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The amino acid requirements of growing horses are currently unknown, and studies suggest that threonine is a limiting amino acid in common horse diets. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the threonine requirement of growing horses fed two different forage to concentrate ratios using the indicator amino acid oxidation method. The study consisted of a high concentrate phase (HC; 60% concentrate and 40% forage) and a high forage phase (HF; 25% concentrate and 75% forage). Within each phase, 6 female yearling Thoroughbred horses were randomly assigned each of 6 dietary treatments in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. All 6 treatments were identical, apart from varying equimolar ratios of threonine to glutamate. After 6 days of adaptation, blood samples were collected before and after the morning meal for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and amino acid analysis. On day 7, horses underwent the IAAO protocol, during which regular breath and blood samples were collected. Phenylalanine flux, oxidation, non-oxidative disposal, and release from body protein, as well as total carbon dioxide production were calculated using plateau enrichment of samples. There was a significant linear effect of threonine intake on plasma threonine concentrations, and PUN had a significant linear response during the HC phase. There was no significant effect of treatment on phenylalanine oxidation during either phase (P ≥ 0.05). It is unlikely that threonine was limiting in the experimental diets.

Submitted by DANIELE PORTELA DE OLIVEIRA null (dane_portela@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-01-22T17:03:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Daniele_Portela_Oliveira.pdf: 1769682 bytes, checksum: 9ac9194cc8a6196378e1955ef1b0d3ff (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-01-25T15:49:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 oliveira_dp_dr_jabo.pdf: 1769682 bytes, checksum: 9ac9194cc8a6196378e1955ef1b0d3ff (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-25T15:49:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 oliveira_dp_dr_jabo.pdf: 1769682 bytes, checksum: 9ac9194cc8a6196378e1955ef1b0d3ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-01-11 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / A expansão dos programas de melhoramento de gado de corte buscam animais com maior peso ao abate em idades mais jovens associados a diversidade de climas aumentou o interesse por estudos com interação genótipo ambiente (G x A). Uma alternativa para identificar animais de maior potencial genético em idade jovens é a inclusão das informações genômicas nas avaliações genéticas. Com este trabalho objetivou-se analisar modelos de normas de reação com a inclusão da informação genômica por meio da matriz de relacionamento com pedigree e genótipos e identificar regiões genômicas associadas com o peso ao sobreano. Foram utilizados registros de peso de bovinos da raça Nelore com aproximadamente 520 dias de idade. Foram genotipados 5.091 animais com um painel de 777.962 SNPs (Illumina BovineHD Beadchip). As estimativas dos componentes de variância foram obtidas pela máxima verossimilhança restrita para os modelos com a matriz A-1 e H-1. Para comparar a habilidade de predição dos métodos no gradiente ambiental (GA) foram calculadas: a correlação entre o valor genômico (GEBV) e o fenótipo predito; a correlação foi dividida pela raiz quadrada da herdabilidade referente ao GA. A população de validação foi composta por animais nascidos entre 2009 e 2011. Os resultados das análises de associação genômica ampla foram apresentados com base na proporção de variância explicada em janelas de 200 SNPs adjacentes, e foram consideradas as duas janelas de maior valor. No Capítulo 2, os GAs foram considerados por fazenda e ano de nascimento dos animais. Os resultados para os parâmetros genéticos indicam que houve G x A, e que o modelo com a matriz H foi, em média, 19% superior ao modelo com a matriz A. Os cromossomos 14 e 27 se destacaram nos GAs. No capítulo 3, foi utilizado um processo iterativo proposto na literatura na definição dos GA. Os resultados dos componentes de variância para o intercepto e a inclinação foram semelhantes nos dois modelos. Entre os genes identificados para a inclinação da curva o gene CSMD3 se destacou, pois já foi identificado em bovinos com características de crescimento. / The growing of beef cattle breeding programs and the demand for animals for slaughter at young ages related with variety of climates conduced researches in genotype environmental interaction (GxE). The way to choose the top animals in young ages is include the genomic information on genetic evaluations. The aim of this study was to examine reaction norm models with genomic information by the relationship matrix with pedigree plus genotypes and looking for related genes with the yearling weight. The yearling weights from Nellore animals with about 520 days of age were used. A total of 5.091 animals were genotyped with a panel of 777,962 SNPs (IlluminaBovineHDBeadchip). The variance components were estimated through restricted maximum likelihood with A -1 and H -1 matrix. To compare the predictive ability of the methods, the following procedures were used: correlation between the genomic values (GEBV) and the predicted phenotypes and the correlation value divided by the square root of the heritability for each GA. Genotyped animals born between 2009 and 2011 were the test population. The results of the genome association analysis (GWAS) have been presented based on the proportion of variance explained by windows of 200 adjacent SNPs; and the top of two windows were studied. In chapter 2 the environmental gradients (EG) were composed by farm and birth age effects. Estimates of genetic parameters suggest the GxE; and the model with H matrix was 19% higher compared with the model with only pedigree on relationship matrix. Chromosomes 14 and 27 were the most important on the EG. In chapter 3 the EG were based on iterative process proposed in prior researches. The results of variance components for intercept and slope were almost the same for both models. The CSDM3 was the most important gene identified on reaction norm slope, because it was found in beef cattle before. / CNPq: 141021/2012-8

Radiographic examination of Thoroughbred racehorses at the time of the yearling sales is common practice in South Africa. Although it is generally accepted that yearlings will have some radiographic changes, there is only one study that estimated the prevalence of these changes in Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings in South Africa. Furniss et al reported on the occurrence of radiographic abnormalities over a one-year period (Furniss 2011). Furniss et al. study differs from other studies in that there was a higher prevalence of palmar metacarpophalangeal and plantar metatarsophalangeal osteochondral fragments and a lower prevalence of pedal osteitis, dorsal osteochondral fragmentation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, distal metacarpal saggital ridge changes, ulnar carpal bone lucencies, carpal osteophytes, distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joint changes, tarsal osteochondrosis lesions and stifle osteochondrosis lesions was found. This study will further assist practitioners to identify joints where the most prevalent changes are likely to occur. Our objective was to describe the prevalence and distribution of radiographic changes in the metacarpophalangeal joint, metatarsophalangeal joint, carpi, tarsi, stifle and fore digits of racing Thoroughbred yearlings in South Africa when examined as part of a pre-purchase examination during the Annual National Yearling Sales extending from 2008 through 2010. Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings were subjected to radiographic evaluation including the digit (n= 566 ), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=566 ), metatarsophalangeal joint (n= 566), carpi (n= 566), tarsi (n= 566) and stifle (n=566 ). The radiographic changes were categorised by location and type of change present for each series. The digit Where informal comparisons with previously published data can be made, similar changes of pedal osteitis were recorded in this study, with a total percentage of 6.7%. There was an 8.7% prevalence of inversion of the third pedal bone. Other studies describing radiographic changes in Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings did not investigate inversion of the third pedal bone, therefore results cannot be compared. The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with proximal The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with proximal sesamoid bones The prevalence of dorsoproximal phalanx one fragmentation (1.2%) of metacarpophalangeal joints were similar compared to other studies. Osteochondral fragmentation of proximal plantar phalanx one (6%) was 8.5 times more prevalent when compared to proximal palmar phalanx one (0.7%). The latter prevalence is in agreement with similar studies. There were low incidences of subchondral cyst-like lesions seen in distal third metacarpus (0.4%), distal third metatarsus (0.2%) and proximal first phalanx, similar to other studies. The most common change recorded on the dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus and metatarsus was a well-defined semi-circular notch (dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus 20.3%; dorsal aspect of distal third metatarsus 27%) similar to other studies. Our study showed a higher prevalence of lucencies present at dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus (8.5%) and metatarsus (4.2%) compared to other studies. There was a marked lower prevalence in the current study of flat distal palmar third metacarpal condyles (6%). Prevalence of palmar and plantar third metacarpal and metatarsal supracondylar lysis were markedly higher in the present study. Slight palmar and plantar third metacarpus and metatarsus supracondylar lysis was seen in 19.3% of the horses. Moderate to extreme palmar and plantar third metacarpus and metatarsus supracondylar lysis were present in 10.2% of the horses. The carpi There was a higher prevalence of dorsomedial carpal disease in our study population (11.3%) and prevalence of carpal osseous cyst-like lesions such as a circular lucency in ulnar carpal bone was lower (14%). A markedly higher prevalence of 4.2% in carpal osteochondral fragmentation was found. The tarsi Osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint showed a similar prevalence (13.4 %). Degenerative joint disease of tarsometatarsal joint had a higher prevalence (36%) than the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint (20.3%). There was also a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease in tarsometatarsal joint (36%). The stifle In the current study, osteochondrosis of the stifle had a similar prevalence (3.6%) when compared to other studies. 6 Conclusion In South Africa Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings, radiographic changes most commonly involved the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints, carpi and tarsi. This study revealed markedly higher prevalence of palmar and plantar third metacarpal and metatarsal supracondylar lysis (slight 19.3% and moderate to extreme 10.2%), carpal osteochondral fragmentation (4.2%) and degenerative joint disease in tarsometatarsal joint (36%). Establishment of normal prevalence and distribution of radiographic changes in South Africa Thoroughbred yearlings will allow for comparison with populations of young horses worldwide. Knowledge of the normal prevalence will assist veterinarians to identify joints in which radiographic changes are most likely to occur. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

The influence of a 60-day strength training regime on the flat walking Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) yearling performance was determined using behavioral, physiological, and biomechanical measurements. Four TWH yearlings participated in a 60-day strength training regime. Documentation was made on behavioral responses, and measurements were taken on respiratory rates and standing and flat walking kinematics. Means (SD) were determined for physiological and biomechanical variables, and paired t-tests (P=0.05) were performed. Morphometrics, kinematics, and temporal variables remained constant through training. The flat walk shared similar kinematics and temporal variables with the walk, except for the rhythm, bipedal support, head displacements, and hind fetlock joint motion. While respiratory rates were not significantly different in training response, the TWH yearling demonstrated more efficient respiration compared to the non-gaited trot. Training impact was limited to improved, desirable behavioral responses. Through survey responses by TWH trainers, additional training variables were indicated for future training protocols.

Reported survival rates, dates of family breakup, and dispersal patterns for yearling and subadult bears in hunted black bear (Ursus americanus) populations in North America are scarce. We estimated survival rates of yearling and subadult black bears from a hunted population in western Virginia during 1999 - 2002. We captured and marked 307 different individual yearling and subadult bears on 2 study sites, and attached ear tag transmitters or radio collars to 54 (34M : 20F) 1-year-old, 52 (23M : 29F) 2-year-old, and 35 (8M : 27F) 3-year-old black bears. We used the known fate model in program MARK to estimate annual, non-hunting, and hunting season survival for radio-marked bears of each age and sex class. Additionally, we used mark-recapture data in the recaptures only, dead recoveries, and Burnham's combined models within program MARK to estimate annual survival for each age and sex class. One-, 2-, and 3-year-old female survivorship was 0.87 (95% C.I. 0.78 - 0.92), while 1-year male survivorship was 0.32 (95% C.I. 0.20 - 0.47), and 2- and 3-year-old male survivorship was 0.59 (95% C.I. 0.47 - 0.71) from the Burnham's combined model. Survival rates for 1-year-old females (χ2 = 6.20, P = 0.01) and 2-year-old females (χ2 = 7.74, P = 0.01) were higher than males in each age category, respectively. However, we detected no difference between 3-year-old females and 3-year-old males (χ2 = 2.61, P=0.11), likely due to small sample size of males (n = 4). Low yearling and subadult survival is not likely a cause for alarm due to the importance of adult female survival to population growth and the promiscuous mating system in black bear populations. Family breakup is an important event in the life history of black bears, marking the initial dispersal and home range construction of yearling bears, and perhaps marking the timing of estrus and breeding opportunities for adult females. We monitored 6 black bear family groups with 12 yearlings (6M : 6F) to determine the timing of family breakup; we intensely monitored 3 of the family groups to document home range establishment and movements by 5 subadult bears (2M : 3F) following separation from their mothers. Estimated dates of family breakup were 28 May and 2 June. Family breakups occurred before peak dates of estrus on our 2 western Virginia study areas. We detected 2 reassociations between a mother and her yearling offspring. Following family breakup, female yearlings (n = 3) remained within or partially on their mothers' home range while subadult males (n = 2) left their mothers' home ranges. All yearlings (n = 5) shared ≥50% of post-breakup home range with their mothers. We studied the movements of 31 (11M : 20F) subadult black bears born on our 2 study areas in western Virginia and 70 (44M : 26F) subadult bears captured during the summer on the study areas for dispersal. No radio-marked, resident, subadult female bears exhibited dispersal behavior while 3 of 11 (27%) radio-marked, resident, subadult males dispersed (P = 0.04). Resident and summer capture male bears moved greater distances than females from yearling den location (χ2 = 8.54, P = 0.01, df = 2) or summer capture location (χ2 = 22.02, P < 0.01, df = 2); no female moved > 10 km between initial and final locations (x = 2.7 km, range 0.2 - 9.0 km). The greatest subadult male movement was 80 km (x = 13.4 km, range 0.6 -0.80 km), and dispersal movements primarily occurred within the 1 and 2-year-old age classes. Direction of movement between initial and final locations for dispersing bears was not random (Rayleigh's r = 0.56, P = 0.02); bears appeared to follow the orientation of the predominant ridgelines and avoided leaving the national forest. / Master of Science

Thoroughbred racing is referred to as “the sport of Kings”, because historically it was a leisure activity of the upper-class. Thoroughbred breeding on the other hand has transformed from a hobby of the upper-class to a worldwide agricultural industry. With the deep involvement of the royal and rich in the Thoroughbred industry, the auction prices of horses are raised significantly at the top end of the market. Research in the biological sciences suggests there exits correlations between dam age, foal birthrank, and the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses. This study first investigates how the market values these biological factors and whether they are correlated with racehorses’ career earnings. We further test the impact of sire age as there is limited literature related to the subject. By using a Hedonic pricing model, results show that Thoroughbred buyers at Keeneland September Sale are willing to pay more for the yearlings at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthranks, yearlings out of younger mares age from 4 to 10, and yearlings by experienced sires age from 12 to 18. Results from multivariate regressions suggest negative correlations between foal birthrank, parent age and career earnings.

There is a growing interest in documenting the effect of diet on the ability to convert saturated fatty acids (SFA) to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) by modulating expression of the SCD gene. We propose that if cattle were raised to a constant body weight, their MUFA:SFA ratio will be the same regardless of being calf-fed (CF) or yearling-fed (YF). Twenty-four Angus cattle were acquired for this study. Cattle were slaughtered at weaning at 8 mo of age (SFCF, n=4), eight steers were assigned to the CF group and slaughtered at 12 mo of age (MFCF, n=4) and 16 mo of age (LFCF, n=4). Twelve cattle were assigned to the YF group and slaughtered at 12 mo of age (SFYF, n=4) 16 mo of age (MFYF, n=4) and market weight of 525 kg (LFYF, n=4). Cattle were then statistically analyzed based on time on high energy diet. Fatty acids from digesta, plasma, liver, L. dorsi, and s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue were all analyzed by FAME. In s.c. 18:1 and 16:1 were greatest in LFCF (41.27% and 5.58%, respectively, P = 0.05), and 18:0 and 16:0 did not differ between groups (P > 0.10). MUFA:SFA ratios of s.c. tended to be higher in LFCF animals (1.26) vs. LFYF (1.06, P = 0.10). However, there was no difference seen when comparing CF to YF animals (P = 0.26). MUFA:SFA ratio was higher in i.m. (P = 0.03) and also increased with age (P < .01). A trained sensory panel saw no significant differences between palatability of flavor characteristics of cooked steaks from LFCF, MFYF, or LFYF (P > 0.05). We showed increased SCD gene expression in the LFYF (248.41 to 1528.69 SCD/GAPDH, P = 0.01). Expression was higher in YF (P = 0.04), but their initial deposits of SFA, combined with the lack of SCD expression while on pastures, prevented the MUFA:SFA ratio from increasing at a rate fast enough to change the final ratios in the animal.

There is a growing interest in documenting the effect of diet on the ability to convert saturated fatty acids (SFA) to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) by modulating expression of the SCD gene. We propose that if cattle were raised to a constant body weight, their MUFA:SFA ratio will be the same regardless of being calf-fed (CF) or yearling-fed (YF). Twenty-four Angus cattle were acquired for this study. Cattle were slaughtered at weaning at 8 mo of age (SFCF, n=4), eight steers were assigned to the CF group and slaughtered at 12 mo of age (MFCF, n=4) and 16 mo of age (LFCF, n=4). Twelve cattle were assigned to the YF group and slaughtered at 12 mo of age (SFYF, n=4) 16 mo of age (MFYF, n=4) and market weight of 525 kg (LFYF, n=4). Cattle were then statistically analyzed based on time on high energy diet. Fatty acids from digesta, plasma, liver, L. dorsi, and s.c. and i.m. adipose tissue were all analyzed by FAME. In s.c. 18:1 and 16:1 were greatest in LFCF (41.27% and 5.58%, respectively, P = 0.05), and 18:0 and 16:0 did not differ between groups (P > 0.10). MUFA:SFA ratios of s.c. tended to be higher in LFCF animals (1.26) vs. LFYF (1.06, P = 0.10). However, there was no difference seen when comparing CF to YF animals (P = 0.26). MUFA:SFA ratio was higher in i.m. (P = 0.03) and also increased with age (P < .01). A trained sensory panel saw no significant differences between palatability of flavor characteristics of cooked steaks from LFCF, MFYF, or LFYF (P > 0.05). We showed increased SCD gene expression in the LFYF (248.41 to 1528.69 SCD/GAPDH, P = 0.01). Expression was higher in YF (P = 0.04), but their initial deposits of SFA, combined with the lack of SCD expression while on pastures, prevented the MUFA:SFA ratio from increasing at a rate fast enough to change the final ratios in the animal.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-05-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:16:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 parra_fs_me_botfmvz.pdf: 721193 bytes, checksum: bd20823954150f08063b8abd997438d6 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de protocolos de adaptação à dietas com alta inclusão de concentrados sobre o desempenho, seletividade dos ingredientes da dieta e características de carcaça de bovinos Nelore terminados em confinamento. Cento e vinte bovinos, machos não castrados com peso médio inicial (PI) de 372,19 ± 21,46 kg, provenientes de sistema de recria em pasto, foram mantidos por 84 dias em 24 baias de piso de concreto (5 animais/baia), de acordo com os tratamentos: protocolo de escadas por 14 dias (S14), protocolo de escadas por 21 dias (S21), protocolo de restrição por 14 dias (R14) e protocolo de restrição por 21 dias (R21), constituindo-se assim delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2 × 2 (protocolo escada ou restrição e duração de 14 ou 21 dias), com 6 repetições/tratamento, distribuídas em 6 blocos. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada (P>0,10) para PI, peso final, ganho de peso diário, ingestão de matéria seca em quilos, conversão alimentar e eficiência alimentar com relação ao efeito de protocolos de adaptação. Houve interação (P<0,05) entre protocolo e duração, onde S21 proporcionou maior ingestão de matéria seca em porcentagem do peso vivo em relação a R21 (2,43 vs. 2,34). Nos 2 primeiros dias do período de terminação, os animais submetidos aos protocolos com duração de 14 dias selecionaram a favor de partículas maiores. O protocolo de restrição proporcionou maior (P=0,10) espessura de gordura subcutânea em comparação ao protocolo de escadas. Não houve diferença (P>0,10) para gordura visceral em quilos, gordura visceral em porcentagem da carcaça quente e custo por quilo de peso vivo. O peso de carcaça quente e o rendimento de carcaça foram maiores (P<0,05) para a duração de 14 dias, comparado à duração de 21 dias (285,61 vs. 278,72 e 56,76 vs. 56,13). A adaptação... / This study, conducted at the São Paulo State University feedlot, Botucatu Campus, Brazil, was designed to determine effects of restricting intake of the final finishing diet (REST) as a means of dietary adaptation compared to diets increasing in concentrate (STEPUP) over periods of 14-d or 21-d on overall feedlot performance, selectivity of the dietary ingredients and carcass characteristics. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, replicated 6 times (5 bullocks/pen), in which 120 18-mo-old yearling Nellore bulls (372.2 ± 21.5 kg) were fed in 24 pens for 84-d according to the treatments: STEPUP for 14-d, STEPUP for 21-d, REST for 14-d, and REST for 21-d. The STEPUP program consisted of ad libitum feeding of three adaptation diets over periods of 14-d or 21-d with concentrate level increasing from 55% to 85% of diet DM. The REST program consisted of restricted intake of the final diet (85% concentrate) with programmed increases in feed offered until yearling bulls reached ad libitum access over periods of 14-d or 21-d. No significant (P > 0.10) protocols and days main effects were observed for any of the feedlot performance parameters analyzed: initial and final BW, ADG in kg, F:G ratio, G:F ratio and DMI in kg, however a interaction was found (P < 0.05) for DMI in % of BW. Animals in STEPUP for 21-d treatment presented greater DMI (% of BW) than yearling bulls in REST for 21-d (2.43% vs. 2.34%). Animals in REST treatment had greater (P=0.10) 12th rib fat thickness than the STEPUP. With respect to carcass characteristics, no significant (P > 0.10) protocols and days main effects were observed for kidney-pelvic fat, kidney-pelvic fat in HCW percentage and cost of gain, however, yearling bulls in treatments that lasted 14-d presented heavier (P < 0.05) HCW (285.61 kg vs. 278.72 kg) and increased (P < 0.05) dressing percentage... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)