泰森食品公司

Abstract Nutrient restriction during gestation can impair fetal growth efficiency, jeopardizing offspring survival and later productivity. Studies have shown melatonin supplementation during maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) enhances placental nutrient transporter abundance, helping to mitigate fetal nutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to examine fatty acids profiles and placental fatty acid transporter abundance in nutrient restricted dams supplemented with melatonin. To realize this objective, Brangus heifers (n = 29) were fed either 100% of NRC requirements (ADQ) or 60% of NRC requirements (RES) from d 160 to d 240 of gestation. These groups were randomly assigned to receive either 20mg of melatonin supplement daily or no supplement, constructing four treatment groups (ADQ-CON, n = 7; ADQ-MEL, n = 7; RES-CON, n = 7; and RES-MEL, n = 8). On d 240, maternal blood, fetal blood and amniotic fluid were collected for fatty acid analysis. Placentomes were collected to determine gene transcript abundance via RT-PCR techniques. MNR increased (P ≤ 0.05) SLC27A1 transcript abundance, a common long chain fatty acid transporter, in both the caruncle and cotyledon compared with ADQ fed dams. Caruncle SLC27A4 transcription abundance was increased (P ≤ 0.005) in RES-MEL compared with all other treatment groups. Maternal concentrations of total monounsaturated (P ≤ 0.001) and total omega-3 (P ≤ 0.041) fatty acids were increased in RES dams compared with ADQ dams. Melatonin treatment did not influence maternal fatty acid profiles (P ≥ 0.081). Fetal concentrations of margaric acid, C17:0, were decreased (P = 0.022) in RES-MEL compared with RES-CON. Fetal concentrations of total omega-6 fatty acids were increased (P = 0.026) in the RES-MEL group when compared with ADQ-CON. Concentrations of oleic acid, C18:1c9, and C18:1 c12 were increased (P ≤ 0.047) in RES-CON fetuses compared with ADQ-CON, while RES-MEL and ADQ-CON had similar (P ≥ 0.188) circulating concentrations. Fetal branch chain fatty acids concentrations were decreased (P ≤ 0.003) in RES-MEL, driven by a decrease in 15-methylpalmitic acid, when compared to RES-CON group (P ≤ 0.003). Amniotic fluid exhibited increased concentrations of oleic acid in RES-MEL when compared with all other treatment groups (P = 0.047). Nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.019) total branch chain fatty acids circulating in amniotic fluid when compared with ADQ-CON group. With supplementation, RES-MEL recovered total branch chain fatty acid and 15-methylpalmitic acid concentrations in amniotic fluid (P ≥ 0.107). This study demonstrated melatonin supplementation alters placental fatty acid transporter abundance, resulting in partial rescue of fatty acid profiles in fetal and amniotic fluid in nutrient restricted dams.

Feed represents the single largest cost in broiler production, accounting for nearly three-quarters of live production expenses, with energy and protein sources contributing most significantly to total diet cost. Modern feed formulation aims to balance economic efficiency, nutrient adequacy, product quality, and environmental sustainability. Historical advancements in poultry nutrition from early National Research Council (NRC) publications to the adoption of precision formulation, least-cost modeling, and use of feed-grade amino acids and enzymes have markedly improved nutrient utilization and production efficiency. Energy, while not a nutrient, remains the principal driver of feed intake and growth performance, emphasizing the need for precise evaluation of metabolizable energy systems. The concept of the ideal protein, centered on lysine as a reference amino acid, has facilitated improved amino acid balance and reduced nitrogen excretion, through emerging perspectives advocating for inclusion of both “essential” and “non-essential” amino acids, better termed “indispensable” and “dispensable”, respectively, to meet physiological needs. Determining amino acid requirements continues to evolve through nitrogen balance, factorial, dose-response, and tracer methodologies. As global poultry demand increases, sustainable protein sourcing is essential. Soybean meal remains the benchmark high protein ingredient; however, alternative protein sources, processing innovations, and genetically improved soybean varieties offer opportunities to enhance nutrient digestibility and reduce environmental footprint. Improved soybean amino acid content traits require strict identity preservation supply chains to realize benefits of improved least cost formulation value for feed use. Collectively, advancements in feed formulation and ingredient development underscore the economic viability, efficiency, and sustainability of the modern broiler industry.

The objective of this study was to characterize the influence of finishing system on the sensory characteristics and mechanisms of tenderness formation in the longissimus lumborum (striploin) of bison bulls. Bison bulls (n = 196) were randomly assigned to one of two finishing treatments at approximately 25 mo of age: 1) Grain-finished (n = 98; placed in an open lot with ad libitum access to prairie hay, alfalfa hay, and whole shell corn prior to slaughter) or 2) Grass-finished (n = 98; bulls allowed to graze native pasture until slaughter). Bulls were harvested at approximately 30 mo of age and striploins were collected. Ultimate pH was recorded, and striploins were fabricated into steaks for assessment of sensory characteristics by consumer and trained sensory panels (steaks aged 14 d), and analysis of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF; steaks aged 4, 7, 14 or 21 d). Additional steaks were aged for 14 d for determination of collagen content and sarcomere length. Proteolysis of desmin and troponin-T was evaluated on samples aged for 4, 7, 14, or 21 d. Consumer panel results indicate that grain-finished steaks had higher ratings for overall liking (P = 0.04) and flavor liking (P < 0.01) whereas off-flavor intensity was increased (P < 0.01) for grass-finished steaks compared to grain-finished steaks. Trained panelists indicated that grass-finished bison steaks had increased (P < 0.01) aroma and flavor intensities compared to grain-finished bison steaks and “ammonia, metallic, and gamey flavors” were associated with the grass-finished treatment. Warner-Bratzler shear force was affected by the interaction of finishing treatment with aging period (P < 0.01). Steaks from the grain-finished bulls became more tender (P ≤ 0.02) as aging time increased from 4 d to 14 d, whereas WBSF of steaks from grass-finished bulls did not differ (P ≥ 0.10) during this period. Steaks from grass-finished bulls were more tender (P ≤ 0.01) than steaks from grain-finished bulls at 4 d and 7 d but treatments were similar (P ≥ 0.61) at 14 and 21 d. Samples from grass-finished bulls had less (P < 0.01) intact desmin compared to grain-finished bulls. This study demonstrates that finishing system influences sensory attributes of steaks from bison bulls and highlights the role of proteolysis as the primary mechanism regulating tenderization of bison.

The wooden breast defect in broiler breast meat is characterized by hardened and pale areas at both the caudal and cranial regions of the breast. Extensive research has been conducted on the texture, sensory quality, pH, color, and omics expression to characterize differences between normal and woody broiler breast meat and possible causes of this myopathy. However, minimal literature is available on the differences in volatile compound characterization between woody and normal breast (NB) meat. Volatile aroma differences may be associated with off-flavor, which was previously reported in woody breast meat. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine the flavor differences between ground patties made from normal and severe woody breast (SWB) meat using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-olfactometry, and sensory descriptive analysis. Chicken patties were also evaluated for pH, color, cooking loss, and protein bind. Forty-eight individual volatile flavor compounds were identified in the chicken samples including aldehydes, ketones, and other functional groups. Patties made from woody breast meat had greater concentrations of oxidation products, including aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. The most intense aroma compounds were hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentyl furan, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, and 1-nonanol. Since breast meat only contains approximately 2-3% fat, these volatile compounds are most likely formed from phospholipid oxidation in the cell membrane and protein oxidation. Woody breast meat also had a greater cooking loss and lesser protein binding, confirming previous differences between patties formulated from normal and SWB meat. Results indicated that when the chicken breast was ground into patties, woody breast meat was more susceptible to oxidation and off-flavors than NB meat.

Mycoplasma hyosynoviae (M. hyosynoviae) is a commensal bacterium that can induce lameness in growing and finishing pigs, contributing to welfare concerns in swine production. The objective of this study was to characterize the natural humoral immune response to M. hyosynoviae in various ages of pigs commercially raised in the United States. Three > 2500 sow farms and their downstream sites were enrolled in the study. One herd presented a history of M. hyosynoviae-associated lameness in growing/finishing age pigs (affected), while two farms and their downstream flows were apparently healthy (non-affected). Blood samples (n = 3395) were collected cross-sectionally at various ages and stages of production in sows, piglets, and replacement gilts. An indirect ELISA assay was employed for the detection of M. hyosynoviae IgG antibodies in serum. A Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized to investigate the differences in M. hyosynoviae S/P ratios among sows, piglets, and gilts in each herd. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the proportion of pigs positive for M. hyosynoviae antibodies within each herd. Sows showed the highest detection of M. hyosynoviae antibodies when compared to piglets and replacement gilts, regardless of production stage. Mycoplasma hyosynoviae antibodies tended to wane at approximately eight weeks of age in the piglets in all herds. Replacement gilt seroconversion to M. hyosynoviae in the two non-affected herds increased later in life compared to the affected flow. The lack of identification of M. hyosynoviae antibodies in the herd experiencing lameness downstream compared to the two non-affected herds warrants investigation into the role that antibody production could play against lameness development. In conclusion, this study provides information on potential windows of opportunity to induce an immune response against M. hyosynoviae.