bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of stressors encountered at weaning by three week old piglets on the shedding of an enterotoxigenic Escherichiacoli
Authors: Jones P.H. , Hayes C. , Roe J.M. , Miller B.G.
Published: November 2021

The results presented here represent part of a large study designed to investigate the effects of commercial weaning practice on immune function and susceptibility to post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets weaned at 3-4 weeks of age. For the purposes of this experiment, it was considered that weaning, mixing and a short-term cold stress (10Â°C for 48 hours only) were likely to be the most important stressors commonly encountered at weaning. It has been known for many years that stress can play an important role in the aetiology of disease in man and animals (Kelley, 1980) but little information is available on the effects of these stressors on post-weaning diarrhoea.
The effect of grouping piglets and changing sow location on suckling behaviour and performance
Authors: Wattanakul W. , Stewart A. H. , Edwards S. A. , English P. R.
Published: November 2021

Grouping lactating sows and piglets leads to problems of cross-suckling and increased numbers of piglets at the udder during suckling. These alter suckling behaviour and affect the performance of the piglets. The aim of the study was to investigate how suckling behaviour was influenced by grouping piglets and changing sow location under controlled conditions.
Upgrading wheat straw with urea at a tropical temperature: effects of amount of urea and moisture on in vitro digestibility and pH
Authors: Haq I.U. , Owen E.
Published: November 2021

Urea-ammonia treatment of straws in the tropics involves mixing 1.0 kg of air dry straw with 1.0 kg of a 40 g/kg urea solution and storing under plastic for at least 4 weeks (Schiere and Ibrahim, 1989). The economics of treatment is dependent on the cost of urea. Treatment cost would reduce, if on-farm-produced urine, e.g. cow urine, could be used as a source of urea. However cow urine is dilute and may contain only 10 g/kg urea or less (Owen, 1993). The present study therefore investigated varying concentrations of urea solution for treating wheat straw at a tropical temperature.
Prediction of forage dry matter and soluble carbohydrate content from analysis of expressed juice
Authors: Jones D.I.H. , Freeman C.P. , Newbold J.R. , Fychan A.R. , Jones Elspeth , Lewis Aeronwy
Published: November 2021

The dry matter (DM) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations of forage are the main characteristics influencing the course of silage fermentation. Knowledge of these parameters would enable decisions to be made both on the need for additive and the type of additive likely to be most effective. Moreover, the degree of wilt could also be followed in wilted crops. The present study was directed to assessing the relationship between the composition of the crop and the volume and composition of the expressed juice. The ultimate objective was the development of on-farm methodology for predicting the ensiling characteristics of crops.
Transit time ultrasound measurement of portal blood flow in cattle
Authors: Wylie ARG , McEvoy JD , McGrattan P , Devlin DJ
Published: November 2021

Portal blood flow (PF) is central to the quantitative characterisation of dietary nutrient uptake. Dilution of PAH (p-aminohippurate) is unsuited to rapidly changing flow and visceral studies often use frequent-feeding to encourage “steady-state” digestion and absorption and minimise postprandial PF variation. Such data is of limited value to understanding nutrient flux and visceral responses to conventional feeding (once/twice daily) eg. insulin levels did not differ on similar ME intakes of frequently-fed (12x2h) forage or concentrates (Reynolds and Tyrrell, 1991) whereas in steers fed once daily, insulin was higher (P<0.10) postprandially on a concentrate diet (Thorp et al., 1996). Transit-time ultrasound (TTU) gives real-time, continuous flow but the steer portal vein was regarded as anatomically unsuitable for TTU (Huntington et al., 1990) with PF of less than half those by PAH (20 vs 42ml/min/kg LW). The current study was initiated to monitor temporal PF changes by TTU in steers fed once-daily.
Blood metabolite levels in pregnant ewes as indicators of nutritional status
Authors: O' Doherty J.V. , Quinn P.J. , Crosby T.F.
Published: November 2021

The ewes requirments for energy and protein increase rapidly during the last two months of pregnancy and particularly in the final few weeks. A major limitation to the use of changes in liveweight or condition score as indices of the adequacy of nutrition during late pregnancy is that they provide information only in hindsight. By the time an inadequate weight gain or an excessive loss of condition has been recognised an irreparable production penalty may have been incurred. A more immediate assessment of the adequacy of contemporary nutrition is afforded by the measurement of circulating concentrations of certain blood metabolites. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of seven dietary treatments in ewes carrying twins on the pattern of plasma β-hydroxy-butyrate, glucose, albumin and urea levels in the last month of pregnancy and their relationship with energy and crude protein intakes.
Effects of different calcium to phosphorus ratios on phosphorus absorption by sheep in Brazil
Authors: Salviano L.M.C. , Vitti D.M.S.S.
Published: November 2021

Phosphorus deficiencies in tropical pastures, as well as the effects of this mineral deficiencies in ruminant performance are well-known. There is still some controversy on the metabolism, as the influence of Ca:P ratio on P absorption, even though, TCORN (1991) has indicate to be unnecessary and even misleading to establish limits for Ca:P ratio, once that individual mineral requirements have been met. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of different Ca:P ratio, in diet, on P absorption in sheep commonly raised in Brazil.
The development of a soluble glass bolus to deliver selenium and cobalt to sheep
Authors: Kendall N.R. , Mackenzie A.M. , Telfer S.B.
Published: November 2021

Trace element deficiencies have been reported throughout the UK and are known to decrease the productivity and welfare of animals. Selenium deficiency is characterised by muscular myopathy, white muscle disease or stiff lamb disease. Subclinical deficiencies can also cause reduced growth rate and impaired immune function. In ruminant animals, cobalt is required for the synthesis of vitamin B12 and deficiency leads to Pine, characterised by emaciation, anaemia and listlessness. Trace element deficiencies can be due to either a single element or multiple elements. Situations occur particularly in sheep where cobalt and/or selenium are deficient but where copper supplementation can be toxic. To correct these deficiencies, a single long-lasting and effective treatment in the form of a soluble glass bolus has been designed to release cobalt and selenium. This new bolus is similar to the commercial CosecureÂ® bolus, which is a Co/Se/Cu soluble glass, in which zinc replaces the copper.
An examination of the effect of concentrate energy source and changes in eRDP:DUP ratio on milk production of dairy cows offered grass silages differing in digestibility and intake characteristics
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S. , Marsden M.
Published: November 2021

Results from a previous study at this Institute indicated that concentrate energy source did not alter silage intake or animal performance of lactating dairy cows offered a range of grass silages of similar digestibility but differing in intake characteristics. Digestibility is probably the single most important variable affecting animal performance from grass silage. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of concentrate energy source and effective rumen degradable protein (eRDP):digestible undegradable protein (DUP) ratio in the concentrate on the silage intake of, and animal performance from, lactating dairy cows offered a diverse range of grass silages differing in digestibility and intake characteristics.
The effect of offering low crude protein diets to pigs on slurry characteristics and the consequent emission of ammonia from pig buildings
Authors: Kay R.M. , Lee P.A.
Published: November 2021

It is estimated that ammonia emission from pigs contributes approximately 23kt of a total of 198kt from UK agriculture. Of this, 14kt is lost from buildings and 7.5kt from land spreading. It is likely that pig enterprises will need to reduce ammonia losses under the newly adopted Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) legislation. Earlier work (Kay and Lee, 1996) has demonstrated that low crude protein (CP) diets reduce the amount of nitrogen in slurry. However, there is no information available on the effects of reducing nitrogen excretion by pigs on the emission of ammonia from buildings and limited information on the effects of collection and storage of slurry over time. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of low CP diets on the emission of ammonia from buildings, and on the characteristics of slurry collected and stored beneath slats.
Short and long term effects of protein nutrition on reproduction in gilts
Authors: Crisol M. , Edwards S.A. , English P.R.
Published: November 2021

Selection for carcass leanness in pig breeding schemes has promoted lean tissue growth rate whilst reducing body fat stores and appetite. Dietary protein restriction has been proposed as a way to enhance body fat reserves in the breeding animal. However, protein restriction during gilt rearing has been shown to adversely affect reproductive performance (Cia et al., 1996). The aim of this study was to test the effect of short term elevation of dietary protein prior to ovulation in gilts reared on restricted protein, to determine whether short term improvement in metabolic state could reverse these detrimental effects.
The effect of protein restriction on reproductive parameters in sows of different parities
Authors: Glasgow V.L. , Edwards S.A. , Slessor M. , Fraser H.
Published: November 2021

Commercially, restricting dietary nitrogen intake in breeding sows of lean genotype may be desirable. Reducing protein intake whilst maintaining high energy levels will result in limited lean tissue growth and promote fat accretion. This would be beneficial in ensuring more back fat reserves for lactation and reducing nitrogen pollution of the environment. However lowered protein levels during lactation have been shown to result in a negative nitrogen balance and extended weaning to oestrus intervals (King and Williams, 1984). In this experiment trans-rectal ultrasonography was used to assess any detrimental effects of protein restriction on ovarian activity in non lactating sows.
A comparison of choice, phase and single feeding systems in pigs from weaning to slaughter
Authors: Dalby J.A. , Varley M.A. , Forbes J.M. , Jagger S.
Published: November 2021

Feeding regimes in commercial practice do not always meet precisely the changing nutritional requirements of growing pigs. Increasing the number of feeds offered (phase feeding) or, alternatively, allowing the animals to select their own diet from a choice of foods may improve the balance between nutrient supply and animal requirements. The aim of this experiment was to compare 8 feeding strategies from weaning to slaughter at 90kg.
Rumen biohydrogenation of fatty acids from different sources of fat
Authors: Choi N.J. , Kim E.J. , Maeng W.J. , Neville M.A. , Enser M. , Wood J.D. , Scollan N.D.
Published: November 2021

One of the major limitations to increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid (FA) composition of ruminant products is the fact that these FAs tend to get hydrogenated by rumen micro-organisms to more saturated end products (biohydrogenation). This experiment reports on the extent of FA biohydrogenation in the rumen of four diets of differing sources of long chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) as used by Scollanet al.(1997).
The effect of feeding fish oil on the fatty acid composition of bovine milk
Authors: Mansbridge R J , Blake J S
Published: November 2021

The very long chain n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6) are metabolised to certain prostaglandins and thromboxanes which are thought to reduce platelet aggregation and to possess important anti-atherothrombotic properties. The major source of C20:5 and C22:6 in dairy cow diets are fish oils, but the efficiency of uptake of these fatty acids into milk fat is low (Storry et al, 1969; Hagmeister et al, 1988). The aim of this experiment was to investigate the extent of uptake of EPA and DHA into milk fat in high yielding dairy cows.
Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates of common health disorders and fertility traits in Scottish Holstein Friesian dairy cattle
Authors: Pryce J. E. , Simm G. , Veerkamp R. F. , Thompson R. , Hill W.G.
Published: November 2021

There is evidence that selection for milk yield alone in dairy cattle leads to a deterioration in fertility (e.g. Hoekstra et al., 1994) and health (e.g. Uribe et al., 1995). Genetic selection to improve health and fertility traits should be considered for reasons of both welfare and profitability. The aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for health disorders and measures of fertility in Holstein Friesian cattle and to estimate correlations between these traits and 305 day milk yield.
Maximising response with a predefined rate of inbreeding for overlapping generation structure
Authors: Grundy B , Villanueva B , Woolliams J A
Published: November 2021

Wray and Thompson (1990) described the relationship between genetic contributions and the rate of inbreeding and this work was extended by Woolliams and Thompson (1994) to interpret genetic response in terms of genetic contributions. By using these relationships Meuwissen (1997) developed an algorithm for obtaining optimum selection decisions at a given (discrete) generation and level of inbreeding by maximising a function of accumulated gain corrected for squared contributions. Here we extend this method for optimising populations with overlapping generation structure and maximising response at a given rate rather than level of inbreeding. Three modifications to the afore mentioned model are presented: an augmented numerator relationship matrix which has not been corrected for reduced Mendelian variance with inbreeding, the consideration of committed future contributions beyond the next cohort derived from the lifetime breeding profile of the population, and a constraint to achieve the desired rate of inbreeding.
Evaluation of performance traits in European Meishan pig crosses with varying Oestrogen Receptor (ESR) genotypes
Authors: Southwood O.I. , van der Steen H.A.M.
Published: November 2021

A significant relationship between the ESR gene and litter size has been reported for a range of Meishan synthetic and Large White lines (Rothschild et al., 1995). The effect of one copy of the positive (B) allele in a European 50% Chinese Meishan synthetic (L93) was estimated as +0.79 pigs born alive per litter in the first parity (Southwood et al, 1995). It is therefore of interest to incorporate the positive allele into a comercial parent gilt, the growing performance and soundness of these animals also being of importance. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of the ESR gene on growth and performance traits in a commercial type background.
Variation in age at puberty in pigs with divergent selection for components of efficient lean growth rate
Authors: Kerr J. C. , Cameron N. D.
Published: November 2021

A delay in the onset of puberty in gilts with intensive selection for efficient lean growth would have substantial implications for pig breeding programmes due to later first parity matings. Therefore the current study determined the responses in gilt traits at puberty to selection for components of efficient lean growth rate.
Genetic parameter estimates for feeding pattern and production traits in pigs
Authors: Hall A.D. , Hill W.G. , Bampton P.R. , Webb A.J.
Published: November 2021

Until recently, to enable accurate recording of feed intake, pigs were kept in individual pens. The advent of electronic feeders has allowed accurate records of feed intake and feeding patterns in group housing which is more similar to that found in the production environment. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for these feeding pattern traits and their correlations with production traits to show potential benefits in selection.
Calving outcome following transfer of in vivo or in vitro produced bovine embryos
Authors: Goodhand K. L. , Dolman D. F. , Watt R. G. , Higgins L. C. , Staines M. E. , Broadbent P. J.
Published: November 2021

Embryo culture or manipulation can severely influence fetal development resulting in increased gestation length and unusually large offspring (Walker et al, 1996). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of transferring in vivo or in vitro produced bovine embryos on gestation length, calf sex, birth weight and calving ease.
The effect of pre- and post-insemination plane of nutrition on early embryo survival in cattle
Authors: Dunne L.D. , Diskin M.G. , Boland M.P. , O'Farrell K.J. , Sreenan J.M.
Published: November 2021

Embryonic loss between day 8 and 16 after insemination is a major cause of reproductive wastage in cattle. Plane of nutrition in the peri-ovulatory period is inversely related to both systemic progesterone and embryo survival in pigs and sheep. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term changes in plane of nutrition during the peri-ovulatory period on systemic progesterone and on embryo survival in cattle.
The effect of restricted suckling on lactation, reproduction and calf development
Authors: Margerison J. K. , Phillips C. J. C. , Preston T. R.
Published: November 2021

Suckling cows following milk extraction has been found to increase total milk yield (Bar-Peled et al, 1995; Margerison et al, 1995) and allows calves to be reared by suckling. These restricted suckling systems are common in developing countries and have been applied in developed countries (Boden and Leaver, 1994; Sandoval and Leaver, 1995). There are few long term studies of restricted suckling which include milk yield, milk composition and calf development. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of restricted suckling on lactation, reproduction and calf development in Colombia.
Influence of rearing environment on behavioural characteristics of growing pigs
Authors: Beattie V.E. , Walker N.
Published: November 2021

Behavioural types in pigs have been demonstrated by Hessing et al. (1994) who suggested that differing coping strategies may be determined by genetic constitution. However Beattie et al. (1995) found that pigs reared in enriched environments behaved differently in an open field test compared with those reared in barren environments implicating an environmental influence in strategy development. The objective of this study was to investigate whether housing environment influences the coping strategy of growing pigs measured by behavioural and physiological responses.
Supranutritional vitamin E supplementation of grass-finished and concentrate-finished Hereford-cross steers and its effect on meat quality
Authors: Vega L. , Enser M. , Nute G.R. , Richardson R.I. , Ball R.C. , Wood J.D. , Weber G.M.
Published: November 2021

Previous research has demonstrated that dietary supplementation with high levels of die antioxidant vitamin E is effective in improving beef quality and shelf-life (Arnold et al., 1993). However, these animals did not have access to fresh forage which contains high levels of endogenous vitamin E and also higher concentrations of readily-oxidisable n-3 unsaturated fatty acids (Marmer et al, 1984). This study investigated the effectiveness of vitamin E in improving meat quality of grass finished cattle compared with those fed concentrates.
Annual energy intake and early post-partum performance of beef cows differing in body size and milk potential
Authors: Yildiz S. , Sinclair K. D. , Quintans G. , Gebbie F. E. , Hutchinson J. S. M. , Broadbent P. J.
Published: November 2021

The energy requirements of beef cows depend on their body size and milk production. Consequently, the optimum cow genotype will depend on the capability of the farming environment to produce forage if undue feeding of purchased supplements is to be avoided. In this study cows of two genotypes with differing genetic potentials for body size and milk production were each offered two levels of annual energy intake.
Effect of fishmeal on sow reproductive performance
Authors: Edwards S.A. , Pike I.
Published: November 2021

It has been suggested for many years that inclusion of fishmeal in diets for breeding sows gives improved reproductive performance, but there have been few experiments to objectively measure the effects of fishmeal inclusion. Recently, attention has focussed in many species on the possible beneficial effects of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil on a number of aspects of reproduction, including embryo survival, gestation length, fetal growth and neonatal viability. This experiment was therefore carried out to measure the effect of feeding diets with or without inclusion of fishmeal with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids on sow reproductive performance.
Response to dietary protein during lactation of Meishan synthetic and European White sows fed to attain two levels of backfat at farrowing
Authors: Sinclair A.G. , Cia M.C. , Edwards S.A. , Hoste S.
Published: November 2021

Meishan synthetic (M) sows and gilts produce greater weight of weaned piglets and lose more backfat and body weight during lactation than White (W) breed types (Sinclair et al., 1996a). The increased litter weight and increased fat loss of M could be due to (1) M having more fat reserves than W at the start of lactation to support a higher level of milk production, (2) M being inherently more adapted than W to partition body reserves to milk production. Commercial objectives of the M breeding programmes include a reduction of backfat, so it is necessary to establish the importance of fat reserves in the maternal performance of the breeds. The objective of this experiment was to measure the consequences of manipulating body fat reserves at farrowing by nutritional means in the two breed types.
Comparison of different digesta collection methods and indigestible markers to determine the apparent ileal nutrient digestibility
Authors: Yin Y-L , McEvoy J , Souffrant W-B , McCracken K J
Published: November 2021

Since the 1970's, many studies have been performed to estimate ileal digesibility using different methods for digesta collection. The methods frequently applied for quantitative collection are re-entrant cannulation or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). Methods involving the use of a marker include the post- valve “T” caecal (PVTC) and simple ileal “T” cannula. Recent studies showed that PVTC has a number of advantages over the simple “T” cannulation methods (van Leeuwen et al, 1991; McCracken et al, 1996). The present study afforded the opportunity to (1) compare the PVTC with the IRA method, (2) compare the use of Cr2O3and TiO2as indigestible markers (3) evaluate the PVTC method for quantitative collection of digesta, using a range of diets of different fibre content.

The PVTC experiment was performed in Belfast. Twelve pigs, approximately 20kg, fitted with post valve “T” caecal cannulae according to the procedure introduced by van Leeuwen et al(1991), were randomized to 4 diets based on wheat (W, 760 g wheat/kg), wheat/middlings (WM, 380g wheat, 380 g middlings/kg), wheat/bran (WB,380 g wheat, 380 g bran/kg) or recombined wheat (WR,570 g flour, 130 g middlings, 60 g bran/kg) using a four period cross-over design.
Chemical composition and in vitro degradability of different parts of Calliandra calothyrsus from Kenya
Authors: Salawu M.B. , Acamovic T. , Stewart C.S. , DeB. Hovell F.D. , Roothaert R.L.
Published: November 2021

Calliandra calothyrsus is a promising tropical leguminous browse, native to South America, but now planted in most parts of the tropics and subtropics. It is a fast growing plant, rich in proteins and can do well on poor soils (NRC, 1983). Its high content of condensed tannins has however limited its use as a feed for ruminants. The chemical composition and degradability in vitro in a consecutive batch culture (CBC) system were studied.
Effect of freezing on the nutritive value of untreated or enzyme-treated maize stover silages
Authors: Altaf U. R. , Owen E. , Phipps R. H.
Published: November 2021

Preferably, a crop for silage should be immediately ensiled after harvesting. However, this is not always possible in research situations when a large number of laboratory-scale silos have to be prepared. Thus, in many cases the chopped material is frozen and ensiled at a later date after defrosting. Richard and Allen (1992) and Nelson and Bozich (1996) have shown that freezing vegetative material may increase cell-wall contents, which in turn, may affect nutritive value. The current study was conducted to determine changes in the composition of fresh and frozen stover, ensiled with and without a cell-wall degrading enzyme solution.
Effects of variety, fertiliser nitrogen and sowing date on the rumen degradation of oat straw
Authors: Moss A. R. , Givens D. I. , Islam M. R. , Owen E.
Published: November 2021

There are currently about 0.29 x 106t of oat straw available for feeding in the UK and although this is much less than for other cereals, there are indications that oat straw is of higher nutritional quality (see Givens and Moss, 1995). There is increasing interest in the use of oats and naked oats in human foods and the quantities of oat straw are likely to increase. Whilst some earlier work (Tuah et al., 1986) showed that variety of oat could influence the nutritive value of its straw, there has been no systematic study of the effect of agronomic factors such as sowing date, fertiliser use etc. This experiment examined these issues.
Development of porcine embryos cultured individually in vitro using NCSU-23 and modified Whitten's media
Authors: McEvoy T.G. , Staines M.E. , Coull G.D. , King M.E. , Slessor M. , Fraser H. , Fraser H. , Edwards S.A.
Published: November 2021

Individual culture of porcine embryos facilitates precise evaluation of developmental progress during crucial stages of preimplantation growth in vitro. This approach was applied to embryos, collected at different stages of development, from young pre-pubertal gilts induced to ovulate following gonadotrophin treatment. The present study also examined embryo development in 2 media produced for porcine egg culture, NCSU-23 (Petters and Wells, 1993) and modified Whitten's Medium (mWM; Beckmann and Day, 1993).
The responses of lactating dairy cows to diets based on grass silage of high or low DM and supplemented with fast and slowly fermentable energy sources
Authors: Romney D. L. , Blunn V. , Leaver J. D.
Published: November 2021

It has often been observed that increasing silage DM through wilting increases DM intake, although digestibility and efficiency of utilisation of nutrients tends to decrease, resulting in poor responses in terms of milk yield. Rapid solubilisation of nutrients in the rumen may give rise to rapid nutrient absorption, activating satiety mechanisms and resulting in shorter meals. In the present trial the difference in DM content of the silages was high (>200g/kg). Supplements based on different energy sources were fed to determine whether synchronisation of release of nutrients from the silage and the supplement modified DM intake and feeding behaviour.
The effects of concentrate energy source on energy utilisation by lactating dairy cows offered a range of grass silages
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Mayne C.S.
Published: November 2021

Replacement of high starch with high digestible fibre ingredients in the concentrate has resulted in inconsistent effects on silage intake and milk yield and composition of lactating dairy cattle. These differences in animal performance may reflect effects of concentrate energy source on energy utilisation. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of concentrate energy source on energy utilisation in lactating dairy cows offered a diverse range of grass silages.

Three silages were harvested from perennial ryegrass swards after 39 day regrowth intervals. Silages A and C were produced from primary regrowths and Silage B from a secondary regrowth. Silages A, B and C were ensiled after 24, 0 and 0 h wilting intervals, treated with an inoculant, untreated or an inoculant respectively. Concentrates containing starch concentrations of 50, 209 and 385 g/kg DM, were prepared using barley, wheat, maize gluten, sugar beet pulp and citrus pulp as energy sources. The concentrates were formulated to contain similar concentrations of crude protein, effective rumen degradable protein, digestible undegradable protein, metabolisable energy and fermentable metabolisable energy and were offered at 10 kg/head/d in four equal feeds accounting for 0.57 of DM intake. The diets (3 silages x 3 concentrates) were offered to 18 lactating dairy cows, in a completely randomised experiment, for a minimum period of 28 days prior to the main recording period. Prior to entering open circuit respiration chambers, described by Gordon et al. (1995), cows were housed in individual stalls during a 6 day diet digestibility and nitrogen utilisation study.
The effects of offering sucrose and fishmeal to dairy cows receiving different levels of concentrates on food intake and animal performance
Authors: Keady T.W.J. , Murphy J.J.
Published: November 2021

Quota restricts the volume and butterfat content of milk at farm level. However there is no restriction on milk protein concentration. In a previous study in the present series, sucrose supplementation of cows in late lactation offered grass silage based diets increased milk protein concentration, while supplementation with sucrose and fishmeal increased protein concentration and the yields of milk, protein and fat plus protein equivalent to, or greater than, that obtained from the parent herbage. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of partially replacing a concentrate supplement with sucrose and/or fishmeal, over a range of concentrate feed levels, on forage intake, milk production and composition.

Herbage was harvested from the primary growth of a predominantly perennial ryegrass sward, unwilted, precision chopped and treated with a formic acid based additive (Add-Safe, Trouw Nutrition) at 2.85 l/t. A concentrate was formulated consisting of unmolassed sugar beet pulp, barley, soyabean meal and minerals and vitamins. Four complete diets were prepared consisting of the silage and either concentrate (20 g/kg fresh silage) (SC), concentrate and sucrose (each at 10 g/kg fresh silage) (SCS) concentrate and fishmeal (each at 10 g/kg fresh silage) (SCF) or sucrose and fishmeal (each at 10 g/kg fresh silage) (SSF).
The response by high genetic merit dairy cows to source and concentration of protein in the concentrate
Authors: Carrick I.M. , Patterson D.C. , Gordon F.J.
Published: November 2021

Dairy cow genetic merit continues to increase in the dairy herd. These animals require a higher level of nutritional input than lower genetic merit cows if higher performance levels are to be sustained. The high cost of ingredients for ruminant diets highlights the need for greater precision in ration formulation in order to improve the efficiency of feed utilisation. This experiment was carried out to assess the effect of DUP supplementation on the performance of dairy cows with ad libitum access to grass silage.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the response by high genetic merit Holstein Friesian dairy cows (PTA90 fat plus protein = 61 kg) to both source and concentration of protein in the concentrate, given in addition to ad libitum grass silage (metabolisable energy (ME) = 10.9 MJ/kg DM; crude protein (CP) = 166 g/kg DM). Twenty-four cows, including 12 first parity animals (mean days calved 37.5, s.d. 22.3), were blocked according to milk yield, calving date and parity. The experimental design was a balanced changeover with four 4-week periods.
Comparison of high starch and high fibre diets and the development of subclinical laminitis syndrome in dairy heifers
Authors: Livesey C. T. , Metcalf J. A. , Marsh C. , Johnston A. M. , May S. A.
Published: November 2021

Subclinical laminitis syndrome is associated with the appearance of haemorrhages in the sole and white line (Vermunt 1992). Feeding diets with a high proportion of concentrates to forage has been associated with an increased severity or incidence of sole haemorrhages (Weaver 1979; Livesey and Fleming 1984). It is widely accepted that using high levels of starchy feed ingredients may increase the risk or severity of subclinical laminitis syndrome. This experiment was designed to study the development of subclinical laminitis syndrome by feeding diets which differed in starch and fibre content when animals were bedded on chopped straw or wood shavings.

A total of 40 Holstein heifers were divided into 4 groups in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. The duration of the study was from shortly before calving until 12 weeks after calving. Heifers were housed in cubicles on rubber mats with either chopped straw or wood shavings as bedding.
Cassava chip as an energy source for lactating dairy cows fed rice straw
Authors: Sommart K. , Wanapat M. , Parker D.S. , Rowlinson P.
Published: November 2021

Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) is an important root crop in tropical climates for both human consumption and animal feed as a source of energy (ME, R 12.2 MJ/kg). Cassava produces high yields of dry matter and therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including cassava as a source of energy replacing to corn on intake, rumen fermentation and animal performance in lactating dairy cows fed a diet based on rice straw.

Thirty-six crossbred cows (˃75% Holstein Friesian) in mid-lactation were randomised to 4 dietary treatments. They were individually tethered and offered ad libitum rice straw together with concentrate twice a day after milking. The diets were iso-nitrogenous (155 g/kg CP). The dietary treatments were concentrate containing 13.5, 27, 40.5 and 54% of cassava replacing corn meal. Milk yield and feed intake were measured daily. Composited milk samples were collected and the components analysed.
The effect of increasing slaughter weight on growth performance of pigs and on meat quality
Authors: Weatherup R.N. , Beattie V.E. , Moss B.W. , Walker N.
Published: November 2021

Slaughter weights for pigs in the United Kingdom have traditionally been much lower than in most other European countries and in North America (Ellis and Avery, 1990). The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of increasing slaughter weight on growth performance of pigs and on meat quality.

Ninety-six ¾ LR/LW 50 kg live weight pigs were allocated to a 3 x 4 factorial design with eight replicates. The variables were carcass weight which had four levels, 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg (corresponding live weights 92, 103, 114 and 125 kg) and gender with three levels, boars, castrates and gilts. Pigs were individually penned and offered feed ad libitum (DE 13.9 MJ/kg, lysine 10.5 g/kg). Feed intake and live weight gain was recorded over the experimental period and sample joints from the left L. dorsi muscle were obtained at slaughter. Cross sectional area of L. dorsi muscle and fat, lean and bone content of joint was determined and a number of meat quality assessments performed.
The behavioural and heart rate response of slaughter weight pigs to handling, weighing and slap-marking
Authors: Webster S. D. , Jones A. R.
Published: November 2021

On approaching slaughter weight it is common practice to weigh pigs and they are very often slap-marked prior to transport to the abattoir. Weighing involves handling and temporary isolation of the animal. Slap-marking involves hitting the animal, usually on the shoulder, with a series of needles covered in tattooing ink. Both weighing and slap-marking are potentially stressful. This study measured the behavioural and heart rate response of animals to these procedures as they occured on a commercialy run pig unit. These were compared to the responses of animals to weighing and an open-field test in an experimental procedure.
The establishment of a UK database for the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System
Authors: Mansbridge R J , Blake J S , Moss A R , Bending I
Published: November 2021

There is increasing interest in the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) (Russell et al 1992, Sniffen et al, 1992) for rationing dairy cows, but its use in the UK has been limited because the raw material database was based on North American feedstuffs. The database contained no information on grass silage, and the values for feeds such as maize silage and brewers grains may not be representative of those in the UK. This work was carried out to establish a UK database of forages and raw materials for the CNCPS model.
Effects of genotype and lactation number on health and reproductive problems in dairy cows
Authors: Nielsen B.L. , Veerkamp R.F. , Pryce J.E. , Simm G. , Oldham J.D.
Published: November 2021

High producing dairy cows have been found to be more susceptible to disease (Jones et al., 1994; Göhn et al., 1995) raising concerns about the welfare of the modern dairy cow. Genotype and number of lactations may affect various health problems differently, and their relative importance may vary. The categorical nature and low incidence of health events necessitates large data-sets, but the use of data collected across herds may introduce unwanted variation. Analysis of a comprehensive data-set from a single herd was carried out to investigate the effects of genetic line and lactation number on the incidence of various health and reproductive problems.
Cadmium pollution of feed consumed by sheep and its amelioration with zinc supplements
Authors: Phillips C.J.C. , Chiy P.C. , Omed H. , Saatci M.
Published: November 2021

Anthropogenic cadmium is increasing the cadmium concentration in herbage consumed by ruminants. It is derived mainly from phosphate fertilisers and mineral mixes added to concentrates, but in future sewage sludge applications to pasture may be more important. It has the potential to damage the health of the ruminants and ultimately the humans that consume their contaminated products, in particular offal. Cadmium is initially complexed by metalloproteins in the liver, extracted from the blood by the kidney and excreted in urine. In severe cases it impairs the reabsorption capabilities of the proximal tubules of the kidney. Although many clinical studies have been conducted with provocative levels of cadmium fed to laboratory animals, little is known about the potential for typical levels of cadmium in mildly contaminated feed to cause kidney damage in sheep.
The effect of a zinc, cobalt and selenium soluble glass bolus on immune function in Lambs
Authors: Kendall N.R. , Mackenzie A.M. , Telfer S.B.
Published: November 2021

Trace element deficiencies are common in many countries and affect animal health, productivity and welfare. Trace elements that can be limiting in animal nutrition include copper, cobalt, selenium and zinc. Deficiency diseases may be manifested as a consequence of a single or a multiple element deficiency. Deficiency in any of the above trace elements can result in an increased disease susceptibility and a decreased immune function. A soluble glass bolus has been developed for the sustained release of zinc, cobalt and selenium to sheep, using the same technology as the commercially available copper, cobalt and selenium bolus (Cosecure). The aim of this experiment was to observe whether the trace elements released from the bolus would have an effect on the immune function of sheep, as measured by the humoral immune response to a novel antigen.
A sustained-release multi-trace element/vitamin rumen bolus for ewes
Authors: Ritchie N.S. , Hemingway R.G. , Parkins J.J.
Published: November 2021

A sustained-release rumen bolus system (‘Small-Trace’, Agrimin Ltd., Brigg DN20 0SP) consisting of two polymer-coated cylinders (55mm length, 18mm diam) containing a compressed mixture of normal inorganic trace elements and vitamins had been demonstrated to be an effective long-term copper and selenium supplement for calves > c. 70kg liveweight (Hemingway et al. 1996). A modification of the calf bolus system appropriate for ewes is described using a single bolus together with an inert grinder to promote bolus matrix erosion/dissolution in the reticulum/rumen.
Phosphorus, magnesium and copper inadequacies in grazed herbage for lactating cows
Authors: Hemingway R.G. , Ritchie N.S.
Published: November 2021

Ayrshire is one of the most important dairying areas in Scotland There is very little information for the phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) concentrations in grazed herbage over the whole season
Comparative voluntary intake and in vivo digestibility in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) and sheep
Authors: Fraser M.D. , Baker D.H.
Published: November 2021

Digestibility studies conducted with South American camelids on conserved forages have identified lower intakes and higher digestion coefficients in comparison with sheep when fed low and medium quality diets (Hintz, Schryver and Halbert, 1973; San Martin and Bryant, 1989). However, such experiments often involve only one or two animals. There are no published reports of detailed comparative in vivo trials based on fresh forage. The aim of this study was to compare the voluntary intake and digestion coefficients of guanacos and sheep when zero-grazed on a comparatively high quality ryegrass sward at three different growth stages.
Evidence of the relationship of vigour and growth of newborn lambs with thyroid hormone concentration
Authors: Johnston P. , Roden J. , Merrell B. , Murray W.A. , Haresign W.
Published: November 2021

Lambs are born with a well developed hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid system and are producing tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in significant quantities by birth. Thyroid hormones are high in the newborn lamb and appear to play an important role in adaptation, by the lamb, to the extra-uterine environment. The aims of this study were to look at the effects of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, on the neonatal lamb's ability to cope with the cold and its activity and vigour. Secondly to obtain preliminary estimates of the heritability of the two hormone concentrations and the lambs rectal temperature to see if they could potentially be useful indicators of the lambs genetic ability to thrive.
Variance components due to direct and maternal effects for weight of Welsh Mountain lambs based on embryo transfer data
Authors: Saatci M. , Ap Dewi I. , Ulutas Z.
Published: November 2021

Dam genotype affects the phenotype of progeny through a sample of direct additive genes for growth and maternal effects on growth (Meyer, 1992). In this study (co)variance components due to direct and maternal effects were estimated for 50 day weight of Welsh Mountain lambs reared in a hill environment. The data set was based on ewes in an embryo transfer trial providing an opportunity to examine maternal effects based on larger numbers than usual of progeny per genetic dam.
Effect of the proportion of Texel or Rouge de l'Ouest genes in lowland ewes on prolificacy, lamb viability and weaned lamb output
Authors: McClinton L.O.W. , Carson A.F.
Published: November 2021

The UK sheep industry needs more information on the effect of ewe breed genotype on lamb output. Ewe genotype has been shown to affect prolificacy, dystocia, lamb viability, lamb growth rates and lamb carcass quality (Johnston, 1995). The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of the proportion of Texel (T) or Rouge de l'Ouest (R) genes on lowland ewe productivity.
Effect of growth hormone on non insulin mediated glucose uptake in sheep
Authors: Rose M.T. , Obara Y. , Itoh F. , Hashimoto H. , Takahashi Y. , Hodate K.
Published: November 2021

Glucose uptake by tissues is controlled by both insulin dependent and insulin independent pathways. One mechanism by which growth hormone is thought to increase the productive efficiency of ruminants is to antagonise insulin mediated glucose uptake (IMGU), thereby sparing glucose for non insulin mediated glucose uptake (NIMGU) dependent processes, such as milk production and growth (Rose and Obara, 1996). The aim of this experiment was to determine if growth hormone also has an effect on whole body NIMGU, by infusing somatostatin. Somatostatin prevents the release of insulin from the pancreas, thus, once insulin has cleared from the circulation, estimates of glucose turnover should be entirely non insulin mediated (Baron et al. 1987).
The effects of inoculum concentration and method of inoculation on the gas production profile of high temperature dried grass
Authors: Huntington J. A. , Givens D. I.
Published: November 2021

The gas production (GP) technique, (e.g. Theodorou et al., 1994; Cone, 1994) is increasingly used as an indirect measure of substrate fermentability in the rumen. However, there are few data concerning the effects of making changes to the various integral steps of the GP procedure. This study investigated the effects of inoculum concentration and method of inoculation on the GP profile of high temperature dried grass (HTDG).
The effects of nutritional status and insulin on the partition of blood flow to the mammary gland and milk composition in Iactating goats
Authors: Randles W.G. , Kyle C.E. , Hanigan M.D. , Crompton L.A. , Bequette B.J.
Published: November 2021

It is known that feeding frequency affects the insulin status of lactating ruminants (Sutton et al, 1988), and that this may influence milk composition. It is unclear, however, whether these effects are due to modulation of mammary metabolism, or regulation of substrate distribution. The present study aimed to establish whether the partition of blood flow to the mammary gland is responsive to insulin and nutritional status.
Alternative statistical methods in the study of growth and body composition of animals
Authors: Muldowney D , Connolly J , Keane MG
Published: November 2021

Body composition of animals may change (a) in response to treatments or (b) as they grow older. Studies on (a) generally model each component of composition separately, without the constraint that predicted components sum to 1 (e.g. Keane et al 1990). Allometric regression is widely used in studies of growth and differentiation (change in component proportions). This frequently involves estimating the parameters of a linear relation

between the logarithm of weight of an organ or part (Wi) and the logarithm of the weight of the whole animal (w). Sometimes the relation is between an organ and a part of the animal that contains the organ as a subcomponent. A similar difficulty as in (a) arises here also. The allometric regression equations can be recast to give predictive models for the composition of the animal at different weights. In this form the model is
Meat and eating quality responses to selection for components of efficient lean growth rate in pigs
Authors: Cameron N.D. , Nute G. , Brown S. , Wood J.D.
Published: November 2021

Information on the responses in meat and eating quality to selection for components of lean growth rate is important to the British pig breeding industry when evaluating alternative selection strategies. The current study determined responses in meat and eating quality traits to selection for components of lean growth rate.