Abstracts volume 53 (2010) 1, 1-122
Inbreeding effects on exterior traits in Polish konik horses
Anna Wolc and Katarzyna Balińska
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 1-8 PDF
Conformation traits of 284 Polish konik mares used in breeding until 2005 were analyzed including pedigree information on 477 individuals. Average inbreeding coefficient was in SK Dobrzyniewo 5.9%, in SK Kobylniki 5.1%, and 5.6% in SO Sieraków. No significant effect of inbreeding on conformation traits was observed. Heritability was estimated as: 0.65 (±0.13) for height at whither, 0.22 (±0.14) for circuit of chest and 0.65 (±0.13) for circuit of cannon. Negative phenotypic trend was observed for girth circumference and positive for circuit of cannon. No significant genetic trends were observed for the analyzed traits, which agrees with the assumption of breeding program in genetic reserve flocks.
Calculation of a cow culling merit index including specific heterosis in a multibreed dairy population
Nicolás López-Villalobos, Mauro Penasa, Riccardo Dal Zotto, Martino Cassandro, Wilfried Brade, Ottmar Distl, Ross Evans and Andrew Cromie
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 9-17 PDF
The objective of this study was to compare two models for the estimation of producing values (EPV) for lactation yields of milk, fat and protein, and calving interval (CI), which were combined in an index called the Cow Culling Merit Index (CMI), in Irish dairy cattle. Data comprised 188927 records for production and 157117 records for CI, collected on North American Holstein Friesian (HO), Friesian (FR), Jersey (JE), and Montbéliarde (MO) pure breeds, and some of their crosses. Cows calved from 2002 to 2006 and were from parities 1 to 5. Coefficients of specific heterosis for HO×FR, HO×JE, and HO×MO were calculated for each cow from parental breed information. The coefficient of general heterosis (GH) for each cow was obtained as the sum of the specific coefficients previously estimated. Model 1 included fixed effects of contemporary group, age at calving within parity, linear regression on gene proportions for FR, JE, and MO, and linear regression on the coefficient of expected GH. Additive genetic, permanent environmental, and error were random effects. Model 2 was based on Model 1 but GH was replaced by linear regressions on coefficients of expected specific heterosis for HO×FR, HO×JE, and HO×MO. Estimated producing values were calculated as the sum of estimated breeding value, permanent environmental and heterosis effects. The inclusion of coefficients of specific heterosis in the model did not produce re-ranking of animals but important differences in EPVs were observed in crossbred cows. These changes are important if EPVs are used to develop a culling merit index.
Weaning results of beef Hungarian Fleckvieh calves: 1. Environmental factors
Ferenc Szabó, Imre Füller, Attila Fördős and Szabolcs Bene
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 18-25 PDF
Weaning performance of 7032 purebred Hungarian Fleckvieh calves (3650 male and 3382 female) born between 1981 and 2003 from 1452 cows mated with 113 sires were analysed in two farms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on weaning traits. Farm, age of cows, year of birth, season of birth and sex of calves as fixed, while sire as a random effect was treated. Data were analysed with HARVEY’s (1990) Least Square Maximum Likelihood Computer Program. The overall mean value and standard error of weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight were 214 ± 3.01 kg, 980 ± 17.31 g/day and 236 ± 3.40 kg, respectively. The mean age of the analysed calves was 181 ± 33 days. The results of the examination show that weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight increased as far as the 6 year age cows (the maximum were 226 ± 3.13 kg, 1 049 ± 17.89 g/day, 251 ± 3.54 kg). As for the season effect the calves born in summer were smaller (208 ± 3.12 kg, 946 ± 17.84 g/day and 230 ± 3.52 kg) than that of born in the other seasons (P<0.001). The male calves were heavier than females, the difference was 12 kg, 50 g/day, 16 kg, respectively (P<0.001). The best year was 1985, the worst 2000.
Weaning results of beef Hungarian Fleckvieh calves: 2. Genetic parameters, breeding values
Szabolcs Bene, Imre Füller, Attila Fördős and Ferenc Szabó
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 26-36 PDF
Weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight of Hungarian Fleckvieh calves (n=8929, bulls =4539, heifers =4 390) born from 232 sires between 1980 and 2003 were examined. Variance, covariance components and heritability values and correlation coefficients were estimated. The effect of the maternal permanent environment on genetic parameters and breeding values were examined. Two animal models were used for breeding value estimation. The direct heritability (h2d) of weaning weight, preweaning daily gain and 205-day weight was between 0.37 and 0.42. The maternal heritability (h2m) of these traits was 0.06 and 0.07. The direct-maternal correlations (rdm) were medium and negative −0.52 and −0.74. Contribution of the maternal heritability and maternal permanent environment to phenotype is smaller than that of direct heritabilities (h2m+c2<h2d). The ratio of the variance of maternal permanent environment in the phenotypic variance (c2) changed from 3 to 6%. Estimated breeding values changed whether the permanent environmental effect of dam wasn’t taken into consideration but the rank of the animals was not modified. The genetic value for weaning results of Hungarian Fleckvieh population has increased since 1997.
Effect of feeding level and linseed oil on some metabolic and hormonal parameters and on fatty acid profile of meat and fat in growing pigs
Justyna Więcek, Anna Rekiel and Jacek Skomiał
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 37-49 PDF
In an experiment with 56 pigs, the effects of feeding level and linseed oil supplement on fattening and slaughter parameters, the weight of internal organs, the concentration of hormones and indicators of protein and lipid metabolism, and the fatty acid profile of m. semimembranosus and backfat were investigated. During the growing period, all animals received a feed supplemented with 4% linseed oil. At the end of the growing period (23-61 kg body weight), compared to semi-ad libitum fed animals, animals that were fed restrictively (25% less feed) during this period were characterized by lower daily gains (P≤0.001), greater meatiness (P≤0.01), lower weight of internal organs, higher level of growth hormone (P≤0.05), lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and blood urea nitrogen (P≤0.05), and dietetically more beneficial profile of fatty acids (more polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA]). During realimentation (61-104 kg body weight), when all animals were fed semi-ad libitum diets with 0 or 4% linseed oil, daily feed intake and daily weight gains of the pigs that had previously been restrictively fed, were greater than in animals fed semi-ad libitum throughout fattening. Compensatory growth was found for the internal organs. Animals that received linseed oil diets throughout fattening were characterized during the finishing period by a higher rate of growth (P≤0.001), higher concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and insulin (P≤0.05), and a greater proportion of n-3 PUFA in the fatty acid profile of m. semimembranosus and backfat (P≤0.001).
The effect of the body condition of late pregnant sows on fat reserves at farrowing and weaning and on litter performance
Karolina Beyga and Anna Rekiel
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 50-64 PDF
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the body condition of late pregnant sows on fat reserves at farrowing and weaning, including the scale of the relevant changes in that period, and on the reproductive performance of sows and the results of piglet rearing. The experiment involved 97 hybrid sows (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace [PLW×PL]) divided into two groups, according to backfat thickness: I – (P2+P4)/2>20 mm (10 primiparous, 36 multiparous) and II – (P2+P4)/2≤20 mm (19 primiparous, 32 multiparous). It was carried out between pregnancy day 104 and weaning after 21 days of lactation. During late pregnancy, at weaning and at the end of lactation, the body weight of sows, fatness (points P1, P2, P3, P4) and longissimus muscle depth at point P4M were determined. Feed consumption during lactation, reproductive performance traits and the results of piglet rearing were also analyzed. Higher backfat thickness percentages and body weight noted in group I sows vs. group II sows (P≤0.001) during late pregnancy were maintained at farrowing and weaning. At weaning, the values of longissimus muscle depth were significantly (P≤0.001) higher in group II than in group I. The level of changes in fat reserves differed between late pregnancy and farrowing for P4 (P≤0.01) and (P2+P4)/2 (P≤0.001); fat reserve loss was noted in group I, while an increase in adipose tissue was observed in group II. Body weight losses (%) during late pregnancy and at weaning were non-significant in sows of both groups. Based on feed consumption levels, group I sows were characterized by a lower appetite during lactation than group II sows. A regular trend in feed intake was noted in lactating sows of both groups: feed consumption increased in week 2, compared with week 1, while a decrease was noted in week 3 in comparison with week 2. Significant differences were reported in favour of group I vs. II (P≤0.05) as regards the piglets stillborn, litter weight at weaning, the average piglet weight at weaning and placental weight. Multiparous sows as compared to primiparous sows were characterized by significantly (P≤0.05) larger total number of piglets born and the number of piglets born alive. The difference in the litter weight at birth was found to be highly significant (P≤0.01).
Relationships between the polymorphism of myosin heavy chains and selected meat quality traits of pigs with different susceptibility to stress
Bożena Grześ, Edward Pospiech, Maria Koćwin-Podsiadła, Andrzej Łyczyński, Elżbieta Krzęcio, Beata Mikołajczak and Ewa Iwańska
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 65-72 PDF
The aim of the investigations was to analyse the share of myosin heavy chains (MHC) isoforms (type I, IIa, IIb, and IIx) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle derived from pigs of different RYR1 genotypes (TT – homozygous negative, CT – heterozygous, CC – homozygous positive). The composition of the MHC isoforms in the muscle tissue of the examined animals was referred to selected meat quality traits. It was revealed that the animals with the CT and TT genotypes were characterized by a significantly (P≤0.05) lower share of the type I and higher share of the type IIb MHC isoform in comparison to homozygotes CC. Inferior tenderness and water holding capacity of meat obtained from pigs susceptible to stress (TT) at 144 h after slaughter could have been associated, among others things, with the increased share of MHC isoform type IIb. The composition of MHC isoforms might be a useful indicator in breeding work in the selection of animals carrying the gene of susceptibility to stress.
Fatty acid composition of meat and adipose tissue from Krškopolje pigs and commercial fatteners in Slovenia
Marjeta Furman, Špela Malovrh, Alenka Levart and Milena Kovač
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 73-84 PDF
The fatty acid composition of meat and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the indigenous Slovenian pig breed (Krškopolje, KP), which is raised extensively, was compared with that of commercial fatteners (CP) from intensive farms. Commercial fatteners were divided into three groups according to lean meat percentage: meaty, normal and fatty. The m. longissimus dorsi of Krškopolje pigs contained less C18:0 fatty acids than that of commercial fatteners and less C16:0 than that of the fatty group. The proportions of long chain fatty acids C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3 in the Krškopolje pigs and fatty groups were also significantly different. The highest proportion of essential C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 fatty acids were found in the meaty and normal groups. Intramuscular fat content of the m. longissimus dorsi did not differ between the Krškopolje pigs, and the fatty and normal groups. The Krškopolje pigs had the lowest proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while both the Krškopolje pigs and the fatty group have a lower proportion of polysaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than the meaty group. The fatty group had a lower polyunsaturated : saturated fatty acid ratio than the meaty and normal groups. In the subcutaneous adipose tissue, Krškopolje pigs had the highest proportion of C18:1n-9 and differed from the normal group in C18:0 content, from the fatty group in C16:1n-7 and from the meaty and fatty groups in C18:2n-6. Furthermore, the Krškopolje pigs had the highest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and lower PUFAs and n-6 PUFAs proportions than the fatty group. The meaty group had a higher n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than the Krškopolje pigs.
Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters of growth curve and their relationship with early growth and productivity in Horro sheep
Solomon Abegaz, Jacob Bernardus Van Wyk and Jacobus Johannes Olivier
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 85-94 PDF
Weight (kg)-age (days) data of 524 Horro sheep of Ethiopia were fitted to a Brody function to estimate parameters of growth curve and their genetic and phenotypic parameters. Genetic and phenotypic relationships were also estimated between growth curve parameters and weight at birth (BW), weaning (WW) six-month (WT6) and yearling (YW). For ewes Pearson correlations were also calculated between growth curve parameters and ewe productivity over first to fourth parities. Least squares means of growth curve parameters A (asymptotic mature weight, kg), B (proportion of mature weight attained after birth) and K (the rate of maturity, kg gain kg-1 body weight) were 37.6, 0.88, and 0.27∙10-2, respectively. Heritability estimates were 0.29, 0.18 and 0.14 for A, B, and K, respectively. Genetic correlations between A and B, A and K, and B and K were 0.39, −0.07, and 0.25 respectively. Genetic correlations of A and K with BW, WW, WT6, and YW were 0.27 and −0.13, 0.34 and 0.37, 0.44 and 0.61, and 0.67 and 0.66, respectively. The growth curve parameters have small but positive (r=0.05 to 0.28) relationship with indicators of lifetime productivity. Medium heritability estimates of A and K indicate that progress in improving these traits can be made through selection. WT6 and YW have medium genetic correlations with the growth curve parameters and these may allow the use of these weights as indirect early selection criteria for optimum growth curve.
Connection of somatic cell count and milk yield as well as composition in dairy ewes
Jan Olechnowicz, Zbigniew Sobek, Jędrzej M. Jaśkowski, Paweł Antosik and Dorota Bukowska
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 95-100 PDF
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk yield and composition using a threshold value of 250∙103 cells/ml in dairy ewes of line 05. A total of 1512 milk samples from udder halves were collected throughout milking periods at monthly intervals. In the present study milk composition (from halves of the udder) and daily milk yield (from udders) was examined in terms of SCC in ewe milk in three groups: from both halves of the udder below 250∙103 cells/ml, from one halves of the udder below 250∙103 cells/ml and from second half udder above 250∙103 cells/ml and from both halves of the udder above 250∙103 cells/ml. Milk yield from udders, somatic cell count in milk samples from udder halves and milk composition depended on the level of SCC recorded for halves of the udder. Somatic cell counts in milk from one or both halves of udders exceeding 250∙103 cells/ ml resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.01) decrease in daily milk production of ewes, by approx. 15.89 and 30.22 %, respectively. The analysis of variance showed also a significant effect of parity and stage of lactation of ewes on somatic cell count (log SCC) and milk composition from udder halves below 250∙103 cells/ml.
Prediction of mono and multiphasic growth parameters of broilers (Short Communication)
Mehmet Mendeş
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 101-107 PDF
The main objective of this study was to predict mono and multiphasic growth model parameters of broilers. For this purpose daily body weights-age data of 106 male and female chickens reared under different stocking densities (GR1=11 birds/m2 , GR2=17 birds/m2 and GR3=25 birds/m2) were used. Results of mono and multiphasic (diphasic and triphasic) growth curve analyses showed that defining the growth of birds using multiphasic growth models instead of monophasic growth models, displays more detailed and reliable results. Based on goodness-of-fit criteria, lead to the choice of a triphasic logistic growth function for GR1 and GR2, and diphasic function for GR3 males and females.
Physical chick parameters and effects on growth performance in broiler
Metin Petek, Abdulkadir Orman, Serdal Dikmen and Fazli Alpay
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 108-115 PDF
This study was made to compare physical chick quality indicators such as chick length and feather colour and their effects on the uniformity and subsequent growth performance in broiler. For this reason; 600 day old male chicks were used. Chicks were classified into two groups on the basis of their feather colour: deep and light yellow. Then, chicks in each group were further divided into three groups as small, middle and large according to their body length. The length of the middle group animals was varied between 18.0-18.3 cm, while that of the largest group was greater than 18.3 cm and the small group was lesser than 18.0 cm. A positive correlation between chick length and chick weight was observed in all groups at the 0 day of age. Body length uniformity in day old chick was more important than body weight uniformity. Longer chicks exhibited better growth potential throughout the experiment. The feeding efficiency and survival rate of longer chicks were numerically greater compared to smaller chicks. There were no significant differences for subsequent growth parameters in feather colour groups. Consequently; length of day old chick can be used as important criteria for selection of higher quality chicks having better growth performance.
Effect of SCD SNPs on milk production traits of Jersey cows (Brief Report)
Hanna Kulig, Inga Kowalewska-Łuczak and Marek Kmieć
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 116-118 PDF
Association of polymorphisms of the DCN gene with growth traits in cattle (Brief Report)
Jiajie Sun, Chuanwen Gu, Chunlei Zhang, Chuzhao Lei, Xingtang Fang, Qijiang Jin, Danxia Chen, Xiuying Shi, Yu Du and Hong Chen
Arch Tierz 53 (2010), 119-121 PDF