Search

We examine selectivity bias in the US cattle procurement market. We hypothesize that feedlots optimize profits by selecting specific cattle to sell either in the cash market or through alternative marketing agreements. High-quality cattle are more likely to be sold in the alternative market as prices are not fully calculated until after harvest, allowing carcass quality premiums to be added. Consequently, it is assumed that low-quality cattle are sold in the cash market to avoid potential carcass discounts. Depending on a feedlot's size, relationship with packers, and marketing costs, these selection assumptions may not be accurate and bias prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to assess the performance of the recently certified Badri cattle, which is adapted to the topography and climate of Uttarakhand. Performance of the cattle was measured using various traits, viz. milk yield/day (litres), lactation length (months), dry period (days), productive life (years), age at puberty (years), age at first calving (years), breeding capacity (number of calves born/cow), inter calving period (months), conception rate (number of services/conception), service period (months) and draught animal power. The study was conducted in 12 villages from 4 blocks of Almora and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand by personally interviewing 120 Badri cattle owners through semi structured interview schedule. There is no significant difference between the 2 districts with respect to various performance traits. The average milk yield/day/cow, lactation length, dry period and productive life were found to be 1.6±0.7 litre/day, 11.8±2.1 months, 1.9±0.7 months and 11.9±1.6 years, respectively. The average age at puberty, age at first calving, breeding capacity, inter calving period, conception rate and service period were observed to be 3.2±0.7 years, 4.3±0.7 years, 8.8±1.4 calves/cow in lifetime, 13.7±1.9 months, 1.4±0.6 service/conception and 4.7±1.9 months respectively. Average working days/year, average working hours/day and average area ploughed/day were 32.9±7.6 days/year, 3.9±0.9 h/day, 0.4±0.05 acres/day respectively. Keeping in view the lower performance of the Badri cattle there is need of improvement by starting various plan and strategies to spread the importance of nutrition and better management practices by the government, which will further encourage the people of hills to conserve the cattle along with increasing the viability and profitability of Badri cattle rearing among the marginal and landless farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study aimed to estimate the molecular prevalence of Theileria annulata and Trypanosoma evansi infection in cattle in Northern Tunisia. A total number of 96 cattle from five farms were evaluated. T. annulata and T. evansi prevalences were 61% [56/66] and 10% [7/13], respectively, at a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, while co‐infection was present in 6% [4/8] of the tested animals at a CI of 95%. There was a significant correlation between age and the prevalence of T. annulata infection, whereas, there was no significant association shown with the age of cattle and T. evansi infection. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the T. annulata Tams1 gene and T. evansi ITS1 rDNA gene were highly conserved with 97.1–100% and 98.3–100% sequence identity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds inclusion in diet of cattle. Fifty-five Sudan Baggara bulls were selected and divided into five treatment groups, and fed iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets where groundnut cake was the source of protein in the control diet (0% Hibiscus seeds), while in the other experimental diets, Hibiscus seeds replaced groundnut at a rate of: 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The crude protein was significantly lower in the 100% group than in the control group, whereas muscle fat content was significantly lower in the 25, 75, and 100% groups than in the control group. There were no significant differences between the tested groups for the carcass linear measurements, but there were so for the redness and yellowness color components of the fat, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. In conclusion, the growth performance and meat quality attributes of the cattle were improved as the level of Hibiscus seeds increased up to 75%, without any adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random regression models (RRM) and multitrait models (MTM) were used to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits in Brazilian Brahman cattle and to compare the estimated breeding values obtained by these 2 methodologies. For RRM, 78,641 weight records taken between 60 and 550 d of age from 16,204 cattle were analyzed, and for MTM, the analysis consisted of 17,385 weight records taken at the same ages from 12,925 cattle. All models included the fixed effects of contemporary group and the additive genetic, maternal genetic, and animal permanent environmental effects and the quadratic effect of age at calving (AAC) as covariate. For RRM, the AAC was nested in the animal's age class. The best RRM considered cubic polynomials and the residual variance heterogeneity (5 levels). For MTM, the weights were adjusted for standard ages. For RRM, additive heritability estimates ranged from 0.42 to 0.75, and for MTM, the estimates ranged from 0.44 to 0.72 for both models at 60, 120, 205, 365, and 550 d of age. The maximum maternal heritability estimate (0.08) was at 140 d for RRM, but for MTM, it was highest at weaning (0.09). The magnitude of the genetic correlations was generally from moderate to high. The RRM adequately modeled changes in variance or covariance with age, and provided there was sufficient number of samples, increased accuracy in the estimation of the genetic parameters can be expected. Correlation of bull classifications were different in both methods and at all the ages evaluated, especially at high selection intensities, which could affect the response to selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 2,958 steers (mean initial BW = 549.6 ± 3.88 kg) were used to test for the interactive effects, of leptin R25C genotypes (CC, CT, or TT) and feeding of ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) on growth performance and carcass traits. Before application of the drug, steers were blocked by arrival at the feed yard, genotyped for the leptin SNP, allotted to genotype-specific pens, and assigned randomly within genotype and block to 0 or 28 d of dietary RH. All pens within a block were slaughtered on the same day. Final BW of steers fed RH was 9.1 kg heavier {P < 0.001), and RH-fed steers had greater (P < 0.001) ADG and greater (P = 0.001) HCW than steers not fed RH. Feeding RH did not (P = 0.723) affect DMI but it did increase (P = 0.001) with increased frequency of the T allele (8.62, 8.70, and 8.82 kg/d for CC, CT, and TT, respectively). Consistent with the effect of leptin on DMI, increased frequency of the T allele also positively affected 12th rib fat (P = 0.001) and empty body fat (P = 0.001). Regardless of RH-feeding duration, TT steers produced a greater (P = 0.001 ) percentage of USDA yield grade (YG) 4 or higher carcasses (6.46 vs. 2.98%) and a lesser (P = 0.023) percentage ofYG 1 carcasses (16.0 vs. 21.9%) than CC steers. In addition, RH-fed steers produced a lesser {P = 0.034) percentage of USDA YG 4 or higher carcasses (3.70 vs. 5.31%) and a lesser percentage (P = 0.019) of USDA Choice or higher carcasses (57.5 vs. 62.5%) than steers fed the control diet. Results indicated that leptin R25C genotype impacted most traits associated with fatness, whereas feeding RH for 28 d affected HCW and ADG positively but impacted marbling and USDA quality grades negatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of freezing and thawing or freezing and thawing with an additional aging period after frozen storage on the tenderness of longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST) steaks relative to aged, fresh steaks. Left-side LL and ST (n = 35 each) were obtained from U.S. Select carcasses classified at the grading stand by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center visible and near-infrared spectroscopy tenderness system to have predicted slice shear force greater than 16.5 kg at 14 d postmortem. At 2 d postmortem, 2.54 cm thick steaks were cut from each muscle and assigned to 1 of the following treatments: 2 d fresh (2FRESH), 2 d freeze + thaw (2FREEZE), 2 d freeze + thaw + 12 d age (2FREEZE+12AGE), 14 d fresh (14FRESH), 14 d freeze + thaw (14FREEZE), 14 d freeze + thaw + 14 d age ( 14FREEZE+14AGE), and 28 d fresh (28FRESH). Steaks assigned to a freezing treatment were frozen at -26°C for 30 d before thawing/cooking or thawing with an additional aging period at 2°C. Slice shear force for LL and ST was lower (P <0.01) for 2FREEZE (27.4 and 24.5 kg) and 14FREEZE (22.4 and 22.4 kg) compared to 2FRESH (33.0 and 29.2 kg) and 14FRESH (25.3 and 25.5 kg), respectively. Slice shear force for LL and ST was lower (P <0.01) for 2FREEZE+12AGE (17.8 and 20.8 kg) and 14FREEZE+14AGE (14.6 and 19.0 kg) compared to 14FRESH (25.3 and 25.5 kg) and 28FRESH (18.7 and 21.7 kg), respectively. Desmin degradation for LL was not different (P > 0.05) between 2FREEZE (21.0%) and 2FRESH (14.6%) or between 14FREEZE (40.4%) and 14FRESH (38.4%); however, desmin degradation was higher (P < 0.06) in 2FREEZE+12AGE (46.7%) and 14FREEZE+14AGE (71.1%) when compared to 14FRESH (38.4%) and 28FRESH (60.5%), respectively. Cooking loss for LL was higher (P <0.01) in 2FREEZE+12AGE (15.2%) compared to 14FRESH (14.0%) but was not different (P > 0.05) between 14FREEZE+14AGE (15.0%) and 28FRESH (14.3%). Freezing and thawing or a combination of freezing, thawing, and aging resulted in increased tenderness for LL and ST steaks when compared to fresh steaks with the same aging time. These results indicate freezing could be incorporated into normal commercial product distribution processes to improve the consistency of meat tenderness. Researchers who freeze steaks before tenderness assessment should be aware and acknowledge that freezing affects tenderness data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feedlot and carcass data from steers (n = 16,700) and heifers (n = 6,357) originating from 16 different states and fed in 17 feedlots located in southwest Iowa were used to evaluate the accuracy of the USDA frame score for predicting final BW of fed cattle. Frame score was recorded by USDA or state personnel for cattle either before leaving the state of origin or on arrival at the terminal feedlot. Mixed model procedures were used to investigate relationships between USDA frame score and measures of live performance and carcass traits. Other fixed effects included in the model included USDA muscle score, sex, age classification on feedlot entry (calf: ≤270 d of age, yearling: 271-365 d of age, and long yearling: >365 d of age), BCS on feedlot arrival, number of treatments for respiratory disease, hide color, and site of frame or muscle scoring; the interactions of sex x frame score and hide color x frame score were also included; fat thickness was included as a fixed effect (covariate) in the analysis of ADG, final BW, days on feed, LM area, marbling score, and quality grade. Random effects included in the model were year of feedlot arrival and feedlot in which cattle were fed. The system accurately projects the minimum target final BW for large frame steers and heifers; however, the final BW of the smallest medium frame steers and heifers exceeds the target minimum final BW by 35 and 40 kg, respectively. When frame score was assigned post facto based on actual final BW (adjusted to 1.27 cm fat thickness), it was determined that large frame was overassigned by graders (62 vs. 35% for steers and 54 vs. 32% for heifers, actual score vs. postharvest score, respectively), medium frame was underassigned (37 vs. 51% and 46 vs. 58% for steers and heifers), and small frame was underassigned (0.7 vs. 15% and 0.6 vs. 10% for steers and heifers; K= 0.01, P < 0.01). Across sexes, of the cattle assigned to small, medium, or large frame score, 40, 59, and 43% actually had final BW (adjusted to 1.27 cm fat thickness) within the guidelines for the target final BW of each of the frame scores (P < 0.01). The present frame score system accurately reflects the modem feedlot cattle population; however, adjustments in the assignment of frame scores to reflect changes in technologies and final weights may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty-four yearling steers (345 ± 4.2 kg BW) were used to study the effects of degree of dry-rolled com processing and com dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) inclusion on feeding and ruminating behavior, G:F, and carcass characteristics. Steers were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 experimental treatments (n = 16 per treatment): 1) coarse-rolled (2.68 mm) com and 20% DDGS, 2) coarse-rolled com and 40% DDGS, 3) fine-rolled (1.46 mm) com and 20% DDGS, and 4) fine-rolled com and 40% DDGS. Final BW and ADG were not affected by corn processing or DDGS. Dry matter intake (kg/d and % of BW) decreased (P < 0.001) and G:F increased (P< 0.001) with increasing inclusion of DDGS. Meal number increased (P< 0.05) and meal size decreased (P < 0.001) with finer dry-roll com processing and with increasing inclusion of DDGS. Drinking time decreased (P = 0.03) with finer dry-rolled com processing and tended to increase (P = 0.06) with increased inclusion of DDGS. Rumination time while standing decreased (P = 0.03) with increased inclusion of DDGS. Increasing inclusion of DDGS from 20 to 40% decreased intake, increased G:F, and altered feeding behavior of finishing steers consuming a 90% concentrate diet without affecting carcass quality. Increasing the degree of dry-roll com processing did not impact growth performance and did not interact with increasing inclusion of DDGS in finishing diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of ultrasound measurements for longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) in Hanwoo cows (N = 3,062) at the ages between 18 and 42 months. Data were collected from 100 Hanwoo breeding farms in Gyeongbuk province, Korea, in 2007 and 2008. The cows were classified into four different age groups, i.e. 18 to 22 months (the first pregnancy period), 23 to 27 (the first parturition), 28 to 32 (the second pregnancy), and 33 to 42 (the second parturition), respectively. For each age group, a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate variance components and heritabilities of the three traits. The averages of LMA, BFT, and MS measurements across the cows of all age groups were 50.1 cm², 4.62 mm, and 3.04, respectively and heritability estimates were 0.09, 0.10, and 0.08 for the respective traits. However, when the data were analyzed in different age groups, heritability estimates of LMA and BFT were 0.24 and 0.47, respectively, for the cows of 18 to 22 months of age, and 0.21 for MS in the 28 to 32 months old cows. When the cows of all age groups were used, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.43 (0.35), -0.06 (0.34) and 0.21 (0.32) between LMA and BFT, LMA and MS, and BFT and MS, respectively. However, in the cow age group between 28 and 32 (18 and 22) months, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.05 (0.29), -0.15 (0.24) and 0.38 (0.24), for the respective pairs of traits. These results suggest that genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variations differ depending on cow age, such that care must be taken when ultrasound measurements are applied to selection of cows for meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular breeding is a new subject for livestock improvement, and it has played a role in provoting the studies on cattle meat quality traits and growth and development. This paper overviewed the latest research achievements of molecular marker and molecular breeding in beef cattle; and introduced the research progress made in beef cattle growth and production traits, including beef cattle candidate molecular markers, genome-wide selection, micro-satellite markers related with production performance, noncoding RNA as new markers for molecular breeding and adopting transgenic technology to improve important production traits of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating-quality attributes of meat from Ankole cattle and their Friesian and Boran crossbreds finished in different feeding systems were evaluated. Seventy two 8-month-old bulls (24 each of pure Ankole (A), Ankole x Boran (B) and Ankole x Friesian (F) (191 ± 9.6 kg average weight) were allotted to three feeding systems in a completely randomized design with a 3 x 3 factorial treatment, and were slaughtered after 120 days. The longissimus dorsi muscle was excised from the carcasses and divided into five samples for sensory and shear force analysis. Samples aged 2, 7, 14 and 21 days were subjected to the Warner Braztler shear force (WBSF) machine for textural tenderness determination. Steaks from Ankole and Friesian crossbreds attained WBSF values below 55N within 7 days of post mortem storage, whereas Boran crossbreds attained a similar level of tenderness at 14 days. Steaks from Ankole and Friesian crossbreds were rated more tender, juicy and acceptable than Boran crossbreds by panelists. Steaks from grazed bulls were rated less tender, juicy and palatable than steaks from supplemented and feedlot finished bulls. It was concluded that when grazed and supplemented or finished in a feedlot and meat aged for 7 days, Ankole bulls produce tender meat of an as high eating-quality as their Ankole x Friesian crossbreds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal welfare considerations are becoming increasingly important for farming of animals, both in Tunisia and internationally. Practices which may have once been deemed acceptable are now being reassessed in the light of new knowledge and changing attitudes. And a clearly defined concept of welfare is needed for use in precise scientific measurements. If animal welfare is to be compared in different situations or evaluated in a specific situation, it must be assessed in an objective way. Likewise, welfare is a multidimensional concept and its assessment systems have been developed by researchers of the European project Welfare Quality®. These systems should include animal-based measures directly related to animal body condition, health aspects, injuries and behavior. In this context, a Tunisian study was carried out in 35 dairy farms to evaluate welfare quality of Tunisian Holstein population cows through some welfare indicators validated by the European project Welfare Quality#&174;. The studied sample included 350 females (Holstein; 161 heifers and 189 cows). Avoidance distance (at the feeding rack and inside the stable), body condition, lameness, fertility, somatic cell count, and milk yield were assessed. The study showed that animals differ in their relationship with the stockholder, performance, and health state, early experience and temperament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Beef has become a kind of important food in China because of its nutritional value perceived by consumers. With increasing consumers'' awareness and governments'' regulations on beef quality and safety, traceability is becoming a mandatory requirement in cattle/beef industry. This paper developed and evaluated a cattle/beef traceability system that integrated RFID technology with PDA and barcode printer. The system requirements, the business flow of the cattle/beef chain, and the key traceability information for the system were identified through a survey. Then a conceptual model was proposed to describe the process of traceability information acquisition, transformation and transmission along the supply chain. Finally, the system was evaluated and optimized in the sampled supply chain. The results show that the major benefits gained from the RFID-enabled traceability system are the real-time and accurate data acquisition and transmission, and the high efficiency of information tracking and tracing across the cattle/beef supply chain; the main barriers for implementing the system are the inapplicable method of inputting information, the inefficient sequence of data input and communication mechanism associated with RFID reader, and the high implementation cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between body condition score (BCS), blood biochemical metabolites, milk yield (MY) and quality (Mfat) in Montbéliarde cattle (31 cows) reared in 5 farms of Algerian semi arid area. The BCS was measured in dry and peak of lactation (6 weeks after calving). Blood samples were taken at the time of body condition (BC) measurement for determination of energy (Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and B-Hydroxybutyrate), nitrogen (urea and albumin) and mineral (calcium) metabolites. Milk yield was recorded in the 6th week of lactation (peak). A sample of milk for each cow was used to determinate milk fat, density and acidity. The results showed a significant decrease in postpartum BCS accompanied by an increase in cholesterol and B-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration. The correlation analysis showed that BHB concentration in pre calving was negatively correlated with BCS (r=-0.321; P<0.05) and cholesterol (r=-0.308; P<0.05). In postpartum, BCS was negatively correlated with cholesterol (r=-0.416; P<0.05), urea (r=-0.366; P<0.05) and BHB (r=-0.487; P<0.05). However, the level of milk production decreased significantly with high glucose (r=-0.449; P<0.05) and BHB (r=-0.514; P<0.05). The fat content increased significantly with blood triglycerides (r=0.681; P<0.05) and BHB (r=0.522; P<0.05) concentration, indicating a high mobilization of body reserves used for the synthesis of milk fat. In conclusion, it can be assumed that the rate of BHB seems to be the best indicator of the nutritional status of dairy cows that determines their production level and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When embryos are cultured individually or in small groups, blastocyst yield efficiency and quality are usually reduced. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of supplementation of the embryo culture medium (CM) with several growth factors (GFs) on embryo development and apoptosis rate when a reduced number of embryos were in vitro cultured. Two experimental studies (ES) were carried out. In ES 1, five treatments were tested to study the effect of GF on embryo development: Control (∼30 to 50 embryos cultured in 500 μl of CM); Control 5 (Five embryos cultured in 50 μl microdrops of CM), without addition of GF in either of the two control groups; epidermal GF (EGF); IGF-I; and transforming GF-α (TGF-α) (Five embryos were cultured in 50 μl microdrops of CM with 10 ng/ml EGF, 10 ng/ml IGF-I or 10 ng/ml TGF-α, respectively). In ES 2, following the results obtained in ES 1, four different treatments were tested to study their effect on embryo development and quality (number of cells per blastocyst and apoptotic rate): Control; Control 5; EGF, all three similar to ES 1; EGF + IGF-I group (five embryos cultured in 50 μl microdrops of CM with 10 ng/ml EGF and 10 ng/ml IGF-I). In both ESs, it was observed that a higher proportion of embryos cultured in larger groups achieved blastocyst stage than embryos cultured in reduced groups (22.6% v. 14.0%, 12.6% and 5.3% for Control v. Control 5, IGF-I, TGF-α groups in ES 1, and 24.9% v. 17.1% and 19.0% for Control v. Control 5 and EGF in ES 2, respectively; P < 0.05), with the exception of embryos cultured in medium supplemented with EGF (18.5%) or with EGF + IGF-I (23.5%), in ES 1 and ES 2, respectively. With regard to blastocyst quality, embryos cultured in reduced groups and supplemented with EGF, alone or combined with IGF-I, presented lower apoptosis rates than embryos cultured in reduced groups without GF supplementation (11.6% and 10.5% v. 21.9% for EGF, EGF + IGF-I and Control 5 groups, respectively; P < 0.05). The experimental group did not affect the total number of cells per blastocyst. In conclusion, this study showed that supplementation of the CM with EGF and IGF could partially avoid the deleterious effect of in vitro culture of small groups of bovine embryos, increasing blastocyst rates and decreasing apoptosis rates of these blastocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period on physical and chemical beef properties in young Simmental heifers. A total of 36 heifers (5 mo old; initial BW 185 ± 21 kg) were fed 250 g of different rumen-protected fats daily for 16 wk in 1 of 3 treatment groups: 250 g of a CLA-free control fat; 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and 2.1% of trans-10,cis-12 CLA and 150 g control fat; or 250 g of the CLA fat. Heifer growth performance variables as well as carcass weight, classification (conformation and fatness), and weights of organs and fat depots were not affected (P > 0.05) by CLA supplementation. Concentration of trans-10,cis-12 CLA in tissues (LM and subcutaneous fat) was dose-dependently increased (P < 0.01) by CLA supplementation, whereas that of cis-9,trans-11 CLA in these tissues did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. The ratio of SFA to MUFA was increased (P < 0.01) in tissues of CLA-fed heifers compared with control heifers. Concentration of a-tocopherol in LM was greater (P = 0.01) in heifers of the 2 CLA groups than in control heifers. Other quality characteristics such as drip loss during storage, cooking loss, intramuscular fat content, and color variables in LM did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period changes tissue fatty acid composition but does not influence beef quality variables. Performance variables and carcass traits in young heifers, unlike in pigs and laboratory animals, are not influenced by CLA feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Morphological assessment is one important parameter considered in conservation and improvement programs for bovine livestock. This assessment process consists of scoring an animal based on its morphology and is normally carried out by highly qualified staff. These animals are all of agreed ‘show quality’ and hence they are morphologically very similar. This paper presents a system designed to provide an assessment based on a lateral image of the cow. The system consists of two main parts: a feature extraction stage, to reduce the information on the cow in the image to a set of parameters, and a neural network stage to provide a score based on that set of parameters. For the image analysis section, a model of the animal is constructed by means of the point distribution model (PDM) technique. Later, that model is used in the searching process within each image, which is implemented using genetic algorithms (GAs). As a result of this stage, the vector of weights that describe the deviation of the given shape from the mean is obtained. This vector is used in the second stage, where a multilayer perceptron is trained to provide the desired assessment, using the scores given by experts for selected cows. The system has been tested with 138 images corresponding to 44 individuals of a special rustic breed, with very promising results, given that the information contained in only one view of the cow can not be considered complete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to study the molecular mechanism involved in meat quality differences especially tenderness variance caused by castration in Qinchuan cattle males, this study investigated the gene expression profile of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle and screened differentially expressed genes in LT muscle from both intact male and castrated male Qinchuan cattle at 36months of age utilising Bovine Genome Array. Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) was used to identify the differentially expressed genes, Go (Gene Ontology) and pathway analyses were conducted on which by a free Web-based Molecular Annotation System 2.0 (MAS 2.0). Approximately 11,000 probe sets representing 10,000 genes were detected in LT muscle of 36-month-old Qinchuan cattle. After SAM analysis of the microarray data, 142 genes were shown to be differentially expressed. These genes were predominantly involved in collagen fibril organization and synthesis, regulation of cell growth and development and striated muscle contraction. The significant pathways involved mainly included ECM–receptor (extracellular matrix-receptor) interaction, cell communication and focal adhesion. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate some differentially expressed genes identified by microarray. These patterns of gene expression may contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of better meat quality of beef derived from castrates than from intact males. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 4 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (4 growth-enhancement treatments × 2 sex classes) was used to quantify effects of initial implanting (I-implant, d 0), terminal implanting (T-implant, d 63), and feeding ractopamine hydrochloride [RAC, 200 mg/(animal/d)] for the last 28 d on feed on carcass characteristics and LM shear force (WBSF) of calf-fed steers (n = 159) and heifers (n = 132). Growth-enhancement treatments included the following: TRT1, T-implant only; TRT2, I-implant and RAC; TRT3, I-implant and T-implant; TRT4, I-implant, T-implant, and RAG. Growth responses (BW and ADG) were measured in 3 segments of the finishing period: 1) d 0 to 63, 2) d 63 to 28 d before slaughter, and 3) final 28 d. Cattle were slaughtered after 152, 166, or 180 d of finishing; carcass data were collected after a 48-h chill; and LM WBSF was measured at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d postmortem. A priori contrasts were constructed to test effects associated with use vs. exclusion of growth enhancement in each segment of the finishing period. The interaction between sex class and treatment was not significant (P > 0.05) for any trait tested, indicating that the 4 treatments elicited similar effects in both sexes. Initial implanting improved (P < 0.001) ADG from d 0 to 63 by 11.5%, terminal implanting improved (P < 0.001) ADG from d 63 to 28 d before slaughter by 15%, and supplementing twice-implanted cattle with RAC enhanced ADG during the final 28 d of finishing by 12%. Effects of I-implant, T-implant, and RAC resulted in LM area increases of 3 cm2 (P = 0.015), 6 cm2 (P < 0.001), and 3 cm2 (P = 0.011), respectively, and HCW responses of 11 kg (P = 0.011), 16 kg (P = 0.001), and 6 kg (P = 0.195), respectively. Initial implanting resulted in a 20-point reduction (P = 0.097) in marbling, and T-implant reduced marbling by 25 points (P 0.04), whereas marbling score was unaffected (P = 0.236) by RAC supplementation. Cattle that received only 1 implant (TRT1 and TRT2) produced carcasses with greater (P = 0.026) mean marbling scores and greater (P = 0.01) rates of conformity to beef carcass marketing specifications for HCW, quality grade, yield grade, and LM area than did cattle that were implanted twice (TRT3 and TRT4). Values for LM WBSF were not affected (P > 0.05) by initial or terminal implanting; however, RAC supplementation increased (P = 0.007) mean LM WBSF by 0.23 kg, which translated into a reduction (P = 0.007) in predicted consumer acceptance of LM steaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents This article describes a study of the behaviour of double muscled Belgian Blue (BB) cows during the peri partum period to assess the differences in pain perception in cows calving per vaginam vs cows delivering by caesarean section (CS). In one herd, a total of 30 multiparous cows, of which 17 delivered by CS and 13 calved per vaginam, were closely observed at approximately 1 month before calving and at days 1, 3 and 14 after parturition. The main behavioural indicators of pain were alertness, transition in posture from standing to lying and vice versa, aggressive behaviour, vocalization, rumination quality, reaction on wound and vulva pressure and the percentage of visible eye-white. The main significant differences were lower overall activity and more transition in posture in animals that delivered by CS than in cows that calved naturally. Less time was spent on eating and ruminating in the CS group, their total resting time was longer and their total standing time was shorter. These significant differences were only observed on the first day after calving. Cows of the CS group reacted significantly more when pressure was put on the left flank on the first, third and fourteenth day after calving, whereas animals that calved per vaginam showed more reaction when pressure was put on the area around the vulva, but only on the first day. Based on the results of the present study, we can conclude that there are some significant short-term behavioural differences between BB cows that calve naturally and those that deliver by CS, but in general, the differences are subtle and of short duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory traits, such as juiciness and tenderness, are known to be important to the consumer and thus will influence their consumption of meat, specifically beef. These traits are difficult to measure and often require the use of taste panels to assess the complex parameters involved in the eating experience. Such panels are potentially a large source of measurement error, which may reduce the effectiveness of breeding programmes based on the data they generate. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of such taste panel-derived sensory traits as well as calculating genetic parameters and residual correlations for these traits along with a further set of traditional carcass quality traits. The study examined a sample of 443 Aberdeen Angus-cross animals collected from 14 breeder-finisher farms throughout Scotland. To assess the quality of the taste panel measurements, three consistency statistics were calculated: (i) panel-member consistency, i.e. the extent to which an individual panel member varied in their scoring for a given trait over the period of the experiment; (ii) repeatability, i.e. the consistency with which an individual panel member was able to score a trait on repeated samples from the same animal; and (iii) reproducibility, i.e. the extent to which taste panel members agreed with each other when scoring a trait. These consistency statistics were moderately high, particularly for panel-member consistency and reproducibility, with values ranging from 0.48 to 0.81 and 0.43 to 0.73 respectively. Estimated heritabilities were low for most of the sensory taste-panel-evaluated traits where the maximum value was 0.16 for overall liking. Residual correlations were high between many of the closely related sensory traits, although few significant correlations were found between the carcass quality data and meat quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipid composition of bovine serum and seminal plasma, seasonality, and semen quality. The experiment was carried out in two groups of Simmental breeding bulls: Group I (ages 2 to 4 yr) and Group II (ages 5 to 10 yr). Blood samples were collected from jugular vein, and bovine semen was sampled with an artificial vagina once per season. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triacylglycerols, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and lipoprotein electrophoretic patterns were determined. Seminal plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C were assayed. Serum concentration of triacylglycerols in young bulls was significantly higher in winter compared with that in autumn, whereas serum NEFA concentration was significantly higher in autumn compared with that in other seasons. Serum concentration of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and LDL lipoproteins in older bulls was significantly higher in winter than in spring. Seminal plasma concentration of total cholesterol in young bulls was significantly higher in spring compared with that in summer, whereas in older bulls it was significantly higher in winter compared with that in autumn samples. Sperm volume of both groups was significantly higher in summer compared with that in autumn and winter. Sperm motility in young bulls was lowest in summer and differed significantly from the values recorded in other seasons. The changes observed in seminal plasma cholesterol concentration were associated with extracellular lipid use and appeared to be applicable as a biochemical marker of sperm quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to determine whether culled beef cows fed a high-concentrate diet (FED) would have improved live performance, carcass traits and muscle characteristics compared with forage fed (CON) cows. In addition, ractopamine (RAC) supplementation was evaluated for added benefits over high concentrate alone. Live weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling, quality grade and carcass fat measurements increased (P ≤ 0.05) by realimentation. As a percent of hot carcass weight, muscle yields did not differ (P > 0.05). Lipid content increased (P ≤ 0.05) in 5 out of the 10 muscles from FED cows. Cows fed ractopamine showed some numeric improvements over feeding alone, but few statistical differences (P > 0.05). This may result from variability associated with cull cows, and warrants investigation into the best dose/duration for ractopamine. However, realimentation by itself was able to improve cull cow quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The U.S. beef industry continues to explore new avenues to enhance undervalued sectors of the production system. Through realimentation, cull cow quality can be improved. The data presented herein demonstrate that feeding a high-concentrate diet to cull cows increases both live and carcass weights. In addition, high concentrate-fed cull cows display more marbling and whiter fat cover than those fed at maintenance level. Qualification for premium programs, heavier weights and overall higher quality may lead to increased value for this underutilized sector of the beef industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twelve Brown Swiss (BS) and 12 Peruvian Criollo cows (CR, a local Peruvian cow type adapted to altitude and harsh environment), both Bos taurus and adapted to altitudes >3500 m a.s.l. (above sea level), were kept at 200 and 3600 m a.s.l. and assigned to three dietary treatments, respectively. The experimental design was a 2 (cow types)×3 (diets)×2 (sites) factorial arrangement (total n =72). The diets used represented the quality of typical highland dry-season forage (DS), highland rainy-season forage (RS) and a diet with optimized nutrient composition (OC). Contents (g/kg dry matter) of crude protein clearly increased from diet DS to RS and OC (from 42 to 81 and 131) and neutral detergent fiber contents decreased with increasing diet quality (from 734 to 580 and 512 for DS, RS and OC, respectively). The CR consumed less dry matter than the BS (P <0.001) (g/day and kg BW0.75; 65 and 68, 117 and 136, 130 and 158, for CR and BS receiving diets DS, RS and OC, respectively). Both, dry matter intake and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield increased with diet quality (P <0.05); the latter nearly doubled for both cow types when switching from diet DS to OC. A similar increase was found for daily ECM yield expressed in g/kg BW0.75 (34 and 46, 57 and 76, 63 and 91, for CR and BS fed diets DS, RS and OC, respectively). Especially in CR the major part of this increase was already found when replacing DS by RS (cow type×diet interaction, P <0.001), indicating that CR cows had approached their genetic production limit with diet OC. The low intake with diet DS resulted in an energy deficit characterized by a massive mobilization of body reserves in both cow types. In intake, performance and metabolic traits there were no clear indications that the CR cows tolerated the low-quality diet better than the BS cows. Both cow types also showed similar performances at the two sites, and high altitude did not seem to cause any extra maintenance energy requirements but was found to increase milk fat content (P <0.05). These results lead to the conclusion that the metabolic responses to under-nutrition and hypoxia were similar for the two cow types. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper attempts to define a rational choice of breeding strategies for the improvement of milk production in the Sudan involving Kenana, Butana, Friesian and crossbred dairy cows. In some major production traits, the Sudanese Butana and Kenana cattle compare favourably under average station management with some of the best breeds in tropical countries, and their performance does not fall far behind that of 50% crossbred cattle in the Sudan. Kenana and Butana could be used particularly in medium-intensive production systems. The local environment (high temperature, low feed quality and quantity, disease and parasitic challenge) can sustain only composite genotypes of a moderate level of Bos taurus blood. Their relative economic efficiency is yet to be considered. An economically viable use of Friesian cattle in central Sudan is an option only when adequate feeding management, hygiene, stockmanship, technical services and other types of infrastructure are available. A regional dairy breeding policy should be established that implements breeding programmes to produce dairy cattle suitable for particular eco-regions and production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the importance of pedigree depth when performing optimal contribution selection as implemented in the software program EVA. This was done by applying optimal genetic contribution in the breeding program of the major Danish Dairy breed Danish Holstein. In the analyses earlier breeding decisions were considered by including all AI waiting- and young bulls and contract matings. Twenty potential sires, 2169 potential dams, 1421 AI-bulls and 754 contract matings plus pedigree animals were included. Results showed that the outcome was very dependent on quality of pedigree, also for information going more than 25 years (5–7 generations) back. The analyses showed that EVA works satisfactorily as a management tool for planning of breeding schemes with respect to contributions of sires of sons at population level in maximising the genetic gain, while controlling the increase in future inbreeding. The more weight put on the average additive genetic relationship in next generation relative to genetic merit, the lower the average merit of the matings, and the lower average additive genetic relationship among the chosen matings and the present breeding animals. Furthermore more weight on average additive genetic relationship gives a more diverse use of sires of sons. Given the potential sires and dams the average additive genetic relationship among the selected matings and the present breeding animals can be reduced from 0.1621 to 0.1495 at the cost of 0.7 genetic S.D. units at the total merit index. This reduction was obtained when selection was only on reduction of average relationship compared to selection only on genetic merit. Optimal genetic contribution selection is a promising tool for managing breeding schemes for populations facing inbreeding problems, such as Danish Holstein and other dairy breeds. However sufficient pedigree information is a necessity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The meta-analysis methodology was applied in this study to evaluate factors that affect the carcass quality components in beef cattle (rib eye area - AOL and fat thickness - EGC, measured between the 12th and the 13th ribs) and to compare them in different genetic groups. Data from 215 measures of AOL and 209 measures of EGC, from 65,174 animals, extracted from 36 papers published between 1985 and 2006 were used. The Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method and an animal model that considered AOL and EGC as functions of the fixed effects of country from where the data come from; animal category; feed system; measure methodology; Bos indicus, british and continental Bos taurus gene contribution; age and weight at measure, were used. The observed averages for AOL and e EGC were 63.5cm² and 4.2mm, respectively. The animals were in average 552.22 days old at the measure of the characteristics and had 468.47kg of live weight. The use of meta-analysis permitted to get generalized conclusions about AOL and EGC: animals rose in the EUA presented values significantly superior for AOL and EGC when compared with those rose in Australia and Brazil; castrated and the entire males presented bigger AOL measures (do not differing among them) compared to females, and females presented bigger EGC. The feed system, confined and do not confined, were superior to the greasing system. The Continental Bos taurus genotypes presented bigger AOL values, British Bos taurus presented bigger EGC values, and Bos indicus presented intermediate values. The measures taken in the carcass (pos mortis) and by ultra son (in vivo) were not different. The increase in the characteristics decreased with the age and live weight increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Basic & Applied Ecology is the property of Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Feedlot producers could optimize the value of cattle in a given market grid if they were able to improve the uniformity of the body composition between cattle among loads. Allelic variation due to a single nucleotide transition (cytosine [C] to thymine [TI transition that results in a Arg25Cys) has been demonstrated to be associated with higher leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue and increased fat deposition in mature beef, but the effect on economically important carcass traits has not been investigated in either market-ready steers or heifers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of a leptin SNP on the quality grade (QG), yield grade (YG), and weight of beef carcasses. A slaughter trial was conducted using 1,435 crossbred finished heifers and 142 crossbred finished steers as they entered the slaughter facility. Canada QG tended (main effect of genotype P = 0.16, but P < 0.01 for both CC vs. TT and CT vs. TT) to be affected by leptin genotype. Specifically, 7.6 and 7.1% more TT carcasses graded Canada AAA or higher than the CT and CC carcasses, respectively, which supports the suggestion that the leptin SNP is associated with carcass fat. The proportion of carcasses grading Canada YG 1, 2, or 3 was affected (P < 0.01, P = 0.05, and P 0.02 for YG 1, 2, and 3) by leptin genotype. The proportion of TT carcasses of Canada YG 1 was 12.5 and 15.1% lower than that of CT and CC carcasses, respectively, indicating that rearing animals under the same management and feeding system may result in greater carcass fat and a lower probability of the proportion of carcasses grading YG 1 within certain genotypes. The carcass weights of animals with the CC genotype tended (P = 0.07) to be higher than those of the TT genotype (365.5 vs. 362.3 kg). No significant difference was observed between the TT and CT genotypes in carcass weight. The observed associations between leptin genotype and carcass characteristics may represent an opportunity to genetically identify animals that are most likely to reach specific marketing groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to estimate the heritability of locomotion score and estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations of locomotion score with milk production (150-day milk), body condition score (BCS), and selected conformation traits. Data were collected from 26 herds that were visited in October and December of 1997. During those two visits all lactating cows were assigned scores for locomotion and BCS. Locomotion was scored on a scale from 1 (excellent) to 5 (severely lame). Data consisted of 5774 records from 3298 cows. The heritability of locomotion was low. The phenotypic correlations of locomotion score with 150-day milk and the conformation traits were low. BCS and 150-day milk had moderate negative correlations with locomotion. Cows with higher BCS and higher 150-day milk had genetically better locomotion. Locomotion score had high genetic correlations with feet and legs, foot angle, and rear leg set. Udder traits had favorable moderate genetic correlations with locomotion. Cows with a higher feet and legs score, steeper foot angle, and straighter legs also had genetically significant better locomotion. Cows with higher rear udder attachments, longer front udder attachment, and increased udder quality had more favorable locomotion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Forty-eight Simmental young bulls (initial body weight=321.2±34.1 kg) were assigned to eight balanced groups reared in separate pens with a space allowance of 3 m2 per head. Two different manger spaces (60 vs. 80 cm per head) were tested in factorial arrangement with the type of floor of the pen (slatted vs. straw bedded). All the animals received the same diet provided ad libitum. No significant interaction was found between the two main factors considered in the study. Manger space did not affect bulls'' daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. Health status of the animals was satisfactory and the neutrophil/lympocite ratio, blood indicator of chronic stress, was not modified by the different manger space. Behavioural observations showed no differences due to manger space. Regardless of the manger space, the ad libitum feeding promoted a high turnover of the bulls in the feeding area limiting the number of animals eating at same time. Bulls were slaughtered at 614.6±14.7 kg and carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by manger space. Regardless of the type of floor, a space at the manger of 60 cm per head should be sufficient for beef cattle fed ad libitum under intensive rearing system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The voluntary intake of forages of different quality (hay from natural meadows, barley straw and dehydrated lucerne) by Brown Swiss and Pirenaica cattle was measured in six trials with females of different ages and physiological stages (heifers, pregnant and lactating adult cows). Each trial involved six to eight animals. Intake was influenced by forage quality and animal age and physiological stage. With the exception of the lactation period, no differences were found between both breeds. In lactation, Brown Swiss cows had a higher intake of dehydrated lucerne than Pirenaica ones, probably due to their higher milk yield.The intake capacity of both breeds was similar to that of other hardy breeds used in Central Europe and higher than that observed in beef breeds, but lower than that of dairy ones. Several prediction equations developed in different conditions were tested to predict the actual observations. The accuracy of the prediction depended on the physiological stage and the quality of the diet, although equations developed by INRA and NRC were generally appropriate in most of the trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article focuses on the effect of ascorbic acid on milk lead. Mastitis is a global problem in dairy cows because of its high morbidity rate and adverse effects on quality, quantity and processing properties of milk. The annual incidence of subclinical and clinical mastitis in India was reported as 43.9 and 6.4 per cent, respectively in dairy cows. Mastitis is associated with compositional changes in milk. California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) were used to diagnose subclinical mastitis. Mastitis was classified as subclinical and clinical based on established parameters.

Deals with a study which developed a method for detecting abnormal milk test-day yields in dairy cows and calvings. Method for outlier detection and adjustment; Results; Implementation.

Deals with a study which investigated the quality of Norwegian Cattle (NRF) fertility data and to validate alternative models to be used for estimating variance components and genetic change of 56-d nonreturn rate in NRF virgin heifers. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion; Conclusions.

Deals with a study which determined the effects of fomaldehyde treatment of flaxseed and sunflower seed on the performance and milk quality of midlactation Holstein cows. Materials and methods; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Trees and shrubs have long been considered important for the nutrition of grazing and browsing animals in Australia, particularly where the quantity and quality of pastures is poor for long periods The economic or feeding value of Acacia species for animal production will depend on when the nutrients are available (i.e. does foliage/seed/pod production match feed gap or drought?) and the concentrations of essential nutrients and secondary compounds in foliage, seeds or pods. The feeding value of any forage is a function of a number of characteristics of the species, including its availability, accessibility, nutrient availability, chemical composition and presence or absence of secondary compounds. The accessibility of foliage and/or seeds and pods on acacia trees and shrubs is likely to limit the performance of grazing ruminants, although the potential exists to select lines more suited to grazing species. Forage digestibility is an important component of nutritive value, but only limited data exist for Australian Acacia species. The digestibility of Acacia anuera is reported to be between 39% and 64%, suggesting that there are lines suitable for animal production. Mineral composition of Australian acacias varies considerably between species, ranging from toxic to inadequate for livestock production. Plants that grow in inhospitable environments commonly contain secondary compounds which play a role in plant survival. Acacias are reported to have a wide range of secondary compounds including tannins, oxalates, cyanides, saponin, amines, alkaloids, fluoroacetate and other unidentified toxins. The level and presence varies with both species and plant part. Options for reducing the impact of secondary compounds are discussed. Utilisation of acacias in farming systems could be improved through selection of species to provide feed for livestock during feed gaps and droughts, as long as issues of fodder accessibility and secondary compounds are overcome. An... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]