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Greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows of divergent economic breeding index under seasonal pasture-based management
Get PDFpeer-reviewedGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen (N) efficiencies were modeled for 2 genetic groups (GG) of Holstein-Friesian cows across 3 contrasting feeding treatments (FT). The 2 GG were (1) high economic breeding index (EBI) animals representative of the top 5% of cows nationally (elite) and (2) EBI representative of the national average (NA). The FT represented (1) generous feeding of pasture, (2) a slight restriction in pasture allowance, and (3) a high-concentrate feeding system with adequate pasture allowance. Greenhouse gas and N balance models were parameterized using outputs generated from the Moorepark Dairy Systems model, a stochastic budgetary simulation model, having integrated biological data pertaining to the 6 scenarios (2 GG × 3 FT) obtained from a 4-yr experiment conducted between 2013 and 2016. On a per hectare basis, total system GHG emissions were similar for both elite and NA across the 3 FT. Per unit of product, however, the elite group had 10% and 11% lower GHG emissions per kilogram of fat- and protein-corrected milk and per kilogram of milk solids (MSO; fat + protein kg), respectively, compared with the NA across the 3 FT. The FT incorporating high concentrate supplementation had greater absolute GHG emissions per hectare as well as GHG per kilogram of fat- and protein-corrected milk and MSO. The elite group had a slightly superior N use efficiency (N output/N input) and lower N surplus (N input – N output) compared with the NA group. The high concentrate FT had an inferior N use efficiency and a higher N surplus. The results of the current study demonstrate that breeding for increased EBI will lead to a general improvement in GHG emissions per unit of product as well as improved N efficiency. The results also illustrate that reducing concentrate supplementation will reduce GHG emissions, GHG emissions intensity, while improving N efficiency in the context of pasture-based dairy production.Science Foundation Irelan
Development of chemometric models using Vis-NIR and Raman spectral data fusion for assessment of infant formula storage temperature and time
Get PDFpeer-reviewedThis study evaluated the potential of Vis-NIR and Raman spectral data fusion combined with PLS and SVM chemometric models developed using a large dataset (n = 1700) of commercial infant formula (IF) samples to (i) discriminate between different IF storage temperature (20, 37 °C) and (ii) predict IF storage time (0–12 months). Three interval-based PLS variable selection methods (forward interval PLS (FiPLS), backward interval PLS (BiPLS) and synergy interval PLS (SiPLS)) and SVM-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) methods were compared for model development. The best IF storage temperature discrimination model was developed using SVM classification (SVMC) and Vis-NIR spectra (400–2498 nm) (AccuracyCV = 99.82%, AccuracyP = 100%). SVM regression (SVMR) models developed using medium level data fusion (features selected by SVM-RFE) had the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) values for IF samples stored at either temperature, 20 °C or 37 °C (RMSECV = 0.7–0.8, RMSEP = 0.6–0.9).
Industrial relevance
Spectroscopic technologies, including Vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopy have been widely applied for process analysis and increasingly for on-line process monitoring in areas of chemicals, food processing, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, etc. Due to their rapid measurement and minimal or no sample preparation, they are highly suitable for in-line process monitoring. This study demonstrates that Vis-NIR and Raman process analytical tools either individually or combined may be employed for quality assessment and process control of IF manufacture.Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irelan
Combined effects of ultrasound, plasma-activated water, and peracetic acid on decontamination of mackerel fillets
Get PDFpeer-reviewedIt is usually quite challenging to rely on one single intervention to achieve a satisfactory antimicrobial effect and maintain quality attributes of food. This study aimed to investigate the decontamination effectiveness of individual treatments, including ultrasound (US), plasma-activated water (PAW), and peracetic acid (PAA) and their combinations against native microbiota (total mesophilic bacteria (TMC) and total psychrotrophic bacteria (TPC)) and inoculated bacteria (Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, and Pseudomonas fluorescens) on raw mackerel fillets. The impacts of the treatments on fish quality characteristics, such as colour, and lipid oxidation (primary and secondary products) were determined. Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties of PAW and plasma-activated PAA (PA-PAA), including pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, and reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS) after plasma treatment were examined. The results showed that combined treatments involving PAA tended to achieve higher inactivation rates, with the greatest inactivation of 0.72, 0.62, and 0.5 log CFU/g for L. innocua, E. coli, and P. fluorescens respectively. Significantly higher values of RONS and more acidic pH in PA-PAA were observed than that in PAW or PAA (P ≤ 0.05), demonstrating the synergistic effect of the hurdle interventions, though the inactivation rates on the fish samples were not significantly higher than the individual treatments. Fish quality parameters were not notably affected compared to the control. The study showed promising results for fish decontamination, offering potential alternative options for future application.University College Dubli
A Proteomic Study for the Discovery of Beef Tenderness Biomarkers and Prediction of Warner–Bratzler Shear Force Measured on Longissimus thoracis Muscles of Young Limousin-Sired Bulls
Get PDFpeer-reviewedBeef tenderness is of central importance in determining consumers’ overall liking. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of tenderness and be able to predict it, this study aimed to apply a proteomics approach on the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of young Limousin-sired bulls to identify candidate protein biomarkers. A total of 34 proteins showed differential abundance between the tender and tough groups. These proteins belong to biological pathways related to muscle structure, energy metabolism, heat shock proteins, response to oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Twenty-three putative protein biomarkers or their isoforms had previously been identified as beef tenderness biomarkers, while eleven were novel. Using regression analysis to predict shear force values, MYOZ3 (Myozenin 3), BIN1 (Bridging Integrator-1), and OGN (Mimecan) were the major proteins retained in the regression model, together explaining 79% of the variability. The results of this study confirmed the existing knowledge but also offered new insights enriching the previous biomarkers of tenderness proposed for Longissimus muscle.Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irelan
Volatility as a Concept to Understand the Impact of Stress on the Microbiome
Get PDFpeer-reviewedThe microbiome-gut-brain-axis is a complex phenomenon spanning several dynamic systems in the body which can be parsed at a molecular, cellular, physiological and ecological level. A growing body of evidence indicates that this axis is particularly sensitive to the effects of stress and that it may be relevant to stress resilience and susceptibility. Although stress-induced changes in the composition of the microbiome have been reported, the degree of compositional change over time, which we define as volatility, has not been the subject of in-depth scrutiny. Using a chronic psychosocial stress paradigm in male mice, we report that the volatility of the microbiome significantly correlated with several readouts of the stress response, including behaviour and corticosterone response. We then validated these findings in a second independent group of stressed mice. Additionally, we assessed the relationship between volatility and stress parameters in a cohort of health volunteers who were undergoing academic exams and report similar observations. Finally, we found inter-species similarities in the microbiome stress response on a functional level. Our research highlights the effects of stress on the dynamic microbiome and underscores the informative value of volatility as a parameter that should be considered in all future analyses of the microbiome.Science Foundation Irelan
Contribution of genetic variability to phenotypic differences in on-farm efficiency metrics of dairy cows based on body weight and milk solids yield
Get PDFpeer-reviewedMilk solids per kilogram of body weight (BW) is growing in popularity as a measure of dairy cow lactation efficiency. Little is known on the extent of genetic variability that exist in this trait but also the direction and strength of genetic correlations with other performance traits. Such genetic correlations are important to know if producers are to consider actively selecting cows excelling in milk solids per kilogram of BW. The objective of the present study was to use a large data set of commercial Irish dairy cows to quantify the extent of genetic variability in milk solids per kilogram of BW and related traits but also their genetic and phenotypic inter-relationships. Mid-lactation BW and body condition score (BCS), along with 305-d milk solids yield (i.e., fat plus protein yield) were available on 12,413 lactations from 11,062 cows in 85 different commercial dairy herds. (Co)variance components were estimated using repeatability animal linear mixed models. The genetic correlation between milk solids and body weight was only 0.05, which when coupled with the observed large genetic variability in both traits, indicate massive potential to select for both traits in opposite directions. The genetic correlations between both milk solids and BW with BCS; however, need to be considered in any breeding strategy. The genetic standard deviation, heritability, and repeatability of milk solids per kilogram of BW was 0.08, 0.37, and 0.57, respectively. The genetic correlation between milk solids per kilogram of BW with milk solids, BW, and BCS was 0.62, −0.75, and −0.41, respectively. Therefore, based on genetic regression, each increase of 0.10 units in genetic merit for milk solids per kilogram of BW is expected to result in, on average, an increase in 16.1 kg 305-d milk solids yield, a reduction of 25.6 kg of BW and a reduction of 0.05 BCS units (scale of 1–5 where 1 is emaciated). The genetic standard deviation (heritability) for 305-d milk solids yield adjusted phenotypically to a common BW was 27.3 kg (0.22). The genetic correlation between this adjusted milk solids trait with milk solids, BW, and BCS was 0.91, −0.12, and −0.26, respectively. Once also adjusted phenotypically to a common BCS, the genetic standard deviation (heritability) for milk solids adjusted phenotypically to a common BW was 26.8 kg (0.22) where the genetic correlation with milk solids, BW and BCS was 0.91, −0.21, and −0.07, respectively. The genetic standard deviation (heritability) of BW adjusted phenotypically for differences in milk solids was 35.3 kg (0.61), which reduced to 33.2 kg when also phenotypically adjusted for differences in BCS. Results suggest considerable opportunity exists to change milk solids yield independent of BW, and vice versa. The opportunity is reduced slightly once also corrected for differences in BCS. Inter-animal BCS differences should be considered if selection on such metrics is contemplated
More than two decades of Agri-Environment schemes: Has the profile of participating farms changed?
Get PDFpeer-reviewedThe agri-food sector is under increased pressure from consumers to improve on the sustainability of production processes. Policies that incentivise farmers to improve environmental performance, such as agri-environment schemes (AES), are increasingly important. Understanding the choice to participate in these programmes aids policymakers in designing schemes that meet participation and environmental goals. While a number of studies have investigated the decision using cross-sectional data on one or multiple locations, very few have used longitudinal data to investigate the impact of institutional changes over time. Using Ireland as a case study, this paper uses a nationally representative panel of data spanning 23 years to model the impact of scheme and policy changes on the type of farms participating in AES. This paper argues that environmental issues surrounding intensive farms (such as the loss of nutrients and sediment to water and greenhouse gas emissions) are not being optimally addressed in scheme design and further development of such programmes is needed to reduce negative environmental impacts
The potential of non-starter lactic acid bacteria from Cheddar cheese to colonise the gut
Get PDFpeer-reviewedThis study was undertaken to assess the potential of Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria (NSLAB) from Cheddar cheese to survive gastric transit and display probiotic-related traits including bile salt hydrolase activity, the ability to adhere to the gut epithelium and inhibition of enteropathogen binding. Populations of NSLAB, up to 107 CFU/g per cheese were recovered following exposure of cheese to Simulated Stomach Duodenum Passage (SSDP) conditions. A total of 240 isolates were randomly selected from twelve Cheddar cheeses and assessed for probiotic traits. Two strains Lactobacillus paracasei DPC 7150 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus DPC 7102 showed the most probiotic potential. The Lb. paracasei and Lb. rhamnosus strains displayed adhesion rates of 64% and 79%, respectively and inhibited binding of pathogenic Escherichia coli by >20%. This research demonstrates that Cheddar cheese harbours potentially beneficial bacteria, a large portion of which can survive simulated digestion and potentially exhibit health beneficial effects once ingested.TEAGAS
Effect of space allowance and mixing on growth performance and body lesions of grower-finisher pigs in pens with a single wet-dry feeder
Get PDFpeer reviewedBackground: Low space allowance (SA) and mixing may result in reduced growth performance (GP) and animal
welfare issues because of adverse social behaviours directed to pen mates. This could be exacerbated in pens with
single space feeders owing to social facilitation of feeding behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate the
effect of SA and mixing on GP and body lesions (BL) in pens with one single space wet-dry feeder.
Results: Two experiments were conducted on grower-finisher pigs from 10 to 21 weeks of age. In Exp1, pigs (N =
216) were assigned to three SA; 0.96m2/pig (n = 6 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96), 0.84m2/pig (n = 6; 12 pigs/pen; SA84)
and 0.72m2/pig (n = 6; 14 pigs/pen; SA72), in a randomized design. In Exp2, pigs (N = 230) were used in a 2 × 2
factorial randomized design considering SA and mixing as treatments. Pigs were assigned to two SA; 0.96m2/pig
(n = 10 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96) and 0.78 m2/pig (n = 10; 13 pigs/pen; SA78) and were either mixed or not at the
entry to the finishing facility. GP was not affected by SA (P > 0.05) in either experiment. In Exp2, non-mixed pigs
were 5.4 kg heavier (P < 0.001), gained 74 g more per day (P = 0.004), consumed 101.8 g more of feed per day (P =
0.007) and tended to have higher feed efficiency (P = 0.079) than mixed pigs from 11 to 21 weeks of age. Number
of BL was affected by SA in both experiments. In Exp1, SA72 pigs had 74.4 and 97.4% more BL than SA96 and SA84
pigs at 20 weeks of age respectively (P < 0.01). In Exp2, SA78 pigs had 48.6, 43.6 and 101.3% more BL than SA96
pigs at 12, 16 and 21 weeks of age respectively (P < 0.05). Mixing did not affect the number of BL from 12 to 21
weeks of age in Exp2 (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Mixing had a considerable effect on growth performance thus, strategies to avoid or mitigate mixing
should be considered. Although space allowance had no effect on growth performance, high number of body
lesions in the lower space allowance indicates that space allowances equal or below 0.78 m2/pig are detrimental to
the welfare of pigs despite following the EU legislation.
Keywords: Animal welfare, Group size, Pig, Regrouping, Stocking density, SwineTeagas
Effect of space allowance and mixing on growth performance and body lesions of grower-finisher pigs in pens with a single wet-dry feeder
Get PDFpeer-reviewedBackground
Low space allowance (SA) and mixing may result in reduced growth performance (GP) and animal welfare issues because of adverse social behaviours directed to pen mates. This could be exacerbated in pens with single space feeders owing to social facilitation of feeding behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SA and mixing on GP and body lesions (BL) in pens with one single space wet-dry feeder.
Results
Two experiments were conducted on grower-finisher pigs from 10 to 21 weeks of age. In Exp1, pigs (N = 216) were assigned to three SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 6 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96), 0.84 m2/pig (n = 6; 12 pigs/pen; SA84) and 0.72 m2/pig (n = 6; 14 pigs/pen; SA72), in a randomized design. In Exp2, pigs (N = 230) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized design considering SA and mixing as treatments. Pigs were assigned to two SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 10 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96) and 0.78 m2/pig (n = 10; 13 pigs/pen; SA78) and were either mixed or not at the entry to the finishing facility. GP was not affected by SA (P > 0.05) in either experiment. In Exp2, non-mixed pigs were 5.4 kg heavier (P 0.05).
Conclusion
Mixing had a considerable effect on growth performance thus, strategies to avoid or mitigate mixing should be considered. Although space allowance had no effect on growth performance, high number of body lesions in the lower space allowance indicates that space allowances equal or below 0.78 m2/pig are detrimental to the welfare of pigs despite following the EU legislation