Pub Date : 2025-06-28DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105763
Cristina Hidalgo-González , M.Pilar Rodríguez-Fernández , Jaime Nieto , M.Elena Pérez-García , Javier Plaza , Carlos Palacios
Context
Spain is a leading sheep milk producer in the EU, characterized by a wide variety of production systems across different regions and breeds. Achieving productive efficiency is critical for ensuring the economic viability of sheep farms, particularly in less favored territories.
Objective
This study aims to evaluate management efficiency in sheep farming by using lambing and its influencing factors as the fundamental reference element (Decision-Making Unit: DMU).
Method
The study employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method to assess the efficiency of various farming systems. We analyzed 2474 lambings of Assaf dairy ewes of different ages, collecting both productive and economic data from the study farm. The variables considered include the percentage of concentrated feed used during milking, lambing campaign, inter-lambing interval, rest days, age at lambing, number of lambings per ewe, genetic level, liveborn lambs, and milk production per lambing. The DEA method was utilized to calculate the technical efficiency of DMUs based on the best observed practices, each DMU was compared with others using six inputs and two outputs through MAXDEA software.
Results and conclusions
The results reveal that the third lambing is the most efficient, while the first lambing is the least. The model suggests a reduction in concentrate feed during lactation by 7 to 9.4 %. Optimal lambing should occur between February and April, with matings between September and November, thus avoiding the costs associated with estrus synchronization, though this may challenge continuous year-round milk production. The model also recommends reducing the inter-lambing interval to below 300 days and cutting resting days by 33.3 % to 58.5 %. The age at first lambing should be lowered to 15 months, with selection for rebreeding advised within the first three lambings. The highest number of lambs born is observed in the fourth lambing, averaging 2.4 offspring, while the most significant improvement in milk production is seen after the first lambing.
In conclusion, the DEA method optimizes the management of dairy sheep farms, leading to improved productive and economic outcomes. It suggests improving reproductive performance in order to reduce the number of days that animals remain unproductive. This involves reinforcing matings during the milking period, reducing the number of 'open' days, shortening the interval between lambings and removing unproductive animals from the flock. Contrary to traditional resource-intensive approaches, the model recommends reducing concentrate feed consumption during lactation.
Significance
The significance of this study is twofold: First, it introduces a novel dimension to management efficiency analysis by using lambing as a decision variable, offering new avenues for studying productivity. Second,
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Pub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105756
Meisong Wang , Yayu Huang , Allan Degen , Jean-François Hocquette , Rongzhen Zhong , Shujie Liu , Zhongxin Yan , Yang Xiang , Lizhuang Hao
This study examined the effects of supplemental feeding on the weight and meat quality of grazing yaks on the Tibetan Plateau. Thirty male yaks (2.5–3 years old) with similar characteristics were randomly assigned to two groups: the traditional grazing group (G) and the supplemental feeding group (SF). The SF group received 1.5 kg of supplemental feed daily. After 120 days, slaughter performance and meat quality were compared. The results showed that the SF group had significantly higher live weight (137.2 kg vs 175.3 kg, P < 0.001) , carcass weight (63.6 kg vs 89.5 kg, P < 0.001) , and net meat yield (34.0 % vs 40.2 %, P < 0.001) compared to the G group. Moreover, the SF group exhibited lower cooking loss, drip loss, and shear force, indicating improved meat quality (P < 0.05) . Amino acid analysis revealed that the SF group had higher total amino acids (TAA, 13.25 g/100 g vs 14.14 g/100 g, P < 0.001) and essential amino acids (EAA, 5.19 g/100 g vs 6.03 g/100 g, P > 0.05) content, the ratios of EAA/TAA and EAA/NEAA increased by 4 % and 10 %, respectively. Additionally, compared to the G group, the SF group had lower saturated fatty acids (SFA, 43.25 vs 39.22, P < 0.001) and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA 11.49 % vs 13.74 %, P < 0.001), particularly ω-3 fatty acids (2.81 % vs 5.31 %, P < 0.001), with a lower n-6/n-3 (2.88 % vs 1.44, P < 0.001) ratio. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) confirmed the effects of supplementation on amino acids and fatty acids. In conclusion, supplemental feeding significantly improved yak growth and meat quality, particularly in amino acid and fatty acid composition, providing valuable insights for grazing management on the Tibetan Plateau.
本试验研究了青藏高原放牧牦牛补饲对牦牛体重和肉质的影响。选取30头2.5 ~ 3岁特征相近的公牦牛，随机分为传统放牧组(G)和补饲组（SF）。SF组每日添加饲料1.5 kg。120 d后，比较屠宰性能和肉品质。结果表明：SF组活重显著高于对照组（137.2 kg vs 175.3 kg）；0.001)，胴体重(63.6 kg vs 89.5 kg, P <；0.001)，净肉产量(34.0% vs 40.2%, P <；0.001)，与G组相比。此外，SF组表现出更低的蒸煮损失、滴水损失和剪切力，表明肉品质得到改善(P <；0.05)。氨基酸分析显示，SF组总氨基酸含量较高（TAA, 13.25 g/100 g vs 14.14 g/100 g）；0.001)和必需氨基酸(EAA, 5.19 g/100 g vs 6.03 g/100 g, P >；0.05)， EAA/TAA和EAA/NEAA比值分别提高了4%和10%。此外，与G组相比，SF组的饱和脂肪酸含量更低(SFA, 43.25 vs 39.22, P <；0.001)和更高的多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA 11.49% vs 13.74%, P <；0.001)，特别是ω-3脂肪酸(2.81% vs 5.31%, P <；0.001)，较低的n-6/n-3 (2.88% vs 1.44, P <；0.001)比例。主成分分析（PCA）和偏最小二乘判别分析（PLS-DA）证实了补充对氨基酸和脂肪酸的影响。综上所述，添加饲料显著提高了牦牛的生长和肉质，特别是氨基酸和脂肪酸组成，为青藏高原放牧管理提供了有价值的见解。
{"title":"The effect of supplementary feed on live weight and meat quality of grazing yaks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau","authors":"Meisong Wang , Yayu Huang , Allan Degen , Jean-François Hocquette , Rongzhen Zhong , Shujie Liu , Zhongxin Yan , Yang Xiang , Lizhuang Hao","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the effects of supplemental feeding on the weight and meat quality of grazing yaks on the Tibetan Plateau. Thirty male yaks (2.5–3 years old) with similar characteristics were randomly assigned to two groups: the traditional grazing group (G) and the supplemental feeding group (SF). The SF group received 1.5 kg of supplemental feed daily. After 120 days, slaughter performance and meat quality were compared. The results showed that the SF group had significantly higher live weight (137.2 kg vs 175.3 kg, <em>P</em> < 0.001) , carcass weight (63.6 kg vs 89.5 kg, <em>P</em> < 0.001) , and net meat yield (34.0 % vs 40.2 %, <em>P</em> < 0.001) compared to the G group. Moreover, the SF group exhibited lower cooking loss, drip loss, and shear force, indicating improved meat quality (<em>P</em> < 0.05) . Amino acid analysis revealed that the SF group had higher total amino acids (TAA, 13.25 g/100 g vs 14.14 g/100 g, <em>P</em> < 0.001) and essential amino acids (EAA, 5.19 g/100 g vs 6.03 g/100 g, <em>P</em> > 0.05) content, the ratios of EAA/TAA and EAA/NEAA increased by 4 % and 10 %, respectively. Additionally, compared to the G group, the SF group had lower saturated fatty acids (SFA, 43.25 vs 39.22, <em>P</em> < 0.001) and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA 11.49 % vs 13.74 %, <em>P</em> < 0.001), particularly ω-3 fatty acids (2.81 % vs 5.31 %, <em>P</em> < 0.001), with a lower n-6/n-3 (2.88 % vs 1.44, <em>P</em> < 0.001) ratio. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) confirmed the effects of supplementation on amino acids and fatty acids. In conclusion, supplemental feeding significantly improved yak growth and meat quality, particularly in amino acid and fatty acid composition, providing valuable insights for grazing management on the Tibetan Plateau.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105756"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144597348","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 : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105765
M.A. Dolan , T.M. Boland , N.A. Claffey , F.P. Campion
This study examined the performance of lambs offered one of six diet types; ad-libitum concentrates (ALC), forage rape (Brassica napus L. FR), hybrid brassica (Brassica napus L. HB), kale (Brassica oleracea L. K), permanent pasture (predominantly Lolium perenne. PP) or reseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne. RS). Lamb grazing days (LGD) were higher for FR, HB and K compared to PP and RS (P < 0.05). Lambs offered ALC had higher average daily gain (ADG) compared to lambs offered FR, HB and K (P < 0.001). Lambs offered PP and RS had the lowest ADG (P < 0.05). Texel x Scottish Blackface (TXSB) lambs achieved a higher ADG compared to Scottish Blackface (SBF) entire males or SBF castrate males offered ALC, FR, HB, K and RS (P < 0.01). SBF entire males achieved a higher ADG compared to SBF castrate males offered ALC, FR and PP (P < 0.01). Lambs, slaughtered at ≥40 kg live weight, offered ALC had higher slaughter and carcass weights compared to lambs offered FR, HB and K (P < 0.0001). TXSB lambs had lower carcass fat and superior carcass conformation than SBF entire males and SBF castrate males (P < 0.001). The results indicate that ALC diet maximises ADG, but lambs offered FR, HB and K outperform those offered PP and RS during autumn/winter grazing. PP and RS swards were inadequate for finishing lambs in the autumn/winter period due to the decline in nutritive quality and lower LGD compared to FR, HB and K.
本研究考察了饲喂6种饲粮中的一种的羔羊的生产性能；任意浓缩（ALC），草料油菜（Brassica napus L. FR），杂交油菜（Brassica napus L. HB），甘蓝（Brassica oleracea L. K），永久牧草（主要是黑麦草）。或复播多年生黑麦草（Lolium perenne）。RS)。羔羊放牧日数（LGD）中FR、HB和K高于PP和RS (P <；0.05)。饲喂ALC的羔羊平均日增重（ADG）高于饲喂FR、HB和K的羔羊。0.001)。饲喂PP和RS的羔羊平均日增重（P <）最低；0.05)。与提供ALC、FR、HB、K和RS的苏格兰黑脸（TXSB）羔羊相比，苏格兰黑脸（SBF）全公羊或SBF阉割公羊的平均日增重更高(P <；0.01)。与提供ALC、FR和PP的SBF去势雄性相比，SBF全雄的平均日增重更高(P <；0.01)。≥40 kg活重屠宰时，与饲喂FR、HB和K的羔羊相比，饲喂ALC的羔羊屠宰和胴体重更高(P <；0.0001)。与SBF全公羊和SBF去势公羊相比，TXSB羔羊的胴体脂肪更低，胴体形态更优(P <；0.001)。结果表明，在秋冬放牧期间，ALC饲粮的平均日增重最高，但FR、HB和K的表现优于PP和RS。与FR、HB和K相比，PP和RS母猪的营养品质下降，LGD较低，因此不适合秋冬育肥羔羊。
{"title":"Growth rate and carcass characteristics of Scottish Blackface and Texel x Scottish Blackface lambs offered forage brassica, perennial ryegrass or cereal based concentrate diets","authors":"M.A. Dolan , T.M. Boland , N.A. Claffey , F.P. Campion","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the performance of lambs offered one of six diet types; <em>ad-libitum</em> concentrates (ALC), forage rape (<em>Brassica napus</em> L. <em>FR</em>), hybrid brassica (<em>Brassica napus</em> L. <em>HB</em>), kale (<em>Brassica oleracea</em> L. <em>K)</em>, permanent pasture (predominantly <em>Lolium perenne.</em> PP) or reseeded perennial ryegrass (<em>Lolium perenne.</em> RS). Lamb grazing days (LGD) were higher for FR, HB and K compared to PP and RS (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Lambs offered ALC had higher average daily gain (ADG) compared to lambs offered FR, HB and K (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Lambs offered PP and RS had the lowest ADG (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Texel x Scottish Blackface (TXSB) lambs achieved a higher ADG compared to Scottish Blackface (SBF) entire males or SBF castrate males offered ALC, FR, HB, K and RS (<em>P</em> < 0.01). SBF entire males achieved a higher ADG compared to SBF castrate males offered ALC, FR and PP (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Lambs, slaughtered at ≥40 kg live weight, offered ALC had higher slaughter and carcass weights compared to lambs offered FR, HB and K (<em>P</em> < 0.0001). TXSB lambs had lower carcass fat and superior carcass conformation than SBF entire males and SBF castrate males (<em>P</em> < 0.001). The results indicate that ALC diet maximises ADG, but lambs offered FR, HB and K outperform those offered PP and RS during autumn/winter grazing. PP and RS swards were inadequate for finishing lambs in the autumn/winter period due to the decline in nutritive quality and lower LGD compared to FR, HB and K.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144597349","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}
This study evaluated the effects of two rabbit housing systems—conventional cages and park platforms—on slaughter traits, meat quality, and muscle fiber characteristics in broiler rabbits (PS19 × PS59). Rabbits reared in the park system exhibited significantly higher slaughter weights and lower fat deposition compared to those raised in cages. While hot and chilled carcass weights showed a tendency to increase in park-reared rabbits, dressing percentages remained unaffected. Organ weights such as liver and skin were significantly higher in the platform group, suggesting increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptation to enhanced mobility.
Meat from platform-reared rabbits demonstrated significantly lower pH and increased redness and yellowness indices, indicating improved color intensity. Texture analysis revealed higher plasticity in these rabbits, especially in the hindquarters, reflecting softer meat without altering shear force or nutritional composition. Although the proportions of muscle fiber types (I, IIA, IIB) were consistent across housing systems, rabbits from the park system showed significantly larger cross-sectional area, perimeter, and diameters of type IIA and IIB fibers, suggesting muscle fiber hypertrophy due to increased physical activity.
These findings suggest that enriched environments, such as park systems, not only improve animal welfare but also enhance meat quality attributes desirable to consumers—such as color and texture—without compromising nutritional value or production efficiency. The study supports the adoption of alternative housing systems in commercial rabbit farming as a viable strategy for promoting leaner, high-quality meat and improved muscle development, in line with consumer expectations for ethical and sustainable animal production.
{"title":"Rabbit gains: Does a free-range rearing build better muscle in rabbits?","authors":"Joanna Składanowska-Baryza , Joanna Żochowska-Kujawska , Małgorzata Sobczak , Agnieszka Ludwiczak , Marek Stanisz","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105776","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105776","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of two rabbit housing systems—conventional cages and park platforms—on slaughter traits, meat quality, and muscle fiber characteristics in broiler rabbits (PS19 × PS59). Rabbits reared in the park system exhibited significantly higher slaughter weights and lower fat deposition compared to those raised in cages. While hot and chilled carcass weights showed a tendency to increase in park-reared rabbits, dressing percentages remained unaffected. Organ weights such as liver and skin were significantly higher in the platform group, suggesting increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptation to enhanced mobility.</div><div>Meat from platform-reared rabbits demonstrated significantly lower pH and increased redness and yellowness indices, indicating improved color intensity. Texture analysis revealed higher plasticity in these rabbits, especially in the hindquarters, reflecting softer meat without altering shear force or nutritional composition. Although the proportions of muscle fiber types (I, IIA, IIB) were consistent across housing systems, rabbits from the park system showed significantly larger cross-sectional area, perimeter, and diameters of type IIA and IIB fibers, suggesting muscle fiber hypertrophy due to increased physical activity.</div><div>These findings suggest that enriched environments, such as park systems, not only improve animal welfare but also enhance meat quality attributes desirable to consumers—such as color and texture—without compromising nutritional value or production efficiency. The study supports the adoption of alternative housing systems in commercial rabbit farming as a viable strategy for promoting leaner, high-quality meat and improved muscle development, in line with consumer expectations for ethical and sustainable animal production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105776"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549159","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 : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105760
H. Costigan , L. Delaby , S. Walsh , R. Fitzgerald , M. Liddane , N. Galvin , E. Kennedy
Although dry matter intake (DMI) is important in terms of achieving heifer weight-for-age targets and the utilization of pasture, the DMI of pasture-based heifers has not been widely researched. In order to quantify pasture-based heifer DMI and to determine the effect of different rearing strategies on DMI, data were collected from Holstein-Friesian (HF; n = 124), and Jersey (JE; n = 56) heifers weaned at either eight or 12 weeks and subsequently offered either a low or high post-weaning feeding regime. The n-alkane technique was used to measure the DMI of the heifers on nine occasions throughout the rearing period. Nutrition and management in the post-weaning period had a greater effect on DMI than that of weaning age. Although HF heifers had a higher total DMI than JE, JE heifers had a higher DMI when expressed as a percentage of BW. The results from this study indicate that rearing strategy may be used to manipulate DMI, and thus optimize the attainment of weight-for-age targets in pasture-based heifers.
尽管干物质采食量（DMI）对实现小母牛的年龄体重指标和利用牧草具有重要意义，但放牧小母牛的干物质采食量（DMI）尚未得到广泛的研究。为了量化放牧型小母牛的DMI，并确定不同饲养策略对DMI的影响，收集了Holstein-Friesian (HF；n = 124), Jersey (JE；N = 56)小母牛在8周或12周断奶，随后提供低或高断奶后喂养方案。用正构烷烃法测定了犊牛在整个饲养期内的9次DMI。断奶后营养管理对DMI的影响大于断奶期。虽然心衰母牛的总DMI高于乙脑母牛，但乙脑母牛的DMI占体重的百分比更高。本研究结果表明，饲养策略可以控制放牧小母牛的DMI，从而优化其体重年龄指标的实现。
{"title":"The effect of rearing strategy on the dry matter intake of pasture-based dairy heifers","authors":"H. Costigan , L. Delaby , S. Walsh , R. Fitzgerald , M. Liddane , N. Galvin , E. Kennedy","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although dry matter intake (DMI) is important in terms of achieving heifer weight-for-age targets and the utilization of pasture, the DMI of pasture-based heifers has not been widely researched. In order to quantify pasture-based heifer DMI and to determine the effect of different rearing strategies on DMI, data were collected from Holstein-Friesian (HF; <em>n</em> = 124), and Jersey (JE; <em>n</em> = 56) heifers weaned at either eight or 12 weeks and subsequently offered either a low or high post-weaning feeding regime. The n-alkane technique was used to measure the DMI of the heifers on nine occasions throughout the rearing period. Nutrition and management in the post-weaning period had a greater effect on DMI than that of weaning age. Although HF heifers had a higher total DMI than JE, JE heifers had a higher DMI when expressed as a percentage of BW. The results from this study indicate that rearing strategy may be used to manipulate DMI, and thus optimize the attainment of weight-for-age targets in pasture-based heifers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"300 ","pages":"Article 105760"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604710","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 : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105766
Joseph A. Adjabui, Patrick H.C. Morel, Stephen T. Morris, Paul R. Kenyon, Peter R. Tozer
In New Zealand (NZ), the metabolisable energy requirements (MER) of ruminants can be estimated using nutritional models from Nicol and Brookes (2017), CSIRO (2007), and NZ’s Agricultural Inventory Model (AIM) of the Ministry for Primary Industries [MPI] (2022). The aim in this study was to calculate the total MER of a ewe, beef breeding cow, lamb, and a calf/yearling in a pasture-only system in NZ under the same assumptions to assess the extent and reasons for variations among the three commonly used nutritional models, and the implications for a given farm/s. The study utilised MER models from the three sources above using a factorial method. This method determines the MER for each physiological phase of an animal, to estimate total MER for each animal. The AIM (MPI 2022) model relative to Nicol and Brookes (2017), and CSIRO (2007) models respectively, estimated 13.4 % and 8.0 % higher MER for a ewe, 16.3 % and 16.6 % for a cow, 1.1 % and 2.0 % lower for a lamb, and 9.2 % and 9.2 % higher for a calf/yearling mainly due to a higher maintenance MER compared to the other models. This has implications for feed budgeting and stocking rates (SR) for a given farm, as the AIM (MPI 2022) model leads to a lower SR than the other two models for a given level of feed available. Energy balances and productivity could be negatively impacted if a model underestimates MER. This also yields different greenhouse gas (GHG) profiles, especially enteric methane, for a given farm and could potentially have financial consequences for farmers if an Emissions Trading Scheme was introduced. For consistency in ME estimates and GHG reporting, further research (feeding trials) is required to compare these model estimates to actual requirements of ruminants under NZ conditions. This could help identify the model that most accurately reflects MER for ruminants in the country.
{"title":"A comparison of three nutritional models for estimating total metabolisable energy requirements for a ewe, beef breeding cow, lamb, and a calf/yearling in New Zealand’s pasture-only system","authors":"Joseph A. Adjabui, Patrick H.C. Morel, Stephen T. Morris, Paul R. Kenyon, Peter R. Tozer","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In New Zealand (NZ), the metabolisable energy requirements (MER) of ruminants can be estimated using nutritional models from Nicol and Brookes (2017), CSIRO (2007), and NZ’s Agricultural Inventory Model (AIM) of the Ministry for Primary Industries [MPI] (2022). The aim in this study was to calculate the total MER of a ewe, beef breeding cow, lamb, and a calf/yearling in a pasture-only system in NZ under the same assumptions to assess the extent and reasons for variations among the three commonly used nutritional models, and the implications for a given farm/s. The study utilised MER models from the three sources above using a factorial method. This method determines the MER for each physiological phase of an animal, to estimate total MER for each animal. The AIM (MPI 2022) model relative to Nicol and Brookes (2017), and CSIRO (2007) models respectively, estimated 13.4 % and 8.0 % higher MER for a ewe, 16.3 % and 16.6 % for a cow, 1.1 % and 2.0 % lower for a lamb, and 9.2 % and 9.2 % higher for a calf/yearling mainly due to a higher maintenance MER compared to the other models. This has implications for feed budgeting and stocking rates (SR) for a given farm, as the AIM (MPI 2022) model leads to a lower SR than the other two models for a given level of feed available. Energy balances and productivity could be negatively impacted if a model underestimates MER. This also yields different greenhouse gas (GHG) profiles, especially enteric methane, for a given farm and could potentially have financial consequences for farmers if an Emissions Trading Scheme was introduced. For consistency in ME estimates and GHG reporting, further research (feeding trials) is required to compare these model estimates to actual requirements of ruminants under NZ conditions. This could help identify the model that most accurately reflects MER for ruminants in the country.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105766"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534545","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 : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105758
Mariana M. Squizatti , Antonio M. Silvestre , Luana D. Felizari , Breno L. Demartini , Leandro A.F. Silva , Daniel M. Casali , Lidiane S. Miranda , Katia L.R. Souza , Vanessa G. Gasparini , Werner F. Schleifer , Thaiano I.S. Silva , Johnny M. Souza , Garret Suen , Danilo D. Millen
The aim of this was to investigate the effects of various nutritional protocols on the marbling precursors of Nellore cattle, including high-moisture corn (HMC), calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) and organic zinc and chromium (ZnCr) in the finishing diet. Five Nellore steers fitted with ruminal cannulas were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, with each period lasting 28 days and a 7-day washout between periods. Animals were randomly allocated to one of five treatments in each period: T1) Finely-ground corn (FGC); T2) HMC; T3) FGC + CSFA T4) HMC + CSFA, and T5) HMC + CSFA + ZnCr. Sodium monensin was added to all treatments at a dosage of 25 ppm. The replacement of FGC with HMC reduced dry matter intake by 5.9 % (P = 0.02) and increased blood glucose concentrations by 24.6 % (P < 0.01) without significantly altering (P > 0.05) ruminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH. The addition of CSFA decreased (P < 0.05) the ruminal degradability of nutrients such as dry matter, crude protein, and neutral and acid detergent fiber, without impacting propionate and SCFA concentrations in the rumen, as well as blood glucose and insulin levels (P > 0.05). An increase (P = 0.02) in protozoa populations from the genera Entodinium and Diplodinium was observed when CSFA were added to the diet. The addition of ZnCr increased the molar proportion of propionate (P = 0.01) from 29.29 to 38.08 mol/100 mol, resulting in a greater concentration of SCFA 12 h after feeding (P < 0.05). Moreover, adding ZnCr to the diet elevated insulin levels by 53.5 % and decreased blood glucose by 34.2 %. The addition of CSFA did not affect marbling precursors in Nellore cattle, and HMC only increased blood glucose concentrations. However, incorporating organic Zn and Cr into diets may enhance the positive effects of HMC and CSFA on marbling precursors.
{"title":"Nutritional protocols that alter ruminal fermentation and nutrient disappearance to increase marbling precursors in Nellore cattle","authors":"Mariana M. Squizatti , Antonio M. Silvestre , Luana D. Felizari , Breno L. Demartini , Leandro A.F. Silva , Daniel M. Casali , Lidiane S. Miranda , Katia L.R. Souza , Vanessa G. Gasparini , Werner F. Schleifer , Thaiano I.S. Silva , Johnny M. Souza , Garret Suen , Danilo D. Millen","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this was to investigate the effects of various nutritional protocols on the marbling precursors of Nellore cattle, including high-moisture corn (HMC), calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) and organic zinc and chromium (ZnCr) in the finishing diet. Five Nellore steers fitted with ruminal cannulas were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, with each period lasting 28 days and a 7-day washout between periods. Animals were randomly allocated to one of five treatments in each period: T1) Finely-ground corn (FGC); T2) HMC; T3) FGC + CSFA T4) HMC + CSFA, and T5) HMC + CSFA + ZnCr. Sodium monensin was added to all treatments at a dosage of 25 ppm. The replacement of FGC with HMC reduced dry matter intake by 5.9 % (<em>P</em> = 0.02) and increased blood glucose concentrations by 24.6 % (<em>P</em> < 0.01) without significantly altering (<em>P</em> > 0.05) ruminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH. The addition of CSFA decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) the ruminal degradability of nutrients such as dry matter, crude protein, and neutral and acid detergent fiber, without impacting propionate and SCFA concentrations in the rumen, as well as blood glucose and insulin levels (<em>P</em> > 0.05). An increase (<em>P</em> = 0.02) in protozoa populations from the genera <em>Entodinium</em> and <em>Diplodinium</em> was observed when CSFA were added to the diet. The addition of ZnCr increased the molar proportion of propionate (<em>P</em> = 0.01) from 29.29 to 38.08 mol/100 mol, resulting in a greater concentration of SCFA 12 h after feeding (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Moreover, adding ZnCr to the diet elevated insulin levels by 53.5 % and decreased blood glucose by 34.2 %. The addition of CSFA did not affect marbling precursors in Nellore cattle, and HMC only increased blood glucose concentrations. However, incorporating organic Zn and Cr into diets may enhance the positive effects of HMC and CSFA on marbling precursors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105758"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523323","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 : 2025-06-25DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105757
C. Jensen , E. Rønving , V.A. Moustsen , M. Hinge , F. Hakansson , I. Czycholl
Hyperprolificacy in sows presents challenges for piglet nutrition and survival in modern pig production. This study investigated the potential to ensure the survival of one additional piglet by using a specifically designed simulated udder (test group, T-group) compared to the control group (C-group). The hypothesis further holds that there is no negative effect on piglet weight gain. The experiment involved 53 litters from 26 control-sows (C-group) and 27 test-sows (T-group), conducted over seven weeks on a Danish pig farm. In the T-group, litters were divided into sets of six based on birth order, rotation between nursing by the sow and the simulated udder, while the C-group piglets were nursed continuously by the sow. Numerically, in the T-group, 0.6 more piglets survived; however, this effect was not statistically significant. (P = 0.7). 69.8 % of the sows successfully nursed 17 piglets, with 74.1 % of these sows belonging to the T-group. 96.5 % of the piglets maintained or exceeded their birth weight, and 86.8 % experienced a weight gain of at least 10 % within 76 h postpartum. The weight gain in the T-group was 5.8 ± 1.3 kg and 4.9 ± 1.6 kg in the C-group. The utilization of a simulated udder did not result in significant changes in piglet survival, though it did have an impact on weight gain compared to sow nursing. However, the sample size in this study was too low to detect smaller effects. Importantly, no negative consequences were observed from the use of simulated udders.
{"title":"Effect of a simulated udder on survival and weight gain of neonatal piglets in a practical farm setting","authors":"C. Jensen , E. Rønving , V.A. Moustsen , M. Hinge , F. Hakansson , I. Czycholl","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hyperprolificacy in sows presents challenges for piglet nutrition and survival in modern pig production. This study investigated the potential to ensure the survival of one additional piglet by using a specifically designed simulated udder (test group, T-group) compared to the control group (C-group). The hypothesis further holds that there is no negative effect on piglet weight gain. The experiment involved 53 litters from 26 control-sows (C-group) and 27 test-sows (T-group), conducted over seven weeks on a Danish pig farm. In the T-group, litters were divided into sets of six based on birth order, rotation between nursing by the sow and the simulated udder, while the C-group piglets were nursed continuously by the sow. Numerically, in the T-group, 0.6 more piglets survived; however, this effect was not statistically significant. (<em>P</em> = 0.7). 69.8 % of the sows successfully nursed 17 piglets, with 74.1 % of these sows belonging to the T-group. 96.5 % of the piglets maintained or exceeded their birth weight, and 86.8 % experienced a weight gain of at least 10 % within 76 h <em>postpartum</em>. The weight gain in the T-group was 5.8 ± 1.3 kg and 4.9 ± 1.6 kg in the C-group. The utilization of a simulated udder did not result in significant changes in piglet survival, though it did have an impact on weight gain compared to sow nursing. However, the sample size in this study was too low to detect smaller effects. Importantly, no negative consequences were observed from the use of simulated udders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105757"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523324","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 : 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105755
Arto Huuskonen , Sanna Hietala , Maiju Pesonen , Katariina Manni
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of replacing timothy grass silage (GS) by red clover silage (RS) on environmental impacts, growth performance and carcass traits of finishing beef bulls. Total mixed rations (TMR) based on GS, RS and mixture of GS and RS (1:1 on dry matter (DM) basis; GRS) were fed ad libitum to sixty bulls. The proportion (g/kg DM) of the silages in the TMRs were as follows: (1) GS (600); (2) RS (600); (3) GS (300) and RS (300). Concentrate proportion was 400 g/kg DM with all treatments. Environmental impacts of the treatments were estimated using life cycle assessment approach with the following key impact categories: climate change, eutrophication, and acidification potential. As the red clover-grass modelling was acknowledged to have most uncertainty, it was completed with different scenarios of clover cultivation. Replacing GS by RS did not affect DM intake, gain, carcass weight or carcass conformation of the bulls. Carcass fat score of the bulls decreased with increasing RS proportion. As an average of the calculated scenarios the climate change impact was 17.8, 15.9, and 15.8 kg CO2 equivalents/kg of produced carcass, eutrophic emissions 18.6, 15.0, and 9.9 g phosphate equivalents/kg of produced carcass and acidifying emissions 38, 35, and 35 g acid equivalents/kg of produced carcass for GS, GRS, and RS, respectively. It can be concluded that replacing GS partially or completely with RS reduced environmental impacts (climate change impact, eutrophic emissions, acidifying emissions) per kg of produced carcass.
{"title":"Effects of replacing timothy silage by red clover silage on environmental impacts, growth performance and carcass traits of finishing beef bulls","authors":"Arto Huuskonen , Sanna Hietala , Maiju Pesonen , Katariina Manni","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of replacing timothy grass silage (GS) by red clover silage (RS) on environmental impacts, growth performance and carcass traits of finishing beef bulls. Total mixed rations (TMR) based on GS, RS and mixture of GS and RS (1:1 on dry matter (DM) basis; GRS) were fed <em>ad libitum</em> to sixty bulls. The proportion (g/kg DM) of the silages in the TMRs were as follows: (1) GS (600); (2) RS (600); (3) GS (300) and RS (300). Concentrate proportion was 400 g/kg DM with all treatments. Environmental impacts of the treatments were estimated using life cycle assessment approach with the following key impact categories: climate change, eutrophication, and acidification potential. As the red clover-grass modelling was acknowledged to have most uncertainty, it was completed with different scenarios of clover cultivation. Replacing GS by RS did not affect DM intake, gain, carcass weight or carcass conformation of the bulls. Carcass fat score of the bulls decreased with increasing RS proportion. As an average of the calculated scenarios the climate change impact was 17.8, 15.9, and 15.8 kg CO<sub>2</sub> equivalents/kg of produced carcass, eutrophic emissions 18.6, 15.0, and 9.9 g phosphate equivalents/kg of produced carcass and acidifying emissions 38, 35, and 35 g acid equivalents/kg of produced carcass for GS, GRS, and RS, respectively. It can be concluded that replacing GS partially or completely with RS reduced environmental impacts (climate change impact, eutrophic emissions, acidifying emissions) per kg of produced carcass.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105755"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144517920","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 : 2025-06-20DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105754
Alan Cruz , Edgar Quispe , Alex Yucra , Renzo Morante , Alonso Burgos , Max David Quispe , Juan Pablo Gutiérrez , Gustavo Gutiérrez-Reynoso
Genetic improvement programs for alpacas that focus on reducing fiber diameter have succeeded in enhancing fiber quality but they have also decreased fleece weight. Fiber diameter and fleece weight have an unfavorable genetic correlation, which makes it difficult to improve both traits simultaneously. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of fiber density traits, and their genetic correlations with fleece weight (FW), fiber diameter (FD), density score (DS) and percentage of medullation (PM), as well as to evaluate their incorporation as selection criteria to increase fleece weight. The density traits were the number of hair ducts per mm2(HD), number of fibers per mm2 (NF) and the NF/HD ratio (RT). Fiber density traits were objectively measured by using high-resolution skin images taken from 402 Huacaya alpacas. Animal model was used to estimate genetic parameters. Pedigree (15,360 alpacas) and phenotype records for FW (11,271), DS (5,752), FD (8,763) and PM (8,763) were retrieved from the Pacomarca database. The heritability was 0.40±0.05, 0.47±0.03, 0.37±0.05, 0.34±0.02, 0.31±0.01, 0.28±0.01 and 0.16±0.01 for HD, NF, RT, DS, FD, PM and FW respectively. Favorable genetic correlations were found between NF-FW, NF-FD and DS-FW, with values of 0.36, -0.50 and 0.50, respectively. However, unfavorable genetic correlations were also found between FD-FW and PM-FW, with values of 0.35 and 0.24 respectively. NF is an appropriate selection criterion for improving fiber diameter, percentage of medullation and fleece weight simultaneously in Huacaya alpacas.
{"title":"Genetic parameters of fiber density traits and their relationship with textile traits in alpacas","authors":"Alan Cruz , Edgar Quispe , Alex Yucra , Renzo Morante , Alonso Burgos , Max David Quispe , Juan Pablo Gutiérrez , Gustavo Gutiérrez-Reynoso","doi":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.livsci.2025.105754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic improvement programs for alpacas that focus on reducing fiber diameter have succeeded in enhancing fiber quality but they have also decreased fleece weight. Fiber diameter and fleece weight have an unfavorable genetic correlation, which makes it difficult to improve both traits simultaneously. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of fiber density traits, and their genetic correlations with fleece weight (FW), fiber diameter (FD), density score (DS) and percentage of medullation (PM), as well as to evaluate their incorporation as selection criteria to increase fleece weight. The density traits were the number of hair ducts per mm<sup>2</sup>(HD), number of fibers per mm<sup>2</sup> (NF) and the NF/HD ratio (RT). Fiber density traits were objectively measured by using high-resolution skin images taken from 402 Huacaya alpacas. Animal model was used to estimate genetic parameters. Pedigree (15,360 alpacas) and phenotype records for FW (11,271), DS (5,752), FD (8,763) and PM (8,763) were retrieved from the Pacomarca database. The heritability was 0.40±0.05, 0.47±0.03, 0.37±0.05, 0.34±0.02, 0.31±0.01, 0.28±0.01 and 0.16±0.01 for HD, NF, RT, DS, FD, PM and FW respectively. Favorable genetic correlations were found between NF-FW, NF-FD and DS-FW, with values of 0.36, -0.50 and 0.50, respectively. However, unfavorable genetic correlations were also found between FD-FW and PM-FW, with values of 0.35 and 0.24 respectively. NF is an appropriate selection criterion for improving fiber diameter, percentage of medullation and fleece weight simultaneously in Huacaya alpacas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18152,"journal":{"name":"Livestock Science","volume":"299 ","pages":"Article 105754"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144471827","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}
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