bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF MONENSIN AND RYEGRASS STRAW ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FEEDLOT LAMBS
Authors: SHQUEIR A. A. , THOMAS D. L. , KENNICK W. H.
Published: March 2010

Sixty single-reared lambs sired by Hampshire rams were used to study the effects of monensin and ryegrass straw on feedlot performance. Two levels of monensin (0 and 27.5 ppm) and two levels of ryegrass straw (0 and 25%) were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Each of the four pelleted diets was fed ad libitum to 15 lambs. Monensin-fed lambs had lower (P < 0.10) feed intakes, smaller (P < 0.05) loin eye areas and higher (P < 0.10) carcass quality grades than lambs not fed monensin. Although the difference was not significant (P > 0.10), monensin-fed lambs also had improved feed efficiencies over lambs not fed monensin. Crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber digestibilities of the diets were increased by the addition of monensin. Lambs fed ryegrass straw had lower (P < 0.01) average daily carcass gains, lower (P < 0.10) carcass quality grades, lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentages and smaller (P < 0.10) loin eye areas than lambs not fed ryegrass straw. Diet total digestible nutrients and dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract digestibilities were reduced (P < 0.05) when ryegrass straw was present. Key words: Sheep, feedlot lambs, ryegrass straw, monensin
PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF CULL DAIRY COWS GIVEN TESTOSTERONE-ESTRADIOL IMPLANTS
Authors: JONES S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-eight cull dairy cows of similar physiological age were fed an alfalfa silage, high-moisture corn ration to appetite once daily for 70 days. At the start of the trial, 14 cows were implanted with a growth promotant (Synovex H). All animals maintained a high rate of gain during the feeding period (1.19 kg/day), but there were no differences between implanted and nonimplanted cows both for feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Key words: Cull cows, implant, growth
EFFECT OF PREINCUBATION WARMING ON THE HATCHABILITY OF HENS EGGS FROM NORMAL AND SEMIDWARF PARENTAL GENOTYPES
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W.
Published: March 2010

Eggs (9120) were collected from two maternal genotypes to estimate the effects on hatchability of preincubation exposure to 38 °C for periods ranging from 0 to 7 h. Eggs from one genotype exhibited an increase in hatchability when exposed to 38 °C for 5 h. In a second experiment, exposure of eggs from two genotypes to 38 °C for 0, 5, 6 and 7 h resulted in a genotype × heat treatment interaction for hatchability. Key words: preincubation warming, hatchability, chicken eggs, meat parent genotypes, semidwarf genotypes
COMPARISON OF FINNISH AND CANADIAN AYRSHIRE PROVEN BULLS
Authors: LEE A. J. , BURNSIDE E. B. , SMITH G. C. , KENNEDY B. W. , CHICOINE R.
Published: March 2010

Semen from four Finnish and four Canadian progeny-tested Ayrshire bulls was used to breed cows and heifers in 50 cooperating Ayrshire herds in Quebec and Ontario in 1972 through 1974. Among the 690 calvings, 2.5% were stillbirths, 2.0% were difficult, 1.1% were malpresentations and 11.4% were unobserved. The percent easy calving among live births was 97% with no significant difference between bull groups or sex of calf. Male calves average 36.4 kg at birth compared with 34.7 kg for females. In the Quebec data, 69% of calvings were to the first service, 23.7% to the second service and 7.2% to a third or later service with no significant difference between bull groups. Heart girth and withers height before calving averaged 164 cm and 119 cm, respectively, in Quebec herds at an average age of 24.6 mo. In Ontario herds, heart girth and withers height after calving averaged 177 cm and 126 cm, respectively, at an average age of 31.6 mo. Taped weight at first calving averaged 420 kg in Quebec herds. None of the measurements of growth showed significant (P > 0.05) differences between groups, although there were significant (P < 0.05) differences among bulls within group. BCA milk and fat averaged 141 and 139, respectively, with a 4.1 ± 3.5 and 4.5 ± 3.3 BCA superiority for Canadian sires in milk and fat, but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Mature equivalent protein yield in Quebec heifers averaged 180 kg with a superiority of 10.0 ± 8.5 kg for Canadian sires. Differences between the Finnish and Canadian bulls tested for calving ease, growth and lactation performance were not significant. For conformation, Canadian-sired heifers scored significantly higher (P < 0.05) for final score and all 10 scorecard components and were significantly (P < 0.05) larger, taller, more stylish and more rapid in milking out. No evidence was found to justify extensive use of Finnish Ayrshire bulls in the Canadian population. Key words: Dairy cattle, Ayrshire, Finnish, Canadian, Sire comparison
THE EFFECT OF FOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF FLUORESCENT LIGHT ON GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, PINEAL WEIGHT AND RETINAL MORPHOLOGY OF YORKSHIRE GILTS
Authors: WHEELHOUSE R. K. , HACKER R. R.
Published: March 2010

Fifty-seven, 110-day-old Yorkshire gilts were housed in 16 basement pens to study the effect of four types of fluorescent light upon growth, puberty, ovulation rate, fetal number, fetal sex ratio, pineal weight and the retina. Gilts exposed to red light achieved puberty later (P < 0.01) and at heavier weights (P < 0.05) than gilts exposed to cool white light, full spectrum daylight, or ultraviolet light. Each gilt was exposed to a photoperiod of 16 h of one light source, with 8 h of darkness daily. Average weights and ages at puberty were 104.5, 99.9, 99.7 and 97.7 kg and 192.1, 177.2, 181.5 and 179.9 days, respectively. Heavier pineal glands (P < 0.05) were also observed in the gilts exposed to red light, indicating that a heavier pineal gland may be associated with delayed puberty. In addition, there was a significant trend (P < 0.01) across all treatments for the older animals to have heavier pineal glands at slaughter. Significant differences attributable to the four lighting treatments were not noted in average daily gain or feed efficiency. When the gilts were slaughtered, at not earlier than day 40 of gestation, no significant differences were found in ovulation rate, fetal number and fetal sex ratio between treatments. A histological investigation of the retina from the gilts did not reveal detectable damage due to the ultraviolet light or other light treatments. It is concluded that the gilts were responsive to those regions of the light spectrum below red. Cool white fluorescent light appears to be the most economical fluorescent lighting for maintaining optimum growth and reproductive performance in the breeding herd. Key words: Light spectrum, photoperiod, growth, puberty, pineal gland, retina
UTILIZATION OF LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) MUKA (FOLIAGE) BY SHEEP
Authors: TAIT R. M. , GASTON C. , HUNT J. R. , BARTON G. M.
Published: March 2010

Eight sheep were used in two 4 × 4 latin square digestion trials substituting alfalfa meal with unsteamed or steamed muka (foliage) at levels of 20, 40 or 60%. Including muka at all levels depressed (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and acid detergent fiber compared with the control alfalfa meal diet. When calculated by difference, the digestibility of muka dry matter and organic matter was not affected (P < 0.05) by either the level of its inclusion in the diets or by steaming. The mean dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of muka were 29.2 and 30.4%, respectively. The protein content of muka was 5.0% and the estimated protein digestibility at the 60% level of inclusion was only 6.6%. With unsteamed muka, the digestibility of acid detergent fiber calculated by difference averaged −11.9%, suggesting the presence of factors which depressed the digestibility of fiber in the basal diet. Steaming appeared to reduce this depression. A growth trial was conducted with lambs where alfalfa meal, as the sole roughage source, was compared to the same diet with 20% of the alfalfa replaced by steamed muka. Growth rates were not different (P > 0.05) being 142 and 138 g/day, respectively. A taste panel evaluation of the carcasses found no adverse effects on flavor due to the inclusion of steamed muka in the diet. Key words: Lodgepole pine muka, nutritive value, sheep
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUNTARY INTAKE AND THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FORAGES
Authors: SEOANE J. R. , CÔTÉ M. , VISSER S. A.
Published: March 2010

Twenty male sheep (38.4 ± 0.2 kg body weight) were used to study physical and chemical properties of hays affecting voluntary intake. Of the eight forages studied, four were pure cultivars and four were mixed hays obtained from local farmers. Packed volume, water retention and dry matter (DM) solubility were determined in samples either chopped (as fed) or ground (20 mesh). Packed volume and DM solubility of the ground samples were highly correlated with voluntary intake values for each hay (r = −0.97 and r = 0.94 for packed volume and DM solubility, respectively, n = 8, P < 0.01). The intake of each sheep could also be predicted, although less accurately, from DM solubility values (r = 0.87, n = 40, P < 0.01). The soluble fraction contained mainly nitrogen, simple sugars and minerals. The significance of bulk volume and solubility of hays in the physiological mechanism controlling voluntary intake is discussed. Key words: Forage evaluation, forage intake, sheep
THE EFFECT OF TREATING COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS PELLETS WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE AND MONENSIN ON FORAGE UTILIZATION AND GROWTH OF BEEF CALVES
Authors: UTLEY P. R. , McCORMICK W. C. , HELLWIG R. E. , BUTLER J. L.
Published: March 2010

Coastal bermudagrass forage was harvested, treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and (or) monensin, processed into pellets and fed to growing calves. Calves fed bermudagrass pellets that contained monensin gained 12.7% faster (P < 0.05), consumed 1.6% less feed per day (P > 0.05) and required 12.3% less feed per unit of gain (P < 0.05) than control animals. Calves fed NaOH-treated bermudagrass pellets gained 6.1% faster (P > 0.05), consumed 6.4% less feed per day (P < 0.05) and required 11.5% less feed per unit of gain (P > 0.05) than control animals. Treating the forage with the combination of NaOH and monensin resulted in rates of gain similar to the control and NaOH treatment but 17.5% less (P < 0.05) than animals fed monensin-treated forage. Feed intake and feed utilization values for calves fed the NaOH plus monensin-treated forage were intermediate to those obtained with the two treatments used separately. The addition of monensin to dehydrated bermudagrass pellets did not affect (P > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of the forage. The addition of NaOH to the forage meal before pelleting increased the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the bermudagrass. Treating the forage with a combination of NaOH and monensin before pelleting resulted in digestibility values similar to those obtained from the NaOH treatment without monensin. Key words: Bermudagrass pellets, sodium hydroxide, monensin, forage utilization
EVALUATION OF MEADOWFOAM (Limnanthes alba) MEAL AS A FEEDSTUFF FOR SHEEP
Authors: THROCKMORTON J. C. , CHEEKE P. R. , CHURCH D. C. , HOLTAN D. W. , JOLLIFF G. D.
Published: March 2010

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate meadowfoam meal (MFM) as a protein supplement for sheep. In exp. 1, a digestion trial was conducted with 49-kg wethers to compare raw and steam-cooked (SC) MFM with cottonseed meal (CSM). Apparent digestibility of energy, dry matter and crude protein of the raw MFM diet was reduced (P < 0.01) by 4, 6 and 8%, respectively, compared with CSM. Acid detergent fiber and ash digestibility were greatly reduced by 52 and 55% compared with CSM. Steam cooking caused additional (nonsignificant) reductions of all values except fiber and ash. In exp. 2, a growth trial was conducted with 20-kg wethers comparing diets in which raw MFM replaced 50–100% of the CSM in the control diet. Liveweight gain and feed efficiency were increased at least 20% over CSM at either replacement level. The results suggest that reduced digestibility of fiber and ash protected MFM protein from ruminal degradation, thus allowing larger and more efficient gains. In exp. 3, a finishing trial was conducted with 37-kg wethers comparing MFM and CSM as the supplemental protein source. There were no differences in weight gain, feed efficiency or backfat thickness, but a slight improvement was observed in dressing percentage (P < 0.05) of lambs fed the MFM diet. Histological evaluation of thyroid, liver and kidney showed no specific changes due to MFM feeding. In exp. 4, ewes consumed raw MFM at a level equal to that in exp. 3 during the last 7–9 wk of pregnancy; no differences (P > 0.05) in serum thyroid hormone values were found between treatment and controls. However, two of seven ewes on the MFM diet gave birth to lambs showing signs of goiter. The results of these experiments indicate that raw MFM is a satisfactory protein supplement for growing lambs when used at moderate levels, but should not be fed to pregnant ewes until further research can resolve the problem of goiter development in newborn lambs. Key words: Sheep, meadowfoam, Limnanthes, digestibility
INFLUENCE OF DIETARY ANTIBIOTICS ON NITROGEN, AMINO ACID AND ENERGY DIGESTION BY RATS AND ADULT ROOSTERS
Authors: CAMPBELL L. D. , EGGUM B. O. , WOLSTRUP J.
Published: March 2010

The influence of antibiotics (a 2:1 mixture of bacitracin and neomycin sulfate at 0.7% of the diet) on the availability of energy from barley-fishmeal-based diets was assessed using rats and adult roosters. Changes in estimates of protein quality, as influenced by dietary antibiotics were also determined in the study with rats. Gut biomass content was estimated by measuring the content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in gut samples of rats and fresh excreta samples of roosters. Antibiotic addition to the diet significantly (P < 0.01) reduced apparent digestible energy in rats and tended to reduce the true metabolizable energy measured with roosters. Biological value of the protein for rats was increased significantly (P < 0.01) by antibiotics as were net protein utilization values even though true digestibility of protein was decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The availability of some amino acids (e.g. histidine) showed a marked depression (12.1 percentage units) when antibiotics were added to the diet while others were not influenced (e.g. lysine and methionine) or markedly (7.6 percentage units) increased (e.g. alanine). The extent of microbial activity, which was shown to be markedly higher in the hindgut of rats fed no antibiotics as compared to rats fed antibiotics, may have contributed to the positive influence of antibiotic feeding on biological value of dietary protein and to the changes noted in excretion of amino acids by rats and roosters. Key words: Antibiotics, Nitrogen, amino acids, energy, rats, rosters
GROWTH OF RANGE CATTLE PROTECTED FROM HORN FLIES (Haematobia irritans) BY EAR TAGS IMPREGNATED WITH FENVALERATE
Authors: HAUFE W. O.
Published: March 2010

An experiment was conducted on a ranch to evaluate the efficacy of polyvinyl ear tags impregnated with fenvalerate to control horn flies and to improve growth of steers on range. An experimental tag, weighing 10.8 g and containing 7.2% fenvalerate by weight, was attached to each ear of yearling steers when they were moved to summer range in May. The tags were evaluated in combination with zeranol implanted as a growth stimulant during a 115-day grazing period. Release of fenvalerate from the tags kept a treated group of animals completely fly-free. At the end of the experiment, liveweight gain due to slow release of fenvalerate was increased by 18.5% for implanted and 17.7% for unimplanted animals. Increases due to zeranol implants were 7.1% for animals protected and 6.3% for those unprotected from horn flies. No statistical evidence was found for interaction between responses to the impregnated ear tags and growth stimulator implants in increasing the rate of gain in weight of the steers on pasture. The results of this experiment under ranching conditions corresponded closely with basic measurements on the impact of horn flies on productivity of cattle in a model for host-parasite regulation. Key words: Cattle, flies, ear tags, Haematobia irritans, fenvalerate
EFFECT OF DIETARY CONCENTRATE LEVEL ON RUMEN FLUID DILUTION RATE
Authors: GOETSCH A. L. , GALYKAN M. L.
Published: March 2010

Rumen fermentation, and rumen fluid dilution rate as influenced by 75% (75C) or 25% (25C) concentrate diets fed at the same level of energy intake was studied with four steers. Rumen pH was lower (P < 0.05) in steers fed 75C. Liquid flow rate and liquid turnover time were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding 25C. Key words: Liquid dilution rate, fermentation, concentrate level
METHOD FOR PREVENTING CLOTTING OF WHOLE MILK AND MILK REPLACER BY CHYMOSIN IN CALF ABOMASUM
Authors: JENKINS K. J. , EMMONS D. B.
Published: March 2010

Treatment of whole milk or milk replacer with pancreatin for 1 h at 39 °C before feeding to young calves prevented chymosin-casein clotting of the diets in the abomasum. This procedure should be a useful tool for determing the importance of milk clotting to digestion in the preruminant calf. Key words: Calf, clotting, milk replacer
TANNIN AND FIBER CONTENTS OF RAPESEED AND CANOLA HULLS
Authors: MITARU B.N. , BLAIR R. , BELL J.M. , REICHERT R.D.
Published: March 2010

Hulls from rapeseed and canola seed were analyzed for tannins, and the ability of these tannins to inhibit α-amylase in vitro was determined. Extractable tannin content ranged from 0.02 to 0.22%. The α-amylase inhibition test showed zero values for rapeseed and canola hulls indicating the absence of tannins capable of inhibiting this enzyme. Key words: Tannins, polyphenolics, canola, hulls, fiber, lignin
RUMEN MOTILITY RESPONSES TO ADRENALINE AND NORADRENALINE AND ORGAN WEIGHTS OF WARM- AND COLD-ACCLIMATED SHEEP
Authors: GRAHAM A. D. , NICOL A. M. , CHRISTOPHERSON R. J.
Published: March 2010

The rumen motility responses to 2.5 h adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA) intrajugular infusions at 0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60 and 0.90 μg∙kg−1∙min−1 were studied in 10 shorn wethers which had been acclimated for 4–8 wk to either a warm (19–24 °C) or cold (8–13 °C) environment. Preinfusion rumen motility was not significantly influenced by acclimation temperature. Adrenaline infusions at the highest dose rates depressed motility in both warm-acclimated (WA) and cold-acclimated (CA) sheep and during the final 90 min of infusion the inhibition appeared greater in the WA sheep. Noradrenaline resulted in a depression of two contractions per hour in rumen motility of WA sheep but an increase of five contractions per hour in CA sheep. The results suggest that the CA sheep were resistent to the inhibitory effects of catecholamines on rumen motility. Six WA and six CA sheep were sacrificed and internal organs and gastrointestinal content weights were compared. Cold acclimation was associated with a significant increase in the weight of the liver, kidneys, reticulorumen and small intestine and of the content of the colon. Because CA sheep were fed 800 g more feed per day than WA sheep the effect of cold acclimation on organ and organ content weights cannot be separated from the effect that the increase in intake alone might have had. Key words: Adrenaline, noradrenaline, rumen motility, sheep, cold acclimation, organ weight
VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF SHREDDED NEWSPRINT BY DAIRY COWS
Authors: GRIEVE D. G. , BURTON J. H. , BRAUN H. E. , FRANK R.
Published: March 2010

Shredded newsprint is a potential source of bedding for livestock, but because it may contain certain heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls significant voluntary consumption of newsprint by animals would be undesirable. To determine consumption levels, 18 Holstein cows in mid-lactation (average 19 wk) were used in a double latin square design. Squares represented access to shredded newsprint or chopped hay in the feed manger except during feeding time. Within squares, cows were allotted to each of three complete mixed rations over three 6-wk treatment periods. Rations comprised hay crop silage, corn silage, high moisture grain corn and soybean meal with roughage:concentrate ratios of 30:70 (LR), 50:50 (MR) and 70:30 (HR). Mixed rations were fed according to individual cow requirements for energy depending on body weight, milk yield and milk fat percent. Cows were allowed 4 h after each of two feedings per day to consume their allotted mixed ration. Voluntary consumption of newsprint was only 0.3 kg per cow per day or 2% of total dry matter intake while for those offered hay consumption was 2.6 kg∙cow−1∙day−1 or 15% of total dry matter intake. Intakes of mixed rations were unaffected by roughage:concentrate ratio or newsprint versus hay. However, total dry matter consumption (mixed ration plus newsprint or hay) was higher for cows offered hay (17.3 kg∙cow−1∙day−1) than for those offered newsprint (15.1 kg∙cow−1∙day−1). Levels of heavy metals in milk or blood samples of cows with access to newsprint were within normally accepted ranges. PCBs were at undetectable levels in all cases. Bedding cows with newsprint is unlikely to result in significant consumption or contamination of animals or their products. Key words: Lactating cows, newsprint consumption, heavy metals
FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS COMPOSITION OF CULL COWS OF DIFFERENT AGES
Authors: GRAHAM W. C. , PRICE M. A.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of age on the feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of cull range cows. In the first experiment, 87 cull cows of three breed-types (Hereford, Beef Composite and Dairy Composite) and three age groups (young, intermediate and mature) were fed a grain diet for 0, 8 or 16 wk. Rate of gain was higher (P < 0.01) in the first than in the second 8 wk (1.80 vs. 1.13 kg−1∙head−1∙day−1). This was accompanied by an increase (P < 0.01) in feed:gain ratio (6.9 vs. 12.8). There were no significant differences among breeds or age groups in feedlot performance or carcass characteristics. Carcass weight increased with age (P < 0.01) and length (P < 0.01). When adjusted to a common carcass length, mature cows had smaller rib eye areas than the other cows. In the second experiment, 37 cull range cows of predominantly Angus breeding, and representing two age groups (young and mature) were used. Twenty-nine of these cows were fed a grain diet ad libitum for 8 wk before slaughter. Young cows gained 1.61 kg∙head−1∙day−1 compared with 1.29 kg∙head−1∙day−1 for the mature cows. The initial level of body fat had no apparent effect on subsequent feedlot performance. The 9th- 10th- 11th rib joints of the younger cows contained less bone (P < 0.01), and had higher muscle:bone ratios (P < 0.01) than those from the mature cows. Key words: Cull cows, feedlot performance, compensatory growth, carcass composition
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SORGHUM GRAIN FOR BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: HULAN H. W. , PROUDFOOT F. G.
Published: March 2010

Sorghum grain (SG) contained more crude protein (103.5 g/kg) and ash (17.0 g/kg) but less crude fiber (17.7 g/kg) and total lipid (22.6 g/kg) than corn. The SG contained 0.37% ± 0.02 tannin, had a higher apparent metabolizable energy value than corn or wheat and contained all of the amino acids considered essential for chickens at levels in general between those of corn and wheat. Two experiments were carried out to ascertain the nutritive value of SG as a partial replacement for corn and wheat in practical poultry diets using 320 male and 320 female Cobb chicks in each. Starter (finisher) diets fed from 0–21 days (22–42 days) contained the following levels of SG: 15 (19); 30 (39); 45 (58)%. The diets were isoenergic and isonitrogenous. The inclusion of up to 45% SG in the starter diet and up to 58% in the finisher diet had no significant effect on mortality, live body weight, feed conversion or percentage of grade A carcasses. Key words: Broiler chickens, sorghum grain, milo, diets
VALEUR ALIMENTAIRE DE L'ENSILAGE DE MAIS-LUZERNE POUR L'ALIMENTATION DES BOUVILLONS
Authors: FLIPOT PAUL , PAGE S. , LALANDE G.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-six Hereford steers were fed rations of corn silage, or corn silage plus 400 g∙head−1∙day−1 of soybean meal, or a mixture of corn and alfalfa silage (ratio 1:1 on a wet basis at ensiling). Alfalfa, when mixed with forage corn at ensiling, can be used as a protein supplement to replace a part of the soybean meal but corn silage alone may not be recommended. Key words: Ensilage, maïs-luzerne, bouvillons
THE EFFECT OF TOE CLIPPING AND REDUCED FEEDING TIME ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: PROUDFOOT F. G. , HULAN H. W.
Published: March 2010

An experiment involving 2000 broiler chickens grown to 49 days was designed to measure the performance of birds subjected to detoeing and restricting feeding time to 16 h per day commencing at 21, 28, 35 and 42 days. No beneficial effects resulted from detoeing. Body weights were reduced for males at 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days; however, these differences were significant (P < 0.05) only at 21, 28 and 35 days. Female body weights were reduced (P < 0.01) only at 21 days. Detoeing had no significant effect (P = 0.05) on carcass grades, mortality, or monetary returns. Although feed conversion up to 21 days tended to be enhanced, this advantage did not persist to 49 days. Reducing feeding time to 16 h/day had no significant (P = 0.05) effect on mortality, body weights, feed conversion, percent Grade A carcasses or monetary returns. Key words: Broiler chickens, toe clipping, feed restriction, feed denial
NURSING APPARATUS FOR NEONATAL PIGLETS
Authors: LEWIS NORA J. , HURNIK J. F. , GORDON D. J.
Published: March 2010

An artificial nursing apparatus was designed to simulate the major stimuli of sow-litter and piglet-litter relationships; warmth, tactile stimulation and social facilitation of feeding. The apparatus dispensed warm milk through nipples to a litter of piglets. Radiant heat location changes (timer-controlled heal lamps) and recorded now nursing vocalizations were used as discriminatory cues preceding the hourly milk delivery. Key words: Neonatal piglets, piglet behavior, artificial nursing, early weaning
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HORMONALLY TREATED SHEEP MAINTAINED YEAR-ROUND IN A CONTROLLED-LIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HACKETT A. J. , ROBERTSON H. A. , ROBERTSON H. A. , DWYER R. J. , WOLYNETZ M. S.
Published: March 2010

Six experiments were conducted on hormonally treated ewes maintained year-round in a controlled-light environment in a breeding program designed to produce three lamb crops in 2 yr. Various combinations of fluorogestone acetate (FGA), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) were used to synchronize estrus in the ewes. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in fertility between FGA- and PGF2α-treated ewes when the ewes were having cyclic ovarian activity (cycling) at the time of treatment, i.e. in January and May in our system. Among ewes in the constant day-length lighting regime, fertility was lower in September than in January or May. Prolificacy ranged from 1.7 to 2.0 in the six experiments. Fecundity, a measure of the overall productivity, followed a similar pattern to fertility and was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the various treatments. These findings demonstrated the feasibility of maintaining a controlled 8-mo breeding program for sheep maintained year-round in a controlled-light environment. Key words: Reproduction in sheep, controlled light, hormone treatment effects.
EFFECTS OF ERGOTAMINE TARTRATE ON GROWING CHICKENS
Authors: YOUNG J. CHRISTOPHER , MARQUARDT RON R.
Published: March 2010

The nutritional and toxicological effects of feeding ergotamine tartrate over the range of 0 to ca. 800 ppm in the diet to chickens were evaluated. In 7- to 10-day feeding trials with broiler and Leghorn chicks, 30–40 ppm of ergotamine tartrate in the diet did not alter feed consumption or weight gains. Pure alkaloid (at ca. 800 ppm) had only a slight effect on the feed:gain ratio, whereas 4% wheat ergot decreased the feed utilization efficiency twofold. Gross pathological effects in brain, liver, and muscle tissues were not observed, even at the highest (ca. 800 ppm) levels, although toe necrosis occurred at about 250 ppm. Hearts were enlarged in birds at or above 250 ppm, likely due to back pressure arising from vasoconstriction. In a 51-day trial with broilers, similar performance and pathological effects similar to those noted in the short-term studies were observed. Reduced weight gains were apparent only for the first 2–3 wk; thereafter, chicks maintained nearly constant average weights relative to control. Ergotamine tartrate did not accumulate in tissues and only when the highest levels were fed could trace amounts (< 10 ppb) be detected. About 5% of the alkaloid fed was excreted unchanged with an additional 15–20% detected as a complex mixture of 16 possible metabolites. Key words: Chickens, mycotoxins, ergot, ergotamine tartrate
EFFECTS OF GRADED DIETARY PROTEIN LEVELS ON UREA RECYCLING IN THE PIG
Authors: THACKER P. A. , BOWLAND J. P. , MILLIGAN L. P. , WELTZIEN E.
Published: March 2010

The kinetics of urea recycling were determined in six female crossbred pigs utilizing a radioisotope dilution technique. The experimental animals were fed three times daily 500 g of a corn-soybean meal diet formulated to contain 8.4, 15.8 or 24.7% crude protein. Nitrogen digestibility, urinary nitrogen excretion, total nitrogen excretion and retained nitrogen were highest on the 24.7% protein diet and decreased with decreasing dietary protein. Urea pool size, entry rate and excretion rate were also highest on the 24.7% protein diet and decreased with decreasing protein intake. Expressed as a percentage of the total entry rate, a significantly higher percentage of urea was recycled in pigs fed the low protein diets compared with those fed a higher protein diet. Key words: Pig, urea, recycling, kinetics, protein
A MODIFIED FLUOROMETRIC PROCEDURE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF L-TYROSINE IN PLASMA
Authors: SCHAEFER A. L. , KRISHNAMURTI C. R.
Published: March 2010

An enzymatic-fluorometric procedure for analyzing L-tyrosine in plasma is reported. Following the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to tyramine by the use of L-tyrosine decarboxylase (EC.4.1.1.25) the recovery of tyramine was found to be enhanced by modifying the extraction procedure and the fluorometric analysis. The application of this procedure in the analysis of L-tyrosine in ovine maternal and fetal blood is reported. Key words: L-tyrosine, plasma, enzymatic-fluorometric procedure
SELECTION OF PERFORATED FLOORS BY NEWBORN AND WEANLING PIGS
Authors: FARMER CHANTAL , CHRISTISON G. I.
Published: March 2010

Newborn and weanling pigs were offered pairwise choices of perforated floors of varied characteristics. Floor preferences were studied by time-lapse photography and by direct observation in a front creep area (for newborn pigs) and in flat decks (for weanlings). Plastic-coated expanded metal was most preferred (P < 0.05) by both newborn and weanling pigs, followed by perforated metal slats. Woven wire was selected least. Similar results were obtained from the overall ranking of each floor compared to all the other floors as from the pairwise comparisons of floors. Weanling pigs established floor preferences between 2 and 10 h after introduction to the pen. Social factors seemed to influence the lying location of weanlings when these animals were exposed to two floors that were close in the preference ranking. Newborn piglets showed clear preferences by 5 and 48 h after birth. The front creep area was used for lying less than 10% of the time in the first 12 h. The floor preference of young swine was correlated to friction, void:solid ratio and surface temperature of the floors. Traction was the single factor most highly correlated to floor preference by weanlings. Key words: Pigs, choice, floors, behavior, preference
RAPESEED OIL VERSUS COCONUT OIL AS A SOURCE OF FAT FOR LAMB MILK REPLACERS
Authors: HEANEY D. P. , SHRESTHA J. N. B. , PETERS H. F.
Published: March 2010

Artificially reared lambs were weaned from milk replacer (MR) at 21 days of age. Weaning weights and average daily gains were significantly (P < 0.01) depressed (7.6 and 18%, respectively) for lambs fed MR containing 12% rapeseed oil and 12% tallow compared with those fed a standard MR containing 12% coconut oil and 12% tallow. Lamb survival and MR dry matter consumption were similar for lambs fed the two diets. The results indicate that, under practical conditions, the use of rapeseed oil to provide half of the fat in lamb milk replacers causes a reduction in the performance of lambs artificially reared from birth. Key words: Artificial rearing, lambs, rapeseed oil
INFLUENCE OF BREED ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EWES TREATED WITH FLUOROGESTONE-ACETATE-IMPREGNATED INTRAVAGINAL SPONGE AND PREGNANT MARE'S SERUM GONADOTROPHIN DURING THE BREEDING SEASON
Authors: SHRESTHA J. N. B. , AINSWORTH L. , HEANEY D. P.
Published: March 2010

The influence of breed on the reproductive performance of 454 mature ewes treated with fluorogestone acetate (FGA)-impregnated intravaginal sponges and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) to induce synchronized estrus during the breeding season was studied from 1978 to 1980 at a single location under field conditions. Fertility and fecundity after breeding at the synchronized estrus were, respectively, 79 and 145% for Polled Dorset, 51 and 94% for Suffolk, and 65 and 113% for North Country Cheviot breeds. The fertility and fecundity of the Polled Dorset were significantly higher than those of the Suffolk, but the North Country Cheviot was not significantly different from Polled Dorset and Suffolk breeds. There was no significant difference among the breeds with respect to prolificacy. Significant year-to-year variation in fertility and fecundity, but not in prolificacy, was observed among breeds with respect to FGA-PMSG treatment at the synchronized estrus. We conclude that the use of FGA-impregnated intravaginal sponge and PMSG treatment with appropriate breeds of sheep may further enhance the reproductive outcome of breeding at the synchronized estrus during the breeding season. Key words: Breeds, sheep, FGA sponge, PMSG, reproduction
ANATOMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES OF THE STOMACH AND DUODENUM DURING A REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF FIRST-LITTER SOWS
Authors: PELLETIER G. , CHARBONNEAU P. , MORISSET J.
Published: March 2010

An experiment involving 84 crossbred (Yorkshire × Landrace) gilts was conducted to evaluate stomach and duodenal development during gestation, lactation and the postweaning period. Six nonmated and six bred gilts were slaughtered when bred animals reached 30, 70 and 110 days of gestation, 7, 14 and 28 days of lactation and 11 days postweaning. Total visceral mass and weights of the stomach and duodenum were recorded for each sow. DNA, RNA and protein levels of fundus mucosa and duodenum, gastric pepsin and duodenal maltase were determined in slaughtered gilts to monitor biochemical changes. Total visceral weight was unchanged during pregnancy but increased (P < 0.05) during lactation when compared to nonpregnant gilts. Weights of the empty stomach and duodenum remained constant during the reproductive cycle as did the level of duodenal maltase. Gastric pepsin activity increased (P < 0.05) twofold during the second half of lactation. Based on the levels of stomach and duodenal RNA, DNA and protein, there was no evidence of hypertrophy or hyperplasia of these organs during the reproductive cycle of first-litter sows. Key words: Reproductive cycle, first-litter sows, stomach, duodenum
INFLUENCE OF PROCESSING ON IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF RYE, CORN, BARLEY AND OATS
Authors: BUCKLEY K. E. , DEVLIN T. J.
Published: March 2010

Studies were conducted to determine the influence of processing waxy barley, normal barley, high fat oats, normal oats and corn on in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD). The processing treatments compared were dry ground, dry heated, ground reconstituted, reconstituted whole grain, grain steamed at 0 and 6.8 kg/cm2 and cooked grain. In addition to the previously mentioned treatments, corn was also popped and roasted. Processing had little effect on IVDMD of the oat and barley varieties although cooking at high moisture levels tended to be beneficial for all varieties. There were no differences in IVDMD between high fat and normal oats. Statistical analysis of the data for waxy and normal barley indicated a variety-treatment interaction (P < 0.05) with the dry ground and steam pressure (6.8 kg/cm2) treatments being responsible for the interaction effect. Cooking reduced (P < 0.05) IVDMD of rye compared to other treatments except rye steamed at 6.8 kg/cm2. All other treatment effects for rye were statistically similar. Reconstituting corn, either ground or whole improved IVDMD compared to dry ground corn while moist or dry heat treatment of corn tended to reduce (P < 0.05) IVDMD compared to dry ground corn. These results suggest that there is little benefit in processing rye, barley and oats, but corn digestibility may be improved substantially by reconstituting ground corn. There are indications that high fat oats and waxy barley may be slightly more digestible compared to normal oats and normal barley. Further in vitro and in vivo studies of these oat and barley varieties are necessary to determine their true value as feedstuffs. Key words: In vitro, rye, corn, barley, oats, processing
THIAMIN AND MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION OF ALL-CONCENTRATE DIETS FOR FEEDLOT STEERS
Authors: GRIGAT G. A. , MATHISON G. W.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of: (1) thiamin supplementation of diets for feedlot steers, (2) an injection of thiamin with other B-vitamins as well as thiamin supplementation of the diet on steers, and (3) supplemental magnesium (Mg) on thiamin adequacy of steers. In the first experiment, 96 steers were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design with MgO at 0 and 0.19% of the diet and thiamin at 0 and 6.25 mg/kg of diet. With the exception of plasma Mg concentrations, which reflected dietary Mg concentrations, no significant treatment differences were observed for other blood parameters or for feedlot performance. The highest and lowest (P ≤ 0.05) incidences of bloat were observed for animals on the Mg- and thiamin-supplemented diets, respectively. In the second experiment, 72 steers were used in a 3 × 3 factorial design with MgO at 0, 0.19 and 0.75% of the diet and thiamin at 0 and 6.25 mg/kg of diet and 6.25 mg/kg of diet plus a weekly injection of 200 mg thiamin with other B-vitamins. Thiamin treatment had no significant influence on either animal performance or the incidence of bloat. Average daily gains (1.64, 1.48 and 1.26 kg) and daily feed dry matter intakes (9.63, 9.14 and 8.50 kg) decreased and feed conversion efficiencies (5.92, 6.18, and 6.88) increased with increasing dietary Mg levels. A trend (P ≤ 0.10) for an increased incidence of bloat with increasing dietary Mg levels was also observed. It was concluded that thiamin supplementation does not consistently improve animal performance. The animals were adversely affected by the levels of Mg supplementation used. There were indications that an interaction existed between Mg and thiamin in the first experiment but not in the second. Key words: Thiamin, magnesium, feedlot steers, erythrocyte transketolase, TPP effect
EFFECT OF DANTROLENE SODIUM ON PORK QUALITY FROM PIGS STUNNED BY CAPTIVE-BOLT
Authors: YANG T. S. , PRICE M. A. , AHERNE F. X. , HAWRYSH Z. J.
Published: March 2010

Three groups, each consisting of six crossbred pigs weighing approximately 100 kg, were used to determine the effects of three preslaughter stunning methods on certain quality characteristics of the longissimus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles. The three methods of stunning were captive-bolt, electric shock and oral dantrium (dantrolene sodium, a muscle relaxant) followed by captive-bolt. The three muscles were significantly different to each other in some of the quality traits, but the responses to treatments were similar in the three muscles. Without dantrium, captive-bolt stunning resulted in reduced muscle pH at 45 min postmortem and a greater water exudation in muscles at either 1 h or 24 h postmortem compared to electrically stunned pigs. Dantrium treatment followed by captive-bolt stunning eliminated these differences. Key words: Pigs, PSE, stunning, muscle relaxant, dantrolene
EFFECTS OF DIETARY ENERGY INTAKE AND SEX ON CARCASS TISSUE AND OFFAL GROWTH IN SHEEP
Authors: JONES S. D. M. , BURGESS T. D. , DUPCHAK K.
Published: March 2010

Forty crossbred lambs (20 rams, 20 ewes) were penned in two groups (equal numbers of each sex) and fed a pelleted ration either ad libitum (H) or 70% of expected ad libitum intake (70% H). Ten lambs (5 rams, 5 ewes) from both groups (H and 70% H) were slaughtered after 40 days on feed while the remaining lambs were slaughtered after 61 days on feed. All lambs were measured for carcass leanness using an EMME machine immediately prior to slaughter. The offal components were weighed fresh and the alimentary tract was emptied of digesta. One side of each carcass was broken into four cuts (leg, loin, rib, shoulder) which were further separated into fat, muscle and bone. EMME numbers only marginally increased the amount of explained variation in the prediction of lean weight over that provided by liveweight alone. Growth coefficients between sexes and intake groups (H, 70% H) for the offal components relative to empty body weight were homogeneous, indicating that sex and dietary energy intake did not affect the relative growth of the offal components. Ram lambs had heavier heads and smaller intestines than ewe lambs, but contained less caul and mesenteric fat than ewe lambs at the same empty body weight. Lambs fed H had a greater weight of pelt, liver and caul fat, but had a lower warm carcass weight and less mesenteric fat than lambs fed 70% H at the same empty body weight. Growth coefficients between sexes and intake groups for the carcass tissues relative to physically separated tissue weights (muscle, bone, fat) were homogeneous, which indicated that sex and intake did not affect the relative growth of the carcass tissues. Ram lamb carcasses had a greater weight of muscle in the shoulder and less muscle in the leg than ewe lamb carcasses at the same carcass muscle weight. Dietary energy intake had small but statistically significant effects on carcass muscle distribution. Lambs fed 70% H produced carcasses with proportionally more muscle in the leg and less muscle in the loin and shoulder than lambs fed H at the same carcass muscle weight. Sex and dietary energy intake had minor effects on carcass bone and fat distribution. Key words: Lambs, carcass, offal, fat, EMME
EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE AND TEMPORARY WEANING ON CYCLIC ACTIVITY AND FERTILITY OF BEEF COWS AT A PROSTAGLANDIN- SYNCHRONIZED ESTRUS
Authors: MANNS J. G. , HUMPHREY W. D. , NKUUHE J. R.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were conducted to assess the effect of short-term calf removal (CR) or treatment with progesterone (P4) on onset of cyclic ovarian activity and fertility in beef cows suckled by a single calf. Estrous cycles of all cows were synchronized by two injections of a prostaglandin F (PGF) analogue 11 days apart. The cows were inseminated at 68 and 92 h after the second PGF injection. In exp. 1, calf removal for 48 h after the second injection of PGF did not alter fertility compared to controls. In exp. 2, cows were treated with 100 mg P4 at the time of the first PGF injection. P4 increased the number of cycling animals by 7% and fertility by 13%, but the differences were not significant. In exp. 3, combinations of CR and P4 were used. When these latter data were summarized and pooled with similar groups from previous experiments, P4 increased cyclic ovarian activity by 9% (P < 0.07) and fertility by 14% (P < 0.04). The results indicate that treatment with P4 caused a moderate increase in onset of cyclic ovarian activity and significantly increased fertility. Key words: Beef cows, postpartum anestrus, progesterone
MEADOWFOAM (Limnanthes alba) MEAL AS A FEEDSTUFF FOR DAIRY GOATS AND TOXICOLOGIC ACTIVITY OF THE MILK
Authors: WHITE R. D. , CHEEKE P. R.
Published: March 2010

The feeding value and goitrogenicity of meadowfoam (Limanthes alba L.) meal (MFM) as a feedstuff for dairy goats and the goitrogenic and toxicologic activity of milk from goats fed the meal were evaluated. Pregnant goats were fed a diet containing 30% raw MFM beginning 12–13 wk prior to parturition. Control goats received a similar diet without MFM. At parturition, MFM-fed does had slightly lower serum thyroid hormone levels than the controls. Kids from MFM-fed does had similar serum thyroid hormone levels at birth and lower levels at weaning compared to control kids. The MFM-fed and control dams had similar thyroid hormone levels at weaning. The growth rate of kids fed MFM was lower (P < 0.05) in the postweaning period than for controls. Milk from goats fed MFM was fed to growing rabbits. Rabbits fed this milk had heavier thyroid weights and higher mortality than rabbits receiving water or milk from control goats. No difference in serum thyroid hormone levels occurred. The results suggest that raw MFM should not be fed to lactating animals until the significance of milk-transferred goitrogenic agents has been fully assessed. Key words: Meadowfoam meal, Limnanthes, goats, glucosinolates, milk, rabbits
DIETARY CALCIUM-PHOSPHORUS LEVELS FOR GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION IN GILTS AND SOWS
Authors: GRANDHI R. R. , STRAIN J. H.
Published: March 2010

The effect of feeding barley-wheat-soya finisher, gestation and lactation diets containing (A) 1979 National Research Council (NRC) recommended calcium-phosphorus (Ca-P) levels or (B) 150% of NRC levels from 65 kg body weight (Bwt) on growth and reproduction was studied in two experiments using Lacombe (L) and Yorkshire (Y) gilts. The number of gilts used were 299 (148 L + 151 Y) and 107 (53 Y + 54 Y) in exp. 1 and 216 (106 L + 110 Y) and 101 (49 L + 52 Y) in exp. 2 during finishing and gestation-lactation periods, respectively. The reproductive performance during second parity was measured only in exp. 2 using 85 (36 L + 49 Y) primiparous sows. All pigs were housed in confinement except during breeding and gestation, when they were housed in outside dirt-lot pens. Average daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion were similar for gilts fed finisher diets A or B in both experiments. In exp. 1, both L and Y gilts fed gestation diet B had more (P < 0.05) total (9.5 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.3) and live pigs (9.2 ± 0.3 vs. 8.2 ± 0.3) born and weaned (7.7 ± 0.3 vs 6.9 ± 0.2) with lower piglet weight gains at 3 wk (3.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.9 ± 0.1 kg) and 5 wk (6.9 ± 0.2 vs. 7.5 ± 0.2 kg) when compared to gestation diet A group. These differences were not significant in exp. 2. Higher dietary Ca-P levels elevated the serum P during both gestation (7.3 ± 0.1 vs. 7.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL) and lactation (6.2 ± 0.1 vs. 5.9 ± 0.1 mg/dL) periods in exp. 1 but not in exp. 2. The changes in body weight during gestation and lactation, piglet birth weights, and weaning to estrus interval were similar for both treatment groups. These results indicated that the 1979 NRC recommended dietary Ca-P levels may be adequate to support the maximum growth and reproduction in gilts during finishing and lactation but are too low for gestation. Key words: Calcium, phosphorus, gilts, sows, growth, reproduction