bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GROWTH PATTERNS OF FIRST-CROSS COWS UNDER TWO ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M. , NEWMAN J. A. , RAHNEFELD G. W. , LAWSON J. E.
Published: March 2010

Growth patterns of 1000 first-cross females produced by mating Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental sires with Angus. Hereford, and Shorthorn dams were compared on 503 females under extensive range conditions at Manyberries, Alberta, and 497 females under semi-intensive farm conditions at Brandon, Manitoba. Three input groups born in 1970, 1971, and 1972 were involved. Hereford × Angus (HA) females. 75 at each location, served as a control population. Location difference in initial weight (12 mo of age) and in final weaning weight taken in 1979 were negligible and all input groups at each station were equivalent in weight at 7.5 yr of age. However, large annual fluctuations occurred in weights at Manyberries with breeding weights in 1974 averaging 86, 93, and 99% of those taken 24 mo previously for females born in 1970, 1971, and 1972. Females at Brandon gained weight during gestation and usually lost weight during nursing. Those at Manyberries invariably gained weight during nursing with substantial gestation weight losses in 3 yr. Nursing status of the female had large effects on weight changes, with barren years providing the opportunity for large compensatory gains. Ranking of the females by their breed of sire was Charolais > Simmental = Limousin > HA for annual breeding and weaning weights at both locations (P < 0.05). Average rankings by breed of dam’s dam were Shorthorn > Hereford > Angus > HA at Brandon and Hereford > Shorthorn > Angus > HA at Manyberries. However, the only consistently significant differences (P < 0.05) were those between the HA control and the other crosses. These breed rankings were not affected by nursing status of the dam.
LAMB PRODUCTION FROM EWES OF FOUR BREEDS AND THEIR TWO-, THREE-, AND FOUR-BREED CROSSES
Authors: VESELY J. A. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Fertility, prolificacy, numbers of lambs weaned, and total weight of lamb weaned per ewe exposed to rams were studied in Romnelet, Columbia, Suffolk, and North Country Cheviot breeds of sheep and their 2-breed crosses. Such ewes were bred by purebred and 2-breed cross rams giving rise to purebred, 2-, 3-, and 4-breed cross lambs. In total weight of lamb weaned per ewe exposed to rams, the production of 3- and 4-breed cross lambs surpassed the production of purebred lambs by 26 and 30%. Females from these matings in the first 2 yr were retained until the age of 6 and 7 yr for estimating their longevity and lifetime production. Dorset Horn (D) and Finnish Landrace (F) rams were used to breed these ewes. Purebreds tended, in all 7 yr of life, to have lower fertility and prolificacy levels. Mortality of crossbred ewes did not differ from that of the purebreds. Purebred ewes mated to rams of the same breed produced in their lifetime (up to 7 yr of age) an average of 124 kg of weaned lamb, whereas purebred ewes mated to D or F rams produced 148 kg. Two-breed, 3-breed, and 4-breed cross ewes mated to D or F rams produced 180, 189, and 189 kg of weaned lamb per ewe exposed.
THE INFLUENCE OF PELVIC OPENING AND CALF SIZE ON CALVING DIFFICULTIES OF BEEF × DAIRY CROSSBRED COWS
Authors: DUFOUR J. J. , FAHMY M. H. , ROY G. L.
Published: March 2010

Difficulty at calving was studied on 164 beef × dairy cows produced from mating Charolais. Hereford. Limousin and Maine-Anjou bulls to Holstein and Ayrshire cows. The cows were mated for the first time at 12 mo of age using an Angus, a Limousin and a Chianina bull representing small, medium and large size, respectively, and for the second parity using the same Chianina and Simmental bull representing large-size bulls. At first calving, 23.1% of all parturitions were difficult and no differences were observed among the genetic groups. Of the second calvings, 4, 12, 20 and 36% (P < 0.05) were difficult for the Limousin. Charolais, Hereford and Maine-Anjou crosses, respectively. Cows experiencing calving difficulty at both parturitions had a smaller pelvic opening at breeding, day 150 and 270 of first gestation than all others and the ratio of pelvic opening to body weight was also less. In these other cows, when difficulty was observed at first or second calving, the calves weighed about 5 kg more (P < 0.05) than those that calved easily. At first parturition, calving difficulty was 23.0% when the small-size bull was the sire, and it increased to 28 and 47% when the medium and the large-size bull were the sires, respectively. At second calving, male calves required four times more assistance than females (P < 0.05). Calving difficulty was 54.2% at the first and 13.8% at the second parturition in cows bred by the Chianina bull. Calf dimensions most highly related to difficult calving were circumferences of head and nose which were, respectively. 1.6 and 1.3 cm larger in calves from difficult calving (P < 0.01). The mean interval from calving to first estrus and the number of inseminations per conception were, respectively, 88.0 days and 2.3 inseminations after a difficult calving, 14 days longer (P < 0.05) and 0.4 insemination more (P < 0.05) than after an easy calving.
COMPARISON OF TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATING LEAN CONTENT OF HOG CARCASSES
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M.
Published: March 2010

A population of 2670 pig carcasses was used for comparing three techniques, ruler, ultrasonic and the Danish MFA probe, for prediction of lean yield. The best single fat measurements, all of equal validity, were MFA and ruler at the midline over the gluteus medius and ultrasonic fat measured lateral to the midline in the lumbar region. For each technique, the prediction precision provided by the best single fat measurement was improved by the addition of other fat or lean measurements to the regression equation. The MFA, used to its design capacity of three fat and one lean measurement, predicted 64.6% of the variance in lean content of the lean cuts (ham, loin and shoulder). This reduced to 59.5% when the lean measurement was excluded. The variance explained by-three fat measurements made by the other techniques was 57.4 for ultrasonics and 56.5 for the ruler. Addition of carcass weight to the prediction equations for boneless and boneless defatted yield increased the R2 values for the ruler (4.0%) and ultrasonic (6.4%) techniques but had little effect on the MFA. The most accurate prediction of yield was provided by measurements of side fat and depth of M. longissimus at the last rib, made from carcass cross sections for a subpopulation of 1267 carcasses. This was interpreted as evidence that more specific definition of the site chosen for the MFA fat and muscle measurement in this region of the carcass would improve the precision of the MFA procedure.
EFFECT OF HOUSING SYSTEM ON THE RECOVERY OF BOARS FROM LEG WEAKNESS
Authors: NAKANO T. , AHERNE F. X. , THOMPSON J. R.
Published: March 2010

A total of 30 market weight boars, including 25 lame animals and 5 normal animals, were obtained from a swine performance testing station to study the effect of housing system on the recovery from lameness. Boars were housed in 1.7 × 2.0-m concrete floor pens with straw as bedding and allowed access to a 4 × 23-m indoor concrete area for 2 h per day (group I) or in outdoor sheds which opened onto 10 × 15-m dirt lots (group II). During the 7-wk experimental period, there was no appreciable improvement in locomotory ability in any of the animals studied. Though gait was slightly improved in one of the boars from each group, postmortem examination of joints revealed considerable degeneration of the articular cartilage surfaces. The incidence and severity of joint lesions in the 18 lame pigs were greatest (P < 0.05) in the proximal articular surface of the ulna, the distal articular surface of the humerus and the distal articular surface of the femur. Lesion occurrence and severity were similar between boars from groups I and II. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in any of the performance characteristics among normal and lame boars that completed the experiment.
MINERALIZATION OF NORMAL AND OSTEOCHONDROTIC BONE IN SWINE
Authors: NAKANO T. , AHERNE F. X. , THOMPSON J. R.
Published: March 2010

Bone mineralization of the ulna and femur was studied using 20 market weight boars. On postmortem examination, 17 animals demonstrated osteochondrosis in the distal ulnar metaphysis and/or the distal femoral epiphysis with no apparent lesions in the distal ulnar epiphysis, distal femoral metaphysis or the diaphysis of either bone. Three animals showed no apparent abnormalities in any site of these bones. Lesion areas displaying abnormal ossification in the distal ulnar metaphyses had markedly reduced (P < 0.05) calcium and phosphorus concentrations, however, mineralization appeared to be normal in the apparently normal adjacent areas. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the femur than in the ulna. There was no significant correlation between lesion scores and bone analysis values, between lesion scores and average daily gain, and between average daily gain and bone analysis values.
STEROID RADIOIMMUNOASSAYS: THE PROBLEMS OF BLANKS
Authors: SHINDE Y. , HACKER R. R. , NTUNDE B. , SMITH V. G.
Published: March 2010

An estrogen radioimmunoassay was used to study the problem of blanks in steroid assays. Negligible binding (1.5%) in the non-antibody tubes prevailed throughout the study. The assay was validated using accepted procedures. Both water and solvent blanks had estrogen concentrations of 7–9 pg/tube. However, neither water nor solvent blanks showed a dose-related response, indicating that they were "real" blanks. Exogenous estradiol, when added to water and solvent in quantities less than the estimated blank, was not quantitatively recovered. However, exogenous estradiol added to the water solvent in quantities greater than the blank estimate was quantitatively recovered. The sensitivity of the reference standard curve was 6–10 pg/tube, approximately the same as the blank estimate. These results indicated that the estimates of water and solvent blanks were measures of the assay sensitivity. In such circumstances, it is suggested that blank estimates should not be subtracted from sample values. If the blank estimates are high, attention should be directed towards improving the sensitivity of the assay.
SUPPLEMENTAL PROTEIN, MAGNESIUM AND SELENIUM PLUS VITAMIN E FOR BEEF COWS FED STRAW DIETS IN WINTER
Authors: MATHISON G. W. , HARDIN R. T. , BECK B. E.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-four cows were fed diets containing 94% barley straw for 83 days in the winter to evaluate the effects of supplemental protein, magnesium, and selenium plus vitamin E on cow health, feed intake, and winter weight change. Overall, the cows consumed 47 MJ of digestible energy daily which was only 70% of their calculated requirements. Eleven cows did not complete the test; eight of these cows died. Abomasal impactions were found in three of the cows. One animal fed the diet with supplemental protein but without supplemental magnesum exhibited symptoms of acute hypomagnesemia. When the protein level of the total diet was increased from 5.2 to 6.2% the cows gained more (P < 0.05) weight and increased (P < 0.10) feed consumption by 17%. Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were increased (P < 0.01) from 3.7 to 4.6 mg/100 mL. Cows that received the low protein diet gained more weight when supplemental magneisum was provided than those that were fed a similar diet without magnesium. They also tended (P < 0.10) to eat more feed. The mean magnesium concentration in blood plasma was only 1.4 mg/100 mL, which confirmed the existence of a magnesium deficiency in cows fed large amounts of straw. Plasma magnesium concentrations were increased (P < 0.10) by between 0.04 and 0.08 mg/100 mL for each gram of increased magnesium intake. Plasma calcium was decreased (P < 0.05) from 8.9 to 8.4 mg/100 mL when magnesium oxide was included in the concentrate mixture. Supplemental selenium plus vitamin E had no major effect on animal performance, even though dietary intakes of selenium on the control diets were only 43% of the listed requirements. It was concluded that more than 6% concentrate is required in straw-concentrate diets for beef cows and that it may be necessary to supply supplemental protein, magnesium, selenium and manganese with such diets.
SOME IN VITRO OBSERVATIONS ON FACTORS AFFECTING RENNET (CHYMOSIN) CLOTTING OF CALF MILK REPLACERS
Authors: JENKINS K. J. , LESSARD J. R. , EMMONS D. B.
Published: March 2010

The formation of a firm rennet (chymosin) curd in the abomasum appears to have a useful physiological function in the newborn calf. The results of in vitro experiments with calf milk replacers conducted to study the effect of various factors on rennet clot formation demonstrated that low-pressure (L) dispersion of lipid into skim milk powder replacers resulted in markedly higher (P < 0.05) curd firmness values with rennet than homogenization (H) at all total solid (10, 15 and 20%) and lipid (10, 20, 30 and 40% TS) levels tested. At higher total solids levels, curd firmness, clot weight and percentage of replacer lipid in clot were significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The L dispersion method also promoted rennet coagulation and firmer curds than H when skim was partially replaced by mixtures offish protein-whey or Promine D-whey. The results indicate that reconstitution of milk replacers at high total solids levels (e.g., 20%), in conjunction with L dispersion of lipid, would be beneficial for promoting rennet coagulation, curd firmness and high concentrations of protein and lipid in the clot.
PREDICTION OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF ALFALFA (SARANAC), BROMEGRASS (SARATOGA) AND TIMOTHY (CHAMP, CLIMAX, BOUNTY) FED AS HAY TO GROWING SHEEP
Authors: SEOANE J. R. , CÔTÉ M. , GERVAIS P. , LAFOREST J. P.
Published: March 2010

Forty-five male sheep (31.6 kg average body weight) were used to determine the nutritive value of three cultivars of timothy, (Champ, Climax and Bounty), one of bromegrass (Saratoga) and one of alfalfa (Saranac) fed as hays. Daily dry matter intake of Bounty (76.7 g/kg0.75 per sheep) was similar to that of alfalfa and bromegrass (76.4 and 73.9 g/kg0.75, respectively) and higher (P < 0.01) that that of Champ and Climax (65.1 and 65.8 g/kg0.75, respectively). Apparent nutrient digestibility values were highest for bromegrass, with the exception of protein, nitrogen-free extract and lignin, which were more digestible for alfalfa than for the grasses. Saratoga bromegrass had the highest TDN values and supported the highest average daily weight gains. Protein digestibility was directly related to the crude protein content of the hays (r = 0.98, P < 0.01). The true digestibility of nitrogen was estimated to be 90.12% with a metabolic nitrogen excretion of 4.46 g of N/kg of dry matter intake. Digestibility of cell contents was also directly related to its percentage in the forages (r = 0.97, P < 0.01). Dry matter digestibility was predicted from cell wall components by a summative equation (r = 0.96, P < 0.01). Voluntary dry matter intake (g/kg0.75) was negatively correlated with "water retention capacity" (r = − 0.99, P < 0.01) and with "packed volume" values of the hays (r = − 0.93, P < 0.05). It is suggested that under certain circumstances, the physical characteristics of hays such as density and water retention capacity are factors that influence voluntary intake.
EFFECTS OF RAPESEED GUMS ON THE FEEDING VALUE OF DIETS FOR GROWING-FINISHING PIGS
Authors: McCUAIG L. W. , BELL J. M.
Published: March 2010

Gums from high and low glucosinolate rapeseed oils were mixed at 1, 2 and 4% levels into Tower rapeseed meal (RSM; low glucosinolate cultivar) and soybean meal (SBM). These meals were fed in grower diets at 15.1 and 12.6% levels, respectively, to 72 pigs from 23 kg initial to 91 kg final weight. Neither the source nor level of gums had any effect on rate of growth or feed consumption. The digestibility of energy was determined by feeding Tower gums at 0, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00% of diets containing 15% of gums-free Tower RSM. Gums had no apparent effect on energy digestibility. All diets were 80% (79.6 ± 0.5) digestible, regardless of dietary level of gums, indicating that gums were similarly well digested. Samples of RSM and SBM containing 8% gums were kept in burlap containers at ambient temperatures over a 7-mo period to determine storage effects. No significant deterioration occurred as indicated by acid values, color or anisidine values. There were some differences in values between RSM and SBM but probably not of nutritional importance.
PEPSIN AND PANCREATIN SUPPLEMENTATION OF CALF MILK REPLACER CONTAINING SOY PROTEIN
Authors: JENKINS K. J.
Published: March 2010

An attempt was made to improve the digestibility of soy proteins (promine D) in milk replacers for young calves by supplementing the diets with pepsin and/or pancreatin preparations. Calves fed the basal soy milk replacer from 3 to 31 days of age had an average gain of 0.198 kg/day; those fed a skim powder control gained 0.443 kg/day. Supplementation of the basal soy milk replacer with 0.5% (of dry matter (DM)) pancreatin or 0.5% pepsin, or both treatments together, had a detrimental effect on calf performance, reducing gains to 0.106, 0.034 and −0.049 kg/day, respectively. Supplementation of soy replacer with these enzymes, separately or together, also reduced apparent digestibility of DM, N and lipid but had no effect on feed intakes.
RELATIONSHIPS OF TEAT CONFORMATION AND UDDER HEIGHT TO MILK FLOW RATE AND MILK PRODUCTION IN HOLSTEINS
Authors: MOORE R. K. , HIGGINS SUSAN , KENNEDY B. W. , BURNSIDE E. B.
Published: March 2010

Teat conformation characteristics, udder height, total milking yield, 2-min yield, 2-min yield adjusted for the linear and quadratic effects of total milking yield, and 305-day milk and fat yields were recorded on 377 Holstein-Friesian cows in 18 herds. Simple relationships of teat conformation measures and udder height to milk flow rate and production traits which were significant (P < 0.05) were as follows. Mean 2-min, total milking, and 305-day milk yields were lower for plumb front teats than for front teats that were not plumb. Cows with plumb rear teats also had lower total milking yields. Cows with cylindrical teats, both front and rear, had lower total milking yields than cows with funnel teats. Teat length was positively correlated with total milking, 305-day milk and 305-day fat yields. Teat diameter measures taken at proximal, medial and distal locations of the teat were positively correlated with all production traits, and rear teat diameter measures were positively correlated with 2-min yield. Udder height was positively correlated with adjusted 2-min yield and negatively correlated with total milking, 305-day milk and 305-day fat yields. Least squares analyses, which corrected for the effects of herd, age of cow at calving, and stage of lactation, were conducted, and significant (P < 0.05) effects were as follows. Cows with cylindrical teats produced 0.7–0.8 kg less total milk at milking than cows with funnel teats. Rear teat diameter was more highly related to milk production than front teat diameter. Proximal and distal diameter of the rear teat was positively associated with all three production traits, and medial rear teat diameter was positively associated with total milking and 305-day milk yields. Also, proximal diameter of the rear teat had a positive relationship with 2-min yield. Total milking yield was positively influenced by front teat proximal and medial diameters, but medial diameter had a negative effect on adjusted 2-min yield. Udder height influenced all traits. High udders had relatively higher milk flow rates but lower milk and fat production. Each centimetre increase in udder height was associated with a 46-kg decrease in 305-day milk. Heritabilities of 2-min yield, adjusted 2-min yield, 305-day milk yield and 305-day fat yield were 0.17, 0.27, 0.18, and 0.50, respectively.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BLACK LOCUST TREE LEAF MEAL (Robinia pseudoacacia) AND ALFALFA MEAL
Authors: HORTON G. M. J. , CHRISTENSEN D. A.
Published: March 2010

Alfalfa meal (Medicago sativa) and black locust tree leaf meal (BLT meal — Robinia pseudoacacia) with similar protein (CP), calcium and phosphorus (P) content were compared. Lambs consumed 10% more (P > 0.05) alfalfa than BLT meal. Digestibilities of organic matter, CP, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and P in BLT meal averaged less than half (P < 0.01) those in alfalfa. Plasma urea nitrogen, ruminal ammonia and branched chain fatty acids were lower (P < 0.001) in lambs fed BLT meal. BLT meal is not a satisfactory alternative to alfalfa meal as a livestock feed.
SORGHUM, WHEAT AND CORN IN DIETS FOR BROILER CHICKS
Authors: GARDINER E. E. , DUBETZ S. , MAJOR D. J.
Published: March 2010

Sorghum, wheat or corn in soybean meal-based diets with four levels of supplemental methionine were compared for broiler chick growth from 0 to 28 days of age. Wheat and corn supported more rapid weight gains and lower feed-to-gain ratios than did sorghum, regardless of added methionine. A response in rate of gain and feed-to-gain ratios was obtained with the added levels of methionine with each of the three grains.
A COMPARISON OF THE GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN PUREBRED HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN STEERS AND LIMOUSIN × HOLSTEIN (F1) STEERS AND HEIFERS
Authors: FORREST R. J.
Published: March 2010

A comparison was made of the growth and carcass characteristics of 39 purebred Holstein-Friesian (HF) steers, 42 Limousin × Holstein-Friesian (Lim × Hol) steers, and 50 Lim × Hol crossbred F1 heifers. An assessment was also made of the feed consumption at three growth stages (200–300, 300–400 and 400–500 kg) of 20, 21 and 20 animals in each of these three groups, respectively. The two steer groups outgained the heifers at all three stages of growth, while the Lim × Hol steers gained significantly faster (P < 0.05) than the HF only during the 300- to 400-kg growth phase. Rates of growth during the 400- to 500-kg phase were 1.46, 1.53 and 1.04 kg/day for the HF, Lim × Hol steers and heifers, respectively. The heifers had the most estimated carcass fat (20.61%), the Lim × Hol steers the least (15.97%), and the HF were intermediate (18.07%) (P < 0.05). The Lim × Hol steers had the greatest amount of carcass lean (74.20%) (P < 0.05) and the Lim × Hol groups were superior to the HF in carcass conformation when expressed in terms of proportion of high-priced cuts (hind and back). These results indicate that the Lim × Hol steers produced better cutting and more desirable carcasses than purebred Holstein-Friesian steers and the Lim × Hol heifers. The HF steers and Lim × Hol heifers were similar in lean meat production (70.33 ± 0.17%).
EXTENDING RECORDS IN PROGRESS TO 305-DAY LACTATION PRODUCTION BY USING 1965 USDA AND MODIFIED EXTENSION FACTORS
Authors: BATRA T. R. , LEE A. J.
Published: March 2010

Records in progress from Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey cows calving at or after 36 mo were used to predict 305-day milk and fat yield using USDA extension factors introduced in 1965. The results of this study indicate that these United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) extension factors consistantly predict lower production from records in progress. A simple procedure was used to modify these USDA extension factors for use in Canada to eliminate the systematic bias. Both the actual and the modified versions of the USDA extension factors were compared on a new set of data. The results suggest that the modified extension factors are better than the 1965 USDA extension factors and are able to eliminate the systematic bias.
ESTIMATION OF VARIANCES AND COVARIANCES FOR USE IN A MULTIPLE TRAIT BEEF SIRE EVALUATION MODEL
Authors: SCHAEFFER L. R. , WILTON J. W.
Published: March 2010

A modified maximum likelihood multiple trait procedure was used to estimate sire and error variances and covariances among calving ease, weaning weight, and yearling weight calf records. A description of the new method is presented. Data included 477 757 calves of 13 breeds of sire. Breeds of sire with over 9 000 calf records had genetic correlations between calving ease and growth traits that ranged from −.02 to −.43, and between weaning weight and yearling weight from.63 to.91. Heritability estimates for calving ease ranged from.07 to.30 for male calves and from.14 to.40 for female calves; for weaning weight from.12 to.31 for male calves and from.15 to.40 for female calves; and for yearling weight from.07 to.21 for male calves and from.17 to.52 for female calves. The residual error correlations between calving ease and the growth traits ranged from −.09 to.13 for male calves and from −.04 to.15 for female calves, and between weaning weight and yearling weight they varied around.7. The new estimates are recommended for use in multiple trait sire evaluation.
SKELETAL MUSCLE FIBER DISTRIBUTION AND AREA IN TRAINED AND STALLED STANDARDBRED HORSES
Authors: TAYLOR A. W. , BRASSARD L.
Published: March 2010

Four Standardbred horses followed a daily interval training program (5 × 700 m and 6 × 1000 m with 5-min rest periods) for 8 wk. Four more randomly selected animals served as stalled controls. Biopsy samples were taken from six limb muscles before and after the training period from all eight animals. No changes were observed in the percentage of fiber types for either group. However, significant (P < 0.05) increases in fiber area were noted for all three fiber types: slow twitch, high oxidative (ST) 13–17%; fast twitch, high oxidative (FTH) 13–17%; and fast twitch, low oxidative (FT) 21–29% for the six limb muscles in the trained animals. The results suggest that fiber area can be changed rather quickly with enforced exercise, and that FT fibers adapt more readily to high intensity interval exercise.
OFFAL GROWTH IN YOUNG AND MATURE DAIRY COWS
Authors: JONES S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

Nineteen young and eighteen mature lean Holstein cows were purchased from a commercial source and fed a high energy diet ad libitum based on high moisture corn and haylage. Six young and six mature cows were slaughtered at the start of the trial to give an estimate of the initial weight of the offal components. After 68 days on feed, two young cows and two mature cows were slaughtered on a weekly basis until the conclusion of the trial. The offal components were weighed fresh and the alimentary components emptied of digesta. The growth pattern of each offal component relative to empty body weight was estimated from the allometric equation (Y = aXb). Growth coefficients were homogeneous between young and mature cows, indicating that cow age did not influence the relative growth of offal. The internal organs concerned with vital body functions tended to be related to empty body weight to the power of 0.67, which is proportional to the basal metabolic rate. The internal fat depots, however, all had growth coefficients in excess of one. At a constant empty body weight young cows had heavier hides (P < 0.5) and tended to have less hot carcass weight (5.4 kg) than mature cows.
EFFECT OF LEVEL OF ALFALFA PELLETS ON INTAKE OF EARLY AND LATE HARVESTED TIMOTHY SILAGES OF DIFFERENT DRY MATTER CONTENT BY DAIRY COWS
Authors: BURGESS P. L. , NICHOLSON J. W. G. , GRANT E. A.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were carried out, using 36 lactating Holstein cows, to determine the effect of three levels (0, 4.5 and 9.0 kg/day) of alfalfa pellets (AP) on the ad libitum consumption of early and late harvested timothy grass silages of different dry matter (DM) content. Cows consumed significantly more wilted than nonwilted silage DM for both the early and late harvested grass, although milk yields were similar for both groups. For the early harvested, wilted and nonwilted silages, feeding AP did not significantly depress silage DM intake until a level of 9.0 kg/day was reached. Total ration DM intake increased significantly with each increment of AP. With the late harvested silages, AP at the 9.0 kg/day level reduced nonwilted silage DM intake while with the wilted silage each increase of AP significantly lowered silage DM intake. Both the 4.5 and 9.0 kg/day of AP increased total DM consumption with the nonwilted silage but 9.0 kg/day of AP was required to significantly increase total DM intake for cows fed the late harvested, wilted silage. Milk yield and milk composition were not changed by the level of AP supplementation or the type of silage fed.
UTILIZATION OF 2,3-BUTANEDIOL BY SHEEP
Authors: MATHISON G. W. , FENTON MIRJANA , MILLIGAN L. P.
Published: March 2010

2,3-butanediol was measured at concentrations of up to 1.8% of the dry matter in barley silage and in lesser amounts in alfalfa-grass silage. In exp. 1, from 1.2 to 2.5% of the 2,3-butanediol in barley silage consumed by sheep was excreted in the urine. In exp. 2, 2,3-butanediol was fed to 16 sheep at concentrations of 0, 1, 3 or 5% of the diet for 20 days. The chemical had no detectable influence on voluntary consumption, weight gain or digestibility coefficients. From 3.7 to 12.5% of the consumed chemical was excreted, with 69–80% of the excretion occurring via urine and the percentage excreted increasing with feeding level. There were indications that the D and/or L isomers of the chemical were better utilized than the meso isomer. It was concluded that small amounts of 2,3-butanediol in silage are unlikely to have a major influence on animal performance, but when concentrations of the chemical exceed 4% of the diet, or intakes exceed 4–5 g/kg.75 liveweight, large proportions of the chemical may be excreted. Potential errors in energy balance measurements which could occur when 2,3-butanediol is present in silage were also noted.
FEEDING VALUE FOR LAMBS OF FABABEAN, FIELD PEA, CORN AND OAT SILAGES
Authors: THORLACIUS S. O. , BEACOM S. E.
Published: March 2010

Whole crop fababeans, corn and oats were ensiled in 3 consecutive yr, while whole crop field peas were included in the last 2 yr of the study. Corn was harvested at the early milk stage in 1974, at the late milk stage in 1975 (in both cases after a killing frost), and at the mature stage before frost in 1976. All other crops were harvested in the dough stage. Silages were evaluated using feeding trials with crossbred lambs. Dry matter intake and average daily gain were greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed fababean silage than for those fed corn or oat silage. Feed intake and rate of gain for lambs fed field pea silage tended to be slightly lower than for those fed fababean silage, but the differences were significant in only 1 of the 2 yr. Frozen immature corn ensiled in 1974 resulted in extremely low dry matter intake and gain, but in the other 2 yr the values for corn silage were equal to that of oat silage. Organic matter digestibility of fababean silage was equal to that of oat silage during 1 yr, but greater (P < 0.05) during the other 2 yr of the test. Mean energy digestibility (final 2 yr) was 70.6, 73.2, 64.1 and 68.1% for fababean, field pea, oat and corn silage, respectively. The results indicate that protein content, energy digestibility, and voluntary intake of whole crop fababean and field pea silage are all relatively high.
AMMONIA OR UREA TREATMENT OF WHOLE HIGH MOISTURE SHELLED CORN
Authors: MOWAT D. N. , McCAUGHEY P. , MACLEOD G. K.
Published: March 2010

Treatments of high moisture shelled corn were compared in diets containing approximately 60% (dry matter (DM) basis) corn silage. In an initial digestibility trial, treatments were: (1) ensiled, ground; (2) 1.5% (wt/wt) mixture of acetic: propionic acid, whole; (3) 2% (wt/wt DM basis) anhydrous ammonia, whole. Treatments were evaluated with six yearling steers in a double 3 × 3 latin square design. Urea was included in the ensiled and acid-treated corn diets to supply sufficient nitrogen. Ammoniating whole corn resulted in similar starch and energy digestibilities compared to ensiled ground corn. However, a large decrease in starch digestibility occurred with acid-treated whole corn. Digestibility of acid detergent fiber was greater (P < 0.05) with both ammoniated and acid-treated whole than ensiled ground corn. In a feedlot trial, two high moisture corn treatments compared were: (1) ensiled, ground; (2) 3.7% (wt/wt DM basis) urea, whole. Eighty Hereford yearling steers compared the two corn diets each with or without monensin. Temperatures rose steadily within bins plateauing approximately 21/2 wk after storage. The amount of urea that hydrolyzed to ammonia varied depending upon location within bins. A total of 1.4% DM loss occurred during storage. Urea-treatment tended to slightly reduce liveweight gain and feed efficiency. Monensin decreased intake (P < 0.05) and slightly improved feed efficiency (P > 0.05) with both types of corn. Effects of monensin on rumen VFA were similar with both corn diets. Type of corn had no effect on rumen VFA proportions.
DIETARY SELENIUM AND CADMIUM INTERRELATIONSHIPS IN WEANLING PIGS
Authors: CHAVEZ E. R.
Published: March 2010

Sixteen piglets, weaned at 14 days, were used to study Se × Cd interaction and possible interference of Cd in the relationship between dietary Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in plasma. A diet containing 0.02 ppm Se, or supplemented with 0.1 ppm Se, was fed ad libitum for 7 wk. Then a supplement of Cd (50 ppm) was incorporated in the feed of half of each Se group for a 2-wk period. Supplemental Se increased the plasma GSH-Px activity (P < 0.01) and Se concentrations in heart, muscle and spleen (P < 0.05); blood, liver and lung (P < 0.01); and kidney (P < 0.001), but not in brain tissue. Supplementary Cd had no effect (P > 0.05) on the blood measurements, but increased Cd levels in lung (P < 0.05), spleen (P < 0.01), and liver and kidney (P < 0.001). Tissue levels of Cd and Se in the kidney, liver and spleen provided confirmation of the interaction between these dietary trace minerals.
EVALUATION OF MEADOWFOAM (Limnanthes alba) MEAL AS A FEEDSTUFF FOR BROILER CHICKS AND WEANLING RABBITS
Authors: THROCKMORTON J. C. , CHEEKE P. R. , PATTON N. M. , ARSCOTT G. H. , JOLLIFF G. D.
Published: March 2010

Limnanthes alba or meadowfoam is a potential new oilseed crop, containing glucosinolates. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate meadowfoam meal (MFM) as a feedstuff for broiler chicks and weanling rabbits. In experiment 1, chicks were fed, for 6 wk, diets in which 30% of the dietary protein in the control diet was supplied by raw MFM, steam-cooked MFM (SC), SC plus 3% sodium carbonate (SC +), or aqueous-extracted MFM (EXT). Average daily gain (ADG) was lower (P < 0.01) for raw MFM than for other treatments; the ADG for the other MFM groups was similar to the control value. In experiment 2, chicks were fed diets in which SC isonitrogenously replaced 50% of the soybean meal in the control diet. Treatments were dietary additions of iodine, iodinated casein, and lysine. ADG was reduced (P < 0.01) on all diets containing SC. In both experiments, liver and thyroid weights at 6 wk were increased on all diets containing SC, except for the iodinated casein addition which decreased thyroid weights. Organ weights on EXT were similar to controls. In experiment 3, weanling rabbits were fed diets in which raw MFM supplied 20 and 40%, and SC supplied 20, 40, 60 and 80%, of the dietary protein. ADG was similar to controls when SC-MFM supplied 20 or 40% of the protein, but was less (P < 0.05) at the 60% and 80% levels. At the 20 and 40% levels of raw MFM, ADG was decreased (P < 0.05) compared with controls.
EFFECT OF DIETARY VICINE ON THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING CHICKENS
Authors: MUDUULI DAVID S. , MARQUARDT RONALD R. , GUENTER WILHELM
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary vicine [2,6-diamino-4,5-dihydroxy pyrimidine-5 (β-D-glucopyranoside)] on feed consumption, egg and yolk weight, egg production, egg fertility and hatchability, in vitro hemolysis of red blood cells, plasma lipid levels, and the peroxide, glutathione and vitamin E levels in plasma and/or liver. Vicine, when fed to laying hens, reduced the number of developing ova, egg and yolk weights and the fertility and hatchability of eggs. Yolks from vicine-fed birds had a lower ratio of yolk height:diameter and increased incidence of blood spots. Vicine consumption also elevated plasma lipid and lipid peroxide levels, increased erythrocyte hemolysis, and depressed the ratio of plasma vitamin E:lipid. In addition these birds had heavier livers with higher lipid peroxide and GSH levels. However, liver and plasma protein and liver lipid levels were not affected by dietary vicine. The effects of dietary vicine in these studies were not due to altered feed consumption of the birds. It is concluded that vicine, which was isolated from fababeans (Vicia faba L.), has a marked influence on the metabolism of the laying hen. Vicine may produce pro-oxidants that cause lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte hemolysis and interfere with normal lipid metabolism in the hen.
FEATHER GROWTH AND FEATHER COMPOSITION OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: FISHER MARY-LOU , LEESON S. , MORRISON W. D. , SUMMERS J. D.
Published: March 2010

Feather-sexed broiler chicks were reared in litter floor pens in a controlled environment building and offered mash diets meeting National Academy of Science-National Research Council specifications. Ten birds of each sex were killed at weekly intervals and individual feather weight recorded. These feathers were analyzed for crude protein and essential amino acids. From within five replicate pens of each sex, litter was removed weekly from 28 to 49 days, and molted feathers removed, cleaned and weighed. Feather weight was consistently correlated (P < 0.05) with body weight only from 5–7 wk of age. Females lost consistently more feathers than male birds, with this differential being a factor of 3.5. The methionine content of feathers decreased with age, while that of threonine, isoleucine and valine increased with age. The data are presented for use in model prediction of broiler amino acid requirements.
AVAILABILITIES OF AMINO ACIDS IN BARLEY AND WHEAT FOR GROWING PIGS
Authors: SAUER W. C. , KENNELLY J. J. , AHERNE F. X. , CICHON R. M.
Published: March 2010

The apparent ileal and fecal availabilities of amino acids in four barley samples and in four wheat samples were determined with four growing barrows (Yorkshire × Lacombe), fitted with ileocecal re-entrant cannulae. The experimental rations consisted of 96.8% barley or wheat, 2.7% minerals plus vitamins and 0.5% chromic oxide. True availabilities were calculated based on metabolic ileal and fecal amino acid levels obtained in previous studies. There were differences (P <.05) between the apparent ileal as well as between the true ileal availabilities of lysine, methionine, phenylalanine and glutamic acid in the barley samples. The apparent ileal availabilities ranged from 64.9 to 72.5% for lysine, from 72.1 to 83.9% for methionine and from 64.4 to70.4% for threonine. In the same sequence, the true availabilities of these amino acids ranged from 71.2 to 78.8%, from 75.4 to 87.3% and from 74.6 to 79.3%. There were no differences between the apparent as well as between the true availabilities of amino acids in the barley samples when these were measured by the fecal analysis method. With the exception of serine, there were no differences between the apparent as well as between the true ileal availabilities of amino acids in the wheat samples. The average apparent ileal availabilities were 76.7, 82.1 and 76.5% for lysine, methionine and threonine, respectively. In the same sequence, the average true ileal availabilities of these amino acids were 83.5, 85.0 and 85.7%.
CHOLINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF BARLEY-WHEAT-SOYA DIETS AND THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SWINE
Authors: GRANDHI R. R. , STRAIN J. H.
Published: March 2010

The effect of choline supplementation (434 mg/kg of diet) on reproductive performance and incidence of spraddle leg condition in baby pigs was studied in two experiments, using 128 gilts (64 Lacombe + 64 Yorkshire) in exp. 1 and 64 primiparous sows and 64 gilts, half from each breed, in exp. 2. In exp. 1 (winter) supplemental choline significantly (P < 0.05) increased the number of live pigs born (9.64 ± 0.41 vs. 7.90 ± 0.31) and weaned (7.50 ± 0.68 vs. 6.73 ± 0.25) for Lacombe, but not for Yorkshire (8.40 ± 0.56 vs. 9.00 ± 0.45 and 7.40 ± 0.33 vs. 8.10 ± 0.33, respectively) gilts. The mean birth weights and weight gains to 3 and 5 wk of age were similar for the control and choline-supplemented groups. In exp. 2 (summer) choline supplementation had very little effect on reproductive performance of gilts or sows from either breed. The incidence of spraddle leg condition was very low in both experiments and was not influenced by choline supplementation. These results indicate that the choline content of barley-wheat-soya diets was adequate for reproduction in Yorkshire gilts and sows, but Lacombe gilts may require supplemental choline during winter for optimum reproductive performance.
ORIENTATION OF FEEDLOT BULLS WITH RESPECT TO THE SUN DURING PERIODS OF HIGH SOLAR RADIATION IN WINTER
Authors: GONYOU H. W. , STRICKLIN W. R.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted using yearling beef bulls to determine the relationships between body orientation and air temperature and solar radiation in winter. In exp. 1, observations were made at noon on 23 days from December to April to determine the orientation of 90 bulls as a deviation from an angle perpendicular to the sun's rays (ANG). The mean value of ANG for standing, non-eating bulls was 38.2°. In general, ANG decreased as direct radiation increased or temperature decreased. On cold sunny days, 53% of the standing bulls (n = 313) had ANG values of less than 20°, and the proportion decreased to only 31% of the bulls (n = 270)on warm cloudy days. In exp. 2, ANG was determined for 15 bulls at hourly intervals during the daylight hours on six occasions from January to April. Bulls stood closer to the perpendicular early in the day when temperatures were low, and when solar radiation was high. The results of these experiments indicated that bulls modified their body orientation to increase exposure to solar radiation on cold sunny days.
EFFECTS OF CAGE FLOOR SHAPE ON LAYER PERFORMANCE
Authors: HILL A. T. , HUNT J. R.
Published: March 2010

In a factorial split plot experiment, 1536 pullets were tested for 60 wk in four replications with two rearing systems (cage vs. floor), two genetic stocks, two population size-density combinations, and two cage shapes. Three and four Shaver 288 layers per cage were each tested at 464 cm2 and 542 cm2 per bird and three and four Hubbard Comets per cage each at 542 cm2 and 610 cm2 per bird. Layers were housed in both deep and shallow cages. Cage depth had no effect upon nervousness, feather wear (except for the wings), mortality, egg specific gravity, broken eggs or net egg returns over feed and bird costs. Birds in shallow cages had significantly less wing feather wear, laid more eggs, consumed more feed, had inferior feed conversion, larger body size and lower percentage of Grade A eggs. With the exception of the feathering on the neck, back and underside, there were no consistent two-and three-way interactions between the main effects. It was concluded that layers in shallow cages consumed more feed than required, gained an unnecessary amount of body weight and did not lay compensatory extra eggs. Feeding twice a day to provide continuity of supply may have stimulated layers in deep cages to consume enough food to equal the net egg returns of those in shallow cages. Possible reasons for the differences between the results at this station and elsewhere were also discussed.
THE EFFECT OF SODIUM PENTOBARBITAL AND STORAGE TIME ON PRESERVATION OF RAM SPERMATOZOA MOTILITY AT 5 °C
Authors: FISER P. S. , LANGFORD G. A.
Published: March 2010

The effect of sodium pentobarbital (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg/L of diluent) on the survival of ram spermatozoa stored at 5 °C for up to 7 days was studied. Although spermatozoa motility in diluent containing 150 mg of sodium pentobarbital was higher [Formula: see text] than in the remaining diluents, the magnitude of the difference was small. The average motility percent and rating of 73% and 4.0 for all sodium pentobarbital concentrations observed at the beginning of the storage period declined gradually to 22% and 2.1, respectively, after 7 days of storage. The pregnancy and lambing rates of 70% and 63.3% in ewes inseminated at synchronized estrus with semen extended and stored for 24 h with sodium pentobarbital (150 mg/L of diluent) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) from the respective rates of 73% and 66.7% in the control ewes.
TISSUE COMPOSITION OF CANADA A BEEF CARCASSES AND IMPLICATIONS IN ESTIMATING DIETARY INTAKE OF FAT AND LEAN
Authors: FREDEEN H. T. , MARTIN A. H. , L'HIRONDELLE P. J.
Published: March 2010

Data on tissue composition of individual primal and sub-primal cuts were obtained for 40 steer and 41 heifer carcasses of the four yield classes defined for Canada A grade. Heifer carcasses of each yield class were lighter than those from steers (P < 0.05) and were lower in percentage bone. Sex differences (heifer-steer) in total dissected lean content of the primal cuts ranged from −2.3% (P < 0.05) for A1 carcasses to + 1.1% for A4 carcasses. This yield class trend in the sex difference was also evident for lean content of each primal. Differences (A4 − A1) in tissue composition of the complete carcass were −1.9% for bone, 11.4% for total fat and −9.3% for fat-free lean with uniform increments between adjacent fat classes. Calculations based on the grade distribution of the total 1980 Canadian slaughter indicated a minimum fat-free lean content of 56.1% for the average carcass or 68.6% of the edible (non-bone) portion. Based on these estimates, an annual per capita disappearance of 50 kg, after adjustment for bone content (18%) and probable pre-retail fat trim would approximate a daily per capita consumption of 77 g lean and 12–18 g fat.
EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT RULER AND ULTRASONIC BACKFAT MEASUREMENTS AS INDICES OF COMMERCIAL AND LEAN YIELD OF HOG CARCASSES FOR COMMERCIAL GRADING PURPOSES
Authors: FORTIN A. , MARTIN A. H. , FREDEEN H. T. , WEISS G. M. , SIM D. W.
Published: March 2010

A total of 3807 carcasses (1939 barrows and 1868 gilts) ranging in warm carcass weights from 44.9 to 116.2 kg were obtained by a stratified gusta sampling procedure from three important pork-producing regions of Canada. Backfat thickness at different locations was measured using a ruler on the exposed surface of the warm split carcass and ultrasonically 5 cm laterally from the exposed surface. The value, in terms of residual standard error, of single, pairs or sums of backfat measurements in describing the relationships between backfat thickness and commercial and lean yield was examined. Generally, the use of ultrasonic fat measurements over that of ruler fat measurements resulted in smaller residual standard error values. Of the four ruler fat measurements, whether considered singly or as sums of two measurements, the single measurement of backfat thickness over the lumbar region (gluteus mediums muscle) provided the smallest residual standard error value. Sex, region of slaughter and weight of warm carcass influenced (P < 0.01) the relationships between backfat thickness and yield.