bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF A Lactobacillus FERMENTATION PRODUCT ON GROWTH, IMMUNE RESPONSE AND FECAL ENZYME ACTIVITY IN WEANED PIGS
Authors: LESSARD M. , BRISSON G. J.
Published: March 2010

Forty-eight crossbred piglets were weaned between 4 and 5 wk of age and assigned according to sex and body weight to a complete block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, to determine the effect of a Lactobacillus fermentation product (LFP) on growth, feed intake, diarrhea, serum IgG and IgA levels and activity of two fecal enzymes, β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase. Two levels of LFP, none and 0.1% on an as-fed basis, and three vaccination treatments with transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGE), none (NV), intramuscular (IMV) and oral (OV) were used. Vaccination treatments began at 7 wk of age. The addition of LFP improved body weight gain (P ≤ 0.04) and increased feed intake (P ≤ 0.04). At weaning, serum IgG and IgA levels were not significantly different between treatments. Piglets fed LFP had significantly higher serum IgG levels than piglets fed the control diet on the day of vaccination (P ≤ 0.05) and at the end of the feeding period (P ≤ 0.02); no effect was observed on serum IgA level. Vaccination with TGE, either OV or IMV, did not affect IgG or IgA titers in serum. Fecal enzymes, β-glucuronidase activity and β-glucosidase activity were not affected by diets. Results demonstrated that LFP stimulated growth, increased feed intake and slightly increased serum concentration of IgG. Mechanisms by which LFP exerts these effects on piglets are discussed. Key words: Lactobacillus, fermentation product, immune response, growth, swine
EFFECT OF INCREASED WEIGHT STRESS ON JOINT INTEGRITY, SYNOVIAL FLUID COMPOSITION AND CATHEPSIN B-LIKE ACTIVITY OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN GROWING SWINE
Authors: BRENNAN J. J. , AHERNE F. X. , THOMPSON J. R. , NAKANO T.
Published: March 2010

Twenty crossbred gilts (20.5 kg) were individually penned in 1.2 × 1.5-m pens and fed ad libitum a 20% crude protein diet. An initial load of 15% of bodyweight was placed in shoulder bags on 50% of the animals and this ratio was maintained by weekly increases in load weight. Eight gilts from each treatment group were observed for 5 h on each of days 6, 11 and 16 to estimate the amount of time spent standing or walking. After 27 d the pigs were slaughtered. Elbow joints were examined grossly and histologically for osteochondrotic lesions. Lesions associated with a reduced proteoglycan staining occurred at the articular surface of the medial humeral condyle of 50% of the loaded animals but were not observed in the controls. Average daily gain, percent of time when pigs were standing, and elbow joint synovial fluid hyaluronate concentrations were 0.82 vs. 0.82 kg (P > 0.05), 12.8 vs. 17.0% (P > 0.05), and 2.42 vs. 2.58 mg mL−1 (P > 0.05) for loaded vs. control groups, respectively. Cathepsin B-like activity of humeral condylar cartilage was 2.25 and 2.56 μmoles of benzyloxycarbonyl-arginine-arginine-4 methoxy-2-naphthylamide hydrolyzed h−1 g dry cartilage−1 (P > 0.05) for the loaded and control groups, respectively. The results indicate that mild mechanical stress causes focal degeneration of humeral condylar cartilage which could predispose these animals to more severe osteoarthrosis and osteochondrosis at maturity. Key words: Swine, cartilage, cathepsin B, osteochondrosis, stress
COMPARISON OF NEAR INFRARED CALIBRATIONS FOR ESTIMATING IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY IN WHOLE-PLANT CORN HYBRIDS
Authors: VALDES E. V. , HUNTER R. B. , JONES G. E.
Published: March 2010

A comparison of two near infrared (NIRA) calibrations (C1 and C2) for the prediction of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDM) in whole-plant corn (WPC) was conducted. C1 consisted of 40 WPC samples collected from four locations across Ontario (Brucefield, London, Guelph and Elora). C2 consisted of 90 samples and included the above locations plus Pakenham and Winchester. Nine wavelengths were used in both equations but only three were common in C1 and C2 equations. These wavelengths were 2139 nm, 2100 nm, and 1445 nm, respectively. The predictions of IVDM utilizing both C1 and C2 were good. Coefficients of determination (r2) and standard error of the estimate (SEE) for calibration and prediction sets were 0.91, 1.7; 0.85, 1.7 for C1 and 0.88, 1.6; 0.77, 1.6 for C2 respectively. Regression analysis within location, however, showed low r2 values for the prediction of IVDM for Pakenham and Winchester in both calibrations. The more mature stage of harvest at these locations might be the cause of the poorer predictions. Key words: In vitro digestibility, whole-plant corn, near infrared reflectance
MINERAL ELEMENTS IN CEREAL GRAINS AND LEGUMES GROWN IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Authors: WINTER K. A. , GUPTA U. C.
Published: March 2010

Samples of barley, wheat, clover and alfalfa grown in Prince Edward Island were analyzed for Ca, P, K, Mg, Mo, S, Mn, Zn and Fe. Compared with the requirements for livestock, the cereal grains and forages tended to be low or deficient in several minerals. The need for a suitable trace-mineralized salt in cattle and sheep diets is indicated. Key words: Minerals, trace elements, grains, legumes
A COMPARISON OF IN VITRO AND IN VIVO DRY MATTER DIGESTTBDLITY TECHNIQUES FOR THE EVALUATION OF FORAGE QUALITY
Authors: VALDES E. V. , JONES G. E.
Published: March 2010

A two-stage cellulase-pepsin technique (CS) was compared with the two-stage rumen inoculum-pepsin (IVDMD) method to predict in vivo dry matter digestibility (in vivo DMD) in grasses (n = 30) and legumes (n = 25). Comparisons of CS with IVDMD in whole-plant corn (n = 186) were also conducted. There were significant correlations (P < 0.01) between CS and in vivo DMD and between CS and IVDMD in all forages. The coefficients of determination (r2) and residual standard deviations for the prediction of IVDMD by CS varied between 0.76 and 0.90 and 2.5 and 3.4, respectively. Key words: Digestibility (in vitro), digestibility (in vivo), fungal cellulases, forage
CUPRIC OXIDE NEEDLES FOR GRAZING CATTLE – GROWTH AND METABOLIC INTERRELATIONSHIPS
Authors: BOILA R. J.
Published: March 2010

Cupric oxide needles (CuON) provided as oral doses, 20 g for cows and 4 g for calves, at the start of an 85-d grazing trial had no influence (P > 0.05) upon body weight. At day 85 the concentration of Cu in liver was higher (P < 0.01), while that in blood serum was not influenced (P > 0.05) in cows or calves dosed with CuON. Doses of CuON had no effect (P > 0.05) upon the concentration of Zn in blood serum, nor did they (P > 0.05) modify the accumulation of Fe in liver tissue, of cows or calves. Key words: Cattle, cows, calves, grazing, copper, cupric oxide needles
SIRE-SON CORRELATIONS OF GENETIC EVALUATIONS FOR FAT PERCENTAGE IN HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS
Authors: ALI T. E. , SCHAEFFER L. R.
Published: March 2010

The correlation between sire and son genetic evaluations for fat percentage has been shown to be lower than corresponding correlations for milk or fat yield for the population of bulls in artificial insemination. The purpose of this study was to determine the cause of this low correlation. Based on 302 935 first-lactation daughters of 11 396 sires, the heritabilities of milk, fat and fat percentage were 0.28, 0.27 and 0.52, respectively. Indirect versus direct calculation of sire evluations for fat percentage were correlated at 0.997, and resulting sire-son correlations were 0.45 for directly calculated proofs and 0.43 for indirectly calculated proofs. The low sire-son correlations were due to the intense selection of sires of sons, especially for fat percentage, which resulted in a change in genetic parameters among the bulls used as sires of sons compared to the parameters in the overall population. Key words: Fat percentage, pedigree indexing, dairy sires
ACCOUNTING FOR COVARIANCES AMONG TEST DAY MILK YIELDS IN DAIRY COWS
Authors: ALI T. E. , SCHAEFFER L. R.
Published: March 2010

Daily milk weights from 1006 lactations on 775 Holstein-Friesian cows in 42 herds and monthly test-day weights from 102 540 lactations on 73 717 cows in 17 481 herd-year-seasons were used to study the influence of covariances among milk weighings within a lactation on three models for describing the shape of the lactation curve for individual cows. The models included a gamma function, an inverse quadratic polynomial function, and a regression model of yields on day in lactation (linear and quadratic) and on log of 305 divided by day in lactation (linear and quadratic). For each model, several variance-covariance matrices of the observation vector were used. Models were compared on the basis of squared deviations of predicted versus actual milk weights and on the correlation between predicted and actual weights through the lactation averaged over cows. Better predictions were observed when covariances among test-day yields were ignored while models could be ranked regression model, gamma function, and inverse quadratic polynomial function in order of best to worst. Heritability estimates for the parameters of the various models and for 305-d milk yield ranged from 0.11 to 0.30. Genetic correlations were estimated and predictions of correlated responses in 305-d yield from selecting on various combinations of parameters from each method were computed. The best combination of parameters of the gamma function gave a relative efficiency of 74.7% as compared to selection for 305-d yield alone. Key words: Lactation curves, covariances, Holsteins
DOMINANCE AND EPISTASIS IN HETEROSIS OF WHITE LEGHORN STRAIN CROSSES
Authors: FAIRFULL R. W. , GOWE R. S. , NAGAI J.
Published: March 2010

Four unrelated pure strains of White Leghorns including a grandparent strain from industry and 12 two-strain, 24 three-strain, 24 four-strain and 12 F2 strain crosses produced contemporaneously were used to examine the role of dominance and epistasis in heterosis. A control strain and a commercial strain were also included. For egg weight, the heterosis observed closely approximated that expected due to dominance alone. For sexual maturity and body weight, dominance was the major component of heterosis, but epistasis made a significant contribution — additive by additive (A × A) genetic effects for sexual maturity and 140-d body weight, and parental epistasis for mature body weight. Both dominance and epistasis played a significant role in heterosis for egg production traits. A × A, dominance by dominance (D × D) and additive by dominance (A × D) epistasis were all important for hen-housed egg production and hen-housed egg yield. For hen-day rate of egg production, A × A epistasis was significant only early in the laying year (to 273 d), A × D and D × D were significant to 385 d and in the full year (to 497 d); however, none (A × A, A × D and D × D) was significant near the end of lay (386–497 d). Overall heterosis estimates for full year egg production measured as hen-housed egg production to 497 d or hen-day rate from housing to 497 d clearly showed that on average two-strain crosses were superior to three-strain crosses which were superior to four-strain crosses which in turn exceeded the F2 crosses. Nevertheless, several three-strain crosses had performance for egg production that was equal to or better than the two-strain cross with the highest egg production. Thus, in commerce, where the level of egg production is of great economic importance, the testing and use of a specific three-way cross combination will usually result in a better commercial product. Key words: Heterosis, egg production genetics, epistasis, stocking rate, strain cross, White Leghorn
SMALL-TYPE TOM TURKEYS VERSUS HEAVY-TYPE HENS MARKETED AT MEDIUM WEIGHT: PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS, SENSORY EVALUATION, AND THE EFFECT OF COMMERCIAL BASTING OF THE BREAST WITH OIL
Authors: MORAN JR. E. T. , McMILLAN E. , REVINGTON W. H. , POSTE L. M. , PATTERSON C.
Published: March 2010

Small-type tom turkeys and heavy-type hens were reared on a common regimen until 17 wk of age when they attained medium weight (ca. 7–10 kg). Toms progressively gained substantial weight and had a feed conversion advantage throughout the last half of production. Commercial processing led to results where similar relative chilled carcass yields occurred between the sexes. Extensive skin tearing at the back and thigh appeared with hens which could be attributed to an excessive finish. Percentage of breast and thigh as commercial cuts from the carcass and meat yield of these parts was the same for hens and toms. Total cooking loss was similar for both sexes, although hens released additional fat in the process. Fat concentration in the thigh meat was high and was greater with hens than toms. Evaluation of whole carcass appearance and meat eating quality by a trained panel failed to reveal any differences between the small tom and heavy hen. Commercial basting of each sex in the breast with oil during processing increased total cooking loss, fat associated with the loss, fat content of the meat and its eating quality. Key words: Turkey, carcass processing, meat composition, sensory evaluation
EFFECT OF LACTATION FEED INTAKE AND GONADOTROPHIN-RELEASING HORMONE ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS
Authors: KIRKWOOD R. N. , LYTHGOE E. S. , AHERNE F. X.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four first parity and 48 multiparity crossbred sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design involving high (H) or low (L) lactation feed intakes and the intramuscular injection, or not, of 50 μg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at the onset of the first postweaning estrus. All sows were weighed at farrowing and weaning. The H feed intake entailed feeding sows at levels of 10, 13, and 14% of each sow's immediate postfarrowing metabolic weight during weeks 1, 2, and 3–4 of lactation, respectively. Low-fed sows received 50% of the H feed level. The diet contained 12.5 MJ DE kg−1 and 16% crude protein. Between weaning and mating, and following mating, all sows were fed 2.25 kg daily of the lactation diet. After weaning, sows were exposed to a boar twice daily to facilitate estrus detection. GnRH was administered at the onset of standing heat. All sows were slaughtered 25 d after mating at which time the reproductive tracts were removed and examined to determine the number of ovulations and the number of viable embryos. Low-level feeding resulted in an extension of the remating interval (5.9 ± 0.3 vs. 4.5 ± 0.2 d; P < 0.05), an increased incidence of anestrus (16.7 vs. 3.6%; P > 0.1) and a reduction in pregnancy rates (69.7 vs. 81.6%; P > 0.1). Interactions were noted between lactation feeding level and GnRH injection (P < 0.05) and between parity and GnRH injection (P < 0.05) for number of viable embryos. The data obtained suggest that both low level of feeding during lactation and a young age are associated with decreased embryo numbers, but this situation is alleviated by the administration of GnRH. Key words: Sows, feed intake, estrus, GnRH
EFFECT OF STAGE OF LACTATION AND DIET ON SERUM INSULIN LEVEL AND MONONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE INSULIN RECEPTOR CHARACTERISTICS IN DAIRY COWS
Authors: KENNEDY A. D. , INGALLS J. R. , PALMER W. M. , TEKPETEY F. R.
Published: March 2010

Blood was collected from and measurements were made of body weight and ultrasonic backfat (US) in ten 2–6 yr old Holstein cows at 8 wk prepartum, 3 d postpartum and at 4, 6 and 12 wk of lactation. Cows were fed a low-fat (LF) total mixed ration containing 3.0% either extract and 13.6% acid detergent fiber ad libitum until day 15 postpartum when some of the diet concentrate was replaced by whole sunflower seeds (four cows) or sunflower seed hulls, sunflower seed meal and tallow (two cows) to yield diets high in fat (6.7 and 6.9%, respectively) and acid detergent fiber (18.1 and 17.9%, respectively). All diets were formulated to have a NE1 of 7.07 MJ kg−1 dry matter and were isonitrogenous. Milk yield and composition were measured daily during each week of blood collection. Radioimmunoassay for insulin was performed on eight serum samples collected at 0.5-h intervals commencing at 0730 h. Specific cell binding (SB) of insulin as well as number of and affinity constants for high affinity (N1, K1, respectively) and low affinity (N2, K2, respectively) insulin receptors were determined on mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) isolated from 250 mL of whole blood. Throughout the trial the US measurement in cows on the LF diet was greater than in cows on the high-fat (HF) diets. Body weight, dry matter intake and milk yield were similar in HF and LF fed cows. Serum insulin concentration was lower 3 d postpartum than prepartum and had increased by 4 wk of lactation. The increase was greater with HF feeding. Insulin SB to MNL was negatively correlated to body weight and N1 was positively correlated to US measurement. Percent insulin SB to MNL at 12 wk of lactation (8.4 ± 1.6) was lower than that found for all other stages of lactation. There was no effect of diet or stage of lactation on K1 and K2 values. At 4 wk of lactation N2 (1.44 ± 0.15 × 104 sites cell−1) was 100 and 50% greater than at 6 and 12 wk of lactation, respectively. Prepartum N2 (1.21 ± 0.17 × 104) did not differ from N2 at any other stage of lactation. At 4 wk of lactation N1 (5.79 ± 0.73 × 102 sites cell−1) tended (P < 0.056) to be greater than that found for all other stages of lactation. There was no significant (P ≥ 0.05) effect of diet on N1, N2, K1, K2 or SB. Key words: Insulin, receptor, mononuclear leukocyte, lactation, dairy cow
RATE OF PROTEIN DEGRADATION AND NUTRIENT DIGESTION OF VARIOUS NITROGEN SOURCES IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE OF RUMEN CONTENTS
Authors: GARRETT J. E. , GOODRICH R. D. , STERN M. D. , MEISKE J. C.
Published: March 2010

A dual flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to estimate ruminal rate of protein degradation and influence of supplemental nitrogen (N) source on digestion of total dietary crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). Four experimental diets contained predominantly corn and were isocaloric (14.7 M J DE kg−1) and isonitrogenous (12% CP on a DM basis) with urea, soybean meal (SBM), linseed meal (LSM) or corn gluten meal (CGM) as sole supplemental N sources. Fermentor flow rates were adjusted daily to attain liquid and solid dilution rates of 10 and 5% h−1, respectively. Total dietary N digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) in fermentors receiving urea than in those receiving CGM, while fermentors receiving SBM or LSM were intermediate (72.9, 54.9, 64.0 and 63.2%, respectively). Bacterial CP flow was higher (P < 0.05) from fermentors receiving urea or SBM than from those receiving CGM, with fermentors receiving LSM intermediate (1.31, 1.29, 1.02 and 1.14 g d−1, respectively). True OM digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for diets supplemented with urea or LSM than for those supplemented with CGM (65.1, 60.4 and 51.2%, respectively). The rate of protein degradation was greater (P < 0.05) for LSM-CP than CGM-CP with SBM-CP intermediate (15.73, 6.88 and 10.13% h−1, respectively). Calculated bypass of potentially digestible protein for SBM-CP, LSM-CP and CGM-CP was 15.9, 10.9 and 29.1%, respectively. Total amino acid flow (g d−1) was higher (P < 0.05) for fermentors receiving SBM than for those receiving LSM. Total bacterial amino acid flow (g d−1) was higher (P < 0.05) for fermentors receiving SBM than for fermentors receiving CGM. Differences among diets for dietary amino acid flow (g d−1) were not significant. Key words: Ruminal protein degradation, soybean meal, linseed meal, corn gluten meal, continuous culture system
THE STATUS OF BETA-CAROTENE AND VITAMIN A IN QUEBEC DAIRY HERDS: FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR STATUS IN COWS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: BLOCK ELLIOT , FARMER BERTRAND
Published: March 2010

Feed samples and a milk sample from the bulk tank were obtained from 100 randomly selected Holstein herds on the official option of the Dairy Herd Analysis Service, and jugular blood samples were obtained from five cows within each herd. Feed, milk and blood samples were analyzed for beta-carotene and grains, supplements, milk and blood for vitamin A. Haylage appeared to be the most reliable source of beta-carotene in comparison to dry hay and corn silage. The acid detergent fiber content of hay and/or haylage was shown to be negatively correlated to beta-carotene concentration. The concentrations of beta-carotene in the diet, plasma and milk were shown to be positively correlated; the same trends were observed for vitamin A. The concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin A in plasma were shown to be negatively related. Factors affecting the concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin A in plasma were examined. The beta-carotene and vitamin A status of a herd were shown to be both negatively correlated to calving interval and number of breedings per conception. Beta-carotene may only be expected to improve the fertility of a dairy herd when it is the most limiting factor. Additionally, the vitamin A status of a herd should always be considered when evaluating its beta-carotene status. Key words: Beta-carotene, vitamin A, reproductive performance, forage quality, cows (dairy)
GENOTYPE-NUTRITION INTERACTION FOR REPRODUCTION OF BEEF COWS
Authors: WILTON J. W. , McWHIR J. , MACLEOD G. K. , KING G. J.
Published: March 2010

Two levels of feed during early lactation (70 and 100% of NRC requirements) were used for five groups of genotypes (Herefords, small beef breed crosses, large beef breed crosses, small beef by dairy crosses and large beef by dairy crosses). Days to first ovulation (DFO), days to pregnancy (DP) and pregnancy rates were measured over 2 yr. No interaction of feed level by breed group was found for any measure of reproductive performance, milk yield or weaning weight of calf. The lower level of feeding significantly decreased DFO (by 6 d) and DP (by 5 d). Dairy crosses had similar DFO to Hereford, but less than beef crosses. When milk yield and weight were used as covariates, replacing breed group classifications, DFO was found not to be significantly influenced by 6-wk measurements of milk (P = 0.11) nor weight (P = 0.89). Number of days to pregnancy was similarly unaffected by milk yield (P = 0.19), although it was increased by increased weight of cow (P = 0.03). Significant (P < 0.05) differences among breed groups remained after adjustment for weight and milk for DP but not for DFO. More variation was accounted for in DFO (R2 = 0.48) than DP (R2 = 0.20). Repeatability of performance from one year to the next was higher for DFO (0.26 ± 0.13) than for DP (0.00 ± 0.15). Key words: Genotype-nutrition interaction, beef cows, reproduction
FEEDING VALUE FOR PIGS OF CANOLA MEAL DERIVED FROM WESTAR AND TRIAZINE-TOLERANT CULTIVARS
Authors: BELL J. M. , KEITH M. O.
Published: March 2010

Oil-extracted meals from Westar (WCM) and triazine-tolerant (TCM) canola seed (B. napus) were fed at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30% of the diet to seven barrows of 35 kg initial weight in digestibility trials conducted in four successive replicates. The digestion coefficients for energy were 66 and 69%, respectively, and for crude protein were 76 and 80%. The corresponding digestible energy values were 13.31 and 13.96 MJ kg−1, respectively, and the digestible crude protein values were 32.6 and 37.5%, indicating that the WCM sample was inferior to the TCM sample. The meals were compared in a feeding trial involving 80 pigs housed in groups of four but fed individually from 23 to 100 kg liveweight. Five protein supplement combinations (soybean meal alone (control) and WCM or TCM replacing 50 or 100% of the soy protein) were tested in barley:wheat (2:1) diets with or without supplemental lysine (0.15–0.18%) and fed in meal or pellet form to male and female pigs. There were no significant differences among meals tested in average daily gain in either the growing (0.74 kg) or the finishing period (0.81 kg) but efficiency of feed utilization during the grower period (23–57 kg) was better with soybean meal diets than with the CM diets. Lysine supplementation improved daily gains from 0.70 to 0.77 kg in the grower period and from 0.79 to 0.83 kg in the finisher period. The corresponding improvements in feed:gain ratios were from 2.89 to 2.66 and from 3.75 to 3.62. Pelleting improved daily gain from 0.75 to 0.80 kg and feed:gain from 3.39 to 3.18, over the 23- to 100-kg weight range. Key words: Canola meal, Westar, triazine-tolerant, pigs, feeding trial
THE EFFECTS OF ANAEROBIC STORAGE AND PROCESSING OF HIGH-MOISTURE BARLEY ON ITS ILEAL DIGESTIBILITY BY, AND PERFORMANCE OF, GROWING SWINE
Authors: WELTZIEN E. M. , AHERNE F. X.
Published: March 2010

Two studies were undertaken to determine the feeding value of high-moisture barley (HMB) for growing swine. HMB containing approximately 25% moisture and dry barley (approximately 13% moisture) was harvested from the same 21.8-ha field. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the HMB yielded 19.6% more than the dry barley. In the first experiment, 56 crossbred gilts and 24 crossbred barrows of an average initial weight of 28 kg were allocated on the basis of initial weight and sex to diets based on either anaerobically stored HMB or dry barley. Pigs fed the HMB-based diet consumed significantly more feed (P < 0.05) on a DM basis, than did pigs fed the dry-barley-based diet. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were not affected by diet (P > 0.05). In the second experiment, eight barrows (57.6 kg initial weight), fitted with ileal T-cannulas, were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square to determine the apparent ileal digestibilities of nutrients in diets based on ground or rolled HMB (75% DM) and ground or rolled dry barley (87% DM). There were no differences (P > 0.05) among the four treatment groups in the apparent ileal digestibilities of the DM, CP, gross energy, starch or β-glucan components of the diets. The average ileal digestibility coefficient for β-glucan of the four diets was 79.6% (range: 76–82.2%), suggesting that this component is readily digested by growing pigs. The apparent ileal digestibilities for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and phosphorus were lower (P < 0.05) for the ground dry barley diet than for the other diets. The apparent ileal digestibilities of lysine, methionine, isoleucine, alanine, valine, and aspartic acid were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for the ground HMB diet than for the dry barley diets. However, the digestibility coefficients for lysine, isoleucine, valine, and aspartic acid for the rolled HMB diet tended to be intermediate between the digestibility coefficients of these amino acids for the ground HMB diet and those for the dry barley diet. Thus, earlier harvest, in combination with anaerobic storage generally improves the digestibility of HMB as compared to dry barley. Key words: Growing swine, high moisture barley, β-glucan, digestibility, amino acid
QUALITÉ DES CARCASSES DES TAURILLONS HOLSTEIN ALIMENTÉS À DEUX NIVEAUX D'ORGE EN PÉRIODE DE FINITION
Authors: POMMIER S. A. , FLIPOT P. M. , LALANDE G.
Published: March 2010

We studied the effects of two levels of barley in the finishing period on the carcass characteristics of 129 Holstein bulls reared on different feeding systems. Greater fat thickness (P < 0.05) was associated with higher barley levels in the finishing period. Animals fed barley ad libitum produced a greater proportion of grade A1 and B1 carcasses compared to animals fed only 5 kg of barley (28.0 and 48.0% vs. 12.0 and 37.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). Key words: Carcass, Holstein bulls, energy levels, barley, management
A COMPARISON OF TWO URINE COLLECTION METHODS FOR FEMALE SWINE
Authors: PATIENCE J. F. , FRIEND D. W. , HARTIN K. E. , WOLYNETZ M. S.
Published: March 2010

Six pairs of littermate gilts were used to compare an invasive (catheter) and a noninvasive (tube affixed around the vagina) urine collection system. Urine volume and nitrogen excretion were greater and water retention and urine specific gravity less (P < 0.05) in the catheterized swine. Collection method had no effect on urogenital infection. Key words: Urine collection, catheter, urine composition, swine
MINERAL-DEFICIENT DIETS AND THE PIG'S ATTRACTION TO BLOOD: IMPLICATIONS FOR TAIL-BITING
Authors: FRASER DAVID
Published: March 2010

In two experiments, individually penned growing pigs were exposed daily to two "tail models" (lengths of cotton cord about the size of a pig's tail), one of which had been impregnated with pigs' blood. When fed a balanced "control" diet, the pigs chewed significantly more on the blood-covered model than on the plain one, but with large individual differences between animals. Four weeks of receiving a diet lacking all mineral supplements (iodized salt, dicalcium phosphate, limestone, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium) caused a pronounced increase in chewing the blood-covered model, and 4 wk of recovery on the control diet reduced, but did not completely eliminate, the enhanced attraction to blood. In a second experiment, a similar heightened response to blood was produced by omitting only iodized salt from the diet, whereas omission of all other mineral supplements led to a much smaller and statistically non-significant change. Although the causes of tail-biting are undoubtedly complex, the results suggest that heightened appetite for salt could make pigs particularly attracted to pen-mates with injured tails. Key words: Pigs, tail-biting, abnormal behavior, salt, sodium, mineral deficiency
BEEF CATTLE NUTRITION AND PERFORMANCE ON SEEDED CLEARCUTS IN SOUTHERN INTERIOR BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: QUINTON D. A.
Published: March 2010

The nutrient content of diets consumed, using a bite count technique, and the performance of beef cows and their calves grazing spruce and pine clearcuts in the southern interior rangelands of British Columbia on continuously and rotationally grazed pasture systems were evaluated in a 3- to 5-yr study. Forage species and plant parts ingested by cows were collected by hand clipping to simulate the diet. Nutrient composition of each sample forage was determined chemically and the nutrient levels of cattle diets were estimated from the bite counts of forages consumed and the chemical composition of the clipped samples. Dietary deficiencies, based on estimates of dietary intake of cows and chemical composition of samples, were noted for protein and phosphorus during August and September (rotational grazing); sodium during September; iodine, copper and zinc throughout the grazing season with the exception of zinc in the September diet of rotationally grazed cows. Selenium was adequate to excessive in the diet. Cow diets consisted of from 50 to 72% grass, from 23 to 42% forbs and from 4 to 20% shrubs. The diversity of diet components maintained nutrient levels of the diet above those provided by grass alone. Weight gains of cows and calves were obtained at monthly intervals for 3 yr and seasonally for 5 yr. There were no significant differences in cow performance among years or between grazing treatments. Cows gained an average of 0.22 kg d−1 over a 90-d grazing period. Average daily gains of cows decreased from 0.55 kg in July to −0.21 kg in September. Calf gains were significantly different between treatments over 5 yr. Calf gains averaged 0.92 kg−1 d on the continuously grazed pastures vs. 0.83 kg d−1 on those rotationally grazed. Total beef production of saleable beef (calves) under the continuous and rotational grazing system was 72.7 kg ha−1 and 65.3 kg ha−1, respectively. Key words: Beef cattle, production, nutrition, clearcuts, daily gains
ECONOMICS OF CALF PRODUCTION WITH FOREIGN CATTLE BREED CROSSES IN THE PARKLAND REGION OF WESTERN CANADA
Authors: SMITH E. G. , RAHNEFELD G. W. , KLEIN K. K. , LAWSON J. E.
Published: March 2010

The economics of calf production in the parkland region of western Canada was evaluated for calves of 31 three-breed crosses of foreign and British breeding. The data were derived from progeny produced at Brandon, Manitoba by mating heifers to Beefmaster or Red Angus bulls and cows to Charolais (C), Simmental (S), Limousin (L) and Chianina (Chi) bulls. There were 10 different first-cross dams including Hereford (H) × Angus (A) as the control (HA) and nine dam cross combinations produced by mating C, S and L sires with H, A and Shorthorn (N) dams. The performance data were for 572 F1 female crosses, with 2006 calves born and 1930 calves weaned during a production period of six consecutive years. Net farm income per HA unit dam (NFIPD) or receipts less expenses plus inventory value changes on a HA dam basis, was evaluated for each three-breed cross. The SN and CA dams produced the highest NFIPD. Overall, the CA dams bred to L sires returned the highest NFIPD with SN dams bred to C sires returning only $0.16 less. The NFIPD was approximately $20 higher for these two F1 female crosses than the next most profitable F1 female crosses. Limousin-cross dams produced the lowest NFIPD, up to $116 less than the CA or SN dams. The NFIPD ranking for the breed of dam's dam was A > N > H and for the breed of sire of dam was S = C > L. The terminal sires ranked L = C > Chi = S. Breed of sire of dam and breed of dam of dam interactions were present. The primary determinants of NFIPD differences among breed crosses were the weaning weight of calves, the percent of dams weaning a calf, calving difficulty, and daily digestible energy requirements for the dam. Key words: Economic, foreign, cattle, crossbreds, cow-calf
ECONOMICS OF CALF PRODUCTION WITH FOREIGN CATTLE BREED CROSSES IN THE SHORT-GRASS PRAIRIES
Authors: SMITH E. G. , RAHNEFELD G. W. , LAWSON J. E. , KLEIN K. K.
Published: March 2010

The net farm income per Hereford-Angus unit dam (NFIPD) from calf production in the short-grass prairies was evaluated for calves of 31 three-breed crosses of foreign and British breeding. The data were from progeny produced near Manyberries, Alberta by utilizing Beefmaster and Red Angus sires for the first mating and Charolais (C), Simmental (S), Limousin (L) and Chianina (Chi) terminal sires for subsequent matings. There were 10 first-cross dam crosses consisting of Hereford (H) × Angus (A) as the control (HA), and nine dam cross combinations produced by mating C, S and L sires with H, A and Shorthorn (N) dams. There were 578 F1 females that entered the project, giving birth to 2079 calves and weaning 1866 calves during six consecutive years of the program. Rankings of the three-breed cross calves by NFIPD indicated that the L sire bred to a SA dam (LSA) and the C sire bred to a SA dam (CSA) returned the highest NFIPD. The next most profitable breed crosses were the LCN, LCH and CSH with NFIPD all within $15 of the LSA. The LH F1 dams were the least profitable with NFIPD up to $146 less than the LSA. The LH were followed by the LN and SN F1 female crosses for being unprofitable. The terminal sires ranked L = C > S = Chi, the breed of sire of dam ranked C = S > L, and the breed of dam ranked A > H = N. The primary determinants of NFIPD differences among the breed crosses were birth weight, preweaning average daily gain, conception rates, calf deaths, calving rate, difficult calvings, and daily digestible energy requirements for the dam. Key words: Economics, cow-calf, foreign breeds, prairies
INFLUENCE OF AGE, WEIGHT AND GROWTH RATE ON BASAL LH, GROWTH HORMONE AND CORTISOL, AND ESTROGEN-INDUCED LH RELEASE IN PREPUBERTAL GILTS
Authors: KIRKWOOD R. N. , EVANS F. D. , AHERNE F. X.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six Yorkshire × Landrace gilts were selected at 74 d of age and 32 kg body weight and assigned equally to one of six treatments. The first three treatments involved feeding gilts to achieve weights of 90 kg at 175 d, 90 kg at 195 d, or 70 kg at 175 d (treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively). A further three groups of gilts were fed to achieve the same weights (90, 90 or 70 kg) 20 d younger than those above. Upon the achievement of their final weight the latter three groups of gilts were subjected to a feed restriction in order to achieve a zero net weight for 20 d until they achieved the required age (treatments 4, 5 and 6). At the achievement of the specified age-weight end point blood samples were taken from all gilts at 2-h intervals for 24 h (2400–2200 h) for the determination of plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH) and Cortisol. Additionally, during a 4-h period on the same day (0800–1200 h) all gilts were sampled at 15-min intervals for determination of pulsatile LH secretion. Following the initial 24-h sampling, all gilts received an intramuscular injection of estradiol benzoate (EB; 15 μg kg−1 body weight) and blood samples were collected at 6-h intervals for 72 h for determination of plasma LH. No treatment effects were noted on the mean daily plasma levels of cortisol, LH or GH. Plasma concentrations of cortisol tended to decrease with increasing age or weight, but these differences were not significant. Significant elevations of plasma GH occurred in the early morning and evening, but rarely between 0400 and 1600 h. A similar nycterohemeral rhythm was noted for plasma LH levels. There were no treatment effects on LH pulse frequency but LH pulse amplitude was greater at a given age (P < 0.07), in the heavier gilts (treatments 1 and 4 vs. 3 and 6). There was no effect of treatment on the LH response to EB injection, although two patterns of LH release were observed, involving either a single or a double peak of LH. Key words: Gilts, age, weight, puberty
INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF CORN, RYE AND SORGHUM-SUDAN GRASS SILAGES BY LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER L. J. , LESSARD J. R.
Published: March 2010

Eighteen lactating Holsteins were utilized in a 3 × 3 Latin square (49 d treatment−1) for a comparative estimation of the intake and digestibility of corn, rye and sorghum-sudan grass silages. The dry matter (DM), protein and acid detergent fiber contents were 32.5, 8.0, 27.0; 25.2, 8.7, 45.6 and 22.4, 10.6, 40.7 percent for corn, rye, and sorghum-sudan silages, respectively. Dry matter intake of the silage and milk yield were less (P < 0.05) for cows fed rye silage compared to those fed corn and sorghum-sudan grass silage. Cows lost body weight when fed rye silage but gained weight when fed either corn or sorghum-sudan grass silage. The feeding of rye silage resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in milk protein percent compared to the feeding of corn or sorghum-sudan silage and in the percentage of milk lactose compared to the feeding of sorghum-sudan grass silage. Molar proportions of rumen acetate were higher (P < 0.05) when cows were fed either rye or sorghum-sudan silage compared to corn silage. Cows fed rye silage had higher molar proportions of rumen propionate and valerate and lower levels of butyrate (P < 0.05) compared to cows consuming sorghum-sudan silage. The digestibility of total ration DM was lower (P < 0.05) when either rye or sorghum-sudan silage was the forage portion of the ration compared to corn. It was concluded from this trial that sorghum-sudan silage provided a suitable source of forage for lactating dairy cows. However, the DM intake and milk yield of cows fed rye silage was less than satisfactory. Key words: Dairy cattle, rye, sorghum-sudan, silage, intake, digestibility
UREA FOR THE PRESERVATION OF MOIST HAY IN BIG ROUND BALES
Authors: BÉLANGER G. , ST-LAURENT A.-M. , ESAU C. A. , NICHOLSON J. W. G. , McQUEEN R. E.
Published: March 2010

Urea was evaluated in two experiments as a preservative of moist grass hay stored in big round bales. Three levels of urea: 0, 24 and 46 g urea kg−1 forage (wet weight basis) were applied to hay at two moisture levels (23 and 29%) in exp. 1. The effects of applying 40 g urea per kilogram forage having 23% moisture and of a plastic cover over the bales during storage were evaluated in exp. 2. Hay baled at 29% moisture in exp. 1 lost more moisture during storage, had a greater temperature increase and a higher ratio of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen to total nitrogen after storage than hay baled at 23% moisture. The addition of urea at a rate of 40 g kg−1 forage and above (wet weight basis) reduced microbial activity as indicated by lower bale temperatures during storage, subsequent lower cell wall concentration after storage and visual appraisal even though less than 45% of the urea was hydrolyzed. Urea addition also improved the digestibility of moist hay. The nitrogen content of hay was increased by approximately 14.5 g kg−1. The plastic cover over the bales did not increase the effect of urea even though it slightly reduced the ammonia loss to the air. Key words: Urea, moist hay, round bales, preservation
EFFECT OF FEEDING FREQUENCY ON THE UTILIZATION OF HIGH-FORAGE DIETS BY CATTLE
Authors: RUIZ A. , MOWAT D. N.
Published: March 2010

A feedlot trial and a digestion and nitrogen balance trial were carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding one (1 ×) or four times (4 ×) daily on the utilization of two high-forage diets. On a dry matter basis, diet 1 contained 76% alfalfa haylage and 22% high-moisture corn; diet 2 contained 93% corn silage and 4% soybean meal; the balance was composed of mineral and Rumensin premixes. In the feedlot trial, feed was offered ad libitum, and feeding frequency resulted in small differences in eating patterns within diets. Thus, rate of gain, feed intake and conversion were not significantly affected. In the digestion trial, feed intake was restricted to 90% of each individual's maximum intake, which resulted in larger differences in eating patterns between 1 × and 4 × feeding. Under these conditions, feeding frequently increased (P < 0.05) dry matter and organic matter digestibility, as well as N retention (percent of N intake). Increased feeding frequency had no beneficial effects under ad libitum feeding of high-forage diets. However, under restricted feeding, feeding more frequently improved total diet digestibility and nitrogen retention. Key words: Cattle, feeding frequency, digestibility, growth, nitrogen retention
ALFALFA SUPPLEMENTATION OF CORNCOB DIETS FOR SHEEP: COMPARISON WITH HIGHER VOLATILE FATTY ACIDS, SOYBEAN PROTEIN AND ALFALFA FIBER ON INTAKE, ENVIRONMENT AND DIGESTION IN THE RUMEN AND DIGESTA PASSAGE
Authors: NDLOVU L. R. , BUCHANAN-SMITH J. G.
Published: March 2010

Nine lambs fitted with rumen cannulae were used in two 5 × 5 Latin squares to measure the effect of alfalfa hay, C4- and C5-branched- and straight-chain volatile fatty acids (C4/C5 VFAs), cell wall from alfalfa hay (ALFCW) and a soybean protein preparation on intake and rumen digestion of a basal corncob diet with urea included at 30 g kg−1. Relative to the control, alfalfa hay decreased (P < 0.05) intake of the basal diet but increased (P < 0.05) total dry matter intake. ALFCW and soybean protein did not affect intake of the basal diet and total dry matter (P > 0.05). C4/C5 VFAs increased intake of basal diet by sheep in one square (P < 0.05) but had no effect (P > 0.05) on intake with sheep in the other square. Alfalfa hay, ALFCW and soybean protein increased (P < 0.05) total VFA concentration in rumen fluid while only alfalfa hay and C4/C5 VFAs consistently increased isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate levels in rumen fluid (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control diet, soybean protein elevated (P < 0.05) mean rumen ammonia-N levels whereas C4/C5 VFAs depressed them; however, values exceeded 17 mg dL−1 rumen fluid on all treatments. Most measures of digestion kinetics of fiber from corncobs were unaffected by supplementation (P > 0.05). Alfalfa hay and ALFCW increased (P < 0.05) rate of passage of digesta from the reticulo-rumen. It was concluded that alfalfa hay has a reduced role in improving intake of corncob diets when there is also sufficient NPN in the diet. Key words: Roughage (poor quality), volatile fatty acids, rumen ammonia levels, chromium-mordanted cell walls
RUSSIAN WILD RYEGRASS RESTRICTS THE FORMATION OF SILICEOUS URINARY CALCULI IN RANGE CALVES
Authors: BAILEY C. B. , LAWSON J. E.
Published: March 2010

Calves grazing with their dams on native grassland in southern Alberta had more calculi in their kidneys and bladders at weaning than a similar group of calves grazing an adjacent pasture reseeded to Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Fisch.). Calculous material in both groups contained high levels of silica (mean 780 g kg−1). Russian wild ryegrass is useful for autumn grazing because it maintains its nutritive value better than indigenous grasses late in the grazing season. The present results indicate that it may also be useful for reducing the formation of siliceous urinary calculi. Key words: Calves, Russian wild ryegrass, silica, urinary calculi
EFFECTS OF RUMINAL EXPOSURE ON THE AMINO ACID PROFILE OF FEEDS
Authors: CROOKER B. A. , CLARK J. H. , SHANKS R. D. , FAHEY Jr. G. C.
Published: March 2010

Seven feeds were individually incubated (12 h) in ruminally suspended polyester bags. Several alterations (P < 0.05) between individual amino acid compositions of feeds and their respective residues were detected after adjusting for microbial contamination of residues. Detection of diaminopimelic acid in feeds suggests that not all diaminopimelic acid in digesta originates from bacteria. Key words: Amino acid, ruminal degradation, microbial attachment, diaminopimelic acid
EFFECT OF COLLECTION INTERVAL ON NUTRIENT DIGESTION DETERMINED WITHIN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: MANDELL I. B. , CHRISTISON G. I. , NICHOLSON H. H.
Published: March 2010

Duodenal digesta, ileal digesta, and feces were collected from steers fed diets containing 50% barley grain, 50% brome-alfalfa hay. These were composited over days 1–3, 4–6 and 1–6 of each experimental period. Acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide were used as digestibility markers. Three- or six-day collection intervals did not affect the estimate of organic matter digestion in the forestomach, small or large intestine, and total tract. Differences (P < 0.05) in estimates of nutrient digestion between 3-d collection periods occurred for neutral detergent fiber in the forestomach and crude protein in the small intestine. Key words: Collection interval, partitioning of digestibility, markers, cattle, gastrointestinal tract
COMPARISON OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MARKERS AND CHROMIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRAACETIC ACID AS MARKERS FOR MEASURING ILEAL FLOW IN THE PRERUMINANT CALF
Authors: PETIT HÉLÈNE V. , BRISSON G. J. , IVAN M.
Published: March 2010

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chromium-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Cr-EDTA) were used in preruminant calves fitted with reentrant ileal cannulas to adjust the ileal flow of digesta and determine digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nitrogen. Cr-EDTA was more reliable than PEG for both, measurement of the ileal flow, and dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities. Key words: Calf, PEG, Cr-EDTA, ileal flow, digestibility