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The aim of this study is to compare two sheep farming practices (lamb farming with or without finishing period on concentrate), on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile and organoleptic quality of the meat. The study was performed on 24 Beni-Guil lambs. Finished animals (F) had access to creep feeding until weaning and were fed a mixed ration of barley and alfalfa hay during a finishing period of 45 days; however, nonfinished animals (NF) remained on the pasture. This comparison was carried out by analyzing the carcass characteristics, proximate composition and fatty acids profile of the meat. Ultimate pH and meat lightness were lower for F-lambs than NF-lambs who didn’t go through the finishing period. The concentrate-based finished practice produced carcasses with better fatness state and conformation. The intramuscular fat content is more important in finished-lambs’ meats (3.81 vs 1.82) which show more juiciness and a high meat’s color lightness. However, meats of NF-lambs presented a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: 20.70 vs 16.82), particularly the PUFA n-3 (3.97 vs 1.17) and consequently a low n-6/n-3 ratio (3.92 vs 12.72). Finally, we recommend, finished lamb meats for the large-scale market and meat of pasture-raised lamb for the niche market.

Water is an absolute requirement in the daily needs of the pig. It has been suggested that when sows have a limited milk production, piglets may not consume enough water which will impact on their hydration. Eighty mixed parity sows of a high prolificacy genetic line were used to evaluate the impact of a flavor added to the drinking water for piglets on the voluntary water intake and performance during nursing phase and first week post-weaning. Sows and their respective litters were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design among the four treatments according to parity order and body weight 24 h post-farrowing. The treatments represented by control where piglets received standard water (T1) and other three levels of flavor inclusion in the water (T2 = 100 ppm; T3 = 200 ppm and T4 = 400 ppm). Piglets were allowed free access to water treatments via a semi-automatic water dispenser from d 3 until weaning (approx. 21 day). At weaning a total of 936 piglets were weighed, selected and distributed in a completely randomized experimental block design among treatments in the nursery pens according to weight (light, moderate and heavy), sex (male and female) and previous lactation treatment. The piglets were housed in the nursery facilities and were continuously offered the same four treatments that were used during the lactation phase until 7-day post-weaning. The flavor added to the drinking water significantly increased the piglets water (P = 0.047) and creep feed (P = 0.001) intake, which impacted positively on piglet average daily gain, and piglet weaning weight during the nursing phase. Treatments also influenced piglets’ nursery voluntary total water (P = 0.0001) and total feed consumption (P = 0.002). Also the piglets’ total average weight gain (P = 0.042), and pen daily gain (P = 0.003) and final weight (P = 0.0001) were influenced by the water flavor. In conclusion, this experiment has demonstrated that the inclusion of flavor compounds in the drinking water of the piglets during nursing and post-weaning phases has the potential to improve piglet performance. Our findings lead us to believe that the strategic use of a water flavor to manipulate the sensorial properties of water is a viable strategy to increase the piglet's voluntary water and feed intake and as a consequence improve litter performance at weaning and during the first week post-weaning all of which can help prepare the animal for the negative effects of the weaning process.

The paper dwells upon flat creep-feed grinding of grooves in Ti6Al4V workpieces. Those were machined with high-porosity silicon carbide wheels of I, H grades at a speed of 20-30 m/s. Machined surfaces were analyzed using a Versa 3D electron microscope. The paper demonstrates the formed morphology of ground surfaces along the workpiece. Higher-speed grinding results in greater concentrations of silicon on the machined titanium alloy surface. Altering the characteristics of the abrasive tool does not have a significant effect on the concentration of silicon on machined surfaces. The paper analyzes how the grade of wheel and the grinding speed affect Ra surface roughness parameter. The article demonstrates the difference in grades of wheels along the surface, at the stage of constant length of arc and the stage of exit.

The ability to positively alter immune and stress response with nutritional compounds is of great interest and importance to the beef industry. There is a proprietary product (OmniGen-AF [OG]; Phibro Animal Health, Quincy, IL) reported to have performance-enhancing benefits by altering animal response to stress and immune challenges. The objective of this 2-yr research project was to study the effect of supplementing OG to beef cows and their calves on breeding and growth performance. One hundred and twelve multiparous beef cows and 48 primiparous cows were randomly assigned to treatment in year 1; control (CON, no OG; n = 56 multiparous and 24 primiparous) or treatment (OG fed at 8.8 g/100 kg body weight [BW]; n = 56 multiparous and 24 primiparous). Multiparous cows (mean ± SD = 6.4 ± 0.4 yr; BW = 589 ± 9.2 kg; body condition score [BCS] 6.2 ± 0.07) were used in both years of the experiment and primiparous cows (mean ± SD = 2.1 ± 0.04 yr of age, weighed 400 ± 7.5 kg, and BSC of 5.6 ± 0.06) were only used in the first year of the experiment. CON and OG supplements were offered over two production cycles beginning in December approximately 60 d prior to projected calving through pre-breeding in May of each year. Calves from treatment cows were offered treatments in a creep supplement limited to a daily rate of 1% as-fed of BW prorated for 3-d/wk feeding from mid-July through weaning with OG offered at 8.8 g/100 kg BW. Primiparous cow’s BW, BCS, and calf performance were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.15) in year 1. BW of multiparous OG cows tended (P = 0.10) to be heavier at weaning in year 1 and was greater (P = 0.05) at the onset of the experiment in year 2. Body condition of OG cows was greater (P ≤ 0.02) at weaning in both years 1 and 2, as well as at the onset of the experiment in year 2. Calves fed OG from the mature cows gained more (P = 0.05) BW during the creep feeding period than CON. Core body temperatures of OG heifers measured during the late summer with intravaginal temperature data loggers tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be less at 1400 and 1700 hours and were less (P = 0.05) at 1800 hours than CON heifers. Feeding OG did not result in changes (P = 0.25) in serum titer response to the BVD virus of calves during year 2. The results of the current experiment indicate feeding OG to beef cows and calves can result in improvement in BCS of cows, enhance weight gain of calves preweaning, and reduce heat loads in heifer calves during the late summer.

Piglets can prefer flavors that are presented to pregnant sows, hence this study intended to estimate the effect of prenatal exposure of piglets to flavors on the intake of flavored creep feed and performance. Gestational sows were fed either a flavored (garlic or aniseed, n24) or an unflavored diet (n24) from days 90 to 114 of gestation. Their litters were offered either garlic, aniseed, or unflavored creep feed during the suckling period, and its intake was measured as well as animal&rsquo, s final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG). Data was analyzed taking into account the diet offered to both sows and piglets, as well as the interaction between these variables. As previous experiments have shown, flavor learning did not affect a piglet&rsquo, s performance during the suckling period, finding no differences for creep feed intake, ADG, or BW according to diets (p &gt, 0.05). Repeated exposure of piglets to previously learned flavors without clear post-ingestive benefits could nullify the strategies proposed. Moreover, milk and creep feed diets show a great reward contrast that may accelerate learning extinction. Results of the present and previous experiments suggest that current flavor continuity strategies that are proposed for pig production systems need to be reconsidered.

Diets offered to lactating and weaned piglets are the most expensive diets within pig production; however, the effect of these diets on lifetime pig performance is inconsistent. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of creep feed consumption during lactation and different starter diet allowances on piglets’ gut structure and lifetime growth performance. In total, 320 pigs and 80 pigs (Landrace × Large White) were used after weaning in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to study growth performance and gut structure, respectively. At weaning, piglets that ate creep feed and piglets that were not offered creep feed during lactation were allocated to 2 kg/pig [low level (LL)] or 6 kg/pig [high level (HL)] of starter 1 diet (16.5 MJ DE/kg, 22.5% CP, and 1.7% total Lys) allowance. At weaning and at 1 and 3 wk after weaning, 8 piglets per treatment were sacrificed, and their small intestine morphology was evaluated (villus height and crypt depth). Piglets that ate creep feed had increased feed intake during the first week after weaning (P < 0.05), but no effect of creep feed intake was observed on piglets growth or gut structure during the postweaning period (both P > 0.05). Piglets that were fed HL after weaning had higher ADG and BW from weaning to 16 wk after weaning (both P < 0.05) and had lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) from weaning to 6 wk after weaning (P < 0.05). Piglets fed HL after weaning also had higher villi height and greater crypt depth than LL piglets at 3 wk after weaning (both P < 0.05). Creep feed consumption during lactation increases feed intake early after weaning, suggesting an improved capacity of piglets to cope with weaning, but did not influence their growth performance. Offering piglets 6 kg of starter diet enhances piglets’ growth performance during the growing and finishing phase, probably by improving gut structure after weaning.

O mercado da carne bovina no Brasil vem sofrendo grandes mudanças que afetam diretamente o produtor rural. Os mercados consumidores têm exigido produtos com melhor qualidade. Com isso, os sistemas de criação estão evoluindo para permitir que os animais sejam abatidos mais jovens e com pesos superiores. As propriedades rurais têm procurado se adequar a essa nova realidade, sendo que as propriedades que realizam a fase de cria do bezerro passam a ter grande importância para a cadeia produtiva da carne. Estas necessitam adotar novas técnicas que permitam o desmame de bezerros mais pesados e com maior uniformidade nos lotes, facilitando o trabalhado da fase seguinte, a recria. A utilização de uma dieta diferenciada e privativa no cocho para os bezerros na fase de lactentes é uma alternativa para alcançar o objetivo de produção de animais superiores à desmama.

This paper discusses the topographic features of wheel working surfaces and the grinding force distributions in wheel-work contact zones of creep feed grinding. Grain cutting edge wear is observed by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and quantitatively evaluated in terms of attritious wear flat percentage, which is able to characterize the wear behavior. By measuring the normal and tangential grinding force distribution in the grinding zone, the distribution form of grinding forces can be approximated to be triangular and the grinding forces increased rapidly due to workpiece burn. It is shown that the variation of the grinding force and the distribution are closely related to cutting edge wear characteristics.

The process of creep feed grinding of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V with high porosity circles of silicon carbide of 64CF80H12V and 64CF100I12V characteristics produced by JSC "Volzhsky Abrasive Plant" is considered. The morphology and chemical composition of the surfaces obtained at a grinding speed of 20-30 m / s were examined with a double-beam electron microscope. Surface roughness control was performed using a modern profilograph, profilometer. The chemical composition and roughness of the machined surface were determined in 10 sections, uniformly distributed along the length of the workpiece. It was found out that abrasive tool characteristic does not influence the general character of the formation of the morphology of the titanium alloy surface. It was proved that, as a result of adhesion-cohesive interaction, concentration of silicon on the machined surface of the titanium alloy increases with increasing grinding speed The increase of the grinding speed by 1.5 ensures the increase in the average silicon concentration by 1.6-1.8 times. The change in the hardness of the grinding wheel does not significantly affect the transfer of the abrasive material to the titanium alloy. The influence of the grinding speed and tool hardness on the values of the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile Ra on the entire length of the workpiece, the stages of the constant length of the arc of the contact and the output was considered. It was found out that the values of Ra parameter at the stage of constant contact arc length are greater than at the output stage by 30-40% when machined with a wheel of 64CF80H12V and by 15-30%, respectively, when machined with a wheel of 64CF100I12V. The increase of the grinding speed from 20 m / s to 30 m / s has a significant effect on the roughness of the machined surface only at the output stage.

The effects of the recommended dose of 200 mg iron and of half that dose injected on the first day of life on health, iron status and performance during the 4 week suckling period were studied in 2'123 piglets. All piglets received creep feed and soil which was supplemented with 14 g iron per kg. Neither mortality nor the prevalence of arthritis, meningitis and foot abscess (each disease affecting about 1% of the piglets) differed between the two groups. The low dose of 100 mg iron decreased blood haemoglobin concentration at weaning (110 ± 19 vs.120 ± 15 g/l), but did not affect growth rate.An 2’123 Saugferkeln wurde untersucht, welche Auswirkungen die Injektion der empfohlenen Dosis von 200 mg Eisen bzw. der halben Dosis am ersten Lebenstag auf den Gesundheitszustand, den Eisenstatus und das Wachstum während der vierwöchigen Säugezeit hatte. Allen Ferkeln wurde ein Ferkelbeifutter und mit 14 g Eisen pro kg angereicherte Wühlerde angeboten. Die unterschiedliche Eisendosierung beeinflusste weder die Sterblichkeit noch die Prävalenz an Arthritis, Meningitis und Panaritium, an denen je rund 1 % der Ferkel erkrankte. Die Injektion von 100 mg Eisen reduzierte die Hämoglobinwerte zum Zeitpunkt des Absetzens (110 ± 19 gegenüber 120 ± 15 g/l), zeigte aber keinen Einfluss auf das Wachstum der Ferkel.Le présent travail de recherche, mené avec 2’123 porcelets allaités, avait pour objectif d’étudier les effets de l’injection, le premier jour de vie, d’une dose recommandée de 200 mg de fer de même que de la moitié de cette dose sur l’état de santé, le statut ferrique et la croissance des porcelets pendant les quatre semaines d’allaitement. Tous les porcelets avaient en plus à disposition de la terre à fouiller enrichie de 14 g de fer par kg et d’un aliment complémentaire. Les différents dosages en fer n’ont influencé ni la mortalité ni la prévalence de l’arthrite, de la méningite et du panaris, chaque affection ayant touché environ 1% des porcelets. Les valeurs de l’hémoglobine au moment du sevrage étaient plus basses chez les porcelets qui avaient reçu 100 mg de fer (110 ± 19 contre 120 ± 15 g/l), mais leur croissance n’a toutefois pas été influencée.Sono stati eseguiti dei test su 2’123 lattonzoli per osservare gli effetti sulla salute, sul tenore di ferro e sulla crescita di iniezioni della dose raccomandata di 200 mg di ferro e della metà della dose. Le iniezioni sono state effettuate il primo giorno di vita e i lattonzoli osservati per un periodo di quattro settimane. A tutti i suinetti è stata data terra per grufolare con 14 g di ferro per kg e un alimento complementare. Le differenze nella dose non hanno avuto alcun un influsso né sulla mortalità né sulla prevalenza di artrite, meningite e patereccio. Ciascuna di queste prevalenze ha toccato circa l’1% dei suinetti. I valori di emoglobina alla fine dello svezzamento erano più bassi nei suinetti che avevano ricevuto 100 mg di ferro (110 ± 19 rispetto al 120 ± 15 g/l). La dose di ferro non ha invece influenzato la crescita.

Studies have shown that nutrient requirement of suckling kits is not satisfied, but they can be fed a double quantity of milk (double nursing) resulting in improved BW and weight gain. The aim of our trials was to give additional solid feed during the early suckling period (3 to 15 days of age) when rabbit kits drink exclusively milk. Two experiments were conducted with animals from Pannon Rabbit Breeding Program. In experiment 1 (n=77 does, 734 kits) the does received commercial feed (C) or C pellet supplemented with 0.2 g powdered thyme/kg (CT). Within both dietary groups of the does three groups of litters were formed: no additional solid creep feeding (N); soya bean-based pellet (S); S pellet with 1% added powdered thyme (ST). In group S and ST, cylinder-shaped solid pellets were made. At the beginning (3 days of age) two pieces of pellets were placed daily into the nestbox after nursing. Later on it was increased to six pellets till 15 days of age. The kits consumed the additional solid feed (S and ST), however, it did not affect the BW, weight gain or survival. In experiment 2 (n=30 does, 240 kits) all does consumed commercial feed. The additional feed for kits was based on commercial piglet feed. Three groups were formed: the litters in control group were fed no additional solid feed (K), kits were fed additionally with pellets (8 mm of diameter) based on piglet feed powder, pellet adhesive and water (PI), and extra glycerin powder was added to the mixture of piglet feed powder and water (PG). The experiment lasted from the age of 3 days till 21 days. At the beginning six pellets were placed on the nest material. Later on the amount was gradually increased to 24 pellets till age of 15 days. The kits consumed the pellets. The BW of PI group differed from group PG at age of 5, 9, 12 and 21 days by +7.3%, +6.5%, +5.9%, +4.8%, respectively (P

This study assessed the frequency of poisoning by Brachiaria spp. grasses in 34 suckling lambs in a creep-feeding treatment supplemented with a proteinaceous concentrate and 34 lambs in an unsupplemented control group. Samples of Brachiaria were collected every 28 days for determining the protodioscin content of the grass. Lambs with consistent clinical signs of poisoning by Brachiaria spp. were separated from the flock, along with their dams, and fed on hay from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) as alternative fibrous feeds. The concentrations of protodioscin were 0.3-0.9 and 0.4-1.4% in the creep-feeding and control treatments, respectively. Creep-fed and control lambs showed clinical signs at 41–48 and 34–74 days of age, respectively. Clinical signs included swelling of the face and ears, alopecia and erythema that evolved to crusting and would slough, leaving exposed areas of erosion, later becoming retracted scars in both ears. The effect of the nutritional treatment differed significantly between treatments (p 0.1). We concluded that Brachiaria spp. was toxic to the suckling lambs. Low concentrations of protodioscin were toxic to the lambs, especially if they were genetically susceptible to the poisoning. The intake of the proteinaceous concentrate in the creep-feeding system decreased the effects of intoxication by Brachiaria spp. in the suckling lambs.

Temperature history and distribution of steel workpiece (X20Cr13) was measured by a high tech infrared camera under ultrasonic assisted dry creep feed up grinding. For this purpose, a special experimental setup was designed and fabricated to vibrate only workpiece along two directions by a high power ultrasonic transducer. In this study, ultrasonic effects with respect to grinding parameters including depth of cut (a e ), feed speed (v w ), and cutting speed (v s ) has been investigated. The results indicate that the ultrasonic vibration has considerable effect on reduction of temperature, depth of thermal damage of workpiece and width of temperature contours. Maximum temperature reduction of 25.91% was reported at condition of v s = 15 m/s, v w = 500 mm/min, a e = 0.4 mm in the presence of ultrasonic vibration.

Major improvements in sow prolificacy have resulted in larger litters but, at the same time, increased the proportion of piglets born light weight. Different management strategies aim to enhance the performance of, and limit light-weight piglet contribution to, BW variation within a batch; however, consequences on heavy-weight littermates are often neglected. This study investigated the effects of different litter compositions, created through cross-fostering, and the provision of creep feed on preweaning behavior and short- and long-term performance of piglets born either light weight (≤1.25 kg) or heavy weight (1.50-2.00 kg). Piglets were cross-fostered at birth to create litters with only similar-sized piglets (light weight or heavy weight; UNIFORM litters) and litters with equal numbers of light-weight and heavy-weight piglets (MIXED litters); half of the litters were offered creep feed and the remaining were not. Piglet behavior during a suckling bout and at the creep feeder was assessed; a green dye was used to discern between consumers and nonconsumers of creep feed. The interaction between litter composition and birth weight (BiW) class influenced piglet BW at weaning ( 0.05) for either BiW class. However, litter composition significantly affected daily creep feed consumption ( = 0.046) and fecal color ( = 0.022), with heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters consuming the highest amount of creep feed and having the greenest feces. In addition, a lower number of heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters were classified as nonconsumers ( = 0.002). The weight advantage heavy-weight and light-weight piglets had at weaning when reared in MIXED and UNIFORM litters, respectively, was sustained throughout the productive period. In conclusion, reducing BW variation within litter (UNIFORM litters) was beneficial for piglets born light weight but not for piglets born heavy weight; the latter were disadvantaged up to slaughter. Although heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters consumed the greatest amount of creep feed, this was not able to overcome their growth disadvantage compared with heavy-weight piglets in MIXED litters.

Simple Summary The weaning process can be detrimental to piglets and often leads to low feed intake, low weight gain, diarrhea, and eventually increased mortality. Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) is an innovative natural feed ingredient that contains 90% fatty acids, mostly linoleic and oleic, pinolenic acids, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It also contains 9% active component resin acid (RA), mostly abietic and dehydroabietic, and pimaric acids. It possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and has been used in feed to improve performance in pigs. We hypothesized that RAC supplementation to sow and piglet diets might modulate intestinal microbiota, and improve post-weaning growth and reduce post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and gut inflammation. Sow diets were supplemented with RAC from the last six weeks of gestation until weaning, and piglets were fed RAC trough creep feed and post weaning feed until seven weeks of age. Results indicated that supplementing sow and piglet diets with RAC during late gestation, lactation and at post weaning modulates gut microbiota, reduces inflammatory biomarkers, improves growth performance of post-weaning piglets, and prevents PWD in weaned piglets. Considering these results, RAC supplementation represents a potential strategy to improve piglet growth performance, and is a natural alternative to antibiotics for preventing PWD. Abstract The weaning process represents a delicate phase for piglets, and is often characterized by lower feed intake, lower weight gain, diarrhea, and ultimately increased mortality. We aimed to determine the effects of RAC supplementation in diets on improving piglet growth and vitality, reducing post-weaning diarrhea, and enhancing gut health. In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, we selected forty sows and their piglets. Piglets were followed until seven weeks of age. There were no significant differences found between RAC treated and control piglets until weaning (p = 0.26). However, three weeks after weaning, RAC treated piglets had higher body weight and average daily growth (ADG) than the control piglets (p = 0.003). In addition, the piglets that received RAC after weaning, irrespective of mother or prior creep feed treatment, had lower post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) level than control piglets. Gut microbiota analysis in post-weaning piglets revealed that RAC supplementation significantly increased Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Gemmiger and Holdemanella, and decreased Bacteroidales_unclassified. Overall, RAC supplementation to piglets modulated post-weaning gut microbiota, improved growth performance after weaning, reduced post-weaning diarrhea and reduced fecal myeloperoxidase levels. We therefore consider RAC to be a potential natural feed supplement to prevent enteric infections and improve growth performance in weaning piglets.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of creep feed (CF) and its nutrient level on growth performance of suckling and weaning pigs. In Exp. 1, eight litters (d 20 of age) were allotted to 2 treatments based on breed, litter size and weight as follows: no-CF (n=3) and CF (n=5; offered from 8 days before weaning). At weaning (d 28 of age), the pigs were divided into 3 treatments (6 pigs/pen, 3 replicates; initial BW: 9.66±0.34 kg) balanced with gender, weight, and breed as follows: eaters, noneaters, and no-CF. In Exp. 2, seven litters (d 12 of age) were allotted to 2 treatments as follows: HN (n=4): CF with fish meal (3%), blood meal (2.4%), and whey (15%), and LN (n=3): CF without those ingredients. At weaning (d 25 of age), eater pigs were divided into 2 treatments (6 pigs/pen, 3 replicates; initial BW: 7.53±0.97 kg) as follows: HN-eaters and LN-eaters. In both experiments, the pigs were fed a common nursery diet for 21 days. The CF was mixed with 1% Cr2O3 to measure fecal color for eater/noneater categorization. Piglet weaning weight was not different among eaters and non-eaters in both experiments (in Exp. 1, P=0.99; 9.35, 9.33, and 9.20 kg for eaters, noneaters, and no-CF, respectively). There was no difference on overall nursery growth performance in both experiments. The HN-eaters tended to have greater ADG (P=0.08; 0.506 vs. 0.427 g/d for HN-eaters and LN-eaters, respectively) and G:F (P=0.09; 0.889 vs. 0.717, respectively) than LN-eaters in d 7-14 postweaning in Exp. 2. The CF intake and percentage of eaters/litter (P=0.60; 85.6 and 80.87% for LN and HN, respectively) in Exp. 2 were not different between treatments. In conclusion, CF did not affect overall piglet growth in suckling and nursery phases, but nutrient level might affect early nursery pig growth.

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.

A total of 64 piglets were used in a 35-day study to evaluate whether creep feeding piglets on the sow or super-dosing phytase to piglets post-weaning can be used as a tool to reduce stress and support adaption to weaning. Treatments consisted of creep or no creep feed being offered pre-weaning and with or without phytase supplementation at 2000 FTU/kg post-weaning. Blood samples were collected from eight piglets per treatment on days 0 (weaning), 7 and 21 post-weaning to determine plasma cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations. Four piglets per treatment (n = 16) were administered Heidelberg pH capsules 1 week prior to weaning, on the day of weaning, as well as 7 days and 21 days post-weaning, with readings monitored over a 3 h period. In the first week post-weaning, creep-fed piglets had higher daily gains (0.23 vs. 0.14 kg/d, p &lt, 0.05) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.99 vs. 1.35, p &lt, 0.01), compared to non-creep-fed pigs. At 21 days post-weaning, irrespective of creep feed, phytase supplementation reduced FCR (1.10 vs. 1.18, p = 0.05) of piglets. Average real-time stomach pH was lower in creep-fed piglets at 1 week prior to weaning (pH 3.2 vs. 4.6, p &lt, 0.001) and on day of weaning (pH 3.1 vs. 3.7, p &lt, 0.01). Following weaning, phytase reduced average stomach pH of piglets at days 7 (pH 2.6 vs. 3.3, p &lt, 0.001) and 21 (pH 2.2 vs. 2.6, p &lt, 0.01). Both cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations in plasma decreased with age, however, cortisol levels were unaffected by either treatment. Plasma myo-inositol concentrations were higher in creep-fed piglets at day of weaning (p &lt, 0.05) and with phytase super-dosing on day 21 (p &lt, 0.001). These findings demonstrate that both creep feeding and phytase super-dosing are useful practices to encourage better adaption to weaning and support piglet performance. This response was not related to reduced stress in piglets, as determined by cortisol levels, but instead appears to relate to improved gastric conditions for digestion, phytate degradation and myo-inositol provision in piglets.

Accelerated growth programs during prepubertal periods have been promoted to advance the first calving of beef heifers. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate nutrition-induced changes on first lactation milk yield and composition and on gene expression of the mammary gland in Parda de Montana primiparous cows. Female calves ( = 16) were involved in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. In the preweaning period (PRE-W; 0-6 mo), female calves were either fed a creep feed supplement (Creep) or fed only their dam's milk (Control). In the postweaning period (POST-W; 6-15 mo), heifers received either a high-energy diet (91.7 MJ/d) or a moderate-energy diet (79.3 MJ/d). All the heifers were managed together from breeding (15 mo) to the end of their first lactation (32 mo). Animal performance; milk production and quantity during the first lactation; plasma glucose, IGF-I, and leptin concentrations; and RNA samples from the mammary gland at the end of the first lactation of the primiparous cows (32 mo) were analyzed. The BW and ADG of the primiparous cow during its first lactation were not different among treatments; however, creep feeding during PRE-W reduced milk production ( < 0.01), milk CP, crude fat, lactose, nonfat solids, and casein content throughout lactation and increased somatic cell count in the third ( < 0.05) and fourth month of lactation ( < 0.10). The energy level during the POST-W had no effect on milk production and quality. Gene expression in the mammary gland was affected by the diet in the PRE-W and POST-W, with the PRE-W diet having the greatest impact. During the PRE-W, creep feeding resulted in upregulation of genes related to immune response and chemokine activity, suggesting that these animals might be in a compromised immune status. Therefore, this strategy would not be recommendable; meanwhile, increasing the energy level in the diet during the POST-W would be recommendable, because it had no deleterious effects on milk yield and composition.

Backgroud This study aimed to determine the effects of early antibiotic intervention (EAI) on subsequent blood parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and fecal fermentation profile in pigs with different dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Eighteen litters of piglets (total 212) were randomly allocated to 2 groups and were fed a creep feed diet with or without in-feed antibiotics (olaquindox, oxytetracycline calcium and kitasamycin) from postnatal d 7 to d 42. On d 42, the piglets within the control or antibiotic group were mixed, respectively, and then further randomly assigned to a normal- (20%, 18%, and 14% CP from d 42 to d 77, d 77 to d 120, and d 120 to d 185, respectively) or a low-CP diet (16%, 14%, and 10% CP from d 42 to d 77, d 77 to d 120, and d 120 to d 185, respectively), generating 4 groups. On d 77 (short-term) and d 185 (long-term), serum and fecal samples were obtained for blood parameters, microbial composition and microbial metabolism analysis. Results EAI increased (P

Two experiments evaluated the growth performance of cow-calf pairs offered limited creep-feeding supplementation (Exp. 1) and creep-feeding supplements with different crude protein degradability (Exp. 2). In Exps. 1 and 2, Brangus crossbred cow-calf pairs ( Bos sp.; 24 and 16 pairs, respectively) were randomly assigned into 1 of 8 limpograss pastures (3 and 2 cow-calf pairs/pasture, respectively). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (4 pastures/treatment) and consisted of: (Exp. 1) no creep-feeding supplementation ( Control ) or daily limit creep-feeding supplementation ( Creep ; 0.40 kg/d of soybean meal) for 84 d; and (Exp. 2) daily limited creep-feeding supplementation of 0.40 kg/d of soybean meal ( SBM ; 35% RUP) or 0.40 kg/d of cooker-expeller processed SBM ( SP ; SoyPLUS, West Central, Ralston, IA; 60% RUP) for 112 d. In both experiments, creep-feed supplements were provided daily at 0800 h in cow-exclusion areas. Body weight of cows and calves were assessed monthly, following 16 h of feed and water withdrawal, whereas cow BCS was determined at the start and end of the study. In both experiments, herbage mass (HM) and hand plucked forage samples for nutritive value analysis were obtained at 14-d intervals from May to August (Exp. 1) and May to September (Exp. 2). Effects of treatment and treatment×time ( P ≥0.16) were not detected for HM, herbage allowance, in vitro digestible organic matter, and crude protein in both experiments. In Exp. 1, limited creep-feeding supplementation increased calf overall average daily gain (ADG, P =0.0005), but not cow growth ( P ≥0.19). In Exp. 2, effects of protein degradability were not detected for calf and cow growth performance ( P ≥0.14). In summary, limit creep-feeding supplementation of 0.40 kg/d of soybean meal for 83 d addressed weather-induced calf nutritional deficiencies and increased calf growth grazing limpograss pastures, without affecting cow growth performance and forage responses. In addition, increasing supplemental RUP consumption from 67 to 115 g/d was not sufficient to impact limpograss herbage mass, nutritional composition, and growth performance of cows and calves.

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos de diferentes quantidades de suplemento sobre o desempenho, características nutricionais e comportamentais de bezerros de corte lactentes, bem como o desempenho de suas mães em pasto tropical. Foram utilizados quarenta e quatro bezerros de corte lactentes machos da raça Nelore com idade média de 120 dias e peso corporal médio de 145±3,7 kg, e suas respectivas mães, com peso corporal médio de 449±6,9 kg. As quantidades de suplemento avaliadas foram as seguintes: 0 = bezerros receberam somente mistura mineral ad libitum; 3, 6 ou 9 = bezerros receberam 3, 6 ou 9 g kg -1 PC de suplemento contendo 25 g de PB kg -1 (matéria natural). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Foi observado efeito linear positivo (P < 0,01) para o consume de matéria seca e matéria orgânica, e um efeito cúbico (P < 0,07) foi observado para o consume de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). Houve um efeito quadrático (P < 0,06) para a digestibilidade total da FDN. Observou-se efeito cúbico (P < 0,01) quanto ao desempenho dos bezerros. No entanto, a suplementação não afetou (P ≥ 0,21) a produção de leite e o desempenho de suas mães. A suplementação diminuiu o tempo de pastejo (P < 0,01), mas não influenciou (P ≥ 0,59) o tempo de amamentação dos bezerros. Recomenda-se o fornecimento de suplemento contendo 25 g PB kg -1 na quantidade de 6 g kg -1 PC para bezerros de corte lactentes manejados em pastagem tropical. A suplementação de bezerros de corte lactentes aumenta o consumo de matéria seca, diminui o tempo de pastejo e o consumo de forragem. Contudo, não influencia o tempo de amamentação e o desempenho produtivo de suas mães. This study assessed the effects of different amounts of supplement on the productive performance, nutrional caracteristics and behaviour of suckling beef calves, as well as on the productive performance of their dams on tropical pastures. Forty-four male Nellore beef calves with an average age of 120 days and an initial average body weight (BW) of 145±3.7 kg and their respective dams, with an average BW of 449±6.9 kg, were used. The amounts of supplement evaluated were as follows: 0 = calves received only mineral mixture ad libitum; 3, 6, and 9 = calves received 3, 6, or 9 g kg -1 BW of supplement, respectively, containing 250 g CP kg -1 (as-fed). The experimental design was completely randomized. A positive linear effect (P < 0.01) was observed in the intakes of dry matter and organic matter, and a cubic effect (P < 0.07) was observed for the intake of neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein. There was quadratic effect (P < 0.06) for total digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. A cubic effect (P < 0.01) was observed for the calves’ performance. However, the calves’ supplementation did not affect the milk yield and performance (P ≥ 0.21) of their dams. The supplementation decreased grazing time (P < 0.01) but did not influence suckling time (P ≥ 0.59). It is recommended supplying of supplement containing 250 g CP kg -1 (as-fed) in amount 6 g kg -1 BW to suckling beef calves managed in tropical pasture. Supplementation of suckling beef calves increases the intake of dry matter, decreases grazing time and forage intake. However, it does not affect the suckling time and productive performance of their dams.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of three nutritional strategies and their interactions on age at puberty in Nellore heifers. The treatments were arranged in factorial design (2×2×2), including three periods of supplementation: Period I – Pre-partum dam supplementation with protein (n=122; 0.5 kg soybean meal/cow, daily) during the last trimester of gestation or no supplementation (n=115); Period II – Creep-feeding (n=120; 22% CP and 72% TDN) to heifer calves for 95 d before weaning or no creep-feeding (n=117); and Period III – Post-weaning feedlot from 7 to 11 month of age (n=117; 17% CP and 58% TDN) or no feedlot (n=120; only pasture). There was no interaction among periods of supplementation. At weaning, pre-partum dam supplementation ( P =0.91) and creep-feeding ( P =0.89) did not affect BW of heifer calves. At the end of the post-weaning feedlot (Period III) BW was greater ( P P =0.88) or creep-feeding ( P =0.57). However, the post-weaning feedlot treatment anticipated ( P =0.06) the age at puberty. At 18 month of age, the percentage of pubertal heifers was increased by post-weaning feedlot (31.7 vs. 13.3%; P

The early exposure of the fetus to certain volatiles may result in a further preference for these compounds later in life and could positively affect the acceptance of feed containing a similar flavor and the zootechnical responses. The study consisted of 2 trials to determine if including Fluidarom 1003 (a commercially flavored feed additive containing >25% anethol and cinnamaldehyde and >10% eugenol; Norel S.A., Madrid, Spain, Spain) in sow and postweaning piglet diets 1) provokes the presence or absence of 3 major volatile compounds (anethol, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol) in amniotic fluid and milk, affecting piglet performance (BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed conversion ratio) after weaning, and 2) modifies creep feed consumption and feed preference in a 2-choice test. The major compounds, anethol, cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol, were detected in amniotic fluid; however, only traces were observed in milk. The inclusion of flavor in the sow diets improved piglet consumption and growth after weaning ( = 0.001). Furthermore, the positive reward associated with the flavor included in the sow diet was stronger when piglets were offered a nonflavored creep feed ( < 0.05). Therefore, early exposure of pigs' fetuses to maternal dietary clues at the end of gestation might allow for conditioning pigs after weaning.

One hundred three Angus calves were ranked by gender, BW, age, and dam parity, and assigned to 1 of 4 pre-weaning treatments: 1) nose flaps for 7-d prior to weaning (NF), 2) traditional weaning (TRAD), 3) traditional weaning and creep feed for 3-wk prior to weaning (TRADC), or 4) nose flaps for 7-d prior to weaning and creep feed for 3-wk prior to weaning (NFC). Cow-calf pairs were housed in dry lot pens on d -28. From d -21 to 0, calves in creep treatments were provided free choice access to creep feed. Nose flaps were placed on d -7, and calves were weaned on d 0. Calves were vaccinated and dewormed on d -21 and 0. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.97) in calf BW on d -28 or -21. During the 7-d period that nose flaps were placed, NFC calves had greater (P ≤ 0.0001) ADG than NF and TRAD calves and tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.10) ADG than TRADC calves. At weaning on d 0, TRADC and NFC calves tended to have greater BW (P = 0.07) and had greater overall change in BW (P < 0.0001) during the pre-weaning period than TRAD and NF calves. Additionally, there was a greater (P ≤ 0.001) increase in BW of NFC and TRADC cows during the pre-weaning period compared to NF and TRAD cows. From d -21 to 0 there was no differences (P > 0.41) in plasma concentrations for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVD). By d 14, the TRADC calves had the greatest plasma concentrations for BVD (P < 0.04). Therefore, providing short-term creep feed prior to placing nose flaps can improve pre-weaning calf and cow performance compared to traditional and nose flap weaning without creep feed supplementation, however, did not impact response to vaccination.