bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modeling of Chimeric TCR Triggering Predicts the Magnitude of Target Lysis and Its Impairment by TCR Downmodulation
Authors: James Scott E. , Greenberg Philip D. , Jensen Michael C. , Lin Yukang , Wang Jinjuan , Budde Lihua E. , Till Brian G. , Raubitschek Andrew A. , Forman Stephen J. , Press Oliver W.
Published: March 2010

We investigated relationships among chimeric TCR (cTCR) expression density, target Ag density, and cTCR triggering to predict lysis of target cells by cTCR+ CD8+ T human cells as a function of Ag density. Triggering of cTCR and canonical TCR by Ag could be quantified by the same mathematical equation, but cTCR represented a special case in which serial triggering was abrogated. The magnitude of target lysis could be predicted as a function of cTCR triggering, and the predicted minimum cTCR density required for maximal target lysis by CD20-specific cTCR was experimentally tested. cTCR density below ∼20,000 cTCR/cell impaired target lysis, but increasing cTCR expression above this density did not improve target lysis or Ag sensitivity. cTCR downmodulation to densities below this critical minimum by interaction with Ag-expressing targets limited the sequential lysis of targets in a manner that could be predicted based on the number of cTCRs remaining. In contrast, acute inhibition of lysis of primary, intended targets (e.g., leukemic B cells) due to the presence of an excess of secondary targets (e.g., normal B cells) was dependent on the Ag density of the secondary target but occurred at Ag densities insufficient to promote significant cTCR downmodulation, suggesting a role for functional exhaustion rather than insufficient cTCR density. This suggests increasing cTCR density above a critical threshold may enhance sequential lysis of intended targets in isolation, but will not overcome the functional exhaustion of cTCR+ T cells encountered in the presence of secondary targets with high Ag density.
Toxin-Coupled MHC Class I Tetramers Can Specifically Ablate Autoreactive CD8+ T Cells and Delay Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Vincent Benjamin G. , Young Ellen F. , Buntzman Adam S. , Stevens Rosemary , Kepler Thomas B. , Tisch Roland M. , Frelinger Jeffrey A. , Hess Paul R.
Published: March 2010

There is compelling evidence that self-reactive CD8+ T cells are a major factor in development and progression of type 1 diabetes in animals and humans. Hence, great effort has been expended to define the specificity of autoimmune CD8+ T cells and to alter their responses. Much work has focused on tolerization of T cells using proteins or peptides. A weakness in this approach is that residual autoreactive T cells may be activated and exacerbate disease. In this report, we use a novel approach, toxin-coupled MHC class I tetramers. Used for some time to identify Ag-specific cells, in this study, we use that same property to delete the Ag-specific cells. We show that saporin-coupled tetramers can delete islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP)-reactive T cells in vitro and in vivo. Sequence analysis of TCRβ-chains of IGRP+ cells reveals the repertoire complexity in the islets is markedly decreased as NOD mice age and significantly altered in toxic tetramer-treated NOD mice. Further tetramer+ T cells in the islets are almost completely deleted, and, surprisingly, loss of tetramer+ T cells in the islets is long lasting. Finally, we show deletion at 8 wk of age of IGRP+ CD8+ T cells, but not dystophia myotonica kinase- or insulin B-reactive cells, significantly delays diabetes in NOD mice.
The Impact of Clinical and Cognitive Variables on Social Functioning in Parkinson's Disease: Patient versus Examiner Estimates
Authors: McNamara Patrick , Stavitsky Karina , Durso Raymon , Harris Erica
Published: March 2010

Purpose. To assess the impact of clinical variables on social skills and behaviors in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and patient versus examiner estimates of social functioning.Methods. Twenty-eight patients with PD and 32 controls with chronic disease were assessed with a battery of neuropsychologic, personality, mood, and social function tests.Results. Patients' estimates of their own social functioning were not significantly different from examiners' estimates. The impact of clinical variables on social functioning in PD revealed depression to be the strongest association of social functioning in PD on both the patient and the examiner version of the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale.Conclusions. PD patients appear to be well aware of their social strengths and weaknesses. Depression and motor symptom severity are significant predictors of both self- and examiner reported social functioning in patients with PD. Assessment and treatment of depression in patients with PD may improve social functioning and overall quality of life.
Serial Observations and Mutational Analysis of an Adoptee with Family History of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Harris Bronwyn , Pfotenhauer Jean P. , Silverstein Cheri A. , Markham Larry W. , Schafer Kim , Exil Vernat J. , Hong Charles C.
Published: March 2010

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiac disease with an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. Comprehensive genetic screening of several genes frequently found mutated in HCM is recommended for first-degree relatives of HCM patients. Genetic testing provides the means to identify those at risk of developing HCM and to institute measures to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD). Here, we present an adoptee whose natural mother and maternal relatives were known be afflicted with HCM and SCD. The proband was followed closely from age 6 to 17 years, revealing a natural history of the progression of clinical findings associated with HCM. Genetic testing of the proband and her natural mother, who is affected by HCM, revealed that they were heterozygous for both the R719Q and T1513S variants in the cardiac beta-myosin heavy chain (MYH7) gene. The proband's ominous family history indicates that the combination of the R719Q and T1513S variantsin cismay be a “malignant” variant that imparts a poor prognosis in terms of the disease progression and SCD risk.
Plant communities and landscapes of the Parque Nacional de Zinave, Mozambique
Authors: Stalmans Marc , Peel Mike
Published: March 2010

The Parque Nacional de Zinave covers 400 000 ha in Mozambique to the south of the Save River. Until recently, this park had been characterised by neglect and illegal hunting that caused the demise of most of its large wildlife. A recent initiative has been launched that aims at rehabilitating the park within the scope of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP). A vegetation map was required as input to its management plan. The three primary objectives of the study were, firstly, to understand the environmental and biotic determinants of the vegetation, secondly, to identify and describe individual plant communities in terms of species composition and structure along the roads in the study area and, thirdly, to delineate landscapes in terms of their plant community make-up, environmental as well as biotic determinants and distribution. This is the third survey and description of the landscapes of the national parks located in the Mozambique part of the GLTP. A combination of feldwork and analysis of LANDSAT satellite imagery was used. A total of 75 sample plots were surveyed. A brief subjective visual assessment was undertaken for another 114 sample points. The accuracy of the landscape map was evaluated by means of 582 points assessed during an aerial game count. The ordination results clearly indicate the overriding importance of moisture availability in determining vegetation composition. Ten distinct plant communities were recognised. Different combinations of these plant communities can be grouped in six major landscapes, namely the Save River channel and river banks, Save riverine forest, Acacia nigrescens woodland landscape, mopane landscape, miombo landscape and sandveld landscape. The landscapes with their individual plant communities represent habitats that are highly suitable for the reintroduction of many game species that were lost during the latter part of the last century. Conservation implication: No formal description and mapping of the vegetation existed for Zinave. The landscape map is a vital input for the management plan. The reintroduction of wildlife species that were exterminated during the civil war requires a selection of suitable habitats for the placement of the ‘sanctuary’ that will be used to ensure the initial security of the introduced animals. The landscape map of Zinave fits into the broader mapping of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and Conservation Area (GLTFCA) for conservation planning purposes.
Knowledge and attitude of schoolgirls about illegal abortions in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Paluku Lussy J. , Mabuza Langalibalele H. , Maduna Patrick M.H. , Ndimande John V.
Published: March 2010

Background: Adolescent sexual activity, early pregnancy, induced abortion and the increase in HIV infection have become major concerns in sub-Saharan Africa and understanding adolescent sexual behaviour remains a challenge. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the practice of illegal abortions is prevalent among school-going adolescent girls with unplanned pregnancies. Assessing their attitude and knowledge on the subject could be a starting point from which to address the problem.Objectives: To determine the knowledge of schoolgirls in Goma, DRC about the health consequences of illegal abortions and to assess their attitude towards these abortions.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 328 high school girls aged 16 to 20 years. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Nine out of 55 (11 public and 44 private) secondary schools were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. The Epi-Info 2000 computer program was used for data capturing and analysis.Results: The different sources of information were the radio (66.2%, 217), friends (31.7%, 104), parents (1.5%, 5), and the church (0.5%, 2). The health consequences of illegal abortion mentioned were death, infertility, infection and bleeding. Of the participants, 9.8% (32) had committed an abortion before and 46% (151) knew where to obtain it; 76.2% (250) of participants were against illegal abortion, while 23.8% (78) supported it.Conclusion: Girls in secondary school in Goma had good knowledge of the illegal abortion practice and its consequences. A fifth of them were in support of the procedure. The DRC government may need to consider legalising abortion to secure a healthy future for affected girls.
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY VOLATILE FATTY ACID MIXTURES ON PERFORMANCE AND ON FAT COMPOSITION OF GROWING PIGS
Authors: BOWLAND J. P. , YOUNG B. A. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the acceptability, calculated digestible energy, influence on performance, and effect on fatty acid composition of backfat when a mixture of volatile fatty acids (VFA) or of a sodium salt of these fatty acids (Na VFA) was fed to pigs. The weight percent of the VFA mixture was 40 acetic, 40 propionic and 20 butyric acid. Adding 2 to 8% VFA or Na VFA to the diet, without adjustment for digestible energy or total protein, did not influence feed intake or rate of gain. Dietary levels of 10 or 12% VFA or Na VFA depressed daily gain. When 4% VFA or Na VFA was fed from an initial weight of 12 kg, feed intake was not altered in comparison with that of pigs fed a control diet. Rate of gain averaged 0.64 kg per day for pigs fed either VFA or Na VFA, compared with 0.60 kg for control pigs. The digestible energy values of the VFA and Na VFA, based on calculated energy conversion from 38 to 75 kg liveweight, were higher than the gross energy values of the compounds determined by oxygen bomb calorimetry, presumably because of a synergistic action of VFA with other energy sources in the diet. Carcass backfat thickness, area of loin and lean in the ham face were not significantly altered by feeding VFA or Na VFA. When pigs received up to 12% VFA or Na VFA, weight percent oleic acid in the outer backfat was increased (P < 0.05) from 49.9% in the control pigs to between 52.7 and 53.3 percent. There was no influence on backfat composition when 4% VFA or Na VFA was fed continuously.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF ESTRUS IN CATTLE BY INTRAVAGINAL APPLICATION OF PROGESTERONE WITH ESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Scanlon P. F. , Neville W. J. , Burgess T. D. , Macpherson J. W.
Published: March 2010

not available
DRIED MOLASSES BEET PULP IN RATIONS OF DAIRY CATTLE
Authors: HIRONAKA R.
Published: March 2010

Sixteen cows were divided into two groups of eight, one group with a high breed-class-average (BCA) index and one with a low BCA index. Each cow received four rations during one lactation with 0, 5, 10, or 15% dried molasses beet pulp (DMBP). There was a trend toward greater solids-corrected-milk (SCM) production with increasing levels of DMBP. Fat and solids-not-fat contents of the milk were not affected by the level of DMBP in the ration. Protein content appeared to increase as level of DMBP in the ration increased, and when all cows were considered, those fed the 10% and 15% DMBP rations produced milk of a higher protein content than those fed the 0% DMBP ration.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TIMBER MILK VETCH, ASTRAGALUS MISER VAR. SEROTINUS, ON SHEEP
Authors: MOSHER G. A. , KRISHNAMURTI C. R. , KITTS W. D.
Published: March 2010

The physiological effects of timber milk vetch (TMV), Astragalus miser var. serotinus, on sheep were studied using wethers kept in pens and yearling ewes under range conditions. Three of the four wethers fed 100% TMV exhibited characteristic symptoms of poisoning, which included backward flexion of the fetlock joints, paralysis of the hind limbs and incoordination of movements. Yearling ewes that were fed TMV under range conditions exhibited symptoms of poisoning especially when they were excited or after being shipped for slaughter. The presence of longitudinal ulcers in the intestine and elevation of the activity of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase were characteristic of toxicity in both the groups. The concentration of thiamine in the blood was within the normal range, indicating that the beneficial effects of thiamine as a therapeutic agent in TMV poisoning may be indirect. After the TMV was cut, dried and pelleted the misertoxin content dropped from 2.57 to 0.90%.
AERIAL TRANSPORT OF SHEEP EMBRYOS IN VITRO
Authors: Baker Robert D. , Webel Sieve , Ellicott Allen , Dziuk Philip J.
Published: March 2010

not available
RESISTANCE OF STRAINS OF CHICKENS TO MAREK’S DISEASE
Authors: GRUNDER A. A. , JEFFERS T. K. , SPENCER J. L. , ROBERTSON A. , SPECKMANN G. W.
Published: March 2010

Fifteen strains of chickens were tested in three experiments for susceptibility to Marek’s disease (MD). Highly significant differences among strains and between sexes were observed for both mortality (two experiments) and total incidence (three experiments). Correlation between ranking of replicated strains for MD incidence in two experiments was significant for females and for sexes pooled but not for males. There was a significant correlation between ranking of strains exposed by contact in a controlled environment house (based on incidence of MD) with ranking of strains in a 147-day test at a field station (based on total mortality or mortality with lymphoid tumors). Cornell S strain was included in comparisons with nine other strains and was the most susceptible to MD. The Cornell K strain was significantly more resistant than two of nine strains and was significantly more susceptible than four strains.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY VITAMIN A ON GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION IN RABBITS
Authors: PAYNE A. S. , DONEFER E. , BAKER R. D.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four, 4-week-old rabbits were fed diets to provide 0, 3, 6, and 12 μg vitamin A per kg bodyweight per day. After 17 weeks, rabbits on the 0 level exhibited significantly lower feed intake and growth rate and all six animals died before the completion of the 24-week feeding period. The six rabbits on the 3-μg level developed ocular lesions and five died before the completion of the trial. Avitaminosis A was less prevalent on the higher levels with no deaths on the 12-μg diet. Reproductive performance of a surviving male continued on the 3-μg level was characterized by absence of spermatogenesis. Mature males placed on the same ration did not exhibit decreased reproductive function. Reproductive performance of surviving females was directly related to vitamin A level. Offspring from females on the 3-, 6-, and 12-μig levels all exhibited avitaminosis A with per cent surviving 14 days at 0, 15, and 59, respectively. Minimal daily vitamin A requirement for young growing rabbits and breeding males would appear to be approximately 8 μg/Wkg whereas a vitamin A intake in slight excess of 14 μg/Wkg was inadequate for optimum reproductive performance in female rabbits.
CHEMICAL FACTORS AND THEIR RELATION TO FEED INTAKE REGULATION IN RUMINANTS: A REVIEW
Authors: JONES G. M.
Published: March 2010

The subject is reviewed with respect to the role of nutrient metabolism upon the regulation of ruminant feed intake. Chemical factors associated with changes in dietary or nutrient composition and their metabolism within the reticulorumen or animal body, or both, are emphasized. The importance of physical, physiological or metabolic, and sensory regulatory mechanisms are discussed in relation to their effects upon the formation of various metabolites known to be related to feeding. These include volatile fatty acids, amino acids, and blood glucose. Various tissues are discussed in relation to their relative importance for activation of a feedback signal associated with satiety. A general hypothesis is postulated for the integration of various factors, known to influence feed intake regulation, into a complex system.
HERITABILITIES AND GENETIC CORRELATIONS IN MORPHOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OF BABY TEETH IN RAMBOUILLET AND ROMNELET SHEEP
Authors: VESELY J. A.
Published: March 2010

Data were used from 1009 Rambouillet and 1104 Romnelet lambs representing 40 sires of each breed. Traits studied were: width of the two central incisors measured at the bottom and the top of each tooth; length of the three pairs of central incisors; angle of the central incisors with the upper jaw; and distance between the two canines at the base. Least squares analyses estimated effects of year, age of dam, sex, type of rearing, sires, and regression of trait on age of lamb. Estimates of genetic parameters were obtained for each breed from paternal half-sib analysis. Heritabilities for width of the two central incisors measured at the top averaged 0.63. Heritability estimates for length of the central pair of incisors averaged 0.58, of the next adjacent pair, 0.51, and of the third pair (from the center) 0.41. Heritability estimates for the angle of the front teeth with the upper gum averaged 0.24 and the distance between the two canines, 0.38. Most of the genetic correlations between width of the central incisors and the other measurements were positive.
EFFECTS OF MILK, FISH, AND SOYBEAN PROTEINS IN MILK REPLACEES, AND FEEDING FREQUENCY ON PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY CALVES
Authors: GORRILL A. D. L. , NICHOLSON J. W. G. , POWER H. E.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were carried out with Holstein heifer calves to determine the effect of supplying a major portion of the protein in milk replacers by isopropanol-extracted protein concentrate from whole herring (FPC) or a mixture of FPC and soybean protein concentrate (SPC). Milk replacers were compared with whole milk in experiment 1. All calves were abruptly weaned when consuming 0.5 kg starter/day, or by 5 weeks of age. Calf performance was similar when the pre-weaning liquid diet was whole milk, or milk replacers containing either milk protein or 50% of the protein from FPC. Average daily gains to weaning and to 26 weeks of age for all calves were 377 and 692 g/day, respectively. Calves in experiment 2 were fed either an all-milk protein milk replacer or one containing 98% of the protein equally from FPC and SPC. Both milk replacers were fed once daily either six or seven times per week. Calf growth to weaning was lower on the FPC–SPC formula (283 vs. 364 g/day, P < 0.01), but was not significantly different (P < 0.05) to 15 weeks of age (618 vs. 643 g/day). Feeding milk replacer six vs. seven times per week had no significant effect on calf growth. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy were similar in bull calves fed the all-milk or FPC–SPC protein milk replacers, but retention of absorbed nitrogen was less on the latter diet (54 vs. 45%, P < 0.10).
USE OF THE WILLEMS POLYTRON® TO HOMOGENIZE FAT AND DISPERSE INSOLUBLE INGREDIENTS IN HIGH-FAT LIQUID MILK REPLACERS
Authors: GORRILL A. D. L. , NICHOLSON J. W. G.
Published: March 2010

The operation of the Willems Polytron® to prepare batches of high-fat (27–35%, air dry basis) milk replacers is described. Most milk replacers were mixed at 40% solids to minimize foaming, and were diluted prior to feeding. The Polytron homogenized fat in liquid mixtures at 55 or 65 C, and partially dispersed insoluble ingredients in soybean, rape-seed, and fish flours. The inclusion of 25% or more of partially delactosed acid whey powder increased the viscosity of the mixtures, and held insoluble ingredients in suspension for several hours. Homogenization of a milk replacer containing 73% skim milk powder and 27% bleachable fancy tallow (3% soybean lecithin added) markedly improved growth (425 vs. 190 g/day), dry matter, nitrogen, and energy digestion (92 vs. 73% for energy) and nitrogen retention (44 vs. 24%) by calves. Calf responses were similar when the liquid diet was homogenized at either 55 or 65 C. Homogenization with 3% soybean lecithin in the tallow increased digestion of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy by chives by 5–6% units (P < 0.2), and Ca by 16% units (P < 0.05) compared with no lecithin. Bleachable fancy or crude tallow and 3% soybean lecithin or 0.2% glyceryl monostearate in the fat gave similar calf responses.
LACK OF RESPONSE TO ADDED DIETARY MANGANESE OF CHICKS FED WHEAT–SOYBEAN MEAL OR CORN–SOYBEAN MEAL BASED DIETS
Authors: GARDINER E. E.
Published: March 2010

Two 6 × 2 factorial experiments were conducted to determine the response of broiler-type and Leghorn male chicks to various levels of dietary manganese (two breeds, six levels of manganese). Experiment 1 used a wheat–soybean meal based diet, and experiment 2 used a corn–soybean meal based diet. The basal diets contained 37.9 and 51.7 ppm of manganese in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Supplementing either diet with manganese from manganese sulfate had no significant effect on body weight of either breed of chicken nor did it significantly influence feed-to-gain ratios.
EFFECTS OF VARYING NUTRIENT DENSITY ON BROILER PERFORMANCE USING COMPUTER-FORMULATED RATIONS
Authors: GOOCH P. D. , SUMMERS J. D. , MORAN Jr. E. T.
Published: March 2010

Broiler cockerel chicks were fed computer-formulated commercial-type starter and grower diets varying in nutrient density by 10%. At 8 weeks of age similar weights were obtained for all but the lowest density diet; however, feed:gain ratios showed a linear improvement as the density of the diets was increased. Carcass grades indicated that as the density of the ration was increased there was a definite shift to carcass of a higher quality.
MUSCLE AND KIDNEY SELENIUM LEVELS IN CALVES AND LAMBS RAISED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF CANADA: RELATIONSHIP TO SELENIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN PLANTS AND POSSIBLY HUMAN INTAKES
Authors: HOFFMAN I. , JENKINS K. J. , MERANGER J. C. , PIGDEN W. J.
Published: March 2010

A survey was conducted to estimate the natural concentrations of selenium in tissues of cattle and sheep raised in different geographical areas of Canada. Beef calf and lamb skeletal muscle and kidney samples were obtained from animals fed and raised locally at various Agriculture Canada Research Stations across Canada. A high proportion of samples obtained from the eastern provinces (Ontario and eastward) contained low selenium levels (skeletal muscle dry matter, mean ± SE 0.28 ± 0.03; kidney cortex dry matter 2.60 ± 0.22) whereas much higher selenium levels were present in these tissues from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia (skeletal muscle dry matter, 1.01 ± 0.15; kidney cortex dry matter, 5.84 ± 0.42). These data correspond to a similar east versus prairie distribution for selenium in Canadian feed ingredients as reported earlier in the literature by another author and with the higher incidence of selenium deficiencies occurring in livestock raised in eastern Canada than in the prairies. Most of the eastern tissue selenium levels were comparable with those reported for selenium-deficient animals raised in the United States and New Zealand. The results suggest that practical measures for ensuring livestock in eastern Canada of adequate selenium and vitamin E intakes are required to protect against onset of deficiency conditions.
INTRAUTERINE MIGRATION OF PIG EMBRYOS IN LITTERS WITHOUT LOSSES
Authors: SITTMANN K.
Published: March 2010

not available
BIOPSY SAMPLING FOR GROWTH STUDIES IN CATTLE
Authors: LAFLAMME L. F.
Published: March 2010

not available
THE BLOOD PICTURE OF SHEEP FED ON FRESH AND DRIED MARROW-STEM KALE
Authors: PELLETIER G. , MARTIN L. J.
Published: March 2010

Sheep were used to compare the anemia effects of fresh marrow-stem kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C.) with low-temperature dehydrated marrow-stem kale (MSK). There was a drop in hemoglobin (P < 0.01), packed-cell volume (P < 0.05), and red blood cell count (P < 0.05) after the 4th, 5th, and 6th wk, respectively, of feeding fresh MSK. Similar drops in hemoglobin (P < 0.05), packed-cell volume (P < 0.05), and red cell count (P < 0.05) occurred after the 4th wk of feeding dried MSK. Formation of Heinz-Ehrlich bodies peaked at the corresponding lowest values of hemoglobin and packed-cell volume for both fresh and dried MSK. These criteria returned almost to normal in the 2nd and 3rd wk after stopping the feeding of kale and using ground hay as the entire ration instead. It was concluded that high levels of either fresh or dried MSK could not be fed to sheep even for a relatively short period of time.
RAPESEED MEAL AS A PROTEIN SOURCE IN THE STARTER CONCENTRATE FOR REPLACEMENT CALVES
Authors: STONE J. B. , WOOD A. S.
Published: March 2010

Two trials were carried out to assess the extent to which commercial, prepressed, solvent-extracted rapeseed meal could be substituted for soybean meal in starter concentrates for replacement calves. In trial I, rapeseed meal comprised 0, 8, 16, and 24% of the mixes, but still did not replace all of the soybean meal. When offered from 10 days of age, along with a "limited" milk feeding program and dry hay, there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in feed consumption or average daily gain (ADG) to a final body weight of 114 kg. In trial II, rapeseed meal was used at three levels of replacement for protein from soybean meal: 0, 50, and 100%. This represented actual levels of rapeseed meal in the starter of 0, 14.5, and 29.8%. In addition, half the calves were fed a low-fat milk replacer and half a high-fat milk replacer. There was no significant interaction between milk replacers and the starter diets, nor did the milk replacers have any significant effect on feed intake or ADG over the whole trial to the final body weight of 114 kg. Replacement of all the soybean meal in the starter did result in a significant decrease in ADG because of lower feed intake per day. It is concluded that if a calf starter is to be pelletted it is possible to include up to 20% of rapeseed meal.
BLOAT INVESTIGATIONS: DENATURATION OF ALFALFA FRACTION II PROTEINS BY FOAMING
Authors: HOWARTH R. E. , SARKAR S. K. , McARTHUR J. M. , HIKICHI M.
Published: March 2010

The effects of foaming on the solubility of alfalfa leaf proteins were reinvestigated. Foaming denatured and insolubilized the proteins of both fraction I and fraction II. Thus, contrary to previous reports, the proteins of both fractions seem responsible for bloat in cattle grazing alfalfa forage.
ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS OF BEEF BULLS IN PERFORMANCE-TESTING PROGRAMS
Authors: WILTON J. W. , BURGESS T. D. , BATRA T. R.
Published: March 2010

Fat thickness and longissimus muscle area were measured ultrasonically on 229 beef bulls on performance test. Charolais bulls were leaner than Hereford and Angus at both start and end of test and grew more quickly. Rate of gain on test was not related to initial age, weight or fat thickness, with partial correlations of.00,.22, and −.01, respectively, for Charolais, and.08,.06, and −.05, respectively, for Hereford. Rate of gain on test was not highly related to final fat thickness and longissimus muscle area nor to changes in fatness and muscle area during test, correlations with rate of gain being.14,.21,.06, and.02, respectively, for Charolais, and.15,.23,.22, and.12 for Hereford. Predicted retail yield gains per day on test were very closely related to liveweight gains on test, with correlations of.99 for both Charolais and Hereford. Fat thickness measurements do not appear to have any value if used to predict retail yield per day, but might have a value in identifying beef bulls that exceed acceptable fat thickness by the end of test.
URINARY EXCRETION OF 11-DEOXY 17-KETOSTEROIDS AND THEIR CORRELATIONS WITH OTHER UNKNOWN STEROID COMPOUNDS IN RAM, CRYPTORCHID, AND WETHER LAMBS
Authors: VESELY J. A. , GARDINER E. E.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four-hour urine samples from 33 ram, 37 cryptorchid, and 31 wether lambs were collected and tested for the amounts of 11-deoxy 17-ketosteroids. On average, wethers produced about two-thirds (598 μg) and cryptorchids about one-third (371 μg) of the androsterone and etiocholanolone produced by rams (929 μg). The means, however, were not significantly different due to the high variation within each sex-group. The amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone excreted per day in ram, cryptorchid, and wether lambs were 191, 102, and 163 μg, respectively. Amounts of other unknown 17-ketosteroids were measured. Relationships between the various steroids, expressed by simple and partial correlation coefficients, gave a significant indication that some differences exist in the overall endocrinological systems between the sex groups.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FINNISH LANDRACE EWES MATED TWICE YEARLY
Authors: WALTON P. , ROBERTSON H. A.
Published: March 2010

The reproductive performance of a small flock of Finnish Landrace ewes in which the adult ewes were exposed to rams twice yearly, in the fall and in the spring, has been evaluated over a period of five consecutive breeding periods. Overall, 33.3% of the ewes conceived at each of the five breeding periods, and 72.2% conceived at least four times. The mean conception-to-conception interval, for all intervals of 8 mo or less, was 189.3 (range 171–237) days, and 42.6% of consecutive conceptions had occurred within 182 days. Of the 172 ewe exposures that were carried out with the adult ewes over the five consecutive breeding periods, 146 conceptions (84.9%) ensued, producing 305 lambs. The mean lambing rate over the five consecutive breeding periods was 1.77 lambs per ewe exposed, equivalent to a mean lambing rate of 3.54 lambs per ewe exposed for a 12-mo period.
A FIELD TRIAL COMPARISON OF BOVINE SEMEN PACKED IN STRAWS
Authors: MACPHERSON J. W. , PENNER P. , KING G. J.
Published: March 2010

A split-sample technique was used to compare the fertility of frozen bovine semen packaged in plastic straws which contained 0.5 ml and 0.25 ml at three artificial insemination centres. The 60- to 90-day non-return rates were calculated for bulls, technicians and centres. There was a significant difference in the 60- and 90-day non-return rate between the centres but no significant difference was indicated between the volume of straws or for the interaction.
PORK QUALITY IN RELATION TO CARCASS FATNESS AND MUSCLING
Authors: MARTIN A. H. , FREDEEN H. T.
Published: March 2010

Carcasses from 146 barrows, 192 gilts and 120 boars were evaluated to determine interrelationships among measures of carcass muscling, fatness and pork quality. On the basis of subjective color-structure scores 11 and 3% of the population were classified Pale Soft Exudative and Dark Firm Dry, respectively, with no difference evident in frequencies among sexes. Increasing values for color-structure score were accompanied by significant (P < 0.05) increases in pH, color brightness and marbling score, and decreases in percent transmission and shear value. There were no differences among classes in area or intramuscular fat of the longissimus dorsi. Carcasses were categorized into fat and muscling classes. There was no relationship of initial pH (40 min postmortem) with either fatness or muscle/bone ratio indicated, although ultimate pH was significantly higher for the high backfat and low muscle/bone classes. Tenderness (shear values) and precipitation of muscle proteins (% transmission) increased, and marbling score decreased, with increased muscle/bone and decreased backfat. Color brightness and percent intramuscular fat were not influenced by fat or muscling category. Averages for subjective color-structure scores did not show a consistent pattern in relation to total backfat, but they tended to decrease slightly as muscle/bone increased. Various correlations were computed among carcass and muscle properties and it was concluded that measures of carcass fatness and carcass muscling were relatively independent. Correlations among measures of carcass composition and pork quality were low.
SEASONAL VARIATION OF SERUM LEVELS OF LH AND TESTOSTERONE IN THE RAM
Authors: SANFORD L. M. , PALMER W. M. , HOWLAND B. E.
Published: March 2010

not available
DIGESTIBILITY OF PEA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND ENZYME-TREATED PEA FLOUR IN MILK REPLACERS FOR CALVES
Authors: BELL J. M. , ROYAN G. F. , YOUNGS C. G.
Published: March 2010

In an experiment involving enzymatically hydrolyzed pea flour (HPF) and pea protein concentrate (PPC) to provide half the dietary protein in milk replacers, the pea protein was found to be about 25% digestible by calves under 2 wk of age and 65 to 70% digestible by calves 3 wk of age. The younger calves digested 42 to 53% of the pea starch; older calves digested 63 to 84%. The digestibility of dry matter, protein, energy and ether extract increased with calf age (P < 0.01). In the second trial, involving PPC at 7.7, 15.4 and 23.1% of the dry matter in milk replacers, and providing 19, 33 and 46% of the dietary protein, the digestibility coefficients for dry matter, disregarding calf age, declined from 90 to 86% as PPC increased from 15.4 to 23.1%, but the low and intermediate PPC diets were equally well digested. The reduction was due mainly to the corresponding reduction in protein digestibility. Digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, energy, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract for milk replacer diets containing 23.1% PPC exceeded 81% with calves over 14 days old. The third experiment involved feeding the control milk replacer until the calves were 2 wk old, then commencing the feeding of PPC and HPF replacers, using formulas similar to those of the first experiment. The digestibility coefficients were similar to those of the first experiment, indicating that the observed improvement in older calves was primarily a function of calf age and not markedly influenced by the formula of the diet. These studies indicate that PPC and HPF are not satisfactory ingredients in milk replacers to be fed to calves under 2 wk of age, but, though less digestible than milk, are effectively digested thereafter.
DIGESTION BY THE PIG OF THE ENERGY AND NITROGEN IN DRIED, ENSILED AND ORGANIC-ACID-PRESERVED CORN: WITH OBSERVATIONS ON THE STARCH CONTENT OF DIGESTA SAMPLES
Authors: BAYLEY H. S. , HOLMES J. H. G. , STEVENSON K. R.
Published: March 2010

In the first experiment, three corn–soybean diets were made from either dried, propionic-acid-preserved or naturally ensiled high-moisture corn. In the second experiment, corn was harvested with 23% moisture and prepared for storage either by drying, by treatment with a mixture of propionic and acetic acids, with propionic acid alone or with acetic acid alone; a fifth batch was ensiled. The utilization of energy and nitrogen was measured in balance trials using barrow pigs of 30 kg liveweight. Histochemical examination of the acid-preserved corn indicated partial hydrolysis of the starch molecules, an observation which was supported by the higher levels of free glucose in these samples. The digestible and metabolizable energy values of the diet made with the dried corn were similar in both experiments. In the first experiment, the energy was less available in the propionic-acid-preserved corn than in the dried, but in the second, the energy was more available in that preserved with the organic acids than in the dried. There were no differences in nitrogen utilization between diets in the first experiment, but in the second, the nitrogen was less well utilized in the dried corn diet than in those containing the organic-acid-preserved corn. Examination of the α-linked polysaccharides in the digesta showed that they had been incompletely digested in the diet containing the dried corn in experiment 2.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF 14C-GLUCOSE ACTIVITY IN LIPID CLASSES OF PORCINE SUBCUTANEOUS FAT
Authors: MYRES A. W. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

Subcutaneous backfat samples from pigs receiving diets with or without 250 ppm supplemental copper were separated into glycerides (GLY) and free fatty acids (FFA) and the fatty acid composition of each fraction was determined. In addition, the effect of dietary copper on the distribution of 14C- from U-14C-glucose between GLY and FFA in depot fat was examined. The basal diet consisted of 90.1% barley and 7.5% herring meal. Results from three experiments suggest that copper may act in adipose tissue of the pig by increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in both the FFA and GLY fractions in animals of 60–70 kg liveweight. The distribution of 14C activity in the fatty acids of the GLY and FFA fractions indicated a higher specific activity of the FFA fraction compared with that of the GLY fatty acids. The GLY/FFA ratio was lower for copper-supplemented animals kept in a cold environment. The overall data suggest that a considerable proportion of newly synthesized acids exists in adipose tissue in the free form.
UREA TOLERANCE IN CHICKS
Authors: SIBBALD I. R. , HAMILTON R. M. G.
Published: March 2010

not available
FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT, OOCYTE MATURATION AND OVULATION IN GONADOTROPHIN-TREATED PREPUBERAL CALVES
Authors: BEDIRIAN K. N. , BAKER R. D.
Published: March 2010

Twenty pre-puberal calves, ranging from 85 to 140 kg in body weight, were divided randomly into five groups of four. Group I served as an untreated control. Group II received 1,000 IU pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) 5 days prior to slaughter. Group III received 1,000 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 3 days prior to slaughter. Group IV was treated with 1,000 IU PMSG, followed 5 days later with 1,000 IU HCG and slaughtered 30 h later. Group V received 200 μg of a synthetic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) twice daily for 5 days prior to slaughter. All injections were given intramuscularly. PMSG alone and in combination with HCG increased the number of follicles > 5 mm. Only the PMSG and HCG combination resulted in multiple ovulations (mean 12.5 CL per animal) and follicular oocyte maturation (41% in 2nd metaphase plate). Fewer than 1% of oocytes surrounded by a compact cumulus underwent nuclear maturation, whereas 81% of those with an expanded cumulus underwent nuclear maturation (P < 0.05). Alone, neither GnRH nor HCG caused any appreciable follicular development, oocyte maturation or ovulation.
COMPARISON OF METABOLIZABLE ENERGY VALUES OF CEREAL GRAINS MEASURED WITH POULTRY IN THREE LABORATORIES
Authors: SIBBALD I. R.
Published: March 2010

not available
DIALLEL CROSSES OF REPLICATE SELECTED LINES OF RATS
Authors: RUTLEDGE J. J. , CHAPMAN A. B.
Published: March 2010

A 6 × 6 diallel experiment was conducted with two control lines (Ri), two lines (Ui) selected for increased and two lines (Di) selected for decreased 3- to 9-wk body weight gain. Traits studied were 2-, 3-, 6- and 9-wk body weights and 3- to 9-wk body weight gain. For all traits, marginal means for dams or sires ranked in the order U > R > D. There was good agreement between replicate dam lines and between replicate sire lines for general combining ability. There was no clear evidence of any specific combining ability (non-additive gene effects) from crosses of lines within or between selection treatments.
EFFECTS OF SEASONS ON POSTPARTUM CHARACTERISTICS OF SHEEP BEING SELECTED FOR YEAR-ROUND BREEDING AND ON PUBERTY OF THEIR FEMALE PROGENY
Authors: DUFOUR J. J.
Published: March 2010

Second and third parity crossbred ewes being selected for year-round breeding were used after fall lambing, to study the influence of seasons on postpartum characteristics. The average fall lambing date was 8 November, and weaning occurred 14 days later. The interval between weaning and first estrus was then 18.0 days. Following an average spring lambing date of 14 May and weaning again at 14 days, the postweaning interval to first estrus was 87.1 days. Of the ewes bred, 76.6% lambed after fall lambing, 12.7% less than after spring lambing (P < 0.05). Ewes at their second parity needed 0.38 more services (P < 0.05) to produce 0.23 fewer lambs (P < 0.05) than ewes at their third parity. The ewe-lambs born to the ewes lambing in the fall and in the spring were raised to study the influence of seasons of birth on puberty. The percentage reaching puberty and the average age at puberty for ewe-lambs born in the fall were 93.3% and 312.8 days, and those in the spring were 57.1% and 201.8 days. Spring-born ewe-lambs reached puberty 75 days later in the year than fall-born ewe-lambs (P < 0.01). Of the spring-born ewe-lambs, those showing puberty were significantly heavier at 140, 168 and 196 days of age than those not showing puberty, while for the fall-born ewe-lambs, no relationship could be observed between attainment of puberty and body weight.
COMPONENTS OF VARIANCE OF GROWTH TRAITS AMONG HEREFORD AND ABERDEEN ANGUS CALVES
Authors: KENNEDY B. W. , HENDERSON C. R.
Published: March 2010

A total of 61,688 Hereford and 22,333 Aberdeen Angus records were studied to estimate year, year–herd, sire-within-herd, year–sire-within-herd and error variance components for weaning weight, preweaning average daily gain (ADG), yearling weight and postweaning ADG. Herd differences accounted for 25–44% of total variation for the growth traits evaluated. Estimates of year components were negligible, 4% or less, for all traits. Year–herd components accounted for 0–10% of the total variation for weaning weight and preweaning ADG, 7–14% for yearling weight and 18–25% for postweaning ADG. Sire components were generally smaller, 3–10%, than corresponding year–herd components, particularly for postweaning growth traits. Examination of the year–sire component estimates suggested a small but real year × sire interaction effect on preweaning growth. Similar effects on postweaning growth were not discerned. Error variances accounted for 40–58% of the total variation for the growth traits evaluated. Average heritabilities of weaning weight, preweaning ADG, yearling weight and postweaning ADG were.32,.32,.48 and.41, respectively.
FEEDING OF BRONOWSKI, SPAN AND COMMERCIAL RAPESEED MEALS WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITION OF MOLASSES OR FLAVOR IN RATIONS OF LACTATING COWS
Authors: INGALLS J. R. , SHARMA H. R.
Published: March 2010

Lactating Holstein dairy cows were used in two experiments to determine if using Bronowski (low glucosinolate) rapeseed meal (RSM) in place of commercial RSM (high glucosinolate) would allow greater quantities of RSM to be used in dairy rations without adversely affecting animal performance. A third experiment was carried out to determine the effect of pelleting and adding either molasses or "feed flavor" on consumption of a dairy ration containing 19% commercial RSM or 19% Span RSM with no additives. When commercial RSM made up 14% of the grain mixture (11.9% including hay), grain consumption was reduced (P < 0.05) compared to Bronowski-containing mixture; however, there was no effect (P > 0.05) on level of milk production. When Bronowski made up 10, 17 or 24% of the grain mixture in place of soybean meal (SBM), feed intake, milk composition, digestibility of the ration and nitrogen retention were not different (P > 0.05). The addition of 19% commercial or Span RSM in place of SBM reduced ad libitum grain consumption but not significantly (P > 0.05). Pelleting or addition of molasses or "feed flavor" did not (P > 0.05) improve ad libitum intake of rations containing commercial RSM. However, the trend was for greater consumption. Daily milk yield was higher (P < 0.05) for SBM, flavored feed and Span RSM treatments compared to the commercial RSM treatment. The low fat test (P < 0.05) observed for the SBM and pelleted RSM rations could be due to lower fibre level in the first case and a pelleting effect in the second case.
THE CLIMATE, NATIVE VEGETATION, AND SOILS OF SOME GRASSLANDS AT DIFFERENT ELEVATIONS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: Ryswyk A. L. van , McLean Alastair , Marchand L. S.
Published: March 2010

The soils and native vegetation of 28 sites near Kamloops, B.C., were described and soil samples collected. The sites represented a difference in elevation of 600 m. Stations were established at five selected sites to measure air temperature and rainfall during April to October.On well-drained sites of southern exposure there was a definite sequence of vegetation zones, namely, Artemisia tridentata, Stipa–Poa, and Festuca scabrella. These zones coincided closely with Brown, Dark Brown, and Black Chernozemic soils respectively. Changes in the vegetation zones were neither uniform nor gradual and appeared to be related to sharp climatic differences.Calculated gradients show that mean maximum, mean minimum, and mean temperatures and precipitation are not as highly distinguishing features of the climate as are the P/E ratios if soil organic carbon can be taken as an ’integrated index’ of climate.There is little change in vegetation within the Artemisia zone and this is associated with a low soil organic carbon gradient for the Brown soils. Air inversions in the lower part of this zone appeared to result in a similar precipitation effectiveness as that for the upper part. Soil organic carbon values are higher in the Stipa–Poa zone but forage yields in this zone are much lower than would be expected from consideration of these values.Outstanding changes in plant species across two phases of the Festuca zone and a high soil organic carbon gradient through the Black soils appeared to be a result of a high negative mean minimum temperature gradient which accounts for a high P/E ratio gradient.
A CEREAL PLOT TRIMMER
Authors: Hall N. W. , Bergen H. J. , McKenzie Hugh
Published: March 2010

not available
NORALTA FLAX
Authors: Kusch A. G. , Plessers A. G. , Newman J. A.
Published: March 2010

not available
RAPID FIELD TEST FOR TOBACCO ALKALOID CONTENT
Authors: Macdowall F. D. H.
Published: March 2010

not available