bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary yeast and protein supplementation on growth and fibre characteristics of british angora goats
Authors: Deaville E R , Galbraith H
Published: June 2019

The growing need to diversify animal production in the UK has Increased the interest in indigenous fibre production. Mohair production from Angora goats 1n this country dates back as recently as 1981 with the Importation of 15 Angora does and 3 bucks from New Zealand (Ryder, 1987). To date this production remains a very small enterprise producing less than 0.2% of the world's mohair production (Fisher, 1989) and is compared with an estimated 40% of the world's mohair Imported annually in the UK, valued at approximately £35 million (Fisher, 1989).

There is relatively little information available concerning the nutritional requirements of British Angora goats in relation to mohair production. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of feeding basal diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yea -Sacc, Alltech, Europe) and additional protein on growth performance, selected blood metabolites and fibre (mohair) growth 1n Angora goats.
Performance of group-housed growing pigs at and below lower critical temperature
Authors: Simmins P.H. , Armsby A.W. , Edwards S.A. , Smith A.T.
Published: June 2019

Intensive pig housing often provides an environment with high levels of airborne contaminants which may be to the detriment of the health and welfare of the pig and the stockman. The problem is compounded by producers maintaining higher temperatures than necessary in an attempt to maximise performance. Consequently, air changes in a room may be unduly limited, particularly when the temperature differential between the outside and inside is large as in winter. It is therefore desirable to keep the room temperature as low as possible to maximise ventilation rate whilst ensuring that feed is used efficiently for growth. The temperature above which this occurs is the lower critical temperature (LCT). However current recommendations for LCT are based on research carried out on individuals and very small groups. Commercially, the variability of the group may have a significant effect on the practical minimum temperature which may be achieved. The objective of the trial reported here was to assess the performance of larger groups of pigs grown in controlled conditions utilising current recommendations for LCT based on the Bruce and Clark (1979) model.
Consistency and accuracy of pig carcass lean prediction from P2 fat thickness and sample joint dissection
Authors: Planella J , Cook G L , Warkup C C
Published: June 2019

Genetic improvements and developments in production methods have made dramatic changes in the composition of British pig carcasses over the last ten years. As a result, equations for predicting lean concentration are likely to need frequent revision. The first Stotfold Trial was designed to obtain a comprehensive modern data set with which production efficiency, carcass composition and meat quality could be examined for different breed types, sexes and feeding regimens. It therefore provides a valuable database with which to evaluate predictors of carcass lean. The main objective of this paper is to examine the stability of the regression equations predicting carcass lean content from carcass weight, P2 and lean content of sample joints among different populations, sexes and feeding regimens. Two different aspects of prediction were studied. The first was that of carcass grading, the estimation of lean concentration from P2 (measured with an Optical Probe) and carcass weight. The second was that of the estimation of total lean concentration from the dissection of sample joints and from the removal of total subcutaneous fat in the side. The accuracy of these estimators was also examined.
Serum cholesterol as a predictor of performance and carcass quality in growing pigs
Authors: Taylor J.A. , Salter D.N. , Lister D.
Published: June 2019

Cholesterol plays an important role in the transport of lipid throughout the body. Moreover, reports have linked the turnover of cholesterol with obesity (eg Nestel, Schreibman and Ahrens, 1973). Recent studies have demonstrated wide variations in serum cholesterol in response to hypercholesterogenic diets in growing pigs (Shutler and Low, 1988). These variations in response appear to have a genetic basis and may be due to variations in turnover rates. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the measurement of serum cholesterol in growing pigs, either in their normal state or after being given a dietary cholesterol challenge, could be used in the prediction of performance or carcass quality.
The economic assessment of technological and management changes on welsh dairy farms by computerised spreadsheet analysis
Authors: Willis R.W.M. , Thomas T.H. , Phillips C.J.C. , Bright G.A. , Howarth R.W.
Published: June 2019

The computerised spreadsheet model which forms the basis of this study, describes two representative Welsh Dairy farms. Its purpose is to critically evaluate the economic effects of technological and management changes within the Welsh dairy sector, and to assess their applicability at a farm level.

To provide the physical and financial parameters for the model, a statistical analysis of the physical and financial data on Welsh dairy farms held on the Welsh Farm Management Survey Database was performed. From this information two representative farms were modelled. Farm Type 1 (S) is a 32ha holding with a milk quota of 129,000 litres, and Farm Type 2 (L) a 67ha holding with a quota of 407,840 litres. Both rear their own heifers as well as some store cattle, and have small flocks of breeding ewes. Farm type 2. also grows feed barley for use on the farm.
An Electronic System for studying the relationship between Behaviour and Body Temperature in Dairy Cows
Authors: Mayet Y. , McCarthy T.T. , Rowlinson P.
Published: June 2019

With the widespread use of AI on many commercial dairy farms, the efficient detection of oestrus has become a subject of increasing importance. Of all the physiological variables that have been investigated as predictors of oestrus, body temperature monitoring either on its own or in conjunction with other physiological variables, has shown promise mainly because of the ease with which it can be adapted as a practical on-farm oestrus detection system. However, oestrus detection rates by body temperature monitoring rarely exceed 70-80%, and often 10-20% of non-oestrus cows are wrongly diagnosed as being in heat. If the percentage of false positives is to be minimised, then identifying those factors that affect body temperature is important. Equally important, is an understanding of the way and the extent to which each factor affects body temperature. The more complete these two pieces of information, the more confident can one be of diagnosing an oestrus cow correctly. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the behaviour of a dairy cow affects her body temperature, and what light this information can throw on the use of body temperature as a predictor of oestrus.
The direct and residual effects of the plane of nutrition of calves in early life on physical performance and gains in chemical composition
Authors: Patterson D C , Steen R H J
Published: June 2019

The direct, residual and overall effects of the plane of nutrition of calves in early life were investigated with a factorial arrangement of high, medium and low planes of nutrition (H, M and L respectively) imposed from 2 to 14 weeks of age (Period 1) and high and low planes of nutrition (H and L respectively) from 14 to 26 weeks (Period 2). A common high plane of nutrition was offered from 26 weeks of age until the mean slaughter live weight of 527 kg. The planes of nutrition were based on appropriate fixed allowances of concentrates and good quality silage offered ad libitum apart from the first half of Period 1 where appropriate allowances of milk substitute were offered and the roughage was hay. In addition to the final slaughter point, representative samples of three calves per treatment were also slaughtered at the start of the experiment and at the end of Periods 1 and 2 and crude protein, total lipid and ash were determined. Energy contents of the tissues were also estimated from protein and lipid analyses.
Urea treated whole crop wheat for dairy cattle
Authors: J.Hill  , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

Urea treated Whole Crop Wheat (WCW) provides a stable, alkaline high DM forage, which is a potential replacement for, or complement to grass silage. Harvesting at about 600 g DM/kg facilitates both optimum crop DM production and energy concentration within the crop. Urea treatment (40 kg/t DM) at harvest prevents fermentation during storage, and may increase the crop digestibility. The nitrogen status of the forage as ammonia is also increased. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the feeding value of WCW for dairy cattle, when offered as the sole basal feed.

A spring wheat crop (var. Axona) was cut at about 600 .g DM/kg (hard dough stage), chopped using a conventional forage harvester and stored in an outdoor clamp silo. Urea was added at 40 kg/t DM during harvesting. After rolling, the clamp was sheeted with polythene for 125 days until feed out.
Dry matter intake and rumen fermentation in steers fed untreated grass hay or hay treated with urea, sodium hydroxide or a combination of both
Authors: Moloney A. P. , Flynn A. V.
Published: June 2019

Treatment of poor quality roughages with ammonia or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) has been demonstrated in numerous studies to improve the nutritive value of these materials. Ammonia is usually applied in anhydrous or aqueous forms in stacks at ambient temperature or anhydrous in high temperature ovens (e.g. Mason et al., 1989) while NaOH is usually applied as an aqueous solution either as a spray or by immersion of the test material (e.g. Wanapat et al., 1985). The objective of this study was to determine the effects on composition and subsequent rumen fermentation when low digestibility grass hay was treated with ammonia and/or NaOH by a procedure which might be readily used at farm level.
effect of treating wheat straw with sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide alone or in combination with hydrogen peroxide on the in Vitro dry matter digestibility
Authors: Chaudhry A. S. , Miller E. L.
Published: June 2019

That alkali treatments can improve the nutritional quality of poor quality roughages has long been established (Sundstol and Owen, 1984). However, their effectiveness is limited by their potential hazards to the animals and mankind. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) has recently emerged as a possible substitute (Gould, 1985) but its farm scale application is limited by the need for high amounts of chemicals and water. Lack of any information regarding its effectiveness over NaOH alone is another factor which requires further investigation. The present study was, therefore, planned to assess the effectiveness of pH-regulated (11.5±0.2) H2O2 (AHP) in improving the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of wheat straw (WS, Avalon) under different laboratory conditions. The possibility of using CaO on its own or to regulate pH for AHP was also tested.
A farm based comparion of grass/white clover with nitrogen based system for dairy cattle
Authors: Bax J A , Roberts D J , Thomas C
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in the use of white clover rich swards in dairy cattle systems in response to evironmental pressures and the introduction of milk quotas. White clover (Trifolium repens) in association with Rhizobium bacteria in a mixed sward receiving no fertilizer nitrogen can produce yields equivalent to a grass sward receiving approximately 200 kg N/ha/annum. Field scale cutting experiments (Roberts et al, 1989) have deomstrated that under an intensive 3-cut silage regime a grass/white clover sward receiving no nitrogenous fertilizer can yield 0.71 of the DM herbage output of a grass sward receiving between 320 and 340 kg N/ha/annum. Feeding experiments have demonstrated the ability of white clover to improve milk yield and composition (Castle et al, 1983, Thomson, 1984). To further investigate the potential of white clover for dairy cattle a systems study is being conducted. This paper summarises the performance of the two herds in the first year.
Response by dairy cows to a change in concentrate energy supply with equal supply of concentrate crude protein
Authors: Smith E.J. , Emmans G.C. , Friggens N. , Oldham J.D. , Whitaker D.A. , Aitchison K. , Kelly J.M.
Published: June 2019

When concentrate allowance is changed the allowances of both energy and crude protein change. In this experiment, which was part of a larger series, concentrate energy supply was increased at a constant supply of crude protein.

Sixteen Ayrshire and Friesian cows were given either 4kg/d of a high protein concentrate (321g/kg DM), T4, or 8kg/d of a low protein concentrate (173g/kg DM), T8, as well as ad. libitum access to silage through Calan-Broadbent gates (pH 3.8, DM 220g/kg, ME 10.1 MJ/kg DM, CP 147g/kg DM, NH3-N 43g/kg total N). There were two periods of 8 weeks starting three weeks after calving. Performance in week two was used as a covariate. The treatments in the two periods were: T4/T4, T4/T8, T8/T4 and T8/T8. Milk yields and silage intakes were recorded daily; milk composition was measured weekly and cows were weighed twice weekly by weighband.
The effect of cubicle housing, grazing and increasing age on the locomotion scores of dairy cows
Authors: Wilkinson R , Thomas T P , Gwynn P E J , Jory M
Published: June 2019

In order to examine the locomotion characteristics of dairy cows in Wales and South West England, nine herds with a range of calving patterns, where locomotion scored using a scale from one (good) to five (recumbent) including half scores. Each herd was examined three times; at the end of the 1988 grazing season, late in the following winter housing period and finally towards the end of the 1989 grazing season. A total of 1,166 cows were seen on at least one occasion. The change in score arising from housing and the subsequent return to grazing was examined for the 464 cows which had been seen on every occasion.
Characterisation of nitrogen fractions during ensilage of fresh and additive treated ryegrass
Authors: Williams A P , Cockbum J E , Tweed J K S
Published: June 2019

The conservation of herbage as silages results in a reduction in the nutritive value of the crop as a result of extensive proteolysis. Measurement of the major end products of proteolysis such as ammonia and amino acids has been studied extensively e.g. Oshima el al. (1979). Considerably less attention has been given to the fate of plant proteins during ensilage (Fairbairn et al., 1988). Since this may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in proteolysis and thus to improvement in its control the present study was designed to follow changes in the major nitrogenous constituents, particularly proteins and peptides, through time course sampling of silages made from perennial ryegrass with and without additives.

Perennial ryegrass (23% dry matter) was ensiled in laboratory silos (1 kg fresh matter), either untreated (UT) or treated with formic acid (FA) (ADD-F, BP Chemicals, UK: 3.3 l/tonne) or a cellulase enzyme preparation (E) (FSO-1), Forum Feeds, Finland; 0.22 1/tonne).
The effect of biological additives on the composition and nutritive value of silage
Authors: Gonzalez Yanez M , Mcginn R , Anderson D H , Henderson A R , Phillips P
Published: June 2019

It Is claimed that the use of the correct enzyme system as an additive on grass silage will satisfactorily control the fermentation and reduce the cell-wall fibre content, thus preserving the nutrients In the silage and aiding their utilisation by the animal (Henderson and McDonald, 1977; Huhtanen et al, 1985; Raurama et al, 1987; Chamberlain and Robertson, 1989; Gordon, 1989;).

The aim of the present experiment was to assess the effect of biological additives, enzymes or a combination of enzymes with an Inoculum of lactic acid bacteria, on the composition of silage and on its nutritive value when offered to store lambs as the sole constituent of their diet.

On 1st June 1988, first cut perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L) at pre-ear emergence was ensiled direct cut untreated (U), treated with a commercial enzyme (E) or with a commercial inoculum of lactic acid bacteria with enzymes (I) in 6t capacity bunker silos. The grass was cut with a mower and lifted with a New Holland precision chop forage harvester. The additives were pumped onto the grass using a dribble bar sited over the pick-up drum.
Effect of stage of growth and conservation procedure on the ruminal n degradability of perennial ryegrass
Authors: Siddons R C , Paradine J , de Faria V , Wilkinson J M
Published: June 2019

The N fraction of fresh grasses, silages and hays is generally considered to be extensively degraded in the rumen. However published N degradability values for each type of material vary over quite a wide range. This may, at least in part, be due to an effect of the stage of growth of the harvested material since with increasing maturity there are marked changes in chemical composition and botanical features. Accordingly the ruminal N degradability characteristics of perennial ryegrass, harvested at different stages of growth and conserved as hay or silage, were determined using the polyester bag procedure.

Crops of young primary growth (C1), first regrowth (C2) second regrowth (C3) and mature primary growth (C4) were harvested from a field of perennial ryegrass c.v.S23. For each crop the fresh grass was stored frozen, conserved as field-cured hay and conserved by ensiling in laboratory silos either directly or after wilting and in both cases with or without formic acid addition (3l/tonne). The silos were opened after 90d and the silages subsequendy stored frozen.
Determination of digestible energy, metabolisable energy and oil digestibility of triple-low rapeseed products for growing and finishing pigs
Authors: Agunbiade J.A. , Wiseman J. , Cole D.J.A.
Published: June 2019

The use of full-fat rapeseed in non-ruminant animal feeding has for long been limited by the presence of anti-nutritive components. However, triple-low varieties have a considerable potential as a source of both protein and dietary energy in diets, although there is the need for precise information on the relative nutritive value of full-fat rapeseed and the resulting extracted oils and meals before they may be effectively and economically incorporated into animal diets.

The rapeseed products evaluated comprised ground full-fat rapeseed (FFRS) extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) and rapeseed oil (RSO) all from a triple-low variety, Brassica campestris SVO 333, obtained from Dalgety-Panmure Co. Angus, U.K. The RSO, RSO plus RSM (ORSM) and FFRS were included to give levels of added oil of 40, 80 and 120 g/kg at the expense of the energy-yielding ingredients of the basal diet (Table 1). The RSM was incorporated into the basal at the same rates as in ORSM. All experimental diets were fed to 13 Landrace x (Landrace x Large White) gilts of 46kg average initial live weight in a metabolism trial conducted over four successive time periods. A ten-day acclimatisation in holding pens preceded a 5-day total collection of faeces (using indigo carmine as marker) and urine (facilitated by indwelling bladder catheter) in metabolism crates. The rapeseed products, diets, oven-dried faeces and freeze-dried urine were analysed for gross energy (GE) and (except urine) for oil content. Apparent digestible energy (DE) of test materials were derived by regression analysis. DE of oil was also derived indirectly as a product of oil digestibility and oil GE.
Evaluation of solvent extracted meals from double-low and triple-low rapeseed as alternative dietary protein supplements to soya-bean meal for finishing pigs
Authors: Gill B P , Zhu J Q , Taylor A G
Published: June 2019

Continued developments by plant breeders in the selection of rapeseed varieties with lower levels of antinutritive and toxic factors, especially glucosinolates in double-low varieties, has recently seen the commercial introduction of triple-low varieties. The characteristic yellow-coloured hulls of these newer types of rapeseed are considered to contain lower concentrations of other antinutritive factors found in the darker hulls of double-low cultivars. It is uncertain whether this has led to corresponding improvements in the nutritional value of the solvent extracted oil-free rapeseed meal (RSM) which is fed as protein supplement for livestock. This experiment was conducted to compare meal extracted from triple-low with that from double-low rapeseed as a protein supplement completely replacing soya-bean meal (SBM) in finishing pig diets.
The use of molassed sugar beet feed in growing pig diets and the effect of inclusion rates on subsequent performance
Authors: Kay R.M. , Simmins P.H. , Harland J.I.
Published: June 2019

Previously, sugar beet feed (SBF) was thought to be of limited value for feeding to growing pigs due to its high fibre content. Maximum inclusion rates recommended were 5 and 10 per cent for pigs from 20 to 45 and 45 to 90 kg live weight respectively (MAFF, 1986). However, the fibre is highly digestible and more recently Longland et al (1988) showed that replacement of cereals with SBF may be possible up to levels of 15 and 30 per cent for pigs of 20 and 75 kg live weight respectively. It was also shown that the performance of older pigs fed SBF was enhanced if SBF was introduced into their diets at an early stage. The work was undertaken on individually housed pigs over a wide range of inclusion rates. The experiment reported here investigated the effect of providing SBF to group-housed pigs from 15 to 35 kg live weight and its effect on subsequent performance during the finishing stage. A further objective was to determine the optimum inclusion rate of SBF when fed to finishing pigs.
A survey of lowground sheep farhers’ concerbs and experience of sheep health and disease in scotland
Authors: Alexander A W , Burgess G , English P R , Hacdonald D C , MacPherson O
Published: June 2019

The Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) is developing a strategy for the production and marketing of high health breeding sheep. Farmers and crofters in the North of Scotland, with HIDB support, have formed the Highlands and Islands Sheep Health Association (HISHA) to produce and market high health sheep. HISHA has over 500 members with a total of 250,000 breeding ewes. Members’ flocks are monitored by the Scottish Veterinary Investigation Service for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) and for vaccination against Clostridial Diseases and Pasteurella. A requirement for information on the sheep health concerns and experiences of the potential purchasers of high health breeding sheep was identified. A survey was undertaken of lowground sheep farmers in Grampian and the Borders of Scotland to provide this information.

The objectives were to determine, firstly, lowground sheep farmers’ concerns on sheep health; secondly, their experience of sheep disease problems; and thirdly, their awareness of sheep diseases that can be introduced by wintering sheep for another farmer or through purchased sheep. The survey was carried out by postal questionnaire and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland (DAFS) prepared a mailing list from their census records. The DAFS also undertook the despatch and receipt of the questionnaires to preserve farmer confidentiality. The data was analysed using the Scientific Information Retrieval Data Base Management Systems analytical package.
Comparative performance of spring and summer born lambs grazing two sward types
Authors: Mitchell L M , King M E , Mackie C K
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in the development of later lambing systems for crossbred ewes which more closely match ewe nutritional requirements with grass growth (Stone, 1988). Lambing a proportion of the flock during summer potentially ensures a better continuity of lamb supply. The objectives of the present trial were:

(i) to compare the growth performance of spring and summer born lambs grazing swards fertilised with a high level of nitrogen or oversown with clover and receiving no fertilizer nitrogen.

(ii) to investigate relative declines in midseason growth rates.
Influence of shearing and level of concentrates offered on the performance of lambs
Authors: Black H.J. , Chestnutt D.M.B.
Published: June 2019

It has been clearly established that shearing ewes during pregnancy increases lamb birthweight (Austin and Young, 1971; Rutter, Laird and Broadbent, 1971; Black and Chestnutt, 1990). Fewer studies have examined the response of fattening lambs to shearing although both Salman and Owen (1981) and Marai, Nowar and Bahgat (1987) noted a significant increase in growth rate. This was accompanied by an increase in voluntary food intake and consequently little change in the food conversion efficiency.

The objective of these experiments was to study the influence of shearing on voluntary food intake and growth rate of fattening lambs offered various levels of concentrate feeding plus ad libitum forage.
Plasma β-endorphin and cortisol in sheep during adaptation to a new environment
Authors: Fordham D. P. , Al-Gahtani S. J. M. , Durotoye L. A. , Rodway R. G.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the time course of changes in plasma β-endorphin and Cortisol in sheep transferred to a new environment. Three ewes and three wethers were transferred from pasture to indoor crates for a nine-week period. Blood samples were taken hourly for 24h periods once a week. β-endorphin and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Changes in hormone concentration over time were analysed by analysis of variance procedure for repeated samples. Other data were analysed by analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test. Mean β-endorphin concentration was significantly (P<0.001) higher in females than males at the start of the trial (1108±123 v 623±162 pg/ml). By day 60, female levels had fallen to 750±77 pg/ml but male levels were almost unchanged (561±190 pg/ml). Neither change was statistically significant. There were no significant changes in β-endorphin pulse frequency (3-4 pulses/24h) or amplitude (600-1300 pg/ml).
The structure of the British abattoir industry post 1992
Authors: Kempster A J , Sloyan M J
Published: June 2019

1. Implementation of the EC meat hygiene standards (Proposal COM (89/673)) by the British abattoir industry post 1992 is likely to have a major impact on its structure. Against the background of low operating margins, many abattoirs are faced with the necessity of making substantial investment in order to conform with the standards.

2. The term ‘post 1992’ is used advisedly because there could be temporary derogations beyond the 1 January 1993 deadline. The possibility and current lack of definition of these is a major cause of uncertainty and anxiety over investment in the industry, and makes forecasts of industry structure difficult.

3. A survey was carried out during June to September 1990 to examine the projected future size and structure of the industry. Data were obtained from three sources:

(a) a telephone survey to the managers of 80 non-EC approved abattoirs stratified by size and geographical region (carried out in August 1990),

(b) a survey by MLC regional staff in close day-to-day contact with the industry (approximately 450 abattoirs), and

(c) information obtained by MLC in the course of operating its Meat Plant Advisory Service (advice was provided to 150 abattoirs in 1989/90).

The data included a Judgement as to whether the abattoir would continue to operate post 1992 and an estimate of anticipated slaughtering capacity based on chiller capacity. Numbers of cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered in each abattoir in Great Britain are available from MLC's levy records. The database is being updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Effect of feeding regime during rearing and subsequent pregnancies on body conditions and reproductive performance of sows over the first four parities
Authors: Simmins P.H. , Edwards S.A. , Spechter H.H. , Riley J.E.
Published: June 2019

Greater demands have been imposed by present-day management practices on the modern dam with gilts being bred at younger ages and lower levels of back fat. This has raised questions over whether current rearing feeding practices and low pregnancy feeding regimes may have adverse influences on lifetime reproductive performance. The objectives of this experiment were to compare the reproductive performance of sows given different feeding regimes during rearing and pregnancy. Data previously reported from the experiment have shown that the weight and back fat depth of the gilt can be manipulated by feeding regime during rearing and pregnancy (Simmins et al. 1989). Sows reared on lower feed levels were more prolific in their first two litters but they also had longer farrowing intervals (Edwards et al. 1989). Further results up to the fourth parity are described here.
Vertical integration in the united states pig industry: report of the 1990 braude scholarship study tour
Authors: S R Furniss
Published: June 2019

Despite being very technically efficient the United Kingdom (UK) Pig Industry only supplies around 75% of the pig meat consumed in the UK. Exports are also low, being equivalent to H.5% of UK pig meat consumption. Vertical Integration can be defined as having control of a product through more than one stage of its production cycle. On the same basis Total Integration could be defined as complete control of a production process from the raw material to the product on the shop shelf. Vertical Integration, within the UK pig industry is seen as one way to achieve a marketing edge, especially as European markets open.
Genetic effects on carcass and meat quality traits in crosses between meishan and Large white pigs
Authors: Haley C.S. , Serra J.J. , Ellis M.
Published: June 2019

Genes from the Chinese Meishan pig have the potential to enhance reproductive performance of European pigs (Bidanel, 1989; Haley and Lee, 1990). In order to allow prediction of the impact of Meishan genes In a range of alternative improvement programmes all traits of economic importance must be evaluated and genetic crossbreeding effects estimated. This paper reports the results of a crossbreeding study of meat and carcass quality traits recorded at the last rib position.

Animals were purebred Meishan (MS) and Large White (LW) pigs, and reciprocal F1 crosses: Meishan ♂ x Large White ♀ (MS x LW) and Large White ♂ x Meishan ♀ (LW x MS). The animals were born In first and second parity litters at the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Edinburgh and performance tested at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The trial was performed in two replicates of equal size, each corresponding to a single parity, with a total of 273 animals. In both replicates, females and entire males of all four genotypes were tested (approximately equal numbers of each genotype and sex). Animals were housed indoors in like sex and genotype groups of six (three pairs of full sibs). Tests started at pen mean of approximately 35 kg of weight and ended at pen mean of approximately 70 kg. Animals were fed ad libitum on a commercial ration (195 g/kg crude protein, 13.2 MJ digestible energy/kg).
Genetic parameters for lean mass in long term selection with mice
Authors: Beniwal B.K. , Thompson R. , Hill W.G.
Published: June 2019

Long term selection experiments with laboratory animals can provide an excellent opportunity to examine the assumptions underlying the predictions in animal breeding because of their short generation interval and high reproduction rate. The infinitesimal model of many genes each with small effect is often assumed for the analysis of economic traits in livestock species which have been selected by breeders for different objectives. Under such assumptions the genetic variance is expected to be reduced in a predictable way due to selection (Bulmer effect) and inbreeding in a selection experiment. The Animal Model with a complete relationship matrix back to the base population accounts for these reductions in genetic variance due to inbreeding and selection and thus provides an unbiased estimate of genetic variance in the base population (Sorensen and Kennedy, 1984). Lean mass in selected lines of mice was analysed using the individual animal model, to test if the infinitesimal model assumptions hold in the selected lines for this trait
Response of suffolk and texel rams to implantation with melatonin
Authors: Bateman S.M. , Haresign W.
Published: June 2019

There is currently much interest in overcoming the seasonality of sheep meat supplies in the UK and improving carcass quality. Towards that end, much research effort has been devoted to the development of techniques to induce early or out-of-season breeding in the ewe, but little attention has been paid to the male. Rams of most breeds show marked seasonal fluctuations In reproductive performance, with a depression in testis size, libido and semen quantity and quality during the spring and summer months and a period of high fertility in the autumn/winter, coinciding with the breeding season of ewes of the same breed. Problems of subfertllity which are frequently encountered following the use of various techniques to induce out-of-season breeding in the ewe may therefore be attributable, at least in part, to the ram. The choice of terminal sire for early lambing flocks is further compromised because some breeds of ram show later testicular recrudescence than others.
Passive immunization against LHRH in cattle using a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Carson A F , McCaughey W J , Steen R W J
Published: June 2019

In comparison to steers, bulls have produced 10% higher liveweight gain, 14% higher carcase gain and 20% more lean in the carcase. Immunological castration, which is reversible may reduce aggressive behaviour and maintain the performance advantages of bulls. Active immunization against luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) reduces testosterone production and therefore aggression in bulls. However, a controlled, predictable response to vaccination has not been achieved. Consistent immunization may be possible using a monoclonal antibody against LHRH. An anti-LHRH monoclonal antibody was developed and studies were carried out to determine the binding characteristics of the antibody and the half-life when administered to 6 post-pubertal bulls. The ability of the antibody to neutralize the bioactivity of LHRH was investigated in bulls and mice.
Manipulation of protein and fat accretion in growing cattle
Authors: Dawson J.M. , Beever D.E. , Buttery P.J. , M. Gill
Published: June 2019

ß-adrenergic agonists are powerful repartitioning agents, increasing muscle protein accretion and reducing fat deposition in a variety of species. Their exact mode of action is not fully understood but some of their effects are similar to those elicited by exogenous growth hormone administration. Whilst there are few reports of plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations being elevated in animals treated with ß-agonists, several in vitro studies have clearly demonstrated a direct stimulation of GH release from perifused or cultured pituitary or adenohypophyseal cells on administration of these agents. More recently, a brief, rapid rise in plasma GH has been demonstrated in rats infused intra-atrially with isoproterenol and this was sustained when the animals were pre-treated with somatotropin release inhibitory factor (somatostatin; SRIF) antiserum. This raises the possibility that ß-adrenergic agonists do stimulate GH release in vivo but that this response is rapidly counteracted by SRIF release.

The aim of this work was to attempt to enhance the repartitioning effect of ß-adrenergic agonists by immunizing young cattle against SRIF whilst administering cimaterol.
Technological Opportunities and constraints in legume seed processing for animal feeding
Authors: van der Poel A.F.B.
Published: June 2019

Animal feed manufacturing involves the use of a variety of raw materials to produce complete diets. These diets are defined according to nutritional and technological specifications to meet the requirements of several animal species. Some raw materials, for example certain legume seeds, can satisfy these specifications only after some form of processing.
Animal Production in France : Research and its Applications
Authors: Aumaitre A.L.
Published: June 2019

The gross Agricultural product in France amounted to 44 thousands million Ecus in 1989 or 23 per cent of that of the EC; animal and plant production contributing equally to this figure. About 1 million farms are still in operation representing roughly in thousands : 180 growing crops and cereals in the North and South West, 150 growing fruit and vines in the South; 400 raising cattle sheep and goats, 150 producing pigs and 40 highly specialized farms producing poultry in the West Milk and dairy products and beef and poultry meat are the major animal products exported, while there are substantial imports of pig, and sheep meat to meet the requirements of the home market Agricultural business and consequently research have for long time been focused on the improvement of breeding stock and of the conversion efficiency of plant into animal protein. Present Agricultural Research in France, mainly performed in INRA laboratories, involves 7000 people of which 3000 are scientists (this has increased from 2000 in 1980). The total governement budget is 310 million Ecus/year, 82 per cent represented by salaries. But in a climate of surpluses,, consumers are less and less prepared to spend money on food : 16 % in 1987 instead of 20 % of their annual wages ten years ago, and are aware of food safety and quality. Therefore, in the past five years, research forces have been directed towards increasing the productivity of crop plants by expanding the number of scientists from 922 to 1029 (+ 11.6 %); also special attention was paid to agro-food research which has expanded from 319 to 525 scientists (+ 64.6 %).
Physiological responses to selection for carcass lean content in a terminal sire breed of sheep
Authors: Cameron N.D.
Published: June 2019

Sheep breeding programmes for genetic improvement in carcass composition of terminal sires measure livewelght and ultrasonic backfat and muscle depths for inclusion in a selection index to predict genetic merit. Physiological traits which were genetically correlated with carcass traits could be incorporated into the selection index to increase the accuracy of selection and the rate of genetic improvement.

This study examined differences in physiological traits between lines selected for high or low carcass lean content. The measured physiological traits were chosen according to their role in protein and lipid metabolism : b-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose (GLUC) : indicators of energy balance; triglyceride (TRIG) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) : intermediaries of lipid metabolism; UREA and creatinine (CREA) : indicators of nitrogen / amino acid metabolism and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1): an Indicator of growth hormone status.
Sire effects on growth ano carcase characteristics of friesian steers slaughtered at 500, 550 or 600 kg liveweight
Authors: McCracken K J , Moore C A , Unsworth E F , Gordon F J , Steen R W J , Kilpatrick D J
Published: June 2019

Whilst it is well recognised that there is considerable within-breed variation in growth performance and body composition of cattle it is unusual for sire origin to be taken into account when designing nutritional studies. In planning an experiment on the effects of plane of nutrition and slaughter weight on the body composition and energy metabolism of Friesian steers it was recognised that the increased incidence of the Holstein gene pool in many AI bulls could have serious implications for interpretation of the results. Hence AI bulls of low Holstein content were identified and an attempt was made to obtain calves from a small number of bulls of uniform conformation.
An investigation of the use of sire referencing in genetic improvement in beef cattle
Authors: Chanda Nimbkar  , Naomi Wray
Published: June 2019

Sire referencing schemes were first introduced in Australian sheep breeds with the aim, as the name suggests, of referencing sires used In different flocks, where the flocks tended to be large and sires tended to be selected from within the flock. However, sire referencing schemes can provide additional benefits when flock or herd size is small, since In this situation sires at least must be purchased from outside from other breeders to avoid problems of inbreeding; sire reference schemes help ensure that superior stock from other breeders can be identified objectively.
Growth, nutrition and the neuroendocrine control of puberty in female sheep
Authors: Ebling Francis J P , Foster Douglas L
Published: June 2019

Puberty in the female lamb may be defined as the time when a preovulatory follicle develops within the ovary, and secretes sufficient oestradiol as to activate the LH surge mechanism, and thus, trigger its own ovulation. The development of the ovarian follicle results from a marked increase in the frequency of episodic luteinisincg hormone (LH) secretion from the pituitary gland (1). This probably reflects increased secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus; studies in adult female sheep have demonstrated that pulses of LH in the peripheral circulation correlate with peaks of GnRH in the hypothalamic portal /circulation (2). In the Suffolk sheep, a very seasonal breed, changes in photoperiod provide a precise time cue to initiate reproduction (3). Under natural conditions, the autumnal decrease in daylength triggers puberty at ~30 weeks of age (4). In other breeds, the introduction of mature rams may also be important in triggering puberty. However, photoperiod and social cues can only induce puberty if appropriate growth has occurred (1, 4). Traditionally, a critical body weight or composition has been considered necessary for puberty. Although changes in body weight and composition may be good correlates of puberty, this notion neglects to consider the actual mechansim by which the brain percieves somatic changes. An alternative viewpoint is that the brain monitors and responds to changing concentrations of blood-borne metabolites or metabolic hormones or some other aspect of metabolism during development, and uses this information to trigger enhanced GnRH secretion. To investigate the mechanisms by which the central nervous system monitors somatic development, we have developed an experimental model in which growth is retarded by means of dietary restriction (4,5). Suffolk lambs are placed on low nutrition at weaning at ~8 weeks of age. The diet provides 25-50% of the caloric intake for a normally growing lamb at 20 kg, with water, minerals and vitamins ad libitum. Although the lambs remain active and healthy, growth is slowed, and eventually plateaud at ~20 kg. Puberty is markedly delayed beyond the normal 30 weeks of age in such lambs. If the lambs are ovariectomised (OVX), LH secretion remains low, indicating that the hypogonadotrophic state does not arise from enhanced responsiveness to ovarian steroid negative feedback (4, 5). Exogenous GnRH at physiological doses (2.5 ng/kg BW) can induce LH and FSH secretion, indicating that the pituitary gland is capable of adequate function (5).
Digestion of disulphide bonds in protein by growing pigs fed diets containing Barley, barley plus fish meal or barley plus Soyabean meal as the sources of protein
Authors: Masvaure S.M. , Miller E.L.
Published: June 2019

Sulphydryl (SH) groups and disulphide bonds are important in maintaining the structure and functional properties of food proteins. They play an important role in the formation of relatively rigid complexes as in protein gels and doughs. Heating affects the proportion of cysteine/cystine residues (ie. SH/S-S groups, respectively) and has also been found to reduce protein utilisation by animals. It has been postulated from studies which utilised fish protein that heat induced S-S linkages from SH group oxidation hamper the action of proteolytic enzymes and cause a reduction in protein and amino acid digestibility (Opstvedt et al.,1984). An examination of literature data on pigs also show that the amino acid cystine, is often among the least digestible amino acids. Secondly, proteins that are typically high in cystine or S-S bond content such as blood, feather and hair meals, are all known to have low in-vitro or in-vivo nitrogen digestibilities.
Digestibility of gross energy and oil of soyabean products for growing pigs
Authors: Agunbiade J.A. , Wiseman J. , Cole D.J.A.
Published: June 2019

The development and improvement in processing technology in recent times has resulted in considerable reduction in trypsin inhibitors and enhancement of protein quality of full-fat soyabeans (FFSB) thus leading to their increased use in relation to soyabean meal (SBM) in animal diets. This study was designed to provide information on the relative nutritive values of the various soya products for their effective use in diet formulation.
Maize gluten and rapeseed meal as protein supplements to barley or wheat for intensively finished Charolais cross friesian bulls
Authors: Pullar Duncan
Published: June 2019

The use of barley and a protein supplement as a system for intensively finishing calves for beef has been widely used commercially since Preston, Whitelaw, Aitken, MacDermaid and Charleson (1963) originally developed the concept. Once the basic requirements for protein and energy were established the concern of researchers turned to how these requirements could be met at minimal cost. Obviously the most profitable combination of ingredients depends on the prices prevailing at the time, but a variety of raw materials, which may be used to cheapen intensive cereal rations, have been tried experimentally. In the present study the effects of using rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG) as protein supplements to either barley (B) or wheat (W) on the growth and carcass characteristics of Charolais cross Friesian bulls were assessed. The wider availability of double low rapeseed meal (low in both erucic acid and glucosinolates) and maize gluten, combined with their relative cheapness, has made them attractive raw materials for inclusion in ruminant feeds.
Effect of plane of nutrition and slaughter weight on growth and feed efficiency of friesian steers during the finishing period
Authors: Moore Charlotte A , McCracken K J , Unsworth E F , Steen R W J , Gordon F J , Kilpatrick D J
Published: June 2019

Validation of a model based on energy metabolism equations given by ARC (1980) using data from experiments carried out in N Ireland and Denmark revealed major discrepancies (McCracken and Unsworth, 1989). While ARC predicted improvements in feed efficiency, and little change in carcase composition, of cattle with increasing plane of nutrition, there was some evidence that this was not the case when diets of constant forage:concentrate ratio were given. Apart from Danish studies (Andersen, 1975; Andersen et al.. 1984) relatively few data sets are available where plane of nutrition was a deliberate variable and carcase composition was determined at a series of weights. An experiment was therefore performed to examine the relationship between feed intake and slaughter weight on growth and feed efficiency of steers during the finishing period.
Cobalt requirements of goats
Authors: Wallace D.S. , MacPherson A.
Published: June 2019

Little is known about the cobalt requirements of goats, or of ‘normal values’ for related diagnostic parameters. Consequently an experiment was set up, to define their minimum cobalt requirement and to establish critical levels of some diagnostic parameters.

24 wether goats were housed, fed a cobalt deficient diet of urea treated hay and cereal, and randomly allocated into 4 groups. Groups 2-4 received a cobalt supplement as detailed below in addition to the 0.04 mg Co/kg DM supplied by the diet. The goats were weighed weekly and blood sampled fortnightly.