CNPC Beefs up Cooperative Development for Onshore Oil and Gas Fields

ＣＮＰＣＢｅｅｆｓｕｐＣｏｏｐｅｒａｔｉｖｅＤｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔｆｏｒＯｎｓｈｏｒｅＯｉｌａｎｄＧａｓＦｉｅｌｄｓＣｕｉＹａｏｎａｎ，（ＶｉｃｅＣｈｉｅｆＥｎｇｉｎｅｅｒｏｆＩｎｔｅｒｎａｔｉｏｎａｌＥｘｐｌｏｒａｔｉｏｎａｎｄＤｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎ...

Identific tion of quantitative trait loci and associated candidate genes for pregnancy success in Angus–Brahman crossbred heifers

Background In beef cattle, more than 50% of the energy input to produce a unit of beef is consumed by the female that produced the calf. Development of genomic tools to identify females with high genetic merit for reproductive function could increase the profitability and sustainability of beef production.Results Genome-wide association studies(GWAS) were performed using a single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction approach on pregnancy outcome traits from a population of Angus–Brahman crossbred heifers. Furthermore, a validation GWAS was performed using data from another farm. Heifers were genotyped with the Bovine GGP F250 array that contains 221,077 SNPs. In the discovery population, heifers were bred in winter breeding seasons involving a single round of timed artificial insemination(AI) followed by natural mating for 3 months. Two phenotypes were analyzed: pregnancy outcome to first-service AI(PAI;n = 1,481) and pregnancy status at the end of the breeding season(PEBS;n = 1,725). The heritability was estimated as 0.149 and 0.122 for PAI and PEBS, respectively. In the PAI model, one quantitative trait locus(QTL), located between 52.3 and 52.5 Mb on BTA7, explained about 3% of the genetic variation, in a region containing a cluster of γ-protocadherin genes and SLC25A2. Other QTLs explaining between 0.5% and 1% of the genetic variation were found on BTA12 and 25. In the PEBS model, a large QTL on BTA7 was synonymous with the QTL for PAI, with minor QTLs located on BTA5, 9, 10, 11, 19, and 20. The validation population for pregnancy status at the end of the breeding season were Angus–Brahman crossbred heifers bred by natural mating. In concordance with the discovery population, the large QTL on BTA7 and QTLs on BTA10 and 12 were identified.Conclusions In summary, QTLs and candidate SNPs identified were associated with pregnancy outcomes in beef heifers, including a large QTL associated with a group of protocadherin genes. Confirmation of these associations with larger populations could lead to the development of genomic predictions of reproductive function in beef cattle. Moreover, additional research is warranted to study the function of candidate genes associated with QTLs.

Diet and monensin influence the temporal dynamics of the rumen microbiome in stocker and finishing cattle

Background Stocker cattle diet and management influence beef cattle performance during the finishing stage,but knowledge of the dynamics of the rumen microbiome associated with the host are lacking.A longitudinal study was conducted to determine how the feeding strategy from the stocker to the finishing stages of production affects the temporal dynamics of rumen microbiota.During the stocker phase,either dry hay or wheat pasture were provided,and three levels of monensin were administrated.All calves were then transported to a feedlot and received similar finishing diets with or without monensin.Rumen microbial samples were collected on d 0,28,85 during the stocker stage(S0,S28 and S85)and d 0,14,28,56,30 d before slaughter and the end of the trial during the finishing stage(F0,F14,F28,F56,Pre-Ba,and Final).The V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene of 263 rumen samples was sequenced.Results Higher alpha diversity,including the number of observed bacterial features and the Shannon index,was observed in the stocker phase compared to the finishing phase.The bacterial amplicon sequence variants(ASVs)differentiating different sampling time points were identified.Dietary treatments during the stocker stage temporally impact the dynamics of rumen microbiota.For example,shared bacteria,including Bacteroidales(ASV19)and Streptococcus infantarius(ASV94),were significantly higher in hay rumen on S28,S85,and F0,while Bacteroidaceae(ASV11)and Limivicinus(ASV15)were more abundant in wheat.Monensin affected rumen microbial composition at a specific time.Transportation to feedlot significantly influenced microbiome structure and diversity in hay-fed calves.Bacterial taxa associated with body weight were classified,and core microbiotas interacted with each other during the trial.Conclusions In summary,the temporal dynamics of the rumen microbiome in cattle at the stocker and finishing stage are influenced by multiple factors of the feeding strategy.Diet at the stocker phase may temporarily affect the microbial composition during this stage.Modulating the rumen microbiome in the steers at the stocker stage affects the microbial interactions and performance in the finishing stage.

Korea Beefs Up Disinfection Against Foot And Mouth

欧洲的疯牛病还没有从人们的记忆淡出,今年三月底以来。韩国又发生了可怕的牲畜口蹄疫(foot-and-mouth disease)。所谓“口蹄疫”,即偶蹄兽(牛,羊,猪等)的一种急性、接触性传染病。病原为病毒。通过病畜和被污染的饲料、褥草、用具和护理人员的衣物传播,经消化道,呼吸道等多种途径感染,传染性极强。病畜体温升高,口腔、面、蹄叉、蹄冠和乳房上发生水疱和烂斑,口流泡沫、时作喷嚏声、坡行、能够影响使役和泌乳。从下面这句可见“口蹄疫”的危害之烈:…which hit Taiwan in 1997, which forced the slaughter of a quarter of the island's 14 million pigs and decimated(本义:大批杀害)its pork export industry.此外,本文标题中的beef up是一个常用的口语用语,意思是“加强,增强”。另如:The President has beefed up his staff.总统加强了他的工作班子。】

Effects of Maize Silage Harvest Stage on Growth Performance and Economic Benefits of Beef Cattle

[Objectives]This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-crop maize silage harvested at different stages on growth and economic benefits of beef cattle.[Methods]A total of 30 Simmental crossbred cattle weighing about 378 kg were randomly divided into three groups,respectively fed for 70 days with whole-crop maize silage harvested at milk stage(GroupⅠ),dough stage(GroupⅡ)and physiological maturity stage(GroupⅢ).Moreover,the cattle in all groups were given the same concentrate diet.[Results]There were significant differences in dry matter,crude protein and neutral detergent fiber between whole-crop maize silages harvested at different stages(P<0.05).The dry matter in GroupⅡandⅢwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05).The crude protein content peaked in GroupⅡ,up to 6.37%,which was significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(by 12.74%,P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(by 9.26%,P<0.05).Starch content significantly increased with the postponing of maize harvest(P<0.05).The content of neutral detergent fiber in Group I was significantly higher than that in GroupⅡ(P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(P<0.05).The average daily weight gain in GroupⅡwas 8.53%higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05)and 3.70%higher than that in GroupⅢ(P>0.05).The dry matter intake in GroupⅡwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in feed/gain ratio between the groups(P>0.05).The economic benefit in GroupⅡwas the highest,up to 9.99 yuan/day per capita.,followed by that in GroupⅢ,9.79 yuan/day per capita,and that in GroupⅠwas the lowest,only 8.03 yuan/day per capita.[Conclusions]The whole-crop maize silage harvested at dough stage has the best quality and produces the highest economic returns for beef cattle.

The Blue Water Footprint of Extensive Beef Production on Semi-Arid Rangeland over a Full Production Cycle in South Africa

Water plays a critical role in beef cattle production. Current methods used to estimate the blue water footprint of beef cattle are largely based on generic values that do not make provision for different production systems within different regions. Total production cycle measurements should therefore be considered to accurately assess the blue water footprint of beef cattle grazing natural rangeland. The aim of the study was to measure water intake of extensive Bonsmara cattle grazing Marikana Thornveld over a full production cycle at the ARC-Roodeplaat Research Station. Measurements commenced at weaning (June 2017) and continued until the heifers weaned their first calves at approximately 210 days of age (July 2019). Water consumption differed between 21.4 litre per animal per day when the heifers were still growing to 54.3 litres during lactation, relating to between 6.7% and 12.0% of live weight. The blue water footprint over the total production cycle was calculated to be 27,147 litres.

Impact of Chromium Propionate Supplementation and Days of Adaptation on Energy Status in Newly Weaned Steer Calves*

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influences that supplemental dietary chromium propionate (CrP;0 or 0.4 mg·kg-1 added to the total diet on a DM basis) has on plasma indicators of energy status in newly weaned steers upon introduction to the feedlot. For this experiment single source, Angus steers (n = 28;BW = 289 ± 12.0 kg) from a ranch in Western South Dakota were weaned and immediately shipped 579 km to the Ruminant Nutrition Center (RNC) in Brookings, SD. Steers were allotted to one of four 7.6 m × 7.6 m pens (2 pens/diet;7 steers/pen) at 4 d post-arrival to the RNC and test diets were initiated. No anabolic implant was used in this study. Subsequent BW measurements were obtained at 1400 h, to accommodate a post-prandial timing for blood sampling. This was 4 h after initial access to feed, and immediately prior to the afternoon feed delivery. Weights and blood sampling occurred on d 5, 12, 19, and 33. Whole blood samples were collected from all steers via jugular venipuncture and separated as plasma. There were no diet x day interactions (P ≥ 0.51) for plasma glucose, insulin, or urea-N. Plasma glucose, insulin, and urea-n levels were similar between diets (P ≥ 0.35). Plasma glucose and urea-n levels were not different across days (P ≥ 0.59). Insulin levels differed as a result of days of adaptation and were greatest (P = 0.01) on d 12 regardless of diet. There tended (P = 0.12) to be a diet x day interaction for NEFA levels. Plasma NEFA levels tended to be lower (P = 0.13) for calves fed CrP on d 5, and were greater (P = 0.09) on d 12 in calves fed CrP. The shift in NEFA on d 12 coincided with the spike in insulin levels. Both events occurred at the time that NEg intake was approaching the acclimated plateau and neither event impacted glucose status. In non-ruminants, elevated insulin concentrations decrease circulating NEFA levels. We detected minimal differences in regard to plasma indicators of lipid metabolism in this study due to chromium supplementation. These data indicate that ruminants may differ from non-ruminants in the regulation and maintenance of glucose status and body fat catabolism during the post-absorptive state.

气相色谱-质谱法对牛肉中溴虫腈残留的测定

In this paper,a GC-MS method for the determination of chlorfenapyr in beef was described.The residue was extracted with acetonitrile,purified by alumina oxide neutral column,and cleaned up with auto solid phase.The chlorfenapyr residue was determined by GC-MS.The results indicated that the detection limit was 0.005 mg/kg,recoveries and RSDs of the method were 93%-100% and 3.4%-7.2%,respectively.The method showed high efficiency and sensitivity,as well as good stability and veracity.

经典美国口语荟萃

人们常说美国是一个车轮子上的国家(a country On the wheel)，也就是说，美国的各个领域、各个方面都不停地发生着变化，有的变好，有的变坏，新的东西层出不穷，旧的东西惨遭淘汰，但总有一些东西是一成不变的，这是事物发展的规律。美国人的语言也在时时经受着时间的磨练，被迫经常“变脸”，

Electronic Nose with an Air Sensor Matrix for Detecting Beef Freshness

China is one of the largest meat producing countries in the wodd. With the growing concern for food safety more attention has been paid to meat quality. The application of conventional test methods for meat quality is limited by many factors, and subjectiveness, such as longer time to prepare samples and to test. A sensor matrix was constructed with several separate air sensors, and tests were conducted to detect the freshness of the beef. The results show that the air sensors TGS2610, TGS2600, TGS2611, TGS2620 and TGS2602 made by Tianjin Figaro Electronic Co, Ltd could be used to determine the degree of freshness but TGS2442 is not suitable. This study provides a foundation for designing and making an economical and practical detector for beef freshness.

Vitamin A administration at birth promotes calf growth and intramuscular fat development in Angus beef cattle

Background: Marbling, or intramuscular fat, is an important factor contributing to the palatability of beef. Vitamin A, through its active metabolite, retinoic acid, promotes the formation of new fat cells(adipogenesis). As intramuscular adipogenesis is active during the neonatal stage, we hypothesized that vitamin A administration during the neonatal stage would enhance intramuscular adipogenesis and marbling.Methods: Angus steer calves(n = 30), in a completely randomized design, were randomly allotted to three treatment groups at birth, receiving 0, 150,000, or 300,000 IU of vitamin A at both birth and one month of age.A biopsy of the biceps femoris muscle was collected at two months of age. After weaning at 210 d of age, steers were fed a backgrounding diet in a feedlot until 308 d of age, when they were transitioned to a high concentrate finishing diet and implanted with trenbolone/estradiol/tylosin mixture. Steers were harvested at an average of 438 d of age. All diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements.Results: Weaning weight and weight during the backgrounding phase were linearly increased(P < 0.05) by vitamin A level, though no difference in body weight was observed at harvest. Intramuscular fat of steers at 308 d of age, measured by ultrasound, quadratically increased(P < 0.05) with vitamin A level from 4.0±0.26 % to 4.9±0.26 %.Similarly, carcass marbling score in the ribeye quadratically increased(P < 0.05).Conclusion: Administration of vitamin A at birth increased weaning weight and enhanced marbling fat development.Thus, vitamin A administration provides a practical method for increasing marbling and early growth of beef cattle.

Residual feed intake in beef cattle and its association with carcass traits, ruminal solid-fraction bacteria, and epithelium gene expression

Background: Residual feed intake(RFI) describes an animal's feed efficiency independent of growth performance.The objective of this study was to determine differences in growth performance, carcass traits, major bacteria attached to ruminal solids-fraction, and ruminal epithelium gene expression between the most-efficient and the least-efficient beef cattle. One-hundred and forty-nine Red Angus cattle were allocated to three contemporary groups according to sex and herd origin. Animals were fed a finishing diet in confinement for 70 d to determine the RFI category for each. Within each group, the two most-efficient(n = 6; RFI coefficient =-2.69 ± 0.58 kg dry matter intake(DMI)/d) and the two least-efficient animals(n = 6; RFI coefficient = 3.08 ± 0.55 kg DMI/d) were selected. Immediately after slaughter, ruminal solids-fraction and ruminal epithelium were collected for bacteria relative abundance and epithelial gene expression analyses, respectively, using real-time PCR.Results: The most-efficient animals consumed less feed(P = 0.01; 5.03 kg less DMI/d) compared with the leastefficient animals. No differences(P > 0.10) in initial body weight(BW), final BW, and average daily gain(ADG) were observed between the two RFI classes. There were no significant RFI × sex effects(P > 0.10) on growth performance.Compared with the least-efficient group, hot carcass weight(HCW), ribeye area(REA), and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat(KPH) were greater(P ≤ 0.05) in the most-efficient cattle. No RFI × sex effect(P > 0.10) for carcass traits was detected between RFI groups. Of the 10 bacterial species evaluated, the most-efficient compared with least efficient cattle had greater(P ≤ 0.05) relative abundance of Eubacterium ruminantium, Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Megasphaera elsdenii, and lower(P ≤ 0.05) Succinimonas amylolytica and total bacterial density. No RFI × sex effect on ruminal bacteria was detected between RFI groups. Of the 34 genes evaluated in ruminal epithelium, the mostefficient cattle had greater(P ≤ 0.05) abundance of genes involved in VFA absorption, metabolism, ketogenesis, and immune/inflammation-response. The RFI × sex interactions indicated that responses in gene expression between RFI groups were due to differences in sex. Steers in the most-efficient compared with least-efficient group had greater(P ≤ 0.05) expression of SLC9 A1, HIF1 A, and ACO2. The most-efficient compared with least-efficient heifers had greater(P ≤ 0.05) m RNA expression of BDH1 and lower expression(P ≤ 0.05) of SLC9 A2 and PDHA1.Conclusions: The present study revealed that greater feed efficiency in beef cattle is associated with differences in bacterial species and transcriptional adaptations in the ruminal epithelium that might enhance nutrient delivery and utilization by tissues. The lack of RFI × sex interaction for growth performance and carcass traits indicates that sex may not play a major role in improving these phenotypes in superior RFI beef cattle. However, it is important to note that this result should not be considered a solid biomarker of efficient beef cattle prior to further examination due to the limited number of heifers compared with steers used in the study.

Effects of Age on Quality of Beef from Qinchuan Cattle Carcass

Qinchuan cattle are one of the top breeds in China. In the current study, cattle of different ages were used to investigate the effect of age on beef quality. With increasing age, shear force, protein content, hydroxyproline （Hyp） content, redness （a＊）, and muscle fiber diameter and density significantly increased （P〈0.05）. On the other hand, cooking loss, water content, lightness （L＊）, and muscle fiber gap markedly decreased （P〈0.05）. No significant differences were found in the contents of intramuscular fat, ash, amino acids （AA）, mineral elements, and expression level of leptin and FAS （P〉0.05）. The C16：0 and C18：0 content increased significantly （P〈0.05）, in contrast to that of C18：1 and C18：2 （P〈0.05）. COLA1 mRNA was expressed at low levels at mon 3 and 9 but markedly increased at mon 12 and 15 （P〈0.05）. Taken together, these observations demonstrate excellent nutritional values of beef from cattle of different ages concordant with their chemical properties; on the other hand, their commercial value correlates more closely with their physical and sensory characteristics.

Time-dependent categorization of volatile aroma compound formation in stewed Chinese spicy beef using electron nose profile coupled with thermal desorption GC–MS detection

In the present study,flavor profiles of Chinese spiced beef in the cooking process were comparatively analyzed by electronic nose,gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS)with a thermal desorption system(TDS),and solid-phase microextraction(SPME).A total of 82 volatile compounds were identified,and 3-methyl-butanal,pentanal,hexanal,-xylene,heptanal,limonene,terpinene,octanal,linalool,4-terpinenol,-terpineol,and(E)-anethole were identified as the characteristic flavor compounds in Chinese spiced beef.Variation in the content of volatile components produced by different cooking processes was observed.In general,a cooking time of 4 h resulted in optimal flavor quality and stability.Results indicated that the electronic nose could profile and rapidly distinguish variation among different cooking time.The volatile profiling by TDS-GC–MS and responses from the electronic nose,in combination with multivariate statistical analysis,are a promising tool for control the cooking process of spiced beef.

Effects of high voltage electrical stimulation on the rate of pH decline,meat quality and color stability in chilled beef carcasses

Objective:To determine the effects of high voltage electrical stimulation(HVES,800 Voltage)on rapid decreases in pH values and improvements in meat quality.Methods:A total of SO beef carcasses were applied,divided into two groups,one as a control and another for HVES.Meat quality was evaluated based on M.hngissimus dorsi by examining pH and temperature leveb at 1,2,5,10 and 24 h,while color stability was examined seven days after slaughter.Results:HVES decreased the pH values of the meat and accelerated rigor mortis(P<0.05).HVES caused differences in instrumental color values compared with the control groups across the ageing period at 4℃.Conclusion:the HVES had positive effects on meat quality and color stability,in contrast to undesirable consumer preferences.

Implications of step-chilling on meat color investigated using proteome analysis of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction of beef longissimus lumborum muscle

In order to improve beef color and color stability, step-chilling （SC） was applied on excised bovine Iongissimus lumborum muscle, with chilling starting at 0-4℃ for 5 h, then holding the temperature at 12-18℃ for 6 h, followed by 0-4℃ again until 24 h post-mortem, pH and temperature were measured during rigor on SC loins as well as those subjected to routine chilling （RC, 0-4℃, till 24 h post-mortem）. Color L＊, a＊, b＊ values, metmyoglobin （MetMb） content, MetMb reducing ability （MRA） and NADH content were determined on samples aged for 1, 7, and 14 d. Sarcoplasmic proteome analysis was only conducted on d 1 samples. The results showed muscles subjected to SC maintained a temperature at around 15℃ for 5 to 10 h post-mortem, and exhibited a slow temperature decline, but rapid pH decline. Beef steaks treated with SC had higher L＊, a＊, b＊ and chroma values than those of RC samples at 1 and 7 d chilled storage （0-4℃）, while showing no significant difference for a＊, b＊ and chroma values at d 14. The SC samples also exhibited a lower relative content of surface MetMb, higher MRA and NADH content, compared with RC beef steaks during storage, indicating the SC-treated beef showed an improved color stability. Eleven differential protein spots/nine proteins were identified by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and those proteins were mainly involved in redox, chaperone binding, metabolic and peroxidase activity. Oxidoreductases play a role in decreasing the oxidation-induced myoglobin oxidation and benefiting the production of NADH, and finally improving the colour of beef. Of these, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit beta showed a positive correlation with color L＊, a＊, b＊ values and accounted for more than 60% of the variation in color values; this protein can be considered as a potential beef color biomarker. The present study provided valuable information for studies on the molecular mechanism of color improvement from step-chilling, as well as for identifying markers associated with beef color.

Evidence of endometrial amino acid metabolism and transport modulation by peri-ovulatory endocrine profiles driving uterine receptivity

Background: In beef cattle, changes in the periovulatory endocrine milieu are associated with fertility and conceptus growth. A large preovulatory follicle(POF) and the resulting elevated concentrations of progesterone(P4) during diestrus positively affect pregnancy rates. Amino acids(AA) are important components of maternally derived secretions that are crucial for embryonic survival before implantation. The hypothesis is that the size of the POF and the concentration of P4 in early diestrus modulate the endometrial abundance of SLC transcripts related to AA transport and metabolism and subsequently impact luminal concentrations of AA. The follicle growth of Nelore cows was manipulated to produce two experimental groups: large POF and CL(LF-LCL group) and small POF and CL(SF-SCL group). On Day 4(D4; Experiment 1) and Day 7(D7; Experiment 2) after Gn RH-induced ovulation(Gn RH treatment = D0), the animals were slaughtered and uterine tissues and uterine washings were collected. q RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of AA transporters in D4 and D7 endometrial tissues.The concentrations of AA were quantified in D4 and D7 uterine washings by HPLC.Results: Transcript results show that, on D4, SLC6 A6, SLC7 A4, SLC17 A5, SLC38 A1, SLC38 A7 and SCLY and on D7 SLC1 A4, SLC6 A1, SLC6 A14, SLC7 A4, SLC7 A7, SLC7 A8, SLC17 A5, SLC38 A1, SLC38 A7, SLC43 A2 and DDO were more abundant in the endometria of cows from the LF-LCL group(P < 0.05). In addition, concentrations of AA in the uterine lumen were influenced by the endocrine profiles of the mother. In this context, D4 uterine washings revealed that greater concentrations of taurine, alanine and α-aminobutyric acid were present in SF-SCL(P < 0.05).In contrast, lower concentrations of valine and cystathionine were quantified on D7 uterine washings from SF-SCL cows(P < 0.05).Conclusion: The present study revealed an association between the abundance of transcripts related to AA transport and metabolism in the endometrium and specific periovulatory endocrine profiles related to the receptive status of the mother. Such insights suggest that AAs are involved in uterine function to support embryo development.

Impacts of household income on beef at-home consumption:Evidence from urban China

Beef consumption in China has increased substantially from 5.0 million tons in 2000 to 7.7 million tons in 2019 thanks to rapid income growth,but still remains low compared to pork and poultry consumption.Improving the understanding about the impacts of household income on beef consumption in China is necessary to forecast future beef demand and inform the domestic beef industry,especially in the context of unprecedented expansion of middle income class in China.Based on survey data of 32878 urban households collected by the National Bureau of Statistics of China,we employed the inverse hyperbolic sine(IHS)double-hurdle model to estimate income elasticities of beef demand across different income groups and simulated possible trends of future beef consumption of Chinese urban residents.The empirical results showed that the unconditional income elasticities of beef consumption at home vary between 0.169 for the lowincome group and 0.671 for the high-income group.The simulated results indicated that beef consumption is expected to increase by 12.0 to 38.8%in 10 years and by 18.6 to 70.5%in 15 years under distinct income growth scenarios.Our findings provide practical insights for policy makers and other stakeholders about future beef demand,such as potential opportunities embedded in rising beef demand for domestic producers and world beef exporters as well as the urgency of improving the supply chain resilience of beef in China.