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Cui ZY, Li WJ, Wang WK, Wu QC, Jiang YW, Aisikaer A, Zhang F, Chen HW, Yang HJ. Wheat silage partially replacing oaten hay exhibited greater feed efficiency and fibre digestion despite low feed intake by feedlot lambs. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2023; 15:332-340. [PMID: 38053804 PMCID: PMC10694067 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the feeding effect of wheat silage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microbiota composition in feedlot lambs. Sixty-four male crossbred Chinese Han lambs (BW = 27.8 ± 0.67 kg, 3 months of age) were randomly assigned to four ration groups with wheat silage replacing 0% (WS0), 36% (WS36), 64% (WS64), and 100% (WS100) of oaten hay on forage dry matter basis. The concentrate-to-forage ratio was 80:20 and the feeding trial lasted 52 d. Increasing wheat silage inclusion linearly decreased dry matter intake by 4% to 27% (P < 0.01). However, increasing the wheat silage replacement of oaten hay by no more than 64% improved the feed efficiency by 14% as noted by the feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.04). Apparent digestibility of organic matter (P < 0.01), neutral detergent fibre (P = 0.04) and acid detergent fibre (P < 0.01) quadratically increased. Ammonia nitrogen (P = 0.01) decreased while microbial protein production (P < 0.01) increased with the increase of wheat silage inclusion. Total volatile fatty acids concentration increased quadratically with the increase of wheat silage inclusion (P < 0.01), and the highest occurred in WS64. The molar proportion of acetate (P < 0.01) and acetate-to-propionate ratio (P = 0.04) decreased while butyrate (P < 0.01) and isovalerate (P = 0.04) increased. Increasing wheat silage inclusion increased the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio by 226% to 357%, resulting in Firmicutes instead of Bacteroidota being the most abundant phylum. The relative abundance of cellulolytic Ruminococcus numerically increased but that of amylolytic Prevotella (P < 0.01) decreased as increasing wheat silage inclusion. Taken together, increasing wheat silage replacement of oaten hay by no more than 64% exhibited greater feed efficiency and fibre digestion despite low feed intake by feedlot lambs due to the change of Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio in the rumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wen-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei-Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qi-Chao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yao-Wen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ailiyasi Aisikaer
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - He-Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hong-Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Zhang H, Zhang L, Xue X, Zhang X, Wang H, Gao T, Phillips C. Effect of feeding a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw on performance, digestion, serum parameters and meat nutrients in finishing beef cattle. Anim Biosci 2021; 35:29-38. [PMID: 34237922 PMCID: PMC8738933 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to compare the feeding value, meat nutrients and associative effects of a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw in finishing beef cattle. Methods One hundred and eighty Simmental crossbred beef steers were blocked and assigned to the follow treatments: i) whole plant corn silage-based diet (control, WPCS), ii) mixed forages-based diet (replacing a portion of corn silage with wheat straw, WPCSW), iii) corn stalklage-based diet (CS), and iv) sweet corn stalklage-based diet (SCS). Each group consisted of 5 repeated pens with 9 steers/pen. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic with same forage to concentrate ratio. Experimental diets were fed for 90 d. Results The effective ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were highest for WPCS diet (p<0.05), for neutral detergent fiber was highest in SCS diet (p<0.05). The average daily gain was greater for cattle offered the WPCS diet, intermediate with WPCSW and SCS and lowest with CS (p<0.001). The concentration of non-esterified fatty acid in serum was higher for steers fed with CS and SCS diets than those offered WPCS and WPCSW steers (p<0.001). The treatments did not affect the general nutritional contents and amino acids composition of Longissimus dorsi of steers (p>0.05). Conclusion The corn silage-based diet exhibited the highest feeding value. The sweet corn stalklage and wheat straw as an alternative to corn silage offered to beef cattle had limited influence on feeding value and meat nutrients. However, the value of a corn stalklage-based diet was relatively poor. To sum up, when the high quality forage resources, such as corn silage, are in short supply, or the growth rate of beef cattle decreases in the later finishing period, the sweet stalklage and wheat straw could be used as a cheaper alternative in feedlot cattle diet without sharp reducing economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiao Xue
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Henan Forage Feeding Technology Extension Station, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- Nanyang Animal Husbandry Technology Extension Station, Nanyang 473068, China
| | - Tengyun Gao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Clive Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
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Higgins JT, Campion D, Jones J, Lott S, Lynch MB, McEvoy M, McGovern F, Boland TM. Examining the Effects of Whole Crop Wheat Silage on Ewe Performance during Late Gestation Compared to Traditional Grass Silage across Three Prolific Breed Types. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091554. [PMID: 32887295 PMCID: PMC7552157 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nutrition of the ewe during late pregnancy can impact the subsequent performance of the ewe and her lambs. In indoor lambing systems, grass silage is the predominant forage used but is of sub-optimal quality. This study examined the potential of whole crop cereal silage when offered to one of three prolific breed types in late pregnancy. With the exception of reduced crude protein intake on the whole crop wheat silage diets, nutrient intake or ewe body reserves were not affected by forage type. However, ewes offered whole crop wheat silage-based diets produced smaller lambs. Mule ewes produced lower volumes of colostrum in the first 18 h after lambing reflecting a lower nutrient intake during late pregnancy. Maternal nutrition and breed type merit careful consideration in prolific sheep production systems to ensure lamb welfare and survivability are not compromised. Abstract Provision of adequate nutrient intake in late gestation of the ewe is an important determinant of dam and offspring performance. A 2 × 3 factorial design experiment examining two forage types, whole crop wheat silage (WCWS) or grass silage (GS) offered to one of three prolific breed types, (Belclare X, Lleyn X, Mule (Bluefaced Leicester × Blackface Mountain)), was conducted. Forage type had no impact on dry matter (DM) or metabolizable energy (ME) intake, body weight and body condition score change, or colostrum production (p > 0.05). Ewes offered WCWS had lower crude protein (CP) intake (p < 0.0001) and a lower combined litter weight (p < 0.05). Mule ewes consumed less DM, CP, (p < 0.05), and ME (p < 0.01) compared to Belclare X and Lleyn X ewes however, water intake per kg DM consumed did not differ with breed type (p > 0.05). Colostrum yield over the first 18 h postpartum was lower for Mule ewes compared to other breed types (p < 0.05). In conclusion, results from this study suggest nutrient concentration and balance as opposed to forage type is important for late gestation nutrition and breed type can impact feed intake and colostrum yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T. Higgins
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, 4 D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.); (M.B.L.); (T.M.B.)
- Germinal Ireland Ltd., Horse and Jockey, Co., E25 D286 Tipperary, Ireland; (D.C.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dermot Campion
- Germinal Ireland Ltd., Horse and Jockey, Co., E25 D286 Tipperary, Ireland; (D.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Joe Jones
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, 4 D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.); (M.B.L.); (T.M.B.)
| | - Stephen Lott
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin Lyons Farm, Lyons Estate, Celbridge, Naas, Co., W23 ENY2 Kildare, Ireland;
| | - M. Bridget Lynch
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, 4 D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.); (M.B.L.); (T.M.B.)
| | - Mary McEvoy
- Germinal Ireland Ltd., Horse and Jockey, Co., E25 D286 Tipperary, Ireland; (D.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Fiona McGovern
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co., H65 R718 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Tommy M. Boland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, 4 D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (J.J.); (M.B.L.); (T.M.B.)
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Coyne JM, Evans RD, Berry DP. Dressing percentage and the differential between live weight and carcass weight in cattle are influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:1501-1512. [PMID: 30785187 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to quantify the genetic and non-genetic contributors to variability in both carcass dressing percentage and dressing difference (i.e., the difference between carcass weight and live weight immediately prior to slaughter) in young animals and cows. The datasets contained 18,479 young animals from 653 herds, and 2,887 cows from 665 herds. Live weight records within 7 d of slaughter and associated carcass weight were available for all animals. Association analyses were undertaken using linear mixed models with fixed effects for the model of young animals consisting of animal breed, days between the date of last recorded live weight and slaughter date, heterosis and recombination loss coefficients, dam parity, a 3-way interaction between whether the animal originated in a dairy or beef herd, animal sex, and age at slaughter, as well as a 2-way interaction between calendar year of slaughter and month of slaughter; contemporary group was included as a random effect. Fixed effects in the cow model were cow breed, the number of days between the date of last recorded live weight and slaughter date, heterosis and recombination loss coefficients, the number of days postcalving, parity of the cow, and a 2-way interaction between calendar year of slaughter and month of slaughter; contemporary group was included as a random effect. The mean dressing percentage (phenotypic standard deviation in parentheses) and dressing difference in young animals were 55.86% (3.21%) and 280.03 kg (41.44 kg), respectively. Steers had the heaviest dressing difference at 34.18 and 60.44 kg heavier than a 16-mo old bull and 22-mo old heifer, respectively. Dressing difference for 30-mo old Simmental steers (breed with heaviest dressing difference) was 41.66 kg heavier than 30-mo old Belgian Blue steers (breed with lightest dressing difference). The heritability of dressing percentage (0.48) and dressing difference (0.35) in young animals was relatively similar to each other, in contrast to dressing percentage (0.08) in cows which was considerably lower than dressing difference (0.28). Considerable genetic variability existed in dressing difference amongst young animals (genetic standard deviation of 15.03 kg), despite the near unity genetic correlation (0.93) between carcass weight and live weight. This therefore indicates that genetic selection for increased saleable product can be achieved by selecting for increased carcass weight while concurrently selecting for lighter animals although the opportunity is limited by the strong part-whole relationships that exists between carcass weight, live weight, and dressing difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Coyne
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Ross D Evans
- ICBF, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co.Cork, Ireland
| | - Donagh P Berry
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Randby Å, Nadeau E, Karlsson L, Johansen A. Effect of maturity stage at harvest and kernel processing of whole crop wheat silage on digestibility by dairy cows. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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The effects of including corn silage, corn stalk silage, and corn grain in finishing ration of beef steers on meat quality and oxidative stability. Meat Sci 2018; 139:142-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality and oxidative stability of beef cattle offered alternative silages in a finishing ration. Animal 2017; 12:657-666. [PMID: 28770693 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117001902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
As lack of forage resource, alternative roughage sources have been developed for ruminant production and their inclusion would exert a great effect on the dietary nutrition, consequently affecting animal performance. Four silages (corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS), inoculated CS and inoculated SS) were separately offered to 60 Bohai Black cattle (15 cattle/group) during a 24-week finishing period, in which the growth performance, carcass trait, beef quality and oxidative stability of steers were determined. Neither silage material nor silage inoculant exerted a significant effect on the growth performance, carcass trait and oxidative stability of beef cattle (P>0.05). As to beef quality, cattle offered CS had higher (P0.05) on the proximate components and fatty acids profile of beef muscle. There was neither an interaction (P>0.05) between inoculated treatment and silage material. There were no differences (P>0.05) in cholesterol content and meat quality traits in animals fed alternative silages. The collective findings suggest that it is not economical to substitute high-quality forage for relative low-quality forage in a high-concentrate finishing ration of beef cattle and silage inoculant inclusion would not exert a direct effect on animal performance.
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He L, Meng Q, Li D, Zhang Y, Ren L. Meat quality, oxidative stability and blood parameters from Graylag geese offered alternative fiber sources in growing period. Poult Sci 2015; 94:750-7. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Lin Z, Liao W, Yang Y, Gao Z, Ma W, Wang D, Cao Y, Li J, Cai Z. CH4 and N2O emissions from China's beef feedlots with ad libitum and restricted feeding in fall and spring seasons. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:391-400. [PMID: 25769128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Accurately quantifying methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from beef operations in China is necessary to evaluate the contribution of beef cattle to greenhouse gas budgets at the national and global level. Methane and N2O emissions from two intensive beef feedlots in the North China Plain, one with a restricted feeding strategy and high manure collection frequency and the other with an ad libitum feeding strategy and low manure collection frequency, were quantified in the fall and spring seasons using an inverse dispersion technique. The diel pattern of CH4 from the beef feedlot with an ad libitum feed strategy (single peak during a day) differed from that under a restricted feeding condition (multiple peaks during a day), but little difference in the diel pattern of N2O emissions between two feeding strategies was observed. The two-season average CH4 emission rates of the two intensive feedlots were 230 and 198gCH4animal(-1)d(-1) and accounted for 6.7% and 6.8% of the gross energy intake, respectively, indicating little impact of the feeding strategy and manure collection frequency on the CH4 conversion factor at the feedlot level. However, the average N2O emission rates (21.2g N2Oanimal(-1)d(-1)) and conversion factor (8.5%) of the feedlot with low manure collection frequency were approximately 131% and 174% greater, respectively, than the feedlot under high frequency conditions, which had a N2O emission rate and conversion factor of 9.2g N2Oanimal(-1)d(-1) and 3.1%, respectively, indicating that increasing manure collection frequency played an important role in reducing N2O emissions from beef feedlots. In addition, comparison indicated that China's beef and dairy cattle in feedlots appeared to have similar CH4 conversion factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Lin
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Wenhua Liao
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Zhiling Gao
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China.
| | - Wenqi Ma
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Dianwu Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Yufeng Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Jianguo Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
| | - Zhenjiang Cai
- Mechanical and Electric Engineering College, Agricultural University of Hebei, 071000 Baoding, PR China
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Zaralis K, Nørgaard P, Helander C, Murphy M, Weisbjerg M, Nadeau E. Effects of maize maturity at harvest and dietary proportion of maize silage on intake and performance of growing/finishing bulls. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Fitzsimons C, Kenny DA, Fahey AG, McGee M. Feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, and performance of pregnant beef cows differing in phenotypic residual feed intake offered grass silage. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:2170-81. [PMID: 24663212 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship of residual feed intake (RFI) and performance with feeding behavior and ruminal fermentation variables in pregnant beef cows offered a grass silage diet. Individual grass silage DMI (dry matter digestibility = 666 g/kg) was recorded on 47 gestating (mean gestation d 166, SD = 26 d) Simmental and Simmental × Holstein-Friesian beef cows for a period of 80 d. Cow BW, BCS, skeletal measurements, ultrasonically scanned muscle and fat depth, visual muscular score, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, and feeding behavior were measured. Phenotypic RFI was calculated as actual DMI minus expected DMI. Expected DMI was computed for each animal by regressing DMI on conceptus-adjusted mean BW(0.75) and ADG over an 80-d period. Within breed, cows were ranked by RFI into low (efficient), medium, or high groups. Overall mean (SD) values for DMI (kg/d), RFI, initial conceptus-adjusted BW, and conceptus-adjusted ADG were 8.41 (1.09) kg/d, 0.01 (0.13) kg/d, 646 (70) kg, and -0.07 (0.32) kg, respectively. High-RFI cows ate 25% and 8% more than low- and medium-RFI cows, respectively. Live weight and ADG were not correlated (P > 0.05), and DMI was positively correlated (r = 0.80; P < 0.001) with RFI. The low- and high-RFI groups had similar (P > 0.05) BW, ADG, BCS, visual muscular scores, skeletal measurements, blood metabolites, calf birth weight, and calving difficulty scores. All ultrasonic fat and muscle depth measurements were similar (P > 0.05) for low- and high-RFI cows except for back fat thickness change, where low-RFI cows gained less fat (P < 0.05) than high-RFI cows. Low-RFI cows had greater pH and lower ammonia concentrations in ruminal fluid compared to their high-RFI contemporaries. Low-RFI cows had fewer (P < 0.001) daily feeding events, but these were of longer (P < 0.001) duration (min·feed event(-1)·d(-1)). Despite this, total daily duration of feeding was shorter (P < 0.001; min/d) for low- compared to high-RFI cows. High-RFI cows had more and a longer total duration of nonfeeding events (P < 0.001) than low-RFI cows. This study showed that compared to cows with high RFI, those with low RFI consumed less feed for similar levels of productivity, spent less time engaged in feeding-behavior-related activities, and differed in ruminal fermentation parameters. Feeding events are a significant (17%) contributory factor to variation in RFI in pregnant beef cows offered grass silage.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fitzsimons
- Livestock Systems Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
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Moloney A, Mooney M, Kerry J, Stanton C, O'Kiely P. Colour of fat, and colour, fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of muscle from heifers offered alternative forages to grass silage in a finishing ration. Meat Sci 2013; 95:608-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Characteristics of fat and muscle from beef heifers offered a grass silage or concentrate-based finishing ration. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Dunne P, Monahan F, Moloney A. Current perspectives on the darker beef often reported from extensively-managed cattle: Does physical activity play a significant role? Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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15
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Kelly AK, Waters SM, McGee M, Fonseca RG, Carberry C, Kenny DA. mRNA expression of genes regulating oxidative phosphorylation in the muscle of beef cattle divergently ranked on residual feed intake. Physiol Genomics 2010; 43:12-23. [PMID: 20923863 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00213.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the effects of phenotypic ranking on residual feed intake (RFI) on the transcription of genes 1) involved in the respiratory chain complex and 2) coding for transcriptional factors regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, across two contrasting diet types. Beef heifers (n = 86) fed a diet comprising 70:30 concentrate-corn silage [low forage (LF)] over a 82-day period were ranked on RFI. The 10 highest (feed inefficient, high-RFI) and 10 lowest (feed efficient, low-RFI) ranking animals were selected for the current study. Biopsies of the M. longissimus dorsi were harvested following initial selection (LF diet) and again following a 6 wk period while the animals were offered a high-forage (HF) grass silage-only diet. Real-time PCR was used to quantify mRNA transcripts of 17 genes associated with cellular energetic efficiency. The mRNA expression of UCP3 tended to be upregulated (2.2-fold, P = 0.06) for the high-RFI compared with the low-RFI animals. mRNA transcripts coding for the transcription factor PGC-1α was 1.7-fold higher (P = 0.01) in low compared with high-RFI animals. A phenotype × diet interaction was evident for the abundance of ANT1 mRNA transcript, with greater (P = 0.04) expression levels detected in the low-RFI phenotype during the HF period, but no difference (P = 0.50) between phenotypes during the LF period. A phenotype × diet interaction was also evident for COX II with greater expression levels detected (P = 0.04) in the low compared with the high RFI phenotype while on LF but not the HF diet (P = 0.22). These data suggest an association between cellular energetic efficiency and RFI in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan K Kelly
- UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Mc Geough EJ, O'Kiely P, Hart KJ, Moloney AP, Boland TM, Kenny DA. Methane emissions, feed intake, performance, digestibility, and rumen fermentation of finishing beef cattle offered whole-crop wheat silages differing in grain content1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:2703-16. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Mc Geough EJ, O'Kiely P, Foley PA, Hart KJ, Boland TM, Kenny DA. Methane emissions, feed intake, and performance of finishing beef cattle offered maize silages harvested at 4 different stages of maturity1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:1479-91. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Effects of concentrate type and level on the performance and health of finishing Hereford bulls given a grass silage-based diet and reared in cold conditions. Livest Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Influence of feeding systems on cortisol levels, fat colour and instrumental meat quality in light lambs. Meat Sci 2009; 83:50-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2009.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Revised: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Dunne PG, Monahan FJ, O'Mara FP, Moloney AP. Colour of bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue: A review of contributory factors, associations with carcass and meat quality and its potential utility in authentication of dietary history. Meat Sci 2008; 81:28-45. [PMID: 22063959 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2008.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2008] [Revised: 06/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The colour of bovine subcutaneous (sc) adipose tissue (carcass fat) depends on the age, gender and breed of cattle. Diet is the most important extrinsic factor but its influence depends on the duration of feeding. Cattle produced under extensive grass-based production systems generally have carcass fat which is more yellow than their intensively-reared, concentrate-fed counterparts and this is caused by carotenoids from green forage. Although yellow carcass fat is negatively regarded in many countries, evidence suggests it may be associated with a healthier fatty acid profile and antioxidant content in beef, synonymous with grass feeding. Nonetheless, management strategies to reduce fat colour of grass-fed cattle are sought after. Current research suggests that yellow colour of this tissue is reduced if pasture-fed cattle are converted to a grain-based diet, which results in accretion of adipose tissue and dilution of carotenoids. Colour changes may depend on the initial yellow colour, the carotene and utilisable energy in the finishing diet, the duration of finishing, the amount of fat accumulated during finishing and the rate of utilisation of carotene from body fat. Differences in nutritional strategies which cause differences in fatty acid composition may be reflected by differences in fat colour and carotenoid concentration. Fat colour and carotenoids are prominent among a panoply of measurements which can aid the authentication of the dietary history and thus to some extent, the origin of beef, although this potential utility is complicated by the simultaneous rather than discrete use of forages and concentrates in real production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Dunne
- Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
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