and WooriHeukDon pigs, and these breeds might have similar single nucleotide polymorphism effects that control RFI. RFI is more essential for metabolism than other growth traits and these metabolic characteristics in purebred pigs, such as nutrient utilization, could significantly affect those in synthetic pigs. The findings of this study can be used to elucidate the genetic architecture of crossbred pigs and help develop new breeds with target traits.

International audience; The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of altering autumn pasture availability and farm system intensity on the productivity of spring-calving dairy cows during autumn. A total of 144 Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned to 2 whole farm system (FS) intensities and 3 autumn pasture availability (PA; measured above 3.5 cm) treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The 2 farm systems consisted of a medium intensity (MI: 2.75 cows/ha, target postgrazing sward height of 4.0-4.5 cm) and high intensity system (HI: 3.25 cows/ha, target postgrazing sward height of 3.5-4.0 cm, + 1.8 kg of concentrate dry matter [(DM)/cow per day]. Within each farm system treatment, cows were further subdivided into 3 different PA management strategies: high PA (HPA), medium PA (MPA), and low PA (LPA). The experimental period lasted for 11 wk from September 1 to housing of all animals on November 20 (±2 d) over 3 yr (2017-2019, inclusive). To establish the different average pasture covers for each PA treatment during autumn and in particular at the end of the grazing season, grazing rotation length was extended by +13 and +7 d for HPA and MPA, respectively, beyond that required by LPA (37 d). There were no significant FS × PA interactions for any of the pasture, dry matter intake, or milk production and composition variables analyzed. There were also no differences in pregrazing sward characteristics or sward nutritive value between FS with the exception of daily herbage allowance, which was reduced for HI system (12.2 vs. 14.2 kg of DM/cow). Milk and milk solid yield were greater for HI groups (15.9 and 1.55 kg/cow per day, respectively) compared with MI (15.4 and 1.50 kg/cow per day, respectively). Mean paddock pregrazing herbage mass was significantly higher with increased PA ranging from a mean of 1,297 kg of DM/ha for LPA to 1,718 and 2,111 kg of DM/ha of available pasture for MPA and HPA, respectively. Despite large differences in pregrazing herbage mass, there was no difference in cumulative pasture production and only modest differences in grazing efficiency and sward nutritive value between PA treatments. On average, closing pasture covers were 420, 650, and 870 kg of DM/ha for LPA, MPA, and HPA, respectively, on December 1. In addition to maintaining similar grazing season lengths and achieving big differences in availability of pasture on farm into late autumn, PA treatment had no significant effect on dry matter intake, milk production, and body condition score during the study period. The results of this study indicate that greater cow performance and pasture utilization can be achieved through a greater daily concentrate allocation along with an increased stocking rate. Moreover, the potential to adapt grazing management practices to increase the average autumn pasture cover in intensive grazing systems is highlighted. In addition, a high dependence on high-quality grazed pasture during late autumn can be ensured without compromising grazing season length while also allowing additional pasture to be available for the subsequent spring.

Background There are two genetically distinct subspecies of cattle, Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus, which arose from independent domestication events. The two types of cattle show substantial phenotypic differences, some of which emerge during fetal development and are reflected in birth outcomes, including birth weight. We explored gene expression profiles in the placenta and four fetal tissues at mid-gestation from one taurine (Bos taurus taurus; Angus) and one indicine (Bos taurus indicus; Brahman) breed and their reciprocal crosses. Results In total 120 samples were analysed from a pure taurine breed, an indicine breed and their reciprocal cross fetuses, which identified 6456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two pure breeds in at least one fetal tissue of which 110 genes were differentially expressed in all five tissues examined. DEGs shared across tissues were enriched for pathways related to immune and stress response functions. Only the liver had a substantial number of DEGs when reciprocal crossed were compared among which 310 DEGs were found to be in common with DEGs identified between purebred livers; these DEGs were significantly enriched for metabolic process GO terms. Analysis of DEGs across purebred and crossbred tissues suggested an additive expression pattern for most genes, where both paternal and maternal alleles contributed to variation in gene expression levels. However, expression of 5% of DEGs in each tissue was consistent with parent of origin effects, with both paternal and maternal dominance effects identified. Conclusions These data identify candidate genes potentially driving the tissue-specific differences between these taurine and indicine breeds and provide a biological insight into parental genome effects underlying phenotypic differences in bovine fetal development.

An experiment was carried out for quality seed production of indigenous climbing perch, Anabas testudineus using cross breeding technique. Live fingerlings of A. testudineus were collected from three wild sources such as Kailla beel of Mymensingh (Mk), Salakandi beel of Mymensingh (Ms) and Shamganj beel of Netrokona (Ns) of Bangladesh. The collected wild A. testudineus were separately reared for a year in three replicated cages installed in separate earthen ponds for each stock. Forty eight mature broods (16 from each wild source stock with 1:1 sex ratio) were successfully induced bred with carp pituitary extracts following cross-breeding technique for producing three conspecific and three heterospecific cross groups. Three conspecific groups were designated as Line-1, Kailla beel ♀ × Kailla beel ♂ (Mk♀ × Mk♂); Line 2, Salakandi beel ♀ × Salakandi beel ♂ (Ms♀ × Ms♂) and Line 3, Shamgonj beel ♀ × Shamgonj beel ♂ (Ns♀ × Ns♂); whereas three heterospecific groups were designated as Line 4, Salakandi beel ♀ × Shamgonj beel ♂ (Ms♀ × Ns♂); Line 5, Kailla beel ♀ × Salakandi beel ♂ (Mk♀ × Ms♂) and Line 6, Shamgonj beel ♀ × Kailla beel ♂ (Ns♀ × Mk♂). In general, heterospecific crossbred groups (Line 4–6) showed higher reproductive performances than the conspecific crossbred groups (Line 1–3). More precisely, Line 4 (Ms♀ × Ns♂) showed the significantly (p

Background: The Southern Karaman sheep, which is very fertile in terms of meat and milk production and is often preferred in livestock raising, is known as a domestic sheep breed. The Hasak sheep is a breed formed by the triple crossbreeding of the German Black-headed, Hampshire and Akkaraman breeds. Arterial feeding of the forelimb is provided by arteria axillaris, a continuation of arteria subclavia. In this study, it was aimed to examine the forelimb arteries in Southern Karaman and Hasak sheep breeds. Materials and methods: Totally, 8 Southern Karaman and 8 Hasak sheep were obtained from Konya Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Institute. The sheep were anesthetised with xylazine and ketamine and extravasated by cutting the arteria carotis communis in the neck area of the sheep. The forelimbs of the sheep separated from the body were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and then dissections were made and the course and branching of the arteries were examined. Results: It was determined that the arteria brachialis was divided into two main branches as distal arteria brachialis and proximal arteria subscapularis at the articulatio humeri level of the arteria axillary. Arteria mediana, which is a continuation of arteria brachialis, was also examined in different parts of antebrachium and ended by splitting into branches. Conclusions: According to the findings of the Southern Karaman and Hasak sheep breeds, it was determined that the forelimb arteries had some anatomical differences but were similar in structure to many sheep breeds.

The issue of registration of breeding animals of different breeds is dealt with by organizations that keep state books of breeding animals. In Ukraine, the functions of keeping state books of breeding animals in cattle breeding, pig breeding, sheep breeding and horse breeding belong to the powers of the minister, which ensures the formation of state policy in the field of animal husbandry. The issue of animal breeding books is relevant because it is an ongoing process that requires a set of measures aimed at registration, maintenance and promotion of domestic breeding livestock. The purpose of research. To monitor the state books of breeding animals (SBBA) in dairy and meat cattle breeding, sheep breeding and pig breeding for the period 2002–2010. Also, establish the number of potential females that could be entered in the stud books. Materials and methods of research. The material for the study was data on the presence of breeding cows of dairy and meat production, sows and ewes of breeds registered in the State Register of Breeding Subjects in Animal Husbandry (until 2009, the State Breeding Register, SBR) during 2002–2019. The results of research. According to the SBR, 15 dairy breeds of cattle have been registered in Ukraine. During the study period, 15 volumes of SBBA of four breeds of dairy cattle were published in Ukraine, which included information on 12331 breeding animals, including 11477 cows. The largest number of recorded breeding animals of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cattle, of which 144 breeding bulls and 4989 cows, are concentrated in six volumes. In second place is the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy cattle, namely 4554 animals. Then there is the Simmental with 871 animals, of which 809 cows, and the red steppe 1773 heads, including 1609 cows. It is established that 48.7% of breeding animals were born in the period from 1990 to 1999. A small proportion, namely 0.3%, are animals born before 1979, and only 24% after 2000. Younger animals are recorded in the breeding books of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cattle and Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy cattle, and older – in the books of the red steppe. Of the 14 meat breeds used in Ukraine, only 5 have breeding animals that are registered with the SBBA. The total number of meat-producing animals recorded in the SBBA is 5586, including 4649 cows. Of the twelve breeds of pigs bred in Ukraine, only seven breeds, namely the Ukrainian white steppe (1451 heads) and Ukrainian spotted steppe (974), Myrhorod breed (123), Great Black (181), Landrace (727), Poltava meat breed (290) and Ukrainian meat breed (300) during the study period were published state pedigree books. Half (50.7%) of all recorded breeding pigs have a year of birth before 2000. Young (born in 2000) animals are recorded in the breeding books of the Landrace breed and the Ukrainian white steppe, Ukrainian meat breed and Poltava meat breed, where their share varies from 64 to 98%. During the study period, 9 volumes of state books of breeding sheep were published. In addition to Tsigai (884 goals), Askanian Karakul (700), fine-wool (1168), meat-wool with crossbred wool (1917) and Sokol (443), in 2003, 2004 and 2009 3 volumes of SBBA sheep of the Prekos breed were published. The calculation of potential females that could be recorded in the state breeding books revealed the presence of 1251102 breeding animals, including 100796 ewes, 70678 sows, 71341 beef cows and 1008287 dairy cows. The largest number of potential females of different breeds in cattle breeding, sheep breeding and pig breeding in the regions of Ukraine showed a certain pattern, namely the centers for dairy cattle breeding – Vinnytsia (83395 heads), Kyiv (111650), Khmelnytsky (64667), Cherkasy (68035) regions, beef cattle breeding – Volyn (13.466 head), Chernihiv (10.907 head), sheep breeding – Kherson (13.837), Odessa (19078) and pig breeding – Dnipropetrovsk (6452), Poltava (4621). The main goal for calculating potential females was to try to determine the size of the breed in dairy and beef cattle, sheep breeding and pigs breeding. Because the more animals included in the breeding model, the better the results of genetic improvement. In addition, it is possible to address the dynamics of the development of breeding traits, identify successful methods of selection and selection, assessment of population and genetic parameters over time and the creation of breeding programs with breeds of farm animals. Conclusion. State books of breeding animals are an important element of selection. Animal information databases help to estimate the populations of domestic and transboundary breeds in general by a set of characteristics, to determine the population-genetic parameters over time and to develop programs for the improvement of farm animals. Studies have identified a significant number (1251102 heads) of breeding cows, ewes and sows, which at one time could be recorded in the breeding books of the respective breeds.

Ukrainian Red- and Black-and-White dairy breeds, which are the most common in the region, as well as each biological system, are in constant variability and need constant scientifically-based support and improvement not only in general milk productivity, but also in such specific features as duration of economic use and reproducibility. A systematic approach in the optimization of breeding programs and the search for optimal crossbreeding options in populations of domestic dairy breeds is a little-studied and relevant area of research. The aim of the research is to study the peculiarities of the formation of the exterior of the first-born cows obtained from bulls of the Montbeliard, Norwegian Red and Holstein breeds. Materials and methods of research. The research was conducted in 2019–2020 on the basis of 4 breeding farms of Cherkasy region. 120 heads of first-born cows of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breeds, 201 heads of Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breeds, 80 heads of first-generation Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breeds and Montbeliards, 96 heads of first-generation Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breeds and Norwegian Black-and-White cows were taken into account. Comparative evaluation of animals on productive traits, exterior type was carried out within breeding herds, taking into account the structure of the genotype of animals. The study of morphological and physiological features of the udder of cows was carried out by determining the shape and size by taking measurements at 2–3 months of lactation for 1 hour. 30 min before milking. The functional properties of the udder were studied by the intensity of milk production (kg/min.) during the control milking. The milk yield was determined by the formula proposed by N. P. Pogribna and others. The growth intensity of repair heifers and the index of decline in growth energy were determined by the methods of Yu. K. Svechin, L. I. Dunaev, V. P. Kovalenko. Biometric processing of experimental data – statistical, correlation and analysis of variance were performed according to the methods of N. A. Plokhinsky and E. K. Mercury on a computer type IBM PC/AT. Research results. At the age of six months among local heifers obtained from breeders of the Montbeliard Breed received a live weight of more than 200 kg (when using Holstein Breeders for reproduction, the weight of heifers at 6 months was 174.4–182.1 kg), at the age of over 380 kg (383.5–384.8 kg), in 15 months over 440 kg (442.9–449.9 kg). From birth to 6 months of age, heifers of the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed obtained from Holstein Breeders had a higher live weight compared to crossbreeds obtained from bulls of the Norwegian Breed. After 6 months of age, local heifers outnumbered their peers in terms of live weight with an unlikely difference. The first-born cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed had high growth rates with well-developed breasts in depth, width and girth: height at withers and buttocks, respectively 133.7 ± 0.96 cm and 136.1 ± 1.05 cm with well-developed chest depth (72.9 ± 1.17 cm), width 42.6 ± 2.18 cm) and girth 193.0 ± 1.54 cm), with a wide back in the macula 51.6 ± 3.77 sm and in the buttocks 35.2 ± 1.09 sm. Body measurements of local first-borns of genotype 1/2URW1/2M – only 80 heads: height at withers 124.7 ± 3.71 cm (below first-borns obtained from Holstein bulls by 9.0 sm (P > 0.95) URW); in the buttocks 127.9 ± 2.19 sm (8.2 sm below the firstborn URW breed) (P > 0.99), oblique body length 158.3 ± 13.82 cm (4.6 cm below the firstborn URW breed)). However, they outnumbered the first-borns obtained from Holstein bulls by measuring the depth of the breast 75.3 ± 3.11 cm (2.4 cm), breast width from 47.7 ± 2.40 cm (5.1 sm), chest circumference 205.0 ± 4 10 sm (12 sm (P > 0.99)), width of the buttocks in the macula and buttocks (6.1–3.1 sm (P > 0.95)). The first-born cows of the Ukrainian Black- and-White dairy breed obtained from Holstein breeders had a height at the withers and buttocks of 130.9 ± 1.22 cm and 137.2 ± 0.86 cm, respectively, with well-developed breasts in depth and girth. Local first-borns obtained from the selection of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cows of Norwegian Black-and-White breeders had no significant difference in basic body measurements with those of the same age as those obtained from Holstein breeders. Regardless of genotype and breed, the udder of first-born cows is large in volume (in girth – 128.6 ± 3.14 and 148.7 ± 2.66 sm, length – 35.1 ± 1.23 and 40.3 ± 1.55 sm and a width of 29.5 ± 3.26 and 33.8 ± 4.36 sm.) With proportionally developed parts of the udder, bath- or cup-shaped, firmly attached to the abdominal wall with cylindrical teats. Duration of milking 10.1 ± 0.167 – 12.2 ± 0.157 minutes, milk production rate 1.90 ± 0.01 – 2.50 ± 0.07 kg/min. It was found that with increasing daily milk yield, the intensity of milk production also increased: correlation coefficients (r = 0.439–0.577) have a high reliability (td = 3.97–7.58). The value of the udder index among the studied breeds and genotypes was different and ranged from 43.4 ± 0.06% to 45.2 ± 0.02%. Conclusions. The crossing of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy cows with Norwegian Black-and-White breeders did not have a significant effect on the exterior type of repair heifers under 12 months of age. Crossbreeding with the Montbeliard breed made it possible to obtain heifers that were inferior in growth, but had a developed, three-dimensional body, chest and pelvis. The use of genetic material of the Montbeliard and Norwegian Black-and-White breeds has contributed to the formation of cows of the desired exterior type with good udder characteristics that meet modern requirements of machine mil.

Introduction. When creating the Simmental beef breed of cattle during many years carried out researches to study the effectiveness of the use of meat Simmentals of foreign selection in crossbreeding with cows of Simmental breed of domestic selection. Were created the herds of the desirable type by breeding "in themselves" animals, that meet the requirements of the target standard, formed a genealogical structure. Now carry out the work with related groups of cattle of the created Simmental meat breed, which are the basis for the creation of further lines, but the growth and development of animals of different related groups have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, the study problems of growth and development of repair heifers of different related groups has not only theoretical, but also practical importance. The purpose of our researches was to study the dynamics of linear growth and weight development of heifers of different related groups of the created Simmental meat breed. Research materials and methods. The researches was carried out on heifers of different related groups of the created Simmental meat breed in PJSC "Dniprovske" of Boryspil district of Kyiv region. To analyze the growth and development of heifers were formed groups of animals depending on their belongings to related groups of 15 heads in each: I Group – Metz 5290; II – Achilles 369; III – Abricot 58311; IV – Huxla 19223; V – Hercules 8942 and VI – Signal 120. Research results. It was determined, that heifers of the II group, which belong to the related group of Achilles 369, by live weight at all ages of periods surpass to peers. Thus, at 18 months of age the advantage of heifers of the II group by live weight in comparison with to peers of the I, III, IV, V and VI groups was 4.1; 3.0; 5.0; 14.1 and 11.4 kg. In heifers of related groups Hercules 8942 and Signal 120, the coefficients of variability of live weight at birth in which were the lowest, and in the following age periods they little changed, therefore at 18 months of age in these heifers they were the highest, comparison with analogues, and was to 8.4 and 9.2%, respectively. When studying the exterior of heifers of different related groups it was determined, that newborn heifers of the I group, which belong to the related group of Metz 5290, surpass their peers in height indicators. Their the height at the withers and the height at the sacrum were 74.0 and 79.1 cm, which is 0.6; 1.3; 2.1; 3.2 and 2.6 cm and is 0.3; 1.2; 2.9; 3.6 and 3.2 cm more than in analogues of the II, III, IV, V and VI groups, respectively. The best indicators of latitudinal measurements had the heifers of the III group, which belong to the related group Abricot 58311. In heifers of this group the width of the chest was 17.6 cm, width in the hip joints – 21.8 cm, width in the hips – 18.1 cm, and width in the ischial tubercles – 12.6 cm. The depth of the chest and the girth of the chest behind the shoulder blades were the highest in heifers of the I group, which belong to the related group of Metz 5290. They were 32.2 and 79.6 cm, respectively. When analyzing the measurements of heifers at 18 months of age, it was determined, that the height indicators had advantage by heifers of the II group, which belong to the related group of Achilles 369. Their, the height at the withers and height at the sacrum were 124.5 and 129.8 cm, which is 0.3; 1.3; 2.5; 5.3 and 4.2 cm and is 0.9; 2.2; 4.1; 6.6 and 5.9 cm more than in analogues of the I, III, IV, V and VI groups, respectively. The best indicators of latitudinal measurements had the heifers of the III group, which belong to the related group of Abricot 58311, since they had increases of measurements width of the chest, width in the hip joints, width in the hips and width in the ischial tubercles for the period from birth to 18 months of age the highest comparison with peers. Such indicators as depth of the chest and the girth of the chest behind the shoulder blades were highest in heifers of the II group, which belong to the related group of Achilles 369. Their increases of measurements depth of the chest and the girth of the chest behind the shoulder blades for the period from birth to 18 months of age also were highest comparison with peers and were 35.5 and 94.2 cm, respectively. Conclusions. It was determined, that the animals of the related group of Achilles 369 at all ages of periods had a large live weight in comparison with their analogues. The lowest coefficient of variability of live weight at 18 months of age was in heifers of the related group Abrikot 58311 and amounted to 6.5%. Heifers of the related group of Achilles 369 had the highest indicators of the following measurements: height at the withers (124.5 cm), height at the sacrum (129.8 cm), depth of the chest (67.4 cm), girth of chest behind the shoulder blades (173.1 cm) and oblique length of body (146.4 cm). The highest latitudinal measurements were observed in the heifers of the related group Abrikot 58311. Thus, the width of the chest was 49.9 cm, the width in the hip joints was 42.2 cm, the width in the hips was 43.3 cm, and the width in the ischial tubercles was 29.2 cm. Heifers of the related group Metz 5290 had the highest half-girth croup (110.2 cm) and girth of metacarpus (18.4 cm). In general, heifers of all groups showed good energy of growth and a typical for beef cattle exterior.

Context Grain-based diets result in lower starch utilisation compared with traditional diets with corn silage. The best use of yellow dent corn starch, in addition to increasing animal performance, can be obtained by the inclusion of an effective fibre source in grain-based diets and/or the use of more efficient genetic groups in a tropical feedlot. Aims We assessed productive responses of young Nellore (N) bulls and 1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore (AN) bulls fed whole shelled corn diets, with or without sugarcane bagasse (SB). Methods A completely randomised design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups and two diets) was used. Twenty-eight young bulls (14 N and 14 AN) were fed diets containing 0 or 31.6 g of SB/kg DM in a feedlot. Key results The average daily gain and gain:feed ratio were not affected by the diets, but AN bulls showed greater average daily gain and gain:feed ratio than N bulls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). The genetic groups did not affect nutrient intake, but N bulls had greater (P = 0.016) DM digestibility than AN bulls. The consumption of DM, crude protein and digestible energy was not affected by the diets. The digestibility of neutral detergent fibre, crude protein and NFC was lower (P = 0.001) for the diet with SB. The neutral detergent fibre intake was greater (P = 0.001) in the diet with SB. The DM intake variation was smaller (P < 0.05) in diets with SB and for N bulls. Conclusions The inclusion of SB up to 31.6 g/kg DM in whole shelled corn diets did not affect the productive responses of young bulls. Crossbred bulls, despite expressing lower digestibility of some nutrients and larger DM intake variation, have greater productive potential compared with Nellore bulls in a tropical feedlot with whole shelled corn diets. Implications The use of crossbred young AN bulls in tropical feedlots is a viable alternative for increasing productivity and global meat production.