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This experiment was conducted to study the crossbreeding effect of hybrid Tibetan chickens and Rose 308. A total of 100 one-day-old cross-generation chicks of Ross 308 and Tibetan chickens and 100 local Tibetan pure chicks were selected and raised in the same environment. 30 chicks (male and female half) were selected from each group for slaughter 90 days at of age. By comparing their growth performance, body size index and slaughter performance, the crossbreeding effect between Tibetan chickens and Ross 308 was comprehensively analyzed. The results were as follows: the average daily gain and feed to gain ratio of the first generation between Tibetan chicks and Ross 308 were significantly increased, the breast width, keel length, body skew length and shin length of the hybrid male chickens were significantly higher than that of the local Tibetan chicks, and the slaughter rate of the hybrid offspring was increased. The results indicated that cross breeding Ross 308 with Tibetan chicks could improve the growth performance, body size index and slaughter performance of Tibetan chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of bacterial enzyme fermented feed on growth performance, slaughter performance and gastrointestinal microflora of Xuhuai white goats were studied in this experiment. A total of 40 healthy white goats with the body weight of (10.0±2.0) kg were randomly divided into 4 groups with 1 sheep in each replicate. The goats in control group were fed a basal diet. The goats in groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ were fed the basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10% and 20% bacterial enzyme fermented feed, respectively, and were slaughtered after 180 days. Growth performance, slaughter performance, intestinal morphology and microbial flora structure were measured. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, the final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, final body height, final body oblique length, final chest circumference and final tube circumference of trial groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the ratio of feed to gain was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The live weight before slaughter, carcass weight, net meat weight, slaughter rate, bone weight, ratio of bone to meat, eye muscle area, head weight, rumen weight, reticulum weight, valve stomach weight, net meat rate, carcass length, hoof weight, heart weight, liver weight, lung weight and kidney weight of trial group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The carcass weight, slaughter rate, net meat weight, rumen weight, reticulum weight, live weight before slaughter and eye muscle area of test group Ⅲ were higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The villi height of duodenum and jejunum in group Ⅰ was significantly higher than that in control group (P< 0.05); the villi height of duodenum, jejunum and ileum in trial groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The rumen Chao1 index, Simpson index and Ace index in the experimental group Ⅱ and Ⅲ group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The abundance values of Bacteroidetes, fibrinobacteria and verrucobacteria in 3 experimental groups were increased compared with control group (P<0.05), while the abundance values of firmicutes and actinobacteria were significantly decreased compared with control group (P<0.05). The abundance values of Prevotella, Butyricothrix, Fibrinobacter and verrucothrix in test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and the abundance values of Bacteroides and Treponemas in test groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The intestinal Chao1 index and Ace index of test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05); the abundance values of firmicutes in test groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P< 0.05), and the abundance values of Proteobacteria were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The abundance values of Prevotella in experimental groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P< 0.05), and the abundance values of Vibrio succinate, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, feeding 10%-20% bacterial enzyme fermented feed can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance and gastrointestinal health of Xuhuai white goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of composite enzyme preparations on the growth performance, slaughter performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and ketone body quality of beef cattle. A total of 120 yaks from a large-scale yak farm in Xizang Autonomous Region were selected as test subjects, and were randomly divided into four groups: control group, 100 g/t compound enzyme preparation group, 200 g/t compound enzyme preparation group, and 300 g/t compound enzyme preparation group. Statistical analysis was made on the significant difference of the effects of compound enzyme preparation on various indicators of beef cattle. The average daily weight gain of the experimental group with the addition of complex enzyme preparations in the feed was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the feed to weight ratio was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05); the slaughter rate and backfat thickness of beef cattle in the experimental group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05); the apparent digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber in the experimental group of beef cattle was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05); the ketone weight and eye muscle area of the experimental group of beef cattle were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), while the cooked meat rate and shear force were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The results induicate that 200 g/t composite enzyme preparation can significantly improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, and ketone body quality of beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slaughter performance, sensory, and conventional physicochemical indexes of 300 days old Yanjin blackbone chicken and Piao chicken were measured and compared, to investigate the differences in slaughter performance and meat physicochemical properties between Yanjin blackbone chicken and Piao chicken. The results showed that both Yanjin blackbone chicken and Piao chicken had good meat performance, and the breast muscle rate of female Yanjin blackbone chicken was significantly higher than that of male Yanjin blackbone chicken and Piao chicken (P

Abstract Hu sheep are a unique breed in our country with great reproductive potential, the extent of whose breeding has been steadily rising in recent years. The study subjects in this experiment were 8-month-old Hu sheep (n = 112). First of all, the growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of their eye muscle quality were assessed, meanwhile their live weight, carcass weight, body length, body height, chest circumference, chest depth and tube circumference were respectively 33.81 ± 5.47 kg, 17.43 ± 3.21 kg, 60.36 ± 4.41 cm, 63.25 ± 3.88 cm, 72.03 ± 5.02 cm, 30.70 ± 2.32 cm and 7.36 ± 0.56 cm, with a significant difference between rams and ewes (P

In order to explore the influence of the combined breeding mode on the goose breeding industry, the production performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of Sanhua geese were measured by the comparative experiment of cornfield stocking and house feeding, which provided technical basis for the upgrading and transformation of goose industry. A total of 320 geese aged 50 days, half male and half female, were randomly divided into 1 experimental group and 1 control group with 8 replicates in each group and 20 geese in each replicate. The experiment period was 21 days. The geese were fed basic diet in the house and no herbicide was used in the corn field. The results showed that the survival rate, average daily feed consumption and feed to gain ratio of experimental group and control group were significantly different (P<0.01). There were significant differences in slaughter rate, full evisceration rate and half evisceration rate between experimental group and control group (P<0.01). The shear force index of experimental group was significantly different from that of control group (P<0.01). There were significant differences in leg muscle percentage, abdominal fat percentage, drip loss, redness (a*) and yellow (b*) between experimental group and control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in other indexes (P>0.05). The results showed that the combined breeding mode had certain advantages in improving the survival rate, slaughtering performance and meat quality, and could significantly reduce the feeding cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, organ index and meat quality of weaned lambs. Thirty 60- day-old Leizhou goat lambs with similar body condition were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (basic diet), trial group Ⅰ (basic diet +0.1% inulin), trial group Ⅱ (basic diet +0.3% inulin) and trial group Ⅲ (basic diet +0.5% inulin) with 6 replicates per group and 1 sheep per replicate. The pre-test period lasted for 7 days and the formal period for 40 days. The test results showed as follows: ① compared with group C, the ratio of feed to gain (FCR) in test groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly decreased (P< 0.05); The average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in trial group Ⅱ were significantly increased (P<0.05). ② The carcass weight of trial group Ⅱ and slaughter rate of trial group Ⅲ were significantly increased compared with group C (P<0.05); the GR value of trial groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in GR value among groupsⅠ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P>0.05). ③ Spleen mass in test group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in organ index among other groups (P>0.05). ④ The shear force of test groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pH1h of test groups Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference compared with group C (P<0.05). The cooking loss in test group Ⅲ was significantly lower than that in group C (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in pH24h, brightness L*, redness a* and yellowness b* among other groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, adding inulin to the diet can improve the growth performance and slaughter performance of weaned lambs, reduce the feed to gain ratio, increase the spleen index and improve the meat quality. Under the conditions of this experiment, the appropriate dosage of inulin in the diet was 0.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the effects of adding slow-release urea to the diet of fattening yaks on their production performance, slaughter performance, and blood biochemical indexes. Twenty-four healthy male Maiwa yaks with similar body weight [(277.9±10.4) kg] were selected and divided into three treatment groups: the control group: fed with the original total mixed ration from the farm (ME 11.03 MJ/kg, CP 10%); 0.5% group: using corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to replace part of roughage in the diet, and to decrease the level of roughage, and adding 0.5% slow-release urea (ME 11.35 MJ/kg, CP 12.77%); 1.0% group: using corn DDGS to replace soybean meal and rapeseed meal in the diet, and adding 1.0% slow-release urea (ME 11.42 MJ/kg, CP 12.77%). Yaks were given a 10 d adaptation period and then followed by the 60 d formal feeding experiment. On the 60th day, before the morning feeding, serum samples were collected for biochemical indexes determination. The results showed that: ① the average daily weight gain of the 0.5% group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). ② The alanine aminotransferase activity in both the 0.5% and 1.0% groups were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the 1.0% group was higher than the 0.5% group (P< 0.05). The aspartate aminotransferase activity in the 1.0% group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The blood ammonia concentration in 1.0% group was higher than that in control group (P< 0.05), and the plasma urea nitrogen in 1.0% group was higher than that in 0.5% and control group (P< 0.05). ③The slaughter rate and net meat rate of the 0.5% group were 1.1 and 1.4 percentage higher than that of the control group respectively. ④The economic benefits of the 0.5% and 1.0% group were improved by 24.03% and 29.96% respectively compared to the control group. The combined use of 1.0% slow-release urea and corn DDGS can completely replace soybean meal and rapeseed meal in the ration of fattening yaks and increase economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of oregano essential oil on the growth performance, immune function, and slaughter performance of Ward 168 broilers. A total of 1 000 one-day-old Ward 168 broilers were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates per group and 100 chickens per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental group was fed the basic diet supplemented with 300 g/t of oregano essential oil. The trial period was 45 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the feed-to-gain ratio of the experimental group broilers was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the semi-eviscerated yield, fully eviscerated yield, breast muscle rate, and leg muscle rate were all significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the levels of serum IgA and IgM in the experimental group broilers, as well as the activities of GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC, were all significantly or extremely increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the levels of IL-1β, IFN-γ, and MDA were significantly or extremely reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the organ index of the spleen in the experimental group broilers was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the organ index of the bursa of Fabricius was extremely increased (P<0.01). The study indicates that the addition of 300 g/t oregano essential oil to the diet can improve the growth performance, immune capacity, antioxidant performance, and slaughter performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was designed to study the effects of alfalfa silage, maize silage and mulberry silage replacement diets with some peanut seedlings on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function and economic benefits of mutton sheep. A total of 80 Duhan crossbred finishing mutton sheep were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates designed for each group and four sheep for each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group used alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage to replace 60% of the peanut seedlings in the basal diet, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the use of alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage significantly increased the weight (P<0.05) and significantly decreased the feed-to-weight ratio (P<0.05) of mutton sheep; the use of alfalfa silage significantly increased the average daily weight gain of mutton sheep (P< 0.05); and the use of alfalfa silage, corn silage and mulberry silage significantly increased the live weight, slaughter rate and eye muscle area (P<0.05); the use of alfalfa silage, maize silage and mulberry silage sig‑ nificantly increased the serum levels of Immunoglobulin A and Interleukin-2 (P<0.05) and significantly decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-1β (P<0.05) in mutton sheep; the daily economic profit of silage alfalfa group mutton sheep increased by 19.47%. In summary, the partial replacement of peanut seedlings with silage alfalfa, silage corn, or silage mulberry in the diets of mutton sheep can improve the growth and slaughter performance of sheep, improve the immune function of sheep, increase economic benefits, and the application of alfalfa silage has the best application effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office 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.)

Introduction: Yeast culture (YC) enhances ruminant performance, but its functional mechanism remains unclear because of the complex composition of YC and the uncertain substances affecting rumen fermentation. The objective of this study was to determine the composition of effective metabolites in YC by exploring its effects on rumen fermentation in vitro, growth and slaughter performance, serum index, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen microorganisms, and metabolites in lambs. Methods: In Trial 1, various YCs were successfully produced, providing raw materials for identifying effective metabolites. The experiment was divided into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates in each group: the control group (basal diet without additives) and YC groups were supplemented with 0.625? of four different yeast cultures, respectively (groups A, B, C, and D). Rumen fermentation parameters were determined at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in vitro. A univariate regression model multiple factor associative effects index (MFAEI; y) was established to correlate the most influential factors on in vitro rumen fermentation with YC metabolites (x). This identified the metabolites promoting rumen fermentation and optimal YC substance levels. In Trial 2, metabolites in YC not positively correlated with MFAEI were excluded, and effective substances were combined with pure chemicals (M group). This experiment validated the effectiveness of YC metabolites in lamb production based on their impact on growth, slaughter performance, serum indices, rumen parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites. Thirty cross-generation rams (Small tail Han-yang? × Australian white sheep?) with good body condition and similar body weight were divided into three treatment groups with 10 replicates in each group: control group, YC group, pure chemicals combination group (M group). Results: Growth performance and serum index were measured on days 30 and 60, and slaughter performance, rumen fermentation parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites were measured on day 60. The M group significantly increased the dressing percentage, and significantly decreased the GR values of lambs (p < 0.05). The concentration of growth hormone (GH), Cortisol, insulin (INS), and rumen VFA in the M group significantly increased (p < 0.05). Discussion: These experiments confirmed that YC or its screened effective metabolites positively impact lamb slaughter performance, rumen fermentation, and microbial metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ginger and its straw contain not only gingerol and other active ingredients but also proteins, sugars, vitamins, and other nutrients, and are potential feed resources. At present, research on ginger straw feed has mainly focused on pig and poultry breeding, with that related to ruminant animal research being relatively rare. The enzyme silage treatment of ginger straw cannot only effectively be used to retain the nutrients in ginger straw, improve its palatability, and prolong the storage time of the ginger straw, but it can also effectively increase animal digestion. The Laiwu black goat is an excellent local germplasm resource. Here, the effects of enzymatic silage ginger straw silage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, slaughter performance, muscle quality, serum biochemical indices, intestinal microflora, and antioxidant activity in Laiwu black goats were studied. The aim was to determine the effect of enzymatic silage ginger straw on Laiwu black goat feeding. Laiwu black goats comprise an excellent local germplasm resource; however, a shortage of feed resources has led to the application of unconventional feed. Ginger straw feed has good physiological effects, but research on this feed source for ruminant animals is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of enzymatic silage ginger straw on Laiwu black goat performance. The experiment used an independent sample t-test analysis method; 24 healthy Laiwu black goats with a body weight of 20.05 ± 1.15 kg and age of 5.67 ± 0.25 months were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates (bars) per group and four goats per replicate. The experimental diet was composed of mixed concentrate, silage, and garlic peel at a 2:7:1 ratio. The silage used in the two groups was whole corn silage (CON group) and 60% whole corn silage plus 40% enzymatic silage ginger straw (SG group), and the other components were identical. Daily feed intake/daily gain (F/G) was significantly higher in the SG group than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility between the groups. The shear force, cooking loss, centrifugal loss, and pressure loss of the longissimus dorsi muscle group were significantly lower in the SG than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the serum and liver total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the SG group, and in the liver, the O2·−, malondialdehyde, and OH· contents were significantly decreased. Collectively, the rumen fluid microbial diversity was changed in the SG group. It was concluded that enzymatic silage ginger straw usage instead of 40% whole silage corn as feed for Laiwu black goats can significantly improve the muscle quality, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora, with no adverse effects on production performance. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for ginger straw processing and storage and its rational application in the Laiwu black goat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the hybrid effect between Tibetan chickens and Avian, 1-day-old healthy Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens and the pure breeding of Tibetan chickens were selected in the experiment, 100 feathers each. In the same feeding environment, the same nutritional standard was provided, and the growth and development, body size index, slaughter performance and meat quality were studied, and the crossbreeding effect of Avian and Tibetan chicken was comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that the growth rate of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens was slightly faster than that of Tibetan chick‐ ens on the whole (except 70 days of age), and the body weight at 30 and 60 days of age was significantly higher than that of Tibetan chickens (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the other days of age. The breast width of 60-day-old Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens was significantly higher than that of Ti‐ betan chickens (P<0.05), and the tibia length and oblique body length of 90-day-old Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens were significantly higher than that of Tibetan chickens (P<0.05). The thigh muscle percentage and liver weight percentage of hens in Ai-Tibetan group were significantly higher than those in other groups, but the other indexes were not significantly different. Muscle color a* of Tibetan chickens was significantly higher than that of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens (P<0.05), and the drip loss rate of Ti‐ betan group was much lower than that in AiTibetan hybrid chickens, and there was a signifi‐ cant difference (P<0.05). The cooking loss of the Tibetan chickens was also lower than that of AiTibetan hybrid chickens. The meat quality of Ti‐ betan chickens was better than that of Ai-Tibetan hybrid chickens. Comprehensive analysis showed that the growth rate, slaughter performance and meat quality of the hybrid offspring of Tibetan chickens and Avian had no outstanding advantages in the envi‐ ronment of high altitude, and the hybridization effect was not obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office 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.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented elephant grass (P. purpureum Schumab cv. Guimin) supplementation in the diet on the slaughter performance, meat quality, physicochemical properties of the muscle, and amino acid content of Jinling chickens. A total of 144 female Jinling chickens at eight weeks of age with an average body weight of (0.83±0.01) kg were randomly divided into three groups with four replicates in each group and 12 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CK) was fed a basal diet, while the GG5 and GG8 groups were supplemented with 50 g/kg and 80 g/kg of fermented elephant grass in the basal diet, respectively. The preliminary trial lasted for one week, and the formal experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The results showed that compared with the CK group, the pre-slaughter body weight and slaughter weight of the GG8 group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), with a larger reduction in the abdominal fat rate (P>0.05). The muscle drip loss of the GG5 and GG8 groups decreased by 18.57% and 27.99%, respectively (P>0.05), and showed a linear decreasing trend. The crude protein content in the muscle of the GG5 and GG8 groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the crude fat, linoleic acid, and oleic acid contentrations were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CK group, the content of flavor substances such as inosine and glutamate in the pectoral muscle of the GG8 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The total amino acid, histidine, and proline contentations in the pectoral muscle of the GG5 and GG8 groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), with a greater increase in the GG8 group. The study indicates that the addition of 80 g/kg fermented elephant grass can significantly improve the meat quality, the muscle amino acid content, and the muscle flavor of Jinling chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic selenium on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The Na2SeO3 group, Se-Met group, and Nano-Se group were supplemented with sodium selenite, selenomethionine, and nano selenium at a selenium level of 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that during the 1~21 d, the feed-to-gain ratio of the Se-Met group was significantly lower than that of the Na2SeO3 group (P<0.05). The abdominal fat percentage of the Nano-Se and Se-Met groups was significantly lower than that of the Na2SeO3 group (P<0.05). Compared with the Na2SeO3 group, the a* value of the pectoral muscle in broilers from the Nano-Se group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the water-holding capacity of the pectoral muscle in broilers from the Se-Met and Nano-Se groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the Na2SeO3 group, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the pectoral muscle from the Nano-Se group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the pectoral muscle of broilers from the Se-Met and Nano-Se groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study indicates that organic selenium can effectively improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broilers, with nano selenium showing better effects than selenomethionine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of adding different fat-soluble vitamin additives to the diet on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing cattle. Twenty-four healthy Simmental hybrid cattle with similar age and weight of (502.87±14.25) kg were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and one cattle in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the experiment group 1 was fed with 75 g/(head·d) of multivitamin Ⅰ (VA 9 000 IU, VD3 3 000 IU, VA 30 IU), experiment group 2 was supplemented with 83 g/(head·d) of multivitamin Ⅱ (VA 8 300 IU, VD3 2 490 IU, VA 24.9 IU), and experiment group 3 was supplemented with 98 g/(head·d) of multivitamin Ⅲ (VA 7 840 IU, VD3 1 960 IU, VA 19.6 IU). The pre-test period was 14 days, and the formal test period was 90 days. The results showed that the average daily gain of finishing cattle in the experimental groups increased by 2.91%, 1.94%, and 1.94%, respectively compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the backfat thickness increased by 10.97%, 10.68%, and 9.37%, respectively compared to the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the dripping loss of beef in the experimental groups decreased significantly (P<0.05), the shear stress decreased by 14.11%, 13.09%, and 13.85%, respectively (P<0.05), and the L* and b* values of meat color increased significantly (P<0.05). The serine content in the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), while the cystine content was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding multivitamins can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing cattle, and the combination of VA 120 IU/g, VD3 40 IU/g and VE 0.4 IU/g with 75 g/(head·d) has the better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of current experiment was to study the potential influence of hydrolysable tannin supplementation on slaughter performance, meat quality, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant ability and barrier function in fattening lambs. In total, 36 male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight (15.83 ± 0.48 kg) and days in age (55 ± 2 d) were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 12 animals each: control without tannin (CON) and tannin supplementation groups (TA1, 3 g/d per lamb; TA2, 6 g/d per lamb). All the lambs were reared in individual hutches, and the experiment lasted for 60 d. On d 61, 8 lambs from each group were randomly selected to slaughter. Results showed that the serum diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide contents of TA2 group were higher (p

Abstract Background In the beef industry, bull calves are usually castrated to improve flavor and meat quality; however, this can reduce their growth and slaughter performance. The gut microbiota is known to exert a significant influence on growth and slaughter performance. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of castration on gut microbiota composition and its subsequent effects on slaughter performance and meat flavor. Result The objective of this study was to examine the processes via which castration hinders slaughter productivity and enhances meat quality. Bull and castrated calves were maintained under the same management conditions, and at slaughter, meat quality was assessed, and ileum and epithelial tissue samples were obtained. The research employed metagenomic sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics techniques to investigate the makeup of the microbiota and identify differential metabolites. The findings of this study revealed the Carcass weight and eye muscle area /carcass weight in the bull group were significantly higher than those in the steer group. There were no significant differences in the length, width, and crypt depth of the ileum villi between the two groups. A total of 53 flavor compounds were identified in the two groups of beef, of which 16 were significantly higher in the steer group than in the bull group, and 5 were significantly higher in the bull group than in the steer group. In addition, bacteria, Eukaryota, and virus species were significantly separated between the two groups. The lipid metabolism pathways of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the Steers group. Compared with the steer group, the organic system pathway is significantly enriched in the bull group. The study also found that five metabolites (LPC (0:0/20:3), LPC (20:3/0:0), LPE (0:0/22:5), LPE (22:5/0:0), D-Mannosamine), and three species (s_Cloning_vector_Hsp70_LexA-HP1, s_Bacteroides_Coprophilus_CAG: 333, and s_Clostridium_nexile-CAG: 348) interfere with each other and collectively have a positive impact on the flavor compounds of beef. Conclusions These findings provide a basic understanding that under the same management conditions, castration does indeed reduce the slaughter performance of bulls and improve the flavor of beef. Microorganisms and metabolites contribute to these changes through interactions.

Liaoning cashmere goat is an important livestock breed in the world. Its economic value is not only reflected in the production of high-quality cashmere, but also its meat production performance is increasingly attracting attention. In order to more comprehensively explore the economic traits of Liaoning cashmere goats, we mainly carry out research on increasing the body size and meat production performance of Liaoning cashmere goats. In the early stage, through multi-omics joint analysis of muscle tissues at different parts and different developmental stages, the important functional genes GH and IGF-1 for growth and development were determined. Then, genotyping of DNA in the experimental population and correlation analysis between SNP and production performance were carried out by PCR-seq. One SNP site G350A was detected in the GH gene. Only one genotype AG was identified in rams. In ewes, the GG genotype is the dominant genotype for body size and production performance, and the AG genotype is the dominant genotype for slaughter production performance. One SNP site C5464T was detected in the IGF-1 gene. In rams, the TT genotype is the dominant genotype for body size and slaughter production performance. In ewes, the CT genotype is the dominant genotype for body size and slaughter production performance. The dominant haplotype combination for body size and slaughter production performance of rams is AGTT. The dominant haplotype combination for body size production performance of ewes is GGCT, and the dominant haplotype combination for slaughter performance is AGCT. This study provides a theoretical basis for genetic improvement and breeding programs of Liaoning cashmere goats.

Liaoning cashmere goat (LCG) is characterized by the highest individual cashmere yield, but its cashmere fineness tends to be coarse. Therefore, our research primarily focuses on reducing cashmere fineness. Through lipidomics screening and identification, we identified the crucial functional genes FA2H and ELOVL3 associated with cashmere fineness. Subsequently, using PCR-seq, we conducted gene typing and SNP analysis on the experimental population DNA, In the FA2H gene, a SNP locus T42443G was detected in LCG buck, with the TT genotype showing advantageous traits in cashmere fineness, meat quality, and body size, while the TG genotype demonstrated advantages in slaughter performance,In LCG doe, the TG genotype shows advantageous traits in cashmere fineness, milk production, and meat quality, while the TT genotype exhibits advantages in slaughter performance, lambing, and body size. In the ELOVL3 gene, a SNP locus C2133A was identified in LCG buck, where the CC genotype was advantageous for cashmere fineness, Only CA genotype was found in slaughter and meat quality. Additionally, and the CA genotype showed superiority in body size. On LCG doe, The CC genotype was the advantageous genotype in terms of cashmere fineness, milk production, slaughter performance, and meat quality. The CA genotype was the advantageous genotype in terms of lambing and body size. The dominant genotypes identified to influence both doe cashmere fineness and slaughter performance were TT and CC. The identified dominant haplotype combination for cashmere production performance in LCG was CCTG. The dominant haplotype combination for doe slaughter performance was the CCTT haplotype combination. The dominant haplotype combination for buck slaughter performance was the CATG haplotype combination. Therefore, the TT genotype of the FA2H gene and the CC genotype of the ELOVL3 gene in LCG buck, and the TG genotype of the FA2H gene and the CC genotype of the ELOVL3 gene in doe can be used as molecular markers for assisted selection of cashmere fineness. CCTG haplotype combination was the superior haplotype combinations for cashmere production performance. To provide a theoretical basis for the breeding and expansion of fine-fiber type new strains of LCG.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and blood lipid of AA broilers. 360 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the GSP-L group and GSP-H group were fed with 250 and 500 mg/kg grape seed proanthocyanidins in basal diet, respectively. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of broilers in GSP-H group increased significantly from 1 to 42 days old (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in feed-to-weight ratio (P>0.05). The abdominal fat rate of broilers in GSP-H group and GSP-L group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of broilers in GSP-H group decreased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that grape seed proanthocyanidins can effectively improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, and blood lipid level of broilers, and the suitable dosage of grape seed proanthocyanidins is 500 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of compound probiotics on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and slaughter performance of finishing Hu sheep. Eighty-four 3-month-old male Hu sheep with similar weight were randomly divided into four groups with three replicates in each group and seven sheep in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the basal diet was supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% compound probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Enterococcus faecalis) in experimental group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ, and group Ⅲ, respectively. The pre-test period was 15 days, and the formal test period was 120 days. The results showed that the average daily gain of experimental group Ⅲ was extremely higher than that of control group (P<0.01), and the feed-to-weight ratio was extremely lower than that of experimental control group (P<0.01). The IgA content in group Ⅲ was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), while the other data in each experimental group showed no significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum biochemical indexes, and serum antioxidant indexes between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). The mutton pH value of experimental group Ⅰ and group Ⅲ was extremely lower than the other groups (P<0.01). The contentrations of fat, saturated fatty acid, and unsaturated fatty acid in mutton of group Ⅲ were extremely higher than those of other groups (P<0.01), and the live weight before slaughter was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding compound probiotics to the diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality, and slaughter performance of Hu sheep, and the feeding effect is better when the addition amount is 0.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was to study the effects of compound Chinese herbal additives on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, slaughter performance and economic benefit of Sanhuang chickens. A total of 288 1-day-old Sanhuang chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates per group and 12 chickens per replicate. Group A was the control group, and groups B, C and D were fed 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% compound Chinese herbs, respectively, for 56 days. The results showed as follows: from day 1 to day 56, compared with group A, FBW, ADG and ADFI in groups B and C were significantly increased (P<0.05); there were no significant differences in T-SOD, T-AOC and GSH-Px activities in experimental groups (P>0.05), but MDA content in group C was significantly decreased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in slaughter rate, half evisceration rate, full evisceration rate, chest muscle rate and abdominal fat rate in experimental groups (P>0.05), while leg muscle rate in group C was significantly increased (P<0.05). The total gross profit and average gross profit of the experimental group were improved. In conclusion, the compound Chinese herbs used in this experiment can improve the growth performance and slaughter performance of Sanhuang chickens, enhance the antioxidant capacity, and make Sanhuang chickens obtain higher economic benefits, the optimal additive dosage is 1.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Consumers are increasing their daily demand for beef and are becoming more discerning about its nutritional quality and flavor. The present objective was to evaluate how the ration energy content (combined net energy, Nemf) impacts the slaughter performance, carcass characteristics, and meat qualities of Honghe yellow cattle raised in confinement. Fifteen male Honghe yellow cattle were divided into three groups based on a one-way design: a low-energy group (LEG, 3.72 MJ/kg), a medium-energy group (MEG, 4.52 MJ/kg), and a high-energy group (HEG, 5.32 MJ/kg). After a period of 70 days on these treatments, the animals were slaughtered and their slaughter performance was determined, and the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were gathered to evaluate meat quality and composition. Increasing the dietary energy concentration led to marked improvements (p < 0.05) in the live weight before slaughter (LWBS), weight of carcass, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. HEG also improved the yield of high-grade commercial cuts (13.47% vs. 10.39%) (p < 0.05). However, meat quality traits were not affected by treatment except for shear force, which was affected by dietary energy. A significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the intramuscular fat (IMF) content was observed in the HEG. Little effect on the amino acid profile was observed (p > 0.05), except for a tendency (p = 0.06) to increase the histidine concentration in the BF muscle. Increasing dietary energy also reduced C22:6n-3 and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and enhanced C18:1 cis-9 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs, p < 0.05). Those results revealed that increasing energy levels of diets could enhance slaughter traits and affect the meat quality and fatty acid composition of different muscle tissues of Honghe yellow cattle. These results contribute to the theoretical foundation to formulate nutritional standards and design feed formulas for the Honghe yellow cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the beef industry, bull calves are usually castrated to improve flavor and meat quality; however, this can reduce their growth and slaughter performance. The gut microbiota is known to exert a significant influence on growth and slaughter performance. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of castration on gut microbiota composition and its subsequent effects on slaughter performance and meat flavor. Result: The objective of this study was to examine the processes via which castration hinders slaughter productivity and enhances meat quality. Bull and castrated calves were maintained under the same management conditions, and at slaughter, meat quality was assessed, and ileum and epithelial tissue samples were obtained. The research employed metagenomic sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics techniques to investigate the makeup of the microbiota and identify differential metabolites. The findings of this study revealed the Carcass weight and eye muscle area /carcass weight in the bull group were significantly higher than those in the steer group. There were no significant differences in the length, width, and crypt depth of the ileum villi between the two groups. A total of 53 flavor compounds were identified in the two groups of beef, of which 16 were significantly higher in the steer group than in the bull group, and 5 were significantly higher in the bull group than in the steer group. In addition, bacteria, Eukaryota, and virus species were significantly separated between the two groups. The lipid metabolism pathways of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the Steers group. Compared with the steer group, the organic system pathway is significantly enriched in the bull group. The study also found that five metabolites (LPC (0:0/20:3), LPC (20:3/0:0), LPE (0:0/22:5), LPE (22:5/0:0), D-Mannosamine), and three species (s_Cloning_vector_Hsp70_LexA-HP1, s_Bacteroides_Coprophilus_CAG: 333, and s_Clostridium_nexile-CAG: 348) interfere with each other and collectively have a positive impact on the flavor compounds of beef. Conclusions: These findings provide a basic understanding that under the same management conditions, castration does indeed reduce the slaughter performance of bulls and improve the flavor of beef. Microorganisms and metabolites contribute to these changes through interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of diets with different protein levels on slaughter performance, organ development and body size indexes of Tibetan sheep. Ninety healthy highland type Tibetan sheep of about 2 months of age with similar body weight (15.4± 0.81) kg were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups of 30 sheep each, with 5 replicates of 6 sheep each. 3 groups of Tibetan sheep were fed diets with low (12%, group Ⅰ), medium (14%, group Ⅱ) and high (16%, group Ⅲ) protein levels, and the roughage consisted of oat hay and oat silage mixed in a 1∶1 ratio, and the concentrate/roughage ratio of the diets was 7∶3. The roughage consisted of oat hay and oat silage, mixed according to the dry matter 1∶1, and the ratio of concentrate to roughage was 7∶3. The experiment was divided into pre-test period and main test period, which lasted 10 d and 90 d. At the end of the experiment, 5 Tibetan sheep were selected from each of the 3 groups for slaughtering. The results showed that: ① the different protein level diets had no significant effect on the slaughter performance of Tibetan sheep (P>0.05). ② The different protein level diets had a significant effect on the lung weight and the proportion of lungs to the preslaughter live weight of Tibetan sheep (P<0.05), and the lung weight and the proportion of lungs to the pre-slaughter live weight of group Ⅰ were significantly higher than those of group Ⅲ (P<0.05). Different protein level diets significantly (P<0.05) affected the weight of rumen and flap stomach, the proportion of rumen, rumen and flap stomach to the compound stomach, and the proportion of rumen and flap stomach to the pre-slaughter live weight of Tibetan sheep, with the highest values in group Ⅲ (P<0.05). ③ Different protein level diets significantly (P<0.05) affected the body slant length, body height and body length index of Tibetan sheep. The body slant length and body length index of group Ⅲ were significantly higher than that of group I (P<0.05), and the body slant length and body height of group Ⅱ were significantly higher than that of group I (P<0.05). In conclusion, the protein level of 16% diet obtained under the conditions of this experiment was more favorable to the production performance of plateau type Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of steam-flaked corn on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of beef cattle, 40 Simmental crossbred beef cattle with a body weight of (224.05±14.56) kg were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group and two beef cattle per replicate. Crushed corn was added to the diet of the control group, and 33%, 66%, and 100% steam-flaked corn were used to replace the crushed corn in test group I ~ group III, respectively. The pre-feeding period lasted for seven days, and the formal test period lasted for 120 days. The results showed that the final weight of the group II and group III increased by 6.27% (P<0.05) and 10.64% (P<0.01) compared to the control group, respectively. The total weight gain of the group I ~ group III increased by 7.56% (P<0.05), 21.29% (P<0.01), and 33.45% (P<0.01) compared to the control group, respectively. The live weight before slaughter of the group I ~ group III increased by 2.64% (P<0.05), 6.59% (P<0.01), and 10.25% P<0.01) compared to the control group, respectively. The feed to gain ratio of the group II and group III was extremely lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). The carcass weight and net meat weight of the group II and group III were extremely higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). The content of crude protein in beef in the group II and group III was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The crude fat content in the group III was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The pH45 min value and water loss rate of the group III were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The aquaculture benefits of experimental group I ~ group III were increased by 15.36%, 48.04%, and 77.98% compared to the control group, respectively. The study indicates that replacing common crushed corn with steam-flaked corn can improve the growth performance and slaughter performance of Simmental crossbred beef cattle, improve the quality of beef, and improve the economic benefit of beef cattle breeding. Replacing the common crushed corn with 100% steam-flaked corn in the diet has a better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different energy feed on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat traits, and amino acid and fatty acid content in muscle of Guizhou black goats. Forty-five 6-month-old Guizhou black goats with body weight of (21.12±1.25) kg were randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates in each group and five goats in each replicate. The corn group, barley group, and wheat group were fed with mixed diets with corn, barley, and wheat as main energy feed, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 90 days. The results showed that the average daily gain of barley group was 180.56 g, which was significantly higher than the other two groups (P<0.05), and the slaughter rate of corn group and barley group was significantly higher than that of wheat group (P<0.05). The drip loss, cooked meat rate, and dry matter content of corn group were the highest, while the crude fat content of wheat group was the highest. Sixteen kinds of amino acids, including seven essential amino acids and nine non-essential amino acids, were detected in mutton of each experimental group. The content of non-essential amino acids in barley group and wheat group was significantly higher than that in corn group (P<0.05). A total of 37 fatty acids were detected in each experimental group, including 17 saturated fatty acids, nine monounsaturated fatty acids, and 11 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The content of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids in wheat group was the highest, and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in barley group was significantly higher than that in corn group and wheat group (P<0.05). The study indicates that barley can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, and the meat quality is relatively good of Guizhou black goats, which can be used as the main energy feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the effects of oligosaccharide-chelated organic trace minerals (OTM) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, slaughter performance, and meat quality indexes of mutton sheep. A total of 60 East Ujumuqin x small-tailed Han crossbred mutton sheep were assigned to two groups (10 duplicates per group) by body weight (26.12 ± 3.22 kg) according to a completely randomized design. Compared to the CON group, the results of the OTM group showed: (1) no significant changes in the initial body weight, final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05); (2) the activities of trypsin, lipase, and amylase in the jejunum were significantly increased (p < 0.05); (3) serum total protein, albumin, and globulin of the blood were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the growth factor interleukin IL-10 was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while IL-2, IL-6, and γ-interferon were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulins A, M, and G were significantly higher (p < 0.05); (4) the live weight before slaughter, carcass weights, dressing percentage, eye muscle areas, and GR values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05); (5) shear force of mutton was significantly lower (p < 0.05), while the pH45min, pH24h, drip loss, and cooking loss did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05). The content of crude protein was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the ether extract content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was detected between moisture and ash content; (6) the total amino acids, essential amino acids, semi-essential amino acids, and umami amino acids were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Although umami amino acids were not significant, the total volume increased (p > 0.05). Among these, the essential amino acids, threonine, valine, leucine, lysine in essential amino acids and arginine were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Also, non-essential amino acids, glycine, serine, proline, tyrosine, cysteine, and aspartic acid, were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The content of alanine, aspartate, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and tyrosine in umami amino acids was significantly higher (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the effect of different dietary selenium (Se) doses in the form of selenised yeasts on serum Se levels and serum biochemical indices in Xinjiang brown cattle. The animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5): NC (negative control), group A (0.3 mg Se/kg dry matter (DM)), group B (0.6 mg Se/kg DM), group C (0.9 mg Se/kg DM), and group D (1.2 mg Se/kg DM). The animals received a Se-enriched diet with jujube for three months. The results showed that serum Se levels in cattle fed higher doses of selenised yeast were significantly higher than in control cattle. Serum cholesterol, proteins, globulin, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen levels were also significantly different between the experimental and control groups. Serum triglyceride, albumin, creatinine, and total bilirubin levels did not exhibit marked differences between the experimental groups. Moreover, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in cattle also varied between the experimental groups. While the increased serum Se levels were found to enhance the cellular antioxidant status in cattle, they did not provide protection against cellular oxidative stress. Based on these findings, the addition of a moderate dose of selenised yeast to cattle feed can help maintain cattle health and contribute to the production of high-quality meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to study the production performance and meat performance of the first generation hybrid sheep and Hu sheep pure breeding group in western Gansu Province, and to screen the cross combination mode of mutton sheep suitable for the ecological conditions in this region. A cross experiment was carried out with Dorper sheep, Australian white sheep, and Suffolk sheep as male parents and Hu sheep as female parents. According to the principle of similar weight and age, 90 hybrid lambs were randomly selected and divided into Duhu Group (DHF1 group), Aohu Group (AHF1 group), and Sahu Group (SHF1 group), with three replicates in each group and 10 sheep in each replicate. Thirty pure breeding (HHF1 group) sheep were used as control group to compare the growth performance, meat production performance and meat quality of F1 lambs in each group. The results showed that the five-month-old body weight and average daily gain of F1 lambs in each experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and the highest in DHF1 group. The live weight before slaughter, carcass weight, slaughter rate, eye muscle area, and GR value of F1 lambs in each experimental group were higher than those in the control group, among which DHF1 group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.05). The essential amino acids accounted for more than 40% of total amino acids and essential amino acids accounted for more than 70% of non-essential amino acids in each group, which were higher than the recommended values of FAO/WHO. Comprehensive comparison showed that DHF1 group had the better meat performance. The results show that DHF1 group has fast growth and development, high slaughter performance, and relatively good meat quality, which can be preferentially popularized and applied as a binary hybrid model for commercial mutton sheep production in western Gansu Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the performance of the European meat pigeon Ⅱ line and the European meat pigeon line Ⅲ (O Ⅱ ×O Ⅲ) in terms of growth, slaughter, and meat quality performance. In the experiment, forty 0-day-old O Ⅱ ×O Ⅲ hybrid pigeons were selected to determine body weight, body size, slaughter performance, and meat quality (half in male and female), and correlation analysis was carried out. The experimental period was 28 days. The results showed that the population homogeneity of 28-day hybrid pigeons was relatively good. The coefficients of variation of body length, keel length, tibia circumference, tibia length, chest width, and chest depth were all below 7% except for body weight, which was 9.93%. The leg muscle weight and leg muscle rate of the male hybrid pigeons were significantly higher than those of female pigeons (P<0.05). The weight of the hybrid pigeons reached a significant or extremely significant positive correlation level with eight indexes, including body length, shin circumference, shin length, and slaughter weight (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no significant difference in meat quality between male and female pigeons at 28 days, but the meat quality of male pigeons was better. The results show that although the 28 day-hybrid pigeon does not completely surpass the parent in terms of growth, slaughter, and meat quality performance, its group uniformity and meat production performance are good, which can provide some references for the breeding and production of high-quality meat pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed at the nutritional value of spirulina powder and its effects on growth performance, apparent metabolic rate and meat quality of broilers. A total of 960 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers (40 g) were selected and randomly divided into 4 treatments by using a single-factor experiment design (control group, test group Ⅰ, test group Ⅱ and test group Ⅲ), with 6 repetitions for each treatment and 40 broilers for each repetition (half male and half female). The 4 treatments were fed with 0, 5, 10, 15 kg/t spirulina powder in the basal diet respectively, and the metabolizable energy and crude protein levels of each treatment group were same. The test period is 42 days, of which the pre-feeding test period is 1-14 days, and the formal test period is 15-42 days. The test results showed that the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of each test group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the feed-to-meat ratio (P>0.05). The apparent metabolic rate of protein in each test group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), the apparent metabolic rate of crude fat in the test group Ⅱ and the test group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The apparent metabolic rate of calcium in the test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the test group showed improvements in slaughter performance and meat quality of broilers. Adding spirulina powder to the diet can significantly increase the growth performance and slaughter performance of broilers, and the optimum adding ratio is 15 kg/t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: As demand for lamb is increasing, shortening the growth cycle and increasing meat production in lambs are major concerns today. Protein and energy are the two nutrients that most directly drive meat production in animals. In lambs, however, too few applications are available through nutrient combinations. We believe it is feasible to encourage animals to improve meat production performance by regulating the simplest nutrients in feed. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of three dietary ingredients with protein-to-fat ratios on growth, slaughter performance, fat deposition and meat quality of Small-Tail Han lambs. The aim of the current research was to gain insights/provide ideas for enhancing nutrient combination effects to improve animal production performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feed ingredients with different protein-to-fat ratios on growth, slaughter performance and meat quality of Small-Tail Han lambs. Forty-five Small-Tail Han lambs (♂) (BW = 34.00 ± 2.5 kg, age = 120 ± 9 d) were randomly divided into groups with three different experimental treatments: (1) PF 5, with the ratio of protein to fat (CP:EE) of 50 to 5; (2) PF10, CP: EE = 50:10; (3) PF20, CP: EE = 50:20. Each treatment group had 15 lambs, and each sheep was a repeat. This experiment lasted for 65 days, with feed intake recorded daily, and animals being weighed on days 0, 30, and 65. At the conclusion of the experiment, eight lambs from each group were slaughtered to assess slaughter performance and meat quality. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of the three groups were 315.27, 370.15 and 319.42 g/d, respectively. The PF10 group had the highest ADG (370.15 g) (p < 0.05). Forestomach weights (1216.88 g) of the PF10 group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in fat percentages in various parts of body among treatments. Feed conversion of the PF10 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of PF 5 and PF 20 groups. Furthermore, the PF10 group had a higher (p > 0.05) carcass weight and slaughter rate and there were few differences between the other groups in terms of dry matter intake, meat quality, organ weight, and fat deposition (p > 0.05). The protein–energy supplement with protein-to-fat ratio, PF10 appeared to be more desirable to promote the growth and development in Small-Tail Han Lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the effects of different dietary crude fiber levels on growth performance and slaughter performance of pigs. A total of 120 healthy meat sows from a pig farm in Chengxian County of Gansu Province were randomly selected and divided into three groups: low fiber group, middle fiber group and high fiber group, the effects on growth performance, slaughter performance and blood biochemical indexes were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of the three groups with different crude fiber levels was significantly different (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake of the high fiber group was significantly higher than that of the low fiber group and the middle fiber group (P<0.05), there were significant differences in backfat thickness and lean meat rate between high fiber group and low fiber group and medium fiber group (P<0.05), there were no significant differences in ketone body length, fat percentage, tenderness and blood biochemical indexes among sows fed with different crude fiber levels (P>0.05). Adding different levels of crude fiber to feed could significantly affect the average daily feed intake and pork quality, which provided a reference for the local pig industry to make high-quality pig feed scientifically and rationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of feeding different proportions of cotton by-product full mixed fermentation feed on the slaughter performance, meat quality, and gross profit of fattening lambs. In the experiment, 36 healthy, 2～3 month old Karakul sheep with a weight of（26.0±2.2） kg were randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates per group and four sheep per replicate. The control group was fed with 100% cotton by-product full feed, the 50% group was fed with 50% cotton by-product full mixed fermentation feed + 50% cotton by-product full feed, and the 80% group was fed with 80% cotton by-product full mixed fermentation feed + 20% cotton by-product full feed. The pre-test period was 15 days and the formal test period was 60 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the carcass weight, net meat weight, carcass net meat rate, and slaughter rate of the lambs in the 50% and 80% groups were significantly increased（P＜0.05）, the eye muscle area was significantly increased（P＜0.05）, and the weight of the rumen, small intestine and large intestine of the lambs in the 50% group and 80% group was significantly increased（P＜0.05）, but there was no significant difference in rumen index, small intestine index, and large intestine index（P＞0.05）. The pH24 h value, brightness value（L*）, redness value（a*）, and intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi muscle of the 50% group and 80% group were significantly higher than those of the control group（P＜0.05）, and the drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force were significantly lower than those of the control group（P＜0.05）. Compared with the control group, the gross profit of the 50% group and 80% group increased by 1.81% and 25.00%, respectively. The result shows that feeding 50% and 80% cotton by-product full mixed fermentation feed can improve the slaughter performance of fattening lambs, promote the development of rumen, small intestine, and large intestine, improve the meat quality and increase the gross profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was designed to study the effects of replacing peanut seedlings with different proportion of whole corn silage on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and nutrient digestibility of mutton sheep. A total of 100 Duhan crossbred finishing mutton sheep were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups with 5 replicates each and 5 sheep in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal ration containing 100% peanut seedlings, and the three experimental groups were fed experimental rations utilizing whole corn silage to replace 50% (50% replacement group), 75% (75% replacement group), and 100% (100% replacement group) of the peanut seedlings. The experimental period was 30 days. The results showed that: compared with the control group, the 75% replacement group could significantly increase the end weight and average daily weight gain of mutton sheep at the end of the test period (P<0.05), and significantly reduce the feed-to-weight ratio of mutton sheep (P<0.05), and the end weight and average daily weight gain of mutton sheep at the end of the test period of the 75% replacement group were significantly higher than those of the 50% and 100% replacement groups (P<0.05), while the feed-to-weight ratio of mutton sheep at the end of the test period was significantly lower than those of the 100% replacement group (P< 0.05); 75% substitution group could significantly increase the live weight before slaughter, carcass weight and eye muscle area of mutton sheep (P< 0.05); 50%, 75% and 100% substitution of peanut seedling for whole corn silage had no significant effect on meat quality indexes of mutton sheep (P>0.05); and the 75% substitution group could significantly increase the apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter of mutton sheep (P<0.05). In summary, the application of whole corn silage to replace 75% of peanut seedlings in mutton sheep diets can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance and apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]The purpose of the trial was to explore the feasibility of using sugarcane tip silage to replace corn straw silage in diets of mutton sheep, and to evaluate the optimal replacement ration. [Methods]Forty-eight healthy male Hu sheep with similar body weight[(20.15±2.18)kg]were randomly divided into four groups, and each group had 3 replicates. Fed diets containing 0%(control), 50%(A group), 75%(B group), and 100%(C group)sugarcane tip silage replaced the corn straw silage. The experiment lasted for 60 d, including 10 d adapting period. The growth performance were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment, and blood sample were collected for serum biochemical analysis. One sheep was selected from each group and 3 sheep were killed to measure slaughter performance and meat quality after the feeding trial. Three sheep of each group were selected for digestion and metabolism tests to determine digestion and metabolism test parameters. [Results]The average daily gain, carcass weight and slaughter rate in B group and C group were significantly higher than those of A group and control group(P<0.05). The nitrogen deposition in B group and C group were significantly higher than those of A group and control group(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apparent digestibility and energy conversion efficiency of group A, B and C significantly increased. There were no treatment differences in blood biochemical parameters, meat quality and nutritional composition of meat(P>0.05). Using sugarcane tip silage of 75% and 100% to replace corn straw silage significantly improved the growth performance and slaughter performance of Hu sheep, and had no effect on serum biochemical indexes, tissue and organ development and meat quality of Hu sheep. [Conclusions]Sugarcane tip silage can replace corn straw silage to feed sheep, and the optimal replacement rate was 75%-100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the rapid expansion of large-scale dairy goat farming in China, Saanen goats have become the preferred choice for farmers due to their strong reproductive capacity and high milk production. However, there is a lack of information on the growth and development patterns of the body and visceral organs. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the allometric growth of tissues and organs in Saanen dairy goats. This study not only explores developmental trajectories of dairy goats at this growing stage, helping to optimize feeding management strategies and feed formulation, but also provides a fundamental benchmark for developing comprehensive nutrient requirements for dairy goats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding level on the growth and slaughter performance, and allometric growth of tissues and organs in female growing dairy goats. The trial included 10–20 and 20–30 kg weight stages with 48 female goat kids. The 24 goat kids in each stage were divided into 8 blocks based on weight, with 3 kids per block. Then, three kids from each block were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments, namely ad libitum (AL100), 70% of ad libitum (AL70), or 40% of ad libitum (AL40). The slaughter trial was conducted when the AL100 kids reached the target weight of 20 or 30 kg. The results showed that the ADG and feed conversion rate showed a linear decline as the feed level decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with the AL70 and AL100 groups, the AL40 group exhibited lower shrunk body weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, net meat rate, carcass meat rate, and visceral fat weight (p < 0.05) in both stages. Moreover, the AL40 group showed lower weights for skin and mohair, blood, rumen, small intestine, large intestine, mammary gland, and uterus than the AL70 and AL100 groups (p < 0.05) in both stages. However, feeding level did not affect organ indices in the two stages (p > 0.05). The bone, skin and mohair were isometric (b ≈ 1), but the muscle, visceral fat, and most internal organs were positive (b > 1) in both stages. In conclusion, feeding level affects the growth and development of dairy goats, which vary depending on the body weight stage and specific tissues and organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to explore the effects of ellagic acid (EA) on growth performance, meat quality, and metabolomics profile of broiler chickens. 240 healthy yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 replicates/group and 10 broilers /replicate): 1) a standard diet (CON); 2) CON+0.01% EA; 3) CON+0.02% EA; 4) CON+0.04% EA. Compared with the CON group, dietary 0.02% EA increased linearly and quadratically the ADG and lowered F/G ratio from 29 to 56 d and from 1 to 56 d of age (P < 0.05). The EA groups had higher spleen index and showed linear and quadratic improve thymus index (P < 0.05). A total of 0.02% EA linearly and quadratically increased the leg muscle percentage and quadratically increased the breast muscle percentage (P < 0.05). Compared to the control diet, 0.02% EA decreased quadratically the L* and increased a* of breast muscle at 45 min postslaughter (P < 0.05), and quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) the b* and increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) drip loss. Additionally, EA improved linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) serum total protein concentration and reduced linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) serum blood urea nitrogen concentration. A total of 0.02% EA quadratically increased catalase activity and decreased malondialdehyde concentration in breast muscle compared with the control diet (P < 0.05). 0.02% and 0.04% EA could linearly and quadratically increase (P < 0.05) the concentrations of histidine, leucine and essential amino acids (EAA), 0.02% EA could linearly and quadratically increase (P < 0.05) the concentrations of threonine, glutamate, and flavored amino acids in breast muscle. 0.02% EA linearly and quadratically improved the C20:3n6, C22:6n3, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, and the ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids (SFA), but reduced the C16:0 and the SFA concentrations in breast muscle than the CON group (P < 0.05). The EA diet linearly increased (P = 0.035) and quadratically tended (P = 0.068) to regulate the C18:2n6c concentration of breast muscle. Metabolomics showed that alanine metabolism, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the most differentially abundant. These results showed that EA supported moderate positive effects on growth performance, meat quality, and metabolomics profile of broilers.

【Objective】The study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of feeds produced by fermented kitchen waste to spotted-brown chickens as a partial replacement of basal diets, with a view to providing basic data for the resource utilization and promotion of kitchen waste feed.【Method】One-day-old spotted-brown chickens were selected, and 0% (CK), 10% and 20% fermented kitchen waste feeds (FKWF) were added to the basal diet, and the amount of basal diet was reduced accordingly. At the 63rd day of the test period, the growth performance, slaughter performance and nutritional performance indexes such as crude protein, crude fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, inosinic acid and amino acids in chicken meat were measured.【Result】The results of broiler growth performance showed that the differences in feed-to-weight ratios between broilers in the 10% and 20% FKWF groups and CK were not significant, however, broilers in the 10% FKWF group had the highest weight. The results of slaughter performance showed that there were no abnormality in the skin color, muscle tissue elasticity, pH and odor of broilers of 10% and 20% FKWF groups, and the differences in organ coefficients were not significant compared with that of CK; the results of muscle nutritional performance showed that the crude protein contents of chicken meat in 10% and 20% FKWF groups increased by 7.50% and 3.42%, phosphorus contents increased significantly by 11.44% and 4.37%, and inosinic acid contents increased significantly by 7.10% and 6.00%; the fresh-flavored amino acid (FAA), sweet amino acid (SAA), essential amino acid (EAA), and total amino acid (TAA) were significantly higher in 10% and 20% FKWF groups than those in CK; aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine and cysteine were significantly increased by 4.49%to 12.79% compared with CK; aspartic acid, valine, isoleucine, and leucine in the 20% FKWF group were significantly increased by 3.37% and 5.74%, compared with CK.【Conclusion】It is feasible and effective to replace the basal diet by a certain proportion of biofeed produced by fermented kitchen waste to feed broilers, which can save feed costs and improve economic benefits.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on the growth performance, slaughter performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity of meat rabbits. One hundred and sixty healthy weaned meat rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (forty replicates per group and one rabbit per replicate). The control group was fed a basal diet and the test groups (T1, T2 and T3) were fed diets supplemented with 50, 100 and 150 g/t curcumin in the basal diet, respectively. The study lasted for 28 days, including a pre-feeding period of 7 days and a formal trial period of 21 days. The results showed that diets supplemented with curcumin significantly increased rabbits’ body weight gain and average daily feed intake; Apparent digestibility of energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, NDF and ADF; Jejunal villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth; The activities of amylase and lipase in jejunal and caecal digesta and cellulase in caecal digesta; Caecal mucosal thickness, eviscerated dressing percentage, and dorsal and abdominal hair thickness (p

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of perillol on the growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, liver lipid metabolism, and slaughter performance of yellow feather broilers fed a high-fat diet. Forty-five 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and five chickens in each replicate. The three groups were fed with basal diet, high-fat diet and high-fat diet supplemented with 1 g/kg perillol, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 15 days. The results showed that compared with the high-fat diet group, the addition of perillol had no significant effect on the final weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed-to-weight ratio, and intestinal length of broilers (P>0.05). The addition of perillol significantly reduced the abdominal fat rate of broilers (P<0.05), and made the adipocytes smaller. The contentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) in liver decreased (P<0.05), the content of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum increased (P<0.05), and the contentrations of TG, TC, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum decreased (P<0.05). Perillol increased the relative expression of Pparα, Cpt1, and Apoa1 genes related to liver lipid metabolism, decreased the relative expression of Apob gene (P<0.05). The addition of perillol significantly increased the slaughter rate, chest muscle rate, and lean meat rate of broilers, and decreased the subcutaneous fat thickness and intermuscular fat width (P<0.05). The results showed that perillol had no significant effect on the growth performance of broilers, but could reduce the fat deposition in the liver, serum and abdomen of broilers by regulating the expression of genes related to fatty acid β -oxidation and cholesterol transport, and improve the slaughter performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of quercetagetin on the slaughter performance, organ index, meat quality, and meat nutrient composition in Ira rabbits. A total of 200 healthy rabbits, with an initial weight of (1 184.75±181.44) g at 35 days old, were randomly divided into five groups, with eight replicates in each group and five rabbits in each replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 5, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg of QG, respectively. The pre-trial period lasted for five days, and the formal experimental period lasted for 28 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the final weight of rabbits among the experimental groups compared to the control group ( P>0.05). Compared with the control group, there was a tendency to increase the half-eviscerated yield rate in the 50 mg/kg QG group ( P>0.05), and there was no differences on other indices of slaughter performance among the experimental groups ( P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of 75 mg/kg QG increased the spleen index of rabbits ( P<0.05), and different doses of QG increased the kidney and thymus indices ( P<0.05). Adding 75 mg/kg QG reduced steaming loss compared to the control group ( P<0.05). Adding 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg QG increased the crude fat content in the back longissimus muscle of the rabbits ( P<0.05). The study indicates that the inclusion of QG in the diet promotes organ development, improves meat quality, and increases the crude fat content in rabbit meat. The suitable addition level of QG in the rabbit diet is 50-75 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry saccharification feed on the growth performance and meat quality of dual-purpose small feet Twist chickens. A total of 250 healthy small feet Twist chickens aged 50 days were randomly divided into five groups with five replicates in each group and ten chickens in each replicate. Group (control group), Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V were fed a mulberry saccharified feed containing 0, 15%, 25%, 30%, and 35% mulberry twig and leaf powder, respectively. The pre-test period was 5 days, and the experimental period was 40 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of small feet Twist chickens in Group I increased ( P<0.05), and the ratio of feed to weight decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the shear force and cooking loss of chicken in all experimental groups were reduced ( P<0.05), with a slight reduction in drip loss. The total amount of essential amino acid and total amino acid of the chicken in Group II and Group II were higher than those in other groups ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the concentrations of umami amino acids in the chicken of all experimental groups increased ( P<0.05), while the fat concentration decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the slaughter rate of Group II increased ( P<0.05), and the chest muscle percentage and leg muscle percentage in all experimental groups increased ( P<0.05). The study indicates that adding mulberry branches and leaves powder to the diet can increase the total amino acid, breast muscle percentage, and leg muscle percentage of small feet Twist chickens, and improve the quality of meat. The appropriate proportion of mulberry twig and leaf powder is 25%-30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different levels of allicin on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing pigs were studied, and the optimum level of allicin in finishing pigs was determined. 250 healthy 'Duroc LandraceYorkshire' three-way crossbreeding finishing pigs with a similar weight were randomly divided into five groups, with five replicates in each group and ten pigs in each replicate. Finishing pigs in the control group were fed a basal diet, while those in the allicin group were fed an experimental diet containing 50 (group 1), 100 (group 2), 200 (group 3) and 400 mg/kg (group 4) of allicin, respectively. The pre-test lasted for one week and the formal test lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the terminal weight of the finishing pigs in the group 3 and group 4 increased significantly ( P<0.05), the average daily gain of the finishing pigs in the group 3 increased by 11.60% ( P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio of the finishing pigs in the group 2 and group 3 decreased by 8.64% and 11.96% ( P<0.05). The live weight before slaughter of finishing pigs in the group 3 was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The carcass weight of the group 2, group 3 and group 4 was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05), and backfat thickness lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The pH value of the longissimus dorsi muscle in the group 3 and group 4 was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05), the drip loss was significantly lower than that in the control group and group 1 ( P<0.05), and the inosinic acid contentrations were significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The redness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in group 3 was significantly higher than that in the control group and group 1 ( P<0.05), while the shear force of the longissimus dorsi muscle in the group 2, group 3and group 4 was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The contentrations of total amino acids, total essential amino acids, and delicious amino acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle of the group 3 and group 4 were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05). The result indicates that the growth performance, slaughter performance, and muscle quality of finishing pigs could be improved by adding proper amount of allicin, and the optimum level of allicin was 200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of puerarin on the growth performance, slaughtering performance and serum antioxidant indexes of beef cattle. A total of 80 finishing Simmental crossbred beef cattle were selected and stochastically divided into 4 group. The control group was fed a based diet and groups 1, 2, 3 were fed basal diet supplemented with 300, 600, 900 mg/kg of puerarin, and the experimental period was 60 days. The results showed that, the final body weight and average daily weight gain of beef cattle in test groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher than the control group (P< 0.05), and the feed-to-weight ratio was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05), the preslaughter live weight, carcass weight, and ocularis muscle area of beef cattle were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The activities of serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase of beef cattle were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05), and the total antioxidant capacity was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), and malondialdehyde content was significantly reduced (P< 0.05). Serum catalase activity was significantly increased (P<0.05) in beef cattle in group 2 and group 3. In conclusion, the addition of puerarin in the diet of beef cattle can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance and serum antioxidant enzyme activity, and considering the economic benefits. The recommended addition amount of puerarin in the diet is 600 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]