供应链上“牛鞭效应”的成因及其有效控制方法分析

许多实证研究与企业调查发现,＂牛鞭效应＂现象广泛存在于供应链结构中.本文首先建立了供应链的经济生态系统模型,并利用该模型充分论证了两点：（1）＂牛鞭效应＂是由供应链自身结构产生的;（2）供应链类似于食物链,它不是契约链,维护供应关系健康持续发展的有效措施是,降低供求双方的依赖程度,而不是通过激励的途径促进供应端企业的供应.这两个结论有别于通常供应链研究的结果,所以本文的结论有益于供应链的理论研究与实践应用.     

Establishing relative release kinetics of faecal indicator organisms from different faecal matrices

Aims: A laboratory assay for comparative characterization of various faecal matrices with respect to faecal indicator organism (FIO) release using, artificial rain water. Methods and Results: Fresh sheep and beef‐cattle faeces, dairy cattle slurry and beef cattle farm yard manure (FYM) were collected from commercial units in south‐west England and applied to 20 randomized 1 m² plots established on permanent grassland. Representative samples from each faecal matrix (n = 5) were collected on four occasions over 16 days. One gram of each sample was transferred to a sterile vial to which 9 ml of standard local rain was carefully pipetted. The vial was then rotated through 360°, 20 times in 60 s to ‘simulate’ a standardized interaction of the faecal material with rainfall, providing an assay of comparative release potential. Appropriate decimal dilutions were prepared from the eluent. Following agitation, with a sterile spatula, the remaining faecal material and eluent in the vials were vortex mixed for 60 s before decimal dilutions were prepared from the resulting mixture, providing a quantitative assessment of the total FIO in the sample from which percentage release could be determined. Bacterial concentrations were enumerated in duplicate by membrane filtration following standard methods for FIO. Significant differences in release kinetics of Escherichia coli and enterococci from each of the faecal matrices were determined. Conclusions: Differences in release from each faecal substrate and between FIO type (E. coli and intestinal enterococci) were observed in this laboratory study. The order of release of E. coli from the faecal matrices (greatest to least, expressed as a percentage of the total present) was dairy cattle slurry > beef cattle FYM > beef‐cattle faeces > sheep faeces. For intestinal enterococci the order of percentage release was dairy cattle slurry > beef‐cattle faeces > beef cattle FYM > sheep faeces. Significance and Impact of the Study: This laboratory‐based method provides the first data on the relative release kinetics of FIO from different faecal matrices in rain water. This is fundamental information needed to parameterize laboratory‐based microbial models and inform approaches to field and catchment risk assessment.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy and beef cattle in Spain

In recent years, neosporosis has been identified as a major cause of abortion in dairy and beef cattle. Although the disease has been described worldwide, there is a Jack of information concerning the prevalence of this infection in different cattle production systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in a representative area of beef and dairy cattle production in Spain. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in which herds constituted the initial sampling unit and two strata (dairy and beef herds) were considered. Using a 95% level of confidence and setting 5% (beef) and 5.4% (dairy) error limits, 216 beef and 143 dairy herds were randomly selected and sampled. Nine animals (> 1 year old) were randomly sampled in each herd to detect the presence of the infection. A herd was considered infected when at least one animal was seropositive. In total, serum samples from 1121 dairy and 1712 beef animals were collected and tested for specific anti-N. caninum IgG using an ELISA. Specific antibodies were detected in 55.1% (119/216) beef and 83.2% (119/143) dairy herds. Individual prevalences obtained were 17.9% (306/1712) for beef and 35.9% (402/1121) for dairy animals. Presence of N. caninum infection was higher in dairy than in beef herds and the association between infection and the cattle production system (dairy or beef) was statistically significant [(chi2)Y= 29.21, P < 0.001, OR = 4.04 (2.35-6.99)]. Herd size of dairy cattle did not appear to be associated with N. caninum infection. On the contrary, infection was associated with herd size in beef cattle (chi2 = 12.79, P < 0.01). Finally, no association was found between replacement or pasture management and infection in beef herds.     

Supply chain focus dependent safety stock placement

Increasing globalization, growing product range diversity, and rising consumer awareness are making markets highly competitive, forcing supply chains to adapt constantly to different stimuli. Growing competition between supply chains (as well as players within them) is also warranting a priority for overall supply chain performance over the goals of individual players. It is now well established in the literature that, among the many order winners, both overall supply chain cost and responsiveness (i.e., supply chain lead time) are the most significant determinants of supply chain competitiveness. The literature, however, mostly focuses on supply chain cost minimization with rather simplistic treatment of responsiveness. By introducing the concept of a coefficient of inverse responsiveness (CIR), we facilitate efficient introduction of responsiveness related costs into the scheme of supply chain (SC) performance evaluation and/or optimization. Thus, our model aids supply chain managers in achieving better strategic fit between individual business unit strategies and overall supply chain requirements in terms of cost efficiency and responsiveness. In particular, it aids in strategic placement of safety stocks at different stages in the supply chain. Our model also offers managerial insights that help improve our intuitions into supply chain dynamics. The model is more suited for strategic SC alignment, for example, when dealing with product changeovers or introduction of new product, rather than for operational control.     

Evaluation of Beef by Electronic Tongue System TS-5000Z: Flavor Assessment,Recognition and Chemical Compositions According to Its Correlation with Flavor

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of electronic tongue system TS-5000Z to evaluate meat quality based on flavor assessment, recognition and correlation with the meat chemical composition. Meat was sampled from eighteen beef cattle including 6 Wagyu breed cattle, 6 Angus breed cattle and 6 Simmental breed cattle. Chemical composition including dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, cholesterol and taurine and flavor of the meat were measured. The results showed that different breed cattle had different chemical compositions and flavor, which contains sourness, umami, saltiness, bitterness, astringency, aftertaste from astringency, aftertaste from bitterness and aftertaste from umami, respectively. A principal component analysis (PCA) showed an easily visible separation between different breeds of cattle and indicated that TS-5000Z made a rapid identification of different breeds of cattle. In addition, TS-5000Z seemed to be used to predict the chemical composition according to its correlation with the flavor. In conclusion, TS-5000Z would be used as a rapid analytical tool to evaluate the beef quality both qualitatively and quantitatively, based on flavor assessment, recognition and chemical composition according to its correlation with flavor.     

Genetic variation in the bovine myostatin gene in UK beef cattle: allele frequencies and haplotype analysis in the South Devon

Work on Belgian Blue cattle revealed that an 11 base pair (bp) deletion within the bovine myostatin gene (GDF8) is associated with the double-muscled phenotype seen in this breed. Investigations focusing on other European breeds known to show double-muscling identified several mutations within the coding region of the gene associated with the double-muscled phenotype in different breeds. The number of mutations found suggest that myostatin is highly variable within beef cattle. Variations that alter the structure of the gene product such that the protein is inactivated are associated with the most pronounced form of double-muscling as seen in the Belgian Blue. However, other mutations may have a less extreme affect on muscle development. While overt double-muscling gives rise to a high incidence of dystocia (calving difficulty), it is possible that some variants may give enhanced muscling, but with limited calving problems. We describe sequence analysis of the myostatin gene in ten beef breeds commonly used in the UK and show that the 11-bp deletion responsible for double-muscling in the Belgian Blue is also present in the South Devon cattle population. Allele frequencies and haplotypes in the South Devon and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test for the deletion are described. PCR amplification across the deleted region provides a quick and effective test with clear identification of heterozygous individuals. We discuss our results with regard to the effect of genotype on phenotype and differences observed between the Belgian Blue and the South Devon.     

Application of electronic estrus detection technologies to reproductive management of cattle.

Artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs are dependent on efficient and accurate detection of estrus. Visual observation is accurate at detecting animals in estrus, but efficiency ranges from approximately 50 to 70%. Electronic technologies have been developed in attempts to improve estrus detection efficiency. Commercially available electronic devices for estrus detection are based on changes in physical activity (pedometers), changes in electrical resistance of reproductive tract secretions (intravaginal resistance probes) or mounting activity (mount detectors). All of the commercially available electronic estrus detection devices can improve the efficiency of estrus detection in cattle. Pedometers are most applicable to lactating dairy cattle and have greater accuracy and efficiency when combined with visual observation. Intravaginal resistance measurement is perhaps the least practical method of estrus detection because of labor and animal handling requirements. Individual resistance measurement may have practical application for confirming other inconclusive signs of estrus. Mount monitors have the broadest application to beef and dairy cattle. HeatWatch, the only real-time radiotelometric system available, requires the least labor and animal handling and provides data on the time and duration of each mount. The less expensive stand-alone mount monitors also provide the necessary information for optimum timing of insemination and embryo transfer, but are more labor intensive.     

A network approach for modeling and design of agile supply chains using a flexibility construct

Agility can be viewed as a need to encourage the enterprise-wide integration of flexible and core competent resources so as to offer value-added product and services in a volatile competitive environment. Since flexibility is considered a property that provides change capabilities of different enterprise-wide resources and processes in time and cost dimensions, supply chain flexibility can be considered a composite state to enterprise-wide resources to meet agility needs. Enterprise modeling frameworks depicting these composite flexibility states are difficult to model because of the complex and tacit interrelationship among system parameters and also because agility thrives on many business objectives. In view of this, the modeling framework presented in this paper is based on analytical network process (ANP) since this methodology can accommodate the complex and tacit interrelationship among factors affecting enterprise agility. The modeling framework forms a three-level network with the goal of attaining agility from the perspective of market, product, and customer as the actors. The goal depends on substrategies that address the characteristics of the three actors. Each of these substrategies further depends on manufacturing, logistic, sourcing, and information technology (IT) flexibility elements of the enterprise supply chain (SC). The research highlights that, under different environmental conditions, enterprises require synergy among appropriate supply chain flexibilities for practising agility. In the present research, the ANP modeling software tool Super Decisions? has been used for relative prioritization of the supply chain flexibilities. We demonstrate through sensitivity analysis that dynamic conditions do require adjustments in the enterprise-wide flexibility spectrum.     

Meat,dairy, and more: Analysis of material,energy, and greenhouse gas flows of the meat and dairy supply chains in the EU28 for 2016

To decarbonize the European Union, protein consumption must transition to diets low in meat and dairy which will drastically change the material and energy flows in current meat and dairy supply chains. To understand the impacts on current flows, a baseline is required. Although recent studies have improved the scope of reported greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, no quantitative overview exists including intermediate and final product flows. To address this knowledge gap, we structured the meat and dairy supply chains into a connected set of transformation nodes and distribution nodes. The former are processes transforming inputs into outputs, whereas the latter distribute the outputs to other processes using them as inputs. Currently, livestock play a central role in agriculture and other industries through the consumption of 271 Mt fodder crops, 108 Mt grain, 85 Mt grazed biomass, 49 Mt oil meal, and 16 Mt feed by‐products. This feed is transformed into 64 Mt dairy and 35 Mt meat which ensures that the EU28 is a net exporter of meat and dairy while providing 25 Mt of by‐products. This production also leads to 435 Mt CO₂‐eq. with the main contribution from beef cattle (35%), dairy cattle (32%), and swine (20%). Thus, the lower GHG intensities of dairy products compared to meat do not imply a low contribution to the total emissions. By mapping the material, energy, and GHG emission flows, we have created a baseline suitable for identifying potential supply chain changes and their related GHG increase or decrease resulting from the protein transition.     

Net protein contribution and enteric methane production of pasture and grain-finished beef cattle supply chains

Ruminant red meat production systems around the world often include a grain feeding phase. The role of red meat in the food system is therefore often discussed in terms of the food vs feed debate, as well as invoking the comparatively poor feed conversion efficiency of ruminants and climate impacts from enteric methane. The concept of net protein contribution (NPC) incorporates the quality attributes of protein produced by livestock systems into estimates of the efficiency of production systems. We applied the NPC method to two Australian beef supply chains, i) Grass-fed and ii) Grain-finished beef, using an established model of ruminant grazing systems (GrassGro®) and these are reflective of beef production systems in other countries. The beef supply chains evaluated did not compete with humans for protein. The Grain-finished beef supply chain, while positively contributing to human protein requirements (NPC value 1.96), had markedly lower NPC values than the Grass-fed system (NPC value 1 597). However, Grass-fed beef production systems have a higher methane intensity than the Grain-finished supply chain. The two examples of pasture-based beef production systems examined provide a positive net protein contribution to human food supply, even with extended periods of finishing on grain-based diets. This is achieved by ruminant grazing on pastures converting low-quality forage into high value human edible protein. The efficiency of protein production varies according to the system design, and other considerations such as land use and enteric methane production are elements that need consideration in the overall assessment of the production footprint.     

Genetic diversity analysis of BMY cattle based on microsatellite DNA markers

BMY cattle (1/2 Brahman, 1/4 Murray Grey and 1/4 Yunnan Yellow cattle) has been inter se breeding since 1980s. Genetic diversity of BMY cattle was extensively investigated using 16 microsatellite markers. A total of 130 microsatellite alleles and high allele size variance were detected. All loci displayed high genetic diversity with overall mean of N(a) = 8.13, PIC = 0.7224 and H(e) = 0.7666, which were higher than those of many other beef breeds. The allele-sharing neighbour-joining tree clearly displayed the new genotypic combinations and the minglement from both BMY cattle and Brahman. The results provided the genetic information to match the standards of new beef breed in South China.     

Invited review: Improving feed efficiency of beef cattle – the current state of the art and future challenges

Improvements in feed efficiency of beef cattle have the potential to increase producer profitability and simultaneously lower the environmental footprint of beef production. Although there are many different approaches to measuring feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) has increasingly become the measure of choice. Defined as the difference between an animal’s actual and predicted feed intake (based on weight and growth), RFI is conceptually independent of growth and body size. In addition, other measurable traits related to energy expenditure such as estimates of body composition can be included in the calculation of RFI to also force independence from these traits. Feed efficiency is a multifactorial and complex trait in beef cattle and inter-animal variation stems from the interaction of many biological processes influenced, in turn, by physiological status and management regimen. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarise and interpret current published knowledge and provide insight into research areas worthy of further investigation. Indeed, where sufficient suitable reports exist, meta-analyses were conducted in order to mitigate ambiguity between studies in particular. We have identified a paucity of information on the contribution of key biological processes, including appetite regulation, post-ruminal nutrient absorption, and cellular energetics and metabolism to the efficiency of feed utilisation in cattle. In addition, insufficient information exists on the relationship between RFI status and productivity-related traits at pasture, a concept critical to the overall lifecycle of beef production systems. Overall, published data on the effect of RFI status on both terminal and maternal traits, coupled with the moderate repeatability and heritability of the trait, suggest that breeding for improved RFI, as part of a multi-trait selection index, is both possible and cumulative, with benefits evident throughout the production cycle. Although the advent of genomic selection, with associated improved prediction accuracy, will expedite the introgression of elite genetics for feed efficiency within beef cattle populations, there are challenges associated with this approach which may, in the long-term, be overcome by increased international collaborative effort but, in the short term, will not obviate the on-going requirement for accurate measurement of the primary phenotype.     

Characterization of bacterial populations recovered from the teat canals of lactating dairy and beef cattle by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis

Bovine mastitis is of major concern to the dairy industry worldwide. The bovine teat canal is the primary route through which pathogens enter the mammary gland. The microflora of the teat canals of dairy and beef cattle was investigated by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. The goal was to examine the global difference between dairy cattle, which are sanitized on a regular basis, and beef cattle, which receive little sanitary management. A diverse population of 16S rRNA gene sequences was recovered from both the dairy and the beef herd samples, with diversity higher in the beef sample. Analysis revealed the presence of 90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) among 156 sequences, with 45 OTUs in the dairy sample and 53 OTUs in the beef sample. Only eight OTUs were common to both samples. Members of the classes Clostridia and Bacilli dominated both samples, followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. The dairy sample contained a cluster (20/80 clones) of Staphylococcaceae members, seven of which were identifiable as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species. The beef sample was dominated by members of the genus Clostridia, many of which have not been previously cultured. The results suggest that the microorganisms present in the bovine teat canal are more diverse than previously described.     

Whole-Genome Resequencing Analysis of Hanwoo and Yanbian Cattle to Identify Genome-Wide SNPs and Signatures of Selection

Over the last 30 years, Hanwoo has been selectively bred to improve economically important traits. Hanwoo is currently the representative Korean native beef cattle breed, and it is believed that it shared an ancestor with a Chinese breed, Yanbian cattle, until the last century. However, these two breeds have experienced different selection pressures during recent decades. Here, we whole-genome sequenced 10 animals each of Hanwoo and Yanbian cattle (20 total) using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. A total of approximately 3.12 and 3.07 billion sequence reads were mapped to the bovine reference sequence assembly (UMD 3.1) at an average of approximately 10.71- and 10.53-fold coverage for Hanwoo and Yanbian cattle, respectively. A total of 17,936,399 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were yielded, of which 22.3% were found to be novel. By annotating the SNPs, we further retrieved numerous nonsynonymous SNPs that may be associated with traits of interest in cattle. Furthermore, we performed whole-genome screening to detect signatures of selection throughout the genome. We located several promising selective sweeps that are potentially responsible for economically important traits in cattle; the PPP1R12A gene is an example of a gene that potentially affects intramuscular fat content. These discoveries provide valuable genomic information regarding potential genomic markers that could predict traits of interest for breeding programs of these cattle breeds.     

Bioprocessing automation in cell therapy manufacturing: Outcomes of special interest group automation workshop

Phacilitate held a Special Interest Group workshop event in Edinburgh, UK, in May 2017. The event brought together leading stakeholders in the cell therapy bioprocessing field to identify present and future challenges and propose potential solutions to automation in cell therapy bioprocessing. Here, we review and summarize discussions from the event. Deep biological understanding of a product, its mechanism of action and indication pathogenesis underpin many factors relating to bioprocessing and automation. To fully exploit the opportunities of bioprocess automation, therapeutics developers must closely consider whether an automation strategy is applicable, how to design an ‘automatable’ bioprocess and how to implement process modifications with minimal disruption. Major decisions around bioprocess automation strategy should involve all relevant stakeholders; communication between technical and business strategy decision-makers is of particular importance. Developers should leverage automation to implement in-process testing, in turn applicable to process optimization, quality assurance (QA)/ quality control (QC), batch failure control, adaptive manufacturing and regulatory demands, but a lack of precedent and technical opportunities can complicate such efforts. Sparse standardization across product characterization, hardware components and software platforms is perceived to complicate efforts to implement automation. The use of advanced algorithmic approaches such as machine learning may have application to bioprocess and supply chain optimization. Automation can substantially de-risk the wider supply chain, including tracking and traceability, cryopreservation and thawing and logistics. The regulatory implications of automation are currently unclear because few hardware options exist and novel solutions require case-by-case validation, but automation can present attractive regulatory incentives.     

Transferable embryo recovery rates following different insemination schedules in superovulated beef cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the transferable embryo recovery rates from superovulated donor cattle after different artificial insemination (AI) schedules. Sixty mixed-breed crossbred females were administered follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prostaglandin F(2)alpha (PGF(2)alpha) to induce a superovulatory response. At standing estrus, donor females were randomly allotted to one of five treatment groups for AI. Donors were inseminated with two units of high-quality or low-quality frozen semen at 12, 24, 36, or 48 h after the onset of estrus in treatment Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, or inseminated with two units at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h (eight units/donor) in control Group V. Donor females inseminated once at either 12 or 24 h after the onset of estrus did not differ from donors inseminated in Group V in overall fertilization and transferable embryo recovery rates. The highest fertilization rate (89.5%) and transferable embryo recovery rate (74.9%) per donor resulted when AI was performed with high-quality semen at 24 h after the onset of estrus. These findings indicate that repeated insemination of superovulated beef cattle is not necessary to attain optimal fertilization rates and production of transferable quality embryos in beef cattle.     

Molecular traceability of beef from synthetic Mexican bovine breeds

Traceability ensures a link between carcass, quarters or cuts of beef and the individual animal or the group of animals from which they are derived. Meat traceability is an essential tool for successful identification and recall of contaminated products from the market during a food crisis. Meat traceability is also extremely important for protection and value enhancement of good-quality brands. Molecular meat traceability would allow verification of conventional methods used for beef tracing in synthetic Mexican bovine breeds. We evaluated a set of 11 microsatellites for their ability to identify animals belonging to these synthetic breeds, Brangus and Charolais/Brahman (78 animals). Seven microsatellite markers allowed sample discrimination with a match probability, defined as the probability of finding two individuals sharing by chance the same genotypic profile, of 10(-8). The practical application of the marker set was evaluated by testing eight samples from carcasses and pieces of meat at the slaughterhouse and at the point of sale. The DNA profiles of the two samples obtained at these two different points in the production-commercialization chain always proved that they came from the same animal.     

A conceptual model of farmers' informational activity: a tool for improved support of livestock farming management

Farmers have been slow to adopt decision support system (DSS) models and their outputs, mainly owing to (i) the complexity of the data involved, which most potential users are unable to collect and process; and (ii) inability to integrate these models into real representations of their informational environments. This situation raises questions about the way farm management researchers have modelled information and information management, and especially about the quality of the information assessed by the farmers. We consider that to review advisory procedures we need to understand how farmers select and use farm management-related information, rather than focusing on decisions made in particular situations. The aim of this study was to build a conceptual model of the farmer-targeted farm management-related information system. This model was developed using data collected in commercial beef cattle farms. The design structure and operational procedures are based on (i) data categories representing the diversity of the informational activity; and (ii) selected criteria for supporting decisions. The model is composed of two subsystems, each composed of two units. First, an organizational subsystem organizes, finalizes and monitors informational activity. Second, a processing subsystem builds and exploits the informational resources. This conceptual model makes it possible to describe and understand the diverse range of farmers' informational activity by taking into account both the flow of information and the way farmers make sense of that information. This model could serve as a component of biodecisional DSS models for assigning information in the decision-making process. The next task will be to take into account the broad range of farmers' perceptions of the management situations in DSS models.     

Intestinal parasite infections in pigs and beef cattle in rural areas of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea

The present study was performed to investigate the infection status of intestinal parasites in pigs and beef cattle in rural areas of Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. From November 2009 to April 2010, a total of 241 fecal samples of pigs and beef cattle (136 and 105, respectively) were examined by direct smear and centrifugal sedimentation methods. The overall positive rates of intestinal parasites among pigs and beef cattle were 73.5% and 4.8%, respectively, and the double-infection rate was 10.3% in pigs. Of 136 specimens from pigs, Balantidium coli, Ascaris suum, and Entamoeba spp. infections were found in 88 (64.7%), 24 (17.6%), and 5 cases (3.7%), respectively. Of 105 beef cattle, Entamoeba spp. infections were detected in 5 cases (4.8%). From these results, it is shown that pigs raised on rural farms in Chungcheongnam-do had a high B. coli infection rate and a moderate A. suum infection rate. These results demonstrate that environmentally resistant cysts or eggs could be widespread on the farms examined, and thus an effective hygienic management system is needed to prevent them from serving as the source of infection for human beings.