bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of increasing workload to obtain feed ad libitum on performance and behaviour of finishing pigs
Authors: Morrow A.T.S. , Walker N.
Published: June 2019

On some commercially available single space feeders there is a range of settings to dispense feed at various rates into the trough. The amount of feed which is dispensed into the trough each time a pig operates die mechanism will have an effect on how hard a pig has to work to satisfy its appetite. The feeder setting may also have effects on competition between pigs. In addition, high settings may result in excess feed deposited in the trough, a potential source of feed spillage.
A Study of the timing and duration of oestrus in sows post-weaning and of problems at mating
Authors: Huang  , Wen-Yu  , Behan J , Beveridge L , Rodrigo C , Dunne J H , Hutchinson J S M , Macpherson O , Roden J A , English P R
Published: June 2019

General recommendations are made (e.g. Gomes, 1977; Dzuik, 1970) that, in order to achieve maximum conception rate and litter size, sows should be mated or inseminated 9 to 15 hours prior to ovulation and that this coincides with an interval of 30 to 36 hours after the start of standing oestrus (SO). This assumes that sows will be in standing oestrus for around 48 hours. Surprisingly little data is available on the length of SO In modern sows on current production systems. Accordingly length of SO was determined in a large commercial herd weaning at around 3 weeks of age.

A team of observers determined the start, completion and duration of SO in 101 multi parity sows. The sows were tested for SO daily from weaning at 8 hourly intervals (00.00, 08.00 and 16.00 hr) until the end of SO by taking sows individually from their small post-weaning groups to an oestrus checking area. Boars were penned around this area and SO was checked using the back pressure test.
Influence of glucosinolate content of rapeseed meal diets on the growth performance of newly weaned pigs
Authors: Lambert R.J. , Davis M. , Ellis M. , Smithard R.
Published: June 2019

Principal among a number of antinutritive factors which have historically limited the use of rapeseed meal in pig diets are a group of compounds known as glucosinolates. These sulphur containing compounds may be goitrogenic and/or heptatoxic and additionally produce volatile and pungent hydrolysis products resulting in reduced palatability of diets. Newlyweaned pigs between 6 and 20kg do not in general perform well when fed diets containing appreciable amounts of rapeseed meal nor when fed diets with glucosinolate levels higher than 10 μmol/g diet. This is probably due to the sensitivity of young piglets to unpleasant tastes and to antinutritional components of feedstuffs. A study was designed to determine the response of newly weaned pigs to levels of dietary glucosinolate lower than 10 μmol/g resulting from a relatively low inclusion rate of rapeseed meal in the diet.
Dietary protein selection by chinese and european growing pigs given choice feeding
Authors: Vidal J M , Brouns F , Edwards S A , English P R , MacPherson O , Taylor A G , Haley C S
Published: June 2019

A number of recent experiments have indicated that growing pigs, given the choice between diets of differing protein content, have the ability to select a daily nutrient intake appropriate to their requirements. This experiment was designed to investigate this ability in pigs which are extremely different in their genetic potential for protein deposition rate. European pigs have undergone intensive selection for a high protein deposition rate, whereas the Meishan breed from China is still relatively unimproved and capable of only a low rate of protein deposition.
The performance of three consecutive groups of pigs finished on in situ composting sawdust beds
Authors: Kay R.M. , Smith A.T.
Published: June 2019

Pig production 1s responsible for 65 per cent of all odour complaints and 10 per cent of water pollution incidents. In addition, the disposal of pig slurry effluent may create major difficulties in nitrate sensitive areas either from run off or leaching of liquids. In situ composting of pig manure has the potential to eliminate these problems whilst encouraging pig producers to use welfare positive, bedded systems. In situ composting is a system of housing in which pigs are contained on a deep bed of sawdust. The bed is actively managed by aeration and the use of commercial additives to encourage composting of excreta as it is produced. The system appears to give an odour and liquid free environment. Such systems cannot be encouraged however until it is clearly established that there are no environmental or health disadvantages.
The performance of dairy cows fed maxgrass and formic acid treated silages
Authors: Murphy J. J.
Published: June 2019

Maxgrass is a silage additive consisting of a premixture of carboxylic acids containing ammonium hexamethanoate (68%) and ammonium hexapropanoate (10%). In theory, this additive when used on grass for ensiling at a high rate (6.0 1/t) should restrict fermentation, thereby reducing the level of VFA and lactic acid production and increasing the amount of residual WSC in the silage. It is claimed that silage with these characteristics should result in higher dry matter intakes and better animal performance. The objective of this experiment was to compare the performance of dairy cows fed either maxgrass or formic acid treated silages at two levels of concentrate supplementation.

Silage was harvested unwilted from a primary growth sward of perennial ryegrass on May 21 and 22, 1990. The additive treatments applied through the harvester were: (i) Maxgrass - 6 1/t grass and (ii) formic acid - 2 1/t grass. Cows calving between mid-September 1990 and early January 1991 were used to evaluate the silages.
The effect of maxgrass silage additive and level of concentrate supplementation on silage intake, animal performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle
Authors: Poots Rosemary E , Carson M T , Kennedy S J
Published: June 2019

Maxgrass (BP Chemicals Ltd), a product containing ammonium hexamethanoate, ammonium hexapropionate and carboxylic acids, has been claimed to restrict the extent of WSC fermentation in herbage during ensiling. This has been shown to result in increased DM intake and subsequent animal performance (Kennedy 1990). The objective of the present experiment was to further investigate the effects of this treatment of grass at ensiling and in particular to examine the interaction of the responses with levels of concentrate supplementation when offered to finishing beef cattle. Evaluation parameters included an assessment of additive effect on silage intake, animal performance and carcass characteristics.

Approximately 70 tonnes of primary growth grass was ensiled from 22-24 May 1990 into each of eight concrete covered, walled silos (4 per treatment). Grass was treated with Maxgrass (6 l/t) or left untreated. Seventy-two Continental cattle (460 kg) were blocked into groups of 9 according to liveweight and allocated at random to either untreated or Maxgrass treated silage supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3.0 or 4.5 kg/day of a 15% CP proprietary beef concentrate or slaughtered.
Epiphytic lactic acid bacteria succession during the pre-ensiling and ensiling periods of alfalfa and maize
Authors: Lin Chunjian , Bolsen K. K. , Brent B. E. , Fung D.Y.C. , Aimutis W. R.
Published: June 2019

Epiphytic LAB, e.g., lactobacilli, lactococci, enterococci, pediococci, streptococci, and leuconostocs, play a major role in silage fermentation. Their numbers and populations have become a concern in predicting the adequacy of silage fermentation and in determining whether or not to apply a bacterial inoculant (Bolsen et al, 1989). Epiphytic LAB counts are usually low and variable on silage crops (Lin et al, 1991), and increases in the LAB counts usually occur coincident to the chopping process. Only limited information is available concerning the succession of epiphytic LAB species during the ensiling period of alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) and maize (Zea mays L.), the two major silage crops in North America. The present studies investigated the epiphytic LAB succession during the pre-ensiling and ensiling periods for two cuttings of alfalfa, each harvested at three stages of maturity, and three whole-plant maize hybrids.

A second-year stand of alfalfa was harvested at the 2nd and 4th cuttings and at the late-bud, 10% bloom, and 50% bloom stages of maturity within each cutting in 1989. Following mowing, the alfalfa was wilted in the windrow for 5 to 6 hours prior to precision chopping.
Effect of silage additives on the microbial succession and fermentation process of alfalfa and whole-plant maize silages
Authors: Bolsen K. K. , Brent B. E. , Lin Chunjian
Published: June 2019

Alfalfa is recognized as more difficult to ensile than maize. Typically, multiple alfalfa cuttings are harvested at various stages of maturity, and numerous maize hybrids that vary in their nutritive value are used for silage production in North America. The objective of these studies was to determine the effects of commercial bacterial inoculant and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) additions on the microbial succession and silage fermentation process of two cuttings of alfalfa and three whole-plant maize hybrids.

In 1989, second and fourth cuttings of alfalfa were mowed and swathed at the late-bud, 10% bloom, and 50% bloom stages of maturity within each cutting and wilted in the windrow for 5 to 6 hours prior to precision chopping. Three maize hybrids (Pioneer 3377, 3379, and 3389) were grown under irrigation in 1989 and harvested at the two-third milk line of kernel maturity.
The effect of pre-mating shearing on lambing rate in ewe lambs and subsequent lamb performance
Authors: Pickard N , Johnson P N
Published: June 2019

Increasing the number of lambs reared when breeding from ewe lambs in a lowland situation usually leads to improved profitability. The effect of pre-mating shearing on lambing rate, lamb birthweights and their subsequent growth rates was evaluated.

Two hundred and twenty (Blue-faced Leicester x Swaledale) ewe lambs were purchased in early mid-September over a period of 3 years (1988-90). They were offered 225 g of whole barley per head daily until housing in early January. Half of each intake was shorn approximately 7 days after arrival and on average 31 days prior to joining with entire Suffolk rams. Ewe lambs from both treatments were run together as one group and remained with the rams for three cycles.
The effect of providing a creep feed with or without a coccidiostat to march born lambs kept at high stocking rates
Authors: Brown D.C , Thomas E.M.
Published: June 2019

Feeding straw as the only roughage to housed ewes during the winter is gaining in popularity. This practice requires new grazing techniques because silage aftermaths might not be available in the summer to reduce stocking rates as grazing demands increase. It has been shown that set stocking ewes at either 22 or 30 ewes/ha and feeding a creep feed to the lambs ensured that all lambs were sold by August and gross margins/ha were increased (Brown, 1986). However, at these high stocking rates coccidiosis was a problem.

222 Mule ewes with their Suffolk or Polled Dorset cross lambs were divided into 6 similar groups. Each group were set stocked in a 1.4 ha plot so that 31 ewes with 57 lambs grazed at 22 ewes/ha, and 43 ewes with 79 lambs grazed at 30 ewes/ha.
Offering barley straw to lambs near weaning as a means of increasing their subsequent readiness to eat straw
Authors: Odoi F.N.A. , Owen E.
Published: June 2019

Sheep housed after grazing and offered straw as a feed show reluctance to eat for several days. Evidence exists to indicate that eating habits can be manipulated through a learning process, especially if manipulation occurs pre-weaning. Australian research by Arnold and Mailer (1977) with unpalatable pastures, and Green, Elwin, Mottershead, Keogh and Lynch (1984) with whole cereal grain, showed that sheep exposed to these feeds early in life were more willing to accept the feeds later in life than others not exposed.

The present experiment investigated whether this observation was applicable to lambs exposed to a poor quality roughage like barley straw.
Strategies to minimize helminth challenge to summer born lambs grazing clover rich swards on an organic management system
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E , Halliday G , Younie D
Published: June 2019

Clean grazing systems for sheep have been developed to minimize helminth challenge to susceptible lambs. Provision of clean grazing relies upon effective control of overwintering helminth infection on pasture and particularly in the post parturient ewe. During early lactation ewes immuno-competence is reduced resulting in the excretion of helminth eggs for approximately six weeks post lambing (Thomas, 1973). Control of this source of infection may be achieved by strategic anthelmintic administration while overwintering pasture infection may be avoided by use of pasture which has not carried sheep in the previous year.

Prophylactic anthelmintic administration is unacceptable under an organic management system and consequently alternative strategies must be sought to eliminate the ewe as a source of infection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate strategic transfer of ewes and lambs to a silage aftermath as a means of minimizing helminth challenge to susceptible lambs.
Distillers draff and forage rape as supplements for store lambs grazing swedes in situ
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E
Published: June 2019

Cereals are traditionally used as a supplement for store lambs grazing swedes in situ. However Dingwall, Vipond, Brown and Hunter (1989) demonstrated superior lamb growth and slaughter characteristics when soya was used as an alternative supplement to barley. It is thought that under the unusual conditions of high rumen turnover rate and rapid fermentation associated with root feeding a rumen degradable protein to metabolizable energy ratio (RDP:ME) of 10 to 12:1 may be more appropriate than the 7.8:1 normally found in ruminant diets.

There may be practical problems associated with feeding soya to lambs outdoors and specialized soya based pellets have been developed. Both soya and soya pellets are relatively expensive and farmers may seek to enhance store lamb growth using cheaper alternative protein sources. The objective of the study reported here was to evaluate distillers draff and forage rape as supplements for store lambs grazing swedes in situ.
Growth of lambs given different allowances of digestible crude protein and metabolisable energy
Authors: Cropper M.R. , Poppi D.P. , Nicol A.M.
Published: June 2019

In a market where high levels of fat on lamb carcases are not favoured, the supposition that a lamb, given adequate feeding, will grow protein preferentially to gaining lipid, holds interest. However, this idea runs counter to the evidence that body composition is not manipulable in sheep. Therefore, an experiment was undertaken to implement extreme treatments of protein and energy supply to determine to what extent the contrasting views on body composition changes in growing lambs are justified.

Seventy-two Coopworth ram lambs (mean liveweight, (LW) 30.4, s.d. 1.1 kg) were given one of the three feeds of different digestible crude protein (DCP) content at one of three allowances (ad libitum (AL), 1.2 (H) or 0.8 (L) kg/day). The feeds (H, M and L) were formulated as shown in Table 1. Feed M was a mixture of 0.55 Feed H and 0.45 Feed M. The proximate composition, measured DCP and estimated metabolisable energy (ME) content of the feeds is given in Table 1. ALH and ALM lambs were also choice-fed with ad libitum access to feed L. 8 lambs at the start of the experiment and 4 lambs per treatment at 6 and 12 weeks were slaughtered for analysis of body protein (PR), lipid (LP) and wool protein (WP).
Suckling behaviour and the transfer of immunoglobulins in neonatal lambs
Authors: Haresign W. , Metheringham J.L. , Griffiths A.J.
Published: June 2019

The passive transfer of immunoglobulins from colostrum is essential to protect neonatal lambs against infection until their own immune defense systems are fully developed. Adequate intakes of immunoglobulins must be achieved within the first 24h after birth because thereafter “gut closure” precludes any further antibody uptake. The degree of protection afforded is likely to be influenced by suckling frequency, colostrum intake and colostrum immunoglobulin concentrations. Two studies were therefore undertaken, the first to determine the extent of variation in colostrum IgG concentrations in a typical commercial flock of sheep, and the second to investigate the inter-relationships between suckling behaviour and IgG transfer in neonatal lambs.

Experiment 1. Colostrum samples were taken from both the left and right teats of 55 twin bearing Mule ewes immediately after lambing in January, and their IgG concentrations determined.

Experiment 2. The IgG content was measured in colostrum samples collected from both the left and right teats of 10 twin bearing Mule ewes immediately after lambing in March. In addition, a 10ml blood sample was also collected from the jugular vein of each lamb 36h after birth and subjected to IgG analysis.
Eating quality evaluation of meat from the crossbred lamb progeny of three terminal sire breeds
Authors: Ellis M. , Webster G.M. , Brown I. , Merrell B.G.
Published: June 2019

Consumer acceptability of lamb is ultimately determined by the eating quality of the meat. This paper reports on the eating quality evaluation of lean samples obtained from carcasses of crossbred lambs sired by Suffolk, Texel and Charollais rams.

The lambs used in this study were part of a larger experiment to compare the growth performance and carcass quality of lambs sired by rams of the Suffolk, Texel and Charollais breeds (Merrell, Webster and Ellis, 1990: BSAP Occasional Publication No. 14, pp. 169-172).

An upland flock of approximately 350 Mule (Bluefaced Leicester ♂ x Scottish Blackface ♀) was used to produce the lambs. Eight unrelated rams of each of the three sire breeds were mated to the ewes over two years (4 rams per breed per year). Their crossbred progeny were selected for slaughter when it was estimated that they would produce carcasses of Meat and Livestock Commission fat class 2 to 3L. All lambs had been multiple-born and reared as twins.
Mature body composition of the Gallego sheep breed of Galicia (north-west Spain)
Authors: Cropper M. R. , Diaz N.
Published: June 2019

Taylor (1980) indicated the importance of mature size in the description of animals and its usefulness for standardising growth parameters. The mature size and body composition of the Gallego breed, a small meat-producing type first described by Mason (1967), have never been estimated under defined management conditions. Therefore, using the scaling rules and results of Thonney, Taylor, Murray and McClelland (1987) as a guide, a study was made to determine whether the reputation of Gallego lambs for producing lean carcases was borne out in the composition of mature animals.

Twenty-one ewes (mean liveweight, LW, 32.7, sd 5.4 kg) and eight rams (LW 47.6, sd 8.6 kg) were selected as cast animals on the basis of age ( >4 years), body condition score (BCS, >1.75), health and teeth status and group-fed on concentrate (180 g crude protein/ kg dry-matter) and hay ad libitum. LW was measured fortnightly. When all animals had a LW and BCS which were stable for 2 months, 3 subgroups were slaughtered monthly. Weights of wool, body organs and hot carcase (HC) were recorded. Dissection of the cold carcase (CC) into commercial joints (Cabrero Poveda, 1984) and total lean, bone and fat.
Effect of breed on lipid metabolism in growing-fattening bulls. 1. plasma lipid metabolism
Authors: Clinquart A. , Van Eenaeme C. , Istasse L. , Dufrasne I. , Gielen M. , Bienfait J.M.
Published: June 2019

The Holstein and Belgian Blue double muscle type (BBDM) are two cattle breeds extremely different in extent of muscle proportion (Istasse, Van Eenaeme, Evrard, Gabriel, Baldwin, Maghuin-Rogister and Bienfait, 1990). In BBDM, the proportions of lean meat and fat are high and low respectively. Opposite trends are found in Holstein, the Belgian Blue dual purpose type (BBDP) being intermediate. This experiment was carried out to compare lipid metabolism in these 3 breeds.

Four bulls of these 3 breeds were used in a fattening trial. The initial weight was 340 kg. They were given a sugar beet pulp based diet supplemented with cereals, by-products and protein sources or vegetable origin. After a 145 days fattening period the final weight was 540 kg. Non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol concentrations in the plasma were measured every 4 weeks during the fattening period. The plasma fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The 7, 8 and 9 ribs were removed at slaughter and cholesterol concentrations were measured in Longissimus Dorsi samples.
A consumer study into the acceptability of beef from young bulls
Authors: Gair D J , Sinclair K D , Hamilton M , MacPherson O
Published: June 2019

Several studies (Bryce Jones, 1964; Rhodes, 1970; Dransfield et al, 1984) have attempted to examine the comparative eating qualities of beef from entire male cattle with that from steers. In the past, most sensory evaluation studies have used specialised taste panels (Shearer Dunn, 1990) and/or objective measurements (Dransfield et al, 1984). Few have considered the preferences and opinions of the general public. A study was therefore conducted with 100 members of the general public to determine whether the quality parameters of texture, flavour and overall acceptability did in fact differ between bull and steer beef samples. A second aim of the experiment was to establish if any of the variability in personal preferences was related to the demographic factors tested. These were the respondents’ sex, age, area of residence and the frequency with which they consumed beef.
Productivity and carcass characteristics of steer progeny from friesian, canadian hereford and simmental bulls and friesian cows
Authors: Keane M.G.
Published: June 2019

The Simmental is replacing the Hereford for crossng on dairy herds. To improve the productivity of the Hereford, bulls of the Canadian strain have been imported. The objectives of the present work were (1) to compare the growth and carcass composition of Friesian, Canadian Hereford x Friesian and Simmental x Friesian steers, and (2) to determine the effects of two levels of supplementary concentrates during finishing, and duration of the finishing period on carcass weight and composition.
Influence of organic and conventional pasture management on the beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol status of steers
Authors: Acamovic T. , Tolla N. , Scaife J.R. , Younie D.
Published: June 2019

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in the UK to develop low input (organic) systems for the production of agricultural commodities such as meat, milk and milk products, grains, vegetables and fruits. This trend is driven by a combination of consumer demand, environmental concerns and premium payments for such produce. There is also a consumer presumption that produce obtained ‘organically’ and animals reared under organic regimes are more natural and thus ‘better’ than products produced using more intensive systems. In the case of cattle there is evidence (Younie and Halliday, unpublished data) that animals grazed on ‘organic’ pasture perform less well and tend to be less healthy than their counterparts fed conventionally. To maintain ‘organic’ status essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals cannot be supplied from synthetic mineral and vitamin premixes. It is well documented that the fat soluble vitamins and their precursors are important factors in maintaining the nutritional and immune status of animals as well as the storage properties of meat. (Bendich, 1989, 1991, Ranken, 1989). The purpose of the work was to assess the fat soluble vitamin status of extensive and intensive pastures and the effect of grazing these on the blood levels in steers.
Evaluation of piemontese-cross friesian steers and heifers on silage-based diets
Authors: Davies M.H. , Grundy H.F. , Page S.
Published: June 2019

The Piemontese breed is reputed to produce high quality carcasses, but its potential in U.K. beef production systems is unknown. Data from the United States on crossbred progeny (Cundiff et al., 1990) and from Italy on both pure breeds (La Carne Bovina, 1988) and crossbreds (Gigli et al., 1990) shown the Piemontese to be a light boned, low fat, high meat yield breed with a high dressing out proportion. Furthermore the meat quality data show that it produced the most tender meat of all breeds tested and this was achieved at a low marbling fat content. This trial compares the performance of Piemontese x Friesian and Charolais x Friesian steers and heifers when fed on an indoor silage beef system. The meat quality characteristics of the carcasses produced are reported elsewhere (Fisher et al., 1992).
The effects of postruminal supplements of casein and of soya-protein isolate with or without additional amino acids on silage intake and milk production in dairy cows
Authors: Choung Jai-Jun , Chamberlain David G.
Published: June 2019

When the proteins are given direct into the abomasum of dairy cows receiving diets based on grass silage, casein produces much greater responses of milk production than do equivalent amounts of soya-protein (Choung and Chamberlain 1991a, b). However, the cause of these differences of response is not known. In feeding trials, supplementation of silage diets containing soya bean meal with rumen-protected forms of the amino acids thought to be most limiting, methionine and lysine, has been without effect (Girdler et al 1988).
Comparison of rice polishings and a urea/sugar cane molasses mixture as supplements for low quality forage diets for ruminants
Authors: Cardenas D. , Galbraith H. , Newbold C.J. , Topps J.H. , Rooke J.A.
Published: June 2019

Tropical forages found in Colombia are of low quality. Mixtures of urea and sugar cane molasses (UM) have been used as a supplement to stimulate microbial growth in the rumen and to maximise the intake of such forages by ruminants. Rice polishings (RP), a locally available by-product, could provide an alternative supplement. The experiment described here was designed to compare UM with three increasing amounts of RP on rumen fermentation and voluntary intake of a basal low quality grass hay when fed to sheep.
Effects of monensin and/or yeast culture fed in the diet or infused into the abomasum on rumen fermentation and concentrations of glucose, urea, insulin, gastrin and cholecystokinin in blood of sheep
Authors: Frumholtz P.P. , Newbold C.J. , Ørskov E.R. , Wallace R.J.
Published: June 2019

Monensin and yeast culture are known to alter rumen fermentation. Their modes of action appear to be different, and a recent study showed that the combination of both yeast culture (YC) and monensin stimulated weight gain in bulls by 12-13% over monensin alone (Spedding, 1990). However, Edwards et al. (1991) found no complementary effects between YC and avoparcin when they were combined in a silage diet for steers. In addition to its action in the rumen, monensin is known to affect post-ruminal digestion (Armstrong, 1984). Viable Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been isolated from the duodenal digesta of sheep fed YC (Newbold et al., 1990), suggesting that YC too might have post-ruminal effects. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of monensin and/or yeast culture in the diet or infused into the abomasum on rumen fermentation and blood parameters, and also on digestive physiology by monitoring plasma gastrin, insulin and CCK-8 concentration.
The nutritive value of varieties of wheat and barley straw
Authors: Hart M J , Kay M , Ørskov E R
Published: June 2019

The utilization of cereal straws are limited by their low nutritive value and bulkiness which prevents ruminants from consuming sufficient to meet their nutrient requirements. However, recently there has been interest in furthering the use of cereal straws as food for ruminants. The main objective of the present study was to provide information on the degradability of straw for cereal varieties recently included on the SAC recommended lists. A further objective was to examine the between farm variation in degradability of straw for individual cereal varieties and to assess how this may be affected by management practices in the field.

Forty two samples of straw comprising three varieties of winter wheat, four varieties of winter barley and seven varieties of spring barley straw were collected from farms in and around the North East of Scotland. The potential degradabilities of the straw was measured using three different techniques; 1) the nylon bag technique (0rskov, 1985); 2) in vitro analysis, and 3) near infra red analysis (NIR).
Effects of processing on rumen degradabilities of soyabean meal, and low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals in cattle
Authors: Subuh A.M. , Rowan T.G.
Published: June 2019

The effects of methods of processing soyabean meal (SBM), and low (LRSM) and high (HRSM) gluco-sinolate rapeseed meals on rumen degradability (DG) of dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N), were determined by the nylon bag method in experiments of Latin Square design with 4 rumen-fistulated heifers. Rumen fractional outflow rates (FOR) for untreated SBM, LRSM and HRSM were determined by the chromium-mordant method in 2 heifers. Effective rumen degradabilities (EDG) for rumen incubation times of 24 h were calculated from DG and FOR.

Methods of processing were formaldehyde (FT, 0.8g HCH0/I6g N), heat (HT, 110°C for 2 h) and untreated (UT). Heifers were given a basal diet of hay (0.55 of DM intake) and mineralized barley with LRSM (0.45 of DM intake). The diet was offered twice a day at 08.00 and 16.00 hours. An adaptation period of four weeks preceded the experiments.
Effects of processing on rumen degradabilities and intestinal digestibilities of soyabean meal, and low and high glucosinolate rapeseed meals in cattle
Authors: Subuh A.M. , Rowan T.G.
Published: June 2019

In an experiment of 3 x 3 Latin Square design, 3 heifers each fitted with rumen and simple T-piece duodenal cannulae were used to determine the effects of method of processing soyabean meal (SBM), and low (LRSM) and high (HRSM) glucosinolate rapeseed meals on rumen degradabilities (RD) and intestinal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and organic matter (0M) using a mobile nylon bag technique.

Heifers were given a basal diet of hay (0.55 of DM intake) and mineralized barley with LRSM (0.45 of DM intake) to provide a ME intake of > 2 x maintenance. The diet was offered twice a day and a period of four weeks was allowed before the experiment. Methods of processing were formaldehyde (FT, 0.8 HCH0/l6g N), heat (HT, 110°C for 2 h) and untreated (UT). After processing the feedstuffs were ground and 1g samples were placed in sealed nylon bags (3-5 x 5.5 cm). The bags were placed in a plastic mesh cylinder and incubated in the rumen for 0, 12, and 24 hours.
The effect of sodium fertilizer application to pasture on feed and water intakes and rumen digestion
Authors: Chiy P.C. , Phillips C.J.C , Omed H.M.
Published: June 2019

Previous studies (e.g Rogers et al., 1985; Estell and Gaylean, 1985) have shown that addition of sodium (Na) as NaHCO3 or NaCl to conserved feeds increases rumen pH, fluid dilution rate, digestibility of dietary nutrients and rumen cellulolysis. Little research has involved the effect of Na supplementation on cattle fed fresh herbage.

The objective of the present experiment was to examine the effects of 0 (Nil), 32 (Low), 66 (Medium) and 96 (High) Kg Na ha-1 yr-1 applied as fertilizer to zero-grazed perennial ryegrass pasture, on rumen digestion and feed and water intakes.
The effect of fermentable energy supply on the excretion of purine derivatives in milk and urine of dairy cows
Authors: Moorby J.M. , Dewhurst R.J.
Published: June 2019

The urinary excretion of allantoin and uric acid (collectively purine derivatives, or PD) provides an estimate of the yield of microbial protein (MP) from the rumen. The technique is useful for estimating rumen efficiency of dairy cows, but due to the problems associated with urine collection, its use is limited on the large scale. Measuring PD in milk would allow more routine assessments to be carried out on a practical level.

Twelve multiparous mid-lactation Holstein/Friesian cows were used in a 3x3 Latin square changeover experiment with 3 four-week periods. Cows were allocated to squares on the basis of their mean milk yield of the 7 days prior to the trial. Within squares, treatments were randomly allocated to each cow. The first 25 days of each experimental period were used for adjustment, and the last 3 for the collection of milk and urine samples.
Protein Deposition Rate of Hybrid Boars and its Measurement
Authors: Van Lunen T.A. , Cole D.J.A.
Published: June 2019

The development of genotypes with high protein deposition rates (PDR) has brought into question previously accepted theories concerning growth, protein deposition and nutrient requirements of pigs. It is clear that the full potential for lean deposition of these new genotypes can only be realized if we adopt appropriate nutritional strategies. As a first step the work reported here was conducted to determine the protein deposition rate of highly selected hybrid boars and to evaluate nitrogen balance and carcass composition techniques for estimating PDR.
Effect of long-chain dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid content on pig meat
Authors: Leskanich C.O. , Noble R.C. , Morgan C.A.
Published: June 2019

Recent health recommendations regarding fat intake have highlighted the importance of consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids (British Nutrition Foundation, 1992) in a manner which takes into consideration the physiologically competitive n-6 and n-3 fatty acid families. Through dietary modification, pig meat and meat products provide a valuable contribution toward this aim (Morgan et al, 1992) although concerns relating to changes in physical and taste properties are hindrances to commercial acceptance. The aim of this investigation was therefore to obtain information on the optimum length of time required to significantly alter the fatty acid composition of pig meat without incurring deleterious physical effects.
An Assessment of the Effect of Feeding System on the Production and Social Organisation of Group Housed Gilts
Authors: Stewart A H , Edwards S A , Brouns F , English P R
Published: June 2019

Recent legislation prohibiting the use of individual confinement systems for dry sows has led to the adoption of group housed systems which have perceived welfare advantages. The feeding system for dry sows and gilts is fundamental to welfare and production; problems such as abnormal behaviours, aggression and psychological stress, caused by poor nutrient distribution in group systems, must be addressed.

In this study the relative merits of three feeding systems for group housed gilts were investigated in relation to welfare and production.
The effects of dietary protein levels on the performance of lactating dairy cows given high levels of molasses
Authors: Yan T. , Roberts D. J.
Published: June 2019

Cane molasses is extensively used as an energy source for cattle because of its high content of water soluble carbohydrates. However, its very low crude protein content and its ability to reduce non-protein-nitrogen (NPN) utilisation in ruminants in comparison with cereal grains may restrict its inclusion in dairy cow rations. Adding vegetable protein or urea to a cow ration containing high levels of molasses may therefore result in a better match between the nitrogen and energy requirements of rumen microorganisms. A previous experiment showed that lactating dairy cows could be fed molasses in a grass silage-based complete diet up to 312 g/kg DM without adverse effects (Yan and Roberts, 1992). The present experiment was subsequently undertaken to evaluate the responses of lactating dairy cows to protein levels in complete diets containing this high level of molasses
Biotechnology: The Ethics
Authors: Mepham T B
Published: June 2019

Few people question the basis of their moral viewpoints, yet if science is to be applied ethically it is necessary to subject these viewpoints to rational analysis. The paper provides an overview of prominent ethical theories (deontological and consequentalist) and their impact on novel and prospective animal biotechnologies. These theories are applied to the principles of: autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence and beneficence in relation to the interests of animals, the environment and humans.

Deontological approaches include ‘rights’-based theories (often derived intuitively or from scriptural sources) and ‘contractualist’ theories, dependent on an ‘unwritten contract’ between rational beings to ensure fairness. For consequentialists (eg utilitarians), it is the outcome of actions that determines their ethical value. Few people, consciously or unconsciously, consistently employ a single ethical theory, but there is often much concordance between actions based on the different theories. Except for some intuitionists, ethicists emphasise the role of rationality in ethical theory; for even though intuition is an important element, many consider that universalizability of ethical theories entails the establishment of a ‘reflective equilibrium’
Comparison of Four Ultrasonic Techniques for In Vivo Estimation of Sheep Carcass Composition
Authors: Chadwick J.P , Yates C.M. , Owen M.G.
Published: June 2019

1. There are many ultrasonic machines using a range of techniques varying in sophistication to measure fat and muscle depths for predicting carcass composition. An evaluation of four techniques was conducted by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) to enable potential users to select the most appropriate technique based on accuracy, practicality and cost.

2. A total of 150 commercial sheep comprising approximately equal numbers of castrates and ewes were evaluated in five batches of about equal size in lairage at one of two abattoirs. Live weight was recorded together with fat and muscle measurements from the Aloka, Dynamic Imaging, Dumatic and Velocity of Sound (VOS) ultrasonic techniques.

3. The Aloka is a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used on cattle in Australia. The Dynamic Imaging is also a B-Mode real-time medical scanner which is currently used in MLC's Sheepbreeder Service.
The Role of Cut Surface Muscle Area in the Prediction of Carcass Composition of Beef, Lamb and Pork
Authors: Yates C M , Cuthbertson A , Owen M G
Published: June 2019

1. Increased leanness is an economic objective of nearly all breed improvement programmes. Predictions of lean concentration can be used in an index of performance or can be used to select animals for slaughter.

2. Predictions of carcass composition from ultrasonic measurements of fat and muscle depths are currently used to aid the selection of animals for breeding and slaughter. Recent developments allow muscle area to be measured using B-Mode pulse echo real-time ultrasonic scanning machines. These machines produce a two-dimensional image of a cross section through the animal, from which measurements may be taken.

3. There is a need to estimate for the live animal the benefits of including eye muscle area in the prediction of carcass composition but few data are available to estimate this directly. Therefore the potential benefit of including such measurements in the prediction of carcass composition has been evaluated using measurements taken on the cut surface of carcasses
A comparison of the rate of genetic gain and inbreeding in open nucleus and closed flock breeding systems for sheep.
Authors: Roden Janet A.
Published: June 2019

Open nucleus systems (ONS) have been used in sheep breeding for a number of years, usually in group breeding schemes. In the simplest form the population is divided into two tiers, the nucleus flock composed of elite individuals, while the base, which forms the majority of the population, is usually sub-divided into a number of individual flocks. Animals born in the nucleus may be selected as replacements in the base, while superior animals born in the base may become part of the breeding population of the nucleus. The optimum structure and genetic benefits of using an ONS under Australasian conditions have been extensively studied using deterministic predictions (James, 1977; Mueller and James, 1983). However, subsequent advances in genetic evaluation (e.g. the application of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP)) and the smaller flock sizes typical in Europe, are likely to impact on the outcome and optimum structure of such systems.
Crossbreeding and selection for fibre traits in cashmere goats
Authors: Bishop S.C. , Russel A.J.F.
Published: June 2019

The agricultural industry in the UK is under increasing pressure to diversify its forms of production. One of the potentially most viable options suited to hill and upland farms is the production of cashmere, the fine undercoat produced by down bearing goats. Currently no breed of cashmere goat exists in the U.K. which meets market requirements, however, i.e. large quantities of fine, white cashmere. This paper presents results from a crossbreeding trial with Scottish Feral goats and several exotic lines of cashmere goats, the first step in improving production, and it considers future selection plans for improving cashmere production traits.

Cashmere fibre production was evaluated on Scottish Feral goats (F) and on goats imported from Iceland (I), Tasmania (T), New Zealand (N) and Siberia (S), and on two and three way crosses between the F and exotic lines. These goats are owned by a group of commercial farmers, along with the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, forming a group known as Cashmere Breeders Limited.
The effect of sodium fertilisation of pasture on herbage production and the performance of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Cushnahan A. , Gordon F.J.
Published: June 2019

Recent work by Chiy and Phillips (1991, 1992) has shown that the application of sodium (Na) fertiliser can produce improvements in pasture growth, pasture composition and the performance of grazing dairy cattle. However other studies have shown much smaller or zero effects in terms of pasture production following Na application (Smithet al., 1983; O'Connoret al., 1989). The objective of the present series of studies was to examine the milk production response to Na fertilisation of pasture under a differing set of soil and climatic conditions and to establish if there was an optimum level of Na input. In addition it was important to pursue the mechanisms of any animal production responses recorded. A series of studies were therefore undertaken to examine: (a) the influence of Na fertilisation of pasture on dairy cattle performance in comparison with any effects obtained through dietary Na supplementation, and (b) the effects of Na on herbage production, composition and digestibility.
Effects of gastrointestinal nematode infection on growth performance in dairy replacement stock and possible effects on subsequent milk production
Authors: Ploeger H.W.
Published: June 2019

The rearing period of replacement stock usually involves two grazing seasons before they calve for the first time and enter the dairy herd. Gastrointestinal nematode infection can affect growth performance in either one of these grazing seasons. However, most investigators concentrated on calves in their first grazing season, partly owing to the fact that clinical disease is rarely observed in older animals. Cows also harbour gastrointestinal nematode infection, and numerous studies were conducted to investigate the effect of anthelmintic treatments on the subsequent milk yield. The result of the latter was a long-standing controversy, some claiming a positive effect, whereas others disputed the (economic) benefit of such treatments. The present paper summarizes the effects of infection on growth performance and milk production and integrates these effects within the context of the rearing period.
The relevance of milk protein polymorphisms for dairy cattle breeding.
Authors: Bovenhuis Henk
Published: June 2019

Several studies have shown milk protein genetic variants to be associated with manufacturing properties of milk. The main findings were that κ-casein genetic variants affect renneting time of milk and βlactoglobulin genetic variants are associated with casein number (reviewed by Grosclaude, 1988). There are reports also of associations between milk protein genetic variants and milk production traits. Results from these studies indicate that κ-casein genotypes are associated with protein content and βlactoglobulin genotypes are related to fat content (reviewed by Bovenhuis et al., 1992). Therefore, κ-casein and βlactoglobulin genotypes might be of value as selection criteria. The aim of the present study was to quantify the potential effects of selection for κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin genotypes by using stochastic simulation of a closed adult MOET nucleus breeding scheme.
‘Food - a fact of life’ - food & nutrition education in practice
Authors: Fine Gill
Published: June 2019

During the last ten years the volume of dietary information directed at consumers has increased dramatically. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has become increasingly concerned that the avalanche of sometimes conflicting information is outstripping the ability of many consumers to use it effectively or even comprehend it, and believes that more emphasis should be placed on education rather than information.

The Foundation believes that it is vital to begin education in food and nutrition at school, and that all pupils should receive tuition in this multifaceted subject throughout their school careers.
Rumen fermentation and degradability in steers offered grass silage and untreated or sodium hydroxide-treated sugar-beet pulp or rolled or sodium hydroxide-treated barley or wheat
Authors: Moloney A.P.
Published: June 2019

Due to its slower rate of rumen degradation, molassed sugar beet pulp (MBP) is considered to result in a higher pH in rumen fluid wnen compared with cereals and to be of benefit in diets where maximum fibre digestion is desired (Fahmy et al., 1984). Sodium hydroxide-treatment of MBP, by increasing feed pH may increase the value of MBP still further in these situations. The most common method of processing whole cereal grains is dry rolling. Sodium hydroxide pre-treatment has also been shown to increase the digestibility of whole cereal grains close to thai achieved by dry rolling (Orskov, 1979). Little information is available on the relative effects on rumen fermentation of both processing methods. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effects of treating MBP with NaOH and (2) compare the effects of rolfing (R) and S as processing methods for barley and wheat, on rumen fermentation and dry matter (DM) degradability (DMD) in steers offered grass silage.
The influence of diet and hence ammonia on energy and nitrogen metabolism across splanchnic tissues in growing cattle
Authors: Maltby S A , Beever D E , Lomax M A , Crompton L A , Pippard C J
Published: June 2019

Metabolisable energy (ME) and absorbed protein appear to be more efficiently utilised for tissue gain in ruminants fed cereal compared to forage diets but the mechanisms involved are not understood. Forage and cereal diets differ in their pattern of rumen fermentation and hence the relative proportions of absorbed nutrients such as ammonia (NH3) and VFA (Seal et al, 1991). Splanchnic bed metabolism has been demonstrated to extensively modify both the quantity and form of absorbed nutrients (Reynolds et al, 1991) and therefore is an important site for the regulation of nutrient supply to the peripheral tissues. The present study was thus designed to examine the effect of forage versus cereal diet upon splanchnic nutrient metabolism in growing cattle.