Rehabilitation of Barbarine cull ewes using rosemary residues and linseed: effect on weight gain,carcass characteristics and meat quality

The cull ewes represent an important part of sheep flock. However, this category of animal is often submitted to under nutrition leading to poor BW and skeletal carcasses. Their rehabilitation using a high energy diet can be an alternative to improve their body condition. The objective of this experiment was to study the BW gain and carcass characteristics of Barbarine cull ewes using rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) distillation residues (RR) and extruded linseed. For this, 28 ewes above 6 years old and 33±0.5 kg of BW were divided into four groups: CCC was fed 500 g of barley-straw with concentrate, RCC received 300 g of straw and 200 g of RR as basal diet with concentrate; whereas two other groups received the experimental concentrate, containing 10% of linseed, with 500 g of straw for CLC and 300 g of straw plus 200 g of RR for RLC group. At the end of experiment (90 days), all animals were slaughtered. For all ewes, the daily concentrate intake averaged 700 g; the average daily gain was 131 g and the slaughter BW 43.4 kg without significant difference between groups. Neither basal diet nor concentrate type did affect the carcass’ weight, yield and composition. In addition, the organ’s proportions were similar for all groups. The RR intake slightly improved muscle’s protein content (P=0.03) and tended to decrease initial pH (P=0.06) and to increase meat redness (P=0.06), whereas linseed concentrate had no effect on meat color and its chemical composition. The subcutaneous fat color and firmness score relived a good quality trade for carcasses from all diets, in spite of higher yellowness and lower firmness recorded for linseed diet (P<0.05), which were moderately improved by rosemary combination with linseed. To conclude, the Barbarine cull ewes could gain up to 120 g/day in BW. The used diets permitted this BW gain without undesirable effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality. However, the study of meat fatty acid profile and antioxidant status should continue.     

Body traits,carcass characteristics and price of cull cows as affected by farm type,breed, age and calving to culling interval

Beef production from cull cows is an additional source of income for dairy farms and greatly contributes to red meat production, but the sources of variation of live animal characteristics and the carcass traits of cull cows have rarely been examined. This study investigated the effects of the farm type, breed, age at slaughter (AGE) and calving to culling interval (Calv_Cull) on the body traits and carcass characteristics of dairy and dual-purpose cull cows. Data from 555 cull cows from 182 herds belonging to five farm types, characterised by a combination of housing and feeding systems, were recorded and analysed. Dairy breeds, such as Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss, and dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Rendena) were included in the trait assessments. The day before slaughter, the cows were weighed and scored for body condition (BCS) and fleshiness, and then, their heart girth and wither height were measured. At the slaughterhouse, the carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), carcass conformation and fatness scores, carcass price per kg and carcass total value were obtained. On average, the cows were slaughtered at nearly 71±27 months of age, 285±187 days after the last calving; 615±95 kg BW; and provided a 257±51 kg CW. Nearly 50% of the cows fell within the BCS range of 2.75 to 3.50, and the carcasses were mostly graded in the lowest class of conformation and fatness scores. Cull cows from free-stall farms had a higher DP, carcass conformation score and price than those from traditional tie-stall farms. The breed influenced the AGE, live animal characteristics and carcass traits. Cows from dairy breeds were younger at slaughter, had a lower BCS and fleshiness, and greater body measurements, but a lower DP and carcass price than those from dual-purpose breeds, although differences between the breeds were found within both groups. The age of the cows at slaughter influenced the Calv_Cull and increased the BW, body measurements and CW, but not the fleshiness and fatness appreciation (both in vivo and postmortem) or carcass price. The increasing Calv_Cull improved the BW, BCS, fleshiness, CW and carcass conformation and fatness. In conclusion, the decision to cull dairy cows should also take into account the factors that affect their carcass value in regards to improving the carcass price of cows.     

High-energy forage feeding diets and body condition on the finishing of cull dairy cows

Combinations of two high-energy forage finishing diets and two initial body condition scores (BCSs) in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design were evaluated on cull Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows to improve animal performance and carcass characteristics, aimed at achieving proper fatness and conformation scores (a minimum of ‘4’ and ‘O’, respectively) required for the marketing of high-value loin steaks. The two finishing diets were (i) conventional maize silage complemented with concentrate diet and (ii) wet maize ear silage (pastone) complemented with dry-herbage diet. The two initial body condition levels were (i) low BCS < 5 (LBCS) and (ii) high BCS > 5 (HBCS). The HBCS animals had the greatest potential to respond to the finishing diets. They needed a smaller total feed intake (TFI) and a shorter finishing period (FP) to meet the marketing requirements. The average feed budgets necessary to finish cull dairy cows and to achieve the minimum scores ‘4’ and ‘O’ of carcass classification were 2.31 and 3.61 t of dry matter (DM)/cow for HBCS and LBCS animals, respectively, while the FP lasted an average of 143 and 224 days for HBCS and LBCS animals, respectively. With regard to the two feeding diets, we found no differences for TFI, carcass characteristics and loin muscle features, such as weight, diameter and intramuscular fat.     

Effects of dietary energy content and source using by-products on carcass and meat quality traits of cull ewes

In cull ewes, energy supply by time short periods can affect growth, carcass traits, and meat quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biscuit bran (BB) and cashew nut bran (CNB) in diets with different total digestible nutrient (TDN) content on animal performance and carcass and meat traits of cull ewes. Twenty Morada Nova cull ewes, with the initial BW of 30.1 ± 3.56 kg, and three years of age were distributed in a completely randomized design into factorial scheme 2 × 2, with two energy sources (BB and CNB) × two levels of TDN. All diets were isoproteic with variations in TDN content increased by 10% (TDN10) and 25% (TDN25) above the recommended requirement for the study category, which was 66.0% TDN. The experimental period lasted 56 days, in which daily intake in relation to metabolic weight and weight performance of the animals was determined. The hot carcass, the cold carcass, commercial cuts, loin eye area, and subcutaneous fat thickness were measured, obtained, or calculated. A sample of the Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was used by determination of physical–chemical composition, sensory, and fatty acid (FA) profile analysis. The ANOVA was performed to access the effect of diet and energy level on the characteristics studied, and means were compared by the Turkey and Kruskal Wallis tests at 5% of probability. A higher daily gain weight was observed from TDN25 (P = 0.006). Among by-products, higher nutrient intakes were observed in animals fed with BB diets (P < 0.01), except for crude protein. The same patterns have been observed for live weight, reconstituted half-carcass, higher yield in fat thickness, and internal carcass length. Cashew nut bran produced darker colored meat (P = 0.017) and higher cooking weight loss (P = 0.008). Higher lipid content was observed in animals submitted to diets with CNB and TDN25 (P = 0.001). The internal length of the carcass was higher in animals fed with BB (P = 0.041). All diets did not effect on sensory characteristics (P > 0.05). Total digestible nutrient in 25% above recommended promotes higher weight gain and meat with higher lipid content and less weight loss by cooling. The inclusion of BB, compared to CNB, provides a higher weight of carcasses and better conformation, in addition to lower total lipid content with higher proportion for monounsaturated FAs in meat, providing more attractive features for the consumer market.     

Effects of immunocastration and a β-adrenergic agonist on retail cuts of feedlot finished Nellore cattle

Immunocastration (ImC) has been proposed as an animal welfare-friendly alternative to reduce sexual and aggressive behavior and to increase carcass fat deposition with positive effects on meat quality. The β-adrenergic agonists (β-AA) are known as repartitioning agents that acts increasing lean tissue deposition. The combined use of these technologies can positively affect meat quality and increase retail cuts yield. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of ImC and β-AA (zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH)) on retail cuts, bones, and fat trim of feedlot finished Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle. No interaction was observed between sexual condition and diet for any trait. The ImC decreased cold carcass, hindquarter (HQ), forequarter (FQ) and combined brisket, short ribs and flank (BSF) weights. The ImC also showed smaller weights of retail cuts and bones on the HQ and on the FQ than non-castrated (NoC). Fat trim weights did not differ from ImC and NoC. The most of subprimal cuts were heavier in NoC than in ImC. Feeding β-AA did not affect cold carcass weight; however, animals fed ZH had higher weights of HQ and retail cuts in HQ when compared with RH and control (CO) group, with no differences between RH and CO for both traits. The weights of FQ, BSF, retail cuts in FQ, as well as bones and fat trimmings were not affected by β-AA. In summary, ImC decreases carcass and retail cut weights, whereas ZH supplementation leads to an improvement in carcass lean tissue and retail cuts.     

Effect of sire breed on carcass characteristics and meat and fat quality of heavy pigs reared outdoor and intended for dry-cured meat production

A trial was conducted to study the effect of sire line (Duroc (DU) and Pietrain (PI)) on carcass, meat and fat quality of pigs reared outdoor and destined to dry-cured meat production. No differences between sire genotypes were detected in carcass fat thickness (P > 0.10) but carcasses from DU-sired pigs were longer (P < 0.05) and tended to have a higher yield of trimmed shoulders (P = 0.07) and hams (P = 0.06) than carcasses from PI-sired pigs. Loins from DU-sired genotype showed higher (P < 0.05) L* value and lower (P < 0.01) a* value than loins from PI-sired genotype. Pork from DU-sired offspring tended to have higher (P = 0.09) intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage and lower (P < 0.05) moisture proportion than meat from PI-sired offspring. Also, loins from DU-sired pigs had lower (P < 0.001) thawing losses than loins from PI-sired pigs. The subcutaneous fat from the DU-sired line tended to show lower (P = 0.08) percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than that from the PI-sire line, mostly due to the higher proportion of C18:2 (P = 0.09) and C20:3 (P < 0.01). However, no effect of crossbreed was detected on the total proportion of saturated, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) or PUFAs of IMF (P > 0.10). We conclude that both sire lines can be used successfully under outdoor conditions but DU boars are more adequate than PI boars for the production of heavy pigs intended for the dry-cured meat industry.     

Deer Carcass Decomposition and Potential Scavenger Exposure to Chronic Wasting Disease

ABSTRACT Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy afflicting the Cervidae family in North America, causing neurodegeneration and ultimately death. Although there are no reports of natural cross-species transmission of CWD to noncervids, infected deer carcasses pose a potential risk of CWD exposure for other animals. We placed 40 disease-free white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) carcasses and 10 gut piles in the CWD-affected area of Wisconsin (USA) from September to April in 2003 through 2005. We used photos from remotely operated cameras to characterize scavenger visitation and relative activity. To evaluate factors driving the rate of carcass removal (decomposition), we used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a generalized linear mixed model. We recorded 14 species of scavenging mammals (6 visiting species) and 14 species of scavenging birds (8 visiting species). Prominent scavengers included American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). We found no evidence that deer consumed conspecific remains, although they visited gut piles more often than carcasses relative to temporal availability in the environment. Domestic dogs, cats, and cows either scavenged or visited carcass sites, which could lead to human exposure to CWD. Deer carcasses persisted for 18 days to 101 days depending on the season and year, whereas gut piles lasted for 3 days. Habitat did not influence carcass decomposition, but mammalian and avian scavenger activity and higher temperatures were positively associated with faster removal. Infected deer carcasses or gut piles can serve as potential sources of CWD prions to a variety of scavengers. In areas where surveillance for CWD exposure is practical, management agencies should consider strategies for testing primary scavengers of deer carcass material.     

Influence of slaughter age and carcass suspension on meat quality in Angus heifers

This study investigated the effects of pelvic suspension and slaughter age on longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) from 40 heifers with at least 75% Angus breeding. A total of 20 heifers were slaughtered directly from pasture at 18 months of age, and carcass sides were hung either by the Achilles tendon or the pelvic bone. The other 20 heifers were assigned to an additional winter housing period and slaughtered at 22 months of age; carcass sides were hung only by Achilles suspension. All carcasses were electrically stimulated and assessed according to the EUROP carcass classification system. In addition, the LTL muscles were aged for 7 or 14 days before meat quality was evaluated for intramuscular fat (IMF), drip loss, colour, shear force, compression and sensory analysis. The 22-month-old heifers were heavier, fatter and had more IMF than 18-month-old heifers. Conformation scores (muscling) did not differ between the two slaughter groups. Pelvic suspension reduced both between- and within-animal variation for peak force, total energy and compression peak force. For the 18-month-old heifers, pelvic suspension also decreased peak force, total energy and compression variables for the LTL muscles from both ageing periods, whereas Achilles-suspended samples had lower shear force values only at day 14. Sensory analysis showed that pelvic-suspended sides had greater tenderness, lower bite resistance, less threadiness, higher juiciness and meat flavour and less visible marbling than meat from Achilles-suspended sides. Pelvic-suspended sides at 18 months of age were similar in peak force and total energy values to the 22-month-old heifers. The importance of ageing the Achilles-suspended sides was more obvious for samples from 18-month-old heifers than from the 22-month-old animals. The correlations between the different instrumental measurements and sensory tenderness were considerably higher for carcasses suspended by the Achilles tendon (r = −0.55 to 0.20) than for those hung by the pelvic bone (r = −0.25 to 0.19). More correlations between sensory-evaluated tenderness and shear variables were significant after 7 days (n = 6) of ageing than after 14 days (n = 4) of ageing. This study clearly shows the benefits of pelvic suspension, which reduces the need for additional feeding after pasture.     

Productive performance, carcass and meat quality of intact and castrated gilts slaughtered at 106 or 122 kg BW

A total of 200 (Landrace × Large White dam × Pietrain × Large White sire) gilts of 50 ± 3 days of age (23.3 ± 1.47 kg BW) were used to investigate the effects of castration (intact gilt, IG v. castrated gilt, CG) and slaughter weight (SW; 106 v. 122 kg BW) on productive performance, carcass and meat quality. Four treatments were arranged factorially and five replicates of 10 pigs each per treatment. Half of the gilts were ovariectomized at 58 days of age (8 days after the beginning of the trial at 29.8 ± 1.64 kg BW), whereas the other half remained intact. The pigs were slaughtered at 106 or 122 kg BW. Meat samples were taken at Musculus longissimus thoracis at the level of the last rib and subcutaneous fat samples were taken at the tail insertion. For the entire experimental period, CG had higher (P < 0.05) BW gain and higher (P < 0.001) backfat and Musculus gluteus medius fat thickness than IG. However, IG had higher (P < 0.05) loin and trimmed primal cut yields than CG. Meat quality was similar for IG and CG but the proportion of linoleic acid in subcutaneous fat was higher (P < 0.001) for IG. Pigs slaughtered at 122 kg BW had higher (P < 0.001) feed intake and poorer feed efficiency than pigs slaughtered at 106 kg BW. An increase in SW improved (P < 0.001) carcass yield but decreased (P < 0.05) trimmed primal cut yield. Meat from pigs slaughtered at the heavier BW was redder (a*; P < 0.001) and had more (P < 0.01) intramuscular fat and less thawing (P < 0.05) and cooking (P < 0.10) loss than meat from pigs slaughtered at the lighter BW. In addition, pigs slaughtered at 122 kg BW had less (P < 0.01) linoleic acid content in subcutaneous fat than pigs slaughtered at 106 kg BW. Castration of gilts and slaughtering at heavier BW are useful practices for the production of heavy pigs destined to the dry-cured industry in which a certain amount of fat in the carcass is required. In contrast, when the carcasses are destined to fresh meat production, IG slaughtered at 106 kg BW is a more efficient alternative.     

Evaluation of Florina (Pelagonia) sheep breed for growth and carcass traits

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of growing Florina (Pelagonia) lambs fed a high concentrate diet, as well as the effect of slaughter weight on carcass characteristics. The assessment of the growth used 12 male and 12 female individually penned weaned lambs until they reached 60% of their mature body weight (BW), while assessment of the effect of slaughter weight at weaning (42 days of age), and at 30%, 45% and 60% of the mature BW, on carcass characteristics used 40 male and 40 female weaned lambs. In experiment 1, results showed that Florina lambs have good growth. Male lambs grew faster (P < 0.001) than female lambs, resulting in a lower (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) for males. Rate of gain, feed consumption and FCR increased (P < 0.001) as the experiment progressed. In experiment 2, results showed that degree of maturity affected (P < 0.001) fasted body weight and carcass weight, as well as all carcass characteristics and commercial cuts, except the steaks cut which did not differ. Florina lambs can be slaughtered in heavier carcass weights, heavier than the 15 kg as the present practice. The heavier carcasses can appeal to wider range of consumers due to the excellent muscle development and the reduced visible fat cover. Florina sheep raised for heavy carcass meat production may be more economically beneficial for the breeders and the increased meat produced locally can help reduce need for importing meat from abroad.     

Solar-dried citrus pulp as an alternative energy source in lamb diets: Effects on growth and carcass and meat quality

Twenty-seven Italian Merino male lambs, equally divided into three groups, were used to evaluate the effects of the dietary incorporation of citrus pulp dried by exploiting solar energy (solar-dried citrus pulp, SDCP) on growth and carcass and meat quality. The diet consisted of oat hay and concentrate, with a hay/concentrate ratio of 30/70. The concentrates of the SDCP-0, SDCP-30 and SDCP-45 groups were formulated to incorporate 0, 30 and 45% of SDCP, respectively, as partial replacement of cereal grain. The lambs were slaughtered after 80 days of feeding (at 150 days of age) and carcass and some meat quality parameters were measured. No significant differences were found in final live-weights and average daily gains among the groups. Lambs in the SCP-45 group showed impaired (P < 0.001) feed conversion efficiency, lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage compared with the other two groups. The majority of SDCP-45 carcasses (88.9%) fell within the bis-grid EU system (light carcasses weighing ≤13 kg), while most SDCP-0 (66.7%) and SDCP-30 (77.8%) carcasses fell within the SEUROP system (heavy carcasses weighing >13 kg). The bis-grid EU carcass classification highlighted how all carcasses produced an ideal meat colour and fatness, while the SEUROP grid carcass classification showed good carcass conformation and optimal fatness in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Carcass compactness was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in groups SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 compared to group SDCP-45. The histological dissection of the pelvic limb evidenced a higher (P < 0.01) adiposity in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Chemical analysis of meat did not differ significantly among the groups. Physical analysis of the meat showed higher (P < 0.05) redness value and higher (P < 0.05) chroma value in the SDCP-0 and SDCP-30 groups. Based on the results of the present study it may be concluded that SDCP can be incorporated in concentrate mixtures for fattening lambs at levels equal to 30% without adverse effects both in growth and slaughter performances as well as in carcass and meat quality and, at this replacement level, it appears also to be economically convenient.     

Effects of supplementation with fish oil and barium selenate on performance, carcass characteristics and muscle fatty acid composition of late season lamb finished on grass-based or concentrate-based diets

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of fish oil supplementation on performance and muscle fatty acid composition of hill lambs finished on grass-based or concentrate-based diets, and to examine the interaction with selenium (Se) status. In September 2006, 180 entire male lambs of mixed breeds were sourced from six hill farms after weaning and finished on five dietary treatments: grazed grass (GG), grass +0.4 kg/day cereal-based concentrate (GC), grass +0.4 kg/day cereal-based concentrate enriched with fish oil (GF), ad libitum cereal-based concentrate (HC) and ad libitum fish oil-enriched concentrate (HF). Within each treatment, half of the lambs were also supplemented with barium selenate by subcutaneous injection. At the start of the trial, the proportion of lambs with a marginal (<0.76 μmol/l) or deficient (<0.38 μmol/l) plasma Se status was 0.84 and 0.39, respectively. Compared with control lambs, GG lambs treated with Se had higher (P < 0.01) plasma Se levels, whereas erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity was higher (P < 0.01) for Se-supplemented lambs fed diets GG and GF. However, Se supplementation had no effects on any aspect of animal performance. Fish oil increased (P < 0.05) levels of 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in the Longissimus dorsi of HF lambs but otherwise had no effect on the health attributes of lamb meat. There were no significant effects of fish oil on dry matter intake, animal performance or lamb carcass characteristics. Daily carcass weight gain (CWG; P < 0.001), carcass weight (P < 0.01) and conformation score (P < 0.01) increased with increasing concentrate inputs. Lambs fed concentrate-based diets achieved a higher mean CWG (P < 0.001), dressing proportion (P < 0.001) and carcass weight (P < 0.011), and were slaughtered up to 8.3 days earlier (P < 0.05) and at 1.2 kg lower (P < 0.05) live weight than pasture-fed lambs. However, carcasses from grass-fed lambs contained lower levels of perinephric and retroperitoneal fat (P < 0.05), and had less fat over the Iliocostalis thoracis (P < 0.001) and Obliquus internus abdominis (P < 0.05). Meat from grass-fed lambs also had lower levels of 18:2n-6 and total n-6 fatty acids compared with those finished indoors. The results of this study demonstrate that fish oil supplementation has some benefits for the health attributes of meat from lambs fed concentrate-based diets but not grass-based diets. Supplementing Se-deficient lambs with barium selenate will improve Se status of lambs fed zero-concentrate diets, but has no additional benefit when lambs are already consuming their daily Se requirement from concentrates or when fish oil-enriched diets are fed.     

Effects of feeding and rearing systems on growth, carcass composition and meat quality in pigs

Animal growth performance and quality of pork depend on the interactive effects of pig genotype, rearing conditions, pre-slaughter handling, and carcass and meat processing. This paper focuses on the effects of feeding and rearing systems (feeding level and diet composition, housing, production system, etc.) on growth performance, carcass composition, and eating and technological qualities of pork. The feeding level and protein : energy ratio can be used to manipulate growth rate or composition of weight gain. Restricted feed allowance strongly reduces growth rate and carcass fatness and also intramuscular fat (IMF) level, resulting in decreased meat tenderness or juiciness. Expression of compensatory growth due to restricted followed by ad libitum feeding modifies the composition of weight gain at both carcass and muscle levels, and may improve meat tenderness due to higher in vivo protein turnover. Decreasing the protein : energy ratio of the diet actually increases IMF and improves eating quality, but gives fatter carcasses. In contrast, a progressive reduction in the protein : energy ratio leads to similar carcass composition at slaughter but with higher IMF. Technological meat traits (pH1, pHu, colour, drip loss) are generally not affected by the level or protein : energy in feed. Modification of fatty acid composition and antioxidant level in meat can be obtained through diet supplementations (e.g. vegetable sources with high n-3 fatty acids), thereby improving the nutritional quality of pork. Influences of pig rearing system on animal performance, carcass and meat traits result from interactive effects of housing (floor type, space allowance, ambient temperature, physical activity), feeding level and genotype in specific production systems. Indoor enrichment (more space, straw bedding) generally increases growth rate and carcass fatness, and may improve meat juiciness or flavour through higher IMF. Outdoor rearing and organic production system have various effects on growth rate and carcass fatness, depending on climatic conditions and feed allowance. Influence on meat quality is also controversial: higher drip and lower pHu and tenderness have been reported, whereas some studies show improved meat juiciness with outdoor rearing. Discrepancies are likely due to differences between studies in rearing conditions and physiological responses of pigs to pre-slaughter handling. Specific production systems of the Mediterranean area based on local breeds (low growth rate, high adiposity) and free-range finishing (pasture, forests), which allows pig to express their genetic potential for IMF deposition, clearly demonstrate the positive effects of genotype × rearing system interactions on the quality of pork and pork products.     

The ability of video image analysis to predict lean meat yield and EUROP score of lamb carcasses

A total of 862 lamb carcasses that were evaluated by both the VIAscan® and the current EUROP classification system were deboned and the actual yield was measured. Models were derived for predicting lean meat yield of the legs (Leg%), loin (Loin%) and shoulder (Shldr%) using the best VIAscan® variables selected by stepwise regression analysis of a calibration data set (n=603). The equations were tested on validation data set (n=259). The results showed that the VIAscan® predicted lean meat yield in the leg, loin and shoulder with an R² of 0.60, 0.31 and 0.47, respectively, whereas the current EUROP system predicted lean yield with an R² of 0.57, 0.32 and 0.37, respectively, for the three carcass parts. The VIAscan® also predicted the EUROP score of the trial carcasses, using a model derived from an earlier trial. The EUROP classification from VIAscan® and the current system were compared for their ability to explain the variation in lean yield of the whole carcass (LMY%) and trimmed fat (FAT%). The predicted EUROP scores from the VIAscan® explained 36% of the variation in LMY% and 60% of the variation in FAT%, compared with the current EUROP system that explained 49% and 72%, respectively. The EUROP classification obtained by the VIAscan® was tested against a panel of three expert classifiers (n=696). The VIAscan® classification agreed with 82% of conformation and 73% of the fat classes assigned by a panel of expert classifiers. It was concluded that VIAscan® provides a technology that can directly predict LMY% of lamb carcasses with more accuracy than the current EUROP classification system. The VIAscan® is also capable of classifying lamb carcasses into EUROP classes with an accuracy that fulfils minimum demands for the Icelandic sheep industry. Although the VIAscan® prediction of the Loin% is low, it is comparable to the current EUROP system, and should not hinder the adoption of the technology to estimate the yield of Icelandic lambs as it delivered a more accurate prediction for the Leg%, Shldr% and overall LMY% with negligible prediction bias.     

Intake,feeding behaviour,digestibility, performance,carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed different levels of semi-purified glycerine in the diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels of semi-purified glycerine in the diet of feedlot lambs on feeding behaviour, nutrient intake and digestibility, carcass characteristics, meat quality and in vitro degradability. Thirty-two Dorper × (Texel × Suffolk) crossbred intact male lambs (22.2 ± 5.51 kg) were fed glycerine (90% purity) at 0, 120, 240 or 360 g/kg dry matter (DM) in a total mixed ration with a roughage to concentrate ratio of 40:60 for 84 d. In vitro degradability was not affected by glycerine supplementation. Feeding behaviour and digestibility of DM, crude protein and fibre and production performance were similar among treatments. Ether extract digestibility was lower at the highest inclusion level. Glycerine level had no effect on ruminal pH, carcass characteristics and meat quality, except for subcutaneous fat thickness which was lower for lambs fed glycerine at 240 and 360 g/kg DM. Scores for unpleasant taste, unpleasant odour, succulence and softness of meat were not affected by dietary glycerine level. These data suggest that there are no adverse effects on carcass quality and performance when semi-purified glycerine is provided up to 360 g/kg DM in the diet of growing lambs fed a forage to concentrate ratio of 40:60.     

Ossification score is a better indicator of maturity related changes in eating quality than animal age

Ossification score and animal age are both used as proxies for maturity-related collagen crosslinking and consequently decreases in beef tenderness. Ossification score is strongly influenced by the hormonal status of the animal and may therefore better reflect physiological maturity and consequently eating quality. As part of a broader cross-European study, local consumers scored 18 different muscle types cooked in three ways from 482 carcasses with ages ranging from 590 to 6135 days and ossification scores ranging from 110 to 590. The data were studied across three different maturity ranges; the complete range of maturities, a lesser range and a more mature range. The lesser maturity group consisted of carcasses having either an ossification score of 200 or less or an age of 987 days or less with the remainder in the greater maturity group. The three different maturity ranges were analysed separately with a linear mixed effects model. Across all the data, and for the greater maturity group, animal age had a greater magnitude of effect on eating quality than ossification score. This is likely due to a loss of sensitivity in mature carcasses where ossification approached and even reached the maximum value. In contrast, age had no relationship with eating quality for the lesser maturity group, leaving ossification score as the more appropriate measure. Therefore ossification score is more appropriate for most commercial beef carcasses, however it is inadequate for carcasses with greater maturity such as cull cows. Both measures may therefore be required in models to predict eating quality over populations with a wide range in maturity.     

Growth curve,blood parameters and carcass traits of grass-fed Angus steers

The increasing demand for natural products is currently transforming the meat industry, making grass-fed and finished beef a valuable option for improving profits. However, the transformation of conventional operations to grass-fed systems comprises many modifications, such as logistical, technological, and financial that could be very complex and expensive, involving economic risk. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the growth curve, critical economic traits, and carcass quality and finished characteristics over several consecutive years in closely related grass-fed and finished Angus steers, to reduce the genetic effect on the results. We found that grass-fed steers require around 188 additional days to reach the market weight (approx. 470 kg) and had approximately 70% less average daily gain compared to the grain-fed and finished steers. Regression analysis demonstrated an interaction between feed and age (P < 0.01); thus, individual regressions were fitted for each regimen style, obtaining almost perfect linear curves for both treatments, which could be straightforwardly used in practical situations due to its simplicity. Six of eight carcass traits were different between grain-fed and grass-fed and finished steers. Hot-carcass weight, dressing, back fat, and quality grade were superior in grain-fed individuals, contrarily to yield grade and ribeye area/carcass ratio, which were better in grass-fed and finished steers (P < 0.05).Interestingly, the meat tenderness was certainly low and similar in both treatments (P = 0.25), indicating the feasibility of producing tender meat with animals under a grass-fed diet. Nevertheless, according to the quality grade analysis, grain-fed carcasses were greater ranked compared to grass-fed bodies (P < 0.01), regardless of their same tenderness. The results will provide valuable information for better understanding beef cattle in grass-feeding finishing systems, especially from weaning to harvest. Additionally, the study will expand the knowledge about the quality of meat obtained from animals that received grass exclusively, becoming relevant information for economic evaluation and management decisions for grass-based cattle operations.     

Effects of niacin on milk yield,milk composition,and blood components of dairy cows in hot weather

Twenty multiparous Friesian cows, 90 ± 30 days postpartum, were allocated to two groups of ten cows according to calving date, lactation number and daily milk yield, and assigned randomly to one of two diets in a cross-over experiment. The experimental diet consisted of concentrate and maize silage in the proportions 1:1 (dry matter basis) containing either 0 or 10 g niacin per cow per day, which was handmixed into the concentrate. The diets were offered individually as total mixed rations in two equal proportions at 09:00 and 20:00 h in amounts sufficient to ensure 10% refusals. Dry matter, metabolisable energy and crude protein intakes, as well as milk yield, milk protein proportion and yield, milk lactose, total solids and solids-not-fat proportions were not affected by niacin supplementation. In contrast, niacin supplementation increased milk fat proportion and yield. No differences were observed in blood serum concentrations of glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, Na, K, Ca, P or Mg. However, the serum concentration of urea was lower when the cows were supplemented with niacin.     

The effects of feeding broiler litter on microbial contamination of beef carcasses

Two experiments were conducted to test the effects of feeding broiler litter, either directly in the diet or indirectly through pasture-fertilization, to beef cattle on the incidence of Salmonella typhimurium (S) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) contamination of carcasses and ground beef. In Experiment 1, beef cows (n = 32) were allotted either ad libitum access to grass hay or a formulated diet (80% deep-stacked broiler litter and 20% corn). In Experiment 2, beef cows (n = 32) were assigned to graze on pastures fertilized with a commercial fertilizer or fresh broiler litter. Cows in Experiment 1 were harvested following a 56-d feeding period; whereas, cows in Experiment 2 were harvested after 5, 10, 20, and 40 d of grazing pastures. All samples of muscle, purge, and ground beef were culture-negative for S and EC, suggesting that beef cattle may consume properly handled deep-stacked broiler litter, or pastures fertilized with fresh litter, without increasing the likelihood of carcass/meat contamination with S and (or) EC.     

Effects of feeding green forage of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) on lamb growth and carcass and meat quality

The nutritional effects of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) forage containing condensed tannins (CT) on growth of lambs, and carcass and meat quality were investigated. Thirty-two male Comisana lambs aged 100 ± 8 days weighing 19.0 ± 2.8 kg were fed fresh forage of sulla or CT-free annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. subsp. Wersterwoldicum) for 49 days until slaughter; in addition, each lamb was supplied with 200 g/days of concentrate. Eight lambs per diet had been previously treated with anthelmintic drugs to remove nematode parasites. Measurements of BW and feed intake, and counts of faecal nematode eggs were made. Carcass parameters were recorded after slaughter, and tissue components of the hind leg were determined. Longissimus dorsi meat was evaluated for pH, colour, thawing and cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler shear force, chemical composition and sensory properties based on triangle tests. Relative to ryegrass-fed lambs, sulla-fed lambs had significantly greater dry matter (DM) and protein intake, a more favourable feed conversion ratio, and superior growth rate, final BW at 150 days of age, carcass weight, yield and fatness. These results were attributed to the high protein and non-structural carbohydrate content of sulla, and also to the moderate CT content of sulla (16.7 and 20.3 g/kg of DM in offered and consumed sulla forage, respectively). Anthelmintic treatment did not affect lamb growth, as the level of parasitic infection (initial and final) was low. The physical, chemical and sensory properties of the lamb meat were not influenced by diet.