bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS ON TURKEY BROILER PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS QUALITY BY SUPERIMPOSING TOENAIL-CLIPPING UPON DEBEAKING AFTER ESTABLISHED DEVELOPMENT
Authors: MORAN Jr. E. T.
Published: March 2010

Broiler-type turkey poults were placed sex-separate in floor pens (60 birds/pen; ca. 5.5/m2) of an environment-controlled house. All birds received corn-soybean meal based rations paralleling commercial practice. Treatments were imposed at 5 wk of age and involved either debeaking alone (controls) or its combination with toenail-clipping (6 pens/sex/treatment). Body weight of nail-clipped turkeys was less at 6 and 10 wk than found with controls; however, the converse was observed by slaughter at 14 wk. Conversion of feed consumed during the 6 to 10- and 10 to 14-wk intervals was more efficient with nail-clipped than control birds. Mortality was similar between both groups from starting through to the finishing period whereupon noticeably fewer deaths occurred with nail-clipped as opposed to control turkeys. Dressed carcass yield was greater when nail removal was performed than not. A 40% reduced incidence of utility grades indirectly suggested that this yield advantage was due to less "on the line" trimming during processing. Conformation, fleshing and finish grades were unaltered. Both sexes responded comparably. All advantages arising as a consequence of toenail-clipping could be explained in terms of reduced flock activity.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF FEED ADDITIVES IN CANADIAN ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Authors: SHARBY T. F.
Published: March 2010

Antibiotics have been used in animal feeds for almost 30 yr to improve growth, enhance feed efficiency, and control disease in birds and animals. In 1974 antibiotics used in animal feeds in Canada totalled 13.31 million dollars while those used in veterinary medicine totalled 28.8 million dollars. Antibiotics, sulfonamides and antibacterials used in human application that same year equalled 77.4 million dollars. Concerns regarding potential health hazards to humans with continued low-level antibiotic supplementation of animal feeds have resulted in a number of countries implementing or proposing more rigid legislation covering antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Possible consequences of such legislation being introduced in Canada are discussed.
SERUM GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATION IN HEREFORD AND ANGUS CALVES: EFFECTS OF BREED, SIRE, SEX, AGE, AGE OF DAM, AND DIET
Authors: KELLER D. G. , COULTER G. H. , SMITH V. G. , KING G. J.
Published: March 2010

Serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations were determined in 172 Hereford and 172 Angus bull and heifer calves before weaning and while restricted to the feedlot for 5.5 mo and fed either an 80% concentrate plus 20% roughage or roughage only diet. Blood samples were taken 1 mo before weaning (27 Sept.; T1), 2 mo into the feedlot period (5 Jan.; T2), and 5 mo into the feedlot period (5 Apr.; T3). GH concentrations and ratios of GH to body weight were greater in Angus than in Hereford at all sampling times. GH levels were higher in bulls than heifers 1 mo before weaning and at 5 mo into the feedlot period. However, the ratio of GH to body weight was higher in bulls than heifers only at 1 mo before weaning. The heritability estimates (h2) for GH and GH/100 kg body weight were generally low. The h2 of GH concentration 1 mo before weaning was 0.16 ± 0.13. Calves at 5 mo of age (T1) tended to have higher serum GH concentrations than at 8 (T2) or 11 (T3) mo of age. Age of dam and plane of nutrition had little effect on GH concentrations or its ratio with body weight in the calves, but had various degrees of influence on the performance traits. Correlations among GH and GH/100 kg body weight estimates with performance traits were also generally low. GH levels at the three sampling times that corresponded to 5, 8, and 11 mo of age in young beef bulls and heifers in this study will, apparently, not be a reliable indicator or predictor of the performance of a particular animal in a beef cattle selection program.
INHIBITION OF OVULATION INDUCED WITH PMSG AND HCG IN PREPUBERAL MICE BY BOVINE PINEAL GLAND EXTRACTS OF DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHTS
Authors: SØRENSEN MARTIN T. , HACKER R. R.
Published: March 2010

Bovine pineal gland extract was separated into fractions of different molecular weight via successive ultrafiltrations. The 1000–10 000 dalton fraction was purified by column chromatography yielding fractions A and B. The pineal fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit ovulation induced by PMSG and HCG in prepuberal mice. Administration of pineal fractions of molecular weights below 500 daltons, 500–1000 daltons, and fraction A (1000–10 000 daltons) suppressed the number of ovulations per mouse (P < 0.01). The 10 000–100 000 dalton fraction was the least potent (P < 0.10) of the inhibitory fractions and fraction B (1000–10 000 daltons) did not exhibit any inhibitory effect (P > 0.10). There was a positive linear relationship (P < 0.025) between the molecular weight of the inhibitory fractions administered and the proportion of mice that ovulated. All pineal extract fractions had a detrimental effect on body weight.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UTILIZATION BY RUMINANTS OF CORN SILAGE IN MARGINAL GROWING AREAS
Authors: FISHER L. J. , FAIREY N. A.
Published: March 2010

The effects of various factors which influence the utilization of silage, made from forage corn grown in marginal areas for production, by ruminant animals are reviewed, with particular reference to dairy cattle. Crop maturity and composition and their effects on important animal performance characteristics are discussed in detail. Effects of the dry matter and grain contents of the ensiled corn on the nature of silage and the resulting animal responses are also considered. The declining emphasis on assessing the quality of forage corn by its grain content, and the increased emphasis on the selection of hybrids based on shoot dry matter yields are discussed from both crop and animal production viewpoints. For instance, the results of feeding trials where high crop densities, various genetic mutants and tillering hybrids were studied are discussed. Consideration is given to the laboratory evaluation and use of various agronomic characteristics to assess the nutritive value of forage corn. It is concluded that more emphasis should be placed on the breeding of corn genotypes specifically for forage production by selecting for maximum digestible dry matter yields per unit land area, particularly when dry matter content is unlikely to exceed 25%. Evaluation of the forage potential of corn genotypes should be conducted under systems of management specifically suited to maximizing whole-crop, dry matter yields. Also, with the utilization of mutant types of corn with higher digestibilities than normal corn genotypes, routine laboratory analysis for digestibility will become necessary. The final comparison of promising genotypes will need to be done with animals capable of relatively high levels of production.
INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF FABABEAN CROP RESIDUE BY SHEEP
Authors: THORLACIUS S. O. , COXWORTH E. , THOMPSON D.
Published: March 2010

Voluntary dry matter intake and digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter and energy of fababean crop residue by sheep were greater (P < 0.05) than those of wheat straw, but were not significantly different from those of medium quality alfalfa-brome hay. The results indicated that the nutritive value of fababean crop residue was greater than that of wheat straw.
FEED PREFERENCES OF SWINE: ALFALFA MEAL, HIGH AND LOW SAPONIN ALFALFA, AND QUININE SULFATE
Authors: LEAMASTER B. R. , CHEEKE P. R.
Published: March 2010

In two-choice feed preference tests, growing swine selected an alfalfa-free diet over diets containing alfalfa at alfalfa levels of 1% and higher. They selected diets containing low saponin alfalfa over the same dietary level of high saponin alfalfa, but rejected both in favor of an alfalfa-free diet. In a similar two-choice test, swine discriminated against quinine sulfate at all dietary levels above.05%.
CHANGES IN BLOOD COAGULATION PROFILES OF DAIRY COWS DURING PREGNANCY AND IN HEIFER CALVES AFTER HORMONE TREATMENT
Authors: GENTRY P. A. , LIPTRAP R. M. , BLACK W. D.
Published: March 2010

Blood coagulation profiles were determined throughout pregnancy in dairy cows. Unlike the pregnant human female or the pregnant bitch, the bovine coagulation profiles remained relatively constant throughout pregnancy and showed little change in response to the changes in plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone which occur during pregnancy. While there was a tendency for the platelet count to decrease and the plasma fibrinogen levels to increase during pregnancy, the levels of specific coagulation Factors VIII and XI remained constant and Factors VII and IX showed an increase in some animals but not in others. The changes in coagulation profiles of heifer calves after treatment with progesterone and estrogen alone and in combination were similar to those observed during pregnancy.
EFFECT OF THE FREQUENCY OF FEEDING PREGNANT SOWS ON CARCASS COMPOSITION AND THERMOSTABILITY OF THE NEONATAL PIG
Authors: WILLIAMS P. E. V. , PARKER R. O. , YOUNG B. A. , AHERNE F. X. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

Shortly after breeding, 33 sows were allocated to three frequency of feeding treatments. The sows were fed either twice daily, once daily or on alternate days and remained on treatment until they farrowed. Serum free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose levels were determined at regular intervals. Piglets were taken from the sows at birth and piglet carcasses were processed for analysis of lipid content. Fluctuations occurred in the concentration of FFA between feedings and reached peak values shortly before each meal. Peak serum FFA increased (P < 0.05) during pregnancy. There were no significant differences between the three feeding treatments during the first and second trimesters for the levels of peak serum FFA or serum glucose. During the third trimester, alternate-day feeding of sows increased (P < 0.05) serum FFA and decreased (P < 0.05) serum glucose compared with the other two treatments. During the third trimester mean peak levels of serum FFA were 296 ± 42, 383 ± 43 and 904 ± 33 μeq/liter and serum glucose 72.3 ± 1.4, 71.7 ± 1.4 and 61.8 ± 1.1 mg/100 ml for the sows fed twice daily, once daily and on alternate days, respectively. Piglet birth weight, carcass lipid, liver glycogen and serum FFA were unaffacted by the feeding treatments of the sows. There was no significant difference in the ability of starved 2-h- or 12-h-old piglets to withstand a thermostability, cold test. It was concluded that the frequency of feeding of sows was unlikely to affect the carcass lipid content of the piglet at birth.
ENERGY AND PROTEIN DIGESTIBILITIES OF HULLED AND HULLESS BARLEY DETERMINED BY SWINE-FEEDING
Authors: BHATTY R. S. , ROSSNAGEL B. G. , CHRISTISON G. I.
Published: March 2010

Digestibility of gross energy (D) and digestible energy (DE) of four near-isogenic hulled and hulless 2- and 6-row barleys were determined by swine-feeding. On the average, the hulless barley had 11.1% more gross energy (D) and 14.7% or 1824 kJ/kg more digestible energy (DE) than the hulled barley (14 217 vs. 12 393 kJ/kg; 81.8 vs. 73.6%). Digestibility of protein from hulless barley was superior to that from hulled barley (65.8 vs. 58.6%) only in the 2-row cultivars. The D and DE data corroborated results obtained previously with hulled and hulless barley by mouse-feeding.
EFFECTS OF FEEDING LOW AND HIGH GLUCOSINOLATE RAPESEED MEALS AND SOYBEAN MEAL ON THYROID FUNCTION OF YOUNG PIGS
Authors: McKINNON P. J. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

In two experiments, 113 pigs were fed diets containing up to 25.3% low-glucosinolate, low-erucic acid rapeseed meal (cv. Tower = 00-RSM) or 31.3% commercially available rapeseed meal (C-RSM) as partial or complete replacements for soybean meal (SBM). The diets, formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, were fed ad libitum to the pigs from 4 to 10 wk of age. Serum triiodothyronine uptake (T-3 uptake) was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the SBM diet compared with the other diets. In experiment 1, tetraiodothyronine (T-4) levels of 10-wk-old pigs fed the SBM diet were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed C-RSM or C-RSM + SBM diets. The free thyroxine index (T-3 uptake/100 × T-4) was lowest (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the C-RSM diet. In experiment 2, serum T-4 levels of pigs fed the SBM and 00-RSM + SBM diets were higher (P < 0.05) than for those of pigs fed other diets. Serum cholesterol levels of pigs fed the 00-RSM, C-RSM and C-RSM + SBM diets were higher (P < 0.05) than was found with the SBM or 00-RSM + SBM diets. Thyroid weight was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the C-RSM or C-RSM + SBM diets. The height of epithelial cells was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the 00-RSM and C-RSM diets and weight of epithelium of all pigs fed RSM indicated epithelial hypertrophy compared with those fed the SBM diet. The results suggested that thyroid function of pigs fed high levels of 00-RSM might be impaired compared with those fed SBM as the sole supplementary protein source in cereal-based diets, but less severely than with pigs fed C-RSM.
EFFECT OF OCHRATOXIN A ON FERTILITY AND EMBRYO VIABILITY OF JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA)
Authors: PRIOR M. G. , SISODIA C. S. , O’NEIL J. B. , HRUDKA F.
Published: March 2010

The effect of ochratoxin A (OA) on fertility and embryo viability was studied in wild-type Japanese quail. Adult male and female birds were fed either 0 or 16 ppm OA for 9 wk. Eggs were set daily, incubated for 7 days, and examined macroscopically for both fertility and viability. Fertility was not affected by treatment. Eggs from females receiving 16 ppm OA had significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentages of early embryonic deaths. Histopathological examination did not detect any adverse effect of OA on spermatogenic activity. In an in vitro study, fertile eggs were injected with graded doses of OA, incubated for 7 days, and examined macroscopically for viability. The percentage of early embryonic deaths in eggs injected with either 1600 or 5000 ng O A per egg was similar to incidence of early embryonic death observed in the in vivo groups in which the females received 16 ppm OA in their feed. It is suggested that the embryotoxic effect of OA is exerted through the presence of OA in the egg rather than through an alteration of gametes.
A SIX-CAGE AUTOMATIC LIQUID FEEDING SYSTEM FOR NEONATAL PIGS
Authors: REID W. S. , BUCKLEY D. J. , NICHOLLS C. F. , ELLIOT J. I.
Published: March 2010

A metabolism cage and liquid feeding system for neonatal pigs is described. This system corrects some problems encountered with other systems described in the literature and is designed to facilitate determination of the nutrient requirements of the neonatal pig.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN pH FALL AND INITIATION OF ISOTONIC CONTRACTION IN POSTMORTEM BEEF MUSCLE
Authors: CURRIE R. W. , WOLFE F. H.
Published: March 2010

Beef muscles were sampled at various times post-mortem both on and off carcass, and the pH, sarcomere length, and isotonic contraction profiles under various loads recorded. The results demonstrate that muscle under light load will begin to contract at pH 6.3 but more heavily loaded muscle will not contract until pH 5.8. Rapid pH fall produced an earlier initiation of contraction than slow pH fall, but the pH required for initiation of contraction under equal loads was the same. The results of isometric tension development followed by unrestrained contraction during the course of rigor development are presented. The authors suggest that both carcass cooling rate and rate of pH fall are implicated in prerigor contraction of postmortem beef muscle.
VARIATIONS IN THE BLOOD COMPOSITION OF NON-PREGNANT HEREFORD AND ANGUS HEIFERS FED INDIVIDUALLY IN CONFINEMENT ON TWO LEVELS OF ENERGY INTAKE
Authors: BOWDEN D. M. , KOZUB G. C.
Published: March 2010

Ten Hereford heifers and 10 Angus heifers were given a high energy diet and equal numbers of Hereford and Angus heifers a low energy diet in individual pens from an average age of 476 day s. After 140 day s, one-half of the heifers of each breed on each energy level were changed to the other level while the other half of the heifers remained on the same level for a further 140 days. Blood samples were taken each 28 days to determine the influence of date of sampling and energy intake on levels of organic and inorganic constituents in the blood. Daily gains averaged 0.2 kg on the low and 0.6 kg on the high energy intake. Levels of all the blood constituents measured differed significantly (P < 0.05) between some of the sampling days. Levels of packed cell volume, whole blood glucose and corrected glucose were highest in January, which was the coldest day of blood sampling, and remained high until April. Serum potassium levels declined over the period of the trial. Total serum cholesterol levels increased (P < 0.01) and plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels decreased (P < 0.05) when energy intakes were increased. Serum phosphorus levels increased (P < 0.05) when dietary phosphorus intakes increased. Angus heifers had higher (P < 0.05) corrected glucose levels in their blood than did Hereford heifers.
COMPARISON OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION AND NATURAL MATING ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FIVE STRAINS OF SHEEP DURING THE ANESTROUS SEASON IN AN INTENSIVE SYSTEM
Authors: HACKETT A. J. , ROBERTSON H. A. , INSKEEP E. K. , SHRESTHA J. N. B. , WOLYNETZ M. S.
Published: March 2010

Synchronized estrus and ovulation were induced during the anestrous season (April–May 1974) in 373 ewes of three synthetic (one sire and two dam) strains and two unselected (Suffolk and Finnish Landrace) purebred strains by treatment with 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) impregnated in polyurethane intravaginal sponges for 12 days. Following sponge removal each ewe received 500 IU pregnant mares’ serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) IM. Of these, 167 were bred by artificial insemination (AI) at 48 and 60 h post sponge removal with 0.2 ml raw unextended semen collected by electroejaculation (EE). Five days after AI, ewes were exposed to a follow up ram for 16 days for subsequent mating if a second estrus occurred. The remaining 206 were exposed to rams for a period of 22 days for natural mating. Blood samples were collected from 69 ewes, 9, 19 and 27 days post sponge removal and analyzed for progesterone to ascertain if corpora lutea were formed and whether the ewes recycled. The age of ram by mating method interaction significantly affected both fertility and fecundity mainly because some of the younger rams lacked libido and experience for natural mating. There were no significant differences in prolificacy due to any of the main effects tested. Among the 69 ewes examined for progesterone levels, 93% had formed corpora lutea after hormone treatment and 16% recycled. Only 16 of the 255 ewes that did not conceive to the synchronized estrus lambed to the subsequent estrus.
CEMENT KILN DUST IN AN ALL-CONCENTRATE DIET FOR FEEDLOT STEERS
Authors: MATHISON G. W. , THOMPSON J. R.
Published: March 2010

Two groups of 16 steers were fed an all-concentrate diet with or without 3.5% cement kiln dust for 125 days. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in overall animal performance between the two experimental groups. Steers fed the cement dust diet and the control diet gained an average of 1.12 and 1.24 kg/day, respectively. Both groups of cattle ate an average of 9.2 kg of feed daily. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between diet and length of time on feed; the cattle which were fed cement kiln dust ate slightly more than the control group in the first two thirds of the experiment and less in the last third of the experiment. Rate of liveweight gain was also lower (P < 0.05) in the cattle fed cement kiln dust in the last third of the experiment. Lead concentrations in kidney tissues were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the steers fed the cement kiln dust (0.80 mg/kg, wet weight basis) than in the steers fed the control diet (0.36 mg/kg, wet weight basis). The diets had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on lead concentrations in muscle tissue, blood or liver.
EFFECT OF FAT DISPERSION METHOD ON PERFORMANCE OF CALVES FED HIGH-FAT MILK REPLACERS
Authors: JENKINS K. J. , EMMONS D. B.
Published: March 2010

Three-day-old male calves fed milk replacers containing 20% fat (tallow/coconut oil) in the dry matter for 28 days, grew at a similar rate (0.4–0.5 kg/day) when the fat was dispersed either by homogenization or low pressure (LP) dispersion. However, for homogenized-40% fat milk replacer the calf weight gains (0.2 kg/day), feed efficiency, and apparent digestibilities of DM, N and lipid were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared to the 20% fat groups. None of these detrimental effects were observed with LP 40% fat replacer. In vitro studies revealed that replacers prepared by LP dispersion produced firm curds whereas homogenization produced soft curds. The results indicate that substitution of homogenization of fat by LP dispersion markedly improves calf performance and feed efficiency when replacers contain very high levels of fat (40% of DM). It is postulated that part of this effect may result from the formation of a firm protein-lipid curd in the calf abomasum which by slowing the release of nutrients into the intestine prevents an overloading of the gastrointestinal lipases and proteinases.
EFFECT OF DIETARY SELENIUM DEPLETION AND REPLETION ON PLASMA GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY AND SELENIUM CONCENTRATION IN BLOOD AND BODY TISSUE OF GROWING PIGS
Authors: CHAVEZ E. R.
Published: March 2010

The biodynamic relationship between blood Se concentration and the activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the plasma of piglets weaned at 2 wk of age was studied during a period of dietary Se depletion and repletion in the presence of adequate amounts of vitamin E. Blood SE concentration behaved as a sensitive index of the dietary SE intake. GSH-Px enzyme activity in the plasma, as a direct measurement of functional Se in one body compartment, was also very sensitive to dietary Se intake of the animals. Although dramatic changes in these two blood constituents were observed in the experimental animals during Se depletion and repletion, at the end of the experiment when they were killed for tissue sampling, no gross abnormalities were observed in any of the body organs of these animals. Body tissues showed a differential response to dietary Se manipulation; however, all of them were significantly affected in the 5-wk period. Overall, the liver appears to be the organ with the fastest rate of repletion or depletion of Se. The brain, at the other end of the spectrum of the tissues studied, appeared as the organ least affected by either Se depletion or repletion. Since the major interest is in the differential diagnosis of dietary Se deficiency in the live animal, plasma GSH-Px activity proved to be a fast, simple, and reliable method to evaluate the short-term intake of dietary Se.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS FOR THERMOAMMONIATION OF CORN STOVER
Authors: OJI U. I. , MOWAT D. N. , WINCH J. E.
Published: March 2010

Thermoammoniation of corn stover increased rate and extent of in vitro digestion over ammoniation at ambient temperature. Increasing moisture content up to at least 60% improved response to ammoniation. Processing at elevated temperatures did not reduce the amount of NH3 required. Optimum processing conditions appear to be 3 to 4% NH3, 60% H2O and 90 °C for 6 to 12 h.
ACCEPTANCE OF RAPESEED MEAL (CV. CANDLE) BY HORSES
Authors: SUTTON E. I. , STREDWICK R. V.
Published: March 2010

Nineteen yearling horses were fed diets supplemented with four different levels of Candle rapeseed meal. For the four groups, no significant differences were found for voluntart feed intake, average daily gain or feed conversion efficiency. These results suggest that Candle rapeseed meal is an acceptable supplement for horses.
MILK PRODUCTION IN CATTALO COWS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON CALF GAINS
Authors: KELLER D. G.
Published: March 2010

Milk yield in 91 lactations from cattalo cows averaging about 14% bison–86% Hereford was estimated by five milkings during 185-day intervals in each of the years 1961–1963 at the Agriculture Canada Experimental Farm, Manyberries, Alberta. Estimated 24-h milk yield was highest in June (6.36 ± 0.17 kg) and lowest near the termination of lactation in October (3.16 ± 0.08 kg). Total estimated milk yield (TMY) from parturition to the end of the 185-day lactation period was 938 ± 22 kg. Age of dam was a major source of variation in TMY and TMY decreased by 10.8 ± 5.3 kg for each percent increase in bison percentage of dam (B % dam). Gain from birth to 185 days of age (TGAIN) of cattalo calves was highly correlated with TMY (r = 0.79) and periodic milk yields throughout the lactation period (r = 0.59–0.76), with TGAIN being greatest in calves from older dams (5–9 yr). Correlations of mean percent fat (%F), protein (%P), and solids-not-fat (%SNF) in the milk from cattalo dams with calf TGAIN were generally low and inconclusive due to small sampling numbers. Although milk yield decreased through the lactation period, %F, %P, and %SNF in the milk increased proportionally. B-% dam did not influence average daily gain between milkings or TGAIN of calves to any appreciable extent. TMY accounted for 75% of the known variation in TGAIN and calves were found to be 0.057 ± 0.005 kg heavier at 185 days of age for each 1-kg increase in TMY.
ADDITIVE AGE OF DAM ADJUSTMENT FACTORS FOR WEANING WEIGHT OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: TONG A. K. W. , NEWMAN J. A.
Published: March 2010

A study of 373 351 weaning weight records from the National and the Alberta Provincial Record of Performance programs for beef cattle, representing 279 061 cows from 5421 herds during the period 1971 through 1977, was used to examine age of dam by breed of sire interactions and to derive a set of additive age of dam adjustment factors for calf weaning weight. The model included fixed effects due to age of dam–sex of calf–breed of dam subclasses, breed of sire, age of dam–breed of sire interactions and year of calving plus random effects due to herds and cows within herds. A relatively small age of dam–breed of sire interaction mean square indicated that one set of adjustment factors could be used for calves from all the breeds of sire, even though the interaction term was statistically significant (P < 0.005). A set of additive factors to adjust calf weaning weight for age of dam within sex of calf and breed of dam are presented for the following breeds and breed crosses of dam: Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Shorthorn, British breed crosses, half Charolais–half British, half Simmental–half British and "others."
THE EFFECT OF SEVERAL DIFFERENT PHOTOPERIODS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MEAT-PARENT GENOTYPES
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W. , McRAE K. B.
Published: March 2010

Approximately 4700 birds consisting of four commercial meat-parent genotypes were used in two experiments under six photoperiod treatments. In each experiment, the rearing photoperiod treatments consisted of (1) a constant 8-h period of light per day and (2) a constant 12.5-h period of light per day. In the first experiment birds reared on 8 h of light per day were subjected to three adult photoperiods: (A) increased from 9 h at 20 wk to 16-h constant photoperiod at 32 wk, (B) 16-h constant photoperiod from 20 wk to end of experiment, and (C) 10.5 h dark (D)–2 h light (L)–2D–9.5L. The group reared on the 12.5-h photoperiod were subjected to three adult photoperiods: (D) increased from 12.5 h of light per day at 20 wk to 17 h constant at 32 wk, (E) increased from a 12.5 h of light per day at 20 wk to 16 h at 22 wk, and (F) 10.5D–2L–2D–9.5L. Photoperiod treatments were the same in experiment 2 except that the adult treatments were introduced 1 wk earlier and treatments C and F were changed to 9.5D–2L–2D–10.5L. There were significant genotypic effects for practically all traits measured except mortality. Photoperiods D, E and F resulted in a significant delay in sexual maturity compared to A, B and C. Egg production tended to be higher for treatments A, B and C with treatment C supporting better general performance in experiment 2 than in experiment 1. The use of treatment C in experiment 2 resulted in performance equal to or better than other photoperiods. Interactions among genotypes and photoperiods were of no practical importance.
EFFECT OF COLD EXPOSURE ON LIVEWEIGHT AND BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS IN SHEEP
Authors: DEGEN A. A. , YOUNG B. A.
Published: March 2010

Effects of cold exposure on liveweight and body fluids were studied in 12 six-month-old wethers. Six sheep were offered feed ad libitum and six sheep were restricted to a near maintenance level of intake of a pelleted concentrate ration. The sheep were individually caged in controlled temperature chambers for two preliminary and four consecutive experimental (I-IV) periods of 10 days each; the preliminary periods and period I at 21 °C air temperature, periods II and III at 0 °C and period IV at 21 °C. In general, the responses to the cold were more pronounced during period II than period III, and more pronounced in the sheep on restricted feed than in the sheep on ad libitum feed. The sheep receiving feed ad libitum were able to maintain or increase their liveweight and body solids throughout the experiment. The sheep receiving a restricted ration lost 2.53 kg during the first 8 days of period II. Their total body water (tritiated water space) was reduced by 1.68 L representing 66% of the weight loss, and their body solids were reduced by 0.85 kg. The reticulo-rumen fluid volume (51Cr EDTA space) was reduced by 1.32 L; the interstitial fluid volume (SCN− space-T-1824 space) by 0.39 L and the plasma volume (T-1824 space) by 0.13 L. There was no reduction in absolute intracellular fluid volume with cold exposure.
THE IN VITRO SYNTHESIS OF GLYCINE BY RUMEN PAPILLAE
Authors: BOILA R. J. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

Following aerobic in vitro incubation of papillae from the ventral sac of the bovine rumen, amino acids released into the incubation medium were isolated using a rapid ion exchange procedure and measured quantitatively by gas-liquid chromatographic separation of the isobutyl-N(0)-heptafluorobutyryl esters. Of the potential precursors of the carbon skeleton of glycine that were added as substrates, only glyoxylate and serine (0.5–2 mM) resulted in enhanced glycine release while 10 mM glycolaldehyde, glycollate, glyoxal or oxalate or 1 mM monoethanolamine or hydroxyproline did not specifically influence glycine release. Each increase in glyoxylate concentration through 5, 10 or 20 mM caused an increased glycine release. In the presence of formate, inclusion of glycine as the added substrate increased serine release. Oxalate caused a non-specific release of amino acids. In the presence of glyoxylate, alanine and glutamate (1 mM) were effective precursors of the amino group of glycine.
ARTERIOVENOUS CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF GLUTAMINE AND OTHER METABOLITES ACROSS THE RUMEN OF SHEEP
Authors: BROAD T. E. , BOLAND M. J. , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

Changes in the arterial and venous plasma levels of glutamine and other metabolites from the rumen of anesthetized sheep were detected. A new, specific enzymatic method for the assay of glutamine in plasma is described. The arterial concentration of glutamine, glucose, total reducing sugars, triglyceride and pyruvic acid were higher than the venous levels. Lactic acid levels were higher in the venous plasma, but no change was found in the plasma urea nitrogen, glycerol or non-esterified fatty acid levels.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE SOW SUBSEQUENT TO WEANING PIGLETS AT BIRTH
Authors: ELLIOT J. I. , ROBERTSON H. A. , KING G. J.
Published: March 2010

Eighty-eight sows at two locations were used to study the effects of removal of piglets at, or within a few hours of, birth (zero-weaning) on subsequent reproductive performance. Zero-weaning resulted in an increase in the interval from farrowing to conception, a concomitant increase in the farrowing interval, an increased incidence of cystic ovarian degeneration and a reduced conception rate as compared to control animals weaned approximately 30 days postpartum. There was no significant effect on subsequent litter size. Based on plasma progesterone analysis zero-weaned sows ovulated on the average 17.0 ± 6.6 days postpartum. Attempts to establish ovarian cyclicity 48 h postpartum were not successful in terms of sows being rebred any earlier than would be possible with a 21-day weaning system. The results indicate that zero-weaning may not result in improved sow productivity in terms of achieving a greater number of litters per sow per year.
EVALUATION DU DEGRE DE DEVELOPPEMENT DU PORCELET NOUVEAU-NE HYPOTHREPSIQUE
Authors: DALLAIRE A. , BISAILLON A. , DeROTH L.
Published: March 2010

The weight of the brain and the thoracic and abdominal organs was measured in 30 piglets (12 males and 18 females). The 6- to 24-h-old piglets were from a pure and a crossbred herd. The animals were divided into two groups based on their body weight: normal (1290.4 g ± 325.14) and underweight (585.1 g ± 107.96) piglets. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.001) difference in the weight of the organs of the two groups. The ratio between the organ weights of the normal and the underweight piglets varied between 1.8 and 2.1 except for the brain (1.1) the liver (2.4) and the spleen (2.4). However, only the brain was significantly different in the two groups when organ weights were expressed in g/100 g of body weight. The brain was also significantly (P < 0.001) larger in the underweight piglets when expressed in g/100 cm2 of body surface area, but the liver and the spleen were significantly (P < 0.001) smaller in the underweight group. The evaluation of nerve reflexes showed no difference in function of body weight at birth. It was concluded that the development of the brain is favored over all other viscera in the intra-uterine growth-retarded piglets.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY CEMENT KILN DUST SUPPLEMENTS ON GROWTH OF LAMBS
Authors: JORDAN W. A. , IVAN M. , HIDIROGLOU M. , THOMPSON B. K.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six growing ram lambs were divided into three equal groups, each of which was fed ad libitum a different diet for 104 days. A control group was fed a post-weaning diet whereas the other two groups were fed the same diet but supplemented with 3.5% of a cement kiln dust that originated from either of two different sources. The average daily weight gains were 0.24, 0.26 and 0.24 kg, and feed/gain ratios were 5.02, 4.75 and 4.84 for the control, and the two kiln dust treatments, respectively. The cement kiln dust supplements were found to produce no beneficial effects in growing lambs.
COMPARATIVE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CORN SILAGE AND STEAMED ASPEN IN THE DIET OF WINTERING CALVES AND FINISHING BEEF STEERS
Authors: SHARMA H. R. , GUENTER W. , DEVLIN T. J. , INGALLS J. R. , McDANIEL M.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six steers of mixed breeds and averaging 246.5 kg body weight were fed ad libitum three diets containing on a dry matter (DM) basis either 0, 15 or 30% steamed (st.) aspen plus corn silage for a 139-day growth trial. Average daily gains (ADG) were similar (P > 0.05) among the three groups; however, DM consumption tended to be higher (P > 0.05) for the calves fed 15 and 30% st. aspen than for the corn silage control group. Calves receiving the corn silage were significantly (P < 0.05) more efficient and required less feed DM per unit of gain than those fed the 30% st. aspen and similar (P > 0.05) to those receiving the 15% st. aspen diet. Steers from the above treatments were allotted to finishing diets containing similar levels of st. aspen. These diets contained (DM basis) either 30% corn silage, 15 or 30% st. aspen plus barley grain supplements and were fed ad libitum for a short-term finishing trial. Steers receiving 30% st. aspen had higher (P < 0.05) ADG than the control group and similar (P > 0.05) to the 15% st. aspen-fed steers. Carcass dressing percentages and backfat thickness (mm/100 kg) were not different (P > 0.05) among three treatments. The rib-eye area (mm2/kg) was higher (P < 0.05) for the steers fed 30% corn silage than for the other two treatments. Taste panel studies indicated that beef roasts from steers receiving the 30% st. aspen diet were more (P < 0.05) tender and juicier than from steers fed corn silage. However, no differences were observed in cooking loss, shear value or water-holding capacity of roasts obtained from steers fed either 30% corn silage or 30% st. aspen diets. Data from the present studies indicate that steamed aspen could be used in the diets of beef steers.
EFFECTS OF FEEDING MONENSIN TO HOLSTEIN STEERS
Authors: McKNIGHT D. R. , DREVJANY L. A. , HOOPER G. S.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of monensin on feed intake, rate of gain and feed efficiency of a total of 198 Holstein steers. In experiment I, 72 steers were fed ground ear corn and corn silage diets containing 0 (treatment 1), 22 (treatment 2) and 33 (treatment 3) g/tonne DM monensin for 112 days. Treatments 2 and 3 received 11 g/tonne DM monensin for the first 28 days. Daily gains were not significantly different (P > 0.05) throughout the trial and intake was slightly reduced (P > 0.05) with monensin addition. Feed efficiency in treatments 2 and 3 were improved 5.5 and 8.8% respectively, but only treatment 3 was significantly (P < 0.05) better than treatment 1. Rumen fluid from steers fed treatment 3 contained a higher proportion (P < 0.05) of propionic acid and a lower (P < 0.05) A:P ratio than did rumen fluid from treatment 1. Levels of acetic and butyric acid were reduced (P > 0.05) by monensin inclusion. In experiment II, 46 steers were fed hay crop silage and shelled corn diets containing 0 (treatment 1) and 33 g/tonne DM (treatment 2) monensin for 112 days. Gains were slightly (P > 0.05) higher and intake slightly (P > 0.05) lower on treatment 2. Monensin improved (P > 0.05) feed efficiency by 8.5%. In experiment III, 40 purchased and 40 station-reared steers were assigned by origin, in pairs, to 40 Calan electronic headgates. A 23 factorial experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of diet with or without monensin used separately and in combination with progesterone-estradiol implants. Steers were fed a high moisture ear corn and corn silage diet for 84 days. No 3-factor interactions (P > 0.05) were detected. Implant treatments gained significantly (P < 0.05) faster than either control or monensin alone. Intake was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in treatments fed monensin. Feed efficiency was improved (P < 0.05) 16% with both monensin and implant, 10% (P < 0.05) with monensin alone, and 6% (P > 0.05) with implant alone over control.
A COMPARISON OF SOYBEAN MEAL AND TOWER RAPESEED MEAL AS SUPPLEMENTS TO CORN IN DIETS OF GROWING-FINISHING AND HEAVY WEIGHT PIGS
Authors: GRANDHI R. R. , NARENDRAN R. , BOWMAN G. H. , SLINGER S. J.
Published: March 2010

Ninety-six Yorkshire barrows and gilts were used in each of two experiments conducted in the spring-summer (exp. 1), and fall-winter (exp. 2) months, respectively, to evaluate 15% Tower rapeseed meal (RSM) as a partial replacement for soybean meal (SBM) on an isonitrogenous basis in corn-based diets for pigs from 23 to 91 kg body weight. At 91 kg, half the number of pigs in each dietary group were slaughtered. Then, three levels of protein (12, 14 and 16%) in both corn-SBM and corn-SBM-RSM diets were fed to the remaining pigs in each group up to a final body weight of 125 kg. The energy level in the RSM diets was not adjusted to equal that in the SBM diets. In the 23- to 91-kg gain period, average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.01) and backfat (P < 0.05) were lower in the RSM-fed pigs compared to SBM-fed pigs only in exp. 2. From 91 to 125 kg body weight, ADG (P < 0.05), feed intake (P < 0.01) and backfat (P < 0.01) were lower for RSM-fed pigs only in exp. 2. The heavy weight pigs fed RSM diets had a lower (P < 0.01) dressing percentage than SBM fed pigs in exp. 1. Reduction of dietary protein from the 16% fed up to 91 kg body weight to either 14 or 12% in the 91- to 125-kg gain period did not affect performance.
EFFECT OF MONENSIN AND A DEAMINASE INHIBITOR ON FEED UTILIZATION BY LAMBS
Authors: HORTON G. M. J.
Published: March 2010

Lambs were fed monensin (Rumensin®, monensin sodium, Eli Lilly and Co., Greenfield, Ind.) and a deaminase inhibitor 4,4’-dimethyldiphenyliodonium chloride (SmithKline Animal Health Products, West Chester, Pa.) (DAI) at 33 and 25 mg/kg of diet, respectively. Digestibility and ruminal volatile fatty acids were measured using five yearling lambs per treatment. There were no treatment effects on digestibility. Molar proportions of propionic acid were 93% higher when monensin plus DAI were fed than when lambs were offered the nonmedicated control diet. Feedlot performance was measured using eighty 18-kg crossbred lambs, with two pens of 10 lambs per treatment. Lambs fed DAI consumed 8% less feed than controls, though feed to gain ratio was not affected. Gains and feed efficiency with monensin were 8% and 5% higher (P < 0.05), respectively, than control values, though feed was utilized most efficiently when both monensin and DAI were fed.
MINERAL ANALYSES OF DAIRY CATTLE FEED IN THE UPPER FRASER VALLEY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: CATHCART E. B. , SHELFORD J. A. , PETERSON R. G.
Published: March 2010

Analyses of five macro-minerals and six trace minerals in dairy cattle feeds revealed higher iron, manganese and copper means and lower sulphur and selenium means than comparable reported values for most feed categories. Cattle fed mainly forages may not be receiving enough sulphur and selenium although copper levels appear to be adequate.
THE INITIAL ACCEPTABILITY OF NATURALLY FERMENTED AND PRESERVATIVE-TREATED COLOSTRUM BY NEWBORN CALVES
Authors: WHEELER E. ELIZABETH , IKURIOR S. A. , STONE J. B.
Published: March 2010

Naturally fermented colostrum (1) or colostrum treated (vol/vol) with 1.00% Chemstor (2), 1.00% formic acid (3) or 0.50% (4) 0.75% (5) or 1.00% (6) of a mixture (Chemstor 50%, formalin 30% and formic acid 20%) were each offered to three 4-day-old Holstein calves. Diets 1, 3 and 4 were completely consumed 4 min after feeding. Diets 2, 5 and 6 were refused to varying degrees.
COMPOSITION AND IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITIES OF VARIOUS SUMMER FOODS OF WHITE-TAILED DEER
Authors: WHITTEMORE SUSAN , MOEN AARON N.
Published: March 2010

Cell wall contents and in vitro digestibilities of 23 species of forbs, horsetail, fungi, and a moss ranged from 26 to 86% and 39 to 93%, respectively. Floral parts of 12 forbs had, on average, significantly (P < 0.05) lower cell wall contents and significantly higher in vitro digestibilities than the stems and leaves.
AN AUTOMATIC FEED DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR POULTRY IN FLOOR PENS
Authors: REID W. S. , BUCKLEY D. J. , NICHOLLS C. F. , CAVE N. A. G.
Published: March 2010

A time-switch controlled feed delivery system is described for use in poultry feeding experiments where control of feed quantity and feeding time is necessary.
EFFECT OF DIETARY SULFUR AMINO ACID LEVEL ON COPPER-INDUCED GROWTH DEPRESSION IN RATS
Authors: ROBBINS K. R. , BAKER D. H.
Published: March 2010

A growth assay was conducted with rats to determine if copper-induced growth depression is related to dietary sulfur amino acid concentration. In the absence of added copper, methionine addition to the basal diet had no effect on either gain or gain/feed. However, the growth depressing effect of 750 mg/kg copper was totally alleviated with the addition of 0.18% methionine.
EFFECTS OF BREED AND SEX ON THE PATTERNS OF FAT DEPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION IN SWINE
Authors: JONES S. D. M. , RICHMOND R. J. , PRICE M. A. , BERG R. B.
Published: March 2010

The growth and distribution of fat from 163 pig carcasses were compared among five breeds (Duroc × Yorkshire (D × Y), Hampshire × Yorkshire (H × Y), Yorkshire (Y × Y), Yorkshire × Lacombe-Yorkshire (Y × L-Y) and Lacombe × Yorkshire (L × Y)) and two sex-types (barrows and gilts) over a wide range in carcass weight. The growth pattern of fat and the fat depots were estimated from the allometric equation (Y = aXb) using side muscle weight and side fat weight separately as independent variables. Growth coefficients (b) for intermuscular and subcutaneous fat depots were similar for the hindquarter but the intermuscular depot coefficient was slightly higher for the forequarter. The coefficient for body cavity fat was highest in all comparisons. No significant differences were detected for coefficients among breeds and between sexes using both total muscle and total side fat as independent variables. Significant breed and sex-type differences were found in the fat depots at a constant weight of side muscle. This would indicate that breed differences in fatness seemed to be more influenced by the initiation of fattening at different muscle weights than by any inherent differences in rate of fattening. Significant breed differences were also found in the fat depots at a constant fat weight, indicating that breed may influence fat distribution. Sex-type had no effect on fat distribution when the evaluation was made at constant fatness.
HERITABILITIES OF TEAT CONFORMATION TRAITS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOMATIC CELL COUNTS IN HOLSTEINS
Authors: HIGGINS SUSAN , MOORE R. K. , KENNEDY B. W.
Published: March 2010

Teat conformation characteristics were measured on 402 Holstein-Friesian cows in 18 dairy herds in western Quebec and eastern Ontario. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of heridity on teat conformation traits as well as to examine phenotypic relationships between the traits and somatic cell count as a measure of udder health. Maximum likelihood estimates of heritabilities of teat conformation traits and cell count, transformed to a log scale, were low; usually less than 0.10. Exceptions were length of front teat (h2 = 0.44) and distance of udder to the floor (h2 = 0.41). Significantly higher cell counts were associated with teats that were long, wide, not plumb and bottle (as opposed to cylindrical or funnel) shaped. The most highly correlated trait with cell count was distance of udder to the floor (r = − 0.24). However, many of the significant gross relationships observed were jointly related with age of cow, and when the effects of age of cow at calving, stage of lactation and herd were removed, only length of rear teat and front and rear teat medial diameters had significant influences on cell count.
EFFECT OF A SINGLE INTRAMUSCULAR DOSE OF VITAMIN D ON CONCENTRATIONS OF LIPOSOLUBLE VITAMINS IN THE PLASMA OF HEIFERS WINTER-FED OAT SILAGE, GRASS SILAGE OR HAY
Authors: HIDIROGLOU M. , IVAN M. , PROULX J. G. , LESSARD J. R.
Published: March 2010

Blood profiles for 25 hydroxyvitamin D (250HD), vitamins A and E, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in three groups of Shorthorn heifers winter-fed either oat silage, grass silage or hay have been established. In each dietary treatment, half of the animals were injected with a single intramuscular dose of vitamin D3 (1 000 000 IU). The injections increased plasma 250HD levels (ng/mL) at the end of the experiment from 35 to 44 for oat silage, from 35 to 75 for grass silage and from 29 to 40 for hay. The plasma 250HD in the oat silage-fed heifers approached levels that were suggestive of vitamin D deficiency. 250HD plasma levels of cattle on grass silage were more responsive to the vitamin D treatment than those on oat silage or hay. Plasma levels of vitamin A at the end of the experiment (134 day s) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the silage-fed animals than in the hay-fed animals. The vitamin D-treated heifers fed oat silage had higher (P < 0.05) blood vitamin E levels than the other heifers. Plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels appeared to be unaffected by diet or vitamin D treatment. Greater weight gains were observed in heifers on hay than in those on grass silage or oat silage. Weight gains tended to be higher (NS) in the vitamin D-treated heifers fed oat silage than in those that were not treated. Gains were also higher (P < 0.05) with the hay than with the silage diets.