bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal energy requirements of wapiti (Cervus elaphus) for maintenance and growth
Authors: Jiang Z. , Hudson R. J.
Published: March 2010

Seasonal energy intakes of 6- to 14-mo-old wapiti hinds were determined in energy balance trials under pen and field conditions in winter, spring and summer. Six animals grazed native pastures supplemented with alfalfa hay when pasture availability declined in winter. Another six were penned and fed alfalfa-barley pellets to maximize growth throughout the year. Season and diet-specific metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and liveweight gain were determined from regression of metabolizable energy intake on gain. Daily maintenance requirements of penned wapiti ranged from (mean ± SE) 473 ± 35 kJ kg−0.75 in winter to 728 ± 78 kJ kg−0.75 in summer. On spring and summer pasture, daily ecological maintenance requirements ranged from 900 ± 26 to 984 ± 37 kJ kg−0.75. Energy requirements for gain were the same in pen and field trials, ranging from 25 ± 6 to 33 ± 5 kJ g−1 in winter and from 40 ± 6 to 43 ± 12 kJ g−1 in spring and summer. This study provides basic information on the metabolizable energy needs of wapiti and insights into how their seasonal requirements can be optimally met. Key words: Elk, metabolizable energy requirement, growth, physiological maintenance, ecological maintenance, seasonality, energy balance
The effects of feeding frequency of concentrates and feeding sequence of hay on eating behavior, ruminal environment and milk production in dairy cows
Authors: Macleod G. K. , Colucci P. E. , Moore A. D. , Grieve D. G. , Lewis N.
Published: March 2010

Two lactation trials were conducted with Holstein cows to assess the effects of varying the feeding frequency of concentrates, addition of long hay, and the sequence of hay and grain feeding on performance, rumen fermentation and eating behavior. Numbers of primiparous and multiparous cows assigned to repeated Latin square designs (4 × 4) were 8 and 12 for exp. 1 and 12 and 20 for exp. 2. Each experiment utilized four extra rumen-fistulated lactating cows to examine aspects of rumen metabolism. The four treatments applied in exp. 1 were (a) twice-daily feeding of concentrate, no hay; (b) thrice-daily feeding of concentrate, no hay; (c) hay offered 1 h before concentrate; and (d) hay offered 1 h after concentrate. Treatments in exp. 2 were similar, with the following exceptions: (b) concentrate six times daily; (c) hay 2 h before concentrate; and (d) hay 0.5 h after concentrate. In each treatment in both experiments, alfalfa silage was offered ad libitum. The average concentrate/forage ratio of the diets was 74:26 and 60:40 for exp. 1 and 2, respectively. In exp. 1, except for time spent eating and concentration of rumen propionate (increased with addition of 2 kg hay d−1, P < 0.05), treatments had no effect on dry matter intake, milk production and rumen metabolism. In exp. 2, inclusion of hay in the diet (3 kg d−1) increased DM intake (P < 0.001) and milk (P < 0.05), protein and lactose (P < 0.01) yields but decreased milk-fat test (P < 0.01). Hay also increased the ruminal molar proportions of propionate, butyrate (P < 0.05) and valerate (P < 0.001) and decreased acetate (P < 0.05), isobutyrate and isovalerate (P < 0.001). As in exp. 1, rumen ammonia N and pH were not affected by treatments. The effects of hay inclusion in the diet in exp. 2 are consistent with the high quality of hay used, which had a lower fiber content than the silage. Key words: Feeding frequency, feeding sequence, lactating dairy cows
The effect of water quality on nutrient availability for grower/finisher pigs
Authors: Anderson J. S. , Anderson D. M. , Murphy J. M.
Published: March 2010

Two 6 × 6 Latin square experiments were conducted with male grower/finisher pigs (initial weight approximately 45 kg) to determine the effects of increasing levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water on the partitioning of nutrients from the diet. The first experiment consisted of six water treatments, 0 (distilled water), 370 (tap water), 1000, 4000, 6350, and 8000 ppm TDS. The increased TDS levels were obtained by the addition of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and sodium sulphate (in the ratio 3:3:1) to the tap water. At these levels there was no significant treatment effect (P > 0.05) on growth rate (GR), digestibility of energy (DE) or crude protein, or metabolizable crude protein. As water TDS increased, metabolizable energy (ME) decreased (P < 0.05) from 3150 kcal kg−1 to 2932 kcal kg−1. In the second experiment, six water treatments were prepared by the addition of magnesium sulphate, sodium sulphate, and sodium chloride (in the ratio of 3:3:1) to tap water (450 ppm TDS) to obtain water containing 1100, 4000, 7000, or 11 700 ppm TDS. Distilled water (0 ppm TDS) was used as a control. No significant treatment effect (P > 0.05) was observed for water intake, urinary output, GR, DE, ME, or metabolizable crude protein. However, sulphates at 11 700 ppm TDS significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. Mineral excretion, in feces and urine, and retention were also examined in both experiments. Key words: Water quality, pigs, salinity, digestibility, minerals
The effect of breed type on beef carcass characteristics and Canadian carcass grade
Authors: Jones S. D. M. , Thorlakson B. , Robertson W. M.
Published: March 2010

The carcass traits of 486 steers representing four breed types (British purebred, British crossbred, European crossbred, European purebred) were evaluated. Carcasses from European purebreds and crossbreds were heavier and leaner than those from British purebreds and crossbreds. British purebreds had a higher frequency of small marbling than European purebreds and crossbreds, but there was considerable variation in marbling across all breed types. It was concluded that European purebreds and crossbreds would return a higher market value than British purebreds and crossbreds under current marketing conditions. Key words: Cattle, carcasses, grade, breed
Comparison of growth and feed efficiency of steers fed barley and triticale diets
Authors: Goonewardene L. A. , Basarab J. A. , Zobell D. R.
Published: March 2010

Steers fed triticale adapted to the diet more slowly than those fed barley, resulting in reduced overall feed intake (9.4 vs. 10.5 kg d−1, P = 0.08) and average daily gain (ADG) (1.3 vs. 1.5 kg d−1, P = 0.08). No difference was detected in feed:gain ratio (7.1 vs. 6.8, P = 0.65). The reduced ADG in the triticale-fed steers may be due to reduced feed intake and the longer time required to adapt. Key words: Barley, triticale, steers, intake, performance, growth
A comparison of Canadian Holstein bulls with those in the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project
Authors: Lee A. J. , McAllister A. J. , Lin C. Y. , Batra T. R.
Published: March 2010

Direct comparisons of industry Holsteins to project Holsteins and to crossbred C lines in the National Cooperative Dairy Cattle Breeding Project were made at Ottawa. The industry Holstein group was composed of the eight Holstein young bulls in AI units awaiting proof in 1984, which had the highest pedigree indexes for protein yield. They were mated to both Holstein and crossbred C line females at Ottawa. Project Holstein and C line bulls were mated to females of their respective lines. Matings within the crossbred C line resulted in greater calving ease and fewer retained placentae (P < 0.05) than matings of Holsteins to either Holstein or C line females. Crossbred C line cattle were smaller and produced less milk, fat and protein in the first 24 wk of first lactation than Holsteins. Project and industry Holstein progeny were equivalent in early first lactation, milk fat and protein yield, but progeny of industry bulls were larger at all ages. Selection for protein yield over 14 yr in a 300 milking cow population produced young bulls of comparable genetic merit for production traits to that of intensely pedigree selected industry bulls. Key words: Holstein, selection, crossbred, yield, heifer
Nutritive value of high moisture alfalfa hay preserved with Pediococcus pentosaceus
Authors: Wittenberg K. M.
Published: March 2010

A bacterial preparation containing two strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus was applied at the rate of 4.8 × 105 cfu g−1 dry matter (DM) to 20–25% moisture alfalfa forage at the time of baling (Wet-PP). Hay storage and feed quality characteristics were compared with forage baled at the same moisture level without application of the bacterial preparation (Wet) and at the conventionally recommended moisture level of 15–20% moisture (Dry). Precipitation during the wilting period resulted in lower (P < 0.05) crude protein and higher (P < 0.05) acid detergent fibre and acid insoluble nitrogen concentrations for Dry relative to forage baled at 20–25% moisture at the time of stacking. Application of Pediococcus pentosaceus improved stability of hay baled and stacked at 20–25% moisture. Acid detergent fibre and chitin concentrations changed less (P < 0.05) for Wet-PP than for Wet. Post-storage visual colour and dust scores were better (P < 0.05) for Wet-PP than for Wet. When forage was fed to growing lambs, DM, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were 4.6, 10 and 6.7% units higher (P < 0.05), respectively, for Wet-PP than for Wet. No differences in intake and nitrogen balance were observed for animals offered the two hay treatments baled at 20–25% moisture. Dry forage was very stable during storage, based on bale temperatures, nutrient profiles, DM retention and measurement of fungal biomass. Lower feed value and higher fungal biomass in Dry hay resulted in lower (P < 0.05) intake and DM and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities relative to Wet and Wet-PP. Key words: Hay, storage, Pediococcus pentosaceus, inoculant, intake, digestibility
Effects of dietary copper, molybdenum and sulfur on biliary copper and zinc excretion in Simmental and Angus cattle
Authors: Gooneratne S. R. , Christensen D. A. , Bailey J. V. , Symonds H. W.
Published: March 2010

The effect of increased dietary copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and sulfur (S) on biliary Cu and zinc (Zn) excretion was studied in four Angus and four Simmental heifers surgically prepared for bile collection. Initially, two of each breed were fed a low(L)-Cu and two a high(H)-Cu diet for 2 mo. All animals were then transferred sequentially to diets containing LCu–HS for 1.5 mo, HCu–HS for 2 mo, HCu–HMo for 2 mo and HCu–HMo–HS for 2 mo. Bile flow and biliary Cu and Zn concentration were measured on two consecutive days each month. Plasma Cu concentrations were measured once monthly. Biliary Cu concentrations (mg L−1) and bile Cu excretion (mg 6h−1) were greater (P < 0.05) in cattle fed the HCu diet than those fed the LCu diet. The greatest overall excretion of Cu (P < 0.05) occurred during feeding of the HCu–HMo–HS diet. Dietary concentrations of Cu, Mo or S did not affect the biliary Zn concentration except in cattle fed the LCu diet when Zn excretion was low. The present study describes for the first time a breed difference in biliary Cu excretion in cattle. Biliary Cu concentration was higher (P < 0.001) in the Simmental cattle than in the Angus cattle. Biliary Cu excretion during the first day of each 2-d sampling period was significantly higher than during the second day. This was a combined effect of a greater bile flow (P < 0.005) and biliary Cu concentration (P < 0.05). In contrast, both biliary Zn concentration and biliary Zn excretion were higher (P < 0.0001) during the second day of sampling. Diet-related changes in plasma total Cu and the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) - soluble Cu were evident. The highest TCA-soluble Cu concentration was observed during feeding of the HCu diet. A decline in plasma Cu concentration occurred during HS feeding. A TCA-insoluble plasma Cu fraction could be detected only during HCu–HMo–HS feeding. These experiments support the view that at least one of the mechanisms by which excess dietary levels of Mo and S induce hypocuprosis in ruminants is by increasing biliary Cu excretion. Key words: Copper, molybdenum, sulfur, biliary excretion, cattle
Canola meal and diet acid-base balance for broilers
Authors: Summers J. D. , Bedford M.
Published: March 2010

Experiments were undertaken to investigate the influence of dietary sulphur, calcium and altered anion-cation balance on the response of chicks fed soybean or canola meal diets.The addition of supplemental sulphur to a semi-purified soybean meal diet resulted in a marked decrease in feed intake and weight gain. Additional dietary calcium helped to alleviate the depression caused by excess dietary sulphur. Plotting dietary meq (ranging from −3.7 to +13.4) against weight gain suggested that anion–cation balance was responsible, in part, for the responses noted. Supplementing a canola meal semi-purified diet with sulphur, calcium and a mixture of potassium and sodium carbonate to alter diet anion–cation balance by 0, 10 and 20 meq confirmed that the interaction noted with dietary sulphur and calcium supplementation of soybean and canola meals diets is caused in large part by changes in anion–cation balance of the diet. Thus the present data confirm previous suggestions that part of the growth depression noted with canola meal supplemented diets is due to its high sulphur content and thus an altering of anion–cation balance. Key words: Broilers, canola meal, acid base balance, sulphur, sodium, calcium, potassium
Hen performance, egg quality, and the sensory evaluation of eggs from SCWL hens fed dietary flax
Authors: Caston L. J. , Squires E. J. , Leeson S.
Published: March 2010

Two hundred and twenty-five 19-wk-old Single Comb White Leghorn pullets of a commercial strain were fed diets containing either 0, 10 or 20% ground flax seed. Birds fed 20% dietary flax were smaller and ate more feed (P < 0.01). Hen performance in terms of egg production and egg-shell deformation was unaffected by dietary flax throughout the trial. Egg weight followed this trend until period 12, when control-fed hens laid significantly larger eggs (P < 0.01). The metabolizable energy of diets containing 10 and 20% ground flax was significantly less than that of the control corn-soybean diet (P < 0.01). Malondialdehyde levels in the liver of birds fed 20% dietary flax were moderately elevated, although this was not indicative of serious lipid peroxidation. Percentage liver fat was significantly lower in birds fed all levels of dietary flax (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase of N-3 fatty acids, and particularly linolenic acid, in the livers of birds fed all levels of dietary flax. The data from taste-panel studies involving fresh and stored eggs were somewhat inconclusive, although in general there was a slight perception of off-flavour in eggs from flax-fed birds. Key words: Hen performance, egg quality, dietary flax
Factors influencing particle size distributions in finely ground forage
Authors: Soofi-Siawash R. , Mathison G. W.
Published: March 2010

Two studies were conducted to assess the possibility of using particle size distribution following grinding as a routine procedure of forage evaluation. It was concluded that although differences in particle size distribution could be detected when different feeds were ground, it would be difficult to standardize the technique since particle size distributions were influenced by type of mill used for grinding, particle size of forage before grinding, and moisture content of the forage. Key words: Forages, grinding, particle size, moisture, mill
Effects of flavouring agents on intake of silage by feedlot steers
Authors: Corkum M. J. , Bate L. A. , Lirette A. , Tennessen T.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-five yearling Hereford steers with an average weight of 358 ± 32 kg were randomly assigned to one of five groups of seven animals to determine the effect of adding flavouring agents to grass-legume silage at feeding time. The trial was designed as a 5 × 5 Latin square with each group receiving each of the 5 treatments for a 12-d period. The flavouring agents chosen represented major taste groups: sweet (aspartame (Asp) at 0.025% as fed), acid (hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 0.625% as fed), salt (sodium chloride (NaCl) at 0.6% as fed), and monosodium glutamate (MSG) at 1% as fed. Daily intakes were measured. Monosodium glutamate increased silage intake (P < 0.05). The results suggest that addition of MSG may be of possible practical use as a silage additive to increase silage intake by yearling steers. Key words: Steer, aspartame, monosodium glutamate, intake, flavour, silage
Procedure for analysis of α-tocopherol acetate in bovine ruminal fluid
Authors: McDiarmid R. E. , Majak W. , Cheng K.-J.
Published: March 2010

A procedure was developed for the rapid analysis of vitamin E in bovine ruminal fluid. α-Tocopherol acetate (20 ppm) was not degraded in vitro nor was there evidence of ester hydrolysis when it was incubated for 24 h in ruminal fluid from cattle fed three forage diets. Key words: Vitamin E, α-tocopherol acetate, ruminal fluid, cattle
Selection indices for Canadian beef production using specialized sire and dam lines
Authors: MacNeil M. D. , Newman S.
Published: March 2010

Relative economic values and literature estimates of genetic and phenotypic variances and covariances were used to develop selection indices for specialized maternal and terminal strains of beef cattle. The envisioned commercial production setting used three maternal strains mated in rotation. Yearling heifers were mated to a terminal sire strain (M3) to minimize dystocia and neonatal mortality without closely monitored calving. Mature cows were bred to a second terminal strain (TX) to produce market progeny. Acccuracies for all indices were low: 0.22, 0.22 and 0.19 for the maternal strains, M3 and TX, respectively. Predicted correlated responses to index selection were not economically favorable for all traits within strain but were offsetting between strains. At the production system level, genetic improvement in profitability resulted from all traits except feed conversion. Fertility and calf survival were improved in all strains. Direct genetic potential for growth was reduced in the maternal strains but was increased in TX and to a lesser degree in M3. There was a tradeoff between maternal and terminal strains in responses of carcass traits. Maternal strains increased in dressing percentage and decreased in cutability, while M3 and TX decreased in dressing percentage and increased in cutability. Arduously slow improvement in profitability is anticipated: $1.07 per breeding female per unit of selection response. Key words: Beef cattle, selection program, selection index
Consumer responses to pork loin chops with different degrees of muscle quality in two western Canadian cities
Authors: Jeremiah L. E.
Published: March 2010

A total of 1115 consumers were interviewed at random as they passed through seven supermarkets in Calgary and eight in Edmonton, Alberta. Stores were strategically selected to be representative of all age, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups to the extent they were represented in the populations of these cities. Consumers were asked to evaluate the packages of pork loin chops in an array containing an equal number of packages from each of three muscle quality groups (pale, soft, exudative (PSE); normal; and dark, firm, dry (DFD)) and to rank them in their order of preference. Care was taken to ensure that all chops were equal in size and trimmed to a uniform fat thickness. In addition, consumers were asked to identify packages they would be unwilling to purchase and to give pertinent demographic information. Results indicated consumers most preferred DFD chops and least preferred PSE chops. However, some groups of consumers exhibited greatest preference for PSE chops, while others exhibited greatest preference for normal appearing chops. Although present findings for the majority of consumers coupled with previous findings regarding palatability suggest pork muscle quality standards should be revised to make DFD, but not extremely DFD, the highest quality group, Alberta results may not reflect consumer responses in other areas. Key words: Consumer response, quality, pork, western Canada
The efficacy of high and low voltage electrical stimulation under different chilling regimes
Authors: Aalhus J. L. , Jones S. D. M. , Best D. R. , Robertson W. M. , Lutz S.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy, in terms of beef quality, of low voltage (LV), high voltage (HV) and combined low and high voltage (LH) electrical stimulation under two chilling regimes (blast chilling, BC; conventional chilling, CC).In both experiments, regardless of the type of electrical stimulation, shear values were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in stimulated carcasses compared with non-stimulated control carcasses (CON). Despite the results of the objective measures of shear, taste panel data from exp. 1 indicated a preference for steaks from treatments subjected to high voltage stimulation (HV and LH; P < 0.01). Colour of the musculature in electrically stimulated carcasses was significantly lighter and brighter than CON carcasses in both experiments. However, in exp. 2, where LV was applied for 40 s, a small proportion (~ 10%) of the carcass sides exhibited a pale, soft, exudative condition. This was reflected in the significantly higher drip losses in the LH and LV treatments in exp. 2. Overall, these results indicate an advantage of HV over LV stimulation. Since high voltage stimulation resulted in improved objective measures of meat quality and improved palatability, its use can be recommended to Canadian packers.Under the blast chilling conditions employed in the present studies there were no significant interactive effects with electrical stimulation. Blast chilling resulted in a significant reduction in cooler shrink (P < 0.01), a darker meat colour (P < 0.01) and slightly higher shear force values. The small magnitude of the increase in shear force (approximately 0.3 kg) was not identified by the taste panel and is unlikely to be detected by consumers. Key words: Beef quality, high voltage, low voltage, electrical stimulation
Validation of a heart-rate monitor for measuring a stress response in dairy cows
Authors: Hopster Hans , Blokhuis Harry J.
Published: March 2010

In three experiments, a commercial non-invasive heart-rate monitor, Polar® Sport Tester (PST), was validated for use with dairy cows. First, 10 monitors were tested using a pulse generator, which produced pulses at levels between 30 and 240 bpm. PST values and generated beats were highly correlated (r = 0.97) but with varying delay (5–55 s), depending on pulse-rate level.In a second experiment, 10 dairy cows were quietly standing or exercising on a treadmill while their heart rates were recorded by direct-wire electrocardiograph (ECG) as well as the PST. Correlations between ECG and PST values during standing (0.88) and exercising (0.72) were significant and differed between cows. During standing, inter-beat interval and PST standard deviations were significantly correlated (Rsp = 0.76), as were their coefficients of variation (Rsp = 0.89).The third experiment showed that the heart rate of 10 dairy cows increased rapidly immediately after an individual was isolated from the herd. Cows showed no obvious signs of being hampered by the equipment during the 1-h trials.Change in heart rate may be a relevant parameter for studying an animal's response to a stressor. As heart-rate variability is thought to serve as an important mechanism for adaptability in humans, this aspect needs further attention in farm animals. The PST is suitable for measuring both heart rate and heart-rate variability in dairy cows. Key words: Heart rate, dairy cows, stress, treadmill
The effect of transparent fluid on fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality following insemination of a normal number of stored fowl spermatozoa
Authors: Wambeke F. Van , Fujihara N.
Published: March 2010

Pure semen and semen containing 30% transparent fluid (TF) were diluted twofold in Van Wambeke's diluent and stored for 24 h at 2–5 °C. Caged dwarf breeders were inseminated weekly for 5 consecutive weeks with: (a) 0.08 mL of pure, stored semen per hen (310 × 106 sp.), (b) 0.08 mL of semen containing TF (217 × 106 spermatozoa (sp.)), (c) 0.092 mL of semen containing TF (250 × 106 sp.), or (d) 0.025 mL of pure, fresh semen (194 × 106 sp.). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality between the fresh control and the pure, stored semen nor with the supplementation of semen with TF. Key words: Fowl semen, transparent fluid, storage, fertility, hatchability
Strategies of feeding high-energy supplements to primiparous dairy cows
Authors: Robinson P. H.
Published: March 2010

Primiparous lactating dairy cows were utilized in two experiments to evaluate productive benefits of modifying the strategy of feeding a mixed concentrate fed as a supplement to an all-forage mixed ration (exp. 1), and to evaluate the productive benefit of modifying the sequence of feeding two supplementary grains, with differing rates of rumen fermentation, in relation to a high-forage (60.8% of dry matter) mixed ration (exp. 2). Results of exp. 1 did not demonstrate differences in production parameters as a result of modifying the strategy of feeding supplemental concentrate to include a night feeding at 02:30, either in replacement of, or in addition to, a more traditional feeding time of 21:00. Results of exp. 2 did not demonstrate significant changes in production parameters by feeding supplemental grain subsequent to a high-forage mixed ration, as opposed to before it, regardless of the rumen fermentability of the grain. However, rumen fermentability of the grain did influence milk yield and its components. These data demonstrate that manipulating supplemental concentrate allocation strategy, or supplemental grain feeding sequences relative to forage, under the conditions of these experiments, are not of practical importance in primiparous dairy cows. Key words: Management, strategy, sequence, dairy cattle
Influence of barley silage:concentrate ratio on rate and efficiency of liveweight gain, diet digestibility and carcass characteristics of beef steers
Authors: Hironaka R. , Freeze B. , Kozub G. C. , Beauchemin K. A.
Published: March 2010

Eighty steers were fed diets with eight ratios of 100:0, 75.1:24.9, 58.3:41.7, 34.4:65.6, 18.9:81.1, 8.0–92.0, 3.7:96.3 or 0:100 barley silage:concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Diets were fed to provide about equal digestible energy (DE) per unit liveweight for 24 wk, then fed to appetite until the steers reached a market weight of about 515 kg. Steers receiving the 100% silage diet were fed for ad libitum intake from week 24 to week 52 (28 wk) and were then fed 100% concentrate diet until they reached market weight. The average daily gain (ADG) of steers fed 100% silage was lower than that of those fed forage and concentrate. Efficiency of DE utilization for liveweight gain increased at a decreasing rate as level of concentrate in the diet increased. Carcass backfat thickness increased with rate of gain. Digestibility of energy, DM, crude protein (CP), and starch exhibited a curvilinear response to increasing levels of concentrate in the diet. The proportion of concentrate in the diet for maximum economic benefit depends on the cost per unit of DE from silage versus that of barley, the efficiency of DE utilization for liveweight gain and time to reach market weight. Key words: Beef cattle, barley, barley silage, forage:concentrate ratio, digestibility
Analysis of different layers of joint cartilage from pigs treated with and without recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST)
Authors: He P. , Aherne F. X. , Nakano T. , Schaefer A. L. , Thompson J. R.
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in different layers of joint cartilage of pigs. Effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) treatment of pigs on cartilage composition was also examined. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of GAG uronic acid and collagen (measured as hydroxyproline) varied (P < 0.05) between different layers and were reduced (P < 0.05) by the rpST treatment. Key words: Osteochondrosis, articular-epiphyseal cartilage, hydroxyproline, glycosaminoglycan, recombinant porcine somatotropin, pigs
Analysis of tissues from normal lambs and those with spider syndrome
Authors: Nakano T. , Walker B. , Young B. A.
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken to examine tissue abnormalities in sheep with spider lamb syndrome (SLS). The major skeletal abnormalities found in SLS animals were cartilage erosion and bone abnormalities with large amounts of cartilaginous tissues present in the spongy bone (chondrodysplasia). Eroded cartilage contained lower (P < 0.05) than normal concentrations of both collagen and proteoglycan. Key words: Spider lamb syndrome, cartilage, bone, sheep
Slaughter and carcass traits of calves from first-cross and reciprocal back-cross beef cows
Authors: Newman J. A. , Tong A. K. W. , Jones S. D. M. , Rahnefeld G. W. , Bailey D. R. C. , Fredeen H. T. , Weiss G. M.
Published: March 2010

Breed-of-dam and sex-of-calf effects are reported based on observation of 2007 heifer and steer carcasses. The carcasses were derived from Limousin-sired calves born to dams representing 15 F1 and backcross genotypes reared at two locations over a period of 5 yr. The calves represented Hereford × Angus, Charolais × Shorthorn, Simmental × Shorthorn and all backcross combinations involving Charolais or Simmental with Hereford, Angus or Shorthorn. Carcass traits were analyzed on an unadjusted, a constant hot-carcass weight, and a constant rib-fat depth basis. The slaughter criteria dictated that steers were heavier at slaughter than heifers. They also exhibited higher dressing yield, greater longissimus thoracis area, and lower fat depth. Charolais and Simmental breeding was associated with less rib fat depth, greater longissimus thoracis area, a higher proportion of preferred cuts, less dissectible fat, more bone and more lean in the preferred cuts than British beef breeding. Within the European (Charolais and Simmental) and British beef (Hereford, Angus and Shorthorn) breed groups, breed effects were smaller, but for carcass composition traits they were frequently significant. When compared with Simmental, Charolais breeding tended to be associated with less marbling, less rib fat depth, less dissectible fat and more lean in the preferred cuts. Among the British beef breeds, Hereford was associated with the highest proportion of preferred cuts, Shorthorn with the lowest rib fat depth — but the highest dissectible fat — and Angus with the most marbling, the greatest longissimus thoracis area and the lowest bone content. This research has demonstrated that breed effects for carcass composition traits tend to be additive and that a significant effect may be associated with substitution of as little as one-eighth of the breed composition. Key words: Beef cattle, slaughter traits, carcass traits, breed type, crossbred dam, backcross dam
Effect of starch type, total β-glucans and acid detergent fiber levels on the energy content of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for poultry and swine
Authors: Miller M. C. , Froseth J. A. , Wyatt C. L. , Ullrich S. E.
Published: March 2010

Effects of starch type, total β-glucans and ADF levels on DMD, nitrogen-corrected TME for poultry and DE for swine were evaluated in four experiments utilizing synthetic barley mixtures produced by differential pearling and milling. Forty-seven mature roosters were used in exp. 1 and 45 were used in exp. 3 to determine DMD and TME for poultry and 3 duodenally cannulated pigs were used in exps. 2 and 4 to determine DMD and DE for swine utilizing the MNBT. In exps. 1 and 2, synthetic barley (normal starch) with 11.0% ADF contained lower TME (2733 kcal kg−1) and DE (3278 kcal kg−1) compared to barley with 3.5% ADF (3371 and 3943 kcal kg−1, respectively). Increasing total β-glucans from 3.4 to 6.8% decreased TME from 3248 to 2855 kcal kg−1 and DE from 3679 to 3542 kcal kg−1. In exps. 3 and 4, there was an interaction between ADF and starch type. With normal starch, increasing ADF from 2.1 to 12.0% reduced TME from 3301 to 2630 kcal kg−1 and DE from 4018 to 3247 kcal kg−1 but with waxy starch, increasing ADF had no effect on either TME (2996 vs. 3086 kcal kg−1) or DE (3918 vs. 3712 kcal kg−1). These data suggest that the energy content of barley for poultry and swine is decreased greatly by high ADF and less by high total β-glucans, that β-glucans have a larger negative effect on energy for poultry than for swine, but that high ADF has a minimal effect on energy when barley starch is waxy regardless of the level of β-glucans. The negative effects of high β-glucans from waxy barley in exps. 3 and 4 were more apparent when the diets were low in ADF. Key words: Barley, fiber, energy, digestibility, β-glucans
Effect of cimaterol on growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality in double-muscled Belgian White-blue bulls
Authors: Boucqué Ch. V. , Fiems L. O. , Cottyn B. G. , Moermans R. J. , Sommer M.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-two double-muscled Belgian White-blue bulls, within a liveweight range of 542 (± 37) to 722 (± 31) kg, daily received 0 or 60 μg cimaterol kg−1 liveweight in a corn silage diet for 136 (± 29) d. Cimaterol slightly improved average daily gain from 1.28 to 1.38 kg (P > 0.05). Cold carcass weight and dressing were increased by cimaterol from 497.0 to 514.6 kg (P < 0.05) and from 71.0 to 72.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. Even in extremely meaty animals, cimaterol exerted a significant repartitioning effect towards more meat and less fat, both in the carcass and in the longissimus thoracis muscle. Cimaterol increased the shear force value from 37.1 to 52.7 N (P < 0.001) but had no effect on other organoleptical traits. Key words: Cimaterol, double-muscled bulls, growth, carcass, meat quality
Formaldehyde in milk not affected by feeding soybean meal coated with chemically treated zein
Authors: Atwal A. S. , Mahadevan S.
Published: March 2010

Feeding of soybean meal coated with chemically treated zein has previously been shown to markedly increase milk production. This research also showed that the level of formaldehyde in the soybean meal coated with chemically treated zein was 290% of that in commercial soybean meal. However, results of the present study show that feeding of total mixed diets containing 12.1% of treated SBM resulted in no change in the formaldehyde content of milk. Key words: Formaldehyde, milk quality
Negative feedback of insulin-like growth factor-I on growth hormone secretion by porcine pituitary cells
Authors: Farmer C. , Lapierre H.
Published: March 2010

Pituitaries from female Yorkshire pig fetuses (90 d, n = 26; 110 d, n = 17) and 6-mo-old pigs (n = 5) were enzymatically dispersed, plated, and cultured for 47 h. The cells were then rinsed and incubated for 22 h with testing media containing 0, 50, 100, 200, 300 or 400 ng mL−1 of IGF-I. Half of the wells from each concentration of IGF-I were then incubated for an additional 3 h with concentrations of IGF-I similar to those in the previous incubation, while the other half also had GRF added to the testing media to reach a final concentration of 10−8 M. Culture media were then collected from all the wells, were frozen, and later assayed for GH. Irrespective of whether GRF was present, IGF-I decreased pituitary secretion of GH (P < 0.001). A significant negative response to IGF-I was already present at the dose of 50 ng mL−1 (P < 0.0001). However, the extent of the GH response to IGF-I seen in pigs of various ages differed depending on whether GRF was present. The present results therefore establish that IGF-I does exert a negative feedback on pituitary GH secretion in swine and that the age-related changes in this feedback are dependent on the presence of GRF. In swine, it appears that high circulating concentrations of GH in late-gestation fetuses are not a result of a lesser sensitivity of the somatotroph to the inhibitory actions of IGF-I. Key words: Pig, cell culture, pituitary, IGF-I, growth hormone, age
Effects of dietary cation–anion concentrations on performance and acid–base balance in growing lambs
Authors: Fauchon C. , Seoane J. R. , Bernier J. F.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four castrated lambs (32.4 ± 4.1 kg BW) were used to study the effect of varying dietary cation–anion concentration [C–A] on performance and acid–base balance. The diets contained approximately 100, 300, 500 and 700 mequiv Na + K − Cl kg−1 of feed. Each group of six lambs was fed one of the diets ad libitum during a 6-wk test. Increasing the [C–A] of the diets resulted in higher feed intake and higher daily gains (P < 0.01) without affecting feed efficiency. Apparent digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the dietary treatments but a negative relationship was found between intake and energy digestibility (P < 0.01). Blood pH was lower in lambs receiving the 100 [C–A] diet (P < 0.05). Blood bicarbonate and base excess increased as [C–A] in the diet increased from 300 to 700 mequiv (P < 0.05). Plasma Mg concentration decreased with increasing dietary [C–A] (P < 0.01). Urinary pH and urine volume increased as [C–A] in the diet increased (P < 0.01). The results indicate that diets containing between 500 and 700 mequiv Na + K − Cl kg−1 stimulated growth by allowing greater feed intake and greater daily gains with little effect on nutrient digestibility. Blood profile showed a systemic response to dietary changes in [C–A], but indicated that lambs were able to adapt to cation loads since the values obtained for acid–base balance were within physiological range for lambs. Key words: Cation–anion, acid–base, lambs
Post-weaning excretion of purine derivatives by young calves
Authors: Funaba M. , Kagiyama K. , Iriki T. , Abe M.
Published: March 2010

Intestinal flow of MN was estimated from urinary purine derivative output in calves. Although estimated MN output (g d−1) increased with age, it was restricted to the period between weeks 6 and 11 after weaning when expressed as g d−1 kg−0.75. The estimated MN output to digestible organic matter ratio decreased with time after weaning, although the cubic contrast indicated to be highest on wks 1 and 11. Key words: Microbial nitrogen supply, purine derivatives, growing calves
Observations on the birth of goats
Authors: Ramirez A. , Quiles A. , Hevia M. , Sotillo F.
Published: March 2010

The parturient behavior of 90 Murciano-Granadina goats was analyzed. Hourly frequencies of births showed a unimodal distribution with a maximum number of births between 10:00 and 18:00 h (74.45%). Twenty-four births (26.66%) took place with the goat standing, and sixty-six births (73.33%) took place with the goat recumbent. Fetuses were presented head-first (80.95%), breech (14.97%) and forelegs first (4.08%). Length of labor was 19.49 min for single birth and 30.36 min for twins (first born and second born, 14.52 and 15.84 min, respectively). Time for complete expulsion of placental tissue for goats with single and twin births was 86.58 ± 4.93 and 106.57 ± 4.80 min, respectively. Finally, placentophagy for goats with single or twin births was: total ingestion (0%; 0%), partial ingestion (33.33%; 52%), licking (46.67%; 36%), and no contact (20%; 12%), respectively. Key words: Goat, parturition, placentophagy
The relationship between progeny performance and sire expected progeny differences for central test postweaning gain
Authors: Kemp R. A. , Sullivan P. G.
Published: March 2010

On-farm records (84 770) were available to evaluate the relationship between BW and WW with sires' expected progeny difference for central test postweaning gain, both within (EPD) and across (ABC) breeds. Regression coefficients for BW and WW on sire ABC were 0.03 ± 0.01 and 0.25 ± 0.05, respectively. For EPDs, coefficients for BW and WW were either positive (P < 0.05) or not different from zero (P < 0.13) for all breeds. Young sire selection based on central test postweaning gain ABC can be used to change progeny BW and WW. Key words: Central test, sire expected progeny difference, progeny performance
Assessment of stem shearing force for three alfalfa cultivars grown under dryland and irrigated conditions
Authors: Iwaasa A. D. , Beauchemin K. A. , Acharya S. N. , Buchanan-Smith J. G.
Published: March 2010

The Ottawa Texture Measuring System was used to assess the shearing force of three alfalfa cultivars at similar physiological maturity. Shearing force of stems varied among growing conditions and shearing locations. A significant positive relationship was observed between shearing force and stem diameter. Shearing force may indicate stem fragility and provide a rationale for differences in forage breakdown during mastication. Key words: Alfalfa, Ottawa Texture Measuring System, Warner-Bratzler blade, physical property, shearing force
Effect of age at weaning (30 vs. 60 day) on intake, growth, serum hormone and metabolite profiles in young ewe and ram lambs
Authors: Holcombe D. W. , Beam S. W. , Krysl L. J. , Judkins M. B. , Hallford D. M.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four Polypay lambs (12 sets of twins; 12 ewe and 12 ram lambs) born within a 3-d period were randomly allotted at birth within sex group to be weaned at either 30 (EW) or 60 (LW) d of age. Six lambs (three ewe and three ram lambs)/treatment were intensively bled at 30, 37, 60, and 67 d of age. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in EW lambs following weaning and up through weaning of LW lambs. Throughout the study, BW were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments; however, ram lambs were heavier (P < 0.05) than ewe lambs beginning at 18 d of age. At 37 d of age, EW lambs had lower (P < 0.05) insulin and IGF-I concentrations (P = 0.10), and greater (P < 0.05) GHmn values than LW lambs. Ram lambs had greater (P < 0.05) serum GHmn, GHbl and GHam values, and greater (P < 0.05) serum insulin and IGF-I concentrations than ewe lambs at 30, 60, and 67 d of age. At 37 d of age, EW lambs had lower (P < 0.05) insulin:GH ratios than LW lambs. At 37 d of age, PRLmn and PRLam values were lower (P < 0.05) in EW lambs than LW Lambs, and rams had lower (P < 0.05) PRLam values than ewe lambs. The results indicate that weaning at 30 d of age is associated with major changes in metabolic hormones 1 wk postweaning, whereas weaning at 60 d of age had no apparent effect on hormonal patterns postweaning. Differences between EW and LW lambs may reflect early postweaning feed intake, along with stage of rumen development at weaning. Key words: Lambs, growth, hormones, weaning, metabolites
Nutritional evaluation and processing of canola hulls for ruminants
Authors: McKinnon J. J. , Mustafa A. F. , Cohen R. D. H.
Published: March 2010

This study examined the nutritional value of canola hulls for ruminants and the effects of processing on in situ ruminal nutrient disappearance. VI and apparent DMD, CPD, ADFD and NDFD (%) and DE content (MJ kg−1 DM) of canola hull supplemented diets were determined in a total tract digestibility trial using 12 ram lambs. The dietary treatments were 100% alfalfa hay; 75% alfalfa hay: 25% canola hulls; 50% alfalfa hay: 50% canola hulls; 25% alfalfa hay: 75% canola hulls. In situ disappearance of treated and untreated canola hulls was determined using two fistulated cows. Processing treatments included: untreated hulls; ammoniation; solvent extraction; and ammoniation and solvent extraction. As canola hull inclusion rate increased, DM intake, DMD, CPD, ADFD and NDFD decreased (P < 0.05) linearly. Digestible energy values did not differ between diets, suggesting that canola hulls have a DE value (9.3 MJ DE kg−1 DM) similar to the alfalfa hay used in the trial. Ruminal nutrient disappearance and kinetic parameters were not improved by ammoniation or solvent extraction. It is concluded that supplementation of canola hulls to alfalfa based diets will reduce nutrient digestibility and DM intake when fed to growing ram lambs. Ammoniation is not an effective treatment for improving in situ nutrient disappearance from canola hulls. Key words: Canola hulls, nutrient utilization, ammoniation, solvent extraction, ruminants
Morphology of cartilage and bone trauma in the elbow joint of growing swine
Authors: Nakano T. , Aherne F. X.
Published: March 2010

Osteochondrosis and trauma are major causes of lameness in pigs, especially in breeding stock. However, less is known about the effects of trauma in joint cartilage than about osteochondrosis. This report describes the incidence and consequences of trauma in the elbow joints of growing swine. We suggest that lesions caused by trauma involve compression, twisting and plowing in the joint. Key words: Cartilage, bone, trauma, elbow joint, swine
Concentrations of vitamin C in milk of sows and in plasma of piglets
Authors: Hidiroglou M. , Batra T. R.
Published: March 2010

Colostrum or milk samples from 10 sows and blood plasma samples from 68 piglets were taken between 0 and 28 d after farrowing and analyzed for ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography with electro-chemical detector. Ascorbic acid content of colostrum (265.0 μm mL−1) was more than twice that of subsequently produced milk (100.0 μg mL−1) at 7 d of age. Ascorbic acid content of blood plasma of piglets at birth after uptake of colostrum was 13.1 μg mL−1, which slowly declined during the first 28 d of age to 3.2 μg mL−1. The dehydroascorbic acid concentration in the plasma of piglets ranged from 3.0 μg mL−1 to 3.9 μg mL−1from 7 d to 28 d of age. There was a significant positive correlation between piglet plasma ascorbic acid and maternal milk ascorbic acid concentration. Key words: Ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, colostrum
Selective tooth clipping in the management of low-birth-weight piglets
Authors: Robert S. , Thompson B.K. , Fraser D.
Published: March 2010

A study was designed to test the potential benefits of selective tooth clipping (the practice of leaving the eye teeth intact in the smallest piglets of a litter to make them more competitive) under commercial conditions. A total of 346 litters were assigned to either the control treatment where all piglets had their teeth clipped, or the experimental treatment where one or more piglets of low birth weight had their teeth left intact. Piglets were weighed within 24 h of birth and at 7, 21 and 56 d. In litters of 12–14 animals, but not in smaller litters, the lower-birth-weight piglets had lower mortality in experimental than in control litters (32.0 vs. 39.8%), whereas higher-birth-weight piglets showed a trend in the opposite direction, with 14.4% mortality in experimental vs. 13.2% in control litters (P = 0.05). The weight gain of lower-birth-weight piglets was greater (166 vs. 143 g d−1) in experimental than in control litters of 9–11 piglets, but the heavier piglets competing against the small litter-mates with intact teeth had lower weight gains than the controls (177 vs. 187 g d−1) (P < 0.02). Within-litter variance of 21-d weights was about 15% smaller (P < 0.005) in experimental than in control litters. Thus, selective tooth-clipping does not improve overall growth and survival, but it contributes to more uniform weaning weights and may help the most vulnerable piglets to remain alive until fostering or other intervention can be accomplished. Key words: Tooth clipping, piglet, mortality, weight gain