bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examples of Weak Hopf Algebras Arising from Vacant Double Groupoids
Authors: Andruskiewitsch Nicolás , Mombelli Juan Martín
Published: July 2016

We construct explicit examples of weak Hopf algebras (actually face algebras in the sense of Hayashi [H]) via vacant double groupoids as explained in [AN]. To this end, we first study the Kac exact sequence for matched pairs of groupoids and show that it can be computed via group cohomology. Then we describe explicit examples of finite vacant double groupoids.
Level Rings Arising from Meet-Distributive Meet-Semilattices
Authors: Herzog Jürgen , Hibi Takayuki
Published: July 2016

The homogenized ideal dual complex of an arbitrary meet-semilattice is introduced and described explicitly. Meet-distributive meet-semilattices whose homogenized ideal dual complex is level are characterized.
On the Complement of Levi-Flats in Kähler Manifolds of Dimension ≥ 3
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: July 2016

Applying the L2 method of solving the -equation, it is shown that compact Kähler manifolds of dimension ≥ 3 admit no Levi flat real analytic hypersurfaces whose complements are Stein.
Toeplitz Algebras on Strongly Pseudoconvex Domains
Authors: Cao Guangfu
Published: July 2016

In the present paper, it is proved that theK0-group of a Toeplitz algebra on any strongly pseudoconvex domain is always isomorphic to theK0-group of the relative continuous function algebra, and is thus isomorphic to the topologicalK0-group of the boundary of the relative domain. Further there exists a ring isomorphism between theK0-groups of Toeplitz algebras and the Chern classes of the relative boundaries of strongly pseudoconvex domains. As applications of our main result,K-groups of Toeplitz algebras on some special strongly pseudoconvex domains are computed. Our results show that the Toeplitz algebras on strongly pseudoconvex domains have rich structures, which deeply depend on the topological structures of relative domains. In addition, the first cohomology groups of Toeplitz algebras are also computed.
An Uncountably Infinite Number of Indecomposable Totally Reflexive Modules
Authors: Takahashi Ryo
Published: July 2016

Several years ago, Huneke and Leuschke proved a theorem solving a conjecture of Schreyer. It asserts that an excellent Cohen-Macaulay local ring of countable Cohen-Macaulay type which is complete or has uncountable residue field has at most a one-dimensional singular locus. In this paper, it is verified that the assumption of the excellent property can be removed, and the theorem is considered over an arbitrary local ring. The main purpose of this paper is to prove that the existence of a certain prime ideal and a certain totally reflexive module implies the existence of an uncountably infinite number of isomorphism classes of indecomposable totally reflexive modules.
Most of the Maps near the Exponential are Hyperbolic
Authors: Wang Xiumei , Zhang Gaofei
Published: July 2016

Let fλ(z) = λez. In this short note, we consider those maps fλ with λ close to 1. We show that the probability that fλ is hyperbolic approaches 1 as λ → 1.
Limits of Characters of Wreath Products 𝔖n(T) of a Compact GroupTWith the Symmetric Groups and Characters of 𝔖∞(T), I
Authors: Hirai Takeshi , Hirai Etsuko , Hora Akihito
Published: July 2016

In the first half of this paper, all the limits of irreducible characters ofGn= 𝔖n(T) asn→ ∞ are calculated. The set of all continuous limit functions onG= 𝔖∞(T) is exactly equal to the set of all characters ofGdetermined in [HH6]. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a series of irreducible characters ofGnto have a continuous limit and also such a condition to have a discontinuous limit. In the second half, we study the limits of characters of certain induced representations ofGnwhich are usually reducible. The limits turn out to be characters ofG, and we analyse which of irreducible components are responsible to these limits.
Bernstein Type Theorems for Minimal Lagrangian Graphs of Quaternion Euclidean Space
Authors: Dong Yuxin , Han Yingbo , Ji Qingchun
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we prove some Bernstein type results for n-dimensional minimal Lagrangian graphs in quaternion Euclidean space Hn ≅ R4n. In particular, we also get a new Bernstein Theorem for special Lagrangian graphs in Cn.
Eine Kennzeichnung Semi-perfekter Moduln
Authors: Kasch Fr. , Mares E. A.
Published: July 2016

Ein projektiver Modul wird (in [1]) semi-perfekt genannt, wenn jedes epimorphe Bild von ihm eine projektive Hülle besitzt. Eine projektive Hülle eines Moduls C ist eine exakte Fole wobei P projektiv ist und der Kern Ke(f) von f Klein (= small = superflous)* in P ist. In [1] wird gezeigt, daB ein projektiver Modul P dann und nur dann semi-perfekt ist, wenn das Radikal Ra(P) von P klein in P ist, P̅ = P/Ra(P) halbeinfach ist und jede direkte Zerlegung von P̅ durch eine direkte Zerlegung von P induziert wird.
Holomorphic Cohomology of Complex Analytic Linear Groups
Authors: Hochschild G. , Mostow G. D.
Published: July 2016

Let G be a complex analytic group, and let A be the representation space of a finite-dimensional complex analytic representation of G. We consider the cohomology for G in A, such as would be obtained in the usual way from the complex of holomorphic cochains for G in A. Actually, we shall use a more conceptual categorical definition, which is equivalent to the explicit one by cochains. In the context of finite-dimensional representation theory, nothing substantial is lost by assuming that G is a linear group. Under this assumption, it is the main purpose of this paper to relate the holomorphic cohomology of G to Lie algebra cohomology, and to the rational cohomology, in the sense of [1], of algebraic hulls of G. This is accomplished by using the known structure theory for complex analytic linear groups in combination with certain easily established results concerning the cohomology of semidirect products. The main results are Theorem 4.1 (whose hypothesis is always satisfied by a complex analytic linear group) and Theorems 5.1 and 5.2. These last two theorems show that the usual abundantly used connections between complex analytic representations of complex analytic groups and rational representations of algebraic groups extend fully to the superstructure of cohomology.
Groups with a Cyclic Sylow Subgroup
Authors: Feit Walter
Published: July 2016

By focussing attention on indecomposable modular representations J. G. Thompson [11] has recently simplified and generalized some classical results of R. Brauer [1] concerning groups which have a Sylow group of prime order. In this paper this approach will be used to prove some results which generalize theorems of R. Brauer [2] and H. F. Tuan [12].
Simple Algebras over a Commutative Ring
Authors: Hattori Akira
Published: July 2016

In a previous paper [4], we studied a class of algebras over a commutative ring R which we called semisimple algebras. Here we shall study simple algebras.
Lifting Projectives
Authors: Strooker Jan R.
Published: July 2016

Let R be a ring with radical (all rings have a unit element, all modules are unital). Often, one wishes to lift modules modulo , that is, to a given, say, left R/-module U find a left R-module E with the property that E/E ≃ U. This is of course not always possible. Here I prove, roughly, that if a finitely generated projective U can be lifted at all, it can be lifted to a projective. Or rather, if U can be lifted to an E satisfying a certain mild condition, then E is projective (Lemma).
Homotopy Groups of Compact Lie Groups E6, E7 and E8
Authors: Kachi Hideyuki
Published: July 2016

Let G be a simple, connected, compact and simply-connected Lie group. If k is the field with characteristic zero, then the algebra of cohomology H*(G ; k) is the exterior algebra generated by the elements x1, …, xl of the odd dimension n1, …, nl; the integer l is the rank of G and is the dimension of G.
A Criterion for Normalcy
Authors: Gauthier Paul
Published: July 2016

Gavrilov [2] has shown that a holomorphic function f(z) in the unit disc |z|<1 is normal, in the sense of Lehto and Virtanen [5, p. 86], if and only if f(z) does not possess a sequence of ρ-points in the sense of Lange [4]. Gavrilov has also obtained an analagous result for meromorphic functions by introducing the property that a meromorphic function in the unit disc have a sequence of P-points. He has shown that a meromorphic function in the unit disc is normal if and only if it does not possess a sequence of P-points.
On Groups All of whose 2-Blocks Have the Highest Defects
Authors: Harada Koichiro
Published: July 2016

If G is a finite group and p a fixed prime number, the irreducible representations of G are distributed into disjoint systems, the p-blocks. These blocks have been investigated especially by R. Brauer. In this note we are concerned with the problem: What is the structure of G which has only one p-block? Or more generally, what is the structure of G all of whose p-blocks have the highest defects?
Note on Hypoellipticity of a First Order Linear Partial Differential Operator
Authors: Kato Yoshio
Published: July 2016

Let Ω be a domain in the (n + 1)-dimensional euclidian space Rn+1. A linear partial differential operator P with coefficients in C∞(Ω) (resp. in Cω(Ω)) will be termed hypoelliptic (resp. analytic-hypoelliptic) in Ω if a distribution u on Ω (i.e. u ∈ D′(Ω)) is an infinitely differentiable function (resp. an analytic function) in every open set of Ω where Pu is an infinitely differentiable function (resp. an analytic function).
Cyclotomic Nazarov-Wenzl Algebras
Authors: Ariki Susumu , Mathas Andrew , Rui Hebing
Published: July 2016

Nazarov [Naz96] introduced an infinite dimensional algebra, which he called the affine Wenzl algebra, in his study of the Brauer algebras. In this paper we study certain “cyclotomic quotients” of these algebras. We construct the irreducible representations of these algebras in the generic case and use this to show that these algebras are free of rank rn(2n−1)!! (when Ω is u-admissible). We next show that these algebras are cellular and give a labelling for the simple modules of the cyclotomic Nazarov-Wenzl algebras over an arbitrary field. In particular, this gives a construction of all of the finite dimensional irreducible modules of the affine Wenzl algebra.
Twisted Invariant Theory for Reflection Groups
Authors: Bonnafé C. , Lehrer G. I. , Michel J.
Published: July 2016

Let G be a finite reflection group acting in a complex vector space V = ℂr, whose coordinate ring will be denoted by S. Any element γ ∈ GL(V) which normalises G acts on the ring SG of G-invariants. We attach invariants of the coset Gγ to this action, and show that if G′ is a parabolic subgroup of G, also normalised by γ, the invariants attaching to G′γ are essentially the same as those of Gγ. Four applications are given. First, we give a generalisation of a result of Springer-Stembridge which relates the module structures of the coinvariant algebras of G and G′ and secondly, we give a general criterion for an element of Gγ to be regular (in Springer’s sense) in invariant-theoretic terms, and use it to prove that up to a central element, all reflection cosets contain a regular element. Third, we prove the existence in any well-generated group, of analogues of Coxeter elements of the real reflection groups. Finally, we apply the analysis to quotients of G which are themselves reflection groups.
Julian of Norwich, the Bible, and creative, orthodox theology: always novel, never new
Authors: Bennett Thomas Andrew
Published: July 2016

Scholars have spent considerable time attempting to characterise Julian of Norwich's relationship to biblical texts. This article will first survey the state of scholarship with respect to Julian and the Bible, defending a minimalist thesis: that Julian thinks theologically in the rhythms of scripture, rendering suggestions that she haphazardly borrows from biblical language demonstrably false. Subsequently, literary-critical readings of biblical texts echoed in the parable of the lord and servant will be deployed to show how Julian echoes not only the language of the Bible, but also its themes, narratives and theology. By highlighting a particular kind of imaginative theology that is nevertheless deeply biblical, the article argues that Julian is at once creative and orthodox: always novel, but never new.
St Augustine as apologist for the resurrection of Christ
Authors: O'Collins Gerald
Published: July 2016

In his sermons,Answer to Faustus a Manichean, and other works, Augustine insisted that belief in Christ's resurrection establishes the identity and defines the faith of Christians. In justifying resurrection belief, he appealed to evidence from (1) created nature and (2) human history, and to (3) the desires and experiences of those he addressed. From the perspective of creation, ‘the miracle’ of the world and all the wonders it contains (particularly the worldly pattern of ‘new life after death’) support Easter faith. Historically, Augustine argues from a visibleeffect(almost the whole of Roman society accepting the resurrection) to the only adequatecauseof this phenomenon (Christ's victory over death). Finally, the human hunger for happiness, Augustine argues, finds its fulfilment only through sharing in Christ's resurrection – though in this context he does not forget the light provided by the Holy Spirit, through whom ‘with the eyes of the heart we behold’ the risen Christ (Sermon263).
Changes in concentrations of serum albumin in dairy cows at calving and their possible significance in relation to milk yield and fertility during lactation
Authors: Rowlands G.J.
Published: July 2016

The Compton Metabolic Profile Test was designed to monitor the health of dairy herds, but the possibility is now being investigated of using blood profiles as an aid in the identification of prediction of cows with superior production potential. The problem of determining whether blood profiles can be used in this way, however, is likely to be complex. Even if relationships can be found between individual blood profiles of cows and their current performance, it need not follow that such relationships could be predicted from samples collected earlier in life. Further, although it has been shown that cows maintain individual blood profiles over fairly long periods of time (Kitchenham and Rowlands, 1976) the important characteristic may not be the mean concentration of a blood constituent maintained by a cow, but the ability of a cow to maintain normal concentrations during periods of stress.
Cattle Weighing
Authors: Filby D.E.
Published: July 2016

With man, weight-for-age is taken as a useful guide to fitness. In the case of cattle, weight is used as an indicator of fitness or suitability for sale, for slaughter, for service and during pregnancy. Consequently machines for livestock weighing will become almost as common on the farm as personal scales are in the bathrooms of many homes. However animals do not read their own weights and seldom stand still during the exercise.
Mechanization of Liquid feeding of calves
Authors: Kilkenny J.B.
Published: July 2016

Automatic calf feeding systems are used to reduce the labour requirement of calf rearing. They can also be used to increase milk intake. Major points to consider when mechanizing calf rearing are first, control of voluntary milk intake and second, ensuring that each individual obtains sufficient. Level of feeding depends on the system selected. The greater milk intake the less solid food will be consumed and the latter can fall to a level where ingesta entering the rumen is insufficient to stimulate its development. Thus calves fed milk at high levels experience a check at weaning but once solid food is eaten rumen development is rapid so this effect is not usually prolonged. Ad libitum feeding initially gives faster growth but the post-weaning check reduces this effect. However, overall the outcome can be expected to be advantageous. For calves being reared as heifer replacements or for beef it is more economical to restrict milk powder intake and to early wean the calves. A major requirement of a mechanized calf rearing system for these purposes is therefore to restrict milk intake per calf but not run the risk of some calves not receiving sufficient. For veal calves the requirement is to ensure maximum milk intake per calf. Figure 1 schematically represents a range of possible calf rearing systems.
Mobile Equipment for Dispensing Forages
Authors: Catt W.R.
Published: July 2016

When the subject of mobile equipment for dispensing forages is raised, bunker silage immediately springs to mind as the form of forage concerned. Current farming practice confirms this reaction to be generally correct but mobile equipment is also used for dispensing forage in the form of tower silage, green forage and occasionally dried grass, hay and straw. This paper will deal primarily with equipment for dispensing silage but will not entirely exclude consideration of other forms of forage.
2.2 The design of farm buildings for use in developing countries
Authors: McGuckian A. K.
Published: July 2016

As the theme of this conference is intensive animal production in developing countries, I will apply myself only to the design of farm buildings for the purpose of livestock production. It is important to understand that I am a farmer and not an architect or civil engineer. As such, I should be more attuned to the needs of the animal, which must represent the first criterion in building design in any circumstances. But that is not enough and, as a farmer, I am concerned to include ergonomic factors (that is the economies of labour use) and the commercial implications of any design. At the same time I must be conscious of the factors which influence architects, the materials available and the construction methods that are possible. In this regard I have the advantage of having at my disposal the Civil Engineering Division in our Company—Masstock.
3.1 World Supplies of grain for animal feed including principal protein sources
Authors: Parr W. H.
Published: July 2016

In discussing world supplies of grain for animal feeding, this has been interpreted in its broadest sense to include the seeds of oilseed crops, legumes (or pulses) and cereals. These, together with fish and animal protein meals, are the basic raw materials for the production of concentrated, or compound, feed which is conventionally associated with intensive livestock production. In his introductory remarks, the President warned against the dangers of generalization and this is particularly true when dealing with feed supplies, since the situation may vary considerably not only from one country to another but also from one region to another within a country. Nevertheless, it is not feasible to discuss detailed situations in a publication of this kind and the intention is to provide a general review of the overall situation.
4.3 Diseases associated with the international transfer of animals for breeding
Authors: Edelsten R. M.
Published: July 2016

Domestic food animals have been moved from country to country for as long as man himself has wandered in search of new land. Surprisingly, the distribution of certain infectious diseases is not as widespread as might be expected and many countries remain free of them, in spite of man's apparent lack of restraint in flying animals all over the world.
5.5 Intensive poultry production in Jordan
Authors: Goddard I. G. H.
Published: July 2016

In the Middle East in the last decade there has been a rapid expansion in the production of poultry meat and table eggs with the development of associated sectors, such as feed mills, hatcheries and breeding farms. This development has been reported in many articles (Anon., 1978) and is especially true in Jordan (Abdul Rahim, 1978; Anon., 1968–1978; Anon., 1979; Daghir, 1970; Daniels, 1969; and Pitcher, 1977) (Table 5.5.1).
5.6 Egg production at high temperatures
Authors: Marsden A. , Morris T. R.
Published: July 2016

It is generally recognized that at high temperatures egg production is reduced. Although Hutchinson (1954) reported that hens will lay at 44°C, the highest constant temperature under which laying hens have been kept under research conditions is 38°C for 8 weeks (Smith and Oliver, 1972a). Both feed intake and egg output were greatly depressed and at the end of the experiment the hens were reported to be “approaching death” (Smith, 1970).
6.2 Some aspects and experiences, past and present, of intensive milk production in Kenya
Authors: Kidner E. M.
Published: July 2016

Smith (1976) points out that “the developing world is littered with schemes aimed at improving animal production that… have been only partially successful or… positively harmful, resulting in disruption of traditional ways of life and… destruction of the environment by overgrazing”.
6.4 Intensive milk production from sugar cane-based feeds in the Commonwealth Caribbean
Authors: Archibald K. A. E. , Osuji P. O. , Neckles F. A.
Published: July 2016

The Commonwealth Caribbean countries imported approximately 55 million metric tonnes of milk and dairy products in 1973 and based on this level of imports a target of 194 million metric tonnes of milk and dairy products has been set to take into account the projected demand to 1980. In order to achieve this target, it is estimated by the Caricom Regional Livestock Complex that 91 000 more dairy cows will be required and also about 63 000 ha more pastures will be needed. The Region may not be able to sustain such a high cattle population on the existing and additional pasture lands and consequently there is a great need to intensify dairy cattle production. Intensive milk production normally involves the use of well managed, heavily fertilized pastures, together with liberal use of concentrate feeds, in order to achieve and maintain a high level of output.
7.1 Intensive milk production from goats in developing countries
Authors: Roy-Smith F.
Published: July 2016

The potential of the goat for milk production in the tropics has been quite extensively reviewed by Sands and McDowell (1978). They rightly concluded that many aspects of goat production are poorly understood and require further investigation but were somewhat pessimistic over the practicality of increasing supplies of goat milk in these areas. The scope of this paper is limited to intensive systems of dairy goat management and will review the subject in the light of personal experience.
7.7 Efficiency of meat production in dwarf goats
Authors: Montsma G. , Groen A. , Hofs P.
Published: July 2016

Small ruminants are important farm animals in tropical regions of Africa, as may be concluded from the large number present. ILCA (1979) estimated the total small ruminant population of the humid zone of West Africa at 25 million. Two major reasons for keeping small ruminants are as a savings account and for meat production.
8.1 Appraisal and finance of intensive animal production schemes
Authors: Schaefer-Kehnert W.
Published: July 2016

It is a world-wide experience that economic growth creates an increasing demand for food of animal origin, and, once a certain income level is reached, the demand for food of vegetable origin shrinks. Therefore, the proportion of animal products in the human diet is almost an indicator of the income level achieved by certain population groups or whole countries (excluding vegetarian societies on the one hand and pastoral societies on the other). FAO's provisional food balance sheets (FAO, 1977) indicate that, in most low income countries, animal products contribute less than 10% to total energy intake, whereas in high income countries they contribute almost 50%
The poultry industry — a success story to follow?
Authors: Roberts David E.
Published: July 2016

There has always been a love, hate, ignore relationship between poultry and other meats. If one is sensitive, it is possible to detect it in many ways — the majority of farmers' attitudes to feather, the emphasis shown in research and scientific agencies, Government bodies and even CAP where the impression is given that modern poultry production is somehow not agriculture unless it is that anachronism — “Free Range”.
Pigs
Authors: Whittemore Colin T.
Published: July 2016

To produce for market needs, the pig producer requires a clear view of the market. But in the pig industry, sophisticated as it may be, this is not always the case. Producers have often been reluctant to accept the restraints upon production that the meat trade requires if product quality is to be maintained. Conversely, the trade has sometimes been slow to allow producers to profit from the benefits of new techniques and streamlined production practices. These sorts of problems will remain with the industry while it continues to be based upon adversarial trading at each interface of the production chain. The benefits of integration between breeder, producer, feed compounder, slaughterer and meat trader are self-evident and essential to the future of the industry. The producer needs better communication lines with his market. If that communication is to generate information which is useful, both parties, not one party, must benefit. An environment of opportunistic trading between the various parties within the industry, and an adversarial view where each believes it is exploited at the hand of the other, is counter-productive.
Cattle
Authors: Howie Ian B.
Published: July 2016

Matching production to the markets for meat makes the assumption that individual producers can have an influence on market forces. This may well apply nowadays to some of the very large scale poultry production units but, individually, beef producers can have little if any influence on the marketing scene. Although there are farmers who produce several hundred fat cattle a year, the bulk of the beef produced comes from fairly small scale producers. Much of beef production is on a fairly haphazard basis with little or no recording or budgeting.

Nevertheless, small scale producers and feeders who move in and out of the market can exploit local or short-term, favourable, market fluctuations and, with skilful buying and selling, make good profits on a quick turnover. Larger scale producers who have pre-planned fully integrated production systems cannot react as quickly to any great extent to short-term marketing opportunities. I regard marketing as only one of the many variable factors to be taken into account when planning a beef enterprise within a whole farming system, in which it is likely to be one of a number of enterprises which have to be kept in balance.
Sheep
Authors: Fell Henry R.
Published: July 2016

You will, I hope, understand that this paper is set in the context of a commercial farm — and, moreover, a farm where fixed costs are high. Every enterprise must justify its existence financially and we have no room for a sentimental approach to things we merely like doing. This is as true of our flock of 1000 ewes as it is of our cereals, oilseed rape and sugar beet. The overriding emphasis has to be on profitability, both on that part of the flock devoted to the production of slaughter lambs as well as to the production of shearling rams for sale from our purebred Meatlinc flock.

The theme of this paper is therefore dominated by cash.
Backfat thickness of young boars for meat production
Authors: Lightfoot A. L.
Published: July 2016

Concern is being expressed about the marketing of over-lean carcasses, especially from young boars. Experiments at Terrington have tested the effects of various management practices, feeding regimes and slaughter weights on the performance and backfat thickness of young boars reared for meat production.

Pigs were kept in groups of mixed castrates and gilts, mixed boars and gilts, gilts only and boars only. Start of test was about 35 kg live weight and three different slaughter weights were selected to represent the main carcass types: cutters — 81 kg, baconers — 93 kg and heavies — 110 kg live weight. Backfat thickness increased with age, weight at slaughter and total feed consumption. Feed consumed by boars was 140 kg for cutters, 181 kg for baconers and 250 kg for heavies. P1, + P3 (mm) of boars was 23.7, 25.9 and 32.6 for the three slaughter weights, respectively.
Producing hill lambs to carcass specification
Authors: Walters B. R.
Published: July 2016

The system at Redesdale EHF: to produce finished hill lambs (mostly pure Scottish Blackface) from August to February by a variety of feeding methods.

The aim: to produce carcasses to the specification as laid down by the buyer

i.e. weight range 14–20 kg — outside this range the price penalty can be 5 to lOp/kg, fat class 2,3L and 3H — the buyers’ preference, including 3H for hill lambs.

The results are shown in Table 5.8.1

The effect of finishing method on carcass weight and fat class

At weaning (end of July to end of August) the range of lamb live weight is 25 to 36 kg. Animals are sorted at this laid time, basically on size, so that they can be allocated to a specific feeding method. The range of options over a long season allows all lambs to produce an acceptable (and profitable) carcass weight. This approach has resulted in average live weight at sale being 38 kg. The pattern of sales by finishing method is shown in Table 5.8.2.
Constructing contracts for beef and lamb
Authors: Sains A. G. , Kilkenny J. B.
Published: July 2016

All contracts for beef and lamb (an example is shown in Table 5.12.1), irrespective of carcass type (fatness and conformation) or weight, contain conditions other than those relating to price which need consideration when making comparisons. These conditions can be as important in determining producer net returns as to how well his slaughter profile matches a contract in terms of weight, fatness and conformation. These conditions reflect the particular circumstances of the purchaser and often introduce benefits unique to him.
Comparison of pricing schedules for beef and lamb based on carcass classification
Authors: Murchison E. F. , Sains A. G. , Kilkenny J. B.
Published: July 2016

A computer program has been developed for a Commodore 8096, to enable comparison of beef and lamb purchasing specifications based on MLC carcass classification in relation to producer slaughter profiles.

Each pricing schedule is modelled on a base price (which invariably typifies the average carcass purchased by the Company), together with premiums and/or penalties for factors such as type, sex, weight and MLC classification (conformation and fatness level). By using a base price together with premiums and/or penalties.
Planned production of beef and lamb
Authors: Evans J. B.
Published: July 2016

Buchan Meat has developed systems which produce the quantity and quality of meat required by retailers and their customers — housewives — at realistic prices.

As a farmer-owned co-operative, Buchan Meat is well placed to take advantage of the vast experience and expertise of its farmer members in producing the type of meat required by retailers. Cattle and sheep are reared to the Company's exacting standards. Animals are individually selected by fieldsmen at specified levels of finish and are then transported to the Company's abattoir and meat processing plant, which is able to process over 1600 cattle and 2000 sheep per week. The whole complex, which includes boning and packaging facilities, has been designed for maximum efficiency and incorporates all the features essential to the best standards of production and hygiene. Meat is delivered from the plant to retailers ranging in size from small independents to superstores. Meat is transported to large stores in refrigerated container-loads.
Recent changes in legislation affecting the animal production industry
Authors: Capstick C. W.
Published: July 2016

The economics of production of the livestock sector is heavily influenced by changes to price and support systems but also by the standards set under both domestic and European Community (EC) legislation in the food safety, consumer protection and animal health and welfare areas. This paper addresses these latter issues.

In the last 3 years or so the incidence of BSE has led the government to enact several measures to protect both animal and public health. The measures taken and regular publication of information on the disease and research undertaken, has helped restore public confidence in animal products. Increased record keeping and for example, bans on the feeding of ruminant derived protein to ruminants have been designed to eliminate the disease but costs have been borne by the industy. Increased incidence of Salmonella also resulted in much new legislation to which changes have been made as new evidence has emerged. The poultry industry has nevertheless faced new burdens as a result of measures to tackle the disease and restore consumer confidence in poultry products.

In the context of the completion of the EC single market the coverage of harmonized trade rules, many of which have existed since 1964, is being widened and rules for domestic and intra-Community trade are being aligned. However, the EC will continue to face the challenge of preventing the spread of disease without frontier controls. This has led so far to new measures, including surveillance arrangements for certain diseases and also to the organization of a disease control infrastructure.

The government has given high priority to the promotion of high animal welfare standards. There is also heightened public interest in this issue and legislation has been enacted to phase out certain types of farming systems and require prescribed standards in the handling of livestock. Other initiatives are now on the EC agenda including, for example, the proposed battery hens directive and further rules on the transport of animals.

Other issues discussed in the paper are the implications of the Food Safety Act 1990, EC measures on fresh meat hygiene and their enforcement and general food hygiene rules. There has also been much public consultation on the labelling of food. All of these measures have, or could have, significant implications for the livestock sector and these the paper will address.
Welfare and product quality: the need to be humane
Authors: Gregory N. G.
Published: July 2016

In this paper it will be argued that the relationships between welfare and product quality are not commonplace because processes within the animal intervene between substrate and product which reduce farming practices to a common level that is subordinate to the animal's metabolism. Nevertheless there are four ways in which compromised welfare can be linked to product quality: (1) product quality which is influenced by acute stress; (2) ante-mortem trauma occurring in parts of the animal which are edible; (3) disease states which leave lesions or taints in the edible product; and (4) product quality which is dependent on the long-term cumulative effects of exercise, lack of exercise or poor husbandry conditions.

From this classification and the examples to be given in the paper it will become clear that some practices which compromise welfare can lead to poor product quality but there is little evidence to suggest that improved welfare practices benefit product quality. Nevertheless welfare improved products could be of better quality simply because more effort and attention is put into their production. If the same care and expenditure were to be put into systems where welfare was not the main goal, would product quality be any different?

The conclusions that will be drawn from this paper are that: (i) practices which compromise welfare can lead to poor product quality, but there is little evidence that improved welfare benefits product quality; and (ii) modern labelling is suggestive instead of being explicit and as such it does not lend itself to promoting welfare improvements in a cognizant manner.
Farm assurance: the Scottish dimension
Authors: Simpson B. M.
Published: July 2016

Farm Assured Scotch Livestock (FASL) was established by a small planning group in 1990 with representatives of all sectors of the Scottish meat industry. The agreed objective is to accelerate the ability of the Scotch Beef and Lamb industry to meet consumer requirements in the 1990s.

This is being achieved through a farm assurance scheme with standards designed to increase consumer confidence in beef and lamb. Participation is voluntary and already over 1000 farms have joined the scheme. High standards coupled with rigorous independent inspections provide credibility and formal links to the Scottish Consumer Council have been established.

The principal criteria are: traceability of stock; staff competence; adherence to welfare codes; food composition and storage; housing and handling facilities; medicines and veterinary treatments; essential records.

The farm assured product is now being actively promoted by independent and multiple retailers with considerable interest from the expanding export markets — particularly in Northern Europe. Current developments are aimed at linking farm assurance to meat quality through the Guild of Scotch Quality Meat Suppliers. Standards for auction markets and livestock transport are being established to complete the quality assurance message from farm to plate.
Environmental components of pig health
Authors: Svendsen J. , Svendsen L. S.
Published: July 2016

One of the limiting factors in pig production is the ill health of the animals. Besides the effect of overt disease, subclinical disease and more subtle disturbances in health may be a continual problem affecting all production parameters. These disturbances range from reproductive problems such as infertility, neonatal health problems, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems during the growing-finishing period, and injuries at all production stages.

The causes of many of these disturbances and losses are multifactorial, resulting froman interaction between different environmental factors (stressors) and the animals. Many health problems are not initially due to infections but infections may appear as a secondary factor. Where bacteria, viruses and parasites are involved, the pig's immune status and ability for immune defence is often the determinant for disease. Unfavourable environmental factors do not result in a specific disease if the agent is missing.

When animals are housed, their life form is altered. Housing creates limits in their choices, freedom of movement, activities, and feeding. While pigs generally have a talent for adapting to the environment, modern production methods have made it difficult for some animals to cope with their situation. They become stressed, and especially if this stress is prolonged, negative effects appear, generally reflected in their state of health.
Advances in climatic control
Authors: Owen J. E.
Published: July 2016

Electronic control systems offer a big potential for improved environmental control inpig buildings. Their use is however limited to those types of controllers that can replicate the features of older electromechanical controls. Current research and development work, which is not confined to pig building applications, is largely concerned with extending the use of microprocessor-based controllers to incorporate features such as: (a) control based on parameters other than simply air temperature; (b) control based on algorithmswhich predict the pigs’ needs; and (c) control which integrates alarm, fail safe and monitoring.

To accommodate these features more advanced controllers are used, however their use in practice is likely to be limited by a number of technical, economic and ergonomie constraints.
Development in welfare guidelines
Authors: Moss R.
Published: July 2016

The recent history of animal welfare is discussed with particular reference to the ethical and scientific factors which have influenced and will continue to influence the development of pig husbandry systems.

The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee report on the original codes of recommendations for the welfare of livestock, including the code for pigs, a review by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) and the re-issue of the code for pigs in 1983, the 1980/81 report of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee and the recent FAWC proposals for legislation are examined in some detail.

Research work that has been undertaken in pig welfare is mentioned and finally, reference is made to the various protagonists in the debate, not forgetting the pig itself. There is no attempt to draw any definitive conclusions.
The EC sheep meat regime — the political dimension
Authors: Cahn A. T.
Published: July 2016

The European Community (EC) sheep meat regime, introduced in 1980, was designed to resolve a conflict of interest between British and French sheep producers and originally sought to preserve the status quo, which included widely varying production systems, market prices and policy objectives. Although Britain's sole use of the variable premium focused discontent of other member states on its system of support, its production in the 1980s expanded continuously and its exports increased. However, the EC regime came under further pressure from the accession of Spain in 1986 and the inclusion of goats in the regime in 1985 added to budgetary problems. The cost of the regime has increased greatly and. this fact, together with the move towards a single market by 1992, meant that the fragmented market solution of 1980 could not last.

The agreement of July 1989 on a reform of the regime marked a major change. The transitional phase will see the phasing out of the special national provisions, including variable premium. Lower rates of premium for larger flocks, private storage aid, an EC standard quality and a differentiation between milk and meat producers will come into force in 1990 and 1991. By the end of 1992, a single premium will be applicable throughout the community and a single market will be in force.

This poses both challenges and opportunities for the British industry. Export markets will be more open. The variable premium, both a straight jacket and a safety net, will disappear and demands for price, quality and even supply will be more urgent. Traditional patterns of production will have to prove their efficiency. Options, such as more extensive/‘natural’ production, more intensive production, meat/wool dual production and organic production will need to be considered.
The UK sheep industry: current position, economics and emerging trends
Authors: Slade C. F. R.
Published: July 2016

Throughout the 1980s the United Kingdom (UK) flock has expanded from 14 million to just over 20 million ewes and ewe lambs. This expansion has gone side by side with increased exports, particularly to France, and reduced New Zealand supplies. The main factor encouraging flock expansion has been European Community (EC) support and the guarantee created by the variable premium system adopted in the UK. As a result of the 'variable premium' payment system, supplies of lamb have increased during the first 3 months of the year but there is still a shortage of home produced lamb in the period April to June. Exports take up about 24% of the lamb crop.

There are 60 pure breeds of sheep in the UK and this number is actually increasing. The hill breeds are the most numerous. The national flock is dominated by halfbreds of which Mule types form 23% of the total. The Suffolk is the most numerous terminal sire but the number of Suffolk cross females has also increased substantially. Over 59% of the UK flock draws some form of hill subsidy.

Gross margin figures during the 1980s have been reasonable but in 1988 EC support and hill subsidies accounted for 30% of income in hill environments and 24% of income in lowland situations. In addition the ‘variable premium’ system underpinned the prices paid for store lambs. Changes in the EC sheepmeat regime are currently creating some uncertainty but prospects into the next century seem quite hopeful. The producer of store lambs will be vulnerable to an extent but there seems scope for continued modest expansion of the national flock through the 1990s.
Practical breeding developments and future prospects
Authors: Curran M. K.
Published: July 2016

This paper is a review of practical sheep breeding improvement schemes and techniques in the UK. Recent breed population changes in each of the broad categories of hill, longwool/crossing, longwool ewe, terminal sire and shortwool ewe breeds are outlined. Current or planned improvement programmes are reported for Welsh Mountain, Beulah, Scottish Blackface, Border Leicester, Cambridge, Friesland, Romney, Texel, Suffolk, Lleyn and Merino breeds. The techniques of genetic improvement currently available are discussed including some costs and likely genetic gains; techniques include group breeding schemes, artificial insemination, multiple ovulation and embryo transplant, best linear unbiased prediction and transgenic methods. The application of these techniques and contribution they could make to future sheep improvement are assessed.
Nutrition of the Finishing lamb
Authors: Webster G. M. , Povey Gillian M.
Published: July 2016

In order to achieve maximum economic returns, the finished-lamb producer needs to plan his production system to meet the requirements of his chosen market. These requirements are now becoming more specific as consumer demands for a quality product increase and new markets (e.g. Europe) become available. With the diversity of genetic and environmental backgrounds of lambs destined for slaughter, together with the seasonality of breeding in sheep, it is not surprising that a range of finishing systems exists. This paper highlights recent developments in the nutrition of the finishing lamb and examines their potential.

In the early lambing flock, where fast growth rates are essential, lambs are often weaned when they are 4 to 6 weeks old. Similarly, in flocks lambing more than once per year, early weaning is necessary to allow the ewe to recover body condition before the next mating. Cereals are rich sources of energy and highly palatable to young lambs. Their rapid rate of fermentation in the rumen makes intensive finishing on cereal-based diets a relatively easy process, with growth rates of 350 to 400 g/day allowing lambs to reach slaughter weight at 12 to 14 weeks of age. To avoid the production of soft fat, which arises from high levels of propionic acid in the rumen, cereals should be offered as whole grains. Considerable benefits in terms of growth rate may be achieved by the inclusion of high quality protein sources of low rumen degradability, such as fish meal, in the diet.

The use of fodder crops grazed in situ for finishing store lambs has declined in recent years with the result that interest in indoor finishing systems has increased. These systems based on concentrate foods result in rapid growth rates. Alternatively, silage-based diets with appropriate supplements may be used to produce more modest growth rates, allowing lambs to be taken to heavier weights. Maintenance feeding during the store period has a major influence on the response of these lambs to improved nutrition, particularly to protein of low rumen degradability. Environmental limitations such as shortening daylength may also be an important consideration.

Lamb carcass quality is becoming increasingly important in market specifications and the ability of lambs to produce more lean and less fat has been demonstrated in experiments involving pharmacological manipulation. While these techniques may not be acceptable to the consumer, the potential to enhance carcass composition by dietary means clearly still exists.