Relationship between body weight and hip width in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between body weight (BW) and hip width (HW) in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). HW was measured in 215 Murrah buffaloes with a BW of 341 ± 161.6 kg, aged between three months and five years, and raised in southeastern Mexico. Linear and non-linear regressions were used to construct the prediction models. The goodness of fit of the models was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and root MSE (RMSE). Additionally, the developed models were evaluated through internal and external cross-validation (k-folds) using independent data. The ability of the fitted models to predict the observed values was assessed based on the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), R2, and mean absolute error (MAE). The relationship between BW and HW showed a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.96, P < 0.001). The chosen fitted model to predict BW was: -176.33 (± 40.83***) + 8.74 (± 1.79***) × HW + 0.04 (± 0.01*) × HW2, because it presented the lowest MSE, RMSE, and AIC values, which were 1228.64, 35.05 and 1532.41, respectively. Therefore, with reasonable accuracy, the quadratic model using hip width may be suitable for predicting body weight in buffaloes.

Compilations and updates on residual feed intake in sheep.

The increasing global demand for food and the strong effect of climate change have forced animal science to advance regarding new methods of selection in search of more efficient animals in production systems. Feed consumption represents more than 70% of the costs of sheep farms, and more efficient animals can increase the farmers' profitability. One of the main measures of feed efficiency is estimated residual feed intake (RFI), created in 1963 by Robert Koch for estimation in cattle and later adapted for sheep. Animals with negative RFI values (RFI-) are more efficient than animals with positive values (RFI+), with influence on the variables of performance, carcass quality and production of enteric gases. The RFI is the most common and accepted metric of the feed efficiency trait for genetic selection, since it is independent of growth traits, unlike the feed conversion ratio. The purpose of this review article was to present updated literature information on the relationship of RFI estimates with performance measures, molecular markers, greenhouse gas production and feed efficiency, the technical aspects and physiological basis of metabolic in sheep.

Predicting live weight using body volume formula in lactating water buffalo.

Live weight (LW) is an important piece of information within production systems, as it is related to several other economic characteristics. However, in the main buffalo-producing regions in the world, it is not common to periodically weigh the animals. We develop and evaluate linear, quadratic, and allometric mathematical models to predict LW using the body volume (BV) formula in lactating water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reared in southeastern Mexico. The LW (391.5 ± 138.9 kg) and BV (333.62 ± 58.51 dm3) were measured in 165 lactating Murrah buffalo aged between 3 and 10 years. The goodness-of-fit of the models was evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R2), mean-squared error (MSE) and root MSE (RMSE). In addition, the developed models were evaluated through cross-validation (k-folds). The ability of the fitted models to predict the observed values was evaluated based on the RMSEP, R2, and mean absolute error (MAE). LW and BV were significantly positively and strongly correlated (r = 0.81; P < 0.001). The quadratic model had the lowest values of MSE (2788.12) and RMSE (52.80). On the other hand, the allometric model showed the lowest values of BIC (1319.24) and AIC (1313.07). The Quadratic and allometric models had lower values of MSEP and MAE. We recommend the quadratic and allometric models to predict the LW of lactating Murrah buffalo using BV as a predictor.

Prediction models of intake and productive performance of non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in the feedlot system under tropical conditions.

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.

Prediction models of carcass characteristics from non­castrated Nellore cattle finished in the feedlot system under tropical conditions.

Our objective was to use measures of intake and productive performance to adjust prediction models for the carcass traits of non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in a feedlot. Individual data from 168 non-castrated male Nellore steers finished in feedlot between the years 2016-2021 were used. Descriptive statistical analyzes and Pearson correlation coefficients 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). Models for carcass yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, ribeye area, and shear force were adjusted. Means of 53.5% carcass yield, 4.8 mm subcutaneous fat thickness, 73 cm2 loin eye area, and 8.1 kg shear force were observed. The observed average intakes were 9.9 kg/day of dry matter, 3.3 kg/day of neutral detergent fiber content, 1.5 kg/day of crude protein, and 7.1 kg/day of total digestible nutrients. The average confinement time was 113 days, the average total weight gain was 152.2 kg and the average daily gain was 1.35 kg/day. Intake measures significantly correlated with shear force and subcutaneous fat thickness and ribeye area. Carcass yield was significantly correlated with total weight gain, feedlot time, and hot carcass weight. Measures of nutrient intake, performance, and confinement time can be used as predictors of carcass yield, ribeye area, fat thickness, and shear force of non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in a feedlot. The prediction equations for ribeye area, carcass yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, and shear force showed sufficient precision and accuracy for non-castrated Nellore cattle finished in confinement systems under tropical conditions. All equations can be used with caution to estimate carcass traits of cattle finished in a feedlot using measures of intake and productive performance.

Prediction of weaning weight in Santa Inês lambs using the body volume formula.

Weaning weight (WW) is one of the most important information within production systems, as it is a reflection of management during the breastfeeding phase and will influence the performance of animals in subsequent phases. This study aimed to develop and evaluate linear, quadratic, and exponential models to predict WW using the body volume (BV) formula in Santa Inês lambs for meat. Eighty-five lambs at 90 days of age with WW 17.52 ± 3.79 kg and BV 13.29 ± 2.86 dm3 were evaluated. The quality of fit of the models was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and root MSE (RMSE). For the external evaluation of the models, an independent dataset from 43 lambs at 90 days of age was used. The first-degree linear model showed the lowest values of MSE (1.02) and RMSE (1.01). In the external evaluation, all models exhibited estimates of mean WW and standard deviation of this weight similar to the external dataset, as well as high values (above 0.89) for the R2 of predicted vs. observed data. Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) analysis also revealed that all models showed accuracy and precision (CCC > 0.90). There was no difference between the models in terms of accuracy (P > 0.05). The comparison in terms of precision indicated that the linear model is more precise than the exponential model and that the quadratic model is as precise as the linear model. The first-degree linear model should be used due to its simplicity of interpretation and ease of estimation.

Predicting milk yield in Pelibuey ewes from the udder volume measurement with a simple method.

In this research communication we describe the creation of an equation for the prediction of milk yield (MY) from udder volume (UV). A total of 280 measurements were collected between 5 and 15 d postpartum (pp) from 36 multiparous Pelibuey ewes. Study variables were measured between 2 and 9 weeks pp and MY was measured by manual milking, UV prior to and following milking was measured using the technique of making moulds from aluminium foil. The MY ranged from 0.09 to 0.83 kg/d, meanwhile UV prior and following milking ranged from 155 to 1940 and 90 to 1520 cm3, respectively. Measurements of UV had a moderate to high (P < 0.01; 0.58 ≤ r ≤ 0.78) correlation with MY. The UV prior to milking was the best prediction model for MY, which explained 62% of the variation in MY. This equation presented moderate precision (r2 = 0.61) and high accuracy (bias correction factor = 0.94), confirming a good reproducibility index (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.73). Modelling efficiency (MEF = 0.59) showed moderate concordance between observed and predicted values. In conclusion, MY in lactating Pelibuey ewes could be predicted in a moderate way using the predictor variable UV measured with the technique of moulds made with aluminium foil.

Relationships among body condition score, FAMACHA© score and haematological parameters in Pelibuey ewes.

The objective of the present study was to determine the associations between the FAMACHA© score, body condition score (BCS) and several haematological parameters of Pelibuey ewes. In total, 52 clinically healthy Pelibuey ewes were evaluated in this study. A blood sample was collected from each animal to determine haematological variables. The BCS was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 and subsequently grouped into four categories: (1) < 1.5, (2) 2.0-2.5, (3) 3.0-3.5 and (4) > 4.0. The coloration of conjunctival mucosa was evaluated using the FAMACHA© system. The analysed haematological parameters were red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red blood cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) and red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW-CV). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the Pearson correlation coefficients between variables were estimated. Haematological parameters were analysed with one-way analyses of variance, and the Tukey test was applied when significant differences were detected. The FAMACHA© score was only associated with MCHC (r = - 0.30, P < 0.05). The haematological parameters of RBC count, HCT, RDW-SD and RDW-CV statistically differed among BCS groups. The BCS was associated with RBC count, HCT, RDW-SD and RDW-CV, with r values ranging from 0.35 to 0.48. The haematological values were similar to those reported in ewes from Iran and Iraq. Hence, the optimization of the BCS calculation of Pelibuey ewes can generate association tables with haematological parameters to aid in the sanitary and feeding management of sheep.

Ovarian dynamics of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) synchronized with different hormonal protocols.

The study evaluates the effect of three hormonal protocols on ovarian dynamics and progesterone (P4) secretion of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Twenty-nine pluriparous Murrah buffaloes were used. The protocols were as follows: OVSYNCH (n = 10): 100 µg of gonadorelin (day 0), 500 µg of cloprostenol (day 7), and 100 µg of gonadorelin (day 9). CIDR+EB (intravaginal device (CIDR®) + estradiol benzoate; n = 10): CIDR plus 2 mg of EB (day 0), withdrew of CIDR, 500 µg of cloprostenol (day 7) and 1 mg of EB (day 8). CIDR+eCG (n = 9): CIDR plus 2 mg of EB (day 0), withdrew of CIDR, 500 µg of cloprostenol and 400 IU of eCG (day 7). Follicles were counted with an ultrasound and measured at 0, 24, and 54 h. The maximum follicle diameter and ovulation were evaluated at 70, 80, and 94 h after CIDR withdrew. Estrous was detected per 1 h three times daily. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 10, 15, and 22 to determine P4 concentration. In CIDR+EB protocol, 50% of buffaloes presented estrous, at 69.6 h. All buffaloes ovulated. CIDR+eCG group had the shortest (69 h) ovulation time. No treatment differences for follicular population, maximum follicle diameter, and P4 concentration on days 7 and 10 (P > 0.05) were found. The P4 concentration in OVSYNCH and CIDR+eCG protocols were > 1 ng/ml, on days 15 and 22 (P < 0.05). There was no difference in ovarian activity; however, the P4 secretion was normal in the OVSYNCH and CIDR+eCG protocols compared to the CIDR+EB protocol.

Requirements of milk intake and intake of milk components for pre-weaning growth of Pelibuey lambs.

The objective of the present study was to determine the needs of milk intake (MI) and their components (i.e., lactose, fat, protein, and energy) to increase the average daily gain (ADG) of Pelibuey lambs during the pre-weaning period. Data of 62 lambs were used (35 males and 27 females; 32 of single lambing and 30 twins). All lambs were housed in individual pens with their mothers during the first 45 days post-lambing, without access to mother's food. Every 10 d, MI was estimated by the double lamb weighing method, and then, the intake of each milk component was calculated, considering both milk chemical composition and its estimated intake. The ADG was associated with MI and its components through a linear regression analysis. All milk variables were highly (P < 0.05; 0.69 ≤ r ≤ 0.85) correlated with ADG. The ADG explained (P < 0.0001) between 48 and 72% of the variation observed for MI and its components, being lower for fat intake and higher for MI. Given the positive slope parameter (ß1), an increase of one kilogram of body weight required intakes of 3.1 kg of milk, 117 g of fat, 203 g of protein, 187 g of lactose, or 16.8 MJ of energy. In conclusion, Pelibuey lambs to gain one kilogram of live weight during the pre-weaning period need to consume 3.1 kg of milk having an adequate amount of protein, fat, lactose, and energy.

Study of gastrointestinal parasites in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reared under Mexican humid tropical conditions.

The objective was to determine the frequency of gastrointestinal parasites (GP) genera affecting water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reared under humid tropical conditions of Mexico. Three hundred eighty-three Munrah breed water buffalo were included, 251 adult females and 132 calves. Feces were directly collected form the rectum of the animals and processed by the McMaster technique. Coprocultures were made to identify the genera of the nematodes. The frequency of GP in B. bubalis was 42%, independently of their age, 60% of calves resulted parasitized. Age had a strong association with the presence of GP (Xi2 = 77.4014, d.f. = 1, p = 0.001). The family Trichostrongylidae was found in both age groups. The genera identified were Strongyloides sp. (47.2%), Cooperia sp. (33.9%), and Haemonchus sp. (10.4%), as well as Eimeria sp., Moniezia sp., Trichuris sp., and Strongyloides sp. The highest parasite burden corresponded to the genus Strongyloides sp. with 1108.9 EPG. There is a need to carry out further studies in order to know the prevalence and incidence of nematode affecting to B. bubalis as an introduced animal species to Mexican tropics.

A meta-analysis of essential oils as a dietary additive for weaned piglets: Growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal morphology.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with EOS on growth performance, blood serum antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets using a meta-analytical approach. The database included 31 studies from which the response variables of interest were obtained. All data were analyzed using a random effects model, and results were expressed as weighted mean differences between treatments supplemented with and without EOS. EOS supplementation increased (P < 0.001) average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and final body weight and decreased (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio and diarrhea incidence. Lower (P = 0.001) serum malondialdehyde content and higher (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity were observed in response to the dietary inclusion of EOS. EOS supplementation increased (P < 0.001) the serum concentration of immunoglobulins A, G, and M and decreased (P < 0.05) the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6. Greater (P ≤ 0.001) villus height (VH) was observed in the jejunum and ileum in response to the dietary inclusion of EOS. However, EOS supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) crypt depth (CD) and decreased (P < 0.001) the VH/CD ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In conclusion, essential oils can be used as a dietary additive to improve growth performance and reduce the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets and, at the same time, improve the antioxidant status in blood serum, immune response, and intestinal morphology.

Dry matter intake and digestibility of rations replacing concentrates with graded levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum in Pelibuey lambs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum pods in the ration on feed intake and digestibility by Pelibuey lambs. Five dietary treatments were imposed where ground pods replaced concentrate diet at 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % of dry matter (DM), respectively. The concentrate portion was composed of ground sorghum, soybean meal, cane molasses and minerals. Five entire Pelibuey lambs with initial bodyweight 34 ± 2 kg were allocated in the treatments in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Values of dry matter intake (DMI) and dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) digestibility were measured and metabolisable energy intake (MEI) estimated. Rumen degradation constants for E. cyclocarpum were also measured. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in average DMI (86.6 g/kg(0.75)) and OMI (81.2 g/kg(0.75)) among treatments. As the level of incorporation of E. cyclocarpum pods increased, voluntary DMI and OMI increased, whereas apparent DMD and OMD decreased linearly. Average digestible DM (65 g/kg(0.75)) and OM (61 g/kg(0.75)) intakes were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Similarly, MEI (0.976 MJ ME kg(0.75)/day) was not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. The potential rumen degradation (A + B) of ground pods of E. cyclocarpum was 866.4 g/kg DM. Ground pods of E. cyclocarpum can be employed for lamb feeding up to 50 % of the ration, without affecting DMI, DM apparent digestibility and MEI.

Meta-analysis of flavonoids use into beef and dairy cattle diet: Performance, antioxidant status, ruminal fermentation, meat quality, and milk composition.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with flavonoids (FLAs) on animal performance, diet digestibility, antioxidant status in blood serum, rumen parameters, meat quality, and milk composition in beef and dairy cattle through a meta-analysis. Thirty-six peer-reviewed publications were included in the data set. The weighted mean differences (WMD) between the FLAs treatments and the control treatment were used to assess the effect size. Dietary supplementation with FLAs decreased feed conversion ratio (WMD = -0.340 kg/kg; p = 0.050) and increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.191 kg/d), dry matter digestibility (WMD = 15.283 g/kg of DM), and daily weight gain (WMD = 0.061 kg/d). In blood serum, FLAs supplementation decreased the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (WMD = -0.779 nmol/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) the serum concentration of superoxide dismutase (WMD = 8.516 U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (WMD = 12.400 U/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 0.771 U/mL). A higher ruminal propionate concentration (WMD = 0.926 mol/100 mol; p = 008) was observed in response to FLAs supplementation. In meat, the dietary inclusion of FLAs decreased (p < 0.05) shear force (WMD = -1.018 kgf/cm2), malondialdehyde content (WMD = -0.080 mg/kg of meat), and yellowness (WMD = -0.460). Supplementation with FLAs decreased milk somatic cell count (WMD = -0.251 × 103 cells/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) milk production (WMD = 1.348 kg/d), milk protein content (WMD = 0.080/100 g) and milk fat content (WMD = 0.142/100 g). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FLAs improves animal performance and nutrient digestibility in cattle. In addition, FLAs improve the antioxidant status in blood serum and the quality of meat and milk.

Using plant-based compounds as preservatives for meat products: A review.

The susceptibility of meat and meat products (MP) to oxidation and microbial deterioration poses a risk to the nutritional quality, safety, and shelf life of the product. This analysis provides a brief overview of how bioactive compounds (BC) impact meat and MP preservation, and how they can be utilized for preservation purposes. The use of BC, particularly plant-based antioxidants, can reduce the rate of auto-oxidation and microbial growth, thereby extending the shelf life of MP. These BC include polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, and coumarins, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Bioactive compounds can act as preservatives and improve the sensory and physicochemical properties of MP when added under appropriate conditions and concentrations. However, the inappropriate extraction, concentration, or addition of BC can also lead to undesired effects. Nonetheless, BC have not been associated with chronic-degenerative diseases and are considered safe for human consumption. MP auto-oxidation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species, biogenic amines, malonaldehyde (MDA), and metmyoglobin oxidation products, which are detrimental to human health. The addition of BC at a concentration ranging from 0.025 to 2.5% (w/w in powdered or v/w in oil or liquid extracts) can act as a preservative, improving color, texture, and shelf life. The combination of BC with other techniques, such as encapsulation and the use of intelligent films, can further extend the shelf life of MP. In the future, it will be necessary to examine the phytochemical profile of plants that have been used in traditional medicine and cooking for generations to determine their feasibility in MP preservation.

Carcass composition and physicochemical and sensory attributes of breast and leg meat from native Mexican guajolote (Meleagris g. gallopavo) as influenced by sex.

The aim of the study was to compare carcass composition and physicochemical and sensory attributes of breast and leg meat from native Mexican guajolote (Meleagris g. gallopavo) as influenced by sex. For this, slaughter weight and carcass characteristics of male (n=8) and female (n=8) guajolotes raised traditionally under extensive systems with similar housing and feeding conditions were recorded. Also, physical characteristics, proximate composition, the fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes were determined in breast and leg meat using standard procedures. The results showed that males had higher (P<0.001) slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights, and dressing percentage, as well as carcass part weights, while females had higher (P<0.001) abdominal fat weights than males. The lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and drip loss values of breast meat, as well as redness (a*) and water-holding capacity values of leg meat, were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by sex. Male breast meat had higher (P<0.05) moisture content, crude protein, erucic acid (C22:1n9), ∑ MUFAs (total monounsaturated fatty acids), ∑ UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids), ∑ DFAs (desirable fatty acids), ∑ UFA / ∑ SFA (total saturated fatty acid) ratio, ∑ PUFA (total polyunsaturated fatty acid) / ∑ SFA ratio, and chewiness scores than females. Likewise, leg meat from males showed higher (P<0.05) ash content, myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1n9c), palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7), ∑ SFAs, ∑ OFAs (odd fatty acids), thrombogenic index, and atherogenic index, whereas females had high fat content. In conclusion, it would be suggested that, from a nutritional point of view, the meat from male guajolotes was preferable to the meat from females.

In Vitro Digestibility and Models of Cumulative Gas Production of Forage-Free Diet.

Our objectives were to evaluate the use of cottonseed cake in replacing corn silage in a diet without forage and to identify the model with higher precision and accuracy of adjustment of parameters of ruminal degradation kinetics. A diet containing corn silage and another with cottonseed cake as a fiber source were formulated. Gompertz, Dual-pool Logistic, Brody, and Ørskov models were evaluated for goodness of fit to gas production. There were significant differences in dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the in vitro digestibility for diets and fiber sources. The estimated values of the Gompertz (6.77), Brody (6.72), and Ørskov (6.73) models were similar to the observed mean of gas production in the corn silage diet (6.73 mL/100 mg DM). Similarly, the estimated values of the Brody (5.87) and Ørskov (5.89) models were similar to the observed mean of gas production in the cottonseed cake diet (5.87 mL/100 mg DM). The roughage-free diet containing cottonseed cake as a fiber source stimulated higher gas production. Brody and Ørskov models presented higher precision and accuracy in the fitting of kinetics of degradation independent of the fiber source in the diet.

Towards the Estimation of Body Weight in Sheep Using Metaheuristic Algorithms from Biometric Parameters in Microsystems.

The Body Weight (BW) of sheep is an important indicator for producers. Genetic management, nutrition, and health activities can benefit from weight monitoring. This article presents a polynomial model with an adjustable degree for estimating the weight of sheep from the biometric parameters of the animal. Computer vision tools were used to measure these parameters, obtaining a margin of error of less than 5%. A polynomial model is proposed after the parameters were obtained, where a coefficient and an unknown exponent go with each biometric variable. Two metaheuristic algorithms determine the values of these constants. The first is the most extended algorithm, the Genetic Algorithm (GA). Subsequently, the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) has a similar performance to the GA, which indicates that the value obtained by the GA is not a local optimum due to the poor parameter selection in the GA. The results show a Root-Mean-Squared Error (RMSE) of 7.68% for the GA and an RMSE of 7.55% for the CSA, proving the feasibility of the mathematical model for estimating the weight from biometric parameters. The proposed mathematical model, as well as the estimation of the biometric parameters can be easily adapted to an embedded microsystem.

A Brief Update on the Challenges and Prospects for Goat Production in Mexico.

In Mexico, information on goat production is scarce and documenting goat production challenges and future perspectives could be of great value, not only for Latin America, but also for international players-including those from farms, industry, and academia. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide current knowledge on goat production systems in Mexico and discuss current challenges and future perspectives for this animal production sector. In Mexico, more than 70% of goats are produced under extensive production systems in arid and semi-arid areas and roughly 25% are produced in intensive or semi-intensive systems. Main breeds are French Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, LaMancha, Nubian, Boer, and their crosses. The main challenges are correlated at different levels, where economic, social, and environmental issues are mixed and are closely associated with goat health and welfare. Newly available farming technologies could be an option that should be explored. Mexican goat farming systems will need to look at the animal, social, and environmental factors to promote sustainable production systems.

Characteristics of growth, carcass and meat quality of sheep with different feed efficiency phenotypes.

The objective was to evaluate the performance, carcass and meat quality of 40 lambs classified by RFI (residual feed intake) and RIG (residual intake and gain). Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded to calculate the RFI and RIG, classified as efficient, moderately or inefficient. After the confinement period, they were slaughtered and the carcass and meat quality were determined. The efficient animals had DMI scores of 0.700 RFI and 0.400 kg/d RIG, lower than the inefficient ones with similar weight gain. The RFI efficient animals showed greater shear force, without effect in the RIG classification. In general, the variables analyzed were not influenced by RFI or RIG. Efficiency measures do not affect the carcass and meat quality of sheep, but they do have the advantage of identifying animals with lower feed consumption, making the system more efficient. However, as the dataset is limited to fully assess the effects, this manuscript can be used as preliminary results for future studies.