Bart De Ketelaere

Effects of nutritional programing on growth and metabolism caused by albumen removal in an avian model

In mammalian models of prenatal undernutrition the maternal diet is manipulated, exerting both nutritional and hormonal effects on the offspring. In contrast, in the chicken, strictly nutritional effects can be applied. Prenatal protein undernutrition in chickens was induced by partial replacement of albumen with saline during early embryonic development (albumen-deprived group) and results were compared with a sham-manipulated and a non-manipulated group. Body weight of the albumen-deprived hens was reduced throughout the entire experimental period (0-55 weeks). The reproductive capacity was diminished in the albumen-deprived hens as reflected in the reduced number of eggs and lower egg weight. The plasma triiodothyronine levels were increased in the albumen-deprived group compared with the non-manipulated hens, but not the sham-manipulated hens. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 10 weeks of age revealed a decreased glucose tolerance in the albumen-deprived hens. During adulthood, an age-related loss of glucose tolerance was observed in the hens, leading to disappearance of treatment differences in the OGTT. The offspring of the albumen-deprived hens (PA chicks) had reduced body weight until at least 3 weeks of age. In addition, the PA chicks had a decreased relative residual yolk weight at hatching. An insulin tolerance test revealed increased sensitivity to insulin for the PA chicks compared with the offspring of the non-manipulated (PN) and sham-manipulated hens (PS). In conclusion, prenatal protein undernutrition by albumen removal caused long-term effects on body weight, reproductive performance, and physiology.

Detecting health problems of individual pigs based on their drinking behaviour

Whether cattle grazing in nature reserves in temperate summers ought to be provided with artificial shelter (man-made), in addition to natural shelter (vegetation), is a topic of debate. We have investigated the effect of heat-load on the use of natural versus artificial shelter (with a roof and three walls) by cattle in eight nature reserves in Belgium. GPS collars were used to monitor use of open area, natural and artificial shelter during one or two summers (per 30 min). Cattle location data were coupled to same-time values of climatic ‘heat-stress indices’ calculated from local weather stations’ measurements of air temperature, air humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. Use of open area decreased as heat-load increased. The strength of the effect, and whether the cattle sought natural or artificial shelter, were associated with the amount and spatial distribution of natural shelter in the reserve. When natural shelter was sparse, a more scattered distribution tempered the increased use of shelter with increasing heat-load. If sufficiently available, cattle preferred natural to artificial shelter. When little natural shelter was available, cattle did use the artificial shelter and especially so with increasing heat-load. Microclimatic measurements indicated that solar radiation was blocked by vegetation at least as well as by artificial shelter, and allowed more evaporative cooling. In conclusion, we found no evidence for the added value of additional artificial shelter to protect cattle from heat-load in temperate nature reserves, as long as adequate natural shelter is available.Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Trabajo presentado al 65th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) (Copenhagen, Denmark, 25 al 28 de agosto, 2014).Intramuscular fat content (IMF) influences important qualitative traits of meat as tenderness, juiciness and flavour, and technological characteristics. This trait is difficult to measure in vivo and is not included in the breeding programs, despite its medium heritability. Furthermore, IMF is a complex quantitative trait determined by several biochemical and metabolic processes influencing fat deposition in muscles. Indeed QTL affecting this trait have been already reported and some candidate genes were investigated in the last years, but relevant causative mutations have not been so far detected. Recently, thanks to the sequencing of the porcine genome and to the development of a high throughput genotyping porcine chip, it is possible to perform genome wide association (GWA) studies and put in light markers associated to this trait. With the aim to identify genes and markers associated to IMF we performed GWA using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip and 889 Italian Large White pigs included in the Sib Test genetic evaluation program of the Italian Association of Pig Breeders (ANAS). The association analyses were conducted using linear mixed model implemented in GenABEL. The results of GWA analysis allowed to detect seven markers significantly associated with IMF (P-value <10) mapped on chromosomes 1, 3, 8 and 12. A validation study on selected markers was performed using a mixed model procedure of SAS software. Markers identified, once confirmed, could be applied as candidate genes to improve meat quality traits in Italian Large White pigs.Postweaning short-term restriction strategies are commonly used in rabbit breeding to reduce mortality and morbidity. However, little is known about the implications of the immune system in that reduction. This work studied the consequences of feed restriction and dietary digestible energy (DE) concentration on the local immune response, according to a 2x2 factorial design: 320 animals were alloted at weaning (35 days of age) in four groups, with two diets differing in DE (10.13 vs 9.08 MJ DE/kg) and two intake level (ad libitum AL or restricted at 75% of AL). Ten animals per group and per age were sacrificed at 50 and 63 days of age. Feces, blood and ileum were collected. Fecal and plasmatic IgA levels were determined by ELISA and ileal cytokine expressions were measured by RT-qPCR. Fecal IgA levels were reduced by 58% with feed restriction (P<0.001) and increased by 47% with a high energy diet (P<0.01), regardless of the age. Plasmatic IgA levels were only affected by feed restriction at 63 days of age (-48%, P<0.01). Cytokine expressions were similar for both ages and diets, but were affected by feed restriction with a higher expression of IL-1β and IL-2 (respectively +30%, P<0.05 and +77%, P=0.07) and a 15% lower expression of TNF-α (P=0.08) compared to AL animals. Thus, feed restriction and, to a lesser extent, the dietary energy level modulate gut immunity.The constantly growing yearly demand for meat, dairy products and eggs has important implications for agricultural production methods. Nowadays livestock/crop production is becoming increasingly industrialised worldwide, shifting from extensive, small-scale, subsistence production systems towards more intensive, large-scale, geographicallyconcentrated, specialised and commercially oriented ones. The shift in livestock farming methods from extensive to intensive poses a number of significant challenges for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and food security. The indicators to assess animals health and welfare status, have been increased during the last years, and the importance of this discipline is now widely known worldwide. Thanks to the welfare quality ® protocol the procedure to assess the animal health and welfare has become more and more clear, precise and accurate since the project ended in 2009. Furthermore this procedure to assess animal welfare status is time consuming and requires manpower and accurate planning.Bearing in mind the objectives of this study to investigate the Barbary sheep fertility under our climatic conditions and to evaluate the efficiency of the prostaglandin f2α(pgf2α)injections in induction of fertile estrus in different seasons. For these objectives, some experiments were performed during the period from July,2008 to March, 2009. A total number of 300 Libyan Barbary ewes(3-6 years old, weighing 40-60 kg) was used in this experiment. Ewes were kept in privet farms, fed and managed similarly. Ewes were divided to four season groups(summer, autumn, winter and spring groups). Each season group was divided into treated and control. Animals in the treated groups were injected with double injections of 125 μg of prostaglandin f2α intramuscularly(i/m), 11 days apart. While those in control groups were injected with two injections of 1.0 ml of 0.9% NACL saline solution simultaneously with the treated ewes. At the same day (day 11) rams wearing painted sponges on their briskets regions were introduced for natural mating. Treated groups showed shorter estrus response time than control groups in all seasons(P<0.05). Estrus duration was longer in winter and spring than in summer and autumn (P<0.001),but no difference was found between treated and control groups inside seasons. Treated group showed higher pregnancy rate(P<0.001) in winter season than control group. Percentage of ewes lambed in winter was significantly high (P<0.001) among treated ewes than control (80 vs 38%). Lambing rate differed significantly (P<0.001) among treated groups in all seasons. Data were collected and calculated statistically using SPSS system for percentages, means, standard deviation(mean ± sd) analysis of variance (anova), Chi square and Dunacan’s test were used accordingly. Other values were measured, calculated and analyzed similarly. Adoption of technology in sheep farms of La Mancha, Spain J. Rivas1, C. De Pablos2, J. Perea1, C. Barba1, R. Dios-Palomares1, M. Morantes1 and A. García1 1Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014, Córdoba, Spain, 2Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Paseo de los Artilleros, 28034, Madrid, Spain; pa1gamaa@uco.es Recently in Spain the milk production coming from sheep farms shows higher degrees of specialization based on the adoption of technologies. The aim of this research is to examine the pattern of adoption of technologies in sheep farms of La Mancha. Based on previous researches, from 77 questions, only 38 questions were selected by using qualitative and participatory methods; the chosen variables were grouped into six technology packages (TP): management, feeding, animal health and milk quality, pasture and land use, equipment and facilities, and reproduction and breeding program. The survey was applied to a sample of 157 farms. Using descriptive statistics each TP was characterized and the pattern of adoption was determined. The average of technologies adopted was of 18.4±6.0 (48.3%). TP showing higher degrees of implementation are animal health and milk quality (67.8%), feeding (56.0%) and management (55.7%), but their adoption is not sequential or responds to independent events. This research facilitates the identification of a number of technologies that must be implemented from an organizational strategy point of view. Moreover, all technologies are seeking a dynamic balance system that allows firms migrate to more efficient processes without losing their main attributes. As a technological challenge, an andrologic evaluation of ram, gynecologic evaluation of ewes prior to mating, early detection of non-productive animals are proposed; and a better use of productive records for the decision-making; aspects are recommended. The results of this analysis will have an impact on future research that attempts to improve the use of subproducts, forage reserves and improved rangeland management and hygiene control system, taking the quality milk as an strategic asset, so further research is necessary to assess the impact of each technology on the operating of the mixed system in the Mancha region. Session 40 Poster 20 Session 40 Poster 19The present paper focuses on evaluating the Interobserver Reliability of the Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Growing Pigs. The protocol for growing pigs consists of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA), direct Behaviour Observations (BO), carried out by instantaneous scan sampling, a Human Animal Relationship Test (HAR) and checks for different Individual Parameters (IP), e.g. presence of tail biting, wounds and bursitis. Three trained observers collected the data by performing 29 combined assessments, which were done at the same time and on the same animals; but they were carried out completely independent of each other. The findings were compared by the calculation of Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients (RS), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC) and Limits of Agreements (LoA). There was no agreement found concerning the adjectives belonging to the QBA (e.g. active: RS: 0.50, ICC: 0.30, SDC: 0.38, LoA: -0.05-0.45; fearful: RS: 0.06, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.26, LoA: -0.20-0.30). In contrast, the BO showed good agreement (e.g. social behaviour: RS: 0.45, ICC: 0.50, SDC: 0.09, LoA: -0.09-0.03 use of enrichment material: RS: 0.75, ICC: 0.68, SDC: 0.06, LoA: -0.03-0.03). The rather low agreement of the HAR (RS: 0.38, ICC: 0.54, SDC: 0.34, LoA: -0.40-0.27) can be explained by the fact that the observers entered the pens one after the other to minimise mutual interference which influenced the reaction towards the second intruder. Overall, observers agreed well in the IP, e.g. tail biting (RS: 0.52, ICC: 0.88; SDC: 0.05, LoA: -0.01-0.02) and wounds (RS: 0.43, ICC: 0.59, SDC: 0.10, LoA: -0.09-0.10). The parameter bursitis, however, showed great differences (RS: 0.10, ICC: 0.0, SDC: 0.35, LoA: -0.37-0.40), which can be explained by difficulties in the assessment when the animals moved around quickly or their legs were soiled. In conclusion, the Interobserver Reliability was good in the BO and most individual IP, but not for the parameter bursitis and the QBA.

Chapter 15 – Eggs and Egg Products

Publisher Summary nThe (Vis)/near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides significant information about the quality of egg and egg products, including the detection of blood, and meat spots, and hatching as well as the composition of egg products. The NIR spectroscopy has been used successfully in determining egg quality during storage. The mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) can be used as a rapid technique for the determination of eggshell quality. The MIR provides better results than egg size parameters. In addition, fracture force, maximal deformation, and shell stiffness are found to be predicted with comparable accuracy by both MIR and egg size parameters. NIR reflectance, among other spectroscopic techniques, is used for the determination of moisture, fat, and protein in spray-dried whole egg. A standard error of performance of 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.28% is obtained for moisture, protein, and fat, respectively, using a calibration based on three wavelengths. NIR transmission can be used for the measurement of protein, total lipid, and total solid contents of liquid egg products. NIR reflectance is used for the prediction of the physicochemical composition of freeze-dried egg yolk samples from laying hens fed with four different diets enriched with different sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Intelligent Monitoring of Livestock Production Processes Based on Synergistic Control

Sensor development has lead to the availability of ample regularly recorded data on both input and output parameters of livestock production processes. These data flows create the opportunity to develop control charts, a well known tool of Statistical Process Control (SPC), to support the stockman in his daily management task. Control charts support comprehension of the information in process variation by making a distinction between normal and abnormal variation. However, the use of control charts is bounded to assumptions related to the statistical model underlying them. Data originating from livestock production processes are typically seldom stationary and hence have no fixed target value, and they mostly display autocorrelation between successive observations. These statistical unconventionalities complicate the direct application and use of control charts for livestock process parameters.

A Relational Study of Gait Score (As a Measure for Lameness) With Breast Muscle Yield in Broiler Chickens

A fast genetic change, developments in the feed and the management of the broiler chicken during the last 50 years led to an improved efficiency of broiler meat production. However due to the fast growth rates and inactivity of the chickens there is also a growing rate in occurrence in metabolic and locomotion problems One of the reasons of locomotion or gait problems may be due to the fact that the skeleton structure cannot support the 3 dimensional distribution of body weight of the animal, especially the genetically increased mass of the breast muscle. Therefore this study focuses on the relation of gait score as a measure of lameness with breast muscle weight of individual chickens. For these reason 124 39 days old broiler chickens were slaughtered and their breast muscle were dissected and weighed. The chickens prior to slaughtering were also manually scored by experts for their gait scores. They were also weighed and sexed. Afterwards a statistical relation is sought between the percentages of breast muscle weight (or breast muscle yield) and the gait scores of the animals. It was observed that sex and gait score had a significant effect on the absolute breast muscle weight (p < 0.001 in both cases). On the other hand no evidence was found on the effects of sex and gait score on the breast muscle yield (p = 0.77 and p = 0.42).

Statistical Modeling of Tomato Firmness Evolution During Postharvest Storage

In the quality assessment of horticultural products, a shift from destructive towards nnondestructive quality sensors can be observed. These nondestructive sensors offer the appealing npossibility to monitor quality changes of individual products over time, which was not possible before. nInherent to this shift, also an important change in experimental setting occurs since not all nmeasurements are independent of each other. For instance, tomatoes with a low firmness today are nlikely to have a low firmness tomorrow, too. Together with the knowledge that biological material in ngeneral possesses a large variability, this type of repeated measures data necessitates a proper nstatistical analysis, and standard techniques used throughout literature in case of destructive sensors nare not applicable anymore. Therefore, this contribution aims at introducing the concept of mixed nmodels in the field of postharvest technology. The possibility of fitting mixed models in commercial nsoftware is rather recent (second half of the 90’s) but has proven extremely useful in a broad range nof application fields. In a practical experiment where the firmness of 13 different cultivars of ntomatoes are monitored during postharvest storage with a commercial nondestructive firmness nsensor for two harvests, it will be shown that the mixed model concept allows quantifying intratomato nvariability, inter-tomato variability and inter-cultivar variability, not only at a certain time point, nbut even as a function of storage time. The quantification of these different sources of variability is of ngreat importance to researchers and growers, but was up to now never accounted for.