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In order to investigate the effect of slaughter weight (SW) on carcass characteristics and meat quality, we measured the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and amino acid metabolomics characteristics of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from Tianfu finishing (TF) pigs. Based on SW, 13 pigs were divided into three groups (100-kg group, 125-kg group, and 150-kg group with 3, 5, 5 pigs in each group, respectively). Raising SW to 125 kg or 150 kg increased average backfat thickness (P < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01), and decreased shear force (P < 0.01). A total of 231 amino acid metabolome from three amino acid classes identified with metabolomics were analyzed, and 93 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified (69 up-regulated DEMs and 24 down-regulated DEMs). The DEMs, including urea, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, and N, N-dimethylglycine with amino acid metabolism, were significantly induced (P < 0.01). KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEMs were significantly enriched (P<0.01) in 135metabolism pathways, including pathways related to amino acidmetabolism, such as arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and beta-alanine metabolism. Our research findings provided new insights into the impact of SW on amino acid distribution and theoretical support for genetic breeding of meat quality of TF pigs. However, raising SW to 125 kg, ormore, decreased the carcass leanness of live TF pigs and had no benefits to pork quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Artemisia afra (African wormwood) essential oil incorporation in diets on meat quality and fatty acid profilers of broilers was assessed. Four hundred Cobb500 day-old chicks were obtained and placed randomly into the following 4 diets replicated 10 times: NC-Negative control (broiler diet without antibiotics), PC-positive control (broiler diet with zinc bacitracin), AA1-broiler diet + 0.1 % A. afra essential oil and AA2 - broiler diet + 0.3% A. afra essential oil. A pen having 10 chicks was regarded as the experimental unit. From the results, all carcass traits were influenced (P < 0.01) by diet apart from the dressing out percentage. The highest slaughter weights (1846g) and hot carcass weight (1427.36g) were obtained in birds fed the AA1 diet. Highest ultimate pH value (6.24) was obtained from the birds fed the AA1 while the highest values for meat lightness (L*) were obtained in birds offered the AA1 and NC diets (55.73 and 55.82). Cooking loss was highest in birds fed the NC (31.01%) diet. Birds fed the AA2 diet (23.7mg/g)) had the highest intramuscular fat followed by the AA1 fed birds. Inclusion of A. afra essential oils in diets also increased the proportion of PUFAs, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and the PUFA/SFA ratios. In conclusion, the incorporation of A. afra essential oil in diets improved meat quality and fatty acid composition of broiler meat for the benefit of consumers.

The article provides the results of the use of dried Origanum vulgare mass as an additional component of bedding material in chickens of the Hubbard Redbro M meat-and-egg cross. Origanum vulgare dried mass was added at the rate of 0.5 kg per experimental group daily from the age of 45 days after the transfer of chickens to floor management. The number of heads for each group was 35. The live weight advantage at the age of 2 months of the experimental group of chickens over the control group is 102.5 g, at 75 days of age is 216.5 g, at 90 days of age is 326.0 g and at the age of 105 days is 403.0 g. The SBA increased at the background of the S. aureus test culture: there was a significant suppression of colonies in the first five hours of exposure, and at the background of the E. coli test culture there was a suppression throughout the entire study period. The intensification of metabolic processes was noted in chickens of the experimental group, due to increased protein metabolism, liver and kidney enzymes of blood serum, which was also associated with an increased concentration of thyroid hormones. All these factors made it possible to raise significantly the gain in live weight by an average of 0.11 kg, which increased the slaughter weight by 8.4 %. Almost all indicators of the development of internal organs in chickens of group II are within significant limits of the difference compared with the control group.

This study was carried out to determine the slaughter and carcass traits of Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese raised in private farm conditions in Kars province, and the effect of genotype and sex on these traits. A total of 113 geese, 71 females (51 Gray Hungarian geese and 20 German Mast geese) and 42 males (28 Gray Hungarian geese and 14 German Mast geese) were slaughtered at approximately 6 months of age. The mean live weights of Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese before slaughter were 4291.96 and 3007.59 g, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese in slaughter and carcass traits except gizzard weight (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was detected between the two genotypes in terms of hot carcass weight, blood ratio, and feather ratio (p>0.050). There was a statistically significant difference in gizzard weight between the sex groups of Gray Hungarian geese (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found only in hot carcass yield among all traits examined between the sex groups of German Mast geese (p<0.001). In conclusion, it was determined that Gray Hungarian geese reared in commercial enterprise breeding conditions in Kars province were generally superior to Mast geese in terms of slaughter and carcass traits. Apart from local goose breeds, it may be suggested that breeders may prefer Gray Hungarian geese compared to German Mast geese to obtain heavy carcasses at an earlier age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of feeding the drug “Kronocid-L” with the content of chelated compounds of microelements on slaughter performance and the quality of muscle tissue of pigs was investigated. Chelate compounds, or chelates (from the English chelate – claw), belong to complex compounds that are formed as a result of the connection of a cation (metal ion) with two or more atoms of a complexon (ligand) molecule. Chelates are significantly different from non-chelated compounds both in terms of chemical and physical properties and in their effects on living organisms. A scientific and economic experiment was conducted on two analogous groups of 75-day-old fattening young pigs, 12 heads in each, obtained from crossing sows of the large white breed with boars of the landrace breed. The control group of pigs consumed the basic diet during the equalization and baseline periods. In addition to the main diet, the experimental group was fed the drug “Kronocid-L” with the content of chelated compounds of microelements at the rate of 1 liter per 1 ton of water. The drug “Kronrocid-L” is a transparent green-blue solution that contains chelate compounds of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese and copper), formic, acetic, orthophosphoric, lactic, citric, succinic and benzoic acids in an amount of 19 % by weight in an aqueous solution. It was established that feeding pigs on fattening with the above-mentioned preparation contributes to an increase in slaughter weight and slaughter yield in the 2nd experimental group, respectively, by 12.8 kg or by 15 % (P < 0.05) and 5.6 % (P < 0.05 ) against benchmarks. At the same time, under the influence of the feed additive, the thickness of the lard above the 6- 7 thoracic vertebra decreased by 3.2 mm or by 10 % (P < 0.05) and the area of the “muscle eye” increased by 2.8 cm2 or 6 % P < 0.01). The use of the drug “Kronocid-L” makes it possible to improve the quality indicators of muscle tissue, namely, to increase the juiciness and intensity of meat color, to increase the content of protein and fat, which indicates an increase in the intensification of protein and fat metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objectives included the assessment of carcass fatty acid composition and meat texture characteristics of younger Holstein Friesian bulls. Three experimental groups were formed based on the weights of the 23 young bulls at slaughter: lighter, medium, and heavier. Samples were taken from the Gluteus medius (GM) and Longissimus thoracis muscles 24 h after slaughter. Fatty acid composition, Warner-Bratzler Meat Shear (WBS) measurements, as well as textural profile analysis (TPA) and sensory analysis of the muscle samples were conducted. The fatty acid composition was determined using Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fatty acids give a neutral hypocholesterolemic effect in direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) contents, DFA/OFA (C14:0+C16:0) ratio, hardness, Warner-Bratzler Shear force and also the chews number – which is desirable - before swallowing (NCBS) the meat were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. Higher slaughter weight resulted in a larger amount of beef with a better panel tenderness score; however, the meat obtained from the LSW group was less healthy considering the fatty acid profile. Additionally, internal fat contained the highest saturated fatty acids concentrations, while subcutaneous fat contained the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, intramuscular fat levels were highest in PUFA and PUFA/SFA ratio. As a result, this study strongly suggests that slaughter weight and anatomical location of fat samples contribute significantly to meat texture characteristics and fatty acid profiles in Holstein Friesian bulls.

Introduction of biologically active supplements to the diet of poultry results in maximal use of nutrients and positively influences the live weight and slaughter parameters. This promotes rational and economical use of fodders and boosts the poultry productivity. We studied a mineral feed supplement – an organic selenium compound, which has a much greater bioavailability than inorganic sources of selenium. Selenomethionine is easily digested in the organism and effectively used for synthesis of proteins. Broiler chickens of the experimental group that had been consuming the selenoamino-acid feed additive had greater live weight at the age of 14–42 days, compared with the control. Intake of the mineral supplement by the broiler chickens in the experimental group increased their mean daily increment by 8.5% and the absolute increment by 8.6%, compared with the control peers. In the experimental group of broilers, the mineral supplement increased the pre-slaughter live weight by 8.4%, weight of intact carcass by 10.1%. Also, the weight of the semi-processed carcasses (i.e. those with removed intestines and cloaca, filled crop, oviduct and ovary (in female specimens) increased by 4.3%, and the weight of the processed carcasses (the internal organs and abdominal-cavity fat and esophagus of which were removed, without head, legs and wing metacarpals) increased by 8.0%, compared with the control group of broilers. In the experimental group, the feed supplement gave 13.7% rise in the weight of the breast muscles and 14.5% increase in the weight of the thigh muscles, compared with the control group. Intake of this supplement in the experimental group promoted 7.5% increase in the weight of the gizzard by and 9.2% increase in the weight of the duodenum, as compared with the control. Usage of the selenoamino-acid feed supplement increased the protein concentration in the breast muscles of the broiler chickens by 1.9%, compared with the control. Intake of the mineral supplement increased the amounts of dry matter and fat in the thigh muscles of the experimental group, compared with the control group. Therefore, adding dry yeast extract to diet of broilers together with selenium-containing amino acids is a promising method of increasing the effectiveness of poultry farming.

Our objective was to evaluate the productive parameters of ewes and their lambs in relation to ewe age and to develop models for predicting lamb weight at birth and weaning in a tropical warm-climate pasture. Individual data were collected from 273 ewes and 273 lambs, between 2013 and 2021. During this period all animals were kept on pastures of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu All lambs in the experiments were supplemented in creep-feeding. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the PROC SUMMARY procedure in SAS (SAS University Edition, SAS Institute Inc. Cary, CA, USA). Pearson correlation coefficients between variables were estimated using the PROC CORR procedure in SAS (SAS University Edition, SAS Institute Inc. Cary, CA, USA). Model adjustments and variable selection were performed using PROC REG in SAS (SAS University Edition, SAS Institute Inc. Cary, CA, USA). The STEPWISE option and Mallow's C(p) were used to select the variables included in the equations. Outliers were identified by evaluating the studentized residuals based on the predicted values from the equations. Residual analysis was predicted by regression minus observed values and those that fell outside the range of -2.5 to 2.5 were removed. Several statistics were used to assess the predictability of the equations, including the coefficients of determination (r2) and mean standard error (RMSE). The average ewe age at lambing was 3.4 ± 1.7 years, with an average weight of 56.9 ± 8,9 kg and average body condition score (BCS) of 2,4 ± 0.8 points. The average ewe age at weaning was 51.1 ± 7.9, with average BCS of 1.8 ± 0.8 points. The average lamb at birthing was 3.9 ± 0.9 kg. The average lamb at weaning was 21.0 ± 4.9, with daily gain of 0.2 ± 0.1 kg/day and total gain of 17.1 ± 4.7 kg birth to weaning. The lamb produced by ewe at lambing was 5.3 ± 1.7 kg/ewe. The lamb weaned by ewe at weaning was 28.7 ± 10.8 kg/ewe. The ratios of lamb produced per ewe at birth and at weaning were 0.1 ± 0.03 and 0.6 ± 0.2, respectively. The lamb’s birth weight showed a positive linear relationship with the age of the ewe, increasing by 115 g per year of age. The regression equations adjusted for ewe age had maximum points ranging from 4.2 to 5.2, occurring at average age of 4,7 years. The other characteristics showed a quadratic tendency. The results suggest the culling of ewes at five years of age to generate lambs with ideal weight at birth and at weaning raised in warm tropical pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the slaughter, meat quality characteristics, and fatty acid composition of fast-growing (FAG) and slow-growing (SWG) broilers at different slaughter weights. In the experiments, a total of 90 carcasses were used: 45 SWG (Hubbard-Isa Red JA) and 45 FAG broilers (Ross 308) with 15 carcasses from each slaughter weight group (1500 ± 50 g, 2000 ± 50 g, 2500 ± 50 g). Hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield detected in the FAG broilers were higher than in SGW broilers (p < 0.001). As the weight of slaughter increased, hot carcass and cold carcass yield increased (p < 0.001). The breast percentage was significantly lower in the SWG broilers compared to the FAG broilers (p < 0.001). In contrast, thigh, wing, and abdominal fat percentages were higher in the SWG broilers (p < 0.001). The breast percentage increased as the slaughter weight increased (p < 0.001). SWG broilers had significantly lower pH, except for the pH 24 of the thigh meat (p < 0.01). The L*, a*, and b* values of the SWG broilers were lower than the FAG broilers (p < 0.01). In terms of a* values determined initially and at the 24th h in the breast and thigh meat, the 1500 g slaughter weight group had by far the highest value (p < 0.01). SWG broilers had significantly lower values in terms of cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and drip loss (p < 0.001). C18:2ω6 was detected at higher amounts in the FAG broilers (p < 0.05). The FAG broilers had higher PUFA, desired fatty acids, PUFA/SFA, and thrombogenic index values (p < 0.05). The results show that FAG broilers can meet the strong worldwide demand for meat quantity and quality. Slaughter weight changes only affected the quantity of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Increasing the slaughter weight of pigs can create challenges in handling and transport, affecting the welfare and the final meat quality. Heavier pigs have different space requirements to fit their physical and thermal needs. This research was conducted through two separate experiments with the aim of investigating the effects of two slaughter weights (120 and 140 kg) and two space allowances during summer and winter transports, i.e., 0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig and 0.44 m2/pig or 0.50 m2/pig, respectively, on the behavioural and physiological response, and carcass and meat quality of pigs. Overall, the effects of providing different space allowances during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs' welfare, and carcass and meat quality are similar, regardless of the slaughter weight. In summer loads, increased slaughter weight is associated with more aggressive pigs under mixed group conditions in lairage and a higher risk of DFD-like pork meat resulting from fatigue at slaughter. Winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and the truck condition not travelling at its full load capacity. Further research aiming for longer journeys (>3 h) is needed to validate the space allowances applied in this study for heavier pigs during summer and winter conditions. This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs' welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of feeding the drug “Kronocid-L” with the content of chelated compounds of trace elements on the productivity and slaughter performance of fattening pigs was studied. The scientific and economic experiment was conducted on two analogous groups of 75-day-old fattening young pigs, 12 heads in each, obtained from crossing sows of the large white breed with boars of the landrace breed. The experiment lasted 105 days and consisted of two periods: an equalization period (15 days) and a main period (90 days). The control group of pigs consumed the basic diet during the equalization and baseline periods. The compound feed “Grower” included: corn – 25 %, wheat – 25 %, barley – 23 %, sunflower meal – 12 %, wheat bran – 7 %, soybean meal – 3 %, BMVD – 5 %. “Finisher” compound feed included: barley – 38 %, wheat – 24 %, wheat bran – 12 %, corn – 9 %, sunflower meal – 9 %, BMVD – 4 %. In addition to the main diet, the experimental group was fed the drug “Kronocid-L” with the content of chelated compounds of microelements at the rate of 1 liter per 1 ton of water. The drug “Kronrocid-L” is a transparent green-blue solution that contains chelate compounds of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese and copper), formic, acetic, orthophosphoric, lactic, citric, succinic and benzoic acids in an amount of 19 % by weight in an aqueous solution. Experimental animals that received the drug “Kronocid-L” during the first stage of the main period (75–110 days) and the second stage of the main period (111–165 days) outweighed the pigs of the control group by live weight by 5.9 and 7.4, respectively %, with an average daily increase of 9.5 % (P < 0.05) for the entire period of fattening. The use of the drug “Kronocid-L” at the rate of 1 liter per 1 ton of water allows to reduce feed consumption by 6.2 %, which is 3.0 kg per 1 kg of growth. At the end of the scientific and economic experiment, a control slaughter of experimental pigs was carried out, 4 heads from each group. It was established that feeding pigs on fattening with the above-mentioned preparation contributes to an increase in slaughter weight and slaughter yield in the 2nd experimental group, respectively, by 12,8 kg or by 15 % (P < 0.05) and 5.6 % (P < 0.05) against benchmarks. At the same time, under the influence of the feed additive, the thickness of the lard above the 6–7 thoracic vertebra decreased by 3.2 mm or by 10 % (P < 0.05) and the area of the “muscle eye” increased by 2.8 cm2 or 6 % P < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of biologically active supplements to the diet of poultry results in maximal use of nutrients and positively influences the live weight and slaughter parameters. This promotes rational and economical use of fodders and boosts the poultry productivity. We studied a mineral feed supplement – an organic selenium compound, which has a much greater bioavailability than inorganic sources of selenium. Selenomethionine is easily digested in the organism and effectively used for synthesis of proteins. Broiler chickens of the experimental group that had been consuming the selenoamino-acid feed additive had greater live weight at the age of 14–42 days, compared with the control. Intake of the mineral supplement by the broiler chickens in the experimental group increased their mean daily increment by 8.5% and the absolute increment by 8.6%, compared with the control peers. In the experimental group of broilers, the mineral supplement increased the pre-slaughter live weight by 8.4%, weight of intact carcass by 10.1%. Also, the weight of the semiprocessed carcasses (i.e. those with removed intestines and cloaca, filled crop, oviduct and ovary (in female specimens) increased by 4.3%, and the weight of the processed carcasses (the internal organs and abdominal-cavity fat and esophagus of which were removed, without head, legs and wing metacarpals) increased by 8.0%, compared with the control group of broilers. In the experimental group, the feed supplement gave 13.7% rise in the weight of the breast muscles and 14.5% increase in the weight of the thigh muscles, compared with the control group. Intake of this supplement in the experimental group promoted 7.5% increase in the weight of the gizzard by and 9.2% increase in the weight of the duodenum, as compared with the control. Usage of the selenoamino-acid feed supplement increased the protein concentration in the breast muscles of the broiler chickens by 1.9%, compared with the control. Intake of the mineral supplement increased the amounts of dry matter and fat in the thigh muscles of the experimental group, compared with the control group. Therefore, adding dry yeast extract to diet of broilers together with selenium-containing amino acids is a promising method of increasing the effectiveness of poultry farming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from male Akkaraman (AKK) and Bafra × Akkaraman B1 (BA B1) lambs slaughtered at different live weights. Thirty-six male lambs (18 AKK and 18 BA B1) were slaughtered at three different slaughter weights (35, 40, and 45 kg) after being fattened intensively. Meat physical quality characteristics and fatty acid profiles were used as response variables. Color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and pH were not significantly influenced by genotype and slaughter weight (SW). Water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly affected by SW (P < 0.05), cooking loss (CL) by genotype (P < 0.001). Increasing SW, intramuscular fat of the Longissimus thoracis muscle showed increased total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) (P < 0.01) and ratios of TUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P < 0.01), and decreased thrombogenic and atherogenic indices (P < 0.01). Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P < 0.05) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.01) varied on with the genotypes. In conclusion, genotype and SW did not greatly affect meat quality; however, MUFA and PUFA mutually changed according to the genotype, and fatty acid percentages improved according to the SW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to understand and predict the intake and performance of Nellore cattle finished in the feedlot. Individual data from 144 non-castrated male Nellore steers finished in the feedlot between the years 2016 and 2020 were used. Descriptive statistical analyses and Pearson's correlation were performed. The outliers were tested by evaluating the studentized residuals in relation to the values predicted by the equations. Residues that were outside the range of − 2.5 to 2.5 were removed. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by the coefficients of determination (r2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The mean dry matter intake (DMI) was 10.2 kg/day, neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) was 3.4 kg/day, corresponding to 33.3% of DMI, crude protein intake (CPI) was 1.6 kg/day, and total digestible nutrient intake (TDNI) was 7.1 kg/day. The CPI to ADG ratio was 1.3 kg CPI/kg ADG and the TDNI to CPI ratio was 4.5 kg TDNI/kg CPI. The averages of productive performance were 1.3 kg/day for average daily gain (ADG), 152.6 kg for total weight gain (TWG), and 497.8 kg for final body weight (FBW) in average days in the confinement of 115.7 days. The intake measures correlated significantly with the performance measures, except for carcass yield and days in the feedlot. TWG had a high positive correlation with ADG (r = 0.84), while FBW had a positive correlation (r = 0.86) with hot carcass weight (HCW). Measures of intake, performance, and days in the feedlot can be used as predictors of DMI, FBW, HCW, TWG, and ADG. The prediction equations had satisfactory precision and accuracy for non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in feedlot systems under tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat color research from the last two decades suggests that a combination of different intrinsic (ultimate pH, age of the animals, muscle position, breed, slaughter weight, and sex) and extrinsic factors (production systems and feeding, pre-mortem stress, slaughter season, and chilling rates) might have a deep impact in the color of beef muscle and influence consumers' acceptance of fresh meat. Ultimate pH and muscle position were perceived as the most determinant intrinsic factors, whereas production systems, feeding, and ante-mortem stress were the extrinsic factors that more strongly influenced beef color attributes. From an industrial perspective, the extrinsic factors can be improved through the technological process at a higher ratio than the intrinsic ones. This review aims to evaluate the effect of each of those factors on myoglobin oxidation and beef color traits from a comprehensive standpoint. All the information discussed in this manuscript focuses on an industrial environment and offers possible solutions and recommendations for the global meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to determine the effect of hatching system (house and machine) and egg weight (heavy and light) on growth performance and meat quality traits in geese. The study was carried out for 12 weeks with a total of 220 Turkish native geese. The geese were individually weighed every 2 weeks during the study, on these same weeks feed conversion ratio (FCR) was measured. Hot and cold dressed, blood, head, foot, edible internal organs (heart, liver, gizzard), abdominal fat, neck, back, breast, thigh and wing percentages were determined. Also cooking loss, drip loss, color and pH were determined as meat quality traits. There was no significant difference between the egg weight groups in terms of BW. However, the geese produced in the house hatching system showed more BW from 6 to 12 weeks of age onwards compared to the machine system. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of FCR by 8 weeks. Both 10 and 12 weeks FCR were determined as the worst house heavy, while the best house light groups. Hot and cold carcass percentages in geese hatched from heavy were higher rates than light eggs. The percentage of wings differed significantly among geese produced from different egg weight groups. Breast meat cooking loss was found higher rates in heavy eggs than light eggs, while thigh meat cooking loss was found higher rates in the house than machine system. The results of this study show that geese hatched in the house system had more BW at the slaughter age compared to machine system geese. In addition, geese produced from heavy eggs showed a higher hot and cold dressed percentages than geese produced from light eggs.

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of increasing the slaughter weight (SW) of non-lean finishing pigs to improve their meat quality. A total of 36 (Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc gilts and barrows were slaughtered at 115 (Av), 125 (Hi), or 135 (XHi) kg, followed by physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluation on their longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. Backfat thickness was greater (p < 0.05) for the XHi (31.2 mm) and Hi (29.3 mm) groups than for Av (25.0 mm). Dressing percentage and yield of the belly per whole carcass were also slightly greater for XHi and Hi vs. Av. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of SM was greater for XHi (2.64%) than for Av (1.83%) and Hi (2.04%) and also was correlated with SW (r = 0.55). The pH value, lightness, redness, drip loss, shear force, and moisture and protein contents of LD and SM, as well as IMF content of LD, were unaffected by SW. Percentages of 14:0, 16:0, and total saturated fatty acids (FA) were less for Hi and XHi vs. Av in SM, those of total unsaturated FA, 18:2, 20:4, and n-6 being opposite; FA composition of LM was not influenced by SW except for a reduced 18:0 percentage for XHi vs. Av. The sensory score was less for XHi vs. Av for odor in fresh LD and SM, and less for Hi and XHi vs. Av for aroma in fresh LM; scores for color, drip loss, marbling, and acceptability were unaffected by SW. As for cooked muscles, none of the scores for color, aroma, flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability was affected by SW, except for a greater LD color score for Hi and XHi vs. Av. Collectively, the results suggested that the increased yield of the carcass and belly due to increased SW is outbalanced negatively by excessive backfat deposition in production efficiency, whereas the SW increase exerts little influence on overall sensory quality of fresh or cooked meat. Production of non-lean market pigs overweighing 115 kg therefore will be uneconomical unless consumers pay a substantial premium for the over-fattened pork.

This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs’ welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution.

In this study, we aim to analyze and compare meat yield differences between Bayantsagaan sheep with vertebral count variations and sheep with normal vertebrae counts; meat yield measurement data was operationally defined via live weight, body size, and slaughter weight data points. Body weight and measurement data were collected and statistically analyzed from randomly selected sheep varying from seven months to six years of age (n = 300). For the meat yield determination research context, sheep with vertebral number variations (n=286) and sheep with a normal vertebral number (n=14) were brought from different 10 households of Bayantsagaan soum of the Tuv province to the slaughterhouse and were selected by age group. As a result, the coefficient variation of the extra vertebrae sheep’s live weight was 6.9-17.8% for males and 9.8-17.4% for females; this shows that the live weight of the extra vertebrae sheep was more variable and had more biological resources to increase weight and meat yield based on selective breeding programs. In terms of body size and meat production, there were no significant differences between the sexes, but there were significant differences between the sheep with extra vertebrae and the normal sheep (P < 0.05), illustrating the genetic basis of these traits. The body length (BL) of 0.7-2-year-old rams with extra vertebrae was on average 5 cm (P≤0.01) longer than the control normal sheep. Additionally, mature rams exhibited higher body lengths than the younger rams (p < 0.01). The heart girth (HG) of the sheep with extra vertebrae was an estimated 4.9 cm (P≤0.01) and 1.4 cm (P≤0.01) longer than the normal sheep. The slaughter weight of the rams with the extra vertebrae was an estimated 3.5 kg higher than the normal rams, and the yield was 1.4% higher. Based on the average herd rate, the carcass weight and the slaughter yields of the sheep with the extra vertebrae were estimated at 0.9-3.3 kg or 1.8-2.7% more than the normal sheep. By taking advantage of the extra vertebral features in the selection criteria of the breeding program, meat production can be increased throughout the herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of A rtemisia afra (African wormwood) essential oil incorporation in diets on meat quality and fatty acid profilers of broilers was assessed. Four hundred Cobb500 day-old chicks were obtained and placed randomly into the following 4 diets replicated 10 times: NC-Negative control (broiler diet without antibiotics), PC-positive control (broiler diet with zinc bacitracin), AA1-broiler diet + 0.1 % A. afra essential oil and AA2 - broiler diet + 0.3% A. afra essential oil. A pen having 10 chicks was regarded as the experimental unit. From the results, all carcass traits were influenced (P < 0.01) by diet apart from the dressing out percentage. The highest slaughter weights (1846g) and hot carcass weight (1427.36g) were obtained in birds fed the AA1 diet. Highest ultimate pH value (6.24) was obtained from the birds fed the AA1 while the highest values for meat lightness (L*) were obtained in birds offered the AA1 and NC diets (55.73 and 55.82). Cooking loss was highest in birds fed the NC (31.01%) diet. Birds fed the AA2 diet (23.7mg/g)) had the highest intramuscular fat followed by the AA1 fed birds. Inclusion of A. afra essential oils in diets also increased the proportion of PUFAs, n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and the PUFA/SFA ratios. In conclusion, the incorporation of A. afra essential oil in diets improved meat quality and fatty acid composition of broiler meat for the benefit of consumers., Competing Interests: The authors hereby confirm that there are no conflict of interest in the submission of this manuscript, (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of dietary ratio of valine to isoleucine [R(V/I)] on carcass characteristics and meat quality of finishing pigs and whether slaughter weight influence the effect. We carried out a 2 × 3 factorial trial with two slaughter weight (105 vs. 130 kg) and three R(V/I) (0.58, 1.23, and 2.60 at 75–100 kg body weight, and 0.70, 1.24, and 2.39 at 100–135 kg body weight for L-, N- and H-R (V/I), respectively). Data show that increasing slaughter weight significantly increased meat color (a*45 min and b*45 min), drip loss and shear force (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, increasing slaughter weight reduced sarcomere length, the proportion of protein-bound water, and most kinds of muscular total amino acid contents except for tryptophan and arginine, while increased contents of muscular free lysine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, valine, alanine, and arginine in the M. longissimus thoracis (P < 0.05). Health lipid indices based on fatty acid composition of intramuscular lipid were improved as the slaughter weight increased (P < 0.05). Notably, pigs received N-R (V/I) diet improved carcass traits in terms of thinner backfat thickness and higher fat-free lean index, as well as increased meat flavor-contributing amino acids at the cost of reduced intramuscular fat content and increased shear force of cooked meat compared with the pigs fed L-R (V/I) and H-R(V/I) diets (P < 0.05). H-R (V/I) diet decreased ultimate pH value and sarcomere length of the skeletal muscle but increased the proportion of free water (T23), consequently, increased drip loss and cooking loss of fresh meat in pigs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both slaughter weight and dietary ratio of valine to isoleucine exerted significant impacts on carcass characteristics, meat quality and nutrition values. In particular, carcass traits and meat color of lighter pigs were more susceptible to the influence of dietary R (V/I) relative to heavier pigs.

Meat color research from the last two decades suggests that a combination of different intrinsic (ultimate pH, age of the animals, muscle position, breed, slaughter weight, and sex) and extrinsic factors (production systems and feeding, pre-mortem stress, slaughter season, and chilling rates) might have a deep impact in the color of beef muscle and influence consumers’ acceptance of fresh meat. Ultimate pH and muscle position were perceived as the most determinant intrinsic factors, whereas production systems, feeding, and ante-mortem stress were the extrinsic factors that more strongly influenced beef color attributes. From an industrial perspective, the extrinsic factors can be improved through the technological process at a higher ratio than the intrinsic ones. This review aims to evaluate the effect of each of those factors on myoglobin oxidation and beef color traits from a comprehensive standpoint. All the information discussed in this manuscript focuses on an industrial environment and offers possible solutions and recommendations for the global meat industry.

The experiment was to study the slaughter performance, meat eating quality, conventional nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins contents of Qinghai tibetan sheep with different slaughter weight. 60 healthy Qinghai tibetan sheep with body weights of 34, 37, 40, 44 and 48 kg were randomly selected and divided into five groups (group I, group II, group III, group IV and group V), with three replicates in group and four sheep in each replicate. The results showed that the tenderness and water retention of group II were better than those of other recombinant, the slaughter rate was higher (P<0.05). The protein content and 25-hydroxy VD3 content of group II were significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.05), and the cooking loss rate and fat content of meat were lower (P<0.05). The total amino acid content in group V was higher than that of other groups (P<0.05). Slaughter weight had no significant effect on fatty acid content and composition (P<0.05). The content of VB6 in group II and group III tibetan sheep was high. Principal component analysis extracted pH value and slaughter rate, the cumulative contribution rate reached 91.105%. Cluster analysis showed that group II and group III were different from other groups, and group II was more prominent. The experiment indicates that the slaughter performance, meat quality and nutritional value of tibetan sheep slaughtered at 37 kg are better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the indices of slaughter and meat qualities of lambs of the Romanov breed, depending on the age of slaughter. The research was carried out at OOO "Konny Zavod Sovetskiy", Stavropol Krai, Kirovsky urban district, stanitsa Sovetskaya, on lambs of the Romanov breed. Thirty lambs were fattened to eight and nine months of age and five lambs from each group were subsequently slaughtered. The difference in live weight of the lambs influenced the slaughter qualities of the lambs at eight and nine months of age. Meat qualities of the Romanov breed lambs in these age groups were also investigated in terms of carcass morphological composition, slaughter qualities and meatiness coefficient. These differences in the indicators made it possible to determine at what age it is more appropriate to slaughter lambs, obtaining better meat. It was established that if higher-quality mutton is to be obtained, the slaughtering should take place at eight months of age because the edible part, in the flesh-to-bone ratio, of eight-month-old lambs is higher than that of nine-month-old lambs. It is therefore more appropriate to fatten Romanov lambs until they are eight months old.

In lamb production, deciding the optimal slaughter weight (SW) has great importance on product quality. The aim of the study was to determine the optimum SW for lambs from a thin-tailed breed (Kivircik) and a fat-tailed breed (Kangal Akkaraman) in order to get high-quality meat and carcass. Kivircik (n=60) and Kangal Akkaraman (n=59) lambs were allotted to five SW groups (20, 28, 36, 44 and 52 kg). In Kivircik lambs, backfat thickness and fatness score gradually increased in parallel with the increase in SW, while the increase in the tail fat and kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) proportions were observed by up to 36 kg. In Kangal Akkaraman lambs, evident increases in fatness parameters, except tail fat proportion, were observed when the SW increased from 44 kg to 52 kg. Meat pH, Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and cooking loss values were not influenced by SW in lambs of both breeds. As SW increased in Kivircik lambs, there was a significant decrease in meat lightness and an increase in yellowness. In Kangal Akkaraman breed, lambs slaughtered at 20 kg and 28 kg had higher L* values, and lower a* and C* values than those of other SW groups. In Kivircik lambs, the total PUFA proportion and the ΣPUFA/ ΣSFA ratio were lower in SW-44 and SW-52 groups than those of SW-20 and SW-28 groups. Decreases of these parameters were in SW-52 group in Kangal Akkaraman lambs. In meat samples of both breeds, SW-52 groups had a lower Σn-3 proportion and a higher Σn-6 / Σn-3 ratio than other SW groups. In Kivircik lambs, the panellists evaluated the meat of SW-20 and SW-28 groups as tender compared to those in SW-44 and SW-52 groups. In Kangal Akkaraman breed, flavour intensity in the meat of SW-52 lambs was higher than those of SW-20 and SW-28 groups. Results of the study indicate that slaughtering of lambs at 20 kg and 28 kg in both breeds provided better meat quality but caused lower carcass weight. Therefore, slaughtering Kivircik and Kangal Akkaraman lambs at 20 kg and 28 kg live weight might be recommended especially to farmers, who aim to obtain high-quality lamb meat. In this case, it should not be ignored that the amount of meat produced will be less. On the other hand, slaughtering lambs at about 44 kg weight could be recommended to farmers, who aimed to obtain as much quality lamb carcasses as possible without any negative influence on meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tropical Animal & Veterinary Sciences / Jurnal Ilmu Peternakan dan Veteriner Tropis is the property of Fakultas Peternakan Universitas Papua 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 examined strain, sex and slaughter weight effect on performance, meat quality and yield of broiler chicken. One hundred and fifty-day-old chicks (broilers) were distributed randomly in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial experiment, with 50 birds per strain (Ross, Aboaca and Anak) and 25 birds per sex. After trial, 32 birds per strain and 16 per sex were slaughtered at 4 different body weights (1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 g) to determine carcass yield and meat quality. The results revealed significant strain and sex effect (P < 0.05) on growth performance of the broiler chicken. Ross strain had the highest feed intake (4883.25 g) and final body weight (2440.25 g) compared to Aboaca and Anak strains. Female broiler having heavier body weight (2431.66 g) and feed intake (4864.83 g) than the males for all strains. Aboaca birds had the highest carcass yields for all slaughter weight than Anak and Ross. The slaughter weight, irrespective sex and strains significantly influenced the carcass yield (P < 0.001) with birds slaughtered at 2,500 g having (P < 0.001) highest values compared to other slaughtered weights. As slaughter weight increases, cooking loss and thermal shortening decreases while water holding capacity and shear force values increases. Overall, Aboaca strain was considered to have best performances for production.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of musculus longissimus dorsi in the breeds of Mangalitsa and Large White with regard to the slaughter weight. Large White (LW) breed and White Mangalitsa (Ma) breed were used in the experiment. The system of housing and feeding was the same in both of the monitored breeds. The pigs were fed with the same feeding mixture ad libitum. According to the slaughter weight, the pigs were divided into three groups: up to 100 kg, 101 – 110 kg and over 110 kg. The breed Ma had a significantly lower drip loss than the breed LW. Evaluating the color of the meat, the LW breed has showed significantly higher L* (lightness, white ±black) and lower a* (redness, red ± green) values than the Ma breed. Within the chemical meat composition, the Ma breed had a significantly higher water content in MLD compared to the LW breed. Generally, there were no major differences in the meat quality between the Mangalitsa and Large White breeds. Finally it can be concluded that the breed Mangalitsa showed more favorable values of the physico-chemical indicators. Comparing the quality of the meat with regard to the slaughter weight, there were no large differences between individual weight groups. A higher slaughter weight has positively influenced mainly the color of the meat, as pigs weighing more than 110 kg achieved a significantly lower value of L* and a higher value of a* in comparison to pigs of the lower weight. As a positive effect of a higher slaughter weight can be considered its effect on the protein content in the meat, as pigs weighing over 100 kg have a significantly higher protein content in the meat than pigs weighing below 100 kg.

Abstract The aims of this study were to examine the slaughter weight, the percentage of apparent carcasses and the conformation index of carcasses of local sheep fed indigofera sp. as a substitute for commercial concentrates with different levels. The research method was an experiment with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiment was in vivo in 18 sheep fed different level of indigofera sp, P0 treatment being a basal ration as a control consisting of concentrate (K) and elephant grass (RG) with a ratio of 80: 20%. P1 was 40% K: 40% indigofera: 20% RG, and P2 was 30% K: 50% indigofera: 20% RG. Each treament was repeated 6 times. Sheep were offered feed 4% of body weight on dry matter basis. slaughter weight data were analyzed using Ancova, SPSS program version 16 with initial body weight as covariate. Apparent carcass percentage data and carcass conformation index were analyzed with anava. The results of covariance analysis showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) amongst treatments. The average initial body weights of P0, P1 and P2 were 9.58 ± 1.68, 10.58 ± 3.09 and 9.28 ± 1.91 kg, respectively. after receiving treatment for 70 days the slaughter weights for P0, P1 and P2 were 15.57 ± 3.64, 13.58 ± 2.76, 12.58 ± 1.65 kg, respectively. The average consumption of dry matter for P0, P1 and P2 were 400.19 g / head / day, 401.20 g / head / day and 398.59 g / head / day, repectively. The average percentage of apparent carcasses for P0: 40.61 ± 2.43%; P1: 34.33 ± 0.63% and P2: 34.03 ± 4.61%. Average carcass conformation index for P0: 0.47 ± 0.04; P1: 0.43 ± 0.01 and P2: 0.43 ± 0.01. Indigofera sp had no significant effect (P> 0.05) on the percentage of apparent carcass and carcass conformation index. In Conclusion, indigofera sp. does not decrease local sheep productivity and can be used to replace concentrates as a source of protein. Keywords: Apparent carcass percentage; Index of carcass conformation; Indigofera sp.; Local sheep; Slaughter weight. Abstrak Penelitian bertujuan mengkaji bobot potong, persentase karkas semu dan index konformasi karkas domba lokal yang diberi Indigofera sp. sebagai pengganti konsentrat komersial dengan level yang berbeda. Metode penelitian adalah eksperimental. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Penelitian berlangsung secara in vivo pada domba sebanyak 18 ekor, dengan perlakuan P0 adalah ransum basal sebagai kontrol yang terdiri dari konsentrat (K) dan rumput gajah (RG) dengan perbandingan 80%: 20%. P1 adalah 40% K: 40% indigofera: 20% RG, dan P2 adalah 30%K: 50% indigofera: 20%RG. Masing2 perlakuan diulang 6 kali. Pemberian pakan sebesar 4% bobot badan berdasarkan bahan kering. Data bobot potong dianalisis dengan Ancova, program SPSS versi 16 dengan bobot badan awal sebagai covariat. Data persentase karkas semu dan index konformasi karkas dianalisis dengan anava. Hasil analisis covariansi menunjukkan tidak berbeda nyata (P>0,05) antar perlakuan. Rataan bobot badan awal P0, P1 dan P2 masing-masing adalah 9,58±1,68, 10,58±3,09 dan 9,28±1,91 kg, setelah mendapatkan perlakuan selama 70 hari bobot potong untuk P0, P1 dan P2 berturut-turut 15,57±3,64, 13,58±2,76 dan 12,58±1,65 kg. Rataan konsumsi bahan kering P0, P1 dan P2 berturut-turut adalah: 400,19g/ek/hr, 401,20g/ek/hr dan 398,59g/ek/hr Rataan persentase karkas semu pada P0: 40,61±2,43%, P1: 34,33±0,63% dan P2: 34,03±4,61%. Rataan index konformasi karkas untuk P0: 0,47±0,04, P1: 0,43±0,01 dan P2: 0,43±0,01. Pemberian Indigofera sp tidak berpengaruh nyata (P>0,05) terhadap persentase karkas semu maupun index konformasi karkas. Kesimpulan Indigofera sp. tidak menurunkan produktivitas ternak domba lokal, dan dapat digunakan untuk menggantikan konsentrat sebagai bahan sumber protein. Kata kunci: Bobot potong; Domba lokal; Index konformasi karkas; Indigofera sp.; Persentase karkas semu

In order to investigate the effect of slaughter weight (SW) on carcass characteristics and meat quality, we measured the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and amino acid metabolomics characteristics of longissimus dorsi ( LD ) muscle from Tianfu finishing (TF) pigs. Based on SW, 13 pigs were divided into three groups (100-kg group, 125-kg group, and 150-kg group with 3, 5, 5 pigs in each group, respectively). Raising SW to 125 kg or 150 kg increased average backfat thickness ( P < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content ( P < 0.01), and decreased shear force ( P < 0.01). A total of 231 amino acid metabolome from three amino acid classes identified with metabolomics were analyzed, and 93 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified (69 up-regulated DEMs and 24 down-regulated DEMs). The DEMs, including urea, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, and N, N-dimethylglycine with amino acid metabolism, were significantly induced ( P < 0.01). KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEMs were significantly enriched ( P < 0.01) in 135 metabolism pathways, including pathways related to amino acid metabolism, such as arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and beta-alanine metabolism. Our research findings provided new insights into the impact of SW on amino acid distribution and theoretical support for genetic breeding of meat quality of TF pigs. However, raising SW to 125 kg, or more, decreased the carcass leanness of live TF pigs and had no benefits to pork quality attributes., Competing Interests: JZ and XA were employed by Sichuan Techlex Industrial Co. Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, Tao, Zhao, Zhou and Ao.)

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias 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.)

Rabbit commercial maternal lines are usually selected for litter size (LS) and paternal lines for growth rate (GR). Line OR_LS was selected by ovulation rate (OR) and LS to improve LS more efficiently. In this study, growth traits of line OR_LS were evaluated by estimating the correlated response on weaning weight (WW), slaughter weight (SW) and GR during fattening period as well as their variability (DWW, DSW and DGR, respectively). Data were analyzed using Bayesian inference methods. Heritability estimates were low for growth traits (0.09, 0.13 and 0.14 for WW, SW and GR, respectively) and negligible for growth traits variability (0.01, 0.004 and 0.01 for DWW, DSW and DGR, respectively). Moderate common litter effect ratio (c2; 0.35, 0.28 and 0.27) and low maternal effect ratio (m2; 0.11, 0.05 and 0.01) were obtained for WW, SW and GR, respectively. Both c2 and m2 were lower at slaughter than at weaning. In addition, low common litter effect and negligible maternal effect were observed for growth traits variability. Genetic correlations between LS and both growth traits and their variability were close to zero. Positive genetic correlations were observed between OR and growth traits (0.19, 0.38 and 0.36 for WW, SW and GR, respectively) as well as between OR and growth traits variability (0.35, 0.62 and 0.20 for DWW, DSW and DGR, respectively). Positive correlated responses in both periods were obtained for growth traits, WW, SW and GR (0.037, 0.156 and 0.110 kg, respectively). The correlated response found in growth traits might be due to the positive genetic correlations between OR and these traits. However, selection for OR and LS using independent culling levels did not modify the growth traits variability. Therefore, no negative consequences on growth traits can be expected in current commercial maternal lines.

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Nowadays, deficits in red meat resources in Turkey are caused by the import of red meat from different countries. Anatolian buffaloes used in this research are a species that can contribute to red meat production in Turkey. This study was performed to determine the slaughter and carcass traits of Anatolian buffaloes at different slaughter weights. Twenty weaned male Anatolian buffalo calves of about 5 months old, at an average live weight of 100 kg, were used as the animal specimen in the present study. The calves were fed with 30:70 roughage (alfalfa hay = 18.07% crude protein, 2186.90 kcal kg-1 metabolic energy DM): concentrate feed (cattle fattening feed = 16.40% crude protein, 2696.94 kcal kg-1 metabolic energy DM). The calves were randomly distributed into 4 different slaughter weight (SW) groups of GI (200 kg; n = 5), GII (250 kg; n = 5), GIII (300 kg; n = 5), and GIV (350 kg; n = 5). The results showed that hot and cold carcass ratios (P < 0.01) and carcass chilling loss increased with increasing slaughter weights. Except for head, feet, and kidney weight, the differences in all of the other organ weights of the SW groups were not statistically significant. The differences in all of the investigated carcass measurements of the SW groups were detected to be significant (P < 0.05). Although total carcass conformation index values increased with increasing slaughter weights, only the differences in the carcass compactness values of the SW groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Except for chunk, short loin, sirloin, rump, and flank ratios, the differences in all of the other carcass section ratios of the SW groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was performed to examine the effects of different slaughter weights (SWs) on some meat quality traits of Anatolian Buffaloes (n = 20). Weaned 5-month-old Anatolian Buffalo calves with an average live weight of 100 kg were used as the animal material of the study. Experimental calves were randomly divided into four different slaughter weight groups 200 kg (SW-1: n = 5), 250 kg (SW-2: n = 5), 300 kg (SW-3: n = 5), and 350 kg (SW-4: n = 5). Anatolian buffalo calves were fed with 30:70 roughage/concentrate feed ration. Meat quality attributes of musculus longissimus dorsi thoracis (LT) muscle of calves slaughtered at target slaughter weight were investigated. The quality traits included 45th minute pH (pH45min), 24th hour pH (pH24h), 1st and 24th hour color parameters (L* (lightness), a* (redness) and b* (yellowness), water holding capacity (WHC), drip loss (3rd day (DL-3) and 7th day (DL-7)), freeze-thaw loss (FTL), cooking loss (CL), chemical composition), fatty acid, and cholesterol profiles. The differences in LT muscle pH24h, 24th hour a* and b* color parameters and WHC values of SW groups were not found to be significant (P > 0.05). The lowest DL-3 was observed in SW-1 (6.89%) and the greatest in SW-2 (8.96%) groups. Ether extract (EE) ratios increased (P < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) proportions decreased (P > 0.05) with increasing SWs. The differences in total cholesterol contents of SW groups were not detected to be significant (P > 0.05). Among the SW groups of Anatolian Buffaloes, SW-1 was found to be prominent with high WHC, CP, and PUFA/SFA ratio and the least DL-3 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fattening performance, slaughter, and carcass traits of intact and castrated Angora goat kids slaughtered at different slaughter weights were examined. A total of 96 (48 intact, I-kids, and 48 castrated, C-kids) single Angora kids were fattened, and 48 of them (24 I-kids and 24 C-kids) were slaughtered at slaughter weights (SW) of 20, 25, and 30 kg. Castration negatively affected fattening performance, and the kids showed rising daily weight gain with increasing SW. While dressing percentages were not affected by castration, it caused a tendency for a decrease in offal. However, with the increase in SW, dressing percentages increased, and offal decreased. Castration increased non-carcass fat percentages and back fat depth. The proportions of individual cuts did not generally vary because of castration but changed with SW; foreleg percentages decreased (P < 0.001) while neck percentages increased (P < 0.05). Carcass composition was affected by castration; the percentages of carcass lean (P < 0.001) and bone (P < 0.01) dropped, and total fat (P < 0.001) increased. SW had an impact on carcass composition; the percentages of carcass bone (P < 0.001) declined, and lean (P < 0.001) and total fat (P < 0.001) raised as SW increased. The lean/fat ratio was affected by castration (P < 0.001) and increasing SW (P < 0.05). Castration reduced the lean percentage in all cuts. The leg showed the highest lean percentage, whereas the greatest fat ratio was found in the breast+flank in all SW groups. Consequently, castration of Angora male kids negatively affected fattening performance and altered the carcass composition, while the increase in slaughter weight improved fattening performance and slaughter and carcass characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objectives included the assessment of carcass fatty acid composition and meat texture characteristics of younger Holstein Friesian bulls. Three experimental groups were formed based on the weights of the 23 young bulls at slaughter: lighter, medium, and heavier. Samples were taken from the Gluteus medius (GM) and Longissimus thoracis muscles 24 h after slaughter. Fatty acid composition, Warner-Bratzler Meat Shear (WBS) measurements, as well as textural profile analysis (TPA) and sensory analysis of the muscle samples were conducted. The fatty acid composition was determined using Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fatty acids give a neutral hypocholesterolemic effect in direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) contents, DFA/OFA (C14:0+C16:0) ratio, hardness, Warner-Bratzler Shear force and also the chews number - which is desirable - before swallowing (NCBS) the meat were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. Higher slaughter weight resulted in a larger amount of beef with a better panel tenderness score; however, the meat obtained from the LSW group was less healthy considering the fatty acid profile. Additionally, internal fat contained the highest saturated fatty acids concentrations, while subcutaneous fat contained the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, intramuscular fat levels were highest in PUFA and PUFA/SFA ratio. As a result, this study strongly suggests that slaughter weight and anatomical location of fat samples contribute significantly to meat texture characteristics and fatty acid profiles in Holstein Friesian bulls., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Slaughter weight (SW) is critical for dry-cured ham production systems with heavy pigs. A total of 159 C21 Goland pigs (gilts and barrows) at 95 ± 9.0 kg body weight (BW) from three batches were used to investigate the impact of ad libitum feeding on SW, growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass and green ham characteristics. Diets contained 10 MJ/kg of net energy and 7.4 and 6.0 g/kg of SID-lysine. Slaughter weight classes (SWC) included 210 kg BW. In each batch, pigs were sacrificed at 230 or 258 d of age. Left hams were scored for round shape, fat cover thickness, marbling, lean colour, bicolour and veining. Data were analyzed with a model considering SWC, sex and SWC × Sex interactions as fixed factors and the batch as a random factor. The linear, quadratic and cubic effects of SWC were tested, but only linear effects were found. Results showed that pigs with greater SWC had greater average daily gain and feed consumption, with similar feed efficiency and better ham quality traits: greater ham weight, muscularity, and fat coveringin correspondence of semimembranosus muscle. Barrows were heavier and produced hams with slightly better characteristics than gilts.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da carcaça em 74 ovelhas Santa Inês deslanadas com idades entre 6 a 48 meses. O abate ocorreu após jejum e eletrochoque, seguido de dissecção das veias jugulares e artérias carótidas. As avaliações realizadas foram peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça quente, comprimento de carcaça, espessura da pele, pesos e percentagens de ombro, pescoço, lombo, fralda, costelas e pernil e comprimento e perímetro do pernil. A área de olho de lombo, a cor usando o sistema CIELAB, a força de cisalhamento e a perda por cocção também foram avaliados. Os dados foram submetidos às análises de variância, regressões, correlações e de componentes principais utilizando o pacote estatístico SAS. O peso de carcaça quente foi 15,75 kg e o rendimento de carcaça foi de 43,65%. Os animais mais jovens apresentaram maior rendimento de pernil enquanto os rendimentos de lombo e ombro aumentaram com a idade. A carne foi mais escura em animais mais velhos. Com o aumento da idade, ocorreu redução na quantidade dos cortes comerciais e aumento das perdas de características de qualidade como cor, perda por cocção e força de cisalhamento; portanto, o abate deve ser realizado antes de 30 meses de idade.

The aim of the study was to evaluate an influence of housing technology and slaughter weight of slaughter pigs on realization with SEUROP system. Slaughter pigs of hybrid combination (Czech Large White × Czech Landrace) × Duroc were studied for reasons of an experiment. Analysed were 733 pigs. Slaughter pigs fattened on deep-bedded pens reached higher slaughter weight, higher back fat thickness, higher muscle deep, higher price per 1 kg of slaughter weight in comparison with pigs on slatted floor pens, but on the contrary they reached a lower portion of lean meat. These data were determined in pigs on deep-bedded pens: 117.58 kg slaughter weight, 16.78 mm of back fat thickness, 61.30 mm of muscle deep, 55.53 % of lean meat portion and price 32.15 Kč per 1 kg of slaughter weight. These data were determined in pigs reared on slatted floor pens: 110.82 kg slaughter weight, 14.38 mm of back fat thickness, 56.67 mm of muscle deep, 57.11 % of lean meat portion and price 31.86 Kč per 1 kg of slaughter weight. A statistical conclusive difference on a level of importance P ≤ 0.01 was found between pigs bred on deep-bedded pens and on slatted floor pens in traits slaughter weight, back fat thickness, muscle deep and meatiness. From experiment it is obvious that for 1 kg of slaughter weight in all business classes SEUROP higher price was in pigs fattened on deep-bedded pens in comparison with pigs fattened on slatted floor pens.

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At present, one of the basic objectives of livestock production development in Kazakhstan is to provide the population with qualified, accessible meat. An important reserve for increasing the production of meat, in particular, beef, is the development of specialized meat breeding. The leading position in this industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan belongs to Kazakh white-headed breed, which was withdrawn in 1932-1950 with the way of breeding Kazakh cows and partially Kalmyk cattle with the bulls of Hereford breed. At present, this breed is raised almost in all regions of the Republic. The breed is characterized by good meat productivity, sufficient high early maturation and animals have excellent adaptation to continental climatic conditions. The aim of research is to study the results of meat productivity of bulls of different genotypes in conditions of LLP Agrofirm «Dinara- Ranch», Almaty region, the Republic of Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, the following objectives have been put before us: - determination of slaughter weight and yield of morphological composition of carcasses and qualitative indicator of experimental bulls' meat; - to give an assessment of qualitative indicators of meat products obtained from the bulls of different genotypes. Meat obtained in control slaughtering from experimental bulls coincided requirements of I category. According to the weight of hot carcass Hereford bulls exceeded the peers of Kazakh whiteheaded breed to 42.9 kg or 18.1% (p > 0.95) and bulls crossbreed to 9.0 kg or 3.3% (p > 0.95). Yield of inner salo was higher in the bulls of Kazakh white-headed breed. Bulls of Hereford breed exceeded their Kazakh white-headed breed by the amount of meat per 43.2 kg -- 22.5% (p > 0.95) and bulls crossbreed to 8.1 kg -- 3.6% (p > 0.95). Yield of bulls meat of Hereford breed exceeded its peers of Kazakh white-headed breed to 2.4 -- 2.9% (p < 0.95), but conceded to crossbred bulls to 0.1 kg -- 0.1%. Correlation of protein and fat in the meat of experimental animals comprised: in the bulls of Kazakh white-headed breed - 1:0.65, in the animals of the Hereford breed and crossbreed - 1:0.64. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of musculus longissimus dorsi in the breeds of Mangalitsa and Large White with regard to the slaughter weight. Large White (LW) breed and White Mangalitsa (Ma) breed were used in the experiment. The system of housing and feeding was the same in both of the monitored breeds. The pigs were fed with the same feeding mixture ad libitum. According to the slaughter weight, the pigs were divided into three groups: up to 100 kg, 101 - 110 kg and over 110 kg. The breed Ma had a significantly lower drip loss than the breed LW. Evaluating the color of the meat, the LW breed has showed significantly higher L* (lightness, white ±black) and lower a* (redness, red ± green) values than the Ma breed. Within the chemical meat composition, the Ma breed had a significantly higher water content in MLD compared to the LW breed. Generally, there were no major differences in the meat quality between the Mangalitsa and Large White breeds. Finally it can be concluded that the breed Mangalitsa showed more favorable values of the physico-chemical indicators. Comparing the quality of the meat with regard to the slaughter weight, there were no large differences between individual weight groups. A higher slaughter weight has positively influenced mainly the color of the meat, as pigs weighing more than 110 kg achieved a significantly lower value of L* and a higher value of a* in comparison to pigs of the lower weight. As a positive effect of a higher slaughter weight can be considered its effect on the protein content in the meat, as pigs weighing over 100 kg have a significantly higher protein content in the meat than pigs weighing below 100 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of slaughter weight on chemical composition, physical properties, and fatty acid profile of musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) in Holstein bulls. The bulls (n = 20) were divided into two slaughter weight groups as light (450–520 kg) and heavy (521–580 kg) according to body weights at slaughter. After resecting MLD from the carcass, its chemical composition, physical properties, and fatty acid profile were determined. The analysis showed that fat, ash, and cholesterol contents of MLD were significantly affected by slaughter weight (P < 0.05). Higher fat, ash, and cholesterol contents were determined in heavy bulls compared with light ones. However, the protein and moisture contents were not significantly different between slaughter weight groups in terms of pH, drip loss, and water holding capacity. With regard to meat color, the a* was significantly higher in light bulls; however, the L* and b* values were similar in both slaughter weight groups. Of all fatty acids, only C:10 was found the highest in heavy bulls (P < 0.05). The n-6/n-3 ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in light bulls compared with heavy ones. Consequently, the best results were obtained from light Holstein bulls in order to achieve better beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]