The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of shipping to feedyards in western Kansas from the Southeast on the immune response of beef steers using complete blood counts. Angus- and Hereford-sired steers (n = 24, BW = 266.3±24.9 kg) from E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter, AL, were weaned on June 14, 2018. The following day, blood was collected for analysis. These calves were a subset from a larger project involving grazing. As such, calves were then maintained in drylots for 14 d until grazing was available. Once grazing was initiated, these calves were placed in drylot pens with a diet consisting of dry hay with supplemented with 1% of BW of dried distiller’s grains with solubles. After 80 d, half of the calves were shipped (n = 12, SC) to Hy-Plains Feedyard, LLC. in Montezuma, KS. Immediately prior to shipment, immediately post-shipment, and after 24-hr rest, blood was collected. Blood was also collected from the unshipped calves (UC) at similar time points. Whole blood collected at each time point was analyzed for complete blood counts. The data was analyzed using the Mixed Procedure in SAS. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected post-weaning or pre-shipping. Immediately post-shipment, white blood cell, and neutrophil counts were greater in SC while lymphocytes counts were less (P < 0.05) than UC; however, these were not different after 24-hr rest (P > 0.05). Hematocrit and monocyte count were elevated in SC both immediately post-shipping and after 24 hr of rest (P <0.05), while reticulocyte count was lower in SC at those same time points (P < 0.05). Basophil counts were lower in SC at the 24-hr rest time point (P = 0.03). Results of this study indicate that SC did not completely rehydrate after 24 hr of rest and complete blood counts show differences in immune response due to shipping

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Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n = 56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (P &lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (P &lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &lt; 0.0001), loin (P &lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork. However, growth and carcass parameters for this breed are poorly documented. Our objective was to better characterize optimal harvest weights for the Mangalica breed. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n=56) were randomly distributed across stratified harvest weights (50, 57, 68, 82, 93, 102, 127 kg) in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed standard finisher rations with individual daily feed intakes and weekly body weights recorded for all animals. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were split and ribbed with marbling and loin eye area (LEA) measured at the 10th rib. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. Fat back was separated from the loin and weighed. As expected, live weight significantly increased across weight class (P &lt; 0.0001). ADG was similar across classes up to 82 kg live weight before steadily declining with increasing weight class (P &lt; 0.0025). Likewise, feed efficiency did not differ between classes until weights heavier than 82 kg (P &lt; 0.03). LEA significantly increased by class up to 82 kg and then plateaued as harvest weight increased further (P &lt; 0.003). Marbling score significantly increased with increasing weight class up to 102 kg where they then plateaued (p &lt; 0.04). Fat back dramatically increased across all weight classes (p &lt; 0.0001) despite negligible increases in LEA or marbling after 102 kg. Primal cut weights for the ham (P &lt; 0.0001), loin (P &lt; 0.0001), Boston butt (P &lt; 0.0001), shoulder (P &lt; 0.0001), and belly (P &lt; 0.0001) all significantly increased with increasing live weight. These data suggest an optimal harvest weight occurs between 82 to 102 kg while offering little objective justification for the current practice of harvesting Mangalica pigs at much heavier live weights.

No abstract