bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cenozoic Planktonic Foraminifera: A Paleobiogeographic Summary
Authors: Olsson Richard K.
Published: June 2019

The Study of Cenozoic planktonic foraminifera has benefited in the last 1–1/2 decades by Deep Sea Drilling retrieval of many cored sections from the major ocean basins of the world. The stratigraphy of planktonic foraminiferal species in these ocean basins has provided important data on evolutionary lineages of species and biostratigraphic utility of species. The geographic coverage of the oceans has given a clearer picture of the biogeography of species and of past oceanographic conditions. It has become clear that the evolution of planktonic foraminifera was controlled by oceanographic and climatic events related to the redistribution of land and sea. The purpose of this presentation is to summarize the major patterns of the paleobiogeography of planktonic foraminifera during the Cenozoic.
Precambrian Prokaryotes and Stromatolites
Authors: Schopf J. William
Published: June 2019

In terms of biochemical and intracellular organization, living systems can be divided into two major “Superkingdoms,” eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Eukaryotes, comprising the more advanced and later evolving Superkingdom, include unicellular or multicellular organisms (viz., members of the Kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia) characterized by nucleus-, mitochondrion-, and (in plants and some protists) chloroplast-containing cells that are capable typically of mitotic cell division. Paleontologic evidence indicates that the eukaryotic cell originated during the Middle Proterozoic, probably about 1.4 to 1.5 Ga ago (Schopf and Oehler, 1976).

Prokaryotes, comprising the more primitive and earlier evolving Superkingdom, include microbial microorganisms (viz., members of the Kingdom Monera: bacteria, cyanobacteria, archaebacteria, and prochlorophytes) characterized by cells that lack membrane-bound nuclei, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and similar organelles and that reproduce by non-mitotic and non-meiotic division. Some authors (e.g., Woese and Fox, 1977) subdivide prokaryotes (monerans) into two kingdoms, the Kingdom Archaebacteriae (including methanogenic, extremely halophilic and some thermoacidophilic bacteria) and the Kingdom Eubacteriae (including all non-archaebacterial prokaryotes), based on the chemistry of their cell walls, membranes, transfer RNA's and RNA polymerase subunits. Paleontologic evidence indicates that prokaryotes originated early in Earth history - the group was extant, morphologically varied and evidently physiologically advanced at least as early as 3.3 to 3.5 Ga ago (Schopf and Packer, 1987).
The effects of forage: concentrate ratio and protein supplementation for finishing beef heifers
Authors: Robson Alice E. , Steen R. W. J.
Published: June 2019

The increased consumer awareness of diet and health related aspects has increased the demand for leaner beef. Nutritional factors which influence carcass composition include plane of nutrition, diet type, forage:concentrate ratio and protein supplementation. An experiment has been carried out to examine the independent and interacting effects of protein supplementation and forage:concentrate ratio on performance and carcass composition of finishing beef heifers.

The six experimental diets used consisted of two dietary crude protein (CP) levels (142 (LP) and 175 (HP) g CP/kg dry matter (DM)) each offered at three forage:concentrate ratios in a 2 x 3 factorial design. High (HF), medium (MF) and low(LF) forage diets contained on a DM basis 0.75, 0.50 and 0.30 grass silage and 0.25, 0.50 and 0.70 concentrates respectively. In the HF diets, grass silage was offered ad libitum but intake was restricted in the MF and LF diets so as to equalise total metabolisable energy (ME) intakes for the six diets. In the LP diets, the control concentrate consisted of (g/kg) 925 ground barley, 50 molasses and 25 minerals and vitamins.
In vitro culture of embryos produced by in vitro maturation and fertilization of bovine follicular oocytes
Authors: Vergos V. , Gordon A. , Gallagher M. , Gordon I.
Published: June 2019

A previous report from this laboratory dealt with the establishment of pregnancies in the early months of gestation after the non-surgical transfer of cattle embryos derived from the in vitro maturation (IVM) of primary bovine oocytes, their fertilization in vitro (IVF) and their subsequent development to the transferable stage (morula/blastocyst) using an in vivo (sheep oviduct) culture system (Lu et al.,1987). The present report deals with some factors affecting the efficiency of IVF and with the culture in vitro of zygotes to the morula/ blastocyst stage of development. Some embryos were frozen and after thawing transferred by non-surgical procedures to five recipient cattle to obtain information on their capacity to undergo further embryonic development.

Primary oocytes, enclosed in cumulus cells, were recovered from vesicular follicles (2-6mm) after their dissection from the ovaries of heifers slaughtered at a local abattoir. The ovaries were brought to the laboratory within one hour of animal slaughter in medium held at 35'C.
The effect of crude protein content of the supplement on the response to level of supplementation for dairy cows with ad libitum access to grass silage
Authors: Mayne C. S.
Published: June 2019

There is now a considerable volume of evidence to indicate that, with high quality, grass silage-based diets, good animal performance can be achieved by offering supplements of high crude protein content at much lower levels than would be required with conventional supplements. Given the current constraint on milk output at farm level, there is considerable interest in lower cost milk production systems and high protein supplements would appear to have a role to play in this context. However, there is little information available which enables prediction of milk yield responses to increasing levels of supplements of differing protein content. The objective of this study was to determine response curves to supplements of differing protein content, given in addition to grass silage, thereby facilitating a least-cost diet type approach to achieving a given level of milk output.

Concentrates containing either 100, 220, 340 or 460 g crude protein (CP)/kg fresh weight were offered to 72 autumn-calving dairy cows from day 14 of lactation, with each concentrate offered at four levels of feeding.
The partition and utilisation of energy and nitrogen by sows during their first lactation
Authors: Mullan B.P. , Close W.H.
Published: June 2019

If dietary intake is insufficient to meet the metabolic needs of the sow during lactation then maternal body reserves (body fat and body lean) are mobilised to support milk production. However the extent to which body reserves are mobilised may influence the metabolic and physiological state of the sow and hence reproductive function after weaning (Mullan and Close, 1989). There is little available information on the metabolic response of the lactating sow and the present experiment was designed to study the partition and utilisation of energy and nitrogen (N) intake in sows during their first lactation. This should aid in the understanding of how the dynamics of nutrient utilisation during lactation may influence the metabolic and reproductive state of the sow.

The experiment was designed in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement (5 animals per treatment) with 2 levels of feed (H, 5.5 kg/d and L, 3.0 kg/d) during lactation and with 2 litter sizes at each feeding level (6 or 12). Sows were accommodated throughout the 21-day lactation in farrowing crates adapted to permit the total collection of sow and piglet excreta.
1992 - The implications for the uk pig industry
Authors: Dean R W
Published: June 2019

The objective of the paper is to assess the overall structural and competitive implications for the UK pig industry of the EC Single Market; colloquially known as “1992”.

Particular attention is paid both to the effect of those changes in the commercial environment which 1992 will introduce and, secondly, to those aspects which differentiate the UK pig industry from its continental competitors. Analysis of these aspects will assist in drawing conclusions as to the likely effect of the Single Market and in determining an appropriate strategy for addressing the new situation.

A body of admittedly largely circumstantial evidence suggests that the UK pig producer believes the advent of the Single Market will have little relevance to the way in which he conducts his business. This view is buttressed by his perception of the agricultural world as governed by the workings of the Common Agricultural Policy which is regarded as the principle influence upon agriculture and its commercial fortunes.
Herbage intake of cattle, sheep and goats grazed alone and in mixtures on a ryegrass/white clover pasture
Authors: Collins H.A. , Nicol A.M.
Published: June 2019

Animal production is commonly reported to increase when different animal species are grazed together on the same pasture (Nolan and Connolly 1977). In such experiments there is often a difficulty with interpretation of results due to a failure to establish equal grazing pressures between species mixtures, and confounded production differences may result. The theory behind the design of mixed experiments continues to pose problems (Connolly and Nolan 1976, Connolly 1984).

The experiment reported here was designed to investigate whether, when different animal species are grazed at the same pressure, there are differences in animal intake and/or diet composition when they are grazed singly or in mixtures.

Nineteen, 18-month-old steers, 40 yearling wether goats and 40 10-month-old wether sheep were grazed in New Zealand on a mature summer ryegrass/white clover pasture (4550 kgDM/ha) in 5 treatments: cattle alone (CA), sheep alone (SA), goats alone (GA), and cattle with sheep (CS, SC) and cattle with goats (CG, GC).
Influence of clipping regime and silage quality on the performance of pregnant and lactating ewes
Authors: Black Heather J , Chestnutt D H B
Published: June 2019

Winter clipping of breeding ewes has given variable increases in lamb birth weight associated mainly with increased ewe voluntary food intake (Rutter, Laird and Broadbent, 1972; Vipond, King, Inglis and Hunter, 1987). The requirement for energy is greatest during the last six weeks of pregnancy but increasing uterine occupation of rumen volume may limit the ewe's ability to increase intake after clipping in late pregnancy. The additional influence of forage quality on intake after clipping is not clear. The present experiment was designed to study the independent and interacting effects of clipping regime and silage quality on lambing performance.

Sixty Greyface ewes of uniform age were individually penned 14 weeks before lambing. Precision chop silage offered ad libitum was either early cut [188.3 g dry matter (DM)/kg, 155.7 g crude protein (CP)/kg DM, 740 g digestible organic matter (DOM)/kg DM] or late cut (184.5 g DM/kg, 100.9 g CP/kg DM, 689 g DOM/kg DM). For all treatments concentrate feeding was introduced 7 weeks before lambing, on an increasing scale to provide a total of 21 kg/ewe. Silage type was factorially arranged with 6 clipping regimes.
Efficiencies of use of the metabolisable energy from feeds based on barley or sugar beet feed in immature sheep
Authors: Emmans G.C. , Cropper M.R. , Dingwall W.S. , Brown H. , Oldham J D , Harland J.I.
Published: June 2019

The ARC (1980) energy system sees growth in the single dimension of energy retention (ER) which increases, with diminishing marginal efficiency, as ME intake increases. The quantitative relationship between ME intake and ER is predicted from q, the proportion of the gross energy which is metabolisable. An experiment on growing sheep on controlled feeding of different feeds was carried out to provide data suitable for testing ARC (1980) and other energy systems.

Scottish Blackface wether sheep in single pens, entered the experiment at 25 kg liveweight (LW), when 11 were slaughtered. The remainder were allocated to 3 x 3 x 3 treatments with an intended 4 replicates per treatment. The factors were (i) feeds: feeds B, U and M shown in Table 1, (ii) levels of feeding. L, M and H where H was 936 g/d at 25 kg and was increased by 52 g/d each week, L was half H and M half-way between L and H, (iii) slaughter point, after 9 or 18 weeks, or at 40 kg liveweight.
Effect of feeding level during rearing and pregnancy on gilt performance
Authors: Simmins P.H. , Edwards S.A. , Spechter H.H. , Riley J.E.
Published: June 2019

The modern genetically-improved female pig reaches first mating with low levels of back fat compared to the female bred in previous decades. Increasingly too, gilts have been bred at younger ages and lower weights and the effects of these management changes are unclear. It has been questioned whether the modern gilt is under greater physiological stress especially when subjected to low feeding levels, which could influence reproductive efficiency. The objectives of the trial reported here were to compare the reproductive performance of gilts given different feeding regimes during rearing and pregnancy in order to produce a range in body weight and back fat.

The trial was designed as a 2 x 3 factorial experiment. Gilts from a Large White x Landrace crisscross breeding programme, blocked for genotype, were first allocated to one of two treatments from 10 to 25 weeks of age. Gilts were group housed and fed on a age-based scale rising to either 2.25 kg/d (L) or 2.70 kg/d (H). At 25 weeks of age, gilts with defects of teats or gait were discarded.
Oats and naked oats: recent studies of composition, digestibility and energy value for ruminants
Authors: Everington Jeannie M , Givens D I
Published: June 2019

Oats constitute a small and decreasing share of the cereals grown and utilized in the United Kingdom. Compared with the major cereals wheat and barley, oats are perceived to have a low nutritive value in terms of metabolisable energy (ME). Unlike other cereals, the husk remains attached to the oat kernel at harvesting, hence increasing the fibre or cell wall content of the grain.

The proportion of kernel to husk which largely determines the nutritive value of the oat grain is dependent on variety, environment and season.

Previous values for oats (MAFF 1986) were based on a study of 16 samples at the Rowett Research Institute (RRI 1976) in which most were spring sown varieties with low oil contents. The aim of this present work was to examine currently recommended winter varieties and also to study naked oats. These differ from traditional husked oats by having a thin, non-lignified husk from which the grain threshes free.
Effects of castration on the performance and carcase composition of intensively-reared saanen goats
Authors: Cooper R.A. , Kirk J.A. , Lerwill Deborah , Draper R.
Published: June 2019

Eleven young male goats (kids) were purchased at approximately 7 days of age and fed a milk substitute (Kidolac, Volac Ltd. ) by means of teats supplied by plastic tubing. Consumption of substitute was restricted to 150g/day suspended in 1 litre of water. A pelleted complete diet (Start-to-Finish, Volac Ltd.) was introduced at 21 days and fed ad libitum. Milk substitute feeding was discontinued on day 49.

At 21 days of age kids were blocked for age and allocated to one of two groups: Entire (E, n=6) and Castrate (C, n=5). Mean weights at this time were 6.1 ± 0.42kg and 6.1 +0.37 kg for E and C respectively.

Immediately following allocation to treatment, group C animals were castrated by means of a bloodless emasculator. Feed consumption was recorded weekly and animals weighted monthly until slaughter at 159 days of age.
Effect of grass variety type on the response in the performance of beef cattle to earlier cutting of ryegrass for silage
Authors: Steen R. W. J.
Published: June 2019

Increasing the digestibility of grass silage by harvesting grass at an earlier stage of growth has been shown to produce major increases in the intake and performance of beef cattle providing the increase in digestibility has not been accompanied by poorer fermentation. However there is considerable variation in the recommended optimum dates for harvesting primary growths depending on the variety type of the grass.

Two experiments have been carried out to examine the interaction between ryegrass variety type and date of harvesting for silage. Two replicate swards containing equal proportions of three early-heading varieties (Cropper, Premo and Frances) (50% ear-emergence on 19 May) were harvested on 20 May (Tl), 28/29 May (T2) and 5/6 June (T3) and two swards containing equal proportions of three late-heading varieties (Perma, Preference and Parcour) (50% ear-emergence on 12 June) were harvested on 28/29 May (T4), 5/6 June (T5) and 12/14 June (T6) in 1985 and 1987. In experiment 1 the swards for the six silages were cut with a rotary mower, lifted with a precision-chop forage harvester within 15 minutes of being mown, and ensiled in trench silos. Formic acid was applied at a rate of 2.5 1/t fresh grass. In experiment 2 the swards were harvested directly using a double-chop forage harvester and the herbages were ensiled without the addition of an additive.
The effect of a short finishing period for weaned once-bred heifers prior to slaughter on carcass height and composition
Authors: Sinclair K D , Booth J , Lowman B G
Published: June 2019

Previous work carried out at Aberdeen to investigate the effect of varying the length of the suckling period post calving on heifer and calf performance has shown little difference in the carcasses of heifers slaughtered twelve weeks post calving compared to heifers slaughtered six weeks post calving (Lowman and Broadbent, 1988). These results further emphasise the nutritional demand for lactation and suggest that major improvements in carcass weight of calved heifers can only be obtained if they are weaned early or allowed an appropriate finishing period after weaning. An experiment was therefore set up to examine the effect of a short finishing period for weaned once-bred heifers prior to slaughter on carcass weight, composition and eating quality and to relate these findings to a group of non-pregnant heifers.
Animal performances, plasma hormones and metabolites in Holstein and Belgian Blue growing fattening bulls
Authors: Istasse L. , Van Eenaeme C. , Baldwin P. , Maghuin-Rogister G. , Bienfait J.M.
Published: June 2019

Meat production is a complex process in which the absorbed nutrients are directed under hormonal control towards muscle growth. According to consumer's standards a high quality carcass should contain a large proportion of lean meat and a small amount of fat. In Western Europe, cattle meat is produced both by beef and dairy breeds used as pure breeds or breed crosses. Holstein and Belgian Blue - double muscled type - are 2 extreme breeds in terms of meat production. The aim of the present experiment was to relate animal performances with plasma hormones and metabolites in these 2 breeds

Six Holstein bulls and 6 bulls from the Belgian Blue - double muscled type - were used. They were 4 and 6 months old respectively on the beginning of the experiment. They were kept in metabolism stalls. The fattening diet was based on dried sugar beet pulp supplemented with soja bean meal, rolled barley, hay, minerals and vitamins. The amounts of feed given were weighed daily. Live weight was recorded once weekly.
Modelling seasonal effects in a new family of standard curves for the yields of milk, fat, protein and lactose in dairy cows.
Authors: Gnanasakthy A. , Morant S.V.
Published: June 2019

Yields of milk and milk constituents In the National Milk Records (NMR) database are used not only to estimate total lactation yields at the end of a lactation, but also to predict future yields while the lactation is in progress. These predictions are based on the observed yields to date and on the anticipated pattern of future yields, i.e. on a.set of ‘standard’ lactation curves. New curves providing a better fit to the pattern of production of milk, fat, protein and lactose by cattle on a flat rate ration have recently been developed: In ( y ) =a + b ( 1 +t’ /2 ) t’ +ct ’ 2+d/t, where t is the days of lactation, t’ = (t-150 ) / 100 (Morant and Gnanasakthy, 1989). The next objective was to extend the model to take account of the increase In yields frequently observed following the change from winter feeding to grazing.
Treatment of barley straw with ligninase enzyme or sodium hydroxide: effect on in vitro digestibility and chemical composition
Authors: Khazaal K. A. , Owen E. , Palmer J. M. , Dodson A. P. , Harvey P.
Published: June 2019

To date, practical methods of improving the digestibility of straw are largely confined to treatment with alkalis (Sundstol and Owen, 1984). Though effective, these chemicals can be hazardous for on-farm use and are potential pollutants. Biological methods of upgrading straw using fungi or enzymes (Zadrazil, 1984) would be less hazardous and more acceptable if practical and economic techniques could be developed. The present experiment examined the potential of ligninase enzyme produced from the fungus Phanerochaete ohrysosporium for upgrading straws. The aim was to define treatment conditions required. Treatment with sodium hydroxide was included as a positive control. Treatment effects were assessed by measuring changes in digestibility in vitro and chemical composition.

Seventy two treatments were compared. 10 g samples of milled (1.0 mm) straw were immersed (ambient temperature 15°C) in 100 ml buffered (pH 3.5) solution, with one of four levels of ligninase (zero; 0.1 unit/10 g straw; 1.0 unit; 10 units; one unit of enzyme oxidises 1 μmol veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde per minute, at pH 2.75), with or without hydrogen peroxide (ligninase depends on H2O2 for its oxidative reaction), veratryl alcohol (used to induce the ligninase production and activity), or both of them.
The influence of concentrate energy source on dairy cow performance
Authors: Sloan B. , Rowlinson P. , Armstrong D.G.
Published: June 2019

There is currently increasing interest in the diversity of materials which may be used as energy sources for dairy cow diets. Feeding of concentrates with a high “digestible fibre” content may be of benefit to the lactating dairy cow. In comparison with a concentrate based on a highly fermentable energy source such as cereal starch a concentrate high in digestible fibre content may undergo a slower fermentation within the rumen such that the resultant fermentation pattern may be altered. Diets and feeding regime's that promote low rumen volatile fatty acid ratios of acetic plus butyric:propionic have been associated with the production of milk of low fat content. Feeding of a high “digestible fibre” concentrate may therefore help prevent this problem. The purpose of the trial reported here was to compare the effects of concentrate energy source on the milk performance of dairy cows in early lactation.
Stack-Ammoniation of Mature Forages using Ammonium Salts. The AGRI-AM Process
Authors: Mason V. C. , Cook J. E. , Smith T. , Siviter J. W. , Keene A. S. , Hartley R. D.
Published: June 2019

In many regions, ammoniation of straw is hindered by the cost or non-availability of anhydrous or aqueous ammonia and by poor upgrading responses with urea. Ammonium salts constitute a safe, alternative source of ammonia. In vitro studies have shown that ammonia produced by heating ammonium ‘carbonate’ (mixture of the carbamate and bicarbonate) or bicarbonate to 90°C for 15 h with water produced improvements in the digestibility of straw which were similar to those achieved with aqueous ammonia. Under identical conditions ammonium sulphate gave a similar response only when reacted with a stoichiometric excess of quicklime (CaO) or slaked lime (Ca(OH)2 ) and water to produce ammonia. When the straw was treated at 20°C for 35 d, upgrading was achieved only when the volatile or non-volatile ammonium salts were mixed with an excess of CaO or Ca(OH)2 plus water.
Concentrates versus Fecundin for flushing upland ewes
Authors: Dingwall W.S. , FitzSimons J. , Phillips P.
Published: June 2019

The main factor limiting fecundity in sheep is the low ovulation rate (Hanarahan, 1980). The relationships between body condition, level of nutrition and ovulation rate, and the ability to increase fecundity by flushing ewes prior to mating, are all well established (Gunn, 1983). In upland ewe flocks, flushing is generally attempted by the use of saved autumn pastures. However, the seasonal variation in grass growth often results in the degree of flushing desired not always being possible and leaving the flockmaster seeking a viable option.

The present investigation examined two possible alternative strategies for increasing the fecundity of upland ewes. Improving body condition prior to mating by supplementary feeding was compared with the recently developed technique of increasing ovulation rate by active immunisation against androstenedione (Scaramuzzi, Cox and Hoskinson, 1982).
Estimation of intake from energy standards
Authors: Treacher T.T.
Published: June 2019

In a few published papers the utilised mstabolisable energy system for recording grassland productivity has been extended to calculated herbage intakes by grazing animals from records of their performance. First the energy needed to sustain the measured level of performance by the animals is calculated using published energy allowances for maintenance, lactation, growth etc. Then the amount of herbage that will provide the calculated energy requirement is estimated. Although there are considerable variations in the factors used to calculated energy allowances in the systems used in different countries, papers published in Britain recently have used the MAFF (1975) allowances to make these calculations.
The use of allyl-trenbolone or a combination of PMSG and HCG to control oestrus and ovulation in groups of peri-pubertal gilts
Authors: Varley M.A. , English P.R. , MacPherson O. , Pawley P. , Davidson F.H.
Published: June 2019

In large scale commercial pig production the programmed replacement of culled sows by pregnant gilts is a major problem. Techniques for heat synchronisation in groups of gilts have been explored by a number of workers using a variety of materals such as methallibure, gonadotrophins and progesterone. One promising method involves the use of allyl-trenbolone as an agent for oestrous synchronisation (Varley, 1983; Stevenson and Davis, 1981). Another approach is to use a combination of gonadotrophins (PMSG and HCG) to induce ovulation and new oestrous cycles.

The purpose of this study was to compare the value of these two techniaues under the same commercial conditions.
The effect of dietary supplements of protected fat on the yield and fat content of ewe's milk and on lamb growth rate
Authors: Perez Hernandez M. , Robinson J. J. , Aitken R.P. , Fraser C.
Published: June 2019

Although there are numerous reports on the influence of dietary fats on milk yield and milk composition in the dairy cow (see review by Palmquist, 1984) little is known about the value of fat supplements in the diet of lactating ewes, a species which produces milk of a much higher fat content than the dairy cow. We now report the results of three experiments in which lactating ewes received diets supplemented with a lipid source that was protected from hydrolysis in the rumen.

Individually-penned Finnish Landrace x Dorset Horn ewes, each suckling two lambs by Suffolk rams were used in all three experiments. They were given a diet containing (per kg): 500 g hay (milled through a 4 cm screen), 300 g barley, 90 g white fish meal, 5 g dicalcium phosphate, 3 g salt and 2 g of a trace mineral/vitamin supplement. The crude protein and metabolizable energy contents per kg dry matter were 145 g and 10 MJ respectively. The source of the protected lipid was calcium palmitate (Megalac, Volac Ltd) with lipid and calcium contents (g/kg) of 850 and 90 g respectively.
Sheep grazing techniques when aftermaths are not available
Authors: Brown D. C.
Published: June 2019

Silage aftermaths have been used to reduce the stocking rate of the flock in mid season when the lambs are eating more grass. When straw is fed as the only source of roughage to housed pregnant ewes, aftermaths are not available so different grazing management may be required.

1.

29 ewes and their lambs grazed initially at 22 ewes/ha reducing to 15 ewes/ha when aftermaths become available (control).

2.

29 ewes and their lambs grazed 8t 22 ewes/ha set stocked through the grazing season.

3.

29 ewes and their lambs grazed at 22 ewes/ha set stocked throughout the grazing season and creep feed offered to the lambs.

4.

29 ewes and their lambs grazed at 22 ewes/ha set stocked throughout the grazing and ammonia treated ’ barley straw offered to the ewes and lambs.

Two days after lambing in mid March, the ewes and lambs were turned onto their plots. Each treatment consisted of 22 ewes with twin lambs and 7 ewes with single lambs. Concentrates were fed to the ewes at grass until April 30. On 4 June 1984 the stocking rate for treatment 1 was reduced to 15 ewes/ha when silage aftermaths became available. The grazing area of all treatments received 125 kg/ha N in 3 equal applications during the grazing season.
Consumer perception of saltiness in bacon
Authors: Griffiths T W , Cowan C
Published: June 2019

The recent COMA report has recommended that consideration be given to ways of reducing dietary salt intake. Common salt (NaCl) has traditionally been used as a preservative in the production of bacon and other cured meats and present official recommendations for curing result in bacon with around 4% NaCl in lean meat. With modern refrigeration and good hygiene such levels should be neicher necessary or desirable. The objective of this study was to measure the response of consumers to sliced bacon containing differing levels of salt using taste panels for initial screening followed by a consumer survey.

Bacon slices containing 2-7% NaCl in lean were grilled and assessed by 7 laboratory taste panels, each consisting of 12 judges, for saltiness and acceptability.
Manipulation of milk fat composition to meet market needs
Authors: Verner Wheelock J , Thomas Philip C
Published: June 2019

There is growing interest in healthy eating. Current trends are being reinforced by the supermarket chains, which now regard the trends towards healthy eating as a permanent shift in consumer attitudes to food rather than a passing fad.

The 1984 COMA report on “Diet and Cardiovascular Disease” recommended a 25% reduction In the consumption of saturated fats. It was suggested that this change could be made by reducing total fat intake but would be facilitated by an accompanying shift in the polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio (P:S). For the average British diet with a P:S ratio of 0.23, fat Intake would need to be reduced by 25% but with a move to the recommended ratio of 0.45 the required reduction would he 17%. Milk fat is particularly implicated in these recommendations since it is moderately high In saturated fatty acids and very low in polyunsaturated fatty acids; the P:S ratio is approximately 0.03.
The use of an on-farm milk progesterone test for the early identification of non-pregnant cows
Authors: Drew Bridget , Lane Penni , Foulkes J A
Published: June 2019

The concept of using the concentrations of progesterone in milk for pregnancy testing became a commercial reality in 1975. Although this has proved to be a highly efficient method of identifying non-pregnant cows earlier than can normally be achieved by manual examination the results are not available in time for the first return-to-service period. The development of an enzymeimmunoassay technique by MAFF has resulted in the production of simple colour-change tests suitable for use in a practice laboratory or by the farmer in the convenience of his own office. The main advantage of an “on-farm” test is that the results are immediately available to the herdsman.
Effect of some management factors on dairy herd fertility in England and wales 1984-5
Authors: Poole A H , Mabey Susan J
Published: June 2019

Checkmate is a herd fertility monitoring service based on information recorded on National Milk Records (NMR) operated by the Milk Marketing Board. The aims of Checkmate are:

To provide a regular review and analysis on a herd basis of overall and monthly fertility results.

To breakdown the calving interval into its components of interval from calving to first service, interservice intervals and service success.

To provide veterinary surgeons with information on which to base advice and treatments and the means of evaluating past treatments.

In the year ending May 1985 322 herds have subscribed to Checkmate. The whole sample has been analysed and also two sub-samples, the top and bottom 10 per cent, selected by the days from calving to assumed conception. As there is no pregnancy diagnosis information on NMR conception Is assumed if no re-service date is recorded within 60 days of a service.
Feed Additives for Fattening Cattle
Authors: Kay M. , Broadbent P.J. , Hunter E.A.
Published: June 2019

Feed additives are widely used in beef production systems. Two trials were made to measure the effect of feed additives on the daily gain and feed efficiency of fattening beef cattle. In the first trial 48 Friesians and 48 weaned suckled calves weighing about 390 kg were fed individually on grass silage ad libitum together with 4 kg (Friesians) and 3 kg (weaned calves) bruised barley daily. The treatments were control (C), no additive; Avotan 150 mg/d (A); Flavomycin 45 mg/d (F) and Romensin 200 mg/d (R). Minerals and vitamins were given daily on the silage. In the second trial there were 240 Friesian and Exotic x Friesian bulls. They were housed on slats in groups of 15 and offered a mixture of bruised barley and soya bean meal ad libitum. The treatments were control, no additive; Flavomycin 50 mg/d, Romensin 210 mg/d and Salinomycin 150 mg/d. In trial 1 the steers were implanted with Ralgro and the heifers with Finaplix. No implants were used in the second trial. All the animals were weighed regularly and feed intake was recorded continuously. They were slaughtered when they achieved the required conformation and fat cover.
Timing of fish meal supplementation for finishing beef cattle offered grass silage
Authors: Kirby P S , Watson N A , Rennie D G , Jones T O
Published: June 2019

Results from three previous experiments with finishing cattle on an 18-month beef system indicate that the major increases in daily live-weight gain (DLG) occur within the first 50 to 60 days of supplementation with fish meal. Hence, it may be possible to remove fish meal from the diet after the initial two months of the finishing winter without any subsequent effect on animal performance.

For the last nine weeks at grass the experimental cattle were given 1.4-kg/head/day dried sugar beet pulp nuts. On housing this allowance was increased to 3.0 kg and the 48 British Friesian steers were offered grass silage ad libitum (round bale silage for one week and precision-chopped clamp silage thereafter). The 3.0-kg dried sugar beet pulp was given for five days and after a 10-day changeover period the nuts were replaced by 15-kg potatoes. Cattle were offered the basal diet of precision-chopped silage and potatoes for 12 days before starting the experiment.

Steers were implanted with 300-mg trenbolone acetate (Finaplix, Hoechst UK Ltd, Milton Keynes) and 36-mg zeranol (Ralgro, Crown Chemical Company Ltd, Lamberhurst) 20 days before randomisation.
Feed Additives and Fish Meal for Growing Cattle
Authors: Thomas S. , Mackie C.K. , Hunter E.A.
Published: June 2019

White fish meal and feed additives are used to increase growth rate by young growing cattle in their first winter before being turned out to graze. Some evidence indicates that increased gains may not be retained through the grazing season. A trial was made to measure the effect of fish meal and feed additives, alone or in combination, on performance by young growing cattle during winter and subsequently through the grazing season. Sixty British Friesian castrated male calves were offered silage containing 220g/kg DM ad libitum. There were six dietary supplements.
A Luxury creep heating technique for new born piglets
Authors: Smith Paul , Barraud N P , Spechter H H
Published: June 2019

Trials have previously shown that during the first 48 hours of life, new born piglets are reluctant to use forward-creep areas. In the neo-natal period, in order to prevent piglets lying in the danger-zone, luxury creep heating has been proposed. This comprises temporary heating at the rear and sides of the sow. On commercial farms, various luxury creep-heating systems are used. In an attempt to increase the precision and safety aspects of luxury creep-heating, a purpose-built device has been developed on a commercial farm. Trials were therefore undertaken, in co-operation with Eastern Electricity, to compare this system to a conventional forward-creep system.

A total of 124 litters supplied only with a 150 watt heater in the creep box (Control) was compared to 124 litters provided with the luxury regime. The supply line for the luxury device is shown diagramatically in Figure 1. It comprised a timber-mounted mains electricity power-line, temporarily suspended prior to farrowing above and behind groups of 4 sows. The line provided three 13 amp sockets for each litter and supplied a 300 watt dull-emitter located behind the sow and two 175 watt, dull emitters suspended in the side creep areas.
The efficacy of soluble glass boluses (cosecure) in grazing cattle
Authors: Driver P.M. , Carlos G. , Eames C. , Telfer S.B.
Published: June 2019

Two soluble glass boluses (COSECURE) per animal were given to 19 (+ bolus), silage fed, growing cattle (160-350 kg) on April 16th 1984 (day 0). After 29 days these and 11 untreated (control) animals, matched for weight, breed and sex, were turned out on to a copper deficient upland pasture. On day 153 (Sept. 21) all the cattle were moved to a lowland pasture until day 196, when they were housed and fed silage.

Blood samples and liveweights were taken on 5 occasions over 240 days. Copper status was assessed from plasma copper (Cu) and caeruloplasmin (CP) levels, and selenium status by erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity.
An economic perspective on animal welfare
Authors: McInerney J P
Published: June 2019

There is a common misperception that economics is about money. People holding this view will expect a paper on the economic aspects of animal welfare to quote various financial figures representing the effects on the costs of production, or on the consumer prices of animal products, from adjustments in production methods designed to ‘improve’ the welfare of farm livestock. Under such a view it would seem that better animal welfare is a cost to people, but a benefit to animals.

However, this is too simplistic a view of what economics is really about. Economic analysis is built up from a model that treats all economic activity as a series of resource-using processes undertaken to benefit people (considered collectively, not any particular subgroup) . Livestock production is one such economic process. It takes resources (land, feed, labour, animals, veterinary services, etc) and transforms them into commodities that people want - milk, meat, eggs, wool, etc. In economic terms, livestock production is simply the exploitation of animals for human benefit. Logically, any change in this process which is subject to decision (as opposed to factors outside human control) will only take place if people want it.
Changes to the amounts of compounds for mid lactation cows as a method of modifying milk output
Authors: Poole D A
Published: June 2019

The application of milk quotas has stressed the importance of maximising the financial margin per litre of quota as well as those margins calculated on a per cow or a per hectare basis. Since quotas were Introduced there has been a move towards exploiting the value of high quality forage by reducing the amounts of compound feed supplementation. However, low amounts of compound feeding in early lactation can cause ketosis or can reduce fertility. So many farmers with autumn calving cows have tended to feed high amounts of compounds for the first three months of lactation and then, about the end of the calendar year, decide whether changes in feeding are necessary to meet quota targets for the last quarter of the year.
The effects of sire type and company source on litter productivity and pig growth performance
Authors: Kempster A J , Landon A P , Evans D G , Steane D E
Published: June 2019

Major changes have taken place in the British pig slaughter population over the past 10 years. There has been a dramatic change in average fatness, entire males have almost replaced castrated males and specialist Meat Sire lines are having an increasingly significant effect. MLC's First Stotfold Trial was carried out to examine the effects of these various factors and provide a database of information for decision-making by the major breeding companies and the industry as a whole.
Effect of feed type on methane produced by sheep
Authors: Moss Angela , Givens D I
Published: June 2019

The loss of digestible energy from ruminant feeds as methane gas is often assumed to be about 0.08 of gross energy (GE) intake. This represents a significant loss of feed energy and recently concern has been expressed about the importance of methane as a gas which contributes to global warming. As methane is a gaseous loss, its measurement requires specialised equipment. Therefore the metabolisable energy (ME) content of many feedstuffs is estimated using a predicted methane energy loss.
Effect of selection for increased litter size on ovulation rate and embryo survival in sheep
Authors: Hanrahan J.P.
Published: June 2019

Variation in litter size in sheep is essentially attributable to variation in ovulation rate and embryo survival. Genetic variation in litter size, both among and within breeds, is largely attributable to variation in ovulation rate. While there is evidence for genetic differences among breeds in embryo survival the contribution of this component to within breed variation appears to be minor (Hanrahan, 1982). The impact of selection based on litter size on its component traits should reflect the relative contribution of these components to within breed variation. Data from two lines of Galway sheep, a Control line and one selected for increased prolificacy (Hanrahan and Timon, 1978), have been used to provide evidence on this point.

Details relating to the selection experiment which provided the data for the present study are in Hanrahan (1984). Briefly a flock of Galway sheep was assembled from industry sources (both pedigree and non-pedigree) between 1963 and 1965.
Fate of nitrogen in slurries applied to land
Authors: Pain Brian F.
Published: June 2019

Much of the N ingested by livestock is excreted; slurries from housed animals therefore represent substantial pools of N. Recycling through the soil-piant-animal system can reduce fertilizer usage, but current waste management practices often result in water or atmospheric pollution. This may occur directly, for example through contamination of water by a leaking slurry store, or indirectly through losses of plant nutrients, especially N, to the wider environment. The adverse effects of gaseous losses, from NH3, volatilisation and denitrification, and of nitrate leaching are becoming increasingly well recognised. Such losses also reduce the amounts of N available for uptake by plants and may account for low, variable crop responses to applied slurries. The objectives of this study are to quantify losses of N following application of slurries to land and to examine strategies for reduction, so conserving N for uptake by plants.

Following application of slurries to land, mainly grassland, N losses through NH3, volatilisation were measured by using small wind tunnels or micrometeorological techniques, through denitrification by a soil core incubation method with acetylene inhibition and through nitrate leaching in lysimeter experiments.
Predicting food intake in dairy heifers from part-lactation records
Authors: Simm G , Persaud P , Parkinson H , McGuirk B J
Published: June 2019

Food accounts for 80-90% of the variable costs in dairying in the UK. In contrast to genetic improvement programmes in most other species, no account has been taken of food intake or gross efficiency In dairy breeding programmes, In the UK or elsewhere. This Is largely due to the expense and impracticality of recording food Intake in conventional dairy bull progeny testing schemes, Involving thousands of cows In many different herds. However, several studies show positive correlated responses in efficiency, following selection on milk or milk solids yield (Gibson, 1986; Korver, 1988; Persaud, Simm, Parkinson and Hill, 1990).

Recently nucleus breeding programmes based on sib testing and the use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) have been proposed as an alternative to national progeny testing schemes for dairy cattle Improvement (Nicholas and Smith, 1983).
The metabolic effects of feeding diets containing sugar beet pulp to SOWS
Authors: Close W.H. , Pettigrew J.E. , Sharpe C.E. , Keal H.D. , Harland J.I.
Published: June 2019

There has been an increasing interest in recent years in the feeding of high fibre diets to pigs, and especially to pregnant sows, with both economic and welfare advantages. The potential use of these diets will depend upon the extent to which the fibrous materials are fermented and the subsequent capacity of the products of fermentation, that is VFAs, to meet the energy needs of the animal. One ingredient that has considerable potential as a feed ingredient for sows is sugar beet pulp, and the present experiments were designed to study the extent to which diets containing varying proportions of plain sugar beet pulp influenced nutrient partition and the efficiency of nutrient utilisation in pregnant sows.
Hormonal manipulation of cashmere growth and shedding
Authors: Lynch Pamela , Russel A.J.F.
Published: June 2019

Cashmere goats exhibit seasonal cycles in hair growth and moulting which are an evolutionary response to seasonal changes in temperature. The winter coat of the cashmere goat consists of two types of fibre, a coarse outer coat of guard hair produced by the primary hair follicles and a dense Insulating undercoat of cashmere (<19 microns diameter) produced by the smaller and more numerous secondary follicles. In the Spring, under the influence of Increasing daylength, both guard hairs and cashmere are shed from the follicles and a sparse coat of guard hair remains.

The efficiency of harvesting fibre from cashmere goats is limited by the season of the moult, the long duration of the moulting period and by the variability between individual animals in the timing of the moult. Lynch & Russel (1989) reported that an earlier rise in plasma prolactin was associated with an advance In the onset of the spring moult in the cashmere goat.