bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3.4 DEPOSIT AND DISTRIBUTION OF TRICHOGRAMMA MINUTUM RILEY FOLLOWING AERIAL RELEASE
Authors: Smith S.M. , Wallace D.R. , Laing J.E. , Eden G.M. , Nicholson S.A.
Published: April 2011

The egg parasitoid, Trichogramma minutum Riley, was distributed by helicopter over forest stands near Hearst, Ont., to control the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). The quality of the parasitoids in terms of emergence, proportion of females, longevity, and fecundity was not affected by aerial release. Based on monitoring with deposit cards, at 10 m above ground, the helicopter had an effective swath width of ca. 10 m. Aerial release provided an uneven distribution of deposit on 1.0-ha plots, with significantly less parasitized material reaching the outer edges of each plot than in the centre; parasitism of sentinel egg masses within the plots corresponded to the distribution of deposit. Over 50% of the released material was deposited on the ground. Drift outside the plots was generally less than 25 m, never exceeding 100 m. The extent of drift was dependent on the application technique, and to a lesser extent, wind direction. Deposit cards provided an extensive rather than an intensive sampling method for monitoring the aerial distribution of T. minutum.
A REVISION OF THE NEOTROPICAL GENUS ONTHERUS ERICHSON (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE, SCARABAEINAE)
Authors: Génier François
Published: April 2011

The species of the genus Ontherus, endemic to Latin America, are revised. A key in English and Spanish for the identification of adults of the 58 recognized species is provided. Three subgenera are recognized (Caelontherus nov., Planontherus nov. and Ontherus s.str.). The following 29 species are described as new: O. hadros, O. magnus, O. gilli, O. ashei, O. politus, O. sanctaemartae, O. tenuistriatus, O. obliquus, O. howdeni, O. diabolicus, O. pilatus, O. sextuberculatus, O. lunicollis, O. monilistriatus, O. pseudodidymus, O. rectus, O. pubens, O. ulcopygus, O. cambeforti, O. raptor, O. planus, O. edentulus, O. rectangulidens, O. lobifrons, O. androgynus, O. amplector, O. atlantidis, O. insolitus, O. stridulator. The following new synonymies are proposed (the first specific name being valid): O. kirschii Harold = O. elongatus Waterhouse; O. alexis (Blanchard) = O. didymus Erichson = O. glaucinus Erichson = O. nevinsoni Waterhouse; O. incisus (Kirsch) = O. thoracicus Waterhouse; O. azteca Harold = O. villosus Luederwaldt = O. strius Howden and Young; O. cephalotes Harold = O. quadrituberculatus Luederwaldt. The variety O. zikani var. carinicollis Luederwaldt is now recognized as a valid species. Species are arranged into groups according to their phylogenetic relationship, with a brief diagnosis given for each of the 11 groups of species. The following information is given for each species, when appropriate: detailed literature review, synonymy, description or redescription, illustration of important morphological characters, data of material studied, and geographic distribution.
Runx3 Is Required for Full Activation of Regulatory T Cells To Prevent Colitis-Associated Tumor Formation
Authors: Sugai Manabu , Aoki Koji , Osato Motomi , Nambu Yukiko , Ito Kosei , Taketo Makoto M. , Shimizu Akira
Published: April 2011

Inflammation is increasingly recognized as an essential component of tumorigenesis, which is promoted and suppressed by various T cell subsets acting in different ways. It was shown previously in Runx3-deficient mice that differentiation of CD8 T and NK cells is perturbed. In this study, we show that Runx3 is also required for proper differentiation and function of regulatory T cells. In Runx3-deficient mice, T cells were unable to inhibit inflammation and to suppress tumor development. As expected, recombination activating gene 2-deficient mice bearing Runx3-deficient lymphocytes spontaneously developed colon tumors. However, tumor formation was completely blocked by transfer of either regulatory T cells or CD8 T cells derived from wild-type mice to mutant mice or by housing mutant mice in a specific pathogen-free condition. These results indicate that Runx3-deficient lymphocytes and microorganisms act together to induce inflammation and consequently induce the development of colon tumors.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of IL-23 Expression by IFN-γ through Tristetraprolin
Authors: Qian Xuesong , Ning Huan , Zhang Jidong , Hoft Daniel F. , Stumpo Deborah J. , Blackshear Perry J. , Liu Jianguo
Published: April 2011

IL-23 plays an essential role in maintenance of IL-17–producing Th17 cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Regulation of Th17 cells is tightly controlled by multiple factors such as IL-27 and IFN-γ. However, the detailed mechanisms responsible for IFN-γ–mediated Th17 cell inhibition are still largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that IFN-γ differentially regulates IL-12 and IL-23 production in both dendritic cells and macrophages. IFN-γ suppresses IL-23 expression by selectively targeting p19 mRNA stability through its 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). Furthermore, IFN-γ enhances LPS-induced tristetraprolin (TTP) mRNA expression and protein production. Overexpression of TTP suppresses IL-23 p19 mRNA expression and p19 3′UTR-dependent luciferase activity. Additionally, deletion of TTP completely abolishes IFN-γ–mediated p19 mRNA degradation. We further demonstrate that IFN-γ suppresses LPS-induced p38 phosphorylation, and blockade of p38 MAPK signaling pathway with SB203580 inhibits IFN-γ– and LPS-induced p19 mRNA expression, whereas overexpression of p38 increases p19 mRNA expression via reducing TTP binding to the p19 3′UTR. Finally, inhibition of p38 phosphorylation by IFN-γ leads to TTP dephosphorylation that could result in stronger binding of the TTP to the adenosine/uridine-rich elements in the p19 3′UTR and p19 mRNA degradation. In summary, our results reveal a direct link among TTP, IFN-γ, and IL-23, indicating that IFN-γ–mediated Th17 cell suppression might act through TTP by increasing p19 mRNA degradation and therefore IL-23 inhibition.
IL-33 Shifts the Balance from Osteoclast to Alternatively Activated Macrophage Differentiation and Protects from TNF-α–Mediated Bone Loss
Authors: Zaiss Mario M. , Kurowska-Stolarska Mariola , Böhm Christina , Gary Regina , Scholtysek Carina , Stolarski Bartosz , Reilly James , Kerr Shauna , Millar Neal L. , Kamradt Thomas , McInnes Iain B. , Fallon Padraic G. , David Jean-Pierre , Liew Foo Y. , Schett Georg
Published: April 2011

IL-33 is a new member of the IL-1 family, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory response, enhancing the differentiation of dendritic cells and alternatively activated macrophages (AAM). Based on the evidence of IL-33 expression in bone, we hypothesized that IL-33 may shift the balance from osteoclast to AAM differentiation and protect from inflammatory bone loss. Using transgenic mice overexpressing human TNF, which develop spontaneous joint inflammation and cartilage destruction, we show that administration of IL-33 or an IL-33R (ST2L) agonistic Ab inhibited cartilage destruction, systemic bone loss, and osteoclast differentiation. Reconstitution of irradiated hTNFtg mice with ST2−/− bone marrow led to more bone loss compared with the chimeras with ST2+/+ bone marrow, demonstrating an important endogenous role of the IL-33/ST2L pathway in bone turnover. The protective effect of IL-33 on bone was accompanied by a significant increase of antiosteoclastogenic cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-4, and IFN-γ) in the serum. In vitro IL-33 directly inhibits mouse and human M-CSF/receptor activator for NF-κB ligand-driven osteoclast differentiation. IL-33 acts directly on murine osteoclast precursors, shifting their differentiation toward CD206+ AAMs via GM-CSF in an autocrine fashion. Thus, we show in this study that IL-33 is an important bone-protecting cytokine and may be of therapeutic benefit in treating bone resorption.
An HLA-Presented Fragment of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Is a Therapeutic Target for Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Hawkins Oriana , Verma Bhavna , Lightfoot Stanley , Jain Rinki , Rawat Amit , McNair Sandy , Caseltine Shannon , Mojsilovic Aleksandar , Gupta Priyanka , Neethling Francisca , Almanza Othon , Dooley William , Hildebrand William , Weidanz Jon
Published: April 2011

This report describes a novel HLA/peptide complex with potential prognostic and therapeutic roles for invasive breast cancer. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mediates inflammation and immunity, and MIF overexpression is observed in breast cancer. We hypothesized that the HLA class I of cancerous breast epithelial cells would present MIF-derived peptides. Consistent with this hypothesis, the peptide FLSELTQQL (MIF19–27) was eluted from the HLA-A*0201 (HLA-A2) of breast cancer cell lines. We posited that if this MIF19–27/HLA-A2 complex was exclusively found in invasive breast cancer, it could be a useful prognostic indicator. To assess the presentation of MIF peptides by the HLA of various cells and tissues, mice were immunized with the MIF19–27/HLA-A2 complex. The resulting mAb (RL21A) stained invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) but not ductal carcinoma in situ, fibroadenoma, or normal breast tissues. RL21A did not stain WBCs (total WBCs) or normal tissues from deceased HLA-A2 donors, substantiating the tumor-specific nature of this MIF/HLA complex. As this MIF/HLA complex appeared specific to the surface of IDC, RL21A was tested as an immunotherapeutic for breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, RL21A killed the MDA-MB-231 cell line via complement and induction of apoptosis. In an in vivo orthotopic mouse model, administration of RL21A reduced MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 tumor burden by 5-fold and by >2-fold, respectively. In summary, HLA-presented MIF peptides show promise as prognostic cell surface indicators for IDC and as targets for immunotherapeutic intervention.
NK Cells Are Effectors for Resolvin E1 in the Timely Resolution of Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Haworth Oliver , Cernadas Manuela , Levy Bruce D.
Published: April 2011

Immune responses are pathologically sustained in several common diseases, including asthma. To determine endogenous proresolving mechanisms for adaptive immune responses, we used a murine model of self-limited allergic airway inflammation. After cessation of allergen exposure, eosinophils and T cells were cleared concomitant with the appearance of increased numbers of NK cells in the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes. The mediastinal lymph node NK cells were activated, expressing CD27, CD11b, CD69, CD107a, and IFN-γ. NK cell depletion disrupted the endogenous resolution program, leading to delayed clearance of airway eosinophils and Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. NK cell trafficking to inflamed tissues for resolution was dependent upon CXCR3 and CD62L. During resolution, eosinophils and Ag-specific CD4+ T cells expressed NKG2D ligands, and a blocking Ab for the NKG2D receptor delayed clearance of these leukocytes. Of interest, NK cells expressed CMKLR1, a receptor for the proresolving mediator resolvin E1, and depletion of NK cells decreased resolvin E1-mediated resolution of allergic inflammation. Resolvin E1 regulated NK cell migration in vivo and NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro. Together, these findings indicate new functions in catabasis for NK cells that can also serve as targets for proresolving mediators in the resolution of adaptive immunity.
Inflammation-Associated Autophagy-Related Programmed Necrotic Death of Human Neutrophils Characterized by Organelle Fusion Events
Authors: Mihalache Cristina C. , Yousefi Shida , Conus Sébastien , Villiger Peter M. , Schneider E. Marion , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: April 2011

The most common form of neutrophil death, under both physiological and inflammatory conditions, is apoptosis. In this study, we report a novel form of programmed necrotic cell death, associated with cytoplasmic organelle fusion events, that occurs in neutrophils exposed to GM-CSF and other inflammatory cytokines upon ligation of CD44. Strikingly, this type of neutrophil death requires PI3K activation, a signaling event usually involved in cellular survival pathways. In the death pathway reported in this study, PI3K is required for the generation of reactive oxygen species, which somehow trigger the generation of large cytoplasmic vacuoles, generated by the fusion of CD44-containing endosomes with autophagosomes and secondary, but not primary, granules. Neutrophils demonstrating vacuolization undergo rapid cell death that depends on receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase activity and papain family protease(s), but not caspases, that are most likely activated and released, respectively, during or as a consequence of organelle fusion. Vacuolized neutrophils are present in infectious and autoimmune diseases under in vivo conditions. Moreover, isolated neutrophils from such patients are highly sensitive toward CD44-mediated PI3K activation, reactive oxygen species production, and cell death, suggesting that the newly described autophagy-related form of programmed neutrophil necrosis plays an important role in inflammatory responses.
Selective T Cell Expansion during Aging of CD8 Memory Repertoires to Influenza Revealed by Modeling
Authors: Naumov Yuri N. , Naumova Elena N. , Yassai Maryam B. , Gorski Jack
Published: April 2011

The aging of T cell memory is often considered in terms of senescence, a process viewed as decay and loss of memory T cells. How senescence would affect memory is a function of the initial structure of the memory repertoire and whether the clonotypes that make up the repertoire decay at random. We examine this issue using the T cell memory generated to the conserved influenza A epitope M158–66, which induces a strong, focused, but polyclonal CD8 T cell response in HLA-A2 individuals. We analyzed the CD8 T cell memory repertoires in eight healthy middle-aged and eight healthy older blood donors representing an average age difference of ∼27 y. Although the repertoires show broadly similar clonotype distributions, the number of observable clonotypes decreases significantly. This decrease disproportionally affects low-frequency clonotypes. Rank frequency analysis shows the same two-component clonotype distribution described earlier for these repertoires. The first component includes lower frequency clonotypes for which distribution can be described by a power law. The slope of this first component is significantly steeper in the older cohort. Generating a representative repertoire for each healthy cohort allowed agent-based modeling of the aging process. Interestingly, simple senescence of middle-aged repertoires is insufficient to describe the older clonotype distribution. Rather, a selective clonotype expansion must be included to achieve the best fit. We propose that responses to periodic virus exposure may drive such expansion, ensuring that the remaining clonotypes are optimized for continued protection.
Effect of health management strategy during rearing on grower-finisher pig performance and selected indicators of immune system stimulation
Authors: Dionissopoulos L. , de Lange C. F. M. , Dewey C. E. , MacInnes J. I. , Friendship R. M.
Published: April 2011

The effects of health management strategy during rearing on subsequent growth performance and indicators of immune system stimulation in grower-finisher (G-F) pigs were evaluated. Pigs of approximately 25 kg body weight (BW) were sourced from three different management systems: (1) a farrow-to-finish unit with identified respiratory problems (Conventional), (2) segregated early weaned (SEW; piglets sourced from multiple sow herds), and (3) a minimal disease farrow-to-finish operation (MD). The pigs were of similar genetic background and were housed under similar conditions until slaughter. During the grower phase, MD had the highest average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), while it was similar for SEW and Conventional (P > 0.10). Feed to gain (F:G) was similar for MD and SEW (P > 0.10), and poorest for Conventional (P < 0.05). During the finisher phase, SEW had the lowest ADG, and the poorest F:G (P < 0.05); these parameters were similar for Conventional and MD (P > 0.10). Over the entire G-F period, performance of MD pigs was better than that of Conventional and SEW pigs. Performance depressions appeared related to the degree of anterior-ventral lung atelectasis, antibody titers to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, thymus size, plasma insulin-like growth factor levels, stomach ulceration, nasal turbinate damage, and microbial burden. The current study shows that the growth depressing effects of exposure to infectious organisms can be substantial in G-F pigs. Key words: Pigs, growth performance, disease, cytokines
The effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone in prostaglandin F2α-based timed insemination programs for beef cattle
Authors: Small J. A. , Ambrose J. D. , McCaughey W. P. , Ward D. R. , Sutherland W. D. , Glover N. D. , Rajamahendran R.
Published: April 2011

Trials were conducted in the spring (May; n = 324) and fall (October; n = 132) with crossbred continental-type beef cows assigned on the basis of parity and postpartum interval to one of three timed-AI treatments and one of two post-AI treatments. The timed-AI treatments were: (DPG) double (14 d apart) PGF2α (Lutalyse®) and AI (day = 0) 72 h after the second PGF2α (day –3); (OVS) Ovsynch® with the second GnRH (Factrel®) at 48 h and AI at 66 h; and (BRC) the same as OVS except that the second GnRH was given at the time of AI. Half of the cows within each treatment were given GnRH on day 14. Plasma progesterone concentrations were determined for the day of the first injection and on days –3, 0, 14, and 21. Timed-AI pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at day 42 and confirmed at calving. For DPG, OVS and BRC, PGF2α responder rates were 75.9, 51.4 and 71.3%, respectively, in spring (P < 0.05) and 70.4, 70.4 and 59.1% in fall (P > 0.05), and AI pregnancy rates were 28.7, 44.9 and 44.4% in spring (P< 0.05) and 25.0, 40.9 and 43.2% in fall (P > 0.05). Post-AI GnRH had no significant effect on pregnancy or conception rates or day 21 progesterone. The use of GnRH in the PGF2α based timed-AI program improved pregnancy rates and the BRC treatment was as effective as OVS. Neither postpartum interval nor initial progesterone concentration influenced (P >0.05) the effect of GnRH on AI pregnancy rate, and GnRH had no effect (P > 0.05) on twinning rate or gender ratio. Key words: Beef cows, estrous synchronization, pregnancy, timed-AI, progesterone
Selection for lean growth rate and correlated responses in litter traits in a synthetic line of Yorkshire-Meishan pigs
Authors: Chen P. , Baas T. J. , Dekkers J. C. M. , Christian L. L.
Published: April 2011

Selection for lean growth rate (LGR) was conducted for four generations in a synthetic line of Yorkshire-Meishan pigs to study the effectiveness of selection for LGR and correlated responses in litter traits. Lean growth rate was estimated from ultrasound measurements of 10th-rib backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area. In the selection line, 7 boars and 20 gilts with the highest LGR were selected to produce the next generation. The generation interval was 13 mo and the average selection differential per generation was 1.1 phenotypic standard deviation units. A contemporaneous control line was maintained by randomly selecting 5 boars and 15 gilts. Data from a total of 1057 pigs sired by 58 boars and out of 133 sows were available from the two lines. Selection responses were estimated from deviations of the selection line from the control line using least squares (LS) and by multiple trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood analysis using an animal model (AM). The estimate of response to selection per generation using LS was 9.4 ± 0.95 g d–1 for LGR. The corresponding estimate from the AM was 9.8 ± 0.51 g d–1. Correlated responses in litter traits were regressed on generation. For the LS method, regression coefficients were negative but not significant (P > 0.05) for total number born, number born alive, and number at 21 d and at 42 d. Significant, positive correlated responses occurred in 42-d litter weight and 21-d piglet weight (P < 0.05). For the AM method, the regression coefficients were also negative, but were not significant (P > 0.05) for numberalive at birth, at 21 d, and at 42 d. A significant positive correlated response occurred only for 42-d litter weight (P < 0.05). Although results are based on a population of limited size, it can be concluded that selection for LGR in a synthetic line is effective and should have little effect on litter traits. Key words: Pigs, selection, lean growth rate, correlated response
Application of feeding behaviour to predict morbidity of newly received calves in a commercial feedlot
Authors: Quimby W. F. , Sowell B. F. , Bowman J. G. P. , Branine M. E. , Hubbert M. E. , Sherwood H. W.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to use feeding behavior of newly received steers (average initial weight 191 kg) to detect morbidity in animals in a commercial feedlot. Two separate 32 d feeding trials were conducted in Wellton, Arizona, in July and November 1996. Radio frequency technology was used to record the total time spent within 50 cm of the feedbunk (animal presence every 5.25 s times 5.25 s) in 3 h intervals from 0600 to 2400 on a daily basis for 103 and 122 male calves in trial 1 and 2, respectively. Statistical procedures based on the cumulative sums (CUSUM) of the 3 h feeding intervals were used to detect morbid animals, compared with detection of animals deemed morbid by experienced pen riders. In trial 1, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 4.5 d earlier (P < 0.001) than the feedlot personnel. In trial 2, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 3.7 d earlier (P < 0.001) than feedlot pen riders. Overall accuracy, positive predictive value and sensitivity of the CUSUM prediction method were 87, 91, and 90%, respectively. Combined trial data suggest that feeding behavior during the first 30 d cattle are in a receiving pen, as collected with radio frequency technology and analyzed with CUSUM charts, may be used to detect animal morbidity approximately 4.1 d earlier (P < 0.001) than conventional methods typically employed in commercial feedlots. Key words: Feeding behavior, morbidity, quality control, feedlots
The effects of weaning weight and rate of growth immediately after weaning on subsequent pig growth performance and carcass characteristics
Authors: Wolter B. F. , Ellis M.
Published: April 2011

Effect of accelerated weight gain immediately after weaning on subsequent performance was evaluated in pigs with heavy and light weaning weights. The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the treatments being weaning weight (Heavy vs. Light), post-weaning growth rate (Accelerated vs. Conventional) and sex (Barrow vs. Gilt). Pigs were weaned at 18 to 22 d of age, weighed and classified as either Heavy or Light (5.4 vs. 3.9 kg, SE ± 0.04). During the first 14 d after weaning, pigs on the Accelerated growth treatment were housed in a specialized nursery and provided with liquid milk replacer and a dry diet; pigs on the Conventional treatment were housed in a standard nursery and provided with a dry diet only. Subsequent to the 14 d post-weaning treatment period, pigs from all treatments were housed in standard accommodation and provided the same dietary regimen to slaughter weight (110 kg). Pigs on the Accelerated treatment were heavier (P < 0.01) than pigs on the Conventional treatment at the end of the treatment period (9.2 vs. 8.1 kg, SE ± 0.13) and at 56 d of age (19.6 vs. 18.3 kg, SE ± 0.28). Early growth rate did not affect growth from 35 d of age to slaughter weight, or days to reach slaughter weight. Pigs on the Conventional treatment had greater (15.6 vs. 14.1 mm, SE ± 0.47, P < 0.01) backfat depths at slaughter than those on the Accelerated treatment. Heavy pigs at weaning were heavier (P < 0.001) at birth and 56 d of age than light pigs, and reached slaughter weight 8.6 d earlier (P < 0.001). In summary, weaning weight, but not growth rate in the first 2 wk after weaning, influenced age at slaughter. Key words: Pigs, weaning weight, post-weaning growth rate, weaning management
Effects of a bacterial inoculant and propionic acid on preservation of high-moisture ear corn, and on rumen fermentation, digestion and growth performance of beef cattle
Authors: Fellner V. , Phillip L. E. , Sebastian S. , Idziak E. S.
Published: April 2011

Studies of aerobic stability, digestion and growth performance were conducted with steers to determine the mode of action of a bacterial inoculant in altering the feeding value of ensiled high-moisture ear corn (HMEC); a comparison was made with propionic acid (PA) treated HMEC (10 g kg–1 fresh matter). The inoculant consisted of Lactobacillus plantarumand Enterococcus faecium, and was applied as an aqueous solution to provide 104 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram of HMEC. Inoculation of HMEC was not as effective as PA in improving aerobic stability, as assessed by changes in populations of yeasts and moulds. However, steers fed inoculated HMEC gained 11% more weight (P < 0.05) than animals fed untreated HMEC, and 9% more (P < 0.10) than those fed PA-treated material. There were no effects of treatment on food intake or digestion of organic matter (OM). At 4 h after feeding, rumen pH and molar proportions of isovalerate were greater (P < 0.05) with inoculated than untreated or PA-treated HMEC. Treatment differences in aerobic stability of HMEC did not account for the responses in growth performance. It appears that improvements in growth rate of beef cattle fed inoculated HMEC may be related to pH and/or the production of iso-acids in the rumen. Key words: Beef cattle, high-moisture ear corn, inoculant, propionic acid, growth rate, rumen fermentation
Feeding value in broiler chicken diets of a potato expressing a β-glucanase gene from Fibrobacter succinogenes
Authors: Baah J. , Scott T. A. , Kawchuk L. M. , Armstrong J. D. , Selinger L. B. , Cheng K. -J. , McAllister T. A.
Published: April 2011

Including a transgenic potato cultivar as a source of β-glucanase in CDC Silky barley-based diets for broiler chickens at 0.6 kg t–1 improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion by 8.8%; at 1.2 kg t–1 it reduced (P < 0.05) ileal digesta viscosity by 42%. With improved level and/or activity of expression, transformed potato may have potential as an enzyme additive. Key words: Barley, broilers, β-glucanase, performance, transformed potato
Performance of steers supplemented with copper before and during receiving at the feedlot
Authors: Beck P. A. , Gunter S. A. , Duff G. C. , Malcolm-Callis K. J. , Walker D. A. , Kegley E. B.
Published: April 2011

The effects of supplemental Cu in the diets of beef steers grazing winter-annual pasture and(or) during receiving at a feedlot were examined. On 19 February, 84 steers (average BW = 216 ± 1.5 kg) were weighed and randomly assigned to 12 bermudagrass pastures (0.81 ha each) overseeded with wheat, rye, and annual ryegrass (seven steers/pasture). All steers were fed 0.91 kg daily of a corn-based supplement containing a basal level of Cu (control; 21 mg of Cu d–1) while grazing winter-annual pasture until 16 April. On 16 April, the steers were weighed, bled via jugular venipuncture, and one-half of the steers were supplemented with an additional 1.5 g of Cu proteinate (CuPRO; 150 mg Cu d–1), during the last 29 d of grazing before shipping to a feedlot. On 17 May, the steers were shipped to a research feedlot (14 h transit, 1.016 km). After arrival on 18 May, one-half of the groups of cattle that received each treatment during grazing received 150 mg of Cu from CuPRO daily (2 × 2 factorial) for 42 d. The supplementation of steers grazing pasture with additional Cu from CuPRO during the last 29 d of grazing tended to increase (P = 0.10) ADG and BW on day 29. The BW advantage expressed by CuPRO supplemented steers was not as apparent (P = 0.18 ) upon arrival at the feedlot, but at the conclusion of the receiving period, steers fed CuPRO on pasture were 6.3 kg heavier (P = 0.04). No benefit was noted (P > 0.14) when CuPRO was fed during receiving at the feedlot. During the grazing phase, additional Cu from CuPRO seemed beneficial compared to basal Cu levels. Key words: Beef steers, copper, winter annual, serum
Very fast chilling of beef carcasses
Authors: Aalhus J. L. , Robertson W. M. , Dugan M. E. R. , Best D. R.
Published: April 2011

To determine if very fast carcass chilling (VFC; approximately –1°C within 5 h postmortem) of beef carcasses could be achieved through blast chilling, 96 carcasses of an estimated Canada 1 grade were used. The right side of each carcass was assigned to blast chilling conditions of either –20°C (48 sides) or –35°C (48 sides) while the left side was assigned to control chilling conditions (2°C for 24 h; 96 sides). Wind speed in the blast chill tunnel was 2.32 m s–1. Within each blast chill temperature, 12 blast-chilled sides were removed from the tunnel at each of four times (3, 5, 7 or 10 h) and chilled for the remainder of the 24-h period at 2°C. VFC conditions were not achieved in the deep hip region under any chilling regime, but were reached in the longissimus thoracis (LT) by approximately 6.5 h under rigorous chilling regimes (7 or 10 h of blast chilling at –35°C). After 6 d aging, LT muscles from sides blast chilled at –35°C for 10 h were more tender (22.4 vs. 29.3 N cm–2: P = 0.004) than those from their respective control sides. When these shear forces were categorized into tender (≤ 19.4 N cm–2), probably tender (> 19.4 ≤ 27.2 N cm–2), probably tough (> 27.2 = 33.2 N cm–2) and tough (> 33.2 N cm–2) categories, there was a higher proportion of tender (25.0 vs. 0.0%) and probably tender (58.33 vs. 33.33%) shears in the –35° C blast-chilled sides than in the control sides (P =0.06). However, these differences disappeared with extended aging to 21 d. Hence, the VFC advantage would be a reduction in the necessary aging time to achieve an acceptable product. The extreme chilling regime also resulted in significant reductions in cooler shrink, a slower rate of pH decline, an increased perception of marbling, darker meat colour and increased drip losses at retail. Further study of the mechanism of VFC tenderization is warranted. Key words: Beef carcasses, rapid chilling, beef quality, tenderness
Effect of management strategy on growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid composition, and palatability attributes in crossbred steers
Authors: Laborde F. L. , Mandell I. B. , Tosh J. J. , Buchanan-Smith J. G. , Wilton J. W.
Published: April 2011

Crossbred steers (n = 136) were used to evaluate the effect of management strategy on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition and palatability attributes of beef. Management strategies included: (1) high grain (75% high moisture corn) finishing (HG), or (2) backgrounding with restricted feeding of an alfalfa silage ration for 112 d, followed by HG until slaughter (BKG). Steers were slaughtered at 8–10 mm ultrasound backfat. Backgrounding increased (P < 0.001) days on feed and decreased (P < 0.01) days on grain, average daily gain and longissimus muscle area compared with the HG regime. Slaughter weight, intramuscular fat content, and marbling score were unaffected (P > 0.10) by management strategy. Longissimus muscle palatability attributes and shear force did not differ (P > 0.10) between management strategies, whereas BKG increased (P < 0.03) softness, overall tenderness, chewiness, and rate of breakdown scores, and decreased (P < 0.09) juiciness scores in semitendinosus muscle. Backgrounding increased (P < 0.05) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), total monounsaturated fatty acids, and 1193 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and decreased (P < 0.05) total saturated fatty acids (SFA), and 1196 PUFA content of beef. While the change in quantitative and qualitative fatty acid composition of beef is in line with current dietary recommendations for humans, the magnitude of these changes was minimal. Key words: Beef cattle, diets, carcass composition, fatty acids, longissimus muscle, palatability attributes
Chemical composition, ruminal kinetic parameters, and nutrient digestibility of ammonia treated oat hulls
Authors: Thompson R. K. , McKinnon J. J. , Mustafa A. F. , Maenz D. D. , Racz V. J. , Christensen D. A.
Published: April 2011

A study was conducted to determine the effects of ammoniation (3 or 5% by dry weight) on the nutritive value of oat hulls. Ruminal nutrient kinetic parameters and degradability of untreated and ammoniated oat hulls were determined using two non-lactating cows fitted with rumen cannulas. Eighteen steers were used in a digestibility trial to determine nutrient utilization of three diets consisting of 100% barley silage, 50% untreated oat hulls plus 50% barley silage, and 50% ammoniated oat hulls plus 50% barley silage (DM basis). Ammoniation at both levels increased (P < 0.05) total N and reduced (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre levels of oat hulls. Most of the N added due to ammoniation was in the form of non-protein N. The results of the in situ trial showed that ammoniation at the 3% level increased the potentially degradable NDF and ADF fractions as well as their rates of degradation. Ammoniation at the 3% level improved (P < 0.05) effective ruminal degradability of NDF and ADF of oat hulls by 41 and 35%, respectively. Dry matter intake was highest (P < 0.05) for steers fed the ammoniated oat hull diets, intermediate for those fed the untreated oat hull diets and lowest (P < 0.05) for those fed the 100% barley silage diet. Steers fed the ammoniated oat hull diet had higher (P < 0.05) total tract digestibility of NDF and lignin relative to steers fed the untreated oat hull diet. However, total tract digestibility of dry matter was not affected by ammoniation. It was concluded that ammoniation is a viable method for improving the feeding value of oat hulls to ruminant animals. Relative to the 3% level, ammoniation at 5% resulted in a marginal improvement in the nutritive value of oat hulls. Key words: Ammonia treatment, oat hulls, ruminal degradation, nutrient utilization
Methane emissions from the rumen of sheep fed a mixed grass-clover pasture at two fertilisation rates in early and late season
Authors: Mbanzamihigo L. , Fievez V. , da Costa Gomez C. , Piattoni F. , Carlier L. , Demeyer D.
Published: April 2011

In vivo CH4 production from four rumen-fistulated sheep fed fresh ryegrass-white clover (Lolium perenne – Trifolium repens) diets ad libitum was monitored using C2H6 as a tracer gas. Treatments comprised mixed pastures at two different fertilisation rates (0 vs. 150 kg N ha–1 yr–1) and at two periods in the growing season (early, June–July vs. late, August–September). Higher crude protein (CP) [22.5% dry matter (DM)] in late vs. early season (13% DM) was associated with increased importance of protein fermentation, as suggested by higher rumen concentrations of iso-acids [3.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.4 ± 0.9% total volatile fatty acids (VFA)]. However, rumen CH4 production (25.8 ± 5.0 L kg–1 DMI) was not affected, probably because of compensatory seasonal changes in the chemical composition of the pasture, su0 as reduced water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) (13.0 ± 2.6 vs. 4.9 ± 1.4% DM) or increased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (48.5 ± 6.1 vs. 57.4 ± 4.6% DM). Although clover saponins might have a defaunation and CH4 inhibitory effect, considerable seasonal or fertiliser-induced changes in clover proportion did not affect rumen protozoal concentrations (8.8 ± 1.6 ×105 mL–1 rumen contents, early season), rumen methanogenesis or microbial growth as suggested from urinary excretion of purine derivatives (6.7 ± 1.7 mmol d–1). In contrast, however, a clear animal effect was found: on average, one animal produced less CH4 than the three others (20.3 vs. 27.6 L kg–1 DMI). Key words: Ryegrass, clover, N fertilisation, season, rumen, methane Mbanzamihigo, L., Fievez, V., da Costa Gomez, C., Piattoni, F., Carlier, L. et Demeyer, D. 2002. Les émissions
Economic values of traits for dairy cattle improvement estimated using field-recorded data
Authors: St-Onge A. , Hayes J. F. , Cue R. I.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to compute economic values of traits using an empirical approach. The data set consisted of 193 257 lifetime records of Holstein and Ayrshire cows. Different profitability measurements were used as the dependent variables in covariance models to compute different sets of economic values. A kilogram genetic increase in fat production had economic values between $25 and $31 in Holstein herds and between $34 and $36 in Ayrshire herds using lifetime profit as the dependent variable. A unit genetic increase in conformation had the highest positive impact on profit ($176 in Holstein herds and $300 in Ayrshire herds) while a similar increase in capacity had a negative impact on profit (between $–30 and $–102 in Holstein herds and $–92 in Ayrshire herds). Using lifetime profit adjusted for the opportunity cost of postponed replacement reduced the influence of type traits on profit. Finally, profits of first lactations were used to study the consequences of changes in pricing systems that occurred in Quebec in August 1992. A kilogram genetic increase in protein production had negative economic values in the 1980s ($–3.70$ in Holstein herds and $–8.33 in Ayrshire herds) and positive economic values after August 1992 ($7.50 in Holstein herds and $12.83 in Ayrshire herds). Key words: Dairy cattle, economic value, field-recorded data, profitability, estimated breeding value
The effect of microbial phytase and feed restriction on protein, fat and ash deposition in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Gagne F. , Matte J. J. , Barnett G. , Pomar C.
Published: April 2011

Forty-eight 35-kg-bodyweight barrows were assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Main factors were feed intake level (ad libitum or restricted) and supplementation of microbial phytase (with or without). Restricted pigs rece ived 80% of the feed consumed by the corresponding ad libitum group. Phytase-supplemented diets contained 584 phytase units kg-1. Body weight, fat, protein and ash were estimated every 2 wk by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Plasma alpha-amino N concentrations were measured every 30 min during the 6 first postprandial hours at 90 and 132 d of age. Microbial phytase addition reduced feed intake by 6.8% (P < 0.05). Phytase did not affect (P > 0.05) feed, energy and protein efficiencies, but it reduced protein deposition (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce ADG (P < 0.09). Ninety day-old pigs receiving phytase had higher plasma levels of alpha-amino N during the first postprandial hours (P < 0.01) as compared to control pigs. At 132 d of age these effects disappeared. Supplemental phytase may improve alpha-amino acid absorption in growing pigs but the phytase effect on protein deposition suggest that these effect is not necessarily associated with better growth performance when nutrient requirements are satisfied. Key words: Pigs, phytase, feed intake, amino acids, protein deposition
Effect of diet and parity on meal patterns of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Beauchemin K. A. , Maekawa M. , Christensen D. A.
Published: April 2011

Four multiparous and four primiparous lactating dairy cows housed in stalls were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square to determine the effect of parity and diet on meal patterns. Cows were fed one of four diets: three total mixed rations containing 40, 50, or 60% barley silage on a dry matter (DM) basis, and a diet in which forage and concentrate were allocated separately (SI) containing 50% concentrate. Dry matter intake was similar for all diets (18.2 ± 0.6 kg d-1), as were the number of meals per day (10 ± 1 meals d-1) and meal duration (35 ± 3 min meal-1). Meal size was larger (5.2 vs. 1.1 or 1.9 kg DM meal-1), and eating rate was faster (0.265 vs. 0.053 or 0.034 kg DM min-1) when cows consumed concentrate, compared with silage or TMR, respectively. Meal size of TMR, silage or concentrate was positively related to DM intake (r = 0.82, 0.76, and 0.98; respectively). For cows consuming TMR, the number of meals per day was negatively related to DM intake (r = -0.41). Dry matter intake increased when meal size increased, primarily as a result of longer meals and, to a lesser extent, faster eating rate. Feeding management had little effect on meal patterns. Multiparous cows tended to eat more in each meal compared with primiparous cows, but both groups spent the same amount of time eating per meal. Key words: Cows, parity, meal patterns, feeding management
Ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids, protein degradability, and dry matter digestibility of flaxseed treated with different sugar and heat combinations
Authors: Petit Hélène V. , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Tremblay Eric , Nadeau Paul
Published: April 2011

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of processing techniques on in vitro ruminal undegradable protein (RUP), in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of rolled flaxseed. In the first experiment, the influence of micronization treatment (130°C for 4 h, 140°C for 2 h, 150°C for 1 h, and 160°C for 0.5 h) was examined. The IVDMD significantly decreased when heating at 150°C for 1 h and 160°C for 0.5 h. Degradation rate of crude protein (CP) decreased and RUP concentration increased in parallel with heating temperature. Micronization had little effect on biohydrogenation of fatty acids. In the second experiment, the influence of sugar addition [none, soaked in a high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or a lignosulfonate solution] before heating, either in an autoclave or a forced-air oven, at two temperatures (100 or 120°C), and two temperature holding times (30 and 60 min) was examined. Increased temperature and heating time decreased degradation rate of CP and increased the RUP fraction of flaxseeds. There was a decre ase in IVDMD with increased temperature when fructose was added. Moist heating is a better option than dry heating, but it has little advantage over not heating to prevent ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids of flaxseeds. Key words: Biohydrogenation, degradability, in vitro, micronization, lignosulfonate
Ovarian responses of anestrous ewes to the "ram effect"
Authors: Ungerfeld R. , Pinczak A. , Forsberg M. , Rubianes E.
Published: April 2011

Ovarian responses to the "ram effect" were characterized in 11 anestrous Corriedale ewes. In seven ewes, there was a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge 36.7 ± 12.3 h (mean ± SEM) after ram introduction and a concurrent increase (P < 0.05) in serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Ovarian responses (monitored ultrasonographically) were highly variable. One ewe had two luteal phases (short and normal, respectively), three had delayed ovulation (days 5–7), two had luteinization of non-ovulatory follicles, one developed a luteinized follicular cyst, and four had no luteal phase. Key words: Ram effect, ovarian follicular dynamics, seasonal anestrus, ultrasonography, gonadotropin
Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) mRNA in adipose and muscle tissue of Holstein and Charolais cattle
Authors: Huff P. W. , Ren M. Q. , Lozeman F. J. , Weselake R. J. , Wegner J.
Published: April 2011

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) regulates adipogenesis and lipid metabolism-related gene transcripts. The role, however, of PPARγ in different adipose depots and muscle in Holstein and Charolais cattle is still unclear. We used 20 animals (10 from each breed) for semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure PPARγ mRNA levels in subcutaneous (SC), perirenal (PR), omental (OM), and intramuscular (IM) adipose depots as well as longissimus muscle (MU). IM fat was dissected from muscle tissue in MU. Holstein were characterized by their higher OM (P < 0.01) and PR (P < 0.05) fat weights while the Charolais had a higher body weight (P < 0.001) and a larger longissimus muscle area (P < 0.001). The IM fat content and marbling scores tended to be higher in Holstein. No significant differences in PPARγ mRNA expression were observed between these two breeds for any tissue. In both breeds, MU PPARγ had the lowest expressed mRNA level (P < 0.05). In the IM fat depot, expression was higher (P < 0.05) than MU, but lower than the SC, PR, and OM fat depot PPARγ mRNA levels. Only OM PPARγ mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) than SC and PR in Charolais. To characterise the role of PPARγ mRNA in bovine adipogenesis, correlations were performed among PPARγ mRNA, carcass characteristics, and adipogenesis-related genes. Key words: Adipose tissue, muscle tissue, PPARγ, cattle
Multi-trait selection for body weight, egg production and total fat in the Chinese and Synthetic strains of geese
Authors: Shrestha J. N. B. , Grunder A. A. , Dickie J. W.
Published: April 2011

The Chinese and Synthetic (assembled from Pilgrim, Chinese and Hungarian) strains raised at the Greenbelt farm of the Centre for Food and Animal Research (formerly Animal Research Centre, and Animal Research Institute) located in Ottawa, Canada, had been subjected to 12 yr of random mating. From 1982 onwards, these two strains were selected for five generations in order to increase egg production over a 24- wk laying period and body weight at 16 wk of age, and to simultaneously decrease total fat (abdominal and intestinal). At the same time, Randombred Chinese and Synthetic strains were maintained during the course of selection to monitor year-to-year trends in the production traits. In both the Randombred strains, body weights at 9 and 16 wk of age remained stable (P > 0.05) during the course of the study. In the Selected Chinese strain, five generations of selection increased male and female body weight at 1 6 wk of age by 0.181 ± 0.024 and 0.165 ± 0.009 kg/generation, respectively, (P < 0.05), while egg production increased by 1.3 ± 0.73 eggs/generation (P > 0.05). Concurrently, in the Selected Synthetic strain, male and female body weight at 16 wk of age increased by 0.085 ± 0.028 (P < 0.10) and 0.084 ± 0.024 kg/generation (P < 0.05), respectively, while egg production increased by 1.1 ± 0.87 eggs/generation (P > 0.05). In Generation 6, measures of the abdominal, intestinal and total fat increased significantly in the Selected Chinese strain when compared to the Randombred Chinese strain, whereas the Selected and Randombred Synthetic strains were similar (P > 0.05). Correlated responses to selection were observed for body weight at slaughter, eviscerated carcass weight, dressing percentage, weights of the liver and neck, as well as fertility and hatchability traits. In the Selected Chinese strain, the genetic response to selection estimated as a deviation from the Randombred Chinese strain from Generation 2 to 6 for male and female body weight at 16 wk of age were 0.17 ± 0.03 and 0.13 ± 0.02 kg/generation, respectively (P < 0.05). Corresponding estimates of genetic response in the Selected Synthetic strain as a deviation from the Randombred Synthetic strain were 0.04 ± 0.01 and 0.05 ± 0.01 kg/generation, respectively (P < 0.05). In light of the variable results on fatness in the two Selected strains assessed, there is a need for further studies on response to selection for reduced abdominal and intestinal fat. Therefore, selection studies based on a larger number of geese are warranted to sustain goose breeding. Nevertheless, it is evident that multi-trait selection for egg production and body weight offers one of the most practical means for rapid and permanent improvement of economically important production traits in commercial goose breeding. Key words: Chinese strain, Synthetic strain, selection, body weight, egg production, abdominal and intestinal fat