bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subclinical mastitis in problem herds in Scotland
Authors: Logue D N , Gunn J , Fenlon D
Published: June 2019

The recent introduction of penalties and premiums for bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) following the EC Directive of 5th August 1985 (no L 226/13) and subsequent EC Regulation of the 5th February 1990 (no COM(89)667) has reinforced the need for a greater awareness of the factors involved in herds with high BTSCC figures and their rapid identification. In the past a number of surveys have been conducted examining the major causes of mastitis in a cross section of the national herd (Wilson & Richards 1980) and these have demonstrated the importance of subclinical mastitis and in particular the so-called ‘cow-side organisms’, however more recently the impact of acute environmental mastitis has been of greater concern (Wilesmith Francis & Wilson 1986). Thus a reappraisal of priorities has become necessary, not least because these E C Regulations allow the sale of unpasteurised milk and milk products.
Response of finishing pigs (50 to 90 kg) to dietary ideal protein
Authors: Gill B P , Fowler V R , Taylor A G , English P R
Published: June 2019

Selection for lean tissue growth rate in modern genotypes and the continued trend in favour of leaving boars entire may have significantly increased the ideal protein requirements of finishing pigs above the value of 8.6 g/MJ DE recommended by ARC (1981). The aim of this study was to measure differences in performance and carcass quality of genetically improved boars and gilts in response to increases in ideal protein content of the diet.
The effect of a slurry additive on odour and ammonia emissions from pig buildings
Authors: Kay R.M. , Pain B.F. , Clarkson C.R. , Misselbrook T.H.
Published: June 2019

Approximately 500 Justifiable complaints of offensive odours from pig farms are received annually. Slurry additives for odour control, if successful, would be of considerable public good. Earlier work at Institute of Grassland & Environmental Research (I.G.E.R.) Hurley on the efficacy of slurry additives for controlling odour emission from pig slurry, showed one product (Homogen; containing brown algae, calcium and magnesium alginates and substances to selectively support the multiplication of facultative anaerobes; Mycatec Laboratories) to give promising results on small scale stores (80 litre) of pig slurry. This experiment was designed to test the efficacy of the slurry additive Homogen on a commercial scale on pig finishing pens with slurry stores.
An evaluation of two indirect methods of determining the water intake of growing pigs
Authors: Barber J. , Brooks P.H. , Carpenter J.L.
Published: June 2019

The amount of water wasted by pigs from drinking utensils is difficult to measure directly. Bekaert et al.,(1970) claim that directly activated bite drinkers spill 66% of the water they dispense. However Olsson, (1983) estimated that water spillage accounts for 20% of the total volume of water used by pigs. If it were possible to determine indirectly the water intake of pigs, this value subtracted from the gross consumption value (metered) would give the amount of wastage. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the use of urine relative density and creatinine concentration as indirect determinants of water intake.
Feeding motivation of sows fed a sugarbeet pulp diet
Authors: Brouns F , Edwards S A , English P R
Published: June 2019

Voluntary food intake of dry sows fed ad libitum diets containing high levels of unmolassed sugarbeet pulp (SBP) was low in comparison to those fed other high fibre diets (Brouns et al., 1991). It is not known whether this is caused by a taste aversion, or whether physical/metabolic effects during digestion restrict intake. In this experiment the feeding motivation of sows fed SBP diets was determined by measuring their rate of feeding.

Twelve multiparous pregnant sows housed in straw bedded pens, but individually fed in feeding stalls, were used for this experiment. The sows were allocated between two treatments according to their measured rate of eating when given a standard diet on 2 pretrial days. Treatments were 2.3 kg of a diet containing 500g/kg SBP or 2.0 kg of a barley-based diet (C) (Table 1) providing the same total DE. Both diets were fed once a day in pelleted form. Any refusals were recorded to calculate intake.
The effects of maxgrass treatment of bale silage on the performance of beef cattle
Authors: Weddell J R
Published: June 2019

Studies with beef cattle (Kennedy and Carson, 1991) and dairy cattle (Chamberlain et al, 1990) have shown responses in dry matter intake of silage and animal performance through applying Maxgrass silage additive to unwilted herbage ensiled in clamps. Maxgrass (BP Chemicals Ltd) contains (weight/volume) 68% ammonium hexamethanoate, 11% ammonium hexapropanoate and 2% octanoic acid.

Research at Aberdeen has shown the benefits of using both inoculant (Weddell, 1990a) and formic acid based (Weddell, 1990b) additives on big bale silage which now constitutes around 15% of the total silage dry matter ensiled in the UK. The present study compared the effects on silage composition, animal performance and storage losses of Maxgrass treated with untreated big bale silage.

Second cut perennial ryegrass herbage was wilted to a mean DM content of 230 g/kg then baled by fixed chamber baler. Mean water soluble carbohydrate was 100 g/kg DM. Alternate groups of six bales were left untreated or treated with Maxgrass silage additive at 7.4 1/tonne wilted grass.
Effects of the chemical composition of silage and of supplementary concentrates on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Martin P.A. , Chamberlain D.G. , Robertson S.
Published: June 2019

Extent of fermentation in the silo can, through effects on silage composition, have important consequences for milk yield and composition. However, a poor understanding of the relationships between the chemical composition and digestion characteristics of silage, and of the implications for nutrient supply, makes it difficult to predict performance and to formulate concentrates to complement silages of different types. The 2 experiments presented here were conducted to determine rumen fermentation patterns for a range of silages, representative of restricted or enhanced fermentation in the silo, when supplemented with concentrates containing a high proportion of either starch or digestible fibre.

In each experiment 8 rumen-fistulated sheep were used to compare 8 silages, each given with 2 concentrates. Each experiment was conducted as four 4x4 Latin squares, with 2 silages given with each concentrate in a single square. Silages 1-12 were prepared from perennial ryegrass swards, harvested within 2-5h of cutting, precision-chopped to a length of approximately 20 mm, and ensiled in bunker silos of 60- or 300-tonne capacity.
Effects of fishmeal supplementation of baled grass and clover silages fed ad libitum to lambs
Authors: Vipond J E , Anderson D H , Horgan G
Published: June 2019

Sustainable clover dominant swards have been developed for upland UK sheep grazing conditions by sowing a mixture of tetraploid perennial ryegrass cv Condesa and small leaved clover cv Aberystwyth S184. These pastures have produced equal output to Condesa only swards given 150-160 kg N/ha/year. Lamb liveweight gain from April to August was increased by 50 g/day on the grass/clover vs grass swards. A comparison of the suitability of these grass/clover and N-fertilised grass only swards for silage was undertaken in order to assess silage yield potential and silage feeding value. The enhanced animal performance of lambs on clover has been partly attributed to the higher levels of dietary amino acid clover has been observed to provide. In order to quantify this effect sufficient supplementary fishmeal (60 g/day) to fully meet tissue N needs was fed to lambs on the grass/clover and grass silages and responses in lamb performance compared.
Strategies to avoid parasitic gastro-enteritis in an intensive organic hill sheep system
Authors: Waterhouse A , Halliday G , Wyllie J T , Horbury S
Published: June 2019

In hill sheep systems, a major concern for health and welfare is for lambs grazing improved land at higher stocking rates and succumbing to parasitic gastro-enteritis. With only a small amount of improved land available, there is little or no scope for ‘clean grazing’ systems as access to this better land is crucial on an annual basis to achieve better performance from the flock. Access at lambing and at ewe mating is of particular value. There may however be some scope for reduced parasitic challenge to lambs during the summer grazing period because of the differential in stocking densities between the hill and the improved grazings.
The effect of seaweed meal supplementation on the mineral status and fertility of summer lambing ewes on an organic management system
Authors: Mitchell Linda M , King Margaret E , Halliday G , Younie D
Published: June 2019

There is much current interest, with little supportative evidence, in the use of specialized mineral supplements for ewes at mating. Seaweed meal is a mineral source which is approved under Organic Production Standards. The objective of the present trial was to determine the effect of seaweed meal supplementation on the mineral status and fertility of summer (May-June) lambing ewes managed on an organic system.
Enhancement of Teaser Ram Activity Using Exogenous Melatonin
Authors: King Margaret E , McCombes Sharon , Hutchinson J S M , Donald Moira , Mitchell Linda M
Published: June 2019

Under Australasian conditions vasectomised (teaser) rams are widely and successfully used for the induction and synchronisation of oestrus in ewes. However under UK conditions success has been limited possibly as a consequence of the more marked seasonality exhibited by UK sheep stocks. The transitional phase of ewes in July at latitude 57°N may require a greater degree of stimulation than can be achieved using teaser rams at 2-4% of the flock. The rams may also be in sub-optimal breeding status resulting in lowering of their libido and hence stimulatory effect on the ewes.
The genetics of lean meat estimators in a suffolk sire referencing scheme
Authors: Pollott G.E. , Guy D.R.
Published: June 2019

The use of ultra-sound scanning to estimate fat and muscle dimensions in live sheep is increasing in Britain. When used in the appropriate recording and genetic schemes these measurements, in conjunction with other information, can be used to estimate body composition in the live animal. Pollott and Guy (1992) have outlined the background and organisation of a sire-referencing scheme in the Suffolk breed, in Britain.

The use of BLUP techniques in this scheme requires the use of appropriate genetic parameters derived using the same model as that used for BLUP estimations. Computer programs utilising the Derivative-Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) technique with the individual animal model have recently become available for use with on-farm recorded data (Meyer, 1989,1991). Data from the Suffolk Sire-Referencing Scheme Ltd (SSRS) were analysed, using DFREML procedures, to estimate the genetic parameters of the lean meat estimators used in the scheme.
An evaluation of the Duroc breed as a component of cross-breeding programmes: 2: Meat quality traits
Authors: Warkup C C , Lowe D B , Warriss P D
Published: June 2019

There has been substantial interest in the possible increased usage of the Duroc by the British pig industry. This followed several reports which indicated improved meat quality traits and advantages for Duroc cross females in sow productivity. An evaluation of productivity, carcase and meat quality traits of Duroc crosses was carried out as the second trial at the Stotfold Pig Development Unit.

Large White x Landrace, Duroc x Landrace and Duroc x Large White females were mated to either Large White, Duroc x Large White or Duroc males to produce slaughter generation pigs. Sibling same sex pairs of entire males, castrated males and females were reared on either ad libitum or restricted feeding regimens to slaughter weights targeted to produce carcases of 55 kg, 65 kg and 85 kg.
Effect of hot chining beef carcasses on tenderness of the eye muscle
Authors: Gregory N.G. , Murray P.J.
Published: June 2019

If bovine spongiform encephalopathy were found to be transmitted vertically it might become necessary to remove the spinal cord intact from all beef carcasses. One way of achieving this would be to chine the carcass, thus avoiding contamination of the edible carcass with spinal cord during carcass splitting. In line with this possible development, this study examined whether hot chining would help to tenderise beef longissimus dorsi muscle through a tenderstretch effect. Ten beef animals were slaughtered, dressed and split in the conventional way. One side from each carcass was then chined at 50 min post slaughter and chilled overnight at 1 to 2°C.
The proximate and flavanol contents of some fodder tree leaves
Authors: Acamovic T , Gurung H B , Stewart C S
Published: June 2019

The cultivation and uses of trees is important and varied in many areas of the world. The benefits include soil improvement and stabilisation, shade for other plants, provision of wood and fodder for ruminant animals.

Tree leaves are important sources of micro- and macro-nutrients for ruminants in many parts of the world including Nepal and Portugal especially when other plant fodders are scarce (Topps, 1992). Thus improvements in livestock production may benefit from an increased and/or selective use of tree fodders. The proximate composition and tannin (flavanol) content of plants including tree leaves, considerably influences the nutritive value (Goodchild & McMeniman, 1991; Kumar & Vaithiyanathan, 1990; Longstaff, et al.,1991; Makkar et al 1991).
Influence of the continuous infusion of peptides, amino acids or urea on rumen microbial activity in sheep receiving grass hay
Authors: Cruz Soto R. , Newbold C. J. , Wallace R J.
Published: June 2019

Pure cultures of rumen microorganisms usually grow better when amino acids are present, particularly if the amino acids are present as peptides. However, it is less clear how important peptides, compared to free amino acids and ammonia, are to the mixed microbial population of the rumen.In vitromixed cultures suggest that peptides permit more rapid microbial growth on soluble carbohydrates and greater amino acid incorporation than free amino acids (Wright, 1967; Argyle & Baldwin, 1989). However, amino acid N may have no beneficial effect if the energy source is more slowly degraded (Merryet al., 1990). The present experiment was undertaken to assess whether the response of rumen fermentation to additional nitrogen is different depending on whether the N is present as non-protein N, free amino acids, or peptides in sheep receiving a grass hay diet.
Effect of Dilute-Acid-Hydrolysis Treatments on the Utilization of Wheat Straw by Rumen Bacteria and Free Enzymes
Authors: Castro F.B. de , Hotten P.M. , Ørskov E.R.
Published: June 2019

Extensive hydrolysis of cell wall polysaccharides by rumen bacteria or free enzymes has been reported when lignocellulosic materials had been treated with steam and pressure (Dekker & Wallis, 1983; Castro & Machado, 1989). This has mainly been explained by complete hydrolysis of hemicellulose, lignin depolymerization and redistribution within the cell wall and increasing accessible pore volume by swelling of the cell walls. Physical treatment based on use of steam and pressure alone (auto-hydrolysis) is always associated with the release of toxic levels of furfural and phenolic monomers. These chemicals are able to inhibit the activity of rumen microorganisms, yeasts and free enzymes. To overcome this effect, dilute-acid-hydrolysis at low temperatures and pressures has been proposed (Grohmann et al., 1985). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature, sulphuric acid concentration and reaction time on the utilization of treated wheat straw by dilute-acid-hydrolysis, either by rumen bacteria and free enzymes.
Peptide Utilisation by the Mammary Gland of Lactating Goats
Authors: Backwell F.R.C. , Bequette B.J. , Calder A.G. , Metcalf J.A. , Wray-Cahen D. , MacRae J.C. , Lobley G.E.
Published: June 2019

Most considerations of protein digestion assume that amino acids are made available to the body tissues as the free form but recent reports suggest that a substantial portion may be absorbed from the stomach region of ruminants as small peptides (1). However, the quantitative relevance of this absorption to amino acid supply to tissues remains unclear. We have previously indicated that in early lactation at least part of the amino acid supply to the lactating mammary gland may be met from blood derived peptides or small proteins (2) but at present there is no direct evidence to suggest that peptides can contribute amino acids to the gland for milk protein synthesis. However, it has been demonstrated in dairy animals that the uptake of certain amino acids across the mammary gland is insufficient to account for their output in milk protein (J.A. Metcalf, unpublished observation) and the possible utilisation of amino acids in ‘non-free’ form must be considered. The present study involves the use of a dual-labelled tracer approach to evaluate the ability of the mammary gland to utilise amino acids in peptide-bound form for milk protein synthesis. The technique involves infusion into the external pudic artery (EPA) supplying one half of die gland of a dipeptide XY where Y is a [13C]-labelled amino acid, coupled with a simultaneous (jugular) infusion of the amino acid Y but with a deuterium label. The jugular infusion allows a correction for recycled amino acid generated by whole animal (i.e. non-mammary) hydrolysis of the infused peptide. In theory if the half of the gland receiving direct infusion of the dipeptide utilises peptide-bound Y for milk protein synthesis then the ratio of [13C] : deuterium should be greater in casein secreted from that half of the gland compared with the other (control) side of the gland.
Differences in heart rate response at feeding between stall housed and group housed sows
Authors: Marchant J.N. , A.R.Rudd
Published: June 2019

The scientific assessment of farm animal welfare requires an amalgam of different measures of both physiology and behaviour. Behavioural measures are relatively easy to obtain but non-invasive measures of internal physiology are somewhat harder to achieve. An increase in the use of applied physiology in training regimes of human athletes, has led to an improved technology of heart rate monitors, making the measurement of heart rates painless and easy to record.

The objective of this experiment was to use a human heart rate monitor to investigate differences in heart rate response at feeding between sows housed in three different dry sow housing conditions. Schouten et al (1991) have demonstrated differences in heart rate response at feeding between loose-housed and tethered sows. In the study reported here, stall-housed sows were compared with sows housed in small groups and sows housed in a large group with an Electronic Feeder System (EFS).
Aspects of Immunology of the Gut and Rotavirus Infection
Authors: Oldham Geoffrey
Published: June 2019

The major portal of entry for most pathogenic microorganisms is the mucosal surface. It seems reasonable therefore that the host in its turn should possess substantial immune defences at the mucosae to provide protection against these insults. Enteric infections usually result in at least some degree of specific protection against a subsequent infection with the same organism. However artificial induction of mucosal immunity has proved difficult. Clearly, as yet, we do not have a full understanding of the inductive events involved in the generation of mucosal immune responses or the immune mechanisms operating at mucosal surfaces. In this paper I will attempt to briefly review the main aspects of mucosal immunity concentrating on the gut as the model mucosal surface.
Changes in the sites of milk storage over the lactation cycle of primiparous and multiparous dairy cows.
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Knight C.H.
Published: June 2019

Work at The Hannah Research Institute has demonstrated the effects of an inhibitory (autocrine) protein, within the whey fraction of milk, on the efficiency of milk secretion and responses to changes in milking frequency. The regulatory mechanism involves both the concentration of the inhibitor and the site of milk storage (relative to its site of action, the secretory tissue). Milk storage characteristics influence responses to a number of management practices, most notably changes in milking frequency (Dewhurst and Knight, 1992; Knight and Dewhurst, 1992). There is, therefore, a need to understand phenotypic sources of variation in the sites of milk storage in order to define standard conditions and procedures for making cistern measurements.
Effect of silage type and supplementation with sucrose or lactic acid on rumen fermentation in dairy cows
Authors: Doherty J G , Mayne C S
Published: June 2019

Recent studies have shown increased silage intake and improved milk fat concentration in dairy cows offered restricted compared to extensively fermented silages (Chamberlain et al., 1990; Mayne 1992). Changes in milk composition may be related to increased intake per se and/or alterations in rumen fermentation parameters. A study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of silage fermentation type, dry matter intake and the addition of water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) or lactic acid on rumen fermentation parameters in dairy cows.

Two direct cut grass silages were prepared using either an inoculant (Ecosyl, 3 1/t, ICI. pic) or Maxgrass (BP Chemicals, 6 1/t). Five silage only treatments were offered to four ruminally fistulated dairy cows in a five period, partially balanced, changeover design experiment. Each period was of 4 weeks duration. Treatment 1: Inoculant treated silage (I), 2: Maxgrass silage (M), 3: Maxgrass ad-libitum (MAL), 4: Inoculant + sucrose (500 g/day) (IS), 5: Maxgrass + lactic acid (200 ml/day) (ML).
Post-ovulation nutritional status in ewes does not influence early conceptus development in vivo or luteotrophic protein secretion in vitro.
Authors: Wallace J.M. , Aitken R.P. , Cheyne M.A.
Published: June 2019

Overfeeding during early pregnancy compromises pregnancy establishment and /or embryo survival in a variety of domestic species including sheep, cattle and pigs (reviewed by Robinson, 1990). Embryo survival was reduced in recipient ewes receiving a high as opposed to a low plane of nutrition from embryo transfer on day 5 post-ovulation to day 60 of gestation (McKelvey & Robinson, 1988).Similarly high plane feeding for only 12 days starting on day 2 after mating significantly reduced pregnancy rates at day 60 ( Parr et al .,1987). Although not extensively monitored in either study, peripheral progesterone concentrations were inversely correlated with feed intake. Indeed, the reduction in pregnancy rate in high plane ewes in Parr's study was reversed by progesterone supplementation on days 8-14 after mating.The inhibition of luteolysis and maintenance of adequate progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum is central to the maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep ( Bazer et al .,1991 ). Progesterone plays a major role in controlling maternal secretion of nutrients, growth factors , immunosuppressive agents .enzymes and steroids required for successful embryo development. It seems likely therefor that the mechanisms underlying nutritionally induced differences in pregnancy rate and embryo survival may operate via changes in progesterone levels which in turn alter the secretory dialogue between the conceptus and its maternal environment.
The effect of breed on the relationship between food composition and the efficiency of protein utilisation in young pigs
Authors: Dotas D , Kyriazakis I , Anderson D H , Emmans G C
Published: June 2019

It has been suggested (Kyriazakis and Emmans, 1992a, b) that the material efficiency with which the pig can retain protein (ep), is directly proportional to the energy:protein ratio of the diet (R), so that ep = k.R. This hypothesis accounts for the finding that the rate of protein deposition can sometimes be increased by increasing the energy supply at a constant rate of protein supply.

It is also possible that the constant of proportionality, k, is a genetic variable, although it was proposed, partly for the sake of simplicity, that there would be no genetic effects on the value of k. To test the propositions: (i) that ep is proportional to R, and (ii) that k does not differ between genotypes, an experiment was designed and carried out on two pig breeds which were expected to be very different from each other.
Influence of urea treatment of straw amd of type of protein supplement on the milk production of cows fed maize silage and straw
Authors: Sylvester T. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

The widespread availability of large amounts of cereal straw has led to a growing interest in its use in ruminant livestock although it has a low content of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen. Treatment and/or supplementation of nitrogen, energy and minerals are necessary for optimal utilization of straw.

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen supplements offered with straw-based diets on the milk yield and milk constituents of dairy cattle and digestibility of diets.
The effects of feeding a polymer gel to dairy cows in early lactation
Authors: Garnsworthy P.C.
Published: June 2019

A polymer of acrylic acid has been used continuously on a number of dairy farms throughout the UK for the past five years. The polymer is fed as a gel and absorbs 100 times its own weight of water. Commercial farmers report that the polymer allows them to reduce concentrate allowances whilst maintaining milk yields. The results of an experiment with grazing cows in late lactation were reported to this meeting in 1988. It was found that the polymer did not affect milk yield but caused a significant increase in the rate at which cows laid down body reserves.

There is a lack of experimental evidence to support the commercial findings for cows in early lactation and little information on the mode of action. The main experiment reported here was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding a polymer gel to dairy cows in early lactation and in vitro studies were performed to investigate the mode of action.
Sward characteristics and animal performance in a leader/follower grazing system with cows and sheep
Authors: Fisher George E J , Gill Alan , Dowdeswell Anne
Published: June 2019

The recommended post grazing stubble height for dairy cows in a rotational grazing system in spring is 8 to 10 cm. However, this height leads to much stem elongation and reduction in sward quality in mid and late season. Consequently, pastures require topping in June/July to maintain grass quality and reduce sward deterioration, particularly in rejected areas around dung pats. O'Riordan (1989) suggested that a leader/follower rotational grazing system with ewes following dairy cows could improve pasture utilisation and eliminate the need for topping. This was confirmed by Swift et al. (1991) who also demonstrated that grazing at one ewe with twin lambs per cow improved the utilisation of grass and allowed for acceptable ewe and lamb performance without apparently decreasing cow grazing days or milk output.

The objective of this work was to examine the effects of leader/follower rotational grazing with dairy cows and lambed ewes on grass tillering in a cool, wet western environment.
The intake, digestibility and rate of passage of whole crop wheat and grass silage by growing heifers
Authors: Hill J. , Leaver J.D.
Published: June 2019

The aims of the experiment were to determine the intake, digestibility and particle passage kinetics of urea treated (40 g urea / Kg DM) whole crop wheat (UW), grass silage (GS) and a 0.5:0.5 UW : GS mixture (UG) on a DM basis.

The chemical composition of GS and UW were respectively, TDM (gTDM/Kg) 227, 648; NDF (g/Kg DM) 528,426; ADF (g/Kg DM) 346, 285; Ash (g/Kg DM) 74, 62; Starch (g/Kg DM) 3, 236; Nitrogen (g/Kg DM) 24.2, 30.2; Ammonia N (g/Kg TN) 91, 382; pH 3.9, 8.5; NCD (g/Kg DM) 681, 642 respectively.The UG was mixed daily, in an attempt to reduce selection of individual components by the animals.

The experimental design was based on two 3 x 3 latin squares with three animals per square and three periods of three weeks duration. Six Holstein Friesian x Brown Swiss pregnant heifers (mean liveweight 400 Kg) were used to assess (during the last 7 days of each period) the voluntary intake, digestibility and particle passage kinetics of the three forages.
Calibration of a polyurethane foam casting technique for estimating the weight of bovine udders.
Authors: Dewhurst R.J. , Mitton A.M. , Knight C.H.
Published: June 2019

Existing techniques for estimating the weight of udder tissue in live farm animals are based on water displacement (Linzell, 1966) or gross external dimensions (Davis et al,1983). With goats, Linzell (1966) obtained a coefficient of variation (proportion) of 0.02 for a rather laborious casting technique and 0.11 for a water displacement technique. The water displacement technique is difficult to apply with dairy cows owing to the greater size and less accessible position of their udders. The lack of reliable estimates of udder weight limits our ability to assess the efficiency of synthetic tissue. The latter is an important measurement both experimentally and, potentially, inbreeding programmes. The present work investigated the possible use of quick-setting polyurethane foam to prepare udder casts from which udder weight could be estimated. The polyurethane foam used in this study was completely hardened within 30 seconds providing a rapid and easy technique.
Factors affecting vitamin a concentration in lambs liver
Authors: Hughes T. A. , Crosby T. F.
Published: June 2019

A number of recent reports relating to human health have suggested that pregnant women should limit their consumption of sheep's liver because of the possible dangers of hyper-vitaminosis from high vitamin A levels in this organ. Foetal defects, especially in early pregnancy, have been mentioned (Dept. of Health, 1990; Ilback, Busk, Halen & Slorach, 1991) as possible dangers resulting from high consumption of vitamin A.

Since the introduction of the sheep meat regime in 1980, under CAP, the output of early lamb production in Ireland has increased significantly. As early lamb has traditionally been a high priced product, geared towards the Easter market, high lamb performance is a high priority. This invariably necessitates high feed inputs in the form of concentrate feed. For various reasons, most commercial concentrates have added vitamina A levels higher than is necessary to meet animal requirements. It has been suggested that this source of vitamin A may be responsible for elevated vitamin A levels in the liver. Consequently, the aims of the present experiment were to quantify the vitamin A status in lambs liver selected from scientifically controlled production systems and to relate the values to lamb sex and age.
The Effect of Feed Intake on the Reproductive Performance of First Parity Sows
Authors: Carrolli C.M. , Lynch P.B. , Boland M.P. , Austin F.H. , Roche J.F.
Published: June 2019

Thirty to forty per cent of sows in Irish herds are culled annually, one third of which are for reproductive problems such as anoestrus, anovulation and small litter size. Causes of reproductive failure include genetic, nutritional, environmental and behavioural factors. Failure to meet the nutritional requirements of sows during lactation and after weaning results in losses of liveweight and body fat (due to mobilization of body reserves) which can subsequently compromise reproductive performance. Although sows normally exhibit oestrus within one week of weaning, Sterning et al. (1990) observed that a large proportion of first parity sows showed a delayed return to oestrus. This results in a longer farrowing interval, fewer litters per sow per year and a reduction in herd output. The effects of malnutrition on reproduction are more severe in first parity than in multiparous sows (Kirkwood and Aherne, 1985). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of low feed intake during lactation and postweaning on the subsequent reproductive performance of first parity sows.
Sources of inefficiency at mating in pigs - an appraisal
Authors: Rikard-Bell C V , English P R , Dunne J H , MacPherson O , Roden J A , Davidson F M , Bamlett R
Published: June 2019

Mating is one of the most critical processes influencing the success of any breeding pig enterprise since the efficiency of this process establishes the potential output of pigs. A study was conducted on 100 recently weaned sows during the mating process to determine potential sources of inefficiency.

The study was conducted in a large commercial herd with Large White (LW) x Landrace (LR) first cross sows. 4 genotypes of boar were in use, these being LW, LR, LW x LR and Duroc. The parity of the 100 sows involved in the study ranged from 1 to 9. Sows were housed in small groups of 5 to 6 following weaning at a mean of 18 days post partum and were taken daily to an oestrus detection area to test for standing oestrus (SO). Boars were housed around this area and SO was detected using the back pressure test Within 5 minutes of SO being confirmed, each sow was paired with a boar in a specialist 2.9 v 2.65 m mating pen. This pen had a 15 cm floor covering of sawdust-based deep litter which provided good foothold and comfort Boar-sow behavioural interactions, general behaviour of the mating partners and sow vocalisations were recorded from the first pairing in the pen to the dismounting of the boar following mating.
Synchronisation of oestrus in once bred gilts using gonadotrophins (PG600)
Authors: Stewart A H , Edwards S A , Fowler V R
Published: June 2019

The move towards high welfare systems as an alternative to sow stalls for pregnant female pigs makes the system of once bred gilts very attractive. Increased flexibility of curing procedures also allows many more options for the large joints and cuts. One of the critical factors in efficiency is to have a predictable throughput of relatively young gilts which are mated on at least their second observed heat. To optimise reproductive efficiency in lighter, younger animals and to facilitate the use of artificial insemination (AI) stimulation and synchronization of oestrus is desirable. The object of this study was to investigate the potential of using exogenous gonadotrophin (PG600) to synchronise prepubertal gilts on three group-housed feeding regimes.
Comparison of Seven Ultrasonic Techniques for In Vivo Estimation of Pig Carcass Composition
Authors: Yates C M , Owen M G
Published: June 2019

There are now many ultrasonic techniques, some capable of measuring fat depth, muscle depth and muscle area, which could be used to improve selection for breeding. An evaluation of seven techniques was conducted by the Meat and Livestock Commission to enable users to select the most appropriate technique based on accuracy, practicality and cost.
The use of the Gas Pressure Transducer Technique for the assessment of the ruminal degradation of the dry matter of protein supplements.
Authors: Chamberlain A T
Published: June 2019

A technique involving the measurement of the gas production from the microbial fermentation of a specified substrate in sealed conditions has recently been proposed as a method of assessing the fermentation kinetics of tropical feeds (Theodorou et al, 1992). The objective of this work was to determine if such a technique could be used to assess the dry matter degradability of protein supplements.

1g air dried feed samples were placed with 95 ml of modified van Soest media and 5 ml of strained rumen liquor in 150 ml serum bottles and sealed under anaerobic conditions. Five replicates of soya bean meal (SBM), fish meal (FM), rape seed meal (RSM) and winter beans (WB) were set up together with control blanks that lacked the test feed. Bottles were incubated at 39.5°C for a 96 hour period and gas production volume measured at regular intervals. Cumulative gas production was corrected for the blanks and sample dry matter and plotted against time.
Supplementation of barley straw with starch in sheep: Effect on microbial protein supply estimated from urinary purine derivative excretion
Authors: Gomes M J. , Chen X.B. , Hovell FD.DeB. , Fickremariam D. , Nengomasha E.M.
Published: June 2019

Utilization of cereal straws by ruminants is limited by low digestibility and intake. One solution is to supplement with rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (RFC), usually as starchy cereal grains. In restricted feeding experiments with roughages supplemented with RFC in the form of cereal grain concentrates, a slight increase in ruminal microbial protein (MP) synthetic efficiency has been observed with low, but a decline in efficiency at higher levels of supplementation (eg. Chen et al. 1992b). Huque (1991) noted that supplementation with low levels of starch improved straw intake and rumen digesta outflow rate. We have observed increased digesta flow rates to be associated with greater MP synthesis and yield per unit of digestible organic matter (DOM) (Chen et al. 1992a).
Overestimation of solubility when using dacron bag methodology
Authors: Cockburn J.E. , Dhanoa M.S. , France J. , Lopez S.
Published: June 2019

Dacron bag measurements (in-situ) to determine protein degradability of feedstuffs are often used as the “reference method” when comparing laboratory procedures. The model commonly adopted for interpreting data from “in-situ” dacron bag studies is that proposed by Ørskov & McDonald (1979) which is described by the asymptotic equation p = a + b (1-eα) where p is the proportion of material degraded after time t and a, b and c are constants. This model was later extended to deal with the presence of lag times and describes the instantly degradable soluble fraction (‘a’ in the above equation), and a fraction, ‘b’ which is degraded more slowly at an exponential rate V. A knowledge of the rumen fractional rate of outflow (k) for the feedstuff is also necessary to estimate effective degradability (ED). The value of ‘a’ (also referred to as the wash value) forms a major proportion of ED calculations. ED = a + (bc/(c+k)) as it is assumed to be wholly degradable.
Summer-winter behavioural comparisons of allowing the farrowing and lactating sow greater freedom
Authors: Rudd A.R. , Mendl M.T. , Simmins P.H. , Broom D.M.
Published: June 2019

Freedom of movement and freedom to express normal behaviour are fundamental principles underlying most welfare guidelines (e.g. Brambell, 1965). The restrictive nature of the farrowing crate and its potential to limit the repertoire of species specific behaviours may influence the welfare of the sow (Higginson, 1985). The objective of this study was to examine sow behaviour in different farrowing systems and specifically to investigate the behavioural component of improved winter production results in a less restrictive farrowing pen system (Rudd et al., Paper 18, 1993 BSAP Winter Meeting).

Three farrowing systems in neighbouring rooms were compared. Two systems allowed the sows to move freely, i) five strawed pens (2.5m x 1.5m) with farrowing rail (Pen), and ii) five crates modified to allow the sows to walk through (Free Crate). Sows had access via a passageway to a transponder-controlled feeder and a North facing (shaded) outside area with two water drinkers. Piglets were contained in their home Pen or Free Crate area by a small barrier (30cm high).
The effects of the dietary inclusion of rapeseed meal on the performance of young piglets"
Authors: Latymer E.A. , Low A.G. , Carter J.S. , Close W.H.
Published: June 2019

While a considerable amount of information is available on the nutritional properties of rapeseed meal for ruminants, there is only limited information on its suitability and nutritive value as a feed ingredient for pigs. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of feeding isonitrogenous diets containing rapeseed meals of different origins, but which varied in their glucosinolate content, to pigs. Thus, the effect of the level of dietary glucosinolates from rapeseed meal on the voluntary feed intake and performance of young pigs was investigated. Weaned piglets were chosen as the experimental model because of their sensitivity to unpleasant tastes, their high requirements for protein and their rapid response to the antinutritional components of feedstuffs.
Kαλós in Acclamation
Authors: Edgar R. Smothers S.J.
Published: June 2019

Kαλós in acclamation has a continuous life throughout Hellenic, Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine times. The history belongs, for the most part, to the fields of ancient pagan culture, with Christian materials accruing to its later stages. The interest of the following study, for the author at all events, has lain as much in the subject-matter itself as in inferences that may be drawn from it. Readers bent on the severe pursuit of a thesis will not find it here.
Melania the Elder: A Biographical Note
Authors: Francis X. Murphy C.SS.R.
Published: June 2019

Thanks to several biographical studies based on Cardinal Rampolla's monumentalSanta Melania giuniore, senatrice Romana, the history of the early-fifth-century heiress and ascetic, Melania the Younger, is fairly well known. Her grandmother, Melania the Elder was an even more notable figure in the history of the Church during the second half of the fourth century. She is of particular importance in tracing the history of late-fourth-century asceticism and monasticism. Round her career, in a way, revolve many of the historical and chronological problems in connection with Jerome and Rufinus of Aquileia, Paulinus of Nola and Severus Sulpicius. Details of her travels are our surest approach to datings and to the authenticity of much of the material found in Palladius'Lausiac History.At the same time, she was an extremely interesting, well-travelled, and forceful figure coming at the apex of the western patristic period. Hence her career bears pointed scrutiny.
The World of Myth in Euripides'Orestes
Authors: Fuqua Charles
Published: June 2019

The following essay is concerned with the significance of the references to the realm of heroic myth in Euripides'Orestes.It will deal with the way in which Euripides constructs the context of myth in which the action of the play is set and the importance of this perspective for interpretation of the drama. My object is to show that this dimension of the drama is both more explicit and significant than has been commonly recognized. I believe that an examination of the references to the traditional tales about the house of Atreus will reveal that they are not just a bow to either the conventions of the Attic stage or the sensibilities of the audience, but rather that they form an important component of Euripides' drama. In most studies of the play the significance of these references has been neglected; few critics or commentators have expended much interest or enthusiasm on this facet of the drama, and the references to this dimension of the drama's experience have tended to be regarded with little more than antiquarian interest. Consequently, before I turn to the examination of the mythical references in theOrestes, I would like to comment briefly upon two interrelated areas of inquiry which have tended to support this general attitude toward the play; these are the problems of interpretation posed by the play as a whole and then the very problematic question of Euripides' attitude to myth.
An Unedited Part of Roger Bacon's ‘Opus Maius’: ‘de Signis’
Authors: Fredborg K. M. , Nielsen Lauge , Pinborg Jan
Published: June 2019

The tradition of Roger Bacon's Opus maius has many confusing aspects. No single MS contains all parts of the work, and several parts are transmitted separately, out of their original context and in different versions. Several reasons can be given for this confusion. One reason is that Bacon himself incorporated the same material into different projects and on each occasion adjusted the material to its new environment. Similarly, as he informs us, the text of the Opus maius itself was the outcome of several drafts. Another reason is the sheer bulk of the Opus maius. When Bacon sent it off to the pope he had to divide it into four separate volumes.
The Publishing History of the Aristotle Commentaries of Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Cranz F. Edward
Published: June 2019

Writers and thinkers of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were widely engaged in the reception and transmission of a variety of earlier works, and recent scholarship has perhaps concentrated too much on the special case of the reception and transmission of the Greek and Latin classics. A study of the publishing history of the Aristotle commentaries of Thomas Aquinas may throw light on a different phase of the same general process, the Renaissancefortunaof a medieval rather than of an ancient author.
‘Inferno’ XXX: Dante's Counterfeit Adam
Authors: Mussetter Sally A.
Published: June 2019

One of the last shades whom the pilgrim Dante encounters in Hell is the pitifully nostalgic and vengeful Master Adam. By his own admission, the lute-shaped grotesque has been burnt at the stake for counterfeiting the gold florin and rained into the tenth bolgia along with the swinish impersonators, the reeking liars, and the leprous alchemists stacked against each other like pans. Although various historical models for the now immobile, water-logged sinner have been suggested, he is most commonly identified as the shade of Adam of Brescia, a false coiner employed by the Counts of Romena to debase the monetary standard of the Florentines. This deduction corresponds well with the evidence of the text, for Master Adam both names the wretched souls for whose sake he has left his body burnt and locates the place where he sinned amid the cool green hills of the Casentino. Yet Dante's portrayal of the hydroptic contains elements which seem to allude to a context larger than that defined by the historical Adam of Brescia whose counterfeiting of coins led him to the stake. For as probable as the historical and geographical identification may be, it does not fully account for the counterfeiter's metamorphosis into a water-filled lute, for his nostalgic fixation on his pleasant homeland, or even for his eternal confinement with the deformed shades of the falsifiers of the body, the word, and the goods of nature. When these and other details of the passage are studied against the bodies of extra-literary knowledge available to Dante, however, they reveal that the Master Adam encountered by the pilgrim is not only the shade of an historical counterfeiter, but also a type of the unredeemed and unredeemable Old Adam.
The Screw Propeller in Air
Authors: Riach M.A.S.
Published: June 2019

At the present time there does not appear to be any really adequate theory of the airscrew. The only theory that has been developed recently is the one given by Mr. F. W. Lanchester in a paper to the Institution of Automobile Engineers in April, 1915.
The High-Tension Magneto, With Special Reference to the Ignition of Aeroplane Engines
Authors: Young A.P.
Published: June 2019

Early in 1915 I had the honour of delivering to one of the largest Engineering Societies in the Midlands, a lecture on "The High Tension Magneto," which is—superficially at least—familiar to all those associated with the Aeroplane and Allied Industries. The present paper is really a continuation of my earlier effort, and, being presented to an Aeronautical Society, I shall naturally make special reference to the high-tension aeroplane type of magneto. The amount of technical literature on this subject available at the present moment is very meagre. It is therefore hoped that this contribution will have the effect of initiating a healthy discussion of ignition problems and stimulating the interest of all members of the engineering industry who are either directly or indirectly interested in the matter.