In New Zealand, cows are milked once or twice daily. However, bulls are evaluated only in the twice-daily system. Testing for changes in the genetic evaluation across milking environments could reveal whether once-daily populations need a separate selection scheme, and was done by comparing estimated breeding values of the same bulls with a simulated expected correlation. Correlations of estimated breeding values were greater than their expected correlations, indicating that farmers can rely on the evaluation made in twice-daily systems.

Investigating the association between the birthweight (BW) of a calf and her performance later in life is important to realise the optimum weight at birth. This study showed that increased BW of a female is associated with a decrease in age at the first calving, increased lactation performance, increased length of the calving interval and increased risk for dystocia. Therefore, in any economic evaluation of BW, the association between the BW of a female calf and her lactation performance should be considered.

Antral follicle count (AFC) may be related to reproductive efficiency in different cattle breeds, so could be useful to select animals for breeding. We found that despite the greater embryo production in Senepol cows classified as high AFC, the conversion rate of viable oocytes to in vitro embryos produced was not affected by the AFC category. High AFC heifers tended to be more sexually precocious; however, an influence of AFC on conception rate at the first fixed timed artificial insemination was not detected.

The need for protein during broiler growth is a dynamic process and understanding the response of a broiler to protein intake would be most beneficial when nutritionists decide the level of protein in the feed. The response of two strains (male and female) of broiler chickens consuming feed with an increasing level of protein was investigated. Finally, proper equations are provided to predict such responses.

In poultry nutrition, nutritionists usually formulate feed guided by a recommendation table of nutrients, which is generally based on the amount necessary to maximise broiler’s response, with no relation to the economic aspects of the poultry production. In the present paper, the authors prepared a sequence of exercises demonstrating an alternative on how the levels of protein might be calculated. Finally, the methodology to estimate the level of protein that maximises the economic return is given.

In this study, two experiments were conducted to understand the response of broiler chickens to solid-state fermented lupins and unfermented lupins containing commercial feed enzymes. The parameters studied included the performance and nutrient digestibility as a result of the birds consuming the above-mentioned feed materials. The performance study was conducted for 21 days, while the measurement of nutrient digestibility was performed for the following consecutive 4 days. This study will open a new window for the poultry feed industry. However, more studies are still needed to be able to clearly understand the practical application of the above-mentioned feed materials in broiler diets.

Flint corn is widely cultivated in tropical countries, but little is known about its use without processing or as whole shelled corn in feedlot diets. Inclusion of an effective fibre source in diets with yellow dent corn, and the use of crossbreeds can increase feedlot productivity, contributing to the increase of global meat production.

Chickens are prolific, easy to raise, and their numbers can be expanded easily and more rapidly than other livestock species. Information on the genetically improved breeds in regard to egg production performance, especially under semi-intensive production with different diets at varying levels of supplementation, is a prerequisite to small holder farmers. Diets and levels of supplementation had a significant influence on egg production parameters. This study will serve as baseline information for developing strategic feeding of dual-purpose birds intended for egg production.

In many developing countries, cattle and buffalo reproductive efficiency remains low on smallholder farms despite rapid population growth demanding increased animal sourced protein. Programs have introduced interventions to improve animal nutrition, health and reproductive husbandry but their effects on reproductive performance remain unknown. This study identified the adoption of forage growing, increased market participation, and improving biosecurity practices as key interventions affecting cattle and buffalo reproductive efficiency. This information may assist future projects prioritise interventions leading to enhanced regional food security.

The meat from Zebu cattle is known to have lower eating quality, and aging (wet or dry) is the main practice used to improve quality. Dry-aged beef is in high demand worldwide and knowledge about the process parameters will help the industry to improve and increase its production. This study found that for dry aging, lower temperature and shorter aging time result in a higher yield, whereas for wet aging, these same conditions could increase shelf life.

Spineless cactus is shown to be a useful and economic component of diets for lambs in semi-arid regions, and especially for its high energy content. The combination of spineless cactus with sugarcane showed great promise to be used in the diet of confined sheep and in the production of healthy meat for human consumption.