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This page lists all time most cited articles for this title. Please use the publication date filters on the left if you would like to restrict this list to recently published content, for example to articles published in the last three years. The number of times each article was cited is displayed to the right of its title and can be clicked to access a list of all titles this article has been cited by.
- Cited by 134
Reducing GHG emissions through genetic improvement for feed efficiency: effects on economically important traits and enteric methane production
- J. A. Basarab, K. A. Beauchemin, V. S. Baron, K. H. Ominski, L. L. Guan, S. P. Miller, J. J. Crowley
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 06 June 2013, pp. 303-315
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Genetic selection for residual feed intake (RFI) is an indirect approach for reducing enteric methane (CH4) emissions in beef and dairy cattle. RFI is moderately heritable (0.26 to 0.43), moderately repeatable across diets (0.33 to 0.67) and independent of body size and production, and when adjusted for off-test ultrasound backfat thickness (RFIfat) is also independent of body fatness in growing animals. It is highly dependent on accurate measurement of individual animal feed intake. Within-animal repeatability of feed intake is moderate (0.29 to 0.49) with distinctive diurnal patterns associated with cattle type, diet and genotype, necessitating the recording of feed intake for at least 35 days. In addition, direct measurement of enteric CH4 production will likely be more variable and expensive than measuring feed intake and if conducted should be expressed as CH4 production (g/animal per day) adjusted for body size, growth, body composition and dry matter intake (DMI) or as residual CH4 production. A further disadvantage of a direct CH4 phenotype is that the relationships of enteric CH4 production on other economically important traits are largely unknown. Selection for low RFIfat (efficient, −RFIfat) will result in cattle that consume less dry matter (DMI) and have an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with high RFIfat cattle (inefficient; +RFIfat). Few antagonistic effects have been reported for the relationships of RFIfat on carcass and meat quality, fertility, cow lifetime productivity and adaptability to stress or extensive grazing conditions. Low RFIfat cattle also produce 15% to 25% less enteric CH4 than +RFIfat cattle, since DMI is positively related to enteric methane (CH4) production. In addition, lower DMI and feeding duration and frequency, and a different rumen bacterial profile that improves rumen fermentation in −RFIfat cattle may favor a 1% to 2% improvement in dry matter and CP digestibility compared with +RFIfat cattle. Rate of genetic change using this approach is expected to improve feed efficiency and reduce enteric CH4 emissions from cattle by 0.75% to 1.0% per year at equal levels of body size, growth and body fatness compared with cattle not selected for RFIfat.
- Cited by 133
Review: Nutritional ecology of heavy metals
- M. Hejna, D. Gottardo, A. Baldi, V. Dell’Orto, F. Cheli, M. Zaninelli, L. Rossi
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 08 January 2018, pp. 2156-2170
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The aim of this review is to focus the attention on the nutrition ecology of the heavy metals and on the major criticisms related to the heavy metals content in animal feeds, manure, soil and animal-origin products. Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a high density that have progressively accumulated in the food chain with negative effects for human health. Some metals are essential (Fe, I, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se) to maintain various physiological functions and are usually added as nutritional additives in animal feed. Other metals (As, Cd, F, Pb, Hg) have no established biological functions and are considered as contaminants/undesirable substances. The European Union adopted several measures in order to control their presence in the environment, as a result of human activities such as: farming, industry or food processing and storage contamination. The control of the animal input could be an effective strategy to reduce human health risks related to the consumption of animal-origin products and the environmental pollution by manure. Different management of raw materials and feed, animal species as well as different legal limits can influence the spread of heavy metals. To set up effective strategies against heavy metals the complex interrelationships in rural processes, the widely variability of farming practices, the soil and climatic conditions must be considered. Innovative and sustainable approaches have discussed for the heavy metal nutrition ecology to control the environmental pollution from livestock-related activities.
- Cited by 132
Genetic parameters for faecal egg count following mixed, natural, predominantly Ostertagia circumcincta infection and relationships with live weight in young lambs
- S. C. Bishop, K. Bairden, Q. A. McKellar, M. Park, M. J. Stear
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- 02 September 2010, pp. 423-428
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Faecal egg counts and live weights were measured on approximately 200 predominantly twin-born Scottish Blackface lambs each year for 3 years, from 1 to 6 months of age. Measurements were made at 4-week intervals following anthelmintic treatment. Heritability estimates (with s.e.s) of log transformed faecal egg count at each age were 0·01, 0·00, 0·12 (0·10), 0·14 (0·12), 0·15 (0·07) and 0·22 (0·13), for ages 1 to 6 months respectively. Therefore, genetic variation exists for acquired but apparently not for innate resistance to infection. Maternal common environmental effects (with s.e.s) were 0·36 (0·11), 0·20 (0·05), 0·27 (0·09), 0·06 (0·08), 0·15 (0·09) and 0·16 (0·08), for ages 1 to 6 months respectively. Genetic correlations between faecal egg counts in lambs older than 3 months were not significantly less than 1·0, indicating that faecal egg counts at different ages are expressions of the same trait. Phenotypic correlations between faecal egg counts were generally positive but small. Measurement error contributed one-third of the observed variation for individual egg counts. The heritability of mean faecal egg count from 3 to 6 months was 0·33 (s.e. 0·15), indicating that selection decisions can be made more accurately using multiple egg counts per animal. Phenotypic correlations between faecal egg counts and live weight were generally negative but close to zero. However, genetic correlations between faecal egg counts and live weight in lambs older than 3 months were close to -1·0, indicating that resistance to gastrointestinal parasites may be an important genetic determinant of growth rate in this environment.
- Cited by 131
Inbreeding – lessons from animal breeding, evolutionary biology and conservation genetics
- T. N. Kristensen, A. C. Sørensen
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- 09 March 2007, pp. 121-133
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Abstract Increased rates of inbreeding are one side effect of breeding programmes designed to give genetic progress for traits of economic importance in livestock. Inbreeding leads to inbreeding depression for traits showing dominance, and will ultimately lead to a decrease in genetic variance within populations. Here we review theoretical and experimental literature from animal breeding, evolutionary biology and conservation genetics on the consequences of inbreeding in terms of trait means and genetic and environmental variance components. The genetic background for these effects is presented and the experimental literature interpreted in relation to them. Furthermore, purging of deleterious alleles and the variable nature of effects of inbreeding on populations are discussed. Based on the literature, we conclude that inbreeding in animal breeding must be controlled very efficiently to maintain long-term sustainable livestock production in the future. The tools to do this efficiently exist, and much can be learnt on inbreeding from the literature in fields only distantly related to animal breeding.
- Cited by 130
Oxidative stress index (OSi) as a new tool to assess redox status in dairy cattle during the transition period
- A. Abuelo, J. Hernández, J. L. Benedito, C. Castillo
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 March 2013, pp. 1374-1378
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Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the initiation or progression of numerous diseases, and dairy cows undergo OS at the transition period. However, discrepancies between methodologies make it difficult to make comparisons between studies, and therefore research on this topic may not be implemented in farms. This study aims to test under field conditions the use of an oxidative stress index (OSi) as a combined measurement through a ratio between pro-oxidants and antioxidants throughout the transition period in dairy farms. Serum samples of high-yielding dairy cows were taken, and markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were measured in four different production stages: (i) late lactation (LL; −2 to −1 months); (ii) prepartum (PrP; −1 month until parturition); (iii) postpartum (PsP; delivery to +1 month); and (iv) peak of lactation (PkL; +1 to +2.5 months). Values were compared between production stages and against a metabolic baseline status (CTR, 4th to 5th month of gestation). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that discusses the values of these oxidative stress biomarkers (and the OS index) for cows with low metabolic demands, as to date most research in this area has focused on the transition period. With the joint evaluation through the OSi, differences were found that were not present with the separate evaluation of pro-oxidants or antioxidants, thus supporting our hypothesis that the OSi indicates more accurately the oxidative status of the animals. It was also confirmed that dairy cows undergo OS after parturition, and that antioxidant supplementation from 1 month before parturition until the peak of lactation may be needed to reduce the risk of OS.
- Cited by 129
Implications of white striping and spaghetti meat abnormalities on meat quality and histological features in broilers
- G. Baldi, F. Soglia, M. Mazzoni, F. Sirri, L. Canonico, E. Babini, L. Laghi, C. Cavani, M. Petracci
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 22 May 2017, pp. 164-173
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During the past few years, there has been an increasing prevalence of broiler breast muscle abnormalities, such as white striping (WS) and wooden breast conditions. More recently, a new muscular abnormality termed as spaghetti meat (SM) because of the altered structural integrity of the Pectoralis major muscle often associated with WS has emerged. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of WS and SM conditions, occurring alone or combined within the same P. major muscle, on meat quality traits and muscle histology. In two replications, 96 P. major muscles were classified into four classes: normal (N), WS, SM and WS/SM. The whole fillet was used for weight assessment and morphometric measurements, then each sample was cut in order to separate the superficial layer from the deep one and used to evaluate proximate composition, histological features, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times, functional properties and both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins profile. Fillets affected by WS and SM abnormalities exhibited higher weights and increased thickness and length. SM condition was associated with a relevant decrease in protein content coupled with a significant increase in moisture level, whereas fat content was affected only by the simultaneous presence of WS. Histological evaluations revealed that abnormal samples were characterized by several degenerative aspects that almost completely concerned the superficial layer of the fillets. White striped fillets exhibited necrosis and lysis of fibers, fibrosis, lipidosis, loss of cross striation and vacuolar degeneration. Moreover, SM samples were characterized by poor fiber uniformity and a progressive rarefaction of the endo- and peri-mysial connective tissue, whereas WS/SM fillets showed intermediate histological features. Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation analysis revealed a higher proportion of extra-myofibrillar water in the superficial section of all the abnormal fillets, especially in SM samples, which consequently led to a reduction of the water holding capacity of meat. As for functional properties, abnormal fillets exhibited a lower protein solubility and higher ultimate pH values on both the superficial and deep sections. Although abnormal fillets exhibited higher yellowness values, no relevant effect on meat color was observed. The occurrence of WS and SM abnormalities led to increased carbonylation levels and more intense proteolytic processes. Overall, muscle abnormalities mainly affect the superficial layer of P. major muscle and particularly the occurrence of SM myopathy seems to implicate a more pronounced modification of meat quality traits than the mere presence of WS.
- Cited by 129
Invited review: Improving feed efficiency of beef cattle – the current state of the art and future challenges
- D. A. Kenny, C. Fitzsimons, S. M. Waters, M. McGee
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- 21 May 2018, pp. 1815-1826
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Improvements in feed efficiency of beef cattle have the potential to increase producer profitability and simultaneously lower the environmental footprint of beef production. Although there are many different approaches to measuring feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) has increasingly become the measure of choice. Defined as the difference between an animal’s actual and predicted feed intake (based on weight and growth), RFI is conceptually independent of growth and body size. In addition, other measurable traits related to energy expenditure such as estimates of body composition can be included in the calculation of RFI to also force independence from these traits. Feed efficiency is a multifactorial and complex trait in beef cattle and inter-animal variation stems from the interaction of many biological processes influenced, in turn, by physiological status and management regimen. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarise and interpret current published knowledge and provide insight into research areas worthy of further investigation. Indeed, where sufficient suitable reports exist, meta-analyses were conducted in order to mitigate ambiguity between studies in particular. We have identified a paucity of information on the contribution of key biological processes, including appetite regulation, post-ruminal nutrient absorption, and cellular energetics and metabolism to the efficiency of feed utilisation in cattle. In addition, insufficient information exists on the relationship between RFI status and productivity-related traits at pasture, a concept critical to the overall lifecycle of beef production systems. Overall, published data on the effect of RFI status on both terminal and maternal traits, coupled with the moderate repeatability and heritability of the trait, suggest that breeding for improved RFI, as part of a multi-trait selection index, is both possible and cumulative, with benefits evident throughout the production cycle. Although the advent of genomic selection, with associated improved prediction accuracy, will expedite the introgression of elite genetics for feed efficiency within beef cattle populations, there are challenges associated with this approach which may, in the long-term, be overcome by increased international collaborative effort but, in the short term, will not obviate the on-going requirement for accurate measurement of the primary phenotype.
- Cited by 129
Review: Enhancing gastrointestinal health in dairy cows
- J. C. Plaizier, M. Danesh Mesgaran, H. Derakhshani, H. Golder, E. Khafipour, J. L. Kleen, I. Lean, J. Loor, G. Penner, Q. Zebeli
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 August 2018, pp. s399-s418
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Due to their high energy requirements, high-yielding dairy cows receive high-grain diets. This commonly jeopardises their gastrointestinal health by causing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and hindgut acidosis. These disorders can disrupt nutrient utilisations, impair the functionalities of gastrointestinal microbiota, and reduce the absorptive and barrier capacities of gastrointestinal epithelia. They can also trigger inflammatory responses. The symptoms of SARA are not only due to a depressed rumen pH. Hence, the diagnosis of this disorder based solely on reticulo-rumen pH values is inaccurate. An accurate diagnosis requires a combination of clinical examinations of cows, including blood, milk, urine and faeces parameters, as well as analyses of herd management and feed quality, including the dietary contents of NDF, starch and physical effective NDF. Grain-induced SARA increases acidity and shifts availabilities of substrates for microorganisms in the reticulo-rumen and hindgut and can result in a dysbiotic microbiota that are characterised by low richness, diversity and functionality. Also, amylolytic microorganisms become more dominant at the expense of proteolytic and fibrolytic ones. Opportunistic microorganisms can take advantage of newly available niches, which, combined with reduced functionalities of epithelia, can contribute to an overall reduction in nutrient utilisation and increasing endotoxins and pathogens in digesta and faeces. The reduced barrier function of epithelia increases translocation of these endotoxins and other immunogenic compounds out of the digestive tract, which may be the cause of inflammations. This needs to be confirmed by determining the toxicity of these compounds. Cows differ in their susceptibility to poor gastrointestinal health, due to variations in genetics, feeding history, diet adaptation, gastrointestinal microbiota, metabolic adaptation, stress and infections. These differences may also offer opportunities for the management of gastrointestinal health. Strategies to prevent SARA include balancing the diet for physical effective fibre, non-fibre carbohydrates and starch, managing the different fractions of non-fibre carbohydrates, and consideration of the type and processing of grain and forage digestibility. Gastrointestinal health disorders due to high grain feeding may be attenuated by a variety of feed supplements and additives, including buffers, antibiotics, probiotics/direct fed microbials and yeast products. However, the efficacy of strategies to prevent these disorders must be improved. This requires a better understanding of the mechanisms through which these strategies affect the functionality of gastrointestinal microbiota and epithelia, and the immunity, inflammation and ‘gastrointestinal-health robustness’ of cows. More representative models to induce SARA are also needed.
- Cited by 128
Review: Recent advances in bovine in vitro embryo production: reproductive biotechnology history and methods
- L. B. Ferré, M. E. Kjelland, L. B. Strøbech, P. Hyttel, P. Mermillod, P. J. Ross
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 November 2019, pp. 991-1004
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In vitro production (IVP) of embryos and associated technologies in cattle have shown significant progress in recent years, in part driven by a better understanding of the full potential of these tools by end users. The combination of IVP with sexed semen (SS) and genomic selection (GS) is being successfully and widely used in North America, South America and Europe. The main advantages offered by these technologies include a higher number of embryos and pregnancies per unit of time, and a wider range of potential female donors from which to retrieve oocytes (including open cyclic females and ones up to 3 months pregnant), including high index genomic calves, a reduced number of sperm required to produce embryos and increased chances of obtaining the desired sex of offspring. However, there are still unresolved aspects of IVP of embryos that limit a wider implementation of the technology, including potentially reduced fertility from the use of SS, reduced oocyte quality after in vitro oocyte maturation and lower embryo cryotolerance, resulting in reduced pregnancy rates compared to in vivo–produced embryos. Nevertheless, promising research results have been reported, and work is in progress to address current deficiencies. The combination of GS, IVP and SS has proven successful in the commercial field in several countries assisting practitioners and cattle producers to improve reproductive performance, efficiency and genetic gain.
- Cited by 128
Injurious tail biting in pigs: how can it be controlled in existing systems without tail docking?
- R. B. D’Eath, G. Arnott, S. P. Turner, T. Jensen, H. P. Lahrmann, M. E. Busch, J. K. Niemi, A. B. Lawrence, P. Sandøe
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 06 June 2014, pp. 1479-1497
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Tail biting is a serious animal welfare and economic problem in pig production. Tail docking, which reduces but does not eliminate tail biting, remains widespread. However, in the EU tail docking may not be used routinely, and some ‘alternative’ forms of pig production and certain countries do not allow tail docking at all. Against this background, using a novel approach focusing on research where tail injuries were quantified, we review the measures that can be used to control tail biting in pigs without tail docking. Using this strict criterion, there was good evidence that manipulable substrates and feeder space affect damaging tail biting. Only epidemiological evidence was available for effects of temperature and season, and the effect of stocking density was unclear. Studies suggest that group size has little effect, and the effects of nutrition, disease and breed require further investigation. The review identifies a number of knowledge gaps and promising avenues for future research into prevention and mitigation. We illustrate the diversity of hypotheses concerning how different proposed risk factors might increase tail biting through their effect on each other or on the proposed underlying processes of tail biting. A quantitative comparison of the efficacy of different methods of provision of manipulable materials, and a review of current practices in countries and assurance schemes where tail docking is banned, both suggest that daily provision of small quantities of destructible, manipulable natural materials can be of considerable benefit. Further comparative research is needed into materials, such as ropes, which are compatible with slatted floors. Also, materials which double as fuel for anaerobic digesters could be utilised. As well as optimising housing and management to reduce risk, it is important to detect and treat tail biting as soon as it occurs. Early warning signs before the first bloody tails appear, such as pigs holding their tails tucked under, could in future be automatically detected using precision livestock farming methods enabling earlier reaction and prevention of tail damage. However, there is a lack of scientific studies on how best to respond to outbreaks: the effectiveness of, for example, removing biters and/or bitten pigs, increasing enrichment, or applying substances to tails should be investigated. Finally, some breeding companies are exploring options for reducing the genetic propensity to tail bite. If these various approaches to reduce tail biting are implemented we propose that the need for tail docking will be reduced.
- Cited by 127
Black soldier fly larva fat inclusion in finisher broiler chicken diet as an alternative fat source
- A. Schiavone, S. Dabbou, M. De Marco, M. Cullere, I. Biasato, E. Biasibetti, M. T. Capucchio, S. Bergagna, D. Dezzutto, M. Meneguz, F. Gai, A. Dalle Zotte, L. Gasco
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 January 2018, pp. 2032-2039
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The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of partial or total replacement of finisher diet soybean oil with black soldier fly (Hermethia illucens L.; HI) larva fat on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, intestinal morphology and histological features of broiler chickens. At 21 days of age, a total of 120 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to three experimental groups (five replicates and eight birds/pen). To a basal control diet (C; 68.7 g/kg as fed of soybean oil), either 50% or 100% of the soybean oil was replaced with HI larva fat (HI50 and HI100 group, respectively). Growth performance was evaluated throughout the trial. At day 48, 15 birds (three birds/pen) per group were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Carcass yield and proportions of carcass elements were recorded. Blood samples were taken from each slaughtered chicken for haematochemical index determination. Morphometric analyses were performed on the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Samples of liver, spleen, thymus, bursa of fabricius, kidney and heart were submitted to histological investigations. Growth performance, carcass traits, haematochemical parameters and gut morphometric indexes were not influenced by the dietary inclusion of HI larva fat. Histopathological alterations developed in the spleen, thymus, bursa of fabricius and liver and were identified in all of the experimental groups, but HI larva fat inclusion did not significantly affect (P>0.05) the severity of the histopathological findings. The present study suggests that 50% or 100% replacement of soybean oil with HI larva fat in broiler chickens diets has no adverse effects on growth performance or blood parameters and had no beneficial effect on gut health.
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Villous height and crypt depth in piglets in response to increases in the intake of cows' milk after weaning
- J. R. Pluske, I. H. Williams, F. X. Aherne
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 September 2010, pp. 145-158
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The hypothesis tested in this experiment was that the structure and function of the small intestine of piglets given a milk liquid diet after weaning depends on their level of energy intake. At weaning (28 days), 42 piglets were allocated to one of five treatments: (1) control group killed at weaning; (2) piglets offered a dry starter diet ad libitum; (3) piglets given cow's fresh milk at maintenance energy intake (Ma); (4) piglets given cow's fresh milk at 2-5 Ma; and (5) piglets given cow's fresh milk ad libitum. On the 5th day all piglets were killed and samples of gut were taken for histological and biochemical examination. Piglets given milk ad libitum grew faster (P < 0·001) than piglets on all other treatments. Piglets offered the dry starter diet ingested similar quantities of dry matter and energy, and grew at the same rate as piglets given cows' milk at 2·5 Ma. As predicted, piglets given milk at maintenance energy intake grew slower (P < 0·001) and consumed less food (P < 0·001) than piglets in all other treatments. For piglets given both cows' fresh milk and the dry starter diet, there were significant linear relationships (r = 0·72 to 0·82, P < 0·05) between villous height and crypt depth with dry matter (energy) intake after weaning. In turn, mean villous height in both milk-fed and starter-fed piglets was significantly correlated (r = 0·68 to 0·79, P < 0·05) to empty body-weight gain in the first 5 days after weaning. Estimates of digestive enzyme activity and absorptive capacity of the gut did not corroborate the large differences seen between treatments in villous height and crypt depth, and possible reasons are discussed. These data illustrate the interdependence between voluntary food intake and mucosal architecture in determining piglet performance after weaning.
- Cited by 126
Effects of feeding and rearing systems on growth, carcass composition and meat quality in pigs
- B. Lebret
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- 01 October 2008, pp. 1548-1558
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Animal growth performance and quality of pork depend on the interactive effects of pig genotype, rearing conditions, pre-slaughter handling, and carcass and meat processing. This paper focuses on the effects of feeding and rearing systems (feeding level and diet composition, housing, production system, etc.) on growth performance, carcass composition, and eating and technological qualities of pork. The feeding level and protein : energy ratio can be used to manipulate growth rate or composition of weight gain. Restricted feed allowance strongly reduces growth rate and carcass fatness and also intramuscular fat (IMF) level, resulting in decreased meat tenderness or juiciness. Expression of compensatory growth due to restricted followed by ad libitum feeding modifies the composition of weight gain at both carcass and muscle levels, and may improve meat tenderness due to higher in vivo protein turnover. Decreasing the protein : energy ratio of the diet actually increases IMF and improves eating quality, but gives fatter carcasses. In contrast, a progressive reduction in the protein : energy ratio leads to similar carcass composition at slaughter but with higher IMF. Technological meat traits (pH1, pHu, colour, drip loss) are generally not affected by the level or protein : energy in feed. Modification of fatty acid composition and antioxidant level in meat can be obtained through diet supplementations (e.g. vegetable sources with high n-3 fatty acids), thereby improving the nutritional quality of pork. Influences of pig rearing system on animal performance, carcass and meat traits result from interactive effects of housing (floor type, space allowance, ambient temperature, physical activity), feeding level and genotype in specific production systems. Indoor enrichment (more space, straw bedding) generally increases growth rate and carcass fatness, and may improve meat juiciness or flavour through higher IMF. Outdoor rearing and organic production system have various effects on growth rate and carcass fatness, depending on climatic conditions and feed allowance. Influence on meat quality is also controversial: higher drip and lower pHu and tenderness have been reported, whereas some studies show improved meat juiciness with outdoor rearing. Discrepancies are likely due to differences between studies in rearing conditions and physiological responses of pigs to pre-slaughter handling. Specific production systems of the Mediterranean area based on local breeds (low growth rate, high adiposity) and free-range finishing (pasture, forests), which allows pig to express their genetic potential for IMF deposition, clearly demonstrate the positive effects of genotype × rearing system interactions on the quality of pork and pork products.
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Effect of forage type and proportion of concentrate in the diet on milk fatty acid composition in cows given sunflower oil and fish oil
- K. J. Shingfield, C. K. Reynolds, B. Lupoli, V. Toivonen, M. P. Yurawecz, P. Delmonte, J. M. Griinari, A. S. Grandison, D. E. Beever
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 March 2007, pp. 225-238
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Based on the potential benefits of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for human health there is a need to develop effective strategies for enhancing milk fat CLA concentrations. In this experiment, the effect of forage type and level of concentrate in the diet on milk fatty acid composition was examined in cows given a mixture of fish oil and sunflower oil. Four late lactation Holstein-British Friesian cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin-square experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and 21-day experimental periods. Treatments consisted of grass (G) or maize (M) silage supplemented with low (L) or high (H) levels of concentrates (65 : 35 and 35 : 65; forage : concentrate ratio, on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively) offered as a total mixed ration at a restricted level of intake (20 kg DM per day). Lipid supplements (30 g/kg DM) containing fish oil and sunflower oil (2 : 3 w/w) were offered during the last 14 days of each experimental period. Treatments had no effect on total DM intake, milk yield, milk constituent output or milk fat content, but milk protein concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for G than M diets (mean 43.0 and 47.3 g/kg, respectively). Compared with grass silage, milk fat contained higher (P < 0.05) amounts of C12:0, C14:0, trans C18:1 and long chain ≥ C20 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower (P < 0.05) levels of C18:0 and trans C18:2 when maize silage was offered. Increases in the proportion of concentrate in the diet elevated (P < 0.05) C18:2 (n-6) and long chain ≥ C20 (n-3) PUFA content, but reduced (P < 0.05) the amount of C18:3 (n-3). Concentrations of trans-11 C18:1 in milk were independent of forage type, but tended (P < 0.10) to be lower for high concentrate diets (mean 7.2 and 4.0 g/100 g fatty acids, for L and H respectively). Concentrations of trans-10 C18:1 were higher (P < 0.05) in milk from maize compared with grass silage (mean 10.3 and 4.1 g/100 g fatty acids, respectively) and increased in response to high levels of concentrates in the diet (mean 4.1 and 10.3 g/100 g fatty acids, for L and H, respectively). Forage type had no effect (P > 0.05) on total milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (2.7 and 2.8 g/100 g fatty acids, for M and G, respectively) or cis-9, trans-11 CLA content (2.2 and 2.4 g/100 g fatty acids). Feeding high concentrate diets tended (P < 0.10) to decrease total CLA (3.3 and 2.2 g/100 g fatty acids, for L and H, respectively) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA (2.9 and 1.7 g/100 g fatty acids) concentrations and increase milk trans-9, cis-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA content. In conclusion, the basal diet is an important determinant of milk fatty acid composition when a supplement of fish oil and sunflower oil is given.
- Cited by 125
The effect of straw on the behaviour of sows in tether stalls
- D. Fraser
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 September 2010, pp. 59-68
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The behaviour of sows in tether stalls with and without straw was studied in two experiments. Sows lay down more when 1 kg of straw was provided daily, especially when it was chopped and mixed wet with the food (dietary effect). Sows without straw performed avariety of stereotyped oral and other activities which were greatly reduced by the provision of loose straw that could be chewed and manipulated throughout the day (recreational effect). Sows were frequently seen standing or sitting motionless with the head drooping, probably in a state of drowsiness. This behaviour was virtually eliminated by full straw bedding (bedding effect). Certain ‘comfort movements’, barbiting at feeding time, and biting the neighbouring sows, were not influenced by straw. It is concluded that the dietary, recreational and bedding aspects of straw are all significant, but influence different aspects of the animals' behaviour. The significance of bar-biting and other activities is discussed.
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How do the nature of forages and pasture diversity influence the sensory quality of dairy livestock products?
- B. Martin, I. Verdier-Metz, S. Buchin, C. Hurtaud, J. -B. Coulon
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- 09 March 2007, pp. 205-212
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Abstract This review summarizes the recent developments in understanding of the relationships between the diet of animals and the sensory quality of dairy products. Feeding dairy cattle with maize silage by comparison with hay or grass silage leads to whiter and firmer cheeses and butter and sometimes to differences in flavour. Major differences in sensory characteristics were observed between cheeses made with milk produced by cows on winter diets (based on hay and grass silage) or turned out to pasture in the spring. Conversely, preserving grass as silage, by comparison with hay, has no major effect on cheese sensory characteristics, except on colour, the cheese being yellower with grass silage. Several recent experiments have shown a significant effect of grass botanical composition on cheese texture and flavour. These effects are due to the presence in milk of specific molecules directly introduced by feeding (carotenes, terpenes) or produced by the animals (plasmin, fatty acids) under the effect of specific diets.
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Examination of the persistency of milk fatty acid composition responses to plant oils in cows given different basal diets, with particular emphasis on trans-C18:1 fatty acids and isomers of conjugated linoleic acid
- A. Roy, A. Ferlay, K. J. Shingfield, Y. Chilliard
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 March 2007, pp. 479-492
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It is well established that plant oils reduce milk saturated fatty acid content and enhance concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans C18:1 in milk fat, but there is increasing evidence to suggest that milk fat CLA responses are often transient and decline over time. It is probable that time dependent adaptations in ruminal biohydrogenation and changes in milk fatty acid composition to lipid supplements are, at least in part, related to the composition of the basal diet. To test this hypothesis, 18 Holstein cows were used in a continuous randomized block design to examine changes in milk fatty acid composition over time in response to plant oils included in diets of variable composition. Cows were randomly allocated to one of three basal diets containing (g/kg dry matter (DM)) maize silage (267) and concentrates (733) (diet C); maize silage (332), grass hay (148) and concentrates (520) (diet M), or grass hay (642) and concentrates (358) (diet H). Basal rations were offered for 21 days, after which diets were supplemented with 50 g sunflower per kg DM (diets C-S and M-S) or 50 g linseed oil per kg DM (diet H-L). Oils were included in all rations incrementally over a five day period (days 0–4), and responses to 50 g/kg DM of the respective oils were evaluated for 17 days (days 4 to 20). Milk fatty acid composition was intensively monitored from days −2 to 20. In contrast to the H-L diet, both C-S and M-S treatments decreased (P<0·05) DM intake, milk fat content and yield, while the C-S diet also reduced (P<0·05) milk yield. Milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-11 C18:1 contents were enhanced on the C-S and M-S treatments but the increases were transient reaching the highest concentrations between days 4 and 6 (cis-9, trans-11 CLA: 1·94 and 2·18 g per 100 g total fatty acids; trans-11 C18:1: 4·88 and 6·23 g per 100 g total fatty acids, respectively) but declined thereafter. In marked contrast, concentrations of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-11 C18:1 in milk from the H-L diet increased gradually over time, responses that were maintained until the end of the experiment (2·89 and 7·49 g per 100 g total fatty acids, respectively).Decreases in milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-11 C18:1 after day 6 on the M-S and C-S diets were associated with concomitant increases in milk fat trans-10 C18:1 content reaching 7·22 and 18·62 g per 100 g total fatty acids on day 18, respectively, whereas concentrations of trans-10 C18:1 in milk on the H-L diet remained low throughout the experiment (0·70 g per 100 g total fatty acids on day 18). Furthermore, milk fat trans-11, cis-13 CLA, trans-11, trans-13 CLA and trans-12, trans-14 CLA contents were all enhanced on the H-L diet, while the M-S and C-S diets increased trans-8, cis-10 CLA, trans-10, cis-12 CLA and trans-9, cis-11 CLA concentrations. Across all diets, decreases in milk fat content were associated with increases in milk trans-10 C18:1, trans-10, cis-12 and trans-9, cis-11 CLA concentrations (r2=0·93, 0·88 and 0·89, respectively). In conclusion, the relative abundance of trans C18:1 and CLA isomers in milk fat were dependent on the composition of the basal diet, type of plant oil and duration of lipid supplementation, highlighting the challenges in developing nutritional strategies for the production of milk highly enriched with CLA over an extended period of time.
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Pig meat quality from entire males
- K. Lundström, K. R. Matthews, J.-E. Haugen
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2009, pp. 1497-1507
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This paper constitutes an updated review of the production and meat quality aspects of rearing entire male pigs. Since a major obstacle in rearing entire males is the incidence of boar taint, possible methods for detection are also summarised. Safe and fast methods for detection of boar taint would be valuable in avoiding complaints from consumers. Pig meat quality is determined by many aspects, among which odour and taste are the most important attributes. Odour may be negatively affected by the presence of a pheromonal steroid, androstenone, and a fermentation product of l-tryptophan, skatole. Male pigs are surgically castrated in many countries to minimise the risk of accumulation of high levels of androstenone and skatole. Raising entire male pigs is more profitable because they have superior production characteristics and improved meat quality due to leaner carcasses and higher protein content, as compared to castrated pigs. Furthermore, surgical castration is negative from an animal welfare point of view. In most studies, no differences in sensory quality have been found between lean meat from entire male pigs with low levels of androstenone and skatole and pork from castrates and females. The question that remains is: which substances are responsible for boar taint besides androstenone and skatole and whether they need to be considered? The threshold values used for androstenone and skatole might also be too high for highly sensitive persons. Recent research shows that a human odorant receptor, ORD7D4, is involved in sensitivity to androstenone. If the ORD7D4 genotypes of consumer and expert panels are known, this might facilitate consumer studies in the future. There is still a great need for rapid on/at-line detection methods in abattoirs for identifying carcasses with unacceptable levels of boar taint compounds. Several emerging rapid technologies with a potential for boar taint detection have been investigated. They represent various measurement principles such as chemical sensor arrays (electronic noses), mass-spectrometry fingerprinting, ultra-fast gas chromatography, gas-phase spectrometry and biosensors. An industrial detection method should allow 100% correct classification of both acceptable and not-acceptable samples with regard to boar taint sorting criteria. There are, however, still too high a percentage of false negatives ranging from 5% to 20%. In addition, these methods do not yet seem to fulfil the industrial specifications with regard to cost efficiency, simplicity and analysis time. There is still no dedicated measurement technology available for on/at-line detection of boar-tainted carcasses that measures both androstenone and skatole.
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Independent effects of dietary linoleic and linolenic fatty acids on the conjugated linoleic acid content of cows’ milk
- A.L. Lock, P.C. Garnsworthy
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 August 2016, pp. 163-176
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It may be desirable to increase the level of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk as a health benefit in human nutrition. The purpose of this work was to separate the effects of linoleic and linolenic acids on CLA production in dairy cows and to determine to what extent endogenous synthesis contributes to cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration in milk fat. Eight lactating cows and four non-lactating duodenal fistulated cows were used in a 4 ✕ 4 Latin-square design. All cows received a basal diet of grass silage that was supplemented with one of four concentrates, which were designed to differ in their linoleic and linolenic acid contents. The oil components of the concentrates were produced from mixtures of olive, linseed, rape, soya and sunflower oils to produce the four treatments: low linoleic/ low linolenic acid (LL), low linoleic/high linolenic acid (LH), high linoleic/low linolenic acid (HL) and high linoleic/ high linolenic acid (HH). Milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents were 0·8, 0·9, 0·9 and 1·1 g/100 g fatty acid methyl esters (P < 0·05) and yields were 5, 7, 7 and 8 g/day (P < 0·05) for the LL, LH, HL and HH treatments, respectively. The yields of trans-C18:1 fatty acids in milk were 19, 22, 21 and 23 g/day (P < 0·05), respectively. Taking the data for the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content and flow of duodenal fluid from the fistulated cows and representing this in terms of dietary intake by the lactating animals, the amounts of cis-9, trans-11 CLA produced in the rumen were calculated to be 0·8, 0·9, 1·2 and 1·1 g/day (P < 0·05) and for trans-C18:1 fatty acids 58, 58, 66 and 69 g/day (P < 0·05). Increasing linoleic and/or linolenic acids in the diet can increase the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content of cows’ milk. Only diets high in linoleic acid increased cis-9, trans-11 CLA production in the rumen. On all four diets, more than 80% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk was produced endogenously by Δ9-desaturase from trans-11 C18:1 in the mammary gland. Cows on the same diet have different milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentrations that may be partially explained by differences in Δ9-desaturase activity between cows. Increasing the activity of Δ9-desaturase in the mammary gland may offer greater potential for enhancing the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content of milk fat than increasing cis-9, trans-11 CLA production in the rumen.
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Nutritional effects on foetal growth
- J. J. Robinson, K. D. Sinclair, T. G. McEvoy
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 August 2016, pp. 315-331
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The emphasis in nutritional studies on foetal growth has now moved from the last trimester of pregnancy, when most of the increase in foetal size takes place, to earlier stages of pregnancy that coincide with foetal organogenesis and tissue hyperplasia. At these stages absolute nutrient requirements for foetal growth are small but foetal metabolic activity and specific growth rate are high. It is thus a time when nutrient supply interacts with maternal factors such as size, body condition and degree of maturity to influence placental growth and set the subsequent pattern of nutrient partitioning between the gravid uterus and maternal body.
Throughout pregnancy the maternal diet controls foetal growth both directly, by supplying essential nutrients and indirectly, by altering the expression of the maternal and foetal endocrine mechanisms that regulate the uptake and utilization of these nutrients by the conceptus. Nutritional effects on the endocrine environment of the embryo during the early stages of cell division can alter the subsequent foetal growth trajectory and size at birth; so too can current in vitro systems for oocyte maturation and embryo culture up to the blastocyst stage. There is increasing evidence that subtle alterations in nutrient supply during critical periods of embryonic and foetal life can impart a legacy of growth and developmental changes that affect neonatal survival and adult performance. Identifying the specific nutrients that programme these effects and understanding their mode of action should provide new management strategies for ensuring that nutritional regimens from oocyte to newborn are such that they maximize neonatal viability and enable animals to express their true genetic potential for production.