Spatial variability of the occurrence of lesions on cattle carcasses in association with pre-slaughter factors in the forest-savannah transition zone

This study mapped cattle carcass lesions and associated the isoline maps with the occurrence factors of these lesions. Isoline maps were drawn by common kriging. The associated occurrence factors were the layout of the boards in the crowding tub (CT), characteristics of the hauling truck (general state and the presence of loose and/or sharp boards), broken boards in the corral (BBC), type of road covered (TRC), and animal falls upon unloading at the slaughterhouse (FAUS). The BBC showed a higher number of carcass lesions in the rib region. The data on FAUS and deterioration of hauling trucks fit an exponential model, with more carcass lesions in the rib and hindquarters, and plate regions, respectively. The data on spaced boards in the CT and TRC (mixed) showed greater carcass lesions in the rib region. Therefore, this method provides important information about the spatial distribution of lesions in bovine carcasses, and the drawing sheet used is adequate to represent such lesions.(AU)

Genetic correlation between feed efficiency and carcass traits in Nellore cattle in Brazil / Correlação genética entre características de eficiência alimentar e de carcaça em bovinos da raça Nelore no Brasi

The aim was to estimate the genetic correlations between residual feed intake (RFI) and dry matter intake (DMI) with carcass finish (CF), rib eye area (REA), and marbling (MAR) of Nellore cattle. Data from 7,808 animals were considered. In addition, data from 2,261 females included in the complete database were also considered. Estimates of variance and covariance components, as well as heritabilities and genetic correlations were obtained by means of two-character analysis under animal model. Heritability estimates were found to be moderate for the RFI (0.22) and DMI (0.29) traits. It was observed that genetic correlation was close to zero for all traits, except between RFI and REA (-0.11). However, considering the female population, there was an increase in the estimated genetic correlation between RFI and DMI, although still a favorable genetic association of low magnitude (-0.30). There was also an increase in the genetic association of REA with RFI (-0.21). It can be concluded that the direct selection for RFI and DMI will not influence the CF, MAR, or REA of Nellore cattle. However, this selection may generate some favorable responses in MAR and REA in Nellore females.

Objetivou-se estimar as correlações genéticas entre consumo alimentar residual (CAR) e ingestão de matéria seca com acabamento de carcaça (ACAB), área de olho de lombo (AOL) e marmoreio (MAR) para bovinos da raça Nelore. Foram consideradas informações de 7.808 animais. Além disso foram consideradas informações de 2.261 animais fêmeas que compunham o banco de dados completo. As estimativas dos componentes de variâncias e covariâncias, bem como das herdabilidades e correlações genéticas foram obtidas por meio de análises bicaracterísticas sob modelo animal. Verificou-se que as estimativas de herdabilidade foram moderadas para as características de CAR (0,22) e IMS (0,29). Observou-se que as estimativas de correlação genética foram próximos a zero para todas as Características, exceto entre CAR e AOL (-0,11). No entanto, considerando a população de fêmeas, houve um aumento na estimativa de correlação genética com CAR e IMS, apesar de ainda ser uma associação genética favorável de baixa magnitude (-0,30). Também houve um aumento na associação genética da AOL com o CAR (-0,21). Conclui-se, assim, que a seleção direta para o CAR e IMS não influenciará no ACAB, MAR e AOL de bovinos da raça Nelore. No entanto, essa seleção poderá gerar alguma resposta favorável em MAR e AOL em fêmeas Nelore.

Male Layer-Type Chickens - an Alternative Source for High Quality Poultry Meat: a Review on the Carcass Composition, Sensory Characteristics and Nutritional Profile

Male layer-type chickens are usually killed immediately after hatching. Despite the ethical debates and the sharp criticism against this practice, it is still widely applied. One of the possible alternatives for the culling of layer cockerels might be their use for meat production. Except for a small market niche, meat from male layer-type chickens is not currently popular among wider circles of consumers. However, although rather scarce, research on this type of bird shows that in comparison to fast or slow growing broilers, dual purpose, or indigenous breeds, the meat of male layers does not show any disadvantages in regards to sensory characteristics, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile, with its overall acceptability rating equally or even higher.(AU)

Carcass traits of goats finished with different levels of concentrate supplementation and kept on caatinga enriched with Urochloa trichopus / Características de carcaça de caprinos terminados com diferentes níveis de suplementação concentrada e mantidos em caatinga enriquecida com Urochloa trichopus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass traits of crossbred F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) finished on thinned caatinga pasture enriched with signal grass (Urochloa trichopus Stapf.), and receiving supplementation. Twenty-four crossbred F1 goats with 27.00 ± 3.32 kg body weight were used. The supplement was designed to meet the nutritional requirements and animals receiving the highest supplementation level could gain 150g per day. For data analysis, a completely randomized design was adopted, with four treatments (supplementation levels of 0.0%; 0.5%; 1.0% and 1.5% body weight) and six replications (animals). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Supplementation resulted in an increasing linear effect for slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, empty body weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield; and a quadratic effect for biological yield. Weight loss by cooling was not influenced by supplementation. For the results of subjective evaluations, only conformation was influenced by supplementation (P<0.05). For morphometry, a positive linear effect of supplementation was found for thorax perimeter, croup perimeter, croup width, thorax width. The level of supplementation caused a positive linear effect on the weight of most non-edible carcass components, and there was no influence of supplementation on most variables for yield. It can be concluded that increasing levels of supplementation up to 1.5% body weight for F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) kept on caatinga pasture results in higher carcass weight and yield.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça de caprinos mestiços F1 (Bôer x sem padrão de raça definida) terminados em pastagem de caatinga raleada e enriquecida com capim corrente (Urochloa trichopus Stapf.), submetidos a suplementação. Foram utilizados 24 caprinos mestiços com peso vivo 27,00 ± 3,32 kg. O suplemento foi elaborado de modo a atender as exigências nutricionais para que os animais do maior nível de suplementação obtivessem um ganho de 150 g diário. Para a análise dos dados foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de suplementação de 0,0%; 0,5%; 1,0% e 1,5% do peso vivo) e seis repetições (animais). Os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância e de regressão. Observou-se que a suplementação proporcionou efeito linear crescente para o peso ao abate, peso de carcaça quente, peso de carcaça fria, peso de corpo vazio, rendimento de carcaça quente e rendimento de carcaça fria; efeito quadrático para o rendimento biológico. A perda de peso por resfriamento não sofreu influência da suplementação. Para os resultados das avaliações subjetivas apenas a conformação sofreu influência da suplementação (P<0,05). Para a morfometria observou-se efeito linear positivo da suplementação para o perímetro do tórax, perímetro da garupa, largura da garupa, largura do tórax. O nível de suplementação proporcionou efeito linear e positivo sobre o peso da maioria dos não componentes comestíveis da carcaça, sendo que para o rendimento não foi observado influência da suplementação para a maioria das variáveis. Conclui-se que o uso crescente de suplementação até o nível de 1,5% do peso vivo para caprinos F1 (Boer x sem padrão de raça definida) mantidos em pastagem de caatinga resulta em maiores pesos e rendimentos de carcaças.(AU)

Evaluation of piglet birth weight on growth performance and qualitative and quantitative characteristics of carcasses of immunocastrated pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of birth weight on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of immunocastrated male pigs. Seventy-two boars were assigned to three birth weight categories (BiW): light BiW pigs (LP: 0.98±0.083 kg BW; n = 24), normal BiW pigs (NP: 1.42±0.067 kg BW; n = 24), and heavy BiW pigs (HP: 1.85±0.096 kg BW; n = 24). For treatment design, we considered a weight range of two standard deviations (SD) in relation to the average population body weight (from 0.785 to 2.155 kg BW−1 ). The animals were housed in six pens with 12 animals per pen, with ad libitum access to water and feed throughout the study. In the growing and finishing phases, pigs were immunocastrated with two doses of vaccine at 112 and 161 days of age. The three BiW categories were different up to departure from the nursery (70 days). After this period, there was no difference between NP and HP in terms of BiW. Measurements showed that a low BiW reduced the loin eye area (9.4%), longissimus thoracis muscle depth (7.6%), and meat:fat ratio (21.6%). Backfat thickness (21.5%) and fat area (11.8%) were higher in LP as compared with the NP and HP categories. Light BiW pigs presented a lower weight steak (7.0%) and belly + rib (8.6%) compared with NP and HP, but did not differ within the LP group. Light BiW pigs required a greater lodging time (14 days), generating higher accumulated feed intake to reach the same slaughter BiW as the other categories. Growth performance and carcass characteristics are influenced by the birth weight (BiW) category. Light BiW pigs require more time and feed intake to reach the same slaughter weight. Birth weight has positive effects on meat quality and weight of commercial cuts.

Viability of Brazilian distillers dried grains with solubles for pigs / Viabilidade de grãos secos de destilaria com solúveis produzidos no Brasil para suínos

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass, meat and economic viability characteristics of pigs fed Brazilian coproducts of corn ethanol production. A total of 40 finishing pigs were subjected to four levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS; 0, 100, 200, or 300 g kg-1) for 28 days, and body weight, daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion were measured. After slaughter, the carcass yield, fat thickness, loin eye area, the depth and perimeter of the loin eye, and the pH and temperature at 45 min and 24 h post-mortem, along with the drip loss and color of the Longissimus lumborum were evaluated. The economic viability of the diets was calculated. The inclusion of DDGS showed a quadratic effect on daily feed intake over 0-14 days. Pigs fed with 300 g kg-1 of DDGS showed worse feed conversion than those fed the control diet over 0-7, 0-14 and 0-21 days. The a* color parameter of the meat decreased linearly with increasing DDGS concentration but the other carcass and meat characteristics were not affected. Inclusion of 184.1 g kg-1 of DDGS showed the best economic viability, considering the cost of weight gain. DDGS may be included in pig diets up to 200 g kg-1 without affecting the performance or carcass and meat characteristics, while 300 g kg-1 compromises feed conversion.(AU)

O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho, características de carcaça e carne e viabilidade econômica de suínos alimentados com coprodutos da produção de etanol de milho produzido no Brasil. Um total de 40 suínos em terminação foi distribuído em quatro níveis de DDGS de milho (0, 100, 200, ou 300 g kg-1) por 28 dias e seu peso corporal, consumo de ração diário, ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar foram mensurados. Após o abate, rendimento de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, área de olho de lombo, profundidade e perímetro do olho de lombo, pH e temperatura a 45 min e 24 h post-mortem além da perda por gotejamento e do Longissimus lumborum foram avaliados. A viabilidade econômica das dietas foi calculada. A inclusão de DDGS mostrou efeito quadrático no consumo de ração em 0-14 dias. Suínos alimentados com 300 g kg-1 de DDGS apresentaram pior conversão alimentar em comparação àqueles da dieta controle em 0-7, 0-14 e 0-21 dias. A cor a* da carne diminuiu linearmente com aumento da concentração de DDGS nas dietas mas as outras características de carcaça e carne não foram afetadas. Inclusão de 184.1 g kg-1 de DDGS mostrou melhor viabilidade econômica, considerando o custo por ganho de peso. Os DDGS podem ser incluídos em dietas de suínos até 200 g kg-1 sem afetar o desempenho e características de carcaça e carne enquanto 300 g kg-1 compromete a conversão alimentar.(AU)

Effects of chitosan coating and different storage periods of broiler breeder eggs on growth performance and carcass characteristics

This study was carried out to determine the effects of coating with chitosan film and storing at different periods (7, 14, and 21 days) of broiler breeder eggs on growth performance and carcass characteristics of the chicks. The present study was arranged as three different storage periods (7, 14, and 21 days) and coating or not the eggs with chitosan film. In total, 1800 hatching fertilized eggs were used. These eggs were divided into six groups with 100 eggs in each and 600 eggs in each replication. A total of 751 chicks obtained from the hatching were used as material in this study. As a result, all chicks in the coated chitosan groups were alive during the 42-day growth period. The average hatching weight was determined as 42.7±0.1 g. The mean body weight (BW) of chicks on the 42nd day was determined as 2541.8±12.3 g in all groups. The effect of repetition on weekly BW and body weight gain (BWG) was found to be significant in the growth period. The differences between the groups for the BW were significant on day 1. While the weekly BWG varied, the growth performance was similar in the growth period in all groups. The differences between the groups in terms of slaughter weight and carcass characteristics were insignificant. It was determined that coating broiler eggs with chitosan and storing them in different periods does not have significantly negative effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics.(AU)

Slaughter body weights of Jersey young bulls finished on feedlot

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of slaughter body weight (SW) on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Jersey bulls in feedlots from weaning to slaughter. Eighteen Jersey bulls (125.7±15.9 kg; 5±0.6 months old) were used in the study. The treatments corresponded to three slaughter-weights: L360 ­ light weight, SW of 360 kg, M390 ­ medium weight, SW of 390 kg, and H420 ­ heavy weight, SW of 420 kg (n = 6/treatment); the animals were slaughtered at 368, 392, and 422 kg, respectively. The average daily gain was not influenced by SW. The M390 and H420 groups remained in feedlot, on average, 6 and 51 d longer, respectively, to reach a similar SW in relation to the L360 group. The increase in SW did not influence dry matter intake. However, the L360 group exhibited greater dry matter intake relative to body weight compared with the other two groups (29 vs. 26 g/kg). The increase in SW resulted in heavier and longer carcasses, with higher hot carcass yields. However, animals with greater SW had lower fat thickness. In addition, the increase in SW led to greater pistol cut, bone, and muscle weight for the carcasses. Although the meat color of Jersey bulls was darker in the H420 group, the meat was considered softer and more palatable by the consumer panel compared with the meat from the L360 group. The L360 group exhibited less fluid loss during thawing and cooking. Shear force measured by Warner Blatzer Shear was lower for H420. Animals slaughtered in the L390 group had an intermediate carcass weight, similar carcass yield, better cover fat and meat quality (color and shear) than animals slaughtered in the H420. Combining these factors with a shorter feedlot time compared with that of heavier animals, the SW of feedlot Jersey bulls is recommended at 390 kg.(AU)

Predicting the carcass characteristics of Morada Nova lambs using biometric measurements

The objective of this work was to use biometric measurements to predict carcass characteristics of lambs of the Morada Nova breed. We used 48 lambs with mean initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.04 kg and slaughter body weight (SBW) of 26.37±2.43 kg. The animals were weighed weekly and underwent a period of adaptation of 15 days before slaughter. The biometric measurements were obtained the day before slaughter, comprising body length, withers height, rump height, thigh length, breast width, rump width, thigh perimeter, rump perimeter, thorax perimeter, leg length, and body condition score. Additional measurements included slaughter BW and empty BW (EBW). The data recorded at slaughter comprised the weights of the viscera, carcass, and internal fat and offal. The in vivo measurements of body length were present in most of the equations for predicting the SBW, EBW, hot carcass weight (HCW), and cold carcass weight (CCW). The SBW and EBW presented a variation of approximately 9%. The variables that evaluated the carcass, HCW, and CCW demonstrated less data variation than SBW and EBW, which was probably because these measurements were obtained following evisceration and skinning, thus removing factors of more significant variation in vivo . The prediction models found in the present study varied with an R² of 0.49-0.93, indicating high levels of variation. In sum, biometric measurements can be used to predict the carcass characteristics of Morada Nova lambs with different body conditions.(AU)

Effect of dietary fat level and source on performance and immune system response of turkeys

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of different levels and sources of fats in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of turkeys during four periods (0-21, 22 to 42, 43 to 63 and 64 to 70 days of age). A completely randomized design with five treatments, six replicates and eight B.U.T.6 turkey chickens per replicate was used. Treatments included: Control diet, diet containing 2.5% of soybean oil, diet containing 2.5% fat supplement, diet containing 5% soybean oil, diet containing 5% fat supplement. The results showed that using 5% of soybean oil increased average daily gain of turkeys (89.04 g) throughout the experimental period (0-70 days) compared with the control group (81.11 g; p < 0.05). Treatments containing 2.5 and 5% soybean oil improved feed conversion ratio compared to control group (p < 0.05). Soybean oil at the levels of 2.5 and 5% was led to higher spleen and bursa percentages compared to other treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). The level and source of dietary fat had not significant effect on antibody titer against Newcastle virus vaccine on 42 and 70 days of age (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementing diet with 5% soybean oil improved the performance of turkeys.(AU)

Effect of dietary fat level and source on performance and immune system response of turkeys

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of different levels and sources of fats in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of turkeys during four periods (0-21, 22 to 42, 43 to 63 and 64 to 70 days of age). A completely randomized design with five treatments, six replicates and eight B.U.T.6 turkey chickens per replicate was used. Treatments included: Control diet, diet containing 2.5% of soybean oil, diet containing 2.5% fat supplement, diet containing 5% soybean oil, diet containing 5% fat supplement. The results showed that using 5% of soybean oil increased average daily gain of turkeys (89.04 g) throughout the experimental period (0-70 days) compared with the control group (81.11 g; p 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementing diet with 5% soybean oil improved the performance of turkeys.

Carcass traits of sheep fed banana pseudostem hay / Características de carcaça de ovinos alimentados com feno de pseudocaule de bananeira

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass yield, measurements, cuts, and fat deposition of sheep fed banana pseudostem hay and Tifton 85 grass hay, with or without virginiamycin. Thirty-three uncastrated male Dorper × Santa Ines crossbred lambs at five months of age, with an average body weight of 25.00 ± 1.95 kg, were used in a feedlot experiment. The following four diets were evaluated: Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate with virginiamycin, banana pseudostem hay replacing 60% of Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate with virginiamycin, Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate without virginiamycin, and banana pseudostem hay replacing 60% of Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate without virginiamycin. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme, using orthogonal contrasts. The diet replacing 60% Tifton 85 grass hay by banana pseudostem hay without virginiamycin had no effect on carcass traits. The combination of virginiamycin and Tifton 85 grass hay provided increases in warm carcass weight, warm carcass yield, spine, omental and mesenteric fat deposition, and, regardless of roughage, increases in the thoracic perimeter.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o rendimento, as medidas, os cortes e a deposição de gordura em ovinos alimentados com feno de pseudocaule de bananeira e feno de capim-tifton 85, com ou sem virginiamicina. Trinta e dois cordeiros mestiços Dorper × Santa Ines, não castrados, aos cinco meses de idade, com peso corporal médio de 25,00 ± 1,95 kg foram utilizados no experimento em regime de confinamento. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas: feno de capim-Tifton 85 mais concentrado com virginiamicina; feno de pseudocaule de bananeira substituindo em 60% o feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado com virginiamicina; feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado sem virginiamicina; e feno de pseudocaule de bananeira substituindo em 60% o feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado sem virginiamicina, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x2 em contraste ortogonal. A substituição de 60% do feno de capim Tifton 85 por feno de pseudocaule de bananeira sem virginiamicina na dieta de ovinos não altera suas características de carcaça. A virginiamicina associada ao feno de capim Tífton 85 proporcionou aumento do peso de carcaça quente e do rendimento de carcaça quente, aumento do espinhaço, aumento das deposições de gorduras omental e mesentérica e, independente dos volumosos, aumento do perímetro torácico.

Carcass traits of sheep fed banana pseudostem hay / Características de carcaça de ovinos alimentados com feno de pseudocaule de bananeira

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass yield, measurements, cuts, and fat deposition of sheep fed banana pseudostem hay and Tifton 85 grass hay, with or without virginiamycin. Thirty-three uncastrated male Dorper × Santa Ines crossbred lambs at five months of age, with an average body weight of 25.00 ± 1.95 kg, were used in a feedlot experiment. The following four diets were evaluated: Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate with virginiamycin, banana pseudostem hay replacing 60% of Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate with virginiamycin, Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate without virginiamycin, and banana pseudostem hay replacing 60% of Tifton 85 grass hay plus concentrate without virginiamycin. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme, using orthogonal contrasts. The diet replacing 60% Tifton 85 grass hay by banana pseudostem hay without virginiamycin had no effect on carcass traits. The combination of virginiamycin and Tifton 85 grass hay provided increases in warm carcass weight, warm carcass yield, spine, omental and mesenteric fat deposition, and, regardless of roughage, increases in the thoracic perimeter.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o rendimento, as medidas, os cortes e a deposição de gordura em ovinos alimentados com feno de pseudocaule de bananeira e feno de capim-tifton 85, com ou sem virginiamicina. Trinta e dois cordeiros mestiços Dorper × Santa Ines, não castrados, aos cinco meses de idade, com peso corporal médio de 25,00 ± 1,95 kg foram utilizados no experimento em regime de confinamento. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas: feno de capim-Tifton 85 mais concentrado com virginiamicina; feno de pseudocaule de bananeira substituindo em 60% o feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado com virginiamicina; feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado sem virginiamicina; e feno de pseudocaule de bananeira substituindo em 60% o feno de capim Tifton 85 mais concentrado sem virginiamicina, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x2 em contraste ortogonal. A substituição de 60% do feno de capim Tifton 85 por feno de pseudocaule de bananeira sem virginiamicina na dieta de ovinos não altera suas características de carcaça. A virginiamicina associada ao feno de capim Tífton 85 proporcionou aumento do peso de carcaça quente e do rendimento de carcaça quente, aumento do espinhaço, aumento das deposições de gorduras omental e mesentérica e, independente dos volumosos, aumento do perímetro torácico.(AU)

Relationship between glycerol administration to livestock 24 h before sacrifice and indicators of physiological and oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of glycerol, as a source of energy, to steers 24 h before slaughter on biochemical indicators of physiological and oxidative stress. Fifty Zebu x Swiss-or Simental-cross steers were selected at random at the finalizing stage impending slaughter. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before administering the treatments and 24 h afterward. After sacrifice, samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were collected. Biochemical indicators evaluated in bovine serum were hematocrit (VGA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate (LAC), cortisol (COR), glucose (GLU), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHT), creatine kinase enzyme (CK), free non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), antioxidant activity (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione peroxidase reaction (GSH-Px). The variables evaluated in meat were TBARS, FRAP, pH, texture and shelf life. Analysis of the stress biomarkers evaluated in bovine serum did not reveal differences (P>0.05) between treatments T0 and T1 for the variables COR, VGA, GLU, NEFA, BHT or CK. There were, however, differences between sampling times for the variables FRAP (P = 0.021) and GSH (P = 0.006). The indicators FRAP and TBARS in the sampled meat were not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Meat pH changed over time (P=0.0002), but not its texture (P>0.05). It is concluded that the administration of glycerol as an energy supplement 24 h before sacrifice did not modify the balance of physiological constants of the evaluated steers, nor did it produce significant changes in shelf life of meat.(AU)

Relationship between glycerol administration to livestock 24 h before sacrifice and indicators of physiological and oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of glycerol, as a source of energy, to steers 24 h before slaughter on biochemical indicators of physiological and oxidative stress. Fifty Zebu x Swiss-or Simental-cross steers were selected at random at the finalizing stage impending slaughter. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before administering the treatments and 24 h afterward. After sacrifice, samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were collected. Biochemical indicators evaluated in bovine serum were hematocrit (VGA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate (LAC), cortisol (COR), glucose (GLU), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHT), creatine kinase enzyme (CK), free non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), antioxidant activity (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and glutathione peroxidase reaction (GSH-Px). The variables evaluated in meat were TBARS, FRAP, pH, texture and shelf life. Analysis of the stress biomarkers evaluated in bovine serum did not reveal differences (P>0.05) between treatments T0 and T1 for the variables COR, VGA, GLU, NEFA, BHT or CK. There were, however, differences between sampling times for the variables FRAP (P = 0.021) and GSH (P = 0.006). The indicators FRAP and TBARS in the sampled meat were not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Meat pH changed over time (P=0.0002), but not its texture (P>0.05). It is concluded that the administration of glycerol as an energy supplement 24 h before sacrifice did not modify the balance of physiological constants of the evaluated steers, nor did it produce significant changes in shelf life of meat.

Effect of rearing system and season on behaviour, productive performance and carcass quality of rabbit: a review

Nowadays, researchers and even consumers need more information on the effect of different rearing systems and seasons not only on the animal behaviour and production but also on carcass quality. Understanding more about how the rearing system and season can influence behaviour, production and carcass traits of rabbit is extremely important. This current review proposes best investigation to cover these points. In many countries like in Spain, Italy and Egypt, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) plays an important role in meat production. Rabbit rearing systems as a part of animal welfarehave been the focus of scientific research in order to improve well-being for high-quality products. Rabbits have specific behavioural needs and are able to change their behaviour to adapt the changes happened in the surrounding environment. Among these changes, it was the seasons variables: high ambient temperature, humidity and ventilation that can affect the animal performance.(AU)

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.(AU)

Effect of Breed and Caponisation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fatty Acid Profile in the Muscles of Greenleg Partridge and Polbar Breeds

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of­ caponisation of Polbar (Pb) and Greenleg Partridge (Zk) breeds on the production performance, carcass composition, and the nutrient content and fatty acid profile in the breast and thigh muscles and abdominal fat. From 18 weeks of age to the end of the experiment, the Zk capons were significantly heavier than the cocks. The Zk capons had higher (p0.05) weight and share of breast and leg muscles. At 24 weeks of age, we noted an increase in the total content of n-3 PUFA and linolenic acid C18:3 in the breast muscles of the Zk and Pb capons. The content of PUFA and n-3 PUFA in thigh muscles and the n6/n3 ratio were reduced in the Pb capons at 24 weeks of age, compared with the Zk cocks. Caponisation of the Pb cocks had a beneficial effect on the final body weight, feed intake, and slaughter characteristics, in comparison with the non-caponised birds of this breed. A tendency towards an increased total share of PUFA and MUFA, a significantly higher content of n-3 PUFA, and a lower (p0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio were found for the breast muscles of the Pb capons. Both breeds are a good material for production of capons. The meat of the capons of both breeds exhibited a beneficial, higher PUFA/SFA ratio, higher n-3 PUFA and MUFA content, and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio.

Effect of rearing system and season on behaviour, productive performance and carcass quality of rabbit: a review

Nowadays, researchers and even consumers need more information on the effect of different rearing systems and seasons not only on the animal behaviour and production but also on carcass quality. Understanding more about how the rearing system and season can influence behaviour, production and carcass traits of rabbit is extremely important. This current review proposes best investigation to cover these points. In many countries like in Spain, Italy and Egypt, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) plays an important role in meat production. Rabbit rearing systems as a part of animal welfarehave been the focus of scientific research in order to improve well-being for high-quality products. Rabbits have specific behavioural needs and are able to change their behaviour to adapt the changes happened in the surrounding environment. Among these changes, it was the season’s variables: high ambient temperature, humidity and ventilation that can affect the animal performance.