Description

The control of animal growth, body composition, and characteristics of domestic animals' meat quality are significantly correlated. The value of the live animal for both breeding and retail meat is greatly influenced by the animal's growth qualities and carcass characteristics. Although there are many variables that affect an animal's growth, they may be categorised into three basic groups: the animal's gene pool, the nutrients that it receives, and its habitat. The endocrine system serves as the link and conduit between them. Consider the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a significant peptide hormone required for healthy growth and development, as an illustration of this. An animal's rate of IGF-I production at birth can be linked to that animal's later pace of growth. Therefore, when management choices are being made for livestock production systems, it is crucial to comprehend ideas of growth and development. From prenatal growth to postnatal growth of cattle, sheep, and pigs, this book will present both applied and practical concepts based on fundamental scientific principles. This book is special because it includes information on how growth and development qualities relate to carcass value, retail meat characteristics, meat processing, and storage traits that are significant at wholesale and retail markets.