J.H. Weniger

Manual on E.A.A.P. Reference Methods for the assessment of carcass characteristics in cattle

Abstract A working party of the Study Commission on Cattle Production of the European Association for Animal Production has established reference methods for the assessment of carcass characteristics in cattle. The principle is similar to that of the draft systems for carcass description by OECD and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. The system aims at assessing some main carcass characteristics in a uniform and quantitative sense. It comprises a minimum set of assessments, which are easily applicable and non-destructive. The drafted manual includes: 1. (1) Definitions of concepts applying to the assessment of carcass characteristics. 2. (2) Standardized quantification of visually assessed morphologic carcass characteristics (in particular “fleshiness” and “fatness”). 3. (3) Standardized procedures for measurements and the determination of weight. The visual appraisal standards for fleshiness and fatness have been established more precisely by means of sets of colourslides. The reference methods refer both to carcasses and live cattle.

The effect of high environmental temperatures on fattening performance and growth of boars

Abstract Fifty-eight boars of the “German Landrace” breed were fattened between 70 and 110 kg in individual housing at ambient temperatures of 15°C or 35°C with 60% relative humidity in both cases. The animals under warm conditions showed increased growth of the skeleton and reduced growth of the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and stomach. The feed intake was strongly restricted by the high temperature, while water consumption showed an extremely high variance. Correspondingly the daily gains were strongly depressed, although the feed conversion ratios of the warm- and cold-housed animals were not significantly different. The fat thickness of the warm-housed animals was significantly lower.