bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes to dietart fats and health: implications for animal production
Authors: Fallows S J
Published: June 2019

The COMA report on “Diet and Cardiovascular Disease“ has stimulated government Initiatives which form the beginnings of a national food and health policy. Recommended changes to food consumption patterns are significant and refer principally to fat Intakes. COMA recommended an average decrease for saturated fatty acids of 25 per cent. The average recommended decrease for total fats is 17% (assuming P:S ratio of diet changes to 0.45) or 25% (If P:S ratio remains 0.23). This advice is of particular relevance to the animal production Industries as animal sources account for 55.3% of total fats in the British diet and 66% of saturated fatty acids. The implications of the COMA panel recommendations for British agriculture have been discussed elsewhere.
The effect of dietary protein level and creep feeding on carcass composition at slaughter in the pig
Authors: Miller B , Bourne F J , Brown A J , Lightfoot A
Published: June 2019

It is common practice to wean pigs at five weeks of age, or less, on to a high protein diet (>200g crude protein/kg). However, a transient hypersensitivity to the dietary protein may pre-dispose the pig to post weaning diarrhoea and the relatively high level of protein in both early weaner rations (Bertschinger, et al. 1979) and creep feeds (Miller et al. 1984) may exacerbate the problem.

We report here some preliminary results from a feeding trial at Terrington Experimental Husbandry Farm. Animals were allocated at 7 days of age, whilst still suckling, to one of four treatments. Groups 1 and 2 were fed a high protein (220 g CP/kg DM) diet and groups 3 and 4 were fed a low protein (160 g CP/kg DM) experimental diet. Both of the diets were balanced such that they provided 17.2 MJ/kg digestible energy with a lysine value of 16 g/kg CP. Neither diet contained any antibiotics. Groups 1 and 3 were fed the ration as a creep from 7 days. Animals were weaned at approximately 21 days into kennels maintained at 29°C for the first week, 28°C for the second week and gradually reduced to 20°C during the third week.
The effect of oestradiol 17β on liveweight gain and carcass composition of intensively reared cereal beef bulls
Authors: Grantley-Smith M. P. , Southgate J. R. , Jones D. W. , Peters A. R. , Dobson M.
Published: June 2019

Oestradiol 17β (Compudose-365 ) is widely used as a growth promoter in steers and the daily gain response is well known. However, for bull beef production the efficiency of the hormone implant is not so well researched, particularly in Great Britain, where there is not yet a product licence for use in bulls. Work in the U.S.A. has shown that Oestradiol 17β implants in bulls stimulate daily gain and improve carcass shape, but at the same time increasing subcutaneous fat levels (Johnson et al, 1984). The trial described here was designed to study the effect of Oestradiol 17β under a range of farm conditions in Great Britain.

Sixteen groups of bulls on 14 farms, totalling 450 bulls, were selected. Fourteen of the groups were wholly British Friesian, the remainder Friesian/Holstein or Limousin cross. The bulls were weighed at 3-4 months of age and paired by weight. One of each pair was implanted subcutaneously in the ear with a silastic rubber implant containing 45 mg Oestradiol 17β (Compudose-365, Elanco Products Ltd.). The bulls were weighed after three and six months (mean 108 and 180 days respectively), and about half were weighed within four days of slaughter (mean 222 days).
Effect of oestradiol 17β and zeranol at turnout and yarding with and without trenbolone at yarding on liveweight gain and carcase composition in 18-month beef steers
Authors: Southgate J R , Peters A R , Grantley-Smith M , Jones D W , Dixon S M , Mallinson C B
Published: June 2019

The effect of growth promoting implants on liveweight gain in steers is well documented. However, there is less information available on their effects on carcases. Farm trials were conducted using steers either unimplanted as controls, or implanted with oestradiol 17β ([C]ompudose 365; Elanco products) and zeranol ([R]algro; Crown Chemicals) with and without trenbolone ([F]inaplix; Hoechst) . Carcase studies were carried out on a sample of animals.
The effects of zeranol on performance and carcass characteristics of young bulls
Authors: Scott B M , Fisher A V , R A Cooper  , J A Kirk
Published: June 2019

Kirk and Cooper (1983) reported two experiments in which the growth performance and carcass conformation of intensively fed dairy-bred bulls was improved by sequential implantation with Zeranol®. Two further studies have been conducted in which there has been repeat implantation of Zeranol® and detailed carcass dissection to measure precisely the effects on carcass quality.

In trial A, 16 Holstein bull calves were purchased from pedigree breeders and weaned at eight weeks of age, when they were divided into two groups of eight, balanced by weight. From 8 to 12 weeks they were given commercial rearing pellets followed by a. commercial pencil and hay was given ad libitum. From 12 weeks onwards a cereal mix was offered ad libitum, formulated to give 13 MJ/kg dry matter, 160 g/kg crude protein. Hay was withdrawn from 14 weeks of age. At eight weeks of age, half the animals were implanted with 36 mg Zeranol® (Ralgro, Crown Chemical Company, Kent), and re-implanted a further three times every 70 days. Five blood samples were taken from all animals over a 15h period at about 8, 14, 33 and 43 weeks of age.
A comparison of compudose 200 with short acting implants in calves, growing and finishing steers
Authors: Keane M. G. , Sherington J.
Published: June 2019

Compudose 200 (Elanco) is a silastic rubber ear implant for beef cattle containing 24 mg oestradiol 17B, Implants are 3 cms long and 4.8 mm in diameter. They are coated with oxytetracycline powder as a local antibacterial and packed in cartridges of 10. The cartridge is fitted to the side of the implanting tool and each Implant is moved into the barrel of the implanter by a “thumb press” on the cartridge. The objectives of the present study were (i) to measure the growth response to Compudose 200 in male calves, growing steers at pasture and housed finishing steers, (ii) to ascertain if there was an additive effect from the use of 300 mg trenbolone acetate (Flnaplix, Hoechst) with Compudose 200 in growing and finishing steers and (iii) to compare Compudose 200, alone or in combination with Finaplix, with other commonly used implant combinations.
The effect of dam’s parity on the first lactation performance of dairy heifers
Authors: Furniss S. J. , Stroud A. , Barrington H. , Kirby S. P. J. , Wray J. P. , Dakin P
Published: June 2019

Whether they are planning to calve for the first time at two or three years old Many farmers choose to serve their maiden dairy heifers (animals not previously served, (M. A. F. F. 1985)) with a beef breed recognised for giving easier calvings .Often the heifer breeding programme is not well supervised and it is a matter of convienience to use a resident beef bull.

There are however,considerable advantages to serving heifers with dairy bulls including an increased number of heifer calves for selection or the ability to serve older, nature cows (animals that have commenced at least their first lactation (M. A. F. F. 1985))with a continental beef breed giving large calves of higher market value. Because heifers tend to be calved as a group they provide a batch of calves which can be concentrated upon, easing management and improving control over performance.

If heifers are served by bulls of as higher genetic merit as would normally be used on cows then increased genetic turnover will raise the genetic index in the younger dam which should be reflected in her daughter’s performance.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated winter wheat straw in complete diets for early lactation dairy cows
Authors: Furniss S. J. , Kilpatrick J. B. , Stroud A. , Kirby S. P. J. , Slade C. F. R.
Published: June 2019

It is important that lactating dairy cows have at least forage continuosly available to them if milk yields and health are to be maintained.

Shortfalls in silage stocks have to be made up by purchasing, possibly hay. brewers grains or such like. Another alternative is to feed more compound, this reduces the demand for silage but is obviously, costly.

Untreated straw is rarely considered as an alternative because of its low feed value. Methods of improving the feed value of straw with alkalis have long been available. However, improvements in feed values are variable although specific methods of treatment are recognised as giving consistently good results.

Ammonia treatment, leaves straw in its long form which is unsuitable for feeding in forage box or complete diet systems. Effective chopping and distribution of NaOH and consistent improvements in straw digestibility can be acheived with machines now available. Not only is the product palatable and easy to include in complete feeds but claims are made that, because its inclusion’ increases intake of the ration, milk yields will also increase,
The response of spring calving cows and their calves to sward height
Authors: Wright I.A. , Russel A.J.F.
Published: June 2019

There is a need to introduce objectivity into the management of grassland under continuous stocking so that management decisions can be taken in response to changing conditions, and at the same time allow the consequence of these decision to be predictable. There is much interest in using sward height as an objective criterion by which to manage grassland under continuous stocking. An experiment was conducted to examine the performance of spring calving cows and their calves when continuously grazing swards maintained at a range of sward heights.

Initially nine cows (four Hereford x Friesian and five Blue-Grey) and their Charolais cross calves which had been born in March - April were turned out in mid-May to each of five sward surface height treatments. Treatments 1, 3 and 5 were one field and Treatments 2 and 4 in another. The botanical composition of each treatment is shown in Table 1. Sward length was measured twice weekly using the H.F.R.O. Swardstick, and maintained by the addition and removal of non-experimental cows and calves. Because of excessive rainfall and very wet soil conditions the numbers of annuals were reduced below nine on some of the treatments, and the two lowest sward height treatments were abandoned in mid-August because of damage to soil structure. From mid-August until the end of September only the upper three treatments continued.
The effect of milk substitute input on the lifetime performance of calves reared for beef production
Authors: Steen R. W. J.
Published: June 2019

A randomised block experiment, involving 126 British Friesian and Friesian cross beef male calves which were initially 46.7 kg and 10 days old, has been carried out to examine the effects of the quantity of milk substitute consumed per calf on the lifetime performance of calves reared for beef production. The three treatments were (1) 400 g milk powder per head daily, weaned at 6 weeks old (2) ad libitum intake of milk powder, weaned at 6 weeks (3) ad libitum intake of milk powder, weaned at 8.5 weeks. Calves on treatment 1 were bucket fed twice daily, while those on treatments 2 and 3 suckled the milk from teats. The calves were purchased in three groups in (1) October, 1983 (2) December, 1983 and (3) February, 1984. Three commercial brands of acidified milk substitute were used, one for each group. All animals were individually penned until after weaning. They were offered a pelleted concentrate, based on barley and soyabean meal, ad libitum from two weeks old until intake reached a maximum of 2.7 kg per head daily. Hay was offered ad libitum to six weeks of age and well preserved grass silage was offered ad libitum thereafter. Group 1 calves were on an 18 month grass/cereal beef system, group 2 on a 22 month grass system and group 3 on a 15 month silage/ cereal system. The chemical compositions of the milk substitutes, concentrate and silage are given in Table 1.
Evaluation of monensin sodium from a ruminal delivery device as a growth promoter for pastured fattening cattle
Authors: Buchanan A. G. , Dobson M. B.
Published: June 2019

Ramensin premix was launched onto the UK market in 1978 and became the first non hormonal feed additive for beef cattle.

Since that time it has become the most widely used feed additive worldwide and has been shown both by Elanco research and independent research to improve the utilisation of feed by 10%.

However, until recently the only method of administration of Romensin was via the feed or incorporated in a feed block.

At pasture, if grass is of sufficient quality, it may be unnecessary to feed a supplement thus losing the carrier for Romensin, for a large part of the summer season. During this period of time, the farmer may thus be missing out on an opportunity to achieve the optimum utilisation of feed.

As a result of recent research it may now be possible for beef producers to feed Romensin the whole year round. Romensin has been incorporated in a ruminal delivery device containing 16.5 g of monensin sodium designed to delivery 90 - 100 mg of monensin sodium daily over a period of 150 days.
Electronic identification and individual feeding of sows in a very large group
Authors: Beckett M.P. , Edwards S.A. , Simmins P.H. , Walker A.J.
Published: June 2019

Welfare and building cost considerations resulted in a commercial farmer setting up a unique system of dry sow housing. Up to 400 sows are housed in a single dynamic group sharing 10 electronic feeding stations.
An Assessment of an electronic feeding system and “dynamic” grouping in loose-housed sows
Authors: Lambert R.J. , Ellis M. , Rowlinson P.
Published: June 2019

Recently, sow-activated electronic concentrate dispensers allowing dry sows to be group-housed and individually fed have been seriously considered as an alternative to the close confinement of pregnant sows. For the system to be economic, each feeding unit needs to be used to its maximum potential, while at the same time considering the well-being of the animals.

Previous work has established that levels of aggression may be minimised within a set group size and the maximum number of sows per feeder may be increased to over 30 by feeding only once per day on this system (Lambert et al., 1985). With groups of this size, the practical aspects of large group management need to be considered.
The use of an electronically controlled sow feeder to supply a compound feed as a balancer to sows grazing fodder beet
Authors: Chambers J , Hardy B , Pugh O
Published: June 2019

Sows kept outdoors are traditionally fed a compound diet, in the form of a-large biscuit, which is spread on the ground over a wide area to try to minimise bullying. They can be kept in several separate groups, divided by electric fencing, each group containing sows at a similar stage of pregnancy. The use of a computer controlled feeder would allow the sows to be kept as one dynamic group and allow food intake to be controlled on an individual or group basis. Also, normal pelleted food can be used in such a machine. Bulky feeds are playing an increasing role in the diet of outdoor sows, and it was decided to investigate the use of an electronically controlled feeder to supply a compound feed to balance grazed fodder beet.
The effect of boar contact on the maintenance of cyclic activity in gilts after the hormonal induction of puberty
Authors: Burnett P. J. , Walker N.
Published: June 2019

A single injection of 400 i.μ. pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) plus 200 i.μ. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) has been shown to induce puberty in a high proportion of gilts treated (Burnett and Walker, 198S). However, studies indicate that the hormone treatment may fail to initiate normal oestrous cycling after the pubertal ovulation. The work of Paterson and Lindsay (1981) has shown that housing gilts in contact with boars throughout the cycle after puberty induction will enhance the proportion of animals which maintain cyclic activity to a second ovulation. The purpose of the experiment reported here was to examine the effect of boar contact and the timing of the introduction of boar contact on the maintenance of cyclic activity after puberty induction by PMSG + HCG.
A model of the growth of pigs fed ad libitum
Authors: Emmans G.C.
Published: June 2019

The growth of a pig depends on the rate at which it eats feed and the composition of the feed. Where feed intake is controlled a pig eats all of its allowance and the problem is to predict its growth. When a pig is given free and continuous access to a feed its rate of intake as well as its growth has to be predicted. Functions which predict intake as dry matter or energy in terms of pig weight can, at best, be only approximations. A different approach to the problem of predicting feed intake is suggested here.

Prediction of intake. Suppose a pig at a protein weight, P kg, seeks to attain rates of protein and lipid retention of PR and LR kg/d respectively. Its protein requirement, PRQ kg/d, is some function of P and PR and its energy requirement, ERQ, is some function of P, PR and LR.
Winter performance of a cross-flow automatically controlled naturally ventilated (ACNV) pig finishing house
Authors: Smith A T , Barrie I A
Published: June 2019

Automatically Controlled Natural Ventilation (ACNV) has been shown to give good control over ventilation rates in pig houses under a wide range of climatic conditions (1, 2 and 3). Ventilation control is the principal means of governing the house temperature. A lower house temperature implies higher ventilation rates and a lower concentration of airborne contaminants. In cold weather, therefore, there is an incentive to set the house temperature as low as practical considerations will allow. One important constraint is the temperature variation within the house. The present study was undertaken to determine the magnitude of the temperature variations occurring in a commercial pig finishing house during cold weather. External weather was monitored to determine the relationship between internal temperature patterns and the weather. In addition the use of ceiling fans was investigated to assess their influence on the temperature distribution and air speed at pig level.
Rumen outflow rate estimated from the decline of chromium concentration in faecal -and rumen samples after the dosage of sodium dichromate treated fish meal.
Authors: Guada J.A. , Castrillo C. , Vega A. , Gasa J.
Published: June 2019

The declining rate of Cr concentration in faeces after the dosage of a Sodium dichromate treated protein supplement can be used as an estimate of the protein outflow; rate. The experiment reported was planned to show wheter the variation in the rate of decline of Cr concentration in faeces induced by level of feeding and processing of the diet reflect the variation in rumen outflow determined by the rumen dilution rate of the marker.

In a duplicate 3x3 square latin design, 6 mature ewes cannulated in rumen were fed a ground pelleted diet of ‘0.6 alfalfa hay and 0.4 barley grain at 1 or 2 x maintenance energy level (P1,P2) or the same proportions of chopped hay and -cracked barley offered in a loose mix at twice maintenance (Ch2). 50 g. of fish meal treated withsodium dichromate were given as a single dose after 15 days of adaptation period to the diet and faecal grab samples taken at 6,12,18,24,32,36,42,48,60, 72,96 and 120 h. A second dosage was given 7 days later and rumen samples withdraw-ned at 1,3,6,9,12,15,18,22,28,36,48,60 and 72 h.
The effect of branched chain fatty acids and fishmeal on voluntary intake by young cattle offered grass silage
Authors: Gill M. , Buttery P.J. , England P. , Dawson J.M. , Beever D.E.
Published: June 2019

Fishmeal addition to grass silage generally improves growth in young cattle, but the response in terms of silage intake is more variable. Where there is a positive response in intake, this would appear to be partially attributabl to a ruminal effect whereby fishmeal increases rumen digestion. Degradation of fishmeal in the rumen may lead to the production of branched chain volatile acids (BCVA) which have been shown to increase fibre digestion (Gorosito et al. 1985). The experiment reported here was undertaken to compare the effect of BCVA and fishmeal supplementation on silage intake.
The Effect of Amount Offered on Selection and Intake of Barley Straw by Goats
Authors: Waned R.A. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

The conventional method of measuring ad libitum intake of roughages involves offering sufficient (usually in chopped form) to ensure that 15 to 20% is left at the end of the feeding period (Blaxter et al 1961). Earlier experiments (Waned and Owen, 1986) with goats and sheep fed long roughages ad libitum (allowing 20% of feed offered to be refused) showed both species to be capable of selective feeding, in that refusals had a lower nutritive value than feed offered. The latter study and that of Glbb and Treacher (1976) with grazing sheep, suggested that selection and hence intake of roughage would increase if the amount offered (and hence refusal rate) was increased.

To test this hypothesis two experiments were conducted with housed (16 hours light, 8 hours dark), individually penned Saanen castrate goats ranging in weight (15 to 65 kg) and age (6 to 30 months). Animals were fed restricted amounts of concentrates (15 g dry matter (DM) per kg M0.7S daily) and long barley straw ad libitum.
Grape juice concentrate as a feed for growing pigs
Authors: Hemsley C.L. , Ellis M. , Rowlinson P.
Published: June 2019

Wine production within the EEC has been increasing continuously over the past decade, creating a surplus which has been handled either by storage as wine or concentrated grape juice, or by the distillation of wine to higher strength alcohol. As a possible alternative outlet, it has been proposed that grape Juice concentrate (GJC) be used as a component of animal feed systems.

The dry matter (DM) of GJC averages 630 g/kg, with a sugar content of 920 g/kg DM, of which approximately equal proportions are fructose and glucose. The protein content averages only 10 g/kg DM.

A series of production and digestibility studies has been conducted, to investigate the feasibility of utilising grape juice concentrate (GJC) in the diet of growing pigs.
An evaluation of the effects of thinning in dairy cows on animal production
Authors: Mayne C. S. , McCaughey W. J.
Published: June 2019

Recent developments in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technology (Lu, et al, 1987) have facilitated the production of twin, continental cross calves from the dairy herd through non-surgical embryo implantation. However, the successful exploitation of this technology in practice requires information on the effects of embryo transfer and/or twinning on animal performance and how these effects may be influenced by feeding and management factors. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of different management and feed regimes pre- and post-calving on the performance of single- and twin-bearing cows.
Beef cattle output from clover-based and nitrogen fertilised swards over six grazing seasons
Authors: Younie D. , Heath S.B.
Published: June 2019

A greater use of clover based grassland systems seems likely in future as policies promoting more extensive use of land are adopted by Government at both national and EC level. At Aberdeen a comparison between clover-based and conventionally fertilised systems was carried out over six growing seasons from 1981. The objective was to compare the beef output from two similarly managed farmlets differing only in clover content and fertiliser input. Results are presented here for performance obtained from the grazed swards over this six year period.
A comparison of the growth rate of single and twin born beef calves
Authors: Diskin M.G. , McEvoy T.G. , Sreenan J.M.
Published: June 2019

It is frequently hypothesised that Increasing the litter size of the beef cow would increase output and biological efficiency. Such hypothesis is supported by the simulation study of Guerra-Martlnez et al (1987), which Indicated that twinning would Increase biological and economic efficiency of beef production by 20 to 25%. However, there is little published data on the comparative growth rates of single-born, single-reared and twin-born and twin-reared beef calves. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of birth type (single or twin) on growth rate from birth through to beef and on final carcase weight, carcase conformation and fatness level.
The science of animal welfare
Authors: Appleby M.C.
Published: June 2019

Current scientific progress in the understanding of animal welfere is resulting in the possibility of realistic assessments of welfare and the application of such assessments. Understanding has been advanced by the recognition that welfare is not a unitary variable but has different aspects, which may be compromised independently. Some problems which arise, such as injury and disease, also reduce production and may be covered by veterinary and production science. Others, though, such as behavioural restriction and stress, do not affect production so clearly. There is increasing input to these areas from behavioural science and physiology. Ethology has contributed theoretical insights into the control of behaviour, basic knowledge of the behaviour of farm animals and comparisons between different environments (e.g. intensive, extensive and feral). It has also highlighted occurrence of abnormal behaviour, such as stereotypies and cannibalism, in some circumstances. To investigate causes of abnormal behaviour, though, observation must be complemented by experimentation, and by behavioural physiology and neurophysiology. These are now producing notable advances in our understanding of stress. Experimental work is also progressing on motivation for normal behaviour, such as feeding,and for different features in the environment. With increased understanding of different aspects of welfare comes a move away from unrealistic expectations of unitary welfare meesurements or indices, and towards an acceptance that there are scientific grounds for abroader assessment. Further, there is increasing recognition that assessment of welfare has a valid, scientific role in the design end management of housing and husbandry systems for our farm animals.
Relationship between sires transmitting ability and daughter performance in a high yielding dairy herd
Authors: Persaud P , Simm G , Parkinson H , Hill W G
Published: June 2019

In the UK feed accounts for 0.80 to 0.90 of the variable costs of dairy production. In recent years the imposition of milk quotas has served to emphasise the importance of efficient milk and milk solids production. In field progeny testing schemes, sires’ transmitting ability or breeding value can be predicted for milk production traits, but not for feed Intake or for efficiency of milk production. As breeders continue to select on production traits, using sires of high genetic merit for production, the important question then is, ‘what correlated response occurs in gross efficiency and in feed consumption?’.
Estimation of genetic and phenotypic trends for litter size in canadian yorkshire and landrace swine
Authors: Southwood O. I.
Published: June 2019

Litter size in swine, although lowly heritable, has been receiving increasing interest especially with the availability of computer programs to allow estimation of genetic merit for this trait using family information. Genetic changes in a trait over time can be monitored by estimating best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) of breeding value for individuals exhibiting the trait. Data from a recording programme within a Canadian province allowed estimation of genetic and phenotypic trends for three measures of litter size.

Data from purebred Yorkshire and Landrace litters were obtained from the Quebec Record of Performance Sow Productivity Program. First parity litters born between 1977 and 1987 were analysed for total numbers born, numbers born alive and numbers weaned. Data were edited to include only herds with ten or more litters in Yorkshire and 40 or more litters in Landrace. Also, in order to reduce the number of records further, due to computing limitations, a sow was only allowed one daughter per full-sib family. A total of 2024 Yorkshire gilts (from 467 sires and 1539 dams) and 1920 Landrace gilts (from 421 sires and 1436 dams) provided records.
The Effect of protein supply and level of supplementary concentrate on rumen metabolism of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Poots Rosemary E , Unsworth E F
Published: June 2019

Previous research at the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland has shown that equivalent milk yields can be obtained by feeding high levels of low-protein supplementary concentrate or low levels of high-protein supplementary concentrate. The latter may be due to an increase in dry matter intake and thus energy available for milk yield (an indirect effect) or an increase in amino acid supply from increased protein in the diet (a direct effect) or a combination of these. The experiment compared the effect of varying levels of protein supplement on rumen fermentation characteristics in lactating dairy cows.
Lactational responses of dairy cows to changes in dietary protein fed at different stages of lactation
Authors: Wood Bethan L , Roberts D J , Hunter E A
Published: June 2019

There is evidence from a range of experiments of increases in milk production, including improvements in milk protein content, to additional dietary inclusions of low degradability ‘animal’ protein sources. This experiment was designed to examine the effect of stage of lactation on the response of dairy cows to increased dietary protein.

The continuous design experiment was conducted with 20 individually fed autumn calved dairy cows and four heifers over the first 26 weeks of lactation. The animals were fed initially a ‘standard diet’ of silage ad libitum and 8 kg (freshweight) of concentrate per day up to the 14th day of lactation. The cows were then allocated to four balanced groups of five cows (and one heifer) on the basis of lactation number, body weight and current milk yield. The data recorded during the first 14 days were used for subsequent covariance analysis.
The effects of different factors on the levels of androstenone and skatole in pig fat
Authors: Patterson R L S , Elks P K , Lowe D B , Kempster A J
Published: June 2019

The number of entire male pigs slaughtered in Great Britain has increased steadily over the past 10 years and they now constitute some 45 per cent of the national population. Although there has been concern about possible boar taint, the industry has apparently experienced few problems. However, boar taint continues to be a major concern in other countries, possibly reflecting heavier slaughter weights and breed differences. Limited evidence indicates that earlier maturing breeds, such as the Pietrain and Duroc, tend to have more taint than other breeds of the same weight or age. This has implications for the wider use of specialist meat type sires which now supply atleast 10 per cent of the genes in the commercial British slaughter population.
“Is there still a need for milk quality at point of production?”
Authors: Frank Harding
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this paper is (a) to emphasise the importance of raw milk quality at the point of production (b) to consider the relative benefits of seeking to improve quality at the point of production compared with the point of manufacture and (c) to consider possible future quality demands which might be imposed on raw milk.
Relationships between lamb vigour and maternal behaviour on sucking success at parturition
Authors: O'Connor C.E. , Lawrence A.B.
Published: June 2019

High perinatal mortality in sheep flocks worldwide remains a major economic and welfare issue. Maternal behaviour and lamb vigour are both considered major variables affecting lamb survival, but there is little data to describe their relative importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between lamb vigour and maternal behaviour at parturition. With the increase in hill ewes being crossed to longwool breeds there is an interest in the relative survivability of these lambs. This study compared the behaviour of Mule [Bluefaced Leicester x Blackface] lambs with purebred Scottish Blackface lambs.

Data on 32 third parity single and twin-bearing Blackface ewes lambing indoors were collected by focal animal observations on the ewe's grooming behaviour. These observations included details of the time spent grooming specific areas of the lamb's body and also general activity and udder-seeking behaviour of the lambs. Observations lasted 10 minutes and were made at parturition and then at 30 and 90 minute intervals. The data was transformed by arcsin. for proportions, or log, for frequencies, and analysed by Analysis of Variance,
The use of field trials in reproduction research - experiences with melatonin in sheep and milk progesterone measurement in dairy cattle
Authors: Haresign W.
Published: June 2019

Because field trials often necessitate less detailed measurments than are possible in a true research environment, they are often believed to represent a poorer form of science. However, this is a very short-sighted view because there are particular benefits to be derived from carefully designed and conducted field trials which cannot be satisfied by smaller, more detailed studies.Within the context of reproduction research the objective is to understand the basic physiological mechanisms controlling reproduction, and to identify the nature and extent of reproductive wastage and its causes. The logical extension of this is to develop appropriate treatment strategies to overcome these limitations, some of which may be satisfied by changes in animal management while others will require recourse to pharmaceutical manipulation.
The Problem, legislation and codes of practice
Authors: Nielsen V C
Published: June 2019

Pollution of the environment by livestock wastes occurs in many instances due to the difficulties involved in managing, storing and spreading manure and effluents. The total amount of neat manure produced by housed livestock for England and Wales has been calculated to be 70 million tonnes a year. All this has to be collected, stored and applied to agricultural land. There are, in addition 60 million tonnes of manure which livestock drop as they graze grass and forage crops. Problems of controlling the adequacy of farm waste systems are compounded by the scattered nature of livestock farms, the numbers (approximately 120,000 in England and Wales), and that often, the farm buildings are in close proximity to water courses.

Environmental pollution caused by livestock farming affects water, air and the soil.

This is caused by the escape of liquids or the dumping of solid wastes into water courses. The polluting effect is caused by water soluble organic matter, suspended solids and minerals. The result of the entry of polluting matter into water is the rapid growth of micro-organisms which deplete the oxygen content of the receiving water.
The use of bovine somatotropin (bst) to increase summer milk production
Authors: Roberts D J , Wells R J , Logue D N , Buchanan A G
Published: June 2019

Farmers are receiving a price incentive to produce more milk during the summer months. Bovine somatotropin (BST) could be used as a means of increasing milk yield from late winter/spring calving cows during the summer months. However, most of the research work with BST has been with housed cattle on winter feeding systems. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the use of BST with grazing cattle supplemented with silage as a buffer feed.

Thirty-six January to March calving multiparous Friesian dairy cows were allocated to 4 treatments: CG - Control/Grazing, TG - Treated/Grazing, CB - Control/Buffer fed, TB - Treated/Buffer fed. The treated cattle were given 640 mg of recombinantly derived bovine somatotropin (Somidobove Elanco Products Limited) in a sustained release formulation at 28 day intervals. The treatment period at grass lasted for 8 weeks from 18 August 1988. The cattle were then housed for a further 8 weeks in 2 groups of sixteen cows (with one block of cows omitted from the experiment).
Supplementation of grazing dairy cows with a brewers grains/treated straw mixture
Authors: Leaver J.D. , Campling R.C.
Published: June 2019

Supplementary feeding of grazing dairy cows is often uneconomic, and whilst supplementation with silage (buffer feeding) can be worthwhile, this often leads to a depletion of winter forage stores. In this study, a mixture of brewers grains and treated straw was used as a supplement. Offered as a 1:1 mixture in the dry matter (DM), it is a purchased substitute for grass silage, having a similar cost, and similar metabolisable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) contents. The high seasonality adjustments to milk price in mid-late season make supplementation potentially worthwhile.

Experiments were carried out from April to September in 1988 and 1989, which had moderate and very low rainfall respectively. Each year 20 British Friesian cows which calved December to March (1988 experiment) and February-April (1989) were allocated at random to either treatment B or C. In B, the cows were offered a 1:1 mixture (DM basis) of brewers grains and NaOH treated chopped barley straw for 60 minutes after morning milking. In C, the cows received no supplement. Both groups were fed 1.0 kg/day of concentrates in the milking parlour. Due to the severe drought in 1989, concentrate feeding was increased to 5.0 kg/day for all cows during the last 4 weeks of the experiment. Also, urea-treated whole crop wheat was fed at a level of 2.5 kg DM/day during the last 7 days.
Identification of constraints in livestock production in developing countries
Authors: Ørskov E. R.
Published: June 2019

One of the first problems which often faces experts from developed countries called upon to advise on aspects of animal production in developing countries is that he/she has no experience of the production systems encountered. The systems as well as products and resources are generally different. In Table 1 an attempt has been made to describe some categories of farming systems, their animal product listed in some order of priority of product and of the resources available for the animals.
Dietary factors affecting voluntary food intake in growing and finishing pigs
Authors: Chadd S.A.
Published: June 2019

Ad libitum feeding provides the opportunity for animal scientists to explore the genetic and environmental factors which determine voluntary feed intake, a greater knowledge of which could help increase potential appetite thereby raising the level at which the latter may limit productivity. A Braude Travel Scholarship was used to finance a visit to a number of research establishments based in the Netherlands, Denmark and France to observe the extent to which diet and related factors are examined through experimentation, the results of which may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of feed intake control. Major differences in the production systems encountered in these countries when compared with the UK include the greater emphasis given to current environmental issues, expression of dietary energy as NE, production of castrated males, heavier slaughter weights and associated export demands. Such factors substantially influence the direction taken by nutrition research programmes. Although the primary purpose of the study tour was the appraisal of dietary factors in relation to food consumption, such effects could not be considered in isolation from associated genetic, physiological and environmental aspects, hence their inclusion in this report.
Evaluation of the chinese meishan as a nurse sow for establishing ill-nourished 3 week old white breed pigs
Authors: English P R , MacPherson O , Edwards S A , Fowler V R , Gill B P , Taylor A G , Bimie M , Haley C S
Published: June 2019

The docile temperament of the Chinese Meishan makes it promising as a nurse sow to which ill nourished pigs due to be weaned from their own dam around 3 weeks of age can be fostered for a further period of milk feeding. An alternative strategy to cater for such problem 3 week old pigs is to wean and attempt to rear them under very favourable conditions, including the provision of a highly digestible diet containing a high proportion of dried milk products. Such diets are now very expensive.
The effect of age of purebred large white and landrace boars at time of service on herd performance
Authors: Francis M. J. H. , Mercer J. T.
Published: June 2019

Practically, the effect of selection for growth and efficiency on breeding performance has been largely ignored in the past, despite changes in the age and weight of animals at puberty. It has been demonstrated that it is beneficial to delay service in gilts, both to improve their condition and allow them to complete more oestrous cycles prior to service. It seems likely that performance of boars might also be enhanced if they were worked later.

This analysis was designed to examine the relationship between age and reproductive performance in the boar, with a view to developing guidelines for young boar management.
The Effect of supplementary light on the behaviour and environmental preference of calves
Authors: Phillips C.J.C. , Weiguo L.
Published: June 2019

Circumstantial evidence exists that supplementing short daylengths in cattle increases productivity by reducing activity rates (Phillips and Schofield, 1989), and stress (Leining et al, 1980). However, little is known about the preferred daylength or light intensity for cattle. Before the latter can be determined the ability of cattle to distinguish intensity differences must be determined. Two experiments are reported here: the first describes the ability of cattle to distinguish light intensity differences and the second describes their preference for supplementary light and the effect that it has on their behaviour.
Effect of dietary protein and energy on growth and fibre characteristics of british angora goats
Authors: Shahjalal Md. , Galbraith H. , Topps J.H.
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in the diversification of animal production systems to produce products which are not in surplus nationally. Fine fibre production from goats is one such subject area. Previous studies (e.g. Huston, 1980; Calhoun et al, 1988) in other countries have suggested that the yield and quality of mohair fibre may be influenced by nutritional factors such as protein and energy. The aim of the work reported here was to investigate the effects of differences in dietary protein and energy on body growth and yield and quality of mohair fibre produced by British Angora goats.

Twenty four male castrate British Angora goats of Australasian origin with an initial liveweight of 23.5 kg were used in a 112 day study. The goats were housed in individual pens and introduced to pelleted diets over a period of three weeks. The animals were allocated to four dietary treatments by randomised block design according to liveweight. The animals received diets containing, per kg dry matter, concentrations of estimated metabolizable energy of 10.2 MJ (LE) or 11.9 MJ (HE) and crude protein concentrations of 108 g (LP) or 180 g (HP) in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. The animals were offered high energy diets (30 g/kg liveweight) which were increased when live weight increased by 1.0 kg. The goats on the low energy rations were offered amounts equivalent to 0.85 of the ME intake from HE diets. The live weight gain and food intake were recorded weekly.
Relationships between fleece characteristics and body weight in male angora goats
Authors: Broadbent J S , Pullar D
Published: June 2019

The principle sale product from Angora goat flocks is mohair. Weight of fleece and its fineness and uniformity all influence the cash value of a fleece. The price of mohair is very variable but the highest quality (finest) mohair always commands a premium. Fineness is particularly important when mohair is in over-supply (Figs 1 and 2). In extreme years there is no market for coarse fibre.
Dutch free-range pig keeping
Authors: van der Steen H. A. M. , Dyson A. , Dekker B.
Published: June 2019

The importance of environment, health and welfare nowadays asks for new approaches. Lessons may be learned from experiences elsewhere. In the Netherlands some consumers dislike the intensive pig production systems with little room for movement of the pigs. The pollution problem is considered to be unacceptable. They might also be afraid of harmful effects of additives on their health. A free-range pig keeping system was set up to accommodate these customers. The name of the system is “Scharrelvarkens” and is derived from the Dutch word “Scharrelen” which refers to feed intake behaviour of poultry in free-range conditions. “Varkens” stands for pigs. The free-range production system is according to certain rules. Animals are group housed, partly outdoors and no feed additives are allowed. Details are in the appendix.
Effect of two growth rates and two forage diets over winter on the performance of red deer stag calves
Authors: Davies M.H. , Thomas E.M.
Published: June 2019

Scottish red deer research has defined under hill and upland conditions the relationship that exists between the winter growth rate of stag calves and their performance at grass the following summer (Adam, 1986; Blaxter et al, 1988). With the increasing movement of stag calves to the lowlands of England and Wales, and an expansion in finishing units in these areas, such a relationship needs re-defining to take account of the differences in climate, length of growing season and grass supply. This trial investigates the effect of two growth rates over winter on the overall performance of stag calves, both on hay and silage based rations, under lowland conditions.

Forty red deer stag calves approximately 4 months of age and weighing 40 kg liveweight were purchased from Scotland in September 1988. They were housed in one group and fed a common ration of ad libitum hay + 1 kg of a proprietary 18% CP compound per head per day from arrival on 26 September until 9 November 1988.
Silage and hay intakes of housed red deer calves
Authors: Kennedy D J
Published: June 2019

There is an increasing interest in deer farming as an alternative livestock enterprise. One of the main reasons for this is that, currently, demand for venison (a low fat, red meat) is much greater than supply. However a major limiting factor to venison production is the slow growth rate of deer during the winter months. This is a consequence of their low feed intakes over this period. The aim of this study was to monitor feed intakes of housed, commercially-farmed red deer calves on a ‘good quality’ diet over the winter months to observe seasonal variations in appetite.

One hundred and fifty four red deer calves (mainly June born) were observed in this study. There were four pens of stags containing 25, 23, 22 and 13 animals per pen, and three pens of hinds with 25, 25 and 21 animals per pen. All animals were offered forage ad-libitum plus 1.36 kg/d of a home-mix ration (12.9 MJ ME/kg DM, I62g CP/kg DM). One group of hinds was offered hay as the forage whilst the others all received silage.