1
|
Del Pilar Solar Diaz I, Bezerra LAF, Lôbo RB, de Araújo Neto FR, de Camargo GMF, da Cruz VAR, Costa RB, de Oliveira HN. Selection effect for growth traits on energy requirements in beef Nelore steers. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:213. [PMID: 35704245 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Growth data of 77,372 Nelore steers were used to estimate the selection effect on energy requirements considering two beef production systems: cow-calf and slaughter cycles. All the animals had measures from 120 days to 7 years old. The parameters necessary to evaluate the selection effect on energy requirements were obtained by random regression analysis using Legendre polynomials. The models included additive direct and maternal effects, and animal and maternal permanent environmental effects as random terms. Contemporary group and dam age at calving (linear and quadratic effect) were included as fixed effects, and orthogonal Legendre polynomials of animal age (cubic regression) were considered random covariables. The coefficients from the model M3353_5 were used to calculate the genetic gains necessary to predict the increase in phenotypes. The selection was simulated for body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG) at different ages and energy requirements were calculated using NRC equations. The cost of feed was calculated for a cow-calf and slaughter cycle of production considering a system of Brachiaria decumbens pasture without supplementation. In slaughter system, the selection for weight of 365 days of age is the best option. In cow-calf systems, the selection W120 is the best choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iara Del Pilar Solar Diaz
- Escola de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil.
| | - Luis Antonio Framartino Bezerra
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Raysildo Barbosa Lôbo
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Francisco Ribeiro de Araújo Neto
- Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano - IF Goiano, Instituto Federal de Educação, RodoviaSulGoiana, Campus Rio VerdeKm 01Rio Verde, Goiás, CEP, 75901-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Raphael Bermal Costa
- Escola de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, 40170-110, Brazil
| | - Henrique Nunes de Oliveira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fordyce G, Smith D, McGowan M, McCosker K. Live weight accounting for beef cow management. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
3
|
Probability of pregnancy in beef cows with early-weaned calves. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
4
|
Pitchford WS, Pitchford JM, Alexopoulos JG, Hebart ML. Genomic Analysis of Purebred and Crossbred Angus Cows Quantifies Heterozygosity, Breed, and Additive Effects on Components of Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010061. [PMID: 35011167 PMCID: PMC8749795 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study reports a genomic analysis of purebred Angus and Hereford × Angus maternal productivity, which is a key driver of sustainable systems. Heterozygosity effects quantify hybrid vigour or heterosis and were significant for growth and puberty. Breed differences were mostly due to heterosis, but there was an advantage of Hereford genes for reproductive performance. Days to calving was the most important Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) as a predictor of attainment of puberty and subsequent reproductive performance. Genomics offers a cheaper and faster strategy for the development of multi-breed EBVs in commercial herds. Abstract Multiple studies have quantified the production differences of Hereford Angus crossbreds compared to purebred Angus for a range of traits including growth, carcass, and reproductive traits. This study aims to quantify breed and heterosis effects on maternal performance using genomics. Thirty Hereford and thirty Angus sires were mated to 1100 Angus heifers and cows in a large commercial herd run on pasture at Musselroe Bay, Tasmania, Australia. Approximately 1650 calves were born. Heifers were weaned, scanned for attainment of puberty prior to joining at approximately 15 months of age, joined, and then recorded for status of pregnancy, calving, lactating, 2nd pregnancy, and weaning of second calf. Heterozygosity effects were significant for heifer pre-joining weight and height as well as proportion pubertal. Breed differences were significant for the same traits plus pregnancy rate at second joining and proportion rearing two calves. Genetic parameters were reported for 13 traits. On average, higher genetic merit (Estimated Breeding Value, EBV percentile) Hereford bulls were used than Angus for growth and puberty, but they were similar for fat and reproduction. Days to calving BREEDPLAN EBVs of the sires were related to puberty and reproduction. Scrotal size BREEDPLAN EBVs of the sires were related to attainment of puberty genomic EBVs calculated. In summary, breed differences in growth and puberty were due to heterosis, but there was an advantage of Hereford genes for reproductive performance. Ongoing emphasis on selection for reduced days to calving and estimation of multi-breed EBVs is important.
Collapse
|
5
|
Greenwood PL. Review: An overview of beef production from pasture and feedlot globally, as demand for beef and the need for sustainable practices increase. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100295. [PMID: 34274250 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Beef is a high-quality source of protein that also can provide highly desirable eating experiences, and demand is increasing globally. Sustainability of beef industries requires high on-farm efficiency and productivity, and efficient value-chains that reward achievement of target-market specifications. These factors also contribute to reduced environmental and animal welfare impacts necessary for provenance and social licence to operate. This review provides an overview of beef industries, beef production, and beef production systems globally, including more productive and efficient industries, systems and practices. Extensive beef production systems typically include pasture-based cow-calf and stocker-backgrounding or grow-out systems, and pasture or feedlot finishing. Cattle in pasture-based systems are subject to high levels of environmental variation to which specific genotypes are better suited. Strategic nutritional supplementation can be provided within these systems to overcome deficiencies in the amount and quality of pasture- or forage-based feed for the breeding herd and for younger offspring prior to a finishing period. More intensive systems can maintain more control over nutrition and the environment and are more typically used for beef and veal from dairy breeds, crosses between beef and dairy breeds, and during finishing of beef cattle to assure product quality and specifications. Cull cows and heifers from beef seedstock and cow-calf operations and dairy enterprises that are mostly sent directly to abattoirs are also important in beef production. Beef production systems that use beef breeds should target appropriate genotypes and high productivity relative to maintenance for the breeding herd and for growing and finishing cattle. This maximizes income and limits input costs particularly feed costs which may be 60% or more of production costs. Digital and other technologies that enable rapid capture and use of environmental and cattle performance data, even within extensive systems, should enhance beef industry productivity, efficiency, animal welfare and sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Greenwood
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Livestock Industries Centre, J.S.F. Barker Building, Trevenna Road, UNE Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hickson RE, Pitchford WS. Selection strategies for beef cow size and condition. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an21077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
The present work was motivated by beef breeder concerns that selection for high growth and low fat in steers and low mature weight in cows will lead to cows that have low body condition and, therefore, productivity.
Aims
The aim of this was to partition cow weight into size (associated with height) and condition (variation net of height) and test whether the trait net weight is a worthy addition to breeding programs.
Methods
Angus cows (5901) were measured as heifers (4889) and at pre-calving and weaning of their first and second calf (minimum 2690) for weight, height and body condition traits (condition score, ultrasound eye-muscle area, P8 and rib fat depth, and intramuscular fat percentage). A novel trait was developed by fitting height as a covariate to weight, with the residuals termed net weight.
Key results
Net weight was both heritable and genetically correlated with cow condition score and ultrasound measures. However, despite having a lower heritability, condition score was a more effective measure for genetic improvement of cow condition.
Conclusions
A measure of cow condition should be included in genetic evaluation programs but net weight is unlikely to be that measure.
Implications
Condition score should be recorded at the time of mature cow weight for breeding programs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Vilela Pires B, de Freitas LA, Voltareli da Silva G, Brasil Garcia Pimenta Neves Pereira Lima S, dos Santos Gonçalves Cyrillo JN, Bonvino Stafuzza N, Pereira de Lima ML, Paro de Paz CC. Influence of calf vigour and suckling assistance from birth to weaning in Guzerá beef cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Maternal ability, cow nutrition, and calf sex are factors that affect beef cattle production in extensive systems. The Guzerá cattle is an important breed in Brazil, where satisfactory growth rates are reported; however, studies on post-parturition calf and cow behaviour are scarce.
Aims
This study aimed to identify the influence of vigour at birth (ability to stand and suckle without assistance) and human assistance in colostrum intake (HA) on the haematological profile, cortisol concentration, and growth until weaning of Guzerá beef calf.
Methods
The following traits were observed in 73 male and 83 female calves: cow age at calving, sex, birthweight, vigour, HA, haematological profile, cortisol concentration, bodyweight at 120 days (W120), weaning weight, average daily gain and mortality. Variance analysis was performed using the general linear model procedure of the SAS software.
Key results
Haematocrit (P = 0.04) and red blood cells (P = 0.004) were higher in calves requiring HA. Cortisol was also higher (P = 0.03) in calves that required HA (81.34 ng/mL × 59.40 ng/mL). The weaning weight and average daily gain were higher (P < 0.05) in calves that did not require HA and showed good vigour (200.38 kg and 0.83 kg/day respectively) than in calves that required HA and showed good vigour (163.7 kg and 0.68 kg/day respectively). The mortality rate was higher in calves that showed poor vigour at birth (25%).
Conclusions
Both vigour and the need for HA are important traits that should be evaluated during the development of newborn calves. These assessments in the herd can contribute to minimise the mortality rate and maximise the health and weight gain until weaning of beef calves.
Implications
Few studies have reported the role of vigour and colostrum intake in the development of calves. Despite the difficulty of human interference in extensive cattle farming, the calf vigour combined with human assistance at birth can minimise the losses and increase the performance of beef cattle.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sapkota D, Kelly A, Crosson P, White R, McGee M. Quantification of cow milk yield and pre-weaning calf growth response in temperate pasture-based beef suckler systems: A meta-analysis. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Sessim AG, de Oliveira TE, López-González FA, de Freitas DS, Barcellos JOJ. Efficiency in Cow-Calf Systems With Different Ages of Cow Culling. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:476. [PMID: 32851045 PMCID: PMC7419430 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioeconomic efficiency of cow-calf systems was compared by a deterministic dynamic simulation. The simulation model considered stable cow-calf systems differentiated by the maximum age for culling cows, lifetime, culled at 4–13 years old. The necessary supply of metabolizable energy for the herd was established as natural grasslands, cultivated pasture in the winter/spring, and pre-dried pasture produced by the system. The biological efficiency of the systems was considered the ratio between the production of total live weight and the metabolizable energy consumed over one production cycle. Economic efficiency was determined by the ratio between gross margin and production area and the ratio between gross margin and number of cows. Bioeconomic efficiency was determined by a simple linear regression between biological efficiency, economic efficiency per area, and economic efficiency per cow. The efficiency of the animal unit, considering biological efficiency and economic efficiency per area were better in the system that culled cows at 4 years old, while economic efficiency per cow was better in the system that culled cows at 13 years old. In determining the bioeconomic efficiency of the systems, the best results were found in the system that culled cows at 6 years old, which suggests that the best efficiency of a cow-calf herd is reached when the adult age and mature weight of the cow are reached, and there is no more energy used for growing. The results indicate that stable cow-calf herds express their best biological efficiency and economic efficiency per area when the cow culling age is lower. However, economic efficiency per cow depends on cows that remain in the herd as long as possible. The culling age of cow that balances these biological and economic indicators is reached around 5 and half years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Gil Sessim
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy, Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva (NESPro), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tamara Esteves de Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy, Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva (NESPro), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fredy Andrey López-González
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy, Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva (NESPro), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - David Santos de Freitas
- Plant Ecology Laboratory, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), São Leopoldo, Brazil
| | - Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy, Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva (NESPro), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Intensification of cow-calf production: How does the system respond biologically to energy inputs in a long-term horizon? Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
11
|
McCabe S, McHugh N, O'Connell NE, Prendiville R. Evaluation of production efficiencies at pasture of lactating suckler cows of diverse genetic merit and replacement strategy. Animal 2020; 14:1768-1776. [PMID: 32223778 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731120000415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed costs account for the largest proportion of direct cost within suckler beef production systems. By identifying the cow type with enhanced capability of converting grazed herbage to beef output across lactations, suckler cow systems would become more efficient and sustainable. The objective of this study was to estimate grass DM intake (GDMI) and production efficiency among lactating suckler cows of diverse genetic merit for the national Irish maternal index (Replacement Index) which includes cow efficiency components such as milk yield and feed intake. Data from 131 cows of diverse genetic merit within the Replacement Index, across two different replacement strategies (suckler or dairy sourced), were available over two grazing seasons. Milk yield, GDMI, cow live weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded during early, mid and late-lactation, with subsequent measures of production efficiency extrapolated. Genetic merit had no significant effect on any variables investigated, with the exception of low genetic merit (LOW) cows being 22 kg heavier in BW than high genetic merit (HIGH) cows (P < 0.05). Beef cows were 55 kg heavier in BW (P < 0.001), had a 0.31 greater BCS (P < 0.05) and 0.30 Unité Fourragère Lait (UFL) greater energy requirement for maintenance compared to dairy sourced beef × dairy crossbred (BDX) cows (P < 0.001). The BDX had 0.8 kg greater GDMI, produced 1.8 kg more milk (P < 0.001), had a 0.8 UFL greater energy requirement for lactation and produced weanlings that were 17 kg heavier in BW than beef cows (P < 0.05). Subsequent efficiency variables of milk per 100 kg BW (P < 0.001), milk per kg GDMI (P < 0.001) and GDMI per 100 kg BW (P < 0.001) were more favourable for BDX. The correlations examined showed GDMI had moderate positive correlations (P < 0.001) with intake per 100 kg BW, net energy intake per kg milk yield, RFI and intake per 100 kg calf weaning weight but was weakly negatively correlated to milk yield per kg GDMI (P < 0.001). No difference was observed across genetic merit for beef cows for any of the traits investigated. Results from the current study showed that, while contrasting replacement strategies had an effect on GDMI and production efficiency, no main effect was observed on cows diverse in genetic merit for Replacement Index. Nonetheless, utilising genetic indexes in the suckler herd is an important resource for selecting breeding females for the national herd and phenotypic performance generated from this study can be included in future genetic evaluations to improve reliability of genetic values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S McCabe
- Livestock Systems Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, County MeathC15PW93, Ireland
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, BelfastBT9 7BL, Ireland
| | - N McHugh
- Livestock Systems Department, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County CorkP61C996, Ireland
| | - N E O'Connell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, BelfastBT9 7BL, Ireland
| | - R Prendiville
- Livestock Systems Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, County MeathC15PW93, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zanine AM, Fonseca AA, Ribeiro MD, Leonel FP, Ferreira DJ, Souza AL, Silva FG, Correa RA, Negrão FM, Pinho RMA. Intake, digestibility and feeding behaviour of grazing dairy cows supplemented with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) residue. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an18498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
In Brazil, dairy cattle pasture-based systems use grass pasture as the main feed source, with little or no supplementation. However, it is necessary to invest in nutritional technologies that allow dairy cattle systems to produce milk with a high protein and energy content, and better total bacterial counts at low costs.
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding a common bean residue (CBR) to cattle diets on feed intake, digestibility and feeding behaviour of lactating dairy cows.
Methods
Eight lactating Holstein × Zebu crossbred cows, with an average bodyweight of 500 ± 30 kg (mean ± s.d.) and a mean daily milk yield of 13 ± 2 kg/cow were randomly assigned in a double 4 × 4 Latin square. The treatments consisted of four increasing levels of CBR (134, 240, 348 and 449 g/kg) in the concentrate.
Key results
The inclusion of CBR linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.034) the DM intake and neutral detergent fibre intake of pasture, sugarcane and the total diet. The inclusion of CBR did not affect (P ≥ 0.111) grazing, rumination or idle time. The feeding efficiency in kg DM/h and kg neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein/h linearly decreased (P < 0.001), with an estimated decrease of 39.1 and 23.4 g/h respectively for every 10 g/kg of CBR added to the concentrate. The number of boluses per day and the time spent per ruminated bolus were not affected (P ≥ 0.086) by CBR inclusion.
Conclusions
The results obtained in this study indicate that the inclusion of up to 240 g/kg of CBR to the diets of lactating dairy cows with a mean daily milk yield of 13 kg, managed on pastures, is recommended.
Implications
The use of CBR, which has high availability in several countries, may be an alternative to supplying small ruminants.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gleason CB, White RR. BEEF SPECIES-RUMINANT NUTRITION CACTUS BEEF SYMPOSIUM: A role for beef cattle in sustainable U.S. food production1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:4010-4020. [PMID: 31414131 PMCID: PMC6736101 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing global population, limited resource availability, and global focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions put pressure on animal agriculture industries to critically evaluate and optimize the role they play in a sustainable food production system. The objective of this review is to summarize evidence of the various roles that the U.S. beef industry plays in the U.S. and global agricultural systems. As the world's largest beef producer, the United States reaps considerable economic benefit from the beef industry through strong domestic and international demand, as well as employment opportunities for many Americans. Beef production contributes to GHG emissions, land use, and water use, among other critical environmental impacts but provides an important source of essential micronutrients for human consumption. The U.S. beef industry provides sufficient product to meet the protein, vitamin B12, omega-3 and -6 fatty acid requirements of 43, 137, 47, and 487 million people, respectively. In the United States, beef production was estimated to account for 53% of GHG emissions from U.S. animal agriculture and 25% of GHG emissions from all of U.S. agriculture. Footprinting studies suggest that much of the land use and water use associated with beef production are attributed to the development of feed crops or pastureland. On a global scale, beef from U.S. origin is exported to numerous developed and developing countries, representing an important international nutrient routing. Along with other prominent beef-producing nations, the United States continues to pursue a greater level of sustainability in its cattle industry, which will bear important implications for future global food security. Efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of beef production will likely be the strongest drivers of enhanced sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire B Gleason
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Robin R White
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mendonça FS, MacNeil MD, Leal WS, Azambuja RCC, Rodrigues PF, Cardoso FF. Crossbreeding effects on growth and efficiency in beef cow-calf systems: evaluation of Angus, Caracu, Hereford and Nelore breed direct, maternal and heterosis effects. Transl Anim Sci 2019; 3:1286-1295. [PMID: 32704892 PMCID: PMC7200559 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine breed additive and heterosis effects on growth curves, total milk yield (TMY), calf weaning weight (WW), predicted energy intake (EI), and cow efficiency (CE) of purebred and crossbred beef cows raised in Southern Brazil. The data were from 175 purebred and crossbred cows representing eight genetic groups: Angus (A), Hereford (H), Nelore (N), A × H (AH), H × A (HA), A × N (AN), N × A (NA), and Caracu (C) × A (CA). Growth of the cows was modeled using the nonlinear Brody function and machine milking was used to assess TMY. WW was linearly adjusted to 210 d. EI was predicted with an equation in which the independent variables were estimates of parameters of the Brody function and TMY. The ratio of WW to EI estimated CE. Taurine–indicine heterosis effects were significant for all traits, and greater than those for taurine breed crosses. In general, crossbred cows were heavier at maturity, matured earlier, produced more milk, weaned heavier calves, and were predicted to consume more energy. Thus, they were more efficient than purebred cows, despite their greater predicted feed intake. Among the purebreds, A cows matured most rapidly, weighed the least at maturity, produced the most milk, weaned the heaviest calves, were predicted to consume the least energy; and were therefore most efficient among the breeds that were evaluated. These results are useful as inputs to bioeconomic models that can be used to predict productive and economic outcomes from crossbreeding and to facilitate recommendations for beef producers of southern Brazil and other similar subtropical climatic regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fábio S Mendonça
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Michael D MacNeil
- Delta G, Miles City, MT.,Department of Animal Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Willian S Leal
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo C C Azambuja
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.,Serviço de Aprendizagem Rural (SENAR), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro F Rodrigues
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.,Serviço de Aprendizagem Rural (SENAR), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Cardoso
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.,Embrapa Pecuária Sul, Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Matsumoto N, Nampanya S, Khounsy S, Young JR, Ashley KA, Bush RD, Windsor PA. Challenges for beef production in smallholder communities with low reproductive management skills: a case study from Northern Lao PDR. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 49:87-96. [PMID: 27718106 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Improved large ruminant productivity is increasingly acknowledged as a pathway for the alleviation of rural poverty and food insecurity in smallholder communities in Southeast Asia; yet, in much of Laos, bovine reproductive management is practically absent. Large ruminant reproduction skills were studied, using face-to-face surveys (n=60) of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of farmers, plus an extension of an examination of parameters of reproductive efficiency (n = 1786 cattle and 434 buffalo) in the northern provinces of Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang. The surveys particularly involved female farmers to provide gender-disaggregated data, with females making up 38.3 % of participants. Results confirmed that KAPs of smallholder farmers on bovine reproductive management were low (34-46 %) with trends toward higher KAP scores in male survey respondents. Poor reproductive parameters were identified in both provinces, with low calving percentages of 54-75 and 45-54 % in cattle and buffalo groups, respectively, and prolonged inter-calving intervals of 14.1-19.8 and 26.0 months for the cattle and buffalo groups, respectively. Improving the reproductive efficiency of large ruminants in the northern upland regions would enable smallholder farmers to be more effectively engaged in the dramatic economic growth of the Southeast Asia region, although these findings indicate that intensive training and supportive interventions are required to improve large ruminant reproductive outcomes in communities that have low-level large ruminant husbandry skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Matsumoto
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - S Nampanya
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - S Khounsy
- Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - J R Young
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - K A Ashley
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - R D Bush
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|