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Herbaceous legumes provide several options for increasing beef cattle productivity in eastern Indonesia Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2021-01-05 Dianne Mayberry; Debora Kana Hau; Philip Rido Dida; Dionisius Bria; Jefrianus Praing; Agustinus Dule Mata; Esnawan Budisantoso; Neal Dalgliesh; Simon Quigley; Lindsay Bell; Jacob Nulik
Context: Increasing demand for livestock products in developing countries provides opportunities for smallholder farmers to increase and diversify their income through increased livestock production. However, livestock production in these systems is often limited by inadequate animal nutrition, and farmers need ways to increase the availability and quality of livestock feed without compromising yields
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Performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines are affected differently by ambient temperature Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2021-01-05 Luan Sousa dos Santos; Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado Campos; Welex Cândido da Silva; Alini Mari Veira; Alicia Zem Fraga; Raphael Perini Caetano; Luciano Hauschild
Context: Differences among breeds or lines of pigs in terms of growth and carcass characteristics may be affected by rearing environment (genetic × environment interaction). Aims: The present study compared the growth performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines reared under constant thermoneutral (22°C; TN) or high ambient temperature (33°C; HT) conditions. Methods: Hampshire (HAM)
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Selection for increased visual muscling increases carcass leanness without compromising predicted Meat Standards Australia eating-quality index Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-22 B. J. Walmsley; L. M. Cafe; J. F. Wilkins; M. J. McPhee
Context: Selection using visual muscle score (MS) has been proposed to increase carcass leanness (i.e. meat yield), without compromising eating quality. Aims: The aim of the present study was to examine the impact that selection for divergent MS has on live animal, commercial carcass and carcass tissue weights by using computed tomography (CT) including Meat Standards Australia (MSA) index-predicted
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Potential predisposing factors for ecchymosis in the intercostal muscles of sheep carcases in South Australia Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-23 Leesa-Joy Flanagan; Tiffany Bennett; Emma Winslow; Michelle Hebart; David Rutley; Colin Trengove
Context: Ecchymosis is an undesirable appearance in meat caused by small bleeds from capillaries broken during the slaughter process. These lesions are heavily trimmed during processing, incurring labour costs and yield losses. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of ecchymosis in a South Australian abattoir and investigate potential predisposing factors. Methods: A generalised linear mixed model estimated
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The effect of a social facilitator cow on the distance walked and time spent walking by abruptly weaned beef calves Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-23 K. R. Nickles; A. E. Relling; L. E. Moraes; A. J. Parker
Context: Separation of a calf from its dam at weaning can cause stress behaviours such as excessive walking and vocalising. These behaviours combined with poor dry matter and water intakes during weaning can cause bodyweight loss in calves. We questioned whether adding a social facilitator cow to pens of calves weaned on pasture would decrease calf walking behaviours and prevent a loss in bodyweight
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Lamb growth rates and carcass characteristics of White Dorper and crossbred lambs grazing traditional and novel pastures during spring in southern Australia Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-17 Shawn R. McGrath; Graeme A. Sandral; Benjamin W. B. Holman; Michael A. Friend
Context: Finishing lambs on pasture and specialist forages is a commonly used production system in southern Australia; however, there is little information properly comparing multiple pasture options for lamb production. Aim: We aimed to compare growth rates of lambs when grazing traditional pastures, novel legumes, or a herb–legume mixture. Methods: Six pasture and forage treatments were sown in three
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Mature herbs as supplements to ruminant diets: effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation and ammonia production Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-14 Alexandra N. Kapp-Bitter; Uta Dickhoefer; Michael Kreuzer; Florian Leiber
Context: High concentrations of crude protein in ruminant diets may lead to excessive production of ruminal ammonia, which may stress the animal’s metabolism and impact nitrogen efficiency. This may become a problem in zero-concentrate feeding systems when pasture grass is rich in crude protein. Polyphenols such as tannins may protect part of dietary protein from ruminal degradation and thus inhibit
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Provision of urea–molasses blocks to improve smallholder cattle weight gain during the late dry season in tropical developing countries: studies from Lao PDR Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-14 P. A. Windsor; S. Nampanya; L. Olmo; S. Khounsy; P. Phengsavanh; R. D. Bush
Context: Large-ruminant production in developing countries is inefficient with low growth rates and declining weights, particularly in the dry season. Aims: The impact of ad libitum supplementation of cattle with high-quality molasses blocks (20 kg) containing either 8% urea (UMB) or nil urea (MB), was examined. Methods: Field trials on smallholder farms compared weight changes and average daily gains
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Strategic supplementation of growing cattle on tropical pastures improves nutrient use and animal performance, with fewer days required on the finishing phase Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-14 Diogo Fleury Azevedo Costa; Paulo Sergio Correia; Joao Ricardo Reboucas Dorea; Jonas De Souza; Guilhermo Francklin de Souza Congio; Alexandre Vaz Pires; Pedro Antonio Muniz Malafaia; James Drouillard; Carlos Tadeu dos Santos Dias; Albino Luchiari-Filho; Flavio Augusto Portela Santos
Context: Cattle grazing tropical forages usually perform below genetic potential due to limited nutrient intake. Aims: Four experiments were conducted to evaluate supplementation strategies on performance and metabolism of cattle grazing intensively managed marandu palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha). Methods: Experiment 1 evaluated the average daily gain (ADG) of 72 young bulls (222 ± 25 kg bodyweight
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Effect of zeolite administration on nitrogen metabolism and excretion in lactating dairy cows offered pasture herbage Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-15 K. Stelwagen; P. C. Beukes; C. Hemmings
Context: Due to high protein concentrations in pastures, dairy cows offered a pasture-based diet often consume excess nitrogen (N), which leads to high ruminal ammonia concentrations and excessive urinary N excretion, thereby contributing to pasture N leaching. Aims: To study the effect of administration of natural zeolite on ruminal pH and ammonia production and N excretion in lactating cows offered
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Analysis of X chromosome and autosomal genetic effects on growth and efficiency-related traits in sheep Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-08 Milad Noorian; Sahereh Joezy-Shekalgorabi; Nasser Emam Jomeh Kashan
Context: It is believed that the X chromosome plays an important role in influencing quantitative traits. Despite this, until recently, X-linked genetic effects have not been considered in models to estimate genetic parameters for economically important traits of livestock. Aims: A large dataset was analysed to quantify autosomal additive genetic, X-linked additive genetic and maternal effects on growth
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Intake and liveweight gain of fattening cattle is depressed at high levels of cassava bagasse inclusion in a quadratic dose-response relationship Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-08 Frances C. Cowley; Asri N. Huda; Kusmartono; Hendrawan Soetanto; Marsetyo; Dennis P. Poppi
Context: Cassava bagasse is readily available in tropical countries as an energy source for ruminant diets, but previous research has shown low cattle performance at high inclusion rates. Aims: The nature of the dose–response relationship between increasing inclusion rate of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) bagasse (CB), substituting for protein meals in diets of fattening cattle, was used to evaluate
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Demonstrating the value of herd improvement in the Australian dairy industry Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-11 J. E. Newton; M. M. Axford; P. N. Ho; J. E. Pryce
Herd improvement has been occurring since the domestication of livestock, although the tools and technologies that support it have changed dramatically. The Australian dairy industry tracks herd improvement through a range of approaches, including routine monitoring of genetic trends and farmer usage of the various tools and technologies. However, a less structured approach has been taken to valuing
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New genomically enhanced reproduction breeding values for Merino sheep allow targeted selection for conception rate, litter size and ewe rearing ability Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 K. L. Bunter; A. A. Swan; P. M. Gurman; D. J. Brown
Context: Net reproduction rate defined as number of lambs weaned for joined ewes reflects conception, litter size and the ability of ewes to rear lambs to weaning age. These three attributes can be treated as separate traits for genetic evaluation, allowing breeders to focus selection for each appropriately. Aims: The aim of the present paper was to present characteristics of the data, models and genetic
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Meta-analysis of the effect of probiotic-yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) intervention on feed intake, feed efficiency and egg-production indices in laying hens Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-30 I. P. Ogbuewu; C. A. Mbajiorgu
Context: Probiotics are attracting wide attention today as a non-antibiotic feed additive in layer feed, and the number of studies in this field is on the increase. However, the results of the effects of probiotic-yeast supplementation on egg-production indices in laying hens are contradictory. Aim: Therefore, the aim of the present study was to use meta-analytical methods to ascertain whether yeast-based
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Effects of long-term exposure to music on behaviour, immunity and performance of piglets Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-12-01 Peng Zhao; Jianing Zhao; Honggui Liu; Runxiang Zhang; Jianhong Li; Mingyue Zhang; Chao Wang; Yanju Bi; Xin Zhang; Ran Yi; Xiang Li; Jun Bao
Context: Music induces physiological responses in animals, and as an enriched environment, it may have a positive effect on behaviour and productivity. Aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of different kinds of music on immunity, stress response and performance of piglets. Methods: In total, 144 hybrid piglets (Yorkshire × Durac × Minpig) at the age of 7 weeks were divided into three treatment
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Effect of Leucaena leucocephala and corn oil on ruminal fermentation, methane production and fatty acid profile: an in vitro study Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-24 Agung Irawan; Cuk Tri Noviandi; Kustantinah; Budi Prasetyo Widyobroto; Andriyani Astuti; Serkan Ates
Aims: This in vitro study aimed to examine the effect of proportions of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) to Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) or levels of corn oil (CO) and their interaction on ruminal fermentation, methane (CH4) production and fatty acid profile. Methods: The experiment was conducted as a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement following a completely randomised design
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The benefits of carcass estimated breeding values for pasture-finished cattle are not as great as for long-fed cattle Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-24 M. L. Hebart; S. J. Lee; W. S. Pitchford
Context: BREEDPLAN reports estimated breeding values (EBVs) for many traits, but there are few EBVs specifically for the inputs into the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) index for producers, so as to make genetic progress. It is not known how selection on current BREEDPLAN EBVs influences the MSA index and whether these relationships are the same for different market end-points. Aims: The aim of the
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Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 1. Survey of nutritional, breeding and herd health management practices and of the environment Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-24 K. D. McCosker; S. Jephcott; B. M. Burns; D. R. Smith; G. Fordyce; P. K. O'Rourke; M. R. McGowan
Data concerning the practices and policies of collaborating properties for nutritional, breeding and health management of herds were captured by survey of herd owners/managers (n = 78) at the commencement of a large observational study conducted across northern Australia to identify and quantify the effect of major animal-, management group- and property-level risk factors on measures of reproductive
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Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 2. Descriptive analysis of monitored reproductive performance Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-24 K. D. McCosker; G. Fordyce; P. K. O'Rourke; M. R. McGowan
A population-based epidemiological study was conducted between 2007 and 2011 and involved 78 northern Australian commercial beef-breeding herds and in excess of 56 000 cattle concurrently monitored. Cow reproductive performance was described from the biannual assessment of fetal age and lactation status. Both novel and well established measures of performance were used within four broad country types
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Yield measurement is valuable for pricing beef carcasses Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-25 W. S. Pitchford; C. M. Trotta; M. L. Hebart; S. M. Miller; D. L. Rutley
Context: The most common way of pricing beef carcasses is through a price grid. Most processors make greater profit from higher-quality carcasses, which are those with higher meat yield and eating quality. Aims: The aim of this study was to calculate the value of diverse carcasses and compare pricing mechanisms on their ability to discriminate variation in meat yield and predicted eating quality. Methods:
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The effect of molasses nitrate lick blocks on supplement intake, bodyweight, condition score, blood methaemoglobin concentration and herd scale methane emissions in Bos indicus cows grazing poor quality forage Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-23 M. J. Callaghan; N. W. Tomkins; G. Hepworth; A. J. Parker
Context: The Australian government has approved a greenhouse gas (GHG) offset method that requires cattle to consume nitrate in the form of a lick block. Field studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this methodology have not been previously reported. Aims: This experiment was conducted to determine the effects on productivity and health when nitrate lick blocks were provided as a supplement to
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Prenatal establishment of the foal gut microbiota: a critique of the in utero colonisation hypothesis Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-23 Kirsty L. Mols; Gry B. Boe-Hansen; Deirdre Mikkelsen; Wayne L. Bryden; A. Judy Cawdell-Smith
Bacteria colonisation of the foal’s gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a critical developmental stage, effecting subsequent immunological and health outcomes. It has long been thought that the equine fetus develops in a sterile intrauterine environment and GIT colonisation commences at birth. Research now suggests that bacteria isolated from amniotic fluid are the initial colonisers of the fetal GIT,
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Individual-level correlations of rumen volatile fatty acids with enteric methane emissions for ranking methane yield in sheep fed fresh pasture Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-17 Arjan Jonker; Sharon Hickey; Paul Boma; Chernet Woyimo Woju; Edgar Sandoval; Sarah MacLean; Mariana García Rendón Calzada; Wanjie Yu; Sarah Lewis; Peter H. Janssen; John C. McEwan; Suzanne Rowe
Context: Total ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) or acetate concentrations were previously found to be moderate correlated proxies to select sheep that are genetically low methane (CH4) emitters. However, this was based on trials, with sheep fed lucerne pellets at a fixed feeding level, which is different from pastoral farming conditions in New Zealand, where the correlated proxy would be applied
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Cow milking order and its influence on milk production in a pasture-based automatic milking system Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-18 B. R. Cullen; H.-M. Weng; S. Talukder; L. Cheng
Context: While several studies have documented the consistency of milking order and its association with milk yield in herds with conventional milking systems, there is limited data available on herds in the automatic milking systems (AMS) where cows move to the dairy voluntarily to be milked. Aims: The present study was conducted to examine the consistency of milking order in AMS and its association
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Optimisation of dry matter and nutrients in feed rations through use of a near-infrared spectroscopy system mounted on a self-propelled feed mixer Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-18 Ehab Mostafa; Philipp Twickler; Alexandre Schmithausen; Christian Maack; Abdelkader Ghaly; Wolfgang Buescher
Context: Knowledge of the nutrient requirements of dairy cows, and the nutritional composition and physical form of the feed resources used to prepare the total mixed ration (TMR) of basic and concentrated feeds, is essential to achieving high milk yields, health and welfare in modern commercial herds. Grass and maize silage components can vary widely in composition depending on harvesting intervals
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Determination of the optimal priming interval of rumen fluids used as inocula for the in vitro digestibility trials through radial enzyme diffusion method Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-20 M. Simoni; E. Tsiplakou; R. Pitino; A. Quarantelli; F. Righi
Context: Determination of the neutral detergent fibre digestibility is one of the important parameters to consider when formulating diets. However, the in vitro determination shows low repeatability because of the source of rumen-fluid inoculum. Priming of the rumen fluid inocula, obtained through an oesophageal probe, has been proposed to overcome this issue. Aim: The objective of the study was to
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Performance of Angus weaner heifers varying in residual feed intake-feedlot estimated breeding values grazing severely drought-affected pasture Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-20 F. A. P. Alvarenga; H. Bansi; R. C. Dobos; K. L. Austin; A. J. Donaldson; R. T. Woodgate; P. L. Greenwood
Context: Beef industry productivity and profitability would be enhanced by improved efficiency at pasture. Our research is evaluating performance at pasture of Angus heifers divergent in estimated breeding values for residual feed intake determined from feedlot data (RFI-f-EBV) under a range of grazing conditions. Aims: To determine whether Low- and High-RFI-f-EBV cattle differ in their growth response
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Provision of straw and the presence of undocked lambs reduce the behavioural and physiological expressions of pain and stress associated with tail docking in lambs: a preliminary study Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-16 Cristian Larrondo; Agustín Orihuela; Ana Strappini; Gerardo Acosta-Jamett; Daniel Mota-Rojas; Carmen Gallo
Aims: The aim of this experiment was to determine if the provision of straw and the presence of undocked twins could be used to mitigate the pain experienced by lambs having their tails docked using rubber rings. Methods: A total of 54 twin St. Croix 60-days-old weaned lambs were assigned to one of four treatments: (i) the presence of undocked twins and no provision of straw (U); (ii) the provision
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Effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis and Bacillus subtilis PB6 on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and morphology, and serum parameters in broiler chickens Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-16 Mahboobullah Joya; Omid Ashayerizadeh; Behrouz Dastar
Context: The use of microalgae as prebiotics in poultry diets may improve production efficiency by modifying the gastrointestinal ecosystem. Prebiotic properties of the cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis have been confirmed, but effects of its combination with probiotics on broiler chicken performance are unclear. Aims: This experiment was designed to study the effects of different levels
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Growth and development of thoroughbred horses Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-10 P. J. Huntington; C. G. Brown-Douglas; J. D. Pagan
Research into the growth and development of Thoroughbreds managed on commercial breeding farms is reviewed in this paper. As horses are not meat producing animals, less research has been performed quantifying growth, muscle and bone development than with other production animals. However, variations in growth and development are linked with both value and wastage in young Thoroughbred horses, and can
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Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 8. Impact of rainfall and wild dog control on percentage fetal and calf loss Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-11 Lee R. Allen; Tamsin S. Barnes; Geoffry Fordyce; Kieren D. McCosker; Michael R. McGowan
Context: Dingoes and hybrid domestic dogs (wild dogs) are lethally managed, principally by large-scale baiting programs, to protect Australia’s AU$11.4 billion beef cattle industry from predation. This strategy is promoted by pest management agencies as best practice. Aim: To investigate the impact of baiting frequency and rainfall on percentage fetal and calf loss. Methods: Using 64 property-years
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Milk fatty acid composition, rumen microbial population and animal performance in response to diets rich in linoleic acid supplemented with Piper betle leaves in Saanen goats Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-11 R. A. P. Purba; C. Yuangklang; S. Paengkoum; P. Paengkoum
Context: Rumen biohydrogenation is an important way to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), especially the rumenic acid isomer. However, CLA is principally synthesised endogenously in lactating mammals by delta 9-desaturase in breast tissue. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate milk fatty acid profile, rumen microbial population and animal performance in response to diets containing sunflower
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Equine metabolic syndrome: evolution of understanding over two decades: a personal perspective Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-12 Patricia A. Harris; Nicholas J. Bamford; Simon R. Bailey
There has been a marked increase in the incidence of equine obesity globally, especially in countries where there has been a shift away from the horse having an economically essential working role. This change in its core role, plus the increasing numbers of individual horse owners without access to traditional knowledge of animal and land management, have helped fuel this equine obesity ‘epidemic’
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Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal in broiler diets with gelatin and mono-component protease on growth performance, carcass and blood biochemical characteristics, lipid oxidation of meat, and economics Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-09 Z. Olfati; F. Shariatmadari; M. A. Karimi Torshizi; H. Ahmadi; M. Sharafi; M. R. Bedford
Context: Gelatin, presently a waste material from animal tissues and bones, may be suitable as a partial dietary replacement for soybean meal. In combination with protease, it may enhance growth performances of broiler chickens. However, limitations when introducing gelatin, are its unusual amino acid profile and digesta viscosity. Aim: An experiment was conducted to elucidate effects on growth performance
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Predicting metabolisable energy intake by free-ranging cattle using multiple short-term breath samples and applied to a pasture case-study Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-04 R. M. Herd; P. F. Arthur; R. S. Hegarty; T. Bird-Gardiner; K. A. Donoghue; J. I. Velazco
Context: Research into improving feed efficiency by ruminant animals grazing pastures has historically been restrained by an inability to measure feed intake by large numbers of individual animals. Recent advances in portable breath measurement technology could be useful for this purpose but methodologies need to be developed. Aims: To evaluate predictive models for metabolisable energy intake (MEI)
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Collagen, intramuscular fat and proteolysis affect Warner-Bratzler shear-force of muscles from Bos taurus breed types differently at weaning, after backgrounding on pasture, and after feedlotting Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-04 Margrethe Therkildsen; Paul L. Greenwood; Colin P. Starkey; Malcolm McPhee; Brad Walmsley; Jason Siddell; Geert Geesink
Context: The texture of beef is highly important for the eating experience, and there is a continued interest in understanding the biochemical basis for the variation in texture between cattle and their meat cuts in order to improve and minimise variation in tenderness due to production and processing factors. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of characteristics of meat on Warner-Bratzler
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Keys to innovation in animal science: genomics, big data and collaboration Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-11-04 James B. Rowe; Julius van der Werf; David W. Pethick
As the sophistication of genomic technologies increases and their cost continues to decrease, they are becoming routine tools in livestock breeding programs and production systems. The convergence of electronic measurement systems, cloud-based computing and fast internet enable the use of powerful decision support to help automate and manage livestock production, animal welfare and quality control
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Acid hydrolysis of gelatin extracted from cow skin: properties and potential for use as a source of small peptides and free amino acids for broiler chickens Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-26 K. Nouri; S. Khalaji; A. Zamani; A. Saki
Context: Acid hydrolysis of animal and plant protein ingredients can generate beneficial and cost-effective peptides and free amino acids for use in livestock feed. Aims: The aim was to determine whether a cow-skin gelatin (CSG) hydrolysate, rich in low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acid and produced through acid (4 M HCl) hydrolysis, improved the digestibility of CSG and performance of
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Stress, health and the welfare of laying hens Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-28 A. J. Tilbrook; A. D. Fisher
It is essential to understand responses to stress and the impact of stress on physiological and behavioural functioning of hens, so as to assess their welfare. The current understanding of stress in laying hens is comprehensively reviewed here. Most research on stress in hens has focussed on the activity of the adrenal glands, with the most common approach being to measure corticosterone, which is
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Welfare indicators associated with feed conversion ratio and daily feed intake of growing-finishing pigs Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-28 C. R. Pierozan; C. P. Dias; D. Temple; X. Manteca; C. A. da Silva
Context: Understanding the welfare indicators that affect animal performance can facilitate modifications that improve both animal welfare and profitability. Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of animal welfare indicators and quantify their possible associations with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and daily feed intake (DFI) of growing-finishing pigs (Sus scrofa)
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Effect of dietary supplementation of microbial protease on performance, egg quality and nitrogen retention in white leghorn layers Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-30 S. V. Rama Rao; T. Srilatha; M. V. L. N. Raju; D. Nagalakshmi; S. S. Paul; B. Prakash
Context: Protease supplementation increases the digestibility of protein, which enables reduction in the requirement of crude protein (CP) in the diet for optimum performance and egg quality in laying chickens. Aims: An experiment was conducted to study the effects of protease supplementation (0 and 4000 u/kg) in diets containing three graded levels of CP on egg production, egg quality and nitrogen
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Effects of protein supplementation on Nellore cows' reproductive performance, growth, myogenesis, lipogenesis and intestine development of the progeny Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-30 Liziana Maria Rodrigues; Jon Patrick Schoonmaker; Flavio Dutra Resende; Gustavo Rezende Siqueira; Otavio Rodrigues Machado Neto; Mateus Pies Gionbelli; Tathyane Ramalho Santos Gionbelli; Marcio Machado Ladeira
Context: It is hypothesised that protein supplementation in pregnant Nellore cows during the dry season would improve reproductive performance in the next breeding season, as well as growth, myogenesis and intramuscular lipogenesis of the progeny until weaning. Aims: To evaluate the effect of maternal nutrition on cow reproductive performance, as well as on the growth, myogenesis and lipogenesis of
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Meat quality and lipid profile of intramuscular fat of Texel crossbred lambs classified by residual intake and gain Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-30 Mayara Mitiko Yoshihara Carneiro; Maria da Graça Morais; Andréa Roberto Duarte Lopes Souza; Adriana Garabini de Freitas Andrade; Henrique Jorge Fernandes; Gumercindo Loriano Franco; Tereza Gabriela da Costa; Catherine Cecília Walker; Bruna Biava de Menezes
Context: Many indices of feed efficiency for livestock have been proposed, but most are associated with differences in body composition and consequently affect meat quality. Aims: This study aimed to assess meat quality and lipid profile of intramuscular fat of Texel crossbred lambs classified by residual intake and gain (RIG). Methods: Seventy-seven non-castrated male Texel crossbred lambs (1/4 Pantaneira
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Substantial genetic gains in reducing breech flystrike and in improving productivity traits are achievable in Merino sheep by using index selection Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-20 F. D. Brien; S. F. Walkom; A. A. Swan; D. J. Brown
Context: The availability of effective indirect rather than direct selection criteria for genetically reducing breech flystrike is crucial for the Australian wool industry, as expression of breech flystrike is routinely suppressed by management interventions to minimise the risks to sheep health, welfare and productivity. Understanding how much genetic gain can be made in reducing breech strike, while
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Effect of selenium supplementation on productive performance and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress: a meta-analysis and a meta-regression Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 A. P. Zepeda-Velazquez; A. H. Ramirez-Perez; V. Ambriz-Vilchis; J. A. Salinas-Martinez; C. Alvarez-Alonso; G. Plata-Perez; F. Ortega-Meneses; J. C. Angeles-Hernandez
Heat stress and a high metabolic rate of broilers increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which must be removed by antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) is a potent antioxidant as it is a structural part of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Dietary supplementation of Se can help reduce the oxidative stress caused by heat-stress conditions. The aim was to evaluate the effect
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Prediction of dressing percentage, carcass characteristics and meat yield of goats, and implications for live assessment and carcass-grading systems Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Paul L. Greenwood
Context: Dressing percentage (DP) and meat yield (MY) predictions using live assessments and carcass measurements enable objective valuation of animals and their carcasses. We hypothesised that distribution of goat carcass tissues affects predictive value of live body condition scoring (CS) methods and carcass measurements for these traits. Aims: The present paper aimed to assess the value of CS methods
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Effects of pre- and postpartum supplementation on lactational and reproductive performance of grazing Nellore beef cows Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-22 Daniel Mageste de Almeida; Marcos Inácio Marcondes; Luciana Navajas Rennó; Leandro Soares Martins; David Esteban Contreras Marquez; Felipe Velez Saldarriaga; Faider Alberto Castaño Villadiego; Roman Maza Ortega; Deilen Paff Sotelo Moreno; Felipe Henrique de Moura; Camila Soares Cunha; Mário Fonseca Paulino
Context: Few studies have evaluated the effects of providing concentrate pre- or postpartum, or during both of these intervals, to beef cows grazing tropical pastures, even though this information is important for planning breeder herd management. Aims: A study was undertaken to examine the effects of supplementation with concentrates before calving (prepartum), after calving (postpartum) or during
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Effects of differences in level of post-weaning nutrition and in sire expected progeny differences for ribeye area on retail cuts yield in Hereford steers Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-15 Daniela Correa; Mario Lema; Olga Ravagnolo; Juan Clariget; Santiago Luzardo; Gustavo Brito
Context: Uninterrupted nutrient uptake and the use of bulls with high genetic merit for carcass traits may increase the likelihood of producing high-quality retail cuts for different markets. Aim: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the combined effects of level of nutrition during the 104-day post-weaning winter period (WADG; low-L: 0.2 vs high-H: 0.6 kg/calf per day) and level of expected
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Tropical fruit peels as potential modifiers of rumen fermentation characteristics in goats: in vitro and in situ evaluations Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-14 Saeid Jafari; Mahdi Ebrahimi; Yong M. Goh; Mohamed A. Rajion
Context: Methane (CH4) accounts for loss of dietary gross energy in ruminants and is a potent greenhouse gas. Feedstuffs that could alter ruminal fermentation by decreasing methane production without reducing total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration are desirable. Aims: Tropical fruit peels, which can be simply collected and exploited, were compared with lucerne (Medicago sativa) in order to assess
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Body tissue development of Santa Inês breed sheep using computed tomography Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-08 André Torres Geraldo; Aylton Bartholazzi; Caroline Marçal Gomes David; Ana Carolina Barros de Freitas; Fernanda Antunes; Miguel Alejandro Silva Rua; Wilder Hernando Ortiz Vega; Julia Gazzoni Jardim; Luciana de Macêdo Mello; Thiago da Silva Correa; Renato Travassos Beltrame; Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa; Celia Raquel Quirino
Context: The in vivo evaluation of body tissue development on meat production sheep can be used both to identify and select animals with the best characteristics and to make choices regarding marketing the products of these animals. Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate, using computed tomography, the dynamics of body tissue development and composition of male and female Santa Inês sheep
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Growth performance, blood parameters and metabolic-enzyme gene expression of finishing pigs as affected by dietary level of methionine + cystine supplemented with vitamin B 6 Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-08 C. P. Sangali; E. Gasparino; A. P. Del Vesco; L. D. Castilha; L. M. D. Huepa; A. C. Furlan; A. N. T. R. Monteiro; P. C. Pozza
Context: Methionine (Met) is an essential amino acid in pig diets. However, high blood homocysteine concentration, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can arise from high dietary Met intake and may indicate an imbalance in the Met cycle. Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor for enzymes associated with the trans-sulfuration pathway, considered the major elimination route of excess homocysteine. Aims:
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Supplementing protein and starch combined to ewes in good body condition may not improve colostrum in ewes Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-09 K. J. Kopp; S. M. Robertson; A. Abuelo; A. J. Gunn; G. Xie; M. A. Friend
Context: Lamb survival can be compromised by twin-bearing ewes being unable to produce enough colostrum and immunoglobulins following parturition. Without sufficient colostrum production, newborn lambs are at risk of death due to starvation, mismothering, exposure and infection. These deaths can be reduced by altering the ewe’s nutrition in the final weeks of pregnancy. Starch, a glucose precursor
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Animal welfare and biosecurity assessment: a comparison between Italian and Irish beef cattle rearing systems Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-09-28 Francesca Fusi; Valentina Lorenzi; Giorgio Franceschini; Riccardo Compiani; Valeria Harper; Jessica Ginestreti; Giandomenico Ferrara; Carlo Angelo Sgoifo Rossi; Luigi Bertocchi
Context: European beef production is facing fresh challenges on various fronts: increasing public concern on animal welfare; declining EU meat consumption; and, conversely, expected growth in global demand for meat. The Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA) has developed an assessment protocol for collecting information about beef cattle welfare and biosecurity conditions, with
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Liveweight and carcass characteristics of White Dorper and Crossbred lambs grazing lucerne, subterranean clover, biserrula or a choice of subterranean clover plus biserrula in southern Australia Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-09-30 Shawn R. McGrath; Graeme A. Sandral; Louise Sundermann; Jane C. Quinn; Leslie A. Weston; Michael A. Friend
Context: Biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) is a relatively new legume species in Australia that has been shown to maintain higher quality forage late in the season than subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Aim: This study investigated the suitability of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), subterranean clover and biserrula, or a choice of both biserrula and subterranean clover, for finishing
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Assessment of atherogenic index, long-chain omega-3 fatty acid and phospholipid content of prime beef: a survey of commercially sourced New Zealand Wagyu and Angus beef cattle Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-09-30 Emma N. Bermingham; Michael Agnew; Mariza Gomes Reis; Kevin Taukiri; Arjan Jonker; David Cameron-Smith; Cameron R. Craigie
Context: There is increasing interest in the composition of lipids in beef from pasture-fed Wagyu-cross cattle and how they compare to beef from traditional beef breeds. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the differences in fatty acid and phospholipid content of the ribeye, striploin and tenderloin obtained from commercially sourced beef. Hypothesis: We hypothesised that long-chain omega-3
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The production and composition of colostrum from ewes supplemented with niacin (vitamin B 3 ) Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-10-01 K. J. Kopp; S. M. Robertson; A. Abuelo; G. Xie; M. A. Friend
Context: Twin-bearing ewes may be unable to produce enough colostrum following birth to support the survival of two lambs. This causes the newborn lambs to be at risk of death due to starvation, mismothering, cold exposure and infection. Niacin has previously been demonstrated in cattle to increase immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum, possibly due to niacin increasing blood flow, allowing the
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An economic framework to evaluate alternative management strategies for beef enterprises in northern Australia Anim. Prod. Sci. (IF 1.215) Pub Date : 2020-09-25 M. K. Bowen; F. Chudleigh
Context: Beef producers in northern Australia are continually presented with new technologies and opportunities to enhance beef production. They need to be able to accurately and efficiently assess the potential impact of alternative strategies on profitability, risk and the period of time before benefits can be expected. Aims: Our aim was to demonstrate the value of the farm-management economics framework