To make genomic selection feasible at a commercial scale in beef cattle, it is common practice to obtain genomic predictions from imputed genotypes in different single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Using simulated data and single-step genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction, we evaluated prediction ability and imputation performance of moderate to low-density customised arrays, selecting markers with different minor allelic frequency available from high-density arrays. Cost-effective and robust genomic predictions may be achieved for beef cattle with moderate to low-density arrays.

L-citrulline does not degrade in the rumen and has the ability of peptide bond formation in the body, but does not participate in protein synthesis. Its effects on amino acids, hormones, antioxidant capacity in plasma, and reproductive performance of ewes were studied by feeding them with varying doses of L-Cit. The lambing rate and double lambing rate of ewes increased when the dose of supplementary feed was 10 g/day.

Cassava root can be an acceptable energy source for poultry, but its dietary recommendations have been variable. Low protein content, deficiency in sulfur amino acids, presence of cyanide and dustiness are the major constraints to the efficient utilisation of cassava meal in poultry diets. Adequately processed cassava root and moringa leaf supplemented with vegetable oil in isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets can replace up to 45% of dietary maize for broilers and reduce production cost.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the causative agent of enzootic pneumonia, responsible for significant economic losses to pig production worldwide. One of the control strategies is the acclimation of replacement gilts prior to their entry to the farm, which was the aim of this case study. Our results showed that the use of fogging with a positive inoculum of M. hyopneumoniae is capable of acclimating gilts, and could be a useful tool to control enzootic pneumonia in gilts.

Cumin is a common spice used for enhancement of flavour. It has preservative potential as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in meat model system. It may be an alternative to synthetic/chemical preservatives in meat products. The findings of this research indicated that inclusion of cumin oil reduced deterioration of physicochemical quality, improved antioxidant capacity, and decreased lipid oxidation and microbial proliferation together with acceptable sensory attributes in meat emulsion at 0.75% level.

Body size data is an important indicator for evaluating the health and breeding of pigs. This study proposes a fast and accurate body size estimation method, which can identify the body length, width and body height of pigs without contact through the captured image data. It provides technical support for pig automation and welfare breeding.