The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different early weaning programs on growth performance and blood parameters of dairy calves. To meet this objective, thirty Holstein calves with initial body weight of 36 ± 5 kg were randomly assigned at birth to one of the three weaning programs. Experimental groups were: 1) starter diet and whole milk from birth to 6 weeks and wean...

Weaning of mammalian progeny is associated with a change in body shape and physical characteristics. It programs growth, composition, the tempo physiological development maturation, as well litter size parity and, thereby, reproductive strategy.

objective: estimation of genetic parameters for kleiber ratio (kr) and genetic trends for pre-weaning weights of arabi sheep has not been previously conducted.methods: data and pedigree information were collected at the khuzestan ramin agricultural and natural resources university, animal science research station, located in southwest iran, from 2001 to 2008. (co)variance components and corresp...

Obtaining a suitable mate is an integral part of reproduction, with sexual selection processes such as female choice resulting in both direct and/or indirect benefits. Here, we investigated whether olfactory driven influenced reproductive success captive fat-tailed dunnarts (Sminthopsis crassicaudata). Although females spent 67% more time preferred male’s scent, was not by assigned choice. Of t...

Abstract Weaning is one of the most critical and stressful stages a beef calf’s life. Management strategies practiced during post-weaning period can have large impact on calf performance, quality, economic viability. With number different practices that producers utilize these production, it important for Extension educators to understand which management are commonly used potential successes t...

Objective: Estimation of genetic parameters for Kleiber ratio (KR) and genetic trends for pre-weaning weights of Arabi sheep has not been previously conducted.Methods: Data and pedigree information were collected at the Khuzestan Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, Animal Science Research Station, located in southwest Iran, from 2001 to 2008. (Co)variance components and corresp...

For many breeding companies, performance testing in maternal lines is generally confined to traits such as average daily gain (ADG), back fat (BF) and perhaps loin muscle depth or area (LMD or LMA), along with litter size traits such as number born alive (NBA) or total born (TB). More sophisticated breeding programs will also accommodate traits associated with sow performance, longevity or pigl...

Total weaning weight is a function of pig quantity and quality. Pig quality can be associated with individual pig weights and survivability. As litter size increases, total weaning weight increases at a decreasing rate. As shown in Figure 1., larger litter sizes not only wean more weight, but also have higher preweaning mortality. Increased litter size has been associated with smaller, more fra...

Heavier piglets are more likely to survive until weaning (see review by Le Dividich, 1999). Piglets with a larger birthweight have a higher pre-weaning growth rate (Bilkei and Biro, 1999) and better lifetime performance (Rydhmer et al., 1989). Overall, these phenotypic relationships indicate the importance of considering the role of piglet birth weights in breeding programs. In addition, furthe...