bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Metabolisable Protein system at ideal protein:energy ratios in dairy cows
Authors: Metcalf J A , Mansbridge R J , Blake J S , Newbold J R , Oldham J D
Published: November 2021

Previous work at ADAS Bridgets aimed at evaluating the Metabolisable Protein (MP) system (AFRC 1992) has indicated that the efficiency of MP use for milk production may be too high, or that the amount of MP required for maintenance may be too low (Newbold et al 1994). This experiment was designed to indicate the true efficiency of MP use for milk protein production when metabolisable energy (ME) and MP supplies were balanced.
Effect of concentrate supplementation on lactation performance of pregnant and non-pregnant Holstein-Friesian dairy cows
Authors: Hobley M.W. , Fisher W.J. , Dewhurst R.J.
Published: November 2021

The effect of pregnancy on the rate of decline in milk yield from month 5 of gestation onwards has been documented for some time, (Brody et al., 1923), and has been a key factor in choice of calving interval. There has been renewed interest in the possibility of extending the traditional 365 day calving interval, because of higher genetic merit cows and difficulties over live calf exports. The objective of the current work was to look for an interaction between pregnancy status and concentrate supplementation.

Sixty-five autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian cows (26 non-pregnant (B) and 39 pregnant (P)) were selected for the experiment; prior to the experiment they were managed on a flat-rate concentrate allocation with forage available ad libitum. The pregnancy-status groups were randomly allocated to receive ad libitum grazed grass and either 0 or 3 kg of 18% crude protein dairy concentrate. The animals were grazed and milked together as one group. The non-pregnant cows were deliberately not inseminated for management reasons (e.g. failure to use Calan gates). During the 10 weeks before imposition of the concentrate treatment, there was no significant difference in milk yield between treatment groups (21.9 (s.e.=1.71) kg/day). The main recording period ran from 10 June until 16 September 1996. Milk yield was recorded daily, milk composition, live-weight and condition scores fortnightly. Data were summarised as means (for milk yield and composition) or slopes (rates of change; for live-weight and condition score (CS; 0-5 scale)) over the period from 3 to 13 weeks after the imposition of the concentrate treatment.
Supplementation of grass silage-based diets for dairy cows with concentrates containing high levels of cereal starch
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Fisher W.J. , Davies D.W.R. , Marsden M.
Published: November 2021

Starchy feeds favour the high protein / low fat milk that the market is increasingly demanding, though they place a considerable acid load on the rumen and there is a danger of acidosis at high levels of inclusion. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the use of maize starch, which is perceived to be more slowly and less extensively fermented in the rumen, when compared with wheat starch, in supplements for grass silage.

Thirty-two autumn-calving multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were balanced for parity and calving date, randomly allocated to the 2 treatment groups and trained to Calan gates during the dry period. Covariance recording on a standard concentrate, was undertaken in lactation weeks 3 and 4 whilst from lactation weeks 5 to 22 cows received one of the 2 concentrate treatments (‘maize’ or ‘wheat’) in a continuous design experiment. Concentrates were fed through the Calan gates at 10 kg/day until lactation week 12 and 7 kg/day from lactation weeks 13 to 22 inclusive in two equal meals at approximately 09.30 and 16.30 h. The concentrates were formulated to be iso-energetic, iso-nitrogenous and iso-starch and balanced for minerals and vitamins. The principal starch sources were (inclusion levels in g/kg as-mixed): maize gluten (230), maize (200), maize germ (123) and barley (75) for the ‘maize’ concentrate; and wheat (425), maize germ (100) and maize gluten (100) for the ‘wheat’ concentrate.
Effects of underfeeding during the second gestation of Holstein-Friesian heifers. 1. Direct effect on lactation performance over the final 5 months of lactation
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Moorby J.M. , Davies D.W.R. , Fisher W.J.
Published: November 2021

Manipulation of energy- and protein supply during the dry period can affect milk production and composition in the next lactation (Moorby et al, 1996). These studies also demonstrated considerable between-animal variation in responses which may relate to previous nutritional history. This problem was addressed in the current experiment by (i) developing enhanced assessments of animal condition; and (ii) monitoring performance over successive lactations. The second half of the first lactation is a critical phase, particularly for young heifers, since they have to balance the competing demands of pregnancy, growth and a persistent lactation. Berg and Ekern (1993) showed that underfeeding heifers had a residual effect on milk production and composition in their second lactation.

Forty-five Holstein Friesian heifers, which calved from September to December 1994, were selected for this work; 23 of the animals calved at approximately 3 years of age (‘3’), 22 at approximately 2 years of age (‘2’). Thirty-eight animals completed the experiment (to the end of their second lactation) and data from these animals are used here. The animals were maintained on a complete diet until April 1995 when they were offered 8 kg/day of concentrate with ad libitum grass silage for 3 weeks of covariance recording.
Effects of underfeeding during the second gestation of Holstein-Friesian heifers. 2. Residual effects on second lactation performance
Authors: Moorby J.M. , Dewhurst R.J. , Fisher W.J. , Davies D.W.R.
Published: November 2021

Previous work has shown that dry period protein feeding can have important residual effects on the subsequent lactational performance in dairy cows (Moorbyet al., 1996), although the results have been variable. This variability may be due to an animals nutrient requirements during late lactation and its ability to compensate during the dry period for previously inadequate supplies. This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of heifer age and level of concentrate offered during the second half of the first lactation on the second lactation performance. The size of theLongissimus dorsiwas monitored as a marker of skeletal muscle use for lactation.

Thirty-eight Holstein-Friesian heifers were treated as described by Dewhurstet al.(1997). Briefly, animals were divided into 4 treatment groups differing in age at first calving (2 or 3 years old) and level of concentrate feeding for the last 18-20 weeks of their first lactation (2 kg/d, ‘L’, or 7 kg/d, ‘H’; n=11, 11, 9 and 7 for treatments 2L, 2H, 3L and 3H respectively). Six weeks before predicted calving date, animals were dried off and offered a relatively low quality diet ofad libitumaccess to a grass silage:straw mix (40:60 on a DM basis), designed to offer them little chance to compensate for previous differences in diet. After calving, animals were offered a diet ofad libitumaccess to grass silage plus 8 kg/d concentrate to day 120 of lactation, and 5 kg/d thereafter. Live weight was recorded weekly. After calving, milk yields were recorded daily, and milk samples taken weekly, to week 20 of lactation.
The effect of varying the degrees of β-receptor stimulation on the activity of the calpain - calpastatin system at slaughter in porcine longissimus dorsi
Authors: Sensky P. L. , Parr T. , Bardsley R. G. , Buttery P. J.
Published: November 2021

Despite efforts to standardise breeding, nutrition and husbandry regimes, consumer studies indicate that 17% of all loin chops sold in the UK are unacceptable in terms of toughness and dryness (Warkup et al., 1995). Recent evidence suggests that this unaccountable variability may be at least partly due to changes in the calpain-calpastatin proteolytic system around the time of slaughter, stimulated by changes in the circulating levels of the natural β-agonist adrenaline (Sensky et al., 1996). An increase in calpastatin, the inhibitory component of the system, at slaughter has also been shown to be associated with reduced degrees of tenderisation (Koohmaraie, 1992, Sensky et al., 1996b). Variation in the degree of β-receptor stimulation close to slaughter should therefore correlate with calpastatin levels at slaughter. This study aimed to investigate the validity of this claim.

The diet of 30 female Landrace x Large White pigs (67 ± 1 kg) was supplemented with either 2 or 20 ppm nadolol, a β-antagonist, or clenbuterol, a β-agonist, 16 h before slaughter, giving 5 groups of 6 pigs, including controls (no supplement), with differing degrees of β-receptor stimulation, ranging from low (20 ppm nadolol) to high (20 ppm clenbuterol). Calpain and calpastatin activities were measured in samples of longissimus dorsi (LD) taken immediately after slaughter using chromatographic and fluorimetric techniques (Sensky et al., 1996b).
Sensory measurement of the response to ‘boar taint’ in pork and in a model lipid system containing androstenone, skatole and indole
Authors: Annor -Frempong I. E. , Nute G. R. , Whittington F. W. , Wood J. D.
Published: November 2021

The solution to the problem of ‘boar taint’, a major limitation to the production of entire male pigs, may lie in the development of an effective sorting (classification) mechanism for quality control purposes. Attempts to relate the concentrations of the major taint - causing compounds (androstenone and skatole) to panel/consumer acceptability have been confused by the complex underlying interrelationships between the compounds and the difficulty in measuring taint reliably using a sensory panel. The main objectives of the study were; 1. To investigate sensory responses to taint compounds. 2. To identify a reliable scale of measurement of response that could lead to the development of a calibration system for the classification of pigs.
Time course for the formation of a stable social hierarchy in group-housed sows
Authors: Arey D.S. , Jamieson W.G.
Published: November 2021

The mixing of unfamiliar sows usually results in fighting which determines relative social rank. In some situations aggression can be perpetuated and subordinate animals can suffer as a result of competition for resources such as feed and space. Although Moore et al (1993) suggested that newly introduced group members become fully integrated after 21 days there have been few studies which have examined the development of social interactions over the longer term. The aim of the experiment was to determine how social behaviour changed over time and the affects that this may have on the welfare of group-housed sows.
Effect of familiarity with the environment on the behaviour and performance response of sows and piglets grouped during lactation
Authors: Wattanakul W. , Stewart A.H. , Edwards S.A. , English P.R.
Published: November 2021

Disruption in suckling patterns and cross-suckling was observed to a high degree following grouping of litters in a multisuckling system, resulting in a reduction in piglets’ performance before weaning (Wattanakul et al, 1995). Relocation of the sows between crates while litters were grouped in a farrowing house also increased the incidence of cross-suckling, whereas grouping the piglets without relocating the sows did not (Wattanakul et al, 1996). Familiarity with the home location before grouping might therefore reduce the incidence of cross-suckling in a multisuckling system. This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of familiarity with a suckling place prior to grouping on suckling behaviour and performance of piglets.
Comparison of methods for the measurement of microbial protein supply in sheep
Authors: Samaniego M.A. , Chen X.B. , Hovell F.DeB. , MacRae J.C. , Mayes R. W.
Published: November 2021

The excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in urine has been used as an index for the estimation of microbial nitrogen (N) supply in ruminants. This method is simple and does not require surgical intervention of the animal. However, there have been few attempts to compare the results of this method with other methods for the measurement of microbial N supply. In the present study, two experiments were performed. The main experiment (Experiment 2) compared the estimated duodenal microbial N flow based on urinary PD excretion, with the more direct measurement based on duodenal RNA flow rates obtained from cannulated sheep using n-alkanes as the digesta flow marker. However, a preliminary experiment (Experiment 1) was needed to validate the use of alkane as a digesta marker in comparison with the commonly accepted dual phase marker method of Faichney (1975).
Rumen fermentation and plasma metabolite concentrations in steers offered grass silage and different amounts of supplements based on starch or sugar
Authors: Moloney A.P.
Published: November 2021

In grass silage-based beef production systems, sugar cane molasses, of which the major carbohydrate is sucrose, is frequently an economically attractive supplement. However, the efficiency of utilisation of molasses appears to decline relative to barley, at high levels of dietary inclusion (Drennan, 1985) which may reflect differences in rumen fermentation. The objectives of this study were to (i) compare rumen fermentation in steers offered grass silage and a range of levels of a starch or sugar-based supplement, and (ii) since molasses has a low crude protein concentration, to determine the influence of the source of protein in a molasses-based supplement formulated to supply the same amount of nitrogen as a barley/soyabean mixture.
The effect of gestation stage on daily milk and components yield of dairy cattle
Authors: Olori V.E. , Brotherstone S. , McGuirk B.J. , Hill W.G.
Published: November 2021

The effect of pregnancy on milk yield and composition has long been recognised (Erb, 1952), yet it is not currently directly accounted for in genetic evaluations. In the UK, total lactation yields are adjusted for the effect of calving interval (CI) with adjustment factors (Brotherstone, 1987) which assume a constant effect across gestation stage (GS). The effect of pregnancy however varies with gestation stage (Coulon, 1995) and is different from the effect of CI. In genetic evaluation based on test day models, it is essential to account for the direct effect of pregnancy specific to individual records. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of gestation stage on daily milk yield and its components in first lactation.
The detection and avoidance of lead contaminated pasture by cattle
Authors: Strojan S. T. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: November 2021

Anthropogenic lead is the most common cause of poisoning in ruminants. Vehicular lead emissions pollute herbage by the road, which may pose a risk to grazing ruminants. A series of experiments was conducted first to determine whether livestock could detect lead in herbage, and if so at what levels, and second whether they avoided lead contaminated herbage. The effects on grazing behaviour were recorded to investigate whether cattle could alter their grazing strategy to reduce their intake of lead from contaminated pasture.
Effect of repeated applications of sewage sludge to grassland on accumulation of potentially toxic elements in body tissues of grazing lambs
Authors: Wilkinson J M , Hill J
Published: November 2021

Hill and Wilkinson (1997) found that the mean intake of soil+sludge DM by lambs grazing perennial ryegrass was 101g/kg total DM intake and Wilkinson et al (1996) observed accumulation of Pb in liver and kidney, but not in muscle tissue of housed lambs given grass diets containing 100 g/kg DM of soil mixed with sewage sludge and 900 g/kg DM dried grass. The aim of the trial was to assess the extent to which PTEs might accumulate in body tissues of lambs grazing grassland to which sludge had been applied over many years and where the soil contained concentrations of Cd which were close to the UK statutory limit for sludge-amended soil (3 mg/kg DM sampled to 25 cm depth; SI, 1989).
Ruminal vitamin A and E disappearance of several vitamin supplements
Authors: Masoero F. , Moschini M. , Bertuzzi T. , Rossi F. , Piva G.
Published: November 2021

The lack of vitamins in ruminants, might impair normal metabolic growth and reproductive functions. Borderline vitamin deficiency might be manifested as impaired fertility before clinical symptoms appear. Specific vitamin requirements for normal reproduction are not suggested for dairy cow nutrition. Vitamin loss in the rumen occur through engulfment, oxidation and degradation by the rumen bacteria. Vitamin A is extensively degraded in the rumen, and up to 50% of vitamin E does not reach the small intestine (Shin and Owens, 1990). The aim of this work was to evaluate the rumen disappearance and the intestinal digestibility of conventional and rumen protected (RP) vitamin A and E.
Effect of Methionine supplementation of the diet on growth of hoof horn and mohair in Angora goats
Authors: Mengal M. A. , Galbraith H. , Souri M. , Scaife J. R.
Published: November 2021

Lameness is a major welfare problem in farm animals. Lesions of the hoof arising from poor growth of hoof horn in dairy cows has been associated with inadequate keratinisation (Kempson and Logue, 1993). The sulphur amino acid cystine is an important component of hard keratins in sound hoof horn and hair fibre and is required in a quantity proportionately larger than that needed for most other body tissues. Cystine may be derived, in ruminants, directly from microbial and food protein or synthesised post-absorptively from methionine in the transulphuration pathway particularly in the liver. The objective of present study was to investigate the relative responsiveness of both hoof horn and mohair to methionine supplementation of the diet.
The effect of litter size, age of ewe and Booroola gene (Fee B) on the birth and placental characteristics of Texel ewes
Authors: Anderson Jennifer M.L. , Boyd J.S. , Harvey M.J. , Waterhouse A.
Published: November 2021

It is widely recorded that placental weight varies a great deal in uniformly treated ewes, yet this variation remains unexplained (Mellor, 1983). The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of differing parameters on birth weight, placental weight, and number and weight of cotyledons in Texel ewes carrying the Booroola fecundity gene.
Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in postpartum ewes
Authors: Ranilla M.J , Gebbie F.E. , Mitchell L.M. , King M. E. , Skinner J.G. , Beckerst J.F. , Robinson J.J.
Published: November 2021

The mammalian placenta is an active endocrine organ capable of synthesising and secreting a wide range of hormones and proteins. Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) is one of these. It is produced by the binucleate cells of the placenta and becomes detectable in the maternal circulation soon after implantation (Zoli et al., 1992a). PAG occurs in cattle (bPAG), goats and sheep (oPAG), and has been used for early pregnancy diagnosis and the detection of embryonic death (Ranilla et al., 1994).

In the postpartum cow bPAG has a slow disappearance rate and is detectable in maternal serum until 100 days after calving (Zoli et al., 1992b). The present work was carried out to determine the rate of decline of oPAG in postpartum ewes and to test if the disappearance rate differed with litter size, age and diet.
The Feed Intake and Growth Rate of Iranian Baloochi lambs Fed Urea-Treated Wheat Straw
Authors: Danesh Mesgaran M.
Published: November 2021

Wheat straw (WS) is used extensively for sheep feeding in Iran. The nutritive value of wheat straw is low and characterized by low crud protein and low available energy contents. Chemical treatments have often been used to increase the nutritive value of cereal straws (Sundstol & owen, 1984). It has been reported that the ammoniation of these straws increased dry matter intake and the daily gain of ruminants. In addition, Alkali treatment with Ca(OH)2 are effective and economically feasible for cereal straws (Sundstol & owen, 1984). The present investigation was conducted to determine the effect of treated WS with Urea and Ca(OH)2 or molasses on voluntary intake and growth rate of Iranian Baloochi lambs.
Examination of the fatty acid composition and lipogenic enzymes of perirenal adipose tissue in growing lambs
Authors: Richards S. E. , Salter A. M. , Buttery P. J.
Published: November 2021

Lamb consumption fell from 11.1 to 7.5 kg / year / person between 1960 and 1990 and in recent years has fallen even further (5.9kg / year / person in 1994, source MLC). There are a number of possible reasons for this, but the high saturated fat content of lamb is likely to be a major contributer. Health considerations have led to repeated calls to reduce saturated fat intake (Dept of Health, 1994). Lamb has particularly suffered because it has a higher content of the saturated fatty acid stearic acid (C18:0) than other red meats. This has a high melting point and gives cold lamb its unpopular texture. The majority of lipid in lamb comes from de-novo synthesis of the saturated fatty acid palmitate (C16:0) from acetate in the adipose tissue by the enzymes acetyl co-A carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase (FAS). Palmitate can be elongated to stearate (C18:0) and this can be desaturated to the potentially healthier monounsaturated fatty acid oleate (C18:l), by the enzyme stearoyl co-A desaturase (SCD). The aim of this work has been to examine the fatty acid profile of lamb during growth and the enzymes involved in fat deposition.
Effects of different Cortisol profiles on immune function in sheep
Authors: Rhind S. M. , Reid H. W. , McMillen S. R.
Published: November 2021

Cortisol has been implicated in the mediation of both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of stessors on immune function in domestic animals, depending on the rate of secretion (Griffin, 1989; Munck, Guyre and Holbrook, 1984). Stressors differ in intensity and duration and it is likely that blood Cortisol profiles will differ accordingly. However, the importance, with respect to immune function, of the magnitude, duration and frequency of increases in circulating corticosteroid concentration is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different profiles of Cortisol in the peripheral circulation, on antibody and cell mediated immune responses.
Methane production from a range of feedstuffs as determined in vitro using the cumulative gas production technique and compared with that measured in vivo
Authors: Moss Angela R. , Givens D. I.
Published: November 2021

There is a need to be able to measure the methane producing potential of a range of feedstuffs under different rumen conditions in order to predict more accurately the amount of methane produced per animal. In vitro techniques using rumen fluid as an innoculum can be considered as models of in vivo rumen digestion and have been applied to estimate digestibility of feedstuffs. The in vitro gas production technique (Menke et. al, 1979) can be used successfully to estimate this but there have been limited attempts to use it to estimate the methane producing potential of feedstuffs. The objective was to assess the potential of the technique to do this.
In vitro digestibility characteristics of soya and maize endospemi cell walls
Authors: van Laar H. , Tamminga S. , Williams B.A.
Published: November 2021

The classical assessment of feedstuff cell walls has mainly been done using lignified material such as grasses; in which chemically poorly-defined fractions such as NDF and ADF were studied. Less effort has been put into the elucidation of cell wall polysaccharide structure and its effect on microbial degradation of non-lignified primary cell walls. In this experiment, the breakdown of cell walls of soya and com endosperm were studied, using the in vitro gas production procedure (Iheodorou et al., 1994).
Cell proliferation and protein synthesis (keratinization) in bovine hoof during the onset and recovery from clinical lameness
Authors: MacCallum A.J. , Hendry K.A.K. , Robertson S. , Wilde C.J. , Knight C.H.
Published: November 2021

Lameness is a major cause of lost production, economic loss and compromised welfare in dairy cows. The majority of bovine lameness results from damage to the hoof, culminating in solear lesions and inflammation of the laminae (laminitis). Management factors predisposing to laminitis have been identified, but little is known about the biology of hoof development. Impaired keratinization has been linked histologically with subsequent laminitis, but factors regulating keratinization are unknown. We have developed a tissue culture technique for measuring cell proliferation and keratinization in hoof explants obtained by biopsy.
Relationships between meat quality or composition and animal performance in double muscled Belgian Blue bulls
Authors: Minet V. , Clinquart A. , Hornick J.L. , Van Eenaeme C. , Evrard M. , Istasse L.
Published: November 2021

As far as consumers are concerned, the major quality characteristics of beef meat are an attracting color and tenderness (Smulders et al., 1991). The chemical composition - protein, fat and fatty acids contents mainly - is of importance for the dietitian. These parameters are influenced to a large extent by the management - diet and environment - of the fattening animals. The aim of the present paper is to relate some parameters of meat quality and meat composition with animal performance in growing fattening bulls.
Effects of synchronising the hourly release of energy and nitrogen in the rumen on feed intake and production of lactating ewes
Authors: Witt M.W. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Ensilage of grass exposes the nitrogenous fractions to extensive degradation resulting in an increase in the rate and extent of release of nitrogen (N) in the rumen. Conversely a large proportion of the fermentable organic matter content of grass silage is cell wall material which undergoes a much slower rate of degradation in the rumen. This results in an asynchrony between N and energy release. Formulation of diets that are synchronous for their hourly N and energy release in the rumen has been shown to increase the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (Sinclairet al., 1995) and increase the growth rate of lambs (Wittet al., 1997). The objectives of the current experiment were to investigate the effects of altering the synchrony of N and energy release in the rumen in diets based on grass silage on intake and performance of lactating ewes.
Short-term feeding behaviour of dairy cows relative to food composition and stage of lactation
Authors: Nielsen B.L. , Friggens N.C. , Kyriazakis I. , Tolkamp B.J. , Emmans G.C.
Published: November 2021

Short-term feeding behaviour (STFB) has been used to elucidate the physiological mechanisms which control eating. It has been proposed as a means by which to predict voluntary food intake, and could be used to quantify behavioural characteristics of the cow. The first step in assessing the usefulness of STFB for these purposes is to identify the major factors which influence STFB. The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate, in dairy cows, the differences in STFB resulting from two different foods, the effect of stage of lactation on STFB, and the effect on STFB of changing from one food to another.
The continuum between conditioned preferences and aversions in ruminants to flavoured foods associated with the increasing administration of casein doses
Authors: Arsenos G. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: November 2021

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the question of how ruminants develop conditioned flavour preferences or aversions (CFP's, CFA's) towards food flavours associated with the administration of various substances. Several studies have shown that ruminants are able to develop CFA's when pairing a novel food flavour with the administration of secondary compounds which lead to adverse post-ingestive consequences (e.g. activation of the emetic system, hypocalcaemia, Kyriazakis et al., 1997). In addition, CFP's, can be developed through associations between the food properties and the administration of nutrients which lead to positive post-ingestive consequences (e.g. increased nitrogen supply, Villalba and Provenza, 1997). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a continuum exists between CFP's and CFA's which are developed towards a food flavour associated with the administration of the same nutritive stimulus, given at increasing doses. In addition, the rate of establishment and degree of extinction of such food CFP's and CFA's was also investigated.
The effects of fat source and breed on fatty acid composition of lamb muscle
Authors: Wachira A.M. , Sinclair L.A. , Wilkinson R.G. , Hewett B. , Enser M. , Wood J.D.
Published: November 2021

Widespread concerns regarding the detrimental effects of fat consumption on human health (Department of Health, 1994), have led to a decline in the demand for sheep meat. Concerns are mainly centred around the high saturated fatty acid (FA) content and consequent low polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio (Enser et al., 1996). This ratio may partly be influenced by diet composition, genetic variation or an interaction of these factors. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of different sources of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on performance and muscle fatty acid composition and to determine whether breeds differ in their ability to incorporate n-3 PUFA into muscle lipids.
Levels of aggression in floor fed sows: effects of straw bedding and high fibre diets
Authors: Whittaker X. , Edwards S. A. , Spoolder H. A. M. , Lawrence A. B. , Corning S.
Published: November 2021

In competitive feeding systems in which sows are group rather than individually fed, aggression can arise as sows compete for limited supplies of food (Csermely and Wood-Gush, 1990). Aggression may also occur as a result of sows’ motivation to feed remaining unsatisfied due to restricted access to food (Buré, 1991). Feeding sows a high fibre diet which will rapidly increase gastric distention (Brouns et al., 1997) may reduce both the motivation to compete for food and aggression associated with sustained feeding motivation. Sows provided with straw bedding may use straw as a foraging substrate with which to express their foraging behaviour. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the interactive effects of a high fibre diet and straw bedding on levels of aggression in floor fed sows.
Effect of Different Cereal:Forage Ratio and Protein Degradability on The Performance and Blood Metabolites of Iranian Sangsarri Lambs
Authors: Danesh Mesgaran M. , Ieeragian G.H.
Published: November 2021

The effects of carbohydrate-rich supplements on animal production are dependent on the type and proportion of supplement to basal diet (Obara et al., 1991). This supplementation should optimise the effective rumen degradable protein and fermentable metabolisable energy supply to the rumen and provide sufficient metabolisable protein to balance animal requirement (AFRC, 1992). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the feeding increased amount of ruminal available carbohydrate (RAC) in different ruminal protein degradability (PD) on Iranian Sangsarri lamb performance and blood metabolites.
Parotid salivation rates in sheep and goats fed chopped or pelleted alfalfa
Authors: Juarrero A. , González J.S. , López S. , Valdés C.
Published: November 2021

Saliva plays an important role in the fluidity and buffering capacity of the rumen contents, with the parotid saliva accounting for a high proportion of the total buffering saliva. Feeding behaviour is one of the main factors influencing the amount of saliva produced and this in turn varies with the structure of the diet (Duric et al. 1994) and animal species (Domingue et al 1991). The objective of this study was to measure parotid salivation along with the feeding behaviour (eating, resting, ruminating) in sheep and goats fed either chopped or pelleted alfalfa.
Effect of forage to concentrate ratio in the diet on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Carro M.D. , Valdés C. , González J.S. , Frutos P. , Giráldez F.J.
Published: November 2021

In north-west of Spain dairy sheep are fed high amounts of concentrate, which are usually offered at milking time. This pattern of feeding often affects negatively the rumen fermentation (Mould et al., 1983). One alternative to reduce these negative effects could be the use of complete diets. The objective of this study was to obtain information on rumen fermentation in sheep receiving complete diets with different forage:concentrate ratio.
Effect of dietary tannin and protein level on the susceptibility of sheep to parasitic infection
Authors: Butter N.L. , Dawson J.M. , Wakelin D. , Buttery P.J.
Published: November 2021

Endoparasitic control is currently limited to grazing strategies and/or the administration of anthelmintic drugs. In tropical countries animals are often fed low protein diets and are subject to nematode infections. Dietary protein level may influence the magnitude of clinical symptoms seen in infected animals (Coop & Holmes, 1996). Other evidence suggests that low concentrations of condensed tannins (often found in tropical plants) may also be effective at reducing parasitic burden in ruminants (Niezen et al., 1994). The following experiments were conducted to observe the effect of protein level and dietary Quebracho tannin (QT) in sheep exposed to a trickle infection of the gastrointestinal nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis for 10 weeks.
The effect of space allowance and milk yield level on the performance and behaviour of dairy cattle housed in straw yards
Authors: Fregonesi J. A. , Leaver J.D.
Published: November 2021

Space allowance could be an important variable affecting production, health, reproductive performance and behaviour of dairy cattle. Also, high and low yielding cows may have different ways of coping with insufficient space allowance. The aim of this experiment was to study the influence of space allowance and milk yield level on the performance and behaviour of strawyard housed dairy cows.

The experiment was carried out using 24 Holstein Friesian cows with two groups in early lactation of high (over 30 kg/day milk yield) and two groups in late lactation of low yield (under 25 kg/day milk yield). The groups were allocated to strawyard systems with low stocking density (bed area/cow = 9 m2; pen area/cow = 13.5 m2; feed face width/cow = 1.5 m) or high stocking density (bed area/cow = 4.5 m2; pen area/cow = 6.75 m2; feed face width/cow = 0.75m) conforming to a changeover design with two periods, each of four weeks. The cows were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum and 2kg/cow/day of concentrate in the milking parlour. All animals were milked twice daily.
Production, behaviour and welfare of growing pigs as influenced by drinker allocation and group size
Authors: Turner S. P. , Edwards S. A.
Published: November 2021

The requirement for water of growing pigs in large groups has been neglected. Current MAFF recommendations suggest one nipple drinker per 10 pigs, while farmers have often used a ratio of 1 per 20 animals. Neither approach is based on empirical investigation. The relationship between group size and the number of drinking points can not be assumed to be linear. The aim was to assess group size and the two conflicting ratios of drinkers for their effect on welfare, as measured by production performance, drinking and social behaviour.

A total of 640 Large White x Landrace growing pigs (start weight 36kg) were housed in a fully slatted commercial grower house for five weeks. Four replicates were used and each animal was assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design of two group sizes (20 vs 60) and two ratios of nipple drinkers to pigs (1:10 vs 1:20). The groups of 20 comprised of pigs from 3 different pens, while 9 pens contributed to the groups of 60. The floor space per pig was maintained constant across treatments. Nine focal pigs (three each of heavy, medium and light weight) were selected from each pen.
Effect of physical processing on in situ degradation of barley in the caecum of ponies
Authors: McLean B M L , Hyslop J J , Longland A C , Cuddeford D
Published: November 2021

Cereal grains are often subjected to physical processing before being fed to equids. However, little information is available on how physical processing of cereals affects degradation dynamics in equids. This experiment examines the effect of two physical processing methods (micronisation and extrusion) on in situ degradation of barley in the caecum of ponies

Three caecally fistulated mature Welsh-cross pony geldings (approx. LW 270kg) were offered ad libitum grass hay plus minerals. Incubation bags (monofilament polyester 6.5 x 20cm, 41μm pores, 16mg/cm2 sample size) containing either unprocessed barley (UB), micronised barley (MB) or extruded barley (EB) were incubated in the caecum for fixed times according to both a forward (0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 8, 24, 48h) and reverse (48, 24, 8, 4, 12, 6, 2, 0h) incubation sequence. For each feedstuff residues from each time were bulked within pony and across incubation sequence for subsequent analysis of dry matter (DM) and starch (STC). Degradation profiles were fitted to the DM and STC disappearance data according to Ørskov and McDonald (1979).
Development of the mobile bag technique to study the degradation dynamics of forage feed constituents in the whole digestive tract of equids
Authors: Hyslop J. J. , Tomlinson A. L. , Bayley A. , Cuddeford D.
Published: November 2021

The mobile bag technique (MBT) has recently been used to provide single time point estimates of feed digestibility in both the small intestine (Macheboeuf et al 1996) and the whole tract of equids (Hyslop and Cuddeford 1996). This experiment develops the use of the MBT as a method to study the dynamics of the digestive process over time in the whole tract of ponies.

Three mature Welsh-cross pony geldings (270 kg LW) were offered ad libitum threshed grass hay plus minerals. Two sizes of mobile bag (6 x 1 cm Ø - large & 4 x 1 cm Ø - small) made from monofilament polyester with a 41 μrn pore size containing either 200 or 130 mg of feed respectively were used. Bags containing either dehydrated alfalfa (DHA), threshed grass hay (THAY), dehydrated grass (DHG) or grass hay (HAY) were introduced directly into the stomach via a naso-gastric tube in batches of 22 (14 large and 8 small). Batches of bags were administered twice daily on days 1, 2, 8 and 9 of a 14 day period according to an incomplete latin square experimental design giving a total of 44 bags per feed in each pony. On recovery in the faeces, dry matter (DM) disappearances were calculated for each bag.
Voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility in vivo in ponies offered a mature threshed grass hay ad libitum
Authors: Hyslop J. J. , Tomlinson A. L. , Bayley A. , Cuddeford D.
Published: November 2021

Many mature, non-pregnant, non-lactating equids are often kept in circumstances where they are expected to perform only light physical work or activity eg: a childs pony. Consequently their maintenance energy and protein needs can often be met at very restricted feed intake levels. Conversely, when they are housed during the winter months it is believed desirable to manage such animals on unrestricted ad libitum feeding regimes in order to allow the animals to exhibit their natural feed intake pattern and consume forage on a little and often basis throughout the daily feeding period. However, ad libitum access to the diet may lead to such animals becoming excessively fat. These conflicting needs of low energy and protein requirement coupled with the desirability of unrestricted access to the diet could both be met, at least in part, if a low quality forage is available ad libitum. This study examines the voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility in vivo of a mature threshed grass hay offered ad libitum and determines its ability to meet the predicted energy and protein needs of mature ponies.
The digestibility of four ingredients in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) diets
Authors: Weatherup R.N. , McCracken K.J. , Rice D.A. , McKendry J. , Hoey R.
Published: November 2021

The marker technique has been used widely in trout digestibility studies due to practical difficulties in obtaining “true” faeces samples directly from fish. However this technique is also relatively difficult and there are few good systems for faeces collection. Reliable data on raw material digestibilities are therefore scarce. Traditionally, chromic oxide has been used as a marker. However this substance can give rise to skin allergies in humans and has been implicated as a carcinogen. Jagger et al., (1992) suggested that titanium dioxide could be used successfully as a digestibility marker in pig diets. The present study was designed to determine the digestibility of four feed ingredients for trout (prairie meal, maize distillers, soya 50 and extruded wheat) and to evaluate the use of chromic oxide or titanium dioxide as a digestibility marker in fish diets.

Each test ingredient was included in a basal diet at 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g/kg. Titanium dioxide and chromic oxide were included in the basal diet at 1 and 3.7 g/kg respectively.
Conversion of methionine to cysteine by transulphuration in isolated anagen secondary hair follicles of the Angora goat
Authors: Souri M. , Galbraith H. , Scaife J.R.
Published: November 2021

Enzymes catalysing the conversion of methionine to cysteine via the transulphuration pathway are found in liver and kidney of sheep (Radcliffe and Eggan, 1974), but their presence has not been established in the hair follicle. The aims of this study were (a) to establish the presence of transulphuration and (b) to determine quantitatively the conversion of methionine to cysteine in isolated secondary hair follicles of the Angora goat.
Growth responses in red deer hinds from 16-24 months of age when fed two energy levels during their second winter
Authors: Davies M H , Deakin D W
Published: November 2021

It is important that venison competes with other red meats in efficiency and cost of production. The growth responses of farmed red deer during the first 15-18 months of life have been well defined under a wide range of feeding and daylength regimes (Davies, 1995). However there is a need to examine less intensive systems of production which aim to maximise growth from grazed grass, following various growth-restriction feeding regimes during winter. The objective of this experiment was to quantify the growth response in 16-24 month old hinds fed two contrasting feeding regimes during their second winter, followed by a period at pasture.
Effects of linseed meal and whole linseed and supplemental α-tocopherol acetate on broiler growth performance, and tissue C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3 and TBARS content
Authors: Scaife J.R. , Wachira Ann
Published: November 2021

It is recognised that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important components of a healthy human diet. There is, therefore, considerable interest in manipulating animal tissue fatty acid composition to enhance n-3 PUFA intakes. Linseed is a rich source of the n-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid (C18:3n-3). When whole linseed (WL) is included in poultry diets this fatty acid can be incorporated into tissue lipids and may also serve as a precursor for the synthesis of longer chain C20 and C22 n-3 PUFA in chicken tissues. To counteract the increased susceptibility of PUFA-enriched tissues to peroxidation, α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) supplementation of the diet may be required. In this study the effect of WL and supplementary ATA on broiler growth performance and leg and breast muscle fatty acid profiles and lipid peroxidation were studied
The effect of wilting grass and grass-clover mixtures on silage effluent flow, chemical oxygen demand of silage effluent and silage quality
Authors: Margerison J. K. , Illingworth D. V. , Jackson D. W
Published: November 2021

Increasing importance of home grown proteins has resulted in a renewed interest in grass-clover mixed swards. The objective of this experiment was to asses the effect of wilting on effluent production levels, polluting potential of the silage effluent, and silage quality in grass and grass-clover mixed swards.

Perennial rye grass (G) and a grass clover mixed sward (0.75 perennial ryegrass, 0.25 white clover, GC) was cut in mid may. The G and GC was then precision chopped and ensiled in experimental silos at 0, 24 and 48 hours following cutting, with 5 replicate silos of each silage being made at each time period. The silage effluent was collected, the quantity produced was recorded and the biochemical oxygen demand and the chemical oxygen demand was measured. The silage was allowed to ferment followed by which the silage was sub-samples and composite samples 3 of each silage were analyzed for dry matter content, crude protein levels, neutral detergent fibre, water soluble carbohydrate, pH, lactic acid, acetic acid, proprionc acid, butyric acid, total volatile acid levels. The data were analyzed using the general linear model ANOVA in Minitab.
Industrial passion fruit residue as ruminant feed
Authors: Korndörfer C.M. , Abdalla A. L. , Crossara E.
Published: November 2021

In the Brazilian savanna region, which covers 2.1 million km2, roughage production is irregular during the year. However the manufacture of passion fruit juice produces approximately 13,000,000 ton per year of industrial residue which consist of fruit pulp and seeds (FPSR) (Medina, 1980). Beef and dairy cattle farmers are feeding it to their livestock with no knowledge of its nutritive value or concern for its pollution aspects. The FPSR is left in piles outside on the ranches and fluid effluent is often observed reaching streams and contaminating the environment. Furthermore it is a good medium for fly proliferation which stresses the animals and reduces profits. The objective of this study was to demonstrate to the farmers a better way for storing the FPSR and to determine its nutritional value for ruminants.

The FPSR was stored in triplicate experimental mino-silos (200 1) in a complete 2x2 factorial design to observe the effects of 48-h wilting (sun dry) and anaerobic conditions. Open mini-silos were left uncovered while in anaerobic mini-silos the FPSR was sealed in plastic bags and covered with sacks of soil. Treatments were: Tl wilted and anaerobic; T2 wilted and open; T3 unwilted and anaerobic; T4 unwilted and open. The mini-silos were sampled at 30-day intervals for up to ll2 days. The samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin (LIN), phenolic compounds (PHEN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N), soluble carbohydrats (CHO sol) and pH. The DM effective degradability (DMED) was determined “in situ” using six Santa Inês male sheep fitted with rumen cannula and fed with a mixture 80:20 diet containing grass pasture and concentrate (160 g CP/kg DM). The effects of experimental conditions were analysed in a factorial treatment structure and tested by analysis of variance. Treatment means were compared by contrasts.
Changes in the gene expression of progesterone receptor and prolactin receptor in sow mammary gland between late gestation and lactation
Authors: Miller H. M. , Dixon W. T. , Foxcroft G. R. , Aherne F. X.
Published: November 2021

Lactogenesis is triggered by a rapid decline in plasma progesterone concentration combined with a peak in plasma prolactin concentration; in mice, there is a concurrent loss of mammary progesterone receptors (Haslam and Shyamala, 1980). The aims of this experiment were to determine the pattern of change of progesterone receptor and prolactin receptor mRNA during late gestation and early lactation and to determine whether abundance of mRNA for the two receptors are related to each other, to plasma concentrations of progesterone and prolactin or to piglet performance.