Comparison of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with crossbred and purebred Brahman cattle for growth performance on savannah and slaughter traits at four ages in Venezuela

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 967 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rodas-González ◽  
N. Huerta-Leidenz ◽  
A. Vidal ◽  
O. Colina ◽  
J. Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Brahman Cattle

Males (n = 132) of water buffalo (Buffalo), Brahman crossbred and purebred cattle (Brahman) were born, raised, weaned, castrated (half of the animals at 7 months) and fattened on the same grazing savannahs, and then slaughtered at four different ages (7, 17, 19 and 24 months) to compare growth and slaughter traits and examine post-weaning castration effects. Buffalo showed consistently faster weight gains and heavier carcasses but had lower dressing percentages than Brahman cattle due to higher proportions of hide, head, and red and white viscera at each age (P < 0.05). Additionally, Buffalo had abundant fat cover distribution, and whiter subcutaneous fat than Brahman (P < 0.05), this resulted in a higher proportion of Buffalo carcasses that graded in the second quality Venezuelan grade ‘A’ (P < 0.05). Regardless of species, bulls had higher average daily gain and liveweight than steers (P < 0.05); however, no differences were detected in carcass weight and dressing percentages (P > 0.05). Also, at the same weight steers produced carcasses with thicker back fat, more abundant fat cover distribution and whiter fat than bulls (P < 0.05). With respect to age groups, there were concomitant increases in slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing percentage as age increased (P < 0.01). As age advanced, carcasses had a more convex leg profile, abundant fat cover, thicker back fat, higher marbling and greater REA (P < 0.05). Based on the observed growth and carcass traits, Buffalo offer a promising alternative for meat production under savannah feeding production systems.

The effect of preconditioning on production and antibiotic use in a South African beef feedlot

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (15) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
A. H. R. Hentzen ◽  
P. N. Thompson ◽  
D. E. Holm
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Lung Lesion ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
And Control

Context There is pressure on production veterinarians to reduce the use of antibiotics in intensive beef production systems. Aims The present study investigated whether preconditioning – the process whereby weaned calves destined for the feedlot are prepared over a period of time – reduced antibiotic treatment events, and improved health and production of calves in a South African feedlot. Methods Preconditioned calves (n = 301) and control calves (n = 332) were sourced from the same origin on two occasions, and arrived at the feedlot on the same day. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was defined as the ‘pulling’ of clinically sick calves from feedlot pens, followed by the standard protocol for treatment of BRD (including antibiotic treatment). Outcome variables related to health were BRD overall incidence (pulling), BRD re-pulling and lung lesion scores. Production outcome variables measured were carcass weight, carcass average daily gain (ADG) and days on feed (DOF). Initial carcass weight was estimated from shrunk liveweight in order to estimate the effect of preconditioning on carcass gain, the most economically relevant outcome. Statistical analyses were done using multiple linear, logistic and Cox regression. Predictor variables were preconditioning vs control, gender, starting weight, DOF, pulling for BRD and carcass ADG. Key results A lower proportion of preconditioned calves were pulled and a lower proportion of pulled calves were re-pulled for BRD compared with control calves (8 vs 17% and 8 vs 16%, respectively, P &lt; 0.01). A higher proportion of preconditioned calves compared with control calves were market ready at 90 DOF (89 vs 67%, P &lt; 0.01). In the multivariable models preconditioning was associated with a 200 g/d increase in carcass growth rate (P &lt; 0.01) and with a 17.7 kg increase in overall carcass gain (P &lt; 0.01) after adjusting for gender and DOF. Conclusions Preconditioning reduced the incidence and severity of BRD and feedlot standing time and improved production of calves in South African feedlots. Implications Preconditioning has the potential to add value to the beef feedlot by reducing the formation of antimicrobial resistance while improving the profitability of the feedlot.

Castration age and growth, meat production and meat quality of Nellore male cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 725
Author(s):  
R. J. Anaruma ◽  
L. G. Reis ◽  
P. E. de Felício ◽  
S. B. Pflanzer ◽  
S. Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Sensory Property ◽  
Meat Quality Traits

Castration in beef cattle production has been proposed to reduce sexual and aggressive behaviour, increase carcass fat deposition, and improve meat quality traits, such as tenderness and juiciness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the age of castration on performance, subprimal yield and meat quality of Nellore cattle raised on a pasture system. A total of 24 Nellore males were raised in a grass-fed system with Brachiaria brizantha since birth until slaughter (at 30 months old). Three treatments were assigned: castration at weaning (CW); castration at 20 months old (C20); and intact bulls (NoC). Males were weighed, and muscle and fat thickness were periodically evaluated by ultrasonography. The cold carcass weight, dressing and carcass pH (pH 24), and subprimal cut weights were recorded after 24 h of chilling. Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) were taken to measure meat quality traits. Animals that were castrated at weaning had lower bodyweight after 10 months of age with no changes in the supplement intakes, average daily gain, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight compared with NoC. Intact males had greater cooking losses and carcass yield compared with others, with no differences for LL pH 24 according to the treatments. The castration did not change the LL muscle area, but decreased total forequarter, chunk, shoulder and eye of round weights, and increased the back fat over LL and rump fat. Animals castrated at weaning had higher marbling compared with others. In addition, regardless of age, castration improved tenderness, increased LL total lipids and decreased moisture compared with NoC. For sensory property, steers castrated at 20 months of age had lower juiciness, and NoC had a greater global sensory property compared with steers castrated at 20 months old. In conclusion, steers castrated at weaning had lower growth rate, final bodyweight and meat production compared with intact males. However, when castration was performed at 20 months, animals did not differ in most cases from castration at weaning and NoC. Tenderness was improved by castration, but sensory traits did not differ between groups.

PSIV-8 Effect of pre-grazing herbage mass, post-grazing sward height and finishing diet on performance of late-maturing beef steers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 296-296
Author(s):  
Peter R Doyle ◽  
Mark McGee ◽  
Aidan P Moloney ◽  
Alan K Kelly ◽  
Edward G O’Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Animal Growth ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Grazing sward structure can influence animal performance in forage-only and forage plus concentrate-based production systems. The objective was to determine the effects of pre-grazing herbage mass (PGHM), post-grazing sward height (PGSH) and indoor finishing diet on performance of weaned, spring-born beef steers. Steers (n = 96, ca. 12 months of age, 396 ± 20.1 kg) previously fed grass silage only over the first winter, were assigned to one of twelve grazing groups, balanced for live weight. Grazing groups were randomly assigned to a two PGHM (1500 or 2500 kg DM/ha) × two PGSH (4 or 6 cm) factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 3 groups/treatment). Steers rotationally grazed Lolium perenne-dominant swards (not mechanically topped) for 222 days. Steers were then accommodated indoors and offered grass silage only (SO) or grass silage + 3.8 kg concentrate DM/head daily (SC) for a 146 day finishing period. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure of SAS with terms for PGHM, PGSH, finishing diet and their interactions in the model. Grazed herbage intake was unaffected by PGHM but was greater for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (6.94 vs. 6.18 kg DM/day; P &lt; 0.001). Steer average daily gain at pasture was greater for PGHM-1500 than PGHM-2500 (0.65 vs. 0.60 kg; P &lt; 0.05) and for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (0.70 vs. 0.55 kg; P &lt; 0.001). After indoor finishing, carcass weight was unaffected by PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (386 vs. 367 kg; P &lt; 0.01); carcass traits were unaffected by PGHM or PGSH. Carcasses were heavier (+43 kg), fatter (P &lt; 0.001) and more conformed (P &lt; 0.01) for SC than SO. In conclusion, both PGHM-2500 and PGSH-4 restricted animal growth at pasture; however, following an indoor finishing period, carcass weight did not differ between PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4.

A comparison of the progeny of British Friesian dams and different sire breeds in 16- and 24-month beef production systems 2. Carcass characteristics, and rate and efficiency of meat gain

1982 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Kempster ◽  
G. L. Cook ◽  
J. R. Southgate
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Breed Differences ◽  
Mature Size ◽  
Sire Breed ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACTCarcass characteristics of purebred British Friesian steers and crossbred steers by eight sire breeds out of British Friesian dams, in 16-month and 24-month beef production systems, were compared. Sire breeds included Charolais, Simmental and the main traditional British beef breeds. A total of 579 cattle were involved.The cattle were slaughtered at a fixed level of fatness and the carcasses evaluated using a standardized commercial cutting technique. Data were adjusted to equal carcass subcutaneous fat concentration.Sire breed differences were similar in both feeding systems. Charolais crosses killed-out best and Aberdeen- Angus and Devon crosses poorest; the range was 25 g/kg live weight.Significant differences were recorded between breeds in the proportion of saleable meat in the carcass (P<0·001): Charolais, Sussex and Aberdeen-Angus crosses had the highest values, on average being 15g/kg carcass weight better than purebred Friesians. Breed differences were detected in the proportion of total saleable meat occurring in the higher-priced joints, Simmental and Charolais crosses ranking highest, but the range across sire breeds was only 10 g/kg carcass weight. There were important differences between sire breeds in rate of meat weight gain that were related to mature size.Purebred Friesians were less efficient than either Charolais or Hereford crosses in converting food into meat in the 24-month system. Friesians also had the lowest efficiency and Hereford crosses the highest efficiency in the 16-month system, although the differences were not statistically significant.

scholarly journals Comparison between lambs and goat kids meat production of animals fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) grass

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 2795
Author(s):  
Nadjanara Souza Oliveira Mota ◽  
José Morais Pereira Filho ◽  
Luiza Daiana Araújo da Silva Formiga ◽  
Aderbal Marcos de Azevedo Silva ◽  
Marcílio Fontes Cézar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Cenchrus Ciliaris ◽  
Buffel Grass ◽  
Caatinga Vegetation ◽  
Santa Inês

This study compared the performance and meat production of goat kids and lambs that were fed semi-arid Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.). Twelve crossbred Boer × undefined breed goat kids and 12 Santa Inês lambs that had 20.7 kg of body weight (BW) were studied. Goat kids presented greater (P < 0.05) organic matter intake and digestibility, total gain, average daily gain (ADG) and perirrenal fat compared to lambs fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass. However, the morphometric carcass measurements (external and leg length; chest and rump width; leg perimeter and chest circumference) were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs compared to those of goat kids. The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility, cooling carcass loss, biological yield, empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weights and yields, subcutaneous fat thickness, carcass compactness index and Longissimus dorsi area were similar (P > 0.05) between goat kids and lambs. Goat kids (crossbred Boer × undefined breed) more efficiently used Caatinga vegetation enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris L. than Santa Inês lambs; this vegetation improved nutrient intake, ADG and, consequently, feeding conversion. However, Santa Inês lambs presented higher carcass morphometric values.

A comparison of different pre and post-slaughter measurements for estimating fat reserves in Spanish Blanca Celtibérica goats

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
J A Mendizabal ◽  
R. Delfa ◽  
A. Arana ◽  
A. Purroy
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Fat Depots ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Fat Thickness

Five pre-slaughter measurement values and four post-slaughter measurement values were used to estimate the weight of fat in the omental (OM), mesenteric (MES), perirenal (PR), subcutaneous (SC), and intermuscular (IM) fat depots in goats. The pre-slaughter measurements were: live weight (LW), sternal body condition score (BCSs), lumbar body condition score (BCSl), sternal fat thickness (FTs) and lumbar fat thickness (FTl) measured by ultrasound. The post-slaughter measurements were empty live weight (ELW), hot carcass weight (HCW), adipocyte diameter in the sternal subcutaneous fat (ADSCs) and adipocyte diameter in the lumbar subcutaneous fat (ADSCl). Linear and multiple regressions were fit to data collected from 22 adult, non-pregnant and non-lactating Blanca Celtibérica does. The results obtained showed BCSs, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 (scale: 0-5) to be the best pre-slaughter estimator of an animal's total fat (R2 = 0.90, RSD = 2.252 kg) and HCW to be the best post-slaughter estimator (R2 = 0.92, RSD = 1.972 kg). Additionally, multiple regression using HCW and ADSCl together yielded estimates of the total amount of fat in all five of the depots considered here with an R2 = 0.95 and an RSD = 1.542 kg. Therefore, the use in vivo of BCSs is the best method for predicting nutritional status in does in extensive production systems in the Mediterranean region.Key words: Fat reserve, body weight, carcass weight, body condition score, ultrasound, adipocyte, goat

Productivity of grazing Angus steers of different structural size

1998 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-460
Author(s):  
A. J. Romera ◽  
C. A. Mezzadra ◽  
E. L. Villarreal ◽  
M. A. Brizuela ◽  
P. M. Corva
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Structural Size ◽  
Individual Productivity ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Productivity Potential

AbstractWith the objective of studying the response patterns of two biotypes of different body (structural) size to stocking rate (SR) in terms of individual growth rate (ADG), meat production per ha (PROD) and backfat thickness (BFT) under grazing conditions, 64 steers of two biotypes of the Angus breed of different body size were used: small-sized (SB: frame score of 1·3 (s.d. 0·7)) and medium-sized (MB: 2·9 (s.d. 0·6)). Four levels of SR were applied (1·8, 2·3, 2·8 and 3·3 steers per ha). The experiment lasted 241 days (April to December). Animals were weighed every 14 days, forage availability (FA) was estimated on four occasions and BFT was recorded at the end of the experiment (between 12th and 13th ribs). There were no differences between biotypes in ADG. SB tended to be earlier maturing showing higher BFT (4·39 v. 3·97 mm; P = 0·22). ADG was affected by SR and was higher at lower SR (0·612, 0·529, 0·414 and 0·375 kg/day, for 1·8, 2·3, 2·8 and 3·3 steers per ha, respectively). Individual average daily gain of the MB was more variable across the seasons of the year. None of the variables showed effects of the biotype × SR interaction but differences in ADG between biotypes as a function of the SR were observed as a trend (P = 0·29). Despite the difference in frame score between biotypes it was not possible to associate it with consistent differences in the response variables. Individual productivity (potential) of MB was not reflected in a greater productivity per surface unit. The data from this experiment do not allow the choice of a particular biotype in order to optimize the productivity of the pastoral production systems.

Carcass composition and eating quality of meat in ram and ewe lambs

1984 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 104-104
Author(s):  
B. W. Butler-Hogg
Keyword(s):  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Eating Quality ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ram Lambs

Improving the efficiency of lean meat production is a major objective of producers. With cattle and, particularly, pigs, this has resulted in an increase in the use of entire male animals but not apparently so in the sheep sector, despite similar advantages. Ram lambs have traditionally been castrated for ease of management, particularly when they are ‘stored’ during winter. However, in early maturing breeds which can be finished off grass, considerable advantages may be gained from leaving ram lambs intact.In a trial which examined growth, composition and the eating quality of meat in 15 rams and 15 ewes of the Dorset Down breed (noted for early maturity), there were clear advantages in favour of the rams. In particular, ram lambs grew 28g/day faster on average than ewes, taking 2 weeks less to achieve 35 kg live weight. At the mean carcass weight of 16.8 kg, rams contained more lean (42 g) and bone (20 g) per kg carcass weight but less subcutaneous fat (33 g), intermuscular fat (28 g) and KKCF (kidney knob and channel fat) (13 g).

The estimation of energy expenditure from heart rate measurements in working oxen and buffalo

1984 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Richards ◽  
P. R. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Positive Linear Relationship ◽  
Brahman Cattle

SummaryThe heart rates and corresponding energy expenditure of adult Brahman cattle (Bos indicus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were measured whilst they were standing, walking at speeds of up to 1 m/sec and pulling loads of up to 50 kg for periods of 1–2 h/day. Correlations of heart rate with energy expenditure showed a positive linear relationship within species although a distinct difference was exhibited between species. However, when heart rate and energy expenditure were expressed relative to their respective resting values (RHR and REE respectively), the results for all animals fitted the same line:REE = 2·251 RHR – 0·954 (r = 0·93; n = 49).More importantly, the relative heart rate and actual energy expenditure per unit metabolic body weight (EEW) for all animals fitted a common line:EEW = 24·94 RHR – 16·25 (r = 0·91; n = 49),where EEW is in watts/kg0·75 and RHR = heart rate of the working animal/heart rate at rest. This assessment of the energy expenditure from measurement of heart rate and live weight thus allows a prediction to be made of the energy requirements of working draught cattle under field conditions.

Carcass and meat quality of ram and ewe lambs

1984 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. W. Butler-Hogg ◽  
M. A. Francombe ◽  
E. Dransfield
Keyword(s):  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Eating Quality ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Intermuscular Fat ◽  
Entire Male

ABSTRACTCarcass composition and quality and eating quality of the m. longissimus dorsi (LD) were compared in 15 entire male (ram) and 15 female (ewe) pure bred Dorset Down lambs (carcass weight range 12 to 23 kg).Rams grew 28 g/day faster than ewes, taking on average 2 weeks less to achieve 35 kg live weight. At the mean carcass weight of 16-8 kg, ram carcasses contained more lean (42 g/kg carcass weight) and bone (19 g/kg) and less fat (subcutaneous, 33 g/kg; intermuscular, 28 g/kg; perirenal-retroperitoneal, 14 g/kg) than ewe carcasses.At the same level of fat cover in the commercially prepared side, ewe carcasses required more trimming of subcutaneous fat than rams. However, there was more intermuscular fat (which is not removed by conventional cutting) in the ewes; consequently their saleable meat contained 51 g/kg more fat and 37 g/kg less lean than that from rams.The roast LD was invariably tender and the eating quality of LD from rams was as desirable as that from ewes, while overall eating quality compared favourably with that of animals studied previously. There was no evidence of an undesirable sexual odour or flavour in ram meat.With early maturing breeds, which can be finished off grass, non-castration of entire males offers the opportunity of improving the efficiency of lean meat production whilst retaining good carcass and eating quality.

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