The purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature concerning the role of dairy fat intake on cardiometabolic health, focusing on prospective cohort studies that evaluated associations between dairy fat intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In general, studies using self-reported dietary assessment methods found no association between self-reported high-fat or low-fat dairy intake and CVD, a neutral association between low-fat dairy intake and incident of T2D, and either a protective association or no association between high-fat dairy intake and incident of T2D. Inconsistent classification of dairy foods as low- or high-fat and variable adjustment for potential confounders may have contributed to the heterogeneity of results. In contrast, results from studies using pentadecanoic acid (15:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), or trans-palmitoleic acid (t-16:1n-7) as biomarkers have provided consistent evidence that dairy fat intake was negatively associated with CVD and T2D risk. Taken together, results from prospective studies do not support the assumption that higher dairy fat intake is associated with increased risk of CVD, but they do support the hypothesis that dairy fat intake could be protective for T2D. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between dairy fat intake and cardiometabolic disease risk.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of the 3′ untranslated region of TAS1R1 and growth traits, carcass traits, and meat quality traits in rabbit. We detected one single nucleotide polymorphism located at 9120 bp (g.9120A>C) in the 3′ untranslated region of TAS1R1 gene by using polymerase chain reaction sequencing. The novel mutation g.9120A>C was subsequently genotyped by MassArray system (Sequenom iPLEX assay) in 249 samples of three breeds (Hyla, 91 animals; Champagne, 84 animals; Tianfu Black, 74 animals). Association analysis suggested that the individuals with AC genotype showed greater body weight at 70 d of age (P < 0.01), body weight at 84 d of age (P < 0.05), and average daily weight gain from 28 to 84 d of age (P < 0.05) than AA. In addition, the individuals with AC genotype had a lower eviscerated slaughter percentage (P < 0.05) and semieviscerated slaughter percentage (P < 0.05). However, association of the genotypes with other production traits was not observed. The results indicate TAS1R1 is one of the candidate genes affecting growth performance and dressing percentage in rabbits, and this may be of potential use in marker-assisted selection for meat quality traits in rabbits.

A total of 105 finishing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 51.0 ± 3.33 kg were used in a 10 wk trial to evaluate the effect of a protected blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments such as CON (basal diet); MC1 (basal diet + 0.1% protected organic acids); and MC2 (basal diet + 0.2% protected organic acids). Pigs fed the MC1 and MC2 diets increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain to feed ratio compared with the CON diet from weeks 0 to 5 and during the whole experiment. Pigs fed the MC1 and MC2 diets increased (P < 0.05) concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) compared with the CON diet at the 5th week. Administration of the MC1 and MC2 diets increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased Escherichia coli counts compared with the CON diet (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found on nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and faecal noxious gas emission among treatments. In conclusion, the blend of OAs and MCFAs supplementation increased growth performance, the concentration of IgG, and the Lactobacillus counts, as well as decreased the E. coli counts.

The objectives of this study were to compare morphology, plasma and acrosome membrane integrities, and mitochondrial function in sperm of bulls selected for low- vs. high-residual feed intake (RFI). Semen samples obtained from 10 low- and 8 high-RFI yearling crossbred beef bulls were evaluated. Assessment of sperm morphology was performed by microscopy, and sperm membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Parameters of sperm morphology evaluated did not differ between low- and high-RFI bulls. Compared with high-RFI bulls, low-RFI bulls had an increased proportion (least square mean ± standard error) of sperm with actively respiring mitochondria (54.2% ± 2.9% vs. 43.6% ± 3.3%, P = 0.03). However, a greater proportion of sperm from low-RFI bulls had low MMP (34.4% ± 4.2% vs. 19.0% ± 4.7%, P = 0.03). Results indicate that selection for improved feed efficiency does not compromise bull sperm morphology and viability. However, despite greater mitochondrial activity, the increased proportion of mitochondria with low membrane potential in sperm of low-RFI bulls warrants further investigation to rule out any potential negative effects on fertility.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between chicken breast quality and sensory attributes with chicken thigh quality and sensory attributes. Whole chicken carcasses were fabricated into nine-piece traditional cut chicken in accordance with Canadian Food Inspection Agency and United States Department of Agriculture specifications. Following fabrication, right side breast and thigh samples were assessed for quality (pH, instrumental color, 48 h drip loss, and instrumental texture). Sensory attributes (tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and acceptability) using a trained sensory panel and cooking loss were assessed on the left side breast and thigh samples. Correlation coefficients between all traits were computed, and meaningful traits were further analyzed using regression. Breast and thigh pH were weakly correlated (r = 0.25; P = 0.07), breast and thigh color [lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)] were weakly correlated (r ≤ 0.30; P ≥ 0.04), and breast and thigh 48 h drip loss were moderately correlated (r = 0.35; P = 0.01). Breast and thigh sensory tenderness were moderately correlated (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), whereas all other sensory parameters measured between breast and thigh samples were not significantly correlated (P ≥ 0.24). Overall, breast quality and sensory attributes were generally weakly correlated with thigh quality and sensory attributes.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between inclusion levels of Acacia angustissima leaf meal against nutritionally related blood metabolites, activity of liver enzymes, and scaled internal organs in broilers. A total of 120 Ross 308 broiler chicks with initial body weight of 0.90 ± 0.043 kg were randomly allotted to six diets containing different inclusion levels, namely 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g kg^-1 dry matter of A. angustissima leaf meal. Each inclusion level of A. angustissima leaf meal was replicated four times. Five birds were randomly assigned to each replicate. There was a linear decrease in cholesterol (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of A. angustissima leaf meal. There was a linear increase in scaled gizzard weight (P < 0.05), scaled heart weight (SHW; P < 0.001), and intestine weight (P < 0.001). Scaled spleen weight (P < 0.01) had a positive quadratic relationship with levels of A. angustissima leaf meal. There was a positive quadratic response in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity with increasing levels of A. angustissima leaf meal (P < 0.001). The concentration of cholesterol and liver enzymes demonstrates the potential of leaf meals to be incorporated in poultry diets. The optimum inclusion level of A. angustissima was attained at 60 g kg^-1 for ALP and 90 g kg^-1 for SHW.

A total of 140 growing pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight of 24.10 ± 1.66 kg were used in a 6 wk trial to determine the effect of dietary protease supplementation to low- and high-energy diets for pigs. Pigs were randomly allowed to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two levels of energy and 0 or 125 g ton^-1 of protease. During 6 wk, pigs fed on the high-energy diets had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and energy digestibility than those fed low-energy diets. Protease supplementation increased (P < 0.05) energy digestibility and creatinine levels in the blood. Also, protease supplementation tended to increase (P < 0.1) dry matter digestibility, G:F, blood urea nitrogen concentrations and to decrease (P < 0.1) ammonia gas emission, and norepinephrine levels in the blood. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 125 g ton^-1 protease has beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The noxious gas emission was also reduced in pigs fed protease-supplemented diets. In addition, ADG and feed efficiency were improved in pigs fed high-energy diets.

Repeated exposure to estrus synchronization (ES) protocol might have detrimental effects on reproductive function. Therefore, we examined the effects of repeated exposure to a gonadotropin-based ES protocol on hormonal profiles in 47 female Xinong Saanen dairy goats. Goats were randomly assigned to receive an ES protocol either three consecutive times with 14 d interval between each protocol (3 × ES group), or once (1 × ES group) starting concurrently with the third protocol of the 3 × ES group. The estradiol concentrations in 1 × ES group were significantly lesser than those of 3 × ES group at 0, 24, 36, 60 h after controlled internal drug release withdrawal. The progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations did not differ between 1 × ES and 3 × ES groups. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the estrus interval, estrus duration, gestation length, birth weight of kids, and the incidences of estrus, pregnancy, single birth, twinning birth, triplet birth between 1 × ES and 3 × ES groups. Litter size was smaller in goats of the 3 × ES group than in 1 × ES goats, and there were more female offspring in 3 × ES group than 1 × ES group (P < 0.05). The differences in reproductive parameters warrant further investigation in a larger population of goats subjected repeated ES.

The effects of dry- and wet-aging combinations on the sensory and physicochemical attributes of beef ribeye steaks were investigated. Paired beef ribs (n = 16) from eight grain-fed crossbred Zebu steers (n = 16) were divided into unaged, 28 d wet, 28 d dry, 14 d wet + 14 d dry, and 14 d dry + 14 d wet. Aging was conducted in a chamber at 2 °C with 73% relative humidity and without airflow. Dry-aged and combined-aged products had greater percentages of total loss compared with wet-aged products during the aging and fabrication, resulting in lower total saleable product (P < 0.01). All aging treatments presented a brighter and more vivid red color than unaged samples (P < 0.05). Regarding shear force, aged samples presented lower (P < 0.05) values when compared with unaged samples, but no significant differences were observed among aging treatments (P > 0.05). In addition, all aged samples presented higher proportion of tender steaks (>87%; P < 0.01). In this study, trained panelists were unable to identify differences among aging treatments for any of the palatability attributes evaluated (P > 0.05). The combination of both aging techniques did not offer any advantage, and the wet-aging process alone appears to be the most efficient strategy for the Brazilian food service to maximize palatability characteristics of beef.

A total of forty 21-d-old weaned and crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average initial body weight of 4.43 ± 1.41 kg were used for this 2 wk experiment. There were four treatments. Each treatment had 10 replicates with five pigs per pen. Treatments were as follows: (1) microencapsulated complex of organic acids and essential oils (MOE)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+; (2) MOE-, LPS-; (3) 0.2% MOE+, LPS+; and (4) 0.2% MOE+, LPS-. Final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake were significantly different between MOE+ and MOE- (P < 0.05). Based on the results of MOE+, crude protein digestibility was significantly higher than for MOE- (P < 0.05). However, LPS+ was significantly higher than LPS- in the 4, 8, 12, and 16 h (P < 0.05). From a comparison of blood profiles, cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, neutrophil, lymphocyte, red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were significantly different between LPS+ and LPS- (P < 0.05). The immunoglobulin G, white blood cell, and eosinophil were significantly different between LPS and MOE treatments (P < 0.05). In summary, MOE had a potentially good effect on growth performance and some part of immune response in weaned pigs.

A total of 112 weanling pigs with an average body weight of 6.70 ± 1.31 kg were allotted to one of four experimental diets for a 6 wk feeding trail to evaluate the effects of protected organic acids on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbial counts. Diets consisted of basal diet (CON), CON + 0.2% unprotected organic acid (UOA), CON + 0.1% protected organic acid (POA1), and CON + 0.2% POA (POA2). Feeding POA diets to weanling pigs increased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) during 0–2 wk and overall experimental period, and it also increased (P < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) compared with UOA. The addition of increasing levels of POA showed greater (linear effect, P < 0.05) ADG, gain/feed ratio, and ATTD of DM. In addition, dietary inclusion of increasing levels of POA linearly increased (P < 0.05) the fecal Lactobacillus counts, whereas the Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts, diarrhea score, fecal ammonia, and acetic acid emissions were reduced (linear effect, P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.2% POA to weanling pigs has the potential to improve growth performance and reduce diarrhea incidence while balancing microbial counts.

The use of adjustment factors with alternate morning (AM) and evening (PM) milk tests to predict daily milk yield and fat percentage from single milking could lead to erroneous daily data. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between predicted daily milk yield or milk fat percentage, calculated using single milking samples and Canadian adjustment factors, and the actual daily milk yield or milk fat percentage, as well as to explore feeding and management variables, that could improve daily predictions. A total of 4277 Holstein cows in 100 dairy herds were enrolled. Separate PM and AM milk samples were collected for each cow using in-line milk meters. Daily milk yield and milk fat percentage predictions were computed from single-milking samples using adjustment factors taking into account milking interval and milking time. Concordance correlation coefficients between actual daily milk yields and daily milk yield predictions from PM (0.970) and AM (0.974) milkings were higher than those between actual daily milk fat percentages and daily milk fat percentage predictions from PM (0.897) and AM (0.917) milkings. There were only slight prediction improvements when days in milk, parity, and some feeding management variables were entered in models aiming to explain residuals.

Sixteen cannulated pigs were used to evaluate the effect of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB, low vs. high), energy source (cornstarch vs. dextrose), and adaptation length (3–4 or 6–7 d) to the diets on basal ileal endogenous amino acid (EAA) losses in pigs fed nitrogen-free diets (NFD) in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each of the two phases lasted 7 d with a 12 h digesta collection on days 3, 4, 6, and 7. Pigs received a daily feed allowance of 4% of their body weight. There was no significant three-way interaction. Longer adaptation length increased (P < 0.05) ileal endogenous losses of N, arginine (Arg), glycine (Gly), proline (Pro), and total amino acid (AA). Dextrose-based NFD resulted in higher (P < 0.05) ileal dry matter digestibility and EAA losses (13 of 18 AAs) compared with pigs fed cornstarch-based NFD. High DEB resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in endogenous threonine, cysteine, Gly, and serine losses. The two-way interaction between energy source and DEB was significant for N, total AA, and five AAs with a combination of dextrose and low DEB resulting in higher (P < 0.05) losses. Results from this study show that NFD could be fed for a shorter period of time (3–4 d) with results that are comparable to a 7 d adaptation period except for N, Arg, Gly, and Pro.

The study aimed to offer clarification on pig sort loss and associated marketing strategies using a simulated pig marketing model that contemplates both the carcass weight and the predicted leanness of the pig. The objective was to investigate economic variability associated with marketing strategies using simulated pig marketing models. The simulation considered six producers with the presumption that each had a maximum capacity for 4800 grow-finish pigs, in an attempt to imitate commercial finishing barns with 48 pens of roughly 100 pigs per pen. Under the assumption that variability decreased with the addition of each marketing cut, the simulation incorporated a standard deviation reduction of 20% per increase of one marketing cut for both carcass weight and predicted leanness of the population of pigs marketed. Consequently, it was found that there was an increase in profitability, as well as a decrease in pig sort loss (defined with both carcass weight and predicted leanness) with each marketing cut, but these improvements would diminish with each additional marketing cut.

A total of 96 growing pigs (25.11 ± 0.69 kg) were used in this 14 wk feeding trial to evaluate the correlation between crude protein (CP) levels and different space allowances under sawdust bed feeding system on performance in growing–finishing pigs. Pigs were blocked with the following factors: (i) standard space (SS) allowance or wide space (WS) allowance and (ii) basal diet [control (CON)] or 10% reduction in CP of basal diet. The average daily feed intake was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with the CON in the SS. Pigs fed the 10% reduced CP diet in SS significantly increased (P < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen and dry matter. The blood urea nitrogen and cortisol concentrations of blood were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with the 10% reduced CP diet in the SS. The ammonia emissions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the 10% reduced CP diets. The fecal Lactobacillus concentration increased in pigs fed the 10% reduced CP diets in WS. In conclusion, the pigs fed with the 10% reduced CP diet in the SS reduced production cost and odour emissions, improved nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and blood profile in growing–finishing pigs.

Gluconic acid was proposed as a prebiotic for nonruminants; however, a ruminant application is undescribed. The first experiment was a 5 × 5 Latin square with five test doses of calcium gluconate (CaG) at 0, 5, 17, 32, and 46 g d^-1. Treatments were infused into the abomasum of lactating dairy cows for 28 d and milk was collected on days 26, 27, and 28. The second experiment was a crossover where cows (N = 30) were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with (0.2% of dry matter) and without CaG for 28 d. Milk (days 26, 27, and 28) and blood (day 28) were collected from all cows and rumen fluid (day 28) from a subset of six rumen-cannulated cows. Infusion of CaG into the abomasum increased milk fat yield and decreased dry matter intake resulting in improved feed efficiency. In contrast, cows fed CaG in the TMR had decreased milk yield and milk protein and lactose yields compared with control. In the subset of rumen-cannulated cows, the proportion of butyric acid was decreased and acetic acid increased relative to total volatile fatty acid in cows fed CaG. These findings suggest that CaG utilization may be different in the rumen and lower gastrointestinal tract.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of brown seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplementation and chlorinated skin wash on skin and carcass microbial contamination in goats. In a completely randomized design with split-plot, 32 Boer × Spanish bucks were fed a diet containing alfalfa pellets (60%) and Tasco feed supplement (40%) with (four pens) or without (four pens) seaweed extract for 14 d. Goats were processed in two batches. Two bucks from each pen were spray washed with chlorinated water (50 mg L^-1) after stunning and bleeding, and the other two bucks were processed as unwashed controls. Skin swab samples were obtained from the hind legs (5 cm × 5 cm) prior to overnight holding, after holding, and after spray washing. Immediately after skinning and evisceration, carcass swab samples were taken to assess contamination levels. The effect of spray wash on aerobic plate counts on skin (3.65 vs. 4.30 log₁₀ CFU cm^-2) was significant (P < 0.05). Also, the goats subjected to seaweed extract dietary treatment plus spray wash had the lowest skin Escherichia coli counts. Seaweed extract supplementation before slaughtering, combined with chlorinated spray wash during processing, can be used as a viable decontamination strategy in goat processing.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of yeast extract complex derived from Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a non-antibiotic functional product. In total, 150 crossbred weaning pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc, 28-d-old] with an average body weight (BW) of 7.27 ± 1.47 kg were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments [five pigs per pen (two barrows and three gilts); 10 pens per treatment] for a 6 wk trial in three phases based on BW. Treatments consisted of corn–soybean-meal-based basal diet (CON) and basal diet supplemented with 0.2% or 0.4% yeast extract complex (YEC). The supplementation of 0.4% YEC to basal diet increased (P < 0.05) BW during phases 2 and 3 compared with CON. The average daily gain increased (P < 0.05) during week 1 and overall period, and gain to feed ratio was higher (P < 0.05) during phase 1 in pigs fed 0.4% YEC diets compared with those fed CON diets. In addition, the fecal Lactobacillus counts were increased (P < 0.05) with the supplementation of 0.2% and 0.4% YEC suggesting that 0.4% YEC supplementation could be used as non-antibiotic functional product.

Zinc (Zn) is a micromineral with structural, catalytic, and regulatory functions in muscle tissue. It improves growth in ruminants because it modulates energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zn methionine (Zn-Met) and (or) Zn oxide (ZnO) addition in the diet of Katahdin × Dorper lambs on performance, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics. Forty non-castrated Katahdin × Dorper F1 lambs were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups: (1) Zn-Met (65 ppm), (2) ZnO (65 ppm), (3) Zn-Met + ZnO (32.5 + 32.5 ppm), and (4) basal diet (BD, without Zn). The duration of experiment was 93 d. Treatment Zn-Met + ZnO vs. control improved (P ≤ 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC); ZnO increased leg perimeter and decreased visceral fat. Intramuscular fat (IMF) and marbling of chop with Zn-Met + ZnO vs. control were higher (P ≤ 0.05). Oxidative stability of cooked meat was delayed (P ≤ 0.05) with Zn-Met + ZnO. Myristic acid was lowest (P ≤ 0.05) with ZnO, and arachidonic acid was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in Zn-Met. Therefore, compared with the BD, Zn-Met + ZnO improved the ADG and FC, decreased the shear force, and delayed the stability oxidative in cooked meat; Zn-Met and ZnO increased the IMF and marbling; additionally, Zn-Met increased arachidonic acid and ZnO decreased visceral fat and myristic acid.

For a new management practice to be adopted in broiler production, it must be efficient and economically viable. Few studies have been conducted with the purpose of evaluating costs and revenues relative to cleaning and disinfection. Based on the need to show economic efficiency of these practices, we compared two cleaning and disinfection protocols. The first method is more detailed and developed in seven steps, whereas the second method is more simplified with three steps. The costs, estimated total revenue from poultry carcass sale, and gross margin of sale were calculated for each cleaning and disinfection program. As expected, the cost of executing the first protocol was greater than the second one. However, due to the positive influences of preventive procedures, such as cleaning and disinfection on broiler performance, it was hypothesized that the two protocols would have similar gross margins from the sale of chicken carcasses. This study demonstrates an increase in economic viability when invested in a more detailed and complete cleaning and disinfection protocol. From the results obtained with the present study, it is possible to demonstrate a greater profitability and economic feasibility when a more detailed cleaning and disinfection protocol was carried out, due to similarity of its gross margin from the sale of product compared with simplified protocol.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary supplementation of 1,2-diacylglycerol (1,2-DAG) and 1,3-diacylglycerol (1,3-DAG) as emulsifier in a corn–soybean-meal-based diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood characteristics in growing pigs. A total of 75 cross-bred [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] growing pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 24.27 ± 1.58 kg were used in a 6 wk trial. Pigs were randomly allocated into one of three treatments according to their sex and BW (five replicates with two gilts and three barrows per replication pen). Treatments were as follows: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) TRT1, CON + 0.1% 1,2-DAG; and (3) TRT2, CON + 0.1% 1,3-DAG. The DAG diets trended to increase BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (P < 0.10) compared with CON diet in growing pigs. Pigs fed with DAG diets had higher (P < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen compared with the CON diet. Dietary supplementation with 1,3-DAG diet increased (P < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, and triglycerides concentration was decreased (P < 0.05) in the 1,2-DAG and 1,3-DAG diets. In conclusion, dietary DAG supplementation positively affected ADG, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in growing pigs, especially 1,3-DAG.

This study evaluated the effect of three phytases in reduced nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) diets. In total, 2100 male Cobb 500^® chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design. Ten experimental diets were used: NPP1 reduction of 0.12% NPP plus phytase A, B, C, or without; NPP2 reduction of 0.22% NPP plus phytase A, B, C, or without; positive control diet, attending nutrient requirements; negative control diet, deficit of 0.10% NPP. The 2 × 4 + 2 (two levels NPP, three phytases or without, and two controls) design was used, and the means were compared by Tukey’s or Dunnet’s (p < 0.05) tests. There were significant interactions on day 21 for weight gain (p < 0.01), feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01), and day 35 for weight gain (p < 0.01), feed intake (p < 0.01), feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01), European production efficiency factor (p < 0.01), and it was shown that three phytases in NPP1 diet had the same result as positive control (PC) diet. NPP2 diets without phytase promoted high calcium (p < 0.01) and low phosphorus (p < 0.01) in plasma, and the significant interaction showed higher activity for alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.023). The significant interactions for resistance (p = 0.001) and ash (p < 0.01) of femur indicate that inclusion of phytases in diet NPP1 improved the availability of minerals, suggesting that this reduction plus phytase would be enough for better results.

L’étude typologique mise en place a pour but de caractériser les différents types d’élevages bovins laitiers dans la wilaya de Souk-Ahras à vocation laitière en Algérie. Pour ceci, nous avons analysé les données d’une enquête qui a porté sur 91 exploitations: analyse des correspondances multiples, suivie d’une classification ascendante hiérarchique. L’analyse a démontré que le foncier, la taille de cheptel et la race sont les principales caractéristiques qui discriminent les trois groupes identifiés (G1, G2 et G3). Les résultats ont en outre démontré une très faible productivité des élevages malgré l’importance du potentiel génétique du cheptel. Ainsi une surface agricole utile et une taille du cheptel importantes dans les deux premiers groupes (G1 et G2) n’ont pas contribué à l’amélioration de la productivité qui reste similaire au (G3) dans lequel la contrainte foncière est plus accentuée. Cette situation est attribuée principalement à la faible production fourragère en raison de la faible pluviométrie et des surfaces irriguées, réservées principalement aux cultures céréalières jugées plus rentables. Devant ce constat, la forte dépendance envers les approvisionnements en concentré dans la ration des vaches peut s’expliquer par les faibles quantités des fourrages disponibles dans les exploitations étudiées.

Colostrum samples of first, second, and third milking were collected from 72 cows. Immunoglobulins were determined by colostrometer, Brix refractometer, online Afilab spectrometer, and ELISA. Correlation of immunoglobulin G level measured by ELISA and colostrometer was 0.79, for Brix 0.76, and for Afilab 0.70. Assuming a dichotomic cutoff at 50 mg mL^-1, sensitivity was 88.2% and specificity was 87.9%. Afilab can provide measures of colostrum quality in real time and all the herd data are stored on the computer automatically, therefore it could be used for further analyses for management decisions and genetic evaluation.

A study was conducted to estimate the threonine (Thr) requirement of pigs fed high-fibre diets. Average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed (G:F) were linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary Thr. Linear and quadratic breakpoint models estimated 0.76% and 0.80% standard ileal digestible Thr to maximize ADG and 0.76% and 0.81% to maximize G:F, respectively.