bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUPPLEMENTATION WITH PROTECTED LIPID AS A MEANS OF ALLEVIATING "SPRING PASTURE" INDUCED MILK FAT DEPRESSION
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Thirty-six lactating cows, after their first week on spring pasture, were subdivided into three groups of 12 cows each and assigned to one of three pelleted grain mixtures containing 0, 5 or 10% protected lipid. These grain mixtures were fed in the milking parlor at the rate of 1.0 kg/4.0 kg of milk yield for a period of 14 days and then the cows were switched to the next ration in the sequence. Milk yield and grain intake were recorded daily. Milk samples for fat, protein and lactose determinations were taken during the last week of the drylot feeding period, during the preliminary pasture period and on the last 2 days of each experimental period. The change in feeding system from drylot to pasture resulted in an average decrease of 0.65 and 0.10 percentage units in milk fat and lactose contents, respectively, and an increase of 0.27 of a percentage unit in protein content. Refusals of the grain mixture were greater (P < 0.05) but milk yields per kilogram of grain intake were higher (P < 0.05) for grain mixtures containing 10% protected lipid than for the control ration. Protected lipid was not effective in countering the milk fat depression caused by the onset of the spring grazing season. The feeding of protected lipid at the rate of 5 and 10% resulted in only a 10 and 27% recovery in total fat yield compared to cows fed the control ration.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF POULTS EXPOSED TO PRE- AND POST-HATCHING VISUAL STIMULATION
Authors: LEWIS N. J. , HURNIK J. F.
Published: March 2010

A total of 4000 Large White turkey poults were used in two experiments conducted to study the attraction of chromatic flashing lights. The first experiment concentrated on the change in sensibility to colored flashing lights of poults exposed to the same visual stimulation during the final stage of incubation. The second experiment was designed to determine whether the use of flashing lights could reduce the adverse effects of toe clipping and transportation. In both experiments the colored flashing lights were attached to the feeders. Visual stimulation in the hatcher did not significantly enhance the attraction of the poults to the lights on the feeders. Similarly, the use of colored flashing lights only partially compensated for the effects of transportation and toe clipping on the feed intake and early growth of the poults. On average, the transported poults (0, 24 and 48 h) consumed less feed during the 13 days of the experiment (0 h, 165.5 ± 3.1 g; 24 h, 153.4 ± 3.3 g and 48 h, 125.0 ± 2.4 g) and were lighter at 13 days of age (0 h, 201.1 ± 2.2 g; 24 h, 189.6 ± 2.2 g and 48 h, 167.4 ± 1.8 g) than nontransported ones. Transportation also increased mortality (0 h, 8.2%; 24 h, 10% and 48 h, 19.8%). Toe clipped poults initiated feeding after a longer latency (14.5 min vs. 34.3 min) and in the 1st wk of life they spent less time on net feed intake (3.9% vs. 1.3%). Correspondingly, their feed consumption up to 6 days of age was reduced (39.3 ± 2.1 g vs. 35.2 ± 1.6 g) and body weights at 13 days were lower (188.5 ± 2.8 g vs. 183.5 ± 2.5 g).
CHICK PERFORMANCE AS AFFECTED BY AUTOCLAVE TREATMENT OF TANNIN-CONTAINING AND TANNIN-FREE CULTIVARS OF FABABEANS
Authors: MARQUARDT R. R. , WARD A. T.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of condensed tannin and autoclave treatment of fababeans on nutrient utilizatiaon by chicks. In the first experiment broiler chicks were fed a series of diets containing five different cultivars of raw or autoclaved fababeans. Three of the cultivars (Triple White, Kodrim and Fidrim) were tannin-free and two (Diana and Hertz-Freya) were tannin-containing. The retention of nutrients in all cases was greater for the birds fed the tannin-free as compared to those fed the tannin-containing cultivars or for those fed the autoclaved as compared to those fed the raw fababeans. The respective retention values for birds fed tannin-containing and tannin-free raw fababeans were 42.3 and 47.9% for dry matter and 73.2 and 83.7% for total amino acids. The corresponding retention values for birds fed raw versus autoclaved fababeans that were free of condensed tannins were 47.9 and 58.7% for dry matter and 83.7 and 90.7% for total amino acids, respectively. The results of these studies suggest that autoclave treatment of fababeans affects fababean utilization by destruction of condensed tannins which accounts for approximately one-half of the total growth depression and by an effect on some other component in fababeans. The second experiment was designed to compare nutrient utilization in chicks fed diets that contained five levels of condensed tannins that had been isolated from fababean testae. The respective correlation coefficients (r) between percent condensed tannins added to the diet and chick performance were: −0.70 for feed intake, −0.90 for weight gain, +0.97 for feed:gain ratio, −0.98 for dry matter retention, −0.99 for protein retention, +0.96 for fat retention, −0.81 for ash retention and −0.72 for calcium retention. It may be concluded that the elimination of condensed tannins from fababeans by genetic selection would significantly improve its nutritional value.
THE EFFECTS OF THE HEI-GRO DEVICE ON FINISHING HEIFERS
Authors: ETCHES R. J. , BURGESS T. D. , CHENG K. W. , MURRAY D. A.
Published: March 2010

Treating finishing heifers with the Hei-Gro device did not increase the average daily gain, feed/gain ratio or the occurrence of estrus. Assay of blood did not reveal any significant effect of the device on the level of growth hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone.
EFFECT OF SODIUM BICARBONATE ALL-CONCENTRATE RATIONS FED TO HOLSTEIN STEERS
Authors: McKNIGHT D. R. , HOOPER G. S. , DREVJANY L. A. , POLLOCK W. E.
Published: March 2010

Forty Holstein steers, initially weighing 385 kg, were individually fed ground ear corn based on rations containing 0, 0.75, 1.50 or 2.25% NaHCO3. Initial intake of rations containing 1.5 and 2.25% NaHCO3 was low. No differences (P > 0.05) were detected over the 84-day trial in ADG, feed intake or feed conversion. Rumen pH was not affected but ruminal fluid from steers receiving 1.5 and 2.25% NaHCO3 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher percent acetic, lower percent propionic and a higher A/P ration. NaHCO3 did not improve feedlot performance when added to ground ear corn diets full-fed to finishing Holstein steers.
RESPONSE OF NEWBORN LAMBS TO IRON-DEXTRAN INJECTION
Authors: TAIT R. M. , DURESKI P. L.
Published: March 2010

Lambs were injected with 500 mg of iron as iron-dextran at an average of 3 days of age. Blood hemoglobin and packed cell volume values increased immediately after the injection and continued to increase to 4 wk of age. In control lambs these parameters declined to 3 wk of age and increased thereafter. Average liveweight of the lambs was increased by the iron treatment.
COMPARISON OF TOWER RAPESEED MEAL AND SOYBEAN MEAL AS SOURCES OF PROTEIN IN PELLETED CALF STARTER RATIONS
Authors: WHEELER E. ELIZABETH , VEIRA D. M. , STONE J. B.
Published: March 2010

Forty Holstein calves (20 male, 20 female) were used in an experiment to compare Tower rapeseed meal (RSM) with soybean meal (SBM) as the sole or partial source of supplemental protein in calf starter rations. Four pelleted calf starter rations were fed to calves on a free choice basis from 2 days until 12 wk of age. Calves were weaned from a limited milk feeding program at 5 wk of age. Rations were 16% crude protein formulations with supplemental protein from (1) SBM, (2) 50% SBM + 50% RSM and (3) RSM or (4) a 14% crude protein formulation with RSM as the supplemental protein. A 50/50 isonitrogenous combination of SBM + RSM (ration (2) or complete substitution of SBM by RSM (ration 3) resulted in feed intake, daily gain and feed/gain ratios similar to those in calves fed rations containing SBM (ration 1) as the protein source. The 16% crude protein rations were similar in the preweaning and postweaning periods and with respect to overall performance. Calves fed the 14% crude protein ration with RSM exhibited similar feed intakes and daily gains but required more feed per unit gain than calves fed the 16% rations containing SBM, RSM and SBM + RSM. Tower RSM can provide 100% of the supplementary protein or up to 17.3% of calf starter rations without resulting in impaired calf performance.
THE EFFECTS OF FALL GRAZING OR BURNING BLUEBUNCH WHEATGRASS RANGE ON FORAGE SELECTION BY DEER AND CATTLE IN SPRING
Authors: WILLMS W. , BAILEY A. W. , McLEAN A. , TUCKER R.
Published: March 2010

Studies were made in the big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass and Douglas fir-bluebunch wheatgrass communities to examine the effects of fall burning and fall cattle grazing on springtime utilization of bluebunch wheatgrass by both deer and cattle. Deer and cattle displayed greatest preference for forage from the burned treatment and least preference for forage from the control. Grazing pressure by deer was not sufficient to cause the preference rankings among treatments to change. On the other hand, cattle readily switched preferences as availability among treatments changed. Utilization of other species appeared related to the utilization of bluebunch wheatgrass. Dead stubble of bluebunch wheatgrass influenced the height of grazing in spring. Deer were more affected by stubble than were cattle although deer were able to select closer to the height of short stubble and further below the height of long stubble. Dead stubble of small plants was a less effective barrier than that of large plants. This effect was particularly pronounced with cattle.
EVALUATION OF TWO METHODS OF FEED RESTRICTION FOR GROWING-FINISHING HOGS
Authors: GRANDHI R. R. , STRAIN J. H.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments, using 680 barrows and gilts of Lacombe and Yorkshire breeding, were conducted during winter and summer months to evaluate the effect of (a) ad libitum self-feeding, (b) no feeding for 2 or 3 intermittent days each week and (c) limited daily feeding from 60 or from 70 kg body weight, on growth, feed conversion, carcass quality and net economic returns. Daily liveweight gains were significantly reduced by all methods of feed restriction in both experiments. Intermittent fasting 3 days each week decreased the weight gains by severely reducing daily feed intake. Feed conversion was poor in all feed-restricted groups during winter; however, it was slightly improved during summer by intermittent fasting. Regression of backfat thickness on body weight indicated a lower rate of fat deposition in feed-restricted groups. All methods of feed restriction significantly reduced the backfat thickness and improved the carcass index. This improvement of carcass quality was greater for the limit-fed group in both experiments. Intermittent fasting significantly reduced the dressing percentage and gave smaller loin eye area than limited feeding. Economic returns were superior in hogs limit-fed from 60 kg to slaughter and were greater during summer than winter.
EFFECT OF METHOD OF SUPPLEMENTING UREA ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWING HOLSTEIN STEERS
Authors: McKNIGHT D. R. , DREVJANY L. A. , HOOPER G. S. , POLLOCK W. E.
Published: March 2010

Eighty Holstein steers were fed ground ear corn and corn silage diets supplemented with either soybean meal, liquid molasses-urea, dry urea or urea-soaked, ground ear corn for a period of 84 days. Dry urea was equivalent to soybean meal as the only source of supplemental nitrogen for Holstein steers weighing from 237 to 455 kg. Use of urea and molasses slightly reduced gains while urea in a solution for soaking ground ear corn caused significantly reduced gains (P < 0.05).
ARE TODAY’S DAIRY CATTLE BREEDING PROGRAMS SUITABLE FOR TOMORROW’S PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS?
Authors: McALLISTER A. J.
Published: March 2010

In the last decade the dairy cattle population has declined to a level of 1.9 million cows in 1978 with about 56% of these cows bred AI and nearly 20% of the population enrolled in a supervised milk recording program. The decline in cow numbers has been accompanied by an increase in herd size and production per cow. The current breeding program of the dairy industry is a composite of breeding decisions made by AI organizations, breeders who produce young bulls for sampling and all dairymen who choose the sires and dams of their replacement heifers. Estimates of genetic trend from 1958–1975 for milk production in the national milk recorded herd range from 21 to 55 kg per year for the four dairy breeds with Holsteins being 41 kg per year. Both differential use of superior proven sires and improved genetic merit of young bulls entering AI studs contribute to this genetic improvement. Various national production and marketing alternatives were examined. Selection is a major breeding tool in establishing a breeding program to meet national production requirements for milk and milk products once the selection goal is defined. AI and young sire sampling programs will continue to be the primary vehicle for genetic improvement through selection regardless of the selection goal. The current resources of milk-recorded cows bred AI is not being fully utilized to achieve maximum genetic progress possible from young sire sampling indicate that the number of young bulls sampled annually in the Holstein breed could be tripled with the existing milk-recorded and AI bred dairy cow population. Expanded milk recording and AI breeding levels could increase the potential for even further genetic improvement. The potential impact of selection for other traits, crossbreeding and the use of embryo transfer of future breeding programs is highlighted.
GASTROINTESTINAL HYPOMOTILITY IN MAGNESIUM-DEFICIENT SHEEP
Authors: BUENO L. , FIORAMONTI J. , GEUX E. , RAISSIGUIER Y.
Published: March 2010

The electrical activity of the gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder was recorded in four sheep fed a Mg-deficient diet during 10 to 15 days. The mitigating effect of intravenous infusions of MgCl2 was tested at the end of the experimental period in animals presenting hypomagnesemia. Motility of the reticulo-rumen remained unchanged in Mg-deficient sheep except that there was no postprandial increased frequency of contractions. By contrast, the contractions of gallbladder, cecum and proximal colon were reduced in both amplitude and frequency. The amplitude but not the frequency of the antro-duodenal slow-waves was reduced. The amplitude of the regular spiking activity of the small intestine was reduced as well as the number of complexes produced per day. The activity of the spiral colon was correlated to the blood magnesium concentrations but Mg infusion was unable to restore immediately the motor profile of the rest of the gut to its intitial level. This was done within 2–3 days by changes in the diet in three of the four animals. It is concluded that the motility of the whole digestive tract, including the reticulo-rumen, is modified on a Mg-deficient diet and that hypomagnesemia, involved in the atony of the spiral colon, is only one of the factors responsible for the hypomotility.
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF GROUND AND/OR AMMONIATED CORN STOVER
Authors: MORRIS P. J. , MOWAT D. N.
Published: March 2010

Corn stover stacks were harvested and a portion of these were treated with anhydrous ammonia at a level of 3% of dry matter (DM) and left covered with plastic for at least 30 days during the fall of 1977. In the spring, both treated and untreated corn were chopped through a forage harvester. A portion of each was then ground through a 1.3-cm screen. Treatments were: untreated chopped, untreated ground, ammoniated chopped, ammoniated ground. Treatments were evaluated with eight Hereford-Angus yearling steers in a double 4 × 4 latin square design. In addition to the stover, rations contained 10% molasses, 6% soybean meal, and 2.3% mineral mix. Urea was added to the untreated rations at the level of 1.6% to make rations isonitrogenous. Steers were injected with vitamins A, D and E at 90-day intervals. With both control and ammoniated rations, grinding increased (P < 0.001) intake on a body weight raised to the 0.75 power basis (MBW) of DM, digestible energy (DE) and digestible DM by 47%, 39%) and 39%), respectively. With both chopped and ground stover rations, ammoniation increased (P < 0.001) intake of digestible DM and DE and increased (P < 0.01) intake of DM all on a MBW basis by 22%, 31% and 12%), respectively. However, grinding decreased digestibilities of DM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (P < 0.001) and of organic matter (OM) (P < 0.01) by 5%, 10% and 5%, respectively. With both chopped and ground stover rations, ammoniation increased (P < 0.001) digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF by 9%, 9% and 14%, respectively. Ammoniation plus grinding increased (P < 0.01) intake (MBW) of DM, digestible DM and DE by 64%), 71% and 85%), respectively, over untreated chopped rations. Grinding increased (P < 0.01) rumen acetate 0.5 h preprandially but did not significantly affect other rumen parameters measured preprandially or 2 h postprandially. Ammoniation increased (P < 0.01) rumen propionate 0.5 h preprandially but did not significantly affect the remaining rumen parameters. Before versus after feeding levels of rumen metabolites did not differ except for an increase (P < 0.01) in ammonia-N and total VFA postprandially. No significant treatment interactions were present.
A COMPARISON OF RAPESEED MEAL AND SOYBEAN MEAL AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN AND PROTECTED LIPID AS A SOURCE OF SUPPLEMENTAL ENERGY FOR CALF STARTER DIETS
Authors: FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Thirty male Holstein calves were utilized in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment designed to compare rapeseed meal (cv. Candle) and soybean meal as protein supplements and 0, 10, and 20% levels of protected lipid as a form of supplemental energy for starter rations. The six rations were fed free choice from 21 to 70 days of the experiment with whole milk fed at 10% of body weight from 0 to 42 days. Starter intake was similar for the two protein sources but significantly less for the ration containing 10% protected lipid compared to either the 0 or 20% levels. Body weight gain was faster for calves fed the starter containing 20% protected lipid compared to those fed the 10% level. Efficiency of feed conversion was greater for calves receiving protected lipid. There were no differences between protein source in dry matter intake, body weight gain, efficiency of feed conversion, apparent dry matter digestibility or dressing percent. Plasma glucose and percent hematocrit were significantly lower and percent kidney fat significantly higher for calves fed starter rations containing soybean meal. The relative availability of copper was reduced significantly when soybean meal or 20% protected lipid formed part of the starter diet. It was concluded from this study that Candle rapeseed meal was a suitable source of supplemental protein for calf starter diets and that the inclusion of protected lipid improved feed conversion of calves from 43 to 70 days of age.
THE FEEDING VALUE OF TOWER RAPESEED FOR EARLY-WEANED PIGS. I. EFFECTS OF METHODS OF PROCESSING AND OF DIETARY LEVELS
Authors: OCHETIM S. , BELL J. M. , DOIGE C. E. , YOUNGS C. G.
Published: March 2010

Tower rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), either autoclaved (121 °C, 103 kPa, 30 min), dry-heated (130 °C, 1 h) or extruded (85 °C, 30 sec), was fed to early-weaned pigs in wheat-based diets also containing pea protein concentrate. In the first three experiments, 20 or 24% rapeseed (RS) was included in the diets; in the fourth experiment, 10 and 20% levels of RS were fed. Extrusion and dry heating were only partially effective but autoclaving completely inactivated myrosinase, and reduced isothiocyanate content and the availability of lysine. Thyroid histology and function reflected the goitrogenicity associated with residual myrosinase activity in the processed RS. Increasing the dietary levels of autoclaved RS from zero to 20% of the diet had no effect (P < 0.05) on growth, feed intake, efficiency of utilization of dietary energy and protein or on thyroid or liver weights. Digestibility coefficients for dry matter, protein, energy and crude fibre were reduced at the 20% level of RS. However, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of follicular epithelium were found in thyroids of pigs fed 10 and 20% RS. Thyroxine and protein-bound iodine values tended to decrease, and blood cholesterol and thiocyanate values to increase, with increasing levels of dietary RS. Liver and kidney sections were normal. No glucosinolates were detected in the gastrointestinal tract but urinary thiocyanate excretion increased with the level of RS fed.
DYSPROSIUM AS AN INERT MARKER FOR SWINE DIGESTIBILITY STUDIES
Authors: KENNELLY J. J. , AHERNE F. X. , APPS M. J.
Published: March 2010

The feasibility of using dysprosium as an inert marker for digestibility studies with swine has been investigated. Eight barrows and eight gilts of initial weight averaging 65 kg were fed four different diets with crude fibre levels ranging from 4.1 to 10.2%. Dysprosium was included in the diets at 25 ppm and the induced radioactivity in feed and fecal samples, following irradiation in the Canadian SLOWPOKE reactor, was measured with a Ge(Li) detector coupled to a 4096 multichannel analyzer. Dysprosium was evenly distributed in feed and fecal samples. Ingested dysprosium was quantitatively recovered in feces and there was no evidence of variation in its daily excretion following a 7-day adaptation period. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients obtained with the dysprosium ratio technique were not significantly different from those determined by means of total fecal collection. The present results indicate that dysprosium, as determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis, can be used as a reliable indicator in swine digestibility studies.
PRODUCTS OF THE HYDROLYSIS OF RAPESEED GLUCOSINOLATES
Authors: PAIK I. K. , ROBBLEE A. R. , CLANDININ D. R.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to identify the products, mainly nitriles and goitrin, of enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates present in meals of a number of rapeseed varieties. The pH of autolysates of meals from seeds of the Cruciferae family ranged from 5.00 to 5.72. High glucosinolate varieties had lower pH than low glucosinolate varieties. On autolysis of law meals, the main hydrolysis products were nitriles with maximum production occurring at about pH 5 to 6. The most stable nitrile when hydrolysis conditions were changed was 1-cyano-2-hydroxy-3-butene. The presence of the nitriles 1-cyano-3,4-epithiobutane and 1-cyano-4,5-epithiopentane in rapeseed meal hydrolysates was confirmed by gas chromatography, infra-red spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Both nitriles were found in Candle, Torch, Regent, Midas and Tower rapeseed meals. Goitrin was the predominant product from heat-treated meal regardless of source of myrosinase enzyme.
THE DAIRY HERD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND FARM PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: BOWMAN J. S. T. , MOXLEY J. E. , KENNEDY B. W. , DOWNEY B. R.
Published: March 2010

A study, based on a series of three questionnaires covering calf management, mastitis control and land and crop management, was conducted from 1975 to 1977 on a random sample of 640 dairy farms on the Dairy Herd Analysis Service (DHAS). Information on dairy cow nutrition, farm production efficiency and farm productivity, as measured by herd average production of 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM) and income overfeed costs, was obtained from the 1975–76 DHAS annual data files for these farms. Analysis of the complete information on all factors concerned was done on 216 farms. In a multiple regression analysis, 37 farm management factors accounted for 79.9 and 69.5% of the variation in herd average production and income over feed costs, respectively. Levels of meal and succulent (silage) feeding accounted for the largest amount of the variation in production and income. Significant simple correlation coefficients indicated that the land and crop management factors had an important influence on herd nutrition.
SERUM CONCENTRATION CHANGES IN PROTEIN, GLUCOSE, UREA, THYROXINE AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THERMOSTABILITY OF NEONATAL PIGS FARROWED AT 25 AND 10 °C
Authors: PARKER R. O. , WILLIAMS P. E. V. , AHERNE F. X. , YOUNG B. A.
Published: March 2010

On day 108 of gestation, 16 sows were moved to farrowing crates in either a warm (10 sows; 25 °C) or cold (six sows; 10 °C) room. Piglet blood samples were drawn by vena cava puncture at birth, 6, 12 and 24 h of age, and body weights, rectal temperatures and thermostability of piglets were recorded. Serum samples were analyzed for total protein, glucose, urea, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and Cortisol (24 h only). Piglet mortality was 31.3% and 6.4% for pigs farrowed in the cold or warm environments, respectively. Piglets that died weighed less (P < 0.05) than those that survived. Total serum protein increased (P < 0.05) after birth from 3 g/dL to more than 7 g/dL; however, this increase occurred later in the pigs farrowed at 10 °C. Serum glucose of pigs farrowed in the cold was higher (P < 0.05) than that for pigs at 25 °C. Serum urea was elevated (P < 0.01) by 6.2 mg/dL in the cold-farrowed piglets. Serum T4 was lower (P < 0.05) at birth, 6 and 12 h for the 10 °C pigs but was similar for both groups by 24 h. Serum T3 increased (P < 0.05) after birth and was sustained to 12 h in the 10 °C piglets but not in the others. At 24 h, serum cortisol was similar (P > 0.05) in both groups (10.3 ± 1.02 μg/dL). Body temperatures were lower (P < 0.05) in cold-farrowed piglets, but both groups lost body heat at similar rates.
LEVELS OF PROTEIN AND FAT AND TYPE OF PROTEIN IN VEALER RATIONS
Authors: BOUCHARD R. , LAFLAMME L. F. , LACHANCE B. , ROY G. L.
Published: March 2010

Three levels of crude protein 13.2, 15.4 and 17.7%, three levels of tallow 0, 3 and 6% and two sources of protein, meat and bone meal (MBM) and soybean meal (SBM) were compared in 3 × 3 × 2 factorial design using 216 Holstein type male calves. The calves were weaned at 3 wk of age and slaughtered at 113 kg liveweight. Twenty-four control calves were fed whole milk at 12% of body weight. Fat levels in the concentrate did not affect the age at slaughter but the 17.7% protein level decreased market age compared with the 13.2% protein diet from 131 days to 120 days and decreased total concentrate consumption by 25.7 kg. MBM gave paler carcasses as determined by reflectance than SBM as the supplementary protein source. The milk-fed calves were slaughtered at 102 days of age compared to an average of 126 days for the concentrate-fed calves; the respective daily gains, carcass yields, and muscle color scores were 0.72 and 0.55 kg; 56.5 and 50.5%; 58.8 and 48.4. Tallow was not utilized efficiently as an energy source by the young calf and MBM can replace completely SBM in concentrate for veal calves. A level of protein of 13.2% in the concentrate produced lower, but comparable, performance than did 17.7% protein.
ADDITION OF DRY SKIM MILK TO WHOLE MILK IN VEALER RATIONS
Authors: BOUCHARD R. , LACHANCE B. , ROY G.
Published: March 2010

Additions of 0, 2 and 4% dry skim milk to whole milk were compared in rations for vealer calves raised up to 92 or 154 kg. Dry skim milk supplementation increased daily gain to 92 kg liveweight. Dry skim milk added to the rations of calves raised to 154 kg liveweight did not improve growth performance and carcass data. Carcass color score indicated that addition of skim milk powder to whole milk tends to give paler carcasses.
THE OTTAWA PLASTIC METABOLISM CAGE FOR SHEEP
Authors: IVAN M. , HIDIROGLOU M.
Published: March 2010

A moulded fiberglass metabolism cage for sheep is described. In addition to conventional use, the cage is also suitable for metabolic studies involving trace minerals and radioisotopes and for collection of digesta from sheep equipped with re-entrant intestinal cannulas.
INFLUENCE OF BODY WEIGHT AND CHANGES IN BODY WEIGHT OF THE COW ON PREWEANING TRAITS OF THE CALF
Authors: RAHNEFELD G. W. , PARKER R. J. , YODSERANEE S. , STRINGAM E. W.
Published: March 2010

This study was designed to estimate and evaluate environmental factors affecting birth weight, weaning weight and preweaning average daily gain (ADG) of purebred Shorthorn calves from the control line of a selection experiment. Nine years of data consisted of 635 birth weight and 607 weaning weight records. Least squares analysis of variance revealed that sex of the calf was the most important source of variation: males averages 2.31 kg heavier at birth, were 14.3 kg heavier at weaning and gained 0.08 kg more per day from birth to weaning than females. Heavier cows in June, October, and December prior to parturition and at parturition produced heavier calves at birth. Heavier cows in October prior to parturition, at parturition, and in June or October following parturition produced calves which grew more rapidly from birth to weaning and were heavier at weaning. There was no apparent effect of cow weight changes before or after parturition on preweaning traits. Correlations of birth weight with weaning weight, preweaning ADG and cow weight at parturition were 0.56 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.04 and 0.24 ± 0.04 respectively. Correlations of weaning weight and preweaning average daily gain with cow weights at parturition were 0.42 ± 0.04 and 0.40 ± 0.04. Correlations among cow weights in June, October, and December prior to parturition, at parturition, and in June and October following parturition were estimated.
ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS OF BACKFAT THICKNESS AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS ON THE WARM PORK CARCASS AND COMPARISONS OF RULER AND ULTRASONIC PROCEDURES
Authors: FORTIN A. , SIM D. W. , TALBOT S.
Published: March 2010

Two hundred and fifty-six warm pork carcasses selected on the rail in a commercial abattoir were utilized to evaluate differences in backfat thickness at various anatomical locations and positions as measured with an ultrasonic device and to compare the ultrasonic measurements taken along the mid-line with the corresponding ruler measurements. Ultrasonic backfat measurements were made at the mid-line, and 2.5 and 5.0 cm off the mid-line over the last rib and at four positions posterior and five positions anterior to the last rib at 5-cm intervals. Ruler measurements of backfat thickness were only taken at the same 10 mid-line positions as the ultrasonic measurements. Areas of minimal variation in dorsal fat thickness were identified. The correlation between ruler and ultrasonic measures varied from 0.82 to 0.93 depending on the position, with the ultrasonic value consistently lower than the corresponding ruler value. The relationship between backfat thickness and warm carcass weight was positive and linear.
THE INCIDENCE OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS AND RELATED PATHOGENS IN TWO LINES OF DAIRY CATTLE
Authors: BATRA T. R.
Published: March 2010

The California Mstitis Test (CMT) was done on 6609 and 4206 quarter samples from Holstein and synthetic Ayrshire based lines of cows, respectively to study the effects of line, parity, month of freshening, and month of lactation. CMT scores for individual quarters were coded from 1 to 5 and transformed to log scale to normalize the distribution. Individual quarters were considered positive if they scored either CMT2 or CMT3. A cow was considered positive if one or more of her quarters were positive. The incidence of subclinical mastitis as judged by CMT score was similar in both lines, and older cows were much more apt to be positive to the mastitis-screening test than younger cows. The incidence of positive quarters was higher for the cows calving during summer months, and there was an increase in the CMT score in the later months of the lactation period. Microorganisms were isolated from 21.5, 31.5, 42.3, and 53.0% of the samples showing a CMT reaction of trace, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Klebsiella was found in 40.5% of the samples and Streptococcus was isolated in 36.8% of the samples. Other organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (14.9%), and coliform (6.4%).
DYSPROSIUM, CERIUM AND CHROMIUM MARKER DETERMINATION BY INSTRUMENTAL NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
Authors: KENNELLY J.J. , TURNER B.V. , AHERNE F.X. , APPS M.J.
Published: March 2010

An instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) procedure has been developed for the measurement of dysprosium (Dy), cerium (Ce) and chromium (Cr) using the Canadian SLOWPOKE nuclear reactor. These elements were included in animal feed at 25 ppm, 61 ppm and 0.34%, respectively. Concentrations in feed and digesta samples were determined by measuring, with a Ge(Li) detector coupled to a 4096 multichannel analyzer, the radioactivity induced by neutron irradiation. Quantitative analysis procedures based on 165mDy (half-life:T1/2 = 1.26 min), 51Cr (T1/2 = 27.8 days) and 141Ce (T1/2 = 32.6 days) were developed after a study of the major contributions to induced background activity in both feed and fecal materials. For short irradiations, 28Al is the dominant induced background activity; for longer irradiations (> 2 h), 38Cl, 56Mn and 24Na dominate. Inert markers with radioisotopes of half-lives less than several minutes (165mDy) or longer than several days (51Cr and 141Ce) are most amenable to instrumental analysis. The application of the methods developed to routine analysis is discussed from the viewpoint of sample throughput and analysis time.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DURATION OF ESTRUS AND PROLIFICACY IN CROSSBRED EWES
Authors: DALLY MARTIN R. , HOHENBOKEN WILLIAM
Published: March 2010

The regression of prolificacy on duration of estrus was positive in 18-mo and positive after 18 h in 30-mo-old ewes. Ewes bearing twins were in estrus longer than ewes bearing singles. The relationship was not strong enough, however, to allow accurate prediction of prolificacy from estrous duration.
A PROGRAMMABLE MACHINE TO DISPENSE PREDETERMINED AMOUNTS OF PELLETED DIETS
Authors: TURNER B. V. , KERRIGAN B. , KENNEDY P. M. , OLDHAM J. D.
Published: March 2010

A programmable machine, designed to deliver a pelleted diet from a hopper in independent amounts to six sheep, is described. For commercial alfalfa pellets, the machine dispensed 1.57 g per second of operation over a range of 3–70 sec, with an average standard deviation of 1.71 g.
DISAPPEARANCE OF PROGESTERONE FROM THE SERUM OF NEONATAL PIGS
Authors: PARKER R.O. , DUNN T.G. , KALTENBACH C.C.
Published: March 2010

Blood samples were drawn from three piglets in each of 10 litters immediately at birth (0 h) and at 6, 12, and 24 h after birth. Progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. At birth, neonatal pig progesterone was 6.3 ± 1.4 ng/mL of serum. By 6 h, serum-progesterone levels dropped (P < 0.05) to 1.6 ± ng/mL. Progesterone levels were 0.9 ± 0.1 ng/mL at 12 h and 0.6 ± 0.7 ng/mL at 24 h; levels at these times were similar to each other but lower (P < 0.05) than 6-h levels.
CROSSES OF THREE EXOTIC AND THREE BRITISH BREEDS: PERFORMANCE IN TWO ENVIRONMENTS OF TWO-YEAR-OLD COWS AND THEIR CALVES
Authors: LAWSON J. E. , FREDEEN H. T. , NEWMAN J. A. , RAHNEFELD G. W.
Published: March 2010

The 1150 heifers compared were Hereford-Angus (HA), and those sired by Simmental (S), Charolais (C), and Limousin (L) out of Hereford (H), Angus (A), and Shorthorn (N) dams. They were bred to Beefmaster and Red Angus bulls under range (Manyberries, Alta.) and farm-type (Brandon, Man.) conditions. The HA heifers were the lightest at 18 mo and 30 mo, and along with LH and LA were the lightest at 24 mo. Also, HA had the shortest gestation period and, along with LN and LA, progeny with the lightest birth weights. Progeny of all breed crosses surpassed the HA progeny in weaning weight, although only the three S crosses and the LN exceeded them in weaning weight ratio. Progeny of SN had the heaviest weaning weight and the highest weaning weight ratio. Reproduction and calving traits did not differ among crosses. Cows at Brandon were lighter at 18 mo, but heavier at 24 and 30 mo and produced calves that were 7.3% heavier at weaning than those at Manyberries. Beefmaster-sired calves were carried 3.2 days longer, were heavier at birth (9.4%) and weaning (5.7%), and had 10.4% more assisted births and more calf deaths at calving (7.6% vs. 3.4%) than Red Angus-sired calves. Evaluations continue.
ERYTHROCYTE FRAGILITY IN "DOUBLE-MUSCLED" CATTLE
Authors: BASARAB J. A. , BERG R. T. , THOMPSON J. R.
Published: March 2010

Osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was determined on heparinized whole blood, sampled from a group of 95 cattle consisting of 73 normal animals from three breed groups and 22 animals showing varying degrees of the double-muscling (DM) trait. Four age groups and two sex groups were sampled from each breed group. Mean corpuscular fragility (MCF) values (the NaCl equivalence producing 50% hemolysis) were interpolated from a fragility curve derived for each animal. The DM breed group had significantly increased erythrocyte fragility as compared to the other breed groups. As animal age increased, the fragility of the erythrocytes was significantly decreased. Sex did not appear to influence erythrocyte fragility. Erythrocyte fragility was also related to the degree of phenotypic expression of the DM trait. Phenotypically extreme DM cattle had increased erythrocyte fragility as compared to phenotypically moderate- to normal-muscled animals of the DM group. Erythrocyte fragility in two of the other breed groups overlapped into the erythrocyte fragility range of the phenotypically moderate- to normal-muscled animals of the DM group, while the remaining breed group showed a decreased erythrocyte fragility. This overlapping provides adequate grounds for the rejection of the erythrocyte osmotic fragility test used in this study as a means of unequivocal identification of DM carriers in cattle. Despite the rejection of this test as a means of carrier detection, the suggestion that DM cattle may have a "generalized membrane defect" is still considered valid.
PROGESTERONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE CONCENTRATION IN SERUM OF PREGNANT GILTS ON DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FEED CONSUMPTION
Authors: DYCK G. W. , PALMER W. M. , SIMARAKS S.
Published: March 2010

Blood serum progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined in 31 Lacombe gilts at a 3- to 4-day interval from 10 to 56 days of pregnancy. They were fed 1.50 (L), 2.25 (M) or 3.00 (H) kg of a 16% protein diet/day and had average daily gains of 0.16 ± 0.02 (SE), 0.36 ± 0.02 and 0.60 ± 0.02 kg/day, respectively. All gilts were slaughtered between 59 and 61 days of pregnancy. The treatments had no effect on the number of corpora lutea (13.9 ± 0.4 CL), number of fetuses (10.8 ± 0.6), fetal survival (78.3 ± 3.7%) or mean fetal weight (122 ± 3 g). The gilts on the H level of feeding had heavier (P < 0.05) ovaries (18.4 ± 0.8 g) than those of the L (15.6 ± 0.7 g) or M (15.6 ± 0.8 g) treatment groups. Serum P concentration declined during the blood collection period (b = −0.12, −0.06 and −0.09 for the L, M and H groups, respectively). Serum P concentrations also were different (P < 0.01) for each treatment group (L, 16.7 ± 0.3; M, 13.8 ± 0.03; and H, 11.8 ± 0.3 ng/mL). The serum LH concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for the M gilts (0.63 ± 0.05 ng/mL) than for the L (0.37 ± 0.04 ng/mL) or H (0.47 ± 0.05 ng/mL) gilts. Significant correlations were observed among the number of fetuses, number of CL, ovarian weight and P for the L gilts, and the number of fetuses and CL for the M gilts. These results suggest that growth rate is a major contributor to differences in blood P and LH concentrations during pregnancy and that the animal adjusts its P and LH production to its specific requirements for the maintenance of pregnancy.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF PROTEINS USED IN CALF MILK REPLACERS TO HYDROLYSIS BY VARIOUS PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES
Authors: JENKINS K. J. , MAHADEVAN S. , EMMONS D. B.
Published: March 2010

An in vitro study was conducted to assess the hydrolytic susceptibility of various milk and non-milk proteins (soybean, rapeseed, fish) used in calf milk replacers to endogenous and commercial proteolytic enzymes. Extent of protein hydrolysis (%) was calculated from the reduced amount of protein precipitated by 10% trichloroacetic acid following enzyme treatment. All of the enzymes tested hydrolyzed the milk proteins more extensively than the non-milk proteins both at their optimum pH, and at the pH (6.1) of calf abomasal contents immediately after feeding. At both optimum pH and pH 6.1, the highest average hydrolysis value for all protein substrates was obtained with pronase followed by papain, trypsin, pancreatin, chymotrypsin, Mucor miehei rennet andchymosin (calf rennet). All substrates were hydrolyzed extensively by pepsin at pH 2.0 but, as expected, very little hydrolysis occurred with this enzyme atpH6.1.
APPARENT DIGESTIBILITY OF TOWER AND CANDLE RAPESEED MEALS BY HOLSTEIN BULL CALVES
Authors: SHARMA H. R. , INGALLS J. R. , DEVLIN T. J.
Published: March 2010

Four Holstein bull calves, 18–20 wk of age and averaging 190 kg were used to determine the apparent digestibility of soybean meal (SBM), Tower and Candle rapeseed meals (RSM). Diets containing the RSM were lower (P < 0.05) in dry matter (DM) digestibility than the SBM diet. Apparent digestibilities of DM, acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and energy were not different (P > 0.05) among the three oil meals. However, the rapeseed meals tended to result in lower DM and energy digestibilities compared to that of the SBM sample. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the SBM than the Candle RSM and similar to Tower RSM. However, the data would suggest that the differences in apparent protein digestion coefficients are due to differences in protein contents of the experimental diets and the daily N consumption by the calves.
DIGESTIBILITY OF PEA PROTEINS BY PRE-RUMINANT CALVES
Authors: BHATTY R. S. , CHRISTISON G. I.
Published: March 2010

Two milk replacers, formulated to provide one-half the dietary protein from either pea protein concentrate (PPC) or pea protein isolate (PPI), were compared with a milk replacer based on reconstituted skim milk (SM). The milk replacers were fed to pre-ruminant Holstein-Friesian calves aged 3–23 days and dry matter and protein digestibilities were determined. The mean protein digestibilities of the SM (control) and PPI milk replacer were 84.0 and 75.4%, respectively (the difference was not statistically significant), and were greatly superior to that of the PPC milk replacer (47.5%). The PPC contained, on dry matter basis, 61.2% protein, 5.5% starch and 9.8% total sugars. The sugars detected were sucrose (3.7%), raffinose (1.5%), stachyose (3.3%) and verbascose (2.5%). The PPI contained 92.8% protein and less than 1.0% starch or total sugars; the only sugar detected was sucrose (0.7%). Lactose was the only sugar present in SM. Although other factors cannot be ruled out, it was concluded that starch and oligosaccharides were mainly responsible for the poor digestibility of the pea proteins in the PPC milk replacer.
EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL FORM OF CORN AND UREA SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MALE HOLSTEIN CALVES
Authors: VEIRA D. M. , MACLEOD G. K.
Published: March 2010

Diets of corn and corn silage (80:20 dry matter (DM) basis) were fed to 48 male Holstein calves in an experiment of 2 × 2 factorial design to evaluate the effect of rolling or grinding corn and of the addition of 0 or 1.2% urea. The calves were fed for 105 days and had an initial weight of 92.6 kg. The physical form of the corn had no effect on performance of the calves. The inclusion of urea increased dietary protein from9.5to 12.8% and growth rate (P < 0.05) from 0.72 to 1.06 kg/day and improved feed efficiency (P < 0.05) from 4.68 to 3.69 kg feed DM/kg gain. Digestibilities of DM and N were increased by urea supplementation (P < 0.05) but not affected by the physical form of the corn (P > 0.05). In a subsequent experiment, the effects of physical form of corn and urea supplementation on rumen volatile fatty acids and ammonia and plasma urea were examined in calves. The physical form of the corn had no effect (P > 0.05), whereas urea supplementation increased rumen ammonia (P < 0.05) and reduced pH (P < 0.05). The only volatile fatty acids affected by treatments were propionate and butyrate which were increased (P < 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.05), respectively, on the urea-ground corn combination. The results indicate that with 100- to 200-kg growing calves, rolled or ground corn was equally well-utilized when fed with 20% corn silage and that with urea as the only supplementary source of N, growth rates of 1 kg/day were achieved.
INFLUENCE OF METHODS OF CONSERVATION ON FEEDING VALUE OF HIGH MOISTURE BARLEY FED TO DAIRY STEERS
Authors: FLIPOT PAUL , PELLETIER GHISLAIN
Published: March 2010

Thirty-two Holstein steers averaging 369 kg were used to evaluate the feeding value of high moisture barley (HMB). The HMB was harvested at 74.8–77.8% dry matter and ensiled whole in a concrete silo, or was treated with paraformaldehyde or organic acid mixture (propionic 80%, acetic 15% and benzoic acids 5%), and stored on a barn floor. Dry barley (DB) was harvested from the same field at a moisture level of 13.4%. Steers were fed barley ad libitum plus grass silage at the rate of 1.0% of body weight. At feeding, the dry matter content of the DB and HMB was higher than at harvesting. Total nitrogen was higher (P < 0.05) in ensiled HMB and paraformaldehyde-treated HMB compared to DB and organic-acid-mixture-treated HMB. Soluble nitrogen was reduced (P < 0.05) by the paraformaldehyde treatment. Cellulose was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by any treatments. Daily gain, dry matter intake, feed efficiency, rib eye area, fat over 12th rib, 12th rib fat, bone and muscle were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the different treatments. Carcass yields were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for steers fed DB and ensiled HMB compared to those fed paraformaldehyde- and organic-acid-treated HMB.
ALFALFA FED AS FORMIC-ACID-TREATED SILAGE, DEHYDRATED PELLETS OR HAY IN MIXED RATIONS WITH CORN SILAGE FOR LACTATING COWS
Authors: LESSARD J. R. , FISHER L. J.
Published: March 2010

Alfalfa was conserved as formic-acid-treated silage, dehydrated and pelleted forage and as field-cured hay, and used with and without corn silage for a digestibility trial with sheep. Digestibility of dry matter (DM) was higher for hay than for dehydrated forage but not higher than for silage. Crude protein digestibility was higher for silage and for hay than for dehydrated alfalfa. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility was lowest on dehydrated forage while hemicellulose digestibility was highest. The inclusion of corn silage in the diets increased digestibilities of DM, energy, hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) but decreased crude protein, and ADF digestibilities. A feeding trial using 20 lactating cows in a four-period changeover design compared silage, hay and dehydrated alfalfa, each in combination with corn silage as forage sources. A corn silage control was also used. Concentrate was fed at a ratio of 1 kg for each 4 kg of milk produced. Cows fed hay or pellets consumed more forage DM than cows fed only silages, but milk production was the same for the three alfalfa sources. Milk fat content was depressed by 0.5 percentage units in the milk of cows fed pellets. Efficiency of utilization of digestible energy (DE) and protein for milk production was higher for the alfalfa silage treatment than for hay or pellets. A lower acetic acid and a higher propionic acid concentration was measured in the rumen fluid of cows fed pellets than for cows.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DIETARY PROTEIN ON PLASMA 5α-ANDROSTENONE CONCENTRATIONS IN YOUNG BOARS
Authors: GOWAN V. R. , NARENDRAN R. , ETCHES R. J.
Published: March 2010

Nineteen individually-penned Yorkshire boars, averaging 23 kg, were used to evaluate the effect of feeding 15, 17, 19 and 21% crude protein diets on plasma 5α-androstenone concentrations up to 100 kg liveweight. Although the protein levels significantly (P < 0.01) affected cumulative weight gain, the results indicated that the dietary protein concentration had no effect on plasma concentrations of 5α-androstenone.