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We studied the social and cognitive performance of piglets raised pre-weaning either in a conventional system with a sow in a farrowing crate (FC) or in a multi-suckling (MS) system in which 5 sows and their piglets could interact in a more physically enriched and spacious environment. After weaning at 4 weeks of age, 8 groups of 4 litter-mates per pre-weaning housing treatment were studied under equal and enriched post-weaning housing conditions. From each pen, one pair consisting of a dominant and a submissive pig was selected, based on a feed competition test (FCT) 2 weeks post-weaning. This pair was used in an informed forager test (IFT) which measured aspects of spatial learning and foraging strategies in a competitive context. During individual training, submissive (informed) pigs learned to remember a bait location in a testing arena with 8 buckets (the same bucket was baited in a search visit and a subsequent relocation visit), whereas dominant (non-informed) pigs always found the bait in a random bucket (search visits only). After learning their task, the informed pigs' individual search visit was followed by a pairwise relocation visit in which they were accompanied by the non-informed pig. Effects of pre-weaning housing treatment were not distinctly present regarding the occurrence of aggression in the FCT and the learning performance during individual training in the IFT. During paired visits, informed and non-informed pigs changed their behaviour in response to being tested pairwise instead of individually, but MS and FC pigs showed few distinct behavioural differences.

The weaning-to-estrus interval is a multifaceted trait that has the potential to substantially improve production efficiency in today's global swine industry, if variation in this measure can be reduced. Systems-biology approaches should help close the knowledge gap and increase selection tools and management strategies-such as gilt development programs, farrowing, and lactation feeding programs-to decrease the weaning-to-estrus interval. Metabolomics, the study of small compounds within biofluids and tissues, provides links between genotype and phenotype. Given the complexity and influence of the environment on the weaning-to-estrus interval, incorporating metabolomics data will provide valuable insight and guidance for future physiological as well as genetic and genomic strategies to reduce this interval, thereby improving sow productivity.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:09:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The effects of differing post-weaning management systems applied during the wet season were evaluated on the performance of 108 young Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) bulls finished on grasslands or feedlot system during the dry season. In Exp. 1, three grazing heights (15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm) of Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex A. Rich) Stapf Marandu were evaluated during the wet season with bulls receiving 0.3% of body weight (BW) in supplementary feed. In Exp. 2, supplementation levels were decreased as grazing heights were increased such as: (1) low height (15 cm) and high supplementation (0.6% BW) (LH–HS); (2) moderate height (25 cm) and moderate supplementation (0.3% BW) (MH–MS); or (3) high height (35 cm) with no supplementation (HH–NS). In both experiments, at the end of the wet season, a half of the bulls were finished on grasslands and receiving 1.0 kg/100 kg BW of dietary supplementation while the remaining bulls were placed in a feedlot system. A non-linear regression test was applied (linear plateau) to estimate the point of stabilization of DMI on feedlot. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement 3 (post-weaning system) × 2 (finishing systems), consisting of three replicates (lots of three bulls) per treatment (n = 18, each Exp.). In the Exp. 1, the post-weaning system using 35 cm of grazing height had greater BW (P = 0.04) through the finishing phase in comparison with bulls grazing 15 cm of grazing height. However, the ADG during the initial 21 days of the finishing phase was changed by grazing height used during the post-weaning phase (P = 0.004), and by finishing system (P = 0.007). The post-weaning system did not alter the carcass weight (P = 0.63), but the bulls finished on grasslands exhibited greater carcass weight (P = 0.02) than bulls finished on feedlot. In the Exp. 2, non-supplemented bulls (HH-NS) took a longer time (± 10%) to DMI stabilization on feedlot (P

Individual body mass often positively correlates with survival and reproductive success, whereas fitness costs of growing large are rarely detected in vertebrates in the wild. Evidence that adult body mass progressively declines with increasing age is accumulating across mammalian populations. Growing fast to a large body can increase the cellular damage accumulated throughout life, leading body growth in early life to be negatively associated with the rate of body mass senescence. Moreover, the onset of mass senescence may strongly depend on both sex-specific reproductive tactics and environmental conditions. Assessing the timing and the rate of body mass decline with increasing age thus offers an opportunity to look for costs of having grown fast, especially after a poor start during early life, in both sexes and in different environments. Using a unique dataset including 30 years of longitudinal data on age-specific body mass collected in two roe deer Capreolus capreolus populations subjected to contrasted environmental conditions, we looked for potential costs of high post-weaning growth rate in terms of steeper rate of body mass senescence. Our analyses of body mass senescence accounted for the potential variation in the onset of senescence and allowed explicit comparisons of this variable between sexes and populations. Higher growth rates late in the growing period (after weaning) were associated with a steeper rate of body mass senescence, regardless of early mass (gained before weaning), but at different extents depending on sex and environmental conditions. Body mass senescence occurred earlier in males than in females, especially in the population facing limiting resources. In the wild, although heavy individuals generally survive better than small ones, the costs of growing large late in the growing period only became apparent late in life through mass senescence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This research was conducted to analyze the effect of legume wafer supplementation on the performance of post weaning Ettawa Grade goats. A total of 16 post weaning Ettawa Grade goats (average body weight 13.10±0.91 kg) were grouped into 4 group treatments and 4 blocks as replicate in a completely randomized block design. The treatments were T0 (basal diet/control), T1 (supplementation of 12.12% wafer supplement of Indigofera zollingeriana), T2 (supplementation of 13.54% wafer supplement of Leucaena leucocephala) and T3 (supplementation of 12.37% wafer supplement of Calliandra calothyrsus). The feed intake, nutrient digestibility, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), and income over feed cost (IOFC) were observed. The results showed that supplementation of legume wafer increased (P

Recently, a dual procedure of maternal deprivation at 25 and 45 days postpartum (dpp), has proven to induce cyclic activity in zebu type cattle as early as 50 dpp. However, little is known about the welfare of the animals subjected to these treatments. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of two periods of maternal deprivation on some behavioral and cortisol responses of cows and calves at weaning, and subsequent growth rates. Forty Bos indicus cow-calf pairs raised under extensive conditions were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=10). In the control group (C) calves remained with their dams; in groups G24, G48 and G72, calves were temporally separated from their mothers for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, at 25 days and at 45 days postpartum. Calves were weaned at 150 dpp and weighed at 25, 45, 150, 240 and 270 dpp; behavioral and cortisol measures were recorded from both cows and calves at 24, 48 and 72 h post weaning. More calves were observed grazing and fewer vocalizing in the groups subjected to cow deprivation in comparison with the C group. At day 3 after weaning, serum cortisol concentration was higher (P 0.05) were found in the weight of the calves at 25, 45 and 150 dpp. However, at 270 dpp, calves in G48 and G72 were heavier (P

Foram analisadas as caracteristicas de ganho de peso medio diario da desmama ao sobreano (GMD), peso ao sobreano (PS), area do musculo longissimus (AOLUS) e espessura de gordura subcutânea por ultrassom (EGSUS) de 91 animais das racas Angus, Hereford, Caracu e Nelore e seus cruzamentos. Destes, 47 animais foram manejados em pastagem natural melhorada e 44 animais em campo natural do Bioma Pampa. Todas as caracteristicas foram influenciadas pelo ambiente, sendo que os melhores desempenhos foram observados no ambiente constituido pela pastagem natural melhorada. A interacao grupo genetico x ambiente foi verificada no GMD e no PS (P < 0,05). As maiores medias das caracteristicas analisadas pertenceram a produtos do cruzamento entre Bos taurus e Bos indicus. Houve efeito da interacao genotipo x ambiente nas caracteristicas de crescimento e de area do musculo longissimus entre os grupos geneticos avaliados (P < 0,05). A deposicao de tecido adiposo subcutâneo nao foi influenciada pelo ambiente de criacao entre os grupos geneticos estudados.

Feed costs represent ~50% of beef production costs making selection for improved efficiency without affecting female reproduction critical to the cow/calf sector. Objectives were to determine the relationship between post-weaning feed efficiency and female fertility in commercial (n = 19) and half-blood Lowline-influenced Angus heifers (n = 20). Yearling heifers were delivered to the CSU, Chico Farm cattle feeding unit 45-d post weaning and randomly assigned to one of three 7 x 18 m pens, equipped with GrowSafe feeding units. Heifers were given ad libitum access to water and a forage-based diet targeting 0.68 kg gain/d (TDN: 54%, CP: 14%, and NDF: 39.7%, on a DM basis) for 72-d. Feed efficiency measures included dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI). Heifer RFI was calculated as the difference between predicted DMI and actual DMI during the trial. Feed efficiency groups were identified as: 1) low RFI (0.5 SD above the RFI mean), 2) marginal RFI (+/- 0.5 SD about the RFI mean), and 3) high RFI (0.5 SD above the RFI mean). Serial weights were taken every 14-d to calculate average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic midweight (MMWT). Heifers were synchronized using a 14-d CIDR-PG protocol. Heifers received PG injection 16-d post-CIDR removal and were equipped with an estrous detection patch. Estrous behavior was observed morning and evening for 90-h. Heifers were artificially inseminated (AI) 12-h post-standing estrus and injected with 2 mL GnRH. Pregnancy determination via rectal palpation occurred 6-mos after initial AI. Reproductive measures included: first service conception (FSC), pregnancy rate (PR), and response to estrous synchronization (RES). Reproductive traits were analyzed using the GLM procedures of SPSS with a binary logistic response. Breed type and feed efficiency group were independent variables. Relationships among reproductive measures and performance were analyzed using logistic regression of SPSS, fitting the independent variables of ADG, DMI, and RFI. Traits FSC, PR, and RES did not differ among breed types or feed efficiency groups (P > 0.05) and DMI, ADG and RFI were not predictors of FSC, PR, nor RES (P > 0.05). Cumulatively, results indicate there is no relationship between feed efficiency and reproductive performance. Producers can select for low RFI to decrease feed costs without compromising reproductive performance.

This study examined the influence of creep feeding and sire breed on post-weaning replacement doeling traits. Over 3 years, doelings by Kiko, Myotonic, Spanish and Savanna sires were creep-fed (CF; n = 116) for 60 d or not creep-fed (NC; n = 117). Sire breeds were balanced across creep treatments. Doelings were weighed at 3 mo old (weaning) and various postweaning ages. Doelings entered the breeding herd at 18 mo of age and fitness traits recorded. At 3-, 6-, and 12-mo of age CF (14.7 ± 0.6, 19.3 ± 1.2, and 24.6 ± 0.9 kg, respectively) were heavier (P < 0.05) than NC (13.8 ± 0.6, 17.9 ± 1.2, and 23.6 ± 0.9 kg, respectively). Treatment did not affect 18-mo weights. Sire breed did not affect 3-mo weight. Sire breed influenced (P < 0.05) 6-, 12-, and 18-mo weights. Myotonic-sired doelings were lightest (P < 0.05) and Kiko-sired doelings were heavier (P < 0.05) than Savanna-sired. Breed x treatment interacted (P < 0.05) for survival to 18 mo of age. Kiko-sired CF doelings had a higher (P < 0.05) survival rate than Savanna-sired CF (88.6 ± 6.0% vs. 44.6 ± 11.5%). Breed did not affect survival rate (P> 0.05) within the NC group. As a main effect, CF had a higher (P < 0.05) survival rate than NC (81.5 ± 6.3% vs. 65.6 ± 8.7%). Sire breed affected (P < 0.05) reproductive output. Cumulative kid crop weaned across the first 2 breeding years for the whole weaned doeling population was higher (P < 0.05) for Myotonic- and Kiko-sired (1.4 and 1.2 ± 0.2 kids) does than Savanna-sired (0.5 ± 0.1 kids). Creep feeding did not affect reproductive output. Creep feed supplementation and sire breed influenced post-weaning doeling weights. Only sire breed affected reproductive performance of the young does.

Background Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary natural betaine on sow reproductive performance during summer (Exp. 1) and non-summer months (Exp. 2). Treatments were designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with factors including dietary betaine (0 or 0.2%) and period of supplementation (lactation or post-weaning until 35 days post-insemination). In Exp. 1, 322 and 327 sows and in Exp. 2, 300 and 327 sows representing young (parity 1 and 2) and mature (parity 3 to 6) sows, respectively, were used. Results In Exp. 1, supplementation of betaine during lactation increased sow body weight losses (− 11.95 vs. −14.63 kg; P = 0.024), reduced feed intake (4.12 vs. 4.28 kg/d; P = 0.052), and tended to reduce percentage of no-value pigs (P = 0.071). Betaine fed post-weaning reduced weaning-to-estrus interval (5.75 vs. 6.68 days; P = 0.054) and farrowing rate (86.74% vs. 91.36%; P = 0.060), regardless of parity group. Post-hoc analysis with sows clustered into 3 parity groups (1, 2 and 3, and 4+) indicated that betaine fed in lactation to parity 4+ sows (P = 0.026) and betaine fed post-weaning to parity 1 sows increased the number of pigs born in the subsequent cycle (P ≤ 0.05). In Exp. 2, betaine fed during lactation tended to reduce the weaning-to-estrus interval (6.64 vs. 7.50 days; P = 0.077) and farrowing rate (88.23% vs. 83.54%; P = 0.089), regardless of parity group. Feeding betaine post-weaning reduced number of pigs born (13.00 vs. 13.64; P = 0.04) and pigs born alive (12.30 vs. 12.82; P = 0.075), regardless of parity group. Conclusions Using 0.2% betaine during the non-summer months did not benefit sow performance. During the summer, betaine supplementation in lactation increased subsequent litter size in parity 4+ sows. Betaine fed during the post-weaning period reduced the wean-to-estrus interval and farrowing rate, increased total number of pigs born for parity 1 sows and reduced total number of pigs born to parity 4+ sows. Further research is needed to determine if the detrimental effects on feed intake and farrowing rate may be correlated and depend on dietary betaine level.

Mortality of mink kits represents a significant loss to production. However, causes of post-weaning mortality in mink kits in modern Danish mink production systems are still relatively poorly documented. We performed a cross-sectional mortality study on eight Danish mink farms including 1893 post mortem examinations of mink kits found dead or euthanized. We assessed the prevalence of cystitis and urolithiasis leading to mortality. Gross pathological findings as well as animal characteristics were recorded and associations with post mortem microbiology (using culture and MaldiTof-MS Vitek MS system) were investigated. Cystitis and/or urolithiasis were associated with death in 33 % (n = 476) and 37 % (n = 166) of the examined mink kits in 2015 and 2017. On farm level, the prevalence of cystitis and/or urolithiasis leading to mortality varied from 0.25 % to 1.27 % with a low overall mortality of 0.9–4.5 %. The bacterial agent most frequently isolated in post mortem bladder swabs from mink with a post mortem diagnosis of urolithiasis and cystitis was Staphylococcus delphini group A (51/283) with a significant (p < 0.0001, CI = [19.5;4745.7]) association to gross pathological findings in the urinary tract. Staphylococcus delphini group A was cultured from 70 % of the skin swabs obtained from apparently healthy mink euthanized at pelting (n = 222). In conclusion urinary tract disease (cystitis and urolithiasis) was the most prevalent post mortem diagnosis during the growth period and was associated with Staphylococcus delphini group A.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nucleotides administration on growth performance and immune response in post-weaning piglets. Twenty-eight male weaned piglets, homogeneous for age and weight were randomly allocated to two experimental treatments. Treated group (T) was daily orally administered 0.8 g/head of a mixture of nucleotides suspended in 2.1 mL water solution; while control group (C) received 2.1 mL saline solution. Body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were individually recorded weekly, while feed intake (FI), and gain:feed (G:F) were recorded and calculated on pen basis. Faecal score was evaluated every seven days. On day 0, 9, 18 and 27 blood samples were collected to determine IgA, IgG and haptoglobin concentration. At day 28 all piglets were sacrificed, and tissue samples of ileal Peyer’s patches were collected for the evaluation of IL1α, IL1β, IL6, IL10, TNFα, TLR2, TLR4 and PPARγ gene expression. Nucleotides supplementation significantly increased BW (17.37 vs. 19.00 kg/pig; p =

The present experiment aimed to investigate (1) the effect of weaning age on rumen fermentation, dietary intake, growth, and rumination behavior at 20 d after weaning in Simmental calves, and (2) the relationship between rumination time measured by the Hr-Tag rumination-monitoring system (Hr-Tag; SCR Engineers Ltd, Netanya, Israel) and rumen fermentation variables. Ten Simmental calves were randomly assigned at birth to be weaned at 45 (early weaning, EW) or 60 d of age (normal weaning, NW). EW calves were offered 6 L of bulk whole milk/d from d 2 to 38 and 3 L/d from d 39 to 45, while NW were offered 6 L of bulk whole milk/d from d 2 to 53 and 3 L/d from d 54 to 60. Individual calf starter intake was recorded daily and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated taken into account the BW at 6 d after weaning and final BW at 20 d after weaning. On d 20 after weaning, samples of rumen fluid were obtained via an esophageal tube. These samples were used to determine pH and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentration. Throughout the entire experiment, the Hr-Tag system continuously recorded the rumination time (RT) by Hr-Tag loggers positioned on the left side of the neck. No treatment differences were detected for total VFAs concentration and molar proportion of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (P > 0.05). Overall in the period -25 to 20 d relative to weaning time, daily RT did not differ between NW and EW calves and it increased around weaning in both groups. Hr-Tags revealed no differences in daily RT pattern (2h-RT) during the 3 d before rumen collection, while during the day (24 h) 2h-RT significantly varied overall in both EW and NW groups. Daily RT measured by Hr-Tags positively correlated to pH (r = 0.98; P

Context Uninterrupted nutrient uptake and the use of bulls with high genetic merit for carcass traits may increase the likelihood of producing high-quality retail cuts for different markets. Aim The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the combined effects of level of nutrition during the 104-day post-weaning winter period (WADG; low-L: 0.2 vs high-H: 0.6 kg/calf per day) and level of expected progeny differences (EPD) for ribeye area (REA; high-H or average-Av) on carcass traits and retail cuts of Hereford steers. Methods Three crops of calves (n = 317) were selected according to REA (H-REA vs Av-REA), blocked for weaning weight (WW) and randomly allotted to one of the two WADG treatments (L-WADG vs H-WADG) for 104 days. Experimental design was a completely random block and the treatments were the combination of two factors (2 × 2). After winter (L-WADG and H-WADG groups), all calves grazed on improved pastures (herbage allowance: 5% of liveweight (LW) per day). The finishing was done on a feedlot and started when the group average of animals reached a full LW (FLW) of 350 ± 28 kg. Cattle were harvested at a constant final FLW of 525 ± 40 kg. Key results No interaction was observed (P > 0.05) between WADG and REA for carcass traits. Animals with H-WADG presented higher (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing-out (%) than L-WADG. High REA and H-WADG steers showed higher weight (kg) in the rump and loin, striploin, sirloin, and lean component in the pistola cut (P < 0.01). Likewise, H-REA and H-WADG presented a greater proportion of rump and loin (P < 0.01) and lean (%) (P < 0.05) than Av-REA and L-WADG, respectively. Conclusions The combined effects of greater post-weaning winter gains and high REA EPD allow slaughter of younger steer with greater lean proportion and retail cuts. Implications No interaction between the REA and WADG allows producers to plan economic benefits through a higher WADG in the first winter phase as well as using superior bulls for carcass traits to achieve heavier retail cuts.

Marine macroalgal derivatives such as laminarin have been considered as potential bioactive compounds in swine nutrition to improve post-weaning pig performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of these extracts on the intestinal microbiome and its subsequent influence on performance is not well characterized. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of newly weaned pigs with laminarin, on animal performance and the intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At 28 days of age, newly weaned pigs (n = 54) were assigned to one of two dietary groups: 1) basal diet and 2) basal diet + 300 ppm laminarin for a 14-day period. On day 15, nine pigs per treatment (one from each pen) were humanely euthanized and high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was performed on the Illumina MiSeq. Pigs fed the laminarin-supplemented diet had increased average daily feed intake, growth rate and body weight compared to pigs fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the laminarin supplemented diet had reduced abundances of Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed the control diet. Enterobacteriaceae and Helicobacteraceae had negative relationships with average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and butyric acid concentrations. In contrast, the beneficial Prevotellaceae were positively correlated with ADFI, ADG, total VFA, acetic, propionic, butyric and negatively correlated with isovaleric acid. Hence, supplementation with laminarin may accelerate the adoption of pigs to a post-weaning diet by promoting the proliferation of bacterial species that favourably enhance nutrient digestion and reduce the load of pathogenic bacteria impacting pig performance.

espanolAntecedentes: el acido folico participa en el metabolismo de un solo carbono, que suministra grupos metilo a numerosas reacciones del cuerpo. La aportacion alterada de estos grupos metilo afecta a la expresion genica. Nuestra hipotesis es que la descendencia expuesta a menos acido folico expresara niveles mas altos de ARNm del gen Pomc (proopiomelanocortina). Objetivo: investigar el patron de expresion del gen Pomc y de sus proteinas en crias de ratas hembras que recibieron una dieta deficiente en acido folico durante la gestacion, la lactancia y el destete. Metodos: el estudio incluyo crias hembras (n = 10) nacidas de madres sometidas a una dieta control (2,0 mg de acido folico/kg de alimento) o deficiente en acido folico (0,5 mg de acido folico/kg de alimento) durante la gestacion y la lactancia, y alimentadas con la misma dieta durante el destete. Se recolectaron muestras del nucleo arqueado del hipotalamo de las hembras para el analisis de la expresion genica (PCR en tiempo real) y de proteinas (inmunomanchado Western). Resultados: las hembras pertenecientes al grupo de dieta deficiente en acido folico tuvieron una expresion del gen Pomc y sus proteinas significativamente mayor que la de las hembras pertenecientes al grupo con dieta de control (p = 0,03, p = 0,01, respectivamente). Conclusion: la dieta deficiente en acido folico durante la gestacion, la lactancia y el destete modifica la expresion del gen Pomc y sus proteinas pero no modifica la ingesta de alimentos ni el peso corporal de las ratas hembra. EnglishBackground: folic acid participates in one-carbon metabolism, which supplies methyl groups to numerous reactions in the body. Impaired delivery of these methyl groups affects gene expression. We hypothesize that offspring exposed to less folic acid will express higher levels of Pomc (proopiomelanocortin) gene mRNA. Aim: to investigate the Pomc gene and protein expression pattern in the female offspring of female rats receiving a folic acid-deficient diet during gestation, lactation, and post-weaning. Methods: the study involved female rat offspring (n = 10) born from mothers subjected to a control (2.0 mg of folic acid/kg of food) or folic acid-deficient (0.5 mg of folic acid/kg of food) diet, and fed the same diet during post-weaning. Samples were collected from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of the female offspring for real-time PCR and Western blotting analyses. Results: the female offspring in the folic acid-deficient diet group had significantly higher Pomc gene and protein expression than the female offspring in the control diet group (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: a folic acid-deficient diet during gestation, lactation, and post-weaning increases Pomc gene and protein expression, but does not modify food intake or body weight of female rat offspring.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the performance in respect of post-weaning growth and morphometric traits of Assam Hill goat. Data on 960 animals belonging to 3 populations of Assam Hill goat maintained at three field units viz., Batabari, Nahira and Tetelia under All India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement were utilized. The least-squares means for body weight, height at withers, heart girth and body length were 7.557 ± 0.049 kg, 41.231 ± 0.121 cm, 44.621 ± 0.115 cm and 50.778 ± 0.172 cm at 6 months; 9.934 ± 0.044 kg, 43.902 ± 0.120 cm, 48.890 ± 0.099 cm and 55.552 ± 0.170 cm at 9 months and 12.549 ± 0.046 kg, 46.791 ± 0.112 cm, 52.765 ± 0.090 cm and 58.392 ± 0.207 cm at 12 months of age, respectively. Location had significant effect on body weight and height at withers at all age groups; on heart girth at 6, 9 and 12 months and on body length at 6 and 12 months of age. Season of birth exerted significant effect on body weight at 9 and 12 months; on height at withers at 12 months and on body length at 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Significant effect of sex was observed on body weight at 9 and 12 months, on height at withers at 6, 9 and 12 months and on heart girth and body length at 9 and 12 months of age. The heritability estimates for body weight and body measurements were moderate indicating scope of selection. The phenotypic and genetic correlation among body weights and body measurements at 6, 9 and 12 months of age were positive in direction and high in magnitude.

Shortly after birth the mammalian gut is colonized, by a transient microbiota, highly susceptible to environment and diet, that eventually stabilizes and becomes the resident gut microbiota. In a window of opportunity during the colonization, oral tolerance is established towards resident bacteria. In this study, the development of the equine gut microbiota was investigated in ten foals from parturition until post weaning. We found great differences in the core species of the gut microbiota composition between time-matched samples on Day 7 and 20 post-partum. Between day 20 and Day 50 post-partum, we saw the gut microbiota became increasingly dominated by fiber fermenting species. After Day 50, no significant changes in species abundance were observed. Gene expression analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood revealed no significant changes before and after weaning. In summary, relative stability of the gut microbiota was reached within 50 days post-partum and, weaning did not have a major impact on the microbial composition.

Our previous studies showed that maternal hypertension sensitizes angiotensin (ANG) II-induced hypertension and this sensitization is associated with upregulation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components and proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) in the brain cardiovascular nuclei. In this study, we investigated whether the offspring from mothers with maternal hypertension had a sensitized hypertensive response elicited by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks beginning from the time of weaning. In both male and female offspring, basal mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normal-fat diet (NFD) feeding offspring of either normotensive (NT; males, 112.3±2.2; females, 109.0±1.5 mmHg) or hypertensive (HT; males 112.4±1.0; females 108.4±1.3 mmHg) dams were comparable. HFD feeding significantly elevated MAP in both male and female offspring. However, the increases in MAP were greater in offspring of HT dams (males, 128.0±2.3 mmHg; females, 121.0±1.8 mmHg) than that in the offspring of NT dams (males, 120.8±1.4 mmHg; females, 115.3±1.2 mmHg). Ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium, ip) produced a greater reduction fall in MAP only in male HFD-fed offspring when compared to NFD-fed offspring of either NT dams (-45.2±3.4 vs. -20.9±4.1 mmHg) or HT dams (-41.2±6.7 vs. -26.6±2.5 mmHg), suggesting that HFD feeding elicited an increased sympathetic tone in males, but not in females. In lamina terminalis tissues, RT-PCR analyses revealed that HFD feeding in both male and female offspring of HT dams led to a significant increase in mRNA expression of several components of the RAS and PICs (males, leptin, ACE, NOX2 and TNF-α; females, leptin, AT1R, NOX2 and TNF-α). However, maternal hypertension resulted in a significant increase in mRNA expression of leptin and AT1R only in male offspring fed NFD when compared with NFD offspring of NT dams. The results indicate that maternal hypertension sensitized HFD-elicited HT in both male and female adult offspring, but in a sex-specific manner associated with altered sympathetic tone and expression of RAS components and PICs in the brain.

Coix seed has traditionally been used in traditional Chinese medicine to fortify the spleen and inhibit dampness, and has shown anticancer effects in humans. However, it is not known whether coix seed improves post-weaning growth performance and productivity, and the mechanism of interaction between coix seed and gut microbiota remains unknown. In this study, we established four groups: (i) control, (ii) antibiotic-fed, (iii) coix seed powder-fed, and (iv) coix seed extract-fed. The feeding experiment was conducted for 4 weeks. Coix seed extract significantly increased average weight gain and reduced the feed/meat ratio in weaned pigs, in addition to reducing the pH of their gastric juice. Further assays demonstrated that coix seed promotes an increase in the density and length of the gastrointestinal villi. Next, 16s sequencing of gut microbiota showed that coix seed significantly increased the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Lactobacillus (p

Objective: A study was made investigate factors affecting body surface temperature changes after weaning in sows, whether these can be used to aid detection of natural estrus and how they relate to subsequent reproductive performance.Methods: A total of 132 sows were selected during summer from a breeding farm, with mean parity of 3.6±2.3 and 28.5±0.9 days lactation length. Four daily measurements (6:00, 8:00, 16:00, and 18:00) of vulva (VST), udder (UST), ear base and central back skin temperatures for individual sows were taken by an infrared thermometer, continuing up to 8 days post weaning.Results: The VST obtained from sows showing estrus at 4 days post-weaning (4DPW), 5DPW, and 6DPW showed a peak at the fourth day post-weaning, but then started to decrease. The VST of sows not detected in standing heat (NDPW) remained at a lower level during the experiment, but UST was increased soon after weaning. The VST-UST temperature differences during daytime of sows that were showing behavioural standing heat on 4DPW, 5DPW, 6DPW, and 7DPW were 0.46°C±0.123°C, 0.71°C±0.124°C, 0.66°C ±0.171°C, and 0.58°C±0.223°C, respectively. The NDPW sows had the highest UST observed, but also the lowest VST so that a more negative value of temperature difference (–0.31°C) was seen during first few days post-weaning. A total of 119 sows were observed to show standing heat and were bred. The later the estrus, the smaller the litter size (p = 0.005).Conclusion: Sows which did not show behavior indicative of stable standing heat after weaning had a VST which remained at a lower level, but the UST increased soon after weaning. Therefore, for sow heat detection under field conditions, the changes of VST and UST and difference between the two should be considered together to increase the accuracy of detection.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an immunomodulatory feed ingredient during post-weaning on growth and cortisol levels of beef heifers. Commercial Angus heifers (n = 72) from two AI sires were blocked (n = 9) by sire and BW and then randomly assigned to one of two pens per block. Each pen (4 heifers/pen) per block was assigned to one of the treatments. Heifers were fed a commercial TMR twice daily from d 0 to 60 to gain 0.75 kg/day. The feed was top-dressed once a day with either 72g of Celmanax (CEL) or 72g of corn germ (CON) per pen. Body weight was collected on d -1, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 61. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60. Sixteen heifers (n = 8 CEL; n = 8 CON) were randomly selected for a corticotropin releasing hormone/ arginine vasopressin (CRH/AVP) challenge after the 60 d period. Two heifers per pen (n = 32) were randomly selected for a transportation challenge to evaluate stress response on d 61 or 62 of the study. Pen was the experimental unit and data was analyzed by ANOVA or repeated measures analysis as appropriate. Feed efficiency and BW gain was increased (P = 0.04) in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers. Serum cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01) in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers on d 30 to 60 post-weaning. Serum cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers during the CRH/AVP challenge from 60 to 150 minutes post infusion. Serum cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) in CEL heifers compared to CON heifers throughout the transportation challenge. In summary, supplementation of Celmanax post-weaning increased BW gain and reduced cortisol concentrations in beef heifers.

Common weaning practices in today’s beef industry involve discontinuation of the cow-calf social and nutritional bond. When this bond is discontinued, atypical behaviors of walking and vocalizing are immediately observed in the calf that negatively affect calf welfare. Global positioning systems (GPS) provide an opportunity to quantify the effects of animal activity on welfare. Utilizing GPS technology, we are able to determine total distance walked, speed, total time walking, or total time not walking and the interactions with calf production. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a familiar trainer animal on calf production during weaning and more specifically, common weaning behaviors such as walking utilizing a Garmin® product. A total of 80 Angus x Simmental heifer calves were used in this study. In all four replications, heifer calves were allotted to each treatment group (n = 10), trainer animal or control (TR, CON) on the day of weaning. Calves in the TR group were placed on pasture at weaning with the familiar trainer animal, and control calves were placed in a similar size pasture without a trainer animal. Each calf was also fitted with their own GPS collar that recorded on days 0, 7, and 14 relative to initiation of the study for a full 24 hours before removal. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measurements (SAS 9.4). Placing calves with a familiar trainer animal decreased the distance calves walked (P = 0.001) as well as the amount of time calves were walking (P = 0.001). Placing a familiar trainer animal with calves at weaning, therefore, has an effect on walking distance and amount of time calves devote to walking.

The diarrhoea incidence rate is often high among weaning piglets. In light of the fact that Cortex phellodendri has long been used to treat diarrhoea in China, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cortex Phellodendri Extract (CPE) on diarrhoea in weaning piglets and the mechanism behind such effects. In the first trial, 36 diarrhoeal weaning piglets were randomly divided into three groups. The control group was injected with 20 mg oxytetracycline/kg BW, while the two treatment groups were orally administered with 10 mg and 20 mg CPE/kg BW respectively. In the second trial, 96 weaning piglets were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed basal diet, while 300 mg CPE/kg BW was added to the diet of the treatment group. The pathogenic bacteria were then isolated and identified from the diarrhoeal faecal samples. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests were used to investigate the effect of CPE on the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to IPEC‐J2 cells. 16S rDNA‐based high‐throughput sequencing was used to analyse faecal microflora. The results showed that CPE reduced the diarrhoea incidence rate (p < 0.05) and diarrhoea index (p < 0.05) compared to control group, and increased the richness and evenness of weaning piglets’ gut microbiota. Escherichia coli (E. coil) was identified as the causative organism. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests suggested that CPE reduced the adhesion of E. coli to IPEC‐J2 cells (p < 0.05) and the expression of fae and faeG gene (p < 0.05) responsible for encoding E. coli fimbriae protein., Cortex Phellodendri Extract by reducing E. coli adhered to the intestinal epithelial cell for its colonization to protect weaned piglets.

The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing F4 and F18 fimbriae are the two main pathogens associated with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets. The growing global concern regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has encouraged research into the development of nutritional and feeding strategies as well as vaccination protocols in order to counteract the PWD due to ETEC. A valid approach to researching effective strategies is to implement piglet in vivo challenge models with ETEC infection. Thus, the proper application and standardization of ETEC F4 and F18 challenge models represent an urgent priority. The current review provides an overview regarding the current piglet ETEC F4 and F18 challenge models; it highlights the key points for setting the challenge protocols and the most important indicators which should be included in research studies to verify the effectiveness of the ETEC challenge. Based on the current review, it is recommended that the setting of the model correctly assesses the choice and preconditioning of pigs, and the timing and dosage of the ETEC inoculation. Furthermore, the evaluation of the ETEC challenge response should include both clinical parameters (such as the occurrence of diarrhea, rectal temperature and bacterial fecal shedding) and biomarkers for the specific expression of ETEC F4/F18 (such as antibody production, specific F4/F18 immunoglobulins (Igs), ETEC F4/F18 fecal enumeration and analysis of the F4/F18 receptors expression in the intestinal brush borders). On the basis of the review, the piglets’ response upon F4 or F18 inoculation differed in terms of the timing and intensity of the diarrhea development, on ETEC fecal shedding and in the piglets’ immunological antibody response. This information was considered to be relevant to correctly define the experimental protocol, the data recording and the sample collections. Appropriate challenge settings and evaluation of the response parameters will allow future research studies to comply with the replacement, reduction and refinement (3R) approach, and to be able to evaluate the efficiency of a given feeding, nutritional or vaccination intervention in order to combat ETEC infection.

Our previous research using Octodon degus (degus) revealed that preweaning social isolation negatively affected object exploratory behavior. However, it remains unknown how social isolation affects animal psychology and other behaviors. The present study examined the effects of neonatal social isolation on degu emotion and mother&ndash, infant interactions before and after weaning. Because degus have a complex social repertoire, we predicted that they would be sensitive to social isolation and show similarities with humans in their social interaction. Pups in the isolation group were separated from their family seven times for 30 min a day from 8 to 15 days post-birth. Pups in the nonisolation group were reared with their family. At 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks of age, pups underwent a zero-maze test to measure anxiety and a mother&ndash, infant interaction test to assess mother&ndash, infant attachment. Isolated pups showed more activity in the zero-maze test than nonisolated pups at 3 weeks of age. We found no significant effects of social isolation on mother&ndash, infant interactions. These results suggest that while neonatal social isolation might affect emotion during weaning, it does not influence mother&ndash, infant relationships.

The physiological mechanisms by which in-feed antibiotics improve pig growth performance are largely unknown. One proposed mode of action is improvements in intestinal integrity and function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that in-feed therapeutic and sub-therapeutic antibiotics would improve intestinal integrity and function in nursery pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs (6.1±1.1 kg BW) were randomly allotted to individual pens and assigned one of three dietary treatments as follows (n = 8 pigs/trt): 1) control, no antibiotics (CON), 2) CON + sub-therapeutic chlortetracycline [40 ppm in feed (sCTC)], and 3) CON + chlortetracycline-tiamulin [400 ppm + 35 ppm, respectively (CTCDen)]. The study consisted of two consecutive 14 d phases. Chlortetracycline-tiamulin was only fed in phase 1, sCTC was fed in both phases. Phase 1 and 2 ADG, ADFI, and G:F were determined. After 28 d, ileal and colonic ex vivo intestinal integrity was assessed via transepithelial resistance (TER) and macromolecule flux (FD4) in modified Ussing chambers. All data were analyzed for the fixed effects of treatment and start BW as a covariate. In phase 1, compared with CON and sCTC, CTCDen tended to have greater ADG (0.28, 0.31, and 0.33 kg/d, respectively, P = 0.10) and ADFI (0.28, 0.30, and 0.35 kg/d, respectively, P = 0.09). No differences in phase 1 G:F were observed (P = 0.11). Phase 2 ADG, ADFI, and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10). Further, ileal TER and FD4 did not differ (P > 0.10). Colonic TER tended to be increased in sCTC compared with CON and CTCDen (78, 56, and 59 Ω/cm2, respectively, P = 0.07). Compared with CON, colonic FD4 flux was decreased in sCTC and CTCDen by 35–40% (P = 0.03). Altogether, these data indicate that in-feed antibiotics improve colon integrity early in production which may contribute to improved growth performance.

Selenium is an essential trace element for puppies and adult dogs and dietary supplementation is a common practice to ensure animal requirements. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two selenium sources for supplementation of complete dry dog foods, offered to puppies from 12 to 52 weeks of age. The study followed a complete randomized block design in which, 12 Beagles (6 males and 6 females) were randomly assigned to one of two diets consisting of similar pet food formulas supplemented with the same concentration (≈ 100 μg/kg) of organic selenium from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SeOrg) and sodium selenite (SeInorg). Samples were collected at several time points (e.g., 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 36, 44, and 52 weeks of age) to evaluate the effects of supplemental selenium source on feed intake, diet digestibility, weight gain, haematology, serum chemistry, selenium biomarkers, and coat quality. Data were analysed using a mixed model with repeated measurements, including selenium source, sex, age, and selenium source × age (when significant) as fixed effects, and block as random effect. Nutrient and energy intakes were higher in puppies fed SeInorg (P 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity tended to be higher with SeInorg (P = 0.088). The digestibility of selenium was not significantly affected by the supplemental source. Moreover, urinary content and fractional clearance of selenium were higher in puppies fed SeInorg (P 0.05). Overall, data indicate better retention of organic selenium with potential less waste and highlight the need for further research to fully assess the biological benefits of organic over inorganic supplemental selenium sources.

Chemically, soy contains a group of phytoestrogens called isoflavones, pre-dominantly genistein and daidzein. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of post weaning consumption of dietary soy isoflavones on prepubertal and postpubertal serum levels of some reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats. The study involved investigating the effects of different doses of isoflavones in the diet. Male rats were weaned on either soy isoflavone free diet or on isoflavone containing diets, formulated by adding increasing amounts of Novasoy, a commercially available isoflavone supplement to the isoflavone free diet to give varying concentrations of isoflavones. Three isoflavone containing diets were used and these had 74.5, 235.6 and 1046.6 mg total isoflavones/kg pelleted diet. These diets represented the isoflavone concentration lower, equal to and more than that found in soy-based infant formulas respectively. The results obtained showed that; administration of low doses soy isoflavones (74.5 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum Antimullerian Hormone levels both in prepubertal and post pubertal rats, when compared to the control groups. Administration of moderate doses of isoflavones (235.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Antimullerian Hormone and Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. Administration of high doses of isoflavones (1046.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. From this study, it was concluded that post-weaning consumption soy isoflavones produced significant changes in serum Inhibin and Antimullerian Hormone both in prepubertal and post pubertal male Wistar rats and the changes were dose dependent.

International audience; Total tract apparent digestibility of dietary fibrous components and parameters of the faecal digestive ecosystem were compared at immediate and late post-weaning periods using five foals. The foals were abruptly weaned (day 0) from their mares at 6 months of age. Immediately (day 0 to day 14) and later (day 131 to day 194) after weaning, foals received the same basal diet consisting of hay and pellets. Pellets were fed at 0.36% BW. Hay was offered ad libitum and corresponded to 120% of the average voluntary hay intake measured individually during the immediate (days 1 to 4) and late (days 180 to 183) post-weaning periods. Total feed intake was measured during the two post-weaning periods (from days 7 to 10 and from days 187 to 190). Total tract apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), NDF and ADF was assessed using a 4-day partial collection of faeces (from days 8 to 11 and from days 188 to 191). Major bacterial groups in faeces, Fibrobacter succinogenes, DM, pH and volatile fatty acids were quantified at days -1, 1, 3, 7, 14 and 180. During the post-weaning period, minor changes were observed in the composition and activity of the faecal microbiota. The amylolytic count in faeces decreased immediately after weaning (between days 1 and 7) (P

Artificial rearing is used routinely on dairy sheep farms. Different strategies are used to optimise the growth and development of the young lamb with an economic ration of milk and other feed components. Early weaning, and early introduction to pasture can both reduce these costs, but may also reduce the liveweight gains of the growing lamb. Can differences in pre-weaning feeding strategies be mitigated using specialist pastures such as plantain/red/white clover? Lambs from an experiment investigating the impacts of rearing with and without meal access (n=30/group) and weaned at 12 weeks of age were grazed on either perennial ryegrass-based or plantain/red clover-based pastures in 3 replicates. Liveweight gain, animal health, feed supply and feed quality parameters were recorded over the following 5 weeks. Liveweights of the lambs reared on the different feeding regimens were similar at 12 weeks of age when the grazing study began (25.9 kg). Using plantain/red clover-based pastures provided no advantage to the liveweight gain of lambs reared under different milk and concentrate feeding regimens. Both feed types provided adequate nutrition to ensure growth rates of approximately 180 g/day over the 5 week measurement period in late spring. However, lambs reared under a high concentrate system has consistently lower liveweight gains (160 g/day) over the 5 weeks than those lambs reared with access to pasture (200 g/day; P

This experiment investigated the effects of rearing piglets in a multi-litter lactation system on piglet aggression at weaning. The following four pre-weaning treatments were applied to 72 sows and their litters (n = 642 piglets); (1) Farrowing crate (‘FC’ − n = 24 sows), (2) PigSAFE pens, in which sows and piglets are loose housed, (‘PS’ − n = 24 sows), (3) Farrowing crate and group lactation (‘GL FC ’ − n = 12 sows), and (4) PigSAFE and group lactation (‘GL PS ’ − n = 12 sows). FC and PS piglets remained in treatment from birth (day 0) until weaning (day 27). GL FC and GL PS piglets were housed in FC and PS, respectively, from day 0 to 14 after which they were transferred (with their dams) to group lactation pens (n = 6 sows and litters/pen), where they remained until weaning. Piglet weights were recorded at day 13 and 26. At weaning piglets were mixed into pens of four litters from FC, PS, or GL (2 GL FC litters and 2 GL PS litters) treatments and behaviour was continuously recorded for 2 h. Aggression (reciprocal and non-reciprocal aggression of duration FC and GL PS piglets had a lower growth rate than FC and PS piglets from day 13 to 26 (P

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ronozyme HiPhos (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd.) in the immediate post weaning period and to determine the equivalency value of this phytase relative to P. A total of 568 mixed sex pigs were weaned at 26.3 ( ± 1.01, SD) d of age and an average weight of 7.9 ( ± 1.51) kg. Pigs were offered 1 of 8 diets. Diets were fed from weaning for a period of 3 wk and consisted of a negative control diet (NC) containing 0.5 % P, the NC diet + 0.05 % P, NC diet + 0.10 % P, NC diet + 0.15 % P, NC diet + 0.20 % P; and the NC diet + 500, 1,000, or 2,000 units of phytase FYT per kg. Increasing dietary P had no effect on ADFI or ADG, however it did improve G:F quadratically (P < 0.05). Increasing levels of dietary phytase tended to increase ADG (linear, P = 0.056) and linearly improved G:F (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary P or adding phytase improved apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P (linear, P < 0.001; quadratic, P < 0.05) and Ca (linear, P < 0.001; quadratic, P < 0.01). In conclusion, phytase was effective in improving performance and improving P and Ca ATTD of pigs during the immediate post weaning period. Based on ATTD of P, 500 FYT of phytase /kg was equivalent to the addition of 0.088 % of P in weaner pig diets.

Lean (muscle), fat, and bone composition of 1554 lamb carcasses from Maternal, Merino and Terminal sired lambs was measured using computed tomography scanning. Lamb sires were diverse in their range of Australian Sheep Breeding Values for post weaning c-site eye muscle depth (PEMD) and fat depth (PFAT), and post weaning weight (PWWT). Lean value, representing predicted lean weight multiplied by retail value, was determined for lambs at the same carcass weight or the same age. At the same carcass weight, lean value was increased the most by reducing sire PFAT, followed by increasing PEMD and PWWT. However for lambs of the same age, increasing sire PWWT increased lean value the most. Terminal sired lambs, on average, had greater lean value irrespective of whether comparisons were made at the same age or weight. Lean value was greater in Merino compared to Maternal sired lambs at equal carcass weight, however the reverse was true when comparisons were made at the same age.

The ban on dietary antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in swine production has focused increasing research efforts on the development of alternative feed supplements. One such alternative to AGP is the dietary zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL). The aims of this study were to evaluate, in weaned pigs, the effects of CPL on: (a) growth performance, (b) gut health (reduction of harmful bacteria and, incidence/severity of diarrhoea) and (c) circulating or ileal mucosal subsets of lymphoid immune cells, over the course of five weeks post weaning. The non-treated pigs received standard Phase 1 diet from Day 0 to 21 and Phase 2 diet from Day 22 to 35, whereas both diets of experimental pigs were supplemented with 0.5% CPL. The pigs receiving diet supplemented with CPL had significantly higher average daily gain at Day 28 but significantly lower daily gain at Day 35 of the experiment (P < 0.05). The CPL group exhibited non-significantly improved feed conversion ratio (1.83 vs. 2.17) for the total duration of the experiment (Day 0 to Day 35). Although shedding of haemolytic/enterotoxigenic E. coli was more frequent in the CPL group, the sum of their diarrhoea severity score was 12.96% lower (47 vs 54) than that of the non-treated controls. The proportions of circulating lymphoid cell subsets tested (CD45+, CD4+, CD21+), were significantly (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) higher in CPL-treated pigs between Day 21 and Day 35 of the experiment. Immunohistology/ morphometry of ileal segments revealed an increased recruitment of CD45RA+ cells in interfollicular (P < 0.05), but not in follicular areas of ileal PP of CPL-treated pigs at Day 35. In conclusion, CPL did not improve growth in weaned pigs, and generally it failed to improve their feed conversion efficiency. Further, it did not suppress faecal shedding of enterotoxigenic E. coli ; however, it was shown to be effective as an immunomodulatory agent by promoting the recruitment of circulating and intestinal immune cell subsets.

Seventy-two barrows were used to evaluate the effects of the use of soy protein concentrate (SPC) in diets of post-weaning piglets on their performance, intestinal histomorphometry, and blood parameters. Piglets were weaned at 21 days of age and distributed in a randomized-block experimental design with four treatments (0, 3, 6, and 9% SPC), six replications, and three piglets per replication. Diets were formulated to meet the requirement of the piglets according to phases of 21 to 32, 33 to 42, and 43 to 66 days of age. Both feed and water were provided ad libitum during the entire experiment. The feed of the phase of 43 to 66 days was based on corn and soybean meal. In the period between 21 and 32 days of age, the use of SPC in the diet did not impact the daily weight gain (DWG) or the daily feed intake (DFI) of the piglets, whereas there was a linear effect on feed conversion (FC), which decreased as the levels of SPC in the feed were increased. In the period between 33 and 42 days of age, a linear effect was observed on FC, which increased as the level of SPC in the feed was increased. In this period, no effects of SPC were observed on DWG or DFI. Inclusion of SPC in the diets does not influence performance, intestinal histomorphometry, or blood parameters of piglets in the period between 21 and 66 days of age.

The importance of social stability and its influence on the expression of the social behaviour repertoire in domestic animals remains poorly understood, especially for affiliative behaviours and other putative socio-positive behaviours such as social play. This study investigated the occurrence and type of social behaviours, with a focus on socio-positive behaviours, and their relation to growth and welfare indicators within groups of littermates vs. groups composed of pigs from several litters and initially unfamiliar to each other. We hypothesised that pigs kept with littermates would show more positive social interactions than pigs socially mixed after weaning, and that social interactions would change over time as mixed groups progressively regained social stability. The behaviour of 14 groups of indoor-housed weaned pigs (7 groups per treatment; 8–14 pigs per group) was observed from the day after weaning (4 weeks of age) and thereafter once per week until the seventh week using scan sampling (48 scans per individual per day) and continuous observations (30 min per group per day). Pigs spent most time lying together (on average 50 % of the scans) or performing non-social behaviours (31 % of scans). Exploring together was the most common social activity, observed in 7.32 % of scans. Other social behaviours occurred infrequently and each accounted for only 0.04%–1.09% of scans. Treatment significantly influenced mounting behaviour, with more mounting between pigs in the mixed groups as compared to littermate groups (0.52 % vs. 0.27 % of scans, respectively; P = 0.03). Other behaviours did not differ between treatments or the interaction of treatment and day. Nosing proximity, social play, exploring together, and oral manipulation of conspecifics varied between days (i.e. age; all P

Animal selection based on growth rate has received greater attention as a selection index. While many have evaluated the effect of growth rate on muscle characteristics and meat quality, few studies have attempted to evaluate how selection based on growth rate alters muscle fiber characteristics and influences postmortem metabolism and subsequent meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate muscle fiber type, postmortem metabolism and meat quality of Nellore cattle selected for different growth rates. Two-hundred and fifty non-castrated Nellore males differing in post-weaning growth potentials were used. Muscle from 10 high growth potential animals (EPDH) and 10 low growth potential animals (EPDL) were analyzed for muscle morphometric profile, postmortem metabolism, and meat quality. EPDH animals were heavier and had higher hot carcass weight and larger diameter and cross-sectional area of fast oxidative-glycolytic fibers, while EPDL animals had higher area percentage of slow oxidative fibers. Moreover, EPDH presented higher glycogen concentrations than EPDL cattle. Glucose concentrations were higher at 240, 720, and 1440 min postmortem, while G6P was higher from 30 to 1440 min postmortem in EPDL animals. Finally, EPDH animals produced less tender meat when compared to that of EPDL cattle. In conclusion, genetic selection based on growth potential is associate with a shift in fiber type towards a more glycolytic type of muscle that is associated with changes in meat tenderness.

Dry-ageing of sheepmeat is a novel application, and there is an opportunity to optimise process yields through the selection of appropriate animals and or carcases for dry-ageing. The effects of carcase characteristics and sheep breeding values (post-weaning and yearling; fat depth, muscling and weight) on yields from wet- and dry-aged sheepmeat were investigated. Bone-in leg and loin primals from 96 multipurpose merino cull ewe carcasses were wet- or dry-aged for 14, 28, 42 or 56 days. The yield components’ primal moisture loss %, trim yield %, saleable meat yield % and retail cut yield % were determined. For loin and leg, dry ageing increased primal moisture loss but decreased saleable meat yield and retail cut yield compared to wet ageing (P< 0.001 for all). In addition, loin primal moisture loss reduced with increasing hot carcase weight, fat score and post weaning fat depth (P< 0.05 for all). Leg primal moisture loss reduced with increasing fat score and increased with yearling weight (P < 0.05 for all). The magnitude of dry ageing induced yield reduction (due to primal moisture loss) was found to depend on the finishing stage of the product; e.g. the dry-aged loin primal was more impacted by moisture loss than the rack retail cut fabricated from the loin. In conclusion, the association of yield with carcase characteristics and Australian sheep breeding values could be utilised to identify animals, carcasses and primals with superior dry-aged yield.

The aim of the present study was to estimate the variance components and genetic parameters for pre-weaning [weight at birth (BWT), weight at 3 months (WT3), average daily gain from birth to 3 months (ADG1) and Kleiber’s ratio (KR1:ADG1/WT30.75)] and post-weaning [weight at 6 months (WT6), average daily gain from 3 to 6 months (ADG2) and Kleiber’s ratio (KR2:ADG2/WT60.75), weight at 9 months (WT9), weight at 12 months (WT12)] traits in 300 Jakhrana kids born between 2005 to 2019 years. The parameters were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood procedure under six animal models excluding or including maternal effects. The estimates of direct heritability for pre-weaning weights viz., BWT, WT3, ADG1 and KR1 under most suitable model were low and observed as 0.09, 0.21, 0.17 and 0.06 respectively. The maternal permanent effects for BWT was observed high as 18 % of total variation, indicating the significance of maternal environment at birth of kid. In case of post-weaning weights, high estimates of direct heritability were found for WT6 (0.53), ADG2 (0.56) and KR2 (0.42), while it was low for WT9 (0.07) and WT12(0.16). The genetic correlations were ranged medium to high among all traits. The greater genetic variability of WT6 and its positive genetic associations with other traits indicated future scope for additional genetic improvement in growth performance in Jakhrana goat through selection.

The objective of this study was to evaluate different nutritional management strategies (drylot vs. supplementation on pasture) to optimize growth and reproductive performance of Nellore heifers submitted to the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 14–15 mo. On d0, 126 weaned Nellore heifers (152±22 kg of BW; 240±28 days of age) were stratified by BW and age, and randomly assigned to receive: (1) high-concentrate-based diet (62.2% TDN, 12.0% CP of DM of diet) ad libitum in feedlot from d 0 to 246 (FDL; 6 pens and 7 heifers/pen); (2) fixed supplementation at 1% of BW on Brachiaria pastures from d0 to 246 (PAS10; 6 pastures; 7 heifers/pastures and 4 ha/pasture); and (3) increasing supplementation on Brachiaria pastures at 0.8% of BW from d 0 to 80 and 1.2% of BW from d 81 to 246 (PAS812; 6 pastures; 7 heifers/pastures and 4 ha/pasture). Supplement offered to heifers on pasture consisted of corn, soybean meal, urea, and minerals (78% TDN, 22% CP of DM at dry season and 79% TDN, 20% CP of DM at rainy season). Final pregnancy rate was determined on d238. Heifer BW on d160 was greater (P < 0.01) for FDL vs. PAS10 and PAS812 (264 vs. 251 and 253±10.1 kg, respectively). Overall ADG from d0 to the start of breeding season (d160) and BW on d246 were greater (P < 0.01) for FDL vs. PAS10 and PAS812 (0.72 vs. 0.62 and 0.64±0.02 kg/d, and 325 vs. 310 and 316 ±10.3 kg, respectively). Heifer BW on d160 and 246 and ADG from d0 to 160 did not differ between PAS10 and PAS812 (P ≥ 0.33). Final pregnancy rates did not differ (P = 0.75) among treatments. Therefore, growth performance, but not pregnancy rates following FTAI, was enhanced for Nellore heifers developed in drylot vs. pasture systems and submitted to FTAI at 14–15 mo.