CAPES / Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo e o rendimento de cortes comercias da carcaça de novilhos não-castrados ou castrados abatidos em idade jovem ou superjovem terminados em confinamento. Os animais foram alimentados com dieta contendo 11,2% de proteína bruta e 3,07 Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca, composta de 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado. A idade inicial no inicio do confinamento dos animais superjovens e jovens foi de 9 e 22 meses, respectivamente. Maior PF foi observado para os animais jovens não castrados (581,11 kg) em relação aos superjovens não-castrados, jovens castrados e não castrados (478,00, 455,22 e 437,29 kg, respectivamente). O GMD foi 31% superior em favor dos novilhos jovens em relação aos superjovens. O CMS foi 27% superior para os novilhos jovens sobre os superjovens e os novilhos não-castrados consumiram 9% mais quando comparados aos castrados. Maior CMS por 100 kg de PV foi observado para os novilhos jovens castrados (2,58 kg). A diferença de peso da meia carcaça entre animais não-castrados e castrados foi de 43% para os jovens e de 18% para os superjovens. Novilhos não-castrados apresentaram maior percentual de dianteiro (8%). Maior percentual do corte serrote foi observado nos novilhos jovens castrados. Novilhos jovens apresentaram maior ganho de peso médio diário, bem como, novilhos jovens não-castrados apresentaram maior peso final. Animais não-castrados apresentam maiores pesos de meia carcaça fria, percentual de dianteiro e porção comestível do dianteiro em relação aos castrados. / It was evaluated the productive performance and the yield of commercial cuts of the carcass of non-castrated or castrated slaughtered at a young age or young steers finished feedlot. The animals were fed a diet containing 11.2% crude protein and 3.07 Mcal of digestible energy / kg of dry matter, composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate. The initial age at the beginning of confinement of young steers and steers were 9 and 22 months, respectively. Greater PF was observed for non-castrated young animals (581.11 kg) in relation to young steers non-castrated, steers castrated and non-castrated (478.00, 455.22 and 437.29 kg, respectively). The ADG was 31% higher for the steers in relation to young steers. The DMI was 27% higher for steers on young steers and non-castrated consumed 9% more compared to the castrated. Most DMI per 100 kg of body weight was observed for the castrated steers (2.58 kg). The half-carcass weight difference between non-castrated and castrated animals was 43% for steers and 18% for young steers. Non-castrated showed higher forequarter percentage (8%). Higher percentage hacksaw cut was observed in castrated steers. Steers showed higher average daily gain weight, as well as non-castrated steers showed higher final weight. non-castrated animals have higher half cold carcass weights, front percentage and of edible portion of the front in relation to castrated.

A miopatia dorsal cranial (MDC) acomete frangos de corte e é verificada a partir dos 33 dias de vida, quase exclusivamente nas linhas de abate e em diferentes matadourosfrigoríficos dos três estados do sul do Brasil, aonde vem causando prejuízos com condenações parciais e totais, gerando crescente preocupação, já que é um problema completamente desconhecido e faz parte de um alimento consumido em todo o mundo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi fazer uma caracterização anatomopatológica da MDC, através da colheita e análise de dados relacionados ao problema em uma empresa avícola do sul do país. A caracterização foi realizada através de um estudo anatômico, avaliações macroscópicas e microscópicas do músculo envolvido e avaliação de outros músculos e vísceras de carcaças com lesão dorsal na busca de informações que pudessem indicar alguma etiologia conhecida. A colheita e análise de dados foi realizada em uma empresa com 0,5% ao mês de condenação por MDC. Pesquisou-se a idade de início da lesão nos frangos, a presença de possíveis problemas nutricionais e/ou miotóxicos e análise do banco de dados da condenação para alguns parâmetros zootécnicos. Pode-se verificar no estudo anatômico que na carcaça com MDC a vascularização local não estava evidente. A lesão macroscópica no músculo Anterior Latissimus Dorsi (ALD) foi 89% bilateral (de 110 carcaças avaliadas). A pele do local apresentou coloração amarelada, aumento de volume subcutâneo e ao corte, presença de fluido gelatinoso amarelo citrino e inodoro. Os músculos ALD lesionados apresentavam as superfícies inferiores e/ou superiores hemorrágicas, aumento da consistência, palidez e aderência aos músculos adjacentes e ao corte, aumento da espessura quando comparado a músculos sem alteração. Microscopicamente a lesão foi caracterizada como multifásica com presença de algumas fibras ainda viáveis, fibras em degeneração hialina, necrose flocular, outras em regeneração e extensa proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso além de tecido fibro-adiposo. Tecido de granulação altamente vascularizado na periferia da lesão necrótica e envolvendo todo o músculo foi freqüentemente observado com grande quantidade de células inflamatórias mononucleares. Granulócitos foram verificados em alguns cortes do ALD macroscopicamente alterado. O ALD e demais músculos, sem lesão macroscópica, apresentaram lesões microscópicas de leves a muito intensas, sendo hialinização e necrose flocular as lesões predominantes em todos os outros músculos. Lesão microscópica foi encontrada tão cedo quanto 23 dias de vida. Nos corações, não foram encontradas alterações significativas. Nas moelas verificou-se picnose difusa nos miócitos. Os rins e as bursas de Fabricius apresentaram lesões, como severa necrose tubular e intensa depleção linfóide (>70%), respectivamente. Erros de dosagem do premix (vitamina E, selênio e ionóforos) na ração de frangos com MDC foram encontrados. Já sementes de Senna occidentalis não foram encontradas no alimento das mesmas. Machos, de linhagens pesadas, apresentando maiores médias de peso e idade ao abate apresentaram os maiores percentuais de condenação por MDC (P<0,01). Conclui-se que a MDC é multifásica, ocorrendo a partir de diferentes momentos de insulto e acomete com maior freqüência frangos pesados e de crescimento rápido. Deficiência de vitamina E e selênio ou níveis tóxicos de ionóforos podem estar contribuindo na indução desta “nova” miopatia. / “Miopatia dorsal cranial” (MDC) or dorsal cranial myopathy affects broiler chickens as early as their 33rd day of life, occurring almost exclusively on slaughter lines and in different slaughterhouses in the three southern states of Brazil where it has been causing economical losses, due to the resulting condemnation or downgrading of carcasses. It is cause for great concern as it is a completely unknown problem and chicken is an important food product consumed worldwide. The objective of this study was to conduct an anatomical and pathological characterization through the acquisition and analysis of data related to this problem in a poultry industry. This characterization was carried out through an anatomical study, histological evaluation of the damaged muscle and evaluation of other muscles and organs of carcasses presenting back injury, in the search for information that would reveal any known etiology. The data acquisition and analysis was carried out in a company with 0.5% of carcasses downgraded per month due to this disease. The age at which the lesion starts, the presence of possible nutritional and/or toxic myopathies, and the analysis of the condemnation database for some zootechnical parameters were carried out. It was found in an anatomical study that damaged muscle vascularization with MDC was not evident. Macroscopic lesions in the Anterior Latissimus Dorsi muscle (ALD) were 89% bilateral (in 110 carcasses evaluated). Skin on the lesion was yellowish, with a subcutaneous volume increase, and after cutting the skin was odorless with the presence of an edematous and gel-like yellow-citrine fluid. ALD muscle was hemorrhagic on the lower and/or upper surface, showing increased consistency and pallor and adherence to the adjacent muscles, and after cutting increased thickness was verified when compared to muscles without lesions. Microscopically the lesion was characterized as polyphasic with some viable muscle fibers, hyaline degenerated fibers, floccular necrosis, regenerating muscle fibers and extensive fibrosis and fibro-adipose tissue. Highly vascular granulation tissue at the border of the necrotic muscle was found with large amounts of inflammatory mononuclear cells. Some ALD macroscopically damaged muscle had granulocytes cells. ALD and other muscles, without macroscopic injury, showed from mild to intense microscopic lesions, fiber degeneration (hyaline) and floccular necrosis being the major lesions in the former muscles. Microscopic lesions were found as early as the 23rd day of life. There were no significant changes observed in the hearts, but there was a diffuse pyknosis of myocytes in the gizzards. The kidneys and the bursa of Fabricius had injuries such as severe tubular necrosis and severe lymphoid depletion (>70%), respectively. Errors in the mineral and vitamin dosage in the premix (vitamin E, selenium and ionophores) fed to the chickens with MDC were found. However, seeds of Senna occidentalis were not found in the feed. Males of heavy strains, having higher average weight and older age at slaughter had the highest percentage of downgrading due to MDC (P<0.01). Therefore, MDC is polyphasic and occurs at different times of insult, affecting most frequently heavy and fast-growing chickens. Deficiency of vitamin E/selenium or toxic levels of ionophores may be contributing to the induction of this recently observed type of myopathy.

Microrganismos do gênero Salmonella são eliminados em maior número por ocasião do abate, em função do estresse a que são submetidos os animais, pelo transporte da granja ao frigorífico e pelo reagrupamento anterior ao abate. Por este motivo, o estudo da presença de Salmonella spp. na linha de abate de suínos tem fundamental importância para o entendimento da epidemiologia deste agente e posterior melhoria no controle higiênico-sanitário, com conseqüente oferecimento ao consumidor de um produto de melhor qualidade. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo comparar o método tradicional de isolamento com o teste imunoenzimático (Assurance Salmonella EIA Gold - BioControl) a partir de amostras de fezes, linfonodos mesentéricos e carcaças de suínos abatidos no estado de São Paulo. Foram analisadas 92 amostras de fezes, 92 de linfonodos mesentéricos e 91 de suabes de carcaça. O teste imunoenzimático apresentou positividade de: fezes - 18,47% (17), linfonodos mesentéricos - 17,39% (16) e &quot;swabs&quot; de carcaça - 12,08% (11). Ao isolamento, foram observadas porcentagens de positivos em: fezes - 13,04% (12), linfonodos mesentéricos - 10,86% (10) e &quot;swabs&quot; de carcaça - 2,19% (2). A concordância entre os resultados obtidos através dos dois métodos foi fraca. O teste imunoenzimático se mostrou mais eficiente na pesquisa direta do agente quando comparado ao isolamento bacteriano, o que pode ser justificado pela alta sensibilidade das técnicas imunoenzimáticas e pela dependência da viabilidade das estirpes bacterianas para que as mesmas sejam isoladas em meios de cultura. A necessidade de métodos mais rápidos e menos laboriosos de detecção tem levado a avanços significativos no desenvolvimento de pesquisas e comercialização de kits de diagnóstico baseados em técnicas sorológicas, imunoabsorbância enzimática e hibridização de ácidos nucléicos. / Microorganisms of the Salmonella genera are eliminated in major number by occasion of the slaughter, in function of the stress that the animals are submitted for the transport of the farm to the slaughterhouse and for the reassemblage previous to the slaughter. For this reason, the study of the presence of Salmonella spp. in swine line of slaughter has fundamental importance for the understanding of epidemiology of this agent and subsequent improvement in the hygienic-sanitarium control, with consequent offer to the consumer of a product with better quality. The present study had as objective to compare the traditional method for isolation with imunoenzymatic assay (Assurance Salmonella EIA Gold - BioControl) from faeces samples, mesenteric lynfh nods and carcasses of slaughtered swine in São Paulo State. Ninety two faeces samples, 92 mesenteric lynfh nods and 91 carcass swabs were analyzed. The imunoenzymatic assay presented positivity of: faeces - 18,47% (17/92), mesenterics lynfh nods - 17,39% (16/92) and &quot;swabs&quot; of carcass -12,08% (11/91). The isolation showed: faeces - 13,04% (12/92) of positives samples, mesenteric lynfh nods - 10,86% (10/92) of positive samples and &quot;swabs&quot; of carcass - 2,19% (2/91) of positive samples. The agreement among the results obtained by the two methods was weak. The imunoenzymatic assay was shown more efficient when compared to the bacterial isolation, what can be justified for the high sensibility of imunoenzymatics techniques and the dependence of the bacterial sample viability for the isolation. The need of faster and less laborious methods of detection has been taking to significant progresses in the development of researches and commercialization of diagnosis kits based on sorological techniques, enzymatic immunoabsorbent and nucleic acid hibridization.

A miopatia dorsal cranial (MDC) acomete frangos de corte e é verificada a partir dos 33 dias de vida, quase exclusivamente nas linhas de abate e em diferentes matadourosfrigoríficos dos três estados do sul do Brasil, aonde vem causando prejuízos com condenações parciais e totais, gerando crescente preocupação, já que é um problema completamente desconhecido e faz parte de um alimento consumido em todo o mundo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi fazer uma caracterização anatomopatológica da MDC, através da colheita e análise de dados relacionados ao problema em uma empresa avícola do sul do país. A caracterização foi realizada através de um estudo anatômico, avaliações macroscópicas e microscópicas do músculo envolvido e avaliação de outros músculos e vísceras de carcaças com lesão dorsal na busca de informações que pudessem indicar alguma etiologia conhecida. A colheita e análise de dados foi realizada em uma empresa com 0,5% ao mês de condenação por MDC. Pesquisou-se a idade de início da lesão nos frangos, a presença de possíveis problemas nutricionais e/ou miotóxicos e análise do banco de dados da condenação para alguns parâmetros zootécnicos. Pode-se verificar no estudo anatômico que na carcaça com MDC a vascularização local não estava evidente. A lesão macroscópica no músculo Anterior Latissimus Dorsi (ALD) foi 89% bilateral (de 110 carcaças avaliadas). A pele do local apresentou coloração amarelada, aumento de volume subcutâneo e ao corte, presença de fluido gelatinoso amarelo citrino e inodoro. Os músculos ALD lesionados apresentavam as superfícies inferiores e/ou superiores hemorrágicas, aumento da consistência, palidez e aderência aos músculos adjacentes e ao corte, aumento da espessura quando comparado a músculos sem alteração. Microscopicamente a lesão foi caracterizada como multifásica com presença de algumas fibras ainda viáveis, fibras em degeneração hialina, necrose flocular, outras em regeneração e extensa proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso além de tecido fibro-adiposo. Tecido de granulação altamente vascularizado na periferia da lesão necrótica e envolvendo todo o músculo foi freqüentemente observado com grande quantidade de células inflamatórias mononucleares. Granulócitos foram verificados em alguns cortes do ALD macroscopicamente alterado. O ALD e demais músculos, sem lesão macroscópica, apresentaram lesões microscópicas de leves a muito intensas, sendo hialinização e necrose flocular as lesões predominantes em todos os outros músculos. Lesão microscópica foi encontrada tão cedo quanto 23 dias de vida. Nos corações, não foram encontradas alterações significativas. Nas moelas verificou-se picnose difusa nos miócitos. Os rins e as bursas de Fabricius apresentaram lesões, como severa necrose tubular e intensa depleção linfóide (>70%), respectivamente. Erros de dosagem do premix (vitamina E, selênio e ionóforos) na ração de frangos com MDC foram encontrados. Já sementes de Senna occidentalis não foram encontradas no alimento das mesmas. Machos, de linhagens pesadas, apresentando maiores médias de peso e idade ao abate apresentaram os maiores percentuais de condenação por MDC (P<0,01). Conclui-se que a MDC é multifásica, ocorrendo a partir de diferentes momentos de insulto e acomete com maior freqüência frangos pesados e de crescimento rápido. Deficiência de vitamina E e selênio ou níveis tóxicos de ionóforos podem estar contribuindo na indução desta “nova” miopatia. / “Miopatia dorsal cranial” (MDC) or dorsal cranial myopathy affects broiler chickens as early as their 33rd day of life, occurring almost exclusively on slaughter lines and in different slaughterhouses in the three southern states of Brazil where it has been causing economical losses, due to the resulting condemnation or downgrading of carcasses. It is cause for great concern as it is a completely unknown problem and chicken is an important food product consumed worldwide. The objective of this study was to conduct an anatomical and pathological characterization through the acquisition and analysis of data related to this problem in a poultry industry. This characterization was carried out through an anatomical study, histological evaluation of the damaged muscle and evaluation of other muscles and organs of carcasses presenting back injury, in the search for information that would reveal any known etiology. The data acquisition and analysis was carried out in a company with 0.5% of carcasses downgraded per month due to this disease. The age at which the lesion starts, the presence of possible nutritional and/or toxic myopathies, and the analysis of the condemnation database for some zootechnical parameters were carried out. It was found in an anatomical study that damaged muscle vascularization with MDC was not evident. Macroscopic lesions in the Anterior Latissimus Dorsi muscle (ALD) were 89% bilateral (in 110 carcasses evaluated). Skin on the lesion was yellowish, with a subcutaneous volume increase, and after cutting the skin was odorless with the presence of an edematous and gel-like yellow-citrine fluid. ALD muscle was hemorrhagic on the lower and/or upper surface, showing increased consistency and pallor and adherence to the adjacent muscles, and after cutting increased thickness was verified when compared to muscles without lesions. Microscopically the lesion was characterized as polyphasic with some viable muscle fibers, hyaline degenerated fibers, floccular necrosis, regenerating muscle fibers and extensive fibrosis and fibro-adipose tissue. Highly vascular granulation tissue at the border of the necrotic muscle was found with large amounts of inflammatory mononuclear cells. Some ALD macroscopically damaged muscle had granulocytes cells. ALD and other muscles, without macroscopic injury, showed from mild to intense microscopic lesions, fiber degeneration (hyaline) and floccular necrosis being the major lesions in the former muscles. Microscopic lesions were found as early as the 23rd day of life. There were no significant changes observed in the hearts, but there was a diffuse pyknosis of myocytes in the gizzards. The kidneys and the bursa of Fabricius had injuries such as severe tubular necrosis and severe lymphoid depletion (>70%), respectively. Errors in the mineral and vitamin dosage in the premix (vitamin E, selenium and ionophores) fed to the chickens with MDC were found. However, seeds of Senna occidentalis were not found in the feed. Males of heavy strains, having higher average weight and older age at slaughter had the highest percentage of downgrading due to MDC (P<0.01). Therefore, MDC is polyphasic and occurs at different times of insult, affecting most frequently heavy and fast-growing chickens. Deficiency of vitamin E/selenium or toxic levels of ionophores may be contributing to the induction of this recently observed type of myopathy.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao michel blezins de arruda 2010.pdf: 1007834 bytes, checksum: b0392059f62479f4e9acbc753696c510 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-07-02 / The aim of this work is to research the presence of bacteria of genus Salmonella on carcasses of broiler chickens reared under alternative and industrial. Furthermore, to characterize aspects of marketing and carcass quality. Were collected 160 chicken carcasses available for sale in supermarkets and markets of Goiania. Of these, 80 were carcasses of chicken raised in the traditional system and the remainder in alternative system. Each carcass provided two samples, one by rinsing and another 25g of minced skin, which were enriched in broth suitable for this purpose and grown in culture media also specific and recommended for Salmonella. Through biochemical tests bacteria of interest were identified. The carcass quality was evaluated by weighing the commercial cuts breast fillet without skin, thigh + drumstick, wings and back, and related the proportions of each in the total weight of the carcass. The marketing aspects were evaluated by applying a questionnaire to traders of the alternative chicken sold in fairs with information the method of sale and production of the animal. Two samples were found positive for Salmonella in batches of alternative chicken whereas in conventional bacteria were not found in any sample. The proportions of the breasts were higher in the conventional system, 28%, while the conventional average was 20%. In the remaining parts studied the differences were smaller. Birds raised in the alternative system had the following results: thigh + drumstick remained at 31%, 14% with the wing and back to 35%. In the conventional system in the same order as the results were: 29%, 11% and 33%. It was concluded that the chicken had higher alternative rate of contamination with Salmonella, the lower breast yield and the carcasses sold in open-air markets, production has been characterized as rudimentary. / Objetivou-se neste trabalho pesquisar bactérias do gênero Salmonella em carcaças de frango de corte criados em sistema alternativo ou industrial, Além disso caracterizar aspectos de comercialização e qualidade de carcaça. Foram coletadas 160 carcaças de frangos disponíveis para venda em supermercados e feiras livres em Goiânia. Dessas carcaças 80 foram de frangos criados em sistema tradicional e o restante em sistema alternativo. De cada carcaça foram retiradas duas amostras, uma por meio de rinsagen e outra de 25g de pele picada, que foram enriquecidas em caldos próprios para esse fim e cultivados em meios de cultura igualmente específicos e recomendados para a Salmonella. Por meio de perfil bioquímico as bactérias foram identificadas. A qualidade da carcaça foi avaliada por meio dos rendimentos dos cortes comerciais, filé de peito sem pele, coxa+sobrecoxa, asas e dorso, e relacionado às proporções de cada um com o peso total da carcaça. Os Aspectos de comercialização foram avaliados por meio de um questionário preenchidos por comerciantes de frango alternativo vendidos em feiras livres com informações do modo de venda e da produção do animal. Foram encontradas duas amostras positivas para Salmonella nos lotes de frango alternativo enquanto que nos convencionais não foram encontradas a bactéria em nenhuma amostra. Os rendimentos de peitos foram superiores no sistema convencional, 28%, sendo que o convencional a média foi de 20%. Nos demais cortes estudados as diferenças foram menores. Nas aves criadas no sistema alternativo apresentaram os seguintes resultados: coxa+sobrecoxa com 31%, a asa com 14% e o dorso com 35% e no sistema convencional na mesma ordem os resultados foram: 29%, 11% e 33%. Concluiu-se que o frango alternativo apresentou maior índice de contaminação por Salmonella, menor rendimento de peito e carcaças vendidas em feiras-livres a produção foi caracterizada por ser rudimentar.

The objective of the study was to determine the avoidance-related behaviour, bleeding times and the quality of meat from sheep of different gender, breed (Dorper, Merino, and their crosses) and age groups, slaughtered at a commercial and municipal abattoir. Castrates and ewes of different age groups (1= <10months, 2= 11-12months, and 3= >12months) and breeds were used. From the commercial abattoir, 90 castrates and 110 ewes were used, while 66 castrates and 19 ewes were obtained from the municipal abattoir. Meat samples were obtained to determine meat colour, ultimate pH, temperature, cooking loss and tenderness. Correlations between bleeding times and meat quality variables were also determined. The two abattoirs differed in terms of technology and the procedures used, and this brought about different response behaviours in sheep at slaughter, bleeding times at exsanguination and the quality of meat produced. Animal-related factors (breed, gender and age classes) had no effect on the avoidance-related behaviour of sheep slaughtered at the commercial abattoir, while these factors affected those sheep slaughtered at the municipal abattoir. These factors also had an effect on the quality of meat produced at both abattoirs. Gender and weight of the animals had effects on the bleeding times at exsanguination at both abattoirs. Bleeding times did no correlate with any of the meat quality variables, but correlations among meat quality variables were observed. Avoidance-related behaviour, bleeding times, and the quality of mutton from sheep slaughtered at a commercial and a municipal abattoir was affected by breed, age, and gender.

Thesis (M. Tech. Agriculture) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2012 / The eight-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of rearing system (indoor vs. outdoor) and energy level on digestibility, growth performance and on the carcass characteristics and visceral organs of pigs. A total of 48 Large Whites (LW) X Landrace (LR) male grower pigs were randomly selected at average weights of 27 ± 4.6.kg and divided into two equal groups that were either raised indoors or outdoors. Within each rearing system, half the pigs were fed on a diet formulated to contain either a normal energy level (14 MJ DE/kg) or high energy level (16.1 MJ DE/kg) resulting in a 2 X 2 factorial design. The pigs were fed ad libitum and water was freely available. Pigs were housed in pairs and each indoor and outdoor pig was offered a space allowance of 0.51 and 13.5 m2 respectively. Indoor pigs were raised in a temperature controlled house consisting of a concrete floor pen while outdoor pigs were on a pasture that predominantly consisted of Kikuyu. Movable gates were used to construct outdoor camps and empty feed bags were used to construct a shade for use as shelter. Faecal collection for digestibility determination took place during week 7 while the growth performance trial was still in progress. Chromium oxide was used to evaluate digestibility and faeces were grabbed before they fell to the ground and sampled. With the exception of ether extracts (EE), the digestibilities of crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE), crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and organic matter (OM) were reduced (P <0.05) by rearing pigs outdoors. EE followed the same trend. Feeding the high energy (HE) diet significantly (P >0.05) improved the digestibilities of all the nutrients except for CP. There were no significant interactions (P>0.05) between rearing system and diet for the digestibility of nutrients. Daily gains were similar (P >0.05) between indoor and outdoor pigs. Daily feed intakes and conversions were significantly (P <0.05) lower in indoor pigs. There were no significant (P >0.05) differences between the daily gains and feed conversions of pigs fed either the normal energy (NE) or the HE diet. Indoor pigs fed the HE diet had lower (P < 0.05) feed intakes compared to pigs on the other treatments. In general, average daily feed intakes (ADFI) of the HE fed pigs were significantly (P <0.05) lower than those of the NE fed pigs. The carcass measurements of the indoor and outdoor pigs were similar. The gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and the liver weights of the outdoor reared pigs were significantly (P <0.05) heavier than those of the indoor reared pigs. Feeding the HE diet led to significantly (P <0.05) higher carcass weights and dressing percentages. Interactive effects (P <0.05) of diet and rearing system were found for lean meat percentage (Lean P) and eye muscle area (EMA). Indoor pigs fed on the NE diet had higher Lean P and EMA while an opposite effect was obtained in the outdoor system. The liver of the NE diet fed pigs was significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than that of the pigs fed the HE diet. It can be concluded that with regard to growth performance and carcass characteristics, the NE and HE diets are respectively best suited for the indoor and outdoor rearing of pigs.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to provide scientifically founded guidelines to enhance the understanding of beef production from natural pastures in arid sweet veld regions. Cattle from four breed types ranging from large to small frame sizes (Simmentaler cross > Bonsmara cross > Afrikaner > Nguni) were compared in terms of cow production and efficiency as well as the growth performance, carcass and meat quality of steers slaughtered at 18, 24 and 30 months of age. Eighteen and 30 month old steers were slaughtered at the end of the wet summer season, while the 24 month old steers were slaughtered at the end of the dry winter season. The Afrikaner herd (59.8 ± 9.0 %) had lower (p < 0.05) pregnancy rates than the Simmentaler cross (79.3 ± 12.2 %), Bonsmara cross (76.5 ± 11.1 %) and Nguni herds (86.1 ± 5.8 %). Breed differences (p < 0.05) for weaning weight and preweaning gain were observed (Simmentaler cross > Bonsmara cross > Afrikaner > Nguni). The Nguni cow herd (46.5 ± 5.7 kg/100 kg mated) was more (p < 0.05) efficient than the Simmentaler cross (36.2 ± 5.5 kg/100 kg mated), Bonsmara cross (37.7 kg/100 kg mated) and Afrikaner herds (29.5 ± 5.9 kg/100 kg mated). During the dry winter season steers gained 23.4 ± 1.5 kg from 7 to 12 months of age and from 18 to 24 months of age they gained 20.9 ± 2.0 kg. During the wet summer season steers gained 109.7 ± 1.8 kg from 12 to 18 months and 120.3 ± 4.1 kg from 24 to 30 months of age. The best (p > 0.05) fat classification codes were attained at 30 months of age and the worst (p < 0.05) at 24 months of age. Simmentaler cross steers attained the lowest (p < 0.05) fat classification at all three age classes. At 30 months of age, 15 of the 63 steers slaughtered had 3 or 4 permanent incisors, while 47 steers had 2 permanent incisors. The total amount as well as the percentage kidney and omental fat were the highest (p < 0.05) at 30 months of age and the lowest (p < 0.05) at 24 months. Back fat thickness followed the same pattern. Although breed differences for some meat quality parameters were observed, slaughter age had a much more pronounced effect on meat quality parameters. The percentage cooking loss was the lowest (p < 0.05) at 30 months of age. The meat was also darker (p > 0.05) and more red (p < 0.05) at 30 months than at 18 or 24 months of age. The pH24 was higher (p < 0.05) at 24 (5.68 ± 0.05) and 30 months (5.65 ± 0.03) than at 18 months of age (5.48 ± 0.04). A trained sensory panel only detected that Longissimus muscle samples from 18 month old steers were more tender (p < 0.05) than that from 30 month old steers. Similar results were found for Warner-Bratzler shear force values. Marketing steers at 30 months of age resulted in higher production outputs for all the breed types than marketing weaners. For marketing both weaners and 30 month old steers the Nguni herd produced more marketable kilograms live weight than the Simmentaler cross, the Bonsmara cross and the Afrikaner herds. Different marketing systems suitable to the Arid Sweet Bushveld were identified. Each marketing system is discussed in terms of its application, advantages, disadvantages and adaptability to arid regions. It is maintained throughout that a conservative approach to grazing as well as cattle management is critical to ensure stable production systems in arid regions with erratic rainfall patterns. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oogmerk van hierdie studie is om wetenskaplik gefundeerde riglyne daar te stel wat die begrip van beesvleis produksie vanaf natuurlike weidings in ariede soetveld streke sal verbeter. Beeste van vier ras tipes wat wissel van groot- tot kleinraam tipes (Simmentaler kruis > Bonsmara kruis > Afrikaner > Nguni) is vergelyk in terme van koeiproduksie en effektiwiteit sowel as die groei prestasie, karkas- en vleiskwaliteit van osse op 18-, 24- en 30-maande ouderdom. Osse wat op 18 en 30 maande ouderdom geslag is, is aan die einde van die nat somerseisoen geslag, terwyl osse wat op 24 maande ouderdom geslag is, aan die einde van die droë winterseisoen geslag is. Die Afrikaner kudde (59.8 ± 9.0 %) het ’n laer (p < 0.05) reproduksietempo as die Simmentaler kruis (79.3 ± 12.2 %), Bonsmara kruis (76.5 ± 11.1 %) en die Nguni kuddes (86.1 ± 5.8 %) gehandhaaf. Ras verskille (p < 0.05) ten opsigte van speenmassas en voorspeense groeitempo’s is waargeneem (Simmentaler kruise > Bonsmara kruise > Afrikaners > Ngunis). Die Nguni koei kudde (46.5 ± 5.7 kg/100 kg gedek) was meer (p < 0.05) effektief as die Simmentalerkruis (36.2 ± 5.5 kg/100 kg gedek), Bonsmarakruis (37.7 kg/100 kg gedek) en die Afrikaner kuddes (29.5 ± 5.9 kg/100 kg gedek). Gedurende die droëwinter seisoen het die osse vanaf 7 to 12 maande ouderdom 23.4 ± 1.5 kg in liggaamsmassa toegeneem en vanaf 18 tot 24 maande ouderdom het hulle 20.9 ± 2.0 kg toegeneem. Gedurende die nat somerseisoen het die osse vanaf 12 tot 18 maande ouderdom 109.7 ± 1.8 kg in liggaamsmassa toegeneem en van 24 tot 30 maande ouderdom het hulle 120.3 ± 4.1 kg toegeneem. Die beste (p < 0.05) vetklassifikasie kodes is op 30 maande ouderdom verkry en die swakste (p < 0.05) op 24 maande ouderdom. Simmentalerkruisosse het by alle ouderdomsgroepe die swakste (P < 0.05) vetklassifikasie kodes behaal. Op 30 maande ouderdom het 15 van die 63 osse wat geslag is 3 of 4 permanente snytande gehad, terwyl 47 osse 2 permanente snytande gehad het. Die totale hoeveelheid sowel as die persentasie nier- en omentumvet was die hoogste (p < 0.05) op 30 maande ouderdom en die laagste (p < 0.05) op 24 maande ouderdom. Rugvetdikte het dieselfde patroon gevolg. Alhoewel rasverskille vir sommige vleiskwaliteitsparameters waargeneem is, het slagouderdom’n groter effek hierop. Die persentasie kookverlies was die laagste (p < 0.05) op 30 maande ouderdom. Die vleis was ook donkerder (p < 0.05) en meer rooi (p < 0.05) op 30 maande ouderdom as op 18 en 24 maande ouderdom. Die pH24 was hoër (p < 0.05) op 24 (5.68 ± 0.05) en 30 maande ouderdom (5.65 ± 0.03) as op 18 maande ouderdom (5.48 ± 0.04). Behalwe vir sagtheid, is geen ander ras- of slagouderdomsverskille in die longissimus spiermonsters vir enige van die sensoriese eienskappe wat geëvalueer is, waargeneem nie. ’n Opgeleide sensoriese paneel het slegs waargeneem dat die longissimus spiermonsters van 18 maand oue osse sagter (p < 0.05) was as dié van 30 maand oue osse. Soortgelyke resulte is vir die Warner-Bratzler snyweerstand gevind. Die bemarking van 30 maand oud osse het hoër produksie uitsette vir al die ras tipes opgelewer as die bemarking van speenkalwers. Met die bemarking van beide speenkalf en 30 maand oue osse, het die Ngunikudde meer bemarkbare kilogram lewendige massa as die Simmentalerkruis, die Bonsmarakruis en die Afrikaner kuddes geproduseer. Verskillende bemarkingstelsels wat as geskik vir die Ariede Soet Bosveld beskou word, is geïdentifiseer. Elke bemarking stelsel is in terme van sy toepassing, voor- en nadele asook die toepaslikheid daarvan in ariede streke bespreek. Dit word deurgaans aanbeveel dat ’n konserwatiewe benadering tot beide weidings- en kuddebestuur, krities is om stabiele produksiestelsels in ariede streke met wisselvalige reënvalpatrone te verseker.

A qualidade da carne envolve aspectos estéticos, avaliados pelo consumidor e físico-químicos importantes para o processador, os quais podem ser controlados nas diversas etapas de produção. Na primeira fase, a fim de determinar a qualidade de carcaças e cortes aplicou-se um sistema de classificação, os quais foram avaliados na aparência (conformação, conteúdo de carne, cobertura de gordura, depenagem, carne exposta e corte, ossos quebrados, descolorações e hematomas) e classificados em níveis A, B ou C, decrescendo de nível conforme os defeitos se apresentaram, além analisou-se a capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), para esta fase utilizou-se à análise discriminante e análise de variância. Na segunda fase, foram avaliados os atributos de qualidade (cor, pH, CRA, força cisalhamento, perda de peso por cozimento, composição centesimal, análise sensorial) dos cortes de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa às 5, 24, 48 e 72 horas pós abate, para frangos criados no sistema alternativo. Para análise dos resultados foram utilizadas as análises de médias, regressão múltipla, correlação simples de Pearson e correspondência para os atributos físico-químicos e sensoriais. Na classificação foram avaliadas 301 carcaças e 146, 147 e 145 de cortes de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa respectivamente. Das carcaças analisadas, 79,73% apresentaram algum grau de contusão, sendo que 65,78% destas eram de grau leve, dessa forma, foram classificadas como tipo A. Fazendo uso da análise discriminante, 84,9% das carcaças mostraram-se corretas quanto à classificação utilizada, apresentando diferença significativa entre as classes. Os outros defeitos foram arranhões, corte de pele, depenagem, resíduo de pele, fraturas ou ossos quebrados. Quanto aos cortes (peito, coxa e sobrecoxa), a maioria foi classificada na categoria A. Os cortes de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa apresentaram 87,7, 96,2 e 95% das amostras corretamente classificadas, respectivamente. Foi realizada na análise de CRA para peito e coxa, observando-se que o corte da coxa classificada como A apresentou maior valor de CRA comparada com o tipo C. Na avaliação da qualidade dos cortes de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa, verificou-se o comportamento da carne nas características físico-químicas em quatro períodos distintos: 5, 24, 48 e 72 horas após o abate. Com o decorrer do tempo de maturação, no peito observou-se um aumento no valor de L* e um decréscimo da força de cisalhamento da carne de peito, melhorou a qualidade promovendo um amaciamento da carne, entretanto, para a coxa não apresentou mudanças na qualidade com o decorrer do tempo, apenas foi observado um acréscimo no valor a*, porém a sobrecoxa a partir de 48 horas, os efeitos da proteólise do músculo influenciaram um aumento significativo na perda de peso inversamente ao CRA. Quanto à análise sensorial, não houve diferença entre o frango alternativo e convencional e nem entre as horas pós abate para os três cortes. Também foram realizadas as análises de correlação simples de Pearson e correspondência para os atributos físico-químicos e sensoriais. / Meat quality is related to a esthetical aspects, which are evaluated by the consumer, and to physiochemical aspects, which are important to the meat processor. These aspects can be controlled at the various steps during production. In the first phase of this study, aiming at evaluating carcasses and cuts, a grading system was used by which meat appearance (conformation, fleshing, fat covering, feathers, exposed flesh and cuts, broken bones, skin discoloration and bruises) was evaluated. They were grading in A, B and C class, according to defects, besides analyzing a water holding capacity (WHC), in this phase a discriminant and variance analyses were utilized. In the second phase, the attributes quality (colour values, pH, WHC, shear force, cooking loss, chemical composition, sensory analyses) of breast, drumstick and thigh cuts, from chicken raised in natural system, was evaluated 5, 24, 48 and 72 hours after slaughtering. In order to analyze the results, the following were used: analysis of means, multiple regression, Pearson’s simple correlation and the relationship with the physicochemical and sensorial parameters. At grading, a total of 301 carcasses and 146,147 and 145 breasts, drumsticks and thigh broilers, respectively, were evaluated. The results indicated that 79, 73% of the carcasses contained some degree of bruise and that 65, 78% contained light bruise, thus being classified as class A. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that 84,9% of the carcasses was correctly graded, showing significant difference among the classes. Other defects found were scratches, skin cuts, feathers and skin residue, fractured and broken bones. Breast, thigh and drumstick cuts had 87,7, 96,2 and 95,0% of samples correctly graded, respectively. A C analysis was done for breast and drumstick, showing that the drumstick classified as class A had a higher WHC value compared to class C. At the breasts, drumsticks and thigh broilers evaluation, the physiochemical behavior of the meat was studied in four different periods: 5, 24, 48 and 72 hours after slaughtering. During the aging period, an increase in the L+ value and a decrease in the shear force of the breast meat were observed, resulting in a quality improvement by meat softening. The drumstick did not show changes in quality, and only an increase in the value a* was observed. However, the thigh showed a significant increase on the weight loss inversely to the WHC, due to the effects of the muscle proteolysis. The sensorial analysis for the three cuts no significant difference between both the natural and conventional chicken and the time after slaughtering was observed.

The high cost of feed materials and feed additives in developing nations has elicited interest in the search for sustainable alternatives. Moringa (Moringa oleifera), one of such sustainable alternatives is a tropical plant that has its usefulness investigated in this study. A 42-day study was designed to determine the response of Ross 308 broilers to dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation. The Moringa oleifera leaves used for the study were analysed for proximate, mineral and composition as well as phytochemical contents before being incorporated in the diet. Day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 500) were allotted to five treatments in completely randomized design with each treatment replicated five times and each replicate having 20 chicks. The birds were subjected to diets supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg feed at both starter and finisher stage, respectively and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Moringa oleifera leaf meal level that supported optimum production and physiological variables was modelled using the quadratic function. At day 42, three birds per replicate were slaughtered to evaluate carcass and organ yields. Result of the proximate composition revealed that MOLM is rich in protein (32.37%) and neutral detergent fibre (52.16%). Mineral assay indicated that MOLM was high in calcium, sodium, potassium, sulphur and iron. Daily feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were the same among the treatments with the exception of starter broilers on diet T1 that had higher ADG (p<0.05) than those on the other diets. Final live weight (FLW), mortality and gizzard weight were influenced (p<0.05) by Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation. Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation had no effect on parameters measured. Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation at 39.98 and 35.80 g/kg feed supported optimum FLW and ADG at starter phase and 46.88 g/kg feed MOLM supported optimum FLW at finisher phase. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf meal is a good source of nutrients and suitable for production of enhanced cut parts in broiler chickens. Birds on 50 and 75 g Moringa oleifera leaf meal/kg feed had higher (p<0.05) packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and glucose than those on the other 3 treatment diets. The white blood cell (WBC) counts for birds on 50 g Moringa oleifera leaf meal/kg feed were higher (p<0.05) than those on 100 g Moringa oleifera leaf meal/kg feed but similar (p>0.05) to those on 0, 25 and 75 g MOLM/kg feed. Blood platelet count maintained the trend 75 g > 0 g > 50 g > 100 g > 25 g MOLM/kg feed with birds on 75 g Moringa oleifera leaf meal/kg feed being statistically higher (p<0.05) than those on 25, 50 and 100 g MOLM/kg feed. Dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation had no significant effect (p>0.05) on haemoglobin (Hb), total serum protein (TSP), albumin, cholesterol and uric acid. Triglyceride (TG) level of birds on 25, 75 and 100 g Moringa oleifera leaf meal/kg feed decreased significantly compared to those on 0 and 50 g MOLM/kg feed. Daily Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the differential WBC count. Daily Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation with 26.99 g/kg feed and 31.95 g/kg feed respectively supported optimum PCV (38.62%) and glucose (245.42 mg/dl) in Ross 308 broilers. It is, therefore summarized that optimizing MOLM supplementation level in the ration of Ross 308 broilers could assist in improving their productivity. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / Ph. D. (Agriculture)