This study investigates the effect of two dietary fats, namely linseed oil (LO) and lard (LF), and supplementation with pumpkin seeds (PS) on the performance, oxidative status, and blood serum metabolites of broilers, along with the composition, oxidative stability, and fatty acid (FA) profile of broiler meat. Ninety-six 64-d-old naked neck chickens were randomly distributed into four groups of 24 chickens each (8 chickens per cage, three cages per treatment) and fed a LO diet, a LO diet supplemented with 50 g PS kg^-1, a LF diet, and a LF diet supplemented with 50 g PS kg^-1. The antioxidant system is increased and reactive oxygen species decreased in chickens fed PS diets. Glycemia and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the chickens fed PS diets than in those given diets without supplementation; the cholesterol levels were also significantly lower in the chickens fed LO diets than those fed LF diets. However, the LO diet affected the fresh meat quality by decreasing pH values of the meat at 24 h after slaughter. Adding PS to the LO diet improved the oxidative stability of the muscle at day 3 of refrigerated storage. The use of LO instead of LF favourably modulates the FA profile of meat, by increasing both linoleic and α-linolenic acid content and reducing the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio, atherogenic and thrombogenic index.

Ideally balanced dietary protein is critical for laying hen egg production and feed efficiency, but also affects other important characteristics. This research was designed to study the nonegg production and feed intake response of Lohmann-LSL Lite hens to 550, 625, 700, 775, and 850 mg d^-1 of amino acid balanced digestible lysine (Dlys) from 27 to 66 wk of age. Data collection included hen weight (HW), feather scoring, tissue weights, egg specific gravity, egg component weights, and excreta nitrogen (N) content. The experiment was a completely randomized design and level of significance was fixed at P ≤ 0.05. Hen weight (quadratic, Q), pectoralis muscle (absolute, % – Q), and abdominal fat (absolute – linear, L; % – Q) increased with increasing Dlys intake. Although gastrointestinal segment weights and lengths were affected by Dlys intake, interpretation of results was confounded by other aspects of diet composition. Hen feather score (L) and excreta N content (Q) increased, and egg shell quality (L) decreased with increasing Dlys intake. Absolute egg component weights increased with Dlys intake, but effects on proportional weights were Q and relatively minor. In conclusion, balanced Dlys intake affected a variety of practical nonproduction characteristics in laying hens.

Associations of blood metabolites and production variables with ovarian function and parity, specifically, interval to first ovulation (IFO) and the incidence of ovarian cysts (OC) and multiple ovulation (MOV) at the first ovulation postpartum, were determined in lactating dairy cows. This retrospective study involved data on 169 Holstein cows from three studies on the same herd. Blood samples were taken weekly from week -1 to week 4, relative to calving, and transrectal ultrasonography was performed twice weekly from day 7 to day 60 postpartum. The overall IFO was 32.6 ± 1.9 d (mean ± SEM) and did not differ among lactations. Primiparous cows were at a greater risk of failing to ovulate before day 60 postpartum and cows in the third or greater lactation were at a higher risk for OC and MOV. Blood metabolites and production variables indicating a negative energy balance were associated with cows failing to ovulate before day 35 postpartum, but were not related with OC. Increased dry matter intake and milk yield, particularly in second lactation cows, were associated with a higher incidence of OC. While beta-hydroxybutyrate acid and insulin-like growth factor 1 were associated with MOV, the relationship was weak. Reducing negative energy balance is necessary to reduce IFO but may increase the incidence of MOV.

This study evaluated the effects of three genomic indicators of heterosis on female fertility and lifetime productivity, and quantified changes over 11 production cycles in a crossbred cow herd. Pedigree-based breed composition (pBC) was determined and used to calculate retained heterozygosity for 412 replacement heifers born from 2004 to 2014 at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre (AB, Canada). Heifers were followed as cows over 1050 mating opportunities, 11 production cycles, and five parities. Heifers and their sires (51) were genotyped and these genotypes were used to predict each animal’s genomic breed composition (gBC) and three genomic indicators of heterosis: (1) retained heterozygosity (RHETg), (2) heterozygous proportion (H), and (3) retained heterosis (RHg). Correlations between pedigree and genomic breed fractions for Angus, Hereford, and Charolais were high (r_p = 0.74–0.94; P < 0.001). Genomic indicators of heterosis were highly related (r_p = 0.61 for RHETg vs. H; 0.71 for RHg vs. H; 0.96 for RHETg vs. RHg; P < 0.001). Each 10% change in RHETg resulted in 51 ± 20 d longer survival (P = 0.011) in the herd and 35.7 ± 15.2 kg more (P = 0.019) calf wean weight per cow exposed to breeding when summed over five parities. These differences resulted in an extra $161 per heifer in a year. Optimizing heterosis using genomic tools can be very beneficial for the cow herd if applied correctly.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of treating oat hulls with calcium oxide (CaO) prior to inclusion in a high-lipid by-product pellet (HLP) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and total-tract digestibility (Study 1) and growth performance (Study 2). In Study 1, six ruminally cannulated heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Study 2 used 210 steers in 21 pens in a 113 d finishing study. Dietary treatments for both studies included a barley-based control diet (CON), a diet where HLP partially replaced barley grain (NT-HLP), and a diet where HLP contained oat hulls treated with 7.5% CaO [dry matter (DM) basis; CaO-HLP]. For Study 1, DMI and ruminal pH were not affected. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than NT-HLP and CaO-HLP. In Study 2, final body weight tended to be greater for NT-HLP and CaO-HLP than CON (P = 0.065). For CaO-HLP and NT-HLP, DMI was greater than CON (P < 0.01), but average daily gain (ADG) (2.0 kg d^-1) and gain:feed (G:F) (0.16 kg kg^-1) were not different. Thus, HLP can partially replace barley grain in finishing diets without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation or growth performance, but treatment with CaO has no effect.

Cashmere, which has high economic value, is made from the secondary hair follicles of cashmere goat skin. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are considered the center for regulation of hair growth, which is closely related to hair follicle growth. We constructed LEF-1 overexpression and interference experimental groups of goat DPCs to investigate LEF-1 regulation of DPCs proliferation by Wnt signaling, and provide a theoretical basis for improving cashmere yield. In primary DPCs, LEF-1, β-catenin, C-myc, and cyclin D1 expression in the LEF-1 overexpression group was 9.25-, 1.27-, 1.74-, and 1.63-fold, respectively, that of the control. LEF-1, β-catenin, C-myc, and cyclin D1 expression in the LEF-1 interference group was 0.20-, 0.75-, 0.38-, and 0.39-fold, respectively, that of the control. In secondary DPCs, LEF-1, β-catenin, C-myc, and cyclin D1 expression in the LEF-1 overexpression group was 10.53-, 1.48-, 1.64-, and 1.39-fold, respectively, that of the control. LEF-1, β-catenin, C-myc, and cyclin D1 expression in the LEF-1 interference group was 0.21-, 0.71-, 0.40-, and 0.36-fold, respectively, that of the control. Primary and secondary DPCs proliferation rates changed with LEF-1 expression. Therefore, the LEF-1 regulation pattern of cell proliferation through Wnt signaling is similar in both DPCs.

The study was designed to determine the effect of endotoxin-induced inflammation on luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor expression in the pars tuberalis (PT) of ewes during anestrous season and follicular phase taking into account the time of the day. Moreover, the effect of inflammation on the release of melatonin and its type I receptor gene expression in the PT was also determined. Lipopolysaccharide administration reduced nocturnal release of melatonin only during anestrous season, but it did not influence the gene expression of melatonin type I receptor in the PT. Inflammation inhibited nocturnal increase in the gene and protein expression of LH in the PT during the follicular phase. Since in day-active species nocturnal accumulation of LH protein in the pituitary precedes the LH surge, this lowering of LH content may delay or disturb the surge occurrence. Suppression of LH secretion could have resulted from the decreased sensitivity of the PT on the action of GnRH because inflammation reduced GnRH receptor expression. The study suggests that the ability of endotoxin to suppress LH synthesis in the PT may be another mechanism by which inflammation disturbs reproductive neuroendocrine axis in seasonal breeders.

Cows were fed ration for 9 wk containing 5, 48, 201, and 822 μg kg^-1 ergot alkaloids. The objective was to evaluate the impact of ergot consumption in beef cow–calf operations. Ergot alkaloids up to 822 μg kg^-1 did not alter the weight of peripartum and postpartum beef cows (P = 0.93) or nursing calves (P = 0.08), rectal temperature (P = 0.16), or plasma prolactin concentrations (P = 0.30) at moderate ambient temperatures. Ergot did not influence the time (>1 ng mL^-1; P = 0.79) or the progesterone concentration (P = 0.38) at the time of first postpartum rise or the size of the first (14 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.40) and second (13 ± 0.5 mm; P = 0.41) follicles to ovulate. The maximum size of the first postpartum corpus luteum (CL) was 4 mm larger in the 822 μg kg^-1 ergot group compared with the control (P = 0.03) for the first ovulation post partum, but not for the second (P = 0.11). There was no effect of ergot exposure on the number of days until the appearance of the first (43 ± 4 d; P = 0.95) or second (52 ± 4 d; P = 0.98) CL post partum. Ergot alkaloid concentrations up to 822 μg kg^-1 did not affect pregnancy rates (X² = 0.36). In conclusion, ergot alkaloid exposure for 9 wk to concentrations as high as 822 μg kg^-1 did not alter performance in pregnant and postpartum beef cattle at moderate ambient temperatures.

Retinoid acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a major cytoplasmic RNA sensor, playing an essential role in detecting viral RNA and triggering antiviral innate immune responses. The objective of the present study was to characterize the structure and expression of the RIG-I gene in pigeons. The pigeon RIG-I (piRIG-I) was cloned from splenic lymphocytes of pigeons using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The cDNA of piRIG-I contains a 147 bp 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs), a 2787 bp open reading frame, and 2962 bp 3′-UTRs. Based on this sequence, the encoded piRIG-I protein is predicted to consist of 928 amino acids, and it has conserved domains typical of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) including two tandem arranged N-terminal caspase recruitment domains, a domain with the signature of DExD/H box helicase (helicase domain), and a C-terminal repression domain similar to finch RIG-I, duck RIG-I, goose RIG-I, human RIG-I, and mouse RIG-I. The piRIG-I shows 82.1%, 78.6%, and 78.2% amino acid sequence identity with previously described finch RIG-I, duck RIG-I, and goose RIG-I, respectively, and 49.7%–53.8% sequence identity with mammalian homologs. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that the piRIG-I mRNA is scarcely detected in healthy tissues, and it is strongly expressed in the thymus gland, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius. These findings lay the foundation for further research on the function and mechanism of avian RIG-I in innate immune response related to vaccinations and infectious diseases in the pigeon.

This study aimed to estimate heritability for milk cholesterol (CHL) and genetic correlations between milk CHL and other production traits (test-day milk, fat, and protein yields, fat and protein percentages, and somatic cell score). Milk CHL content was determined by gas chromatography and expressed as mg of CHL in 100 g of fat (CHL_fat) or in 100 mg of milk (CHL_milk). Univariate models were used to estimate variances and heritability, whereas bivariate models were used to compute correlations using data from 1793 cows. The average concentrations (standard deviation) of CHL_fat and CHL_milk were 275.63 (75) mg and 11.16 (3.63) mg, respectively. Milk CHL content was significantly affected by days in milk and herd (P < 0.05), but not by parity, regardless of the scale of expression. Heritability estimates for CHL_fat and CHL_milk were 0.06 ± 0.04 and 0.17 ± 0.06, respectively. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between CHL_fat and CHL_milk were 0.82 and 0.44 ± 0.24, respectively. CHL_fat had nonsignificant genetic correlations with all production traits, whereas CHL_milk had significant (P < 0.05) genetic correlations with milk yield (-0.47), fat yield (0.51), protein percentage (0.56), and fat percentage (0.88). This is the first study to estimate genetic parameters for milk CHL content. Further studies are required to assess the possibility of genetically selecting cows with lower milk CHL content.

The aim of this research was to compare growth performance, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, blood parameters, antioxidant status, and meat colour stability of lambs fed diets that partially or completely substituted corn with sorghum. Twenty-four male German merino weaned lambs (16.19 ± 2.05 kg body weight) were divided into four treatments in a completely randomized design. The diets for four treatments contained 450 g kg^-1 of ground corn (C), 300 + 150 g kg^-1 of ground corn and sorghum (CSM1), 150 + 300 g kg^-1 of ground corn and sorghum (CSM2) and 450 g kg^-1 ground sorghum (S); all diets consisted of 70% concentrated feed and 30% Leymus chinensis hay. The lambs were fed the experimental diets for 56 d. Inclusion of sorghum tended to increase average daily weight gain and total gain (P = 0.06), and lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.10). Significant increase in nitrogen (N) intake and fecal N excretion was observed after substitution of corn with sorghum, and the apparent digestibility of crude protein was significantly reduced. Concentrations of ammonia N in rumen fluid were affected by treatment (P = 0.01) and an interaction (P < 0.01) between treatment and sampling time. No significant effects were found on blood parameters among treatments. Replacement of corn with sorghum significantly decreased b* (yellowness) values of meat during storage. Sorghum instead of corn is feasible in lamb diets, and it has positive effects on the lamb growth and meat quality.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation during late gestation on reproductive performance, colostrum yield, colostral fatty acid composition, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in primiparous sows. Twenty-four primiparous Landrace × Large White pregnant sows were randomly selected and assigned to four dietary treatments: 0% (control), 0.75%, 1.50%, and 2.25% CLA supplementation from day 85 of gestation to parturition. During lactation, all sows were fed the same commercial diet. The preweaning mortality of suckling piglets born to dams fed supplemental CLA did decrease linearly (P = 0.01) during lactation. Administration of CLA during gestation increased linearly (P < 0.01) total saturated fatty acids and decreased linearly (P < 0.01) monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum. The concentrations of CLA isomers were higher (P < 0.01) in colostrum from primiparous sows fed CLA diets than in the control group. Feeding CLA increased (P < 0.05) colostral IgG concentrations, as well as that in the serum of neonatal piglets. In conclusion, 2.25% CLA supplementation in the diet of primiparous sows during late gestation could improve the passive immunity through colostral IgG and the survival of suckling piglets.

The loss of genetic variability in a population will drastically affect the success of a breeding program by reducing selection response and fitness and, consequently, affecting reproduction, resilience, and production efficiency. The objective of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of the pedigree of the Canadian sheep breeds to assess the levels of inbreeding, effective population size, and other metrics of genetic diversity, which included the five most important sheep breeds in Canada: Dorset, Polypay (PO), Rideau-Arcott, Romanov (RV), and Suffolk, using a large dataset (1 336 926 animals). As measures of genetic diversity, effective population size, inbreeding coefficient, effective number of founders, effective number of founder genomes, effective number of nonfounders, and effective number of ancestors were estimated. The completeness and depth of the Canadian sheep pedigree datasets were reasonably high, with <20% parental information missing. More attention should be given to PO breed, which was found to have the smallest effective population size (55), and RV breed, which had the highest average level of inbreeding (4.8%). Techniques such as optimum contribution selection and minimum coancestry mating could be used to minimize the inbreeding of future generations, while maintaining genetic progress at a desirable level.

A single-nucleotide polymorphisms-based genomic relationship matrix (G_SNP) discriminate less identity by state from identity by descent (IBD) alleles compared with a multi-locus haplotype-based relationship matrix (G_HAP), which can better capture IBD alleles and recent relationships. We aimed to compare the prediction reliability and prediction bias of genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) using either G_SNP or G_HAP in Holstein cattle. Therefore, a total of 57 traits with a wide range of heritability values were analyzed. Classical validation tests were done using a validation dataset comprised of 50k genotype records of 561–669 proven bulls born in 2010–2011 with an official estimated breeding value (EBV) in 2016 and a training set of 5314–19 678 bulls born before 2010, depending on the trait. The method for building the genomic relationship matrix (G) had significant, but small effect on observed reliability (r²_GEBV) (p < 0.0001) and bias (p < 0.0001). A significant interaction between G and the level of trait heritability on r²_GEBV and bias was also observed (p < 0.0001). The small gains in r²_GEBV and small reductions in the bias by using G_HAPBLUP were increased when predicting moderate to high-heritability traits compared with low-heritability traits.

Different approaches were evaluated to improve the accuracy of carcass yield predictions of Canadian lamb carcasses using manually obtained measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Several linear carcass measurements were obtained from a population of commercial lamb carcasses representative of the variability in Canadian slaughter plants (n = 155). Carcass measures were categorized into four sets according to when each measure could be obtained in the slaughter process. Each set of carcass measurements were subjected to stepwise regression and used to develop models for the estimation of lean meat and saleable yield percentages. Tissue depth measures (at the GR site) explained 44% of variation in lean meat yield in hot carcasses and 53% in cold carcasses. When additional parameters were included with cold GR, the regression model explained 61.9% of the variability in lean meat yield. Saleable yield predictions were less accurate (R² < 0.40); the greatest degree of variability was predicted when the model included ribeye area (R² = 0.39). The DEXA scans obtained on carcass sides were able to predict about 78% of variability in carcass lean meat yield and 91% of fat content. This information could be used by the lamb meat industry to establish new carcass classification systems based on more accurate lean meat yield values.

The present study investigated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D (VD) supplements on growth performance, Ca:P digestion and metabolism, and serum biochemical indexes of growing male mink (Mustela vison) under conditions of a fixed 2:1 ratio of Ca to P. About 135 dark male mink were randomly assigned to nine groups. The experiment was conducted with a 3 × 3 (Ca:P × VD) factorial design using a corn–fish meal-based diet that contained 2.3% Ca, 1.15% P, and 2100 IU kg^-1 VD. The supplementary Ca and P levels were 0%:0%, 0.4%:0.2%, and 0.8%:0.4% of the diets, respectively, whereas supplementary VD levels were 0, 2000, and 4000 IU kg^-1. The Ca and P dosage had a significant effect on growth performance of the mink (P < 0.05). The appropriate VD level, which was 4100 IU kg^-1, significantly improved protein utilization and Ca and P digestibility of growing mink (P < 0.05). In addition, excreta pollution to the environment was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Ca:P (3.1%:1.55%) and VD (4100 IU kg^-1) had an important effect on growth performance and protein utilization in growing mink and could reduce environmental pollution by improving protein and P utilization.

Salmonella colonization often establishes carrier status in infected animals, which decreases their performance. Salmonella-carrying pigs shed large amounts of bacteria in their feces, and thus they have a negative economic impact on the swine industry. The MS4A8 gene (membrane-spanning 4-domains A8) was significantly activated, by up to 119-fold, in peripheral blood after Salmonella inoculation of pigs. The present study analyzed the correlation of peripheral blood expression level and a genetic variant of porcine MS4A8 with Salmonella-infection traits. The result indicated that MS4A8 expression levels correlated significantly with Salmonella shedding counts. Both the expression of MS4A8 and fecal shedding counts correlated with leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, segmented neutrophils, and banded neutrophils. A novel single nucleotide polymorphism of porcine MS4A8 (nonsynonymous, Val > Ala) was associated with Salmonella shedding counts and average daily gain (ADG) of body weight. The TT genotype had higher fecal shedding counts, leukocyte counts, and lymphocyte counts than the TC and CC genotypes. The CC genotype had higher level of ADG than the TC and TT genotype (p < 0.05). Those results indicated that MS4A8 is intriguing and could be used as a prospective genetic marker for Salmonella susceptibility.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two isoproteic total mixed rations containing either red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RC diet) or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.; LU diet) silage as the major forage source on milk yield, milk composition, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in dairy ewes. Sixteen dairy ewes were housed individually to receive the drawn diet (eight ewes eating each diet) and milked twice a day (0700 and 1500). Total dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, and nitrogen use efficiency were unaffected by treatments. The n-6/n-3 FA ratio tended to decrease, whereas the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and PUFAs/saturated fatty acids ratio increased in the milk fat of ewes fed the RC diet compared with ewes fed the LU diet. The presence of α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) and linoleic (C18:2n-6) acids in the milk fat was 22% higher in ewes fed the RC diet than in those fed the LU diet. Compared with the LU diet, the RC diet had no effect on milk yield and composition, but improved the milk FA profile in dairy ewes due to an increased proportion of PUFAs (in particular C18:3n-3 and, to a lesser extent, C18:2n-6) and a decreased n-6/n-3 FA ratio.

Twelve Holstein steers (454 ± 32 kg) with cannulas in rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a generalized randomized block design to compare steam-flaked corn (SFC), barley (SFB), wheat (SFW), and oats (SFO) as grain sources (74% of diet dry matter, flake density = 0.31 kg L^-1) on characteristics of digestion. Ruminal organic matter (OM) digestion was similar for SFC-, SFB-, and SFW-based diets, but lower for SFO. Ruminal microbial efficiency was greater for SFW and SFO. Given that the undegradable intake protein (UIP) value of SFC is 57%, the comparative UIP values for SFB, SFW, and SFO were 39.8%, 36.1%, and 47.3%, respectively. Ruminal starch digestion was lower for SFC than the other flaked grains. Total-tract OM digestion and digestible energy were greatest for SFC, intermediate for SFB and SFW, and lowest for SFO. Given the net energy maintenance (NE_m) value of SFC is 2.40 Mcal kg^-1, the comparative NE_m value for SFB, SFW, and SFO were 2.25, 2.36, and 2.17 Mcal kg^-1, respectively. Steam flaking results in important modifications of small grains that appreciably affect their comparative feeding value. Current standards underestimates the NE value of SFB, SFW, and SFO, and overestimates the UIP values for SFB and SFO.

Laying hens continue to improve in egg production (EP) and feed efficiency (FE), and therefore, it is relevant to re-examine their digestible balanced protein (BP) requirements. From 27 to 66 wk of age, hens (Lohmann-LSL Lite) were fed diets designed to provide 550, 625, 700, 775, or 850 mg hen^-1 d^-1 of amino acid balanced digestible lysine (Dlys). Response criteria included EP, egg weight (EW), feed intake (FI), mortality, egg mass (EM), egg size classifications, FE (kg feed kg^-1 EM), and lysine efficiency (LE; mg Dlys g^-1 EM). The experiment was a completely randomized design, and data were analyzed using regression analysis. Differences were considered significant if P ≤ 0.05. Hen-day (HD) EP, EW, EM, FI, and LE increased and FE and mortality decreased in a quadratic fashion with increasing Dlys intake, while the proportion of cracked eggs increased linearly. Egg size classifications increased linearly (jumbo, extra-large) and quadratically (large) or decreased in a quadratic manner (medium, small) with increasing Dlys intake. Maximum HDEP, EW, and EM, and minimum FE were achieved at 769, 903, 836, and 839 mg hen^-1 d^-1 intake of Dlys, respectively. In conclusion, the digestible BP requirement of laying hens varies with response criteria.

Combining reference populations from different countries and breeds could be an affordable way to enlarge the size of the reference populations for genomic prediction of breeding values. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to assess the genetic diversity within and between two Canadian and French pig breeds (Landrace and Yorkshire) and the genomic relatedness among populations to evaluate the feasibility of an across-country reference population for pig genomic selection. A total of 14 756 pigs were genotyped on two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip panels (∼65K SNPs). A principal component analysis clearly discriminated Landrace and Yorkshire breeds, and also, but to a lesser extent, the Canadian and French purebred pigs of each breed. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between adjacent SNPs was similar within Yorkshire populations. However, levels of LD were slightly different for Landrace populations. The consistency of gametic phase was very high between Yorkshire populations (0.96 at 0.05 Mb) and high for Landrace (0.88 at 0.05 Mb). Based on consistency of gametic phase, Canadian and French pig maternal lines are genetically close to each other. These results are promising, as they indicate that the accuracy of estimated genomic breeding values may increase by combining reference populations from the two countries.

Cytogenetic tests are highly reliable, sensitive indicators of the early effects of genomic instability. Their results provide information on the organism’s susceptibility to exogenous and endogenous factors and are measures of the degree of repair of DNA damage. Our study assessed spontaneously occurring damage in following four breeds of sheep: Polish Heath, Polish Lowland (Zelazna variety), Polish Blackhead, and Berrichon du Cher. Instability was identified using the following three different tests: a sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay, identification of fragile sites, and the comet assay. The distribution of instabilities varied depending on the breed. The mean frequency of SCEs was 5.13 ± 1.58, whereas that of fragile sites was 3.30 ± 1.24. The mean level of DNA damage (% head DNA) was 96.52 ± 6.59. The most damage to genetic material was observed in the Berrichon du Cher sheep, and the least in the Polish Heath sheep. The tests used are reliable biomarkers of genome stability in animal breeds, as well as in individuals within breeds.

The objective of the study was to determine the interaction of pen enrichment and sex on growth performance and blood metabolite concentrations of Windsnyer pigs. Forty-eight growing Windsnyer pigs of both sexes, with an average initial body weight of 21.6 (±9.01) kg were used. Daily feed intake and weekly body weights for each pen were measured. Blood was collected at the end of the experiment. Pen environment did not affect average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain. There was a pen environment and sex interaction on ADFI. Females in barren pens had higher ADFI than enriched females but ADFI in barren and enriched pens was similar for male pigs. Pigs in enriched environment were more efficient in converting feed into body weight than those in barren environment. There was an interaction of pen environment and sex on glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and alkaline phosphatase. Enriched males had higher albumin than males in barren environment. Enriched females had higher BUN than females in barren environment. It was concluded that enriched Windsnyer pigs housed at a density of 0.39 m² per pig, particularly females, perform better than those in barren environments.

The present study compared ammonia (NH₃) emissions from Canadian beef production in 1981–2011. Temporal and regional differences in cattle categories, feed types and management systems, average daily gains, carcass weights, and manure handling practices were considered. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis in 2011 estimated the impact of substituting corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) for grain in feedlot diets. On average, 22% of the total nitrogen (N) intake was lost as ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N) in both years. Manure emission sources were consistent across years, averaging 12%, 40%, 28%, and 21% for grazing, confinement, storage, and land spreading, respectively. Emissions per animal in 1981 and 2011 were 16.0 and 18.4 kg NH₃ animal^-1 yr^-1, respectively. On an intensity basis, kilogram of NH₃ emitted per kilogram of beef decreased 20%, from 0.17 in 1981 to 0.14 in 2011. This reduction was attributed to increases in reproductive efficiency, average daily gain and carcass weight, and improved breeding herd productivity. In 2011, substituting DDGS for grain in feedlot diets increased total NH₃ emissions and losses per animal. Although addition of by-products from the bioethanol industry can lower diet costs, it will be at the expense of an increase in NH₃ emissions.

Litter size is an important trait in the pig industry. Therefore, a lot of effort has been put into improving this trait. DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification present in unique DNA sequences. Alterations in methylation can affect transcription and phenotypic variation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DNA methylation on litter size. Methylation-specific restriction enzymes are simple and useful tools for detecting DNA methylation status. We used a pair of methylation-sensitive isoschizomers, which have the same recognition site, HpaII and MspI. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4) is a key regulator of ovarian follicular development and fetal growth in eutherian mammals. In this study, we discovered that IGFBP4 was hyper-methylated in the uterus tissue of a larger litter size group using bisulfite sequencing, and validated the positive relationship between the methylation status of IGFBP4 and the total number born of pigs using the porcine methylation-specific restriction enzyme polymerase chain reaction (PMP) assay. We suggest that the IGFPB4 gene can be used as a prognostic biomarker for hyperprolific sows and that the PMP assay is a useful tool for methylation status screening.

An experiment was conducted to assess effects of Enterococcus faecium and a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace); 51.04 ± 1.82 kg] were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; BOM1, CON + 500 mg kg^-1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; BOM2, CON + 1000 mg kg^-1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; EBOM1, BOM1 + 20 mg kg^-1E. faecium; EBOM2, BOM2 + 20 mg kg^-1E. faecium. Pigs fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake (during days 36–70 and days 1–70) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 35 and 70) compared with those fed BOM1 and BOM2 diets (P < 0.05). However, no differences on blood parameters and meat quality were observed between pigs offered BOM1 and BOM2 diets and those fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the combination of E. faecium and a blend of OAs and MCFAs was more effective in improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility than supplementation with blend of OAs and MCFAs alone in finishing pigs.

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) by growing pigs was determined in blood meal and six sources of meat and bone meal (MBM). Eighteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight: 69.3 ± 4.4 kg) were randomly allotted to a replicated 4 × 9 incomplete Latin square design with four periods and nine diets, giving eight replications per diet. One diet included 33% soybean meal (SBM) as the sole source of AA. Seven diets contained 9% blood meal or 9% of one of the six sources of MBM and 22% SBM as the only AA containing ingredients. The last diet was a nitrogen (N) free diet. Results indicated that the SID of all AAs were different (P < 0.05) among the six sources of MBM, but the SID of lysine (Lys) could not be predicted from the ratio between Lys and crude protein. For some, but not all AAs, the average SID in MBM was greater (P < 0.05) than in blood meal, but for most AAs the SID in MBM was less (P < 0.05) than in SBM. It is concluded that, as is the case for most other co-products, differences in concentration and SID of AAs among sources of MBM exist.

Benzoic acid (BA) supplement was evaluated as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP). Ninety-six piglets (21-d-old at weaning) were placed in pens (four piglets pen^-1) based on body weight (BW) and allocated (n = 8) to either control corn–soybean meal diet or control + in-feed antibiotic (AGP, 220 mg chlortetracycline hydrochloride and 31.2 mg tiamulin kg^-1) or control + 0.5% BA. Feed intake and BW were measured weekly. Fecal scores for incidence of diarrhea and fecal samples for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of components were taken in week 2. One pig per pen was euthanized on day 14 for jejunal histomorphology and digesta for pH and short-chain fatty acids concentration. In weeks 1–6, pigs fed AGP and BA had better (P < 0.01) gain to feed ratio compared with control fed pigs. On day 12, pigs fed AGP and BA showed lower (P = 0.01) fecal score than control fed pigs. Pigs fed BA had (P < 0.05) higher ATTD of crude protein and taller villi compared with the control or AGP fed pigs. Pigs fed AGP showed higher (P = 0.05) lactic acid concentrations than pigs fed BA, however, none differed (P > 0.05) with control pigs. In conclusion, BA supported piglet growth performance to the same extent as AGP.

The present experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dried citrus pulp and fermented medicinal plants in growing–finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs (62.34 ± 1.96 kg body weight) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments: (1) control, basal diet (CON); (2) diet containing 10% dried citrus pulp (DCP); (3) diet containing 10% dried citrus pulp supplemented with 0.1% fermented medicinal plants (DCPFMP). From weeks 0 to 5 and 0 to 10, pigs fed the DCPFMP diet had significantly decreased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake and increased (P < 0.05) gain:feed ratio compared with those fed the CON diet. The apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy was greater (P < 0.05), and serum total cholesterol concentration was decreased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the DCPFMP diet compared with those fed the DCP diet in week 10. In addition, an increase (P < 0.05) in Longissimus muscle area was observed for pigs fed the DCPFMP diet compared with those fed the CON diet. In conclusion, supplementation with fermented medicinal plants in a diet containing 10% dried citrus pulp improved growth performance and Longissimus muscle area and lowered serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol concentrations.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Macleaya cordata extracts (Chinese herbal medicine extracts) and antibiotics combination with chlortetracycline (CTC) on the antibiotic resistance genes in fecal microorganism. Compared with the group without antibiotics, the relative abundances of all six tetracycline resistance genes were increased after 75 mg kg^-1 CTC supplementation. Interestingly, M. cordata extracts in feed suppressed the increase of a part of tetracycline resistance genes in fecal microorganism of weaned pigs.

An in situ study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding red osier dogwood (ROD) on ruminal digestion of barley, ROD, and barley silage in beef heifers. Heifers were fed diets that varied by substituting ROD for barley silage at 0%, 3%, 7%, or 10%. Slowly degradable fraction and effective degradability (ED) of ROD crude protein (CP) linearly (P < 0.02) increased with increasing ROD. The ED of CP of barley and barley silage was reduced (P < 0.01) by feeding ROD. These results indicate that feeding ROD potentially reduces ruminal protein degradability, thereby improving protein efficiency.

This research focused on establishing the effects of a hot water shrink tunnel and chill tank following vacuum packaging on pork quality and bacteria growth. These preliminary results showed advantages in water-holding capacity (as assessed with purge loss), yet minimal effects on bacterial growth of pork products when using a hot water shrink tunnel and chill tank following vacuum packaging.

The proliferation of blood lymphocytes from nonpregnant, nonlactating heifers was comparable with that of nonpregnant cows in their first lactation. Both low and high levels of β-hydroxybutyrate and low levels of prolactin, but not isoproterenol, reduced the proliferative response of dairy heifers and cows in their first or second lactation.