bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer of vitamin E to piglet tissue, placenta, colostrum and milk from sows supplemented with vitamin E and vitamin C
Authors: Pinelli-Saavedra A. , Scaife J.R , Celaya H. , Birnie M.
Published: June 2019

The effective level of dietary supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C is difficult to define because it depends of several factors such as composition of the diet, feed consumption, rate of growth, animal production and living conditions, stress, crowding and environment. Research has demonstrated that supplemental vitamin E improved litter size, increased sow serum a-tocopherol content and enhanced health status (Mahan, 1994; Wuryastuti et al., 1993). Some reports have suggested that the low plasma and tissue levels of a-tocopherol in new-born pigs, suggests a low rate of vitamin E transfer across the placenta which is not influenced by dietary supplementation of the sow during pregnancy. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation of sow diets on transfer of vitamin E to piglet tissues via placenta, colostrum and milk.
The influence of mineral blocks on the behaviour of newly weaned pigs
Authors: Reixach G Mas , Felius S , Coonan C , English P R , Edwards S A
Published: June 2019

Newly weaned pigs frequently show high levels of oral-nasal behaviour directed towards penmates which may cause injury if taking the form of ear and tail biting. It has been suggested that such behaviours may be motivated by both behavioural and nutritional influences. This experiment was carried out to investigate whether the provision of nutrient blocks supplying minerals, trace elements and herbs could reduce penmate-directed behaviours in weaned piglets.
Factors influencing individual predicted total dry matter intake of dairy cattle on farms
Authors: Wicks H.C.F. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

The aim was to estimate the influence of genetic merit (£PIN95) and level of concentrate feeding (Cgrp) on predicted total dry matter intake (tDMI) of individual cows, using records collected from commercial farms. The method described by Wicks & Leaver (2000) was used to estimate individual daily dry matter intakes from seven farms, totalling 4282 monthly records over a two-year period. The method was based on milk production records supplemented by body condition scores and height at withers, which were used to calculated the ME requirements of individual animals. All the records were collected, from autumn and winter (July to March) calving cows during the housed period (August to March).
Evaluation of legume silages offered to Holstein-Friesian cows with small amounts of concentrates
Authors: Dewhurst R. J. , Davies D. W. R. , Fisher W. J. , Bertilsson J. , Wilkins R. J.
Published: June 2019

The high intake characteristics of red clover silage has been recognised for many years (e.g. Thomaset al., 1985). Our previous study (Dewhurstet al., 2000) demonstrated the considerable intake and milk production potential of clover silages made using a new approach based on preparation of big-bales from wilted material with the use of biological inoculant additives. The objective of this study was to verify the positive results obtained with red and white clover silages using material taken from a further series of cuts taken in a subsequent year and to evaluate the legume silages with low levels of concentrate feeding.
Late summer concentrate supplementation of dairy cows at grass
Authors: Wilson L.A. , Roberts D.J. , Henderson A.R.
Published: June 2019

Concentrate supplementation at grass enables the higher genetic merit cow to perform closer to her production potential (McGilloway and Mayne, 1996). Responses to concentrate supplementation are usually greater in late summer and autumn as availability and quality of grazing declines. The objective of this study was to quantify milk production responses when early lactation, high yielding dairy cows at grass, were supplemented with high levels of concentrates, over the late summer period.
Development of empirical models to describe the response in lactating dairy cattle to changes in nutrient intake
Authors: Woods V. B. , Kilpatrick D. J. , Gordon F. J.
Published: June 2019

Empirical models relate nutrient inputs and outputs statistically, without considering the intervening metabolism of the animal (France and Thornley, 1984). Current rationing systems (e.g. ARC, 1980; Jarrige, 1988) are based on empirical models of energy and protein utilisation within the animal and do not enable prediction of responses to changes in nutrient inputs (Beever et al., 1991). Rook et al. (1990) had limited success in attempting to develop empirical regression models to describe the effect of nutrient input on milk constituent yields in dairy cows. The aim of the current study was therefore to use data from the literature to develop more appropriate empirical models that would allow the prediction of response in milk output and its constituent, to changes in energy intake.
The utilization of a commercial rapeseed meal product (RaPass) as a protein supplement for lactating dairy cows
Authors: de Sousa Lamy E. C. C. , Williams S. P. , Salawu M. B. , Hammond C. J.
Published: June 2019

Rapeseed meal is a common protein supplement in ruminant diets that is characterized by high rumen protein degradability (Bertilssonet al., 1994; Vanhataloet al., 1995). Appropriate treatment can however reduce ruminal protein degradability and increase the efficiency of protein utilization. RaPass (UM Feeds Marketing, Burton on Trent, Staffs, UK) is a commercial rapeseed meal product that made using the Maillard reaction. This is the non-enzymatic browning reaction between proteins and reducing sugars that protects protein from rumen degradation. Release of the protein at abomasal pH allows the peptide chains to be digested at an efficiency similar to that of untreated rapeseed meal (Mosset al2000). Cows fed rapeseed meal that was treated to increase the rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content have been reported to perform better than those fed untreated rapeseed meal (Bertilssonet al., 1994). This study evaluated the potential of using RaPass as a protein supplement in dairy cow rations.
An examination of metabolisable energy requirements of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Gordon F.J.
Published: June 2019

The present energy rationing system used in the U.K., the metabolisable energy (ME) system (AFRC, 1990), is an empirical model incorporating a factorial approach to estimate the requirements of animals. Axiomatically, when this approach is adopted each component of the system must be accurately determined. Recent studies at this Institute using regression techniques have indicated that ME requirements for maintenance (MEm) are greater than that predicted using the equations of AFRC (1990), while the efficiency of use of ME for lactation (kl) is in line with the latter predictions (Kirkland and Gordon, 1999). There is a paucity of recent data relating to the efficiency of use of ME for tissue gain during lactation (kg), and the efficiency of use of body tissue for milk production (krl). The objective of the present study was to use regression techniques with data obtained from several recent calorimetric trials at this Institute to predict the MEm and efficiency factors of lactating dairy cows offered different diet types.
The effects of barley variety, the location of production and enzyme addition on overall and ileal digestibility in growing pigs
Authors: McCann M.E.E. , McEvoy J.D.G. , McCracken K.J.
Published: June 2019

Spring barley is the most widely produced cereal in Northern Ireland. Riviera and Dandy are the main varieties but there is a lack of information regarding their nutritive value. Variety and location of production affect the nutritive value of barley (Valaja et al 1997). An aim of this study was to determine the nutritive value of Riviera and Dandy and also to examine the effect of location of production. Cereal grains contain a high level of non starch polysaccharides (NSP). The major NSP present in barley are β-glucan and arabinoxylan and supplementation with exogenous enzymes has been shown to increase digestibility to different extents (Yin et al 2000). A further aim of this study was to examine the effects of a mixture of β-glucanase and xylanase on these two varieties.
Understanding the Consumer
Authors: Lamb C
Published: June 2019

We can produce the tenderest, tastiest, highest welfare beef, pork and lamb in the world but if the consumer wants to buy chicken and fish, so what!

The changes that have taken place in what consumers can purchase and what and where they eat are nothing short of phenomenal and on-going.

In the 1950s families ate at least one cooked meal together every day, as they had for most of the century. The focus of this meal, lunch, dinner, tea or evening meal, depending on where you lived, was meat and two veg. All of this was cooked from scratch by the housewife, who had probably bought all the ingredients freshly that day.
Muscle lipids and meat quality
Authors: Enser M.
Published: June 2019

Lipids are present in muscles as structural components of the muscle membranes, as storage droplets of triacylglycerol between muscle fibres and as adipose tissue (marbling fat). These lipids, or more precisely their fatty acids, contribute to a wide range of quality attributes. For fresh meat these are colour stability, drip loss and the development of oxidative rancidity. Meat colour and level of marbling are the two major factors relevant to the selection of meat by the consumer. Eating quality of meat is judged by texture and flavour. The former depends, in part, upon marbling fat which also contributes to juiciness, and flavour depends upon products from the thermal oxidation of lipids. These breakdown products react with other meat constituents to produce flavour and odour compounds. Finally, nutritional quality depends upon the fat content of the meat and it’s fatty acid composition.
Can we predict which hens will feather peck?
Authors: M.J.Albentosa  , Nicol C.J.
Published: June 2019

Selective breeding, based on feather pecking bouts per hen, can be an effective method of reducing feather pecking in a controlled research environment (Kjaer 2000). For selective breeding against feather pecking to be applied on a commercial scale using similar methodology would be extremely time consuming. A simple, quick test which predicted a young bird’s likelihood of developing feather pecking would eliminate the need to observe feather pecking behaviour or expose birds to damaging pecking from conspecifics as part of the selection process. A predictive test could also increase the rate of genetic progress and reduce the cost of implementing a selection programme.
Long-term Psychophysiological Response of Dairy Calves to Hot-Iron Dehorning
Authors: Forde Ruth M. , Weary Daniel M. , Marchant Jeremy N.
Published: June 2019

It is generally accepted that routine invasive husbandry procedures, such as disbudding and dehorning, cause considerable distress in farmed animals. In the case of dehorning, it has repeatedly been shown that calves exhibit many pain related symptoms both during (e.g., withdrawal from noxious stimulus) the procedure and for some hours post procedure (e.g., rearing, tripping, head rubbing, etc.). Little is known about the long-term consequences of dehorning as previous studies have only monitored responses for up to 48 hours. The objectives of this work were to examine the long-term response of calves to hot-iron dehorning and to determine the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for reducing post-operative distress.
Technology versus ethics in the animal experimentation debate
Authors: Bergin IRB
Published: June 2019

Historically, animal experimentation had been debated utilising an ethical standard. More recently ethics has been largely displaced by an assessment using a technological standard. Technological innovation has, it has been argued, the potential to remove most of the moral issues by producing subjects who suffer less, who are genetically destined to develop certain conditions (e.g. oncomouse) or environmental innovations that allow individuals to experience less pain and distress while the experiment(s) are carried out.
Effects of live weight and condition score on food intake of ewe lambs
Authors: Tolkamp Bert J. , Emmans Gerry C. , Kyriazakis Ilias
Published: June 2019

Food intake (FI) can be predicted on the basis of variables that describe food quality, the environment and the animal. Live weight (LW), in some form or other, is usually the only variable used to describe the animal. Animal fatness, estimated by condition score (CS), can affect intake at a given LW. A simple model to account for that is FI= a.LW.(1-b.CS) with FI in g/day, LW in kg and CS in units of a scale up to 5. It is evident that food quality will affect parameter a. Here we test the hypothesis that the parameter b in this model is significant but not affected by food quality. To that end, we measured LW, CS and intake of three different foods with ewe lambs that showed a large variation in LW and CS as a result of different nutritional histories.
The effect of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on lactic acid concentration in small intestinal digesta of piglets at ten days after weaning
Authors: Williams B.A. , Awati A. , Bosch M.W. , Konstantinov S. R. , Akkermans A.D.L.
Published: June 2019

It is now accepted that the microbial communities living within the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) can influence pig health, especially at stressful times such as weaning. Careful design of the animal diet is considered to be an easy way to influence the microflora positively. In this work, fermentable carbohydrates were selected after an in vitro test (cumulative gas production- Bosch et al., 2002) for both rate and extent of fermentability. The ingredients were chosen both for their end-products and in terms of their fementation kinetics so as to stimulate fermentation along the entire GIT. They were incorporated into a test diet (TEST), and compared with a control diet (CONT) which contained minimal fermentable carbohydrates. Digesta were analyzed both in terms of microbial species (molecular techniques) and their end-products (e.g. lactic acid), to determine whether fermentation had, in fact, been stimulated by the TEST diet.
Leucocyte sub-sets and acute phase proteins are associated with productivity in Large White pigs
Authors: Clapperton M. , Bishop S.C. , Glass E.J.
Published: June 2019

The exposure of pigs to different pathogens compromises productivity, i.e. reduces weight gain and food intake (Balaji et al., 2000; Greiner et al., 2000), even in the absence of clinical disease. Infection also often causes the release of acute phase proteins and the proliferation of certain leucocyte subsets (Baumann and Gauldie, 1994; Licence and Binns, 1995). Therefore, it may be hypothesised that associations should exist between productivity and a range of immunological traits in apparently-healthy animals facing the same infectious challenge. This would be important in pigs suffering sub-clinical infections, as it would enable predictions of health status and effects of infection on performance. This study investigated such associations in apparently-healthy pigs facing unknown subclinical challenges.
Stonechewing in pigs is influenced by feed level and by previous stonechewing experience
Authors: Horrell R.I. , A’Ness P.J.
Published: June 2019

Adult pigs maintained outdoors spend a very high proportion of their time chewing stones. The activity is persistent, taking up 30-50% of the 6 h after feeding, and highly repetitive in its pattern of component activities; it is reminiscent of the stereotypies (bar-biting, vacuum chewing, rooting at floors and foot-scraping) in stall- and cubicle-housed sows indoors. Consistent with this hypothetical parallel, the amount of stonechewing in outdoor sows in different environments increased systematically with impoverishment in the habitat (Horrell and A’Ness, 1999). Two factors that influence the incidence of oral stereotypies are feed restriction (Appleby and Lawrence, 1987) and a past history of stereotypical behaviour (Lawrence et al., 1991). This project aimed to determine whether these factors have an impact on the incidence of stonechewing.
Predicting maize silage starch degradability by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Lovett D.K. , Deaville E.R. , Givens D.I. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

Maize silage consists of a starch and a fibrous fraction, both of which should be considered when assessing nutritive value. The in vitro evaluation of starch disappearance is laborious and costly. The near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) technique requires limited sample preparation and is quick to operate once a calibration is established. This study investigated the potential of NIRS to predict maize starch disappearance in vitro.
The effect of energy intake level, body condition score, and leptin on ovulation rate in fat-tailed ewes
Authors: Towhidi A. , Rostami F. , Khazali H. , Ahadi A.H.
Published: June 2019

Ovulation rate (OR) is depended to energy intake level (EIL) and body condition score (BCS) in ewe (Gordon, 1997). There is a high correlation between BCS and plasma leptin concentration (PLC) in sheep (Blache et al, 2000). Corresponding to leptin is a metabolic stimulant for reproduction (Barb et al, 1999), it is possible that leptin is involved in the ovulation rate in ewe. Therefore, first experiment was conducted to study the effect of EIL on body weight (BW), BCS, OR and PLC in a long period, and second experiment was designed to investigate the effect of EIL and leptin administration on OR in a short period in fat-tailed Shal ewes.
The influence of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on eosinophils numbers in the gut of milk or milk replacer fed calf
Authors: Muturi K.N. , Wallace M. , Struthers J. , Scaife J.R. , Lomax M.A. , Mackellar A. , Huntley J.F. , Coop R.L.
Published: June 2019

Infection by parasites is a major cause of production losses and mortality in young calves. The problem is most prevalent during the first grazing season (Armour, 1989). Eosinophils are important cellular mediators in immunity to gastrointestinal parasites (Baker et al, 1993), but during an extreme hypersensitivity immune response, degranulating eosinophils may lead to tissue pathology which may favour parasite survival (Miller, 1996). Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influence the fatty acid composition of immune tissues and cells (Jaffrey, 1998). n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are known to influence various components of immune response via eicosanoid dependent or independent mechanisms which influence the relative proportions of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including IL-5 an important regulator of eosinophils maturation and recruitment. This study was carried out to establish the extent to which dietary n-6 or n-3 PUFA source affects the numbers of eosinophils in the gut of calves.
The effect of Lycopene, a carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties, and a Neutraceutical mix on the performance and immune function of weaned pigs
Authors: Brierley H. , Stewart A.H. , Mackenzie A. M. , Allen M. J. , Blanchard P. J. , Tucker L. , Toplis P.
Published: June 2019

With the proposed ban on antibiotic growth promoters it is becoming increasingly important to provide diets to young pigs which enhance the long term health. Alternative strategies to promote health include organic acids, herbal products and natural antioxidants. These products have various proposed modes of action including improved liver function, removal of reactive oxygen species and the enhancement of the immune function. The objective of this experiment was to measure the effect of a commercial herbal mixture and Lycopene on the performance and immune function of weaned pigs.
The influence of farriery regimens and dietary management on equine predisposition to white line disease
Authors: Woodall P. , Morton G. , Rolph C.E.
Published: June 2019

The biodeteriorative condition commonly known as white line disease (WLD) tends to be most prevalent in parts of the world where warm humid conditions prevail e.g.USA, Japan. However, during the last decade, the UK has experienced warmer and significantly wetter summers that have led to a significant increase in the incidences of the disease amongst the British equine community. Although a variety of factors (e.g. environmental, nutritional, microbial, mechanical (see Woodall, 2002 for review)) have been implicated in the onset of the condition, scientists are still a long way from understanding the aetiology of the disease. There can be no doubt that microbial species play a large part in the biodeteriorative aspects of the disease. However, in order for microbes to gain access to and to colonise the internal structures of the hoof capsule, sites of entry must first be made available. This report looks at the role of nutritional factors and farriery regimens as the providers of such entry sites.
Intake, liveweight gain and feed conversion in organic Scottish-Blackface lambs finished on contrasting clover based silages and concentrates with different ratios of wheat and beans
Authors: Hyslop J. J. , Murray W. A. , Keatinge R.
Published: June 2019

Clover based silages offer an opportunity for both conventional and organic upland producers to add value and improve the marketability pattern of organic hill and upland lambs. The objective of this study was to examine the performance of weaned hill lambs finished on contrasting clover based silages (SIL) supplemented with organic concentrates (CONC) containing varying ratios of wheat and beans.
Too close for comfort? The effects of social facilitation on feeding behaviour in the horse (Equus caballus)
Authors: Redgate S. E. , Waran N. K. , Davidson H. P. B. , Morgan C.
Published: June 2019

Social facilitation has been observed in the stabled horse with access to forage (Sweeting et al. 1985). Socially facilitated feeding behaviour has not been investigated through the provision of concentrates. It is likely that the motivation to ingest a concentrate feed is different to that of forage. In a variety of species social facilitation will only occur when presented with a novel food. Therefore it has been proposed that a function of social facilitation is to increase the acceptance of novel feeds. The first objective of this study therefore, was to investigate if social facilitation occurs with the horse’s standard concentrate feed and or a standard concentrate feed plus a novel flavour.

Visual contact has been found to be a necessary component in the facilitation of forage ingestion. Increasing visual contact between stables improves awareness of conspecifics, which has been linked to a decrease in abnormal behaviour. There has, however, been limited investigation into the relationship between neighbouring stabled horses especially during potentially stressful periods such as meal times. The second objective of this study was to investigate the effects on behaviour of the presence or absence of a familiar horse during meal times.
The effect of salts of sulphite on intake levels of urea treated whole-crop wheat silage fed to grazing Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle
Authors: Edwards R. R. , Margerison J. K. , Winkler B.
Published: June 2019

Forage supplementation is a strategy sometimes used in dairy production systems to achieve increased dry-matter (DM) intakes in grazing dairy cows. During periods of low grass growth rates, often because of low rainfall, such intakes are not possible from grass alone (Phillips, 1988) and buffer feeds are used. More recently, whole crop cereal and maize silage have been utilised. These forage crops are susceptibility to aerobic deterioration which can result in significant losses in quality (Sanderson, 1993; Weinberg et al., 1993) however the addition of salts of sulphite, typically using in the food industry, can prevent aerobic deterioration. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of low levels of salts of sulphite on the stability of whole crop wheat silage used as a buffer feed on feed intake and milk yield.
A comparison of silage and dried common reed (phragmites australis) for finishing male calves
Authors: Aghashahi A. R. , Nikkhah A.
Published: June 2019

The common reed (CR) is one of the plants which grows in some area of Iran and other world countries especially in coastal wetlands. Feed resource restriction is the most problem in animal production in some area and native plants have a key role. Ensiling may improve the quality of crop or decrease by high fermentation. These effects depend on stage of growth, chemical composition, dry matter and nutrients of plant, and final effect is not as same as for all crops. For understanding the effect of ensiling on quality of each plant must be investigate. For this reasons goals of this experiment was investigation on various methods of utilization of CR for finishing male calves and comparison with alfalfa.
Comparative digestive ability and microbial population of Sistani (bos indicus) and Holstein (bos taurus) cattle fed different roughage diets
Authors: Mansouri H. , Nikkhah A. , Rezaeian M. , Moradi M. , Mirhadi S. A.
Published: June 2019

There is conflict regarding the relative abilities of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle to digest the feedstuffs. Part of this conflict may have arisen because a wide variety of diets have been fed at different range of intakes and only digestibility in whole tract measured. Generally no attempts have been made to partition rumen and post-rumen digestion or to assess the relative importance of rumen digestion and clearance between diets and between genotypes. Nitrogen (N) is frequently a major limiting nutrient for ruminants specially when they are given diets of mature herbage. On the other hand the extent to which cattle are able to recycle urea-N from blood to rumen for utilization in production of microbial protein could have an important influence on animal survival under condition of severe N limitation. The present experiment was designed to compare rumen microbial population and the end products of rumen fermentation between Sistani (Bos indicus) and Holstein (Bos taurus) breeds.
The effects of processed whole crop wheat, maize silage and supplement type to whole crop wheat on the performance of dairy cows
Authors: Jackson M. A. , Sinclair L. A. , Readman R. , Huntington J. A.
Published: June 2019

Previous work has shown that processing whole crop wheat (WCW) at harvest increases starch digestibility (Jackson et al., 2002). However, no effect was seen in terms of milk yield. It has been suggested that the provision of a sugar source might utilise the high rumen ammonia levels found in animals receiving urea-treated whole crop wheat (Abdalla et al., 1999). Sources such as lactose have also been shown to reduce rumen protozoa numbers, increase bacterial protein supply and result in a more stable rumen pH, particularly with high starch diets (Hussain and Miller, 1999). Additionally, to date, processed whole crop wheat has not been evaluated against other alternative forages. The objective of the current experiment was, therefore, to compare processed urea treated whole crop wheat with maize silage and determine the effects of carbohydrate supplementation of whole crop wheat on intake and milk production in dairy cows.
Production response to increased calcium salts of palm fatty acids in dairy cows
Authors: Goodman T. , Gardner N. , Lord C. , Nickson A. , Long J.
Published: June 2019

High levels of dietary concentrates are often used to support milk production and it is important to investigate ways to feed them efficiently. Fats have the greatest energy density of any feed ingredient and the inclusion of protected fats in the dairy cow ration enables a high energy but balanced ration to be fed. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of Megalac (Volac International Ltd, Herts) to dairy cows and to compare milk yield, milk composition, fertility and body condition score (BCS).
A feasibility study on the automatic recording of condition score in dairy cows
Authors: Coffey M. P. , Mottram T. B. , McFarlane N.
Published: June 2019

The use of body tissue by dairy cows to support lactation is increasing, since selection has led to cows that can eat only around half of their incremental feed requirements per unit increase in genetic merit for milk production (Veerkamp et al., 1995). Continuing with this selection policy is likely to result in increasing use of body tissue to fuel milk production and to lead to thinner cows with associated health and fertility problems. This has created increasing interest in body condition scoring (CS) in dairy cows as both an important management tool and also for use in selection indices. The ability to automatically record CS would increase the use of this measure in farm management and enable large volumes of data to be collected for use in national evaluations.
Possibility of reducing milk recording and sampling in Holstein dairy cattle of Iran
Authors: Ayatollahi-Mehrdjardy  , Moradi-Shahrbabak M. , Nikkhah A. , Moghimy A.
Published: June 2019

The Iranian Animal Breeding Center (IABC) is currently milk recording and sampling three time per test-day(8 hours interval) approximately once every month. Milk samples are analyzed for fat and protein contents. There are some difficulties for having precise milk samples in some farms especially for three times sampling per day, and the costs of three times recording and sampling is also a problem. Estimation of lactation yield for milk, fat and protein yield is done based on test-day records and samples and the accuracy of there estimates depend on the precision of test day records especially milk sampling. The results of milk content are not satisfactory for farmer and specialist in the current milk recording system. Some researches have been done to reduce milk recording and sampling per test day (1, 2). In addition potential benefits of reducing milk recording and sampling are that more herds can be supervised and recorded per month. The objective of this research was to consider the possibility of reducing milk recording and sampling in herds with three times milking per test-day in industrial Holstein farms.
Ultrasonography as a predicting tool for carcass traits of young Nellore crossbred bulls in a feedlot system
Authors: Suguisawa* L. , Oliveira H. N. , Mattos W. R. S. , Souza A. A. , Arrigoni M. D. B. , Silveira A. C.
Published: June 2019

Ultrasound technology provides a oportunity to quickly and economically estimate carcass atributes on the live animal (Brethour, 2000). In general, this technology has been used to detect variation for fat depth and ribeye area (longissimus dorsi muscle) in performance tested yearling bulls at several countries. In the present study, real time ultrasonography was used to predict the ribeye area (RA) and the subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) in Nellore crossbred.
In vitro methane production as influenced by harvest date and level of nitrogen application
Authors: Lovett D. K. , Bortolozzo A. , O’Kiely P. , Conaghan P. , O’Mara F. P.
Published: June 2019

Increasing animal productivity increases daily enteric methane (CH4) emissions but reduces CH4 output per unit of animal production. Irish livestock production systems are characterised by a high dependence on grazed pasture. Increased nitrogen (N) fertiliser application can increase animal productivity through increased intake. The objective of this trial was to assess the effect of N level application and pasture maturity on in vitro methane production.
Structural characterization of low lignin (AC Assinobia) and high lignin (Normal) of oat hulls by Diffuse-Reflectance Fourier Transform Vibrational Infrared Spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Yu P. , McKinnon J. J. , Christensen D. A.
Published: June 2019

Oat hulls are a byproduct of the oat processing industry. Nutritionally, oat hulls are high in fiber, low in protein and are comparable to cereal straw as a feedstuff. As such, they are only suitable for ruminant feed. Due to the large supply, it is economically important to improve the nutritional qualities of this byproduct. Oat hulls contain hydroxycinnamic acids, which are covalently cross-linked to polysaccharides by ester bonds and to components of lignin mainly by ether bonds. These cross-links are a barrier to biodegradation and limit cell-wall degradability by rumen microorganisms. It is believed that these hydroxycinamic acids are among the factors most inhibitory to the biodegradability of plant cell wall polysaccharides.
Study on chemical treatment of wheat straw with Norea alkali
Authors: Valizadeh R.
Published: June 2019

Feed shortage is the greatest obstacle to Iranian livestock industry. Historically, crop residues mainly cereal straw has been very important feed resources for ruminants during late summer and cold seasons in Iran. The digestibility and voluntary feed intake of these fibrous residues are quite low. The feeding value of fibrous co-products can be upgraded by chemical treatment (Galletti, 1991). Norea as a cheap locally produced alkali containing mainly lime and sulphur with higher solubility. Although the alkali is used for removing superfluous hair in human hygiene but it might also be effective for cell wall degradation in fibrous feeds. There was no any information on utilization of this alkali. Therefore, the reason for undertaking this experiment was to test this suggestion.
Pinpointing the lowest protein diet for young male broilers
Authors: Dastar B. , Golian A.
Published: June 2019

Protein is one of the most expensive portion of a broiler chicken diet. Overfeeding of protein may reduce broiler production profit as well as polluting soil through extra nitrogen excretion. Many attempts have been made to reduce dietary crude protein (CP) level with no adverse effect on broiler performance, as a result protein per se is no longer a requirement for growing chicken. Controversial results have been published with regard to lowering dietary CP level. The purpose of these studies was to pinpoint out the lowest possible dietary protein level when supplemental indispensable amino acids are maintained in a practical corn-soy diet.
The effect of natural zeolite and bakery waste on performance and serum parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Nezhad M. R. Kouhkan , Kermanshahi H. , Shahroudi F. Eftekhari
Published: June 2019

Use of bakery waste in animal nutrition is a way to reduce feed cost and environmental pollution. Large quantities of bakery waste are produced in Iran. It is possible to replace wheat with bakery waste in poultry rations. Bakery waste has a considerable moisture and carbohydrate and might be polluted with mold and mycotoxins. The presence of mycotoxins in ration may lead to increase mortality and decrease performance of broiler chickens. To reduce the possible adverse effects of mycotoxin, zeolite (clinoptilolite) has used in poultry diets successfully (Oguz and Kurtoglu 2000). It acts as an adsorbent and reduces bioavailability of mycotoxin in gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this experiment was to use bakery wastes in broiler chicken rations and to study its effect on performance and role of zeolite in decreasing possible adverse effects of bakery wastes.
The effect of severity and duration of early feed restriction on body weight and abdominal fat of male broiler chickens
Authors: Najafabadi H. Jahanian , Golian A. , Shahroudi F. Eftekhari
Published: June 2019

Early feed restriction programs designed for reducing body fat in broiler chickens rely on the phenomenon called compensatory growth to produce final body weight equal to controls and success of each feed restriction program is measured based on complete compensatory growth and the amount of body fat. Compensatory growth is defined as a recovery from a growth deficit resulting from a limited nutrient intake. Plavnik and co-workers in a series of studies showed that restricting metabolisable energy intake to providing only maintenance requirement for a short period early in the life of broilers resulted to a reduction in carcass and abdominal fats without affecting overall growth until 56 day of age. This means that there is potential to underfeed broilers for some time, without affecting weight at normal market age. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of severity of diet dilution (energy and protein) and duration of early feed restriction on body weight and abdominal fat of male broiler chickens.
The effect of forage maize hybrid type on in vivo and in vitro dry matter digestibility
Authors: Kamalak A. , Ozay O , Gizir H.
Published: June 2019

The digestibility values of forages have long been recognised as an important parameter affecting both milk yield and growth of ruminants. Several methods (in vivo and in vitro) are used to determine digestibility of forages. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of chemical composition of silages on the in vivo and in vitro DMD of maize silages.
Nutrient digestibility of alfalfa at different growth stages on sheep and goat
Authors: Moeini M. M. , Souri M. , Hozabri F. , Sanjabi M. R.
Published: June 2019

The nutritive values of animal feed are dependents on plant species, stages of maturity, harvesting and preparation methods. Legumes provide maximum yield, high forage quality (protein, mineral and digestible energy). Legumes decrease in protein and digestible dry matter and increase in fibre as they increase in growth or in maturity (Hochensmith et al., 1997). Alfalfa (medica sativa) is world unique forage in livestock food. This study was conducted to examine the chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of Hamadanian alfalfa forage at different growth stage on two local Iranian sheep and goat breeds.
A phosphorus metabolism model for sheep fed various levels of calcium
Authors: Vitti D. M. S. S. , Kebreab* E. , Lopes J. B. , Abdalla A. L. , Salviano L. M. , Crompton L. A. , France J.
Published: June 2019

In tropical countries, especially in Brazil, ruminants commonly are fed forage diets which are adequate in calcium but deficient in phosphorus, giving an inadequate Ca: P ratio. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of Ca level on phosphorus homeostasis control and to obtain more information on phosphorus utilization. The objective of this study is to provide information which may be useful to improve the understanding of the P homeostasis control in sheep fed various Ca levels, and to obtain more information on dietary Ca level effect on P utilization.
Increasing human intake of selenium by supplementing food animals with organic selenium
Authors: Jacques K.A. , Kenyon S.
Published: June 2019

The concentration of global crop and food animal production in regions where plant selenium content is low has led to a decline in the amount of selenium in the human food supply. The central reason is that where soil pH is acidic, selenium cannot be absorbed by plants, thereby preventing transfer of selenoamino acids up the food chain through cereal grains and food animal products. Direct addition of inorganic selenium salts prevents acute deficiency symptoms, however selenium salts added to food animal diets do not provide meaningful amounts of selenium in edible animal tissues. Because human selenium status is a public health concern, researchers have examined nutritional means of increasing the selenium content of meat, milk and eggs using selenium produced by yeast, which like higher plants are able to form selenoamino acids. While part of the focus is on producing ‘designer’ foods, a more general question pertains to both existing selenium levels in food animal products and to those when commercial food animals are given selenium in naturally-occurring organic vs inorganic form. The following summarizes selenium levels in edible tissues in commercial and controlled research settings where inorganic and organic (Sel-PlexTM selenium yeast, Alltech Inc.) were compared.
Relationship between linoleic and α-linolenic acids in cooked meat odour development
Authors: Campo M.M. , Elmore S.J. , Nute G.R. , Wood J.D. , Mottram D.S. , Enser M.
Published: June 2019

During cooking, chemical reactions within the muscle produce volatile and non-volatile compounds characteristic of meat aroma and taste. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential in these reactions (Mottram and Edwards, 1983). In ruminants, differences in intramuscular PUFA composition have been classically associated with high n-3 content in grass fed animals and high n-6 content in concentrate fed animals. We investigated the effect on odour perception of in vitro reactions between linoleic and α-linolenic acids in the presence of cysteine and ribose, when they were present in ratios similar to those found in meat from animals reared on forage- or concentrate-based diets.
Manipulating the diet to reduce environmental pollution from pigs
Authors: Aarnink A.J.A. , Bakker G.C.M. , Smits M.C.J. , Verstegen M.W.A.
Published: June 2019

In the Netherlands ammonia emission should be reduced considerably to prevent detrimental effects on the environment. Ammonia is mainly formed by enzymatic conversion of urea and other N-compounds in urine. In traditional fattening pig houses approximately 13% of the N taken in by the feed is emitted as ammonia. Different nutritional factors are influencing ammonia emission. Of these the protein content, the acid-base balance and the carbohydrate composition are the most important. In different experiments the sole effects of these factors on ammonia emission have been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the effects of these factors are additive.
What the public want from agriculture: Introduction
Authors: Ellis R.H.
Published: June 2019

The overall title for these sessions is “Reconnecting the food chain linking farmers scientists and consumers”. Reconnecting the food supply chain was probably the strongest single message to come from the UK Government’s Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming (Anon., 2002). Progress on the Policy Commission’s recommendation to establish a Food Chain Centre will no doubt be reported by Dr Segal from DEFRA. The real task of linking farmers, scientists and consumers, however, cannot be accomplished by Government. It is not sensible to expect Government to take on such a role: have we not all got voices?
The importance of communication in meeting consumer demands
Authors: Chamberlain Denis
Published: June 2019

Government, supermarkets, consumers, farming leaders and opinion formers all have a clear view of what primary producers and landowners should deliver in terms of the economic and environmental goods needed to maintain a sustainable, accessible and visually attractive countryside. The trouble is that while each may have a clear vision, it is not always the same vision.

The key communication chains in the industry are between farmer-market-farmer; between farmer-taxpayer/consumer-farmer; between farmer-scientist-farmer and between farmer-government-farmer.
The Livestock revolution/implications – an African view
Authors: Mwangi D. Miano , Omore A.
Published: June 2019

The rapid increase in the production and consumption of livestock and livestock products fuelled by population growth, urbanisation and increase in average per capita income has come to be known as the livestock revolution (Delgado et al 1999). A rapid growth in per capita consumption of livestock products in developing countries over the last decade (FOASTAT, 2002)
What the public wants from agriculture The government view
Authors: Segal Mike
Published: June 2019

The public’s relationship with agriculture is complex and multi-facetted. Agriculture not only produces a large proportion of the food we eat, but is also responsible for maintaining the majority of the landscape and countryside. The public are customers for both of these activities and for a variety of other services provided by farmers, whether in the narrow sense of paying directly for them or, more widely, as users or benefiting indirectly. The Curry report stressed the need for farmers to reconnect both to the environment and to their customers. Given that the theme of this conference is reconnecting the food chain, this presentation will concentrate mostly on the latter, but I will demonstrate that the sustainability of the farming industry depends critically on getting all these aspects right.
Kiobel and Corporate Complicity– Running with the Pack
Authors: Herzberg Anne
Published: June 2019

Many human rights activists have lamented the outcome of Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. Reacting to the opinion, Human Rights Watch expressed concern that Kiobel “significantly reduce[s] the possibility that corporations can be held accountable in US courts for human rights abuses committed abroad.” The Center for Constitutional Rights issued a statement that it was “deeply troubled by the Supreme Court's decision to undercut 30 years of jurisprudence.”
Rates of Evolution
Authors: Stanley Steven M.
Published: June 2019

Any two biologic groups — populations, species, or groups of species — that are separated in time but connected by evolution provide us with the opportunity to measure a rate of evolution.

Rates are interesting because they vary greatly. Some species have survived for millions of years without appreciable change. On the other hand, some species have arisen from other, quite different species within just a few thousands or tens of thousands of years: very brief intervals of time. Similarly, some groups of organisms have diversified rapidly, producing many new species during brief intervals of geologic time, whereas others have added new species very slowly.
Climate Responses to the Splitting of a Supercontinent: Implications for the Breakup of Pangea
Authors: Tabor Clay R. , Feng Ran , Otto‐Bliesner Bette L.
Published: June 2019

Reconstructing deep time climate often relies on a limited number of data points, which can hinder inference of the large‐scale climate state. Here we use an Earth system model with idealized boundary conditions to simulate climate responses to paleogeographic changes associated with the breakup of a supercontinent. After the supercontinent splits, weaker tropical easterlies occur in the larger ocean basin, which dampens the Walker circulation and warms the equatorial ocean through reduced upwelling. Additionally, cloud formation increases across the midlatitude ocean, causing locally cooler sea surface temperatures. Over land, there is dramatic tropical cooling post breakup due to enhanced moisture and cloud formation. Consequently, the latitudinal temperature gradient responses over land and ocean oppose each other, which makes inferring large scale climate changes from spatially spare proxy records particularly challenging in this scenario. Our findings emphasize the tight coupling between geography and planetary scale climate dynamics in the tropics and subtropics.