bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Determinants of Pre-term Deliveries in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Mokuolu Olugbenga A. , Suleiman BM , Adesiyun OO , Adeniyi A
Published: March 2010

In Nigeria, over 900,000 children under the age of five years die every year. Early neonatal death is responsible for a little over 20% of these deaths. Prematurity remains a significant cause of these early neonatal deaths. In some series, it is reported to be responsible for 60-70% of these deaths. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of pre-term deliveries at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a 9-month period at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Records of deliveries and data on maternal socio-biological and antenatal variables were collected during this period in order to determine the prevalence and determinants of pre-term deliveries. Out of the 2,489 deliveries that took place over a 9-month period, there were 293 pre-terms, giving a pre-term delivery rate of 120 per 1,000 deliveries. Of the total deliveries, 1,522 singleton deliveries that satisfied inclusion criteria were recruited; 185 of them were pre-term deliveries giving a case:control ratio of 1:7. Significant determinants of pre-term delivery identified were previous pre-term delivery (P=0.001; OR=3.55; 95% CI=1.71-7.30), antepartum hemorrhage (P=0.000; OR=8.95; 95%CI=4.06-19.78), premature rupture of the membranes (P=0.000; OR=6.48; 95%CI=4.33-9.67), maternal urinary tract infection (P=0.006; OR=5.89; 95%CI=1.16-27.57), pregnancy induced hypertension (P=0.007; OR=3.23; 95%CI=2.09-4.99), type of labor (P=0.000; OR=6.44; 95%CI=4.42-9.38) and booking status (P=0.000; OR=4.67; 95%CI=3.33-6.56). The prevalence of pre-term delivery was 120 per 1,000 live births. Factors significantly associated with pre-term delivery were low socio-economic class, previous pre-term delivery, antepartum hemorrhage, premature rupture of fetal membranes, urinary tract infection, pregnancy induced hypertension, induced labor, and booking elsewhere outside the teaching hospital.
FACTORS INFLUENCING, AND REPEATABILITY OF THE DURATION OF FARROWING IN YORKSHIRE SOWS
Authors: FAHMY M. H. , FRIEND D. W.
Published: March 2010

The duration of farrowing was recorded for 92 sows farrowing 401 litters over a period of 16 yr. The data were analyzed to study the effects of parity, season of the year, time of the day, size of the litter, birth weight of the piglets and length of the gestation period, and to calculate the repeatability of the trait. The least-squares mean duration of farrowing was 3.9 h for litters adjusted to 1 1.2 piglets, 1.14 kg piglet weight and 114.6 days of gestation. The duration of farrowing increased significantly only with increase in the number of piglets born per litter and length of gestation period. All the factors studied accounted for only 18% of the total variation. The repeatabilities of the duration of farrowing, litter size and litter weight were 0.14, 0.10 and 0.21, respectively.
EFFECT OF GLYCEROL EQUILIBRATION TIME ON SURVIVAL OF BULL SPERM FROZEN IN PELLETS
Authors: BATRA T. R. , FISER P. S. , McALLISTER A. J.
Published: March 2010

The effect of five different glycerol equilibration times at 5 °C on survival of frozen-thawed sperm was evaluated in semen samples from 18 bulls. Sperm motility in frozen-thawed semen samples increased progressively with increase in equilibration time up to 6 h. There was no significant difference in sperm survival when equilibrated for 18 h compared to that equilibrated for 6 h.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF SYNCHRONIZING ESTRUS AND SUBSEQUENT LAMBING IN A COMMERCIAL SHEEP FLOCK
Authors: HACKETT A. J. , ROBERTSON H. A. , PENNER P. , McLAUGHLIN G. R.
Published: March 2010

Ewes of a commercial sheep flock were treated with either two 15-mg intramuscular injections of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), 11 days apart, or vaginal sponges impregnated with 40 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) in place for 12 days to compare the two methods of synchronization of estrus. Each treatment was imposed on two subgroups of 36 ewes commencing on various days of an 8-day period so that maximum available ram power could be used. A third group of 38 ewes was not treated (controls). At lambing time, the duration of lambing and distribution of lambings for the treated and control ewes were compared. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the proportions of ewes responding over a 6-day period to the PGF2α (84%) and FGA (89%) treatments. Similarly, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in fertility between the two treatments, PGF2α (63%) and FGA (78%). The 38 control ewes were bred over a 15-day period and 60% lambed to the first service. This was not different (P > 0.05) from the combined fertility (67%) of ewes responding (synchronized) to either treatment. All of the pregnant ewes that had been synchronized for estrus by either treatment lambed over a 22-day period with (83%) lambing within an 8-day period. The 21 control ewes pregnant to a first service lambed over a 19-day period; however, only 67% lambed in the above corresponding 8-day period. Prolificacy did not differ between the two treatments (both were 1.3), or between the treated (1.3) and non-treated ewes (1.4). PGF2α can be used effectively as an alternative to FGA for synchronization of estrus in ewes during the breeding season. Even though the synchronization of estrus was staggered over an 8-day period, the resulting condensation of the lambing interval of the treated ewes proved to be beneficial in the commercial sheep operation.
ON THE CONSEQUENCES AND ECONOMICS OF FEEDING GRAIN AD LIBITUM TO CULLED BEEF COWS
Authors: PRICE M.A. , BERG R.T.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-five non-pregnant beef cows in three age classes (< 4 yr, 4–5 yr, and > 5 yr) were allocated at random to two treatments (fed, unfed) soon after weaning in November 1978. On day 1, the unfed group of 17 cows were marketed and the fed group of 18 cows were introduced to grain feeding. After 63 days, the fed cows were marketed and data were collected in a manner identical to those from the unfed cows. Feed consumption by the 18 cows in 63 days was 15 398 kg at a cost of $1 188.66. The cows gained a mean of 1.42 kg/day with an efficiency of 9.59 kg feed/kg gain. The < 4 yr, 4–5 yr and > 5 yr cows gained 1.59, 1.21 and 1.19 kg/day, respectively. Feeding produced significantly greater carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat depth and marbling scores (P < 0.01) and significantly (P < 0.05) greater rib-eye areas and brighter meat color. Carcass grade was also improved, resulting in a higher carcass price ($2.03/kg vs. $1.93/kg) and, combined with carcass weight, a significantly (P < 0.01) greater total carcass value. Feeding caused a greater incidence of liver abscesses (50% vs. 29%), but reduced the incidence of yellow fat (0% vs. 29%). Under the economic conditions at the time of the study, it was profitable to feed all age classes of cows. The conditions under which grain feeding of cull cows would be profitable are discussed.
PERFORMANCE BOUCHERE ET ECONOMIQUE DES TAURES DE BOUCHERIE PRIMIPARES DESTINEES A L’ABATTAGE
Authors: LALANDE G. , DUFOUR J.J. , FLIPOT P.
Published: March 2010

One hundred and forty yearling crossbred Hereford × Holstein heifers were used in two experiments to evaluate the amount of extra meat produced if, before being slaughtered, they were to give birth to single or twin calves. In both experiments, breeding took place at the age of 11–14 mo and the control consisted of non-bred heifers which were slaughtered when they attained the degree of finish of a Canada A1 carcass. In experiment 1, the calves weaned at 60 days of age and sent to slaughter weighed 65 kg. The dams were either slaughtered at that time or fattened to reach the same degree of finish as the control. The average weight at slaughter was 76 kg heavier for the calved heifers than for the controls. The fattening period averaged 16 days and resulted in an increased body weight of 37 kg. The calved heifers remained 426 days on the experiment, 192 days more than the control heifers (P < 0.05). For experiment 2, weaning took place at 15 days postpartum. The calved heifers, fattened or not, weighed 388 kg at slaughter, only 3 kg more than the control heifers, and remained 365 days on the experiment, 111 days more than the controls (P < 0.05). Fattening lasted an average of 10 days and increased body weight by 42 kg. Average weight of the calves artificially reared after weaning was 97 kg. Induction to twinning with PMSG was effective in 14.3% of treated heifers of both experiments. Calving and slaughter dates were delayed 40 days by the induction to twinning technique.
THE TESTING OF SEVERAL FEED INTAKE PREDICTION EQUATIONS USING FARM DATA
Authors: YUNGBLUT D. H. , STONE J. B. , MACLEOD G. K. , WILSON G. F.
Published: March 2010

Data were collected during three visits to each of 19 dairy herds in the Guelph area. Feed intake, body condition and heart girth of all milking cows were recorded during each visit. Samples of all feeds were taken and analyzed for dry matter and acid detergent fibre. Cow weight was estimated from heart girth after grouping cows according to body condition. Milk production and fat test data were obtained from DHI records. Four regression equations were used to predict total feed dry matter intake. The mean daily feed intake was 2.8% of body weight. Eleven of the herds were within ± 10% of this value, four were above this range and four were below. The number of herds in which mean predicted intake was within ± 10% of observed intake, above this range or below this range, were (1) 7, 5, 7 (2) 12, 2, 5 (3) 11, 2, 6 (4) 8, 9, 2 for the four equations, respectively. Equations 2 and 3 were more accurate in predicting mean dry matter intake than Eq. 1 or 4.
EFFECT OF DIETARY CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AND VITAMIN D ON ZEARALENONE TOXICOSIS IN RATS
Authors: SMITH T. K.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to measure the effects of dietary vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium on zearalenone (Z) toxicosis in female weanling rats Experiments were of completely randomized design and were for 14 days. All diets were supplied to groups of 15 rats with or without 250 μg Z/g feed. Vitamin D was fed at 0, 555, 1113, 2225 and 4450 IU per kg diet. There was no significant correlation between dietary vitamin D level and feed consumption, feed efficiency, plasma phosphorus or plasma calcium. Final body weight was negatively correlated with dietary vitamin D for rats fed both levels of Z. Dietary phosphorus was supplied at 0.00, 0.23, 0.45, 0.91 and 1.40% and this resulted in curvilinear correlations between phosphorus and final body weight, feed consumption and feed efficiency. Plasma calcium concentration was negatively correlated with dietary phosphorus. A positive correlation was seen between dietary levels of phosphorus and plasma concentrations of phosphorus. Calcium was fed at 0, 0.25, 0.58, 1.00 and 2.00% but no effect of dietary calcium was seen on body weights or feed efficiencies, while feed consumption was correlated with dietary calcium but only for those rats fed Z. Plasma concentrations of calcium rose with dietary calcium while there was a simultaneous drop in plasma phosphorus concentration. The plasma changes were more pronounced in those rats fed Z. In all experiments, inclusion of Z in diets caused depressions in final body weight, feed consumption and feed efficiency compared to rats fed the same diet devoid of Z.
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF LEAF PROTEIN CONCENTRATES PREPARED FROM Amaranthus SPECIES
Authors: CHEEKE P. R. , CARLSSON R. , KOHLER G. O.
Published: March 2010

Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) samples were prepared from several species of Amaranthus. Their proximate composition and phenolic content were determined. In vitro nitrogen digestibility was low (28–48%) and was negatively correlated with phenolic content. The amino acid content of one sample of A. hypochondriacus LPC was measured, and compared favorably with reported values for essential amino acids for alfalfa LPC and soybean meal. The nutritional values of the LPC samples were assessed in a rat feeding trial. Compared to a soybean meal control diet, the gains with Amaranthus LPC were poor, ranging from 18 to 72% of the control value. The cause of the poor growth remains to be determined. The high ash content of the samples, or the presence of organic factors such as saponins, phenolics and oxalates are possibilities to account for the poor growth rate of rats.
PRESLAUGHTER MANAGEMENT AND DARK-CUTTING IN THE CARCASSES OF YOUNG BULLS
Authors: PRICE M. A. , TENNESSEN T.
Published: March 2010

One hundred-and-twelve yearling bulls were penned together for at least 3 mo in groups of 7 or 21. They were then shipped 150 km to an abattoir in groups of either 7 or 21, and were either regrouped or not regrouped before shipment. They were held overnight at the abattoir before slaughter. A further seven yearling bulls were shipped and held individually before slaughter. After slaughter, muscle color was appraised by Federal graders. Load size had no significant effect on the incidence of dark-cutting, but regrouping had a dramatic effect (73 vs. 2% dark cutters, P < 0.01). There were no dark cutters among the bulls shipped individually. It is concluded that agonistic encounters among regrouped bulls was a far more important cause of dark-cutting than either load size or exposure to an alien environment.
THE CONSUMPTION OF ACID WHEY BY LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER LORNE J.
Published: March 2010

Acid whey with 0.1% formalin added as a preservative was fed free choice for 14 days to four lactating Holsteins. Whey intake averaged 55 kg/cow/day (3.6 kg of whey dry matter (DM)). Intake of corn silage decreased from 7.1 to 3.9 DM/day and intake of hay was stimulated slightly. Milk yield was sustained and milk protein content increased during the whey-feeding period.
YIELD OF TRIMMED PORK PRODUCT IN RELATION TO WEIGHT AND BACKFAT THICKNESS OF THE CARCASS
Authors: MARTIN A. H. , FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M. , FORTIN A. , SIM D.
Published: March 2010

Yield of commercially trimmed (CT), boned (B) and boned-defatted (BDF) pork in relation to weight and backfat thickness was evaluated from a sample of 3807 carcasses obtained from the kill lines of three commercial packing plants located in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Sampling procedures at each plant were designed to provide carcasses from 10 males and 10 females in each cell of a grid defined by 10 weight classes (5-kg intervals ranging from 60 to 100 kg) and 13 fat classes (5-mm intervals ranging from 35 to 90 mm). Fat classes were determined on the basis of the sum of two measurements made at the points of minimum back and maximum loin. Fat class was the primary determinant of yield from the individual lean cuts (ham, loin, picnic and butt) with yield of CT, B and BDF product decreasing as fat class increased. Carcass weight had a negligible influence on yield after fat was considered and the effect associated with region and sex, while statistically significant, were also negligible. These results indicated that a single regression equation based on fat class would suffice for purposes of yield grading of Canadian hog carcasses. This equation identified a change in percentage yield of the combined lean cuts of 0.89% per fat class (5 mm of fat) with this relationship stable over the carcass weight range of 55–105 kg. Percentage yield of CT product from the total carcass (lean cuts plus belly) was less responsive to changes in total fat (0.50%) because belly yield, both untrimmed and trimmed, increased with increasing fatness.
EVALUATION OF CANDLE RAPESEED MEAL AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FOR SWINE
Authors: BELL J. M. , ANDERSON D. M. , SHIRES A.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate rapeseed meal (RSM) produced from seed of Brassica campestris L. ’Candle’ in comparison with B. napus L. ’Tower’, soybean meal and fababeans (Vicia faba) as protein supplements for growing swine. In experiment 1 Candle RSM (5, 10 or 15%) was substituted for soybean meal or fababeans in barley- and wheat-based diets for 120 pigs from 23 to 88 kg liveweight. The effects of supplementary iodine (0.14 mg I/kg diet) and amino acids (0.15% lysine and 0.05% methionine) on the nutritive value of Candle RSM were also studied. The results of experiment 1 indicated that daily feed intake and carcass value index were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by diets. The growth and feed utilization responses of pigs fed diets which contained soybean meal and fababeans as the sole source of supplementary protein were similar and the replacement of these protein supplements with Candle RSM, unless supplemented with amino acids, resulted in a reduction in rate of growth and efficiency of feed utilization. Gains adjusted by regression for feed intake variations showed benefit from lysine. Diets containing 15 % of either Candle or Tower RSM, plus lysine, were utilized about 95% as efficiently as soybean meal diets. Supplementation with iodine produced no significant response. The digestibility coefficients of the protein and energy of Candle RSM and soybean meal were determined in experiment 2. The apparent digestibility of protein in Candle RSM was 81% and energy digestibility was 71%. The digestible energy content was 14.12 MJ/kg (3370 kcal/kg), dry matter basis.
CORRECTION FACTORS FOR AGE AND MONTH OF CALVING FOR PROTEIN YIELDS OF HOLSTEIN AND AYRSHIRE COWS
Authors: SOLA GLORIA , KENNEDY B. W. , MOXLEY J. E.
Published: March 2010

A total of 36 251 records on 21 347 Holstein cows and 3973 records on 2425 Ayrshire cows were used to develop breed class average (BCA) factors to correct 305-day protein yields for the effects of age and month of calving. Estimates of age and month effects were obtained by maximum likelihood and were adjusted multiplicatively to a base equivalent to the current average BCA fat for 48- to 53-mo-old cows. The adjusted point estimates of age effects were smoothed by using a fourth-order polynomial, an incomplete gamma function and a log linear transformation of the incomplete gamma function. The three curves were identical for all practical purposes for Holsteins, but for Ayrshires the gamma curve and its log transformation were better behaved than the polynomial, particularly at older ages. Hence, the gamma function was preferred. The smoothed age estimates were combined with the adjusted month of calving estimates to generate the BCA factors.
LIFETIME REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF FIRST-CROSS BEEF COWS UNDER CONTRASTING ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M. , NEWMAN J. A. , LAWSON J. E. , RAHNEFELD G. W.
Published: March 2010

A population of 1150 first-cross females representing the Hereford-Angus (control) and nine crosses produced by mating bulls of the Charolais (C), Simmental (S), and Limousin (L) breeds with cows of Hereford (H), Angus (A) and Shorthorn (N) breeding provided the data base for breed-cross comparisons of lifetime reproductive performance under two contrasting environments. These data comprised 6022 mating opportunities and 5053 pregnancies recorded during a period that commenced with the breeding season of 1971 and terminated at weaning in the fall of 1979.There were substantial location differences in all performance criteria with the relatively stringent range environment (Manyberries, Alberta) resulting in greater cow losses, lower conception and weaning rates, and less weight of calf weaned than occurred under semi-intensive pasture management (Brandon, Manitoba). Barren culls comprised the largest proportion of cow losses with sire breed ranking C < S < L and dam breed ranking A < H < N for the exotic crosses at both locations. The C cross also ranked lowest for total attrition and highest for percentage conception and percentage of calves weaned per mating opportunity at each location. At Manyberries, these elements of performance combined to give C cross dams a slight advantage in weight of calf weaned per mating opportunity (143 vs. 139 kg for S cross dams), but this ranking was reversed at Brandon (176 vs. 181 kg for S cross). First-cross dams out of A cows at Manyberries ranked above the N cross in weight of calf weaned (139 vs. 135 kg), but this position was reversed at Brandon (172 vs. 176 kg). These changes in ranking at the two locations (C vs. S and A vs. N) may have reflected differences in the degree of environmental stress imposed by the lactation process. All of the sire breed (C, S, L) and dam breed (H, A, N) combinations ranked above the HA control for weight of calf weaned per mating opportunity. However, for this measure of productivity the L vs. HA difference at Manyberries (125 vs. 124 kg) was negligible.
EFFECT OF ADDITIVES CONTAINING LACTIC ACID BACTERIA AND/OR HYDROLYTIC ENZYMES WITH AN ANTIOXIDANT UPON THE PRESERVATION OF CORN OR ALFALFA SILAGE
Authors: BUCHANAN-SMITH J. G. , YAO Y. T.
Published: March 2010

A silage additive containing lactic acid bacteria was tested for its effect upon preservation of corn silage, 35–40% dry matter (DM), in four pairs of upright silos (100-t capacity). The additive did not affect (P > 0.05) final pH, lactic or acetic acid concentration, crude protein or NPN-N and NH4+-N expressed as a percent of total N. Recovery of energy from treated silage was greater than control in the two pairs of silos where this was determined, but recoveries of dry matter and crude protein were not consistently affected. Two silage additives, containing hydrolytic enzymes and an antioxidant with or without lactic acid bacteria, were tested on alfalfa, 20, 30, 36.5 and 47.3% DM, in 250-mL laboratory silos. The experimental design used a4 (DM level) × 4 (added glucose — 0,4,8 and 12%, DM basis) × 3 (additive — control, a hydrolytic enzyme/antioxidant additive (E/AO), and E/AO plus lactic acid bacteria (E/AO +)) factorial arrangement of treatments. Alfalfa was harvested using farm equipment. For 60-day silage, the additives as either a primary factor in the design or in second-order interactions with either silage DM or glucose showed no effect (P > 0.05) upon pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, Fleig score, residual water-soluble carbohydrate and percent of total N as NPN-N or ammonia-N. Poor quality silage resulted from the fermentation of alfalfa at 20 and 30% DM, and although additional glucose resolved this problem the additives did not. Beneficial effects of additional water-soluble carbohydrate in alfalfa silage fermentation are evident in data presented. Thus an additive containing an antioxidant and hydrolytic enzymes was not very effective and numbers of lactic acid bacteria in untreated alfalfa harvested with farm equipment must already be sufficient for adequate fermentation.
THE CYANIDE POTENTIAL OF SASKATOON SERVICEBERRY (Amelanchier alnifolia) AND CHOKECHERRY (Prunus virginiana)
Authors: MAJAK W. , McDIARMID R. E. , HALL J. W.
Published: March 2010

The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) potentials of saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) were compared. Shrub samples were collected from various sites about every 2 wk from March to September in 1979 and 1980. They were ground in dry ice and incubated with emulsin to release HCN which was used to estimate the concentration of the cyanogenic glycoside, prunasin. Prunasin levels indicated that chokecherry foliage was much more toxic at all stages of growth, but serviceberry foliage could be considered harzardous during bloom. In woody tissue, the HCN potential was approximately the same for both species and it exceeded the level required to produce acute signs of poisoning in cattle. The HCN potential increased in twigs during the dry year 1979, and this effect was greater in new growth of chokecherry as compared to serviceberry. Buds and flowers of both species showed higher prunasin levels than the fruit. The results of this survey should provide a basis for predicting the potential toxicity of serviceberry and chokecherry to ruminants.
BEHAVIORAL ACTIVITY, SERUM PROGESTERONE AND FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE OF HEIFERS FED MELENGESTROL ACETATE AND MONENSIN
Authors: HORTON G. M. J. , MANNS J. G. , NICHOLSON H. H. , HARROP G. ANNE
Published: March 2010

The effects of melengestrol acetate (MGA, The Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Mich.) and monensin (Rumensin, Elanco Division, Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, Ind.) on estrous activity and feedlot performance of 96 yearling Hereford heifers (293 kg) were evaluated. Monensin was included at 33 mg/kg diet, except during the first 14 days when 11 mg/kg was fed; heifers received 0.4 mg MGA/head/day. The four treatments were: (1) no additive (control); (2) monensin; (3) MGA; (4) monensin plus MGA. The heifers were fed a finishing diet containing 66% barley and 30% brome-alfalfa hay for 98 days. Blood samples for progesterone analysis were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 63, 70, 77 and 84 days after the start of the experiment. Morning and evening checks for estrous activity were made daily. Organic matter and crude protein digestion coefficients were increased (P < 0.05) by monensin, MGA and monensin plus MGA. Estrous activity was suppressed (P < 0.01) in heifers fed MGA and those fed monensin plus MGA. Serum progesterone concentrations in MGA and monensin plus MGA heifers were 42 and 51% lower (P < 0.01) than control values, respectively. Monensin improved (P < 0.05) feed efficiency by 6%. MGA increased (P < 0.05) daily gain by 12% but had no effect on feed utilization. Heifers fed monensin plus MGA gained 17% (P < 0.05) faster and utilized feed 9% more efficiently than control heifers. These results show that MGA suppressed estrous activity in feedlot heifers, and that improvements in daily gain and feed efficiency were greatest with MGA and monensin, respectively.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER AND LEGHORN BREEDERS FED CORN-SOYBEAN DIETS WITH GRADED SUPPLEMENTS OF VITAMIN B12
Authors: JACKSON S. , SUMMERS J. D. , LEESON S.
Published: March 2010

A trial was undertaken to study breed differences in response to vitamin B12 deficient diets. Commercial strain broiler and leghorn breeder hens, 28 wk of age, were fed corn-soybean diets supplemented with either 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004 or 0.005 mg vitamin B12 per kilogram diet. Each diet was tested with three replicate groups of eight individually caged birds for each strain. Birds were inseminated weekly, and all eggs set for incubation. Over a 24-wk period, diet had no effect on egg production, hatchability of fertile eggs, egg weight or eggshell deformation (P > 0.05). Analysis of diet ingredients indicated substantial quantities of vitamin B12 in both corn and soybean. The possible vitamin availability from such ingredients indicates the unlikely field occurrence of B12 deficiency in breeder hens.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN B12 ON PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF PIGS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROPIONIC ACID OR CALCIUM PROPIONATE
Authors: THACKER P. A. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

Effects of vitamin B12 supplementation of diets containing propionic acid (PA) or calcium propionate (CP) on average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), backfat measurements and fatty acid (FA) composition, were studied utilizing 80 crossbred pigs averaging 22.5 kg. Diets based on barley-soybean meal, containing 0, 3.5 or 7% PA or CP were fed with and without the addition of 4.95 mg of vitamin B12 per kg of diet. The addition of PA depressed average daily feed(ADF) intake, while CP had no effect. ADG was reduced when either 7% PA or CP was fed, but ADG was slightly improved when 3.5% PA or CP was fed. FCE was improved when 3.5 or 7% PA or 3.5% CP was fed, but 7% CP depressed FCE. Vitamin B12 supplementation slightly improved the ADG and FCE of pigs fed CP, but had no effect on pigs fed PA. None of these differences was significant at the 5% level. Addition of CP significantly reduced the thickness of carcass backfat in treated pigs. Supplementation with vitamin B12 eliminated this reduction. A similar, though non-significant, trend was observed with PA. Pigs fed 7% PA or CP had significantly higher levels of odd-chain FA 17:0 and 17:1 in carcass back fat. Addition of vitamin B12 mollified this effect. In addition, vitamin B12 supplementation of PA-treated pigs significantly increased the levels of the unsaturated FA 18:2 and 18:3.
EFFECT OF ALKALI TREATMENT AND AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF YELLOW AND ORIENTAL MUSTARD MEAL FOR SWINE
Authors: BELL J. M. , SHIRES A. , BLAKE J. A. , CAMPBELL S. , McGREGOR D. I.
Published: March 2010

Mustard seed batches of Brassica hirta 'Sabre' and of B. juncea 'Oriental' were oil-extracted, treated with Na2CO3 solutions to provide 0, 1 and 2% Na2CO3 based on meal, heat-treated, fed to growing pigs in diets containing 16–17% protein and tested in digestibility trials. Heat treatment alone resulted in significant reductions in glucosinolate content, especially of the allyl type in B. juncea. Na2CO3 treatment reduced glucosinolate and sinapine contents by 20–40% and reduced available lysine by 15–20%. Growth responses of swine showed Oriental meal to be inferior to Sabre meal and both inferior to soybean meal. Digestibility of Sabre protein was 64%; digestibility of energy was 65%, giving 12.3 MJ digestible energy (DE) per kilogram. Digestibility of Oriental protein was 87%; digestibility of energy was 65%, giving 12.3 MJ DE/kg. The nutritional differences between the mustard meals and soybean meal were attributed to glucosinolates affecting palatability or thyroid function, since available energy, protein or lysine were not sufficiently limiting in the diets to account for the dietary responses obtained. Nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors, correcting for both the amino acid composition of the protein and for the non-protein nitrogen component, were about 4.43 and 4.95 for mustard meals and soybean meal respectively.
DETERMINATION OF WATER IN FERMENTED FEEDS BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: FENTON T. W. , FENTON MIRJANA , MATHISON G. W.
Published: March 2010

A gas chromatographic procedure for measuring water in fermented feeds was developed and evaluated. The method involves extracting the water with alcohol followed by the separation of the water and alcohol with a Porapak QS column in a gas chromatograph equipped with a thermal conductivity detector. Linear responses were obtained when the ratios of the peak area of water to alcohol were plotted against the weight ratios of water to alcohol (mg/g). The method has the advantage of being very fast, and is as accurate as a chemical method used for water determination.
PHOTOPERIOD EFFECTS ON THE VOLUME, MOTILITY AND VIABILITY OF SPERMATOZOA DRAWN FROM CHICKEN MALES
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G.
Published: March 2010

Sexually mature males of a commercial chicken meat-type strain were exposed to a single daily photoperiod of 15.5, 14, 6 or 2 h over a 5-mo period. The fertility of males on the 2-h photoperiod was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that of birds on other photoperiods. Although males on the 6-h photoperiod had significantly lower spermatozoa motility, viability was unaffected (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the 6-, 14- and 15.5-h photopheriods supported optimum fertility for meat parent males.
GROWTH, PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CANADIAN BREED OF CATTLE AND ITS FIRST CROSS AND BACKCROSS WITH THE BROWN SWISS. I. BODY WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
Authors: RONY DOMINIQUE D. , FAHMY MOHAMED H. , HOLTMANN WILFRIED B.
Published: March 2010

Body weight and seven body dimensions measuring the length, height, width and depth were taken at birth and every 180 days up to 720 days of age on 49 pure Canadian, 49 first cross of 1/2 Brown Swiss 1/2 Canadian, and 30 backcross of 1/4 Brown Swiss 3/4 Canadian heifers. The animals were raised up to 180 days of age at the Deschambault Station, then half the pure Canadian and the first cross were transferred to the La Pocatière Station. At birth, the pure Canadian calves weighed 29.2 kg and were lighter than the first and backcrosses by 6.9 kg (24%) and 4.8 kg (16%), respectively. The two crosses exceeded the pure Canadian in all the dimensions, the differences being significant in height at shoulder and width at rumps. At 360 days of age the two crosses were about 6% heavier and 4% higher at shoulder than the pure Canadian. With the exception of body length after 1 yr of age in which the backcross was slightly inferior to the pure Canadian, the two crosses were generally larger than the pure Canadian, with the backcross being intermediate between the first cross and the pure Canadian. The effects of season of birth and age of dam were found to be non-significant on most of the traits studied in this experiment.
THE EFFECT OF A 15-H PHOTOPERIOD ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN BOARS AT 2, 3, 4 OR 5 MONTHS OF AGE
Authors: GREENBERG L. G. , MAHONE J. P.
Published: March 2010

The effects of supplemental lighting in stimulating reproductive function in prepuberal boars were studied using littermate boars divided equally into four groups (n = 9). All boars received natural daylight (9.2–12.8 h) until 2 mo of age, followed by artificial light given daily according to the following schedule: boars were exposed to a 15-h photoperiod beginning at the age of 2 (group I); 3 (group II); 4 (group III) or 5 mo (group IV). Libido scores of the four groups increased with age (P < 0.001). Seminal plasma protein (P < 0.01) and zinc concentration (P < 0.05), sperm-rich concentration, sperm-rich volume, total semen volume and total viable sperm increased (P < 0.05) with age in all four groups. The photoperiod treatment had no effect on semen quality on a per ejaculate basis between the groups; 15 h of light per day was not effective in accelerating the onset of puberty when administered from 2, 3, 4 or 5 mo of age onward.
PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS SUBJECTED TO WEEKLY CHANGES IN DIET COMPOSITION BASED ON PREDICTED AMINO ACID REQUIREMENTS
Authors: FISHER MARY LOU , LEESON S. , SUMMERS J. D. , SCHAEFER K.
Published: March 2010

A 7-wk floor trial experiment was conducted with male broiler chicks to investigate the use of a model equation to predict amino acid requirements. Chicks were fed two least-cost diet treatments based on (1) the National Research Council (NRC 1977) and (2) model-calculated amino acid recommendations. The dietary treatment based on model-calculated amino acid requirements supported a significantly (P < 0.01) better bird weight at 7 and 14 days. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in body weight was noted between treatments for the remainder of the growing period. A similar trend was noted for feed conversion, as the model treatment supported significantly better ratios (P < 0.01) from 0 to 7 and from 8 to 14 days of age. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in conformation, fleshing, breast or back finish were noted between birds of the two treatments. A cost analysis is presented; on the basis of feed cost per bird the model treatment was significantly (P < 0.01) superior to the NRC treatment for producing birds of a similar body weight in 49 days. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was noted between the two treatments on the basis of feed cost per kilogram of bird weight. These results indicate the potential of using model-predicted amino acid values as a basis for diet formulation.
NUTRITIVE VALUE AND QUALITY OF OAT GROATS FOR BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: HULAN H. W. , PROUDFOOT F. G. , ZARKADAS C. G.
Published: March 2010

Four experiments were carried out to ascertain the nutritive value and quality of oat groats (OG) as a partial replacement for corn and total replacement for wheat in practical diets for broiler chicken using one commercial broiler genotype, Cobb. In each of experiments 1 and 2, 360 day-old chicks of each sex were housed in Petersime batteries and fed starter (1–21 days) and finisher (23–42 days) diets containing 0, 200 and 400 g of Eastern (E) OG or Western (W) OG/kg. In each of experiments 3 and 4, 320 day-old chicks of each sex were housed in eight floor pens and fed starter diets containing 0, 400 and 600 g EOG/kg and finisher diets containing 0, 400, 600 and 800 g EOG/kg. Feeding up to 600 g/kg OG in starter diets and 800 g/kg in finisher diets had no significant adverse effect on biological performance or monetary returns.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND GENETIC EFFECTS ON PREWEANING PERFORMANCE OF CALVES FROM FIRST-CROSS COWS. II. GROWTH TRAITS
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M. , NEWMAN J. A. , RAHNEFELD G. W. , LAWSON J. E.
Published: March 2010

Environmental and genetic effects on preweaning growth traits were evaluated for 4034 calves born and 3732 calves weaned in second and later parities from contemporary populations of first-cross dams maintained at two locations, Brandon and Manyberries. The calves were sired by Chianina (Chi), Charolais (C), Limousin (L) and Simmental (S) bulls mated to 10 F1 dam crosses representing the Hereford × Angus (HA) and nine dam-cross combinations produced by matings of C, S and L sires with H, A and Shorthorn (N) females. Sex differences were important (P < 0.0001) with males averaging 7% heavier at birth and 5% higher in measures of postweaning growth than females. Location differences were negligible for birth weight (1.2%), but preweaning growth rate was 10–13% greater at Brandon (P < 0.0001) than at Manyberries. Year differences were large for all traits measured (P < 0.0001) and, with the exception of birth weight, were related to differences in annual weaning date. Progeny rankings by terminal sire breed were Chi > C (2.5%), Chi > S (4.2%), and Chi > L (11.4%) for birth weight (all P < 0.0001) and Chi = C = S > L by 6% (P < 0.0001) for all measures of preweaning growth. Ranking of the dam crosses by their breed of sire (DS) were C > S > L for birth weight (P < 0.0001) and S > C > L for preweaning growth (P < 0.0002). The paired DS comparisons indicated S > L by 9.1% and C > L by 2.7% for growth rate. Ranking of the dam crosses by their breed of dam (DD) were H = N > A (P < 0.0001) for birth weight and [Formula: see text] for preweaning growth traits. A location × dam cross interaction was evident for the Charolais × Shorthorn dam cross (P < 0.01). Progeny from all dam crosses except the LH and LA at Manyberries grew more rapidly than their contemporary controls (HA progeny) with the Simmental crosses averaging 11–14% higher than the HA. Genetic interactions involving breed of sire and breed of dam were absent. Key words: Beef cattle, crossbreeding, preweaning growth
CIRCULATING ESTROGEN LEVELS IN THE RAM: INFLUENCE OF SEASON AND MATING, AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AND MATING FREQUENCY
Authors: SANFORD L. M. , SIMARAKS S. , PALMER W. M. , HOWLAND B. E.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the relationship between circulating estrogen and testosterone levels in the adult ram. Experiment 1 involved assessing the mean concentration of these hormones in blood collected from eight rams during 8-h periods of both sexual inactivity and mating with estrus-induced ewes prior to and during the fall breeding season (early August, mid-September, early November and mid-December). Rams were bled at 20-min intervals by venipuncture of the jugular vein during all periods. Serum estrogen concentration increased approximately 40% to an average (± SE) of 11.2 ± 0.8 pg/mL between August and November, and in direct relation to testosterone concentration (r = 0.88); estrogen values were generally less than 0.2% of testosterone values. Mating activity was associated with increments in circulating estrogen in September only, while testosterone levels increased in both August and September. Frequency of mating (ejaculation) was highly and positively correlated with serum estrogen concentration among rams in August (r = 0.86) and within rams across months (r = 0.78). In exp. 2, the relationship between hour-to-hour fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone levels was examined for six rams in early winter. Rams were bled as in exp. 1 for 7 h, and two of the rams were given frequent intravenous injections of NIH-LH-S14 following the first 2 h of bleeding. Short-term variations in serum estrogen concentration were not consistently related to those in testosterone. Key words: Estrogen, season, mating, ram, testosterone, circulation
SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE OF YOUNG BEEF BULLS: RELATIONSHIP TO PAIRED TESTES WEIGHT, EFFECT OF BREED, AND PREDICTABILITY
Authors: COULTER G. H. , KELLER D. G.
Published: March 2010

The relationship between paired testes weight (PTW) and scrotal circumference (SC) was examined in 335, 1- and 2-yr-old Hereford and Angus bulls. Measurements were taken within 15 days of each other. The equation best describing these data is Y = − 722.28 + 36.53X (r = 0.95; SE = ± 57.6), where Y is PTW (including epididymides) in grams and X is SC in centimeters. Comparable equations having age in days or body weight in kilograms as the independent variable are Y = 70.46 + 0.76X (r = 0.80; SE = ± 108.2), and Y = 74.37 + 1.00X (r = 0.80; SE = ± 107.6), respectively. Differences in SC due to breed were examined in 3063, 1-yr-old beef bulls of nine breeds completing 140-day growth-performance tests. Data were adjusted for location-year and body weight for all breeds except Herefords, where age was also included. The average SC ± SE by breed were Simmental 37.7 ± 0.2 cm, Aberdeen Angus 35.6 ± 0.1 cm, Maine-Anjou 35.4 ± 0.2 cm, Charolais 34.7 ± 0.1 cm, horned Hereford 34.6 ± 0.1 cm, Shorthorn 34.2 ± 0.2 cm, polled Hereford 34.0 ± 0.2 cm, Blonde d'Aquitaine 32.4 ± 0.5 cm, and Limousin 32.1 ± 0.3 cm. Predictability of SC measurements at the end of growth performance tests from those taken at various times during the test varied from 0.44–0.68 at or near the beginning of the test period to 0.88–0.94 at 1 mo before the end. Although all correlations were highly significant (P < 0.01), only measurements taken within 1 mo of completing the growth-performance test were sufficiently predictable for culling 1-yr-old bulls. Correlation coefficients calculated between SC in 1-yr-old bulls and SC and PTW when they were 2 yr old were 0.76 and 0.65 (P < 0.01). These values suggest that SC in young beef bulls is a useful predictor of PTW. Also, this study showed that testis size of 1-yr-old bulls differed among breeds and that SC of 1-yr-old bulls can be used as an aid to select herd sires likely to have above-average testicular size, thereby increasing the probability of impregnating more females when under heavy breeding pressure. Key words; beef bulls, testis weight, predictability, breed
CATECHOLAMINE LEVELS AND NORADRENALINE TURNOVER RATE IN TISSUE OF WARM- AND COLD-ACCLIMATED SHEEP
Authors: GRAHAM A. D. , CHRISTOPHERSON R. J.
Published: March 2010

Concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A) and dopamine (DA) in the tissues of shorn sheep exposed to moderately cold (4–13 °C) temperatures for over 8 wk were not different from those of sheep exposed to 21–24 °C. Tissue catecholamine levels in sheep were similar to those of other species and the rumen and proximal colon levels of dopamine were not as high as has been previously reported for other sections of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract. Only the leg skin NA turnover rate, determined by measuring the decline in tissue NA specific activity following 3H-NA injection, was greater in cold- than warm-acclimated sheep. Key words: Sheep, catecholamine, noradrenaline, turnover, cold, acclimation
THE EFFECT OF TYPE OF SILO AND FORMIC ACID PRESERVATION ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF BARLEY, WHEAT AND OAT SILAGES FOR GROWING HEREFORD STEERS
Authors: HINGSTON A. R. , CHRISTENSEN DAVID A.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments with growing Hereford steers were conducted to evaluate four varieties of cereals preserved as plain silage, formic-acid-treated silage or ground and pelleted field-cured forage; and to compare farm-scale bunker silos with experimental, 1.1-m diam. steel culvert silos. In the first experiment, Bonanza barley, Glenlea and Wascana wheats, and Fraser oats were harvested at the mid-dough stage and stored as whole plant silage in steel culvert silos or were field-dried, baled and subsequently hammer-milled and pelleted. Bonanza barley, Wascana durum and Glenlea wheat silages had similar energy and protein digestibilities, while Fraser oat silages had less. Grinding and pelleting of the sun-cured cereal forages reduced digestibility by 9% but increased voluntary intakes of dry matter and digestible energy by over 40% and 25%, respectively. Grinding and pelleting removed almost all variation in intake due to cultivars. The addition of formic acid resulted in lower maximum silo temperatures, lower pH and increased nutrient recoveries from the silos. However, cereal silages treated with formic acid did not have significantly different nutrient digestibilities compared with the untreated silages. In the second experiment, Bonanza barley, Wascana wheat and Fraser oats were ensiled in steel culvert experimental silos or in 100-tonne capacity wooden bunker silos. These six silages were each fed to four 200-kg steers. As in exp. 1, Fraser oat silages had significantly lower protein and energy digestibilities; however, Fraser oat silages also had the highest dry mater intakes resulting in equal digestible energy intakes for the three cultivars of silage. Differences between silo types in digestibility and intake were not significant. There was a lower crude protein digestibility of Wascana wheat silage stored in a bunker silo, which was probably due to the high temperature in the Wascana bunker silo which may be attributed to its low moisture content. It was concluded, however, that the experimental silos were useful for purposes of silage evaluation and would produce silage similar to good quality farm-produced silage. Key words: Cattle, cereal silage, formic acid, silo type
EVALUATION OF STEAM-TREATED WHEAT STRAW AS A ROUGHAGE SOURCE IN DAIRY COW RATIONS
Authors: SHARMA H. R. , INGALLS J. R. , GUENTER W.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted involving a total of 24 Holstein cows to evaluate steam-treated (ST) wheat straw as a roughage source in mixed dairy rations. Diets containing ST straw (exp. 1) at 20 and 30% of the ration dry matter (DM) were consumed in amounts similar to a 30% ground alfalfa hay diet and in greater amounts than a mixed diet with 20% untreated (UT) wheat straw. Cows receiving the diet containing 30% alfalfa hay produced more (P < 0.05) milk per day than the group fed a mixed diet with 20% UT straw, but similar amounts to those cows fed the two ST straw diets. Milk fat (%) was not different (P > 0.05) among the four treatments. Cows fed the diet containing 30% ST straw had a lower (P < 0.05) ruminal fluid acetate: propionate ratio compared with a 20% UT straw mixed diet. In the second experiment, cows receiving a diet containing 30% ST straw plus 30% rolled barley in place of 60% corn silage consumed less (P < 0.05) total DM and produced less 4% fat-corrected milk per day with a depressed (P < 0.05) fat test. Propionic acid level in rumen fluid was elevated (P < 0.05), which lowered the acetate: propionate ratio in ruminal fluid of cows receiving the diet containing 30% ST straw compared to cows receiving the corn silage diet. Data from these studies suggest that up to 20% steam-treated wheat straw (DM basis) could be included in total mixed dairy rations without any appreciable influence on animal performance. However, at higher levels ST wheat straw is a less "effective" fiber or roughage source in dairy rations. Key words: steam-treated, wheat straw, Holstein cows, fat depression, feed consumption, effective fiber