bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capnographic documentation of nasoesophageal and nasogastric feeding tube placement in dogs
Authors: Johnson Paula A. , Mann F. A. , Dodam John , Branson Keith , Wagner‐Mann Colette , Brady Mark A. , Dunphy Elizabeth
Published: March 2003

Objective:To evaluate the ability of capnography to document proper placement of nasoesophageal (NE) and nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes. This study was conducted in 3 phases. Phase I of this study was designed in order to test the efficacy of capnography to distinguish placement of a feeding tube in the alimentary tract versus the respiratory tract. Phase II was designed in order to document that carbon dioxide (CO2) could be measured through a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) feeding tube. Phase III was performed in order to evaluate the technique of continuous monitoring during insertion of the feeding tube into the esophagus and stomach as would be performed during a clinical‐tube placement.

Design:Prospective study.

Setting:Research laboratory.

Animals:24 adult dogs.

Interventions:In Phase I, sedated dogs were instrumented with an intratracheal catheter and an 8 French feeding tube placed nasally into the distal esophagus and later advanced into the stomach. In Phase II, dogs were anesthetized and an 8 French feeding tube was placed down the endotracheal tube, then into the esophagus and later advanced into the stomach. In Phase III, sedated dogs were instrumented with an 8 French feeding tube inserted intranasally and then advanced to the level of the nasopharynx, distal esophagus and, lastly, the stomach. Fluoroscopy was used in order to determine location of the feeding tube.

Measurements and main results:Phase I measurements included respiratory rate and CO2from the trachea, esophagus, and stomach and pH of gastric fluid sample. Phase II measurements included respiratory rate and CO2from the endotracheal tube, feeding tube in the endotracheal tube, feeding tube in the distal esophagus, and feeding tube in the stomach. Phase III data collection included respiratory rate and CO2as the tube was passed through the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, esophagus and stomach. Phase I fluid samples were collected from 5 of the 9 dogs and had pH values from 1.68 to 4.20. In both phases, values for the respiratory rate and CO2from the esophagus and stomach were 0 ± 0, significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the values from the trachea. In Phase II, there was no significant difference between the respiratory rates (P = 0.886) and CO2(P = 0.705) readings obtained from the endotracheal tube compared to readings from the feeding tube in the endotracheal tube. In Phase III, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the respiratory rates and CO2readings obtained from the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx when compared to those readings obtained from the esophagus and stomach. Measurement of CO2and respiratory rate resulted in a reading of 0 every time the feeding tube was in the esophagus or stomach.

Conclusions:Capnography may be used in order to detect airway placement of NE and NG tubes.
Evaluating the use of plasma hematocrit samples to detect ketones utilizing urine dipstick colorimetric methodology in diabetic dogs and cats
Authors: Brady Mark A. , Dennis Jeffrey S. , Wagner‐Mann Colette
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine whether plasma from a heparinized hematocrit tube placed on a urine dipstick would accurately reflect (positive or negative) urine ketone results in diabetic dogs and cats.

Design: Prospective study, 37 dogs and 43 cats, with a known history of diabetes or hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus were tested.

Setting: Veterinary Referral Hospital.

Animals: Client owned dogs and cats.

Interventions: None.

Measurement and main results: Heparinized plasma and urine ketone results were recorded using urine reagent strips. Plasma dipstick results were compared to urine dipstick results as the standard. Results were recorded based on the color chart provided by the manufacturer. Two individuals were responsible for verifying the results of the colorimetric test. Test efficiency was 97% (sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 100%) for the canine population, 93% (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 83%) for the feline population, and 95% (sensitivity = 98%, specificity = 91%) for the total population. Four of 80 animals were found to have discordant results (1 dog and 3 cats).

Conclusion: Plasma from heparinized hematocrit tubes is clinically useful for detecting the presence or absence of ketonuria, and therefore ketosis, in diabetic dogs and cats using urine dipstick colorimetric methodology.
Effects of Population Density on the Vegetative Growth of Leafy Reduced‐stature Maize in Short‐season Areas
Authors: Begna S. H. , Hamilton R. I. , Dwyer L. M. , Stewart D. W. , Smith D. L.
Published: March 2003

Maize hybrids which produce more leaves above the ear, with leaf area indices similar to conventional hybrids, which require fewer corn heat units to flowering and maturity, and tolerate higher population densities, should be better adapted for production in short season areas than currently available hybrids. Leafy reduced‐stature maize hybrids, which have only recently been developed, have traits which address these criteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different population densities (50 000, 100 000, 150 000, and 200 000 plants.ha−1) on the vegetative growth of one leafy reduced‐stature (LRS), one non‐leafy reduced‐stature (NLRS), and two conventional control hybrids (Pioneer 3979, < 2500 CHU, and Pioneer 3902, 2600–2700 CHU) at two locations. There were no differences among population densities for leaf number above the ear; however leaf area index increased as population density increased for all hybrids. The LRS hybrid had a greater average leaf number above the ear (2.7 and 2.0 more leaves than NLRS and the control hybrids, respectively). As a result the leaf area index value of LRS was much greater than the NLRS and similar to the conventional hybrids, but LRS matured substantially before the conventional hybrids. The LRS hybrid required fewer corn heat units to reach flowering and maturity and had more time for grain filling than the conventional hybrids. Therefore, LRS hybrids show promise for production in short season areas where maize cultivation is not economical due to shortness of growing season.
Experimental Results on the Effects of Nonregular Spatial Patterns of Plants on Yield per Area
Authors: Hühn M.
Published: March 2003

Based on several simplifying assumptions, a stochastic approach was developed which allows an estimation of the effects of nonregular spatial patterns of the distribution of individual plants on yield per area (F). In this approach, two random variables were attached to each plant: single plant yield (E) and individual space per plant (A). The latter was estimated by the area of Thiessen polygons. Yield per area was calculated theoretically by the expectation of the ratio E / A. Appropriate approximations of this expectation depend on the means (Ē and Ā), coefficients of variation (vE and vA) of E and A and their correlation (rEA). Yield per area can be decomposed into two additive terms: the first term gives the commonly used estimate Ē/Ā— or h(Ā)/Ā if a functional relationship between E and A is assumed: E = h(A). In this study, the two relationships E = k1 + k2 · ln A and E = A/(k3 + k4A) were used (with appropriately chosen constants k1, k2, k3, and k4). The second term in the decomposition of F can be interpreted as the effect of variable individual plant spaces on yield per area. In this paper, all theoretical concepts and results were applied to 17 experimental data sets of three cultivars of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Single plant yields (E) and individual plant areas (A) were positively correlated with correlation coefficients from 0.64 up to 0.91. The ranges for both coefficients of variation were similar: 0.27 ≤ vE ≤ 0.65 and 0.28 ≤ vA ≤ 0.59. One obtains no significant differences in the goodness‐of‐fit for both tested relationships between E and A although the logarithmic relationship seems to be slightly superior. For only three data sets one obtains negative values for the percentage of the second term in the decomposition of F. This indicates an overestimation of yield per area by the commonly used estimates h(Ā)/Ā and Ē/Ā, respectively. These overestimations, however, are less than 5 %. In all other cases with positive values for the second term the yield per area is underestimated by the common estimates. For almost all data sets, however, the percentages of F which are explained by the common estimates are much larger than 90 %.
Effect of Tillage and Plant Residue Management Practices on Shrinkage of a Vertisol
Authors: Battikhi A. M. , Suleiman A. A.
Published: March 2003

A study was carried out to determine the effects of different tillage and plant residue management practices on different soil moisture and shrink‐swell properties of a Vertisol (very fine, semctitic, thermic, chromic Haploxerert (with less than 1 % slope). The core samples were collected in July (after harvesting of lentil) and in November (after planting of wheat) 1993. The two tillage methods were moldboard (T1) and chisel (T2). The two plant residue incorporation dates were in August (R1) and in October (R2). Results indicated that T2 tends to give higher water holding capacity and available moisture than T1. Immediate incorporation of plant residue (R1) tends to increase the bulk density and to decrease soil specific volume and void ratio when compared to late incorporation treatment (R2). In general, the two tillage treatments tend to decrease moisture availability, shrinkage characteristics, soil specific volume, and void ratio. They also tend to increase the soil shrinkage (subsidence and cracks volume) and bulk density. Chisel plough is recommended in Vertisols, if it is to be used before the rainfall.
Selection Index for High Density Grain in Rice to Maximize Productivity
Authors: Govindarasu R. , Manian K. , Ramamoorthi N. , Mohamed Hanifa A.
Published: March 2003

A study conducted on five rice varieties indicated that productivity can be enhanced from 17 to 29 % by increasing the number of high density (HD) grains/panicle. HD grains/panicle were partitioned into different components. The number of secondary branches/panicle and the number of HD grains on secondary branches were identified as the most important contributing factors for the number of HD grains/panicle. Selection of plants with panicles having these characters would increase the proportion of HD grains/panicle and productivity.
Incorporation of Crotalaria spectabilis Grown at a High Seeding Rate Inhibits the Growth of the Succeeding Wheat Crop
Authors: Daimon H. , Kotoura S.
Published: March 2003

The effect of the seeding rate of Crotalaria spectabilis grown as green manure on the growth and nitrogen uptake of the succeeding wheat crop was examined in a pot experiment. No significant differences in the dry weight (g m−2) or nitrogen content (mg m−2) of C. spectabilis among three seeding rates [low density (LD), 1 g m−2; medium density (MD), 5 g m−2 and high density (HD), 10 g m−2] were found at 110 days after seeding. There was no significant difference in the total carbon and nitrogen contents of the incorporated material between LD plants and MD plants, values for which were both slightly higher than those for the HD plants. The C/N ratio was 20–21 in all groups of plants. Material was incorporated at a rate of 100 g fresh weight per pot filled with virgin soil. This incorporation significantly increased wheat dry weight and nitrogen uptake. However, values for HD plant incorporation were significantly lower than those for LD and MD plant incorporation at 80 and 120 days after seeding. A reduction of the dry weight and total root length of wheat grown with aqueous extracts of HD plants was found in a growth pouch experiment.
Competition between Canada Thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] and Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Kalburtji K. L. , Mamolos A. P.
Published: March 2003

This study was conducted to investigate whether density, above‐ground biomass and nitrogen (N) concentration of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. cause serious reductions in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield. A 2‐year field experiment (1991–93) with four Cirsium densities (0, 4, 16, 64 plants m–2) was carried out. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of Cirsium density on faba bean yield. Multiple regression analysis showed that the main factors causing faba bean yield losses were the density and above‐ground biomass of Cirsium. The results of this study demonstrate that Cirsium competition reduces faba bean yield. The mean faba bean yield losses over the 2 years were 10, 12 and 8% for above‐ground biomass, seed and stem, respectively, for a Cirsium density of 16 plants m–2.
Effects of Tillage and Fertilization on Some Selected Physical Properties of Soil (0–30 cm Depth) and on the Root Growth Dynamic of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Niki)
Authors: Sidiras N. , Bilalis D. , Vavoulidou E.
Published: March 2003

The root mass of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Niki) at growth stages 5, 9 and 16 of the Feekes scale increased from 100 % (0.272 mg cm–3 soil) to 132 % and 139 %, respectively. Root mass was always greater in no‐tillage (NT) plots than in ploughed‐tillage (CT) plots and was also greater where manure was applied in comparison to plots without manure. The root density at growth stages 5, 9 and 16 over all treatments was 0.197, 0.224 and 0.238 cm cm–3 soil, respectively. At growth stage 5, the root density in NT plots was 9 % greater than that in CT plots, and in rotary hoed (MT) plots it was 3 % greater. At this same growth stage, soil fertilization with NP, farmyard manure (30 t ha−1) and NP plus farmyard manure improved the root density of barley by up to 5, 10 and 11 %, respectively, in comparison with control plots. The diameter of barley roots was clearly biggest in CT plots, while in NT plots the thinnest roots were found. The mean diameter was 0.63, 0.75 and 0.78 mm at growth stages 5, 9 and 16, respectively (over all treatments). Significant correlation coefficients were found between root density (RD) and the soil properties bulk density (BD), porosity (P), penetration resistance (PR) and mean weight diameter of aggregates (MWD). For example, the highest r values were as follows: at growth stage 5, r=0.95 (P < 0.001) for P and r=0.86 (P < 0.001) for MWD; at growth stage 9, r=−0.97 (P < 0.001) for PR and r=0.96 (P < 0.001) for P, and finally at growth stage 16, r=0.97 (P < 0.001) for P and r=−0.97 (P < 0.001) for PR.
Auswirkungen eines 10‐jährigen Miscanthusanbaus auf ausgewählte Eigenschaften eines Mineralbodens in Nordostdeutschland
Authors: Kahle P. , Belau L. , Boelcke B.
Published: March 2003

Effects of 10 years of

Miscanthus
cultivation on different properties of mineral soil in North‐east Germany

The effects of 4–10 years of Miscanthus cultivation on different soil properties was investigated at Klein Markow (Mecklenburg‐Pommerania, Germany) in variants with and without Miscanthus between 1994 and 2000. Soil containing Miscanthus showed higher concentrations of organic carbon (Corg) (+0,29 %) and total nitrogen (Nt) (+0,03 %) and consequently an increased storage of soil organic matter (SOM) (+15,5 t ha–1) as a result of high amounts of leaves, roots and rhizomes. With regard to concentrations of Corg, cation exchange capacity, porosity and water retention significantly increased, while the wet and bulk density decreased in Miscanthus variants. The concentration of Corg and storage of SOM were increased significantly during the experimental period of Miscanthus treatments. The mineralization of the organic soil compounds which developed was comparable with those of the SOM. The reintegration of the Miscanthus area into a crop rotation system was possible only after the last harvest in February and seed of winter rape in August of the same year. The application of Glyphosat and the later shading by rape stands led to failure of the Miscanthus cultivations.
Analyse der Ertrags‐ und Unkrautverteilung in Ackerschlägen mit einem Geo‐Informations‐System (GIS)
Authors: Timmermann C. , Gerhards R. , Kühbauch W.
Published: March 2003

Analysis of the yield and weed distribution in arable fields in a Geo Information System (GIS)

The variation in yield was assessed and mapped in cereals, maize, sunflower and faba beans at Dikopshof Research Station of the University of Bonn from 1998 to 2000 using a CERES 2 yield sensor (RDS® Company, Minchin‐hampton, UK). The calculated yields differed on average by 4–12 % from weighed grain yields depending on the crop and the grain moisture. The yield maps were georeferenced with a Geo Information System and compared to soil and aerial maps, field data and maps of the weed, nutrient and organic matter distributions to identify reasons for the yield variation. In two of the three fields studied, a strong correlation amongst grain yield, soil quality and relief map was found. In another field that was originally separated into two sections with different crop rotations, the distributions of grain yield, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter were still influenced by the former cropping system. On the basis of the results of this study, recommendations were made for site‐specific crop management. In addition, the results of this study contribute to elucidation of the complex influences of soil and management on the grain yield.
Effect of Ethephon Spraying at Three Developmental Stages of Barley Planted in Arid and Semiarid Mediterranean Locations
Authors: Al‐Jamali A. F. , Turk M. A. , Tawaha A. R. M.
Published: March 2003

To determine the effects of ethephon [(2‐chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] on yield and yield components of rainfed barley in arid (150 mm rainfall) and semiarid (346 mm) regions, the present study was conducted during the growing seasons of 1999–2001. Ethephon was applied at the tillering, stem elongation and flowering stages. Acomparison of the effect of ethephon on rainfed and irrigated barley performed at the semiarid location in the following season confirmed the results. Ethephon decreased grain yield when sprayed at tillering and stem elongation compared with the later flowering stage for both the arid and semiarid locations. All arid‐location barley plants had lower grain yields than the semiarid‐location plants. There was a reduction in spikes m−2 in the tillering and stem elongation stage sprayings compared to the control for both locations. In the semiarid and arid locations no difference in earliness (50 % heading) was observed between spraying times but ethephon always delayed heading. All arid‐location plants were earlier than semiarid‐location plants. However, when ethephon was used with supplementary irrigation it was found to increase grain yield, spikes m−2 and earliness.
Effects of Row Spacing, Support Plant Species and Support Plant Mixture Ratio on Seed Yield and Yield Characteristics of Hungarian Vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz)
Authors: Iptas S.
Published: March 2003

The effects of row spacing (17.5 or 35.0 cm), support plant species (barley or triticale) and the proportion of crops in mixtures (no support plant or support plant 20, 40 or 60 %, respectively) on the seed yield and yield characteristics of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) were investigated. Increasing the row spacing increased the seed yield of V. pannonica from 881.0 to 1248.0 kg ha−1. On average, in a pure stand the seed yield of V. pannonica was 1141.0 kg ha−1. In mixtures with barley and triticale, the seed yield of V. pannonica averaged 986.0 and 1143.0 kg ha−1, respectively. In single mixed stands the seed yield of V. pannonica varied between 551.0 kg ha−1 (60 % support plant barley) and 1603.0 kg ha−1 (20 % support plant triticale). The yield advantage of V. pannonica in this triticale mixture was 40 % compared to the V. pannonica pure stand. With respect to the total yield in the mixture with 20 % triticale (1902.0 kg ha−1) the yield advantage over the V. pannonica pure stand was as high as 65.1 %. In the mixed stands the number of seeds per pod and the thousand‐seed weight of V. pannonica were higher than in V. pannonica pure stands.
Effects of Fertilizer Phosphorus on Yield Traits of Dekoko (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum) Under Field Conditions
Authors: Yemane A. , Skjelvåg A. O.
Published: March 2003

Cool‐season food legumes (CSFLs) are important supplementary protein sources and soil fertility restorers for subsistence farmers in Ethiopia. Yields of CSFLs, however, are limited by low soil fertility, as they are grown in poor soils, often without fertilizer. Dekoko (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum) is one of the CSFLs cultivated in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. It is highly appreciated by the local people for its taste. This paper reports on the effect of phosphorus (P) on the yield and nutrition value of Dekoko under field conditions, and compares the results with those obtained for Ater (Pisum sativum var. sativum). The experiment was conducted in the 1998 and 1999 growing seasons. Three rates of P equivalent to zero, 30, and 60 kg ha−1 P2O5 were tested. Biomass, leaf area index, branches/plant, pods/m2 and yield responded positively while seeds/pod and seed weight were not significantly affected by P. Tissue P contents in shoots and roots increased with an increase in P application rate, while P in the nodules was not affected. Crude protein (CP) content increased from 24.9 % of dry matter (DM) at P0 to 26.2 % at P2, and from 24.3 % at P0 to 25.2 % at P2, in Dekoko and Ater seeds, respectively, while total sugars decreased with an increase in P application rate. Cysteine in Dekoko and asparagine and threonine in both varieties decreased, while lysine and other amino acids were not significantly affected by P. P improved seed yield and CP content without greatly affecting the amino acid profile of Dekoko, when compared with that of the FAO/WHO (1991, Protein Quality Evaluation. Food and Nutrition, Paper 51. FAO/WHO, Rome) standard pattern of amino acid for children 2–5 years of age. Thus, improving yield through fertilization may help to improve nutritional quality and household food security for subsistence farmers.
Association between milk breeding values and phenotypic conformation traits in pure‐dairy and dual‐purpose cows
Authors: Detilleux By J. C. , Leroy P. L.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

Many studies (N orman et al. 1988; M
eyer et al. 1987; H
arris et al. 1992; M
iztal et al. 1992) have examined the relationship between conformation and yield traits in term of genetic correlation. Traits describing the shape of the udder are highly to moderately correlated with milk yield. However, results obtained with correlation analyses do not account properly for the ordinal nature of conformation traits. With the exception of stature, conformation scores are usually subjective, non‐numeric qualitative variables and an increase from score 1–2 does not necessarily correspond to an increase from score 7–8. Theoretically, every score should be compared with another only in terms of a ‘greater than’ or ‘less than’ relationship. Correlation expresses the strength of the linear relationship between milk and type traits, assuming that differences between two adjacent points on any part of the scale are equal.

In Belgium, dairy breeds are exploited mainly for two purposes, either for milk production only (mainly Holstein cows) or for milk and meat production (mainly Red and White, West Flemish Red, East Flemish Red Pied and Meuse Rhine Ysel). The authors are unaware of any description of the relationship between yield traits and conformation traits for those breeds in Belgium. If several conformation phenotypes are identified as important predictors of milk estimated breeding values, if they are measured early in life before milk estimated breeding values are computed, and if these predictors have no known negative side‐effects on cows’ profitability, then those conformation traits could be used for mating decision‐making. Indeed, dairy producers are usually able to evaluate their cows’ conformation. This information could then be used before milk estimated breeding values are available, or when they are not available, as is the case for non‐registered cows. In the Southern part of the country, only 25% of all cows are registered (D etilleux et al. 1997).

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether phenotypic values for conformation traits are related to milk breeding values in pure‐dairy and dual‐purpose breeds; (2) if so, to find type scores predicting best high breeding values for milk; and (3) to validate type scores obtained in (2).
Acute immobilization stress in prone position in susceptible Pietrain and resistant Duroc pigs. II. Glycolytic metabolism in Piettrain and Duroc skeletal muscle and liver
Authors: Rosochacki S.J. , Konecka A. M. , Piekarzewska A. B. , Poloszynowicz J. P , Kleweic J.
Published: March 2003

Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) pigs were used to study the effect of acute immobilization stress on carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in the activities of several glycolytic enzymes and the content of glycogen in longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM), glycogen content in the liver and glucose level in plasma were observed. The glycogen level in LDM of pigs was about five times higher in P pigs compared with D ones. The immobilization stress of 15 min caused a decrease of glycogen LDM content by 27% in D and by 44% in P pigs. In the liver, these changes were 75% in P pigs, but in D pigs the glycogen content was lowered during the time of experiment by 37% (control versus 60 min stress). Plasma glucose level was elevated by 118% in D and by 50.5% in P pigs after 15 min of immobilization stress. The activities of the glycolytic enzymes investigated changed in different way in LDM: the PGluM decreased by 20% in D and by 19% in P pigs; the GPI by 8.5% in both strains of pigs; the PFK and PK were higher in D than in P pigs (some statistically significant differences between PK activities of control and 15‐, 30‐ and 60‐min‐stressed animals); the ALD activity was similar in both investigated strains of pigs and LDH was lower in D than in P pigs. It can be assumed that the changes led to the new homeostasis connected with the stress to which the pigs were subjected.
Diversity in five goat populations of the Lombardy Alps: comparison of estimates obtained from morphometric traits and molecular markers
Authors: Crepaldi P. , Negrini R. , Milanesi E. , Gorni C. , Cicogna M. , Ajmone‐Marsan P.
Published: March 2003

Phenotypic and genetic variability were studied within and between the goat populations of Bionda dell’Adamello, Frisa, Orobica, Verzaschese and Val di Livo. These are populations reared for most of the year on pastures of the Lombardy Alps, numbering a minimum of 1000 and a maximum of 8000 individuals per breed. The first four are standardized breeds of recent formation; at present they are supported by the European Union measures for the conservation of rare breeds. On the basis of its visible genetic profile the Val di Livo goat may be classified as a primary population. Phenotypic variability was estimated on the basis of six somatic measurements on 60–140 adult goats per breed, whereas genetic variation was measured on the basis of 201 AFLP loci. The partition of the total molecular variation into the within and between breed components indicates that the majority of the molecular variability is conserved within populations, whereas only 8.8% can be attributed to between population variation. Morphometric and molecular marker data produced unrelated distance values and different topology of UPGMA clusters. It may be hypothesized that the morphometric originality of the Val di Livo goat is mostly determined by environmental factors and selection pressure rather than by different origin and genome evolution. Conversely Orobica seems to have diverged from the other breeds at the genome level, which may be explained by an undocumented Southern Italian origin. An objective evaluation of conservation priorities may in the near future be based on the integrated use of molecular markers and of information on quantitative traits and allelic variation with adaptive relevance.
Genomic imprinting effects on dairy‐ and fitness‐related traits in cattle
Authors: ESSL A. , VOITH K.
Published: March 2003

Data from the official milk recording scheme of the Austrian Simmental population were analysed to estimate variance components due to genomic imprinting. Traits regarded were milk yield, fat and protein content, persistency, days open (first, second and third lactation) and herd life. All dairy traits were preadjusted for BLUP herd‐year effects. After applying some data restrictions, the number of records ranged from 3391 (persistency, third lactation) to 33 993 (days open, first lactation). Two different estimation approaches were used: (i) estimation of the maternal and paternal gametic component by a dam and sire model, respectively, and (ii) estimation of the animal and an additional gametic component (maternal or paternal) by treating gametes as homozygous diploid individuals. All models also accounted for year of first calving and the cytoplasmic effect of maternal lineages. In tendency, the results of both approaches were fairly well in line with each other. For the majority of the investigated traits, no substantial imprinting effects were detected. Significant evidence of genomic imprinting on a multiple type I error ≤ 0.10 was only found for protein content and days open. For protein content in the second and third lactation, the proportions of variance due to the paternal gametic effect exceeded those of the maternal by 0.096 and 0.152, respectively. For days open in the second lactation, however, the proportion of variance of the maternal gamete effect exceeded that of the paternal by 0.036. In tendency, indication of paternal imprinting was found for all fitness‐related traits. For true and functional herd life, significant differences (pairwise type I error ≤ 0.05) of 0.040 and 0.032 were found between the proportions of variance due to the maternal and paternal gamete effect. Significant variance components of cytoplasmic effects (multiple type I error ≤ 0.01) were found for first lactation of milk yield (0.020), for first, second and third lataction of persistency (0.026, 0.035 and 0.033) and of days open (0.029, 0.016 and 0.022) and for true and functional herd life (0.019 and 0.029).
Bayesian inference strategies for the prediction of genetic merit using threshold models with an application to calving ease scores in Italian Piemontese cattle
Authors: Kizilkaya K. , Banks B. D. , Carnier P. , Albera A. , Bittante G. , Tempelman R. J.
Published: March 2003

First parity calving difficulty scores from Italian Piemontese cattle were analysed using a threshold mixed effects model. The model included the fixed effects of age of dam and sex of calf and their interaction and the random effects of sire, maternal grandsire, and herd‐year‐season. Covariances between sire and maternal grandsire effects were modelled using a numerator relationship matrix based on male ancestors. Field data consisted of 23 953 records collected between 1989 and 1998 from 4741 herd‐year‐seasons. Variance and covariance components were estimated using two alternative approximate marginal maximum likelihood (MML) methods, one based on expectation‐maximization (EM) and the other based on Laplacian integration. Inferences were compared to those based on three separate runs or sequences of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling in order to assess the validity of approximate MML estimates derived from data with similar size and design structure. Point estimates of direct heritability were 0.24, 0.25 and 0.26 for EM, Laplacian and MCMC (posterior mean), respectively, whereas corresponding maternal heritability estimates were 0.10, 0.11 and 0.12, respectively. The covariance between additive direct and maternal effects was found to be not different from zero based on MCMC‐derived confidence sets. The conventional joint modal estimates of sire effects and associated standard errors based on MML estimates of variance and covariance components differed little from the respective posterior means and standard deviations derived from MCMC. Therefore, there may be little need to pursue computation‐intensive MCMC methods for inference on genetic parameters and genetic merits using conventional threshold sire and maternal grandsire models for large datasets on calving ease.
Effect of acute deficiency of dietary proline on proline balance in the rat small intestine and liver
Authors: Watanabe M. , Sugimura K. , Yamanoha B.
Published: March 2003

Introduction  Proline is widely found in all types of mammalian tissue, and accounts for about 20% of the amino acids that constitute collagen (A
dams 1970). Proline is nutritionally nonessential but biologically it is an important amino acid and consequently mammalian organisms synthesize the required amounts of proline even in the absence of sufficient proline consumption via food.

The metabolism of higher animals is unique, and amino acid metabolism differs from one tissue to the next. Some organs are capable of synthesizing nonessential amino acids for use throughout the body. For example, arginine is primarily synthesized in the kidney and then released and distributed throughout the body.

Pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase is the enzyme responsible for the final stage of proline synthesis, and its activity has been confirmed in many important organs and tissue such as the cartilage, liver, small intestine, kidney and thymus gland (H erzfeld et al. 1977; S
mith and P
hang 1978). However, the different levels of pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase activity among these organs has led to the belief that different amounts of proline are synthesized in these organs.

In order to ascertain biological responses to dietary proline deficiency, it is important to identify the organs that release and distribute proline throughout the body when insufficient proline is consumed through the diet, thus reducing the blood proline concentration. Few studies have investigated this issue, but when ascertaining biological responses to dietary proline deficiency, it is more important to elucidate the effect of dietary proline deficiency on the metabolism of proline and other amino acids that are closely related metabolically to proline, in proline synthesizing organs.

One of the most effective ways to assess amino acid metabolism in a target tissue of higher animals is to measure the difference between the arterial and venous concentrations of amino acids. I shikawa (1974) measured arteriovenous differences in order to examine the release of proline from the kidney and small intestine of fasted rats and the uptake of proline by the liver. In a previous study, it was found that when the plasma proline concentration was reduced to the fasting level by the consumption of a proline‐deficient diet, proline was released from the kidney (W
atanabe et al. 1995, 1997).

In the present study, to ensure the induction of dietary proline deficiency, a completely purified diet containing all amino acids except for proline was prepared and fed to rats under experimental conditions. To investigate the role of the small intestine and liver in supplying and ingesting proline when the uptake of proline through food is restricted, the release and uptake of amino acids in the small intestine and liver were assessed by measuring carotid artery–portal vein and portal–hepatic vein differences in proline in rats.
High intake of calcium formiate depresses macronutrient digestibility in veal calves fed milk replacers containing either dairy proteins or whey protein plus soya protein concentrate
Authors: Xu C. , Wensing T. , Beynen A. C.
Published: March 2003

A study to determine whether calcium intake and the type of dietary protein would show an interaction with regard to macronutrient digestibility in veal calves was carried out. Eighty four male calves, about 8 weeks of age, were fed four experimental milk replacers in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The diets contained either dairy protein as a sole source of protein or whey protein (76% of total protein) plus soya protein concentrate (24% of total protein) and either a low or high concentration of calcium. Calcium was added to the high‐calcium diets in the form of calcium formiate. The concentration of calcium was on average 0.64% of air‐dry matter in the low‐calcium rations and 1.25% in the calcium‐rich rations. After the experimental diets had been fed for 10 weeks, body‐weight gain was significantly lower (on average 5.5 kg) in the calves that had been fed on the diets containing soya protein concentrate and whey protein. Calcium intake did not significantly influence weight gain. In the calves that were fed soya proteins, digestibility of protein and carbohydrates was significantly lower than in those fed dairy protein only, but fat digestion was unaffected. High calcium intake significantly reduced the digestibility of protein, fat and carbohydrates. With regard to carbohydrate digestibility there was an interaction between the amount of calcium and type of protein in the diet such that the effect of calcium was greater when the diet contained 24% of protein in the form of soya protein instead of dairy protein only.
Comparison of fatty acid composition among isolated bovine adipocytes with different sizes
Authors: He M. L. , Hidaka S. , Matsunaga N. , Hidari H.
Published: March 2003

The relationship between the diameter of adipocytes distributed in the same piece of subcutaneous adipose tissue and main fatty acid composition from fattening Holstein steers was investigated. A preliminary experiment was carried out to investigate whether the isolation process of adipocytes caused any change in the main fatty acid composition. It was shown that there was little difference in the main fatty acid composition of adipose tissue (X) and that of adipocytes (Y) isolated by this method. The regression equation was: Y = 0.97X + 0.47, R2 = 0.99 (p < 0.01). Adipocytes were isolated from Holstein steers at the early and late fattening stages and then separated into two fractions by using a mesh with a pore size of 50 µm. In adipocytes from Holstein steers at the late fattening stage, the large adipocytes with a mean diameter of 117.5 µm contained more (p < 0.01) myristoleic acid (14:1), palmitoleic acid (16:1) and oleic acid (18:1), and less (p < 0.01) palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) than the small adipocytes with a mean diameter of 28.7 µm. Similar results have been shown in adipocytes from Holstein steers at the early fattening stages. The isolated adipocytes from finishing Holstein steers were separated into four fractions by using meshes with pore size of 25, 50, 75 and 100 µm. The mean diameter of adipocytes in fractions 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 35.2, 80.5, 113.7 and 141.7 µm, respectively. With increasing adipocyte size, the rates of myristoleic acid (14:1) and palmitoleic acid (16:1) increased (the correlation coefficients were 0.93, p < 0.01 and 0.86, p < 0.01, respectively), whereas that of palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) decreased (the correlation coefficients were ‐0.44 and ‐0.80, p < 0.01, respectively). It is suggested that the size of adipocyte is one of the important determinants of fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipocytes of Holstein steers.
Effects of different fibre sources and fat addition on cholesterol and cholesterol‐related lipids in blood serum, bile and body tissues of growing pigs
Authors: KREUZER M. , HANNEKEN H. , WITTMANN M. , GERDEMANN M. M. , MACHMÜLLER A.
Published: March 2003

Knowledge is limited on the efficacy of hindgut‐fermentable dietary fibre to reduce blood, bile and body tissue cholesterol levels. In three experiments with growing pigs the effects of different kinds and levels of bacterially fermentable fibre (BFS) on cholesterol metabolism were examined. Various diets calculated to have similar contents of metabolizable energy were supplied for complete fattening periods. In the first experiment, a stepwise increase from 12 to 20% BFS was performed by supplementing diets with fermentable fibre from sugar beet pulp (modelling hemicelluloses and pectin). Beet pulp, rye bran (modelling cellulose) and citrus pulp (pectin) were offered either independently or in a mixture in the second experiment. These diets were opposed to rations characterized in carbohydrate type by starch either mostly non‐resistant (cassava) or partly resistant (maize) to small intestinal digestion. The third experiment was planned to explore the interactions of BFS from citrus pulp with fat either through additional coconut oil/palm kernel oil blend or full‐fat soybeans. In all experiments the increase of the BFS content was associated with a constant (cellulose) or decreasing (hemicelluloses, pectin) dietary proportion of non‐digestible fibre. In experiment 1 an inverse dose–response relationship between BFS content and cholesterol in blood serum and adipose tissue as well as bile acid concentration in bile was noted while muscle cholesterol did not respond. In experiment 2 the ingredients characterized by cellulose and hemicelluloses/pectin reduced cholesterol‐related traits relative to the low‐BFS–high‐starch controls whereas, except in adipose tissue cholesterol content, the pectinous ingredient had the opposite effect. However, the changes in serum cholesterol mainly affected HDL and not LDL cholesterol. Adipose tissue cholesterol also was slightly lower with partly resistant starch compared to non‐resistant starch in the diet. Experiment 3 showed that the use of citrus pulp increased serum cholesterol concentrations when levels were low in the corresponding low‐BFS diets (low‐fat and soy bean diets), but caused no further increase in the coconut‐oil/palm kernel oil blend diet. From the present results it seems that fermentable hemicelluloses have a more favourable effect of decreasing metabolic cholesterol and related traits than hardly digestible fibre, fermentable cellulose or, particularly, pectin. Furthermore, some types of fibre expressed a certain potential to reduce cholesterol content of fat pork and pork products by up to 10% (experiment 1) and 25% (experiment 2).
The effect of physical structure in maize silage‐based diets for beef bulls
Authors: CAMPENEERE S. DE , FIEMS L. O. , BOSSCHERE H. DE , BOEVER J. L. DE , DUCATELLE R.
Published: March 2003

To investigate the influence of physical structure on zootechnical performances, four feeding regimens were evaluated with 52 Belgian Blue double‐muscled bulls starting from 327 kg until slaughter (646 kg). All diets were fed ad libitum and consisted of concentrates and maize silage in different ratios. The structural value (SV), currently used in Belgium as an evaluator of physical structure in the diet for dairy cows, amounted to 0.95 (control group), 0.74 and 0.52 per kg dry matter for the treatments with a high (HSV), medium (MSV) and low (LSV) SV, respectively. The fourth group (LSVs) received the same diet as group LSV, but additional straw was provided ad libitum, as a possible corrector for a lack of physical structure. No significant differences were found for growth rate, intake and feed conversion data. However, between 600 and 650 kg, growth rate and intake of group LSV and LSVs tended to be reduced. The influences on the carcass quality were of minor importance. Remarkably, meat tenderness of the LSV group was improved (32.3 N) in comparison (p=0.08) with the other groups (42.6 N). The height of the rumen papillae was not affected by the diets. Histological examination of the ruminal epithelium revealed that the LSV group showed the severest morphological changes. Examination of the cross‐sections of the digits showed no influence of the diet on the incidence of laminitis. From these results, it is concluded that maize silage‐based rations with a SV of 0.74 provide enough structure for optimal zootechnical performances of finishing Belgian Blue double‐muscled bulls.
Aspects of development of digestive activity of intestine in young chickens, ducks and geese
Authors: Jamroz D. , Wiliczkiewicz A. , Orda J. , Wertelecki T. , Skorupińska J.
Published: March 2003

The experiment comprised 100 chickens, 100 ducks and 100 geese fed diets based on mixed grains of maize, barley and wheat. Nutrient concentrations in the mixtures were in accordance with the requirements of poultry species. The birds were kept in metabolic cages from the 1st up to the 42nd day of life. The measurements of body weight, activity of α‐amylase and lipase in pancreatic tissue, enzymatic activity of intestinal wall cells, parameters of carbohydrate fermentations, ileal and total amino acids digestibility were conducted on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 28th and 42nd day of life or on the 14th, 28th and 42nd day of life. The pancreas α‐amylase activity in chickens during the whole period was quite constant; in ducks and geese it was very low, but from the 28th day a dynamic increase in the activity of the pancreatic enzymes was observed in these birds. The activity of lipase was low but from the 28th day of experiment an increase was noted and was much higher in waterfowl than in chickens. The highest caecal concentration of SCFA (Short chain fatty acids) (in total high) was noted in chickens; these values were slightly lower in geese and ducks. A high (70%) ileal amino acids digestibility was seen in very young chickens; during the period of 15–42 days this value amounted up to 73%. In geese, the obtained values were 63% and in ducks 43–61%, with a mean of 55%. Faecal digestibility of amino acids had a mean of up to 86% for all species but the digestibility of single amino acids such as cystine, glycine, histidine and tyrosine was diversified and relatively lower than the others.
The effect of short chain fatty acids on calcium flux rates across isolated rumen epithelium of hay‐fed and concentrate‐fed sheep
Authors: Uppal S. K. , Wolf K. , Martens H.
Published: March 2003

The present in vitro experiment was conducted to study the effect of two concentrations of short chain fatty acids [SCFA: 0 (control), 40 and 100 mmol/l in the buffer solution on mucosal side] on calcium ion (Ca2+) transport across the isolated rumen epithelium of two groups of sheep. One group was subjected to hay ad libitum, whereas the other to concentrate feed (800 g per day in equal portion at 7.00 and 15.00 hours and hay ad lib). The conventional Ussing chamber method was used for measuring the Ca2+ transport rates (45Ca), short‐circuit current (Isc) and tissue conductance (GT) of isolated rumen epithelium. The SCFA significantly increased Isc of the epithelia of concentrate‐fed sheep. In both hay‐ and concentrate‐fed animals, 45Ca flux rates showed an almost linear increase in net flux rate () with rising concentrations of SCFA, as a result of a combined effect of a large increase in mucosal‐to‐serosal flux rates () and an almost linear, but small, decrease in serosal‐to‐mucosal flux rate (). In concentrate‐fed sheep and were significantly higher in tissues incubated with SCFA compared with hay‐fed animals. The well‐known adaptable morphological and functional changes in the rumen epithelium attributable to concentrate feeding obviously include Ca2+ transport; such feeding therefore may be considered as a possible prophylactic measure in the prevention of milk fever.