bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in the behaviour of high and low yielding dairy cows selected by genetic merit
Authors: Cooper M.D. , Arney D. R. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: June 2019

The effects of high milk yields on the behaviour and welfare of the dairy cow are unclear. A high milk yield increases the need to consume sufficient fodder in an attempt to meet high nutrient demands. The failure to meet the demands may result in persistent hunger in the dairy cow having to modify her behaviour by employing various coping strategies. These modifications may help the cow overcome a state of hunger but at the expense of being unable to express other important behaviours. The objective of this study was therefore to determine whether the behaviour and welfare of the genetically high yielding dairy cow is being compromised by the increased nutritional demands of milk production, and to investigate the possibility that an increased amount of time spent in food-directed behaviours may have a detrimental effect on the time available to perform other important behaviours.
Leptin and its receptors: Modulation of the neuroendocrine axis
Authors: Houseknecht K.L.
Published: June 2019

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein synthesized and secreted primarily by adipocytes. Leptin was discovered in 1994 as the gene product deficient in the obese ob/ob mouse. In addition to profound obesity, these animals are characterized by multiple, complex neuroendocrine disorders that manifest in severe insulin resistance and infertility. We now know that leptin is involved in the regulation of appetite, body weight, energy balance, reproduction and the neuroendocrine axis in animals and man. Additionally, leptin has been shown to regulate immune function and anorexia associated with disease.
Has Animal Science failed Society?
Authors: Webster John
Published: June 2019

Animal Science is, by convention, both applied and limited in scope. It is applied because it is directed towards the ‘better’ use of animals to serve man, usually in the form of a meal. Most Animal Science is limited because it focuses on what happens within the animal, a fascinating but rather inflexible link in the food chain, or detail on the broad environmental canvas. The success, failure (or complete irrelevance) of applied Animal Science is defined by what society understands as ‘better’ and by the extent to which animal scientists have contributed to this good.
Genetic control of host resistance to ruminant gastrointestinal parasites
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Stear M.J.
Published: June 2019

On a global scale, ruminant diseases caused by gastrointestinal parasite infection are the diseases with the greatest impact upon animal health and productivity (Perry et al., 2002). The problems associated with anthelmintic resistance amongst nematode parasites are well known, and considerable effort is now being made to devise alternative and complementary control strategies. Selection of animals with enhanced resistance is one such control strategy. This paper considers the genetic control of host resistance to gastrointestinal parasites and the selection of host animals with genetically enhanced resistance.
Welfare and Ethics
Authors: Scruton Roger
Published: June 2019

The application of welfare science to the study of both domestic and wild animals raises important ethical questions which the science itself cannot answer, and my purpose in the paper is to give a framework for answering these questions. I shall also try to evaluate the contribution that welfare science can make to difficult questions of wildlife management.
The legacy of positivism and the role of ethics in animal science
Authors: Thompson Paul B.
Published: June 2019

A slow but steady shift in perspective on the need to address ethical issues within the professional activity of animal scientists has been underway for almost twenty years. Increasingly the issue is less whether animal scientists should be discussing ethical issues in their classes, at their professional meetings and in their interactions with client groups, but how they should do so. This paper will provide some arguments in support of this general trend, and will make some suggestions about how animal scientists can increase their capacity to address ethical issues as part of their professional responsibility.
The ‘Livestock Revolution’ – can poor livestock-keepers benefit?
Authors: Peacock Christie
Published: June 2019

The projected increase in global demand for animal products, recently termed ‘the Livestock Revolution’, presents livestock keepers, in both the developed and the developing world, with many opportunities but also some problems. The increase in demand, mainly in South and South-East Asia, is described, disaggregated by region and product type. Some of the implications, in terms of the environment, public health, grain prices etc, of this increase in demand are also identified.
The effect of slaughter weight on production characteristics of Holstein-Friesian male cattle
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Keady T.W.J. , Patterson D.C. , Steen R.W.J.
Published: June 2019

Holstein-Friesian bull calves, although bred for dairy traits, are available at low cost as a potential resource for the beef industry. Finishing of these cattle on intensive feeding regimes has become more attractive in recent years reflecting, inter alia, the reduction in cereal prices and availability of subsidy payments. However, in the future, market-driven economy, production systems must become more efficient if they are to remain viable. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of slaughter weight on production characteristics of Holstein-Friesian bulls offered cereal-based diets, whilst also evaluating the effects of sexual status on performance attributes.
Genetic associations between maturity rate and functional traits in Swiss Holsteins
Authors: de Haas Y. , Kadarmideen H.N. , Wegmann S. , Neuenschwander T.
Published: June 2019

Adulthood of a dairy cow is reached when she is about 60 months old, but cows first calve at a much younger age. Therefore, most heifers are still growing during their first lactation and part of the energy and protein intake will be assigned to this purpose. As the cow grows closer to mature body weight and is able to use more energy and protein for the milk production, milk production will increase from 1st to 2nd to 3rd lactation, but the amount of increase differs among cows. A gradual production increase is believed to be found in trouble-free cows (i.e. cows with good fertility and high disease resistance), and is a measure of the maturity rate (MR), where maturity is defined as reaching mature body weight. Genetic variance for this production increase exists (Krogmeier et al., 2003). The aim of this study was to define MR in a way that enables selection, and to estimate genetic correlations with functional traits.
Genetic heterogeneity of residual variance within families for body weight in poultry
Authors: Rowe S.J. , White I.M.S. , Avendano S. , Hill W.G.
Published: June 2019

In classical quantitative genetic models, phenotypic value depends on genotype, but phenotypic variation among individuals of the same genotype is assumed to be the same for all genotypes. ANOVA and other statistical tests are underpinned by the assumption of a multivariate normal distribution with homogenous variances and independent normally distributed deviations. Heterogeneity of phenotypic or environmental variance has been estimated in dairy cattle (Brotherstone and Hill, 1986). Models and analyses developed by SanChristobal et al. (1998) and Sorenson and Waagepeterson (2003) provide strong evidence for litter size in pigs of heterogeneity of residual variance under genetic control. Environmental sensitivity dependent upon genotype has implications for livestock production, and may explain phenomena such as plasticity and canalisation. The aim was to calculate variability in within family variance among large half sib broiler families, in order to test for the presence of and quantify heterogeneity in residual variation amongst genotypes.
Genetic parameters for a heavy female turkey line
Authors: Kranis A. D. , Woolliams J. A. , Hill W. G. , Hocking P. M.
Published: June 2019

The major selection criterion in the turkey breeding industry is increased breast muscle and body weight in order to adapt to market demands. In female lines a dual selection for both body weight and egg production is performed. However, most published estimates indicate a variable correlation between growth and egg number (Nestor et al., 1996) and so the challenge posed is how to best to select for those opposing goals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of simultaneous selection for body weight and egg number by estimating the genetic parameters for a research population held by a commercial company in two different locations.
The effect of changes in nutrient demand on gastrointestinal parasitism in lactating rats
Authors: Normanton H. N. , Houdijk J. G. M. , Jessop N. S. , P. Knox D. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

A recent study carried out by Houdijk et al (2005), used a rodent model to assess whether a reduction in protein scarcity during lactation resulted in a reduced degree of parasitism. Feeding high protein foods resulted in a reduced worm burden, but was confounded with increased food intake per se. Therefore, effects observed on parasitism may not necessarily have been associated with an increased protein supply, but with changes in the gut environment due to the increased food intake. Before this model can be used to assess the underlying immune responses, further work is needed to verify that the effects observed are indeed related to changes in nutrient supply. This experiment aimed to provide further evidence on the nutritional control of parasitism during lactation by manipulating nutrient demand. It was expected that the latter would not be associated with changes in food intake per se and results could therefore be used to exclude the influence of non-immunological changes in the gut environment as a contributing factor of reduced parasitism.
Profiles of genetic changes of linear type in Holstein Friesians
Authors: Wall E. , Brotherstone S. , Coffey M. P.
Published: June 2019

Changes in body condition score and other linear type traits can be indicative of changes in body energy balance in dairy cattle (Coffey et al., 2003). As an animal proceeds through her lactation it is expected that body shape and fatness levels will change both with peaks and troughs of lactation as well as changes as the animal grows and matures. Wall et al. (2005) showed that udder support (US) was correlated to fertility; cows with weaker udders had poorer fertility. If there are differences between animals in terms of how their udders grow and mature across the first lactation, this could be indicative of health and fertility problems later in life. The aim of this study was to examine how type traits recorded in the national dairy population change over the first lactation and if there is a difference between sires in the type profiles of their daughters.
Selection for improved lean growth in Large White pigs can affect levels of total white blood cell counts, CD11R1+ leukocytes and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein
Authors: Clapperton M. , Bishop S. C. , Cameron N. D. , Glass E. J.
Published: June 2019

Productivity in pigs can be improved by continued selection, however the impact of such selection on immune responses and resistance towards infectious challenges is not known. A risk is that this method may lead to a correlated reduction in the immune response and disease resistance. To estimate the effect of selection for performance traits upon immune responses, we compared levels of immune traits between divergent lines of Large White pigs selected for either lean growth under restricted feeding or feed intake.
Prediction of body weight and composition in lactating dairy cows: Prediction of empty body contents of lipid and crude protein
Authors: Agnew R. E. , Yan T. , Porter M. G.
Published: June 2019

The accurate prediction of body composition of dairy cows is important for developing appropriate nutritional and management regimes. The objective of the present study was to develop prediction equations for empty body (EB) composition of lactating dairy cows using body weight and other live animal data.
The effect of rate of inclusion of processed, urea-treated whole-crop wheat on the intake and milk production and apparent digestibility in dairy cows
Authors: Bond A.J. , Readman R.J. , Huntington J.A. , Sinclair L.A.
Published: June 2019

The development of a forage processor that grinds the grains in whole-crop wheat (WCW) prior to ensiling has been shown to improve whole tract digestibility of the starch component and improve the efficiency of forage utilisation (Jackson et al. 2004). This allows wheat to be harvested over a much wider harvest window than was previously possible. Further work (Bond et al., 2004) demonstrated that animals fed processed, urea-treated WCW harvested at 700 g dry matter (DM) per kg had a significantly higher milk yield than those fed fermented WCW harvested at approximately 450 g DM/kg, or urea-treated WCW harvested at approximately 850 g DM/kg. Previously, processed, urea-treated WCW for dairy cows has been included at 0.67 of the forage DM intake, although, the optimal inclusion rate of processed WCW is unclear. The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of rate of inclusion of processed, urea-treated WCW on the performance and apparent digestibility in dairy cows.
Dissemination of outputs from a cluster of livestock production programme projects in Zimbabwe
Authors: Smith T. , Morton J. F. , Nengomasha E.
Published: June 2019

During the mid to late 1990’s a cluster of Livestock Production Programme (LPP) projects, funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) was established in Zimbabwe, as a representative country of southern sub-Saharan Africa, to develop outputs to increase the livestock contribution to the alleviation of poverty. All stakeholders were involved with the projects from the planning stage and participatory on-farm research was a key feature. Several of the projects addressed one of the major constraints to livestock production in arid and semi-arid areas, dry season feeding, the animal species considered being poultry, donkeys (draught power), goats and milking cows. The benefits of these projects can only be realised through effective dissemination to relevant target groups (farmers, extension staff, which because of failing government extension services in several African countries, must include NGOs, churches and local organizations, and policy makers) and development of relevant training materials.
Increasing the productivity of smallholder owned goats through supplementation with tree fruits
Authors: Smith T. , Owen E. , Mueller-Harvey I. , Sikosana J. L. N. , Mlambo V.
Published: June 2019

Production from smallholder owned goats in the semi-arid tropics is constrained by dry season feed shortages. Kid mortality is high and low growth rate of kids weaned at the onset of the dry season delays slaughtering of males and breeding in females. Supplementation with purchased feed is unaffordable so only locally available, probably non-conventional feeds can be considered. In Southern Zimbabwe, the typical natural vegetation in communal grazing areas consists of annual and perennial grasses and trees and shrubs, many of which are Acacia species. In this project tree fruits, from Acacia and other available species were evaluated as dry season protein supplements for goats.
Mammary specific function of a bovine mammary epithelial cell (ABERMEC) clone cultured on collagen I coated inserts in the presence and absence of foetal bovine serum
Authors: M H.R. , Rose M.T. , Aso H. , Haresign W. , Davies B.
Published: June 2019

The aim was to establish a representative model of the bovine mammary gland in order to underpin applied research in mammary gland development and lactation. Cell culture insert methodology is currently being utilized in place of a three dimensional culture system, the shortcomings of which have been discussed elsewhere (McConochie et al., 2004). Cell culture insert methodology offers a promising alternative, with the potential to recreate in vitro a polarised epithelial layer. Previously it has been shown that on collagen I coated inserts, ABERMEC are able to synthesise and secrete mammary specific proteins in the apparent absence of the key mediators laminin and prolactin. It was hypothesised that undefined factors in serum were a possible cause for this phenomenon.
Prediction of the reproductive status of cattle on the basis of milk progesterone measures
Authors: Friggens N. C. , Mizeck G. , Chagunda G.
Published: June 2019

The trend of increasing cow numbers per husbandry person makes it difficult to achieve good reproductive management by traditional means. A system to predict the reproductive status of cows would be of great value. There exist time-series models for detecting oestrus from milk traits other than progesterone and decision strategies for interpreting progesterone measures have been suggested but a system combining these aspects to predict not just oestrus but reproductive status throughout the reproductive cycle is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop such a model on the basis of automated milk progesterone sampling.
Effect of crossing Blackface ewes with five sire genotypes on performance of F1 and F2 offspring
Authors: Carson A. F. , Dawson L. E. R.
Published: June 2019

Relative to purebreeding, crossbreeding in the hill flock has been shown to increase lamb growth rates from birth to weaning by up to 12% and weight of lamb weaned by up to 24%, depending on ewe and ram breeds concerned (Carson et al 2001). Traditionally crossbred females produced in the hill are sold to the lowland as replacement females, so that potential hybrid vigour effects associated with crossbreeds are not fully exploited in the hill environment. A research programme has been established in Northern Ireland to investigate the potential for retaining crossbred females in the hill environment, as replacement breeding females, to improve the genetic potential of the hill flock. This paper presents the results from the first phase of the study which involved the production of the crossbred lambs from Scottish Blackface ewes (over 3-years) and the first year of the second phase, an evaluation of the performance of crossbred ewes as breeding females in the hill sector.
Identifying QTL for meat quality and carcass composition traits in Blackface sheep
Authors: Karamichou E. , Nute G.R. , Richardson R.I. , McLean K. , Bishop S.C.
Published: June 2019

The development of genetic markers and their application to farm animals has progressed rapidly, opening new prospects for identifying chromosomal regions that control quantitative traits (quantitative trait loci or QTL). However, there is less activity in QTL identification in sheep than in other livestock species. Surprisingly few QTL have been published for traits of direct relevance to sheep meat production, apart from studies of individual major genes such as the callipyge locus (Freking et al, 2002). This suggests there may be more QTL effects still to be found in sheep. Hence, this study aims to identify QTL for carcass composition and meat quality traits. This will provide a basis for targeting genomic regions to verify QTL in independent sheep populations.
Effects of the strategic supplementation of does’ diets on goat performance and smallstock keeper livelihood in the Gangetic plains of Nepal
Authors: Rymer C. , Jayaswal M.L. , Neupane K.P. , Shrestha S.P. , Lama N. , Jha V.N , Neupane D.
Published: June 2019

Keeping goats can make an important contribution to the livelihoods of small and landless farmers in Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries. Work with four communities in the Dhanusha district of southern Nepal identified that a key constraint to goatkeeping in this area was doe infertility. Of 114 does over 10 months old that were monitored for a 12 month period, 33 did not kid and a further six were sold because of infertility. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of strategic supplementation of does’ diets on doe and kid performance, and on the contribution that the goat flock made to the livelihoods of the goatkeepers.
Bayesian segregation analysis of osteochondral diseases in pigs to determine major gene role
Authors: Kadarmideen H. N. , Janss L.L. G.
Published: June 2019

Osteochondrosis (OC) in pigs is an abnormal condition in the bone development which has high economic and welfare implications. Select for OC resistance would be difficult to achieve due to low polygenic heritability (∼0.06 – 0.15; Kadarmideen et al., 2004), unless a major gene exists. Segregation analysis provides evidence for major gene using only phenotypic data. Bayesian Segregation Analysis (BSA) method via Gibbs sampling is suitable for pedigreed animal population as shown in the application of this methodology to milk flow in dairy cattle (Ilahi and Kadarmideen, 2004). The main objective of this study was to conduct a BSA to determine whether osteochondral disease in pigs has mixed inheritance (major + polygenes).
The eating quality of Scottish beef – a whole chain approach
Authors: Richardson R. I. , Edwards S. A. , Hunter A. , Nute G. R. , Simm G. , Vipond J.
Published: June 2019

There are many studies that show that breed, gender, age and feeding regime influence animal growth rate, meat yield and composition. These factors, together with slaughter and post-slaughter conditions, are thought to influence tenderness and flavour attributes of meat (Thompson, 2002)). Low variability is highly desirable and processes such as ‘A blueprint for improved consistent quality beef’ (MLC, 1999) in the UK has attempted to improve the level and consistency of beef eating quality. This project was designed to test a package of best-practice techniques, both on-farm and in-abattoir, on the eating quality of Scottish beef as assessed by a trained sensory panel and a recruited take-home panel.
The eating quality of Scottish lamb – a whole chain approach
Authors: Vipond J. E. , Richardson R. I. , Hunter E. A. , Nute G. R. , Edwards S.A. , Simm G.
Published: June 2019

There are many studies that show that breed, gender, age and feeding regime influence animal growth rate, meat yield and composition. These factors, together with slaughter and post-slaughter conditions, are thought to influence tenderness and flavour attributes of meat (Thompson, 2002)). Low variability is highly desirable and processes such as ‘A blueprint for improved consistent quality lamb’ (MLC, 1999) in the UK have attempted to improve the level and consistency of lamb eating quality. The purpose of this trial was to test whether the adoption of several key enhanced on–farm and in-abattoir practices led to improved eating quality throughout the lamb production season, especially for heavier, lean carcasses.
The effect of genotype, carcass weight and fat classification, and pelvic hanging technique on meat quality
Authors: Lively F.O. , Keady T.W.J. , Moss B.W. , Patterson D.C. , Kilpatrick D.J.
Published: June 2019

Currently 53 and 47% of prime beef production in Northern Ireland originates from beef and dairy herds, respectively. The beef herd comprises of a diverse range of genotypes which result in major variability in carcass weights, conformation and fat classification. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of genotype, carcass weight and fat classification, and pelvic hanging technique on meat quality.
Calpastatin gene promoter activity associated with growth promoter pathways in pigs
Authors: Sensky P. L. , Jewell K. K. , Ryan K. J. P. , Parr T. , Bardsley R. G. , Buttery P. J.
Published: June 2019

β-agonists are known to enhance muscle growth in livestock species, although sometimes at the expense of increased meat toughness. In pigs, administration of porcine somatotropin (pST) produces muscle hypertrophy without detrimental effects on toughness. Calpastatin, a specific inhibitor that regulates the calpain proteinases responsible for cleavage of myofibrillar proteins, has a key role in growth and the rate at which meat tenderises postmortem. In the porcine calpastatin gene there are at least three calpastatin promoters (upstream of exons 1xa, 1xb and 1u respectively), of which 1u is used predominantly in skeletal muscle. All three promoters contain transcription factor binding motifs suggesting sensitivity to β-agonist/cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) and IGF-1/Ca2+/calcineurin-mediated signalling pathways (Parr et al., 2004). It was previously shown that expression of calpastatin mRNA from all three promoters can be increased in pigs treated with clenbuterol and suppressed in pST-treated animals (Sensky et al., 2004), suggesting differential regulation by the two pathways. In this study, the effect of manipulating these pathways is evaluated in vitro in order to determine if there is a specific element within the porcine 1u promoter that is responsive to both pathways, using rat muscle cells transfected with a series of 5’-deleted porcine 1u promoter constructs and treated with cAMP analogues and the calcium ionophore calcimycin.
Grazing and plant biodiversity in upland acid grassland systems - why can we manipulate animal performance easily but not plant biodiversity?
Authors: Waterhouse A. , Holland J.P , J.Milner
Published: June 2019

Upland livestock systems dominate land use on upland semi-natural habitats of high conservation value. The future is unclear. CAP reform is likely to highlight the poor financial performance of hill livestock, cross compliance may be very light and agri-environmental support for positive management is likely to be limited. There is much debate about management for different objectives. Trends of abandonment of livestock grazing may continue. This paper highlights alternative outcomes of management of semi-natural grasslands and the linked impacts on livestock production.
Native breeds and conservation management: an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Authors: Small R. W.
Published: June 2019

Developments in UK agriculture and nature conservation provide promising prospects for native breeds of farm livestock, and hence for the conservation of their genetic resource, but only if certain difficulties can be overcome. This analysis explores the opportunities provided by those developments, the strengths and weaknesses of the use of native breeds in conservation management, and threats posed to native breeds by extraneous factors.
Grazing animals as habitat engineers for ground-nesting birds – a review of the issues
Authors: Norris K.
Published: June 2019

Habitats associated with livestock production systems are important in terms of avian biodiversity in the UK and across Europe. Livestock play an integral role in structuring grassland habitats, which in turn affects their suitability for different ground-nesting bird species. Such habitat engineering is driven mainly by the effect of grazing on plant species composition and vegetation structure. However, ground-nesting birds are also negatively affected by the presence of grazing animals since livestock destroy nests mainly through trampling.
The relationship between body dimensions of living pigs and their carcass composition
Authors: Doeschl-Wilson A. B. , Green D. M. , Fisher A. V. , Carroll S. , Schofield C. P. , Whittemore C. T.
Published: June 2019

Recent analysis pointed towards visual imaging analysis (VIA), which yields pig body size measures and shape indices from two-dimensional visual images of living pigs, as a potential technique for estimating fat and lean content in pig carcasses (Doeschl et al., 2004). The present analysis further explored the potential of using VIA body size and shape indices as indicators of the proportion of lean and fat in various carcass joints, either alone or in combination with ultrasonic backfat depth of the live animal. Due to increasing interest in the shape of retail cuts in the meat industry, the association between VIA size measures and the dimensions of the longissimus dorsi and gluteobiceps muscles is also assessed.
Effect of a bovine colostrum supplementation in piglet diet at weaning on growth performances, food ingestion and faecal E. coli concentrations
Authors: Boudry C. , Didderen I. , Wavreille J. , Portetelle D. , Dehoux J-P , Buldgen A.
Published: June 2019

In the perspective of the complete ban of antibiotic growth promoters use in animal food by 2006, many alternatives have been studied. However, most of them are not yet technically and/or economically competitive with antibiotics. In this way, the incorporation of bovine colostrum in piglet diets has been studied. Bovine colostrum was chosen for its high concentration in growth promoting and anti-microbial peptides (Playford et al., 2000) and for its high availability. The aims of this study were to measure the efficiency of a bovine colostrum supplementation on growth performances of newly weaned piglets and to evaluate its effects on the digestive and immunological troubles involved by weaning (Pluske et al., 1997 and Vega-Lopez et al., 1995).
The presence or absence of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA fragments in the blood, tissues and digesta of broilers consuming genetically modified dietary ingredients
Authors: Deaville E. R. , Maddison B. C.
Published: June 2019

The global area sown to genetically modified (GM) crops has increased rapidly from 1.7 million ha in 1996 to 67.7 million ha in 2003 (James, 2003). While GM crops have been shown to be substantially equivalent (e.g. Clarke and Ipharraguerre, 2000), the use of GM crops (e.g. maize grain) or components/products from them (e.g. soyabean meal) in livestock diets has raised a number of safety concerns including, the potential for transgenic DNA to transfer to animal-derived products intended for human consumption. Therefore, the aim was to determine the presence or absence of transgenic and endogenous plant DNA fragments in the blood, tissues and digesta of broilers consuming GM-based diets.
The effect of supplemental zinc source in late pregnancy and early lactation on the health and performance of ewe and lambs
Authors: Mackenzie A. M. , Wilde D. , E. Pattinson S. , Wilkinson R. G.
Published: June 2019

Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for the activity of numerous enzymes. Supplemental zinc is considered normal for ruminant livestock to ensure that requirements are met. Although zinc deficiency is not generally recognised in the UK, there is considerable evidence that this supplemental zinc is beneficial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of partially replacing zinc oxide with a zinc proteinate in the diet of ewes in late pregnancy and lactation on performance and health of ewes and lambs.
Effect of replacing fishmeal with HP 300 on growth performance of piglets from weaning to 28 days post weaning under commercial conditions
Authors: Muturia1 K. N. , Sung W. H. , McPherson O. , Scaife J. R.
Published: June 2019

The recent ban on animal protein sources as livestock feed has lead to an increased demand for alternative protein sources (Salgado et al., 2001). Soya protein has been suggested as a potential alternative to fishmeal in weaner diets in sustainable pig production systems. However, the digestion of soya products is known to be reduced by the presence of antinutritional factors such as protease inhibitors and lectins (Lallès, 1993). Several methods have been devised to refine soya thereby increasing ileal digestibility’s (Shon et al, 1994). Some of the refined products include isolate soy protein and soybean protein concentrate. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effect of replacing fishmeal (FO) with HP 300 a soya isolate product on growth performance of piglets from weaning to 28 days post weaning under commercial conditions.
Occurrence of mycotoxins in straw used in pig deep litter systems in Australia
Authors: Moore D. D.
Published: June 2019

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi under certain stress periods (Smith and Seddon 1998). When ingested, mycotoxins cause insidious losses, ill thrift and reduced disease resistance. Zearalenone is known to cause hyperestrogesium in pigs and hence a reduction in fertility in both sows and boars can occur (Binder 2004). Certain mycotoxins such as zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxinivalenol (DON) are produced by fungi of the fusarium species on crops in the field. Fusarium pseudograminearum (Crown Rot) produces both DON and ZEA in decreasing levels up the tiller of winter cereals (Blaney et al. 1987). Most studies carried out so far analysed the occurrence of mycotoxins in the grain and less is known about the prevalence of mycotoxins in the straw of the crop. Housing of sows during gestation on straw is becoming a favoured production system due to environmental and public perception pressures. The intake of straw by weaners on straw based systems has been found to account for 11.5% of total feed intake (Barneveld et al. 2004), such that there could be a considerable risk for increased ingestion of mycotoxins in animals on straw based systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins in straw used for deep litter in Australian deep litter pig production systems.
Evaluation of the effect of dietary crude protein reduction, with or without fishmeal, on post weaning performance
Authors: Overend M. A. , Tibble S. , Le Bellego L.
Published: June 2019

The post-weaning phase is a critical period in pig growth. The transition from sow milk to solid plant or animal proteins together with the physiological development of the intestinal tract can sometimes lead to digestive disorders depressing growth and impacting upon the lifetime performance of the pig herd. Lowering feed protein level or changing the type of protein offered appears as a practical solution to decrease the incidence and severity of digestive disorders leading to diarrhoea. It is crucial that in reducing crude protein levels that the balance of amino acids are maintained to meet the pigs requirement for growth. Fishmeal is often used in diets as a source of protein and amino acids. It also is said to be an aid to palatability. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of post-weaned piglets offered diets that differed in crude protein content and in protein source from weaning until 43 days post-weaning.
Phosphorus and calcium metabolism in growing horses fed diets with different calcium levels
Authors: Furtado C. E. , Abdalla A. L. , Quadros J. B. S. , Dias R. S. , Lopes J. B. , Bueno I. C. S. , Godoy P. B. , Filho S. L. S. Cabral , Rodrigues R. R. , Roque A. P. , Nozella E. F. , Minho A. P. , Vitti D. M. S. S.
Published: June 2019

Phosphorus and calcium deficiency in horses represents an important factor responsible for the low equine production in Brazil. The basic mechanisms of P and Ca metabolism differ substantially among species. Regulation of P and Ca metabolism is less well understood in horses than in others species. With the use of the isotopic dilution technique is possible to evaluate the metabolism for this mineral. The aim of the present experiment was to study the effect of different Ca levels in the diet on P and Ca metabolism in horses.
Gas production technique in the evaluation of horse feeds using equine faeces and rumen liquid as inoculum source 2. In vitro digestibility
Authors: Furtado C. E. , Vitti D. M. S. S. , Bueno I. C. S. , Dias R. S. , Godoy P. B. , Filho S. L. S. Cabral , Abdalla A. L.
Published: June 2019

In vitro and in situ techniques for research on ruminants are currently much in focus. Since they have good correlations with in vivo data, they are feasible alternatives to predict the nutrition rates of feeds and may be applied in equine research on in vivo apparent digestibility. On the other hand, the disadvantage of these methods is due to the fact that fistulated animals are required to obtain the inoculum. Theodorou et al., (1994) developed an extremely promising gas production technique to assess feeds for ruminants, but still require rumen inoculum obtained from operated animals. Faecal microorganisms function similarly to those in the rumen and in the large intestine of equines. The objective this experiment was to compare rumen liquor and equine faeces as inoculum to determine in vitro digestibility of equine feeds.
The use of linear programming to investigate the impact of replacement rate and age at first calving on gross margin of Taiwanese dairy farms
Authors: Chang P. , Rowlinson P. , Cain P.
Published: June 2019

Reproductive performance has a large influence on production and profitability. In Taiwan, survey data shows an average number of lactations of 2.87 with 67% being culled before their third lactation and a first calving age (CA) of 30 months (Chang, 1988). In order to indicate the impact of reproductive performance and calving pattern on revenue, linear programming (LP) is applied to model the effect of both replacement rate (RR) and CA.
Using computerised tomography to assess pelvic dimensions linked to dystocia and maternal behaviour score in Scottish-Blackface ewes
Authors: Bilbe E. , Conington J. , McLean K. , Lambe N. , Bünger L.
Published: June 2019

Recent CAP reforms for the sheep sector are likely to partially shift the emphasis from intensive to lower input, ‘easy care’ husbandry systems. The ability of sheep to lamb unaided would be crucial to the success of these systems. Dystocia is the most common cause of parturient lamb mortality, and pelvic dimensions are important factors in causing dystocia in ewes (Quinlivan, 1971). This study uses pelvimetry, based on both external and in vivo measures obtained by computed tomography (CT), to undertake preliminary studies on the associations among the incidence of dystocia, and other factors including maternal behaviour score (MBS) (Lambe et al., 2001).
Genetic and phenotypic parameters of body weight and wool production in Iranian Moghani sheep
Authors: Nosrati M. , Shoja J.
Published: June 2019

In spite of the fact that there are many sheep breeds in Iran, few studies have been established with respect to their economical traits. Moghani sheep is one of the best Iranian meat type breeds with a 5.5 million population. Some specifications of this breed include Resistance to weather conditions, big body size and ability to producing heavy lambs. The aim of this research was to survey the environmental effects and estimates of genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), average daily gain from birth to three mounts of age (ADG1), three months age weight (TRW), average daily gain from three to six months age (ADG2), six months age weight (SIW), nine months age weight (NIW), yearly weight (twelve months age weight or TWW), lamb fleece weight (LFW) and yearly greasy fleece weight in mature sheep (YFW). The effect of birth year, ewe’s gestation period (or age for yearling greasy fleece weight), birth type and sex as fixed effect and sires (nested in years) as random effect on aforesaid traits were studied.
Breeding objectives for commercial silkworm lines in Iran
Authors: Mirhosseini S. Z. , Ghanipoor M. , Shadparvar A.
Published: June 2019

Animal breeding generally aims to obtain a new generation of animals that will produce desired products more efficiently under future farm economic and social circumstances than the present generation of animals (Groen, 2000). Definition of the breeding objective is generally regarded as the primary step in the development of structured breeding programmes (Ponzoni, 1988). Clearly defined breeding objectives are vital for effective genetic improvement of all livestock species. So, they stipulate the animal characteristics to be improved and the desired direction for genetic change. The breeding objective involves calculation of economic values for all biological traits that have an impact upon profitability. This study focuses on the derivation of a breeding objective based on a profit function for three commercial silkworm lines in Iran and effect of limitation in production system size on economic values.
Study on genetic parameters of some economic traits in Iranian indigenous silkworm races
Authors: Mirhosseini S. Z. , Mavajpoor M. , Ghanipoor M. , Seidavi A.
Published: June 2019

Silkworms are well-known industrial insects, which produce natural fiber silk. Because of economic importance for silk yarn, an effort to breed new silkworm variety has been made for thousand years. High cocoon yielding due to high resistance, high silk reeling ability and productivity, better silk quality in neatness and lousiness is essential for new silkworm variety to increase silk productivity. Today, several hundred varieties have been bred accordingly various interests and purposes (Kang et al., 2001, 2002). Pupation rate, single cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight and cocoon shell percentage are the main factors affecting the high yielding of cocoon (Kang et al., 2001, 2002). Native silkworm varieties have the low performance and could not be commercially employed. Indigenous strains are valuable genetic resources. They have been affected by natural selection in the successive generations and adapted to indigenous diseases and environmental conditions. Genetic and phenotypic characterization of locally available native silkworm populations provides essential information to make rational decisions for the improvement and development of effective breeding programmes. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify genetic potential of indigenous silkworm for designing suitable breeding programmes.
The effect of three strains of Pleurotus on the in vitro dry matter digestibility and subsequent nutritive value of wheat straw to ruminant animals
Authors: Hodgson E. M. , Hale M. D. , Omed H. M.
Published: June 2019

Straw constitutes a vast, valuable, and under utilised agricultural by-product, which has a great potential for utilisation as an animal feedstuff. However, due to the way in which it is constructed, the digestible sugars, cellulose and hemicelluloses, are tightly chemically bound by heavily lignified cell walls which provide the wheat plant stem with its strength and structure, but in doing so greatly inhibit the digestibility and nutritive value of the material to ruminant animals. Therefore, the utilisation of this resource as an animal feed can only be realised effectively, if the nutritional and digestibility values of the material can be improved by the innovation and successful application of an effective treatment method, be that physical, chemical or biological. Previously devised methods of upgrading the digestibility and nutritive value of forages, with the possible exception of urea treatment, have proven either insufficient, environmentally unsound, or economically infeasible to those concerned, particularly those in developing world. Therefore, there is a distinct need to develop techniques which can avoid these pitfalls and still yield the desired results in the context of animal nutrition. Previous research has indicated that members of the genus Pleurotus white rot fungi, have great potential for application in the biological upgrading of wheat straw. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate biological techniques, using 3 strains of Pleurotus fungi which may have the potential to be utilised in the biological upgrading of wheat straw.
Influence of phytate on calcium excretion
Authors: Dias R. S. , Alves D. C. , Roque A. P. , Vitti D. M. S. S.
Published: June 2019

Concentrate mixtures fed ruminants generally are composed by cereals where phosphorus is present mainly in phytate form or phytin (Maga, 1982). Phytate phosphorus is thought to be completely available to ruminants due to the presence of phytase enzyme that hydrolyzes phytate phosphorus making it available for absorption. Researches have shown that this fact is not always true, depending on different conditions (Park et al., 2000). The aim of this paper was to study the influence of phytate phosphorus on calcium availability.
Study of protein characteristics of rapeseed meal (canola) by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) model and its effects on the levels of thyroid hormones in finishing lambs
Authors: Ghoorchi T. , Rezaeipour V. , Hasani S. , Ghorbani G.
Published: June 2019

The use of oilseeds is an important option for increasing the energy density of ruminant diets, in addition to supplying dietary protein to support high rates of production. Ruminal degradation of dietary feed CP is an important factor influencing ruminal fermentation and AA supply to dairy cattle. Ruminal protein degradation is described most often by first order mass action models. One of the more complex of these models is the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). In the model, feed CP is divided into five fractions (A, B1, B2, B3 and C) which sum to unity. The five fractions have different rates of ruminal degradation. Fraction C contains proteins associated with lignin and tannins and heat – damaged proteins such as the Maillard reaction products. The remaining B fractions represent potentially degradable true protein. Glucosinalate levels in the rapeseed meal reduce its feeding value as it makes meal unpalatable and toxic to animals. Several studies suggest that certain oils primarily through changes in peripheral deiodination of the inactive hormone thyroxine (T4) to the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3).
Comparison of ovarian oestradiol and progesterone secretion, in vitro, between ewe lambs and ewes
Authors: Younes M. A. , Beck N. F. G. , Rose M. T. , Davies B.
Published: June 2019

Reproductive performance of ewe lambs is lower than that of adult ewes (Quirke 1979). This is mainly the result of preimplantation losses, which can exceed 50% of fertilised eggs. Previous evidence from this laboratory suggests that these losses may be associated with abnormal ovarian hormone production (Davies and Beck 1993). Khan (1999) demonstrated that blood progesterone levels during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy were lower in ewe lambs than in ewes. Furthermore, both progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were lower in ewe lambs, than in ewes, following gonadotrophin stimulation (Khan, Beck and Khalid 1999). These results suggest that ewe lamb corpora lutea and follicles secrete less progesterone and oestradiol, respectively, than those of ewes. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in vitro steroid hormone production by corpora lutea and follicles, from ewe lambs and ewes.
Effect of different temperature treated of CASMEREA on ruminal degradability of goats
Authors: Paengkoum P.
Published: June 2019

Cassava root meal is a fine powder from the manufacture of chips and/or starch. Their disposal increases otherwise environmental pollution and health hazards. Nevertheless, ruminants can be fed on cassava tuberous roots, foliage, peel and residue obtained after processing cassava including cassava meal. Evidence so far shows that cassava meal is good source of energy which, when fortified, promote positive and high performance in cattle, sheep and goats. Cassava meal contains high level of energy and has been used as readily fermentable energy in the rations. However, the lack of nitrogen supplied from cassava meal that it is important to include nitrogen sources to balance the energy-nitrogen supply for the microbial activities in the rumen. The objective of this experiment was developing the new products from cassava meal namely, CASMEREA (cassava meal + urea) or commonly name “starea” or “casarea”.
Chemical composition and metabolisable energy content of four aquatic plants for sheep
Authors: Sakarya M. , Kamalak A. , Canbolat O. , Gurbuz Y. , Tursun N. , Ozkan C. O.
Published: June 2019

Although some aquatic plants have been used for ruminant diets in some parts of Turkey there is a lack of information about their nutritive values. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and metabolisable energy (ME) content of four different aquatic plants using in vitro gas production technique.