bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo digestibility values for ruminant feed ingredients measured using sheep
Authors: Mulligan F.J. , O'Mara F.P. , Kenny Maria J. , Rath M. , Callan J. , Flynn B. , Caffrey P.J.
Published: November 2021

Important differences exist between various databases in the digestibility of ruminant feed ingredients (INRA, 1989; MAFF, 1992). The objective of this experiment was to measure the digestibility of some the more important ruminant feed ingredients and the variation associated with them.
Intake and digestibility of tropical grass hay fed to Santa Ines sheep in Brazil
Authors: Korndörfer C. M. , Bueno I. C. S. , Abdalla A. L. , Sutton J. D. , Owen E.
Published: November 2021

Ruminant feeding standards in Brazil are generally based on systems developed for temperate regions and there is a serious lack of information on grazed tropical pasture which is the main feedstuff. Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) represents half of the total cultivated pastures in Brazil (Miles et al., 1996). This study investigated the intake and digestibility by sheep of signal grass hay cut after re-growths of 28 and 56 days to represent the range used in practice in the Brazilian savanna. Lucerne hay was included as a positive control. The hays were offered at two levels of intake to Santa Ines wether sheep.
Evidence for tissue-specific alternative splicing of the ovine insulin receptor gene
Authors: McGrattan P.D. , Wylie A.R.G. , Bjourson A.J.
Published: November 2021

Alternative splicing of a discrete 36 base pair segment (exon 11) of the human and rat insulin receptor leads to the formation of high and low affinity isoforms differing as much as 3-fold in affinity for insulin. Alternative splicing is a common mechanism for generating protein isoforms and is often regulated in a tissue-specific fashion (Seino & Bell, 1989; Mosthafet al., 1990). In humans, the lower affinity (B-isoform) mRNA transcript is predominantly expressed in tissues that are important for modulating glucose homeostasis such as the liver and muscle whereas the higher affinity (A-isoform) mRNA transcript is predominantly expressed in haematopoietic tissues such as spleen. Alternative splicing of the region of the ovine insulin receptor gene encoding exon 11 has recently been demonstrated (McGrattanet al., unpublished). The objective of the present study was to establish whether tissue-specific regulation of alternative splicing of the insulin receptor gene occurs in the ruminant animal.
Measurement of short term intake rate (STIR) to predict in vivo parameters in sheep
Authors: Romney D. L. , Gill M.
Published: November 2021

It might be expected that the same physical characteristics of a feed, determining the rate of breakdown in the rumen and physical fill, might also influence the rate at which an animal is able to eat a feed. Moseley and Manendez (1989) observed a positive relationship between intake rate measured over 1 minute periods and voluntary intake ad libitum. These authors also suggested that determination of eating rate could be used as a rapid method to evaluate intake characteristics of forages. The present work examines further the potential of what will now be referred to as short term intake rate (STIR value), as a method to rank forages in terms of their potential intake, digestibility and rate of passage.
Effects on sheep welfare of a 1 h rest during a two stage journey
Authors: Broom D.M. , Parrott R.F. , Hall S.J.G.
Published: November 2021

The current E.U. Directive 95/29/EC allows the transport of sheep to slaughter for 14 h, then 1 h rest and a further 16 h. of travel. During the rest the sheep should have access to food and water. In this study, the welfare of sheep was monitored using physiological and behavioural measures during a journey in a commercial type road vehicle. Measures of body weight and meat quality were also made. The results were compared with those of three other studies.
Stockperson-directed aggression shown by sows in farrowing crates and farrowing pens: relationships with responses to humans during gestation and with piglet survival
Authors: Marchant J.N.
Published: November 2021

Stockperson-directed aggression by the sow is a potential problem in open farrowing systems, but may have advantages for piglet survival. The aims of this study were to compare the levels of aggression exhibited in open and confined farrowing systems and to determine whether there was any relationship between aggression in the farrowing house, the responses of the sow in a human approach test during gestation and piglet survival.

A total of 62 LW x Landrace gilts (PIC, Abingdon, UK) were subjected to a standard approach test, followed by a test in which the experimenter approached the pig. At testing, approximately 6-8 weeks prior to parturition, each group of 3-5 gilts was moved to a handling area. Here, each gilt in turn was fitted with a heart rate monitor and moved to a 2.4m x 2.4m test arena. After 2 min acclimatisation, an unfamiliar experimenter entered the pen and stood for 3 min against one wall. After this, the experimenter approached the gilt and touched her on the snout. Behaviour and heart rate were recorded continuously.
Food competition tests between pigs: differences in heart rates of “winners” and “losers” prior to testing
Authors: de Vries H.L. , Spoolder H.A.M. , Marchant J.N.
Published: November 2021

Physiological parameters in rats have been shown to predict the outcome of a fight before the result is behaviourally apparent (Schuurman, 1980). In pigs, Marchant et al. (1995) have demonstrated that losing animals have higher heart rate values than winning ones during and just after agonistic interactions. The present study aimed to investigate at what stage differences in pig heart rate can be detected between animals which will lose and animals which will win an ensuing aggressive encounter.

Three groups of seven multiparious PIC Camborough sows were subjected to pair wise food competition tests, within groups. In each group all possible 21 pairs were tested. Sows had spent at least two weeks in their groups prior to testing and were normally fed in stalls.
An evaluation of handling systems for delivering pigs to CO2 stunning units
Authors: Anil M.H. , McKinstry J.L. , Wilkins L.J. , Philips A.J. , Parkman I.D.
Published: November 2021

There has been concern about the stress involved in loading pigs into CO2 stunning units. Present systems suffer from the innate problem that it is a “stop-go” procedure. Therefore, studies were required to test alternative systems for improving loading of pigs into CO2 units and reduce distress caused to the animals.

The four alternative systems for loading pigs into CO2 stunning units tested in the lairage of a commercial plant on 1600 slaughter pigs were as follows:

1) Semicircular loading pen - direct individual feeding into a simulated CO2 entrance;

2) Semicircular loading pen - feeding individuals into a simulated CO2 entrance through a single file race;

3) Semicircular loading pen - feeding animals into a twin race ending with a flap gate allowing exit of one animal at a time;

4) Loading pen (no swing gate) and a twin race ending with a flap gate allowing single exit.

Considering that most CO2 handling systems have to restrict entry of pigs into units, both restricted and unrestricted entry to the simulated gas unit was tested in our evaluation.
Ad libitum sugar beet pulp as the major fibre source in equine diets when ponies are offered a restricted amount of mature grass hay
Authors: Hyslop J. J. , Roy S. , Cuddeford D.
Published: November 2021

There is increased interest, in using sugar beet pulp (SBP) products in equine diets as a major source of fibre in place of traditional forages. It has been observed that voluntary feed intake (VFI) was lower when SBP products were included in the diet of dry sows compared to other fibrous foodstuffs (Brouns, et al 1995). Equids are similar to pigs in respect that fibrous feed components must pass through the stomach and small intestine before reaching the hindgut; the primary site of fibre fermentation. This study examines the VFI and apparent digestibility in vivo of two SBP based diets and determines their ability to meet the predicted energy and protein needs of mature ponies.

Five mature Welsh-cross and three mature Shetland pony geldings with a mean liveweight (LW) of 219 kg (s.e.d. 2.2) were individually housed and offered 2 kg/d dry matter (DM) of a mature threshed grass hay (THAY), 60 g/h/d minerals and ad libitum access to either soaked molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP) or soaked unmolassed sugar beet pulp (USBP).
A comparison of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and sheep forestomach liquors as inocula for in vitro digestibility determinations
Authors: Fraser M.D. , Wadwah D. , Baker D.H.
Published: November 2021

Although camelids are not taxonomically classified as ruminants, they are functional ruminants. Their digestive system includes a compartmentalised forestomach with a microbial population, and they have apparently evolved the same general characteristics of regurgitation and remastication of food. In vitro digestibility results for camelid diets produced using feeds and rumen liquor from conventional ruminants have been reported. However, the assumption that donor liquor from a true ruminant species is a valid substitute for that from a camelid species has not been verified. The aim of this experiment was to compare these different sources of digesta as inocula for in vitro dry matter disappearance (DMD) determinations.
Effects of stage of maturity of fermented whole crop wheat on milk production by dairy cows
Authors: Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G.
Published: November 2021

Previous work conducted with whole crop wheat (WCW) as a forage for dairy cattle has focussed on harvesting the crop at a relatively mature stage and the addition of urea to act as a preservative (e.g. Cammell et al., 1996). Fermented WCW has the potential of being an important complementary forage to grass silage for dairy cows but avoids the addition of large quantities of nitrogen to the crop at ensiling required for urea treatment. However, little work has been conducted to evaluate the effects of stage of maturity of whole crop wheat on subsequent animal performance. The objectives of the current experiment were to examine the effects of stage of maturity of fermented WCW on milk production, liveweight and blood metabolite concentrations of dairy cows.

The winter wheat variety Hunter was grown as a conventional cereal crop and cut at two stages of maturity. The first cut (low starch) was when the crop was approximately 300g/kg dry matter (DM) and Zadoks growth stage 71 (watery ripe) and the second (high starch) at approximately 370g/kg DM and growth stage 85 (soft dough).
Whole crop wheat: effect of crop maturity on feed intake and milk production of dairy cows
Authors: Phipps R. H. , Sutton J.D. , Jones A. K.
Published: November 2021

Interest in the use of whole crop cereals as a complementary forage for dairy cows has developed in Europe over the last fifteen years. Initial studies in the UK concluded that near maximum dry matter (DM) yield/ha of whole crop wheat (WCW) occurred in late July/early August when crops contained at least 500 g/kg DM. However, it was noted that when these crops were ensiled they tended to be aerobically unstable. To minimise this problem it was recommended that these crops were preserved with urea rather than being ensiled. Early studies with dairy cows demonstrated that the use of both urea-treated and low DM fermented WCW increased forage intake and milk yield but effects on milk composition were inconsistent (Leaver and Hill, 1992, Phipps et al., 1995). Concern has been expressed that the use of urea in crop preservation was environmentally unacceptable and that high DM fermented WCW offered a possible alternative, which would provide high DM yields/ha of a starch-rich crop. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of crop maturity on feed intake and milk production of dairy cows. An additional treatment was included to examine the effectiveness of an additive containing L. buchneri designed to improve aerobic stability.
The effect of protein restriction during the rearing period and age on reproductive function in the gilt
Authors: Glasgow VL , Edwards SA , McEvoy TG , Shanks M
Published: November 2021

Reproductive performance of gilts/sows can be influenced by metabolic state at crucial points in the reproductive cycle and indeed at a crucial age. It has generally been found that moderate to severe protein restriction has no effect on litter size or embryo survival at day 28 (Pharazyn et al, 1991) when given to gilts over the gestation period. However protein quality and quantity can affect reproductive performance in gilts when imposed over the prepubertal period as indicated previously by lower ovulation rate at an induced puberty and poorer expression of a second oestrus (Cia et al, 1996). In the present experiment the effects of two diets differing in lysine:energy ratio on body composition and subsequent oestrus response, ovulation rate and early embryo development in gilts of two different ages were studied.
Maternal and dietary influences on post-weaning piglet growth
Authors: Rooke J. A. , Shanks M. , Edwards S. A.
Published: November 2021

A previous study (Rooke et al, 1997) showed that in normal commercial feeding conditions there were large differences between litters in live-weight gain at weaning and in immune response to inclusion of soyabean meal. The current experiment attempted to separate these maternal influences into pre- and post-partum effects and investigated whether maternal diet fatty acid composition influenced piglet performance.

Five groups of 6 sows (Large White x Landrace) were used. At weaning, sows were grouped into threes by live-weight and backfat thickness and allocated to one of three diets which were fed throughout pregnancy and lactation. Pregnancy and lactation diets were formulated to supply 12.5 and 14.0 MJ DE, 140 and 180 g CP and 4.5 and 8.5 g lysine / kg. Pregnancy diets contained 17.5 g/kg of either maize oil (M), linseed + maize oil (60:40 ratio, L) or fish oil (Tuna Orbital Oil, Scotia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, F) and lactation diets 35 g/kg oil (17.5 g maize oil + amounts in gestation diets). Six groups of 3 sows participated in a cross-fostering study. All sows were induced to farrow on day 113 or 114 of gestation. Piglets were removed from the sow until farrowing was complete to avoid colostrum consumption. Nine piglets / sow were chosen for cross-fostering from each group of 3 sows (1/diet). Piglets were grouped into threes by weight and allocated to each of the 3 sows. The piglets were reared on the sows with no access to creep feed until weaning at 28 days of age. At weaning the piglets were kept in their lactation sow groups and fed a common diet (16.3 MJ DE, 240 g CP , 15.5 g lysine / kg) based on cooked cereals, milk products and containing 150 g / kg soya bean meal for 7 days. Piglets were weighed at birth and weekly thereafter. The data were analysed using the REML procedure of Genstat to quantify variance relating to sow effects (during pregnancy and lactation) and of pregnancy and lactation diets.
Replacing lactose with sucrose and molasses in simple or complex diets for nursery pigs
Authors: Mavromichalis I. , Hancock J. D. , Senne B. W.
Published: November 2021

The efficacy of milk products for improving growth performance in nursery pigs is well documented (Krider et al., 1949 and Graham et al., 1991). Mahan (1993) suggested that if a source of highly digestible protein and crystalline lactose was added to diets for newly weaned piglets, then traditional milk products (dried whey and skim milk) could be excluded. Crystalline lactose has found its way into many nursery diets manufactured in the USA, nowadays. A co-product of whey protein purification, crystalline lactose is a cheap source of milk sugar compared to most milk products. However, if price or availability necessitates the replacement of milk products, the same problem generally applies to crystalline lactose. Sucrose long has been suggested as an energy source and appetite enhancer when used in nursery diets. The same is true for molasses, although high dietary concentrations are not generally recommended. Both ingredients are rich sources of highly digestible simple sugars (glucose and fructose) and are readily accessible throughout much of the world. The objectives of the experiments reported herein were to determine the effects of replacing lactose with sucrose and a cane molasses product on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in nursery piglets.
Oxygen uptake by porcine colon contents
Authors: Hillman K.
Published: November 2021

Since the gut environment is generally assumed to be anaerobic, studies of the monogastric intestinal microflora have concentrated on the anaerobic microorganisms. However, the intestinal epithelium constitutes a very high surface area in relation to the volume of the gut contents, and all of this surface area is richly supplied with blood. Appreciable dissolved oxygen concentrations can be detected in the intestines of anaesthetised piglets (Hillman et al, 1993), although this is never detectable in the intestines of killed animals. It was considered important to investigate the persistence of intestinal oxygen after death, in order to determine the accuracy of postmortem measurements of this component of the intestinal environment. This report demonstrates the rapidity of removal of oxygen by porcine colon contents, and indicates that, since the oxygen supply to the intestine stops when the blood circulation stops, accurate measurements of dissolved oxygen can never be made in the intestines of killed animals.

Colon contents were obtained from three freshly slaughtered 20 kg piglets and diluted to 20% (w/v) slurries in quarter-strength Ringer's solution (Unipath, UK). The slurries were transferred (25 ml) to 50 ml conical flasks, stirred by magnetic follower (approx 400 rpm) and surrounded by a water jacket to maintain a temperature of 39°C in the vessel contents. A polarographic oxygen electrode was inserted so that the membrane was submerged. Gas flow through the headspace was provided by compressed air and nitrogen, mixed via a pair of needle valves to provide a constant flow rate of 600 ml min-1. Calibration of the system was performed in sterile Ringer's solution using air and oxygen-free nitrogen: calibration was repeated between each experiment.
The faecal microbial population can be representative of large intestinal microfloral activity
Authors: Williams B.A. , Voigt C. , Verstegen M.W.A.
Published: November 2021

Faeces may be representative of the microbial population present in the large intestine (LI) of monogastric animals, and is being used as the inoculum for in vitro procedures to investigate hindgut fermentation. To test this hypothesis, samples were taken from the caecum, mid-colon, and rectum of three pigs fed a simple diet (no antibiotics or copper). The in vitro cumulative gas production technique (Theodorou et a/., 1994) was used to measure the fermentation characteristics of four standard carbohydrate feedstuffs.

Four feeds representative of certain carbohydrate fractions were used. They were fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS- oligosaccharides), oat hulls (OatH- fibre), potato starch (PST- resistant starch), and wheat bran (WBR- fibre). The entire large intestine was taken to laboratory, where samples were removed from the caecum, mid-colon, and rectum, diluted, and mixed, under strictly anaerobic conditions before being used as inoculum. The cumulative gas data (144 hours) were fitted to the monophasic modified Michaelis-Menten model (Groot et a/., 1996). After fermentation, samples were taken for VFA analysis, and substrate losses and pH measured.
Effect of feeding lactose on rumen metabolism in-vitro and in-vivo
Authors: Hussain A. , Miller E. L.
Published: November 2021

Inclusion of lactose in dairy cow rations increases dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield (Garnsworthy 1996). This may be due to the relatively slow rate of lactose fermentation ( Hussain and Miller, 1998) sustaining better regulation of rumen pH and also possible consequence for microbial protein synthesis (Chamberlain et al., 1993).This experiment was conducted to study the changes in rumen environment over the adaptation period and effect of these changes on the fermentation of lactose itself.

Three Suffolk wethers (b.wt 56± 7.36 kg) maintained on hay and concentrate (600:400) were offered 50g lactose per day for 16 days. Rumen liquor collected on dayO (before offering lactose), 4, 8, 12 and 16 was used to measure gas production from sucrose and lactose ( Menke et al., 1979). On these days rumen samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hrs after the morning feed. Rumen pH, ammonia N (NH3 N) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were measured. At 8 hrs time rumen samples were also taken for protozoa enumeration. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA procedure of Genstat 5.
Bovine or equine faeces as sources of micro-organisms instead of rumen liquor in the Tilley and Terry in vitro digestibility technique for evaluating forages in Tanzania
Authors: Whittall H. , Mtengeti E.J. , Mtenga L.A. , Romney D.L. , Owen E.
Published: November 2021

Akhter et al.(1994) demonstrated bovine faeces to have considerable potential as a source of microorganisms to replace rumen liquor in the in vitro digestibility method of Tilley and Terry (1963) for evaluating temperate gramminaceous forages, under UK laboratory conditions. In view of the difficulties and costs of maintaining fistulated animals in tropical, less-developed countries, the present study was undertaken in Tanzania to investigate the potential of bovine faeces as a substitute for rumen liquor in the Tilley and Terry technique for evaluating local, gramminaceous forages. Use of equine faeces was also investigated in view of the prevalence of equines in some tropical countries. It was also hypothesised that equines, being hind-gut fermentors, would yield faeces containing more micro-organisms than faeces from bovines, with a consequent improvement in digestibility.
Effects of the level of concentrate in the diet of the donor animal on the in vitro digestibility of hay
Authors: Bochi-Brum O. , Carro M.D. , Valdés C. , González J.S. , López S.
Published: November 2021

The inoculum represents one of the greatest sources of uncontrolled variation in digestibility estimates via in vitro rumen fermentation methods (Marten and Barnes 1980). Microbial activity of rumen inoculum may be influenced by animal and diet factors. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the level of inclusion of concentrate in the diet of the donor animal on the measurement of the in vitro digestibility of hay.
Maturation of porcine oocytes for 33 or 44 hours in vitro in the presence or absence of serum
Authors: Rust K. , Staines M.E. , McCallum GJ. , Prathalingam N.S. , Edwards S.A. , English P.R. , McEvoy T.G.
Published: November 2021

Porcine embryo production in vitrois providing the impetus for the development of cryopreservation strategies aimed at welfare-friendly domestic and international marketing and movement of stock in a manner that minimises risks of disease transmission. In the context of disease risks, defined media, which avoid the use of serum and other biohazardous products, are likely to become essential in the production of embryos for international markets. In preparing for this situation, the present comparative study investigated in vitronuclear maturation of porcine oocytes in the presence of either foetal calf serum (FCS) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In addition, the effect of restricting the maturation time to 33 rather than 44 hours was examined.
Comparison of luteal function between ewe lambs and ewes during breeding and non breeding season
Authors: Khan T.H. , Beck N.F.G. , Khalid M.
Published: November 2021

Reproductive performance of ewe lambs is lower than that of adult ewes (Quirke. 1979). This is mainly the result of preimplantation losses which can exceed 50% in ewe lambs as compared with 20-30% in ewes (Quirke et al.,1981). Previous evidence from this laboratory suggests that these losses may be associated with inadequate luteal function in ewe lambs (Davies and Beck, 1993). Inadequate luteal function may not only delay the embryo development but also impair the ability of the embryo to communicate its presence to the maternal system. There is also a possibility that inadequate corpora lutea may be refractory to luteotrophic factors produced by the developing embryo. The present study was designed to investigate whether the luteal function varies between ewe lambs and ewes. Another objective of this study was to compare the luteal response to hCG challenge between ewe lambs and ewes and its variation with season.
Effect of genetic merit on postpartum follicular development, milk production, body weight and, insulin and glucose levels in dairy cows
Authors: Snijders S.E.M. , O'Farrell K. , Boland M. P. , Dillon P. , Diskin M. , O'Callaghan D. , Mee J.F.
Published: November 2021

Efficient milk production in Ireland in both spring and autumn calving herds is very much dependent on compact calving. This requires an early resumption of ovarian activity, high submission rate, and pregnancy rate to service. Since 1984 there has been an increase in the genetic merit of Irish dairy herds. High genetic merit animals have reduced reproductive performance due to the demands of high milk yield (Nebel and McGilliard, 1993) and the loss of body weight and body condition (Butler and Smith, 1989). However, little comparative data on the reproductive performance of dairy cows of different genetic merit are available. The objective of this study was therefore, to determine the relationship between genetic merit of dairy cows and follicular growth patterns, milk production, body weight loss, insulin and glucose levels in early lactation.
Factors having effects on market value of Welsh Black Cattle in pedigree sales, variance components and estimation of breeding values of sale price
Authors: Ulutas Z. , Ap Dewi I. , Saatci M.
Published: November 2021

Few Welsh Black Cattle breeders record their animals as part of formal selection schemes. However there are sale and pedigree data available on Welsh Black Cattle as recorded by the breed society. The aim of the current project was to examine the use of market price as a basis for selection. This is justified on the basis that detailed production records are not available and that price could be considered as an indicator that summarises physical characteristics.
Responses of lactating cows to energy and protein supplementation while grazing a restricted allowance of grass
Authors: Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J. , Ferris C.P. , Mayne C.S.
Published: November 2021

Earlier work has indicated low responses in milk yield to supplementation with concentrates during grazing (Leaver, 1985). The substitution effect of concentrates on herbage dry matter intake is high at generous allowances of grass, but is much lower when the allocation of grass is low (Meijs and Hoekstra, 1984). It is therefore expected that the responses in milk yield to supplementation with concentrates during grazing would be greater with a restricted allowance of grass. The aim of the experiment was to measure the milk yield responses of high yielding cows to increased energy and protein supplementation, when offered a restricted allowance of grass.
Effect of dietary methionine supplementation on hoof horn growth in primiparous cows
Authors: Metcalf J. A. , Marsh C. , Johnston A. M. , May S. A. , Livesey C. T.
Published: November 2021

Horn growth rate does not appear to be related to the amino acid profile of the major protein source for dairy cattle (Offer, Logue & Roberts, 1997), but it is possible that sulphur amino acids are limiting in early lactation, when the homeorhetic drive to milk production is most extreme. Supplementation of a high production ration for dairy cows with protected methionine should increase milk production, and allow any sulphur amino acid limitation on horn growth to be alleviated (Mengal, Galbraith, Souri & Scaife, 1997).

A total of 60 in-calf Holstein heifers were divided into two groups in a randomised block design. The study commenced approximately three weeks pre-calving until 26 weeks post calving, and animals were housed in one of three systems for the duration. Two diets were formulated based on a grass silage:maize silage mixture (50:50 DM basis), with rolled wheat, soya bean meal, sugar beet feed and rapeseed meal and were offered from approximately five days post calving for the remainder of the 26 week period.
Acidogenicity of feeds for dairy cows. 1. Method development and screening of ingredients
Authors: Wadhwa D. , Dewhurst R.J. , Dhanoa M.S. , Borgida L.P.
Published: November 2021

The objective of this work was to develop a simple method for screening feeds for their potential to increase rumen acid load. It is difficult to undertake in vivo experimentation on this subject owing to the dangers of acidosis as well as the animals’ ability to avoid major changes in rumen conditions. Additionally, the large number of samples involved make it desirable to develop a simple in vitro technique.

A simple in vitro method was developed for estimation of the rumen acid load, based on the dissolution of calcium from calcium carbonate after a period of rumen fermentation. The method was based on the first stage of the method of Tilley and Terry (1963) with some modification to the buffer (which contained MgCl2 instead of MgSO4, 0.025% (w/v) Cystine monohydrochloride and was diluted to 20% in strength). At the end of each incubation, a 2 ml sample was taken, mixed with 0.05 g CaCO3 and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was analysed for calcium using a Sigma kit (method No. 587) on a discrete analyser. The concentration of calcium (mg per 100 ml) in the supernatant has been termed the acidogenicity value (AV). A series of pilot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of duration of incubation, buffer concentration, buffer pH and source of rumen liquor.
Effect of biotin supplementation on hoof growth of Angora and Cashmere goats
Authors: Mengal M. A. , Galbraith H. , Scaife J. R.
Published: November 2021

Biotin is a water soluble vitamin, essential for post-absorptive metabolism in animals. A deficiency of the biotin has been associated with poor hoof horn formation in farm animals (Brooks et al., 1977). Biotin may be supplied from the diet or by microorganisms in the digestive tract. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary biotin supplementation on hoof growth and composition of hoof horn in goats (a) during pre-ruminant milk-feeding and (b) following the development of rumination and exposure to microorganisms in the digestive tract.
Associations between concentrations of fat and intermediates of ruminal biohydrogenation in milk of dairy cows
Authors: Newbold J.R. , Robertshaw K.L. , Morris H.W.
Published: November 2021

Rumen bacteria convert polyunsaturated C18 fatty acids to stearic acid (CI8:0) by biohydrogenation. Intermediates include a family of cis/trans isomers of linoleic acid known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a family of trans isomers of oleic acid (C18:1), chiefly trans-11 C18:1. Trans fatty acids inhibit milk fat synthesis in cows, an effect which Griinari et al. (1997) attributed specifically to trans-10 C18:1. Biohydrogenation intermediates can be incorporated directly into milk. In humans, trans C18:1 in hydrogenated vegetable oil (chiefly trans-9 C18:1) mimic saturated fatty acids as a risk factor for heart disease (Judd et al., 1994) and may inhibit milk fat synthesis. CLA may be anticarcinogenic (Parodi, 1997). It is important, therefore, to understand the effect of dairy cow nutrition on biohydrogenation intermediates.
Evaluation of oil sources in whey-based calf milk replacers
Authors: Robertshaw K.L. , Newbold J.R. , Morris H.W.
Published: November 2021

Oil in fat-filled milk powders is the major source of energy in calf milk replacers. Choice of oil source is determined by nutritive value (chiefly digestibility), functionality (avoidance of breaking the emulsion) and, increasingly, customer preference for oils of purely vegetable origin. One alternative to the use of traditional oil sources such as lard and fish oil, is coconut oil, which is rich in highly digestible medium-chain length fatty acids (particularly C12:0), but relatively deficient in essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic acid. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects on calf performance of oil source within milk replacers.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing in Volcano‐Glacial Environments—Mount Meager, British Columbia
Authors: Klaasen Sara , Paitz Patrick , Lindner Nadja , Dettmer Jan , Fichtner Andreas
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate the logistic feasibility and scientific potential of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in alpine volcano‐glacial environments that are subject to a broad range of natural hazards. Our work considers the Mount Meager massif, an active volcanic complex in British Columbia, estimated to have the largest geothermal potential in Canada, and home of Canada's largest recorded landslide in 2010. From September to October 2019, we acquired continuous strain data, using a 3‐km long fiber‐optic cable, deployed on a ridge of Mount Meager and on the uppermost part of a glacier above 2,000 m altitude. The data analysis detected a broad range of unexpectedly intense, low‐magnitude, local seismicity. The most prominent events include long‐lasting, intermediate‐frequency (0.01–1 Hz) tremor, and high‐frequency (5–45 Hz) earthquakes that form distinct spatial clusters and often repeat with nearly identical waveforms. We conservatively estimate that the number of detectable high‐frequency events varied between several tens and nearly 400 per day. We also develop a beamforming algorithm that uses the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of individual channels, and implicitly takes the direction‐dependent sensitivity of DAS into account. Both the tremor and the high‐frequency earthquakes are most likely related to fluid movement within Mount Meager's geothermal reservoir. Our work illustrates that DAS carries the potential to reveal previously undiscovered seismicity in challenging environments, where comparably dense arrays of conventional seismometers are difficult to install. We hope that the logistics and deployment details provided here may serve as a starting point for future DAS experiments.
Modeling the Impact of Macrozooplankton on Carbon Export Production in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Karakuş Onur , Völker Christoph , Iversen Morten , Hagen Wilhelm , Wolf‐Gladrow Dieter , Fach Bettina , Hauck Judith
Published: November 2021

Macrozooplankton and its grazing pressure shape ecosystem structures and carbon pathways in the Southern Ocean. Here, we present the implementation of “polar macrozooplankton” as a plankton functional type and a related fast‐sinking detritus class (fecal pellets) into the biogeochemical model REcoM‐2. We use the model to assess major carbon pathways and ecosystem structure in the Southern Ocean south of 50°S. The model represents zooplankton biomass and its spatial distribution in the Southern Ocean reasonably well in comparison to available biomass data. A distinct difference of our model from previous versions is the seasonal pattern of particle formation processes and ecosystem structures in the Southern Ocean. REcoM‐2 now captures high zooplankton biomass and a typical shift from a dominance of phytodetrital aggregates in spring to zooplankton fecal pellets later in the year. At sites with high biomass of macrozooplankton, the transfer efficiency of particulate organic carbon can be as high as 50%, and the carbon content of the exported material increases. In our simulations, macrozooplankton is an important component of the Southern Ocean plankton community, contributing up to 0.12 Pg C per year (14%) to total modeled carbon export across 100 m depth. Macrozooplankton changes the phytoplankton composition and supports the recycling of macronutrients. These results support the important role of macrozooplankton such as krill in the Southern Ocean and have implications for the representation of Southern Ocean biogeochemical cycles in models.
Multiyear Detection, Classification and Hypothesis of Ionospheric Layer Causing GNSS Scintillation
Authors: Datta‐Barua Seebany , Llado Prat Pau , Hampton Donald L.
Published: November 2021

This paper surveys six years of Global Positioning System (GPS) L1 and L2C ionospheric scintillation in the auroral zone and, with a collocated incoherent scatter radar, hypothesizes the ionospheric irregularity layer. The Scintillation Auroral GPS Array of six scintillation receivers is sited at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, as is the Poker Flat incoherent scatter radar (PFISR). Scintillation intervals are identified across at least four receivers of the array using S4 and sigma phi (σϕ) indices at 100 s cadence. Classification as “amplitude,” “phase,” or “both‐phase‐and‐amplitude” scintillation is performed by analyzing common time intervals of elevated S4 and σϕ. Scattering of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) waves by refractive or diffractive effects is hypothesized to occur in the E or F layer, or a transition layer in between, based on the PFISR peak density altitude at the time of the scintillation event. We analyze the statistics of the irregularity layer from 2014 to 2019, spanning solar maximum to solar minimum. We find fewer scintillation events per day with the waning solar cycle, nearly all of them phase scintillations. We also find that the percentage of events hypothesized to be caused by irregularities in the E layer increases with the declining solar cycle. The local time dependence of phase scintillations is primarily at night and in the E layer. Phase scintillation events occurring during daytime occur at solar maximum and are nearly all in the F layer. The majority of the events containing amplitude scintillations are daytime F layer at solar maximum (2014).
The tumor suppressor MIR139 is silenced by POLR2M to promote AML oncogenesis
Authors: Stavast Christiaan J. , van Zuijen Iris , Karkoulia Elena , Özçelik Arman , van Hoven-Beijen Antoinette , Leon Leticia G. , Voerman Jane S. A. , Janssen George M. C. , van Veelen Peter A. , Burocziova Monika , Brouwer Rutger W. W. , van IJcken Wilfred F. J. , Maas Alex , Bindels Eric M. , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Schliehe Christopher , Katsikis Peter D. , Alberich-Jorda Meritxell , Erkeland Stefan J.
Published: November 2021

MIR139 is a tumor suppressor and is commonly silenced in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the tumor-suppressing activities of miR-139 and molecular mechanisms of MIR139-silencing remain largely unknown. Here, we studied the poorly prognostic MLL-AF9 fusion protein-expressing AML. We show that MLL-AF9 expression in hematopoietic precursors caused epigenetic silencing of MIR139, whereas overexpression of MIR139 inhibited in vitro and in vivo AML outgrowth. We identified novel miR-139 targets that mediate the tumor-suppressing activities of miR-139 in MLL-AF9 AML. We revealed that two enhancer regions control MIR139 expression and found that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) downstream of MLL-AF9 epigenetically silenced MIR139 in AML. Finally, a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen revealed RNA Polymerase 2 Subunit M (POLR2M) as a novel MIR139-regulatory factor. Our findings elucidate the molecular control of tumor suppressor MIR139 and reveal a role for POLR2M in the MIR139-silencing mechanism, downstream of MLL-AF9 and PRC2 in AML. In addition, we confirmed these findings in human AML cell lines with different oncogenic aberrations, suggesting that this is a more common oncogenic mechanism in AML. Our results may pave the way for new targeted therapy in AML.
Tenomodulin knockout mice exhibit worse late healing outcomes with augmented trauma-induced heterotopic ossification of Achilles tendon
Authors: Delgado Caceres Manuel , Angerpointner Katharina , Galler Michael , Lin Dasheng , Michel Philipp A. , Brochhausen Christoph , Lu Xin , Varadarajan Adithi R. , Warfsmann Jens , Stange Richard , Alt Volker , Pfeifer Christian G. , Docheva Denitsa
Published: November 2021

Heterotopic ossification (HO) represents a common problem after tendon injury with no effective treatment yet being developed. Tenomodulin (Tnmd), the best-known mature marker for tendon lineage cells, has important effects in tendon tissue aging and function. We have reported that loss of Tnmd leads to inferior early tendon repair characterized by fibrovascular scaring and therefore hypothesized that its lack will persistently cause deficient repair during later stages. Tnmd knockout (Tnmd−/−) and wild-type (WT) animals were subjected to complete Achilles tendon surgical transection followed by end-to-end suture. Lineage tracing revealed a reduction in tendon-lineage cells marked by ScleraxisGFP, but an increase in alpha smooth muscle actin myofibroblasts in Tnmd−/− tendon scars. At the proliferative stage, more pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and larger collagen II cartilaginous template were detected in this group. At the remodeling stage, histological scoring revealed lower repair quality in the injured Tnmd−/− tendons, which was coupled with higher HO quantified by micro-CT. Tendon biomechanical properties were compromised in both groups upon injury, however we identified an abnormal stiffening of non-injured Tnmd−/− tendons, which possessed higher static and dynamic E-moduli. Pathologically thicker and abnormally shaped collagen fibrils were observed by TEM in Tnmd−/− tendons and this, together with augmented HO, resulted in diminished running capacity of Tnmd−/− mice. These novel findings demonstrate that Tnmd plays a protecting role against trauma-induced endochondral HO and can inspire the generation of novel therapeutics to accelerate repair.
Linc-ROR facilitates progression and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating DEPDC1 expression
Authors: Tian Chuan , Abudoureyimu Mubalake , Lin Xinrong , Chu Xiaoyuan , Wang Rui
Published: November 2021

Linc-ROR have been well-demonstrated to play important roles in cancer progression and angiogenesis. However, the underlying oncogenic mechanism of Linc-ROR in hepatocellular carcinoma is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that Linc-ROR plays an oncogenic role in part through its positive regulation of DEPDC1 expression. Mechanistically, Linc-ROR acts as competing endogenous RNA to stabilize DEPDC1 mRNA and regulates DEPDC1 mRNA stability by binding HNRNPK. Thus, these findings suggest that function of Linc-ROR-mediated DEPDC1 could predispose hepatocellular carcinoma patients to progression and angiogenesis, and may serve as a potential target for anticancer therapies.
STEAP3 promotes cancer cell proliferation by facilitating nuclear trafficking of EGFR to enhance RAC1-ERK-STAT3 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Li-Li , Luo Jie , He Zhang-Hai , Liu Ye-Qing , Li Hai-Gang , Xie Dan , Cai Mu-Yan
Published: November 2021

STEAP3 (Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 3, TSAP6, dudulin-2) has been reported to be involved in tumor progression in human malignancies. Nevertheless, how it participates in the progression of human cancers, especially HCC, is still unknown. In the present study, we found that STEAP3 was aberrantly overexpressed in the nuclei of HCC cells. In a large cohort of clinical HCC tissues, high expression level of nuclear STEAP3 was positively associated with tumor differentiation and poor prognosis (p < 0.001), and it was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. In HCC cell lines, nuclear expression of STEAP3 significantly promoted HCC cells proliferation by promoting stemness phenotype and cell cycle progression via RAC1-ERK-STAT3 and RAC1-JNK-STAT6 signaling axes. Through upregulating the expression and nuclear trafficking of EGFR, STEAP3 participated in regulating EGFR-mediated STAT3 transactivity in a manner of positive feedback. In summary, our findings support that nuclear expression of STEAP3 plays a critical oncogenic role in the progression of HCC via modulation on EGFR and intracellular signaling, and it could be a candidate for prognostic marker and therapeutic target in HCC.
TCP1 increases drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia by suppressing autophagy via activating AKT/mTOR signaling
Authors: Chen Xiaofang , Chen Xianling , Huang Yiping , Lin Jia , Wu Yong , Chen Yuanzhong
Published: November 2021

T-complex protein 1 (TCP1) is one of the subunits of chaperonin-containing T complex (CCT), which is involved in protein folding, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and drug resistance. Investigations have demonstrated that TCP1 is a factor being responsible for drug resistance in breast and ovarian cancer. However, the TCP1 role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains elusive. In the present study, we discovered that the TCP1 expression was elevated in AML patients and high TCP1 expression was associated with low complete response rate along with poor overall survival. TCP1 showed higher expression in the adriamycin-resistant leukemia cell line HL60/A and K562/A, comparing to their respective parent cells HL60 and K562 cells. TCP1 inhibition suppressed drug resistance in HL60/A and K562/A cells, whereas TCP1 overexpression in HL60 cells incremented drug resistance, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TCP1 inhibited autophagy and adriamycin-induced cell apoptosis, and TCP1-mediated autophagy inhibition conferred resistance to adriamycin-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, TCP1 interacted with AKT and mTOR to activate AKT/mTOR signaling, which negatively regulates apoptosis and autophagy. Pharmacological inhibition of AKT/mTOR signal particularly activated autophagy and resensitized TCP1-overexpressing HL60 cells to adriamycin. These findings identify a novel role of TCP1 regarding drug resistance in AML, which advise a new strategy for overcoming drug resistance in AML through targeting TCP1/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Coherent spin rotation-induced zero thermal expansion in MnCoSi-based spiral magnets
Authors: Liu Jun , Ding Bei , Yao Yuan , Xi Xuekui , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Jianli , Wang Chin-wei , Wu Guangheng , Wang Wenhong
Published: November 2021

Materials exhibiting zero thermal expansion (ZTE), namely, volume invariance with temperature change, can resist thermal shock and are highly desired in modern industries for high-precision components. However, pure ZTE materials are rare, especially those that are metallic. Here, we report the discovery of a pure metallic ZTE material: an orthorhombic Mn1-xNixCoSi spiral magnet. The introduction of Ni can efficiently enhance the ferromagnetic exchange interaction and construct the transition from a spiral magnetic state to a ferromagnetic-like state in MnCoSi-based alloys. Systematic in situ neutron powder diffraction revealed a new cycloidal spiral magnetic structure in the bc plane in the ground state, which transformed to a helical spiral in the ab plane with increasing temperature. Combined with Lorentz transmission electron microscopy techniques, the cycloidal and helical spin order coherently rotated at varying periods along the c-axis during the magnetic transition. This spin rotation drove the continuous movement of the coupled crystalline lattice and induced a large negative thermal expansion along the a-axis, eventually leading to a wide-temperature ZTE effect. Our work not only introduces a new ZTE alloy but also presents a new mechanism by which to discover or design ZTE magnets.