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This work aimed to use the biometric measurements of steers in the rearing phase to predict the carcass characteristics of Nellore cattle managed in tropical pastures. Data from 60 young bulls in the rearing phase supplemented and managed on Brachiaria brizantha pastures during the rainy season and dry-rainy transition and slaughtered at 24 months old after 112 days in feedlot. Descriptive statistical analyses and Pearson's correlation coefficients were performed. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by the coefficients of determination (R2) and square root mean error (RMSE). The average body weight (BW) in the rearing phase was 295 kg BW corresponding to 72.8 kg BW0.75. The average of the loin eye area (LEA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT) measured by ultrasound were 43.5 cm2, 3.3 mm, and 3.6 mm, respectively. The correlation between BW and BW0.75, and LEA were positively significant. Total weight gain (TWG) and average daily gain (ADG) showed a correlation of 0.4216 and 0.4235 with SFT. To LEA prediction, the best fitting considered BW, TWG, and average daily gain (ADG) variables. Whereas SFT, considered BW, and ADG, and to RFT prediction, the best fitting considered only BW. The internal validation (k = 10) of the equations for predicting observed random error of 98.74% in LEA equation, 71.35% in SFT equation, and 98.59% in RFT equation. Body weight and weight gain during the rearing period can be used as predictor variables for LEA, SFT, and RFT of Nellore cattle kept in tropical pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the homeopathic product for finishing on the productive performance and carcass characteristics of Nellore steers, finished on tropical pastures of Marandu-grass. Forty castrated Nellore steers, aged 30 months and average live weight of 419.25 kg, were divided into two nutritional treatments (with or without homeopathy) in a completely randomized design into four groups (2 groups/treatment with 10 animals each, totaling 40 animals). Performance parameters and carcass characteristics of loin eye area (LEA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and marbling (MAR) were evaluated using ultrasound at start and end of experimental period. There was no effect of homeopathic treatment for supplement intake, average daily gain (ADG), LEA, and SFT. The mean for intake was 0.11 kg/day, ADG was 0.47 kg/day, LEA was 76.63 cm2, and LEA gain in the experimental period was 18.2 cm2. The mean final SFT was 4.8 mm and the SFT gain was 2.08 mm. For marbling gain (MARg) there was a difference (P<0.05) between treatments, with animals supplemented with homeopathy having higher MARg. It is concluded that the use of homeopathy for finishing Nellore steers kept on pasture positively influenced the marbling gain but without effect on performance or subcutaneous fat thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the correlation and develop regression equations for the body composition of sheep of different sex classes, obtained by the comparative slaughter method, using the composition of the neck region and loin eye area (LEA). Forty-five sheep of three sex classes (15 intact males, 15 castrated males and 15 females) received three feeding levels (ad libitum or restrictions of 70 or 80% of ad libitum intake). Animals were distributed in a 3×3 factorial arrangement, with 5 repetitions. The LEA showed: positive correlation with empty body weight, fasting body weight, meat, protein, ether extract and water (p < 0.01), for all sex classes; with bones for intact males and females (p < 0.01); with ash content for intact males and a moderate correlation for castrated males (p < 0.01). The neck was correlated with empty body weight, fasting body weight, meat, protein, ether extract, water and energy in all sex classes (p < 0.01); and moderate correlation with bone (r=0.58) and ash (r=0.67) for intact males. Intact males showed higher R² values in their prediction equations in relation to the other sex classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the correlation and develop regression equations for the body composition of sheep of different sex classes, obtained by the comparative slaughter method, using the composition of the neck region and loin eye area (LEA). Forty-five sheep of three sex classes (15 intact males, 15 castrated males and 15 females) received three feeding levels (ad libitum or restrictions of 70 or 80% of ad libitum intake). Animals were distributed in a 3×3 factorial arrangement, with 5 repetitions. The LEA showed: positive correlation with empty body weight, fasting body weight, meat, protein, ether extract and water (p < 0.01), for all sex classes; with bones for intact males and females (p < 0.01); with ash content for intact males and a moderate correlation for castrated males (p < 0.01). The neck was correlated with empty body weight, fasting body weight, meat, protein, ether extract, water and energy in all sex classes (p < 0.01); and moderate correlation with bone (r=0.58) and ash (r=0.67) for intact males. Intact males showed higher R² values in their prediction equations in relation to the other sex classes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of weaning and concentrate supplementation on the characteristics of carcass cuts and longissimus muscle of Suffolk lambs finished on a Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pasture. Weaning and concentrate supplementation strategies were evaluated in four finishing systems: i) non-weaned and non-supplemented lambs; ii) non-weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate in creep feeding; iii) weaned and non-supplemented lambs; and iv) weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate. In the systems with weaning, lambs were weaned at 46 ± 6 days of age. In the systems with supplementation, the concentrate was offered daily at 2% of lambs' body weight. Weaning led to a decrease, whereas supplementation led to an increase in carcass cut weights. Supplemented lambs had lower yields of neck and uncovered ribs, and higher yields of breast + flank and loin. The characteristics of loin eye and fat thickness over the longissimus muscle presented lower values in weaned lambs and higher values in supplemented lambs. Keeping lambs with their dams and offering concentrate supplementation until slaughter are strategies recommended to obtain heavier cuts with increased muscularity and fat content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of weaning and concentrate supplementation on the characteristics of carcass cuts and longissimus muscle of Suffolk lambs finished on a Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pasture. Weaning and concentrate supplementation strategies were evaluated in four finishing systems: i) non-weaned and non-supplemented lambs; ii) non-weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate in creep feeding; iii) weaned and non-supplemented lambs; and iv) weaned lambs supplemented with concentrate. In the systems with weaning, lambs were weaned at 46 ± 6 days of age. In the systems with supplementation, the concentrate was offered daily at 2% of lambs’ body weight. Weaning led to a decrease, whereas supplementation led to an increase in carcass cut weights. Supplemented lambs had lower yields of neck and uncovered ribs, and higher yields of breast + flank and loin. The characteristics of loin eye and fat thickness over the longissimus muscle presented lower values in weaned lambs and higher values in supplemented lambs. Keeping lambs with their dams and offering concentrate supplementation until slaughter are strategies recommended to obtain heavier cuts with increased muscularity and fat content.

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This study aimed to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics of five different meat-type lambs reared under intensive husbandry conditions. For this purpose, a total of 202 lambs--Kıvırcık (K, n = 51), Karacabey Merino (KM, n = 47), Ramlıç (R, n = 28), German Black-Head Mutton × Kıvırcık (GBK, n = 49), and Hampshire Down × Merino crossbreed (HM, n = 27)--were used to evaluate rearing performance. At the end of the rearing period, 10 male lambs of each breed were randomly selected to investigate slaughter and carcass characteristics. All lambs were housed in a single flock until the slaughtering period. An average of 600 g/lamb of concentrate feed, 100 g/lamb of alfalfa hay, and 300 g/lamb of vetches-wheat mixtures hay per day were given with ad libitum fresh water. While the average daily gain (ADG) of female K, KM, R, GBK, and HM lambs was 94.4, 165.2, 142.2, 109.0, and 160.0 g (P < 0.001); the male lambs' ADG was 167.3, 240.4, 180.5, 176.0, and 246.6 g, respectively (P < 0.001). Cold carcass weights of lambs in breeds were 19.12, 21.76, 16.80, 20.71, and 20.80 kg (P < 0.001); cold dressing percentages (CDP) were 47.39%, 47.55%, 44.86%, 47.41%, and 45.61% in K, KM, R, GBK, and HM, respectively (P < 0.01). It is concluded that Merino crossbreeds (KM and HM) had significantly more ADG and total weight gain when compared to K, R, and GBK. On the other hand, KM and GBK had higher CDP value while HM came forward for the loin eye area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of micronizing soybean meal can reduce eating disorders in piglets in the nursery phase. The treatment reduces the soybean meal into smaller particles and eliminates the non-nutritional factors, which can help animal performance. The focus of this experiment was to evaluate the residual effect of the inclusion of micronized soybean meal in the diet of piglets in the nursery phase on the carcass characteristics of these animals after slaughter. Seventy piglets were used with the 21 days of age. In this phase, the animals were submitted to treatments with five levels of substitution of regular soybean meal with micronized soybean meal (SM) (T1- 0% SM, T2- 25% SM, T3- 50% SM, T4- 75% SM, T5- 100% SM). After the first phase, the pigs were taken to growth and termination facilities, where they were kept in individual stalls, distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 residual treatments and 14 repetitions. In this period, the animals received feed based on corn and soybean meal, formulated to respect each physiological phase. At the end of the second phase of the experiment (growth/termination), the animals were slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse. The carcass characteristics observed were: backfat thickness of first, second and third ribs (BT 1, BT 2, BT 3), lumbar depth, loin length, carcass length, carcass yield and hot and cold carcass weight. The data were analyzed by the SAS PROC GLM software. Regression analyses were applied to the treatment data to evaluate the linear and quadratic effects. The animals fed with micronized soybean meal showed lower results for the parameters cold carcass weight, hot carcass weight and carcass length, while backfat thickness (BT1, BT2 and BT3), loin depth, and loin length (used for carcass classification) were not influenced by the addition of micronized soybean meal (p>0.05). Moreover, the carcass yield and loin eye area, used to predict the amount of meat in the carcass, were also not different between the treatments when analyzing the diet factor (p>0.05). Females presented higher carcass yield, with mean of 80.7 % linear regression p = 0.2275 and quadratic regression p = 0,285, and loin length, with mean 10.45 mm, linear regression p = 0.8096 and quadratic regression p = 0.4087. Males showed greater backfat thickness (BT1), with mean of 34.18mm, linear regression p = 0.0525 and quadratic regression p = 0.756, and loin depth, with mean 10.45mm, linear regression p = 0.7516 and quadratic regression p = 0.5028. The inclusion of micronized soybean meal in the diet of piglets in the nursery phase negatively affected the carcass characteristics of these animals at the time of slaughter, resulting in lower weight and carcass length.

The effect of the substitution of Tifton hay (0, 33, 66, 100 g/100 g) for pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) stubble hay was evaluated in the characteristics of the carcasses of goats of an unknown breed (UB) in feedlot. Thirty-two bucks with an average initial live weight of 17.5±1.3 kg, at approximately 150 days of age, were housed in individual stalls provided with feeding and drinking troughs. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. There was a quadratic effect on the weights of hot carcass and cold carcass, empty body, and loin eye area. A linear increase was observed for losses by carcass cooling. The weights of commercial cuts and the weights of total muscle, total bone, intramuscular fat, and total fat decreased linearly. All morphometric measurements were influenced by the inclusion of pineapple stubble hay in the .diets. Substitution of Tifton hay for pineapple stubble hay at the level of 33 g/100 g improves the carcasses of UB goats qualitatively and quantitatively

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake, performance, estimated methane production and carcass characteristics of steers fed diets containing three different levels of soybean grain: 0, 120 and 230 g/kg on the dry matter (DM). The study was conducted on eighteen castrated Nellore males with an average initial body weight (BW) of 370±12 kg in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six repetitions. Intake of dry matter (DMI, kg/day) and crude protein tended to decrease linearly, and the intake of ether extract increased linearly in response to the soybean grain levels in the diet. Levels of soybean grain in the diet did not affect DMI (g/kg of BW), final average weight, average daily weight gain, feed efficiency and estimated methane production. Animals fed diets with different levels of soybean grain were not different with respect to carcass yield, loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, or bone, muscle and fat ratios. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were also not significantly different. Replacement of soybean meal by soybean grain in the diet alters the intake of crude protein and ether extract but does not affect performance, estimates of methane production, or carcass characteristics of feedlot Nellore.

Some measurements carried out by ultrasound in the Longissimus dorsi between the 12th and 13th ribs were monitored, aiming to know the changes in the muscular and adipose tissues in that muscle and the connections of these measurements with body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) of ewes in different stages (physiological stages and experimental periods). Ewes were arranged into the following treatments: EL = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs and slaughtered one day after weaning; EWL = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs and one more period of approximately 30 days without the lambs and slaughtered afterwards; and ENC = ewes which did not give birth during the year. Ultrasound measurements were carried out in the beginning, middle and end of the experiment (every 21 days), as well as BW and BCS of ewes. There was not interaction between periods and experimental treatments for BW and BCS of ewes. It was concluded that the use of ultrasound allows monitoring changes that occur with the subcutaneous fat and Longissimus dorsi of ewes. Those changes occur more frequently in intervals of 42 days (muscular and adipose tissues).

Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o rendimento dos cortes de carcaça, a área de olho-de-lombo, a composição centesimal e o perfil de ácidos graxos da carne proveniente de cordeiros submetidos aos sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional. Foram utilizados 48 animais Ile de France, com peso corporal médio de 15 kg, distribuídos em dois sistemas de produção, orgânica e convencional e abatidos aos 32 kg de peso corporal. Os sistemas de produção não influenciaram o peso nem o rendimento dos cortes de carcaça, entretanto o comprimento máximo do músculo longissimus dorsi dos cordeiros criados no sistema orgânico foi superior ao dos animais do sistema convencional, assim como a espessura máxima de gordura de cobertura. A profundidade máxima do músculo, a espessura mínima de gordura de cobertura e a área de olho-de-lombo não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Na composição centesimal do músculo longissimus dorsi, apenas a matéria mineral foi influenciada, pois foi menor nos animais do sistema orgânico em relação ao convencional. Para os parâmetros umidade, proteína bruta e gordura, não houve influência dos sistemas de produção. O perfil de ácidos graxos saturados e monoinsaturados não foi influenciado pelos sistemas de produção, entretanto o ácido graxo poliinsaturado C18:2 (linoleico) foi maior na carne dos cordeiros criados no sistema orgânico em comparação aos do sistema convencional. O peso e a porcentagem dos cortes da carcaça são semelhantes entre os cordeiros submetidos aos sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional. A carne daqueles criados no sistema orgânico apresenta maior largura máxima no músculo longissimus dorsi (medida A) e porcentagem do ácido graxo poliinsaturado linoleico e menor teor de matéria mineral.This study was carried out to evaluate yield of carcass cuts, loin eye area, centesimal composition and fatty acids profile of carcass of meat from lambs raised under organic and conventional systems. Forty-eight Ile de France lambs, with average initial weight of 15 kg were distributed in two production models, organic and conventional, and slaughtered when final body weight reached 32 kg. The production models did not affect weight or yields of carcass cuts; however, the longissimus dorsi muscle of lambs raised in the organic model was longer, compared with conventional system, as well as the maximum thickness of subcutaneous fat. Muscle maximum depth, minimum thickness of subcutaneous fat and eye loin area did not differ between treatments. In the longissimus dorsi muscle centesimal composition, only mineral matter was influenced; it was smaller in the organic model in relation to the conventional model. Moisture, crude protein and fat were not influenced by the treatments. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were not influenced by the treatments; however linoleic acid was higher in meat of lambs submitted to organic the model. Weight and carcass cuts percentage are similar for the lambs submitted to the organic and conventional production models. The meat from those submitted to the organic model presents greater maximum width in the longissimus dorsi muscle (measurement A) and linoleic acid percentage and lower level of mineral matter.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the levels of replacement of ground corn by forage cactus meal in the diet on the muscularity and adiposity of carcass of Santa Inês lambs finished at feedlot. This study was carried out at Estação Experimental de Pendência, belonging to Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. (EMEPA-PB). Forty male Santa Inês lambs in feedlot were used in the experiment. Treatments were randomly assigned to the animals according to a completely randomized design, with four treatments, that consisted of growing substitution levels of ground corn for forage cactus meal: 0, 33, 66 and 100% of substitution and ten replications (lambs). Animals were slaughtered and carcasses cooled for 24 hours for later assessment of conformation, morphometry, loin eye-muscle area, fatness, perirenal fat, marbling and subcutaneous fat thickness. Legs were separated for dissection of muscle, bone, subcutaneous fat, intermuscle fat and total fat, which were weighed for the determination of the muscle:bone and muscle:fat relation and the relative weight of tissue components. Averages were submitted to variance and regression analyses at a 5% level of probability. Diets had no effect on carcass conformation. However, a negative linear effect on weights and yields of fats was observed with the increased levels of forage cactus meal in the diet, and the opposite was observed in the muscle yield behavior. Forage cactus meal is biologically as efficient as ground corn, because it increases the muscularity and reduces the adiposity of the carcass of Santa Inês lambs in feedlot.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características quantitativas de carcaça de cordeiros de diferentes genótipos recebendo diversos níveis de energia na dieta. Foram utilizados 54 cordeiros não-castrados, sendo 18 Santa Inês (SI), 18 F1Dorper × Santa Inês (Dp × SI) e 18 F1 Santa Inês × Sem Raça Definida (SI × SRD), com idade média de 150 dias e peso médio de 22,60 kg no início do experimento. As dietas continham 17% de proteína bruta e 2,40 Mcal/kg MS ou 2,90 Mcal/kg MS. Os cordeiros alimentados com a dieta contendo 2,90 Mcal/kg MS apresentaram maior peso corporal e de carcaça, área de olho-de-lombo, percentual de gordura interna, índice de musculosidade, índice de compacidade da carcaça, percentual de gordura e menor relação músculo:gordura. As carcaças desses cordeiros obtiveram também menores perdas por resfriamento e maior peso e percentual de paleta e perna. As carcaças dos cordeiros Dorper × Santa Inês foram superiores em espessura de gordura subcutânea, medida GR (gordura sobre a 12ª costela a 11 cm de distância da linha média lombo), percentual de gordura, relação músculo:osso, índice de musculosidade, peso e percentual de lombo. Os cordeiros Santa Inês apresentaram maior relação músculo:gordura. A dieta e o genótipo influenciam as características quantitativas de carcaça de cordeiros.The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantitative carcass traits of lambs from different genotypes receiving different levels of energy in the diet. Fifty-four non-castrated lambs - 18 Santa Inês (SI), 18 F1Dorper × Santa Inês (Dp × SI) and 18 F1Santa Inês × No defined breed (SI × NDB) - of average 150 days old and 22.6-kg BW were used in the beginning of the experiment. Diets contained 17% crude protein and 2.40 Mcal/kg DM or 2.90 Mcal/kg DM. Lambs fed the diet containing 2.90 Mcal/kg DM showed higher final live and carcass weight, loin eye area, percentage of internal fat, muscularity index, compactness of the carcass index, percentage of fat and lower muscle:fat relation. These lambs' carcasses also presented lower percentage of cold loss and higher weight and percentage of shoulder and leg. Carcasses of Dp × SI lambs were superior in fat thickness, GR site, percentage of fat, muscle:bone relation, muscularity index, weight and percentage of loin. Santa Inês sheep showed higher muscle:fat relation. Both diet and genotype influence quantitative carcass traits of lambs.

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho, as características das carcaças e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês, terminados em confinamento, alimentados com dietas contendo 60% de concentrado e enriquecidas com soja grão ou gordura protegida. Os concentrados foram compostos de farelo de soja, milho, farelo de trigo, ureia, núcleo mineral, soja grão ou gordura protegida. Como volumoso foi utilizado o feno de capim-tifton 85. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros com aproximadamente 19,30 ± 1,77 kg e média de idade de 5 meses alojados em baias individuais por um período de 105 dias (21 de adaptação e 84 dias de período experimental). Os animais foram pesados ao início do experimento e a intervalos de 28 dias, com a finalidade de acompanhar o ganho de peso dos animais. Findo o experimento, foram abatidos para mensurações nas carcaças e avaliação das características quantitativas. Após o resfriamento das carcaças por 24 horas, foram retiradas amostras do lombo para análises da qualidade da carne. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. Os animais que receberam a gordura protegida apresentaram maior ganho em peso (0,24 kg/dia). As dietas contendo soja grão ou gordura protegida proporcionaram melhor conversão alimentar (4,80 e 4,06 respectivamente). O enriquecimento da dieta com soja grão ou gordura protegida não promove diferenças significativas nas características de carcaça nem na qualidade da carne.The objective of this work was to evaluate performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Santa Inês lambs, finished in feedlot, fed diets containing 60% concentrate and enriched with soybean grain or with protected fat. The concentrates were composed with soybean meal, corn, wheat meal, urea, mineral mixture, soybean grain or protected fat. Tifton-85 hay was used as roughage. It was used 24 lambs with approximately 19.30 ± 1.77 kg and at average age of five months. The animals were housed in individual pens for a period of 105 days (21 days of adaptation and 84 days of experimental period). The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experimental period and at every 28-day interval aiming at following weight gains in the animals. When the experiment finished, the animals were slaughtered for measurements on carcasses and assassement of quantitative characteristics. After cooling carcasses for 24 hours, samples were taken from the loin for meat quality analysis. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. Animals fed protected fed presented better feed conversion (4.80 and 4.06, respectively). Diets enriched with soybean grain or protected fat do not promote significant differences on carcass traits and meat quality neither.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça por ultrassonografia em tempo real e após o abate e a relação entre essas características e os rendimentos de carcaça de cordeiros de diferentes genótipos terminados em confinamento com diversos níveis de energia na dieta. Foram utilizados 54 cordeiros não-castrados - 18 Santa Inês puros (SI), 18 ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês (Dp x SI) e 18 ½Santa Inês x ½Sem Raça Definida (SI x SRD) - com média de 150 dias de idade e peso médio de 22,60 kg no início do experimento. As dietas continham 17% de proteína bruta e 2,40 Mcal/kg MS e 2,90 Mcal/kg MS. As mensurações realizadas por ultrassonografia e diretamente na carcaça dos cordeiros apresentaram resultados similares. Os cordeiros alimentados com a dieta contendo 2,90 Mcal/kg apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo, melhor conformação e acabamento de carcaça e maior quantidade de gordura pélvico-renal. Os cordeiros Dp x SI apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo e musculosidade por 100 kg de PV em comparação aos SI x SRD e foram superiores a todos os genótipos quanto à espessura de gordura subcutânea, à conformação e ao acabamento de carcaça. O marmoreio observado nos cordeiros Dp x SI foi superior aos dos Santa Inês. As correlações das medidas tomadas por ultrassonografia e na carcaça foram altas e significativas, exceto o marmoreio. Houve correlação significativa entre conformação da carcaça e acabamento, marmoreio, espessura de gordura subcutânea e gordura pélvico-renal. As gorduras de cobertura avaliadas subjetivamente e objetivamente apresentaram correlações altas e significativas. A dieta e o genótipo influenciam as características de carcaça de cordeiros.The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass traits through ultrasonography in real time and after slaughter and the relationship between these traits and carcass yields of lambs with different genotypes finished in feedlot with several levels of energy in the diet. It was used 54 non-castrated lambs: 18 pure Santa Inês (SI), 18 ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês (Dp x SI) and 18 ½Santa Inês x ½ Without Standard Defined Breed (SI x WSDB), at an average age of 150 days and at an average body weight of 22.6 kg at the beginning of the experiment. Diets contained 17% of crude protein, 2.40 Mcal/kg DM and 2.90 Mcal/kg DM. Measurements made by ultrasonography and directly on carcass of the lambs showed similar results. Lambs fed diets containing 2.90 Mcal/kg showed larger loin eye area, better carcass conformation and finishing and higher amount of pelvic-renal fat. Lambs Dp x SI showed larger loin eye areas and muscularity per 100 kg of body weight in comparison to SI x SRD lambs and they were superior to all genotypes regarded to subcutaneous fat thickness, conformation and finishing carcass. Marbling observed in Dp x SI lambs were superior than in Santa Inês lambs. Correlations of measures taken by ultrasonography and on the carcass were high and significant, except marbling. There was a significant correlation among carcass conformation and finishing, marbling, subcutaneous fat thickness and pelvic-renal thickness. Backfat subjectively and objectively evaluated showed high and significant correlations. Diet and genotype influence characteristics of carcass of lambs.

Foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação e do tipo do suplemento sobre adigestibilidade dos nutrientes e o desempenho de bezerros Canchim lactentes mantidos em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu durante os meses de fevereiro a maio. Os tratamentos foram: sem e com suplementação em creep-feeding com concentrado proteico, comconcentrado energético e com concentrado energético-proteico. Em quadrado latino, foi avaliada a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, utilizando-se quatro bezerros mantidos em baias individuais, recebendo feno da mesma forrageira e com mamadas controladas duas vezes ao dia. O desempenho foi avaliado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo os 23 bezerros mantidos junto com as matrizes. A suplementação com concentrado energético-proteico determinou melhor ingestão e aproveitamento dos nutrientes (65% de digestibilidade da matéria seca), desempenho dos bezerros (ganhos de peso de 0,98 kg dia-1) e manutenção do peso e das reservas corporais das matrizes. A utilização de suplemento proteico não mostrou bons resultados, sendo estes inferiores inclusive ao desempenho dos bezerros que não receberam suplementação, 0,56 e 0,77 kg dia-1, respectivamente. O desempenho dos bezerros no tratamento sem suplementação foi semelhante àqueles que receberam suplemento energético, porém asmatrizes tiveram redução mais acentuada do peso corporal e das reservas energéticas. A suplementação com concentrado energético-proteico para bezerros lactentes mantidos em pastagens de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu no início da seca mostrou ser uma técnica quebeneficia o desempenho desses animais e das matrizes.This study evaluated the effect of supplementation and the type of supplement on nutrient digestibility and performance of lactating calves fed with Brachiara brizantha cv. Marandu pasture from February to May. The treatments were: supplementation in creep-feeding with protein concentrate, with energy concentrate, with energy-protein concentrate and without concentrate. In a Latin square design, four Canchim calves were kept in individual pens, receiving marandu hay and controlled suckling twice a day. The performance was evaluated in a completely randomized design, with 23 calves kept with the cows. Higher intake and nutrients digestibility (65% of dry mater digestibility) and calf performance (live weight gain of 0.98 kg day-1) were obtained with energyprotein concentrate, and the cows kept weight and body reserves during the experiment. The protein concentrate did not show good results, and was lower than the performance of calves without supplementation – 0.56 and 0.77 kg day-1, respectively. The performance of calves without supplementation was similar to calves receiving energy concentrate, but the cows lost more body weight and energy reserves. The supplementation with energy-protein concentrate for lactating calves fed with Brachiara brizantha cv. Marandu during the beginning of the dry season was benefifical for the performance of calves and cows.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos aditivos própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica sobre as características de carcaça, avaliadas por ultra-som e pós-abate, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, com oito animais por tratamento, mantidos em confinamento por 64 dias. Os animais receberam dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, à base de feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) e concentrado comercial. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com oito animais por dieta, distribuídos aleatoriamente de acordo com o peso: controle, dieta sem aditivo, própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica. Os rendimentos de carcaça (verdadeiro, quente e comercial) não diferiram entre os aditivos, com médias de 54,97; 44,89 e 41,81%, respectivamente. Os componentes corporais e rendimento de cortes comerciais não foram influenciados pelos aditivos utilizados nas dietas. A metodologia utilizada na determinação teve efeito nas medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS), de modo que, pelo método tradicional, com medidas na carcaça, foram obtidas as maiores médias para AOL (12,14 vs. 9,08 cm²) e as menores para EGS (2,42 vs. 2,69 mm). A correlação entre as medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) da carcaça e aquelas obtidas por ultra-sonografia foi de 0,8597. Os aditivos não influenciaram as características de carcaça, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de ovinos terminados em confinamento. A realização de medidas ultra-sonográficas de AOL e marmoreio pode ser utilizada na avaliação de carcaça in vivo em ovinos.This work was aimed at evaluating the effects of green propolis, brown propolis and sodic monensin aditives on the carcass characteristics by means of ultrasound and after-slaughter measures such as carcass non-components and yield of retail products from lambs finished in feedlot system. Thirty-two male lambs, with eight animal per treatment, were feedlot during 64 days. The animals were fed a diet with roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, composed of Tifton 85 hay grass (Cynodon spp.) and commercial concentrate. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with eight animals randomly assigned according to weight and the following treatments: control, diet without additive, green propolis, brown propolis and sodic monensin. The true, hot and commercial carcass percentage did not differ between treatments, with means of 54.97; 44.89 and 41.81%, respectively. Carcass non-components and yield of retail products were not influenced by treatments. The methodology used in the determinations affected the LEA and FT measures, so that the traditional method, obtained through measures in the carcass presented the highest averages for LEA (12.14 vs. 9.08 cm²) and lowest for FT (2.42 vs. 2.69 mm). The correlation between the of loin eye area (LEA) measures of the carcass with those obtained by ultrasound scan was 0.8597. The additives did not influence the carcass characteristics, non- components and yield of retail products from lambs finished in feedlot system. The performance of LEA and marbling ultrasound measures can be used in the in vivo carcass evaluation in sheep.

Avaliou-se a relação entre as características in vivo obtidas por meio de ultra-som e as obtidas na carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 48 cordeiros não-castrados, deslanados mestiços Santa Inês com peso inicial de 20,0 kg e 103 dias de idade. As medidas obtidas in vivo por ultra-som foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Aloka SSD500 com transdutor linear de 3,5 MHz. Antes do abate, com a utilização de ultra-som, foram mensuradas entre a 12ª e a 13ª costela a espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGSU), a área de olho-de-lombo (AOLU), o peso vivo (PVA) e a condição corporal (CC). Após o abate, estimaram-se o peso de carcaça quente (PCQ), o percentual de gordura interna (PGI), o rendimento de carcaça quente (RCQ), a espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGSC) e a área de olho-de-lombo (AOLC). Houve correlação significativa entre as características medidas in vivo e as obtidas na carcaça, exceto entre o PVA e a EGSC (0,22) e entre o PCQ e a EGSC (0,33). Verifcou-se alta correlação entre a área de olho-de-lombo obtida por ultra-som e a mesma medida determinada na carcaça. As medidas de EGSU e EGSC também apresentaram correlação significativa. A utilização do ultra-som foi um método eficaz para estimar a área de olho-de-lombo e espessura de gordura subcutânea in vivo em cordeiros.The objective this study was to evaluate the correlation between traits obtained real time ultrasound and those obtained in the carcass of feedlot finished lambs. Forty eight no castrated, woolless crossbred Santa Inês lambs with initial 20.0 kg LW and 103 days old. The measures obtained by ultrasound in real time were determined using by Aloka 500SSD ultrasound machine, equipped with 3.5-MHz linear transducer. Before the slaughter, using the real time ultrasound, were measured between at 12th - 13th ribs of the lambs the subcutaneous fat thickness (USFT) and longissimus muscle area (ULMA), slaughter body weight (SBW) and the corporal condition (CC). After the slaughter were obtained the hot carcass weight (HCW), internal fat percentage (IFP), hot carcass dressing (HCD), carcass subcutaneous fat thickness (CSFT) and the longissimus muscle area (CLMA). There was correlation between traits measured by real time ultrasound and those obtained in the carcass, except for SBW vs CSFT (0.22) and HCW vs CSFT (0.33). Highly correlation was observed between longissimus muscle area obtained by real time ultrasound and the same measure determined in the carcass. The measures of USFT and CSFT showed also significant correlation. The use of the ultrasound was an efficient method to estimate, in real time, the loin eye area and fat thickness of the lambs.

Foi avaliada a inclusão de níveis crescentes de feno de flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera SW) (FFS) em substituição ao feno de sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor, L.) (FSF) na dieta e seus possíveis efeitos sobre os rendimentos verdadeiro, biológico e comercial, a perda ao resfriamento, o rendimento dos cortes, a composição tecidual e a musculosidade da carcaça de cordeiros Santa Inês. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros (machos não-castrados) distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com quatro tratamentos (relações FSF:FFS: 100:0, 66:33, 33:66 e 0:100). Os animais foram abatidos com 30,0 (±0,4) kg ou aos 70 dias de experimento. Não houve efeito das relações FSF:FFS na dieta sobre os rendimentos biológico, verdadeiro e comercial, sendo obtidos valores médios de 53,17; 45,97 e 44,34%, respectivamente. Foram observadas diferenças significativas no peso vivo ao abate, no peso de corpo vazio, nos pesos de carcaça quente e de carcaça fria, no rendimento dos cortes, na composição tecidual e na musculosidade da carcaça. À exceção dos cortes paleta e perna, as variáveis apresentaram valores mais elevados quando fornecidos os menores níveis de FFS na dieta. O feno de flor-de-seda pode ser utilizado na alimentação de cordeiros para produção de carne em proporções de até 16,5% da dieta (33% da fração volumosa), pois não ocasiona prejuízo à qualidade da carcaça.This study evaluated the effects of different dietary ratios of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L) hay (FSH) to silk flower hay (Calotropis procera SW) (SFH) on true, biological, and retail carcass yields, carcass cooling losses, retail cut yields, tissue composition and carcass muscularity of Santa Inês lambs. Twenty-four intact male lambs were assigned to one of the following four treatments: 100:0 FSH:SFH, 66:33 FSH:SFH , 33:66 FSH:SFH, or 0:100 FSH:SFH in a completely randomized design (six animals/treatment). Animals were slaughtered at 30.0±0.4 kg of body weight or at 70 days of experiment. There was no effect of treatments on the biological, true, and retail carcass yields, which averaged, respectively 53.17, 45.97%, and 44.34%. Except for shoulder clod and leg cuts, increasing the dietary levels of SFH significantly reduced the slaughter body weight, empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weights, retail cut yields, tissue composition, and carcass muscularity. It can be concluded that the inclusion of up to 16.5% of the diet DM (33% of the dietary forage) as SFH had no detrimental effect on carcass quality.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça e da carne de 24 novilhos submetidos a três estratégias de suplementação em pastagem: SD - suplementação diária; DA - suplementação em dias alternados; e FS - suplementação oferecida de segunda à sexta-feira e suspensa aos sábados e domingos. Foram utilizados 24 bovinos mestiços (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) com peso inicial de 230 kg mantidos em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu no período das águas de 2003 e nos períodos de seca e das águas de 2004, quando atingiram o peso de abate. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. As características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça e da carne não foram influenciadas pelas diferentes estratégias de suplementação, mesmo quando o suplemento foi fornecido apenas em dias alternados ou quando não foi fornecido nos finais de semana. Na média, os animais apresentaram peso de abate de 468,21 kg de PV, rendimento de carcaça quente de 50,26%, área de olho-de-lombo de 59,67 cm² e espessura de gordura de 3,3 mm. A carne foi classificada como macia, com suculência e palatabilidade levemente acima da média.The objective of this trial was to evaluate quantitative and qualitative traits of carcass and meat from grazing steers submitted to one of the following three supplementation strategies: daily supplementation (DS), alternate days supplementation (AS) or Monday to Friday supplementation (MFS). Twenty-four crossbred steers (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) averaging 230 kg of initial body were used in a completely randomized block design (three treatments and eight replicates/treatment). Animals were maintained in pasture of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu from the rainy season of 2003 to the dry and rainy seasons of 2004, when they reached the expected slaughter weight. The quantitative and qualitative traits of carcass and meat were not affected by the different supplementation strategies. Slaughter body weight, hot carcass yield, loin eye area, and fat thickness averaged, respectively, 468.21 kg, 50.26%, 59.67 cm², and 3.3 mm across treatments. Overall, the meat was classified as tender with juiciness and palatability slightly above the average.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da relação volumoso:concentrado sobre a composição tecidual e os rendimentos de carcaça e de cortes comerciais de cordeiros Morada Nova em confinamento, utilizaram-se 18 cordeiros com peso vivo (PV) inicial de 15 kg, distribuídos em seis grupos de três animais (um em cada dieta), de acordo com a relação volumoso(V):concentrado(C): 40:60, 55:45 e 70:30. Foram avaliados os pesos de corpo vazio (PCV), de carcaça quente (PCQ) e de carcaça fria (PCF), a partir dos quais foram calculados os rendimentos biológico (RB), de carcaça quente (RCQ) e de carcaça fria (RCF) e a perda de peso por resfriamento (PPR). A carcaça foi dividida em cinco cortes cárneos (perna, lombo, costelas, paleta e pescoço), os quais foram pesados para cálculo de seus rendimentos em relação ao peso da meia-carcaça. A perna foi dissecada em músculo, osso e gordura e os pesos desses tecidos foram expressos em peso absoluto e em porcentagem da perna. Calcularam-se as relações músculo:osso e músculo:gordura, o índice de musculosidade da perna (IMP) e a área de olho-de-lombo (AOL). O aumento de 30 para 60% de concentrado na dieta elevou os rendimentos de carcaça quente e carcaça fria, assim como o rendimento biológico. Os crescentes teores de concentrado na dieta não afetaram a porcentagem de músculo na perna, mas proporcionaram maior deposição de gordura e maior área de olho-de-lombo.Eighteen lambs averaging initial body weight (BW) of 15 kg were allotted to six groups of three animals (one lamb per diet) and were fed diets with following forage:concentrate ratios (F:C): 1) 40F:60C; 2) 55F:45C; or 3) 70F:30C. Lambs of each group were slaughtered when the animal fed the diet with the highest concentrate level reached 25 kg of BW. Animals were slaughtered after 16 h of fasting (feed and water). After obtaining the slaughter body weight (SBW), animals were anesthetized by electric discharge and killed by bleeding of the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Blood was then collected and weigthed. Soon after evisceration, skin, head and extremities of the fore and rear members were removed. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was emptied, weighted and the value added to that of blood to obtain the empty body weight (EBW), which was calculated by subtracting SBW from GIT + blood weights. The carcasses were weighted and stored at 4°C within a 24-hours period. The empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCW) and cold carcass weights (CCW) were all used to calculate the biological (BY), hot carcass (HCY) and cold carcass yields (CCY) as well as the weight loss by cooling process (CWL). The carcass was divided in five cuts (leg, loin, ribs, shoulder clod and neck) that were weighted for calculation of cut yields. The leg was dissected in muscle, bone and fat, and weights of these tissues were expressed in absolute weight and in percentage of leg weight. The muscle:bone and muscle:fat ratios, index of leg muscularity (ILM) and the loin eye area (LEA) were also calculated. Increasing dietary concentrate from 30 to 60% increased not only hot and cold carcass yields but also biological yield. The increasing levels of concentrate in the diet showed no effect on the percentage of leg muscle. However, it was observed an increase in both fat deposition and rib eye area.

Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) for loin eye area had been identified by linkage mapping studies, but the lack of their precise position hinders their application in the pig breeding industry. To map QTL for loin eye area to a precise genomic region, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Illumina 60 K PorcineSNP60 Beadchip in four swine populations: 819 F pigs, 273 Laiwu pigs, 434 Sutai pigs, and 326 Erhualian pigs. In total, 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) deposited on seven chromosomes associated with loin eye area were identified, 11 of which surpassed the genome-wide significant threshold; of the 11 SNPs, seven located on SSC2 in F pigs and four located on SSC12 and SSC18 in Laiwu pigs. Of note, all of the identified QTL were breed specific and no common QTL was identified across the four populations in our study. These findings not only confirmed a previous QTL on SSC2 harboring the candidate gene insulin-like growth factor 2 ( IGF2), but also identified some novel candidate genes, far upstream element binding protein 3 ( FUBP3), myosin heavy chain ( MYH) family, leucine-rich repeats and guanylate kinase domain containing ( LRGUK). Our study will contribute to the further identification of the causal mutation underlying these QTL and improve our knowledge of the complex genetic architecture for loin eye area in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was part of a programme to improve pig production in India and the information on carcass composition and meat quality is very much essential towards the development of a suitable breeding plan for this pig breed. Gilts (16) and barrows (26) from Ghungroo breed were slaughtered at the age of 10 months for evaluating the different parameters. Complete dissection of carcass indicated a meat:bone ratio of 2.54 and fat:lean ratio of 0.29 for this breed. The carcass length ranged from 65.5-77 cm, while that of the loin eye area varied from 2.4-4.3 in². Back fat thickness at three-quarters of the length of the transverse section of the exposed M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum between the 10th and 11th ribs was in the range of 2.3 - 3.85 cm. Moisture:protein ratio varied from 3.17 to 3.65 with an average of 3.45 and no significant difference was observed between gilts and barrows. The objective of the present study was to investigate the detailed carcass and meat quality parameters of Ghungroo pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature on the performance and carcass yield of pigs housed in different environments. Twenty castrated male pigs of the Topigs line were assigned to two treatments: T1, controlled environment, and T2, uncontrolled environment containing a shallow pool. A completely randomized design consisting of two treatments and ten repetitions each was used. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and means were compared by the Tukey test at a level of significance of 5 % using the SAS 9.2 program (SAS Institute, Inc., NC, USA). The results showed that rearing pigs in an uncontrolled environment during the growing and finishing phases reduced daily feed intake (1.722 and 3.164 kg, respectively) and improved feed conversion (2.15 and 2.70 kg, respectively), but did not influence the carcass yield of the animals. In conclusion, rearing pigs under different environmental conditions during the growing and finishing phases influenced animal performance without interfering with carcass yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Com a finalidade de estudar as características da carcaça, nove animais Gir, nove Guzerá, nove Nelore e nove Mocho-Tabapuã não-castrados, com idade média de 24 meses e pesos vivos médios iniciais de 357,6; 362,0; 368,6; e 376,4 kg, respectivamente, foram usados neste estudo. Em cada raça, os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em baias individuais, recebendo ração contendo 50% de concentrado na matéria seca à vontade e divididos em três pesos de abate (categorias 405, 450 e 500 kg PV). No abate, determinou-se o peso de corpo vazio. Não houve diferenças entre raças ou pesos de abate para as variáveis estudadas, exceto para rendimento de alcatra completa. Para esta característica, houve efeito de interação entre raça e categoria, sendo que o rendimento decresceu em animais Gir com a elevação do peso de abate, o que não ocorreu nas demais raças. Não houve diferenças entre as raças com relação à composição física. O peso de abate não influenciou a composição física da carcaça e a área de olho de lombo, mas influiu no comprimento de carcaça e na espessura de gordura.With the aim to study carcass traits, nine Gyr, nine Guzera, nine Nellore and nine Mocho Tabapuã bulls, averaging, respectively, 357.6, 362.0, 368.6, and 376.4 kg of initial live weight and 24 months of age were used in this study. The animals from each breed were randomly assigned to individual pens and were full fed a diet containing 50% concentrate, dry matter basis, until the slaughter weights (405, 450 and 500 kg LW). At slaughter the empty body weight was determined. There were no differences among breeds or slaughter weights on the traits studied, except for whole "alcatra" cut yield. For this trait there was a interaction effect between breed and category. The yield decreased in Gyr breed, as slaughter weight increased, but did not change in the other breeds. There were no differences among breeds regarding to any one of the physical composition. Slaughter weight did not influence carcass physical composition and loin eye area, however affected the carcass length and back fat thickness.

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The use of real-time ultrasonography for the evaluation of carcasses of live animals is subject to human errors. This may result in the wrong interpretation of images and affect the quality of information. In this study, we aimed to estimate variance components, heritability and genetic trend for loin eye area (LEA) measured using ultrasonography in Santa Inês sheep, with inclusion of different covariates. A total of 15 different models were analyzed including the direct additive genetic effect as random, the effects of contemporary group, year of birth and age class as fixed, and four covariates: age of the animal on the day of collection (AG), body weight (BW), loin eye depth (LED), and loin eye length (LEL). The variance components were estimated via Bayesian inference in single-trait analysis, using an animal model. The models were compared using the Bayes factor and the theoretical accuracy of estimated breeding values (EBVs). The heritability estimates ranged from 0.13 to 0.31. The EBVs were more accurate when the age and the body weight of the animal were considered as covariates in the models, with the accuracies increasing from 0.001 to 0.020. The average annual genetic change over the experimental period was 0.22 cm² per year for LEA. Nevertheless, the direct selection for LEA based on EBVs has not been performed by breeders in the farms where the data were collected, which indicates that the genetic gain for LEA is due to the correlated response in this trait for selection on BW and body conformation. The best estimates of heritability and genetic trend for LEA in Santa Inês sheep were obtained using models that included the animal body weight as a covariate. • The covariate age of the animal and body weight explain part of the variances associated with the loin eye area. • More accurate breeding values were obtained by including the effect of body weight as a covariate in the model. • The estimated breeding values for loin eye area increased in the last decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty participants were attend the 2019 ultrasound technician training and certification conference. Fifty-five of them took the written test and scanned body composition traits of pigs. A mode (n = 33) were scanned backfat (BF) and loin depth (LD) of 30 pigs, whereas B mode (n = 21) were scanned BF and loin eye area (LMA) of 20 pigs. After slaughtering, the composition traits were measured. The correlation between ultrasound and carcass BF using A and B mode ranged from 0.38 to 0.87; 0.70 to 0.89, repeatability ranged from 0.07 to 0.89; 0.26 to 0.87, and the correlation among the operators ranged from 0.48 to 0.95; 0.66 to 0.93, respectively. The qualified rate of technicians using A mode, gives 51.52 and 12.12% when scanning BF and LD, respectively. While using B mode gives 95.24 and 42.86% when scanning BF and LMA, respectively. The results shows that the qualified rates using B mode were higher than those of using A mode. The study certified the ability of on farm test technician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the Chinese Society of Animal Science is the property of Chinese Society of Animal Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)