scholarly journals Effect of Pluronic-F68 fog solution on performance and morbidity of newly received heifer calves

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S149-S149
Author(s):  
Consuelo A Sowers ◽  
Vinicius N Gouvêa ◽  
Michael L Barnes ◽  
Glenn C Duff
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Pluronic F68 ◽  
Time Treatment ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Processing Order ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatments ◽  
And Control

Abstract: Morbidity and mortality from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) of newly received feedlot cattle continue to be problems for the feedlot industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of utilizing a novel breathing treatment containing a nonionic surfactant (Pluronic-F68) on performance and morbidity of high-risk calves during a 45-d receiving period. Angus/Angus-cross heifer calves (n = 240) were acquired in Delhi, LA, and transported (14 h) to the research facility. Heifers were allowed 21-h rest with access to water and RAMP prior to processing. Heifers were sorted into 16 pens by processing order and randomized by pen into one of two treatments: novel breathing treatment containing 6.25% Pluronic-F68 solution, 28.13% glycerin, and 65.62% water (FOG; n = 8 pens per treat and 15 heifers per pen) and control (CON; n = 8 pens per treat and 15 heifers per pen). Control heifers were held in an enclosed stock trailer for 10 min and followed by FOG heifers, during which time treatment was administered. The person responsible for identifying signs of morbidity was blinded to treatment assignments. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using MIXED (continuous) or GLIMIX (binomial) models of SAS 9.4. Average daily gain was similar between treatments (P = 0.91). No differences were found in dry matter intake (P = 0.14) nor in gain efficiency (P = 0.58). There were no differences (P = 0.74) in final body weights. Morbidity was similar at first, second, and third antimicrobial administration regardless of treatment (P ≥ 0.34). The number of antimicrobial treatments required or the management of BRD was similar between treatments (P = 0.72). There was no difference (P = 0.44) in mortality between FOG and CON groups. The Pluronic-F68 solution did not improve performance or reduce morbidity of newly received heifer calves; however, further research with a different concentration and/or duration of fogging may be warranted.

scholarly journals PSI-28 Effect of Pluronic-F68 fog solution on performance and morbidity of newly-received heifer calves

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 471-471
Author(s):  
CiCi A Sowers ◽  
Vinicius N Gouvea ◽  
Michael L Barnes ◽  
Glenn C Duff
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Ionic Surfactant ◽  
Pluronic F68 ◽  
Time Treatment ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Processing Order ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatments ◽  
And Control

Abstract Morbidity and mortality from bovine respiratory disease of newly-received feedlot cattle continues to be a problem for the feedlot industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of utilizing a novel breathing treatment containing a non-ionic surfactant (Pluronic-F68) on performance and morbidity of high-risk calves during a 45-d receiving period. Angus/Angus-cross heifer calves (n = 240) were acquired in Delhi, LA and transported (14h) to the research facility. Heifers were allowed 21-h rest with access to water and RAMP® prior to processing. Heifers were sorted into 16 pens by processing order and randomized into one of two treatments: novel breathing treatment containing 6.25% Pluronic-F68 solution, 28.13% glycerin, and 65.62% water (FOG; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen) and control (CON; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen). Control heifers were held in an enclosed stock trailer for 10 min and followed by FOG heifers, during which time treatment was administered. The person responsible for identifying signs of morbidity was blinded to treatment assignments. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using MIXED (continuous) or GLIMMIX (binomial) models of SAS 9.4. Average daily gain was similar between treatments (P = 0.91). No differences were found in dry matter intake (P = 0.14) nor in feed efficiency (P = 0.58). There were no differences (P = 0.74) in final body weights. Morbidity was similar at first, second and third antimicrobial administration regardless of treatment (P ≥ 0.34). The number of antimicrobial treatments required or the management of BRD was similar between treatments (P = 0.72) There was no difference (P = 0.44) in mortality between FOG and CON groups. The Pluronic-F68 solution did not improve performance or reduce morbidity of newly received heifer calves; however, further research with a different concentration and/or duration of fogging may be warranted.

scholarly journals 268 Administering an appeasing substance to optimize welfare and performance of receiving cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 193-193
Author(s):  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Jacob Wiegand ◽  
Kelsey Schubach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatments ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This experiment evaluated the impacts of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) administration on performance, health, and physiological responses of feedlot cattle during a 45-d receiving period. A total of 342 recently-weaned Angus-influenced steers, originating from 16 cow-calf operations, were obtained from an auction yard on d -1 and road-transported (12 h) to the feedlot. Upon arrival on d 0, body weight (BW) was recorded and steers were ranked by BW and source and assigned to receive BAS (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil; n = 171) or placebo (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; CON; n = 171). Treatments (5 mL) were topically applied to the nuchal skin area of each animal. Within treatment, calves were allocated to 1 of 24 drylot pens (12 pens/treatment) and received a free choice total-mixed ration from d 1 to 45. Calves were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs and feed intake was recorded from each pen daily. Steer BW was again recorded on d 1, 7, 17, 31, and 45, whereas blood samples were collected from 5 steers/pen concurrently with each BW assessment. Average daily gain was greater (P = 0.05) in BAS vs. CON calves, although final BW did not differ (P = 0.36) between treatments. No treatment effects were detected for feed intake (P = 0.95), resulting in greater (P = 0.05) feed efficiency in BAS vs. CON steers. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.37) for plasma concentrations of haptoglobin, whereas plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) in CON vs. BAS steers on d 7 (treatment × day; P = 0.07). Incidence of BRD was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in BAS vs. CON on d 6 to 10 and d 18 to 21 (treatment × day; P < 0.01), although overall BRD incidence did not differ (P = 0.24) between treatments. The number of antimicrobial treatments required per steer diagnosed with BRD symptoms to recover from sickness was greater (P = 0.04) in CON vs. BAS calves. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.41) for mortality incidence, or proportion of steers removed from the experiment due to extreme sickness. Results from this experiment indicate BAS administration upon feedlot entry improved average daily gain by enhancing feed efficiency. Administration of BAS facilitated earlier detection of BRD and reduced the need for antimicrobial treatments. Collectively, these results suggest BAS administration as a promising strategy to benefit performance and immunocompetence of feedlot receiving cattle.

scholarly journals Performance and body composition of young Nellore bulls slaughtered at different body weights

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2453
Author(s):  
Ludmila Couto Gomes Passetti ◽  
Francisco de Assis Fonseca de Macedo ◽  
Alfredo Jorge Costa Teixeira ◽  
Anselmo Domingues Ferreira Santos ◽  
Alfredo Acosta Backes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Quantitative Characteristics ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Feed Costs

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of slaughter body weight on the quantitative characteristics of carcasses and the yield of commercial cuts of young Nellore bulls. Twenty-four non-castrated, 11-month-old, feedlot-fed Nellore bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design, in three treatments: 350 kg, 400 kg or 450 kg of body weight at slaughter (SBW). Slaughter was performed in a commercial slaughterhouse. The data were analyzed by an ANOVA followed by a Tukey test (p ? 0.05). SBW had no relationship with dry matter intake (6.05 kg/day or 75.74 g/kg BW0.75), feed efficiency (22.16) or feed conversion (4.67). Average daily gain was different depending on the SBW. Animal slaughtered at 350 kg had gained 1.17 kg/day, whereas animals slaughtered at 400 and 450 kg had gained 1.49 and 1.47 kg/day, respectively. Cold carcass weight increased with SBW (189.50, 209.33, and 242.39, respectively). Other carcass characteristics, like pH at 48 h (5.75), cold dressing carcass (52.61%), chilling losses (1.79%), fat thickness (5.54 mm), marbling (3.34 points), intramuscular fat (6.68%), longissimus muscle area (63.10 cm2) and sarcomere length (1.60 ?m), were not affected by SBW, but SBW increased cold carcass weight. The treatments had effects on the primary and commercial cut weights. However, the cut yields for the forequarter (39.84%), hindquarter (47.82%) and side-cut (12.34%), and the secondary cuts: chuck (14.38%), hump steak (1.94%), shoulder clod (16.97%), brisket point end (5.56%), neck steak (1.00%), striploin (7.77%), outside flat (5.30%), topside (9.36%), tenderloin (2.16%), flank steak (3.41%), eyeround (2.67%), rump tail (1.20%), rump eye (3.89%), shank (4.44%), knuckle (5.25%) and rump cap (1.40%), were not affected by SBW. SBW did not influence (p > 0.05) the commercial cut compositions for all cuts in the forequarter and hindquarter. Finishing young bulls in a feedlot is a strategy to produce beef with reduced feed costs. After all, the slaughter body weight (350, 400 or 450 kg) influenced the quantitative characteristics of the carcass; however, it did not affect the yield of commercial cuts from young Nellore bulls.

scholarly journals PSIII-5 Effects of ingredient composition of oral drenches in small piglets post-farrowing on average daily gain and pre-wean mortality

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 238-238
Author(s):  
Olivia Harrison ◽  
Samantha Tauer ◽  
Brent Frederick
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Swine Industry ◽  
Bioactive Proteins ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Number of pigs born alive has been a key factor of the increasing efficiency of the U.S. swine industry. However, with increased pigs in the uterus, birth weight has been negatively impacted, with more small or at-risk pigs being born per litter. In order to overcome these changes, a study testing three commercial oral drenches against a control to determine which would increase average daily gain and decrease preweaning mortality. In a completely randomized design, 877 one-day-old suckling pigs from a high-health farm were selected for the experiment if they appeared to be in the bottom 20% of bodyweight compared to their contemporaries. Selected pigs were given one of four drenching treatments: 1) none (control), 2) bioactive proteins (BP), 3) high energy sugars (HES), and 4) immunoglobulins (IgY). Pigs were weighed on d 1 and d 19 of age (weaning), with mortality tracked during the suckling period. Data were analyzed using SAS v 9.4 (Cary, NC), with pig as the experimental unit and an accepted alpha of 0.05. Treatment had no detected effect on birth weight, weaning weight, ADG, or mortality (P = 0.79, 0.96, 0.86, 0.38 respectively). Likewise, statistical contrasts were used to determine there was no detected impact (P > 0.10) of drench, regardless of type, compared to the control in any measured response criteria. Interesting, pigs drenched with BP or IgY had numerically lower preweaning mortality (11.2 and 11.5% respectively), than those administered the control or HES (15.4 and 15.2%, respectively). In conclusion, this experiment showed no significant difference in the performance between piglets given no product vs. those drenched with bioactive proteins, high energy sugars, or immunoglobulins. However, additional research is warranted with greater replication or disease stressors to better understand if oral drenches may improve preweaning performance or mortality in different situations.

scholarly journals 57 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sarah M Montgomery ◽  
Brandi Karisch ◽  
Jane A Parish ◽  
Jesse Morrison ◽  
Brian Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

scholarly journals 401 Effect of zinc source and ractopamine hydrochloride on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed in confinement to harvest

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
John Wagner ◽  
William T Nelson ◽  
Terry Engle ◽  
Jerry Spears ◽  
Jeff Heldt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Zinc Source ◽  
Dressing Percentage ◽  
Ractopamine Hydrochloride ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Four hundred and thirty-two beef steers (346.3 ± 63.7 kg BW) were used to determine the effects of Zn source on feedlot cattle fed ractopamine hydrochloride. Cattle were blocked in groups of 54 by BW and housed in 48 pens containing 9 steers per pen. Pens within a weight block were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) 0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM fed during the final 29 days on feed; and 2) Zn source: 90 mg of supplemental Zn/kg DM from ZnSO4; Zn sulfate (67%) + Zn methionine (33%); and Zn from Zn hydroxychloride, fed through the entire feeding period. Cattle were fed a high concentrate finishing diet for 154 d and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Average daily gain, DMI, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were determined after slaughter. Zinc source had no impact on live animal performance. Cattle fed ractopamine HCl had greater (P < 0.01) final BW, greater (P < 0.001) ADG, improved (P < 0.001) G:F, heavier (P < 0.01) HCW, and larger (P < 0.05) longissimus muscle compared to non-ractopamine supplemented steers. There was a Zn source by ractopamine interaction (P < 0.01) for dressing percentage. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn hydroxychloride had a greater dressing percentage (P < 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Cattle receiving ractopamine HCl with Zn sulfate had a lesser dressing percentage (P < 0.05) when compared to ractopamine HCl cattle fed other Zn sources. Additional Zn source by ractopamine HCl interactions were not significant. These data indicate that Zn source has minimal impacts on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics when supplemented to cattle receiving 0.0 or 30.1 mg of ractopamine HCl/kg DM.

scholarly journals 93 Evaluation of the intake and digestibility of ensiled residual material from edamame soybean processing with and without the use of an inoculant

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 74-74
Author(s):  
Ellen M Herring ◽  
Elizabeth B Kegley ◽  
Ken Coffey ◽  
Shane Gadberry ◽  
Jeremy G Powell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Processing Waste ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Soybean Processing ◽  
Silage Inoculant ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This research evaluated the effects of ensiled edamame soybean processing waste on ruminant intake and total tract digestibility. Waste from processing stored edamame was obtained (3 trips) and wilted (28%, 25%, and 37% DM), then treated with or without inoculant (Lactobacillus buchneri) and ensiled in 167 L plastic barrels (2 or 3 barrels/treatment from each trip) for 72 (Trip 1) or 69 (Trip 2 and 3) days. Pregnant ewes (n = 18; body weight = 55.5 ± 1.2 kg; 2 to 3 years old) were blocked by body weight and assigned randomly within a block to treatments within a trip, then each ewe was assigned to a barrel of silage. Ewes were housed individually in 1 × 1.5-m pens and offered silage for a 10-day adaptation period followed by 7 days of total feces and urine collection. Ewes were offered silage to allow for 10% orts and were offered 0.2% of their body weight of soyhulls and 32 g of mineral supplement/day to meet their predicted nutrient requirements for gestating ewes. Ewes consumed 1,616 ± 54 g DM/day (X ± SEM) or 2.9 ± 0.12% of their body weight and there was no effect (P ≥ 0.85) of inoculant treatment on DM intake (g/day or % of body weight). Dry matter digestibility was not affected (P = 0.98) by inoculant and averaged 55.7 ± 0.66%. Ewe average daily gain for the 17-day trial tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for the ewes offered the silage without inoculant (0.18 vs. 0.04 kg/d). Ensiling edamame processing waste yielded a feed that ewes consumed in adequate amounts to maintain their body weights over 17 days when also supplemented with soyhulls. The addition of silage inoculant had minimal effects on intake, digestibility, or ewe body weight change.

PRE-MATERNAL ISOLATION EFFECTS ON BEHAVIOUR AND ENDOCRINE FUNCTION OF OFFSPRING

1969 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Sackler ◽  
A. S. Weltman ◽  
R. Schwartz ◽  
P. Steinglass
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
The Body ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Isolation Stress ◽  
Developmental Growth ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT This report was designed to determine combined effects of maternal endocrine imbalances and abnormal behaviour due to prolonged isolation stress of female mice on the behaviour, developmental growth rate and endocrine function of their offspring. Sixty female albino mice averaging 19 g were divided equally into isolated and control groups. The isolated females were housed singly; control females were maintained in groups of 2 mice per cage. After observation of behavioural and physiological effects characteristic of isolation stress in the test mice, all isolated and control mice were mated after a 6½ month experimental, isolation period. No differences were observed in fertility and fecundity of the two groups of mothers. Analyses of developmental growth rates of the litters of the isolated versus control mothers showed significantly lower body weights in the test offspring at 3 and 4 weeks of age. The body weights of the female offspring remained significantly lower from the 4th to 11th weeks. The effects on the body weights of the male offspring declined and were no longer statistically significant at the 5th to 11 weeks. Locomotor activity at 4½ and 8 weeks of age was markedly or significantly higher in the male and female mice from isolated mothers. Tail-blood samples taken prior to autopsy at 5 and 11 weeks of age revealed significant decreases in the total leukocyte and eosinophil counts of both sexes. At the two ages, the absolute and relative spleen and thymus weights of the male and female offspring were markedly and/or significantly lower than the values observed in counterpart young from control females. Significant decreases were also observed in the absolute gonadal organ weights of both sexes at 11 weeks of age. The various data indicated inhibited growth rates, heightened locomotor activity and evasiveness, as well as evidence of increased adrenocortical function in the offspring from test mothers. The gonadal weight decreases suggested retarded gonadal development. Further studies using split-litter techniques are required to differentiate the effects of prenatal endocrine imbalances versus postnatal maternal influence (i. e., nursing care) on the offspring.

Combined administration of bacteriocin- -producing, probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 with Eleutherococcus senticosus and their effect in rabbits

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pogány Simonová ◽  
A. Lauková ◽  
L. Chrastinová ◽  
I. Plachá ◽  
V. Strompfová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Enterococcus Faecium ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Cholesterol Concentration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Eleutherococcus Senticosus ◽  
Commercial Diet ◽  
And Control

Abstract The effect of Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 (EF) - enterocin-producing and probiotic strain of rabbit origin, Eleutherococcus senticosus extract (ES) and their combination (ES+EF) was determined on selected bacteria in faeces and caecum content, leukocytes phagocytosis, blood biochemistry and growth performance. Ninety-six weaned rabbits were divided into 3 experimental (ES, EF, ES+EF) and control group (CG). The rabbits in the groups ES and EF+ES were fed commercial diet enriched with E. senticosus extract (30 g/100 kg feed), rabbits in groups EF and CG were fed untreated diet. The rabbits in the EF and ES+EF groups were administered with an overnight culture of E. faecium CCM7420 strain (500 μl/animal/day into water, 109 CFU/ml). The treatment period lasted 21 days. The microbiological examinations in faecal samples confirmed the presence of E. faecium CCM7420 strain. In groups EF and ES+EF, the reduction of faecal coliforms, Pseudomonas-like sp., Clostridium-like sp. and S. aureus was recorded. Leucocyte phagocytosis significantly increased in all experimental groups (P<0.0001) compared to CG. The lowest GPx values were measured in the ES+EF group. Higher total protein, triglycerides and calcium concentrations were detected in experimental groups compared to CG. The cholesterol concentration decreased in the ES group. The highest average daily gain was recorded in EF group; in ES+EF the better feed conversion ratio and no mortality was recorded. These results indicated that the dietary supplementation with the E. faecium CCM7420 and E. senticosus extract stimulate the leukocytes phagocytosis and reduces the potential pathogens in rabbits digestive tract without oxidative stress and improve the growth performance.

scholarly journals 31 Determination of Optimal Harvest Weight for Mangalica Pigs Using a Serial Harvest Approach to Measure Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 34-34
Author(s):  
Maegan A Reeves ◽  
Courtney E Charlton ◽  
Shannon R Wilkerson ◽  
John G Rehm ◽  
Terry D Brandebourg
Keyword(s):  
Live Weight ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Carcass Parameters ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Optimal Harvest ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Growth Trial

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n=56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (p &lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (p &lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &lt; 0.0001), loin (P &lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document