<div>Background: The intensive rearing systems of goats needs dietary formulations that will meet animal requirements, mainly the protein and energy to allow optimum growth rate. Alternative systems to attain 15-20 kg body weight by three months of age with better meat quality is need of the hour. Broiler goat production system is most suitable system of rearing for meat goat production. The current study was conducted to examine the impact of broiler goat production system on the carcass traits and meat quality characteristics of Malabari male kids.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Fourteen pre-weaned kids were randomly allotted to two treatments. Treatment-I (T1) kids were allowed to suckle thrice a day during four weeks and twice in a day during consequent weeks. Whereas in Treatment-II (T2), kids were reared intensively by providing finely ground concentrate feed mixed with equal quantity of rice gruel from a feeding bottle after 7 days of colostrum feeding from the mother. The animals were slaughtered at an age of three months and the final body weight, carcass traits like dressing percentage, weight of different body parts and meat quality parameters like pH, color, cooking loss and shear force were analysed. The proximate composition and sensory evaluation was performed.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Broiler goat production system could produce significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher final average body weight compared to natural system. All the carcass traits were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in T2. The broiler goat production system could double the net live weight during the same period compared to natural suckling system with higher dressing % and the chevon produced was tender with less cooking loss. Hence, this system can be recommended for chevon production in shorter period with higher dressing % and lesser cooking loss in Malabari male kids.</div>

<div>Carcass Traits and Meat Quality Characteristics of Malabari Male Kids Reared under Different Production System</div>

<div>Background: The geese have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for its meat, also used to get rid of weeds as it was released in the fields, which the cost of raising it was low. In recent years, despite of interest in geese production, it is important to take cognisance of the fact that there is a dearth of information on carcass traits, and the different effects of age, gender and their interactions on carcass characteristics of geese. Therefore, the objective of the current study aimed to investigate effect of age, gender and their interactions on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). 
 
Methods: A number of geese parents at the end of the third season and their gosling hatched reared until 10 weeks of age and each stock contain equal number of sexes for assessing carcass traits. All geese were reared under equal managerial, environmental and hygienic conditions. 
 
Result: Parent stock was significantly (p&ge;0.0001) higher body weight, dressing percentage and edible meat parts compared to the young geese. Males&rsquo; geese had approximately a 17% significantly higher live weight, a 4.6% higher dressed carcass percentage and 5.2% higher edible meat parts percentage than females. The intestine and neck percentages were significantly affected only by age, whereas blood and feather percentages were significantly affected only by gender. Moreover, abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages were affected by all observed factors. The young geese had approximately a 24.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than the parent&rsquo;s geese. Females&rsquo; geese had approximately 8.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than males. Abdominal and gizzard fat (%) were significantly affected by interaction between age and gender. A significant positive correlation coefficient was detected between live body weight and all edible parts of carcass characteristics weights for goose males. In conclusion, the increase of age had a positive effect on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). Males&rsquo; geese had a better carcass characteristics compared to females; in addition, the females were significantly higher than males for the abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages.</div>

Carcass Traits of Geese (Anser anser) as Affected by Age, Gender and Their Interactions

<div>Protected amino acids especially methionine and lysine are considered one of the most important additives to the feed of high growth or production animals and the response may depend or affected by the balance between the amino acids and energy requirements. Local Awassi lambs (6 to 9 months of age) in the previous studies showed altered responses to the feeding protected protein. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of protected methionine to the feed of lambs after weaning on growth and carcass traits. Ten Awassi lambs were used in this study ages 4 to 5 months and average body weights 22.81&plusmn;0.48, lambs were divided into two treatments and fed using ad-libitum system at two meals daily on control diet in the first treatment or with addition 5 g/lamb/day of protected methionine in the second treatment. Our result was showed that feeding Awassi lambs with protected methionine directly after weaning decreased feed intake, final body weight, total gain as compared with control, but carcass traits such as hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib-eye muscle area and subcutaneous fat thickness were not affected.</div>

Effect of Feeding Awassi Lambs after Weaning with Protected Methionine on Productive Performance and Carcass Traits

<div>Background: Small ruminants play a vital role in livelihood and nutritional security in India. The sheep population in the country is showing positive growth. Malpura sheep from the semi-arid region of India is an important mutton purpose breed.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Twenty-four animals viz., ram lamb (G-Rl), ewe lamb (G-El) (10-12 months each), ram (G-Ra) and ewe (G-Ea) (20-24 months each) were slaughtered to assess carcass traits and meat quality.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The average pre-slaughter weight and dressing yield on an empty live weight basis for G-Rl, G-El, G-Ra and G-Ea groups were 23.83, 17.00, 35.82 and 28.08 kg; 52.35, 51.26, 53.70 and 52.93% respectively. The loin eye area (cm2) differed significantly. The weights of edible and inedible offals were significantly higher (P&lt;0.001) in males in the same age group. The average lean content in different cut-up parts was higher (P&lt;0.05) in G-3(G-Ra). The shear force values and other meat quality attributes were significantly different among the groups. It is concluded that age and sex had a significant effect on carcass traits and meat quality in Malpura sheep.</div>

Age and Sex Affect Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Malpura Sheep

<div>Background: GnRH-1 mainly exists in hypothalamus and it is vital to gonad development and sexual maturity of animals. This study mainly analyzed the association between GnRH-1 polymorphism and carcass traits of quails, Research conclusions can provide references for breeding of new species of quail. 
 
Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 31 female samples of Chinese Yellow quail, beijingbai quail and Korean quail were collected in Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. 
SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 gene were investigated in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail through PCR amplification and DNA sequencing technologys. Moreover, correlation analysis between polymorphism sites of GnRH-1 gene and carcass traits of quail was performed.&nbsp; 
 
Result: According to research results, a total of 14 SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 were detected in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail, which were C71T, C108T, C168T, C178T, A184G, C206T, A209C, C215T, A252G, A279T, C281T, C293G, C339T and C458T. For A209C and C281T, only 2 genotypes were detected in China yellow quail and Beijing white quail, while for the remaining 12 SNP mutation sites, 3 genotypes were detected in three quail species. Correlation analysis showed that A209C, A279T, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with liver weight (P&lt;0.05), A209C, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with dressing percentage (P&lt;0.05), C215T and A279T were significantly correlated with breast muscle weight(whole) (P&lt;0.05), A209C was significantly correlated with body weight, dressed carcass weight and whole net carcass weight (P&lt;0.05).</div>

<div>Association Analysis between Polymorphism of GnRH-1 Genes and Carcass Traits of Quail (Coturnix coturnix)</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was carried out to evaluate the production performance, immune response and carcass traits in broiler chickens (0 to 6 weeks) fed diets incorporated with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidi). One-day-old chicks (192) were randomly selected and divided into 24 groups with 8 chicks in each group (6 dietary treatments x4 replicates). Six experimental diets T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were formulated to contain an additional 0, BMD @20mg, Lactobacillus acidophilus (106 and 107 cfu/g feed) and &nbsp;Bifidobacterium bifidi (106 and 107 cfu/g feed), respectively. Body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality were not (P&gt;0.05) affected by dietary supplementation of probiotics. On 28d of age, antibody responses to inoculated sheep red blood cells were determined. Antibody titres were higher (P&lt;0.05) after feeding probiotics (L. acidophilus) supplemented diets (T3 and T4). During 4th week of age, the response to intra-dermally injected phytohaemagglutinin, an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, increased in the groups fed on probiotic (L. acidophilus) supplemented diets. &nbsp;After 6 weeks, the three birds from each treatment group were sacrificed. Relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus were greater in broiler chickens given the probiotic supplemented diets but there was no effect on carcass traits, cut up parts and relative weights of organs among the dietary treatments. It was concluded that supplementing the diet with probiotic i.e., L. acidophilus (106 cfu/g feed) had a beneficial effect on immune responses but did not affect production performance and carcass traits in broiler chickens.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Production performance, immune response and carcass traits of broiler chickens fed diet incorporated with probiotics&nbsp;</div>

Background: Selection based on traits such as average daily gain (ADG) and carcass quality in commercial pig populations have drawn attention of swine breeders due to the correlation with growth and consumer preference for carcass composition, respectively. The association between melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene, which encodes the G-protein-coupled receptor and ADG and carcass quality, have been well documented. The study was conducted to determine the effects of MC4R/TaqI and PIT-1/RsaI polymorphisms on growth and carcass quality traits in total of 576 Duroc pigs at national breeding farms of Vietnam. 
 
Methods: After the performance test, the desired traits including ADG, IF and LD were measured. ADG (g/day) was calculated as the live weight divided by the number of days from birth to 100 kg, BF and LD can be captured at position P2 (6-8 cm away from body midline at the last rib level) with Ultrasound machine Aloska SSD 500V. Genomic DNA were collected and genotyped to observe the polymorphism of MC4R and PIT-1. 
 
Result: Three genotypes AA, AG andGG of MC4R gene and AA, AB and BB of PIT-1 gene were found in the studied pig population. The observed frequencies of AA, AG and GG were 0.09, 0.41 and 0.50 (MC4R gene) and for AA, AB and BB were 0.37, 0.47 and 0.16, respectively. The G allele (MC4R) and B allele (PIT-1) have more positive effects on traits of ADG, BF and LD. Specifically, in MC4R gene, the individuals carrying GG genotype had higher ADG by 50 gram and lower BF by 1.4 mm than AA genotype. In PIT-1 gene, pigs carrying BB genotype had higher ADG and LD than AA genotype by 37 gram and by 1.9 mm, respectively. Therefore, the increased selection of G allele, GG genotype (MC4R) and of B allele, BB genotype (PIT-1) should be considered to contribute to the improvement of ADG, BF and LD traits in Duroc population in current study.

Polymorphisms of Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Carcass Traits in Canadian Duroc Pigs

Background: Castration is a practice with significant implications for the meat production industry. It influences carcass composition, enhancing meat quality traits such as tenderness, flavor, color, juiciness. Additionally, it aids in managing animal behavior, reduces stress and meets market demands, leading to economic benefits. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Lambs from the Jamuna basin area were divided into two groups: T1&nbsp;(uncastrated) and T2&nbsp;(castrated). Each group was made up of ten lambs. The data were subjected to analysis using an independent t-test, in conjunction with the GLM procedure of the SAS statistical software. The parameters that were examined in this study included carcass characteristics, proximate components such as dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and ash, physicochemical properties including ultimate pH, cooked pH, cooking loss, drip loss and water holding capacity, sensory analysis factors such as color, flavor, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability, as well as lightness (L), redness (r) and yellowness (b) through instrumental color values represented by the International Commission on Illumination (Commission Internationale de l&rsquo;&Eacute;clairage) or CIE. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The uncastrated group exhibited significantly higher values (p&lt;0.05) for hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, blood, skin, limb, half carcass, pluck and neck compared to the castrated group. The ether extract (EE) in the castrated group exhibited a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) compared to the uncastrated group. The group that underwent castration exhibited a statistically significant reduction in drip loss (p&lt;0.01), cooking loss (p&lt;0.05) and a notable increase in ultimate pH (p&lt;0.01). The CIE L*, a* and b* values of uncastrated lambs did not exhibit a statistically significant increase (p&lt;0.05). The study of carcass traits, proximate components, physicochemical properties, sensory evaluation and instrumental color values suggests that 12-month-old lambs that had not been castrated had better reproductive performance and carcass traits. On the other hand, castrated lambs displayed enhanced meat quality attributes.

Effect of Castration on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality Traits of Jamuna Basin Lamb of Bangladesh

Background: The objective of this study was to study dietary utilization of yeast-fermented coconut milk residue on the productive performance and carcass traits of the broilers. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A total of 120-day old unsexed broilers chicks (Cobb 500) were used. The chicks were weighed individually and randomly divided into four groups with similar mean body weight as the initial weight, in each group having five replicates of twelve chickens. Four dietary treatments were as follows; treatment I: basal diet only (control group), treatment ii, iii and iv were dietary experiments consisted of yeast fermented coconut milk residue at the levels of 3, 6 and 9 per cent, respectively. Data of feed intake, weight gain and mortality rate were collected for calculation of ADG, FCR and mortality percentage. End of feeding trial, four chickens were randomized to determine the carcass traits. 
&nbsp; 
Result: It was found that dietary utilization of yeast-fermented coconut milk residue had no effect on productive performance and carcass traits (P&gt;0.05). Moreover, tenderloin was affected by the dietary using yeast-fermented coconut milk residue at nine percent. In conclusion, yeast-fermented coconut milk residue can be used in broiler&rsquo;s diet up to nine percent without impairing growth performance and carcass trait. 
&nbsp; 
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Dietary Utilization of Yeast-fermented Coconut Milk Residue on Productive Performance and Carcass Traits of Broilers

<div style="text-align: justify;">An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of roasted guar korma with or without mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers. Nine hundred and sixty day old commercial broiler chicks (Vencobb-400 strain) were divided into sixteen treatment groups of 60 each for six weeks. The diet without roasted guar korma served as control. The rest of the diets were formulated by incorporating 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 17.5 % and 20% levels of roasted guar korma, partially replacing soybean meal with and without enzyme (&szlig;-mannanase) at two &nbsp;levels (500 g/t and 750 g/t). Body weight gain at the starter phase was found to be non significant however at the finisher phase the differences were significant (P&lt;0.05) for T2 (563.35 g) and T5 (533.55 g) than the rest of the groups including control. Differences of feed consumption were significant (P&lt;0.01) at the end of starter as well as finisher phases whereas FCR differences were found to be non-significant. Dry matter digestibility was observed significantly better in T5 group. Significantly (P&lt;0.01) better nitrogen retention was observed in T5 and T6 groups than the groups having higher levels of roasted guar korma. Eviscerated weight differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) whereas non-significant differences were observed for giblet per cent, abdominal fat per cent, edible meat per cent and dressing per cent. It was concluded that 12.5 per cent of roasted guar korma with supplementation of &szlig; mannanase @ 500g/t can be safely added in the broiler diet without any adverse effect on performance, nutrient digestibility as well as carcass trait.</div>

Effect of different levels of roasted guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba &nbsp;L.) korma with or without &szlig;-mannanase supplementation on performance and carcass traits of broilers