This study aimed to estimate the net and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance (NEm, MEm) and gain (NEg, MEg), along with the efficiencies of metabolizable energy utilization for maintenance (km) and weight gain (kg), in intact male guinea pigs of the Peru breed. Sixty animals were assigned to three feeding levels: ad libitum, restricted (75 % of ad libitum intake), and maintenance (150–160 kcal DE/kg BW0.75/day). A metabolism trial and a comparative slaughter technique were employed to determine gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), heat production (HP), and retained energy (RE). NEm and MEm were estimated at 100 and 149 kcal/kg EBW⁰·⁷⁵/day, respectively, with corresponding efficiencies km and kg of 67 % and 48 %. The NEg requirement increased with both body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG), ranging from 15.3 to 18.7 kcal/day for 5 g DWG in animals weighing 900 to 1200 g. The NEg ranged between 3.06 and 3.74 kcal/g of BW gained, with higher values attributed to increased fat deposition. These findings highlight the importance of considering both growth rate and body composition in energy requirement estimations. The results support the development of more accurate and tailored feeding systems for guinea pigs raised for meat production.
{"title":"Net energy requirements for maintenance and weight gain in male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of the Peru breed","authors":"W.A. Tapie , S.L. Posada-Ochoa , J.R. Rosero-Noguera","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to estimate the net and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance (NE<sub>m</sub>, ME<sub>m</sub>) and gain (NE<sub>g</sub>, ME<sub>g</sub>), along with the efficiencies of metabolizable energy utilization for maintenance (<em>k<sub>m</sub></em>) and weight gain (<em>k<sub>g</sub></em>), in intact male guinea pigs of the Peru breed. Sixty animals were assigned to three feeding levels: <em>ad libitum</em>, restricted (75 % of <em>ad libitum</em> intake), and maintenance (150–160 kcal DE/kg BW<sup>0.75</sup>/day). A metabolism trial and a comparative slaughter technique were employed to determine gross energy intake (GEI), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), heat production (HP), and retained energy (RE). NE<sub>m</sub> and ME<sub>m</sub> were estimated at 100 and 149 kcal/kg EBW⁰·⁷⁵/day, respectively, with corresponding efficiencies <em>k<sub>m</sub></em> and <em>k<sub>g</sub></em> of 67 % and 48 %. The NE<sub>g</sub> requirement increased with both body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG), ranging from 15.3 to 18.7 kcal/day for 5 g DWG in animals weighing 900 to 1200 g. The NE<sub>g</sub> ranged between 3.06 and 3.74 kcal/g of BW gained, with higher values attributed to increased fat deposition. These findings highlight the importance of considering both growth rate and body composition in energy requirement estimations. The results support the development of more accurate and tailored feeding systems for guinea pigs raised for meat production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105700"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105698
Inalene De Klerk , Arnold Hugo , Abraham Vlok Ferreira , Michael Denis Fair , Ockert Bernard Einkamerer
<div><div>A trial was conducted studying the effect of reducing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content in the diet of finishing South African Mutton Merino wether lambs on meat fatty acid (FA) composition, tenderness and stability. Fifty four-month-old lambs (29.14±1.66 kg; mean±SD) were assigned at random to the five dietary treatments with <em>n</em> = 10 lambs per treatment (<em>n</em> = 1 lamb per replicate), culminating into a randomised trial design. The lambs were housed individually in pens (1.404 m²) on elevated wooden slatted floors. Five dietary treatments similar in nitrogen content were formulated differing in respect to the NDF content thereof. Treatments were described as containing 379 (CON), 314 (NDF1), 251 (NDF2), 192 (NDF3) and 143 (NDF4) gram NDF/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. The production study was conducted over a period of 61 days. Means were analysed using the LSMEANS/DIFF with treatment as fixed effect, and post hoc using Tukey's HSD test. Regression analyses was conducted by PROC REG. All estimates were tested at the 5 % probability level. A reducing dietary NDF content linearly decreased the stearic and α-linolenic acid content of South African Mutton Merino muscle tissue, but linearly increased the palmitic, palmitoleic, vaccenic, linoleic acid, total omega-6 (n-6) and n-6:omega-3 (n-3) ratio, as well as ∆<sup>9</sup> desaturase index of the same tissue. Subcutaneous lipid tissue was more extensively affected by dietary treatment and linearly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) oleic, vaccenic, linoleic and arachidonic acid content, ∆<sup>9</sup> desaturase index, as well as total mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), n-6, n-6:n-3 and PUFA:SFA ratios following decreased dietary NDF content. In contrast, adipose tissue lipid content, stearic acid and total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, as well as atherogenicity index linearly decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) following a decreased dietary NDF content. Treatment did not affect the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA: C18:2c9,t11) content of lamb muscle or adipose tissue. Reducing dietary NDF content linearly decreased lamb <em>longissimus</em> muscle tissue lightness (L*) of day-4 and day-8 storage samples, yellowness (b*) and hue angle of the fresh (day-0) and day-8 samples, as well as chroma of the day-8 sample. In contrast, the redness (a*) of the day-8 storage muscle tissue increased linearly following a decrease in dietary NDF content. Dietary treatment had no effect on <em>longissimus</em> muscle tenderness nor oxidative stability. The advantage of reducing the NDF contend of a finishing diet for South African Mutton Merino lambs seems to favourably affect the PUFA:SFA ratio of subcutaneous lipid tissue, but negatively affect the n-6:n-3 ratio of both lipid and muscle tissue, whereas the total n-3 content was left unaffected. A lipid source high in n-3 would be of benefit if added to a low-NDF fini
{"title":"The effect of finishing diet neutral detergent fibre content on South African Mutton Merino lamb performance, meat fatty acid composition, tenderness and stability","authors":"Inalene De Klerk , Arnold Hugo , Abraham Vlok Ferreira , Michael Denis Fair , Ockert Bernard Einkamerer","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A trial was conducted studying the effect of reducing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content in the diet of finishing South African Mutton Merino wether lambs on meat fatty acid (FA) composition, tenderness and stability. Fifty four-month-old lambs (29.14±1.66 kg; mean±SD) were assigned at random to the five dietary treatments with <em>n</em> = 10 lambs per treatment (<em>n</em> = 1 lamb per replicate), culminating into a randomised trial design. The lambs were housed individually in pens (1.404 m²) on elevated wooden slatted floors. Five dietary treatments similar in nitrogen content were formulated differing in respect to the NDF content thereof. Treatments were described as containing 379 (CON), 314 (NDF1), 251 (NDF2), 192 (NDF3) and 143 (NDF4) gram NDF/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. The production study was conducted over a period of 61 days. Means were analysed using the LSMEANS/DIFF with treatment as fixed effect, and post hoc using Tukey's HSD test. Regression analyses was conducted by PROC REG. All estimates were tested at the 5 % probability level. A reducing dietary NDF content linearly decreased the stearic and α-linolenic acid content of South African Mutton Merino muscle tissue, but linearly increased the palmitic, palmitoleic, vaccenic, linoleic acid, total omega-6 (n-6) and n-6:omega-3 (n-3) ratio, as well as ∆<sup>9</sup> desaturase index of the same tissue. Subcutaneous lipid tissue was more extensively affected by dietary treatment and linearly increased (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) oleic, vaccenic, linoleic and arachidonic acid content, ∆<sup>9</sup> desaturase index, as well as total mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), n-6, n-6:n-3 and PUFA:SFA ratios following decreased dietary NDF content. In contrast, adipose tissue lipid content, stearic acid and total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, as well as atherogenicity index linearly decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) following a decreased dietary NDF content. Treatment did not affect the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA: C18:2c9,t11) content of lamb muscle or adipose tissue. Reducing dietary NDF content linearly decreased lamb <em>longissimus</em> muscle tissue lightness (L*) of day-4 and day-8 storage samples, yellowness (b*) and hue angle of the fresh (day-0) and day-8 samples, as well as chroma of the day-8 sample. In contrast, the redness (a*) of the day-8 storage muscle tissue increased linearly following a decrease in dietary NDF content. Dietary treatment had no effect on <em>longissimus</em> muscle tenderness nor oxidative stability. The advantage of reducing the NDF contend of a finishing diet for South African Mutton Merino lambs seems to favourably affect the PUFA:SFA ratio of subcutaneous lipid tissue, but negatively affect the n-6:n-3 ratio of both lipid and muscle tissue, whereas the total n-3 content was left unaffected. A lipid source high in n-3 would be of benefit if added to a low-NDF fini","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-02DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105694
Alan Figueiredo de Oliveira , Edilane Costa Martins , Ramon Costa Alvarenga , Mônica Matoso Campanha , Bruno José Rodrigues Alves , Letícia Gobbo Oliveira , Leandro Sâmia Lopes , Ângela Maria Quintão Lana
Excreta from confined beef cattle are sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; however, little is known about the effects of different concentrate:roughage ratios and cattle breeds on these emissions. This study evaluates methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the excreta of Nellore or crossbred (Nellore × Angus) beef cattle that are fed diets containing 65% or 85% of concentrates under tropical conditions. The excreta were applied to the floor of feedlot pens, and N2O and CH4 emission rates were monitored for 84 days in static chambers. The animals were confined for 106 days to evaluate their intake, weight gain and feed efficiency. In addition to average emission rates, emissions from excreta were estimated based on ratios per kg of dry matter intake (DMI; CH4/DMI and N2O/DMI) and per kg of weight gain (average daily weight gain, ADG; CH4/ADG and N2O/ADG). The data were subjected to variance analysis in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, and the means were compared using a Tukey test (P < 0.05). Results indicated that CH4 emissions were 2.40 times higher from the excreta of crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle (P < 0.039). N2O emissions were 50.1% lower from the excreta of animals consuming diets with low concentrate:roughage ratios than in those consuming diets with high concentrate:roughage ratios. The CH4/DMI and CH4/ADG ratios were higher in the excreta of crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle. The N2O/ADG and N2O/DMI ratios in the excreta of animals fed with high concentrate:roughage ratios were also 18.2% and 36.1% higher in crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle. The N2O/DMI and N2O/ADG ratios in the excreta of crossbred and Nellore cattle were lower when fed with diets containing low compared to high concentrate:roughage ratios. The results suggest that crossbred animals with more concentrate feed diets emit more CH4 and N2O from their excreta. This is the first study to report that Nellore cattle, the predominant breed in Brazil, and diets with lower concentrate:roughage ratios may be associated with a reduced potential for GHG emissions from excreta in confined beef cattle under tropical conditions.
{"title":"Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from excreta of different beef cattle breeds fed with different concentrate:roughage ratios and finished in feedlots under tropical conditions","authors":"Alan Figueiredo de Oliveira , Edilane Costa Martins , Ramon Costa Alvarenga , Mônica Matoso Campanha , Bruno José Rodrigues Alves , Letícia Gobbo Oliveira , Leandro Sâmia Lopes , Ângela Maria Quintão Lana","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Excreta from confined beef cattle are sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; however, little is known about the effects of different concentrate:roughage ratios and cattle breeds on these emissions. This study evaluates methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) emissions from the excreta of Nellore or crossbred (Nellore × Angus) beef cattle that are fed diets containing 65% or 85% of concentrates under tropical conditions. The excreta were applied to the floor of feedlot pens, and N<sub>2</sub>O and CH<sub>4</sub> emission rates were monitored for 84 days in static chambers. The animals were confined for 106 days to evaluate their intake, weight gain and feed efficiency. In addition to average emission rates, emissions from excreta were estimated based on ratios per kg of dry matter intake (DMI; CH<sub>4</sub>/DMI and N<sub>2</sub>O/DMI) and per kg of weight gain (average daily weight gain, ADG; CH<sub>4</sub>/ADG and N<sub>2</sub>O/ADG). The data were subjected to variance analysis in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, and the means were compared using a Tukey test (P < 0.05). Results indicated that CH<sub>4</sub> emissions were 2.40 times higher from the excreta of crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle (P < 0.039). N<sub>2</sub>O emissions were 50.1% lower from the excreta of animals consuming diets with low concentrate:roughage ratios than in those consuming diets with high concentrate:roughage ratios. The CH<sub>4</sub>/DMI and CH<sub>4</sub>/ADG ratios were higher in the excreta of crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle. The N<sub>2</sub>O/ADG and N<sub>2</sub>O/DMI ratios in the excreta of animals fed with high concentrate:roughage ratios were also 18.2% and 36.1% higher in crossbred cattle than in Nellore cattle. The N<sub>2</sub>O/DMI and N<sub>2</sub>O/ADG ratios in the excreta of crossbred and Nellore cattle were lower when fed with diets containing low compared to high concentrate:roughage ratios. The results suggest that crossbred animals with more concentrate feed diets emit more CH<sub>4</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O from their excreta. This is the first study to report that Nellore cattle, the predominant breed in Brazil, and diets with lower concentrate:roughage ratios may be associated with a reduced potential for GHG emissions from excreta in confined beef cattle under tropical conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105694"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-02DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105695
M.J. Kelly , A.P. Moloney , A.K. Kelly , M. McGee
Increasing awareness of feed-food competition means the inclusion of human-inedible by-product feed ingredients rather than cereals in concentrate feedstuffs for beef cattle is now preferred. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the complete replacement of soya bean meal and partial replacement of rolled barley with increasing levels of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) in the concentrate supplement to grass silage on intake, growth, carcass traits and meat quality attributes of finishing beef cattle. The control concentrate (DCGF-0) was based on rolled barley (865 g/kg fresh weight) and soya bean meal (60 g/kg fresh weight). In three other concentrates, barley and all the soya bean meal was replaced with either 250 g/kg (DCGF-250), 500 g/kg (DCGF-500) or 750 g/kg (DCGF-750) fresh weight of DCGF. Forty-eight late-maturing breed suckler steers were individually offered Lolium perenne dominant grass silage ad libitum supplemented with 4.0 kg dry matter (DM) of the respective concentrates daily, for 124 days. Inclusion of DCGF in the concentrate had no effect on silage DM intake, daily live weight gain, feed conversion ratio, pre-slaughter weight, ultrasonic measures of body fat, carcass weight, estimated carcass gain, kill-out proportion, carcass conformation score, carcass fat score, carcass fat depth or on subcutaneous fat redness, yellowness and saturation. There was a linear increase (P < 0.01) in subcutaneous fat lightness and hue as DCGF inclusion level increased. Inclusion of DCGF in the concentrate had no effect on ultimate pH, temperature, drip loss, colour or meat sensory characteristics of the M. Longissimus dorsi muscle. Under the conditions of this experiment, DCGF had a feeding value comparable to that of rolled barley (+ soya bean meal) with little effect on meat quality, when included at up to 750 g/kg fresh weight in a concentrate supplement to grass silage. The overall implication of these findings is that the human-edible food-feed efficiency of beef production can be enhanced further by the use of DCGF.
{"title":"Intake, feed efficiency, carcass traits, muscle colour and sensory characteristics of beef from steers offered grass silage and barley-based supplementary concentrates with increasing levels of dry corn gluten feed","authors":"M.J. Kelly , A.P. Moloney , A.K. Kelly , M. McGee","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasing awareness of feed-food competition means the inclusion of human-inedible by-product feed ingredients rather than cereals in concentrate feedstuffs for beef cattle is now preferred. The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the complete replacement of soya bean meal and partial replacement of rolled barley with increasing levels of dry corn gluten feed (DCGF) in the concentrate supplement to grass silage on intake, growth, carcass traits and meat quality attributes of finishing beef cattle. The control concentrate (DCGF-0) was based on rolled barley (865 g/kg fresh weight) and soya bean meal (60 g/kg fresh weight). In three other concentrates, barley and all the soya bean meal was replaced with either 250 g/kg (DCGF-250), 500 g/kg (DCGF-500) or 750 g/kg (DCGF-750) fresh weight of DCGF. Forty-eight late-maturing breed suckler steers were individually offered <em>Lolium perenne</em> dominant grass silage <em>ad libitum</em> supplemented with 4.0 kg dry matter (DM) of the respective concentrates daily, for 124 days. Inclusion of DCGF in the concentrate had no effect on silage DM intake, daily live weight gain, feed conversion ratio, pre-slaughter weight, ultrasonic measures of body fat, carcass weight, estimated carcass gain, kill-out proportion, carcass conformation score, carcass fat score, carcass fat depth or on subcutaneous fat redness, yellowness and saturation. There was a linear increase (<em>P</em> < 0.01) in subcutaneous fat lightness and hue as DCGF inclusion level increased. Inclusion of DCGF in the concentrate had no effect on ultimate pH, temperature, drip loss, colour or meat sensory characteristics of the <em>M. Longissimus dorsi</em> muscle. Under the conditions of this experiment, DCGF had a feeding value comparable to that of rolled barley (+ soya bean meal) with little effect on meat quality, when included at up to 750 g/kg fresh weight in a concentrate supplement to grass silage. The overall implication of these findings is that the human-edible food-feed efficiency of beef production can be enhanced further by the use of DCGF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105695"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-31DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105693
Jana Musinska , Sylvie Skalickova , Pavel Nevrkla , Tomas Kopec , Pavel Horky
Virtual fencing systems are an innovative technology that uses GPS and wireless signals to create an invisible barrier around a designated area. It simplifies the work of the farmer, allows for easy paddock rotation, and enables real-time monitoring of the herd and animal behavior. However, more research and development is needed to fully realize the benefits of this technology. This review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and map the existing literature on the effectiveness and reliability of virtual fencing and its multifaceted impact on the welfare of cattle, considering both the positive effects and potential challenges associated with this technology.
Studies have shown that virtual fencing is highly effective and reliable for cattle. Although there have been cases of cattle crossing the virtual boundary, the vast majority of the time, the animals stayed within the designated area. It is important to provide a learning period where the animals learn to respond to the acoustic signal and respect the virtual boundary. Studies have not found any negative impact on welfare when using virtual fencing compared to conventional fences. However, future studies should focus on improving the accuracy of the system, developing alternative aversive stimuli, optimizing training protocols, investigating interindividual differences among animals, social learning and the long term effect of virtual fencing on the welfare of animals.
{"title":"Unlocking potential, facing challenges: A review evaluating virtual fencing for sustainable cattle management","authors":"Jana Musinska , Sylvie Skalickova , Pavel Nevrkla , Tomas Kopec , Pavel Horky","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Virtual fencing systems are an innovative technology that uses GPS and wireless signals to create an invisible barrier around a designated area. It simplifies the work of the farmer, allows for easy paddock rotation, and enables real-time monitoring of the herd and animal behavior. However, more research and development is needed to fully realize the benefits of this technology. This review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and map the existing literature on the effectiveness and reliability of virtual fencing and its multifaceted impact on the welfare of cattle, considering both the positive effects and potential challenges associated with this technology.</div><div>Studies have shown that virtual fencing is highly effective and reliable for cattle. Although there have been cases of cattle crossing the virtual boundary, the vast majority of the time, the animals stayed within the designated area. It is important to provide a learning period where the animals learn to respond to the acoustic signal and respect the virtual boundary. Studies have not found any negative impact on welfare when using virtual fencing compared to conventional fences. However, future studies should focus on improving the accuracy of the system, developing alternative aversive stimuli, optimizing training protocols, investigating interindividual differences among animals, social learning and the long term effect of virtual fencing on the welfare of animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105693"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-31DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105692
Kai Yang, Shuo Yang, Zixuan Tie, Zhenxin Li, Meinan Ji, Kun Wang, Shugui Zheng, Fangfang Li
The present study aimed to investigate the influence on caecal microbial communities of the supplementation of raffinose (RA) in rabbit's diet, also considering apparent digestibility and caecal fermentation. Rabbits (n = 120) with a similar weight were randomly divided into four groups and fed a basal diet (RA0) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg RA (RA0.5), 1 g/kg RA (RA1) and 2 g/kg RA (RA2), respectively. 16 s rRNA high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 segment of the bacterial was performed on each group (n = 6). The results showed that, compared with the control group, dietary 0.5 g/kg RA inclusion improved the digestibility of crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of volatile fatty acids, including propionate and butyrate, in the RA0.5 and RA1 groups were increased compared with the RA0 group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the microbiota diversity and richness of the cecum in RA0.5 group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at the phylum level, dietary 0.5 g/kg RA increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria (P < 0.05); At the genus level, feeding 0.5 g/kg RA increased the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum (P < 0.05). Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis revealed potential metabolic changes associated with RA treatment, the microbial genes involved in the chlorocyclohexane and chlorobenzene degradation, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism and methane metabolism pathways were all decreased in the present study (P < 0.05). Overall, diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg RA is effective in improving CP digestibility and caecal fermentation, optimizing the cecum microflora of rabbits.
{"title":"Investigation of apparent digestibility, caecal fermentation and microbiota of rabbit fed with raffinose","authors":"Kai Yang, Shuo Yang, Zixuan Tie, Zhenxin Li, Meinan Ji, Kun Wang, Shugui Zheng, Fangfang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aimed to investigate the influence on caecal microbial communities of the supplementation of raffinose (RA) in rabbit's diet, also considering apparent digestibility and caecal fermentation. Rabbits (<em>n</em> = 120) with a similar weight were randomly divided into four groups and fed a basal diet (RA0) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg RA (RA0.5), 1 g/kg RA (RA1) and 2 g/kg RA (RA2), respectively. 16 s rRNA high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 segment of the bacterial was performed on each group (<em>n</em> = 6). The results showed that, compared with the control group, dietary 0.5 g/kg RA inclusion improved the digestibility of crude protein (CP) (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of volatile fatty acids, including propionate and butyrate, in the RA0.5 and RA1 groups were increased compared with the RA0 group (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Moreover, the microbiota diversity and richness of the cecum in RA0.5 group were significantly higher than other groups (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Furthermore, at the phylum level, dietary 0.5 g/kg RA increased the relative abundance of <em>Bacteroidetes</em> and <em>Actinobacteria</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05); At the genus level, feeding 0.5 g/kg RA increased the relative abundance of <em>Subdoligranulum</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis revealed potential metabolic changes associated with RA treatment, the microbial genes involved in the chlorocyclohexane and chlorobenzene degradation, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism and methane metabolism pathways were all decreased in the present study (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Overall, diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg RA is effective in improving CP digestibility and caecal fermentation, optimizing the cecum microflora of rabbits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105692"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143769000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-28DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105690
Qasim Mashood , Anna Wallenbeck , Susanne Eriksson , Anna M. Johansson , Anders H. Karlsson , Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist
Pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like zones in pork is a growing concern, affecting several meat quality attributes as well as production economics. This study investigates the prevalence and severity of PSE-like zones in Swedish commercial crossbred pigs (Yorkshire dam x Hampshire sire), focusing on the effects of the key factors such as season, gender, slaughter weight and technological meat quality traits. A total of 192 pigs were sampled during four seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer) and assessed for post-slaughter PSE-like zones. Results revealed that season significantly influenced the prevalence of PSE-like zones, with a notably lower prevalence observed in summer compared to other seasons. Gender differences were also significant, with female pigs showing a higher incidence of PSE-like zones compared to immuno-castrated males. Additionally, slaughter weight was significantly associated with the prevalence of PSE-like zones, while the proportion of affected muscle weight notably influenced severity levels. Among technological meat quality traits, lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) showed strong associations with both prevalence and severity, while redness (a*) demonstrated a significant association solely with severity. Additionally, ultimate temperature (Temp24h) had a significant effect on prevalence of PSE-like zones. These findings underscore the importance of season-specific environmental management and handling practices to minimize the prevalence and severity of PSE-like zones. Future strategies integrating genetic selection, stress reduction measures, and optimized slaughter processes hold potential for improving meat quality outcomes in commercial pork production systems.
{"title":"Prevalence and severity of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like zones in crossbred pigs (Yorkshire x Hampshire): Insights into season, gender, slaughter weight and technological meat traits","authors":"Qasim Mashood , Anna Wallenbeck , Susanne Eriksson , Anna M. Johansson , Anders H. Karlsson , Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like zones in pork is a growing concern, affecting several meat quality attributes as well as production economics. This study investigates the prevalence and severity of PSE-like zones in Swedish commercial crossbred pigs (Yorkshire dam x Hampshire sire), focusing on the effects of the key factors such as season, gender, slaughter weight and technological meat quality traits. A total of 192 pigs were sampled during four seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer) and assessed for post-slaughter PSE-like zones. Results revealed that season significantly influenced the prevalence of PSE-like zones, with a notably lower prevalence observed in summer compared to other seasons. Gender differences were also significant, with female pigs showing a higher incidence of PSE-like zones compared to immuno-castrated males. Additionally, slaughter weight was significantly associated with the prevalence of PSE-like zones, while the proportion of affected muscle weight notably influenced severity levels. Among technological meat quality traits, lightness (<em>L*</em>) and yellowness (<em>b*</em>) showed strong associations with both prevalence and severity, while redness (<em>a*</em>) demonstrated a significant association solely with severity. Additionally, ultimate temperature (Temp<sub>24h</sub>) had a significant effect on prevalence of PSE-like zones. These findings underscore the importance of season-specific environmental management and handling practices to minimize the prevalence and severity of PSE-like zones. Future strategies integrating genetic selection, stress reduction measures, and optimized slaughter processes hold potential for improving meat quality outcomes in commercial pork production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105690"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-28DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105691
Cristian Silva Teixeira , Yame Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva , Pedro Vital Brasil Ramos , Eula Regina Carrara , José Teodoro de Paiva , Daniele Botelho Diniz Marques , Moysés Nascimento , Ana Carolina Campana Nascimento , Tiago Toledo Bittencourt e Alves , Paulo Sávio Lopes , Fabyano Fonseca e Silva
Our aim was to assess the reduction of computational demand compared to traditional multivariate analyzes, as well as identify latent variables with biological relevance (pseudo-phenotypes) through a factor analysis for morphological and gait traits in MM horses, estimating their genetic parameters within a Bayesian framework. A total of 15 morphological and performance traits were collected from 50,172 horses: withers height, croup height, thoracic perimeter, cannon bone perimeter, head length, neck length, back and loin length, croup length, shoulder length, body length, head width, croup width, morphofunctional points, gait and total points. The dataset was provided by the Brazilian Association of Mangalarga Marchador Horse Breeders (ABCCMM). A factor analysis was performed and six latent factors that explained 73 % of the total variance of the data were extracted. From them, four factors showed biological relevance, namely: "height" (F1), "gait ability" (F2), "robustness" (F3), and "head size" (F4), and were explored in the genetic analysis. The heritability estimates for F1 and F4 were of moderate to high magnitudes (0.47 ± 0.10 and 0.39 ± 0.10 for F1 and F4, respectively). The genetic correlations ranged from zero to high magnitudes, with notable values observed between F1 and F4 (0.80 ± 0.00), F1 and F3 (0.44 ± 0.01), and F3 and F4 (0.33 ± 0.01). The factor analysis proved to be an adequate alternative for reducing the dimensionality of variables and, consequently, the computational demand in the genetic evaluation of MM horses. Moderate heritabilities indicate the possibility of effective selection of horses based on these traits. In general, the correlations suggest that the selection of factors may result in genetic gains ranging from negative to high for other factors. Therefore, two factors are recommended to be used as selection criteria in MM horse breeding programs, which could contribute to the genetic improvement of the breed.
{"title":"Genetic parameters for latent variables derived from factor analysis of morphological and gait traits in Mangalarga Marchador horses","authors":"Cristian Silva Teixeira , Yame Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva , Pedro Vital Brasil Ramos , Eula Regina Carrara , José Teodoro de Paiva , Daniele Botelho Diniz Marques , Moysés Nascimento , Ana Carolina Campana Nascimento , Tiago Toledo Bittencourt e Alves , Paulo Sávio Lopes , Fabyano Fonseca e Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our aim was to assess the reduction of computational demand compared to traditional multivariate analyzes, as well as identify latent variables with biological relevance (pseudo-phenotypes) through a factor analysis for morphological and gait traits in MM horses, estimating their genetic parameters within a Bayesian framework. A total of 15 morphological and performance traits were collected from 50,172 horses: withers height, croup height, thoracic perimeter, cannon bone perimeter, head length, neck length, back and loin length, croup length, shoulder length, body length, head width, croup width, morphofunctional points, gait and total points. The dataset was provided by the Brazilian Association of Mangalarga Marchador Horse Breeders (ABCCMM). A factor analysis was performed and six latent factors that explained 73 % of the total variance of the data were extracted. From them, four factors showed biological relevance, namely: \"height\" (F1), \"gait ability\" (F2), \"robustness\" (F3), and \"head size\" (F4), and were explored in the genetic analysis. The heritability estimates for F1 and F4 were of moderate to high magnitudes (0.47 ± 0.10 and 0.39 ± 0.10 for F1 and F4, respectively). The genetic correlations ranged from zero to high magnitudes, with notable values observed between F1 and F4 (0.80 ± 0.00), F1 and F3 (0.44 ± 0.01), and F3 and F4 (0.33 ± 0.01). The factor analysis proved to be an adequate alternative for reducing the dimensionality of variables and, consequently, the computational demand in the genetic evaluation of MM horses. Moderate heritabilities indicate the possibility of effective selection of horses based on these traits. In general, the correlations suggest that the selection of factors may result in genetic gains ranging from negative to high for other factors. Therefore, two factors are recommended to be used as selection criteria in MM horse breeding programs, which could contribute to the genetic improvement of the breed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105691"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are computational algorithm in the field of machine learning (ML) prediction methods. The aim of this research, was using two-layers Bayesian Regularized Neural Network (BRNN) by including both additive and dominance effects of SNP markers for prediction of reproductive traits’ de-regressed proofs (DRP) of Holstein sires. The studied reproductive traits were the age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO) and daughter pregnancy rate (DPR). The genotypic information related to 2419 sires with 41,099 SNPs. DRP of these sires calculated using an animal model and the Garrick method (DRP_G). The predictive accuracy for the AFC_DRP trait ranged from 0.85 with additive effects to 0.89 when both additive and dominance components were considered. Similarly, the predictive accuracy for CI_DRP trait varied between 0.54 for additive effects and 0.55 when both dominance and additive effects were included. For DO_DRP trait the predictive accuracy ranged from 0.53 with additive effects to 0.55 with the inclusion of both dominance and additive effects. The accuracy for DPR_DRP trait ranged from 0.51 with additive to 0.53 both additive and dominance effect. For all studied traits accuracy of ANN were increased by adding dominance effect of SNP markers.
{"title":"Using Bayesian regularized neural networks (BRNN) for predicting DRP of Holstein sires by including different SNP marker effects","authors":"Jeyran Jabbari Tourchi , Sadegh Alijani , Mohamadreza Afrazandeh","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are computational algorithm in the field of machine learning (ML) prediction methods. The aim of this research, was using two-layers Bayesian Regularized Neural Network (BRNN) by including both additive and dominance effects of SNP markers for prediction of reproductive traits’ de-regressed proofs (DRP) of Holstein sires. The studied reproductive traits were the age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO) and daughter pregnancy rate (DPR). The genotypic information related to 2419 sires with 41,099 SNPs. DRP of these sires calculated using an animal model and the Garrick method (DRP_G). The predictive accuracy for the AFC_DRP trait ranged from 0.85 with additive effects to 0.89 when both additive and dominance components were considered. Similarly, the predictive accuracy for CI_DRP trait varied between 0.54 for additive effects and 0.55 when both dominance and additive effects were included. For DO_DRP trait the predictive accuracy ranged from 0.53 with additive effects to 0.55 with the inclusion of both dominance and additive effects. The accuracy for DPR_DRP trait ranged from 0.51 with additive to 0.53 both additive and dominance effect. For all studied traits accuracy of ANN were increased by adding dominance effect of SNP markers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105689"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The aim of this study was to test how an increased number of daily feedings and different dosing speeds affect piglet growth and survival, sow BW and back fat thickness, and milk production of loose-housed lactating sows. A total of 424 parity 1 to 5 sows were allotted to one of three feeding strategies. All sows were fed the same lactation diets according to the same feeding curves. The control group (Fast3) was fed three times per day, and the entire ration was dosed at one time (high speed) into the trough. In the second group (Slow3), sows were also fed three times per day, but here, the ration was dosed at slow speed doses of 100 g of feed followed by a 60 second pause before feeding the next 100 g dose, resulting in sows standing up for >20 min/feeding. In group three (Slow6), sows were fed six times per day at low speed. A colostrum sample was taken 12 h after farrowing and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, immunoglobulins, and zinc. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 15 piglets. At standardization, d 6, d17, and at weaning, litter weight, litter size, sow BW and back fat thickness were registered. Milk samples were obtained at d 6 and 17 and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, and zinc. Feed intake was greater in the Fast3 (7.62 kg/d) sows than in the Slow3 (7.45 kg/d) and Slow6 (7.50 kg/d) sows (P < 0.001). Sows in all three groups had the same litter size at weaning, average milk yield, and average daily litter gain. The composition of colostrum was not affected by feeding strategy. At d 6, the milk content and total daily output of DM, fat, protein, casein, and lactose were unaffected by feeding strategy. There was a higher zinc concentration in the milk of Fast3 sows compared to Slow6 sows (P < 0.05) at d 6 of lactation. The DM, protein, and fat concentrations and total daily output of nutrients were not affected by feeding strategy at d 17. The lactose concentration of the milk at d 17 was lower in Slow3 sows than in Fast3 and Slow6 sows (P < 0.05). The body weight and back fat thickness of sows were similar in all three groups. In conclusion, slower dosing of the feed ration or more daily feedings did not affect piglet survival.
{"title":"Effect of feeding strategy on piglet growth and survival and milk production of loose-housed lactating sows","authors":"Signe Emilie Nielsen , Julie Krogsdahl Bache , Thomas Sønderby Bruun , Anja Varmløse Strathe","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to test how an increased number of daily feedings and different dosing speeds affect piglet growth and survival, sow BW and back fat thickness, and milk production of loose-housed lactating sows. A total of 424 parity 1 to 5 sows were allotted to one of three feeding strategies. All sows were fed the same lactation diets according to the same feeding curves. The control group (Fast3) was fed three times per day, and the entire ration was dosed at one time (high speed) into the trough. In the second group (Slow3), sows were also fed three times per day, but here, the ration was dosed at slow speed doses of 100 g of feed followed by a 60 second pause before feeding the next 100 g dose, resulting in sows standing up for >20 min/feeding. In group three (Slow6), sows were fed six times per day at low speed. A colostrum sample was taken 12 h after farrowing and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, immunoglobulins, and zinc. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 15 piglets. At standardization, d 6, d17, and at weaning, litter weight, litter size, sow BW and back fat thickness were registered. Milk samples were obtained at d 6 and 17 and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, and zinc. Feed intake was greater in the Fast3 (7.62 kg/d) sows than in the Slow3 (7.45 kg/d) and Slow6 (7.50 kg/d) sows (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Sows in all three groups had the same litter size at weaning, average milk yield, and average daily litter gain. The composition of colostrum was not affected by feeding strategy. At d 6, the milk content and total daily output of DM, fat, protein, casein, and lactose were unaffected by feeding strategy. There was a higher zinc concentration in the milk of Fast3 sows compared to Slow6 sows (<em>P</em> < 0.05) at d 6 of lactation. The DM, protein, and fat concentrations and total daily output of nutrients were not affected by feeding strategy at d 17. The lactose concentration of the milk at d 17 was lower in Slow3 sows than in Fast3 and Slow6 sows (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The body weight and back fat thickness of sows were similar in all three groups. In conclusion, slower dosing of the feed ration or more daily feedings did not affect piglet survival.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105668"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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