bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and carcase traits of progeny sired by Limousin bulls with high and below average beef values
Authors: Marsh S.P , Pullar D.
Published: June 2019

Pedigree beef cattle breeders who record with the Signet Beefbreeder service have their records analysed by a Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). BLUP uses the records (weights and measurements) that have been recorded, for the individual and related animals, to determine the likely performance of an individual’s progeny. The analysis calculates Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for several traits of economic value, which are the assessments of genetic merit of the animal. EBVs are calculated for 200 day weight, 400 day weight, fat depth, muscle depth and muscle score. An economic assessment, or index, is calculated using this data, called the Beef Value. The objective of this experiment was to compare the performance of dairy-bred beef calves sired by bulls with either a high (top 10% of breed) or below average (bottom 25%) Beef Value.
Optimisation of selection decisions in the UK Meatlinc breed of sheep
Authors: Avendaño S. , Villanueva B. , Woolliams J.A.
Published: June 2019

Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) estimates of breeding values (EBVs) have been routinely used for selection decisions in the UK Meatlinc (ML) population since the early nineteen nineties. This has enabled accurate selection and has allowed higher genetic gains for traits of economic relevance than in other terminal sheep breeds (MLC, 1999). However, concerns regarding increased rates of inbreeding (ΔF) by selecting exclusively on BLUP-EBVs have arisen in this small population. Dynamic rules to maximise genetic merit while ΔF is constrained to a pre-defined level using BLUP EBVs are currently available (e.g. Grundy et al 1998). They found higher gains than standard BLUP selection at the same ΔF by using these rules. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of these procedures for optimising selection decisions under constrained inbreeding in the UK ML sheep population.
Growth and carcass characteristics of crossbred (Mule) sheep
Authors: van Heelsum A. M. , Lewis R. M. , Haresign W. , Jones D. , Williams S. , Davies M. H. , Davies O.
Published: June 2019

With increasing emphasis in the meat sector on better and more consistent quality, carcass leanness and conformation is now an important issue for sheep breeders. In 1999, only 47% of all carcasses in the UK met the target specifications for weight, fat and conformation (MLC, 2000), highlighting the potential for improvement. In the current stratified crossbreeding system, crossbred wether lambs are a by-product of the production of dam line ewes for the lowland sector. If their carcass quality is sufficient, they can give a valuable boost to the economics of the breeding programme. Genetic improvement of carcass quality in crossing sire breeds would benefit the crossbred wethers, as well as filter through to the terminal sire cross lambs produced by the crossbred ewes. This work aims to assess the influence of selection index and live conformation score of crossing sires (in this case Bluefaced Leicesters) on growth and carcass quality traits of their crossbred progeny, as a first step towards designing a genetic improvement programme for crossing sire sheep.
Effects of B vitamins and methyl group donors on milk production, milk composition and blood biochemistry in dairy cows
Authors: Richards S.E , Hicklin S , Lord T , Nickson A , Long J , Brackenbury J , Newbold J.R.
Published: June 2019

Recent reviews highlight the importance of the liver in the coordination of nutrient fluxes in support of pregnancy and lactation (e.g. Drackley et al., 2001). Mobilisation of body fat reserves in the late dry period and early lactation leads to an increase in uptake of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) by the liver. Their metabolic fate is either oxidation or esterification into triacylglycerides (TAG) that are either exported in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) or accumulated within liver cells. Recent evidence indicates that TAG accumulation impairs ureagenic and gluconeogenic capacity of the liver, with consequent reductions in feed intake and milk yield, increased incidence of disease and decreased reproductive performance (Overton and Piepenbrink, 1999).

LiFTTM (NuTec Ltd.) is a proprietary mixture of B-group vitamins and methyl group donors (rumen protected choline, niacin, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid and thiamine) designed to reduce the accumulation of TAG in the liver and accelerate VLDL export. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of LiFT on milk yield and composition and concentrations of metabolites in blood.
Effects of body condition and dry cow feeding on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation in Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: Dewhurst R. J. , Moorby J. M. , Davies D. W. R. , Fisher W. J. , Friggens N. C. , Ingvartsen K. L.
Published: June 2019

Genetic potential for milk production has increased rapidly in the Holstein-Friesian breed and there is concern that this might be causing an increased incidence of health problems. We have recently (Ingvartsen et al., 2002) reviewed the inter-relationships between lactation performance and health, demonstrating the importance of considering effects on/of body reserves as well as effects on/of milk production. Whilst we identified mechanisms whereby body reserves can have a direct effect on susceptibility to disease, disease also affects body reserves making it difficult to study their inter-relationships. The dry period is a particularly interesting period in this regard, because additional nutrients are directed towards reserves, whilst it is followed by a period (early lactation) of high disease incidence. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving, as well as the effects of dry period diets designed to alter BCS, on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation.
Performance of weaner pigs when fed diets containing different combinations of exogenous xylanase and betaine
Authors: Wiseman J. , Simmins P.H.
Published: June 2019

Exogenous xylanases reduce anti-nutritional factors in feedstuffs and help optimise digestion in the small intestine through their positive effects on water holding capacity, nutrient packaging, digesta viscosity and flow. The net effect is reduced likelihood of both undesirable bacterial proliferation in the small intestine and migration of bacteria from the large to the small intestine leading to a disease challenge and hence reduced performance. Osmotic upsets have also been observed with pigs fed cereal-based diets, and the osmoregulatory role of betaine may strengthen the pig’s defence of this condition. As the mode of action of betaine is different from enzymes, it has been postulated that piglets may be responsive to combinations of these additives. The object of the experiment reported was to study the performance of weaner pigs fed diets containing differing rates of inclusion of exogenous xylanase and betaine.
Effect of increasing stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase mRNA concentrations using forage and concentrate diets on the fatty acid composition of ovine adipose tissue
Authors: Daniel Z.C.T.R. , Wynn R.J. , Salter A.M. , Buttery P.J.
Published: June 2019

Compared to meat from other animals lamb contains high levels of saturated fat, particularly stearic acid which comprises 18% of the total fatty acids (Enser et al, 1996). This stearic acid can be desaturated in the tissue by stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) to produce oleic acid. In sheep SCD is produced from a single gene and the levels of SCD mRNA in the tissue correlate well with oleic acid (Ward et al, 1998, Barber et al, 2000) suggesting that an upregulation of SCD activity may increase the relative proportions of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids and so significantly improve the nutritional quality of sheep meat. Our recent studies have shown that insulin increases SCD mRNA levels and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis in cultured ovine adipose tissue explants (Daniel et al, 2001). The present study was designed to investigate whether feeding a diet believed to manipulate SCD mRNA concentrations would significantly alter the fatty acid composition of lamb.
NSP Enzymes For Broiler Diets Containing Barley
Authors: Blanchard P J , Ward J H , Feuerstein D , Knox A
Published: June 2019

Non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content of barley is predominately in the form of β-glucan, whereas in wheat it is predominately pentosans (containing the sugars arabinose and xylose). It has generally been accepted therefore that a high level of β-glucanase is needed in broiler diets containing barley, whereas wheat based diets require a high level of endoxylanase. Trials have however previously suggested that including an endoxylanase based enzyme in broiler diets will perform at least as well as enzyme containing highlevels of β-glucanase in diets containing up to 30% barley. To confirm this finding, a trial was initiated at Roslin Institute, Edinburgh to compare the effectiveness of Natugrain Blend 66% (an endoxylanase based product) against Natugrain 33% (endoxylanase/β-glucanase product) in diets containing up to 30% barley.
Effects of incubation fluid pH and fibrolytic enzymes on the in vitro fermentation of pure substrates, assessed using the Reading Pressure Technique (RPT)
Authors: Colombatto D. , Mould F. L. , Bhat M. K. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

Modern feeding practices often lead to ruminal conditions being sub-optimal for fibre digestion. It has been speculated that fibrolytic enzymes, which usually show optimum activity at pH values below 6.0, may be of benefit when applied to diets of high producing animals. This study used a commercial enzyme mixture (EM), already identified as effective; to investigate its optimum pH range with respect to activity and its impact on the fermentation profiles of pure substrates, under differing pH conditions.
The effect of fibrolytic enzyme application on the rate and extent of alfalfa stem fermentation, assessed in vitro
Authors: Colombatto D. , Mould F. L. , Bhat M. K. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

A number of fibrolytic enzyme preparations have been shown to increase the rate and extent of fermentation of alfalfa fractions (Colombatto et al., 2000a). However, responses to enzyme addition have been mixed and several factors are believed to be involved. Among these, specific enzyme activities and application rates are very important. The present study examined a commercial enzyme preparation already established as effective, for its ability to increase the rate and extent of in vitro fermentation of alfalfa stems, when applied at different levels.
Influence of selected fibrolytic enzymes on the ensiling characteristics and in vitro rumen degradation of maize silage
Authors: Colombatto D. , Mould F. L. , Bhat M. K. , Phipps R. H. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

Selected fibrolytic enzyme preparations applied at ensiling have been shown to reduce the fibre contents and to increase the initial rate of in vitro organic matter degradation (OMD) of maize silage (Colombatto et al., 2001). However, there is little information on changes in the fibre content of maize forage during the ensiling process, as affected by enzyme addition. The present study examined the effects of characterised enzyme preparations (Colombatto et al., 2000), derived from mesophilic and thermophilic fungal sources applied at ensiling, on the quality and in vitro rumen degradation characteristics of maize silage, as assessed using the Reading Pressure Technique (RPT, Mauricio et al., 1999).
The effect of castration on plasma cortisol level and time budget in farmed guanaco calves (Lama guanicoe)
Authors: Zapata B. , Fuentes K. , Bonacic C. , González B. , Riveros J.L. , Marín M.P. , Bas F.
Published: June 2019

Castration is a routine procedure for male farm animals. The ethics of castration are widely debated because the procedure may potentially result in pain and distress. The indications for early castration in farmed guanacos are: 1) prevention of aberrant behaviour in human-imprinted males, 2) elimination of inter-male aggression, so that males may be housed together or with females, 3) avoidance of accidental breeding (Fowler, 1998). In addition, it has been argued (Molony and Kent, 1997) that to study the pain response to castration is ethically acceptable as the overall welfare of the animal is improved by the procedure. Guanaco farming has been recently established in South America, and there is therefore little information available on how guanacos respond to castration. The purpose of this study was to assess pain in farmed guanacos. The hypothesis was that pain experienced by guanacos due to castration may be displayed in behavioural and physiological changes, as has been reported in lambs, calves and piglets. The study was carried out in 2001 on four-month-old farmed male guanaco. Changes in plasma cortisol concentration and the frequency of specific daytime behavioural postures and activities following castration are reported.
Domestic chicks’ responses to PECKA-BLOCKS and string enrichment devices
Authors: Jones R.B. , Ruschak C.
Published: June 2019

The PECKA-BLOCK (Breckland International Ltd.) is a commercially available, cereal and baked-sand-based device designed to enrich the environment and reduce the incidence of behavioural vices, such as feather pecking and cannibalism. Pecking at this novel stimulus loosens cereal grains that can then be eaten. This device reduced inter-bird pecking in broiler chicks (Guy, 2001) though it is not clear whether the authors measured gentle or severe feather pecking, allopreening, or aggression. White string (polypropylene twine) elicits sustained interest by chicks and hens of various laying and its provision reduced feather pecking and pecking-related feather damage (Jones, 2001). The present study compared the responses of layer chicks to simple string devices and to soft and hard PECKA-BLOCKS.
Effect of rearing environment on “human approach behaviour” in grower-finisher pigs
Authors: Amory J.R. , Pearce G.P. , Mackenzie A.M. , Varley M.A.
Published: June 2019

The importance of the quality of the human-animal relationship on the productivity and welfare of commercial farm animals is now well established. Previous work in pigs has found negative correlations between productivity and avoidance behaviour of a human subject (Hemsworth et al., 1981). However, other reports have shown no relationship between avoidance behaviour and growth or physiological measures of chronic stress resulting from aversive handling suggesting that other factors may affect this behaviour (Pearce et al., 1989). The present study examined the influence of environmental and husbandry factors on the response to humans in commercially housed grower and finisher pigs.
Interactions between behavioural development, plasma cortisol and thermoregulation in the neonatal lamb
Authors: Dwyer C. M.
Published: June 2019

The behavioural development of precocious mammals contributes to their survival in the neonatal period. In the sheep, neonatal behavioural progress is known to be affected by breed and birthweight (Dwyer, 2001), and is related to lamb survival (Dwyer et al., 2001). Lambs that are slow to stand and suck may be less mature at birth than lambs that stand quickly. Foetal cortisol plays an important role in the preparation of the lamb for postnatal life (Liggins, 1994) and may also play a role in the development of behavioural competency at birth. In this study differences in behavioural develoment and plasma cortisol were measured in two breeds of sheep known to differ in behavioural competency at birth. In addition, ability to maintain body temperature was also investigated.
Excretory behaviour of lactating sows in an outdoor organic production system
Authors: Marcellis J. , Kelly H. , Browning H. , Day J. , Edwards S.
Published: June 2019

The excretory behaviour of outdoor lactating sows has important implications for sow and piglet health, especially in organic systems, where use of anthelmintics and other medication is restricted. It is also important in determining the environmental impact of the system. If foraging and excretion are spatially separated this limits risk of parasite infection, but may lead to nutrient “hotspot” formation with potential for leaching and poor nutrient cycling to subsequent crops. Where nose-ringing of organic sows is not permitted by the certification scheme, pasture will be destroyed by foraging activity, further promoting nutrient losses. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of excretory behaviour and patterns of pasture loss during the period from farrowing to weaning.
Effect of floor type on the welfare of piglets in the farrowing house
Authors: Lewis E. , Boyle L. , Lynch B. , Brophy P. , Doherty J. O’
Published: June 2019

Floor type is one of the main features influencing the welfare of sows and piglets in farrowing crates. Yet it is difficult to reconcile the needs of the sow and her piglets through the use of one floor (Furniss et al., 1986). Hence the aim of this study was to identify a floor combination that optimises the welfare of the piglets in the farrowing crate.
How integrated livestock management can fit into the Rural Economy
Authors: Marsh J S
Published: June 2019

Language provides us with convenient generalisations that often conceal as much as they reveal. The term ‘rural economy’ fits into this category. In the UK the rural economy ranges from the lush pastures of Cheshire, interspersed with the residences of the wealthy, to the bleak Highlands and the isolated, windswept Western Isles. When we look for the optimum use of the resources involved in such areas no one solution can suit all. Equally our emotional attachment to rural economies often embraces the idea that they are timeless. In reality all rural economies are dynamic and some are changing very rapidly as this conference takes place. Probably the most useful task for those who seek to help farmers and planners is to come to an understanding of the moving economic equilibrium, towards which at any one time we are tending. That equilibrium can be represented as a balance between the inflows and outflows of people, money and physical resources at any one time.
Regulation of leptin expression in farm animals
Authors: Chilliard Y. , Delavaud C. , Bonnet M.
Published: June 2019

Leptin is a hormone mainly expressed by adipose tissue (AT) in mammals and/or by liver in birds, at levels that differ according to genetic, physiological, nutritional and environmental factors, as well as hormone treatments (Houseknecht et al., 1998; Barb et al., 2002; Chilliard et al., 2002; Taouis et al., 2002).

AT leptin mRNA level was higher in sheep and goat subcutaneous than visceral tissues, and the opposite was observed in cattle; it was higher in fat than in lean selection line in sheep. Leptin gene expression was decreased by undernutrition and increased by refeeding in AT of cattle and sheep, and decreased during fasting but not after feed restriction in AT of pig. In the chicken, both AT and liver leptin mRNA were decreased by undernutrition. In lactating goats, the replacement of part of the dietary concentrates by soybeans did not change leptin expression. The injection of NPY in sheep, as well as growth hormone (GH) treatment of growing sheep and cattle increased AT leptin mRNA. In the pig, AT leptin mRNA decreased after GH administration and estrogen-induced leptin mRNA increased with age and adiposity. In the chicken, estrogen treatment decreased AT and liver leptin mRNA. In vitro, insulin and glucocorticoïds increased AT leptin mRNA in cattle and pig, and leptin production in sheep. However, these effects on leptin gene expression were inhibited by GH. In the chicken, liver but not AT leptin mRNA was either increased by insulin, glucocorticoïds and GH or decreased by glucagon treatments. Long daylength increased AT lipogenic activities and leptin mRNA, as well as plasma leptin in sheep. In sheep, AT leptin mRNA increased from prebreeding to mid-pregnancy and declined to prebreeding levels during early lactation (Ehrhardt et al., 2001).
Are enzymes useful in ruminant diets?
Authors: Phipps R. H. , Sutton J. D. , Bhat M. K.
Published: June 2019

Cellulose and hemicellulose are the major structural carbohydrates present in forages and form between 30 and 60% of the forage component of ruminant diets. The complex network of structural carbohydrates and lignin generally leads to low digestibility and limits the efficient utilisation of forages by ruminants. This situation occurs in both developed and developing countries, and in the latter it is particularly pronounced as much of the forage component is based around the use of crop residues (Owen and Jayasuria, 1989). Because forage costs are significantly lower than those of other dietary ingredients, improving forage quality has been a major objective for many research programmes in both the developed and developing world. Improvements in forage quality have been sort through a number of different strategies. These have included conventional breeding techniques, which have included the integration of mutant genes, leading to the development of Brown Midrib varieties of maize and the use of chemical and biological additives. Enzyme supplements are commonly used to improve the nutritive value of feeds for non ruminants and as silage additives where they have been shown to improve silage fermentation, feed intake and performance. Recent work with ruminants has however focused on the use of enzyme supplements to improve feed efficiency by the use of “direct-fed” fibrolytic enzymes. This strategy involves the application of enzymes to feed at or only hours before feeding. These studies have yielded very variable production responses. For any new technology to be implemented widely, the responses achieved must provide an acceptable level of consistency and predictability. The current paper reviews developments in enzymology, production responses achieved and the effects on nutrient digestion.
Zoonotic risk assessment and risk management in the red meat sector
Authors: Attenborough M. , Matthews K. R. , Armstrong D.
Published: June 2019

Zoonoses are those diseases of animals that can be transmitted to man or vice versa. These may be caused by bacteria, parasites, or more rarely by viruses. This paper will concentrate mainly on the zoonotic bacteria Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., E. coli O157 and Yersinia spp. Foodborne disease, often described as food poisoning, is defined as disease due to the consumption of food contaminated with microorganisms or their toxins. In 2000, the most common causes of food poisoning in humans in Great Britain were Campylobacter spp. (60340 cases) and Salmonella spp. (16567 cases). Less than 100 cases of Yersinia spp. infections were reported in humans in England and Wales. Results from surveillance of zoonotic organisms in farm livestock were presented at two conferences organised by MAFF in 2000. The main results are outlined in table 1. It is not possible to guarantee the complete absence from meat of bacteria that can cause infections in people. Thorough cooking of foods should kill all vegetative bacteria. Nevertheless, it is also important that steps are taken throughout the supply chain to minimise the transfer of the bacteria that could cause foodborne disease.
The effect of slaughter weight on boning out characteristics of Holstein-Friesian male cattle
Authors: Kirkland R.M. , Keady T.W.J. , Patterson D.C. , Steen R.W.J.
Published: June 2019

The continuing trend for increased use of Holstein genetics in dairy herds has resulted in a large number of Holstein-Friesian bull calves becoming available, at low cost, as a potential resource for the beef industry. However, whilst these calves have been bred for dairy traits, which are negatively correlated to many important beef traits (e.g. carcass conformation), it is important to determine the potential yield of boned out joints from these animals, in order to facilitate an assessment of commercial carcass value. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of slaughter weight on yield of boned out joints from Holstein-Friesian bulls and steers offered a cereal-based diet.
Comparison of a pulp-based diet and a cereal-based diet in the fattening of young bulls from Belgian Blue, Limousin and Aberdeen Angus breeds
Authors: Cuvelier C. , Cabaraux J.-F. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L. , Hornick J.-L.
Published: June 2019

Performances traits like live weight gain, feed conversion ratio or carcass quality were in the past the main objectives in beef meat production. Nowadays consumers attach an increasingly large importance to technological and nutritional qualities. In terms of dietetic, a low fat content associated with a high polyunsaturated fatty acids content and a low n-6/n-3 ratio is required. In this context, the present work was undertaken to compare performances and meat characteristics in young fattening bulls of 3 beef breeds offered 2 different diets.
The effects of grain storage and processing method and level of feeding on the performance of finishing beef cattle offered two contrasting grass silages
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Kilpatrick D.J.
Published: June 2019

Traditionally cereals have been dried or treated with propionic acid and processed prior to feeding to finishing beef cattle. However this process is labour intensive, particularly as it involves rolling or milling the grain prior to feeding. Currently labour is an expensive and scarce resource on many beef units. Recently new techniques have been developed for storing and feeding grain to beef cattle which reduce the need to process grain immediately prior to feeding. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of grain storage and processing method, and grain feed level on performance of beef cattle offered two contrasting feed value grass silages.
Effects of stage of maturity and protein supplementation on growth and nitrogen utilisation by cattle fed oat silage
Authors: Berthiaume R. , Lafrenière C.
Published: June 2019

Cereal silages are used extensively in the diets of feedlot cattle all over western Canada. Plants are generally harvested at dough stage as this stage is believed to represent the best compromise between feeding value and dry matter yield. However, under the growing conditions of eastern Canada, where cereals are grown as cover crops, it has been argued that harvesting at the boot stage would be beneficial to the establishment of the under sown crop and could improve yields of digestible dry matter. Previous experiments have suggested that cereal silages harvested at boot stage vs soft dough stage (Acosta et al., 1991), although the former were more digestible, resulted in no benefit in terms of animal performance. Our work with grass silages (Berthiaume et al, 1996) showed that this could be due to the highly degradable nature of protein in immature silages, and that protein supplements would be beneficial. This study evaluated the effect of harvesting oats for silage at boot vs milk stage with or without the addition of a protein supplement on nitrogen utilisation and growth of calves.
Developing a method to predict body composition in mice using computerised tomography
Authors: Rampersad M. , Lombardi A. , Bünger L.
Published: June 2019

The mouse is a widely used model in experimental genetics especially for the genetic dissection of fat and lean tissue deposition in farm animals and humans (Bünger & Hill 2005). The body composition of mice has been recently measured in vivo and using carcasses with newly developed technologies and special equipment such as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry topographic scanners, like the PIXImus series, or micro computed axial tomography scanners (Medlin 1999). These methods, although accurate, are still relatively expensive. The aim of this study was to assess whether a computerised tomography (CT) scanner designed for scanning of humans, was capable of providing sufficiently accurate estimate of the body composition of mice of different lines, to prepare the ground for studies in mice as model animals to fast-track experiments in farm animals in a cost-effective way.
Nutritional control of gastrointestinal parasitism in lactating rats
Authors: Houdijk J.G.M. , Jessop N.S. , Knox D.P. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

Small ruminant studies have shown that a reduction in protein scarcity, through either an increase in protein supply or reduction in protein demand, results in reduced nematode egg excretion and worm burdens during the periparturient period (Houdijk and Athanasiadou, 2003). Whilst this reduced degree of parasitism indirectly suggests that such nutritional effects are mediated through changes in host immune responses, there is only limited direct evidence for this. A rodent model may be used for directly assessing immune responses that underlie nutritional control of nematode parasites. There is indirect evidence that lactating rats undergo a breakdown of immunity to the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Houdijk et al., 2003). Provided that this breakdown is sensitive to protein nutrition, this model may be used for elucidating interactions between nutrition and immunity to parasites. Therefore, we assessed whether breakdown of immunity to N. brasiliensis in the lactating rat is sensitive to host protein nutrition.
Growth trajectories of Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Coffey M. P. , Hickey J. , Brotherstone S.
Published: June 2019

All genetic selection in dairy cattle is applied to traits that are measured during the animal’s productive life, mostly those recorded during early productive life because genetic evaluations are best calculated from unbiased early data. Since body lipid is normally accumulated partly as a function of body protein accretion and in part as a function of degree of maturity (which is also related to protein content), it follows that selection for yield in relatively mature life, and concomitant alteration of body lipid profiles, may have altered early life growth profiles as well. If this is the case, parameters of early life growth may be used to predict later life events such as production and functional traits associated with the degree of maturity when these events occur. The objectives of this study were: 1) to model the growth of dairy cows of average and high genetic merit from birth to the end of third lactation and identify any differences in their growth curves.
Predicting the voluntary food intake of growing animals during exposure to pathogens of different kinds and doses
Authors: Sandberg F. B. , Emmans G. C. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: June 2019

Pathogens (parasites, bacteria and viruses), when causing sub-clinical disease, affect the voluntary food intake, VFI kg/d, of animals, with subsequent reductions in rates of growth. However, no general quantitative framework for predicting the effects of different kinds and doses of pathogen on the VFI of animals has been proposed that could be integrated with existing models of growth. The aim here was to develop a general quantitative framework of VFI during exposure to sub-clinical doses of pathogens and to integrate such a framework with a general model of growth (Wellock et al. 2003).
Prediction of body weight and composition in lactating dairy cows: Relationship between body condition score and body composition
Authors: Yan T. , Agnew R. E. , Mayne C. S.
Published: June 2019

Body condition of lactating dairy cows varies at different stages of lactation. Cows usually mobilise their body reserves to provide energy and protein for milk production in early lactation, and gain weight to deposit energy and protein for pregnancy at a later stage. The objective of the present study was to examine relationships between body condition score (CS) and body concentration of lipid, CP and energy.
Colour stability and lipid oxidation in M. longissimus dorsi from lambs fed oils or oilseeds rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Moloney A. P. , Noci F. , Kennedy C. , O’Grady M. , Kerry J. P.
Published: June 2019

Due to ruminal biohydrogenation, the increase in muscle polyunsaturated fatty acids (P) in ruminant tissue is small relative to dietary supply. Some biohydrogenation is desirable since conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), considered to have human health promoting properties, results from incomplete ruminal biohydrogenation of linoleic acid and by tissue desaturation of ruminally derived trans-vaccenic acid (TVA). Noci et al., (2004) reported that controlling the rate of oil release from linseed and camelina to the rumen increased the efficiency of transfer of dietary P to tissue while allowing the production of CLA. Increasing the P concentration, in particular the longer carbon chain P, predispose lipids to oxidation which is believed to be linked to muscle pigment oxidation and consequently to colour instability. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the strategies used by Noci et al., (2004) to protect dietary lipids from ruminal biohydrogenation, on the colour and lipid stability of muscle.
Effects of mixtures of red clover and maize silages on milk production and Nitrogen utilisation by dairy cows
Authors: Dewhurst R. J. , Merry R. J. , Davies L. J.
Published: June 2019

Legumes are important to sustainable agriculture because of their N fixing ability and consequent reduced reliance on increasingly scarce oil resources. Our previous studies showed consistently higher intakes and milk yields when red clover silage replaced grass silage in dairy cow diets (Dewhurst et al., 2003). However, the increased intakes of a forage which contains higher levels of N led to a reduction in the efficiency of conversion of feed N into milk N (g/g) from around 0.25 to 0.20 or less. Maize silage has similar high intake characteristics, but its low N content and considerable starch content suggest that it would be highly complementary to red clover silage in terms of N-use efficiency. This study evaluated production and efficiency responses to mixtures of red clover and maize silages in comparison with perennial ryegrass silage.
Pastoralist parliamentary groups: a comparative study
Authors: Morton J. F.
Published: June 2019

Pastoralists (broadly speaking, people dependent on extensively grazed livestock for their livelihoods), are a vulnerable group of people who have been marginalised in developmental and political terms, and whose problems are very different from those of people in mainstream agricultural areas. Pastoralist Parliamentary Groups (PPGs), groupings of MPs concerned with the issue of pastoralism, have been formed since 1997 in the national parliaments of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda (Mohammed Mussa 2004, Livingstone forthcoming a and b). A research project investigated the context, successes and failures of the three PPGs, using interviews with their members and other stakeholders and document review.
Ceiling to milk yield on Kenya smallholdings requires rethink of dairy development policy
Authors: King J. M. , Parsons D. J. , Turnpenny J. R. , Nyangaga J. , Bakari P. , Wathes M.C.
Published: June 2019

The UN millennium goal of halving the percent of people in poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2015, will not be achieved. Where animal scientists have contributed to this failure, they have assumed that small farms are inefficient and will be improved by adopting scaled-down versions of the large commercial systems in which their science has evolved. Kenya illustrates the problem, with its rural poverty and a project to increase the standard of living of smallholders through milk production. Despite the socio-economic difference from the large dairy farm, the cow of choice for these small zero-grazing units remains the Friesian (F), but her productivity is so low as to threaten the sustention of the system (Bebe, 2003). We need to understand why the breed is popular, what shapes the lactation curve and extends the calving interval (CI), and what are sustainable levels of milk and calf production.
Using a decision support tool to screen for pro-poor policies: Application of Extrapolate to smallholder dairy systems in East Africa
Authors: Thornton P. K. , Thorne P. J. , Quiros C. , Sheikh D. , Kruska R. L. , Robinson T. P. , T. Dijkman J. , Herrero M.
Published: June 2019

Extrapolate (EX-ante Tool for RAnking POLicy AlTErnatives) is a decision support tool to assess the impact of policy measures on different target groups. It is designed to serve as a “filter” that, given the broad characteristics of the population, allows the user to sift through different policy measures to assess ex ante the broad potential impacts of these before deciding to look at particular policy options in more detail. Extrapolate models, in a very simple way, the impact of changes on constraints facing potential beneficiary groups, and how these may affect outcomes and their livelihood status. Extrapolate now makes use of mapping facilities from another decision-support tool, PRIMAS (Poverty Reduction Intervention Mapping in Agricultural Systems), that allows the user to match characteristics of particular technological options and constraints with the spatial characteristics of particular target groups in the landscape.
Less is more: restricted application of pyrethroids for controlling tsetse
Authors: Torr S. J. , Vale G. A. , Morton J. F.
Published: June 2019

In Africa, the animal trypanosomiases kill about 3 million cattle each year with related annual losses in animal productivity of ∼£3 billion. 32 of the 36 affected countries have per capita incomes of less than US$1 per day. The most effective method of combating the trypanosomiases is to eradicate their vectors, the tsetse. Up to the early 1980s, responsibility for vector control in Africa was largely taken by government agencies, using techniques such as large-scale aerial and ground spraying. Following economic crises, structural adjustment and decline or privatisation of veterinary services, much of the onus for controlling tsetse has fallen on livestock keepers themselves (Eisler et al. 2003), but partly as a consequence of trypanosomiasis, many are too poor to afford the cost. Treating cattle with synthetic pyrethroids may provide a way of breaking this cycle of poverty and disease.
Enhancing the contribution of draught animals to poor people’s livelihoods in Uganda
Authors: Barton D. , Obuo P. , Agobe F. , O’Neill D.
Published: June 2019

This presentation describes a process of Participatory Technology Development that took place in the Teso Farming System (TFS), northeast Uganda between 1998 and 2004. The main objective of the research/extension was to alleviate labour constraints and drudgery associated with weeding annual crops (in an area where the presence of HIV is reducing the numbers of economically active people available for agricultural labour) and to reduce costs and improve returns to these enterprises. There has been a shortage of draught animals in the TFS following civil disruption during the 1980s and 1990s. This constraint has been addressed by a number of ‘restocking’ projects and many households are now able to open up land (plough) with oxen. The benefits of using draught animal power (DAP) however, are not fully realised until animals are used for weeding and other tasks (planting, groundnut lifting and potato ridging). Although only 50% of households own oxen, 90% use them for ploughing, including some of the poorest households as it is cheaper to hire oxen than to employ manual labour. Hand weeding is mainly undertaken by women and children resulting in drudgery, withdrawal of children from school during the weeding seasons, high costs if labour is hired to undertake the task, reduced yields (in poorly weeded fields) and poor returns (gross margins).
The molecular mechanisms of inhibitory effect of androstenone on hepatic skatole metabolism in relation to boar taint
Authors: Doran E. , McGivan J. D. , Whittington M.F. , Wood J. D.
Published: June 2019

Boar taint is off-odours in cooked pork from uncastrated male pigs. It is caused by an excessive accumulation of skatole and androstenone in backfat. Accumulation of skatole is due to a low expression and activity of hepatic enzyme CYP2E1. The mechanism of androstenone accumulation is not clear. It could be due to low activity and expression of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), an enzyme metabolising androstenone in liver. On the basis of our previous in vivo experiments with castrated animals we suggest that accumulation of skatole is regulated by androstenone. Castrated pigs manifest lower levels of skatole and androstenone and higher CYP2E1 expression. We hypothesise that high levels of androstenone inhibits CYP2E1 expression and hence, reduces the rate of hepatic skatole metabolism. The aims of the present study were (i) to investigate the expression of androstenone-metabolising enzyme HSD in liver of pigs with high and low skatole and androstenone deposition; (ii) to investigate the effect of androstenone on expression of the skatole-metabolising enzyme CYP2E1 in vitro (in cell culture).
Prenatal undernutrition increases fat deposition and collagen content within skeletal muscle in the porcine fetus
Authors: Karunaratne J. , Ashton C. , Stickland N.C.
Published: June 2019

Connective tissue content of skeletal muscle plays a key role in meat quality. Previous pilot studies carried out in our lab have indicated that the smallest littermate may have a higher proportion of connective tissue in skeletal muscle (Clelland A., 2001). Connective tissue provides a structure to the muscle belly and is composed of ground substance, fibres and connective tissue cells. A proportion of these three elements of the connective tissue comprise of collagen I and fat deposits. This is an important concept to the meat industry as an increased amount of these components can increase meat toughness and intramuscular fat respectively, both having an impact on the resultant meat quality. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between undernutrition, collagen and fat content using a naturally occurring model. In the pig, it can be argued that differing levels of nutrition received, in utero, are a major cause of intra-litter variation. Therefore the smallest and largest littermates were chosen and content of collagen I and fat deposition were analysed in the M. semitendinosus of both.
The role of supra basal progesterone concentrations in the aetiology of follicular cysts in cows
Authors: Robinson R.S. , Hunter M.G. , Mann G.E.
Published: June 2019

While cystic follicles remain a significant problem in dairy cows, their aetiology still remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that treatment with low levels of progesterone can interfere with the induction of an LH surge and induce cystic follicles leading to the theory that supra basal concentrations of progesterone may act as a trigger for the formation of cystic follicles (Silvia et al., 2002).
Two methods of using X-ray Computed Tomography to predict carcass composition in sheep
Authors: Macfarlane J. M. , R. M. Lewis  , Emmans G. C. , Young J.M. , Simm G.
Published: June 2019

X-ray computed tomography (CT) can be used to accurately assess carcass composition in sheep (Sehested, 1984; Young et al., 2001) both in research and commercially, as part of a breed selection programme. Two different CT scanning methods have been used: a) the reference scan method where tissue weights are predicted from tissue areas in a small set of cross-sectional scans at ‘anatomical landmarks’, and b) the Cavalieri method where a larger number of scans are taken along the body. It is of interest to examine the accuracy of evaluations made using these two methods and the individual merits of the two methods depending on their application.
Effect of growth rate to finishing on in vivo composition and muscularity traits in lambs
Authors: Lambe N. R. , Navajas E. , Bünger L. , McLean K. , Simm G.
Published: June 2019

The amount and distribution of different body tissues changes as lambs grow and mature. Ratios of muscle to bone and of fat to muscle increase with growth post-weaning, as does muscularity (Jones et al., 2002), with the rate of change differing between breeds. Growth patterns have also been found to affect carcass composition (e.g. Thatcher and Gaunt, 1992). This preliminary study investigated the effects of growth rate on in vivo body composition and shape measurements and their relationships, in two contrasting breeds of lambs.
Association among objective in vivo and post-slaughter assessments of muscularity in lambs
Authors: Navajas E. A. , Charteris A. J. L. , McLean K. A. , Lambe N. R. , Fisher A. V. , Bünger L. , Simm G.
Published: June 2019

Muscularity of lamb carcasses, which is defined as the depth of muscle relative to dimensions of the skeleton (De Boer et al., 1974), is a commercially important trait in many countries. An objective index of muscularity was defined by Purchas et al. (1991) based on the weights of the muscles around a bone and the bone length. Jones et al. (2002) proposed an objective index to assess in vivo the shape of the muscle in the hind leg using X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), which had a phenotypic correlation of 0.63 with dissection measures of muscularity, as described by Purchas et al. (1991).
The effect of exercise on microbial activity in the hindgut of horses
Authors: Dougal K. , Rand A. S. , Walsh C. P , C.J. Newbold
Published: June 2019

Most studies on digestion in the equine have been carried out with animalsconfined to stables with little or no exercise. An increased rate of digesta passage has been reported in exercised versus non exercise horses with an associated decrease in digestibility (Paganet al., 1998). Microbial degradation makes an important contribution to diet digestibility in the equine. It is not clear however, if exercise has any effect on the composition and activity of the microbial population within hindgut which may impact on the digestion. The aim of this experiment was to assess the impact of exercise on microbial fermentation within the hindgut of the horse.
Opportunities for breeding for disease resistance in British sheep
Authors: Nieuwhof G.J. , Bishop S.C.
Published: June 2019

Recently, the costs of eight sheep diseases were calculated by Bennett and IJpelaar (2003). The highest annual costs were estimated for enzootic abortions in ewes (EAE) £20 M and toxoplasmosis £12M. In a survey among its members, the Moredun Foundation (1997) identified internal parasites (GI parasites), sheep scab and footrot as the most important sheep diseases, but these three diseases were not analysed by Bennett and IJpelaar (2003). The aim of this study is to estimate the benefits of reductions in the incidence or severity of these diseases, using the methodology of Bennett et al. (1999), and the benefits of reductions in disease incidence or severity. From this, marginal economic values for resistance are calculated and applied in selection index scenarios that mimic current sheep breeding schemes.
Quantitative trait loci associated with parasitic infection in sheep
Authors: Davies G. , Stear M.J. , Bishop S.C.
Published: June 2019

Gastrointestinal nematodes cause major losses to the UK sheep industry. As anthelmintic resistance is becoming a widespread problem alternative control methods are now sought. Breeding for improved parasite resistance is a possible control method (Woolaston and Windon, 2001). As genetic markers are now widely available there is considerable potential for application to livestock breeding through quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection and subsequent marker-assisted selection schemes. Although much work is underway, there are few published studies that identify QTL associated with parasite resistance. Therefore this study aims to identify QTL associated with parasitic nematode infection in a population of Scottish Blackface lambs using faecal egg count and Immunoglobulin A activity.