Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Body tissue development of Santa Inês breed sheep using computed tomography

André Torres Geraldo A , Aylton Bartholazzi Junior A , Caroline Marçal Gomes David A , Ana Carolina Barros de Freitas A , Fernanda Antunes A , Miguel Alejandro Silva Rua A , Wilder Hernando Ortiz Vega A , Julia Gazzoni Jardim A , Luciana de Macêdo Mello A , Thiago da Silva Correa A , Renato Travassos Beltrame B , Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa C and Celia Raquel Quirino https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6039-1259 A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Alberto Lamego Ave 2000, 28016-811, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

B University Center of Espirito Santo (UNESC), Av. Fioravante Rossi 2930, 29703-858, Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

C Instituto de Zootecnia, R. Heitor Penteado 56, 13460-000, Nova Odessa, São Paulo, Brazil.

D Corresponding author. Email: crqster@gmail.com

Animal Production Science 61(2) 191-200 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20084
Submitted: 20 February 2020  Accepted: 14 September 2020   Published: 8 October 2020

Abstract

Context: The in vivo evaluation of body tissue development on meat production sheep can be used both to identify and select animals with the best characteristics and to make choices regarding marketing the products of these animals.

Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate, using computed tomography, the dynamics of body tissue development and composition of male and female Santa Inês sheep in vivo.

Methods: The carcass tissue evaluation by computed tomography of 38 sheep (21 male and 17 female) was performed after weaning, at the ages of 90, 120, 180 and 300 days. Based on the Cavalieri method, regression equations were generated for estimates of total weight and proportions of bone, muscle and fat. For the Cavaliere method five males and five females were selected at random and in the four times. In the evaluation of the reference points, all the animals of the study were evaluated in the four times (21 males and 17 females).

Key results: The mean fat weight was highest at 300 days (2.74 ± 0.99 kg) and lowest at 90 (1.88 ± 0.88 kg) and 120 days (1.91 ± 0.83 kg), indicating that the mean fat area increased with age at all the points evaluated. At age 300 days, the females accumulated more fat than the males whereas the proportions of bone and muscle were higher in the males.

Conclusions: Computed tomography allowed the evaluation of the body tissues of live animals and was efficient at detecting the changes during the growth phase, besides revealing differences in tissue composition between males and females.

Implications: The in vivo evaluation by computed tomography of body traits on meat production animals can be used both to identify and select animals with the best productive characteristics, allowing advances in sheep meat production.

Keywords: bone, carcass quality, climate conditions, computed tomography, fat, grazing, maternal lineage, muscle, Santa Inês, sheep meat production.


References

Anderson F, Williams A, Pannier L, Pethick DW, Gardner GE (2015) Sire carcass breeding values affect body composition in lambs – 1. Effects on lean weight and its distribution within the carcass as measured by computed tomography. Meat Science 108, 145–154.
Sire carcass breeding values affect body composition in lambs – 1. Effects on lean weight and its distribution within the carcass as measured by computed tomography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26117177PubMed |

Berchielli TT, Silveira RN, Furlan CL (2002) Efeito do método de colheita do capim coastcross (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) sobre a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. Ars Veterinaria 18, 83–87.

Bünger L, Macfarlane JM, Lambe N, Conington J, McLean KA, Moore K, Glasbey CA, Simm G (2011) Use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) in UK sheep production and Breeding. ‘CT scanning-techniques appl.’ (Ed. K Subburaj) pp. 329–348. (INTECH Open Access Publisher: Edinburg). Available at https://www.intechopen.com/books/ct-scanning-techniques-and-applications/use-of-x-ray-computed-tomography-ct-in-uk-sheep-production-and-breeding

Clelland N, Bunger L, McLean KA, Conington J, Maltin C, Knott S, Lambe NR (2014) Prediction of intramuscular fat levels in Texel lamb loins using X-ray computed tomography scanning. Meat Science 98, 263–271.
Prediction of intramuscular fat levels in Texel lamb loins using X-ray computed tomography scanning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24973776PubMed |

da Rosa GT, Pires CC, da Silva JHS, da Motta OS, Colomé LM (2002) Composição tecidual da carcaça e de seus cortes e crescimento alométrico do osso, músculo e gordura da carcaça de cordeiros da raça texel. Acta Scientiarum 24, 1107–1111.

Daumas G, Monziols M (2011) An accurate and simple Computed Tomography approach for measuring the lean meat percentage of pig cuts. In ‘57th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology’, Ghent, Belgium. 1–4. Available at https://ifip.asso.fr/sites/default/files/pdf-documentations/icomst2011daumas.pdf [Verified 24 September 2020]

David CMG, Luquetti BC, da Costa RLD, Bonello FL (2012) Padrão hematológico de cordeiros da raça Santa Inês criados sob manejo semi-extensivo na região oeste do estado de São Paulo. Boletim de Indústria Animal 69, 79–84.

de Sousa MAP, Lima ACS, Araújo JC, Guimarães CMC, Joele MRSP, Borges I, Daher LCC, Silva AGM (2019) Tissue composition and allometric growth of carcass of lambs Santa Inês and crossbreed with breed Dorper. Tropical Animal Health and Production 51, 1903–1908.
Tissue composition and allometric growth of carcass of lambs Santa Inês and crossbreed with breed Dorper.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31001729PubMed |

Eiriksson JH, Sigurdsson Á (2017) Sources of bias, genetic trend and changes in genetic correlation in carcass and ultrasound traits in the Icelandic sheep population 30, 3–12.

Emenheiser JC, Greiner SP, Lewis RM, Notter DR (2010) Validation of live animal ultrasonic measurements of body composition in market lambs. Journal of Animal Science 88, 2932–2939.
Validation of live animal ultrasonic measurements of body composition in market lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20525936PubMed |

Esteves RMG, Osório JCS, Osório MTM, Mendonça G, Oliveira MM, Vilanova MS, Correa F, Jardim RD (2010) In vivo and carcass evaluation and determinant factors on the understanding of the lamb meat food chain. Revista Brasileira de Agrociência 16, 101–108.

Fullerton G (1980) ‘Medical physics of CT and ultrasound: tissue imaging and characterization.’ (American Association of Physicists in Medicine. American Institute of Physics: New York, NY)

Gangsei LE, Kongsro J (2016) Automatic segmentation of computed tomography (CT) images of domestic pig skeleton using a 3D expansion of Dijkstra ‘ s algorithm. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 121, 191–194.
Automatic segmentation of computed tomography (CT) images of domestic pig skeleton using a 3D expansion of Dijkstra ‘ s algorithm.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garcia IFF, Perez JRO, Teixeira JC, Barbosa CMP (2000) Desempenho de Cordeiros Texel × Bergamácia, Texel × Santa Inês e Santa Inês Puros, Terminados em Confinamento, Alimentados com Casca de Café como Parte da Dieta 1 Performance of Texel × Bergamácia, Texel × Santa Inês and Purebred Santa Inês Lambs, Fi. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 29, 564–572.
Desempenho de Cordeiros Texel × Bergamácia, Texel × Santa Inês e Santa Inês Puros, Terminados em Confinamento, Alimentados com Casca de Café como Parte da Dieta 1 Performance of Texel × Bergamácia, Texel × Santa Inês and Purebred Santa Inês Lambs, Fi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gundersen HJG, Bendtsen TF, Korbo L, Marcussen N, Moller A, Nielsen K, Nyengaard JR, Pakkenberg B, Sorensen FB, Vesterby A, West MJ (1988) Some new, simple and efficient stereological methods and their use in pathological research and diagnosis. APMIS 96, 379–394.
Some new, simple and efficient stereological methods and their use in pathological research and diagnosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Issakowicz J, Issakowicz ACKS, Bueno MS, da Costa RLD, Katiki LM, Geraldo AT, Abdalla AL, McManus C, Louvandini H (2016) Parasitic infection, reproductive and productive performance from Santa Inês and Morada Nova ewes. Small Ruminant Research 136, 96–103.
Parasitic infection, reproductive and productive performance from Santa Inês and Morada Nova ewes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jaborek JR, Zerby HN, Moeller SJ, Fluharty FL (2018) Effect of energy source and level, and sex on growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of long-fed lambs. Small Ruminant Research 167, 61–69.
Effect of energy source and level, and sex on growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of long-fed lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jopson NB, Kolstad K, Sehested E, Vangen O (1995) Computed tomography as an accurate and cost effective alternative to carcass dissection. Proceedings Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding 11, 635–638.

Kongsro J, Røe M, Kvaal K, Aastveit AH, Egelandsdal B (2009) Prediction of fat, muscle and value in Norwegian lamb carcasses using EUROP classification, carcass shape and length measurements, visible light reflectance and computer tomography (CT). Meat Science 81, 102–107.
Prediction of fat, muscle and value in Norwegian lamb carcasses using EUROP classification, carcass shape and length measurements, visible light reflectance and computer tomography (CT).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22063968PubMed |

Kottek M, Grieser J, Beck C, Rudolf B, Rubel F (2006) World map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated. Meteorologische Zeitschrift 15, 259–263.
World map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kvame T, Vangen O (2007) Selection for lean weight based on ultrasound and CT in a meat line of sheep. Livestock Science 106, 232–242.
Selection for lean weight based on ultrasound and CT in a meat line of sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kvame T, Mcewan JC, Am PR, Jopson NB (2004) Economic benefits in selection for weight and composition of lamb cuts predicted by computer tomography. Livestock Production Science 90, 123–133.
Economic benefits in selection for weight and composition of lamb cuts predicted by computer tomography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lambe NR, Young MJ, McLean KA, Conington J, Simm G (2003) Prediction of total body tissue weights in Scottish blackface ewes using computed tomography scanning. Animal Science 76, 191–197.
Prediction of total body tissue weights in Scottish blackface ewes using computed tomography scanning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lambe NR, Navajas EA, McLean KA, Simm G, Bünger L (2007) Changes in carcass traits during growth in lambs of two contrasting breeds, measured using computer tomography. Livestock Science 107, 37–52.
Changes in carcass traits during growth in lambs of two contrasting breeds, measured using computer tomography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lewis RM, Simm G (2002) Small ruminant breeding programmes for meat: progress and prospects. In ‘Seventh World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production’. (Montpellier, France). Available at wcgalp.org/system/files/proceedings/2002/small-ruminant-breeding-programmes-meat-progress-and-prospects.pdf [Verified 24 September 2020]

Macfarlane JM, Lewis RM, Emmans GC, Young MJ, Simm G (2006) Predicting carcass composition of terminal sire sheep using X-ray computed tomography. Animal Science 82, 289–300.
Predicting carcass composition of terminal sire sheep using X-ray computed tomography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Malhado CHM, Carneiro PLS, Affonso PRAM, Jr AAOS, Sarmento JLR (2009) Growth curves in Dorper sheep crossed with the local Brazilian breeds, Morada Nova, Rabo Largo, and Santa Inês. Small Ruminant Research 84, 16–21.
Growth curves in Dorper sheep crossed with the local Brazilian breeds, Morada Nova, Rabo Largo, and Santa Inês.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Matika O, Riggio V, Anselme-Moizan M, Law AS, Pong-Wong R, Archibald AL, Bishop SC (2016) Genome-wide association reveals QTL for growth, bone and in vivo carcass traits as assessed by computed tomography in Scottish blackface lambs. Genetics, Selection, Evolution. 48, 11
Genome-wide association reveals QTL for growth, bone and in vivo carcass traits as assessed by computed tomography in Scottish blackface lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26856324PubMed |

McManus C, Hermuche P, Paiva S, Ferrugem Moraes J, de Melo C, Mendes C (2014) Geographical distribution of sheep breeds in Brazil and their relationship with climatic and environmental factors as risk classification for conservation. Brazilian Journal of Science and Technology 1, 3.
Geographical distribution of sheep breeds in Brazil and their relationship with climatic and environmental factors as risk classification for conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Menezes LFO, Louvandini H, Martha Júnior GB, McManus C, Barroso GGJE, Mendes MBC (2010) Performance of suplemented santa inês sheep in three grasses grazed during the dry season. Archivos de Zootecnia 59, 299–302.
Performance of suplemented santa inês sheep in three grasses grazed during the dry season.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Navajas EA, Lambe NR, McLean KA, Glasbey CA, Fisher AV, Charteris AJL, Bünger L, Simm G (2007) Accuracy of in vivo muscularity indices measured by computed tomography and their association with carcass quality in lambs. Meat Science 75, 533–542.
Accuracy of in vivo muscularity indices measured by computed tomography and their association with carcass quality in lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22063811PubMed |

Navajas EA, Glasbey CA, Fisher AV, Ross DW, Hyslop JJ, Richardson RI, Simm G, Roehe R (2010) Assessing beef carcass tissue weights using computed tomography spirals of primal cuts. Meat Science 84, 30–38.
Assessing beef carcass tissue weights using computed tomography spirals of primal cuts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20374751PubMed |

Ogino A, Sommart K, Subepang S, Mitsumori M, Hayashi K, Yamashita T, Tanaka Y (2016) Environmental impacts of extensive and intensive beef production systems in 5 Thailand evaluated by life cycle assessment. Journal of Cleaner Production 112, 22–31.
Environmental impacts of extensive and intensive beef production systems in 5 Thailand evaluated by life cycle assessment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olsen EV, Christensen LB, Nielsen DB (2017) A review of computed tomography and manual dissection for calibration of devices for pig carcass classification – evaluation of uncertainty. Meat Science 123, 35–44.
A review of computed tomography and manual dissection for calibration of devices for pig carcass classification – evaluation of uncertainty.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27614178PubMed |

Osório JC da S, Osório MTM, Vargas FM, Fernandes ARM, Seno L de O, Ricardo H de A, Rossini FC, Orrico MAP (2012) Critérios para abate do animal e a qualidade da carne. Agrarian 5, 433–443.

Paulino PVR, Valadares Filho SC, Detmann E, Valadares RFD, Fonseca MA, Marcondes MI (2009) Deposição de tecidos e componentes químicos corporais em bovinos Nelore de diferentes classes sexuais. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 38, 2516–2524.
Deposição de tecidos e componentes químicos corporais em bovinos Nelore de diferentes classes sexuais.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pedrosa VB, Jr MLS, Oliveira PS, Eler JP, Ferraz JBS (2010) Population structure and inbreeding effects on growth traits of Santa Inês sheep in Brazil. Small Ruminant Research 93, 135–139.
Population structure and inbreeding effects on growth traits of Santa Inês sheep in Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pinheiro RSB, Sobrinho AGS, Souza HBA, Yamamoto SM (2009) Qualidade de carnes provenientes de cortes da carcaça de cordeiros e de ovinos adultos. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 38, 1790–1796.
Qualidade de carnes provenientes de cortes da carcaça de cordeiros e de ovinos adultos.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Quesada M, Mcmanus C, Augusto F, Couto DA (2002) Efeitos genéticos e fenotípicos sobre características de produção e reprodução de ovinos deslanados no Distrito Federal. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 31, 342–349.
Efeitos genéticos e fenotípicos sobre características de produção e reprodução de ovinos deslanados no Distrito Federal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Roberts N, Cruz-Orive LM, Reid NMK, Brodie DA, Bourne M, Edwards RHT (1993) Unbiased estimation of human body composition by the Cavalieri method using magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Microscopy 171, 239–253.
Unbiased estimation of human body composition by the Cavalieri method using magnetic resonance imaging.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 8246272PubMed |

Santana AF, Costa GB, Fonseca LS (2001) Correlations between body and measures weight in young sheep of breed Santa Inês. Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal 1, 74–77.

Santos VAC, Cabo A, Raposo P, Silva JA, Azevedo JMT, Silva SR (2015) The effect of carcass weight and sex on carcass composition and meat quality of ‘Cordeiro Mirandês’ – protected designation of origin lambs. Small Ruminant Research 130, 136–140.
The effect of carcass weight and sex on carcass composition and meat quality of ‘Cordeiro Mirandês’ – protected designation of origin lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scholz AM, Bünger L, Kongsro J, Baulain U, Mitchell AD (2015) Non-invasive methods for the determination of body and carcass composition in livestock: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound: invited review. Animal 9, 1250–1264.
Non-invasive methods for the determination of body and carcass composition in livestock: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound: invited review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25743562PubMed |

Wolf BT, Jones DA, Owen MG (2001) Carcass composition, conformation and muscularity in Texel lambs of different breeding history, sex and leg shape score. Animal Science 72, 465–475.
Carcass composition, conformation and muscularity in Texel lambs of different breeding history, sex and leg shape score.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Young MJ, Nsoso SJ, Logan CM, Beatson PR (1996) Prediction of carcass tissue weight in vivo using live weight, ultrasound or X-ray CT measurements. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 56, 205–239.
Prediction of carcass tissue weight in vivo using live weight, ultrasound or X-ray CT measurements.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |