It is necessary to have valid estimates of genetic parameters for economically important traits in the breeding programs of animals. During the past years, estimates of genetic parameters have been reported for different groups of fatty acids in dairy cows. However, these estimates have been obtained from studies based on different cow populations. This has resulted in substantial variability among

The availability of daily milk yield (dMY) allows for analyses of additional traits that could be related to cow fitness. The objectives of this study were to determine heritability of day-to-day variation in milk yield and estimate correlations of variability with genomic PTA for commonly measured production, health, and fertility traits. Daily milk yield records were retrieved for 2,377 lactations

The protein requirements of lambs for growth and fiber production can be breed specific. The Corriedale is a dual-purpose lamb breed, suitable for fleece and meat production; however, there is no information regarding the specific protein requirements for its growth and maintenance. In this study, we aimed to determine the protein requirements of castrated Corriedale lambs for maintenance, weight gain

Milk and dairy products together with animal fats are the major sources of undesirable saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the human diet. Altering milk fat composition replacing a part of SFAs with unsaturated fatty acids thus offers an opportunity to decrease SFAs intake. Supplementation the diet of lactating cows with oilseeds has been a feasible method to improve milk fat composition. Rapeseed is the

Farmers’ poor levels of knowledge are related to low rates of efficiency and productivity in milk production in Brazil due to problems of information diffusion and innovation. This paper set out to evaluate to what extent efficiency in production and the position of dairy farmers in the social network, formed by the Program for the Development of Dairy Farming (PDPL), affect the diffusion of technical

The aim of this study was the identification of the genetic diversity and paternal origin of Peruvian creole cattle. A panel of 7 Y-chromosome specific markers (INRA189, UMN0103, BM861, UMN307, BYM-1, DDX3Y_1STR and ZFY10) were analyzed in 229 cattle from 6 regions of the Peruvian highlands. The creole cattle exhibited low genetic diversity (H= 0.50) mostly explained by within-population variation

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with beef fatty acid (FA) profile in Nellore cattle finished in feedlot, using haplotype based analyzes. Also, the metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed to seek for genes with known functions, close to the haplotype blocks, associated with the evaluated traits, providing subsidies for a better understanding of how

The demand and cost of animal-based protein sources for broiler chicken production like fish meal has increased in many countries. An alternative protein source can be earthworm meal (EWM). A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing broiler chicken diets with EWM derived from dried Eudrilus eugeniae on growth performance, carcass attributes, and the meat quality of broiler chickens

Breed associations and registries maintain breed purity by enforcing certain conformational characteristics defining the breed along with cataloguing the pedigree of every animal in the registry. Furthermore, developing niche markets is often based on specialized products using heritage breeds that need to guarantee breed purity. Genomic technology and the progressively lower costs of genotyping can

Six rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (407 ± 24 kg initial body weight) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the effects of soybean oil (SO) or various levels of whole cottonseed (WC) in finishing diets. Treatments consisted of five levels [0, 8, 16, 24, and 32% of dry matter (DM) basis] of WC in diets containing 80% concentrate and one diet formulated to contain a similar

A genomic region on chromosome 4 that is tagged by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) WUR0000125 (WUR) was previously found to be associated with host response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus infection. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine whether genotype at the WUR SNP is also associated with resilience to a natural polymicrobial disease challenge, 2)

The aim of this study was to evaluate growth, ruminal and metabolic parameters and feeding behavior of young Nellore males classified based on postweaning residual feed intake (RFI). Fifty-nine Nellore males (290 ± 20 days of age and 294 ± 8.48 kg of body weight) were evaluated for 70 days in a feed efficiency test conducted with the GrowSafe System®, with automatic and daily measurement of individual

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for weaning weight (WW) and udder score (US) of 186,151 Nellore animals raised in extensive systems. The (co)variance components and estimated breeding values (EBVs) were obtained by two-trait analyses using Bayesian inference. The maternal effect (ME) was expressed as the maternal additive genetic variance of the calf's weaning weight (WW).

This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot goat kids fed high-concentrate diets with licury cake. Forty crossbreed non-castrated Boer × mixed breed goat kids with an average age of 4 months and an initial average body weight of 20.15 ± 2.79 kg were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with four experimental diets containing licury cake at

One hundred and thirty six Angus steers were used to evaluate the effects of feedlot placement weight (PW; weight of the animal at the time of its placement into the feedlot) and days on feed (DOF) on feed efficiency, carcass transfer (CT), and carcass traits. The 2 × 4 factorial experiment included PW (Light (LT), 310 kg BW; or Heavy (HV), 415 kg BW) and DOF (54, 83, 111, or 145 d) before slaughtering

Growing and finishing pigs kept in insulated buildings are often exposed to high ambient temperature during summer. In high-temperature conditions, pigs in partly slatted pens change their behaviour to increase lying on the slatted area and fouling on the solid floor area, resulting in increased ammonia emissions. One way to cool the animals is to shower/sprinkle water in the slatted area, allowing

Marine microalgae of the genus Schizochytrium can be used in the diet of sheep a source of protein and energy and changing meat composition essentially due to its high content in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The objective was to evaluate the best inclusion level of marine microalgae meal in the lamb diet on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality. A total of thirty-two uncastrated Ile de France

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 μM) which was added to the IVM medium on cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation, and total cell number of embryos in Sanjabi ewes. Meiotic progression was evaluated based on cumulus expansion, the frequency of germinal vesicles, germinal vesicle breakdown and metaphase II

Maternal resources mediate fetal growth and development. This study analyzes the association between maternal cortisol and testosterone levels in late pregnancy and litter size in sheep. Concentrations of cortisol and testosterone in the plasma and wool were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in Afec-Assaf ewes with one to four fetuses. Concentrations of cortisol in the plasma

Increasing space allowance and enhancing environmental enrichment are two approved solutions to improve pig welfare in modern housing systems, while limited research regarding their interactions could be found. To determine the proper stocking density for growing pigs under China's production conditions, an experiment with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three levels of space allowance × with/without

Dry-ageing of sheepmeat is a novel application, and there is an opportunity to optimise process yields through the selection of appropriate animals and or carcases for dry-ageing. The effects of carcase characteristics and sheep breeding values (post-weaning and yearling; fat depth, muscling and weight) on yields from wet- and dry-aged sheepmeat were investigated. Bone-in leg and loin primals from

The differential expression of many productive and reproductive traits has already been associated with the genotype effect observed between Bos taurus indicus (Bos indicus) and Bos taurus taurus (Bos taurus) breeds. Lipids have a crucial role during oocyte development. The aim of this work was to characterize the lipid profiles of oocytes recovered from dairy breeds: Gir (Bos indicus), Holstein (Bos

The objective of this study was to determine enteric methane (CH4) emissions from lactating cows grazing in two prevalent systems, cultivated pasture system (CU) or native pasture system (NA) in the high Andes of Peru. In CU, multiparous Brown Swiss cattle grazed alfalfa and oat pastures and were supplemented daily with 1 kg of concentrate per cow. In NA, primiparous crossbred cows grazed native pastures

An experiment was conducted to evaluate wood chips as solely fiber source in high-concentrate diet and it system of delivery (hand-feeding vs self-feeder) in feedlot. Thirty-six steers (362±48.5 kg) blocked by bodyweight (BW) were randomly assigned to nine pens and three treatments: 1) 20% hay plus 80% commercial concentrate hand-fed; 2) 8% wood chips 92% commercial concentrate hand-fed (WCH-HF), and

The aim of this study was to determine the general factors that influence multiple ovulation (MO) in the donor cows from the breed Latvian Brown (LB), Latvian Blue (LBl), and Danish Red (DR) using a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or equine chorion gonadotropin (eCG). The 30 cows aged 2 to 15 years were selected for MO and embryo flushing (EF) from the database of the Agricultural Data Center of

Meat is an end-of-life by-product from cows that fail to reproduce. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine breed additive and heterosis effects on carcass traits and characteristics of the meat from beef cows raised in southern Brazil. Angus (A), Hereford (H), Nelore (N), A × H (AH), H × A (HA), A × N (AN), N × A (NA) and Caracu (C) × A (CA) cows were slaughtered when they did not become

Maternal nutritional status has long lasting consequences on meat quality in offspring. We sought to determine how maternal vitamin D3 would influence quality traits of longissimus dorsi muscle in offspring pigs during postmortem storage. A total of 72 offspring pigs (150 d, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) obtained from 3 sow feeding groups (9 sows per group) which contained 200 (low vitamin D3, LD)

Soybeans are the ‘gold standard’ protein source in pig diets, with lower inclusion levels in weaned pig diets due to transient gut hypersensitivity. The objective was to determine the impact of weaned pig diets containing a Triple Null (TN) soybean (low trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and P34 protein) in both meal (TNSBM), and full fat ground (TNGR) forms on intestinal permeability and gut microbial composition

Computed tomography (CT) is a non-destructive technique, based on X-rays, that has been used in several livestock species to evaluate carcass composition. The objective of this study was to construct predictive equations to estimate carcass and viscera composition for preweaning calves using CT. For this purpose, 24 Holstein male calves (4 ± 0.9 d of age; 40 ± 2.2 kg of body weight) were fed a milk

Four cannulated Holstein steers (137± 9.7 kg live weight, LW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to examine the effects of feeding a standardized mixture of synbiotic-glyconutrients (GLY) on the characteristics of site and extent of digestion and ruminal fermentation in steers fed a high-energy diet. Treatments consisted a daily intake of 0, 8, 16 or 24 g of GLY/steer. Supplemental GLY was top

In the Colombian Creole cattle breed Blanco Orejinegro (BON), the mechanisms involved in growth trait variation are not well characterized. The aim of this work was to identify genomic regions associated with growth traits variability of Colombian BON cattle. The analyzed information included 439 individuals belonging to 14 herds with genotypes for 107,999 SNPs and genealogical and phenotypic information

Knowledge about genetic diversity and selection signatures are very essential for the management and sustainable utilization of sheep genetic resources in India. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic diversity and selection signatures using SNP data. A total of 79 animals from three Indian sheep breeds: Changthangi (n = 29), Deccani (n = 24), and Garole (n = 26)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of sequential feeding of a very low non-phytate P (NPP) diet supplemented with varying doses of phytase to broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day-old male broiler chickens were fed a standard diet up to 14 d of age, then allotted to 6 dietary treatments (with 5 replicates of 15 broiler chickens each) from d 14 to 42. Dietary treatments

Approximately 70% of the cost of beef production is impacted by feed utilization. Maximizing production efficiency of beef cattle requires not only genetic selection to maximize feeding efficiency (i.e. residual feed intake - RFI), but also adequate nutrition throughout all stages of growth and development to maximize productivity of growth and reproductive capacity, even during gestation. Nutrient

Omega (ω)-3 fatty acids are important in mitigating the risk for cardiovascular diseases and may have long-term beneficial effects on the development of infants, immune system, and bone health, the prevention and mitigation of cancer and various mental illnesses, and others in humans. Unfortunately, the consumption of ω-3 fatty acids is inadequate in people, especially in the populations of most of

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of particle size in pelleted diet on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of weaning piglets. 352 uncastrated males, aged 28 to 63 d, were distributed in a randomized block design (initial weight) according to treatments. The experimental feeds were divided into two phases, pre-initial (28 to 42 d) and initial (43 to 63 d) and produced

Uncontrolled crossbreeding of indigenous tropical goats with exotic breeds to increase genetic potentials for growth and body size is a common strategy for genetic improvement. However, in most cases, goats of all genotypes are managed under similar extensive or semi-intensive conditions without corresponding improvements in feeding or health care. Fitness characters such as parasite resistance are

Cross-breeding can be a profitable strategy to improve beef production. The objective of this study was to compare feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and economic profits between four Holstein-beef crosses and pure-bred Holstein calves. Beef crosses were produced by crossing Holstein (H) cows with Angus (A), Charolais (C), Limousin (L) and INRA 95 (I) bull semen. The performance of 24 calves

The objective of this work was to evaluate cattle from different genetic groups finished in a feedlot and subject to the climatic conditions of the Upper Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, according to the behavior, carcass performance and characteristics, and quality of fresh or aged meat. Eight animals from each genetic group were confined for 84 days, including: Nelore (NEL), Aberdeen

There is a growing public concern on the use of antibiotics and ionophores in livestock and emerging antimicrobial resistance. Plant extracts and essential oils are natural alternatives having antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effects of a mixture of baccharis (Baccharis dracunculifolia) leaves and stems, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed, cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

Knowledge of genes involved in the variability of performance of racehorses is, in general, limited. In this study, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five genes were genotyped in 412 Italian Trotter horses (ITHs) and possible associations between five segregating SNPs and harness racing performance (best racing time in career, earnings, placings, starts, and wins) were investigated. These

Dietary L-glutamine could be used as an antibiotic alternative to alleviate post-weaning and transport stress. However, the impact of supplementing L-glutamine to newly weaned and transported pigs on final carcass and meat quality characteristics is currently unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 0.2% dietary L-glutamine supplementation during post-weaning and

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) supplementation, which has recognized antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, on feed intake, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters of feedlot Nellore cattle, aiming to indicate the ideal TEO dose. Four ruminally-cannulated Nellore steers (500 ± 44 kg body weight) were randomly assigned in a 4 × 4

Although sesame oil meal is rich in linoleic acid, and both selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE) protect prone-unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) from oxidation, their influence on goats’ milk fatty acids (FAs) profile have not been studied. Thus, thirty dairy goats were divided into five groups and fed with alfalfa hay and concentrates. Two types of concentrates were used; one for the control (CON) and another

Animal selection based on growth rate has received greater attention as a selection index. While many have evaluated the effect of growth rate on muscle characteristics and meat quality, few studies have attempted to evaluate how selection on growth rate alters muscle fiber characteristics and influences postmortem metabolism and subsequent meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to

Feed additives, chemical inhibitors, and biological approaches have been studied and used to inhibit production of enteric methane (CH4) in ruminants by modifying methanogenic bacterial communities. However, information on the potential of micromineral supplements in this regard is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 20 mg (control) and 40 mg Cu (from supplemental CuSO4)/kg

Our objective was to estimate the nutrient intake, ruminal flow, total apparent and ruminal digestibility, rates of passage and digestion, ruminal and omasal pH, blood metabolite concentrations, and body measurements during the gestation of Holstein heifers. Eleven pregnant heifers, 8 of which were fitted with a rumen cannula (450 ± 27.6 kg of body weight and 20 ± 3.5 months of initial age), were used

During the transition period, cows undergo a series of metabolic and immunological changes, which represent a physiological challenge that is often a risk for their production and health. During this period, dairy cows have a pro-inflammatory state associated with frequent infectious diseases and lipomobilization, and present an insulin resistance state related to fat mobilization and a high body condition

It is essential to have accurate data relating sward herbage mass (HM) to voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) and in vivo organic matter digestibility (OMDIV) across the year. This will ensure that the production performance of animals grazing differing HM swards can be accurately predicted using in vitro and in situ methods. The objectives of this experiment were to (i) determine the OMDIV and VDMI

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural shade from integrated crop–livestock–forestry (CLF) on the comfort of lactating Gyr cows, as well as their oocyte and embryo quantity and quality. Twenty animals were separated into two experimental groups: grazing under full sun (control) and under natural shade provided by the CLF system. Meteorological variables and bioclimatic indicators, rectal

We aimed to define the effect of strategic supplementation with calcium salts of fatty acids on the morphofunctionality of ovarian structures in crossbred dairy cows submitted to a hormonal protocol for artificial insemination at a fixed time (AIFT) A total of 20 lactating crossbred females (Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus) were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (CON), which

The trait stayability is a way of assessing productive life and has been measured late in the cow's life. Measuring the stayability to each calving is a strategy that can be implemented to obtain earlier indicators of longevity. Thus, the objective with this study was the estimation of genetic parameters for stayability to consecutive calvings for Angus and Hereford cattle breeds. By using random regression

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) on counts of corpus luteum, transferable embryo, and embryo quality in cows treated with superovulation protocol. A total of 60 Simmental cows (postpartum 90 to 120 days) were used. The donors were treated with a 9 day-progesterone based estrus

In bulls, with a genetic predisposition for leanness and reared in a grass-based production system dietary fish oil may further enhance the nutritional value of beef by increasing the concentration of the omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). The impact of including rumen protected fish oil in the finishing diet of late maturing breed

It has been suggested that the integration of automatic feeding systems into calf rearing programmes has the potential to improve calf behaviour, growth and the associated labour. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of automatic and manual feeding systems on calf health, behaviour, growth and labour. A population of 60 dairy heifer calves was used: 44 Holstein-Friesian (HF)

The Shaziling pig, an indigenous breed reared in Hunan province in China, is characterized by good meat quality and strong ability of resistance for general diseases. The objective of this study was to compare properties of growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and chemical composition among purebred Shaziling, Berkshire, Yorkshire pigs and their crossbreeds Yorkshire × (Berkshire × Shaziling)

The objective of this study was to assess precision dairy monitoring technology (PDMT) measured variable effects on 3 postpartum diseases: metritis (MET; n = 112), hyperketonemia (KET; n=46), and hypocalcemia (CAL; n=90). The PDMT variables included lying time, step count, lying bouts, rumination time, eating time, time around the feedbunk, reticulorumen temperature, milk yield, milk conductivity,

Worms and ticks are important parasites in beef cattle, especially in tropical areas, causing significant economic and production losses. Understanding animal-to-animal variation on infestation for these parasites might guide genetic selection and improvement of management practices to attenuate its detrimental effects. Statistical models used to analyze such traits usually assume a Gaussian distribution