Article
Food Science & Technology
Vipasha Sood, Argenis Rodas-Gonzalez, Tiago S. Valente, Changxi Li, Michael Vinsky, Stephanie Lam, Oscar Lopez-Campos, Jose Segura, John Basarab, Manuel Juarez
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of primal cut lean and fat tissue components, and carcass traits in Canadian crossbred beef cattle. The tissue component traits showed medium to high heritability, indicating an increase in their response to genetic selection. There were also high genetic correlations among the primal cut lean and fat traits, as well as strong negative correlations between lean and fat component traits. Therefore, including primal cut tissue composition traits in breeding programs with consideration of correlations could optimize the lean yield for the highest carcass value.
Article
Agronomy
Lydia J. Farrell, Stephen T. Morris, Paul R. Kenyon, Peter R. Tozer
Summary: The liveweight of New Zealand beef cows has increased due to selection for higher growth rates, but efficiency of beef cow production decreases with increasing cow liveweight. Heavier cows may be more profitable with consistent calf production efficiency, but less profitable according to published efficiency data. The heaviest cows may not be optimal for New Zealand hill country conditions based on potential economic impacts.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Meghan M. M. Scrivens, David Frith, Ben Wood, Brian Burren, Andrew J. J. Doust, Michael R. R. McGowan
Summary: This report describes an outbreak of lead intoxication in beef cattle after inadvertent exposure to burnt out vehicle batteries. Approximately 6% of the exposed cattle died or were euthanised, while survivors showed varying levels of lead concentration in their blood. A significant number of cattle continued to have high blood lead concentrations even 1.5 years after the exposure.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mehrnush Forutan, Andrew Lynn, Hassan Aliloo, Samuel A. Clark, Peter McGilchrist, Rod Polkinghorne, Ben J. Hayes
Summary: Phenotype predictions of beef eating quality can be used to assign animals to different feeding regimes based on predicted quality, and to sort carcasses for different market value. The predictions involve genetic effects (breed, heterosis, breeding value) predicted from genetic markers, as well as fixed effects such as days aged and carcass weight.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alejandro Amaya, Rodrigo Martinez, Mario Ceron-Munoz
Summary: The study aimed to construct selection indexes for tropical dual-purpose Simmental cattle based on principal components. The three selection indexes from principal components analysis showed favorable expected genetic progress for all traits, but a selection index with high expected genetic progress for all traits could not be obtained.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesco Sirtori, Silvia Parrini, Maria Chiara Fabbri, Chiara Aquilani, Aldo Dal Pra, Alessandro Crovetti, Giovanni Brajon, Riccardo Bozzi
Summary: As consumers become more concerned about product characteristics, including meat, from both sensory and food safety viewpoints, the need to reduce storage costs is increasing. Therefore, studying the qualitative response of meat subjected to different ageing times using the wet method is important. This study analyzed the influence of storage technique on meat quality, considering factors such as breed, age, and potential animal stress. The results showed that wet ageing period primarily affected meat quality, with visual and tactile parameters also being influenced by storage time. Further research is needed to determine precise storage times for optimal meat quality.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Virginia Mara Pereira Ribeiro, Gabriela Canabrava Gouveia, Mariana Mamedes de Moraes, Andresa Eva Melo de Araujo, Fernanda Santos Silva Raidan, Pablo Augusto de Souza Fonseca, Eduardo Penteado Cardoso, Marcos Vinicius Gualberto Barbosa da Silva, Fabio Luiz Buranelo Toral
Summary: Genetic correlation is crucial for understanding the relationship between economic traits and can improve breeding programs. This study aimed to estimate genetic correlations between growth, reproduction, and parasite burden traits, identifying functional candidate genes underlying these correlations. Through functional analyses, seven FCGs were identified for more than one trait, suggesting potential for genetic improvement in multiple traits.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alan J. Twomey, Andrew R. Cromie
Summary: Reducing the age at first calving (AFC) in beef cows is economically beneficial. Cows that calve at younger ages are more likely to receive assistance at calving but this risk can be minimized with good management. Overall, AFC has a small impact on key performance traits in beef herds.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Franziska Weik, Rebecca E. Hickson, Stephen T. Morris, Dorian J. Garrick, Jason A. Archer
Summary: The profitability of the beef industry depends on the performance of both finishing cattle and the breeding herd. This study examines the inheritance of growth, ultrasound, and carcass traits in finishing beef cattle and their correlations with maternal performance traits. Results show that genetic variation exists in finishing animals, allowing for direct selection of enhanced growth, ultrasound, and carcass traits. Ultrasound scan traits are highly genetically correlated with corresponding traits measured at slaughter. Fat content in finishing cattle is positively correlated with rebreeding performance and negatively correlated with mature cow live weight. However, the correlation between genetic merit for carcass fat traits and body condition in mature cows is low.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
David Kenny, Craig P. Murphy, Roy D. Sleator, Ross D. Evans, Donagh P. Berry
Summary: The study used genetic evaluations and phenotypic data to analyze over 4 million animals, identifying the impact of contemporary group BLUEs on various slaughter-related traits like CW, CC, and CF. The results showed differences in herd characteristics associated with BLUEs, offering valuable insights for beef producers to enhance carcass merit in their animals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Taisla Inara Novelli, Julio Cesar Pascale Palhares, Luciane Silva Martello, Sergio Raposo de Medeiros, M. Jordana Rivero
Summary: This study evaluates water, land, and nutrient efficiencies in a tropical beef feedlot system by providing artificial shading and considering local conditions and feed cultivation. The provision of artificial shading is found to reduce the water footprint and improve nutrient use efficiency. The location of grain production and the timing of corn planting are identified as key factors influencing water and land footprint values.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anice D. Thomas, Karin Orsel, Ed A. Pajor
Summary: This study investigated the impact of digital dermatitis (DD) on beef cattle locomotion and gait. It found that cattle with DD were more likely to be lame and had gait traits such as reluctance to bear weight and asymmetric gait. Locomotion scoring with a focus on these traits is the best tool for detecting DD in beef cattle.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Beatriz Castro Dias Cuyabano, Gabriel Rovere, Dajeong Lim, Tae Hun Kim, Hak Kyo Lee, Seung Hwan Lee, Cedric Gondro
Summary: The study explored a method of modeling herd effects using physical distances between farms based on GPS coordinates to consider environmental factors in genomic prediction. The results indicated that modeling herd effects as correlated can increase the reliability of predicted genomic breeding values, which is practically relevant for genetic evaluation programs.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yiting Yang, Mailin Gan, Xidi Yang, Peng Zhu, Yi Luo, Bin Liu, Kangping Zhu, Wenqiang Cheng, Lei Chen, Ye Zhao, Lili Niu, Yan Wang, Hui Zhang, Jingyong Wang, Linyuan Shen, Li Zhu
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of reproductive traits in three popular commercial pig breeds and evaluate the factors influencing these traits. Data was collected from a large number of litters, and 11 traits were analyzed using the ASReml-R software. The results showed positive correlations between TNB, NBA, NBH, and LBW, with LBW being considered as a reasonable trait for breeding improvement.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kavita Ranjeeta Lall, Kegan Romelle Jones, Gary Wayne Garcia
Summary: This paper is a literature review on the reproductive technologies used in male Neo-tropical hystricomorphic rodents. It provides important insights into their reproductive anatomy and technologies, which are critical for the conservation and preservation of these species.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
P. C. Irons, M. McGowan, P. M. de Assis, I Randhawa, L. Awawdeh, J. Mugwabana, T. S. Barnes, G. Boe-Hansen, K. McCosker, G. Fordyce
Summary: This study reveals the widespread presence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in bulls from properties located across northern Australia and New South Wales, potentially contributing to lower than expected reproductive performance.
AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
G. Fordyce, K. D. McCosker, D. R. Smith, N. R. Perkins, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: This study investigates the risk factors for the annual rate of pregnant-cow mortality in northern Australia. The major risk factor for cow mortality is under-nutrition, and the mortality rate is higher in the low-fertility Northern Forest region compared to other regions. Targeted management can reduce cow mortality.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
G. Fordyce, K. D. McCosker, T. S. Barnes, N. R. Perkins, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: High and variable fetal and calf loss in beef herds is a significant issue in northern Australia. This study identified nutritional and environmental risk factors as the most strongly associated factors with fetal and calf loss, while infectious diseases and animal factors had a smaller impact.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Muhammad Noman Naseem, Ali Raza, Geoffry Fordyce, Michael McGowan, Constantin Constantinoiu, Conny Turni, Rachel Allavena, Ala E. Tabor, Peter James
Summary: Buffalo flies are a major concern for health and production in north Australian beef herds. They can cause skin lesions and transmit nematodes, but the role of nematodes in lesion development is unclear. This study investigated the distribution of Stephanofilaria nematodes in buffalo flies and lesions in different regions of Queensland. The results showed that Stephanofilaria was present in most regions, but its presence did not always correlate with lesion development. Using surface swabs for sampling lesions proved to be a quicker and less invasive method than dermal biopsies. Understanding the pathogenesis of buffalo fly lesions is important for developing effective treatment and control strategies.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez, Michael Robert McGowan, Szabolcs Nagy, Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Meghan M. M. Scrivens, David Frith, Ben Wood, Brian Burren, Andrew J. J. Doust, Michael R. R. McGowan
Summary: This report describes an outbreak of lead intoxication in beef cattle after inadvertent exposure to burnt out vehicle batteries. Approximately 6% of the exposed cattle died or were euthanised, while survivors showed varying levels of lead concentration in their blood. A significant number of cattle continued to have high blood lead concentrations even 1.5 years after the exposure.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Weihao Chen, Xiaoyang Lv, Xiukai Cao, Zehu Yuan, Shanhe Wang, Tesfaye Getachew, Joram M. Mwacharo, Aynalem Haile, Kai Quan, Yutao Li, Wei Sun
Summary: This study revealed the interplay between intestinal genes, metabolites, and bacteria in E. coli F17-infected sheep. The results showed significant differences in the intestines of sheep with different E. coli F17 susceptibility, and identified potential biomarkers for E. coli F17 infection. These findings can contribute to the development of new treatments for farm animals infected with E. coli F17.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Muhammad Noman Naseem, Ali Raza, Muhammad Kamran, Rachel Allavena, Constantin Constantinoiu, Michael McGowan, Conny Turni, Ala E. E. Tabor, Peter James
Summary: Skin lesions in cattle associated with feeding by Haematobia fly species are a significant health issue in northern Australian cattle. This study found that differences in the hypersensitivity response to buffalo fly antigens is a key factor underlying the variation amongst the cattle in susceptibility-to-lesion development. Further understanding of the skin response could lead to the identification of biomarkers for selecting cattle with increased resistance to buffalo fly lesion development.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. B. Gaughan, K. Sharman, M. R. McGowan
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cooling techniques on milk yield, rumen temperature, and panting score in lactating dairy cows. The study found that cows cooled both during the day and night had higher milk yield and lower rumen temperature compared to those cooled only during the day.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaoyang Lv, Yue Li, Weihao Chen, Shanhe Wang, Xiukai Cao, Zehu Yuan, Tesfaye Getachew, Joram Mwacharo, Aynalem Haile, Yutao Li, Wei Sun
Summary: This study explored the potential association between DNA methylation of CUX1 core promoter region and lambskin pattern in Hu sheep. The results showed no significant difference in methylation levels between different pattern tissues. However, the identification of the core region and a potential repressive region of CUX1 promoter enriched the understanding of CUX1's role in hair follicle development in Hu sheep.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
K. D. McCosker, N. R. Perkins, G. Fordyce, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: This study aimed to determine the major factors associated with lactating cows becoming pregnant within 4 months of calving in commercial beef breeding herds of northern Australia. The results showed that factors such as country type, calving time, availability of pasture protein and phosphorus, and group health status were important determinants of reproductive performance in cows.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
K. D. McCosker, N. R. Perkins, G. Fordyce, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: This study identified and quantified the major factors associated with non-pregnancy in commercial beef breeding herds in northern Australia. The time of expected calving and parity were found to have the largest impact on non-pregnancy. Additionally, the study demonstrated the significant influence of environment, herd management practices, nutrition, and disease factors on the reproductive performance of females.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
K. D. McCosker, S. Jephcott, B. M. Burns, D. R. Smith, G. Fordyce, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: This study investigates the practices and policies of collaborating properties for nutritional, breeding, and health management of herds in northern Australia. The findings suggest that there is marked variation in the adaptation of interventions to specific businesses in the region. Nutritional information highlights the limitations in animal production due to phosphorus levels and pasture digestibility in the Northern Downs and Northern Forest.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
K. D. McCosker, G. Fordyce, P. K. O'Rourke, M. R. McGowan
Summary: A population-based epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performance of commercial beef herds in northern Australia. The study found significant variation in performance among different regions, with the Northern Forest having the lowest performance. The results suggest opportunities to improve the reproductive performance of northern beef herds, but further analysis is needed to identify and alleviate the causes of this variation.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lee R. Allen, Tamsin S. Barnes, Geoffry Fordyce, Kieren D. McCosker, Michael R. McGowan
Summary: This study found that lethal control of wild dogs through baiting has limited impact on reducing the fetal and calf loss in the beef cattle industry in Australia. Dry and very wet years tend to have higher loss rates compared to moderate rainfall years. The frequency of baiting does not seem to have a significant effect on the calf loss, except for first-lactation cows.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)