bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of deoxynivalenol-contaminated diet on performance and blood parameters in growing swine
Authors: Rotter B. A. , Thompson B. K. , Lessard M.
Published: March 2010

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding a deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated diet (4.0 mg DON kg−1 diet) on performance and blood parameters of growing pigs (18.0–50.8 kg body weight) over a 42-d period. Blood samples were collected weekly from all animals. Ad libitum fed control and pair-fed control groups were used to distinguish between differences in feed intake and specific effects of the DON-containing diet. Pigs fed the DON-diet had on average 20% lower feed intake and 13% lower weight gain compared to the control ad libitum fed pigs. At necropsy there were no differences in the absolute and relative organ weights, but the fundic region of the stomach of pigs fed the DON-diet was more corrugated than for either of the controls. Blood profiles based on weekly sampling showed transient changes in serum protein for the DON-diet. Serum protein decreased compared to both controls at weeks 2 and 3 followed by recovery to control values. The β-globulin values between weeks 2 and 4 were also depressed. The data suggest that DON may impair protein synthesis in the liver, however, the animals were able to adapt to the dietary contamination and showed recovery by the end of the 6 wk experiment. Key words: Deoxynivalenol, contaminated corn, Fusarium, mycotoxin, swine, blood parameters, natural killer cells
Effect of snow fence or trimming seed heads or stems of Russian wildrye on April soil water content, forage and beef production
Authors: Holt N. W.
Published: March 2010

Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] is an introduced forage, used for season-long grazing in the northern plains. Trimming the heads may improve forage quality but may reduce snow trapping and the amount of moisture conserved. The purpose of this grazing study was to examine the effects of trimming seed heads, trimming seed stems or erecting snow fences on spring soil water content and spring and summer pasture productivity of Russian wildrye at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. From 1985 to 1988, a period of below-normal November to April precipitation, treatments had no effect on soil water content in spring or annual carrying capacity of Russian wildrye pastures. From 1989 to 1994, soil water content in April averaged 74, 64 and 50 mm for treatments of: stems intact (but with added snow fence in 1988); heads trimmed in June, but stems standing; and stems trimmed, respectively. For this 6-yr period, annual carrying capacity of yearling Hereford steers was 153, 143 and 131 animal unit d−1, respectively, for the three treatments. Average daily gain of 0.94 kg d−1, or total gain of 92 kg per steer, was unaffected. Average forage yields (1989–1993) were 2030 kg ha−1, of which 77–86% was consumed by the steers. There was no evidence that trimmed seed heads increased forage yield or quality. The only benefits were related to soil and water conservation, which increased carrying capacity by 15% because of improved snow trapping and water management. Key words:Psathyrostachys juncea, grazing steers, forage quality, soil water
Carcass traits and reproductive organ morphology in 62-week-old SCWL hens
Authors: Bjerstedt H. L. , Robinson F. E. , Hardin R. T. , Wautier T. A.
Published: March 2010

The influence of body weight on reproductive organ morphology and the incidence of reproductive disorders was investigated with 324 Shaver Starcross 288-strain Single Comb White Leghorn hens at 62 wk of age. The hens were fed a typical laying ration (2720 kcal ME kg−1, 16.3%, CP, 3.5% Ca) ad libitum. All birds were housed two birds per cage in a windowless poultry house, with a photoperiod of 14L:10D. The total group of hens was separated into eight weight groups, on the basis of 62-wk body weight, ranging from 1100 to 2700 g, at 200-g increments. Birds were killed by cervical dislocation and dissected to observe carcass and reproductive organ traits. The length of the shank and the weights of the breast muscle, liver, fat pad, ovary and ovarian stroma increased significantly as hen weight increased. Ovary weight was increased because of an increase in the number of large follicles, as well as an increase in the weights of individual large follicles Ovarian regression occurred more often in hens weighing less than 1700 g than in hens weighing more than 1700 g. Internal oviposition occurred most often in hens near the population body weight (1803 g). Internal ovulation occurred more often in hens more than 1900 g in body weight than in hens less than 1900 g. These data suggest that hens that are heavier than average have increased follicular development, compared with low-weight hens. Key words: Single Comb White Leghorn, abdominal fat pad weight, breast-muscle weight, body weight, ovary morphology, reproductive disorders
Effects of dietary hydroxides on intake, digestion, rumen fermentation and acid-base balance in sheep fed a high-barley diet
Authors: Boukila B. , Seoane J. R. , Bernier J. F.
Published: March 2010

Eight mature wethers fitted with rumen cannulae were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square feeding trial to study the effect of dietary alkalis on digestive physiology of sheep fed a high-barley diet. The treatments were: C = control diet composed of 17% alfalfa meal and 83% concentrate, on as-fed basis; CA = control plus 1% Ca(OH)2; MG = control plus 0.79% Mg(OH)2; CAMG = control plus 0.5% Ca(OH)2 and 0.39% Mg(OH)2. Dry matter intake averaged 1.91, 2.54, 2.79, and 2.72% of BW for diets C, CA, MG and CAMG, respectively (P < 0.01). Digestible DM intake was also affected by the treatments and averaged 0.97, 1.26, 1.35 and 1.37 kg d−1 for C, CA, MG, and CAMG diets, respectively (P < 0.01). Apparent DM digestibility was higher in sheep fed the C diet than in those fed the other diets (P < 0.03) and it was inversely related to intake (P < 0.01). Total VFA concentration was lower in sheep fed C than in those fed the hydroxides (P < 0.01). Proportions of individual VFA were not altered by the diet except for isobutyrate which was higher in sheep fed the C diet (P < 0.01). Rumen NH3-N concentration was lower in sheep fed the hydroxide-containing diets than in animals fed the control diet (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen was lower for the C diet (P < 0.01). Plasma glucose tended to be lower for the C diet than for the other diets (P < 0.06). The control diet induced a mild form of systemic acidosis as indicated by the decrease in blood pH, HCO3− and base excess (P < 0.01). Addition of Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 to the diet, alone or in combination, improved the systemic acid-base status of sheep and was associated with increased DM intake. Key words: Hydroxides, acid-base balance, rumen fermentation, sheep
Effects of crude protein content, protein degradability and energy concentration of the diet on growth and carcass characteristics of market lambs fed high concentrate diets
Authors: Beauchemin K. A. , McClelland L. A. , Kozub G. C. , Jones S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

Weaned lambs (186 females and 141 castrated males) of various genotypes averaging 16.2 kg were used in an experiment to determine the effects on growth of altering protein and energy content of the diet, and supplementing concentrate diets with undegradable protein. Dietary effects on carcass leanness were assessed using male lambs slaughtered at a live weight of 41 kg. Lambs were fed one of five barley and canola meal based diets: (1) high energy, 15% CP, no fishmeal, (2) high energy, 15% CP, added fishmeal, (3) high energy, 18% CP, no fishmeal, (4) high energy, 18% CP, added fishmeal, and (5) moderate energy, 18% CP, added fishmeal. Canola meal contained 42.3% CP with a rumen degradability of 48.1%, while fishmeal contained 76.2% CP with a degradability of 15.2%. Diet 5 reduced growth rate, increased days on test, decreased feed efficiency, decreased dressing percentage, reduced internal fat and marginally decreased subcutaneous fat deposition, compared with a higher energy diet. Level of CP and protein degradability had little effect on growth and carcass characteristics. Dietary regime has limited potential to alter carcass leanness of feedlot lambs except by feeding for reduced growth rate which may increase production costs. Genetic selection and use of low input production systems may be more promising methods of improving carcass leanness. Key words: Lamb, crude protein, undegradable intake protein, canola meal, fishmeal, carcass composition
Dietary lysine and threonine utilization by young pigs: Efficiency for carcass growth
Authors: Adeola Olayiwola
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of dietary lysine and threonine retention for carcass protein accretion in pigs within a body weight range of 10–20 kg. At the beginning of the experiments, an initial representative group of 6 pigs were killed for carcass compositional analysis. In the first experiment, conducted to determine the efficiency of dietary lysine retention, a basal diet was formulated to contain 6 g of lysine kg−1. Twelve pigs were fed the basal diet supplemented with L-lysine∙HCl to contain 6, 7, or 8 g of lysine kg−1. Daily weight gain and gain:feed ratio were higher (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 8 g of lysine than for pigs fed 6 g of lysine kg−1 diet. The accretion rates of dry matter, protein, ash, and lysine in the carcass were higher for pigs fed 8 g of lysine than for pigs fed 6 g of lysine kg−1 diet. A linear regression of daily carcass lysine accretion on daily lysine intake resulted in a 72% efficiency of carcass lysine accretion above maintenance. In the second experiment, three diets including a basal diet formulated to contain 4 g of threonine kg−1 and supplemented with L-threonine to contain 4, 4.65, or 5.3 g of threonine kg−1 were fed to 12 pigs. Rate and efficiency of body weight gain exhibited a dose-response improvement (P < 0.05) to an increase in dietary threonine. Carcass protein, ash, and threonine accretion rates were higher (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 5.3 g of threonine than those fed 4 g of threonine kg−1 diet. Linear regression of daily carcass threonine accretion on daily threonine intake resulted in extra-maintenance efficiency of threonine retention of 60%. The efficiencies of dietary lysine and threonine utilization for carcass growth in pigs within the liveweight range of 10–20 kg are 72 and 60%, respectively. Key words: Lysine, threonine, retention efficiency, amino acids, pigs
Effects of dietary energy planes on growth and heritability estimates for postweaning growth traits in young beef bulls
Authors: Bailey D. R. C. , Liu M. F. , Shannon N. H.
Published: March 2010

Records of young AN and young HE bulls were analyzed to evaluate the influences of dietary energy planes on growth and heritability estimates of growth traits during 168-d postweaning test. Estimates of h2a for end of test weight (WT168), average daily gain on test (ADG 0–168) and relative growth rate on test (RGR 0–168) were much higher in the MED line than in the HED line. Between lines, maternal heritability estimates (h2m) for WT0 and ADG 0–168 were similar. Estimates of h2m for WT168 was much higher in the HED line than in the MED line. All direct-maternal genetic correlations (ram) were negative. These results may indicate that the antagonism between direct and maternal genetic effects for postweaning growth traits in the MED line was much less than that in the HED line. Key words: Beef cattle, energy plane, growth, heritability
The effect of frozen-rethawing technique on detaching firmly associated bacteria from in situ hay residues
Authors: Kamel Hossam E. M. , Sekine J. , Morita Z. , Suga T.
Published: March 2010

The efficacy of a frozen-rethawing technique on detaching firmly associated bacteria from in situ hay residues was evaluated using two ruminally cannulated sheep. The firmly associated bacteria adhering to in situ residues varied between and within timothy and lucerne hays. The removal percentage of firmly associated bacteria, using purine as a bacterial marker, ranged from 69.6 to 86.2% and from 49.7 to 93.4% with a mean value of 83.6 and 79.7% in timothy and lucerne hays, respectively. Key words: Particle-firmly associated bacteria, in situ residual
Comparison of Condor and CDC Richard hulless barleys for broiler chicks
Authors: Zhi-Yuan Niu , Campbell G. L. , Bhatty R. S. , Rossnagel B. G.
Published: March 2010

Five Condor and five CDC Richard hulless barley samples, representing a range in crude protein (12.4–15.3%), were fed to broiler chicks in β-glucanase-supplemented diets formulated to be moderately limiting in crude protein (18% CP). The barley varieties had comparable mean CP (Condor, 13.8%; CDC Richard, 14.1%) and starch (Condor, 56.4%; CDC Richard, 57.5%), although Condor was somewhat higher in β-glucan content (3.5 vs. 2.8%; P < 0.10). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in body weight or feed conversion among chicks fed the two barleys, indicating that protein utilization was similar in broiler chicks fed Condor and those fed CDC Richard hulless barleys. Key words: Hulless barley, chicks, protein, β-glucanase
Endocrine and peripartum behavioral responses of sows fed high-fiber diets during gestation
Authors: Farmer C. , Robert S. , Matte J. J. , Girard C. L. , Martineau G. P.
Published: March 2010

The effect of feeding high-fiber diets during gestation on concentrations of prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2) and progesterone and on peripartum behavior of sows was studied. Eighty-five gilts were fed during two gestations a diet based either on corn-soybean (D1), corn cobs and wheat bran (D2) or oats and oat hulls (D3). The total daily intake of energy and protein was calculated to be similar for the three diets. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for PRL concentrations to be increased in sows fed D2. There was also a time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01) on E2, with the treatment effect being significant on days 35 and 112 of gestation and the treatment × parity interaction being significant at 24 h postpartum. Postural behaviors of the sows varied greatly in relation with time of farrowing and were also affected by parity. During the peripartum period, second parity sows fed D1 or D3 spent more time standing and less time lying on their side than first parity sows, but these differences were not observed when sows were fed D2. The present results indicate that sows fed the 10.1% CF diet (D2) throughout gestation tended to have greater concentrations of prolactin and also seemed calmer around parturition. Key words: Pig, fiber intake, bulky feeds, gestation, peripartum behavior, prolactin
Synovex® H as a prenatal androgenizing agent in beef cattle: Effects on the implanted pregnant heifer
Authors: Aldrich S. L. , Berger L. L. , Kesler D. J. , Faulkner D. B. , Castrée J. W.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Synovex® H as an agent for prenatal androgenization in beef cattle. Thirty Charolais-cross heifers, exposed to a fertile bull during a 55-d spring breeding season, were randomly assigned to a control group or implanted with three times the normal dose of Synovex® H between days 20 and 75 of gestation. Serum concentrations of testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone, calving rate, and growth performance were determined in the pregnant heifers. Testosterone levels were greater (P < 0.001) in treated heifers than in control heifers. Synovex® H treatment had no affect on estradiol levels. Progesterone levels were lowered (P < 0.05) in treated heifers. Synovex® H treatment decreased (P < 0.05) calving rate and birth weight of calves born to treated heifers. Calving ease scores were not affected by Synovex® H treatment. Weight was not affected; however, average daily gain was improved 7% by Synovex® H treatment (0.88 vs. 0.82 ± 0.04 kg d−1, treated and control heifers, respectively). These results are interpreted to suggest that Synovex® H is not an appropriate androgenizing agent for cattle due to adverse effects on progesterone concentrations during pregnancy and on calving rate. Key words: Cattle, prenatal androgenization, Synovex® H, pregnancy, hormones
A comparison of five protein sources as supplements for growing steers fed grass silage
Authors: Veira D. M. , Butler G. , Petit H. V. , Proulx J. G. , Laflamme L.
Published: March 2010

An experiment conducted at three sites in eastern Canada, Kapuskasing, Lennoxville and Nappan, compared the efficacy of five protein sources as supplements for growing steers fed grass silage. For 20 wk, a total of 171 growing beef steers, average initial weight 247 kg, were offered grass silage ad libitum, either alone or supplemented with isonitrogenous amounts of FM, SBM, CM, a mixture of corn gluten meal and blood and, at two sites, MM. There were no significant treatment-by-site interactions for any of the parameters measured. Combined across the three sites, liveweight gain was low on the all-silage diet, 0.51 kg d−1, and FM increased gain by 0.44 kg d−1 or 86%. Soybean meal, CM and the CGM/BM increased liveweight gain by an average of 0.35 kg d−1 or 68%, while MM increased gain by 0.28 kg d−1 or 58%. All supplements increased liveweight gain (P < 0.001) with FM being superior to the other sources (P < 0.01). The supplements increased total DM intake (kg 100 kg LW−1, P < 0.01) but had no effect on silage intake (P > 0.05). Gain/feed ratio was 0.091 on the all-silage diet and was increased (P < 0.001) by all supplements, with FM (0.142) being superior (P < 0.01) to the other protein sources which averaged 0.129. The supplements did not affect organic matter digestion (P = 0.06) in measurements made at Lennoxville. Rumen degradability did not explain the differences in the extent to which the protein sources improved the performance of growing steers. Key words: Steers, growth, grass silage, protein supplements
Digestive utilization of minerals by weanling pigs fed copper- and phytase-supplemented diets
Authors: Adeola Olayiwola
Published: March 2010

The digestive utilization of minerals in Cu- and phytase-supplemented diets by weanling pigs was investigated in an experiment with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Three levels of Cu (0, 60 and 120 mg kg−1 as CuSO4∙5H2O) and two levels of phytase activity (0 and 1500 units kg−1) were added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet. Seventy-two pigs (gilts:bar-rows, 1:1) with an average initial weight of 9.7 kg received the six diets for 21 d, after which 36 of the pigs were used in an 8-d mineral balance study. Phytase supplementation of diets increased serum P, Zn and Mg concentrations but reduced serum Cu concentration. The addition of Cu to the diets produced serum concentrations of minerals similar to Cu-unsupplemented diets. Absorption and retention of Ca and P were both slightly increased in pigs fed the phytase-supplemented diets compared with pigs fed diets that did not contain phytase. Addition of phytase to the diet that was not supplemented with Cu doubled (P < 0.1) Cu retention. Copper supplementation of diets did not affect absorption and retention of Ca, P, Zn, and Mg but increased absorption and retention of Cu and Mn. Results indicate that addition of phytase to P-supplemented and Cu-unsupplemented diets improves digestive utilization of P and Cu. Key words: Pigs, phytate, copper, phytase, minerals
Live performance and health of broiler chickens fed diets diluted with whole or crumbled wheat
Authors: Bennett C. D. , Classen H. L. , Riddell C.
Published: March 2010

Broiler chicken diets were diluted with three levels of whole wheat and two levels of crumbled wheat to determine how feeding whole grain and diluting feed with wheat would alter the performance of male and female broilers. Grit was not used. The amount of extra wheat added increased from 5% at 11 d of age to a maximum level of 30% at 31 d of age. Body weight at 41 d of age averaged 2.130 kg for pullets and 2.422 kg for cockerels and was unaffected by diluting with wheat, in whole or crumbled form. Total mortality and cause of mortality were similarly unaffected by dilution and form of wheat. The feed:gain ratio from 11 to 41 d of age was increased significantly for cockerels from 1.75 at zero dilution to 1.84 at maximum dilution. Dilution did not affect the feed conversion of pullets and form did not influence the feed conversion of either sex. Dilution of broiler rations may be profitable because of the limited effect on bird performance. Pelleting all the wheat in poultry rations is unnecessary because bird performance is unaffected by feeding up to 30% whole grain in the finisher diets. Key words: Broiler chickens, whole wheat, pelleting
Fibrolytic enzymes increase fiber digestibility and growth rate of steers fed dry forages
Authors: Beauchemin K. A. , Rode L. M. , Sewalt V. J. H.
Published: March 2010

Seventy-two steers (289 kg) were offered ad libitum cubed alfalfa hay, cubed timothy hay, or barley silage supplemented with incremental levels of xylanase (IU) and cellulase (FPU), combined in a ratio of 1 IU:0.04 FPU. For alfalfa hay, low and moderate levels (900 to 4733 IU kg−1 DM) increased weight gain by up to 30% (P < 0.10), whereas, for timothy hay, the highest level (12 000 IU kg−1 DM) improved gain (P < 0.10) by 36%. No response to enzymes was observed for barley silage. Fibrolytic enzymes improve weight gain of cattle but optimal enzyme levels depend upon the type of forage. Key words: Beef cattle, forages, enzymes, cellulase, xylanase, carbohydrases
A comparison of production traits and welfare implications between horned and polled beef bulls
Authors: Stookey J. M. , Goonewardene L. A.
Published: March 2010

Data from two record of performance test stations (ROP) were used to compare selected traits of polled and horned bulls. The University of Saskatchewan (SASK) ROP test station provided data on 578 Charolais (CH) and 375 Hereford (HE) bulls from 1985 to 1992, while the Alberta (ALTA) Hereford ROP station provided data on 1485 HE bulls from 1985 to 1993. Polled and horned CH bulls from SASK showed similar (P > 0.05) on-test average daily gain (ADG), while polled HE bulls from SASK showed significantly higher (P < 0.03) ADG than their horned counterparts (1.41 ± 0.01 and 1.36 ± 0.02, respectively). Polled CH bulls were 11.4% fatter than horned bulls at the end of the test (P < 0.01). No significant differences in ADG, weight per day of age (WPDA) or scrotal circumference (SC) were observed between polled and homed HE bulls in ALTA. These results show no disadvantage for polled bulls compared to horned for ADG, WPDA, adjusted SC and adjusted yearling weight. From a welfare perspective, it may be advantageous to use polled bulls to circumvent the need for dehorning. Key words: Polled horned bulls ADG test station
Genetic changes in Canadian performance-tested pigs for fat depth and growth rate
Authors: Kennedy B. W. , Quinton V. M. , Smith C.
Published: March 2010

Data on more than 1.3 million pigs of four breeds in four regions of Canada were used to estimate genetic changes in fat depth and growth rate from 1976 to 1993. Analysis was by a multi (two)-trait best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) animal model within breed and across regions. The genetic changes were measured as the changes in average estimated breeding value (EBV) over years.The across-breed average total phenotypic changes from 1976 to 1993 were− 3.9 mm in fat depth (26% of the mean) and− 17 d in age at 100 kg (9% of the mean). The multi-trait BLUP estimates of the genetic trends were similar to single-trait BLUP estimates. The mean EBV and the changes were similar for the four regions. The changes were larger in the Landrace and Yorkshire breeds than in the Duroc and Hampshire. The overall genetic trends were − 1.44% of the mean yr−1 in fat depth and − 0.36% of the mean yr−1 in age at 100 kg. The trend for age at 100 kg increased over time as better methods of deriving the EBV were implemented. The current rates of pig improvement in Canada are good and yield large economic benefits. However, they could be improved to recoup the full gains possible through the Canadian Swine Improvement Program. Key words: Canadian pigs, performance testing, genetic trends
Real-time ultrasound image analysis for the estimation of carcass yield and pork quality
Authors: Sather A. P. , Jones S. D. M. , Bailey D. R. C.
Published: March 2010

Average backfat thickness measurements (liveweight of 92.5 kg) were made on 276 pigs using the Krautkramer USK7 ultrasonic machine. Immediately preceding and 1 h after slaughter real-time ultrasonic images were made between the 3rd and 4th last ribs with the Tokyo Keiki LS-1000 (n = 149) and/or CS-3000 (n = 240) machines. Image analysis software was used to measure fat thickness (FT), muscle depth (MD) and area (MA) as well as scoring the number of objects, object area and percentage object area of the loin to be used for predicting meat quality. Carcasses were also graded by the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP). Prediction equations for lean in the primal cuts based on USK7 and LS-1000 animal fat measurements had R2-values (residual standard deviations, RSD) of 0.62 (27.0) and 0.66 (25.7). Adding MD or MA to LS-1000 FT measurements increased the R2-values to 0.68 and 0.66. Prediction equations using animal fat measurements made by the USK7 and CS-3000 had R2-values (RSD) of 0.66 (26.5) and 0.76 (22.4). Adding MD or MA to CS-3000 FT measurements made no further improvement in the R2-values. Estimation of commercial lean yield from carcass FT and MD measurements made by the HGP and LS-1000 had R2-values (RSD) of 0.58 (1.72) and 0.65 (1.56). Adding MA to LS-1000 measurements made no further improvement in the R2-values. Prediction equations based on carcass FT and MD measurements made by the HGPandCS-3000 had R2-values (RSD) of 0.68 (1.65) and 0.72 (1.54). Adding MA to CS-3000 measurements made no further improvement in the prediction equation. It was concluded that RTU has most value for predicting carcass lean content and further improvements in precision will come from more accurate FT measurements from RTU images made by image analysis software. Correlation of the number of objects, object area and of percent object area of image from RTU images with intramuscular fat or marbling score made on the live pig or carcass were low, and presently do not appear suitable for predicting intramuscular fat. Key words: Carcass composition, meat quality, marbling, intramuscular fat, sex, pigs
Composition, digestibility and rumen degradability of crab meal
Authors: Nicholson J. W. G. , McQueen R. E. , Allen J. G. , Bush R. S.
Published: March 2010

The nutritive value of dried shellfish waste (referred to as crab meal) produced in New Brunswick in the mid-1980s was evaluated by physical, chemical and biological assays. Typically the crab meal was high in ash content (about 50%), consisting mainly of calcium carbonate and contained about 20% chitin, 25% crude protein (CP) and less than 2% lipid material. The meal could be separated by screening into a coarse fraction high in ash and chitin and a fine fraction lower in ash and higher in CP. Although the reactivity rate of crab meal ash was not as high as that of similar sized limestone particles (42 vs. 30.4 min for particles that passed a 500-μm screen but were retained on a 300-μm screen), it was high enough to suggest crab meal could be a useful rumen buffer. The CP of crab meal was highly resistant to degradation in the rumen in sacco. Less than 18% of the crab meal CP disappeared from bags suspended in the rumen for 24 h, compared with more than 87% for soybean meal and full-fat canola seed. The digestibility of crab meal dry matter by sheep was only 34.3 ± 3.7%, but the CP digestibility was 69.6 ± 4.1%. The chemical and physical attributes assayed and the results of the in sacco and sheep digestibility trials all suggest that crab meal should be a useful supplement for diets low in digestible undergraded protein. However its inclusion in a supplement for beef calves fed legume silage resulted in lower feed consumption and rate of gain (P < 0.01). Feeding soybean meal or full-fat canola resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.01) in feed efficiency, compared with calves fed the control and crab meal supplements. It was concluded that crab meal produced in New Brunswick would be a useful supplement for beef cattle if problems of palatability could be overcome. Key words: Crab meal, rumen degradability, digestibility, protein, palatability
Effect of mash or pelleted supplements containing crab meal on intake and weight gains of beef cattle
Authors: Nicholson J. W. G. , McQueen R. E. , Allen J. G. , Bush R. S.
Published: March 2010

Yearling beef steers showed a progressive decrease in rate of gain as crab meal replaced 33, 66 and 100% of supplemented soybean meal. The crab meal was highly resistant to degradation in sacco but was well digested in the whole tract of sheep. Rumen fluid from sheep fed crab meal was as effective for fiber digestion in vitro as that from sheep fed a similar diet without crab meal. It was concluded that the lower feed intake observed with cattle fed crab meal was not due to inhibition of fiber digestion. In a second experiment, there was no improvement in cattle performance when the crab meal was treated with the antioxidant ethoxyquin. Oxidation of crab meal that could lead to rancidity does not appear to be a problem, as adding ethoxyquin did not affect cattle performance. In a third experiment, pelleting a crab meal–alfalfa meal supplement increased intake from 1.22 kg d−1 to 1.64 kg d−1 (P < 0.01), and pelleting a crab meal–barley supplement increased intake from 1.55 kg d−1 to 1.80 kg d−1 (P < 0.05). In a fourth experiment, pelleting the crab meal supplement again largely overcame the depressing effects of crab meal on intake and weight gains. It was concluded that crab meal is a useful supplement for young cattle, provided they can be induced to consume it. Pelleting the crab meal supplement is one way of overcoming the lower intake and weight gains associated with feeding it as a mash. Key words: Crab meal, intake, digestibility, beef cattle, pelleting
Strategies of feeding supplemental soybean meal to primiparous dairy cows
Authors: Robinson P. H.
Published: March 2010

Primiparous dairy cows were utilized in two experiments to evaluate the productive benefits of modifying the strategy of within-day feeding of soybean meal (SBM) as a supplement to a basal mixed ration fed twice daily. The design of the two experiments was the same, although one was completed with early-lactation cows and the other with late-lactation cows. The evaluation of protein status of all treatments, after the experiments were complete, indicated that cows were limited by supplies of digestible undegraded intake protein (DUIP) on all treatments of both experiments. However, benefits of feeding 800 g d−1 of supplemental SBM versus none were primarily restricted to enhanced production of milk protein, and it is suggested that this was primarily the result of the contribution of DUIP from SBM to intestinal protein supply. Feeding SBM in two versus four daily meals either 1 or 1 and 5 h, respectively, after offer of the mixed ration had no influence on animal performance at either stage of lactation. However, feeding SBM in two daily meals 1 h prior to the mixed ration versus in two daily meals 1 h after offer of the mixed ration enhanced milk, milk energy, and milk lactose output in late lactation, but not in early lactation. These apparently inconsistent production responses between stages of lactation are consistent with a hypothesis that microbial growth is progressively restricted as supplies of degraded intake protein (DIP), relative to requirements, decline. Under these conditions, which applied to the late-lactation cows, feeding DIP at times of the day when rumen-soluble N levels would be lowest (i.e., pre-feeding) would be beneficial for stimulating microbial growth prior to ingestion of the mixed ration. Key words: Management, strategy, sequence, dairy cattle
Activity level and performance of weaner pigs exposed to 915 MHz microwave radiation
Authors: Foote K. D. , Bate L. A. , Donald A. W.
Published: March 2010

Microwave radiation (MWR) (915 MHz) is considered a possible source of supplementary heat for early-weaned pigs. To determine the behavioural effect of this form of heat on weaner pigs, four trials were carried out in which 64 pigs were exposed to microwave (MW) treatment at 11.4 (MW1) or 6.1 (MW2) mW cm−1 or infrared (IR) radiation at 500 W (IRR), each following a 4-d adaptation period. Pigs exposed to both MW treatments displayed greater (P < 0.05) daily percent resting time compared with IR exposed pigs [86.0 ± 1.6 vs. 82.3 ± 2.5 vs. 79.4 ± 3.7% (mean ± SD) for MW1, MW2 and IRR, respectively]. The increase in resting time was greatest after the first day of treatment and gradually returned to pretreatment levels over the course of the 3-wk experiment. The treatment effect over time was also significant (P < 0.05) between IR and both MW treatments and indicated similar patterns of resting time for the MW treatments. The pattern of resting behaviour for the IR group remained relatively unchanged throughout the experiment. Microwave exposure did not have an effect (P > 0.05) on average daily gain [0.32 ± 0.12 vs. 0.28 ± 0.07 vs. 0.30 ± 0.13 kg day−1 (mean ± SD) for IRR, MW1 and MW2, respectively]. The results indicate that 915 MHz MWR causes a power-level-dependent decrease in activity in weaner pigs. However, MW exposure does not significantly affect performance in weaner pigs. Key words: Weaner pigs, microwaves, behaviour, performance, supplementary heat
Insulin responsiveness, action and sensitivity in growing lambs and mature rams
Authors: Sano H. , Asanos K. , Noguchi Y. , Yoshimura K. , Senshu T. , Terashima Y.
Published: March 2010

Insulin responsiveness, action and sensitivity, using the glucose clamp technique, were measured in ruminating growing lambs (5 and 9 mo old) and mature rams (3 yr old). In the hyperglycemic clamp experiment, blood glucose concentrations were designed to remain 50 mg dL−1 above basal concentrations for more than 1 h. Plasma insulin concentrations during glucose infusion were lower (P < 0.05) for 5 mo-old lambs than for 9 mo-old lambs and mature rams and were higher (P < 0.05) for 9 mo-old lambs than for 5 mo-old lambs and mature rams. In the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp experiment, insulin was infused over five sequential 1-h periods at rates from 0.64 to 25 mU kg−1 min−1 with concomitant glucose infusion to maintain preinfusion blood glucose concentrations. Glucose infusion rates during insulin infusion were lower (P < 0.05) for 5 mo-old lambs than for 9 mo-old lambs and plasma insulin concentration at half-maximal glucose infusion rate was numerically lower for 5 mo-old lambs, whereas maximal glucose infusion rate did not differ among growth stages. It is likely that in ruminating sheep insulin responsiveness, action and sensitivity may change with growth stage. Key words: Development, insulin response, insulin sensitivity, sheep, glucose clamp technique
Effects of chromium supplementation on early lactation performance of Holstein cows
Authors: Yang W. Z. , Mowat D. N. , Subiyatno A. , Liptrap R. M.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) supplementation on early lactation performance of Holstein cows. Experiment 1 involved 12 primiparous (PP) and 22 multiparous (MP) cows, while exp. 2 involved 18 PP and 22 MP cows. In each trial, cows were fed total mixed rations (TMR) and assigned to one of two treatments: control or 0.5 mg kg−1 supplemental chelated Cr from week 6 prepartum to week 16 postpartum The cortisol response to synthetic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) intramuscular (i.m.) and the luteinizing hormone (LH) response to synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) i.m. were evaluated as well, during weeks 2 and 6 postpartum in exp. 2 During the first 16 wk of lactation, supplemental Cr tended to increase milk yields in PP cows by 13% (P = 0.06) and increased milk production by 7% (P < 0.05) in exps. 1 and 2, respectively, but had no effect in MP cows. Despite increased milk yield, Cr supplementation had no adverse effect on milk composition, reproductive performance, or health status. Furthermore, Cr supplementation tended to increase the milk lactose content in PP cows. Supplemental Cr reduced serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels and may reduce subclinical ketosis in MP cows. In addition, in overconditioned, aged cows, Cr supplementation may reduce the incidence of certain other metabolic disorders. Peak values and production rates of cortisol in Cr-supplemented cows tended to be greater (P < 0.10) than in control cows at week 6 Basal LH concentrations did not differ between the two treatments for either week However, the Cr-supplemented cows released less (P < 0.05) LH than did control cows at week 6. Results from hormonestimulation tests suggest that the Cr-supplemented cows may have experienced a greater stress with their increased milk production. However the time in postpartum anestrus and the time to conception were similar, suggesting that Cr supplementation may have mitigated the slower return to fertility usually seen in higher producing PP dairy cows. Further study is needed to determine the effects of Cr supplementation on reproductive performance, health status, and metabolic disorders in dairy cows. Key words: Chromium, milk production, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, reproduction, dairy cows
Nutritive value of three amaranth grains fed either processed or raw to growing rats
Authors: Fadel J. G. , Calvert C. C. , Pond W. G. , Harrold R. L. , Lewis B. A.
Published: March 2010

Amaranth is being used increasingly as a feed ingredient for both humans and domestic animals yet little effort has been expended examining the specific effects of processing amaranth on nutritive quality. Amaranth seeds are high in protein and fat compared to other grains and may be an important feed source if the utilization of different amaranth cultivars is better understood. Six diets, containing 96% amaranth from three amaranths that were either raw or boiled, were fed to growing rats. The three amaranths [Amaranthus cruentus L. (R158), A. hypochondriacus L. (K343), A. cruentus L. (477913)] were grown at Clay Center, NE. A corn (negative control) and a corn-soy (positive control) diet were the two controls. Thirty-two weanling male rats were randomly assigned to the eight diets for 14 d a Clay Center, NE. Initial weights, final weights, feed intakes, and final organ weights were measured. The experiment was repeated at Davis, CA. Boiled amaranth diets had 68% less trypsin inhibitor activity as compared to unboiled amaranth diets. Rats fed boiled amaranth diets gained more weight with improved efficiency as compared to rats fed raw amaranth diets. Rats fed raw A. hypochondriacus L. (K343) had higher gain to feed ratios (P < 0.05) compared to rats fed other raw amaranths or the corn diet. Growth of rats fed the boiled amaranths A. cruentus L. (R158) or A. hypochondriacus L. (K343) was similar to that of rats fed the corn-soy diet. Heat treatment lowered trypsin inhibitor activity and improved the nutritive value of all amaranths examined in this experiment. Key words: Amaranth, processed, raw, nutritive value, growing rats
Influence of Trichoderma longibrachiatum xylanase supplementation of wheat and corn based diets on growth performance of pigs
Authors: Lunen T. A. Van , Schulze H.
Published: March 2010

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing wheat- and corn-based diets with xylanase on growth performance and FCR of pigs from 10 to 18 wk of age. Seventy-tow castrated male pigs were assigned to pens of two and in a randomized block design to six dietary treatments consisting of diets containing 60% wheat, 40% wheat and 20% corn, and 20% wheat and 40% corn with and without supplementation with xylanase. Feed and water were available ad libitum. Xylanase supplementation improved growth rate and FCR by 9.2 and 5.3%, respectively, regardless of level of wheat and corn inclusion. Key words: Pig, growth, feed enzyme, Trichoderma longibrachiatum xylanase, wheat, corn
Effects of age at photostimulation on reproductive efficiency and carcass characteristics. 1. Broiler breeder hens
Authors: Robinson F. E. , Wautier T. A. , Hardin R. T. , Robinson N. A. , Wilson J. L. , Newcombe M. , McKay R. I.
Published: March 2010

The effect of age at photostimulation on carcass composition at photostimulation and at sexual maturity as well as its effect on subsequent reproductive performance in broiler breeders was investigated. A total of 600 broiler breeder pullets were reared in light-tight facilities. Skip-a-day feeding was used after 2 wk of age to limit body weight to levels suggested by the breeder. Limited daily feeding was initiated at the time of caging (time of photostimulation). The photoperiods used during rearing and lay were 8L:16D and 14L:10D, respectively. Forty birds were selected for study and moved to laying cages and photostimulated at 120, 130, 140, 150 or 160 d of age. Individual egg production records were kept until 60 wk of age. Twenty additional birds were killed for study of carcass composition and reproductive organ, morphology at the time of photostimulation and 20 others were killed at sexual maturity (first oviposition).As age at photostimulation increased, body weight and percent carcass lipid content increased while percent water and ash content decreased. No significant differences were found among treatment groups at photostimulation for carcass protein content. No significant differences were found in any carcass composition parameter at sexual maturity. All groups showed an increase in lipid content from photostimulation to sexual maturity, with the 120 d treatment group showing the largest increase. As age at photostimulation increased, the time from photostimulation to sexual maturity decreased. Total egg production, first egg weight, total egg mass produced, average fertility, hatchability and hatch of fertile did not differ significantly among treatment groups. Chick production was significantly higher in the 140-, 150- and 160-d treatment groups compared with the 120- and 130-d treatment groups. One explanation for the high rate of egg production seen in birds photostimulated at the older ages was that these birds reached sexual maturity with less between-bird variation. To take advantage of this improved flock uniformity, delaying photostimulation to 140 d of age or later is recommended. Key words: Chicken, broiler breeder, sexual maturity, egg production, hatchability, carcass composition
Sensory analysis of meat from broiler chickens fed diets containing hulless oats (Avena nuda)
Authors: Poste L. M. , Butler G. , Cave N. A. , Burrows V. D.
Published: March 2010

New cultivars of hulless or naked oats have metabolizable energy comparable to corn but with higher protein content and quality than corn (Burrows et al. 1993). Although there is documented evidence on poultry performance that hulless oats are a suitable feedstuff for poultry, there is little documentation on the effect of hulless oats as a poultry feedstuff on the sensory qualities of the meat. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of increasing dietary levels of hulless oats on the sensory quality of the broiler chicken meat and to ascertain if rancidity had developed during 3 mo of cold storage. Hulless oat dietary levels were assigned to a factorial arrangement of two sexes of broilers, three broiler starter diets (S0, S250, S500 g kg−1) and four grower diets (G0, G250, G500 and G750 g kg−1). Hulless oats of each diet replaced portions of the corn and soybeans of the control diet (S0/G0). Tenderness, juiciness, flavour intensity and muscle fibre integrity of the light meat; and tenderness, rubberiness, stringiness, juiciness and flavour intensity of the dark meat were evaluated by six selected assessors. Cooking data indicated a significant sex effect for oven-ready weight and grower oats level effect for weight loss during cooking. There were significant grower effects for tenderness and juiciness (P ≤ 0.05) of light meat. In the dark meat there was a significant sex effect (P ≤ 0.05) for stringiness; starter effect (P ≤ 0.05) for flavour; and grower effect for tenderness and juiciness (P ≤ 0.05). From a sensory perspective it appears that replacement of corn and soybeans in broiler grower diets by 500 g kg−1 of hulless oats decreases some sensory quality parameters. This was not found at 250 g kg−1 hulless oats. Key words: Oat (hulless, naked), broiler chicken, sensory analysis, thiobarbituric acid
Effect of stage of maturity and growth cycle on shearing force and cell wall chemical constituents of alfalfa stems
Authors: Iwaasa A. D. , Beauchemin K. A. , Acharya S. N. , Buchanan-Smith J. G.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to assess whether stage of maturity and growth cycle affected shearing force of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems. In both experiments, stem shearing force, diameter and weight were measured at several segments on the stem. In exp. 1, Anchor, Barrier and Vernal alfalfa, at the second and third regrowth were harvested at the early bud stage. Stem weight and diameter were larger at the second regrowth for all stem segments. A numeric trend for lower stem diameter in Vernal compared to Anchor and Barrier was observed. For all stem segments, shearing forces for Anchor and Barrier were lower than for Vernal and shearing force was highest for second regrowth. Vernal had higher NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose content than other cultivars and ADL was highest at the second regrowth (P < 0.01). In exp. 2, Anchor, Barrier and Vernal alfalfa, in the second production year, were harvested at four stages of maturity, early bud, early flower, late flower and early seed pod. A significant stage of maturity × stem segment effect was observed for shearing force, diameter, and weight. Shearing force, stem diameter and weight measurements generally increased as the plants aged for all stem segments. Quadratic relationships (P < 0.0001) for shearing force stem diameter and weight were observed with increasing stage of maturity for all stem segments. Generally, hemicellulose and lignin contents increased as the plants matured, while cellulose concentrations were variable. Both stage of maturity and growth cycle affected shearing force of alfalfa stems and this was associated with changes in stem diameter, weight and its cell wall chemical constituents. Key words: Alfalfa, stage of maturity, growth cycle, shearing force, cell wall chemical constituents
Net portal flux of metabolites following a meal in calves fed a grain-rich diet supplemented with urea or meat meal
Authors: Kozloski G. V. , Rocha J. B. T. , Riegel R. E.
Published: March 2010

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of protein supplementation of grain-rich diets on the net absorption of some metabolites following a meal by calves, estimated from their net portal flux. The study was conducted on eight Holstein male calves with an average liveweight of 141 ± 1.4 kg, fitted with permanent catheters in a mesenteric vein and in the portal vein and with a temporary catheter in an auricular artery. The animals were assigned random to two treatments: T1, hay + concentrate containing urea and T2, hay + concentrate containing meat meal. Portal blood flow (PBF) was estimated by an indicator dilution and net metabolites flux was calculated as the difference between venous and arterial concentrations times portal blood flow. Feed was offered for 50 min and, immediately after, infusion of the indicator started and blood samples were taken at 30 min intervals during 4 h. Net portal flux of glucose and urea N was negative and similar for the two treatments (P > 0.10). Ammonia N, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate flux was positive and higher in calves fed diet containing urea (P < 0.01, P < 0.07, P < 0.07, respectively). The urea N portal flux was quadratically (P < 0.08, r2 = 0.64) and ammonia N portal flux cubically (P < 0.06, r2 = 0.81) related to time after the meal. Key words: Calves, protein supplement, portal flux, metabolites